The Official Publication of the City of Alabaster
Alabaster Connection October 2014
6th Annual
Fall Fest at Buck Creek
October 25 th • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Inside this issue... Alabama Ghost Stories Angel Art
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From the Mayor’s Desk...
October is upon us, and so is the beginning of a new fiscal year. I want to congratulate and thank all city Departments for their efforts in completing another successful year! We have completed our 2015 budget requests and submitted to the City Council for their approval. We have not yet finalized our capital funds budget, but we will be discussing those projects in the coming weeks. We have a few new businesses scheduled to open in the next 12 months, and we look forward to their positive impact in our community. Aldi grocery store is the first one scheduled to open in late October. Although several much needed paving projects were completed during the month of September, we are still finalizing the Marty Handlon details for improvements needed on Alabaster Boulevard. And, Mayor, City of Alabaster you may have noticed there are new railroad crossing signals being installed at the intersection of Fulton Springs Road (Hwy 26) and Old Hwy 31. This will be a bigger asset when we are able to complete the extension of Fulton Springs Road to meet Hwy 31. On September 11th, Chief Golden and 12 members of the Alabaster Fire Department represented our city well with their annual participation in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb (110 stories) in Montgomery at the RSA Towers. Here in the city, our first responders (police & fire) were treated very well by members of our community on 9/11, and they truly appreciated the gestures of so many. I want to thank DEA Home Property Management for delivering Buck’s Pizza to these professionals during lunch. We all appreciate our public safety professionals, and I thank you for taking the time to let them experience your gratitude. The Alabaster Police Department is making a point to be more visible and building new relationships in the city, including volunteering as Homework Buddies at Kid’s First. On September 17th, they hosted “Coffee with a Cop” at Chick Fil A, and had some interesting conversations with some of our residents. Chief Rigney hopes to do more of these throughout the year. APD staff is also using Facebook social media to share law enforcement news, provide useful and educational information, and connect with residents on their questions and concerns. We will be celebrating Fall Fest the last weekend in October, so bring the family out and enjoy this community-wide event along the Buck Creek Trail. Each year it gets bigger and better. I also want to remind you to continue to use our website for reporting concerns, as this provides a tracking log of issues for follow-up and to insure completion. It is monitored daily and routed to the appropriate personnel. If you do not have access to the website, Receptionist Nancy Martin will log it in from your phone call to city hall and route to the appropriate place. Blessings,
Official Publication of the City of Alabaster Alabaster Connection is published monthly and it is delivered to citizens of the City of Alabaster Editorial Board The Public Relations Committee of the Alabaster City Council Committee Chair Councilwoman Sophie Martin Councilman Rick Walters Councilwoman Stacy Rakestraw Editor Luke Camara, me2graphics, LLC Contributors Shana Camara Heather Leavell Asha Ashley
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Call 447-2214 or email luke@me2graphics.com
To advertise call 447-2214
1953 Municipal Way Alabaster, AL 35007 ©2014 City of Alabaster
Non-Emergency City Numbers Police 24-Hours 663-7401 Alabaster Water Board 663-6155 Fire Department 664-6818 Cover photo: The Toddler Two Class at Noah’s Park Child Care in Weatherly.
cityofalabaster.com 3
C O u n c i l Comm e n t s
Scott Brakefield, Ward 6 City Council President
Greetings! I hope everyone is enjoying to cooler weather. On Friday, September 19th I had the opportunity to participate in the re dedication of Larry Simmons Stadium. It meant a lot to me to be there. Mr. Simmons was not only my principal but is truly on of the best Men I know. It was a testament to him and his career at THS to have so many former principals, coaches and faculty to show up at this outstanding event. It was great to catch up with my old principal and also catch up with many of my former coaches at THS. Although the scoreboard did not reflect the results that we all had hoped for, it was great to see the community pack the stands and to feel the excitement in the air. I know better days are ahead for Alabaster City Schools, our Students and our Athletes. On October 25th from 9 AM - 3 PM, The City of Alabaster will be hosting its 6th Annual Fall Fest. This is a great event that runs along the Buck Creek Trail behind City Hall and the Senior Center. There are numerous vendors, food, hay rides for the kids and live music. I encourage you to come out, bring the family and enjoy this great event. I hope to see you all there!
Sophie Martin, Ward 1
Progress continues in Ward 1 as several street repaving and repair projects were recently completed. These included Old Hwy 31 – 10th Avenue Southeast and 10th Place Southeast, and Glen Abbey Way. After overall project completion, 30 streets citywide will be repaved. Thank you to the City Council and Public Works Department for making this happen! Construction on the Aldi Supermarket at the corner of Highway 11 and Highway 119 is moving forward. Currently, work is being done close to the roads in order to make alterations for utilities and other operational necessities. This is causing some occasional traffic backup so please drive carefully when driving in this area. We are looking forward to Aldi opening their doors before the end of this year! I am sincerely grateful to all the community leaders from all areas of Shelby County who attended the recent United Way Shelby County Campaign Kickoff at Alabaster City Hall. This validates that United Way makes a tremendous difference in the lives of many of our neighbors, friends and family who live right here in our community. Thank you to Jim N’
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Nick’s B-B-Q and the City of Alabaster for sponsoring the event. Their support in this effort is truly appreciated by many. Currently, more than 750,000 Alabamians depend on United Way for assistance and thousands of those in need live right here in Shelby County. There are more than 30 agencies located in Shelby County who depend on United Way funding. Reports show the request for help is increasing so additional financial support is needed. Supporting United Way will make a better Shelby County for everyone! If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas for Ward 1 or our city, please contact me at 358-8742 or at martin@cityofalabaster.com. I look forward to hearing from you! Blessings, Sophie
Bob Hicks, Ward 2
The temperatures are gradually starting to drop into fall ranges, and all the fall sports are full speed ahead. Make sure to take in a game to see the future leaders of America playing ball, cheering, dancing, or playing music. It is my favorite time of the year - when folks are finished with family vacations and visits to relatives, and we can begin rebuilding the sense of community that is an Alabaster trademark. Make sure to spend some time with your friends and neighbors. At the end of October, we will once again celebrate Halloween (formerly All Hallow’s Eve - call me for the details). There will be costumed children of a wide age range combing the neighborhoods for goodies. Please make sure to drive a bit more carefully to provide them with a safe and enjoyable adventure. As the night progresses, wandering hobgoblins become less and less visible, so slow up a bit and stay alert. Finally, the Alabaster City Schools are moving forward with plans for a new high school, based on the approval and successful sale of the bond issue that will be needed to properly fund the project. As we move into the holidays, please, please remember to shop Alabaster first so that any possible tax revenues can be used to improve our city services and continue to fund the improvement and development of our blossoming school system. We need to pull together and guarantee it will always be a great day to be a Warrior. Grace and peace, Bob
Stacy Rakestraw, Ward 3
The newly renovated Thompson High School stadium is an incredible sight. This is an exciting new chapter in the life of our football program and city. Larry Simmons Stadium will eventually serve many children in city league ball, middle school, JV football, as well as soccer, and much more. I am proud of the varsity football team for their
hard work and perseverance in a sport that is extremely exhausting, both mentally and physically. Your dedication, endurance, and work ethic will pay off throughout life, as you have learned the value of working as a team. Congratulations to the THS Volleyball team and the success they have seen this year! I believe you are well on your way to a state championship. It is a great day to be a WARRIOR! For those of you who live in areas of our city that cannot get internet service, I want you to know that the city is continually communicating with providers to get this issue resolved. I want to thank you for your patience. As I am writing this, the proposed fiscal year ‘15 budget has been proposed and includes conservative estimates of revenues, with controlled expenses, and a forecast fund balance increase of approximately 380k. We appreciate Mayor Handlon, George Henry, Kelly Ellison, Marsha Massey, and all of the department heads for their time and input on the new budget.
