Alabaster Connection March 2018 by me2graphicsllc

ALABASTER

CONNECTION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF ALABASTER | MARCH 2018

STRENGTHENING ALABASTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GROWTH:

HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS

ALABASTER GIVE BACKERS

GARDEN TIPS BY THE BEAUTIFICATION BOARD

ALABASTER BICENTENNIAL

pg. 8

pg. 24

pg. 14

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FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF ALABASTER Alabaster Connection is published monthly and 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 Councilwoman Kerri Pate Councilman Greg Farrell Editor Luke Camara, me2graphics, LLC Contributors Shana Camara Lindsay Schluntz Megan Owens Lynn Barnett

We welcome your comments & suggestions. Call 447-2214 or email luke@me2graphics.com

To advertise call 447-2214 Non-Emergency City Numbers

Since taking office in 2012, I have been intentional in my newsletter comments to focus on all that is positive in our community, as well as educate readers as to what is happening in our city and why. This month, I want to share information that is not positive, but necessary for us to begin changing alarming statistics. Mental health is a popular topic of discussion at every level of government across our nation, as well as the Opioid epidemic. There Marty Handlon, Mayor City of Alabaster are many negative events we read about or see in the news which might not be present in our city, but mental illness and drug overdoses are very real, right here at home. It is important for us as a community to become more aware and educated about the definition of Mental illness and its presence at every age and socio-economic group. Mental illness includes a wide range of mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking and behavior, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors, just to name a few of the most common. Many of us experience these very common conditions at some point in our lives, so we cannot be afraid to talk about this topic. We must remove the stigma that has long been associated with it. These conversations need to be commonplace to save the lives of the people we care about. The most important thing I’ve learned this past year is that treatment (medication) must include professional counseling. In the last twelve months, our community has experienced eight suicides (from age 12 to 60), and 52 suicide attempts. In our work with Compact 2020, professionals suspect many social drug users are self-medicating a mental health condition, leading to addiction. Communities throughout Shelby County are becoming more proactive in sharing education and awareness opportunities. We are fortunate to have so many great resources in Shelby County, and many are participating in these efforts. I’m asking you to participate when you are able, because the information you learn may enable you to help save someone’s life. In the meantime, both departments of Public Safety (AFD and APD) have flyers with contact information for many community resources—don’t hesitate to call them. On a positive note, this is the month we take applications for the next term of our Teen Council. This group of young leaders plan and execute many activities throughout their term. They have done an outstanding job this year, and I know it has been rewarding for them. I hope they will return for another year of leadership and help new members get involved. Any teenager (grades 8th through 11th) interested should complete an application found on the city website, or call my office for more information at 664-6831. Lastly, I want to congratulate our Mat Warriors for winning Thompson High School’s sixth State Wrestling Championship. The Dynasty has been revived, and we are so proud of and for them in this great accomplishment. It’s a GREAT day to be a Warrior! #LetsSeizeSeven! See you at the parks,

Police 24-Hours 663-7401 Alabaster Water Board 663-6155 Fire Department 664-6818

THIS EDITION

FEATURES

SPOTLIGHTS

4 Council Comments 24 Beautification Board 26 Calendar 30 CC Meeting Minutes

6 Spring Break Tips 7 St. Patrick's Day Crafts 8 Alabaster Give Backers 10 Highways and Byways 12 Fleecing the Flock 14 Alabaster Bicentennial 15 THS National Signing Day

16 Employee Spotlight 18 Citizen Spotlight 20 Alabaster Helps 22 Business Spotlight

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Scott Brakefield

Ward 6 | City Council President Greetings! What a day Saturday, February 24th was. The Ribbon Cutting for the new Thompson High School was great. It doesn't seem that long ago that the City Council started the process of looking into creating our own City School System. In 2011, the Council decided that it was in the best interest of the citizens of Alabaster to keep their tax dollars at home and create Alabaster City Schools. Almost 2 years later, we opened the doors as our own school system.  Without a doubt, we would not have the capital projects that we have seen if we had not separated from the County, and the new Thompson High School is the culmination of those early capital projects. It is amazing to see what our students are going to get to take advantage of in this facility. The Board of Education has done a wonderful job of putting the students first when building this fine facility. I know my Junior is very excited to get started. It truly is a great day to be a Warrior! So please continue to shop Alabaster first - it is important to keep your tax dollars at home.  Lastly, I would like to thank those that have applied to serve on the Board of Education. We should be conducting interviews in March and will make our appointment in April. The term will begin in June for 5 years of service. I would like to encourage any of you who want to get involved with your City, and find ways to serve, to visit the City website. There are numerous boards that you can serve on.  I hope each of you have a wonderful month of March!

Sophie Martin | Ward 1

Thank you to the dozens of residents who attended the recent Ward 1 Community meeting at Liberty Baptist Church. This was a very insightful and successful meeting where residents were given an update on current events in Ward 1 along with the opportunity to share new ideas and ask questions. I truly appreciate everyone supporting and caring about our community. The City does their best to track and report streetlights that are out and need replacing. If you notice a streetlight in your area that needs replacing, please submit a “Report a Concern” document online at www.cityofalabaster.com, call City Hall at 664-6800 or please contact me and I’ll be glad to do it. Alabama Power will be contacted directly with the replacement request. If you have any questions or ideas for our city or Ward 1, please contact me at martin@cityofalabaster.com or 506-8961. Kindest regards, Sophie cityofalabaster.com

Rick Ellis | Ward 2 As we move into the month of March, there is a lot of excitement throughout the city. The most exciting event is the opening of the new Thompson High School. With the ribbon cutting and open house on February 24th, we entered into a new era in our city school system and in our city as a whole. This is an amazing facility that students, parents and all of our residents should be extremely proud of. Also coming this month, along with the warmer weather (hopefully), the Park and Rec department’s spring sports will begin in our city parks. The fields and parks will be host children playing softball, baseball and soccer. Unfortunately, spring can also bring severe weather. If you’re not already, March would be a great time to prepare yourselves for the possibility of severe weather. In February, for the second year in a row, I was honored to be invited to speak to the second graders at Creekview Elementary School’s career day. I would like to thank all of the 2nd graders, their teachers and the administration for allowing me to come and speak about being a city councilman and to tell them a little about our great city and how our city government works. I had a fantastic time getting to see some old friends and making some new ones while I was there. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Thompson High School wrestling team on another state championship! Go Warriors! I hope everyone has a fun and safe spring break. As always, if you have questions, concerns or ideas for Ward 2, please feel free to contact me at ellis@cityofalabaster.com. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Stacy Rakestraw

| Ward 3 The 6th Annual Alabaster Clean Sweep is next month, so mark your calendars for our Shred-it and E-cycle event on April 14, 8am - 12pm at Thompson Intermediate on Hwy 119. Thank you to Jeff Atkins with the Alabaster City Schools for helping to secure this site! The two litter pick up dates for volunteer groups are April 7th and April 21st. Space is limited, so contact us to get your volunteer group on the list, get the guidelines and waivers, and turn in the T-shirt sizes for each volunteer in your group. The deadline to sign up volunteer groups is March 23rd. To report a street light that is out in your neighborhood or around town, go to www.alabamapower.com and in the menu, click on “Outages” and follow the steps on the website. If you want to request a new street light in an area, feel free to email me or send in a “Report A Concern” on the city website - www.cityofalabaster.com and the city can evaluate, based on certain criteria, if one can be put there.

