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LIF E ST YLE - F INANCE - T E CH - T OWN
VOLUME 01 ISSUE 05 MAY 2013
THE
OUTDOOR ISSUE RULES OF ROO CHANGE YOUR LIFE NOT YOUR CLOTHES
STRIKE A POSE YOGA IN THE WILD
GRANOLAS IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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MAY 2013
MAY 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
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AS LONG AS YOU ARE LEARNING FROM SOMEONE WHO IS EXPERIENCED, ALMOST ANYONE CAN LEARN TO BE A SUCCESSFUL SLACKER... SLACKER P9 FEEDBACK
LETTER
LET’S HEAR IT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
FROM THE EDITOR
HIDE AND SEEK
IF YOU HIDE IT, THEY WILL COME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
BROKE FLOAT
COME SAIL AWAY ON THE TENNESSEE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
GET OUTTA THE HOUSE! Spring is here, which means the summer heat is sprinting toward us, hoping to be welcomed with open arms … ugh. However much I may despise the egg-frying heat that the upcoming months will bring, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere other than my sweet home in Alabama. Like a lot of you, I learned to swim in the Tennessee River, jumping off my Granddaddy’s dock and into the murky brown water. I’ve laid on blankets in the grass looking at the stars, the humidity so thick you could scoop it up with a spoon. I’ve unwillingly canoed through a sketchy slough in the middle of the night so my friends could go gar giggin’. I’ve hiked in Cane Creek Canyon, kayaked on Cypress and rode ATVs through the muddy woods of Cherokee. I’ve sipped my huge to-go cup of Legend’s famous Fruit Tea while listening to live music at Wilson Park. Why am I telling you all of this?
THE ULTIMATE SLACKER
Because we don’t realize how lucky we are to live in a place so beautiful and so special. Sometimes we forget to put our phones down and look up at the trees; to feel the wind and hear the birds and jump in the creek with all of our clothes on just because we can. This issue is full of ways to get outside, get a little sunburned and become the best ‘Granola’ you can become (see p22). To inspire you a little more to kick off your shoes and let the sun freckle your shoulders, here is an awesome quote from a poem written by Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air’s salubrity.” Yea, so ‘salubrity’ is a funny word – it just means ‘health’ – but you get the picture. Get outside, climb some rocks and scratch up your elbows! If you’ve been looking for a way to get involved with SET, then visit getsetmag. com/contribute. We would also love to hear what you think about the magazine so leave us some feedback on our Twitter, @getsetmag. See you on the trails!
BY LINLEY MOBLEY, EDITOR
THE ONE TIME YOU’RE INCOURAGED TO BE A SLACKER. . . . . . 8-9
SPRING CLEANING
KEEPING THE SHOALS BEAUTIFUL AND CLEAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
GREEN MATTERS
ENCOURAGE CLEANER, GREENER EFFORTS IN THE SHOALS. . . . 11
CALENDAR
WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
HIT THE TRAILS
USING THE OUTDOORS TO GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF EXERCISE. . 14
THE FARM AROUND THE CORNER
JACK-O-LANTERN FARMS: JUST LIKE GRANDMA’S. . . . . . . . . . . 15
SPOTLIGHT
“SET” READERS IN ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
THE HOTTEST GEAR THIS YEAR
ESSENTIALS FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
THE RULES OF ROO
TEN RULES TO SURVIVING AND THRIVING AT BONNAROO. . . . . 20
DRIVE-INTO SUMMER
THE AFFORDABLE OUTING FOR COOL SUMMER NIGHTS. . . . . . . 21
SET CONTRIBUTORS WILL RILEY
Sheffield, AL
BETHANY OLIVER
Muscle Shoals, AL
KAITLIN CHAPPELL Cullman, AL
ANNA GRACE USERY Florence, AL
FREESTYLE
HOW TO SPOT A GRANOLA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
KAYLN MULLIS
Hamilton, AL
ANDY THIGPEN
Florence, AL
SET is a publication by and for local young people dedicated to lifestyle, finance, technology and community. It is published by Listerhill Credit Union as
part of its ongoing mission to promote the credit union philosophy of cooperation and financial literacy. It is a platform for 15-20 somethings in the community and it is free.
REBECCA LOGSDON Florence, AL
SYDNEY THREET
Florence, AL
DREW MILLS
Tuscumbia, AL
Florence, AL
MAGGIE BEA RAY Sheffield, AL
AMY JACKSON
Tuscumbia, AL
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KRISTA SPARKS, @SOUL_SPARKED “The crazy insane sort-of-legit, totally random sports on the cover drew me in ... but then they were real! Very legit. I was impressed with the concept and research.”
REESE SHIREY, @ROSHIREYESQUIRE “I loved the April issue. It was especially cool for me being an athlete my entire life. There was a good balance between the health side of sports and the inspirational side. The piece on Roderick Sewell was incredible. He is truly an inspiration, a living example of determination, perseverance and dedication.”
TRAVIS LINDSEY, @RAMBLINTRAV “I really liked the sports issue of SET and the UNA disc golf map. It brought back lots of good memories of playing there and made me want to go again.”
SARAH JOHNSON, @ITSSARAHJOHNSON “The article on healthy eating was awesome! I live by eating healthy and I believe a person can never have too much encouragement or info about what they are or aren’t putting into their body.”
MARIANNE GRIFFIN, @MBGRIFFIN1 “I must admit, I’m an ‘uninformed’ girl ... even so, I loved this issue! The article about the benefits of running was just the motivation I needed to put the Pringles down and get outside!”
MAY 2013
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TECH 5
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Geocaches are currently placed in over 100 countries & on all 7 continents.
