Tuscaloosa’s feel-good news
Volume 1, Issue 6 Back to School: Easing into the routine
West Alabama State Fair underway at Sokol Park By Brandie Rickett Bowden
Time to practice your ring toss and make room for the giant teddy bear, because the West Alabama State Fair is in town. Each year, United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama (UCPWA) partners with Kissel Entertainment and other organizations to bring carnival rides, a petting zoo, and other entertainment for the whole family right to this area. The fair, which kicked off on August 19, is at Sokol Park in Northport through Sunday, August 24. All admission proceeds support United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama. Cost of parking will be donations only, which will benefit the local nonprofit organization managing parking for that day. “We enjoy putting together this fun community event,” said Erin Treadwell, Development Coordinator for United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama. “It raises much-needed funds for people with disabilities as well as other participating nonprofits.” This year, the fair brought in new attractions, including Cirque Photo: Leigh Hollyhand Adventure. This acrobatic group will perform 30-minute high See Page 16 energy shows throughout the week. The performances include aerial and trampoline acts, contortions, and other entertaining Druid City Garden Project aerial feats. On Saturday, August 23, take a glimpse into the past preps for annual Garden at the West Alabama State Fair’s 2nd Annual Antique Car Show. Party For $10, you can enter your own antique beauty for others to admire. On Saturday and Sunday, watch Magic Sam perform a 30-minute magic show, immediately followed by an appearance by Queen Elsa from the hit movie, Frozen. Queen Elsa will perform a song, and she’ll be available for pictures and autographs as well. Other activities include performances by Tiger Rock Martial Arts, pie-eating, root beer-chugging and mooing contests, a money haystack, raffles, and more. The full schedule of events is available on the State Fair website, www.westalabamastatefair. com. UCPWA largely depends on community support to make each year’s fair better than before. “It’s overwhelming how much the community supports this event each year,” Treadwell said. “We Photo: Lindsay Turner
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had our largest attendance last year, and we hope to continue to provide a quality event that draws even more participation from the community each year.” For anyone wanting to donate some time to this event, volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and corporate groups. Each volunteer receives a fair t-shirt and two Photo: United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama free passes as a thank you. To sign up for one or more of the two-hour time slots, visit the fair website or contact UCPWA. Local businesses and organizations team up with United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama as sponsors of the annual state fair. This year, UCPWA welcomes Coca-Cola as the Presenting Sponsor. Other sponsors include The Tuscaloosa News, Tusco, Inc., Rumsey Environmental, Clear Channel Radio, and other local businesses and organizations. The fair opens at 5 p.m. each Continued on Page 10
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah 5K Run Set for August 23 By Stan J. Griffin
Since joining the University of Alabama football staff as strength and conditioning director in 2007, Scott Cochran has become one of the most beloved members of the Crimson Tide family. His tireless energy and enthusiasm has basically earned him cult hero status with UA supporters, and his efforts to keep UA athletes in peak physical Thomas Plott, Beau Cochran and Boots condition have no doubt Plott are ready for the Yeah Yeah Yeah played an integral role in Yeah 5K Photo: Blair Plott the Tide winning three national titles during his time at the Capstone. Long acclaimed as one of the nation’s top strength directors, Cochran also helped Alabama head coach Nick Saban gain another national title while on his staff at LSU in 2003. Cochran will soon be focusing his energies on another vital mission: Raising money and awareness for cystic fibrosis.
On August 23, the Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah 5K (titled after Cochran’s beloved motivational chant) run will be held in downtown Tuscaloosa, beginning and ending at Government Plaza. The event is set to start at 9 a.m.; registration begins at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the run will benefit the Thomas Plott Foundation, which was established to raise funds and bring forth increased knowledge about the genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system. The early registration fee is $30 for the event, and $40 after August 20, and on the day of the run. To sign up for the event, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/yeahyeah-yeah-yeah-5k-tickets-11806159541. Checks can be made payable to Thomas Plott Foundation, Attn: Yeah5k, PO Box 2649, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403. Since its inception, the Thomas Plott Foundation has donated or pledged over $300,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and other charitable organizations, with the vast majority of these contributions earmarked for critical medical research. Blair Plott said she and her husband founded the Thomas Plott Foundation when their now-6-year-old son Thomas was diagnosed with the disorder. “Immediately, we were overwhelmed by the support in our community,” she said. “We do an annual golf tournament as well as a number of other smaller fundraisers.” Plott said when Cissy Cochran Continued on Page 10
About Us
Page 2 . Issue 6
Photo Of The Month
Kindergarten students at Rock Quarry Elementary School held a back to school kick-off party on Monday, August 4, at The Townes of North River’s playground. A great time was had by all, and the kids (and parents) had a chance to get to know each other before school started. Photo credit: Leigh Hollyhand
Meet the Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin is the Tuscaloosa editor of Druid City Living. She has lived in Tuscaloosa since 1978. She received her bachelor’s degree in Telecommunication and Film from the University of Alabama in 1992. She spent 25 years working as a broadcast news director, anchor, producer and reporter in radio and television before moving on to the world of print and online media in 2008. In her free time, Laurie enjoys football (Alabama and the New Orleans Saints), travel, reading and hanging out with her husband, Jeff, and their dog, Chico Seymour Hoffman.
Publisher’s Note
Thank you again to all of our advertisers and readers for allowing us to publish another issue of Druid City Living! We hope you’ll enjoy this issue, which is packed with all sorts of great happenings in our area for everyone in your family. We continue to improve the content of Druid City Living, as well as the quality of the paper itself, in an effort to better serve this community. If you would like to contribute, please contact myself or Laurie Mundy Perrigin, our editor. This paper is about you, the residents of this wonderful community of ours, and we want to feature your organization, schools and businesses. Great things are happening here, and that is what this paper is all about. If you are interested in advertising, please contact myself or Britney McComb. Druid City Living is one of the largest monthly newspapers in the southeast, reaching almost all of Tuscaloosa County!
Druid City Living Directory
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Publisher: Heath Hendrix Executive Editor: Laurie Mundy Perrigin Laurie@druidcitymedia.com Director of Sales: Tom Sommerville For advertising, email: contact@druidcitymedia.com Sales: Britney McComb Contact Information: Druid City Living 1902 Hackberry Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Contributors: Allison Adams, Brandie Rickett Bowden, Bronwyn Cage, Matt Coppess, Sheena Gregg, Stan J. Griffin, Robin Jenkins, Alicia Jenne, Kendall Judy, Walter Maddox, Derek Osborn, Amy Poore, Marlena Rice
Continued on Page 13
City News
Page 4 . Issue 6
Mayor’s
Minute
Dear friends and neighbors, Tuscaloosa is an amazing city, and we continue to get even better with new projects breaking ground in the coming months. With the recent announcement of the anchors to the Shoppes at Legacy Park, our City will become the site of six well-known, newto-the-area businesses. Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Fresh Market, PetSmart, DSW Shoes, Bed Bath & Beyond and Cost Plus World Market will be featured in the development. With these new retailers, we are able to grow the economy, create more jobs, and invest more into our schools, streets and public safety.
We continue to see our central City transform with more than $100 million of private investment either under construction or planned over the next 12 months, spurred and supported by the City’s downtown. Anchoring this growth is the Embassy Suites which is set to open in January 2015.
