Command Sergeant Major Mary Kyser (ret) Photos by Brit Huckabay and courtesy the Kyser family Retired Command Sergeant Major Mary Kyser grew up in Greenville, Mississippi, graduated from Greenville High School, and promptly joined the Army. Why? “I knew that most military persons were better educated, better paid, and better off than in the civilian sector … Read More
Ahna and Cam Frye continue the family tradition of farming in Alabaster at Alleluia Acres Heritage Farm. By Barry Wise Smith Photos by Brit Huckabay Ahna Frye is the sixth generation of her family to live and work on the Alabaster property on County Road 26 purchased by her third great grandfather in 1850. Following … Read More
Strike Up the Band! Alabaster CityFest returns for its 20th year celebration. After a two-year hiatus, CityFest 2022 roars back for its 20th anniversary on June 4th with live music, hot food, and good clean fun! The highly anticipated musical lineup includes headliner Lauren Alaina and a host of other musicians who will entertain us throughout … Read More
The story of how a city creates a new brand Ellen Hutchings and Howard Pearlstein from o2 Ideas in Birmingham teamed up to create the logo and mantra for Alabaster’s new look, which was unveiled in 2021 as part of the city’s rebranding project. Howard led a Brand Workshop which was a randomly selected group … Read More
Old World recipes keep patrons coming back to Joe’s Italian. By Cara Clark When Joe’s Italian opened its doors in 2009 as a family venture, it wasn’t long before the reliable community grapevine spread the word about the restaurant’s warm atmosphere and authentic food crafted by Italian transplant Giuseppe Bertolone and his wife, Elvira, whom … Read More
These 10 stellar Thompson High School students are set to change the world! By Barry Wise Smith Photos by Brit Huckabay Eleanor DeBlock Varsity Softball—pitcher/3rd base, signed to University of West Alabama When did you start playing softball, and what have you learned from athletics and playing on a team that you will apply in … Read More
Industrial parks add jobs, bring higher pay, and help promote a higher quality of life. Story and photos by Cara Clark Along with his famed words about early to bed making us healthy, wealthy and wise, Benjamin Franklin had some words of wisdom on the importance of industry in creating success: “The way to wealth … Read More
The Thompson High School Warriors capture their third consecutive 7A football state championship. Photography by Neal Wagner On December 1st, the Thompson High School Warriors nabbed their third straight AHSAA 7A football state championship—becoming the first team to ever accomplish that feat. While the final score was Thompson Warriors 38 to Central-Phenix City Red Devils … Read More
Alabaster expands its portfolio of public parks to serve residents. By Barry Wise Smith Photos by Brit Huckabay In 2019, Alabaster city leaders undertook a parks needs assessment to survey residents about what they felt was lacking in the city’s park portfolio. When the survey wrapped up in spring 2020, residents had spoken and … Read More
Celebrate the Season in Alabaster with a slate of events throughout the city that will put a lot of jingle in everyone’s jolly! Alabaster Tour of Lights For the sixth year, Alabaster kicks off the holiday season with its fun and festive Tour of Lights. Presented by Alabaster’s Beautification Board, the tour features 15 … Read More