HIDE AND SEEK
ANNA HUMPHRIES DISCOVERES HER GEOCACHE.
IF YOU HIDE IT, THEY WILL COME As kids, we dug through our sandboxes hunting for buried treasure — usually not finding more than a surprise from the neighborhood cat. Now, with a little technology and a spirit of adventure, we can all be treasure hunters. Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunt. Treasure hunters find hidden containers (called geocaches) using a smartphone or GPS device to locate specific coordinates and can then share their experiences online. With help from her coworkers, Florence resident Anna Humphries started learning the game. “When you first start out, you really have no idea what you are doing, so having a couple of people that were in the same boat as me helped,” said Humphries. “Once we got over the learning curve is when it really started to become addictive.” Humphries loves the community that geocaching creates. “The thrill of the hunt is always exciting,” said
Humphries. “Geocaching has led me to some amazing places that I never would have found on my own.” The rules of the game are simple. If you take something from the geocache, leave something of equal or greater value in return. A logbook is provided in the geocache for you to write about your find. Now with the help of smartphone apps, Geocaching is even easier to play. Geocaching by Groundspeak is an app for iPhone and Android that unlocks the exclusive coordinates and info for nearly two million hidden geocaches. It’s common for geocachers to hide caches in locations that are important to them; Humphries’ husband used geocaching as a way to propose to her. She knew something was up when she located a cache in Athens that said “For Anna.” She turned around to find her future husband on one knee with an engagement ring! Geocaches may be hidden at Spring Park, at the end of a long hike at Joe Wheeler, underwater in the Tennessee River or on the side of a city street in downtown Cullman. So have your GPS ready — buried treasure could be right under your nose.
STORY BY LAURA WALKER SHERRILL
6 MONEY
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More than 98 species of fish live in the Tennessee River.
The record in Alabama for largest blue catfish caught weighed in at 120 lbs, 4 oz.
MAY 2013
In Decatur, it’s tradition to jump in the TN River on NYE.
BROKE FLOAT COME SAIL AWAY ON THE TENNESSEE Summertime is approaching, which means Alabama’s legendary duo is about to strike — Heat Blaster and Captain Humidity. Instead of trying to escape from these villains by blowing up arm-floaties and swan diving into the deep end of your nephew’s kiddie pool, why not take advantage of the Tennessee River? If you don’t have plans to check out the river, maybe this article will at least give you a few cost-efficient ways of cooling off. If you haven’t noticed, Funland by the Florence Marina is out of business. What are college students supposed to do without a water park? I float the creek from time-to-time, but I can only battle snapping turtles for so long. I mean … have you seen “River Monsters”?? I want to be on top of the water, thank you very much. I would love to poll residents of the area and see how people actually get out on the river. I don’t know about you, but my yacht needs an oil change, so right now that’s not an option. None of my immediate friends have a riverboat and I don’t have the cash-in-hand to invest in a kayak. So let me give you some alternative ways of enjoying the river.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTER
The OAC is located on UNA’s campus behind the parking deck. You have probably driven by it 100 times but didn’t look past the mosquito net. Inside, you will find tons of camping equipment and supplies to prepare you for an outdoor adventure. In addition to their camping supplies, they have numerous kayaks. You can keep the equipment for up to 4 days after it’s checked out. There
I GOT MY SWIM TRUNKS AND MY FLIPPIE-FLOPPIES. is no rental fee because it’s already included with the UNA Recreational Fee. Awesome, right? If you’re a student at UNA then you’ve already paid for it, so you might as well use it. This applies to anyone from the UNA community: faculty, staff and students. Talk about a steal.
FLORENCE MARINA
Now, the marina is a little more expensive, but you get what you pay for. If you drop $195 (full-day) or $125 (halfday), that will get you a nice pontoon boat. Seems just a little out of your price range? I have the solution! This is a great opportunity to gather all of your fun-loving friends for an all day boat outing — the pontoon seats up to 12! If you get 12 pals and rent the pontoon all day, you’re each only paying about $16 … not too shabby. Visit florenceharbor.com or call (256) 768-1299 to rent a pontoon for a day on the river.
GATORADE BOTTLES
Any aspiring architects or structural design majors would love this challenge — a Gatorade bottle boat. This takes approximately 300 bottles and a lot of duct tape. How much is a lot? More than two rolls. This might not successfully get you down the river, but you’ll make the front page of the local paper. I have to tribute whitetrashrepairs.com for this creative way of staying afloat. Instead of ordering a Coke the next time you eat out, order water. That way, you can take the $2 you save at dinner and put it toward your Gatorade bottle boat.
CYPRESS CREEK
If using a boat doesn’t tickle your fancy, how about an inexpensive inner tube? My go-to activity during the summer is “floating the creek” — a colloquial phrase used by locals. I may lose the battle against the snapping turtle, but I can afford to lose a toe. A common starting or put-in point is
at Wildwood Park, but there is also a good place off Cox Creek Parkway under a bridge if you want a longer trip. Depending on how many snakes you want to spot, that will determine which run to choose. I normally pick the Cox Creek entrance and end at Wildwood. It only takes a couple of hours, and you can make it home in time for dinner. With an $8 investment, you can have another opportunity for your feet to escape the river bottom. I find it unfortunate that more young people don’t utilize the river in this area. I hope this article will encourage you to get your feet wet without having to travel to the beach.
STORY BY WILL RILEY
MAY 2013
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MONEY 7
8 FEATURE
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MAY 2013
THE
U LT I M AT E SLACKERS THE ONE TIME WHEN COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BE COMPLETE SLACKERS.
