Alabaster Connection December 2014

The Official Publication of the City of Alabaster

Alabaster Connection

December 2014

Annual Alabaster

Christmas Parade December 6th - 10 a.m.

Inside this issue...

Santa Stop Schedule pg 9 Christmas Market pg 10

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From the Mayor’s Desk...

Tis the Season! Ready or Not! My annual resolution had always been “next year I will do a better job planning and executing,” so I can really take in all the moments leading up to Christmas and truly celebrate the reason for the season—the birth of Jesus. However, life experiences and age old wisdom has allowed me to let go of the nonessential tasks, and focus more on the memory making traditions, which have a lasting impact on the lives of loved ones. It’s those traditions we remember fondly reflecting on our youthful holiday celebrations. May each and every one experience many Christmas blessings as you enjoy traditions Marty Handlon with your family and friends this Season.

Mayor, City of Alabaster There continue to be many meetings on economic development, and companies are looking at Alabaster for their expansion. We will soon be able to announce more new businesses locating in our corporate parks, with new jobs for our area, as well as new retail & restaurants. Construction should begin very soon on the Holiday Inn Express, with meeting rooms, next door to the Candlewood Suites. Everything we hear is very positive, but ground breaking activity depends on economic factors and timing.

Due to some of the comments I’ve received about recent developments, I want to share some additional information. When a new business opens in our city, it does not always mean the city leadership was involved in the recruitment of that business, even the big box retailers; nor, does it always mean incentives were requested or provided. There is a plethora of private property available for development within our city limits and, as the economy continues to recover, we are sure to see more development. This is one reason why we felt it was important to update the city’s ten year old Comprehensive Plan. Private property developments will continue to occur as long as they meet zoning and other applicable code requirements. Along with others, I believe these private property transactions show confidence in the economic strength of our city and the diversity of our community.

I want to congratulate Alabaster Fire Department’s Lt Glenn Austin and Alabaster Police Department’s Detective Tommy Stewart for being honored at the Greater Shelby County Chamber’s 2014 Safety Awards Luncheon. Both of these professionals were recognized for their outstanding contribution to their profession and our community. We are proud to have them on our team. I also want to thank the Chamber for hosting an event each year recognizing the excellent service provided by Shelby County’s Public Safety departments. Our Public Safety departments are a vital part of our community, and the quality of life we all enjoy.

In case you have noticed a few gruffy looking police officers, the normal clean cut appearances will return December 1st. APD raised funds and awareness for the Wings of Hope Pediatric Foundation, through a No Shave November fundraiser and challenge for other law enforcement agencies. The Wings of Hope Pediatric Foundation provides families of terminally ill children with emotional support, meals, house cleaning, and when necessary, financial assistance in paying bills. The Foundation, organized and operated by volunteers, relieves families of day-to-day menial tasks so they can spend more time making memories.

As we shop and fellowship over the next few weeks, may you be filled with the joy, peace, and love of Christ!

Merry Christmas!

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

cityofalabaster.com 3

CO u n c i l C o m m e n t s

Scott Brakefield, Ward 6 City Council President

Greetings, Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas!

I hope that each of you is looking forward to spending time with family this Holiday Season. I am sure you have read my comments over the past few years, and you may think it is cliché’ when I talk about Shopping Alabaster first. I sure did prior to being elected to the City Council in 2008. It is amazing how much we rely on sales and use tax. Not only the City for its budget, but also Alabaster City Schools. So please give careful consideration to keeping your dollars in Alabaster when doing all your Holiday shopping. It sure helps when it comes time for infrastructure improvements, buying a fire truck, buying police cars, etc. The last thing I want to touch on is an ordinance in front of the City Council that would restrict parking vehicles in front or side yards. This issue impacts certain areas of the city more than others. This has been discussed, debated, and kicked around for close to 8 years. We have utilized ordinances from other municipalities to construct the one that will be considered in December. We will have a Public Hearing on this ordinance at our December 8th council meeting. I encourage you to attend and share your thoughts/feelings. The Council actually enjoys having citizens attend meetings. Our average attendance in 2014 has probably been around 6 people per meeting. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I know I am looking forward to my time with my family.

Sophie Martin, Ward 1

Final construction stages are taking place for the Aldi Supermarket located in Ward 1, at the corner of Highways 11 and 119.

If you are traveling in or around this area, please use caution when driving and be aware that road work is still taking place.

Officials say construction will be complete, and Aldi will be scheduled to open for business, before the end of this year.

Several more structures along Highway 11 were recently recommended, by the Abatement Board, for demolition. A public hearing is scheduled to take place which will then be followed by a recommendation and vote from the City Council to have these structures demolished This will be a noticeable enhancement and will have a positive impact on residents’ safety.

Shelby County recently honored first responders at the 2014 Safety Awards program. Congratulations to Alabaster Police Detective Tommy Stewart, who was recently named Police Officer of the Year, and to Glenn Austin, who was recognized for Firefighter of the Year.

4 cityofalabaster.com

We are deeply proud of both of them, and we are honored to have them represent the City of Alabaster.

Many people right here in Alabaster are in need this Christmas season. If you would like to make someone’s Christmas a little brighter, please call me at 358-8742 or email me at martin@cityofalabaster.com.

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a meaningful holiday season.

Blessings, Sophie

Bob Hicks, Ward 2

When this article is printed, we will be within a month or so of 2014’s end. It has been a very positive year for Alabaster, with more growth than anticipated, both commercially and residentially. Revenues have been up above expected levels and, as usual, the city department heads have been excellent stewards of municipal funds in staying under budget with expenditures. The school system is now fully engaged and flourishing - also coming in under budget and ahead on revenues. It will be a fantastic holiday season this year for our little corner of conservative heaven. I would only ask that you take a second to reach out to those who have not had as good a year as you possibly did by donating money, time, or talent to groups such as Manna Ministries, Salvation Army, the Jimmie Hale Mission, Safehouse, and other organizations working diligently to do the work of the Kingdom.

Everyone deserves a happy holiday....

Please remember to mark your calendar for the first Saturday in December for the city’s annual Christmas parade. It never fails to bring out the best in folks when they gather with neighbors to celebrate Christmas with themed floats, TONS of candy (literally), and the Christmas spirit we need to make a year-round mood. The Hicks family will look forward to seeing your family there!!!!

Finally, I want to share a personal perspective on Christmas. As the youngest of four, Christmas was always a gift-covered jubilee at the end of the year to which I looked forward, like most children. As I got older, the true meaning of this special day eventually replaced the zest for toys with a better awareness of The Truth. As the importance of the first six letters sank in, I realized there is one Gift that will never be equaled, regardless of the money spent or creativity displayed. Thanks be to God for the gift of His son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate during this “most wonderful time of the year.” Merry Christmas, and God’s blessings on you and yours in the upcoming year. Grace and peace, Bob

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Stacy Rakestraw, Ward 3

December is an exciting month, especially for children. The month starts off with our city’s annual Christmas Parade, on December 6. Be sure to bundle up and get there early.

Schools and churches in Alabaster will be having Christmas programs throughout the month, if you are looking for holiday events and musicals to attend. I have never been to “Scrooge” at Kingwood Church, but I hear it is really great and hope to attend this year!

The Police Department will soon begin upgrades in the former city hall building for much needed additional space. It is really amazing how our dispatch works in such a small area.

Thank you all for your patience and hard work! Also, as I write this, “No Shave November” is going on throughout our APD to raise money for Wings of Hope Pediatric Foundation! It is a great cause to donate to any time of year.

If you are aware of a family or children in need this Christmas season, please feel free to email me their information. Also, remember to check on your elderly neighbors as the colder weather is starting to settle in.

