March 2019 | Volume 7 | Issue 3
DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Showcasing Alabama A FESTIVAL OF ONE ACTS
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE About Us...............2 City.......................3 Opinion................4 Business...............8
Community.......11 Schools...............19 Food...................21 Calendar.............23
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BUSINESS Edge Technology Center Opens
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COMMUNITY Tuscaloosa Supports Public Art
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SCHOOLS What Is Your Dream Vacation?
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FOOD Flavors of Gulf Come to Town
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DRUID CITY LIVING | MARCH 2019
ABOUT US PHOTO OF THE MONTH CEO/PUBLISHER Josh Watkins
VICE PRESIDENT Hanson Watkins
EDITOR
Laurie Mundy Perrigin
(205) 246-2977 editor@druidcitymedia.com
ART DIRECTOR
Nathan Pearman
ACCOUNT MANAGER Caroline Ford
caroline@druidcitymedia.com
2019 INTERN Faith Henley
ADVERTISE WITH US
Meet Misty Moon, new Executive Director of the West Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross
For advertising inquiries, please contact us at contact@druidcityliving.com or 256-346-5321.
We ran into Ms Moon at Heritage House just three days into her new job and are excited to introduce her to Tuscaloosa in her new role. Ms Moon comes to the Red Cross after her time as executive director of Catholic Social Services of West Alabama. She started her career as a special education teacher. Her family includes her husband, two daughters and a toy poodle named AJ. We asked her how she starts her day and she said “with a prayer.” Photo: West Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross
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.
FROM THE EDITOR
CORRECTIONS To report corrections and clarifications, email editor@druidcitymedia.com
Hello, and welcome to our March 2019 edition of Druid City Living. I’m particularly proud of this issue, because I feel it reflects all the wonderful aspects of our community. Now that our days are (finally) getting a little longer, we wanted to highlight some of the best events happening in town. This month’s calendar page is packed, so be sure to get out and enjoy yourself. If you haven’t already, make plans to attend the free Bicentennial Bash at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater on March 31. I’m a huge Jason Isbell fan, and I can’t wait to finally see him live. The end of the month seems particularly rich with events. Theatre Tuscaloosa’s A Festival of One Acts is going to be outstanding. It’s also spread out over several days, and it’s tied in to Alabama’s bicentennial.
As always, a special thanks to all our readers, writers, contributors, and advertisers. Everyone here at Druid City Living appreciates your efforts and your support. And if you have any story ideas you’d like to share with us, please email editor@druidcityliving. com. We’d love to hear from you.
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TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
CITY
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Mayor’s Minute I hope that you have had a moment in recent weeks to review my plan to Elevate Tuscaloosa. I believe this is the most important proposal I have made in my 13 years serving as your mayor. We are in rapidly changing times as local and national forces are reshaping our economic landscape in Tuscaloosa. History demonstrates that it is in the good times that we must aspire to be great. In 2004, Blockbuster Video employed 84,300 people worldwide with 9,094 stores. In the past 15 years, Blockbuster has been reduced to two stores. At the height of Blockbuster’s success, they failed to recognize that their model was changing – we will not make the same mistake. Today, with the lowest city sales tax and one of the lowest per capita debts in Alabama, Tuscaloosa is successful by most measures. We weathered the Great Recession in the late 2000s and overcame the tragic tornado of April 27, 2011. Even with online sales siphoning off millions of dollars of revenue annually in recent years, Tuscaloosa can maintain status quo for the next decade without any additional revenue increases. However, that is a false choice, because Tuscaloosa’s economic and quality-of-life models are changing for three primary reasons. The first variable is the dwindling of America’s brick-and-mortar retail stores due to online sales.
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Compounding this is the fact that millennials prefer to invest more in experiences than retail goods. Secondly, after years of record-setting student enrollment growth, The University of Alabama has reached its peak for the foreseeable future. Lastly, by 2021, Tuscaloosa will need 5,000 more skilled employees to meet anticipated workforce projections. By 2030, we will require an additional 23,000. Understanding this, Elevate Tuscaloosa is focused on creating economic hotspots centered around the experience economy while vastly enhancing education, job development, transit, arts, parks, and recreation. If you haven’t viewed my proposal, I hope you will take time to visit ElevateTuscaloosa.com.
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DRUID CITY LIVING | MARCH 2019
OPINION The Mommy Chronicles: Making Time to Stop, Focus, and Repeat BY MARLENA RICE was headed to school recently, and for the first time in a while, I realized I wasn’t rushing during my half-hour commute to collect my son. You see, I like to ensure that I’m in the pickup line before the principal conducts her mandatory inspection of the “on time” parents before sending out the children whom she knows matches the vehicles in line. My child will not be the one traumatized by being the last kiddo picked up from school. What caused me to slow down? Marlena Rice is a busy mom and writer who lives in Tuscaloosa with her husband, Rod, and their son, Beaux William. Check out her blog at heartfullybuilt.com. Well, while driving, I glanced over at the vehicle to my right, Appreciate the fact that you now have ple tasks at once is a better option. But the during one meal: a begging dog we leave and I saw a woman doing what looked our meal to get up to feed, thinking about time to do something of your choosing. If reality is this: we all need to slow down. like the impossible. She was driving her what we need to do after dinner and when you work at home, keep your work (and Yep, this includes you, mom. SUV, holding on to a mattress strapped to it will be accomplished, and, goodness work phone) in a separate room. Closed Multitasking may look good in your the top of her vehicle with her left hand, forbid, your phone beeps and you just doors on a Friday afternoon can be your Erin Condren planner, with its flashy, anand smoking a cigarette with her right have to find out if it’s from your Facefriend in this scenario. noyingly fun stickers covering every box hand. book, Twitter, or Instagram notifications. every day of the week – but sometimes, Maybe she was driving with her Just eat. Talk. Enjoy. Nothing else. you just need to focus on one thing. 3. Practice thinking about one thing knees?! So, how can you best embrace this idea at a time. Focus. I know it’s hard. So Aside from worrying that this woman of “oneness”? Start slow. Keep it simple. 2. Leave work at home. This is always often, we moms think circles around the was a serious traffic hazard, she also made men in our lives, but maybe that’s why a toughie, especially for those of us who me think about how, as a mom, I often 1. If you don’t already do this, start our husbands, dads, brothers, and male work from home. Do a great job while feel like multitasking is the smartest idea eating every meal at your kitchen or dinco-workers seem less stressed than we at your place of employment, and then – as opposed to of focusing on one thing ing room table. Keep the TV turned off. are. Remember, I said start things off slow come home and truly be off. Don’t talk and perfecting it. I guess I like to think Focus on your family. and simple? Let’s think like men here, about work, don’t worry about that email that even under stress, duress, and insane This sounds ridiculously simple, but you received at 4:45 p.m. that was in ALL ladies! pressure, juggling and completing multithink about all of the distractions we face CAPS and BOLDED.
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TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
OPINION
The Land of Oz: Girl Talk 2 – Second Annual Event to Empower Women BY NICOLE HALL eaders: PRIDE has a very important event coming up, so I’ve asked Nicole Hall, Prevention Coordinator for PRIDE of Tuscaloosa, to tell you about it. Enjoy! – Derek What happens when you have an event that gets incredible feedback and multiple requests to do it again next year? You do it again. “Girl Talk 2: Overcoming Obstacles to Empower Women,” hosted by PRIDE of Tuscaloosa, will be held on Sunday, Apr. 7 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bryant Conference Center. It’s an effort to discuss risk and protective factors associated with opioid abuse and misuse. Girl Talk is an all-female event that focuses on discussing taboo topics in an open and accepting environment. Topics will include substance abuse prevention and treatment, understanding your mental health, dealing with stress and anxiety, signs and symptoms of substance abuse, drug trends and concealment, enhancing communication skills, sexual assault prevention, and an unbelievable story of addiction and recovery. This year will also feature individual breakout sessions for daughters and students. Parents: this is a great time to ask those questions you are tired of googling or too afraid to ask other parents. Students: this is a moment to find out what really affects you and how even a social media post can mean more than you think. Community
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The first “Girl Talk” was so successful last year, PRIDE is hosting a second one on Apr. 7. Photo: Derek Osborn
members: this is an occasion to learn how youth are being affected in Tuscaloosa, and to give you the tools to empower the women around you. This was a great event last year, and it will be even better this year. As women, we have huge duties to fulfill. From education to work to household chores to the joys of motherhood, women are so important to our society. While there is no explanation for why women are at a higher likelihood to misuse medications than men, I have always wondered if it is due to us wanting to be perfect instead of perfectly imperfect?