A few new restaurants appearing in Tuscaloosa will be Rock n’ Roll Sushi, Maki Fresh and the recently opened Sweet Home Food Bar. Also, the City’s Office of Economic Development worked with Milo’s to secure a 2015 return. Commercial retail is definitely expanding, and we will continue to see new to the market retail land here now and into the future. The foundation for this expansion is creating a business-friendly environment that lures the world’s
best companies to Tuscaloosa. To that end, on August 7, Bolta Werke broke ground on a new $60 million dollar facility that will create 350 high-tech manufacturing jobs. Bolta is positioned for further opportunities, and it will be exciting to see them contribute to our community. Sincerely, Walter Maddox
Opinion
Page 6 . Issue 6
The Mommy Chronicles: A Day in the Life: Christy Harrill By Marlena Rice
Being a stay-at-home mom is easy. You can wake up in the morning when you please, enjoy leisurely breakfasts on your back patio, and perform household tasks (and enjoy “me time”) during the kiddos’ morning and afternoon naps…says the woman on television who has stage children and a set for a home! As a working mother, I am sometimes left speechless over how many unexpected, crazy, but fun things can happen in just one day with my little man. Do stay-at-home moms enjoy even crazier, fun moments? In the spirit of learning how others raise their children, I was excited to meet Christy Harrill, a local mother of five, who was willing to talk to me about what it is really like being a SAH mom! Why did you decide to become a stay at home mother?
When I was growing up, my father, an electrician, worked all over the Southeast. My parents picked the best schooling option they had, depending on where we lived. So, I attended public, private, and home school. For a girl who was happiest with my nose in a book, homeschooling was by far Marlena Rice and son, Beaux William. my favorite with all the free time to read. I fully intended to home school my children - so being a stay-at-home mom was a no-brainer.
Christy’s son, John Micah, is usually underfoot while she works in the kitchen. Sometimes he falls asleep during the morning chores before lunchtime. Photo: Christy Harrill
How did you prepare to be a SAH mom? I don’t think I planned enough to be a SAH mom. It sounds so much easier than it actually is. If I could go back, I would focus on time-management skills and minimalism. I have to be very conscious of how I manage my time with five children. I could have accomplished so much more in life if I had learned to manage time when I had a little more of it. I wish I had learned early to live with much less stuff. Clutter is a daily battle that steals our time. What are the differences in working away from home and staying home with your children? I’m sure there are very high-powered and stressful jobs, but the jobs I’ve held were much easier than motherhood, just because they are more specialized. You are responsible for one task, or one area. The position of motherhood is so vast in its demands and possibilities, and it can be overwhelming. Once our fifth was born last September, I realized I have at least six things in my head that need to be done right now, and as soon as those are done then there are six more to do. Life marches on, even if all our goals aren’t accomplished every day. Do you plan on going back to work when your children are older? I have five children, so returning to the workforce is unlikely. They have plenty to keep me busy for years to come. I would like to spend more time writing as the children get older and more independent. I have written two children’s books that I would love to eventually have published. But after kids, there will likely be grandkids. I imagine my home like my grandmother’s home with generation after generation of children spending time there.
Joshua M Watkins, esq.
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Lake Living: Slow down and have a “staycation”
By Allison Adams
Opinion
Not long ago, I told my second-grade daughter we were going to the beach for the weekend. “Nooooo!” she wailed. “I want to stay home!” This is the child with the black belt in karate, who dances, tumbles, and plays softball. I looked at her in disbelief, (probably because I really needed a trip to the beach before the back-to-school madness began). We decided that weekend to have a “staycation.” And now that school and all the activities surrounding it is back in full swing, there’s no better time to think about slowing things down just a bit. Why should our children’s lives be so structured? Do we really have to plan 100 activities? Do we always have to get in the car and “go somewhere” to enjoy life?
Think back to your own childhood. Our weekends were full of lazy days. We would climb on the counters, grab a bowl for cereal, mash some bananas, and be off on our bikes until sunset. Our trampoline was the neighborhood meeting spot. We waded in creeks, dug for fool’s gold in a nearby pasture, and fed lemon drops to goats. Those were some great adventures! Not only are children overstimulated today, but so are the parents. When is the last time we took a break in the hammock to watch them catch lightening bugs? We are even busy on our staycations, with the yard, the grill, and the chores. And it doesn’t even require a full staycation to make a difference in their lives. Sometimes, a few nice family dinners will do. Our dinner table was the center of attention each night while our teens were growing up. Their friends joined, the exchange students gathered. It was where we found out about anything going on in our household as well as around town. It actually became a pleasurable experience, once everyone knew it was expected. Only in college do children truly come to appreciate a home-cooked meal and some family togetherness. I am not saying skip the weekend beach trips, but plan on some good memory-building staycation time with your family. With a work schedule, it is good to know where the kids are and that they have some supervision, but when you are home, make it feel like a special place to be by having the right tools. Who doesn’t remember the Monopoly games that lasted for days? Card games? Battleship? Kick the Can? Puzzles? Those are the days that lasted forever. Turn off the electronics.When my daughter and I had our “staycation” that weekend she actually said, “Wow! These two days have lasted so long!” I urge you to try it tonight. Program Pandora to play slow, vacation-like tunes right into your living room. Order pizza, or better yet, buy the crust already made (don’t stress about this either) for make your own pizza with the toppings of choice. People connect over food. This isn’t rocket science. We all intend to do these things, but let’s put the foot down now and make this the time to slow down. All of us are on overload. It’s time to enjoy some of life’s simple pleasures, right in your own back yard. Now put the kids out and go find that hammock! Blessings from the Lake Tuscaloosa, Allison Adams, The Artsy Realtor. allisonpadams.com
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Opinion
Page 8 . Issue 6
Give Life to Your Story: Do As I Do - Setting a positive example for children By Matt Coppess I first noticed it when my son dunked his cookie in his milk at about age two. He dipped the cookie halfway in the milk and then gave it two little shakes to drop out the excess so it wouldn’t drip on the table…just like me. The eye-opening truth could not have been clearer: My son was copying me.
the same thing.
Coaching varsity football in Michigan years ago, I witnessed a player berate his mother up and down for not bringing him the right Gatorade. It was so bad that I abruptly pulled the teen aside, put my West Point hat back on, and explained to him how inappropriate it was to talk to his mother like that. A few weeks later I saw his step-father in the stands doing
No matter whether our kids are six or 16, they watch us. They examine our every word and action. Initially, they are simply trying to be like a grown-up, but by the time they are teens they are looking at a much deeper level. They want to know if our actions and words correspond. They want to be able to trust us, and the character we model will be the one they emulate. So what message do we send our teens when we cheat on the golf course, take advantage of an unknowing employee, or treat our spouse harshly? We correct them, but who corrects us? As a result, teens view adulthood as an opportunity to do anything they want. The rules no longer apply. Their decision making process will become a recipe for disaster. The bottom line is, if you want your teen to become a young man or woman who exhibits high character and work ethic, you need to…consistently. When teaching these lessons to our children and teens, we need do more than just tell them. Show them hard work. When it’s yard work time, do it together. Show them character building by letting them see you read your Bible. Teach them kindness by constantly placing others’ needs before your own. Help them be positive by encouraging them constantly. Finally, you many think that this sounds terribly “Cat’s in the Cradle.” You bet. There is a reason that song resonates with us years after its release. Many of us have come to a point where our parents were no longer our heroes. We realized their flaws, and they either underwhelmed or disappointed us. We fear the day our children come to that same realization. However, when that day comes, if the quality of our character greatly exceeds the norm, and our speech and our actions are far more consistent than not, then our teens will realize, “Dad is not perfect, but he sure does his best.” If that is the case, we can comfortably and with pride say, “My boy was just like me.”
