November 2020 | Volume 8 | Issue 10
DruidCityLiving.com
Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper
Ever Wonder: Why Are We Called the “Druid City”? Page 10
INSIDE THIS ISSUE About Us...............2 Schools...........8 City.......................3 Community.......6 Opinion..............9 Food...................15 Business...............5 Business...............4
@DruidCityLiving
8
9
Pre K Ponderings: So Happy at School
Land of Oz: Have A Socially Distanced Turkey Day
3
15
Mayor’s Minute: All About Apartments
DCL Recipes: Something Other Than Turkey
2
Druid City Living | November 2020
ABOUT US PHOTO OF THE MONTH CEO
Josh Watkins
Publisher
Hanson Watkins
Editor
Laurie Mundy Perrigin editor@druidcitymedia.com
Account Manager Caroline Ford
caroline@druidcitymedia. com
Advertise With Us
For advertising inquiries, contact us at contact@ druidcityliving.com or 205.575.3156 or Jim Watkins at 205.937.0180 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.
CORRECTIONS To report corrections and clarifications, email editor@druidcitymedia.com
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Members of the Tuscaloosa Police Department, including TPD Chief Brent Blankley, recently showed their support by wearing pink attire. Photo: Tuscaloosa Police Department
FROM THE EDITOR As we head into what is sure to be an unusual holiday season, I want to wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving. While it’s true that 2020 has been an especially challenging year, I’ve made it a point to count my blessings – and to remember what I’m most thankful for. For many of us, Thanksgiving will look and feel different this year. The pandemic is serious business, but I want to send out a special thanks to DCL columnist Derek Osborn for helping me find the humor in such a strange, challenging situation. Whether you’re celebrating with a socially distanced, masked up, smaller-than-usual gathering or opting for Face Time festivities, I wish you a truly happy Thanksgiving. As always, a special thanks to our readers, writers, contributors, and advertisers. Everyone here at Druid City Living appreciates your efforts and support.
AND IF YOU HAVE ANY STORY IDEAS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM. WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
3
Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper | DruidCityLiving.com
CITY
“
Mayor’s Minute
Dear Friends, If you are like me, you are growing tired of student apartments emerging across the community, especially the large complexes. While I pride myself on being a property rights advocate, for the last several years, I have witnessed too many towering complexes creating congestion on our streets, dwindling our infrastructure and, many times, leaving our once oak tree-lined streets less charming. For years, I have endeavored to slow this down, and progress has been made, but why are some still being constructed? It really boils down to three primary factors. First, many of the apartments are constructed where the current zoning provides that opportunity by right, and in some cases, that right has existed for decades. Today, in our City, several hundred properties are currently zoned for multi-family. In 2013, the Student Rental Housing Task Force (SRHTF) recommended that the Council not rezone property for developments of more than 200 bedrooms, and the Council affirmed that recommendation through a resolution of intent. Since 2014, I have been recommending no re-zonings be permitted for developments of more than 200 student apartments. Unfortunately, the Council has not always abided by their resolution of intent. Second, the traditional model of financing does not apply because the large-scale apartments are not being constructed by local developers and funded by local banks. Why? The locals understand that our market is saturated with student apartments. Thus, out-of-town, merchant developers have arrived with a new funding model – real estate investment trusts (REIT). The goal of these merchant developers is to build commercial buildings and sell them. These out-of-town developers have little invested in our quality of life. They put profit over the lives of our people, and their products too often drain our public safety resources. Third, there have been thousands of pages of documents and hundreds of hours of public meetings by the Council, Planning Commission, Framework Steering Committee and Housing Subcommittee, University Area Neighborhood Task Force (UANTF) and the Student Rental Housing Task Force, outlining the negative consequences of mega student apartments. The data and evidence clearly show mega student apartments are creating crime and severe infrastructure issues. Time and again these developers have sold these projects before the paint is dry, while we are left holding the bag of upgrading water lines and sewer lines and fixing the damaged streets. In addition, mega student apartments are also cannibalizing retail corners that generate sales taxes, which are the City’s primary revenue source (52 percent of the City’s budget). Since 2013, I have worked diligently with stakeholders to improve architectural standards, building material quality, and an atmosphere in which our citizens can be proud. In the past couple of months, the City Council has taken on the challenge of student housing to take steps to reduce the opportunities of new mega student housing complexes from being constructed in the future. After years of work, we are closer than we have ever been to passing comprehensive student housing policies. I encourage you to stay involved.
