William Cholewinski changes the world one meal at a time. By Lee Hurley Photos by Steven Ross If William Cholewinski’s life story were recorded for television, and it probably should be, it would need at least three seasons of eight episodes each. Though the positive place he is in now is based on hard work, … Read More
Alabaster’s own Holly Dean comes full circle By Barry Wise Smith For Holly Dean, the CEO of Baptist Health Shelby Hospital, life has come full circle. Born at Shelby’s sister hospital Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital, Dean grew up in Alabaster before moving to Hoover and graduating high school there. So, when she took the top … Read More
Patriots Park Mural Alabaster-raised artist Emma Gilbert recently completed a mural at Patriots Park in Alabaster, honoring the city’s firefighters and police officers. The mural was a collaboration with the City of Alabaster. Gilbert spent 12 days on the project in June working 12-13 hours each day. Four questions for artist Emma Gilbert Where did the … Read More
Residential Winner—July The July Beautification Board residential winner is the home of Justin and Robyn Forrester at 128 Oakbrook Lane. Residential Winner—August The August Beautification Board residential winner is the home of August Elena Gonzalez at 104 Summerbrooke Lane. Commercial Winner—July, August, and September The July, August, and September Beautification Board commercial winner … Read More
The Alabaster Teen Council unites youth through fun and friendship. By members of the Alabaster Teen Council The Alabaster Teen Council is stepping up to keep this summer, fun, and community alive for local teens. From movie nights on the city green to epic Slip ’n Slide events, this youth-led initiative is providing safe, affordable, … Read More
Alabaster City Schools to open Champions Craft Academy in Fall 2025. By Barry Wise Smith For many years, before the Alabaster City School System was established, Alabaster students interested in pursuing technical education traveled to Columbiana to the Career Technical Educational Center. When Alabaster broke away from Shelby County and founded its own school system … Read More
This year’s 23rd annual festival promises to be the biggest and best ever It’s summer so it must be time for Alabaster CityFest. To help celebrate, we’ve compiled information on the festival including interviews with two headliners along with sponsors, bios, schedules, and an FAQ, all to whet your appetite for the real thing on … Read More
The Albert L. Scott Library’s 2025 Color Our World™ Summer Challenge is set to bring a rainbow of reading and programming starting in June! Art and literature have the power to transform, uplift, and connect us. They offer new perspectives while fostering empathy and understanding. This summer, we invite you to embrace the beauty of … Read More
From left to right – Whitney Palmer (Director of Business and Finance), Jennifer Ellison (Executive Director), and Jeremy Raines (Director of Programs) Family Connection offers shelter, safety, counseling, and hope By Carmen Shea Brown Photos by Jeremy Raines Many people drive by Family Connection’s campus at 2 Walker Way in Alabaster, possibly curious of the … Read More
Game Definitely Not Over: Hooligans Breathes New Life in to the Classic Arcade By Loyd McIntosh “I got a pocket full of quarters, and I’m headed to the arcade.” If you’re of a “certain age,” you undoubtedly know the opening line by heart to that 1980s novelty song, “Pac Man Fever,” by the one-hit wonder … Read More
