December 2020 | Volume 8 | Issue 10
DruidCityLiving.com
Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper
A DIFFERENT LOOK FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN WEST ALABAMA
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE About Us...............2 Schools...........8 City.......................3 Community.......6 Opinion..............9 Food...................15 Business...............5 Business...............4
@DruidCityLiving
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TCT Hosts Outdoor Holiday Show
Land of Oz: A COVID Christmas Album (You Didn’t Ask For)
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PreK Pals: Enjoy Their Greatest Holiday Hits
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DCL Recipes: The Perfect Holiday Side Dish
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Druid City Living | December 2020
ABOUT US PHOTO OF THE MONTH Shelley Jones was recently awarded the 2020 Thomas J. Joiner Award of Education Excellence last month. Jones, a longtime principal at Woodland Forrest Elementary School, has received countless awards for her work in education during her decades-long career. After retiring, Jones served eight years as a Tuscaloosa City School board member. She is also the chairperson for the United Way of West Alabama’s 2020 campaign.
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Josh Watkins
Publisher
Hanson Watkins
Editor
Laurie Mundy Perrigin editor@druidcitymedia.com
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caroline@druidcitymedia.com
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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
FROM THE EDITOR Well, here we are. The final month in a year I think many of us will agree wasn’t all that great. It was a year of challenges, for sure. A hard, hard year for those who lost family and friends to COVID-19… a hard year for health care workers (bless you all) who continue, as of this writing, to work constantly to help keep COVID patients alive. And we’re heading into the Christmas season, which may be even more challenging. We just had our tiny Thanksgiving celebration without our beloved family. It was okay. But you know what? We were thankful for so many things. Thankful that we were healthy, that we had plenty of great food to eat, and that we had jobs and a roof over our heads. We took time to recognize those who might have empty chairs at their holiday tables this year – my heart goes out to you all. I want to take a moment and thank our writers, who, despite the ongoing chaos in their daily lives, made time to share their talents with us. I also want to thank Druid City Living’s advertisers for their continued support. Because of you, we’re able to keep this thing going – hopefully, for a long time. Happy Holidays, Laurie
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CITY
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Mayor’s Minute
In my previous Mayor’s Minute, I explained three primary factors that have led to the emergence of many student housing complexes and the efforts being made to reduce the opportunities for new mega complexes to be built in the future. Although it’s clear that action is needed, advocates for mega student apartments are working to derail my recommendations on behalf of their out-of-town clients who see these apartments as a money-making venture and not an investment for our community. Below are some myths the mega student housing developers want you to believe: Myth: Tuscaloosa needs more student housing. Fact: Since 2011, student enrollment has increased by 7,871, and the number of apartment beds have increased by 14,198. Myth: Empty student apartments create more opportunity for affordable housing. Fact: Tuscaloosa has an abundance of empty student apartments. Making matters worse, student apartments do not easily convert to traditional housing. The best evidence of this is there have only been two student apartment complexes that have made a conversion from student apartments to traditional housing. It’s not easy to make the numbers work for these conversions, either. The finances for the student housing developments that converted were dire, and investors were able to make it pencil because of these dire conditions. Myth: The construction of student apartments is good for the economy. Fact: The construction of student apartments has a short-term economic benefit, but it must be weighed against several factors. First, property taxes and rental taxes make up less than 15 percent of the City’s general fund budget. Every time a student apartment complex rises from the ground, it eliminates the opportunity to have a property that would generate much needed sales taxes for our schools, public safety, and infrastructure. Sales taxes and business licenses account for 68 percent of the City’s budget. At the end of the day, for the out-of-town developer, this is about profit. Once they build their mega student apartments, they will “flip” them and take their millions elsewhere, while Tuscaloosa is left with more crime, less resources for schools, and inadequate roads. Please encourage your council member to support my student housing recommendations, and let’s significantly address this issue once and for all – before it permanently damages the future of our City.
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Druid City Living | December 2020
CITY Tuscaloosa to Accept Toy Donations for Overtime Parking Ticket Fines BY DCL STAFF Tuscaloosa residents who have outstanding overtime parking fines can pay off their tickets by donating toys this season. From now through Dec. 14, those who donate toys valued at $10 or more to Toys for Tots will satisfy an $18 parking ticket. Toys valued at $20 or more will be accepted in place of two $18 parking tickets. “Toys for Tots donations in lieu of parking tickets is a great way we can be innovative in our community and make a difference,” Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said. Participants can bring their toys to Tuscaloosa Municipal Court at 2122 6th St. in downtown Tuscaloosa. The city requests a receipt for purchase or a price tag on the toy showing the value at $10 or more.
