Alabaster Connection June 2017 | Maddie & Tae by me2graphicsllc

ALABASTER

CONNECTION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF ALABASTER | JUNE 2017

cityfest 2017 June 3

featurinG Maddie & tae pg. 11

superhero dads

Library suMMer readinG chaLLenGe

GettinG to Know Jessica Meuse

pg. 6

pg. 8

pg. 12

From the Mayor’s Desk Official Publication of the City of Alabaster Alabaster Connection is published monthly and is delivered to citizens of the City of Alabaster. Editorial Board The Public Relations Committee of the Alabaster City Council. Committee Chair Councilwoman Sophie Martin Councilwoman Kerri Pate Councilman Greg Farrell Editor Luke Camara, me2graphics, LLC Contributors Shana Camara Heather Leavell Lindsay Schluntz Megan Owens Lynn Barnett We welcome your comments & suggestions. Call 447-2214 or email luke@me2graphics.com

To advertise call 447-2214 Non-Emergency City Numbers Police 24-Hours 663-7401

Welcome Summertime—Oh, how we’ve missed you! First, congratulations to all graduates, the Class of 2017! This is another time of transition in your life. Although a little scary at times, it can be ALL you are willing to make it with your personal dedication and determined work ethic. Good luck, ladies and gentlemen, on all your future endeavors! This month is full of great happenings around our city, including CityFest Marty Handlon, Mayor on June 3rd and the opening of our state certified Farmers’ Market on June City of Alabaster 10th, running every Saturday through August 5th from 7:30am until 12 noon. Vendors will be set up behind the Senior Center, in the Siluria community. We have secured more local growers as vendors, to include fruits, vegetables, pork, honey, fresh baked goods, goat cheese, eggs, peppered jellies, and an herbalist with soaps, lotions, and salves. Each week will also include background entertainment, such as blue grass, jazz, gospel, and even table top demonstrations. This continues to be a great addition to our community, so be sure to come out and support your local growers! The city’s active participation in May’s Mental Health Awareness campaign proved to be very educational for many in our community. Other than our social media blasts, we hosted two events: Teen Council Social for #GetReal, open to all teenagers, and citywide TownHall for all ages. We would like to thank all of our old and new friends who graciously volunteered their time to help our community gain awareness and education on mental health. We are truly blessed to have so many knowledgeable professionals in our community. The organizations supporting our efforts by sending representatives to these events are Brookwood Baptist Psychiatric Services, The Crisis Center, Bradford Health Services, Chilton Shelby Mental Health Center, and Alabaster City Schools Central Office. They repeatedly stated their appreciation for the opportunity to educate, and can be called on at any time for more information. My educational takeaways from the month of May are: • Mental Health needs to be considered at every age. • Coping skills of children and/or adults can determine impact on mental health in everything from general disappointments, unhealthy home life, parental or social bullying, and traumatic situations or events—counseling is strongly advised after traumatic events to ensure proper coping mechanisms in place. • Asking someone if they feel suicidal does not plant the seed for action, but it can create dialogue for assessment and help. • Males are more likely to display signs of depression through anger or violence. • Substance abuse is more often than not associated with symptoms of poor mental health. • Mental illness is normal—help remove the stigma. • Not all wounds are obvious, so walk gently in the lives of others. It is my hope our community never loses the ability to interact personally with each other, despite the convenience of social media, and that we continue to show compassion in regard to things we do not understand. The greatest thing about our city is our community! See you at CityFest & the Farmers’ Market! Blessings,

Alabaster Water Board 663-6155 Fire Department 664-6818

THIS EDITION 4 Council Comments 18 Around Town 26 Calendar 30 CC Meeting Minutes

FEATURES 6 Superhero Dads 8 Summer Reading 10 Teen Movies 12 Getting to Know Jessica Meuse

Spotlights 14 Citizen Spotlight 15 Employee Spotlight 16 Business Spotlight 18 Non-Profit Spotlight

Council Comments

Scott Brakefield

Ward 6 | City Council President Greetings! It's June so that must mean CityFest - this is such a great day for our city. It is our opportunity to showcase our city to people from all around Central Alabama. I’d like to give a big thanks to the Alabaster Arts Council for spearheading this event. This event would not be the success that it is without the numerous volunteers that come

Sophie Martin Ward 1

Please note that Alabaster Boulevard will be temporarily closed June 19th to complete the next phase of repair and resurfacing. This closure will affect Alabaster Boulevard going in both directions at the end of the median just south of Westwood Baptist Church. To enter the Weatherly neighborhood during this time period, residents will need to use the entrance off Highway 11. I recognize this a temporary inconvenience, but in the end it will be well worth it. This road repair project is long overdue and will improve the overall conditions and safety for the hundreds of drivers who travel this road on a daily basis. There are many resurfacing projects that are needed throughout our city so I truly appreciate Brian Binzer, our city manager, Public Works, and the city council for supporting this project. The Summer Feeding Program is making sure our children are receiving healthy meals on a daily basis, even with school being out of session. Two locations will be set up in Ward 1, including Mt. Olive Church and Freewill Baptist Church. Thank you to the Alabaster City School System for supporting this important program that will help many children and their families in our community. It is an honor to serve as your councilperson. If you have any ideas or questions regarding Ward 1 or our city, please feel free to contact me at martin@cityofalabaster.com or 506-8961. Kindest regards, Sophie

Rick Ellis

Ward 2 On Saturday, June 3rd CityFest will return for the 15th annual edition. Be sure to join us at Municipal Park for some great entertainment, including Maddie and Tae and The Black Jacket Symphony. cityofalabaster.com

out in support of the event. The city employees also spend numerous hours ensuring its success. It takes many days of planning, preparing and set up. Not to mention all the activities the day of CityFest. So while you are out there enjoying a free concert, make sure to thank a volunteer. Thank a city employee for all they do to make CityFest a huge success. Also, the month of June brings Father’s Day. As a father to three sons I take my role in developing them seriously. I am thankful to still have my father here with us. I am sure we will spend time together at the baseball fields or on the golf course. Make sure to tell your dad Happy Father’s Day! It promises to be a great time! In May, I was lucky enough to go to Washington D.C. with my daughter and the 5th grade class at Thompson Intermediate School. It was extremely busy and exhausting and we spent a lot of time on a bus, but it was all worth it. The kids (and adults) got to learn a lot about our great country and made a lot of memories that will not soon be forgotten. I would like to thank the chaperones, teachers and especially the kids for making it such a fantastic trip. If you ever get the chance to go on this trip, do not hesitate. It is worth it. Please join us on June 22nd at Buck Creek Pizza & Wings from 6-8 for the 2nd Annual Police Appreciation Dinner for our Alabaster Police Department. The citizens of Alabaster will stand watch as Officers and their families will have a safe and free meal. If you have any suggestions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at ellis@cityofalabaster.com. Rick

Stacy Rakestraw

Ward 3 Thank you to the many departments in the city who helped make the Alabaster Clean Sweep a success. Parks, Public Works, as well as Police and Fire worked together along with all of the volunteers to clean five county roads, old Hwy 31 and Buck Creek Trail. There were close to 70 bags of litter cleaned off of the roadways. Also, 6,000 lbs of paper were shredded at our Shred - It event. Marie Jordan helped direct this and the e-cycle event, and we were glad to have the help of several THS football players to unload cars. One volunteer, Mr. John Ellison, cleans somewhere in the city every Wednesday and he is such an encouragement. He shows what it means to have a servant’s heart. He would like to invite anyone to join him - you can find him on Facebook under Alabaster Public Servants Foundation.