COUNCIL COMMENTS I would like to encourage all businesses and organizations who have an “Adopt A Mile” to take this opportunity to clean the litter in their designated area this month. They are in great need of attention. We are currently hiring for our “Litter Patrol” position, which is part-time (10-15 hours/week). Please call our Public Works department at 205-664-6810 for more details and an application. Thank you for allowing me to serve you and our city! Stacy

Greg Farrell

| Ward 4 At a recent council meeting, another step for the new development of District 31 took place. The council approved the rezoning of the area for the development. This was needed in order for the developers to continue with the project. The council also approved for the Police Department to purchase 11 Chevrolet Tahoes and 2 Ford Explorers in their effort to update the aging fleet. These items are part of their fiscal year budget. Congratulations to all the athletes that signed on National Signing Day. We wish them good luck as they go to the next level in their sport and education. Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Garren Callahan for being named The Alabama Fire College Student of the Year for 2017.

Russell Bedsole

| Ward 5 Leadership - many talk about it, but few understand how to be a leader or what a true leader is. Some will tell you that leaders are born and others will tell you that a leader can be trained and developed. One popular definition of leadership is the action of leading a group of people or an organization. Even this definition fails to fully capture what it means to be a leader. Last month, our city found itself in a position we could not have imagined. Our fire chief, Jim Golden, one of our highly respected leaders, offered his resignation after serving in this role for more than 5 years. Jim served us well, but at that moment, the men of the fire department, who boldly serve you, were without a leader.  Not one rescue call was missed, not one fire went un-extinguished, and every community outreach activity was attended. That is because our firefighters are all leaders. They have all made sacrifices to serve all of us in our time of need, but at a time when they were in need, they never stopped leading and serving. Each of these men are the definition of leadership. Chief Golden’s leadership will be missed and I am appreciative of all his achievements, but I am convinced that the men who call one of our firehouses home are leaders, and their service to our city knows no bounds.

Kerri Pate

| Ward 7 I hope that many of you were able to come to the open house at the new Thompson High School. This serves as a reminder to me that many years ago, the right decision was made for us to become our own school system. Our children are truly benefiting in many ways by us keeping our tax dollars at home, not just by this new facility, but by the many innovative educational opportunities that are now offered. In the horrific tragedy that took place at Stoneman Douglas High School in February, we are reminded of the huge responsibilities that our teachers, faculty, administrators and community have in caring for our children. It has also unfortunately given me yet another opportunity to encourage my own children that if they see or hear something suspicious, to say something. I want to say a special thank you to our Alabaster Police Department School Resource Officers for engaging with our students, and most of all, for giving us peace of mind in this fallen world. Spring sports are kicking off this month. Our Parks and Rec department have worked tirelessly preparing the fields, scheduling practices and communicating with the hundreds of families participating. At last count, we have over 850 children playing this season! Please visit alabasterparks.org to look at the schedules and try to catch a game - watch these kids making memories. Finally, construction has begun on the widening of 65, long overdue and much needed. We will have to practice patience and understanding, knowing that the final product will benefit us greatly and make our lives easier. Someone stated earlier this week when bringing a concern to my attention: “A true leader will always choose the difficult right over the easy wrong. What kind of leader are you, Mrs. Pate?” My intention is to be a leader that will gather all the proper information in an attempt to resolve a concern. I will do my best to be available and to serve you all - it is a true honor. Thank you! Kerri

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 2nd and 4th Mondays each month at 7 p.m.

FOR MORE ON THE CITY COUNCIL

Visit www.cityofalabaster.com/161/City-Council

cityofalabaster.com

FEATURE

5 EASY WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPRING BREAK 1.GET OUTSIDE The weather is warming up and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great time to take advantage of the early afternoon sun - before it gets too hot! Take the whole family to Veterans Park, bring along a picnic or the pets. Short on time? Take a walk around your neighborhood. Biking, hiking, and barbecuing are other great ways to soak up the rays.

2.QUALITY FAMILY TIME Parents, if you can squeeze in a vacation day, spring break is a great time to do it! Spending extra time with the family is always a good investment. If you have to work during the day, spend the evening together as a family - work on a puzzle,

cook dinner together, or bring out the board games. Try to find activities that will encourage lot of interaction - and laughter! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth the effort to find an activity that the whole family can participate in, you can even invite grandma and grandpa over to get in on the fun.

3.TRY SOMETHING NEW Have you always wanted to take a cooking class? Try yoga? Learn to play guitar? Spring break is the perfect opportunity to jump-start a new endeavor. You have a full week to devote to practicing, and after that, you can decide whether to fit it into your weekly routine or chalk it up to a good experience.

4.PAMPER YOURSELF Harsh winter months and the monotony of school and work schedules can take a toll on mental health and personal well-being. Rest and rejuvenation look different to everyone - it could mean a day at a spa, a massage and reading a book or it could mean getting active and spending extra time with friends. Whatever it takes for you to recharge, be sure to take time out of your spring break week to do it!

5. TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES Whatever you decide to do during spring break, be sure to take lots of pictures for lasting memories. You could even make a spring break photo album or scrapbook documenting all of your adventures! AC

cityofalabaster.com

FEATURE

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CRAFT IDEAS FOR KIDS St. Patrick’s Day is full of history and folklore that can be educational and fun for kids to explore. Get creative with these fun, easy craft to do with kids! EDIBLE RAINBOW NECKLACE Materials: Yarn or String Green construction paper Hole Punch Scissors Fruit Loops cereal Instructions: Measure and cut a length of yarn for a necklace. Cut a clover shape out of the construction paper and punch a hole on one side near the edge. Thread the string through the hole until there it is an equal length on each side. String Fruit Loops on both sides of the necklace as desired and tie on.

PAPER PLATE POT OF GOLD Materials: White paper plate Black Paint, Multi-color paints Paintbrush Gold glitter White craft glue Scissors Instructions: Cut half of the inner circle out of the paper plate, leaving the outer rim intact. Paint the other

half of the plate black. Paint the top rim like a rainbow. Let dry. Make coin-size circles with the glue on the upper portion of the black part of the plate and cover with gold glitter. HAND PRINT CLOVER PAINTING Materials: Green paint Paintbrush White paper Instructions: Paint your child’s hand green and press onto the white paper with palm/ wrist at the center and the fingers pointing toward one of the corners of the paper. Repeat three more times, with fingers pointing toward each corner. Paint a stem from the center of the prints toward the bottom of the page. Optional: write the child’s name and age on the paper as a keepsake. AC

cityofalabaster.com

FEATURE

The organization is in need of larger storage spaces to contain the incredible generosity of local Give Backers.

ALABASTER COMMUNITY GIVE BACKERS

Lending a Helping Hand to Families Recovering from Fires & Natural Disasters

he heart of Alabaster is comprised of individuals who are determined to make life better for the families around them - people like John Ellison, Michael Rodgers, Linda Beck Lowden, Samantha Trivett, Jamie Olliff, Christy Lynn, and so many others. This group of big-hearted citizens recently founded the Alabaster Community Give Backers organization.

PREPARING FOR WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES John Ellison shared that the idea was born when his brother, Barry Ellison, set aside a microwave for the purpose of giving it away to anyone who had need of it. This simple act inspired John to start gathering additional donations of items that would eventually be made available for people impacted by a fire, flood, tornado, or other tragedy. “When you have a fire or tragedy, most of the time, you lose everything you have,” he observed. “That is what we are here for, to help you get back going.” cityofalabaster.com

Many of the individuals assisting in the effort know how it feels to lose a home to disaster. One volunteer member is a transplant who moved to Alabaster and was helped by the organization after Hurricane Irma. “She decided to join us, and she loves it. We all do!” HELPING TO REBUILD LIVES BY FURNISHING HOMES Although many people facing significant loss do have insurance, when disaster strikes, they typically need a number of replacement items right away, rather than two or three days, or even a week later. In early February, Alabaster resident John Wolley’s home, located behind the old Waffle House, burned down. The Alabaster Community Give Backers were instantly present and ready to assist! Although he only had two pair of pants and a couple shirts, thanks local generosity, he soon had 10 pairs of pants and some very nice shirts. “We also gave him furniture and

household goods to get him moved into his new apartment soon after,” John proudly proclaimed. “It makes everything we volunteer to do worthwhile, seeing the expressions of gratitude on peoples’ faces.” IN SEARCH OF SPACE The team of dedicated members generously offer to be available to assist their neighbors 24 hours a day, seven day a week. “All you got to do is call either of our numbers, and we will meet you at one of the units,” he affirmed. These storage units currently house all the contributions that the group has gathered. With the generosity that the community has shown thus far, they hope to obtain a building or house where the items can be stored and displayed. “When that happens, we’d appreciate volunteers to help us get moved in and situated. We want to have one place where we can sort everything out and the families can just come in and get what they need.” ▶

FEATURE This standard of generosity is what drives the organization forward. Each member is determined to abide by the rule that nothing donated is to be sold. Every item must be given away to the families in need, with no strings attached. “That’s a promise that I made from the very beginning, and we’re going to stick to it,” John said with conviction. “I feel like if we pull together, we can make a lot of people feel like someone cares. This will hopefully change the way people feel about each other.”