YOGA + SLACKLININ
FEATURE 9
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THE LONGEST SLACKLINE WAS 390 FT LONG
MAY 2013
NG = SLACKSANA
WHEN MCKENZIE MARTIN STARTED HER POSITION AS COORDINATOR OF THE UNA OUTDOOR
Adventure Center (OAC), there was a small but devoted client base. Some students who made use of the OAC were interested in a not-so-heard-of activity called slacklining. If you are new to the sport like I am, you’re probably thinking, “What the heck is slacklining?” Slacklining is an on-the-rise outdoor activity in which the participant, sometimes known as a ‘slacker,’ balances on a narrow strip of material anchored between two trees. This sport comes from the rock-climbing world and has slowly morphed into its own sport. According to Josh Beaudoin of Gibbon Slacklines — the Colorado-based world leader in all things related to the sport — slacklining began in the mid-seventies during climbing camps held in Yosemite National Park. On days when the climbers weren’t scaling the mountains, they would rig climbing ropes between trees to walk on. According to Gibbon Slacklines’ website, the climbers “found that the activity improved their core strength, balance and movement for climbing — and it was FUN.” UNA students, with help from the OAC, started a slacklining club on campus. “We had a few people interested in slacklining and they started a club that met on campus,” Martin said. “It started out very small, but after one semester, the club numbers had reached about 150 students.” The club sets up slacklines every Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. at the UNA Ampitheater This weekly event not only made students more aware of what the OAC offers, but also drew many more students into slacklining itself. So, you still might be a little confused. What’s the point? What are the ins and outs of slacklining? How does one get into a sport as specific as this? To start off, this sport requires minimal training. As long as you are learning from someone who is experienced, almost anyone can learn to be a successful slacker pretty quickly. According to Beaudoin, the sport is no more dangerous than riding a bike. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
• PICKING THE RIGHT LINE. In general, most slackliners use either 1 or 2-inch lines. The 1-inch lines are for longer slacklining adventures and aren’t as taut as the 2-inch lines. There are three different 1-inch lines: Flowline — for a taut feel, Tubeline — made with tubular webbing, and Proline — made with threaded tubular webbing. The 2-inch lines are great for beginners and shorter slacklines. This size offers a much tighter line and more foregivness for a misplaced foot. These lines are broken into three categories — static, elastic and trampoline material. The static line is, of course, for poses. The elastic and trampoline lines are made for bounces, jumps and other tricks.
• SETTING UP. This step takes some instruction. If you don’t use the right ratchets with the correct length of line, you could end up having to cut the line, which would essentially ruin it. Luckily, Gibbon has a whole set of videos on their website to assist with any questions you have. If you don’t have trees to tie the lines to, there’s still hope! There are methods for slacklining pretty much everywhere (although trees are always the easiest option). You can set up bolts in the sides of boulders or even the sides of sturdy buildings. You can also create a ‘dead man’s anchor,’ which involves anchoring the line to the ground and lifting the rest of the line to create tension. You could even take the slackline to a local gym where you could safely secure it.
• GETTING ON THE LINE. This is definitely a ‘slow and steady wins the race’ kind of activity. It is recommended that you first learn from a trusted, experienced slackliner. First, you have to practice maintaining your balance on the line. Beginning slacklines are at knee level, so there is virtually no risk of injury. Once you can safely balance using various techniques such as bending your knees and shifting your body weight, you can attempt to walk across the line in various fashions: shifting your feet side-to-side, in-line walking and even walking backward and turning around. Once you are very comfortable with these techniques, you can start doing tricks. You can balance on one foot or stand in a variety of poses, sit in various positions — or if you’re really adventurous — begin implementing jumps and turns. These types of advanced tricks resemble skateboarding tricks on a half-pipe. Think of it as advanced trampoline jumping … on a two-inch wide trampoline. “My work began as a nonprofit project to promote slacklining, and I was offered a job at Gibbon,” Beaudoin
said. “Now we travel the country giving slacklining demonstrations and lessons in schools and colleges.” The educational program that Gibbon uses is meant to introduce slacklining as a social sport. They go to elementary schools and introduce low-level lines and slack-tracks (small sections of line connected in a metal apparatus very low to the ground). Their goal is to introduce the sport to elementary schools so that they may use it in their physical education programs. On the middle and high school levels, the student participation gets a little more involved and there is more emphasis on the social aspect. Gibbon gives students information on starting their own slacklining clubs. At the collegiate level, the demonstrations are advanced and there is usually already student interest and participation. The UNA slacklining club was the catalyst that ended up bringing Gibbon to campus. “We needed to order more slacklines, and we used Gibbon. When the lines came in, there was a pamphlet that outlined the educational services that Gibbon offered,” Martin said. “I called Gibbon and talked with Josh and they happened to be passing through around the time we wanted to have an event.” As I looked out over the amphitheater area, I noticed at least 50 students and a few professors either watching or participating in the slacklining event. This was all in the 20 minutes that I was able to attend. Based on the experience I had, I would say that Gibbon and the OAC made the day a great success. The last part of the conversation with Martin turned to the OAC’s available resources. “We have our own budget within the recreation budget that all students pay for with their tuition,” Martin said. “Every event we have comes at no extra cost to students.” Though I like to think that I am in tune with campus resources, I was unaware of the diversity of events and services the OAC has. Anyone looking to make full use of his or her student recreation fee should really check out what the OAC has to offer. You can look them up on Facebook for more information or visit their website at una. orgsync.com/org/oac. If you’re looking to take a break from the hectic class schedule, just get with the OAC and become a slacker. You’ll improve your balance and strength, make some new friends and relieve some stress.
STORY BY DREW MILLS PHOTOS BY AMY JACKSON
10 HOMETOWN HERO
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Cypress Creek provides 16M gallons of water a day to Florence.
