Alabaster Connection May 2016

The Official Publication of the City of Alabaster

Alabaster Connection MAY 2016

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Jazz in the Park May 1st • 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

7 things learned from CityFest • page 6 CityFest Schedule & Parking • page 7 Disney College Program • page 1

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From the Mayor’s Desk...

May Day! May Day!! I hope many of you were able to come out and enjoy our first Jazz in the Park event held on May 1st.

What a way to kick off my favorite month of the year! May is the month we see the splendor of God’s creation on display all around us—the beautiful full blooms, plush green grass & trees, and the brief pleasant spring temperatures! And, this month brings one special occasion after another. I hope everyone enjoys the celebration, or remembrance, of our Mothers—those by birth or by choice. We end the month remembering and honoring those who sacrificed their life for the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation. As the end of the school year approaches, our students, parents, faculty, Marty Handlon Mayor, City of Alabaster coaches and SROs are to be congratulated on their many hard earned accomplishments while juggling a variety of hectic schedules! You are almost there!! I have only the best of wishes for our high school and college seniors on the completion of another huge milestone in your lives.

On more official business, the city has been very busy in a variety of areas. In April, the Council approved a three year contract with Retail Strategies, Incorporated. We are excited about the services offered by this professional group. The agreement provides for an updated market analysis for our city, which identifies our trade area, consumer demographics, and the variety of consumer needs/spending not being met in our current market. They will identify the available land around the city for future development possibilities, as well as inventory current developments, or vacant buildings, which could meet the need of new types of businesses. This marketing tool will be complete in about 90 days, and then used to promote Alabaster around the country at International Council of Shopping Centers conferences, the gatherings of a global trade association of the shopping industry made up of developers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers, and brokers. We have attended a couple of these over the years, and it was evident the environment requires the assistance of professionals such as Retail Strategies to connect the right folks. We have completed the update of our Comprehensive Plan with our vision for the future of our city, and now we are taking steps to ensure this vision and our wonderful city is introduced to a variety of developers, investors, and restaurant/retail groups with the resources to invest in our city. We are very excited about the possibilities ahead of us.

This is also a very busy time of year for many of our departments, as they take care of our parks, road ways, easements, and common areas to keep the city looking good. Please show your appreciation by being a good citizen, by not littering and caring how public facilities are utilized. I continue to be thankful for the many dedicated city employees committed to excellent customer service for the benefit of our residents and those who visit the city. There are positive things “in the works” for our city, and it is the work of many to make it happen.

Happy day to all our mothers, and everyone blessed by a mother—yours or someone else’s!

Blessings to all Mothers and their families!

Jazz in the Park May 1st • 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

brought to you by the City of Alabaster, Magic City Smooth Jazz, and Shelby County Arts Council

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 Lindsay Schluntz

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 ©2016 City of Alabaster

Non-Emergency City Numbers Police 24-Hours 663-7401 Alabaster Water Board 663-6155 Fire Department 664-6818

FREE AND OPEN TO PUBLIC Sunday, May 1st 4 p.m-9 p.m.

Alabaster Municipal Complex Green 1953 Municipal Way, Alabaster, AL 35007

Headliner: Atlanta Based Recording Artist

-The Rhythm Jets

cityofalabaster.com 3

C O u n c i l C o mm e n t s

Scott Brakefield, Ward 6 City Council President

Greetings! We are about a month away from CityFest!

Without a doubt it is one of the best all day musical festivals around. Not only do we continue to attract great acts. Its free!!!! Don’t forget to catch updates from the Alabaster CityFest Facebook page or visit their web site at alabastercityfest.com. May is also an important month for many reasons. Some of you will have High School Seniors graduating. What an exciting time! We also get to celebrate Mothers Day. If you are lucky enough to still have your Mom, make sure you give her a big hug and tell her you love her! We hope to see some progress soon on some of our roads projects around the City. Two that come to mind are the Thompson Road widening project as well as the extension of Fulton Springs Road to US 31. Thanks to each of you for making Alabaster the community that it is. It is such a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

Sophie Martin, Ward 1

Progress continues in Ward 1. The Highway 11 Outreach Ministry, initiated by the First United Methodist Church of Alabaster, is making a positive impact in our community.

This ministry is a partnership and involves key representatives from Alabaster churches along Highway 11 including Mt. Olive, Emmanuel Temple and Liberty Baptist. We are working closely together to repair homes, provide new opportunities for our youth, and making available resources for those in need. In the near future, we are planning to open a food bank that will be easily accessible to Alabaster residents.

There are also plans to open a ‘Community Outreach Center’ by using an existing building that is ideal for serving this purpose. It is truly exciting and an honor to be part of a group that is changing lives in Ward 1. If you would like to volunteer for upcoming projects, please contact me at 506-8961 or at martin@cityofalabaster.com .

The safety and well-being of our residents is a priority.

Warmer temperatures and school close to being out means more children playing and enjoying our neighborhoods. In the interest of everyone’s safety, please be mindful of stop signs and speed limits. If you witness a driver not acknowl-

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edging the speed limit or stop signs that are in place, please write down the plate information and description of the car and contact Alabaster Police at 663-7401.

We recognize that there are still issues with the garbage and recycle service throughout the city. Saddle Lake Farms, Simmsville Road, along with several other areas in Ward 1 have had issues and we are resolving them as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you experience any problems with your service, please free to call me directly at 506-8961 or go to www.cityofalabaster.com and “Report a Concern”. We want to continue to provide quality customer service to the residents of Ward 1 and our city.

If you have any ideas for our city or Ward 1, please let me know.

It continues to be a privilege and honor to serve as your councilperson.

Kindest regards, Sophie

Bob Hicks, Ward 2

May is one of my favorite months of the year. The earth turns greener, students graduate, we celebrate the mothers we cherish and honor those who gave of themselves so we may enjoy the freedoms for which they sacrificed so dearly. I am excited!!! Looking forward to spending time in our parks to take in a ballgame, watch disc golf to see if I have a vague chance of being able to play without embarrassing myself, walk the trails that gradually grow more beautiful each year (thx, Park ‘n’ Rec) and enjoy the bounty with which we are blessed in Alabaster’s green spaces.

The Alabaster City Schools will be sending their third group of graduates on to the next step this month, and with each passing year the future seems brighter and brighter for the young people moving forward. I would like to say a personal thank you to the superintendent, school board, administrators, faculty and staff of all of our schools for the hard work that is evident in the awesome environment that has been built in ACS. There has never been a greater day to be a Warrior.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so take time to honor or remember yours. Although I lost my mother sixteen years ago, the life lessons she instilled in me will last me for the rest of my life, as will the occasional fanny-whipping that she used only to make sure my siblings and I understood right from wrong. To all the moms out there, thank you for placing the needs of your children ahead of your own, for that is what makes you so special. Happy Mother’s Day!!!

And, finally, Memorial Day will be here at the end of the month.

Please remember to thank a veteran or active-duty military person for their service to our country. You will be absolutely amazed at the smile you will see if you just say “Thank you for your service” to someone in uniform or veteran’s attire. Just to know you care makes what they go through just a bit easier to bear. God bless our troops, past, present and future, for their selflessness.

Grace and peace, Bob

Stacy Rakestraw, Ward 3

The 4th Annual Alabaster Clean Sweep was a big success because of the many volunteers and great city employees! Thank you all again for your support and time - it is priceless.

You should be seeing savings on your home insurance due to our fire rating dropping from a 4 to a 2.

Call your homeowners insurance company if they have not applied the discount.

The groundbreaking for the new high school is this month. We are very proud of the success of the Alabaster City School system and the many benefits it has brought to our community and I believe it will continue to get better. My youngest is leaving TMS this year and I want to thank the incredible administration, her teachers and the Warrior Center teachers for the blessing you have been in our family’s life.

Summer is so close and there are many opportunities for children to stay busy in the summer doing fun things. Look at the ACS website, City of Alabaster site and local church websites for great summer activities.

Memorial day is May 30. Thank you to those who currently serve and to those who have died serving our country. Happy Mother’s Day!

Russell Bedsole, Ward 5

Greetings again to all in our fine city. I am hoping that the spring thus far has been a good one for you and your family. As a parent of school aged children it is so hard to believe in a few short weeks we will be wrapping up another school year. I don’t think I am the only one who says, “where does the time go?” On the note of another school year coming to a close, congratulations to all those in the Class of 2016. May each of you have continued success and prosperity. Now go out into the higher education world or working world and make Alabaster proud.

On June 4th our city will once again play host to what is becoming one of the most popular free music festivals in the state, Alabaster Cityfest. Please make your plans now to come out of support all the many acts and vendors that will be on display for your enjoyment. This year’s headliner, Grammy-nominated country music artist David Nail, is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Thanks to the Alabaster Arts Council and all the fantastic sponsors for bringing this free event back to Alabaster.

And last, but certainly not least, a very happy Mother’s Day to all our Alabaster mom’s. Thank you to each of you for all the thankless things you do for your children and for our city!

Tommy Ryals, Ward 7 Rick Walters, Ward 4

This month you will notice some work on the water tank that overlooks Shelby Baptist Hospital.

The scheduled maintenance will include exterior cleaning and a new paint job. To protect the surrounding area the tank will be completely covered and will take up to 60 days depending on the weather. Water service and fire protection will not be affected and the tank will display the new Alabaster Water logo. Work on the expansion of Thompson Road from HWY 119 to Warrior Drive is finally about to start, beginning with utility relocation. Once they are all moved the road work can begin, including the re-alignment of Warrior Drive and the Warrior Park entrance.

This month also signals the end of the school year. I am very pleased with how our school system is responding to the ever changing needs of our students. I wish the best for all those who are moving on to continue their education as well as those who are moving up or just beginning their educational journey.

Happy Mother’s Day May 8th and Keep in Touch!

