The Official Publication of the City of Alabaster
Alabaster Connection APRIL 2015
Alabaster’s Teen Council
Alabaster Clean Sweep ■ page 8 THS Presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” ■ page 12
School for
®
Open 6AM ‘til 6:30PM
We build with blocks, too.
From the Mayor’s Desk... Happy Spring! This is truly my favorite time of the year! I am more energized and optimistic with presence of all the sunshine, plenty of blooms, and longer days. The unpredictable weather of March did not keep us from enjoying the Parade of Teams during Alabaster’s Youth Baseball Opening Ceremonies. I want to thank the members of our public safety departments for a perfect ending to the night, with the highly competitive softball game between Police and Firefighters. Congratulations APD! We not only have plenty Marty Handlon of talent to enjoy right here, but we have many of our own Mayor, City of Alabaster Baseball Warriors doing very well on the diamond at the next level around the state. I’m so proud of them, as they continue their hard work, dedication, and love for the game. I hope to be able to see some of them in action. On March 18th, we participated in the official ground breaking of the Holiday Inn Express. It was a great day to celebrate this project moving into the construction phase. We have worked diligently the last few years on recruiting another hotel to our area, and are very thankful for the willingness of Mr. Harry Patel, with the assistance of BB&T, to invest in our city (and without requesting city sponsored incentives). The hotel will be the first in our region built to the specifications of the franchise’s newest prototype. The addition of this four story hotel, with an indoor pool, meeting & conference space, will benefit the national businesses located in our industrial parks, the families of teams who play sports in our area year around, and our residents who have had family guests stay in less convenient hotels in neighboring cities for special events and occasions. Stay tuned for more economic development announcements coming soon! The 2015 Teen Council has been appointed (pictured on the cover), and introduced during the March 23rd City Council meeting. This is the second year for the Alabaster Teen Council, and we have incorporated some lessons learned during our inaugural year. There are 26 members this year, representing ages 14 through 18. My hope is the larger council will enable them to accomplish much more for the benefit of their peers, as they each balance school and extracurricular commitments with this leadership role. I want to thank Ms. Rhonda Elmore, Director of YMCA, Ms. Cara Crosslin, THS Athletic Director, and Mr. George Henry, City Manager for their interest and desire to help our teenage citizens. We have been working on a calendar of events for the summer and fall months, and look forward to the impact this group will make in their community. Please make every effort to support them in their efforts, and encourage your teenagers to get involved with the events sponsored by the Teen Council. Once again, April is the month of Alabaster Clean Sweep! It is an initiative started and fostered by Councilwoman Stacey Rakestraw, with her passion for building pride in our community. I hope you will join these efforts in your individual neighborhoods, as well as in the more visible areas of our city. It truly does take all of us to make a difference, and I thank you for caring about Alabaster’s image. Congratulations to the Big Blue Nation in such a remarkable run to the Final Four! Blessings to all,
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
To advertise call 447-2214
1953 Municipal Way Alabaster, AL 35007 ©2015 City of Alabaster
Non-Emergency City Numbers Police 24-Hours 663-7401 Alabaster Water Board 663-6155 Fire Department 664-6818
cityofalabaster.com 3
C O u n cil C o mm e n t s
Scott Brakefield, Ward 6 City Council President
Greetings. This past month saw the start of Alabaster City Recreation sports leagues. This includes soccer, baseball and softball. This year, under the leadership of the Parks Department, the baseball season started with a Parade of Teams followed by a game between our very own Alabaster Police and Firemen, won by the police. I love this new tradition and look forward to seeing our youth sports programs grow
in size and scope. This past month also was the kickoff of our Comprehensive Plan. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every citizen who has taken the time to complete the survey, and attend the various group meetings held on our behalf by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. It is vital that we update our Master Plan with input from our community. This plan will help focus the current and future councils in regards to zoning, speeding priorities, and community development projects. April brings back our annual April Clean Sweep, see page 8 for more details, a time in which we focus on cleaning up our city, working with our neighbors, and taking pride in our community. I would like to thank everyone who has helped in the past and who are helping out this month as well. Finally I would like to wish you and yours a fruitful time with your family and friends this Easter holiday.
Sophie Martin, Ward 1
Progress continues in Ward 1. Over the last several weeks, six abandoned and unsafe structures were demolished. Five of these were located along Simmsville Road, including the old church that has been abandoned for almost 25 years. These visible structures coming down are a step forward for our residents and community. Thank you to the Alabaster Abatement Board and support of my fellow councilmembers to help make this happen. To improve the safety for residents, road surface markings were added to Cohill Drive from Simmsville Road. These markings were placed down the center of the street to better define and provide separation of traffic. This will
4 cityofalabaster.com
significantly decrease the chances of accidents happening in this area. Groundbreaking for the new Holiday Inn Express was held on Tuesday, March 24th. It will be located in Ward 1 along Alabaster Boulevard across from the Candlewood Suites. This is an exciting addition to our city and will give tourists additional options when they visit Alabaster. Congratulations to the newly chartered Leo Club at Thompson High School. 70 students were recently sworn in to the Leo Club, making it one of the largest Leo Clubs in Alabama and the Southeast. The Leo Club is a service organization that provides our youth the opportunities for leadership and to give back to the community. It’s truly an inspiration to see so many young leaders wanting to make a positive impact in the lives of others! Congratulations to Hallie Cohill and her son, Jimmy, who are this month’s Beautification Award winners. Jimmy and Hallie are longtime residents of Alabaster and Ward 1. It is an honor to serve the residents of Ward 1 and our city. I will continue to work for ways to improve our community and move our City forward. If you have any questions, please contact me at 358-8742 or martin@cityofalabaster.com. Kindest regards, Sophie
Bob Hicks, Ward 2
Alabaster is in the process of reworking and updating our comprehensive plan for the future development of the city. Public town hall meetings were held and public input was sought of peoples’ visions of what Alabaster will look like in five, ten and twenty years down the road. If you were unable to attend any of these meetings, please contact your councilperson with an email sharing your thoughts on the matter. It is the right of every citizen to be heard, and your contributions are valued as we move forward with this procedure. Each of us needs to be heard, it is our right and responsibility. Together, we can make something very good even better. Thank you in advance for caring.. April is here, and it is once again time for Project Clean Sweep. The brainchild of Stacy Rakestraw, this annual event pulls together groups from all over the city to help begin the spring cleaning process on a wide scope. High school teams and clubs, church groups, neighborhood associations, and businesses are just some of the entities who will scour designated areas for picking up of trash and miscellaneous debris in an effort to beautify Alabaster. Please contact your councilperson for guidance on how you can play a major role in making this program a continued success. And a big thanks to Stacy for all her hard work in making this plan work so well. Kudos, Mrs. Rakestraw... Finally, Easter is around the corner. A defining moment in history, the Easter story is known to all as Christ’s death and resurrection. To me, it is so much more than just a story of the only case ever of death being defeated. It is the truth that all sin (and there was and is a TON of it) was laid on one pair of shoulders so each of us is allowed the choice of how we choose to live on earth and after we depart here. In the words of the old hymn, “I’m forever grateful...” and definitely unworthy of such a gift. He is risen... Grace and peace, Bob
Stacy Rakestraw, Ward 3
First, I would like to thank all of the volunteers who plan to help with litter cleanup and other Clean Sweep activities, throughout the city, during the month of April. A big THANK YOU to the our Public Works department, Jerry Simons and his great staff, as well as the Alabaster Police and Fire for helping to make this initiative a success each year. E-cycling and Shredd-it will be on Saturday, April 18 and the location is 10111 AL-119 (Thompson Sixth Grade Center) from 9am Noon. See page 8 for details. It is unfortunate to see the amount of litter along the roads that run through our city and studies have shown the majority of litter comes from individuals. Please take the time to clean out your vehicles and pick up litter when you see it. Every little bit helps. Call police dispatch at 663-7401 immediately and report any litter debris coming out of garbage trucks. Be sure to get the truck number and the area they are in so it can be addressed quickly. You may have noticed the Beautification Board has started giving out awards to homes and businesses for “Yard of the Month”. If you see property that you would like to share, as a possible winner, please email me the address to share with them. Many of you participated in the opening day, city league “Baseball Parade”. We appreciate all of the things the Alabaster Parks and Rec department do to host events, maintain fields and our many parks. I am so thankful it is spring and warmer weather are here. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Also use our “Report A Concern” at the city website, www.cityofalabaster.com
Rick Walters, Ward 4
Now that Spring has arrived and everyone is busy cleaning up from the cold winter months, the City of Alabaster is also dusting off its Comprehensive Plan. The Plan was last updated in 2005 and provides a “roadmap” for future development of our city. There will be a series of public meetings where your thoughts and ideas will be collected by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. The Alabaster Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee consists of 12 stakeholders, which I am a member. Other members include residents who are business owners, builders, city employees, engineers, and real estate professionals – some of which serve on other various city boards. The Advisory Committee members are Champions of The Plan and among other duties, will provide feedback on the draft plan that will be submitted to the City Council for final approval and implementation. This is your opportunity to be heard and have input on quality of life issues like transportation, recreational and commu-
nity development just to name a few. To get started we need you help by completing a quick survey at www.alabasterforward.com . Future meeting dates and updates can also be found there. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and I hope to see you at one of the planning workshops. Keep in Touch!
