ALABASTER
CONNECTION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF ALABASTER | December 2017
Christmas Parade December 2, 10 a.m. pg. 12
Santa Stop
Tour of Lights
Abby Neumann
pg. 10
pg. 14
pg. 8
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From the Mayor’s Desk Official Publication of the City of Alabaster Alabaster Connection is published monthly and is delivered to citizens of the City of Alabaster. Editorial Board The Public Relations Committee of the Alabaster City Council. Committee Chair Councilwoman Sophie Martin Councilwoman Kerri Pate Councilman Greg Farrell Editor Luke Camara, me2graphics, LLC Contributors Shana Camara Heather Leavell Lindsay Schluntz Megan Owens Lynn Barnett We welcome your comments & suggestions. Call 447-2214 or email luke@me2graphics.com
To advertise call 447-2214 Non-Emergency City Numbers
Another calendar year is almost complete! This year has been a box of chocolates - some really good and exciting times, and some really tough ones, which required us to press in and trust the One still in control. I am truly thankful for so many things about our city and community, the things that set us apart from others. To be able to focus on those things helps me keep a Marty Handlon, Mayor positive perspective, and I'm able to prepare my heart for the holidays. In the City of Alabaster moments when we focus on all that is good, lovely, honorable, and true, the spirit of the Season will shine. So, if you find yourself feeling the blues during this Advent season, press on - go through the motions of volunteering, connecting with people, and serving others. I promise - you will experience the JOY of the season and a Christmas miracle! Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Parents and teenagers throughout our community will be rejoicing with me in the months ahead. This month, our City Council approved funding and authorized us to engage Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon Engineering & Architects for a city Civic & Recreation Center. I am very excited our young people will soon have a positive and safe place to hang out. Our Parks & Recreation programs will have additional space, a venue for special events and meetings, and an indoor walking track. We are hopeful this project will address many voids of our community, and move us forward on the road from good to great! We will begin the conceptual and design phase in the next few weeks, as we tour facilities in other cities and gather helpful information from them. At this point, our desire is to put this facility at Municipal Park, a location centrally located in our community and conveniently accessible by our Intermediate and Middle school students. We will be sharing updates as this important project progresses. As we approach the season for lots of cooking, our Environmental Services team has requested this friendly reminder to our community about the costly issues brought on by grease down the drain. Please take advantage of our grease recycle program, and save real tax payer dollars by reducing costly repairs to our pump stations. Recycle container pickup and drop-off stations are conveniently located around the city. We also take great pride in doubling the savings by using the recycled grease to create bio-diesel for use in city equipment. Thank you for your participation in these efforts! This is the last newsletter before we start our new garbage service, and we have included more helpful information about the transition in this issue. If you have missed previous editions, which included need-to-know facts about the new program, you can find all of this on our website. If you have any unanswered questions after viewing the website FAQs, please submit an online 'Report A Concern' with your questions. These go straight to the department that can quickly provide the answer. Excellent customer service is our goal, and we believe education and awareness is a huge part of ensuring success. We hope you don’t mind our constant reminders of the impact your spending has on city operations. Please shop Alabaster First - it helps us help you and our school system! See you at the parade!
Police 24-Hours 663-7401 Alabaster Water Board 663-6155 Fire Department 664-6818
1953 Municipal Way Alabaster, AL 35007 ©2017 City of Alabaster
Cover: Kingwood Church Celebrates 30 years of The Gospel According to Scrooge.
THIS EDITION
FEATURES
Spotlights
4 Council Comments 24 Around Town 26 Calendar 30 CC Meeting Minutes
8 Abby Neumann 10 Santa Stop 12 Christmas Parade 14 Tour of Lights
17 Business Spotlight 18 Alabaster Helps 20 Citizen Spotlight 22 Employee Spotlight
Council Comments
Scott Brakefield
Ward 6 | City Council President Greetings & Happy Holidays! Christmas is right around the corner and it brings such an exciting time of the year. The annual Alabaster Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2nd. I look forward to this each year. It is great to see so many people come out and kick off the Christmas season. I would like to extend my thanks to all the City Employees that make the Christmas Parade such a success. During the Holiday Season you will see an increased
Sophie Martin Ward 1
Recently on a Saturday morning, I was busy cleaning the house and trying to make a dent in our mountain-high pile of laundry. The doorbell rang and I figured it was a salesperson wanting me to buy the latest gutter cleaning or satellite service. I was not planning on opening the door but realized I needed to after they spotted my seven year-old staring at them through the front door glass. When I opened the door and to my surprise, there stood three teenagers. They simply asked if they could pray with me, and if there was anything specific I needed them to pray for. So, I asked them to please pray for our community, nation, and all leaders from the city to the national level. Without hesitating they bowed their heads and immediately started praying… it was powerful and heartfelt. After they finished, we visited a little longer. I learned that two of these special teenagers attend Thompson and one was attending college in Georgia…three teens spending their Saturday sharing the word of God, praying with families on their front porches and impacting lives. What a blessing in so many wonderful ways…and another great reason to be proud of our youth and the future leaders coming out of Alabaster. Thank you to Katelyn Noyes, Abbi Donahoo and Noah Janger for your special gift of prayer this Christmas season. I’m so glad I answered my front door. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas. Sophie
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Police presence in our shopping centers. As you "Shop Alabaster First" it is important that you feel safe. I want to thank APD for their Mobile Command Center that will be set up in the shopping center to make sure their presence is felt and seen. Lastly, How about our Warriors? As I write these comments, they are busy preparing for the semi finals. One step away from making it to the finals which are played in Tuscaloosa on December 6th. Very exciting times for our community, school and athletes. I hope each of you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Rick Ellis
Ward 2 I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday. As we move into the Christmas season, I would like to remind everyone of a few things. First, don’t forget the Alabaster Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2nd starting at 10 a.m. Be sure to come and bring the kids - it will be lots of fun! Also, check out the Alabaster Tour of Lights this Christmas season, sponsored by the Alabaster Beautification Board. You’ll find a map of the tour later in the magazine. Finally, while you are out Christmas shopping in Alabaster this Christmas, please be aware and be safe. Even though we have the best police department around, they cannot be everywhere all the time. So, please be aware of your surroundings while going to and from your cars this holiday season. Remember Advanced Disposal will be picking up their carts the last service week in December on the day of your service. The city will be dropping off new carts from December 4th – December 22nd. Please be sure not to use the new carts until January 2, 2018. Also, if you are on a fixed income, the Alabaster Water Board Reduced Rate/Fixed Income open enrollment in now underway through December 31. For more information, visit their website at www.alabasterwater.com or call 205-663-6155. As always, if you have any concerns, questions, or any ideas or suggestions for Ward 2 or the city, please contact me at ellis@cityofalabaster.com. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 Merry Christmas! Rick
