June Druid City Living - Tuscaloosa Alabama

June 2015 - Volume 2, Issue 6

Tuscaloosa’s Feel Good News

Tuscaloosa going BIG for Fourth of July

Full Story and Detailed Map on Pages 14-17

Free Concerts at Government Plaza Turn to Page 29 to read all

about these fun, free, family friendly events in June

Deontay Wilder to Defend Boxing Title

Full Story on Page 22

Inside This Issue About Us City News Opinion Community Sports Outdoor Marketplace Calendar Food Home & Garden

2 4 6 10 DruidCityLiving 22 24 27 27 @DruidCityLiving 28 30

Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Tuscaloosa, AL Permit No. 116

facebook.com/DruidCityLiving

How to make sure Your Grass is Always Greener Tips & Tricks for Summer Lawn Maintenence

By Tori Linville Summer has arrived and so has prime landscaping season. It’s time to take stock: Is the lawn becoming more lush and green, or more brittle and brown? What can a homeowner do if it’s the latter? With the tips and tricks we’ve collected from some of Tuscaloosa’s lawn and garden experts, a greener lawn can be in your horizon.

Tom Ball, owner of West Alabama Yardworks, said he recommends staying on track with watering in order to maintain a healthy lawn. Ball said by staying on top of watering the yard, weeds will be less of a problem.

“If you get behind [with watering] it’s an uphill battle,” he said. “Fertilize when you’re supposed to depending on what grass you have.”

Continued on Page 30

2 ABOUT CEO Josh Watkins (205) 529-5723

June 2015

Photo of the Month To get your photo printed in Druid City Living, tag @druidcityliving on Instagram or tag us on Facebook with your best picture showing what it means to live in Tuscaloosa.

Josh@druidcitymedia.com

Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin (205) 246-2977 Laurie@druidcitymedia.com Visuals Editor Christopher Edmunds (205) 541-7092

Christopher@druidcitymedia.com

Senior Marketing Consultant Heath Hendrix (205) 792-1155

Heath@druidcitymedia.com

Marketing Consultant Tom Sommerville (205) 393-6396

Tom@druidcitymedia.com

Marketing Consultant Britney McComb (256) 476-6888

Britney@druidcitymedia.com

Contact Us

256-346-5321 Druid City Living 2802 7th St Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

A little rain did not dampen the spirits of everyone who attended Tuscaloosa’s Memorial Day services on Monday, May 25. It was an emotional program, honoring the brave men and women who died in service. The service included the Presentation of Colors by the Paul W. Bryant High School USMC ROTC Color Guard. Marine Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Devin Watkins was among the participants. Watkins is attending the American Legion Boys State program this summer at the University of Alabama. He will graduate from Bryant High School in 2016. Photo: Nicolas Britto

Now Open

4 CITY NEWS

June 2015

Mayor’s Minute – June 2015 Dear friends and neighbors, In the life of every community, there are seminal moments that define its trajectory. For Tuscaloosa, we are in that moment.

In April, we announced landmark local revenue redistribution legislation that will provide a stable funding source for local schools and local transportation infrastructure projects without raising taxes. On May 21, Gov. Robert Bentley signed the bill into law.

Countless discussions, ideas and negotiations have built this landmark legislation that will transform our schools, infrastructure and ultimately our quality of life.

For our local school systems, the legislation provides a stable funding source to meet future needs and to fund critical academic programs.

For our highway infrastructure, this sets in place the funding mechanism to complete more than $225 million in highway improvements and expansions in the next five to 10 years across the Tuscaloosa community, including the McWrights Ferry Road and the Martin Luther King Jr./Jack Warner Parkway extensions and improvements to McFarland Boulevard and Highway 69.

I am extremely proud of the City’s role in this process.

From the very beginning, the City had an uncompromising commitment to ensure that our children had the resources to compete and thrive in the dynamic landscape of the 21st Century.

From the very beginning, the City had an uncompromising commitment to ensure that our transportation networks would be modernized and expanded to meet the needs of all in our growing community.

From the very beginning, I was heartened by our City Council who understood that our responsibilities often extend beyond political and geographical boundaries.

To reach this historic moment, it took the willingness of so many, especially our elected leadership in Tuscaloosa County. I want to express my sincere appreciation to Judge Hardy McCollum, Mayor Bobby Herndon, Chairman Mark Nelson, Chairmen Lee Garrison, Representative Bill Poole and the entire Tuscaloosa County Legislative Delegation.

Our elected officials, along with their respective governments and school systems, demonstrated the willingness to chart a new course against often difficult and entrenched head winds of the status quo.

It made me proud to be part of this team, and honored to call Tuscaloosa my home.

For more info on the Transforming Tuscaloosa County legislation, go to Tuscaloosa.com.

Sincerely, Walter Maddox

The city of Tuscaloosa has gone GREEN with the Think Before You Toss!

Start Recycling in Tuscaloosa! Call 311 (205-248-5311) to Request a FREE Recycling Bin! ACCEPTED  Cardboard (corrugated, cereal boxes, etc...)

Please break down

 Newspapers & Magazines (any type)  Office Paper (junk mail, any color, etc…)

Bag for collection, staples, & plastic windows are ok

 Aluminum & Steel Cans  Plastics #1 (including bottles & trays) Plastic #2 Bottles Bottle tops & labels are OK  Plastic Film (grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, etc...)

Please bundle for collection

NOT ACCEPTED  Glass (not accepted until Summer 2015)  Metallic bags (i.e. inside cracker boxes)  Wax-lined containers  Diapers  Aluminum foil or plates  Plastics not listed on the accepted list

Place curbside recycling bin at the curb by 7:00 AM (6:00 AM during summer months) on your pick-up day to ensure collection.

Recycling is picked up the same day as your garbage and trash.

To request a new or additional recycling bin, call Tuscaloosa 311

Tuscaloosa Environmental Services Department 3440 Kauloosa Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 248-4900 www.tuscaloosa.com/recycle

6 OPINION

June 2015

The Mommy Chronicles: Hitting the Summer Learning Curve by Marlena Rice It is officially summer. Parents of older children probably just said a prayer of relief after that statement. For them, this hiatus in classroom learning means no more dropping off to school before work in the mornings, and no more late work lunches in order to make plays, parent teacher conferences, and holiday classroom parties.

I just heard multiple sighs of relief, because although we enjoy all of these things and love watching our little people discover themselves as they participate in their activities, my goodness, it gets exhausting!