Russell Bedsole, Ward 5
If April showers bring May flowers, then what will March showers brings us? Our outdoor spring sports have been seriously sidetracked by all our recent rain. Tim Hamm and all the men and women at Parks and Rec have worked so hard to get our athletic fields in playing shape. Thank you for all your hard work. April is the month of our annual Alabaster Clean Sweep initiative. Now is the time to take care of any of those clean up projects around your home and look for those opportunities to get that junk hauled off. Check the dates in this newsletter and on the city website for the many events during this years Clean Sweep. Alabasterforward.com is the website to have your say in the construction of the update to the Alabaster comprehensive plan. Take the brief survey and help shape the future of your city. That’s all for this month. If you have any questions or needs please let me know.
Tommy Ryals, Ward 7
If you haven’t visited the City’s website lately, you may want to browse through it one rainy afternoon. You’ll find some really useful information on a variety of items. This information has always been available to the public but it took considerable effort to obtain it. (It took considerable effort just to know where to start looking for it.) Now, it’s just a “click” away. For example, if you go to the cityofalabaster.com website and click on “Online Services”, you’ll suddenly have access to a form to fill out for anything with which you may have a concern or problem, information on the environmentally safe use of yard chemicals to help keep us in compliance with our storm water permits, and, probably most importantly, online access to a variety of city laws. For example, if you are thinking of doing some remodeling or an addition to your home, you can click on “City Code Online” and find out if you need a building permit, what the setbacks are in your zoning district, or answer a variety of questions that previously involved multiple trips to multiple buildings or several phone calls. You can even read this Newsletter on the website. Now if I can just get the website to WRITE the articles…… cityofalabaster.com 5
happ e n i n g s
Alabaster’s
teen council Student Leaders The 2015-2016 Teen Council is: Austin Akins, Maddie Black, Reginald Chambers Gracie Coker, Tyler Couch, Nyla Crear, Timberly Crocker, Mary Kathryn Grill, Jacqueline Herrera, Caroline Herringdon, Katharine Lillie, Nthabiseng Mashego, Chris Miranda, Randi Mitchell, Andrea Munoz, Luke Nichols, Sam Pearce, Jillian Pritchard, Tyger Quarles, Caleb Ragland, Destiny Richardson, Devon Shepard, Ashley Sills, Alijah Steele, Danyea Swoopes, Nick Walker Mayor Handlon, with support of the City Manager, City Council, and civic leaders, started the first Teen Council in 2014. The first council was a pilot for creating a space for teens to have a voice in their community. Through the efforts of the Teen Council, the first ever TeenFest was held with over 500 students in attendance. The Teen Council also had a role in the formation of the Disc Golf Course at Veteran’s Park. Both of these projects came out of a collective idea from the council to provide more activities for the teens of Alabaster. Even with all the success of last year’s council there was a desire in City Hall to see higher heights achieved through the efforts of the Teen Council. At the first meeting of the 2015-2016 Teen Council, Mayor Handlon shared the three goals for the council. The first goal for the Teen Council is to be a voice for their peers. “Your role is to be a voice for your peers,” Handlon stated to the 26 members of the newly appointed Teen Council. “You are in the halls of our schools, you are experiencing the life of a teenager in Alabaster, you are their voice,” shared the mayor.
6 cityofalabaster.com
“Each of you was recommended, selected, by someone who thought you were and are a leader. Someone saw leadership quality in you.” -Mayor Handlon The second goal is community service. Handlon shared, “We have a lot of charities in our community that need your help. They want to call on the Teen Council to assist - and not just your labor but through your influence, the assistance of your peers as well.” The third goal is to create recreational opportunities for the teens of Alabaster. “Often times we think of sporting
events, but I want to challenge you to think of social events, and incorporating teens into the activities that we are already hosting as a community such as CityFest or movies in the park,” said Handlon. This year’s Teen Council was challenged and inspired. “Each of you was recommended, selected, by someone who thought you were and are a leader,” declared Handlon. The mayor added, “Someone saw leadership quality in you.” This year’s council will be supported by an assortment of city and community leaders. These leaders are: City Manager George Henry; Coach Cara Crosslin; and Alabaster’s YMCA Director Rhonda Elmore. After a brief introduction, the new council was ready to get started. For newly appointed Teen Councilor Alijah Steele, he will be working to create more spaces for the teens to hang out at. “I feel like Alabaster needs more things for our teens to do. We really have nothing to do. Everything is out of the city,” he shared. He sees the benefit of keeping teens occupied and allowing them less time to get into trouble. “The more time you have something positive to do the less time you have to get in trouble,” he stated emphatically. For teen Destiny Richardson, she would like to see the Teen Council work on hosting an Art Show or contest. To which, fellow member Jacqueline Herrera quickly added, “We should have a place for people from different cultures to get to meet each other.” Everyone agreed that a cultural food event would be a great addition in Alabaster to promote unity in the community. Mayor Handlon had one more piece of encouragement for the newly appointed Teen Council. “This is not an exclusive group. This is designed to be inclusive of your peers, you are their voice,” she passionately stated. The Teen Council recognizes that they must earn the respect of their peers in order to bring about the change that they want to see. “Our fellow teens have to get comfortable with us, basically we must earn their trust- trust goes a long way,” reflected Steele. He added, “I want to be able to say everything we set out to accomplish was done and that we actually worked as a team. Let us be the ones who said, ‘Hey we did it,’” he happily proclaimed.
Guard Of alab r laCommerCial ◆ residential am O a S Improve the comfort of your home. Reduce fading with window film. Block the sun and not your view.
Call today for a free estimate!
(205) 664-1454 or (205) 862-8836 276 Forest Pkwy, Alabaster, AL 35007
Breathe EASIER
More ENJOYMENT
Less WORRY no more SNEEZING
DON’T LET SEASONAL ALLERGIES HOLD YOU BACK….. We provide allergy testing & treatment for all types of allergies.
Weily Soong, MD • James R. Bonner, MD Maxcie Sikora, MD • John Anderson, MD Meghan Lemke, MD • Sunena Argo, MD Patricia Luthin, CRNP • Blake E. Youngblood, CRNP • Liz DeBerry, CRNP
Homewood • Hoover • Chelsea • Cullman • Alabaster
H app e n i n g s
Clean Sweep
In 2013, the City of Alabaster began a city-wide clean up initiative. Designed to encourage residents and businesses to “Clean Up, Clean Out and Haul Off,” the initiative greatly improved the beauty of the city. “One part of cleaning up entails litter, which is an unfortunate issue in many areas of the city,” began Councilwoman Stacy Rakestraw. “We want to encourage people to clean out their vehicles and truck beds so trash does not fall out or blow out onto the streets.”
