Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper
April 2016 - Volume 3, Issue 4
7th Annual Druid City Arts Festival Set for April 9 By Tori Linville
Everything You Need to Know for A-Day Full Preview on PAGE 19
One of Tuscaloosa’s biggest festivals, the Druid City Arts Festival, returns to Government Plaza on Saturday, April 9 with more than 90 artists in attendance. For years now, this free festival has been a premiere springtime event in town, offering up not just art, but music, food and more. And this year, the 7th Annual DCAF will become an established entertainment district – designated so by the Tuscaloosa City Council, just for the event. Brandt LaPish, director of communications for Tuscaloosa Sports and Tourism, said DCAF keeps things fresh by adding a new feature or activity to the event each year. With the new entertainment district, attendees will be able to purchase a drink from a participating bar or restaurant and walk around downtown within the district. “The district is a defined area downtown,” LaPish said. “Anyone of age downtown can purchase an alcoholic drink and can walk
Continued on Page 11
The free festival showcasing local artists, musicians and restauranteurs has quickly become a must-do event for area residents. Photo: Jeff Perrigin
Bark in the Park 3: Tail Wagging Fun Learn How to Make Tomato-Basil Soup Complete Recipe on Page 22
Inside This Issue About Us City News Opinion Community Business Calendar Schools Sports Food
2 4 6 10 DruidCityLiving 14 17 18 19 @DruidCityLiving 20
Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Tuscaloosa, AL Permit No. 116
facebook.com/DruidCityLiving
By Elizabeth Stanard Calling all humans and canines! Come one, come all to the Will May Dog Park on Saturday, April 9, because Tuscaloosa’s third annual Bark in the Park promises fun for everyone. Sponsored by the Tuscaloosa Association of Realtors and generous local businesses, organizations, and volunteers, this highly successful fundraising event honors the legacy of Will May while supporting the efforts of the Tuscaloosa Parks and Recreation Authority to maintain our city’s official dog park. Admission is free, donations are appreciated, and all are encouraged to attend. Last year, the festival drew nearly 1,000 dogs and
3,000 people while raising $18,000 for the Will May Foundation. This year, organizers hope to exceed these impressive numbers by featuring even a wider variety of entertainment, including live music. “This is a family friendly day at the park. There’s something for everybody. We’re just trying to capture all different audiences and make them enjoy the event that much more,” said Shelden Reynolds, local realtor and this year’s chair person. Canines can count on their annual favorite Bark in the Park events, like the pet parade, the best dog trick, the dog relay, and the dog/ owner look-a-like contest.
Continued on Page 11 Bark in the Park 3 will include activities for both owners and pets.
2 ABOUT
April 2016
Photo of the Month
CEO/Publisher Josh Watkins (205) 529-5723
Josh@druidcitymedia.com
Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin (205) 246-2977 Laurie@druidcitymedia.com Art Director Christopher Edmunds (205) 541-7092
Christopher@druidcitymedia.com
Staff Writers Tori Linville Stan J. Griffin Marketing Consultants Tom Sommerville (205) 393-6396 Tom@druidcitymedia.com
Britney McComb (256) 476-6888
Britney@druidcitymedia.com
Allison Adams (205) 914-2400
allisonpadams@gmail.com
Amber Bara (440) 413-6774
amberbara@gmail.com
Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steerer will race in authentic Hong Kong-style, 46-foot-long dragon boats on Saturday, April 30 at Riverwalk Place. All ages, skill levels and physiques can paddle, making it the ultimate teambuilding sport. Team members also compete to raise the most pledges for Junior League of Tuscaloosa and its community partners. In the past four years, JLT’s Dragon Boat Races participants and sponsors have raised over $70,000. Tents will be set up along the Black Warrior’s banks for participants and those who want to cheer them on as they vie for the top spots in the races, which will get underway around 10:30 a.m. and last until late afternoon. Photo: The Junior League of Tuscaloosa
4 CITY NEWS
April 2016
Mayor’s Minute – April 2016 For our children, the world has never been a more difficult and complex place, especially as it relates to the value of an education. According to most experts, two out of three jobs created in the next 25 years will require a minimum of a twoyear degree with a heavy concentration of digital literacy. Technology is creating a doubled-edge sword in forecasting the next generation of job opportunities. On one end, we have individuals who do well in school and are well versed in the digital revolution, thus they are poised to succeed. Conversely, for those who fail to achieve academic success, low skill jobs are disappearing from the landscape rapidly. The next time you visit Home Depot or Lowe’s, notice the amount of self-check-out lines, as just one small example. This new dynamic has forced public education to accelerate the learning curve which has the unintended consequence of leaving too many of our children behind. To that end, that is why I am so passionate about the Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative (TPI). Created in 2006, TPI was formed to expand and enhance the Tuscaloosa City Schools existing pre-k program which was limited in classrooms, but limitless in
achieving success. Today, we have 250 academically at-risk fouryear olds who are being provided an invaluable opportunity to be reading to learn instead of learning to read by the time they reach third grade. The benefits of pre-k programs are boundless, but state funding is scarce. Understanding this dynamic, TPI has been a model of public-private success with so many heroes such as the University of Alabama, United Way, Tuscaloosa City Council, Tuscaloosa City Schools, Mercedes-Benz USI, and countless citizens such as Tom Joyner and Jim Harrison Jr. who have invested time, talent and treasure. Fundraising and awareness are critical elements of TPI which is why we created the Tuscaloosa Mayor’s Cup 5K in 2007. Since our first race, we have raised $171,000 which has gone directly into the classroom. This year’s 10th Annual Mayor’s Cup 5K and 10K, which is being presented by Mercedes-Benz, will be held on Saturday, April 23 at Government Plaza. We’ve even included a 10k option for those looking for more of a challenge. Whether you want to set a personal record or simply walk the course to enjoy a great day in Tuscaloosa, your participation makes a real difference in lives of our next generation. Sincerely, Walter Maddox
Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. Serving children and families in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa Counties 601 Black Bears Way · Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 Are You Having Difficulty Making Your Mortgage Community Service Programs of West Alabama (CSP) Inc. is a HUD approved housing counseling agency that administers the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program (NFMC). Housing Counselors work with you and your mortgage servicer to determine your eligibility for all loss mitigation options. Housing Counselors are available to help: You make informed decision Bring your mortgage current Reduce your interest rate Ensure you receive an affordable mortgage payment Call us today to schedule your appointment (205)469-0388
Serving Children with Developmental Delays Early intervention is a coordinated, family-focused system of resource access, supports and services for eligible infants and toddlers, ages birth to 3 years who have developmental delays. Our network of parents, service coordinators, service providers, and others build upon the natural learning opportunities that occur within the daily routines of a child and his or her family. Services are guided by the priorities, needs, and dreams of each family and are provided within a flexible range of options to best fit the unique needs of each child and family. Qualifications for Early Intervention is solely based on a child’s developmental delay/diagnosis and is not based on a family's income. The focus of EI is to train, equip and support parents/caregivers in being the first and best teachers for their child. If you think your child is a little late learning to crawl or walk or talk, don't worry, but don't wait. Call us at (205) 752-0476 for more information.