MAY 2013
Kayaking originated 4,000 years ago at the North Pole.
SPRING CLEANING DUSTIN COAN FOCUSES ON KEEPING THE SHOALS BEAUTIFUL AND CLEAN Dustin Coan is a musician, an athlete, a certified First Responder, a volunteer firefighter and a Shoals area native with interests in local wildlife and the outdoors. While enrolled at Northwest Shoals Community College, Dustin got involved in the Outdoor Leadership program through which he was afforded the opportunity to become a raft guide on the Ocoee River in Benton, Tennessee. During his time
as a guide, his eyes were opened to the importance of outdoor upkeep and cleanliness. From that moment, he started focusing his attention and efforts on beautifying the outdoors with a vision to clean up local creeks. Shortly after his return home, Coan was introduced to the North Alabama Paddle Sports (NAPS) organization. After hearing about Dustin’s vision, NAPS agreed to support his efforts by
CATFISH WRESTLING. allowing him to adopt Cypress Creek under their name through the People Against a Littered State (PALS) program. His first plan was to revive the Tour de Cypress. Fortunately, through a partnership with Keep the Shoals
Beautiful and other local supporters, Coan was able to restructure the race, which was held April 27. The mission of the Tour de Cypress event was to host a float/paddle race during which participants cleaned the creek. This event is just one of Dustin Coan’s many efforts to beautify the local waterways in northwest Alabama. When discussing his passion, Coan explained, “I want to see the Shoals become a place that future generations can enjoy. If we don’t keep it clean, there may never be a chance for our posterity to enjoy the fruits of our labor.”
STORY BY BETHANY OLIVER
MAY 2013
NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH 11
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KTSB is the first of its kind in Alabama, coordinating efforts across city boundaries.
GREEN MATTERS
UNA STUDENTS WORK WITH KTSB TO CLEAN UP THE AREA.
ENCOURAGE CLEANER, GREENER EFFORTS IN THE SHOALS Keep the Shoals Beautiful (KTSB) is a local not-for-profit organization that exists to empower and engage citizens, businesses and officials in the Shoals area to take action, ownership and responsibility for protecting and enhancing their environment. Established in 2007 by the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Keep the Shoals Beautiful is a certified affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and operates with a board of directors comprised of representatives from Colbert and Lauderdale counties. As a member of Keep America Beautiful, KTSB is guided by the key principles of education, individual responsibility, public-private partnerships and volunteer action. During the month of April, the organization hosted and participated in community Earth Month events such as the Earth Day celebration at Wilson Park and citywide cleanups across the area. In conjunction with Dustin Coan’s vision to clean up Cypress Creek, Keep
the Shoals Beautiful also played a vital role in supporting his efforts to revitalize the Tour de Cypress event that took place on the same day as the Florence City Cleanup. In order to support the community’s efforts to create a cleaner, healthier and safer Shoals, KTSB has set up a membership/scholarship campaign to encourage student involvement in community service projects. Every year, the board awards one high school student and one college student with a $500 scholarship for supporting a cleaner environment. KTSB also puts much of their focus into encouraging recycling within the community. Anyone in the Shoals area is encouraged to take their recyclable materials to the Florence Recycling Center, where collection bins can also be purchased for your home. Items such as certain types of cardboard, aluminum, plastic, paper, steel and motor oil are accepted for recycling. Clean communities do matter. Keep The Shoals Beautiful, as an affiliate of the nation’s largest community improvement organization, depends on people in the Shoals area to make the community cleaner, greener, safer and more livable. To join KTSB in their cause, call (256) 764-4661, send an email to ktsb@keeptheshoalsbeautiful. com or visit their website at keeptheshoalsbeautiful.com, and find out how you can get involved!
STORY BY BETHANY OLIVER
12 CALENDAR
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EVENTS
MAY 2013
MAY 3 - JUNE 3 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MAY 3
FIRST FRIDAY @ Court Street, Florence, AL 5:00pm GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT @ Southaven, MS. TBA SHIREY ICE CREAM TASTING @ UNA Amphitheater, Florence, AL 11am-2pm
MAY 4
ROSS ADAMS @ The End Theater, Florence, AL 8:00pm SHOALS SYMPHONY @ Norton Auditorium, UNA, Florence, AL 7:30pm EARLE TRENT ASSEMBLY SHOALS CREEK 5K & FUN RUN/WALK @ Earle Trent Assembly, Florence, AL 9:00am RELAY FOR LIFE 5K @ Lawrence County High School, Lawrenceburg, TN 8:00am FIRST SATURDAY @ Lee/Wheeler Street, Florence, AL 4:00pm
MAY 5
CHARLOTTE’S WEB @ Ritz Theatre, Sheffield, AL 2:00pm GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT @ Southaven, MS. TBA
MAY 6
OPEN MIC NIGHT @ Berkeley Bob’s, Cullman, AL
MAY 7
GIRLS NIGHT OUT GARDEN PARTY @ Lee Street, Rogersville, AL 5:00pm THE POLLIES @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL
MAY 10
7’ CLEARANCE @ Flobama, Florence, AL 6:00pm MONTHLY SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE @ Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House, Cullman, AL
DILLON HODGES AND ADAM FAUCETT, MAY 16, THE ZODIAC GROWN FOLKS @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL
SO DUMB- BEN RICKETTS @ The End Theater, Florence, AL 8:00pm
MAY 12
MAY 11
HOBO HIPPIE @ Flobama, Florence, AL 10:00pm
BIRMINGHAM BARONS VS. MONTGOMERY BISCUITS @ Regions Field, Birmingham, AL 3:00pm
5TH ANNUAL JEFF DROPO RUN FOR KIDS @ Florence High School, Florence, AL 8:00am WE CAN 5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN @ Muscle Shoals Middle School, Muscle Shoals, AL 9:00am
SLIP JIG @ Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House, Cullman, AL UNA COMMENCEMENT @ Flowers Hall, Florence, AL 10:00am
MOTHER’S DAY
MAY 15
FRONT PORCH STORYTELLING FESTIVAL @ UNA Amphitheater, Florence, AL
IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM
MAY 16
DILLON HODGES AND ADAM FAUCETT @ The Zodiac, Florence, AL 6:00pm THE NERD @ Shoals Theater, Florence, AL 7:30pm ANNE E. DECHANT @ Swampers, Florence, AL 7:00pm