“We want to encourage people to clean out their vehicles and truck beds so trash does not fall out or blow out onto the streets.” -Councilwoman Stacy Rakestraw Each Saturday of April, except Easter weekend, volunteer litter pick-up groups, ranging from church groups, scout troops, sports teams, extra-curricular clubs in schools, and citizens, will do their part to keep the city beautiful. The Alabaster Police and Fire Departments will be escorting these volunteers as well as encouraging community clean up. “This year we will have ‘roll off bins’ for citizens to bring extra items to discard from their homes and yards. These bins will be available on Saturday, April 18th at the Thompson Sixth Grade Center” she said. Also on site will be Technical Knock Out and Shredit. They will be recycling your old electronic items and securely shredding your sensitive documents. See the sidebar for more information. During the week, the City will provide haul-off opportunities including curb side pick-up, and people with non-working vehicles can donate them to a charity and that charity will come haul them off as well. “Not only does this get the vehicle off your property, it may even be a tax write off,” Rakestraw shared inspiringly. “Websites such as IRS.gov explain ‘A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donations,’ and Charity
8 cityofalabaster.com
Navigators help vehicle donors understand the process better.” This month-long event gives people an opportunity to take pride in their community by volunteering or by cleaning up their own properties. This is a great time for neighbors to work together to spruce up the entrance to their subdivisions as well. Businesses or residents that would like to volunteer, please contact Stacy Rakestraw at rakestraw@cityofalabaster.com
Items that can be: destroyed/recycled • Any Metal (shelving, filing cabinets) • All electronics (household and medical) • NO TVs • Secure hard drive destruction ($10.00 each) • Monitors ($7.00 each)
DISPOSAL/RECYCLING (free) Computer Components: • Computers/Laptops • Keyboards • Mice • Cables/Wiring Power supplies • Printers • Copiers • Fax Machines • Scanners • Telephones/Cell Phones • Print Cartridges • Media • Tapes • CDs • Battery Back-Ups Household electronics: • Microwaves • Washers/Dryers • Dishwashers • Blenders • Coffee Pots • Vacuum Cleaners • Stereos/Speakers • VCRs • Radios • Irons • Hair Dryers/Curling Irons • Lamps • Fans • Cordless tools/Re-Chargeable Batteries
Children are the heart of summer at the Alabaster YMCA. Here’s how your child can have the experience of a lifetime. • Swim Lessons • Swim Team • Free Family Nights • Summer Day Camp • Baseball
April is Alumni Month at the YMCA IF YOU ARE AN ALUMNI MEMBER OF THE Y, WHEN YOU REJOIN IN APRIL
WE WILL GIVE YOU THE FIRST MONTH DUES FREE!
PLUS USE A $50 CREDIT TOWARDS THE YMCA PROGRAM OF YOUR CHOICE THROUGH JULY 31, 2015. Offer expires April 30, 2015.
YMCA Alabaster
117 Plaza Circle Alabaster, AL 35007 663-7240 ymcabham.org/alabaster
Dues free offer applies to the month of April only. $50 activation fee applies.
MISSION To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. A United Way Partner.
H app e n i n g s
Brown Bag Campaign
Year after year, month after month, day after day, the fight against hunger reaches closer to home. In the community of Alabaster, projects and campaigns are underway to ensure that people, especially children, are not going hungry over the summer. “The Brown Bag Campaign is a sponsorship type fundraiser that supports Sowers of Seed’s summer lunch program,” shared Lynn Coleman, Executive Director of Sowers of Seed. “This campaign offers a sponsorship of children ($5.00 a day will provide lunch for 1.5 children) or food items, such as raw fruits and vegetables ($25.00 a day).” When the campaign was first introduced in March of 2011 at a Mission’s Conference at Westwood Baptist Church, Sower of Seed was able to sponsor a child from this community. Now, these brown bags are feeding hundreds of children throughout the community for the whole summer. “While many families are making plans for summer vacations, we are making plans for bridging the nutritional gap between summer and school, for school-aged children,” continued Coleman. “The Brown Bag Campaign is subtitled, ‘it’s more than a sack lunch,’ because our lunches are always balanced - providing 1/3 of their daily nutrients.”
In the community of Alabaster, projects and campaigns are underway
A volunteer prepares a plate for a hungry camper.
physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth,” Coleman concluded. “It’s because their entire summer experience has been more than a sack lunch.” Brown Bags are available at the local farmers market and Chubb’s Grubb. Sowers of Seed are hoping to place bags all over the community in an effort to sponsor a child and combat hunger. For more information, or placement of Brown Bags in your store front or office, please email Lynn Coleman at sowersofseed@hotmail.com
April brings sh- wers,
And allergies, and dry, itchy eyes, and headaches, and…
to ensure that people, especially children, are not going hungry over the summer. For five days a week for an entire summer, children are provided with a free lunch. With the permission of their parents, children can receive nutrition education in a Bible club setting known as Kamp Iwannaknow – a summer-long experience of storytelling, crafts, games, and food preparation. “It’s through this full experience that children return to school ready to learn and continue 10 cityofalabaster.com
Dr. Graham Rowland and staff are proud to offer: • Treatment of eye disease (glaucoma,
macular degeneration, dry eyes), co-management of ocular surgery and eye injuries. • Free eye exams for Infants (birth to 12 months) and free screening for kids. Next to Publix in Alabaster! • The latest in high fashion eyewear, sunglasses, and contact lenses. • Walk-ins welcome!
9200 Hwy 119, Suite 600, Alabaster, AL 35007 www.alabastereyecare.com | 205.624.3088
L SO
D
Building quality houses that feel like home for over 40 years.
Sterling Gate / Sterling Manor Prestigious New Homes in Alabaster
Prices starting at $299,900
Under Construction
308 Sterling Manor Circle ■ Lot 13 4 BR, 3 bath; 2 BR on Main. Huge Open Plan, Granite Countertops, Hardwood Floors, Bonus Room Upstairs, Full Unfinished Basement.
305 Sterling Manor Circle ■ Lot 28 4 BR, 3.5 bath, 2BR’s on Main, Open Floor Plan, Granite Countertops, Hardwood Floors, 3 Car Garage, Full Unfinished Basement.
271 Cedar Grove ■ Lot 38
4BR, 3.5BA, 2 BR’s on Main, Open Floor Plan, Keeping Room, Granite Countertops, Hardwood Floors, 3 Car Garage, Full Unfinished Basement.
SO
LD
Under Construction
275 Cedar Grove Pkwy ■ Lot 37
4BR, 3.5BA, Open Floor Plan, Keeping Room, Granite Countertops, Hardwood Floors, 3 Car Garage, Full Unfinished Basement.
Karen Spann 205-790-5113 karenspann11@gmail.com www.karenspann.com
329 Sterling Manor Circle ■ Lot 22 4BR, 3.5 BA, Master Bedroom on the main level, keeping room, open floor plan. Granite, Countertops, Hardwood Floors, 3 BR upstairs and 2 Full Baths, Unfinished Basement.
William Pittman 205-229-3013 pitt@williampittman.com www.williampittman.com
Annette Durrett 205-243-9970 annettedurrett@gmail.com www.annettedurrett.net
To Sterling Gate/Sterling Manor: Take exit 238 for US 31 N toward Alabaster. Turn left onto 1st St S. Turn left onto Al-119 S/Montevallo Rd. Turn right onto Co Rd 264/ Thompson Rd. Turn left onto Sterling Gate Dr.
