Druid City Living March 2018

March218 | Volume 6 | Issue 3 Tuscaloosa’s Premier Community Newspaper

Bloom into Spring PAGE 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

About Us.................2 Opinion...................4 Schools.................15 Food.......................20

City.........................3 Business..............10 Community.......19 Calendar.............23

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@DruidCityLiving

FINDING DECORATING JOY Need a fun weekend project? Grab some spray paint and extend the life of your favorite pieces.

ON YOUR MARK Come on out and make a difference at this year’s Mayor’s Cup.

SEE PAGE 13

SEE PAGE 16

OFF TO THE RACES TCMA’s inaugural event promises a special evening of fun for worthy community causes.

SEE PAGE 17

2 ABOUT

March 2018

FROM THE EDITOR CEO/Publisher

Josh Watkins (205) 529-5723 josh@druidcitymedia.com

Vice President

Hanson Watkins (205) 835-0094 hanson@druidcitymedia.com

Editor

Laurie Mundy Perrigin (205) 246-2977 editor@druidcitymedia.com

Art Director

Nathan Pearman nathan@druidcitymedia.com

Marketing Consultants

Spring has, well, it’s sprung. If the sight of daffodils and blooming jasmine don’t solidify this fact, how about the sudden need to up the use of antihistamines?! It’s a great time for DCL to bring you stories from our community – about events happening outside, and on weekends, as the days slowly get longer.

There’s plenty to do in-between spring break trips, of course! Get out and run in the Mayor’s Cup or the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon on March 24. And check out the Alabama Wildflower Society’s native plant sale – I’ve gotten some beautiful, native passalong plants this way.

In the mood for some pizza? Who isn’t?

Well, it’s our Taste of Tuscaloosa columnist Sheena Gregg’s favorite food – and this month, she’s brought us three sure-fire favorites. If you aren’t hungry now, you will

be – and if you don’t want to go out for food, check out Amy Poore’s excellent recipes.

And this month, I am so excited to introduce our newest columnist, Kathryn Wilkerson. She is a local teacher (and a past DCL Teacher of the Month!) who has graciously agreed to share her considerable decorating talents with our readers.

Kathryn has a great blog, too – so find out more in her Woodbank Lane column.

As always, a special thanks to our readers, writers, contributors, and advertisers. Everyone here at Druid City Living appreciates your efforts and support.

Best,

Will Vann Nathan Pearman Allison Adams

2018 Intern Faith Henley

Contact us at: (256) 346-5321 sales@druidcitymedia.com

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Legal: Druid City Living (DCL) is published monthly. Reproduction or use of graphical content without prior permission is prohibited. DCL is designed to inform the readers regarding community news and events. Information is gathered from sources that are considered reliable, however the accuracy is not guaranteed.

All articles, photos, etc. submitted become the property of DCL. We reserve the right to edit as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish any material. Any inaccuracies should be brought to the attention of the editor.

CORRECTIONS To report corrections and clarifications, email editor@ druidcitymedia.com

Each year, the Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa honors all law enforcement agencies by recognizing one officer from each organization as Officer of the Year for his or her efforts. Nominations are submitted by each department or agency for this award, and the honorees were presented with an engraved plaque in front of their families and guests at the club meeting on Feb. 1.

The 2018 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year are (L to R): Deputy Brad Flowers (Tuscaloosa Sheriff ’s Office), Senior Trooper Johnny Clark (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency), Corporal Jake Johnston (City of Tuscaloosa Police Department) and Investigator Jeffery Miller (Northport Police Department).

Officer Brad Thomas (University of Alabama Police) was not able to attend the meeting.

Photo: Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa

CITY 3

March 2018

Downtown Tuscaloosa’s Entertainment District is Expanding

By DCL Staff

Residents who’ve been enjoying the periodic entertainment districts in downtown Tuscaloosa during big events can now enjoy even more. On Feb. 20, the Tuscaloosa City Council okayed expanding the entertainment district on a permanent, weekly basis – but only on weekends.

The new entertainment district will be in effect on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays, from noon to 9:30 p.m.

Participating on-premise alcohol retailers located within the entertainment district boundary can serve to-go alcoholic beverages in a city-approved cup they can carry around within the district’s boundaries.

Alcoholic beverages can be purchased from restaurants and bars within the district boundaries and taken to Government Plaza and other areas within the district, which includes several surrounding blocks. According to city officials, the beverages

A map of the Downtown Tuscaloosa Entertainment District.

can’t be taken into another licensed alcohol retailer’s establishment.

There are some other specific rules. Patrons can purchase up to two alcoholic beverages, but

they are allowed to leave with only one alcoholic beverage per adult. The alcoholic beverage must be carried in the approved cup within the boundary area during the times designated for

the entertainment district. No cups are allowed outside of the designated area or inside of any vehicle.

4 OPINION

March 2018

The Mommy Chronicles: Self-Care and Motherhood are not Mutually Exclusive wax was underway, my four-year-old son crawled on my lap – where he carefully inspected the whole process. He thought it was amazing, and he loudly (and repeatedly) asked, “Mommy, why is that peanut butter all over your face?”

I felt myself sinking deeper into my seat. Thanks, kiddo. The whole spa now knows about my facial malfunction. Good luck to you the next time you want some peanut butter. Or a toy. Or anything that may make your eyes light up. Goooooood luck.

What a stressful situation for my (ahem) friend, but it’s one I’m sure other moms have endured. As working mothers, self-care and maintenance is imperative for our well-being.

Here are four ideas for those times you are ready to do a little something to make you feel good:

By Marlena Rice So. Hypothetically speaking, a sweet friend of mine has finally faced the facts: women can grow hair in less-than-stellar places. More specifically, sometime after our 32nd birthdays, it is possible for freakishly long hairs to begin growing on our chins. Yep, moms, it really happens.

This is my friend’s account (ahem) of the revelations that age brings with it joy – and a greater need for self-care.

I thought I’d be able to ignore it.

Maybe if I just pretended it wasn’t there it would go away, you know? I was doing a great job with this. I was blissfully ignoring the slight malfunction on my face … until the night my husband reached over and pulled the hair out. He pulled the hair ON MY CHIN out. And then? He laughed. A lot.

It was time to take action.

With my son in tow, we headed to a local spa, as discreetly as we could on a Friday night. At the counter, I confidently told the clerk that I would like my eyebrows waxed, and after she escorted the two of us to a private room, I waited until she closed the door before I asked her my real question.

“Ma’am, I’d like my eyebrows done, but can you get this area, too?” I whispered, fingers pointing at my chin area desperately.

She nodded and inspected my face further.

“Do you want these areas done too?”

My heart dropped down to my toes as she ran her fingers along my top lip and the sides of my mouth. WHAT?! Where?! *sigh* Once my (unexpectedly thorough) face

1. Make a standing appointment with girlfriends at a local spa. Create a selfcare regimen for yourself, and enjoy the fellowship with friends.

2. Give yourself a pedicure while watching your favorite evening television show.

3. Have lunch by yourself every now and then at a restaurant of your choice.

Enjoy your food without baby hands (or daddy hands) in your plate.

4. Expand your literary horizons, and buy a book to read outside of your normal genre. Pick a comfy chair, ignore the mess around you, and read.

Top: “Mom, is that peanut butter?”

