Cahaba Sun April 2026

ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley

The month of April is a great one.

Hope springs anew that this will be the year for the Atlanta Braves. The memories of that 2021 World Series title are littered throughout my home.

However, with each year that passes, I fear that those memories are going to linger. Braves fans don’t have the same experience as Alabama football fans while Nick Saban had the dynasty humming, when Tide fans had a new national championship seemingly every year and the fresh memorabilia and tokens that come along with that.

Even though disappointment is sure to

ON THE

follow over the course of the 162-game grind, I will be the eternal optimist that this could be the year they make another magical run.

The weather is warming up and sources tell me my birthday is coming up as well.

Thank you for reading the paper, and please email me at kparmley@starnesmedia. com with any ideas or tips.

School

opened up a new softball

Feb.

Please Support Our Community Partners

Aqua Systems of Birmingham (11)

Birmingham Orthodontics (18)

Children’s of Alabama (13)

Closets by Design (1, 7)

Dan Roberts for State Senate (9)

First Baptist Church Trussville (3)

Gaynell HendricksTax Assessor (2)

Grandview Medical (5)

Jefferson County Commission (9)

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department (6)

Leisure Care Salterra at Peachtree (7)

One Man & A Toolbox (13)

Opera Birmingham (10)

Red Mountain Theatre Company (17)

South Dallas Turf Farm, Inc. (20)

Southern Blood Services (15)

Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (15)

STP Heating and Air (19)

Trussville Chamber of Commerce (4)

Trussville Gas and Water (11)

Jefferson County Homeowners

• Homeowners 65+ are

• ASK about special senior tax exemptions!

• ASK about exemptions for permanently and totally disabled!

• Homestead property owners are eligible for disability-based homestead exemptions!

Publisher:

Managing Editor: Community Editor: Staff Writer:

Design Editor:

Graphic Designer: Production Assistants:

Contributing Writers:

Market Manager:

Client Success Specialist: Business Development Exec:

Dan Starnes

Kyle Parmley

Jon Anderson

Kelli S. Hewett

Melanie Viering

Ted Perry

Simeon Delante

Jenn Moon

April Coffey

Diane Poole

Stephen Baroody

Warren Caldwell

Don Harris

Published by: Cahaba Sun LLC P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 cahabasun.com

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Please submit all articles, information and photos to: kparmley@starnesmedia.com

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Sarah Villar

Legals: Cahaba Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. Cahaba Sun is designed to inform the Trussville community of area school, family and community events. Information in Cahaba Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Cahaba Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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Business news to share?

If you have news to share with the community about your brick-and-mortar business in Vestavia Hills, let us know! Share your business news with us at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

CITY

Dave Morrette named new Trussville chief of police

Trussville Mayor Ben Short announced the selection of Dave Morrette as the next chief of police for the city of Trussville on March 2.

The position attracted significant interest from across the region, with 45 highly qualified candidates applying from both internal and external pools. The multi-phase selection process evaluated leadership experience, operational expertise, strategic vision, character and alignment with the city’s organizational culture.

“The city of Trussville continues to be a highly desirable place to work,” Short said in a statement. “The level of interest and the quality of applicants reflect the strength of our organization and the reputation of our police department. After a thorough and deliberate process, I am confident that Dave Morrette has the knowledge, character and confidence to lead this department into its next chapter.”

Morrette brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience with the city of Trussville, having risen through the ranks from police officer to deputy chief.

Since June 2023, he has served as deputy chief, overseeing daily operations and managing all major divisions within the department, including patrol, criminal investigations, communications, corrections, school resource officers, direct enforcement unit, traffic unit, K9 unit, training division, fleet operations and all non-sworn personnel.

He has also managed internal personnel investigations, implemented and updated departmental policies and

procedures, and regularly engaged with community groups to address public safety concerns.

Following the retirement of the former police chief, Morrette has served as acting chief of police.

Previously, Morrette served as:

► Police captain (2020-2023): managing patrol, direct enforcement, K9, training, traffic, special response team, corrections and communications.

► Police lieutenant (2018-2020): overseeing patrol, training, fleet, traffic, special response and communications.

► Police sergeant (2009-2018): supervising patrol shifts, leading the traffic unit, and managing operational and investigative responsibilities.

► Police officer (1999-2009): enforcing criminal and traffic laws, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes and accidents and maintaining strong community engagement.

Short said the selection of Chief Morrette also reflects the city of Trussville’s commitment to its core organizational values of integrity, respect, excellence and care for people.

“These values are not simply words,” Short said. “They guide our hiring decisions, our leadership expectations and our daily operations. Chief Morrette embodies these principles, and I am confident he will continue building a culture of professionalism, accountability and service within the police department.”