Council Comments Congratulations to the recent college and high school graduates. I wish you the best as you begin this new chapter in life. I want to welcome Ben Williams as our new Park Superintendent. The city parks department will be closing our 5-acre soccer field on May 21st, located off of Warrior Rd, for some landscape work that needs to be done. On June 22, from 6-8 pm at Buck Creek Pizza and Wings, we will have the 2nd annual Police Appreciation Dinner for the Alabaster Police. Alabaster residents are encouraged to circle the restaurant and stand watch while the APD Officers and their families have a safe and free meal. Happy Father’s Day to my husband, Kyle, and to the many other men in our community who work so hard to provide for and love their families.

Greg Farrell Ward 4

June is here already. I know it’s a busy month for everyone, including the City. It’s CityFest time. I hope everyone comes and enjoys this great event for our city. I would like to thank the Arts Council and all city employees for their hard work in making this event happen. A reminder that the Farmers Market begins Saturday, June 10, at 8:00am. The Market will be located behind the Senior Center. With school being out and families beginning to travel for vacation, I wish everyone safe travels. I want to wish all the fathers a Happy Father’s Day.

Russell Bedsole Ward 5

Have you ever wanted something so bad you could almost taste it? Or has there been that Caribbean vacation you had planned for almost a year and it seemed as though it would never get here? A few short weeks ago, Governor Kay Ivey announced that she was ordering the expansion of I-65 to six lanes from Pelham to Alabaster. Well, I have wanted that to happen so badly, and it has now become that vacation that can’t get here soon enough! Over the years, many conversations have centered around what can be done to improve the commute for so many of you. Your elected Alabaster leaders have worked hard to request the State’s assistance in improving the interstate access in our city, but we desperately needed help on a higher level. While the higher level I am referring to was not divine intervention from God (although I am certain He heard your prayers), I am referring to our elected

State Legislative Delegation. It’s time to give credit where credit is due. Let me begin by thanking Mayor Handlon for her many trips to Montgomery to speak with DOT officials about the traffic woes we all face. Huge thanks must go out in particular to Sen. Cam Ward, Rep. Matt Fridy, and Rep. April Weaver. These three State leaders led the Shelby County Legislative Delegation in a very prompt meeting with the new Governor and asked for her support of this project. I am grateful for these Stated elected officials and I look forward to many more years of working closely with them. Give me your thoughts on this project or any other ideas you have for our city. As always I can be reached at bedsole@cityofalabaster.com.

Kerri Pate Ward 7

Yay for summer! Schedules are less rigid, days are longer and the children seem to have endless energy! Please be mindful of all of the children out and about in our neighborhoods and parks enjoying their break. There are so many fun things to keep you and your family busy this month, like our Farmers' Market (starting June 10th), City Fest on Saturday, June 3rd and the 2nd annual Police Appreciation Dinner for Alabaster Police at Buck Creek Pizza on June 22nd from 6-8 pm. Be watching for announcements on Kids Movies in the Park and the Teen Movies at the stadium - schedules will be out soon. Congratulations & good luck to all of the kids who made All-Stars! I also want to express my sincere thanks to all of the advocates for our great City, our own leadership, and the Shelby delegation (Sen. Ward, Rep. Weaver and Rep. Fridy) who worked alongside Governor Ivey to support the I-65 widening project. This will serve as a huge asset to all and hopefully shave some valuable time off of your commute. This will require much patience on our part, but we will be grateful for what we get in return. Some of you may notice that some structures in Ward 7 are being demolished. This comes by way of recommendations from our Housing & Abatement board, and are handled by the Planning & Safety division of AFD. These projects are budgeted items, and while it is unfortunate that circumstances lead to these projects, I am grateful we have a budget in place to handle these dilapidated structures. I want to wish a Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads, especially the ones who have found themselves suddenly playing the role of Mom and Dad this year, the ones who have lost a child this year, and the ones who have lost their own fathers. Happy Father’s Day to my Dad, who taught me all about cars and life, and to my husband, Doug, who is the hero in our family! Thanks to all of my neighbors in Ward 7 that are diligent, caring citizens that keep us all informed, your thoughtfulness does not go unnoticed. cityofalabaster.com

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SHout Out to

Superhero Dads

Alabaster is blessed to have so many great dads who are investing into their families, giving back to the community, and building up the businesses in our city. This Father’s Day, we say “Thank you!” to all the dads who are making a daily difference in the lives of the people around them. Here are just a few of those dads:

Avery & Jake Tucker with Dad, Josh

Brennan Caide Majors with dad, Clarence

Ava Saucier, dad, Michael Saucier

Jake (4) : What makes my dad great is that he helps people and he does stuff with me. I like it when he plays cars with me! Avery (6) : …and I like it when he colors with me. Like, when we color flowers together. I like that!

Brennan Caide (4) : The best thing about my dad is he cooks stuff really good – like steaks! And when we play Ninja Turtles together. My favorite one is Raphael. He’s the red one.

Ava Saucier (9) : My dad is a superhero because he can fix almost anything, like, from putting Barbie’s head back on to fixing lawnmowers and iPad screens! Plus, he loves me and takes care of me. I love my dad!

Andruw & Solomon Townes, with Dad, Adam

Roman Moore, Dad, Andre Moore

Cooper & Hudson Burks, with Dad, Jared

Solomon (1) & Andruw (12) : If my dad was a superhero, I’d call him Dad-Man. Being a dad makes him super because he raised me and he teaches me about baseball and helps me with school, especially math.

Roman Moore (3) : My dad plays with me outside. We play soccer and play in the water and with bubbles.

Cooper (9) : I think Father’s Day is a day to appreciate all that my dad does for me and my family. If he was a superhero, he would be like Flash or Ironman, because he’s really fast and strong. Hudson (4): I think he would be like Superman. He helps me to practice throwing and hitting on a tee.

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9 Things You Need to Know About… The Summer Reading Challenge!

Yes! You can win prizes for reaching reading goals! When challengers reach their various reading goals, they each receive a certificate and are entered into prize drawings for a bicycle and other great surprises.

There’s lots to see and do! Throughout the six week challenge, the library will host entertainers, animals, a concert, crafts, drama workshops, science labs, and more. NEW elements this year include animals from the Birmingham Zoo and a visit from world traveler Niki Sepsas. All programs will be held in the library’s meeting room.

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Registration is now OPEN Visit www.CityOfAlabaster.com, call 205-664-4822, or stop by the library for more info. At registration, children will receive a goody bag, a summer activity calendar, a small gift, a reading log, and more!

