Tuscaloosa’s feel-good news
Volume 1, Issue 8 “B Side” art exhibit offers music-themed works from 13 regional artists
Haunted UA: Giving new meaning to school spirit by Laura Testino
October arrives in Tuscaloosa, and most residents revel in a town doused in brisk temperatures instead of sticky and mosquitoridden humidity. The crunch of bright and brittle leaves sprinkled on the sidewalks coupled with the crispness in the air whistles a fresh feeling into the city. But the chilly fall air may not be the only thing whistling down the road and between the buildings. The pages of Haunted Tuscaloosa, written by David Higdon and Brett J. Talley, reveal the history many Tuscaloosa sites, including several buildings on the University of Alabama campus. Author David Higdon also founded the Tuscaloosa Paranormal Research Group, where he works on staff as a lead investigator, constantly exploring his interest in the ghost stories around town. “I grew up here in Tuscaloosa, and it seemed like everyone had some sort of ghost story,” Higdon said. Higdon has researched and investigated about 80 percent of the locations in Haunted Tuscaloosa, published in 2012, he Jeff Bertrand, Shirley Manson said. The Allen Bales Theatre is one of the university locations See Page 13 in the book, and the story of the nearly 70-year-old building is one familiar to the professors and students who perform within Fun, classic recipe favorites its walls. A portrait of Marian Gallaway, the director of the theater for fall department in the mid-1900s, hangs in the lobby of RowandJohnson Hall, the building that houses the Allen Bales Theatre, Marian Gallaway Theatre, and offices and classrooms for the theatre and dance department. According to the history in Higdon’s book, the portrait isn’t the only place that the previous director might be seen. Gallaway passed away several decades ago, but it is said that her spirit still attends performances, and may be summoned if a performer wishes to do so. Tyler Spindler graduated from the University of Alabama last May with a degree in theatre. Many hours of his collegiate years were spent in the halls, classrooms and theatres of RowandJohnson Hall, where he recalls experiencing the energy of other performers, including Gallaway.
Photo: Amy Poore
See Page 30
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It was during his junior year at UA when Spindler called upon Marian Gallaway’s ghost using the same ritual described in Haunted Tuscaloosa. Spindler said that he stood on the Gallaway stage, and said, “How’s my blocking, Mrs. Gallaway?” “I waited a second, and nothing happened,” Spindler said. “And then there was this weird, glimmer light in the third-to-last row, center, way back there. It looked like the outline of her painting in the lobby. And when I blinked, it was gone. It was creepy.” Though it is not mentioned in Haunted Tuscaloosa, “The Thing” also left an eerie impression on Spindler’s time Tuscaloosa paranormal researcher David in the theater. “The Higdon writes about the haunting at RowThing” is an energy and-Johnson Hall in his book, Haunted Tusfelt in the Allen caloosa. Photo: David Higdon Bales Theatre, a culmination of the raw emotions from performances on the stage, Spindler said. He remembered walking back in the Allen Bales Theatre to retrieve something after a rehearsal, Continued on Page 12
The Finn & Quinley Infant and Children’s Fund by Molly Ingram Finn and Quinley McInerney were born in August of 2004 – Finn was a little redheaded boy, and Quinley a tiny blonde girl. They were 18 weeks premature, and only survived for a week. But Finn and Quinley are still miracle babies because their parents, Danielle and Michael, reached out of their grief and found a way
to keep the twins’ legacy alive. They started the Finn and Quinley Memorial Foundation while making the twins’ final arrangements, and chose to benefit the DCH Regional and Northport Medical Centers’ neonatal intensive care units. Many thousands of dollars came flowing in, and Danielle began putting that money to work on behalf of DCH’s tiniest patients. Danielle chose DCH because, she says, one thing remained constant – the love and support given to her family by Northport Medical Center. “My husband and I are both from big cities, and our relatives initially thought we should be at a larger
hospital,” Danielle says. “We quickly learned that although Tuscaloosa is a relatively small community, the exceptional care and concern of everyone at DCH makes it a destination hospital.” In 2012, Danielle came to The DCH Foundation with the realization that together, they could do more. So once again, Danielle and Michael entrusted the care of their babies – this time their legacy – to DCH. At that time, The Finn & Quinley Memorial Foundation merged with The DCH Foundation to become The Finn & Quinley Infant and Children’s Fund. Since then, with Danielle as Chairman of the Advisory Committee, over $100,000 has been put to work in the Beth and Spencer Burchfield at the NICU, Pediatrics and Mater- 2013 Lucy Jordan Ball nal/Child areas of both campuses of the DCH Health System. The symbol of a lost loved one is the butterfly – but for the McInerneys, two very special butterflies (one always red, the other yellow) appear to many mem- Continued on Page 12
About Us
Page 2 . Issue 8
Photo Of The Month
Pictured: Sixth grade students and their kindergarten “buddies”
Photo: Laurie Mitchell
Each year at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Tuscaloosa, the sixth grade students and kindergarteners are paired together as big buddies/little buddies. The older students act as mentors for the younger children in various activities throughout the school year.
