Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper
November 2015 - Volume 2, Issue 11
Glass Half-Full
City’s New Pulverizer Turns Recyclable Glass Into Useful Products By Heather Buchanan Photo: Crosby Thomley
Community Dancers Preparing to Present ‘The Nutcracker’ Full Story on PAGE 14
The city of Tuscaloosa’s new glass pulverizer has yet to be installed, but that hasn’t stopped residents from dropping off over 35 tons, or 75,000 pounds, of clear, green, brown, and blue glass bottles and jars to be recycled since July. Ashley Chambers, environmental coordinator for the city of Tuscaloosa, said the glass pulverizer machine should be installed by the end of the year. The department expects to have tons of glass to pulverize when the machine becomes operational. “We’d rather have the glass ready to go, rather than plugging in the machine and then waiting,” Chambers said. The pulverizer will tumble and crush glass bottles and jars into mulch and sand, creating what the city says is an environmentally sustainable industrial product. Tuscaloosa is the first city in Alabama to recycle glass
Continued on Page 13
Delicious Recipes for Colder Seasons Complete Recipes on Page 22
Inside This Issue About Us City News Opinion Community Schools Sports Home & Garden Calendar Food
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Due to safety hazards, glass must be placed in the ‘glass only’ compartments at drop-off recycling sites. Photos: Ashley Chambers
‘House Divided, Hearts United’ Families face off during Iron Bowl week By Tori Linville Saturday, Nov. 28 isn’t just another day to wallow in the leftover-turkey-filledhaze that follows Thanksgiving. It isn’t just another Saturday. It’s the day of reckoning for millions of households in the state of Alabama – Iron Bowl day. It’s also the continuance of a rivalry that dates back to 1893. But this isn’t the 1800s, and the intense rivalry has come a long way. It’s now common to see license plates, flags and t-shirts declaring a household to be “a house divided.” It isn’t rare to have an Auburn and Alabama fan living under the same roof. Amy Poore, a University of Alabama alumna, roots
for her alma mater. Her husband, Raymond, is an Auburn fan. While the rivalry is present for the Poore household, football season isn’t as brutal as people think, Poore said. “It’s really not. Well, except those years when you both go to the Iron Bowl undefeated. I, at least, do not ‘hate’ Auburn anymore, nor do I get upset if they win (except against us),” she said. “I feel Raymond has mellowed at little, he just won’t admit it. I actually have found that I love the campus at Auburn and tailgating there is a lot of fun. And I know Raymond enjoys tailgating here as well.”
Photo: Amy Poore
In order to maintain the peace, Poore said her household works on compromising and remaining silent. While both fans have attended their rivals’ tailgates, they remain supportive and agree to
wear the other team’s color, logos not included, she said. The Iron Bowl can be an intense game for any Alabama or Auburn fan, but the Poore household deals with it – sometimes by watching the game separately.
2 ABOUT
November 2015
Photo of the Month
CEO/Publisher Josh Watkins (205) 529-5723
Josh@druidcitymedia.com
Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin (205) 246-2977 Laurie@druidcitymedia.com Visuals Editor Christopher Edmunds (205) 541-7092
Christopher@druidcitymedia.com
Staff Writers Tori Linville Courtney Corbridge 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
The Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa recently presented donations totaling $45,000 to several local agencies. Money for the donations came from the Exchange Club’s annual Chili Cookoff, held each year in February. Accepting donations from the Tuscaloosa Exchange Club on Oct. 29 at Indian Hills Country Club are (Front row, L to R): Holly Hillard, Easter Seals, Jennifer Patrick, Miracle League and Latrelle Porter, Hospice of West Alabama (Back row, L to R): Jordan Plaster and Ronny Johnston of Easter Seals of West Alabama, Glen Smith, Exchange Club and Albert Avery, Hospice of West Alabama. Photo: Bill Tate
4 CITY NEWS
November 2015
Mayor’s Minute – November 2015 Dear Friends and Neighbors, As I’ve mentioned before, the City of Tuscaloosa has flourished significantly in the past decade. We have seen growth and opportunity that sets us apart as one of the most impressive cities in the nation. Tuscaloosa’s future is a bright one, and as your mayor, I want to continue to encourage ideas that make our City an even better place to call home. With the rapid positive trajectory of the City, it’s crucial that our resources are being used properly. I believe the City of Tuscaloosa should be, and is, an open and effective environment, dedicated to serving its citizens. In a measure to increase efficiency, the City has implemented a fraud hotline. Formed as an element of the Fraud, Ethics and Compliance Reporting Policy, the hotline gives citizens the opportunity to report anonymously any fraud, waste or abuse happening within its municipal operations. Any reports we receive will be reviewed by the City’s internal audit department and addressed if a claim is found to be accurate. As citizens of this City, your voice matters. We encourage you to report any legitimate fraud, with the assurance that your reports will remain completely anonymous and without fear of any sort of backlash. Sincerely, Walter Maddox
Invites you to our 8th Annual
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6 OPINION
November 2015
The Mommy Chronicles: The Thanksgiving Thanks List
Beaux William is in the holiday spirit. He’s thankful for pumpkins. Photo: Marlena Rice
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 this fall. Follow Marlena on Instagram at marlena_rice.
Transitioning to the fall months from the summer is Fall is finally here: We are all “Roll Tide” – ing, enjoying our riding boots and jeans, and already stressing over who will be hosting Christmas dinner - let alone Thanksgiving dinner. As a mother and a wife, I would especially like to note that I am truly always thankful for my son, my husband, my family, my job, and a multitude of other things. I am really just tickled pink all the time when I think about how God has blessed me. However, today I would like to share with you a list of all the things I am thankful for that only mothers would understand. This Thanksgiving, and all throughout the year: • I am thankful for the kind lady who works at Chick-fil-a, who remembers me and says, “It’s good to see you, you haven’t been here in a while.” Which leads me to be thankful that I am on time for work that particular morning, despite the fact that I was late the day before, and likely to be running late the next. • I am thankful for the fact that my two year old finally believes me when I say that bugs will crawl on his butt if he keeps giving me a hard time getting his underwear/pullups back on as we potty train. • I am thankful for the logistics coordinator of the new neighborhood
by Marlena Rice
Wal-Mart, who strategically placed a miniature toy aisle with mini racecars in direct view of the meat section (because once we take 30 minutes to pick out yet another car, or two, I am then able to quickly pick up the four items we initially came to buy). • I am thankful for my boss, who didn’t make me show him the photograph on my iPhone that details why I was late for work. The situation involved a child in a car seat, covered in the morning’s milk and an unseen prayer that an air freshener would just fall into the backseat like a smoke bomb. • I am thankful for Ben and Jerry, for making ice-cream concoctions that are so outrageous (and delicious) that when the family is sitting down to watch television in the evenings no one wants “just a bite.” • I am thankful for the couch. The one that handles the weight of all three of us, and our huge Great Dane as he leans against to sit at our feet. You have endured baby shoes, spilled milk, spilled chicken noodle soup, the dreaded orange Cheetos powder smears, and everything else that has once left my kitchen or dining room table. And you’ve endured a family that has to sit all but smack right on each other on your cushions while we argue about what to watch on one of multiple televisions in our home. Happy Holidays, and be Thankful!