Photo: Marlena Rice

Give Life to Your Story: Confronting Teenagers – It’s Never Too Late to Start

By Terrance Andrews Confronting teenagers can be difficult, to say the least. Working with teens has taught me a great deal when it comes to conflict resolution. Tough topics come up, like drinking, drug use, lying, stealing, and sexting. Yes, I just said sexting. These are all real concerns that we cannot turn a blind eye to.

“IN ALL CASES, TEENS NEED YOU AS THE PARENT, TO EITHER BE THE VOICE OF TRUTH, OR THEY NEED YOU TO GET THEM THE HELP THEY NEED.“

More often than not, it’s about peer pressure getting the best of them.

That’s why “friend choice” is such a huge part of your child’s development.

On the other hand, some cases have to do with an emotional state of loneliness, self-worth, or a cry for attention.

In all cases, teens need you as the parent, to either be the voice of truth, or they need you to get them the help they need.

Often as parents, we turn around and it seems like our children have gone from crawling to running to driving in a matter of months. It catches us off guard, and it creates a sense of helplessness, as if we are not prepared to do this thing called parenting. The best advice I have heard is this: “Never forget you have been where they are

now.” Maybe you never experienced the teenage years with the same struggles. This doesn’t exclude you from recognizing the struggles and then relating to them as best you can. Don’t allow the fact that this generation is so far different than yours be a hinder to you.

Here are some helps when confronting your teenager: In mild situations, humor and empathy go a long way. In serious situations, consequences are a must.

Respect and cooperation go hand in hand. Assertive and effective communication are key to maintaining an open communication channel. And set clear boundaries. Many studies have shown that a child who is given too much freedom and little discipline is just as bad off as a child that is in an abusive home. It’s called “absence abuse” – and it can lead to self-worth questioning by our children. If you find yourself saying, “All they need is space,” and that space becomes greater and greater, soon you will find a great expanse that will be very tough to get over.

I know that many parents often feel that it is too late. They’ve had one too many conflicts, or they have been away too much. Maybe they feel they’ve made too many mistakes. But, that’s just not the case. It’s not easy,

“RESPECT AND COOPERATION GO HAND IN HAND.”

Terrance Andrews serves as youth pastor at Arbor Springs Baptist Church and as the Campus Life Director at Northside High School. You can reach Terrance at terrance.ta@gmail.com.

Photo: Terrance Andrews

but it is worth it. “Parent” is a verb – and it is never too late to start. God gives all of us enough grace for this life and even enough grace to get us through parenting teenagers.

Give life to your parenting. Find help in the local churches or student

ministries in your area. You’re not alone in this.

OPINION 5

March 2018

Lake Living: Be a Light in the Darkness When Others are Struggling

By Allison Adams I have never in my life been so excited to see daffodils and yellow hyacinth making a splash against the dull, brown terrain, or been as sick of cold weather as I have this year.

I am seeing signs of life. Small buds pushing their way through the dark, rich earth.

Our family recently had the flu, and even today I am still coughing. We lost a loved one suddenly to cancer. It had been there for a year, but he never shared it. His last months, he refused to get treatment, just kept smoking, and as he said, “living life the way he darn well pleases.”

“I WANT TO HUG THEM AND SAY, ‘I SEE YOU! HANG IN THERE!’ AND YET THERE I AM IN THE STORE, WALKING WITH MY WET WIPE THAT KILLS 99 PERCENT OF GERMS – BUT NOT THE ONE THAT GOT ME.” There is a lesson in that. Life is a choice. How we live it is not a choice for some. A friend has chronic fatigue syndrome. A recent documentary called Unrest on Netflix will have you realizing there are so many fighting for a day of normalcy. Director Jennifer Brea chronicled her struggles with illness, and the doc was shortlisted for an Oscar.

I have a new sympathy and empathy for those who battle with sickness on

a prolonged basis. I was lucky to have only one week down-and-out hard in my bed, with fever, the flu, and all that entails.

I am finding the spring in my step again, but I notice in the grocery store now the moms pushing carts of children, coughing, looking for the soup aisle and the Excedrin.

I want to hug them and say, “I see you! Hang in there!” And yet there I am in the store, walking with my wet wipe that kills 99 percent of germs – but not the one that got me.

We need to all notice when others aren’t feeling well. We can’t heal them, but we can be a light when they feel darkness. I have one friend who has had horrific things going on in her family, and I have not even been there. I text from afar. I have cried for her from a distance. I think today I will give her a call and hope she forgives me for the months I just went about life and didn’t know how to reach out to her.

Here in Tuscaloosa, we have colleges full of “kids” away from their parents.

One week of being down with flu taught me that I need to open my home and heart to those who just need a hug.

Blessings and health and CHEERS to the coming of spring, Allison Allison Adams is a mom of four and a Realtor with Lake Homes Realty serving Lake Tuscaloosa. For comments, email aadams@lakehomes.com.

I’m well again, and back in the studio painting flowers for spring.

Photo: Allison Adams

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6 OPINION

March 2018

The Land of Oz: The American Challenge – Solving the Insoluble

By Derek Osborn Preface: This little 500-word piece that I submit monthly is usually due to the trusty editor of DCL somewhere around the middle of the previous month. At the time this one came due, on or around February 14, our country had just endured yet another senseless tragedy – in the form of a mass shooting at a school in Parkland, Florida.

I realize that by the time you read this, you will have likely read enough articles on the topic that you may be tempted to turn the page (which is always an acceptable reaction to my banter anyway). But if you are still here, then let’s indulge.

With any problem, the clear purpose is to find a solution. The million-dollar question is, how do we solve this one? Here is the answer that no one has been waiting to hear: There is no clear answer to solving the insoluble.

In fact, it may be one of the most complex dilemmas our nation has ever faced.

Here is the other part: There is no “completely right” or “completely wrong.” This issue is as complex as it is terrifying. There are at least two sides to every argument. This one has two primary arguments enveloping a hundred more floating aimlessly around in the middle. To make matters worse, each of the primary argument voices think they are fundamentally

correct in their solutions.

Both are worth considering. Both come at a high price.

If only it were that easy. If only we could simply pick one or the other, and either one resulted in forever discarding The Land of Oz is a monthly editorial piece of masterful opinionated writing (insert joke here) regarding life and times in the big town of this deadTuscaloosa coupled with the musings of a guy nicknamed “Oz.” ly trend of Photo: Derek Osborn murdered shortage. Safety measures must be But we can most definitely cut down kids, then paramount within the schools – even on the frequency. I want our kids and count me in. if that means parents have to volungrandkids and nieces and nephews But the truth is that the “obvious” teer, or send a few extra dollars to to come home safe and am willing to solutions on both sides are flawed. pay for it every month.

Kids with a make sacrifices to ensure that happens.

The age of instant gratification unfortroubled past must have follow-up to The question is … are you? tunately didn’t come with immediate ensure that they not only have access I tweet insignificant things @ answers to complex societal issues. I to services, but that they are utilizing ozborn34. wish it did. Especially in this case. them. And there’s plenty more where Derek Osborn is the Executive One thing is for sure: We must this came from.