MAY 2013
CALENDAR 13
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FRONT PORCH STORYTELLING FESTIVAL @ UNA Amphitheater, Florence, AL
MAY 17
1ST ANNUAL GLORY HILL HALF MARATHON & NAUTICAL MILE RUN @ Russellville Municipal Airport, Russellville, AL 7:00am
THE NERD @ Shoals Theater, Florence, AL 7:30pm
JACOB STIEFEL & THE TRUTH @ Flobama, Florence, AL 8:00pm
SEAN RIVERS @ Flobama, Florence, AL 10:00pm
THE AVETT BROTHERS @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN 8:00pm
THEOLOGY ON TAP @ Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House, Cullman, AL
FRONT PORCH STORYTELLING FESTIVAL @ UNA Amphitheater, Florence, AL
MAY 20
MAY 31
JUNE 2
OPEN MIC NIGHT @ Berkeley Bob’s, Cullman, AL
KYLE BRAGWELL & THE MOTIONS - LIGHT BEAM RIDER - THE EDWARD ARMSTEAD PROJECT @ Pegasus Records, Florence, AL 8:00pm
BRAVES VS. NATIONALS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 1:35pm
JUSTIN KALEB DRIGGERS @ Frank’s Italian Restaurant, Tuscumbia, AL 6:00pm
BRAVES VS. NATIONALS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:30pm
OPEN MIC NIGHT @ Berkeley Bob’s, Cullman, AL
RIVERBOAT JOHN FERGUSON @ Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House, Cullman, AL
JUNE 1
DARIUS RUCKER - ST. JUDE BENEFIT CONCERT @ Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville, TN 6:00pm
ELLIE GOULDING @ The Ryman, Nashville, TN 7:30pm
MAY 24
FRONT PORCH STORYTELLING FESTIVAL @ UNA Amphitheater, Florence, AL
VULCAN EEJITS CELTIC MUSIC @ Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House, Cullman, AL
THE HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Hangout, Gulf Shores, AL
THE HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Hangout, Gulf Shores, AL
TREMAYNEMUSCLESHOALS @ Coalfest, Brilliant, AL 10:30am
MAY 19
CLAIRE LYNCH BAND @ The Acoustic Café Amphitheater, Haleyville, AL 9:30pm
NIGHTMARE BOYZZZ @ Pegasus Records, Florence, AL 9:00pm
MAY 18
THE NERD @ Shoals Theater, Florence, AL 7:30pm
THE NERD @ Shoals Theater, Florence, AL 7:30pm
MAY 25
KENNETH SMITH @ Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House, Cullman, AL
SHENANDOAH @ 911 Festival, Haleyville, AL 7:00pm
RED MOUTH - FRIENDS OF HUMANITY LOOKSY @ The End Theater, Florence, AL 9:00pm BRAVES VS. NATIONALS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:15pm DAYSTAR HOUSE HOMELESS SHELTER MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Sportsman’s Lake Park, Cullman, AL
THE HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Hangout, Gulf Shores, AL
IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM
BUGGABOO @ Swampers, Florence, AL 8:00pm
JUNE 3
14 HEALTH
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Every year, traffic causes us to lose 36 hours of sleep.
MAY 2013
“Doga” achieves harmony with pets via yoga.
HIT THE TRAILS USING THE OUTDOORS TO GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF EXERCISE If you live in the South, then you have been playing outside barefoot since you were a kid. The great outdoors is a place of peace, serenity and beauty to most — but a wideopen gym to others. Whether you use a seesaw for crunches, a tree for climbing or the lake to swim laps, you can go on a different adventure with your workout every day. McFarland Park in Florence is a favorite among runners because of the soothing view the river offers during long, intense runs. The trails are paved so you don’t have to worry about any rocks or sticks causing you to twist an ankle. The trail not only runs around the harbor but through the woods as well, making your run cool and satisfying. After you’ve caught your breath, you can cool down on the banks of the Tennessee with your feet in the water. If you’re nowhere near Florence but still would enjoy a run alongside the water, check out Sportsman’s Lake Park in Cullman. It not only offers running trails, but putt-putt golf and hiking as well. Yogis enjoy the serenity of the historic train bridge in Florence along with its peaceful view overlooking the Tennessee River. Shoals Yoga sometimes holds sessions at this Florence landmark, but don’t wait for them! Grab your mat and head on over to salute the sun with some friends. Yoga is good for the mind and the body, but those of you with a little ADD might need something
ARE WE SURE THIS BRIDGE IS CLOSED? that doesn’t require so much concentration. You should check out the Natural Bridge Park in Hamilton, home to the 200 million year old natural sandstone bridge. This is the perfect place for hiking with the added benefit of viewing a historic creation. The TVA Trails are another option for those who love to hike. The trails are close to the UNA campus and offer a hiking challenge complete with steep stairs, waterfalls and scary drop-offs (watch your step!). There are also several miles of paved trails at TVA that are great for bikers. Biking not only saves you gas money but it also burns a lot of calories! Bikers in Double Springs can enjoy Owl Creek Horse Trail and Pine Torch Loop, which both feed into the Bankhead Forest; once you’re inside the 283 square mile national forest your trail options are
practically limitless. Bankhead Forest, like Stone Gap Road in Tuscumbia, is also a great place for the bouldering and rock-climbing junkies out there. This hobby is an exercise that truly targets every muscle on your body. If you thought you didn’t have muscles in your toes, you’re wrong. Do you love getting in the water instead of hanging by your fingertips from rocks? Cypress Creek runs through Wildwood Park, which is tucked away behind the UNA campus. Wildwood is a popular spot during the summer, especially for kayaking and canoeing. Depending on where you put in, you could make kayaking down the creek an all-day affair. There are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors and get exercise without having to lift weights or run on a treadmill. It is all about tricking the mind into believing
the body is having fun and relaxing while true exercise is really going on. Outdoor workouts can be good for the mind, spirit and body and can end with a nap in a hammock as the sun sets. Why spend time inside when there is so much to experience outside your home? Unique and exciting workouts can be created through the use of what has already been given to us. Look around and envision your own personal workout! The great outdoors is just that — great. There are so many things to do and experience that feed your body the joy and activity that it needs to be happy and healthy.