Educational Services Provide Children Birth to Five with a Head Start Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from lowincome families Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age 5. In addition to education services, programs provide children and their families with health, nutrition, social, and other services. Head Start services are responsive to each child and family's ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage. Children are eligible for Head Start regardless of race, sex, creed or national origin as long as their family meets established criteria for enrollment which include: age, income, parent status, disability or other high risk factors. There is no cost to families whose children meet the eligibility guidelines for Head Start. To enroll your child in Head Start, call (205) 752-5429. For more information on these and other programs offered by Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. call (205) 752-5429 or visit our website at www.cpswal.com. CSP provides resources and services, which resolve immediate needs and lead to long-term selfsufficiency in low income and vulnerable populations.
6 OPINION
April 2016
Give Life to Your Story: Tunnel Vision
Sarah is 16 years old, and she knows her parents work hard to provide for her, but they just don’t understand what it’s like. To her, it’s unfair that other kids at school have name brand clothes and a car, but she doesn’t. Will is 17, and his girlfriend broke up with him to date his best friend. He is sure she was the love of his life, and he can’t imagine living without her, so he spirals into depression. Allie is 15, and already a star on the varsity basketball team. Allie pours all her energy into basketball, because she plans to go to college on an athletic scholarship — but she frequently forgets to do homework or study.
These stories and others like them are common. One thing teenagers do well is live for the moment. So often, when I talk with a student about a problem they have, their biggest issue is tunnel vision. They tend to fixate on whatever issue is plaguing them at the moment without stepping back to see the bigger picture. I’ve talked with so many teens who are genuinely hurt and truly struggling. Many times, if these students could just see outside their own circumstance, they’d understand how to improve them. So how do we show them kindness and understanding, while at the same time help them
see the bigger picture of the world around them? I think it starts by realizing we all tend to have an issue with tunnel vision. I know I do. Do we, as adults, ever let that one task at work take our whole attention, bringing the stress of work home with us? Or do we tell our spouses, children, and friends that we don’t have time for them? If we’d just take a look at the bigger picture, we’d see that an extra 15 minutes wouldn’t kill us. I think we can agree this is not just an issue for teenagers, but for us as well. As you can see from my picture, it hasn’t been all that long since I was a teenager myself, and I have not yet parented a teen. I have spent the last few years working with teens, but in writing this article I consulted a source wiser than myself — my own parents. My parents survived parenting three teenage girls who, I must admit, were not always angels. So I asked them, “If you could give one piece of advice to parents of teenagers, what would it be?” After considering for a moment Dad answered: “Keep loving them no matter what, but at the same time, don’t compromise what you know is right. Don’t be so caught up in disciplining that you forget to make sure they know you love them. Speak truth in love.” Mom followed by saying, “It just takes patience.” Patience. What an easy concept to
by Trish Wilkerson understand, but what a difficult thing to put into practice. I am not a parent, but I love the students I work with. There are times I just want to shake them and yell, “How do you not get this?!” However, that probably wouldn’t get me as far as if I am patient and remember to “speak truth in love.” I believe that is the answer to the tunnel vision crisis. Students need to hear the truths that so often they struggle to see. However, they need that truth to come from a place of loving patience. It should also come from someone who realizes that although the issues might be different, the struggle to see the forest for the trees affects all of us at one time or another. Trish Wilkerson serves on the staff of Tuscaloosa Youth For Christ. She is pictured with her husband, Andrew.
OPINION 7
April 2016
The Land of Oz: Five Years Later
by Derek Osborn
A monthly editorial piece of masterful opinionated writing (insert joke here) regarding life and times in the big town of Tuscaloosa coupled with the musings of a guy nicknamed “Oz.” To see a landscape forever altered over the But here we are. course of half an hour is one thing. To know that For me, the morning after was the acceptance multiple lives were lost in the process is entirely of the reality, even as surreal as it was. Being a something else. part of a commercial construction outfit, I drove I’m not going to fill up this column with idi- into town around 5 a.m. knowing that our compaoms like, “It felt like it was yesterday.” The truth ny, as well as many others, would be called upon is that it doesn’t. to help clear roads and provide heavy lifting April 27, 2011, is pretty much a blur from about equipment. And that drive would be an event I 3 p.m. on. My employer at the time had the fore- would remember until the day I die. sight to understand the severity of the situation, As I went to pull off of I-359, power lines and sending us all home early. And it’s a good thing poles lay across the asphalt. Battered cars lay too: The tornado completely destroyed a building upside-down and strewn about. No barriers. No approximately 500 yards from our office, and the roadblocks. No police presence. Tuscaloosa had buildings in the vicinity that were left standing been assaulted by Mother Nature, and we were incurred at least some level of serious damage. left sifting through the wreckage for the approHowever, I will never forget seeing the tor- priate protocol. nado touch down before it hit town (like many If you measure the strength of a community others, I documented it on YouTube). As my wife by the number of volunteers and the mounds of and children (one of them being a nine-week-old donations in the days following the disaster, then baby) took shelter in a bathroom, I watched the our city is easily classified as a world-class powmonstrosity make a beeline for our fair city and I er lifter. Five years later, it is up to us to memoremember thinking, “Raise up, please raise up.” rialize those that were not so lucky and keep our A couple of weeks before the “big one” hit, community bond growing stronger. And there is there was another “big one” on the south end no better reason to do so than in remembrance of of town that had the potential to be just as cata- them. strophic. But luckily, it was elevated and just off the ground enough to not cause any widespread I tweet insignificant things @ozborn34. devastation (although it was enough to down some trees and project one of my lawn chairs into parts unknown). Derek Osborn is the Executive Director of Had the April twister elevated slightly, of Tuscaloosa by trade and writer by Bradford Lipstick Half Pg27th Ad_Layout 1 12/4/14 2:43 PM Page PRIDE 1 we’d probably be having another discussion hobby. He lives in Tuscaloosa with his wife, about Tuscaloosa traffic right now. Lynn, and daughters Savannah and Anica.
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8 OPINION The Mommy Chronicles: Turning Disaster into Love An Open Letter to My Son
April 2016
by Marlena Rice
I remember during the early morning hours of April 27, 2011, my husband and I found ourselves sitting in the closet of our master bedroom, our Great Dane, Midnight, laying between us. We were frightened; in all of the years I had lived in Tuscaloosa, a tornado threat had never seemed so real. Waking up later that morning after a short, anxious sleep to what sounded like a train running constantly just outside the windows of our bedroom, and seeing the damage caused in our neighborhood, we understood just how close the damage came to home, hours before a second, larger, EF-4 struck Tuscaloosa later that afternoon. Five years later, I still pay attention to Midnight, who is all of 210 pounds, whenever a storm comes. He immediately stoops down to the floor and wants to be close to us. I think the fear of that night is something he still hasn’t forgotten, either. I’ve come to wonder recently, if my two year old had been in the closet with us that night, how would I have calmed him? How would I have been able to explain to him why we were in the closet, or, the next day, why trees next door had fallen down, and why we couldn’t drive to school? How would I comfort him again when he heard the words “tornado” and saw the sky getting dark?