Director of PRIDE of Tuscaloosa by evolve. Doing nothing is no longer an Even implementing every measure trade and a writer by hobby. He lives option. Mental health needs to be a imaginable, we won’t be able to in Tuscaloosa with his wife, Lynn, and top priority, instead of being the first completely eradicate mass shootings. their daughters, Savannah and Anica. thing that is cut when there is a budget

8 BUSINESS

March 2018

4

2

1

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7 5 6

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third largest pediatric hospital in the United States

Russell Campus

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Licensed for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets

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One of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state

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The pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB

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Home to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually

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Site of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country

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Home to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast

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One of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama

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Provides care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders

1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place

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BUSINESS 9

March 2018

Now Open and Opening Soon Bear, a California-based ice 1 1 The Baked Bear cream shop that offers custom-built ice cream sandwiches, is expected to open in Tuscaloosa’s Midtown Village shopping center (1800 McFarland Blvd E.) in April 2018. The shop offers freshly baked cookies, doughnuts, brownies, and craft ice cream. thebakedbear.com 2 BlowGo Blow Dry Bar & Salon is now open in Tuscaloosa (2370 Jack Warner Parkway, Suite A106). The hair salon offers a variety of salon services, including blow outs, haircuts and styling, and hair color. (205) 861-2546; blogohair.com

3 Crimson Care Family Medicine and Urgent Care has opened a second location in Tuscaloosa (1771 Skyland Blvd E.). A grand opening celebration was held on Feb. 14. (205) 507-1119; crimsoncare.com 4 Hooligan’s is opening another restaurant in Tuscaloosa (1351 McFarland Blvd. NE Suite 112).

To find out when the new Hooligan’s is opening, visit @Hooligansttown on Facebook. (205) 7592424 5 Former Alabama and now Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones has opened two car dealerships in Tuscaloosa. Julio Jones Kia and Julio Jones Mazda (4301 Greensboro Avenue) opened on Jan. 30. The dealerships will be managed day-to-day by Georgia-based Carriage Automotive Group. (205) 345-8040 6 Moe’s Original Bar B Que is opening its second location in Tuscaloosa’s Hillcrest Center

(6570 Alabama Highway 69 South) this month.

The restaurant serves pulled pork, ribs, turkey, and chicken smoked over hardwood, along with a host of sauces, side dishes, and desserts. (205) 7523616; moesoriginalbbq.com 7 Whataburger plans to open a second location in Tuscaloosa. Construction on the Texas-based burger chain’s first Tuscaloosa location (at the intersection of Skyland Blvd. and Highway 69 South), is ongoing. The second restaurant will be located at 13th Street and McFarland Blvd., near the University of Alabama campus. Whataburger. com

Anniversaries 1 Animal Butter (ab) restaurant celebrated its one-year anniversary in February. The eatery, which focuses on chef-driven ideas for classic street food dishes, is located at 2217 University Blvd. in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Business you want to see here?

Email us at: editor@druidcitymedia.com

News and Happenings 1 Wyndi Avery of FASTSIGNS of Tuscaloosa received the Circle of Excellence Award at the 2018 FASTSIGNS Convention held recently in Houston, Texas. Avery is a visual communications specialist at FASTSIGNS. 2 Wendy Harris Harris, director of leisure services at

PARA was recognized with the prestigious Merit PARA, in Recreation Award, presented by the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association during its annual conference and awards banquet on Jan. 30.

3 West Alabama Aids Outreach is now Five Horizons Health Services in Tuscaloosa. More staff are on board, and more services are being offered.

Fivehorizons.org

Wyndi Avery (left) received the Circle of Excellence Award at the 2018 FASTSIGNS Convention presented by Catherine Monson (right), CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Photo: FASTSIGNS

Sam Evans (left) and Wendy Harris, PARA Photo: PARA

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10 BUSINESS

March 2018

Tone Up T-Town: True40 Tuscaloosa Leaves You Revived and Empowered

By Sheena Gregg If you’ve driven down Rice Mine Road anytime recently, chances are, you’ve noticed quite the boom of businesses within The Village at Northbank development. If heading to the Village for the tasty creations of Urban Cookhouse wasn’t enough, the retail area now boasts its newest resident, True40 Fitness Studio.

According to owner and creator Allie Weingarten, True40 is all about embracing the body you have.

“My overall goal was to make people feel comfortable in their own being,” said Weingarten.

Tuscaloosa studio manager Lizzi Benton agrees that it’s all about having

the journey of realizing how strong your body can be.

“I really love that the concept of this studio is centered on strengthening the body that the Lord gave you; I feel like this has been a personal ministry moment for me to give our clients who were previously scared of exercise a way to challenge their body and feel confidence in themselves,” Benton said.

Designed for clients across the age spectrum with varying levels of exercise experience, True40 aims to give each patron a comprehensive workout – regardless of their current fitness level. The 60-minute classes focus on low-impact, inten-

True40 has an extensive fitness retail selection, including a variety of Lululemon pieces.

BUSINESS 11

March 2018 tional movements that drive core strength.

After hearing the buzz about True40 from friends, I knew I needed to try this for myself. Waking up bright and early for a 5:30 a.m. class, I was excited to experience instruction from studio manager Lizzi Benton. With six other women along for the ride, I was glad to have an intimate sized class for my first time.

Though a beginner to the class, I found the low-impact movements easy to learn and easy on my joints. And, if we’re being honest, the lack of jumping (and jiggling) made me feel quite comfortable as well.

What I learned from my experience at True40 is this: low impact does not mean easy. The amount of core work is unlike any other class I’ve been to, and the variety of ages, shapes, and sizes in my morning class was truly inspiring.

You know it’s a good workout when your abs hurt while sneezing or laughing!

Overall, I believe True40 gives a unique workout experience that embraces the novice and advanced exerciser alike. The sense of community that the studio has brought in, despite being open less than a month, is impressive.

For more information on True40, including class times, visit true40studio. com.

Right: I was excited when I arrived for my early morning workout alongside True40 Studio Manager Lizzi Benton.

Left: True40 sits in the Village at Northbank development off Rice Mine Road in Tuscaloosa.

Photos: Sheena Gregg

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Alabama Wildflower Society to Hold 39th Annual Native Plant Sale

By Nancy Campbell On Saturday, April 7, the George Wood Chapter of the Alabama Wildflower Society is holding its 39th annual plant sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, in the Kentuck Center courtyard in downtown Northport. The sale features primarily native plants indigenous to the southeastern U.S. but also includes some non-invasive “passalong” plants that are well-adapted to our area.

For budding gardeners, it also offers a unique opportunity to meet local enthusiasts and add new plants to their gardens.

Items for sale are obtained from an out-of-state nursery specializing in native plants and from members of the Alabama Wildflower Society – who contribute plants from their own gardens and property.

“There are always some surprises among the plants we offer,” said Rosemary Blethen, who co-coordinates the sale with her husband Al Blethen.

“Members will be delivering items from their gardens right up to opening time. I always take home one or two new plants I somehow never acquired before.”

Native plants offered will include many shrubs and trees, such as dogwoods, redbuds, pawpaw, butterfly bushes, hydrangeas, sweet shrub, and several varieties of native azaleas, all with some of the lowest prices to be found in this area.