It could also be that women are likely to obtain higher doses of pain medication, be over-prescribed medications, have chronic pain, and an easy access point. Prescription pain medications are one of the most widely abused drugs for female adolescence. Did you know that one in four prescriptions are being abused by teens, or that one in five college students report misusing a medication? Did you know that babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome or (NAS) have increased by 15-20 percent? And that is just what I could fit in my word count. If you are a woman, this should interest
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you. So, go register! Registration is avail able on Eventbrite.com. Don’t forget that this event is completely FREE, and food will be served. Remember, we are all guilty of the “it won’t happen to me” or “not my child.” But the truth is that addiction does not discriminate. It can be found on both sides of the river, in poor and wealthy communities, in all ethnicities, and in all genders. But that doesn’t mean that women from all walks of life can’t come together to empower each other. And we are worth it.
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DRUID CITY LIVING | MARCH 2019
OPINION Give Life to Your Story: Kindness Counts, So Be a Model for Your Kids BY ABBY LEE was lucky enough to take several local students to camp this summer in Georgia. Most of these girls went to different schools and had not met before piling in my van and leaving for camp. We watched movies, laughed, and tried to bond during the four-hour adventure to the middle of nowhere in central Georgia. As the week went on, there were of course a few squabbles. Someone felt left out when others went to the pool, while another felt a new friend was being made fun of by others in our cabin. I have three girls, so I was prepared for a few doses of girl drama, but I felt it was a great time to stretch the girls and help them feel empathy for others they had just met.
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“TO PROMOTE KINDNESS IN YOUR CHILDREN, YOU MUST MODEL IT. “ These girls were from so many different backgrounds. They each faced unique challenges at home and at school. I couldn’t know what they had been through before that week, but I wanted to do what I could to help them go home just a little bit differently. We spent time talking about hurt feelings, hurting families, and even hurt based on skin color. They let their guard down and shared
some of their deepest struggles. I, in turn, shared some hurts from my past and how they had affected the way I treated people. It’s not enough to teach kids what not to do – we also have to teach them what to do to promote kindness and compassion among their peers. Because I shared my own stories, the girls felt safe to share their own. It was amazing to see them lift each other up and share the beauty they saw in their new-found friends. To promote kindness in your children, you must model it. Start by being an “includer” yourself. We can get so wrapped up in our phones and social media that even in a room full of people we can end up alone. Show your children how to walk up to a stranger and be a friend. Show them how to look for a person who may need someone to talk to. Make a point of reaching out to someone who looks different than you. If we show them the habits of kindness, they will begin to practice them when we aren’t there to provide an example. It has been said that kindness is contagious, and in fact there are even studies to prove it. By teaching your child to be kind, you could affect the environment of their classroom, their school, and, one day, their community. Make an effort to spread kindness this month and give life to your story.
Abby Lee is the middle school ministry director for Tuscaloosa Youth for Christ. She can be reached at abby@tuscaloosayfc.com. Photo: Abby Lee
WHEN YOU NEED A HELPING HAND, WE’RE RIGHT HERE WITH YOU. The DCH Health System is right here with you throughout your life’s journey. Our physicians, employees and volunteers are the heart and soul of your community health system. We work hard to offer high-quality, compassionate care to all residents of Tuscaloosa and West Alabama. And as your friends and neighbors, you can depend on us to be at your side in the community, standing up to volunteer and stepping forward to help those in need. That’s what we mean by Caring. For Life.
DCH Regional Medical Center | Northport Medical Center | Fayette Medical Center | dchsystem.com
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TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
OPINION Lake Living: Are You Hibernating Right Now? Try to Be Productive Anyway BY ALLISON ADAMS o far this year, it feels like we’ve all been in hibernation longer than usual. March, however, often comes in like a lion – and it’s a month full of huge breakthroughs (some explosive and some peaceful). In March of 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. Inventors got creative in March. The cotton gin was unveiled by Eli Whitney in March of 1794. Nathaniel Briggs patented the washing machine in March of 1797 (though it was rudimentary, it sure morphed into an appliance that makes all our lives much easier). The board game Monopoly hit store shelves in March of 1933, and in March of 1950, Silly Putty was born! Alexander Graham Bell probably spent quite a few cold months tinkering with the telephone, because on March 10, 1876, he made the first call to his assistant in the next room. Unrest occurred in March, with both the Boston Massacre in March of 1770 and the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam in March of 1968. Weather in March made history. In March of 1848, ice jams stopped the flow of Niagara Falls. March of 1888 brought The Great Blizzard, which dumped up to 55 inches of snow in some areas of the country. And in March of 1964, a devastating Good Friday earthquake (8.3) struck in Anchorage, Alaska.
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The U.S. Constitution went into effect in March of 1789. The 15th Amendment of the Constitution, which gave black men the right to vote, was formally adopted on a March day in 1870. And in March of 1868, the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson began, with the Senate serving as the jury. Oh, and the Girl Scouts were founded in March of 1912. All of this has me thinking: why hibernate? What charitable or civic group could you start or participate in? What organization could use your wisdom? What animals might you rescue? Intellectually, sometimes we need a break – a little time to incubate, to notice things around us. We don’t all see ways to recreate objects or make things easier, especially when we are just going through the day to day. So, what are you doing this incubation period? What great ideas do you have scribbled in a notebook or floating around in the back of your mind? What do you need to share? If you haven’t planned to, why don’t you take some time in honor of “spring break,” even for just a day, to discover what new ways you
can see your world? We all have ideas we can share. Come in like a lion yourself! And while you are doing that, you can thank the person who came up with the idea to give us extra daylight as spring comes about on March 10. Yep, Daylight Savings Time (or, as it was known then, the Standard Time Act), was signed into law in March of 1918. Blessings, Allison
Allison Adams is a Realtor, artist, and writer. Contact her at aadams@lakehomes.com.
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DRUID CITY LIVING | MARCH 2019
BUSINESS
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ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO! Registration for the 13th Annual Mayor’s Cup is now open.
APRIL 27, GOVERNMENT PLAZA Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox began the Mayor’s Cup in 2007. Since that inaugural race, the race has raised more than $272,000 for the Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative, which aims to expand education and health services for academically at-risk children and their families.
$20
$25
Early Bird Registration
Standard Registration
February 1 - March 31
April 1 - April 27
REGISTER ONLINE AT TUSCALOOSAMAYORCUP.COM
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TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
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NOW OPEN & OPENING SOON 1
Camigan Microsystems Corporation celebrated the grand opening of its new Center for AI and Machine Learning in Tuscaloosa (2627 10th Ave) on Feb. 6. Located at The EDGE, a high-tech facility designed to support entrepreneurial collaboration and innovation, the facility will host advanced research and development initiatives in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Camigan.com.
BUSINESS 4
Torrid women’s clothing store opened its doors in Tuscaloosa’s Midtown Village (1800 McFarland Blvd East, Space #112) on Feb. 12. Torrid features women’s fashions for sizes 10 to 30. (205) 614-9624; torrid.com
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS 1
Bryant Bank has announced that local mortgage lender Michelle Robinson has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Senior Mortgage Sales Manager for Bryant Bank Mortgage. In addition to Robinson’s promotion, Becky Williams has been hired to support the Tuscaloosa market with mortgage lending.