Matt Coppess has served with Youth For Christ for 19 years in Michigan and Alabama. His various leadership contributions have included writing national student leader curriculum. Matt, his wife Jodi, and their three children, Jake, Cristin, and Zach, joined the Tuscaloosa YFC team in January 2014.
Page 9 . Issue 6
Opinion
The Land of Oz: It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
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 those who do not live for Saturdays in the fall (and luckily there’s not many of you) then don’t look now, but it’s time to strap it up. So get the coolers cleaned out, dust off the portable grill, break out the lawn chairs and put on the colors of your choice…it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Ok, so it’s not Christmas. But for many of us, well, it’s the next best thing (and potentially, the best thing). There is arguably no other sport in America that seeks emotion and rivalry and splendor and greatness as much as college football (just ask the people that harassed their cable providers for months over the SEC Network). And at my house, that means the Sony will be working overtime, much to the chagrin of my lovely bride. But she’s known it since she met me. She’s known it since our first fall together. And she knew it when she married me. And bless her, she didn’t just marry the fan of one team: She married a fanatic who doesn’t care who is playing. If it’s college football, it means someone is playing for something. Whether its pride, or tradition, or team, or the opportunity for greatness, there is always something to play for, which means that there is always a reason to watch. And if it is on, then it is on at my house. The love of the game is difficult for a lot of people to understand. Years ago, I had a friend of Northern descent who moved into the area and inquired about football Saturdays. He’d heard that home games in town can be difficult to navigate, and he was curious as to why a co-worker told him not to plan anything without consulting the schedule. His actual question to me was, “What schedule?” After hearing my response, he knew to check which games were at home and which were away. I quickly corrected him to understand that here, in this town, and generally anywhere in the vicinity of a Southeastern Conference team, you must check the entire schedule. Home or away is really a non-issue. Men opt out of hunting trips, women opt out of being in weddings, and kids opt out of going to birthday parties to go to the game, to tailgate, or to simply not miss a second of it on television. Here, it’s called priority. So gear up. Sport your colors. Raise the flags. And if the mood strikes you, put the Christmas lights out in the yard early. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Derek Osborn is the Executive Director of PRIDE of Tuscaloosa by trade and a writer by hobby. He lives in Tuscaloosa with his wife, Lynn, and daughters, Savannah and Anica. Follow him on twitter @ ozborn34.
Community
Page 10 . Issue 6
West Alabama State Fair underway at Sokol Park Continued from page 1 weekday and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. The $3 cost of admission provides access to everything except carnival rides. Tickets to rides are $1 per person per ride. For $20, fair goers can purchase armbands that allow unlimited carnival rides for that day. Armbands are $25 for Saturday, and allow the wearer to come and go from the fair with only one admission price. Photo: United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah 5K Run Set for August 23 Continued from page 1
(Scott Cochran’s wife) suggested the idea of creating a 5K run to benefit the foundation, she was instantly excited about the idea. Having Scott Cochran present for the event to serve as the Honorary Starter only enhanced her excitement about the upcoming event. Cissy Cochran will serve as the director of the run. “(The participation of the UA strength and conditioning director) gives us the opportunity to spread awareness to a totally new group we were not previously reaching,” said Plott. “The Cochrans have been great friends to our family. We are incredibly humbled by their generosity and enthusiastic support in our joined effort to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.” Pre-registration for the Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah 5K ends on August 20. All pre-registered runners will receive a t-shirt.
From ‘Hands on a Hardbody’ to ‘Fiddler on the Roof’: Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2014-2015 season by Brandie Rickett Bowden Though the 2013-14 season just ended with multiple sell-out performances of Hairspray, Theatre Tuscaloosa is already preparing for the 2014-15 season, “To Life.” “To Life” is the title of a song from Fiddler on the Roof, the summer musical for the upcoming season. Fiddler wraps up a season that begins with Hands on a Hardbody, followed by Little Women in December and Wit in February 2015. The lineup also includes two special events outside of the mainstage programs: Page to Stage: Kate Campbell and Dr. Wayne Flynt; and the Shelton State production of Brigadoon.
“Our 2014-2015 season is a celebration of all the highs and lows, joys and sorrows, and inspirations and challenges that life brings to every one of us,” said Tina Turley, executive producer of Theatre Tuscaloosa. “We are thrilled to bring our audiences this diverse line-up of exciting shows.”
Hands on a Hardbody is a musical based on the documentary film of the same name. It tells the story of ten contestants in a Texas radio contest who are competing for a “hardbody” truck: last one with a hand on the truck wins it. The musical score includes a mix of country, rock, bluegrass and gospel; each song focuses on a specific character. The holiday season will bring the classic Little Women, based on the timeless novel by Louisa May Alcott. This version of the play follows the novel, visualizing the story of sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March; their mother; and Laurie, the boy next door.
Wit, the third show of the season, takes place in the last few hours of the life of Dr. Vivian Bearing, an English professor dying of ovarian cancer. During these hours, Vivian reflects on her life, largely using wit from the early 17th century English poet, John Donne. Fiddler on the Roof will wrap up the 2014-15 season next July. In this musical, Tevye struggles with instilling into his five daughters the value of tradition. He teaches them the importance of their Jewish heritage, as the Russian culture and government grow increasingly anti-Semitic.
Photo: Theatre Tuscaloosa
The Page to Stage: Kate Campbell & Dr. Wayne Flynt special event is a collaborative exchange of songs, stories, and readings between acclaimed singer-songwriter Kate Campbell and award-winning author/historian Dr. Wayne Flynt. Campbell’s literate songs weave effortlessly with Flynt’s chosen passages from some of the South’s most noted authors.
Brigadoon comes from the writers of My Fair Lady and Camelot, and tells the story of two men who stumble upon a mysterious Scottish village that only appears once every 100 years.
For specific show dates, and more information, visit www.theatretusc.com.
We Want to Hear From YOU! “Favorite Moments” Submissions: Want to see your favorite moments in the pages of Druid City Living? We would love to feature your birthdays, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and more! Please email all relevant details (no more than 250 words), as well as one accompanying photo, to Tuscaloosa Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin at laurie@druidcitymedia.com ***We reserve the right to edit all submissions for space. Community Story Submissions: So much of this Druid City Living paper is due to you, the community of Tuscaloosa, offering up your stories in the form of submissions. We’d love more. If you’d like to contribute a story or idea that you feel needs to be told, please email Tuscaloosa Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin at laurie@druidcitymedia.com Job Opportunities: Are you looking for a great opportunity with a growing company? Druid City Living may have just the thing you have been looking for. We are currently seeking talented and hardworking individuals for positions within our sales department. If you have sales experience or think you would be a good fit, please shoot us a resume at Contact@DruidCityMedia.com.