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! For unto you is born a Savior, which is Christ the Lord…And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” Luke 2

Rick Walters, Ward 4

Saturday, December 6, is our Annual Christmas Parade. The theme is “The Gift of Christmas,” and we expect it to be as big as ever. Without a doubt, it is the largest in the state, and if you are not in it, you certainly do not want to miss it. Once again Kirkland Wrecker is providing a flatbed trailer and allowing Todd Edwards to pull your elected officials in the parade. We appreciate their donation of time and equipment, and we are soooo looking forward to throwing some candy! Hopefully the weather will be good, and I hope to see you there.

This year turned out to be just about everything we had hoped for. As the economy continues to gradually improve, we expect continued activity in new home and business construction.

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Panda Express, and the traffic signal at Hwy 119 & CR 80 all add to our quality of life today.

The purchase of the property just south of JC Penny, and hotel development on Alabaster Boulevard, will provide employment and opportunity for the future. Add all this to the success of our Alabaster City School System, it is no surprise that Alabaster continues to grow and prosper.

Another positive aspect of our city is the overwhelming sense of community. Every month there are people who get together to help one another through fundraising, or just raising awareness, for those who cannot help themselves. There are too many to name in this article, but their effectiveness is evident when something as simple as a color can evoke an emotion and bring action for a cause. This spirit of community makes me proud to be one of your elected officials, and if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. Have a safe and Merry Christmas – Keep in Touch!

Russell Bedsole, Ward 5

Greetings again, Merry Christmas, and the happiest of holiday seasons to you and your family. As we all prepare to end another year, I hope 2014 was one filled with accomplished goals, inspired stories, enriched lives, and overall good cheer. May 2015 be better than the rest!

As many of you have heard, there is a proposed ordinance before the city council that, if passed, would require you to park your vehicles in your driveway only or on an “improved surface” as defined within the ordinance. The public hearing for the matter will be in a few short days at our December 8th council meeting, and I encourage all to attend to give their voice, whether for or against.

I have deep convictions that stand true to the principle of individual property owner rights. In general, if what you do on your property is not affecting the safety, general welfare or wellbeing of others, then I don’t believe your government should wade in on the matter. When applying my preceding fundamental core belief to this issue, I can’t rationalize this proposed ordinance to be one that compromises anyone’s safety or wellbeing. While I personally find vehicles parked in yards to be unsightly, I do not find it to be your city’s role to pass any restricting law to tell you to move your vehicle from your grass. With the utmost respect to my fellow councilors who will support this ordinance, I cannot and will not be supporting this ordinance as constructed.

As always, I am happy to speak with anyone about this, or any other matters in our city. Give me your feedback, bedsole@cityofalabaster.com.

Tommy Ryals, Ward 7

How about some year-end tidbits: ◆ Fulton Springs Road is set to be extended straight from Old Hwy 31 to Hwy 31. You may have noticed the new RR crossing arms that are already installed. The land on either side of this new road will be developed. This is another step in developing Fulton Springs Road as another primary corridor to I-65 giving some relief to Hwy 119. ◆ The new traffic light at Hwy 80 and Hwy 119 is finally done. The process to get this much needed light has taken some really odd turns over the many years we have worked on it. At one point we thought new development across from Hwy 80 would pay for it. At another point, we thought a quarry may be coming out on 119 there. The city partnered with the county and state to make it happen, and it was needed. Thanks to our City Manager and my fellow council members for recognizing the need and voting to provide our part of the money. ◆ Engineering is taking place right now to widen 119 down to Hwy 80. ◆ If you noticed the new pond and fountain at Veteran’s Park, it actually began as a drainage issue in that area. Please credit City Manager George Henry for being creative and turning a problem into an asset.

I sincerely hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

cityofalabaster.com 5

h app e n i n g s

Annual

Christmas Parade with the THS Marching band Members of the 2014 THS Marching Band.

Nothing says Holiday Season like the Alabaster Christmas Parade. Alabaster citizens line the sides of the street anxiously awaiting the variety of floats that are arrayed with décor for this year’s theme: “The Gift of Christmas.” Those riding the floats beam with excitement as they prepare to shower the community with tasty, cavity-inducing treats.

The festivities cannot begin until the THS Marching Band drum line hits the first “pa rum pum, pum, pum.” When you hear the first cadence echoing in the brisk air, you know the 2014 Alabaster Christmas Parade is about to begin.

“We just enjoy the moment. It’s Christmas and the holiday season,” began Katelyn Thomas, senior and section leader on drum line at THS. “What I love about parades is when I look out in the crowd and they’re all screaming, ‘GO DRUM LINE!’ It’s nice to see somebody enjoying the band as a whole.”

Citizens are often seen dancing to the joyful rhythms or singing along to the melodies the band is playing. “I love when we’re playing the cadence and people are like, ‘DRUM LINE! DRUM LINE!’” chanted Noah Houston, senior and section leader on drum line.

The drum line practiced countless hours to be able to drum for the Christmas Parade. Many students have participated at least one year, but for others, this is their first performance.

“I’m excited about having a fun time with 6 cityofalabaster.com

friends,” shared Bishop Weidenbach. Weidenbach is a freshman auxiliary player (multiple instruments), and this will be his first time to have the Alabaster Christmas Parade experience on the THS Drum Line.

Most Memorable Moments on Drum Line Throughout the years, multiple memorable moments have been inspired by being a part of the THS band. Although Weidenbach is just getting started, Dennis, Jamison, Houston, and Thomas have experienced moments that will be with them for years to come.

“My most memorable experience in this drum line has been the way we show each other we’re family.”

-Attallah Jamison THS Junior

“My freshman year was my older brother’s senior year on drum line,” began Owen Dennis, sophomore. “So just being able to share his last year was fun.”

“My most memorable experience in this drum line has

been the way we show each other we’re family,” shared Jamison. “Last year, our seniors gave us Mighty Beans.

Although many of us have lost them, I still have mine. They gave us one based on our personalities, and that showed how much they cared and how well they knew us.”

“My most memorable moment in my four years was winning that trophy,” shared Thomas, whose goal since the first band camp had then been achieved. “It took me back to my freshman year when I prayed, asking God if I could be on drum line. I knew that I might not because I was a freshman and my skills weren’t there, but I was able to get that challenge to be on drum line my freshman year. And I stayed there until my senior year.” The THS Drum Line competed in this particular competition and won first place.

The young drummers concurred that it was the first flawless execution of a show that they had ever performed. The drum camps and all of the extra practices paid off in the end.

“The most memorable experiences that I’ve had have been the drum camps,” Houston said. “Yeah it’s hard, and when we got a break we hung out, but we were still able to bring it back in and get to work and you can see the fruits of our labor.”

Not every performance is 100 percent flawless. Every now and then there is a mishap that shows up. “At the very end of the Christmas parade last year I played Base 5 and we had just gotten done with the parade. I hadn’t fallen or anything, but there was this big hole and I stepped right in it,” Owen said, laughingly. “My drum fell off and started rolling through the parking lot and I was down on the ground.”

All of the awe-inspiring moments and the hard work

started Attallah Jamison, junior. “The people that were leaving were of the highest standards this band has ever seen, so now that we are leaving, we want to leave with that same standard.”

When the day is done, and all of candy has been collected, the drummers leave knowing that it could not have happened without them working as a unit. Sure, there was joking and laughter, and probably mistakes here and there, but that is what makes the parade great, what makes lasting memories, and what helps these students set the standards for those who come behind them.

Parade Schedule December 6th at 10 a.m.

Vendors to arrive @ 7:00 a.m.