One generous Give Backer’s contribution.

moving sales, spring cleaning purges, and generous contributions of new or gently used items, such as: Clothes Beds Shoes Blankets Socks Household goods Pajamas Toiletries Furniture Dishes …the list is endless! “We have a lot of these things now, but all it will take is a couple of fires, and ‘Poof!’ it’s all gone, and we have to start all over again,” he exclaimed.

BE A “GIVE BACKER” After just a few months, the Alabaster Community Give Backers’ Facebook page has already surpassed 600 followers who are interested and willing to participate in various ways. The items that the organization specifically requests from supporters typically include things that help individuals and families get back on their feet. These items come from garage sale leftovers,

THE POWER OF PULLING TOGETHER While the team is actively seeking tan-

gible donations, they also hope for the prayer support of the community. “God will guide us in the direction we need to go, and so far, it is going fantastic!” The organization is growing, so they are currently pursuing the process of becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit. Until then, they are simply good people volunteering their time and resources for the good of the community. Because in Alabaster, that’s just what we do. AC

To alert the Alabaster Community Give Backers of someone who recently experienced a fire, flood, tragedy, or other disaster, contact Founder John Ellison at 205-206-3866 or Senior Administrator Michael Rodgers at 205-299-1047. Learn more about the organization by searching “Alabaster Community Give Backers” on Facebook.

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FEATURE

STRENGTHENING ALABASTER’S GROWTH: HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS

riving through and around Alabaster, rows of orange and white traffic barrels and cones are becoming overly familiar sights to many residents. While the slowed construction zone speeds and lengthened travel times are typically viewed by drivers simply as a frustrating nuisance, according to Mayor Marty Handlon, the results of these projects throughout the city will be well worth the temporary hassle: “When I took office, what I heard in the campaign was that our roads needed to be improved because they hadn’t kept up with our growth,” she shared. “I was very fortunate that the Council and I both heard that message. So, the first four years that I was in office, that’s exactly what we did! All the money that we could spend trying to improve the roadways and our residents’ ability to travel around our city better, that was our commitment.”

HURRY UP AND SLOW DOWN This spring, there are five specific roads receiving additional attention: Fulton Springs Road, Thompson Road, Highway 119, I-65, and Alabaster Boulevard. It is comforting to know that the frustrations that go hand-in-hand with road construction projects have an eventual end in sight. However, defining those ending dates can be difficult. “I thought 119 was going to move pretty fast. But apparently, although it really has been moving fast behind the scenes, there’s a whole lot that has to be done before they actually start moving dirt,” Mayor Handlon pointed out. “That’s the thing about road projects. Nobody ever, until it gets almost done, will give a completion date!”

HWY 119 EXPANSION (APPROXIMATELY $85,000 SPENT, TO DATE) The Hwy 119 project will result in the road being widened from Fulton Springs, near the Walmart

cityofalabaster.com

Neighborhood Market, all the way to Veterans Park before it tapers back down to two lanes. “This project will support the residential core of our community,” Mayor Handlon clarified. “A lot of people live off of Butler Road, Smokey Road, further down 119 to Park Forest, CR 17, even those who are coming from Montevallo. They all need to get to the interstate.” In addition, with the number of travel ball tournaments and events that occur in Veterans Park during the year, the highway gets very congested. The goal is to make it easier for people to get to the city to shop, eat, and help support the tax base. It has just taken some time. “Since 2013, there’s been an environmental study, a corridor study, an engineering study…all these studies go into it before anything visible happens. The approval of the corridor is what we’re currently waiting on, but as soon as that’s done, the State will start purchasing right-of-way where the road will be widened,” the Mayor shared.

FEATURE When this project was first awarded via an ATRIP grant through Governor Bentley, it was a $10 million project requiring a 20% match from the City. However, when the federal government expanded their requirements for State roads to include walking/riding paths, an additional eight feet of asphalt on either side of the road had to be added to the budget. “Right now, it’s federal and city money in the project,” the Mayor explained. “We do have some reserve money that we’ve put back over the years, but ▶ we’re hoping the State will choose to contribute to help defray that additional cost.” It is estimated the process of purchasing the right-of-way could take up to a year, however, landowners will play a huge role in how quickly the project can move forward. FULTON SPRINGS ROAD EXTENSION (APPROXIMATELY $1.6M TOTAL) This project is now complete! It was funded by the City with some assistance from the County and the State. Although it was a pricey project in comparison to the other projects, this extension wasn’t improving an existing roadway - it was building a brand new one. “This was an important improvement to the residential side of the city, because there’s a lot of people who would take Fulton Springs to get to the interstate quicker, instead of coming through the Hwy 31 traffic and school traffic.” THOMPSON ROAD BRIDGE EXPANSION (APPROXIMATELY $150,000) The detour around the Thompson Road Bridge is a temporary solution while the bridge is widened and sidewalks are added to connect Warrior Drive to the Intermediate School. In addition to the practical usefulness of the initial improvements on Thompson Road, this project is also important to the city because the elevated bridge will allow for the future extension of Buck Creek Trail all the way to the YMCA. “This mostly County-funded project only required the City pay for the realignment of the intersection of the Warrior Park parking lot with Warrior Drive so the red light could better help people get in and out,” the Mayor said. I-65 CONSTRUCTION ($0) “We’re so thankful we’re not paying a dime for this improvement!” the Mayor exclaimed. “This was something Governor Ivey picked up when she took office. The engineering, corridor study, and all that behind the scenes work was done years ago, but sat idle until an elected official at the state level would dedicate funds or move funds into the project for it to move forward.”

This project will widen both sides of the interstate from the Pelham exit where the widening currently stops at the tank exit, down to the Promenade Exit 238. “Some work on the exit ramps in widening will help with our future Highway 31 improvements for District 31. We’ll be contributing some towards those improvements, but we won’t know how much until the state finishes.” The interstate is currently projected to be open and passable by 2019. ALABASTER BOULEVARD REPAIRS (APPROXIMATELY $200,000, CURRENTLY) Located behind Jim & Nick’s, Alabaster Boulevard connects the Weatherly subdivision with the Promenade. “Honestly, it was a poorly designed road back when the Promenade was built. There probably should have been more Geotech studies or efforts made to put in the proper base when they built that road. Without those, the ground is now sinking, so we had to do new Geotech studies make these repairs.” Initially, the original bid to repair the entire boulevard was close to a million dollars. Without that amount of money available to go all in, the City is fixing the road a piece at a time. “The road money we have comes from the gas tax, about $200,000 a year,” she explained. "But we also have to maintain all city streets, so we dedicate our available dollars to the priority list provided by our Public Works department, indicating those in the worst condition." FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS The City's future road projects will include the expansion and improvements to Hwy 31, especially as the new District 31 Shopping Center comes into play. “Highway 31 is dangerous now because of the amount of traffic already on it, even before we add District 31. “In order to get help, we’re going to have to put some financial skin in the game.” “I have spent more money on roads and improving infrastructure since I took office, than I have on anything else. I’m ready to get on to something different and more interesting than roadwork!” she said with a laugh. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCENIC BYWAY IN ALABASTER? MAYOR: "I love to drive down Thompson Road at night, because from the high point, you can see the skyline of Alabaster and it’s like, 'Wow! We look so big and bright with all the lights.' You can’t look long, though, because there’s very little margin of error on both sides of the road! But every time I drive Thompson Road and I get to that hill, I look over and think, 'What a pretty view!'” AC cityofalabaster.com

