Alabaster Connection December 2019 by me2graphicsllc

ALABASTER

CONNECTION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF ALABASTER | DECEMBER 2019

SENIOR CHRISTMAS PG. 12

SANTA STOP SCHEDULE

ALABASTER TOUR OF LIGHTS

ALABASTER FOR TOMORROW

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pg. 9

pg. 10

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF ALABASTER Alabaster Connection is published monthly and is delivered to citizens of the City of Alabaster. Editorial Board The Public Relations Committee of the Alabaster City Council. Committee Chair Councilwoman Sophie Martin Councilwoman Kerri Pate Councilman Greg Farrell Editor Luke Camara, me2graphics, LLC Contributors Shana Camara Lindsay Schluntz Megan Owens

We welcome your comments & suggestions. Call 447-2214 or email luke@me2graphics.com

To advertise call 447-2214 Non-Emergency City Numbers Police 24-Hours 663-7401 Alabaster Water Board 663-6155

nother calendar year ending, and a new one beginning. Continuing an attitude of thankfulness, we have so many things to be thankful for in our city and community! One of which is the success of our Thompson Warriors in the playoffs, and their opportunity to play for the State Championship again. We wish all of those involved the best & will be cheering Marty Handlon, Mayor them on in their efforts! #WarriorPride abounds! City of Alabaster The moment 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 in—go through the motions of volunteering, connecting with people, and serving others. I promise you will experience the JOY which flows from the ONE and only reason for season. “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.” Romans 15:13 We are finalizing the design of the Justice Center, which will house the Alabaster Police Department and Municipal Court. We will have pictures of design to share with everyone in the next couple of weeks. We want to thank the very dedicated committee which helped outline all the intricate details of this important facility. We believe it will be an addition to our municipal campus for which the employees, and residents, will be very proud. Park improvements for Veterans Park and Abbey Wooley are underway. As always, improvements of this magnitude will likely result in temporary inconveniences. Please be patient with us as we continue to make significant improvements to the quality of life in our community. The most exciting thing about these significant park improvements is our ability to fund them without increasing debt. We do care about the footprint we leave on God’s marvelous creation. And, we will continue to do all we can feasibly do within our ability. The Environmental Services Department provides a grease recycle program, which helps the environment and saves real taxpayer dollars, reducing costly repairs to our pump stations and produces biodiesel for use in city equipment. Recycle container pickup and drop-off stations are conveniently located around the city. We are continuing to research other ways to provide viable options to assist our residents recycle other products. Stay tuned. Alabaster remains committed to doing all we can to provide a safe city for your enjoyment and shopping pleasure, but we need your help. We will have plenty of public safety presence at the Promenade throughout the holiday season. Please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from any of these public servants if you feel the least bit uncomfortable going in and out of the stores. It is their honor and pleasure to serve and protect you. Add the non-emergency number to your cell phone for assistance in times such as these: 205 663-7401. We thank Ms. Mayo Taylor for agreeing to be Grand Marshall for the Christmas Parade! This year, I have decided to take advantage of the ability to enjoy all the wonderful floats by sitting with Dollar Bill and the judges. Many work to make special theme floats, and I look forward joining in the appreciation of them as a spectator. Merry Christmas Alabaster!

Fire Department 664-6818

THIS EDITION

4 Council Comments 6 Teen Council Comments 21 Around Town 25 Calendar 30 CC Meeting Minutes

FEATURES

7 2020 Vision 8 Santa Stop Schedule 9 Tour of Lights 10 Alabaster for Tomorrow 12 Senior Christmas

SPOTLIGHTS

15 Business Spotlight 16 Alabaster Helps 19 Employee Spotlight 20 Citizen Spotlight

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Scott Brakefield

Rick Ellis | Ward 2

Ward 6 | City Council President brakefield@cityofalabaster.com

How About Those Warriors!  On December 4th, our Thompson Warriors will compete for the 7A State Football Championship.  This makes back to back trips to the championship game.  I know that I will be in Auburn on December 4th supporting our Warriors.  I hope to see Alabaster show up in a big way in Auburn.  I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and got to spend some quality time with friends and family.  As we turn the page from November to December, we ring in the Holiday Season.  I hope to see everyone at the Annual Christmas Parade.  This year’s Parade will follow our traditional route down US 31.  It will be held on Saturday, December 7th. We are in the early phases of our needs assessment for our Parks and Rec Department. Our focus group met on December 2nd and provided the company conducting the survey numerous questions to include in the survey so that we can get good feedback to determine the direction of our Parks program over the coming years.  I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy this time of year with your loved ones. Scott

Sophie Martin

| Ward 1

martin@cityofalabaster.com

December is a month of outstanding achievements made in Ward 1 and Alabaster. Congratulations to Liberty Baptist Church that recently celebrated their 150th anniversary of worship in Alabaster. The congregation and their pastor, Dr. Akeem Simmons, continue to make a positive impact in Ward 1 and our community which is very much appreciated. Jesus Works Shelby County Trust and Outreach Ministry was nominated for “Non Profit of the Year” for the 2019 Shelby County Diamond Awards hosted by The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. This nomination recognizes the fantastic work and positive impact made by the organization in Shelby County. Additionally, our very own Alabaster resident, Jamia Alexander-Williams, was nominated and named “Shelby County Citizen of the Year” for her remarkable commitment and hard work in our community and throughout the county. Congratulations, Jamia! A fantastic football season by our own THS Warriors! Congratulations on making it to the State Championship – you make us proud! There are families right here in our own city of Alabaster and in Ward 1 in need of assistance this holiday season. If you would like to help, please feel free to contact me for more information. I wish you a blessed holiday season and very Merry Christmas! Sophie cityofalabaster.com

ellis@cityofalabaster.com

Merry Christmas! I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. There are a couple of things that I would like to touch on in this month’s comments. First, is the Alabaster Christmas Parade. This year’s parade is scheduled for Saturday December 7th. Secondly, there has been a lot of talk about the recent decision to eliminate weekly recycling pick up. In October the city received notice from our recycling vendor that we would have a significant increase in cost to handle our recyclable material. So, in an attempt to be fiscally responsible, the decision was made to take all materials to the landfill at a much lower cost. The citizens will still be able to keep both cans and use both for household waste. It is my hope that there still can be a solution for those who are passionate about recycling. My family and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”. Luke 2:11. Rick

Stacy Rakestraw |

Ward 3

rakestraw@cityofalabaster.com

We are excited to have Mayo Taylor as our Grand Marshall in this year's Christmas parade.  She is an incredible lady with so many years of history in the City of Alabaster. She was the first African American woman to serve on the Alabaster City Council. ALDOT has plans to repave US 31 from I-65 to County Road 68, possibly in early spring.  One of my requests for a long time has been to get the left turn lane at Industrial Road and on US 31 North widened.  They have tried grating the gravel to smooth it out, but the large potholes continue to return quickly.  If you have not heard, the City received a $125,000 grant each year for the next five years as a part of our Compact 2020 and Alabaster For Tomorrow drug prevention, awareness, and cooperative with Shelby County, other cities in our county, the Shelby County Sheriff’s office as well as the SRO’s throughout each school system.  Recently, the Coroner stated the statistics of deaths by overdose have decreased this past year in our local area and this is a huge accomplishment with much of it being part of these programs working together. Have a very Merry Christmas!  Stacy

Greg Farrell

| Ward 4

farrell@cityofalabaster.com

During recent council meetings the council took steps to further provide the City’s public safety departments with equipment and future facilities. For the Fire Department, the

COUNCIL COMMENTS council approved the purchase of a Heavy Duty 100’ Mid-Mount Platform Ladder Truck. This ladder truck will replace the 75’ Quint that was taken out of service. This ladder truck will increase the ability to access tall buildings in the city that the department was unable to in the past. The department is scheduled to take delivery in 13 to 15 months. The City continues to move forward with the new Justice Center. The council approved to have geotechnical engineering services done on the proposed site for the Justice Center. I would like to thank the committee members for their hard work on the Justice Center planning. I would like to congratulate the Evangel Christian School Football team on winning the 2019 NACA National Championship again this year. Along with the great success that the Thompson Warriors are having this year. We as a community are very proud of the success that both programs are having. As we come to the end of another year, I want to thank all of our City Employees for their dedication and hard work this past year. Though sometimes things may not have been perfect at times, they accepted the challenges and persevered. Thank you for your service to the citizens and the City. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Greg

