The Original Alabaster Newsletter - October 2022

It was early Autumnand we had been white water canoeing all day.It was a fun outing withfriends and families. After a day on the river, folkswould make dinner and then gather seated around

a large fire with drinks. Inthe long tradition of humanssince time began, we wouldtell stories.

There would be stories about the river and close calls in certain rapids andother notable encounters.

With families of some of the participants there at the campfire, children enjoyedroasting marshmallows andmaking smores. SinceHalloween was in the not too distant future, I thoughtI’d share a tale of Alabama with some embellishments.

“This is a story aboutAlabama long ago whenNative American tribes roamed the land. Like all

groups, different tribesmade war on each other for access to prime huntinglands and good water.Two tribes in north Alabama were fighting and it neededto stop. The Chief saw asolution. He would have his daughter, Noccalula, marrythe son of the Chief of the opposing tribe and the twotribes would bond in peace.

I’m sure he saw it as a simple solution, but it was not so simple. Noccalula was deeply in love with abrave of her own tribe and she couldn’t bear the thought of marrying thisother brave from another tribe. Her father, the Chief, tried to convince her it was for the best but she onlygrew more sad.

Finally her Father saidthe arranged marriage musttake place. Filled with anguish, Noccalula flungherself from the top of awaterfall to her death rather

than marry the brave fromthe other tribe.

And to this day, they saythe spirit of Noccalulahaunts the waters of all the rivers of Alabama searchingfor her lost love. Sometimes you can see her by the riverbank. We can summon her ghost by calling Noccalula!Noccalula!”

Just then there was a weird glow by the river thatseemed to float around one of the big trees. The chil-dren’s eyes turned as big assaucers and they called out,“Look, there she is! It’s Noccalula’s ghost!”

Later I thanked myfriend who had slipped off to the edge of the river witha glow stick attached to along string. When he heardme call out Noccalula, he cracked the glow stick andhoisted and swung it aroundthe tree. Ah, nothing like alittle campfire theater! Happy Halloween!

Owners Mary & Walter Lee

I hope you enjoyed my ghost story for Halloween. I couldn’t resist sharing one last story with you as I have over the past 10 years.

I have chosen this time to retire, and I wanted to tell you how much I have appreciated your loyal readership. I always tried to be especially attuned to what was happening in the future so you could make the most of what the city has to offer.

I couldn’t have done this without some great people helping me. John Brackin is a wonderful writer who has contributed many stories over the years. While we’re in the

writer’s bullpen, my heart-felt thanks to David Fringsfor writing great naturecolumns and for helpingme get started doing thenewsletter 20 years agowhen he was Mayor. Hewas a great Mayor and isalways a great friend.

I’m also grateful to CamWard and April Weaver for providing great columns onwhat’s going on at the statelevel and the processes involved. Thank you somuch for your help.

Graphic artist DawnSouth has been with us since we were a color publication, and she has alwaysdone a superb job. Youknow, she is also a fabulous traditional artist with manycanvasses for sale, and she also does custom art.

For years photographerEric Starling took our pic-tures, and he is the man who took the pictures of the flaming pumpkins forme. Since Eric moved to Auburn, Jeremy Raines hasbeen helping me duringevents, and he does a great

job and is obviously a veryhard worker.

I want to thank the cityof Alabaster for choosingme to do the newsletter 20 years ago. It has been anhonor and privilege to doit. Every month, I wouldsend out a reminder memo to all city departments tosend me their upcomingevents so we could help them get the word out.

At the Albert L. Scott Library, Frances Smith andCarol Smith would send the upcoming Libraryevents. Sharon Allen would always get the infoto me even when she was deep into working with avariety of challenges inkeeping the Parks and Recprograms sailing alongsmoothly.

The Beautification Board has also been untiring in their contributions tokeep the city beautiful andcoordinating the house ofthe month as well as the Christmas Tour of Lights.Thanks so much to Marie Jordan, Randi Dicus, Nita

Furlong and Loretta Barberfor your help.

Although she is not list-ed in the credits, I also want to thank my lovelywife Nan, who has edited the newsletter with a fine tooth comb and made sure we had the best grammar,spelling and punctuation.

And as they say, lastbut most certainly not leastare our wonderful advertisers. Most have been with us for years, and I havealways tried to create amagazine they could beproud to be a part of. I thank you all from the bot-tom of my heart as therecould have been no newsletter without your support.Finally, what will Teddo in the future? Well I’m going to enjoy some downtime with family andfriends. Looking towardthe future, I like telling sto-ries and taking pictures.And I think I want to do more of that. Thanks so much and farewell.

WARRIORS WIN BIG OVER VESTAVIA

The Thompson High School football team found itself in unfamiliar territory at the beginning of this season, as it opened the year with two straight losses to out-of-state opponents.

