The Official Publication of the City of Alabaster
January 2015
Alabaster ‘s
Albert L. Scott Library
Inside this issue... Kids New Year’s Resolutions pg 8 Bio-Diesel Program pg 12 NEW Garbage and Recycle Service pg 28
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From the Mayor’s Desk... Happy New Year!! As we close the door on another year, I greet 2015 with anticipation and excitement. There are many positives underway and even more possibilities ahead. We are so fortunate to have relationships which allow exploring the possibilities. A recent announcement added to the excitement of Christmas for our community—after a December Board of Education meeting, Warriors young and old welcomed new Head Football Coach Mark Freeman to our school system. On behalf of the city of Alabaster, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Mark and Vicki Freeman. I hope they come to love Alabaster as much as we do. As for one of our immediate positives, the city recently received bids Marty Handlon for our continued garbage and recycling services—a practice ensuring Mayor, City of Alabaster best price for services, as well as good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. A new contract was awarded to Advanced Disposal. Although we had been pleased with the services and relationship with Allied, the new contract with Advanced Disposal provides for weekly recycling without having to increase garbage rates. This contract will also result in an annual savings of approximately $35,000 for our schools’ garbage services. Wednesdays will be city-wide recycling day! Everyone in the city of Alabaster will have the same recycle day—no more trying to determine if you are a red or blue week customer. Just simply remember, the day we refer to as Hump day is also Recycle day. Advanced Disposal delivered canisters throughout December, but service officially begins January 2nd, 2015. If you have not received new canisters, please report it to the City, via phone at 664-6800, or use the “Report a Concern” link on our website. The recycle canister will have a bright “Pepsi” blue color lid, and your garbage canister will have a sticker indicating your garbage service day of the week. During the month of December, customers should have received a postcard from Advanced, indicating the day of service assigned to their area. In our continued efforts to be environmentally friendly, as well as help reduce related sewer pump issues, the Environmental Services Department has been distributing plastic jugs to residents to use for recycling grease. This is the first phase of developing our own bio-diesel program. From a small participation sample, we had over 50 gallons of grease turned in for recycle in one week! Obviously, our goal is to encourage citywide participation. If you are interested in participating, please contact us via the “Report a Concern” form on our website and a jug will be delivered to you. The continued development of this program will pay for itself in savings on sewer pump repairs and possibly in our use of its diesel fuel. Renovations to the Alabaster Police Department are scheduled to be complete by the end of January. These much needed improvements will not only assist APD employees in their daily operations, but will also provide for a more user friendly environment for citizens who need to visit the administrative offices of our police department. Police administrative offices and dispatch will be located upstairs. They will be open to the public seven days a week. I am happy these ladies and gentlemen will have a better work environment because the work they do is so important to the community. On December 8th, the city council held a public hearing on the proposed ordinance limiting parking in the yard. We had a huge turnout of citizens, representing both sides of the discussion. It was good to hear their input. However, there was one citizen who shared comments I believe to be so vital in maintaining the sense of community and the beloved “small town” feeling. I am thankful for his comments, and I remain a vocal advocate for the idea. He commented about how we have to get back to being neighbors, talking to and knowing our neighbors, and being aware of when they may be going through a special situation. Although we have a very diverse community, if we have relationships with our neighbors, we are also able to have mutual understanding and common goals for our neighborhoods. I’m hopeful the people of our community can find more opportunities to engage with their neighbors through personal interactions, not just through social media. A homeowners’ association is not the only way to preserve property values and keep neighborhoods vital. In this new year, I encourage each of us to explore ways to get back to being good neighbors, as well as good citizens. Wishing you all a plentiful new year!
Official Publication of the City of Alabaster Alabaster Connection is published monthly and it is delivered to citizens of the City of Alabaster Editorial Board The Public Relations Committee of the Alabaster City Council Committee Chair Councilwoman Sophie Martin Councilman Rick Walters Councilwoman Stacy Rakestraw Editor Luke Camara, me2graphics, LLC Contributors Shana Camara Heather Leavell Asha Ashley
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Call 447-2214 or email luke@me2graphics.com
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1953 Municipal Way Alabaster, AL 35007 ©2014 City of Alabaster
Non-Emergency City Numbers Police 24-Hours 663-7401 Alabaster Water Board 663-6155 Fire Department 664-6818 Cover Photo: Frances Smith, Alabaster’s Children’s Librarian, with Lily Minor.
cityofalabaster.com 3
CO u n c i l C o mm e n t s
Scott Brakefield, Ward 6 City Council President
Greetings! I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season and got to spend plenty of time with your loved ones. I also hope that everyone took advantage of the number of tremendous shopping opportunities we have right here in Alabaster. Shopping Alabaster first should always be our priority. I want to thank all of you that took time to weather the passing morning rain and joined us at the Alabaster Christmas Parade. It is a total team effort for our City Employees to pull off the Christmas Parade and they always deliver. Every department across the city plays a role in the Christmas Parade and it is truly a special event. Lastly I would like to welcome Coach Mark Freeman and his family to the Thompson family. Coach Freeman is a proven winner and I have no doubt that his leadership will turn our program around. As a Thompson graduate and former player, I am glad to see the investments that are being made in all of our academic and athletic programs by ACS. Go Warriors!
Sophie Martin, Ward 1
With the recent annexation of Saddle Lake Farms, and to help residents continue with this transition, I am going to attend the upcoming Homeowners’ Association meeting. Although I already know many of you, I’d like to take the opportunity to meet more Saddle Lake Farm residents and answer any questions about being a part of the City of Alabaster. This is also an excellent way to relay any issues that can and need to be addressed by the city. The City of Alabaster offers many quality services and amenities to residents – I encourage you to utilize them. Additionally, a lot of wonderful ideas and suggestions come directly from residents, and I urge everyone to get involved in finding ways to improve their neighborhood and our city. Thank you to all Alabaster employees who helped make the recent Alabaster Christmas Parade a success. The weather was perfect and the event was enjoyed by thousands of onlookers. Congratulations to all the float winners, and thank you to all who volunteered and took time out of their busy schedules to participate in one of the largest Christmas parades in Alabama. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Ward 1 or our City, please contact me at 358-8742 or martin@cityofalabaster. com. I hope you and your family have a happy, healthy, and blessed 2015! Blessings, Sophie 4 cityofalabaster.com
Bob Hicks, Ward 2
And boom, 2014 is gone in a flash. It has been an amazing year for Alabaster, and I am energized just thinking about the potential of another great one in ‘15. With the arrival of several new businesses over the last four months (Dick’s, Aldi, Panda Express, etc.), and plans in the works for several more already, it would appear that commercial development is starting to pick up speed once again. This is great news, since a large chunk of our city’s income is predicated on tax revenues. This is one more reason I asked in a previous newsletter that everyone continues to shop Alabaster first so we can optimize our income and offer maximum support to our school system. For, as we all know, it is always a great day to be a Warrior supporter. Looking forward, this next year presents itself as a blank canvas, waiting for us to paint the portrait of 2015. I resolve to make something positive happen for someone or something every day. If all of us do that, things will rock on nicely. When George Henry added the “Report a Concern” button on the city website, he provided a vehicle to allow all of us to notify city departments of situations that need remediation by one group or another. I have adopted a plan through which I use that portal to address needs that I encounter while moving around in Ward 2 and other parts of the city. The more eyes we have about the city, the faster issues can get forwarded to those with the resources to fix them. Let’s go for Alabaster: Fresh and Clean in 2015. Finally, we have just completed the Christmas season. Each year, everyone seems to experience an attitude adjustment around Christmas that reverts back to caring about your neighbor and focusing on the Love of the Season. My other resolution is to perpetuate that spirit throughout the upcoming year. During the council meeting in which the yard parking ordinance was debated, someone mentioned it is time to get back to caring about our neighbors and helping them resolve issues rather than seeking legal measures to force them to help themselves. I am down with that. “.. [T]he greatest commandment is this: Love one another.” Please join me in this effort to go back to being a good neighbor. May the peace of Christ surround you and yours in the upcoming year. Grace and peace, Bob
StacyRakestraw, Ward 3 I had the privilege to attend the Match Party for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby County, at Creekview Elementary in December, and learn more about being a volunteer. This is a very special program and I am thankful to have it in our city.
