THE ORIGINAL
Alabaster
NEWSLETTER
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VOLUME VIII // NUMBER 7 // JULY/AUGUST 2019
AREA FIREWORKS SCHEDULE INSIDE!
Alabaster
A Word from the Editor & Publisher, Ted Vodde
My first job was working the window at the McDonald’s in Pinellas Park, Florida. It was the old fashioned kind where customers walked up to the window to get their
order. We had no dining room, but we had some concrete tables and benches out front for customers to sit on. It was a classic lazy, hot summer Sunday afternoon and not much was happening. But that was about to change. All of a sudden a tall, blonde young man wearing only a pair of brief underwear seemed to appear out of nowhere and began yelling gibberish to the seated customers. Then he walked up to the window and began yelling at us. You could tell from his behavior that he was most
likely on some sort of drugs. Our manager ran to the window and told him, “You better get out of here!” The young man replied, “I’m gone!” and started walking toward Park Boulevard, the four lane main road in front of the restaurant. A police car pulled up and the young man ran toward the policeman, then turned right to run down the road. Our manager had run out the back of the unit and joined the policeman as they pursued the man down Park Boulevard. The road’s median had grass in it and the young man found himself in the middle of a busy road dancing in the median. He could see the policeman and our manager in hot pursuit, so he did the only logical thing to do in that situation. He pulled off his briefs and
began to dance naked in the middle of the street twirling his underwear over his head. The stopped traffic began to blow their horns. By this time the officer and our manager had caught up with him and they tackled him in the median. He was quite strong and fueled by drugs, so during the struggle the officer grabbed his mace spray and sprayed a full spray right in the face of our manager. Finally the man was cuffed and taken off in the police car, and our manager had to go home as he was in no shape to do anything having been maced. And it was going to be such a quiet afternoon. You just never know when something memorable will happen. Hopefully all your surprises this summer will be good ones. Have fun! See you in September!
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WE’RE ALWAYS ONLINE AT WWW.ALABASTERNEWSLETTER.COM! The Alabaster Newsletter Published Monthly Editor & Publisher: Ted Vodde Contributors: John Brackin, Eric Starling, Dawn South, David Frings We welcome your comments, suggestions & story ideas. Call 620-5505 and e-mail tedvodde@gmail.com Copyright© 2019 Mindstream Media, LLC
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July/August 2019
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS CITY OF ALABASTER BEHIND THE POST OFFICE ON 119 WED., JULY 3, 9 PM The City of Alabaster fireworks show will be held on Wednesday, July 3, starting at approximately 9 p.m This year’s fireworks will be launched from behind where the old silo used to be off Highway 119 (behind the Alabaster Post Office), so they should be visible from a number of prominent locations throughout the city. According to the City of Alabaster website (Cityofalabaster.com), some of the best viewing areas for the show will include Plaza Circle and Plaza Drive, the Alabaster YMCA, Publix, Elliotsville Plaza, Municipal Park and Larry Simmons Stadium. Residents should be aware that parking will not be allowed on state or county roads during the fireworks show. For the latest information related to the show, visit the
City of Alabaster on Twitter at Twitter.com/cityofalabaster. City officials will be posting real-time updates on social media in order to give residents the most current information in terms of timing. During the show, Alabaster’s own APH Radio will be featuring patriotic music to accompany the fireworks. APH Radio can be found on 99.9 FM. It also has a free mobile app, which residents can download.
CITY OF PELHAM “FIRE ON THE WATER” WED., JULY 3, 8-9 PM OAK MTN. STATE PARK The City of Pelham will present “Fire on the Water” Wednesday, July 3rd. The event begins at 5 pm and Fireworks will begin at dusk from 8-9 pm on the lake at Oak Mountain State Park.
YOUR SMILE SAYS IT ALL! A beautiful smile projects confidence, well-being and a positive image. Call for a consultation Today! NEW PATIENTS ARE WELCOME! Thomas E. Dudney D.M.D Aesthetic & General Dentistry 122 7th Avenue NE (behind Arby’s) in Alabaster T: 2056636545 F:205.6201568 E. tedudneydmd@aol.com No representation is made that the quality of the dental services performed is greater than the quality of the dental services performed by other dentists.
AMERICAN VILLAGE EVENING PROGRAM & FIREWORKS THURSDAY JULY 4, 7-9 PM The American Village offers summer fun and $5 admission Enjoy red, white and blue all-American family fun this summer at the American Village. The signature summer program “Celebrate America” features “Pirates, Spies and Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride.” Step back in time and learn how colonial spies passed secret messages. Take part in the trial of Blackbeard’s pirates. Join Paul Revere on his midnight ride to warn the colonists that the British are coming! Meet people of the past and enjoy Colonial games on the green. You may even be conscripted into the Continental Army. Read the Village Gazette upon your arrival at the Visitors Center to find out each day’s revolutionary events. Choose one or all from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays through July 31 (excluding July 3-5).
AMERICAN VILLAGE Join your family, friends and neighbors at the American Village to celebrate Independence Day 1776! Fun, Food, Fireworks… you’ll find it all. Admission is $5 (free to veterans, active military and children 4 and under). Gates open at 11. Family-friendly fun through twilight’s last gleaming. For a complete schedule of events for Independence Day, visit the American Village website: www.americanvillage.org.
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July/August 2019
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THE BOSS SAID, “LET ‘EM GO!!”