— Submitted by the City of Trussville

Business Happenings

COMING SOON

The Conservatory at Crosswicks, a new wedding and event venue, is opening this spring at 160 Pinebluff Trail. The venue features European-inspired design with conservatory-style aesthetic and indoor-outdoor event spaces. The venue is currently booking for 2026 and 2027. 205-842-7695, theconservatoryatcrosswicks.com

Vapor Thrift Store, a nonprofit thrift retailer operated by Vapor Ministries, recently broke ground on a new location on Mary Taylor Road near Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers off U.S. 11. The store is expected to open in the fall. It is Vapor’s first facility designed specifically for its donation processing and retail operations. vaporthrift.com

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, a fast-casual restaurant chain, is planning a new location at 1672 Gadsden Highway in the former Pet Supplies Plus space. The Trussville Design Review Committee

approved concept plans. A construction timeline has not yet been announced. raisingcanes.com

Home2 Suites by Hilton, an extended-stay hotel brand, is planned for a new location at 6360 Misty Ridge Drive near the Service Road and Interstate 59. The Trussville Design Review Committee and City Council approved plans for a four-story hotel with up to 98 suites. The project represents an estimated $14-$15 million investment and will feature amenities such as in-room kitchens and pet-friendly rooms. A construction timeline has not yet been announced. hilton.com/en/brands/home2-suites

Culver’s, a Wisconsin-based fast-casual restaurant chain known for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds and frozen custard, is planned for a new location at 5905 Trussville Crossings Blvd. It’s in the former BancorpSouth building at Chalkville Mountain Road and Trussville Crossings Road, across from the former Whataburger building. A construction timeline has not yet been announced. culvers.com

PERSONNEL MOVES

Realtor Lauren Armstrong has joined the RealtySouth Trussville/East office at 183 Main St., Suite B. 205-812-4108, laurenarmstrong.realtysouth.com

Do you have news to share about a business in Trussville or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

Make your heart matter today.

Taking care of your heart means more time to make memories with the people you love. At Alabama Cardiovascular Group, our skilled cardiologists can help you understand your risk for heart disease or other heart conditions – now and in the future.

Visit GrandviewCardiacCare.com to request an appointment with a cardiologist, or call (205) 946-3598.

GET TO KNOW

Wildgoose Garden owner and operator Lauren Scott

By DIANE POOLE

Q: Tell me a little about yourself and what sparked your love for gardening and plants.

A: I’m originally from South Carolina, and growing up, my mom was what I’d call a master gardener — she never had the certification, but our garden always looked like it came out of “Southern Living.” Gardening was her peaceful time, and while I didn’t fully appreciate it then, I do now. My family also had a farm called “The Wildgoose,” which is where the name Wildgoose Garden comes from. Gardening and plants have always been part of our life. Later, during COVID and a personal transition, I found pottery as a form of healing and creativity, which eventually became the second half of what we do here.

Q: What sets Wildgoose Garden apart from other nurseries or garden-focused businesses?

A: We’re very small, and that’s intentional. We focus on personal interaction and helping

people feel comfortable asking questions. A lot of people are intimidated by plants, and we want them to feel welcome, not rushed, and not pressured to buy anything. We curate a smaller inventory, offer container gardening design and even have a concierge potting service where people can drop off their pots and pick them up finished. We also help diagnose

plant problems — we jokingly call my mom the “plant doctor.”

Q: How did pottery become part of the business?

A: Pottery started during COVID when I needed a creative outlet and a place of healing. I began taking classes at Earthborn Studios and met my pottery partner, Josh, there.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office provides autism awareness decals free of charge to the public. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to serving every family in our community with understanding, compassion, and proactive care.

Alerts first responders

Promotes safer interactions

Encourages understanding Reduces misunderstandings

Supports better assistance

To obtain your decals please stop by our office to register or visit our website.

When we opened the shop, we decided to teach pottery classes alongside plants. Now we offer handbuilding classes, wheel throwing, paint-your-own pottery and popular dinner-and-pottery events that often sell out. It’s been incredible to watch people discover creative abilities they didn’t know they had.

Q: What do you hope people feel when they visit Wildgoose Garden?

A: We hope people feel welcome, inspired and encouraged to be creative — whether that’s through plants or pottery. We want this to be a place where people reconnect with nature, slow down and feel confident trying something new. Everyone is welcome here, just like on my grandparents’ farm, where you never knew who might show up for Sunday lunch. If people leave feeling relaxed, inspired and a little more connected to themselves, then we’ve done our job.

To read the full-length Q&A , vist us at cahabasun.com.

HOME & GARDEN

Transforming homes with custom storage solutions

Since 1982, Closets by Design has served customers with no-obligation, in-home consultations, custom designs, quality construction and products with value and function.