The Warriors quickly showed their championship mettle, however, with a resounding victory over a local opponent in week three, defeating Vestavia Hills by the score of 34-14.

The squad traveled to Milton, Ga., in the first week of the season to take on Buford High School in the Georgia Freedom Bowl. The Warriors lost the game 38-7, though it was a competitive contest early, before Buford managed to pull away with a couple of defensive scores in the second half.

Like Thompson, Buford has also won three straight state championships, so the Warriors knew they would

be facing a quality opponent in week one. Buford was also ranked No. 3 nationally in the High School Football America 100 preseason rankings.

Things didn’t get much easier in the second game of the year, as Thompson hosted another team from the top 100, in Tennessee’s Lipscomb Academy. Lipscomb Academy was ranked No. 29 nationally, according to High School Football America.

The Warriors were up 14-0 before eventually losing the contest 24-14 to the defending Division II-AA state champ from Tennessee. Lipscomb, which is coached by Trent Dilfer, also managed a pair of defensive scores in the contest, including a heartbreaking fumble return late in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors’ third

game of the season proved to be a return to form for the Class 7A champs as they defeated fellow Class 7A, Region 3 opponent Vestavia Hills on Sept. 2.

The Warriors led 13-7 at the half, thanks to an early touchdown pass from quarterback Zach Sims and an interception return for a touchdown by Kaleb Harris. In the second half, the Warriors pulled away with a dominant third quarter, scoring three offensive touchdowns, including a 50-yard touchdown pass to Deuce Oliver.

The Warriors look to maintain their winning ways in September with games against Spain Park, Chelsea, Clay Chalkville and Hewitt-Trussville.

Coming up in October, Thompson will host Oak Mountain High School on

2022 THS Football Schedule

Sept. 30 TrussvilleHewitt-

Oct. 7 Oak Mountain

Oct. 14 @ Tuscaloosa County

Oct. 21 Hoover

Friday, Oct. 7, and then travel to Tuscaloosa County for a game on Friday, Oct. 14. In the regular season finale, the squad will play host to rival Hoover High School on Friday, Oct. 21.

in the Alabaster Newsletter! Call Ted Vodde at 205 620-5505 or email tedvodde@gmail.com

Congrats to Cassie Miller, The EXP Teacher of the Month for ACS! She was awarded grant funds for her class at Creek View Elementary from Tim Mitchell’s Community Support Foundation. These grants are available to all of our clients. Don't miss out--We save our clients thousands! Please call us for more information.

Congrats Mrs. Miller & Creek View Elementary. Go Warriors!

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

The most important safety issue at Halloween is to protect our city’s young trick-ortreaters, and one way to do that is by increasing their visibility. Specifically, the Alabaster Police Department recommends wearing costumes that are brightly colored. That means avoiding costumes that are dark, like a witch costume or a Darth Vader costume.

Another way to increase visibility is to use reflective stickers that can be fastened to the child’s costume. And of course, glow sticks and traditional flashlights also provide an effective way to enhance visibility. Equally as important is that trick-or-treaters stick to well-lit areas, like walkways, and that they’re always accompanied by a trusted adult.

Beyond increasing costume visibility, parents should also be aware that the candy itself can sometimes present a danger. Parents should plan to inspect their children’s candy for possible choking hazards or signs of tampering.

Alabaster Police Department Safety Tips

•Go trick-or-treating with a grown-up.

•Visit only neighborhoods you know.

•Make sure your costume lets you see, move and hear easily.

•Wear a light-colored or bright costume so drivers can see you.

•Put glow in the dark stickers on your costume.

•Carry a flashlight or glow stick.

•Stay in areas that are well lit.

•Watch out for cars!!

•Have your parents check your candy before you eat it.

This year, Halloween falls on a Monday, so drivers should use extra caution that night while out and about, particularly around dusk. As usual, the Alabaster Police Department will have plenty of patrols out helping to keep folks safe. To report any Halloween mischief, call the Alabaster Police at 663-7401.

A

When my friend, Ted Vodde, informed me that he planned to end publication of The Original Alabaster Newsletter after the October edition, conflicting thoughts immediately entered my mind.

I felt happiness for Ted as he can now turn his attention toward other interests and hobbies and spend more time with family and friends while

FAREWELL TO A BELOVED ALABASTER

releasing the burden and responsibility of producing the newsletter from his shoulders.

At the same time, though, I felt a definite hint of loss as this beloved and appreciated publication that has done so much to entertain and inform all who reside here ends its run.

Our community is one of Alabama’s most special places to live, work, worship, and raise a family. Neighbors still help neighbors here, and they lend a hand whenever necessary. At times of joy and accomplishment, we celebrate together as one, and at times of disaster, hardship, and loss, we encircle the grieving and lift them up on the power of our prayers.

These reasons and dozens more like them are why I am proud to both call this area home and also fight for its interests in the corridors, committee rooms, and chambers of the Alabama State House.