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SHELBY COUNTY’S ONLY FORD DEALER FOR 35 YEARS! July/August 2019
EVERYONE HAD FUN AT CITYFEST Residents turned out in droves this year to enjoy the 17th annual Alabaster CityFest on Saturday, June 1, at the new Thompson High School. It was another successful rendition of the event, which was held at the new high school for just the second time. Last year, the popular music festival moved to the new high school campus off Thompson Road in order to take advantage of the vast lawn out in front of the school. Previously, CityFest had been held at the City of Alabaster’s Municipal Park, which is located behind the old Thompson High School. This year’s festival, which was presented by Central State Bank and Coca Cola, featured the chart-topping Country music artist Easton Corbin as the headline act, along with a host of other exciting musical performers throughout the day. The new campus has proven to be an excellent location for the event as Alabaster residents filled the area in front of the stage with chairs and blankets despite the warm summer weather. And Corbin did not disappoint, as he brought his high-energy Country show to the Alabaster stage. Opening for Corbin was the Atlanta Rhythm Section, a classic rock outfit that’s been making music since the early ‘70s, when they formed as a session band for a Georgia studio. Known for their groovy radio hits like “So Into You” and “Spooky,” the band’s unmistakable sound provided a fun, head-bobbing experience for fans of Southern rock. Locals also enjoyed Alabama native Jessica Meuse, a Country singer who rose to fame during Season 13 of American Idol. Meuse performed during the 5:30 time slot at the festival, singing songs from her new album
“Halfhearted.” Gospel performer Sanchez Tanniehill also got the crowd going with his midday performance, which was followed by the smooth jazz sounds of Take 7. Other musical artists included Cam Spinks, Naked Gypsy Queens and The Bonfyre. As usual, CityFest also drew local families out to the event to enjoy the popular KidsFest area, which featured a number of colorful rides and inflatables for the children. There were also vendors aplenty this year, including Ivey League Crafts of Montgomery, “Old Things New” Vintage Silverplate Jewelry, Faith and Grace Gift Boutique, Bayou Billy Sweet Dixie Tea, Granny’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Frios Gourmet Pops, Kona Ice, the VFW Lance Corporal Rivers Memorial Post 12185 and many more.
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July/August 2019
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EVERYBODY HAD FUN AT CITYFEST!
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July/August 2019
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July/August 2019
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Alabaster
ALBERT L. SCOTT LIBRARY LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
Every Wednesday 10:15 am Outreach Stories at area daycares 2nd & 4th Wednesdays. 3:30 PM Sensory Story Time in the Meeting Room
1st Thursday 1:00 pm Friends of Library Bookmenders Every Friday 10:30 am Toddler Tales (2s, 3s) 10:30 in the meeting room. Children must be with an adult.
LIBRARY ADULT ACTIVITIES Closed Dates – July 4 – 5. Independence Day Friends of the Library Meeting – July 8. 6 pm. Library Board Meeting – July 23. 6 pm. Adult Summer Reading Challenge - Join us for our Adult Summer Reading program! Read books to enter for a chance to win great weekly prizes and a final grand prize. The program continues through July 12th. Visit our website to sign up online or stop by the library to sign up in person. For more information please call the library at 205-664-6822. Ya Ya Yarners – July 1, 15, 22 & 29. 5:30 pm. & August 5, 12, 19 & 26. 5:30 pm. Monday evenings from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. 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, 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@shelbycountyal.org. Program takes place in the meeting room. ABC & Ds of Medicare – July 8 & August 12,. 1 pm. Karen Haiflich of the Medicare Information Source will help you navigate through the process of Medicare. Learn about filing, benefits, and any other questions you might have. Program takes place in the meeting room. Adult Art: Alcohol Ink Tiles – July 11. 6 pm. Experiment with alcohol ink to create beautiful tiles that make stunning coasters or decorative art pieces. Dress to possibly get messy. Library Book Group - July 18. 7 pm. & August 15. 7 pm. Join us to discuss In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende. Join us to discuss That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam. Program takes place in the meeting room. Adult Computer Classes - Call or come by to sign up. 205-664-6822. August 6. 10 am. Microsoft Word 2013 part 1- Understand the basic functions and commands that are available in Word August 13. 10 am. August 20. 10 am. Microsoft Word 2013 part 2 – This class will focus on formatting and editing within Word. August 20. 10 am. Introduction to Microsoft Publisher 2013 – Introduction to the desktop publishing program that can produce brochures, newsletters, menus, and more. Medicare 101 – August 22. 6 pm. A fun and informative class to learn what to expect with Medicare and how to ask the right questions. Perfect for anyone wanting to learn about their Medicare options. Presented by Eric Smith, the founder of Medicare Advisors of Alabama. Program takes place in the meeting room. Tai Chi for Health Part 2 Advanced Class – Wednesday mornings at 10:30 am starting August 7th. Join us as local instructor Rachel Hickman teaches this ADVANCED 8-week course in Tai Chi. This class is only for people who can stand unassisted for the entire time. Tai Chi is an exercise that improves balance, sharpens the mind and circulates oxygen throughout the body while gently massaging all the joints, ligaments and muscles of the entire body. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes that will not slip during movement. Try not to miss any classes because each class builds upon the previous ones. Newcomers will not be allowed after the first class takes place. Program takes place in the meeting room. Participants must complete the Enrollment Form at the front desk before the first class.
LIBRARY KIDS ACTIVITIES Children from babies to 18 years old can still participate in our Alabama has a Universe of Stories Summer Challenge. Kids read our library books, or listen to them, and earn prizes while improving or maintaining reading skills. Adults may register children at the library and receive a bag containing the reading log, calendar, and more. Online registration is at www.cityofalabaster.com/library – but remember to come to the library to get the goody bag. We’ll offer several weeks of free fun programs and prizes ending on July 17 with a finale. The 2019 Summer Reading Program is supported in whole or in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Alabama Public Library Service. Our sponsors to date are: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, AmStar Cinemas, Bike Link, Friends of the Library, Jim ‘N Nick’s, Magic City Daylight Donuts, McDonald’s, Oak Mountain Lanes, and Whataburger. July Weekly Activities: Lego® League, Tuesdays, (July 2, 9) 4 p.m.-4:45 p.m. Drama Workshop, Tuesday evenings (see below) Story Universe, Wednesdays, (July 3, 10) 10:15 a.m. Sensory Story Time, Second and Third Wednesdays, (July 10 and July 24) 3:30 p.m. Toddler Tales, Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Miss Jennie’s July Story Time Themes: The Alabama Sunshine is Hot Birmingham, the Magic City Gummi Worms, Fortune Cookies, and Lollipops Happy Ice Cream and Milk Chocolate Day! Watermelon Day! Special July Activities: (Please refer to the city website, library calendar, and/or signs for details.) July 1 ABC: Alabama Biographies & Crafts 10:30 a.m. Sign up July 1 Science Lab: Astronomy 3:30 p.m. Sign up July 2 Drama Workshop 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (continued from June) July 2 Drama Workshop 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. (continued from June) July 8 Animals: Back to Natives 10:30 a.m. July 8 Teen Kitchen 3:30 p.m. Sign up (For ages 11-18 years old) July 9 Kids’ Kitchen 10:30 a.m.-12 noon (Sign up) (For ages 5-10 years old) July 10 Teddy Bear Indoor Picnic 12 noon -1 p.m. Bring your lunch, blanket, and stuffed friend July 11 Alabama Museum of Natural History 10:30 a.m. July 15 Skin & Skulls 10:30 a.m. All kids must be with an adult. July 16 Drama Rehearsal 5:30 p.m. July 16 Drama Showcase 6:30 p.m. All kids in the audience must be with an adult. July 18 Summer Challenge Finale: magic, face painting, and grand prize drawings 10:30 a.m. All kids must be with an adult. July 24 Summer Break Story Time 10:15 a.m. July 31 Summer Break Story Time 10:15 a.m. August Story Times: Outreach Story time at area day care centers: Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Toddler Tales Friday’s at 10:30 a.m. Sensory Story Times: second and fourth Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Programs are in the meeting room. Kids age 6 and younger must be with an adult.