Recently, the council was able to see some of the plans for the new high school. The ACS School Board and Dr. Vickers have done an excellent job planning for the future with the design, layout and future goals in mind for our students. Welcome to Alabaster, Coach Mark Freeman and family! We are excited to see what our future holds in the 7A football program. Alabaster, are you all ready to see our wrestling team win their 5th State title? I believe a “Fantastic Five” is on its way! Bring your family to a tournament at THS! It really is an exciting and intense sport to watch. All council work sessions and meetings are open to the public. Also, don’t forget to use “REPORT-A-CONCERN” on our city website to report any problems or concerns you may have, email me directly or call city hall at 664-6800. Happy 2015 Alabaster!
Rick Walters, Ward 4
Happy New Year! It is shaping up to be another great year with the opening of the Aldi grocery store and the construction of a Walmart Neighborhood Market across the street from Publix. The Neighborhood Market will also have a fuel island and the development will be accessed through the existing traffic signal on HWY 119 and Fulton Springs Road. Construction of the new high school should also begin shortly. The ACSBOE has been a great partner with the city, sharing details and taking into consideration the thoughts and ideas of your elected officials. Details on this project and more can be found in their quarterly newsletter, scheduled to deliver in February 2015. January will also bring a change in our garbage/recycling service. Beginning in January, every Wednesday will be recycling only. No longer will you have to remember if it is your week, or hold onto recyclable materials if you had more than your bin would hold. We are also working out the details for the cooking oil recycle program. Some recycling containers have already been distributed and cooking oil collected. Once we finalize the program we will post the details on our webpage. Even the threat of rain could not put a damper on the Annual Christmas Parade. Turnout was great and the floats were better than ever. We appreciate all the volunteers who managed the 100+ entries along with our Park & Rec, Public Safety, and Public Works departments. Thanks again to Kirkland Wrecker Service for donating their time and equipment to pull your elected officials. And thanks to each of you for the opportunity to serve as your council member. Keep in Touch!
Russell Bedsole, Ward 5
Happy New Year, Alabaster! Advanced Disposal began service to you on January 2nd. You should have received a flyer notifying you of your collection day and a reminder that every Wednesday is recycling day. Everyone received a brand new can with a convenient sticker placed on it to remind you of your assigned collection day. If you have issues with your service, you may call City Hall or use the “Report a Concern” link on the city’s website. Mark Freeman has been introduced as the new football coach at Thompson High School. Please welcome Coach Freeman and his family as they settle into our city. There is obvious excitement about Coach Freeman and his proven success with young men on and off the field. I recently met with Dr. Vickers to discuss the construction of the new high school. I am very impressed with the planned facility. My concerns regarding the affect this facility will have on the surrounding neighborhoods were heard by Dr. Vickers. He is pledging a 150’ setback from their property line to create a generous buffer between many of our back yards and the school’s construction. He very much desires this school to be an integral part of the community, and he and I talked of ways to make this happen. I am looking forward to seeing the entire facility take shape. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me by email or phone.
Tommy Ryals, Ward 7
As you can read in this newsletter, as well as see on your street by now, the city has changed trash service providers. We have had Republic as our provider for several years but decided it was in the City’s best interest to re-bid the contract. As a result, Advanced Disposal was the successful bidder. As you can read in this publication, they will try to keep your pick up day the same as it is now but one change will be that Wednesdays will be recycling day for everybody. This will eliminate some confusion about, “Am I a blue week or a red week recycler and when do I put out the recycle container?” Now the answer for everybody is, “Every Wednesday.” One other item related to garbage service came up as the City transitioned to its own school system and everybody wanted to know if they were in or out of the city limits. To keep it simple, my typical response was “if you have a BLUE garbage can, you are IN the City limits”. I used that phrase a lot. Now that will change. If you have a Dark Gray garbage container marked “Advanced Disposal”, you are an Alabaster resident. I think the County also recently changed garbage services from Waste Management (bright green cans) to Waste Pro (dark green container). Whew! Totally blew my system. How about, when in doubt, give City Hall a shout… cityofalabaster.com 5
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Alabaster’s
Albert L. Scott Library Terri Minor reads to her daughter Lily at the Alabaster Library.
The library is home to thousands of books, magazines, and resources from a variety of genres and interests. Located next door to the fire station on 9th Street Northwest, the Albert L. Scott Library is staffed seven days a week with personnel waiting to fill your needs. “Who are we serving and what do they want?” proposed Nan Abbott, director of the Albert L. Scott Library for 23 years. “That’s our job. That’s what we’re here to do. I think that’s the most important question we ask ourselves. It’s not what we want to give them, it’s what they want.” Bringing in a variety of services and programs tailored to the needs of the community, the team of librarians comes in to work every day excited to face the new adventures it will bring. “Sometimes we forget the little things in life. One day this 12-year-old young man had come in and it was his first library card,” shared Abbott of her fond memory. “I have never seen anybody so happy. That makes it worthwhile.” Every day that passes, librarians are answering questions and finding ways to best assist patrons. Most commonly, they are asked to “scan this,” “help find that,” or “figure out my password.” But there are questions that they look forward to, the ones that make them think. “A long time ago, this little boy came in with a little thing that he found on the beach,” began Carol Smith, 6 cityofalabaster.com
the adult services coordinator. It was a strange, spiked seed pod he’d found. “Boy, I busted my buns to try to figure out what it was.” When she finally found where it had come from, she was very impressed with the journey it had made to end up in a small boy’s hand. The library tries to have something for everyone to enjoy and use. “We call it birth to the grave,” shared Abbott. “We are trying to serve every age group.” This month, the children’s programs Pete the Cat Book Club, American Girls Club, and Lego League will return. For the adult programing, Masterpiece Book Club, the Downton Abbey Series, a Cake and Cultures Series, and the Medicare Program will start the year off. Other programs and services offered include: books, audio books, DVDs – current, new movies, online resources, ebooks, computer classes, crochet classes, history courses, sign language courses, notary services, AARP Tax Help workshops, book signings, a plethora of entertainers and performers Toddler Tales, Family Story Time, and Outreach and Kids First Book Club. All library services are free, and each month the library receives over 100 new members – new people moving into the city or settled residents just finding what they want in the library. Whatever the reason, people continue to love the library. “We have regulars. We know their names, they know our names,” added Abbott. “Everyone that is taking care of them pays attention to what they like to read or listen to, and when they come in, we offer them more. If they don’t come in, we miss them.”
“All library services are free, and each month the library receives over 100 new members.”
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In this growing community, citizens still take the time to build close relationships with the people that serve them. “I think that we’re personable with our patrons,” shared Smith. “We’re on a one-on-one, first name basis with our regulars. We are like a neighborhood library,” she added. “I’m not sure that bigger libraries, or libraries with larger staff, have the opportunity to do that.” With the change in economy, and the way that we retrieve information, people have questioned whether or not the library would still be needed. “It stays steady. People have said that once we got electronic things and they could get all of this from home, the library is not going to be needed and we found that to not be true,” added Abbott. “A trend that we have seen, even with the electronic materials, is the hard print materials have gone up in circulation.”