There is no correct answer. It is a tough question, and one I’m sure many parents here have considered all too often. I can only advise you to be honest in what you believe in a loving way. How would you write your “letter”? Dear Beaux William, When you were in the closet with Daddy, Mommy and Midnight, God was watching over us to keep us safe during the tornado. Why did some of our friends get hurt? Well honey, God was watching them too, but the storm was a bad storm, and some of our friends and family were hurt badly. Remember what happens when people sometimes get sick, or they hurt their bodies badly? Yes, that is when they get to go to heaven and live with Jesus. So, we do not need to be sad because their hearts are happy again and their bodies have been healed. Most importantly, they have a home forever that they will never have to leave. So let’s not be sad, because they would not want us to be! Why did this happen? Son, sometimes things occur that we cannot explain. Sometimes these things make us happy, and sometimes they hurt our feelings and make us sad. But, despite the bad feelings that we have when we are upset and scared, it is very important to remember to be nice to others,
and treat them as you would like them to treat you if you were in their situation. This is why we helped our neighbors rebuild their homes, and why we donated clothes for people to wear. If we needed them, we would have been very grateful for the help too. It is important for you to always remember that we need to make our lives about other people, and not about ourselves. Showing someone love when they are sad and scared is the best time for them to comprehend that
Photo: Marlena Rice
even though they are hurting, there are people who love them. Ultimately, we want them to feel complete and happy again, just like we feel every day. Love, Mommy Marlena Rice is a local mom and author. Her new book, “Pacifiers, Flatbeds and Barn Wood Thingamajigs, a ‘Come to Jesus Guide’ for the New, Southern Mom,” will be available on Amazon.com soon.
OPINION 9 Lake Living: Summer Vacations and Bucket Lists
April 2016
by Allison Adams
Even our pastor referenced his bucket list being checked while pulling some G’s in a MiG flight. So your dreams aren’t so exciting? That’s okay, fewer than half of Americans even have a bucket list. And of those that do, travel tops the majority of them. However, 56 percent say money is the obstacle that keeps them from fulfilling that travel dream. I am encouraging you to stretch your creativity and savor some opportunities closer to home. Let’s all get out and check some fun off our lists.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: My favorite little secret, and home to The Little Zoo That Could television phenomenon following their progress after the hurricanes. Located just south in Gulf Shores. The Birmingham Zoo: Marvel in the splendor of the majestic animals. No they aren’t in the wild and no they can’t eat you. Savor the safety! Travel Dream: A European Vacation Well, if money is no object, by all means, hop across the pond, where the dollar has lost its gusto. But here in the Southeast, we have many options for those wanting to slip in and out of the U.S. state of mind.
Travel Dream: Experience a Safari My husband and I traveled to South Africa, and stayed in a private reserve adjoining Krueger Park. It was magical. We did not get stung by the scorpion hanging on our dinner cloth as we dined under the stars (thank you, Jesus). We never witnessed the raring of the world’s deadliest snake, the Black Mamba. Again, thank you. The trip was great, but let’s remember that travel substitutions can be just as good, not requiring an Ambien each night and a toast “…to one more night alive.”
Options Closer to Home Helen, Georgia: This beautiful place instantly plops you in the Swiss Alps of the South (work with me here). Tubers roll by umbrella-filled cafes along the rocky riverbank. It’s always Christmas in Helen, and any of you who ventured to Germany will recognize the Hofbrauhaus pub.
Options Closer to Home Tigers for Tomorrow: Located just north of Birmingham, this rescue sanctuary for hundreds of lions, tigers and bears gets you about as close as you can to the roaring beasts.
New Orleans, Of Course: Need a quick getaway? Hop the train to New Orleans for a weekend. Don’t sit in your seats! You’re on vacation. Venture to the dining car, the bar car – and meet strangers, like you would backpacking
through Europe. The world awaits you in NOLA, from the French Quarter to the Garden District. This diverse, grand old American city offers something for everyone’s wandering spirit. Travel Dream: A Cowboy Ranch Experience Sure, it would be great to hit the road and spend weeks living the cowboy lifestyle – but that’s not always practical. I’d recommend The Grand Canyon if you must go experience the wild West in all its glory. Options Closer to Home Madison, Georgia: The Southern Cross Guest Ranch is a delight. Ride horses twice daily, lets the kids swim in the pool while you watch the horses frolic in the meadow. Grab directions to Buckner’s Family Restaurant as you pass through Jackson, Georgia, and enjoy Southern cooking served family-style, around big round tables you share with others. Little River Canyon National Preserve: This is an amazing option if you can’t swing a Grand Canyon trip this year. Canoe, kayak, raft and enjoy this Northwest Alabama treat – and imagine yourself immersed in the west. A bucket list is your dream. Make a small one today. Sit outside and dine
with your sweetheart. Pick fresh flowers and put them by someone’s bedside for a month. Learn history with a historical marker app (find the markers all along the roadside). Identify birds passing through the area. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Sometimes the smallest moments mean the most! Share your list with me, @artallie, on Twitter. You can find more bucket list substitutions on my blog at allisonpadams.com. Allison Adams is a Tuscaloosa Realtor with Lake Homes Realty, and she lives on Lake Tuscaloosa. You can reach her at aadams@lakehomes.com.
10 COMMUNITY
Tales of
April 2016
Local author and historian Jim Ezell is busily writing a collection of historical stories about the Druid City and surrounding areas, in hopes of publishing a book ahead of Tuscaloosa’s bicentennial celebration in 2019. What began as genealogy search in 1992 quickly turned into a much larger project. As Ezell searched through over a century of newspapers at the University of Alabama’s Hoole Special Collections Library, he became fascinated by other articles from the Druid City.
Tuscaloosa
By Jim Ezell
Highway 11—The French Connection: March 6, 1836
The Joint Board on Interstate Highways concluded its meeting on April 21, 1925, by recommending the creation of the first nationally numbered system of transcontinental highways. They proposed 21 routes. Those ending with one would generally travel north-south, while those ending with zero generally would go east-west. Four of these routes, 11, 31, 80 and 90, crossed Alabama. Route 11 passed through Tuscaloosa. U.S. Route 11, commonly called “Highway 11,” is numbered as if it runs north-south, but it actually crosses the eastern United States diagonally, generally following the alignment of the Appalachian Mountains. It extends 1645 miles through ten states from its terminus at U.S. Route 90 in New Orleans to the Canadian border at Rouses Point, N.Y. It connects with Quebec Route 223 which extends another 40 miles to Montreal. Since it joins two far-flung North American cities that originated in colonial New France, it has been referred to as the “French Connection.” Highway 11 enters Tuscaloosa County near Ralph, crosses the Black Warrior River and heads into Tuscaloosa’s West End and Downtown. Originally, it extended through the University of Alabama, Alberta City, Peterson, Brookwood and present day Lake View into Jefferson County along the path of the Old Huntsville Rd., an early stagecoach route. Later, it was rerouted along Skyland Blvd. and onto a new alignment. The original route from Alberta City to Lake View is now designated as State Route 216.