But what happens when your child goes to school year-round?

I have a preschooler. And, although my son’s official preschool session has ended, as all preschool mothers know, the summer leaves us with 2 and 1/2 months of preparation for the next “big boy” and big girl” class come the fall. So, while our babies are attending preschool day camps full of movies, water days and other hot weather fun, it is up to us to continue enriching their learning experiences as they grow. Here are some great ideas:

Beaux William watches the giraffes at the Birmingham Zoo. Photo: Marlena Rice

Visit the Zoo Taking your child to the zoo can result in multiple lessons about a wide variety of land and sea animals.

Take photographs, and afterward your child will have pictures to reference as he learns the animals’ names and about the habitats in which they live.

Hit the Blue Go to the pool, the river, the beach or play around in the sprinklers in your front yard. It is never too early to teach our babies to enjoy and not to be afraid of the water. Visit a local department store, get some fun water floats and toys, and work on everything from

counting multiple buoys to learning to differentiate varying colors as you play together.

Flashcard Fun You know what your child loves more than anyone. “M” is for Mickey Mouse, and “P” may be for Popsicle. Your next step? Hit up your computer with your little one and find pictures that match your alphabet. Make flashcards. Sit together for 30 minutes to one hour each day and you will be surprised what can happen during summer break.

Explore the Outdoors If you live in a wooded area with lots of greenery or near a walking trail or park, grab your child’s stroller or wagon and go on a nature walk. Be on the lookout for flowers and plants, bugs, rabbits, and creepy crawlies that your littles ones might love (even if you don’t) and combine your exercise session with a lesson about plants and wildlife.

Take Up a Shared Hobby Despite the fact that most of us working parents don’t have a summer break like our children (and yes, I’m extremely envious of all my teacher friends), our kids’ summer freedom often means just a little more free time for us as well. If there is something that you love doing, whether it’s picking up the old guitar in your spare bedroom or taking photographs, incorporate your child into your hobby. Teach them a little more about the fun side of yourself.

Pictures are always fun and are such an easy and fun way to document our memories. Pack a picnic one day, grab your camera and buy a disposable one for your little person and have a photo day! Once you’re done, visit a crafts store and build your own scrapbooks or make a collage of your memory together.

Whatever you do, be sure to have fun with your kids this summer!

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June 2015

The Land of Oz: All Hail Fathers of Greatness

OPINION 7

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.” Wives can sometimes be obsessive compulsive.

Husbands can sometimes be obsessively repulsive.

Well, because we are men. And some men have a way of not being able to identify the unpleasantness of our own being. In other words, we can’t smell ourselves.

Men are primarily simplistic creatures, practically to a fault. My grandmother used to tell my father that to get by, all men needed was a bunk and a skillet.

And that is (almost) true.

Dads are all about priorities and contrary to popular belief, dad does have them, although they may not always match those of our superior female counterparts. It’s not that dad can’t remember things. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Dad can remember a plethora of seemingly worthless information that only men can prioritize by order of importance.

For instance, ask dad what team Alabama usually plays on the third Saturday in October? Or who won the National Championship in 1992? Or what time the race starts on Sunday? Or when hunting season begins and ends? Or all of the above.

See? That’s history. That’s current events. That’s relevance.

It’s not that we didn’t remember to fix the doorknob. It’s just that it hasn’t fallen off of the door yet.

It’s not that we forgot to clean out the garage. It’s just that there is still adequate space for you to pull your car in. It’s not that we forgot to call the plumber. It’s that the line was busy when we did.

We are the dads of the world. We are the maintainers, the providers. are the 1heroes of2:43 littlePM girls and1 Bradford Lipstick Half PgWe Ad_Layout 12/4/14 Page the role models of little boys.

We are men. We are fathers. And we are undeniably flawed. But our intentions are good although our execution may lean to the side of procrastination.

And while we may not know anything about some things, we know something about everything.

For that reason, all hail to the good dads of the world: the ones who fight the good fight, the ones who (eventually) finish their work, and the ones who mostly remember to roll the trash out on the correct pick-up days. Unless there’s a holiday during the week which throws everything off by a day. That confuses us.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to hug your dad on Father’s Day, then make sure you do. Everything in life is filled with imperfections, but the love of a man’s family can make our day perfect.

Follow me on Twitter @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

June 2015

Lake Living: Embracing Summer in the South by Allison Adams Congratulations! You have made it to summer (well unofficially), but school is out and hopefully things are slowing down a bit in your routine.

For all of you “Uh, uh, it’s not really summer yet” people, let me confirm that I know the first day of summer is June 21. If you want to get technical, it is at somewhere between 9:38 am and 12:38 p.m., depending on where you are standing, but pretty close for us here in the south.

After such a cold winter and a rainy spring, I’m eager to see if I even mind the scorching heat of southern summer this year. If so, I may just bear it and think of places such as Iceland, where June weather ranges between 47 and 53 degrees. Their official “summer” began on April 23.

Summer is a season, but for our kids, it is an extended holiday. All of our responsibilities we juggled with ease during the school year must now be combined with shuttling to and fro

for pool dates, summer camps and other activities. Hopefully, we can also coordinate a bit of wandering for our young explorers.

A recent broadcast of a couple investigated for allowing their children, ages 10 and six, to roam the streets made national news. The story opened my eyes to terms such as “helicopter parents” (a.k.a. busy bodies) and “freerange parents” (the ones at home wondering why they haven’t seen the kids in a while).

I was surrounded by both of these as a child growing up in Livingston. My best friend’s grandmother had ways of knowing when we’d ventured too far.

My mom would send us out the door saying, “Go play, check in for lunch and don’t be later than dark.” It was the way we rolled in a small town. Tuscaloosa neighborhoods are no different.

Many of us remember timeless, “last a decade-like” afternoons roaming the sidewalks, walking or on bikes, lunches

at the Dairy Queen where we snacked on a swirly cone, traversing creeks, culverts, pastures, and flag football games we just happened upon. There were no cell phones. Okay, maybe there was a pay phone - but who could keep a quarter in their hand while riding a bike?! We were adventurers! We didn’t carry purses! The end of the day was signaled by the subtle neon blinking of lightening bugs, as we’d say goodbye to our friends and peddle quickly home to see what was for dinner.

Being on the lake, it is hard to focus on work, I admit. The boat dock is usually dripping with kids, dogs and life jackets. This past month, my oldest graduated from college at Alabama. He’s headed to set the world on fire with his music. I just hope he remembers to take some time to savor the little things, to remember the mud pies, the ice cream truck and his little red plastic jeep.