STORY BY KAITLIN CHAPPELL
MAY 2013
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1,500 MILES The average distance food travels from the farm to your home. BUY LOCAL.
FOOD 15
Follow your farmer on Twitter at @JOLFarm.
THE FARM AROUND THE CORNER CHICKEN SALAD
What seems like merely a hop, skip and jump away from Grandma’s garden is a local farm filled with simple, homegrown produce. Jack-O-Lantern Farms in Muscle Shoals is a force to be reckoned with this spring, as they will provide the community with fresh, organic veggies and fruits. Steve Carpenter, owner and farming connoisseur, said he and his wife, Connie, began growing pumpkins in 1996. “Today, we grow about 27 different kinds of vegetables and 15-20 different kinds of tomatoes. Our best sellers are lettuce, squash, cantaloupe, watermelons, spinach and brussels sprouts.” Jack-O-Lantern Farms supplies several restaurants in the quad-cities area with its homegrown vegetables, some of which you may be familiar with: City Hardware, Swampers Bar & Grill and Claunch Café. Carpenter owns and farms 25 acres of vegetables along with four greenhouses. He uses a new type of farming innovation called “hoop greenhouses.” These non-heated greenhouses give Carpenter the advantage of planting two months earlier and harvesting two months later. The Carpenters also utilize hydroponic farming (farming without soil by using pods filled with nutrientsaturated water), which allows them to
PHOTO BY KAYLA SLOAN
JACK-OLANTERN FARMS: JUST LIKE GRANDMA’S HOMEGROWN VEGGIES
1 can chunk chicken 3 heaping tablespoons of real mayonnaise 1 apple, cut into chucks 3 eggs, boiled 3 tablespoons pickle relish Raisins, optional Grapes, optional
• Start by boiling 3 eggs and cutting the apple into chunks. *Note — As the water first starts to boil, slowly drop the eggs in and let boil for exactly 10 minutes. Peel off the shell when they are hot, not cold, as they peel easier. • Next, open the can of chunk chicken, empty into bowl and beat into small chunks with a fork. Then add 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 3 tablespoons of pickle relish. *Note — Creaminess of the salad is dependent upon the amount of mayonnaise that is added • Peel boiled eggs and chop. Insert all ingredients into the chicken and mayonnaise mixture.
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
“TOWANDA! RIGHTER OF WRONGS, QUEEN BEYOND COMPARE!” grow over an acre and a half of lettuce in just one greenhouse. Each pod has about 576 heads of lettuce, and 3-4 pods occupy each greenhouse. Beginning in the first few weeks of May, they will be starting a program where they will provide participants with a box full of enough produce to get a family through the week, as well as other groceries such as eggs and honey. Each week the box will contain different groceries depending on what is in season at that time. The program costs participants only $25 each week and will run through October. Buying local has its advantages, according to Carpenter. “You’re guaranteed quality freshness when you buy local,” Carpenter said. “It helps with the environment and the money stays in the local economy.” At the end of my visit, Mrs. Carpenter
gave me a few of her recipes and advised me on what goodies I should take home. The possibilities were endless and I felt I couldn’t go wrong with such beautiful produce. After scanning the room and eliminating the choices I could painfully live without, I walked away with juicy, green tomatoes, a gem of an apple and a head of lettuce that looked and smelled more like a flower. With my shopping bag heavy with the weight of produce, a personal summertime favorite came to mind — chicken salad and fried green tomatoes. Summertime is just around the corner. If you’re in Muscle Shoals the Carpenters invite you to visit Jack-OLantern Farms for all your produce needs. There you will find succulent, fresh fruits and veggies straight from our beautiful Alabama soil.
2 green tomatoes 2 cups of cornmeal or flour ½ to ¾ cup of vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 egg
• Begin by washing tomatoes. Cut into thick slices. Heavily salt and pepper both sides of each slice. Prepare egg wash by beating egg. Dip each slice in the prepared egg wash and coat in cornmeal. • Pour vegetable oil in an iron skillet, turn stove eye on medium until the oil becomes hot. Use a spatula to slowly lower tomatoes into grease and cook for 5 minutes on each side. Drain tomatoes on paper towels.
