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WINTER 16-17
getting a start TO NEW YEAR
DANCING in New York
hemingway
LOOKALIKES
WARM UP TO WINTER SOUP
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Alabama’s Top City
Winner of the Alabama League of Municipalities Quality of Life award
Mayor Earl V. Johnson Council members Will Sconiers, Kennith Mount, Hazel Griffin, Ralph Wells and Terry Powell P.O. Box 429 • Andalusia, Alabama 36420 (334) 222-3312 (phone) • (334) 222-1122 (fax) www.cityofandalusia.com
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contents winter 16-17
EDITORIAL Michele Gerlach Publisher Kendra Majors South Alabama Living Editor MAGAZINE DESIGN Kendra Majors taking on 2017, Page 23
ADVERTISING Ruck Ashworth Marketing director Mollie Riley Marketing consultant Jill Prevett Special projects PRODUCTION Erin Johnson Graphic Designer PHOTOGRAPHY Kendra Majors Michele Gerlach Mollie Riley South Alabama Living is published four times per year by Andalusia Newspapers, Inc. PO Box 430 Andalusia, AL 36420 www.andalusiastarnews.com (334) 222-2402 Advertising rates and information available upon request. Subscriptions are $16 annually. Please make checks payable to Andalusia Newspapers, Inc., PO Box 430, Andalusia, AL 36420
In the words of author Grenville Kleiser, “Your life is like a book. The title page is your name, the preface your introductions to the world. The pages are a daily record of your efforts, trials, pleasures, discouragements, and achievements. Day by day your thoughts and acts are being inscribed in your book of life. Hour by hour, the record is being made that must stand for all time. Once the word finish must be written, let it then be said of your book that it is a record of noble purpose, generous service and work well-done.” With the new year, comes another chapter in the book of your life. Each year countless people make New Year’s resolutions hoping to become a better person that the year before, lose a little more weight, get healthy, find a new job. Really, there are too many to list. In this issue of South Alabama Living, we offer up some advice to gain control of 2017. There are tips to getting healthy in the New Year, and ways to give up fast food. Lost connection with some of your family? We’ve thrown in some tips for rekindling that connection. For those whose aim is to make a difference, we are talking about volunteering, as well. Volunteering is a great way to make an impression on those who need help the most. Opp’s Don Childre made an impression of his own as he traveled to Key West to take part in an annual Ernest Hemingway Look-Alike contest. Those who know Don, know that’s quite out of character for him, but it’s something he’ll carry with him always. Even further, Callie Edgar Hatchett is making a different in the South Bronx in New York teaching dance classes at a public school there. For those looking to try some new recipes in the kitchen, Andalusia’s Jewel Curry shared a few of her favorites with SAL for you to try your hand at making.
dancing in New York , Page 24
Hemingway look-alike, Page 16
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what to do Through January 31 - ABSTRACTS by BLAKELY TAYLOR on display at The Gallery, 209 E. Three Notch St., Andalusia. January 14 - RESOLUTION 5K RUN/ WALK • 1-MILE FUN RUN, PowerSouth's annual fundraiser for Relay for Life. January 21 -- COVINGTON ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS RESURRECTION: A TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF JOURNEY. It's a tribute concert to the rock band. The concert will begin at 7 p.m., in the LBWCC's Martha and Solon Dixon Center for Performing Arts. January 27 -- THE ISAACS CELEBRATION CONCERT -- A night of gospel worship and entertainment at Westview Baptist Church in Opp. Doors open at 5 p.m., and show begins at 6 p.m. The concert is free of charge.
January 31 -- 94TH ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET, Kiwanis Community Center. Event is from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be a social hour with live music at 5:30 p.m., dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by speaker Bill Canary and entertainment by Loop Rawlins. Tickets are $30 for Chamber members and $35 for nonchamber members. Tickets for students grade 6-12 are $20 each. February 4 -- CANCER FREEZE, Lake Jackson in Florala, all day. February 5 -- VALENTINES DANCES by the Andalusia Ballet, 7 p.m., LBWCC's Martha and Solon Dixon Center for Performing Arts. February 11 - MARDI GRAS 5K, fundraiser for St. Mary's Episcopal Church's Rice and Beans Ministry.