The City of Alabaster is growing and so are the needs of the patrons. With a team that loves to serve others, the Albert L. Scott Library continues to search for the best programs to introduce to the community. “The only downside to this is that we need a bigger building so that people can have a quiet place to read and study,” Abbott continued. “We have a lot of tutors after school and a lot of people like to just sit in the quiet. I would hope that in the years to come we will see a larger facility built to accommodate the community.” Always looking for new ideas, the library wants to hear from you. Share your comments on the city website or at the library.
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Kids New Years Resolutions
The end of the holiday season marks the beginning of New Year’s plans – a plethora of traditions dating back four millennia. Some citizens prepare a special dinner while others enjoy firework shows or watching the release of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Square. Drafting promises and vows of New Year’s resolutions dates back 4,000 years with people vowing to pay back old debt, or even re-affirm previous commitments. Today, people commonly vow to lose weight and get fit, start a better diet, liquidate debt, or live more stress-free. By March, quite a few of those zealous oathmakers have completely abandoned their declarations. Countless resolutions go unsatisfied as a result of unrealistic expectations while others contend with the varying circumstances that prohibit results entirely. We asked a class of 4- and 5-year-olds what their resolutions would be for the New Year, and they may have finally gotten it right. Although some of them weren’t able to truly comprehend the question, they did a good job conveying their answers.
Some of the children and their artwork showing what they resolve to do in the New Year.
“I’m going to learn to write my name.” “I’m going to be good for my family.” “I’m going to be a good friend.” “I’m going to be good for my teacher.” “I’m going to be a princess.” “I’m going to be a bird.” “I’m going to the moon.” This year is the perfect year to make attainable and achievable resolutions! What is your New Year’s Resolution?
Local Author, Michelle Roberts
After hearing a radio broadcast about a new book that was tailored for men about marriage, Michelle Roberts accepted the challenge to craft a book focusing on women in relationships. Roberts pulled her car to the side of the road and quickly drafted her ideas – cover, book title, chapter titles. “Is He Still My Prince? really tells the story of how in today’s life, in the media, and in movies we’ve been given this picture of the ‘perfect 10’, but that’s not really who that person is on the inside,” Roberts conveyed. “That’s kind of what this book talks about.”
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Here are their resolutions: “I’m going to help my family.” “I’m going to learn my letters and sounds.” “I’m going to learn how to write all of the letters in the alphabet.” “I’m going to be happy.” “I’m going to learn how to swim.” “I’m going to listen to my mommy.” 8 cityofalabaster.com
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said smiling and tilting her head endearingly. “And have that relationship with him. He’s our father and he loves us so much. We are princesses of the Most High God, and we need to be treated like it.” She will have a book tour in Ohio at the end of January, a book signing at Sanctuary Bookstore in February, and will speak at a women’s conference in Talladega in March. Is He Still My Prince? will be released on January 20th. For your copy of the book, visit: www.tatepublishing.com/ bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-63449-092-4
Author and Alabaster Resident Michelle Roberts shows off her new book.
Is He Still My Prince? is a story that offers in-depth observations on relationships and is fashioned to make the reader laugh, cry, and self-evaluate. “Communication is one of the biggest things in relationships,” Roberts expounded. “All of us are in a relationship in one form or another – husband, wife, sister, brother.” Roberts takes a “cutesy” approach to impart another outlook on communication and marriage. Pooling her resources from scriptural references, interviews with other married women, and personal experience within her own 31 years of marriage, she creates a work that is enlightening and inspiring.
“Communication is one of the biggest things in relationships.” -Michelle Roberts
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“The Lord gave me this because a lot of what’s in here dealing with relationships, it’s the RIGHT way to deal with relationships,” she expressed with a smile. “Whereas what I went through was totally wrong. This comes from a biblical perspective.” Roberts hopes to empower women to change the way that they look at themselves. After many personal, lifechanging experiences, she can now help others to locate their “inner princess” and assist in the process to rebuild self-esteem. “Just think: every morning when you wake up, God tells you, ‘Good morning princess. I love you so much,’” she
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Warrior Wrestling
The road to a fifth state championship is never easy, especially for Thompson High School’s Wrestlers. Under the leadership of Head Coach Shawn Weltzin and the assistant coaches – Chris Pike, James Barnes, and Brad Jacks – the warriors embark upon another tough, demanding, and fun season for students and parents alike. “The plan is another state championship and to get a higher ranking in the Southeast and hopefully break into the top 50,” said determined Head Coach Shawn Weltzin about the Warrior Wrestlers. “Currently, we’re ranked 12th in the Southeast, and to break into the top 50, we’ve got a lot of work to do.” To be listed among the top 50 high school wrestling teams in the nation is not easily done. Generally speaking, it will take a few decades of championships and high placement in national competitions for consideration. “We’re going to stick to what we’ve done in the past and seek out the tough competition,” Coach Weltzin said as he shared the plans for the travel schedule. “We will see where we rank there and when we come back to Alabama, beat everybody up,” he said laughingly. The wrestling team just started their traveling schedule. Wrestling at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Kansas City, Missouri, and Louisiana, these championship seekers will meet grueling competition before coming home to face the local teams. “The next couple of weeks are going into the hard part of the schedule,” Weltzin mentioned. “After we come back from there, we’ll have another tough week where we’ll go to the number 6 team in the country, at their place, for a tournament.” Not every wrestling team trains the way that the Warriors do. Within a few weeks, the team travels state to state, seeking the arduous competition to refine its skills and grappling techniques. “The ones that have been with us know that it’s a grueling process, and once they come out of the tough stretch, they know that they’re going to be much better for the in-state competition,” Coach Weltzin said. “The newer kids got a little freaked out on the first road trip, but after that, they got a little numb to it.” THS Warrior Wrestlers include 9th through 12th graders, but currently there are two 8th grade wrestling with the big boys – a 106 pounder and a 113 pounder. The 113 pounder placed 2nd in a recent Georgia tournament. He lost to a nationally ranked senior only by four points. That was his
10 cityofalabaster.com
Last’s years team showing off their fourth consecutive state title. The THS Warrior Wrestlers are trying for a 5th consecutive state title.
only loss during the tournament. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we do against these out of state teams, especially Missouri because there are a lot of tough kids there,” he concluded with a smile. “I know how I think we should perform, but I want to see if we hold up to those standards.”
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Evangel Basketball Team First, Me Second
After completing a basketball season with a winning record and a championship in the Alabama Christian Schools Conference (ACSC), certain standards are set to be achieved the next year. For Evangel, the team goals are the same: Team First, Me Second. “We don’t talk ‘repeat.’ This is a new year, a new team, new everything,” shared varsity boys’ head coach, Rusty Palmer. “It’s not any championship to defend. We don’t get a head start because we won last year. Everybody starts 0-0.” At the beginning of the season, Coach Palmer stressed a focus on working together to reach any goal, rather than personal gain. In order to emphasize their efforts, and to keep this thought at the forefront of the young athletes’ minds, he had their warm-up shirts inscribed with the Greek word sunergeó, simply meaning to work together. “It’s about the team first, me second. That may sound simple, but to a 17/18-year-old, that can be a difficult thing,” he elaborated. “The guy coming in, thinking he’s going to score a lot of points, may score six, but we win the game. If that guy sulks, that can have a devastating effect on the team.” Each season is like starting from scratch – several players return, but just as many that have not played before, join. Quickly learning strengths, abilities, personalities, and new coaching styles that work for a new group of athletes, adds to the intensity of coaching a championship team. “We have a big target on us, and you can tell that every single
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Evangel Basketball showing off their championship trophy.
conference team that we play wants a piece of us,” he added. “Two years ago, we struggled. Last year, I don’t think teams really took us seriously. But this year, you can tell they are really coming after us.” Coach Palmer shared how Hope Christian threatened to give them their first loss of the season. Everything was going Hope Christian’s way; meanwhile, a broken nose, a sprained ankle, and foul trouble was the hand Evangel was dealt. It wasn’t until late in the game that they were able to get a lead and win. “This is a great position for us to be in,” Coach Palmer shared humbly. “It’s more challenging because we have to bring it every single night.” Coach is proud to see how the players are learning to get on the court and play hard whether or not they are really “fired-up.” Playing basketball games three and four nights a week against teams that really want to “dethrone” them can be emotionally and physically taxing. “It’s a sign of a maturing team to go out and take care of business against teams whose records may not be indicative of how good they are,” he concluded. “They are playing us with a ferocity that wants to take down the defending champs. We’re getting their best shots.” Coach Palmer pushes the athletes to work together as a unit. Each game begins the same, 0-0. And how it ends depend on the team as a whole.