BUSINESS NOW OPEN & OPENING SOON 1
Fuku Ramen is now open in Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa (1800 McFarland Blvd E Ste 420). The restaurant offers traditional Japanese ramen noodles ad donburi as well as a large selection of bubble teas. (205) 650-6169
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Just Love Coffee Café is now open in downtown Tuscaloosa (2531 University Blvd. Ste 100). The café serves plenty of coffee and other treats, including artisan waffles, turkey wraps and cheddar melts for lunch, and coffee creations galore. Online orders are available for takeout and curbside pick-up. justlovecoffeecafe.com/ tuscaloosa
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A new Piggly Wiggly store was expected to open Tuscaloosa in a few weeks. The store is located at 614 Bear Creek Road (in Taylorville Corners in the old Vowell’s Fresh Market space). This is the fifth Piggly Wiggly in the Tuscaloosa/Northport area. ttownpig.com The Wine Market is now open in downtown Tuscaloosa in the former Carpe Vino location (515 Greensboro Ave.). Expect a wide selection of wines by the glass, craft beers, and light foods and desserts. (205) 764-1408
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS 1
The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama will hold its annual “Chamber in Session: State of the Economy” on Dec. 2 online. A panel of experts will take an in-depth look at the factors impacting our local, state, and national economies. For more information, visit tuscaloosachamber.com or email jill@tuscaloosachamber.com
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Whimsy Cookie Company closed its doors in downtown Tuscaloosa permanently last month. The Memphis-based company first opened in Tuscaloosa in October 2019.
Business you want to see here? Email us at: editor@druidcitymedia.com
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COMMUNITY A Different Look for the Holidays in West Alabama BY DCL STAFF The holiday season is fast approaching – and throughout West Alabama, plans are in the works for COVID-19-safe activities for residents. Among them: a socially distanced movie in Jaycee Park, “Santa Sightings” events, the annual tree lighting, a special performance from Theatre Tuscaloosa, and plenty of ice skating at Holidays on the River. The annual West Alabama Christmas Parade always draws big crowds in downtown Tuscaloosa. Unfortunately, this year, officials with Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority decided to cancel the event due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Original plans were to hold a “reverse parade” – a stationary display of floats and decorated vehicles, with viewers driving by to see them. “In March, when COVID-19 guidelines were first enacted, we knew that we might not be able to host the typical parade with 15,000+ people in attendance, as we typically do,” said Becky Booker, parade chairperson. “We researched, studied different methods, and talked with peers across the nation and then planned a ‘reverse’ parade.” The hope was that the reverse parade would allow for safe social distancing. But with COVID numbers growing in the area and citing “low participation numbers,” the decision was made to reschedule. It marks the first time in the parade’s 45-year history that it hasn’t been presented by PARA.
(Safe) Holiday Fun for All There are plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the holidays safely throughout the season. On Dec. 4, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse will take place at 6 p.m. Immediately following, Theatre Tuscaloosa will present “Lights Out for Christmas in Cootah County: A Country (COVID) Christmas Carol” at 7:30 p.m. at Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa. The organization has commissioned playwright and Alabama native Stephen Tyler Davis to create and direct a comedic adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” set in the South during the time of COVID. Also, PARA will hold the first of its “Santa Sightings” – a chance to take selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus – at Government Plaza from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Patrons are requested to wear a face covering and practice social distancing per the City of Tuscaloosa and State of Alabama guidelines. Both the tree lighting and the play are free and open to the public. Additionally, food trucks will be present at Government Plaza, and the First Friday Art Walk will be held with feature galleries open from 5-8 p.m. Holidays on the River returned to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater just before Thanksgiving. As in years past, the event features outdoor ice skating, horsedrawn carriage rides, and more. But city officials say special health and safety precautions will be in place, in accordance with CDC, state, and local guidelines. Additional spacing will be provided for parties, the ice rink will be kept to 50% capacity, and sanitizing stations will be placed around the Amphitheater. Christmas Tree Lightning Photo Credit: Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority
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Druid City Living | December 2020
COMMUNITY Admission to Holidays on the River at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is free for all guests, but guests must purchase skate pass tickets for skate rental and access to the ice rink. Skate passes are $15 per person and include unlimited skating for the day, as well as skate rental. Birthday and corporate party rental packages are also available. To purchase tickets and view this season’s schedule, visit holidaysontheriver.com. And yes, the gorgeous display of holiday trees is back with the 2020 Tinsel Trail – a delightful sight along the city’s Riverwalk and the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Over 150 trees, sponsored by local businesses, organizations, and individuals, will be festively decked out through early next month for all to enjoy. Proceeds from the Tinsel Trail benefit Tuscaloosa’s One Place. For more information about the Tinsel Trail and special events, visit www.ttowntinsel.com
Holidays on the River runs through January 18. The rink will be limited to 50% capacity, giving you more room to skate. Photo Credit: City of Tuscaloosa
a PARA property
Give the gift
of fun!