The City is working with Birmingham Regional Planning and ALDOT to push forward with the widening of Hwy 119 from Fulton Springs Road to Veteran’s Park. Obviously, we have some traffic issues in Alabaster and we really need this to happen ASAP. It is a State road so we have to work with the State to make it happen. As I’ve pointed out before, the City has ponied up some money to speed up the engineering portion of this process. Now, it is our understanding that we will be required to install sidewalks all along the improved portion. More Right of Way, more money. As is typical, a part of the ALDOT funds are from Federal sources. We are told the Federal government is saying the road will not happen if we choose not to install the sidewalks. This will increase the City’s portion of the cost dramatically and, in my opinion, for very little benefit. Where will people walk to and from on that section of road?

Do we want people walking on a major thoroughfare with lots of traffic? Is it safe? Unless things change again very soon, sidewalks will likely appear as the road is built. Just wanted to let you know that the sidewalk thing is NOT the City’s idea but has suddenly become “part of the deal” to make the widening happen. If it is solely left up to the City, we would be smarter about how your money is spent. cityofalabaster.com 5

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7 Lessons Learned

While Attending My First

Alabaster CityFest

by Lindsay Schluntz

When I first moved to Alabama in June of 2013, I made it my goal to participate in as many local events as I could possibly find, right from the get-go.

The first of these events happened to be the Alabaster CityFest.

Unbeknownst to naive little me at the time, June in Alabama comes with a massive amount of humidity. Although jeans and short sleeves are perfectly appropriate for my native Nebraska’s June weather, they were definitely not a good choice for that day in Alabama!

A brief summer shower when the gates opened at 9 am, followed by hours of intense sunshine, taught me my first of many CityFest lessons:

1.

Be prepared to drink lots of water throughout the day.

Dress appropriately, wear sunscreen and pack sunglasses. Although, for a short time, I felt almost as steamed as the boiled peanuts that I saw (…and tried for the very first time!) that day, I was fascinated by the number and variety of vendors that were set up on the lawn.

There were a number of services, products and foods that were brand new to me, and I learned so much just by taking the time to stop, look, ask questions, and shop!

2.

3.

Be sure to really check out each of the many vendor booths!

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Plan to bring spending money – you (and/or your kiddos!) will certainly want to pick something out!

Being a “people person,” I enjoyed watching the groups of friends and families that were browsing through the custom crafts and unique apparel found in the vendor booths, sharing funnel cakes and popsicles, and genuinely enjoying their time together. Being brand new to the area, I determined to act on yet another valuable lesson that served me well the next year.

4.

Bring at least one other person with you when you come! Sharing the day with someone else not only provides you with quality time together in your community, but it also gives you another set of eyes to see things that you may have otherwise missed among the bright colors, cheerful music and the tens of thousands of other smiling faces around you!

Another one of the things that stood out to me, was the sheer number of people who were cheerfully serving the needs of the 60,000 to 75,000 in attendance throughout the day. In chatting with one of the parking attendants, I learned something else:

5.

The event is 100% volunteer operated and funded by community sponsors. This conversation with that friendly fella made me stop and realize that I actually hadn’t had to pay for parking, nor for the shuttle, nor for admission into the event area. These were expenses that, in the moment, I hadn’t realized that I’d not been required to pay for. This awareness made me take notice when I saw families coming and going from the KidsFest activity areas without having to pay for bracelets or for tickets.

It made me smile when I watched couples walking hand-in-

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hand into the variety of concerts happening throughout the day and into the evening hours, without having to purchase pricey passes to get see each one! This “Ah-hah!” moment made me feel proud and confident in my decision to move to this area, and confirmed one of my biggest takeaway lessons of the day:

Cityfest Map

The City of Alabaster really, truly cares about the people in our special community. For information about this year’s jam-packed day of festivities, musicians and activities, visit www.alabastercityfest.com.

To invest into your community as a featured sponsor, visit www.alabastercityfest.com/become-a-sponsor/.

To take part in the day as a retail or informational vendor, visit www.alabastercityfest.com/vendor-application/ to register.

7.

CityFest Parking

June 4, 2016 Schedule of events CityFest has been a part of the Alabaster summertime for 14 years now, and in that time, it has become a recognized premier music festival for the Southeast. The event has garnered talent from the likes of Lonestar, Sister Hazel, Diamond Rio, Act of Congress, Everclear and many others over the years.

This year, the Alabaster Arts Council has – once again – brought in a number of stellar acts that cater to the various musical tastes of the community.For the most up-to-date information about CityFest, visit www.alabastercityfest.com

Vendors

9:00 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Come early and walk through the vendor area to see unique handmade products, learn about quality services, sample the large selection of foods, and enjoy special entertainment - all offered by our Alabaster CityFest vendors

Cruise-In Car Show

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The 14th Annual Alabaster CityFest Cruise-In Car Show is sponsored by Earnest McCarty Ford in Alabaster.

For your convenience, Alabaster CityFest has FREE parking and FREE shuttles running from the festival site to several public parking areas. The shuttles will run in approximately 15-20 minute intervals from 8:45 a.m. until the end of the event.

The shuttles will pick up from these parking areas as they begin to fill up: Thompson High School, Warrior Park, and Thompson High School Football Stadium.

Another public parking area is the Publix parking lot, but the shuttle will NOT pick up from this location.

For specific directions, visit: www.alabastercityfest. com/directions

KidsFest Stage

Scheduled throughout the day. KidsFest provides a fullday of FREE fun for kids.

Day Stage 10:00 a.m. Divine Destiny 10:30 a.m. Sanchez Tannehill 11:00 a.m. Terry Padgett as Elvis

Main Stage 1:00 p.m. Kate & The Howlers 2:00 p.m. The M-80s 3:15 p.m. Michael Warren 4:15 p.m. The Phil Dudley Band 5:30 p.m. Koa 7:00 p.m. To Be Announced 9:00 p.m. David Nail

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Alabaster KidsFest: Fun for the Littler Ones

Although the late afternoon and evening hours of CityFest see the transition into a music festival atmosphere, some of the most exciting daytime elements are found in the KidsFest area!

KidsFest entertainment and activities are designed to provide hours of fun, unique experiences and laughter from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the whole family.

In order to ensure that all Alabaster families can enjoy this important piece of CityFest, Vic Smith,

In order to ensure that all Alabaster families can enjoy this important piece of CityFest, Vic Smith, CPA, is sponsoring this area this year, making the event absolutely FREE to the public!

CPA, is sponsoring this area this year, making the event absolutely FREE to the public!

“As a business owner, it’s a very positive way to give back to the community,” says Smith. “The way our city comes together to pull off this event, it really says something.”

Along with the inflatables, live children’s music, kid-sized rides and various hands-on activities that are always a big hit with the little ones every year, there will also be special activities provided by other community businesses and organizations: -Lowe’s Build-It Workshop A KidsFest partner since it began 10 years ago, the Alabaster Lowe’s Build-It Workshop team will again be providing the opportunity for participants to build their own project this year, choosing from cars, birdhouses, picture frames and more. “[This activity] helps kids and their family work together. It’s really a great learning experience for kids to feel pride in using tools and making something out of wood,” says Robin Glazner, Customer Service Manager of the Alabaster Lowe’s location.

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Children and their parents enjoy the free and safe actives during KidsFest.

-The Flying K-9’s dog show Representing the importance of rescuing and adopting animals, these dogs will showcase what they have accomplished after getting a second chance. Applaud their frisbee skills, athleticism and extreme aerodynamics during their two shows at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.!

-Dynamic Education Adventures (DEA) This Birmingham-based hands-on program makes learning an adventure for all ages! Participate in the two spectacular science and two marvelous magic shows hosted by Jan Mattingly (a.k.a. The Science Lady) held throughout the day.

“KidsFest is valuable to the Alabaster community because it give the kids something that is all their own in such a big

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event,” says Mattingly. “Participants can expect to see some magic that is really science and some super science explosions!”

So Much to Do! Along with these (and other!) no-cost activities in the kids’ zone of the event, area vendors will also be providing additional activities – like horseback riding and bungee jumping – for children to enjoy. In order to manage the demand and flow of participation, a small fee may be required for these activities.

This fun-filled activity center will be manned by hundreds of community volunteers and sponsors who are dedicated to making the 2016 Alabaster CityFest a success. Learn more about the event at www.alabastercityfest.com/kidsfest.

Alabaster CityFest Launches New Website

If you have not checked out the new and improved Alabaster CityFest website, you should! Under the direction of the Alabaster Art Council, and especially one man - Jamie Cole, the website has been completely revamped and improved.

“Our former website,” shared Cole, “was a little behind the new look and feel we’ve designed for the festival. Another reason for the change is we needed a site that would work on any device, and especially one that would be useful on phones the day of the event. All of these things are accomplished with the new site.”

Screenshot of the new www.alabastercityfest.com website.

In addition to the new website, the logo for the event has been changed. “We were really inspired by last year’s headliner, Scotty McCreery, and his song ‘Water Tower Town.’

Alabaster has grown, but we’re still a tight-knit community like the one he describes in the song. So we took as our symbol the old Siluria cotton mill tower, and it will be a part of our logo now, instead of changing it every year.”

A subcommittee from the Alabaster Arts Council worked tirelessly to redesign the site and create a more user-friendly experience. “Since we knew the festival best, and studied analytics to understand how visitors want to use the site, we took this on ourselves,” Cole stated proudly.

A subcommittee from the Alabaster Arts Council worked tirelessly to redesign the site and create a more user-friendly experience.

One of the biggest improvements was building the site with an eye towards making it useful the day of the event. Announcements can now be posted on the page, the schedule of events can be updated, and it will have some additional features. “Making the site mobile friendly really allows us to utilize the site the day of CityFest. There will be some interactive stuff on the day of the event, like visitor surveys,” he stated.

