JAN 14 NL FINAL JULY 11 NL FINALalabasternewsletter.com/files/80257751.pdf · thoughts you have when each new year begins. Let me make the most of my time on Earth. No posses-sion

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2 Advertise in the Alabaster Newsletter! Call Ted Vodde at 620-5505 or email [email protected] September, 2013

In an episode of “StarTrek: The NextGeneration” the Enterprisehas found a ship adrift for200 years with people on

board from the 20th centu-ry who were frozen untilthere was a cure for what-ever disease they carried.A housewife and a businesstycoon were the only twothat could be rescued as theship was damaged.

In one scene, the tycoonlooks at Captain Picard andsays something like “I haveto get to Earth quickly. Ihave many holdings and alot of capital. I know youwouldn’t care as a life inthe military doesn’t paywell.” Captain Picard

looks at him and says oneof the more memorablelines uttered in the series,“You see, you’ll find thatin the 23rd Century it’snot about what we havebut who we are.”

Isn’t that great? It’snot about what we havebut who we are. What agreat sentiment to takeinto the new year.

If you’ve studiedMaslow’s Hierarchy ofNeeds, you’ll see that“self-actualization” is theultimate goal. That is thefull functioning of the per-son making the most oftheir talents to the best oftheir ability.

Those are the kinds ofthoughts you have wheneach new year begins. Letme make the most of my

time on Earth. No posses-sion is more precious thanthe limited time we spendon Earth and how we inter-act with others, hopefullyto the benefit of all.

Life is precious to besure. A billion plus milesin every direction there isno known planet that canfully support life as Earthcan. That’s some valuablereal estate.

Enjoy the new yearwith family and friends.Nourish your soul with thearts - read, write, paint,take a photograph, act,sing. As the song says,“Express yourself!”

From all of us here atthe Original AlabasterNewsletter, have a Happy New Year!

AlabasterA Word from theEditor & Publisher, Ted Vodde

The Alabaster Newsletter Published Monthly Editor & Publisher: Ted VoddeContributors: John Brackin, Eric Starling, Sarah P. Jones

Danny Doyle, Dawn South, David FringsWe welcome your comments, suggestions & story ideas. Call 620-5505 and e-mail

[email protected] or [email protected]© 2014 Mindstream Media, LLC

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CHAMBER OFFERING MONTGOMERY PREVIEW The Greater Shelby

County Chamber ofCommerce will be hostinga meeting featuring ShelbyCounty’s state legislativedelegates on Wednesday,Jan. 8. The 2014 StateLegislative SessionPreview is open to thepublic and will be held inthe Chamber’s LargeCommunity ServicesRoom at the CountyServices Building inPelham.

The meeting, whichwill give residents a pre-view of the state’s upcom-ing legislative session priorto its kickoff on Jan. 14, isscheduled for 5:30 p.m. to7 p.m. It will include apresentation portion fromthe delegates, followed bya question and answer ses-sion for attendees to askquestions.

The meeting is being

hosted by the Chamber’sGovernmental AffairsWork Group, which meetsonce a month as part of thegroup’s ShelbyOne initia-tive.

“The work groupthought, hey, our delega-tion members are about togo down to Montgomeryon Jan. 14, that’s when thenext session convenes, sowhy we don’t invite themto provide a quick previewthat’s available to anyonethat wants to attend,” saidKirk Mancer, presidentand CEO of the GreaterShelby County Chamber ofCommerce. “Then if folkshave questions on any spe-cific legislation or in gener-al as to what’s going tooccur down inMontgomery, give themthe opportunity to askthose questions, too.”

In addition to providing

informational opportuni-ties, Mancer said the workgroup’s role will eventuallygrow to include issue advo-cacy.

“We hope to be able toestablish a situation wherewe would be able to take aposition on an issue that’simportant to businesses,”said Mancer. “The otherrole we want to fill is toprovide information to ourChamber members and tothe business communityand the community as awhole.”

As a part of that goal,Mancer said they plan tohost candidate forums forelections relevant to localvoters. The group won’t beendorsing any specific can-didates, he said, but it willgive them an opportunityto share their views.

“One of the things we’regoing to be doing is

provide an opportunity forpeople to hear from eitherelected officials or thosefolks who are interested inserving in those roles,” hesaid.

The County ServicesBuilding is located at 1301County Services Drive inPelham. The “MontgomeryPreview” is free of charge,though seating is limited.Guests are encouraged toRSVP by Jan. 6 [email protected] more information, visitthe Greater Shelby CountyChamber of Commerce atwww.shelbychamber.org.

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2013 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE “WISHIN’ FOR A WHITE CHRISTMAS”Winning Entries received Santa trophies: •“Best Use of Theme” – Thompson 105 lb. Youth Football •“Most Creative” – Southern Dance ArtsStorybook Holiday •“Most Entertaining” – Joy’s Dance Company; and 2 Blu and The Lucky Stiffs •“Best Walking Entry” – Shelby County 4-HHorse Club•“Best Holiday Spirit” – Thompson Intermediate School – 2013 Mr. & Miss TIS and 4th/5th Grade CourtGrand Marshal: Mr.Jimmy Gould Emcee: Dollar Bill from 102.5 The BullJudges: Dr. Tom Slaughter from Chiropractic Center in Calera; Debbie Daw fromDrummond Company in Birmingham; and June Eggleton from NCP Solutions in Birmingham.


On Friday, Nov. 15,Central Alabama PaintballPark in Alabaster hostedits first-ever night session.The event saw dozens ofpaintball enthusiasts gath-er at the Alabaster sportsfacility to enjoy a night ofpaintball battle under thelights.

