July South Alabama Living

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SUMMER 2011

let’s hear it for fancy

CHICKEN COOPS

explore this

PINK PRINCESS PLAYHOUSE a beautifully vintage

SOUTHERN WEDDING

BILLY JOE’S SECRETS TO GREAT BBQ

July South Alabama LivingFINAL:2006FYIINSIDEPAGES

NEW HEIGHTS Like the monument in our Veterans Memorial Park, Andalusia is soaring to new heights. We have a robust business climate, exceptional educational system, great quality of life environment and top notch health care.

Join us in Andalusia and you’ll learn to Expect the Unexpected.

City of Andalusia www.cityofandalusia.com

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MOST PEOPLE DON’T HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS

COLORECTAL CANCER DEVELOPS WITH FEW, IF ANY, SYMPTOMS KNOW THE FACTS • Both men and women get colorectal cancer.

• It is most often found in adults age 50 or older.

• Colorectal cancer often starts with no symptoms.

• You can stop this cancer before it starts.

• Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.

For more information about how you can prevent colorectal cancer, contact your primary care physician or visit AndalusiaRegional.com.

849 South Three Notch Street Andalusia, AL 36420 (334) 222-8466 www.AndalusiaRegional.com

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contents summer 2011 EDITORIAL Michele Gerlach Editor Stephanie Nelson 5K to support Ballet, Page 8 Pilot governor promotes helping hands, Page 3

Kendra Bolling Bob Brooks

ADVERTISING Ruck Ashworth Marketing director Jill Prevett Marketing consultant Jason Killingsworth Marketing consultant PRODUCTION Erin Johnson Graphic Designer PHOTOGRAPHY Robert Evers, Robert Evers Productions www.robertevers.smugmug.com Catherine Wofford Wedding photography courtesy of Moseley Studios Elba, Ala. www.moseleystudios.com 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

Welcome Bob Brooks once mentioned to me that he intended to write a book about characters he’d known. As it’s a goal we share, the notion stuck with me.

So when we prepared to launch South Alabama Living a year ago, I reminded him of the conversation.

“Why don’t you just write about one for each edition?” I asked.

In his most agreeable way, “Uncle Bob” said he’d do it.

In this edition, Bob writes about a man he knew in his princess playhouse, Page youth who had an extra chromosome. Because he had 22 something extra, Bob suggests, the man had more to give.

This edition of South Alabama Living has a number of stories about people who have more to give. Benny Jo Sasser is giving to the greater civic community in her role as Pilot governor. Nancy Hammett has given a lifetime to the program everyone older than 25 will always know as “Junior Miss.”

Billy Joe Stallworth has given lots of time to raising money for worthy causes with his mouth-watering BBQ. He swears he has no secrets, but talked to us about his theories of good food.

And a wonderful organization gave a little girl in our community a dream come true.

Speaking of “Uncle Bob,” have you visited with him lately? He recently became a grandfather. Having little Morgan Patrick must be like Christmas, for Bob’s been flying Christmas flags at the hardware practically since the day the youngster was born. rustic southern vintage Whatever it is you’re celebrating this summer, enjoy! wedding, Page 19

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

art show, Page 16 ain’t no secrets, Page 39

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Building

Dreams.

Building

Relationships.

Offering Long Term Fixed Rate Mortgages

www.bankccb.com

For more information call Melissa Gantt at (334)-222-2561.

Member FDIC

Subject to credit approval.

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south alabama living

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Call 334-341-4577 for Adoptions.

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All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Call 334-341-4577 for Adoptions.

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what to do

08/4-08/09 - World Series The City of Andalusia will host the 12U Babe Ruth World Series Softball Tournament at the Andalusia Sports Complex.

08/11 - Mizell Memorial Hospital Foundation Gala Opp’s First Baptist Church fellowship hall, 6 p.m. Prime rib dinner and entertainment by comedian and ventriloquist Taylor Mason.

Tickets are $50.

08/12 - Hall of Fame Banquet Andalusia High School and the Quarterback Club will induct four former players and the 1947 football team during its second annual Hall of Fame banquet and induction ceremony, set for 6:30 p.m. in the girls’ volleyball gymnasium at Andalusia High School. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and former Auburn University place kicker John S. Riley will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are $25.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce.

08/13 - Andalusia Ballet 5K Run/Walk The 5K Run will be a timed, competitive race, while the 5K Walk will be an untimed, non-competitive fitness event. All registered participants will receive a T-shirt and winners will be awarded medals. The run and walk will begin and end at the historic Church Street School. Call Andalusia Ballet at 2226620 or visit www.andalusiaballet.com.

08/13 - Andalusia Ballet Auction Benefit Dinner Held at Andalusia Country Club. The theme for this year’s benefit is Cabaret. Students of the Andalusia Ballet Academy will perform, as well as mezzo-soprano Lyndsey Hand of Paxton, Fla. Many fine items will be auctioned including fine jewelry, a Nick Saban autographed football, large portrait by Vicki Popwell, and one-week vacation at Sweet Harmony Beach House, Navarre, Fla., are just a few of the many wonderful items. 6 p.m.

