South Alabama Living

south alabama living

HOLIDAY 2017

ALL THINGS HOLIDAY FOOD FASHION CANDYLAND DECOR

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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 holiday '17

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

Fudge Page 16

Michelle Uriegas MAGAZINE DESIGN Kendra Majors ADVERTISING Ruck Ashworth Marketing director Jill Prevett Special projects PRODUCTION Kendra Majors Creative Director PHOTOGRAPHY Michele Gerlach Lacy Stinson Josh Dutton Sincerely Shawna Photography Andrew Garner 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,

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Andalusia.

It may just be the merriest and jolliest place in South Alabama.

Candyland will soon kick off.

In this edition of South Alabama Living, we have searched and found some local gifts that are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face on your Christmas list.

We are featuring Margo Russell’s amazingly crafted unique angels.

Take a drive down Hwy. 55 to Florala and grab a pound or two of the unique fudge made at Jackson’s Corner.

Andalusia’a Beth Wilkes has exquisite embroidered items from which to choose. Decorative pillows, pillowcase, napkins, blankets and so much more.

Lynn Starnes has ornaments from which to choose and there’s much to be seen at the Gallery’s Merry Market.

Vanessa Nelson makes handmade garland made from greenery of pine, cedar and magnolia.

We also ventured to Cay X’s home where her home was decorated to the nines ready for Christmas.

And what Christmas in Andalusia would be complete without the Andalusia Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker.”

We spent some time interviewing the Claras.

Who says you have to go out of town to get fashionable winter clothes? Local retailers shared with us their favorites from this season.

Christmastime is the perfect time to have a holiday party. We have two appetizers that are sure to be a hit with any crowd.

Merry Christmas y’all!

Embroidery, Page 19

Andalusia, AL 36420

Margo's Angels, Page 14

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what to do Nov. 30 - ANDALUSIA CHRISTMAS PARADE, Theme “Silver Screen Christmas” Holiday Movies, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 - LBWCC ENSEMBLE will host “Sound of the Saints” fall concert at 11 a.m. in the Martha and Solon Dixon center.

Dec. 1 - CAROLS AND CONCERTS, 7 p.m., Springdale, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 - LUNCHEON PILOT CLUB OF ANDALUSIA - CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Advance tickets, $10, at Harold’s and Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets available day of tour at this year’s hospitality center, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

Dec. 8, 9, & 10 - THE ANDALUSIA BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER. Dec. 8th, 9th at 7:30 p.m. & 10th at 2:30 p.m.

Andalusia, 2-4 p.m.

Dec. 16 - COCOA AND CHARACTERS, Springdale, sponsored by Meredith’s Miracles.

4-6 p.m.

Dec. 19 - 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COVINGTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 10 a.m. U.S. District Judge Harold Albritton will be the guest speaker.

Dec. 8-10 - HARMONY BAPTIST CHURCH host its 8th annual re-enactment of the “Walk Through Live Nativity” from 6 to 8 p.m.

Dec. 19 – WHEN CHRISTMAS FEELS BLUE, a service for those who have experienced loss or feel sad at Christmas, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 - CAROLS AND CONCERTS, 7 p.m., Springdale, 7 p.m.

Dec. 22 - CAROLS AND CONCERTS, 7 p.m., Springdale, 7 p.m.

Dec. 2 - PILOT CLUB OF ANDALUSIA Pancake Breakfast in the Kiwanis Community Center, 5:30 a.m. until noon, all you can eat.

Tickets are $7.

Dec. 9 - SANTA ON THE SQUARE, Andalusia, 2-4 p.m.

Dec. 23 - SANTA ON THE SQUARE, Andalusia, 2-4 p.m.

Dec. 9 - THE FLORALA CHRISTMAS PARADE will be at 5 p.m. in downtown Florala.

The theme is“Christmas Dream and Memories.”

Dec. 26 – JO’S COMMUNITY DINNERS, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Andalusia, 11a.m. -1 p.m. For more information call 334-427-0023

Dec. 2 - RED LEVEL CHRISTMAS PARADE will be at 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 15-16-17, LIVE NATIVITY at Westview Baptist Church in Opp, 6 until 9 p.m.

Dec. 29 - CAROLS AND CONCERTS, 7 p.m., Springdale, 7 p.m.

Dec. 2 - BREAKFAST WITH SANTA will be at the L&N Depot in Opp from 8-11 a.m. There will be pancakes, sausage, and a drink for $5.