A healthy dose of our com-

munity spirit was generated by Ted’s newsletter and his efforts to keep us informed about the events taking place and the groups and individuals who were making a positive impact here.

While most mainstream newspapers and publications choose to focus on the controversial and the issues that divide us from each other, Ted chose, instead, to highlight the things that unite us and foster a feeling of harmony.

Instead of wallowing in the darkness, this outlet opted to provide a light.

As a public official, I have appreciated the opportunity to regularly contribute columns to The Original Alabaster Newsletter and communicate directly with you and your family without having a reporter filter my thoughts and statements through their own personal prism of opinions and ideology.

I am convinced that publications like Ted’s adhere much

more closely to our founding fathers’ vision of the First Amendment than the New York Times, the Washington Post, and other far-left-leaning, big city newspapers.

So rather than mourning the loss of this rich, community icon and local staple, I choose to celebrate all that it accomplished and provided to us during its run.

Thank you, Ted, for always putting community, unity, and integrity first.

Thank you for always helping the area charities and nonprofit groups that raise money and sponsor events with the sole intent of helping others.

Thank you for providing us news, opinion, and entertainment that was always positive and good-natured, not negative and divisive.

And thank you for publishing The Original Alabaster Newsletter, a wonderful gift that will be remembered for many years to come.

Advertise in the Alabaster Newsletter! Call Ted Vodde at 205 620-5505 or

Senator April Weaver

PARKS & REC INFO

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. IMPORTANT: The Parks and Recreation Office is located at 200 Depot Street, Alabaster. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. If you would like more information concerning Parks and Recreation programs, please contact the Office at 205-6646840 or parksandrec@cityofalabaster.com. 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: Please be prepared to pay for any fees with Cash, Debit, Visa, Master Card, or Discover. We cannot accept Checks as a method of payment.

DOG PARK MAINTENANCE

The Dog Park at Veterans Park will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, for maintenance.•If needed, the Rain-Out date will be the following Wednesday, Oct. 12th.

Community Wide Yard Sale Signup

Fall Fest at Buck Creek Trail Oct. 29th

FALL FEST on BUCK CREEK TRAIL: Saturday, Oct. 29

•The 14th annual Fall Fest will be held on Buck Creek Trail from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM with FREE admission.•This growing community event always makes for a great family outing with live music, inflatables, Trick-or-Treat Trail, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, children’s carnival style swings, Pumpkin painting, and hayrides.•All activities will be located behind the Alabaster Senior Center. •Parking will be available at… •Alabaster Administrative Building and Alabaster Senior Center; both located off 11th Avenue SW. •Buck Creek Park, located at 701 6th Avenue SW, with shuttles running to the trail.

CHRISTMAS PARADE SIGNUP

CHRISTMAS PARADE REGISTRATION•On-Line Registration: Begins at 8 AM on Oct. 10 and ends at 11 PM on Nov. 12. Available at www.alabasterparks.org•Walk-in Registration: Oct. 10 thru Nov. 10 – weekdays only from 8 AM until 5 PM at the Parks and Recreation Office located at 200 Depot Street.

•Cost: Free.•Requirement: All participants are required to register!•Participants: All participants are strongly encouraged to decorate even if their entry is not a “float”.•Theme: Please check our website where the 2022 theme should be posted by the first week of October.•Event Date: The Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 10 AM, on Highway 31 South.

COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALE

REGISTRATION (only 50 booths available) •On-Line Registration begins at 8:00 AM on Oct. 3 and ends on Oct. 21 at 11:00 PM. •Walk-in Registration at the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Office will run from Oct. 3 thru Oct. 21 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, weekdays only. •IMPORTANT: As soon as all 50 booths are reserved, registration will close out even if it’s prior to Oct. 21.•The registration fee is $10 which can be paid with cash, debit, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. No checks accepted. •The fee includes a 20x20 booth. You must provide your own table and chairs.•Event Date: The community wide yard sale will be held at Buck Creek Park on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM.

SCT PRODUCTION PRESENTS “DEATH & TAXES” IN OCT.

South City Theatre, in conjunction with the Pelham Beat, is proud to announce the cast for our upcoming production of Death and Taxes by Pat Cook. The show is directed by Thomas Robinson.

Ever wonder what goes on at a small-town city council meeting? In Hendricks, they're looking for a murderer. Mayor Kathleen Lyles boldly announces that the meeting will be more like a coroner's jury than the usual round of arguments. Not only was a man murdered, but he was an employee of the IRS. "Somehow I don't feel that bad!" Carl Johansen says, as the sheriff clamps the cuffs on him, making him the prime suspect.

Slowly it becomes apparent the entire city council had seen the man, and each of them seems to be hiding something. Who murdered the stranger? Was it Cora Sedgewick, who was still dizzy at the time from stepping on a rake and being thumped in the face with its handle? Or newspaper editor King, who's right on the spot to report the facts, if he could only find a pencil? Or maybe the mayor herself, who was doing her laundry in the back of city hall?