Russell Bedsole | Ward 5 bedsole@cityofalabaster.com

Hello again Alabaster! Merry Christmas and a very Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish brothers and sisters. May your holiday season be filled with joy and happiness.  Speaking of Christmas, please don’t miss our annual Christmas parade held right along 1st Street (Hwy 31) on Saturday December 7th. The parade gets rolling at 10 a.m., but you will want to arrive early to get a great spot along the parade route. I have had the opportunity to communicate with so many of you over the last several weeks about the unexpected termination of our curbside recycling program. Everyone should have also received the letter mailed directly from Mayor Handlon explaining in detail what occurred. I hope everyone has had a chance to digest the details. If I may sum it up in the voice of an old timey newspaper street vendor, “EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it… City of Alabaster forced out of curbside recycling due to skyrocketing fees!” Now, I hold no harsh feelings toward our local recycling center that we used for many years. After all, they are in business to turn a profit, and I have no doubt their costs have been on the rise as well. You elected me to make sound decisions that is in the best interest of our city and that’s exactly what I and

all the Councilors and the Mayor did. We didn’t like having to terminate this service, but in the best interest with the drastic increase in fees with no time to plan on how to pay for this, we had no choice. We were forced out of the recycling business.  Now, we continue the dialogue and we find other ways to meet the needs of those who desire to be environmentally conscious by recycling. Who knows, the City of Alabaster may come up with a plan that is better than anything before. In the meantime, I am always available for your comments or questions. Again, a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Russell

Kerri Pate

| Ward 7

pate@cityofalabaster.com

Merry Christmas Alabaster! As I mentioned before, we are very aware of the issues at the intersection of Kent Dairy and Hwy 17 especially in the morning and afternoon rush hours. Any significant changes would have to come from the county since both are county roads, however the city was able to place a YIELD sign headed north on 17 in the turn lane onto Kent Dairy. Please be aware of this new sign and approach with caution as everyone is getting accustomed to it. We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, December 7th at the annual Christmas parade. Ms. Mayo Taylor will be the Grand Marshal, she was the first African-American Council Woman in Alabaster and still to this day plays a pivotal role in our community. We are so proud to have her represent Alabaster this year and to honor her. I recently had the opportunity to speak with all of the 4th graders at Thompson Intermediate on Alabama Day. I was so impressed by how smart, well-behaved and well-prepared these children were on the full meaning of Alabama’s Bicentennial celebration and the history of our State. Well done teachers, administration and parents of these 4th graders! Special congratulations to Mrs. Broadhead and Mrs. Jackson on all of their hard work and efforts. The outdoor classroom was made possible by a grant that the Bicentennial committee worked on along with Ms. Margaret Dawson, Mrs. Tommie Harrison & Mr. Bobby Joe Seales. Thank you for keeping Alabaster’s history alive! Our football program has been busy making history and breaking records this season and have taken their season as far as it can possibly go by beating Hoover twice in one season (first time in school history) and advancing to the state championship. The community has been a huge part of the team’s success with coming to support the student athletes, band and cheerleaders. Good luck Warriors! Thank you to the Seniors who hold an extra special place in my heart. Happy Birthday Jesus! Kerri cityofalabaster.com

TEEN COUNCIL COMMENTS

ALABASTER TEEN COUNCIL COMMENTS By: Addison Lusco

he holiday season is right around the corner! Christmas break, holiday excursions, presents, decorations, you name it! All are activities Alabaster teens are looking forward to celebrating over the next month, but it is no secret the holiday season— although fun and joyful—can definitely be a major stress. Exams and final projects may seem to put a damper on the holiday season, but with the right mindset and stress management skills, teens can enjoy this wonderful time of year stress-free and smiling. HOW DOES ONE SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS? We, the Connection’s Teen column, are

here to offer a few tips on how to make your holiday a delight this year: First of all, manage your stressors. Whether at home or school, the hustle and bustle of this season can be overwhelming for anyone, so remember to take one day at a time. Take a second to step outside and just breathe! Reassure yourself, you have the strength to conquer whatever the holiday season throws at you. Secondly, set goals for yourself. Setting and achieving goals is the best way to grow. As 2019 comes to a close, think of what you could do to best achieve what you have always wanted to do. There is no time like the present! Construct a plan, take reasonable steps towards success, understand setbacks are never permanent, then go out and achieve your goals this holiday. Thirdly, spend time with your friends and family. Togetherness over the holidays

is one of the most heartwarming feelings in the world, so spend your time around those who are most important to you. Finally, get involved and give back to your community. The holiday season is all about the magic of giving, and there is no better way to fill your heart and the hearts of others than by working to make someone’s Christmas a little more special. Our city offers multiple ways you can make a difference this holiday season, such as the Angel Tree, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, or any of the service projects your school may be offering. Get out there and make someone’s Christmas a little merrier! Yes, the holiday season is crazy and stressful, but it also holds an unmatchable beauty and sense of family, warmth, and love which are precious this time of year. So, take that sleigh by the reins and embrace this holiday season! AC

EDUCATE Educating our community about real substnace use issues facing our children, teenagers, and families.

EMPOWER

Doing Today... For Tomorrow.

For Tomorrow is a volunteer initiative of the City of Alabaster to help educate and empower youth, families, and our community to eradicate substance use. Citizens, business owners, city leaders, churches, moms, and dads all join together with the goal of making a difference today for tomorrow.

cityofalabaster.com

Empowering our community through resources, community events, seminars, social media, and engaging content.

ERADICATE Working together to eradicate substance use helping to enrich the lives of those in our community.

FEATURE

A YEAR OF CLEARER VISION Having 20/20 vision means that you’re able to see things clearly and with accurate perspective. Sure, it’s a medical term, but perhaps in the coming new year of 2020, the number can also serve as a figurative reminder to see your approach to life more clearly. Many people will leverage this concept in the form of new year’s resolutions or setting goals to reach that will help move them forward in life. Here are just a few of the ‘prescriptions’ that Alabaster residents have given themselves for 2020. BRITTANY MELTON For me, resolutions don’t normally work. I get to February and realize I’ve already missed them already. It’s more depressing than motivating! So, I’ve stopped doing them. Instead, I focus on setting broad goals to meet each month. I’ve found that approach to be much more successful for me. BRONSON ALLEMAND In 2020, I want to spend less money on fast food! I just spent $20 at Taco Bell… But I ate it all!

LAUREN BRUSSARD In 2020, I’m focusing more on knowing myself better. I want to learn what my real goals actually are and where I stand on reaching them. One of the specific ones I know of already is that I want to do well in college while still maintaining my friendships and having some fun!

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FEATURE

SANTA STOP Schedule

The following are the estimated times that Santa will arrive in the listed areas of the City. Please be looking for Santa thirty (30) minutes before and after his estimated time of arrival. We ask that you gather near the designated (red & yellow) Santa Stop signs. Santa will not be able to stop at individual homes, or go on every street in each neighborhood. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We want to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.