The challenge officially kicks off on June 1 This day will feature two presentations of Build a Better Story Magic Show with magician Tommy Johns during the day, and a Culinary Quest Kickoff Party in the evening for the young adults (ages 11-18).

Parents are encouraged to participate Parents and other caregivers are invited to participate by reading to pre-literate children. Children ages six and younger must be accompanied by an adult in order to attend the programs so plan to come join the fun!

You don’t want to miss the finale on July 12 The Build a Better Finale starts at 10 a.m. when comic magician, Russell Davis, will present The Magic of Reading & Building. There will also be prize drawings and face painting!

The 2017 Summer Reading Program is supported by great partners These partners currently include: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Birmingham Barons Baseball, Bike Link, Friends of the Library, Jim n Nick’s-Alabaster, Oak Mountain Lanes, Red Mountain Theatre Company, SonicPelham, and What-a-Burger. Thank you! AC

Kids are motivated by a goal throughout the summer After registering, participants are ready to pick a reading goal, check out and read library books, write their finished titles in their reading log, and get prizes along the way to their goal.

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Lights… Camera… ACTION! The Teen Council’s Summer Movie Nights Are Back!

ummer is here and students are already missing getting to spend as much time together as they’d grown accustomed to during the school year. The solution? Free teen movies shown throughout the summer, sponsored by the Alabaster Teen Council!

Settle In for Showtime This year’s movie selections offer a wide variety of genres, including horror, comedy, classics, Disney and action. Noah Tanner, Chairperson of the Teen Council’s Public Relations Committee, announced the movies for this year, which include: The Shallows ( June 13), Central Intelligence ( June 27), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off ( July 11), Moana ( July 25), and Captain America: Civil War (August 8).

“Our Teen Council’s Entertainment Committee worked together to decide what teens might be interested in watching based on what movies came out last year,” he explained. “The theme of each night corresponds with the movies we’re showing.” The movies will be held at Larry Simmons Stadium and will start around 8:00pm. Noah encourages students to arrive around 7:30 so they can visit the concessions stand, find a seat with friends on the home side of the stadium, and get settled in. “It’s a big stadium, so feel free to bring as many friends as you’d like! Blankets and stadium seats might make the outdoor theater seating even more comfortable, too,” he recommended. Each item sold at the concessions stand will be priced at $1, and the proceeds will go back into the Teen Council’s general fund to support upcoming events, like the Back-to-School Bash that will be held on August 19. Come One, Come Almost All The main way the community can be involved is by coming out and being a part of the event. However, the Teen Movie nights are designed for 7th graders (ages 13-14) and up. Some of the movies being shown are rated PG-13, so the committee requests that children under that age not plan to attend. “It’s always nice to have a big turnout for events like these because it shows that teens are really trying and wanting to get involved in their community,” Noah said. “We’re hoping everyone can come out and have a great time!” AC

Family Movies at the Park

ovies At The Park is a familyfriendly event that’s allows folks to come out, enjoy time at the park and watch a movie,” says Tim Hamm, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Alabaster. For 12 years, Movies At The Park has provided a relaxed, fun and safe atmosphere for an affordable family outing. All of the movies are free and open to the public, sponsored by the City of Alabaster. Alabaster resident Robby Key has

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attended several of the movies at the park in the past. “It’s a great thing that the City of Alabaster does. The movies are always family-friendly, which gives you great freedom, that’s hard to come by these days. The adults and the little ones can enjoy an evening picnic on a blanket and a great experience. It’s easy to get to, parking is close by, and it is convenient to get set up,” he said. You can expect a quality experience from this event with a large screen and

great sound. “The last time we went, we were running late and sat toward the back. The screen is elevated and large enough we could still see great and, even with the little ones crunching on popcorn, we could hear everything,” said Key. “I would definitely recommend it. It’s a great, safe, enjoyable environment for families.” See the calendar on page 27 for complete details and movie schedule.AC

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All Things CItyfest Cruise-In Car Show The 15th annual Alabaster CityFest Cruise-In Car Show, sponsored by Ernest McCarty Ford in Alabaster, will be from 9 am until 2 pm on Saturday, June 3rd at the Municipal Park on Warrior Drive. • Entry Fee: $10.00 Per Vehicle • All years, makes, and models of vehicles are encouraged to participate. • Registration will be onsite the day of the event, but if you’d like to fill your entry form out beforehand and bring it with you, or if you’d like to forward a form to a friend, you can download the cruise-in entry form here: www.alabastercityfest.com/cruise-in-car-show T-Shirts and Door Prizes Official CityFest T-Shirts will be given to the first 35 entries registered. Door prizes will be given away every hour. Vote for Your Favorite Vehicle By popular demand, the People’s Choice Awards have returned. On the day of the event, CityFest attendees can visit the Cruise-In Car Show and vote on their favorite vehicle, with prizes being awarded. Entertainment at the Car Show Enjoy the jazz sounds of JQ’s One Man Big Band performing within the Alabaster CityFest Cruise-In Car Show. For more information, email Brett at brett.krutsch@verizonwireless.com. KidsFest Provides A Full Day of FREE Fun for Kids! Alabaster CityFest offers entertainment and activities for all ages. Bring the kids to enjoy a day of play at our KidsFest area, sponsored by Vic Smith, CPA. The KidsFest area is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and is absolutely FREE! The KidsFest area includes: • Amazing inflatables and kid rides • Hands-on arts & crafts including Lowe’s Build-it workshop • The Flying K-9s dog show • Live children’s music • Healthy eating demonstrations • Horseback riding (vendor – small fee*) • Bungee jumping (vendor – small fee*) For complete information, visit www.alabastercityfest.com.

CityFest 2017 Schedule Saturday June 3 Main Stage: 2:00 PM Jessica Meuse 3:00 PM Raquel Lily 4:15 PM The Springs 5:30 PM LAMONT 7:00 PM Black Jacket Symphony 9:00 PM Maddie and Tae Day Stage: 10:00 AM Divine Destiny 10:30 AM Sanchez Tannehill 11:00 AM Terry Padgett as Elvis 12:00 PM Love Dos

KidsFest: Beginning at 9 AM DJ Fuzzy and more! 10:30 AM The Flying K9s Dog Show (Just outside KidsFest gate) 12:00 PM The Flying K9s Dog Show (Just outside KidsFest gate)

Cruise-In Car Show: 9:00AM – 2:00 PM

Vendors: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (or later)

CityFest Important Info Bring Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Shopping Money FREE Parking & FREE Shuttles Thank you Sponsors! CityFest is funded 100% by generous local and national sponsors, and we are very thankful to each of these sponsors who have allowed us to enjoy the entertainment from world famous musicians.

REMEMBER: No Coolers, No Pets, No Smoking, No Alcoholic Beverages, & No Firearms or Weapons. cityofalabaster.com

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Getting to Know

Jessica Meuse

Hailing from Slapout, AL, Jessica is a natural performer. At age 20, she won the statewide artist showcase, Stars of Alabama, and in 2013, was part of the Vans Warped Tour. Meuse was also a Top 4 finalist on Season 13 of American Idol. She recently signed a deal with L.A. Entertainment Inc.’s management division, LA Group Management, and at the time of this interview, was in the studio recording her debut album for release on Warrior Records/eOne.

