Helena - The Magazine March 2026

City Leadership

A letter from the mayor

Mayor

Rosener speaks on city

Over the past month, one of the most talked about issues in our community has been the upcoming water rate increase, which will affect all of us in our monthly budgets. I understand the frustration. In today’s economy, every dollar is stretched, and it can feel like there’s no room to breathe financially. I feel that pressure too, both personally and as someone entrusted with helping steward the city’s finances.

finances

I want to take a moment to provide clarity on this increase and how we arrived at it.

First, it’s important to understand that the city of Helena and the Helena Utilities Board are no longer legally connected in their operations. While both exist to serve you, they function independently. Under the current administration, the mayor no longer serves as the general manager of utilities and does not direct utility decisions.

The encouraging news is this: We see the challenges clearly, and recognizing them is the first step toward meaningful progress.”

With that context in mind, let’s take a broader look at the situation.

For many years, both the city and our utilities have operated on extremely lean budgets. In many ways, it’s similar to how families operate during tight seasons. When finances are stretched and a major expense, like a new roof, comes up, it’s often postponed. But over time, putting off that repair can lead to leaks, water damage or mold, turning a manageable issue into a much larger and more costly problem.

That same kind of deferred maintenance has been building for decades within both our city and our utilities. We have now reached a point where many of those delayed needs are becoming critical. Addressing them is not optional if we want to avoid frequent or prolonged service interruptions and protect the reliability our residents depend on.

Some of this is easy to see, such as roads that need repaving or park facilities in need of repair. Other needs are less visible but just as important: aging systems, outdated processes and infrastructure that must be modernized to ensure we are responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars.

Mayor Billy Rosener

I share this not to be discouraging, but to continue on my campaign promise of honest and transparent communication. The encouraging news is this: we see the challenges clearly, and recognizing them is the first step toward meaningful progress. With thoughtful planning, disciplined decision making and your continued support, I am confident that our council, city leadership and dedicated employees can begin addressing these needs, one step, one project, one solution at a time.

I truly believe our best days are still ahead.

Together, we can build a brighter future for Helena!

In this issue

HMS’ title run proves hard work pays off on and off the court.

26 Built to lead

Longtime Helena teacher and coach Mark Sanders shapes champions in the classroom and on the field.

34 Rooted in history

A closer look at the Helena Museum and the grandfather/granddaughter duo who runs it.

Teacher,

Sydney

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeremy

Noah

Rachel

Rhett

Utilities and Services

Cable, Internet and Phone

uAT&T Uverse – 1-888-708-0934 att.com

uSpectrum – 1-855-707-7328 spectrum.com

uC-Spire, Fiber Internet – 1-855-277-4735 cspire.com

Gas

uSpire – 1-800-292-4008 spireenergy.com

Power

uAlabama Power Company – 1-800-245-2244 alabamapower.com

Trash Services

uRepublic Services – (205) 631-1313 republicservices.com

Water and Sewer

uHelena Utilities City Water Service (205) 663-1670

LOCAL SCHOOLS

uShelby County Board of Education – (205) 682-7000

shelbyed.k12.al.us/

uHelena Elementary School – (205) 682-5540 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hes/index.htm

uHelena Intermediate School – (205) 682-5520

shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/his/index.htm

uHelena Middle School – (205) 682-5300 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hlms/index.htm

uHelena High School – (205) 682-3650 shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/index.html

uHillsboro School - (205) 864-7330 thehillsboroschool.org

We want to hear from you!

Do you have an issue that City Hall needs to know about? Please use the City Action Center at cityofhelena.org to get a resolution to your neighborhood issue.

City Government

Billy Rosener

brosener@cityofhelena.org

chammann@ cityofhelena.org

ahealy@ cityofhelena.org

dwilson@ cityofhelena.org

bdodson@ cityofhelena.org

jmcdaniels@ cityofhelena.org

Departments

City Hall (205) 663-2161

Fire Department (205) 663-5809

Sports Complex (205) 620-2877

mharris@ cityofhelena.org

Library (205) 664-8308

Police (205) 663-6499

Utilities (205) 663-1670

VARSITY BASEBALL VS PELHAM

MARCH 31

6:30 P.M.

Helena High School

The Huskies will round out the month of March by hosting their biggest rival. Come out and support Mitch Moreland’s squad.

THE GUIDE

MARCH 10

VARSITY SOCCER VS BESSEMER CITY

5:30 P.M.

Helena High School

The boys and girls varsity soccer teams will both begin area play at home against Bessemer City on March 10. Come out and support the Huskies on the pitch.

