ALABASTER
CONNECTION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF ALABASTER | JUNE 2019
SLIDING INTO SUMMER pgs. 8 - 15
FATHER'S DAY
ICE N SPICE BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
INSTRUCTORS OF LIFE
pg. 7
pg. 18
pg. 20
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF ALABASTER Alabaster Connection is published monthly and is delivered to citizens of the City of Alabaster. Editorial Board The Public Relations Committee of the Alabaster City Council. Committee Chair Councilwoman Sophie Martin Councilwoman Kerri Pate Councilman Greg Farrell Editor Luke Camara, me2graphics, LLC Contributors Shana Camara Lindsay Schluntz Megan Owens Lynn Barnett
Congratulations to all members of the Class of 2019! We all are so proud of you! 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 determination. Good luck ladies and gentlemen on all your future endeavors! Marty Handlon, This month is full of great happenings around our city, including City Mayor Fest on June 1st and our state certified Farmers’ Market starting the next City of Alabaster Saturday and continuing until August. The Farmers’ Market will be open from 7:30am until 12 noon, behind the Senior Center near Buck Creek, in the Siluria Community. We have secured local growers as vendors, such as fruits, vegetables, pork, honey, fresh baked goods, goat cheese, eggs, and much more. Be sure to come out and support your local growers! Internally, we are beginning the process of developing the 2019-20 fiscal year budget. The next fiscal year will include a couple of big projects: more park improvements and the new Justice Center. The widening of Hwy 119 is still moving forward, but at the mercy of ALDOT’s timing. We are looking forward with hopeful anticipation for these important projects to come to fruition. The new class of Alabaster Teen Council is busy planning peer activities for the summer. Follow them on social media for updates on all the latest plans—dates & times for all events. This is our largest class yet, so we are expecting great things from them. If current temperatures are an indication, summer is here and it will be a hot one. Please keep an eye on the elderly & your pets—heat strokes and heat exhaustion are real and dangerous. So, hydrate, hydrate, & re-hydrate! Have a great summer & be safe in all your travels! Blessings,
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1953 Municipal Way Alabaster, AL 35007 ©2019 City of Alabaster
THIS EDITION 4 Council Comments 26 Beautification Board 26 Around Town 27 Calendar 30 CC Meeting Minutes
FEATURES
6 7 8 9 10 12 13 15 16 17
Teen Council Comments Father's Day CityFest VBS Guide Farmer's Market Teen Council Events Movie Nights in the Park Library Summer Reading Girl Scout Gold Award Recycled Art
SPOTLIGHTS
18 Business Spotlight 20 Citizen Spotlight 23 Employee Spotlight
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Scott Brakefield
Ward 6 | City Council President Greetings! I want to begin my comments this month wishing Mrs. Rosia Dowdell a very happy retirement. Mrs. Rosia was one of the very first people I met when I first took office. She has served our City and our Seniors for many years and she will be missed! I want to remind you to keep an eye on the City's social media sites. During the summer months, we will use these platforms, as well as this publication, to keep you up to date on all the wonderful activities taking place. From our Farmer’s Market beside City Hall, to our July 4th Fireworks display, to our Summer Movies in the Park. You will be able to keep up with them all via our social media outlets. Don't forget - we have plenty of activities for our teens during the summer. The Teen Council does an awesome job with activities such as movies in the park, back to school bash and their summer slip n’ slide day. So please make sure your teens are following the Teen Council on social media as well. They will not want to miss out on all the fun! The Dog Days of Summer came early with many above 90 degree days in June, so please make sure to wear your sunscreen and stay hydrated! Scott
Sophie Martin | Ward 1 Hello. I hope you are enjoying summer and getting to spend some quality time with family and friends. Please remember the City implemented changes to the junk and rubbish collection schedule that started in early May. Large items are now collected the first Monday of each month (or the second Monday of each month if the first Monday of the month falls on a holiday). Junk and rubbish is also collected two Saturdays a year in conjunction with the Free Days at the Shelby County Landfill. Please sign up for junk and rubbish pickup through the City of Alabaster’s website at www.cityofalabaster.com or by going to City Hall at 1953 Municipal Way. There is a $5.00 non-refundable reservation fee. For more information, please go to the City of Alabaster’s website or call Public Works at 205-664-6180. Please help keep our City beautiful! It's an honor to serve as your councilperson. If you have any questions or ideas for Ward 1 or our city, please contact me at martin@cityofalabaster.com. Kindest regards, Sophie
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Rick Ellis | Ward 2 I hope everyone’s summer is getting off to a great start. I know that my family is glad that school is finally out, and I am sure, especially if you have kids, that yours is too! This should be an exciting summer with a lot of great events in our city. The biggest event will surely be CityFest. CityFest, presented by the Alabaster Arts Council, will be Saturday June 1st and will once again be on the grounds of the new high school. This year’s headliners will be Easton Corbin and Atlanta Rhythm Section. Be sure to come out and enjoy some good music and see what else is going on. Also scheduled for this summer will be our annual Independence Day Fireworks Show, Teen Council’s Movies in the Park, the Alabaster Farmers Market and a lot more. Be sure to check the City’s website for details. I would also like to take a second to wish all the Dads out there a Happy Father’s Day! If you still have a Dad in your life, be sure to do something special for him! I hope everyone has a great and safe summer! If you have any concerns, questions or suggestions for Ward 2 or the city please contact me at ellis@ cityofalabaster.com. Happy Father’s Day! Rick
Stacy Rakestraw | Ward 3 Mark your calendars! Our second annual Alabaster Health Fair will be held on August 10, 2019 from 10 am – 2 pm on the City’s municipal campus. This includes City Hall, the Senior Center and the green space area. More details to come! The Alabaster Beautification Board initiated and helped implement the Alabama PALS Art contest for littering and recycling awareness during our annual Clean Sweep event. We were excited to have 100 participants from Creek View and Meadow View Elementary Schools and the Thompson High School art departments. We had two local winners place in the State judging. Congratulations to Bella Ratliff for winning 2nd place and to Mazairo Speigner for winning Honorable Mention. Both will be recognized at a Governor’s Award Luncheon this fall. After May 28, try to avoid Warrior Road due to the schools rearranging locations. It would be better to wait and visit your child's new school location after the moving is complete. Check www.acsboe.org for all of the details. This is a busy and exciting time for the Alabaster City Schools. Also, one of the summer feeding programs will be held at Thompson High School beginning June 2 - July 19th for all children 18 and younger to eat free. For other locations and
COUNCIL COMMENTS details please check the school’s website. From a recent report, the Alabaster police performed 780 neighborhood checks and 2,026 business checks. They also had over 70 dog complaints. If you own a dog, please remember there is a leash law and noise ordinance in the city. During the hot months, please keep your animals well-watered and inside as much possible. Have a great summer everyone! Stacy
Greg Farrell
| Ward 4 A friendly reminder - the new rubbish pickup is now in place. If you have or need rubbish to be picked up, you will need to schedule a pickup through the City’s website. The City will pick up bagged leaves, bagged grass and limbs weekly on your normal garbage day. Also try to be good stewards and refrain from discharging grass clippings and leaves in the streets. This is a safety hazard as well as the debris ends up in the drainage system, thus causing storm drains to be clogged. This results in extra work for City Services and can cause the City to be in violation of our Water Mitigation Plan. June is here already. I know it’s a busy month for everyone and the city as well. It’s City Fest 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 on making this event happen. 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. Greg
Russell Bedsole | Ward 5 Hello again Alabaster, and welcome back the Alabama heat. The temperatures have really been on the rise over the last few weeks and it was just in time for another close to the school year. One more big congratulations to our class of 2019! Your Council has been hard at work this spring dedicated to improving our community. From the launch of our “concierge” style junk and rubbish service to approving updates and improvements to our employee rules handbook. All decisions we make are intended to offer the very best to our citizens and our hardworking city employees. One of those decisions we have been working on is the continued effort to make a brand new police and court facility a reality. I know I have wrote in my comments before about this, but this project means so much to me. I have promised so many of our police professionals a new facility they can call home, and we as a Council are going to deliver. Be looking for the release of artist renderings of this fabulous facility very soon.