OPINION 7 The Land of Oz: An Idiot’s Guide to Caribbean Travel November 2015
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.” Thinking of escaping the cold winter months the amount you owe at the pump is 2,088.79, by traveling to an exotic locale specializing in don’t freak out. We’re dealing in pesos, and in fru-fru drinks and men in thongs? Happen to be the Dominican that equates to about $46. looking for tips from a native Tuscaloosan who, Notify your credit card company that you on average, travels outside of the United States will be traveling outside of the U.S.: Because once every ten years or so? when the gas station runs your credit card and it You’re in luck! Your local faux-tourism spe- declines the sale for fear of a fraudulent transaccialist has got you covered. And for this edition tion, things can get really shady fast if you only of LoO, my indiscretions are most definitely have $40 in your pocket. your gain. Notify your debit card company that you will For our 10th anniversary, the missus and I be traveling outside of the U.S.: Because when decided to fly off to the tropical paradise of the the ATM runs your debit card and your bank deDominican Republic. Punta Cana, to be exact. clines the request for fear of a fraudulent transacOne of our traditions when traveling to exotic tion, things can get out of hand quick if you still locales is to pick up a local rent-a-wagon and go only have $40 in your pocket. exploring beyond the safe havens of the resorts Be prepared to drive fast: While there are trafand the traditional tourist traps. This is fun and fic laws in place, there is very little enforcement, spontaneous but can also be ill advised at times, and the local driving culture could be related to depending on the “State of the Island” (in all sin- that of the Autobahn combined with total discerity, you should always check travel advisories regard of common road signs. Oh, and because for your desired destination). we shorted the gas station 272.45 pesos. And The following are tips based on the unplanned because of the security guard wielding a loaded Dominican adventure we experienced after at- shotgun. tempting to, and eventually succeeding, in the To be fair, we warned our rental car agent and rental of the aforementioned wagon. the gas station attendant that we only had $40. Know a little of the native tongue: You don’t Their response? “No comprende.” have to go full-fledged Rosetta Stone, but it does help to have some knowledge of common I tweet insignificant things @ozborn34. phrases without staring at the Griswold translator handbook while attempting to get directions Derek Osborn is the Executive Director of “to…a…beach.” of Tuscaloosa by trade and writer by Bradford Lipstick Half Pg Ad_Layout 1 12/4/14 2:43 PM PagePRIDE 1 Know the exchange rate of the local currency hobby. He lives in Tuscaloosa with his wife, vs. the U.S Dollar: When you stop to fill up and Lynn, and daughters Savannah and Anica.
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8 OPINION
November 2015
Lake Living: Change is Inviting by Allison Adams Finally, fall is here. I forget how much I miss it until it slips in, pushing against the monotony of dated greens of summer. Bursts of yellow, orange and even varied shades of brown scattered across the ground are magical with just the right gust of the wind. Friends from the coast, and even Montgomery, while visiting for a football weekend, were mesmerized with the varied display of color outside the guest room window overlooking Lake Tuscaloosa. “It has changed since even yesterday,” they pointed out as we watched the new vantage point towards the water framed in an even deeper shade of red. I could swear it turned more crimson just for the game. I’m not sure why we as humans fight change so. With each season, we have an opportunity to grasp a new perspective of who we are, what we are doing with our lives and who we want to be. I certainly am nowhere near as fabulous as I thought I was at 19, nor as smart. And even in my 30s, with babies and juggling of carpool and Junior League, I thought I had it going on. Wow, what a mess that was. But the leaves of change continue to fall and with each spring (this one brings 50
knocking at my door), I open my heart and soul to new beginnings. No, change will not bring a motorcycle (already done that), no tantrums, just hopefully an unveiling of all that I have become up to this point. Those who are there already tell me with delight that all of the “woulda shoulda’s” flake off and life is easy to embrace in the authentic skin that age brings. I have to believe that. It is hard to deny that God has a hand in every season. Sure, it’s about
chlorophyll, but wow, also much more. So let’s all enjoy this last display of brilliant color and plan for our cozy retreat from what I’m hearing could be a brutal winter. Maybe this is the fall you embrace as your time to take the leap you have been dreaming of. Maybe this is the season to perfect your craft, to do that thing that you loved to do as a child -when there were no “what if’s” or “I shoulda’s.” The leaves don’t fall overnight. It’s a process.
And I can tell you, sure as I’m watching a red leaf from my window as it twists and tumbles to the ground, change is natural, expected and sometimes, downright inviting. Blessings from Lake Tuscaloosa, Allison Find Allison Adams’ musings at www.allisonpadams.com and her recent Tuscaloosa related coloring pages for all ages at www.southernscribblings.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ArtAllie.
10 COMMUNITY
Tales of
November 2015
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
“The Finny Tribe”: November 24, 1875
Tuscaloosa Times Editor John Warren had visited local markets and noted that customers could select “from a dozen kinds of the finny tribe, ranging from a spoon-bill cat to an eel.” It was November 24, 1875, the river had fallen, and the traps were catching fish. As documented in Fishes of Alabama, the Black Warrior River basin is home to 147 species of fish; many of which are palatable and present in quantities large enough to be a major food source. Native Americans were the first to exploit this local abundance. They likely utilized stone and cane weirs or traps to catch fish in the shoals that existed in this area. Any evidence of prehistoric fish traps would have been covered by rising water levels after construction of navigation locks over a century ago. However, archaeologists have documented scores of stone fish weirs in other Alabama rivers such as the Coosa and Tallapoosa. Early settlers brought their own tradition of fish traps but likely noted these early structures and in some cases continued their use. Fish traps were used at Tuscaloosa prior to 1837. In later years William Suggs operated traps at Burns Shoals directly beneath the river bridge and upstream. These traps supplied markets in Tuscaloosa and other cities. In 1861 Suggs said he anticipated catching “enough this season to shingle our good city with their scales.” He also stated that he could ship fish
to Marion and Greensboro. The Monitor reported in 1869 that “the fish market in Tuskaloosa is famous for the abundance and good quality of the savory ichthyoid species,” and that buffalo and catfish of “tremendous” size were being caught. In 1872 The Tuscaloosa Times noted that fish from Tuscaloosa were for sale in Selma and bringing higher than local prices in spite of that city’s location on the Alabama River. Five years later the Times reported that the traps were catching “wagon loads of fish.” The next year the Times stated that fish were more “abundant than usual” and large amounts were being shipped fresh by rail and prices were “unusually high.” In the early 1890s construction of river locks at Tuscaloosa blocked the upstream migration of many species. In 1896 the Times reported that Birmingham Above: The freshwater drum is abundant year round in the Black Warrior. Below: The blue catfish is one of several catfish species found in the Black Warrior and was often for sale in local Mayor J. A. Van Hoose had markets. Photos: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contacted the Army Corps of Engineers about installing fish As Tuscaloosa grew, the Black water quality. ways around the locks. However, the Warrior became polluted. The eight To some extent fish have returned Corps replied that the cost was too mile stretch of river through the city to the Black Warrior. But the river is high. between the Oliver and Holt Locks fundamentally different and likely Eventually nine additional locks received runoff, industrial discharges would not be recognizable to 19th were built below Tuscaloosa. The and sewage from Tuscaloosa as well century Tuscaloosans or their Native Alabama Shad, once an abundant as Birmingham and other upstream American predecessors. local favorite, could no longer migrate areas. By the 1960s water quality from the Gulf of Mexico and totally was so degraded that few fish could If you have a comment or quesdisappeared. Sturgeon, eel and other survive. Enforcement of the Clean tion for local historian and author migratory species also disappeared or Water Act of 1972 and the closure of Jim Ezell, you can email him at greatly declined in numbers. many industries eventually improved Ezell0071@comcast.net.