MARCH 23-27

SPRING BREAK

ALL DAY

School and offices

Schools will be out for spring break from Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27. Enjoy a week of rest!

AROUND TOWN

EVERY TUESDAY | 9:30 A.M.

Senior silver sneakers workout classes

EVERY FRIDAY | 9:30 A.M. Senior gentle yoga

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 11 A.M. Storytime at the Library

MARCH 3 | 4:30 P.M.

Varsity softball at Pelham

MARCH 3 | 5:30 P.M.

Varsity soccer vs Shelby County

MARCH 3 | 6:30 P.M.

Varsity baseball vs Hueytown

MARCH 4 | 4:30 P.M.

Varsity softball at Hoover

MARCH 4 | 6:30 P.M.

Varsity baseball vs Vestavia Hills

MARCH 5 | 10 A.M. Senior bingo and lunch

MARCH 5 | 6:30 P.M.

Varsity baseball vs Hoover

MARCH 9 | 6 P.M.

Helena City Council meeting

MARCH 10 | 4:30 P.M.

Varsity softball at Thompson

MARCH 10 | 5:30 P.M.

Varsity soccer vs Bessemer City

MARCH 10 | 6:30 P.M. Varsity baseball at Oak Mountain

MARCH 12 | 4:30 P.M.

Varsity softball at McAdory

MARCH 12 | 6:30 P.M. Varsity baseball vs Homewood

MARCH 13 | 5:30 P.M.

Varsity soccer vs Indian Springs

MARCH 13-14 | TBD

V arsity softball at Hoover Tournament

MARCH 14 | 6:30 P.M.

Varsity baseball vs Newton

MARCH 17 | 4:30 P.M.

Varsity softball at Spain Park

MARCH 17 | 5:30 P.M. Varsity soccer vs McAdory

MARCH 17 | 4:30 P.M.

Varsity baseball at Briarwood

MARCH 19 | 10 A.M. Senior bingo and lunch

MARCH 19 | 4:30 P.M. Varsity softball vs Pelham

MARCH 19 | 5:30 P.M.

Varsity soccer at Bessemer City

MARCH 19 | 6 P.M. Planning & Zoning Committee meeting

MARCH 23-27 | ALL DAY Spring Break

MARCH 23 | 6 P.M. Helena City Council meeting

MARCH 24 | 4 P.M. Municipal Court

MARCH 28 | TBD

V arsity softball at Oxford Tournament

MARCH 31 | 5:30 P.M.

Varsity girls soccer at Chelsea

MARCH 31 | 5:30 P.M.

Varsity boys soccer at Montevallo

MARCH 31 | 6:30 P.M.

Varsity baseball vs Pelham

MARCH 19

VARSITY SOFTBALL VS PELHAM

5 P.M. Helena High School

The Huskies will take on their biggest rival on senior night. Come out and support the defending Class 6A state champions

HELENA CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Monday, March 9 & 23

PRE-COUNCIL AT 5 P.M.,

CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 6 P.M.

HELENA CITY HALL

Helena’s City Council meetings take place the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Helena City Council meetings are open to the public and offer the chance for you to get involved in the planning of your community.

In the News

MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL HONOR CHILD AUTHOR MACI NEFF

Neff, a sixth-grade student at Helena Middle School, is a self-published author of two realistic fiction novels, “Who’s To Tell Me What to Do, Mr. Man?” and “Nine Years Later.”

GATHERING CORNER BREWS COMMUNITY IN HELENA

Gathering Corner provides Helena with a place to come together and enjoy coffee and other treats, as well as the company of others in a relaxing environment.

FOUR HELENA BASEBALL PLAYERS CELEBRATE COLLEGE SIGNINGS

Joe Gelinas, Davis Kelley, Brayden Dockery and Jake Holderfield signed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. These four players represent head coach Mitch Moreland’s first group of signees.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE OPENS IN HELENA

Residents of Helena and the surrounding areas now have another option for auto-related services, as a Christian Brothers Automotive location has opened.

HHS CHEER AND DANCE TEAMS HAVE SUCCESS AT NATIONALS

The Helena High School cheerleading and dance teams had their most successful trip to Nationals ever. Varsity cheer finished second overall in finals, junior varsity finished third and traditional placed fifth. The dance team earned second place in high kick and seventh place in game day.

K-9 PETE JOINS HELENA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Helena has a new four-legged friend, as K-9 Pete has joined the department. He will work alongside Officer Matthew Giles.

The city of Helena has officially passed a budget for fiscal year 2026The general fund budget shows a projection of $15,939,123.25 in total revenues, a five percent increase from 2025. When it comes to general fund expenditures, the budget shows $14,577,348.25 in total expenses, a four percent decrease from 2025.