Community
Page 12 . Issue 6
Druid City Garden Project preps for annual Garden Party By Laurie Mundy Perrigin
The Druid City Garden Project is busy getting ready to host one of the biggest foodie evenings of the year in Tuscaloosa: the annual Garden Party. This year’s event is set for Sunday, September 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Tuscaloosa River Market. Proceeds from the event benefit the nonprofit organization, which strives to build community through food. This year’s Garden Party features 11 local chefs, three local brewers, and 11 local farmers providing the feast. Tickets are $45, and admission includes all you can eat food, along with beer from Black Warrior Brewing Company and Trim Tab Brewing. Music will be provided by an old time string band, and a special kid’s section makes for a family-friendly evening. “The Garden Party is our favorite event of the year. Not only does it celebrate delicious food, but it brings together local restaurants, local farmers, and local people for a great night of fun,” said Lindsay Turner, executive director of The Druid City Garden Project. “We have sold out every year that we have hosted this event, so we encourage folks to buy early.” Local restaurants participating in the 2014 Garden Party include Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q, Epiphany, Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Kozy’s, Cypress Inn, Hotel Capstone, Manna Grocery & Deli, Southern Ale House, Chuck’s Fish, Edgar’s Bakery and Cafe, and Mary’s Cakes & Pastries. The Druid City Garden Project, founded in 2010, is a community-based effort to increase access to fresh, locally grown produce. DCGP uses garden-based lessons at area elementary schools to teach hands-on science, math, and nutrition. Students are taught the basics of gardening in a first-hand environment, planting their produce, harvesting it, and then working to sell the produce they’ve grown. The Druid City Garden Project currently has school gardens at University Place Elementary School, Woodland Forrest Elementary School, and the Sunshine School. This fall, DCGP is expanding its Gardens 2 Schools education program into two additional schools, Oakdale Elementary School and the Tuscaloosa Magnet School-Elementary, with hopes of continuing to make a difference in children’s lives throughout Tuscaloosa and Alabama. Rashmi Grace, curriculum specialist and DCGP co-founder, said, “We dream of an approach to health that can connect kids across Alabama to their food sources, all while providing them with an excellent education program.”
Mary Cesar of Mary’s Cakes & Pastries serves Bo Hicks (of Druid City Brewing Company) some of her delicious treats.
**For more information on the Druid City Garden Project, and to purchase tickets to The Garden Party, visit www.druidcitygardenproject.org. Photos: Lindsay Turner Tickets to last year’s Garden Party fundraiser sold out quickly.
Community
Page 13 . Issue 6
‘Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre’ opens UA Theatre and Dance’s new season By Kendall Judy Late August brings the excitement of students starting school again at The University of Alabama. Students crowd the halls, bringing life to The Capstone, and UA Theatre & Dance prepares another season of theatre and dance productions. We start our season with our amazing dance faculty presenting Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre, showcasing the choreography of our talented faculty and guest artists. Offering a mix of traditional and innovative dance techniques, this show is sure to please. ARDT will delight audiences Tuesday, September 23 through Friday, September 26. Starting our Allen Bales series will be The Dining Room, directed by Dr. Steve Burch. Six individual actors play more than 50 roles in 18 scenes representing several decades. The Dining Room runs Monday, September 29 through Sunday, October 5. Jeffrey Tangeman will lend his directing talents to opening the Marian Gallaway series with Lend Me A Tenor. As a prized tenor is unable to perform to a packed Cleveland Opera house, the General Manager has but one choice: Send in his assistant?! While neither opera nor musical, this piece hits all the right notes. Lend Me A Tenor will have you rolling in the aisles Tuesday, October 7 through Sunday, October 12. These three productions begin the 2014-2015 season for UA Theatre & Dance. For more information about our entire season visit theatre.ua.edu. We are also excited to announce a new event called ‘Subscriber’s Night.’ Friday shows in the Marian Gallaway Theatre will include back stage tours, a post-show conversation and a reception. All subscribers who attend shows on Friday nights will have the opportunity to take advantage of these perks free of charge. **Subscription packages and single tickets may be purchased from the
box office in Rowand-Johnson Hall starting August 25th, online at tix.ua.edu or by phone at (205) 348-3400.
Photo: University of Alabama Department of Theatre and Dance
Joshua Watkins, Esq.
Community
Page 14 . Issue 6
Back to School: Nutrition 101 By Sheena Gregg School lunches have changed quite a bit since I was in school. Chances are, your child’s packed lunch looks a lot different than the peanut butter and jelly sandwich you may have brought to school long ago. Visual appeal If your kids are anything like me, visual appeal plays a big role in food selection and willingness to try new foods. Encouraging your child to be part of the shopping and selection process at the grocery store can be a great way to ensure your child is excited about his/her packed lunch. Kids are also more apt to eat new fruits and vegetables when they are cut into bite-sized pieces or fun shapes. Research suggests that it takes approximately seven attempts with a new food before a child will try it and enjoy it. Try new things at home Keeping that in mind, don’t hesitate to let your child try certain fruits in vegetables in a variety ways. You may find that your child enjoys a particular veggie raw versus cooked or with a tasty dip like plain low fat Greek yogurt mixed with taco seasoning. Talking with your children about different fruits and vegetables at home can be quite helpful, as it is unlikely that your child will choose the school cafeteria as the place he/she tries green beans or another food for the first time. If the food looks familiar from home, there’s a better chance that your child will be willing to eat it again at school. Breakfast time crunch We also can’t forget that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! If you’re in a time crunch first thing in the morning, preparing grab and go breakfast options the Photos: Sheena Gregg night before can reduce morning chaos. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches paired with a glass of milk or even yogurt with a piece of fruit can provide balanced options that can be eaten on the way to school. Healthy snack options Snacks can also provide an additional opportunity to sneak in extra nutritious foods throughout the day. Foods with excessive added sugar or fat can provide your child with a temporary spike of energy followed by sluggishness and hunger later in the afternoon. Healthy options such as fruits, veggies, nuts, and low-fat string cheese sticks can be great snack options on the go. Packing fresh Whether you’re packing breakfast, lunch, or snacks, there are many great products that can help parents pack meals in a variety of shapes and sizes. Varying sizes of plastic containers make it easy to pack sauces, dips, and condiments to go with your child’s lunch; they often come with specially designed cooling blocks to help keep meals chilled and fresh. Websites such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic’s KidsEatRight.Org or Pinterest can be a great resource for lunch ideas and kid-approved recipes.
Sheena Gregg is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino Foodie.” Follow her adventures at www.afilipinofoodie.com
4th Annual Chocolate Festival offers delicious treats for a great cause By Sheena Greg The Women’s Resource Center at The University of Alabama will host its 4th Annual Chocolate Festival for Women’s Health on Friday, September 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Shelby Hall on the UA campus. Proceeds from the event, which includes a silent auction, benefit the Women’s Resource Center. Participants will be able to enjoy wonderful chocolate treats while learning about key women’s health needs, including breast cancer, heart disease, and ovarian cancer. “The Chocolate Festival has been a great opportunity to gather vendors in the local community for a great cause,” said Cyndi Hamner, Chocolate Festival coordinator. “We are proud to have such a successful event year after year that highlights women’s health issues. We are hoping the Tuscaloosa community is excited about this year’s program.” Tickets are $8 at the door. Everyone will be able to sample five scrumptious pieces of chocolate. Participating vendors include Edible Arrangements, Krispy Kreme, Zoe’s Kitchen, and others. Please visit wrc.ua.edu for additional information.
The Chocolate Festival offers the chance to enjoy sweet treats while learning about women’s health issues.