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Michele Jones and Carrie Ridgway recently received the DCH Excellence Award. The Excellence Award is given to DCH employees who exemplify the highest standards of excellence in attitude, job performance, dependability, appearance, and contributions to DCH beyond the call of duty. Employees nominate their peers for the award. Jones is a physical therapist with DCH Home Health Agency, and Ridgway has been an RN at SpineCare for 10 years.
Michele Jones & Carrie Ridgeway Photos: DCH Health
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Photo: Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
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The CBD Store of Northport (900 Main Avenue, Northport) held its grand reopening on Feb. 8. They are the first and only dedicated CBD store in Northport, with products derived from 100 percent organic, non-GMO industrial hemp with no THC, so they can be purchased without a prescription. (205) 737-7984
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Tuscaloosa’s Party On store (1320 McFarland Blvd. E. #220) planned to hold a ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama on March 1. The party supply and rental shop, which carries mylar balloons, latex balloons, dress up, team spirit, party themes, tableware and more, officially opened in November. (205) 409-8765; partyonttown.com
Becky Williams and Michelle Robinson Photos: Bryant Bank
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SWJ Technology, a German company, is moving its corporate headquarters to Tuscaloosa – specifically, to Alberta, where it will become the Alberta Technology Center. SWJ provides engineering, planning, and project management for automakers, including Mercedes. Ground may be broken on the new HQ in the next few months.
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International President and CEO Jason Hoff has been named the Head of Quality Management at Mercedes-Benz Cars worldwide. Hoff will be moving to Germany to begin the new position on July 1. Michael Göbel will succeed Jason Hoff as the new Head of SUV/ Sports Cars Production and President and CEO of MBUSI.
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Tuscaloosa’s Salvation Army Thrift Store may soon have a new location, on Highway 82 near the intersection of Lurleen Wallace Blvd. Land has been purchased, and hopes are to have the new 12,000-square-foot store open by year’s end.
Jason Hoff Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
PARAkids Camp Countdown
PARAkids Day Camp Spring Break Summer Break March 11-15 May 28-August 6 Fun for kids in grades K-8 7:30a - 5:45p* *Ask about early bird drop-off and sibling discount
Spring - Belk and Phelps Summer - Belk, Phelps, Faucett and Miller
Outdoor Adventure Camp Powell Pavilion
online registration
tcpara.org
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DRUID CITY LIVING | MARCH 2019
BUSINESS The Edge Technology Center Holds Its Grand Opening in Tuscaloosa BY DCL STAFF he EDGE, an $11.7 million high-tech facility designed to support entrepreneurial collaboration and innovation in west Alabama, held its grand opening on Feb. 6. Officials from the City of Tuscaloosa and state of Alabama, along with leadership from The University of Alabama and community partners, were on hand for the celebration. Located at 2627 10th Ave. in the center of Tuscaloosa, The EDGE is about 1.5 miles from UA’s campus. A collaboration between UA, via the Culverhouse College of Business’ Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, the City of Tuscaloosa and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, The EDGE is both a workspace and a catalyst for business networking that will host regular workshops, forums, and informal gatherings. “This facility represents a part of a concerted effort, long in the making, to smartly cultivate a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tuscaloosa,” said Dr. Theresa Welbourne, executive director of the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute and The EDGE. “If you have an idea for a business and need help getting it off the ground, or you’re a freelancer looking for a place to work that isn’t a home office, The EDGE will have the resources you need to get things done,” Welbourne said. The 26,000 square-foot building is located in an enterprise area designated for development after it was devastated by a tornado that struck Tuscaloosa in April 2011. The facility includes 20 offices, 100 workstations and several conference rooms, all offered to entrepreneurs, people seeking to build their businesses and individuals who need working and networking space. “When the tornado of April 27, 2011, destroyed nearly 13 percent of Tuscaloosa, we pledged to rebuild our city in a way that honors all those who lost so much,” said Walt Maddox, mayor of the City of Tuscaloosa. “The EDGE reflects this unwavering commitment.
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“The EDGE not only continues our recovery, but it also provides an opportunity to maximize innovation and entrepreneurship,” Maddox said. “I am proud of our Council for their significant investment, and I am proud of our
“THIS FACILITY REPRESENTS A PART OF A CONCERTED EFFORT, LONG IN THE MAKING, TO SMARTLY CULTIVATE A DYNAMIC ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM IN TUSCALOOSA.”
community partners for their vision and dedication in making it happen.” Resources available from The Edge include mentoring programs, workshops on business development and marketing, and open collaboration
space. UA graduate Slade Johnston has launched several businesses thanks, he said, to the support he’s received at The EDGE. “Through networking opportunities at The EDGE, I was able to meet with other entrepreneurs to improve my business pitch and get connections to investors,” Johnston said. The new facility is a significant upgrade for The EDGE, which was temporarily in a downtown Tuscaloosa space owned by Regions Bank. “This project is the culmination of seven years of hard work,” said Jim Page, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Chamber, the City of Tuscaloosa and The University of Alabama, anyone wanting to start or grow a business will not only get the help they need, but they will do so in a world-class environment.” The University of Alabama connection offers a two-way talent pipeline. “University students looking to
act upon a business concept will gain critical assistance from experts and area business leaders,” said Dr. Kay M. Palan, dean of UA’s Culverhouse College of Business. “Likewise, local companies will find that being involved with The EDGE will allow them to easily tap into the University’s resources and talented student body.” Besides providing a place to work and meet for the Tuscaloosa entrepreneur and freelancer community and entrepreneurial-minded students, The EDGE also will host special events that further drive area business and job growth including pitch events and hackathons. EDGE leadership also plans to host casual gatherings that bring together UA faculty, staff and students, area residents, and local business leaders. Memberships are offered on an annual or monthly basis. A daily drop-in program is also available for those with short-term or intermittent needs. For more information on The EDGE, visit the-edge.ua.edu.
Top: Jim Page of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama addresses the crowd at the grand opening of The Edge on Feb. 6. Photo: Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Bottom: A collaboration between UA, the City of Tuscaloosa and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, The EDGE is both a workspace and a catalyst for business networking. Photo: The University of Alabama
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TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
COMMUNITY Celebrating 200 Years: Tuscaloosa’s Bicentennial Bash Concert Planned for March 30 BY FAITH HENLEY uscaloosa has become home to a lot of movers and shakers over the last 200 years. To mark the occasion, the City of Tuscaloosa tasked the Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Commission with planning a year-long celebration of the rich history and exciting future of our great city. This month’s big happening is a free concert event. On Saturday, March 30, the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater will transform into one huge birthday party for Tuscaloosa’s Bicentennial Bash. This is one of many family-friendly and free events planned to commemorate the anniversary of Tuscaloosa’s founding. “When we began planning Tuscaloosa’s 200th anniversary, our Bicentennial Commission’s leadership challenged us to ‘think big’ and create a once-ina-lifetime experience for all citizens,” said Elizabeth McGiffert, event chair of the Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Commission. “We are so excited to announce this fantastic family-focused day that will help set the tone for a year of education, outreach, and special events for our entire community.” The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater will open its gates to guests beginning at 1 p.m., with live music beginning an hour later. Throughout the afternoon, attendees can take a break from the music by enjoying additional activities set up to highlight Tuscaloosa’s culture and spirit. A special Kids’ Zone, with
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Tuscaloosa’s Bicentennial Bash is a day-long, free event at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater that features an impressive lineup of all-star Alabama musicians. Photo: Tuscaloosa 200
activities, inflatables, and rides, will ensure even the youngest in Tuscaloosa’s community will stay entertained for hours. With two separate stages, the Bicentennial Bash features seven straight hours of live musical performances from both big names and new local acts. The show highlights performers with Alabama roots, including St. Paul & the Broken Bones, The Commodores, Moon Taxi, and the Blind Boys of Alabama. Headliner Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will grace the main stage at 8 p.m., followed by the grand finale firework display. “Some of the world’s best-known
performers will take the stage, in addition to exciting newcomers who are emerging on the music front,” said Tim Parker, Jr., co-chair of the Tuscaloosa 200 Bicentennial Commission. “Where else but Tuscaloosa could people come together in such a unique way to celebrate our history and look ahead to the future?” For more information about Tuscaloosa’s Bicentennial Bash, or the additional events planned to celebrate the city’s 200th year, visit tuscaloosa200. com.