HELENA RETIRES RICHARD FITTS’ JERSEY NUMBER AT FIRST PITCH DINNER

Richard Fitts, a former Helena High School pitcher and current member of the St. Louis Cardinals, was honored with the retirement of his jersey number at the First Pitch Dinner.

TOTAL DERMATOLOGY OPENS DOORS IN MCCALLA

Total Dermatology has announced the opening of its brand-new location in McCalla, marking an exciting expansion that will allow the practice to better serve patients throughout the Birmingham metro area and beyond.

The new McCalla clinic represents a relocation from the practice’s former Bessemer office, positioning Total Dermatology in a more central and convenient location for surrounding communities, including Helena, Hueytown, Hoover, Bessemer and nearby areas.

Located off Exit 1 on Interstate 459, next to Piggly Wiggly and directly across from McAdory High School, the new space offers a modern, welcoming environment designed to provide patients with comprehensive dermatologic care in one accessible location.

Total Dermatology’s goal has always been to make exceptional skin care as convenient and accessible as possible. This move to McCalla allows us to reach more patients with the same compassionate, high-quality care that defines Total Dermatology.

The McCalla office will operate as a full-service dermatology clinic, offering:

— Medical dermatology: Full-body skin checks, biopsies and surgical excisions for cysts, moles and skin cancers, as well as treatment for common skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, acne and more.

— Cosmetic dermatology: Dysport, Botox and dermal fillers, with a walk-in toxin clinic offered throughout the week for added convenience.

Patients will be seen by a team of board-certified

dermatologists and advanced practice providers, all dedicated to providing expert, personalized treatment for every skin concern, from prevention and diagnosis to rejuvenation and advanced cosmetic solutions.

Total Dermatology is the oldest and largest dermatology practice in Birmingham, offering comprehensive skin care services and cutting-edge medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology treatments. The team is dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful skin at every stage of life.

The McCalla Total Dermatology is located at 4760 Eastern Valley Road, Suite 102.

Update from THE COUNCIL

Dennis Wilson

PLACE 3, HELENA CITY COUNCIL

Three months can feel like a blink, or a lifetime, depending on how you spend them. Since stepping into service alongside my fellow council members and our new mayor at Helena City Hall, it’s hard to believe how quickly the time has passed and how much ground we’ve already covered.

There was no easing into the work. From day one, we faced significant zoning decisions and the critical responsibility of passing a realistic, responsible budget. I want to sincerely commend Mayor Billy Rosener for the long hours and personal sacrifices he made to present both the council and our community with a viable path forward.

Our department heads and administrative staff have embraced the challenge as well, committing themselves to the hard but necessary work of restoring Helena’s financial footing. I ask for your patience as we move through this first full year together. Early indicators suggest there are encouraging possibilities ahead.

One of the clearest messages I heard during the campaign was a call for greater transparency, and I hope you are already

seeing progress. Live-streamed meetings, published agendas and easier access to information are not extras; they are essentials, and they matter because you asked for them.

I continue to spend time listening to residents, hearing ideas and learning from concerns, and I am continually encouraged by the deep love people have for Helena. Recently, I shared the story of Alex Miller during council comments. Though he did not win his election, he never stopped showing up. He volunteers. He serves. He advocates. That spirit, neighbors investing in neighbors, is exactly what Helena will need moving forward.

With a tight budget comes an even greater need for a tightly knit community. Progress will depend not only on decisions made at City Hall, but on citizens working together for the common good.

Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, in my fellow council members, and in our mayor. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to working alongside you to move Helena in a positive direction.

Library Update

GREETINGS FROM THE JANE B. HOLMES LIBRARY

IIt has been a long, cold winter. Spring is right around the corner, and March has new opportunities for you, your family and your neighbors. The library staff encourages residents to check out some great books about gardening, taking care of your home and ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Check out these great events at your public library:

Adult program: Knit, Stitch and Chat –Wednesday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m. - Bring your own knitting or other craft project and chat with others while you work. Free program, no registration required!

Library Director

Dan Dearing

Need a fun place to escape the remaining cold days? Visit the library to see what is new on the shelves. We offer free computer use and WIFI, as well as easy access to the library catalog and of course, remember the great collection of books and movies for all ages. In addition, digital access through Libby and Hoopla makes enjoying e-books and audiobooks from home a convenient option. Finally, the MyLibro app allows patrons to connect with the library anytime, anywhere. Search the catalog, manage reserved books and check due dates, all from your mobile device. As I mention often, the library depends on our Friends. Friends of the Library volunteers are important to the overall mission of the library, and they generously give their time and energy. This group meets to have fun, socialize and work on projects to improve the library for the community. The Friends meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:45 PM at the library. Please call 205-664-8308 and ask for Dan if you are interested in attending. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 5:45 p.m.