1:00 PORTSOUTH CEDAR GROVE KINGWOOD/SPRING GATE NORWICK FOREST 1:30 STERLING GATE 1:40 NORTHWEST/OLD TOWNE 1:45 MEADOWLARK/WILLOW CREEK/ WILLOW POINT 1:50 CEDAR GROVE MHP 2:00 WOODLAND HILLS SOUTHWIND 2:30 NAVAJO HILLS AMBERLY WOODS AUTUMN RIDGE CAMBRIDGE POINT 1/SUMMER BROOK 2:35 CHINABERRY 2:40 GREENFIELD 2:45 EAGLEWOOD ESTATES 3:00 THE VIEW APARTMENTS 3:10 APPLEGATE TOWNHOMES 3:15 CAMBRIDGE POINT 2 ASHFORD HEIGHTS LACEY’S GROVE 3:20 NORTHEAST (BROWN CIRCLE/HILLWOOD AREA) 3:30 FALLING WATERS 3:35 SHALIMAR POINTE 3:40 BERMUDA LAKE/ KNOX MHP

. C E D 24 8

cityofalabaster.com

3:50 MAYLENE 4:00 PEAVINE MHP GRANDE VIEW GARDENS 4:10 GRANDE VIEW ESTATES 4:15 LAKE TERRACE 4:20 WELLINGTON MANOR 4:25 APACHE RIDGE BERRYHILL 4:35 WEATHERLY SOUTHWEST 4:45 NAVAJO PINES 5:15 STONEY MEADOWS 5:20 CEDAR MEADOWS 5:30 FOX VALLEY FARMS 5:40 SILURIA 5:45 1ST AVE & 2000 BLOCK MAPLEWOOD/SHADY OAK LANE 5:55 WOODBROOK APARTMENTS MAPLE RIDGE 6:00 SMOKE RIDGE 6:10 BUCK CREEK LANDING MISSION HILLS 6:15 TANGLEWOOD SOUTH – EAST IRONWOODS 6:20 DOUGLAS MEADOWS 6:25 WYNLAKE E-16 6:30 TIMBER RIDGE, PARK PLACE 6:45 STAGE COACH

THE MEADOWS 6:55 KEYSTONE MHP 7:00 DOGWOOD FOREST/ FOREST HILLS 7:10 KENTWOOD, SILVER CREEK 7:15 SHELBY FARMS 7:20 BETTY SNOW 7:25 SOUTH FIELD GARDENS 7:30 SCOTTSDALE, LAKE FOREST 7:35 SOUTH FORTY 7:35 GOLDEN MEADOWS 7:45 PARK FOREST BACK SECTOR 7:50 SADDLE LAKES 8:05 TERRI-LYNN MHP 8:10 GREEN VALLEY 8:15 PARK FOREST VILLAGE 8:25 MEADOWVIEW/WILLOW GLEN 8:30 CROSSCUT RD & SAWMILL TRACE RD MOUNTAIN LAKES CARRIAGE HILLS 8:35 CROSSCUT RD & CARRIAGE LANE, WISTERIA 8:40 THE GROVE 8:55 WINDY OAKS RETURN TO THE NORTH POLE! The Alabaster Fire Department would like to invite the children of Alabaster to Santa's Village located at Firehouse # 1 on 9th St. N.W. across from the Library. December 7th - January 1st. Santa’s Village Hours: Monday-Thursday 5 - 8 p.m. Friday 5 - 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 12 - 9 p.m.

ALABASTER TOUR OF LIGHTS

The Beautification Board would like to thank everyone for participating this year and encourage the citizens of Alabaster to enjoy the tour beginning on December 1. 322 Tradewinds Circle 107.5 FM 1447 Hill Spun Rd. 121 Greenfield Ln. 225 Leaf Lane 240 Greenfield Ln. 210 Ironwood Circle 106.7 FM 125 Little Fawn Lane 1813 Arrow Drive 88.3 FM 910 10th St. SW 112 Ashford Way 149 Ashford Way 2164 N. Grande View Ln 87.9 FM 241 Grande View Lane 238 Grande View Lane 233 Grande View Lane

235 Forest Parkway 88.5 FM 100 Forest Parkway 616 Barkley Circle 909 Barkley Drive *Musical Light Shows in Red*

TO VIEW THIS MAP VISIT: http://mapq.st/2KYszMC

cityofalabaster.com

FEATURE

ALABASTER FOR TOMORROW GRANT

n October 30th, the City of Alabaster received notification that Alabaster For Tomorrow was awarded a federal Drug Free Communities Support Grant (DFC). “The DFC Grant is awarded through the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The city will receive $125,000 per year for five years to support the work of the city’s drug prevention team, Alabaster For Tomorrow,” shared newly hired Alabaster for Tomorrow program director Brandon Matthews. The city’s drug prevention team was founded in October 2017 through the city’s partnership with Compact2020. “Over the past two years, volunteers from all sectors of the city (youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, businesses, media, religious, youth-serving organizations, and local government) have been working on educational outreach for both youth and adults to empower our community with the skills needed to prevent youth substance use. Volunteers have been following a nationally recognized drug prevention model, the Strategic Prevention Framework, that includes an intensive data collection process to identify community needs and utilizes community volunteers for decision-making and implementation of activities. Due to the commitment of the city’s volunteers and the work that they have already accomplished, the city was able to apply for and successfully receive this grant. Only 150 grants were awarded across the country,” Matthew shared. The funds will be used to further awareness of the substance use problems in Alabaster and educational outreach to give youth and adults the skills needed to make healthy choices. Funding will be used for advertisements in local cityofalabaster.com

Brandon Matthews and Family

print media, billboards, banners and paid social media outreach. Educational resources will be developed, printed and distributed through the schools and community partners. Funds will also be used to help Peer Helpers and the Alabaster Teen Council with their peer-to-peer educational outreach as well as positive teen activities in the city. Volunteers on the team will also be given the opportunity to attend trainings to better equip the community to address problems we face,” shared Matthew. The Drug Free Communities program started in 1998, and the results in communities who receive this funding is that there is a reduction in youth substance use for alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and medication abuse over the course of the funding period. “This program is important,” shared Matthew, “because as a dad I want my son to grow up in a safe, positive, and caring community. As much as I want that for my

son, I want that for other families as well. The decisions we make today impact our tomorrow, and For Tomorrow is committed to making our city a great place for generations to come. For Tomorrow provides an opportunity for everyone to be involved and make a difference.” It has also hit close to home for him. “As a pastor I have counseled those with addiction, celebrated with those who have overcome, and cried with those who did not. I've experienced the devastation firsthand as I've watched family members who could not overcome the grip of addiction. Understanding that I can make a difference in someone’s life and possibly prevent them from experiencing the pain of addiction makes me passionate about helping others,” he said. “This grant is going to enable us to do more, faster, and better than before. Our team has worked so hard creating ways to serve our city, and this grant will help spread more awareness of those efforts,” Matthew said with excitement. AC

YOUTH SUBSTANCE USAGE RATES NATIONALLY -90% of Americans with a substance use disorder began using substance before age 18. -Nationally, use in vaping devices among 12th graders increased to 37.3% in 2018. -Nationally, 30.2% of 12th grade students report past month alcohol use. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts / monitoring-future-survey-high-school-youth-trends

FEATURE

cityofalabaster.com

FEATURE

WHAT WAS CHRISTMAS LIKE? We went back in time with five seniors from the Alabaster Senior Center as they shared their experiences of Christmas past!

Front Row L to R: Lillian Taylor; Herman Mannincs, Jr.; Leonard Maye, Sr. Back Row L to R: Cliff Bradford; Michelle Creamer

cityofalabaster.com

LILLIAN TAYLOR – PARIS, FRANCE We start our journey by crossing over the Atlantic Ocean to Paris, France. “Paris was gorgeous. Just decorated for Christmas. Then you see everybody with a warm hat, coat, gloves, and scarfs. So, everybody, all the women were dressed like this. It was so cold. It is very cold in France, but you know, for Christmas, the most important gift is the family. The family is very, very important,” recalled Taylor. Their traditional Christmas meal was quite different as well. “Because Christmas Eve you eat turkey but no stuffing. What we eat a lot for Christmas is raw oysters. And mussels. A lot of seafood. And of course, lots and lots of chocolate, dark and milk, and white chocolate. For Christmas we sit down around 11 a.m., the whole family, we start with a little very strong liquor. After that we have some appetizers. And we talk, a lot. We fellowship a lot. Then we have like three or four appetizers. We have one meat, and four of five vegetables. Then we would eat the salad after the meat and the vegetables. Then the coffee. We don’t drink it with the meal. Then the dessert. The dessert is important because with the dessert we drink champagne. We stay around the table till like 5 o’clock,” she said. Lillian added, “I almost forget to mention the cheese. After the salad is the cheese. All of this goes until about 5 o’clock and at 5 o’clock we stay for dinner!” she said with a laugh and a smile. During the meal they would talk and sing. Their favorite traditional song was “Petit Papa Noel” literally Little Father Christmas. ▶