Council Comments
Stacy Rakestraw
Ward 3 Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the Hibbett’s Distribution Center in our Shelby West Corporate Park. A newly added division of their distribution center is e-commerce, where online orders are managed. This 420,000 sq. ft. facility has a conveyor system that is close to a mile long. This business is an asset to the City, and is a very clean and positive work environment. If you are looking for a job that can turn into a career, I encourage you to go online to www.hibbett.com and search CAREERS. The new Shelby Baptist Medical Center signs give a fresh, new look to that part of the Alabaster Medical Mile. Congratulations to the hospital on their most recent “A+” score for hospital patient safety by non-profit patient advocacy organization, The Leapfrog Group. Shelby Baptist was one of only 7 in the state to receive this high score. As our football team made it through the first round of the State playoffs with a win against Huntsville, the wrestling season is underway. The Thompson Christmas Duals are on December 21 at THS. Congratulations to Sam Latona for his commitment to Virginia Tech! VT is getting an awesome young man. "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2:8-11 Merry Christmas, Stacy
Greg Farrell Ward 4
I would like to congratulate all of our local High School football teams for making the playoffs. First is Kingwood Christian School under Coach Bradford - they made it to the first round of playoffs in AISA. Second is Evangel Christian School for winning the ACSC State Championship two years in a row. Congratulations to Coach Smith and his team. Third is the Thompson Warriors - as I'm writing this, they are in the Quarter Finals for the 7A State Championship. Whatever the outcome, congratulations to Coach Freeman and his team on a great season. We can all be very proud of all of the schools in our city and their success. As you finish your Christmas shopping, don't forget our small businesses in the city - they would greatly appreciate your business. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.
Russell Bedsole Ward 5
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Alabaster! I sincerely hope this holiday season is the most joyous occasion for you and your family. The holiday season is upon us, and it is no secret that shopping here in Alabaster during this holiday season is very important to us. Numbers from last year's budget all showed positive gains in our revenue from sales tax collection. Every year, the holiday season is the perfect jumpstart to the beginning of our budget year, and it sets the tone for the rest of our year. This is why we always ask that you shop Alabaster first - every dollar spent here in Alabaster sincerely helps. Before I go, I want to remind everyone that after the first of the year, we will transition our roadside garbage collection services from our contract provider to the city for this important service. Take time to read the information printed just a few pages over in this edition of the Connection and check our website for further details. Thank you, Alabaster, for the privilege of continuing to serve you.
Kerri Pate Ward 7
Let’s hear it for the boys! What a fun season we have had cheering on our WARRIORS! Sports and music seem to unite communities. and this season, our community has come together to witness history at Larry Simmons Stadium. As most of you have already heard, we passed a resolution to enter into an agreement with a firm for design and engineering services for a mixed use recreation and civic center. Along with my fellow Parks and Rec committee, the Mayor and Council, we will be visiting and exploring other centers to help us with ideas that will meet and exceed the needs of all of our residents, from childhood through their senior years. This has been the most exciting development for our city since I have taken office, and I have a vision for this project. I would love to hear from you about things that you think would be beneficial to your family. Please take some time and shoot me an email at pate@cityofalabaster.com. As we embark on this advent season celebrating Christ’s birth, let us remember that as God’s children, we are called to be kind and generous to ALL. We are also called to give to those less fortunate. There are many opportunities in our community for you to help out this season. Please reach out to our local churches or schools, and they can put you in touch with some needs of families right here in Alabaster. You can also contact me, and I will be happy to assist you. See you at the parade on December 2nd! Merry CHRISTmas! Kerri cityofalabaster.com
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Feature
Saying “Thank You!”
Alabaster teen donates items of appreciation to first responders
Alabaster Detective Tommy Stewart & Abby & Alabaster Detective Randy Ray
N
ineteen-year-old Abby Neumann lost three friends in three separate accidents in 2016. “At first it really shook my faith because they were so young, but I eventually thought that the best way for me to handle it would be to find a way to honor Christopher, Patrick and Catherine, and also honor the first responders who helped my friends and their families, and so many other people,” she shared. Inspired by the paracord survival bracelet that her friend Christopher had worn, she decided to learn how to make those bracelets and give them to area fire departments and police stations.
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cityofalabaster.com
The bracelets are made from eight feet of paracord and can be used as a survival tool in the event of a rescue. She donates them to the departments as a way of paying tribute to the men and women who are lost in the line of duty rescuing others. “I make thin blue line bracelets to honor law enforcement, thin red line bracelets for firefighters, and when Birmingham Fire Chief Gordan asked me to make pink bracelets for his department to wear during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, I started making those, too!” Alabaster’s Jennifer Neumann said that what had started as her daughter’s local effort, has now grown to Abby ▶
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sending bracelets all over the country to various law enforcement agencies and fire departments. “She personally reaches out to area fire and police chiefs to share her mission. People have started reaching out to her through Facebook and ordering items from her to support her effort, too,” she said proudly. Abby has already made and distributed almost 1,000 bracelets in the past year! Many of these went to local departments, including Alabaster, Pelham and other Shelby County First Responders. All proceeds from the online sales of bracelets, watchbands, dog collars and other survival paracord items, go directly back into making more items to donate to first responders. It’s her way of saying, “Thank you.” AC
Abby's Paracord For more information on Abby’s efforts to honor first responders, or to purchase items to contribute to her efforts, search “Abby’s Paracord” on Facebook. Expires:12/2017
cityofalabaster.com
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Santa
Stop
N EIG HB oR Ho o D tI MES 2 0 17 the following are estimated times that Santa will arrive in the listed areas of the City on Christmas Eve. It is possible that Santa may have to respond to emergencies while making his rounds, so be looking for him 30 minutes before or after the listed time of arrival. AFD will be posting updated arrival times as needed throughout the day on the Alabaster Fire Department Facebook page: www.facebook.com/AlabasterFire Due to time constraints, Santa will not be able to stop at individual homes or go on every street in each neighborhood. He will be stopping at the designated red & yellow Santa Stop signs. these signs will be placed by December 15. If you have any questions, please call Alabaster Fire Department at 205-6218752 or email afd@alabasterfire.org. the schedule will also be available on the City of Alabaster website: cityofalabaster.com. Alabaster Fire Department wishes you and your family a safe and Merry Christmas!