If you want to be in the know, the first place to check is the website. “We will post all our news to the website first, but liking us on Facebook will keep you up to date as well. Between Facebook and the website, you’ll have access to music and videos from our artists, information about our sponsors, and opportunities to win VIP passes. In fact, that’s the ONLY way to get VIP passes - is through our Facebook page,” Cole

H app e n i n g s

shared. (facebook.com/alabastercityfest).

This marks the 14th Annual Alabaster CityFest. It is one of the largest festivals in the state. “CityFest is a FREE, family-friendly, outdoor event at Municipal Park. It’s thought of often as a concert, and it is a world-class one, in fact. But it’s more. There are rides and activities for kids in our KidsFest area, there’s a car show, and there are dozens of vendors selling all kinds of wares. It’s an all-day thing,” exclaimed Cole.

To keep this event free, it takes quite a bit of community and business support. “We couldn’t do Alabaster CityFest without our sponsors, pure

Koa Set to Return to the CityFest Mainstage

A fan-favorite band in 2015, Koa is slated to return to perform at Alabaster CityFest 2016!

In an exclusive Alabaster Connection (AC) interview with the band’s founders, Chase Bader and Conor Kelly, we learned more about this eclectic group that promises to bring soul, rock and roll and funk to the CityFest mainstage.

AC: When you say “Koa is an experience,” what does that mean to you?

CONOR: “When you listen to music on headphones or in a car, or anywhere else, you are hearing what we sound like, but there

“We couldn’t do Alabaster CityFest without our sponsors, pure and simple.

They keep the festival free, and that’s huge. “ -Jamie Cole Fan favorites Koa return to wow the crowds again this year.

and simple. They keep the festival free, and that’s huge. And our media partners get the word out, and they’re behind what we do for Alabaster,” Cole said boastfully. This year marks a change in media partners. “I’m really excited to have both the largest TV station—Fox 6—and the largest radio station in Alabama—JOX 94.5—as our media partners. You’ll hear music from our lineup, you’ll meet the artists, and both will be on-site the day-of, and in the time leading up to, the event,” Cole said.

Having an ever evolving list of performances is important to the vitality of this free event. “It’s important to us to have a diverse lineup of musical artists on our main stage. If the 9:00 act isn’t for everybody, come at 7:00, or 5:30, etc. We’re getting excited about this year’s lineup; it’s as diverse as it’s ever been. And we love introducing new acts to our community. Last year, for instance, KOA was brand new. This year, we invited them back because they were awesome and we got great feedback,” Cole proclaimed proudly.

Visit www.AlabasterCityFest.com to stay up on the latest news and like the Facebook page www. facebook.com/AlabasterCityFest 10 cityofalabaster.com

is so much more to us then just that. Seeing a band on stage, with your friends, and being able to look at the gear and really see how playing certain songs affects the band’s visual performance, adds so much to the impact of a show.”

CHASE: “We set out to make music that contains a message and a pulse that helps work together to make the listener feel something powerful. It’s our mission to create an experience both on a record and at a live show. We love experimenting in the studio and tweaking live versions of songs, so we’re constantly evolving.”

AC: What are some of the instruments and gear we’ll see on the City Fest stage this year?

CHASE: “Well, being a 7-piece band there is always a lot to look at. We have drums, a percussion setup as big as a drum setup, electric guitar with big, vintage amps, our keyboard player has a real A100 Hammond Organ and real Clavinet, saxophones galore, a five string bass, and a sweet vintage mic!”

CONOR: “That pretty much covers it! We are such purists at heart, so even though it may be more of a hassle, we try to bring as much of an analog sound to the stage as possible. So, yes, there are lots of cool things to look at on stage!”

AC: As road warriors, how many gigs/cities do you average each year?

CHASE: “In the short time we’ve been a band, we’ve played over 300 shows. This past summer we did around 60 shows, 20 in the month of June alone. As we move forward and finish school, this number will only increase.”

CONOR: “Yeah, that 300th show was definitely a milestone for us this past year… Every day on the road is a true adventure, and we love that about touring.”

AC: With the wide variety of influences represented in your band, what’s your secret to making it all come together?

CHASE: “Great question. What it comes down to is the common goal of writing a good song to reach and move other people. We write and orchestrate with the best interest of the song in mind, not personal goals.”

CONOR: “Absolutely, if you don’t have a good story to tell, you really don’t have a whole lot. When we formed the band, we picked band members based on who they were as players and their own identities. That is something that’s often overlooked when starting a band. It can be a big challenge, but that’s how were able to bring it all together.”

AC: You were a obviously a hit with the crowd last year, but what was your favorite memory of the experience?

CHASE: “Being from Birmingham, I had heard of the festival, but never been. My parents went and told me how huge it was, but I never saw first hand. I’ll never forget hopping on that stage for the first time and playing, and the long line of amazing people we met afterwards.”

AC: Anything else cool you want to share with your fans?

CHASE: “Right now we’re turning the page in the book of this band into a very exciting direction. We have a clear strategy, we’re finishing school, and we’re writing the best music we’ve written.

We can’t wait for Hangout Music Festival, summer tour, and of

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course Alabaster City Fest!”

CONOR: “I just want to say that we are so genuinely grateful for all of you guys. We rely so much on your support while we’re out on the road, and seeing people at the shows enjoying everything and having a great time is the true payoff. We get to live out our dreams because of our fans, so just know that we appreciate that so much and it’s something we will never forget! See you at Alabaster this year!”

Come watch Koa’s encore performance at Alabaster CityFest at 5:30 PM on the mainstage, and be sure to stay to meet the band afterwards.

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Serving One Child at a Time

Belinda Oden, a lifelong Alabaster resident and a graduate of Thompson High School, was recently recognized by the Alabaster City Schools as the district’s Bus Driver of the Year for 2016. “It was, I guess, a feeling of finally getting to feel that you are really appreciated for what you do—even though we are told that all the time,” she excitedly said.

Oden started working for the local schools as a bus driver back in 1999. “I think my children were smaller, and I wanted to do something that coordinated with me being home with them, especially during the summer. The hours are good. The benefits are great. Then having time off when my kids were out of school was very important for me,” Oden reflected. Her youngest son is now 25.

That was why she started as a bus driver, but the reason she stayed goes back to her childhood. “Being raised in a big family,” she explained, “you kind of have a love for being around a lot of people and being around a lot of kids. Even as I grew and my children have their own children, we still, you know, come together for every occasion—and that is a lot of us!” she exclaimed.

She also has seen the impact she has had on children over the past 16 years as a bus driver. “I hope that you know over the years I have made an impact on some of the children that have rode my bus. There are still a lot I still see around town. I think that makes me appreciate I was a part of their lives and hopefully I said something or did something that maybe caused them to be the best they can be,” she said joyfully.

She still drives for Meadow View Elementary School and for Thompson Intermediate School for about 50 students each day. “I know every child that comes out of Meadow View. If I don’t see a child, I am going to question where they are at. I know them all by name and all by face, and many of them I know their parents’ names,” she pointed out.

She loves them all, and the affection goes both ways. “I had one little girl—she rode with me last year—and she stopped me in the hallway and she said, ‘Mrs. Oden, I wish I could just ride your bus one day.’ If we meet in the halls, she gives me a hug every time we meet,” Oden said with a big smile.

“I just want to say that the administration and everybody that works at Meadow View is one big family, and I think that helps me to drive the school bus because of the great support system we have from the principal to the office staff.

My first route was Meadow View and I have no desire to transfer from Meadow View,” she happily said.

Oden is an active member of the Alabaster community.

“I’m a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. I am coyouth director of our church and I sing in the choir. I was born and raised in that church, and I have been there ever since. I also work with the Hwy 11 Ministry. It was founded

by Pastor Mike at FUMC Alabaster. We just recently build a

12 cityofalabaster.com

Belinda Oden was recognized as the bus driver of the year by ACS.

house on Old Highway 31 for a man with stage 4 cancer. The ministry thought we could just repair it, but the house was in such a bad shape that the ministry was able to rebuild the house for him and his wife,” she explained.

As a breast cancer survivor, Oden knows what it means to go through hard times. “May 6th of this year would be my 10-year anniversary of being diagnosed with breast cancer. It has shown me the importance of loving people and taking every day as a new day,” she shared. “In the beginning, it was hard. Anyone that had to go through radiation and chemo knows that it is a hard battle. I not only had faith in God, but also the support of my family, coworkers and friends to help me through that hard period.” She can now declare, “I am cancer 15AAC0004-REV free!”

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Disney Bound

Tori Bone and McKenna Williams, best friends who are Thompson High School Class of 2014 graduates, are heading to Disney World for a five-month paid internship as part of The Disney College Program.

When Bone found out she was accepted into the program, the first person she called was her mother. “I called my mom and was like, ‘I’M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!’ And that’s when the excitement set in,” she exclaimed. Williams said she was so happy, she cried tears of joy.

“The Disney College Program is a paid internship that allows college students to work for Disney at either Disneyland in Anaheim, California, or Disney World in Orlando, Florida,” Bone explained. “A variety of Disney-unique classes are offered for free, and the students live on Disney property. Students become cast members at one of the four parks or at one of the Disney resort locations.”

Bone found out about the program on a trip to Disney World in May 2015. “We were with a friend who was a current cast member, and she was talking about how wonderful it was to work for the company. She relayed to me that there was a program that allowed college students to work at the parks, and I instantly became obsessed,” Bone shared. “I spent the rest of the summer on YouTube and reading blogs and knew I just had to do this program.”

The process applicants go through to join the program is similar what is required by some other internship opportunities. The process includes an employee application, information on past

may be interested and qualified for,” she added.

Bone and Williams will be working for Quick Service Food and Beverage—or QSFB for short.

“We will potentially work in a Disney park or resort serving food at a vendor, somewhat like fast food,” Bone explained.

Bone is currently enrolled at Troy University in Troy, Ala., majoring in global business with a concentration in marketing. Williams is a student at Wallace Community College in Dothan, Ala. She has yet to declare a major.