Visit Us on FACEBOOK! ( www.facebook.com/druidcityliving ) Be sure to visit our Druid City Living Facebook page! We’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and of course, your feedback. We’re always looking for new story ideas and submissions, and our Facebook page is a great way to interact with you, the readers, on a regular basis
Community
Page 16 . Issue 6
Back to School: Easing into the routine By Alicia Jenne’ Summer vacations are getting shorter and shorter. Even so, easing kids back into the school routine can be a serious challenge for parents. School is back in session for thousands of students in Tuscaloosa, Northport, and surrounding areas, and no doubt, parents are wondering how to make the transition from “summer camp, stay up late” mode to “catch the bus by 7:30 and make sure to do all your homework” mode. It’s not easy, but there are some things that parents and children can do that might help make the transition a bit smoother. • Make going back to school an event. Change the way you talk about “back to school.” Instead of, “We have to go back to school,” say, “We get to go back.” That subtle change will be noticed, and it elevates back to school into a “get to” event (something we are allowed to do), instead of a “have to” event (something we are being made to do). • Stick to school time bed times and wake up times. Ideally, this is something you’d want to begin implementing before school starts, but now that we’re here, be sure to stick to a regular routine. • Eat first, talk last. If your children are “grazers” when eating (like my two), try to get them to eat their lunches within a 25 minute time frame. School cafeterias are well oiled machines and sit-down to clean-up lunch time is 30 minutes or less. Practicing “eating first and talking last,” without the television or other external distractions, can help children learn to eat when it is lunch time. • Stay up to date on school happenings. Attend open houses and meet and greet events at your child’s school. Make it a family event. Also, check the school’s website: Many events, including dress-up days, carnivals, festivals, book fairs, and other fun activities are often published well in advance. This gives the reluctant learner something to look forward to! • Make a “parent folder.” Keep one of these folders for each child, and fill the folder with important class calendars, fieldtrip notes, passwords, and class overview policies. This makes it so much easier to find important information quickly, and it cuts down on the parent stress level as well. • Keep homework supplies on hand. Just as you stock up on regular school supplies, you should also have many of those same supplies Brilyn Hollyhand poses with RQES at home. Establish a place in your home for homework and projects and 2nd Grade teacher Lana Woods keep it well stocked so your child won’t be hampered in looking for a glue stick to finish an assignment. Don’t forget the poster board…you know you’ll need it eventually! • Keep it positive. Make conversations in your home positive ones when speaking about school - and especially about your child’s teachers. We may not always agree, but remember that what is said at home is very often repeated (word for word, and in perfect imitation and tone) at school. If you have a question or concern, please email or call for clarification. • Prayer works. Allison Overstreet, formerly with The Capstone Church in Tuscaloosa, encourages everyone to pray for their children and their schools. The group “Meta Moms Online” sends daily emails out, specifically highlighting an area to pray for. To get the prayer guides, email metamomsonline@ gmail.com.
Alicia Jenne’ is a Rock Quarry Elementary School teacher, a National Board Certified Teacher, and RQES’ 2013 Teacher of the Year. Rock Quarry Elementary kindergarten student Ainslee Hollyhand visits with Alicia Jenne’ Photos: Leigh Hollyhand
Holy Spirit goes back to school
Students and faculty at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Tuscaloosa started the 2014-15 school year on Wednesday, August 6, bringing an end to summer break.
Photos: Laurie Mitchell, Holy Spirit Catholic School
High School students Kate Pitts, Danika Louw and Anna Pitts wait for their ride home.
Kindergarten student Devyn Dillard ready to start her first day of kindergarten.
Contact@DruidCityMedia.com
Preschool student Boston Yeager works on a project with teaching assistant Elaine Olivero.
Druid City Living Marketplace
Community
Page 19 . Issue 6
Canine Classic 5K Road Race to Benefit the Humane Society of West Alabama The 12th Annual Canine Classic 5K road race to benefit the Humane Society of West Alabama (HSWA) will be held on Saturday, September 13, at Kentuck Park. The 5K road race, which starts at 8:00 a.m., is part of the Tuscaloosa Track Club Grand Prix of West Alabama. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and the cost is $20 day of the race. Humans only, please, in the road race. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we so appreciate all the support from our local businesses as sponsors, and the community, for turning up to run or walk,” said Betty Freeman, race director and HSWA board member. “All proceeds go directly to the welfare of all the animals in our care and to helping more in the Tuscaloosa community.” Freeman says she expects a great crowd for this year’s Canine Classic. “This is our twelfth year of holding the race, and it just gets bigger and better every time.” The race course is a flat, fast, certified course. The first 150 registrants will receive a t-shirt on the day of the race, and all entrants will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Sport drinks, food, fruit, and water will be available, and walkers are welcomed. Participants can download a registration form from either www.TuscaloosaTrackClub.com or www.HumaneSocietyofWA.org. Forms are also available at local gyms and sports retailers. Awards will be given out to standard age groups. The Humane Society of West Alabama, founded in 1971, is a no-kill, all volunteer, non-profit organization. For more information, please call (205) 554-0011 or visit HumaneSocietyofWA.org.
Photo: Humane Society of West Alabama
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Community
Page 20 . Issue 6
Discovering the Druid City: The Arboretum of the University of Alabama By Jerome Adams
In the Druid City, the city of oaks, near the Veterans Hospital, is a wonderful oasis of many different kinds of plants including several types of oaks: the University of Alabama Arboretum. This 60-acre tree park has many features of interest to any nature lover seeking a peaceful respite from the unnatural world in which so much time is taken. To get to the Arboretum, travel to the intersection of Loop Road and Veterans Parkway (15th Street), and watch for signs. The entrance is to the left of the VA Hospital. When the paved part ends, take a small gravel road to the left, and you’ll end up at the Arboretum pavilion parking area. Operating times are 8 a.m. until sundown, with few closed days. No fee is charged to use the park. The pavilion is a short distance downhill. Behind it, just to the left, are greenhouses containing many types of tropical plants. To the right of the building is a kiosk with pamphlets about the park. Marked and named trails wander from the kiosk and parking lot to all parts of the park and lead a hiker back to the beginning, eventually. Trails are not excessively long, with some relatively flat and others leading over hill and dell. Trails (Plum and Hydrangea) on one side lead to an observation platform allowing the viewer to be about 50 feet above the ground floor. It is well constructed, with banisters giving opportunity to see more of the tree canopy and other aspects of the park. The walkway gate is a metal sculpture created by a local artist, Steve Davis. Other metal sculptures by Davis are found throughout the Arboretum. Before the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, near the Black Warrior River, was ever thought of, one already existed along a trail that emanates from the Arboretum parking area. It is small, and made entirely of Alabama rock. The platform for
Photos: Jerome Adams
productions is circular - about 15 feet in diameter - and seats are on the hillside above it for about 30-40 viewers. If an explorer wanders over to the garden area a “cob” house can be found. It is not made of corn cobs, but rather globs of mud and straw formed by hands into “cobs,” or balls of mud the size of a small bread loaf. The walls are about a foot thick, and covered on one side by small holes formed by wasps for nesting (they are not aggressive). If one were to carefully step inside on a hot day, the experience would demonstrate the insulating value of the house made by cobs. “Cob” architecture is ancient, with houses in Europe still inhabited that were built hundreds of years ago using this method. The University of Alabama Arboretum offers the areas of interest mentioned, plus many other features discovered by experience. It is definitely a part of the Druid City, easy to find and free to enjoy. Many benches are scattered about, so that one might rest, visit, or simply take a seat and enjoy the natural sights, sounds, and pleasant smells of flowering plants.