08/26 - Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic The annual Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce golf classic and three-man scramble at the Andalusia Country Club. For more info, call 222-2030.

08/27 - Art Off the Wall The annual fundraiser for the Lower Alabama Arts Center (LAAC) and the Covington Arts Council, featuring a wine and cheese silent auction, followed by a surf ‘n’ turf dinner at the Andalusia Country Club, 6 p.m. Live entertainment and a live auction will follow.

Tickets are $35 each.

09/01 - Book release party Book release party for “Year of the Pig,” Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center. Meet author Mark Hands, whose book “Year of the Pig” is a personal account of his pursuit of wild pigs in 11 American states. 4 p.m. - 6

p.m.

10/1-11/14 - Scarecrows in the Park More than 300 scarecrows spread along the trails of Lake Frank Jackson State Park will greet you as you enjoy the beauty of the state park. The event is hosted by the Lake Frank Jackson Trailmasters who started the event in 2008.

10/29 - Opp Fest The festival is a celebration of fall and the harvest season. The Opp Cultural Arts Council displays adult and children's art for viewing and for sale. There are many arts and craft booths, food vendors, all-day musical entertainment, merchant side-walk sales, car show, tractor show, motorcycle show, children's activities and much more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Week of 03/05/2012 The Covington Arts Council will present its annual Missoula children’s theatre production. This replaces the event normally held in the fall. This year’s production will be “The Secret Garden.

regional events 08/27 Burkville Annual Okra Festival off U. S. Hwy 80 W. on Fredrick Douglass Rd. in Lowndes Co. Vegetables, okra, great food, arts and crafts vendors, music, and more.

08/27 The Johnny Shines Blues Festival,

Tuscaloosa, Evans Rochell Park.

Performers include his daugther Caroline Shines and other blues artists.

09/09 - Ballet and the Beast Montgomery Zoo--The City of Montgomery Zoo and the Montgomery Ballet joins forces to bring this spectacular perfor-

mance. Gates open at 6 p.m.; ballet begins at dusk. Free.

09/20-09/25 - Les Misérables A brand new, 25th anniversary production of this favorite Broadway musical, comes to the BJCC Concert Hall September 20-25, 2011 as part of the Broadway In Birmingham 2010-

2011 season.

10/7 - 10/30 - Dracula Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Don’t miss this gasp-a-minute version of Bram Stoker’s classic tale of horror that has sold out the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville for 17 years!

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news + notes

Artists promote environment hey are artful ways to be environmentally friendly – rain barrels turned into works of art by Joni Brannon’s Art II students at Andalusia High School.

The rain barrels are designed to harvest, store, and provide pure, untreated rain water to use on lawns, gardens, trees, and shrubs. The Alabama Rain Barrel Project is a series of “make and take” rain barrel workshops sponsored by the Alabama Clean Water Partnership.

Janet Wofford of Andalusia and Lisa Harris of Brantley have had eight rain barrel workshops across the watersheds of the Conecuh, Sepulga, and Blackwater Rivers and the Choctawhatchee, Pea, and Yellow Rivers. The Wiregrass Resource Conservation and Development Council funded the workshops.

The barrels are designed to save water for a dry spell and simultaneously conserve water and save money.

These rain barrels range in size from 35 gallons to 55 gallons and prices range from $40 to $75.

Proceeds from the sale of the painted barrels will be donated to the art department for classroom and art supplies.

Artists are include Alexandra Hart, Claudia Williamson, Ishmael Urias, Sarah Emily Barefoot, Heather Sams, B.J. Donaldson, and Catherine Wofford.

The rain barrels may be purchased at Picket Fence Antiques and Flea Market at 1206 River Falls Street. For more information about rain barrels and upcoming workshops, contact Janet S. Wofford at 334-222-3271 or janetwofford@andycable.com.

T

Photos by Catherine Wofford

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10 February 2011 SOUTH ALABAMA LIVING

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south alabama living

south alabama scene DINNER AT SPRINGDALE Chef Tim Creehan of Destin’s Cuvee Bisto and Great Events Center catered a complimentary dinner at Springdale on the evening of May 5.

Creehan trained in Louisiana. Creehan was a founding partner in Destin’s Marina Café, where he worked for 10 years, and opened Beach Walk. He has been voted best chef on the Emerald Coast six years in a row.

Andalusia native Katie Tyler works as special events coordinator for the catering company and told those assembled for the five-course meal that Springdale is a great attraction not only for Andalusians, but also for those outside the market looking for destination locations to hold retreats and other events.

“I need places like this one to market,” she said.

For the first course, crabmeat spring rolls were passed as guest assembled. The second course was smoked tomato and shrimp soup, followed by a caprese salad.