Rick Walters, Ward 4
Mayor Handlon and her staff have been working diligently on the budget for 2014-2015. They also have done a great job keeping expenses under control. Maintaining a combined $30 million dollar budget is no small task, and it is not possible without the help of all our Department Heads and Associates. This year’s total budget should be about the same, with only a few changes. One thing I am excited about is the possibility of a Biodiesel program that takes your household cooking oil and converts it into diesel fuel. For a minimal investment, and with our current facilities, we can reduce our diesel expense, reduce the amount of grease that goes into our sewer system, and ultimately help us reach standards set by the Federal Government for the water we discharge into Buck Creek. Grease in our sewer system is the main contributing factor that leads to pump failure. Some of our pumps cost as much as $60,000 each, and replacing them before their useful life expectancy is problematic. Other cities we contacted have successfully implemented this type of program, and their residents (who use the free service) rate it highly. They have set up collection stations throughout their cities, similar to the propane exchange cages you see throughout Alabaster. The program is really very simple - residents exchange a full oil jug for an empty one (provided by the city). The municipality routinely collects the full oil containers and leaves clean containers behind. We have also received a first draft of an ordinance prohibiting parking in your front or side yard. Other cities have successfully implemented this nuisance abatement, and hopefully we can too. If you have questions about these, or any other, issues please let us know. Keep in Touch!
Russell Bedsole, Ward 5
Does time pass by more quickly the older you are? Or is it that time flies when you are having fun? Whichever, or whatever it is, I cannot believe we are beginning a new budget year again. It seems like just yesterday I was sharing, with you, my optimism for an exciting year in our city and how confident I was in our city’s financial stability. We still have room for improvement and growth, but the financial life of our city is strong. While I would like to offer another tip of the cap to Mayor Handlon and City Manager, George Henry, a real high “high-five” goes out to all our department heads for diligently managing their respective areas and spending their dollars wisely. Great job to all! Alabaster City Schools recently finalized their very strong budget for the new year. As expected, there is a capital spending plan that includes the construction of a new high school. Let me be one of the first to welcome the construction of their new campus to Ward 5. I believe the new school will be very beneficial to the neighborhood communities that surround this property. Congratulations Alabaster City Schools.
Tommy Ryals, Ward 7
You may, or may not, have noticed a blurb in the August newsletter that mentioned that the dumpsters located at the Public Works building are closed for now. There are several reasons this had to be done. The city had a regulatory audit recently which cited some existing issues and potential for other issues. For example: there are possible environmental issues such as storm water runoff or illegal materials being placed in the dumpsters that we may not see, such as vehicle batteries. There is the possibility of personal injury to residents, while materials are being off-loaded, or damage to vehicles. The County’s landfill permit requires certain materials to be segregated before landfilling, since they go in separate landfill cells, and because we have a difficult time policing that on a daily basis, we end up re-packing a lot of material. For now, it was decided that we would stick to the curbside pick-up program in which residents are allowed to place MOST materials on their curb (still no car batteries, oil, tires, or contractor waste). This allows the city employees to properly segregate the material into the correct dumpsters as they bring it into their facility. They can also package it correctly to help with storm water issues and screen it for illegal materials. We are considering a limited onsite drop-off program with proper policing of materials but have not settled on anything yet. Even with this change, we are very lucky that Alabaster still has the best curbside program in the county, by far.
cityofalabaster.com 5
h app e n i n g s
6th Annual
Fall Fest at Buck Creek October 25 th • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Noah’s Park Child Care toddlers all ready for fun at this year’s Buck Creek Fall Fest.
Nothing says fall like a festival! At Buck Creek Park on October 25, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., park your car at the new Alabaster Administration Building and be drawn by toe-tapping music filling the crisp air. Or, be whisked away by a hayride from the Buck Creek Park parking lot to a day of fun, shopping and Trick-or-Treating. “The best part of Fall Fest is the people and the atmosphere,” shared Heidi Boackle, founder of the Sanctuary Animal Rescue. “They are some the nicest people and it is fun to get to know the people in the community.” Estimating around 5,000 people enjoying the festivities last year, this year patrons can expect to browse the Alabaster Farmer’s Market and a variety of food vendors, enjoy live music under the pavilion or even watch the kids play in the bounce houses. Patrons can shop for those perfect Christmas gifts or even visit the Sanctuary Animal Rescue to meet a new member of the family. Sanctuary Animal Rescue, founded in 2008, has been a consistent vendor at Fall Fest over the years. What started as two sisters volunteering for the Shelby County Humane Society as young girls, blossomed into a rescue to call their own. “My sister Brittney Hogue and I volunteered since I was ten and volunteered through college,” Boackle shared passionately. “We were always active, helping wherever we were needed. We decided to start 6 cityofalabaster.com
our own – me, Brittney, my best friend Jennifer Boyd and my mother Elaine Beiersdoerfer.”
“The best part of Fall Fest is the people and the atmosphere.” -Heidi Boackle, Founder of the Sanctuary Animal Rescue
Based in Alabaster, the rescue has a core group of people that has been rescuing animals for quite a while. Boackle mentioned that they have a great group of animal fosters since the rescue is not a shelter and there was no way that they could do what they do without their volunteers. At the central location of PetSmart in Alabaster every Saturday, Sanctuary Animal Rescue looks forward to participating in Fall Fest. Even the cats and dogs enjoy the change of scenery. “We like doing things with our community,” she shared about the different mobile events they participate in
throughout the year. “It’s a fun day. It’s a different atmosphere and a different crowd of people than at PetSmart. Our dogs and cats are very social, so when people come by and want to pet them, they get excited.” Fall Fest is even an exciting time for the community. Meeting people, making friends and maybe even extending your family “A lot of times we encourage people to bring their kids so that they can meet the cat or dog,” Boackle said. “If you’re adopting a pet for a playmate, bring the other dog/cat – their choice of playmate may be different than what you would have chosen.” The rescue does on-site adoptions if the new owner has
The entrance to last year's Trick or Treat Trail.
been pre-approved; otherwise, the family has a chance to meet the pet, fill out the paperwork and begin the adoption process. “At Fall Fest, there are more families together and if you’re interested in adopting a pet, you can all meet the animals, interact with the animals,” Boackle continued. “We’ve gotten a lot of adoptions from Fall Fest.” She described how the rescue had received calls from families after Fall Fest. They had gone home, thought it over and made the decision to call the next week to adopt. “Every time we pack the animals up to go to one of our mobile events, we look forward to finding every animal their perfect home,” she added. “You never know what day might be the perfect day for that animal. We have pets coming up on one year and it’s always special when that pet finds its forever home.” This fun, community-driven event does come with its challenges – some of which are uncontrollable and will ensure that your trip is memorable. “The most challenging part of Fall Fest is the weather. None of us do cold weather and if we’re cold, we’re not happy,” she said almost as if she was chilly just thinking about it. “This year we are offering coffee, hot chocolate and donuts from the ‘Heavenly Donut Company’ – a commu-
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nity oriented donut shop in Birmingham. They are donating them for us to trade for donations.” She couldn’t contain her laughter as she reminisced about last year’s multiple trips home just to get a cup of hot chocolate and get warm. “When we show up in the morning, it’s so cute because all of the animals come in sweaters. As soon as it starts to warm up, they shed those clothes,” she said laughingly. “One year it was so cold we had to leave early.” Whether it’s discovering secret passages on “Trick-or-Treat Trail,” meeting a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle on the hayride, dancing to the music with your new best friend, gifting a rare piece of artwork or giving an animal a forever home, you never really know what adventures await you at Fall Fest. For more information on Sanctuary Animal Rescue, email Heidi Boackle Heidi.tbg@gmail.com or leave a detailed message (205)837-4000.
Ghost Stories
Have you ever thought you lived in a haunted house or that there were ghosts haunting your property? Did you ever consider doing anything about it? “The house that I lived in, in Chelsea, was haunted,” stated Kim Johnston, author of Haunted Shelby County, Alabama. “There were some really weird things that happened, right away, when we moved in, and I couldn’t explain it.” Johnston shared her personal encounters, with what she calls the paranormal, during the time she and her family lived in their Chelsea home. Her experiences began with a lot of noise, which she best describes as a party and the sound of children laughing. “At first I thought my kids were up in the middle of the night, and that was unacceptable,” she said laughingly. “When I checked on them, they were sound asleep. I thought that maybe my neighbors were throwing a party, but when I opened the door, all I heard was crickets.” She could still hear the children’s laughter as she tried to go back to sleep. Then it escalated. “They were touching me. I was poked in the side so hard that it woke me from a sleep. I jumped awake,” Johnston said as she pointed to where the touch was, on her side. “At first I thought it was my kids needing me, but there was no one there.” Naturally skeptical, she tried to brush it off and explain it away until one night her youngest daughter came down stairs and said, “Mom, will you please tell that man that’s standing in my doorway to stop talking? I’m trying to sleep!”