1:00
1:30 1:40
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poRtSoutH CEDAR GRoVE KINGWooD/ SpRING GAtE NoRWICK FoRESt
3:30
FAllING WAtERS
6:00
SMoKE RIDGE
7:50
SADDlE lAKES
3:35
SHAlIMAR poINtE
6:10
8:05
tERRI-lYNN MHp
3:40
BERMuDA lAKE KNoX MHp
BuCK CREEK lANDING MISSIoN HIllS
8:10
GREEN VAllEY
tANGlEWooD SoutH – EASt IRoNWooDS
8:15
pARK FoRESt VIllAGE
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MEADoWVIEW/ WIlloW GlEN
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CRoSSCut RD AND SAWMIll tRACE RD MouNtAIN lAKES CARRIAGE HIllS
8:35
CRoSSCut RD AND CARRIAGE lANE WIStERIA
8:40
tHE GRoVE
8:55
WINDY oAKS
StERlING GAtE NoRtHWESt/olD toWN MEADoWlARK/ WIlloW CREEK/ WIlloW poINt
1:50
CEDAR GRoVE MHp
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WooDlAND HIllS SoutHWIND
6:15 3:50
MAYlENE
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pEAVINE MHp GRANDE VIEW GARDENS
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2:30 NAVAJo HIllS AMBERlY WooDS AutuMNRIDGE CAMBRIDGE poINt1/ SuMMER BRooK
GRANDE VIEW EStAtES
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ApACHE RIDGE BERRYHIll
6:55
KEYStoNE MHp
4:35
WEAtHERlY SoutHWESt
GREENFIElD
5:15
StoNEY MEADoWS
2:45
EAGlEWooD EStAtES
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NoRtHEASt (BRoWN CIRClE/ HIllWooD AREA)
DoGWooD FoRESt/FoRESt HIllS
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KENtWooD SIlVER CREEK
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SHElBY FARMS
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BEttY SNoW
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SoutH FIElD GARDENS
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SCottSDAlE lAKE FoRESt
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SoutH FoRtY GolDEN MEADoWS
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pARK FoRESt (BACK SECtoR)
FoX VAllEY FARMS SIluRIA
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1St AVE & 2000 BloCK MAplEWooD/ SHADY oAK lANE
CAMBRIDGE poINt2 ASHFoRD HEIGHtS lACEY’S GRoVE
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CEDAR MEADoWS
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tIMBER RIDGE pARK plACE StAGE CoACH tHE MEADoWS
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NAVAJo pINES
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WEllINGtoN MANoR
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tHE VIEW ApARtMENtS
DouGlAS MEADoWS
lAKE tERRACE
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WooDBRooK ApARtMENtS MAplE RIDGE
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feature
"It’s beginning to look a lot like
Christmas..."
Sing your way through the holidays at the Christmas Parade!
A
lthough we may not be dashing through the snow during the most wonderful time of the year, you can still rock around the Christmas tree here in Alabaster at this year’s Christmas Parade! Sleigh bells will be ringing and little drummer boys will be “rumpum-pum-pumming” as the floats line up on Highway 31 South on Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 a.m. The theme selected for this year’s event, if you haven’t already guessed it, is “Christmas Melodies.” So, if all you want for Christmas is to see float renditions of the season’s most popular songs, the Alabaster Christmas Parade is where you should be!
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Christmas Village at the Alabaster Fire Department
AFD Christmas Village Hours:
The Alabaster Fire Department is inviting the children of Alabaster to the Alabaster Fire Department Christmas Village. The Village is located at Firehouse # 1 on 9th St. N.W. across from the Library. The Village will open December 2nd and run through January 1st.
Friday 5-9 p.m.
cityofalabaster.com
Monday-Thursday 5-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 12-9 p.m. If you would like to submit pictures from your experience at Christmas Village or at the Santa Stop on Christmas Eve to be posted to the Alabaster Fire Department Facebook page, please email them to santapics@alabasterfire.org.
feature Here Comes Santa Claus…and Bobby Joe! Of course, the main man at the Christmas Parade will be Santa Claus himself, as he rides in on an Alabaster fire truck. But secondin-command is the Grand Marshal this year – Bobby Joe Seales. Sharon Allen, the administrative clerk for Alabaster’s Parks and Rec Department, explained that when the Grand Marshal is selected, “The City looks for someone who has meant a lot to the community over the years.” Seales, also affectionately referred to by many as Mr. Shelby County, has lived in Alabaster his entire life, and has established deep roots in the area. “My ancestors settled here even before Shelby County became a County in 1818!” he exclaimed. He and his wife, Diane, both graduated from Thompson High School, and are well-recognized fixtures at events throughout the city and county. He has an incredible wealth of knowledge regarding ▶ the area, as he recently retired as Director of the Shelby County Museum and Archives, and has served 16 years as president of the Shelby County Historical Society. He was also selected to be the Ambassador of the Alabama Bicentennial, as the state will be celebrating its 200th birthday in 2019! Although he researched and published a pictorial history of Shelby County in 2006, Seales’s pride in his own hometown will be showcased in his newly released pictorial history book regarding the early years of Alabaster and Siluria. Additional area cities’ histories will be captured and featured in upcoming books, for as Bobby Joe tends to remind people, “Once history is lost, it can never be recovered,” and “A picture is worth a thousand words!” Wonderful Christmas Time The Christmas parade is a holly jolly event for the City and, according to Sharon, it’s one of the largest Christmas parades in the state! “It draws a lot of people into our City, and gives our community a sense of pride,” she said. Each year, floats, vehicles, organizations, bands, entertainers and individuals compete to win trophies for their entries. Judged categories include Best Use of the Theme, Most Creative, Most Entertaining, Best Holiday Spirit, and Best Walking Entry. The judges this year are members of the Alabaster Beautification Board, and include Bobby Hirt, Loretta Barber, and David Hughes. “We try, as best we can, to select impartial people who will be fair in judging; those who don’t have children, students, etc. participating in the parade,” Sharon explained. “These judges were chosen because the Beautification Board played such a significant part in the parades of years’ past, and the City thought it would be nice to have some of them back to judge the parade this year.”