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Bio-Diesel Program
People are looking for cleaner, more eco-friendly ways to discard or recycle waste. The City of Alabaster is taking the initiative and creating a greener environment for its residents by introducing a program to recycle used cooking oils. “The City of Alabaster’s Bio-Diesel Program consists of reclaiming used cooking oil from residents within our municipalities,” shared Glen McCord. “We’re taking the cooking oil, refining it, and turning it into bio-diesel fuel – between an 80/20 blend or as high as a 90/10 blend.” The City of Alabaster’s Environmental Services employees are distributing eco-friendly jugs to all residents across the city in order to collect used cooking oil.
“When people empty used cooking oil down their drain, it’s easy to forget that it has to be processed somewhere.”
Glen McCord, director of Environmental Services, shows off one of the free containers for used cooking oil.
resulting in breakages that cost money to fix. Ultimately, it affects each individual resident’s pocketbook, and the more that we can recycle collectively as a city, a municipality, and even as residents, the better we are.” Before the oil is poured into these jugs, please allow time for the oil to be cooled to avoid melting the jug. Pick-up and drop-off stations are still in development. Call Environmental Services (205)664-6825, email Glen McCord gmccord@cityofalabaster.com, or go to the City of Alabaster’s online reporting form to request a jug.
Happy New Year Alabaster! “One of our councilman, Rick Walters, approached the council about it, and we researched to learn what we needed to do,” he continued. “Up to this point, we have gotten the jugs and distributed some. We are not refining it just yet, but the process has been started.” The next step in the process is to purchase the equipment. Once the used oil is received, it will be processed and turned into bio-diesel fuel. “Most of our equipment is run off of diesel,” he continued. “We will introduce it and use it in our equipment here and of course [it will] give us a lot of savings.” When people empty used cooking oil down their drain, it’s easy to forget that it has to be processed somewhere. Designed to eliminate the pouring of used cooking oil down the drain, this program will be beneficial to the citizens in more ways than one. “Alabaster is a green community, and we try to be very sympathetic to the environment. So the more we can recycle, the less we have adverse effects on the environment,” he shared about the benefits of this program. “Lines get clogged, 12 cityofalabaster.com
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Learn to Swim
“One out of four deaths in children under the age of 14 is the result of drowning,” said Rhonda Elmore, the Director at the YMCA in Alabaster. “One drowning is too many. If we can prevent one, we’re doing what we’ve set out to do.” The Alabaster YMCA partnered with the Alabaster City Schools to teach water safety to second graders. The program is a combination of 30 minutes in the water and approximately 15 minutes of classroom instruction – pool safety, boating safety, beach safety, and other forms of aquatic safety. “Prevention is the key. If they see a body of water, we teach them to not go in it unless there is a lifeguard or an adult present. We’re not here to swim alone,” continued Rhonda regarding the water educational need. “We teach them what to do in emergency situations, the importance of wearing life jackets when you’re on a boat – things of that nature.” Rhonda is a part of Leadership Shelby, and last year this was the project they focused on. Raising the money to offset the costs, second graders were able to attend this free program this fall and for the upcoming spring. “They really enjoy it. It put a lot of smiles on
“We teach them what to do in emergency situations, the importance of wearing life jackets when you’re on a boat - things of that nature.” -Rhonda Elmore Alabaster YMCA Director
their faces. Who gets to go swimming in the middle of a school day in the middle of the fall?” she said laughingly. “Most kids can’t learn how to swim in one lesson, but this teaches them some life-saving skills that could come in handy if they were ever put in a dangerous situation.” The most challenging part of the process was coordinating with the schools concerning the 14 cityofalabaster.com
Students listen to instructions before heading into the pool .
appropriate time to transport the students, instruct them, and have them back in class without interrupting learning. “They’re on a tight schedule at school and we have all the time in the world here at the Y,” she added, conscious of the disruption in education that it may have caused. “We worked directly with the principals, so this is during their P.E. time so they’re not losing those core components – math, reading, etc.” Once the students complete the one week course, they receive a certificate and a skill assessment from the instructors, as well as a program credit – money off their next swim lesson. “It’s been very well received – from the school board, the schools, the teachers, and the parents,” she added. “There’s a family component. They get a worksheet each afternoon to take to their parents so that they can talk to them about it, and if they do their homework, we send them back with a piece of candy or something as an incentive.” She has gotten to meet a diverse group of second graders – including second graders with special needs – and Rhonda mentioned how she was unsure of who the program was more rewarding for, the staff or the students. With the support of the Alabaster Board of Education and the Alabaster community, the Alabaster YMCA team looks forward to teaching more young students safety around water.
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Calendar
Community
JANUARY 6 Water Board 7 p.m. 7 Court Trials 9 a.m. 12 Alabaster City School Board 5:30 p.m. 12 Council 7 p.m. 13 Housing and Abatement 5 p.m. 14 Court Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. 26 Board of Zoning Adjustments 6:30 p.m. 26 Council 7 p.m. 27 Planning and Zoning 7 p.m. 28 Court Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. All City Offices Closed January 19th All meetings are held at 1953 Municipal Way in the Council Chamber View full calendar, agendas and resolutions at www.cityofalabaster.com
library
The Albert L. Scott Library is located at 100 9th Street N.W., Alabaster. Hours of operation are: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - 9 a.m.-7:50 p.m. Wednesday - 10 a.m.-5:50 p.m. Friday - 9 a.m.-5:50 p.m. Saturday - 10 a.m.-4:50 p.m. Sunday - 1-4:50 p.m. If you would like more information concerning programs, please contact the Library at 664-6822. CLosed January 1 and January 19 Friends of the Library Meeting January 12, 6:00 p.m. Library Board Meeting January 27, 6:00 p.m. Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library Would you like to be a part of the excitement of book sales? Would you mend books to extend their shelf life? Would you enjoy helping to keep the Book Room and Book Nook ready for shoppers? Would you make a few phone calls? All of these involve just a little time and they are so important to the mission of the Friends. The Quarterly meeting is January 12, 6:00 PM at the Library. This is the meeting to discuss next year’s slate of officers and volunteers. Please come and meet us and learn how you can be a part of enhancing our library’s contribution to the community. Be a Friend. Ask at the desk or www.cityofalabaster.com 16 cityofalabaster.com
Job Search Workshops Join us as local expert Fabray Turner leads the following workshops: Job Searching Today – January 5, 6:30 p.m. Resume Writing Today – January 26, 6:30 p.m. Programs takes place in the meeting room. Masterpiece Book Club January 9, 2:00 p.m. Join us as we explore Emma by Jane Austen. The story of Emma Woodhouse’s matchmaking, and her awakening to the true feelings of others as well as herself, is told with consummate wit and humor. Emma is considered by many to be Austen’s finest and most representative novel. Program takes place in the meeting room. ABC & D’s of Medicare January 12, 1:00 p.m. Karen Haiflich of the Medicare Information Source will help you navigate through the process of Medicare. Learn about filing, benefits, and any other questions you might have. Program takes place in the meeting room. Library Book Group January 15, 7:00 p.m. Join us in our discussion of The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson. Appointed the guardian of a pair of ailing sibling elephants who have been recently brought to eighteenth-century England from India, sensitive twelve-year-old Tom nurses the duo back to health and cares for them for several years before the elephants are separated and Tom goes to work at the idyllic estate of Lord Bidborough. Program takes place in the meeting room. Mobile Device Workshop January 29, 6:00 p.m. Computers, tablets, and smartphones - your questions answered! Join us as Bob Fitzgerald of Personal Computer Consulting in Alabaster offers a FREE workshop where experienced techs will answer your questions about your mobile electronic devices. Troubleshooting, how-to, and consulting provided. Program takes place in the meeting room. COMING IN FEBRUARY Free AARP Tax Help for Seniors February through early April. Available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the meeting room. Sign up begins in January – call or come by the Albert L. Scott Library. 664-6822. Adult Computer Classes Will resume in February.
youth Events Outreach Story Time Wednesdays 10:15 a.m.
