Citizen Spotlight

SERVING IS THE SOLUTION

Calvin Rumph demonstrates community involvement as the way to move forward

After 20 years of living in Alabaster, Calvin Rumph has become an integral thread in the fabric of his community. He chooses to actively live out one of his favorite quotes, "Whatever the problem, be part of the solution.” (Tina Fey)

Not only does he strive to do this by representing Shelby County on the Birmingham Regional Planning Commission, but he also serves with the Alabaster Arts Council, the Knights of Columbus and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Education Foundation.

In addition, Calvin is a member of the City of Alabaster’s Planning & Zoning Commission.

“As a Commissioner, we provide planning, zoning and subdivision controls to the Alabaster City Council,” Calvin explained. “This information is provided to the Council in the form of recommendations in accordance with the City's Comprehensive Plan.”

He pointed out that the Alabaster Forward Comprehensive Plan was updated and adopted on March 14, 2016, and is intended to define the city's overall growth and (re)development. It provides a framework for guiding public and private decisions that affect new development as well as reinvestment in existing neighborhoods and businesses. For example, he says the widening of 119 would make life easier and a dream come true for many Alabaster residents.

Since the Comprehensive Plan is based on residents’ visions of how they want their city to grow in the future, Calvin encourages all Alabaster residents to take the opportunity to read it.

It isn't just the chance to serve that makes Alabaster feel like home to Calvin and his wife of 36 years, Edna, though. They and their son, Kristopher, have also enjoyed the benefits that the community and people have provided to their family, as well. “(When we moved here) the housing market was exceptional! Of course, this was prior to the economic downfall with the housing industry,” he pointed out. “However, the City services provided to residents were great and the neighbors made us feel like family… We used to look forward to those unforgettable block parties!”

Calvin is a graduate from the University of South Alabama. He has a degree in Psychology and Criminal Law. He served in the Alabama Army National Guard Avionics Division Signal Corp for eight years, boasts 34 years of Federal Service, and retired from the Social Security Administration.

He is an avid sports fan and attends NCAA Basketball Final Four Tournaments and FBS Football Championships on a regular basis.

Although this current pandemic season has created many challenges for community members to face, Calvin offers a word of encouragement, saying, “Stay in touch with family and friends, and pray that God will return us back to normal!”