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October 2016 - Volume 3, Issue 10
Haunted Tuscaloosa: Seasonal Tour Delves into Area’s Spookiest History and Locations By Tori Linville
Food Trucks See page 19
UA History See page 21
INSIDE THIS ISSUE About Us City News Opinion Business Community Tales Calendar Schools Sports Food
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If you’ve ever wanted to know the secrets that lie behind some of Tuscaloosa’s most haunted properties, you now have the chance with Haunted Tuscaloosa Tours. Tuscaloosa paranormal investigators David Higdon and Laura Lineberry have teamed up with Vikki Grodner, the Drish House’s owner of events, to begin the tours at the end of September and throughout October. “The tour starts at the Drish and ends at the Drish with 15 other locations visited. There are going to be three stops where you can get off the bus completely for a brief walking tour,” Grodner said. “We’ve based the tours off of David’s ‘Haunted Tuscaloosa’ book. With the Drish House named the most haunted property in Alabama, it was a natural fit for us to partner with him.” Higdon, founder and lead investigator for the Tuscaloosa Paranormal Research Group, said the tours are a way to peek into a paranormal investigator’s routine. “We get asked a lot of time with TAPS, ‘Can I join you?’ and this is a way to do that,” he said. The haunted tours will be a way to delve deeper into Higdon’s “Haunted Tuscaloosa” book while experiencing the locations personally for participants. As interest has been renewed for the Drish House since its reopening in May, the tours will also be a way to get a better look at the storied house. “People want to see inside [of the Drish]
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from reading the stories about it, and there’s interest in the structure and a house that has spirits,” Grodner said. “It’s also a great way to raise money to help maintain the house. The owner has used her personal resources, but there’s still a lot of work to be done such as preservation and plastering the tower.”
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While the spooky histories of the locations on the tour can be worrisome, it’s important that you have the right story, Lineberry said. “Getting the story straight is important – it’s not going to be a haunted house tour, it’s
See TOURS | page 12
Kentuck Birdhouse Project Gives Children a Chance to Be the Artist By Hanson Watkins
The Kentuck Festival of the Arts has brought artists, tourists and local families together in Northport on the third weekend in October for decades. This year, the Festival celebrates its 45th year. George Shelton, one of Tuscaloosa’s teachers of all things woodworking, has been involved with the Kentuck Arts Festival since its earliest days. And for the past decade or so, Shelton and the Woodworkers Association of West Alabama, have offered a build your own birdhouse project.
Shelton said the Woodworkers, a group of about 50 local men and women, decided to focus on The Birdhouse Project as a way to inspire kids to learn more about the craft. “The woodworkers group was going to the festival before that, and selling our wares and demonstrating woodworking. We felt like we needed to do a little bit more that might interest some young people in woodworking.” Shelton said growing up, he was fortunate to have people
See BIRDHOUSE | page 12
Photo: Jeff Perrigin
2 ABOUT
October 2016
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
CEO/Publisher Josh Watkins
(205) 529-5723 Josh@druidcitymedia.com
Vice President Hanson Watkins
(205) 835-0094 Hanson@druidcitymedia.com
Editor
Laurie Mundy Perrigin
(205) 246-2977 Laurie@druidcitymedia.com
Art Director Tori Linville
Staff Writers 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 Legal: Druid City Living (DCL) is published monthly. Reproduction or use of graphical content without prior permission is prohibited. DCL is designed to inform the readers regarding community news and events. Information is gathered from sources that are considered reliable, however the accuracy is not guaranteed. All articles, photos, etc. submitted become the property of DCL. We reserve the right to edit as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish any material. Any inaccuracies should be brought to the attention of the editor.
The Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre is busily rehearsing for the upcoming production of Doctor Dolittle, Jr. This beloved musical, based on Hugh Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle stories and the 1967, Academy Award-winning film, will be performed Oct. 7-9 at the Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa. Doctor Dolittle, Jr. will be performed on Friday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for premium seats, $15 for adults and $10 for students. They can be purchased online at tuscaloosachildrenstheatre.org or at the box office one hour prior to show time. For more information, call the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre at (205) 310-8010. Photo: Ashley Maughan
October 2016
Mayor’s Minute – October 2016
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in the State of Alabama, we continue our mission to be the most innovative and effectively managed City in the United States. To achieve this standard of excellence, and with accountability and transparency as absolutes, my proposed 2017 operating budgets focus on four key areas: technology, accounting and finance, employee empowerment and restructuring of services. The primary challenges we faced over the past several months constructing the fiscal year 2017 budgets are: 1. Health insurance costs are consuming more than 25 percent of our growth. 2. Revenue growth paces behind projected expenditure costs (most likely the siphoning off from internet sales). 3. State’s inability to provide adequate funding for corrections and mental health is requiring additional resources. 4. Technology and personnel upgrades, which have been delayed since April 2011, are desperately needed to vastly improve
operations. It is impossible to discuss $197 million in operating budgets with a few sentences, but the highlights include: 1. Continues the lowest city sales tax rate of cities with populations above 25,000. 2. Maintains the third lowest water and sewer rate in Alabama. 3. Provides garbage, trash and recycling at one of the lowest rates in the state (City subsidizes $4 per month, per customer) 4. Invests 45 percent of the general fund budget into the Tuscaloosa Police Department and Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service. For detailed information on the budget, I invite you to visit tuscaloosa.com. I truly believe that this budget will strengthen our city and benefit all citizens and would love to answer your questions about it or hear your concerns. Please reach out to me at mayor@tuscaloosa.com or on Twitter @ waltmaddox.
41st Annual West Alabama Christmas Parade sponsored by
“Home for the Holidays” Grand Marshal Nominations due by October 21 Parade Entry registration due by November 14
Parade date December 5 at 6:30 p.m. All Parade info available at tcpara.org 205-562-3220
tcpara.org
“
4 CITY NEWS
6 OPINION
October 2016
Give Life to Your Story: Listening to Influence “My music is like my religion,” is how Zach put it. Although I’ve not heard it said this way before, I think most of our teens feel the same way about their choice in music, movies, TV shows and even video games. Most teens feel a very strong connection to the media they consume. Because of the huge diversity in media today, kids feel their choices say a lot about who they are. And they do. Kids think when you insult their music, you insult them. When you like their music, you like them. So how do parents navigate a subject where such strong emotions are attached? What do you do when you as a parent have one of those experiences where you hear clearly what your child is consuming, only to be horrified. Hasn’t happened yet? Just wait. So what’s your goal? Now, you may say they should “stop listening to such garbage.” But many parents are willing to live with it if they don’t know what their teens are listening to. It’s a sort of “don’t ask don’t tell” policy. Why? edge of your seat waiting for my lofty Because I think they have come to the conclusion that the battle is too enormous. wisdom and quick fix solution. I wish I The possibility of influencing their child had them. But I do have one idea. I think seems but a distant dream. I have heard that the music and media issue is part of a some justify that they listened to music much bigger conversation. One where you that their parents didn’t like either, and talk about how what your teen surrounds well, they turned out okay. “Adults have themselves with influences them more than always disliked what teenagers listened they may ever know. You can’t play prison to.” May I suggest that if you are compar- guard for your child as they grow older. If ing the edgy music of the 1990s with what you don’t give them the tools to decide for kids can explore today, you may not be themselves, so they understand the slow erosion media can have on their values, fully informed. Bradford Lipstick Half Pg Ad_Layout 1 12/4/14 2:43 PM Page 1and soul, you have left them At this point, I’m sure you are at the personality
By Mike Green can change that dynamic. Maybe you can change the conversation. Maybe you can ask your child, “How can I help
You can’t play prison guard for your child as they grow older. If you don’t give them the tools to decide for themselves, so they understand the slow erosion media can have on their values, personality and soul, you have left them unprotected in a world that is more than willing to destroy them for a buck.