Before I go, please make sure you check out our Farmers Market one evening again held just behind the Senior Center. I’m sure this year will not disappoint you when it comes to finding all your fresh farm to table products. Russell
Kerri Pate
| Ward 7 Summer is officially here - if you need a reminder, just step outside. Enjoy the break from school traffic. Also be kind and understanding to all of the school children and teens that are out and about enjoying being a carefree kid in the summer. Before and since my taking office, one ever present concern and complaint was overnight parking of 18 wheelers on private commercial properties. Some of these businesses even posted signs prohibiting it, but with no response. Some private properties were vacant; however, the owners voiced their concerns that they could not possibly sit and police their own lots 24 hours a day of people trespassing. Many residents and property owners have reached out to us over the years requesting some guidance and assistance on this matter. After looking into options and seeking legal counsel, we feel that we have come up with a very fair and reasonable ordinance that protects the property owners and the residents of Alabaster. We recognize the restrictions on drivers and realize that there is designated truck parking just miles from our city. Of course, we still welcome drivers to eat and shop and park for reasonable times, just not overnight. Thanks to everyone for their input and to our department heads that helped to come up with hopefully a resolution to this issue. As we head into the second half of the year, our city’s revenues are meeting all expectations and NO departments are exceeding their budgets. We are projecting that our general fund revenues will exceed expenditures by $800K for the year, which will bring our fund balance to $9.6 million. Our city’s policy is to maintain a fund balance equal to 15% of budgeted expenditures, and with a $9.6 million fund balance, that brings it to 29%, far exceeding the 15% expectation. We attribute this positivity to our Mayor and our entire leadership team and their goal to remain fiscally responsible and proactive. The increased fund balance allows us flexibility that will help with the costs of some large upcoming projects, such as 119 widening and our justice center, without solely relying on new debt. Thanks to John Haggard, Finance Director for providing info in terms so that we may all understand our city’s finances. I want to thank my Dad for all that he means to me and instilling such a passion for volunteering in me. I would also like to say Happy Father’s Day to my husband, Doug. You are the best Daddy to Savannah, Sawyer and Ella, and a pretty great doggy Daddy too - we love you and are grateful for you. Happy Father’s Day Alabaster Dads! Kerri cityofalabaster.com
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FEATURE
A MESSAGE FROM ALABASTER TEEN COUNCIL MEMBER JASMINE LOREN JONES
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y name is Jasmine Loren Jones. I am thirteen and an upcoming freshman at Thompson High School. As a newly inducted member of Teen Council, it is a pleasure to be able to talk about teen council and our upcoming events that we will host for local teenagers later on this year. On May 11th, Teen Council volunteered at the Mental Health Fair. We participated and helped with games and fun activities that kids enjoyed. The Mental Health Fair was a huge eye opener for me; it made me realize that helping my community is something that can be so impactful for others. I feel as teenagers, we should volunteer within the community, which has given us so much. Teen Council will also have the opportunity to volunteer at Cityfest this year as well. This year having the biggest group of teen council members, we all had a great team building experience at Family Connections. We learned so much from each other and how trusting one another is key to being a great team. We all participated in group challenges that were sometimes challenging, but really gave us important lessons to think about. Being able to meet everyone from
teen council officially was very fun and I am so glad that I have the opportunity to be around other teenagers who are wanting to make a difference. Teen Council hosts a variety of events for teenagers in the community. This summer teen council will host a series of Teen Tuesday Movie Nights. The movies will occur every other Tuesday at the Larry Simmons Stadium. The first movie is Night School and will be shown on June 11th. All the money made from concessions will be donated to an organization chosen by Teen Council. Teen Council also host the annual Slip n’ Slide and the Back to School Bash. Teen Tuesday Movies: 1.) June 11th - Night School 2.) June 25th - Crazy Rich Asians 3.) July 9th - Captain Marvel 4.) July 23rd - Aquaman 5.) TBD - Momma Mia 2
ALABASTER
CONNECTION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF ALABASTER
WANT TO ADVERTISE? CALL TODAY FOR THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL! • Total distribution is over 16,250 • Alabaster Connection is the official publication of the City of Alabaster
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LUKE CAMARA
205-447-2214 / LUKE@ME2GRAPHICS.COM 6
cityofalabaster.com
FEATURE
FATHERHOOD By Ward Williams
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very June, most of us will take time to think about our fathers and the impact they have had on our lives, both positive and negative. In thirteen years of working in the field of responsible fatherhood, I have yet to encounter someone whose father had a neutral impact. Fathers have a profound influence on the development of empathy, identity and faith in their children. According to a Harvard study, the average American dad spends 37 seconds a day engaged with his children. Conversely, kids spend an average of 6.5 hours a day engaged with media. In order to shape the impact we want to have on our children, we must shift this critical balance. There are many ways to define fatherhood, but I like to think of fathers as leaders, chiefs, or founders.
Fathers are often looked upon by their families as either selfish or selfless. Author and speaker, Gary Thomas, said, “If you think selfless living is costly, you have not honestly considered the higher price we pay for living a selfish life.” My personal goal for my children is that they come to know that God created them for a specific purpose and that living for others is best way to have a happy life. For the past thirteen years, Vineyard Family Services has offered a weekly Thursday night group for dads. This group is fun, informative, encouraging and helpful for many fathers. If you’re a Dad, please know that you are invited and welcome to come and learn how others are dealing with some of the same issues and challenges that you face. Website: vfsdads.com Address: 2834 Pelham Parkway, Pelham Mall Phone: 205.533.7852 AC
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SUMMER FUN!
ALABASTER CITYFEST SATURDAY JUNE 1, 2019
For everything you need to know about CITYFEST 2019 visit: AlabasterCityFest.com
DIRECTIONS TO THE NEW THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL 1921 Warrior Parkway, Alabaster, AL FROM MONTGOMERY, AL (TAKING I-65 NORTH) Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw Turn left onto Hwy 31 N At 2nd traffic light, turn left onto Hwy 119 S Go 1.3 miles and turn right onto Thompson Road (next to Thompson Intermediate School) Go 1.1 miles, the entrance to the NEW Thompson High School is on the left
FROM BIRMINGHAM, AL (TAKING I-65 SOUTH) Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw Turn right on Hwy 31 N At 1st traffic light, turn left onto Hwy 119 S Go 1.3 miles and turn right onto Thompson Road (next to Thompson Intermediate School) Go 1.1 miles, the entrance to the NEW Thompson High School is on the left
CITYFEST MAINSTAGE SCHEDULE 10:00 AM DIVINE DESTINY 10:30 AM SANCHEZ TANNIEHILL 2:00 PM
TAKE 7
3:00 PM
CAM SPINKS
4:00 PM
NAKED GYPSY QUEENS
5:00 PM
THE BONFYRE
5:30 PM
JESSICA MEUSE
7:00 PM
ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION
9:00 PM
EASTON CORBIN
FREE PARKING & FREE SHUTTLES
Alabaster CityFest is located in Alabaster, Alabama, at 1921 Warrior Parkway, on the grounds of the NEW Thompson High School.