Teen/Tween program: Hanging Mosaic Shamrock Craft – Monday, March 9 from 5:306:30 p.m. – Stop by the library and make a fun Shamrock Craft. Ages 8 and up.

Children’s program – Leprechaun Story and Craft – Monday, March 16 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. –

Make a neat craft, and listen to a story: “How to Catch a Leprechaun” by Adam Wallace. Ages 3 and up.

Senior program – Bird Ornament Craft – Wednesday, March 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Lego FUN at the library – Monday, March 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Build with Legos and spend time with friends. All ages.

Easter Craft – Color a Wooden Easter Gnome – Monday, March 30 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. –Use your creativity to decorate a wooden gnome with an Easter theme. Ages 3 and up.

Have a great March and visit the library soon!

Jane

B. Holmes Public Library

230 Tucker Road Helena, AL 35080

Phone: (205) 664-8308

Facebook:  Helena.Public.Library.Friends

Website: cityofhelena.org/public-library

Instagram: @helenalibrary

Please visit the library soon, - Daniel Dearing, library director

March Top Picks

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

By James Patterson and Susan DiLallo | Adult Fiction

An undercover FBI agent investigates a family with suspected ties to organized crime by posing as their live-in nanny.

GOLDEE’S BAR-B-Q

By Jalen Heard | Adult Nonfiction

The top joint in Texas shares its secrets to award-winning barbecue.

LITTLE RED AND BIG, BAD FRED

By Carolyn Leiloglou | Juvenile

Little Red’s positive outlook is contagious in this picture book about an unlikely friendship, the power of kindness and keeping an open heart

BEYOND THE FAR HORIZON

By Ashley Belote | Easy/Picture

A foe-turned-friend must learn to trust his new allies or risk losing his chance of finding a forever home in this thrilling conclusion of the award-winning Restorationists trilogy.

THE BIG, FUN BOOK OF FAKE-OUT CAKES

By Food Network Magazine | Juvenile Nonfiction

Make a cake that’s disguised as lasagna, a flowerpot, a giant pencil, a pineapple and more. Each cake idea comes with step-by-step photos and easy directions— no special tools required.

JUST KEEP GOING

By

Lynn Smith | Easy/Picture

When Mouse sets out on his adventure, he discovers that brave isn’t something you are—it’s something you do.

GRACE BROWNE (RIGHT) AND HENLEY TRAYWICK (LEFT)

What inspired you to start playing softball? How old were you when you started playing?

Grace: My mom, Alison Browne, is the one who inspired me to start playing. She played, so I wanted to try it out and have loved it ever since I was four years old, even through the highs and the lows.

Henley: My biggest inspiration was my older sister, Abbie Lane. She was the first one to play softball, and I wanted to be just like her. I started playing when I was really young because of her, and she’s still one of my biggest supporters in my career.

Has there ever been a coach or mentor who made a huge impact on you? What did they teach you?

Grace: Mark Sanders has made a huge impact on my life over the past years of playing at Helena. He’s such a great role model, and he encourages us to stay strong in our faith. Also, he teaches us to love each other unconditionally.

Henley: Coach Sander has made a huge impact on my life. He treats me like family, and I know I can always count on him. He’s shown that by being there for me when I needed it most. He’s taught me so much more than just softball. He’s been a great mentor and a strong spiritual leader who has helped shape me as a person.

What is your favorite thing about playing softball for the Huskies?

Grace: My favorite thing about playing for the Huskies is my teammates. We are like a family, and we love each other unconditionally.

Henley: My favorite thing is the relationships. The teammates and friends I’ve made through this program mean everything to me, and the bond we share is something special.

What is your favorite softball memory?

Grace: My favorite softball memory is when I hit my first home run. My Dad, Chris Browne, was sitting behind the fence in left field, and I hit it straight to him. I was rounding second base and I could see him jumping with joy. Also, winning state was really fun too!

Henley: Winning the state championship last year with my friends is my favorite memory. It was an unforgettable moment, and the feeling of accomplishing that together is something I’ll always remember.

What are your plans after graduation?

Grace: In the fall of 2026, I will be attending Lurleen B. Wallace Community College on a softball scholarship.

Henley: After high school, I plan to attend the University of Montevallo, where I’ll continue playing softball alongside my twin sister Hayden.

Education

ASHLEIGH MARSHALL

Special education teacher at Helena Intermediate School

First, tell me more about yourself.