Bone said she is expecting to learn more about herself with the Disney opportunity.

Tori Bone shows off her “I hope to gain knowledge of congratulations postcard from what it’s like to work for such Disney. a large and respected company like Disney. I’ve always loved Disney, so I am hoping that this internship will be a gateway to a Disney Professional Internship in

“I hope to gain knowledge of what it’s like to work for such a large and respected company like Disney.”

-Tori Bone

McKenna Williams (L) along with Tori Bone (R) are Disney bound.

employment history and a check to make sure applicants are an enrolled college student.

“If you make it past the application, you move on to what is called a web-based interview,” Bone explained. “This interview is an extensive questionnaire that is setup to gather your values, work ethic, and attitude based on ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’ answer options. If your answers match up to what Disney is searching for in a cast member, you move on to the phone interview. You schedule an interview with a recruiter, and they call you to ask a variety of questions about you, your previous jobs, and roles you

the future, which could potentially lead to a career with the company. I am also looking forward to really experiencing life on my own. Since I will be living 10 hours away from my family, it will be a huge adjustment, but I can’t wait to see how this experience will help me grow personally,” Bone enthusiastically expressed.

Williams is looking to gain some foresight into her own future.

“After completing the Disney College Program, I hope to have gained a lot of professional work experience and hopefully gain some insight on what I want to major in. Being that Disney is such a successful company, I’m hoping that I will be able to see how Disney runs their business and use that knowledge no matter where my career leads me. Other than that, I really hope to gain so many new friends and create everlasting memories. And who knows, maybe this could just be the beginning of my Disney career!” exclaimed Williams.

They both selected August 15th as their start dates, and they end their Disney Journey on January 5th, 2017. If anyone is interested in hearing more about the Disney College Program, feel free to email Tori Bone at tori.bone920@gmail.com.

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C a l e n da r

Community May

3rd Water Board 7 p.m.

4th Trial Docket 9 a.m.

9th Alabaster City School Board 5:30 p.m.

9th Council 7 p.m.

10th Housing and Abatement Board 5 p.m.

11th Court Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 p.m.

16th Board of Zoning Adjustments 6:30 p.m.

23rd Council 7 p.m.

24th Planning and Zoning 7 p.m.

25th Court Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 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 May 30 Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library Be a Friend!

The Friends of the Library supports many programs the library provides for all ages. If your child participated in the Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus or if you attended a cake decorating class or a lecture, you have enjoyed the results of the Friends’ efforts. We achieve this by raising funds through the Book Nook, Book Room, and by holding the semi-annual Book Sales. Please support us by joining or volunteering with us. There are ways you can volunteer for short periods of time, possibly while you are participating in a program here at the Library. You can contribute through membership dues, serving as an officer, or by participating in activities. You can volunteer for projects that require only a small portion of your time, and choose your own schedule. “The Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library” is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization, all donations are tax deductible, and a receipt will be furnished upon request.

16 cityofalabaster.com

Color Me Calm Begins May 2, 6:00 p.m.

Mondays at 6 p.m., Adults - Enjoy the latest stress-busting trend for grown-ups –coloring! Join us for light refreshments and a peaceful hour of coloring. Bring your own art supplies or use ones that we will provide.

ABC & Ds of Medicare May 9, 1:00 p.m.

Karen Haiflich of the Medicare Information Source will help you navigate through the process of Medicare. Learn about filing, benefits, and any other questions you might have. Program takes place in the Meeting Room.

Tai Chi for Health Begins May 14, 10:30 a.m.

Saturday mornings at 10:30 am starting May 14th. Join us as local instructor Rachel Hickman teaches an 8-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. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes that will not slip during movement. Try not to miss any classes because each class builds upon the previous ones. Program takes place in the Meeting Room. Participants must complete the Enrollment Form at the front desk before the first class.

Library Book Group May 19, 7:00 p.m.

Join us to discuss I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. Follows the life of the young Pakistani student who advocated for women’s rights and education in the Taliban-controlled Swat Valley, survived an assassination attempt, and became the youngest nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. Program takes place in the Meeting Room.

Todd Gerelds May 21, 3:00 p.m.

Meet Todd Gerelds, author of the book Woodlawn, and son of former Woodlawn football coach Tandy Gerelds. He will have copies of his book available for purchase and signing.

Library Board Meeting – May 24, 6:00 p.m.

Mobile Device Workshop May 26, 6:00 p.m.

Computers, tablets, and smartphones - your questions answered! Join us as Bob Fitzgerald of Personal Computer Consulting in Alabaster offers a FREE workshop where experienced techs will answer your questions about your mobile electronic devices. Troubleshooting, how-to, and consulting provided.

Program takes place in the Meeting Room.

Adult Computer Classes Will resume in August.

youth Events

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 Wednesdays 10:15 a.m.

May 4, May, 11, and May 18 Outreach Story Time at area day care centers.

Wednesdays 3:30 p.m.

Tunes & Tales for all in the Meeting Room for all ages Fridays 10:30 a.m.

Toddler Tales for 2 and 3 year olds in the Meeting Room Miss Jennie’s Story Time Themes: • Happy Mother’s Day • Old Fables • Let’s Go On Vacation!

• Fun with Miss Jane!

May the Fourth Be with You Day May 4, 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Our special Star Wars program is set to blast off for families with children 6 years old and older. All children must be with an adult. Activities will include: • Star Wars Lego Station • Star Wars Creation Station • Light refreshments in the Cantina and more!

Sign up is suggested and fans are encouraged to wear a costume if they like. Guests may receive a Star Wars mask while supplies last if they do not have a costume. Program is in the Meeting Room.

Summer Break Story Time May 25, 10:15 a.m.

Start the summer off right with stories, songs, and silliness with guest story teller Miss Jane!

Gear Up for the Summer Challenge As school ends, children of all ages can gear up for the Summer Challenge that kicks off is in early June. This is when they read our library books to earn prizes! The overall theme is fitness, a healthy lifestyle, and reading. The slogan for young children is Get on Your Mark, Get Set…READ! For older kids the slogan is “Get in the Game READ!” For kids 10 years old and younger the kickoff will be on June 1. That day will feature two performances by magician Russell Davis, one at 10:30 a.m. and another at 2:00 p.m.. Adults may sign up children for the Challenge before or after either show and receive a large goody bag for each child. The Young Adults (YAs), tweens and teens 11 to 18 years old, will have a separate kickoff on June 2 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. That will

feature the “Get in the Game Supersize Party” with snacks and surprises. Beginning May 23 families can register all youngsters for the Summer Challenge online at alabasterlibrary.org or at the library. If registering online don’t forget to attend the kickoff and/or come by the library and get your goody bag! The Summer Challenge will include several weeks of entertaining and educational programs, prizes, and surprises.

Full details of summer programs and activities will be in next month’s newsletter. The 2016 Summer Reading Program is supported in whole or in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Alabama Public Library Service.

Parks and Rec

The Parks and Recreation Office is located inside the Depot at 100 Depot Street, Alabaster. Office hours are Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. If you would like more information, call 205-6646840 or visit www.alabasterparks.org.

STAY INFORMED THRU EMAILS 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.

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.

Closed May 30 The Parks and Recreation Office and Veterans Skate Park TRASH TO TREASURES EXTRAVAGANZA May 14, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Extravaganza will be held at Buck Creek Park on Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. If you’re looking for a bargain, please stop by. Someone else’s trash may be the treasure you’ve been looking for. Rain-out Date: May 21 (same time, same location).

FOOTBALL REGISTRATION (this is a Full Contact sport!)

On-Line Registration will be available at www.alabasterparks. org beginning at 8 a.m. on May 2 and ending at 11 p.m. on June 17. You can register in person at the Depot between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays only from May 2 thru June 17.

Football Cost: $165.00. Multi-child discount: 10% after oldest child pays full price.

CHEER REGISTRATION On-line Registration will be available at www.alabasterparks. org beginning at 8 a.m. on May 2 and ending at 11 p.m. on

C a l e n da r

Just a reminder: You can report any problems or concerns by calling 6646800 or by using the online “report a concern form” at www.cityofalabaster.com.

Parks and Rec events continued...

June 17. You can register in person at the Depot between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays only from May 2 thru June 17. Cheer Cost: $165.00. Non-residents: Additional 10% per child. Multi-child discount: 10% after oldest child pays full price.

FLAG FOOTBALL REGISTRATION – For Boys and Girls On-line registration will be available at www.alabasterparks.org beginning at 8 a.m. on May 2 and ending at 11 p.m. on June 17. You can register in person at the Depot between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays only from May 2 thru June 17. Flag Football Cost: $115.00.

Non-residents: Additional 10% per child. Multi-child discount: 10% after oldest child pays full price.

ADULT SOFTBALL Games begin the week of May 2 at Buck Creek Park.

Great family entertainment, and there’s no admittance fee! The game schedule can be viewed at www. alabasterparks.org on the Adult Softball page.

On-Line Pavilion Rentals 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.

18 cityofalabaster.com

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.

Note: Space is limited in exercise classes. Sign up for each class begins 30 minutes prior to the start of a class. First come, first serve basis.

Orange Beach Trip October 11-13, 2 night/3 day-You won’t want to miss this fun trip! Lunch at Lamberts, shopping at the outlets, tour the Aviation Museum, watch the Blue Angels, sunset dolphin cruise, gulf front rooms and lots of good food. Total cost of trip is $245/double occupancy for gulf front room and $210/double occupancy for inland room.

Triple, double and single occupancy available. Stop by the center for more information. Space is limited. Sign up and make your deposit of $75/person beginning on April 1.

Mother’s Day Celebration Tuesday, May 3, 10:00 a.m.

We will have a special presentation on Famous Moms - Interesting stories and beautiful photographs of the world’s most famous Mothers, including Mother Teresa and Princess Diana. Sign up today at the senior center.