February 18 -- D-NOW, all weekend. Various local churches. February 25 - COOKIES WITH CHARACTERS, Kiwanis Community Center. March 6 -- COVINGTON ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS NEIL SIMON'S BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, 7 p.m., LBWCC's Martha and Solon Dixon Center for Performing Arts. March 11-12, OPP'S RATTLESNAKE RODEO, Channell-Lee Stadium. March 12 - The Andalusia Ballet will perform their SPRING BALLET CONCERT at 7 p.m., in LBWCC's Martha and Solon Dixon Center for Performing Arts.
regional events January 6-29 – CAMELLIA SHOW, Jasmine Hill Gardens. Enjoy hundreds of varieties of gorgeous blossoms along native stone walks. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sundays noon until 5 p.m.
January 13 – RHONDI CHARLESTON, JAZZ! In Troy, sponsored by the Troy Arts Council. Charleston is a Julliard-educated jazz vocalist and songwriter with four albums to her credit.
January 7-29 – ALABAMA DANCE FESTIVAL, Birmingham, Admission charged with some events free. Birmingham, various locations. An annual dance festival including dance classes, workshops, performances and community residency activities.
January 23 - February 10, DOUBLE EXPOSURE STATEWIDE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT, Tuscaloosa, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.. Bama Theatre. January 27 – February 12, BECAUSE OF
WINN-DIXIE, Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Because of Winn-Dixie, the new musical by Tony-winning Spring Awakening songwriter Duncan Sheik and Tony-nominated Legally Blonde lyricist Nell Benjamin, is based on the (Newberry honor) children's book of the same title. This charming story is all about a dog who brings new life and hope into a family as Opal Buloni and her preacher father settle in a new Southern town full of quirky characters. Recommended for ages nine and up.
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news + notes
CAC to present Journey tribute concert
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n it’s next to the last show of the season, the Covington Arts Council presents Resurrection – A Journey Tribute. Described as a stunningly accurate tribute to the music of Journey, the band recreates the experience of a Journey concert from the band’s most prolific period, employing some of Nashville’s top musicians, many of whom have performed, written or recorded with both Journey and Steve Perry.
Every show features one brilliant hit single after another, offering the perfect belnd of songs to enthrall all levels of Journey fans. You’re sure to hear the sounds of “Lovin’, Touchin’ Squeezin’,” “Stone in Love,” “Lights,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” “Feeling That Way,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Open Arms,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Faithfully,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The show is a triumphant consummation
of talent combining incredible musicianship, the vocal precision of the legendary Steve Perry, and a stage presence that has garnered the band nationwide acclaim. Resurrection provides an all-ages family friendly show fused into a powerful rock and roll concert experience. The concert is set for Sat., Jan. 21, at 7 p.m., at the Martha and Solon Dixon Center for Performing Arts on the Andalusia campus of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. ■
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MIZELL GALA
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The annual Mizell Memorial Hospital Foundation's Gala was held earlier this month. 1) April Cox, Brandy Hornsby, Julie Wilson, Katie Fuller 2) Brannon Harrison and his daughter, Anna Kate. 3) Dennis and Althea Meeks 4) Jana Wyatt and Hayley Hall 5) Maggie and John Bartholomew. 6) Rick Clifton and Becky Bracke. PHOTOS BY MOLLIE RILEY