FEATURE

Fleecing the Flock

A Modern-Day “Quilting Club” Serving the County’s Most Vulnerable Children

hen children enter Alabaster’s seniors to invest the foster care system, their time and talent into a there is little in their world that project that not only brings they can call their very own. delight to children in difficult Their young lives get upended circumstances, but that also – sometimes multiple times, provides fulfillment to the and in incredibly upsetting seniors, themselves! ways – and they often have Gladys McKay, one of the next-to-nothing to cling to. senior volunteers working This heartbreaking realon the blankets, quietly ity hits close to home with explained, “I enjoy doing it Gertrude Knight and Gladys McKay joined several other seniors to help make blanShelby County resident, because then they can give Brenda Colburn. She and her kets during the Alabaster Senior Center’s monthly Fleecing the Flock program. blankets to these children.” husband, along with their kids, have served as a foster family for With the blankets laid out on large tables surrounded by dozens of foster children since 2015. One of the persistent chal- seated seniors, the project was easily accessible so everyone lenges that she has personally seen, is the need for the children could participate. to have their own blankets – for creature comfort, as much as a “What I noticed was that [the seniors] were all sitting practical bedding solution – as they are transferred from one lo- around, chatting and sharing stories as they tied the knots on cation to another. She quickly moved into action, setting a goal to the children’s blankets,” Alicia said warmly. “Somebody referred give a blanket to every child in Shelby County’s foster care system. to it as a kind of modern-day quilting club!” BLANKETING ALABAMA’S CHILDREN When Alabaster Senior Center manager, Alicia Walters, heard of the project – known as “Fleecing the Flock,” since the blankets are made out of two large (1 ½ yard) pieces of cozy fleece that are cut into strips around the edges and tied together with knots – she knew she wanted to get involved. “I reached out to [Brenda Colburn] through the Fleecing the Flock Facebook page, and said, ‘If you can donate the fleece, I think our seniors can help by tying the blankets and donating them back to you,’” she said. Soon, a tote of brightly colored sheets of fleece was delivered to the Alabaster Senior Center, and the program was put onto the calendar, typically on the first Tuesday of each month. “Brenda came in and taught us how to cut and tie the fleece, and our seniors made four blankets during that first meeting. The second month we met, we made three blankets,” Alicia shared excitedly. “So even in just two times of meeting, we were able to donate seven blankets that will go to seven children in the Shelby County foster care system. I get a little teary thinking about it!”

SHOWING LOVE AND RECEIVING JOY This special community partnership creates an opportunity for cityofalabaster.com

CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE The Fleecing the Flock organization is always in need of more fleece to make more blankets. Each blanket is made of two pieces of fleece – a yard and a half each – with preferably a solid color on one piece, and a fun pattern or print on the other. “Anyone who wants to participate by contributing fleece can drop off their donations here at the Senior Center,” Alicia welcomed. “As long as we have warm fleece and the warm hearts of seniors who want to help, we will keep making blankets for these children.” AC To get your family, church, small group or community organization involved with Fleecing the Flock, please contact Brenda Colburn via the organization’s Facebook page or by emailing FleecingTheFlockAlabama@gmail.com. Donations of new fleece fabric can be delivered to the Alabaster Senior Center during regular business hours. Extra long pieces of fleece will be made into larger blankets for taller children or teens in the foster care system.

FEATURE

ORGAN DONATIONS MATTER

An Update on Kidney Donor: Kathryn Reeves n January, the Alabaster Connecmany prayers, kind words, and lots of tion shared the courageous story of love from so many.” Meadow View Elementary second grade Bethany is recovering very well also, teacher, Kathryn Reeves’s organ donaconfiding that she has noticed she has tion to her niece, Bethany. increasingly more energy for her daughBy early December 2017, Bethany ter, Ivey, and her husband, Wayne. was on dialysis with her critical kidney “Every day, I have more mental clarity,” function at less than 7%. However, she shared. “I’m feeling like I’m getting Kathryn’s kidney had been discovered closer to normal and feeling my best as to be a perfect match for her niece! The each day goes by!” surgery was held in New York, just five Seeing the difference that her organ days before Christmas. donation made in Bethany’s life was a “Two days later, I was able to leave the powerful experience, one that Kathryn hospital, and four days after the surgery, truly hopes others get the opportunity I went to a Christmas Eve service in New to experience by also becoming organ York City!” Kathryn exclaimed. donors for the thousands of individuals For the first few weeks after the proce- still on donation waiting lists today. dure, she admits to feeling tired and sore. For information on how you can give But, by week four, she was feeling great! people like Bethany a new lease on life “My husband has been amazing, taking through organ donations, visit www. care of me! I’m so glad I had his love AlabamaOrganCenter.org. AC and support,” she gushed. “I received so

Ten days after receiving her new kidney, Bethany was able to enjoy the Christmas snow with her daughter, Ivey.

Kathryn was all smiles as she left the New York hospital just two days after her organ donation surgery.

cityofalabaster.com

FEATURE

THOMAS CARLYLE THOMPSON Pioneer “master builder” in the southern textile industry, founder of Siluria Cotton Mill, benefactor to the Thompson schools, and responsible for much of the early years of Siluria.

BY: BOBBY JOE SEALES, ALABAMA BICENTENNIAL AMBASSADOR AND LOCAL HISTORIAN

he Alabama Bicentennial Commission began a 3-year celebration that started in 2017 and will conclude with our statehood celebration on December 14, 2019. The focus for 2018 is “Honoring Our People” as the Bicentennial Commemoration opens its second year. What better way for Alabaster to start their celebration than by honoring some of our early settlers and founders? One such person was Thomas Carlyle Thompson, the third child of Jesse Sampson and Henrietta (Collins) Thompson. He was born in Oak Bowery, Chambers County, Alabama on June 22, 1850, and suffered an attack of pneumonia and died in Siluria on October 5, 1922. He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Birmingham. T.C. Thompson married Julia Nancy Seaman (1866-1940) in Birmingham on October 11, 1883. Julia was the daughter of George Edward and Sarah Frances (Hudgins) Seaman. The newly married couple moved to Shelby County, and in the early 1900’s, built a beautiful two-story home that resembled a small mansion on the West Side of Siluria. It later became known as the Blue Spring Farm. Mr. Thompson was a leader in community life as well as in business. In Birmingham, he was a charter cityofalabaster.com

member of the Southern Club and a member of the Birmingham County Club, Birmingham Athletic Club and Rotary Club. In 1896, he organized and built a textile manufacturing plant on the banks of Buck Creek in Siluria and named it Selma Cotton Mill. On November 17, 1902, Siluria Cotton Mill Company was originally incorporated. In an interview with Mr. Thomas Carlyle Weller, Sr., grandson of Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Thompson, and recorded in the 1977 “Good Morning Yesterday” by the Thompson High School Local History Class, under the direction of their teacher Mrs. Tommie Harrison, states that his grandfather (Thomas Carlyle Thompson) was one of the leading contractors in the south, having built the Empire Building and the old Morris Hotel both in Birmingham. Mr. Weller further stated that Mr. Thomson was a “big man, for he weighed about 250 pounds.” In 1921, a high school in Siluria was founded by Mr. Thompson, and when it was turned over to the state board of education, it was named Thompson High School in his honor. The school was built largely from funds donated by Mr. Thompson and Buck Creek Cotton Mill. As noted in the Shelby County Reporter in 1929, when the board of education didn’t have the money to pay the Thompson teaching staff, and the school would be required to close until the funds were available, Mr. Thompson and Buck Creek Cotton Mill would give the money to pay the teachers to keep the school open. It was the desire of Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Thompson to provide for the whole life of its employees and those that lived in the mill village in Siluria by meeting their needs and establishing a stable way of life. You might say that Thomas Carlyle Thompson was a man before his time; but the time was right for the beginning of what was to become the vibrant and thriving community we call home today. AC