What inspires your music?

I grew up on 90s country, so Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood and old-school Garth Brooks - that was always a big part of me singing. I didn’t start to play a lot of instruments until I was older. I always listened to my parents playing oldies, like Fleetwood Mac, on the radio. It was a game for me to memorize every song on the radio. I would always sing everything that came on and, back in the days of cassette tapes, I would hold the little microphone up to the radio and I would wait for my song to come on and record it. As far as inspiration for writing, my cityofalabaster.com

content is based on real things I’ve experienced or hearing someone’s story that really inspires me. And obviously a lot of my stuff is relationship-oriented.

How did you get started performing?

The first time I performed, I was 10 years old. I was going to a Catholic school in Florida, but I’m not Catholic, so it was kind of hard. There was a talent show and I decided to just sing and see what happened. I’ll never forget I was so nervous, like when you get so nervous your hands basically go numb, that’s how I was that

night. So I went on the stage and my song started, I was freaking out and I covered my face and started crying in the middle of the song. It was really ugly, but I was only 10, so it was acceptable. Then, like a crazy person, I started laughing at myself because I realized, ‘Wow, I look really dumb standing here crying.’ I got back into the song and finished it out singing. My voice was shaky, but ever since then I would sing at little events here and there. I ended up in Alabama and got started doing stuff with the Chamber down in Wetumpka and it just snowballed from there. I was serious about it ever since I was a little kid. ▶

feature

Why did you decide to audition for American Idol?

Well, I auditioned because, honestly, I was just already in [Atlanta]. I didn’t really think a whole lot about it because I don’t really do a lot of auditions. I had done them all at least one time and nothing had happened. I ended up with a special showcase audition. I was there for the Warped Tour the day before – I had won a spot to perform, so I figured I might as well since I don’t have to get up at two and I’m already here. I did it and was like, ‘Oh my God, I made it!’

What was that experience like?

The best way for me to sum it up - because it’s a long story – it to say it was really, really educational and you can’t pay for that. Every experience I had and

everything I went through, it taught me who I am as an artist and also as a person. Being in Hollywood, there’s a lot that goes on and there’s a lot of reality behind the scenes of a reality show that people never see. It really tests you and it taught me a lot about myself and myself as a musician.

How do you feel about coming back to Alabama to perform so close to home? I love coming home. I’m always trying to find an excuse to come home. I get to see the people who rallied up and voted for me and it’s always nice to see that. It reminds me of when I got cut just before the top three [on American Idol] when they have the homecoming – they still threw that huge street party for me. I see the people that have supported me and I talk to them at my gigs and hang

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out with my fans. At Alabaster CityFest, I’ll be hanging out with people watching the concerts too. I always want to say thank you to my fans. I know I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I wouldn’t be recording at Capitol, I wouldn’t have gotten fourth place on Idol if my “meuse mafia” hadn’t been there and remained there even after the show.

What do you love about Alabama?

Alabama is seriously one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever lived and the people there are just nice. They’re familyoriented and it’s a different culture. It’s refreshing to come home. My family has 40 acres out there, it’s my peaceful place to come and relax and unwind. I miss the fresh air, I miss the oxygen, there’s something about the air in the country. It’s literally a breath of fresh air to come home. AC

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Citizen spotlight

An Angel Among Us Her mom has mastered the hair-curling process with a new tool that gets the job done in 10 minutes instead of the 45 it used to take, which makes Angel much happier. They always make sure to have snacks and drinks on hand for the long day of practice and performance.

Angel Stone displays her iPad with speech tool.

ngel Stone is a cheerful, friendly student at Thompson Middle School. She loves her family, her dogs, Cocoa and PupPup, and wearing fancy dresses. She is a cheerleader and has participated in many pageants. She loves to eat chips, burritos and shrimp. Everyone at school knows and loves her, and she runs into people she knows all over the community. One of her former teachers, Beth Vincent, says, “God has blessed Angel with the most precious, loving, outgoing personality I have ever been around. She truly lights up the room and captures everyone’s attention and heart!” Angel was also born with an extra chromosome, resulting in a genetic disorder known as Down Syndrome.

Fancy Dresses Angel’s parents, Justin Stone and Jessica Hicks, helped her get started in beauty pageants in the last couple years. “Pageants are the best thing we’ve tried out so far. We meet all types of people at the pageants and it’s a great experience,” said Justin. Pageant Day is a big deal for Angel and her family. It actually starts the night before – laying out her dress, which she gets at Glitz and Gowns in Alabaster. “They’re all so nice and good to her [at Glitz and Gowns],” said Jessica. Angel’s favorite color dress is blue. On pageant day, Angel gets her hair, make up and nails done. cityofalabaster.com

Prom and Pom Poms Angel loves any opportunity to dress up, but one particularly special event she attended was Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. “She loved getting to dance and walk down the red carpet,” Justin said. According to the Tim Tebow Foundation website, “Night to Shine celebrates the uniqueness of each individual guest by providing an unforgettable night where they are welcomed, valued and loved!” Angel is also a cheerleader for the Thompson Spirit Squad – the special needs cheerleading team. This year, Angel will be competing with her team at the state-level Special Olympics in Troy. Thompson Teachers In addition to her family, the people with the most positive impact on Angel’s life have been her teachers. “Alabaster is the best school system around here, it’s the best for her,” Justin said. “We want her to learn more life skills, things that are more practical for her future – they work on those things.” Special Education Teacher Amy Hendrix and Paraprofessional for Special Education Beth Vincent worked with Angel for two years at Thompson Sixth Grade Center. “All of her teachers have been super great. They’ve helped her both in and out of school, and they come to everything she does,” Jessica remarked. The class had a student teacher from Montevallo who helped raise money to purchase an iPad for Angel to use with a speech tool that allows her to communicate through pictures and words. Even when using the iPad program to communicate, Angel’s sense of humor and love for all things fun and colorful shines through. “Everyone truly falls in love with her,” Vincent said. AC

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Making it all Add Up J ohn Haggard, Alabaster’s Finance Director, wanted to be a teacher. He looks the part, dressed in a crisp white shirt and tie, but it just did not grab his attention like accounting did. “I originally went to school as a history major, but I got pretty far into it and realized I didn’t want to be a teacher. Both my father and mother were accountants, which seemed to be a good option for me, so in my senior year, I started taking business classes. I finished up history and did the accounting program,” he shared.