Show dates are October 7 and 8, 2022, and October 14-15, 2022 at 7:30 PM. There will be two matinees on October 9, 2022 and October 16, 2022 at 2:00 PM. Performances will be

at the Pelham Municipal Court, located at 32 Philip Davis Street, Pelham, AL 35124.

Kathleen Lyles……….Genni Boatwright

Eddie King………Lee Green Lydia Kleft……….Robin Rushing

Wesley Thorne…… Michael Wilbanks

Carl Johansen………Michael DiLaura

Mattie Johansen……Teresa Stahl

Cora Sedgewick……….Rita Kay Dr. Eliza Bishop……….Sally Montgomery Ellis Martindale……….Tyler Costley

Alabaster

ALBERT L. SCOTT LIBRARY

LIBRARY ADULT ACTIVITIES

Ya Ya Yarners – October 3, 17 & 24. Monday evenings at 5:00 pm. Members share crochet and knitting talents as well as work on com-munity service projects. This year our group will provide hats andscarves to local charities and will provide shawls to local nursing homeresidents. Need to brush up on your skills? Want to share your talentswith other crafters? Join us for a fun-packed evening of stitching andconversation. For more information, email us at yayayarners@gmail.com.Program takes place in the Nan Abbott Room.

Adult Computer Classes - Sign up on Eventbrite.

October 5. 4 pm. Basic Computer Skills – This class is designed forbeginners. Introduces students to starting the computer, navigating thedesktop, and file management.

October 19. 4 pm. Introduction to Ancestry.com Library Edition - Learnhow to discover your family tree using Ancestry.com library edition. Wewill go over the basics of Ancestry and show you some other greatGenealogy sources.

October 25. 4 pm. Microsoft Word 2019 - Understand the basic functions and commands that are available in Word as well as formatting and edit-ing documents. Classes take place in the Nan Abbott Room.

ABC & Ds of Medicare – October 10. 1 pm. Karen Haiflich of the Medicare Information Source will help you navigate through the processof Medicare. Learn about filing, benefits, and any other questions youmight have. Program takes place in the Nan Abbott Room.

Friends of the Library Meeting – October 10. 6 pm. Meeting takesplace in the Nan Abbott Room.

Spooky Jewelry - October 13. 5 pm. Drop into the Nan Abbott Roombetween 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm and make some festive earrings to celebratethe season.

Library Book Group – October 20. 6:30pm. Join us to discuss The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. In June of 1954, 18-year-old Emmett Watson,released after serving 15 months forinvoluntary manslaughter, discovers thattwo friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car and have hatched a different plan for Emmett’s future. Programtakes place in the Nan Abbott Room.

Medicare 101 – October 27. 6 pm. A fun and informative class to learn what to expect with Medicare and how to ask theright questions. Perfect for anyone want-ing to learn about their Medicare options.Presented by a representative ofMedicare Advisors of Alabama. Programtakes place in the Nan Abbott Room.

LIBRARY KIDS ACTIVITIES

Story Times •Sign up at www.eventbrite.com/o/albert-l-scott-library •Friday mornings Toddler Tales at the library 10:30a.m. in the Nan Abbott Room •2nd & 4th Wednesdays Sensory Story Time 3:30 p.m. in the Nan Abbott Room Sign up for all story times and programs at www.eventbrite.com/o/albert-l-scott-library.

LIBRARY NEWS YOU CAN USE

Intro to Guitar Folks ages 8 years old through adults can learnto play the guitar and help the Friends of the Library at thesame time. For eight weeks on Mondays, starting October 3,from 4:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m. musician Mark Miller will offer lessons for a one-time $50 fee. Bring your own guitar. Sign up atwww.eventbrite.com/o/albert-l-scott-library. Meets in the NanAbbott Room. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten – Reading to newborns,infants, and toddlers helps parents bond with their child andhelps the child build vocabulary skills. Parents can registeryoungsters from birth to age 6 for this special program throughour READsquared app.

New School Readiness Tool Kits – The Albert L. Scott Library isone of 88 Alabama public libraries incorporating new education-al experiences to help young children develop the skills neededfor success in school and in life. It is called Reimagining SchoolReadiness (RSR). We have 10 Educational Kits (EK) on differenttopics that can be checked out. The kits include books, STEM-related activities (science technology, engineering and mathemat-ics), and educational toys. The kits are appropriate for babies,toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students up to 8years old.

Sensory Enhanced Story Time – Second and fourth Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Squirming, speaking, and snickeringare welcomed at our story time for families with special needs.The senses will be engaged through music, stories, and move-ments. This inclusive story session is developed for childrenthrough young adult with autism, sensory processing, or otherdevelopmental needs presented on a preschool level.