While he is on the road chasing his

dream, I’ll be reminding myself to snuggle with his little sister (who just turned 10) and really immerse myself in her summer, while staying out of her way so she can explore, learn about the world and be completely carefree and creative the way we used to.

Before too long, the days of summer will lead us into fall.

Icelandic summers include a full 20 hours of daylight each day in June.

Here in the south, we’re given fewer hours of daylight – but many more hours of sunlight (Iceland’s summer includes, more often than not, lots of cloud cover).

So embrace the Southern Summertime! We can dream of summers elsewhere, but then we would miss out on all this sunshine, humidity (and sweat), and especially the adventures that are going on in our own back yards.

Blessings for a memorable summer, Allison Adams www.allisonpadams.com

Photo: Allison Adams

OPINION 9

June 2015

Give Life to Your Story: See First to Understand by Mike Green Business management guru Stephen Covey identified “seeking first to understand” as one of his 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The principle is that when you are facing conflict with someone, the best approach is not to make a case for your perspective, but to try hard to understand why the other person has a different perspective. Now, I can surely see the incredible benefits of this approach in a work environment, but if I could give only one piece of advice to the parent of a teenager this would be it…

How different would your relationship with your child be if you had the power to read their mind? If you not only knew what your teenage son or daughter thought, but why they thought it. Unfortunately, we have not been given such mystical abilities, but we have been given the amazing ability to ask questions and listen. Now this, as you know, is not as easy to do as those without teenage children might assume that it is. Listening to ideas and opinions that we don’t agree with, where we can easily see the illogical conclusions that are being drawn, takes superb patience. But the goal here is not to listen to your child’s ideas so you can correct them. No, the goal is to listen so you can understand your teenager.

So, let give me you an example of how this might work, and I will use an analogy from my work environment.

A colleague and I had a significant disagreement over an issue. Neither of us was willing to budge. But then, my work associate began to work hard at understanding why I was so adamant about my perspective. The harder he worked to understand the more willing I became to give a little. Eventually, we chose a compromise that looked very much like his original idea. Why? I felt like he valued my opinion. He valued me as a person, so I worked harder to find a solution with which we could both live.

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Does this always work? Of course not. Not every strategy for growing healthy and happy teenagers works every time. But I hope this new twist on Mr. Covey’s habit gives you another tool in your tool belt. I think you would agree that we need every tool we can find as our youth navigate their teen years.

Mike Green is Executive Director of Tuscaloosa Youth For Christ. He and his wife, Laura, have two grown children.

10 COMMUNITY

June 2015

Tales of

Local author and historian Jim Ezell is busily writing a collection of historical stories about the Druid City and surrounding areas, in hopes of publishing a book ahead of Tuscaloosa’s bicentennial celebration in 2019.

What began as genealogy search in 1992 quickly turned into a much larger project. As Ezell searched through over a century of newspapers at the University of Alabama’s Hoole Special Collections Library, he became fascinated by other articles from the Druid City.

Tuscaloosa

By Jim Ezell

“Hideous with their Howlings”: June 14, 1913

E.A. Powell was trying to sleep at his West Alabama home one evening in the late 1830s. Suddenly he awoke to frightening sounds and instantly knew the source—wolves! Over 50 years later Powell wrote: “In almost every part of the county they made night hideous with their howlings.

I have heard them break out in the swamp as late as ten o’clock in the morning, and less than half a mile from the house.”

The wolf was a widespread predator in early Alabama. Over half of Alabama’s 67 counties have features named for them—including Wolf Creek near Tuscaloosa. Additionally

The red wolf (Canis rufus) was found primarily in the South. Photo: National Digital Library, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services

Alabama’s major Indian tribes (Choctaw, Creek, Cherokee and Chickasaw) had clans or kinship groups named for the wolf. But as forests became farms and pastures, wolves were relentlessly hunted and their numbers declined drastically. One of the last local encounters was reported in the West Alabama Breeze on June 14, 1913. An 85 lb. wolf was killed in a rural area east of North River that now includes several Tuscaloosa neighborhoods.

It killed 14 sheep belonging to A. L. Kizziah and other livestock. According to the Department of Conservation the wolf disappeared from the state in about 1920.

Like wolves, black bears were widespread. Features are named for them in 51 Alabama counties. There are five Bear Creeks in Tuscaloosa County alone. Moody Swamp, partially within Tuscaloosa’s city limits, was once known as Bear Haven Swamp.

Choctaws and Creeks, the tribes nearest Tuscaloosa, had bear clans.

In Fifty-Five Years in West Alabama, E. A. Powell noted an early Kentuck (Northport) merchant who displayed a pet bear.

Perhaps the most feared predator was the panther (a.k.a. mountain lion, cougar, puma or catamount). Like the wolf, all four Alabama Indian tribes had panther clans. As late as 1891 they were still found locally. A “mad catamount” reportedly attacked some men in what became Tuscaloosa’s Rosedale and Kaulton neighborhoods. In 1953 a panther was said to have been killed at Lock 14 about six miles from the city, however, the last officially confirmed wild panther was in St. Clair County in the 1940s.

Not all local predators were mammals. In 1887 the Tuskaloosa Gazette reported that fishermen killed an 11-foot alligator south of town.

In early times alligators were found throughout Alabama south of the Tennessee Valley. As the state was settled, alligators became very rare. In 1938 Alabama became the first state to protect alligators and by the 1960s their numbers began to climb. In 2006 there was sufficient recovery to allow hunting. In 2010 a near 13 footer was removed after wandering from a Hale

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County lake owned by Tuscaloosa dentist William Wright. Big “Mo” was deemed a potential threat to nearby children. In 2014, an official world record specimen nearly 16 feet long and weighing over 1000 lb was taken near Camden, AL. Elk or “issi chito” (big deer) as they were known to the Choctaws, inhabited most of the state. According to the Department of Conservation they disappeared by the early 1800s. In 1916 an effort was made to reestablish them in Tuscaloosa and other counties.

The attempt failed in part because the elk became fond of vegetable gardens.

Recently wild herds have been established in several nearby states.

The largest mammal occurring in historic times in Alabama was the American bison or buffalo. Their original range covered much of the United States. By 1800, bison were largely gone from the East, probably disappearing from Alabama in the early 1700s. Early settler John Ezell attempted to establish a herd in Autauga County in 1825 with animals purchased from a Mexican horse trader but the attempt failed. The massive beasts refused to be fenced.