H app e n i n g s
THS Presents “Legally Blonde”, the Musical
“Legally Blonde, the Musical is an all singing, all dancing romantic comedy about knowing who you are and showing what you’ve got,” exclaimed the THS theatre director Jane Ganey. “Elle Woods can handle anything and when her boyfriend, Warner dumps her, she decides to follow him to Harvard Law School and win him back. With help from her new-found friends, she learns that it’s so much better to be smart and who you are on the inside.” With special arrangements and license provided by Musical Theatre International (MTI), THS will be showing Legally Blonde, the Musical on April 30th and May 1st at 7:00 p.m. and May 2nd at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. “I saw this show when Red Mountain Theatre Company performed it a few years ago at the Virginia Samford Theatre,” Ganey continued. “It’s something that I think sends a very positive and true message about young ladies and knowing that it’s okay to be who you are no matter what anyone else thinks.” Since the first musical appeared on Broadway in 2007, Ganey has been engulfed in the “Legally Blonde, the Musical” soundtrack. When the opportunity to show the musical at THS presented itself, the students jumped right in, ready to work. “I think the most rewarding thing is to see how my students take certain situations and certain characters and make them something that EVERYONE can relate to,” she added. “Seeing them work together and ask questions about each other’s characters is really a great testament to how much they care for the show and their fellow cast members.” Putting on a show of this magnitude with a small group of people does not come without its challenges. Student choreographer Alexandra Ditoro, 11th grade, took on the challenge to prepare the cast for the dance-heavy performance. “The students run the show. I can guide them and direct them, but ultimately, they are the ones performing and doing the work,” Ganey continued. “I get to sit back and enjoy their talents along with the audience. Without these students, we wouldn’t be able to be the amazing department that we are!” With an excellent combination of music - cast by the musical director Natalie Allen, costumes and set creations, the community will be pleas-
12 cityofalabaster.com
antly surprised by the production. “We have a great crew that has been putting in several hours working with the cast and myself,” she shared about the students working behind the scenes. “These students don’t really get a lot of the recognition that they deserve, but without them, the show would not exist for Thompson High School.” Ganey acknowledged that the “real magic” of making the show come to life was happening back stage where Production Stage Manager Melissa Dillon, 12th grade and Assistant Production Stage Managers Kyra Flowers, 11th grade and Michael Oglesby, 11th grade will be busy working. “I always hope that my actors look forward to the fun that they will have and the relationships that will grow from being involved in this cast,” she expressed excitedly. “It’s a small cast for such a large performance and I think that they are just ready to prove that they can do it!”
Gonzalez Law Firm, L.L.C. Gonzalez Law Firm is a full-service law firm committed to helping their clients resolve legal matters in an efficient and cost-effective manner. •Immigration •Family Mediator •Accidents •Wills •DUI
•Abogados...se habla espanol
Marco Gonzalez
621-4100
In Alabaster on Main Street at 128 1st Street South (HWY 31) No representation is made that the quality of the legal services performed is greater than the legal services performed by other lawyers.
This changes
EVERYTHING! Your money. Your story. Your life.
Learn God’s ways of handling money with Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University! The average turnaround is $8,000 in just the first three months!
more info
Evangel Church is hosting this 9-week class on Thursday nights,
April 16th - June 11th Enter your class date/time/location 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and contact information here.
Limited nursery is available upon request. Go to www.evangelchurchpca.org or call the church office for more details. All are welcome to attend. Evangel Church 423 Thompson Road | Alabaster, AL 35007 664-0889 | www.evangelchurchpca.org
daveramsey.com/findaclass
H app e n i n g s
Summer Adventures in Learning
Summer Adventures in Learning is a partnership of 11 area funders. The Alabaster YMCA was one of 32 nonprofit organizations that received grants to help prevent learning loss, offer chances to explore new interests and skills and close the achievement gap for low-income children. Summer Adventures in Learning was developed as part of an action plan to respond to a survey of 37 Birmingham area summer programs, conducted by the National Sum-
teachers work with small groups of students on reading and math activities that are proven to stop summer slide. These fun, hands-on activities feel like summer camp and not like summer school. The program will be held from June 8-July 17 at the Alabaster YMCA. To find out more information and if your child is eligible to participate, please contact Briana Williams at 358-9738 orbwilliams@ymcabham.org.
Windows • Siding • Doors
205 • 965 •1510 “10 Reasons...” to give Paul a Call! Participants in the Alabaster YMCA’s Summer Adventures in Learning day camp. Scholarships are available for this summer.
mer Learning Association in 2011. Through this important partnership, funders committed to use a joint application process for nonprofit organizations wishing to receive grant support to enhance or add consistent academic components to summer youth programs. The fund partners for 2015 are: Alabama Power Foundation, The Belk Foundation, The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Daniel Foundation of Alabama, Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation, Joseph S. Bruno Charitable Foundation, The Junior League of Birmingham, Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation, Regions Bank and United Way of Central Alabama. Where students can explore new interests and skills and gain the support they need to prevent summer learning loss. The Summer Learning program works with struggling students in grades 3-5 that need extra help. For six weeks, students will participate in math and reading activities each morning. Campers will have a great time gaining skills in reading and math that will help them when school begins again in August. Better Basic’s expert
1. Licensed & Insured 2. VSI Certified Installer 3. BBB A+ Rating (Zero Complaints) 4. EPA Certified Lead Renovator 5. Factory Certified Craneboard Siding Installer 6. Lifetime Workmanship Warranty 7. Deal Directly with the Owner the Entire Project 8. No Sub-Contractor Labor 9. Lifetime of the Home Warranty (the only one!) 10. No Hidden Cost Guarantee
Windows & Siding
A+
Entry Doors
Paul Roberson, is a Thompson Graduate and a life long Alabaster resident. He has been in business since 1994 providing vinyl exterior products such as windows, siding, and doors. Don’t just take our word for it... go to our website and see what your neighbors have to say!
find out more...
@
www.robersonvinylexteriors.com
Lauri Williams, DMD, PC Charles Bordenca, DMD
◆ Contemporary worship◆ ◆ Practical, Biblical teaching ◆ ◆ Exciting children’s, youth & college ministries ◆ ◆ Small groups during the week ◆ ◆ Servant-focused mission opportunities ◆ Sunday Worship – 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.
Phone 205.664.2130 Fax 205.664.0287 After Hours 205.941.0631 219 First Street North Alabaster, AL 35007
Bible Study & Kids Ministries – 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.
Come As you ARe! 532 George Roy Parkway Calera, AL ◆ 205.690.8260 (Just off I-65 at the airport exit, next to Camping World)
www.shelbycrossings.com
A Christ Centered, Family Focused, Full Service Hair Salon Latest in... axing ||Perming Cuts | Colors | Waxing Perming
Jim Rice
Tori Chance
Beth Davis
Cosmetologist
Cosmetologist
Owner/Cosmetologist
Jessie Hoover
Teresa Chambers
Cosmetologist
Cosmetologist
Give us a call to set up an appointment!
664-7770
128 Market Center Drive, Suite 124, Alabaster, 35007 Located between Restore and H & R Block in the old Winn Dixie shopping center.
C al e n dar
Community
APRIL 1 Court Trials 9 a.m. 7 Water Board 7 p.m. 8 Court Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. 13 Alabaster City School Board 5:30 p.m. 13 Council 7 p.m. 14 Housing and Abatement 5 p.m. 22 Court Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. 27 Board of Zoning Adjustments 6:30 p.m. 27 Council 7 p.m. 28 Planning and Zoning 7 p.m.
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 April 3-5 - Easter Holidays Free AARP Tax Help for Seniors February through early April. Available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Meeting Room. Call or come by the Albert L. Scott Library to sign up. 664-6822. Tai Chi for Your Health April 1,8,15, 22, 29 & May 6, 1:30 p.m. Join us as local instructor Rachel Hickman teaches a 6-week course in Tai Chi. Tai Chi is an exercise that improves balance, sharpens the mind and circulates oxygen throughout the body while gently massaging all the joints, ligaments and muscles of the entire body. Program takes place in the meeting room. Call or come by the Albert L. Scott Library to sign up. 6646822.
16 cityofalabaster.com
Masterpiece Book Club April 10 2:00 p.m. Join this daytime book club as we explore the classics of literature. We will discuss Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier. After the death of her mother, Mary Yellan travels to Jamaica Inn on the wild British moors to live with her Aunt Patience. The coachman warns her of the strange happenings there, but Mary is committed to remain at Jamaica Inn. Caught up in the danger at this inn of evil repute, Mary must survive murder, mystery, storms, and smugglers before she can build a life with Jem. Program takes place in the meeting room. ABC & D’s of Medicare April 13, 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. For more information, contact the library at 205-664-6822. Friends of the Library Meeting April 13, 6 p.m. Library Book Group April 16, 7:00 p.m. Join us in our discussion of All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. The story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. Program takes place in the meeting room. Mobile Device Workshop April 23, 6 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. Job Search Workshops Will resume in May. Adult Computer Classes Call or come by to sign up. 664-6822. Wednesday, April 1, 10 am – Computer Basics Wednesday, April 8, 10 am – Basic Internet & Email Wednesday, April 15, 10 am – Microsoft Word 2007 Part 1
youth Events Outreach Story Time Wednesdays 10:15 a.m.