Road Closings – Industrial Road Judges’ stand located at the police department Parade will end at the stop sign @ 6th Avenue (CVS, Chubbs, Methodist Church)

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Interviewees pictured left to right: Bishop Weidenbach – Freshman; Attallah Jamison – Junior; Owen Dennis – Sophomore; Katelyn Thomas – Senior (section leader); Noah Houston – Senior (section leader)

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motivate these young drummers to set a standard for the generation coming behind them. “Besides graduating, I look forward to seeing how we leave this band. I know that when the class of 2016 came, we had a harsh freshman year,”

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Happ e n i n g s

The Gospel According to Scrooge

For the first and second weekend of December, join Kingwood Church, for the 27th year, as they show John Worre’s, The Gospel According to Scrooge – an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. People travel near and far to see the awe inspiring performance.

“In this version, Scrooge is visited on Christmas Eve by three angels who show him his past, present, and future as it is without God, and he ultimately finds salvation on Christmas morning,” shared Shari Rettig, production director. “We always add our own personal touches, creating new characters and scenes, so each year is always a little different than the one before.”

This is now a firm tradition for the City of Alabaster, and the show is rewarding for onlookers and actors alike. Each year, a variety of actors play different roles for a multitude of reasons. But for the last 25 years, Associate Pastor Mark Sims has played Scrooge.

“In the beginning, I used to love having people recognize me as ‘Old Mr. Scrooge,’” stated Pastor Sims. “However, a few years ago I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm right around the time of the production. Now, each year I am reminded of how grateful I am to be alive and how thankful I am to still be here sharing the gospel through this play.”

The most rewarding part for Pastor Sims is seeing the diverse groups of people leaving with smiles on their faces and knowing that they had the opportunity to share the gospel with them.

Getting to the reward can sometimes be met with technical difficulties, split-second decisions, and uncontrollable circumstances, but it is well worth it in the end.

“One year, a young boy found pepper spray in his mom’s purse and sprayed it during an important part of the production,” exclaimed Pastor Sims. “Little by little, the entire audience began coughing and we had to evacuate the entire building! Once the air cleared, everyone came back in and we were able to finish the play.”

Rettig mentioned that the overall goal is to introduce people to the love of God. She expressed how the play had something good for everybody, whether they are avid church-goers or not.

“We are always so excited to see the community come out to watch this play, but are even more excited when those who don’t know the Lord are touched and changed by it,” concluded Rettig. “It’s

8 cityofalabaster.com

Associate Pastor Mark Sims as Scrooge.

really a fun and funny play with a great salvation message, and we hope everyone has a chance to come see it this year.”

Showing on December 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, and 14th, house doors will open each night at 6 p.m. with a pre-show. Admission is free and the community is encouraged to arrive early. The play begins at 7 p.m. and the seats fill up fast.

For parties of 10 or more: if you would like to reserve a section one of those nights, call (205)663-3933.

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

Santa Stop Schedule

Below are estimated arrival times for Santa on Alabaster Fire Engines on Christmas Eve. Santa will be stopping at designated Santa Stop Signs in neighborhoods; he will not be able to stop at individual homes or go on every street in each neighborhood. We ask that you and your family gather near the designated yellow and red Santa Stop signs.

Fire engines are subject to respond to emergencies throughout the routes. With this in mind, please be looking for Santa 30 minutes before/after his estimated time of arrival. Santa arrival times will be regularly updated on our website: www.alabasterfire.org and our social media sites: www.facebook.com/AlabasterFireand www.twitter. com/AlabasterFire.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please email afd@alabasterfire.org or call 621-8752

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Happ e n i n g s

Christmas Market

Sowers of Seed will be hosting its Fourth Annual Christmas Market on December 6, at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This event will benefit children for the summer lunch program. Supporters will be able to browse the market for unique, handcrafted gift items for Christmas or stop by the Chubbs Grub warming station for a hot bowl of soup.

“In Wetumpka, a few ladies got together and had small markets in their homes. People were invited to attend, and they brought a friend,” shared Lynn Coleman, Executive Director of Sowers of Seed.

“So I thought, ‘Let’s try this concept for a fundraiser.’”

The Market creates a fun, family-friendly environment in which patrons can meet local craft artists and experience the spirit of the season. It also provides an outlet for small business owners, crafters, and artists to display their talents and be recognized in the community.

“With Usborne Books, we of course want to reach out to new friends and share our educational (and entertaining) books with them,” shared Mandy Golightly, Educational Consultant for Usborne Books and More. “We particularly love being a part of this Christmas Market because it helps make a difference in children’s lives. Our vendor’s fees help provide lunches for children on reduced or free lunch programs, and it’s nice to be a small part of that.” This past summer, the lunch program provided over 3600 meals – 76 kids, for 48 days.

“Our money goes to feed kids – that’s what makes it unique,” Coleman added about only charging the vendors a booth rent. “We do not have competition among our vendors, and we don’t take a percentage from their sales. We are considerate of the costs for our vendors.”

Consumers may find homemade jellies and jams stationed near a painter or find an author next to an Avon makeup artist. But each vendor will be different from the next.

“I was so impressed with how caring the coordinators were. They made sure we had warm coffee or hot chocolate, AND they brought us biscuits,” Golightly exclaimed. “It was just lovely that they cared about us as vendors, and I was thankful for them allowing us to come.”

Participating for the third year, the Usborne team looks forward to selling children’s books at the event. “The most rewarding part about the Christmas Market for me is connecting with people,” expressed Golightly. “I LOVE doing this

10 cityofalabaster.com

From left to right.: Lynn Coleman, Executive Director, Barbara Haynie, President, Cheryl Davis, Secretary, Rosia Dowdell, board member, Leigh Russell, Treasurer, & Joann Wood, board member.

event and meeting other vendors as well as guests that comes to visit.”

Each of the crafters will donate an item for a silent auction to take place from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. All proceeds go back into the summer lunch program for summer 2015 to feed more children.

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Happ e n i n g s

The Storyteller

As a child, stories carried you to faraway places without leaving the comfort of your bedroom. Being swept off your feet by Prince Charming or engaging in an intense swashbuckling with the dreaded Capitan Hook was part of being a kid.

On December 8th be a part of the story again without reverting back to childhood. Story performer Dolores Hydock will open the door to a holiday classic for adults at the Albert L. Scott Library.

“My first ‘public’ storytelling performance took place when I was 5-years old. I competed in a storytelling con-

“I love language and the power of words to entertain, inspire and connect with others.”

-Dolores Hydock test in my age group of 6 and under and won a blue ribbon – first prize!” expressed Hydock. “I was thrilled! Of course, the fact that I was the only child competing in my age division probably helped me win, but I didn’t care.

The blue ribbon had real gold letters on it so I knew there had to be a fortune to be made in the performing arts!”

With 30 years of storytelling experience, Hydock has learned how to share the story and “get out of the way” so that the listener can enter the story world.

“I love language and the power of words to entertain, inspire and connect with others,” she continued. “Storytelling is a way for me to celebrate words and their unique ability to make us feel connected to other people.”

Sharing how disjointed and disconnected people are from each other due to technology, Hydock expounds on how storytelling can bring people together.

“Stories help you connect with people in a personal way,” she said. “People will often tell you how a story reminded them of someone they loved, or something that happened to them, and that’s always the goal in telling a story – not to create a picture of your own experience, but a mirror that helps the listener ‘see’ and remember their own experience.”

Hydock will be telling Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory. Set in the 1930’s, the story share a much simpler, innocent time where a child builds a friendship with a generous and loving adult.