FEATURE HERMAN MANNINCS, JR. – BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA. “I grew up in Birmingham. I come from a poor family. It was just me and my sister and my mother and father. My dad was uneducated, but he prepared the best he could for us. We passed out gifts among ourselves. My mother and father were from Mississippi. We didn’t have a family gathering. But we still got together with church members, neighbors and friends,” Mannincs recalled. “When I was in the Army, I had to call home for Christmas. Wished them a Merry Christmas. I would send my mother an allotment. I hung out with the fellows and play card games,” he said. LEONARD MAYE, SR. – BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA “Christmas was always a happy time for us. Because we always worshipped the King who is Jesus. We didn’t get much be we did get clothes and toys. As we got older, we knew more and more it was about Jesus,” Maye shared. “My first Christmas memory was I was just happy the Lord blessed us with another year journey. We woke up in the house and said ‘Thank you Jesus.’ The Lord blessed me, and I accepted Jesus at Bethel Baptist Church South. During the Christmas season we would do plays, and everything was pointing to the Savior,” he said. CLIFF BRADFORD – CAMDEN, ALABAMA “Grew up in Camden, which is South Alabama. It was great; it was terrific. We looked forward to Christmas all year. We would get the presents and put them in the car so we could go to grandfather’s house. He lived out on a farm. All the family would gather there. Because he lived out in the county, we would host a church service in the home. We didn’t have a preacher so some of the family members would lead us in a prayer and a sermon in

the house,” Bradford happily recalled. “We had one of the best meals of the year. My whole family was there. It was something we looked forward to. Christmas, I think more of what it really means, I use to think it was just gifts, but as I grew older I knew what it was about, and it wasn’t that! We remembered why we were celebrating Christmas, it was for Jesus Christ,” he said. MICHELLE CREAMER – MINNESOTA “It was all about family. We would all get brand new pajamas. Usually white with candy canes stripes. We all got to open one present the night before, but if we were bad we couldn’t open them that night! Christmas morning, we would have to wait for our mother and father to come downstairs. My grandmother use to make the best almond bark candy. That was one of my favorite treats that my grandmother would give me when I was little. We had real live Christmas trees and strings and berries and popcorn. We didn’t have too much of the electronic stuff. I like the old fashion decorations,” she said. “Just as a family all of us would get together at my aunt and uncle's home. Everyone would bring food. My dad and his brothers were musical, so they would all play and get together the day after Christmas and they would play their music and all of us kids would pull out the pots and pans and play along,” she said with a laugh. AC

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

iger-Rock Martial Arts was founded in 2008 and is the largest martial-arts franchise in North America. Known as Ho‐Am TaeKwonDo, the name symbolizes the spirit, values, and vision of Tiger‐Rock TaeKwonDo. Today, there are hundreds of Tiger-Rock academies nation-wide.

HI-YAH!

Tiger-Rock Martial Arts opens in Alabaster

STRENGTH, BRAVERY & JUSTICE Parrish Spates is the Director at Tiger-Rock Martial Arts – Alabaster. “Ho‐Am is identified with symbolism of the Siberian tiger, native to Korea and known for its power, prowess, and sense of justice. The word ho means ‘tiger’ in Korean and the word am means ‘rock’ in Korean,” he explained. “The Tiger symbolizes justice and bravery, and the Rock symbolizes the steadfast and immovable life spirit of the martial artist.” As a Senior Fifth degree black belt, Spates has won District, National, and World titlist medals in sport-sparring and traditional forms competition. He has been instructing for 15 years. LEARNING VALUABLE SKILLS Spates brings a welcoming, high energy to each class. Student groups of various ages – including the Cubs, Juniors, Teens, and Adults – learn to improve their confidence, focus, social skills, and athleticism. “For Adult students, Tiger-Rock classes are a great way to blow off steam, improve your fitness level, and learn amazing self-defense skills,” Spates shared. All new members are encouraged to try out a non-committal introductory-course to discover what to expect. This course is $38 and includes three worldclass martial arts lessons, an on-the-mat uniform, and a coach’s evaluation at the end of your course. “We have a six-day-a-week schedule that students can choose their classes from. Once you love our facility, we can easily roll you over to our monthly membership – no year-long contracts involved!” he pointed out. “Our classes are full of learning, fun, and physical exercise.” GET READY TO LEARN THIS CHRISTMAS! The special offer for new students this holiday season is the opportunity to leverage the $38 introductory - course fee for a full month of training! Alabaster Tiger-Rock Martial Arts is located at 136 Market Center Drive in Alabaster. For more information: (205) 624-4418 or www.tigerrockalabaster.com. AC

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ALABASTER HELPS

ntering the month of December, Christmas shopping is in full swing. Families and friends are in the spirit of gift-giving and going in and out of stores throughout the community. At some of these businesses, including Alabaster’s Walmarts, a familiar sight can be seen – the Salvation Army bell ringers standing at red kettles. The tradition of community members dropping financial contributions into the red kettles goes back over 125 years. Nationwide, millions of dollars are donated to support Salvation Army programs that serve the underserved and those in crisis. From Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, volunteers and Salvation Army team members share their time and Christmas spirit calling attention to the need to pull together to help provide necessary food, housing, rehabilitation and disaster relief for others. The Salvation Army reports that bell ringers raise an average of $30 per hour, “In just two hours of ringing, you’ll raise enough money to provide a week’s worth of groceries for a family of four.” The Alabaster Salvation Army corps, which serves Shelby and Chilton counties, has a Christmas kettle goal of bringing in $140,000 for this year’s campaign. However, to accomplish this goal, volunteers and compensated team members are still needed to step up to give their time to serve. Captain Lauren Boatman has served cityofalabaster.com

as a pastor in The Salvation Army for 13 years. At the October advisory council meeting, she shared that there was a shortage of applied paid kettle workers this Christmas season. “The Alabaster corps is focusing on volunteers while recruiting paid bell ringers. The council was asked, and agreed, to help find groups to volunteer at the Walmarts on Saturdays.” The website www.ringforthemostgood. com was given in order to make the sign-up effort easier. Community groups, families or teams of friends are encouraged to jump onto the website to register to serve. “Bell-ringing hours run from 10:00AM to 7:00PM. Groups normally break the day up into two-hour shifts and rotate themselves out throughout the day.” For more information on how to

volunteer or to help serve those in need in our community, contact the Salvation Army at 205-663-7105 or email Lauren. Boatman@uss.salvationarmy.org. AC

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” Website: birminghamsalvationarmy.org

HONOR GOD & LOVE JESUS CARE FOR OUR PATIENTS SERVE OUR COMMUNITY

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED LOVE AND SUPPORT. IT IS OUR HONOR TO BE YOUR FAMILY PHARMACY. WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT GOD HAS BLESSED US WITH TWO WONDERFUL YEARS SERVING THIS COMMUNITY AND WE ARE EXCITED TO SEE WHAT 2020 BRINGS. WE WISH YOU LOTS OF LAUGHTER, LOVE, AND JOY THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON. BLESSINGS! DANIEL & KIM THEREFORE WELCOME ONE ANOTHER AS CHRIST HAS WELCOMED YOU, FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. ROMANS 15:7 cityofalabaster.com 17

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE Why do we celebrate Christmas? In chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis, we have the pleasant view of the holiness and happiness of our first parents, Adam and Eve. We see the grace and favor of God and the peace and beauty of the whole creation, all good, very good; but in chapter 3 the scene changes. We have here an account of the sin and misery of our first parents, the wrath and curse of God against them, the peace of the creation disturbed, and its beauty stained and soiled, all bad, very bad. Our Creator gave but one command to preserve our innocence. “Do not eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. If you do you will surely die.” Innocent Eve was deceived and tempted to doubt God by Satan through the serpent. She and Adam yielded to that temptation, that is they willfully sinned against God. Their innocence was lost and their sin nature born. Judgment was pronounced: Banishment from the Garden of Eden now and eventual death. This was a sentence against them and their offspring, all humanity, or “the Fall” of man. This is the condition we’re born into, slaves to sin and bound to death--lovers of the world and its values and not lovers of God. A child does not have to be taught disobedience. It’s in the DNA. Genesis 3:15 tells us that though the world now is Satan’s domain there will be one to come, a Savior. Through Him God will restore hatred (enmity) of evil (the world) and love for Him in His people. God initially provided the system of animal sacrifice to show the cost of sin, which is death and how His people would be saved, through the death of another. It is said that at the annual Passover in Jerusalem blood flowed like a river from the sacrifices made for so much sin, but they were only temporary substitutes allowed until the real sacrifice came. In the Gospels of the New Testament, we’re told of that coming. Jesus came in obedience to God’s plan to pay a sin debt He did not