Dec. 15 - CAROLS AND CONCERTS, 7 p.m., Springdale, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 – ANNUAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE banquet, Kiwanis Community Center.

Dec. 1 - THE OPP CHRISTMAS PARADE will be held in downtown Opp at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 2 – ANDALUSIA CIVITAN CLUB HOLIDAY HALF MARATHON AND 5K, 7:30 a.m. Registration on ChronoTrack.com.

Dec. 2 - SANTA ON THE SQUARE, Andalusia, 2-4 p.m.

Dec. 16 - SANTA ON THE SQUARE,

regional events Dec. 1 -- The Troy Arts Council is pleased to present the SHELIA JACKSON AND COMPANY HOLIDAY CONCERT featuring the vocal stylings of Shelia Jackson and her talented friends from throughout the Wiregrass., 7 p.m. Admission $10. Johnson

Center for Arts.

Dec. 10 – VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT LANDMARK PARK, Dothan, 1 – 4 p.m.

Sip hot apple cider or hot chocolate while listening to Christmas carols and visiting with Santa. Enjoy old fashioned desserts, syrup

making, arts and crafts, music, wagon rides and handmade decorations. Free admission.

Jan. 18 - Rumours of Fleetwood Mac – A Tribute Show, sponsored by the Coffee County Arts Alliance, 7 p.m., Elba High School.

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news + notes

Four homes on annual tour T he Andalusia Luncheon Pilot Club will hold its annual Tour of Homes on the afternoon of Sun.,

Dec. 3.

Featured homes include: • Dr. Rob and Michelle Garver 1205 Youpon Drive • Richard and Deborah Holt 400 Academy Drive

• Jeremy Hunt and Teresa Hunt 1407 East Three Notch Street

• Dwayne and Rita Scroggins 575 Plantation Drive (Ashley Pointe)

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church will serve as the hospitality center.

The church, which is located at 1307 E Three Notch, will have nativities on display, and will serve refreshments.

Tickets are $10, and area available in advance from the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, Harold’s Furniture, or any Luncheon Pilot Club Member.

Tickets will be available at St. Mary’s the day of the event.

The event is set for 1:30 until 4:30 p.m.

Call 222-7770 for more information.■

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south alabama scene

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PURPLE LOTUS FUNDRAISER

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Sean Dietrich was the guest speaker at the Bethesda House's fundraiser, Purple Lotus. 1) Amanda Barefoot, Shannon Reeves, Jason Fore ; 2) Gayle and Gerald Mitchell and Cindy Howard; 3) Sean Dietrich signs books for Harriett and Steve Hubbard; 5) Amy Herrington, Debra Gamble, Chelsea Roberts and Cindy Howard; 5) Kaya Bust 6) Cindy Howard and Amy Herrington.

COURTESY PHOTOS

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south alabama scene

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FULL TUMMY PROJECT

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The Full Tummy Project recently held a "Dance and Donate" fundraiser at the Andalusia Country Club. he organization discreetly provides children who are food insecure foods that are easy to prepare so that they will not be hungry on weekends. 1) Amanda and Cory Wise; 2) Mitch and Lesley Thorn. 3) Katie and Parrish King; 4) Cody and Breanna Warren 5) Jason and April Thrower.

SINCERELY SHAWNA PHOTOGRAPHY

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south alabama scene

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FULL TUMMY 1) Bentley Taylor, Courtney Patterson, Helen Anne Alverson, Lesley Thorn, Meg Maynor and Aubrey McKee. 2) Brittany and Casey Teel 3) Skylar York, Mary Morgan Pierce, Adeline Fischer.

4) Daniel and Laura Wells 5) Helen Anne and William Alverson 6) Hunter and Ginny Grimes SINCERELY SHAWNA PHOTOGRAPHY

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south alabama scene

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DRIVE-IN BIRTHDAY Greenie McKee's friends were invited to Greenie's Drive-In on the occasion of her fourth birthday.

Greenie's mom, Aubrey, created the personalized cars from cardboard boxes, and the guests watched a big screen erected in the yard after getting refreshments from the concession stand. Clockwise from above: 1) The birthday girl with her grandmother, who surprised her at the drive-in.

2) Guests enjoy movie popcorn in their personal cars.

3) Children "drove" their cars to the theater.

4) Bay, Cape and Banks Merrell helped with the party.