Closets by Design simplifies life by designing and installing closets, cabinets, home offices, laundries, pantries and more — all floor-based and adjustable. They offer three closet systems, each maximizing space and helping customers get organized. “We build each closet with the customer in mind,” General Manager Tyree Melton says. Customers can also customize their systems with a range of finishes, accessories and hardware.

CLOSETS BY DESIGN

► 205-777-4000 ► closetsbydesign.com

For small spaces, Closets by Design offers the foldaway designbedTM system — customizable, multi-functional and ideal for saving space. Pantries are another popular solution, with easy-to-reach shelves and long and short storage. Garage systems reduce clutter, with counters and storage space for hobbies. “We can transform a garage into a workshop, garden center, or arts and crafts room,” Melton says. Mudrooms can be customized with shelves, drawers, hooks to help families stay organized.

“I love giving our customers great service and creating their dream closet,” Melton said.

FULFILLING DAYS.

EVERY DAY.

Peachtree has been a staple of the Trussville community for over 25 years. Now managed by Leisure Care, with over 50 years in senior care, we’re reimagining and reinventing senior living, making sure older adults like you have the most fulfilling, rewarding, and productive opportunities possible.

Welcome to Salterra at Peachtree, where it’s all about living each day with purpose, while contributing to your community in new and exciting ways and, most importantly, on your own terms. Our team delivers compassionate and personalized care that meets your family’s needs for today and for all their tomorrows.

Come visit our community and you’ll see what makes us stand out. With independent living and assisted living, we will be there for you or your loved one, like family.

Call 205-883-9029 today to find out about our spring move-in specials and schedule your visit.

SCHOOLHOUSE

Cleaning, caring, listening

More than a custodian, Michael Franklin keeps Hewitt-Trussville High running smoothly while offering kindness and guidance to students

By KELLI S. HEWETT

Michael Franklin’s workday at Hewitt-Trussville High School starts in the dark, long before the first bus pulls up. By 5 a.m., he has disabled the alarm, unlocked doors, straightened the principal’s office and set up metal detectors for the more than 1,500 students who will soon stream through the front entrance.

“I love it,” Franklin said. “It’s not a job. I get to see these kids grow. This was my calling. I just wish I would have done it a lot earlier.”

Franklin spent 22 years in fiber optic work as a self-contractor, climbing poles at midnight to keep the internet running. About four years ago, his wife, Dolores, a physical therapist, nudged him toward something safer and more sustainable.

He wound up at the high school just down the road from his home, where both of his children graduated.

Franklin’s responsibilities are technically custodial — cleaning, fixing stopped-up sinks, setting up testing tables and graduation chairs and keeping the campus in shape. He prides himself on a spotless campus, and his enthusiasm is contagious.

“I’m proud of myself when there’s no trash out there, when the leaves are cleaned up,” Franklin said. “It makes me feel good when everything looks good.”

Inside, he notices the things others miss: fingerprints on door handles, smudged windows, water nozzles that need wiping and those corners that are easy to overlook.

“I always clean the little extras,” he said. “Somebody else might not see it, but I see it.”

He also quietly mentors students assigned to do community service for things like minor traffic offenses, giving them real work. He also expects them to arrive on time.

Franklin’s influence stretches far beyond mops and leaf blowers. He wants every student to know him.

“Every time I pass a kid in the hall, I tell them good morning,” he said. “I want them to feel like there still is kindness out in the world. Any of my kids can say anything to me. I’m a listener.”

Raised by a single mother of four boys, Franklin started helping his own school janitor at Fultondale Elementary when he was about 10 or 11 — cleaning bathrooms, shoveling coal for the school’s heater and burning trash in an incinerator.

He also took over much of the cleaning for his mom because he saw he could help lighten her load. At home today, he likes to take the lead in cleaning. His Italian wife cooks delicious meals and Franklin cleans up. He also takes the lead with the vacuuming and the laundry.

“I love to work. That’s something I love doing,” he said. “It has always made me feel good to do it.”

Today, Franklin still measures his success by what others experience when they walk through the doors.

“I hope it helps them do better at their job,” he said of teachers entering a clean school.

Sometimes, students and staff confide in him about much more than spills or broken fixtures. When a student once texted that he “wasn’t doing good,” Franklin went straight to the counselor’s office for help, concerned the boy might be in serious trouble.

“When you see a kid in trouble, you want to help them,” he said, grateful the student was OK. “This world is too hard not to give a helping hand.”

Principal Aaron King says Franklin has redefined what “custodian” means on their campus.

“If you think about it,” King said, “I’m a custodian for my three daughters, but he’s a custodian for this campus. Literally, this is his baby. He takes care of it the way a father or mother would.”