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COMMUNITY 11
November 2015
IRON BOWL
continued from page 1
“There have been a few [Iron Bowls] in the last couple years that that everything rode on who won that game. We spent those watching apart,” she said. “That was a good choice because I’m pretty sure that the ‘pick 6’ game would have caused a fight. We spend Thanksgiving at the beach now and this past year – the stress got to me and I just went to bed.” Poore said she’s interested to see where her two-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, lands in the rivalry. Her daughter attends Alabama’s RISE school, where everyone wears something Alabama on Fridays, but Poore said she tries to maintain a balance. “I dress her equally, she has one [outfit] of each when it comes to her clothes. At school, she wears Auburn on Monday and Bama on Friday and until she does declare, she wears house divided outfits on Iron Bowl weeks,” she said. “I don’t really plan on influencing her, but I have a feeling her daddy will behind my back.” Susan Seymour is an Alabama fan, while her husband is an Auburn fan. Seymour said her household keeps the peace by keeping it fun and remembering that it is just a game, with compromises. “In years past we would wear the other team’s attire. Him in Alabama attire and me in Auburn’s, shakers included,” Seymour said. “We stay
together in same room for the game.” While Seymour and her husband peacefully disagree on what team to cheer for, the extended family often doesn’t understand, she said. “Some of our family on both sides can’t believe we support the other team and that we would dare to wear the other team’s colors. Some are so
die hard that now at our annual family Christmas party, the game cannot be mentioned or discussed,” she said. “[That’s] not the case with my husband and I. After the game there is discussion with no hard feelings.” As for the Iron Bowl, Seymour said she and her family plan ahead, including food and attire to wear.
“We are always supportive of the others’ team until Iron Bowl, then it is on,” she said. When asked what she wish others knew about households with rivalries like Alabama and Auburn’s, Seymour kept it short and sweet. “Remember: house divided, hearts united,” she said.
Photo: Amy Poore
12 COMMUNITY November 2015 Magnet Middle School Builds Herb Garden for Camp McDowell By Courtney Corbridge
Top: An overhead model of the McDowell farm school’s herb garden shows the design plan. Above: Students carrying wood to form the perimeter of the herb garden. Bottom: Students watering the herb garden, now complete with totem poles. Photos: Lavanda Wagenheim
On Oct. 21, 42 eager students from Tuscaloosa’s Magnet Middle School trekked up Route 69 on their way to Camp McDowell’s farm school. Coordinator for the trip, Lavanda Wagenheim, said, “This farm school was built to educate kids across the area about our farming heritage— where our food comes from.” And at the school, kids do everything from milking goats to planting seeds and harvesting produce to cook for their meals. On the Thursday of their trip, the students got to harvest watermelon, eat the delicious fruit and then make pickled watermelon rinds. The education kids receive on the farm is a rare opportunity these days, but the Magnet Middle School wasn’t there just to get; they were also there to give. After visiting the school, Wagenheim and a few other teachers—like math teacher Allison Sanders and design teacher Trent White—asked if there was anything they could do to contribute to the farm school. “A lot of our curriculum is community service oriented,” Wagenheim said. “And they had a need for an herb garden next to their teaching kitchen.” For months, the seventh grade students worked with White to design a plan for the herb garden. The 56 students were divided into groups of four, and they used straws to design garden beds in the shapes of everything from diamonds to suns. The outline of the winning design, according to team member Jagger Lynn, was originally intended to look like a butterfly. The team even thought out making internal subsections to better separate out the
plants. “We thought we could make it look like the patterns on a butterfly’s wings,” Lynn said. Once the initial design was selected, the students made a few adaptations, like adding a head to the base structure and mounting totem poles within the herb beds. These changes transformed the butterfly into what now resembles a Native American firebird. And the totem poles add to this effect since they are decorated with wooden depictions of local wild life and farm life. Not only did the students design the garden layout; they also mathematically worked out the lengths of the wood they would need, the angles at which the wood would need to be cut and the volume of soil it would take to fill the beds. They then took their calculations and made a mock-up model of the garden design on the lawns of their school. “They were learning scale factor in math class anyway,” Wagenheim said, “so it was the perfect integration of the two.” Jon Nee, McDowell’s farm school director said, “part of our goal since we started is that the students do real lasting work. . . This is probably the largest thing a school has ever done.” Though this was only the first year for the Magnet school to come to the farm, they a planning to come back in the future. Nee said, “When they come back and see what the group before them did, I think it will be great.” And the kids are excited too. Wagenheim has already had students asking if they can come back to participate in whatever next year’s project may be.