Photo courtesy of Mike Green unprotected in a world that is more than willing to destroy them for a buck. Okay, that was a bit heavy. Here’s a specific: Have you asked your kids how they decide what they will not listen to? Where will they choose to draw the line? Most youth have never had such a conversation. They seem to not even understand that they have the power or responsibility to choose what they consume. Families have created a place where youth are supposed to get away with everything they can, and parents are supposed to police them. Maybe you
you make good decisions?” I know it may sound a bit crazy. But it works. Instead of seeing music as another battle you must wage with your teenage son or daughter, see it as an opportunity provided to discuss some of the most important matters of life. Mike Green and his wife, Laura, give leadership to Youth For Christ in Tuscaloosa. They have one adorable grandson named Jaxon.
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OPINION 7
October 2016
The Land of Oz: I’m Running for President... … of the holiday season and I’ll make promises I can’t keep to earn your candy. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. While the college football season has successfully kicked off, bringing hours of exercise for upholstered furniture-bound athletes, the holiday season officially kicks off in October, with the wonderfully wholesome and family-friendly tradition of Halloween. Every year, my crew goes through the same process: Choose a theme, pick a costume, attain costume, try on costume, send at least one costume back for an exchange,
This is a completely legitimate excuse. Someone MUST man the door. apply makeup, and wear costume. All of this trouble amounts to about an hour of trick-or-treating and a grand total of about $12 worth of candy. When they ask daddy what he’s going to dress up as, daddy usually shrugs his shoulders and says, “Well, someone has to man the door and give out candy to the other kids.” This is a completely legitimate excuse. Someone MUST man the door. But, in the end, they don’t fall for it. So, given that it is also election season, I’m going as a presidential candidate. And I’m not impersonating any of the candidates currently in the running for the U.S Presidency. This is my holiday platform
By Derek Osborn
that I will spread to my poor, unsuspecting neighbors for at least an hour on Halloween in hopes of obtaining at least $12 worth of candy and their vote in this meaningless campaign. Prepare to fill up my pumpkin. It’s time to make the holidays great again. And this is my platform.
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First and foremost, all Halloweenies must be dressed in costume to receive candy. No more of this “show up in your t-shirt and score some chocolate loot.” Part of the joy of handing out free candy is getting the
Prepare to fill up my pumpkin. It’s time to make the holidays great again. benefit of seeing kids dressed as ghosts and goblins and Transformers.
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Retailers will not be allowed to open on “Black Thursday” (the holiday formerly known as “Thanksgiving”). This is a time set aside for friends and/or family to show thanks for the blessing of the local grocers’ harvest. Regardless of your bottom line and “lost sales,” you will be forbidden to drag employees into work with a belly full of turkey.
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All people who celebrate Christmas must leave up their decorations for at least
“The Land of Oz” is 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.” Photo: Derek Osborn
five days after Christmas. Why? Because the holiday season doesn’t end the day
Vote for me for President of the Holiday Season. after we commemorate the birth of Christ. When I was a kid, if you took down your tree before New Years’ Day, you were a sinner.
Don’t be a sinner. Put your candy in my bucket and lets “Make the Holidays Great Again,” one Tootsie Roll at a time. Vote for me for President of the Holiday Season. And yes, I approved this message. I tweet insignificant things @ozborn34. Derek Osborn is the Executive Director of PRIDE of Tuscaloosa by trade and writer by hobby. He lives in Tuscaloosa with his wife, Lynn, and their daughters, Savannah and Anica.
8 OPINION The Mommy Chronicles: An Alternative Halloween My toddler is three years old. He loves Peppa Pig, PJ Masks and Doc McStuffins. He will also glue himself to anything electronic that plays race car and monster truck videos (child-themed of course). When he sees something he does not understand, he questions me. “Why, mama?” When he sees someone hurt, his rough-onthe-outside exterior doesn’t quickly soften but his long-lashed, brown eyes do, and he will ask, “Are ooo (meaning “you”) okay?”
Why do we celebrate Halloween, mommy? Why do some people dress up scary? My point is this: He’s innocent, just like all children are. And in his quest for answers to a never-ending list of questions, I have found myself anxious as I await the big question. “Why do we celebrate Halloween, mommy? Why do some people dress up scary?” My genuine answer is this: I. Do. Not. Know. I mean, I’ve always celebrated Halloween, with no thought as to why. Everyone else did, so I did it. But now that my little person is old enough to question me, I’ve come to the conclusion that Halloween is not really on the radar for my family this year, or in the future. How do I explain this time of year to my little man when he sees costumes and decorations in our favorite stores and throughout our surrounding neighborhoods? Easy.
October 2016 By Marlena Rice
Celebrate what we do know about! If your family is ready for Halloween and it’s a part of your tradition, have a great time. Collect as much candy as possible! On the other hand, if you feel the need to do something different, embrace that decision – because when you’re excited, your kids will be too. Here are some alternative ways to spend a Halloween evening. DECORATE & CRAFT Take a family trip and go shopping for hay bales, corn stalks, pumpkins and even a scarecrow. Decorate your front yard for the season. If you have neighbors in your neck of the woods, invite a few moms over with their kiddos and plan a few “mommy and me”-themed projects that your guests can take home. REVERSE TREAT Make goody bags with your children for a select group of people. Fill them with fall-themed goods such as a homemade fall-blend trail-mix, homemade coasters made from flannel, warm and toasty scented candles (bonus points to you if these are homemade) and sweet treats. Distribute these goodies to hospital patients, elderly neighbors, co-workers, classmates – or even strangers, as a random act of kindness. Enjoy the smiles. ENJOY A PUMPKIN PATCH Fortunately, we do have some local pumpkin patches with fun activities planned for visitors. Here’s another idea to make the visit extra fun: Have your child
Beaux William dresses as his favorite community helper for school. And yes, Marlena was up until 3 a.m. spray painting boxes for his costume. Photo: Marlena Rice
invite a few friends over; let them make a pumpkin “check-off” list. This list may include the following: A pumpkin taller than 13 inches A pumpkin that is oval-shaped A pumpkin that looks like __ (insert something ridiculously funny here) … and so on. Once your list is complete, go to your fa-
vorite pumpkin patch and scavenger hunt! And above all else, whatever you decide to do, enjoy the time with your little ones. It flies. Marlena Rice is a local mom and author. Her new book, “Pacifiers, Flatbeds and Barn Wood Thingamajigs, a ‘Come to Jesus Guide’ for the New, Southern Mom,” will be available on Amazon.com soon. Follow Marlena on Instagram at marlena_rice.