Unclaimed Baggage Day Trip Tuesday, May 10 Join us as we travel to Scottsboro to visit the Unclaimed Baggage store and enjoy lunch. Then we will tour a winery and enjoy a wine tasting. Cost is $8 to reserve your spot. Bring $12-15 for lunch. Space is limited.

Alabama Symphony Outing May 13 We will travel to the Alys Stephens Center/Jemison Hall and experience the Alabama Symphony. Coffee and muffins prior to the concert. You will need to bring $10-12 for lunch at Chow Town following the performance. Cost is $1 to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Upcoming Book Club Monday, May 23, 9:30 a.m.

Join us on for our next class. We will meet every 4th Monday to discuss the book and introduce a new book. Sign up at the senior center.

Technology/Computer Class Tuesday, May 24, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Topics to be discussed: • iCloud & Google Services – What is the cloud & what can it do for me?

• Streaming Entertainment – Netflix, etc

• Best sites to get reviews & research items • Angie’s list vs. Craig’s list • Travel companies & their online presence – Orbit, Expedia, etc.

There is no charge for this class but stop by the Senior Center to reserve your spot.

Wellness Checks and Education Tuesday,May 24 The Alabaster Fire Department will be here at 9 a.m. to check blood pressure and blood sugar. Following the wellness checks they will discuss summer safety concerns.

NEW Walking Together Tuesdays, 9:15 a.m.

All walking levels are welcomed and encouraged. The focus will be on seniors walking for their health and meeting new friends.

There will be a variety of levels walking. Come join us!

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Saturday, July 9 We will travel to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery and have lunch at Fried Tomato Buffet and enjoy the wonderful performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Shakespeare Festival. Cost is $35 and includes your transportation and admission to the show. You will need to bring $12-15 for lunch.

This outing will be open to senior adults and the adults with disabilities that participate in the EMPOWER program. Space is limited and tickets will go fast. Sign up begins on May 2.

Check out our great fitness/exercise classes!

Note: Space is limited in exercise classes. Sign up for each class begins 30 minutes prior to the start of a class. First come, first serve basis.

Head to Toe Fitness Class Mondays, 1 - 2 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 while 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 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.

Gentle Yoga Tuesdays, 1:15 - 2:15 p.m.

An hour class that combines traditional yoga postures and breathing techniques. Gentle movement is modified to allow the class to be completed by a standing or seated participant. All levels of fitness are welcome. Cost is $2/person and space is limited.

Arthritis Exercise Program 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.

Line dancing Thursdays, 9:15 a.m.

Join us on Thursdays for the 9:15 a.m. intermediate class or the 10:10 a.m. beginner class. No experience necessary. Cost $2/class.

Ageless Adventures in Movement Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Uses movement as a language to express an idea. As we explore some issues of aging and learn the basics of creative movement.

We’ll learn to use the elements of dance to tell our stories and explore the concept of the relationship between dance and the well-being of mind, body and spirit. No prior dance experience is necessary. We’ll build our dance vocabulary as we go! This is an ongoing class $2/class.

Tempo!

Fridays, 10 a.m.

Focuses on stretching, cardio, light weights and having fun! All taught to music! Learn safe ways to improve muscles to make every day activities easier. Emphasis is on improving and maintaining overall health from head to toe. You won’t want to miss this class. All levels are welcome. Space is limited. $2/class.

You won’t want to miss all the other Activities at the Senior Center...

Timeless Treasures (singing): Mondays, 10:00 a.m.

Head to Toe Fitness: Mondays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Gentle Yoga: Tuesdays, 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Rook/Rummikub: Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m.

Arthritis Exercise: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

Zumba Gold (exercise): Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m.

Beginner/Inter Line Dancing: Thursdays, 9:15 a.m.

Beginner Line Dancing: Thursdays, 10:10 a.m.

Bridge: Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tempo exercise: Fridays, 10 a.m.

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Around Town

City Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged)

(Unabridged version of minutes and resolutions/ordinances can be found on city webpage at www.cityofalabaster.com)

March 14th, 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Comments Mayor Handlon presented a proclamation to local Girl Scout troop recognizing National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend.

Agenda Items *Public Hearing on these items 1. Resolution 031416 Financing APD Tahoes – General Fund Council Member Bedsole made a motion to approve Resolution 031416 agreeing to financing terms for up to $300,000 for ten (10) patrol Tahoes at a per annum rate of 1.45% for 36 months. Council Member Walters seconded. With no further discussion, Council President Brakefield called for a roll call vote.

Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Resolution 031416-A Financing Knuckleboom Truck – Garbage Fund Council Member Rakestraw made a motion to approve Resolution 031416-A agreeing to financing terms for up to $131,000 for one (1) knuckleboom truck at a per annum rate of 1.45% for 36 months.

Council Member Hicks seconded. With no further discussion, Council President Brakefield called for a roll call vote.

Motion Passed Unanimously 3. Resolution 031416-B Acceptance of Comprehensive Plan Update Council Member Walters a motion to approve Resolution 031416-B approving of the updated Alabaster Forward comprehensive plan. Council Member Ryals seconded. Council Member Walters stated this was being approved after the City Council provided thorough review and feedback. With no further discussion, Council President Brakefield called for a voice vote Motion Passed Unanimously 4. Resolution 031416-C Extending Resolution 101215

20 cityofalabaster.com

Council Member Rakestraw made a motion to approve Resolution 031416-C which extended Resolution 101215 until May 31, 2016. Council Member Hicks seconded. With no further discussion, Council President Brakefield called for a voice vote Motion Passed Unanimously 5. Resolution 031416-D Appointed Officials Compensation Council Member Martin a motion to approve Resolution 031416-D regarding appointed officials FY16 compensation.

Council Member Rakestraw seconded. With no further discussion, Council President Brakefield called for a roll call vote Motion Passed Unanimously 6. Resolution 031416-E Surplus Items APD Council Member Hicks made a motion to approve Resolution 031416-E regarding labeling as surplus certain items in the Alabaster Police Department. Council Member Bedsole seconded. With no further discussion, Council President Brakefield called for a voice vote Motion Passed Unanimously 7. Resolution 031416-F Acceptance of Certain Roads within Silver Creek Subdivision Council Member Ryals made a motion to approve Resolution 031416-F regarding acceptance of certain roads within Silver Creek Subdivision known as Sector 3, Phase 2. Council Member Walters seconded. With no further discussion, Council President Brakefield called for a voice vote Motion Passed Unanimously 8. Motion Set Public Hearing Zoning Ordinance April 7th, 2016 Council Member Ryals made a motion to set a public hearing regarding amending Zoning Ordinance during the regularly scheduled April 7th, 2016 meeting. Council Member Hicks seconded. With no further discussion, Council President Brakefield called for a voice vote Motion Passed Unanimously Said meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

March 28th, 7:00 p.m.

Absent: Sophie Martin, Bob Hicks Mayor Comments Mayor Handlon presented a proclamation concerning Autism Awareness Month.

Agenda Items *Public Hearing on these items 1. Resolution 032816 AFD Inspections Vehicle Council Member Bedsole made a motion to approve Resolution 032816 agreeing to purchase a 2016 Chevrolet



Would you rather have your home or business and contents  As a home or business owne dried within 3 to 5 days, in place, or a complete tearing out and the safety of your emplo of all wet as materials and reconstruction sometimes Silverado for $30,111.80 budgeted within thetaking general fund drying out your property, ve months to complete? unnecessary reconstruction of fiscal year 2016.

Council Member Walters seconded.  As a home or business owner, consider your productivity loss  The use of specialized drying About Us and the safety of your employees or loved ones; a few days With no further discussion, Council President Brakefield makes the initial drying proc DynoDry drying out your property, versus weeks or even months, as is a family-owned and locally operated called for a roll call vote. reconstruction takes place. structural drying, smoke remediating, roofing, less than those companies w unnecessary  Our expertise is Drying in P moisture and mold inspection company. We speMotion Passed Unanimously  The use of specialized drying equipment and knowledge cialize using professional, scientific-drying methmakes the initial drying process cost higher but our overallinjob duration and cost could be as much as 50% locally operated materials and how they hold ating, roofing, less than those companies who focus on unnecessary ods tear and out. equipment on every job and the latest constantly being developed 2. Resolution 032816-A Public WorksinVehicle Place. This is a new concept to this area, requiring knowledge of construction  Our expertise is Drying ompany.

We spemold testing and extermination techniques. ously thought possible.

We Work With Most All Insurance Agencies. ntific-drying meth- Member materials and how theyahold and release moisture in the air and surrounding materials. New technology is Council Rakestraw made motion to approve b and the latest constantly being developed to dry materials faster and safer than previIn addition, with more than 15 years in the roofing rEStorAtion What type of equipment do w WAtEr DAmAgE Resolution 032816-A to purchase a 2016 Dodge techniques. ously agreeing thought possible.

industry, and as a GAF Certified Installer,

R1500 pickup truck for $30,463.00 as budgeted within the

roofing

DynoDry is the only phone call you will need to The most advanced drying and years in the roofing What type of equipment do we use and what are our credentials? rEmEDiAtionprocedures are used by DynoDry from storm general fund of fiscal year 2016. Council Member Ryalsmake when water damage occurs, evenmolD d Installer, damaged roofs. ou will need to equipment available to our indus Theno most advanced drying and mold remediation moiSturE/molD inSpEction seconded.

With further discussion, Council President rs, even from storm We procedures are used by DynoDry Structural Drying, Inc. Weare useformally the besttrained and certified by the IICRC metering and monitoring system StructurAl Drying Brakefield called for a roll call to vote.

The Southeastern Mold Institute (SEMI), equipment available our industry, including an arrayand of the highest quality mold testing equipment are som tified by the IICRCPassed Unanimously ExtErior/intErior rEconStruction metering and monitoring systems available. High temperature dehumidifiers, hardwood floorthe drying systems and as well as GAF Materials Corp., largest roofMotion Institute (SEMI), mold testing equipment are some of our standard toolsing in manufacturer which we have been certified and trained. in North America.

