Summer 2014 South Alabama Living by Michele Gerlach

SUMMER 2014

take a last-minute

ROAD TRIP express yourself

WITH INK

kayak down the

PEA RIVER

PLUS, ICE CREAM FUN FOR THE FAMILY

2 south alabama living

Alabama’s Top City

When Charles Anderson chose the best cities in the country for his In Search of Eden list, he placed Andalusia 44th. It was the highest placement of any Alabama city. Anderson was looking for progressive communities that were aesthetically pleasing, had a moderate climate and their own identities.

Health care, schools, cost of living and quality of life were considered. And, Anderson said, community spirit matters. We are pleased to be recognized for something we knew all along - we live in a special place, our own little piece of Eden.

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

south alabama living 3

contents summer 2014 EDITORIAL Michele Gerlach Publisher Kendra Majors South Alabama Living Editor Bob Brooks Andrew Garner MAGAZINE DESIGN Kendra Majors ADVERTISING Ruck Ashworth Marketing director Mollie Riley Marketing consultant PRODUCTION Erin Johnson Graphic Designer PHOTOGRAPHY Andrew Garner, chief photographer Michele Gerlach Kendra Majors Jelani Moore

Welcome

Sweet summertime is in full force, and the kids are relishing the last few days before school begins. For those who are aching to take a lastminute vacation, we have a road trip that will be fun, while providing a learning experience for children. What better way to spend the summer than at Gantt Lake, where we found an amazing home on the lake built just for lake living? For those who are interested in getting inked, we found a local tattoo artist, who specializes in one-of-a-kind tattoo designs, and the shop is in a unique setting. In Florala, we found an intriguing art shop full of fun pieces for anyone. We discovered a restoration project like no other in neighboring Elba that keeps giving back to the community. Those up-to-date with popular lingo, will know what selfies are, and Uncle Bob takes us back more than 40 years to his first selfie. And what says summer more than ice cream? How about ice cream poolside? The children of the Star-News offer a different take on making homemade ice cream.

road trip, Page 14 funky art, Page 27

mansion on the lake, Page 31

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 tattoo craze, Page 17

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

twist on ice cream, Page 35 reviving Elba, Page 23

He’d seen it hundreds of times. This time, it happened to him. First Baptist Church pastor Dr. Fred Karthaus thought he had indigestion when he went to church one Sunday morning last February. But it had lasted long enough that he was concerned. When a retired nurse noticed him breaking out into a sweat, she insisted he go to the ER, and that trip to the Andalusia Regional Hospital likely saved his life. Fred’s blood work was good, but as a matter of precaution, he was admitted for observation. When he had a light heart attack, he was able to immediately get clot-busting drugs. After being transferred to Dothan, he learned that he had a 99 percent blockage in his left ventricle, and eventually had three bypasses. Now 50 pounds lighter and on an exercise routine, he’s been told he is a poster child for successful heart surgery, and he has no doubt that being in the right place at the right time saved his life. If you have symptoms, he said, see your doctor or go to the ER. “I was treated well at every level at ARH,” Fred said.

what to do 08/07 -- Mizell Gala, sponsored by the Mizell Memorial Hospital Foundation. Tickets are $50 each and entertainment will be comedian Rik Roberts. Tickets may be purchased at the hospital. 08/15 -- Fish Fry, sponsored by Meredith’ Miracles, 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

08/16-08/17 -- Annual Chamber of Commerce Dealership Sale and Andalusia Gun and Knife Show, held at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds. 08/22 -- Bayou Feast, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

08/23 -- Andalusia Ballet’s Pink Diamond Benefit, Church Street Cultural Arts Centre. Tickets, $50 per person, 7 p.m. 08/25 – Annual golf tournament, sponsored by the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce. Event will be held at the Andalusia Country Club, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

regional events 08/09 -- Jonathan Myrick Daniels Pilgrimage. A civil rights activist, Daniels was shot and died in Hayneville while protecting the life of Ruby Sales, an African American girl, in August of 1965. Events include Eucharist at the Lowndes County Courthouse. 08/7 - 08/10 -- World’s Longest Yard Sale -- A once-a-year, 690-mile shopping trip brings thousands of bargain hunters and treasure seekers on a trek through north Alabama for a shop ‘til you drop experience. The 28th annual World’s Longest Yard Sale is set for Aug. 7-10, 2014, and along with shopping, treasure hunting, and bargaining, there is plenty