Except for alligators, wolves, bears, panthers, elk and bison are absent or relatively rare in Alabama. However, through conservation and restoration efforts most will likely return to at least part of their former habitats.

If you have a comment or question for local historian and author Jim Ezell, you can email him at Ezell0071@comcast.net.

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12 COMMUNITY

June 2015

Volunteers needed for ‘Day of Action’ event

By Tori Linville United Way of West Alabama had a record-setting number of volunteers for its Day of Action last year and looks to top its numbers again this year. This year’s Day of Action is June 19, and local volunteers will focus on a variety of projects to help those in need.

While the work load varies, so do the volunteers. Individuals from all different backgrounds emerge to complete simple tasks, such as painting, landscaping and more. Julie Mann, the communications director for United Way of West Alabama, said the Day of Action makes an unexpected impact.

“Because we focus our energy into one ‘big’ day, it allows us to make a bigger impact with limited resources,” Mann said. “Nonprofits and schools are all invited at one time to submit requests, as opposed to trying to help one-by-one. Volunteers can plan for the day and have a lot of project options.

But ultimately, when you have hundreds of volunteers working throughout the day on multiple projects, a lot gets done.”

Mann said United Way does its best to pair volunteers with projects that suit them. With each nonprofit, daycare and school allowed to submit

projects for volunteers to work on, there’s something for everyone.

Last year’s Day of Action had almost 300 volunteers, and volunteers for 2015 are still being recruited, Mann said. Some projects have already been assigned and others still need volunteers.

The Girl Scouts still need help packing and moving office space, the Tracy Dent Foundation needs brick laid for a shelter and King’s Home of Tuscaloosa needs pressure washing, deck staining and more.

Organizations involved include the Alabama Alumni Association, Hamner Real Estate and others. Individual volunteers are always welcome, and employers use the Day of Action as a team-building exercise for employees, Mann said.

“It’s really all about doing as much as you can in one day for the community,” she said. “Some volunteers work all day, some choose the morning or afternoon shift. Some come as a part of a team, others as individuals. There’s something everyone can do to help.”

Those interested in volunteering their time for the Day of Action can sign up at uwwa.org.

Last year’s Day of Action brought out nearly 300 volunteers, including Gina Simpson and Brandt Garrison. Photo: Julie Mann, United Way of West Alabama

COMMUNITY 13

June 2015

Youth Making a Difference: Deaf Teen Quest comes to Tuscaloosa

By Tori Linville A team of students with Deaf Teen Quest is coming to Tuscaloosa July 6 through the 11 in affiliation with Youth for Christ, a Christian youth organization.

Teams from cities like Mobile and Atlanta will visit Tuscaloosa to work with Project Blessings.

The team will be comprised of 15 to 20 deaf and hard of hearing students and staff, said Mike Green, Tuscaloosa’s Youth for Christ director. The team will help others who don’t have the resources or capacity

to do their own home repairs under the guidance of Project Blessings, he said.

“One of our principles is that people need to serve, because sometimes we’re so focused on ourselves,” he said. “Sometimes they think all programs should be there to meet their needs, and we’re trying to show them that there are other people with other needs. It gives them a perspective that there are others out there who can help in many different ways.”

Youth for Christ provides outreach to high school and middle school aged students, specifically through

the Campus Life and Teen Moms programs in Tuscaloosa. Under Project Blessings, the deaf and hard of hearing students will complete different chores for those in need. Green said Youth for Christ does not provide outreach to just any one church.

“Chores change daily from painting, cleaning, roof repairs to landscaping,” Green said. “They complete low skill type of projects that a team can knock out but that a family can feel overwhelmed with. It’s a variety of home repairs in that way.”

Green said the benefits of helping with Project Blessings and Deaf Teen Quest are more than just helping those in need. He said most students come away with a sense of being helped themselves.

“I think the common story is that kids come thinking that it’s about giving to others and it definitely is, but they’re incredibly blessed because they come to the realization that they can help somebody else,” he said. “They come to help not realizing it [serving] gives a different perspective of themselves and that God gives them what they need to help others.”

With students not expecting to get as much out of it as they actually do, Green said Deaf Teen Quest offers a great chance to come and meet its group of students, especially for those with children who are hearing impaired. The five essentials for YFC’s Deaf Teen Quest are widespread prayer, loving relationships, faithful Bible teaching, adults who empower and collaborative community strategy.

A dinner and program will be hosted at the Campus Life building, located at 1401 McFarland Blvd. North at 6 p.m. To find out more information about Deaf Teen Quest and Youth for Christ, those interested can call (205) 752-3361.

Students from Deaf Teen Quest visit Tuscaloosa annually to work with Project Blessings. Photo: Mike Green

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14 COMMUNITY

June 2015

Watersports, music, fireworks planned for July 4 celebration

By Tori Linville Tuscaloosa’s annual 4th of July Celebration by the River has the fireworks and the family friendly atmosphere that’s easy to enjoy for America’s birthday. But this year, a little twist has been added.

For 2015, the Malibu Cup will join the festivities that include fireworks and even a free symphony concert at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

The Malibu Cup brings competitors from around the world to a world class waterskiing tournament right on the Black Warrior River in conjunction with the celebration. Events will include wakeboarding, ski shows, a jet pack event and more.

The Malibu Cup has been in the planning stages for more than a year. Brandt Garrison, the director of communications for Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports, said the event was a perfect fit for Tuscaloosa’s Celebration by the River.

“The Malibu Cup is a world-class event. The number one female water skier in the world will be competing,” Garrison said. “It is truly amazing to see these athletes perform tricks at such a high speed on the water.”

Along with the water events, food vendors and a beer garden will be available for enjoyment. The River Market will be open as well. There will be shuttles that run, but the schedules have not been released, Garrison said.

The Malibu Cup, in combination with the free concert, is expected to draw record crowds this July 4. Garrison said the event benefits Tuscaloosa in different ways.

“TTS is always looking to recruit world-class events like the Malibu Cup,” she said. “This event is great because it provides entertainment for the

community, but it also brings a number of competitors and their supporters to Tuscaloosa to spend the night in our hotels and enjoy our restaurants and shops.”

The children’s area will include bounce houses, balloons, face painting and more with the help of the Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Authority. Becky Booker, the public relations and marketing manager for PARA, said old fashioned fun will be found within the children’s area.