Page 21 . Issue 6
Soccer Boom Continues in Tuscaloosa By Stan J. Griffin
Sports
If you spent any time at a sports bar, a pub, or just about any public place in Tuscaloosa during the recent World Cup soccer tournament, then you know: The Druid City definitely joined the rest of the nation in being swept up in soccer fever, especially with the tremendous effort given by goalie Tim Howard and the rest of the USA national team. Big crowds could be spotted rooting for the team in venues all across the city. Tuscaloosa and other parts of West Alabama are not exempt from the overall national popularity surge involving the sport. Soccer continues to grow here by leaps and bounds, according to Bradlee Colburn, the program supervisor of youth athletics for the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA). “I think the interest in soccer is certainly increasing right now,” Colburn, who has been with PARA for nearly four years, said. “Our goal for the program is, whether you are three or up until the time that you are 99, that you have some type of access to participate in soccer, be it little-kid soccer, recreational soccer, adult-league soccer or travel and competitive soccer, indoor soccer or soccer for individuals with special needs.” He said the main concentration of soccer games in Tuscaloosa are currently played on the Sokol Park North Complex. “If you go out there on a Tuesday or Thursday night during the fall or spring, you really can’t find (an Interest in soccer, including youth soccer, is growing by leaps available) piece of grass to stand on,” Colburn said. and bounds throughout West Alabama. Colburn said the numbers for the soccer program have continued to grow, possibly because some see the sport as a unique alternative to traditional sports such as baseball and softball. “This past spring was definitely the largest we have had (in terms of overall soccer participation). We had eight 9 and 10-year-old teams, six U-13 teams, and 16 travel teams,” said Colburn. “This is the third year of our adult league. We started out with about 12 teams, and we’re up to 16 teams.” He said there is little doubt that the fervor regarding soccer in the Tuscaloosa area was spurred on even more by the thrilling World Cup action. “I think the thing that I was most excited about, beyond the results on the field, was how much the country was caught up in the excitement around the sport and how much unification that brought,” Colburn said. Lou Marino, the club president for the soccer program, said Tuscaloosa has basically already achieved its status as a solid soccer mecca. “We are already one of the larger clubs in the state, and we plan to continue to grow to serve the needs of the Tuscaloosa community,” he said. “PARA has invested significant resources into it and part of the great success has been the hiring of Valentine Odongo, our director of coaching. He has great knowledge and great skill in making a team happen and helping to bring teams to success.” Odongo said he expects another record registration for the Tuscaloosa soccer program’s fall sea- Bradlee Colburn with PARA says 200 people are playing socson. He and Marino note that that facility growth is imperative to keep up with the booming soccer numbers cer in the area. Tuscaloosa is one of four official adult soccer leagues in Alabama. in the city. Contact@DruidCityMedia.com “We are already taking measures to meet the needs of the projected growth that we see,” said Odongo. “Right now we think we don’t have enough field space based on the people who are signing up. Photos: Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA) Now we have to find a place for them to play.”
Sports
NorthRiver Yacht Club welcomes new Director of Tennis Gary Henderson
Page 22 . Issue 6
NorthRiver Yacht Club welcomed new Director of Tennis Gary Henderson in a special event held on August 5. Henderson joins NorthRiver from Augusta, Georgia, but he is previously from the United Kingdom, England. Henderson attended Mississippi State before turning professional. He was the UK National Doubles Champion in 1994, a member of the Great Britain Davis Cup Team in 1995, and a competitor for both singles and doubles at Wimbledon in 1995. Henderson is married to Lois Henderson. They have three boys, 18, 4, and 20 months. Welcome to town!
L to R: Cindy Ryan, Anna Katelyn Kuhn, Lynda Kuhn, Lois Henderson, Gary Henderson, and Robert Kuhn
Photo credit: NorthRiver Yacht Club
Check Out “What’s Happening In TTown”
Think of this Facebook group as our community bulletin board to share information about things going on in (and around) Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This is YOUR PLACE to post! Please invite your friends and neighbors to join this group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatshappeninginttown/
Sports
Page 24 . Issue 6
Tide enters 2014 season with high expectations again By Stan J. Griffin
When Nick Saban’s University of Alabama football team opens the 2014 season on August 30 in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome against West Virginia, it will be doing so with a cast of new characters in some very crucial positions, including on the defensive side of the ball, at the quarterback position and even in the offensive coordinator spot, with the ever-controversial Lane Kiffin now in charge of the Crimson Tide attack. But despite the fact that the 2014 edition of Alabama football will likely be counting on quite a few newcomers as it heads into the opener against the Mountaineers, this has not stopped many college football analysts from again placing the Tide near or at the top of their respective preseason polls. Many of those pigskin gurus have prognosticated that the Tide will at least be a participant in college football’s inaugural playoff in 2014. Although it does not carry nearly the same weight that it once did since there is now a committee in place to select the participants of the College Football Playoff, the Crimson Tide received a preseason ranking of No. 2 in the USA Today Amway Coaches Poll, right behind the defending national champion Florida State Seminoles. There is little doubt that the success which the Tide has enjoyed during Saban’s tenure is responsible for many of the lofty expectations. The level of incredible talent that still exists in Tuscaloosa due to Saban’s recruiting prowess also certainly accounts for some of the high forecasts for Alabama as it competes in what should be another deep and challenging Southeastern Conference in 2014. If the Crimson Tide is to live up to the preseason hype and legitimately contend for both the
Joshua M. Watkins, esq.
SEC and national title, it does have significant questions that must be an- Photo: Jeff Perrigin swered on both sides of the ball. Kiffin takes over a Crimson Tide offense that is loaded with weapons, including returnees T.J. Yeldon, Derrick Henry, and Kenyan Drake to power the ground game and a deep receiving corps led by Amari Cooper, Cristion Jones, Chris Black, and DeAndrew White, among others. Finding a quarterback to replace the departed AJ McCarron who can get the ball into the hands of all of those weapons, though, is the main priority for Saban and Kiffin, and the two-man quarterback battle between senior Blake Sims and Florida State transfer Jacob Coker may not be decided until game week. While Sims continues to make a serious push for the job, many observers expect Coker, a junior, to gain the starting nod. His skill set seems most suited for Saban’s pro-style offense and the offense that Coker learned under Jimbo Fisher at FSU closely resembles the Crimson Tide’s attack. Defensively, the Crimson Tide is looking to mainly shore up its play in the trenches and secondary, but the team must replace a huge leader in the linebacker corps as well, as standout C.J. Mosley has used up his eligibility. Senior Trey DePriest is hoping to step in and assume that leadership role. Expect a host of freshmen defenders to have an opportunity to play early and often for Kirby Smart’s stop unit, including linemen Josh Frazier and Da’Shawn Hand, linebacker Rashaan Evans and defensive backs Tony Brown and Marlon Humphrey.
Calendar
Druid City Living
Page 26 . Issue 6
Calendar of Events Jake Owen with special guests Parmalee & The Cadillac Three: Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Ticket prices: $38.50 and $28.50. Tickets available via Ticketmaster. com. For more information, call the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Box Office at (205) 248-5280.
Acoustic Night Featuring The Mulligan Brothers: Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m. Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. Cover: $10. For more information, visit www.bamatheatre.org. 21st Annual Night Light Golf Tournament: Aug. 22, 3:30 p.m. Ol’ Colony Golf Course, Tuscaloosa. All proceeds benefit Child Abuse Prevention Services. Shotgun starts at 4:30 p.m. Cost: $500 per team; $125 per person. Prizes and awards will be given. To pre-register please contact Shaunee Lynch at slynch@ capstuscaloosa.org or (205)758-1159. Vicki Kerr Walk 2 Remember 2014: Aug. 23, 8-10 p.m. Inside University Mall, Tuscaloosa. Caring Days Mal & Charlotte Moore Center is holding this 10th annual Walk to Remember to honor adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders, as well as their caregivers. For more information, call (205) 752-6840 or visit www. caringdays.org. Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah 5K: Aug. 23, 9-11 a.m. Government Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa. Join honorary race starter Scott Cochran for this race through downtown to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. Registration fee: $30. Proceeds benefit The Thomas Plott Foundation. To register, or for more information, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/yeah-yeah-yeahyeah-5k-tickets-11806159541.
Boys II Men with special guests Keith Sweat & En Vogue: Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Ticket prices: $71 and $40. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.com. For more information, call the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Box Office at (205) 2485280. Tuscaloosa Community Dancers Presents Tails and Tutus: Aug. 24, 5-7 p.m. Dinah Washington Center, downtown Tuscaloosa. Shimp and cocktails will be served to benefit the TCD. $35 single, $60 couple ($5 for TCD dancers). For more information, call (205) 752-4220 or visit www. tuscaloosacommunitydancers.com.
Free Estate Planning Workshop, Red Oak Legal, PC: Aug. 28, 2-4 p.m. 500 Towncenter Blvd., Suite B, Tuscaloosa. Presented by local attorneys Steve and Raley Wiggins. Covers wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, probate administration, longterm care and Medicaid qualification. Registration required. Call Ann F. Smith at (205) 764-1262 or visit www. redoaklegalpc.com. Umphrey’s McGee: Aug. 28, 8 p.m. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Ticket prices: $23.50, $18.50, and $16. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.com. For more information, call the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Box Office at (205) 2485280. Kentuck Art Night in downtown Northport: Sept. 4, 5-8 p.m. This event is free to the public. For more information, visit www.tuscarts.org/ artnight. 5th Street Vintage Market: Sept. 7 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 4150 5th Street, Northport.
The Vintage Market is a great place to find unusual and unique treasures, from vintage books, clothes, and jewelry to handmade items, vinyl records, and more. For more information, visit www.5thstreetvintagemarket.com.
Be Ready Day: Sept. 11, 5-7 p.m. Old Bruno’s parking lot, McFarland Blvd., Tuscaloosa. The Tuscaloosa County Sherrif’s Office is hosting this annual event, which allows residents to learn how they can be ready if/when disaster strikes. Numerous local, state, and national agencies will be on hand. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/TCSOAL. The Black Jacket Symphony, Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon: Sept. 12, 8 p.m. Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: $25-30. For more information, visit www.bamatheatre. org. Canine Classic 5K: Sept. 13, 8 a.m. Kentuck Park, Northport. This road race benefits the Humane Society of West Alabama. Registration forms are available at www.humanesocietyofWA. org or www.tuscaloosatrackclub.com. For more information, call (205) 5540011. Druid City Garden Party: Sept. 14, 5-8 p.m. Tuscaloosa River Market. The Druid City Garden Project’s annual fundraiser features delicious dishes prepared by numerous local restaurants using fresh, local produce. Guests can sample each restaurants’ food at their leisure while overlooking the river, drinking local beer, and dancing to a foot-stompin’ old time string band. For more information, visit www.druidcitygardenproject.org.
West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Happenings
Teams Needed for Bama Brew & Que Got the best BBQ around? Here’s your chance to prove it! Register for the 2nd Annual Bama Brew & Que in Tuscaloosa, a KCBS Sanctioned Event being held Sept. 12-13. There will be a Professional Division and a Backyard Division. This event is sponsored by Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa or YP(t). For more info, email bamabrewandque@gmail.com or call (205) 633-0279 or (205) 4692410.
Northport Citizen Award Nominations Sought For over 35 years, the Northport Citizen Awards Dinner has celebrated outstanding leadership in the city. Now is your chance to nominate someone for the Citizen Award or choose a leader in the field of education, business, religion, public safety or a Northport historian. Visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com for a nomination form and more info.
Save the Date: Washington Fly-In As always, our schedule while in the nation’s capital will allow time for interaction with our members of Congress as well as engagements with other elected officials. It’s also an opportunity, unlike any other, to network with fellow Chamber members. This year, the agenda will include some fun time at a Washington Nationals baseball game. Make plans
to join us Sept. 24-26! Email Stacey@ tuscaloosachamber.com for details. Sponsors this year are D.T. & Freight Co., Inc., Lewis, Smyth, Winter & Ford, Mercedes Benz, Merrill Lynch, Rosen Harwood, PA and TTL.
Chamber Launching Innovative 4th Quarter Drive Program
The Thomas Plott Foundation Golf Tournament: Sept. 18. Indian Hills Country Club, Tuscaloosa. This annual tournament is a fundraiser, with proceeds going toward finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Expect a day of great golf, and great prizes for the winners! $50 per person. For more information, call (205) 345-5310 or email Info@ ThomasPlottFoundation.org. A Gustatory Gala: Music and Food From Around the World: Sept. 26, 7-9:30 p.m. Museum of Natural History, University of Alabama campus. This event features music and food, along with a wonderful auditory evening, all presented by the Opera Guild of the University of Alabama Opera Theatre. Proceeds help to fund student scholarships. Tickets: $75. For more information, call Elizabeth Aversa at (205) 556-8886. 7th Annual Tuscaloosa County Championship Golf Tournament: Sept. 27-28. Ol’ Colony Golf Complex, Tuscaloosa. Play will be medal play based on the USGA Rules of Golf. Eligible participants must me a resident of Tuscaloosa County and have a valid handicap. For more information, call (205) 562-3201 or visit http://www. tcpara.org/page/42/calendar.html. Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa Honor Flight: Oct. 1. This Honor Flight recognizes World War II and Korean War veterans for their sacrifices and achievements, by flying them to Washington D.C. to see their memorials at no cost. For applications or more information, email Jordan Plaster at james_plasterjr@ml.com.
The Chamber is officially launching its inaugural 4th Quarter Drive program, under the leadership of Co-Chairs Dr. Judy Bonner of The University of Alabama and Shane Spiller of Spiller Furniture & Mattress. This volunteerdriven initiative will give all our members, for the first time ever, the opportunity to market their businesses by purchasing sponsorships of 2015 Chamber events and programs. This exciting, eightweek effort will kick off on Sept. 17 and will run through mid-November, with two simple goals: helping local businesses market products and services while also helping support our mission of providing top-quality events and programs.
Food
Taste of the Town
Page 28 . Issue 6
By Bronwyn Cage
A Sweet New Tradition in downtown Tuscaloosa: Sweet Home Food Bar
Tradition is a word that is synonymous with Tuscaloosa, particularly when it comes to football and the food partaken while watching our beloved team. There is a new spot in town that you will definitely want to add to your playbook of menu options: Sweet Home Food Bar. Owners Deb Marino and George Harsch have brought a fresh New York twist to University Boulevard and the Tuscaloosa tradition we all know and love. When Deb’s son, Dylan, moved to Tuscaloosa to start school at the University of Alabama, his main complaint about the town was the lack of breakfast served after 10 a.m. The couple wanted to start a new local tradition of all-day breakfast that was sure to include the freshest orange juice in Tuscaloosa County. Originally planned to be strictly a breakfast bar, the ideas and options kept growing to include a fully stocked menu of drinks in addition to breakfast and lunch items from locally sourced ingredients. And the restaurant itself is located in a beautiful historic building with unusual décor. “This place’s decor is based off an iSpy book. There is a rocking horse on a mantle,” Harsch can be overheard telling children what hidden objects can be found. “Find how many angels are on the walls.” With fresh deli-style elements and a slight Italian influence, Sweet Home Food Bar is sure to please everyone in the family, picky or daring. The “Clucken Russian” claims one of the menu’s most unique items: a chicken cutlet with bacon, melted Muenster cheese and Russian dressing on a Kaiser roll. However, the breakfast concoctions are what will be sure to draw a crowd. From a fried chicken cutlet, bacon, egg, cheese, hash browns and hot sauce, on a ciabatta roll to the Kitchen Sink Omelet, there is enough breakfast to last all day. If you are looking for a more traditional meal, the most popular menu items include the BLT with a fried green tomato, French toast, and pancakes soft enough to sleep on matched with homemade cinnamon sugar. To make busy lives a little easier, Sweet Home Food Bar offers grab n’ go dinners for individuals or families from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Additionally, a special menu can be found during Sunday brunch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Beginning Thursday, August 21, they will be offering a full dinner menu between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The expectations are high for Sweet Home Food Bar. “We want to be known for a great place to socialize, relax with friends and enjoy great food,” Deb Marino said. With a motto like “Be Social. Eat Well.” it is clear that this is a place to relax while enjoying delicious and original menu options. Photo: Bronwyn Cage
Page 29 . Issue 6
Visiting Steamers on the Strip
By Molly Hendrix
As wonderful as it would be to whisk away to the Gulf on any given whim, the tedious schedules of real life often get in the way. You may not be able to swim in the ocean without leaving Tuscaloosa, but you can have a fantastic seafood meal parallel to anything you can find near the Coast. Since it opened in 1996, Steamers has had several locations, the newest one is located on The Strip across the street from The Houndstooth. The restaurant has a laid back sophistication accentuated by the vintage Alabama football programs covering the walls. Feel free to pull up to the spacious and inviting bar area and have one of their specialty drinks, draft beers, or some raw oysters shucked right before your eyes. They also have tables and booths if you want a more traditional dining experience. Steamers’ diverse menu covers pretty much any type of seafood craving you may be having, with a full range of price points. They also have several nonseafood menu items and kids’ meals as well. During the weekdays, Steamers offers budget friendly specials that allow you to get a delicious seafood lunch for the same price as a drive thru. Monday thru Friday you can get some gumbo and a salad for $6. On Tuesday all Baskets are $6, with the exception of the shrimp and oyster which are $7. On Wednesday all Po boys are $6, and $7 for the oyster and shrimp. With prices like these, there is no excuse to settle for something from a drive-thru. Since there is no beach trip in my horizon, I recently took my family to sample some of Steamers’ offerings, in hopes of squelching my recent desire to abandon my real world responsibilities and run away for an impromptu vacation. I started the meal with a dozen oysters that you can have served raw, baked, or steamed. We went with the baked oysters which are cooked to perfection in the shell with a slightly spicy and smoky sauce, and topped off with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley. These are a perfect appetizer to share, or they could be a meal if paired with a side salad. Next, I tried the Shrimp Po Boy. This hearty sandwich is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crusty French bread is topped with a homemade
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tartar sauce, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and of course, an abundance of fried shrimp. Unlike a lot of fried shrimp that get lost in a heavy breading, these have a delicate coating that adds just the right amount of crunch while allowing the delicate shrimp flavor to shine through. We finished our meal with one of Steamers’ specialty dishes, Reds and Legs. If you are looking to treat yourself to the best of what the Gulf Coast has to offer, this is the meal for you. It is an impressively displayed assortment of steamed Snow Crab legs, huge deep water Gulf shrimp, corn on the cob, and new potatoes. The crab legs take a bit of work to get the meat out of the shell, but they are well worth the effort. The succulently sweet crab dipped in drawn butter will please the most staunch seafood lover. The Royal Red shrimp are not only the largest I have ever seen, they are also the most flavorful. The naturally salty flavor with a sweet finish makes the usual accouterments of cocktail or tartar sauces unnecessary. This meal is a decadent treat that is simply divine. Regardless of whether or not you are heading to the beach soon, make the time to venture over to Steamers on the Strip. You will not be disappointed. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a special date night, or an evening out with friends.
Restaurant week kicks off in Tuscaloosa If you’re itching to try a new restaurant, now’s the time: Tuscaloosa’s restaurant week kicked off on August 15, and runs through August 24. Numerous area restaurants are participating in the event, part of Alabama Restaurant Week. This year, 17 different area eateries in Tuscaloosa and Northport are cooking up special menu items and offering discounts on lunches and dinners. Participating in the area are: Another Broken Egg Café, Baumhower’s of Tuscaloosa, Billy’s Sports Grill Northport, Bob’s Victory Grille Tuscaloosa, Chuck’s Fish, Cypress Inn, Ephiphany, Evangeline’s, FIG, Five Bar, Glory Bound Gyro Co, Hoo’s Q, Kozy’s, Mugshots Grill & Bar, Southern Ale House, and Sweet Home Food Bar. Restaurants are offering meals at $5, $10, and $15 for lunch, and $10, $20, and $30 for dinner. **To learn more about which area restaurants are participating, and to see each restaurant’s special menu offerings and prices, visit www.alabamarestaurantweek.com.
Food
Page 30 . Issue 6
Bringing the heat and the sweet
By Amy Poore
Ah, summer vacation: Where did you go? Now that the kids are back in school, those days of fun in the sun at the lake, the beach, or anywhere, really, seem like a distant memory. But the weather is still warm, and technically it is still summer, so this month, I’m offering up two excellent recipes that can help extend the season…at least, as far as taste buds are concerned! This scrumptious BBQ pizza is a snap to prepare, and it’s perfect for a quick, easy meal. And these Lemon Crinkle Cookies? Oh, they are perfect if you’re craving a light dessert to satiate your sweet tooth. Bon appétit! BBQ Pizza • 1 store bought pizza crust or refrigerated crust • ½ cup barbecue sauce • 1 ½ cup cooked and shredded chicken (I pan fried a few chicken tenders and shredded that) • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion • ½ - 1 orange bell pepper; diced • 1 cup mozzarella shredded cheese • Chopped cilantro to taste
Preheat oven to the temperature your pizza crust suggests. Place pizza dough on pizza stone or foil-lined baking sheet and cook until it has a slight toast on it – about five minutes. (I opted for foil-lined because my stone is round, and this pizza crust was square.)
(All these ingredient amounts vary according to the size of pizza crust and your desired tastes.)
Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown. Garnish with more cilantro.
Remove crust and spread barbecue sauce over crust. Add shredded chicken, onion, and bell peppers on top of the barbecue sauce. Top with cheese and cilantro.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies • ½ cups butter, softened • 1 cup granulated sugar • ½ teaspoons vanilla extract • 1 whole egg • 2 teaspoons lemon zest • 2 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice • ¼ teaspoons salt • ¼ teaspoons baking powder • one-eighth teaspoons baking soda • 1½ cup all-purpose flour • ½ cups powdered sugar Preheat oven to 350º and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cream together sugar and butter until fluffy. Photos: Amy Poore
Next, whip in vanilla, egg, and lemon juice/zest. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients through flour, and slowly add to cream mixture. Thoroughly combine. Put powdered sugar on a plate, roll batter into heaping teaspoon balls, and roll in powdered sugar. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes until barely brown and the cookies have a matte look to them. Cool on sheet for a bit, then transfer to a baking rack to finish cooling completely.
Amy Poore is a new mom, a wife and a foodie. To see more of Amy’s delicious recipes, visit her blog, Poore Amy, at www.pooreamy.com