of sightseeing to do along the 690-mile stretch that begins in Gadsden and travels along the Lookout Mountain Parkway through DeKalb County and into Chattanooga, Tenn. 08/15-08/24 -- Alabama Restaurant Week. Restaurants around the state, including many featured in the popular brochure “100 Dishes To Eat in Alabama Before You Die,” invite diners to experience the wonderful culinary scene of Sweet Home Alabama. Participating restaurants will offer specials throughout the week. 08/23-08/24 -- Black Belt Folk Roots

Festival. Held in Eutaw, the unique celebration brings together craftspeople, musicians, dancers, storytellers, food specialists, artists and community workers, all of whom are considered bearers of the traditions and folkways of the West Alabama region. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 09/18 -- The Moonlighters, sponsored by the Coffee County Arts Alliance. Featuring Big Band music, dinner and dance, including “I’ll be Seeing You,” “What’s New” and “Satin Doll.” The event will be held at the Enterprise Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.

south alabama living 7

south alabama scene

LBWCC FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER

1) Cathy, Olivia and Sophia Jones and Kevin and Chrissie Duffy pose for a picture at the LBWCC Foundation fundraiser; 2) Valarie and Patrick McCalman; 3) Corey Bryan, Chris Jackson and Dr. Jim Krudop; 4) Wes and Deidre Laird.

PHOTOS BY MICHELE GERLACH

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GRADUATION PARTY Linda Ward entertained Sydney Brunson and friends with a graduation party. 1) Sydney Bruson and Ali Jackson; 2) Kelsey Nix, Sydney Brunson, Ali Jackson and MereKatherine Riley. Front left, Erica Bernstein, Kat Dean, Sneha Bang and Tori Mack. 3) Sydney Brunson.

COURTESY PHOTO

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south alabama scene

WORSHIPPING AT WHATLEY STREET

1) Whatley Street youth served up the meal; 2) Billy Jo Stallworth “threatens” Dr. Daniel Shakespeare; 3) The male chorus sings; and 4) Erik McClain was all smiles as he helped serve at First Baptist Church Whatley Street pre-homecoming banquet. The speaker was John Carpenter. PHOTOS BY MICHELE GERLACH

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. WINGARD

Former Andalusia High School English teacher Joe Wingard was honored recently with a birthday celebration at Springdale. 1) Roger Powell presents Joe Wingard with a birthday gift. 2) Charlee Dunn holds Joe Wingard’s birthday cake as he blows out his candles. 3) First Baptist Church pastor Dr. Fred Karthaus and wife, Connie, enjoy conversation with Joe Wingard; 4) Jerri Stroud chats with Joe Wingard at his party. 5) Heather Reaves Harry and Maria Grice stopped by to see Joe Wingard. 6) Esther Barrow and Janette Carroll enjoy refreshments. PHOTOS BY ANDREW GARNER

Class of ‘72 honors Wingard on 70th

he Andalusia High School Class of 1972 honored their former English teacher, Joseph Cecil Wingard, with a reception in honor of his 70th birthday on Sun., July 27, 2014. More than 200 people called at Springdale and enjoyed a few of the honoree’s favorite foods, including cucumber sandwiches, tomato

sandwiches, cheese straws, and petit fours. Class of ’72 member Roger Powell entertained with a Top 10 list of why he should take over Mrs. Grundy’s column, which has been “conspicuously absent” from the Saturday Star-News in recent weeks as “Mrs. Grundy” – a.k.a. “Mr. Wingard” - has been traveling. Among Powell’s “Top 10

reasons why I am hijacking Mrs. Grundy,” were • No. 10 – “Because I can.” • No. 9 – That Venetian blind. “Seriously,” Powell said. “At least upgrade to plantation shutters.” • No. 8 – “Mrs. Grundy definitely needs a landscape architect and garden maker.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

Roger Powell entertains the crowd with his Top 10 list of why he should take over Mrs. Grundy’s column.