Ferns, ground covers, and flowering vines and plants will also be offered. Wildflowers for sale typically include columbine, coneflowers, coreopsis, spider-

wort, trillium, bloodroot, various asters and mints, and native irises and violets. Passalongs contributed by members typically include shrubs, such as flowering quince, spirea, and kerria as well as daylilies and other plants from bulbs. Some houseplants are also usually available.

Plants which bloom at different times, spring through fall, will be available, so gardeners may select plants to support pollinators that visit their yards throughout the warmer months.

Bright-blooming plants, which are excellent nectar sources for butterflies and other pollinators, will be clearly marked, to make plant identification easy for gardeners interested in supporting pollinators. Flowers that do well in summer or fall include sunflowers, bee balm, coreopsis,

and asters.

Proceeds from the sale will help further education about, and preservation of, Alabama’s native plant life. Every year, proceeds contribute to college scholarships to botany majors in Alabama colleges and universities. Smaller amounts help support the Cahaba Lily Society and its annual Cahaba Lily Festival, as well as local projects, including support for the Wildflower Garden and rhododendron collection of the University of Alabama Arboretum.

“Come early for the best selection,” said Barbara Hollingsworth, the current president of the local AWS chapter. Hollingsworth also urged anyone interested to consider joining AWS. Membership information will be available on site.

Top Left: Members Sam Bowman and Alice Taylor move oakleaf hydrangeas (Alabama’s state wildflower) into place for the 2017 native plant sale. Top Right: Sporting an oakleaf hydrangea on her T-shirt, member Jackie McConnell oversees a table of columbine at the 2017 native plant sale. Bottom Left: Members (L to R) Rosemary Blethen, Jackie McConnell, and Kaye Hutchins take a break among the “Grandma’s Garden” of passalong plants offered at the 2017 native plant sale. Bottom Right: Members Linda Baggett and Tony Bordeaux help unload a shipment of native azaleas for the 2017 native plant sale. Front Page: Members Charles Day and Mona Guin are almost hidden by the native azaleas offered at the 2017 native plant sale.

WOODBANK LANE

Finding Decorating Joy by Extending the Life of Your Décor – with Paint

By Kathryn Wilkerson Grabbing a can of spray paint is one of my favorite budget-friendly ways to change up the look of things in my home.

Hi there! I’m Kathryn, and here’s one of my recent projects that even the newest of decorators can do.

I decided to paint a round, silver mirror that had served me well for years. It originally hung in our dining room, then made its way to the foyer. It’s the first mirror of this shape and such a large size I’ve painted. It’s 36 inches in diameter.

Last spring, I painted our red dining room white (my elbows still haven’t recovered!), chose blue as the accent color, and decided to put the round mirror back in the dining room over the buffet.

I had painted many mirrors over the years without too much trouble; however, this round one was a bit trickier to paint and required more prep work.

I always liked the silver color and details of the mirror, and even though I’d had it for some time, I wasn’t quite ready to let it go. So, I did what I do. I bought some Valspar spray paint at Lowe’s. The color I used is called “Indigo.”

Now for the prep work..

Very few areas of the mirror would allow me to simply slide paper under the edges. I had to use painter’s tape on the spots with no space between the glass and the edge of the wood. And, I couldn’t use big, long pieces; only short, small pieces would work because of the angle. Once the tape was on, I used my thumbnail to make a firm crease.

Next, I used a razor blade to carefully trim off the tape. Then, I sprayed away! The Valspar paint is great, but it does take its time to dry.

Before

After

It turned out just like I hoped it would, and I love the navy color with the brass lamps and green apples. My favorite way to style it is with classic blue and white.

So, when you think it may be time for something in your home to go, buy a can of spray paint instead and extend the life of your piece.

Tuscaloosa native Kathryn Wilkerson is a wife, mom of three, a teacher, and the author of Woodbank Lane – a blog that offers up a variety of different decorating ideas and projects, recipes, and inspiration for living. Follow Kathryn at woodbanklane.com and on Instagram @woodbanklane.

Tales of Tuscaloosa

Tales of Tuscaloosa: The Dearing-Swaim Magnolia (March 31, 1744)

By Jim Ezell

The year 1744 was eventful.

On March 31, a formal declaration pulled England into the War of Austrian Succession— known in the American colonies as King George’s War. Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, inventor of the centigrade thermometer, died. Abigail Smith Adams, the second First Lady of the United States, was born in Massachusetts. Colonial Georgia struggled for its existence, while Mobile, the former capital of French colonial Louisiana, had become a military outpost and major center for trade with the Indians. In the wilderness that would become West Alabama, a red seed had fallen to the forest floor and germinated. It sank its roots and tentatively sent up a sprout with large, shiny leaves.

For more than two and a half centuries, nations and empires rose and fell. There was revolution, the displacement of native peoples, civil war, the emancipation of the enslaved, and conflicts engulfing much of the world. But the tree continued to grow and slowly came to dominate its surroundings.

Beginning perhaps in 1819, or a little later as early Tuscaloosa developed, almost all the trees were cleared and the land overlain with streets and buildings. No longer in the wilderness but now, on a lot near the intersection of East Margin St. (Queen City Ave.) and Chestnut St. (14th St.), the tree flourished. The Dearing-Swaim House was built behind it in 1835, and subsequent generations of adults enjoyed its shade. Children played in its low-hanging branches.

The tree in question is a magnificent specimen of Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the Southern Magnolia, an evergreen noted for huge flowers. They can grow to a height of over 100-feet and live for centuries.

On September 18, 1987, The Tuscaloosa News reported that the Dearing-Swaim magnolia had been named a “Living

Witness” tree. It was one of eight trees designated by the Alabama Forestry Commission as having been alive 200 years earlier when the United States Constitution was ratified.

Through nearly three centuries of life, the Dearing- Swaim magnolia has survived encroachment by humans, tornadoes, hurricanes sweeping in from the Gulf, droughts, and thunderstorms. Yet it thrived and still stands as a landmark of perseverance and beauty.

About the Author Jim Ezell is a retired engineer, historian, and author. His newest novel,The Cistern, was published in Dec. 2017. The Cistern is an adventure/crime novel set in Tuscaloosa and fictional Tombigbee County in the Alabama Black Belt.

The Cistern is available on Amazon.com.

Top: The magnolia partially shown on the right was almost 200 years old when this photograph was taken in 1939 for the Carnegie Survey of Architecture of the South. Wisteria vines can be seen hanging from the lowest branches. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Middle: In the spring and early summer, the Dearing-Swaim magnolia typically has hundreds of lemon-scented blossoms that are up to 12 inches across.

Bottom: The end of a pine log at the Center Church near Lake Tuscaloosa. The tree that it came from began growing about the same time as the Dearing-Swaim magnolia and was harvested about 1875. Date and ring alignments are approximate. Photo by the author.

March 2018

By Faith Henley

A teacher plays a crucial, influential role in every one of their students’ lives. Great teachers, like Nikki Cabler, don’t take that responsibility lightly.

“I feel that teachers not only teach academic and life skills, but model and instill character traits that people exhibit for a lifetime,” Cabler said. “Teachers can contribute in a positive or negative way to a child’s self-esteem and selfworth.”