5) The drive-in 6) The concession stand COURTESY PHOTOS

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south alabama living

the POWER of

Being Safe

You can’t tell if a downed power line is energized.

Treat every power line as if it’s dangerous until utility crews arrive on the scene. Stay far away — and keep others away. Take the safest action and call 911 for help. That’s the power of being safe.

Energizing Safety For Our Lives

GIVE THE GIFT OF NEWS FOR CHRISTMAS. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 334-222-2402.

Enjoy Today.

We Have Solutions For All Your Tomorrows.

1417 MLK, Jr. Expressway • Andalusia 503 Main St. • Opp 334.493.2265

The power of independence.

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Get your subscription to South Alabama Living TODAY! CALL LISA AT 222-2402.

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SPREAD THE JOY

COVINGTON HANDMADE GIFTS

south alabama living

Margo's Angels

Fudge from Sweet Spot Cafe

Lynn's Ornaments

Beth Wilkes' Creations

Merry Market

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MARGO'S

angels

Mexican folk art inspired local artist

It was a piece of Mexican folk art that inspired local artist Margo Russell to begin creating angels.

“I was visiting my former classmate, Ron Yrabedra, and I saw these angels on his window sill,” she recalled. “They were from Mexico.

“Ron’s Hispanic, and I’m Hispanic, so I was interested in them.”

Russell hand builds the angels with red clay, then fires them. They are whitewashed, she adds facial and other designs. She began making them in 2015, and creates more each Christmas by request.

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For over 15 years, we have been your neighborhood drugstore. We are proud to offer low prices on a wide selection of products and the caring personalized service you just will not nd at other drugstore chains. We are proud to have two locations to serve you better.

“Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family”

David & Laura Darby

A caring pharmacy when you need it most.

Village Pharmacy M-F 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

301A E. Three Notch • Andalusia

222-8825

Medical Center Pharmacy Drive Thru M-F 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m 822A S. Three Notch St. • Andalusia

582-3784

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LOCAL GIFTS

FRESH FUDGE

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Jackson's Corner offers fresh confectioneries

J

ackson’s Corner in Florala boasts antiques and collectibles, but is also home to another old-fashioned treat – a fudge shop.

“We started the Sweet Spot Café because we’ve seen the success of fudge,” Gina Hendriks, owner of Jackson’s Corner said, “We love making it,” The Sweet Spot Café boasts numerous flavors of fudge, from Dark Chocolate Jalapeno to Red Velvet, Carrot Cake, and Salted Nut Roll.

“We purchased our kettle in June of

STORY: LACY STINSON | PHOTOS: JOSH DUTTON

2016,” Hendriks said, “Since then, it’s been popular.”

Fudge making is a tedious process, with a lot of mixing to ensure the right amount of butter and cream, and enough stirring so that the fudge will not be too soft.

“We let our fudge sit for at least 24 hours in the pan,” Hendriks said, “If not, it will be too soft,” “If you were looking to preserve your fudge, you can freeze it for up to six months,” Hendriks said.

You can purchase a quarter pound of

fudge for $3.69 or a pound for $12.99.

There is even an option to purchase it online and have it shipped.

“You can personalize your flavors as well, but you’d have to buy a whole slab,” Hendriks said.

For the holiday season, expect to see seasonal flavors, such as Chocolate Winter Mint.

“It’s a great stocking stuffer,” Hendriks said.

For more information, call Jackson’s Corner at 334-574-0111. ■

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LOCAL GIFTS

exquisite heirlooms

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Love for sewing turns into custom business STORY & PHOTOS: MICHELE GERLACH

“I

’ve always sewn. My mother and my aunt taught me,” Beth Wilkes explained.

The Auburn graduate spent her career teaching home economics - now family and consumer science – while rearing four children.

“In the first year after I retired, my oldest daughter had a daughter. For Mother’s Day, she told my husband I needed a embroidery machine.”

That was in 2010, and from that gift, Southern Occasions was born.

Because she loves natural fibers, she works with imported linens. She also wanted to create exquisite items that were both useful and could last for generations. She has upgraded her original embroidery machine several times, and expanded her work.

Decorative pillows, pillowcases, napkins, blankets, aprons, cocktail napkins and towels are among the items she creates in the upstairs bedroom-turned sewing room of her home.

As her hobby grew, she began taking items with her and cold calling gift shops and boutiques. Her items are available in Pensacola and Mobile, and a professional rep is expanding the placements.

“I would like to grow enough to be able to hire someone to help sew the blanks,” she said.