OPINION 9
October 2016
Lake Living: Sacred Space Fall brings renewal, a shedding of the old. I am overturning the fast paced summer and focusing on some inner reflection with a number of groups here in Tuscaloosa. This season I am focusing on “home” first with a book called Interior Wisdom. It is about house and heart, with an emphasis on finding sacred space within our homes that nurtures. Anyone who has been to mine is chuckling. It is nice to gather early, savor fragrance from the crock pot and visit around the family table. Research shows that kids raised “around the table” excel in
Our homes affect us. They can enhance or they can detract from it. numerous areas socially and tend to stay out of trouble. Our homes affect us. They can enhance or they can detract from it. Each week, together, we aim to remove layers of “stuff” that surround us, helping find the peace that is supposed to be nurturing our home bases. Where we work, too, can either build us up or tear us down. Each week, a group of realtors, led by Kim Harwood, gathers at Rosen Harwood here in Tuscaloosa to discuss our lives as we dissect the book Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. As the author suggests, together we try to “leave behind frantic for a simpler, more soulful way of living.”
By Allison Adams
Danita Mims, another fellow realtor joined this week and expressed her gratitude to Kim Hargrove, which is how we all feel. We have worked together on deals and don’t even know each other. “I had the idea to begin the study because we are in this together. It helps to know each other and learn to support each other,” Kim told us. The study is sinking in to my to-dos. Not exactly the goal, but when questioned about what it was we loved to do as a child and why we don’t still do it, I realized my creativity was on the back burner again. That day, I registered for a course at the University of Alabama through the Olli program. Who knew there were hundreds of things you could learn? This class nurtures my love of writing as we dissect the first class of Alabama Hall of Fame Writers. I also ordered a stock-pile of blank canvases with my last commission. My husband and I have another group of couples from our church that gathers each week at our home. We help each other peel off layers of “expectations” and replace them with acceptance and love. Absorb the fact that your fingerprints are the only ones like them and are loved by a Father no matter what we do wrong. When we wrap our hearts around that, the rest falls off in layers. On a recent Friday get together with the Interior Wisdom group, we found ourselves just sharing about life while taking in some sunshine in the treehouse.
Tuscaloosa Realtors Gather for Small Group at Rosen Harwood Each Week (L to R) Kim Hargrove, Debbie Puckett, Danita Mims, Carrie Fitts, Amanda Jones, Tammy Regevig, Leesha Shotts, Allison Adams Photo: Yvonne Rinehart
Sometimes, the unplanned moments are the best. “I am gonna jump in next week,” said a grinning Marti, who comes during her work lunch break. “That is what it is here for,” I told her. We are all walking around in circles, not taking notice of God’s playground. So, on the way to the office, at carpool, on the way from that meeting, stop and take off your shoes, put your toes in the grass and really feel your feet making contact with
the world around you. Blessings, and nurture the place you in are at this moment!
Allison Adams is a Realtor with Lake Homes Realty on Lake Tuscaloosa. www.allisonadamsrealtor.com
10 BUSINESS
October 2016
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BUSINESS 11
October 2016
Now Open
1 Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
opened its first Tuscaloosa restaurant recently. The 3200-square-foot, fast-casual eatery (315 15th Street) offers ground beef steak burgers, hot dogs, shoestring fries, and more. (205) 764-9097; freddysusa.com
2 The Golden Hanger boutique is now open in Tuscaloosa (2411 University Blvd., across from Embassy Suites). The store, which offers a wide variety of contemporary fashions for women, is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (205) 710-5370; shopgoldenhanger.com 3 H2O Salon & Retail Center has merged with Centrifuge Salon, moving to a new location (312 Merchants Walk) in Tuscaloosa. 205-343-1818; h2odowntown.com 4 Hotel Indigo Downtown Tuscaloosa (111 Greensboro Ave.), the area’s newest hotel and its first along the riverfront, celebrated its opening on Sept. 21 with a ribbon cutting and a celebration. (205) 469-1660; riverfrontvillagehotel.com 5 Trustmark Bank celebrated the grand opening of its new office (2330 University Blvd.) in September. The new office will offer full-service consumer and commercial banking products, as well as mortgage services. The branch lobby and drive-thru hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (205) 464-4440; trustmark.com
6 Tuesday Morning is back open in Northport
(1695 McFarland Blvd. Suite B). The store, which celebrated a grand opening recently, has expanded – it is now 70 percent larger than the original location. (205) 330-7769; tuesdaymorning.com
News and Accomplishments Former Alabama star and Miami Dolphin Bob Baumhower will join the celebrity roster of Final Table judges at the 2016 World Food Championships this November in Orange Beach. He serves as CEO of Aloha Hospitality International, a restaurant management company that includes over 10 restaurants, including Baumhower’s Restaurant in Tuscaloosa. Scott Goldsmith was elected President and Managing Shareholder of JamisonMoneyFarmer, PC, one of Alabama’s largest CPA firms. Goldsmith, a graduate of Central High School in Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama, assumed the position on Sept. 1. Leadership Alabama has selected several local leaders for its Class of 2016-17, including Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Ron Abernathy, University of Alabama System Executive Vice Chancellor and COO Ray Hayes, University of West Alabama Executive Director of Economic Development Tina Jones and TotalCom President Jimmy Warren.
The Northport Citizen of the Year dinner will be held on Oct. 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Five Point Baptist Church. For over 40 years, the Northport Citizen of the Year Awards program has celebrated outstanding leadership in the city. For reservations, contact donny@tuscaloosachamber.com or call (205) 391-0559. Shelton State Community College Nursing Instructor Carol Mapp has been selected as the 2016 recipient of the Cindajo Overton Outstanding Nurse Award. Given in association with the Alabama State Nurses Association, the award acknowledges outstanding accomplishments and contributions to nursing. Villages for Aging in Place, was introduced to the Tuscaloosa area in September by Susan Benke for UA’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) bonus program. Villages for Aging in Place is a new option for community members who wish to stay in their own homes and remain independent, yet remain connected to the wider community as they age. For more information, call (205) 349-4046 or email village.2be@gmail.com.
If you have information you’d like included in Business Happenings, email us at: Contact@druidcitymedia.com
12 COMMUNITY
October 2016
TOURS continued from page 1
BIRDHOUSE continued from page 1
going to be more about the haunted history of the places, with maybe a few surprises on the last day,” she said. In case the paranormal does decide to make an appearance, Higdon said there are some key factors to be on the lookout for. “Look for cold spots, the smell of flowers at the Drish House – from where Ms. Drish had roses everywhere, and the sounds of a piano,” he said. “We were actually having a UA function here [at the Drish] and once the students left, you could hear a single key note from a single piano.” Grodner had her own experience at the Drish House as well. “I was upstairs when I got poked in the face. I thought I was having a spasm or it was a bug, but that wasn’t the case,” she said. People have experienced different things at various locations around Tuscaloosa, inspiring the haunted tours even more. “For people who believe, it’ll be fun. For people who are more skeptical, they’ll believe. For people who don’t believe, the history will be interesting,” Lineberry said.