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“I had a great experience there” For the most part, Kelley Griggs had a great pregnancy. Then, at 35 weeks, her blood pressure went up. “I had pre-eclampsia,” she said. “I was really scared.” But Kelley said she and her husband, Barry, couldn’t have asked for better care and attention than they received in the Birthing Center at Andalusia Regional Hospital. The nurses, and especially Birthing Center nurse Tracy Cagle, were caring and attentive. “Tracy was like an angel,” Kelley said. “She had such a calming effect, and that made everything better.” Baby Syler Beck Griggs weighed 4 pounds and 13 ounces when Dr. Browning delivered her by C-Section at ARH. “I freaked out again, because Dr. Browning had told me I was having a 7 pound baby,” Kelley said. “But my blood pressure had cut off the blood flow to the placenta and she actually lost weight.” From the time she was induced, to the time she had a section, until she left the hospital with her tiny newborn, Kelley said the staff in the Birthing Center was reassuring and helpful. “They told me so many things about taking care of a baby that small,” she said. “If you are here, it make sense to have your baby in Andalusia,” Kelley said. “I had a great experience there.”

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E H T T I

D A O R

M T S A

E T U N I Willie Riedel and Sydney Brunson pose for a picture.

Follow the paths of famous Alabamians

ummer is winding down and school will be starting in a couple short weeks, and what better way to spend it than delving into some Alabama history while taking the family on a road trip they’ll not soon forget? The State of Alabama’s Tourism Department has created a list of Alabama Road Trips, and South Alabama Living’s suggestion is road trip No. 29: Famous Alabamians Hometown Heroes Road Trip. The trip spans more than 200 miles of Alabama’s highways and brings travelers into contact with traditions of some of the state’s most notable people. The road trip begins in Mobile, home of legendary Henry “Hank” Aaron, Mardi Gras and Moon Pies. Visit the Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum located at the home stadium of the Mobile BayBears, which features seven rooms and hundreds of artifacts about the athlete and his professional baseball career. Aaron played 23 years as an oufielder for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves in which he set many records. He was also inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. Journey five miles down the road to the Confederate home of Rear Adm. and Brig. Gen. Raphael Semmes, who was the captain of the CSS Alabama. Next travel 104 miles to Georgiana, to visit the land where Hank Williams learned to play guitar at the Hank Williams Boyhood Home and Museum. Continue your travels up I-65 to Montgomery and head downtown to visit the Hank Williams Museum, which contains photographs, clothing, and more collectible memorabilia, including the 1952 baby blue Cadillac Hank was traveling in when he died. Walk three blocks to visit the museum that pays tribute to Rosa Parks. The

museum is located on the site where Parks was arrested in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat to white passengers on a city bus. The Rosa Parks Museum and Library and Children’s Wing chronicles the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Civil Rights Movement. A mere six blocks away lies Dexter Avenue, where the Alabama State Capitol sits, and where you’ll find history that encompasses both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Adjacent to the Capitol is the First White House of the Shown is Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. Confederacy and home to Confederate which Lionel Ritchie grew up and still President Jefferson Davis and family, calls home. when Montgomery served as capital of Check out the Tuskegee Institute the southern states. National Historic Site, which features the Just down Dexter, you’ll find Dexter George Washington Carver Museum and Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, The Oaks, where President Booker T. where Martin Luther King Jr., Washington and family lived during the preached of hope and brotherhood and formative years of Tuskegee Institute. rose to prominence in the midst of the Don’t forget to visit the Tuskegee Civil Rights Movement. Chapel and the gravesites of Washington Don’t miss a chance to run your hands and Carver. through the water of the Civil Rights Check out the Tuskegee Human and Memorial, located a block behind the Civil Rights Multicultural Center, which church. also serves as the visitor center for Up the road 35 miles on I-85 lies Tuskegee and Macon counties. a museum dedicated to Booker T. Also, take a chance to soar with the Washington, George Washington Red Tails at the Tuskegee Airmen Carver and the Tuskegee Airmen. National Historic Site. Additionally, visitors have the For a complete list of road trips, visit opportunity to see the private residence in http://alabama.travel/road-trips. ¢