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THE COMPANY PARTY The Company Performance Center held a dance party for its students at the Andalusia Country Club. 1) Gradyn Lunsford and Bailey Maddox 2) Haven Taylor, Ava Blocker and Ashlyn Hattaway. 3) Kaylee Baker 4) Andreaona Burnett 5) Emaline Mitchell 6) Amre Marcott 7) Mary Ashley Wise, Kim Pugh, Olivia Lane Wise and Joyce Powell. PHOTOS BY VICKI POPWELL
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WINTER SUB DEB Sub Deb's winter dance had an Arabian Nights theme. 1) Shown from left are (front row) Sissy Martin, Elizabeth Cravey, Rachel Dayton, Lillian Andrews, Haley Harper, Anna Grace Thomas, Meg Turner, Taylor Mancil; (second row) Rexanne Butler, Katie Black, Lindsey Stephens, Valerie Tomberlin, Catherine Weed, Sydney Faircloth, Brenna Wells, Michaelyn Russell, Ava Ramsden, Emmy Rabren, Lindsay Dobyne, Alden Wells, Anabell Bryant, and Aubrey Nall; (back row) Olivia Amerson, Ashlyn Nall, Annie Tomberlin, Eva Kanaley, Kat Finley, Millie Manring, Callen Woodard, and Cassidy Tillman. 2) Taylor Mancil, Sissy Martin, Rachel Dayton, Lillian Andrews, Haley Harper, Anna Grace Thomas, Meg Turner, Elizabeth Cravey; 3) Rexanne Butler and Luke Thrower. PHOTOS BY ROBERT EVERS
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WE’RE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US. No one wants to end up in an emergency
Those efforts were recognized when our
room. But when they need emergency care,
emergency department ranked first among
they want the best available.
similarly-sized hospitals in Lifepoint, AH’s
At Andalusia Health, we’re working hard to make sure we are prepared for whatever emergency you bring us. The ER staff has updated its protocols to
parent organization, earlier this year. That’s important to the 21,300 patients who turned to us for emergency care last year. We’ll be ready when you need us, too.
reduce the time patients spend with them, and in the process, has earned higher patient satisfaction scores. We’ve also provided specialized training so that our ER employees earn certification for treating stroke victims, sexual assault victims, and children, making AH a preferred provider for emergency care.
AndalusiaHealth.com
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CLASS OF '67 REUNION The Class of '67 made their reunion a weekend-long affair. 1) Shown here on Saturday afternoon of homecoming weekend are (Front row) Judy Stokes, Mike Kinard, Alice Utsey Tadlock, Brenda Deason, Vicki Carter Kitchens, Irene Coleman Pearson, Stephanie Stanley Theus, Teresa Reymundo Geohagan, Theresa Albritton Phillips, Ann Evers Brown, Jatricia Cotton Pugh, Buddy West; (second row) George Garman, Malcom (Mike) Suggs, Amy Spurlin, Sandra Henley, Pam Martin Waters, Betty Searcy Colquittt, Nancy Hair Skinner, Mary Evelyn Allred Russell, Cathy McWhorter Briscoe, Emily Albritton Hill, Lynn Gantt Krudop, Jennifer Sasser Armstrong, Phillip Jones, Billy Little, Aurelia Scherff Robertson; (third row) Richard Davis, Tony King, Griff Sikes, Sue Franklin Taylor, Terry Thompson Dunaway, Edith Bristow Holland, Carol Campbell Killingsworth, Mary Emma Posey Bittle, Peggy King Scott, Charles Marti, Mark Gibson, Larry Henley, Paul Armstrong, Joe Wiggins; (and, back row) Dick Mowbray, David Moore, Don Holmes, Ben Crowell, Ballard Krudop, Ron Horton, Marcus Cook and Bill Cumbie.
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2) Grif and Ann Sikes; 3) Charles Martin and Mark Gibson; 4) Sue Franklin Taylor, Phillip Jones, Amy Russell Spurlin; 5) Pam Martin Waters and Nancy Hair Skinner; and 6) Paul Armstrong and Buddy West.
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LOTUS George and Patricia Barnes hosted a fundraiser for Bethesda House, coordinated by Kim Baumgartner and designed by Jared Boutwell. 1) Deborah Inabinett and her daughter, Jamie Jackson; 2) Helen Ann Alverson, Maci Jessie, 3) Amy Dugger, Tara Dalton; 4) C.J. Agro, Susan Russell and Jan Morris; 5) Martha Duggan and Catherine Weed. 6) Kristy White , Jared Boutwell and Gerry Richards.