around him to teach him are more likely to about woodworking. He continue. I teach a and the group now hope woodworking class to do the same for others. through the Uni“I would like to see versity and OLLI, young people seeking and my students are out classes and experitypically people that ences in woodworking always wanted to or some other activity try. Some figure out, where they are working ‘Nope that it is not with their hands from something I want to scratch,” he said. “So do.’ And some take many times, people say it and run with it. that they don’t have the Shelton said the tools or don’t have somebirdhouse project is one to model after. The for kids, but it has birdhouse project gives attracted adults as kids an opportunity to try well. It’s now part woodworking hands-on of the fabric of the and meet people who are Kentuck Festival experienced in the craft.” experience, and a Each year, the way to reach out birdhouse project tables to new artists and are set up in the middle crafters. of the park, in front “The Festival has of the Woodworkers always fascinated Ed Allen and George Shelton with the Woodworkers Association. of West Alabama have been instrumental in the birdhouse project. Association booth. me in that – I drive Photo: Josh Watkins Demonstrations are by that location held, and as many as 20 all the time – one them.” members put items up day it is empty and Shelton said one of the most for sale. the next day it is a tent city with important tips he can give to a “It creates quite a bit of interest people from all over the South and and gets lots of people talking about new woodworker is to work with all over the nation. It is a great, someone experienced, like members tribal gathering. Artists who have wanting to learn about woodworking,” Shelton said. “Each child takes of the Woodworkers Association of made friends and come back. The West Alabama. their birdhouse home, and some diversity of artists and craft that is “An experienced woodworker people put them up outside and displayed never ceases to amaze me. can teach a new person the right invite the birds in. Some take them I learn something every time I go. I way to approach a project. They will hope I help others learn about craft home and paint them and put them get through quicker and with more in their room. It’s their birdhouse, and making things. It is just fun.” success, which means they will they they can do what they want with
Friday, Sept. 30 Friday, Oct. 7 Friday, Oct. 14 Friday, Oct. 21 Friday, Oct. 28
Haunted Tuscaloosa Tours 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
10:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Adults: $25 With military/student discount: $20 Children 8-12 years old: $15
No children under 8 years of age are permitted on the tours, and no alcoholic beverages are permitted. 10 p.m. tours include a lights out paranormal investigation of the Drish House. For more information, visit hauntedtuscaloosatours.com.
October 2016
Christmas Afloat Parade to Return for 2016 Holidays By Laurie Mundy Perrigin Tuscaloosa’s Christmas Afloat will return this year. Ken DeWitt, co-chair of the event along with Ed Cook, said that the 2015 comeback year was a great success. “We got over 20 boats in our first year back since the 2011 tornado. We hope to have an even bigger parade this year, and have made improvements to make the parade faster, and the fireworks show bigger.” This year, Christmas Afloat is set for Saturday, Dec. 10, and organizers are hoping to once again have a big fireworks show – as they did during last year’s event. Admission is free to the public to
view from the river banks. But fireworks, of course, cost money. Christmas Afloat is put on by the Pirates of the Warrior boat club, and the group is taking donations for fireworks at this year’s outing. A special Go Fund Me account has been set up for donations. The group needs to raise $5000 to be able to ensure that fireworks accompany the Tuscaloosa Christmas Afloat water parade – and here’s the thing: They need to do it by Monday, Oct 31 at the latest, in order to confirm a fireworks vendor on Dec. 10. To donate, visit gofundme.com/ ChristmasAfloat16.
Donald Fahnestock’s boat floats along the Black Warrior River. Fahnestock was one of the winners in the Dec 19, 2015, Christmas Afloat parade competition. Photo: Pirates of the Warrior Boat Club
Annual Garden Party Returns to Tuscaloosa River Market By Staff
Garden Party 2016 attendees will feast on tasty treats prepared by local chefs, using locally grown produce. Photo: Druid City Garden Project
The Druid City Garden Project’s Garden Party, is set to return to the Tuscaloosa River Market on Sunday, Oct. 9. Guests can sample cuisine from 10 of Tuscaloosa’s newest and most popular restaurants. Chefs are paired with 10 local farmers to craft exclusive dishes for the annual event, which celebrates local produce while supporting school gardens. Now in its fifth year, proceeds from the Garden Party benefit the Druid City Garden Project, which uses school gardens, farm stands and educational programs to build a community through food, according to DCGP executive director Lindsay Turner. “We are proud to host this special event again this year,” said Turner. “The Garden Party, which gives crucial support to DCGP by funding our school programs
throughout the local area, provides the opportunity to celebrate our community through this unique farm-to-table experience. It’s a special year for us; not only will we have 10 farmers and 10 chefs for the event, but we’re also celebrating our Gardens 2 Schools program in 10 local schools.” The Garden Party will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the River Market. Tickets are $55 each or $200 for a pack of four and include food from each Tuscaloosa restaurant, local beer, and live music sponsored by Oz Music. For more information on the Garden Party, or to purchase tickets online, visit druidcitygardenproject.com. This year’s event is sponsored in part by MedCenter Urgent Care, McAbee Construction, First South Farm Credit and more.
COMMUNITY 13
14 COMMUNITY
October 2016
TALES 15
October 2016
Tales of
Tuscaloosa Rollin’ on the River: October 15, 1859 By Jim Ezell
Left: Steam-Boat Register and ads from the Alabama State Intelligencer, Tuscaloosa, January 8, 1831. Top Right: Cherokee was named for Cherokee Hargrove, daughter of Col. Robert Jemison. From the Independent Monitor. Bottom Right: John Quill in Lock 12, circa 1905. This site is now known as Manderson Landing.
paddlewheel turned, the blades T hechurned and Cherokee slipped away
from the dock. Her steam whistle could be heard for miles, drowning out the ever-present sound of the shoals and waterfalls upstream from Tuscaloosa’s wharf. Deck hands stowed lines and hawsers as the morning sun shone over the pilot’s shoulder, giving him a clear view ahead as he carefully scanned the water for snags and sandbars. The decks were stacked high with musky bales of cotton. Smoke billowed from the twin stacks and, occasionally, sparks flew aloft. For the cotton and some passengers, the voyage would end in two days at Mobile while others might disembark at Demopolis, Coffeeville or St. Stephens. Cherokee was one of hundreds of steamers that plied Alabama waters for most of the 19th and early 20th centuries. She was 200-feet long and could carry 2,000 cotton bales and 75 passengers. The trip of 361 river miles to Mobile took over two days at an average speed of about six
miles-per-hour. The first steamboat to reach Tuscaloosa was the Cotton Plant in 1821. Within a few years, these craft became a regular sight and proved critical to the local economy. In 1831, Erie and Catawba transported cotton to Mobile for one dollar a bale. In 1845, Tuskaloosa, one of the first locally built steamers, entered service. Although often romanticized, steamboat travel could be hazardous. In 1838, Ophelia sank below Tuscaloosa. In 1842, North Star’s boiler exploded with at least 15 dead and many injured. Englishman Robert Maxwell, a young Tuscaloosa merchant, wrote a detailed account of this tragedy. In 1847, Tuskaloosa exploded and sank, with many killed and injured. Hundreds of wrecks from this era lie beneath Alabama’s rivers. Besides regularly scheduled trips, there were pleasure excursions. In 1841, Hercules took a marriage celebration cruise. In 1845, Capt. Philander LaVergy hosted an outing on the ill-fated Tuskaloosa
with 300 guests dining and dancing until the early morning. West Alabama Breeze Editor John Lawrence wrote a serialized account of an 1892 Mardi Gras trip to Mobile on Robert E. Lee. As other modes of transport developed, passengers and general freight shifted to railroads and highways. With the addition of locks and dams and deeper channels, rivers became highly efficient conduits for materials of great quantity or size. Steamers gradually disappeared and were replaced by propeller driven towboats whose powerful diesel engines pushed barges laden with thousands of tons of coal, fabricated steel, wood and agricultural products and petroleum. Many decades ago, steamboats disappeared from the Black Warrior River, but if modern towboats could be seen by Tuscaloosans of nearly two centuries ago, they would easily be recognized and appreciated for their vital role in the area’s economy.