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owe. As God the Son, He broke no commands and gave His life as a ransom for all who would repent and follow Him, promising His Holy Spirit to enable them. God accepted His payment by raising Him from the dead and restoring Him to Heaven, and you also will be raised from the dead and restored to heaven if you follow Him. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfilling of God’s promise in the birth of Jesus, the gift of Eternal life (Matthew 1-2). It requires our willingness to turn from sinning and live as He teaches in faith (Mark 1:15). Repent and trust in Jesus sincerely, and He will give you His spirit to live this new life and seal your future in heaven. Come! Colby Reeves - Evangel Member At Evangel we offer various Bible studies by our Pastors and Elders to understand repentance and trust in Jesus. All are welcome! (See website or call) Evangel Church PCA 423 Thompson Rd. Alabaster, AL. 35007 205-664-0889 - evangelchurchpca.org

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

STACY PAYTON- SENIOR CENTER DIRECTOR

tacy Payton is living her dream job. “This is what I have always wanted to do. This is my dream job,” she exclaimed. She recently was hired as the new Alabaster Senior Center Director. As a resident of Alabaster for almost 20 years, she has kept her eyes and ears open to all things Alabaster Senior Center. “I would always check the newsletter and see what the seniors where doing,” Payton excitedly shared. She started her dream job in early November. “It has just been wonderful. I love it,” Payton happily said. Before working as the new Senor Center Director she worked in a retirement community in Homewood as the residential program director. She started her career working with seniors in a nursing home center as the activity director. From there she moved to an assisted living environment. “I feel like all of these were stepping stones to my dream job here at the Senior Center,” she said. Over the past few weeks in her new role she has found not just a dream job but something even more. “What surprised me the most is how this is like a family. I knew mostly what to expect, but they are a family here,” she said surprisingly. She also found that the resources she has are just outstanding. “I love this facility. It is just beautiful. When I walked in, I thought, this was just beautiful. It just felt like home,” she said. The Alabaster Senior Center is highly utilized. “We have between 800-1,000 active members. With this many members you see that there is a huge need for this senior center. I think it is good to be independent for as long as you can, and this place helps make that happen,” she shared. One of the biggest impacts of the Senior Center is this level

of independence. “They all have something to look forward to. It is a way to have a little family without being alone at home. There are so many different little groups. Some stay all day; some stay for just a class. Always people are coming and going. It is a happy place,” she summarized. She does not just bring years of experience, Payton also brings new ideas. “We have a lot of physical actives, but I want to start some brain activities. It is fun and you get to use your brain and expand it. Some of the questions will be riddles but we also did “finish the song lyrics”, geography questions, and general trivia,” she said. When she is not at the Senior Center, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs. She is married to Dwayne, who grew up in Alabaster. “We just celebrated nine years,” she said. “We like to go to Rock Stand, Alabama. We have a farm there. It was a working farm but now it is just a nice quite place. He works on the house, which is over 100 years old.” “I know Alabaster has grown as I have lived here. And I have loved to see where we are heading and how I can be part of that,” she exclaimed. AC

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CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Residents establish an HOA to improve Southfield Gardens Subdivision

n late August of 1995, Reverend James E. Lowden, Jr., his wife Lois, and their children moved to their first home in Alabaster. By March of 2016, the family relocated to Southfield Gardens Subdivision. “We had some great neighbors when we lived on Pebble Lane in Alabaster and now we have some wonderful neighbors in Southfield Gardens Subdivision. But when we first moved to Southfield Gardens, there were many vacant lots on Vincent Street. Makena Way only had three or four houses built on it and 100 Southfield Drive was an empty lot,” he recalled. The streets were muddy from construction trucks and tractors. When it rained, the first 60 feet of Southfield Drive was like a hidden mine field with huge potholes hidden under the rain water. Many of the earliest residents were quite unhappy with the all the construction upheaval going on in their formerly quiet neighborhood. To address these issues and the general disarray of many of the lots, they called City Engineer Brett Tucker, to see what could be done. Together, they discovered a Homeowners Association (HOA) had never been formed and the necessary covenants were never enforced. So in July 2017, the Southfield Gardens Homeowners Association, Inc. was created.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE James acknowledge it required knowledgeable assistance throughout the process at the time, including Councilman Scott Brakefield and City Attorney Brumlow, who initially urged the homeowners to form an HOA. This would allow the city to work with a single entity, rather than with 63 individual homeowners on matters affecting the subdivision. “Marc Richter and I met some other interested homeowners who agreed to join us in forming an ad hoc homeowners committee. Barbara Sieber had been an officer in other HOAs cityofalabaster.com

and provided much research to help us. Roderick Waters joined us and David Kahlmorgan rounded out our committee of five,” James explained. “Our attorney, Mr. William Justice of Wallace/ Ellis, Attorneys at Law has also been an immense help in giving us wise legal direction when the situation demanded such knowledge and wisdom.” The committee has found that the greatest value an HOA has in a community is to build community and to treat everyone equally in applying the Covenants in a fair but firm manner. This in turn helps to protect the investment homeowners have made in their Southfield Gardens home and helps to increase the value of their investment. “In addition to making our ‘home’ look much nicer than before, more ‘neighboring’ is happening all over the three streets that comprise our subdivision,” James pointed out. “We are still a work in progress to become all that we can be as one of Alabaster's finest communities.” ENJOYING HOME LIFE James keeps busy with HOA activities and also serves as a Volunteer Transportation Specialist for the Red Cross (“A fancy title for a driver who delivers blood to hospitals all over Central and North Alabama!”). He says his hobbies are fewer now that he is 84, he has spent many wonderful hours with his grandchildren playing numerous board games with them and has become a lover of doing jigsaw puzzles. “I have been a Model Railroader since I bought my first HO Gauge Engine and that began my love affair with model trains. I now have 15 Engines and well over 100 cars of various types and styles,” he shared. James and Lois have been married for over 52 years. Their three sons ( James E. Lowden III, John and Joe) and their families live in Alabaster, and their daughter ( Jennifer) and her family live in East Birmingham. AC

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY – TAX EXEMPT!

he Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library, Inc., is a tax-exempt non-profit corporation, authorized to accept donations for the library that are tax-deductible under IRS code section 501(c)(3). This provision makes donations to the Friends less costly than the actual amount donated in applicable situations. Year end is prime time for contributions to charities, public welfare and social development (educational and literary) organizations such as the Friends. Why should citizens donate money to support a public library? After all, libraries are “public” when they are built and operated by “government” as a service to the public. Governments use tax money to provide library services. The services are free to local citizens. There is no fee to join and use the local library. Everyone pays for the library through taxes paid. So why donate to the library Friends? There is one compelling reason to make a donation to support your local library—the money is needed! Governments, from national to local have more demands (needs) for money than can be met with available public funds. Priorities must be set and decisions (often hard ones) must be made as to how available funds will be allocated. Unfortunately, libraries are sometimes viewed as “nice to have” while other public services are “essential.” Indeed, we all see it that way for things like police, fire, schools, etc. Library services are valuable. For some of us, they are convenient, efficient and fun (as well as free). For other citizens, the library provides crucial access to things like Internet, computers, books, children’s’ story time, and educational support that would otherwise be unavailable. There are audio books, movies and documentaries for entertainment and learning—on both physical and digital media. Libraries are part of the glue that binds communities. Libraries provide a place for citizens to meet and interact. Money

and time donated demonstrate citizens’ commitment to the value of the library. Our local government faces challenges that are daunting—too many needs and not enough money to meet all of them. Personally, I think they are doing a good job in balancing competing needs. I would not want to deal with the hard choices. At the same time, I wish more citizens shared my belief that library services should move somewhat higher on the list of priorities. The Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library started a Building Fund to accept donations from local citizens and businesses to be used toward building a new library in Alabaster. The fund gives everyone an opportunity to “vote,” via a donation, for the library to be given a higher priority. It is a vote for inclusion of library construction in the city’s next planning cycle. Year end? Tax deductible donation? Value of our local ▶ library? Think about it. What is a better community library worth? What is a better community worth? Donations to the Friends’ Library Building Fund can be made via any Friends member. Perhaps most conveniently, checks made to “Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library” can be handed in or mailed to the library at: 100 9th Street Northwest, Alabaster, AL 35007 Remember: A thousand citizens, each donating twenty-five dollars is better than ten people each donating twenty-five hundred dollars. The money is the same, but a thousand citizens supporting library construction is a major statement! (True, a thousand donations of twenty-five hundred dollars each would be even better.) Thank you for your help, large or small. Merry Christmas to you and yours. AC