Our goal, on What kind of experience do w ., the largest roofevery job, is to use our specialized andService Available- 24/7equipment Emergency ica. Our on What kindLibrary of experience do we have?

3.goal, Resolution 032816-B HVAC Maintenance certified training to remediate water and/or mold, We at DynoDry Structural Drying ed equipment and smoke damage or roofing issues. Our goal is to Agreement ater and/or mold, cation courses taught by a lead We at DynoDry Structural Drying Inc. are formally trained and have completed their WRT/ASD IICRC certifitake the stress and hassle out of finding and deal. Our goal is to tified in mold inspection and rem Council Member Walters motion approve Resolution cation coursesataught by a to leading industry expert, which includes flood house training. In addition, we are cering with multiple, unreliable, trained f finding and dealsion, we are a GAF Certified In tified in mold inspection and remediation by Southeastern Mold Institute (SEMI). improperly As for our roofing divi032816-B approving of a HVAC Maintenance Agreement properly trained during a timeand of installation a disastrous event.

Davidtechniques, Grill, Independent Owner sion, we are a GAF Certified Installer, which meanscontractors, we use the best materials so we can provide our customers o disastrousfor event.

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Around Town

Community Focused Accounting Vic Smith, CPA Citizen Spotlight

Vic Smith, owner of Vic Smith CPA, had a roundabout way of finding his career in life. “I went to college after high school, but I was just not really mature enough for college at the time,” he shared. A few years later, though, he decided to give it another shot.

“The first time in college, my hardest class was an accounting class, so I reasoned that I would be ready to go back to school if I did well in the one class I did so poorly in before. I went back to school and retook an accounting class. I also thought that I needed a background in accounting to be a business owner. I made an A,” Smith explained.

And the good grades did not end there. “Overall, through all my accounting classes, I think I may have had 3.9 in accounting,” he said. “The fact that I did well motivated me to go a little further and a little further,” he added. When it came time to graduate, he took the CPA exam, passed and started his career.

He started his own firm, Vic Smith CPA, in Alabaster about 16 years ago, and he moved into his iconic building on the hilltop just off the Interstate 65 exit at U.S. Highway 31 nine years ago. Every day for him brings new demands.

“We are a firm that specialize in small-business matters, and we do a large amount of individual tax returns and such. What challenges me is the large number of small-business clients. They are different in their personality, their needs and just their taxes. Everything including their industries are different,” he pointed out. “You go from working with a home builder or a subcontractor to working with a doctor or attorney. It keeps it challenging. A lot of accounting is numbers on a page, but what we do is we serve the smaller business clients so that we can have a direct impact on how successful they are. That is what keeps it challenging.”

Smith moved to Alabaster back in the late ’90s from Louisiana. He serves on several local boards. “I’m on the board of the YMCA, the DAY Program, The Alabaster Arts Council and Alabaster CityFest, of course—I stay involved in that year-round,” he shared.

Among his service on the various boards, his involvement with Alabaster CityFest—the free daylong festival that brings plenty of musical performers and other entertainment—is his most noticeable role. “The fact we are able to pull together something like CityFest with corporate donations and city sponsorship and volunteers is really amazing. When the time comes to put this on, there are hundreds of people. It says a lot about our community that we can get a group of

22 cityofalabaster.com

Vic Smith is always ready to lend a hand.

people to volunteer their time. The city’s involvement is invaluable, and I think it is a really good reflection on Alabaster.

CityFest is such a positive thing, such a family friendly atmosphere,” he explained.

For the past few years Smith has been the main sponsor for KidsFest, the youth activity area at CityFest. “It is really neat to see families having the opportunity to enjoy the day of fun and activities and not having to worry about their pocketbook.

The kids are so excited and are having a good time. It is a very visual way for me to see how we give back. It’s a concrete way to see and know that I am having a positive impact,” Smith reflects.

When the festivities are over, the work of the Arts Council does not end. The proceeds from Alabaster CityFest go back

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into the community as grants. “We have a process where local teachers and schools can submit a grant request. We focus on the fine arts such as music, band and arts. The money from CityFest goes towards that. We have a committee that reviews it. Over the years, we have been a part of a lot of bigger projects, like band uniforms, the art teacher at Thompson High School received a donation for a pottery kiln. We try to spread it out among all the schools and requesting teachers,” Smith explained.

When Smith is not working, he loves to spend time with his two daughters. “Caitlyn is a sophomore at THS, Sara Grace is in fourth grade at TIS,” he said. He is also a self-declared “field tripper.”

“I try to go on as many field trips as possible,” he said. “We went to Montgomery for the day with the fourth-graders recently. I enjoy experiencing that kind of thing with my kids.

Of course, my older daughter is finished with that now, but I’ve always enjoyed riding the bus and I like to interact with their friends.”

On Wednesday mornings he can be spotted as part of the Warrior Watch Dogs. “The principal of TIS wanted to get a group of dads to come and greet kids in the morning. I really enjoy doing it. I try to just be involved with what my kids have going on,” he said. When he is not at the schools he likes to spend time outdoors, exercising and fishing.

For more information on Vic Smith CPA, visit them online www.vicsmithcpa.com.

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Around Town

Making a Splash in Alabaster Marc-1 Car Wash

40 Kent Stone Way | Alabaster, AL 35009

Business Spotlight As the last month of the school year winds down, and opportunities for summer vacations are right around the corner, taking care of your car becomes even more of a priority. Marc-1 Car Wash opened in Alabaster on February 1st this year to help you do just that.

Staying on the Cutting Edge Marcus Kittrell, founder of Marc-1 Car Wash, built his first car wash in 1986. It was a little coin operated spray wash in Pelham. By 2000, he had moved into operating the then-popular tunnelstyle car wash.

Marc-1 facilities are the next level of modern car wash that includes state-of-the-art equipment and all the extra bells and whistles that make keeping your car in top-notch condition easy, including: •A self-prep area where customers can address troubled areas of their car, such as scrubbing bugs off the front of the car, before going through the car wash.

•Window cleaner and towels to clean the insides of their windshield, windows, doors and the dash.

•Vacuums that allow you to clean your seats and floors, without requiring you to insert coins to buy the time you need. ”Actually, over 50% of our customers are women,” said Kittrell. “When you’re low on time and you’re running everyone everywhere, you can be in and out of the wash in 3 minutes, or you can take as long as a time as you want to vacuum and do the rest at no extra cost.”

Making a Splash in Alabaster Marc-1 car washes are found throughout the Alabaster area, in Hoover, Homewood and Pelham.

However, Kitrell explained that he saw Alabaster as a perfect place for another facility.

“We see Alabaster as also being on the cutting edge, so it’s a good fit for us. The city has a master plan that we really like, as far as their growth, with the Medical Mile, and the bigger plans coming,” he said. “The 119 corridor has lots of growth potential, and we thought it was a good opportunity for us to be our own competition (with their facility in Pelham), since we’re only about six miles apart.”

Supporting the Alabaster Community One of the main ways that Marc-1 gives back to

24 cityofalabaster.com

Bonus Tips Clean car advice for those going on vacation this summer: Make sure that you get the bugs washed off the front of your car as soon as possible. The longer they stay, the higher the chance of the acid in the bugs carcasses eating through the paint of your car, causing permanent damage.

A neat trick that some Marc-1 customers use: Spray PAM cooking spray on the front of your car before you hit the road and once you arrive at your destination, wipe the bugs right off!

One of the main ways that Marc-1 gives back to the community, is in the form of fundraising events. the community, is in the form of fundraising events. In fact, the Alabaster location has already taken over Marc1’s top spot regarding the number of local fundraisers being held. There is a full calendar of ball teams, schools and other non-profits participating in their give-back program this year.

To participate, each fundraising group is issued a code that they are encouraged to promote within their organization and on social media. Supporters are encouraged to simply enter that specific code at their local Marc-1 car wash to purchase the $15 wash, $5 of which goes directly to the fundraising organization. Some organizations have raised as much as over $700!

A Winning Team Kittrell is pleased that Marc-1 has found a home in the Alabaster community, and he is proud of his staff and team that is making it a success.

“I’m really proud of our people. We have a lot of young folks that work for us – from high school part-timers, to really good full-timers. I’m extremely proud of the way they do work.”

Visit Marc-1 Car Wash, 40 Kent Stone Way, Alabaster, AL 35009, next to the Alabaster Post Office.

Bill Atkinson standing in front of the Biodiesel dispenser.

Unseen Labor of Love Bill Atkinson

Employee Spotlight

large plastic jug at one of the several exchange stations around town. “We have one at each fire station, the WalMart Neighborhood Market, the sewer plant, and other locations around town. Simply take the jug home, fill it up and when you need another one, drop off your full one for a new one,” explained Atkinson.

He also took the initiative to recycle old 50-gallon metal drums from around the plant to use as containers for local restaurants to collect their used oil and donate it to the program. “This is a free service to these restaurants that is actually helping both sides save money,” he shared.

The program is producing over 200 gallons a week of biodiesel, with the capacity to expand the program to 450 gallons a day. “I would love to see every diesel vehicle in the city’s fleet run on our biodiesel fuel,” he said.

One of Atkinson’s goals is to make the sewer plant a positive yet unnoticed department in the city. “If we are doing our jobs, you will never notice us. It is when we aren’t doing our job that we get noticed,” he shared. Since taking on the responsibilities of plant manager, Atkinson has made several positive changes in this regard. He oversaw the repair of an expensive piece of equipment for a fraction of the cost of replacing it. He also made changes with the way some of the waste was disposed.

The plant can process up to 7.6 million gallons a day. The plant works through three levels of treatment: biological, various filters, and ultraviolet treatments.