About the Author
Local author and historian Jim Ezell is writing a collection of historical stories about 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.
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October Calendar of Events Theatre Tuscaloosa Presents The Marvelous Wonderettes: Through Oct. 9, Bean-Brown Theatre, Tuscaloosa. To purchase tickets for this smash off-Broadway musical, visit theatretusc.com or call the Theatre Tuscaloosa Box Office at (205) 391-2277. Calico Street Troupe Performance: Oct. 1 and 15, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Northport Civic Center. This free, interactive, professional stage play for kids features costumed actors, dancers, special lighting and music – all on a 36-foot stage. Each program is a new production, and all entertainment teaches right choices and good character through real-life drama. For upcoming show dates and times, visit calicostreet.com. 5th Street Vintage Market: Oct. 2, 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. DCH Foundation “A Day on the Courts”: Oct. 4, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Indian Hills Country Club. For more information about this women’s doubles tennis mixer call (205) 759-7349 or visit thedchfoundation.org. UA Theatre and Dance Presents “Hamlet”: Oct. 4-9, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 9, 2 p.m. Marian Gallaway Theatre at Rowand-Johnson Hall, University of Alabama campus. Admission: $20; $17 for seniors, UA faculty and staff, students and children. For more information, call (205) 348-3400 or visit ua.tix.com. Moundville Native American Festival: Oct. 5-8, Moundville Archaeological Park. Performers, artists, craftspeople and tradition bearers are on hand to educate festival-goers about the rich culture and heritage that makes Southeastern Indians unique. Includes living historians, arts and crafts arbors and children’s area. For more information, visit Moundville.ua.edu. Kentuck Art Night: Oct. 6, 5 to 9 p.m. Downtown Northport. This event is free to the public. For more information, visit kentuck.org/art-night. DCH Foundation Play Pink - A Nite on the Green: Oct. 6, 6-10 p.m. Tuscaloosa River Market. For tickets, call (205) 759-7349 or visit thedchfoundation.org. The DCH Foundation Golf Classic: Oct. 7, Indian Hills Country Club. To register, call (205) 759-7349 or visit thedchfoundation.org. Bacon Brew and Que: Oct. 7-8. Munny Sokol Park (Horse Arena), Northport. The Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa and Townsquare Media present this event, which brings together a Kansas City BBQ Society-sanctioned competition, people’s choice BBQ samples, bacon entrees from local culinary experts, and local craft beer. For more information, visit Bacon Brew & Que on Facebook. Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre presents Doctor Dolittle, Jr.: Oct. 7, 7 p.m., Oct. 8, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 9, 2 p.m. Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. Tickets: $20 (premium), $15 (adult), $10 (students/ seniors). For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit tuscaloosachildrenstheatre.org. 2016 Worlds of Work Career Expo: Oct. 13-14, Shelton State Community College. More than 4,000 eighth grade students from nine counties in the West Alabama area will be invited to attend and explore career opportunities for their future at his event by West Alabama Works. For more information, email Donny
Jones at donny@tuscaloosachamber.com. The Color Run: Oct. 15 8 a.m. Munny Sokol Park, Northport. This year’s Color Run helps to highlight the work of ReadBAMARead. For more information, visit thecolorrun.com/tuscaloosa. 6th Annual Sawyerville Day Camp 5K: Oct. 15, 8-11 a.m. Downtown Greensboro. This Tuscaloosa Track Club certified, Grand Prix event will take you past some cool Habitat for Humanity homes as well as beautiful antebellum homes. The family-friendly event raises funds for the Sawyerville Day Camp. For more information, visit sawyervilledaycamp.org. 45th Annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts: Oct. 15-16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Kentuck Park, Northport. Hundreds of artists will exhibit works, along with demonstrations, music, food, and more. Free shuttles provide transportation to the park from downtown Northport. Single daily tickets: $10; weekend passes: $15. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. For additional information visit kentuck.org. Brews, Blues & BBQ: Oct. 15, 1-11 p.m. Band of Brothers Brewing Co, Tuscaloosa. Lose yourself in intriguing craft brews, a soul-satisfying haze of blues and pit barbecue. Performances by BJ Miller and Mac Davis Jr. set for 7 p.m. For more information, visit Brews, Blues & BBQ on Facebook. Tamela & David Mann and Family: Oct. 16, 6 p.m. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit Ticketmaster. com, call the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Box Office at (205) 248-5280 or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000. Tuscaloosa Comedy Cafe: Oct. 18, 6:45-8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Bryant Conference Center, Tuscaloosa. This evening of fun features the humor of Jeff Allen and the teenagers of Tuscaloosa Youth for Christ. All proceeds benefit the work of YFC in the community. Tickets: $50. For reservations, call (205) 752-3361 or visit ttowncomedycafe.org. Dierks Bentley Somewhere on a Beach Tour 2016 (with Randy Houser): Oct. 19, 7 p.m. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit Ticketmaster.com, call the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Box Office at (205) 248-5280 or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000. Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Oct. 20, 3 p.m. Government Park Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa. Four citizens who have contributed to the betterment of the Tuscaloosa County community will be inducted. For more information, email carolyn@ tuscaloosachamber.com. 11th Annual Halloween Spooktacular and Monster Mash Ball: Oct. 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa (C.H.O.M.), downtown Tuscaloosa. Your costume is your admission. Tickets available to play carnival games for prizes. All ages with adult. For more information: (205) 349-4235 and chomonline.org. “This is How We Roll – A Season with Alabama Wheelchair Basketball” Red Carpet Premiere: Oct. 26, 7 p.m. Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. UA Adapted Athletics and OLLI at UA invite everyone to attend the premiere of this episodic documentary series, which follows the men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams at UA. Tickets: $5; purchase online at champions.ua.edu or call (205) 348-3000. Monster Makeover Art Auction & Festival: Oct.