The main course was roasted prime rib and au jus with grilled veggies and Yukon mashed potatoes. Key lime pie was served for dessert.

1) Sylvia Johnson and Nancy Jones visit before the meal; 2) Mark and Meryane Murphy were among the guests; 3) Jerri Stroud and Councilman Kennith Mount; Mayor Earl Johnson and Katie Tyler look on as Chef Creehan autographs a cookbook.

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ALUMNI DINNER There were a number of reunions at UA’s annual alumni dinner in July. 1) Andalusian Karen Jones and Tracy Roberts worked together in Congressman Bill Dickinson’s office when they were just out of college and hadn’t seen each other since then. Roberts is a candidate for state BOE. 2) Laken Laird, Amy Jones and Opp native Molly Grimes White, now a UA recruiter for this area.

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WEDDING PARTY Hunter Hobson and Ali Taunton were feted with a dinner at the home of Jim and Danna Smith before their June nuptials. (1) Family members at the party were Norman Hobson, Sharon Hobson, Marilynn Lord, Hunter and Ali, and Torey Taunton.

(2) Hunter and Ali with hosts Jim and Danna Smith, Seth and Nancy Hammett and Cary and Louisa Baker. Rufus and Marie Armstrong also were hosts. (3) The happy couple.

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south alabama scene STUCK IN TIME Sue Bass Wilson hosted a “Lost in the ‘60s and ‘70s” block party this summer. Guests came from Pace, Autauga County, Boaz, Monroe County, Destin, Mobile, Florala and Ohio.

1) Shirley (Harrington) and Bob Barbaree and Sue WIlson; 2) a little piece of peace from the 60s; 3) Otis Reynolds loaned this nostalgic “yard art;” 4) Linda and Steve Dubose; 5) Paula Sue Duebelt, Alice (Utsey) and Guy Tadlock; 6) Cozy Ballasteros and Julie Bass McDonald.

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Photos by Catherine Wofford

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Want to be seen in our Scene pages?

Send us your high-resolution photos. email michele.gerlach@andalusiastarnews.com

123 Hillcrest Drive • Andalusia, AL • 334.222.2820 oasisandalusia.com

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south alabama scene FOURTH OF JULY George and Brenda Gantt invited a couple hundred of their closest friends to celebrate the nation’s birthday at Hickory Ridge Lodge. 1) Anna-Maria Mosso and Eleanora Birk join the group in the Pledge of Allegiance; 2) Maria Thigpen, right, lends a hand as Brenda directs in the kitchen; 3) No one left hungry; 4) In the spirit of the holiday, Neal Dansby carved this eagle; 5) An oldfashioned game of 5 tug-of-war preceded lunch. Despite a great effort by these boys, including Jack Day, Alex Birk, and Sam Dalton, the girls won.

Rebecca Massey watches the group. 6) George the chef referees tug-of-war.

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ANSLEY PLACE Special People & Occasions Special Gifts & Apparel

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ALL ABOUT ART (1) Carmen Day, Jo Kelly and Mira Walker hosted a party for artists at Day’s Quaint on Brooklyn on the Fourth of July. Each participating artist brought a piece of work to share. (2) Margo Russell hosted a show of her students’ art in May. Among those at the show were 3) Tara Dalton; 4) Callen Woodard; and 5) Bay Merrell.

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1214 E. Three Notch St. Andalusia, Alabama 334-222-0450

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A ndalusia

BALLET Meryane Martin Murphy Artistic Director

Moving into our new home ~ Church Street Cultural Arts Centre~

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Offering classes in all levels of Ballet Jazz Tap Modern Acro

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3NM PARTY The Andalusia Junor Woman’s Club hosted a reception for vendors on the evening prior to Three Notch Market. The event was held in a tent on the grounds of Springdale, which also was home to this year’s Market.

1) Amanda Jernigan, Terri Jones, Elizabeth Griffin and Amy Goodson; 2) Hannah and Walt Merrell; 3) Gary “Boz” Boswell, Rochelle Harper, and Susan Theus; 4) Meagen Weant, Lynsey Dubose, Leslie Thorn, and Lindsey Reeves.

Creative Movement for preschoolers

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Photos by Jill Prevett

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For more information call 334 222 6620 andalusiaballet.com Andalusia Ballet Association, Inc. P.O. Box 1736 Andalusia, AL 36420 4

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t sou hern rustic

vintage

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The Elements of Extraordinary Style Discover designer furniture and unique home accessories to enhance the look of your home.

Kris Steed, Deidre Davis, Jennifer Jones, Suzanne Cotton, Marci Bess and Dana Trawick attended the bride. Keleigh Sullivan and Ella Jones were flower girls.

Flea market finds, custom designs make wedding unique

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photos courtesy of Moseley Studios story by michele gerlach

hen Stacie Sullivan married Angus Edgar in May, each of her wedding guests received a jar of homemade pepper relish decorated with swatches of yellow fabric and tied with twine.