My name is Ashleigh Marshall. I am a special education teacher at Helena Intermediate School. This is my fourth year teaching at Helena Intermediate, but I have been in education since 2017. Before coming to Helena, I worked at Children’s Hospital as an education liaison in the adolescent psychiatric unit. I have two amazing children named Jackson and Everleigh Kate. Jackson is seven years old, and Everleigh Kate is three. I am also married to my best friend, TJ.

Can you tell me about your career in education?

I have an interesting career in education. I graduated from the University of Montevallo in December 2016 and immediately began working as a special education teacher. I worked in special education for the next three years. I took a break from special education for one school year. During that school year, I taught in a first grade class. I felt as if completing a year of general education would help me have a better understanding of how to assist my students as a whole and a better perspective of all the extra responsibilities of a general education teacher.

What kind of impact do the students you teach have on your life as a teacher?

The students I teach have a deep impact on my life as a teacher. As a special education teacher, my students constantly remind me that progress doesn’t always look the same for everyone. However, growth, no matter how small it may seem, is worth celebrating. They teach me patience, creativity and flexibility every single day.

What makes working with intermediate school students special?

I have worked in schools that are kindergarten through fifth grade, and schools that split kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth grade. For me, teaching at the intermediate school age is the best of both worlds for elementary education. The students are still very eager to come to school and learn. They enjoy the dress-up days, the different club days and all the extras that come with being an elementary student—field day, field trips, class parties, etc.

What has been your favorite thing about working at Helena Intermediate over the course of your time?

Working in Helena for the past four years has been amazing. I love the sense of community that can be felt throughout the entire city. The educators at Helena Intermediate are toptier. Everyone I have worked with in Helena has genuinely wanted the best for all of the students who come through the Helena school system. In my experience, the collaboration across schools has been top-tier.

Do you have a message you would like to say to the Helena community?

My message to the community is that HIS truly loves your children, and we do not take our role in their lives lightly. The teachers, administration and support staff work together every single day to ensure your children are learning how to lead, learn and love. We are all on “team your child” and are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way throughout their journey at HIS. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for info, promotions & giveaways!

HMS seventh graders add to Helena basketball legacy

The future of basketball in the city of Helena could be looking bright, as the Helena Middle School seventh grade boys basketball team brought home the conference championship, capping off a memorable 2025-2026 season.

HMS coach Tyler Groom was immensely proud of this group, particularly because of the way it managed to stay together and focused throughout the season.

“It went better than what we expected to begin with,” Groom said. “They started out undefeated, they went the entire conference play undefeated. They lost to a couple teams out of conference, but for the most part they played outstanding.”

After watching the group respond to adversity and earn comeback wins over Pelham and Briarwood, Groom realized that this team was capable of achieving a lot.

“They got punched in the mouth early in the games and they responded and came back in both of those games and ended up winning,” Groom said. “That’s when we really thought we could do something with this team.

Groom made sure to acknowledge another group that made this team’s accomplishments possible, the supportive group of parents and other community members who went with the team everywhere it went.

“I think it means a lot,” Groom said. “My parents were great this year, especially with traveling, working with me, helping me. They did concessions, made sure the kids were every place on time and they were a big

BY DANIEL LOCKE McCaskill

crowd everywhere we went. It felt like every game was at home.”

When thinking about what factors made this unit so special, Groom didn’t mention anything out of the ordinary. He explained how his group focused on the things that it could control, and let everything else take care of itself.

“They listen,” Groom said. “They play with grit, effort and they exceeded everyone’s expectations.”

This approach payed off, and the basketball team will be getting an updated conference championships banner and adding a trophy to the already crowded display case as a result.

The HMS seventh grade boys basketball roster:

u No. 1 Gino Fuller

u No. 2 Samuel Vakakes

u No. 3 Everett Ray

u No. 4 Cooper Mann

u No. 5 Adrian Tolbert

u No. 11 Gavin Hood

u No. 12 Owen Brooks

u No. 13 Jackson Tucker

u No. 14 Reed Watson

u No. 15 Charleston Harper

u No. 21 Zion Green

u No. 22 Jackson Reid

u No. 23 Camden Kennedy

u Coaches: Tyler Groom and Curian

Helena Church Directory

ANGLICAN

Lamb of God Church

Head pastor: Caron Glenn Davis 5140 Hwy 17 (205) 919-7932 Lambofgodcec.org

BAPTIST

The Church at Old Town

Head Pastor: Josh Knierim 815 Highway 52 E (205) 663-7879 Thechurchatoldtown.org

Gospel Light Baptist Church

Lead Pastor: Gary Bohman 5781 Roy Drive (205) 685-0772 Glbcbham.com

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

Head Pastor: Edwin Dinkins 5320 Helena Road (205) 624-3323 Mpbchelena.com

Riverside Baptist Church

Senior Pastor: Chris Wilson

Worship Pastor: Kyle Ziglar 1919 Highway 52 West (205) 426-1910 Rbchelena.org

Crossbridge Community Church

Lead Pastor: Cody Brister 1455 Starkey Street (205) 358-3500 Crossbridgehelena.com