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The public parking areas will fill in the following order: The NEW Thompson High School, the OLD Thompson High School, Warrior Park, Larry Simmons Football Stadium. Free shuttles will begin picking up at the OLD Thompson High School (100 Warrior Dr) once the NEW High School parking lot is full. Once the OLD High School lot is full, the shuttles will begin to pick up from Warrior Park. Once Warrior Park is full, the shuttles will begin to pick up from Larry Simmons Stadium. Shuttle services will run until the end of the event. AC
VBS 2019
FEATURE
COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH IN MAYLENE JUNE 2-6 FROM 6-8:30 PM 8254 Hwy 17 Maylene, AL 35114 664-1675 Ages 3 - Completed 5th Grade "In the Wild”
SILURIA BAPTIST CHURCH JUNE 9-12 FROM 6-8:15 PM 10696 Highway 119 South 205-663-7904 - siluriabaptist@gmail.com ATHENS - Paul’s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth. VBS ONLINE REGISTRATION: siluriabaptist.com/childrens
CULTIVATE CHURCH ALABASTER CAMPUS JUNE 17-19 Doors open at 6 - Fun starts at 6:30 Kids ages 4-12 PRE-REGISTER ONLINE: cultivatechurch.tv Toys Kid Fest
EVANGEL PCA JUNE 17-21 FROM 9 AM - 12 PM Rising 1st grade - Rising 6th grade PRE-REGISTER ONLINE: www.evangelchurchpca.org 664-0889 “Victory”
THE BRANCH AT MISSION HILLS JUNE 23-27 FROM 6-8PM The Incredible Race. One Family. One Race. One Savior. www.branchatmissionhills.com Grade K-5th Grade
UNITY CHRISTIAN CENTER JULY 25-26 FROM 6-7:30 PM Treasure Hunt: Finding ALL you need in Jesus. Ages 3-12 years old www.unitychristiancenter.org
cityofalabaster.com
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SUMMER FUN!
SUMMERTIME’S SECOND SATURDAY FARMERS’ MARKET
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he Alabaster Farmers’ Market is returning on the second Saturdays of the summer months, June through August. Located behind the Alabaster Senior Center from 8 am to 12 pm on those second Saturdays, this free event will remain similar to previous years’ markets. Alabaster City Administrator Brian Binzer is coordinating the event this year. He pointed to the popular Farm to Table movement that encourages incorporating freshly grown foods into mealtimes. “The Alabaster Farmers’ Market gives families the opportunity to take advantage of the produce available in our community’s own farms and backyards.”
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A VARIETY OF VENDORS As a certified Alabama Farmers’ Market, a minimum of 70 percent of the vendors each Saturday must be local growers. “When the different fruits and vegetables come in season, they’ll start appearing in our vendors’ tents. Throughout the summer, we are looking to have peaches, plums, corn, squash, cucumbers, watermelon, blueberries, peas, okra, tomatoes, cityofalabaster.com
and we’re hoping that our local honey vendor will also be able to participate again this year.” In addition to the delicious edible items, growers may also offer fresh cut flower arrangements, succulents and other decorative plants. Learn more about being a vendor at the Farmers’ Market, visit the City’s website: www.cityofalabaster.com. CELEBRATING CREATIVE CRAFTSPEOPLE The remaining up to 30 percent of the vendors will be local craftspeople offering handmade items and specialty boutique items. “We have had some excellent craftsmen participate in years past. We want to continue offering these spaces to vendors looking for an opportunity to bring something new and creative to our market.” The City of Alabaster is delighted of the depth of innovation, artistry and work ethic that the community boasts. “We always encourage people to keep it local when they are shopping. We’re proud to
provide the Alabaster Farmers’ Market as a genuine way to support our local businesses, farmers, growers and citizens.” To request a vendor application and reserve your space at one or more of the second Saturday Farmers’ Market days this summer, contact Brian Binzer at 205-664-6832 or email bbinzer@cityofalabaster.com. PERFECT PLACE FOR A PICNIC Community members are encouraged to come see, sample and shop a variety of fruits, vegetables and homemade fare of all kinds. One of the new features of location for the Farmers’ Market is the availability of the newly constructed pavilion located behind the Alabaster Senior Center. “This pavilion is a public space that our community can utilize whenever it’s not otherwise reserved through the Senior Center. Families or couples could easily purchase something tasty from the Farmers’ Market to add to a picnic lunch in the shade this summer!” Brian suggested. AC
Jon Kelton
IRT-1848D-A
Financial Advisor
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
6919 Hwy 119 Suite 300 Alabaster, AL 35007 205-621-0888
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SUMMER FUN!
TEEN COUNCIL SUMMER ACTIVITIES
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JULY 9 - CAPTAIN MARVEL (PG-13)
ith school out and nothing to do at home, Alabaster teens are invited to experience all the Teen Council has to offer in Summer Activities. From movies, to water slides to a giant back-to-school party, there is plenty to do to keep young adults connected through the long summer months. Teen Movies: All Movies start at 8 pm at the Old THS Football Stadium. What is better than enjoying a movie with friends? How about a free movie with friends? Teenagers are invited to be part of this summer tradition at the Old THS Football Stadium. Bring some extra money to enjoy the concession stand.
A female pilot gains superpowers after a freak accident and uses them to help save the world alongside another superpower yielder.
JULY 23 – AQUAMAN (PG-13) An action-packed adventure that spans the vast underwater world of the seven seas. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be a king.
JUNE 11 - NIGHT SCHOOL (PG-13) A group of adult misfits attend night school to finally complete their high school education and obtain their GED diploma. Comedic tension builds between a particularly hapless former salesman and a no-nonsense teacher.
JUNE 25 - CRAZY RICH ASIANS (PG-13) “Crazy Rich Asians” follows native New Yorker Rachel as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel learns that Nick is not only the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families but also one of its most sought-after bachelors. Being on Nick’s arm puts a target on Rachel’s back, with jealous socialites and, worse, Nick’s own disapproving mother taking aim.
TBD - MOMMA MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN A woman grapples with running her mother's villa while also expecting her first child, and worries that she won't be able to handle everything on her own, so she enlists two of her mother's friends for assurance, help and guidance.
JULY 16 - SLIP N’ SLIDE Get ready to get wet and cool off this summer with the return of Teen Slip N’ Slide. This year promises to be bigger and better than before, with a bigger slide, more water and more laughter. Join the Teen Council as they host this midsummer tradition and bring some extra cash to enjoy some refreshments - all proceeds go to support select nonprofits and groups as chosen by the Teen Council.
AUGUST 24 - BACK TO SCHOOL BASH To kick off a new school year, the Teen Council is hosting this annual event at Municipal Park. Enjoy music, food trucks, games and even karaoke! Teens will have fun hanging out with their friends and parents will feel comfortable knowing that Alabaster Police and Fire are on hand to make sure everyone has a fun and safe experience. AC
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SUMMER FUN!