FEATURE

CONGRATULATIONS TO THS SENIORS WHO SIGNED LETTERS OF INTENT TO PLAY FOOTBALL ON THE COLLEGE LEVEL AFTER GRADUATION: Jalen Rayam – University of Alabama at Birmingham Myles Brown – Jacksonville State University Ahmad Edwards – Jacksonville State University Mo Edwards – University of South Alabama Evan Clark – Huntington College KJ Robertson – Troy University Seth Whitlock – Millsaps College Mackie McNeal – East Mississippi Community College

Head football coach, Mark Freeman, expressed his pride in these students and the THS team, saying, “We accomplished everything we wanted to this year, except win the state championship, and that’s our goal every year. But I can tell you this – they’re going to leave here having beat everybody in this region. They are going to leave here as undefeated region champions.”

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

PAUL LE: A LIFE OF FAMILY AND SERVICE

oang Paul Le, who everyone calls Paul, has been working for the Environmental Services department for 17 years. “I started as summer help in 2002. After my wife got a job working 40 hours a week, she wanted me to get a job working 40 hours a week,” he shared with a smile. Prior to working for the City of Alabaster, he worked 12-hour days, six days a week for a restaurant. Now, after 17 years, Le can’t think of a better place to work. “When I got in here and started working, I like the people around here and working 40-hour weeks,” he said. Le’s job is what they call “outside the fence” in the Environmental department. “Well we do everything! I do the customer complaints, I do the camera in the lines to check for damage and blockage. We work on the pump station. We repair lines, if something is broke,” he exclaimed. Le and his co-workers keep miles of pipe clear and keep 51 pump stations working, so none of us even know they are there. “We check the pumps every day.” Le enjoys what he does. “I love to talk to the residents, they are nice. My job is to go out there and get it done. I told a customer and asked her if she was happy and she said ‘Yes’. If the customer is happy, we are happy,” he stated.

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The biggest advice Le would give everyone is to avoid putting grease down the drain and to instead utilize the city’s disposal system for household grease. “We have bio-diesel they can put in a container, they can bring to bio-diesel stations and we bring it back here and make bio-diesel with it. We use it on all our diesel trucks and equipment. Whatever uses diesel, we use it,” Le shared. Le moved to America in 1975 when he was just 15, after his family left Vietnam. “We left on a Navy warship boat, like 10,000 people on a boat. Daddy knew the North Vietnamese was hard to live with. So, he got out of the country,” Le said matter-of-factly. Le’s father was able to take five of his ten siblings with him on that long boat ride. It took another decade before the rest of his family could join Le in the States. “We moved to Center Point, Alabama. Center Point Baptist church sponsored our family. Before that we were in a refugee camp until someone sponsored us,” Le said. “So, we ended up in Birmingham.” And now all of his family lives here in Alabama. Alabama has been good to him over the years. “I met my wife, Kathy, here in Southside, and we have been married 35 years. I have one daughter and three sons. And one grandson, Matthew. He will be 14 on March 12th! I enjoy just spending time with my grandson, we tell him anytime you feel like coming over, just come,” Le said with a huge grin. When Le is not at work, he is raising animals, a cow and some chickens, and taking his wife on dates. “I take my wife out every weekend, to eat and movie,” he explained. And he is still cooking every day. “I make Vietnamese food, every day. My kids don’t cook it at home, they come to the house and eat!” Which suits Le just fine. To find out more about the Bio Diesel program visit: http:// al-alabaster.civicplus.com/191/Alabaster-Bio-Diesel-Program. AC

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CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT

NOAH HUMPHREYS – A SPECIAL HEART A Journey of Overcoming the Odds

oah Humphreys is a good-natured, sevenyear-old child. He loves people, music, his school, his country, and life in general. If you ask him where on this earth he would rather go, his response will likely be, “Somewhere with big roller coasters!” His parents, Aaron and Cheryl, have lived in Alabaster for 15 years, so this community is the only home Noah has known. While Aaron is a training and developNoah Singing at Special Olympics ment specialist for a software company, Command Alkon, Cheryl became a stay-at-home mom when Noah was born. “Noah was born with a heart defect that caused his oxygen saturation to be very low. When he turned one, he was clearly not reaching many of his milestones,” she shared. Although he was put into Early Intervention, which helped him to walk by 18 months, before he turned two, his parents noticed his body would jerk throughout the day, as though he was being startled. Upon seeing a neurologist, it was discovered that Noah has Epilepsy, and was having Myoclonic Seizures. By age four, his cardiologist determined it was time to repair Noah’s heart, and on October 1, 2014, the hole in his little heart was successfully repaired through open heart surgery. However, after surgery, some of Noah’s delays seemed to worsen. “He could not hold a fork or spoon to eat properly or hold a crayon to color or write. He would often have behaviors, such as meltdowns, that didn’t make sense to us. He would bump into objects and people all the time because he did cityofalabaster.com

not know where his body was in space,” Cheryl described. Noah was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPC). “Through some research, we learned that Occupational Therapy could help Noah, and help us learn methods to put Noah on a successful path for life,” she said. Cheryl and Aaron soon discovered Easterseals, and Noah’s therapy began immediately. “Without this help, we would not have known how to help Noah deal with this very complex disorder, as conventional methods just don’t work. Easterseals is important to us and to Noah’s future as he works to improve, and in some cases, deal with his SPC,” Noah’s parents said gratefully. Cheryl expressed her deep appreciation for Noah’s therapists’ pursuit of answers and solutions, which even included traveling to Colorado to study non-traditional methods to work with children with SPC. “This condition is also common in children with autism and is becoming more present in our community. [The Easterseals therapists] truly care, so if things aren’t working, they’ll go back to the drawing board and try something different. Noah has met numerous missed milestones while under their care.” In 2017, the Humphreys began speech therapy at Easterseals, and plan to also receive Vision and Auditory therapies, as Noah’s SPD causes his brain to have a hard time processing what he says, what he sees, and what he hears. “I am not sure he realizes all of his own struggles in life. His journey to success ▶

CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT will be a long road,” Cheryl shared. “As his parents, we are so thankful that there is help.” Another such resource for help has been Noah’s school – Meadow View Elementary. “We feared that if he went to school, he would get lost or left behind. But our school was an answer to prayer! They under-

“We feared that if he went to school, he would get lost or left behind. But our school was an answer to prayer!" -Cheryl Humphreys stand his condition and have just taken him by the hand. I tell them all the time, they’re part of our ‘village,’” she said gratefully. “There are other places where you hear horror stories, but that’s not the case for us, or many of the other moms of special needs kids who have also had positive experiences with our school.” Noah spends a lot of time in therapy at school and in private therapy. Though his struggles aren’t always visible, they are always present. Progress is apparent, but it is a slow process.