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Author Kim Johnston posing with her book “Haunted Shelby County Alabama”
After dealing with the initial fear, curiosity took over. Johnston researched the history of where she lived and discovered that although her house was fairly new, it was situated near a cemetery where many children had been buried, which could explain the experiences that she was having. “My oldest son was having headaches, frequently, and I thought this was something medical going on with him,” she said about the scary time in her life. “When we got to the doctor, I was fully prepared to tell her about the headaches and his medical history, when he says, ‘I’m hearing voices in
“Even if you are skeptic and don’t believe in ghosts and ghost stories, you’d be interested in some of the history that I’ve uncovered that a lot of people have forgotten or don’t know about Shelby County.” -Kim Johnston
my head.’” The doctor did a complete mental health evaluation on the 8-year-old at the time and concluded that he was fine, easing the distressed mom’s mind. “When that happened, it made it real for me,” she said, finally resolving her skepticisms. “He was the one being affected by the activity in the house the most, and I wasn’t aware of it because he wouldn’t tell me. He didn’t want me to think he was crazy.” Johnston sought out others who were investigating para-
normal activity and further continued her research. After the amount of time she spent in paranormal investigation training, she was prepared to start her own paranormal research group called SCARE of Alabama– Spirit Communications and Research. “After going through those experiences, I decided I would branch out and start to help other families that were going through the same thing,” Johnston continued. “A lot of times, help is just someone validating that you’re not crazy, that there really is something going on.” With a psychically gifted, intuitive medium on the team, the group uses history and various devices for its investigations. “Even if you are skeptic and don’t believe in ghosts and ghost stories, you’d be interested in some of the history that I’ve uncovered that a lot of people have forgotten or don’t know about Shelby County,” she concluded. Kim Johnston will be at the Albert L. Scott Library on October 23rd at 6 p.m. to discuss her novel Haunted Shelby County, Alabama. For more information, visit: www.scareofal.com
Womens Self Defense
Women don’t typically walk around looking for trouble, but that never stops the unthinkable from happening. So taking other precautions in this society is needful and could one day save a life. “It’s like carrying a firearm as a police officer - we hope to never have to use it,” shared MVES School Resource
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SRO Jamison Lee (Left) SRO John Kessler (Right)
“It’s like carrying a firearm as a police officer - we hope to never have to use it.” Jamison Lee MVES School Resource Officer Officer, Jamison Lee. “With Rape Aggression Defense, or RAD, we take you through the course, but hope that you never have to use it.” SRO Jamison Lee and SRO John Kessler were selected by the Alabaster Police Department to attend a training that teaches women how to be more aware, how to avoid risk, and how to put strategies into play that will help in a variety of different situations. “As humans, everybody gets complacent,” continued Lee. “This is bringing everything back into perspective.” They have trained nearly 200 women in 13 classes thus far, and Kessler and Lee teach participants a variety of options
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that could help victims survive an attack. The purpose of the class is to build confidence in women that would benefit them in a high-stress situation and to give them options that will work no matter the size of the adversary. “One of the biggest obstacles we’ve faced while teaching this class is women who feel like they don’t need it. They’re too busy or have too many things going on,” said SRO Kessler. “They have pepper spray. And that’s good, but have you tested it, have you used it?” This 9-hour, free course is broken down in a convenient way that is most beneficial to the participants. With a lifetime practice policy, women, ages 13 and up, are encouraged to take this course, and refresher courses, to keep the concepts and techniques fluid. “The greatest trainings we’ve seen have been the mother-daughter duos because a mom wanting to protect her kid is putting all of her strength and energy into her. She’s not making it easy on her,” Lee said triumphantly. “Every single time, the child has been able to get the mother off using RAD moves.” Kessler added, “And the kid is laughing at how easily she can get her off while they’re doing it.” “We appreciate the city and police department for allowing us to do this,” concluded Lee. “The citizens that come in have been really happy this is where tax payers’ dollars were going. It’s something they like, something that’s beneficial, and something they want to see continue.” RAD will be offered at the Albert L. Scott Library in November. To sign up, contact the library directly. For more information, visit: www.selfdefense-mind-body-spirit.com
A Gown to Remember
Losing a loved one is always devastating, especially when it’s a child that hasn’t even begun to truly live. Mika and her husband, Matt Shelfer, experienced this, and it turned their world upside down. “We didn’t expect Layah to die since our oldest son, Tobi, was also a micro preemie in the RNICU (Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for 108 days and has been through 13 surgeries and in and out of the hospital for the first four years,” shared Mika. “So when Layah came along, five years later, we didn’t think she would die.” Shelfer described how she and her husband found themselves back in the RNICU, with Layah, expecting her to pull through. When she passed away, the family was in shock – torn with grief and agony. “The last mem-
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Mika Shelfer, volunteer with Footprints Ministry and founder of Memory Gowns.
ory I have of her was the gown she wore when she died,” Shelfer continued. “It wasn’t all of the tubes and bandages, it was what she was dressed in and the time that I had with her. That’s the last thing I remember of her.” Shelfer approached the director of Footprints Ministry – the charity for which she volunteers, that makes care packages for families that currently have babies in RNICU – with an idea to address the bereavement of parents in the RNICU at UAB. From this, Memory Gowns came to fruition. The volunteers convert donated wedding dresses into
“The memory that most of these families will have is going to be painful, but they’re going to remember that child, in that gown, for the rest of their lives.” -Mika Shelfer
tiny gowns for the micro preemies. “I believe that weddings are so full of happiness and joy, and when you choose that gown, you’re looking for something so perfect that you just know it when you know it,” explained Shelfer. “Despite what happens in the marriage, that day, in that dress, is full of memory.” She explained how many of the women who have donated their wedding dresses used their donation as a tool of healing, while others donate as a measure of good will. Whether she just wanted to help the cause, or her marriage took a negative turn, the gown that she donates is handled with care as it completes the circle of life. “The memory that most of these families will have is going to be painful, but they’re going to remember that child,
in that gown, for the rest of their lives,” continued Shelfer, still reminded about Layah. “And we wanted to give them something so they can start healing again.” Under the umbrella of Footprints Ministry, LAYAH’s Ministry (Loving the hurt, Assuring one another, Yearning for Christ, and Awaiting Heaven) meets each Sunday at 2 p.m. at Michael’s in Hoover. Each family that is coping with a RNICU loss receives a Memory Box that contains the Memory Gown, a Footprints logo sticker, a prayer request card, and a necklace for the mother with Psalm 34:18 inscribed. “Having gone through the tragedy that we’ve gone
through, we know that it was not in vain,” concluded Shelfer, as she expressed how there are typically an average of 12 losses each month. “We know it’s to reach others who are going through this.” LAYAH’s Ministry will be having a Bowl-a-thon at Oak Mountain Lanes on November 1st to raise money for Footprints Ministry, and there will be a dress drive in December. To donate or learn more, contact Mika Shelfer 205-9363530 or mikashelfer@inbox.com
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Hope for the Hopeless
Dena Bedsole is a busy woman. She is mother to two young children, the spouse of a Shelby County deputy, and a successful practicing nurse anesthetist. It is remarkable that she has the time to invest in anything else. And that investment: ending the hopelessness of pancreatic cancer. “If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you are immediately without hope,” she soberly shared. The facts back her statement up: 73% of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die within one year of diagnosis, and the five year survival rate is 6%. Her passion to reverse this trend flows out of her own mournful experience. “The reason I got involved is my dad,” Bedsole shared. He died of pancreatic cancer three years ago. This year she is organizing a CrossFit centered fund raiser called Purple Soldier. The event takes place on November 1st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CrossFit Sky Soldiers, on Hwy 11 in Alabaster. “We are doing a Crazy Eddie WOD, a CrossFit centered work out, from 10-12 p.m. You can sign up for your workout slot online. This will be followed by lunch from 12-1 p.m. The afternoon is filled with an Olympic lifting showcase competition,” said Bedsole. For the children, there is a kids’ WOD at 11:45 a.m.