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July/August 2019
WHY DOES A PUBLIC LIBRARY NEED “FRIENDS”? A good library is hard to beat. A good library is necessary to a great place to live. None of us can possess all of the books, magazines, reference works, audio books or DVD’s (popular movies, classic children’s movies, documentaries and classic films) that a good, even modest, public library offers. Even if we could, every community has citizens who cannot. Some students lack Internet access, as do some senior citizens. Internet access is another service of the public library. And—even if one can find almost anything online, the convenience and portability of a book exceeds that of online content. The price is right, too. The Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster is part of the Shelby County Library system (formally, the Mildred I. Harrison Regional Library). Any citizen of Shelby County can join the library. The cost is precisely zero! You and everyone else pay for it via taxes, a very small amount of the whole. Books and other media
(except for Reference) can be borrowed for generous periods, taken home and enjoyed at leisure (or read as assigned in some class or training course). Leisure, of course, differs from one person to another. I love to put on some music and “get lost” in a good mystery or an account of some historical events. Others may prefer learning how to repair small engines, build a deck, or cook Chinese food. There are books in the library for each of these interests. Membership in the library is free, a service of the city, county and state to its citizens. Join today! Enjoy! The question then is: Why Does a Public Library Need “Friends?” You should join the “Friends” if you appreciate the library’s value and want to help make it even better. Many citizens think a good library deserves additional material support from its community. This is where Library Friends groups come in. The Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-
profit corporation dedicated to supporting our local library. It is separate from the library, an organization of volunteers. The friends group was organized in 1983. Since that time, there have been many projects to promote the library and raise funds to enhance its mission in the local community. Our niche is to raise and donate discretionary funds that augment budgeted dollars and that make the library experience “just a little better.” Children’s Programs are a special point of emphasis. The Friends host two Used Book and Bake Sales each year, in April and October. These fundraisers produce the bulk of annual money raised. They are also occasions for every member to volunteer for a few hours as donated books are moved, organized, straightened and sold. Between the “big sales” books are available in the Book Room (at rear of the fiction room) and the Book Nook (bookcases at front of fiction room). Used books are
available to buy whenever the library is open. Dues are another fundraiser. The Friends’ dues are minimal. The Friends have almost no administrative expenses, and these are usually donated, too—paper on which an agenda is printed, gas necessary to put up signs to advertise a sale, etc. Regular membership is ten dollars a year. There is a Supporting membership; twenty-five dollars a year. Some people prefer this level of “giving,” especially if they are unable to regularly volunteer their time. Regardless of membership type, you should join the Friends. It is an easy, inexpensive way to support this valuable community resource. It’s easy to join the Friends of the Albert L, Scott Library too. Ask any librarian at the circulation desk, or contact Membership VP Hoyt Filyaw at 205-529-5607 or hfilyaw@gmail.com for more information.
NO TREE IS OUT OF REACH NOW WITH THE NEW SPIDER LIFT! THE TALLEST IN BIRMINGHAM CAN EASILY FIT INTO TIGHT SPACES!
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July/August 2019
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Beautification Winner & Tips
EDUCATION GRANTS Tim Mitchell & Marion McMillan
The Beautification Board House winner is Carla Bowers at 109 Sterling Gate Drive. This property is maintained beautifully. The owner sometime receives notes in her mailbox, acknowledging the beauty and appreciation of her yard from those passing by. There are seasonal flowers and fresh mulch. The lawn is healthy and doing well, in spite of the dry spell Alabaster is enduring.
Gardening Tips for July According to The Rootwell and Better Homes & Gardens, this time of year, working in the garden can be nearly impossible at any time except early morning. As much as possible, work some morning garden grooming into your schedule. When the mercury rises, plants struggle to stay hydrated. Providing plants with adequate moisture ensures more than seasonal good looks -- it's a
4BR/3.5BA $290s
key to long-term health. Try these tips to make the most of your irrigation efforts: For most non-drought tolerant trees and shrubs, provide a deep watering every 10 to 14 days. This means wetting the soil to at least 8 inches deep. Dig down to see how far moisture is soaking in, or simply slip a screwdriver into soil. In moist soil, the blade will slide easily.
Tim Mitchell & Zac Rogers
THS Graduates Zac Rogers & Marion McMillan were awarded scholarship funds with Tim Mitchell and his Community Support Program. Tim provides scholarships, grants and sponsorships toward the school, teacher, athletic team, church, or other events of his clients' choice. Don’t miss out! These grants are available to all of Tim's clients. Please call Tim at (205) 305-8756, or e-mail TimMitchellHomes@gmail.com, for more information. Congrats to Zac, Marion & all Graduates!