STORY BY KENDRA MAJORS | PHOTOS BY ANDREW GARNER

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Act F.A.S.T. M

oments before Veronica Wallace collapsed at her desk, her daughter told her she sounded thick-tongued, and her coworkers noted that something wasn’t quite right. Fortunately, Veronica’s co-workers reacted quickly, getting her to Andalusia Regional Hospital, where she was screened for a stroke. “It looked like she Check these was having one,” warning signs of stroke said ARH emerF – Facial Symmetry gency room nurse (Look for changes) manager, Amy HerA – Arm strength (Check for weakness) rington. “We were S – Speech (Is it able to give her tPA, slurred) and saw a T – Time reversal of symptoms in a few minutes.” tPA is a “clot buster” medication that breaks up clots in the body. There are risks involved, Herrington said, so there are strict criteria to follow before the drug can be administered. As part of the new Alabama Stroke Network, ARH is one of few emergency rooms in the area which can administer the drug. Fortunately for Veronica, she got tPA at just the right time. “They kept me for 24 hours and sent me home,” Veronica said. Her only lingering symptom was a mild weakness on one side, and she has begun physical therapy at ARH. tPA, she said, “was another gift from God.”

Dr. Stephen Bernstein; Jeremy Cottle, RN; Veronica Wallace; and ER nurse manager Amy Herrington

Tattoo craze

Tattoo, piercing industry takes off

dentity. Creativity. Selfexpression. Tattoos and piercings are an ever-growing craze sweeping the nation. In Clearview, husband and wife team John and Tanis Davis make a living working to put tattoohopefuls’ ideas to a creative form of ink or help satisfy a piercing dream for many. Tanis, who serves as Camillion Ink’s body piercer, said the most popular piercings include belly button, dermals, nose rings, cartilage and tragus. Nose piercings are placed anywhere along the curve of the

nostril. Growing in popularity are tragus piercings, she said. “It really helps with migraines,” she said of the piercing of the tough fold of cartilage that sticks out away from the ear, at the entrance of the ear canal. Tanis said a growing fad is dermal piercing, which is also known as microdermal piercing. Dermal piercing is different from regular body piercing in which only one end of the piercing is visible on the surface of the skin and the other end is embedded into the dermal layer of skin. In the tattoo department, self-

taught tattoo artist John said he hates doing standard tattoos that “everyone else has.” “I like for things to be more original,” he said. “I think it really limits the artist’s ability to have something that everyone else has. You get a lot better work when the artist can be creative.” John said when customers come in looking for a tattoo they’ve seen somewhere, he tries to talk them into choosing something more unique. “You don’t want to go into a tattoo parlor and pick something off the wall,” he said. “You can give me your idea, I’ll draw it up and

STORY BY KENDRA MAJORS | PHOTOS BY ANDREW GARNER

tweak it to what you want.” Tanis said that Pinterest is their worst enemy, sometimes. “If people have a certain budget and a certain idea we can take it and make it the best,” John said. “That way, they can get more of a tattoo for their money. It’s an artist thing.” So, what are the best and worst places to get a tattoo? The duo say the feet, inner thigh and sternum are the worst. “Any place were there is fat, it hurts,” Tanis said. “Muscle isn’t bad.” In recent years, tattoo shows have hit television and have helped the craze spread like wildfire. “We get requests for unrealistic stuff,” she said.

John added that you can make a tattoo look 3-D, but that TV has sensationalized tattoos so much. John said he could make a lot more money somewhere else, but he wanted to provide locals with a place to get tattoos here that had quality, safe work. “We have our loyals,” he said. John said he got into the business when he got tired of paying for them himself. “I was always an artist,” he said. Tanis said it was six years ago that the family took a big leap of faith for John to come home and live his dream. “I’ve never been to a tattoo shop like this one,” John said. “People just come out here and hang out and give their opinions on tattoos.

It’s a family-oriented business.” Their busiest time of the year is income tax season, when John and Tanis say their appointments fill up quickly. With the craze, Tanis said people are now giving gift certificates for tattoos at Christmas and Valentines Day. “It’s an art form,” she said. “What used to be taboo is now normal. Ten years ago, it wasn’t like this.” John said he has tattooed everyone from teachers to preachers to doctors and lawyers. The business is open Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. It is located on Hwy. 29 north in Clearview. ¢

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REVIVING ELBA

Justin Maddox and Philip Box pose inside the shop of Pea River Outdoors.