Tuscaloosans J. W. and Alma Tillery opened the Underpass Cafe in York, Ala., in 1926 on a combined section of U.S. Highways 11 and 80 adjacent to the AT&N railroad underpass. It served locals, travelers and train crews 24 hours a day for nearly 35 years. The smoke is from a passing steam locomotive; also note that gasoline was 20 cents. Chicken-fried steak sandwiches and Tuscaloosa-made Pure Process Ice Cream were customer favorites. Photo by the author’s grandfather, circa 1937
Americans took to the newly designated U.S. Routes in droves. According to a 1937 map, daily traffic counts along Highway 11 near Tuscaloosa ranged from about 2500 to 4000 vehicles, or up to 1.5 million per year. Across the country, even during the Depression, thousands of businesses offering services to motorists proliferated. In Tuscaloosa, there were scores of motels, cafes, restaurants, service
stations and grocery stores. In other areas along Highway 11, there were tourist attractions such as caves, Rock City and Natural Bridge. For decades, many prospered and remained viable until they were bypassed by the modern limited access Interstate system. Only a few remain from those flamboyant days. Along its way, Highway 11 passes through cities such as Chattanooga,
Roanoke, Harrisburg and Syracuse. Hundreds of small towns dot the route, including Toomsuba, Miss., Rising Fawn, Ga., Ooltewah, Tenn., Shickshinny, Pa., and Killawog, N.Y. Highway 11 accesses over 40 colleges and universities, including Southern Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Washington and Lee, VMI, Gettysburg, Syracuse and three State University of New York campuses. These schools presently have nearly 300,000 students. In later years, numerous highways were designated as U.S. Routes, including Highways 82 and 43, along with the most famous of them all, Route 66, known in popular culture as the “mother road.” In recent decades, most traffic along the Highway 11 corridor travels Interstates 59 and 81. However, Highway 11 still serves as an emergency or bypass route, and it provides a scenic drive for those taking the “road less travelled.” If you have a comment or question for local historian and author Jim Ezell, you can email him at Ezell0071@comcast.net. Jim Ezell was recently named Writer of the Year for 2015 by the Tuscaloosa Writers and Illustrators Guild.
COMMUNITY 11
April 2016
BARK
continued from page 1
They also can test their agility on an obstacle course, pose for ZAP photos, get fancied-up at a grooming station, cool-off in a wading pool, or just hang-out. There are also special treats: The first 500 pooches who register at the gate will receive “swag bags” that are rumored to be more “beefed-up” than ever before. Dogs in need of permanent homes will be given the red carpet treatment by Girl Scout Daisy Troop 100, who will escort them around the park for all to see. Six animal rescue organizations will be there to assist those who want to adopt furry friends. As always, humans will have plenty of opportunities to shop and swap in the Vendor Village, which will offer a sampling of goods and services geared towards pets and people alike. Four eateries, including Golden Rule BBQ, Chick-fil-A, and Dippin’ Dots will have plenty of lunch and dessert options. Perhaps one of this year’s most exciting additions is a live band stage performance. Music lovers won’t want to miss the group Mellowship, a regional favorite known for their high energy and crowd-pleasing cover songs. Families and college students are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to kick-back, relax, and enjoy the show. Gallettes will have Yellowhammer brew on tap for adult purchases. Kids will stay busy in the child-designated area with face-painting, balloon-making, hopscotch, and other games provided by volunteers. And if all of these reasons aren’t incentive enough to attend, more accessible parking and “real” restrooms will be available this year. No more porta-potties! “We absolutely cannot wait for April 9 to get here. Please, come join the fun as we continue to help maintain the only official dog park in the county. I want to see your tails waggin’!,” exclaimed Reynolds. Questions? For more information, check out the “Tuscaloosa Bark in the Park” Facebook page or contact the Tuscaloosa Association of Realtors at (205) 345-7323.
FESTIVAL continued from page 1
around with the drink outside as long as it’s in the approved cup.” The festival continues its partnership with Tour de Tuscaloosa, an annual bike race, to add energy and excitement to the day, LaPish said. The bike race returns after a two year hiatus and will be in conjunction with DCAF and a road race the following day. In addition to the DCAF attractions, The Great Tailgate BBQ Cook-Off takes place the same day, at 1 p.m. at 22nd Avenue and 7th Street. Judging begins at noon, and more information about the event can be found at greattailgatecookoff.com. Proceeds benefit Tuscaloosa’s Habitat for Humanity. The Tuscaloosa Children’s Theater has partnered with the festival for its children’s area, and new inflatables will be added to the Home Depot workshop, face painting and musical petting zoo zone. Elizabeth Mize, owner of Craft E. Tuscaloosa, said the family friendly atmosphere is one of her favorite parts of the festival. “It’s a really great event and there’s a lot to do. There’s a lot of diversity, good bands, good food, and a lot of local artists you wouldn’t normally get to see,” Mize said. “It’s focused on the artists, and the setting and time of year is always perfect. It’s a good event that has a lot of different experiences to offer.” Mize owns Craft E. Tuscaloosa with her husband and the two sell a variety of different handmade items from jewelry to paintings. Their bestseller is always their bar ware, made with etchings by hand of various states. “We make different things like glasses and do handmade etchings,” Mize said. “It’s helped grow my business a lot and now I have stuff in Mobile and Birmingham too. We can
do different states as well, and I have an Etsy website.” Mize said she is able to hand etch almost anything from serving pieces to wedding gifts. Craft E. Tuscaloosa will be located at booth 36, on the 7th Street side of the venue. For more about Craft E. Tuscaloosa, visit etsy.com/shop/ craftETuscaloosa. “My husband and I take turns because it’s always super busy, but sometimes we’ll have a break and one of us can go make a lap [around the festival] and we’ve bought a lot of stuff for our home,” Mize said. “We like to support other artists and seeing other artists develop their stuff as well.” To get involved or for more information about DCAF, visit druidcityartsfestival.com.
Photo: Jeff Perrigin
Winning Hand By Rick Sexton I have been in residential real estate and mortgage lending since 1962, and I started doing reverse mortgages in 1998. I quickly noticed how different my relationship with our reverse mortgage borrowers is from a regular mortgage. We spend a lot more time getting to know a reverse mortgage borrower – their needs, family circumstances, health concerns, etc. A reverse mortgage is not just a financial transaction; it is much more than that. While Christmas shopping, I bumped into one of our borrowers outside a store and we talked for a while. Her widowhood was the reason she got a reverse mortgage and it was good to hear that she was getting along well and that she was once again enjoying lunches with her Bridge club. This widow had played Bridge with a group of friends for many years. Their routine was the same: play Bridge for a couple of hours and then go eat lunch together. Unfortunately, her husband passed away several years ago, and when he did she lost part of his social security income and pension. Money was tight before, but now she was really struggling to make ends meet. She was cutting every expense back: lowering the thermostat to an uncomfortable level, not buying clothes, and foregoing other expenses such as going to lunch after the bridge game. The widow started making excuses as to why she couldn’t go to lunch – needing to visit an elderly relative, helping out with project at the church, etc. One day, one of the widow’s good friends from the Bridge group called her
and asked if she could stop by for a quick visit. Her friend had figured out the reason she was skipping lunch was due to her financial situation. The friend’s sister had gotten a reverse mortgage and she was very happy with it. This didn’t surprise me, in addition to my own experience, national surveys show that between 89%-93% of reverse mortgage borrowers are pleased with their decision. I explained the FHA reverse mortgage program to the widow at her kitchen table and it seemed like the perfect solution -- she could pay off her mortgage, some high interest credit cards, and have approximately $78,000 in a line of credit. Because she didn’t have to make monthly mortgage or credit card payments, the widow was saving about $1075 per month, which was enough to allow her to live comfortably. And on top of that, for future emergencies she could draw on her line of credit which has a built in tax-free growth rate. After talking it over with her children and some family members, the widow decided that a reverse mortgage was in her best interest. As we were talking in the parking lot, she told me that the stress had been affecting her well-being and outlook on life, and without that persistent financial strain she was happier and healthier. I asked her if it was helping
her win her bridge games and she laughed and said “no!”. She then told me that win or lose, she was enjoying her lunches with her friends again. Reverse mortgage homeowners have no monthly payments as long as they live in their home. Nor can they ever owe more than the value of their home, so there is no personal liability. Only the amount of money borrowed, plus interest, is due after the last remaining homeowner permanently leaves the property. ___________________________ About the Author: Rick Sexton works with McGowin-King Mortgage, which has been doing reverse mortgages longer than anyone in Alabama, has an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the Alabama Mortgage Brokers Association. Mr. Sexton is a life-long resident of Birmingham and a senior home-owner with a reverse mortgage himself. Mr. Sexton can be reached at (205) 649-1199.