The park, whichopened in January of 2013,recently installed lightingon one of its airball fields.Owner Will Lumpkin saidthey soon plan to addlights to the rest of thefields as well.

“We’re going to try todo one Friday night ses-sion each month, andhopefully I’ll be able toadd lights to another fieldevery month,” saidLumpkin.

Central AlabamaPaintball Park is locatedoff U.S. 31 south ofSaginaw Pipe. Lumpkinsaid he was inspired toopen the park after travel-

PAINTBALL PARK HOLDS FIRST NIGHT SESSION ing around the country toother paintball facilities.

“I’ve been involved inthe sport of paintball andthe industry for almost tenyears now,” said Lumpkin.“I started traveling aroundthe country as a player,playing competitively, andI wanted to provide a localplace that was a very high-quality and safe facility sothat people could enjoy thesport here locally.”

The Alabaster locationis just minutes fromInterstate 65, making iteasily accessible to thosedriving from Birminghamor even Montgomery. Italso offers ample parking.

“It was a perfect site. Iwas looking for somethingthat was convenient toboth Birmingham and theCalera-Pelham-Alabasterarea,” said Lumpkin. “It’sobvious to me that thispart of town is a growing,booming side of town.”

The complex features

five differentfields, which areeach enclosed byhigh-quality net-ting and featuredifferent types ofobstacles.

“They allaccommodatedifferent stylesof play,” saidLumpkin.“We’ve got twoairball fields,which are the inflatablebunkers that people mayhave seen on TV oronline.”

The other fields includeone with large cable spoolsscattered about and anoth-er with buildings built tosimulate a town environ-ment. According toLumpkin, the town fieldwill be the next one tohave lights installed.

The first night sessionstarted at 5 p.m. and wentoff as planned, despiterain earlier in the day.

There was some intensepaintball action, along withfree food and music overthe sound system.

Central AlabamaPaintball Park will be cele-brating its one-yearanniversary in January.Lumpkin said it’s a family-friendly environment thatwelcomes church groups,birthday parties and evencorporate outings. For moreinformation, visit themonline atFacebook.com/CentralAlabamaPaintballPark.

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ENERGY SUPPLY NEXT BIG ISSUE by Senator Cam Ward

I have the pleasure ofserving as Vice Chairmanof the National Conferenceof State Legislatures’Energy and NaturalResources Committee.Supreme Court JusticeLouis Brandeis once saidthat states are TheLaboratories of Democracy– the good ideas of gover-nance come from the statelevel, and then are oftenadopted nationwide ifproven to work. My expe-

rience with the NCSLEnergy Task Force certainlybears this out.

This week as theChairman of the AlabamaSenate Energy Committee, Iwas in Washington, DCwith colleagues from acrossthe nation, working on adocument regarding man-agement and usage ofAmerica’s energy supply.While sometimes thesetypes of things tend to getoff in the weeds of minuti-ae, there is much goodnews for our state andcountry when it comes toenergy.

Alabama ranks 13th inEnergy production, and hasthe highest percentage of“mix” in baseload produc-tion of any southeasternstate. That’s a fancy way ofsaying we’re in the top 25%of energy producing states,and we get our energy froma diverse set of fuels:hydro-electric, nuclear, coal

and are at the forefront ofwind turbine production.Even “GovernorMoonbeam” out inCalifornia has approved oflegislation establishing apermitting system forhydraulic fracturing oilexploration.

Every bit of this is aboon not only to the UnitedStates’ economic outlook,but also our foreign policy.In 5 years we will be a netenergy producer, andexporter – something thathas not happened in over40 years. I am proud to rep-resent our state on such avital and cutting edge task-force that will have long-term policy indications forour country in the years tocome. Energy productionwill be the next big issue toconfront state governments,and Alabama needs to be aleader in this area.

and renewables. Each oneof the industries createsjobs for our state, and eachreceives industry-specifictax incentives to ensurelower consumer costs, andhigher worker retentionrates.

What we do inAlabama has an effect onthe national energy situa-tion, just as what is done inNorth Dakota, Wyoming,Texas, Oklahoma and evenCalifornia has an effect onthe national energy produc-tion picture. North Dakotahas the Bakken Oil Fields,which has transformedtheir economy, and is alter-ing the worldwide balancein oil production. Wyomingand other western statesare producing more andcheaper coal and naturalgas through a variety ofnew technologies.Oklahoma and North Texasare taking advantage oftheir wide-open spaces,

Senator Cam Ward


BAPTIST SHELBY HOSPITAL WINS HONORS Shelby Baptist Medical

Center in Alabaster has beenin the spotlight recently forsome well-earned accolades.

The hospital was one ofthe first in the nation toreceive a new designationfrom Blue Cross and BlueShield indicating both quali-ty and cost-efficient cardiaccare. The hospital recentlyreceived the new BlueDistinction Center+ designa-tion as part of the BlueDistinction Centers program.

According to the BlueCross and Blue ShieldAssociation website(www.bcbs.com), BlueDistinction hospitals arethose that have met “overallquality measures for patientsafety and outcomes, devel-oped with input from themedical community.” Thosethat received the additionalBlue Distinction Center+designation also met “costmeasures that address con-sumers’ need for affordablehealthcare.”

Shelby Baptist was

specifically recognized forits performance in the areaof cardiac care. Accordingto the website, BlueDistinction Centers+ forCardiac Care are “20 per-cent more cost-efficientthan non-designated hos-pitals for those same car-diac procedures.”

Other Birmingham-areahospitals receiving the des-ignation in the area of car-diac care were PrincetonBaptist Medical Center,Brookwood MedicalCenter, St. Vincent’sBirmingham and St.Vincent’s East. To view theentire list, go to bcbs.com.