While finishing up his accounting degree from Auburn, Haggard sat for the Certified Public Accounting exam. He got hired on to a large public accounting firm and soon found himself on the audit team for local municipalities. “It wasn’t my first choice to audit governments, but I got into it and I actually really enjoyed it,” he enthusiastically concluded. After about four years, he got word of the opening with Alabaster for Finance Director. “My sister lives here and saw the posting for the Finance Director and suggested I apply. I read the posting and, having lived in Alabaster before I was married, I knew the area and just loved it. So I said ‘I’ll give it a shot,’” Haggard decided. The Finance Director position for Alabaster, the fourth largest city in the metro area, is quite encompassing. “The Finance Director and the finance department oversees all of the purchasing; makes sure all of the expenses get recorded, see that all the bills get paid. We make sure we have enough cash in the bank. We make sure we are collecting taxes under the revenue arm of the finance department. At its most basic level, we keep track of all the money coming

John Haggard, Alabaster’s Finance Director

in and we keep track of all the money going out,” he summarized. This might make most people recall their high school algebra class, but actually, finance involves something completely different. “Accounting really isn’t math - it is really about rules,” exclaimed Haggard. The Government Accounting Standard Board issues the rules cities are to follow, and they have quite a lot of rules. To demonstrate his point, Haggard pulled two large books from his shelf, which he calls the “bible” of the city accounting world. “The reason there are so many rules is because it needs to be consistent across city governments,” he shared. These rules allow average citizens to see the finance state of Alabaster because the rules call for the annual publication of two public documents. “We have our financial statements and our budget, both of which are on the website. These keep us accountable for the citizens, lenders, anyone who might want to know about the financials of the city,” Haggard explains. Not only are these two documents available to the public, but so is Haggard and his team. “We are very accessible to answer questions,” he said. “We

have a great team. We are really lucky to have a CPA mayor who cares about the finances, and a council that is well versed in finance and cares about it. The citizens we interact with really care for our city, everyone wants to make our city better and they are passionate about it! The worst you can have is an electorate that just doesn’t care. We have people who call and complain and it keeps us focused. That is who our bosses are at the end of the day - our citizens. They are at the top of our org chart. They are the engine that drives what we are doing.” When Haggard is not busy at work, he is loving on his six week old son, Sam, and his wife, Katie. AC

John Haggard (205) 378-5721 jhaggard@cityofalabaster.com You can view the online Budget and Finance Statement at www.cityofalabaster.com

cityofalabaster.com

BUSINESS spotlight

Not your Average Workout The Garage Kickboxing Gym Celebrates One Year

t seems that people typically start thinking about their physical health and appearance the most at the beginning of the year (#NewYearsResolutions) and at the beginning of summer (#BeachSeason). But running on a treadmill and lifting barbells can quickly lose its appeal. Enter, The Garage Kickboxing Jeremy Phillips & Zak Moore opened The Garage Kickboxing gym in Alabaster just over one year ago. Their inspiration was their passions for combat sports. With a combined background of kickboxing, Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), these athletes teach a mix of each style and give members an opportunity to appreciate the different approaches. “There are many forms of kickboxing, from American, to Dutch, Thai style and others,” Zak explained.

“We offer two free trial sessions to potential new members, so you can try it out before you make the easiest decision of your life.” -Zak Moore

“Kickboxing is focused on kicks and punches mainly. Muay Thai adds in elbows, knees and a clinch. Mixed Martial Arts is just that, you get a mix of the different styles and use what works for you.” The kickboxing workout is high paced and technical. Participants burn calories, learn proper kickboxing technique, build confidence and have fun! The workouts focus on strengthening the core and building hip strength and durability.

Members train at The Garage

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See Real Results The gym promotes guaranteed results for members who regularly participate. This gym’s departure from ordinary workout routines has paid off in a big way for many of their members, with some losing up to 80 pounds in just eight months! “Of course, we can only take credit for around half of those pounds lost, since what and the way you eat between workouts really does make a difference,” ▶

BUSINESS spotlight Aiming at Future Goals With the success of the gym so far, Jeremy and Zak are looking to expand in the future. This vision could eventually mean offering multiple locations, each focusing on members’ unique goals, including fitness, strength and conditioning and perhaps even a competition side. Although one of the Garage members holds a belt for Strike Hard – the main competition fight organization in Alabama – Jeremy emphasized that the business’s current focus is primarily fitness. “We are not a fight gym. We’re a fitness gym. It just so happens that we have some members who compete and have had a lot of success,” Jeremy explained. “We have a big vision for multiple locations, but before we do that, I would like to expand this space and fitness vision.” “Right – so come punch and kick stuff with us!” Zak said with a laugh. “We offer two free trial sessions to potential new members, so you can try it out before you make the easiest decision of your life.” AC

Jeremy said. “You truly get out of it what you put into it. But we’re here to help you and to provide training and support all the way!” More Bang for the Buck This one-on-one approach is a trademark of how Zak and Jeremy work with their members. “Our monthly membership includes unlimited classes, a personal trainer as often as you want it, and a pair of gloves so you don’t have to go out and also buy those in addition to the membership,” he continued. “We also add in strength and conditioning workouts to help burn fat and build lean muscle. We incorporate body weight workouts, medicine balls, kettle bells, tractor tires, and more to provide a full body workout experience.”

No Class Times = NO EXCUSES “Our classes are unique, in that whenever you walk in, is when you start. We’ve learned that if a class starts at a certain time, that time itself becomes an excuse for people to choose to not come. They think they’re too busy, or going to be late, or just don’t feel like it,” the trainers explained. “So, every member always has full access to the facility during our hours of operations and they can go through the workout as many times as they want!” This means that members can learn and practice their technique – with or without a personal trainer – on any available station at any time during business hours. The workout circuits change every day so members will not be working the same activities and muscle groups day after day.

hours of operation Monday - Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM (closed for lunch) Friday - Saturday: 8 AM - 5 PM Sunday: CLOSED

Contact us! To learn more about joining The Garage Kickboxing Family, visit: www.facebook.com/garagekickboxing 121 Buck Creek Plaza, Alabaster, AL 35007 www.thegaragekickboxing.com 205-565-4400

cityofalabaster.com

Non-Profit spotlight

Hatching Hope Brings Comfort to Families

here are few things in life that feel more hopeless than watching your home go up in flames. Just ask Keli Lynch-Wright and her son, Ashton, who was only five years old at the time of the fire. “It was the small acts of kindness and compassion from our community, his school, and peers in the multifamily (apartment) industry that helped us to begin to pick up the pieces and start anew,” Keli shared.

Keli Lynch-Wright and her son Ashton

Rising from the Ashes Ashton is now 13, and in March 2016, the mother-son duo co-founded a non-profit called Hatching Hope of Alabama to focus on providing disaster relief to residents of apartment communities across Alabama who have been displaced by fires or other disasters. “We provide care kits that include everything that someone would need for the first few nights after being displaced,” Keli explained. These kits include an air mattress, comfortable bedding, and essential toiletries. Over 620 disaster relief kits have been distributed in the past

year. Special care kits are now also being provided for the children and pets in the family. Each of the kits include sweet notes of hope and encouragement that were hand written by students who have participated in the organization’s in-school programs, which spread the message ‘You are never too small to do something BIG!’ This program has been shared in schools across the state, including Kingwood Christian School in Alabaster. “Ashton would often accompany me on disasters and he would always talk with the smaller children about how he had been in their shoes. He wanted to find the right thing that he could immediately hand them,” Keli said with pride. “We decided on the soft Hope Bears, which have brought so much comfort and smiles to many small children in crisis.” Everything’s Gonna Be Alright The charity’s unique name stems from the song Three Little Birds by Bob Marley, which was the tune Keli often sang to her son in the days after their home fire in 2010, to remind him that “…every little thing is gonna be alright.” Thanks to Keli’s experience in fundraising and relational networking, and her experience in the apartment industry, Hatching Hope has grown from just a handful of volunteers in the Birmingham area to a network of volunteers, sponsors and fire officials in Mobile, Montgomery, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville and Birmingham. “I know who to call for help, and apartment managers know ▶

Hatching Hope is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so community members and businesses can support their efforts through contributions, hosting events, shopping online through AmazonSmile, and more!