27, 6-9 p.m. The Historic Drish House, Tuscaloosa. More than 100 professional artists recreate kids’ monster drawings from Holt Elementary School. Professional art is auctioned, with proceeds donated to The Community Foundation of West Alabama to support art programs in schools. 5K Zombie Run: Oct. 29, Munny Sokol Park, Northport. 8 a.m. (registration). Enjoy the 5K (9 a.m.), or the walk (9:15 a.m.), or take part in the Zombie Run at 9:30 a.m. This event is hosted by West Alabama Key Clubs to benefit Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Registration: $25 (includes t-shirt); $15 for kids 12 and under. American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Tuscaloosa Walk: Oct. 29, 9 a.m. (registration 7:30 a.m.), Government Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa. This event raises funds for groundbreaking breast cancer research, life-saving education and critical patient services. For more information, visit makingstrideswalk. org/tuscaloosaal or email TuscaloosaALStrides@cancer. org. Barbells for Boobs: Oct. 29, 9:30 a.m.-Noon. CrossFit NorthRidge, Northport. This event helps to raise funds to pay for breast cancer detection services as a last resort for those who don’t qualify for assistance elsewhere. For more information, visit fundraise.barbellsforboobs.org/ fundraiser/758048. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day: Oct. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Airport Park, Northport. This free, family fun event is a way to honor all of Tuscaloosa County’s officers. Kids can enjoy games, inflatables, a hayride and more. BBQ by Robertson’s. Badges eat free; others $10. Proceeds benefit Crime Stoppers. Meal tickets are available at all Alabama One Credit Union branches. Tuscaloosa Barnyard Pumpkin Patch: Friday-Sunday through Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Turner Bridge Rd, Tuscaloosa. Includes hayrides, pony and horse rides, a petting zoo, a jumping pillow, bottle feeding baby pigs, boat rides, a corn crib and more. $15 per person. For more information, call (205) 248-0773, (205) 454-8841 or visit tuscaloosabarnyard.com. Griffin Farms Pumpkin Patch: Every weekend in Oct. Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m. Near Mercedes on Griffin Road, West Blocton. $10 admission ages 2 and older. Attractions include pumpkin picking, hayrides, a petting zoo, a corn maze, a bouncy obstacle course and more. For more information, visit griffinfarmal.com. Tuscaloosa Farmer’s Market: Saturdays, 7 a.m.noon. Tuscaloosa River Market, 1900 Jack Warner Blvd, Tuscaloosa. Shop for fresh produce, grass fed beef, baked goods, cheeses and more. Buy fresh, buy local. For more information, visit tuscaloosarivermarket.com or call (205) 248-5295. Homegrown Alabama Farmer’s Market: Thursdays, 3-6 p.m. 812 5th Avenue, Tuscaloosa. This University of Alabama student-run farmer’s market features vendors from all over the state, along with live music from local musicians. homegrownalabama.ua.edu; (205) 210-9621 Northport Farmer’s Market: Saturdays, 6 a.m. to noon, 4150 5th Street, Northport. For more information, visit npfarmersmarket.com.
18 COMMUNITY Local “Ninja Warrior” Passes on Tips to Young Athletes By Tori Linville
“American Ninja Warrior” competitor Casey Suchocki never sleeps. Well, he actually sleeps four to five hours – just enough to devote the rest of his time to his double engineering major, his training, and his coaching job at Tuscaloosa’s Tumbling Tides. After finding out about “ANW,” Suchocki started the application process, but never received a callback. Undeterred, Suchocki returned as a walk-on for auditions in Orlando. “I had no idea what I was doing, but I tried to figure the walk-on process and found some guys in line who told me about it,” he said. “We’d stand in line from 6 a.m. to p.m., take a break and come back and do it again.” He stood in the walk-on line from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for two weeks straight. The determination led to Suchocki being featured on the second, eighth and 11th episodes in season eight of “ANW.” Suchocki has plans to compete again, but he’s currently passing on his
ninja knowledge to Tuscaloosa youth in his gymnastics class at Tumbling Tides. For children whose schedules are already packed with activities, Suchocki said his class is the perfect filler for some exercise. “I’ve gotten feedback from so many parents who come in and say they weren’t sure their child was going to do well. Either they thought they’d be too small for football, have no time for baseball, their money is too tight, etc. They get excited because it gets the kid active and comfortable with good hand-eye coordination,” he said. “The kids love it because its like a giant playground, a good workout healthwise and at the same time they’re having fun, but they don’t realize they’re getting a workout in.”
Photo courtesy of Casey Suchocki
October 2016
YFC’s Comedy Cafe Offers An Evening of Laughter By Laurie Mundy Perrigin
Tuscaloosa’s Youth for Christ seeks to connect area young people with its ministry, and this year’s Comedy Café evening is yet another effort to do so. Hundreds are expected to attend the sixth annual event, which will be held on Oct. 18 at the Bryant Conference Center. Mike Green, the executive director of Tuscaloosa Youth for Christ, said this event is a great way for YFC to reach its audience. “The Tuscaloosa Comedy Café is Youth for Christ’s big night to share our ministry with the adult community,” Green said. “We hope over 400 concerned adults with join us to learn how they can impact the lives of the youth of Tuscaloosa.” This year’s event features plenty of opportunities for laughter and inspiration, with comedian Jeff Allen bringing his unique, family-friendly, standup humor as the headliner. In addition, YFC students and staff will share personal stories with attendees. Green, who said the Tuscaloosa Comedy Café is intended to be “a night of serious fun,” speaks highly of Allen’s comedic and speaking talents. “He is a seriously funny man. Our guests will be glad they came.” Tuscaloosa’s Youth for Christ ministers to over 2000 students in Tuscaloosa County through its Campus Life, Teen
Photo: Jeff Allen Comedy Moms and CORE programs. The Comedy Café allows YFC to continue to expand. It is a large outreach, and one that’s needed, according to Green. “Every day in high schools, community centers, middle schools, coffee shops and local hangouts, YFC staff and volunteers meet with young people who need Jesus.” The 2016 Tuscaloosa Comedy Café is an evening geared for adults in the community. Childcare for kids ages two and up will be provided. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the program will conclude by 8:30 p.m. For more information, and to reserve seats, visit ttowncomedycafe.org or call the Youth for Christ offices at 205752-3361. For sponsorship information, email campuslife@tuscaloosayfc.com.