PHOTOS BY MICHELE GERLACH
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tour of
homes
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The Luncheon Pilot Club of Andalusia held its annual tour of homes in December. Bill Alverson, Riley and Beth Taylor, Brittany Morrow, and Dianne Harper each opened their homes for the event. (Facing page) John Coon used white blossoms in clear ornaments suspended from the chandelier to create a focal point in Alverson's dining room. 1) John Coon and Bill Alverson; 2) Gerry Richards and Jared Boutwell helped Beth Taylor decorate; 3) Boutwell used fresh fruit throughout the Taylor home; 4) A fresh kumquat garland accented the greenery in Alverson's home; 5) Alverson's upside-down Christmas tree; 6) Dianne Harper has Christmas in every room - much of it year-round - but the focus in this sitting area is on elves. Photos by Michele Gerlach
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MEDICAL STAFF www.AndalusiaHealth.com
Gabrielle Baldwin, M.D. Pediatrics 334-222-3555
Bhagwan Bang, M.D. Pediatrics 334-493-2400
Alex Benet, M.D. Urology 334-427-7218
Scott Beals, D.O. Dermatology 334-222-7546
Rainier Birk, M.D. Hopitalist/Internal Medicine 334-222-1366
Roger Boyington, DO Family Practice 334-427-2273
J.E. Browning, M.D. Obstetrics/Gynecology 334-222-5781
Rex Butler, M.D. Internal Medicine 334-222-8525
Lee Carney, M.D. Obstetrics/Gynecology 334-222-5781
Tim Day, M.D. General Surgery 334-222-4191
Charles Eldridge, M.D. Pediatrics 334-222-3555
Rob Garver, M.D. Pulmonology 888-681-5864
Erica George-Saintilus, M.D. Family Medicine Hospitalist 334-428-7372
Mark Griffin, M.D. Emergency Services Director 334-428-7029
Dawn Henderson, D.O. Gynecology 334-582-4496
Gil Holland, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgery 334-427-3034
Patrick Kelly, D.O. Orthopedic Surgery 334-222-2073
Reid Kerr, M.D. Family Practice 334-222-8450
Robert L. Long, M.D. Urological Surgery 334-427-5001
Ricky Love, M.D. Otolaryngology/ENT 334-427-2476
Frank Maddox, M.D. Family Practice/Gerontology 334-222-8421
David McCalman, M.D. Family Practice 334-222-2418
Heath Parker, D.O. Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Hospitalist
Hejal Patel, M.D. Radiation Oncology 334-427-5001
Gregory D Price, M.D. Cardiology 334-222-4327
Brad Thomas, M.D. Interventional Pain Management 334-222-8466
Christopher Reid, M.D. Nephrology 334-582-1390
Ashton Wells, M.D. General Surgery 334-222-4191
Cosimo A. Ricciardi, D. P. M. Podiatry 850-682-6522
Michael Wells, M.D. Gynecology 334-222-5781
334-428-7372
F. Duncan Scott, M.D. Nephrology 334-582-1390
Sadik Yesil, M.D. Neurology 334-222-3222
JoAnne Smith, D.O Family Practice 334-222-0184
Caleb Yongkuma, M.D. Internal Medicine/ Infectious Disease 334-222-6041
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TAKING ON
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{GET FIT} Talk to doctor, join gym in 2017 Creating a health-inspired resolution for the New Year is a great way to start on a positive note. A reasonable place to start is by promising yourself to get fit this year. Maybe you overindulged during the holiday season or have been meaning to get in shape for some time. Either way, the New Year is a great time to improve your healthrelated decision-making. Join millions of Americans this year and create a resolution that will benefit your health and put you on the path to sustainable well-being. CONSULT WITH A DOCTOR This may seem a little counter intuitive. After all, you’re planning to begin an exercise and diet program so you can avoid trips to the doctor. This is a crucial step, however, as certain conditions can be aggravated by strenuous activity such as exercise. Before you begin a new exercise or diet program, The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting with your doctor to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes or even arthritis. People with these conditions may need to follow a special exercise program. JOIN A GYM