A vast majority of senior homeowners could benefit from a reverse mortgage...
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14 BUSINESS
April 2016
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Tuscaloosa
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Business Happenings
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Call for a free, no-obligation appointment
205.764.0387
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HomeInstead.com/746 Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office is independently owned and operated. © 2016 Home Instead, Inc.
BUSINESS 15
April 2016
Now Open
News and Accomplishments
Broadway Pizzeria has opened a new location in Tuscaloosa (5400 McFarland Boulevard E.). Broadway South, located in the Texaco across from Townsend Ford, celebrated a grand opening in March. This is Broadway’s second location. (205) 722-1047
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FOCUS on Senior Citizens of Tuscaloosa County is offering free income tax assistance to area seniors, in conjunction with AARP. All tax preparation appointments will be held at the Tuscaloosa Public Library. For more information, call (205) 553-3133.
Captain D’s celebrated its grand opening with a Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama ribbon cutting on March 21. The restaurant is located at 760 Skyland Boulevard.
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A topping out ceremony was held on Feb. 29 for Hotel Indigo Downtown Tuscaloosa, located at Riverfront Village in downtown Tuscaloosa along the banks of the Black Warrior River (120 Greensboro Avenue). The 91-room hotel is expected to open later in 2016.
Heat Pizza Bar is now open at 600 21st
3 Avenue in Tuscaloosa. The restaurant, located
inside the Intermodal Facility at Government Plaza, serves “dine at your pace” artisan pizzas and salads. (205) 632-3282; heatpizzabar.com. Pieology, which opened its doors at 1211
4 University Boulevard on The Strip earlier
this year, held a ribbon cutting on March 14 – appropriately enough, it was national PI Day. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. (205) 248-7229; pieology. com T.J. Maxx is now open at 2600 McFarland 5 Blvd Suite B in Tuscaloosa’s McFarland Plaza. The new 24,000-square-foot store opened its doors with a grand opening celebration on March 3. Store hours are 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. M-Sat and 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sundays. (205) 752-3926
Maison du Lac, a new, architecturally designed and regulated residential community for high-end, single-family homes located on Lake Tuscaloosa adjacent to the North River Yacht Club, celebrated its ground breaking on April 1. The 14.6-acre development will be located just off Yacht Club Way Northeast. (205) 799-5307;Hearingconstruction.com At its recent annual meeting, Turning Point Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services agency awarded The Dedicated Daisy, its highest award, to Pauline Mills. Mills has been affiliated with the agency for over 20 years both as a domestic abuse survivor and a volunteer. For more information, visit turningpointservices.org or call (205) 758-0808.
Dr. Kay M. Palan, dean of Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University, has been named dean of The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce. Her appointment is effective July 1. TEDxTuscaloosa is back for 2016. The event is planned for April 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mellow Mushroom in downtown Tuscaloosa. For more information, visit tedxtuscaloosa.com. The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce has announced six business professionals to be inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame in 2016. The inductees include Joel R. Anderson, of Florence; Paul W. Bryant Jr., of Tuscaloosa; Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr., of New York; Beverly C. Phifer, of Tuscaloosa; William H. Stender, of Huntsville; and Dr. Robert. E. Witt, of Tuscaloosa. They will be honored during the Alabama Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Nov. 17 in Birmingham. Mary Harmon Young of Prudential Pritchett-Moore Realty in Tuscaloosa was named one of 50 finalists for Realtor Magazine’s 2016 class of “30 Under 30.” Initial selections were made by judges based on business success, innovation, leadership, and community involvement.
If you have information you’d like included in Business Happenings, email Contact@druidcitymedia.com
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STARTS WITH THE RIGHT CALL Barron Jefferson – Lineman, Power Delivery
Here are a few very important things you should know about underground power lines and how to work safely around them. More and more power lines are being buried underground. This poses a considerable threat for both construction workers and do‑it‑yourself homeowners. Even if you’re undertaking a seemingly harmless job, such as digging a hole for a new fence, the risks are still there.
Color codes for marking underground utility lines White
Proposed excavation
You’ve probably heard the “Call before you dig” mantra many times. But take it to heart, nothing good happens when a shovel plunges into a live power line.
Pink
Temporary survey markings
The number to call is easy to remember: 811. Call, preferably 48 hours in advance of your project, and the representative will notify all the appropriate utilities. Pretty easy.
Red
Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
Yellow
Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials
Orange
Communications, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
Soon after the call, various technicians will come out and put colored spray paint in the places where there are lines. At right is a chart to explain which one is which.
In an emergency, call: 1-800-888-APCO (2726) For more electrical safety tips, visit AlabamaPower.com/safety.
Before you dig:
Blue
Potable water
Dial 811
Purple
Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines
Green
Sewers and drain lines
© 2016 Alabama Power Company
Please take this simple step before digging. It’s easy. And it’s free. You’ll save a lot of headaches—and maybe even your life.
16 COMMUNITY
April 2016
Belflex Mentoring Program Helps Students By Laurie Mundy Perrigin
BelFlex Staffing Network worked tirelessly with Central High School through its inaugural six-week Mentoring Program (BJMP) at the school in 2015. Now, the agency is ready to help again. This marks the second year for the program, and several events are lined up during the course, which runs from early-April to mid-May. All of the events are designed to help Central’s juniors and seniors with career readiness, including job hunting skills, interview skills and work ethic. This year’s mentoring and workforce development program begins on April 7, with an introduction to the program and guest speaker Jay Welborn – a Central High School graduate and the owner of the local Piggly Wiggly stores in town. Additional events include “Dress for Success,” an event to help students learn to dress for interviews, job shadowing with Faurecia in Northport (for students 18 and over), and mock interviews with local businesses. Ann Hollingsworth with BelFlex says the program is integral to helping young job seekers. “Since Belflex Staffing is a caring, community-minded company, we wanted to help lower the dropout rate while providing career path opportunities not only with us but in Tuscaloosa.”
Central High School Principal Dr. Clarence Sutton said the program has proven invaluable to students. “Our goal is not only to graduate students; which has increased over 17 percent in two years, but to also prepare them for life after high school. Belflex has gone over and beyond to expose our students to a variety of career options,” he said. “From the training sessions, guest speakers, job training, interview sessions and job fairs, Belflex has walked our students through the entire process.” Meetings are held weekly on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. “We’re very proud to partner with Dr. Sutton at Central High, we’ve already broken barriers with our program that is pulling the community together in mentoring the students,” Hollingsworth said. “Our goal is to put people to work, contributing to the students’ paths to success.” The program culminates with a graduation ceremony on May 12, in the Central High School auditorium. Students will be given green/blue cords to wear, along with certificates, resume help and more. Four scholarships will be presented. If you’d like to make a donation to the BelFlex Junior Mentoring Program, call Ann Hollingsworth at (205) 561-6672 or email her at ahollingsworth@belflex.com.