Baptist Health Systemwas also recently honoredfor its Worksite WellnessInitiative, which wasselected as a 2013HealthCare ConsumerismSuperstar by the Institutefor HealthCareConsumerism (IHCC). Theprogram received thegroup’s “Most Effective

Population HealthManagement” award.

According to the IHCCwebsite (www.theihcc.com),the annual awards are“designed to recognize thosewho go above and beyond inexecuting Innovative Healthand Benefit ManagementPrograms or providing thesesolutions to organizations.”

Baptist Health Systembegan its internal wellnessprogram five years ago as away of combating the risinghealth care costs of its 4,800employees. Based on feed-back from its employees,Baptist focused its efforts oncessation of smoking, exercisefrequency and compliancewith routine preventativecheckups. As a result, tobac-co use fell from 14.7 percentto 8.4, and primary diabetesclaims fell 40 percent.

“Baptist Health is honoredto be selected as a HealthCareSuperstar,” said Beth Francis,Baptist Health System vicepresident and chief human

resources officer. “Asteadily increasing rate ofemployee participation anda data-driven approachhave made it easier for usto identify health risksprevalent in our workforceand design specific out-reach and educational pro-grams to help our employ-ees become healthier, feelbetter and reduce every-one’s costs associated withchronic conditions.”

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Occasions from the samelocation but decided to openSouthern Vintage Marketafter attending an auction inEnsley with her husbandWalter.

“There was a sale forCotton’s department store,which was going out of

business after 95years. As a child, Iremember goingthere, and Motherwould buy our Easteroutfits. It was a realnice store,” saidMary. “So we went tothe auction, and webought a lot of stuffbecause it was sointeresting.”

One item in partic-ular would end upplaying an importantrole in their decisionto open their own

store. Mary said when shegot there she spotted a longwooden display wall thatshe just had to have.

“When we got there, Isaw this wall and I told myhusband I wanted the wall.He said, well, they’re notgoing to auction the wall.Well, they did. The very lastthing they auctioned wasthe wall, and we got it,”said Mary. “So then wehad to figure out what todo with it. We had tobring it in here to store it,and I said, well let’s justopen our own shop. Sothat’s kind of what pushedus into it.”

The old Cotton’s dis-play is now situatedagainst the interior leftwall of Southern VintageMarket, and it makes the

For folks in search ofthat special piece of furni-ture or accessory to add totheir home, SouthernVintage Market inAlabaster may have justthe thing.

Southern VintageMarket is located conve-niently off Highway 119just south of Butler Road. Itopened its doors on Nov. 1, though ownerMary Lee said she’s beeninvolved in vintage salesher whole life.

“We’ve actually been inthis type of business ourwhole life. My mother wasan antique appraiser, and Iworked with her for over30 years, handling estatesales,” said Lee.

Lee previously ran abusiness called Special

Owners Walter and Mary Lee specializein providing that special furniture or

accessory for your home.

perfect place to displaydozens of interesting shelfitems.

The merchandise atSouthern Vintage Marketincludes a unique blend ofold and new, vintage andrefurbished. There are sever-al great older pieces, thoughMary is quick to point outit’s not just antiques.

“I don’t want an antiquesstore, because people feellike it’s like a museum,” shesaid. “I want a store withjust good quality items atfair prices, new and oldmixed.”

Opening the store hasbeen a good fit for the Lees,as they’ve always enjoyedbuying and selling.

“This is truly what welove to do,” said Mary.

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ALABASTER COMPETITIVE SOCCER CLUB GETS NEW COACH The Alabaster

Competitive Soccer Club(ACSC) is pleased toannounce that ShaneHoward has agreed to bethe new Director ofCoaching. Howard, anative of Ireland, was amember of the IrishNational team and IrishDevelopment team fromU14 to U18 includinggames against Europeanpowerhouses Spain,France, and Holland.

He then went on toplay collegiately for bothOld Dominion Universityand the University ofMontevallo where he grad-uated with a degree inKinesiology with a focus inhealth promotion. He hasbeen coaching with theclub for the last two sea-sons.

Howard’s duties willinclude overseeing theclubs coaching staff anddeveloping anoverall clubsoccer philosophy going

forward with an emphasison player development.Another new addition theclub has announced is theappointment of a newTechnical Director, FlorealPedrazo. Pedrazo, a nativeof Germany, was a memberof the German NationalU16 team before going onto play collegiately at bothBirmingham-SouthernCollege and Georgia StateUniversity.

He played five years inGermany with FC KickersObertshausen and TGSJuegesheim, with whom hewas also a coach andAssistant Athletic Director.Pedrazo received hisBachelor’s degree inBusiness Administrationfrom Birmingham-SouthernCollege in 2006 and hisMaster’s in SportManagement from GeorgiaState University in 2008.

He has his SoccerCoaching UEFA B-Licenseand is currently serving as

involved with the club; it isa great organization withfantastic people involved. Ithink there is great poten-tial here to grow moreteams in the club, and I willstrive to give the kids thebest possible overall soccerexperience. Our goal willbe to develop players toplay technical soccer withan objective of possessionand strategic play.

Although winning is

an assistantcoach withUniversity ofMontevalloMen’s Soccerteam. Pedrazowill be responsi-ble for imple-menting a pro-gram to improveand developtechnically profi-cient players.Coach Flo, as heis called,stated,“My goalis to improve the technicalability of our players.

Many American playersare athletic, even at the col-lege level, but lack the tech-nical skill to play the gameat the highest level. I willwork to develop soccerfundamentals and gameunderstanding with theEuropean style as a modelfor the club.”