Restoration projects for betterment of Elba

alk to nearly anyone in Small Town, USA, and chances are you’ll find that most wish their towns to be a more profitable place. An Elba trio is putting their money where their mouths are, so to speak, and has formed a non-profit organization to help revive the city, called Restoration 154. The goal of the project is to give back to the community. Restoration 154, which includes founders Philip Box and Justin Maddox, along with Laurie Chapman, is working to better the community in which they live. Two summers ago, Pea River Outdoors was born in response to interest from city

leaders capitalizing on the Pea River. Now the bustling business has a canoe and kayak shop near the boating dock on the river, which runs through the town. “The river is under utilized,” Maddox said. “You’d be surprised at the people who have never been on the river. I had only gone out there once or twice until about five years ago.” Those who wish to take a kayak or canoe excursion are taken 9.5 miles to Weeks Bridge and then they float down the river to the boat landing. For the athletic, Maddox said if you paddle hard the journey is about four hours, while others take their time. There are sand bars and some mini rapid areas.

“It’s a pretty easy float,” he said. They are open by appointment during the week and from 7 a.m. until dusk on Saturdays. “We stay until the last boat is in,” Box said. Team members said they have the business stable enough to place on the market. “Our goal is to sell things as they become stable to free up the money to reinvest in the community,” Box said. Another project the team is tackling is restoring the old downtown theater. To continue the theater project, the organization needs $250,000. “There was a lot of demolition to make it workable,” Box said. “We are going

STORY BY KENDRA MAJORS | PHOTOS BY JELANI MOORE

south alabama living 25

Jelani Moore, an Auburn University student spending the summer in Elba, as part of the AU Living Democracy project, shows off a turtle he caught.

to reconstruct the concession stands. We want to have the funding in place before we start.” As a kickstart to the project, the group is selling seats for the theater. There will be 154 seats to go along with the dual meaning of Restoration 154, which stands for 154 projects they plan to do as a nonprofit and also the 154 miles of the Pea River. The price has not yet been set for the chairs. Box said those who purchase a seat,

will receive recognition for their hand in the project. Once completed, they plan to show new movies, and classics such as “Grease” in which they plan to couple with a car show on the town’s square. Additionally, the plan is to have a stage in which they can have some live shows, and also show independent movies. “The reason we’re doing these 154 projects is that we are interested in making Elba a better place,” Box said.

“We want it to be a destination, not a thoroughfare.” Another project the group has been involved in is a mural painted on the wall near My Happy Place at the corner of Davis Street and Factory Street in downtown Elba. They are currently planning a community giving garden for the fall. “This is a new project planned to get under way for the fall,” Box said. “Some of it has already been plowed.” ¢

26 south alabama living

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FUNKY ART

Florala art shop offers array of items

ith the wind blowing the rain into her hair, the Lady Pirate statue outside of ArtFunkel’s in Florala was right at home. The lady buccaneer is one of several different items that store owner Kitty McFatter has been selling to customers for almost a year. “We have a little bit of everything,” McFatter said. McFatter isn’t joking. Plastered among the walls and shelves throughout the store is a smorgasbord of items created by area, local and regional artists. “All of the art in here, except three of the pieces, are original, which is kind of

cool,” McFatter said. “That goes all the way down to my goat’s milk soap, a local girl does that; and I’ve got a girl from Crestview who does my soy candles.” While ArtFunkel’s opened in August 2013, the story of how it started came when McFatter saw a woman working on the outside of the store. “One day I saw her working on the outside, and I stopped and asked what she was doing,” McFatter said. “She told me she was opening a gallery shop. I asked if I could bring my art in to the shop.” McFatter said the lady — Julie Sims — said it would be fine, but after two years, the store hadn’t open like planned. “So, last August, I had a booth space in DeFuniak Springs (Fla.), and I was on my

STORY, PHOTOS | ANDREW GARNER Previous page: Kitty McFatter, owner of Art Funkel’s, shows off her shop.