Meet the Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin is the Tuscaloosa editor of Druid City Living. She has lived in Tuscaloosa since 1978. She received her bachelor’s degree in Telecommunication and Film from the University of Alabama in 1992. She spent 25 years working as a broadcast news director, anchor, producer and reporter in radio and television before moving on to the world of print and online media in 2008. In her free time, Laurie enjoys football (Alabama and the New Orleans Saints), travel, reading and hanging out with her husband, Jeff, and their dog, Chico Seymour Hoffman.
Publisher’s Note
Thank you again to all of our advertisers and readers for allowing us to publish another issue of Druid City Living, Tuscaloosa’s largest community newspaper! We hope you’ll enjoy this issue, which is packed with all sorts of great happenings in our area for everyone in your family. We continue to improve the content of Druid City Living, as well as the quality of the paper itself, in an effort to better serve this community. If you would like to contribute, please contact myself or Laurie Mundy Perrigin, our editor. This paper is about you, the residents of this wonderful community of ours, and we want to feature your organization, schools and businesses. Great things are happening here, and that is what this paper is all about. If you are interested in advertising, please contact myself (205-792-1155) or any of our capable sales staff.
Druid City Living Directory
Publisher: Heath Hendrix Executive Editor: Laurie Mundy Perrigin Director of Sales: Tom Sommerville Photography & Sales: Bruce Green Sales: Britney McComb Sales: Joshua Mays Druid City Living 1902 Hackberry Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Laurie@druidcitymedia.com For advertising, contact: contact@druidcitymedia.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/druidcityliving Contributors: Allison Adams, Carson Birdsong, Mike Green, Sheena Gregg, Stan J. Griffin, Mary Elizabeth Harper, Molly Ingram, Walter Maddox, Laurie Mitchell, Derek Osborn, Amy Poore, Marlena Rice, Laura Testino
City News Dear friends and neighbors,
The budget is the blueprint for the City of Tuscaloosa, and it is the framework in which our 1,358 employees provide services across 19 departments. The City recently completed about four months of work on the two primary operating budgets for fiscal year 2015 which are the General Fund (GF) and Water/Sewer Fund (WS). For 2015, the GF is $132,103,208 and the WS is $47,402,869. Neither of these operating budgets included capital expenses ($44 million) or recovery ($120 million). In addition to funding strictly City functions, the operating budgets provide appropriations to the Tuscaloosa City Schools, PARA, TTSC, IDA, Transit Authority and 24 other community agencies totaling $12,250,470.
Page 4 . Issue 8
Mayor’s
Minute
April 27, 2011 impacted our reserves, and each year we are working to replenish.
What is even more remarkable is that we continue to do more with less. Out of the top 20 cities in population across Alabama, the City’s sales tax rate is the lowest at 2 percent. Here are the top ten municipal sales tax rates in Alabama by population: Birmingham 4 percent; Montgomery 3.5 percent; Mobile 5 percent; Huntsville 4.5 percent; Tuscaloosa 2 percent; Hoover 3 percent; Dothan 4 percent; Auburn 4 percent; Decatur 4 percent; Madison 3.5 percent. For municipalities, sales taxes are the primary revenues for general fund budgets, and the City of Tuscaloosa is no different.
For the 2015 GF, we are budgeting our major revenue sources based on prior year collections that were essential flat in 2014; however, we do expect to see growth in our commercial markets based on recent economic data. That being said, the Council resisted any urge to project any new revenues that had yet manifested itself. Throughout the budgeting process we were able to implement many costsaving measures which allow us the opportunity to provide our employees a 1.6 percent cost of living increase along with a 1.5 percent merit step increase. As an aside, but an indicator of what is the priority, 42 percent of the GF budget is appropriated to the Tuscaloosa Police Department and Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue.