King said Franklin’s example lifts the whole building.

“If everyone in this building worked as hard and conscientiously for the good of the kids as Mike Franklin does, we’d be the number one school in the world,” King said. “He is so much more than his job title. He adds to the culture in a positive way and just raises the expectations for everyone.”

In the State Senate, Roberts helped pass major economic development and tax reforms, including the Alabama Business Competitive Tax Act — making our state stronger, attracting new jobs, and helping small businesses grow.

He expanded access to healthcare by advancing telehealth reforms, giving families and seniors more options with less red tape.

He stood up for accountability by reforming the Birmingham Water Works and strengthened public safety by protecting the critical infrastructure and communications Alabamians rely on every day.

Proven Conservative Leadership . Real Results .

Republican Dan Roberts has delivered proven conservative leadership and real results for Alabama.

SCHOOLHOUSE

GET TO KNOW

Former Hewitt-Trussville High School Principal Phyllis Montalto

By APRIL COFFEY

Q: Tell our readers about yourself.

A: Who am I? Personally, I am a Christian, wife, mother and grandmother. I love spending time with my husband, three children, their spouses and nine grandchildren. My husband, Anthony, and I will be married for 48 years in December. Traveling and cruising are some of our favorite pastimes. Professionally, I am or was a nurse, teacher, school principal, and state and district leader. I had the privilege of enjoying two different paths during my professional career: one as an educator and before that as a registered nurse. I began my nursing career working in the open heart intensive care unit at Brookwood Hospital and my teaching career teaching fourth grade at Hewitt Elementary School. I became an assistant principal at Hewitt Elementary for four years and was principal at Hewitt-Trussville Junior High School for two years. I moved from there to Grantswood Community School, then had the privilege to be principal of Hewitt-Trussville

High School for the first two years after Trussville formed its own school system. I served as Principal for Irondale Middle School for five years, worked for the Alabama State Department of Education and ended my full-time career as director of curriculum and instruction for Jefferson County. Once I retired from full-time work, I reconnected with friends whom I enjoy playing pickleball with.

Q: How did you come to live in Trussville and what has kept you here over the years?

A: I grew up in Trussville. My dad built and owned the Dairy Cone on Main Street, where my family spent a lot of time. I remember always feeling very important because my dad provided the white paper bags to the whole elementary school to decorate for Valentine’s Day. Local businesses have always supported the local schools and fortunately still do. My family rented a house on Vann Circle while

our home on Linden Street was being built. I think we moved into our home when I was in first grade. Now I live three houses up the street from where I grew up. Not only did I not leave Trussville; I didn’t even leave the street I grew up on. Anthony and I both worked in Trussville schools and had the privilege of watching students become the next generation of Trussville residents. Trussville is a very special place and where Anthony and I wanted to raise our children and hopefully grow old.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and what keeps you passionate about it after all these years?

A: I love being an educator. The students are a constant source of joy when they discover new learning and grow throughout the school year. I loved teaching, and when I decided to become an administrator, I enjoyed that as much or more. I enjoyed providing professional

development that helped teachers grow their instructional skills and talents as a leader. There are so many aspects to education that an educator should never grow tired of teaching. I would advise educators that are experiencing burnout to explore different fields and roles to keep their love of learning and teaching alive.

Q: What advice would you give to a young person who wants to pursue a career in education?

A: There is no greater profession in the world. It is demanding yet fulfilling on so many levels. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a community where you teach or lead, you have the added benefit of watching your students grow into adults and maybe even teaching their children one day. Follow your passion. If you’re passionate about being an educator, you’ll love it. If you don’t feel joy and passion as an educator, find what you are passionate about and pursue that dream.

To read the full-length Q&A , vist us at cahabasun.com.

Home sweet home

Hewitt-Trussville softball celebrates the opening of Roberts Stadium, a state-of-the-art home built on years of championship success

By KYLE PARMLEY

The Hewitt-Trussville High School softball program now has a home on par with its standing in the state.

Roberts Stadium officially opened Feb. 21 as the new home of the Huskies. The facility is across the street from Hewitt-Trussville Stadium and the Trussville Civic Center and is without argument among the top softball-only facilities in Alabama.

It features a stadium designed specifically for softball, equipped with a turf field, a new press box and an awning over the bleachers to shield spectators from the elements.

Beyond right field is a facility that houses the locker room, coaches’ offices, batting cages and more.

Bill Roberts, whose name is on the stadium, is impressed. The former Trussville City Schools Board of Education president has long been an advocate of the softball program, and he was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the stadium’s inaugural game as well.

“It’s second to none,” Roberts said of the facility. “Just the overall beauty of the stadium. If it rained this morning in the old days, we wouldn’t have been able to play. Now you look at it and it’s beautiful.”