It doesn’t get more vintage Southern than that, and that’s exactly what she wanted – rustic Southern vintage.

“To be really yours, a wedding’s got to reflect your personality,” she said.

The couple recently restored a circa 1920s barn on their property, still known as the O.O. Cottney house in Opp. When they started pricing wedding venues, they decided to put more money in the barn and have the wedding at home.

The couple, whose parents

are Lonnie Sullivan and Liz Reamer and Durwood Edgar and Mary Grumley, married under an arbor the bride built from sticks and vines. The groom and his attendants – Ross Muniz, Mark Odom, B.J. Osborn, Jason Smith, T. J. Bess, Reed Fischbach and ringbearer Allen Jones arrived in a borrowed antique delivery truck driven by his father and best man with the minister as a front-seat passenger. The background music was “Good Old Boys” from The Dukes of Hazzard. “Sweet Child of Mine,” and “Yellow” were played for the bridesmaids’ and bride’s entrances.

Sixteen family horses followed them across the pasture and remained in the background for the wedding.

Continued, next page

• Bedroom Furniture • Sofas • Coffee Tables • Media Storage • Home Office • Dining Tables • Wall Decor • Lighting • Rugs • Candles Home Accessories • Gifts

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526 E. Three Notch St. Andalusia, AL 222-3265

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Wedding, from Page 20

“It was magical,” Stacie said.

She and the bridesmaids emerged from the barn, with Stacie wearing lace and the bridesmaids wearing custom-designed yellow sundresses and boots.

Brundidge native Judith March, whose work has been featured in Seventeen, Teen, and Lucky magazines, was the designer.

Owls collected from flea markets and antique stores were used throughout the wedding. Stacie said she used owls because she likes them, and because they The groomsmen arrived in this vintage delivery truck, which also served as a backdrop for photos. symbolize wisdom. They also fit with the barn setting.

She also made owl handheld fans as party favors, and set up a photo booth, complete with vintage props, at which guests could be photographed.

In keeping the theme, the women’s bouquets each featured rhinestone owl broaches.

Other collectibles used in the decor were blue Mason jars, milk glass, and crates.

Instead of signing a guest book, guests wrote messages on cards that were hung in one of the river birch trees used as a table decoration.

Vintage-inspired lights were strung across the back yard for the reception, where the menu included whole smoked pig with and assortment of sauces.

MaryAnn Johnson assisted Stacie in bringing her Hand-held, and hand-made wedding vision to fruition. owl fans (top) and home“She created a moss made pepper relish were Ella Jones was one of bride that I had dreamed up given to guests as party the flower girls. in my head and it was favors. breathtaking,” she said. ■

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playhouse princess for a

sometimes, wishes do come true story by michele gerlach • photography by catherine wofford

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bout two years ago, Julie-Layton Bryan wished for pink playhouse. “She was very specific,” her mom, Stephanie Bryan, said.

a

Continued, next page

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Julie-Layton Bryan relaxes in an easy chair in her playhouse. All of the furniture was custom-built for her.

JULIE-LAYTON, continued from page 23

“I would have had stairs, but I got too tall,” Julie-Layton Bryan, 7, says of her pink playhouse.

This summer, her wish came true, better than she ever could have dreamed, she said.

Indeed, her pink playhouse looks like a two-story dwelling for a princess. The house has 16 windows with custom-made draperies, as well as custom-built furniture, including a table and chairs, sofa, easy chair, bed and dresser. Only the miniature pink kitchen appliances weren’t custom designed.

Stored in the closet of the bedroom are dress-up costumes, and toys and books line the white book shelves.

The front door is pint-sized, but a back door allows easy access for grown-up.

The playhouse is home to tea parties and make-believe.

“I almost went to sleep out there, too,” she said.

It’s such a girly-girl place, that a sign warns “No boys allowed.”

Really, Julie-Layton insists. No boys.

Julie-Layton’s wish for a playhouse came true thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization whose mission is to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

As a kindergartner, Julie-Layton was diag Continued, next page

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26 south alabama living JULIE-LAYTON, Continued from Page 25

nosed with retinoblastoma, a rapidly developing cancer that forms in the cells of the retina, the light sensitive cells of the eye.

When she was diagnosed, the Bryans were referred to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, one of five places in the United States that treats the disease.

It’s a 1,200-mile round trip, but the Bryans initially made it every three weeks for treatment. A little more than two years ago, Julie-Layton completed the treatments, and now makes the trip to the Big Apple every five months for checkups. She was just back from her July visit when she conducted the tour of her pink playhouse.

While the primary purpose of her trips has been medical treatment, she and her mom are feeling at home in New York these days. “My husband says we’re safer there than in

Montgomery,” Salter Painting and Stephanie said.

Huggins Sod Farm.