At area day care centers. Miss Jennie’s Story Time Themes Snow MLK birthday/All Time Favorites Pirates Arrrrrr Mother Goose on the Loose Tunes & Tales Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. Tunes & Tales Musical stories is fun for all ages. Children six years old and younger must be with an adult. Meeting Room Toddler Tales Fridays 10:30 a.m. Toddler Tales for toddlers and caregivers. Children must be with an adult. Meeting Room LEgo League Tuesday January 13, 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Kids of all ages can start the New Year by playing with Legos of all sizes. Those 6 years old and younger must be with an adult. Meets in the meeting room. Pete the Cat Book Club Thursday January 22, 4:00 p.m. Boys and girls 5 years old and older can join in the fun of cool cats, reading, and more during our meeting. Please sign up. Meets in the meeting room. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult. American Girls Club Friday January 23, 4:00 p.m. Girls 7 years old and older can sign up for the fun of making friends, reading, history, and dolls. Come with or without a doll. Meets in the meeting room. All programs are in the Meeting Room behind the youth department. Children 6 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Parks and Rec
The Parks and Recreation Office is located inside the Depot at 100 Depot Street, Alabaster. Office hours are Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. If you would like more information, call 205-6646840 or visit www.alabasterparks.org. CLOSED The Parks and Recreation Office, and Veterans Skate Park will be closed on the following dates: January 1 and January 19
YOUTH BASKETBALL Youth Basketball games took a break for the holidays; however, they will get back in full swing the first week of January. REGISTRATION Spring BASEBALL (ages 4-14) GIRLS’ SOFTBALL (ages 5-14) On-Line Registration: 8:00 a.m. on January 5 thru 11:00 p.m. on January 16. Go to: www.alabasterparks.org. Walkin Registration: January 5 thru January 16 – weekdays only from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Depot (Parks & Recreation Office). NO Saturday Registration as On-Line Registration is available 24 hours a day. Baseball Cost: Coach Pitch thru Metro = $165.00; T-Ball (age 5) = $105.00; 4-year-old T-Ball = $90.00. Girls’ Softball Cost: $165.00. Non-residents: Additional 10% per child. Multi-child discount: 10% after oldest child pays full price. New participants are required to submit a copy of their birth certificate. COACHES NEEDED Volunteer coaches are needed for Baseball, Girls’ Softball, and Soccer. If you are interested in coaching, please contact Morgan or Nik at Alabaster Parks & Recreation ASAP. Spring SOCCER REGISTRATION Soccer registration will begin on January 5 and run thru January 16. You can register on-line at www.alabasterparks. org from 8 AM, January 5 thru 11 PM, January 16. You can register in person from 8 AM until 5 PM Monday thru Friday at the Depot (Parks & Recreation Office). NO Saturday registration as On-line registration is available 24 hours a day. New players should bring a copy of their birth certificate with them. Leagues begin at age 4. Registration Fee: $90 for U6/U8. $110 for U9 & older. Non-residents: additional 10% per child. Multi-child discount: 10% per child after oldest child pays full price. Ages: Leagues are available for boys and girls ages 4 thru 13. NEW On-Line Pavilion Rentals – now available. Visit www.alabasterparks.org. Several of our City Parks offer pavilions for events such as picnics, family reunions and birthday parties. The best way to assure your event happens at the location of your choice is to reserve it early. Please do not send out invitations listing one of our parks as the event location before you have secured a pavilion through Parks and Recreation. The pavilion you plan on using may not be available. Pavilions are available for use by permit only. There is a $40 rental fee (no checks accepted) which must be paid before your reservation is complete. Note: Inflatables, charcoal grills, and piñatas are not allowed in any of the City parks. Please see our web site for a complete list of rules. All open picnic tables (those not under a covering) are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
Calendar
Senior Center
The Alabaster Senior Center is located at 1097 7th Street S.W., Alabaster. If you would like more information concerning senior programs, please contact Alabaster Senior Center at 663-1307 or awalters@ cityofalabaster.com. CLosed January 1 and January 19 Drumming Program January 6, 10:00 a.m. No experience necessary; but, the benefits are endless. The benefits of drumming: improve your mood, increase circulation, and improve focus, low impact exercise and creativity. No charge for this program. Lunch and Shopping in Hoover Wednesday, January 21 We will visit the new Bargain Hunt store and Hobby Lobby in Hoover. We will eat lunch at Dales in Hoover. Space is limited and $1 to reserve your spot. Bring $12-$15 for lunch. “Know This Artist” Workshop Friday, January 23,12:30-3:00 p.m. How well do you think you know famous painters? In this class you will learn about an artist, including history, techniques and fun facts. You will recreate a well-known painting from the artist using many techniques. The artist you will learn more about will be Claude Monet; he is more than just water lilies. Cost is $12, and it includes all supplies. Upcoming Book Club Monday, January 26, 10:00 a.m. We will meet every 4th Monday to discuss the book and introduce a new book. Sign up at the Senior Center. “Clean Living in a Dirty World” Class Begins February 2, 9:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. 6 -week class meets every Monday beginning in February. (Kombucha, Keifer, Sprouting/BPA, Glysophate, GMO). In today’s world there are so many new terms, how do you know what is good for you and what is harming you? In this six week class, you will be exploring the world of clean living and how to take baby steps to making positive, practical changes in your life. This class will be hands on and classroom style. Cost is $30/person for 6 weeks. ($5/ class) Space is limited. Sign-ups begin January 2.
18 cityofalabaster.com
AARP Smart Driver Class February 6, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. This is a 6 hour classroom refresher that can help the effects of aging on your driving and how you can adjust your driving. Cost is $15.00/AARP member and $20.00/AARP nonmember. Bring your own lunch. Make checks payable to AARP. Sign up at the Senior Center. Head to Toe Fitness Class Mondays, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Build muscular strength, increase your cardiovascular endurance and improve your balance, flexibility and range of motion as you have fun and move to the music! Do all this seated or standing……it’s your choice! This class will incorporate the use of hand weights, resistance tubing, balls, etc. into an enjoyable exercise class that will help you manage your activities of everyday living with ease. So join us as we strengthen our body, mind and spirit, and support each other in the pursuit to make everyday a healthier day! $2/class. NEW Strengthen, Stretch and Restore Mondays, 2:15 - 2:45 p.m. (30 minute mat based exercise class). All participants will begin class seated on a mat on the floor. A variety of exercises will be performed on the mat with no need to get up and down during class. We will remain on the mat until the end of class. This class is designed to strengthen the body by incorporating lengthening exercises that use body weight, as well as fitness tools. Focus will be on stabilizing the body’s core which is where all movement and balance begins. We will also increase flexibility and range of motion while gently stretching all of the major muscle groups. We will also focus on correct breathing techniques, body awareness and relaxation feeling refreshed and restored by the end of class. $1/class. NEW Tai Chi for Health Tuesdays, , 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. January 6 - February 10 The Tai Chi for Health is a fun, low-impact recreational exercise program designed to improve functional ability, self-confidence, self-care, mobility, muscle strength, and coordination. The program will be led by Butho Ncube, MPH, MBA, and a Tai Chi certified instructor and Health and Community Services Coordinator at the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A). Each Tai Chi session includes warm-up and cool-down exercises, six basic core movements, and six advanced movements, breathing, and relaxation techniques. Additionally, movements are performed at a higher stance to make it easier for older
participants and those with arthritis. Classes are free to the public and will be on Tuesdays, starting on January 6, 2015, at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., continuing through February 10, 2015. Beginner Zumba Gold Wednesdays, 2:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m. January 7- February 25 New to Zumba Gold? This 8-week class is the perfect place to get started. Low intensity, low-impact dance/fitness class with an opportunity to break-down and learn basic Latin and World rhythms. Same party flavor and fun. Cost is $2/ class.