“If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you are immediately without hope.” Dena Bedsole Bedsole has also included those who are athletically challenged. “Even if you are not into CrossFit, we will have vendor booths set up, a silent auction, a dunking booth, and great items to bid on, such as cakes from Joe’s Italian, sports apparel, a spa treatment, a Bass Master’s basket with a fishing pole, and a Botox treatment, ” she excitedly revealed. Her goal for this event is to raise $10,000, which will go directly into the research that breathes hope into the hopeless. “If you are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you are immediately without hope,” she solemnly reiterated. 12 cityofalabaster.com
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Happ e n i n g s
“You know you are going to die. I think that hope- the amount of hope you have- and surviving the cancer has everything to do with how you respond to treatment. When you look at the stats, you immediately say ‘I am going to die,’ so you give up.” It is her goal that no one with pancreatic cancer ever has to give up. So with a smile and a drive, she pushes forward to birth hope. For more information about Purple Solider visit, www.goo.gl/HgvNYY (link is case sensitive). Some samples of the Angel Art created by Project SEARCH Shelby County participants.
Angel Art
Teamwork makes the dream work! Finding a job is a difficult feat. It can be especially challenging if you have a special need that makes you a unique candidate in the job market. Project SEARCH Shelby County has been striving to get employment for high school graduates with special needs for a few years now. Last year, they began the project Angel Art to teach the interns teamwork, basic business skills, and to raise funds. “We partnered with Thomas Findlay – Thomas Andrew Art, and he developed 18 different angels that he brought to Project SEARCH,” said Kim Bryant, the primary Job Coach with Project SEARCH. “Our interns take
“ It’s not just what you do at work. It’s not just what we teach in the classroom that makes the person who they are.” -Kimberly Kielbasa
them and apply them to painted wooden boards.” The interns form an assembly line, where they name each of the angels, place an informational sticker and hanger on the back of each product, sign their names to the back, and place the finished product into a cellophane bag. The angels are then distributed to retailers and whoever may have placed the order. 14 cityofalabaster.com
“It’s a great program for our interns to learn teamwork and how to produce a product. They may not produce the angels, but they have to produce the finished product,” Bryant shared with a delightful laugh. “Seeing their faces when they have that finished product and somebody comes in and says, ‘Wow, we want to buy that,’ is rewarding. [It’s also rewarding] just knowing that they did that all on their own, they produced it and it’s something they can call their own.” “When we were in Nebraska for our Project Search National Convention, we took our Angel Art with us, and for every state that bought one, we took a picture with that person and then put it on our Facebook page. Our interns from last year, that started this program, got to follow where their angels were going.” Give us an opportunity. Give our interns a chance to show what they can do,” shared Bryant, after she and Kimberly Kielbasa received a call scheduling an interview for Tom with some of the students. one of the interns. “If Shelby Baptist Medical Center can put them in their hospital, and entrust them to do three 10-week internship rotations in the O.R., why not give them a chance.” “Angel Art brings awareness to the program because most people don’t know what Project SEARCH is until they’ve seen the angels,” shared Kielbasa. “It teaches the students how to form a business and work together in a partnership.
It gives them ownership, a sense of accomplishment, and raises funds for the programs to do extra things for the students.” “It’s not just what you do at work. It’s not just what we teach in the classroom that makes the person who they are,” concluded Kielbasa. “It’s what you do for others.” To purchase Angel Art, or to learn more about Project SEARCH contact Kimberly Bryant: (205) 620-8627 kbryant@thearcofshelbycounty.org or Kimberly Kielbasa (205) 515-1180 kkielbasa@thearcofshelbycounty.org.
Alabaster Water Board
The Alabaster Water Board is looking to modernize its services. The board is currently in the process of installing 1,000 automatic meters, per year, to replace the existing manual read meters - about 9,000 of which are still in use. Laura Koon, Water Board Director, shared that the advantage to updated equipment is that updated equipment will lead to better customer service. “Better meter accuracy leads to better information, which leads to better customer service,” she said. The old meters only tracked how much water moved past them. With the new automatic meters, Koon’s team will be able to view much more detailed data. “If you notice a high usage we can see if there was a cause, and we can see when
it started,” she said. She further explained, “Let’s say we then see that on a certain Saturday you had a very high usage; it might jog your memory that you left the hose on, or you filled up a pool or [engaged in] some other high usage. With this accurate information we will be able to provide better customer service.” The Water Board is working with the City of Alabaster on the joint Reduced Utility Rate program. This program allows citizens, who meet the requirements, to receive a $10 reduction in the minimum sewer bill, a $5 reduction in the minimum water bill, and to be exempt from paying for garbage service, effective with bills sent between January 2015 and December 2015. “This program was created with our fixed income citizens in mind,” said Koon. The Water Board is also working on relocating water lines for the widening of 119 and Thompson Road. The large water storage tank off of County Road 68 and the booster pump at that location were recently renovated. For more information, or to register for the reduced rate program, call 663-6155, Ext. 15 or visit www.alabasterwater.com
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Ca l e n d a r
Community October
1 Court Trials, 9 a.m. 6 Council, 7 p.m. 7 Water Board, 7 p.m. 8 Court Plea Dockets, 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. 13 School Board, 2 p.m. 14 Housing & Abatement, 5 p.m. Municipal Annex 20 Council, 7 p.m. 22 Court Plea Dockets, 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. 27 Board of Zoning Adjustments, 6:30 p.m. 28 Planning & Zoning, 7 p.m. Municipal Annex All meetings are held at 1953 Municipal Way in the Council Chamber View full calendar, agendas and resolutions at www.cityofalabaster.com
Recycling Collection Schedule Red -October 5th-11th, 19th-25th Blue - October 1st-4th, 12th-18th, 26th-31st
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. Flu Shots October 7, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Provided by Rite Aid. No charge for the following insurances: (bring your insurance card) Medicare, Tri Care, and most Part B plans. Cost for flu shots if you do not have insurance is $29.99. Sign up today at the Senior Center. Drumming Program Tuesday, October 7, 10:00 a.m. No experience necessary; but, the benefits are endless. The benefits of drumming: improve your mood, increase circulation, and improve focus, low impact exercise and creativity. No charge for this program. Halloween Craft Monday, October 20, 9:30 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Cost is $5/person and you must sign up ahead of time. Space is limited. Quail Hollow Farms Trip Tuesday, October 21 We will visit Coach Pat Dye’s Japanese Maple Gardens 16 cityofalabaster.com
in Auburn. Cost is $25/person and includes transportation, a home cooked meal in the lodge, and a tour of the Crooked Oaks hunting lodge, guest cottage, nursery, and gift shop. Note: This is a walking tour. Space is limited. Fall Foliage Day Trip Thursday, October 23 We will travel to the Fort Payne/Mentone area to enjoy the magnificent leaf changing splendor of Little River Canyon and Lookout Falls. We will enjoy lunch at Wildflower Café; and a short walk around Mentone which offers unique shopping, and the site of the 130 year old Mentone Springs Hotel that burned last March. We will be traveling on a 25 passenger bus, and there is walking on this trip. Cost is $25/person and includes transportation and lunch. Space is limited. NEW Ageless Adventures in Movement In Ageless Adventures in Movement we use movement as a language to explore or express an idea. Let’s explore some issues of aging as we 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. Book Club Monday, October 27, 10:00 a.m. We will meet every 4th Monday to discuss the book and introduce a new book. Sign up at the Senior Center. Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Join our Arthritis exercise class if you are suffering from achy joints, painful bones, or just need a little bit of time to relax and do something good for yourself! Space is limited. $2/ class. Line dancing Thursdays 9:30 a.m. Intermediate class Thursdays 10:30 a.m. Beginner class. No experience necessary. Cost is $2 per class. You won’t want to miss all the other Activities at the Senior Center... Timeless Treasures (singing),–Mondays, 10 a.m. Head to Toe Fitness, Mondays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Mat Stretch Class, Mondays, 2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Rook, Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. Arthritis Foundation Exercise, Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. Zumba Gold I (exercise) Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. Beginner/Inter Line dancing, Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. Beginner Line Dancing, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Bridge, Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. Tempo exercise, Fridays, 10:00 a.m.