PROGRAMS and ACTIVITIES

Homeschool Happening: Art Buffet October 3, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.Students 6 to 11 years old can enter the world of art as theymove through the Nan Abbott Room to learn and create. Sign upat www.eventbrite.com/o/albert-l-scott-library. Kids under age8 must be with an adult.

Glass Art Painting for Tweens and Teens October 4, 4:30 p.m.7:15 p.m. Tonya Lewis and her crew will guide artists 11 to 18years old as they learn this unique art form. Sign up atwww.eventbrite.com/o/albert-l-scott-library. No younger chil-dren or adults, please.The creativity is in the Nan Abbott Room.

Seasoned Performers October 18, 6 p.m. “Once Upon a Rhyme”The Red Mountain Theatre’s Seasoned Performers return with a fun showcase that entertains with words. Families with children in second grade and above can sign up at www.eventbrite.com/o/albert-l-scott-library. All children mustbe with an adult. The show is in the Nan Abbott Room.

4H Shelby Scientists Club October 20, 4 p.m. Curious kids ages9 to 18 years old can join our science club. It’s led by JulieYocom, Shelby County 4-H Foundation Regional ExtensionAgent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Sign up atwww.eventbrite.com/o/albert-l-scott-library. Meets in the NanAbbott Room.

Big Nate: Crack the Code! October 21, 4 p.m. Join us for a fun challenge, games, and a snack inspired by that wacky schoolboy.Sign up kids ages 6 to 11 years old at www.eventbrite.com/o/albert-l-scott-library. Kids under 8 mustbe with an adult.Program is in the Nan Abbott Room.Spooky Town October 24-31, All Day. Visit the inhabitants of Spooky Town at our circulation desk to take home glow in thedark fun!

Teen Dream Team October 25, 6 p.m.-6:45 p.m. Calling alldreamers -- writers, artists, musicians, and others -- ages 11 to 18years old. Come show what you’ve dreamed up. We’d love tohear poetry, short stories, scripts, songs, or books and see yourdrawings, photos, or fashions. Tweens and teens can sign up atwww.eventbrite.com/o/albert-l-scott-library. No adults oryounger children, please. Program is in the Nan Abbott Room.Get Library Treats at Fall Fest October 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The team from the library will be handing out goodies at theAlabaster Fall Fest at Buck Creek Trail.

Mr. Larry’s Hocus Pocus Halloween Magic Show October 31, 4:15pm Families that love tricks, treats, and laughs will enjoy theskills and thrills of Mr. Larry Magic. All children must be withan adult. Sign up at www.eventbrite.com/o/albert-l-scott-library. The fun is in the Nan Abbott Room.

at 205 620-5505 or email

2022

Alabaster Newsletter!

The Alabaster Senior Center, 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.

The Senior Center is located at 1097 7th Street S.W., Alabaster.

Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am until 3:30 pm. If you would like more information concerning Senior programs, please call the Alabaster

Senior Center at 205-663-1307 or email spayton@cityofalabaster.com

Exercise Classes and Programs:

• Monday at 10:00 amTimeless Treasures Singing Group

• Monday at 12:15 pmCardio Rhythm

• Tuesday at 1:00 pm-

Gentle Yoga

• Tuesday at 2:10 pmIntermediate Yoga

• Wednesday at 9:30 amHooks & Needles

• Wednesday at 9:30 amActive Aging Exercise Class

• Wednesday at 10:30 amAutogenic Training

• Wednesday at 12:15 pmTai Chi

• Thursday at 9:15 amBeginner Line Dancing

• Thursday at 10:10 amHigh Beginner Line Dancing

• Thursday at 1:00 pmGentle Yoga

• Friday at 9:30 am- Zumba Gold

- Tuesday, October 4th at 10:00 am- Grief Support Group

- Friday, October 7th at 11:45 am- Bingo with Shelby Ridge

- Tuesday, October 11th at 10:00 am– Acrylic Painting Class

- Tuesday, October 11th at

11:45 am- Penny Auction

- Friday, October 14th at 9:30 am– Jim N Nicks Biscuits & Tea

- Monday, October 17th at 10:00 am- Caregiver Support Group

- Monday, October 24th at 9:30 am- Book Club

Call the Senior Center for more details about additional programs not listed:

Dining Around the World, Day Trips, DIY Projects, Cooking Classes, Health Talks, Educational Seminars and more!

Calendar subject to change.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK OCTOBER 9-15

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week in America. The annual safety campaign will begin on Sunday, Oct. 9, and run through Saturday, Oct. 15. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the campaign focuses on simple but important actions people can take to keep themselves safe in the event of a home fire.

“Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning,” the NFPA says.

The NFPA encourages

families to plan and practice a home fire escape. Also, the organization emphasizes the importance of planning for everyone in the home, especially those who may need assistance, such as children or older adults or those with disabilities.