At area day care centers. Miss Jennie’s Story Time Themes Happy Easter Funny Animal Stories Happy, Sad, Love, Joy Fun at the Library Rootin’ Tootin’ Cowboys
American Girls Club Spring Fashion Show Friday, April 24, 4 p.m. Girls age 7 years old and older can walk the runway and model their fresh spring fashions – and those of their dolls if they’d like. Girls can come with or without a doll and family and friends can sit in the audience. This will be our last meeting of the school year. The fashions and fun will be 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.
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 two and three year olds. Children must be with an adult. Meets in the Meeting Room. Spring Break Story Time Wednesday, April 1, 10:15 a.m. Join us for a special story time to celebrate spring! All ages can enjoy stories, songs, and laughs in the meeting room. Youngsters 6 years old and younger must be with an adult. LEgo League April 21, 4:00 p.m. League Kids of all ages who love to build with bright colored blocks will love making new buildings and buddies during this program. Youngsters 6 years old and younger must be with an adult. The activity is in the meeting room.
The Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library are announcing our
Spring
Book Sale April 10-12
Friday 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
e & Bak
Sale!
Members Only Preview Sale. Join at door for as little as $10. Be ahead of the crowd & enjoy first choice!
Saturday Sale 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. No limit – buy all you want. We’ll help you carry them to your car!
Pete the Cat Book Club Thursday, April 23, 4 p.m. Boys and girls 5 years old and older can join in the fun of cool cats, reading, and more. Please sign up. Meets in the meeting room. This will be our last meeting of the school year. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult.
Sunday 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Fill-A-Bag. We’ll give you a bag to fill. For only $6 you get everything you can pack into it. This Book Sale is one of only two each year as fundraisers to support the programs and services the Library provides our community.
Be a Volunteer Hero! Donate baked goods or help with the sale for a few hours. Contact Tonya at 901-9940 or msthoward@yahoo.com
albert l. Scott library 100 Ninth Street NW | Alabaster, AL 205-664-6822
C al e n dar
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 205-664-6840 or visit www. alabasterparks.org. Closed April 3 Good Friday The Parks and Recreation Office and Veterans Skate Park will be closed on this date. TRASH TO TREASURES EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday, May 16, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Extravaganza will be held at Buck Creek Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on April 27 and ends on May 8 at 5 p.m. You can register in person at the Depot between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. - weekdays only. As soon as all 50 booths are reserved, registration will close out even if it’s prior to May 8. The registration fee is $10 which can be paid with cash, debit, Visa, or MasterCard. No checks accepted. The fee includes a 20x20 booth. You must provide your own table and chairs. SPRING BASEBALL AND GIRL’S SOFTBALL Baseball/Softball has 504 eager players in our Spring Sports program. Please visit one of the local parks and take in a game or two. It will be a pleasant experience even if you don’t have children participating. And it won’t cost you a penny. SPRING SOCCER Spring Soccer has 371 energetic young participants who love an audience. Please show your support by attending a game at Municipal Park. There’s sure to be lots of action, and there’s no admission fee. Games are set to begin on April 11. Picture Day is scheduled for April 18. START SMART BASEBALL Start Smart Baseball has 20 excited 3 and 4 year olds learning the fundamentals of Baseball on Tuesday nights during the month of April. FOOTBALL & CHEER Look for Football and Cheer details in the May issue of the newsletter. Registration will begin on May 18 for Football (full contact); Cheer; and our newest addition, Flag Football. ADULT SOFTBALL COACHES There will be an Adult Softball Coaches Meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. located at the Alabaster Senior Center.
18 cityofalabaster.com
ACCC FAST PITCH SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT April 24 - 26 The Alabama Community College Conference Fast Pitch Softball Tournament will be held at Veterans Park. Alabaster will be hosting this event for the 10th year in a row. It’s a double elimination tournament with 12 junior college softball teams from across Alabama competing. We are expecting large crowds so don’t miss out on what’s sure to be an exciting event. Games begin April 24 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 per day or you may purchase a tournament pass for $15. Children ages 6 and under will be admitted free as well as any youth Baseball or Softball player wearing their team jersey. 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.
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 April 3 Good Friday Barons Baseball at the new Regions ParkMonday, May 4 Join us for a fun day at the ball park. Cost is $15/person. Price includes transportation, base line seats, and lunch (hot dog, chips, and a small drink). Space is limited. Deadline to sign up is April 6. Beginner Jewelry Earring Class Friday, April 10, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome; and no experience necessary! Each person will make the same earrings. You will be learning about tools for making jewelry and using the tools to make 2-3 pairs of earrings. This beginner class will focus on the techniques of making jewelry. This will be a prerequisite for other jewelry classes. Cost is $10/person and includes all supplies.
Fall Mills Trip, Belvidere, TN Thursday, April 23 We will take a walking tour of a water operated grain mill and museum. We will enjoy lunch and then take a tour of the US Veteran Museum in Huntsville. There is walking and stairs on this trip. Cost is $25.00/person and includes transportation, admission to Fall Mills, lunch, and admission to the US Veterans Museum in Huntsville. Space is limited!
You won’t want to miss all the other Activities at the Senior Center...
Arthritis Exercise Program NEW CLASS TIME: Wednesdays, 9:30 - 10:30 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.
Rook, Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m.
`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.
Beginner Line Dancing:, Thursdays at 10:10 a.m.
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. intermediate Line dancing NEW CLASS TIME: Thursdays, 9:15 - 10:05 a.m. Cost is $2/class. beginner line dancing Thursdays, 10:10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Cost is $2/class. Tempo! Fridays, 10 a.m. This exercise class will focus on stretching, cardio, light weights, and having fun! You won’t want to miss this class. $2/class.
Timeless Treasures (singing),–Mondays, 10 a.m. Head to Toe Fitness, Mondays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Strengthen, Stretch, and Restore, Mondays, 2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Wii Bowling, Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Arthritis Exercise, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. Zumba Gold I (exercise) Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. Beginner/Inter Line Dancing:, Thursdays at 9:15 a.m. Bridge, Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. Tempo exercise, Fridays, 10:00 a.m.
• • • • • •
Remote Backup Web Design Virus Removal Network Security Remote Support Data Recovery
205.588.5860
10% OFF any service
3183 F Pelham Parkway
(Just mention this ad)
www.networxinc.net
There’s an APP for that! DownloaD
The City of alabaster app & you can... • Find a local business • Report a concern • Read the latest news
Scan the code from your phone.
Around Town
City Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged)
(Unabridged version of minutes and resolutions/ordinances can be found on city webpage at www.cityofalabaster.com)
Kevin L. Morris, DMD 389 Huntley Pkwy. Pelham, AL 35124
February 9th, 7:00 p.m. ASK US HOW YOU CAN RECEIVE
Agenda Items *Public Hearing on these items 1. Resolution 020915Street Light Sugar Hill Council Member Hicks made a motion to approve Resolution 020915 to install one street light for $2082.11 on Sugar Hill Lane. Council Member Martin seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Resolution 020915-A Alabaster PD Recording Software Council Member Bedsole made a motion to approve Resolution 020915-A allowing for the purchase of an Eventide recording software solution from Quality Recording Solutions, LLC for $14,000. Council Member Ryals seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously 3. Set Public Hearing Ordinance 20150223002A Annexation Request Council Member Ryals introduced Ordinance 20150223-002A concerning an annexation request for 1683 Massey Road & 71 Oakwood Drive and made a motion to set for public hearing during the February 23rd, 2015 Council meeting. Council Member Walters seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously 4. Resolution 020915-B Acceptance Alabaster Boulevard Deed Council Member Martin made a motion to approve Resolution 020915-B accepting a deed for a small portion of Alabaster Boulevard previously not deeded to the City. Council Member Rakestraw seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously
FREE WHITENING FOR LIFE. By combining state-of-the-art technology, great communication and sincere care, we transform an ordinary visit to extraordinary.