“We’re trying to make this an all day thing where people can come and go as they like,” Booker said.

“It speaks well of our city that they’ve decided to go all out on this event.”

The children’s area, which will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., is free, and alcohol is not permitted within the area. Pepsi products, barbeque and other concessions will be available, while the amphitheater will have Coke products as well. Booker said people can choose wherever they would like to sit for the fireworks.

“We’ll be on the lawn under the bridge next to the amphitheater because we’re trying to get everything on the same side of Jack Warner,” she said. “People can still feel free to bring a blanket and sit on the front lawn of the Tuscaloosa News as well.”

The Tuscaloosa Symphony concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and admission is free. The symphony will perform a variety of patriotic songs before the fireworks show.

“Because the concert will be free and open to the public, we’re planning on a larger than usual crowd and the fireworks finale is always a huge hit,” Booker said. “It’s the best show in town.”

The PARA Kids Zone features fun for children of all ages.

Photo: Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Authority

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COMMUNITY 19

June 2015

Tuscaloosa County UA Alumni Chapter plans wine tasting event

By Laurie Mundy Perrigin The Tuscaloosa County Chapter of The University of Alabama National Alumni Association will hold its annual Crimson and White Wine Tasting and membership drive on Tuesday, June 9, at 6 p.m. at Spirits at Lake Tuscaloosa.

Over the past several years, the Tuscaloosa County UA Alumni Chapter has continued to grow by leaps and bounds, according to Andre Taylor, president of the Chapter.

“Last year, we had over 800 members, and all of those membership fees go directly to scholarships,” Taylor said.

In May, the chapter awarded $98,000 in scholarships to Tuscaloosa area high school students. These students will attend the University of Alabama in the fall.

The annual wine tasting and membership drive, how in its 12th year, also offers a great opportunity for area residents to meet with fellow alumni and friends of UA. The event also gives members a chance to learn more about the Tuscaloosa County UA Alumni Chapter’s upcoming events, including the upcoming Kickoff Event in the Zone at Bryant-Denny Stadium in August.

“Our chapter is dedicated to bringing the best and brightest students to the University of Alabama,” Taylor said. “We do so with great local events for our members and trips to away Crimson Tide football games. Both are great ways to fellowship and celebrate our love for the University.”

For more information about the wine tasting, or about the local UA Alumni Chapter, contact Andre’ Taylor at andre@andretaylormusic.com or call (205) 492-7695.

Photo: Tuscaloosa Public Library

TPL’s summer reading program returns

By Candice Morris The Tuscaloosa Public Library is gearing up for a fun-filled summer with its “Every Hero Has a Story” themed summer reading program.

The program runs through July 30, and features superhero-themed activities.

Pamela Williamson is the assistant director of Public Services at TPL, and this year’s Summer Reading Program coordinator. She says it will be a very busy season, with a lot for area children to enjoy.

“Our summer is jammed packed with exciting performances such as a visit from Daisy the sloth, who is a part of the Search for the Hidden Clover series. We will also learn to be our own hero by making capes and masks and testing our skills with the Superhero Academy.”

Don’t expect just your typical comic-book superheroes though. This summer features heroes of all kinds, Williamson explained.

“We have ‘super performers’ coming from all over to entertain and educate us this summer.

There will be musical and science superheroes and Alabama 4-H will be here in July to teach us about animals that have super powers.” Tuscaloosa heroes will also be stopping by and sharing their stories.

Do you have an avid reader in your house?

Be sure to check out the library’s summer reading lists. “We have recommended reading lists on many subjects, including one specifically focused on this year’s summer reading theme, Every Hero Has a Story.”

“The Tuscaloosa Public Library is exploding with superheroes,” Williamson said. “Look closely this summer and you may even spot Batman or Betamax.”

To see the full lineup, including the summer reading lists, visit Tuscaloosa-library.org

June 2015

COMMUNITY 21

Paul Price, a longtime member of the American Legion Post 123 and a member of the American Legion Honor Guard, welcomes WWII veteran Frank Strickland upon his arrival home from a trip to Washington D.C. The trip was sponsored by the Tuscaloosa Rotary Club Honor Flight. Over 80 WWII and Korean veterans participated in the Honor Flight this year. Photo: Nicolas Britto

Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest becomes part of Northport Heritage Celebration The sweet sounds of fiddlers and great old-time music will permeate the air at Kentuck Park later this month, as The Community Foundation of West Alabama presents the first annual Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest on June 12 and 13. The festival is being held in conjunction with Northport’s Heritage Days Celebration.

Musicians from all over the southeast will compete for $7500 in prize money at Fiddle Fest. In addition, Friends of Historic Northport will have vendors showcasing arts, crafts and food to complement the weekend.

Glenn Taylor, president of The Community Foundation of West Alabama, said the planning for this festival began some time ago.

“West Alabama has been without a music festival like this for several years, and we’re very happy to be reviving that,” he said. “We are expecting musical talent to come from as far away as Texas and Kentucky.”

The Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, at Kentuck Park with an open mic jam session. At 7:00 p.m.,

competitions will begin in the categories of harmonica, dulcimer and mandolin. The competition resumes at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, with a senior fiddle contest. Other competitions on Saturday include “small frye” fiddle, guitar, junior fiddle, banjo, bluegrass bands, adult fiddle and buck dancing. Finals will be held at 6:00 p.m. The evening will end with a “Fiddle off.”

Taylor said he’s seen a “renewed interest” in this kind of traditional music among young people, and he hopes that events like Fiddle Fest will help to revive and preserve its popularity.

“I think that people who come out will be really impressed with some of the young talent who’ll be performing.”

For detailed information and contest rules, go to www.alabamafiddle.com or visit the Black Warrior River Fiddle Fest’s official page on Facebook.

This festival is made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

22 SPORTS

June 2015

Deontay Wilder excited about first title defense against Molina

By Stan J. Griffin Photos by Jeff Perrigin Since claiming the title of WBC heavyweight boxing champion in January with a one-sided romp over Bermane Stiverne, 29-year-old Tuscaloosa native Deontay Wilder has predictably had to deal with a host of demands for his time, whether it be from the media or just various appearances around the state.

The “Bronze Bomber” has had to juggle these obligations while also trying to remain in total boxing condition and fully recuperate from a fractured hand suffered in the Stiverne fight.

Now, however, it is time to get back to serious business for Wilder (33-0 with 32 knockouts) which means the task of defending his title for the first time.