The group also stresses the critical role that smoke alarms play in saving lives.

“Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. Smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of your home,” the NFPA says.

The NFPA recommends those that are listed with a testing laboratory to make sure that they meet certain safety standards. Some smoke alarms can also be interconnected throughout the home so they all sound

at the same time.

The NFPA offers a variety of educational resources on its website to help people and communities stay safe during the event of a fire.

According to the NFPA, it’s important that all people know how to stay safe, including children, adults, teenagers and seniors.

“We have everything from apps to videos to printables and much more, to make sure you have the resources you need to keep your family, your community, and your city safe,”

the NFPA says.

The NFPA has sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922. The campaign is observed each year in October to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit the NFPA online at www.nfpa.org.

Advertise in the Alabaster Newsletter! Call Ted Vodde at 205 620-5505 or email tedvodde@gmail.com

OCTOBER

Alabaster residents will get a chance to enjoy some live, outdoor music this month, as the second annual Alabaster Jubilee is set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 22.

The Alabaster Jubilee is a fun, family-friendly event that will be held on the green space beneath the old Siluria water tower in Alabaster. It will feature an outstanding night of music, led by headliner John Paul White at 7:00 p.m.

White is a Grammy Award-winning musician who lives in Florence, Ala. He’s perhaps best known for his work with the Civil Wars, a folk duo that he formed with Joy Williams in Nashville in 2008. The Civil Wars were a critically-acclaimed duo that garnered four Grammy Award wins prior to their breakup in 2014.

The duo was first exposed to a national audience when their song “Poison & Wine” was featured on the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy.” Their debut album “Barton Hollow” was released in 2011, and it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Folk

Albums chart, as well as No. 10 on the Billboard 200. The album also won two Grammy Awards, including the award for Best Folk Album. Their second album, “The Civil Wars,” was released in 2013, and the duo received a Grammy Award for the track “From This Valley” from that album.

In addition to his work with the Civil Wars, White also has multiple solo albums including “Beulah” (2016) and “The Hurting Kind” (2019), which were both released by Single Lock Records.

Single Lock Records is the record label that White founded in Florence with Ben Tanner of the Alabama Shakes. The label also features records by other regional artists like St. Paul and the Broken Bones, as well as Cedric Burnside,

Erin Rae and the Blind Boys of Alabama.

In addition to White, the musical lineup for Alabaster Jubilee No. 2 will include live jazz from Take 7 at 3:00 p.m., as well as a fun band called The M-80s at 5:00 p.m. The M-80s should be a real crowd-pleaser, as they are a tribute band to the music of the 1980s.

The night will also feature plenty of food vendors so folks can grab a

bite to eat while enjoying the live tunes under the tower.

The Alabaster Jubilee will be held behind the Alabaster Municipal Complex at 1953 Municipal Way. The event is a production of the Alabaster Arts Council. Sponsors include Central State Bank, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United and the City of Alabaster.

JOHN PAUL WHITE

The fall is a great time to get outdoors in Alabaster, and there’s no better opportunity than at the city’s annual Fall Fest on the Buck Creek Trail.

This year’s familyfriendly event will take place on Saturday, October 29, which is the perfect time for parents to bring their children out for some pre-Halloween fun. The 14th Annual Fall Fest is scheduled to run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

As usual, the City of Alabaster Fall Fest will take place on the Buck Creek Trail behind the Alabaster Senior Center. Each year, it features a variety of fun activities, including arts and crafts, food vendors, carnival rides, bounce houses and live music. The festival will also feature a Trick-or-Treat Trail for the children, along with hay rides and a fun Pumpkin Hunt challenge. There will

also be pumpkin painting for the children, with a cost of $2 per pumpkin.

Vendor registration for the event runs from Sept. 1 through Sept. 24.

According to the City of Alabaster, vendors can register via an online registration link, as well as by email or the U.S. Postal Service. Any mailed applications must be received in the Parks and Recreation Department office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23.

Vendor registration is free, though there may be additional fees required by the Alabaster Revenue Department. Participants are required to have either an active Alabaster Business License or a Special Event/One Day License. There may also be a tax deposit required.

Vendor registration includes a 15-by-15 foot space, though vendors will need to provide their own

tables, chairs and tents. Vendor participation is also subject to approval by the City of Alabaster. There will not be any duplicate vendors, meaning multiple vendors from the same company or organization.

According to festival organizers, potential vendors will be sent an initial notification of receipt, followed by an approval email at a later date. The initial receipt email should be received by Oct. 4. Vendors are also encouraged to pro-

vide candy for the children who are there Trick-orTreating.

Parking will be available for the Fall Fest for vendors and guests alike at the Alabaster Senior Center and the Alabaster City Hall. There will also be parking available at Buck Creek Park at 701 Sixth Ave. SW. For more information, contact the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department at 205-664-6840.