They’ve gotten to do Part of the Make-Aa number of things, but Wish experience was a Julie-Layton cites two party celebrating the as “the best.” The first completion of the playwas seeing the house. Julie-Layton Rockettes perform, a invited just a few of her great treat for a little closest friends. girl who enjoys “There’s at least 30 twirling the baton and kids and we’re not even taking gymnastics. But counting parents,” she she also got to meet said a couple of days former NCAA and before the event.

Even Cinderella once did NFL coach Jimmy And while she invitJohnson at the Empire chores. ed boys and girls to the State Building. party, she was adamant “We saw on the news he was going about that no boys in the playhouse to be there, so we went,” she said. rule.

Stephanie said a crew of volunteers “We rented a slide for them,” she made the playhouse a reality in one said. day. Stephanie and Craig Fore and Mike and Debbie Daughtry were the For more information about Makelocal Make-A-Wish volunteers. Home A-Wish, visit the organization’s Web Depot of Dothan was a contributor, as site at www.ga-al.wish.org. ■ were Marvin’s, Cox Roofing, Steven

1206 River Falls St. • 334-488-5752 Antiques • Furniture • Collectibles • Junk • Linens Vintage Items • Art • Garden Items

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his work is

for the birds story and photos by Michele Gerlach

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Greg Duke’s portable chicken houses are a hit in Atlanta, where “urban chickens” are the rage.

after years of making birdhouses,

he’s building homes for urban chickens

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n the past 20 years or so, Greg Duke has built birdhouses in all shapes and sizes.

There have been farmhouses, depots, old houses, mailboxes, and even Andalusia’s old East Three Notch School.

He’s designed feeders with houses on top, and built one that became a table base. Currently, he’s into a phase of architectural churches.

And while every single one of them would have made a perfectly good home for a bird, most have been sold to collectors who display them indoors.

And then there are his newest – and biggest - birdhouses. The Andalusia man who sells many of his wares in Atlanta, has found a new niche in chicken coops.

Yes, chicken coops. But not just

any old utilitarian coop – decorative ones, built on wheels, so that urban dwellers can move their chickens from spot to spot in their limited backyards and harvest eggs all the same.

The units, built mostly of cypress, are weather-resistant and include nesting boxes. And while building them is his specialty, he’s had to learn enough about chickens to answer questions for uninformed urbanites.

“No, you don’t have to have a rooster to get a chicken to lay eggs,” he said. “I get asked that a lot.”

In Atlanta, he shows at Scott Antiques’ monthly events, held the second weekend of each month.

“It’s a really high-end place,” he said. “I’m always on the sidewalk in front.”

Continued, next page

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Brenda Gantt has collected a number of Duke’s birdhouses, above and below.

DUKE, from page 28

For both his birdhouses and chicken coops, Duke works in unusual items. Many of his chicken coops feature plow handles; the bird houses, whatever inspires him.

“I just made a bird house with a Miami Beach car tag from the 40s that I bought about 20 years ago,” he said. “It sat in the shop for 20 years before I decided to do something with it.”

While many of his houses are similar, no two are exactly alike. Each has a Bible verse on the bottom.

Many of his basic materials are from an old school in Flat Rock, Ala., that he bought years ago.

“It was 40 ft. by 200 ft.,” he said. “The whole thing was made out of beaded wood milled in the 1920s. I paid $1,000 for it and it took me five years to tear it down.”

He’s still using the wood to build bird-

houses, and finds other unique touches – like antique doorknobs or unique pieces – everywhere he goes.

“George Gantt is a great friend and he finds a lot of my stuff,” he said of the proprietor of Sweet Gum Bottom Antiques.

Locally, his work is available at his wife’s and mother-in-law’s shops, The Blue Goose and Picket Fence Antiques, both located on River Falls Street. ■

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a season of change

O

story and photos by michele gerlach

h, there have been moments. Like when Jim Nettles was leading an in-house band during the Covington County Junior Miss program. The awards were delayed by a long deliberation, and all of the planned entertainment was over.

Jim and the band started playing, and a woman got up and started singing.

That’s one that stands out for long-time Junior Miss/Distinguished Young Women board chairman Nancy Hammett.

Then there was the time a few years later when she looked up and saw Linda James, then the program’s director, running down from the booth.

“Something blew and we didn’t have stage lights,” Nancy recalled.

Organizers had to call Alabama Electric (now PowerSouth) to bring emer-

This is a year of transition for Covington County’s Distinguished Young Women program. Longtime board chairman, Nancy Hammett, is stepping down. Cathy Powell, a former junior miss and mother of two former junior missess, will take the reigns for next year’s event.

gency equipment so the show could go on.

But mostly, the memories Nancy will take with her as she transitions out of her role are of the girls.

“I think of the different girls

and the challenges they’ve had to overcome,” she said. “I still see them, and some have come back to be on the board.”

Hundreds of young women have participated in the Continued, next page

longtime junior miss leader passing the baton never say never

Roger Powell emceed what was then the Covington County Junior Miss program once. It was a year when the judges had a particularly tough time reaching a decision, and the man known for his humorous acts in Red Garter Review felt like he had run out of things to say

to a restless audience.