”
4
Druid City Living | November 2020
CITY Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Receives Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) BY DCL STAFF
The United States Department of Homeland Security / Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue funding for new life saving equipment. The funding total is $432,294, of which the federal share is $392,994.55 and the local share is $39,299.45. Funding will be used for the purchase of automatic chest compressions devices used during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). “We are excited to receive this award,” said Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Chief Randy Smith. “This life-saving technology will be extremely beneficial for anyone who may be suffering from cardiac arrest.” Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue applied for the grant in 2019 as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The purpose of the AFG program is to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards. For more information about Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, visit Tuscaloosa.com/fire.
Funding awarded to Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue will allow the department to purchase automatic chest compressions devices, like the one seen here, that are used during CPR. Photo: Enerspect
City of Tuscaloosa Maintains Ratings from Fitch and Moody’s By DCL Staff As part of the City of Tuscaloosa’s bond pursuance plan, presented and approved by the city council on Sept. 1, rating actions were requested from Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Service. Fitch and Moody’s have both reaffirmed their ratings of AAA and Aa1, respectively, with stable outlook. “The city’s financial profile remains sound and well managed. The city has a long history of maintaining structurally balanced operations, benefiting from conservative budgeting and careful expenditure management,” the Fitch commentary said. Fitch praised the city’s demonstrated ability to maintain healthy financial flexibility, especially in the midst of a pandemic, noting the city’s proactive management in “addressing revenue pressures due to the current downturn.” Likewise, Moody’s noted the City’s conservative budgeting and adequate reserves that were maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Fiscal 2020 operations are expected to end strong, however the fiscal 2021 budget is projecting a decline caused by reduced sales taxes due to the pandemic. Positively, the city’s financial management team is very active in its operations and reserves will remain in compliance with its policies,” the Moody’s credit opinion said. “Fitch and Moody’s confirmed what we already knew - the City of Tuscaloosa is resilient, and our staff is dedicated to maintaining the financial stability, strength and responsibility on behalf of the people of Tuscaloosa,” Mayor Walt M addox said.
5
Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper | DruidCityLiving.com
BUSINESS NOW OPEN & OPENING SOON 1
2
CakeEffect is now open in Midtown Village in Tuscaloosa (1800 McFarland Blvd. Suite 434). The bakery specializes in sculpted two and three-dimensional custom cakes for many events and occasions. Other sweet treats, including cupcakes, are available. Cakeeffect.com Mr. Tee’s Awesome BBQ & Home Cooking opened its doors in September in Tuscaloosa (8204 Highway 69 South Unit B). The restaurant, owned and operated by Leon Trone, features ribs, wings, pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches, catfish, and more. (205) 722-2838
Business you want to see here? Email us at: editor@druidcitymedia.com
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS 1
2
The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama announces the promotion of Kimberly Adams to Vice President for Membership and Investor Relations. Adams has served as Director of Membership and Investor Relations since 2013. Auto supplier International Automotive Components is planning a nearly $56 million expansion of two Alabama locations – including the IAC plant in Cottondale – that will create over 180 new jobs. The expansion is expected to create 119 new jobs at the plant in Tuscaloosa County.
3
Construction was expected to begin in October on a new $53 million storage and sequencing facility to supply Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance. The New Vance Manufacturing Logistics Center will support Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle production. The project is expected to create 373 jobs.