The beginning of the year is a good time to begin a new gym membership. Check with local gyms to find the best value for the membership that fits your needs. Most gyms offer reduced fees if you purchase annually rather than monthly. Putting up a good chunk of change at once could be a good way to ensure that you will stay with your new gym commitment as the weather warms. HEALTH BENEFITS OF GETTING FIT Getting fit will benefit you physically and mentally. Once you get in a solid rhythm in your new, active lifestyle, you will notice a higher level of endurance, which makes exercise easier to complete. You also will notice higher self-esteem. Regular physical activity has been proven to improve your confidence, especially when it is associated with more energy and accelerated weight loss. Exercise will increase the number of calories you are able to burn and will raise your resting metabolism. That means you’re even burning calories while you rest. There also are great improvements going on inside your body. Although you may not be able to physically see the changes,regular exercise is reducing your blood pressure and risk of heart disease. ■
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bid adieu to
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FAST FOOD
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Add more fruits, veggies to you diet After ditching fast food, you will quickly notice significant changes in how you feel overall. It tends to be highly processed and contain high levels of carbohydrates, unhealthy fats and salt. High numbers of calories also come with the fast-food territory. These calorie levels are often met with little or no nutritional value for your body. PLAN AHEAD A WEEK’S MEALS A busy workweek can throw you off when it comes to eating healthier. Take advantage of your weekend by
picking a few hours to create healthy, low-fat meals that can be easily prepared. A slow cooker can be your best friend when it comes to completing this task. You also can prepare a dish that will hold up well in the freezer and portion it out for meals throughout the week. HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES TO CURB HUNGER Another healthy eating tip is to always have pre-cut vegetables and fruit at the ready. When the urge for a quick snack arises, having these options already prepared will reduce the likeliness of going to a drivethrough for a quick fix. In addition to fruits and vegetables, invest in healthy nuts, such as almonds. Almonds are packed with healthy un-
saturated fats that will leave you feeling fuller longer, while promoting cardiovascular health. Another easy snack to have around is easy-open cans or pouches of tuna. A can of tuna’s shelf life is about three years and is packed with omega-3 fats that can reduce cholesterol. WHY AVOID FAST FOOD? The American Diabetes Association reports that an average fast-food meal contains more than 1,000 calories and may increase your blood sugar above your target range. In addition to increasing your chances for diabetes, fast food contains high levels of sodium that will heighten your risk factor for blood pressure issues. ■
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Volunteering for a cause that is important to you will give you a sense of purpose. Start your New Year off with a promise to put others before you and notice great benefits to your overall health.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER Committing to volunteering is a worthy responsibility with a great payoff. By solving problems and improving lives, you can expect to feel a large sense of pride and accomplishment. Sharing your time to help a cause that you feel strongly about can help you transform your own life. HOW TO CHOOSE AN ACTIVITY When choosing an organization to support, be sure you can fully commit. Volunteering means you won’t be financially compensated for your efforts. Instead, you’ll receive a greater feeling of selfworth, an opportunity to expand your social presence and a way to give back to your community. Do research on causes that are important to you to find the right group to join.
