Druid City Living - February 2015

February 2015 - Volume 2, Issue 2

Flowers

Tuscaloosa’s Feel-Good News

for a Friend Volunteers deliver bouquets to nursing home residents Learn to make Miniature King Cakes Mardi Gras is here! be prepared for Fat Tuesday with our February recipes.

See Page 28

Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day?

By Candice Morris “Don’t take flowers to the cemetery when I’m gone.

I won’t be there to appreciate them. Give flowers to living people to enjoy.”

This advice, given to Emily English by her great-grandmother, sparked an idea that is ready to catch fire.

English grew up next door to Mary Kate Jemison Cochrane, whom English calls “Ms. Mary Kate.” She says Cochrane was one of her hometown heroes. Cochrane “blazed trails fearlessly,” English said, applying to the University of Alabama School of Law, becoming the first female student at Tuscaloosa Technical College

Continued on Page 10

The Cochrane Love Project was started to honor Ms. Mary Kate Jemison Cochrane. Photo: Emily English

Staging a Comeback Avoid all the hassle on Valentine’s Day. Check out our Tuscaloosa Dining Guide!

Students displaced by April 27, 2011 tornado return to new Alberta school

By Cokie Thompson Photos by Christopher Edmunds

See Page 29

Inside This Issue About Us City News Opinion Community Marketplace Schools Sports Calendar Food Wellness

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The storms that blew through Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011, had come and gone in a matter of hours, but residents have spent the years since trying to get back to normal. On January 6, the students, faculty and staff of Alberta Elementary School began a new routine on their old stomping ground – now The Alberta School of Performing Arts.

Principal Brenda Parker is excited to be back in Alberta.

“We looked at video clips later, and everyone; every teacher, every child, talked about a homecoming,” Parker said.

Since 2011, the school has been operating out of an empty wing of Tuscaloosa Magnet School. Beyond standard classrooms, the new building features spaces dedicated to the school’s purpose of integrating the arts into the learning process.

“I think everyone appreciates the history of where we were before, who we were before, and now we’re bringing that culture to a new school with new offerings,” Parker said.

Continued on Page 10

2 ABOUT CEO Josh Watkins

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February 2015

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Publisher Heath Hendrix

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Executive Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin Laurie@druidcitymedia.com Associate Editor Christopher Edmunds

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Sales Britney McComb Joshua Mays Caleb Skelton Office Manager LaTonya Mack Contact Us 256-346-5321 Druid City Living 1902 Hackberry Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

The City of Tuscaloosa held a parade for WBC World Heavyweight Champion and Tuscaloosa native Deontay Wilder on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The parade route ended at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, where a celebration ceremony was held. Photo: Christopher Edmunds @ccedmunds

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4 CITY NEWS

Chamber of Commerce honors top volunteers

Larry Taylor (left), owner of Moundville Telephone Company, was honored as the 2014 Charles H. Land Member of the Year. He received the award from 2014 Chairman Jordan Plaster of Merrill Lynch. Photo: Barry Fikes

February 2015 The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s Annual Meeting and Awards event was held on Jan. 22 at the Bryant Conference Center.

Larry Taylor, owner of Moundville Telephone Company, was honored as the 2014 Charles H. Land Member of the Year, which is our highest honor to an individual member. He is most responsible for taking our workforce development efforts to the next level. As the immediate past chairman of the region 3 workforce development council, Taylor confidently and calmly guided our region through changes that resulted in state and national attention because of game-changing results including our wildly successful hiring fairs.

The Robert C. Tanner Corporate Service Award for 2014 was presented to JamisonMoneyFarmer, PC. Our highest corporate honor is given annually to recognize exceptional charitable, volunteer and philanthropic service by a corporate entity in the Tuscaloosa County/West Alabama region. JMF was honored for the amount of time, money and human resources it gives back to this community and to this state.

The Chairman’s Leadership Award was presented to Tuscaloosa City Council President Harrison Taylor.

The Minority Business Council Trailblazer Award recipients were Hazel B. Upchurch, founder of the The Legacy Connection (formerly Druid City Answering Service), and Chief Steve Anderson of Tuscaloosa Police Department.

Wade Langer of The Capstone United Methodist Church was honored as our Ambassador of the Year. Distinguished Service Awards were presented to: Dr. Judy Bonner of The University of Alabama; Phil Johnston of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International; Kimberly McMurray of Ward Scott Architecture; Charles Nash of The University of Alabama System; Gary Nichols of McAbee Construction; and Shane Spiller of Spiller Furniture & Mattress.

6 OPINION

February 2015

Lake Living: Don’t take love for granted by Allison Adams

Allison Adams

After a near hibernation, partly due to weather, lots of eating, low motivation and, oh, the fact that my husband broke his ankle before the holidays, I guess you could say I have had little motivation to get out of the house.

But during a bitter cold snap I had a meeting I had to get to. As I hopped into my car, hit reverse (watching the garage door creep open for the first time in a while), and drove through the curvy lane that leads from my home on Lake Tuscaloosa through the woods, I adjusted the radio, fiddled with my seatbelt and passed a few deer. I had time.

I’d allowed myself extra time to get to the meeting, in fact.

All was fine…Except my car had apparently been in hibernation, just like I had. As the sputtering started, I realized that I’d taken the reliable, trusty car for granted.

Hearts can be seen everywhere on Valentine’s Day, including candy messages.

It didn’t have to get me where I was going. Why hadn’t I ever thought of that before?

Do we also do the same with our loved ones? Do we take them for granted as well, all the while thinking, “Oh they’ll understand?”

It’s February. Friends are talking about special plans with their sweeties. One comments, “Oh, we don’t do Valentine’s Day. We are over that.”

We should all be into Valentine’s Day if the one we love is still breathing. Otherwise, we will certainly be “over it.”

Are we taking a person for granted who asked us to love them forever over anyone else in the world if we say, “Aw shoot! Better get him a card!” after we’ve purchased treats for the puppy, Valentine’s Day candy for ourselves and some light up thing-a-ma-bob for the kids?

Valentine’s Day is known to some as the Feast of Saint Valentines. To others, it is a pagan ritual, a celebration for martyrs or a festival of fertility. Whatever our beliefs, we can’t argue with the fact that this holiday is known as a day to celebrate love. And isn’t that what we all need more than anything – a little love?

This is my 11th Valentine’s Day with my husband, so if you see fireworks shooting above my house or something crazy and extravagant going on, it could be that I’m celebrating all of the things I missed celebrating on days like these.

I’m taking advantage of the fact that I have a valentine!

He needs to know I appreciate him.

So if you are taking life (and love) for granted, remember: It is only borrowed time. If you and your special someone are both still here, that is truly something to celebrate.

Blessings from Lake Tuscaloosa, Allison Adams The Artsy Realtor Duckworth Morris Real Estate (205) 914-2400 allison.adams@duckworth.com

2015 by Zentek Consumer Services, a division of Zentek

OPINION 7

February 2015

The Land of Oz: Surviving Disney A far-from-complete list from a Disney-illiterate dad by Derek Osborn A monthly editorial piece of masterful opinionated writing (insert joke here) regarding life and times in the big town of Tuscaloosa coupled with the musings of a guy nicknamed “Oz.”

And though my aching back and blistered feet begged me for respite, the excited children and the unforgiving mouse would not relent. So I did it again, for six days on end, and on the seventh day I recalled for what I had highly paid, and swore I would not soon repeat. –D. Osborn OK, so it wasn’t that bad. And if you read the previous issue of this wonderful publication, you

surely witnessed the end result of this trip: a beautiful group of happy children performing for the masses in Downtown Disney.

