WHO ARE WE

The Helena Beautification Board is an appointed board of the City Council. This board works closely with city leaders to plan and implement the city's beautification plan. Throughout the year, the board spearheads efforts throughout the city to help improve the overall beauty and livability of the town. Annual efforts such as the annual flower basket program, add charm and beauty to the Old Town and City Hall districts. These events bring the community together to plant, learn and grow. 
 
The board serves a four-year term that runs concurrent with the term of the city council. 

BOARD MEMBERS

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Christopher R. VanCleave
Chairman

Nicknamed "The Redneck Rosarian", Chris VanCleave is passionate about gardening and growing roses. He is an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the American Rose Society, serving two terms as President. In 2007, he created the Rose Chat Podcast which has reached over a half a million listeners with news and information on growing the world's most beloved flower, the rose. He was a contributor to the 2015 Southern Living Gardening Book, has appeared on P. Allen Smith's Garden Home television show and was featured in the June 2015 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Locally, Chris serves as Chairman of the Helena Beautification Board where he has spearheaded efforts to create a sustainable landscape in one of the Top 100 places to live in the US. His writing is seen on About.com, HGTV, Home Depot Gardening Club and on his popular website; RedneckRosarian.com, where he chronicles his gardening adventures and explores an intrinsic mix of life, faith and gardening. An agent of change with over 20 years' experience in process innovation, Mr. VanCleave is leading the charge to reinvigorate horticulture societies and helping them to reach their full potential in the social media age.

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J. Brian Puckett
Vice Chairman & Secretary

With a knack for design, Brian makes ideas come to life. His eye for detail bodes well from small planter flower selections to grandiose projects. A skilled woodcrafter, he recently showcased his skills in the various holiday displays throughout Old Town. A twelve-year resident of Helena, Brian is actively involved in civic and faith based initiatives and is currently serving a second term on the Riverchase Business Association Board of Directors, where his eye for design has help lead the Riverchase ARC along with serving as Secretary of the Helena Elementary PTO. Brian has an MBA and works at Regions Bank. Mr. Puckett is married with two daughters.

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Ana Baker
Treasurer

Whether its digging in her own garden or in the planting beds around town, Ana loves to see things pretty. "My Grandmother had a flower shop, I grew up around flowers", says Ana when asked about her love of gardening. This love of all things growing has not only helped her establish a beautiful garden at her home in Riverbend, but she jumped at the chance to serve on the Beautification Board. Gardening has a therapeutic aspect. "There is just something about putting your hands in the soil, that relieves stress and gives me hope."

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Christina Levio
Board Member

With a desire and passion to help others in need, Christina Levio goes above and beyond to always take care of others. Originally from Pelham she moved all the way to Helena 12 years ago. When not volunteering in various organizations, she enjoys shopping the local retailers of Helena and spending quality time with friends and family. Levio is a graduate of Faulkner University and is employed at Regions Bank.  She loves living in Helena and all of the opportunities to be actively involved.

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Christine Hodge
Board Member

A northern transplant from Ohio, Christine has called Helena home for the last 7 years.  She is passionate about beauty of all things around, and with a camera in her hand she is always able to capture a smile. Christine is employed with Schaeffer Eye Center as a Clinical Technician and married to John. She enjoys using the platform of the Beautification Board to continuously give back to the community that she instantly fell in love with.

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Gennetter Smith
Board Member

Gennetter Smith places passion in everything that she does.  She takes pride in her community and family. When talking to her you are sure to hear stories about her daughter and the never ending adventures of performing arts. Smith gives back to the community through the Beautification Board and her church. Before going to work as an employee of the United States Postal Service, she served in the Navy.

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John Hodge
Board Member

Known for his landscape photography John has a passion for capturing the beauty around.  His pictures have been used by local media and throughout publications. Originally from Upstate New York, John has lived in Helena for 7 years where he is the Office Manager for Schaeffer Eye Center.  Besides photography, John has a knack for set work for a local production company.  He is married to Christine and enjoys being able to make his favorite photo backdrop, Helena, the most beautiful place around.

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Peggy Holly
Board Member

Peggy would rather play in the dirt more than anything, other than spending time with her grandkids.  She met other members of the Helena Beautification Board and, having little time on her hands, jumped at the chance to serve and give back to the community that she and her husband, Ron (The Major) love so dearly. When not working at a mental health clinic as the office manager, Peggy enjoys working with other board members and volunteers to work hard towards making Helena a more beautiful and enjoyable place to live. She is also an active member of the Birmingham Rose Society and enjoys creating works of art out of stained glass that tend to have a gardening theme.

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Tina Lovvorn-VanCleave
Board Member

Mrs. VanCleave is a ten-year resident of Helena and loves to see this town grow. Growth in her own garden comes from tending to over 170 roses, along with a collection of annuals and perennials. She is a member of the Birmingham Chapter of the American Rose Society where she serves as 2nd Vice President in charge of membership and hospitality. She also served with distinction on the board of the Shelby County Christian Women's Club. A former small business owner and native of Nashville Tennessee, she served as Teen Board liaison for Cain-Sloan department stores, the Young Republicans and championed causes related to mentally and physically challenged persons of all ages. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Pelham and is married to Chris VanCleave.  They have two children.

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Photos: John Hodge Photography

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Laura Joseph
City Council Liaison

Laura Joseph was elected to the Helena City Council, Place 4 in 2016. She ran on a platform of strengthening the local economy, continuing to support city departments and marketing the city as an attractive tourist destination. She earned a degree in Communications for the University of Alabama in 2001. She is currently employed as Art Director by NorthCape, a multi-national outdoor furniture manufacturer, and is primarily responsible for marketing, communications development, graphic design and website administration. Laura serves as the Communications Director for the Shelby County Republican Party and serves on the Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee. She is a graduate of the YourTown Alabama program that focuses on the role of design in community planning. Mrs. Joseph is married with a 9-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son.