South Alabama Living

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LATE SUMMER 2017

ANDALUSIA'S

BEEN ROCKED

OWA's FUN

FOR ALL VINTAGE

CAFE

YUMMY, HEALTHY EATS

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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 late summer '17

EDITORIAL Michele Gerlach Publisher Kendra Majors South Alabama Living Editor Josh Dutton Josh Boutwell Bob Brooks

Fun for everyone Page 15

MAGAZINE DESIGN Kendra Majors ADVERTISING Ruck Ashworth Marketing director Mollie Riley Marketing consultant Jill Prevett Special projects PRODUCTION Erin Johnson Graphic Designer PHOTOGRAPHY Michele Gerlach Kendra Majors Josh Boutwell Bob Brooks Josh Dutton 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

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

This Dr. Seuss quote is a reminder that sometimes good things come to an end, and this summer is nearly over.

School’s back in session and families made a lot of memories this summer.

While, summer’s almost gone there’s a lot to look forward to.

We traveled to Foley to check out OWA, the Poarch Creek Indian’s new amusement park, which is only a short drive and offers summer fun all year long.

Find out all about it inside these pages.

Richard Moore made his dream come true of making his own handcrafted fiddle.

Rocks have taken Andalusia and the country by storm adding a little inspiration and fun to families and children.

Opp's Lee Sellars landed a spot on the most recent season of "House of Cards."

Sharlyn Thomas and her husband, Dave, just made the One Eared Rabbit extra unique, adding a café to the antique shop.

Andalusia’s Jonathan Weed represented the state at an Episcopal Church youth event.

With summer nearly over, it’s time to get back on track with healthy eating, and we have two delicious recipes for you to try.

And Uncle Bob Brooks reminisces about a road trip he took earlier this year.

Hope you enjoy!

New eats in Florala , Page 33

Custom made, Page 19

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what to do August 19 - August 20 - 34TH ANNUAL GUN AND KNIFE SHOW, 9 a.m. , Kiwanis Center, Sponsored by the South Alabama Gun Club.

or carry out. Call. 222-2487.

August 26 - A NIGHT IN THE TROPICS, Andalusia Ballet's benefit auction dinner, 7 p.m.

August 19 - 8TH ANNUAL AHS HALL OF FAME BANQUET and Installation Ceremony, 6 p.m., AHS volleyball gymnasium. Tickets are $25.

August 28 -- CHAMBER CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT, sponsored by the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commcere., Andalusia Country Club, 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

August 25 - BAYOU FEAST at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Andalusia, 5 - 7 p.m. The menu includes jambalaya, blackened fish, seafood gumbo, shrimp and grits, cold boiled shrimp, Mardi Gras cole slaw, New Orleans French bread, bread pudding and a beverage.

Free hot dog dinners are available for children under 12. Tickets are $25 per person, dine-in

Sept. 9 - WOMEN'S CONFERENCE, First Baptist Church, Florala. Noon until 3 p.m.

Kasey Van Norman will speak.

Sept. 11 – THE PURPLE LOTUS - Down Home Style event fundraiser for Bethesda House at Springdale Estate, 6:30 p.m.

Readings by Sean Dietrich and music by his

band, The Boiled Peanut Vendors. Dinner will be by Hilltop and dessert by Just Simply Gigi. Tickets are $25 and available at CCB Community Bank in Andalusia, and Southern Independent Bank in Andalusia and Opp. Sept. 24 -27 -- EXTREME EXPERIENCE RETREAT 2017, Blue Lake Camp. The camp is for blind and visually impaired people.

Sept. 28-Oct. 1- TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Woodfin Patterson Auditorium, Coastal Alabama Community College in Brewton. The Monroeville production of TKAM will go on the road for one weekend. Shows are at 7 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 28; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 30; and 2 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 1.

regional events August 18 - 20 - BUCKMASTERS EXPO, the area's biggest hunting show with more than 300 exhibitors, Buckmasters Top Bow Indoor Championship, Young Bucks activities, deer scoring, hunter education course and Dock Dogs events.

Concert event on Saturday night. Held at the Montgomery Convention Center.