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July/August 2019
A TRANQUIL HOLLOW GETAWAY BY DAVID FRINGS
As we approach the middle of summer and things really begin to heat up, some of us may be seeking a nearby inexpensive getaway to chill with friends. Are you saying “I’m listening”? If so, there is a spot about twenty minutes south of Alabaster just waiting for you. As I drove through the gate on my visit, I immediately fell in love with the tiny hollow surrounded by low hills. The hollow had been cleared of underbrush years ago and replaced with grass. Huge hickory, sycamore, and oak trees dotted the hollow cooling visitors from the hot summer sun. I stopped the car and rolled down the window just to listen and take in the beauty of the moment. I was struck by the solitude and peace. Closing my eyes, I heard the occasional giggles of young children playing and the smell of burgers and barbeque searing on the grills. I was immediately overcome with a feeling of relaxation
as I continued to rest, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of my new getaway. My new getaway is one of our smallest state parks, Brierfield Ironworks Historical Park located a few miles south of the City of Montevallo. I am ashamed to admit that my Memorial Day visit to this hidden paradise was my first. Brierfield Park, like its larger sister Tannehill, is home to a blast furnace that was used to produce iron during the Civil War. The Brierfield furnaces were destroyed during the war but rebuilt in 1880, operating until 1894. Today, Brierfield Ironworks has numerous shaded camp sites along the wet weather stream, Furnace Branch, for RV’s and trailers. There are also cabins for rent, including one that has a bunkhouse for larger youth groups or scouts. If you are not the camping type, there are numerous picnic tables for a day outing and a public pool that can be used for a fee. Due to the small size of the park, there is only one short hiking trail that cuts through a wooded area to a hilltop about the ruins of the furnace. The trail looked like a great area for bird watching or just enjoying a short walk in the forest. Several people have told me that the park is a great area to view and photograph white-tail
BRIERFIELD IRONWORKS PARK
deer along the roads a few hours before dusk. So if you need a tranquil family getaway this summer nestled in a hidden hollow surrounded
by history, take a look at Brierfield Ironworks Park. A great destination to kick back and relax with family and friends!
David Frings is an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Management and Associate Director MSEM, Samford University, Howard College of Arts & Sciences and Director of the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center Samford University located at Oak Mtn State Park
Vacation Bible School
First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster July 29-August 2 6:30-8:00 pm All ages welcome! Families are encouraged to attend together. Dinner served nightly.
205-663-3152
email info@fpcalabaster.org for more information.
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July/August 2019
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Alabaster
Parks & Rec Dept., 7305 Hwy 119. 6646840 www.alabasterparks.org
New Office Location and More The Parks and Recreation office has moved to Veterans Park. •We are located on the far-right side of the parking lot in the modular building beside the Maintenance Shop. •Our physical/mailing address is: 7305 Hwy. 119, Alabaster, AL 35007. STAY INFORMED THRU EMAILS 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.
FALL SOCCER SIGNUP Soccer is available to girls and boys ages 4 thru 17. •On-Line Registration will be available at www.alabasterparks.org beginning at 8 am on July 1 and ending at 11 pm on July 13. You can register in person at the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Office between 8 am and 5 pm, weekdays only, from July 1 thru July 12. •Soccer Cost: $110.00 for U9 and up … $90.00 for U6/U8 (plus 10% for non-residents).•For more information, please contact Nik McCrimon at 664-6840 or nmccrimon@cityofalabaster.com.
ADULT SOFTBALL SIGNUP On-Line Registration for teams (not individuals) will begin on July 22 at 8:00 am and end on August 10 at 11:00 pm.•Registration for teams (not individuals) will begin on July 22 at 8:00 am and end on August 9 at 5:00 pm at the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Office. •Fee: $180.00. No registration form accepted without payment in full. •Three leagues will be offered: Coed, Men’s Open, and Men’s Church.•Leagues will begin play in September. •For more information, please contact Nik McCrimon at 664-6840 or nmccrimon@cityofalabaster.com
FALL BASEBALL SIGNUP Baseball is available to boys ages 4-12 as of April 30, 2020. •On-Line Registration will be available at www.alabasterparks.org beginning at 8 am on July 8 and ending at 11 pm on July 27.•You can register in person at the Alabaster Parks & Recreation Office between 8 am and 5 pm, weekdays only from July 8 thru July 26. •Baseball Cost: $85.00 (plus 10% for non-residents).•For more information, please contact Morgan Lawley at 664-6840 or mnlawley@cityofalabaster.com.
GIRL’S SOFTBALL SIGNUP Softball is available to girls age 5-12 as of January 1, 2020. •On-Line Registration will be available at www.alabasterparks.org beginning at 8 am on July 8 and ending at 11 pm on July 27.•You can register in person at the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Office between 8 am and 5 pm, weekdays only, from July 8 thru July 26. •The fee will be $85.00 (plus 10% for non-residents).•For more information, please contact Morgan Lawley at 664-6840 or mnlawley@cityofalabaster.com.
NEW SPORT: ADULT KICKBALL NEW SPORT IN TOWN: ADULT KICKBALL GAMES•Co-ed Adult Kickball is our newest addition to the athletic programs offered through our Parks and Recreation Department. •Games will begin the week of July 8. The season will end in August.•Come out and show your support for a new, exciting sport. Admission is free!•Contact Nik McCrimon at 664-6840 or nmccrimon@cityofalabaster.com for game times and locations.
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HOLIDAY SCHEDULE The Parks and Recreation Office, and Veterans Skate Park will be closed on the following date: •Thursday, July 4 & Friday, July 5
MOVIES IN THE PARK MOVIES IN THE PARK on Friday nights FREE movies at Veterans Park located at 7305 Hwy. 119 in Alabaster. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends enjoying the outdoors while watching an entertaining movie. The movies will begin showing around dusk (usually 8:00 pm). Bring a blanket or some chairs, snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic), and some bug repellant. Movie schedule: •July 12: “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” (107 minutes – rated PG) •July 26: “A Dog’s Way Home” (137 minutes – rated PG)
FIREWORKS SHOW JULY 3 The City of Alabaster will host a Fireworks Show at 9:00 PM on Wednesday, July 3. The show will be located on property between the Alabaster Post Office (50 Kent Stone Way) and Starbucks (2171 Kent Dairy Road).
START SMART SOCCER SIGNUP July 15 – 8:00 am: Registration will begin for Start Smart Soccer at the Alabaster Parks & Recreation office located in Veterans Park. •Registration will close out once 20 children have registered, or at 5:00 pm on July 26, whichever occurs first. The fee is $90 (plus 10% for non-residents).The program is designed for children ages 3 and 4. The child cannot turn 5 before Sept. 1, 2019. The child has to be 3 before August 1, 2019. •It’s a six-week program with emphasis on fundamentals. The six-week sessions will be held on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm beginning September 3 and ending October 8. There will be a game and pizza/cupcake party on October 12 at 10:00 am. •Registration must be done in person at the Parks and Recreation office. •Birth Certificate copies are required for new participants.