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Church of Christ at Helena 2499 Highway 58 (205) 620-4575 Helenachurch.com

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST

Grace Christian Church

Lead Pastor: Rev. Brad Henderson 869 County Road 52 (205) 426-1233 Gracechristianchurch.org

LUTHERAN

LCMS Helena Plant 4040-B, Helena Road (205)283-6742 helenalutheranplant@gmail.com

METHODIST

Helena Methodist Church

Head Pastor: Rev. Rusty Tate 2035 Highway 58 (205) 663-0111 Helenamethodist.org

Church at Cahaba Bend

Lead Pastor: Rev. Patrick Friday 3721 Hwy 52 West (205) 621-8060 Cahababend.org

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Live by Faith Christian Center

Pastors James & Dr. Johnnie Edwards 257- Riverwoods Pkwy (Pool House) Helena, Al. 35080 205-223-3719

Open Door Independent Church 120 Laurel Woods Drive (205) 482-5963

Opendooral.com

The Cornerstone Church

Lead Pastor: Timothy Trimble 2694 Highway 58 (205) 663-9332 Cornerstonechurchhelena.org

New Vision Christian Church

Senior Pastor: Van C. Houser 2383 Highway 95 (205) 919-6678 Nvcc4god.org

The Rock Church

Head Pastor: Bryan Van Gieson 501 2nd Avenue West (205) 358-7625 Rockofbirmingham.org

The Voice of Faith International Ministries

Head Pastor: Franklin Kirksey 1560 Cunningham Drive (205) 663-7396

PRESBYTERIAN

Harmony Church of Helena

Head Pastor: Scott Edwards 3396 Helena Road (205) 663-2174

Harmonychurchofhelena.net

Christ Community Church

Pastors: Phil Chambers and David Cunningham 2222 Highway 52 (205) 881-4222

MORE THAN THE SCOREBOARD

Inside Mark Sanders’ lasting impact as a coach, educator and community pillar

BY DANIEL LOCKE

FFinding someone in Helena with a busier workday than Mark Sanders would be a difficult task.

He begins the day by picking up Helena Middle School students on his morning route as a bus driver, races up to his classroom at Helena High School to prepare for the day’s history lessons, goes back down the hill to the middle school for his afternoon bus route, then goes back up to the high school for softball practice.

Sanders is well-known in Helena. From impacting the lives of every student he has come into contact with since arriving at the middle school in 2008, to the success he has had leading the softball programs, to making sure students

arrive at school safely in the morning and home in the afternoon, Sanders has been a part of the lives of many Helena residents at some point.

Leaving a lasting positive impact on each student he interacts with is not something new for Sanders. It’s a tradition that dates back to the early days of his career in education.

“In all of those different roles, whether it’s coaching, teaching or bus driving, there’s always kids in those circumstances that need unconditional love,” Sanders said. “The first principal at Helena Middle, her name was Jenni Goolsby. She pulled me aside, and she said, ‘Mark, everybody that enters these doors needs

somebody in this building that they know loves them unconditionally. I want that person to be you.’ That really stuck with me.”

The bond Sanders has built with students and faculty members has kept him rooted in Helena over the years. Even when he had a significant commute and opportunities to work closer to home, he opted to remain a Husky.

Whether its kids on my bus, kids on the ballfield, kids in the classroom. I love them like I love my own kids,” Sanders said. “I think that’s what’s been so special for me to be in a community like this. I’ve never even thought about going somewhere else, even when I lived two hours away.”

Sanders is equally passionate about the subject of history as he is about the game of softball. There are many aspects of leadership that translate directly from the classroom to the field and vice versa, and those are the kinds of lessons he thrives in teaching.

“Finding quick and clever ways to overcome adversity would be something that could translate to both,” Sanders said. “It’s a long semester, and it’s a long softball season. Last year, we started practice in January, and we played our last game in May. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Same with the classroom, it’s not about the first grade,

it’s how you finish the whole semester.”

There’s a lot that goes into building the culture of a championship-winning high school sports program, but Sanders has identified three things that stand out above the rest when it comes to building a group of players who are truly bought in to the process.