library
The Albert L. Scott Library is located at 100 9th Street N.W., Alabaster. Hours of operation are: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - 9 a.m.-7:50 p.m. Wednesday - 10 a.m.-5:50 p.m. Friday - 9 a.m.-5:50 p.m. Saturday - 10 a.m.-4:50 p.m. Sunday - 1-4:50 p.m. If you would like more information concerning programs, please contact the Library at 664-6822. Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library Book and Bake Sale October 3-5 The Fall Book and Bake Sale will be held in the Library Meeting Room. Friday night is the Members’ Preview Sale from 5-7 p.m. If you are not a member, or your membership has expired, you can join for as little as $10. This is your chance for the best selection. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday hours are 1-3 p.m. Sunday is “Fill-A-Bag Day.” You can fill a bag with books for only $5. We provide the bag. This is a great deal, but remember - there have been two sale days previously! Sale prices are as follows: Hardbacks $1.00, Paperbacks (all sizes) $.50, Children’s books (all ages) $.50. A few more hands are always welcome to help make the sale successful. If you would like to help with set up Friday morning, or during the sale, you will be greatly appreciated. If you prefer to support the sale from home, consider donating baked goods – cookies or brownies. When you decide how you want to help, please contact Tonya at 901-9940 or msthoward@yahoo.com Yoga at the Library October 2,9,16 & 23, 10:00 a.m. Continuation of our 8-week session. Join in for health & relaxation on Thursday mornings in the Meeting Room. All levels of fitness welcome. For more information, call 205-664-6822. Of Course I Can: An Informational Workshop on Canning for Beginners Thursday, October 9, 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Want to learn how to do your own preserving at home? Whether it is canning your own green beans, tomatoes, or jams and jellies that you want to learn, this is the class you don’t want to miss. We will cover canning low acid foods (vegetables) in a pressure canner, high acid foods such as jams, jellies, pickles, etc, and we will also discuss freezing fruits and vegetables. Canning equipment will be on display and many handouts and recipes will be available for you to pick up too. The class will be taught by Angela Treadaway – Regional Extension Agent from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System who has taught many classes and workshops in preserving your own foods at home. There is no charge for the class, but if you are interested in attending, please contact the library at 205-664-6822 to sign up.
Masterpiece Book Club Friday, October 10, 2:00 p.m. Join this new daytime book club as we explore the classics of literature. We will discuss Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A true masterwork of storytelling, Dracula has transcended generations, languages, and cultures to become one of the most popular novels ever written. It is a quintessential tale of suspense and horror, boasting one of the most terrifying characters ever born in literature: Count Dracula. Friends of the Library Meeting Monday, October 13, 6:00 p.m. Library Book Group Thursday, October 16, 7:00 p.m. Join us in our discussion of The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. This is the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who make one devastating choice that forever changes two worlds. Program takes place in the Meeting Room. Cake & Culture Sunday, October 19, 2:00 p.m. Join us as Nan Fairley presents Voices from Ghosts: Newspapers Published in Alabama Ghost Towns - Old chimneys, muddy cotton fields, or perhaps the bricks of a long-forgotten home seem to be the only remaining evidence of extinct towns that once thrived across the South. But more concrete evidence for historians, and others, can be found buried in files, archives, and libraries within the pages of newspapers once published in Alabama’s ghost towns. The newspapers provide valuable insights into the daily life of the communities, and printed words of early publishers also speak volumes about the editors and citizens who once fought, yet lost, the battle to keep their communities alive. This lecture is part of the Draughon Seminars in State and Local History, coordinated by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University, and it is funded by the Kelly Mosley Endowment. Program takes place in the Meeting Room. Refreshments will be served. Real Ghost Stories Thursday, October 23, 6:00 p.m. Join local author, Kim Johnston, as she wows us with local ghost stories and other paranormal tales. Copies of Johnston’s book, Haunted Shelby County, Alabama, will be available for purchase. For more information, please call 205-664-6822 What’s That Button Do?: Getting the Most Out of Your Digital Camera November 1, 10:30 a.m. Whether one is trying to take pictures to display on a web site, frame and hang as fine art, or just capture family or vacation memories, today’s digital cameras - Digital Compact or Digital SLR - are packed with capabilities and features that greatly enhance and extend the user’s ability to capture and create images that fill a wide range of needs.
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Adult events continued... The class will consist of one 3 hour session covering: • Camera types and their advantages and disadvantages • Camera standard operational modes • Special features and effects This class is designed for those who have just gotten their first digital camera or for those who have had one for a while but never really felt comfortable shooting in any mode other than full auto - point and shoot. Class size is very limited. Students should bring their cameras and camera manuals. Call or come by the Albert L. Scott Library to sign up. 205-664-6822. Adult Computer Classes Call or come by to sign up. 664-6822. Wednesday, October 1, 10 a.m. Microsoft Excel 2007 Part 1 Wednesday, October 8, 10 a.m. Microsoft Excel 2007 Part 2 Wednesday, October 15, 10 a.m. Computer Basics Job Search Workshops Join us as local expert Fabray Turner leads the following workshops: Monday, October 6, 6:30 p.m. Job Searching Today Monday, October 27, 6:30 p.m. Resume Writing Today
youth Events Fall Fun Outreach Story Time Wednesdays 10:15 a.m.
At area day care centers. Tunes & Tales Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. Tunes & Tales Musical stories is fun for all ages. Children six years old and younger must be with an adult. Meeting Room Toddler Tales Fridays 10:30 a.m. Toddler Tales for toddlers and caregivers. Children must be with an adult. Meeting Room
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Miss Jennie’s Story Time Themes: Rainy Days I Spy, Secret Agent Reading is Fun Harvest Time Things that Go Bump in the Night Teen Read Week (TRW) The theme is “Turn Dreams into Reality @ your library,” and we’re having two fun programs just for kids 11 years old to 18 years old. Tuesday October 14, 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Dreams will turn to nightmares during this sometimes spooky month of October when author and paranormal researcher Kim Johnston presents Haunted Shelby County. Hear about the dark secrets, eerie images, and legends from Calera, Chelsea, Montevallo, and more. Sign up for the snacks and spooky stories. No younger siblings or adults please. Meets in the Meeting Room. Thursday October 16, 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. TRW activities continue with a game, a craft, a snack, and more. Please sign up. No younger siblings or adults please. Meets in the Meeting Room. Lego League Tuesday October 21, 4:00 p.m.- 4:45 p.m. Kids of all ages can play with Legos of all sizes in the Meeting Room. Kids under age 6 must be with an adult. Pete the Cat Book Club Thursday October 23, 4 p.m. Boys and girls 5 years old and older can join in the fun of cool cats, reading, and more during our meeting. Please sign up. Meets in the Meeting Room. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult. American Girls Club Friday October 24, 4 p.m. Girls age 7 years old and older can join in the fun of a costume fashion show. They can dress like a favorite American Girl character, or they can wear another costume. They can come with or without a doll, and the doll can be in costume if they like. If a girl does not want to model, she can come and be in the audience. Sign up for the fun. The runway is in the Meeting Room. Costume Capers Party Thursday Oct. 30, 4:15 p.m. Children may come in costume if they like to enjoy the wonder of comic magician, Russell Davis, and get a treat. The fun is in the Meeting Room. All programs are in the Meeting Room behind the youth department. Children 6 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
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. NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION We now offer a new and improved ONLINE registration for our sports. Please give it a try. It’s available 24 hours a day for your convenience. Go to our website at www.alabasterparks.org for the online link. BASKETBALL Registration: The last day to register is October 3 at the Depot. On-line registration will close at 2 p.m. on October 4. Registration after October 4 will incur a $25 late fee if we have any spots remaining. Cost: $85.00 (10% additional fee for non-residents) Open to: BOYS: Kindergarten through 9th grade. GIRLS: Kindergarten through 6th grade.*IMPORTANT: 9th graders
who turned 15 before September 1, 2014 are not eligible. Kindergartners have to turn 5 before September 1, 2014 to be eligible to play (no exceptions).
BARK IN THE PARK Saturday, October 4, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The 8th annual Bark in the Park will be held at Veterans Park (7305 Hwy. 119, Alabaster) from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. This event is hosted by the City of Alabaster and the Shelby Humane Society. Admission is FREE for a fun filled day that celebrates the bond between people and their dogs. There will be music, food, vendors selling everything from dog bones to t-shirts, children’s activities, dog contests, etc. There will also be adoption booths where you can find adorable pups looking for new homes. Please contact the Shelby Humane Society with any questions at 205-669-3916 or info@shelbyhumane.org. FALL FEST AT BUCK CREEK Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The 6th annual Fall Fest will be held at Buck Creek Trail from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. with FREE admission. This will be a great family outing with live music, inflatables, Trick-or-Treat Trail, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, hay rides, etc. All activities will be located behind the Alabaster Senior Center. Parking will be available at Buck Creek Park with shuttles running to the trail. Vendor applications will be accepted thru 5 PM on October 17. If you are interested in participating, please contact Sharon or Tim at 205664-6840. 15’x15’ booths available for $10. No duplicate business vendors (i.e. Avon, Scentsy Candles, 31 Products, etc.) allowed. All vendors must purchase a City of Alabaster business license through City Hall. Purchase price is $35, cash or check only. If you are exempt, you must contact City Hall at 205-664-6800 so they can verify this information through the State Exemption Records.