We are accepting new patients.
CALL OR VISIT TODAY!
www.enhance-dental.com
(205) 664-5099
Walk-Ins Welcome! Need a SportS phySIcal?
Not feeling well and need a doctor Now? Visit UrGeNt care today! No appointment necessary!
Urgent Care, P.C. 3143 Pelham Pkwy • Pelham, AL 35124
Said meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. 20 cityofalabaster.com
205-620-care (2273)
Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (Last Registration at 6:30 p.m.) Monday-Saturday
Citizen Spotlight Kristi Samson
Kristi Samson and her family have been Alabaster residents since 2007. The family attends the Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills and participates with the Alabaster Community Garden, American Heritage Girls, Aaron’s Staff Respite Care, the Alabaster YMCA, the Northern Alabama Fragile X Society, and a local Bible Study for moms of kids with special needs. “In 2004, we discovered that Fragile X Syndrome runs in my family,” began Kristi. “It is a genetic mutation that causes a spectrum of disorders ranging from no symptoms at all to severe developmental delays and Autism.”
school districts, clinics, hospitals, and soon, Amazon. “I am honored that Alabaster City Schools buys weighted products from Peace Weighted Products for their special education program,” she expressed. “The business has grown such that I now have four fabulous ladies who help with the sewing and will soon add two more before summer.” Samson added that these weighted therapy products are often used to help with Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and anxiety. The products also help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Restless Leg Syndrome and to comfort Alzheimer’s patients. “My husband Jon and I dream of using the lessons I’m learning as an entrepreneur, and that he’s learning as a manager at his job, to create a business designed to hire adults with special needs – providing meaningful, safe work in the community,” Samson concluded. “We dream of partnering with other families in creating a private group home in the community that includes our son so that he’ll be cared for after we’re gone.” She feels blessed beyond measure for the supportive family and community she is a part of, and she hopes the community will get involved with the local special needs community like Aaron’s Staff Respite Care. For more information visit: • www.peaceweightedproducts.com • www.fragilex.org • www.aaronsstaffrespite.org
Kristi Samson is making a difference in the lives of children around the country with her specialty Peace Weighted Products.
Female carriers often battle social anxiety, depression, and fertility issues while male carriers battle ADHD and, in their later years, are at risk for dementia. Statistically speaking, 1 in 151 females (about 1 million women in the US) and 1 in 468 males (about 320,000 men in the US) are carriers of the Fragile X permutation. Many children that are diagnosed with Autism may also be carriers of Fragile X. “When my son was 2-years-old, he would bang his head against the wall while trying to fall asleep,” she continued. “His Occupational Therapist recommended that we try a weighted blanket.” Weighted blankets come with a weighted price tag and, at the time, the Samsons could not afford to make expensive purchase without return policies and without knowing if the blanket would even help. Instead of making the blind purchase, she used her sewing skills and made one for him. “His therapists raved over the quality and suggested that I start a business making and selling weighted therapy products to help other families, while also helping support mine,” Samson shared. “Due to my own experiences, one of the main goals of the business is to sell them for less than the average market cost while providing a ‘No questions asked’ 30 day return policy.” She started Peace Weighted Products in 2009 after both of her children were in school. Weighted blankets, lap pads, neck wraps, shirts, and stuffed animals are sold through her website, Ebay, to
205-223-2333 205-382-1134
www.birminghamtreeguy.com
Around Town
Board Spotlight
Friends of the Library
The Albert L. Scott Library first moved from the Municipal Annex basement to its present location on the corner of First Avenue West and Ninth Street in June of 1983. It was dedicated in memory of the late Albert L. Scott, whose widow, Caroline, donated the land for the library. Gladys Harper – member of the Board of Trustees of the Alabaster Public Library asked volunteer Reba Hatcher to help form a “Friends of the Alabaster Public Library” organization. “We strive to promote knowledge of the functions, resources, services, and needs of the library,” shared Publicity Chair Sarah Jones. “Our fundraising efforts allow us to provide unbudgeted items to enhance service to the community.” The Friends of the Library is a group of volunteers that strives for the success of the library. The volunteers raise funds which enable the library to buy books, reference materials, and supplies. The funds also pay for special programs and activities for all ages. Some are raised through book sales and bake sales. “What would you do if your favorite thing was no longer available due to monetary constraints?” Friends’ President Judy Mosely asked in a newsletter. “An hour a month in helping with book mending, a few hours a month helping in the book room, helping at the book sales, helping with fundraising - all of these will have a huge impact in helping our library grow.” Paying membership dues, serving as an officer, or simply participating in activities are ways that the community can volunteer. Get involved with book sales, Bookmenders – mend damaged books, the Book Room – shelving books, or the Book Nook – simply check the bookcases and verify they are filled anytime you are in the Library. “On behalf of the City of Alabaster, I want to express my sincere appreciation to all members of ‘Friends of the Library,’” stated Mayor Marty Handlon in a newsletter. “What a benefit it is for the city to have an organization of hard working and dedicated volunteers giving back to their community in promoting the services and resources of the library and helping to expand those resources. All your efforts help to make our Albert L. Scott Library continue to be a great place to visit in Alabaster.” Since its establishment in 1983, the Friends of the Library has grown to 83 members that volunteer as much or as little as they would like, or their schedules will allow. The 2014-2015 officers include: Judy Mosely – president, Tonya Mines – 1st Vice President, Judy Fields – 2nd Vice President, Jackie Scott – Secretary, Linda Colter – Assistant Secretary, Judy Wood – Treasurer, and Sarah Jones – Publicity Chair. The board
22 cityofalabaster.com
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale is always a hit.
members include: Stephanie Billings, Ruth Dunmire, Margaret Holcomb, Becky Johns, Renee Palmer, and Edelene Turk. The Spring Book and Bake Sale is April 10-12. Paperback and children’s books will be 50 cents and all hardback books are only one dollar. Members’ Preview Sale Night is scheduled from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. that Friday while the Saturday Book Sale is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday is National “Drop Everything and Read Day” and to celebrate the library will have a “Fill a Bag Day” during which patrons will be able to fill a brown paper bag with books for only six dollars.
INTRODUCING..
our
EMT
.
(Emergency Mess Technician)
GO WITH A
PRO
$75 OFF $25 off your 1st, 3rd and 5th cleanings.
Offer good for biweekly or weekly service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 4/30/15 A MaidPro University graduate has the training, skill set and professionalism to make your home both sanitized and spotless— every time.
205.358.1800 Call or log on now for a free & easy estimate! WWW.MAIDPRO.COM/BIRMINGHAM
because your standards aren’t standard.™
Your search just got local! Visit MainStreetMedicalMile.com and start searching for your local health care provider.
Around Town
Comprehensive Plan Event
Growth and change is on the horizon for the City of Alabaster. Citizens were invited to an open house to share thoughts and ideas of what direction the city should take as it blossoms. So what is the Comprehensive Plan? The Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year vision for how the city should develop. The components of the plan are Future Land Use Map, Siluria Mill Detailed Neighborhood Design Plan, Medical Mile Corridor Design Plan, and the Transportation Plan. In a “nutshell,” the city is growing. People are moving here for jobs, retail, services, and health so now is the time to consider what the community will need concerning housing and transportation. Citizens were asked to participate in the Visioning phase of the plan. What opportunities should the City take advantage of that will best support and sustain the community? “I want the city to be more ‘walkable’ so that the kids can walk to school,” began Bolaji Kukoyi. “It breaks my heart every morning when I’m driving down Kent Dairy and I see a lot of kids walking on the side of the ditch just trying to make it to school.” “I would like to see some of our older areas revitalized - mainly Main Street,” shared Kerri Pate. “I’d like the areas that connect to Buck Creek revitalized and made similar to The Preserve, in Hoover, where you have retail and restaurant establishments along with residential. You can go and eat, live, your kids can play at the park, and you can go for a hike.” “I would also like to see some of the areas that have been forgotten about, or haven’t gotten a lot of attention, revitalized so that when people visit our city they think, ‘Wow, I want to live here,’” Pate continued excitedly. “The first thing they see when they get off the interstate is a city that looks like it’s inviting them to move in.” “In the Siluria area, I would like see a venue for businesses and shops within a residential environment,” shared Calvin Rumph. “I would like to be able to walk from place to place, so adding sidewalks would be ideal.” “I would also like to have a multipurpose facility that can be used for business meetings as well as sporting events,” continued Rumph. “On the Medical Mile, I would like for the sidewalk to be extended, as well as a Medical Mile Shuttle. When individuals visit their physician’s office, they won’t have to get back in their car when they can take the shuttle from one doctor’s office to another.” “One light I can see as a progression for the City of Alabaster is blue emergency lights,” shared Asya Steele. “They are different stations so that in case someone is walking or running at night, or early in the morning, they can press it and have instant emergency assistance. That can increase the safety within the perimeters of the city.”