Howard has also stated,“I am really looking for-ward to getting more (CON’T ON PAGE 16)

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MAIN STREET MAKEOVER At the Nov. 18 city

council meeting, local resi-dent and Cultivate Churchmember Randi Dicus pre-sented the council with aproposal to clean up MainStreet in downtownAlabaster.

The proposal, whichwas created as part of acommunity service projectfor Cultivate Church, callsfor a community partner-ship to improve the look ofthe area through things likepressure washing windowsand cutting the overgrowngrass. Dicus said thecleanup could create amore inviting economic cli-mate that might be attrac-tive to new businesses.

Following her com-ments, Council PresidentScott Brakefield commend-ed Dicus on the idea andsuggested she follow up onthe project with City offi-cials.

“I’m sure that themayor and city manager

can point you in the rightdirection,” said Brakefield.“I think it’s a great con-cept.”

Dicus, who was previ-ously a member of theCity’s Beautification Board,explained the concept fur-ther following the meeting.

“The proposal is toclean up and spruce upMain Street in Alabaster,”she said. “Basically whatwe want to do is we wantto be able to help these ten-ants paint the outside ofthe building or whateverneeds to be done as part ofa community service.”

Cultivate Church,which has been meeting atThompson High School, isin the process of relocatingto a new building offAlabama 119.

At the city councilmeeting, Dicus said shewanted to speak with theCity first, before contactingland owners in the area.

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to the preparer. Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund.

• Ask if the preparer will e-file your return.• Ask if the preparer will represent you if you are audited.• Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer

questions about the preparation of the tax return months, or even years, after the return has been filed.

• Ask about the preparer’s credentials. Are they an Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorney? It makes a difference when representing you in an audit.”

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Alabama Department of Revenue.When your return is completed:• Review the entire return before you sign. Question the tax preparer

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14 Advertise in the Alabaster Newsletter! Call Ted Vodde at 620-5505 or email tedvodde@gmail. January, 2014

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Another Tim Mitchell School Grant Awarded - this time to Thompson Intermediate School for $300. From left: Asst.Principal Mr. Ferguson, Ann Jay Harrison-4th Grade Teacher,Rachel Benz, 4th grade daughter Addie, and Tim Mitchell.

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Downton Abbey Tea & Trivia – January 6, 2014. 6 pm - Thinkyou know all there is to know about Downton Abbey? Come testyour knowledge and maybe win a prize! Enjoy delicious snacks,teas, and see if you have what it takes to win! Registration isrequired, so please call 664-6822 to sign up.Job Search Workshops – Join us as local expert Fabray Turner ofTurner & Associates in Pelham leads the following workshops:Job Searching Today – January 9, 10 amResume Writing Today – January 16, 10 amInterviewing Today – January 23, 10 amNetworking Today – January 30, 10 amProgram takes place in the meeting room.Adult Computer Classes - Call or come by to sign up. 664-6822.Wednesday, January 15, 10 am – Microsoft Word 2007 Pt. 1Wednesday, January 29, 10 am – Microsoft Word 2007 Pt. 2Library Book Group - Thursday, January 16, 2014. 7 pm – Joinus in our discussion of “Cage of Stars” by Jacqueline Mitchard.Her Mormon community shattered by the brutal murders of hertwo younger sisters, Veronica Swan severs ties with her familyyears later in her inability to forgive their killer, a decision thatcauses her to discover profound truths about sin and compas-sion. Program takes place in the meeting room.Cake & Culture – Sunday, January 19, 2014. 2 pm – StorytellerDolores Hydock presents Money Talks! Stories of Cold HardCash. This program is brought to you by MakingCents –Resources to help your money grow and Smart investing@yourlibrary® series, a partnership between the American LibraryAssociation and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. Programtakes place in the meeting room. Refreshments will be served.Identity Theft - January 21, 2014. 11:00 am. Join us as RuthBrock of the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service discussesidentity theft – the warning signs, how it happens, how to reduceyour risk and the steps to take if you are a victim of identitytheft. This program is brought to you by MakingCents –Resources to help your money grow and Smart investing@yourlibrary® series, a partnership between the American LibraryAssociation and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. Free AARP Tax Help for Seniors - February through earlyApril. Available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays inthe meeting room. Starting in January please call or come by theAlbert L. Scott Library to sign up. 664-6822.

LIBRARY ADULT ACTIVITIES

Every Wednesday10:15 am Outreach Stories atarea daycares 3:30 pm Tunes & Tales for allages in the meeting room1st Thursday 1:00 pm Friends of Library Bookmenders Every Friday 10:30 amToddler Tales (2s, 3s) 10:30 inthe meeting room. Childrenmust be with an adult.

LIBRARY CLOSED: January 1, 2014 New Years DayJanuary 20, 2014 – MartinLuther King, Jr. Day

Library Board Meeting –Tuesday, January 28, 6 pm

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES LIBRARY KIDS ACTIVITIESTuesday, January 7 Lego League 6:00pm-6:45pm Kids of allages can play with Legos of all sizes. Children 6 years old andyounger must be with an adult. Meets in the meeting room.Thursday, January 9 On the Money: Avoiding College StickerShock 6:30pm-7:30pm Financial expert Ruth Brock willguide students and their parents through the maze of trying tofinance a college education. It’s not only for seniors and juniorsbut for younger high school students and parents so they don’tlet scholarship information slip by them. The program is part ofMakingCentsResources to help your money grow a Smartinvesting@your library® partnership between the AmericanLibrary Association and FINRA Investor Education (FinancialIndustry Regulatory Authority). This grant project provides free,unbiased information to the community about financial literacyand personal finance. The Albert L. Scott Library is one of 15select libraries in Birmingham, Jefferson and Shelby countiestaking part in this grant this year. Our library’s resourcesinclude new books for children and adults, DVDs, and more.The goal of the project is to empower library patrons to makesmart financial decisions for long-term investing and day-to-daymoney matters. Meets in the meeting room.Friday, January 17 American Girls Club 4:00pm Girls 7 yearsold and older can sign up to learn about Kirsten’s World. Comewith or without a doll. Meets in the meeting room.