Wilkes also fills custom orders, and sells online. At present, she also has Christmas and Andalusia items for sale at Picket Fence.

“I only embroidery things I make,” she said.

She may be contacted at wilkeselizabeth@ gmail.com or https://squareup.com/store/southern-occasions ■

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LOCAL GIFTS

ORNAMENTS

by Lynn Ornaments inspired by hymnals

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ynn Starnes is well known as an Andalusia Elementary School first grade teacher, but she also is known in local circles as an artist.

For Christmas, she has filled her booth at The Picket Fence with handmade ornaments, many of which include pieces of sheet music for Christmas hymns.

“The music idea started when my husband brought me box of discarded sheet music and hymnals from the Hughes Mansion in Florala ( he had been working on the house),” she said. “He knew I would come up with something to do with it.

“Growing up, we always had a Baptist Hymnal sitting on the piano,” she said.

“My mother would often play hymns. We would also sit on the front porch and sing from that hymnal.

“I have always loved old hymns,” she said. “When I use the music in my ornaments I feel like I am sharing just a little bit of Jesus!” ■

MERRY MARKET

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LOCAL GIFTS

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Very Merry Market offers affordable, unique gifts

T

he Lower Alabama Arts Coalition will feature a variety of creations from local artists through Fri., Dec. 22, at The Gallery as part of its annual Very Merry Market .

All items are $50 or less.

Among the featured artists are: • Joy Wilson, hand-painted and personalized ornaments and gourds • Kathy Messick, jewelry.

• Andree Shearer, photography • Roger Powell, prints and notecards

• Josh Scott, collegiate acrylics and other art work • Genia Dorman artwork and plants • Liz Reed, painted Christmas pillows • Lisa Locklier • Blakely Taylor, art work • Jo Kelley, pottery As well, The Gallery features original art priced from $100 to $2,500.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., weekdays. ■

DECORATING

PRETTY in GREEN

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Handmade garland business started by accident

V

STORY & PHOTOS: MICHELE GERLACH

anessa Nelson began selling handmade garland quite by accident.

“Last year, I posted a picture of the garland I made for my front door,” she said. “And people started contacting me.”

This year, she had orders in place by Veterans Day, and was set to deliver her first garlands the day after Thanksgiving.

“We have a good amount of property, and a lot of it is wooded,” she said of her home on Cottle Creek Road. “We have plenty of pine and cedar and magnolia. The boys and I ride in the woods and collect the greenery.”

Her sons, Stewart, 13, and Cash, 8, help her gather greenery. Ewing, 2, is happy to just ride along.

Nelson carefully cuts what she uses, she said, so that the trees aren’t damaged. With a background in horticulture, maintaining the woods is important.

“I also have a farmer who lets me get cotton, but I have a limited supply of that,” she said.

The components are separated and soaked before being assembled. This year, she’s also adding a preservative, which she hopes will extend the two-to-three week lives of her garlands.

She began assembling the garland by hand, and, once the components were gathered and ready, could produce 20 feet in about an hour. This year, she’s added a machine to assist her with the assembly, and has set up a workshop to make the process go faster.

Nelson grew upon a family farm, and as a high school student, participated in ag and FFA. She and her husband, Daniel, who works offshore, have longhorn cattle on their farm.

“I love Christmas,” she said. “It means so much. Daniel is home every other Christmas, so we try to make it big.”

Nelson only makes garlands to order, and markets them online at a Facebook page, Blooms by the Yard. ■

Vanessa Nelson gathers the materials for her handmade garland from the woods near her home. Her sons help with that part of the process.

south alabama living

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334-222-2481 AL HVAC License #83174

ANDALUSIA FORD

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DECORATING

Reindeer moss is tucked into this tree in the den of Cay Gann's home.

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Holiday decor reflects love for Christmas

C

STORY & PHOTOS: MICHELE GERLACH

ay Gann loves Christmas, and it shows in her fabulous collection of holiday decorations spread throughout her Three Notch Court home.

Woven into her holiday collection are smaller collections – small trees, elves, nativities and other religious symbols.

“My birthday is in December, and my daughter started giving

me these elves,” she said. “I have quite a collection now.”

Gann always decorated her own home, but a couple of years ago began enlisting help.

“That was the year Kiley said she’d do it,’ she said.