Stocking stuffers in any amount for golf, tennis, sports, parties, memberships, pool passes & more
tcpara.org/gifts
Santa Sighting Photo Credit: Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority
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COMMUNITY Something New: “Holly Jolly in the Park” Jaycee Park is the place to be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11. “Holly Jolly in the Park” is a socially distanced, free movie experience featuring “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.” The event was announced on Nov. 23 by Tuscaloosa City Councilman Kip Tyner.
Lights Out Photo Credit: Theatre Tuscaloosa
“Our parks are a place where families can come and enjoy the fresh air and socially distanced fun,” Tyner said.
The entrance/exit to the park event will be on Kicker Road. Families can watch the movie from their own vehicles (drive-up style) and there will also be lawn seating available (bring your own chairs and blankets). Food trucks will be on site, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for (socially distanced) selfies from 6-7 p.m. PARA says all those attending must practice social distancing and wear a face covering or mask unless they’re inside their vehicle. For more information, visit tcpara.org/events
2020 Tinsel Trail Photo Credit: Tuscaloosa’s One Place
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Druid City Living | December 2020
SCHOOLS
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PreK Pals Ponderings: “Holiday Greatest Hits” BY ALICIA JENNE Nothing can beat the PreK Pals when it comes to holiday excitement. This year’s bunch is so busy, we decided to give them a pass. Instead, I thought it might be fun to put together this bunch of greatest hits for all of you. Goodness knows, we could all use more smiles this year. Happy Holidays to all of you from all the PreK Pals – past and present.
What is Your Favorite Thing About Christmas? Sutton B.
“I love the presents. My mom and all my family are so special to me because they care about me. I get to help decorate my tree. I get to climb the ladder and put the ornaments on top. This time we have to buy a new star for up there… but I’m still climbing the ladder.”
Tyler
Sutton B.
“Eating all the cookies is my favorite! They have icing and sprinkles. My Elf, Jack, comes to my house and he brought another Elf named Ethan. They brought candy. Did you know that Santa will not bring toys if you are bad, but he will if you are good? I am going to get toys.”
Emma K.
“I love to get toys. My circle (ornament) is purple, and it has stars all over it. I love to put it on my tree. It looks so pretty! I got it from the Christmas Tree box. It’s my very favorite.”
Tell us What You Know About Holiday Magic? Sally
“Reindeer only fly at night because Santa does not deliver presents during the morning. The reindeer have magic. Santa has magic too. He gets it all from the North Pole. Genies have magic, too… but they live somewhere else.” Sally
Isaiah
“Christmas is for presents. Santa flies with the reindeer. He gets his magic from the magic star and that makes the reindeer magic, so they can fly. Santa gives us presents!”
Emily
“Santa and the reindeer fly with special powers. The special power is in their collars. The collars have magic sprinkles that make them work!”
What Do You Know About Santa?
Tyler
Sally “Reindeer only fly at night because Santa does not deliver presents during the morning. The reindeer have magic. Santa has magic too. He gets it all from the North Pole. Genies have magic, too… but they live somewhere else.” Isaiah “Christmas is for presents. Santa flies with the reindeer. He gets his magic from the magic star and that makes the reindeer magic, so they can fly. Santa gives us presents!” Emily “Santa and the reindeer fly with special powers. The special power is in their collars. The collars have magic sprinkles that make them work!”
Oliver
Peyton
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What Do You Know About Santa? Oliver
“Did you know that when you are good, Santa comes? He has lots of toys! Like a whole, whole bunch of them!”
Peyton
“You know, the elves make all of the toys for Santa. They wrap them and give them to Santa for his sleigh!”
Rory
“Santa has reindeer, and he has a sleigh! He has a BIG list of kids and you have to be GOOD! If you are not good, then you won’t get a present!” 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.
Emma K.