Do You See What I See? Community members who have come to the parade for the past several years already know that to get a great view of the entire parade, you’ll want to find a spot to stand south of Faith Consignment across from the 1022 Tower. However, to prevent Grandma from getting run over by a reindeer – or children getting injured by a vehicle – please do not enter Highway 31 to retrieve candy being tossed to the crowd from the floats. That would most certainly result in someone having a very blue Christmas! Over the River and Through the Woods You may not see three ships come sailing in, but you’ll certainly see lots of Christmas spirit along the parade route. The winter wonderland begins at Ernest McCarty Ford and rolls in front of the judges’ platform near the Alabaster Police Station. Once across the railroad tracks, it will continue past Alabaster Auto and America’s Thrift Store shopping center, and disperse at the stop sign in front of Southbrook Village. O Come, All Ye Faithful So, whether we can count on you to be home for Christmas, or if you’ll just be around because Santa Claus is coming to town, come deck the halls of the City with us at this year’s Alabaster Christmas Parade! AC
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Business SPOTLIGHT
McDowell Security J
eff McDowell is the owner and founder of the successful security company, McDowell Security. He was named one of 2017’s Top 40 Under 40 by the Birmingham Business Journal, and his company was recognized as one of the fastest growing businesses in the area. Despite all of this growing success, Jeff remains incredibly humble, and his desire to serve others outshines any award or recognition. for the City of Alabaster for almost 13 years. “I was in the turf equipment business for 26 years. We especially worked with golf courses to kill it, cut it or grow it,” he said with a smile.
“I want it to matter that I was here. I want this world to be a better place when I leave it than when I got to it. Fulfilling that is my favorite part of the job,” he said. McDowell’s commitment to “making a difference and creating a culture where we are encouraging people to improve themselves and rise above what they thought they could be” comes from his own life experience. He knows what it means to fall on hard times. In 2010, Jeff unexpectedly lost his contract as a consultant with another company. His family struggled to make ends meet and had to make the humbling decision to apply for government assistance to buy food. Surprisingly, it was during this time that McDowell started his own company. “Desperation,” he said, “I was in a position where I didn’t have a choice. I had a friend and former client who called me up needing security for a location. I said, ‘I’m not in a position to do that.’ So he said, ‘Why don’t you start your own company?’ I told him I didn’t have the money and he said, ‘Well, I’m going to send you a check to get started.’ To this day he won’t let me pay him back.” Receiving acts of kindness like this is what has inspired Jeff to pay it forward. His vision for the company is for it to exist so others can do what they do best. From employees to clients, Jeff approaches everything with a customer service mindset. Whether it's an employee who calls out with a sick child and their supervisor checks in later that day to say that they’ve
prayed for them, or committing to anticipating a client’s needs before they arise, McDowell Security is a company that cares about people. The company supplies trained security guards for many hotels, medical facilities, businesses, shopping centers, special events and more throughout the State of Alabama. They are expanding to offer technological security services in the near future, as well. “What people don’t realize and what you can’t measure is what [our employees’] presence is preventing. Them being there is heroic - you never know what was prevented because they were there and someone with bad intentions saw the uniform and decided not to do it there. I firmly believe that if I don’t do something good with all of this, I don’t deserve to keep it,” Jeff stated. Jeff is truly a family man. He lives in Alabaster with his wife, Candyce. They have two children, ages 8 and 13, but they say they have three because they have custody of their 13-year-old niece as well. “I feel fortunate and blessed and thankful that we’re in a position to step in and [care for her].” Cameron and Kayleigh think of her as a sister. Jeff says Candyce doesn’t get the spotlight she deserves for homeschooling the two girls as well as being part owner of McDowell Securities. And Kayleigh “thinks she is the Vice President of the company, she even has her own business cards,” Jeff said with a laugh. AC cityofalabaster.com
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Alabaster Helps
Providing Homes for the Hurting Red Mountain Grace provides apartments for families receiving critical medical care in Birmingham
I
sla Hope is a miracle. While still in the womb, Isla had a hole in her tiny little heart, called Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV). In addition, she was diagnosed with radial dysphasia and a cleft lip and palate. When her parents, Spencer and Brett, decided to move Isla’s care from Huntsville to Children’s of Alabama at Birmingham, they learned she had a clubbed foot and that her cerebellum sat too deeply in her spinal socket.
However, against all odds, on October 18th, 2016, Isla Hope was born. “She was rushed straight over to Children’s of Alabama. Within 24 hours, our daughter would die three times on an operating table; (the surgeon) held her life at the tip of his fingers, with no idea she didn’t have an immune system,” Isla’s mom, Brett, recalled. ▶
Alabaster Cares – Support Red Mountain Grace this holiday season: Donate to Red Mountain Grace online (www.RedMountainGrace.com) or send donations to: RMG | P.O. Box 382562, | Birmingham, AL 35238 Give money to help pay for holiday meals. “All of our apartments will be full for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Lizzie enthused. “We, through donors, will give presents and meals to each family that will be here.”
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Collect items that are needed to support the apartments. For example: paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, light bulbs, etc. Shop the Red Mountain Grace wish list on Amazon Smile under "Refuge1212".