“The story always seems to remind people of some special person they knew as a child, someone who loved them unconditionally and made them feel special and

12 cityofalabaster.com

Dolores Hydock enjoying a laugh during her show.

important,” Hydock shared. “The story is funny, tender, and bittersweet -- all at the same time.”

Exercising your emotional heart, she shared laughingly how the tale will make you laugh and cry and so forth like a free therapy session.

“People never seem to get tired of hearing this story,” she added. “In fact, I’ve had many people tell me that it doesn’t feel like Christmas to them until they’ve heard or read this particular story.”

Expressing her gratitude towards Librarian Carol Smith and the Albert L. Scott Library staff for hosting this and other free, adult targeted programs, Hydock hopes that you can take a moment from baking and shopping and step into a heartfelt story.

Hometown Hereos

If you are a fifth grade student at Thompson Intermediate School, you know the honor that comes with being chosen as a Hometown Hero. Savannah Nabors, age 10, thought that two special high school seniors deserved to be awarded as “super citizens for doing something awesome for the community.”

“I nominated Alexis Gregory and Lexi Kirkland because they gave up their time just to make us better players and they’re just really nice,” shared Savannah. “I want to be a good softball player like them, and I want to help kids learn how to do good at softball.”

Gregory and Kirkland both sustained injuries that kept them from playing softball and travel ball. Since the sixth grade, Kirkland underwent three shoulder surgeries, one knee surgery, and two ankle surgeries. Within the last six months, Gregory has been recovering from two hip surgeries.

“After my first surgery, I was really upset that I couldn’t play anymore, and I prayed about it a lot,” began Gregory. “I started helping out with Lauren, my 10-year-old sister’s All Star team and I was like, ‘I really want to have my own team if I can’t play travel ball.’ So, I called Lexi one day and asked, ‘Do you want to help me coach?!’”

The two seniors have been best friends and playing softball together since kindergarten, and when they understood that they would have to sit a season out, they decided to pass along their knowledge to little softball players, new to the sport. The young ladies gathered Savannah and her friends together and started the

watch them do it. I just really wanted to get out there.”

The Bama Ballers won the silver bracket, and the team made it into the championship game. Although they were playing a championship in the “losing” bracket, the excitement from the team made the journey worthwhile.

“It’s just amazing how those two gave up their time and made a difference in those girls’ lives,” shared the impressed Les Nabors, Savannah’s father. “Savannah’s not the type to go out on her own and nominate someone, and for her to have done that, showed me how much they impacted her and all of the girls on the team.”

“When we found out that Savannah had nominated us, we went Coach Lexi Kirkland and Coach Alexis Gregory with their winning softball team.

Bama Ballers.

“Coaching was so different than getting to play,” Gregory said as she expressed the tough reality of the difference between expectations and ability. “You have to look at the game differently. When you’re in situation and you’re told what to do, you have to tell other people what to do and be able to explain it.”

The whole experience was rewarding and frustrating and challenging all at the same time. The young athletes as well as the young coaches were able to take something away from the brief season.

“When we were playing, we had to play the game. We had to do everything,” Kirkland said about the transition from player to coach. “When coaching, you kind of have to just sit back and

“It’s just amazing how those two gave up their time and made a difference in those girls’ lives,”

-Les Nabors, Savannah’s father

and told everybody in the locker room,” Kirkland said bursting into laughter. “We told the whole softball team. For her to have thought that we deserved that, was great.” They are still awaiting the results of the new Hometown Heroes.

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Happ e n i n g s

Jon McClure

Always being around a kitchen – working in produce, bakery, deli, grocery, seafood and meats – Jon McClure has travelled the continent with the country’s biggest televised and broadcast networks and their affiliates, simply talking about good food.

“My mother was a wonderful chef and my dad, a meat manager, so food was in my blood,” shared the down to earth chef and author. “I ended up being hired by the seventh largest chain in the 70’s Pantry Pride/Food Fair, Inc. - as their Marketing/Consumer Education Specialist. [I] did thousands of radio and TV shows and newspaper articles to help consumers prepare foods in simple ways, developed recipes in our

“I believe my cooking philosophy is to keep it simple and make it from scratch.”

-Jon McClure test kitchen, with helpful hints in the kitchen, and save them money when they shopped, etc.”

The company sent him to four of the best cooking schools on the east coast, which trained him to be a total food expert and chef. On December 11th, he will be at the Albert L. Scott Library talking about his book, Alabama’s Best Restaurant Cookbook.

“I believe my cooking philosophy is to keep it simple and make it from scratch,” said the down to earth chef. “My doctor says, ‘Can’t you just cut back?’ but I say I don’t want to hurt a restaurant owner’s feelings when they say, ‘Hey, can you try my new Strawberry Cake and let me know if you think it is too dry?’” And one of his favorite places to get strawberry cake is actually Joe’s Italian, here in Alabaster.

“Our favorite go-to restaurant, for over 30 years now, is Bright Star in Bessemer,” he exclaimed. “In business for over 107 years and still making great seafood, delivered fresh from the Gulf. I love the snapper, but most everything from Bright Star is great, as the Greeks know how to do seafood right!”

Travelling across the country has its perks, but it was not always a bed of roses, according to McClure.

“I think everyone would love to have travelled around to all 50 states doing shows like we did, but for many years, my wife just put me on planes and I would be gone for weeks,” shared McClure about the loneliness that came with the territory. “One day,

14 cityofalabaster.com

Nationally renowned author and chef Jon McClure will be at the Alabaster Library on December 11th.

doing shows with ABC on the big island as they say, and then having to go to Alaska with the CBS or NBC affiliate. One day it’s above 80 degrees and two days later, in Alaska, I was doing shows with outdoor temperatures below 40 degrees.”

“Ladies come up to me holding my Alabama’s Best Restaurants Cookbook, like a new baby, saying, ‘Thank God you wrote this book,’ and ‘What took you so long?’” he shared appreciatively. “Now that makes you feel like all those decades of travelling, eating in restaurants, working with the chefs to complete the recipes, and going to hidden treasures and great travel places here in the states was worth the time.”

Visit CityofAlabaster.com for more information.

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Community

DECEMBER 2 Water Board, 7 p.m.

3 Court Trials, 9 a.m.

8 Alabaster City School Board, 5:30 p.m.

8 Council, 7 p.m.

9 Housing and Abatement, 5 p.m. Municipal Annex 10 Court Plea Dockets, 9 a.m. & 2 p.m.

17 Court Plea Dockets, 9 a.m. & 2 p.m.

22 Board of Zoning Adjustments, 6:30 p.m.

22 Council, 7 p.m.

23 Planning and 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 -December 1st-6th, 14th-20th, 28th-31st Blue - December 7th-13th, 21st-27th

library

The Albert L. Scott Library is located at 100 9th Street N.W., Alabaster. Hours of operation are: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - 9 a.m.-7:50 p.m.

Wednesday - 10 a.m.-5:50 p.m.

Friday - 9 a.m.-5:50 p.m.

Saturday - 10 a.m.-4:50 p.m.

Sunday - 1-4:50 p.m.

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

CLosed December 24-26 • Closed for Christmas Library Board Meeting December 2, 6:00 p.m Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library Did you know that in addition to the Friends Spring and Fall Book Sales there are books available for purchase anytime the Library is open? In the Adult Fiction section are the Book Room and Book Nook. The Book Room is open Thursday afternoons from 3:00 until closing. In the Book Nook are bookcases with an assortment of books for all ages and of various subjects.

These can be shopped every day. Hardbacks are $1.00 and Paperbacks and Children’s (including books for all ages) are $.50. Funds from sales benefit Special Pro16 cityofalabaster.com

grams for your Library such as Summer Reading. Be a Friend!