COMMUNITY 19
October 2016
Food Trucks Allowed in Downtown Tuscalooosa By Mary Clay Kline
In a Northport teahouse, the vanillaed scent of freshly baked cookies drifts in from a neighboring bakery. Paper bags of loose leaf teas litter the countertops, and giant mason jars full of hot pink hibiscus tea and spiced chai line the walls. Customers sip mugs full of locally roasted coffee and lavender-laced earl grey. Some may find it difficult to believe this shop stemmed from a food truck. But Jonathan and Becca Gardner first found success in their tea truck, Tea Town Alabama, before opening their teahouse of the same name in 2015. “We thought we could do a food truck with farm ingredients, local ingredients, but you know, just talking to Becca about it we decided since we already drink tea as well, we thought it would be easier, quicker to get started and easier to run having a tea truck instead of a full-on food truck,” said Jonathan. “So we thought we’d start there and progress to something different.” The Gardners’ tea truck took off. They sold tea at local farmers markets and local businesses, and they catered private events. But until recently, food trucks like Tea Town had not been allowed to serve downtown Tuscaloosa, a popular dining area for college students and Tuscaloosa residents alike. In August, the Tuscaloosa City Council adopted Zoning Amendment No. 1354, which permits food trucks to operate in
Tea Town Alabama smiling and ready to serve. Photo: @TeaTownAlabama
two zones of downtown Tuscaloosa. Food trucks can operate between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. at the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum on Jack Warner Parkway. In addition, the trucks can set up on 7th Street, between Greensboro Avenue and 21st Avenue. The trucks must locate at least 200 feet from existing brick and mortar restaurants, however. Jonathan said this is a victory for Tuscaloosa-area food trucks, which can finally “be where the crowds are.” He also said he is tired of the fight. “I’m ready just to work together on things. It’s just been a battle from the beginning, and I don’t know if it’s a battle that needed to happen,” he said. “I guess it’s just communication, you know--what do we need as a community, what do we need as businesses, how can we work together-- for everybody to be successful instead of ‘let’s fight for what’s ours and don’t let anyone take anything away from
you.’” Dustin Spruill, owner of Local Roots food truck, said City Council’s decision is progress, but he hopes for more. “We obviously feel strongly that we deserve to be downtown like everyone else. I have no problem being a certain distance from a restaurant, so that’s the battle,” said Spruill. “I think the brick-and-mortar people are happier than we are, but we’re also
Owner Dustin Spruill serves customers from his Local Roots food truck. Photo: Josh Watkins
happy to have something. I think [City Council is] open to changing it again, but we have to start somewhere.” Local Roots, the latest truck to enter the Tuscaloosa scene, sells innovative street food: piadines (griddled flatbread folded over tossed salad) and gussied-up tacos and burgers. Spruill argued that the food he serves from his truck is no different than the food diners might order in a local restaurant. Perhaps, he said, his food is even better. “If you look at what we do, the hours, the food we put out...the quality is similar to any restaurant in town. We’re here early, we’re here late, we do all our prep, we do make everything in-house, we don’t buy stuff premade. Maybe we separate ourselves from other restaurants,” he said. “It just happens that the two hours we’re open for lunch, our food is sold out of a truck.” Tuscaloosa City Councilor Cynthia Almond called the zoning amendment a compromise. “It is certainly a step toward allowing food trucks to operate in the downtown area, and we will do this for a while, see how it goes, and if it goes well, maybe we’ll open it up even more in the future,” said Almond. Spruill and the Gardners hope to find success in their downtown debut. “We’re local people, we’re from here, we’re a small-business owner, we’re contributing to the community as much as we can, we’re using local farmers when we can, it’s no different than any other business,” said Spruill. “I think once people get past the fact that we’re serving food out of a truck, we’re just a local business that’s growing, that’s contributing to the community… Once you look at it that way, and you don’t look at it [as a food truck], we’re just another business in Tuscaloosa that’s trying to grow.”
Time to Play Pink for the DCH Breast Cancer Fund By Laurie Perrigin
includes music by The DCH Foundation is hosting Style, and Johnson three “PINK” events this month to raise says it will be a awareness for breast cancer, including a rocking fun evening tennis tournament, a cocktail event and for all. a golf tournament. Proceeds from all of “We are excited to welcome Coach Avthe events benefit the Foundation’s Breast ery Johnson as this year’s honorary chair Cancer Fund. of A Nite on the Green. Coach Johnson A Day on the Courts women’s doubles recognizes the importance of providing tennis mixer is set for Tuesday, Oct. 4. annual screenings for women in the DCH A Nite on the Green, which is a cocktail Health System’s 11-county service area,” event featuring a silent auction, is planned Johnson said. “We are thrilled to have him for Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Tuscaloosa with us at this year’s event.” River Market. And the Golf Classic will One winner at this year’s Golf Classic be held on Friday, Oct. 7 at Indian Hills will win a 2017 Toyota Camry from TusCountry Club. All of these events will caloosa Toyota. help to raise money to help uninsured and “We are proud to have the continued underinsured women with assistance in support of Sarah Patterson, David DeSangetting mammograms and needs associattis, Tuscaloosa Toyota, and our generous ed with diagnosis and treatment. donors,” said Johnson. This trio of special events are fun, but For more information on how to get they also serve to help create a better involved, or to book a team or purchase quality of life for breast cancer patients tickets, call The DCH Foundation at (205) and their families, according to Casey 759-7349 or visit dchfoundation.org. Johnson, The DCH Foundation’s director of development. “The ‘Drive 4 the Cause’ initiative is an important part of making sure women in our community have the necessary screenings for breast cancer, whether they can afford them or not,” Johnson said. The Day on the Courts event includes a fun day of doubles play, along with gifts and prizes Amanda Fowler and Elizabeth Bearden at “A Day on the for winners. A Nite on the Green Courts” ladies tennis event. Photo: DCH Foundation
20 SCHOOLS DCL’s Teacher of the Month: David Caddell By Tori Linville
David Caddell, a native of Tuscaloosa, received both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from The University of Alabama. As a band director, Caddell said he’s able to experience some thrilling moments with his students. “There was a rehearsal with my symphonic band class of a piece of music called ‘A Shaker Gift Song,’” he said. “The music ended. I gave the final release. The sound rang in the room for a split second and then – silence. Every student froze. I literally had goosebumps. I knew it was good. From the looks on the kids’ faces, they knew it was good. That rehearsal was probably the best I’ve heard my group perform in class. It was a special moment.” Musical pieces coming together perfectly are up there on Caddell’s list of favorites, but his top favorite is when he hears of a former student who has their own list of achievements. “The proudest I am as a teacher is when a student walks through the door and is successful in their life,” he said. “I love to hear of the successes of former
I love to hear of the successes of former students students, whether they come back and visit or I run into them on the dairy aisle
Photo: David Caddell of Publix.” When he’s in a funk, Caddell said he can always rely on a student to do or say something that will put a smile back on his face. And he believes teachers need to be on top of current trends to relate to students. “Every child wants to know the same thing when they walk through the door, they want to know that they are important and that you see them,” Caddell said. “Nobody in this world wants to be just another number. Everyone wants to feel some level of importance. That’s probably the biggest secret into reaching every child.”
October 2016
Paul W. Bryant High School named Naval Honor School By Shane Dorrill
Although only in its fourth year, the Paul W. Bryant High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program has been designated as a Naval Honor School by the Marine Corps Reserve Association. The honor means Bryant’s MCJROTC program ranks in the top 20 percent in the country, and is one of the top 10 programs in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and the Carolinas. “The biggest benefit of this honor is that it allows our school to make nominations to all of the service academies,” said Maj. J. D. York, Senior Marine Instructor at Bryant High.“In order to attend a school like West Point, or the Naval Academy, a typical student must be nominated by their U.S. Congressman, Senator, or the Vice President, and as each of these offices only have a few quotas per year, it’s extremely competitive. Being a Naval Honor School allows our students another avenue in which they can receive one of
these nominations. We can nominate up to six cadets for the Naval Academy, and three each to the other service academies.” To achieve the honor, the Bryant cadets had to display an extreme amount of dedication and hard work. They achieved a “Full Mission Capable” score on their most recent Commanding General’s Inspection, which is a top-to-bottom inspection of the program that evaluates the quality and effectiveness of students, instructors, program administration, and activities. “The real credit goes to our seniors from last year,” York said. “MCJROTC is a student led program, and they really took charge and led by example, taking the whole unit to a higher level of discipline and performance.” From last year’s class, nine senior cadets received more than $175,000 in college scholarships, and seven senior cadets have already entered or have signed contracts to enter the Marine Corps and Navy.