“You have to get your kids to buy in that they have to love each other unconditionally, meaning they put their teammates ahead of themselves,” Sanders said. “We put a real focus on wanting the victory more than our opponent. If we want it a little bit more, that puts us over the top. Third, I would say having more fun. If they feel down,

they don’t play as well.”

Another top priority for Sanders, both in the classroom and on the softball field, is building the next generation of leaders. The quality of leadership and positive influence is something he believes is vital for success in every walk of life.

“Building these kids into good leaders, we focus on leadership and what that looks like for us,” Sanders said. “We talk about how leadership is simply just influence, nothing more and nothing less than that. We want them to influence people around them. I think if they’ll be great leaders at whatever they’re doing, whether it’s softball, academics, a job or a career down the road,

they’re going to be successful. That’s the biggest focus we have.”

The fruits of Sanders’ labor as the head coach of the softball program have produced favorable returns, including a state title for the first time in program history to close out an unforgettable 2026 campaign.

When his team lifted up the blue map trophy, he reflected on all the work the team put in to prepare for that moment. He celebrated the moment by jumping into the lake with the team, something that has become a tradition for Alabama high school softball teams who take home a state crown.

It was a series of events that Sanders will always look back on with a fond feeling in his heart and a smile on his face.

“It’s probably one of the best days of my adult life, jumping in that lake in Oxford,” Sanders said. “It was the best muddy lake water I’ve ever tasted. We had such a good time, and my phone absolutely blew up. I don’t have social media, so all these were personal text messages from people in this community who played for me 20 years ago, parents and colleagues. That’s the first time I really knew what a phone blowing up meant.”

Sanders treats each one of his players and students with that same unconditional love he

“You have to get your kids to buy in that they have to love each other unconditionally, meaning they put their teammates ahead of themselves. We put a real focus on wanting the victory more than our opponent. If we want it a little bit more, that puts us over the top.”

-MARK SANDERS

has become known for throughout his career. The feeling is mutual, and Sanders has a roster full of players, multiple classrooms and buses full of students and countless former students who think the world of him.

“He just makes the connection with us,” Henley Traywick said. “He treats us like family and makes us feel loved.”

For Grace Browne, Sanders’ leadership and the emphasis he has placed on culture have provided her with an example that she’ll always carry with

her.

“We’re always loving each other and having each other’s back, it’s a very positive environment,” Browne said. “He’s one of the biggest role models of my life, and I strive to be more like him.”

Sanders’ top priority has been making his players and students feel valued, seen and loved throughout his career. As a result, he has played an important role in shaping the minds of countless students and instilling those same values in them.

WHERE HELENA’S STORY LIVES

Inside the museum preserving the people, places and moments that shaped the community

BY DANIEL LOCKE

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY JEREMY RAINES

OThe city of Helena has over a century and a half of history, but until 2011, there wasn’t an easy and convenient option for residents and visitors to view the photographs and artifacts that make up the story of the community.

That was the case until Kenneth R. Penhale helped establish a museum to put Helena’s history on display. When the museum, fittingly named the Kenneth R. Penhale City of Helena Museum, opened its doors, the history of the place that many have come to love was easily accessible.

The Penhale family has deep roots in Helena that can be traced back to before the beginning of the 20th century. That connection and his personal love

for the city and its history inspired the beginning of the museum.

“We’ve been here since 1875,” Penhale said with a smile on his face. “My brother, (Charles “Sonny” Penhale), served as mayor for 45 years, and I’ve just actively collected the history of the town for a number of years. I just wanted to see the history preserved, not lost. Many of the old timers are gone now. That’s what I’ve been working toward preserving.”

Sonny purchased the building that became the museum, which was formerly a masonic lodge, for the city in 2010, and leaned on Kenneth’s knowledge of historical preservation to help get the project off

the ground.

“I founded the Shelby County Historic Society, and I oversaw the restoration of the old museum courthouse,” Kenneth said. “I’ve been active in state-wide preservation for a number of years. My brother, knowing my background, asked me if I would set up a museum for the city.”

Kenneth received a sizeable amount of help from the community as countless people have contributed photos and artifacts since the museum opened. He still welcomes additions on a regular basis.

“I had a pretty good photo collection already, and it didn’t take a lot of work to get people to bring things in,” he said. “It’s just been continuous, people

donating things to the museum.”

There is a lot that visitors can learn when touring the museum, but Kenneth personally hopes they leave with a better understanding of how Helena came to be and the resources that helped the town develop and grow over time, eventually becoming what it is today.