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to call us when they need help,” Keli said. Hatching Hope is a registered partner of the American Red Cross and they are affiliated with every apartment association in the state.

How You Can Help? • Become a Guardian of Hope by making a tax-deductible donation.

Help Provide Hope The charity’s distribution facility is located in Alabaster on Shady Acres Road. “We are working hard to get our facility ready to invite the community in to help build disaster relief kits with us!” Keli said excitedly. “Our dream would be to get stronger in order to serve many other states and to educate communities across the country about fire prevention and giving back!” AC

• Host or volunteer for fundraising events. • Schools, churches and businesses can collect donations or items for care kits for victims. • When you shop AmazonSmile, 0.5% of your eligible purchases are donated when you choose ‘Hatching Hope of Alabama.’

Hatching Hope of Alabama Phone: 205-966-6835 www.hatchinghopeofalabama.org Hatching Hope

Visit Hatching Hope’s Facebook page and website for more information on upcoming disaster relief workshops and fundraising events.

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VBS Guide2017 The Branch at Mission Hills

would like to extend a community invitation to attend our Operation Arctic VBS! June 4 - 8, 6 - 8 p.m. VBS KICK OFF: Sunday, June 4, 2 - 6 p.m. Join us for VBS kick off filled with food, games, inflatables, and more! 1669 Mission Hills Rd. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-358-8680 www.thebranchatmissionhills.com/events You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss VBS!

VBS is so much fun!

Community Baptist Church June 4 - 8 6 - 8:30 p.m.

8254 Highway 17 Maylene, AL 35114 (205) 664-1675

First Baptist Church of Alabaster

Siluria Baptist Church June 4 - 7 Sunday: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mon. - Wed.: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. More information at www.siluriabaptist.com

June 5 - 9 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday afternoon: Family Worship Rally 12-12:30pm. On-site registration begins at 8:30am on June 5. http://fbcalabaster.org/vbs 903 3rd Avenue NW, Alabaster, AL 35007 205-663-3531 As kids focus their telescopes on the marvels painted in the sky by the Creator, they will discover the wonder among all wonders--that the God who created everything there is--the knowable and the unknowable, the visible and the invisible--wants a personal relationship with them! VBS is open to children who have completed 4K-6th Grade.

VBS Guide2017 Bring your friends to VBS!

Westwood Baptist Church

June 12-16, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Maker Fun Factory VBS is where kids learn they were created by God and built for a purpose! This amazing adventure will help kids begin or deepen their faith by discovering our loving God made each of us! It will ground kids in the solid foundation of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; love, a love that gives our lives incredible purpose. www.ewestwood.org/vbs 1155 Alabaster Blvd. Alabaster, AL 35007 205.664.0122 For Kids who completed 5K-6th Grades

Alabaster First United Methodist

June 12 - 16, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Hero Central VBS Discover Your Strength in God! Serving Nursery through 5th grade http://2017.cokesburyvbs.com/alabasterfumc 10903 Hwy 119 Alabaster, AL 35007 (205) 663-0509 Hey Kids! We hope to see you at VBS!

Evangel Presbyterian Church

June 19 - June 23, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Evangelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VBS is for children rising 1st - 6th Grade! evangelchurchpca.org/evangel-vbs-2017.html (205) 664-0889 423 Thompson Rd, Alabaster, AL 35007

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on HWY 31 just south of Target Shopping Center. For the last 5 Years NAMI Shelby has held a Yard sale to raise money to support, educate and advocate for individuals living with mental illness and their caregivers. All items not sold will be donated to other nonprofit organizations.

Learn more about NAMI www.namishelby.org | www.nami.org

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mental health awareness

n an effort to promote mental health awareness, the City of Alabaster hosted a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, May 17 featuring a presentation on Mental Health followed by discussion. Dorann Tanner with Alabaster City Schools presented on various mental health issues and tips on how to identify warning signs. A panel of local mental health professionals answered questions from community members. The Crisis Center, NAMI-Shelby County, and Bradford Health Services were represented in the panel. Mayor Marty Handlon and other city officials were present. Mayor

K & J’s Elegant Pastries

Grand opening Congratulations to Kristal and John Bryant on the grand opening of their new location of K&J’s Elegant Pastries at 236 1st Street South #300 in Alabaster. Their shop features cupcakes, hand scooped Blue Bell ice cream, “Kolossal” milkshakes, custom cakes for all occasions and more. Store hours are Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.kjselegantpastries.com for more info.

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Handlon said, "We, as a City, recognize mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being; and all Americans, at one time or another, experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives. Like all communities, the City of Alabaster has been tragically impacted by depression and other mental health illnesses. We want to be proactive, encourage our citizens, and educate the community on the resources and support available. We want our citizens to know they are not alone, and there's nothing wrong with asking for help." AC

B’Stylin Hair Salon

Grand opening Congratulations to owner Brittany Bonin on the grand opening of B’Stylin Hair Salon! The salon is located at 72 D Fulton Springs Road in Alabaster. Business hours are Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

around town

Alabaster high school students learn about warning signs for mental health issues.

Teen Council hosts End of School Year SociaL The Alabaster Teen Council and Mayor Marty Handlon hosted an End of School-Year Teen Social at City Hall on Saturday, May 13. This free event, which was open to all high-school age students,

featured guest speakers who are professionals in the field of mental health. Speakers included Abby Litovsky from the Crisis Center and Zelia Baugh the Vice President of Behavior Health Services at Brookwood Baptist Health. One of the goals of this event was to provide interactive education and resources to teens about mental health and how to help peers in times of distress. Students also enjoyed games, refreshments, door prizes and music. AC

cityofalabaster.com

CALENDAR

Community June 6th Water Board 7 p.m. 7th Trial Dockets 12th School Board 6 p.m. 12th Council 7 p.m. 14th Court Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. 19th Board of Zoning Adjustments 6:30 p.m. 26th Council 7 p.m. 27th Planning Commission 7 p.m. 28th 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: Mon., Tue. and Thu.: 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 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. Closed Nov. 11 & Nov. 24 - 27

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

ABC & D's of Medicare June 12, 1 p.m. Karen Haiflich of the Medicare Information Source will help you navigate through the process of Medicare. Learn about filing, benefits, and any other questions you might have. Program takes place in the meeting room.