Months have passed since the trip, and as my rest may have been restored, my feet will likely never be the same. This unsubstantiated, unprofessional list of do’s and don’ts is for those who feel the need to take the plunge and ride, walk or fly to the theme park empire that is Walt Disney World.

Whatever you do before such a serious undertaking, do NOT allow this to be the only piece you read before packing the bags. There are thousands of other more advisable offerings from better educated

mothers and fathers who have taken Mickey’s path of increased resistance to the land of skits and giggles (read it again; it says “skits”).

• Take or rent a stroller: Not a crappy, reused, hand-me-down umbrella stroller – a double stroller. I don’t care if you only have one kid. It doesn’t matter that your kid is old enough to walk. If they are under 10, just do it. Take it. Love it. Cherish it.

• Mark your stroller: When you get on a ride, you will park your stroller. And it is easier to find where you parked your car at Talladega than it is to find your stroller in the Stroller Junkyard, unless it bears some type of ridiculous neon tag or • Familiarize yourself with the map: Regardless of which kingdom you find yourself exploring, you need to be able to maneuver the undesirable child-eating, money-stealing potholes that Disney plants at every corner. Additionally, lost parents equal fussy kids and I witnessed plenty of both.

• Use your Fast-Pass: I won’t get into too many details – just do your homework and look it up. You can now schedule your “FP” 60 days in advance.

I have no idea what I am having for dinner in two hours, but Disney wants to know what ride I want to ride in two months. Do it anyway.

And also? Most importantly? Have a plan. My lovely bride spent a preposterous amount of hours planning this trip and without it, we would have been as lost as Little Bo Peep’s sheep.

Thank you sweetie. Now… let’s go on vacation.

I tweet insignificant things @ozborn34.

Derek Osborn is the Executive Director of PRIDE of Tuscaloosa by trade and writer by hobby. He lives in Tuscaloosa with his wife, Lynn, and daughters Savannah and Anica.

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8 OPINION

February 2015

The Mommy Chronicles: Though shalt discover thy passion by Marlena Rice My best friend used to always tell me, “Just be a trophy wife. Dress up casually (but cute) every morning, go work out, go shopping, and meet friends for brunch.

Then, repeat. I just don’t see you working from 8 to 5.”

Well, 12 years and approximately 45 pounds later, I’m not too sure about being a trophy wife, (although I’m sure my husband thinks I’m a gem) but I do agree that working 8 to 5 is not my forte. Which is exactly why I work from 7:30 to 4.

So there!

I. Love. My. Job. I feel blessed to be able to say this.

Marlena Rice

When I first began working in the trucking industry, I was told that it is its own “beast.” Even as I become accustomed to my role in recruiting and HR, I am not sure I understand exactly what the “beast” is, but I have finally come to understand just how significant it is for my general well-being to work in an environment I love.

At 22 years old, I graduated from college. I did not graduate with honor’s cords, although I had great grades. And although I’ve been writing professionally since I was 14, I did not intern with any of the communications giants nearby in Birmingham or Atlanta. Why? Because I expected an amazing career to fall into my lap – because I was ready.

This “I’m ready” mentality didn’t work anywhere other than in my own mind.

I was fortunate to receive good, professional positions as a young adult, but I always found myself craving more.

Here are some lessons I’ve learned and some tips that I hope will help you shoot up the ranks in your current company OR eventually land that job at a new company. Good luck!

• Improve your resume. This doesn’t mean embellish. Consider attributes you have that can overpower those you do not, and you may see that the combination of what you can bring to the table may surpass what is required on paper.

• Understand that movement may be key. With retirement delayed for many, it makes it almost impossible for those of us who are looking to stay with employers for extended lengths of time and grow. Promotions may be slow in coming. No one likes to review a resume and see a “job hopper,” but it’s important to understand that true advancement may mean a few shorter stints with companies who aren’t offering you what you need. Learn all you can during this time and the right employer will understand your journey.

• Find yourself and your dream job. Only you knows what makes you happy. I am a firm believer that if you know yourself and what it will take to make you prosper from the inside out, the right path will make its way for you when you least expect it, and you’ll feel excited to conquer your own “beast.”

This is an exclusive excerpt from DCL columnist Marlena Rice’s forthcoming book, “Pacifiers, Flatbeds and Kreg Jigs, a ‘Come to Jesus Guide’ for the New, Southern Mom.”

You’re Invited to

Find the Humor in Life with

Nationally Acclaimed Humorist

Jeanne Robertson Saturday Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.

hosted by the Women’s Ministry of

The Church at Tuscaloosa 6120 Watermelon Road

Inidividual tickets $20 Call 759-8050

OPINION 9

February 2015

Give Life to Your Story: The Concept of Sharing by Ben Talmadge Do you remember learning to share? I have a two-year-old who is currently in this stage, having to be consistently reminded that the world does not revolve around “me, my, and mine.”

The concept of sharing can be helpful as we consider the task of parenting teens. To share is to be open. Instead of being selfish and closed off to others, it means we are open and engaging.

This concept of “sharing” as we parent teens can happen in a variety of ways, but there are three that particularly stand out.

First, sharing with our teen means that we should be open and honest about our own life experiences, both good and bad. We should not try to present ourselves as “know-it-alls” who have everything figured out, but rather consistently demonstrate how we have learned certain life lessons through a variety of different experiences and circumstances.

Often what speaks to the heart of teenager is simply being real about our own experiences, so that they are able to relate to us in the midst of the ups and downs of everyday life.

Second, sharing with our teen means establishing a foundation for truth. What do we look to as the authority in our lives? What dictates how we think and act? How do we determine what our priorities are?

Whatever we look to as the ultimate perspective on life will be what we ultimately pass on to our teens, whether we are trying to or not, so let’s choose wisely who or what we’re using as the foundation for truth in our lives.

Third, sharing with our teen means creating shared experiences with them. If you have been the parent Bradford Ad_Layout 1 12/4/14 Page of a Lipstick teen forHalf anyPgamount of time, then 2:43 you PM know that1

there is nothing you can do to force teens to talk.

They’ll talk when they are ready to talk. However, there are certain things that will encourage talking, and shared experiences is one of them. This doesn’t mean we have to create lavish, expensive trips to take our teens on. It simply means that we must look for small ways to create memorable experiences together.

A final point to remember about the idea of “sharing” when it comes to parenting teens is that sharing is a two-way street. The adolescent stage of life is a stage of discovery, so we need to provide our teens with healthy space and opportunities to grow and learn and question.

Now, without mature guidance and discernment,

this process of discovery can quickly and easily lead to unhealthy practices and unwise decisions. But when we realize that our job as parents, particularly during the teen years, is to prepare our teens to one day be fully functioning adults, then we can feel the freedom to allow them to make mistakes while they are still under our care. So, let’s learn to share ourselves, our values, and our time with our teens, trusting that they will be open with us as we learn to be open with them.

Ben Talmadge and his wife Anna Grace have a two-year-old son and another little one on the way.

Ben serves on the staffs of Youth For Christ and Grace Church in Tuscaloosa.

Ben Talmadge

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10 COMMUNITY FLOWERS

(now known as Shelton State Community College), and teaching flying lessons to pilots during WWII. In her later years, Cochrane traveled the world alone to experience it firsthand.

“Her love of life,” English said, “her grandiose appreciation, thoughtfulness, cheerfulness, and involvement in our community are all attributes we should strive to emulate.”