COMMUNITY 13
November 2015
GLASS continued from page 1 using a pulverizer, Chambers said. ESD currently has 30,000 pounds of glass waiting in one of the bunkers in the Kauloosa Avenue plant. Once processed, Chambers said pulverized glass has many options for reusability. “This stuff is beautiful as landscaping mulch, it’s great as aquarium bed liners, that kind of stuff—that’s awesome,” Chambers said. “We wanted to think more industrial and think about who would use this stuff.” Some concrete companies prefer to reuse glass that is pulverized rather than mine from rock quarries, Chambers said. City officials have identified multiple industrial applications to use pulverized glass that could offset costs of purchasing sand and gravel from outside sources, Chambers said. The City’s Department of Transportation plans to use the product in road bed and improvement projects. It can also be used as a green alternative to landscaping mulch and underground pipe insulation. Julia Whitten, an environmental sciences student at the University of Alabama, said she would rather reuse products like glass. “I recycle glass because it’s such a useful product and it cuts back on demand for new glass products,” Whitten said. “I’ll do whatever else is possible or makes sense before buying new products – reusing materials, repurposing items, and recycling what I won’t re-use.” The moneymaking potential in recycling makes ESD a particularly important division, according to Chambers. “That’s what I think a lot of people miss when it comes to recycling, is
Photos: Ashley Chambers
this glass has value,” Chambers said. “You know, we’ve got to pay to throw this garbage away, but we’ll take recyclables from you for free, and then the city makes money when we go to sell it.” The recycling arm of the department makes roughly the same amount as the garbage division spends, making ESD one of the only city departments to bring in revenue. Recyclable items like plastics, metals, cardboard, office paper, newspaper/ magazines, electronics and glass are considered commodities in the recycling industry. By the end of 2015, ESD officials expect to make $275,000 from selling recyclable items. As recycling participation and volumes increase, they expect that figure to grow and help offset the more than $500,000 spent each year burying nearly 20,000 tons of household garbage in local landfills. Adding glass to the recycling program could divert some of that tonnage, reducing disposal costs and saving landfill space. “It’s a win-win-win for the city and that’s what we’re trying to show the consumers,” Chambers said. Glass can only be recycled through the drop-off program. Chambers said this practice is to prevent injury to the collection workers and to keep broken glass out of the streets. For some residents this precaution may be a roadblock to recycling glass. “As far as I know, glass recycling is only drop-off right now, which is kind of inconvenient,” said Eliza Sheffield, a public relations major at the University of Alabama. “Most people probably don’t care enough to do it [drop off glass], honestly. So I’m not sure if the problem is really with
services offered, because once they didn’t recycle glass and now they do and that’s exciting progress.” Sheffield said she participates in the city’s drop-off recycling program, a habit learned from her family’s home in North Carolina. “On one hand, recycling doesn’t really seem to make much difference unless we all do it, but on the other hand, change starts with each of us, so I want to do my part,” Sheffield said. The lack of a local buyer prevented the city from collecting glass since it began the recycling program in 2000. A 2014 recycling grant award from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) allowed glass to be added to the list of acceptable recycling items in the program, something that was tough to do before, according to Chambers. The closest glass bottling facilities are in Georgia and Tennessee, making freight costs too expensive for the city.
The department has had fun with the glass drop-off since it started. Chambers said she can hear the glass drop-offs from inside the ESD building. “Just the other day we had an older couple who had barrels full [of glass], and I ran down there to give them a little prize or something,” Chambers said. “She was like, ‘I used to do crafts with glass but I’m just tired of looking at it and I’ve been trying to recycle and I was afraid Target was judging me.’” Chambers said one of the next items ESD might address is collecting glass bottles from Tuscaloosa’s growing bar scene. “My thought is no matter where the actual recycling is being done, at least now this type of recycling has exposure in Tuscaloosa and people may think differently about the way they use and dispose of products and materials,” Whitten said.
14 COMMUNITY
November 2015
Tuscaloosa Community Dancers Veterans Day Program Honors Men and Women Who Served Country To Present ‘The Nutcracker’ By Cokie Thompson
With Halloween come and gone, Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. Some people may not break out their tinsel and stockings until late November, but the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers have been preparing for their Christmas tradition since September. The group will put on their annual performance of The Nutcracker December 3-6 at the Bama Theatre. September may seem early to start dreaming of sugar plums, but artistic director Jenna Wilson said that’s what it takes to get everything ready. When the show ends in December, TCD doesn’t wait long to start getting ready for next year. “Usually when we finish Nutcracker in December, we go ahead and reserve backdrops for the next year in January,” Wilson said. This year, former dancers with the American Ballet Theatre are performing as well, giving the young dancers in the show the opportunity to work with professionals. “We have had professional dancers come in the past and it really is great for our younger dancers to look up to and see where they could go if they work hard and stick with it,” Wilson said.
By Cokie Thompson
Jillian White, president of the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers Board, said while the heart of the show stays the same from year to year, they make some changes to keep it interesting. For example, the Russian and Polichinelle divertissement will involve more than classical ballet. “It’s a lot of fun. This year, both of those numbers are gonna have a lot more exciting jumping and tumbling and turning to give them a lot more high energy,” White said. Some of the Polichinelles have a gymnastics background instead of a dance background, which gives TCD the opportunity to know a more diverse group of performers. Regardless of where the dancers come from, they work hard to bring the show to the stage. Young performers must balance school work, rehearsals, and regular training at their home studios. Parents work on costumes and publicize the event. All of this hard work pays off when the curtain goes up in December. From lights and music to props and costumes, everything comes together in a Tuscaloosa community tradition. Once the curtain comes down, it starts all over again.
Every November 11, the Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park Association and the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center host a program to honor veterans in the area. This year, the program will bring special attention to Colonel Charles W. Davis, a native of Gordo, who received a Medal of Honor for his service in World War II. His son, Kirk Davis, will be speaking about Col. Davis’ life and the events leading up to the award. “All branches of the military are welcome and represented at the park,” said Becky Booker, PARA’s public relations and marketing manager. “It was a part of Northington General Hospital. “ Veterans Memorial Park, the site of the event, sits on McFarland Boulevard between Snow Hinton Park and the University Mall. While the location may seem unusual, it fits with the history of the area. “At the end of World War II, it was the largest hospital in the country,” Booker said. “When it was closed, it was stipulated that the one acre site could only be used as a shrine or memorial to veterans or a church, and we built it on the site of the hospital chapel.”
The park is home to the Honor Roll of Veterans, a monument bearing the names of over 3,100 veterans from various branches of the military. “We’ve always tried to get veterans from the area to be involved with the program and we’ve had success with that over the years, but one of the big pushes we’ve got right now is to get more veterans’ names on the wall,” said Brian Butler, the chairman of the Veterans Memorial Park Association. “We have about 15,000 veterans in the area, and only a small percentage of those have their names on the wall.” Additionally, the tradition of honoring a local Medal of Honor recipient is relatively new. Col. Davis is the third honoree. The American Legion Post 34 Women’s Auxiliary will be at the event selling poppies as well. The money they raise will go to support veterans’ groups. The program will be held Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. and will last about an hour. The event is free and open to the public and all branches of the military. For info about the park, or to donate to the Endowment Fund, visit www.tuscaloosaveteranspark.org or call (205) 331-5600.