Residential:The Beautification Board Home of the month winners are: Residential for October - ward 2 Michael & AbigailStringham, 101 Winterheaven Cove Plantings include: CrepeMyrtles, Roses, Sunshine Ligustrum, Snowball Bush and evergreens.

Garden Tips for October

According to Rootwell, the beginning of October may feel more like summer than fall. However, by the end of the month you may see frost on your lawn.

Landscaping Tips

•Plant trees and shrubs this month. Planting in the fall is the best time of year because it allows the trees and shrubs to grow deep roots before spring.

•If you have had a hard

time growing trees and shrubs in your soil, trying installing a direct-to-root watering system like aeration tubes.

•Adding a layer of mulch to your trees and shrubs is a great way to keep them warm during the winter months have help the soil to maintain moisture.

•Use your fall leaves as mulch. All you need to do is use a mulching lawn mower, collect the leaves and sprinkle them around trees, shrubs, and flower beds.

Fruit and Vegetable Tips

•One of our favorite sources, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, recommends planting your cool-season vegetables this month. Perennial and Annual Tips •Plant wildflowers this month.

•Plant spring bulbs now.

General Gardening Tips

•Watering – According to Organic Gardening the rain may slow down this month. Because of this, make sure to keep an eye on your plants and keep watering.

The Beautification Award goes to Commercial for October -December State Farm 1208 1st Street North

Friends of the Library

PINEY WOODS FESTIVAL BY THE FRIENDS OF THE ALBERT L. SCOTT

LIBRARY

Come join us for our first returning annual Piney Woods Festival! Help us bring back this wonderful tradition. There will be arts & crafts, food, shopping, carnival games and much more. We will be hosting the event in the wooded area beside the library with food and vendors. It will coincide with our fall book sale, so there will be something for the whole family! You won’t want to miss this!

Saturday, October 8th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The book sale will continue on Sunday 1-3pm and throughout the week during the library’s normal operating hours. Fill-a-Bag day will be the following Saturday, Oct 15th from 9am-12pm.

Piney Woods Festival Returns Sat. Oct. 8

BEGINNING GUITAR COURSE AT THE LIBRARY

The Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library are offering eight weeks of beginning guitar lessons starting October 3rd at 4:15pm. Bring your own guitar (acoustic preferred and no amps please). Music will be provided. Mark Miller, an experienced instructor, will teach basic chords, strumming, and simple music.

Registration through the Library’s Eventbrite page is required. A minimal fee of $50 is due on or before the first lesson. All proceeds will go to the Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library. This course is an eight week commitment, no refunds will be issued. The course is open to adults, teens, and children eight years old and up. Space is very limited –please register early.

Lesson Dates: Monday, October 3rd , October 10th October 17th , October 24th , November 21st , November 28th ,

December 5th , and December 12th at 4:15pm in the Nan Abbott Room.

Montevallo ArtWalk Sat. Oct. 29

Montevallo Artwalk will be held on Saturday 29th of October., from 11am to 6pm. The event includes art, food, fun & activities for all ages.

The Montevallo Artwalk is a collaborative effort by the City of Montevallo, the Montevallo Arts Collaborative and the University of Montevallo. Each organization contributes time, talent, and other resources to make the event happen.

During the Artwalk, artists line our Main Street businesses with a variety of artworks including, but not limited to: sculpture, paintings, photography and functional art. Residents within the town walls and far beyond flood the streets to enjoy the street party atmosphere. Many of the local businesses will provide beverages and light refreshments for

their guests! Some businesses also provide performance entertainment ranging from artists creating works in front of the store, to piano playing, to face painting and even hands-on art opportunities for visitors.

We are a town full of amazing talent, natural beauty, interesting people, unique businesses, a solid Main Street structure and volumes of potential. Montevallo is rapidly being known as an artists’ community and we want to continue to nurture that reputation! Apply to set up on Main Street in Montevallo October 29 from 11AM to 6PM. $12 students, $25 others. Find the forms on Facebook

SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE REGISTRATION IN OCTOBER

The fall season may just be getting started, but folks at the Salvation Army in Alabaster are already preparing for this year’s Christmas programs.

The organization will soon begin to register participants for its annual Angel Tree program, which is one of its most important holiday traditions.

According to Salvation Army officials, local families looking to participate in this year’s program can call during the week of Sept. 26 to schedule an application appointment for October. Reservations will be made for the weeks of Oct. 3-7 and Oct. 10-14. The times for the appointments will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

The Angel Tree program is a program that facilitates Christmas giftgiving for underserved families in the area.

Qualifying children are represented by paper angels that are placed on “Angel Trees” around town, so that families or businesses can adopt them and provide them with gifts.

Families from both Shelby and Chilton Counties will be eligible to apply. According to officials, they must have children ages 12 and under in order to participate.

When attending the application appointments, families will be required to provide a number of items to establish eligibility.