When the 94-year-old Cochrane passed away in February of 2014, English was living in Dallas and unable to attend her funeral. With her great-grandmother’s advice in mind, she decided to share with others the spirit of kindness and love she had witnessed in Cochrane’s life.

English purchased leftover Valentine’s Day flowers from local grocery stores and, with a friend in tow, delivered arrangements to nearby senior living communities. The experience was so gratifying that a decision was made to do it again, on a larger scale.

This simple act of showing love to elders was the

February 2015 beginning of the Cochrane Love Project.

On its one year anniversary, the Cochrane Love Project is being launched in Tuscaloosa. Relying solely on volunteers and donations, it is truly a community event, kindled by the spirit of giving.

Unity Tuscaloosa, an organization which fosters friendships among different races in the local area, was one of the first groups to accept the Project’s mission. Members will wrap flowers and help to deliver the bouquets to senior living communities.

English is grateful for Unity Tuscaloosa’s support.

“We recognize that honoring our elders is a shared value, and a great way to make friends is through a service project like this one.”

University of Alabama students are also getting on board. Members of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and Delta Chi fraternity are volunteering with the Cochrane Love Project.

“When young people recognize the importance of senior wisdom and actively serve to bring smiles

to wrinkled faces, all of society inhales hope,” English said.

As with the first Cochrane Love Project, leftover flowers from Valentine’s Day – those that have not sold on the holiday – have been requested for donation from local florists and grocery stores. While it cannot be predicted how many flowers will be available for the Project, English’s hope is that “in the spirit of the Cochrane Love Project, people will choose to purchase and deliver flowers on their own … to anyone who may need to feel love in action on Valentine’s weekend.”

What does the future hold for the Cochrane Love Project? English hopes to make it an annual event, inspiring everyone to share love with others in their lives and their communities. For more information on the Cochrane Love Project, and to make a donation, visit www.cochraneloveproject.org. You can also “like” the Cochran Love Project’s official Facebook page and follow the group on Twitter and Instagram.

SCHOOL Parker said classroom and arts teachers will work together to combine courses like science and social studies with arts offerings like visual art, dance, drama, and music. Over the summer, both arts and classroom teachers will go through various professional development workshops to help them integrate the arts into the curriculum.

“There’s not one specific model because what we’ve found is every school had to craft their curriculum to their own culture,” Parker said. “We’ve certainly been inspired by schools that we’ve visited.”

Christine Ballenger, a music teacher at the school, said her students show an innate sense of creativity. She originally wanted to teach middle school band, but she said she’s fallen love with elementary music.

“Just seeing how much learning takes place even in kindergarten, I realized this is a place to nurture young minds and show them that music is not necessarily a talent,” Ballenger said.

“It’s not only for the talented, it’s for everyone.”

Fifth graders Da’monica Stanton, Kennadi Burton, and Davie Davis were in first grade when the 2011 storm destroyed Alberta Elementary. After spending the years since in a building

that didn’t belong to them, they were happy to be back.

“I feel glad to have our own place to call home,” Stanton said.

All three said they were excited to be in a place dedicated to the arts.

Burton, who plans to concentrate on dance when she enters middle school in the fall, said the school is special for reasons other than the curriculum.

“My teachers actually help me with things that I like to do,” Burton said. “They inspire me to keep my grades up.”

Davis said he is most excited about visual arts classes. In art classes this year, he has drawn houses and made maps of them. He said he would like to live in the house he drew on the front of his folder. A concentration in visual art in middle school would help him further develop those skills.

“It’s a late Christmas present,” Davis said.

Children run and play in a courtyard during physical education. Photo: Christopher Edmunds

A central hallway in the Alberta School of Performing Arts functions as a tornado shelter, complete with storm shutters for the windows.The hallway and adjacent classrooms are large enough to shelter every student and faculty member at the school.

Photo: Christopher Edmunds

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Community Story Submissions:

Check Out “What’s Happening In TTown”:

So much of this Druid City Living paper is due to you, the community of Tuscaloosa, offering up your stories in the form of submissions. We’d love more. If you’d like to contribute a story or idea that you feel needs to be told, please email Tuscaloosa Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin at laurie@druidcitymedia.com

Think of this Facebook group as our community bulletin board to share information about things going on in (and around) Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

This is YOUR PLACE to post! Please invite your friends and neighbors to join this group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatshappeninginttown/

12 COMMUNITY February 2015 Owners restoring historic mansion to its former glory Carson House to become downtown bed and breakfast after complete restoration

By Brandie Rickett Bowden

third husband, William Allen. Allen gambled away most of Mary’s estate, The house looks like it fell right leaving very little for Mary’s son, out of the Civil War. In a way, it did. Thomas Lynch Carson, to inherit on Built in the 1820s, Carson House was their deaths. approaching 200 years old.

Thomas married into another propThe current owners, Kenny Massey erty-owning family. The family of his and Stephanie Waldrop Massey, have wife, Sarah Virginia Marr, owned the put forth top-notch effort in order to property on which the University of restore the antebellum mansion to its Alabama now sits. former glory.

Thomas and Sarah Carson House sits lived in his mother’s around the corner house with their 13 from the Country children (only six of Club of Tuscaloosa whom lived to adultnear downtown. hood) until his death Located in the in 1867. When Thomwest-section of the as died, Sarah moved Historic District, to a plantation on the Carson Place takes river, but maintained another 100-year ownership of Carson leap into the past House, selling it more from the other homes than 20 years later. in this district.

The home has – Stephanie Massey – Anyone who passchanged ownership es by will see that the several times over the restoration efforts last 100 years. It has undergone several have been successful. The photos show restorations. Now, thanks to the current how far a little TLC can go. owners, it will no longer be just a visu“So far we have replaced the roof, al locale. secured the chimneys, and added heatThe current plan for the Carson ing and cooling,” Stephanie Massey House is that it will become a bed and said. “We’ve also repaired and painted breakfast upon completion of the curthe plaster and woodwork on the out- rent restorations. side of the house and re-built the front Go see Carson House, and take in a porch. Now that we have secured the deep breath of local history. outside of the house we are able to move inside and start working on it.

Every spare hour we can find is spent working on the house.”

In 1985, the National Register of Historic Places added Carson House to its registry because of its architectural significance. The most notable features are the towering columns lining the front of the house. Each of the six columns is made from a single tree trunk. Even those without architectural knowledge can look at the house and appreciate the elegance and beauty of its antebellum features.

With any building of this era, one can assume to find some interesting stories in association. Carson Place is no exception.

“As we work on the house and see the hand-hewn beams and plaster work I just imagine all the people who have passed through this home over nearly 200 years,” Massey said. “If these walls could talk what would they say?

Every crack in the plaster and every uneven spot in the floor tells a piece of this story. We are honored to be able to be just a small part of that.”

When Mary Lynch Horry Carson’s husband, John Haywood Carson, died in 1823, he left much property to his wife and two children. A few years later, Mary married George Cox. They moved to Tuscaloosa, where Mary had the original Carson House built. Cox came to the area 10 years prior after the Navy forced him to resign when he abandoned his ship, declaring it unsafe, even though his mates and crew remained on board.

When Cox died, Mary married her

“Every crack in the plaster and every uneven spot in the floor tells a piece of this story.”

Above: The front porch of the Carson House needed to be completely restored, including the six iconic columns, each made from a single tree trunk.

Below: Before and after photos show the tremendous amount of work done to Carson Place in recent months. Photos: Carson House

COMMUNITY 13

February 2015

Exchange Club Annual Chili Cook-off scheduled for Valentine’s Day

By Sheena Gregg The Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa will host the Ninth Annual Great Tuscaloosa Chili Cook-off Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Bryant Conference Center.