Once you have decided on a cause that can benefit from your assistance, head to your local volunteer center to see how you can offer your services. HEALTH BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING The AARP reports that many mental and physical benefits are gained by Americans aged over 65 who volunteer. Some of these benefits include: • A lower risk of depression. Increased social interaction builds a solid system of commitment and interest. These two traits have been shown to decrease depression. • Keeps you active. Staying active as you age is a great way to increase brain function. • Reduces stress. – Helping others gives you a sense of calm and meaning. • Longer lifespan. Studies
show that volunteers over 65 have less than half the risk of death compared to non-volunteers. TAX BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING If you’re on a fixed budget, feel comforted that your philanthropic efforts will help you out when it comes time to pay taxes. While you cannot deduct the cost out of your time, you may still be able to claim out-of-pocket expenses. This includes vehicle mileage and supplies. Keep receipts handy when you visit your tax office this year. Work with your local tax preparer to make sure you are keeping the correct information for a deduction come tax time.■
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Hemingway Doppelgangers Local participates in Key West's Hemingway look-alike contest STORY BY KENDRA MAJORS
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pp’s Don Childre has been sporting a white-beard for some time. A high school classmate of his remarked that he looked like Ernest Hemingway and the former Opp city planner decided to try his hand at the Papa Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. The event is held in Key West, Fla., at Sloppy Joe’s Bar and is the highlight of the annual Hemingway Days festival, which celebrates the life of Hemingway. Childre was one of 122 participants. Sloppy Joe’s Bar was a frequent spot for
Hemingway when he lived in Key West in the 1930s. “This was the first time I had gone,” he said. “This was the 37th or 38th year they had done the contest, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ I’ve never done anything like that before. “My wife didn’t think I’d do it,” he said. “So, I did it partly to show her.” Childre said the contest lasts for three nights. “Half of the contestants go on Thursday night and half go on Friday night and they
pick 12 finalists from each group. Those 24 go on stage and give a two-minute talk.” Unfortunately, Childre said he didn’t make the cut, but he said that’s not unusual for a first-timer not to make it. “There was only one first time participant in the first cut,” he said. “The winner – this was his sixth time, and last year’s winner was in his 16th year.” Childre said while the event is fun, it’s a fundraiser for scholarships for students entering journalism or nursing fields.
“He was a medic and a journalist before being a writer,” Childre said. “They gave out like 20 scholarships.” Childre described the event as fun. “There was something going on three times a day for the contestants,” he said. “We would get together and share fellowship and cut up and carry on.” Childre said there were contestants from
all over the United States there. Dave Hemingway – no relation to Ernest -- of Macon, N.C., won the prize. “I’ll probably go back and try again,” Childre said. “You don’t get anything out of it. You are called Papa and get a big medallion. The previous winners are also the judges.” Childre said the oldest judge there won
the event in 1987. He said there was also a “Running of the Bulls,” where they donned red berets. Childre said he’s always enjoyed Hemingway’s literary works. “I’ve read them all,’ he said. “It was an interesting experience.” ■
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Former Andalusiaian takes dance to South Bronx schools STORY BY MICHELE GERLACH
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allie Edgar Hatchett has found a way to immerse herself in art in New York City, while still spending chucks of time in her native Alabama. The best part of life in the city, she said, is that there is never a dull moment and there is always something to do or see. She and her husband, David, left Andalusia several years ago to further their educations – she with a master’s in dance; he with an art degree. Like many in the arts communities of the city, they are using their talents and education in many different ways. “I started working as a teaching artist at New York City Ballet,” Hatchett said. “I go to different public schools and teach the NYC Ballet curriculum – ballets, a general knowledge of ballet, and dance.” There are six-, eight-, and 10-week workshops, as well as an opportunity to attend the theatre and see the NYC Ballet perform. She also teaches dance in the public schools in the South Bronx. “It’s just a couple of afternoons a week,” she said. It’s common to have dance and other forms of the arts taught in public schools there, she said. “It’s not about teaching technical dance in that sort of dance,” she said. “It’s just a general knowledge and appreciation of dance.” Hatchett also works as a choreographer, and has her own dance company which