Friends of the Library Meeting – Monday, January 13, 6 pmLooking for a good home for those books you no longer need? TheFriends of the Library accepts donated books* to be sold at the semi-annual book sales. The funds raised go to special needs and projects atyour library. *We accept fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and cook-books, DVDs, CDs, and books on CD. We are unable to accept text-books, reference books or magazines. Be a Friend! Membership appli-cations are availableat the Library desk and at www.cityofalabaster.com

Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library

AlabasterALBERT L. SCOTT LIBRARY

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LIBRARY ROOF REPAIRED At its Nov. 18 meeting,

the Alabaster City Councilapproved a resolution (No.111813-A) authorizingrepairs on the Albert L.Scott Library.

The resolution indicatedthe need for immediaterepairs on the library roof,saying that “serious dam-age was present” and that anew leak had been discov-ered.

The passing of the reso-lution followed the rejec-tion of an insurance claim,which was made on theCity’s insurer, AlabamaMunicipal Insurance Corp.

The resolution specifical-ly authorized the hiring ofCool Tech Coatings LLC to“repair and replace the roofof the Albert L. ScottLibrary to be paid fromcapital funds.” The cost ofthe project was $29,000.

Council members voted5-0 to approve the resolu-tion in a roll call vote.

In other news, the coun-

cil approved a second reso-lution (No. 111813) author-izing the renewal of a fran-chise agreement withAT&T.

According to the resolu-tion, AT&T is in theprocess of upgrading itstelecommunications net-work, which will involvethe use of the City’s publicrights of way. The upgradeinvolves “an integratedInternet Protocol enabledbroadband platform ofvoice, data and video serv-ices, the video componentof which AT&T Alabamaasserts is a switched, two-way, point-to-point andinteractive service.”

To view both resolu-tions, go to the City ofAlabaster website(www.cityofalabaster.com)and click on “City CouncilResolutions & Ordinances”under the “OnlineServices” tab.

NEW SOCCER COACH

important, our objectivesshould not be to count winsand losses but player devel-opment. American soccerhas in the past been aboutputting your fastest playerup front and everybody elsekick it to him, which worksfor lower levels of soccer butdoes not help when ourplayers get to higher levels.We will work to developevery player on the team. Byconcentrating on skill devel-opment and team posses-sion, we will improve thequality of soccer. We havealready made huge steps inenlisting Floreal Pedrazo asthe club’s TechnicalDirector.”

Leif Milliron, the outgo-ing Director of Coaching,added, “Since the club’s for-mation, we have been tryingto bring the best coachingpossible into our area. Weare proud of what we haveaccomplished so far with thehelp of all the soccer families

in Alabaster. Shane and Flowill continue to build onthat and carry us forwardtowards our goal of beingone of the best clubs in thestate. I am excited that theywill be working not onlywith my children but withall the players in our club.”

Alabaster CompetitiveSoccer Club is a non-profitand educational organiza-tion. It is a member of theAlabama SoccerAssociation whose missionis to foster the physical,mental and emotionalgrowth and developmentof Alabama’s youththrough the sport of soccer.The club is now formingboys and girls teams for U-10, U-11, U-12, and U-13ages. Their website iswww.alabastersoccer.org/and email address [email protected].

(CON’T FROM PAGE 12)

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Spring Baseball/Softball SignupBaseball/Softball registration will begin on Jan. 6 and run thru

Jan. 17.• You can register online at www.alabasterparks.org from8 AM, Jan. 6 thru 5 PM, Jan. 17. • You can register in person from 8 AM until 5 PMMonday thru Friday at the Depot (Parks & Recreation Office).• Saturday registration will be on Jan. 11 from 10 AMuntil 2 PM at the Alabaster Senior Center.• New players should bring a copy of their birth certifi-cate with them.• Registration Fee: $160 for 1st child; $130 for 2nd child;

AlabasterParks & Rec Dept., 100 Depot St. 664-6840 www.alabasterparks.org

PAVILIONS FOR RENTOutdoor Rental Facilities: Several of our City Parks offer

pavilions for rental use. The best way to make sure your eventhappens at the location of your choice is to contact Parks &Recreation before our books are filled with reservations.Pavilions are available for use by permit only. There is a $40rental fee and an additional refundable $40 deposit which mustbe paid before your reservation is complete.

The Parks and Recreation Office is located inside the Depot at100 Depot Street, Alabaster Office Hours: Mon. thru Fri. 8 amuntil 5 pm Phone: 205-664-6840 www.alabasterparks.org

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BASKETBALL Youth Basketball games took a break for the holidays; how-

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COACHES NEEDED Volunteer coaches are needed for Baseball, Girl’s Softball,

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SPRING SOCCER SIGNUPSoccer registration will begin on Jan. 6 and run thru Jan. 17.

You can register online at www.alabasterparks.org from 8 AM,Jan. 6 thru 5 PM, Jan. 17. You can register in person from 8 AMuntil 5 PM Monday thru Friday at the Depot (Parks & RecreationOffice). Saturday registration will be on Jan. 11 from 10 AMuntil 2 PM at the Depot. New players should bring a copy oftheir birth certificate with them. Leagues begin at age 4.Registration Fee: $85 for U6/U8. $105 for U9 & older. Non-resi-dents: additional $10 per child.