According to 2015 cook-off chair Glen Smith, the competition provides activities for the entire family while also giving back to the community.

“The chili cook-off is an affordable, fun and festive time for a worthy cause. The best aspect of the cook-off, in my opinion, is tasting the chili,” Smith said.

Funds raised from the event are used for the Exchange Club’s work in child abuse prevention, youth development, community service, and honoring America projects.

Expect some tough competition again this year from the “D CHili Caballeros,” who placed 2nd in the People’s Choice category at the 2014 Chili Cook-off. (L to R): Ashley Maughan, Melynda Wheeler, Anne Francis Lipscomb and Barbara Drake with Glen Smith. Photo: Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa

Attendees can expect children’s activities, live entertainment, various beverages, free ice cream, free cheese biscuits, T-shirt sales, and sampling 40 varieties of chili to vote for their favorite.

Suzanne Henson, long-time judge of the event, said it’s impressive to see so many people that are willing to come out to participate and support the event to benefit the area.

“The event has a tremendous impact on the local community,” Henson said. “I also love getting together with fellow food lovers on a Saturday morning and tasting chili samples from Tuscaloosa-area businesses.”

Competitors will vie for the title of Best Judged Chili, People’s Choice Chili, Best Booth, Best Costumes, and Best Showmanship. One team from last year, the “D CHili Caballeros,” a group of registered dietitians from DCH Medical Center, expect to compete again this year after placing 2nd in the People’s Choice category in 2014.

“It’s fun to see all the people and promote our chili,” DCH dietitian and team member Anne Frances Lipscomb said. “It was harder than I thought… cooking, serving, and ‘entertaining’ to try to win the People’s Choice award.”

New to this year’s event is Caryn Lake, a DCH dietitian who will be joining Lipscomb’s team in the 2015 competition.

“I really have no idea what to expect. I know it will be a lot of work but I’m excited to see the themes that people come up with and how everyone decorates,” Lake said.

Tickets for the event are $10 each and are available at the door, from an Exchange Club member, or at Edward Jones and Bank of Tuscaloosa. Children age 6 and under are free.

The 2014 Chili Cook-off drew a large crowd to the Bryant Conference Center. Photo: Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa

Door prizes for lucky attendees include autographed Bama gear, a large HDTV, and various area gift cards.

This year’s program features over 50 committed sponsors, including major sponsors Bryant Conference Center, NUCOR Steel, Alabama Power, Bank of Tuscaloosa, Banks Quarles, BF Goodrich, McAbee Construction, Morgan Stanley, Regions Bank, Rosen Harwood, Saluting Our Military, and Tuscaloosa Toyota.

All levels of sponsorship will be featured in the Exchange Club newsletter, the cook-off’s printed program, and various forms of digital media throughout the event.

For details,visit tuscaloosaexchangeclub.org.

14 COMMUNITY

February 2015

Center Stage

UA Theatre and Dance offers diverse productions

By Kendall Judy

From dance to student written one-acts, UA Theatre & Dance presents an eclectic mix of events beginning this month.

The Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre (ARDT) opens the Morgan Dance Series with six works choreographed by faculty that represent ballet, modern dance, and more.

New faculty member Lawrence Jackson will present Continuum, a modern piece based on the cyclical nature of life.

“The piece speaks to the pattern of life,” Jackson said. “As we enter our time here on Earth, we keep coming back to the same experiences. Hopefully, through wisdom, we learn how to deal with those situations differently.”

Also new to the dance faculty, Rebecca Salzer’s “Interstellar Responses: Music to be Shuffled” is a piece based on James Stein’s bestselling book Cosmic Numbers: The Numbers That Define Our Universe.

ARDT runs Feb. 10-14 in Morgan Auditorium.

The Allen Bales series will present MFA Directing Candidate Matt Davis’ final piece at UA, “Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl, based on the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and told from Eurydice’s perspective. The production runs Feb. 16-22.

Finally, the Gallaway series will open with the Jeffrey Tangeman-directed “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” by Christopher Durang. Considered a love letter to Russian comedies, Vanya tells the story of three siblings reunited on their cherry orchard in Pennsylvania. When sister Sonia brings her new boyfriend Spike along, chaos ensues in this fun romp for older audiences. This production runs from Feb. 24 to March 1.

To purchase tickets for any of the productions, visit theatre.ua.edu, the box office located in Rowand-Johnson Hall, or call the box office at (205) 348-3400.

The Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre opens the Morgan Dance Series on Feb. 10.

Photo: Porfirio Solarzano

COMMUNITY 15

February 2015

West Alabama Heart Walk seeks to raise money, awareness The West Alabama Heart Walk is set for Saturday, February 14, with festivities kicking off at 8 a.m. at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

This free, family-friendly event includes a 5k walk/run, health screenings, prize giveaways and more. Participants can walk in teams or individually.

The American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, which raises funds to help in the fight against heart disease and stroke, is designed for everyone,

regardless of their fitness level.

This isn’t about competition - this is about raising awareness and helping residents in Tuscaloosa and West Alabama take steps (literally) to improve their own heart health.

“Heart disease and stroke continue to be the top health threats in our state, with 32 percent of all deaths in West Alabama caused by these silent killers,” said Gina Simpson, Chair of the 2015 West Alabama Heart Walk and CEO and President of the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports

Commission. “The money raised at the Heart Walk will fund research and education that will save lives. While many attendees walk for loved ones they lost to heart disease, the work of the American Heart Association gives hope for the next generation to not suffer these same effects.”

For more information on participating in the West Alabama Heart Walk, contact Margaret Bishop at GSAWestAL@heart.org, visit www.westalheartwalk.org and follow West Alabama – American Heart Association on Facebook.

The West Alabama Heart Walk is planned for Saturday, Feb. 14.

Photo: West Alabama American Heart Association

Tuscaloosa to host Glow Run 5k Feb. 21 Tuscaloosa residents are getting ready to light up the night at the 2015 Glow Run. The Glow Run 5k is set for Saturday, Feb. 21.

The race, which will start and finish in downtown Tuscaloosa, offers everyone a unique chance to participate in a 5k in the dark, running (or jogging) along a music-filled, 3.1 mile course and being sprayed with glow water along the way.

Special industrial strength, UV blacklights will illuminate everyone, creating an exciting, flashy, fun backdrop.

The Glow Run starts at 6 p.m. in the Old Farmer’s Market parking lot by the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

After runners finish the course, they’re invited

to take part in a huge after-party, which includes prizes, giveaways and more.

Runners can opt to participate solo, or they can run in teams.

The Glow Run 5k’s charity partner is Tuscaloosa’s One Place, a local family resource center which serves thousands of people in the local community through various programs, including afterschool and child development, family and parenting, career and personal development, teen intervention and more.

To register for The Glow Run 5k in Tuscaloosa, visit www.glowrun5k.com. To learn more about Tuscaloosa’s One Place, visit www.tuscaloosaoneplace.org

Participants in the Glow Run 5k run a race in a fun atmosphere while listening to music and being sprayed with glow water.

Hearts on Fire: Volunteers deliver flowers for Arts ‘n Autism Hearts on Fire: Volunteers to deliver flowers for Arts ‘n Autism For the fifth year, Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe has teamed up with the Arts ‘n Autism After School Program for the Valentine’s Day fundraiser, “Hearts on Fire for Arts ‘n Autism.”