Paul W. Bryant High School Marine Corps JROTC cadets march during a drill at the school’s football stadium. Photo: Shane Dorrill
SPORTS 21
October 2016
Author Tells UA History with “Yea, Alabama!” Books
By Stan J. Griffin
Vance native and University of Alabama graduate David M. Battles is enjoying the best of both worlds these days. Besides getting the opportunity to utilize his extensive research and writing skills, he is also telling the story of the school that is near and dear to his heart – in a unique, informative and intriguing fashion. In 2015, his 260-page book, Yea, Alabama! A Peek into the Past of One of the Most Storied Universities in the Nation, covering the time period of 18191871, was published. His second such UA history publication is scheduled to be released in the near future. Battles, a graduate of Brookwood High School, says he hopes to perhaps do five of the books, leading all the way up to the arrival of Nick Saban to Tuscaloosa as the Crimson Tide’s head football coach. Battles said that in 1986, the University of Alabama was seeking a better arrangement of the “Yea, Alabama!” fight song and he re-arranged it as a march, and that is now the official copy that is exclusively used. During this time, he taught music and American studies, while also tutoring Crimson Tide student-athletes and serving as a manager of various retail stores around the area. In 1999, he began to do extensive research on various aspects of the University, going back in time from 1926 until he reached the genesis of the widely-popular UA fight song. This ultimately led to his penning his first Yea, Alabama! book.
David M. Battles is the author of “Yea, Alabama! A Peek into the Past of One of the Most Storied Universities in the Nation.” Photos: David M. Battles
In 2008, after Battles, who has worked with the Paul W. Bryant Museum, and with the legendary UA football coach himself, utilized his deeper research skills gained with a Masters in Library and Information Science degree, another book of his was published, regarding the role of public libraries during the civil rights movement. “Ever since I started taking the
American Studies degrees, and I have two of them, it goes further than the historical discipline, because historical disciplines are very narrow,” he said. “American Studies is very broad, so (with the history books) I’m looking at it from an economic standpoint, historical, musical, anything that I think will have to bear with that story.” By the time Battles finished the first
Yea, Alabama book in 2013, he’d already started working on Volume 2. “I got to Volume 2, and there are so many people in it I got the idea to have the people speak in present tense, which is a no-no in historical disciplines. I break rules, and I’m kind of known for that. And I also make my books very readable. It’s readable, but if CBS wants to call me and wants to know something, they know they can rely on my research,” Battles said. “There are thousands of footnotes, and I don’t say anything I can’t back up. I break up a lot of myths about the University in the books, so that will come as a surprise to a lot of people, but I always back up why it’s a myth and what really happened. I like to be exhaustive, but I also do it in smaller chapters so it’s consumable.” Topics covered in Battles’ Volume 1 book include the UA campus as it began to take shape, the first UA president, Alva Woods, the first students, myths and legends, carpetbaggers and scalawags, and the University of Alabama and its relationship with slavery. For more information about Battles’ Yea, Alabama! books or his other works, check out his website davidmbattles.com. His books can also be found on Amazon. com, among other sites. Battles also plans to be in Tuscaloosa signing copies of his books during the course of the next few weeks as well.
22 FOOD
October 2016
OCTOBER RECIPES Southern Comfort
Happy Fall, y’all. This month, I’m so happy to share with you a couple of recipes that I’ve been making for years – one in particular. This mac n’ cheese is a weekly staple in our house, and our daughter absolutely adores it. Fortunately for us, now that she’s older, more winds up in her mouth, in lieu of the floor. Yay for that! Enjoy everything that October has to offer, and, as always bon appétit!
Smoked Sausage and White Bean Soup • 14 oz. smoked cocktail sausages, halved • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 teaspoon minced garlic • 1 small onion, diced • 1 carrot, diced • 2 stalks celery, diced • 14 oz. can of plum tomatoes (do not drain) • 15 oz. can of cannelloni beans (do not drain) • 8 oz. can home-style baked beans • 2 cups chicken broth • 2 cups water • Mexican blend cheese, shredded • Dried parsley • Salt and pepper In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add sausages and cook while stirring occasionally for 5-6 minutes. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add onion, celery and carrots to the pot, season with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for two more minutes, stirring as not to burn the garlic. Pour in chicken broth and
deglaze pan (scrape off all the darks bits on bottom of pan - all your flavor is here). Next, add in water, beans and tomatoes, crushing each tomato between your fingers. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook for 20 minutes. Add sausages back to pot and simmer for 10 more minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with dried parsley and cheese.
Amy Poore is a mom, a wife and a foodie. To see more of Amy’s delicious recipes, visit her blog, www.pooreamy.com. Recipes and photos by Amy Poore. Pictured with Amy is her husband, Dr.Raymond Poore
Comfort Mac ‘n Cheese • 16 oz. corkscrew noodles • 8 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed • 2 tablespoons salted butter • 1 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half • 1/4 teaspoon pepper Cook pasta according to directions, drain. Heat remaining ingredients in a small sauce pan until melted and combined. Pour sauce over noodles and stir until mixed well.
October 2016
TASTE OF TUSCALOOSA Places With a View
FOOD 23
by Sheena Gregg
We are fortunate beyond measure in this great area of ours to have so many wonderful restaurants and bars – special places we love. Some have sentimental value; others are new and exciting, and still others we love…just because. The word I’m searching for here is “ambience,” I think. I wanted, this month, to focus on some places around Tuscaloosa and Northport that offer up not only great food, but also great views *as* you enjoy a meal and/or cocktails. It’s hard to narrow this town, but after much deliberation, these are the favorites.
HEAT PIZZA BAR
We’re all aware that Heat Pizza Bar serves up some of the best pizza in town. That’s certainly true, but what’s also true is that if you get a table outside, especially in the early evening when it’s cooler (hooray for fall weather coming), you’ll get a lovely view of Government Plaza’s fountain. You can watch the fountain as you enjoy dinner – and you can probably watch some serious Pokemon Go hunters are work as well.
THE LEVEE BAR & GRILL
Sunsets, you say? Yep, the Levee Bar & Grill certainly has them. This is a fantastic option for excellent seafood, chicken, pasta and steaks – and for a fabulous view across the Black Warrior River of Tuscaloosa during the day, or at night. Be sure to sit on the back patio and kick back with a specialty cocktail as you enjoy your meal.
RIVER
One of Tuscaloosa’s newest restaurants, River has a perfect location – right along the banks of the Black Warrior River. This establishment serves up chef-driven, Southern cuisine with great flair. The food is excellent (a full review is coming soon!), and the view…you can’t beat it. Enjoy dining outside and watch the gorgeous sunset. Breathtaking!
CYPRESS INN RESTAURANT
HOTEL INDIGO
Yes, a hotel is included on this list. Why? Because the newly opened Hotel Indigo in Tuscaloosa has a wonderful rooftop bar, which offers sweeping views of downtown as you sip cocktails or a glass of wine. If you’re looking for a unique, snazzy and wonderful way to enjoy an evening, check out The Lookout.
Photo: Sheena Gregg
Photo: Hanson Watkins
Cypress Inn is an institution in this area, with good reason. The food is great (I discussed this last month in DCL), and the views! Oh the views are simply spectacular. The Black Warrior River provides the perfect backdrop for a lovely afternoon or evening meal. This place offers sweeping views, and if you are fortunate enough to get a table right by one of the large windows, you’ll love watching the river roll by as you eat and socialize.
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