For Roberts, seeing the field come to life was an emotional moment after years of supporting athletics and education in the community. One of Roberts’ favorite features sits on the outfield fence.

“The numbers on the fence,” he said, referring to the program’s state championship years displayed on the wall.

He also credited the school system’s leadership for making the project possible.

“You can’t be successful if you don’t have a good administration who supports it,” Roberts said. “Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin is a sports fan. He loves it and he gives the support and the resources.”

Goldie Paine Field served as Hewitt-Trussville softball’s home since its inception, remaining as the home site even as the new high school was constructed in 2008 and the old high school became what currently is the middle school.

While the stadium is brand new, the success that helped bring it to life has been building for years.

For years, Hewitt-Trussville’s softball program built its reputation on winning games and producing elite players. Many of the players responsible for that were on hand for

the inaugural game, as a few dozen alumni were in attendance and recognized. A few of the recent standouts would have been there if not for having their own college games to play that afternoon.

That also included several members of the Huskies’ 2019 state championship team, the first of four the program won between then and 2024. Among them were former pitcher KK Hughes and standout slugger Hannah Borden, two of the most decorated players in program history.

Both players described their first reaction to seeing the facility as disbelief.

“I think my first thought was, holy cow, this is awesome,” Hughes said. “It’s huge. This is all so nice.”

Hughes helped lead the Huskies to the 2019 state title, becoming the team’s ace pitcher by necessity initially, but ultimately thriving in the role. Even after playing at the collegiate level at South Alabama, she said the new stadium compares favorably with many places she has seen.

Borden, another key figure in the program’s rise who went on to star at Southern Miss, had a similar reaction.

“My first thoughts were, I wish I could have played here,” Borden said. “But I’m really glad that we were able to pave the way for them, because I’m really proud of Coach Taylor [Burt] and the whole coaching staff for building this program up so much.”

Both players pointed to the pride their teams feel in

helping lay the foundation for the program’s current success.

Hughes said the 2019 championship group helped start the momentum, though she was quick to credit the teams that followed.

“I feel like we were able to get the ball rolling,” Hughes said. “A lot of people say that about us, like, ‘Y’all started it and y’all are the reason this is here.’ But it also took everybody after us to keep it going.”

Borden agreed, saying the memories created during those years remain some of the most meaningful of her career.

“We have a lot of pride in it,” Borden said. “We talk about it all the time. A lot of the memories we made here with these girls we’ll cherish more than college sometimes. It’s just a different experience with the high school girls that you grew up with.”

At the center of that sustained success has been head coach Taylor Burt, who took over the program in 2018 and helped elevate Hewitt-Trussville into one of the state’s premier programs.

For Burt, seeing the stadium open with alumni, players and supporters gathered together made the moment especially meaningful.

“It meant a lot to us as a staff and to me personally as a head coach that our school system administration, our local community and our state provided us the opportunity to

High School has opened up a new softball field and facility.

build such an incredible facility,” Burt said. “It was such a surreal moment to see our girls take the field there for the first time along with all of the alumni in attendance.”

Burt emphasized that the stadium is the result of years of work by players who helped establish the program’s winning tradition.

“A project like this wouldn’t be possible without the

hard work of the girls that helped build the program and the success that came from that,” Burt said. “I hope that our facility is the first of many to come for female athletes in the state of Alabama. I’m proud that our school system thinks enough of our girls to give them such an incredible place to learn and grow in as a program.”

As the Huskies finally took the field for the first official

game at Roberts Stadium, the significance of the moment stretched well beyond the scoreboard.

Even so, the Huskies did win the first game in the new stadium, putting Burt at ease for a little while at least. Now, it’s up to the Huskies teams of this year and beyond to have their level of play continue to match the quality of their home venue.

Anders was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that was affecting his immune health and significantly impacting his overall development. His doctors determined his best treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, and luckily Anders found his match and received his transplant. Now Anders is reaching new developmental milestones and is starting to get back to being a normal kid.

We are here in your neighborhood at Pediatrics East. To schedule an appointment at either the Trussville or Deerfoot locations visit www.pediatricseast.org Learn

SPORTS

All-South Metro Basketball

Ryleigh Martin named 2nd team

By KYLE PARMLEY

Every high school basketball season has its own twists and turns (except for Hoover’s girls, who just keep on winning). New players step up and teams make magical runs.

The 2025-26 season had both of those, and the annual Under the Lights All-South Metro Basketball Team aims to highlight the top performers from an entertaining year.

Hoover’s boys had their three-year state championship streak snapped, but head coach Scott Ware took a brand-new starting lineup back to the state final and is the Coach of the Year on the boys side. Briarwood’s Lorie Kerley is the Coach of the Year for the girls after leading the Lady Lions to the final four for the first time since 2001.