24 cityofalabaster.com
Members of the Community at the Open House for Alabaster’s Comprehensive Plan recently held at City Hall.
The community expressed concerns ranging from transportation and road conditions to schools and residential zones. It is not too late to get involved in how your City will grow and develop. After all, the decisions that will be made in the near future will impact your quality of life. A better future depends on YOU. To take the survey or learn more about the Comprehensive Plan, visit www.CityofAlabaster.com or www.AlabasterForward.com
PICKETT CONSTRUCTION, LLC LLC CONSTRUCTION, Custom Decks SHELBY COUNTY’S Patios and Pergolas One-Stop Shop For All Room Additions Home Improvement and Garages and Carports Remodeling All Types of Fences Basement Finishing Tile, Hardwood and Carpet Brick, Stone and Concrete Electrical and Plumbing Interior and Exterior Repairs Remodeling and Restoration Vinyl, Fiber Cement and Wood Siding Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling Pressure Washing and Painting Screened Porches and Sunrooms
205-620-1798 www.pickettconstruct.com FREE ESTIMATES!
8101 Hwy 119 in Alabaster LICENSED & INSURED OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
THS Medical Professions Academy
The health science program at Thompson High School is offered to any student choosing to go into any type of medical field. As a part of this new Medical Professions Academy, Thompson High School has chartered the THS Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Chapter. “HOSA’s primary mission is to promote career opportunities in health care fields and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people,” shared Dorinda Shaddix, Medical Professions Academy Instructor and HOSA Advi-
THS Medical Academy students at the annual Health Occupations Students of America recently held in Montgomery.
sor. “Students work on all of the soft skills they will need to be prepared to walk into health care.” In February, 14 students traveled to Montgomery to participate in two days of competitive events and advanced leadership study at the Alabama 2015 Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Leadership Conference. At this conference, students worked on leadership skills and competed in over 50 different medical fields. “Eris Mehelic was elected as an Alabama HOSA: Future Health Professional Officer at Alabama’s 2015 HOSA Leadership Conference,” continued Shaddix, boasting about the freshman. “She addressed around 1,600 students and teachers along with 13 other officer candidates before being elected by the HOSA membership and she will represent Alabama this July as an officer at the upcoming HOSA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California.” Starting in the ninth grade, students are given an opportunity to become a part of the Medical Professions Academy and a member of HOSA. Learning foundational principles, emergency response procedures and clinical internships in the community, students choosing this field will be Health Care Provider CPR certified – a step up from regular CPR certification – and will be better
equipped for college and the medical field. “Healthcare is about giving and taking care of our community, and we want them to start now,” she expressed. “We did recruitment with the eighth graders where we had our academy students presenting the academy as they came to the booth. We’ve even had ‘Parent Night’ to talk about the academy.” This new academy has already been heavily involved in the community – Pennies for Patients, Random Acts of Kindness, Red Ribbon Week, where they gave third graders bookmarks, and “Tissues and Cough Etiquette” for fourth graders. At the end of the year, the students will provide a “Teddy Bear Hospital” for second graders. As their teddy bear visits the “hospital,” academy students will teach them what to expect at their next doctor’s visit and hopefully disperse any fears of the “white lab coat.” “I’m looking forward to the returning students’ progress,” Shaddix concluded eagerly. “I’m looking forward to seeing the students in clinical settings and doing what they learned in the classroom setting.”
Around Town
Disc Golf Course
Several months of hard work have finally paid off. The Alabaster Teen Council has been working closely with the Alabaster Sports and Entertainment Foundation (ASEF) to bring the City of Alabaster its new Disc Golf Course. “The 18-hole golf course is located in Veteran’s Park, by the Dog Park area,” began ASEF President Jamia Alexander-Williams. “It is the first course like this in Alabaster, and it is not like the regular golf course we are used to.” Disc golf is similar to a combination of Frisbee and
golf. Players throw flying discs, or Frisbees, in an effort to reach an elevated metal basket called a “Pole Hole.” The player that completes the course using the fewest throws, like in golf, wins. “I did not realized how popular it was until ASEF decided to help support the development of the course,” she continued. Alexander-Williams laughed as she recalled sharing that the project was coming to Alabaster with her excited husband, who typically drove to Birmingham to play. The teen council submitted a proposal to the ASEF requesting a grant to help them with the project, and after further research into the project, ASEF thought it would be an excellent addition to the growing community. “This is something new and very exciting for Alabaster,” she exclaimed. “This sport is very family oriented, and there are only a few other courses spread out within the Birmingham area.” “Players can now come from other cities and enjoy our city and park, all while seeing what Alabaster has to offer,” she concluded excitedly. “We have such a wonderful city and community, and this is something the entire family can play and have fun together while doing. There is nothing more special than having a fun day in the park!” 26 cityofalabaster.com
Susan Elizabeth Spann
“My journey began when I received my official diagnosis of Autism in 2011,” began Susan Elizabeth Spann. “I had gone through school and college both without even knowing I was autistic. What an eye opener the diagnosis was.” Spann’s life was turned upside down. She shared how she went through an identity crisis because who she thought she was, she wasn’t. So she started looking for help. “I was looking for information about what Autism is, how it affects me personally, and how it could impact relationships, future prognosis, and connections with others like me,” she shared. “After about a year of looking for resources and finding few, if any, I started plugging in with a church. Then I got connected with the Autism Society of Alabama.” Last summer, she and her family slowly connected with Living and Thriving – a group designed for special needs families and individuals. As an adult with Autism, Spann was immediately identified as a network leader by the Autism Society. “The group is called Living and Thriving because as the motto says, we want to move beyond just living and surviving in our communities, but we want to live and thrive in our communities,” Spann explained. “Living and Thriving is not just for autistics, but for anyone who desires to plug in or get connected.” Living and Thriving is a group that is family oriented and is involved in family-friendly activities in the community. The group participates in the $5.00 Fun Days at the Birmingham Zoo, hosts a Christmas party for families, and is looking forward to putting on
Susan Elizabeth Spann.
a Non-Prom Prom – an event where families and individuals of all ages and special needs attend. The group’s goal is to meet the needs of special needs families from birth through life. Hoping to have at least three events each year, Living and Thriving will be coordinating resources to connect families. “I would love to partner with our city leadership, our schools, our businesses, our churches, our civic organizations, our library, and our first responders to help make this community one where all of our special needs families can thrive,” she concluded. To connect with Living and Thriving, visit them on Facebook
Leo Club
In March, Thompson High School held its first Leo Club initiation ceremony – a student program adopted from the Lions Club. During the ceremony, the first THS Leo Club Officers were installed and the club was presented with its charter. “For a long time, the Alabaster Lions Club has been trying to charter a Leo Club and before the change in school system, we didn’t have the support to do that,” shared Sophie Martin, Alabaster Lions Club President. “Now, with the ACS system behind us, not only did they support a Leo Club, but they also selected an excellent school sponsor, Derrick Hester,
Looking forward to the start of a bright future, the Leo Club installed its very first Leo Club Officers: Jordan Vickers – president, Nick Crainich – vice president, Alexis Berger – secretary, and Christopher Gruber – treasurer. Under the sponsorship of Derrick Hester, Wes Barnes, Emily Smith, and Whittley Hopper, the new club will be provided with opportunities for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national, and international community. “These students took the initiative, and with their interest level, it was not hard to grant us the charter,” Hester shared. “I’m so proud of the kids at Thompson. We have one of the best student bodies I have ever seen.”
the
7 Painting
Painting • Repainting • New House Cleanup • Fully Insured
Free estimates
205-910-9236
15 years experience • Alabaster Resident
Call Martin today!