RECYCLING NOTICE FOR ALABASTER RESIDENTS

ear Resident, You may have seen the recent news regarding the current recycling crisis, and how it affects our ability to continue this service. Historically, a huge part of our nation's recycling refuse was sold to China, but in recent years China has restricted imports of certain materials. Waste management companies have been warning cities and counties about the decline in the market for recycling refuse, as well as the likelihood of total elimination of these businesses. On October 2, 2019, the city received notice Birmingham Recycling and Recovery, the only remaining company accepting recyclables in the metro area, will increase their fees, effective October 14, 2019. Local news affiliates reported on this story October 22, 2019. Birmingham Recycling and Recovery, who at one time paid cityofalabaster.com

waste vendors to bring products to them, stopped paying, but did not charge for receiving product. The City of Alabaster has never paid for our recycle program in the past; therefore, the citizens of Alabaster have never paid for this service, even when it increased to a weekly service. The current fee is $65/ton, plus an additional $50/ ton for contamination. For the sake of comparison, the County landfill charges $22/ton. This is a private for-profit company, with no competition in the immediate area, and it is their right and privilege to establish rates as they see fit. Our concern is not over a company making a profit, it is the astronomical jump in the cost to the city, without time for adjustments or enough notice to budget for the impact. The biggest issue for the city is the inability to determine the financial impact, because a totally subjective "glance" at the point of delivery, by ▶

AROUND TOWN an individual, determines the percent of contamination; thereby, increasing the fee from $65/ton to $115/ton. Alabaster's historical recycle receipts have indicated at least 30% contamination, and sometimes more. Rough estimates, based on these receipts, indicate $80,000 to $100,000 financial impact this year. The city's current budget can't absorb this additional expense. Therefore, all curbside garbage and recycle will be taken to the County landfill. Residents will be allowed to keep their recycle cans and use them for regular household waste at no additional cost. This will increase what the city pays for household waste by $22/ton for refuse, which was previously free, but it is much less than $65/ton (or $115 for contamination). We will continue to research feasible options for some type of recycle program for our residents. As a resident of Shelby County, you may take products to one of the County's recycle bins located in Herdmont Park, Columbiana, or Harpersville. Thank you for taking the time to read this important information. Please don't hesitate to share ideas or concerns with us about any services we provide for the benefit of those we serve. - Alabaster City Administration AC

TRASH GUIDELINES FOR ALABASTER RESIDENTS

ffective November 20th, we discontinued recycle service, which means all recycle material and household trash is taken to the County landfill. The recycle cart can remain with residents to be used for excessive waste which may accumulate weekly. If you do not wish to keep the recycle cart for this purpose, please fill out a report a concern and our Public Works Department will coordinate with you to pick up the recycle cart. If we all do our share, we will all save in the long run; but, none of us can carry the burden alone. Please help us provide the most efficient service possible by using the following guidelines: •The carts are designed for a maximum weight of 60 pounds. Please do not exceed cart weight limit. Excessive weight will not only damage the cart, but also the arm of the truck which empties the cart. Please do not use carts for any type debris other than household trash. Exceeding weight limit restriction could result in replacement cost for a new cart. •Please do not place cart on a steep slope or incline. Extra care in the placement of carts is very helpful to our drivers, and will assist in proper cart placement after service. •Please do not place cart on an elevated platform or location where cart is considerably higher than truck level. The service arms are not adjustable in height and will grab the cart at a level position, so carts set too high will be gripped above the designed location and damage cart. Curb height from street is

usually fine, but placement on elevated sidewalks above curbs can be an issue. •Carts need to be within 3 feet of curb edge. •Please place cart with wheel toward the house and lid opening toward the street. Carts placed in opposite direction can damage the lid, and not allow trash to empty properly and completely. •Please ensure carts are not overfilled with trash so that the lid will not close. Over filled carts with bags, or loose trash, above the top of the can causes trash to fall off the sides as carts are being gripped and lifted to empty. •Please make sure cart is at least 5 feet or more from any object, such as mailbox, telephone box, vehicles, or any stationary object which may prevent service. •No hazardous or illegal waste (paint, batteries, propane tanks, etc.). •Do not place cart underneath low hanging objects/structures, such as utility lines or tree limbs. •Please bag all trash if possible. This will help control small materials from blowing away when emptying, or while awaiting service. •PLEASE space carts at least 3-4 feet apart. This helps our drivers the most in providing excellent and efficient service. When carts are placed too close together, the pick-up arm cannot grab the cart. It can also result in the arm knocking the other cart over. There are times when we will provide friendly reminders of these guidelines with a yellow hanging notice on the cart. When a driver has an issue in providing service, these notices are for awareness and education. Please follow the checked guidelines on the notice, so we can provide the most efficient service to all residents. As always, we welcome any feedback, questions, or concerns with our service. Excellent customer service is our goal.

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OWENS HOUSE OPEN HOUSE IN COLUMBIANA

wens House will be hosting an Open House Tuesday, December 3rd from 3:00-6:00 p.m. They are located at 22747 Highway 25 Columbiana, AL 35051. Owens House, a non-profit dedicated to promoting emotional and physical healing of child abuse victims by uniting the efforts of public agencies and enlisting community support to optimize the prevention, detection, assessment, investigation, and prosecution of child abuse cases. They are committed to the multi-discipline approach to child abuse investigations. We provide services and programs to serve child victims of abuse and their families. For more information visit www.owenshousecac.com. AC

ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2019 SYMPHONIC HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

he Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is pleased to announce the 2019 Symphonic Holiday Celebration. The performance will take place on Friday, December 6 at 7 p.m. at Thompson High School’s brand-new Performing Arts Center in Alabaster, Alabama! Led by ASO Assistant Conductor, Kevin Fitzgerald, the ASO will bring delightful holiday music that will inspire visions of sugar plums and bountiful sleigh rides as the music of the season fills the hall. From How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, to Tchaikovsky’s timeless Nutcracker, this concert is the perfect time to gather your friends and family and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season! Mark Patrick, ASO Interim Executive Director and General Manager said, “We are honored to be able to ring in the Holiday Season with Shelby County residents at Thompson High School Performing Arts Center. The ASO musicians and staff are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring our education concerts and other special programs to new audiences south of Birmingham. We believe in giving back to our community and are appreciative of the unwavering support we have received from Alabaster City Schools, the Shelby County Commission, Alabaster Arts Council, and Shelby County Arts Council. We look forward to fostering these partnerships and changing lives through music for years to come.” General Admission tickets are $15, $7 for students/children. Tickcityofalabaster.com

ets and information available at alsymphony.org/holidaycelebration. ABOUT THE ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The formation of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) began with the first performance by a group of volunteer musicians in 1921. That group would evolve from a volunteer ensemble to the state's only full-time professional orchestra. Today, the ASO is continuing to make music and provide vital services to the residents of the state, serving nearly 100,000 individuals a year through concert series, youth programs, and educational and community engagement efforts to fulfill our mission to change lives through music. We proudly work to produce creative, dynamic programming and to be recognized as an artistically innovative leader in the field – winning ASCAP Awards in 2010 and 2011 for Adventurous Programming and Dedication to New American Music and receiving an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in May 2012 as a part of the competitive Spring For Music Festival, which is underwritten by a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has entertained and enriched audiences almost 100 years, playing a variety of classical and popular music and hosting performances by some of the finest guest artists in the world. The 53 talented musicians of the ASO bring to life some of the world’s most treasured musical masterpieces and introduce listeners to exciting new works and composers, performing 100 concerts annually. AC

CALENDAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DECEMBER Dec. 2: Council 7 p.m. Dec. 3: Water Board Meeting 7 p.m. Dec. 4: Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. Dec. 16: Board of Zoning Adj. 6 p.m. Dec.16: Council 7 p.m. Dec. 18: Plea Dockets 9 a.m. & 2 p.m. Dec. 23-25: City Office Closed Christmas Holiday Dec. 24: Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting 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. Mon., Tue. and Thu.: 9 am - 7:50 pm Wednesday: 10 am - 5:50 pm Friday: 9 am - 5:50 pm Saturday: 10 am - 4:50 pm Sunday: 1 pm - 4:50 pm

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

bring it along to work on. We also do community projects such as hats for service members, lap blankets, prayer shawls, and many other things, plus we have a really good time. We hope you will join us! For more information please call the library at 205-664-6822 or email Carol Smith at csmith@shelbycounty-al.org. Program takes place in the meeting room.