Kaleb Carson continued his stellar senior year for Homewood. After winning Offensive Player of the Year honors in football, he is the boys Player of the Year after leading his Patriots to a great campaign. In the girls Player of the Year battle, Hoover’s Khloe Ford reasserted herself as one of the most dominant players in the state this year, while Chelsea’s Caroline Brown had a fantastic year as well to lead a retooled Chelsea team back to the final four.

► Coaches of the Year: Scott Ware, Hoover; Lorie Kerley, Briarwood

► Players of the Year: Kaleb Carson, Homewood; Khloe Ford, Hoover; Caroline Brown, Chelsea

GIRLS 1ST TEAM

► Khloe Ford, Hoover: The Missouri signee averaged 18 points and nine rebounds for the state champs.

► Caroline Brown, Chelsea: Led the area in scoring with 18.4 points per game, leading her team to the final four.

► Maddie Walter, Mountain Brook: A first-team selection for the second straight year, going for a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds per game.

► Emma Kerley, Briarwood: Led her team to the final four with 15 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

► Aaliyah Blanchard, Hoover: Made the first team again, finishing her career with 16 points per game.

GIRLS 2ND TEAM

► Ryleigh Martin, Hewitt-Trussville: The UAB commit scored 15 points per game.

► Kimora Brewster, Clay-Chalkville: Averaged 15 points per game for one of the

top Class 6A squads.

► Kristen Winston, Hoover: The freshman is the next star player for the Lady Bucs, going for 13 points and nearly six assists per game.

► Avery Davis, Mountain Brook: Led the area with 81 3-point makes this season.

► Olivia Pryor, Chelsea: One of the top guards in the area, going for four assists and four steals each game.

GIRLS 3RD TEAM

► Caroline Kester, Oak Mountain: Capped off her career with 12.5 points per game.

► Emily Williams, John Carroll: Went for 14 points and nine rebounds each night.

► Lauryn Holley, Hewitt-Trussville: Surpassed 1,000 points in her career with 15 points per game.

► Ann Tatum Baker, Briarwood: Capped off a tremendous career with 12 points per game as the Lady Lions point guard.

► Mackenzie Hale, Clay-Chalkville: Nearly had a double-double each night, with 12 points and nine boards.

GIRLS HONORABLE MENTION

Chenelle Hunter, Spain Park; Sophia Lee, John Carroll; Juliann Bass, Chelsea; Devyn Hudson, Homewood; Lily Burch, John Carroll; Gabby Garcia, Chelsea; Lemmie Floyd, Chelsea; Kate Bakken, Mountain Brook; Zy Walker, Oak Mountain; Ella Grace Stricklin, Vestavia Hills; Lynlee Franks, Spain Park; Lane Crowe, Homewood; Marley Cowan, Vestavia Hills; Teagan Huey, Spain Park.

BOYS 1ST TEAM

► Drew Mears, Briarwood: Led the area in scoring for the third straight year with 22 points per game.

► Kaleb Carson, Homewood: Carried the Patriots to the regional final with 18 points and five rebounds per game.

► Demar Hinton, Clay-Chalkville: One

of the top scorers in the area, finishing with 18 points per game.

► Jackson Sheffield, Hoover: The Vanderbilt signee was a force, averaging 17.7 points and eight rebounds.

► Emory Bear, Vestavia Hills: Despite missing time with an injury, finished with 16.5 points and seven rebounds.

BOYS 2ND TEAM

► Johnny Towry, Vestavia Hills: Went for 15 points and six rebounds to help the Rebels win the area championship.

► Patton Knight, Oak Mountain: Set Oak Mountain record with 81 3-point makes for the year.

► Evan Moller, Chelsea: Led the Hornets with 14 points and seven rebounds each game.

► Trey Davis, Mountain Brook: The sharpshooter averaged 12 points per game.

► Michael Glass, Hoover: The regional tournament MVP averaged 12 points per game.

BOYS 3RD TEAM

► Dalton Black, Hewitt-Trussville: The Huskies’ leading scorer went for 13 points each contest.

► Tommy Morrison, Spain Park: Helped the Jags to a strong season with 11.6 points and six rebounds per game.

► Charlie Caldwell, Briarwood: Averaged 12 points per game for the Lions.

► Blake Weise, John Carroll: Averaged 16 points and shot 45% from 3-point range.

► Josh Wilkerson, Spain Park: Went for 13.7 points each night.