No job to small or to big!
•
the0726painting@icloud.com
Congratulations to the THS Leo’ Club and their first class of members.
who is doing an exemplary job.” Martin expressed how the Leo Club is an opportunity for young leaders to find creative ways to give back to the community and change lives now and in the future. “They have already accomplished so much,” she continued, proudly. “It’s just amazing the community service projects that they have already completed, and they weren’t even chartered yet.” Around 70 students were initiated into the new THS Leo Club Chapter making it one of the largest Leo Clubs in the southeast. Before the students were even granted the opportunity to be chartered, they were already hard at work in the community. “This Leo Club will teach students leadership skills and will prepare them to be better members of the community,” began Derrick Hester, Leo Club Sponsor. “Our students have already done a Salvation Army Tree, adopted kids at Christmas, completed canned food drives, and now we’re completing care packages for the homeless.” With such a need need in this community, students of varying backgrounds and focuses came together for the common cause of supporting the community. “This group is very unique because they are very diverse,” Martin added with a smile. “The club is made up of athletes, musicians, theatre students, math team members, etc. You can’t find a lot of groups or organizations that have that quality.”
Join us Friday, April 24 / 6:30 P.M. for a Gospel Concert featuring “Paid In Full” First Baptist Church of Alabaster / Sanctuary 903 3rd Ave NW / Alabaster, AL 35007 205.663.3531
A Love Offering will be received.
Around Town
Elise Helton, National Merit Finalist and U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate
Elise Helton, daughter of Joel and Catheryn Helton, has been a student at Evangel Classical Christian School (ECCS) in Alabaster since second grade. From the time she entered ECCS, Elise distinguished herself as not only a bright academician, but also as a fun-loving, articulate, and congenial person who epitomized the “well rounded student.” She has been an active, joyful participant in many ECCS extra-curriculars, including drama, student government, the ECCS chapter of the National Junior Classical League, EC/DC, the ECCS exhibition ballroom dance club, and Beta Club, just to name a few. Additionally, she has played competitive soccer, dedicated hundreds of hours of her summers to community service at the American Village, and has also found time to become a certified Bee Keeper. Most importantly, Elise has demonstrated throughout her years at ECCS excellent character, integrity, and generosity of spirit, and is loved and respected by both her peers and her teachers. In February, Elise was named a National Merit Finalist by the College Board. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is a not-for-profit organization that conducts the annual National Merit Scholarship Program to identify and award outstand-
I joined Nationwide® because they put members first.
Elise Helton
ing seniors nationwide. Along with over 1.4 million other high school juniors in October of 2013, Elise took the PSAT, which serves as the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test. Only the top 16,000 students were named semifinalists. After being named semi-finalist, Elise took the SAT and completed an application process to compete for finalist. Elise makes the fifth ECCS student in five years to be named semi-finalist, all of whom went on to be named finalists, three of whom were
named National Merit Scholars. If there is a higher nationwide scholastic honor than National Merit Finalist, it is the U.S. Presidential Scholar award. Elise is currently the second ECCS student in the past two years to stand as a candidate for this highest scholastic honor. She has completed her application, and we await the results to see if she will enter into this most elite group of nationwide scholars. Elise is currently weighing her many scholarship options, and has not yet chosen where she will attend college, but we are confident that wherever she goes, Alabaster’s Elise Helton will make a strong, positive impact. Soli Deo Gloria!
Join me in Alabaster.
PEYTON MANNING Nationwide Member
Nationwide® puts protecting people before profits. It’s a winning strategy that’s worked for more than 85 years Join me in Alabaster. Jeff Bentley BENTLEY INSURANCE INC. (205)663-6223 bentlej6@nationwide.com Jeff Bentley/Nationwide Insurance Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. © 2014. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Nationwide, Nationwide is On Your Side, and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. NPR-0753AO (9/14)
Jeff Bentley BENTLEY INSURANCE INC. (205)663-6223 bentlej6@nationwide.com Jeff Bentley/Nationwide Insurance
Lhoist North America
Alabama Eye Bank
Lhoist North America is a national supplier of lime, limestone and clay products to the North American marketplace, with locations throughout the U.S. and in Canada. The local Alabaster plant, in a civil minded act, has adopted an intersection beside Alabaster City Hall and Senior Center. If you or your company wish to sponsor a intersection please contact Alabaster City Hall at 664-6800.
Mayor Marty Handlon recognized March 2015 as Alabama Eye Bank Donor Month. Since 1968, the Alabama Eye Bank has provided the gift of sight and sight restoration to thousands of people. It is fitting that the City of Alabaster should recognize this great undertaking, the need for providing a means and enabling it to help others.
Alex Coleman
Developmental Disabilities Proclamation
Alex Coleman signed a letter of intent to run cross country/ track at the University of Montevallo on March 6th. As a commendable student athlete, Coleman is also a recipient of the prestigious MAPS Academic Scholarship – worth more than $100,000. The coaching staff and administration are excited to see how well he represents THS in all of his endeavors.
Mayor Marty Handlon proclaimed March 2015 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Intellectual and Developmental disabilities are conditions which affect more than seven million Americans and more than 121,000 Alabamians and their families. People who are thriving with intellectual and developmental disabilities are vital, vibrant members of our community and citizens are encouraged to support efforts toward enabling all thriving individuals to live full, productive and inclusive lives in the City of Alabaster.
Around Town
Frios Gourmet Pops Ribbon Cutting The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on March 6th. Located at 569 1st Street (Old Donut Chef location in the Foodland Shopping Center), the new specialty shop serves custom frozen pops are sure to keep you coming back for more!
Multiple Myeloma Mayor Marty Handlon proclaimed that March 2015 is recognized as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month in the City of Alabaster. Multiple Myeloma is an incurable cancer of the plasma cell – the second most common blood cancer worldwide. More than 25,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed this year with an estimated 11,240 potential deaths. The community is encouraged to become educated about early detection, causes and effective treatments.
Beautification Award Winner
Beautification Award Winner
commercial
Residential
Congratulations, Express Oil and Tire, our April Beautification Award winner! Prominently placed on Hwy 31, this business continuously takes pride in the care of their property. With neatly trimmed shrubs and grass, Express Oil and Tire recently repainted their building, further enhancing the curb appeal. Thank you, Express Oil and Tire for your professionalism and making Alabaster a more beautiful place!
Congratulations to Jimmy and Hallie Cohill, Alabaster’s April Beautification winner! For years, Mr. Cohill has meticulously cared for his parents and their home. “I am so blessed to have a son like Jimmy,” says Hallie. Paul Cohill, Hallie’s husband and beloved member of our community, recently went on the be with the Lord. He was known for greeting passersby with his characteristic “thumbs up.” The entire Cohill family miss him, and Hallie thanks her son, Jimmy, for his attentiveness. The Alabaster community is doubly blessed to have these kind neighbors as well as a beautifully kept yard and home. Thank you, Jimmy and Hallie, for keeping Alabaster beautiful!
30 cityofalabaster.com
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
Postal Patron
Evangel Classical
Christian School
Many children say, “I love school!” Still others say, “I love my teacher!” At Evangel Classical Christian School we hear an additional comment which sets us apart, “I love learning!” Our educational model is derived from a passion to glorify God in all that we do; thus, we employ time-tested principles that far outpace state and national standards. We invite you to come see the difference for yourself and join our parents in saying, “This is the education I wish I had!” Now accepting applications for K5 through ninth grades
Schedule your private tour to see why our students excel! 205.216.0149 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