Isaiah
Emily
Rory
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Druid City Living | December 2020
OPINION Give Life To Your Story: Love Goes Way Beyond Being Nice BY MIKE GREEN Two summers ago, I visited my son in San Francisco. It was the official 50th Celebration of the “Summer of Love.” And I do mean celebration. I have some understanding of the significance of the late 60s on our culture and the impact of all that took place at the corner of Haight and Ashbury, but I guess I differ a bit as to whether it was a fair representation of love. Historically significant, yes. Love, no. I can hear in my mind the melodious tune, “what the world needs now is love, sweet love.” Those words seem even more apropos today than in 1968. But without a clear understanding of love, it’s not much more than gushy sentiment. And that’s what I fear the most. Yes, what
the world needs now is love. But what does that even mean?
Here’s what’s on my heart. If it connects with you, great. But maybe your list will look different. ● If I’m going to love those around me, I’m going to listen a lot more and talk a lot less, especially to those with whom I disagree. ● My goal won’t be to win conversations. I’ll seek to find what we agree upon before we move to where we disagree. ● I won’t assign people a box by a political party, race, part of the country, what kind of car they drive, or whether they like country music. For the record, I’m not a fan. Finally, I’ll remember that love goes way beyond being nice. It involves turning the other cheek, serving others, and even laying down my life. See John 15:13. It’s a tall order. I know I won’t always succeed. But I will not delude myself that simply being nice is all that love requires. Mike Green serves as Executive Director of Tuscaloosa Youth For Christ. He can be reached at mike@tuscaloosayfc.com
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COMMUNITY Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre to Host Outdoor Holiday Show BY DCL STAFF Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre wants everyone in town to have their singing voices ready. TCT will host an outdoor holiday show this month featuring some of the area’s finest young voices. And yes, there is a sing-along at the end of the show. ‘Tis the Season: An Afternoon of Solos and Duets by Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Buddy Powell Pavilion (4205 Northridge Road). The event is free, but organizers say donations will be merrily accepted. Toys for Tots also will have a collection box at the show for donations of new, unwrapped toys. Due to COVID-19, TCT is limiting attendance and asks that those who wish to attend register for free electronic tickets at eventbrite.com/e/tis-the-season-anafternoon-of-solos-and-duets-by-tct-tickets-128352903991. A limited number of socially distanced chairs will be available inside the pavilion, but attendees are encouraged to bring a chair in case these fill – or if they wish to sit outside the pavilion. Masks will be required unless eating or drinking outside the pavilion.
TCTGroup: TCT Ensemble after the 2019 One-Act Holiday show “Deck the Stage.” This year’s program will be held on Dec. 9 outdoors at the Buddy Powell Pavilion in Tuscaloosa. Photo Credit: Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre
TCTMasks: TCT is selling face masks to support its mission of educating and exposing children to all aspects of stage performing and production. The masks feature the TCT logo, come in adult and child size, and sell for $9 each. They can be pre-ordered at tuscaloosachildrenstheatre.net or purchased at the show. Photo Credit: Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre
“During these challenging times, we want to provide a safe but fun way for families to kick-off the holiday season,” TCT Executive Director Stacey Messina said. “And what better way is there to spread joy than through song?” As with many arts and community events this year, TCT’s scheduled performances of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Little Mermaid, Elf, and Cinderella were postponed due to the pandemic. Messina said TCT has rescheduled Tom Sawyer for April 23-25, 2021 and hopes that with safety precautions in place, the show will go on. “These young performers are craving a stage just as much as young athletes crave their fields and courts,” she said. “We are creative people, and we will find a way to let them perform safely.” TCT held an outdoor show at the pavilion in October with 30 children performing solos or monologues of their choice. Microphones were sanitized between each act, and the audience was spread out. Artistic Director Drew Baker rehearsed with the performers via Zoom and will do so again for the December show. “We have a great time rehearsing their pieces and working on acting skills within their songs or monologues,” Baker said. “I also get to catch up with how they are doing during this unprecedented time.
I LOVE THESE KIDS, AND THESE KIDS LOVE TO PERFORM.” TCT thanks its generous show sponsors for their support: Davis Eye Clinic, ENT Associates of Tuscaloosa, First Federal Bank, MedCenter Urgent Care, and Dr. Eric and Kelly Sputh.
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Druid City Living | December 2020
COMMUNITY
Tales of Tuscaloosa “TWO BITS...”
By Jim Ezell The real became legal tender in the United States and freely circulated. The Bank of the State of Alabama when Tuscaloosa was the capital issued fractional banknotes denominated in cents but which bore an image of the equivalent Spanish coin. For example, a 12½-cent note carried the image of a one-real coin; a 25-cent note displayed a two-real coin; while the 75-cent note showed two and four-real coins. Since there was a halfreal coin (known as a “picayune”), one note was denominated for an astonishing 6¼-cents.