FOOTBALL & CHEER •Youth Tackle Football (Full Contact) Games will begin September 3.•Youth Flag Football Games will begin the first or second full week of August. •Cheer Clinic (this clinic is mandatory)•Clinic will begin on July 29 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at the Thompson High School Gym. It will conclude on August 2 with a “show off” night for parents to enjoy.
PAVILIONS FOR RENT Outdoor Rental Facilities:•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 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.
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July/August 2019
HEROES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION LIE AT REST IN OUR AREA skirmishes that the original 13 states experienced, and we did not send troops and regiments to fight. But we do have a number of heroes from the War of Independence buried in Alabama cemeteries and out-ofthe way plots. Most of the Revolutionary War veterans interred in our state’s soil migrated here with their families long after the last shot was fired in battle. Several are buried in the Shelby County and surrounding areas, and their final resting Representative April Weaver places may be visited today. One of them is my seventh great The 4th of July holiday is set aside to celebrate the sign- grandfather, Private David Lindsay. ing of the Declaration of Lindsay was born in Independence, one of our Pennsylvania in 1750, but nation’s fundamental foundmoved to Virginia sometime ing documents, but it also before the Revolution with his affords us the occasion to reflect upon the farmers, shop- wife, Mary, with whom he would eventually have 12 chilkeepers, and other brave dren. When the war came, he colonists who took up arms against a tyrannical king in the served for three years with various Virginia regiments in the spirit of liberty and freedom. Continental Line and was later Alabama did not achieve rewarded for his service with statehood until 1819, almost 100 acres of land in what is now four decades after the end of modern day Tennessee. He later the American Revolution, so moved his family to the we avoided the battles and
Huntsville area and before the 1820 Census relocated even further south, becoming one of the first pioneer settlers of Shelby County. Believed to have died sometime around 1835, he is buried in the Lindsay family graveyard, which remains preserved today near Shelby County Highway 17. A local Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter is named in his honor. Numerous other Revolutionary War veterans are
buried throughout Central Alabama, and the locations of their graves may be easily found through a Google search. I encourage you to visit their final resting places and spend a moment thanking them for their service. Without the courage, determination, and fighting prowess of those who took arms against the British, the freedoms that many take for granted today might not have been realized.
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JULY/AUG/ SENIOR ACTIVITIES 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 County. July 2 Lunch Bunch – Mile End Restaurant – check availability July 3- 9am – 2pm Come play cards with us – Rook, Rumikub and more July 4 & 5- Senior Center Closed – Happy 4th of July July 8 – 12pm Bingo with Interim Healthcare July 8 – 12:30-3pm Papercraft Class – check availability July 10 – 10am Blood Pressure Checks with Southern Care Hospice July 11- Creative Craft Class – check availability July 12- 12pm Bingo with Southern Care New Beacon Hospice July 16- Peach Park Lunch outing- check availability July 19- 9:15am Jim N Nick’s biscuits and tea July 22- 9:30am Book Club July 22- 12pm Penny Auction with Kindred at Home
July 23 – Gardening ClassNatural Scents – check availability July 23- 9:15am Movie Madness- I Can Only Imagine July 23 – 12pm Bingo with Southeast Hospice Network Come by the Senior Center to see what is happening in August! Group Fitness classes offered at the Alabaster Senior Center Tuesdays from 1:15-2:30pmGentle Yoga 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. Space is limited. $2/class Wednesday from 9:3010:30am -Arthritis Exercise Program 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 take to healthier living. Space is limited. $2/class. Wednesday from 1:00-2:00pm Arthritis & More 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 Thursday from 9:15am Intermediate Class Line Dancing 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/class. Thursday from 10:10-11am Beginner Class Beginner Line Dancing 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/class. Thursday from 2:15-3:30pmGentle Yoga 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. Space is limited. $2/class Fridays from 9:30-10:20am Movin’& Groovin 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/class.
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July/August 2019
VFW OPENS A NEW POST IN ALABASTER There was good news recently for local veterans, as the VFW established a new post in Alabaster. The new “Lance Corporal Rivers Memorial Post 12185” was dedicated in a meeting at the Siluria Brewing Co. on the morning of Saturday, April 20. According to new post commander Tracy Simmons, the group has already seen its membership grow in just the few short weeks since it started. “We started out with 39 members,” said Simmons, “and we’re up to 62.” According to Simmons, the post also had its first business meeting on Saturday, May 4. The group will continue to meet at the Siluria Brewing Co. each month until it gets its own facility, he said. Simmons, who is a veteran
of Desert Storm, said that he first got the ball rolling on the new post last summer. “It was something that had been on my mind for a couple years,” he said. “Last summer is when I started making phone calls to find out more information about it. I had state officials working with me on it, and we did a couple of membership drives.” According to Simmons, the new post was named in honor of Lance Cpl. Thomas Rivers, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010. Simmons said membership is open to anyone who has served in a foreign war. “We have a 24-year-old and an 81-year-old,” he said. According to the VFW website (www.vfw.org), the VFW, or Veterans of Foreign Wars, is a nonprofit organization that
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dates all the way back to 1899, when veterans of the SpanishAmerican War started a number of local groups to help secure benefits for their service. The organizations eventually spread across the country and became known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Today, the organization has more than 1.6 million members, including those in the VFW Auxiliary. According to the VFW, the organization has also been instrumental in a number of national initiatives, including the establishment of the Veterans Administration and the national cemetery system. It also helped fund a number of important memorials, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the
World War II Memorial. Today, there are more than 6,000 VFW Posts worldwide. To learn more about the new Alabaster post, visit the group’s Facebook page by searching “VFW Post Lance Corporal Rivers.”