Sweet Tea Commentator Tim Lowry
Storyteller and Humorist
March 24 BAMA Theatre
205-562-3235
tcpara.org/sweettea
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DRUID CITY LIVING | MARCH 2019
COMMUNITY CELEBRATING ALABAMA’S
BICENTENNIAL Theatre Tuscaloosa’s “A Festival of One Acts” Showcases New Plays and Artists BY BRANDIE BOWDEN
Top: Daniel Maguire (left) and Bryne Zuege perform a scene from The Last Yankee in Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2018 Festival of One-Act Plays at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. Photo: Theatre Tuscaloosa Right: Actor/playwright/director Nicholas Vasilios Pappas is a Tuscaloosa native who now lives in New York City. His script, Great Again, is part of the Festival of One Acts lineup. Photo: Nicholas Vasilios Pappas Front Page: Theatre Tuscaloosa Executive Producer Tina Turley looks over scripts for the upcoming Festival of One Acts, which will be presented March 27-30. Photo: Theatre Tuscaloosa
ast fall, Theatre Tuscaloosa requested original script submissions from Alabama natives and/or current Alabama residents from which to select One Acts to bring to SecondStage to perform in celebration of World Theatre Day and Alabama’s Bicentennial. Theatre Tuscaloosa has selected seven scripts to turn into production and present at the end of March. “A Festival of One Acts,” which opens on March 27 – World Theatre Day – will celebrate Alabama’s Bicentennial with a variety of plays that all have subjects related to Alabama over the last 200 years. “In our submissions, we were looking for something that was celebratory of the state itself,” said Kiera Gillock, Coordinator of the SecondStage program. “We tried to pick a wide variety, from campfire horror stories to real-life ‘this is my family history.’ They all have in some small way something to do with
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Alabama.” Nicholas Vasilios Pappas grew up in Tuscaloosa and participated in Theatre Tuscaloosa productions before leaving for college. His script submission is part of the lineup for the Festival. “A lot of my plays lightly explore my complex relationship with Tuscaloosa and the South in general,” said Pappas. “It’s definitely my home and a place I find a lot of comfort in now, but that also comes with old feelings that were present when I grew up here.” Pappas used these feelings and experiences as motivation for the play he submitted for the Festival. “I wanted to look at old friendships and old relationships and lightly pick at something I think we all struggle with: When is it okay to leave a person or place in the past? What does it mean if you aren’t able to at that moment?”
Pappas, who currently lives in New York, hopes to be able to Skype in to some of the rehearsals and pre-production events, and has already purchased his ticket to come home to see the show. The winning submissions include Love & Cheese Toast, by Cooper Shattuck; Salt, by Barry Bradford; The Blessed Event, by Sara-Margaret Cates; Mama & Me, by Allison Upshaw; Redstone, by Richard LeComte; Great Again, by Nicholas Vasilios Pappas; and Legends, by Wescott Youngson. “The whole purpose of the arts is to tell a story,” Gillock said, “to bring the audience in, and we wanted to tell the story of the people who live in Alabama. Not just the typical stories you hear about Alabama but a variety to show the wide variety of life in the state. World Theatre Day is already designed to celebrate theatre as an artform, and it seemed to go
hand-in-hand with the state celebration.” Jennifer Guffin is directing three of the acts in the production. “I want audiences to see these one-acts and come away with a sense of having traveled through Alabama, in time and in spirit,” said Guffin. “I love the contrast and variety in tone, setting, and time period of the plays. They are an eclectic little collection, and while tied together in a thematic way, all celebrating some aspect of Alabama life and/or culture, they are all very different.” Theatre Tuscaloosa gave playwrights a few guidelines for submissions, but the choice of content and style fell to the writer’s preference. The scripts could be based on any subject that explores Alabama in celebration of its bicentennial, and they had to be set in Alabama within the last 200 years. Some of the logistical guidelines included being able to
TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
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COMMUNITY be presented in 10-12 minutes, having four or fewer characters, relatively simple technical requirements, and the need to appeal to a general audience base. “We looked for scripts that were easily adaptable to a barebones set,” said Gillock. “Part of SecondStage is to strip theatre down to its barest and most basic forms. It’s about the characters and not about the tech. For SecondStage, we want to take all of that away and tell these good stories that don’t have all of that.” A presentation like A Festival of One Acts fits right in line with the purpose of Theatre Tuscaloosa’s SecondStage program. SecondStage is designed to be a safe place where artists can take chances, take risks, and explore their ideas. It gives new directors, performers, and technicians a place to use their voices. This festival provided an opportunity for aspiring playwrights to put together a story for the stage, as well as a chance for up-andcoming actors and directors to join alongside others who are seasoned in the craft to get valuable coaching and experience to carry with them to the next project. SecondStage also allows the production team to present plays in other locations around the city. Because the plays have minimal tech requirements, they can occur in non-traditional settings. Previous locations for SecondStage productions include Green Bar, Drish House, and the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. As co-presenters of the Festival, The Arts Council is opening their venue, the Dinah Washington Center, for the historic production to take place. A Festival of One Acts opens on Wednesday, March 27 and runs through Sunday, March 31. Tickets and more information are available at theatretusc.com or by calling the Theatre Tuscaloosa Box Office at 205-3912277.
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Tuscaloosa Promotes the Arts with New Public Art Committee BY SYDNEY BASDEN he City of Tuscaloosa is hoping to showcase the arts throughout the downtown community with the help of a newly formed Public Art Committee. The City Council recently passed a proposal for the committee and guidelines for the usage of public art. According to the proposal, the committee will manage the “selection, placement, maintenance, relocation, and deaccessioning” of public art in Tuscaloosa. The committee will have eight representatives from the arts community, business community, and the City of Tuscaloosa. The idea for public art in Tuscaloosa came about in the spring of 2017, when the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama led a community benchmarking trip to Greenville, South Carolina. The trip was for approximately 75 people and included members of the Chamber of Commerce, city officials, and other active members of the community. Jim Page, the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said the trip was meant to gain perspective and insight from Greenville’s thriving downtown in the hopes of using those ideas to change Tuscaloosa for the better. While in Greenville, Page said several trip members took notice of the city’s thriving public art program and the use of this art to serve Greenville and make it a more vibrant place. Bill Wright, the owner of Royal Fine Cleaners, was one such trip member. Wright said he was “not an artsy personal at all” before the trip, but he became interested in public art upon seeing it all over downtown Greenville. Upon returning to Tuscaloosa, Wright said he was determined to start something in Tuscaloosa to show the importance of public art. He consulted with Page and several city officials, and eventually decided to place a sculpture outside his University Boulevard storefront. “I knew I could not do something right away to make public art prominent in the entire Tuscaloosa community,” Wright said. “But I wanted a piece of art in front of my storefront to hopefully start something and inspire other businesses to do the same thing…since its installation earlier this year, I have already had several businesses reach out to me to help them through the process of getting public art.” Sandra Wolfe, director of the Tuscaloosa Arts Council, also attended the benchmarking trip and said the Greenville trip attendees “really got fired up” about public art and wanted to see a vibrant arts community in Tuscaloosa. “Public art is not a quick thing, and it takes a lot of time and work,” Wolfe said. “A group of us started meeting almost immediately after the trip to figure out how to make these art dreams a reality.” Wolfe was a central component of this team, which worked to see how the city could invest in public art in an effective and efficient way. The team also included Jim Harrison, owner of Harrison Galleries, Tera Tubbs, the Executive Director of Infrastructure and Public Services for the city, and Craig Wedderspoon, a professor of sculpture at The University of Alabama. Wedderspoon said he had been working for years to promote public art in the community, so he was excited to join a coordinated effort to work toward this task. Outdoor public art is his specialty, and he said it is vital for the Tuscaloosa community. “Cultural enrichment through public art improves economic development in a city, but