FALL SPORTS PROGRAMS Our athletic fields are quite busy with Fall Sports underway. We currently have 1,045 participants in our youth programs which include Football, Cheer, Flag Football, Soccer, Girls’ Softball, Baseball, and Start Smart Soccer. We also have a Fall Adult Softball program. As always, our programs depend on volunteers who selflessly give of their time and experience to work with our youth. We would like to say “Thank You!” to each of you. You may be the one person who makes a difference in the life of a child. PAVILIONS FOR RENT Several of our City Parks offer pavilions for rental use. With warm weather upon us, everyone is ready to visit the local parks for picnics, family reunions, and birthday parties. The best way to make sure your event happens at the location of your choice is to contact Parks & Recreation before the books are filled with reservations. Pavilions are available for use by permit only. There is a $40 rental fee (no checks accepted) and an additional, refundable $40 deposit (cash or check only) which must be paid before your reservation is complete. All open picnic tables (those not under a covering) are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Please see our web site for a complete list of rules. Note: Inflatables and charcoal grills are not allowed in any of the City parks.
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City Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged)
(Unabridged version of minutes and resolutions/ordinances can be found on city webpage at www.cityofalabaster.com)
August 4th , 7:06 p.m. Absent: Tommy Ryals, Sophie Martin Agenda Items *Public Hearing on these items 1. Motion 020 Liquor License Sarabia Enterprises II, LLC – Sol Azteca 2 Council Member Hicks made a motion to approve the requested 020 liquor license. Council Member Walters seconded. Vote: (Voice) Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Resolution 080414 North Alabama Cooperative Purchasing Association Council Member Rakestraw made a motion to approve Resolution 080414. Council Member Hicks seconded. Council Member Walters confirmed with City Manager Henry the proposed cost to join this association to be less than $1500 per fiscal year. Motion Passed Unanimously 3. Resolution 080414-A Agreement Topographic Survey and Corridor Study Council Member Bedsole made a motion to approve Resolution 080414-A. Council Member Rakestraw seconded. Council Member Walters confirmed with City Manager Henry this was approximately $94,000 less than initial projection for this portion of project. Motion Passed Unanimously said meeting adjourned at 7:18 pm.
Monday, August 18th, 7:02 p.m. Absent: Scott Brakefield Mayor Comments Mayor Handlon presented a proclamation for gynecologic cancer awareness month. Mayor Handlon made the following appointments to the Alabaster beautification board. Appointee Place Term Expiring 20 cityofalabaster.com
Donna Morris A 12/01/14 Jamia Alexander-Williams A 12/01/14 Cheryl Hutcheson A 12/01/14 Bobby Price B 12/01/15 Randi Dicus B 12/01/15 Don Botta B 12/01/15 Amanda Pearce C 12/01/16 Marie Jordan C 12/01/16 Christine Carr C 12/01/16 Agenda Items *Public Hearing on these items 1. Resolution 081814 Library board appointment Council Member Walters made a motion to approve Resolution 081814 appointing Bob Fitzgerald to the Albert L Scott library board. Council Member Rakestraw seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Set Public Hearing AHAB Demolition Expenses for 434 6th Ave SE Council Member Ryals made a motion to set for public hearing on September 15th for the Council to consider demolition expenses for 434 6th Ave SE. Council Member Walters seconded. Vote: (Voice) Motion Passed Unanimously
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3. Set Public Hearing AHAB Demolition Expenses for 440 6th Ave SE Council Member Ryals made a motion to set for public hearing on September 15th for the Council to consider demolition expenses for 440 6th Ave SE. Council Member Bedsole seconded Motion Passed Unanimously 4. Set Public Hearing AHAB Demolition Expenses for 454 6th Ave SE Council Member Ryals made a motion to set for public hearing on September 15th for the Council to consider demolition expenses for 454 6th Ave SE. Council Member Hicks seconded Motion Passed Unanimously 5. Resolution 081814-A Election Expenses Council Member Rakestraw made a motion to approve Resolution 081814-A. Council Member Walters seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously 6. Resolution 081814-B 11th Avenue Paving Expenses Council Member Hicks made a motion to approve Resolution 081814-B. Council Member Rakestraw seconded. Motion Passed Unanimously
Audience Comments: Marie Jordan of Greenfield HOA commented about costs for City Fest repairs and suggested Council consider alternate plans to prevent future recurrence of damage. Mike Jzedimir provided an update on his recently completed event “Shine for the Spine” at Veterans Park and thanked the City for its’ continued support. Bobby Price of 118 Willow Point Lane thanked the Council and Mayor for their leadership and noticeable City upgrades. Marilyn Eddings, Exchange Club of Central Alabama, provided literature and information concerning a new civic group called the Exchange Club starting a new chapter in the area. Said meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.
Homework Buddies
When you’re having trouble helping your child with homework, do you: (A) Give up and hope for the best? (B) Nod and say keep up with the good work or? (C) Call a personal tutor? Regardless of the choice you’ve made in the past, it may be a good idea to get your child a homework buddy. “Homework Buddies is a homework mentoring pro-
Lauri Williams, DMD, PC Charles Bordenca, DMD An Alabaster Police Officer helps tutor a student after school as part of the Homework Buddies program at Kids First Awareness Center.
Phone 205.664.2130 Fax 205.664.0287 After Hours 205.941.0631 219 First Street North Alabaster, AL 35007
gram,” started Cindy Hawkins, Executive Director of Kids First Awareness 21st Century Community Learning Center. “It is a way for the community leaders to give back to the kids in the community without over-committing and a way for the kids to always have that connection.” During the length of the school year, students will be partnered with volunteers from around the community. This program offers students a connection with city officials and members of their community where they
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can be assisted with academics and recreational activities. “We have so many assets in our community, and this is a place where they all can help,” said Mayor Marty Handlon. “Chief Rigney saw that they were looking for volunteers and asked me what I thought about the Alabaster Police Department getting involved, and I thought it was an awesome idea.” At an initial meeting between Alabaster Police Department, Chief of Police, Curtis Rigney, and Hawkins quickly realized that they were both trying to reach the same goal – mentoring young students. The program is in need of volunteers, and the APD were looking for a way to give back. “There will be an officer helping with homework everyday throughout the school year,” explained Chief Rigney. “They will still be on-call, so they may get called away, but everyday somebody will be over here trying to help with homework or with anything that we can do.” Just like any other volunteer homework buddy, the officers will check for homework completion, answer any questions that the students may have, and participate in any activities in which the students are involved. “Since we’ve been involved, I’ve heard nothing but positive things from the officers that had been over here helping with homework,” Rigney continued with a smile. “A lot of times when we’re involved, it’s not such a positive situation, so we think it’s wonderful that the kids can interact with the police officers in a situation where we’re helping them and they’re talking to us.” Hawkins looks forward to the new connections that the students will establish with the officers, city officials, and teachers who are volunteering. “I’m hoping for a love snowball and before you know it, our whole community is involved, regardless of our differences,” concluded Hawkins as she smiled with contentment. “The Homework Buddy mentoring program is about building a positive community relationship that will have a long-lasting effect. Love breaks all barriers.” To volunteer, or for more information, contact Cindy Hawkins (205) 706-9467
Two of the younger volunteers helping to spruce up their neighbor’s yard.
helping neighbors. “I went to the Alabaster Community Board on Facebook and said hey, any thoughts on how we can help this guy’s yard?” started Anna Walchli, after noticing her neighbor’s yard had overgrown. “And someone suggested that we just get a group that could volunteer and help the citizens in the City of Alabaster.” Walchli and her kids went and knocked on the door and asked if he would allow them and a few other neighbors come on to the property and help with the yard. “He said, ‘I would love to have the help,’” Walchli continued. “‘I am disabled and I can’t do this myself. It’s overgrown and more than I can handle.’”