Alabaster Helps Since that time, this little miracle has endured three esophageal repairs, two open heart and conduit placement surgeries, a tracheotomy tube placed, several gastrointestinal surgeries, and one severe arterial line complication, causing her left leg to become dying, necrotic tissue from the knee down. With the amount of medical attention that Isla has been receiving since even before birth, the family needed to find living accommodations near Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. A Home Away from Home This is just one of the many families served by Red Mountain Grace, a ministry that provides extended housing for families who are awaiting or receiving critical medical care in Birmingham. Debbie Tidwell, Patient Coordinator, explained that some families have to come and stay in Birmingham for up to a year or more at a time, in order to get medical care from hospitals like UAB and Children’s. “The only options for these families are to stay in hotels, where they’ll max out their credit cards, take out a lease for thousands of dollars, or sleep in their cars in the parking lots,” Tidwell shared. The reality of situations like this for families already in crisis is what motivated the founding of Red Mountain Grace. Working alongside hospital social workers, the organization has welcomed over 200 families into apartment housing during family member hospitalizations since opening its doors in August of 2013. Showing God’s Love Medical diagnoses are overwhelming for families to face, and the added stresses, complications, and expenses of extended travel for patient care often amount to a sense of hopelessness, further complicated by the disconcerting feeling of temporary homelessness. Stories like Isla’s and all the others warm the hearts of the Red Mountain Grace staff and volunteers. “We are able to not only help these families by relieving them of some of their financial burden, but we are able to meet them in a very difficult place where we can pray over them and give them continued hope,” said Lizzi Wilkerson, Executive Director. It takes a lot of people to take care of the number of apartments and families that Red Mountain Grace serves. People are behind
“I see the love of God surrounding these families in some of their hardest moments and I'm thankful that we have the opportunity to love our patients and their families the way we do." -Lizzi Wilkerson, Executive Director the scenes, volunteering to clean and decorate apartments, providing meals for the families, visiting them and their loved ones in the hospital, and praying over them. Financial contributions help defray the substantial costs of the ministry. “Every dollar of support that comes in helps to directly fund what we are doing and how we grow to help meet the needs of everyone in Birmingham tonight, looking for a place to stay while they’re getting their treatments,” said board member, Jay McFarland. “I see the love of God surrounding these families in some of their hardest moments and I'm thankful that we have the opportunity to love our patients and their families the way we do,” Lizzie emphasized. “We are currently in discussion about a proposal that could result in transformational growth to the organization, and could truly make a huge impact for families coming to Birmingham for treatment.” AC
Next to Publix
There's s�ll �me to use those benefits!
• Most major health and vision insurances accepted, including: BC/BS, VSP, Eyemed, Medicare, Medicaid, and Care Credit. • Appointments are available, walk-ins are welcome. • Free exams for infants (birth to 12 months) and free screenings for kids. • The newest fashions and best technology in glasses and contact lenses. • Treatment of eye disease and injury, co-management of ocular surgery.
9200 Highway 119 • Suite 600 • Alabaster, AL35007
205 • 624 • 3088
cityofalabaster.com
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Citizen spotlight
“D.Mo” Does More for the Community
Derrick Morrissette Shows the Love to Alabaster
D
errick Morrissette, or “D.Mo” to his friends, would say he ended up in Alabaster by divine appointment. After 14 years living in Panama City as a National Account Executive for Sara Lee Food and Beverage, he and his wife, Trish, knew one day they would come back home to Alabama to do ministry. “We knew nothing of Alabaster, except that it was close to Birmingham,” he said. “But when I approached an exit in the area, a Voice said, ‘This is it,’ and four months later, my family relocated to Alabaster.” A Family Man Derrick and Trish have known each other since first grade. They’ve now been married for over 17 years! “She is probably one of the best communicators I’ve ever met,” he admired. “She currently owns a translation business where she has done work in over 165 different languages. She’s fluent in Spanish and has an English degree!” A bit of a fashionista, Trish also recently opened Trish M. Boutique in the Alabaster area. In addition to working in the pharmaceutical industry, Derrick pastors Mind of Christ International church, located on Kent Dairy Road in Alabaster. He and Trish planted the church two years ago with the mission of positively impacting this region locally and internationally. Their children, DaeShaun (9) and Daesha (5), keep them busy with sports, gymnastics, and academics.
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Committed to the Community Investing in families is an important component to the couple’s ministry. The church occasionally hosts Parents’ Night Out to cityofalabaster.com
make sure married couples have time with each other for a date night, and sponsors basketball tournaments for the youth. He also recently launched Heroes in Motion (HIM), a mentoring/development program for young men and adult men which provides education and training in four specific areas: social development, physical health, spiritual growth, and financial aptitude. “The outreach I get to do isn't possible without great people,” he humbly stated. In addition, Derrick serves on the advisory board for the Alabaster YMCA branch, partners with Alabaster Salvation army, and through Mind of Christ International, Derrick provides an outreach at least once a month to those in need in the community. “One of our highlights is our Family Day, where we have free bouncy houses, free food, free games, free everything just to show our community how much we appreciate them for allowing us to serve.” “It’s important that we help Alabaster continue to grow positively and to make an impact on the awesome people in this community,” he said with passion. “I love my city!”AC Learn more about Mind of Christ, International Church by visiting: www.MindOfChristInt.com
GARBAGE COLLECTION UPDATE In January 2018 The City of Alabaster will debut the new garbage collection service.
A
Links to important information regarding the new garbage collection service on the City website: •
2018 route table – this is a copy of the curbside trash and recycle pickup schedule list: http:// cityofalabaster.com/426/Garbage-AdditionalService-Request
•
Additional Options for Garbage Service – i.e. extra cans, pick up recycling cart, handicap service (backdoor service): http://cityofalabaster. com/426/Garbage-Additional-Service-Request
•
What day does my garbage get picked up? http://cityofalabaster.com/424/What-day-doesmy-garbage-get-picked-up
•
Link to the current newsletter flyer: http:// cityofalabaster.com/427/2018-AlabasterGarbage-Collection-Update
•
Frequently Asked Questions Table: http:// cityofalabaster.com/423/2017-Garbage-ServiceFAQs
•
Ordinance for rates- Residential and Commercial: http://cityofalabaster.com/ DocumentCenter/View/1805
Read the Alabaster Connection next month for new and up-to-date information about this public service.