The City has and continues to be great stewards of your tax dollars, as evidenced by our high credit ratings from Moody’s (Aa1) and S&P (AA+). Making our case even stronger was our ability to cash flow over $40 million dollars since April 27, 2011 without borrowing a dime. Maintaining strong reserves continues to be at our core, and for 2015, we expect nearly $48 million in unrestricted funds. Clearly,
For the next few months, I plan on writing about different aspects of the budget in these monthly articles. If you have any specific questions, please contact me at 248-5001, mayor@tuscaloosa.com or @waltermaddox. Also, on Oct. 23, we will be having our annual Community Conversations at the Tuscaloosa River Market from 4:30 to 6:30pm. Community Conversations is a come and go town hall
meeting with no long speeches or presentations. Instead, council members, all department heads and myself will be available to answer any questions or concerns. So, whether it is exploring job opportunities or finding out about a road project, your City leaders will be at your disposal. Sincerely, Walter Maddox
Opinion
Page 6 . Issue 8
The Mommy Chronicles: Busy Mom’s Guide to Halloween by Marlena Rice
It’s October: As you’re sitting in your office, flipping to the newest month on your calendar, you see the pumpkins and the Halloween décor. The first thing that you think is, “What?!” All those appointments and work functions you have scheduled for the month suddenly fade into the background as you put a large circle around October 31. If you’re like me, a newer mother, you started thinking about what your little one was going to be for Halloween back in July or August - you just haven’t put your thoughts into action yet. With a 16 month old, I’ve discovered that my own issues with indecision do not help anyone, namely me, since as The Mom, I’m ultimately the decision maker when it comes to a Halloween costume. So, are we Batman, a Ninja Turtle, or Jake, from Jake and the Never Land Pirates? This year, I decided I’d get started early with Halloween costume shopping.
Halloween shopping with the boy
As a mom, I think it’s important for us to teach our children how to behave properly in public. The best way to do that, in my opinion, is to take them everywhere. You’ll never hear me say, “No, I can’t go because Beaux will Marlena Rice and son, Beaux William. not act properly.” That’s nonsense! One thing I do a few times a week is take my son to department stores. We don’t always buy anything, but the name of the game is teaching him what can be touched, what’s not to be touched, and allowing him to get used to being around large groups of people. I decided to incorporate this into my Halloween costume search. Successful? Yes, and no. Fun? Definitely, yes! After multiple trips to Target over a period of about three weeks, that included several sprints through the aisles (and I do mean sprints), many walks up and down the same few Halloween aisles, and even a stop to admire the Christmas lights and wreaths, we are still without a costume. While my method of setting my son loose storewide to let him “decide” what he likes hasn’t resulted in a costume choice just yet, I’ve learned a few things about the little man’s personality that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. For instance, he loves big, fat, squishy, red-eyed spiders. He’s quite entertained by fake tombstones that read “RIP,” but he’s surprisingly afraid of those popular orange, pumpkin-shaped candy buckets. And he’s absolutely enamored Beaux William loves tombstones with Christmas wreaths that have shimmery acorns attached to them! Photos: Marlena Rice
So, while my son didn’t immediately walk over to a costume and act as if he couldn’t live without it, he did revisit the Jake and the Never Land Pirates costume frequently. We’ll probably go that route – and I can say that he (kind of) made the decision on his own.
For more of Marlena Rice’s adventures and tips for picking a great Halloween costume with your child, visit www.druidcityliving.com.
Joshua M Watkins, esq.
Opinion
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Lake Living: Little surprises on Lake Tuscaloosa By Allison Adams Some days on the lake are better than others, but I have to say I have yet to have a bad one.
This month’s message is one that is clearly visual, a record of our most “momentous” day on the lake. These photos were taken on that same day. I hope it reminds you that some things cannot be planned, that little surprises are always lurking around us - if only we will notice them. Not only was it a beautiful day, the kind where the clouds frame each horizon, but it was crisp, with no humidity, so it even felt different from those sticky summer afternoons. I’m still surprised each time we go out at how few boats are on the water. As a former home owner at Lake Martin, I am pretty sure that on this day, the waters would be ocean-like because of all the boat traffic. But our day on Lake Tuscaloosa is mostly desolate, the winds inviting for one of the sailboats venturing out into her rock-framed depths. We often meander up into a slough near NorthRiver Yacht Club that is home to a couple of ducks. On this day, as we pulled the tube into a new area, the girls were bombarded with new feathered friends who surrounded them, venturing to the edge of the boat to receive a few crackers on this special day. As a horse lover, chill bumps climbed my arms as we watched a group of riders burst from within the trees on a flat area of the lake with beach and splash right into the water’s edge, reminding us of the unspoiled areas that still remain on Lake Tuscaloosa’s shores. And who can resist the ending of the day: As we climbed onto the dock, we noticed above us a second cross in the sky and a smiley-faced rainbow! Call me a romantic, a poet, or a fool, but here’s hoping God sheds some smiley rainbows your way.