Kiley Davis Spears is Gann’s grand-niece, and shares her aunt’s love for all-things Christmas. ■

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Clockwise from above: A collection of holiday-themed pillows are a welcome touch in the guest room; Gann's daughter has given her a collection of elves, including this one bearing the message 'I love you, Mom;' this tree with amber lights is the focal point of the formal living room and can be seen from the street; a smaller tree brings Christmas into the master suite; a nativity; a collection of trees in the foyer.

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Ivy Rogers as Clara with Eric Lidh as Drosselmeyer.

BEING CLARA

Rogers, Duffy prep for role

I

vy Rogers and Mary Margaret (Marge) Duffy agree: hard work pays off.

The two share the role of Clara in the Andalusia Ballet’s 2017 production of The Nutcracker.

Ivy has danced for nine years, Mary Margaret for 10.

“Since we didn’t have audi-

tions, I pushed myself to get higher extensions and more strength in the legs.”

Mary Margaret added, “You really have to work hard,” Both girls said they hoped to get the role.

“I thought that any role I got would be good, beContinued on page 33

Mary Margaret Duffy as Clara.

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MORE ABOUT THE CLARAS About Ivy Rogers

About Mary Margaret (Marge) Duffy

Parents: Scott and Tina Rogers

Parents: Kevin and Chrissie Duffy

Grandparents: Eddie and Lisa Williamson, Jamie

Grandparents: George and Sister Barnes; Chris and

and Karen Rogers, and Shirley Rogers

Donna Schubert; Mary Ann Duffy and the late Dr.

Sibling: Alice

Tom Duffy.

Favorite food: Tiger roll sushi

Siblings: Anna, Thomas and

Favorite color: Mint green

Cooper

Favorite television show(s):

Favorite food: Caesar salad

America’s Got Talent

Favorite color: Turquoise

Favorite book: The Hunger

Favorite television show(s):

Games series

Riverdale, America’s Got Tal-

Favorite class: History and

ent and The Voice

social studies

Favorite book: Hoot

What she enjoys most: Playing with friends and rid-

Favorite class: History

ing the golf cart

What she enjoys most: My dogs, Gus and Cookie

Best part of Christmas: Music

Best part of Christmas: Decorations

Continued from page 32 cause you can make it as good as you want to, if you work it,” Mary Margaret said.

Ivy said, “You only get one chance to do this, so (being Clara) is awesome.”

As veteran dancers, they are accustomed to working on technique. But as Clara, they have to work on other things, too.

“We have to work on more facial expressions, because this is a more emotional character,” Ivy said.

“That’s probably our main struggle,” Mary Margaret added.

“Usually, it’s like, focus hard on what you’re doing with your feet.

With this, it’s face, feet and whole body positions.”

Both said that in addition to the four days a week, plus Saturdays, they’ve spent rehearsing Nutcracker, they often mentally rehearse the show.

“Sometimes after you’ve done the dance for a while, it’s just a part of you,” Ivy said. “But if you’ve just learned it, it’s really important to go over it in your head.”

Both are excited to be cast as Clara.

“We’re lucky Ms. Meryane (Murphy) has trusted us with this big role,” Mary Margaret said. ■

WANT TO GO?

The Andalusia Ballet will again stage The Nutcracker the classic Christmas ballet.

The story: It is Christmas Eve. Family and friends have gathered for a Christmas party. As the party begins, a march is played.

Presents are given out to the children. A mysterious figure enters the room. It is Drosselmeyer, Clara’s mysterious godfather, who has a knack for magic and introduces us to his strange and wonderful world.

When: Fri., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 10, 2:30 p.m.

Where: The Dixon Center on the Andalusia campus of LBW Community College Tickets: $15 each, available online at andalusiaballet.com, or at the door.

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LOVE OF PERFORMING

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Weed's performed in The Nutcracker since kindergarten, loves it

J

onathan Weed has had a role in The Andalusia Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker since he was in kindergarten.

“I was just Fritz that year in the party scene, but it was so much fun. It was a 5-year-old’s dream, especially in front of all of those people.”

For the uninitiated, Fritz is the little brother of Clara, one of Nutcracker’s main characters, and his role is of a stereotypical little brother. It was a role Weed kept until he was about 8. In those early years, his twin sister, Catherine, was one of the other chldren featured in the opening party scene.

In the ensuing years, Weed’s danced in the Chinese Corp, and he’s been the lead mouse, a role he also loved. He’s been a jester, and he graduated to prince the year Catherine danced Clara. “ I will always remember that year,” Weed said. “I remember being in the hot air balloon and telling Catherine, ‘This is our last night to dance this together, so make it good.’ ” Until this year, he’s also been a Harlequin doll.