Fashion Show Gala to Benefit Secret Meals for Hungry Children By Tori Linville Tuscaloosa’s Street Jam Talent Agency will make fundraising fashionably delicious as it brings fashion and food together for a fundraiser to benefit Secret Meals for Hungry Children. The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center will host the Fashion for Food event on Friday, April 22 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The fundraising event will feature a fashion show from 6 to 8 p.m., and an open dance floor from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Hors d’Oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are currently for sale for $10 at shopdcm.com and will be $12 at the door. The fashion show will include pieces from Tuscaloosa boutiques such as The Gypsy Spur, Krush Boutique and more. DJ ProtoJ and the Street Jam Crew will also make appearances. Secret Meals for Hungry Children is an organization that provides meals for children who aren’t able to access nutritional meals during the weekend while they’re away from school. The meals are “discretely slipped into the backpacks of as many hungry children as donations allow. The cost to ensure one child receives a food pack each Friday throughout the school year is $140.”
Barbie Perry, owner and director of Street Jam, said the Secret Meals organization hits home for her. Perry grew up in El Salvador and said always seeing hungry children left an impact. “There are a shocking amount of young kids and teens that rely on their school’s breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. There are children going hungry right here in Tuscaloosa County. It is our responsibility as a community to help take care of our neighbors who have fallen on unfortunate times,” she said. “The Secret Meals organization here in Tuscaloosa is doing a great job in bringing awareness to this daily issue, and we could not be more proud to support such a worthy cause. It allows my talent not only to do what they love and are passionate about, but also to do something positive for the children of our community whose working parent’s income do not suffice enough for their families.” Extra donations for the cause can be made at the door, and outfits seen on the runway will be available for purchase at the respective boutiques. To find out more, visit the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ fashionforfoodtuscaloosa.
TM
YOUTH FOR CHRIST
Registration: $300 per golfer / $1,200 a foursome. Register at 205.752.3361. Best ball format R
Day includes: lunch, eligibility for all prizes and the opportunity to connect to the work of Youth For Christ.
April Calendar of Events Tuscaloosa Walk for Autism and 5K Race to Solve the Puzzle: April 9, 7:30 a.m. (5K) and 9:30 a.m. (Walk). Tuscaloosa Riverwalk. The Autism Society of Alabama is hosting this annual event, which raises awareness and funds for ASA’s autism advocacy and education initiatives and provides interactive ways for residents to support community members affected by ASD. Registration fee: $35. 8th Annual Lake Tuscaloosa Cleanup: April 9, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Binion Creek Boat Landing off Hwy 43 N. and Rock Quarry Boat Landing. Lake Tuscaloosa is the drinking water source for greater Tuscaloosa and a reservoir on the North River, a major tributary of the Black Warrior River. Contact Dana Willingham at dwillingham@tuscaloosa.com or (205) 349-0279. 3rd Annual Bark in the Park: April 9, 10 a.m., Munny Sokol Park, Tuscaloosa. Bark in the Park 3, benefitting the Will May Dog Park, will include a variety of fun events for dogs and dog-lovers alike, including a pet parade, contests and live music. Admission is free. For more information, visit the Facebook page at Tuscaloosa Bark in the Park. Druid City Arts Festival: April 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Government Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa. DCAF, presented by the Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports, showcases local and regional art, music and culture. The all-ages Festival is free. For more information, visit druidcityartsfestival.com. Cadence Bank Tour de Tuscaloosa: April 9-10, downtown Tuscaloosa. Come test out your early season legs on two all new courses. Saturday’s criterium course will be held around Government Plaza in conjunction with the Druid City Arts Festival. Sunday’s challenging 12.5 mile Road Race Loop will be at Sipsey Valley High School. To register, visit usacycling.org/register/2016-34. 1st Annual Great Tailgate BBQ Cook-Off: April 9, 1 p.m. 7th Street at 22nd Avenue, downtown Tuscaloosa. Habitat for Humanity is hosting this event, which features 18 teams competing in various barbecue categories, including chicken, pork and beef brisket. The Cook-Off is being held in conjunction with the Druid City Arts Festival. For more information, visit greattailgatecookoff.com. 30th Anniversary Sakura Festival: April 9, 1-4 p.m. On the Green at Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa. The annual Sakura Festival, presented by the Capstone International Center, offers the community an opportunity to experience Japanese culture with a variety of cultural exhibits and performances. For more information, international.ua.edu/sakura2016. 18th Annual West Alabama Leadership Prayer Breakfast: April 12, 7:15 a.m. Bryant Conference Center, University of Alabama campus. A full breakfast buffet will be available for all guests. Keynote speaker: Political columnist Cal Thomas. Individual tickets: $25; Table sponsorships: $250. For more
information, visit westalabamaprayerbreakfast.org. NorthRiver Yacht Club Ladies Invitational Tournament: April 12-13, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. NorthRiver Yacht Club Tennis Pavilion, Tuscaloosa. This two-day, combination-style tournament benefits Turning Point. Email tennis@northriveryc.com. Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama Shining Stars: April 14, 6 p.m. Tuscaloosa River Market. This fundraiser features an evening of fun and performances, along with special guest speaker, legendary coach Bobby Bowden. Cost: $100 per person; dinner is included. For more information, call (205) 7585734 and to purchase tickets, visit bbbswestal.org. Chris Young with Special Guest Cassadee Pope: April 15, 7:30 p.m. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Ticket prices: $45.50, $31 and $21. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.com. For more, call the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Box Office at (205) 248-5280. 5K for Kenya Mission Run/Walk: April 16, 8 a.m. (5K race) and 8:45 a.m. (Children’s Challenge Run). Munny Sokol Park, Northport. This race, which is a Tuscaloosa Track Club Grand Prix event, raises money for Challenge Farm (challengefarm.org) and Tenderfeet Education Center (tenderfeetkids.org) in Kenya. Registration: $25 by April 14; $30 after. Children’s Challenge registration is $10. For more information, visit twccalabama.org. Tuscaloosa County March for Babies: April 16, 9 a.m., Tuscaloosa Riverwalk (near the Bama Belle station). Participants in this event, sponsored by the March of Dimes Alabama chapter, will have the ability to stroll down the Riverwalk for a beautiful walk, play games, enjoy food & entertainment all while helping babies. For more information, call (205) 8240103 or visit marchforbabies.org. “Calico Street” Troupe Performance: April 16 and May 7, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Northport Civic Center. This exciting stage play for kids (ages 5 to 11) features great programs of unpredictable fun and learning with costumed actors and dancers, lights and music. Admission is free, and parent seating is available. Come early to register. For more information and additional show dates, visit calicostreet.com. Death By Chocolate Tournament: April 21, 6 p.m., Tuscaloosa River Market. This event, presented by Publix Super Markets Charities, benefits Tuscaloosa’s Family Counseling Service. Restaurants and businesses in the Tuscaloosa area compete by bringing their best chocolates in hopes of being recognized as having Tuscaloosa’s Best Chocolate. Advance tickets: $25; $30 at the door. For more information, visit counselingservice.org. Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre presents Junie B. Jones, The Musical: April 22, 7 p.m., Apr. 23, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Apr. 24, 2 p.m. Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. This show is an adaptation of Barbara Park’s best-selling Junie B. Jones books.