Tuscaloosa Flower Shoppe will donate all delivery

fees and tips collected on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13 and 14 by volunteers.

The flower shop will also sell paper hearts for the fundraiser ranging in price from $1 to $50.

Anyone who purchases a heart worth $10 or more will be eligible for an upgraded flower arrangement.

All proceeds benefit the mission of Arts ‘n Autism,

which will provide after school care, summer camps and arts-based therapy for children and young adults in the West Alabama area.

According to Voni Wyatt, the program’s director of development, Arts ‘n Autism fills a need for families dealing with autism because so many of them cannot attend typical programs or activities.

“Arts ‘n Autism’s after school program is filling a need for so many of the working families in West Alabama that have children with autism. It gives their children a safe place to be until they get off work,” Wyatt said. “There is a fee for the program, but it is the program’s policy not to turn anyone away because they cannot pay. Fundraisers such as this one help us fill the gap.”

For more information or to order flowers, go to www. tuscaloosaflowershoppe.com or call (205) 758-3065.

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SCHOOLS 19

February 2015

Northport teacher wins ‘Education Oscar’

Tuscaloosa Academy student to work as Senate page in Washington D.C. Tuscaloosa Academy 11th grader Madison Elmore will spend her spring semester in Washington D.C. working as a U.S. Senate Page for Senator Richard Shelby.

Elmore is one of only 30 students chosen for the Senate Page Program, out of hundreds who applied.

The prestigious Senate Page Program dates back to the 19th Century, allowing participants to see the inner workings of the Senate up close.

A page’s responsibilities range from delivering correspondence to Senators to helping prepare the floor for the legislative workday.

Elmore will work as a page until early June.

Pictured, from left: State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice, Krystle Bryant, Tuscaloosa County Schools District Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth D. Swinford and Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley.

Photo: Milken Family Foundation

Walker Elementary School fifth-grade science teacher Krystle Bryant won the Milken National Educator Award for her exceptional work.

The award, known as the “Education Oscar,” was presented to Bryant during an assembly at Walker Elementary in Northport on January 13.

Bryant, who is known for building strong relationships with students and sharing her successful classroom techniques with colleagues, was the only teacher chosen for the Milken Educator Award in the state of Alabama.

Bryant said she did not know she was receiving the honor when she and the students sat down for the assembly.

The Milken National Educator Award includes a $25,000 cash prize.

Alabama State Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice and Tuscaloosa County Schools District Superintendent Elizabeth Swinford were present at the ceremony for Bryant, along with Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Jane Foley.

Madison Elmore is one of 30 students chosen to participate in the Senate Page Program. Photo: Chelsea McKenna

SCHOOLS 21

February 2015

Local student receives citizenship award

Holy Spirit Catholic School Elementary students learn computer coding skills In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, the elementary students of Holy Spirit Catholic School in Tuscaloosa recently participated in the “Hour of Code” event organized by Mrs. Brake, school librarian, and sponsored by Code.org to teach computer coding skills.

Mrs. James’ and Mrs. Davis’ kindergarten class was the first to complete their Hour of Code to earn their certificates.

Students received a certificate when their Hour of Code was complete.

Want to learn about computer coding yourself? Just visit www.code.org.

Pictured, from left: Dan Lancaster, Jessica Eads, Mrs. Eads and Rev. Eads with Rosalind Holloman, DAR Good Citizens Chairman. Photo: Tuscaloosa Daughters of the American Revolution

The Chief Tuskaloosa Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution presented a Tuscaloosa Christian School student the 2015 Good Citizenship Award.

The student awarded was Jessica Nicole Eads of West Blocton.

Her parents are Rev. and Mrs. Eads. She received a certificate, a pin and a monetary award for her winning essay.

Miss Eads plans to attend God’s Bible School and College in Cincinnati after graduating from high school.

Holy Spirit Catholic School elementary students completed an hour of learning basic computer coding skills. Photo: Laurie Mitchell

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22 SCHOOLS

February 2015

How can you tell when someone

Really Loves You?

by Alicia Jenne’

Ahhhhh…….February! A month so full of promise and possibility. February is all puffy pink hearts and red roses. It is hugs and kisses and X’s and O’s. It’s the anticipation of a real handwritten letter or card in the mailbox, not just an email in your inbox amongst the necessary daily interactions and to-do’s. It is silly conversation hearts, chocolate covered everything and helium balloons dancing in the breeze. It is the very favorite holiday of school children everywhere.

They adore Valentine’s Day - more than Halloween, more than Thanksgiving, and even more than Christmas.

Ask a veteran teacher and he or she will tell you it is true. No one really knows why Valentine’s Day holds such a magical allure with school children. I believe it is because they see it as a holiday to share completely and totally with their friends…..and the cookies with sprinkles, candy and cards are just a bonus.

I’ll bet you can remember a time when you

got a note that read, “I love you. Do you love me? Check Yes or No…….”

Since the sun is shining and love is in the air, I asked some students at Rock Quarry Elementary how they could tell when someone really loved them. I think their answers will surprise you. The answers aren’t about the store-bought, cellophane-wrapped, bits of commercialism.

These little ones certainly know the true meaning of love, and they were not shy about speaking straight from the heart.

“I asked some students at Rock Quarry Elementary how they could tell when someone really loved them.”

Alicia Berry Jenne’ is a Nationally Board Certified Kindergarten teacher at Rock Quarry Elementary School. She is the 2013 Elementary Teacher of the Year for Tuscaloosa City Schools and the 2013Jacksonville State Teacher of the Year. Photos: Alicia Jenne’

Ainslee: “Because God loves them and that makes them be able to love others.”

Walt: “You know they love you when they give you hugs and kisses.”

Owen: “Because they clean the floor and the kitchen and they hug and kiss you!”

Wren: “They are just kind to you and that’s how you know.”

Kennedy: “Because they give you lots of hugs and kisses.”

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24 SPORTS

February 2015

Bass fishing growing in college, high school ranks

By Stan J. Griffin In certain pockets of the country, bass fishing is not only a popular sport, or an alternative to traditional sports such as football and baseball – it’s an addiction.

For many, it’s something they’ve grown up in and around for most of their lives.

Bass fishing is experiencing a significant surge in even more places nationwide, including right here in West Alabama.

The professional bass fishing circuit continues to seemingly grow by leaps and bounds every year, and it is very lucrative in terms of growing publicity and

financial prosperity with various associations and anglers and also ever-increasing sponsorships and coverage relative to the sport.

Recently, bass fishing has exploded on the college level as well. There are now over 600 college-level and university-level teams across the country according to Boys’ Life. Now, bass fishing has become a new addition as a regular (and increasingly popular) sport on the high school athletic scene.

In 2009, Illinois became the first state to officially sanction bass fishing as a high school sport. Kentucky followed that lead in 2012.

Alabama, and West Alabama in general, is also beginning to experience more growth and big success

Members of the Northridge High School Bass Team include (Front row, L to R): Daniel Allen, Jack Diaz, Drake Cross, Sam Falls and Payton Woolley and (Back row, L to R): Mike Smith, North Patterson, Austin Smith, Parker Green, Parker Stroud, Scott Monk, Cameron Lake and Joe Woolley Photo: Joe Woolley

with bass fishing as a sport on the prep level.

Joe Woolley of the Northridge High School Bass team noted that Tuscaloosa has had bass fishing teams on the high school level for three years, with nine schools currently participating with it. These include Northridge High, Tuscaloosa County High, Hillcrest, Northside, Sipsey Valley, Tuscaloosa Academy, American Christian, Brookwood and Holt.