FAMILY MOVIE FUN NIGHTS! Free movies at Veterans Park located at 7305 Hwy. 119 in Alabaster.
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on’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: Friday, June 7: “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (112 min. PG) Video game villain Wreck-It-Ralph must brave the Internet to help
Vanellope fix her game Sugar Rush. Friday, June 21: “Bernie the Dolphin” (100 min. G) Two kids search for their dolphin friend and try to protect him and the beach from the bad guys threatening to destroy his home. Friday, July 12: “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” (107 min. PG) The much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed movie that started it
all, “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part” reunites the heroes of Bricksburg in an all new adventure to save their beloved city. It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat. Friday, July 26: “A Dog’s Way Home” (137 min. PG) A lost dog goes on an epic 400 mile journey to be reunited with her owner. Along the way she meets a host of new friends, both human and otherwise. AC
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SUMMER FUN!
A UNIVERSE TO EXPLORE! Alabaster’s Summer Reading has an Alabama Focus
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labama is 200 years old and the children of Alabaster are invited to spend the summer celebrating at the library! Youngsters from newborn to 18 years old can participate in the Albert L. Scott Alabama Has a Universe of Stories Summer Reading Challenge that started in late May. THE CHALLENGE IS UNDERWAY! During the challenge, kids will read or listen to library books and can earn fun prizes, all while improving or maintaining their reading skills. Adults may register children at the library and receive a bag containing the reading log, calendar, and other items. You can register online at www. cityofalabaster.com – but remember to stop by the library to get your goody bag! A UNIVERSE TO EXPLORE! The staff of the Alabaster library will stay busy throughout this summer season. The Reading Challenge activities are offered in addition to the regular Story Times available for children of various ages. These programs include Story Universe, Sensory Story Time, Toddler Tales, Lego® League and Drama Workshop.
BE SURE TO ALSO ADD THESE SUMMER READING EVENTS TO YOUR KIDS’ JUNE CALENDARS: • June 3 at 10:30 am – Miss Fancy’s Paint Party Sign up to hear the true story of Birmingham’s Miss Fancy the elephant and paint a ceramic elephant. • June 4 at 6 pm – Tweens and Teens Sloss Pig Out Fest! Sign up to enjoy dinner, dessert and door prizes while learning about a cool part of Birmingham history. • June 6 at 10:30 am – Skin & Bones Comedy Circus All kids must bring a parent. • June 6 at 4 pm - Tweens & Teens Science Lab Sign up to participate in a Straw Rockets experiment • June 7 from 3:30 - 4:15 pm – Donut Day Stop by for a treat to celebrate National Donut Day! (While quantities last) • June 10 at 10:30 am – Maynard, Magic & Music • June 10 at 3:30 pm – Stars Fell on Alabama Showcase With the Alabama Department of Archives and History • June 11 at 10:30 am – Kids’ Launch Pad Sign up to participate in Straw
Rockets fun! • June 11, 18 & 25 from 5:30 – 6:15 pm – Kids’ Drama Workshop Sign up to attend this sixweek workshop for 8 to 11-year-olds. • June 11, 18 & 25 from 6:30 – 7:15 pm – Teens’ Drama Workshop Sign up to attend this sixweek workshop for 12 to 15-year-olds. • June 13 at 10:30 am – Birmingham Zoo to You All kids must bring a parent with them! • June 13 at 6 pm – Alabama Family Trivia Faceoff • June 17 at 10:30 am – Alabama Firsts with the Burks • June 17 at 3:30 pm – Amazing Alabama with Mr. Larry Magic • June 18 at 10:30 am – Secrets of Canning All kids must bring a parent with them! • June 19 at 3:30 pm – Stories of Sloss • June 20 at 10:30 am – Going to the Moon: Alabama’s Contribution For ages 6 to 10. • June 20 at 4 pm – Going to the Moon: Alabama’s Contribution For ages 11 to 18. • June 24 at 10:30 am
– Be at Your Best Drums with Mark Seymour • June 24 at 3:30 pm – Wild about Wildflowers • June 27 from 4 – 5 pm – Alabama Birthday Bash Sign up to attend. All kids must bring a parent. More events will be added for the July calendar, and the culmination of this free, fun Summer Reading Program will occur on July 17 with an Inner Space Magic Show and more! SPECIAL THANKS TO SUMMER READING SPONSORS The 2019 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. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS TO DATE INCLUDE: Alabama Shakespeare Festival AmStar Cinemas Bike Link Friends of the Library Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q Magic City Daylight Donuts McDonald’s Oak Mountain Lanes Whataburger AC cityofalabaster.com
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FEATURE
For the Love of Reading K
atie Wilson, a Senior at Thompson High School, is starting to see the light at the end of the school year tunnel. “My senior year of high school has been very hectic and stressful, but only a few more weeks and then all the senior activities and graduation will begin. Hooray! I am getting excited,” she exclaimed. Wilson is also looking forward to her Summer project to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. According to the Girl Scouts website, a Gold Award is given after completing “two Senior or Ambassador journeys or complete one Senior or Ambassador journey and have earned
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a Girl Scout Silver Award. After completing either of these requirements, a minimum of 80 hours is suggested to complete the steps to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award.” The Gold Award is the equivalent of Eagle Scout. Wilson has been working towards this goal for over many years. “I have been in Girl Scouts for 12 years, and have enjoyed being a girl scout because it has helped me make friends, learn to take care of the environment and leadership skills, get involved in community service, and just become a better person. I set my goals early on in scouts that I wanted to get to Ambassador and receive my Girl Scout Gold Award. I was told that only 6% of Girl Scouts receive their gold award. I want to be included in the 6%, and proudly represent my home town of Alabaster,” she said. Her Gold Award project is “"Reading From The Heart". The goal is to create a unique volunteer program for children's literacy. “I believe,” she started to share, “that everyone has the right to learn to read and should not have to pay for tutors to assist them in reading.” According to Wilson, Alabama scored 43 in national test scores for literacy. “I have not found any information stating that the test scores are improving, but will only get worse. My passion is to teach children, and even adults, to read and to become excellent readers; therefore, learning to enjoy reading,” she passionately shared. The big picture goal for Wilson is to see test scores rise in reading across the state, starting right here in Alabaster. She is receiving a lot of community support for this project. “I have talked with Thompson High School's principal, Dr. Wesley Hester, and he thinks that my project is a great idea. He said that he would help me, and I could use the school website for advertising,” she said. The Alabaster Library has also offered to help Wilson’s project get started. She is in the process of working out the logistics of location, volunteers and funding. “I will be doing most of my work necessary to start this program as soon as school ends,” Wilson stated. “I wanted my Girl Scout Gold Award project to leave a lasting impact on my community and to assist with the needs of the community. I feel very passionate about reading, and hope that children and adults would become better readers and love to read books,” she said with a smile. AC
FEATURE
NEXT GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS Clean Sweep incorporates student art projects to encourage recycling and anti-littering awareness
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019 is the seventh year of the Alabaster Clean Sweep campaign aimed at encouraging recycling and increasing the community’s awareness of the importance of keeping Alabaster’s streets clear of litter and debris. This year, the Alabaster Beautification Board partnered with the People Against A Littered State (PALS) initiative to sponsor a recycling and anti-littering awareness program. Elementary students through 6th grade were encouraged to submit campaign-themed artwork, and 7th grade through senior in high school could submit a recycled art project. “We had almost 100 participants from Meadow View, Creek View and Thompson High School,” said Clean Sweep Chairman Stacy Rakestraw. “We were excited to have that many participants in our first year of the program.” At the May 6th City Council meeting, students were recognized for their participation and the winners each received a special token of appreciation from Mayor Handlon, along with their prize from the Beautification Board. Beautification Board Chairman Marie Jordan, Councilwoman Rakestraw and Mayor Marty Handlon each made a special point to recognize the art teachers at the Alabaster City Schools for all of their help and for encouraging their students to take part. “We also want to thank all the members of the Beautification Board for their role in giving everyone – but especially this generation – this opportunity to better understand the importance of not recycling and not littering.”