BOYS HONORABLE MENTION

Kasen Lemons, Oak Mountain; Sam Fox, Spain Park; Rashad Rolley, Hewitt-Trussville; Sean Johnson, Chelsea; Gray Carrington, Oak Mountain; Braden Little, Mountain Brook; Jace Harden, Homewood; Messiah Millin, Hoover; Clay Mills, Oak Mountain; Harrison Stewart, Spain Park; Daniel Vinson, Homewood; Ryan Phelps, Hewitt-Trussville; Drew Vail, Homewood; Cooper Gann, Spain Park.

Hewitt-Trussville finishes 6th at state wrestling

By KYLE PARMLEY

The Hewitt-Trussville High School wrestling team posted a sixth-place finish in the Class 7A state wrestling tournament on Feb. 14 in Huntsville.

Oak Mountain won the 7A title with 206.5 points, followed by Thompson (173.5 points), Bob Jones (137), Vestavia Hills (133) and Huntsville (130) in the top five. Hewitt-Trussville was sixth with 116 points.

Among those competing for the Huskies:

► William Hodgin placed fifth in the 106pound division.

► Gavin Bittle was second at 113 pounds.

► Karl Schutz won a match at 126 pounds.

► Rivers Harbison placed fifth at 132 pounds.

► Ian Hodgin finished third at 138 pounds.

► Asher Wiram won two matches at 144 pounds.

► Jaxon Jones won twice at 165 pounds.

► Trip Cole won the 175-pound division.

► Braxton Reaves finished fourth at 215 pounds.

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•

Ian Hodgin had a tough road to get to third, falling in his quarterfinal match before winning three times in the consolation bracket to reach the third-place match. In that match, he took down Collin Denny of Oak Mountain.

EVENTS

Save the Date

HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CAREER FAIR

► Where: Hewitt-Trussville High School, 6450 Husky Parkway, small gym

► When: Tuesday, April 7, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

► Details: Hewitt-Trussville High School will host a career fair connecting students with local professionals and industry representatives to learn about career paths. Businesses and organizations are invited to participate and share information about careers in their fields with students.

► Web: Register at forms.gle/ YBw4UByntD245ogj9.

THIRD ANNUAL RAIN DOWN MINISTRIES TRAIL RACE

► Where: Trussville Senior Activity Center, 504 Cherokee Drive

► When: Saturday, April 18, 7:25 a.m.

► Details: The RDM Trail Race will take place on the Trussville Sports Complex trails. A 5K and five-mile trail race will start and finish at the Trussville Senior Activity Center. Runners, ruckers and hikers are welcome. Packet pickup will begin at 6:45 a.m. at the start area.

► Web: Register at raindownalabama.com/ trail-race.

NASHVILLE TO TRUSSVILLE: HERITAGE DAYS SONGWRITER ROUND

► Where: The Gateway, Trussville Entertainment District, Beech St.

► When: Friday, April 10, 7-9 p.m.

► Cost: Free for all ages.

► Details: Nashville singer-songwriters Adam Craig, Ray Fulcher and Jordan Walker will host a round and perform hit songs during Trussville’s Heritage Days celebration. Their works have been recorded by country singers Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, George Strait and more. Presented by Trimm Design Build.

► Web: trussvillegateway.org

MAGIC CITY MUSCLE PRO QUALIFIER

► Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Road

► When: Saturday, April 18, 10:30 a.m.

► Cost: $50 for adults, $20 for teens ages 13-16, and free for children 12 and under.

► Details: The OCB Natural Bodybuilding Magic City Muscle competition will be held in Trussville as an official OCB Pro Qualifier. The event will feature divisions including bodybuilding, classic physique, men’s physique, women’s physique, figure, wellness and bikini.

► Web: Register at ocbonline.com.

► For more events news, connect with the Cahaba Sun online by scanning the QR code.

► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Kyle Parmley at kparmley@starnesmedia.com.

PRETTY TIED UP (ALL-STAR GUNS N’ ROSES EXPERIENCE)

► Where: Trussville Entertainment District, Beech St.

► When: Friday, April 17, 7-9 p.m.

► Cost: Free for all ages.

► Details: A high-energy Guns N’ Roses tribute show featuring hits from the band’s classic era, including “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “November Rain.” The performance will recreate the sound and style of the legendary rock group of the 1980s and ’90s.

► Web: ferusales.com/events

WILL BRIGHT FOUNDATION GIVING RESTORATION LUNCHEON

► Where: Grand Bohemian Hotel Ballroom, 2655 Lane Park Road, Mountain Brook

► When: Tuesday, April 21, VIP reception at 11:30 a.m.; luncheon at noon

► Cost: Tickets start at $150.

► Details: The Trussville-founded and based Will Bright Foundation will host the Giving Restoration Luncheon to support its work helping people struggling with addiction and restoring families. Featured speakers will be Auburn men’s basketball coaches Bruce Pearl and Steven Pearl, who will share insights on leadership, responsibility and purpose.