Join us and watch your library grow, visit www.cityofalabaster.com or ask at the desk Masterpiece Book Club December 5, 2:00 p.m.

Join us as we explore Jean Webster’s Daddy-Long-Legs. Jerusha Abbott grew up in an orphanage but was sent to college by a mysterious benefactor she calls Daddy-Long-Legs. In college she falls in love with a young man who wants to marry her, but she refuses because she is an orphan. Finally, after Jerusha-now Judy--graduates, she asks to meet her benefactor. Program takes place in the meeting room.

Dolores Hydock Presents A Christmas Memory December 8, 6:30 pm.

Truman Capote’s bittersweet memory of a simpler time and an enduring friendship between a 7-year-old child and his 60-something cousin is brought to vivid life in this tender and touching presentation. Program takes place in the meeting room.

Alabama’s Best Restaurants with Jon McClure December 11, 6:00 p.m.

The Albert L. Scott Library is proud to present an evening with local author Jon McClure. McClure is the author of Alabama’s Best Restaurants Cookbook, which highlights dozens of Alabama’s favorite restaurants and their delicious recipes. Join us as McClure explains how his love of food and cooking led him to write this book. Copies of Alabama’s Best Restaurants Cookbook will be available to purchase for $20. For more information, please contact the Albert L. Scott Library at 205664-6822.

Library Book Group Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.

Join us in our discussion of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories can, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, above all, following our dreams. Program takes place in the meeting room.

youth Events

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 Frozen Fantasy Fun! Thursday, December 4, 4:00 p.m.

Kids 5 years old and older can let it go and come to the library for activities based on the popular movie. They can come in costume if they desire. Please sign up. Kids 6 and younger must be with an adult.

Gingerbread Workshop Tuesday, December 9, 6:15 p.m.

Our workshop leader has everything for the makings of tastylooking houses! Families must sign up in advance and pre-pay $3.00 per house when they sign up by Monday, December 8. If paying by check please make it out to the library. No refunds.

Meets in the meeting. All children must be with an adult. Don’t forget your camera!

Pete the Cat Book Club Thursday, December 18, 4:00 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.

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

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Evening with Santa Tuesday, December 16, 6:15 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus will listen to children’s Christmas wishes in the meeting room. All children must be with an adult. Don’t forget your camera!

Holiday Party!

Wednesday, December 17, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Children and their caregivers are invited to a fun-filled morning featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus, gingerbread man decorating in the meeting room, and a horse-drawn carriage ride around the library! Don’t forget your camera! All children must be with an adult.

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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.

CLOSED The Parks and Recreation Office, and Veterans Skate Park will be closed on the following dates: December 24 • Closing 12:00 p.m.

December 25 & 26 • Closed for Christmas CHRISTMAS PARADE Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m.

The parade location will be Highway 31 South beginning at Ernest McCarty Ford before turning onto 2nd Place N.W., traveling down 1st Street S.W., and ending at the stop sign in front of Southbrook Village. The 2014 theme is “The Gift of Christmas”. The parade is filled with floats, entertainment, and lots of candy!

Don’t miss out on a fun filled morning.

BASKETBALL Youth Basketball is underway with 253 participants.

Teams will play a regular season, and all teams will finish with a tournament excluding Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade.

START SMART BASKETBALL Registration will begin on December. 8 at 8:00 AM. Registration will end as soon as we have 15 children signed up, OR on December. 19; whichever occurs first.

Start Smart Basketball teaches children, ages 3 & 4, the basic motor skills necessary to play organized Basketball while they work one-on-one and spend quality time with their parents. Start Smart is held one hour per week for six weeks with a game and party at the conclusion of the program. In order for the program to make, we must have a minimum of 10 children. Registration Fee: $90 (plus 10% for non-residents).

COACHES NEEDED Volunteer coaches are needed for spring sports including Baseball, Girl’s Softball, and Soccer. If you are interested in coaching, please contact Morgan or Nik at Alabaster Parks & Recreation.

Spring SOCCER REGISTRATION Soccer registration will begin on January 5 and run thru January 16. You can register on-line at www. alabasterparks.org from 8 AM, January 5 thru 11 PM, January 16. You can register in person from 8 AM until

18 cityofalabaster.com

5 PM Monday thru Friday at the Depot (Parks & Recreation Office). NO Saturday registration as On-line registration is available 24 hours a day. New players should bring a copy of their birth certificate with them. Leagues begin at age 4. Registration Fee: $90 for U6/U8. $110 for U9 & older. Non-residents: additional 10% per child. Multi-child discount: 10% per child after oldest child pays full price.

Spring BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION Baseball/Softball registration will begin on January 5 and run thru January 16. You can register online at www.alabasterparks. org from 8 AM, January 5 thru 11 PM, January 16. You can register in person from 8 AM until 5 PM Monday thru Friday at the Depot (Parks & Recreation Office). NO Saturday registration as on-line registration is available 24 hours a day. New players should bring a copy of their birth certificate with them.

Registration Fee: $165 for Coach Pitch thru Metro; $105 for 5-year-old T-ball; $90 for 4-year-old T-ball. Non-residents: additional 10% per child. Multi-child discount: 10% per child after oldest child pays full price.

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.

NEW: On-Line Pavilion Rentals – now available. Please go to: www.alabasterparks.org NEW On-Line Pavilion Rentals – now available. Visit www.alabasterparks.org.

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.

CLosed Christmas Holidays December 22 - January 1 We will resume programs on Friday, January 2

Annual Senior Christmas Dance Friday, December 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Don’t miss a great evening of fun, food, dancing, and connecting with friends. Cost is $5/person. Includes: dinner, live entertainment, door prizes, and more! The dance will be held in the Thompson Middle School Cafeteria. Please stop by the Senior Center to purchase your tickets. Deadline is Monday, December 2.

on Aging (M4A). Each Tai Chi session includes warm-up and cool-down exercises, six basic core movements, and six advanced movements, breathing, and relaxation techniques.

Additionally, movements are performed at a higher stance to make it easier for older participants and those with arthritis.

Classes are free to the public and will be on Tuesdays, starting on January 6, 2015, at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., continuing through February 10, 2015.

Senior Center Christmas Party Thursday, December 18, 9:30 a.m.

We will have a craft, bingo, Christmas carols, door prizes, and a dessert bar after lunch. Tickets are $2.00 and you must have purchased a ticket to come to the center that day. Space is limited.

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.

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

Tempo exercise, Fridays, 10:00 a.m.

Drumming Program Tuesday, December 2, 10:00 a.m.

No experience necessary; the benefits are endless. The benefits of drumming: improve your mood, increase circulation, improve focus, offer low impact exercise and creativity. No charge for this program.

Paper Craft Class Monday, December 8, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for an ongoing class to learn the basics of paper crafting. Whether you want to make your own handmade cards or create beautiful scrapbooks to preserve family memories, this class is for you. In each class you will make examples of 1-2 new techniques which can be used to make your own personalized creations during the class. Join us for fun and creativity as well as discovering your hidden talents. Cost: $5/class.

Timeless Treasures singers Monday, December 15, 10:00 a.m.

Our Timeless Treasures singers will sing and perform for us at the Senior Center. Join us and have fun singing Christmas carols with us!

Beginner Zumba Gold Wednesdays, 2:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

January 7- February 25 New to Zumba Gold? This 8-week class is the perfect place to get started. Low intensity, low-impact dance/fitness class with an opportunity to break-down and learn basic Latin and World rhythms. Same party flavor and fun. Cost is $2/class.