Fortunately for the Druid City’s boxing sensation, he will get the opportunity for that first title defense extremely close to home.

Wilder is set to battle 33-year-old Raymonville, Texas, fighter Eric Molina (23-2 with 17 knockouts) on June 13 inside the 8,500-seat Bartow Arena on the UAB campus.

The fight will be shown on Showtime and is tentatively scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Wilder, in a recent conversation at his home training base, Skyy Gym in Northport, noted that he is very much ready for his much-anticipated first official fight as world champion.

“I feel good and I am ready to get it on, and it’s been a long time coming to be able to do what

we’ve been planning to do, and I am ready,” he said. “Everything feels good, with the hand, body and soul. The more people talk about (the upcoming fight), the more excited I get about it.”

The pride of Central High School said he feels elated about being able to fight in front of his home supporters, the first title bout ever to be held in Wilder’s home state.

“It means a lot, not just for Birmingham, but the state of Alabama,” said Wilder. “We had a goal and a vision to do a lot of great things (with fighting instate being one of those priorities), and before all of this became realistic to us, we set up a plan and it feels good that everything works out as planned.

Even though my title says heavyweight champion of the world, my heart still feels like a contender.

It keeps me on humble ground and keeps me very hungry. I know there’s another step to this (that being his hopeful unification of the title belts in the future) and I am looking forward to it.”

He said he has much respect for his upcoming opponent.

“He has a good record, and he’s blessed with the opportunity, so hopefully he’ll take advantage of it and give my people a great show,” said Wilder. “I am definitely going to show up.”

Wilder’s manager-trainer Jay Deas said preparations leading up to the June 13 event in the Magic City have gone well.

“We are excited and I think the preparation has been going really well and camp has gone really well,” he said. “(Wilder has) been healthy and his

SPORTS 23

June 2015 hand is great. We have had really good sparring partners. Right now we have the 2003, 2004 and 2005 national champions come in at the same time and that wasn’t by design. We just kind of figured it out once they were here.”

Deas noted the distractions and demands that both he and the champion fighter have encountered since Wilder’s heavyweight title win in Las Vegas earlier this year.

“It’s more than you think it’s going to be, and

you have to manage it and that’s the main thing,” he said. “He gets 25 to 50 requests for his time a day, but most people understand that he can’t be everywhere. I try to tell people that it’s probably a lot like what Nick Saban goes through. (Wilder) is focused anyway, and he’s self-motivated and self-focused.

Our main thing is just to make sure that the work is done and that the camp goes well. We’re in that tunnel pretty far now, so we can just begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

24 OUTDOOR Summer Fun in the Sun for Kids in Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa is brimming with fun for kids this summer. If you’re looking for some fun and entertaining kids’ activities while they are out of school, here are a few suggestions you won’t want to miss.

Even though school is out for the summer there’s no reason why education has to be put on pause.

The Children’s Hands on Museum offers many educational programs throughout the summer that you’re not

Photo: Alabama State Parks

going to want to miss. While CHOM will be operating during its normal hours, there are a few special days that will be extra fun. June is Dairy Month, and on June 13, kids can learn more about dairy on Dairy Day where they will be able to enjoy fun activities such as churning butter and making chocolate milk and ice cream floats.

For unique day camp experience for your kids, be sure to check out CHOM’s Summer Lego Camp

sessions with both half and full day sessions. And to cool off on those hot summer days, CHOM’s Water, Water Everywhere with Riverboat John is the place to cool off and learn more about our rivers. For more information on all the exciting activities going on this summer at CHOM, be sure to check out their website, www.chomonline. org.

On those hot days, everyone can use a cool treat. Summer Snow is a favorite of kids of all ages and has been serving Tuscaloosa residents for over twenty years. Shaved ice is always a welcome treat on a hot day and with

June 2015

by Candice Morris

flavors like Watermelon, Green Apple, and Tiger’s Blood your kids are sure to enjoy a stop at this area landmark.

If you’re looking for something different, Steel City Pops, which is located on University Blvd in Downtown Tuscaloosa, features a variety of unique flavored popsicles. Made from fresh ingredients, Steel City Pops are a summer treat you won’t feel guilty about. Local favorites include flavors such as Buttermilk, Cucumber Lime, Peanut Butter, and Coconut.

Wanting to get away but can’t make it out of town? Just nine miles northwest lies beautiful Lake Lurleen.

With 1,625 acres, Lake Lurleen

June 2015 boasts a wide variety of activities for the whole family, such as camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. You’ll also want to be sure to check out the Nature Center, which was added in 2014. This facility showcases birds and wildlife, as well as educational information, native to this area of the state. If you’re a parent looking to relax, Lake Lurleen’s beach area is just the place to kick back and enjoy the sun.

With a wide variety of activities geared specifically towards entertaining and educating kids, you’re sure to find something for your own this summer in Tuscaloosa. So when the novelty of being out of school wears off and before boredom sets in, be sure to check out these great opportunities in our city.

Sarah Jayne Wilson, Caroline Burroughs and Emma Marty enjoy a classic summer treat.

Photo: Julie Baggett Burroughs

OUTDOOR 25

Tuscaloosa Tennis Center: Growing the Game in the Community It took years of planning, but now that the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center is open, there is an even greater excitement in the air. On this day the facility, which features both indoor and outdoor courts, is filled with young people learning. Some are already seasoned tennis players; others have never held a racquet.

But they all have one thing in common: a burning desire to learn. They also love to have fun, and, ultimately, that’s what the game of tennis is all about. Everyone is smiling, laughing and learning.

Tuscaloosa Tennis Center Managing Partner-CEO Tommy English says the mission is to grow the game of tennis in the community.

“We have a state of the art facility to share with all the residents of Tuscaloosa. We offer memberships and pay-to-play opportunities. Our top-notch tennis professionals offer lessons and clinics seven days a week, and we have developed a strong junior program so that we can reach tennis players of all ages.”

Instructors work patiently with even the youngest of budding tennis enthusiasts. The Center’s “Tiny Tots” program offers classes to children as young as four years old. Workshops are also occasionally offered for parents who want to help their children (10 and under) learn the game of tennis.

The Tuscaloosa Tennis Center is located in Alberta, inside Jaycee Park. It is both public and private, offering classes to members and non-members.

English says this is a busy summer for the Center.

“There are so many opportunities to get involved with leagues, mixers, summer junior programs and tournaments. We are looking forward to all of the possibilities.”