way home,” the store owner said. “For me, I know it was a God thing because He just basically told me, ‘you need to find out.’ I was like, ‘OK.’ I stopped next door, her tenant gave me her number and I called her. Unfortunately, she had just been diagnosed with cancer.” McFatter said she asked Sims about the shop and that she was told that it had been her “dream” to open it for five years, and that she couldn’t make it happen. “I asked whether I could take a look at it,” McFatter said. Upon first inspection, the store needed some work, but it was what was in the inside that really sold McFatter on the idea to eventually make a deal with Sims to take ownership of the store with

south alabama living 29

Shown are different pieces available for sale at Art Funkel’s.

all of the items that had been in it for so many years. “I came in the back door, and saw all of the colors she had,” McFatter said. “The general theme she had going reminded me of what you’d find on 30A. I’m from Destin (Fla.) originally, and I thought, ‘oh my gosh, I can do this.’” Once McFatter got the store in full operation, Sims came to visit twice before she lost her battle with cancer. It was like Sims gave her blessing on the store, McFatter said. The store, which is located inside of an old house, is divided into four separate rooms. Inside each room is a different theme with items correlating to the theme. For example, the entrance room of the store is called the “Coastal” room. There are many items — paintings, furniture, figures, etc. — that pertain to the sea. Everything in the store is done by artists. Some items are sold on a consignment basis, where the artists get 60 percent of the profit, and the store earns 40 percent. “The art, as far as the original art, I pretty much let the artists tell me what their bottom line is because they know how much time they have in it, what materials they have in it,” McFatter said. “They need to tell me what their bottom line is. If I can add on top of that and still sell it, I’m perfectly happy with that. I’m not in it make a bazillion dollars. I’m in it mostly to have a good time.” Items in the store include, but aren’t limited to, earrings, necklaces, tables, decorative mirrors, paintings, painted guitars, lamps, art pieces, pottery, bird houses, ceramics, metal work, candles, sea shells, tiles, crosses, old dresses, assorted pieces, signs and window ornaments. “We try to stay away from typical retail,” McFatter said. “I want one-of-a-kind, unusual; nothing made in China.” ArtFunkel’s, located on Hwy. 331 S., just north of Paxton, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. ¢

WRITING ANDALUSIA’S

HISTORY

Book to hit shelves in August

hose who love history have something to look forward to in August. That’s when Andalusia by Kristy Shuford White is due from the printer. White, who teaches English at LBW and is a community volunteer extraordinaire, authored the book for the Covington Historical Society. The history of Andalusia is told largely in images, and the story begins in 1841 when floods and mosquito fever drove settlers away from the original Montezuma on the Conecuh River to higher ground. The new site was named Andalusia. White said she relied on the works of historians Wyley Ward, Gus J. Ryan, George Sidney Waits Jr., Polly W. Waits, Sue Bass Wilson, and Solon Dixon as told to John Burgess. The books will be available at Darby’s, David’s Catfish and the Lower Alabama Arts Coalition, and at least two special events will celebrate the publication. The Andalusia Ballet will host an “Art Supporting Art” event at the Church Street Cultural Arts Centre beginning at 2 p.m. on Sept. 7. A presentation about the book is planned for the Covington Historical Society meeting at 7

e, wil rd Whit

ok sia, a bo Andalu

month. es next lv e h s it the

ufo risty Sh K y b n e ritt

p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 25. Those interested in hosting a book signing or having a program about the book can contact White at 334-4881770.

White also coauthored Nurturing Spirits: Lurleen Burns Wallace and LBW Community College. ¢

STORY BY MICHELE GERLACH | COURTESY PHOTO

31 south alabama living

Mansion ON THE Lake

32 south alabama living

Above: The den features an amazing view of Gantt Lake. Left: The lakeside entrance features wrought iron hand rails, and a spectacular patio and outdoor kitchen area.