STORY BY ANNA GRACE USERY
16 SPOTLIGHT
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SPOTLIGHT
SET READERS IN ACTION
MAY 2013
PHOTOS BY JUSTIN ARGO AND KAYLA SLOAN
THE HILL AFTER SCHOOL AMBUSH WINNERS, ADDISON HIGH SCHOOL
THE HILL AFTER SCHOOL AMBUSH WINNERS, ADDISON HIGH SCHOOL
HEATHER ANDERSON, ALYSE NICHOLS AND MARIANNE GRIFFIN, APRIL LAUNCH PARTY
JERI WILLOUGHBY, KAITLIN CHAPPELL AND ANNA LEIGH ROSSI, APRIL LAUNCH PARTY
ZACHARY TYLOR, DAVID HAYES AND BLAKE LOTTS, BEVILL STATE SPRING FLING
THE HILL AFTER SCHOOL AMBUSH WINNERS, CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
MAY 2013
SPOTLIGHT 17
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GAVIN HALL AND GAVIN BEST, ATO’S CAFFEINE HIGH
ANNA BETH FERGUSON, ATO’S CAFFEINE HIGH
THE HILL AFTER SCHOOL AMBUSH WINNERS, WATERLOO HIGH SCHOOL
ASHLYN BROWN AND MICHAEL THAXTON, ATO’S CAFFEINE HIGH
THE HILL AFTER SCHOOL AMBUSH WINNERS, CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
SAVANNAH MCKINNEY, KENNEDY POPE AND ALYSON BERRY, APRIL LAUNCH PARTY
ELIZABETH BROCK AND GRACE OAKS, APRIL LAUNCH PARTY
MACY GALBREATH AND MACI KINARD, BEVILL STATE SPRING FLING
THE HILL AFTER SCHOOL AMBUSH WINNERS, WATERLOO HIGH SCHOOL
JACKIE COOPER, TABITHA WOODS AND TIFFANY ROGERS, BEVILL STATE SPRING FLING
18 SPECIAL FEATURE
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MAY 2013
MAY 2013
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Outdoor apparel industry has annual sales of $1 trillion.
SPECIAL FEATURE 19
AMERICANS SPEND MORE ON BICYCLING GEAR ($81 BILLION) THAN THEY DO ON AIRPLANE TICKETS ($51 BILLION).
The founder of Patagonia started as a dirtbag climber.
THE HOTTEST GEAR THIS YEAR HOTTEST ESSENTIALS TO GEARING UP FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS It’s that time of year again. It is time for everyone to strap on their Chacos and get the Z-tan party started! We’ve teamed up with the awesome people at Alabama Outdoors to find out exactly what this year’s hottest gear is. There is no shame in wanting to be in the know while you hike, camp or swim … right? There are so many options in the outdoors world — how can a person know what to get? I’m here to help. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or an amateur, you’ll definitely want to get in on some of this trendy gear.
1. CHACO SANDALS
You either have them or you need them, and that is all there is to it. No one can be fully fit for an adventure without a pair. The Chaco brand has a long-standing respect from the outdoor community for quality products. Those who call themselves “Chaconians” would say that Chacos are more than a shoe, but a way of life … a carefree, adventurous life. Plus, ladies, some of them can be pretty cute. Chacos come in all sorts of colors, prints and styles. Best of all, the more you wear them, the more distinct your Z-tan becomes … if tan lines are your thing.
2. OSPREY PACKS
These, my friends, are the who’swho of camping backpacks. You thought your L.L.Bean backpack was cool? Now would be a good time
OUTDOOR STYLES FOR AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE. to reconsider. This pack is where you keep any and everything you’ll need for your outdoorsy adventures this year. Comfortable yet huge, these backpacks will help you carry a weekend camping trip on your back — no problem. The investment is well worth it with these quality camping packs.
3. YETI COOLERS
I know, I know — coolers aren’t hot. All irony aside, these bad boys are the most popular cooler in the world right now. Yeti coolers are literally as durable as a white water kayak. Built more solid than any other cooler, Yeti coolers lock out heat and trap cold air inside. Whether you’re fishing, camping or simply going on a picnic, Yeti coolers will serve you well. Not
sold yet? Wait for it — these coolers are bear proof. I’m serious.
4. TOMS EYEWEAR
Okay … if you’re fond of shades, these are the way to go this year. Alabama Outdoors just picked up a whole line of TOMS eyewear. Not only do they look awesome, but with every pair you purchase TOMS will give sight to a person in need. The One for One program is giving lifealtering eye surgeries to people in need all over the world. Now tell me you don’t want a pair.
5. PATAGONIA CLOTHING
Patagonia has been setting the standard for outdoor clothing since 1972. That’s a long time, folks.
They know what they’re doing. With everything from fleece pullovers to surf gear, they will outfit you for any adventure. Since summer vacation is right around the corner, you’ll definitely want to check out their hot new line of swimwear. The above five items are an invitation to live life to the fullest this summer. No matter your level of outdoors expertise, if you’re sporting any one of these items, you’re one step closer to summertime adventures. So let’s gear up and get going!
STORY BY KALYN MULLIS
20 MUSIC
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Bonnaroo generates over $18 million for the local economy.
MAY 2013
Bonnaroo uses over 750 acres of land every year.
THE RULES OF ROO set up all over Centeroo and throughout the campground. Seek them out and you can be a part of some really cool, environmentally-sound art projects.
7. MEET PEOPLE
Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. You will be walled in by neighbors, so let loose and make some new friends. You will be surprised what kind of people you can meet.
8. KNOW YOURSELF
THE POPULATION OF BONNAROO IS USUALLY MORE THAN DOUBLE THE SIZE OF COFFEE COUNTY, TN. — WHICH IS ABOUT 53,000 PEOPLE.
1. PACK WELL
TEN RULES TO SURVIVING AND THRIVING AT BONNAROO It’s getting closer to that magical time of year again when a colony of people comes together to live in the dirt and mud and music — Bonnaroo. This massive summer music festival is an awesome experience that can be life changing if you do it right. I’m no music festival veteran, but there are definitely a few things we did that could help you. So here is a short and sweet survival guide to one of the coolest festivals in the nation.
