Alabaster’s Drew Thomas makes it as a model. By Sarah Owens The pace of New York City couldn’t be more different from the quiet pockets of Alabaster, where evenings slow down and the world seems to breathe a little easier. For Drew Thomas, that stillness is the one thing he misses most about home. “Sometimes … Read More
Author: Alabaster Connection
Pet Health: Is Fluffy too fluffy?
By Nicole Close We all love our pets—and sometimes we show that love with a few extra treats. While treats can be great for positive reinforcement, mental stimulation, and strengthening our bond, they can also contribute to unwanted weight gain. Obesity in dogs and cats can lead to serious health concerns, including orthopedic, cardiovascular, respiratory, … Read More
Finding the Right Fit after High School
Katie Cardwell helps students find their future as Thompson’s career coach By Sarah Owens Katie Cardwell has spent years helping Thompson High School students think about life after graduation, but in summer of 2025, she reached an important milestone in her own career journey. Cardwell, THS’ career coach, earned the title of Certified School Career … Read More
Hand-Packed, House-Made, and Local: Birds & Burgers’ Recipe for Success
By Sarah Owens Photos by Sarah Owens and Jordan Wald Birds & Burgers isn’t the kind of fast-casual restaurant where food arrives frozen and ready to drop in a fryer. At the Alabaster location, owner Jeff Whitaker—who took over from founder Tyree Stuckey in 2022—oversees a kitchen built on fresh preparation, in-house marinades, hand-packed burgers, … Read More
Councilor Corner: Rick Ellis (Ward 2)
Rick Ellis is serving his third term on the Alabaster City Council, representing Ward 2 on the northside of the city since 2016. We talked to Ellis about his priorities for this term and what he’s excited about in the years to come. Alabaster Connection: What projects are you most excited seeing come to fruition … Read More
Alabaster CityFest 2026
Trace Adkins and so much more The 24th Annual Alabaster CityFest is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, on the lawn at Thompson High School, featuring headliner Trace Adkins. This free, all-day event starting at 9 a.m. includes music, a kids’ area, a car show, and numerous vendors selling everything from t-shirts to doughnuts. Adam Moseley … Read More
Siluria Sounds Concert Series
High-quality, culturally rich performances in our own backyard By Lee Hurley The Siluria Sounds Concert Series, presented by the City of Alabaster, at the city’s new amphitheater on the Municipal Green next to City Hall, kicked off on April 2 with performances by the Thompson High School Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, and Jazz Combo … Read More
Beautification Board Winners – May/June 2026
Residential Winner—May The May Beautification Board residential winner is the home of Roderick Williams 309 Golden Meadows Place, Alabaster. Residential Winner—June The June Beautification Board residential winner is the home of Janice Green 221 Makena Way, Alabaster Commercial Winner May – August The May- August Beautification Board commercial winner is Trails of Alabaster 1820 … Read More
Summer Lawn Success
Steven Gladstone on lawn care and plant selection. By Lee Hurley Steven Gladstone, President of Steven’s Wack-N-Sack, a locally owned lawn care and landscaping companY will give a talk on Summer Lawn Success at the Albert L. Scott Library Saturday, March 21 from 1-3 p.m. While the event is free, registration is required. Humble Beginnings … Read More
Beautification Board Winners – March/April 2026
Residential Winner—March The March Beautification Board residential winner is the home of Mr. and Mrs. William J. O’Neill 304 Grande View Terrace, Maylene. Residential Winner—April The April Beautification Board residential winner is the home of Donny and Christy Wilson 440 Ramsgate Drive, Maylene. NOMINATIONS WANTED The Beautification Board is looking for nominations for residential and … Read More