“I FEEL THAT TEACHERS NOT ONLY TEACH ACADEMIC AND LIFE SKILLS, BUT MODEL AND INSTILL CHARACTER TRAITS THAT PEOPLE EXHIBIT FOR A LIFETIME.” Cabler has been influencing students in the Tuscaloosa area for two decades. She began her teach-

SCHOOLS 15 Nikki Cabler, Lake View Elementary ing with an internship at BrookPhoto courtesy of Nikki Cabler wood Elementary, where she continued to teach until the opening of Lake View Elementary.

Though she has always taught kindergarten and 1st grade, that doesn’t stop her young students from returning many years later to share the impact she had on their lives.

“If a child does not feel respected, they will not show respect to others,” Cabler said. “If a child is not praised and supported by the adults surrounding them, they will never gain the self- confidence needed to succeed.”

In a fast-paced world, Cabler strives to bring calmness to her students’ lives and teach in creative ways that appeal to every student’s learning style. A strong focus on each student as an individual, and an understanding of their unique needs, allows Cabler to teach to the best of her ability.

With the rise of social media a unique opportunity to be a stable and huge cultural shifts, most role model for their students. would agree today’s children face “Be a positive role model for a plethora of problems not faced your students,” Cabler said. “With by the generations before them. In many households having both a world that can sometimes be unparents working, many times you certain, Cabler feels teachers have spend more time with the students

than their own families. You have a major impact on their lives. They notice and mimic all of your behaviors, so make them positive.”

On Your

mark:

12th Annual Mayor’s Cup 5K for Pre-K and Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Join Forces

By Faith Henley

The Mayor’s Cup 5K for Pre-K helps increase awareness and raise funds for the Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative, along with promoting health and wellness in the Tuscaloosa community. Area runners are preparing for the upcoming Mayor’s Cup 5K for Pre-K and the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon on March 24. Photos: City of Tuscaloosa.

Since 2007, the Mayor’s Cup has raised almost a quarter of a million dollars to benefit the young children of our state. A campaign that began with the election of Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, the Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative aims to accomplish just that.

“Prior to being mayor, I worked with the school system, so I was seeing these phenomenal test results among our children that we were able to get into a Pre-K program,” Maddox said. “I felt like one of the things we could do to ensure a brighter future is early intervention with Pre-K, with certified teachers and a school environment with wrap-around services. For me, it’s just been a labor of love.”

This year’s partnership with the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon seeks to draw an increase in participants and to raise even more for local charities. The combined races will benefit not only the Pre-K Initiative, but also several other local organizations that promote children’s education.

According to Maddox, only 70 percent of Alabama’s children have access to Pre-K programs. The Initiative currently serves more than 470 academically at-risk preschoolers in 27 pre-k classrooms, but he hopes as the Mayor’s Cup continues to grow, the community can help to close that gap.

“I really believe, especially with the challenges facing so many of our children today, that having an active environment and an active, vibrant Pre-K program is one of the keys to sustainable success academically and socially,” Maddox said.

For Maddox, the best part of the Mayor’s Cup is seeing the healthy, active Tuscaloosa children who participate in the 5K. His hope is these young community members will become the future advocates for the Pre-K Initiative and equal education opportunities in the state.

The Mayor’s Cup 5K for Pre-K and the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon will be held on Saturday, March 24. The courses begin and end at Government Plaza, where participants can also pick up race materials. Half Marathon participants start at 7 a.m., and Mayor’s Cup 5K participants begin at 8 a.m.

Off to the races

Tuscaloosa County Medical Alliance’s Inaugural Event is Derby-Inspired Fun

By Laurie Mundy Perrigin Big hats. Bow ties. Bourbon. These staples of Kentucky Derby Day are all a part of an upcoming event that seeks to bring together the festive atmosphere of the horse racing event and the chance to raise money for a worthy cause.

The Tuscaloosa County Medical Alliance’s inaugural “Off to the Races” fundraising party is set for April 12 at North River Yacht Club. And while the event is being held weeks ahead of the actual “Derby Day,” organizers hope the fun atmosphere will linger until the horses leave the starting gate at Churchill Downs on May 5.

Tuscaloosa County Medical Alliance President Amy Poore said the organization is working hard to make this a special evening.

“Myself, along with the Medical Alliance, are very excited to be able to offer a new and different type of fundraiser – one that can be enjoyed by all, while raising money for great causes in the community,” Poore said.

The evening includes specialty bourbon and wine tastings paired with complimentary foods. Derby-inspired cocktails will also be served, and a cigar den will be held on the deck. Live jazz music will be presented

by Birmingham Seven.

Morgan Stanley is presenting the evening – and financial advisor Katie Hancock said it’s a perfect match.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with the TCMA to have some fun for a fantastic cause,” said Hancock.

“The TCMA is committed to bettering our community and this event meshes well with our team’s commitment to civic leadership.

I’m looking forward to this year’s inaugural event, and all that is to come.”

The idea behind Off to the Races was conceived by Poore. She said the emphasis for the evening is on socializing and having a great time, while giving back to a worthy cause.

“Something ticket buyers should know is once a ticket is purchased, your contribution is done. There will be no silent auctions or raffles at this event. You’ll be automatically entered into the hat and bow tie contest,” Poore said.

The one requirement?

Attendees should wear their best Derby hats and bow ties.

“The hats are the part I am most excited about,” said Poore. “I really hope people buy into the fun of wearing beautiful, crazy, and unique Derby hats!”

Proceeds from Off to the Races will help TCMA donate to local community organizations, including The Good Samaritan Clinic, A Woman’s Place, and The Alberta Elementary School of Performing Arts.

Tickets for Off to the Races are available for purchase at Effie’s in downtown Tuscaloosa, at Mobley & Sons in the Tuscaloosa Galleria, and by emailing tuscaloosamedicalalliance@gmail.com for a PayPal invoice.

Top: Local floral designer Kelly Wilkin works on options for designing hats for the upcoming TCMA fundraiser “Off to the Races: A Party of Big Hats & Bow Ties.” Bottom: Longtime Tuscaloosa County Medical Alliance member Adrienne Howe already has her fancy hat for the event. “I’m ecstatic about wearing a hat to ‘Off to the Races.’ Nothing completes an outfit like wearing a hat. Simply put, hats are fun!”

Giving Back to Tuscaloosa

by Hanson Watkins

Corporate Giving Spreads Generosity Throughout the Community Some corporations headquartered in Tuscaloosa spread their giving throughout the community. Many charities rely on the larger corporate donations, like the $250,000 donation from Mercedez-Benz to the downtown Tuscaloosa YMCA. The largest employers in our area also have impact by working with both local and national groups and combining employee efforts, like the Charity Jeans Friday program at Brose.

In addition, many organizations support multiple charities, like the Community Service Programs of West Alabama and individual foundations. Companies like The Westervelt Company use community service programs to adminster their charity efforts.

Bryant Bank

Bryant Bank made a commitment to help Alabama build legendary communities through hard work, dedication, and pride. Their bankers support local Tuscaloosa organizations by volunteering their time in a classroom, on a board, or out in the community. Additionally, Bryant Bank invests in several local organizations financially.

A new initiative this past holiday season was to “Turn Banking Into Thanking.” Bryant bankers submitted local charity ideas that had a family member directly, or groups they felt had made a difference in Tuscaloosa.