Woolley said Tuscaloosa County boasts 75 anglers on the high school level, with Tuscaloosa County High as the largest in the nation with 38 anglers.

“Hide A Way Harbor offers our anglers a fun and competitive trail on a local level along with Alabama Bass nation offering competition on a state and National level,” Woolley said. “We will have a state qualifying tournament on Lake Tuscaloosa on March 21. This will be a very large event in excess of 100 boats, and we would like for any local businesses that would like to help with sponsorship or any type of involvement in the positive growth of our area students to contact any area team coach or Johnny Clarkour local director.”

Woolley said he sees the growth of bass fishing with students in local schools as a positive for those participating young people, and also for the Tuscaloosa/West Alabama community in general.

“I would really like to see excessive growth in high school bass fishing, as this is a positive that these young men and women can focus on and not all the negative that is impacting so many,” he said. “They are learning a life skill that can be passed on to their children. And, if truly successful, it can earn them a scholarship for college and a high-earning lifetime career. An angler wins just one large tournament and they are set for life, I would love to see that from one of our anglers.”

SPORTS 25

February 2015

Tuscaloosa Half Marathon sure to be fun for all ages

By Stan J. Griffin The 2015 Tuscaloosa Half Marathon is set for Saturday, March 7. This event is an effort to promote physical fitness and provide a challenging, fun running experience for all ages in a family-friendly event.

The Half Marathon also helps to support several worthy organizations around the Tuscaloosa and West Alabama area, and it showcases various defining, popular and historical areas of the Druid City.

The third-annual Half Marathon will begin at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, with activities related to it beginning on Friday of that weekend, also at the amphitheater.

Avid runner Kelsey Colglazier, one of the driving forces behind the volunteer-oriented event, said she was part of a group who, during a meeting in 2012, decided to bring such an event to the city. The group also included individuals from Read Bama Read (established after the April 27, 2011 tornado), the Kiwanis Club of Greater Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission.

“We started meeting and talking about the logistics, the plans and what we wanted to do, and 2013 was our first race,” she said. “The first year we had right around 1,000 runners, which was phenomenal for the first time. Last year, the race grew about five percent, so we had around 1,100 registered participants. We are looking like we are on track to grow about the same, or a little more, for this year, so we’ll have probably close to 1,200 Half Marathon runners.”

Colglazier noted that a one-mile fun run was also included during the first two years of the event, with about 250 participating in 2013 and 400 in 2014. She said a 5K run has been added for this year’s event to go along with the half marathon and the fun run.

“As we have started to grow, we’ve really talked more about our brand and what our mission is, yes, we want to encourage healthy living and healthy lifestyles, but really when it comes down to it, our core, and the reason why we’re doing this is, to make a difference in our community,” she said.

Colglazier credits great sponsorships, community partnerships and runners with helping the event grow and raise money for area charities.

“We’ve been able to donate to these two benefitting charities (Read Bama Read and The Kiwanis Club) $60,000 each year. The neat thing is, and this is why I love working with these charities so much, is because they want to give back even more. ... What they did last year is they took their $60,000 and they

The Tuscaloosa Half Marathon will take place March 7 beginning at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, where family-friendly events will be held. City of Tuscaloosa

divided that up into even more. (The money ultimately also went to) Arts and Autism, Rise Tuscaloosa, Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama, SMA, Thomas Plott Foundation and the Literacy Council of West Alabama. That to me was just remarkable. That identifies what our core values are. All of our race proceeds are going back to our local community. Our community is really benefitting from the event.”

On Friday of the race weekend there will be a Race Expo, where various local vendors will be on hand with food samples and other products. On Saturday, the Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m., the Fun Run begins at 7:15 a.m. and the 5K starts at 7:30 a.m.

“What we are trying to focus a little more on this year is the whole race experience,” Colglazier said. “We’re going to do a lot better job of having more entertainment on the course, whether that is cheerleaders or bands or just businesses that are cheering people on as well.”

She also said the course itself will allow participants to experience areas such as The Strip, the University of Alabama Quad, and areas where there are attractive and historic homes.

“It is really all encompassing of what Tuscaloosa is,” she said.

More information about the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon can be found at www.tuscaloosahalfmarathon.org

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26 CALENDAR

February 2015

Calendar of Events FEBRUARY

Sundown Lecture Series: Feb. 12, 5:15-6:30 p.m. Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion, downtown Tuscaloosa. The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society presents “Patterns of the Presidents,” featuring speaker Ian Crawford discussing White House china from George Washington to present day. This event is free to TCPS members; $5 for non-members. For more information, visit www.HistoricTuscaloosa.org or call Lucy Murphy at (205) 394-1648.

Alabama Blues Project Spring After-School Camp: Thursdays starting Feb. 12, Arcadia Elementary School, Tuscaloosa. The camp is designed for beginner and advanced students ages 8-18. Students can choose instruction in their choice of guitar, harmonica, drums, or vocals. Financial aid is available.

For more information or to register, pcontact Anna Jenks at (205) 752-6263 or info@alabamablues.org.

Black Warrior Film Festival: Feb. 13-15, UA campus and downtown Tuscaloosa. This event, produced for students and by students, showcases student films from across the Southeast and award-winning industry professionals. For more information and a full schedule of events, please visit www.blackwarriorfilmfest.com.

2015 West Alabama Heart Walk: Feb. 14, 8 a.m.

Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre. . Festivities include music, refreshments, a kid zone with toys and games, health screenings and healthy living information, a dedicated survivor area, 3-mile walk and much more. For more information, visit www.westalheartwalk.org or contact GSAWestAL@heart.org or (205) 510-1551.

Druid City Garden Project Presents “Prune Those Perennials”: Feb. 14, 10-11:30 a.m. Oakdale Elementary School, Tuscaloosa. Looking for a fun couple’s activity on Valentine’s Day? Want to spruce up your roses in time for spring or get your fruit trees ready to produce in the summer? Join Joseph Wright to learn how to prune a variety of shrubs, vines, and trees for your garden. Suggested donation for couples: $30; singles, $20. For more information, email info@druidcitygardenproject.org.

2015 Great Tuscaloosa Chili Cookoff: Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bryant Conference Center, Tuscaloosa. This annual event, sponsored by the Tuscaloosa Exchange Club, includes children’s activities, live entertainment, refreshments and of course, excellent chili. Sample 40 varieties and vote for your favorite!

Cost: $10. For more information, visit www.tuscaloosaexchange.org or call (205) 464-4663.

Bal Masque XXII, Mystic Krewe of the Druids: Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. This annual event benefits West Alabama Aids Outreach (WAAO). For more information, visit www.kreweofthedruids.org or email info@kreweofthedruids.org.

Book Signing, Writers Wanted: Feb. 17, 4-6:00 p.m. Shelton State Community College Atrium. The Shelton State Alumni Association is hosting a book signing for local writers. Contact Ronda Shirley at

(205) 391-2252 or email rshirley@sheltonstate.edu.

Junior League New Member Interest Meeting: Feb. 19, 6 p.m. 2139 4th Street, Tuscaloosa. Interested potential Junior League of Tuscaloosa members who attend this meeting will learn more about what they can gain from Junior League membership and more. The deadline for active and sustainer members to submit intent to sponsor forms is March 2. For more information on nominating a potential member, visit www.jltuscaloosa.org.