Both sides of a one-real coin minted at Lima, Peru in 1793. It was from the collection of Tuscaloosan James P. Tillery (1860-1932). The Latin legend translates as “Charles the Fourth, by God’s Grace, King of Spain and the Indies.” The scroll wrapped pillars may be the source of the dollar sign.
The cheerleaders shouted, “Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar, all for Bama stand up and holler!” Thousands leapt to their feet and cheered. At football games across the U.S. these words are repeated countless times each season. But few will understand or even wonder about the origin of the cheer. The phrase is based on the “two-bit” nickname for a quarter dollar. In other words, two bits equal 25-cents. Therefore, a single bit would be 12½-cents and a dollar would contain eight bits. This doesn’t seem logical, since there are no U. S. coins of such seemingly odd denominations. In the first decades of American independence, there was a shortage of domestically produced precious metals for minting coins. However, there was one source of precious metals that seemed inexhaustible—the mines of Mexico and South America, controlled by the Spanish Empire and the nations that arose from its collapse.
In 1840, Peter Donaldson, proprietor of the Bell Tavern, listed his prices in the Flag of the Union, a Tuscaloosa newspaper—one bit for wine or spirits, two bits for lodging, three bits for breakfast or supper, and four bits for dinner. Gold used in early 19th Century American coinage came primarily from North Carolina, Georgia, and, to some extent, Alabama. However, after the 1849 California gold rush and later silver strikes U. S. coins began to be minted in sufficient quantities to meet the demands of a growing economy. The real was officially demonetized in 1857, however, these coins continued to circulate until after the Civil War. On December 19, 1878, the Tuskaloosa Gazette noted that readers could settle their delinquent subscription debts with them. In 1987, archaeologists excavated the site of the Bank of the State of Alabama. Under the foundations they discovered two 18th Century Spanish coins—symbolic reminders of the area’s monetary history. The Spanish Pillar Dollar and its fractions are long gone from circulation, but they can be found in coin collections or awaiting discovery by treasure hunters. However, a small part of their legacy lives on every football season.
The coin of that realm was the Spanish Pillar Dollar or “pieceof-eight,” and its fractional denominations of a half and onereal (rey-ahl) and two and four-reales (rey-ahl-les). Hundreds of millions of these coins were minted at Mexico City, Lima, Bogota and Potosi. These coins circulated worldwide and became the standard for international trade. Thus, the value of the U. S. dollar was set to equal the piece-of-eight. The tworeal coin equaled a quarter and became known in American vernacular as “two bits.” A 25-cent or “two-bit” banknote issued at Tuscaloosa in 1838. The image of a two-real coin is on the right.
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COMMUNITY The Land of Oz: The COVID Christmas Album You Didn’t Ask For BY DEREK OSBORN You always get that gift you didn’t ask for… the tie, the sweater, the Peloton bike, etc. Now it’s my turn to give you something you didn’t want. Behold: the COVID Christmas Album (can be substituted for coal, as they are of equal or lesser value). Tracks and performers listed below. 1. “I Really Can’t Stay. Baby, It’s Covid Outside” – Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx 2. “Walking ‘Round in Mask and Underwear” - RuPaul 3. “I Saw Mommy Social-Distancing Santa Claus” – My Wife 4. “Rudolph the Masked-Nosed Reindeer” – Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen 5. “We Need a Little Vaccine, Right This Very Minute” – Everyone in the World 6. “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” – New COVID Kids on the Block 7. “Mele KalikiMASKA (What Did I Just Say?)” – Joe Biden 8. “Grandma Got Run Over by an Essential Worker” – Walt Maddox 9. “Have Yourself a Self-Isolating Christmas” – The CDC Tabernacle Choir 10. “Jingle Bell Lock(Down)” – Gov. Andrew Cuomo 11. “Feliz Remdesivir” – FDA Twigs 12. “All I Want for Christmas is PPE” - Every. Healthcare. Worker. Everywhere. 13. “It’s the Most Immunosuppressed Time of the Year” – World Health Organization Barbershop Quartet 14. “I’ll Be Home Next Christmas (Maybe)” – Donald Trump Luckily for you all, I am out of word count. Merry Christmas to all, and please stay safe. Derek Osborn is a non-profit and addictions and prevention speaker and consultant. He lives in Tuscaloosa with his wife, Lynn, and their daughters,
— SMALL CHANGE —
BIG
DIFFERENCE Follow these tips to lower your power bill.