Custom home made for lake living

own a small dirt road in the Valley of Shiloh lies a mansion fit for a king, or at least a dream for the Godwins. Built in 2007, its contemporary feel, complete with nearly any amenity imaginable, gives off warm and inviting charm. The views from throughout the home are truly dazzling. A second home to Godwin Material owners Jerry and Ann Godwin, the 4,600 square foot house features coffered ceilings in the den, and remarkable tray ceilings in the bedrooms, dining room and master sitting area, and bamboo floors throughout. Inside the home’s custom kitchen is a handcrafted iron window that is a masterpiece in itself. The home features stainless steel

appliances and double ovens, a drawer microwave and a walk-in pantry. Custom cabinetry is a highlight of the entire home, from a mahogany outside bar to the bathroom vanities. Down the hall, the first floor powder room boasts a handcrafted vanity, which features intricate metal roses wound around it. High-end doors and arches with extra height are an added bonus. In the den, family and friends can enjoy a spectacular view of Gantt Lake, while enjoying a custom ceiling fan that complements the interior design of the room. The second floor houses two bedrooms complete with a balcony perfect for catching the summer rays and experiencing the majestic views. Each room has its own bonus room for

guests. Up another flight of stairs is a third floor bonus room. There’s even a laundry room on both the first and second floors. Outside, the front porch highlights include a beautiful atrium. A large sitting area, an outside kitchen, complete with a kegerator, are among the highlights of the home’s back porch. Wrought-iron rails add character to the steps leading down to the boathouse. At the boathouse, family and friends gather to watch Alabama football, while enjoying the waters. Real estate agent MaryAlyce Outlaw said the property includes a cement seawall, 125 feet of waterfront and has a single lift for boats.¢

STORY BY KENDRA MAJORS | PHOTOS BY ANDREW GARNER

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Top: The master bathroom features a two-person jetted tub. Left: The powder room downstairs is complete with a custom-made vanity. Above: The outdoor kitchen is a perfect way to enjoy the lake life.

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35 south alabama living

, m a e r c s u o Y , m a e I scr AM

E R C E C I R O F M A E R C ALL S

STORY BY MICHELE GERLACH | PHOTOS BY MICHELE GERLACH AND KENDRA MAJORS Cammeyun Love, Kenleigh Bolling, Sawyer Bell and Cadariyus Love enjoy making ice cream sundaes poolside.

e v a f e m i t r e m m u s a n o st

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twi

ot much says “summertime” more than homemade ice cream, so we made a batch of vanilla and had a Sunday Sundae party for children of Star-News employees. For toppings, we filled jelly jars with sprinkles, gummy bears, Mike and Ike’s, praline pecans (see recipe), M&Ms, Butterfinger pieces, and Teddy Grahams. Sprinkles were the overwhelming favorites among the youngsters. Toppings can also be prettily displayed in sundae dishes. But jelly jars work better for youngsters – less chance of toppling the toppings. They also double as storage containers when the party is over. This is an old-fashioned, stirred custard ice cream recipe from The Southern Living Cookbook, 1987 edition, a go-to resource for all things traditional and Southern. VANILLA ICE CREAM SPECTACULAR

5 cups milk 2 1/4 cups sugar ¼ cup plus 2 TBS all-purpose flour 5 eggs, beaten 4 cups half-and-half 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract

Heat milk in a large saucepan over low heat until hot. Combine sugar, flour and salt; gradually add sugar mixture to milk, stirring until blended. Cook over medium heat 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly. Gradually stir about one-fourth of hot mixture into beaten eggs; add to remaining hot mixture, stirring constantly. Cook one minute; removed from heat, and let cool. Chill at least two hours. Combine half-and-half and vanilla in a large bowl; add chilled custard, stiring with a wire whisk. Pour into freezer can of a 1-gallon, freezer. Freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. Let ripen 1/12 to 2 hours. Yield: 1 gallon. PRALINE PECAN TOPPING Melt ½ stick of butter or margarine with about 2 TBS of brown sugar in a skillet. Stir until melted, then add about ¼ cup of pecans. Stir for about five minutes until pecans are coated. Allow to cool on a plate, then break apart to serve. LET THE KIDS MAKE ICE CREAM THEMSELVES This is a simpler recipe and process that lets children get hands-on making ice cream.

Cadaryius Love has fun shaking his mixture into ice cream.