“I said I’d never do that again,” he recalled recently.

Never say never.

That’s the advice this year’s emcee – and the husband of the board chair – had for Powell, whose wife is about to take on the program’s chairmanship.

“I’d say it’s a safe bet you’re the emcee next year,” Hammett quipped after this year’s program, handing Powell the script.

Powell didn’t respond. But he didn’t say “never,” either. ■

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‘our children have grown up in this’ Covington County pro“They’ve gram on her watch. grown up in it,” Without fail, she watched she said. “At the participants blossom some point in after completing the protime they’ve gram, which requires them helped or been to be interviewed, perform a part of the a solo talent, and work program. Our with other participants on son Merrill is dance and fitness routines. technical, and “It’s like when they get he helped, and through that show, they Paula (Harr’s) have more confidence,” sons helped her she said. “They blossom.” backstage.

She began working with “There’s just the program in 1984 as a been a lifetime Nancy Hammett gets a hug from her daughter rehearsal assistant. When a of it,” she said. and fellow board member, Catherine Hammett, board of directors was She’s been after her last show. formed in 1985, she thinking about became a member. She’s been publicity passing the baton for a few years. Now, the chairman, run the production, filled in as time is right. Cathy Powell, a former junior acting chairman, and served as chairman miss and the mother of two former junior since 1997. misses, has agreed to lead the group, now “The main change for me was moving called the Outstanding Young Women. from production to acting chairman,” she “Cathy was on the board a number of said. “In production, it’s all about the show. years ago,” Nancy said. “She and her family “As chairman, it’s all about the girls,” she built sets for us until her children reached said. “I wanted a really, really good produc- the age that they were little sisters.” tion, and we’ve had great ones. But my Little sisters shadow program participants focus had to be on the girls.” in preparation for being participants themShe’s dried tears, made tired young selves. women start over and rehearse some more, “She’s musical, smart and can write,” and loved the work. It’s especially meaning- Nancy said. “She’ll do great.” ful to her that her daughter, Catherine The transition won’t be official until the Hammett, and fellow board member Beth first of the year. Meanwhile, other board Taylor’s daughter, Katherine Taylor Jones, members who’ve served for 20-plus years are now board members. also are preparing to transition off the board.

“We’re trying to get job descriptions written and do everything we can to be helpful to her,” Nancy said.

■

Covington County Distinguished Young Women Board of Directors Nancy Hammett Chairman

Jan Breedlove Costumes

Gail Burnham Financial records

Fadra Chance Judges

Melissa Gantt Exchanges/Social

Cathy Powell Program Book

Catherine Hammett Little Sisters

Paula Harr Stage Manager

Katherine Jones Awards

Janna McGlamory Tickets

Debbie Posey Backstage Moms

Beth Taylor Participants

Sue Taylor Judges, Costumes

Wynora Wishum Production

Recent winners 1999 – Alexa Jones 2000 – Melissa McCord 2001 – Morgan Goodwin 2002 – Kelly Henderson 2003- Natalie Franklin 2004 – Molly Grimes 2005 – Kristen Kerr 2006 – Sara Catherine Short 2007 – Jessica Kelley 2008 – Allyn Powell 2009 – Mallory Mims 2010 – Lauren Powell 2011 - Devin Williamson

Scholarships Covington County winners Devin Williamson, 2011; Ander Helms, 2012; and Lauren Powell, 2010.

AJM/DYW annually makes available more than $63 million in scholarships to contestants at the local, state and national levels.

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she’s one of ‘bama’s official

ambassadors story and photo by michele gerlach

sharing history Clara Bass said her favorite time is when she’s giving a walking tour on the Quad and the chimes sound. For her, it helps communicate the sense of place.

“Do you know the story of the chimes? (University) President Denny was a much-loved president. He would go out on the quad when the students were playing football.

“There was a rumor he was returning home to Virginia and the chimes were built in his honor.

They’re made of Virginia red brick with Alabama limestone on the top and bottom,” she said. “The symbol is that the University of Alabama will always encompass you.”

And when you’re giving a tour and the chimes go off?

“It will give you chills,” she said.

it’s true!

Coach Nick Saban isn’t one to mingle, but Clara said she was a part of a tour that included his office.

“We saw the stack of Little Debbie cakes,” she said. “They say he really loves those.”

A

sk a typical college and continue on foot to student a question Ferguson Center, where about his or her they have easy access to the school and you may or may admissions office. not get an answer.

Leading tours while Ask Clara Bass about the walking backwards across University of Alabama, and campus, she shares the you’ll get a very specific Clara frequently gives tours of names of buildings, their answer. the president’s mansion and histories, and interesting knows lots of stories about it. It stories about them.