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When he’s not at school or in therapy, Noah and his family enjoy Alabaster’s parks, participate in Angel Warriors events, go to local restaurants and the movie theater, and love being out and about in the community they love so much. Noah is a happy child, a people person, a thrill seeker, and a performer. “Ask him a question, and he’ll start talking! Put him on stage, and he’ll sing! His boldness and that personality of his are what will make him okay in life.” AC

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ALABASTER HELPS

Easterseals of the Birmingham Area:

Taking on Disability Together There is no pediatric facility in Shelby County that provides individualized care quite like Easterseals of the Birmingham Area Pediatric Therapy Clinic. therapists, but since therapy procedures involve both direct treatment and home programming, family involvement is a critical component of therapy. “We believe that children have the greatest success when the family is included as a member of our therapy team, so our therapists work closely with the family, the child’s physician, and other health care practitioners in order to set treatment goals that are realistic and consistent with the child and the family’s needs,” Higgins explained.

he organization’s highly qualified professionals work with children from birth to age 21 who demonstrate congenital birth disorders, physical disabilities, mental limitations, and developmental delays to create solutions that will change their lives and the lives of their families. “We understand that early intervention is essential for helping infants and toddlers with disabilities to work towards their developmental goals, so we strive to be the service leader and provider of choice for people with special needs,” said Executive Director, David Higgins. Some of these special needs include: • Speech and language delays • Cognitive impairment • Autism Spectrum Disorder • Down Syndrome • Seizure disorders • Cerebral palsy • Sensory processing disorder • Academic difficulties • Feeding disorders • Orthopedic injuries and needs • Handwriting and fine motor challenges All children’s therapy services are provided by registered and licensed cityofalabaster.com

SERVING THE SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITY The local, state-of-the-art, 7,500 square-foot facility offers a rich diversity of treatment options, such as interactive metronome therapy, sensory integration, assistive feeding, and co-treatment. Being a certified autism clinic, the staff also has a deeper understanding of serving patients on the autism spectrum. One of the benefits of accessing services provided by the Easterseals, is the interdisciplinary approach that includes input from a professional staff of speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of children with various disabilities. SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY THERAPY Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Therapy strengthens a child’s communication and feeding skills so they can more fully participate in regular daily activities. The therapists create a fun and engaging environment for each child in order to encourage the development of skills, such as language comprehension, speech-sound production, voice, fluency, and oral motor and feeding skills. “By addressing disabilities such as articulation disorders, language delays, swallowing, stuttering, and feeding problems, we help improve kids’ communication skills, increase their academic ▶

ALABASTER HELPS achievement, boost their self-esteem, and recover their quality of life.” SLP services may be provided at the Easterseals outpatient clinic in Pelham, as well as in the child’s school or daycare. PHYSICAL THERAPY Physical therapy (PT) helps children master skills related to independent movement and gross motor function. Activities target improving muscle tone, increasing range-of-motion for functional, independent motor skills, and providing therapist referrals for orthotics/braces, wheelchair fittings, and other orthopedic concerns as necessary. Licensed physical therapists utilize individualized therapy plans, ongoing evaluations, exercises, assisted devices, and fun, community-based therapy programs and other special techniques to help each child reach milestones like sitting, crawling, walking, running, climbing stairs and jumping. “Our goal is to let your child enjoy being a child,” Higgins said, with a smile. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY The primary occupation of childhood is to grow, learn and play. As such, the pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) team focuses on helping kids develop the skills necessary to allow them to participate in daily life activities and to live life to the fullest! Since each child's needs are different, the organization offers comprehensive evaluations and customized treatment plans based on parent concerns and the most current treatment approaches that serve to help improve function in difficult situations at home and at school related to:

•

Fine motor skills (such as grasp, handwriting and bilateral/hand strength) • Sensory-processing abilities (such as overcoming difficulty with itchy clothing, loud noises, food aversions, sitting still, etc.) • Coordination • Peer interaction and engagement • Proficiency at play • Self-care skills (such as bathing, dressing and feeding) • Eye-hand coordination ...and more! PROVIDING LOVING CARE TO ALL To receive therapy, all that is required to set an appointment is a referral or prescription from the child’s pediatrician. The therapy clinic accepts Medicaid, most insurance plans, and provides a sliding fee payment plan for families who are uninsured. “We will provide care to individuals, regardless of their ability to pay,” Higgins affirmed. “We have actually provided over $120,000 in charity care!” In addition to tending the needs of the program participants, the staff also offers parent support groups to help families learn how to care for their child at home. This community of Easterseals therapists, family, friends and supporters is important, as they will all stand together with those facing challenging roads ahead. AC

Easterseals of the Birmingham Area’s mission is, “To create solutions that change the lives of children and adults with disabilities and other special needs, and their families.” • • • •

1,893 persons served overall 760 patients in the Pelham Clinic alone 745 persons served in Shelby County overall $0.81 of every dollar goes to program services • $123k provided in charity care • 275 Alabaster children served Easterseals of the Birmigham Area – Pediatric Program 240 Commerce Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 205-314-2165 eastersealsbham.org

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Vinehouse Nursery Planting Smiles, Growing Giggles & Harvesting Love

hat is the most challenging, but most rewarding, seed to grow? A child! This idea of growing children up in a healthy way is what Vinehouse Nursery is founded on. Khiari McAlpin, owner and director, explained where the infant childcare facility’s name came from: “[In Scripture,] John 15:5 states that, ‘I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.’ At Vinehouse Nursery, that is my exact goal for all of our children.”  STARTING OUT EARLY Khiari is a firm believer that all children can learn, and that education first starts when a child is in a mother’s womb. “When a parent and a caregiver can provide and educate a child together, that child’s future will start off as a ‘tiny seed’ and blossom into a ‘beautiful flower,’” she said with a smile. By focusing on providing a high quality childcare center, a nurturing educational

culture, and a safe and eco-friendly environment, she and her staff makes sure every child receives the best education from birth to 12 months. “Our program is built around the concept that children are born ready to learn. As caregivers, we strive to create a learning environment that is safe, stimulating and encouraging. Our ultimate goal is to plant smiles, grow giggles, and harvest love.” Khiari McAlpin

GROWING UP BABY Vinehouse Nursery is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment, which fosters a child’s natural desire to explore, discover, create, and become a lifelong learner. “As caregivers and educators, we believe in the value and uniqueness of each child we serve. Our childcare experience is designed to promote each child’s own individual social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development,” Khiari explained. SWEET AND SAFE ON THE ENVIRONMENT Vinehouse Nursery is a 100% Eco-Friendly Child Development Center. Everything they use is made out of natural and organic products. They take pride in reducing their impact on the environment and preserving natural resources. “One of the ways that we help our environment is by ordering our diapers, wipes and cleaning supplies from the Honest Company,” she enthusiastically pointed out. “We have partnered with the Honest Company and we are thrilled to help ▶

To learn more about Vinehouse Nursery or to schedule a tour, call 205-5648564 or email hello@vinehousenursery.com. Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 6 AM – 6 PM

Address: 105 Plaza Circle Suite 100 Alabaster, Al 35007 cityofalabaster.com

ALABASTER HELPS people live happy and healthy lives.” Another way that the nursery has gone green is by using toys that are made out of 100% recycled products. These toys are safe for children and can even be cleaned in a dishwasher. RAISING UP A CHILD The Vinehouse Nursery teachers use Mother Goose Time as their educational curriculum. Mother Goose Time uniquely weaves 33 research-based skills into playful games and projects. As children participate, they naturally grow in all areas of development, including social-emotional, physical, language and cognitive development. Additionally, each classroom is set-up in centers, which include blocks, dramatic play, books, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and art. However, learning doesn’t stop in the daily classroom session. The nursery also offers services to parents, including