Help Thy Neighbor
Ever drive past a yard and think, “YIKES! It’s a jungle out there?” Does your yard have questionably overgrown hedges, or is your grass high enough to hide a small child? What started as a potential complaint about an overgrown yard, blossomed into neighbors
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“...more and more families have contacted the board requesting help for their yards and their neighbors’ yards.” She went back to the board and 10 or 12 others got together just to take care of the neighbor’s yard. Working that Saturday, from 7a.m. to noon, these handy helpers saw a great transformation and created new bonds with people that they might not have, otherwise. “I got to meet neighbors, and it was fun!” Walchli exclaimed, with a contagious smile. She then laughed about those memorable moments. “I’m sure we were covered in about 10 pounds of sweat, but we sang songs and we laughed and we joked. We even upset some wasps and went running and screaming!” Since the Helping Hands Project, more and more families have contacted the board requesting help for their yards and their neighbors’ yards. The successful project brought neighbors together and even helped a family that
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was in need. “I took it very personally when Anna posted the request on the board,” said Cheryl Hutcheson, resident of a different neighborhood,as she recounted a prior experience that did not end well. “Not that I took offence. It struck a chord with me. I asked, ‘Do we know why they let the yard go?’” Hutcheson shared how her son’s friend’s father had lost a battle to cancer, and the yard had become the responsibility of the mother. The mother had to take on all of the responsibilities – working, taking care of their severely autistic son, and putting her other two kids through school. “Nobody in the neighborhood came and knocked on the door and asked if anything was wrong,” said Hutcheson as she fought back her tears. “They just turned her in to the city. Don’t just assume that somebody doesn’t care. Find out why it’s been let go first. That’s the neighborly thing to do.”
Beautification Board
It takes a whole community to keep the City of Alabaster arrayed in beauty. That attention to detail is best delegated to those who go above and beyond to make this city truly shine – City of Alabaster’s Beautification Board. “Our family recently endured tragedy and great hardship - losing a child in 2013. Though we grieved, I also felt love and gratitude for the people in my city; their support and loving-kindness was overwhelming,” shared Christine Carr, the board’s newly elected Chairperson. “Naturally, I wanted to give back. I think the people of Alabaster are beautiful… our community should reflect that.” Don Botta, Randi Dicus, Marie Jordan, Donna Morris, Bobby Price, Jamia Alexander-Williams (secretary), Cheryl Hutcheson (Co-Vice Chairperson) and Amanda Pearce (Co-Vice Chairperson) shared Carr’s passion for enhancing the City of Alabaster. Coming from various backgrounds, these nine united to put a refreshing spin on the beautification of the city. “We hope to accomplish three things,” shared Carr about the rejuvenated board. “A thriving ‘neighbor helping neighbor’ program, an enthusiastic and tangibly rewarding program that celebrates well-maintained homes and businesses, and volunteer programs that help beautify the visible areas of our city that desire immediate improvements.” The Neighbor Helping Neighbor Program is designed for community members to volunteer and be
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Members of the newly appointed Beautification Board.
a part of beautifying Alabaster. Citizens can look forward to being celebrated for their gorgeous landscaping, and they can even have a hand in enhancing the neighbor’s yard. “I am passionate about seeing the helping aspect of this new board come to fruition,” continued Hutcheson, echoing the sentiments of many board members. “We all benefit by a more beautiful Alabaster, but we also benefit by a connection with our neighbors.” The Beautification Board is striving for more than to just make the city look good. They are connecting neighbors and establishing new, long-lasting relationships. “The positive impact it could have on our city and our citizens is
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what makes this board worthwhile,” added Pearce. “It’s an opportunity to contribute to our beautiful city and to help keep it beautiful today, and in the future, for our children.” The board has taken on the task of determining the key public areas that can benefit the most from increased visual appeal. It is even highlighting traditions that may have been forgotten or have been underutilized. “We are asking residents to please submit to us addresses, neighborhoods, and streets which typically decorate for Christmas,” mentioned Hutcheson about the fun, first project for the board. “We want to publish a list for the community of the places families can go to let the children – and children at heart – see lights and displays.” Interested in joining the Beautification Board? Express your interest at:cityofalabaster.com/residents/citizen-involvement-form/.
ships,” shared Thompson. During her 24 years of military service in the U.S. Army, Thompson expanded her passion for physical fitness, receiving her licenses and certifications for personal training and being a group fitness instructor. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in December 2009, and after a series of treatments and surgeries, she medically retired from the military in September of 2013. “When I first retired, I was comforted, but I felt like there was something I should be doing,” she said passionately. “I have all of these credentials that are going to waste. I still have the ability to share knowledge, so I want to make my credentials available to the community.”
Business Spotlight Weatherly Club Drive
Studio Vive
Sometimes working out can seem as undesirable as paying bills – need the electricity, but can do without the price tag. Opening her new dance fitness studio in April, Sandra Thompson put the fun back in Fitness. “I teach class with the focus on fun. With fun being the focus, there’s more energy. [With] more energy, people are mingling and meeting people and creating instant friendSandra Thompson posing in her Survivor shirt inside the main room of Studio Vive.
As a personal trainer and a fitness instructor, Thompson focused her efforts on the community at the local YMCAs and began to establish rapport with her clients. Her story and her style of training inspired others, drawing enough of a demand for her to need to centralize her efforts. “I’m not trying to compete with any other fitness facility; I just wanted to create another avenue for healthy lifestyle choices within the Alabaster community and surrounding areas,” Thompson said as she mentioned that she still works at the Pelham Y. “I am trying to show cohesiveness between the facilities, not create competition.” When she opened the studio in the Weatherly community, she was looking for a warm, welcoming environment for the clients to come to and enjoy their fitness experience. Finding a way to accurately represent the personal, inspirational atmosphere gave birth to the name Studio Vive - “You inspired me, and that gives me the courage to be an inspiration to others.” “I make it a habit of knowing people’s names and remembering them, and I think it’s important. People want to be acknowledged and feel important when they come,” continued Thompson. “This is not a quick fix; you’re
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making a lifestyle change.” Whether the venue is used for tea parties, luncheons, or fun, upbeat work outs disguised as dance parties, Studio Vive ensures that there is something for each member of the family. “I have had clients tell me that it was the 1st time they can came to a class and look forward to coming back,” she concluded appreciatively. “It’s because of the atmosphere and because I’m focusing on fun first.” Studio Vive offers personal training, core strengthening, Zumba, Cardio Kickboxing, Hip Hop, Belly Dance, Circuit Training, and Zumba Gold (designed specifically for senior citizens). Studio Vive is located on Weatherly Club Drive. Visit: www.mystudiovive.com
Citizen Spotlight Gayla Schofield
When children leave the nest in search of new life adventures, it can unintentionally leave the parents feeling a little empty. So when Robert and Michael Schofield left home to start new journeys, Jerry encouraged his wife, Gayla, to find a new adventure of her own. While searching Facebook, she stumbled upon the Homework Buddies program. “You can volunteer as much as you want too or as little as you want too,” Gayla began. “And when I met the sweet kids, I realized they just want some attention, and I’m to the point to where I’m glad to give it.” She had always been involved with her boys as they grew up, so the hands-on environment felt natural. Within a short amount of time she was looking for ways to motivate and encourage the students. “I got a bag of candy, took it into the room, and asked, ‘Who wants to do homework?’ And one person begrudgingly sat down,” continued Schofield, smiling, as she reenacted the scene. “I said, ‘Well, here. Have a piece of candy before you get started.’ [This caused] the other students to go, ‘Does it count if I’m doing my homework?’” When she was growing up, Schofield lived across the street from a park where groups of kids with Cerebral Palsy would come to paint and craft. Although none of the students she volunteers to work with now have any special needs, she still hones in on the joy of assisting young students succeed academically. “Kids need mentors besides their parents,” she continued. “They need people that’ll sit and talk and listen to them. They need somebody else saying, ‘Here’s the reason why you need to do
Gayla Schofield, a volunteer with Homework Buddies, is a great asset to our community. your homework and why it’s important.” Schofield quickly discovered academic diversity while working with the students one-on-one. Some students seemed to be ahead of their time, while others were avoiding homework altogether due to comprehensive challenges. “One of the little boys is having trouble with reading, and he’s a little far behind. You could tell that he didn’t want to do homework because it was something that he was struggling with,” she shared with a determined gleam in her eye. “That’s one of the ones that I want to help the most. Those are the ones that are the most challenging and the ones that
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you want to see come along.” She understands first-hand the value of having a handson mentor and the importance of education, so when the opportunity to presented itself, she did not hesitate to take them under her wing. “The goal is to see people succeed and to know that they’re on their way,” continued Schofield. “I had somebody to encourage me to step out, and I don’t know that I would have done it if it hadn’t been for my mentor. I want to be that person to somebody else. I want to pay it forward.”