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COLLEGES SHOULD PROTECT FREE SPEECH, NOT STIFLE IT
Senator Cam Ward Colleges Should Protect Free Speech, Not Stifle It The Alabama Legislature gave final approval to a bill this past session that protects free speech on public university campuses in Alabama. With a bipartisan 24-1 vote in the Senate and a 73-26 vote in the House, the bill was signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey. All the House and Senate Republicans as well as four of the six Democratic senators in the upper chamber on Thursday voted for the measure. The bill was sponsored by Representative Matt Fridy (R-Montevallo) in the House and by Senator Cam Ward in the Senate. (RAlabaster). “Free speech is the cornerstone of our rights as American citizens — and those First Amendment rights certainly apply to
college students on university campuses. Around the country, there have been chilling examples where administrators and professors have discriminated against students,” Fridy said. “Often, pro-life groups and conservative political organizations are targeted. With this law, we are making it very clear that in Alabama, the First Amendment rights of all students, liberal or conservative, will be protected from unfair and discriminatory university speech policies.” House Bill 498 requires taxpayer-funded, public universities in Alabama to adopt speech policies for their campuses that will protect the free and open exchange of ideas. “Protecting free speech shouldn’t be a partisan issue — this bill protects the First Amendment rights of all students, administrators, and speakers on Alabama’s public universities, regardless of their political ideology,” Ward said. “It was an honor to sponsor House Bill 498, alongside my good friend Matt Fridy.” In particular, the speech policies must make clear that the outdoor areas of a public college’s campus shall be deemed a public forum for members of the campus community. Alabama is now one of We offer you a FULL SERVICE SHOP: •Maintenance •Engine •Brakes •A/C •Tires Scan Diagnostic
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at least seventeen states to pass legislation protecting free speech on college campuses. The bill stipulates that colleges may not establish socalled “free speech zones,” which are small areas on college quads to which students are confined if engaging in speech activity that administrators deem to be hateful or offensive. “This bill requires for equal treatment for those on both sides of political spectrum. The problem with current free speech zones is they are often used to limit the speech rights of religious and politically conservative student groups,” said Senator Cam Ward. “So, if you want to hand out copies of the Bible, some institutions have started to say, ‘Nope, you can only do that if you stand over
here, in this twenty-twentyfoot are.’ On that same note we have seen environmental and LGBTQ groups targeted by speech zones, as well.” “The bill also clearly provided for methods in which college campuses could regulate speech or actions that incite violence or threaten public safety’” Ward concluded. House Bill 498 also ensures that if hecklers choose to protest and intimidate guest speakers on college campuses, the universities cannot capitulate to the hecklers by forcing the speaker to pay for security costs that have arisen from the protest.
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July/August 2019
“BACK TO SCHOOL” SALES TAX HOLIDAY JULY 19-21 For local parents getting their children ready to go back to school, there’s an important weekend coming up in July that they need to put on their calendars. The State of Alabama’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21. The event will begin at 12:01 a.m. on that Friday and end at 12:00 midnight on Sunday. The three-day shopping holiday, which was originally created by the State of Alabama in 2006 and updated in 2017, has become an annual tradition for back-to-school shoppers. This year will mark the 14th annual sales tax holiday for back-to-school shoppers in the state of Alabama. According to the original legislation (Sales Tax Holiday Act No. 2006-574),
the state will waive state sales or use tax on certain school-related items each year during the event. The 2017 legislation changed the dates of the annual event so that it falls on the third full weekend of July. The original Act also authorized local counties and municipalities to waive their own local sales taxes. In 2012, the City of Alabaster passed an ordinance authorizing participation in the holiday each year. According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, the types of items that are covered under the Act include the following: clothing (with a sales price of $100 or less per article of clothing); computers, computer software and school computer supplies (with a sales price of $750 or less); school supplies, school art supplies and school instructional materials (up
to $50 per item); and books (with a sales price of not more than $30 per book). Clothing is defined under the Act as “all human wearing apparel suitable for general use including sandals, shoes and sneakers.” It does not include items such as belt buckles sold separately, costume masks or patches and emblems. Covered school supplies include common items such as binders, book bags, calculators, tape, chalk, erasers, index cards and highlighters. Recently, the state also added a sales tax holiday in the spring for people who need to prepare each year for severe weather. The Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which was created in 2012, is held on the last full weekend in February of each year. That event includes items such as bat-
For more information, go to the Department of Revenue website revenue.alabama.gov and click on the “Sales & Use Tax” link under the Divisions tab. Shoppers can also learn more by visiting the Alabama Retail Association at Alabamaretail.org. teries, cell phone chargers and weather radios. To learn more about the state’s annual sales tax holidays, visit the Alabama Department of Revenue at Revenue.alabama.gov.
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SCT SUMMER PRODUCTIONS OFFER COMEDY & MUSIC Laughter and music abound this summer when South City Theatre stages two different productions! The first is the hilarious and heartwarming
THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY by Jones, Hope, Wooten. Shows are scheduled on August 9-10, 15-17 at 7:30 pm and Aug 11 & 18 @ 2 pm at South City Theatre, 2969 Pelham Parkway, Suite J, Pelham, AL 35124. In this delightful, laugh-aminute comedy, four unique Southern women, all needing to escape the sameness of their dayto-day routines, are drawn together by Fate—and an impromptu happy hour—and decide it’s high
time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years. Over the course of six months, filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures, and the occasional liquid refreshment, these middleaged women successfully bond and find the confidence to jumpstart their new lives. Together, they discover lasting friendships and a renewed determination to live in the moment—and most importantly, realize it’s never too late to make new old friends. So, raise your glass to these strong Southern women and their fierce embrace of life and say “Cheers!” to this joyful and surprisingly touching comedy by the writers of The Golden Girls, Mama Won’t Fly, and The Dixie Swim Club! Directed by Julie Meadows. The second show is SCT’s family-friendly summer musical: SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN by Alan Bailey, Mike Craver, Mark Hardwick, and Connie Ray. This year’s musical tours to area churches. August 16-17 performances will be at The
Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 858 Kent Diary Road, Alabaster, 35007 and August 2324 at Crosscreek Baptist Church, 600 Crosscreek Trail, Pelham, 35124.
