Paul Curcio uses barbecue to spread a message of compassion. By Nausicaa Chu Paul Curcio thought he would be retired by now. After a 20-year career in the barbecue industry, Curcio closed his Pelham and Helena restaurants in 2022 due to the Covid pandemic. He figured he was done. But as he sat in his … Read More
Sarah Turner’s mobile bookshop is heading your way. By Carmen Shea Brown Photos by Steven Ross Step into Sarah Turner’s Booked and Bound mobile bookshop, and you will be immediately transported to a European library, replete with old green-grass accents, dark wood, and green-colored glass library lamps. And the first thing you will notice, as … Read More
Two sisters remember the family store. By June Mathews The country store filled with a hodgepodge of merchandise is long gone, the building recently demolished to make way for progress. But Butler Mercantile lives on in the memories that sisters Mary Butler Lee and Martha Butler Waugh have of working in the family business. Their … Read More
Residential Winner – September The September Beautification Award residential winners are Jerome and Brenda Vason, 260 Kensington Lane. Residential Winner – October The October Beautification Award residential winners are Rachel and Patrick Roubion, 125 Sunset Trail. Commercial Winner – September – December The September through December Beautification Award commercial winner is Kent Farms Animal Hospital, … Read More
Rec Center Director Bill Wilder Brings Team-First Vision and Momentum to Alabaster’s “Crown Jewel” By Lee Hurley Photo by Steven Ross When Alabaster opens its 84,000-square-foot recreation center alongside the new library, Director Bill Wilder wants residents to feel like they’re stepping into more than a building—he wants them to feel community. A few weeks … Read More
Binzer wins excellence award From Left: Retired Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston, Brain Binzer and Pelham City Manager and ACCMA President Gretchen DiFante Alabaster City Administrator Brian Binzer received the 2025-2026 Sam Gaston Vocational Excellence Award from the Alabama City County Management Association in late May. The award, named in honor of longtime former … Read More
Front Row, Left to Right: Brandon Matthews, Kelsi Higgins, Samantha Edwards, Lydia Byrd, Allie Ellis, Sailor Higgins, Makenna Njuani, Nylah Lane, Hallie Sheffield, Jaley Brown, Britton Walker, Anna Kate Lawley, Kennedy Jackson, Jimmy Elmore, Holly Norwood, Emily Reid, McKenna Davis, Brody Logan, Karen Fillingim Back Row, Left to Right: Eli Williamson, Luke McGraw, Carson Blackmon, … Read More
TEDxAlabaster Returns August 1 with 16 Speakers, Interactive Art Experience, and Community Celebration TEDxAlabaster will return on Saturday, August 1, 2026, bringing together a diverse lineup of 16 speakers for an afternoon dedicated to thought-provoking ideas, meaningful conversations, and community connection. Hosted at the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana, Alabama, TEDxAlabaster 2026 will feature … Read More
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
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