NEW Tai Chi for Health Tuesdays, , 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

January 6 - February 10 The Tai Chi for Health is a fun, low-impact recreational exercise program designed to improve functional ability, selfconfidence, self-care, mobility, muscle strength, and coordination. The program will be led by Butho Ncube, MPH, MBA, and a Tai Chi certified instructor and Health and Community Services Coordinator at the Middle Alabama Area Agency

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Around Town

City Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged)

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

October 13th, 7:02 p.m.

Absent: Rick Walters

Mayor Comments Mayor Handlon presented proclamations for National Dyslexia Awareness Month, Pro Bono Month and Red Ribbon Week.

Agenda Items *Public Hearing on these items 1. Resolution 101314 National Center for Sports Safety Certification Program Council Member Martin made a motion to approve Resolution 101314 to begin a sports safety certification program for Alabaster Parks programs. Funding is included within the fiscal year 2015 general fund budget. Council Member Hicks seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Resolution 101314-A 201 1st Street North Renovations Council Member Bedsole made the motion to approve Resolution 101314-A to allow for the first phase of renovations of old city hall to be funded from capital funds. Council Member Ryals seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously

5. Resolution 101314-D* AHAB 440 6th Ave SE – Assignment of Lien Council Member Ryals introduced Resolution 101314-D assigning the costs of demolition to this parcel. Council President Brakefield opened up the public hearing on this matter allowing those present to speak for and against said Resolution. No one spoke for or against. Public hearing closed. Council Member Ryals made the motion to approve Resolution 101314-D. Council Member Rakestraw seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 6. Resolution 101314-E* AHAB 454 6th Ave SE – Assignment of Lien Council Member Ryals introduced Resolution 101314-E assigning the costs of demolition to this parcel. Council President Brakefield opened up the public hearing on this matter allowing those present to speak for and against said Resolution. No one spoke for or against. Public hearing closed. Council Member Ryals made the motion to approve Resolution 101314-E. Council Member Martin seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 7. Resolution 101314-F Alabaster Blvd Engineering – Dynamic Civil Solutions Council Member Martin made the motion to approve Resolution 101314-F to fund the engineering costs associated with

3. Resolution 101314-B Rivertree Auditing Agreement Council Member Rakestraw made the motion to approve Resolution 101314-B to enter into agreement with Rivertree Auditing. Council Member Bedsole seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 4. Resolution 101314-C*AHAB 434 6th Ave SE – Assignment of Lien Council Member Ryals introduced Resolution 101314-C assigning the costs of demolition to this parcel. Council President Brakefield opened up the public hearing on this matter allowing those present to speak for and against said Resolution. No one spoke for or against. Public hearing closed. Council Member Ryals made the motion to approve Resolution 101314-C. Council Member Martin seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 20 cityofalabaster.com

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remediation along Alabaster Boulevard. Funding of this will be provided from capital funds. Council Member Rakestraw seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 8. Resolution 101314-G Surplus Items – Multiple Departments Council Member Hicks made the motion to approve Resolution 101314-G to allow Administration to surplus certain items in various departments. The complete itemized list is attached to the Resolution. Council Member Bedsole seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 9. Resolution 101314-H Fire Department Vehicle Acquisition Council Member Bedsole made the motion to approve Resolution 101314-H to fund the acquisition of two Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles for the Alabaster Fire Department. Funding is included within the fiscal year 2015 general fund budget.

Council Member Ryals seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 10. Resolution 101314-I Copier Purchase & Maintenance Agreements Council Member Martin made the motion to approve Resolution 101314-I agreeing to terms with Business Electronics for the acquisition of certain equipment and renewal of main-

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tenance agreement. Funding is included within the fiscal year 2015 general fund budget. Council Member Hicks seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 11. Resolution 101314-J Digital Document Management System Agreement Council Member Hicks made the motion to approve Resolution 101314-I agreeing to an agreement with Business Systems & Consultants Inc. for the acquisition of software for a digital document management system. Funding is included within the fiscal year 2015 general fund budget. Council Member Rakestraw seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 12. Setting Public Hearing Business License Ordinance Update Council Member Rakestraw introduced Ordinance 14-011 and moved that it be set for public hearing during the October 27th, 2014 regularly scheduled City Council meeting amendments to the current business license ordinance. Council Member Ryals seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously Said meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Around Town

October 27th, 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Comments Mayor Handlon presented proclamations for pancreatic cancer awareness month and in recognition of Chief Curtis Rigney. Mayor Handlon conducted oaths for Alabaster Fire department promotions for Chad Trautwein and Cliff Dyson Agenda Items 1. Ordinance 14-011* Business License Ordinance Revisions Council Member Hicks requested consideration for Ordinance 14-011. Council President Brakefield opened the public hearing allowing those present to speak for or against the proposed Ordinance. No one spoke for or against and public hearing closed.

Council Member Hicks made a motion to approve Ordinance 14-001. Council Member Walters seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Resolution 102714 Public Works Equipment Council Member Martin made a motion to approve the purchase of public works equipment as identified with Resolution 102714. Council Member Hicks seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 3. Resolution 102714-A Leasing Agreement for Public Works Equipment Council Member Rakestraw made a motion to approve Resolution 102714-A entering into a lease agreement to finance certain public works equipment as defined within Resolution 102714. Council Member Bedsole seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 4. Resolution 102714-B Library Skylight Repairs Council Member Walters made a motion to approve Resolution 102714-B allowing for the remediation of the skylight at the Albert L. Scott Library. Council Member Hicks seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously

one (1) street light along 7th Street NW. Council Member Rakestraw seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 7. Resolution 102714-E Elevator Service Agreement Council Member Ryals made a motion to approve Resolution 102714-E entering into an agreement with Schindler Elevator Corporation for the maintenance of the elevator at 1953 Municipal Way. Council Member Bedsole seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 8. Set Public Hearing Employee Manual Council Member Bedsole made a motion to set a public hearing for the November 24th 2014 meeting for the Council to consider the employee manual and benefits thereof.

Council Member Rakestraw seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 9. Set Public Hearing AHAB Property – Parcel ID 23-1-012-002-008.001 Council Member Martin made a motion to set a public hearing regarding the AHAB recommendation to demolition the structure at the above referenced parcel during the November 24th 2014 meeting. Council Member Walters seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously Said meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

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5. Resolution 102714-C Rental Agreement with Alabaster BOE Council Member Walters made a motion to approve Resolution 102714-C agreeing to terms of rental for the Alabaster Board of Education located at 1953 Municipal Way. Council Member Martin seconded.

Motion Passed Unanimously 6. Resolution 102714-D 7th Street NW Lighting Council Member Hicks made a motion to approve Resolution 102714-D allowing for the installation of 22 cityofalabaster.com

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Citizen Spotlight Judy Mosely

Volunteering started out as just something to do for Judy Mosely. The more she volunteered, the more she discovered that it was something that made her feel complete.

“I worked for a company in Memphis, and they started a volunteer council through work. I was single and had no kids, no obligations, so I got on the council,” shared Mosely, President of Friends of the Library. “We started doing volunteer work for different events – Make a Wish Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, anything that would come up.”

Alabaster resident Judy Mosely has found a place to serve as a Friend of the Library.

She enjoyed volunteering so much that she started volunteering on her own time. For five or six years, with Make a Wish Foundation, she granted wishes for children. During her time with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, she helped organize a 5K run, bike tour, and other fundraising events.

“When I got married and moved here, I was at a loss for what to do here, so I started volunteering for Multiple Sclerosis here and they hired me on,” she said. When she and her husband, Jim, had kids – Budgie, 13 and Becca, 11 – it was tough to continue volunteering. She took them to the library for their children’s programs and found that she loved it.

