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
As the country celebrated Veteran’s Day on November 11, we continue to honor Alabaster’s veterans who have served with honor in the United States military. Ron McGriff—U.S. Navy Ron McGriff grew up in Columbia, Alabama, in Houston County northeast of Dothan. He laughs that Columbia was most known in the area for its one stoplight. … Read More
By Barry Wise Smith & Photos by Brit Huckabay Police Chief Curtis Rigney and Fire Chief Tim Love lead their departments with honor and experience. Chief Curtis Rigney and Chief Tim Love came to their positions in different ways, but they share a deep appreciation for the city they serve. Curtin Rigney has spent the … Read More
Noah Galloway lives post-combat life with No Excuses. Story and photos by Cara Clark and courtesy the Galloways As the early days of August bore down with heat and humidity on Alabama, Army veteran Noah Galloway joined fellow soldiers and the nonprofit organization Sheep Dog Impact Assistance to ascend Tanzania’s famous Mount Kilimanjaro, … Read More