Library Book Group June 15, 7 p.m. Join us in our discussion of Stella Bain. An epic story, set against the backdrop of World War I, from bestselling author

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Anita Shreve. When an American woman, Stella Bain, is found suffering from severe shell shock in an exclusive garden in London, surgeon August Bridge and his wife selflessly agree to take her in. A gesture of goodwill turns into something more as Bridge quickly develops a clinical interest in his houseguest. Stella had been working as a nurse’s aide near the front, but she can’t remember anything prior to four months earlier when she was found wounded on a French battlefield. In a narrative that takes us from London to America and back again, Shreve has created an engrossing and wrenching tale about love and the meaning of memory, set against the haunting backdrop of a war that destroyed an entire generation.Program takes place in the library meeting room.

Library youth Events

June 1 Kids’ Kickoff - Build a Better Story Magic Show with magician Tommy Johns 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. YA Kickoff - Culinary Quest Party 6 p.m. Ages 11-18 years old June 2 Toddler Tales 10:30 a.m. June 5 Birmingham Zoo to You: Animals Visit 10:30 a.m. Iron Giant Percussion Concert & DIY Instrument Workshop 4 p.m. For all ages. June 6 Lego League 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Drama Workshop - Every Tuesday for 6 weeks. 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Ages 8 to 11 years old. Sign up for all six weeks. Drama Workshop - Every Tuesday for 6 weeks. 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Ages 12 to 15 years old. Sign up for all six weeks. June 7 Story Builders 10:15 a.m.

Tunes & Tales 3:30 p.m. June 8 Read and Re-Create Craft Studio

10:30 a.m. Ages 6 years old and older can sign up. YA Science Lab: Rockets 4 p.m. Ages 11 to 18 years old can sign up.

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

June 9 Toddler Tales 10:30 a.m.

Story Times

June 12 Skin & Bones Comedy Circus 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays 10:15 a.m.

Be-at Your Best Drums 4 p.m.

Story Builders in the Meeting Room for all ages.

June 13 Lego League 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Wednesdays 3:30 p.m.

Tunes and 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.

Special Summer Challenge Programs and Activities for June: Programs are in the meeting room. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult.

Drama Workshop 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Ages 8 to 11 years old (continues) Drama Workshop 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Ages 12 to 15 years old (continues) June 14 Story Builders 10:15 a.m. Tunes & Tales 3:30 p.m. June 15 Read and Re-Create Craft Studio

10:30 a.m. Ages 6 years old and older can sign up. YA Crafts Studio: Make it So! 4 p.m. Ages 11 to 18 years old can sign up.

CALENDAR June 16 Toddler Tales 10:30 a.m. June 19 Water Science Lab 10:30 a.m. Kids

in third grade and above can sign up Maynard, Magic & Music 4:00 p.m. June 20 Lego League 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Drama Workshop 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Ages 8 to 11 years old (continues) Drama Workshop 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Ages 12 to 15 years old (continues) June 21 Story Builders 10:15 a.m.

Tunes & Tales 3:30 p.m. June 22 Body Quest with Alabama 4-H

10:30 a.m. Kids in third grade to fifth grade can sign up. YA Culinary Quest: Veggie Taste Test 4 p.m. Ages 11 to 18 years old can sign up. June 23 Toddler Tales 10:30 a.m.

4-H Science School Awesome Animals Visit - Keep it Wild! 2 p.m. June 26 Block Party (Lego-inspired fun) 4

p.m. Ages 4 years old and older can sign up. June 27 Lego League 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Drama Workshop 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Ages 8 to 11 years old (continues) Drama Workshop 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Ages 12 to 15 years old (continues) June 28 Story Builders 10:15 a.m.

Tunes & Tales 3:30 p.m. June 29 Amazing Art and Architecture Work-

shop 10:30 a.m. Kids in first grade to fifth grade can sign up. YA Awesome Art and Architecture 4 p.m. Ages 11 to 18 years old can sign up. June 30 Toddler Tales 10:30 a.m.

Parks and Rec The Parks and Recreation Office is located inside the Depot at 100 Depot Street, Alabaster. Office hours are Mon.Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. If you would like more information, call 205-664-6840 or visit www.alabasterparks.org.

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

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 Nov. 11 & Nov. 24 - 27

FREE MOVIES IN THE PARK FREE movies at Veterans Park located at 7305 Hwy. 119 in Alabaster. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends enjoying the outdoors while watching an entertaining movie. The movies will begin showing around dusk (usually 8:00 pm). Bring a blanket or some chairs, snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic), and some bug repellent.

Movie schedule:

June 9: “Sing” (108 minutes) – rated PG June 23: “The Jungle Book” (105 minutes) – rated PG July 7: “Soul Surfer” (106 minutes) – rated PG July 21: “A Dog’s Purpose” (120 minutes) – rated PG

FREE TEEN MOVIES on Tuesday nights FREE movies for teens. Exact location in Alabaster TBA. The movies are hosted by the Alabaster Teen Council. Bring some friends and come out for a safe, fun

evening. The movies will begin showing around dusk (usually 8:00 pm). Bring a blanket or some chairs, money for concession stand purchases, and some bug repellant. Please note: No alcohol or smoking allowed.

Movie schedule:

June 13: “The Shallows” (86 minutes) – rated PG-13 June 27: “Central Intelligence” (107 minutes) – rated PG-13 July 11: “Captain America Civil War” (146 minutes) – rated PG-13 July 25: “Moana” (103 minutes) – rated PG August 8: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off ” (103 minutes) – rated PG-13

CHEER REGISTRATION ends June 2 Available to K5 thru 6th grade. OnLine Registration is available at www. alabasterparks.org thru 11 pm on June 2. Walk-in Registration is available at the Alabaster Depot between 8 am and 5 pm, weekdays only thru June 2. Cheer Cost: $165.00. Non-residents: Additional 10% per child. Multi-child discount: 10% after oldest child pays full price.

FLAG FOOTBALL REGISTRATION ends June 2 Available to K5 thru 8th grade boys and girls. On-Line Registration is available at www.alabasterparks.org thru 11 pm on June 2. Walk-in Registration is available at the Alabaster Depot between 8 am and 5 pm, weekdays only thru June 2. Flag Football Cost: $115.00. Non-residents: Additional 10% per child. Multi-child discount: 10% after oldest child pays full price.

FALL FEST VENDOR REGISTRATION continues On-Line Registration: Ends at 11 pm on Oct. 13. Available at www.alabasterparks.org. Walk-in Registration: Available weekdays only from 8 am until 5 pm at the Alabaster Depot. Ends on Oct. cityofalabaster.com

CALENDAR 13. You will receive a 15x15 booth. You must provide your own table and chairs. Event Date: Fall Fest will occur on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm on Buck Creek Trail.

OnLine 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.

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.

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.

cityofalabaster.com

Head to Toe Fitness Class

Line dancing

Mondays, 1 - 2 p.m. Join this class for fitness and fun! Improve your cardiovascular and muscular endurance along with balance, flexibility and range of motion to assist with daily activities. A winning combination of low-impact aerobics mixed with strengthening exercises using hand-held weights, resistance tubing, balls, etc. All fitness levels welcome! Join us as we strengthen our body, mind and spirit and support each other in the pursuit to make everyday a healthier day! Space is limited. $2/class.