Light Up Rotary
The Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club has been around for 44 years. This world-wide civic organization is a blend of professionals who network and who “light up” about helping the community. “One of the greatest things that Rotary is known for now is the almost complete eradication of polio,” began Debbie Parrotts, President of the Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club. “The United States doesn’t talk about it much because it has not been a disease that has been very prevalent in our country for a while; however, in less fortunate countries, polio is still killing children – the number has dramatically decreased.” Rotary International has partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to take action against polio, narrowing the count to only three countries that are still “polio-endemic.” This year’s theme is “Light Up Rotary.” Alabaster-Pelham Rotarians are striving to impact the community in a bright way. “We’ve donated a van to the Backpack Buddies Organization,” Parrotts continued excitedly. “We wanted to use the money that we’d raised from last year’s A Southern Christmas Bazaar to truly impact the community.” The Rotary club heard about how Backpack Buddies was in search of a way to distribute backpacks that are designed to fight childhood hunger, and the club determined that was the right fit for the funds. “When I got to make the phone call that we had the van, they were so excited that I was sitting in my office crying from all of the excitement!” she expressed happily. “It was very emotional for me to know that some little kid will get a backpack that’s being carted
Debbie Parrotts is a proud Rotarian. around in the van that we made happen.” The Rotary Club meets every Thursday at 12 p.m. at the hospital where they discuss business and hear from guest speakers about a variety of topics. “It’s a good way for younger people to learn good leadership skills. It’s a good way for anyone to have an opportunity to interact with their peers that is separate from work and church,” she said, as her contagious and inviting smile warmed the room. “It’s a networking group, it’s a civic organization, it’s a way to give back, and it’s a really good way to find a really good friend.”
“ We wanted to use the money that we’d raised from last year’s A Southern Christmas Bazaar to truly impact the community.” -Debbie Parrotts,
President of the Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club
On October 2, the special guest speaker is Mr. Hatton Smith, the former President of the Birmingham Rotary Club – the largest Rotary Club in the world. “He spoke at our district conference in May, and I am still energized by what he had to say,” concluded Parrotts. “He’s just an incredible leader, and it must be remarkable to work with him.” November 1st and 2nd is A Southern Christmas Bazaar cityofalabaster.com 27
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where local craftspeople and artisans will set up miniature stores for shoppers looking for that special holiday touch. It is held at the Pelham Civic Center.
A Fire Truck Named Cindy
You see the lights flashing. You hear the sirens blaring. You take note because there’s a good chance a bright red or yellow fire truck is coming through to extinguish a fire. What if the fire truck was pink? “Years ago a firefighter got the idea of taking an old fire truck and spray painting it pink,” started Steve Pegues, President of Professional Firefighters of Alabama. “They painted it pink and named it Cindy. Pink is the color of women. It’s a good way to honor women. They usually are the ones taking care of us.” During the month of October, Firefighters across the country drive pink fire trucks to fundraise for cancer research. The volunteers, called the Guardians of the Ribbon, wear pink uniforms and drive Cindy – the pink fire truck named after a Lieutenant firefighter who lost her life to cancer – on the Pink Heals Movement Tour. “Cancer touches firefighters in one way or another – family, friends, etc.,” continued Pegues. “What we do is a good way for firefighters to interact with the families in a positive way.” Cindy makes several stops throughout Alabama, on tour. On October 6th, she will be posted in the Ross/Dollar Tree parking lot in Alabaster, from 8 a.m. to noon, for survivors and loved ones to sign her and to fundraise for research for all cancers. There are between 10,000 and 15,000 names that have been immortalized on Cindy. Making the conscious decision to never wash her, the names that have begun to disappear are not considered faded, but “absorbed into the soul of Cindy.” Working with the local fire department, Cindy will make surprise visits to cancer survivors along the way, giving the women a teddy bear, a pink rose, and personally escorting them to sign the truck. “Once you get involved and see the impact in just that 20 minute visit – the smile on her face and the family’s faces – why not get involved?” Pegues added appreciatively. “It’s a tough day to get through when you understand what these people went through, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” The Guardians of the Ribbon does not focus on one cancer alone. The volunteers help fundraise for cancer, period.
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Some of the Firemen showing off in front of Cindy.
“Our 4142 local fire department will be selling t-shirts, and one hundred percent of the profit will be donated to cancer research,” added Jason Humphries, President of the Local 4142. “If you know of anybody who has been touched by cancer, or if you’re a cancer survivor, we want to give back.” Humphries looks forward to the opportunity to honor those women who have been devastated by cancer – those who fight, those who have fought, and those fighting with
“ Once you get involved and see the impact in just that 20 minute visit - the smile on her face and the family’s faces - why not get involved?” ” -Steve Pegues
President of Professional Firefighters of Alabama
the survivors. “I look forward to being able to give back to this community. I’m hoping for a great turn out,” Humphries stated as he expressed his excitement about what the day will hold and his appreciation for the people working with him to make it happen. “Vice President Thomas Lamb and Secretary/Treasurer Eric Boozer and all of the local 4142 brothers made this happen. This is our union and we are excited about this.”
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Third generation fireman Nick Massey is proud to be joining his home town fire service after his recent Badge Pinning Ceremony. He is a third generation firemen. His wife and family was in attendance to congratulate him on his achievement.
United Way Kickoff
The City of Alabaster hosted the annual Shelby County Kickoff for the United Way campaign. County Commissioner Mike Vest was the keynote speak. He shared how United Way organizations helped him overcome living in a single parent home and helping his father and brother fight homelessness and addiction. The goal for Shelby County is 2.7 Million dollars. All funds raised in Shelby County stay in the county to support the more then two dozen United Way organizations.
newly promoted firemen
August Fire Fighter Appreciation month
Chase Laney recently joined the ranks of the Alabaster Fire Department. His family and wife were in attendance to celebrate with him during his Badge Pinning Ceremony. He is proud of being part of such a wonderful fire department and looks forwards to serving the community.
Fire Chief Golden receives a proclamation from Mayor Handlon declaring August Fire Fighter Appreciation month. The proclamation was sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in appreciation for the Fire Department’s dedication to the annual Fill the Boot campaign to support MDA programs.
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The basketball program at the Birmingham YMCA emphasizes teamwork with the goal of providing a fun and rewarding youth basketball experience. Parents are volunteer coaches and lead by example by teaching the fundamentals of basketball in order to build self confidence on and off the court. Everyone gets an opportunity to play, grow, develop and have fun! Registration Deadline November 1 Cost $85 YMCA Members $125 General Public
Winter Basketball 2014-15 Alabaster YMCA 117 Plaza Circle Alabaster, AL 35007
663-7240 ymcabham.org/alabaster
Contact Chris Honeycutt at 663-7240 or choneycutt@ymcabham.org. MISSION To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. VISION We will lead our community to become the healthiest in America. A United Way Partner.
City of Alabaster 1953 Municipal Way Alabaster, AL 35007 www.cityofalabaster.com 664-6800
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid PERMIT 48 ALABASTER, AL
Marty Handlon, Mayor 664-6800 | handlon@cityofalabaster.com City Council
Sophie Martin, Ward 1 358-8742 | martin@cityofalabaster.com Bob Hicks, Ward 2 663-1801 | hicks@cityofalabaster.com Stacy Rakestraw, Ward 3 529-3326 | rakestraw@cityofalabaster.com Rick Walters, Ward 4 281-7394 | walters@cityofalabaster.com
Russell Bedsole, Ward 5 205-229-6021 | bedsole@cityofalabaster.com Scott Brakefield, President, Ward 6 685-0302 | brakefield@cityofalabaster.com Tommy Ryals, Ward 7 664-1301 | ryals@cityofalabaster.com
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