After reviewing all of the submissions, Bryant Bank ended up choosing to give them all a donation. In addition, Bryant Bank has worked to promote these charities in Tuscaloosa. This year, they supported: • American Cancer Society – specifically, the local Relay for Life • American Heart Association • Caring Days • Easter Seals • Junior Achievement of Tuscaloosa County • YMCA • Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama • Mind Changers • Holiday Food Drive to support the local community (Bryant actually made food donations) with Greater Faith Tabernacle Church Bryant Bank employees present the “Big Check.”

Six additional charities benefited from this effort in our other markets as well.

The Community Foundation of West Alabama

The mission of the CFWA is to promote charitable giving for present and future generations. They do this by administering and managing charitable giving for foundations, individuals, and companies, like The Westervelt Company.

Supporting education and the arts is one of the top areas for CFWA. Each year, they distribute grants to teachers and educators in Tuscaloosa. Over time, CFWA has worked with a wide variety of charities.

Grant cycle awardees have included: Child Abuse Prevention Services, Tuscaloosa Children’s Center, IMPACT Alabama, KidOne Transport, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Schoolyard Roots, Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, Mt. Vernon Community Club, Strings in Schools, and the Newbern Library, Inc.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International

CWFA presents education grant checks to Samantha Harbin, Dana Roy, Dominque Tortorice, and Misty Turner of the County Board of Education.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International has donated more than $12 million to our local community since coming to Alabama in 1993. Their support has helped so many groups in the area that they can’t all be listed here. Here are few examples: In 2017, MBUSI sponsored Lean On: Alabama’s inaugural Women’s Lifestyle and Leadership Conference in Tuscaloosa. Lean On: Alabama provides opportunities for the women of Alabama to build relationships while learning from others who have forged the path to success as leaders in their families, communities, churches, government, and business.

50 MBUSI Team Members participated in a Tuscaloosa Habitat for Humanity building project in the Foster Ferry Road area. Additional initiatives have included building projects for a disabled Tuscaloosa resident and builds in other areas, such as Birmingham.

In 2015, Mercedes donated $250,000 to sponsor The Child Development Room at the YMCA’s new facility in downtown Tuscaloosa.

The company has supported the Black Warrior Riverkeeper, a nonprofit clean water advocacy organization, through lead sponsorships of Earthbound’s Earthfest. The Black Warrior River basin includes parts of 17 Alabama counties and provides approximately half of Birmingham’s drinking water and all of the water for Tuscaloosa and many other cities in Tuscaloosa County.

Other prominent charitable projects include: • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Wine for the Walk and the JDRF’s annual gala • Donating two vehicles to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Birmingham • Purchasing a 3D Pain Distraction System Children’s of Alabama Burn Unit • Sponsoring two Family Units at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham and the DCH Family Room in Tuscaloosa • Red Mountain Theatre sponsorships • Raising more than $20,000 as part of the Tuscaloosa area’s “Making Strides” walk to support breast cancer

Top: Amber Aziza speaks at the inaugural Womem’s Lifestlye and Leadership Conference in Tuscaloosa.

Bottom: Family Units at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham and the DCH Family Room in Tuscaloosa.

March 2018

COMMUNITY 19 When the World Met Billy Graham: Youth for Christ’s First Employee

By Mike Green

As Youth For Christ’s first field representative, Graham’s salary in 1944 was $75/week, plus expenses. In his first year with the organization, he traveled 200,000 miles, speaking in 47 American states.

Photo: Youth for Christ

The crowds were dismal three weeks into the young, fiery Youth For Christ evangelist’s 1949 Los Angeles crusade. But for reasons still unknown to Billy Graham, media mogul William Randolph Hearst issued a two-word directive to all his publications that made Youth for Christ’s first employee an instant celebrity.

“Puff Graham” was the mandate Hearst issued, and “the sudden front-page coverage showered on Graham

by Hearst newspapers ... was quickly matched by other newspapers and news magazines [creating] literally a media circus descending on his rallies under a big tent,” John Dart reported in a 1997 Los Angeles Times article. The coverage enabled Graham to extend that LA crusade six more weeks and to launch, the following year, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association – and to preach the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history.

Dr. Graham, who passed away on Feb. 21 in Montreat, North Carolina at age

99, helped birth Youth for Christ, an organization originally founded for ministry to youth and servicemen during World War II. Today, Youth for Christ is one of the longest-recognized outreach organizations serving young people worldwide.

According to Graham biographer William Martin,1949 wasn’t the first time Hearst ordered coverage of the Youth For Christ organization.

Hearst also sent a “puff YFC [Youth For Christ]” telegram in 1946, according to Martin’s book, A Prophet With Honor.

The Hearst-owned Los Angeles Examiner also gave Youth For Christ leader Roy McKeown a weekly column to report on the group’s activities.

“Youth For Christ came into being through a conversation I had while fishing off the coast of Florida in late 1944,” Graham said in his autobiography, Just As I Am. “It was my privilege to be the first full-time employee of Youth For Christ ... It grew rapidly, and thousands of young people came to Christ.”

“We stand on the shoulders

of Dr. Graham’s legacy of innovation and passionate drive to communicate with young people around the world,” said Dan Wolgemuth, president of Youth For Christ/USA. “Mr. Graham’s gifted style was considered ‘edgy’ in the forties so it, of course, appealed to young people. Today, Youth for Christ continues what Dr. Graham started by loving and engaging young people in relevant, authentic conversations through the latest technologies and the life-changing power of story—God’s story and their story.”

Dr. Graham recently shared some of his thoughts with Youth For Christ staff about their work, saying, “... the instruments that technology has provided are sharper. I see no reason why we could not touch the entire youth population of the world in the next quarter-century with the good news of the Gospel. Youth for Christ staff, let’s make that our goal!”

Youth For Christ is active in 2,000 communities in the U.S., as well as over 100 countries. Youth For Christ

USA is committed to serving young people—especially those on the fringe—with sustainable youth and family outreach.

Opportunities to share your thoughts and reflections about Dr. Graham can be found at yfc.org. Memorial gifts and pledges to celebrate Dr. Graham’s remarkable life and legacy will be directed into the Billy Graham Legacy Fund in the YFC Foundation (a USA registered 501©3 non-profit, jointly operated by YFC/Int’l and YFC/USA). This Legacy Fund has been designated to train and equip a new generation of evangelists around the world who will follow in Dr. Graham’s footsteps.

20 FOOD

March 2018

French Onion Soup Warms and Satisfies, and Cara Cara Dream Oranges are a Zesty Treat

March Recipes

By Amy Poore I don’t know why I haven’t done French onion soup more often – but this month, it’s happening. My husband tells me it’s the best version he’s ever had, which thrills me. And any recipe that begins with “1 stick of butter” has to be good, right?

Cara Cara oranges are delicious and tart. They’re perfect for roasting! Grab some at the market this week and make

FRENCH ONION SOUP • 1 stick butter • 5 sweet onions, halved and sliced • 3 garlic cloves • 2 bay leaves • 3 fresh thyme sprigs • 3/4 cup red wine • 3 tablespoons flour • 6 cups beef broth • Salt/pepper to taste • French bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces • 8 ounces fontina cheese, grated

In a large heavy pot, melt butter and cook onions, garlic, bay leaves and thyme on medium heat, stirring occasionally until soft and caramelized - around 25-30 mins.

Pour in wine and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until wine has evaporated (5-10 minutes).