LIBRARY BOARD MEETING December 3 at 6 p.m.

ART AFTER DARK: ALCOHOL INK TILES December 5. 6 p.m.

Experiment with alcohol ink to create beautiful tiles that make decorative art pieces. Dress to possibly get messy. Program takes place in the meeting room.

ADULT COMPUTER CLASSES Will resume in January.

fraud. But it was no ordinary prison. The beautiful, isolated colony in Carville, Louisiana, was also home to the last people in the continental United States disfigured by leprosy--a small circle of outcasts who had forged a tenacious, clandestine community, a fortress to repel the cruelty of the outside world. In this place rich with history, amid an unlikely mix of leprosy patients, nuns, and criminals, White's strange and compelling new life journey began. Program takes place in the meeting room.

MEDICARE 101 Eric Smith’s evening class will resume in January.

LIBRARY YOUTH EVENTS TODDLER TALES Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

ABC & DS OF MEDICARE Karen Haiflich’s daytime class will resume in January.

DOLORES HYDOCK PRESENTS TRUMAN CAPOTE’S A CHRISTMAS MEMORY

SENSORY STORY TIME Second Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.

OUTREACH STORY TIME Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.

At area day care centers

December 16 at 6:30 p.m.

CLOSED DATES December 1 – Thanksgiving December 24 – 25 – Christmas Holidays

YA YA YARNERS December 2, 9, 23, & 30. 5:30 p.m. Monday evenings from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Ya Ya Yarners are meeting at the Albert L. Scott Library now! Do you knit or crochet? Would you like to learn how? If so, we have a group for you… the Ya Ya Yarners! We will teach you if you don’t know how. We will start you with one of two simple projects. We will supply the needles or hooks and yarn and a pattern. If you already have a project under way,

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.

LIBRARY BOOK GROUP December 19 at 7 p.m.

Join us to discuss In the Sanctuary of Outcasts: A Memoir by Neil White. Neil White wanted only the best for those he loved and was willing to go to any lengths to provide it--which is how he ended up in a federal prison in rural Louisiana, serving eighteen months for bank

WINTER BREAK STORY TIME December 18 at 10:15 a.m.

FROZEN FANTASY FUN! December 6 at 4 p.m.

Children can let it go, wear costumes, and come for activities based on the popular movies. They can also meet special guest Princess Anna. Please sign up. Children under age 7 must be with an adult.

GINGERBREAD WORKSHOP December 10 at 6:15 p.m.

We have everything for making tasty-looking houses! Families must sign up in advance and pre-pay $3.00 per cityofalabaster.com

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CALENDAR house when they sign up by December 9. If paying by check please make it out to the library. Sorry, no refunds. All children must be with an adult.

December 17 from 4:15 p.m.-5 p.m.

HOLIDAY PARTY!

WINTER BREAK STORY TIME

December 11 from 10 a.m.-12 noon

December 18 from 10:15 a.m.-11a.m.

Children and their caregivers are invited to a fun-filled morning featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus, gingerbread man cookie decorating in the meeting room, and a horse-drawn carriage ride around the library! Free tickets will be in the lobby. All children must be with an adult.

Kids of all ages and their caregivers are welcomed.

SENSORY STORY TIME December 11 at 3:30 p.m.

Join us for an interactive and educational program that can be enjoyed by all, but is especially designed for those with sensory integration challenges. It combines books, songs, movement, and more.

EVENING WITH SANTA December 12 from 6:15 p.m.-7 p.m.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus will greet families and listen to children’s Christmas wishes in the meeting room. All children must be with an adult.

AMERICAN GIRLS CLUB HOLIDAY HAPPENING December 13 at 4 p.m.

Girls 7 years old and older can come with or without a doll for a special seasonal program. Sign up.

GINGERBREAD WORKSHOP December 14 from 2 p.m.-2:45 p.m.

We have everything for making yummy-looking houses! Families must sign up in advance and pre-pay $3.00 per house when they sign up by December 13. If paying by check please make it out to the library. Sorry, no refunds. All children must be with an adult.

PETE THE CAT BOOK CLUB: SNACKIN’ WITH SANTA

Hear a Pete the Cat Christmas tale and share a snack with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Sign up.

Programs are in the meeting room and children under age 7 must be with an adult unless otherwise noted.

PARKS AND REC

Alabaster Parks and Recreation offers a variety of youth sports and a couple of adult programs, along with several community events throughout the year. Additionally, they oversee pavilion rentals for all City parks. The Parks and Recreation Office is located at 7305 Hwy. 119, Alabaster. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. If you would like more information concerning Parks and Recreation programs, please contact the Office at 205-664-6840 or parksandrec@cityofalabaster.com.

in observance of the Christmas holidays. •Wednesday, Jan. 1, in observance of New Year’s Eve.

CHRISTMAS PARADE •The annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 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 2019 theme is “A Storybook Christmas”. •The parade is filled with bands, floats, dancers, Santa, and much more including lots of candy! Don’t miss out on a fun filled morning.

BASKETBALL •Youth Basketball is underway with 288 participants.

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

STAY INFORMED BY EMAIL

SPRING SOCCER REGISTRATION

If you would like to receive emails from Parks and Recreation regarding registrations and events, you can sign up by going to www.alabasterparks.org and scrolling down the page to the SIGN UP link. The only required information is your name and email address. NOTE: We cannot accept Checks as a method of payment. Please be prepared to pay for any fees with Cash, Debit, Visa, Master Card, or Discover.

•On-Line Registration will be available at www.alabasterparks.org beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Dec. 30 and ending at 11:00 p.m. on Jan. 11. •Walk-in Registration is available at the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Office between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., weekdays only from Dec. 30 thru Jan. 10. •New players are required to provide a copy of their birth certificate. •Leagues begin at age 4. •Registration Fee: $90 for U6/U8. $110 for U9 thru U15. Non-residents: additional 10% per child. Multi-child discount: 10% per child after oldest child pays full price.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE The Parks and Recreation Office, along with Veterans Skate Park, will be closed on the following dates: •Tuesday & Wednesday, Dec. 24 and 25,

cityofalabaster.com

CALENDAR SPRING BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION •On-Line Registration will be available at www.alabasterparks.org beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Dec. 30 and ending at 11:00 p.m. on Jan. 11. •Walk-in Registration is available at the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Office between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., weekdays only, from Dec. 30 thru Jan. 10. •New players are required to provide a copy of their birth certificate. •Registration Fee: $165 for Rookie thru Metro, $90 for 4-year-old T-ball, and $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.

PAVILIONS FOR RENT On-Line Pavilion Rentals – available at www.alabasterparks.org. Several of our City Parks offer pavilions for events such as picnics, family reunions and birthday parties. The best way to ensure your event happens at the location of your choice is to reserve it early. Please do not send out invitations listing one of our parks as the event location before you have secured a pavilion through Parks and Recreation. The pavilion you plan on using may not be available. Pavilions are available for use by permit only. There is a $40 rental fee (no checks accepted) which must be paid before your reservation is complete. Note: Inflatables, charcoal grills, and piñatas are not allowed in any of the City parks. Please see our web site for a complete list of rules. All open picnic tables (those not under a covering) are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.