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Upcoming Legislative Agendaby Rep. April Weaver

Over the past severalmonths it has been myhonor to work as a memberof the Platform Committeefor the House RepublicanCaucus. Our committee hasworked diligently withHouse members to preparethe agenda for the upcom-ing 2014 session whichbegins on January 14. Lastmonth, we unveiled thebills and initiatives includ-ed in the RepublicanCaucus’ 2014“CommonsenseConservative” legislativeagenda.

Our agenda earned itslabel because each of thesebills are commonsensemeasures that represent theconservative beliefs andprinciples that we embrace.They continue the record offundamental reforms, con-stitutional rights protec-tions, and pro-business, jobgrowth initiatives that havebeen the focus of theLegislature for the past fouryears. It also reflects ourdeep commitment to socialissues like protectingunborn life and preservingpersonal religious andmoral freedoms from feder-al mandates. I am confidentthat the bills in our'CommonsenseConservative' agenda willsecure quick approval whenbrought up for considera-tion on the House floor.

This year, business own-ers will receive immediatetax relief and will find theirfiling process made dramat-ically easier through theagenda’s Small BusinessTax Relief Act and theBusiness Tax StreamliningAct. Working withGovernor Bentley and theDepartment of Revenue, the

agenda’s Tax EliminationAct, will dissolve taxes thatcost more to collect thanthey take in. The AlabamaTaxpayer Audit ProtectionAct will ensure that theInternal Revenue Service’stargeting of individuals foraudit based upon politicalbeliefs cannot occur on thestate government level, andthe Taxpayer Bill of Rightswill make the tax appealsprocess more balanced andfair for business and indi-viduals alike.

The Revolving Door Actbeing proposed has alsogarnered widespread sup-port from HouseRepublicans and will pre-vent lawmakers from lob-bying either legislativebody for at least two yearsafter leaving office.

The agenda alsoincludes the HealthcareRight of Conscience Act,which prevents healthcareprofessionals from beingforced to provide servicesthat violate their conscienceand moral beliefs, and anAdoption Tax Credit thatwill help provide moreAlabama children withsecure and loving homes.

State employees, offi-cials, and education work-ers will receive clear cutand codified immunityfrom being sued while act-ing in their official capacitywith passage of theStatutory Immunity forTeachers and StateEmployees Act.

Economic developmentand job creation remainsthe major focus and thedetails surrounding a majorWorkforce DevelopmentInitiative also included inthe agenda will beannounced soon.

Thank you for allowingme to represent you in theAlabama House ofRepresentatives. It is myhonor and privilege toserve!

Representative April Weaver

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South City Theatrepresents “Born Yesterday”by Garson Kanin. Jan 31,Feb 1, Feb 6, to Feb 8, at 8PM. Matinee Time: Feb 2,2:00pm An uncouth, cor-rupt rich junk dealer, HarryBrock, brings his showgirlmistress Billie Dawn withhim to Washington, D.C.When Billie's ignorancebecomes a liability toBrock's business dealings,he hires a journalist, PaulVerrall, to educate his girl-friend. In the process oflearning, Billie Dawn real-izes how corrupt Harry isand begins interfering withhis plans to bribe aCongressman into passinglegislation that wouldallow Brock's business tomake more money withhilarious results.

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GIRL SCOUTS EARN SILVER AWARD Members of Girl Scout

Troop 182 of Alabasterrecently completed work ontheir Silver Award projectand were approved toreceive the award at astatewide ceremony inMarch.

Troop members SalemGaddis, Savana Young andSonya Wynn devoted over150 hours apiece to theproject, which they com-pleted in July.

“I think they all did anexcellent job,” said TroopLeader Raylene Gaddis.

The Girl Scout SilverAward is the second-high-est award a Girl Scout canreceive, just below the GoldAward. The award isearned by completing acommunity service projectthat allows the Scouts todemonstrate their leader-ship and organizationalskills. It can be earned indi-vidually or as a team.

According to Raylene

Gaddis, the Scouts ofTroop 182 decided on amusic-education programfor their project.

“What they decided todo back in the seventhgrade was begin to earnmoney for underprivilegedchildren to be able to learna music skill and also pro-vide for them the instru-ment,” she said. “That wasa lofty idea, but it was verywell planned out bythem.”

The girls raised moneyfrom a variety of sourcesand were able to purchase84 flutophones for theirproject.

“They earned severalhundred dollars to buyeach child from the Boysand Girls Clubs that are insecond grade and thirdgrade a flutophone,” saidRaylene Gaddis.

In addition to purchas-ing the instruments, theydeveloped and implement-ed a two-week educational

program, whichthey held at theParnell MemorialLibrary at theUniversity ofMontevallo. Thestudents camefrom Montevallo,Clanton andVerbena.

“The instruc-tion took place atthe University ofMontevallo. They had tocontact the director there toask for permission for that,”said Raylene Gaddis. “Theywere awarded permissionto use their auditorium forthose two weeks.”

The program consistedof two sessions a day, onefor the second graders andone for the third graders. Itculminated with a concertat the end for the parents.

“The first week theylearned to breathe andlearned where the noteswere on a fingering charton a piece of paper,” said

Raylene Gaddis. It turned out the project

was a learning experiencefor everyone, including theScouts.

“I think they were wornout by the first week, but ittaught them perseverance.It taught them the ability tostick with it,” RayleneGaddis said.

At the end of the twoweeks, the children wereallowed to take the fluto-phones home with them tokeep. For more informationabout Girl Scouting and theSilver Award, go towww.girlscouts.org.