Theatre Tuscaloosa Presents Wit: Feb. 20 – March 1, Bean-Brown Theatre, Tuscaloosa. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Margaret Edson takes place in the last few hours of the life of Dr. Vivian Bearing (Drew Baker), an English professor, dying of ovarian cancer. During these hours, Vivian reflects on her life, largely using wit from the early 17th century English poet, John Donne. To purchase tickets, visit www.theatretusc.com or call the Theatre Tuscaloosa Box Office at (205) 391-2277.

The Church at Tuscaloosa Women’s Ministry Spring Retreat: Feb. 20-21. 6120 Watermelon Road, Tuscaloosa. TCAT’s annual Women’s Retreat’s theme is “Your Best You,” and it will focus on making the most of your spiritual, mental and physical life. National comedian Jeanne Robertson will speak on Saturday the 21st at 1 p.m. Tickets for Saturday are $20 (group purchase available). For more information about the retreat, call (205) 759-8050.

Arts ‘N Autism Connections Support Group Meeting and Night of Respite Childcare: Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m. 2625 8th Street, Tuscaloosa. This meeting is for families living with autism and developmental disabilities. The guest speaker is Dr. Ashley Perry on “Respite for the Soul.” After the parent/caregiver meeting, a night of respite childcare is planned from 6:30 to 10 p.m. provided by Arts ‘N Autism. Cost: $15 per child and $20 per family for ages 12 and under. For more information, call (205) 247-4990.

The Glow Run 5k, Feb 21, 6 p.m., Old Farmer’s Market parking lot, downtown Tuscaloosa. The Glow Run 5k is an event for the whole family! To register, visit glowrun5k.com.

Bear Creek Manor Bridal Expo: Feb. 22, 4 -7 p.m. 301 Bear Creek Cutoff Road, Tuscaloosa. Tour the venue and meet with wedding coordinators, caterers, florists, photographers, DJs, lighting experts, dress shops and more. RSVP with name, telephone number and number of guests attending to bmi.weddings@gmail.com or call (205) 210-5300 for free entry ($5 at the door).

Crossing Points Job Fair: Feb. 24, 10 a.m.

Ferguson Center, University of Alabama campus.

Crossing Points, based at the University of Alabama teaches job skills to special needs adults ages 18-21.

For more information, call (205) 348-8124.

4th Annual Wind Down with Rotary: Tuscaloosa Morning Rotary Club. Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m.

Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, downtown

Tuscaloosa. Enjoy an evening of delicious food paired with spectacular wines. Proceeds benefit West Alabama charities as well as a Rotary international service project. Tickets: $50 donation. For more information, call (205) 527-5038 or email rusty@ uwwa.org The Actor’s Charitable Theatre presents Into the Woods: Feb. 27-March 2, Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. One of Stephen Sondheim’s most popular works (and now a popular movie), this Broadway musical is directed by Joey Lay. Tickets: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $16 for students.

For more information, including to purchase tickets, visit www.theactonline.com or call (205) 393-2800.

Krispy Kreme Challenge: Feb. 28, 10 a.m. Government Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa. Participants run one mile, pick up one dozen doughnuts, and run one mile back to the finish line. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama. For more info or to register, visit www.tuscaloosakkc.com.

40th Annual Brunch for Boobs: Feb. 28, 9:3011:30 a.m. Bryant Conference Center, University of Alabama campus. The Soroptimist International of Tuscaloosa’s annual “Brunch for Boobs” event helps to raise money for projects focused on women and girls in the community. The guest MC is Beth Albright, and a spring style show by select retailers from Midtown Village will be held. For more information, visit www.brunchforboobs.com, call (205) 246-2360 or email brunchforboobs@gmail.com.

Greek Preview Day: Feb. 28, 1 p.m. Coleman Coliseum, University of Alabama campus. The University of Alabama’s Spring Greek Preview Day offers incoming students (and their parents) a chance to get to know what fraternity and sorority life is about at UA. Registration and check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. To register, visit memberplanet.com/s/ alabama_ifc/2015greekpreviewday.

Art Night in downtown Northport: Thursday, March 5, 5 - 8 p.m. Main Avenue, Northport. This event is free to the public. For more information, visit www.tuscarts.org/artnight.

LUNAFEST Film Festival: March 9, 6 p.m. reception and silent auction, 7 p.m. show time. Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. LUNAFEST, presented by the UA Women and Gender Resource Center, showcases short films by, for and about women.

The event also helps to raise money for the Breast Cancer Fund and the Resource Center. Tickets: $15.

To purchase, visit www.lunafest.org/tuscaloosa0309.

The Druid City Arts Festival is looking for artists and musicians to participate in this year’s event, which will be held on Saturday, April 11 at Tuscaloosa’s Government Plaza from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Registration is currently open for artists at www.druidcityartsfestival.com. For more information, contact Brandt Garrison, Manager for Communications and Public Relations for Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports, at (205) 391-9200 or bgarrison@visittuscaloosa.com.

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28 FOOD

February 2015

February Recipes: The Healthy and the Sweet

by Amy Poore

Ah, February: A month for Mardi Gras parties, sweet treats…and the month you realize that you might not be sticking with that whole “eat healthier” New Year’s resolution you made just a few weeks ago.

It’s tough to keep up a healthy eating regimen, but it’s much easier if you have recipes that are also really, really good. Honestly, up until this past year, I haven’t found many recipes that were both healthy and delicious. But I did find a few, and I’m sharing one with you this month! This chopped kale salad is satisfying and nutritious.

Chopped Kale Salad • 6 cups of chopped kale (chopped into small bites) • ½ cup toasted almonds • ½ cup Craisins • 1½ cup cooked, whole grain quinoa Dijon Vinaigrette • 2 teaspoons prepared Dijon mustard (store bought is great) • 3 Tablespoon red wine vinegar • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil • 2 teaspoons of sugar • Salt and pepper, to taste For the salad: In a large bowl, toss together the kale, almonds, Craisins and quinoa. Stir in dressing.

For the vinaigrette: Whisk together the mustard and the vinegar, slowly whisk in olive oil.

Season with salt and pepper.

Serve alone or with a protein of your choice.

Kevin Davis Sydney Cook Emilee Scheeff Steve Wyatt

S

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Estates

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Now, let’s discuss the other side of the coin: Your sweet tooth!

Are you having a Mardi Gras party this year? Do you just want to get in the spirit? If so, these mini king cakes are so cute and so easy and fun to make.

Bon appétit!

Mini King Cakes • 1 refrigerated pizza dough • 4 tablespoons butter (melted; plus more for brushing) • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon • 3/4 teaspoon lemon zest • 1/3 teaspoon salt Frosting • 1½ cup powdered sugar • 6 tsp milk • 1/2 tsp vanilla • Yellow, green and purple colored sugar Preheat oven to 350º and grease an 8-10 inch cake pan.

Combine sugars, cinnamon, lemon zest and salt by smashing together with fingers. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar mixture.

Roll dough lengthwise to form a log and cut into 1½ inch pieces.

Place cut side down on prepared cake pan. Brush cakes with melted butter. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown but not crispy. While cooking, mix together powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. When cakes are cooled slightly, flip onto an inverted plate, frost and sprinkle with colored sugar.

FOOD 29

February 2015

Taste of Tuscaloosa

Valentine’s Day Dining Guide

by Sheena Gregg

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to dine and wine your love at one of Tuscaloosa’s fine area restaurants. No matter what your sweetheart may be in the mood for, there are plenty of dining options to choose from on the most romantic night of the year.

Check out our recommendations to ensure you’ve got a reservation for you and your sweetie!