4
The University of Alabama has partnered with Alabama Power and Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator. Students will be given the opportunity to intern with participating startups in the accelerator, learning how to build a company in the dynamic energy sector. The accelerator will provide hands-on learning around energy, technology, entrepreneurship and research for students and faculty.
What Will Your Post-COVID World Look Like? By Michael Ford If you’re anything like me in the past few months, you’ve been forced to pivot and find new and innovative ways of getting things done. Stepping into that, at least from the outset, has been a little uncomfortable and yet, the more I’ve been doing it – pivoting and changing direction – the more comfortable and exciting it’s becoming. I’m seeing that in the phone calls and e-mails I’ve had with clients and prospects alike.People want to know if the pivot they’re contemplating can be supported financially and if their dreams that up until now have just been that – dreams – can be triggered into action. Whatever that unique dream is for you – retiring, moving, buying that boat, or purchasing that second home at the beach or in the mountains – is now the time to start realizing it? The global pandemic has awakened that inside a lot of us. Questions such as what do I want my world to look like when the pandemic is over, and can I start to take action toward my dreams in an effort to make them a reality? The one question I’m seeing come up a lot lately across the board …. Can my finances support my personal pivot if I decide that now is the time? The dreams are the fun part. Buckling down and understanding if those dreams are possible is where it tends to get serious. Work closely with a financial advisor to answer that question for you. Michael Ford is a financial advisor with Raymond James & Associates in Tuscaloosa, AL and has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. Questions? Contact him at michael.ford@raymondjames.com, 205464-2000, or 200 Marina Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. Photo: Micheal Ford Any opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk, and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member of New York Stock Exchange/SIPC
6
Druid City Living | November 2020
COMMUNITY Local Physician Honored for Work with Area Veterans By DCL STAFF
Tuscaloosa Dr. Daniel Potts was recently honored as the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center’s 2020 Doctor of the Year. The honor was bestowed by the Association of the U.S. Army, West/Central Alabama Chapter (AUSA) during a ceremony on Sept. 30. In a release, the AUSA said Potts was recognized for his “outstanding medical skills, treatment of his patients, and his sincere commitment to improve the lives of our veterans and their families.” “Dr. Potts is a patient and tactful individual, well-liked by everyone who knows him. He is a pacesetter – the person others look to for leadership and guidance in professional and personal matters,” said AUSA West/Central Alabama Chapter President Nicolas Britto. “Thank you, Dr. Potts, for the great job you are doing for our veterans.” Dr. Potts is a neurologist, author, and educator. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Birmingham-Southern College, an M.D. from the University of South Alabama, and he received his neurology residency training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he was chief resident. Dr. Potts is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and was chosen by the AAN as the 2008 Patient Advocate of the Year. He is the author of several books, including A Pocket Guide for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver, which is recommended as a resource by the American Academy of Neurology, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Maria Shriver, who designated him as an “Architect of Change.” In 2013, Potts left private practice to join the medical staff at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and serve the country’s veterans. He and his wife, Ellen Woodward Potts, have two daughters — Julie, a second- year student at the University of Alabama School of Law, and Maria, a junior psychology major at Birmingham-Southern College. Photo: Mike Harris (L to R): Stanley Blevins, American Legion Post 123; Deborah Cain, VP AUSA West Central AL Chapter; Dr. Daniel Potts; Larry Snyder, Vietnam Veterans of America; and Nicolas Britto, President, AUSA West Central Al Chapter.