Pictured are (L-R) Salem Gaddis, SavanaYoung and Sonya Wynn.(contributed byRaylene Gaddis)

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Closed for Holidays. TheAlabaster Senior Centerwill be closed on the fol-lowing dates: •Wed., Jan. 1,New Year’s Day & Mon.,Jan. 20, in observance ofMartin Luther King, Jr.Day.January 2014 ExerciseClass Fees There will be a$2 cost per exercise classbeginning in January. Youwill have the option to pay$2 when you sign in foreach class, or you will beable to purchase an exercisepunch card – 10 classes for$20. You will then need tobring cash or the punchcard when you sign up foreach class. We are continu-ing to grow and looking forways to keep things simpleand efficient. Thank you inadvance for your willing-ness to grow with us!Zumba Gold IWednesdays, 1:00 pm – 2 pm. A relatively highintensity, low-impact fit-ness class featuring Latinand World rhythms, andthe same party flavor asregular Zumba. It resultsin a great cardio workoutthat is fun! Cost is $2 perclass. NEW Zumba Gold II Wednesdays, 2:15 pm – 3:00pm. New to Zumba Gold?This is the perfect place toget started. Low intensity,low-impact dance/fitnessclass with an opportunityto break-down and learnbasic Latin and Worldrhythms. Same party flavorand fun as Zumba I. Costis $2 per class. Zumba Gold ToningFridays from 1:00 pm – 2:00pm. Join us for a dynamicclass using lightweightresistance training. Thisclass can help participantsprevent age-related boneloss, increase musclestrength and definition,decrease body fat andimprove mobility, posture,coordination and cognition.Cost is $2 per class.

JANUARY SENIOR ACTIVITIES Arthritis FoundationExercise ProgramWednesdays at 10:00 am.Space is limited. Cost is $2per class.Line dancing Thursdays.Join us at 9:30 am for theintermediate class. Join usat 10:30 am for the beginnerclass. No experience neces-sary. Cost is $2 per class.NEW: IntergenerationalProgram “MakingMemories” Friday, Jan. 3,from 10 am – 12:00 pm. Weare inviting our seniors andtheir grandchildren or greatgrandchildren (ages 3-12) tojoin in a special day togeth-er. We will have fun with amagician, create a naturecraft, and a craft to takehome. We will also enjoypizza for lunch. Space islimited. Cost is $8 for onesenior and one child.NEW: It’s a TANGLEDWORLD Tuesdays – Jan 14, 21, 28, & Feb 4 from12:30 pm until 2:00 pm.Join Jan Rogers for basicclasses in creating ZEN-TANGLE© inspired penand ink drawings. There areNO MISTAKES! Give upyour fears and produceinteresting new designsfrom your practice. This artform allows you to drawand RELAX at the sametime. It’s fun, and after fourclasses, you will draw like apro. You will complete yourown pattern for a new(insulated) coffee mug andat least one Valentine’s cardfor a loved one. Cost is $12per person. Space is limit-ed. Civil Rights Museum andLunch Thursday, Jan. 16.Join us for a tour of theCivil Rights Museum inBirmingham and lunch atNiki’s West. We will betraveling on the 25 passen-ger bus. Cost is $3 to holdyour spot. Bring $5 (cash)for the tour and $10-$12 forlunch. Space is limited.

Upcoming Book ClubFriday, January 24, at10am. Join us for our nextclass. We will meet every4th Friday to discuss thebook and introduce a newbook. Sign up at the SeniorCenter.NEW: Watercolor ClassWednesdays from 1:00 pm– 3:00 pm. All painting lev-els are welcome. Comelearn how to paint withwatercolor. $25 for 4 class-es each month and includesyour paper. Must sign up.You won’t want to miss allthe activities at the SeniorCenter:•Timeless Treasures(singing): Mondays at 10am•Wii Bowling: Tuesdays at12 pm•Rook: Wednesdays at9:00 am

•Arthritis FoundationExercise: Wednesdays at10:00 am•Zumba Gold I (exercise):Wednesdays at 1 pm•Zumba Gold II (exercise):Wednesdays from 2:15 pmuntil 3:00 pm•Beginner/Inter Line danc-ing: Thursdays at 9:30 am•Beginner Line Dancing:Thursdays at 10:30 am•Bridge: Thursdays from 12 pm until 3 pm•Tempo exercise: Fridays at10 am•Zumba Gold Toning:Fridays from 1 pm until 2pm

If you would like moreinformation concerningSenior programs, please con-tact the Alabaster SeniorCenter at 205-663-1307 [email protected]

AN ARMORED MARAUDER by David Frings

Growing up inAlabama in the 1950’s and60’s were much simplertimes. As a child, weplayed outside every day itdid not rain which broughtme close to nature at a veryearly age. Our family tookfun vacations to the beacheach summer at GulfShores with cottages ratherthan high-rise condos. Thebeach and surroundingscrub added new adven-tures for a young boy find-ing shells, live sand dollars,and ghost crabs. My lovefor nature was alsotweaked by the unusualforest, clad with draperiesof gray hanging Spanishmoss and unusual critterslike armadillos.Armadillos fascinated me

so much that every time Isaw one lying dead on theroad, I always said“Daddy, I want one ofthose for a pet!” Theresponse was quick, with aresounding NO!

During my childhood,the nine-banded armadillowas only seen in the areaof Gulf Shores and FoleyAlabama. These nocturnalmarauders, which original-ly began their long journeyfrom South Americadecades ago, have steadilymigrated north reachingIndiana and Ohio today.Armadillos are a commonsight and often unwelcomevisitor to lawns aroundAlabaster. They live inburrows that they easilydig with their oversizedclaws. Even though theseexcavators have hugeclaws, they typically donot defend themselveseven when cornered.Instead of using aggressionto defend themselves, theychoose to either run awayor role into a ball relying ofthe tough outer shell forprotection. And believe

me they are fast runners! I have only won a footracetwice with these guys thatresulted in their captureand later release.