performs at festivals and different events. “I do a lot of things,” she said. “That’s kind of the career as a dancer. Teaching here, performing there. A lot of people have their hand in several pots. There are so many different opportunities there – you’re not just a teacher or writer about dance, but more of a dance artist.” With Callie Hatchett Dance, she works primarily with dancers she met as a student. The general rule of thumb is that a company performs for three or four years to establish itself, and then can start qualifying for grants. Earlier this year, she applied to be a part of a program designed to showcase an artists’ residence village. Her dancers performed in the setting to recognize the historic value of the building, and show it off to artists. There are many dance festivals in NYC, she said, but it is important for artists to be careful with whom they choose to present their work. Hatchett also has a 21-month-old son, and has been able to arrange her teaching schedule to spend lots of time with him. A family in the building where they live in Harlem has a family member who acts as a nanny, and she watches baby Hannon when Hatchett teaches during the school day. While she has not performed since Hannon’s birth, she still takes classes, she said. Another wonderful thing about the city is the ability to pop into classes and be exposed to different teachers. David
Hatchett, who completed a degree in studio art at Queens College, teaches art in the public school in Washington Heights, a neighborhood in Manhattan. The teaching schedules allow them to spend at least a month each summer in the South, visiting family in Andalusia, Alexander City, and Monroeville. Hatchett also taught modern dance this year at Andalusia Ballet’s Summer Intensive. She was an Andalusia Ballet student before earning an undergraduate degree, then a teacher here before moving to New York City. “That was really fun,” she said after completing this summer’s classes. “Some summers I come home to choreograph, but this time I just taught a class. It’s amazing to be able to come home to the new facility. It is incredible.” Being “home” in the South – at the beach or on the lake – also gives her time to clear her head and be inspired to continue choreographing. “Inspiration is everywhere,” she said. “It’s an experience or someone you met or music. It’s always in the back of my head. I feel like I have a million dances that are t here, it’s just deciding what to put together and when is the time to make this dance.” Follow her work on Facebook at Callie Hatchett Dance. ■
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ONE-WAY TICKET TO HER DREAMS
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'Buy a ticket and try it. Don’t set expectations or deadlines for yourself, but be open to each new experience that comes your way. I always say that if I have nothing else at the end of this ride, I’ll have lots of stories and no regrets…and a few too many pairs of shoes.'
Darby living her dream in fashion industry in the Big Apple STORY BY MICHELE GERLACH
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arah Darby was already in love with New York City when she bought a one-way ticket there with a plan to make it her home. “I always knew that I would live in New York,” she said. “It’s a bit cliché, but I grew up watching reruns of shows like Friends and Sex and the City and knew that the life I wanted to live was in New York. “I studied international business at Auburn,” she said. “While at Auburn, a summer abroad in Paris and an incredible internship opportunity confirmed that fashion would be my concentration.” After college, she bought a oneway ticket to New York for the coldest day of the year, and arrived no job and no apartment. “I was either naïve enough or brave enough to believe I could make it work…some days I can’t decide which it is, but I am so thankful I took that leap of faith,” she said. Her job search took time. “A lot of people told me no, but one yes led to a career better than anything I had ever dreamed for myself,” she said. Darby works in buying for an American luxury fashion corporation. Her contract prohibits her from mentioning it in any media. “I’ve been with the company since I moved to New York about four years ago and in this role for over two years,” she said. Much of what how the world perceives the fashion industry is from the Meryl Streep movie, The Devil Wears Prada, in which there is tremendous pressure to be thin and to always look the
part. Darby said she has found much more freedom of expression than portrayed there. “Fashion is definitely a demanding and competitive industry,” she said. “It is the merger of art and commerce and is arguably the most personal form of art because it is how one chooses to present himself/ herself to the world. “I have found that most people in this industry are encouraged to convey their own personal style, but we, of course, love the brands that we work for and tend to sport the clothes.” While life in the city is, well, big, it’s also about living smaller, she said. “In some ways, life in New York is much simpler,” she said. “Space comes at a premium, so I have learned to live with much less and am very creative with storage! My dry cleaner, grocery store, nail salon, post office and coffee shop are all within a one-block radius of my apartment—and I can buy only as much as I can carry.” Not having a car was an adjustment, but Darby said she normally takes the Metro to work and walks home. “On the flipside, the whole world is at your doorstep,” she said. “You can see anything, meet anyone, and experience everything.” What advice she would give anyone interested in living and working in the Big Apple? “Buy a ticket and try it,” she said. “Don’t set expectations or deadlines for yourself, but be open to each new experience that comes your way. I always say that if I have nothing else at the end of this ride, I’ll have lots of stories and no regrets…and a few too many pairs of shoes.” ■
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Mrs. Jewel Curry is known in Andalusia as a woman who loves to feed people's souls - both with her Sunday School lessons, her support, and her delicious cooking. She shared some of her favorites.