Ageless Adventures in Movement Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ageless Adventures in Movement we use movement as a language to explore or express an idea. Let’s explore some issues of aging as we learn the basics of creative movement. We’ll learn to use the Elements of Dance to tell our stories and explore the concept of the relationship between dance and the well-being of mind, body and spirit. No prior dance experience is necessary. We’ll build our dance vocabulary as we go! This is an ongoing class $2/class. You won’t want to miss all the other Activities at the Senior Center... Timeless Treasures (singing),–Mondays, 10 a.m.
Arthritis Exercise Program Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. This class helps improve pain and stiffness, maintain range of motion, balance, coordination, and also increases endurance and improves overall health. Space is limited. $2/class. Intermediate Zumba Gold Wednesday, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Relatively high intensity, low-impact fitness class featuring Latin and World rhythms, and the same party flavor as regular Zumba. A great cardio workout that is fun! Cost is $2/class.
Head to Toe Fitness, Mondays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Mat Stretch Class, Mondays, 2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Rook, Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. Arthritis Foundation Exercise, Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. Zumba Gold I (exercise) Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. Beginner/Inter Line dancing, Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. Beginner Line Dancing, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Bridge, Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. Ageless Adventures in Movement, Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tempo exercise, Fridays, 10:00 a.m.
Just a reminder: You can report any problems or concerns by calling 664-6800 or by using the online “report a concern form” at www.cityofalabaster.com .
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Around Town
City Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged)
(Unabridged version of minutes and resolutions/ordinances can be found on city webpage at www.cityofalabaster.com)
November 10th, 7:00 p.m.
Council President Brakefield presiding. The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm. Mayor Comments Mayor Handlon presented proclamations for National Dyslexia Awareness Month, Pro Bono Month and Red Ribbon Week. Agenda Items *Public Hearing on these items 1. Resolution 111014 Dispatch Console Police Dept Renovations Council Member Bedsole made a motion to approve Resolution 111014 allowing to purchase items from state bid at a cost of $44,415.49. Council Member Hicks seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Set Public Hearing Ordinance 14-012 – Parking in Yard Council Member Walters introduced and made a motion to set this Ordinance for public hearing during the December 8th, 2014 meeting. Council Member Hicks seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously Said meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
November 24th, 7:02 p.m. Absent: Tommy Ryals
Mayor Comments Proclamation Kingwood Christian JV Volleyball Team. Proclamation Kingwood Christian Varsity Volleyball Team. Recognition of Miko, Alabaster K9 unit and ACSBOE partnership. Agenda Items 1. Resolution 112414* AHAB – Parcel 23-1-01-2002-008.001 Council Member Martin introduced Resolution 112414 affirming the decision of the Alabaster Housing & Abatement Board to demolish a 20 cityofalabaster.com
structure. Council President Brakefield opened the public hearing to those wishing to speak for or against said Resolution. No one spoke for or against. Public Hearing closed. Council Member Martin made a motion to approve Resolution 112414. Council Member Rakestraw seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Ordinance 112414A-11*Annex Lots 201, 202, 203, 204, 206, 207 SLF Council Member Martin introduced Ordinance 112414A11. Council President Brakefield opened the public hearing to those wishing to speak for or against said Ordinance. With no one speaking for or against the public hearing closed. Council Member Martin made a motion to allow for immediate consideration of this Ordinance. Council Member Walters seconded. A roll call vote was held and all members voted in the affirmative to allow for immediate consideration. Council Member Martin made a motion to approve the requested annexation proposed within Ordinance 112414A-11. Council Member Hicks seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously 3. Ordinance 112414A-12*Annex Lot 205 (171 Shetland Trail) SLF Council Member Martin introduced Ordinance 112414A12. Council President Brakefield opened the public hearing to those wishing to speak for or against said Ordinance. With no one speaking for or against the public hearing closed. Council Member Martin made a motion to allow for immediate consideration of this Ordinance. Council Member Rakestraw seconded. A roll call vote was held and all members voted in the affirmative to allow for immediate consideration. Council Member Martin made a motion to approve the requested annexation proposed within Ordinance 112414A-12. Council Member Bedsole seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously 4. Resolution 112414-AGarbage Bid Consideration Council Member Rakestraw made a motion to approve Resolution 112414-A awarding the City garbage franchise to Advanced Disposal Services Solid Waste Southeast, Inc. This service will begin 01/01/15 and allow for weekly recycling and service to the Alabaster City Schools. Council Member Walters seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously 5. Resolution 112414-BUniform Bid Consideration Council Member Hicks made a motion to approve Resolution 112414-B which rejects all bids received for the City sports uniform needs. Council Member Martin seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously
6. Ordinance 14-013* Establishing Employee Benefits Council Member Bedsole shared Ordinance 14-013. Council President Brakefield opened the public hearing allowing those present to speak for or against said Ordinance. Public hearing closed with no one speaking for or against. Council Member Bedsole made a motion to approve Ordinance 14013. Council Member Walters seconded. Council Member Bedsole shared how the Ordinance requires a super majority to amend. No further comments a voice vote was taken. Motion Passed Unanimously 7. Resolution 112414-C Acceptance of Employee Manual Council Member Bedsole made a motion to accept Resolution 112414-C. Council Member Martin seconded. Council President Brakefield commented how he appreciated the Mayor and her committee for the work done to get this project completed. There being no further comments a voice vote was held. Motion Passed Unanimously 8. Resolution 112414-D Street Lights – Silver Creek Council Member Walters made a motion to approve Resolution 112414-D agreeing to the installation and maintenance of three street lights within the Silver Creek subdivision. The HOA is responsible for the costs associated with installing the decorative hardware with the City being responsible for approximately $500 per light and recurring monthly power bill. Council Member Rakestraw seconded. No further comments. A roll call vote was held. Motion Passed Unanimously 9. Resolution 112414-E Street Lights – Sterling Gate Council Member Rakestraw made a motion to approve Resolution 112414-E agreeing to the installation and maintenance of one street light within the Sterling Gate subdivision. The HOA is responsible for the costs associated with installing the decorative hardware with the City being responsible for approximately $500 for one light and a recurring monthly power bill. Council Member Hicks seconded. No further comments. A roll call vote was then held. Motion Passed Unanimously 10. Resolution 112414-F Council Meeting Dates December 2014 Council Member Martin made a motion to approve Resolution 112414-F. Council Member Bedsole seconded. No further comments. A voice vote was then held. Motion Passed Unanimously Said meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
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Around Town
Citizen Spotlight Rayford Coleman
Although the City of Alabaster is forever changing, the one constant our residents seem to agree on is the personal, connected atmosphere. Rayford Coleman met his wife Cassandra while at the University of Alabama. During their marriage of 29 years, and counting, they’ve had daughter Courtney –who works at the Coca Cola Company, and son Ryan – a senior at UA. Although he has been retired from Alabama Power Company for three years, Coleman has a heart to serve. He serves on the Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments, Chairman of the Board of Good Will Industries of North-Central Alabama, and Trustee Chairman at Liberty Baptist Church in Alabaster. “I just meet people where they are,” said the personable leader. “I don’t meet any strangers, and I believe that God put us here to be helpers for each other.” Originally from Mobile, Coleman brought his family to the quiet city of Alabaster after he and his wife accepted positions with the Alabama Power Company during the time that Dairy Queen was located in front of the hospital. In 1993, they accepted jobs in Mobile, but found that they could not stay away for long. “When we moved back the second time, in 1999, we lived in Weatherly. And the wonderful thing about that neighborhood is that there were a lot of kids, which we loved. We now have two - Courtney and Ryan,” continued Coleman. “One of the neighbors was just walking down the street when we were looking at the house and she said, ‘The best thing about this neighborhood is the people. And that resonated with us.” Without knowing who Rayford and Cassandra were, the neighbor welcomed them to the neighborhood, and they had not even purchased the home. Coleman talked about the family atmosphere that resides in the city of Alabaster – neighborhood comradery. “We had block parties where we had crawfish broils, shrimp broils, and we even cut trees with each other!” he said. “That was the manly thing. The men would get out and say, ‘You, you, and you have trees that need to be cut.’ And we’d break out our chainsaws and cut down trees.” The Coleman family has had the opportunity to live in a number of places, but Alabaster “just feels like home.” A big town filled with desirable amenities that still feels small and connected is a rare occurrence. “We have seen it grow from 12,000 people or so when we first moved here to well over 30,000,” Coleman continued. “And I think it’s been well planned. I think the city leaders have done a great job.” He expects the city to continue to grow and blossom as more businesses and citizens make Alabaster their
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Rayford Coleman is proud to make Alabaster a better place to live.