Program your thermostat to 68° or lower.
Set ceiling fans to run clockwise in winter.
Raise your blinds to let the sun help heat your home.
For more ways to save by making your home more energy efficient, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips.
© 2020 Alabama Power Company
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Druid City Living | December 2020
Shelton State Community College Celebrates 10th Year of “Here Comes Santa Claus” BY DCL STAFF For the tenth straight year, Shelton State Community College is holding its annual holiday donation drive, “Here Comes Santa Claus.” The drive, which began on Nov. 30 and runs through Dec. 11, will be a little different this year. In cooperation with United Way and sponsored by the Shelton State Ambassadors, Here Comes Santa Claus provides opportunities for the SSCC family to cooperate with local service providers in helping those in need. Due to current pandemic and social distancing requirements, only monetary donations will be accepted this year, and the total donation amount will be divided equally among the College’s traditional list of agencies. Monetary donations to Here Comes Santa Claus will benefit the following West Alabama organizations: Caring Days, FOCUS on Senior Citizens, Phoenix House, Tuscaloosa’s One Place, Turning Point, Five Horizons, Veteran’s Outreach, and Metro Animal Shelter. Credit or debit card donations can be made over the phone by calling the Shelton State Martin Campus Cashier’s Office at (205) 391-2335. Cash donations can be made in-person in the Cashier’s Office on both campuses.
YMCA TEACHES GIVING AT FIRST CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY MARKET BY DCL STAFF One of the biggest lessons (and thrills) of the holiday season is seeing the happiness on a friend or family member’s face when you give them a gift. The YMCA Children’s Holiday Market teaches children that giving is as important as receiving. “THE MARKET ALLOWS CHILDREN TO SHOP FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN A SAFE AND NON-COMMERCIAL ATMOSPHERE.” said Shane Reeves, Tuscaloosa YMCA Membership Director. Shopping “elves” are available to help the children so that they can enjoy the surprise. Only $5-10 is needed to shop. The YMCA of Tuscaloosa will be hosting the 1st Annual Children’s Holiday Market on Dec 12 from 9am-6pm at the Benjamin Barnes YMCA. For more information, please contact Lekeda Smith at lsmith@ ymcatusc.com or call 205-759-4285.
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 “Elves” are on hand to help the children with their shopping for Mom, Dad , siblings or friends. Photos: Robin Wells
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FOOD
DCL Recipes: Homemade Beef Stew and Dilly Duchess Potatoes BY AMY POORE
Happy holidays to everyone. If you’re looking to warm up, this beef stew is the perfect solution. And for a great side dish on the holiday table, give these dilly potatoes a try – the result is dazzling. Bon appétit! Homemade Beef Stew Dilly Duchess Potatoes • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1/4 cup flour 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. garlic salt 1.5 lbs. beef stew meat 5 tsps. vegetable oil 2 Tbsps. red wine vinegar 4.5 cups beef broth, divided 5.5 oz. can of tomato juice 2 bay leaves 1 medium onion, chopped 5 medium carrots, sliced 3 large baking potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 tsps. salt
Combine flour, pepper, and garlic salt in a bowl and toss meat, coating well. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. In batches, brown beef on all sides. Remove beef from pan and add vinegar and 1 cup beef broth, scraping the brown bits off the bottom. Add remaining beef broth, tomato juice, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add onions and carrots. Cover and cook for 1 hour and 15 mins. Add in cubed potatoes and cook for 45 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• • • • • • • • • • •
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 large eggs, beaten 7 Tbsps. melted butter 2 Tbsps. fresh dill, chopped 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp garlic salt 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 3 Tbsps. parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup heavy cream (more or less to get right consistency) 1/3 cup butter, melted
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Boil potatoes until fork tender (around 20 minutes). Drain potatoes and let cook for 20 minutes. In a mixer (or with a hand mixer) combine potatoes, eggs, melted butter, dill, garlic powder, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and cheese.
Dilly Duchess Potatoes
Beef Stew
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
Why sit in a waiting room when you’re not feeling well? With our new online check-in, you don’t have to. We text your estimated wait time. When you reach the front of the line, you receive a text to let you know you’re next. Now you can wait where you want. SOUTH 5005 Oscar Baxter Dr. Tuscaloosa 205.343.2225
NORTH 3909 McFarland Blvd. Northport WE ACCEPT 205.333.1993