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup half & half 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla (or to your taste) 1 gallon-size Ziploc bag 1 sandwich size DOUBLE Ziploc bag 6 tablespoons of ice cream salt DIRECTIONS 1. Prepare ice bag first. Fill gallon-size double Ziploc bag halfway full of ice cubes. Add in salt, toss ice around in bag, and set aside to chill. 2. In smaller bag, add in half and half, whipping cream, vanilla, sugar and combine well by shaking bag. Let sugar dissolve. 3. Put smaller bag into larger bag. Shake 10 minutes for soft ice cream, or you can put it in the freezer for three hours for a firm ice cream. Enjoy single-serve ice cream that you can eat out of the bag, or cut the tip off of the Ziploc bag to “pipe” the ice cream out of the bag into a bowl onto cookies.

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Clockwise from top: Tommy Gerlach assists Cadaryius and Cammeyun Love in selecting toppings for their sundaes; Kenleigh Bolling reacts to the coldness of her ice cream; Sawyer Bell samples her creation; and Colin Bell samples his first ice cream cone.

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Ballet fundraiser features pink diamonds

hink pink. Think diamonds. Think champagne. The Andalusia Ballet’s annual auction fundraiser – the Pink Diamond Benefit - will have several new twists this year, including a fun way to win a diamond. The auction is moving to the Church Street Cultural Arts Centre. Artistic director and founder Meryane Murphy said the Ballet is delighted to again partner with Christopher’s to make the event sparkle even more. “Chris and Donna Lawrence are partnering with us to provide a 1.02 carat pink diamond, and 99 pink CZs,” she said. A stone will be placed in each of the 100 glasses of champagne that will be available for sale at the

auction. With the purchase, champagne sippers will win either the diamond or a CZ. Among the live auction items are • A seven-day stay at Five Palms Beach House in Destin. The five bedroom, four bath home has a private pool. The package was donated by Roy Mohon. • Commissioned architectural art by Roger Powell. • A portrait package by Vicki Popwell. • Harbuck knives • Auburn and Alabama football tickets. • Orthodontics by Three Notch Orthodonics. There also will be a silent auction. Tickets are $50 per person, the event is set for 7 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 23.

Champagne sippers will be available for purchase at the Pink Diamond Benefit. Those who purchase them will win either a pink diamond or a CZ.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

• No. 6 – “Daughters o the American Revolution and Sons of Confederate Veterans? Oh, Puleeze! How many of them can be living?” • No. 5 – “Petit fours. It’s CAKE!” Powell said. “Besides, I’ve never seen just four. • No. 4 – “Not only is she a snoop, she’s a snob, eating at her fine dining restaurants. Why, I wait in long lines at Mr. Henry’s, Burger King, and Kangaroo just to be seen and

written up.: • No. 3 – “Between Mrs. Grundy and the Star-News’ Episcopalian editor, the Baptist and Whiskeypalians get more than their share of press. You may have noticed the Presbyterians had a front page article recently. We may be the frozen chosen, but we are throwing it out there.” • No. 2 – “I just can’t talk about it.” • No. 1 – “Mrs. Grundy

Her garden is sadly overgrown with oxalis, sweet William, foxgloves, winter jasmine, forget-me-nots, rose of Sharon, lorapetalum, pussy willow, japonica, cleome, allysiums, stokesia, and kiss-me-at-thegate, just to name a few. “Thin it out!” • No. 7 - “Mysterian … baskoteer – Baraca … Those aren’t even real words.”

singlehandedly contributed to the rise in cremations and closed casket funerals locally. If you want to write about my funeral finery, I’m wearing it today.” Powell said he would write under the pseudonym “Mrs. Grumpy.” The class also presented Wingard with a gift.

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scrapbook

UNCLE BOB’S SELFIE

The times, they are a changing. Robert Cornelius took the first self portrait in 1839 using a daguerreotype. Cornelius was an amateur chemist and photography enthusiast from Philadelphia. My own first self portrait – now known as a “selfie” - was taken in 1969 with a Yashika 35 mm camera, using Tri-X black and white film. I was looking into the bathroom mirror at the Sigma Nu house in Tuscaloosa. I was 19. I developed the film and printed the photo, myself, in the college darkroom at Woods Quad at the University of Alabama. Forty-five years go by so fast. Thank you for my being born and able to live in South Alabama. What a sweet, sweet ride. BY BOB BROOKS

Industrial Scrap & Demolition Roll off Container Service James Jones, Jim Jones, and the late Brown Jones