Sponsored Content

June Calendar of Events THE ACT Presents: Dreamgirls: Through June 9, Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. This beloved musical features a wealth of local talent.

Tickets: $16-20. For show times and tickets, visit the Actor’s Charitable Theatre’s official website at wwwtheactonline.com.

Theatre Tuscaloosa Fiddler on the Roof Fundraiser: June 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Epiphany Café, Tuscaloosa. All proceeds from this event, which features a huge live auction, support Theatre Tuscaloosa. For more information, visit www.theatretusc.com or call (205) 391-2277.

Tuscaloosa County UA Alumni Wine Tasting and Membership Drive: June 9, 6-8 p.m.

Spirits at Lake Tuscaloosa. Membership dues go towards scholarships for Tuscaloosa-area high school seniors. For more information, visit alumni. ua.edu/?chapters=tuscaloosa-county#events.

Sundown Lecture Series: June 11, 5:15-6:30 p.m. Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion, downtown Tuscaloosa. The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society presents “Genealogy 103,” with speaker Dr. Robert Griffin. This event is free to TCPS members; $5 for non-members. For more information, visit www.HistoricTuscaloosa.org or call (205) 758-2238.

Black Warrior River Fiddle Festival: June 12-13, Kentuck Park, Northport. This inaugural event features musicians from all over the southeast competing for $7500 in prize money. Competitions include fiddling, harmonica, dulcimer and more. For more information, visit www.alabamafiddle.com.

Cornerstone Retreat and Eagles’ Wings Pond Mentoring Program: June 12, 9 a.m. Cornerstone Retreat, Northport. The Pond Mentoring Program from Tannehill State Park will be on hand for a

presentation with participants from Eagles’ Wings of Tuscaloosa. Volunteers will be on hand – come help others in need. Eagles’ Wings will have a picnic for everyone as well. For more info, contact Terry and Cathy Elmore at (205) 339-5869 or (205) 535-7703.

Popsicles in the Park: June 13, Snow Hinton Park. June 20, Rosedale Park and June 27, West End Park. 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Family and Children Education Services, Inc. (FACES) invites everyone to come out for this free event, designed for children ages 4-11. Activities are planned for kids based on the Frog Street Pre-K and Second Step Programs, and popsicles will be provided by Steel City Pops.

For more info, visit www.thefacesofamerica.org.

Deontay Wilder vs. Eric Molina: June 13, Bartow Arena, Birmingham. Tuscaloosa’s Deontay Wilder will defend his WBC Heavyweight Championship title for the first time against Eric Molina.

Ticket prices: $25-200. Tickets are available at www. alabamatitlefight.com.

Summer LEGO Camp at CHOM: June 16-18, Children’s Hands-On Museum, downtown Tuscaloosa. Pre-registration is strongly suggested. For more information, visit www.chomonline.com or call (205) 349-4235.

United Way of West Alabama Day of Action: Saturday, June 19. Volunteers are needed for a community-wide day of service. Shifts are available.

Projects include yard work, food service, school clean-up and more. UWWA is looking for individuals, families and corporate groups to participate. For more information, contact julie@uwwa.org.

Tuscaloosa Kids’ Triathlon: June 20, 8 a.m. (check-in begins at 6:30 a.m.). Lake Lurleen State Park. This event promotes healthy, active lifestyles

for kids, while benefitting Secret Meals for Hungry Children, a program sponsored by the Alabama Credit Union. For more information, email tuscaloosakidstriathlon@gmail.com or visit SecretMeals.org.

Big Sandy Baptist Church VBS Fun Run: June 22-26, Big Sandy Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa.

Follow the race route on a scripture-packed course through Bible studies, worship, “craftivities,” games and more, all to encourage kids to start and finish the most important race of all: the pathway to salvation in Christ. For more information, call (205) 752-1284.

Highway 2 Hale Century Bicycle Ride: June 27, 8 a.m. Moundville. This bicycle ride, hosted by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Tuscaloosa, begins and ends at the Moundville Archaeological Park, will have four distances. Rest stops include the Stewart community, Magnolia Grove in Greensboro and Payne Lake. For more, go to highway2hale.com.

Run 2 for TTown: July 4, 7:30 a.m. This two-mile road race, hosted by Northridge Fitness and Wagner’s RunWalk, is a family-oriented event featuring giveaways, music and of course, watermelon. For more information and to register, visit run2forttown. itsyourrace.com/register.

July Fourth Celebration on the River: July 4. Banks of the Black Warrior River, Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa. This all-day event is fun for everyone in the family, with patriotic music and a fireworks display, along with great, free, children’s activities like face painting, bounce houses, games, and more. During the day, the Malibu Cup waterski tournament will take place on the Black Warrior River. The Tuscaloosa Symphony concert at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater begins at 8 p.m. with a fireworks show to follow.

Marketplace

28 FOOD

June 2015

JUNE RECIPES

Spicy and Sweet: Great Summer Recipes

Jerk Spiced Shrimp • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 tablespoon paprika • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper • 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp • 1 gallon freezer bag • Cooking spray

by Amy Poore

Are you planning some summer evening get-togethers at your house? If so, these two recipes are perfect for those backyard soirees. The Jerk Spiced Shrimp is a healthy, easily prepared option that’s sure to please any seafood lover, and the Chocolate Mousse Pie? Yeah, that’ll please everyone – and it’ll look gorgeous on your table. Enjoy your summer and bon appétit!

Chocolate Mousse Pie

• 1 ready-made graham cracker crust • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened • 1/2 cup powdered sugar • 3 Hershey bars (1.5 oz.), chopped • 3 Special Dark Hersey bars (1.5 oz.), chopped • 1/3 cup heavy cream • 8 ounce container of Cool Whip Melt cream and chocolate in microwave in a microwave safe bowl for 45-60 seconds. Stir until chocolate is melted. If additional melting time is needed, melt for 10 more seconds.

In a stand mixer, cream sugar and cream cheese until smooth.

Next, in the mixer, add chocolate mixture to cream mixture, reserving around 1/4 cup of chocolate mixture for garnish.

On a slow speed, add Cool Whip to mixture. Pour mixture into prepared

Jerk Spiced Shrimp w/ Pineapple Salsa

Photo: Amy Poore

crust, smooth top and drizzle with remaining chocolate sauce.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Photo: Amy Poore

Combine all salsa ingredients well, cover and chill for 30 minutes.

While salsa chills, add all shrimp ingredients in freezer bag, mix well.