Creek View Elementary group projects were guided by art teacher Ms. Elyse Cumberland: 1st Place: Isla McClure and Isabella Guardado-Rivas
Meadow View
Creek View
Thompson High School
2nd Place: Ava Scruggs and Mia Holmes 3rd Place: Soledad Medina and Cooper Southern Meadow View Elementary students were guided by art teacher Ms. Melissa McMurray: 1st Place: Makalyn Cannady 2nd Place: Kelsi Higgins 3rd Place: Jazlin Rodriquez Meadow View Elementary students also competed in a poster competition: 1st Place: Ryan Caffey, Carlos Castillo, Haylee Black, Olivia Bogart 2nd Place: John Ingram, Mia GarciaMejia, Irma Garcia-Humeramo, Adriana Moctezuma Thompson High School students
were guided by sculpture instructor Ms. Kimberlee Campbell and art instructor Mr. Timothy Davis: 1st Place: Mazairo Speigner (11th) 2nd Place: Bella Ratiff (11th) 3rd Place: Trenton Harris (12th)
These THS local winners earned the opportunity to have their recycled art pieces submitted on the state level, as well. Winner at the state level will receive an award, a cash prize and an invitation to a Governor’s luncheon in November. “I think we’re going to have some winners,” Councilwoman Rakestraw enthused. “We had some awesome recycled art projects!” Prizes were generously sponsored by city attorney Jeff Brumlow. AC cityofalabaster.com
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
The spaghetti ice cream sundae
ICE N SPICE BRINGS THE SWEET & SAVORY Enjoy Happiness Twice with Asian-style Sub Sandwiches and Hand-scooped Ice Cream
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f you’re looking for a fun place to take a sweet lunch break this summer – or a new place to bring the kids while they’re out of school – the new Ice N Spice subs and ice cream shop should be your next destination! Located just off Hwy 119 at 438 1st St SW near the old Hallmark building in Southbrooke Village, Ice N Spice opened on March 8th of this year. The quick-eats location offers an extensive menu of Asian-style subs and delicious handscooped ice creams. Owner, Kash Rojani said, “Business has been steady so far. People are loving it and giving a good response, so we are loving it, too!”
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A LITTLE SOMETHING SAVORY He explained their tasty twist on a typical sub is found in the Asian-style sauce – cityofalabaster.com
which is more like a thick paste – added to each sandwich. “We make a special green sauce, made with mint, coriander and tamarind. It gives each sub a different taste. Then we add our special house seasoning on top of each sub,” he explained. The Asian green sauce adds a flavor twist to familiar favorites, like ham, turkey and bacon, pineapple chicken, or ultimate veggie. In addition, a variety of other Asian sauces are used to create unique sandwich flavor combinations, like their most popular Mango Chili Chicken, Bang Bang Chicken or Schezwan Spicy Chicken subs. ADD A SWEET TREAT Rojani’s family has owned previous ice cream businesses, including a former location in Pelham.
“We have been living in Shelby and Jefferson for years. Alabaster offers a good business opportunity,” he explained. “There’s always places with burgers, fries and shakes. We wanted to do something different with ice cream and subs. That’s how the concept came about.” It might be difficult to choose a flavor of ice cream at Ice N Spice, though, as the freezers are stocked with 30 flavor options available to eat in a sundae (add a brownie!), dish, cone or milkshake! To make it even more challenging, Rojani pointed out the brightly colored flavored options for fresh waffle cones to choose from, as well! “We have the regular waffle cones, plus five different flavored waffle cones like orange cream, birthday cake, midnight vanilla, salted blue corn and red velvet.” ▶
The Troutman and Hicks families enjoy an afternoon ice cream treat
INVENTIVE ICE CREAM DELIGHTS! If you’re looking for something new and even more exciting, try the recently trendy cotton candy ice cream burrito – a rolledup confection of cotton candy and three small scoops of birthday cake, bubble gum and cotton candy ice cream flavors. Or, be one of the first to try the ice cream connoisseur’s recently introduced sundae treat – spaghetti ice cream sundae! “It’s a vanilla or yellow cake ice cream
shaped like spaghetti, topped with strawberry sauce, white chocolate and a chocolate meatball,” he grinned. A PERFECT COMBINATION The brightly colored interior of the casual dining restaurant creates a fun atmosphere to bring the family, order your meals and desserts, and play one of several board games provided in the corner of the shop.
Special deals are offered in store each week and are also posted on their Facebook page. Be sure to follow Ice N Spice on social media to get advance notice of these great discounts and offers! EAT AT ICE N SPICE: Mon. - Thurs. (10:30 AM – 9 PM) Fri. - Sat. (10:30 AM – 9:30 PM) Sun. (11 AM – 9 PM) AC
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INSTRUCTORS OF LIFE
the faculty, staff, students and parents. Thompson High School is the best school ever. I have always thought they were my second family. I have never looked at my job as just a ‘job’ because of the family atmosphere. It has been a privilege to work here with my dear friends.” Kent said, with a touch of melancholy. As you would expect after 36 years, Kent is leaving behind a legacy. “I would want to be remembered as someone who is kind, dependable and always willing to listen or lend a hand when needed,” she humbly shared. She also leaves behind two educators in the family. “When both my daughters chose to pursue a career in education, they became my legacy,” she added. Her final advice to her colleagues and students is quite simple. “Always do your best and treat others as you want to be treated.”