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quarterly Parent-Teacher Conferences, quarterly Parent Night outings, Mommy and Me Time fitness classes, infant massage classes, American Sign Language (English and Spanish), and music therapy. CULTIVATING A STRONG FIRST YEAR At Vinehouse Nursery, the teachers are dedicated to ensuring that exceptional growth is produced with each month of each child’s first year, as those months prove to be pivotal stages in their development. They intentionally and lovingly help children grow - from birth to 12 months – in the areas of: • Nurturing Creativity • Expanding Self Expression • Increasing Independence “Our desire is to help plant solid roots by sowing into our teachers so that they can properly teach our Vinehouse kids,” Khiari shared. “We are committed to the families we serve and strive to give parents a home-away-from-home feeling, through a quality child care center.” AC

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BEAUTIFICATION BOARD

Board's Alabaster Beautification

h t n o m e h t f o garden tip By: Randi Dicus

In Celebration of Alabama’s 200th birthday, we encourage everyone to plant trees or plants that are from our native area! PLANTS NATIVE TO ALABAMA Slender Three Seed Mercury; Short Stalk Copperleaf Chalk Maple; Pale Maple Box Elder; Ash Leaf Maple Drummond’s Maple; Swamp Red Maple Red Maple Sugar Maple Creeping Spotflower; Opposite Leaf Spotflower Common Black Cohosh; Early Black Cohosh; Black Bugbane Southern Maidenhair Fern; Venus’ Hair Fern Bottlebrush Buckeye Red Buckeye Ten Lobe False Foxglove Purple False Foxglove; Large Purple Gerardia Slender Leaf False Foxglove Common White Snakeroot; Common Milk Poison Low Agrimony; Small Fruit Groovebur; Small Fruit Agrimony Woodland Agrimony; Beaked Agrimony; Beaked Groovebur Elliott’s Bentgrass; Southern Bentgrass; Elliott’s Bent Autumn Bentgrass; Upland Bent; Autumn Bent Carpet Bugle; Bugleweed; Blue Bugle Silktree; Mimosa American Water Plantain; Southern Water Plantain

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he Zone 7 garden dance gets a little livelier in March, though it's heavily syncopated with uneven weather at best. This is prime time for pruning and for building soil fertility. And then, there's always weeding. My rule for March is: When it's chilly, read. When it's pretty, weed. Buy a packet or two of seeds, so you can cultivate your passion for flowers all year long.

GARLIC AND ONIONS. Wild garlic and onions are a special weeding challenge. Unfortunately, our native onions (Allium canadense) have now been joined by wild garlic (A. vineale), an exotic invasive weed. To tell them apart, the garlic has hollow stems and smells like—you guessed it—garlic.

TAKE ACTION AGAINST INVASIVES. Remove and root out Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and other weedy vines now while many garden plants are still leafless. Control or eliminate English ivy (Hedera helix); do not allow it to climb trees so it can escape and take over natural areas.

native C. americana), Abelia, Althea, Hydrangea, Gardenia, Nandina, crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia), rose of Sharon (Hybiscus), Osmanthus and butterfly bush (Buddleia). Prune sensibly.

PRETTY AS A PEACH... OR NECTARINE. Treat your peach (Prunus persica) and nectarine trees before early March with lime-sulfur (Bordeaux mixture) to prevent peach leaf curl. Organic peach growing is especially challenging in the southeast—an ounce of prevention is worth a bushel of peaches.

START SEEDS INDOORS FOR SPRING COOL SEASON TRANSPLANTS. I grow mine under inexpensive fluorescent 'shop lights' in a corner of the basement. Keep lights very close to the tops of seedlings, and move the lights up as the plants grow. If you have a big bright sunny window, that will work, too.

TRANSPLANT PREPARATION.

PRUNING PARTY.

In order to transplant in mid-March, start brassicas like broccoli, cabbage, and bok choi, plus lettuces and cool season flowers like calendulas, forget-me-not (Myosotis) and Drummond phlox. In spring, I prefer quick maturing veggie varieties (50-60 days), like broccolis Southern Comet (about 50 days where I live) and Packman (about 60 days). Wait to start warm season transplants indoors until early March.

This month is a good time for vigorous pruning of summer blooming shrubs that flower on new wood. This includes beautyberry (Callicarpa—I like the

Give houseplants lots of TLC, since the end of winter is their toughest time. ▶

SHAKE UP YOUR COMPOST. Try to turn (remix) your compost pile once this month. You can also start new piles from fallen leaves any time. Keep an eye on your worm bin to make sure it doesn't dry out or get too cold.

HAPPY HOUSEPLANTS.

BEAUTIFICATION BOARD Remove leggy growth (which you can root), pinch them back, and take out dead branches and leaves. On nice days, take your favorites out for air and bright shade, and wash off any infestations of various bugs.

GRASS GROWING. If you have a warm season grass such as Bermuda or centipede (it is brown now), do not fertilize now, but wait until spring. It's also time to mow or otherwise trim to 10 cm (3"-4") our Monkey grass (Liriope) and Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon). Just run them over with your lawnmower.

PLAN AHEAD FOR VEGGIES. Don't neglect your landscape and garden planning, when the cold and damp keeps you out of the garden. Plan your vegetable rotation for the coming season. AC

RESIDENTIAL BEAUTIFICATION AWARD WINNER Congratulations to Linda Turney of 141 Hastings Lane on winning the residential beautification award for March! When spring is not quite here yet, and most properties are still looking a bit bare, Nandina Firepower is a shrub that adds color, as shown at 141 Hastings Lane. This property is located in Sterling Gate, Ward 3. In order to cover all areas of the city, a property is chosen from a different ward each month.

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CALENDAR

COMMUNITY MARCH March 6th Water Board 7 pm March 7th Trial Dockets March 12th School Board 6 pm March 12th Council 7 pm March 13th Housing Abatement Board 5 pm March 14th Court Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 pm March 19th Board of Zoning Adjustments 6:30 pm March 26th Council 7 pm March 27th Planning Commission 7 pm March 28th Court Plea Dockets 9 am & 2 pm

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: Mon., Tue. and Thu.: 9 am - 7:50 pm Wednesday: 10 am - 5:50 pm Friday: 9 am - 5:50 pm Saturday: 10 am - 4:50 pm Sunday: 1 pm - 4:50 pm

If you would like more information concerning programs, please contact the Library at 664-6822.

FREE AARP TAX HELP FOR SENIORS February through mid-April. Available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the meeting room. Call or come by the Albert L. Scott Library to sign up.

ADULT COMPUTER CLASSES Call or come by to sign up.

YA YA YARNERS

Whooping Crane is North America’s tallest bird and, arguably, it’s most beautiful. Do you knit or crochet? Would you like Come discover how a large percentage to learn how? If so, we have a group for of these magnificent creatures came you…the Ya Ya Yarners! We will teach to call our state their winter home in a you how if you don’t know, and we will presentation illustrated with remarkable start you with one of two simple projects.  high-definition footage from the WheelWe will supply the needles or hooks and er National Wildlife Refuge. Discovering yarn and a pattern. We also do commuAlabama is the EMMY award-winning nity projects, such as hats for service Public Television series hosted by Dr. members, lap blankets, prayer shawls and Doug Phillips and produced by the Almany other things. We hope you will join abama Museum of Natural History, The us! For more information, please call the University of Alabama. Roger Reid has library at 664-6822 or email Carol Smith been a writer and producer for the show at csmith@shelbycounty-al.org. Program for more than 20 years.  takes place in the meeting room. Monday evenings from 5:30 –7:30pm

ABC & DS OF MEDICARE March 12 at 1 pm

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

Join us in our discussion of The Seven Daughters of Eve: The Science That Reveals Our Genetic Ancestry by Bryan Sykes. A thrilling work of science that reveals how biological research can enrich our tangled lives. It is a book that chronicles many of the most exciting developments in genetics over the past decade by a man who is not only a brilliant scientist, but also a gifted and thoroughly engaging writer. It ultimately demonstrates how much more we still have to discover about the absorbing story of human evolution.