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it also improves the community by making it a more vibrant place to live, work, and visit,” Wedderspoon said. Wedderspoon and Wolfe said their team met monthly to discuss a public art initiative and eventually decided on proposing a permanent public art committee with guidelines to the City Council. Wolfe said she spent hours reviewing proposals from other communities like Greenville, and the team discussed the guidelines and specifics with local attorneys and city officials. She said she greatly appreciated and valued the City Council for approving the proposal, as well as city employees for playing such an active role in its creation. Tera Tubbs was one of the main city employees who helped bring the public art committee to fruition. She said she attended the Greenville trip as a city employee to focus on infrastructure but took a personal interest in the city’s use of art. Tubbs said the new public art committee will focus on bringing more art to public spaces in Tuscaloosa and will help businesses do the same on private property. The committee will work on the entire process of public art, from accepting proposals to installation to continual maintenance. She said the committee will also focus on placing the public art in an appropriate and functional place, making it a “beneficial component of the community and accessible to all citizens” according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The committee, which meets monthly, consists of representatives from various areas of Tuscaloosa, including The Arts and Humanities Council, Kentuck Art Center, The University of Alabama Department of Art, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama,
the city’s Urban Development and Infrastructure and Public Services departments, and a City Councilmember from the district for proposed art. Even though the committee was just recently approved, Tubbs said they already have requests for public art, including Egan’s Bar and Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers. Wolfe, Top: Several requests for public art have been made, including one for an already Wedderspoon, completed work of public sculpture to be installed in front of Hudson-Poole and Tubbs, all Fine Jewelers on Greensboro Avenue. Photo: The Arts and Humanities Council members of of Tuscaloosa Middle: Structural Mechanics, a sculpture by acclaimed artist Ted the public art Metz, was unveiled on Sept. 6 at Royal Fine Cleaners on University Boulevard in committee, said downtown Tuscaloosa. Photo: Bill Wright Bottom: Egan’s Bar is seeking proposthey are looking als for the commission of an outdoor mural to be installed on an existing blank forward to makconcrete wall on the side of its building on University Boulevard. Photo: The Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa ing Tuscaloosa a unique and Tuscaloosa community and said he is looking special place forward to seeing it grow over time. through the arts. “I have leased the current artwork in front As for Wright, he said he knows that public of my storefront for two years,” Wright said. art is will provide an economic boost to the “I am already ready to start looking for the Tuscaloosa community, but his apprecianext piece…because public art is one piece of tion for art has grown ever since his trip to the puzzle to make Tuscaloosa an even better Greenville with Page and the Chamber of city.” Commerce. He is thrilled to have played a small role in the public art initiative in the
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Tales of Tuscaloosa The Death Angel (1892) By Jim Ezell
Right: Influenza ward, Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, DC, Harris & Ewing Photographers, circa 1918. Public domain image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. Left: Inscription from Lester J. Snow’s monument in Evergreen Cemetery, he was a University of Alabama alumnus and died of Spanish Influenza at Chelsea, Massachusetts, while training to be a Naval Aviator. Photo by the author.
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t was mid-winter, 1892, and an illness known as lagrippe was exacting a grim toll in the Tuscaloosa area. The term “lagrippe” derives from an old French verb meaning “to seize or grasp” and was then used to describe what is now called influenza, or simply, “flu.” Influenza is a contagious disease caused by a virus, a tiny infectious agent that replicates inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses can be spread between humans by contact, coughing, and sneezing. There is a seasonal flu occurring annually in the colder months that is usually mild and self-limiting. But occasionally, there will be a new stain, often named for the place of its first observation. The most virulent can create almost universal epidemics or pandemics. There have been nine generally recognized influenza pandemics in the last 300 years. The first to be widely reported in the Tuscaloosa area was the Russian Flu pandemic of 1889-1893. This outbreak was remarkable for spreading across the northern hemisphere in just five months—a feat some researchers attribute to increased intercontinental travel and widespread rail access across America. On January 21, 1892, the West Alabama Breeze, a local newspaper, carried an article grimly titled “The Death
Angel.” It listed the influenza deaths of seven people, some of whom were Hezekier Cobb, Jake Raiford, and Mrs. Green Williams. A week earlier, seven other victims were reported, including Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Dyer, Mr. and Mrs. William Slayton, and a child named Perkins. Later that winter, the deaths of Sam Hinton and Leopold Cohn were attributed to influenza. The actual toll of the Russian Flu (as well as other pandemics) will likely never be known due to misdiagnoses and underreporting, however, it has been estimated that as many as 70,000 Americans died and perhaps one to two million worldwide. Nearly a quarter century later, during the First World War, a new virus appeared. The first major outbreak was in Spain; thus, it became known as the “Spanish Flu.” Unlike the usual seasonal flu, this virus was remarkably lethal; especially to the 20 to 40-year-old age group that is not usually severely affected. The first American outbreak was at an Army camp in Kansas. It quickly spread and paralyzed communities nationwide. The State Board of Health (now known as the Alabama Department of Public Health) Annual Report for 1919 estimated that perhaps 20,000 Alabamians died from influenza during the years 1917 to 1919. It has been estimated that during that period as many
as 500 deaths occurred in Tuscaloosa County, with perhaps 100 or more of those in the city. Total American deaths have been estimated at 675,000, while the world’s death toll may have reached from 50 to 100 million – or perhaps 3% to 5% of mankind. A few of those dying locally included 14-month old Frances Patton, Basel Manley Sartain, W. A. Holley, and University of Alabama students Thomas Pennington and Milton McLeod. Young men in the military, especially those in crowded camps, were hard hit. During World War I, 22 University of Alabama alumni died in military service. The deaths of five were attributed to influenza. They included Brown Gaston, Herbert Higgins, Paul Jones, Charles Searcy, and Lester Snow. Former UA military instructor Major Tobe C. Cope succumbed to the disease in France. Since the Spanish Flu, three other pandemics have occurred; the Asian Flu in 1957-58, Hong Kong Flu in 1969, and Swine Flu in 2009. These events were devastating, but they pale in comparison to the toll exacted during the years 1917 to 1919. Influenza immunization is now widely available. However, development and distribution of strain specific vaccines can take far longer that the time required for a virus to spread. Because of almost
universal air travel, new strains could easily spread globally in a few days, or even overnight. Prevention of influenza pandemics is a high priority for medical authorities worldwide. 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.
TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
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COMMUNITY Family Counseling Service: The Value of Encouragement BY LARRY DEAVERS very human being has a deep-seated need for affirmation. We need to feel that we belong, that we are valuable, and that we contribute something meaningful to the lives of others. That is what makes encouragement such a powerful force in helping bond friendships, marriages, families, and even our relationships with co-workers, neighbors, and others we encounter. Genuine encouragement and appreciation spring from our own sense of gratitude. Nurturing our own sense of gratitude creates the well spring that produces a recognition that we need other people, that they increase the quality of our lives, and that they deserve recognition for what they contribute, no matter how small. When we allow ourselves to be humble and generous in offering praise and appreciation, it draws other people to us in a way that also reinforces our own sense of belonging, acceptance, and self-worth. Too often, our own lack of self-worth or pride prevents us from gracefully accepting the praise of others. We need to learn to accept encouragement and appreciation from others, as well as give it. When we deny others the privilege of encouraging us, we rob them of the opportunity to feel the sense of value that they experience by feeding something positive into our lives. For encouragement to have its biggest impact, it needs to become a consistent part of how you engage other people. When you develop a consistent outlook on life that appreciates all the blessings that come by way of others, you are more generous, gracious, and patient in the way you interact with others. Your relationships will begin to prosper as a result. Feeling genuinely appreciated increases our sense of security. When there are
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strained relationships, one of the most times can bankrupt a relationship. common underlying features is that one or Incorporating encouragement into your both persons involved feel that their value relationships may involve taking risks on is at risk. There is an underlying fear that your part, as you face the possibility that they are not good enough, that they are your encouragement may be rejected. If not needed, or that they have no worth. you have not had a history of offering This nagging question leads us to try to encouragement to others, at first your control other people in ways that destroy attempts to do so may be met with skepour relationships because we are trying ticism. They may question your motives. to force them to recognize our value and However, the key is to be genuine and give us the approval we seek. consistent in your efforts. Over time, your Consistent acts of appreciation and attitude of appreciation for what others encouragement is like a maintenance plan add to the quality of your life will become for your relationships. These acts reina normal way of life for you. They will force the bedrock of your most important see your sincerity and will eventually relationships by establishing trust and accept your encouragement with the grace respect between you and those closest to it was intended. you. If you have not built something into your day-to-day interactions that reaffirms your value, respect and trust in one another, the demands Larry Deavers is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Executive Director of Family Counseling Service of West Alabama. of facing difficult
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DRUID CITY LIVING | MARCH 2019
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WOODBANK LANE Recovering a Thrift Store Cushioned Stool BY KATHRYN WILKERSON One of my favorite accessories in any room is a pretty little foot stool. Small stools look neat tucked away under a table or positioned at the end of a sofa or loveseat, holding books and magazines. I recently found one at Skyland Antique Mall and gave it some new life. It turned out better than I thought it would, and it’s probably one of my favorite DIY projects of last year. Hi there! I’m Kathryn from the blog Woodbank Lane, and today, I’m giving you an idea for adding a cute accent piece, and maybe an extra seat when you need it, to any room in your home.
I had a yard of material that I bought, and I wasn’t sure what I would do with it at the time of purchase. I loved the pattern though, and I thought it might work for a pillow. After finding the stool, I decided the fabric would be perfect for recovering the cushion. Here is the stool as I bought it, the all-important “before” shot.
I started by sanding off the flowers that were painted on all four sides. Then, I painted the base with some leftover white paint. Next, I draped the fabric over the stool and positioned it to make sure the best part of the pattern was showing. Making sure to leave plenty of overhang to work with, I then cut the fabric.
The final step was deciding what trim to use to cover the staples. I found this dainty, white lace trim at Joann Fabric and decided it would be perfect. It had been years since I had worked with fabric glue, and I’d forgotten how easy it is to use. I started applying the trim on the back and worked my way around.
Unlike super glue or hot glue, fabric glue doesn’t dry immediately. For a few minutes, I could adjust the fabric as needed. If I happened to put too much glue on the trim, it was easy to spread or even wipe off, and it dried clear. One thing to note here: It took more glue than I expected; I used all of one bottle and about half of another. (Thank goodness I bought the three-pack!) Here is the finished project; the even more all-important “after” shot.
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Once I was sure the size was correct, I used a small staple gun to secure the fabric. I started stapling on the back side of the stool, pulling and tugging as I worked, to be sure it was taut. At the corners, I just folded the material over. If you’re wondering how I lined up the staples so well, there is a bit of a ridge where the cushion rests against the wood. I made sure to press the head of the staple gun to the lip of the ridge with each pull of the trigger. Once I was confident that I hadn’t missed any spots, and everything looked secure, I cut off the excess, again using the ridge as my guide.
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I originally bought the stool intending to recover it and use it in my closet as a place to sit when putting on my shoes or thinking deep thoughts. But it turned out so cute, there was no way I could let it hide in there. For more details and other pictures, stop by woodbanklane.com and type “stool project” in the search bar. Hope your new year is off to a great start! Photos: Kathryn Wilkerson Tuscaloosa native Kathryn Wilkerson is a wife, a 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.
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TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
SCHOOLS DCL Teacher of the Month: Dr. Kimberly Pate, Sipsey Valley High BY FAITH HENLEY r. Kimberly Pate comes from a family of teachers that reaches back four generations. After a long career in law, Pate brought her knowledge and natural teaching ability to Tuscaloosa’s Sipsey Valley High School. “At the beginning of each school year, I tell my students that my job is to make sure that they are successful in my classroom. As a teacher, my job is to give each student in my classroom the gift of knowledge.”
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“AS A TEACHER, MY JOB IS TO GIVE EACH STUDENT IN MY CLASSROOM THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE.” Pate earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Montevallo before moving to Tuscaloosa to attend law school at the University of Alabama. After earning her doctorate, Pate worked as a lawyer for more than two decades. In 2007, Pate transitioned into education, eventually becoming a Spanish teacher at Sipsey Valley in 2017. “Having worked in another area, the biggest advantage is the years of experience working with other adults,” Pate said. “Young teachers know how
to deal with children but less with parents, administrators, and peers. When a parent calls with a problem, I treat them like I would have treated a client. My law degree taught me how to listen and understand a problem and solve it in a way that will work for everybody.” Pate also uses the Socratic method in her classes, the same teaching style typically preferred by law school professors. She says the method keeps her students more engaged and helps her interact with each of them every single day. After all, she says it is difficult to learn a new language without using it. This year, Pate took on a new challenge when she was asked by Tuscaloosa County to begin teaching an English as a second language class. Unlike her usual English classes, this class consists of 13 high school students who came to her without an extensive vocabulary or even the ability to read. “The biggest challenge is that we can’t always communicate, but I want them to understand that they are loved,” Pate said. “They are brave. Some have never been to school before, and they are scared. I try to communicate with smiles.” Additionally, Pate acts as an advisor for Sipsey Valley High chapter of the National Honor Society, enabling her students to make a real impact in their school and community. This past fall, the members started a tutoring program
Dr. Kimberly Pate (center) with two of her students, Ireanna Hunt and Chase Callahan. Photo: Kimberly Pate
for their peers who struggle in math, social studies, and science. By the end of the first semester, 30 to 40 students were receiving free tutoring each week. “As I reflect on what our National Honor Society did, I am proud to have been a part of this program,” Pate said. “As their advisor, I am honored to have
the opportunity to work with these students every day.”
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DRUID CITY LIVING | MARCH 2019
SCHOOLS
PreK Pals Ponderings: What is Your Dream Vacation? Meet the PreK Pals! These kids are fantastic, and they’re the stars of a new column in Druid City Living. Alicia Jenne’, a veteran teacher of little people, is the PreK Pals Lead Teacher for PreK#1 at Rock Quarry Elementary School and our inquisitive “reporter” – asking the hard-hitting questions that we all want to know the answers to. This month, the spotlight is squarely on David and Connelly. With spring break just around the corner, we want to know… What is your dream vacation? (Photos: Alicia Jenne’)
Connelly (“Almost 5”) y dream vacation would be to go back to the Bahamas. My momma and daddy and big brother and little brother would go with me on a plane. We would ride on the Rapid River. It would take a long time to get there and to go back home, but it would be so, so fun!
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David (4 ½) y dream vacation would be to go to the zoo. My mom and dad and sister would go with me. We would drive in the car a long way, and then we would see the lions! We would ride the carousel, and then we would go home.
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TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
FOOD Druid City Living Recipes: March BY AMY POORE ’m finally diving in and cooking with the Instant Pot. Where has this thing been all my life?! If you’ve got one, you know: this gizmo is a game changer. I’m having a blast discovering new recipes, and it really doesn’t get much easier than these teriyaki chicken tenders.
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And of course, it seems like everyone loves sriracha. These spicy sriracha meatballs are a dream as an entrée or for parties. Put out a plate and watch them vanish. It’s one of my favorite magic tricks. As always, bon appétit – and have a wonderful month!
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. Photos by Amy Poore.
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken Tenders • 2 lbs. chicken tenders • 1 bottle (around 21 oz.) of your favorite Teriyaki Marinade/sauce (I used Veri Veri Teriyaki)
Instant Pot Directions: Place chicken and sauce in Instant Pot, stir to coat. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a natural release.
Slow Cooker Directions: Place chicken and sauce in slow cooker, stir to coat. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve over cooked jasmine rice.