“I did doll, probably since I was about

STORY BY MICHELE GERLACH

10, every single year up until this year,” he said. “The robotic movements are fun.

It was one of the first parts that introduced me to parts that are more about character than ballet. I loved that, too.”

This year, Jonathan’s senior year, he’s helped teach that role to a younger dancer, Drew Carrero.

“He seems to love it, just as I do,” Weed said.

This year, Weed is dancing the lead Russian role, and Rat King.

The Rat King wears a large, mascotlike head piece.

“It’s hard to breathe in it,” he said.

“And you can’t see where you’re going that well.”

Even in his 11th production (there were two years when the Ballet presented Messiah instead of Nutcracker at Christmas), Weed said he still thinks of the production as magical.

“It feels new again, every year,” he said.

From the beginning of October until the production in December, every Saturday is spent at the studio rehearsing.

“Not only the Saturdays, but we also practice during class days, Monday,

Tuesday, and Thursday,” he said.

“Saturday it’s all day.

“For me, it’s never ‘I have to go to Nutcracker practice.’ I enjoy being there every minute. It’s why I think I’m in ballet, I love to perform.

“There are a lot of people who just like classes, or the technical side,” he said.

“Not me. I like to be on stage. I love performing. I think performing is a gift God has given me, and every time I perform, I thank Him. Every single time.”

This will be Weed’s last year to dance Nutcracker as an Andalusia Ballet student, but he hopes to continue to dance in college. He is considering a career in broadcasting.

“I’ve narrowed it down to three schools - Montevallo, Alabama and Sewanee,” he said. “I still want to dance. I may not train myself professionally, but still want to be dancing.”

For now, he is savoring the ballet that his been a part of most Christmases in his life.

“When it’s Nutcracker time, it’s the most magical time for me,” he said.

“When the tree grows, the snow falls … the dragon comes out. I love it all.”■

south alabama living

HOLIDAY PARTY

APPETIZERS

Made Easy

RECIPES BY MICHELLE STAFF URIEGAS | PHOTOS BY ANDREW GARNER

It’s that time special time of the year – cooler weather, gatherings of family and friends, and parties.

These savory appetizers are go-to ideas for holiday gatherings.

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BITE SIZE CHEESE BALLS 16 oz. cream cheese (room temperature) 8 oz. shredded cheese 1 tablespoon of garlic powder â…“ cup of chives 1 tsp. of paprika 1 cup of bacon bits 1 cup of chopped pecans Pretzel sticks In a large bowl mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, chives and paprika until mix evenly. Roll into one-inch balls and place in the refrigerator for about an hour or until firm. On a plate, mix together pecans and bacon bits. Roll balls into bacon/pecan mixture and insert a pretzel stick in each ball. Serve with a side of crackers.

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SHRIMP CUPS 1 package Wonton wrappers 1 pound of small shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined 16 oz. cream cheese 1 cup shredded cheese 16 oz. bag frozen seasoning blend (onions, celery and peppers) 1 TBS cajun seasoning 1 TBS garlic powder 1 TBS parsley 1 TBS cayenne pepper 1 stick margarine In a large skillet, melt butter. Then add seasoning blend, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, and cayenne. Cook until onions are translucent and tender. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp turn pink.

Then add cream cheese and stir until blended. Next add the shredded cheese and stir until melted.

Using a mini muffin pan place a wonton wrapper in each cup and cook on 350 degrees until lightly browned. About 8 minutes. Fill each cup with cream mixture. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Serve warm.

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Candyland bigger, better in 2017

S

outhern Living called Andalusia one of its “Best Small Towns for Christmas in the South.”

And local residents couldn’t agree more. Begun in 2014 as a snow event on the town square, Candyland has grown each year.

Caroline Rogers wrote for Southern Living. “Andalusia is Alabama’s quintessential small town Christmas destination.

Each December, you can find snow in this South Alabama town thanks to the Christmas in Candyland celebration, a free event that brings games, ice skating, train rides, kids activities, and a faux-snow tubing hill to the downtown area.”

What Southern Living doesn’t know is that this year will be bigger than ever.

The Polar Bear Slide is 10 feet higher

than last year, and 30 feet longer.

“It looks like we’re building a rocket launcher out there,” Mayor Earl Johnson quipped when the construction began.