dvanced Disposal will be picking up their carts with the last service week in December on the day of your service. Alabaster will deliver new carts from December 4-22, 2017 to each qualified resident. Please do not use the Alabaster Carts prior to January 2, 2018, and ONLY official Alabaster carts will be serviced after January 2, 2018. Please remember: January 1 will be a holiday, so the first week will be running a day behind normal schedule. All residences will receive one trash cart and one recycle cart. New household trash carts will be all blue and recycle cart will be a blue cart with a green lid. In order to keep cost down, please only put recyclable materials in the recycle cart. A request Garbage Recycling form can Cart Cart be found on the city website for requesting an additional trash cart. (Rate/cart= $7.64/month). Additional cart requests will be delivered within 1 week of receiving request and added to your monthly billing. A form is also on the website for residents requesting back door service. Even if you currently receive this service you must complete the form to continue back door service. Route information and mapping can be found on the city website. Please look up your address to check your service day. A few route days will change so we can better service your home. Current information will also be posted on the City of Alabaster website: CityofAlabaster.com
Employee spotlight
A Heart of Service
J
ohn St Pierre, Community Relations Officer for the Alabaster Police Department, is all about helping others. “I enjoy my job because of the challenge of it, and it gives me the ability to serve. We attend Westwood Baptist Church and I have a biblical worldview. Having the ability to help people in their time of need is important to me,” he said boldly. St. Pierre started in July of 2010 as a patrolman with the department. He had just graduated from college, and this was his first foray into police work. “I ultimately dreamed of joining the Secret Service, which is why I started here in Alabaster. They wanted you to gain some experience before you could apply. Now that I am here in Alabaster, I just enjoy the city and the department so much I don’t really hold to that dream anymore,” he shared. St. Pierre transitioned to the role of Community Resource Office (CRO) last year. "For me, it is bridging the gap between the department and the citizens we serve. The community has someone whose role is to communicate and interact with them.” This gap bridging has taken many forms. “Some of things I do for the community is education and awareness. I just taught a class on alcohol and substance abuse at the local school. We do Wednesday Walks, where we randomly select a business and go speak to them,” he said. They have also done this with area churches. St. Pierre also teaches the Driver School courses for the municipal
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court system. He goes to local schools and helps serve lunch. “Just this month, I will be back at our elementary school to serve them their Thanksgiving Feast meal,” he said with a smile. When he is not fulfilling his duties as the Community Relations Officer, he is lending a hand to his fellow officers. “I fill in on patrol whenever they are short handed. I am a Crime Scene Investigator as well,” he said. These extra duties make it quite busy for St. Pierre, but the work is very satisfying. When asked why he was a cop, St. Pierre shared a story of his most memorable night as a police officer. “Well the thing that stands out in my mind the most is when I found a kidnapped baby,” he exclaimed. “My team and I searched the whole shift. And while I was doing a neighborhood check, I found the car and I found her in the backseat still breathing. I approached the car, expecting to find the perpetrator, but he was not in the car. Once I knew he was not around, I quickly got her out of the car, took cover and radioed it in,” he shared. When the paramedics arrived, she refused to go to them and just stayed with St. Pierre under his big coat. “I just wrapped her up and ▶
Employee spotlight “We have a wonderful community of people in the city and in our city’s leadership. The mayor and her passion for teens is amazing, and our command staff is just fantastic to work with." -John St Pierre held her real close until her momma got her,” he stated. When it was all said and done, St. Pierre felt relieved. “We spent the last 10 hours looking, and to find her alive and breathing...it was huge for me!” When St. Pierre is not at work, he is with his wife, Megan, and their daughter, Kennedy, who is 18 months old. “Kennedy is my everything. I love that baby more then anything in the world,” he shared. He also learned a valuable lesson as a parent: “Realizing that you can get through everyday activities with very little sleep,” he said with a laugh. “But I’ll tell you, you can’t even explain it, the love and the passion you have for your child.” St. Pierre loves living and working in Alabaster. “We have a wonderful community of people in the city and in our city’s leadership. The mayor and her passion for teens is amazing, and our command staff is just fantastic to work with,” he exclaimed. If you are interested in having St. Pierre visit with you, your community group, school, church or business, please give him a call at (205) 663-7401. AC
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Call Tim Mitchell Today! 205.305.8756 | TimMitchellSells.com #1 in Alabaster!
Each office is independently owned and operated.
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around town
Trish M Fashions Ribbon Cutting
Interstellar Ginger Beer Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to Trish Morrissette on the opening of Trish M Fashions, located at 124 1st Ave West in Alabaster! The new clothing boutique is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit TrishMFashions.com or stop by the store.
Congratulations to Shane Kelly on the grand opening of Interstellar Ginger Beer and Exploration Co. at 260A Regency Park Drive in Alabaster. This new brewery offers a variety of unique ginger beers, including some that glow in the dark! Stop in to try one of their creative concoctions during their business hours: Tuesdays from 4 - 10 p.m., Fridays from 4 p.m. - midnight, Saturdays from 11 a.m. - midnight and Sundays from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. To learn more, visit www.interstellarginger.com.
Many Infinities Opens in Alabaster
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Congratulations to Deven Woods and all of the members of Many Infinities on opening their office location in Alabaster. Many Infinities began in 2015 to meet the needs of autoimmune disease patients and the people who love them. Many Infinities is committed to “unveiling this invisible illness, giving a voice to affected families, providing the tools to move forward and ultimately correcting and ending the autoimmune response.� For more information, visit www.manyinfinities.org or call (205) 258-0222. cityofalabaster.com
Commercial Beautification Winner Shelby Medical 1022 Tower Congratulations to Shelby Medical 1022 Tower, Healthcare Trust of America and Johnson Property Services on winning the December Commercial Beautification Award! The award was given because of the landscape design and well maintained shrubs. Colorful flowers complete a welcoming greeting to the entrance.
around town
Shelby Baptist Medical Center Receives Top Score for Patient Safety
Veterans Day Ceremony In recognition of Veterans Day and the many veterans living in the Alabaster community, the City of Alabaster held it’s second annual ceremony at Veterans Park on November 10. Mayor Marty Handlon opened with comments recognizing veterans and the blessing of our freedoms. The ceremony included prayer, singing of the National Anthem, and comments from Ron Jefferson, the last living veteran who served five tours in Vietnam. Concluding the event was a flag retirement ceremony and the Pledge of Allegiance by Boy Scout Troop 548.
Shelby Baptist Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Score from The Leapfrog Group, a non-profit patient safety advocacy organization. The fall 2017 Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from errors, injuries and infections, is compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts in patient safety. “At Shelby Baptist Medical Center, we are committed to making sure our patients feel comfortable in knowing they are receiving the best treatment in the safest possible environment. The physicians and staff are more than deserving of this high mark, as their dedication shows their commitment to helping our patients, and the community, live happier, healthier lives,” says Mike Rickman, CEO of Shelby Baptist Medical Center. “We are proud to be recognized as an ‘A’ hospital for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group, as a testament of our commitment to providing high-quality care.” The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.
residential Beautification Winner
Alabaster Water Board adopts SafeHouse
Donald and Pearl Ryan 153 Glen Abbey Way
Each year, the employees of the Alabaster Water Board adopt a local charity for the holiday season. This year, they have chosen SafeHouse, which provides critical response to domestic and sexual violence, prevention and intervention programs to the communities of Shelby, Coosa, Clay, and Chilton counties. If you would like information on SafeHouse or are interested in joining the Alabaster Water Board employees in donating items for SafeHouse, please visit the Alabaster Water Board website (www.alabasterwater.com). All donations must be received at the Alabaster Water Board’s office (213 1st Street North) by the close of business on December 15. Thank you for your support!