“When my kids were little, we used to go to all of the programming that the library offered for kids. It was all free, and they enjoyed it,” shared Mosely with a smile. “I thought, ‘Well, I need to pay them back for that.’”

Determined to show her appreciation for what the library ha done for her family, she chose to go to a Friends of the Library meeting to see how to get involved. It just so happened that the day she chose to go was the day that they were looking for a president and she said, “I’ll try it.”

“We are the fundraising arm for the library,” she expressed.

“We hold 2 book sales a year – Spring and Fall, and all of the money we raise, we donate to the library. The money goes toward the children’s programing and some of the adult programing.”

The Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the library. Money raised is not used for the purchase of books or employee salaries; it is used to keep the programs free at the library.

I’ve been doing this for about five or six years, as a way to give back to the community and the library,” continued Mosely.

“I enjoy it. It’s a great group of people to work with, and I’m all for the library.”

Mosely now embraces the challenge of getting active volunteers for a few hours a month to help with book sorting, stocking, and coming up with innovative ideas for fundraisers. Membership is $10 a year, and applicants can apply on the Albert L. Scott Library’s website or in the library.

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Around Town

Business Spotlight Alabaster Florist

Alabaster Florist is a full-service florist located directly across the street from Express Oil Change, on Hwy 31. Your one-stop flower shop can accommodate any event – holidays, weddings, funerals, just because.

“All of the arrangements are one of a kind,” said the designer and lead florist, Linda Faust. “I make each arrangement one at a time. I listen to the customers and find out what they want, instead of telling them what they need.”

Being a local florist does come with its rewards. Whether it’s finding the right corsages and boutonnieres for confused students attending prom or helping the frantic shopper in need of an immediate gift item, there is always something unique happening at the flower shop.

“I had one guy call me to make a spray for a funeral. The guy was somewhat of a cowboy – rode horses a lot. And he wanted to put some barbed wire in the arrangement,” she shared about the more unusual requests they’ve had. “I said I don’t have any, but if you bring it to me, I’ll get it in there. We made a beautiful spray and put it in there.”

From holiday gift wrapping to novelties and wreathes, you can find something personal at the Alabaster Florist.

Board Spotlight Water Board

Linda Faust and her daughter Audra are here to serve all your floral needs.

Since the 1950’s, a florist has always owned the building. Since 2002, Linda, and her daughter Audra, have owned and operated Alabaster Florist.

“We don’t do cookie cutter arrangements where we make three or four at the same time - where we’d put x-number of roses and x-number of carnations with this colored bow and this colored ribbon,” she shared about the uniqueness of her flower shop. “They’re all individualized.”

People seek flower shops for multiple reasons. Some of the most common requests are marriages and funerals.

“People come in, and they’re all choked up and crying; it’s hard for them to talk,” she shared about the grief-stricken patrons. “I feel like I can listen to them and figure out what they want. This is like the last thing they can do for a loved one, and they want it to be right, to be special.”

Linda takes the time to understand the need beyond the sale.

“Just to be able to offer a tissue and a hug, or a give them glass of water, just to be able to help them get through this tough time - I feel like that’s a service,” Linda added. “It’s a blessing to me to be able to help them. I feel special that God can use me to be able to help grieving customers get through this tough time.”

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The water board is a quasigovernmental agency. In providing services to the City of Alabaster, and its surrounding areas, this small industry produces and maintains a product that touches everyone’s lives.

“Our primary purpose is to provide water for daily life,” shared Laura Koon, Alabaster Water Board Manager. “Whether it’s for drinking, cooking, bathing, it’s hard to go about your daily life without water. We are an essential service for the community and something that most people can’t live without.”

Water is a basic need often taken for granted. Should a water main break or a house become flooded or personal water supply

“You can probably live without gas for a couple of days and be okay, but you need water to flush the toilet, brush your teeth, cook, and bathe.”

-Laura Koon Alabaster Water Board Manager

get disconnected, for any reason, patrons tend to have a new found appreciation for having this problem quickly corrected.

“You can probably live without gas for a couple of days and be okay, but you need water to flush the toilet, brush your teeth, cook, and bathe,” she continued about the forgotten necessity.

“You need water to drink, so it’s an essential service.”

It is also one of the key components for new industries and businesses to relocate to this appealing community. There are codes in place to ensure that buildings are well equipped to sustain a fire emergency and have a substantial water supply to back them.

“You’re not going to have industries moving in, or businesses moving in, unless there is fire protection available,” Koon

Water Board Members, Mike Allen, Bobby Harris, Sophie Martin, Gary Wright, and Rick Walters.

added. “You’ve got to have a robust water supply, and you’ve got to be able to produce enough gallons per minute to fight a fire. That’s something that people look at when they’re looking into locating into a community.”

Even when it comes to building new facilities, the water has to be considered. “We have to consider where the water is going to come from? Where are the existing utilities?” expressed Gary Wright, a director on the board. “In construction, you always have to take the path of least resistance. You position the building in a way that you least disrupt existing infrastructure.”

Even when the property is considered “virgin,” or a green space, there is water underground and the construction team

has to probe and dig to find it – hoping not to hit a water main.

“Sometimes we have problems that never go away. There are sites that always seem to be problematic,” Wright continued with a laugh. “It’s like they’re ancient burial sites because nothing you do can make it work like it’s supposed to, or has in the past.”

On average, the citizens of Alabaster pay around $13 a month for a system that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With the heavily regulated business, consumers receive a high quality for a low cost and with the new technologies in effect, even better customer service.

“With this new technology, we can download water usage information off the meter every hour,” concluded Koon. “Often times, the new system will help pin point leaks and water misusage for our consumers.”

The older water meters may be worn out and will not read the usage or completely stop reading usage altogether, but because it depends on positive water displacement to move the meter, it cannot over read usage and randomly add on thousands of gallons. The multi-year project of getting the upgraded meters into every home is expected to be complete in about 10 years.

Two of the board members are appointed from the council while the other three members are appointed at large, for sixyear terms: Rick Walters (Council member, Chairman), Bobby Harris (Vice Chairman), Mike Allen (Treasurer), Sophie Martin (Council member, Director), and Gary Wright (Director).

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Around Town

Married Art

Weddings and anniversaries are the most common celebrations for marriages. There are so many different ways to define and celebrate marriage and union. Mike and Janis Sherwood celebrate this union with art.

“Everything we do is together, and we’ve been best friends for years before we ever started dating,” said Janis Sherwood, co-owner of Southern Dance Arts. “I think everything we’ve done has been by design, it’s not by accident, and it just kind of evolved out of our friendship.”

Mike and Janis have owned multiple businesses, but none embody their eclectic style like their “Married

“Everything we do is together, and we’ve been best friends for years before we ever started dating.”

Janis Sherwood, co-owner of Southern Dance Arts Art.” This concept takes the two artists’ different talents and styles and “marries” them into a balanced, unique blend of original art.

“We had remodeled our house and torn down our deck. I said, ‘We’re not throwing away all of this scrap wood,’” Janis began. “I had no idea that we were going to start painting on plywood and pieces of our deck!” Mike then exclaimed, “And then people started buying it!”

Still awestruck and excited, he continued, “My God… Let’s tear down another deck!”

The three-dimensional art piece inspired the new style of art. They invited their neighbors and were blown away by the response.

“We had a couple of pieces that we’d made together and we put them in an auction,” shared Janis. “When they sold that night, we were like, ‘Why are we not doing this?!’”

Constantly discovering new things about one another, the couple has evolved within their collective, eclectic styles. Sitting on the back deck, painting whenever they want, in two different art styles, does not come without its complications.

“Bouncing ideas off of one another can be a challenge because…” she began and Mike interjected, “My ideas are the best!” Janis laughed cutting her eyes at him and said, “See! He just doesn’t get it!”