DIAN MCCRAY
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Dian McCray (L) and Peggy Kent (R)
PEGGY KENT
P
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eggy Kent was the voice parents and students often heard first when calling Thompson High School, and often the first person that a visiting parent or a tardy student would see. Now, after 36 years, the student body and their families will have to get used to a new voice on the line and a new face in the office. “I love my job,” she said, “but know that it is time to retire.” Kent started her career in an unusual fashion. “I was teaching typing at Thompson High School at night through Community Education when the Principal offered me the job,” she shared. With a background in business, she earned a cityofalabaster.com
Bachelor of Science from Montevallo, she was successful, but nevertheless, grew tired of the business world. “Having two daughters, I was attracted to having the same schedule as them and was offered a job at Thompson High and I have loved it,” she exclaimed. This will be the first time in 36 years that Kent will enjoy a summer break. “As I have always worked 12 months, I am looking forward to a relaxing summer,” she said with a smile. She was the principal’s secretary during her whole career, which amounts to eight different principals and a “host of assistant principals”. Even as she looks forward to her retirement, there is still some bittersweet in the celebration. “I am going to miss
ian McCray never thought about being a teacher when she first entered the workforce. “After working in the Graphic Arts Industry for five years after college, I had a very distinct tap on my shoulder and message in my ear to go back to school and get my certification to teach. Because I had never wanted to be a teacher, I just knew it was a call from God, and acted accordingly,” she shared. She went the very next day to University of Montevallo to sign up for classes, even though they started two weeks prior, finding that God has cleared a path for her to apply, be accepted and register for classes immediately. Since 1980, she has put her all into being a Visual Art Teacher to thousands of students. As she goes into retirement, she knows it was more than just a paycheck. “A job,” she shared, “is something you do for money. Teaching, for me has never been about that. ▶
CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT
Jon Bubbett
Most of my waking hours have been spent in a classroom for the last 39 years. I will miss my colleagues, many of whom have become a part of my extended family. I will miss my students and the exhilaration of watching ‘light bulbs go off,’ when students become aware of their understanding of difficult concepts when working through projects. And I will miss the excitement of the first day of a new school year and the smell of new art supplies in the fall.” As she reflected on her long career, McCray knows what she wants people to remember her by. “I hope people will remember the passion I have for ‘training up students’ and teaching real-life skills that include accountability and problem-solving. Most of all I hope they remember I was a teacher who cared and tried to make a difference, even and especially when my students were knuckleheads,” she said with a laugh. With a laugh and a smile, she exemplified her advice to her students. “Strive to be a positive person. Be honest; own your mistakes. Set goals and work like crazy to accomplish them. Thank the people who help you in your life-journey,” she said. Adding, “Oh and call your mom!” After hanging up her brushes, colored
pencils, design programs and camera lens, she is going to try something new for a change. “My first retirement goal is to learn to sleep until 7:30 am,” she said.
JON BUBBETT
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on Bubbett has been teaching music to students for 38 years, 26 of those as Director of Bands at Thompson High School. “I have always loved music, played in school bands, and thought it would be cool to teach music,” exclaimed Bubbett. Now after a long career, Bubbett will be stepping back as a full-time teacher and will take on a new role at Thompson High School. “I’ll still be working with the Thompson High School on a part time, what they call halftime basis. My new role will be more on the individual level,” he said. He is also looking forward to pursuing a passion of his. “Also I have gotten some pieces for band published and really want to pursue that even more.” As Bubbett reflects on his long career, he does not see his accomplishments. “You know a legacy is not something that you really think about on a day-to-day basis. You just do your job and if you are
doing it right, then I guess that happens, it's not what you focus on,” he said. Even during his retirement concert, when hundreds of former students attended, he still saw something beyond himself. “Seeing all of the people who showed up at the retirement concert was really humbling. There must have been 700-800 people there, some had come from faraway places. I literally spent over two and a half hours talking with people, shaking hands and taking pictures with people. It was so crowded I couldn’t even get in the band room at first,” he exclaimed. Yet it was not just him that he saw being honored that day. “And while I am honored that so many people came out to pay tribute to a teacher, in a larger sense I believe that when we show that level of honor to someone, it in turn honors us all. It is and always has been about all of us, the collective ‘we’ not the individual ‘me’,” he humbly stated. As Bubbett reflects on his years at Thompson he knows that being a high school teacher impacted more than just one student. It impacted a community. “I have been very proud and honored to serve the Alabaster community for the past 26 years,” he said. AC cityofalabaster.com
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THE BRANCH VBS 2019 June 23 – 27 6pm – 8pm www.thebranchatmissionhills.com 1669 Mission Hills Rd Alabaster, AL 35007
GRADES K – 5TH (SUMMER 2019) Kids will race from continent to continent uncovering clues and attempting challenges. As they examine the events surrounding the tower of Babel, kids will learn that God is calling people from every tribe and nation through his Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. And that he wants us to share this good news in kindness and love with our neighbors nearby and far away.
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Join the Incredible Race and experience God’s love for every tribe, language, and nation!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
LET THEM KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE
Ms. Rosia Dowdell continues to serve others after retirement
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here are some people that simply radiate joy. Ms. Rosia Dowdell is one of those people. Her warm and welcoming personality has been a staple of the Alabaster Senior Center front desk. After 15 years of serving the City of Alabaster in various roles, Ms. Rosia Dowdell retired on May 1, 2019. “I have been so grateful for this God-given opportunity to work with the City of Alabaster. I have gotten to know so many grandparents, parents and kids who have touched my life, and had the opportunity for me to touch their lives, as well,” she sweetly shared. FAITHFULLY SERVING ALABASTER CITIZENS Ms. Rosia, as most people who know her lovingly refer to her, began her career with the City of Alabaster as an administrative clerk in the Parks and Recreation Department in 2004. She then became the administrative clerk at the Alabaster Senior Center. In this role, she served at the front desk of the facility. Although she kept busy with filing, tending the phone and pursuing sponsors for various events, it was her kind attention to others and her uncanny ability to draw a smile from virtually everyone she came in contact with that became her hallmark trait. Senior Center executive director Alicia Waters agrees. “Her kind and welcoming spirit has impacted many Shelby County seniors. We are appreciative of all she has done and she will be missed. But we are excited for her as she begins a new adventure.”
A HEART FOR THE HURTING The answer to identifying her favorite part of her role at the Senior Center came easy to Ms. Rosia…it’s always the people. “I loved listening to their stories. I gave them a shoulder to cry on and tried to bring a smile to their face. I always strived to give them the right instructions and to share the word of God with them to help them with what they were going through.” “Being a part of their stories helps me realize that my work is more than just a duty for man, but that it is a calling of God to serve those around me,” she said with gratitude. “That’s my passion. Uplifting people is what I enjoy the most. That’s my joy and who I am. It’s who my mother was, who I am, and who God is.” FINDING FAMILY IN COMMUNITY Ms. Rosia has experienced much love, laughter and loss during her tenure with the City of Alabaster. She says the city and her community of friends and family have strived to return in kind. “On last year, I lost two sisters, one in May and one only two days before Thanksgiving. It was very uplifting for me to have people to talk to every day. It was the love of those people
and the City of Alabaster employees and staff that uplifted me, along with the love of my family and the love of God.” Ms. Rosia’s faith is the bedrock that her life has been built upon. She makes it her personal ministry to share God’s love with those around her. After her retirement, in addition to serving those around her, she plans to take online courses to finish a degree that she started years ago in early childhood elementary education for children with disabilities. She’s also planning to give even more of her time to Emmanuel Temple Holiness Church, where she’s attended since she was 18. “I’ll get to spend more time around people, my children, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.” A HUMBLE HEART OF GRATITUDE At the May 6th City Council meeting, Ms. Rosia was awarded a retirement proclamation. Most of the seats in the council chambers were filled with family members, friends and community members who came to celebrate with her. As she accepted her certificate from Mayor Marty Handlon, Rosia shared her heart of appreciation, saying, “I am so humbled that you (Mayor Handlon) have been more than a mayor to me. You have been a friend to me. For that, I say ‘thank you.’ To the City Council, I say ‘thank you’ for your service and for being so loyal to the City of Alabaster,” she continued. “To the citizens of Alabaster, I say ‘thank you’ for being a part of this great family. And to my family, I say thank you for loving me and supporting me, and for being there for me. It means a lot. And I want you all to know that if there’s any word in the dictionary that means more than ‘thank you,’ I mean that, too.” AC cityofalabaster.com
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PROCLAMATION: ROSIA DOWDELL RETIREMENT
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ayor Handlon awarded a proclamation recognizing Rosia Dowdell on her retirement effective May 1, after nearly 15 years of service to the City. Ms. Rosia began serving as an administrative clerk in the Parks and Rec Department in 2004, and eventually transitioned to administrative clerk at the Alabaster Senior Center. “As a humble public servant to the city of Alabaster, a friend to this administration and a valued citizen, we wish [Ms. Rosia] much happiness as she begins this exciting new chapter in life called ‘retirement,’ where she will now have the ability to spend more time with her family and continue sharing God’s love.”