Fashion for Food: April 22, 6-8 p.m. Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, downtown Tuscaloosa. Tuscaloosa’s spring fashion show includes styles from area boutiques, music by DJ ProntoJ and special performances by the Street Jam Crew, ABJ Force, The Dance Center and more. Proceeds benefit Secret Meals for Hungry Children. Tickets: $10; $12 at the door. For more information, visit Fashion For Food Tuscaloosa on Facebook. 10th Annual Mayor’s Cup 5K and 10K: April 23, 8 a.m. (registration 7 a.m.), Government Plaza, Tuscaloosa. All proceeds from this year’s race benefit Tuscaloosa’s Pre-K Initiative. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate. For more info and to register, visit tuscaloosamayorscup.com. 4th Annual West Alabama Food and Wine Festival: April 28, 6-8 p.m. Tuscaloosa River Market. This event features exquisite cuisine from local restaurants and samplings of over 40 wines - all for a great cause. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross West Alabama Chapter. Tickets: $55 (individual) and $100 (couple). For more information, visit westalabamafoodandwine.com or call (205) 614-7844. University of Alabama’s 16th Annual Moundville Knap-In: April 29-30, Moundville Archaeological Park. Stone toolmakers, artists and ancient technology experts from around the country demonstrate their crafts. For more information, call (205) 371-8732 or email llrasco@ua.edu. The Junior League of Tuscaloosa 2016 Dragon Boat Races: April 30, 10:30 a.m., Riverwalk Place, Tuscaloosa. For more information on races, including how to register, email tuscaloosadragonboats@ gmail.com or visit www.jltuscaloosa.org. Turning Point’s Release the Fear Rally: April 30, 12-2 p.m. Snow Hinton Park, Tuscaloosa. This event, which includes free, live entertainment and refreshments, supports survivors of sexual assault speaking out and releasing their fears. For more information, call Turning Point at (205) 758-0808 or visit turningpointservices.org. 19th Annual BBQ & Blues: April 30, 6-10 p.m. Tuscaloosa Regional Airport Terminal. Proceeds from this event benefit the DCH Help & Hope Patient Assistance Fund. Guests will enjoy McAbee Pigfitters BBQ, a silent auction, a Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers giveaway event and music by SuperFunk Fantasy. Tickets and corporate sponsorships are available. For more information, call (205) 759-7349 or visit thedchfoundation.org. 10th Annual Duck Derby: May 1, Government Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa. The Children’s HandsOn Museum presents the Duck Derby, which features prizes, refreshments and music for the whole family. Funds raised help to pay for programs provided for children and families all year long. For more information, visit chomonline.org.
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18 SCHOOLS April 2016 DCL’s Teacher of the Month: Amy McCown, Walker Elementary By Tori Linville If Amy McCown wasn’t teaching, she’d be baking. She said even if she owned her own bakery, she’d still like to teach. “If I were not a teacher, I think I would own and operate my own bakery. I love to make birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and other specialty cakes for friends and family,” she said. “I enjoy the math, science, and creativity behind the cake baking and decorating process. And of course, I would love to teach classes for adults and children as a part of my bakery.” McCown just started her first year at Walker Elementary as a fourth grade science teacher. A new school isn’t new to McCown, as she’s taught fourth, fifth and sixth grades. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of West Florida, she then went on to earn a Master’s degree in the same field from the University of West Alabama. She said she thinks one of the biggest accomplishments for her as a teacher is simply seeing her students excel. “I believe my biggest accomplishments are seeing students succeed in their lives. It is very gratifying to have students tell me how much they have learned and how much they like learning,” she said. “I also enjoy seeing students as adults and hearing what
they are doing now and what special times they remember about their year in my class. It is very rewarding to have a student thank you for teaching them and caring about them.” Teaching isn’t just a job you get to leave at the workplace, McCown said. It’s a job that is integral to a teacher’s entire life. “I would like for people to know that most teachers view teaching as more than just a job to go to each day, perform, and then go home for the evening,” she said. “Teaching is a part of me all the time. I am always thinking about ways to reach and help students, what teaching strategies will help students learn the best, and how I can improve myself as a teacher. Even during the summer breaks, I am always looking ahead to the next year, gathering supplies, lesson planning, and attending workshops.” The best thing a new teacher can do is immediately establish a set of routines and procedures to guide their students, McCown said. The classroom needs to run like a welloiled machine in order to maximize learning opportunities. “You can be the most knowledgeable teacher and have the best lesson plans,” she said. “But without routines and procedures for students to follow and know what to expect, you will not
Amy McCown teaches fourth-grade science classes at Walker.
have an orderly and relaxed learning environment.” McCown is inspired by the Christian values and examples set by her parents and said their guidance helped her to learn valuable life skills as she grew up.
Photo: Amy McCown
“They provided such a loving, caring, and fun home life for my sister and me,” she said. “I wouldn’t be the wife, mother, and teacher I am without their love and guidance along the way.”
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SPORTS 19
April 2016
A-Day 2016: Filling in Missing Pieces of the Puzzle By Stan J. Griffin
Most University of Alabama football fans have been no doubt incessantly monitoring spring practice updates for Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide team on a daily basis, already with visions of a national championship repeat in their respective heads. But for Saban and his coaching staff, spring practice is about filling in the pieces of the puzzle that will of course be a brand new Alabama team in 2016. “There’s a standard that we need to do it to and everybody needs to buy into that standard because spring practice is like a project, man,” said Saban after a practice session earlier in the spring. “It’s like building a house. We’re building a new team, and it’s got a beginning. There’s a process of things you have to do to build that, and then spring practice will end and then we’ll have another phase when the summer comes. Where will you take yourself to become a complete player is what I ask the players. What kind of effort, what kind of toughness and what kind of mental energy and intensity are you going to have? What kind of sense of urgency are you going to have to do it right now? That’s going to help you become a smart and intelligent player which is going to help us be a better team.” Of course, all of the work by the
defending national champions for the rest of this month will culminate with the annual public scrimmage that is the A-Day Game. It will serve as the 15th and final practice of the spring season for this edition of the Crimson Tide. The game, which has become a must-see event during the tenure of Saban at the Capstone, is set for April 16 at 2 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A-Day is once again free to the public, and the game will be televised by ESPN. Last year’s game drew a crowd of 65,175. Fans attending the game will obviously see a much different looking Alabama team in several areas, as many key contributors to the 2015 Crimson Tide title team, such as tailbacks Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake, linebacker Reggie Ragland, defensive back Cyrus Jones, defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson, quarterback Jake Coker and center Ryan Kelly, have finished their accomplished UA careers. With several holes left by those departed Alabama standouts, the A-Day Game will spotlight several battles for playing time at critical positions such as quarterback, running back and along the offensive line, among others. Some of those battles will likely linger even during the majority of the fall
Defensive Line Coach Bo Davis conducts drill work with several UA players. Photo: Stan J. Griffin
practice season. At the always-pivotal quarterback position, the search to replace Coker has involved four main candidates during the spring, including junior Cooper Bateman, the only quarterback on the roster with any game experience, redshirt freshman Blake Barnett, sophomore David Cornwell and freshman Jalen Hurts. Although many Alabama fans seem enamored with the potential of Barnett, Hurts may be a challenger in the quarterback race to
watch closely at A-Day. Other key returnees to watch at the game who will be battling for some of those other vacant spots for the Crimson Tide include linebackers Reuben Foster and Rashaan Evans, running backs Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough, offensive linemen Charles Baldwin and Ross Pierschbacher, defensive linemen Da’Ron Payne and Da’Shawn Hand and defensive backs Ronnie Harrison and Laurence “Hootie” Jones.
20 FOOD
TASTE OF TUSCALOOSA R. Davidson Chophouse Delivers Delicious Simplicity When I think of the best steaks I’ve had in my life, they’ve always been simple. They’ve never been smothered in sauces, wrapped in bacon (well maybe once or twice…), or topped with overcooked vegetables. Instead, they’ve been medium-rare, with a conservative amount of seasoning to let the flavors of a high quality cut of beef shine through. The great news for Tuscaloosa, and for myself as a steak enthusiast, is the arrival of R. Davidson Chophouse. The newly-opened restaurant, located in the old Tin Top location downtown and named after owner Robert Davidson Ryan, comes with one main mission: To be a true local steakhouse in the Tuscaloosa community. According to Dining Room Manager Kyle Lawley, there is plenty to be excited about when it comes to the menu. “The Korean and ahi tuna tacos are a favorite for sure,” Lawley said. “Both of them are perfect flavor combinations. The lobster mac and cheese is nothing short of delicious.” And of course, Lawley had to talk about the steaks. “Our only seasoning is salt and pepper, and we don’t marinate them. We want to let the delicious flavor of the beef speak for itself,” he said. “My favorite is the veal chop though. I’ve never had a more tender and juicy steak. Chef Kyle Gray is self-taught, and I’d wager him one of the best in the state.” Of course, every great restaurant needs a good drink menu as well, and Lawley is proud of the drinks offered at the Chophouse by drink master Devon Miller. “He has a master’s in engineering, but he’s currently using his genius to create the best cocktails in Tuscaloosa,” said Lawley. “Our old fashioned, in particular, is a work of art. We make our own syrups and bitters inhouse with fresh seasonal ingredients. For instance, a lot of people have been asking for Bellini’s, but peaches aren’t in season. We’re that picky with the freshness.”
Another thing for patrons to get excited about is the debut of the brunch menu that is now offered on Sundays (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), featuring perfectly crafted brunch specialties like fillet eggs Benedict, massive French toast, and shrimp and grits. And if you’re not already convinced to try Tuscaloosa’s newest gourmet buzz spot, Lawley offered another plus: the atmosphere. “We’ve got an atmosphere I haven’t seen anywhere else in town. We’re trying to do something no one else is doing: Offer a nice, local, sit-down steakhouse that welcomes all guests,
April 2016
by Sheena Gregg
Favorites include the veal chop, lobster mac and cheese and the steaks. Photo: Sheena Gregg
whether they’re in shorts and t-shirts or suits and ties.” For more information on R. Davidson Chophouse, including the restaurant’s hours, location and full menu, visit facebook.com/Rdchophouse/.
Address: 2330 4th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Phone: (205) 614-8782
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FOOD 21
April 2016
New Gourmet Food Truck Rolling into Tuscaloosa By Laurie Mundy Perrigin Dustin Spruill knew exactly what he wanted to do. The local businessman was fascinated by the idea of an upscale food truck – and he wanted Tuscaloosa to be in on the craze. Now, after months of planning, his dream is becoming a reality: Local Roots’ food truck has arrived in town, and Spruill hopes to begin serving area residents fresh dishes made from locally grown produce soon. “We’re local. I’m local, and we’re working with local farms when we can.” Spruill’s executive chef, Beau Burroughs, is also from the area. Burroughs has extensive experience, having worked under southern food legend Frank Stitt at one of his Birmingham restaurants, Bottega. “I really got lucky with Beau,” Spruill said. “He’s a great guy and he’s super talented.” In terms of Local Roots’ menu, Spruill says it will be seasonal and varied, taking advantage of locally available ingredients. “Our spring menu will always include a burger – you’ve got to have a good burger, and a lot of neat toppings. Our motto is go back to your roots and go back to some of the staples you grew up with maybe in a different way than you’ve ever had it.” Spruill said everything Local Roots
offers will be made in-house. “We will grind our own chuck, and we’ll cure our own bacon in a huge smoker,” Spruill said. “We’ll have homemade pork belly too, and all sauces and pickles will be made by us. We will try to source everything locally.” In addition to the food truck itself, Local Roots will also offer catering and more. “We will do private dinner events, where we come to your house and prepare a three to five-course meal, paired
with wine,” Spruill said. “We can do it in your kitchen, or in our truck and just bring it in. We also hope to do some local festivals, and we’d cater weddings – that would be fun. The truck is clean and rustic and it would fit in really well.” Spruill has spent years working as the vice president of Willcutt Block & Supply Company. So why make the jump into the restaurant business? “I have a love for food. I went to college and I didn’t know how to fry
an egg – so I knew I had to learn. My mom and my grandmother were great cooks, and I grew up around great food. I knew I wanted to do this,” he said. And the thing Spruill is most looking forward to with Local Roots? The experience of bonding with others over a mutual love of food. “Entertaining and fellowshipping with people – that’s the part I like. I like to have an experience with these people and create something more – a connection.”
The Local Roots food truck will offer a seasonal menu that varies with the local produce available. Photo: Dustin Spruill
22 FOOD
April 2016
Flavors of the Spring Season
APRIL RECIPES Recipes and Photos by Amy Poore
It’s time: Spring is here, and it’s time to get down to business with some delicious, homemade recipes that incorporate the fresh flavors of the season. This tomato basil soup tastes like a Margherita pizza in a bowl, and the strawberry vanilla Bundt cake is a sure-fire hit with everyone in my family. Enjoy these first few weeks of lovely, warm weather, and as always, bon appétit! Amy Poore is a mom, a wife and a foodie. To see more of Amy’s delicious recipes, visit her blog, www.pooreamy.com
Tomato Basil Soup • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 14-ounce can of whole tomatoes • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes with basil • 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable) • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 3 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned, plus more for garnish • 1/4 cup heavy cream • Shaved parmesan cheese • French baguette slices, toasted
Managing Member Joshua M Watkins, esq.
In a large saucepan, heat oil on medium high heat then sauté garlic for one minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add in crushed tomatoes plus whole tomatoes (along with juice), crushing each tomato with your hand as you go. Tip: Discard the hard part of each tomato. Follow with chicken stock, salt, pepper and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Turn heat to low, stir in heavy cream and basil and heat through. Top with parmesan cheese and extra basil. Serve with French baguette slices.
Strawberry Vanilla Bundt Cake • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened • 2 cups granulated sugar • 3 large eggs • 3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided • Zest of 1 lemon • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 8 ounces vanilla, Greek yogurt • 12 ounces fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 cup powdered sugar • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sift together the 2 1/4 cups of flour, baking soda and salt. Mix in the lemon zest and set aside. Cream together the butter and sugar in a mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Alternate adding in the flour mixture and the yogurt, mixing just until incorporated. Toss the strawberries with the remaining 1/4 cup of flour. Gently mix them into the batter. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10-inch Bundt pan. Place in the oven and reduce the temperature to 325 degrees. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool cake in pan for at least 20 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Once cooled, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, vanilla extract and the powdered sugar. Drizzle over the top of the cake.