SENIOR CENTER

The Alabaster Senior Center, which is operated by the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department, offers a variety of programs and services for individuals 55 years of age and older who live in Shelby cityofalabaster.com

County. The Senior Center is located at 1097 – 7th Street S.W., Alabaster. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. If you would like more information concerning Senior programs, please contact the Alabaster Senior Center at 205-663-1307 or belder@cityofalabaster.com.

BREAKFAST WITH SHELBY RIDGE

take to healthier living. Space is limited. $2.00/class.

ARTHRITIS & MORE Wednesdays from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm

This class is designed for those seeking to improve or maintain their mobility, muscle strength and functional ability. This class will include a variety of exercises working from head to toe while sitting and standing. $2.00/class.

December 3rd

BISCUITS WITH JIM N NICKS

INTERMEDIATE CLASS LINE DANCING

December 13 at 9:15 am

Thursdays from 9:15 am-10:05 am

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS December 11 at 10:00 am

With Southern Care Clanton/Suncrest

CHRISTMAS PARTY December 16 at10:00 am

Must have bought a ticket to attend

For dancers with some prior Line Dance experience. High beginner and intermediate dances will be taught with more complicated steps and at a faster pace. Students may move up to this class when they feel they are ready. Space is limited. $2.00/class.

SENIOR CENTER CLOSED

BEGINNER CLASS LINE DANCING

December 23rd – January 1st

Thursdays from 10:10 am-11:00 am

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES GENTLE YOGA Tuesdays from 1:15 pm-2:30 pm

Combines traditional/modified yoga postures and breathing techniques. Come improve your overall health through understanding your body better and leave feeling refreshed and reenergized. Gentle movement is modified to allow the class to be completed by a standing or seated participant; all levels of fitness are welcome. Mats are provided. Space is limited. $2.00/class.

ARTHRITIS EXERCISE Wednesdays from 9:30 am-10:30 am

Helps alleviate pain and stiffness, maintain range of motion, improve balance and coordination, increase endurance and overall health. This is a seated class with health tips given on steps you can

For students, new to Line Dancing. Several easy beginner dances will be taught in each class. Instruction will proceed at an easy pace and repetition will be emphasized. Appropriate supportive shoes should be worn such as tennis shoes, boots and flats. High heels and backless shoes are not appropriate. Safety is a priority. Space is limited. $2.00/class.

GENTLE YOGA Thursdays from 2:15 pm-3:30 pm

CALENDAR ZUMBA GOLD Thursdays from 12:30 pm-1:20 pm (50 min)

The design of the class introduces easy to follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. Come ready to sweat and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong! $2.00/class

MOVIN’ & GROOVIN’ Fridays from 9:30 am-10:20 am (50 min)

Focuses on stretching, cardio, light weights and having fun! All taught to music! Learn safe ways to improve muscles to make every day activities easier. Emphasis is on improving and maintaining overall health from head to toe. You won’t want to miss this class. Space is limited. $2.00/class.

POLICE AND FIRE HONORED Alabaster Police and Fire Departments were recently honored by students from the Career Tech school in Columbiana, who are preparing to enter public safety careers after graduation, for participating in their Get Ready for Work program. The program had the students do mock interviews with real police and fire departments to hone their skills as they prepare to enter public safety field. Chief Love was proud to participate and noted that two current police officers with the APD were graduates of this very program.

cityofalabaster.com

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. OCT. 7, 2019 AT 7:02 PM

Mayor Comments •Magic Moments Day •2020 Census Awareness

Agenda Items: 1.Resolution 100719 Authorizing the Placement of Lien on Property Located at 160 12th Ave SE Motion Passed Unanimously 2.*Resolution 100719-A Auth. the Placement of Lien on Property at 572 Old Hwy 31 Motion Passed Unanimously 3.*Resolution 100719-B Authorizing the Purchase of Vehicles, Upfitting and Associated Equipment for the APD from the State Bid List and Approved Purchasing Cooperatives Motion Passed Unanimously 4.Resolution 100719-C Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a MOA with Alabaster City School Board and Shelby County for Construction of New Athletic Fields Motion Passed Unanimously 5. Resolution 100719-D

Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a MOA with Shelby County for New Athletic Fields, Parking, Entrance and Site Improvements at Veteran's Park Motion Passed Unanimously 6.Resolution 100719-E Albert L. Scott Library Board Appointment Motion Passed Unanimously 7.Resolution 100719-F Amending Resolution 092418-D and Changing Amount Paid by the City for Retired Employees' Health Insurance Coverage Motion Passed Council Member Farrell abstained 8.Resolution 100719-G Authorizing the Purchase of Vehicle, Upfitting and Associated Equipment for the AFD from the State Bid List Motion Passed Unanimously 9.Resolution 100719-H Authorizing the Mayor to Sign an Agreement with Gonzalez Strength & Associates related to Design for Veterans Park Entrance Realignment/ SR119 Motion Passed Unanimously

10.Resolution 100719-1 Providing Additional Funding for the FY2019 Paving Project Motion Passed Unanimously 11.**Resolution 110419 (PH) Affirming Recommendation from Housing Abatement Board to Demolish Structure Located at 390 6TH AVE S.E. Motion Passed Unanimously SAID MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:29 PM OCT. 21, 2019 AT 7:02 PM

Mayor Comments •National Hospice & Palliative Care •NAMI presented Mayor Handlon an award

Agenda Items: 1.Resolution 102119 Auth. New Position of Maint. Tech II Irrigation Specialist Motion Passed Unanimously 2.Resolution 102119-A Award Bid for Youth Basketball Uniforms Motion Passed Unanimously 3.Resolution 102119-B

THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE WILL BE SATURDAY, DEC. 7 AT 10 AM EMCEE: Dollar Bill GRAND MARSHAL: Mayo Taylor JUDGES: Debbie Springer Hall, Linda Fields Lawley, and Renee Vance Green. All 3 judges graduated from THS in 1977. LOCATION: 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. 2019 THEME: “A Storybook Christmas” The parade is filled with bands, floats, dancers, Santa, and much more including lots of candy! Don’t miss out!

cityofalabaster.com

Amending Resolution 021714 - ALDOT Right-of-Way Agreement for Hwy 119 Project Motion Passed Unanimously 4.Resolution 102119-C Amending Resolution 031317N - ALDOT Utility Agreement for Hwy 119 Project Motion Passed Unanimously 5.Resolution 102119-D Auth. Pitney Bowes Agreement Motion Passed Unanimously 6.Resolution 102119-E Authorizing Design Improvements Agreement with Butler & Company Architectural Firm Motion Passed Unanimously 7.Resolution 102119-F Authorize Regional Planning Commission Membership Dues for FY2020 Motion Passed Unanimously 8.Resolution 102119-G Funding for 2020 Youth Mental Health First Aid Program Motion Passed Unanimously 9.Resolution 102119-I Auth. the Mayor to Retain Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC for Opioid Litigation Motion Passed Unanimously SAID MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:27 PM

BEAUTIFICATION BOARD There is an opening for a volunteer on the Alabaster Beautification Board. Application can be made by going to the City’s website: Departments, Boards & Commissions, beauty@ cityofalabaster.com.

Jon Kelton

IRT-1948H-A

Financial Advisor 6919 Hwy 119 Suite 300 Alabaster, AL 35007 205-621-0888

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

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 6 205-915-4439 brakefield@cityofalabaster.com KERRI PATE, WARD 7 965-8300 pate@cityofalabaster.com

POSTAL PATRON

A convenient location with hands-on emergency care for you.

Abington Green

Asbury Park

Lake Purdy

Alabaster

A COMMUNITY BUILT ON WARMTH When life takes an unexpected turn, let our emergency care team at one of our two locations help you get back on track. We can handle your emergency situations with less wait time, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be seen by highly trained staff that will treat you with kindness and compassion. You can even check in online! To learn more, call 205-620-8133 or visit ShelbyBaptistMedicalCenter.com For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1

Meadowbrook

Shelby Baptist Medical Center 1000 1st St North, Alabaster AL 35007