Thread shrimp evenly onto skewers (metal or water soaked wooden ones). Place skewers on grill or skillet coated with cooking spray.

Grill/cook on medium/high heat for 6 minutes or until done, flipping once.

Serve immediately with pineapple salsa and jasmine rice (optional).

Pineapple Salsa • 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced • 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and diced • 1/2 cup sliced red onion • 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Amy Poore is a new mom, a wife and a foodie. To see more of Amy’s delicious recipes, visit her blog, Poore Amy, at www.pooreamy.com

June 2015

TASTE OF TUSCALOOSA

FOOD 29

Cravings serves up nostalgic favorites and more by Sheena Gregg Area residents in the mood for a unique snack like Sriracha popcorn or a nostalgic candy favorite like Razzles or Turkish taffy now have a place to satisfy those cravings at a place called, appropriately enough, “Cravings.” New York native Dan Robinson has enhanced downtown Tuscaloosa with a store to meet the needs of any food lover. Robinson is no stranger to providing unique, delectable treats to a community, having previously owned The Candy Bar, a specialty grocery in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

As an independent small business, Robinson felt that the downtown area was calling his name.

“I wanted to open a specialty grocery here in Tuscaloosa with beer and wine for almost two years now,” Robinson said. “I really felt that there were a lot of people here who would love a store like this.”

And there was no doubt about where Robinson wanted to locate.

“In my mind, downtown is the heart of Tuscaloosa, the only part of town that is mostly small businesses.”

With an April opening, Cravings Specialty Grocery has brought new life to downtown. In addition to nostalgic specialty snacks and candies, patrons can find gourmet ingredients for their next homemade meal or the perfect beverage accompaniment. With over 160 wines and 180 craft beers all cold and sold by the bottle, customers can look forward to creating their own four- or six-pack. Non-alcoholic selections also include specialty sodas, waters, juices, energy drinks, and kombucha. If you don’t feel like venturing home to enjoy your goodies, folks can drink on premise in the store while enjoying the variety of individual desserts, sandwiches, and other freshly made options.

According to Robinson, Cravings is just in its beginning stages. Customers can look forward to early morning openings that serve up New York bagels, Belgian waffles, coffee, and homemade quiches.

Home chefs can also anticipate a nice selection of grass-fed beef, seafood items, and specialty Cajun meats.

“We want people to know that customer service and quality is extremely important to us. We plan on being part of the downtown community for a long time to come. If we don’t have something, we will get it for you if we can.”

Sheena Gregg is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino Foodie.” Follow her adventures at www.afilipinofoodie.com.

Government Plaza to host free June concerts

By Laurie Mundy Perrigin Tuscaloosa’s Government Plaza will be the site of free concerts every Friday night in June from 6 to 8 p.m. The downtown park, located behind City Hall, is the perfect location for this kind of community event, according to Tuscaloosa City Councilman Matt Calderone.

“The whole goal was to have a really fun, organic effort to bring a cultural element to downtown Tuscaloosa,” Calderone said.

“What better place to do it than Government Plaza?”Local bands slated to perform during Live at the Plaza include the Lamont Landers Band, Plato Jones, Angela and the Able Brothers and Sweet Kick.

Concert-goers will be allowed to bring alcohol to the events.

“Anyone attending can bring a beverage of their choice, so long as it stays within Government Plaza and it’s only consumed during the time of the festival,” Calderone said.

Calderone said the idea for the concert series came from meeting with everyone from downtown business owners to constituents and friends.

“People wanted something to do downtown that was a little dif ferent. They

wanted to enjoy our Plaza, which is a really nice green space, and we wanted to find a consistent way to bring some more life

to downtown.”

Live at the Plaza is being financed entirely through private donations. No city funds are being used for the initiative, which costs approximately $1200, according to Calderone.

If this initiative proves successful, would more events like Live at the Plaza be scheduled?

“Absolutely,” said Calderone. “If the community rallies around it, we definitely want it to grow.”

30 HOME & GARDEN LAWN CARE

June 2015

continued from page 1

In addition to lawn maintenance, those looking to add new plants during the summer have a variety of choices to pick from. Ball said hawthorns, junipers and purple orchids are all among plants that are suited to handle the summer heat.

“They’re all low maintenance plants. Everyone wants low maintenance plants that don’t grow quite as fast so they can keep up with them,” he said.

Plants like vegetables, roses and camellias all take the heat well too, Neal Hargle said. Hargle, a Tuscaloosa County Extension agent, said the best thing for a yard is a soil test. The test collects samples from several different parts of a lawn and reports on how many nutrients are in the ground and

about the soil’s pH levels.

“The report can tell how stressed a yard can be, and more stress tells you about the kinds of weeds and pests that could be present,” Hargle said. “People waste a lot of money on fertilizer and they can prevent that by doing a soil test.”

Soil testing kits can be found at retail lawn and garden stores such as Home Depot or Lowes, but they are also available at Walmart or online.

Hargle said it’s extremely important to know what time of day to water.

“Water the lawn in the morning, not the evening, for an hour one day a week,” he said. “If you water in the morning, the ground soaks up just as much water, and the sun evaporates water. But in the evening, excess

moisture just sits on the grass during If weed n feeds are a good product the night, and fungi can grow.” for your lawn, due to the type of grass When it comes to buying plants or other factors, Ball said the best time to use weed n feeds is actually before for gardening or just for landscaping, weeds are spotted.

Hargle said knowing what different phrases mean helps with the selection “Pre-emergent herbicide can be process. He said research is key and used to keep the weeds in control,” he said. “Weed ‘n feed works well, but can help people learn the importance of phrases such as “full sun” and put it out before you see weeds. A lot of people do it after they see weeds it “partial sun” when buying plants.

“Full sun” indicates a plant should get won’t get all of them, but it’ll get 99 percent of them if you stay on top of eight hours of sunlight, while “partial things.” sun” indicates only six hours.

Fertilizers such as weed n feeds aren’t a good product for the South, Hargle said, because there is not enough temperature gradient change • Get a soil sample before doing to accommodate for the any major landscaping or lawn weed-n-feeds.

Tips & Tricks

maintenance

• Stay ahead of your watering, and water lawns and plants in the morning for one hour/week • Pick low maintenance plants that can take the summer heat when landscaping • Research is your best friend when looking for the perfect plant and/or lawn maintenance method • Most importantly, understand that every lawn is different and has different needs

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