Make sure you are packing efficiently! You don’t want to be caught in the Tennessee summer sun without plenty of sunscreen and water. Pack a lot of protein-stuffed foods and snacks, and make sure you check the weather! It can be bone dry or sopping wet, so be prepared!
2. PLAN YOUR BANDS
Bonnaroo may not seem like the kind of place for a schedule, but planning out what bands you will see at what times can be a great help later on. It’s not a long walk between stages, but you’ll have to do some crowd fighting. You definitely don’t want to miss your favorite band because you forgot to schedule.
3. LET YOUR FREAK FLAG FLY
This is especially for all of you who have trouble finding your car in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Have some fun and make a crazy flag to fly over your campsite so that you’ll find your spot easily. It might even be a good conversation piece. Tip: use PVC pipe with threaded ends so that you can dismantle it.
4. HYDRATION, HYDRATION, HYDRATION
If you’ve lived in the South for a summer season, you know how oppressive the heat can be. Bonnaroo is on a farm in southern Tennessee and the sun will bake you alive if you let it. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not having enough water. You should always have water handy. Heat stroke is no joke and it will sneak up on you fast. And remember: beer and other alcohol actually dehydrate you. If you choose to imbibe, drink an equal amount of water. Dehydration will ruin your weekend.
5. SEE A NEW BAND
Okay, so Paul McCartney is going to be there and I’m sure some of you are already twitching with indie-overload at the thought of seeing The Lumineers. All those guys are cool and everything, but seriously … go see someone new. Bonnaroo is a great place to experience some awesome musicians. Get off of the beaten path of rockstars and go see someone you’ve never heard of.
6. BE ARTSY
There are a ton of arts and crafts tents
One thing Bonnaroo has become known for is the copious amounts of mindexpanding fun that can be had. For those of you who want to embrace your inner H. Thompson – by all means, go for it. I won’t be the one to tell you not to. However, it’s important to know yourself and your surroundings. Listen to your body and your mind, and don’t do anything without thinking about it first and contemplating the possible consequences. On a related note, bring a lot of glow sticks and body paint … a lot.
9. BE AN ENTREPRENEUR
Some locals sell things at Bonnaroo and often make back the price of their ticket and maybe a little more. I haven’t tried this, but I think it would be a great idea for an enterprising young festival-goer such as yourself. One of the biggest sellers? H2O. Buy a couple of cases and break these bad boys out on the third and fourth day.
10. BE COOL
The most important rule is to be cool. Don’t be a jerk to your neighbors. It sounds very hippie-ish, but the fact is, everyone at Bonnaroo is in it together. If everyone takes it easy and stays relaxed, everyone will have a great time. Bonnaroo is a world of its own. It can be one of the best times of your life or it can be the worst. If you follow these rules — at least drink water, people — you’ll have yourself a good time that you may actually remember.
STORY BY ANDY THIGPEN
MAY 2013
MOVIES 21
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First drive-in & fly-in opened in 1948 in New Jersey.
Admission for the first drive-in was 25¢ per person.
DRIVE-INTO SUMMER! THE AFFORDABLE OUTING FOR COOL SUMMER NIGHTS Confession: I hate the outdoors. I hate snakes, I hate bugs and I hate getting dirty. Unlike many of my friends, I am not that excited when summer comes around. But one sure sign of summer I will willingly participate in is the opening of the drive-in movie theater. Drive-ins are technically outdoors, but without all the things that make me loathe being outside. I can pile into a caravan of vehicles with my friends, pack my favorites snacks and stay in the comfort of my vehicle to enjoy the movie.
You don’t have to live in the 1950’s, wear poodle skirts and drink soda pop to enjoy drive-in theaters. North Alabama has been home to Russellville’s King Drive-In since 1949. For only $6 per adult ticket, this drive-in offers an affordable summer outing destination. Might I mention that admission to the King Drive-In is half the cost of typical indoor movie theaters! Another drive-in option is in Guin at the Blue Moon Drive-In. Blue Moon has been offering an affordable family-atmosphere since 1956.
For city slickers like me who don’t jump for joy at the thought of hanging out in the elements of nature, driveins offer the feeling of being outdoors combined with the luxuries and comfort of being inside. All you have to do on your part is turn your radio to a designated station to hear the movie’s audio, sit back and enjoy the film! If
you’re a scaredy-cat like me, you won’t have to worry about a critter crawling on you; just roll up the windows and you’re practically in a movie theater. For the outdoorsy bunch, fill a truck bed with tons of pillows and blankets or spread a quilt out on the ground. Let’s keep it real: Every girl loves cuddling up to her man-friend under the stars. This is the perfect (cheap) date for you fellas! If you’re a gal like me who wants to enjoy the outdoors despite her fear, drive-ins offer the charm of nature with the comforts of city-slicker living. Open up your sunroofs and let the summertime air surround you!
STORY BY REBECCA LOGSDON
Invest in WE E K E N D S LOANS for LIVING
22 FREESTYLE
In 1863, Dr. James C. Jackson invented a granola recipe.
“Granola” is a term to describe people who spend all of their free time in the outdoors doing things like kayaking down the creek, eating freshly picked berries, sleeping in hammocks and climbing rocks all while maintaining a certain style that makes them easy to spot if you know what to look for.
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MAY 2013
Nature Valley is the leading granola brand in the U.S.
STORY BY SYDNEY THREET ILLUSTRATION BY MAGGIE BEA RAY
MAY 2013
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FREESTYLE 23