home. Even with the new school system being built, the influx of people is not expected to take away from the home town feel. “I hope that we won’t lose the community atmosphere as we grow. There are some things that come with being large, but I think even becoming a larger city with more people, it’s sort of like in church,” concluded Coleman. “Sometimes people attend big churches and they think oh its’ so big. Even within a big church there are small groups that still function as a family, and I think that we will still have that.”
Team Warriors Soccer Team
Team Warriors F.C. - Alabaster Youth-14 recreational soccer recently competed in the Vestavia Hills Recreational Soccer Show Down. In a soccer competition with more 60 teams in varying age brackets from the southeast, the undefeated team faced the other Alabaster team, The Alabaster Blackhawks, for the championship. Under the tutelage of Coach Jim Lowden and Coach Michele Lockridge, the team, made up of 12, 13 and 14 year olds, confronted fierce competition that challenged both stamina and will. “It was tough after playing two games in one day to have to turn around and do it all over again, because it’s the championship,” Coach Lowden shared. “Although they were tired, they had to really just dig deep.” The weather was unfavorable and the young athletes were exhausted, but the opportunity to win the title “champion” was only a game away. They overcame Our Lady of the Valley and the Hueytown Jaguars by varying margins the day before, but the “neighborhood team,” the Alabaster Blackhawks, broke their undefeated streak by 2-0. “Although our team was tired, we held a really strong team. A big reason for that is we’ve got a really strong defense - Armondo ‘The Rock’ Jimenez,” said Coach Lowden proudly. “He is just really one of my best defensive players, and he really knows where to be. He has a great eye for the ball.” Some instrumental athletes during the competition were brothers Jesus and Lupe Villanueva, Thomas Cousins, and Felix Sarabia. The members of Team Warriors F.C. were pushed physically, mentally, and emotionally into better athletes and better teammates.
Team Warriors F.C. end the year as champions.
“It’s amazing to watch many of these kids on my team grow up and mature and really learn/understand the game,” shared Coach Lowden. “I’ve really enjoyed watching this team grow.” Coach Lowden and Coach Lockridge look forward to the things that the new season will bring – competition, challenges, and growth. “We will definitely consider returning to this [competition] next year,” concluded a determined Coach Lowden. “Currently, we are preparing to return to the Hoover Havoc Tournament, a competition held March 20-22, 2015.” Young athletes looking to join Team Warriors F.C. can sign up the 2nd week of January on the City of Alabaster website.
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Around Town
K-9 Unit Partners with Alabaster Schools
When parents enroll a child into any learning facility, security is one of the most important factors, aside from the educational program. Alabaster City Schools, the City of Alabaster, and the Alabaster Police Department are working together to safeguard the protection of our students. “As part of our school safety plan, we have always utilized canine officers to ensure that nothing potentially dangerous or hazardous to our students is on our campuses,” began Dorann Tanner, the Student Services Coor-
The Alabaster City Schools has partnered with the Alabaster City Hall and APD to help make our schools and community a safer place. By supporting and implementing a new Police K-9 Unit, the APD intends to actively combat illegal drug use in the schools and throughout the city. Thank you ACS for joining with the APD to the betterment of the community!
dinator for Alabaster City Schools. “Councilman Russell Bedsole and I were talking and he said, ‘I’d love for the Alabaster Police Department to have a canine program.’” The APD has had a K-9 Unit in the past, but over the years, the program was shut down. With the new school system, safety is back in the forefront of the minds of our citizens, and after a little digging, the Alabaster Board of Education partnered with the APD to get a new K-9 Unit. “I asked what other schools systems were doing and what we can do to get the resources that we needed,” continued Tanner. “We want to keep our kids safe, and we don’t want anything in our schools that’s not supposed to be there.” The board contributed the $10,000 needed for the program. “By supporting and implementing a new Police K-9 Unit, we intend to actively combat illegal drug use in our schools and throughout our city,” stated the APD via Facebook. “Thank you ACS for joining our commitment to the betterment of our community!” 24 cityofalabaster.com
“The APD reached out to the citizens of Alabaster back in September via a Facebook competition to name the new police dog. ” The APD reached out to the citizens of Alabaster back in September via a Facebook competition to name the new police dog. When the votes were in, the new police dog was named Micco (pronounced Me-co). “Micco adds an extra layer of security and a deterrent,” added Tanner. “Maybe people won’t bring things in that they shouldn’t, since they know that we have a police dog.” Tanner shared how there may be cases where students feel peer pressure to bring harmful items to school and can now use Micco as an extra layer of reasons why NOT to do something. The 2 and a half year old Belgian Malinois and his handler, Officer Hunter Hammonds, have been visiting the Alabaster City Schools, meeting the students they protect as well as walking the beat, getting to know the town.
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Coaching Kingwood Christian Volleyball
Combining a tough, female athlete with a ball and the ferocity of a lion will result in the Kingwood Christian School volleyball team. Coaching the varsity and junior varsity, Coach Anthony Boyd pushes the young ladies beyond the court. “As a coach, there’s more than just volleyball,” shared Coach Boyd. “Their ability is setting them up for more than volleyball – college, marriage, life, and I count it an honor to pour into other people’s children.” This year, Kingwood Junior Varsity won the state championship with a record 25-0 while the Varsity kept a winning record of 31-1, but fell short of the championship to a team they had beaten four times this season. “I think the toughest part of coaching is keeping the girls motivated,” he explained. “You can really appreciate the ability to win that many games, but we have to keep everybody focused, hungry, and humble. It’s easy to get over-confident.” Coach Boyd pushes the ladies to “expect to win, but always compete,” to ensure that they are playing for a purpose, a goal, an intention. Because the coach expects the ladies to win, through blood, sweat and tears, the ladies now have the “ability to expect victory.” “I was listening to Nick Saban, and he mentioned having a ‘competitive character,’” continued Coach Boyd. “I’d never heard that before, but it stuck out to me. What I gathered is that even when the crowd is not around, we still put the work in. We start
“ I tell the girls all the time, they represent their families, KCS, and God, and I think that they represented well.” -Anthony Boyd KCS Volleyball Coach early, leave late, and always give our best, whether we feel like it or not.” He sees coaching the Kingwood Lions as a ministry, not a job and winning as a benefit, not the main purpose. To show the young ladies, from different backgrounds, with different personalities, how to collaborate effectively is where the reward lies. “I tell the girls all the time, they represent their families, KCS, and God, and I think that they represented well,” he continued. “Although they lost the game, they didn’t lose in life. We’re producing great athletes, great students – not just for today, but for the future.”