Handing over your masterpiece for your partner to

26 cityofalabaster.com

A sample of the Sherwood’s “Married Art”.

enhance it forms a new layer to the bond of trust. This new work has become an inspiration to others.

“I’m not really sure if it’s the actual aesthetics of the art or if it’s the concept of married art,” said Mike about the married couples that purchase the art. “I think it’s a multiple of both. Either way, they’ll never get divorced because they can’t split the art,” he joked and chuckled to himself.

The Sherwoods look forward to enhancing the art culture here in Alabaster. There are many local artists here and they feel that the arts will quickly grow right here in this community.

For more information on Married Art, or to see some of their work, visit: www.facebook.com/eclectartstudios

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Officers of the Year

Police officers and firefighters risk their lives each day so that citizens have a safe environment in which to raise children and go about their day-to-day undertakings. These brave men and women need to be recognized and appreciated for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce named Detective Corporal Tommy Stuart, Police Officer of the Year and Lieutenant Glen Austin, Firefighter of the Year. Nominated by their peers, Lieutenant Austin and Detective Stuart were selected for their exemplary services.

Police Officer of the Year

Firefighter of the Year

“One reason Lieutenant Austin was chosen by his peers, aside from his actions day in and day out, is that he embodies our firefighter core values,” shared Alabaster Fire Chief Jim Golden. “He’s a shining example of these values in how he conducts himself.”

At age 54, Lieutenant Austin was actually considering retiring. He felt that he didn’t have many more years of jumping off of the engine left in him, and he had two options: retire or get one last promotion.

“My wife was just beside herself. She couldn’t believe the way that I was studying,” said Lieutenant Austin. “I’m not

“Not only is Detective Stuart an outstanding detective and does great work, he’s also our chaplain,” expressed Alabaster Police Chief Curtis Rigney. “Numerous times this year, Detective Stuart has been able to respond to calls that people have after the loss of a loved one. I’ve received numerous emails and letters just saying how great it is to have him there to comfort them.”

Last year within a three to four month period, Detective Stuart had lost his mother, his wife was battling breast cancer, and he was out of work with health issues; it was emotionally overwhelming. “My superiors, the chief of police said to me, I don’t want you to worry about anything that’s not important and right now, your job is not important – your family is,” Detective Stuart shared as he started to get emotional. “He said, ‘You take care of your family. This job will be here when you Lieutenant Austin was selected by his peers as the 2014 Firefighter of the Year.

Detective Stuart was selected as the Police Officer of the year.

get back and you will go right back to what you were doing; just focus on getting your family back together.’”

He continued to express his gratitude for the team that he works with and how they are not individuals, but work as one unit. Sharing how “great leadership comes from the top down,” it’s the best job he’s ever had.

“The day that I was told that I was getting awarded, all that I’ve done was kind of coming back,” he continued. “We’ve raised our children to always do the right thing because someone is always watching, whether you see it or not.”

a real scholastic, academic guy. I’m real hands-on. I have a workshop behind the house that I’m usually in, but for three months, every free moment I had, I was reading.”

Working with a great team that wanted to see him succeed, he scored a solid “B” on the tough test and was disappointed that he didn’t score higher. When he learned that he had the number one score on the test, it changed his perspective.

“I’m overwhelmed that my peers had nominated me. I work with some great guys, younger and older,” he added. “I used to watch a show in the 70’s called Emergency - every time it came on, but I never thought I would be a fireman.

Here I am about ready to retire and the Good Lord had a different plan. It’s neat to see how things change.”

Around Town

Silver Creek Veterans

The Silver Creek Homeowners Association hosted an event to support veterans and active service members within the small community. There are 22 veterans and active service members that live in the neighborhood - many of whom live on the same street.

“We have so many veterans in our neighborhood, and some of them have never been thanked because they were in the Vietnam War,” shared Velma “Jeannie” Deason, HOA board member. “Most of our veterans are World War II and Vietnam veterans.”

Veterans @ Silver Creek US Air Force Terry Parker Michael Smith US Army Doctor Malcolm Braid Jon Jackson Donald Johnson Mark Johnson David McBride Winfield Odom Courtney Perry (Active Duty – just moved to Germany) Glen Schmeckebier Bervin Sherer Wayne Till Robert Vercher US Marines Norman Bernard Tommy Chandler Larry Walker

A simple cookout and recognition program left many neighbors and veterans teary-eyed and appreciative for the many years of service. For several, this was the first time they had ever heard a simple “thank you.”

“The veterans that came home from Vietnam got eggs and rotten tomatoes thrown at them,” Jeannie said, fighting back tears. “Vietnam veterans did not get the recognition that our veterans today are getting. They were left out. It was an unwanted war, but people don’t realize just how much they sacrificed.”

Jeannie lost two brothers in the Vietnam War. Her father was in World War II and Korea and her sons – two in the army (both in Desert Storm at the same time, on the front lines) and one in the Air Force.

Her husband, David, is also a Vietnam veteran. He was a part of the US Navy SEAL team that rescued POWs (Prisoners of War) during the latter part of Vietnam, before Saigon fell.

“A POW stepped on a Bouncing Betty and it blew him back 60 feet and killed half of the SEAL team,” Jeannie said. “They put him on a submarine to be watched and the corpsman overdosed him with hospital grade medications giving him 80 times the dosage.” She said that it took the captain 10 days to 28 cityofalabaster.com

US Navy Milie Avery David Deason Alex Hood Joseph Kolodviej Ronny Todd Mark Victory

decide whether or not to bring the submarine up to evacuate him to Asia or Portugal.

“I heard the captain hoping that I’d die,” whispered David, not wanting to relive the moment any more than he had to.

“Hoping that I’d die so he would have to surface the submarine.”

At the program, the HOA ensured that there was a flag flown for every branch of the military that is represented in Silver Creek – US Air Force, US Army, Us Marines and US Navy. They even coordinated the music to play tunes from the different eras, just for the veterans.

“I wish you could have seen the veterans,” David added, still in awe. “The veterans were touched and they had a great time.”

Special thanks to the board – Mark Johnson (president), Donna Morris (vice president), Patty Cofer (secretary), Diana Day (treasurer) and Jeannie Deason. Silver Creek looks forward to celebrating its veterans, and others, again next year.

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Around Town

Chief Curtis Rigney

Purple Solider

Alabaster Police Chief Curtis Rigney was recognized for his 24 years of dedicated service and outstanding achievement in completing the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program. Chief Rigney is named among 121 Alabama chiefs to reach this standard of excellence after the intensive four-level program developed by the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police, which is supported by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.

People, young and old, competed in the “Be a Purple Solider� CrossFit fundraiser for fighting pancreatic cancer.

With live music and several vendors, on-lookers cheered on competitors as they worked to beat old workout times.

December Beautification Award

Pancreatic Cancer Proclamation

Congratulations to Pat and Terry Buckey for winning the December Beautification Award. Their awe-inspiring home at 332 Dogwood Trail in the Park Forest neighborhood last won this award in 2009. Balancing creativity and variety, there is something new each season. The faithfully clean curb frames a yard replete with well-trimmed shrubs and trees, seasonal flowers, arbor, and a nature walk. Thank you, Pat and Terry, for making Alabaster a more beautiful place to call home!

Pancreatic cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This cancer has a fiveyear relative survival rate where symptoms present themselves generally in the late stages; these are two survivors of pancreatic cancer. Mayor Handlon proclaimed that November 2014 is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and encourages the City of Alabaster to become educated about the disease.

30 cityofalabaster.com

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 664-6831 | 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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