Discard bay leaves and thyme twigs.

Turn heat to low and sprinkle the flour over onions and stir to completely combine.

Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduced heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once soup is cooked, preheat broiler, and arrange bread on a baking sheet (one layer). Top with cheese and broil until brown and bubbly.

Place soup in bowls and top with cheese toasts.

this Dream Oranges recipe. It’s a gorgeous, satisfying, sweet treat.

Have fun in the kitchen this month, and as always, bon appétit!

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

CARA CARA DREAM ORANGES • 4 Cara Cara oranges, cut into 8 wedges • 1/2 cup light brown sugar • 1/4 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped • 2 tablespoons honey

Arrange oranges on lined baking sheet and evenly sprinkle brown sugar over them.

Preheat oven to broil.

Arrange oranges on serving plate, sprinkle with pistachios and drizzle with honey.

Broil oranges for 3-5 mins, making sure not to burn.

*Note - for easier consumption, you can peel oranges first, but it’s not quite as pretty.

FOOD 21

March 2018

Taste of Tuscaloosa: Have a Hankering for a Slice (or Two)? Here’s Where to Go

By Sheena Gregg

Anytime I’m educating a large group of people about nutrition, I love to go around the room and ask what everyone’s favorite food is. When the tables are turned on me, I respond that my favorite food is pizza, hands down.

As a dietitian, I see pizza as a vehicle for everything

awesome in the food world: bread, cheese (hello!), and anything else your heart desires. If you’re a veggie person, pile it on. If you’re in love with meat, there’s quite the variety of traditional and non-traditional pizza meats.

The sky is really the limit when it comes to pizza com-

binations. Thankfully, we’ve got a great variety of local pizzerias that satisfy our pizza cravings. Here are three of the best…

Heat Pizza Bar

Heat Pizza Bar will celebrate its 2-year anniversary next month, but it’s been hot from the get go. Owner Frank Fleming says his inspiration for Heat came from his experience working in the service industry with his brother, Will, during undergrad at The University of Alabama.

Broadway Pizzeria

Celebrating its “Sweet Sixteen” this year, Broadway Pizzeria opened its original location on April 1, 2002, after taking about a year to convert the old North River Marina warehouse into a restaurant. Now boasting a total of three locations in town, Broadway has made a name for itself among Tuscaloosa locals.

Owner Eric Wyatt considers the start of Broadway a leap of faith.

“My business partner and I had a feeling that if we would make our own dough and sauce from scratch and use premium toppings, we’d surely end up with a great product, but it was a leap of faith, nonetheless. We had no way of ‘trying it out,’ because no open-hearth pizza ovens existed around here that we knew of, “said Wyatt.

But despite the awesome pizza, Wyatt says Broadway offers much more.

“My favorite menu item? It’s actually a sandwich ... a tossup between our cheesesteak and the Italian sub. I do, of course, love our pizza as well, and if I’m ordering one for myself, today it’s gonna be chicken, bacon, mushroom, and onion with a little green olive and pineapple to make it stand up and talk,” he said.

For more information on Broadway Pizzeria, including locations and menu items, visit broadwaysouth.net.

“The university and town were growing at an alarming rate, and we knew the market could support another restaurant/bar. It took a few different concept ideas before we came up with the ‘heat’ concept,” Fleming said. “We simply wanted to offer the best possible ingredients at the lowest possible price to our customers, all while having a fun atmosphere and exceptional customer service.”

With nightly specials like $7 Thai chicken pizzas on Tuesdays, and $5 signature cocktails on Thursdays, Heat keeps a busy schedule with patrons.

If you ask Fleming what his favorite pizza is on the menu, he’s quick to tell you his go to.

“My favorite pizza is our ‘Standard’ – it comes with pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, and onions, on our house red sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese. But our chicken bacon ranch pizza is a close second. I think the name speaks for itself,” said Fleming.

For more information on Heat Pizza Bar, including hours and menu items, visit heatpizzabar.com.

California Underground Pizzeria

In business for over 10 years, California Underground Pizzeria in Northport is no stranger to the local pizza game. Owner Zach Sutton says his family purchased California Underground in November 2016, after the original owners moved out of state.

“My sister Abby worked there as a manager and loved it. The owner sold the business to our family when he moved out of state, and our family carried on the pizza tradition,” said Sutton.

If you ask California Underground customers what they love most, they’ll tell you they love the friendly staff and the amazing selection of specialty pizzas on the menu.

“We make it a point to make every customer and employee feel like family. We hand-make every pizza to order, and the possibilities are endless when it comes to making the perfect pizza for each customer,” Sutton said. “Our main bragging right comes from our special, homemade dough, especially our deep-dish crust option. One thing that stands out the most is our 16-topping pizza called the Tsunami, which, when combined with our deep-dish crust, can weigh up to 6 pounds.”

Sutton adds that California Underground’s most popular specialty pizzas include the California cheeseburger, Veggie pizza, and the new Newport Pesto pizza.

For more information California Underground Pizzeria, including menu items and event catering, visit californiaundergroundpizza.com.

Directly mailed to Tuscaloosa homes and businesses.

The most cost effective and complete way to reach Tuscaloosa with your business message.

March Calendar of Events DCL Saves the Date

The ACT Presents “Seussical the Musical”: March 2-5, Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos. Horton must protect them, at all costs. For tickets, and more information, visit theactonline.com.

9th Annual HOWA Family 5K Run/Walk: March 3, 8 a.m. Hospice of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Registration for this annual 5K race begins at 7 a.m. This grand prix event features a 5K run/walk, shopping with local vendors, live music, and activity centers for the kids. Registration fee: $20. For more information and to register, visit hospiceofwestalabama. com.

and TuscaloosaHalfMarathon.org.

Pullin’ for the Arc Fire Truck Challenge: March 24, 10 a.m.-Noon, University Mall Back Parking Lot, Tuscaloosa. This fundraiser, which features teams of 10 people pulling a 44,000-pound Tuscaloosa Fire Truck 50 feet, benefits The Arc of Tuscaloosa County. Enjoy food vendors, live music, and a kid’s zone with fun activities. For more information, visit thearcoftuscaloosa.org.

JLT Dragon Boat Races Set for Saturday, March 31 Tuscaloosa’s Black Warrior River is once again the focal point of this year’s Junior League of Tuscaloosa Dragon Boat Races. This exciting event features hundreds of participants paddling along the river as part of dragon boat teams. Cheer participants on from the Black Warrior’s banks at Riverwalk Place on Jack Warner Parkway, as they compete for top spots in the races, which get underway at 9:30 a.m. and last until late afternoon. The JLT Dragon Boat Races help raise funds for the Junior League’s community partners. For more information, visit jltuscaloosa.org.

Tuscaloosa Heart Walk: March 3, 8 a.m. (walk begins at 9 a.m.), Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. 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 westalheartwalk.org.

Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Party at CHOM: March 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, downtown Tuscaloosa. Enjoy movies, crafts, and birthday cake. For more information, visit chomonline. org.

Soroptimist International of Tuscaloosa’s Women’s Brunch: March 3, 9:30-11 a.m. Embassy Suites Ballroom, downtown Tuscaloosa. This year’s guest speaker is comedienne and motivational speaker Carla “The Truth” Youngblood. This event raises funds to help support women in the Tuscaloosa community. For more information, visit situscaloosa.com.