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COMMUNITY 15
November 2015
Bama Against Bullying Benefit: Fashion with a Purpose By Laurie Mundy Perrigin Barbie Perry wants to make a difference. Perry, the owner of Street Jam Talent Agency in Tuscaloosa, was looking for a way to help combat bullying among youngsters. The result is Bama Against Bullying, set for Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at The Cypress Inn Pavilion. “Given that I own a talent agency and have so many talented people,
I knew that I could put together an event to raise awareness in an effective way,” Perry said. “Bama Against Bullying is for everyone; it’s a fun, family event.” According to Perry, Bama Against Bullying combines the arts and entertainment in a way that raises awareness. The event features a fashion show with prestigious area boutiques,
including The Pants Store, Part Two, Krush, Soca and The Gypsy Spur. In addition, several live performances are planned by The Street Jam Crew, ABJ Force, Taylor Semone and other local artists. Music and lighting will be provided by Dj Protoj of Tuscaloosa. Hors D’oeuvres will be provided. Proceeds from the event will benefit Tuscaloosa City Schools’ “HALT”
Members of the Street Jam Talent Agency following rehearsals for the Bama Against Bullying show on Nov. 12. Photo: Barbie Perry
anti-bullying program. For Perry, a mom of four young children, this is all about the kids. “After working with young people for so many years, I’ve heard bullying stories that were really upsetting,” Perry said. “One I’ve seen happen many times is when boys that dance and do theatre are called names because other boys think that stuff is only for girls, so they’re made fun of. That’s not right.” Once Perry got the word out about Bama Against Bullying, it didn’t take long for the community response to follow. “Everyone realizes what a big problem this is,” said Perry. “In fact, they realize how bullying takes place not only with children, but people of all ages.” Druid City Living is a proud sponsor of Bama Against Bullying. Additional sponsors include Nick’s Kids Foundation, Norris Limb and Brace, Brian Avery Salon, JPO Contractors, Farley’s Ballroom, Kids Life Magazine, The Tuscaloosa News, Leading Ladies League, Perry Photography, B 101.7, TuscaBlue, McAbee Construction, Crimson Magazine, Swag, The Gypsy Spur and Smiths Machine.
16 COMMUNITY
November 2015
New Tuscaloosa Business Openings BurgerFi 1320 McFarland Boulevard East Ste. 510 PetSmart 1320 McFarland Blvd E Bldg 600 (205) 535-3067 Chuy’s 1320 McFarland Boulevard East, Ste. 710, (205) 349-4947
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Monkey Joe’s 200 14th Street Suite 2 (205) 462-3763
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18 SCHOOLS
November 2015
DCL’s Teachers of the Week Wrap-Up By Courtney Corbridge
Teachers spend nearly as much time as parents do mentoring and instructing our community’s children. So why not get to know these wonderful influences, who are helping to mold the future leaders of Alabama? Here are this month’s teachers of the week—some of the best educators, mentors and instructors that Tuscaloosa has to offer. Adrianne Sheffield, STEAM coordinator at University Place Elementary, has been teaching for 12 years. “I initially started teaching special ed.,” Sheffield said. “My brother had a learning disability, so I kind of watched him struggle with school, and I wanted to be able to work with kids like him—who didn’t have the same love for school that I had.” In the years to follow, Sheffield expanded her classroom influence by not only teaching special education but later taking on the first grade, training other teachers, working with the STEAM program and instructing university students as a part of her current PhD program at the University of Alabama. Sheffield loves to write poetry, and she has a few ideas for potential books as well. “I want to write books for children,” she said. “That’s still on my ‘when I grow up list.’” Jeffrey Walker is a well-known name among the first-graders and alumni of Verner Elementary School. This year, he’s been nominated for Alabama’s teacher of the year award, and it has a lot to do with the interest he’s taken in his students. When the school year begins, he gets a taste for the children’s personalities, and he tailors much of his curriculum to their interests. Consequently, Walker doesn’t have a list of books he teaches each year. His favorite childhood book, “Danny and the
Dinosaur,” only occasionally makes appearances. In Walker’s free time, he leads his church’s children’s ministry, works at a men’s fashion store in Fayette, takes piano lessons, and watches horror films—the scarier the better. Social studies teacher and head coach Mike Snider led the football team at Eastwood Middle School to a city/county championship this season— with a perfect record to boot. Snider, however, did not get into teaching because he wanted to coach. After a decade working as a warehouse manager, Snider decided that what he really craved was teaching and interacting with students. “I tell them, you’re mine. From now on, whether you like it or not, you are my kid and I’m going to treat you that way.” And it’s only that love for his students and athletes that could get him through what are often 12 to 14 hour work days.
Top: Jeffrey Walker and his first grade class at Verner Elementary School. Above: Adrianne Sheffield, STEAM coordinater at University Place Elementary. Left: Mike Snider, head coach at Eastwood Middle School. Photos: Courtney Corbridge
SPORTS 19
November 2015
Friday Night Lights: High School Football’s Second Season By Stan J. Griffin Although it seems unfathomable that another high school football season has basically come and gone, schools in Tuscaloosa/West Alabama are gearing up for that second season, which of course is the state playoffs. Here is an update on some of West Alabama’s main title contenders, with postseason competition just around the proverbial corner: Gordo Greenwave: Ryan Lolley’s No. 2 Greenwave remained perfect on the season by defeating Hale County 49-13 on Oct. 23 to clinch the Class 3A Region 4 title (with Gordo carrying a 6-0 mark in region play). Lolley’s team (9-0 overall) remains strong on both sides of the ball, with quarterback Koy Chapman and running backs Collin Herring and Malcolm Nicholson leading a prolific offense, and coveted all-purpose weapon Ben Davis leading the defense while also contributing on the offensive side of the ball as well. Bibb County Choctaws: Matt Geohagan’s Class 4A Region 4 Choctaws have put together a strong year, which included a home upset over the then-undefeated Northside Rams, and Bibb County claimed the region title with a 45-14 win over Oak Grove. The Choctaws finished the regular season at 7-3 (6-0 in region play) and were able to rest up the final week of the regular season before hosting a first-round playoff contest. Bibb County continues to be led by quarterback Matt Hiott. American Christian Academy Patriots: Chris Smelley’s No. 7 Patriots missed out on the opportunity of winning the Class 3A Region 4 title by falling on the road at Gordo on Oct. 2, but ACA clinched a second-place finish in the region by defeating the Aliceville Yellow Jackets on the road. That win pushed ACA to 8-1 overall on the season and 5-1 in region play. The Patriots continue to be led by a prolific, fast-paced offense paced by Kade Young and senior Caleb Squires among others. Fayette County Tigers: Lance Tucker’s No. 8 Tigers have been solid much of the season, but Tucker’s squad recently missed out on an opportunity to claim the Class 4A Region 5 crown by falling at home in a 20-18 heartbreaker to No. 2 Cordova.
American Christian Academy QB Kade Young hopes to lead his team to more victories in the playoffs. Photo: Stan J. Griffin
That defeat dropped Tucker’s squad to 6-3 on the season and 5-1 in region play, but the Tigers still look to be on sound footing as they prepared for postseason play. Quarterback Drew Guy has been a stabilizing force as a leader for the Tigers all season. Hillcrest Patriots: Sam Adams’ Patriots, following an Oct. 9 home defeat to powerful McAdory, rebounded in style with consecutive victories over Paul W. Bryant and Brookwood, and appeared to be gaining steam heading into the playoffs. The final two wins of the regular season boosted Hillcrest to 7-3 overall on the season in Adams’ second year at the school and 5-1 in Class 6A Region 4. Hillcrest is led by a host of offensive threats, including Brian Robinson, Cole Frederick and Laterius Ruffin while being paced on the defensive side by Kionte Taggart among others. Berry Wildcats: Danny Raines’ No. 4 Wildcats have been an offensive juggernaut all season long behind quarterback James Raines, and Berry clinched the Class 1A Region 6 title Oct. 23 with a 50-18 romp over Lynn. That win pushed the Wildcats to 8-1 overall and a perfect 6-0 in region play. As mentioned, it all starts with the prolific offense
led by Raines as the quarterback already posted a nine-scoring pass effort again Brilliant and against Lynn threw for five more TDs. Northside Rams: Despite finishing the regular season with back-to-back losses to Bibb County and Montevallo after starting the season 7-0, Chris Hilliker’s 7-2 Rams have still been one of the strongest teams in the area all season, including a 4-2 mark in Class 4A Region 4. Northside, led by senior tailback Alex Maluda and Andrew Robertson among others this season, is looking to rebound heading into the playoffs, especially offensively as the Rams fell in its regular season finale to Montevallo 23-0. Northridge Jaguars: Mike Smith is in his 13th season leading the Jaguar football team, and the 2015 Northridge High squad might be one of his finest as a 14-7 road victory over the Selma Saints lifted the Jaguars to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Class 6A Region 4. Quarterback Tommy Bryant has been one of the main leaders for Smith’s team all season and an early scoring pass by Bryant was pivotal in helping Northridge get past Selma. NHS was set to finish the regular season with a home game against Walker on Thursday, Oct. 29.
Alabama Athletic Champions Honored in New Plaza Addition By Stan J. Griffin With a crisp breeze in the air, a sunny and blue sky and a noticeable championship aura, October 23 was definitely a perfect day for those who bleed crimson. In front of a large gathering of Alabama Crimson Tide fans, members of the Million Dollar Band, UA cheerleaders and various other UA administrators and officials, another addition to the Sarah Patterson Champions Plaza was celebrated in style. During the brief but rousing ceremony, the 2015 Southeastern Conference gymnastics title by Dana Duckworth’s Alabama team was added to the plaza, which is located behind Sewell-Thomas Stadium. Six individual Crimson Tide champions were also honored during the event, including women’s track and field standouts Remona Burchell and Quanesha Burks, swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, the prolific women’s tennis duo of Maya Jansen and Erin Routliffe and Crimson Tide women’s golf standout Emma Talley.
Longtime Tide radio voice Eli Gold emceed the proceedings, and the ceremony also included remarks from new UA president Stuart Bell, UA Director of Athletics Bill Battle, Patterson, the legendary former UA gymnastics coach whom the plaza is named for, and Duckworth. “Since (the first plaza celebration, held in October of 2013), as it was intended by our athletic director at the time, Mal Moore, this plaza has stood as a monument to the tradition of excellence and the legacy of champions that is Crimson Tide athletics,” Gold said. Bell said he is proud of all the champions that UA continues to produce, not only on the field or on the court, but also in the classroom, as the Crimson Tide program continues to be one of the national leaders in terms of scholastic achievements gained by its student-athletes. Battle noted that the main focus of the UA athletic program is team success, and “everyone pulling toward
Crimson Tide radio voice Eli Gold at the 2015 Champions Plaza ceremony. Photo: Stan J. Griffin
a common goal,” but added that this approach can also lead to additional achievements for Crimson Tide student-athletes. “Oftentimes that team approach breeds individual success, which perfectly describes our six NCAA champions from last season,” he said. Patterson noted the vision of Moore, former athletics director, and paid tribute to the student-athletes
reflected on the walls of the plaza. “We are here today to celebrate champions, and to honor those who have paid the price, sacrificed and dedicated themselves to excellence,” she said. “You never quit, you persevered through adversity and you are champions. Today, we honor each and every one of you as you walk the path of starting your own legacy here at the University of Alabama.”
20 HOME & GARDEN
November 2015
Tips for Getting Your Garden Ready for Cooler Weather By Candice Morris In the South, we don’t see much cold weather during the fall and winter seasons, so we tend be a little more relaxed with our gardening. But just because the leaves on trees are gone and the flowers aren’t blooming doesn’t mean we should neglect our yard and gardens. Check out these tips to help get the yard and garden ready for the colder temps. Insulate Just as we flock to scarves and sweaters on cooler days, our plants need a little insulation from the weather too. One of the most cost-effective methods involves spreading mulch around flower beds. Spreading a 1-2 inch layer of mulch around your plants will help to not only keep the cold from getting to the plants but it will also help to retain moisture during drier months. Fertilize Fall is also a great time to get the lawn ready for the spring. Be sure to fertilize it well with lawn food and reseed thin spots around the yard. To add some color during the winter seasons, planting annual ryegrass seed on top of the warm-season grass will do the trick. Using a mower to chop fallen leaves can also be beneficial; leaves will break down and add nutrients to the soil.
Inject Color If flower beds are looking a little sparse, try planting colorful fall flowers that are perfect for cooler temps. Mums and pansies are a great choice, but also consider fall flowers such as aster, helenium, or goldenrod for a garden bursting with color. For perennial beds, fall is the time to pull those weeds and cut back perennial flowers; this will help to ensure better growth in the spring. Plant Bulbs Spring-blooming bulbs should be planted approximately six weeks before the ground freezes, but here in Alabama we often don’t have this worry. Bulbs such as crocuses, tulips, and daffodils can be planted well into November and sometimes December. These hardy bulbs will grow best in well-drained soil. If you’re unsure about your soil’s quality, work in some sand and compost. Before the weather gets too chilly, be sure to take advantage of the mild fall days to get the yard and garden in shape for the colder temps. With these simple preparation techniques you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful yard and garden even Mums are a great choice to inject color into the landscaping. Photo: Stock on the chilliest of days.
Creating a Lasagna Garden: It’s not what you think by Amelia Pilsch
Before(Top): Half of the space gets afternoon shade, the other half, full sun all day long. The soil was hard, red clay, covered with Bermuda grass. After(Bottom): The lasagna garden is complete. New items can be added in spring. Photos: Amelia Pilsch
In an early Master Gardener class, when the topic was preparing soil for planting, a member asked the speaker about “lasagna gardening.” Now, I had never heard this term before, and it felt a little sketchy when the speaker appeared to brush over the question. I asked my seat mate about it, and later, “Googled” it to learn more. Preparing a new garden bed using the lasagna method refers to building a garden by adding layers of organic materials that will “cook down” over time, resulting in rich soil that will help your plants thrive. Also called sheet composting, you don’t have to dig at all - you simply layer your materials directly on top of the ground where you’ve planned your new garden, even on top of the grass Being a single, teacher person, and getting a little long in the tooth, I thought my days of creating a new garden space were over. Honestly, cutting the grass has even become a chore, but I still prefer that chore over the alternate, indoor kind. The idea of creating a new bed without the hours of back breaking labor seemed very appealing to me. Plus, I already had a space in mind and, I’d been saving an inspiration picture...don’t judge me. I decided to give it a try. I started my garden in the fall after a friend built the trellises along the wall. I used my garden hose to outline the new space, then covered the entire area in cardboard and newspaper. Here’s a tip: I filled my garden cart with water and soaked the newspaper to keep it from blowing around before I added another layer. The paper and cardboard are an invitation to earthworms, they love
paper and are vital for good soil. Earthworms aerate the soil as they move by burrowing small holes. They process organic matter in their bodies and return vital compounds to the soil, increasing the nutrients available to plants. The second layer that I added was peat moss. I have learned that using peat moss is environmentally unfriendly and non-sustainable. I’d recommend mulch instead. Sometimes, peat moss can turn into a wet, mushy bog, but not to worry, my bed is fine. I topped the peat with wheat hay, covered the entire concoction with a tarp and left it for several weeks. From time to time, I’d uncover the space, add another layer and wet it with the hose. I used manure, mushroom compost, more hay, grass clippings, and hardwood leaves. When spring came, I started adding items to my new bed. I decided to experiment with espalier, training a shrub to grow flat against a wall using my trellises. I selected Camellia Sasanqua “October Magic” because I needed something evergreen and loved the idea of having blooms in the fall. I also added three dwarf lorepetulums. Existing plants included a hydrangea, a gardenia, irises and day lilies. Instead of a fountain, I installed a bird bath. I needed a way in and out so I put in pavers, but hope to replace those with personalized, stepping stones, mementos of my family. It’s still a work in progress but that is the beauty of gardening isn’t it? Follow Tuscaloosa County Master Gardeners on Twitter @ TuscCoGardeners
November Calendar Veterans Day Program: Nov. 11, 10 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park, Tuscaloosa. Guest speaker: J. Kirk Davis. The ceremony includes many patriotic observances to honor our area veterans. For more information, visit tcpara.org and tuscaloosaveteranspark.org. Heritage Celebration Sundown Lecture Series, Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society: Nov. 12, 5-7 p.m. Wynn Center Presentation Room, Stillman College. Dr. Guy Hubbs of Birmingham-Southern College will present on Reconstruction Tuscaloosa based on his award-winning publication “Searching for Freedom after the Civil War: Klansman, Carpetbagger, Scalawag, and Freedman.” This event is free to TCPS members; $5 for non-members. For more information, visit HistoricTuscaloosa.org or call (205) 758-2238. Bama Against Bullying: Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) The Cypress Inn Pavilion, Tuscaloosa. This evening of fashion, music, food and fun is a fundraiser for the Tuscaloosa City Schools’ “HALT” anti-bullying program. Tickets: $10 (in advance at shopdcm.com), $12 at the door. For more information, call (305) 799-1842 or email streetjamtalentagency@gmail.com. Unity Tuscaloosa Mismatched Ball: Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Tuscaloosa River Market, 1900 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa. This free evening features plenty of food and great entertainment, and of course, conversation. For more information, email brooks@ lightingplusonline.com, call (205) 349-9493, or join the event on Facebook. 3rd Annual Purchase with a Purpose Party, Calvary Baptist Church: Nov. 13, 6 to 9 p.m.; Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to noon. Calvary Baptist Church, 1121 Paul W Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa. Shop for those on your Christmas list knowing every dollar spent helps others in the community and worldwide. More than 20 vendors will be on hand. For more information, visit Purchase with a Purpose Party on Facebook. 38th Annual Lucy Jordan Ball, The DCH Foundation: Nov. 13, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. NorthRiver Yacht Club, Tuscaloosa. This year’s ball will honor the memory of Mrs. Ruth McAbee. This year’s beneficiaries are the DCH Heart Fund and the Finn & Quinley Infant and Children’s Fund. For more information, including reservations, call (205) 759-7349. Junior League of Tuscaloosa’s Breakfast with Santa and Mini-Market: Nov. 14, Indian Hills Country Club, Tuscaloosa. This popular local event features two sitting times with Santa (9 a.m. and 11 a.m.). Tickets: $14 (ages 2 and up). To purchase tickets, visit jltuscaloosa.org or call (205) 345-7416. Crimson Village Memory Walk: Nov. 14, 11 a.m. 1410 18th Ave. East, Tuscaloosa. November is Alzheimer’s awareness month. Crimson Village will hold a Memory Walk to bring awareness to the
disease. Donations will be used to purchase art supplies for art therapy in The Tides, Crimson Village’s Alzheimer’s/Dementia Unit. For more information call (205) 632-6699 or visit crimsonvillage.com. Turkey & Tinsel Holiday Bazaar: Nov. 15, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa’s Bazaar features a silent auction, dozens of vendor booths, concessions, baked goods, and more. Proceeds go to local Tuscaloosa area charities that benefit women and children. All ages are welcome and admission is free. For more information, visit fumct.org. An Evening of Arts and Autism: Nov. 19, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Harrison Galleries, downtown Tuscaloosa. This evening is a showcase of student art benefitting Arts ‘N Autism. Guests will enjoy a silent auction and raffle, live music, refreshments and wine. Tickets: $35 couples, $20 singles, $10 students. For more information, visit artsnautism.org or call (205) 274-4990. Wagner’s Turkey Trot: Nov. 21, 8 a.m. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. at Wagner’s RunWalk in Midtown Village. Registration fees: $25 (single) or $30 (family). Your registration fee is also your membership to The Tuscaloosa Track Club for 2016. Applications are available at Wagner’s RunWalk in Midtown Village. Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra Presents Much Ado About Mozart: Nov. 23, 7 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, downtown Tuscaloosa. This second annual chamber orchestra concert features the Cavell Trio. For more information, and tickets, visit tsoonline.org or call (205) 752-5515. Beat Auburn Beat Hunger Food Drive: Now through Nov. 28. Since 1994, the Community Service Center and the West Alabama Food Bank have united students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to help “fight” hunger and poverty in West Alabama by challenging Auburn University and the Food Bank of East Alabama to see who can collect more non-perishable food to help the needy. For more information, visit beatauburnbeathunger.ua.edu. Tuscaloosa Association of REALTORS Toys for Tots Toy Drive: Dec. 1 – Dec. 16. TAR is collecting new, unwrapped toys for this drive, benefitting the U.S. Marine Corps. Anyone in the community is welcome to drop off a new, unwrapped toy at the TAR office (2007 Paul W. Bryant Dr.) to donate. Holidays on the River: Dec. 1-Jan. 18, Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. With Ice skating, music and dance performances and more, this event offers something for the entire family. For more information, visit holidaysontheriver.com or Holidays on the River on Facebook. Dickens Downtown: Dec. 1, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., historic downtown Northport. This community supported Victorian holiday gathering celebrates the true