“Wastewater treatment plants do nothing nature doesn’t do already—it just speeds it up,” shared Atkinson. When the water is discharged into Buck Creek, it is actually cleaner than the water already in the creek, he said.

When Atkinson is not at work, he can be found at the ballfields with his two sons. He has one daughter and another one on the way with his wife, Kelley. He also is an avid racecar driver. “I race late-model dirt cars. We love it. It is good, clean fun. The kids love it,” he said with a smile. He attends Church of the Highlands Alabaster Campus.

For more information on the Alabaster Used Cooking Oil Recycling Program, visit www.cityofalabaster.com.

If you asked most people how they would feel about working at the local sewer treatment plant, you would probably get some interesting facial expressions, to say the least. Mostly the kind with a scrunched-up nose and sour-looking face.

But for Bill Atkinson, Wastewater Plant Manager for the Alabaster Environmental Services Department, he simply loves his job. “I love my job. I guess I just really care about the environment. I really do,” Atkinson expressed. He started at the sewer plant as a laborer, doing manual tasks such as mowing the lawn and weed-eating.

After a little while, he got his Grade II Certification that allowed him to become a plant operator. Several years later, he worked to received his Grade IV Certification, which is the highest possible. “It covers all the treatment plants here in the state,” he shared. And starting in January of this year, he became Alabaster’s plant manager.

Atkinson has been an active leader at the plant and in the community. “This last year we started a cooking oil recycling program. They asked me to lead that up,” he shared. “Basically what we are doing HALF is taking used cook-YMCA PAGE ing oil and we are making diesel fuel for like 50 cents a gallon with it. It also removes grease and oils from the sewer lines. Grease and oils are one of our main struggles at the sewer plant because it clogs up the sewer lines.

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Around Town

Feeding the Least of These Sowers of Seed Alabaster Helps

Lynn Coleman, founded the nonprofit Sowers of Seed, as a way to provide a hot nutritious meal for children who might go without during the long summer months. “The kids we served, our target audience, is kids who qualify for free and reduced lunch during the school year,” she shared. The goal is “to bridge that nutritional gap during the summer months.”

The idea for this ministry started way back in the 80’s when Coleman had little children of her own. “I would often volunteer at my children’s schools. While there I would see kids that were hungry before lunch, they were going into children’s lunches to steal food because they did not eat breakfast or dinner the night before,” she somberly said.

Fast forward a decade in which Coleman just finished up a career working in finance. “My banking career ended and so I sought out to find my purpose. The Lord directed me to teach moms and family how to create nutritious meals on a shoestring budget. This was in 2000. I completed an undergraduate and graduate degree in Dietetics and became Serve Safe certified,” she shared. While earning continuing education credits at a conference in Huntsville Coleman happened across a pamphlet that ignited her passion for families and nutrition into a flame.

The pamphlet described a program for summer feeding programs that target students who go without the free or reduced lunch program during the summer months.

Coleman came back home and began what would become Sowers of Seed. “We began May of 2010. The mission of Sowers of Seed started that summer with a lunch program. We served hot homestyle meals to 25 children a day,” she recalled.

Coleman credits the support of the City of Alabaster, Mayor Handlon and the City Council, for the increased impact Sowers of Seed have had over the past few years.

“This will be the fourth summer that the City has allowed us to have access to the Buck Creek Park concession stand to prepare our lunch. Now we average 125 kids a day for 9 weeks,” she exclaimed. “This year we will have it for a full 10 weeks. 5 days a week.”

On average it take about $3.58 per child per day to prepare the meal. “We are providing these lunches assuming this is the only meal that these children will have for that day,” Coleman shared. The funding is a mixture of different sources. “We do fundraising, apply for grants, take donations, and in-kind gifts. Those kind of things, that is how we operate,” she shared. Adding “Volunteers are a big part of making this happen.” She also noted that the Alabaster Farmer’s Market, which is organized by Sowers

26 cityofalabaster.com

Supplies needed for the

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Forks and Spoons, and Napkins.

Items can be dropped off at Westwood Baptist Church. of Seed, is a fundraiser while also serving a larger nutritional purpose. “Our goal with the Farmer’s Market is to provide fresh, area grown, product at a responsible price for families and our community,” Coleman said. TJ Maxx is the largest corporate donor.

Every summer is exhausting but very satisfying for Coleman and the many volunteers. “Just very full of knowing that I have fulfilled and met a need and eased a mother’s mind that her kids were fed. There was a mother, she told me in spanish, ‘May Jesus keep you safe so you will return to us next year’. She said it three times. It just wraps it all up. That is why we’re going back,” Coleman tearfully shared.

If you would like to volunteer, connect with Sowers of Seed by: • Social Media: facebook.com/sowersofseedsincalabaster • Phone: 205.948.3846 • Email: sowersofseed@hotmail.com

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“Today”

by Rosia Sawyer Dowdell, Guest Columnist

Another opportunity to give thanks to God…..

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TODAY” Another opportunity to PRAISE God…..

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TODAY” Another opportunity to encourage someone…..

TODAY” Another opportunity to be grateful….

TODAY” Another opportunity to appreciate your blessings…..

TODAY” Another opportunity to show LOVE…..

TODAY” Another opportunity to tell someone about GOD….

TODAY” Another opportunity to let your light shine in a positive way…..

TODAY” Another opportunity to realize that This is The Day the LORD has made and We will REJOICE and Be GLAD in it!!!!

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Around Town

Thompson High 2016 Graduating Class Graduation: May 24, 2016 Bartow Arena (6 p.m.)

For tickets contact beth.ronilo@alabastercityschools.org.

Abercrombie-Tabb, Kendrick Sammrell Abundis Portillo, Ednna Guadalupe Akins, Austin Michael Alexander, Jabari Nelson Allen, Garrett Parker Alletag, Morgan Danielle Anderson, Colton James Anderton, Christian Paul Anton, Addison Rae Appleton, Sadie Marguerite Aragon, Jr., Robin Emanuel Arceo, Sergio Jr Ard, Mackenise Kate Ard, Maison Thomas Avans, Cole Patrick Baker, Gavin Alexander Baker, Jessica LaShay Barber, Amy Christine Barnes, Nicholas Ian Barnett, Connor Patrick Barnett, Isaac James Barnett, Saige Kathryn Barnett, Zackery Andrew Barrett, Aris Boyd Barrett, Madison Lynn Barrett, Tanner Scot Baugh, Zachary Morgan Beluscak, Zachary Brian Bennett, Charles Garland III Bevel, Cailan Antonio Bickerstaff, Aaron Terrez Blaes, Matthew Hunter Blaising, Gracie Elizabeth Blankenship, Ashley Nichole Bond, Noah Christopher Boone, Madison Justin Bowles, Katelyn Elizabeth Bowles, Lila McCary Branch, Tiana Aliaya Brannon, Alexander David Brantley, Jacob Harley Brantley, Patrick Justin Brasher, Christian Dee Bresler, Lexi Madison Brewer, Jonathan Frank Bridgewater, Perri Noelle Bright, Jason Morgan Brito, Henry Brothers, Erin Taylor Brown, Braxton Hall Brown, James Wesley Brown, Presley Caitlin Bryant, Larrice Montez Jr. Buie, Falan Melinda

28 cityofalabaster.com

Bunch, Camille Marie Burke, Nolen Lee Burnham, Aaron Ray Burton, Rachael Nicole Butera, Christopher Tyler Butler, Parker Robert Butler, Taylor Grace Caffey, Demonte Lamar Cain, Katie Mackenzie Canaday, Sydney Dillon Carter, Donovan Lewis Carter, Kaily Rene’ Carter, Kinly Rene’ Carter, Kyler Henry Penale Castelan, Mireya Cerda, Brandon Omar Cervantes, Monica Sugey Chaisson, Bradley Keith Chambers, Reginald Maurice Chandler, Garrett Holden Clarke, Lydia Kathleen Cleveland, Hali LaRae Cohill, Indiah Deshae Coleman, Indalea Grace Coleman, Tyler Moore Collum, Elizabeth Renae Conner, Robert Jackson Cook, Sara Kathryn Corley, Jordan Paige Cortez, Xenia Guadalupe Cottrell, Drew Daniel Coverdale, Andrew David Cowart, Harrison Connor Cowart, James Talon Cox, James Ralph II Crawford, Jonathan Locke Crocker, Eric Curtis Crockett, Tierra Elesse Crosier, Josi Madaline Cruz, Osbaldo Currie, Mallory Maria Damsgard, William Harrison Danielson, Gregory George III Darling, Christine Marie Davis, Dimitri A’Jene’ Davis, Gary Kendrale Davis, John Alan Dean, MacKenzie Drew Deavers, Courtney Lee Ann DeCord, Aaron Thomas DeHart, Lydia Everett Depriest, LaKiah Tuere Deyounks, Aerial Jenay Diaz Enriquez, Martin Eduardo Ditoro, Alexandra Dodd, Mary Elizabeth Dowdy, Julia Meigan Drake, Zinia LaShae Drake, Zoria LaNae Duran, Alex Durrett, Cory Lee Earley, Johnnie Lea Escareno-Garcia, Jahzeel Etheridge, Rachel Ann