Thursdays, 9:15 a.m.

Gentle Yoga Tuesdays from 1:15-2:15 p.m. Thursdays from 2:15-3:15 p.m. Combines traditional/modified yoga postures and breathing techniques. Come improve your overall health through understanding your body better and leave feeling refreshed and reenergized. Gentle movement is modified to allow the class to be completed by a standing or seated participant; all levels of fitness are welcome. Space is limited. $2/class

Arthritis Exercise Program Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Helps alleviate pain and stiffness, maintain range of motion, improve balance and coordination, increase endurance and overall health. This is a seated class with health tips given on steps you can take to healthier living. Space is limited. $2/class.

For dancers with some prior line dance experience. High beginner and intermediate dances will be taught with more complicated steps and at a faster pace. Students may move up to this class when they feel they are ready. Space is limited. $2/class.

Beginner Class Beginner Line Dancing Thursdays, 10:10 - 11: 00 a.m.

For students new to line dancing. Several easy beginner dances will be taught in each class. Instruction will proceed at an easy pace and repetition will be emphasized. Appropriate supportive shoes should be worn such as tennis shoes, boots, and flats. High heels and backless shoes are not appropriate. Safety is a priority. Space is limited. $2/class.

Ageless Adventures in Movement Thursdays, 1 - 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!

Zumba Gold

Fridays, 10 a.m.

Wednesdays, 1 - 2 p.m.

Do you worry about falling? Losing strength? Feeling off balance? Coordination? Memory? We address all of these things in Tempo! while enjoying moving to music from every era! Join us to get cardio conditioning, strength training, flexibility, balance and stretch. Work on your body and recall its best use! $2/class.

Have fun! Feel the Music! Gain Strength…Balance…Agility…and Cardio Fitness! We’ll start with a breakdown of all the steps to get you ready to feel the music. The strength training, balance and agility begin from the first movement! Learn the moves and then we’ll Party! $2/class.

CALENDAR

Walk-Ins Welcome!

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205-266-7603

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205-620-care (2273)

Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (Last Registration at 6:30 p.m.) Monday-Saturday

Lauri Williams, DMD, PC Amber Martin-Bishop, DMD

Creating solutions to everyday problems

Phone 205.664.2130 Fax 205.664.0287 After Hours 205.941.0631 219 First Street North Alabaster, AL 35007

All phases interior and exterior remodeling Custom decks, screen rooms and sunrooms Kitchen and bath remodeling 10% off labor Door and window replacement for veterans & Vinyl, fiber cement and masonite siding first responders Custom showers Basement finishing and room additions (up to $250) Roof replacement

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COUNCIL MINUTES

City Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) Unabridged version of minutes and resolutions /ordinances can be found on the city webpage at www.cityofalabaster.com

April 10, 2017, 7:01 p.m.

Mayor Comments / Proclamations Mayor Handlon introduced the new Teen Council for the Class of 2017/2018 and swore them in.

Said meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

Agenda Items

April 24, 2017, 7:00 p.m.

*Public Hearing on these items

Council President Pro-Tem Martin presiding.Absent: Scott Brakefield (6)

1. Resolution 041017 Setting Cost for Demolition of 229, 235 1st Street South Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Resolution 041017-A Rejecting Design Build Proposals Motion Passed Unanimously 3. Resolution 041017-B Professional Services Agreement with Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. Motion Passed Unanimously 4. Resolution 041017-C Awarding Automated External Defibrillators Bid to Cardiac Solutions Motion Passed Unanimously 5. Resolution 041017-D Authorizing Service Agreement with Sinclair Broadcasting Group Motion Passed Unanimously

Audience Comments: Josh Mixon, Alabaster resident, spoke to inform the council and city of a tentative 5K event on June 24, 2017 to help support the medical needs of Alabaster teen resident Jesslynn McGinnis, who was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and is in need of funds for medical travel. Lindsey Mason, Alabaster resident, spoke to the council concerning the

possibility of an ordinance banning pit bulls and other vicious breeds of dogs.

cityofalabaster.com

Mayor Comments / Proclamations In Mayor Handlon’s absence, City Manager/Clerk Brian Binzer read and presented proclamation “Motorcycle Safety Month.”

Agenda Items *Public Hearing on these items

1. Resolution 042417 Appointment Place 1 – Alabaster Board of Education Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Resolution 042417-A Authorizing Second Quarter FY 17 Budget Amendments Motion Passed Unanimously 3. Resolution 042417-B Renewal Agreement for Use of Buck Creek Concessions by Sowers of Seed for Summer Feeding Program Motion Passed Unanimously 4. Resolution 042417-C Installation & Maintenance of Two (2) Street Lights Requested Within Silver Creek Subdivision Motion Passed Unanimously 5. Resolution 042417-D Alabaster Water Board Easement Request Motion Passed Unanimously

6. Resolution 042417-E Bid Acceptance for Alabaster Boulevard Area X-5 Pavement Rehabilitation Motion Passed Unanimously 7. Resolution 042417-F Professional Services Agreement with Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, and Cannon, Inc. for Public Works Building at Limestone Park Motion Passed Unanimously 8. Ordinance 170508-043 Setting Public Hearing for May 8, 2017 – Back to School Sales Tax Holiday 9. Motion – ABC License 011Lounge Retail Liquor – Alabaster Spirits Motion Passed Unanimously

Audience Comments: Donna Morris of Silver Creek Subdivision spoke in favor of Resolution 042417-C. Richard Thomas spoke in request of a marquee sign at 5th Ave S.E. and Hwy. 11.

Said meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

Liberty Missionary Baptist Church Women’s Ministry sponsors FREE Health Fair Saturday, June 10, 2017 9 am – 1 pm 306 5th Avenue SE | Alabaster, AL 35007 | Dr. Akeam A. Simmons, Pastor The community is invited to come and have free health screenings. Vendors: UAB; CHHC; Davita Dialysis; Dept. of Public Health; NAMI; LifeSouth; BAO; and more

cityofalabaster.com

City Council Sophie Martin, Ward 1 506-8961 martin@cityofalabaster.com

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

Rick Ellis, Ward 2 ellis@cityofalabaster.com Stacy Rakestraw, Ward 3 529-3326 rakestraw@cityofalabaster.com

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

Russell Bedsole, Ward 5 205-229-6021 bedsole@cityofalabaster.com Scott Brakefield, President, Ward 6 685-0302 brakefield@cityofalabaster.com

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

Kerri Pate, Ward 7 pate@cityofalabaster.com

Greg Farrell, Ward 4 farrell@cityofalabaster.com

Postal Patron

◆ Contemporary worship◆ ◆ Practical, Biblical teaching ◆ ◆ Exciting children’s, youth & college ministries ◆ ◆ Small groups during the week ◆ ◆ Servant-focused mission opportunities ◆

Sunday Worship – 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Bible Study & Kids Ministries – 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Come As you ARe! 532 George Roy Parkway Calera, AL ◆ 205.690.8260 (Just off I-65 at the airport exit, next to Camping World)