Blessings from the Lake, Allison Adams, The Artsy Realtor. allisonpadams.com Photos: Allison Adams
Opinion
Page 8 . Issue 8
Give Life To Your Story: Build a Team By Mike Green
It happened several times over my children’s teenage years: They would excitedly share some nugget of wisdom their youth pastor or respected teacher had provided to them. This nugget was going to be a life-changer for them. With this new insight, now their lives and purpose had greater clarity. Our children would imply, “Why haven’t you told me this before? Why are you not smart enough to know this?” I would simply sit there, dumbfounded, not because I had never thought of the particular amazing words of wisdom. No, the exact opposite: I was surprised, because I had given my teen the exact same advice on many occasions. And now that youth pastor gets all the credit. Sometimes, as a parent, you feel like you just can’t win. Let me suggest you flee from the need to get credit and be glad you have helped to assemble a team around your teen that is reinforcing your values and beliefs. I know it might seem more satisfying for your son to come home and say, “You know that thing you have been telling me for years? My teacher said the same thing, and you were right all along.” Don’t hold your breath for that one. The bigger issue here is, who are you enlisting to build your “teenager development team?” Who are the teachers, coaches, youth pastors or Campus Life leaders that are speaking into your child’s life? Now the truth is, you can’t select every voice in your son or daughter’s life. But the good news is that every voice doesn’t have to be a voice of reason. I have found that just a few (and in some instances just one) other voices echoing your insights can have a profound effect on how our youth see life. So here is my suggestion: Build a team. Don’t try to navigate the teenage years alone. Rally the support of other parents and other adults in your child’s life to reinforce the things you say and do. And when the coach or teacher seems to be having more of an impact on your child than you (which is merely an illusion) remember that you played a role in placing that person in your teenager’s life. Yes, you get the credit. If you are unsure where to find such support I would invite you to contact me and the Youth For Christ/ Campus Life team. This just so happens to be our area of expertise. We would love to be just one additional voice that echoes the truth on a regular basis in your child’s life. Hope to hear from you.
Mike Green serves as Executive Director for Tuscaloosa Youth For Christ. Mike and his wife, Laura, have two grown children. You can reach mike at mike@tuscaloosayfc.com.
Contact@DruidCityMedia.com
Page 9 . Issue 8
Opinion
The Land of Oz: Empowering Young People to Succeed By Derek Osborn
A monthly editorial piece of masterful opinionated writing (insert joke here) regarding life and times in the big town of Tuscaloosa coupled with the musings of a guy nicknamed “Oz.” I recall having attended many summits and conferences during my “X” number of years on earth and remembering a grand total of three that had some type of lasting impression on me as a person. The respective ones that had no real impact were either solid in ideals, but lacking in plan of action, or they were solid in plan, but lacking in effectively educating (fancy lingo for explaining exactly what the problem is) or disseminating information (fancy lingo for getting the word out). And let’s be honest… some of them are just too long for their own good. Here is the identification of a problem: Our community (and our country) is facing a crisis, one which some are choosing to ignore - either because people feel it is a pointless fight, or it’s too taboo to discuss, or it’s really not a problem at all. While we are on the subject of honesty, here is a quick dose of reality: • In this country, approximately 7,900 kids try a new drug for the first time every day. • 80 percent of parents believe that neither alcohol nor marijuana was available at parties their teens attend, but 50 percent of teen partygoers attend parties where alcohol, drugs or both are available. It gets worse. The drugs are more potent. The availability is widespread. The uptick in use is rampant. The addiction rate is climbing, as are the number of overdoses and deaths. There is no economic, cultural, religious divide when it comes to this issue. Everyone is susceptible. This is not just a UA problem, or a teenage problem, or a race problem. Drug use today is non-discriminatory. This is a community problem. The Need for Summit: On the afternoon of November 12 at the Bryant Conference Center, the University of Alabama, the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office and PRIDE of Tuscaloosa will be hosting a Summit in cooperation with Shelton State, Stillman College, the YMCA, and numerous other entities. The Summit will last only two hours. Everyone in our community is encouraged to attend. Whether you realize it or not, we all have a stake in this epidemic. Regardless of your stance and opinion on drug use, one verifiable truth is this: Drugs, and their availability, are not going away, and the need for education has never been more important than it is now. Please join us for PRIDE and Hope on November 12. Winter is indeed coming, and we all need to be dressed for the occasion.