Sriracha Meatballs Meatballs: • 1 lb. ground beef • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs • 1 egg • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (white and green), reserving some for garnish • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Sauce: • 1/8 cup sriracha • 3 Tablespoons honey • 3 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce • 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar • 1 Tablespoon grated ginger • 3 cloves minced garlic • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice • Sesame seeds for garnish
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
While meatballs are cooking, combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil while whisking constantly.
Line a baking sheet with foil, and spray with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients until everything is evenly distributed. Roll into 1-1 ½ inch balls and place on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Turn heat down and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until sauce thickens. Remove meatballs, and drain on a paper towel then toss in sauce to coat. Serve meatballs over cooked rice, and garnish with reserved green onions and sesame seeds.
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DRUID CITY LIVING | MARCH 2019
FOOD Taste of Tuscaloosa: Half Shell Oyster House Brings Flavors of the Gulf to Town BY SHEENA GREGG very couple, it seems, has this discussion: Where do you want to eat tonight? We’re all after the best place to enjoy a great meal. As one of the newest eateries in Tuscaloosa, Half Shell Oyster House is a strong contender. Debuting last fall as the franchise’s 12th location, the community has quickly embraced Half Shell Oyster House as it serves up flavors of the gulf. The restaurant has an impressive menu selection, providing diners with lunch specials, an extensive dinner menu, as well as a fun Sunday brunch. In addition to the variety, the eatery also provides patrons with an exclusive gluten-free menu as a response patrons’ needs. Knowing I had to make the journey to Half Shell Oyster House with my hubs, I decided to question the ladies of my weekly supper club to gauge their impression of Tuscaloosa’s newest restaurant. Let me add that they all went to the Oyster House while I was on maternity leave, so part of my questioning was with a purpose to live vicariously through their dining experience. “It was the best shrimp away from the ocean I’ve had. I’ve been there just
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one time so far, but the staff was very engaged, and the waiter was helpful and personable,” said Lea Yerby, long time supper club member and Tuscaloosa resident. Fellow supper club member (and repeat customer at Half Shell Oyster House) Sally Hulsey noted that “the sweet potato was the perfect second side to have as a dessert.”
With those comments from my fellow foodie friends, I knew the hubs and I had to go ASAP. Feeling “beachy” the day of our lunch outing, I went for a shrimp po’boy with fries, while the hubs went for a fried oyster po’boy with cheese grits. And let me tell you guys, the portions were quite generous, and the food was fantastic. The variety of the menu has me penciling the next trip downtown, and hopefully it’s a nice evening meal to fully enjoy the ambiance of this lovely restaurant, Left: My shrimp po’boy had the perfect flavors of the gulf that had me reminisclocated in ing about our previous beach trip food excursions. Right: The fried oyster po’boy what was was a selection of the hubs, and the mountain of fried oysters atop delicious once home bread was a nice companion to the creamy cheese grits. Bottom: One of Half Shell Oyster House’s specialty drinks, this new mama fully enjoyed the strawberry basil to Glory mojito, with its tasty strawberry rum muddled with basil, lime, and strawberries. Bound Gyro Photos: Sheena Gregg Company. Whether you’re headed to Half Shell Oyster House for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner this month, you won’t regret your visit. And you can quote me on that! Half Shell Oyster House is located at 2325 University Boulevard downtown. Sheena Gregg is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino Foodie.” Follow her adventures at www.afilipinofoodie.com.
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TUSCALOOSA’S PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER | DRUIDCITYLIVING.COM
CALENDAR Startup Weekend Tuscaloosa: March 1-3, EDGE Incubator and Accelerator (2627 10th Ave.), Tuscaloosa. This sixth annual weekend is 54 hours of intensive business development for members of the community and students. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned entrepreneurs, network with other likeminded people and bring their ideas to life. For more information, email tuscaloosa@startupweekend. org.
guest speaker Kay Frances. For more information, visit situscaloosa.com. Mario Kart Video Game Tournament: March 23, 1-5 p.m. Wilhagens, downtown Tuscaloosa. The YMCA of Tuscaloosa is hosting this Mario Kart tournament to help raise money for its Annual Campaign. For more information, call (205) 345-9622.
UA Theatre & Dance Tuscaloosa Heart Walk: Presents ‘Dance AlaMarch 2, 8 a.m. (walk begins bama!’: March 26-30, DCL Saves the Date: Pullin’ for the Arc at 9 a.m.), Tuscaloosa AmMorgan Auditorium at Do you have what it takes to pull a 44,000-pound fire truck? Teams of 10 will pull a Tuscaloosa Fire Department fire truck a length of 50 feet phitheater. Festivities include Morgan Hall, University as they compete for bragging rights (and to prove their strength) during the “Pullin’ for the Arc” event on Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to music, refreshments, a kid zone of Alabama campus. This Noon at the University Mall overflow parking lot. Enjoy entertainment, a kid zone, emergency vehicles, and prizes. Registration is $250 per team. All proceeds benefit The Arc of Tuscaloosa County. For more information, call (205) 556-4900, or visit @pullinforthearc on Facebook. with toys and games, health spring concert features Photo: The Arc of Tuscaloosa County screenings and healthy living all new, student-choreoinformation, a dedicated survigraphed dance pieces that exhibition features 30 original paintings in honor of Alavor area, 3-mile walk and much range from ballet to hip bama’s Bicentennial. All paintings were created by members hop. For more information, including show times and tickmore. For more information, visit westalheartwalk.org. of the Alabama Plein Air Artists (APAA). For more informa- ets, visit theatre.ua.edu. tion, visit tuscarts.org. Inaugural Bookin’ It for TCS Libraries 5K: March 2, 8 a.m. The Alberta School of Performing Arts. This race Theatre Tuscaloosa Presents “A Festival of One Acts”: Dr. Seuss at CHOM: March 9, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Children’s is designed to fund Tuscaloosa City Schools’ libraries. March 27-31, Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, downtown Tuscaloosa. Participants are encouraged to dress like their favorite book Tuscaloosa. Several funny, poignant, original plays will be Enjoy “Let’s Rhyme Storytime,” stack the cat’s hat, inspect character for the race (though this isn’t required). For more performed as part of a combined celebration of World TheOobleck, and make a Thing painting. For more information, information, visit Tuscaloosa City Schools on leanstreamrp. atre Day. For more information, visit theatretusc.com. visit chomonline.org. com. 23rd Druid Arts Awards: March 28, 6-8 p.m. Bama TheLucky Leprechaun Day at CHOM: March 16, 9 a.m.-4:30 Mardi Gras at CHOM: March 2, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Chilatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa p.m. Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, downdren’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, downtown Tuscawill honor artists and patrons of the arts with a reception town Tuscaloosa. Follow the rainbow to find a pot o’ gold. loosa. Create your own Mardi Gras mask, make a tamboufor the winners and their families and an awards ceremony. Compete in leprechaun games and win prizes. For more rine, design your own necklace, and try king cake. For more Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in person at The Arts information, visit chomonline.org. information, visit chomonline.org. Council office or by calling (205) 758-5195 with a deadline of March 18. Commoners Masquerade Ball for UCP of West Alabama: Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Business After Hours: March 19, 5 to 7 p.m. Half Shell Oyster House, March 2, 7-11 p.m. Hotel Capstone. This Mardi Gras celeAlabama Blues Project “An Evening of Art and Blues”: Tuscaloosa. Enjoy two hours of informal networking at this bration to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama March 29, 7-11 p.m. The Historic Drish House, Tuscaloosa. monthly Chamber function. will feature an evening of live big band music, dancing, This fundraiser features musical performances by the ABP food, and fun. It’s a celebration of revelry, and a king and Advance Band, instructors, silent and live auctions, games, The American Legion 100th Birthday Celebration: queen from the UCP Krewe of Commoners will be chosen. a cash bar, and more. Tickets: $25 (in advance); $30 at the March 19, 5-9 p.m. Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical For more information, visit ucpwa.org. door for adults; $10 for kids 8-17. Children 7 and under are Center Sports Atrium. Eugene Hayes Post 208 in Northadmitted free. For more information, visit alabamablues.org. port will host a Dining Out in recognition of the American 5th Street Vintage Market: March 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 4150 Legion’s centennial birthday. For more information, and 5th Street, Northport. The Vintage Market is a great place Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Half Marathon: March tickets, visit northportpost208.ticketleap.com/the-Amerito find unusual and unique treasures, from vintage books, 30, Government Plaza, downtown Tuscaloosa. Half Maracan-Legion-100th-birthday. clothes, and jewelry to handmade items, vinyl records, and thon participants start at 7 a.m.; participants should be at the more. For more information, visit 5thstreetvintagemarket. starting line 30-45 minutes before the start of the race. For Junior League of Tuscaloosa Treasure Hunt Community com. more information, visit TuscaloosaHalfMarathon.org. Yard Sale: March 23, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Village East Shopping Center, Tuscaloosa. This community yard sale features Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra Annual Discovery Day When I Grow Up… at CHOM: March 30, 9 a.m.-4:30 furniture, women’s and children’s clothing, toys, home Concert: March 4, 6 p.m. Moody Music Building Concert p.m. Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, downgoods, and more. Entry fee: $5. For more information, visit Hall, UA campus. Celebrate the joyful collaboration of town Tuscaloosa. Explore historic Tuscaloosa careers while jltuscaloosa.org. theater and music as Theatre Tuscaloosa and the TSO join playing in the museum. Dress as what you want to be when forces to educate and entertain. For the youngsters, the TSO offers an “Instrument Petting Zoo” at 5 p.m. For more information, including tickets visit tsoonline.org.