Ham and Corn Chowder 3 slices bacon, fried in heavy pot and removed 2 onions, chopped 1 cup sliced celery 2 TBS flour 2 cans chicken broth 4 potatoes, peeled and diced Saute onion and celery in bacon grease. Stir in flour and stir until slightly cooked. Add broth slowly and stir. Add potatoes and cook on low until tender, stirring all along. Then add: 1 can whole kernel corn 1 can cream style corn 3 cups milk or half and half 2 cups diced, cooked ham cubes Salt and pepper to taste Note: Add milk to pot after you have let corn and ham cook with other ingredients for 5 to 8 minutes. After milk is added, let it simmer with other ingredients just long enough to be heated. Do not boil. When serving, garnish with crumbled bacon and finely chopped chives.
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Mrs. Curry credits the Bel Meade plantation in Nashville with this recipe. After enjoying it there, she convinced the chef to share the recipe, which she has often duplicated and shared with friends as a gift.
Pear and Cranberry Chutney 5 firm, ripe pears, unpeeled, cut in ½ inch cubes 1 pound bag fresh cranberries, rinsed and left hwole 1 red onion, diced 3 cups golden raisins 1 12/ pounds light brown sugar 2 cups cider vinegar 2 TBS mustard seeds 1 TBS whole cloves, tied in cheese cloth 2 tsp red pepper flakes 1 ½ TBS salt Mix all ingredients in a large non-reactive pot. Bring to a boil, stir and turn heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally for one hour. Let cool and store covered in refrigerator up to one month.
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Jewel's Quick & Soooo Easy Camp Stew 3 cans chicken broth 1 can beef broth 1 bag frozen lima beans with onions and red pepper 1 can whole kernel corn 1 can petite, diced tomatoes with onion 2 cans Castleberry’s BBQ pork 2 cans Castleberry’s BBQ beef 2 large cans chicken breast, drained 2 cans okra, corn and tomatoes 2 onions diced and sautéed in small amount of butter 1 can creamed corn 1 whole bottle chili sauce 2 or three chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in 2 or 3 cups boiling water Add salt and pepper to taste Use a large heavy boiler and add cans of chicken and beef brother first. Bring to a boil. Add frozen vegetables, canned vegetables, onions, and meats. Add the creamed corn and chili sauce last as they have a tendency to stick to the bottom of pot. Stir often after you add these. Add the bouillon-flavored water last and let it simmer several minutes. Remove from stove and place stew into crock pot. Cook on low for two to three hours.
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Egg Cornbread 1 cup white medium cornmeal Ÿ cup flour 2 TBS shortening or bacon drippings 1 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. soda 2 eggs, beaten Mix all ingredients thoroughly, if batter is stiff, add more buttermilk. Cook in cast iron skillet 25 to 30 minutes at 400 degrees until brown.
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Teachers are special William Butler Yeats once said, "Education is not filling a pail, but the lighting of a fire." This black and white photo was taken 26 years ago on a February afternnon at Church Street Elementary School. It features Sherry Pouncey, Paulette Raulerson English, Betty Radcliff Kleiss -- all kindergarten teachers and each special in the hearts of many, many students. Notice the brilliant white socks of Mrs. Pouncey and the tooth they all wore to signify that Dr. King had been there to share proper care of teeth. Ms. Kleiss has a grip stix pencil behind her ear -- that was back in the day of using pencils. My first three kids had Ms. English, so we had to have Evan so Ms. Kleiss could teach one of the Brooks kids. If I had a teacher that looked like any of these I believe I would have loved school. Teachers are special. Thse three are saints.
BY BOB BROOKS
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Industrial Scrap & Demolition Roll off Container Service James Jones, Jim Jones, and the late Brown Jones