BEAUTIFICATION AWARD WINNER
Expires:2/2018
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Bruce and Susan Bria - 121 Setting Sun Lane This property is beautifully maintained with Knockout roses by the driveway. Surrounding a tree to the left of the property are Stella de’Oro Daylilies, Petunias, and Gerbera daisies. The lawn is healthy, perfectly trimmed and edged. This is truly a gardner’s show of a love for the beauty of flowers and our environment. The Beautification winner for June is in Ward 3. Next month the winner will be from Ward 4.
CALENDAR Mon., Tue. and Thu.: 9 am - 7:50 pm Wednesday: 10 am - 5:50 pm Friday: 9 am - 5:50 pm Saturday: 10 am - 4:50 pm Sunday: 1 pm - 4:50 pm
questions you might have. Program takes place in the meeting room.
If you would like more information concerning programs, please contact the Library at 664-6822.
June 13 at 6 pm
ADULT SUMMER READING CHALLENGE GABBY BRADLEY RECOGNIZED
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abby Bradley a nine year old student at Thompson Intermediate School was recognized by Mayor Handlon at a recent city council meeting for placing second at the annual Elks National free throw challenge. She tracked to Chicago and came in second place. She has been playing basketball for five years and is a leader on her league team. Mayor Handlon presented her with a Mayor’s Challenge Coin as a reminder to keep going strong.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR JUNE June 3 School Board 5:30 pm June 3 Council 7 pm June 12 Plea Dockets 9 am & 2 pm June 11 Board of Zoning Adj. 6:30 pm June 19 Plea Dockets 9 am & 2 pm June 17 Council 7 pm June 18 Planning Commission 7 pm All meetings are held at 1953 Municipal Way in the Council Chamber. View full calendar, agendas and resolutions at www.cityofalabaster.com.
LIBRARY The Albert L. Scott Library is located at 100 9th Street N.W., Alabaster.
Join us for our Adult Summer Reading program! Read books to enter for a chance to win great weekly prizes and a final grand prize. Online registration begins May 20th. The program starts on May 29th and continues through July 12th. Visit our website to sign up online or stop by the library to sign up in person. For more information please call the library at 664-6822.
YA YA YARNERS June 3, 10, 17 & 2 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm
The Ya Ya Yarners are meeting at the Albert L. Scott Library now! Do you knit or crochet? Would you like to learn how? If so, we have a group for you…the Ya Ya Yarners! We will teach you if you don’t know how. We will start you with one of two simple projects. We will supply the needles or hooks and yarn and a pattern. If you already have a project under way bring it along to work on. We also do community projects, such as hats for service members, lap blankets, prayer shawls and many other things, plus we have a really good time. We hope you will join us! For more information please call the library at 664-6822 or email Carol Smith at csmith@shelbycounty-al.org. Program takes place in the meeting room.
ABC & DS OF MEDICARE June 10 at 1 pm
Karen Haiflich of the Medicare Information Source will help you navigate through the process of Medicare. Learn about filing, benefits, and any other
ALABAMA TRIVIA FAMILY FACEOFF Show how much your family knows about Alabama and win prizes! Sign up. Hosted by Shelby County’s own Bobby Joe Seales! Also, Bobby Joe will be signing copies of his book Alabaster & Siluria the Early Years: a Pictorial History before the Trivia Faceoff.
LIBRARY BOOK GROUP June 20 at 7 pm
Join us to discuss Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. In the early 1900s, teenaged Sunja, the adored daughter of a crippled fisherman, falls for a wealthy stranger at the seashore near her home in Korea. He promises her the world, but when she discovers she is pregnant--and that her lover is married--she refuses to be bought. Instead, she accepts an offer of marriage from a gentle, sickly minister passing through on his way to Japan. But her decision to abandon her home, and to reject her son's powerful father, sets off a dramatic saga that will echo down through the generations. Program takes place in the meeting room.
MEDICARE 101 June 27 at 6 pm
A fun and informative class to learn what to expect with Medicare and how to ask the right questions. Perfect for anyone wanting to learn about their Medicare options. Presented by Eric Smith, the founder of Medicare Advisors of Alabama. Program takes place in the meeting room.
LIBRARY YOUTH EVENTS Summer Reading: Alabama Focus
The Challenge is Underway!
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CALENDAR Alabama is 200 years old and the children of Alabaster are spending a summer celebrating at the library! Youngsters from newborn to 18 years old can participate in our Alabama Has a Universe of Stories Summer Reading Challenge that started in late May. During the challenge, kids read or listen to our library books and earn prizes while improving or maintaining reading skills. Adults may register children at the library and receive a bag containing the reading log, calendar, and more. There is also online registration at www.cityofalabaster. com – but remember to get the goody bag at the library. We’re offering several weeks of free, fun programs ending on July 17 with an Inner Space Magic Show and more. The 2019 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. Our sponsors to date are: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Friends of the Library, Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q, Magic City Daylight Donuts, McDonald’s, Oak Mountain Lanes, and Whataburger.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES IN THE MEETING ROOM: STORY TIMES In the meeting room: Wednesdays 10:15 am
Story Universe 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 3:30 pm
Sensory Story Time Fridays 10:30 am
Toddler Tales
LEGO® LEAGUE Tuesdays, (June 11, 18, 25) 4 - 4:45 pm
DRAMA WORKSHOP Tuesday evenings
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cityofalabaster.com
SEE PAGE 15 OF THIS MAGAZINE FOR ADDITIONAL FUN LIBRARY SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES!
PARKS AND REC STAY INFORMED THROUGH EMAILS If you would like to receive 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. The only required information is your name and email address. 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.
MOVIES IN THE PARK ON FRIDAY NIGHTS 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.
PAVILIONS FOR RENT Outdoor Rental Facilities: On-Line Pavilion Rentals – available at www.alabasterparks.org Several of our City Parks offer pavilions for events such as picnics, family reunions and birthday parties. The best way to assure your event happens at the location of your choice is to reserve it early. Please do not send out invitations listing one of our parks as the event location before you have secured a pavilion through Parks and Recreation. The pavilion you plan on using may not be available. Pavilions are available for use by permit only. There is a $40 rental fee (no checks accepted) which must be paid before your reservation is complete. Note: Inflatables, charcoal grills, and piñatas are not allowed in any of the City parks. Please see our web site for a complete list of rules. All open picnic tables (those not under a covering) are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
SENIOR CENTER
The Alabaster Senior Center, which is operated by the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department, offers a variety of programs and services for individuals 55 years of age and older who live in Shelby County.
Movie schedule:
June 7: “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (112 minutes – rated PG) June 21: “Bernie the Dolphin” (100 minutes – rated G) July 12: “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” (107 minutes – rated PG) July 26: “A Dog’s Way Home” (137 minutes – rated PG)
ADULT KICKBALL REGISTRATION IN JUNE NEW: Co-ed Kickball Program for Adults! Please contact Nik McCrimon for details at 205-664-6840 or nmccrimon@cityofalabaster.com.