Facundo Escobedo, Cindy Patricia Farmer, Kathryn Faye Faulkner, Mamie Elizabeth Fell, Emma Frances Ferguson, Lauren Joyce Flowers, Kyra Ann Flynn, Lindsey Rae Ford, Randi Alexandra Forth, Jordyn Taylor Fowler, Dezmond Tyreke Frazier, Jeffrey Kyle Freeman, Michael Christian Gaiters, Deja Armani Gaiters, Naja Colette Gallegos Rodriguez, Edgar Gallegos, Eric Gallo, Jason Matthew Galvez, Neris Gladimir Gambill, Hayden Elizabeth Gamble, Alexander RaShaun Garcia Barnett, Iris Natalia Garcia Gutierree, Arturo Gatlin, Anna Grace Gehring, Farrah Brooke Gibbs, Stephen Mitchel Gomez Gonzalez, Yaireth Luisana Gomez Sanchez, Jesus Alberto Goodwin, Daniel Trey Goolsby, John Curtis Granger, Victoria Johnson Grice, Benjamin Raymer Grier, Jacob Allen Griffin, Jalexia Ariel Griffin, Ulysses Leandres Jr. Grill, Chloe Hope Gunn, Brynee Hope Gutierrez Miranda, Diego Javier Sr. Gutierrez Molina, Marco Antonio Gutierrez, Raul Humberto Jr. Hagemeyer, James Tennyson Hall, Alana Kayleigh Hall, Ashley Nicole Hall, Gracen Barton Hamilton, Kelly Charmaine Hammett, William Thomas III Hard, Jada Elizabeth Hartman, Hallie Marie Haskins, Robert Heath Hassell, John Robert Haught, Riley Arthur Hawkins, Jarvan Reon Haynie, Skyelar Jason Haywood, Jordan Isaiah Hernandez, Samuel Jr. Herrera, Erika Favela Herring, James Garrett Herringdon, Caroline Paige Heyne, Jordan Matthew Higgins, Courtney Michelle Higgins, Jasmine Marie Hill, Logan Riley Hill, Maribeth Hill, Rachel Marie Hinton, Destiny Demetriane

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Lucas, Austin Layne Lundy, Alexis Nicole Lyle, Maura Piper Mann, Ashton Loreal Manzano, Terrel Marchman, Connor Mackenzie Martin, Ryan Christopher Martin, Zachary Tyler Martinez Sanchez, Jahaira Yaressi Martinez, Giselle Mask, Kori Karlene Maupin, Joshua Thomas Mayer, Lauren Grace McCarter, Darius Jimael McCarthy, Jeran David McCleskey, Tatum Danielle McKinley, Matthew David McManus, Celena Rae Mealer, Cody Michael Medina Maya, Maria Guadalupe Miles, Caleb Avery Millan, Charles Adrian Millender, Kasia Ar’Niece Miranda, Kasey Anne Mitchell, Darion Isaac Mitchell, Lindsey Brooke Montgomery, Alijah Daria Moon, Samuel Webster Moore, Elisabeth Lauren Morris, Molly Anne Morrow, Ian Thomas Moton, Germashia Rayneisha Murphy, Conner Houston Murrell, Ashlyn Clair Mwakajumba, Frank Jonas Myers, Nikole Loree Norris, Emily Jayne Norton, Caleb Scott Norwood, Ladrel Donte Oglesby, Michael Gage Oliver, James Alan Ooms, Ethan James Ousley, Patricia Renea Owen, Sarah Marie Owens, Austin Lee Owens, Joshua James Ozment, Courtney Amber Palacios, Brian Josue Palacios, Kain Parker, Brooklyn Michelle Parris, Jordan Taylor Parten, Johnathon Alexander Patterson, Amanda Lynne Paul, Tyresius Deshaun Payton, Zakkary Taylor Pennington, Haley Elizabeth Perez Diaz, Abril Itzayana Perez Palacio, Abel Perez, Jose Maria Pernell, Meghan Read Perry, Cornelius Demetrius Jr. Phillips, Logan Ryan Pickett, Anna Nicole Pike, Riley James

Plowman, Olivia Rheann Polk, Alexis Nicole Pope, Ashley Nicole Pope, Taylor Mae Price, Damian Russell Pruitt, Gabryllya Nycole Puckett, Jesse Erin Purvis, Charles Matthew Quijada, Rubi Esmeralda Quintana, Zaira Zujey Ragland, Braxton Lee Rangel, Denise Nicole Ray, Camryn Milea Rayam, Thomas Leon Jr. Reach, Jacob Riley Jr. Reed, Hannah Grace Renoj, Jeremy Santos Reyes Velazquez, Luisa Fernanda Richardson, James David III Riley, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Riley, Katie Ann Rivas, Cesar Vladimir Roberts, Caleb Alexander Roberts, Zachary John Robinson, Zachary Woodard Rockett, Julianne Rose Rogers, Cameryn Marcelle Rogers, Travis Steven Ross, Shelby Lynn Ryum, Shannon Danielle Saenz, Jasmine Devanhi Sanchez Lucio, Dora Briseily Sanders, Amber Nicole Sandoval, Liliana Scholl, Zachery Taylor Scott, Jordan Taylor Scott, Mikyla Corinne Sellers-Hicks, Donavynn Terai Sennett, Miranda McHale Serrato, Paola Munoz Shaw, Derrick Eugene II Shaw, Mackenzie Marie Shields, Kyla Renea’ Shindlebower, Kaylee Lauren Sills, Ashley Anne Sims, Courtni Alyssa Singh, Jasmeet Heidi Singleterry, Allison Cate Smith, Brianna Artharine Smith, Emily Madison Smith, Kirkland Alexander Smith, MacKenzie Lee Smith, Michael Lee Smith, Savannah Le Smitherman, Courtney Renee’ Smitherman, Kyra Shaun Sosa Castro, Jessica Soto, Yoana Yisel Sparks, Chase McLee Staffney, Jamon Derrezz Stamps, Kenneth Chase Stapleton, Caitlyn Blair Starks, Indya Jaynia Starling, Gregory Andrew

Steele, Alijah Diamonte’ Stephens, Carlos Londarrius Stewart, Emma Grace Stonecipher, Ethan Michael Sumpter, Christian JaBari Tait, Emmanuel Talley, Lauren Danielle Tatum, Savannah Kay Taylor, Caitlyn Renae Taylor, Tresmine Maurice Tennyson, Jeremy David Thomas, Brooklyn Alexandra Thomas, Kyndall Renice Thomas, Yantasia DeMonye’ Thompson, Taizha Angelle Thurmon, Laura Brooke Tiller, Daniel Blake Tolbert, Ashleigh Elizabeth Tolbert, Colby Jaleel Torres Gonzalez, Josue Daniel Trull, Nicholas Taylor Turner, Martin Henry IV Vaccarella Tovar, Philip Edward Vann, Abigail Leigh Vines, Dax Thomas Wahinya, Alex Ngigi Waldrop, Christopher Layton Walker, Kasey Mariah Walley, Sara Morgan Walters, Kenley Asheton Wang, Yan Wanhatalo, Kelly Ann Warren, Trennie Ray Jr. Watson, Hunter Charles Watson, Lydia Jane Weaver, Joseph Blake Whitehead, Dominic LaMont Whiteside, Peyton Craig Whitley, Brett Michael Whitlock, Anna Eloise Wiles, Sean Alexander Wilhite, Ashtynn Brianna Wilkes, Kaderica Lakimbrea Jamia Williams, Dorothy Renee Williams, Jordan Dianne Williams, Makayla Grace Willis, Terry Jerome Jr. Wlodyga, Katlyn Noel Wood, Katelyn Marie Wood, Kayli Bryce Wooley, Arayna Syanne Worrell, Samuel Edward Wright, Sydney Rachel Wright, Taliyah Nyece Yoder, Brennan Scott Young, Jason Michael Zagar, Lydia Grace Lauryn Zito, Mia Nichole

Around Town

April Clean Sweep

Teen Council

With the help of 118 volunteers, who removed 67 trash bags of litter from 22.4 miles of roadway, Alabaster got a much needed spring cleaning. Special thanks to the APD and AFD and the many groups who volunteered. There were over a 12 Officers working with the groups. Mrs. Longshore and TSGC Student Council, Michael Wilbanks and the TMS NJHS, Chrissy Walsh and CVES Girl Scouts, Kim Lloyd and the MVES Boy Scouts, Dr. Greg Egbert, Scoutmaster for Troop 220 from FUMC, Heather Klinner and Maria Millington Girl Scout Troops 146, 761, and 792, TMS Baseball team, residents from Ward 7, Beautification Board members, TMS NJHS students and sponsors, as well as the THS Leo Club students and sponsors.

The Alabaster Teen Council consists of students who have been selected due to their leadership ability and their willingness to help out the community, especially their fellow teens. To find out more about the teen council like their Facebook page by searching for Alabaster Teen Council. Where you can keep track of the many summer activities they have planned for their fellow students.

ResidentialBeautification AwardWinner

Commercial Beautification Award Winner

108 Deer Run Drive

Express Tire & Auto Repair

Congratulations to Ruben Nunez on being recognized as the May Residential Beautification Award Winner. His neatly trimmed yard and shrubs show the extra care he provides year around to maintain such a manicure landscape. The well selected lawn sculptures add another layer of intrigue to the visual appeal of the lawn. Mr. Nunez is well deserved in his recognition.

30 cityofalabaster.com

Congratulations to Express Tire & Auto Repair on being recognized as the Commercial Beautification winner for May. Coowners Bob Sapp and Butch McGiboney should be commended for adding to the visual appeal of Alabaster by taking the extra time and money to maintain a well presented business location. The well groomed lawn and neatly groomed hedges showcase the care they attached to every service they provide.

City of Alabaster 1953 Municipal Way Alabaster, AL 35007 www.cityofalabaster.com 664-6800

Marty Handlon, Mayor 664-6831 | handlon@cityofalabaster.com City Council

Sophie Martin, Ward 1 506-8961 | 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

Jazz in the Park May 1st • 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

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

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid PERMIT 48 ALABASTER, AL

Postal Patron

Evangel Church

SOCCER CAMP for kids

Evangel Church PCA is sponsoring a Soccer Camp for Kids (2nd-10th grade) at Buck Creek Park in Alabaster. Mark Wallace, the JV boys head coach at Briarwood Christian School, will serve as the head instructor. Cost is $10 per child.

ntact o c , n tio forma 64-0889 n i e r o For m Collins at 6 Benny r register at a.org o chpc r u h c l vange limited e . w w w is Space

May 31ST-June 3rd 8 - 11:00 A.M.

Buck Creek Park