“Smoke” is a Branson staple described as “… breath of fresh mountain air! It’s a drama, comedy, and gloriously good gospel music production, gift-wrapped and given to delighted audiences by a smart, but slightly off-kilter clan of church choir members The Sanders Family Singers. Imagine the setting... a devoted congregation, an era when the nation was approaching the tail end of the great depression, a
small town in North Carolina, and the Saturday night sing at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church was the biggest thing happening in town every week. Come on in for a sing-along with this talented collection of actors, singers, and musicians that make up the Sanders clan; they’ll entice you with more than 30 classic gospel tunes, a tad bit of downright contagious laughter, and a few touching moments that just might shake a tear or two from the driest of eyes. They’re a slightly imperfect bunch, but they’re happy and lovable and generously talented!” Directed by Sue Ellen Gerrells with musical direction by Emily Hoppe. Tickets at $16 general admission or $13 seniors (over 60) and students (under 18) for both productions are available through the South City website: http://www.southcitytheatre.co m/get-tickets/. For more information, call the box office at (205) 936-9162 and leave a message or email info@southcitytheatre.com
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ALABASTER NAMED ONE OF STATE’S SAFEST CITIES Alabaster residents are well aware that the city is a safe place to live, but it was recently made official by an online ranking of the state’s safest places. SafeHome.org, a consumer website dedicated to promoting home security, recently ranked the 25 safest cities in Alabama, and Alabaster came in at No. 4 on the list. According to the rankings, Alabaster has an overall safety score of 81.91. The city’s profile indicates that it has a population of more than 31,000 people and a citizen-to-officer ratio of 397. The crime statistics cited indicate that it had 132 violent crimes over the period referenced and 534 property crimes. In terms of trends, the website indicates that the property crime rate in the city
is trending down, while the violent crime rate is trending up. By comparison, the topranked city in the list, Vestavia Hills, had 22 violent crimes for the year and 422 property crimes. The overall safety score given for Vestavia, which has a comparable population to the City of Alabaster, was 87.25. Alabaster’s neighboring city to the north, Pelham, also scored well in the rankings, coming in at No. 3. The overall score for Pelham was 82.1. Crime statistics cited included 33 violent crimes and 474 property crimes. Both represented an increase, according to the website. The City of Hoover, with a population of more than 85,000 people, came in at No. 9. Hoover’s safety score was
76.75, which included 2,457 property crimes and 129 violent crimes. According to the website, the data used to calculate the safety score for each city includes the latest crime information from the FBI. It also incorporates crime trends and the number of law enforcement officers as compared to the city’s overall population. Lastly, the score factors in certain demographic metrics, such as population density, population trends and unemployment rate. The cities cited in the rankings included those with a population of at least 22,000 people. Other cities making the list included Daphne at No. 2, Madison at No. 5, Athens at No. 6, Auburn at No. 7,
Enterprise at No. 8 and Prattville at No. 10. Of the state’s largest cities, Montgomery had the highest ranking on the list at No. 15. Mobile was next at No. 17, followed by Huntsville at No. 18 and Birmingham at No. 22. To view the entire list, go to SafeHome.org and click on the link for “America’s Safest Cities.”
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LOCAL BUSINESS TO ADD NEW JOBS There’s good news for the local job market as a major manufacturer recently announced that it would be expanding its operations in Alabaster. According to a May 31 press release, MacLean Power Systems (MPS) announced an initial investment of $5.3 million to upgrade its Alabaster facility. According to the news release, the investment “will yield additional jobs for the Shelby County community and will offer an improved environment for workers.” At the Alabaster City Council’s regularly-scheduled meeting on Monday, May 20, the Alabaster City Council also voted to waive certain municipal fees related to the upcoming expansion. According to MPS, the
company’s Alabaster foundry currently offers “aluminum casting and fiberglass products finishing and assembly.” The new investment will enable the addition of “advanced mold making and mold handling operations to the foundry.” According to MPS, the Alabaster foundry, which is located off Highway 87, currently employs around 90 people. In a statement, Jim Tanner, group president of MacLean Power Systems, said, “Our vision for the modern foundry is to provide a state-of-the-art, clean, safe and world-class sand-casting operation. There is a growing demand for aluminum casting to support grid hardening and power infrastructure repairs. Our new
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foundry will help us increase output to meet the demand for products produced in Alabama.” Regarding the new job opportunities, Tanner said, “The MPS goal is to provide meaningful and rewarding careers for all employees. We're confident that our investments in advanced technologies will help us attract and keep the best employees." MacLean Power Systems is a subsidiary of the MacLeanFogg Co. It manufactures products for the electric utility, communication and civil
infrastructure markets and has manufacturing facilities all around the world. MacLeanFogg employs approximately 3,500 people globally and has annual sales of over $1 billion. The MacLean Power Systems Service Center is located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. For more information about MacLean Power Systems, visit www.macleanpower.com. For information about job opportunities with the company, go to www.macleanfogg.com/careers.
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July/August 2019
SUMMER ART EVENTS IN COLUMBIANA Art Camp for Kids Register online - shelbycountyartscouncil.com / summer camps "Art through the Ages" From fossils to the Greek gods, campers will learn about art and the history behind some of the most exciting eras of art around the world! Campers will learn about cave drawings, Egyptian Hieroglyphics, ancient masks, Greek/Roman frescoes, and more! There will also be local guest artists and a music day. Each camp session ends with a fun gallery reception to show off your young artist’s creations! Fine Arts (ages 5-8) July 8-12th, 9 am -Noon daily Fine Arts (ages 9-12) July 15th through July 19, 9 am to 2 pm Summer of Sounds Music Camp July 29July 30, 9 am to 2 pm Campers will make instruments out of everyday objects, experiment with the science of sound and learn how to express themselves through songwriting. The best part is, we will have access to the oldest instrument known to humankind- the VOICE!
