By LAURA BROOKHART / Guest Columnist

A new service organization is poised to expand into Helena. Derived from the traditional southern belle in the South, it will be headed by Amy Bolt, a former Belle, now married to Jeff Bolt and mother of Maddie, 14, William, 11, and Joey, 9.

“I was a Vestavia Belle my junior and senior years of high school. The interview process, as I look back now, was good experience for what I would encounter in college,” Bolt said.

“Two of my best friends and I were accepted into this family of girls, rich with tradition, and we felt proud to be positive models of civic responsibility,” she said.

“I truly appreciated the mentoring of the older belles and the advice of the women that were responsible for us. The accountability to be a gracious, kind, southern woman was such a blessing,” Bolt said.

Helena Belles will be open to all young women of high school age, and members are expected to conduct themselves in a way that will bring honor to the program.

Participants are required to sign and abide by the covenant and code of conduct that prohibits use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or inhalants.

They must complete a minimum 15 hours of service and also maintain a B average — providing a copy of their grades along with their application.

Application forms are available at City Hall from Aug. 26 – Sept. 16 or may be requested by email at: amylbolt@gmail.com.

“We want to make this doable for any young girl who is interested. At the orientation meeting we will give advice as to acquiring antebellum attire,” said Bolt, adding that her gloves belonged to her Great Aunt Rachel.

Potential service events are city events such as Buck Creek Festival, christmas parade, mayor’s breakfast and political and charity events.

“The events I remember were always fun. The community enjoyed our presence and was appreciative we were there to represent our city. And of course, it was so much fun to get dressed up in the southern belle attire,” Bolt recalled.

“My hope is to pass this down to the next generation of young women in Helena and remind them what it is to be a gracious, serving member of society.”

Amy Bolt may also be contacted at 520-6640. Interviews for all applicants will be conducted on Sept. 27.

Laura Brookhart can be reached by email at labro16@yahoo.com.