The Polar Bear slide was just one of many activities designed to entertain children and their parents during the weeks of December, when the city and Chamber of Commerce stage Candyland, designed to improve the local quality of life, and attract people to

the city in hopes they’ll shop and spend entertainment dollars here. Last year, the event drew thousands, and a check of the car tags parked downtown showed that visitors came from all across South Alabama and Northwest Florida.

City workers also poured a permanent slab that will be the base of the ice skating rink in winter, as the city now owns the rink.

New cottages also have been added this year, including a bank and a barn. There is fun planned every weekend in December. Don’t miss it! ■

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CANDYLAND

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Junior Service League selling Candyland shirts

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he Andalusia Junior Service League is selling Candylandthemed T-shirts.

Tara Morgan Dalton was the winner of AJSL’s design contest, and her design is featured on the back of the shirt.

The shirts are a white baseball style tee with red sleeves, and feature a four-color design. Youth mall - large will be sold for $15; Adult small - XL will be $20; Adult XXL/ XXXL will be $22.

The shirts are available from club members, and will be sold when Candyland is open, throughout December, or as long as they last.

Throughout the year Junior Service League contributes monetarily and provides support to various community organizations, events, area schools and service projects which benefit Andalusia and Covington County in many ways.

All net proceeds will be used for these purposes and to further the mission of the service organization.

Maddie Jessie models a T-shirt designed by Tara Morgan Dalton.

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SEASONAL LOOKS AVAILABLE LOCALLY GET THE LOOK

• Velvet Jeggings by Umgee

• Keyhole Front Top by Peach Love • Shoes by Not Rated Style By Utopia Salon and Spa

GET THE LOOK Joy jeans in black Red tie-front shirt Coconuts black booties Fringe vest Accented with a Hobo clutch and long necklace Style by Town and Country

Riley Grace Lowery

Stella Dutton

GET THE LOOK Breanna Dixon

Stella Dutton models a mudpie gown that is monogramablle. It's cute enough to wear when waiting for Santa, or for the perfect Christmas photo.

s ng t-

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GET THE LOOK

Joseph red dress with bell sleeves Metallic clutch Shoes by Sacha London Style by Town and Country

GET THE LOOK Riley Grace Lowery

• Onesie by Umgee • Rav and Rebelous Necklace • Shoes by Pierre Dumas Style By Utopia Salon and Spa

GET THE LOOK • Rampage boots • Justify leggings • Grey Sweater • Scarf Style by Goody's

Breanne Jones

Breanna Dixon

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1860 East Three Notch St. 222-2020

south alabama living

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

She makes Christmas merrier

C

hrissie Schubert Duffy never ceases to amaze.

When she first pitched the idea of putting snow machines on the Court Square to the city administration, Mayor Earl Johnson and members of the Andalusia City Council were willing to give it a try.

By the time the first Candyland event was over, even those who had been skeptical about the idea knew she was on to something , and were on board for a bigger and better event the following year. Planning began immediately. The event continues to grow and attract more and more people to the Andalusia area, and Chrissie keeps coming up with new ideas.

Candyland now boasts two full play areas, a bigger-than-ever snow slide, its own ice skating rink, a train, and fabulous decorations. It’s also gained regional attention from Southern Living as one of the best places to be for the holidays.

“That child has always loved Christmas,” her mother, Patricia “Sister” Barnes, said.

The church Christmas pageant – the children’s reenactment of the Christmas story – was a favorite annual event.

“When she was too little to even be in it, she

was dressed as a church mouse, and just ran around during the pageant,” her mother recalled.

“And as you can tell in this Christmas picture from the year she was an angel, she just wants it to be wonderful for everyone,” she said. “She always has.

“Right before Thanksgiving, she had all of her family helping build a barn.”

The barn is one of this year’s new Candyland playhouses, and by Thanksgiving, Chrissie had learned about framing and roofing, because she was right in the middle of pulling the construction together in time for Candyland’s launch.

The mother of four often has her children in tow as she works the Candyland events throughout the season. She has a sense of what makes Christmas lively and exciting for children – which makes it lively and exciting for “grown-up” kids, too.

Countless people help her pull it off every year, starting with the city administration, its employees, and many businesses and individuals who sponsor events. But she never stops working in the background to make it wonderful for everyone.

For the South Alabama community, we say thanks.■

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GIVE THE GIFT OF NEWS FOR CHRISTMAS.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 334-222-2402.

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