Congratulations to the Ryan family on being selected for the month of December. The Ryans work hard all year long to maintain the clean lines, fresh appearance, and management of the temporal space. All of their efforts have gone a long way to produce a yard and home that is pleasing to the eye while also being enjoyable for the family.
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CALENDAR
Community December 5th Water Board 7 p.m. 6th Court Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. 11th School Board 6 p.m. 11th Council 7 p.m. 13th Court Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. 18th Board of Zoning Adjustments 6:30 p.m. 19th Planning Commission 7 p.m.
All meetings are held at 1953 Municipal Way in the Council Chamber. View full calendar, agendas and resolutions at www.cityofalabaster.com.
library The Albert L. Scott Library is located at 100 9th Street N.W., Alabaster. Hours of operation are: Mon., Tue. and Thu.: 9 a.m. - 7:50 p.m. Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 5:50 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. - 5:50 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4:50 p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
Closed
Gingerbread Workshop
December 24 – 26 for Christmas
Tuesday, December 5, 6:15 p.m.
ABC & D's of Medicare Will resume on January 8, 2018 at 1 p.m.
Library Book Group December 21, 7 p.m.
Join us to discuss The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks. This novel traces the arc of King David's journey from obscurity to fame, from shepherd to soldier, from hero to traitor, from beloved king to murderous despot, and into his remorseful and diminished dotage. Program takes place in the library meeting room.
Library youth Events All programs are in the Meeting Room behind the youth department. Children 6 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Story Times If you would like more information concerning programs, please contact the Library at 664-6822. Please note that on Wednesday, December 13th, the library parking lot will be closed off in the morning hours due to the Holiday Party. Patrons are advised to park on the edge of the Piney Woods along 2nd Avenue NW.
Happy Holidays from The Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library! If you are looking for a good book to read during the winter, please stop by the Book Room in the library. We have lots of hardback and paperback fiction and tons of children’s and young adult books! We are currently taking donations of your gently used books.
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Our workshop leader has everything for making tasty-looking houses! Families must sign up in advance and pre-pay $3.00 per house when they sign up by Monday, December 4. If paying by check please make it out to the library. Sorry, no refunds. Workshop is in the meeting room. All children must be with an adult.
Pete the Cat Book Club Thursday, December 7, 4:00 p.m.
Boys and girls 5 years and older can join in the fun of cool cats and reading during our meeting. Please sign up for a special holiday edible craft. Meets in the meeting room. Children age 6 and younger must be with an adult.
Magic Tree House Passport to Adventure Monday, December 11, 4:00 p.m.
Explore Christmas in Camelot by Mary Pope Osborne, with Jack, Annie, and library friends. Please sign up. Meets in the meeting room.
Wednesdays 10:15 a.m.
Outreach Story Time at area day care centers.
Evening with Santa
Wednesdays 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 12, 6:15-7:00 p.m.
Tunes & Tales for all ages with Mr. Mac. Toddler Tales for toddlers and caregivers with Miss Jennie.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will greet families and listen to children’s Christmas wishes in the meeting room. All children must be with an adult.
Winter Break Story Time
Holiday Party!
Wednesday, December 20 and December 27, 10:15-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday,December13,10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Fridays 10:30 a.m.
Kids of all ages and their caregivers can have fun with Miss Jennie in the meeting room.
Special Programs:
Frozen Fantasy Fun Friday, December 1, 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.
Children and their caregivers are invited to a fun-filled morning featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, gingerbread man decorating in the meeting room, and – NEW this year – a trackless train ride around the library parking lot! Please note that because the train will run through the entire parking lot guests are advised to park on the edge of the Piney Woods along 2nd Avenue NW. Free tickets are available in the lobby for the train ride. All children must be with an adult.
CALENDAR
Parks and Rec NEW OFFICE LOCATION The Parks and Recreation office has moved to Veterans Park. Our physical address is now 7305 Hwy. 119, Alabaster, AL 35007. We are located on the far right side of the parking lot, in the modular building beside the Maintenance Shop. Our mailing address will continue to be 100 Depot Street, Alabaster, AL 35007.Office hours are Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. If you would like more information, call 205-664-6840 or visit www.alabasterparks.org.
STAY INFORMED by EMAIL If you are not receiving emails from Parks and Recreation regarding registrations and events, you can sign up by going to www. alabasterparks.org and scrolling down the page to the SIGN UP link. All you have to enter is your name and email address.
Payments NOTE: We cannot accept Checks as a method of payment. Please be prepared to pay for any fees with Cash, Debit, Visa, Master Card, or Discover.
CLosed The Parks and Recreation Office along with Veterans Skate Park will be closed December 25 – 26 for Christmas.
CHRISTMAS PARADE December 2, 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 2017 theme is “Christmas Melodies”. The parade is filled with floats, entertainment, and lots of candy! Don’t miss out on a fun filled morning.
BASKETBALL
OnLine Pavilion Rentals
Youth Basketball is underway with 271 participants. Teams will play a regular season, and all teams will finish with a tournament, excluding Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade.
Note: You can begin reserving pavilions for your 2018 events on Jan. 1. Visit www.alabasterparks.org. Several of our City Parks offer pavilions for events such as picnics, family reunions and birthday parties. The best way to assure your event happens at the location of your choice is to reserve it early. Please do not send out invitations listing one of our parks as the event location before you have secured a pavilion through Parks and Recreation. The pavilion you plan on using may not be available. Pavilions are available for use by permit only. There is a $40 rental fee (no checks accepted) which must be paid before your reservation is complete. Note: Inflatables, charcoal grills, and piñatas are not allowed in any of the City parks. Please see our web site for a complete list of rules. All open picnic tables (those not under a covering) are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
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 Jan. 2 and run through Jan. 13. You can register on-line at www.alabasterparks.org from 8 a.m., Jan. 2 through 11 PM, Jan. 13. You can register in person from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Jan. 2 through Jan. 12, at Veterans Park inside the Alabaster Parks & Recreation Office. 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 Jan. 2 and run through Jan. 13. You can register on-line at www.alabasterparks.org from 8 a.m., Jan. 2 through 11 p.m., Jan. 13. You can register in person from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Jan. 2 through Jan. 12, at Veterans Park inside the Alabaster Parks & Recreation Office. New players should bring a copy of their birth certificate with them. Registration Fee: $165 for Rookie thru Metro; $90 for 4-year-old T-ball; $165 for Girls Softball 6U thru 12U. Non-residents: additional 10% per child. Multi-child discount: 10% per child after oldest child pays full price.