Wednesdays 10:15 am

CAKE & CULTURE

March 8 at 6 pm:

March 18 at 2 pm

Ancestry.com

Discovering Alabama: Whooping Cranes - Writer and producer Roger Reid presents a pre-broadcast peek at Discovering Alabama: Whooping Cranes. The

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All programs are in the Meeting Room behind the youth department. Children 6 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

STORY TIMES

Microsoft Word Part 1

Microsoft Word Part 2

LIBRARY YOUTH EVENTS

March 15 at 7 pm

March 5 at 10 am:

March 19 at 10 am:

LIBRARY BOARD MEETING

March 27 at 6 pm

Outreach Story Time at area day care centers Wednesdays 3:30 pm

Tunes & Tales for all ages in the meeting room Fridays 10:30 am

Toddler Tales for 2’s and 3’s in the meeting room

SPECIAL PROGRAMS: LEGO LEAGUE March 6 from 6-6:45pm

Youngsters of all ages can combine their creativity with the library’s blocks in the meeting room. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult.

FRACTURED FAIRY TALES FRIDAY March 9 at 4 pm

We’ll take a new look at Goldilocks and the Three Bears with kids in grades 1 ▶

CALENDAR and above. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult. The fun is in the meeting room.

HOME SCHOOL HAPPENING: STRETCH & STRENGTHEN WITH MISS CHARITY March 12 from 10-11am

Charity Battles from Shelby County 4-H will lead this session. Stretch & Strengthen helps improve physical fitness by increasing strength, flexibility and aerobic capacity. This, in turn, can reduce stress, improve stress management and coping skills, increase confidence, promote a healthy body image and improve social skills. Stretch & Strengthen accomplishes this by following a 3-part program: practicing proper breathing techniques, stretching and strengthening the body, and relaxation. Students meet in the meeting room. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult. The fun is in the meeting room.

PETE THE CAT BOOK CLUB March 13 at 6 pm

Boys and girls can join in the fun of cool cats, reading, and more during our time in the meeting room. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult.

MAGIC TREE HOUSE PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE March 19 at 4 pm

The book Leprechaun in Late Winter will be our catalyst for this session for kids in first grade and above. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult. The fun is in the meeting room. DYE-ING TO COLOR WORKSHOP March 20 at 6:15 pm

How EGG-citing! Come dye eggs with us! $3.00 per half-dozen eggs. Please sign up and pay in advance by March 19. Make checks out to the library. Sorry, no refunds. All children must be with an adult. Meets in the meeting room.

HIPPITY-HOPPITY TALES WITH THE EASTER BUNNY March 21 from 10:15-11am

EGG-straordinary fun! Young children accompanied by an adult can come for fun with “Miss Spring” and the Easter Bunny! Visit with the Easter Bunny and get a goody bag! All children must be with an adult. The fun is in the meeting room.

AMERICAN GIRLS CLUB

pm. If you would like more information, call 205-664-6840 or visit www.alabasterparks.org.

STAY INFORMED BY EMAIL If you are not receiving emails from Parks and Recreation regarding registrations and events, you can sign up by going to www. alabasterparks.org and scrolling down the page to the SIGN UP link. All you have to enter is your name and email address.

March 23 at 4 pm

Celebrate March as Women’s History Month during our meeting. Girls age 7 and older can come with or without a doll. Please sign up.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY The Friends of the Library are preparing for our annual Book and Bake Sale next month on April 7th and 8th. We are still accepting your gently used books and need volunteers to help work the event. If you are interested please sign up at the library. Our next annual meeting is April 9th at 6 pm at the Library. All are welcome to attend.

PARKS AND REC HOLIDAY SCHEDULE The Parks and Recreation Office, along with Veterans Skate Park, will be closed on the following date: Friday, March 30, in observance of Good Friday.

NEW OFFICE LOCATION The Parks and Recreation office has moved to Veterans Park. Our physical address is now 7305 Hwy. 119, Alabaster, AL 35007. We are located on the far right side of the parking lot, in the modular building beside the Maintenance Shop. Our mailing address will continue to be 100 Depot Street, Alabaster, AL 35007. Office hours are Mon.-Fri. from 8 am-5

PAYMENTS NOTE: We cannot accept Checks as a method of payment. Please be prepared to pay for any fees with Cash, Debit, Visa, Master Card, or Discover.

ADULT SOFTBALL REGISTRATION Walk-in Registration for teams (not individuals) will begin on March 1 and end on March 29 at the Parks and Recreation office located at Veterans Park – weekdays only from 8:00am until 5:00pm. On-Line Registration for teams (not individuals) will begin on March 1 at 8:00am and end on March 31 at 11:00pm. Fee: $285.00. No registration form accepted without payment in full. Five leagues will be offered: Open Coed, Coed Church, Open Rec., Open Competitive, and Men’s Church. Teams may begin practicing once their entry fee has been paid. Leagues will begin play in May. For more information, please contact Nik McCrimon at 664-6840 or nmccrimon@cityofalabaster.com

ARTS AND CRAFTS VENDOR REGISTRATION FOR FALL FEST On-Line Registration: Begins at 8:00am on March 5 and ends on March 23 at 11:00pm. Available at www.alabasterparks.org. Walk-in Registration: March 5 through March 23 – weekdays only from 8 am until 5 pm at the Alabaster Parks and Recreation office located at▶ cityofalabaster.com

CALENDAR Veterans Park. NOTE: This is ‘early’ registration. There will be a second registration which will run from Sept. 4 through Sept. 28. You will receive a 15x15 booth. You must provide your own table, chairs and/ or canopy. Event Date: Fall Fest will be on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9:30-3:00pm on Buck Creek Trail.

EASTER EGG DROP March 31 at 9 am at Veteran's Park

The Sky is Falling Easter Egg Drop, which is open to the community, is sponsored by Cultivate Church. There will be multiple age appropriate Egg Drops, including one for the little ones, and two for the older ages. Gates open at 9:00am with FREE admission. The Egg Drops begin at 10:30am. Registration is required to participate in an Egg Drop. You can register at the gate or pre-register online at cultivatechurch.tv/eggdrop. There will be pictures with the Easter Bunny, free food and drink, and inflatables.

YOUTH BASEBALL/GIRL’S SOFTBALL Friday, March 16 at 6 pm

Parade of Teams will occur on Friday, March 16 at Veterans Park. 6:00pm – Announcement of teams 7:00pm – Alabaster Fire Dept. vs. Alabaster Police Dept. Softball game You won’t want to miss the excitement of this annual game! It’s a lot of fun to watch as they compete against each other. And it’s FREE family entertainment! Opening Day will be on March 17. Picture Day is scheduled for April 7. Be sure to come out and show your support of our boys and girls as they enter another season of Baseball and Softball. There’s no entry fee, and there’s a great concession stand available for purchasing food and drinks.

YOUTH SOCCER

MARCH CREATIVE CRAFT

Games will begin at Municipal Park on March 16. Picture Day is scheduled for March 17. Be sure to attend at least one Soccer game this season to show your support for our local youth even if you don’t have anyone playing. It’s free!

March 19 from 9-11 am

PAVILIONS FOR RENT

GARDENING WITH BETTY

Outdoor Rental Facilities: On-Line Pavilion Rentals – available at 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.

Tuesday, March 20, 9:30-11 am

SENIOR CENTER ENTERTAINMENT WITH EARL Tuesday, March 6 at 10:15 am

Join us for entertainment (singing) with Earl. No charge for this event but stop by and sign up to reserve your spot.

TEA AND BISCUITS Join us on March 9 at 9:15 am

A big thank you to Jim N' Nicks for tea and cheese biscuits every 2nd Friday.

ST PATRICK’S DAY BINGO Friday, March 16 at 12 pm

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No experience necessary. We will be putting patina on a clay pot and then decorating the inside of the pot for spring with dried flowers and decorations. $6.00 to reserve spot.