Free Crawfish and Low Country Boil Dinner: March 5, 5 p.m. Morning Pointe, Tuscaloosa. Enjoy a free crawfish and low country boil dinner. Ballroom dancers will teach swing dancing to zydeco music, too. This is a free event. To RSVP, call (205) 345-1112.
Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society 2019 Ramble: March 23, 7:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m. This year’s Ramble is to Camden, in Wilcox County, to view the area’s historic homes. The Ramble departs from the Jemison Van de Graff Mansion. Cost: $100 per person. Tickets include admission to the homes, lunch, snacks and beverages, and the cost of the bus. To register, email rachel@historictuscaloosa.org or call (205) 758-2230.
2019 Northport Community Engagement Dinner: March 5, 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. $25 per person. For more information, email alicia@tuscaloosachamber.com.
Hospice of West Alabama’s 10th Annual 5K Run/Walk: March 23, 8 a.m.-Noon. Hospice of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Registration for this annual 5K race begins at 7 a.m. Enjoy live music by Debbie Bond and lots of local vendors. Proceeds help HOWA provide care to anyone in this area with a terminal illness, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Registration fee: $20. For more information and to register, visit hospiceofwestalabama.com.
Shelton State Community College Health and Wellness Fair: March 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Atrium of the Shelton State Martin Campus. Admission to the health fair is free and open to the public. Vendors will provide information on medicine, fitness, disease prevention, health, beauty, sports, nutrition, and community service agencies. For more information, contact Dr. Milady Murphy at (205) 391-2994.
Now You See It… at CHOM: March 23, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, downtown Tuscaloosa. Watch a magic show, try your hand at sleight of hand, and explore optical illusions. For more information, visit chomonline.org.
“Alabama, Then and Now” Bicentennial Art Exhibition: March 7-28, The Arts Council Gallery, Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. This commemorative, educational art
Soroptimist International of Tuscaloosa’s Women’s Brunch: March 23, 9:30-11 a.m. Embassy Suites Ballroom, downtown Tuscaloosa. This event raises funds to help support women in the Tuscaloosa community. Enjoy a “Packed Purse” drawing and hear from motivational humorist and
you grow up. For more information, visit chomonline.org.
Tuscaloosa’s Bicentennial Bash: March 30, 1-9:30 p.m. Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre. This all-day, FREE musical celebration includes Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Commodores, Moon Taxi, and the Blind Boys of Alabama. For more information, visit Tuscaloosa200.com. Metro Animal Shelter Shoe Drive Fundraiser: Now through March 31. Tuscaloosa’s Metro Animal Shelter will earn funds for the number of shoe pairs collected. Proceeds will benefit Metro’s Medical Fund. Donate gently worn, used, or new shoes at Metro Animal Shelter, Alabama One Credit Unions, CL Salon, Pet Supplies Plus, and Pet Smart. 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.
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Week of the Young Child April 8–12, 2019
April 8–12, 2019 is the Week of the Young Child, but we celebrate all month long. The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life. The Week of the Young Child is a time to plan how we—as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation—will better meet the needs of all young children and their families. Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. does this everyday through a couple of their programs, Head Start/Early Head Start Program and Early Intervention. Head Start/ Early Head Start Program is a high quality early learning program that prepares America’s most vulnerable young children to succeed in school and in life beyond school. To achieve this, Head Start/Early Head Start programs deliver services to children and families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way. While Head Start/Early Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children birth to five and provide support and services to help the whole family thrive, Early Intervention is available to provide services and support to babies and young children (birth to three) with developmental delays and disabilities. These services may include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family. This can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges and can increase success in school and life. These programs work together with the families to ensure a foundation that will meet the needs of the child and family and prepare them for later success in school and life. Years of research have shown the importance of the early years in shaping how children grow, learn and form relationships. As a community, let us work together to ensure our future is stable by investing in our young children. Children learn so much as they enjoy music, explore food and cooking, build together, create art, and celebrate their families! Get inspired by the themes below and start planning how you will celebrate!
Music Monday
Music Monday is more than singing and dancing, it’s a way to encourage children to be active while developing their early literacy skills and having fun with friends and family! Just like all types of development, musical development varies from child to child, and it is tied to the amount of musical exposure a child has already had. Children’s development is constantly changing! One day a child stares at me silently, and the next day she babbles right along with the group! Keep singing, dancing, and making music with your little one every day!
Tasty Tuesday
Tasty Tuesday isn’t just about eating your favorite snacks together. It’s also about cooking together and connecting math with literacy skills and science while introducing ways to incorporate healthy habits into children’s lifestyles.
Work Together Wednesday
When children build together they experience teamwork and develop their social and early literacy skills. Grab some materials and create!
Family Friday
Parents and families are children’s first teachers. Family Friday focuses on engaging families to support our youngest learners. You might be thinking, “I’m a parent, not a teacher.” The great news is, whether you’ve had training or not, you are your child’s first teacher. Below are three quick, yet impactful suggestions for quality literacy experiences. These ideas will help you promote literacy in a way that makes sense for you and your family. Tell stories Language develops long before a child speaks actual words. Telling stories is an important step to becoming a reader. You can develop your child’s oral language through storytelling. Use your imagination, and adjust your stories to fit your family’s traditions and culture. Look around Use every day routines and surroundings to promote a print rich environment, which is an environment that allows children to see print and words in authentic ways. For example, the kitchen is full of literacy learning opportunities: label your appliances, refrigerator drawers, and items in the pantry; follow a recipe with your child; and identify key words on food labels. This will help your children to learn letters, words, and the purpose and meaning of printed language. Make books available In addition to reading, allow your child to physically explore books by making them easily accessible. Encourage your child to turn pages and pretend to read. Imitating the behavior of reading will allow your child to explore and begin to grasp the overall concept of reading. You can build on this pre- reading skill as your child will soon begin to develop an awareness for words, pictures, and the purpose for reading.
Artsy Thursday
Children develop creativity, social skills, and fine muscles with open-ended art projects that let them make choices, use their imaginations, and create with their hands. Allow children to use their hands to create their project. Art projects also offer many ways for children to build their small muscles and improve their fine motor development. When children use scissors, squeeze a glue bottle or mold clay they strengthen the muscles needed to master using a pencil at school later on.