Kingwood Volleyball is number1!
The Lady Lions wait eagerly for another shot at the championship. Not reaching the high standard they set for themselves has made the team starved for another opportunity to wear the crown. “Varsity fell two games short this year, and there is a pretty bad taste in our mouth. I think it’s going to make the girls a lot hungrier,” Coach Boyd concluded as he re-experienced that heartbreaking loss. “Our goal at the beginning of every season is to win the state championship. I think we set a pretty high standard and the girls have taken on that mindset.” Coach Boyd wishes to extend a special thank you for the opportunity to represent the City of Alabaster and a special thank you to the Kingwood Christian Family!
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Around Town
8 year old diagnosed with Von Willebrand Disease Type 2B
From time to time, parents treat their children for scrapes, bloody noses, and cuts. A bandage, a warmhearted hug, and a kiss are usually enough to make the “boo-boo” feel better, but not for 8-yearold Kaitlyn Weaver. “Kaitlyn was diagnosed with Hemophilia vWD (Von Willebrand Disease) Type 2B, which is an issue with the clotting factor (glue) that holds blood
“Our family and church family have been wonderfully supportive and prayerful throughout this whole 2 years of medical issues.” -Michelle Weaver Kaitlyn’s mom clots together,” shared her mother, Michelle Weaver. “She started receiving infusions through her port once a week at age five, and when the bleeding and bruising continued to worsen at 8-years-old, she started receiving infusions three times a week.” According to “Kids Health,” this inherited disorder affects the blood’s ability to properly clot, and its rarity affects approximately 1 percent of the population. “In the last two years, Kaitlyn has had six surgeries on a ruptured eardrum that would not heal and kept causing bacterial infections, keeping her in Children’s Hospital,” Weaver said. “After tests were done to determine why she was not healing properly, she was then diagnosed with Ehler Danlos Syndrome, which is a disorder with the connective tissues in the body.” Kaitlyn was sent to Vanderbilt, in Tennessee, and Emory, in Atlanta, after a cheerleading and gymnastics foot sprain that would not heal, just after her seventh birthday. She was then diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, and it is wearing on the linings of her joint in her foot. The aggressive treatment to remit the disease before she needs foot
Kaitlyn Weaver, in the yellow shirt, surrounded by her family.
surgery is causing a host of other problems. “Kaitlyn is an excellent student at Creekview, and through the excellent support of the teachers and staff, with all the missed school days, she is still a straight A student,” expressed Weaver. “Our family and church family have been wonderfully supportive and prayerful throughout this whole 2 ½ years of medical issues.” With these lifelong chronic medical conditions, Kaitlyn will face challenges for the rest of her life. Visits to the Emergency Room, hospitalizations, medications, travel, treatments, and doctor appointments have created a financial burden the family endures even with medical insurance. “I was approached by Will Cholewinski, and several other community members, [informing us] that Chubb’s would like to hold a fundraiser for the surpassing amount of medical bills we have incurred for Kaitlyn’s treatment,” Weaver said gratefully. “It is the business owners, like Will Cholewinski, that get involved in the community and make a difference.” The proceeds from the two-night fundraiser went toward medical bills. For those that would like to donate, contact First Baptist Church of Alabaster at (205)663-3531.
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Around Town
Garbage and Recycle Service begins January 2015 Advanced Disposal –
Beginning January 2015, Advanced Disposal will be providing recycling and garbage services to City residents. Garbage will be retrieved on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be city-wide recycling. For questions or concerns, call 664-6800 or use the online “report a concern form” at www.cityofalabaster.com . Here are some things you need to know. Garbage Place all garbage curbside the night before, or by 6:30 a.m. on your scheduled day of collection. Garbage must be placed within your 95-gallon cart to be collected, no loose bags. Recycling Place all recyclable materials in the 95-gallon cart provided by Advanced Disposal. Pickup will be once per week every WEDNESDAY. Recycled materials that can be placed in containers includes:
“This enhanced service with Advanced Disposal will not raise the price to the citizens of Alabaster.” corrugated cardboard boxes (CUT into sections to fit in to the recycling cart), office paper, newspaper ( B& W, color and shiny inserts), paperboard (cereal boxes), aseptic cartons (milk, juice, broth cartons), junk mail, telephone books; metals-aluminum cans, aluminum foil and disposable bakeware, steel and/or tin cans; plastics #1 through #5, #7, and plastic bottle caps (left ON the bottle.) Holiday Schedule Observed holidays include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day. Routes will be pushed back one day following a holiday. For example, if Christmas Day is Tuesday and your normal collection day is Wednesday, you will be serviced on Thursday. Customers who are normally serviced on Friday will be serviced on Saturday. Advanced Disposal operates right-side routing for safety, and thus, we pick up one side of the street at a time.
Monday Routes
Tuesday Routes
Advanced Disposal
Route Maps maps are available online at www.cityofalabaster.com/departments/public-works/
Thursday Routes
Friday Routes
Around Town
Wind Ensemble
January Beautification Award
The 2014-2015 Thompson High School Wind Ensemble were asked to participate in the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, as one of only 15 high school bands throughout the country who receive this honor. The THS has earned straight superior ratings at all Alabama Bandmaster Association District and State Evaluations since 2001. They are also five time recipient of the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence Award. They are led by Mr. Jon Bubbett, assisted by Justin White. Mayor Handlon declared December 8th as “Thompson High School Wind Ensemble Day” in Alabaster in their honor.
Congratulations to Chris and Tracy Richardson, of 1813 Arrow Drive, for winning January’s Alabaster Beautification Award! For not only keeping their yard and home lovely throughout the year, the Richardsons amaze people every holiday season with their exciting Christmas lights display, also awarding them our unofficial “Griswold Award.” Choreographed to music, played on a private radio station, the Richardson Christmas light display draws families from miles around. Thank you, Chris and Tracy, for making Alabaster brighter by your creativity and richer for your generosity, by also collecting canned goods for Manna Ministries.
2014 ANnual Christmas Parade
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City of Alabaster 1953 Municipal Way Alabaster, AL 35007 www.cityofalabaster.com 664-6800
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid PERMIT 48 ALABASTER, AL
Marty Handlon, Mayor 664-6831 | handlon@cityofalabaster.com City Council
Sophie Martin, Ward 1 358-8742 | martin@cityofalabaster.com Bob Hicks, Ward 2 663-1801 | hicks@cityofalabaster.com Stacy Rakestraw, Ward 3 529-3326 | rakestraw@cityofalabaster.com Rick Walters, Ward 4 281-7394 | walters@cityofalabaster.com
Russell Bedsole, Ward 5 205-229-6021 | bedsole@cityofalabaster.com Scott Brakefield, President, Ward 6 685-0302 | brakefield@cityofalabaster.com Tommy Ryals, Ward 7 664-1301 | ryals@cityofalabaster.com
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Shaping Tomorrow Today!
Open House Grammar School (Grades K-5) February 5th & 6th, 7:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Grades 6-12 February 4th, 7:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Join us for this tour and informational session to discover the difference of an excellent classical education formed upon a biblical worldview.
w w w. e va n g e l c l a s s i c a l . o r g
423 Thompson Road | Alabaster, AL 35007 | 205-216-0149