August Alabama Bicentennial Exhibit: Making Alabama Exhibit Dates: August 14 through August 24, 2019 Shelby County Arts Center Ebsco Fine Art Gallery, 76 Old Mill Way, Columbiana, AL 35051 Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm Presented in partnership with the Alabama Humanities Foundation •More Details: shelbycountyartscouncil.com/events/gallery exhibits Black Box Theater at the Shelby County Arts Center 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana, AL Showtime: 7:30 pm, Doors open at 7:00 pm July 6 - Jontavious Willis with guest Andrew Alli Currently on tour with legendary artists Keb Mo and Taj Mahal , Jontavious Willis is making a stop in our theater accompanied by talented Andrew Alli harmonica and vocals. “Every generation or so, a young bluesman bursts onto the scene and sends a jolt through the blues and folk community. Jontavious Willis may just have that effect on people August 17 - Sean of the South, Sean Dietrich August 24 - Three on a String Showtimes: 7:30 pm, Doors open at 7:00 pm Tickets Available online: shelbycountyartscouncil.com/ events Shelby County Arts Council 205 669 0044 shelbycountyartscouncil.com
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BACK TO SCHOOL REGISTRATION INFORMATION For Alabaster parents and schoolchildren alike, it may seem like the school year just ended, but the new school year will be here before they know it. According to the new 20192020 Alabaster City Schools calendar, the first semester is set to begin for ACS schools on Thursday, Aug. 8. Prior to that, the school district will hold a systemwide Open House on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Each school is scheduled to open for a four-hour period that day. Meadow View Elementary School and Creek View Elementary School will both be open from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Thompson Intermediate School will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thompson Middle School will be open from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Thompson High School will be open from 2
p.m. to 6 p.m. According to the Alabaster City Schools, online registration for the 2019 school year will be available for students starting in June. For new/transfer students attending Thompson High School, a new student packet is available on the Thompson High School portion of the ACS website. According to the packet, parents can call THS at 6856700 to set up an appointment to register their child between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Counselors will be available throughout the summer. According to the packet, parents of transfer students should bring the following items when meeting with a counselor: an up-to-date immunization form, proof of age, a current proof of residence (such as a utility
bill or lease), an unofficial transcript or last report card, contact information of the previous school and divorce or guardianship papers. After meeting with the counselor, the parents will be given a Snapcode in order to complete online registration. They should also be sure to receive a copy of the summer reading requirements for the appropriate grade. To view the school system’s updated guidelines for proof of residence, go to www.acsboe.org. According to the guidelines, parents who cannot provide a primary proof of residence can go to the ACS Central Office during the week of July 8 to establish residence. The Alabaster City Schools Summer Feeding Program will also be running throughout the summer. The dates for the pro-
gram run from June 3 to July 19 (closed July 4-5 for the holiday). The school district is also planning a few big changes in terms of its buildings this year, as the middle school, sixth-grade center and intermediate school are all scheduled to relocate. For more information, visit ACS online at www.acsboe.org. Or, call the ACS main office at 6638400.
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NEW SHELBY CO. ARTS CENTER TO OPEN IN AUGUST For local artists and art enthusiasts, there’s a big day coming in August that will bring a smile to their faces and a little extra color to their canvas. The Shelby County Arts Council is scheduled to open its new cutting-edge arts facility in Columbiana in midAugust. According to SCAC officials, the first event in the new facility will be “Sean of the South” on Aug. 17, with a grand opening to be scheduled later. Ticket information for the first event will be available soon on the SCAC website. The new Shelby County Arts Center at Old Mill Square will be the crown jewel of a new 30,000 square foot municipal complex located in Columbiana. According to the Shelby County Arts Council, the new center will “occupy 20,000 square feet of the complex exclusively.” The new center will fea-
ture the Ebsco Fine Art Gallery, the new Black Box Performance Theater, a variety of music performance and practice suites, a visual-arts teaching studio, a pottery and sculpture studio, a metal arts studio, a courtyard and an outdoor stage/amphitheater. According to the SCAC, the new theater will be a 200-seat theater that’s specifically designed for more intimate performances. It will be able to accommodate a wide variety of performance types, including folk music, jazz, blues, singer songwriters, small cast performances, storytellers, chamber music concerts, piano recitals and more. “Our theater is designed to be a modern media friendly performance venue, relatively small but technologically flexible. We will frequently offer podcasts, live streaming and other media production services as an adjunct to
many live performances. We pattern this after many other venues around the country who have taken a similar approach,” the SCAC said in a statement. The ambitious new project is being made possible through a partnership that includes Shelby County, the City of Columbiana and the Shelby County Arts Council. It also involves several important supporters, including EBSCO Industries, the Altec Foundation, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama, Alabama Power Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and
the capital campaign donors and patrons of the Shelby County Arts Council. The Shelby County Arts Council is an all-purpose artistic hub that hosts a wide range of classes and events each year for the community. The center will be located at the Old Mill Square municipal park on West College Street. For more information, visit the SCAC online at Shelbycountyartscouncil.co m.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION AT THE CHURCH BY SOUTH CITY THEATRE AUGUST 16-17
COME JOIN US AS WE WELCOME OUR NEW PASTOR FATHER ERIC MANCIL Father Eric Mancil is a graduate of the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. He served as Curate at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene, Texas, before being called as the second Rector of St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Chelsea, Alabama, where he has served for the past two and a half years. At the diocesan level, Father Eric serves as a chaplain at Sawyerville and a member of the Acolyte Festival Planning Pommittee. This summer, he is excited to be serving for the first time as a program director at Camp McDowell.
Father Eric Mancil, his wife Chelsea, daughter Sophie and son Jude.
SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN by Alan Bailey, Mike Craver, Mark Hardwick, and Connie Ray. This year’s musical tours to area churches. August 16-17 performances will be at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 858 Kent Diary Road, Alabaster, 35007 “Smoke” is a Branson staple described as “a breath of fresh mountain air! It’s a drama, comedy, and gloriously good gospel music production, gift-wrapped and given to delighted audiences by a smart, but slightly off-kilter clan of church choir members - The Sanders Family Singers. Imagine the setting... a devoted congregation, an era when the nation was approaching the tail end of the great depression, a small town in North Carolina, and the Saturday night sing at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church was the biggest thing happening in town every week. ; They’ll entice you with more than 30 classic gospel tunes, laughter, and a few touching moments. They’re a slightly imperfect bunch, but they’re happy and lovable and generously talented!” Directed by Sue Ellen Gerrells with musical direction by Emily Hoppe. Tickets at $16 general admission or $13 seniors (over 60) and students (under 18) for both productions are available through the South City website: http://www.southcitytheatre.com/get-tickets/. For more information, call the box office at (205) 936-9162 and leave a message or email info@southcitytheatre.com
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The Shelby County Camera Club meets on Tuesday, July 16, 7pm at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 858 Kent Dairy Road in Alabaster. CITY DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBERS •Non-emergency Police matters 663-7401 •Animal Control 664-6761 •Personnel Dept 664-6838 •Code Enforcement 664-5907•Revenue/Business License Dept 664-6844 •Alabaster Water Board 663-6155 •Garbage/recycling bins 664-6800 •Alabaster Parks & Recreation 664-6840
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July/August 2019