spirit of Christmas. Free event. For more information, visit dickens-downtown.com. American Legion Post 34 College Fair: Dec. 2, 5-7:30 p.m. Miller Activity Center, Tuscaloosa. Information will be provided on numerous American Legion scholarships provided, including Boys and Girls State, the Oratory Contest, Eagle Scouts, American Legion baseball, and more. Representatives from UA, Shelton State, Stillman College and the Marion Military Institute will be on hand to answer questions. This event is free and open to everyone. For more information, email americanlegiontuscaloosa@gmail.com or call (205) 393-5414. The Nutcracker, Tuscaloosa Community Dancers: Dec. 3-6, Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. Show times: Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. Ticket prices: $21 for adults, $17 for seniors 60+ and $12 for students and children. Group rates are available. Tickets are available in the TCD office and by phone at (205) 752-4220. Kentuck Art Night in downtown Northport: Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m. This event is free to the public. For more information, visit tuscarts.org/artnight. Hilaritas! The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences School of Music: Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6, 3 p.m. Moody Music Building Concert Hall. Ticket prices: $7 to $15. Visit uamusic.tix. com to purchase tickets. 3rd Annual Toys for Tots Golf Tournament: Dec. 5, The Links at Tuscaloosa Golf and Country Club. This two-person scramble tournament has a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Members entry fee: $15. Non-members are welcome for a $30 entry fee; must bring a new toy to donate. For more information, call (205) 247-9990 or (205) 393-5430. 5th Street Vintage Market: Dec. 6, 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 5thstreetvintagemarket.com. Christmas Tour of Homes, Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society: Dec. 6, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Five historic downtown Tuscaloosa sites: the Battle-Friedman Home and Gardens, the Old Tavern, the Murphy African American Museum, The Capitol School and the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Each location will be decorated for Christmas with entertainment and refreshments. Admission is $5. For more information call (205) 758-2238 or visit HistoricTuscaloosa.org. 40th Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade, PARA: Dec. 7, downtown Tuscaloosa. Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the steps of the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse, 5:15 p.m. Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit tcpara.org.
22 FOOD
November 2015
NOVEMBER RECIPES
Recipes to be Thankful For
Recipes and Photos by Amy Poore
Anyone need some new dishes to enjoy at this year’s Thanksgiving dinner? Both of these dishes are perfect for the occasion. The Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash looks gorgeous, but it’s fairly simple to make and it takes just a few ingredients. And the Pear Cake offers a delicious alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving desserts (though certainly include them, too). Enjoy the Thanksgiving holidays, and bon appétit! Amy Poore is a new mom, a wife and a foodie. To see more of Amy’s delicious recipes, visit her blog, www.pooreamy.com
Pear Cake
Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash • 2 acorn squash • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened • 1/2 cup butter • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped • Salt • Pepper • Cinnamon
• 2 cans pear halves • 1 package white cake mix • 3 eggs • 1 stick butter, melted • Confectioner’s sugar
Preheat oven to 350. Drain pears, reserving 1 can of syrup. Chop pears. Mix cake mix, butter, eggs and reserved syrup on low for 30 seconds, increase to medium-high for 4 mins. Pour batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut each squash in half lengthwise, scrap out and discard seeds. Place squash, cut side down, in 2 baking dishes. Add 1/2 inch of water to each pan. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour. In a bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand) to beat the cream cheese, brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Stir in pecans, reserving a few for garnish. Carefully remove squash from oven and place cut side up on baking sheet. (Tip: I trim off a little of the bottom so they will lie flat.) Season squash with salt and pepper, fill with cream cheese mixture and bake for 15-20 more minutes, until filling is lightly browned and squash is tender. Sprinkle with cinnamon, brown sugar and reserved pecans.
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November 2015
TASTE OF TUSCALOOSA
FOOD 23
Chuy’s Delivers Tex-Mex to T-Town with Bold Flavors Tuscaloosa’s Shoppes at Legacy Park has been booming with new business lately, including the deliciously famous Chuy’s Tex-Mex Restaurant, which opened last month. The Austin, Texas-based eatery promises to give its customers a unique experience, one that includes delivering the full, fresh flavors that their food and drinks are known for. “We want people coming in to expect exceptional service, a great, family-friendly atmosphere, and amazing fresh food,” said Nick Gordzelik, owner and operator of Chuy’s in Tuscaloosa. “We want to keep our folks happy and we try our best to fulfill any dietary modification requests.” On that note, patrons can expect bold flavors in a variety of sizes – something not always offered in other restaurants. Chuy’s offers menu items in half or mini orders, allowing diners to adjust their portion size without sacrificing taste. Made from scratch sauces such as the tomatillo, ranchero, and creamy jalapeno are just a few from the bunch of Chuy’s unique sauce repertoire. Gordzelik was kind enough to offer me a unique opportunity as a “quality taster.” I was able to taste some of
the most famous Chuy’s menu items, including the Elvis Presley Memorial combo, which features three different enchiladas (beef Tex-Mex, chicken Tomatillo and cheese ranchero), a ground sirloin taco, and tostada chips dipped in chile con queso. Yes, I can honestly say that “quality taster” is a job I could get used to. If you’re in the mood for an adult beverage, you’re in luck. Fruity, frozen margaritas boast fresh flavors with pureed in-house strawberries, lime juice, and mangoes. Those looking for a new favorite drink can order Chuy’s homemade sangria on the rocks—a blend of tequila, red wine, triple sec, fruit juices, and blueberry syrup. If you’re not sure how to start your first dining experience at Chuy’s, consider stopping in between 4 and 7 p.m. during the week for Chuy’s Happy Hour, which features drink specials and a full nacho “car” with complimentary chips, salsa, beans, beef, and queso. Or, if you’re in more of a takeout mood, Chuy’s full to-go menu will keep your family happy and full. With a balance of bold, fresh flavors, Chuy’s hits the mark of having hearty high quality food. It’s a must on your dinner “to do” list!
Chuy’s Tuscaloosa: 1320 McFarland Boulevard East, Ste. 710, Tuscaloosa (The Shoppes at Legacy Park) Hours: Sun-Thurs 11 – 10 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Phone: (205) 349-4947 Facebook: Chuy’s Tuscaloosa At Right: Chuy’s offers up fresh Tex-Mex fare with a hefty helping of funky fun. Below: The Elvis Presley Memorial combo features a trio of excellent enchiladas, along with a ground sirloin taco, and more. Photos: Sheena Gregg
by Sheena Gregg