► Web: Register at willbrightfoundation.com.

Gee’s Bend quilters returning for fourth Heritage Days appearance

By KELLI S. HEWETT

The celebrated quilters of Gee’s Bend — whose bold patterns and improvisational designs have earned global recognition — return for their fourth appearance at Heritage Days, bringing their art, history and stories to the Trussville Public Library for three events from April 9-11.

Attendees don’t just learn stitching techniques; they can hear the stories behind quilts that once covered doors and windows, see patterns inspired by the ceilings above plantation and sharecropper beds and often find themselves in the middle of spontaneous hymn singing.

For artist Mary Ann Pettway, quilting is not simply a craft passed down through generations in the rural Black Belt community — it is a calling that has carried the story of her hometown, an important part of the Civil Rights Movement, far beyond Alabama.

“I keep quilting to keep it from dying,” Pettway said. “I’m not sure why people love the tradition, but I am grateful God has allowed us to do it in a unique way. It’s not

just about the quilts; it’s about how God is allowing the quilts to let us travel and rise up and speak about Him.”

Both Gee’s Bend and the Cahaba Project of Trussville were among a small group of New Deal communities established during the Great Depression by President Franklin

D.

Roosevelt.

Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation President and artist Amy Peterson O’Brien discovered that link while leading an adult artists’ retreat in Gee’s Bend. The quilters were invited to the first Heritage Days celebration in 2023 and have returned

ever since.

“They affect people in such a real, inspiring and deep way that people continue to come back,” O’Brien said. “It’s like a hug from a grandmother. They have this very special presence. They are just treasures.”

The three-day event begins Thursday evening with a free welcome gathering, where Pettway and fellow quilter China Pettway will share stories about their community and rich quilting tradition. Quilts and handmade items will be available for purchase. Registration is requested.

Hands-on quilting workshops, which are $50 a session, will follow Friday and Saturday. Registration is required.

Katie Evans of the Trussville Public Library said the sessions are about more than stitching.

“China and Mary Ann Pettway bring such warmth and welcome to any space they enter,” Evans said. “The quilting sometimes seems secondary to being in community with one another.”

For details or to register, go online to trussvillelibrary.org or cahabaheritage.org.

We are proud to bring this critically acclaimed and Tony Award-winning 2015 musical to RMT for the first time. All his life, Evan Hansen has felt invisible. When a tragic death shocks the community, Evan’s choices – and lies – leave him at the center of the turmoil. As Evan works through his adolescent confusion, grief, and the pressures of the online world, it becomes the story of the universal need to find acceptance.

Trussville resident celebrates centennial birthday

By DIANE POOLE

Lorene Billups was born on March 7, 1926, and grew up during the Great Depression. Raised on the eastern side of Birmingham, she moved frequently as a child because of her father’s job.

“My father was with the railroad, and we moved very often. I was always the new girl,” Billups said.

One of Billups’ earliest memories was helping her mother make sandwiches for her father to take on a trip to California during the Depression.

“He had a car, and cars were unusual,” she said. “He advertised and took a group to California, where there was plenty of work.”

Food was simple back then too.

“During the Depression, we ate a lot of dried beans,” she said. “It was cheap. Anybody could afford it. And I still love my dried beans.”

Technology has evolved dramatically over her lifetime. In her early years, telephones were connected to a “party line.” Now she has her own computer and Facebook page.

Billups has been a member of Huffman United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, and her faith has always been important to her.

“I always turned to God for all my problems. I still do. Practically everything I do all day,” she said.

She outlived both her parents. Her mother died at age 47 of a heart condition and her father died at 62. Her older brother and her younger sister are both gone too.

Billups has one daughter, Pam Floyd, whose husband John was a longtime member of the Trussville City Schools Board of Education. John passed away in 2021. Billups has two grandsons and five great-grandchildren. Her family members all live nearby, and she loves that.

Billups was married to her husband for 64 years.

“I just had the best husband in the world. He thought our daughter and I could do no wrong,” she said. Her philosophy for longevity was simple.

“I think it’s being busy — staying active. And plenty of beans growing up,” she said with a grin.

Even at 100, Billups enjoys staying busy with hobbies like sewing, gardening, growing orchids, playing cards and going to the senior activity center three days a week.

People often tell her that she doesn’t look her age.

“I'm just like my mother,” she said. “My mother was one of those who got up every morning, fixed her face and put on a clean house dress.”

How does Billups feel about turning 100?

“Oh gosh, it just got here before I knew it.”

And what does she want to tell the younger generation?

“Just be sure and listen to everything they have to say in the classroom … because it’s going to be your future.”

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