**announcing new rolling distribution** reach every household in tuscaloosa regardless of income the only way to reach everyone digital, billboards, radio, tv don’t reach every home in tuscalosa but you can with druid city living
contact jim at 205-937-0180 for more info
7
COMMUNITY
Tuscaloosa Receives $15 Million Federal BUILD Grant for Riverwalk Improvements By DCL STAFF
Last month, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to the City of Tuscaloosa. The $15 million grant will be used to improve access to the Riverwalk in West Tuscaloosa. Improving access to the Western Riverwalk is an initiative of Elevate Tuscaloosa, with the goal of promoting recreational activities and stimulating private investment in the area. $5 million in Elevate funding allocated to Western Riverwalk improvements will serve as the City’s match for the BUILD grant funding. “When Elevate Tuscaloosa was passed, the connectivity and economic expansion of West Tuscaloosa was defined as a key objective,” Mayor Walt Maddox said. “We knew that Elevate would also provide a funding source for local matches to federal grant opportunities.” BUILD grant funding will be used to improve the Black Warrior River barge mooring, complete a pedestrian bridge across Jack Warner Parkway, and construct a bicycle and pedestrian path from the new pedestrian bridge to the existing riverfront park. Mooring improvements will allow the abandoned lock structure to be used for the construction of the shared-use path. The pedestrian bridge and the bicycle and pedestrian path will include lighting and security elements. “On behalf of the City of Tuscaloosa, I want to thank Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Senator Richard Shelby and Senator Doug Jones for their efforts in securing $15 million for the Western Riverwalk,” Mayor Maddox added. “As a point of personal pride, I want to thank Tuscaloosa’s own Senator Richard Shelby, who, for more than a decade, has led congressional efforts to revitalize our downtown and expand our riverfront.”
A $15 million BUILD grant will improve access to the Riverwalk area in West Tuscaloosa. Photo: City of Tuscaloosa
8
Druid City Living | November 2020
SCHOOLS
Would you like to see your school mentioned here? Email us at: editor@druidcitymedia.com
PreK Pals Ponderings: “I Am So Happy Here” BY ALICIA JENNE’
In June, he was still three – and maybe even still rocked a bit by his mommy and daddy before bedtime. He turned four years old in July, and his parents started talking to him about going to “Big School” soon. A backpack and a lunch box were ordered; a nap mat labeled with his name. In late August, he walked into the PreK classroom at Rock Quarry for the very first time, wearing new shoes, shorts, and a tiny button-down shirt. He had his picture made by the balloon arch at the front door. In the classroom, he met his teachers and had his picture made by the “First Day of PreK” sign.
Bill - First Day of Pre-K
His blue eyes were big and round, taking it all in. There was so much to look at, so much to see and to do. He moved from one thing to the next, laughing and gasping at each new toy and each new fun thing around the next corner. He got to meet a few friends, but not very many all at once because of social distancing. That didn’t matter too much, though, because everything else was so amazing. Books, puzzles, and blocks! A fun kitchen set and a table that lights up and changes colors! Cars, Legos, and dinosaurs! He stood in the middle of it all and turned around and around … The teacher asked, “What do you think, Bill?” A huge smile filled his little face and his eyes lit up. “I am so happy here,” he replied as he ran off to check out the child sized binoculars perched in the windowsill overlooking the playground. All the grownups in the room laughed, happy for just a moment, to be able to view the world through the eyes of a PreKPal.
Bill and PreK Mates
We are so happy to be able to be back in school with our PreKPals. Everyone wears a mask all day, every day, and we only leave our classroom for recess and dismissal. We have rotations at recess, so that we just play with the children in our class. We wave at our other friends as we change areas outdoors. For now, this is what we need to do to stay safe. The teachers clean a lot, but honestly, in PreK, we are always cleaning, so that really isn’t any different. We have to listen a little closer, because little baby voices are muffled by masks that are sometimes chewed on. Some things have changed, but the teaching, learning, and love that happens in our classroom is still the same. And do you know what? Just like Bill, we are ALL so happy here. Alicia Jenne’ is a Tuscaloosa mom and a veteran teacher of little people. She is the PreK Pals Lead Teacher for PreK#1 at Rock Quarry Elementary School.
Alicia and Bill
Photos: Alicia Jenne’
Medical Technologist: Vintage Health Resources, Inc.;
Tuscaloosa, AL; Responsible for providing information for diagnosis, treatment, & prevention of disease by conducting medical laboratory tests, procedures, experiments, & analysis. Requires a Bachelor’s in Medical Technology and Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification & 2 yrs’ prior Med Tech exp. Email Resumes: lkelly@vintagehealth.net
9
Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper | DruidCityLiving.com
OPINION
The Land of Oz: Happy Socially Distanced Drone Turkey Day 2020 BY DEREK OSBORN
I don’t recall having said this ever before in my life, but I’m ready for this year to be over. Like, now. Between COVID and masks and social issues and the election and (fill in your own reason 2020 sucks here), this world needs to run a hard reset. Now, you are probably being told that Thanksgiving gatherings, one of the staples of this country, are “not advisable.” But I’m going to tell you how to maneuver it safely (these statements have not been approved by the CDC, just FYI, and IDC). First, everyone sits in a different room. When you need something, you yell from your respective room (which is no different than any other day at my house). The turkey will be delivered by drone. Don’t worry… there is a niece or a nephew that knows how to fly one. The green bean casserole will arrive via hoverboard. Just make sure you reattach the lid securely after each serving. The sweet potatoes will ride in on the robot vacuum. It just might take it a while to get there. The cranberry sauce… no, don’t eat cranberry sauce. And finally, Uncle Fred, who thinks the durn virus “ain’t nothing but a hoax,” will come around to get your dirty plates. You gotta love Uncle Fred. Happy Thanksgiving 2020 everyone. And stay out of the kitchen.
The Osborn Family Photo: Derek Osborn
Derek Osborn is a non-profit and addictions and prevention speaker and consultant. He lives in Tuscaloosa with his wife, Lynn, and their daughters, Savannah and Anica. Follow him on Twitter @ozborn34.
We’re here to help.
As we face unique challenges, we continue to work with our customers to provide tailored, customized payment solutions to meet their needs.
©2020 Alabama Power
Alabama Power is offering a new, easy-to-use service for customers affected by COVID-19 to set up payment plans for energy bills.
Customers can visit AlabamaPower.com/PaymentPlan or call 1-800-245-2244 to check eligibility and set up a plan in a few simple steps.
10
Druid City Living | November 2020
Tales of Tuscaloosa
DRUID CITY? QUEEN CITY? TUSCALOOSA’S NICKNAMES (OCTOBER 21, 1844)
By Jim Ezell Big Apple, Bean Town, and Windy City are some easily recognizable nicknames for American cities, but what about Tuscaloosa’s most common monikers, “Druid City” and “Queen City”? What connects ancient European pagans with a town in Alabama? Why does Tuscaloosa share Queen City with Cincinnati, Ohio, and Meridian, Mississippi? The Druids were early Celtic people of Britain, Ireland, and Gaul (France). Nearly 2000 years ago, Roman historian Pliny the Elder noted their reverence for oak groves as sacred places. Particularly large, old oak trees thus became known to many as Druid oaks. On October 21, 1844, the City of Tuscaloosa mandated that property owners along Main Street plant “Swamp or Willow Oaks.” The trees grew quickly, and by the late 19th century, they were described by one writer as “embowering our daily walk with an evergreen parasol.” Oaks were planted along other streets as well and became appreciated for their beauty and summer shade. Thus, the name Druid City probably came into use. As the decades went by, Druid City became popular. Businesses, civic groups, neighborhoods, and even the local hospital adopted Druid as part of their names. Cincinnati became known as the Queen City after the poet Longfellow called it the “Queen of the West” in an 1854 poem. In the late 19th century, a group of British investors consolidated several railroads including the Alabama Great Southern (AGS) to create the Queen and Crescent Route, since it connected Cincinnati and New Orleans, the Crescent City. Mayor W. C. Jemison was a strong promoter of Tuscaloosa’s position on one of the nation’s main rail corridors. Two principal streets, East Margin and South Margin, were renamed Queen City Avenue and Crescent City Avenue as shown on an 1887 map. Later, Crescent City Avenue became 15th Street when the street numbering system came into use. Queen City Avenue, which terminated at the AGS Station, retained its name. As a result, people began referring to Tuscaloosa as the Queen City. Further down the Queen and Crescent Route, Meridian, Mississippi, developed as a major rail center, since the line forked and extended south to New Orleans and west to the Pacific Coast from there. Thus, Meridian also became known as the Queen City.
Winter view of a particularly large oak on 13th Street in Tuscaloosa. Photo: Jim Ezell
Tuscaloosa has some less common nicknames. “Oak City” has been used occasionally as far back as the mid19th century, “T-Town” became popular with younger residents, and after Alabama’s football team won national championships in 2009, 2011 and 2012, the City of Champions was offered on signage as a new nickname.
11
Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper | DruidCityLiving.com
Left Photo: Tuscaloosa’s oak tree ordinance was printed in the Independent Monitor, December 1844. Right Photo: Timetable heading from the Tuscaloosa Times, January 26, 1887.
Annual 45th
REVERSE Jim Ezell is a retired engineer, historian, and author. His novel, Debris Cloud, is an adventure/crime novel set in Tuscaloosa. It is available on Amazon.
West Alabama Christmas Parade
December 7 Bowers Park Drive through 6-8 pm
Be a part of the first in reverse!
Grand Marshal Nominations: Due Nov 2 Parade Entries: Due Nov 15 Holiday Scenes: Due by Nov 15 Tree Lighting: Details to follow
tcpara.org
12
Druid City Living | November 2020
COMMUNITY Give Life to Your Story: Too Many Choices (Don’t Waste Time on the Trivial) BY CHASE HANSEN
Recently, I was talking with some of the high schoolers involved in our organization, and one of them remarked how much things have changed over the past several months. He expressed how uncertain he feels going into the world with everything changing week-to-week. It wasn’t that he was scared to leave the house – just his observations of the chaos going on around us. I’ve had these same conversations with my adult friends over the past few months. I asked a friend with kids across the age spectrum whether he and his wife talk to them about the craziness of what’s happened over the course of the year, and he said no. Growing up, my parents wouldn’t have either. We have a tendency to avoid hard or complicated topics with kids and teenagers. Maybe we think bringing up the realities of the world will be more than kids they can handle. As I realized with the high schoolers I’ve been talking to though, they already know the world is crazy. Teens notice what conversations they are being left out of. Whether coronavirus measures, the protest movements in the news, family financial struggles, or just the general uncertainty of the world around us, young people are more observant than we give them credit for. We have the opportunity to have honest conversations, admit where we feel the same uncertainty, and walk alongside the young people in our lives rather than leaving them to figure it out on their own. Chase Hansen is the Campus Life Area Director for South Tuscaloosa. To learn more about Campus Life, check out @ttowncampuslife on Instagram, or email chase@tuscaloosayfc.com. Photo:Chase Hansen
Family Counseling Service: Finding Contentment in Each Circumstance BY LARRY DEAVERS
With all the unique challenges we’ve all faced during 2020, a natural response to the stress and uncertainty is to think, “I can’t stand this – I just want this to be over.” That’s understandable, but the very nature of life is that we’re continually facing situations where we’re tempted to just hold our breath and get past them. This approach can be detrimental when it becomes a regular method of coping with challenges. There will always be something you can point to and say, “I’ll be so much happier when this is behind me.” If we believe we can only be happy once our current situation is over, whether it’s COVID, stress at work, or family difficulties, we miss the joys in the moment we’re living. What is life but a series of moments? If you spend most of them wishing they’d go away, or just gritting your teeth to survive them, before you know it, much of your life has slipped away. While keeping our eyes on the next thing is important to help us reach our goals, life itself is mostly made Larry Deavers is a Licensed Independent Worker and Executive up of the journey. Every step, though fraught with challenges, has some reward and pleasure to offer, ifClinical we Social just look for it. Director of Family Counseling Service of West Alabama.
If you find yourself habitually waiting for the “someday” when circumstances are exactly right for you to be happy, you’ll never achieve your ideal picture of happiness. Try to find some element of contentment and satisfaction in each circumstance, even the unpleasant ones. Only then will you really be able to enjoy life and take control over what determines your fulfillment.
instructions: email a .pdf or .jpg of your Full color business card sized ad to
freeadtuscaloosa@gmail.com ad is run at the discretion of druid city media/druidcityliving. based on availability. a limited number will run. include design and administration contact information in the email. this ad does not denote an agreement. material must be in proper format to run. no contract necessary.
14
Druid City Living | November 2020
Lake Living: Living Your Life Like a Verb BY ALLISON ADAMS
Fall. Leaves. Change. Breathe. How long have we been holding our breath? I have been reading Life is a Verb by Patti Digh, and it’s fantastic. It’s helped me remember to breathe. Before COVID, I was consumed with going, with doing, with pleasing all the people around me who needed my help, sharing my guidance as homebuyers make the largest purchase of their life. I’VE LEARNED TO TAKE A BREATH AND LIVE INTENTIONALLY. AND I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE.
People are redirecting their “home wish lists” to include space to breathe, a bit of distance from the neighbors, a patio or garden spot to retreat to from this altered world we’ve found ourselves still living in. As I write, I can hear the roar of the football watching crowd (okay, mostly from nearby backyards, but they sound mighty enthusiastic). As the torched summer leaves begin to make their descent, we’re all united – all colors, races, genders – as we pull for our favorite teams. Hopefully, we can all see victorious things coming about in the fourth quarter. Until then, I may have to still hold my breath a little, but I suspect there’s someone bigger than us all who’s “got this” – no matter the outcome. As we breathe, let’s say a prayer in the best way we know how for this world that needs us all together on the same team. Live life like it’s a verb – with authenticity. No one’s going to live it for you.
Allison Discounts up to $400 off a pair of hearing aids. Offer Expires: 12/31/2020 Give us a call today for more information! (205)758-9041 www.tuscaloosaent.com
15
FOOD
DCL November Recipes: Meatballs and Marinara • • • • • • • • • • •
MEATBALLS
3 slices white bread (crusts removed) torn to pieces 2/3 cup cold water 1 lb. ground chuck 1 lb. ground Italian sausage 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese plus more to serve 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1 large egg 3/4 cup flour to dredge meatballs 3 Tbsps. light olive oil to sauté (or use vegetable oil) SAUCE
• • • • • • •
1 medium yellow onion (1 cup chopped) 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes 2 bay leaves 2 tsps. sugar Salt and pepper to taste 2 Tbsps. Basil, finely minced
•
1 lb. cooked spaghetti
Combine bread pieces with 2/3 cup water. Set aside for 5 minutes, then mash with a fork. In a stand mixer, combine ground beef, sausage, 1/4 cup parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, egg and mashed breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined, but do not over mix. Form in to 1.5-inch meatballs, then roll them in flour, dusting off excess. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. In batches, brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towel. In the same Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic and stir. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Add meatballs to the sauce, stir and cover with lid, leaving a small crack. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. With 5 minutes left, stir in fresh basil and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cooked spaghetti and serve with extra parmesan cheese and basil. Finally, the nights are chillier – and that absolutely calls for some tasty, soothing, warm homemade dishes. If you’re sick of tossing jar spaghetti sauce on pasta every week, give this homemade meatballs and marinara recipe a try. I promise you won’t regret it. Bon appétit!
Amy Amy Poore is a Tuscaloosa mom, a wife, and a foodie. To see more of Amy’s delicious recipes, visit her blog, Poore Amy, at pooreamy.com. Photos: Amy Poore