We seldom see livearmadillos even though wehave a very healthy popu-lation in the city. Theysleep in their burrowsapproximately 16 hours aday, coming out to feed inthe evening and earlymorning hours. They feedon insects, grubs, andworms, which is beneficialto the ecosystem but oftenis not appreciated by thehomeowner with a mani-cured lawn. In their questfor food, armadillos con-stantly dig shallow holes inthe turf to extract theirprey. This leaves moredivots in the lawn than theworst golfer. There is notmuch that can be done tomake a hungry armadilloleave your lawn alone. Ifyou are having problemswith these guys and canlocate the burrow, somerecommend placing fra-grant bars of bath soap orrags soaked in vinegar at

the entrance. Armadillosappear to have a keen senseof smell and are oftenrepelled by strange odors.A highly manicured lawncan reduce the food supplyand hiding places whichwill be less appealing to thearmadillo.

Whether you like themor not these highly success-ful and adaptive mammalsare probably here to stay.

David Frings is an AdjunctProfessor of Environmental

Management and Director ofthe Oak MountainInterpretive Center Samford University

located at Oak Mtn State Park

ARMADILLO


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•PC/Laptop

compu t e r t e chno log i e s

588-5860In Front Of Home Depot in Pelham


Calendar of EventsMarty Handlon, Mayor

[email protected]

Sophie Martin, Ward [email protected]

358-8742Bob Hicks, Ward 2

[email protected]

MINDSTREAM MEDIA, LLCP.O. BOX 2519ALABASTER, AL 35007

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDALABASTER, ALPERMIT NO. 36

RESIDENT OR BOXHOLDER OR POSTAL PATRON

Jan.1, CITY OFFICES CLOSED FOR NEW YEARS HOLIDAY

Jan. 6, City Council Meeting 7 pm ChamberJan. 7, Water Board 7pm Chamber

Municipal Court 9 am & 2 pm ChamberPublic Safety Committee 6pm Conference

Jan. 8, Municipal Court 9 am & 2 pm ChamberJan. 9, Finance Committee 5:30 pm ConferenceJan. 13, Board of Education 6:00 pm ChamberJan. 14, Housing & Abatement Board 5:00pm ConferenceJan. 15, Municipal Court 9 am & 2 pm Chamber

Sewer Committee 6 pm ChamberJan. 16, Public Works Committee 5 pm Chamber

Economic Development Committee 5:30 pm Conf.Jan. 20, CITY OFFICES CLOSED

FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAYJan. 21, City Council Meeting 7 pm Chamber

Driving School, 7pmJan. 27, Board of Adjustments 6:30 pm Conference

Library Board 6pm ALS LibraryJan. 28, Planning & Zoning 7 pm ConferenceMeetings are now held in the new City Hall next to theSenior Center. Chamber refers to the large meetingchamber and conference refers to the conference

room in the new facility. Questions about a meeting? Call 664-6800. A full 2013 Calendar is available for

reference at www.cityofalabaster.com

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

No representation is made that the quality of services to be performed is greater than the quality of services performed by other lawyers.

Elizabeth A. RolandAttorney at Law

620-1278267 Village Parkway (Highway 95), Helena

www.elizabethroland.com

CAN WE HELP YOU WITHLEGAL MATTERS?

•Accidents •Wills •Divorce •Civil & Criminal TrialsIs your will up to date?

Give us a call! Elizabeth Roland

THE ORIGINAL

AlabasterNEWSLETTER

Stacy Rakestraw, Ward [email protected]

621-0168Rick Walters, Ward 4

[email protected]

Russell Bedsole, Ward [email protected]

663-6212

Scott Brakefield, Ward [email protected]

685-0302Tommy Ryals, Ward 7

[email protected]

George Henry, City Manager and City Clerk

[email protected]

BUSINESS LICENSES DUEIt’s that time of year again! Business owners should be receiving a

Renewal Notice in the mail the first week in December for your City ofAlabaster Business License. The license is due before January 31, 2014.

There will be a 15% penalty to all licenses received after that date. If youhave had a change of address for your business, please contact the office at

664-6844 or you may email them at [email protected] city offices are now at 1953 Municipal Way suite 101.

Master TechniciansPrompt, Courteous, Honest

718 Fulton Springs Rd. (Hwy 26)Take Hwy 119 turn left at the light past the

new Publix at White Stone Center.

Mon.- Fri.7:30 A.M. ‘TIL 5 P.M.

Owner Doug Melton

www.meltonautomotive.com

663-6088

Full Service Auto RepairDomestic or ImportAll Makes & Models

Specializing inTOYOTA & LEXUS

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

CoverFlipAUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY

2675 Pelham Parkway, Pelham 35124

Services Offered

205-664-2345Fax: 205-664-2340 Cell: 205-5876070

[email protected]

We are located on Hwy 31 in Pelham across PelhamImports and Enterprise auto sale (take road beside

Domino’s pizza up the hill)

GIFT CERTIFICATE AVAILABLEHOURS : Monday -Friday: 8:00am-6:00pm and Saturday: 8:00am-4:00pm

• leather interior• headliners

• seat repairs• door panels• carpets

• boat seat repair• light furniture

Documents

JAN 14 NL FINAL JULY 11 NL FINALalabasternewsletter.com/files/80257751.pdf · thoughts you have when each new year begins. Let me make the most of my time on Earth. No posses-sion