Photo: Chuck’s Fish

Chuck’s Fish

Photo: Sheena Gregg

Epiphany

If your date supports all things local, Epiphany’s farm-to-table dining concept has you covered. With local farms such as Katie Farms, Stone Hollow, and Snow’s Bend inspiring the dishes, you can be sure that your dining experience will be one to remember. With a Valentine’s prix fixe menu that will feature five courses and wine specials, patrons are encouraged to make reservations as soon as possible to ensure they have a spot. To learn more about Epiphany, visit www.epiphanyfarm2fork.com.

Photo: Kozy’s

Kozy’s

If your sweetie demands fine dining, Kozy’s has you covered. With a long-time presence in Tuscaloosa, it’s no surprise that Kozy’s continues to ensure that patrons have the best dining experience possible. Beverages are vast with an impressive wine list featuring approximately 180 wines from the U.S., France, and Italy. A chocolate bread pudding infused with whiskey caramel and ice cream will appease both your date and sweet tooth. Patrons can visit www.killionrestaurants.com/kozys/ to make reservations online.

Sweet Home Food Bar

Evangeline’s

Photo: Sheena Gregg

Is your beau or belle in the mood for sushi? Chuck’s Fish should be your focus on this romantic night. Succulent seafood, wood-oven pizzas, and unique cocktails will let your date know that you’ve got great taste in food. If you want an even more novel dining experience, consider eating upstairs at the bar to watch your artist prepare your sushi creation. Visit www.chucksfish. com for more details on menu specials and Valentine’s Day hours.

With food just as luxurious as its atmosphere, Evangeline’s is the picturesque setting for a romantic night out.

Diners will delight in menu classics and new dishes inspired by local finds.

The attention to detail from the servers will make you and your loved one feel like you’re the only ones in the restaurant. Seared scallops, crab cakes, and a host of hors d’oeuvres will convince you that Tuscaloosa truly has the best food in the south. Visit www.facebook.com/EvangelinesRestaurant for reservation information.

Eclectic, hip, and fresh, Sweet Home Food Bar provides a unique atmosphere that is new to Tuscaloosa. Patrons may be used to the breakfast and lunch fare that’s typically offered, but a prix fixe menu especially for Valentine’s Day dinner will wow your foodie senses. With a self-proclaimed tagline that boasts “New York meets Tuscaloosa,” you won’t regret making a trip downtown to the Food Bar. Check out www. sweethomefoodbaral.com for more details.

Photo: Sweet Home Food Bar

30 WELLNESS

February 2015

Get your mind right and your rear in gear

by Emily English

Well, here we are: It’s February. Are you sticking to those resolutions? Did you give up fighting the crowds during Fitness Center Tourist Season?

By now you’ve likely realized that intentions won’t magically transform into rewarding results.

Resolutions are great, but only if they turn into lasting solutions, and there’s plenty of time left in 2015 to conquer goals with vitality, purpose and discipline.

Consider applying these principles: 1. Honestly identify your readiness. How ready are you to make necessary changes? When you’re ready to do things differently to achieve improved results, align resources for success.

• No Chance (Precontemplation) • Thinkin’ ‘Bout It (Contemplation) • Fixin’ To (Preparation) • On It (Action) • Keepin’ On (Maintenance) 2. Answer why this goal matters to you. Self-selected goals have a higher chance of success, than what anyone else thinks you should do. What is your intrinsic, or internal, motivation for wanting to achieve this goal? How much does it matter to you?

3. Change your mind, to change your results.

Replace deprivation (I can’t have that) with Discipline (“I can have that but I choose to hold out for what I want most, over what I want this minute”).

You’re the boss of you. What matters most? You are worth keeping a promise to yourself.

4. Practice the Process. Players emphasize fundamentals, basics, and continued improvement, not the scoreboard. Concentrate on actions. In money management, collect and use coupons, clean out a

closet to consign goods, or apply for another job. For improved health, drink more water, increase exercise frequency, go to bed earlier, prepare more vegetables and lean protein. Avoid staring at the scale.

5. Modify in increments. Making many changes at once feels unnatural, leads to exhaustion, and reduces long-term adherence. Pick one small behavior to practice for a week. Achieve one then add a new, small, positive action each week.

6. Replace old habits with positive alternatives.

If online shopping at night causes you to spend money and delay sleep, try reading a book in a quiet room instead. If quick lunches included fried food, pack healthy food you enjoy, or order grilled options.

7. Arrange visible cues to action. A favorite, reusable water bottle beside the sink beckons, “Drink more water.” A packed gym bag in the car eliminates morning delays, or after-work excuses.

8. Persevere. New behaviors require consistency to become engrained habits. Celebrate with rewards that encourage, not sabotage, your pursuits.

9. Allow accountability. Tell a trusted friend your plans. Positive changes are easier with positive social support. Enlist committed companions.

10. Track your progress. Weekly, quarterly, yearly achievements, i.e. volunteer hours, dollars saved, hours of exercise - allow you to monitor and modify activities according to your goals and timelines.

Emily English, MPH, a former fat kid turned renaissance athlete, health coach, and fitness consultant studied Physical Activity, Obesity & Southern Culture, and now offers personal training, group seminars, corporate wellness, and her favorite: Faith & Fitness talks. Email Emily at eenglish@ homefitconsulting.com to learn more.

Garden Tips: Planning, Pruning and Planting

by Pam Sloan, Tuscaloosa County Master Gardener Class of 2009 February is a fabulous month for gardening projects! It’s time to look at your entire landscape and decide what needs to be accomplished to make your yard and gardens healthy and more beautiful.

It is a great time to study magazines, books, internet sites and, even better…meet folks in your neighborhood whose yards you admire and find out how they did it.

February is a perfect time to plan, prune and plant.

Plan for what you want to accomplish during the growing season. Take photos of your home and grounds. As you study the photos you will see things

that you may not notice every day. Are there drainage or erosion problems? Have your shrubs or lawn been damaged by deer, armadillos, or wild hogs? Do you need to focus on curb appeal? Do shrubs and trees need to be pruned away from your home? Do you want to create a new garden area? What do you want to plant? When should you plant seeds, transplants, shrubs, or trees? Where do you start?!

First, go by the Tuscaloosa County Extension Office in the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse Annex.

There are hundreds of publications that can help you with topics above and more.

While there, pick up instructions and a container for taking soil samples in your yard. This information is extremely beneficial in helping you prepare your soil for plants you are considering adding.

Next, decide what you want to do yourself or what you want to hire someone to do. Do your homework, and make sure to hire someone who is insured and certified to do the work.

Contact utility companies to mark your yard before digging. The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) created the “Call Before You Dig” campaign, which is a federally-mandated national 811 number. Landscapers, homeowners and individuals starting a project that requires digging are encouraged to call the 811 number to protect against unintentionally hitting underground utility lines.

If you are simply pruning a few overgrown shrubs remember this general rule of thumb: If the plant begins blooming before May, prune immediately after blooms fade; if the plant begins to bloom in May or later, prune in late February or early March, before the start of new spring growth.

To learn more about proper pruning techniques and tools, pick up publication ANR-0258 at the extension office or go online to https://store.aces.edu/ to download a copy.

Planting should be the last thing that you do.

Know the needs of the plant and how large it will grow before planting. To learn more about specific plants and how to care for them, visit local nurseries and talk with horticulturists. Consider taking classes to become a Master Gardener.

The next classes begin at the Tuscaloosa County Extension Office Auditorium on Feb. 17. Applications are available online or at the office. Call (205) 349-4630 for more information.

Taking the time to plan ahead and prune now will result in stunning, beautiful plants to enjoy all season long.

Photo: Shawna Coronado