Miracle League of Tuscaloosa Run for the Diamond 5K: March 3, Munny Sokol Park North, Tuscaloosa.

This event also includes a Kid’s Fun Run. Packet pick up starts at 7:15 a.m.; 5K begins at 8 a.m. and the Fun Run starts at 9:30 a.m. For more information, and to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/AL/Tuscaloosa/TheMiracleLeagueofTuscaloosa5K. Calico Street Troupe Performance: March 3, 17, and 31: 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Northport Civic Center. This free, interactive, professional stage play for kids features costumed actors, dancers, special lighting, and music – all on a 36-foot stage. Each program is a new production, and all entertainment teaches right choices and good character through real-life drama. For upcoming show dates and times, visit calicostreet.com.

5th Street Vintage Market: March 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 4150 5th Street, Northport. The Vintage Market is a great place to find unusual and unique treasures, from vintage books, clothes, and jewelry to handmade items, vinyl records, and more. For more information, visit 5thstreetvintagemarket.com.

Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra Annual Discovery Day Concert: March 5, 6 p.m. Moody Music Building Concert Hall, UA campus. The TSO’s collaboration with the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers will bring the characters of Britten’s narrated “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” to life. Meet the members of the orchestra and hear additional selections. For those young and young at heart, the TSO offers a special “In-

strument Petting Zoo” by the TSO Guild at 5 p.m. For more information, including concert tickets, call (205) 752-5515 or visit tsoonline.org.

2018 Northport Community Engagement Dinner: March 6, 5:30-7 p.m. The Levee, Northport. Join the Chamber, the Levee, and officials from Northport for dinner. This semi-annual event is designed to keep Northport business leaders and citizens informed on issues related to the Northport Community. Fees/admission: $20 (Chamber members); $30 (non-members). For more information, email carolyn@tuscaloosachamber. com.

“Time and Dreams” Film Screening: March 6, 7:30 p.m. Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. This 1976 documentary film, produced by Tuscaloosa resident Mort Jordan, was recently honored as a 2017 inductee into the National Film Registry list at the Library of Congress. The screening is free to the public, and Jordan will be on hand for opening remarks. For more information, visit tuscarts.org.

Science Saturday at CHOM: March 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, downtown Tuscaloosa. Make your way through the scientific “Lab” stations throughout the museum. For more information, visit chomonline.org.

Fishin’ for a Mission Annual Bass Tournament: March 10, Binion Creek Landing, Northport. Registration for this tournament, which benefits Eagles’ Wings and is sponsored by Tuscaloosa Hyundai, begins at 3:30 a.m. Boats leave at safe light. Weigh-in is at 3:30 p.m.

For more information, email becky@eagleswingsoftuscaloosa.org or call (205) 333-7690.

St. Patrick’s Day Search for Shamrocks at CHOM: March 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, downtown Tuscaloosa. Search for lucky shamrock coins, and trade them for prizes in the “Lucky Leprechaun” shop. For more information, visit chomonline.org.

Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Business After Hours: March 20, 5 to 7 p.m. Cypress Inn, Tuscaloosa. Enjoy two hours of informal networking at this monthly Chamber function.

Tuscaloosa Mayor’s Cup 5K for Pre-K and Tuscaloosa Half Marathon: March 24, Government Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa. Half Marathon participants start at 7 a.m.; Mayor’s Cup 5K participants start at 8 a.m.

For more information, visit TuscaloosaMayorsCup.com

3-2-1 Blastoff at CHOM: March 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, downtown Tuscaloosa. Test your engineering and astronaut skills, experiment with gravity, and launch a rocket. For more information, visit chomonline.org.

21st Annual BBQ and Blue Jeans: March 24, 6-10 p.m. Water Oaks Farm, Tuscaloosa. Proceeds from this event benefit the DCH Help & Hope Patient Assistance Fund. Enjoy McAbee Pigfitters BBQ, a silent auction, live music, and more.

Tickets and corporate sponsorships are available. For more information, call (205) 759-7349 or visit thedchfoundation.org.

Brantley Gilbert with Aaron Lewis and Josh Phillips: March 24, 7:30 p.m. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

Tickets available via Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit Ticketmaster.com, call the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Box Office at (205) 248-5280 or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

UA Theatre & Dance Presents ‘Dance Alabama!’: March 27-31, Morgan Auditorium at Morgan Hall, University of Alabama campus. This spring concert features all new, student-choreographed dance pieces that range from ballet to hip hop. For more information, including show times and tickets, visit theatre.ua.edu.

LUNAFEST Film Festival: March 29, 6-9 p.m. Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. LUNAFEST, presented by the UA Women and Gender Resource Center, showcases diverse films. The event is designed to raise awareness about women’s issues, highlight women filmmakers, bring women together in their communities, and raise money for the Chicken and Egg Pictures and the UA Women and Gender Resource Center. For more information, visit wgrc.ua.edu.

Eggstra-Special at Chom: March 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, downtown Tuscaloosa. Enjoy fun Easter games and crafts. more information, visit chomonline.org.

Homegrown Alabama Farmer’s Market: Thursdays, 3-6 p.m. 812 5th Avenue, Tuscaloosa. This University of Alabama student-run farmer’s market features vendors from all over the state, along with live music from local musicians. homegrownalabama.ua.edu; (205) 210-9621 Tuscaloosa Farmer’s Market: Saturdays, 7 a.m.-noon.

Tuscaloosa River Market, 1900 Jack Warner Blvd, Tuscaloosa. Shop for fresh produce, grass fed beef, baked goods, cheeses and more. Buy fresh, buy local.

For more information, visit tuscaloosarivermarket.com or call (205) 248-5295.

Events you want to see here?

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Head Start/Early Head Start Locations: Alberta Head Start

2200-2nd Street E Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35404 (205) 556-2613

Alberta Early Head Start 2200-2nd Street E Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35404 (205) 554-0550

Bibb County Head Start 1006 Walnut Street Centerville, Alabama 35042 (205) 926-7557

Fayette County Head Start/ Early Head Start 631 1st Street Southwest Fayette, Alabama 35555 (205) 932-3560

Greene County Head Start/ Early Head Start 1227 U S Highway 43 S Eutaw, Alabama 35462 (205) 372-2810

Hargrove Head Start

2501 Hargrove Rd E Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405 (205) 562-1887

Lamar County Head Start/ Early Head Start

Do you have a child age birth - 5 years?

Head Start & Early Head Start Are Now Accepting Applications Promoting School Readiness & Empowering Families through: ▪ Individualized Educational Services ▪ Qualified Staff ▪ Educational Activities & Field Trips ▪ Mental Health Services ▪ Health & Dental Screenings ▪ Developmental Screenings ▪ Healthy Meals and Snacks ▪ Family Coaching ▪ Services to Accommodate Special Needs ▪ All services are provided at NO COST to families!

9766 Highway 18 W Vernon, Alabama 35592 (205) 695-6588

Moundville Head Start Robert B. Lake Center 39760 Highway 69 Moundville, Alabama 35474 (205) 371-4255

Sawyerville Head Start/ Early Head Start 3642 County Road 17 Sawyerville, Alabama 36776 (334) 624-4014

Apply online at cspwal.com Head Start is a division of Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc.