TUSCALOOSA FACES COVID-19 TOGETHER
Tuscaloosa Resources, Experiences, and Opinions INSIDE THIS ISSUE About Us...............2 City.......................3 Opinion..............14 Business...............8
Schools...........6 Community.......8 Food...................22 Calendar.............20
@DruidCityLiving
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What’s It Like on The Price Is Right?
Teaching Littles from Home
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Tuscaloosa Food Resources: Kids and Adults
Journalists & COVID 19: Opinion
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Druid City Living | april 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
The Junior Achievement of Tuscaloosa County’s Winter Bowling Classic is JA’s single largest fundraising event. The annual event helps provide the resources necessary for valuable programming for area youth. JA volunteers teach kids about money management and how business works – and students get hands-on experience to prepare them to compete in an increasingly competitive global workforce. During the 2018-2019 school year, 1,500 volunteers taught JA programs in 148 different schools to nearly 29,000 students. This year’s Bowling Classic was held at Bowlero in Tuscaloosa on Feb. 28. Bowlers reached out to family, friends, coworkers, and others to solicit donations on behalf of JA. Participants helped raise over $100,000. Bowlers included (L to R): Isabell Hamner, Laura Phillips, Caroline Phillips, and Ainsley Graves Photo: Caroline Ford
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For advertising inquiries, please contact us at contact@druidcityliving.com or 205.575.3156. 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
FROM THE EDITOR
Hi readers. I’ll start by saying I sincerely hope all of you are healthy and safe. As I sit here trying desperately to wrap my head around all that is happening in our world, in our country, in our state, and in our city, I find myself at a loss for words. And that never happens. Bear with.
To our writers, who came through in such a major way after we basically tossed our original April 2020 edition once COVID-19 became the sole focus, I can never thank you enough. In times like these, we find out what we’re made of – and all of you are made of nothing but good. I hope that some of the information our contributors have provided will inform and even comfort you, dear readers. For those of you working from home, as someone who’s done this for nearly 15 years, I do have a few tips that might help. First, if you
find yourself struggling to focus, know that we all are – even those of us who’ve done it for years. Cut yourself some slack. Also, I’ve found that sticking to some sort of regular schedule and having a dedicated workspace has helped keep me on track. Those of you who know me might say I’m a bit rigid about my planning and scheduling – but it has been invaluable, and it keeps my productivity levels up. It might take a few days (or weeks) to find the system that works best for you. If any of you have any announcements you’d like to make, please don’t hesitate to reach out: editor@druidcityliving.com. We will do everything we can to help. For up-to-date local information and resources, be sure to visit druidcityliving.com. Finally, to all: be kind. Be patient. And above all, be well.
Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper | DruidCityLiving.com
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CITY
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Mayor’s Minute In recent weeks, the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has wreaked havoc globally, and has now arrived on our Nation’s shores with many unknowns. As Mayor, my foremost responsibility is to keep Tuscaloosa’s residents safe, healthy and thriving. That is why in January, well before any cases of the virus had been detected in the state, the City began preparing plans to respond to this moment. My goal all along has been to be as prepared as we can possibly be to take this serious threat head-on and keep Tuscaloosa safe. Cities are the center of American life. I want to reiterate, as I often do, that the City will not close. Tuscaloosa is my family’s home and home to the families of City team members who have been and will continue to work tirelessly in the face of these uncharted waters.
Our team has been preparing for months, and we will take every step necessary to keep Tuscaloosa safe. Some of the steps the City has taken so far to meet this challenge head on include: activating incident command mode to provide any personnel, financial, and legal resources needed to respond as a City; cancelling all City-sponsored events in the near future; suspending professional travel for City employees; declaring a state of emergency to ensure our financial ability to respond as quickly as possible to any needs that may arise; and encouraging local businesses, churches, daycares, and other establishments to follow evolving CDC and Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines to keep people safe. The City is also in constant communication with and support of the City School System and the DCH Health System, as they follow state mandates and make important judgement calls for the safety of our students, our families, and our community. By working together with local, state, and federal agencies, the City is fortifying the strength of our response to this challenge. I feel confident that we are doing everything we can to keep Tuscaloosa safe. I also know that the most effective response to a pandemic such as this one does not come from local, state, or federal governments, but rather from individuals in our community.
You can do your part by focusing on four key elements: precaution, planning, communication, and common sense. Take steps to slow the spread of the virus by avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people and staying in your home as much as you can. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid rumors on social media and seek reliable information from trusted sources such as the CDC, the Alabama Department of Public health, and the City’s COVID-19 information webpage: Tuscaloosa.com/ covid19. Lastly, I want to leave you with a message of hope. Tuscaloosa is resilient and ready to meet this challenge with strength, dedication, and common sense. We prepare every day to ensure that the City can respond to obstacles like this, and I feel confident that Tuscaloosa will rise to meet this unprecedented moment with unprecedented resolve and emerge stronger than ever before. I am thankful to each and every one of you for your patience and cooperation, and I know we will all rise to meet this moment together and remain #TTownReady.
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Druid City Living | april 2020
BUSINESS
Druid City Living Spotlight:
Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent of Tuscaloosa City Schoools BY DCL STAFF
This month’s Druid City Living Business Spotlight is on Tuscaloosa’s City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria. Our sincere thanks to him for taking the time to answer our questions, and for revealing some incredibly interesting things about himself. It’s our hope that everyone in our community will get to know him a little better. What city do you currently live in, and where did you grow up? I currently live in Tuscaloosa. I was born in Martha’s Vineyard and grew up in New Jersey. What is your educational background? I left New Jersey to attend the University Of Alabama and have been calling Tuscaloosa home for 29 years. What was your first job? When I graduated from UA, my first job was teaching in Greene County. After one year, I left Greene County to teach for Tuscaloosa City Schools. Over the course of 24 years, I have been a Teacher, an Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of HR, Assistant Superintendent, and now Superintendent for Tuscaloosa City Schools. Name one of your favorite books: The one I read and reread is Outliers - The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. You are a busy person, so how do you usually organize your day? Before the actual workday starts, I will handle all the technical things, like email responses and writing, first and get that out of the way. So, when the workday does start, I am in schools with students and teachers. When the workday ends, I pull everything back together and prepare for the following day. What is a hot topic in your industry? We have amazing teachers in our public schools, and they do incredible work each and every day. They love their students and are great teachers, but I don’t think they are elevated in our community the way they should be.
The profession should be elevated, and teachers should be treated like the rock stars that they are. The challenge we currently face as a community and a profession is a teachers’ crisis. We currently do not have enough people in the pipeline to become teachers. Teacher graduates have dropped significantly. So, as our current teachers exit the profession through retirement, we do not have a supply of individuals coming into our schools. We in education believe that there is nothing that makes more of a difference than having a teacher in every classroom, and I believe we are at risk there. What organizations do you actively participate in the community? Part of my role is to open the doors to the school system. I don’t believe a school system can do this work alone. I think it does require a community effort. So, yes, I participate with the Education Foundation, Junior Achievement, and the Universities. It is about merging together partners in the education, business and faith-based communities.
— SMALL CHANGE —
BIG
DIFFERENCE Follow these tips to lower your power bill.
Use cold water to wash clothes
Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils to improve efficiency.
Fix or replace faulty electrical cords and plugs.
For more ways to save by making your home more energy efficient, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips.
© 2020 Alabama Power Company
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BUSINESS
Business you want to see here? Email us at: editor@druidcitymedia.com
A Note From the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Given the current situation with COVID-19, we thought it prudent to mention that Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox is working side-by-side with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama to develop strategies to support the local business community. For more information on local businesses and COVID-19, including a special coronavirus business toolkit and ways you can support local businesses, visit tuscaloosachamber.com/ COVID-19-resources. Here are some tips from the Chamber on ways you can support local businesses during this difficult time. Buy Gift Cards or Gift Certificates: A little here and there can hold small businesses over. Shop Online: Check Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets for business websites or stores. Order Out: Order from restaurants with Delivery, Drive-Thru, Carry-Out, or Curbside Pick-up options. Order In: If you are a business with employees working extended hours, consider bringing in meals from a local restaurant.
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS 1
Is Bama Bino coming back to Tuscaloosa? Reports say the beloved pizzeria may begin serving again via the new Pastor’s Kitchen location off Highway 43. Pastorskitchen.com
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The Biscuit Shop plans to open in Northport (80 McFarland Blvd, Suite 1). The southern breakfast stop founded in Starkville, Miss. offers scratch-made, buttermilk-based biscuits in over 90 specialty flavors. Thebiscuitlady.com; (662-324-3118)
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Little Italy Pizzeria closed its doors on University Blvd. in Tuscaloosa in March. The restaurant first opened in Tuscaloosa in 2010.
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Druid City Living | april 2020
SCHOOLS PreK Pals’ Ponderings: Finding Joy in the Puddles BY ALICIA JENNE’
Alicia Jenne’ is a veteran teacher of little people. She is the PreK Pals Lead Teacher for PreK#1 at Rock Quarry Elementary School. Photos: Alicia Jenne’ “April Showers Bring May Flowers” – we’ve all heard and recited that childhood rhyme many times in our lives. But have you ever thought about what it really means? It means better things are coming, despite all the darkness and rain. Tuscaloosa has had more than its share of rain in 2020. As I sit to write this, we’ve gotten over 24 inches over 65 days. That’s a lot of rain. In the PreK world, rain means indoor recess, and indoor PE, and, well, indoor everything. A few weeks ago, in an effort to stop complaining to one another about something we couldn’t change, we decided we would look at the great things that come from all of the rainy weather. Here’s a sampling of what the PreK Pals told us about rain. We hope their sunny dispositions help get you through the rainiest season yet. And just remember – better, brighter things are in store… though you may have to wear your rainboots and stomp through some puddles to get there.
Olivia (5) “Playing in the rain is fun. It is so exciting! I like to play in my tree house in the rain because I love to hear it falling.”
Sutton (4) “You can jump in puddles and when the rain stops you can shoot basketball. The rain always stops. The best part of splashing in puddles is getting wet! I like to wear my beach shoes to splash in the rain.”
Finley (5) “You know that rain helps plants and flowers and BIG bushes grow. Rain is good for our planet. It comes from the sky and God. He makes everything!”
Esther (5) “I can jump in muddy puddles! After it stops raining, we sometimes see rainbows. I love rainbows! There are so many pretty colors!”
Be like the PreK Pals – keep looking for the good in the world. Sometimes, when you look up, you see rainbows. And even when you’re looking down you can still find joy in the puddles.
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SCHOOLS
Teaching Littles at Home During Uncertain Times: It’s Okay to Let the Littles Play BY ALICIA JENNE
There is so much uncertainty right now due to COVID-19 (aka “The Coronavirus”). Many schools closed at the end of the day on the Friday before spring break here – only to later be notified that schools would be out until at least April 6. The PreKPals teachers at Rock Quarry Elementary were worried that this might happen and that schools would go to e-learning. So, what does this mean for parents of PreKPals, whose screen time at school is limited to 10 minutes per student, per day? We sent home a list of things to do for reading, math, and science. No worksheets for the PreKPals! We also told our parents to use their United Way “Success by 6” calendar that is given to every PreKPal in Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas. One of our teachers made a Facebook page where we’re listing the many wonderful and free things posted by so many caring individuals and businesses. Here’s the thing: you don’t need a list of activities for your kids’ free time. You don’t need a calendar or a Facebook page. You don’t need a workbook or a fancy curriculum. All you need to do to make sure your PreKPal is Kindergarten ready is to Let. Them. Play. Learn to make muffins or homemade playdoh. There’s lots of math and science in those activities. Read books, color, cut pictures from magazines, draw with sidewalk chalk, build with Legos or blocks, match socks, learn to fold towels, learn to ride your bike without training wheels, take a walk, look for four leaf clovers, plant flowers, collect rocks, watch birds or clouds… or give them some bowls and spoons and let them make mud pies. Give them a roll of tape and turn them loose with the boxes in the recycling box in the garage. And yes, I’d recommend lots of these activities for kids older than PreK. Guess what, mommas? It’s okay for your youngsters to be bored. Our brains crave routine and order, and our brains need to create. So, let your youngsters create their own learning. You don’t need to do anything extraordinary. You just need to keep them safe and fed. Let them be little. You’ve heard me say more than once that “play is the work of childhood.” As I write this, Annelise (10) Grayson (19) and I are about to go on a nature walk to search for signs of spring. We are going to see how many colors we can find. The only thing we needed for this activity was our shoes and our “scientist eyes.” Enjoy this time with your littlest learner. I hope we all look back and realize that the slowing down, the staying home, and the spending time together was really the hidden blessing we all needed. Hang in there, moms and dads. You can do this. 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.
NATURE
WALK
HIKE
BIKE
GET
OUT SIDE
RUN
JUMP
Be safe. Stay happy. DISCOVER YOUR PARKS tcpara.org
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Druid City Living | april 2020
COMMUNITY City of Tuscaloosa Launches New Tuscaloosa 311 App BY DCL STAFF
Area residents who need to reach the city of Tuscaloosa now have another option besides dialing 311. The city has released a new smartphone app for Tuscaloosa 311. Tuscaloosa 311 is the three-digit non-emergency telephone line for Tuscaloosa, which directs callers to the city of Tuscaloosa’s non-emergency call center. 311 was created in 2007 to make non-emergency information and services more easily accessible to residents. The new Tuscaloosa 311 app is a free smartphone application that provides residents with a real-time civic engagement platform. Users of the Tuscaloosa 311 app will be able to easily report concerns and submit service requests and inquiries on one convenient platform. The new Tuscaloosa 311 app also allows users to send in photos marking their exact location using GPS. Additionally, the 311 app includes links to commonly used sections of the city of Tuscaloosa website, including water and traffic/parking payments, tax forms, and other city services. The Tuscaloosa 311 app is available to download on Apple IOS or Android devices. To download the app, search for “City of Tuscaloosa 311” in the Apple store or on Google Play. Residents can also submit requests online at Tuscaloosa.com/311 or by dialing 311 within City limits or by calling 205248-5311.
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COMMUNITY
kentuck’s
gallery shop
one-of-a-kind gifts for all occasions weddings | birthdays | mothers’ day | fathers’ day Pictured: “Ug Chug” by Chad Nelson from Cullman, Alabama
shop online!
www.kentuck.org/shop
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Druid City Living | april 2020
COMMUNITY Tuscaloosa Takes Off: City Awarded $750,000 Grant for Air Service Development BY DCL STAFF
The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the City of Tuscaloosa with a $750,000 grant from the Small Community Air Service Development Program. SCASDP distributed $12.2M in grants to 18 communities in 18 states this year. In an announcement, city officials said these grants allow communities to assess and develop solutions for their air service needs and can be used to provide financial risk mitigation and fee waivers to air carriers, conduct studies to potentially expand service, and promote new or existing local services. As the City of Tuscaloosa works to enhance air service capabilities at the Tuscaloosa National Airport, this grant will serve as a minimum revenue guarantee for a potential air carrier and provide associated marketing support. Tuscaloosa National Airport Manager Jeff Powell said these programs will allow Tuscaloosa to remain competitive against other communities nationwide. “This is a great opportunity for our community, and I want to thank all those that provided support for our application and the Department of Transportation for selecting Tuscaloosa,” Tuscaloosa National Airport Manager Jeff Powell said. “We will use this grant as another step to further our efforts with network carriers in providing scheduled air service to Tuscaloosa.” Each recipient of the grant shares in the responsibility of providing financial resources to supplement the federal support. For Tuscaloosa, this results in a $300,000 match, with $150,000 coming from the City of Tuscaloosa and an additional $150,000 from community partners.
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COMMUNITY Family Counseling Service: Win the Moment (And Don’t Let Your Guard Down) BY LARRY DEAVERS
As human beings, we have a pretty high rate of failure when it comes to changing our old ways of doing things. One reason for this is that we tend to focus on what the rest of our lives will be like if we are never allowed to have the thing we are trying to give up. Whether it’s carbohydrates, cigarettes, a bad temper, social media, or binge-watching TV, we can feel overwhelmed when we feel weak, tired, lonely, or frustrated – and we don’t have that old habit to comfort us. Our final thought before we completely go off the rails is usually something like, “Well, I never was going to stick with that anyway.” Wouldn’t you like to take an approach to making change that gives you more control during those times? Rather than giving into those self-defeating thoughts that you’ll never succeed in the long run, how about just taking it one moment at a time?
You may not be able to control the way you feel tomorrow or how you failed yesterday, but you can make a conscious choice about how you handle this moment right in front of you.
Larry Deavers is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Executive Director of Family Counseling Service of West Alabama.
You don’t even have to think about whether you’re giving up your old behavior forever, you just have to win this moment, right now. As you begin focusing on each individual moment and see each one as a free-standing opportunity to win, you can be much more intentional about making the right decision that supports your goal. When your only definition of victory is achieving your ultimate, long-term goal, it becomes daunting to continue the work to get there without feeling as if you are having any successes along the way. With that approach, each setback is also an opportunity to simply give up. With this mindset, it’s easy to forget all the right decisions you make most of the time and to let yourself feel disheartened by the failures. However, when you begin noting all those moments when you do win, you develop a more objective view of how often you’re successful. Once you begin to focus on winning the moment and see each of those moments as a victory, then you’ll feel more empowered to make it through those moments when you feel most vulnerable to giving in.
Even if you fail sometimes, you can still win the next moment. You likely will not have to be entirely focused on winning every moment for the rest of your life. But, for those moments when your temptation is greatest, you can recognize what’s happening and win that moment, or perhaps a few moments, until the temptation dies down. Over time, if you string together enough moments where you win, you’ll find that you’ve developed new habits and new ways of comforting yourself, celebrating, and relaxing that are free of any old, self-destructive behaviors. Once you have reached that point, you may be surprised at how much less powerful those old temptations become. But, still – don’t let your guard down.
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Druid City Living | april 2020
COMMUNITY Come on Down! – What It’s Like to Be on “The Price Is Right” BY SHEENA GREGG
Sheena Gregg is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino Foodie.” Follow her adventures at www.afilipinofoodie.com.
I know last month I got to briefly share that my recent trip to California included an appearance on The Price is Right. Well, now I’m ready to share some behind-the-scenes details from my experience. If you’re like me, The Price is Right is a total nostalgia bucket list show. Many of us have fond memories of watching the show with our grandparents or watching while home sick from work or school. When my husband Terry and I knew we’d make it to an episode taping, we did as much research as we could. Making the Custom Shirts One tidbit we learned from friends who’d been at tapings and those that have chronicled their Price is Right experience online is that wearing a custom shirt to the taping can definitely add to your chances of being picked as a contestant. The hubs and I thought we were clever with our son’s face on our shirt along with a little airplane flying from Alabama to California, but when we showed up to the taping, there were some folks that went next level with their shirts. I’m talking homemade bedazzled PLINKO boards made from rhinestones glued to shirts and every variation of trying to give Drew Carey a compliment on a baseball tee.
Hamming it up with the hubs before my big appearance on The Price is Right.
The Screening Process Once we got to the studio, we found ourselves immediately signing paperwork confirming our age and stating that we’d not been a contestant on other game shows in the past. For The Price is Right in particular, you can be an audience member unlimited times – but you’re only eligible to be selected as a contestant every 10 years.
I’ll never forget my Showcase Showdown experience.
After the paperwork, Terry and I had our pictures taken in front of a green screen where “The Wheel” is inserted afterwards. We heard that casting producers often look at these photos as they make final selections for contestants, so we hammed it up as much as possible. As part of the first 25 contestants in line, we were lucky to be in the first batch of 30 people to be casually interviewed by the casting producer. Questions included things like “Where are you from?” “What do you do?” and “What’s your favorite game on the show?” (Pro Tip: don’t say PLINKO or Cliffhanger because everyone says that, and it seems to annoy producers). Depending on the energy of your answers, the casting producer and Yep, that big wheel is heavy (if you’ve ever wondered). their assistant quietly take notes about the possibility of you being a contestant. The interview process for 300 audience members takes quite a bit of time, so honestly, we were probably waiting a good 3-4 hours before actually being able to go inside the recording studio. They know folks are getting restless by that point, so they try to amp you up by playing old reruns of the show while you’re waiting.
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COMMUNITY Inside the Studio When we finally were able to enter the Bob Barker studio set, we saw a wipe off board that told us exactly when this episode would be airing. Our friends told us that if it seemed like a staff member was directing us to sit in a semi-specific place in the audience, it was very likely we’d been selected as contestants. I was so mesmerized by the rich colors of the studio (and how tiny it was) that I didn’t realize a staff member took us to a very specific set of seats away from the people who were in line ahead of us. As we waited for everything to get started, pop music started playing, I’ve been waiting my whole life to hear the words, “Come on audience members started dancing, and Terry and I started questioning down!” our ability to price normal grocery items. We were told it would be extremely loud in the studio once taping got started, so we needed to look for a producer on stage with a cue card of each contestant’s name to get clued in who was supposed to “come on down.” As The Price is Right announcer George Gray prepared his voice to announce the first contestant, I barely had time to process as I saw my name as the first person to run to contestant’s row. I was trying not to throw up while waiting for Drew Carey to pop out so you I could clap like a mad woman. From Contestant’s Row to the Showcase Showdown I was so nervous about making the wrong bids that I constantly looked to my hubs for bid suggestions from contestant’s row. We were lucky enough for me to make it on stage by the second game, where I played a glorified version of tic-tac-toe. You better believe I was looking at my husband the whole time for where to place my “X’s.” The good news? I won! I was going to get to spin the Big Wheel!
Once it was time to spin the big wheel, I forgot most everyone I said I would give a shout out to if I made it. And I was definitely asking Jesus to take the wheel on that second spin. Guess what? I won… again! I was headed to the big finale! During commercial breaks, Drew and George would interact with the audience, make jokes, dance, and share stories. A fellow contestant asked me if I was nervous about the Showcase Showdown, and I told her I was on such a high of just being a contestant in general that I hadn’t really thought about being nervous. But man, once I saw a boat in my showcase, I knew I was toast. My husband and I had felt pretty good about our ability to price trips and the compact cars usually featured on the show – but not boats. Alas, my $32,000 bid was $8,000 below the actual price… but the experience itself was priceless. A Few Tips (continued page 14) If you’re thinking about heading to a taping of the show, here are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Make sure to get a “priority ticket” at on-camera-audiences.com to guarantee your spot for the date you want. 2. Be genuine and enthusiastic with the casting producer but not so over the top that you seem fake or like a liability on camera. 3. Your phone will be confiscated before you enter the studio, but you can bring a personal bag – so bring snacks (the food available on site is expensive). 4. Have fun, because whether you’re an actual contestant or not, you’ll get super caught up in the hype of helping suggest prices during all the games. And for the record, I’m now the proud owner of nearly $20,000 in cash and prizes, including a trip to Whistler, a blender, and men’s luxury watches.
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Druid City Living | april 2020
OPINION Journalists Have Critical Role, Provide Vital Coverage During the COVID-19 Crisis BY CHANDRA CLARK
February 24, 2020 is the first day I started talking to my Introduction to Reporting class at The University of Alabama about coronavirus. I played the ABC Network story where plans to move American coronavirus patients from a cruise ship to Anniston were cancelled after local officials and residents expressed concerns. We discussed the conflict, the prominence of the different state and federal officials involved, the significance of, and the proximity of the story. Those are just a few of the elements of newsworthiness we try to teach future journalists to evaluate if an issue is worth covering. It didn’t take long for a few of the students to see how complicated this story was and could be on so many levels. Now, three weeks later when I am writing this article, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way of life for my students, friends, and family. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency, people are asked to shelter in place at home, K-12 schools are out indefinitely, restaurants are mostly limited to drive-through and pickup/delivery service, no visitors are allowed at nursing homes, professors are moving face-to-face curriculum to online, and churches are livestreaming worship services… if they are even having one.
Never in a million years did I think I would be encouraging everyone I know to do their part to help save our country from this crisis. What’s even stranger is I’m doing it from my home through social media, Facetime, text, and phone. I’m also very confused. I have considered myself a journalist since I walked into my first television station at 16 years old. I have never met one broadcaster or journalist who had intentions of getting their story wrong. Yet, no matter what happens in our country, people always accuse my former colleagues, alums, and friends of misleading them or reporting misinformation. That’s just not the process of how a traditional newsroom or how journalists are trained. Their information comes from official sources and first-hand from the people they interview. Journalists want to get the story right, or they lose their jobs and reputation. They are not your enemy. Most work and live in the communities they are serving. They would much rather report on the good people and athletes in our neighborhoods and schools who do so much to help and entertain the world rather than trying to confuse the audience with misinformation during a natural disaster or a crisis.
Journalists aren’t perfect, and neither am I, but I like to think we are all trying to do our part in what needs to be done during this national emergency. I am that person who analyzes all the news stories from the local stations, the networks, the podcasts, and the cable outlets, and I review all the comments people make on posts. I know people are people and have their opinions, but it’s time to understand we are all in this situation together and we need to support all those who are trying to look out for our health and public safety. I have watched 30+ news conferences from cities all over the country the last few weeks, and the national, state, and local officials are telling us what to do and how to help. The question is will we continue to tear down the people who are bringing us the information we need to make decisions for our family, pocketbook, and quality of life? Or will we do what we are told to help get our lives back in the weeks to come and help a few people who can’t help themselves along the way. It’s my choice, and it’s yours.
Dr. Chandra Clark is an Assistant Professor in the University of Alabama’s College of Communication & Informational Sciences.
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Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper | DruidCityLiving.com
OPINION Lake Living: On Hunkering Down and Loving Each Other a Little Bit More BY ALLISON ADAMS
This month, many of us have no doubt begun to appreciate the importance of precious life. The entire world is self-separating, taking value in the risks for elderly and those with fragile immune systems, as a virus is sweeping the world. It shows us how connected we really are. While January is typically the time of year we reflect on our lives, as I write this (the day after a state of emergency was declared in Alabama), it’s becoming that many of those goals are out the window now. No gyms. No concerts. No school. No sporting events to train for. No art shows. No mission trips. No foreign travel. Television, internet, and radio have become our lifeline for valuable information to help us keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy. In fact, this event has many reconsidering selected professions, where we work, how we commute, where we shop, and even where and how we want to raise and educate our families.
This shift to “independent living” will indeed open our eyes and imaginations to different ways of doing things in the future. My devotion this morning asks: “What could you do right now to prepare yourself for a new blessing from God? How could you position yourself to be watching for a greater sense of His presence and Joy?” (Mark Batterson) Through 9/11, wars, floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, we have all heard of (or witnessed) miracles where good things came from the turmoil. We can have faith that there is a reason that this has been brought to the forefront. Diseases have come in the past, and our world is no different than that world years ago that survived plagues and catastrophic events. Cancers still threaten our world, and we still go on with our lives the best we can.
Board Certified Otolaryngologists
Dr. Carlisle Stephenson, III Dr. David Rosenstiel Dr. James E Shotts, Jr. Dr. Lee H. Loftin Dr. Gary Lake, III
Prayers that the May article is about sporting, arts, and music events. In the meantime,
as many of us stay home with the ones we love the most, we should remember that we all need each other. And this need is what makes the world go around. For now, ramp up your creativity and dig into your soul. There are no excuses for not doing that thing we keep putting off because we “didn’t have enough time.” Start journaling, take time to get outdoors if you can, and above all else, love each other. Savor your moments, whether by Skype house-to-house or with those staying close to you.
DO YOU SUFFER FROM ALLERGIES AND HAVE CHRONIC SINUS INFECTIONS? GIVE US A CALL TODAY SO WE CAN HELP YOU! www.tuscaloosaent.com
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(205) 758-9041
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Druid City Living | april 2020
OPINION Give Life to Your Story: Forgiveness (the Opposite of Fairness) BY MIKE GREEN
From an early age, each of us has an expectation of fairness. This conviction reaches a pinnacle when we believe that someone has treated us unfairly. However, we can easily rationalize when we have treated others less than they deserve. When we are the grieved party, we can hold onto that injustice for years, and even a lifetime. Our culture’s pursuit of fairness has made forgiveness truly a rare commodity. In my work with youth, I hear students say, “He doesn’t deserve my forgiveness.” As if forgiveness is somehow earned. But forgiveness is the exact of opposite of fairness. It is literally treating ourselves unfairly. I recently learned of an Iranian mom who chose forgiveness just before her son’s murderer had his death sentence carried out. Her
decision was not mere lip service. By choosing forgiveness, she also chose to pardon her son’s killer. It’s hard to imagine the very real scene. The killer stands on a chair with a noose around his neck. The family of the victim is free to kick the chair out from underneath the culprit. Or, as they did in this case, they can remove the noose. The mom chose to forgive. Forgiveness can change a life. In Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, this is dramatically portrayed. You probably know the story. A convicted felon leaves prison with nothing. The kindness of a church bishop provides him food and a place to stay, but he repays the kindness by stealing silver from the church. He is caught and returned to the bishop before he is taken back to prison. But the
bishop claims the silver was a gift and asks the thief why he didn’t take the rest of the silver he was offered? The felon, so overwhelmed by this act of forgiveness, is transformed. One common thread in the above stories is that in both instances, forgiveness wasn’t just mere words, but action. The mom and bishop both did what was unfair to them personally. They loved and forgave.
point and show them how to best deal with this certainty of life than to demonstrate forgiveness? Show them what it is like to forgive and how that forgiveness changes you and, very possibly, the person you forgive. Instead of raising cynical kids, maybe we will raise them to take the difficulties of life and use them to become healthy and whole adults.
If you are like me, you probably have wrestled with how to teach your children that life is unfair.
Life doesn’t always give us what we think we deserve. What better way to teach our children this For me, the direction of my life took a dramatic turn when I accepted God’s offer of forgiveness through His Son. When I understood my need for God to be unfair to Himself in order to rescue me from myself, I was as overwhelmed as the thief in Victor Hugo’s story. If you have a story to share, or questions on how God’s forgiveness changed my story, I would love to hear from you.
Mike Green and his wife, Laura, serve on staff with Tuscaloosa Youth For Christ. You can contact Mike at mike@tuscaloosayfc.com
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OPINION
The Land of Oz: “It’s the End of the World as We Know It” Mailbag BY DEREK OSBORN
your question to osborn34@gmail. com. But for now, here we go with the COVID Q&A:
Indeed I am. With aloe, no less. Thy royal derriere shall be clean at the end of days. In all seriousness, if there is still a TP shortage when Derek, have we reached the End- this is published, and if you happen game!?!? – Tim A. to have a bunker full of it, consider donating a few rolls. There are Hi Tim. No, we have not. Most of And I feel fine… us will be fine. I do, however, think some that don’t have ANY. In the face of a pandemic, you guys this could have a lasting effect on Derek, are your kids losing their ask some weird questions, especial- how we conduct business and edu- minds yet? Because I am losing cation in this country. ly to a guy who struggled through mine. – Travis R. freshman biology. But hey, these I feel your pain, Travis. Most of us don’t like are strange days indeed… most peculiar, momma. So, here’s some change. But when forced I think the thing with even more peculiar answers. 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.”
into it, it causes us to look kids (and their suffering and reflect on our everyparents) is to keep them day lives, our businesses, actively doing different and our culture in a diftasks and implementing a ferent light. schedule.
Where we were: Let this serve as a gauge for where we might be headed. At the time of this writing (mid-March), the latest Coronavirus count sits at around 7,700 cases with around 115 deaths in the United States. Compare that to whatever it is now as you read this, and you’ve got your answer. My hope is that it’s going down. My guess is that it has not.
There are those that through this event will find alternate ways of doing things. Some may be beneficial to the general public. Some may not.
By the way, if you would like to appear on the LoO Mailbag, email
Are you stocked up on toilet paper??? – Charlotte B.
None of them need to be on the iPad all day. Chores, learning, reading, entertainment breaks, exercise, cooking, teaching them a skill, etc. all prevent boredom and help them from going completely stir-crazy. It’s a tall task, but it’s also the
reason teachers should make a LOT MORE MONEY. In conclusion, listen to the experts. Yes, there will always be fear and over-dramatizing. But this virus is real, and we have an obligation as humans to protect those that are most vulnerable. Take care of each other, hunker down, support your local eateries (take-out), and be a nice human. 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.
“It’s the End of the World as We Know It” Mailbag
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Druid City Living | april 2020
OPINION The Mommy Chronicles: Balancing Freedom – How Much is Too Much? BY MARLENA RICE
When I was younger, I was a homebody. I read books, wrote short stories and, when I wanted to get wild and crazy, I sat in my bedroom’s large, walk-in closet and pretended my Barbie dolls were traveling overseas or attending music awards shows. Now I have a six-year-old boy. He likes to be active, play in the dirt with his hands, ride bikes, and become friends with any and every little person he meets. I’ve struggled with allowing him to walk out of the front door and roam the neighborhood on his own, always lingering on my front porch until I see him reach his friend’s home a few houses down, and not being able to fully stop worrying until he walks back inside an hour or two later. As our Littles grow, how much freedom is too much freedom in their neighborhood adventures? I recently read a story that documented a mother waiting at Beaux William is learning to be independent, spending time with neighborhood friends – including his buddy Evy Wise. a stop for a light rail train for her 9-year-old son to arrive after taking public transit across town by himself. This idea of free-range parenting has become popular for some in recent years, with proponents hoping it will allow children to grow independently without being stifled. While I can appreciate everyone’s right to their own ideas of parenting, I think it is also important to consider your child’s maturity level and your specific community before deciding just how much freedom your child is allowed. Things to Consider 1. Does your child listen to instructions? When your children want to go outside to play, give them a watch and a specific time to come home. During the winter months, a good indicator of time is having your child stay close enough to watch your house and warning them to come home by turning on porch or garage lights outside. 2. Does your neighborhood have lots of children who play outside? There is safety in numbers. Encourage your children to meet others in your neighborhood, so they’re not a lone rider when going out to play. 3. Do you know your neighbors? Push yourself to truly get to know the parents of all your children’s neighborhood friends, as well as those neighbors who live close by who may not have children. This will help you determine if you feel safe or not with your children playing inside of friends’ homes. How to Ease Your Mind 1. Give your child boundaries. In each direction from your home, pick a house on each end with your child and make sure they understand that they are not to pass either house unless they come home and notify you they want to do so. 2. Get phone numbers. Start a group chat with neighborhood parents. When your child heads out to play, tell them to ask their friends’ parents to give you a call or text so you know they made it safely. Same rules apply when heading home. 3. Take the breaking of boundaries seriously. If your child breaks rules that you have established for safety purposes, make sure they are penalized and unable to go back into the neighborhood on their own until they understand the importance of a playing within certain parameters only. Marlena Rice is a busy mom and writer who lives in Tuscaloosa with her husband, Rod, and their son, Beaux William. Check out her blog at heartfullybuilt.com.
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The research we’re doing is making it possible for kids like Allie to survive, grow up and make things happen. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.
Children’s of Alabama is dedicated to helping kids live the most fulfilling life possible. We put in a lot of time and training to make that happen.
OPINION West Alabama Boy Scouts Continue Strong BY DCL STAFF
This past month the National Council Boy Scouts of America executive board approved the filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This Chapter 11 financial reorganization is at the National level and will have no affect at the local level in the Black Warrior Council. Our Scouting programs will continue unaffected. We are not filing for Chapter 11.
There are no abuse cases in the Black Warrior Council. As a matter of fact, Scouting is safer now than ever before. We have developed some of the strongest expert-informed youth protection policies found in any youth-serving organization. The Black Warrior Council has over 3,300 youth members and over 600 dedicated adult volunteers. We’re financially strong and membership is growing. Black Warrior Council Scouting remains a great option for families that are looking for a program that will help prepare their kids for life.
Bill Gosselin is Scout Executive/CEO of the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Photo: Bill Gosselin
1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 3 3 (205) 638-9100
ChildrensAL.org
Spring Cleaning During Quarantine? TES is taking donations Please call (205) 758-5535
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Druid City Living | april 2020
CALENDAR A Note to Readers: Given the current situation with COVID-19, events have either been postponed or canceled here in Tuscaloosa and Northport. If you’re unsure about whether an event you’d like to go to is still on, always check directly with the business/organization – either on their official website or via social media. Many of the canceled events (or events still up in the air) were/are major fundraisers for organizations in our area. These organizations still need our community support. Here are some of them – and there are no doubt many more. Reach out and see if they have any immediate needs. We look forward to (hopefully) bringing you a packed calendar of events next month. In the meantime, let’s pull together and do whatever we can. Thank you for staying home! A sincere thanks, The Staff of Druid City Living
COVID19 Community Resources GROCERY DELIVERY 1.
2.
Scuttle Shuttle 205-832-9910 *Seniors 60+ or those immunocompromised *No delivery fee *Publix over-the-phone payment at checkout *Limit of 10-12 items Tuscaloosa Emergency Services Grocery Stops (205) 758-5535
PHARMACY DELIVERY:
Compassion Coalition (205) 561-4048 a) Seniors 65+ or those without transportation * Payment due upon delivery.
CHILDCARE:
Boys & Girls Club and YMCA a) M-F, 6:45 am – 7:15 pm b) Children of essential workers only, ages 6-14 c) Three locations: - YMCA, Downtown Branch – 2300, 13th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 - YMCA, Benjamin Barnes Branch – 2939 18th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 - Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama – 2201 Alberta Pkwy, Tuscaloosa 35404 d) Reservations & Registration required through either organization e) $80/wk or $16/day
EDUCATION:
Tuscaloosa City Schools Home Academic Packets Academic Resources: https://www.tuscaloosacityschools.com/AtHome Text to get resources: (205) 564-9727
OTHER GENERAL SERVICES:
Free Showers: Tuscaloosa Emergency Services (205) 758-5535 Free Do-It-Yourself Laundry: Tuscaloosa Emergency Services (205) 758-5535
Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper | DruidCityLiving.com
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FOOD
Special Hours, Early Shopping in Tuscaloosa for Seniors, and More: Challenges for Area Stores BY DCL STAFF
Several area grocery stores in the Tuscaloosa area are offering special hours and opportunities for seniors and those at risk to shop in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hope is that these “Senior Hours” will help those most at-risk avoid busier and more crowded shopping periods. Many are also closing early to allow workers to sanitize, clean, and restock store shelves. according to owner Jay Welborn. “I am so proud of our employees and the effort they have sustained for several days,” said Jay Welborn, owner of the Piggly Wiggly stores in Tuscaloosa and Northport. At press time, hours of operation at many of these stores were still changing. The best advice on when they open/close will be to call the store directly or check the store’s website/social media accounts. ALDI: Aldi stores across the country will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Some stores may have limited hours to accommodate restocking and cleaning. These hours may be limited to accommodate restocking and cleaning. Dollar General: All stores will dedicate the first hour of each shopping day to senior-only shoppers. All area stores are closing one hour earlier to allow for cleaning and restocking. To find the store nearest you, visit Dollargeneral.com. The Fresh Market: The first hour of each weekday is reserved for senior shoppers and those most at-risk of COVID-19. Those hours are from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. (205) 391-1204 Manna Grocery & Deli: Manna will be open from 9-10 a.m. daily to elderly and immunocompromised people. Store hours remain the same, though that may change. Deli food service is take-out only. Customers who need curbside service due to illness will be accommodated. Call ahead: (205) 752-9955. Piggly Wiggly of Tuscaloosa County: All area Piggly Wiggly stores have adjusted their shopping hours to open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. This will allow employees to clean/sanitize and stock the store. For more information, visit Ttownpig.com. Publix: Tuesday and Wednesdays from 7-8 a.m. are reserved for senior shopping hours for customers 65 and older. Stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., to allow for restocks and cleanings by employees. Target: The first hour of shopping each Wednesday is being reserved for vulnerable guests, including the elderly and those with underlying health concerns. The store will close at 9 p.m. each night tor cleaning and restocking. (205) 462-1064 Vowell’s Fresh Market: The first two hours of operations at all Vowell’s stores are reserved for shoppers over 60 and those with underlying health risks. The store is helping to feed students during the pandemic. At press time, breakfast was being distributed from 7-8 a.m. and lunch from 1-2 p.m. vowellsmarketplace.com Walmart: All Walmart stores, including Walmart Neighborhood Markets, will be open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until further notice. Through April 28, stores will offer hour-long senior shopping every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older – one hour before the store opens. walmart.com Winn-Dixie: Southeastern Grocers (the parent company of Winn-Dixie) is offering a senior shopping hour M-F from 8-9 a.m. Winn-Dixie is also offering delivery services, including a “drop and leave” program to avoid personal contact. To find the store nearest you, visit winndixie.com.
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Druid City Living | april 2020
FOOD TUSCALOOSA FIRE DEPARTMENT’S LIST OF FOOD RESOURCES COVID-19 FOOD RESOURCE GUIDE 1. Vowell’s Fresh Market a) Food assistance: Offering a morning snack from 7am-8am Offering a lunch sack from 1pm-2pm b) **Child must be present at pickup** c) K-6th grade d) Available at Cottondale and Bear Creek locations 2. West Alabama Food Bank a) Families can receive food assistance from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday-Friday. b) Must present identification 2. Christian Ministry Center (205) 752-8399 3880 Watermelon Rd, Northport, AL 35473 a) Food Assistance: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays: 8:00am-10:00am b) Maximum assistance: every 3 months MUST HAVE: referral, photo ID, and social security card 3. Grace Presbyterian Church (205) 758-1193 113 Hargrove Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 a) Food Assistance: 2nd Tuesday of each Month: 1:30pm-3:30pm b) Maximum assistance: once every 6 months MUST HAVE: photo ID and referral 4. Community Soup Bowl (205) 752-2421 1711 23rd Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (Located behind Piggly Wiggly) a) Food Assistance: FREE Daily lunches: 11:00-12:50pm b) Individuals may pick up to-go plates outside the facility. 5. East Tuscaloosa Soup Bowl (205) 553-4588 3004 Hargrove E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (Located at Hargrove Memorial United Methodist Church) a) Food Assistance: FREE lunch every Wednesday and Friday from 11:45-1:00pm b) FREE Sunday Lunches: Alberta Baptist starting at 1:30pm c) Maximum assistance: N/A 6. Salvation Army (205) 632-3691 1035 29th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 a) Food Assistance: Monday-Wednesday: 8:00am–12:00pm & 1:00pm– 3:00pm b) Maximum assistance: every 4 months MUST BRING: Proof of Income, Proof of Residence, Photo ID, and Social Security Cards for all household members required. 7. Meals on Wheels (205) 752-5429 a) Food Assistance: Mid-day meals delivered on a continuous basis b) Telephone application required for approval c) Minimum payment required for assistance MUST HAVE: Photo ID, Social Security Card, & Proof of Residence Required MUST BE: Unable to Prepare Meals Independently 8. Vineyard Community Church (Near Wright’s restaurant) 3800 University Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 a) Food Assistance: 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 9:00am-10:00am b) No requirements c) Drive-thru food pantry
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Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper | DruidCityLiving.com
FOOD
Feeding the Students: Tuscaloosa County and Schools Step Up to Feed Students During School Closures BY DCL STAFF
With area schools shut down because of COVID-19, concerns abound about feeding hungry students who may not have access to nutritious meals at home. The Tuscaloosa County School System Child Nutrition Program, in partnership with the Tuscaloosa City Schools and the City of Tuscaloosa are stepping up to help, providing breakfast and lunch for all children 18 and under Monday through Friday through at least April 6. Tuscaloosa County School Child Nutrition Director Donette Worthy says plans are to feed the children for the duration of the school closures – no matter how long they last. “We’re going to make sure they’re getting fed, but in a very carefully controlled environment to avoid spreading the virus and to adhere to CDC guidelines,” she said.
Donette Worthy and her team from the Tuscaloosa County School System Child Nutrition Program are working to help provide meals for school children during the COVID-19 school closures.
Feeding sites for the Tuscaloosa County School System Child Nutrition Program and the Tuscaloosa City Schools Child Nutrition Program are a mixture of school sites and mobile feeding sites. Worthy says many people in the community have reached out asking to help – both school employees and area residents and businesses. With that in mind, volunteers are needed. There are two types of volunteers needed, according to Worthy. 1. Non-TCSS/TCS Employees (Community members, parents, churches, community partners and businesses) The Tuscaloosa campus of Church of the Highlands (205-710-6074) will be the command center for these volunteers who wish to help with meals for area children. Food will be distributed (breakfast and lunch) at certain area schools via a drive-through style pick up. Breakfast and lunch will be handed out at the same time. They will need: •
Volunteers to help with traffic control.
•
Help replenishing the meals – moving bags to tables.
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Help with tally sheets for total meals distributed.
2. Current Certified TCSS/TCS Employees (Teachers, counselors, librarians, principals, and assistant principals) These volunteers will be able to help within the buildings. Email adworthy@tcss.net with information about: •
Where you work.
•
What area of town you can volunteer in.
•
The days you can help.
As soon as the school closures were announced, Worthy and her team snapped into action, formulating a plan to feed kids in need without spreading the virus. “We are flying a plane while building it,” she said. Worthy is keeping everyone updated via the Tuscaloosa County School System Child Nutrition Program on Facebook @TCSSCNP.