For instance, with the recent expansion of Bryant- has two staircases on the front The Capstone Men and entrance for men and women, Denny Stadium, there are Women also have Game so that women’s ankles would101,821 seats in the facility Day responsibilities. Their n’t be seen by men. that previously only had work begins three hours 92,138. before kickoff at the president’s mansion.

She can give you the history of any “We get there one hour before the board building on the Tuscaloosa campus, the of trustees,” she said. “When they arrive, exact number of students enrolled last we’ve got our name tags ready and year, and the most popular majors. arranged alphabetically.”

When UA president Dr. Robert Witt While her peers are securing seats in the spoke to the Covington County UA student section of the stadium, she and Alumni Association in July, he said enroll- others in the Capstone group are giving ment was “more than 30,000.” tours of the president’s mansion.

Did he get the number right?

About 45 minutes before kickoff, they “It’s 30,232,” Clara laughed. “So, yes.” move to Bryant-Denny Stadium, using the It’s all part of the requirements of being same entrance as football players. a member of the University’s Capstone “We get our flags and line up to wait for Men and Women, the official ambassadors the players,” she said. Then, at least part of of The University of Alabama. Clara the group will work in the president’s box. became a member in the second semester “You definitely do pay attention to the of her freshman year after a rigorous game there,” she said. “There are about 40 application process. seats, and you have a bird’s-eye view.”

Membership in the group requires five Last year, she gave a tour of the presito 10 hours of work a week, being dent’s mansion to the president of ESPN. involved on campus, and maintaining a She’s gotten to know Dr. Witt well, and minimum 2.9 grade point average. worked with countless students, including Typically, she gives tours that begin at a number of athletes considering attending the welcome center located at the bottom UA. of the stadium. The bus tour takes “The most rewarding thing is when prospective students around campus to the you’re giving a tour to someone who’s recreation center, then to the Quad and the undecided and they change their minds,” President’s Mansion where they disembark she said.

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she’s used to this When the Capstone Men and Women are on duty, their sponsor, Becky Fowler, holds them to strict standards. The women always wear a red or winter white suit and heels. Their hair must always be worn down, they must wear red lipstick, and if they choose to polish their nails, they must be red, too.

For Clara, it’s all old hat.

“I was SGA president in high school,” she said.

“Ms. Joni Brannon was our sponsor and she was very particular. Both my mom and Mrs. Brannon prepared me for this.”

keeping busy

Clara Bass, one of the University of Alabama’s Capstone Women, with UA president Dr. Robert Witt.

Clara, the daughter of Tripp and Regina Bass, finds plenty to keep her busy. In addition to her duties as a member of the Capstone Women, she is a member of: • Kappa Delta social sorority, and serves on its academic excellence committee • University Honors Program. Students must have earned at least a 28 on the ACT and must complete at least 18 hours of coursework with an honors designation.

• Cardinal Key Honor Society.

• Dean of Students Advisory Board.

• Colleges Against Cancer, which organizes UA’s annual Relay for Life.

• Literacy in the Edge (LITE), where she is paired with a middle school student with whom she works once a week.

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35

just call her

madame

governor Sasser takes helm of state Pilot clubs

W

hen Benny Jo Sasser was elected Alabama’s lt. governor of Pilot International, she began thinking about what her year as governor, which recently began, would hold.

Immediately, she knew hands would be a part of her theme.

“Sign language was my first language,” she said. “And to me, Pilot is about reaching out and helping others.”

It’s a passion Benny Jo and her sister, Billie Thompson, both feel.

“Our legacy is that we were raised in a home with deaf parents,” she said.

While their mother taught them sign language, they were fortunate to live very near their maternal grandparents.

“They were our link to the hearing world,” she said.

“They also cared for us while our parents worked in the mills.”

As adults, the sisters watched their mother teach sign language to a grandchild.

“Sarah learned 32 signs before she was 2,” Benny Jo

recalled. “It was exactly what she had done with Billie and me.”

Because of their background, Benny Jo said, the sisters have to consider, “What did we do?” to help others.

While Billie answered that question by spending her career in special education, Benny Jo has found the answer in community service.

“Pilot allowed me to do the same, to fulfill that passion,” she said.

A relative newcomer to the organization, Benny Jo was encouraged to join by Irene Butler.

“Irene and I were washing dishes at a wedding reception together,” Benny Jo recalled. “My daughter had been very involved in the Anchor Club at Opp High School, so I was familiar with Pilot.”

Anchor is the high school service group sponsored by Pilot International.

Later, Irene again talked with Benny Jo about joining.

“The look in her eye ... the conviction she had when she Continued, Page 37

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Alabama Pilot International Governor Benny Jo Sasser, for whom sign language was her first language, chose “helping hands” as her theme for this year. Like the American Sign Language sign for “help,” Pilots are all about lifting people up, she said.

GOVERNOR, from page 35

‘It helped me fulfill the love that I have for those less fortunate, and the mentally challenged.

spoke about it, drove me to the next meeting,” she recalled.

That was in the summer of 1999. She immediately got involved and loved that the organization helped those with brainrelated disorders like autism and Alzheimer’s.