According to Salvation Army officials, those include a photo ID for the head of the household, as well as birth certificates for all children ages 12 and under. Other items include proof of guardianship (such as school records or legal documents), proof of income or lack of income

(food stamps), proof of expenses and proof of residency. Residency can be established with a current utility bill.

According to the Salvation Army, the Angel Tree program helps over 1.5 million children each year across the country.

The organization will soon be kicking off its annual Red Kettle campaign as well. The Red Kettle campaign is the traditional Christmas fundraiser for the Salvation Army, in which volunteers raise money through the use of the famous red kettles that are positioned at stores throughout the area. The Red Kettle campaign typically begins in late November and runs until Christmas.

The Salvation Army Alabaster Corps is located at 108 Plaza Circle in

Alabaster. For more information about the Angel Tree program or other local Salvation Army programs, contact the Salvation Army in Alabaster by calling 205663-7105.

ALABASTER TOUR OF LIGHTS INFORMATION

ALABASTER Tour of Lights 2022 Information Sponsored by Alabaster Beautification Board

Planning to decorate your home for the holidays this year? The Alabaster Beautification board wants to put you on our map so when families drive around this holiday season to look at Christmas lights, they’ll come to see your home. There will be a contest for the best decorated homes with a nice selection of prizes.

Don’t delay, the deadline for getting on the Tour of Lights is October 31st.

This is the 6th year of the TOUR OF LIGHTS which features a map of homes who celebrate Christmas/ Holidays by decorating their homes with an array of lights and colorful decorations so our residents can experience the joys that Christmas and the Holidays bring to families and friends!

Let your Christmas light decorations reflect the magic feeling of “ooh and ah” created as the young and old view your display!

To enter your home on the Tour of Lights List, go to the City of Alabaster

Web Site (cityofalabaster.com) where you’ll find an Entry Form & Information: Complete the entry form and email to: touroflights@cityofalabaster.com

Entry Deadline is October 31,2022 “Submit

Early! “Start untangling your boxes of lights!”

Display: Must be ready by December 1st. and on by 5:30pm each night. Prizes will be awarded based on popular vote and announced in January.

Voting Instructions: Will be posted online.

Saying good bye isnever easy and always adifficult task, but as theysay all good things mustcome to an end. For the better part of ten years, Ihave written this monthlynature column to share the beautiful world around us and encourage you to leavethe sofa behind experiencing the great outdoors,thanks to Ted Vodde.

Since this is my lastarticle in this column, I struggle to pick a newtopic to introduce. I decid-ed instead to revisit a few previous topics that I hope you will add to your per-sonal agenda in 2022 and

2023.

With fall approaching, Isuggest a trip for October/November to Little River Canyon located innortheastern Alabama. I suspect that the leaves will be gorgeous with all the rainthat we have had to super charge the trees. The moun-taintop setting of this parkwith the free-flowing riverand multiple waterfallsmakes this a must visit.

As winter approaches, Imust revisit the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge located nearDecatur, Alabama. In late December and the month of January, the refuge is hometo 21,000,000 sandhill cranes and thousands of snow geese, white pelicans, andnumerous species of ducks.The sheer numbers make this a must see for a winter visit. While you are in thearea, swing by the historictown of Mooresville. The entire town is on the National Historical Registry.

As spring approaches, Iwould suggest a visit or stayat Monte Santo State Park immediately east of

Huntsville. Monte Santo is a mountain toppark that over-looks Huntsville and the Tennessee Valleyregion. The viewis breath takingalong the trailsfor either a sunrise or sunset from one of the manyTheoverlooks. park has a lodge, camp-ground, andCCC vintage cab-ins for an overnight stay.

For summer, it’s got tobe the Alabama Gulf coast but don’t spend the entiretime at the beach. Make a stop at Splinterhill Boglocated immediately southof Atmore to see beautiful white-top carnivorous pitcher plants. Take yourbicycles as you head to thebeach and ride the 14 plus

miles of trails around Gulf State Park. Be sure to book a dolphin cruise with ColdMill Fleet for the best dolphin viewing on the GulfCoast (see attached photograph). In closing, mymessage is keep trekkingwild Alabama and be amazed! I’ve enjoyed ourmonthly visits and hope tosee you on the trail!

Recycling Center Open

The city has a recyclingcenter at Limestone Park for citizens to deposit paper, plastic, and metal to be recycled.

Limestone Park is located at 2280 U.S. Highway 31just a little past SaginawPipe (big yellow building)on theAfterright.you turn into the

park, the recycling center ison the left next to the closed gate. The park clos-es at sunset each day.

If the paper container is full, you can attempt tofling cardboard into theopen receptacle next to it. Maybe one day the cityunlimited will upgrade theway it handles recyclables.

David Frings is an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Managementand Associate Director MSEM, Samford University, Howard College of Arts & Sciences

by David Frings