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 December 22 - January 1, 2018
OPEN December 19-21 (but no programs) January 2, 2018
Senior Christmas Dance December 8
You must have purchased a ticket.
Senior Center Christmas Party December 18
Space is limited and you must have purchased a ticket. cityofalabaster.com
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around town
Every Day Heroes Among Us Mayor Handlon recognized and applauded Cooper Fuller (10) and Kade Brantley (8) for bravely rescuing an 18-month old baby that had fallen into the deep end of the local swimming pool on Saturday, October 15th. A near tragedy was avoided due to the courage and quick action of these two young men. Congratulations and much appreciation to these hometown heroes!
Hospice proclamation Mayor Marty Handlon recognized the month of November as National Hospice Month. Shea Dailey, Nicole Haywood - RN, and Shannon Cook from Affinity Hospice travelled their eightcounty service area throughout the month, hosting in-services to bring attention to the subject of hospice care, saying “Our mission is to bring awareness to the availability of hometown hospice care, and to help families get more comfortable with having those conversations about end of life care, sooner.” For more information on Affinity Hospice care, call 205-949-0400.
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The Early Years Book Project Completed After almost one year of talking with people and collecting pictures for a keepsake history book, titled Alabaster & Siluria: The Early Years – A Pictorial History, Bobby Joe Seales is looking forward to community members finally getting to enjoy the fruits of his labor. “The books were mailed out in November, and everyone who pre-purchased copies should have received them before Thanksgiving,” he announced at last month’s City Council meeting. At the meeting, Bobby Joe expressed his appreciation to everyone who played a part in helping to preserve the fading history of this area. “I have truly discovered that ‘History never written is soon forgotten,’ and ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’,” he thoughtfully quoted. The book came out about a week early. Very few discounted quantities are still available from the publisher via Alabaster. PictorialBook.com. Once the Pediment Group, Inc., is sold out, Alabaster Connection readers who contact Bobby Joe Seales directly may be able to purchase a limited number of copies for a special price of $40 each. Books must be picked up in person. With the holidays quickly approaching, this keepsake book would make a lovely gift for any Alabaster resident. For, as Bobby Joe poetically said, “No matter when you began to call Alabaster ‘home,’ you are a part of Alabaster’s history.” Email Bobby Joe for more information or to place a book order: bjseales@bellsouth.net.
COUNCIL MINUTES
City Council Meeting Minutes (Abridged) Unabridged version of minutes and resolutions /ordinances can be found on the city webpage at www.cityofalabaster.com October 9, 2017, 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Comments / Proclamations
Present:
Mayor Handlon read and presented a proclamation for National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.
Sophie Martin (1), Rick Ellis (2), Stacy Rakestraw (3), Greg Farrell (4), Russell Bedsole (5), Kerri Pate (7)
Agenda Items
Absent: Scott Brakefield (6) (Was present at Pre-Meeting)
1. Resolution 102317 Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions Agreement to Design Greenspace Motion Passed Unanimously
Mayor Comments Mayor Handlon gave an update of health on former employee, J.C. Whitfield, as he had a health scare.
2. Resolution 102317-A InSite Engineering Agreement to design Water Main Extension for a Fire Line for Public Works Building Motion Passed Unanimously
Agenda Items
3. Resolution 102317-B Appointments to Commercial Development Authority – CDA Motion Passed Unanimously
*Public Hearing on these items
1. Resolution 100917 Flexible Spending Accounts for City Employees Motion Passed Unanimously 2. Ordinance 171009-047 Public Hearing on Garbage Collection Fees Ordinance Motion Passed Unanimously 3. Ordinance 171009-048 Uniform Addresses and Visibility Motion Passed Unanimously
4. Resolution 102317-C Appointments to the Housing Code Abatement Board (AHAB) Motion Passed Unanimously 5. Resolution 102317-D Grant Easement to Alabama Power at Baseball Field on Depot Street Motion Passed Unanimously 6. Ordinance 171127-049** Ordinance to Conditionally Zone Western REI, LLC Property All were in favor and a Public Hearing was set for November 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Said meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
October 23, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Present:
Sophie Martin (1), Rick Ellis (2), Stacy Rakestraw (3), Greg Farrell (4), Russell Bedsole (5), Kerri Pate (7) Absent:
Scott Brakefield (6)
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7. Resolution 111317** Resolution Affirming Recommendation from the Alabaster Municipal Housing Code Abatement Board to Demolish Structure at 10221 Hwy. 119. All were in favor and a Public Hearing was set for November 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Audience Comments Brian Davis of 1825 Arrow Drive spoke regarding conditional zoning of Western REI, LLC property near Navajo Hills. Mr. Davis was made aware of the Public Hearing that was set for the Ordinance on November 27, 2017. Vicki Greenhill of 7562 Hwy. 119 spoke regarding possible future development. said meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
cityofalabaster.com
cityofalabaster.com
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City Council Sophie Martin, Ward 1 506-8961 martin@cityofalabaster.com
City of Alabaster 1953 Municipal Way Alabaster, AL 35007 www.cityofalabaster.com 664-6800 Marty Handlon, Mayor 664-6831 handlon@cityofalabaster.com
Rick Ellis, Ward 2 ellis@cityofalabaster.com Stacy Rakestraw, Ward 3 529-3326 rakestraw@cityofalabaster.com Greg Farrell, Ward 4 farrell@cityofalabaster.com
Russell Bedsole, Ward 5 205-229-6021 bedsole@cityofalabaster.com
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid PERMIT 48 ALABASTER, AL
Scott Brakefield, President, Ward 6 685-0302 brakefield@cityofalabaster.com Kerri Pate, Ward 7 965-8300 pate@cityofalabaster.com
Postal Patron
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