“It helped me fulfill the love that I have for those less fortunate, and the mentally challenged,” she said.

In 2007, she served the local organization as president and began to get more involved with the larger organization.

For the installation ceremony in which she became governor, members of the Talladega Club placed cards illustrating the American Sign Language alphabet, and the Braille alphabet, on each table.

The cards were supplied by the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega, where both of her parents were once students.

“The correlation of helping hands is so

important,” she said.

As governor, she’ll spend time on the road, making official visits to other clubs and supporting their special events.

Still, there’s something very special about attending meetings of her own club twice each month.

“When they hung the ‘home of the governor’ banner at our local meeting, it was an emotional experience for me,” she said.

She follows in the footsteps of Andalusians Carolyn Davis and Betty Grantham, both of whom have served as governors before her.

She said PowerSouth, where she works as a certified purchasing agent, has been very supportive, as have her children, Stephanie Sasser Denmark, Amanda Sasser and Steven Sasser.

“They were all there for the installation,” she said. “It was a memorable event my children and I will never forget.” ■

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no secrets here

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if you want good BBQ, cook it SLOW

A

by Michele Gerlach

sk Billy Joe Stallworth the secret to his barbecue and he’ll give you that look, the distinctively Billy Joe one.

“Ain’t no secrets,” he said.

“Season it and cook it. Put it on slow.”

While some swear by parboiling to speed up the process, Billy Joe is adamant.

“Don’t rush anything,” he said.

Known for his work with the City of Andalusia’s Department

of Leisure Services, and as the man whose Boston butts can sell out a fundraiser, Billy Joe said he learned to cook by watching his mama. She could cook anything, and could make something of nothing, he said.

“The first time I had gumbo, she made it from red snapper heads,” he said. “It was all she could get.”

When he was in fourth or fifth grade, he began cooking for the family.

“Mama worked,” he said.

“There were nine of us and Daddy had left us. Somebody had to cook so she could work for a living.”

In his backyard cooking shed, there are enough cookers to open a retail outlet. He fired up a gas grill to demonstrate.

He likes to use Lawry’s Seasoning Salt and let the meat cook for several hours.

And for those who’ve heard the Southern saying, “Secret’s Continued, next page

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south alabama living BBQ, from Page 40

in the sauce,” well, there’s no secret there, either.

“Me and Mr. Kraft work together on that,” he said. “I start with the original recipe and add to it to give (the people I’m cooking for) the taste they like – be it a sugar or a vinegar taste.”

He also recommends Legg’s Plantation Sausage Seasoning for goat and pork.

Retired from CenturyTel, he’s tried his hand in the restaurant business and in catering.

“The biggest crowd I ever fed by myself was 500 folks,” he said.

If he did open a restaurant, he said, it’d be a “get it and go joint.” He said while he likes cooking, he’s not much interested in serving.

“Folks are funny,” he said.

Whatever is on his menu, he keeps it simple.

In potato salad, he only likes eggs, mayonnaise and pickle relish. For baked beans, he adds ground beef, bell pepper and onions to Van Camp’s beans.

“You can’t beat it,” he said. ■

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41

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scrapbook

remembering

peanuts and the extra love of an extra chromosome story and photo by Bob Brooks

D

ewrell or Durell, Spence or Spinks. Lots of folks just called him “Peanuts.” I always called him Dewrell.

Some say he sold boiled peanuts on the Square. Must have been before my time. Dewrell was the first special needs person I remember. It was years before I learned he had Downs syndrome.

Maybe it was his pear-shaped eyes, his rounded face or his radiant smile, but you must knew there was something very special about peanuts.

Of course, in the South, people wanted to know if his parents’ sin was the reason for his difference. What went wrong? Were there brothers and sisters?

It was some years later, while in college, that I learned about the 21 chromosomes and that Dewrell had extra – more than, and I think better than me.

He was truly someone special.

“Hound Dog” or Love Me Tender” was the first Elvis movie we went to see, and not too long after that, my father, Tisdale Brooks – Peanuts called him ‘Tis – bought him a guitar.

Peanuts could move his legs just like Elvis. Somebody gave him a tin can and Peanuts would play for some change.

Peanuts was quite agile. Folks would put a quarter on the floor of the old hardware store – not a clean floor; people used snuff and you know made a mess. Anyway, Peanuts could bend

his body down and retrieve that quarter with his mouth. Then he woud go out the back door to Newberry’s City Drug Store and buy him a chocolate milk shake.

Peanuts was a great teacher and a wonderful movie partner. He taught me how to roll my own smokes with papers and Prince Albert. This came in mighty handy during the Woodstock days. I didn’t waste a lot of stuff.

During my college days, I worked part-time at Partlow, where there were lots of Downs Syndrome people. I fit right in.

Thanks, Peanuts for all you have prepared me for and for the love only someone with an extra chromosome can share. ■

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