August 18 - 19 - SOUTH ALABAMA PRO RODEO CLASSIC, Ozark , Dale County Ag-Plex Arena. Gates open at 6 p.m., rodeo starts at 8 p.m.

August 19 - SIXTH ANNUAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY DRAGON BOAT

FESTIVAL, Gadsden, free admission, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

August 22 - 27 - SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL, various venues in Birmingham's historic theater district. ince its debut in 1999, filmmakers from across the country and around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover fresh, enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema.

With eleven venues located within Birmingham’s historic Theatre District (featuring the Alabama Theatre, a 2,200 seat movie palace built by Paramount

in 1927, and the newly restored Lyric Fine Arts Theatre), spontaneity rules the schedule of Sidewalk attendees.

August 26 -- OKRA FESTIVAL, 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., Burkville. The Okra Festival started as a small community event celebrating the only crop that survived an unusually hot summer in 2000. More than a decade later, it is one of the highlights of the summer season, featuring local food, music and cultural arts. Event is held annually on the last Saturday in August.

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news + notes

Trip to Costa Rica top prize at Ballet auction

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nyone who has ever dreamed of the perfect vacation in Costa Rica will have an opportunity to reserve a piece of paradise while also supporting the Andalusia Ballet at the organization’s annual auction, set for Aug. 26.

Alan and Kim Ward and Tim and Brooke Centner have put together the one-week getaway.

The Wards are contributing the use of their two bedroom/two bath condo at Punta Playa Vistas, located near Playa Conchal, Playa Flamingo, and Tamarindo in the northwestern coastal providence of Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

The condo has an ocean view, and is within walking, running or driving distance to three beautiful and secluded beaches.

Located on about 6 kilometers of unpaved roads with very little traffic, wildlife often seen on property and in the area includes Howler monkeys, coatis, parrots, parakeets, and magpies.

There are two eating establishments located nearby and it is only a 15 to 30 minute drive to a multitude of international and local cuisine.

Area activities include zip lines, fourwheeler tours, adventure tours, horse back riding on the beach, whale viewing (in season), turtle viewing/ nesting on beaches (seasonal),

fishing (sport fishing, local fishing from a panga for snapper/mani mani), volcanoes and hot springs, volcanic mud, $20 massages on playa Conchal, and a tropical spa.

Condo amenities include: • A small pool / rancho / BBQ grill • Washer / dryer • Full kitchen • Sheets / towels • TV The condo is an easy, one-hour drive from to Liberia International Airport. A four-wheel drive rental vehicle is recommended, and private guides are available.

(Air travel and car rental not included) The condo is not available the weeks of Christmas, New Year’s or Holy week.

The Centners and friends are making the package more attractive the surf lessons at Witches Rock, a legendary surf destination; sailing and paddle board lessons/day trip at the Costa Rica Sailing Center; and dinner at the Centner’s favorite local restaurant El Castillo.

The auction is set for 7 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 26, at the Cultural Arts Centre on Church Street. Tickets are $50 each, and available from the ballet. For information, call 2226620. ■

Other auction items and donors include:

• Pastel painting, Vicki Popwell Photography • 2 hand-crafted Adironback chairs, Mark Murphy • Jewelry, Christopher’s • One week at Hallelujah House, Sister and George Barnes • Custom crafted knife, John Harbuck • Private hibachi dinner for 8 with sushi boat, Samurai Steak House, Andalusia • 3 large trees, planted, Alex King Landscaping • Deer hunt at Pea River Plantation, the Hobsons • Hand-crafted dog house, Robert Foreman; custom-painted pet portrait, Kim Baumgartner Silent auction items include a custom created poster, gift certificates to Big Mike’s and Samurai’s Navarre location; a spa package; cigars; country overnight retreat; and tennis lessons.

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SMITH-GRIFFIN PARTY Julia (nee Smith) and Taylor Griffin were feted with a party in June celebrating their marriage.

1) Ashley Black, Angie Bowden, Valarie McCalman, Mary Frances Kelley, Sharyn Smith, Janet Atkinson, Dawn Thompson, Staci McCalman and Wendy Andrews.

2) Colton Elmore, Belle Spurlin, Julia and Taylor Griffin.

3) Becki Barton, Seth Hammett, Arlene Nettles, Nancy Hammett 4) Taylor and Julia with Blake Barton.

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BARRY OUTLAW TURNS 60 Local Realtor Barry Outlaw was honored with a surprise birthday bash at the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce for his 60th birthday. 1) Barry Outlaw and Stallion Sasser. 2) Sandra and Danny McLeod and Farrell Wyatt. 3) A whole bunch of Outlaws were on hand for the party, including Darryl Outlaw, Mary Outlaw, Ouida Outlaw, Dale, Stick Outlaw, MaryAlyce Outlaw, Barry Outlaw, Tommy “Juicy” Cobb, Dee Outlaw, Joni Outlaw and Champ “Nose” Bowling. 4) Tom and Mary Kanaley. 6) Son-in-law Jeff Williams and daughter Lily were among the family members in attendance.

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TUCKER TURNS 1 Tucker Bozeman turned 1 recently and his family held him a party. Tucker is the son of Michael and Randi Bozeman.

1) Randi Bozeman, Tucker and Bailey Dykes. 2) Tucker Bozeman enjoys his 1-year-old cake 3) Jessica Gibson and Emory Gibson 4) Michael Bozeman, Tucker and Nick Allen 5) Whitney Sanders, Gavin Sanders, Tucker Bozeman, Randi Bozeman.

COURTESY PHOTOS

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for all

OWA amusement park opens

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The Rollin’ Thunder rolls in as OWA’s largest and most thrilling coaster. Designed with daredevils in mind, the Rollin’ Thunder checks every box. Strap in, hold on tight and lift off! This coaster will have you twisting, turning, looping and dropping all day long. Minimum 51" to ride.

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Just the Facts The Park at OWA opened in July.

Open year-round, 10 am - Midnight Admission Prices: • General Admission — $34.99 • Junior Admission (42” & below) — $27.99 • Military Admission — $27.99 • Senior Admission (60+) — $27.99 • Annual Pass — $89.99 VisitOWA.com.

Shown is the Air Racer. Now is your chance to feel the G-force thrust upon pilots when performing acrobatic maneuvers. From dives to loops to feeling weightless, the Air Racer provides a thrill like no other. Minimum 48" to ride.

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Keep your summer going

Visit Alabama's newest theme park, OWA

T

he calendar says school is back in session, and football is about to kick off, but the weather says, “Summer isn’t over yet.”

With the opening earlier this summer of The Park at OWA, summer-type fun is a day trip away.

Located in Foley, The Park at OWA is the centerpiece of a 520-acre planned destination resort. The 14-acre theme park includes six kiddie rides, eight familyfriendly rides, and seven thrill rides. It will be open year-round.

OWA is being developed by the Poarch

Creek Indians.

The focal point of the amusement park is Rollin’ Thunder, a roller coaster featuring big drops, loops, twists and hairpin turns. If it were flat, the track would be 2,234 feet in length. It travels at 55.9 miles per hour.

Other thrill rides are the Air Racer, Alabama Wham’a, Freedom Flyer, Crazy Mouse, Twister and the Wave Rider.

Family friendly rides are the Flying Carousel, AeroZoom, Rockin’ Raft, Tea Time, Sky Balloons, Flutter By, Southern Express, and Flying Tigers.

OWA is interconnected with the City of Foley’s $40 million sports tourism facilities. Phase One of OWA includes a Marriott TownePlace Suites, shopping and dining experiences. Retail space surrounding the park will begin opening in September, and will include the second largest U.S. location of Wahlburgers, as well as Sunglass World, Fairhope Soap Company, Alvin’s Island, Hershey’s Ice Cream Shop, and Utopia among others.

Future plans include four hotels, a resort-level condominium, a luxury RV resort and an outdoor waterpark.

Shown is the Twister. Action packed and full of bright lights, the Twister will take you on a whirlwind adventure. This unique ride spins 360 degrees in multiple directions, keeping you on your toes at all times — except when you’re upside down. Minimum 48" to ride.

16 south alabama living Come fly with all the colors of the wind. The colorful AeroZoom gives riders a chance to experience and be in charge of their own hang-gliding adventure. Riders can control the movement of the glider’s wings as they fly through the air. Must be 48" to ride unaccompanied and minimum 42" to ride.

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horiride at a e h t g in ard ssenam’a. Bo es its pa h is a W r a d m n a a ride. se lab m 48" to ges cour ith the A u n w a g im h c in in n iv M e e l. h n be dec ris whee r frame t Looks ca aced) fer e circula h -p t t , s n fa io d it n os hrilling a zontal p mble a (t e s e r o t s ger

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BUILDING

MUSIC

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MAKING HIS OWN Moore creates custom-made fiddle

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STORY, PHOTOS | JOSH DUTTON

ichard Moore has been around music his entire life and he recently learned how to build and repair instruments.

“I took my first violin lesson when I was around 8 years old,” Moore said. “After that, I started playing guitar around then around 12 years old I started to play the fiddle.”

After playing for many years, Moore decided he wanted to get a custom made fiddle.

“I learned from a guy that I’ve known for a while,” Moore said. “It really all started because I wanted him to build me a fiddle, but he said, ‘Why don’t I just teach you how to and guide you through the process?’”

Moore said that the build of the fiddle was more intricate than he originally anticipated.

“It all stemmed from my background in construction and carpentry,” Moore said. “I love doing wood work, and I love music, so I figured that it would be something that I would enjoy. It turned out to be a lot more tedious than I thought, but it was a boatload of fun for me. I learned a lot from the process that I never realized. It was very interesting to me that you had to tune the wood.

Different types of wood produce different tones. I tuned the back to a certain key and then I tuned the top to harmonize. A lot of people say they wouldn’t have the patience to do it, but to me it was very relaxing. ” Right now, the fiddle is the only instrument that Moore has built, but he has plans to do more down the road.

“There are a lot of things that I want to do, but just haven’t had the time,” Moore said.

“We are building a log cabin right now, so that is taking up most of my free time. Once the cabin is finished, my son wants me to show him how to build a ukulele. He has several right now, but he thinks it would be cool to build his own.”

Moore said that eventually he wants to make a few more instruments for himself.

“My next project for me is going to be a guitar,” Moore said. “The guitar will come after I help my son, and then lastly, I want to make a mandolin.”

Currently, Moore works full-time as building inspector for the City of Andalusia, but said he might start up an instrument building and repair shop when he retires.

“We have talked about maybe setting up a business down the road,” Moore said. “I still have several years before I’m able to retire, but I think it would be something fun that could be an extra income down the road.”

Moore said that the prices of custom-made instruments, however, tend to scare most people off.

“It could be a business that is very lucrative, if you can get the right clients,” Moore said. “The price is going to scare a lot people away that aren’t serious musicians. I just asked the guy about what he would charge if he was pricing mine to sell, and he told me that it would go for about $5,000. I was pretty excited then that he showed me how to build one instead of building it for me.” ■

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ROCK inspirations

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Painted rocks craze takes over STORY, PHOTOS | JOSH BOUTWELL

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ainting rocks has become a popular pastime all across the country and because of a group of Andalusia friends it’s also become very popular in Covington County.

Friends Ashton Owens and Shelly Wagoner founded the Facebook group, Andalusia Rocks, which after just a few months has more than 3,500 members.

Wagoner’s mother was the first person to put the idea in her head.

“My mom lives in Sanford, Fla., and they’ve been doing it down there,” Wagoner said. “She had been on me for months to do it and finally I just gave in to her.”

The idea is to paint a rock and include a positive message. The rock is then hidden with the idea of brightening the finder's day.

Owens started the Facebook group and another friend, Jennifer Berry, and her children began joining in on the fun as well.

“I actually found my first rock in Crestview, Fla.,” Berry said. “Then, Shelly got Ashton to start up the page and it just took off.”

Painting rocks has become a great activity for children to do as they have fun painting and hiding the rocks, and as Wagoner said it’s very inexpensive.

“I think it gets kids out doing stuff in the summertime and it’s something that’s not very expensive,” Wagoner said. “We really don’t have to take

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them out of the city to do something fun, either.”

Berry agreed with that sentiment and said that children are doing something active rather than playing video games or watching TV. “I think it’s something that’s fun for them and it’s really simple yet they get excited over it,” Berry said. “They’re out and they’re active and not posted in front of a TV or video games.”

Wagoner said that it’s even become a family activity, which can include adults, too.

“It gets children together with their families, it’s a family activity,” Wagoner said. “My kids range from 7-12 but also my husband, my sister, her kids all sit down at the table and the kids aren’t arguing, just having fun."

According to Owens, any type of rock can be used but the best and easiest paintable rocks are flat, smooth rocks, which can be found at most dollar stores and Wal-Mart’s. She said that acrylic sealer will also keep the paint from fading or peeling.

“My sister’s kids, who are in their 20s, paint rocks with us and have as much fun as the smaller kids. It’s like a family event and it’s fun and it gets everybody together.”

Businesses all over Andalusia are also getting involved in the activity as a number of locations have supported hiding rocks at their establishments.

While, some businesses don’t want rocks being hid in their location, many enjoy it.

“I absolutely love what this simple act of kindness has done for our community,” Owens said in a post on Andalusia Rocks. “I’ve met some pretty awesome people because of this project and it’s awesome.”

For a complete list of businesses that are fine with it visit the Andalusia Rocks Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/258915094583978/.■

WHAT YOU NEED: Smooth, flat rocks They can be found at dollar stores, retailers like Wal-Mart, hardware stores and more.

Acrylic paint

Paint can be found at various retailers.

Acrylic sealer

Sealer can be found at various retailers, and will help painted rocks maintain their color.

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LIFE AS A

CHARACTER

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Sellars appears in two episodes of "House of Cards" as Govenor Olmstead.

'House of Cards' among Opp native's credits

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ne day, you walk into a room in New York and read some lines.

“The next thing you know, you’re on a set in Baltimore with Kevin Spacey.”

If landing an acting gig with appearances in two episodes of Season 5 of House of Cards, sounds easy, don’t believe it.

“Life in New York as an actor is exhilarating and incredibly difficult,” Opp native Lee Sellars said. “The competition is just unreal.”

A self-described character actor, Sellars appears in Chapter 55 and Chapter 56 as Governor Olmstead in the current season of House of Cards, the Netflix original series. He’s been working as an actor and musician in New York City since 1997.

That he is an artist should come as no surprise to those who have known him since his growing up years. The son of the late William (Doc) and Dorothy Rainer Sellars, his mother was a dancer and dance teacher; his maternal aunts,

STORY: MICHELE GERLACH | COURTESY PHOTOS

his artistic dreams, he said.

Sellars studied theatre arts at Wake Forest University, and later attended Drama Studio London in London, England, where he graduated with male actor of the year honors.

“This stuff I’ve been able to do – and there’s a lot more on my bucket list – all of it has a direct line straight to them,” he said of his parents. “They said to me, ‘This is who you are and what you’re doing. Don’t be scared of it. Go to London. Go study.’ ” When he briefly considered leaving Drama Studio London, “She could not have been any sweeter,” Sellars recalled.

“She said, ‘Nope. Sorry. You can come home, but you’ll regret it.’ ” Lee began his acting career in Chicago in 1994. He has appeared on stage, in Lee Sellars television, film, commercials and industwins Alice and Clarice Rainer, were profes- trial films, and has narrated books on sional pianists who performed as The Rainer tape.

“I moved to Chicago ostensibly to get Twins. His parents encouraged him to pursue my union cards,” he said.

He also had recurring roles on ER and The Untouchables.

From there, he never looked back.

“Since then, I’ve not had any other job that wasn’t acting,” he said. “From Chicago, it was either New York City or LA, which are the two meccas for actors. At the time, I was all about theater, so I decided to go to New York and see what I could find.”

Auditions in New York City are not just about New York, he said. Other theater companies come there to audition for productions.

“For instance, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival comes to New York to audition,” he said.

His stage credits include more than 50 plays on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theatres in the United States, London and Germany.

Sellars said he prefers to work on the stage, but added that television is its own reward.

“It’s an odd form of acting, because so much of it is not about acting,” he said.

On the stage, it’s important to make sure that people in the back row can hear the dialogue. In television or film, that’s too big.

“The camera is a microscope,” he said. “Every little twitch of your face seems huge. You have to pull everything back. Sometimes you just think it, don’t do it. The camera will see it.”

On the stage, acting is teamwork.

“You’re working with an ensemble to tell a story a writer has given you,” he explained. “The audience is another character in the play.

That’s why live theater is so exciting.”

Actors also have to be business managers.

“You have to treat it like a business,” he said. That includes keeping resumes and reels updated; working social networks; and learning to sow

seeds for future work. An actor should go to auditions, always, to stay in practice for auditioning. Staying physically fit is part of the work “because you have to have enough breath to get the line out.”

Physically fit means also keeping the mind sharp – after all, there are lines to be memorized.

“Simple things, like working Sudoku and crossword puzzles, it’s all important,” he said.

Sellars is also a musician.

He and Max Baker formed Eelwax Jesus in 1999, and have released four CDs and one single, all of which are available on iTunes. Music also helps keep the work coming, Sellars said.

He recalled a phone call from his mom.

“Write me a song,” she said.

“I want a song I can tap dance to" “So I wrote this piece, ‘Blues for Dorothy,’ and I recorded it for her. I’m in Opp for the Dance Review, and she pops out on stage with one of her senior class students dancing to this tune I wrote. I thought, ‘I must be dreaming this.’ It was like the Twilight Zone.”

Dorothy Sellars studied dance in New York City in the 1940s, and had a lifelong love for the city. In her 58 years of teaching dance, she regularly took her students there to study dance and to be exposed to history and culture. And yes, she did get to see her son perform in her beloved city.

“She and Dad came on their wedding anniversary to see me in West Side Story,” he said.

“It’s one of the most incredible things that ever happened to me. They were there, just a couple of proud parents.”

His advice anyone considering acting as a career? Try it.

“You get bitten,” he said. “If you’re an actor, you’ll know it. You’ll soon realize there is nothing else you want to do.”■

EAT + SHOP

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Cafe opens in One Eared Rabbit

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few years ago, Sharlyn Thomas and Dave Barger achieved their dream of opening an antiques shop and living over their store, when they opened the One Eared Rabbit in Florala.

Sharlyn was a real estate agent and Dave is retired from the military, but still works as a civilian on base.

The couple has found great success with the One Eared Rabbit, which has become a tourist attraction of sorts.

Local people, out-of-town travelers and everyone in between visit her store.

STORY, PHOTOS | KENDRA MAJORS

It was the tourist crowd that Sharlyn said made them take on their newest venture – a café.

“We get so much tourist traffic,” she said. “People are always asking us where they can get some good food. We decided to open up a café here.”

They will offer soups, salads, and hot Panini sandwiches.

Additionally, Sharlyn said they will have specialty coffees and ice creams.

The café opened Aug. 7.

They also hope to add wine.

“We’ve applied for a license,” she said.

Plans are also in the works to add an

outdoor eating area and expand as needed.

Currently, they can seat approximately 35 people.

The café has a vintage feel to it, Sharlyn said the décor and staging was all Dave.

“He is very good at decorating and staging,” she said. “We’ve been wanting to do this for about a year. It’s taken a couple of months to get together.”

The café will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. ■

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The new cafe inside of the One Eared Rabbit features a rustic design.

The photographs about show the seating from different viewpoints.

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Weed (second from left)) with the Alabama delgation.

PATH TO PEACE

Weed represents state at Episcopal youth event

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ising Andalusia High School senior Jonathan Weed recently was one of eight students who represented Alabama at Episcopal Youth Event in Oklahoma City. The church holds the event every three years so “that the energy of the youth of the Episcopal Church can continue to be utilized in active ministry.”

Almost 1,400 people from the United States and its territories participated. The theme, “Path to Peace,” was grounded in the Beatitudes as found in Matthew’s Gospel and is intended to serve as a call for participants to focus on peacemaking and the ways each member of the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement may pursue a path to peace.

“It really was just a blessing from God to be there with them, worshipping together as youth,” Weed said.

But it also was a learning experience designed to teach youth about the work of

STORY: MICHELE GERLACH | COURTESY PHOTO

the Episcopal Church, as well as to help them grow spiritually.

Weed chose to participate in an advocacy group, in which he learned how the church advocates for the less fortunate both in outreach, and by lobbying in Washington.

His second area of study was “Love God, Love your Neighbor,” and focused on the plights of refugees.

“I learned if you are really active in government, you can magnify your voice,” he said. “I also learned how the church is using its influence in Washington, especially on the issues of refugees and health care.”

Lobbying efforts, he said, encourage lawmakers to direct funding toward the needs addressed in the Bible – like orphans, the poor, and widows.

“On the refugee issue, what I learned was that I wasn’t very informed about the issue,” he said. “In Washington, this has

become so politicized that people don’t actually stop and realize that refugees are people God created, just like us.”

Representatives of the international organization Kids for Peace, including three teens from the Middle East spoke.

One was Jewish; another Muslim; and another Christian.

“It was just amazing to see believers of those three monotheistic religions come together as that group,” Weed said. “I really loved how the Episcopal Church brought them together, and seeing their perspectives.”

Presiding Bishop the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, also addressed the group.

“I could just listen to him for hours and hours,” Weed said. “The main idea for the sermon was if you’re a follower of Jesus, you can do anything, because God’s with you. I really loved it.”

The youth also visited museums to the American Cowboy, Native Americans,

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and the Oklahoma City bombing.

They also met a victim, a witness, and a responder from the Oklahoma City bombing, and held a candlelight vigil at the sight of the bombing.

Weed said being among so many young Episcopalians, and learning the power of the collective voice was an amazing experience for him.

The bottom line, Weed said, is, “We are all Christians. Our beliefs about different things are very different.”

Weed is active in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, in youth events in the diocese, participated in Happening in Panama City, and was a youth representative for the diocesan convention.

He is the son of Jon and Beth Weed, and has a twin sister, Catherine. He is a member of the senior company of Andalusia Ballet; plays saxophone in the AHS Sound Tradition; and is a member of the FCCLA at AHS. He hopes to pursue a career in broadcasting, but also is considering working with the Episcopal Church in Washington.

“And I’m sure God will get another idea in my head, too,” he said. ■

The trip included stops at the Native American Museum and Cowboy Museum.

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Healthy & hearty at home

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Gazpacho Cold tomato soup is a refreshing and nutritious dish on a hot summer day. Use as a first course, or serve with a sandwich or crusty French bread.

2 cucumbers, chopped and seeded 1 red onion, chopped 1 jalapeĂąo, diced 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and seeded 2 stalks celery, diced 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped

Combine all of the above ingredients in a blender and pulse until it is a rough puree. Then add: 2 TBS salt 1/3 cup olive oil 3 TBS red wine vinegar Pulse again. Chill and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Garnish with chopped onions, fresh avocado, or boiled shrimp.

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Continued from Page 28

Grilled fish with fresh vegetables Prep vegetables by chopping and tossing with extra virgin olive oil. You can use most anything in season – squash, carrots, new potatoes, asparagus or broccoli. When preparing this dish, I like to season the fish and the vegetables with Paul Prudhomme’s Seafood Magic seasoning blend.

Do the same thing with the fish – fresh salmon in this exam-

ple. Toss in olive oil and season. Grill the salmon approximately four minutes on each side. Start with the skin side down, the flip and remove the skin.

I enjoy grilling indoors on a Jenn Air, but you can do this outdoors, or on a simple George Foreman grill.

- Tom Gerlach

4274 West Main St. Dothan, AL 36305 (334) 793-2312

104 Medical Park Dr. Andalusia, AL 36420 (334) 427-5001

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snapshot

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Traveling toward Zion STORY, PHOTOS | BOB BROOKS

W

eather alerts, storm warnings, all schools in the State of Alabama were closed for a weather day and we headed out early, up I-65 to I-22 going north, then west to California. Once we got past Jasper, Ala., the weather was perfect. In no time at all we were going through the port city of Memphis, Tenn.

I began to notice the infrastructure of our great nation. I-22 from Birmingham to Memphis is perfect, new, and well drained.

Then the lack of funding begins to manifest itself.

I drove the first 12 hors all the way to Ft. Smith, Ark. The bridges, the railways … the commerce our country relies on all for our continuing success in almost all aspects of the economy. They all need our attention and our money now. The bridges in Memphis, while beautiful, are way past their prime and were not designed for the amount of freight that must cross that big Mississippi River going both ways. The Fed Ex volume alone is at a scale you just have to see to believe. Trains and boats and planes make Memphis one of the natural hubs for commerce in the world, and they deserve our attention now right now.

After a brief 19 hours on the road and 1,900 miles at an average speed of 73 miles per hour and 17 miles per gallon, we are here in Denver, Colo., at 2 a.m., ready for rest. What a wonderful trip so far, and it only got better.

We listened to 12 hours of a podcast, “S Town,” about Woodstock, Ala. We called friends from the west Alabama area and found out it was a true story. Later, I found out that Dr. Steve Hubbard, my acrossthe-street neighbor, actually had the main character, John B., as student in Centreville for senior English.

Just as we entered Colorado, (traveling at 85 mph), we were pulled over by the

Colorado State Patrol. The speed limit in Kansas is 80. Not in Colorado, it’s 75. So we were speeding.

He asked if we had been drinking. It was 1 p.m.

Did we have any guns or drugs?

I replied, “No, but I am 67, and I need to TT.” “What did you say,” he asked.

“I said, “I needed to pee.’ ” We could see the gas station. First civilization for miles and miles of nothing in Kansas. We broke out in laughter and he just gave us a warning ticket as fast as he could so that I could get some relief. I love my Loves truck stops. I wrote him a thankyou letter and sent him a gift from L.A. - Lower Alabama.

We awoke to a snow-covered world. It was 80 in Alabama, and 40 in Denver. It was nice to breathe some fresh, cold air.

In Alabama, we have the American Red Cross. In Denver, they have these Green Cross stores. Let’s go have a look inside.

You know how you can sample coffee at a coffee shop? Well, in the Green Cross store, you can sample cannabis; Mary Jane; marrwana. Sampling can affect my spelling. I have been in retail my whole life, but this is one unique retail store. Was I really here?

Denver’s population is both diverse and young. It is the place to live and their growth rate is explosive - a city on the move. The view of the city from the Red Rocks Amphitheater, as well as the history of all the famous acts that preformed there, make this a must see. It is a natural rock red formation that creates this huge amphitheater.

One the way back into the city, we noticed our left headlight was out. We went by a foreign auto repair, and for $18 and three minutes, they had us going again. Try doing that in Alabama.

As the sun goes to bed just over I-70, the snow begins to look softer. Quite a day. We cook buffalo burgers, go to bed, and get ready for an early departure on I-70 through Colorado, Utah, about seven National Parks, and a better, more beautiful sight around every turn.

Ten hours latter, we drive into Zion National Park. We have traveled 2,200 miles, and I have taken 300 photos. On the way, there are absolutely too many wonderful places to even begin to describe. Every kind of rock from sand stone to granite.

We stopped in Vail for fuel and food. We had great Italian food, and our waitress was married to a man from Tuscaloosa.

We drove through hundreds of small towns with speed limits of 40. Evan said, “Are these towns real? They look like paper houses all cut out and perfect.”

Cows, black cows, chicken houses, irrigation. One valley town was about 25 square miles. All the houses were well kept and had new roofs. Some were elegant.

The road would be straight as an arrow of 10 miles and them a 90 degree curve with a 7 percent grade that cut right through a mountain, or in a tunnel.

Alicia said, “Look at that trail.” It was I-70, 10 miles ahead of us.

It just kept getting better. Every color and size, and the scale was other-worldly.

“I-70” will be the name of my next country music song.

We saw mile-long coal trains, tunnels for cars, tunnels for people, walking trails, motor bike trails, and mule trails. Great place for IRS agents to retire.

It’s getting later in the day and Alicia goes on air uber and finds us a cabin in the woods at Zion. No running water, but lots of firewood and all the deer you will ever want to see. We build a camp fire and just enjoy the cool mountain air.

Then, on to Zion.

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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.

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