JUNE PROGRAMS: June 3: Sign-ups for July programs and classes June 7: NO MOVIN N' GROOVIN June 7: 12 pm - Bingo with Rebekah June 11: 9:15 am - Goodies with Shelby Rehab Select June 12: NO ARTHRITIS CLASSES June 12: 10 am Blood Pressure Checks with Southern Care Hospice June 14: 9:15 am - Jim N Nick’s tea and cheese biscuits June 14: NO MOVIN N' GROOVIN June 17: 12 pm - Fun craft with Southern Care New Beacon
CALENDAR June 24: 9:30 am - Book Club June 24: 12 pm - Penny Auction with Kindred at Home June 25: 12 pm - Bingo with Southeast Hospice Network
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.
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES GENTLE YOGA
Wednesdays from 1 - 2 pm
Tuesdays from 1:15 - 2:30 pm/Thursdays from 2:15 - 3:30 pm
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 from 9:30 - 10:30 am
ARTHRITIS & MORE This class is designed for those seeking to improve or maintain their mobility, muscle strength and functional ability. This class will include a variety of exercises working from head to toe while sitting and standing. $2/class.
INTERMEDIATE LINE DANCING Thursdays from 9:15 am
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 LINE DANCING Thursdays from 10:10 - 11 am
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.
MOVIN' N' GROOVIN' Fridays from 9:30 - 10:20 am
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. Space is limited. $2/class. AC
Helps alleviate pain and stiffness, maintain WHAT IS THE NARROW ROAD JESUS TALKS ABOUT? As a nation we have left the time where the word of God was widely understood and acknowledged. Today things are done openly that at one time where known to be evil. Popular trends are violating the Bible’s strictest warnings. Jesus warned of following the wide easy road that leads to eternal destruction that most people take, following the worlds popular trends that starts with willing biblical ignorance and indifference to God’s commands. It seems we hear about God’s love and the benefits of salvation through faith in Jesus but not much of the cost. In reality we are called to put off our old disobedient life and live a new obedient life following Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit living inside us. (Ephesians 4:22) Obedience to God’s commands has been a nonnegotiable from the start in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:16-17). Mankind has certainly struggled with living in obedience to God. In Isaiah 29:13 God says of his people “They honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me” and Jesus repeats it in Matthew 15:8-9. The same is true if we attend church, go through the motions of a worship service, and yet fail to take to heart our call to faithful obedience to our Lord. Do we even study the Bible to know how to obey! Hosea 4:6 declares “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Jesus said “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36) This is but one of many verses that says true believers are those who obey. The Bible teaches that not all who believe in Jesus have a true relationship with him. James 2:19-20 tells us “even the demons believe”. They believe but continue in their sin.
In Luke 6:46 Jesus asks “why do you call me Lord but don’t obey me”. A believer’s obedience proves he has submitted to Jesus as Lord and his command to faithful living. Obedience is never spoken of as the means of salvation but the proof of it. Jesus said “ small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”. Matthew 7:14 Herein lies the answer to our question. If you have sincerely trusted that Jesus’ death has paid for your sins you have entered the gate. The narrow road Jesus talks about is obedience. Narrow indicates it is the more difficult path; however, the Holy Spirit that brings you to trust and obey will hold you to the end to heaven and eternal life there. Matthew 24:13. - Colby Reeves - Evangel member At Evangel we offer various bible studies by our Pastors and Elders to learn how to obey. All are welcome! (See website) Evangel Church PCA - 423 Thompson Rd. Alabaster, AL. 35007 205-664-0889 - evangelchurchpca.org cityofalabaster.com
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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 1, 2019 AT 7:02 PM
Mayor Comments: • Mayor Handlon declared April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. • The Mayor also declared April as Autism Awareness Month and directed facilities to be illuminated with blue lights during the month of April to raise awareness of both Child Abuse and Autism.
Agenda Items:
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1. Resolution 040119 Accepting the FY 2018 Audit from BMSS, LLC Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Resolution 040119-A Authorizing Fiscal Year 2019 Mid-Year Budget Amendments Motion Passed Unanimously 3. Resolution 040119-B Authorizing Public Works Department to Purchase a Grasshopper Mower Motion Passed Unanimously 4. Resolution 040119-C Authorizing the Mayor to Sign an Agreement with Charles H. Pritchett, Jr for Appraisal Work Motion Passed Unanimously 5. Ordinance 190506-082 An Ordinance Amending Various Sections of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Alabaster, Alabama Motion Passed Unanimously 6. Resolution 040119-D Authorize Application & cityofalabaster.com
Acceptance of the State of Alabama & Local Bicentennial Grants Motion Passed Unanimously SAID MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:23 PM APRIL 15, 2019 AT 7 PM
Mayor Comments: • Mayor Handlon appointed or reappointed 54 local students to the City’s Teen Council for the 2019 / 2020 Teen Council term. Planning and Zoning Board Reappointments: •Mike Allen – Place 1 Term Ending 12-01-2023 •Calvin Rumph – Place 2 Term Ending 12-01-2022 •Gary Wright – Place 3 Term Ending 12-01-2024
Agenda Items: Council President Scott Brakefield opened the floor for nominations for the Alabaster City School Board. Council member Rick Ellis nominated John Myrick to fill Place 3. With no other nominations; Council President Brakefield thanked all the applicants and closed the nominations. 1. Resolution 041519 Alabaster City Schools Board Appointment Place 3 Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Resolution 041519-A Authorizing Mayor to Sign
Agreement with Pyro Shows of Alabama Motion Passed Unanimously 3. Resolution 041519-C Authorizing Advertisement Agreement with Shelby County Reporter for Visitor’s Guide Motion Passed Unanimously 4. Resolution 041519-D Authorizing the Mayor to Sign Over a CD to the Fox Valley Highland Home Owners Association Motion Passed Unanimously 5. Resolution 041519-E Authorizing the Angel Warrior Foundation to Build Sensory Trail on Buck Creek Trail Motion Passed Unanimously 6. Motion – ABC Request Bohemia Bar and Grill, LLC. Motion Passed Unanimously SAID MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:38 PM
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 1st and 3rd Mondays each month at 7 p.m.
FOR MORE ON THE CITY COUNCIL Visit www.cityofalabaster.com/161/City-Council
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 MARTY HANDLON, MAYOR 664-6831 handlon@cityofalabaster.com
RICK ELLIS, WARD 2 ellis@cityofalabaster.com STACY RAKESTRAW, WARD 3 529-3326 rakestraw@cityofalabaster.com GREG FARRELL, WARD 4 farrell@cityofalabaster.com
RUSSELL BEDSOLE, WARD 5 205-229-6021 bedsole@cityofalabaster.com SCOTT BRAKEFIELD, PRESIDENT, WARD 6 205-915-4439 brakefield@cityofalabaster.com KERRI PATE, WARD 7 965-8300 pate@cityofalabaster.com
Advanced procedures can take away your heartburn. Our warmhearted team lets you know we care. A COMMUNITY BUILT ON HEALING You don’t have to hurt. And, you don’t have to drive downtown for excellent care. The Reflux Center at Shelby Baptist in Alabaster has a team of specialists to address the painful condition of acid reflux. Talk with us about advanced diagnostics and treatment options that can help you manage or correct the problem and enjoy life again. To schedule a consultation, call 833-817-8025 or visit BrookwoodBaptistHealth.com/ShelbyReflux
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