“It started as a mining railroad town,” Kenneth said. “People complain about the railroads, but they don’t consider that the railroad was here first. The railroad first came through during the Civil War, and the Union Army destroyed it. It was rebuilt in 1872, and that’s when the mines reopened. The early history is what I wish people really knew, how

“My brother, (Charles “Sonny” Penhale), served as mayor for 45 years, and I’ve just actively collected the history of the town for a number of years. I just wanted to see the history preserved, not lost. Many of the old timers are gone now. That’s what I’ve been working toward preserving.”

-KENNETH

the town was founded and what made it prosper.”

One of the most rewarding parts of running the museum for Kenneth is the reactions people have when visiting, as it allows the history of the city to come to life in front of their eyes.

He has received countless compliments over the years, pertaining to everything from the layout to the large number of photographs and artifacts available for viewing.

Kenneth has recently started to receive help running the museum from his granddaughter, Maria Avery Dalen. Having her there to assist him has been beneficial for Kenneth, and it has brought him even more enjoyment in operating the museum.

“It’s a big help,” Kenneth said. “She’s my granddaughter, so I’ve instilled history in her over the years. She’s been a big help; she comes in and helps me on Saturdays.”

Dalen has had an appreciation for Helena and its extensive history throughout her life, and is no stranger to getting involved in history-related organizations.

“I’ve grown up learning about the history of Helena, I’ve lived here my whole life,” Dalen said. “About 10 years ago, I started asking more and more questions. About four or five years ago, I joined the Helena Historic Preservation Committee, and I serve as their secretary.”

Dalen can appreciate all of Helena’s history, but its origin as a coal-mining hotspot is a topic she finds particularly interesting.

“We do have such a deep history in Helena,” Dalen said. “I love the coal mining stuff. The high school is built on top of Eureka No. 4. I think that’s really interesting for the school and for our town’s history.”

Dalen is a school teacher, and her involvement with the museum has provided her with opportunities to create unique learning experiences for her students.

“My first graders are learning about the past in social studies,” Dalen said. “We did a virtual field

trip to the museum, and I brought in artifacts and showed the kids. They were so thrilled and wanted to learn more. It was so interesting to share that kind of history and my family’s history with them.”

Having the opportunity to help Kenneth operate the museum has not only provided Dalen with an opportunity to learn more about Helena and given her an effective resource to teach history lessons, but it has also allowed her to spend additional time with her grandfather that she doesn’t take for granted.

“It’s a blessing to get to spend this time with him,” Dalen said. “He’s a wealth of knowledge, and I always pick his brain about different things. I’ll

always go through the museum, and I’ll read about new things and ask him about them. It’s a blessing to have that time with him, and I love being here with him.”

Visiting the museum is a free option for an educational activity that is open to people of all ages.

From the devastating tornado that shook Helena to its core during the Great Depression, to the

involvement of local people in the Civil War, World War One and World War Two, there is an interesting lesson to be learned for everyone who walks through the museum’s door.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays, but visits can be scheduled anytime by giving Kenneth a phone call. The information can be found on the city’s website or posted on the door of the museum.

In the net

Soccer season is underway, and the Helena High School varsity boys squad is aiming to step up its game this season.

MAGAZINE PHOTOS/DANIEL LOCKE

ON THE PITCH

The Helena High School varsity girls soccer team is working to make 2026 a season to remember.

t

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Helena’s schools

A high-quality education

The schools were and are always going to be the center of Helena. My lifelong friends, favorite teachers and the beginning of my interests in life and hobbies were made between those walls. It is always a pleasure to come across the familiar faces around town because the schools were the reason why I felt I was a fellow neighbor to everyone I knew. This small but strong foundation of a community has the schools to thank for that.

Most wonderful time of the year

Christmas in Helena Christmas time has brought a different but unifying feeling for me, especially. The extended family members that visit whom I haven’t seen in a while, but after the first day, we pick things up as if we were best friends. The neighbors are bringing snacks or even ornaments for us to hang on our tree. Driving around town to see how everyone decorated their home and yard. I couldn’t agree more when people say Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

Helena Sports Complex

Lifelong memories

During my time as a kid, when I wasn’t at school, my fondest memories were made at the Helena Sports Complex. Baseball and basketball are where I made some great friends, and I loved playing the games to the final out or the buzzer. I still talk about that time with my former teammates and friends, and the joy has never gone away.

Never can go wrong with a favorite

One of Helena’s best

There are many restaurants I could list as my favorite, but I will have to go with El Patron Bar & Grill. The food and service have always been great, not just for my family, but for everyone who goes there consistently. It is so exciting to enjoy a good quesadilla dinner, street tacos and so many others on a busy night where many people have come to celebrate a birthday or enjoy an all-around good meal. If you have a family member or a friend who has never eaten there, take them because they are going to find out why this has been a favorite for many around Helena.

HELENA

P.O.