Derek Osborn is the Executive Director of PRIDE of Tuscaloosa by trade (Facebook.com/prideoftuscaloosa), and a writer by hobby. He lives in Tuscaloosa with his wife, Lynn, and daughters, Savannah and Anica. Follow him on twitter @ozborn34.
Community
Page 10 . Issue 8
UA students get a hands-on look at community service By Stan J. Griffin A group of public relations students at the University of Alabama has recently gained firsthand insight into the challenges and rewards of community service while also diligently working toward completing the academic requirements for their respective degrees. The group is doing this by working with the longtime Tuscaloosa nonprofit organization Temporary Emergency Services (TES), which provides furniture, clothes, food and other assistance, including financial aid, for families in need in the area. The organization is headed by Karen Thompson, and it has even provided housing during extreme emergency situations, such as the April 27, 2011 tornado that ravaged the Druid City. Students involved in the project include Morgan McClure and Meagan Freeman of Pell City, Courtney Milner of Athens, Ga., Connor Robinson of Memphis, Jeff Nix of Atlanta, John Morgan Davenport of Hoover, Emily Dressel of Baltimore, Md., Liz Willis of Gardendale and Whitney Doelp of Orange County, Calif. McClure, a senior, said the main objective of the group’s project is to shine a light on the good work that is being done by TES. (L to R): University of Alabama public relations students John Morgan Daven port, Morgan McClure and Jeff Nix are working with Tuscaloosa’s Temporary “We’re actually getting to use all of the tools that we’ve learned in our other classes to go hands-on and go out in the real world and to use the creative side of our minds,” McClure said. Emergency Services. Photo: Stan J. Griffin Nix said members of the group were recently made aware of a situation involving a student who didn’t have a place to stay because there wasn’t enough dorm space on the UA campus. TES was contacted, and that student was provided temporary housing until a dorm could eventually be located for him on campus. McClure said TES has a base facility where donations are accepted (on 15th Street) and a constantly traveling truck which picks up various goods. “If anyone wanted to donate furniture or clothes and wasn’t able to leave their house, or it would be an inconvenience for their job, (TES officials) can come to you,” she said. “Right now, they said the things that they need most are clothes for young adults. A lot of people are donating elsewhere, and they aren’t getting as much to clothe the younger population here in town.” McClure said the most rewarding aspect of the project for her personally is knowing that she is taking an active role in something that she knows will directly benefit many families in the Tuscaloosa area. “Even after we graduate and leave, TES is going to continue to help the community,” McClure said. “This is our first big step in making a footprint in the real world,” she added. “This is a class, but this is a hands-on community project as well. So if this is successful, this is something we can use on our resumes to say that we’ve made a beneficial difference with a non-profit organization.” She noted the dedicated efforts of everyone involved with TES, especially its ever-energetic and devoted leader, Karen Thompson. “She is getting her Ph.D. at the University of Alabama right now, so that alone takes a significant amount of time for anybody who has gotten a degree,” McClure said. “This woman is unbelievable, and every time we are there, she is running around and making sure everything is in order. She is a Tuscaloosa superhero, so we would like to give her the recognition she deserves.”
To contact TES, call (205) 758-5535.
43rd annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts set for October 18 and 19 in Northport
This year’s Kentuck Festival of the Arts will once again bring hundreds of talented artists and thousands of art enthusiasts to Kentuck Park in Northport, to enjoy one of the nation’s premiere folk and craft festivals. The 43rd annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19. More than 250 diverse artists will be on hand, presenting their work and interacting with festival-goers. Each year, huge crowds visit the Festival to enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the South’s best art fairs. Nationally recognized for its quality and diversity, a stroll through the Kentuck Festival brings visitors eyeto-art with a variety of artistic styles ranging from folk to contemporary art and craft. Traditional and heritage craft artists such as basket weavers, blacksmiths, potters and quilters invite visitors to watch them demonstrate their skills and share the secrets of their craft. Kentuck will feature a variety of music on two stages, while an interactive art environment in the center of the Festi- The 2014 Kentuck Festival of the Arts will draw thouval entertains both young and old with an invitation to befriend sands of art enthusiasts from all over the country. a tuba at the musical petting zoo, squish clay, or indulge in fabric fantasies at the tie-dye area. Free, continuous shuttles provide transportation to the park from downtown Northport. Advance purchase only weekend tickets are available online through Oct. 17 for $15 for ages 12 and up. Children under 12 are admitted free. Daily tickets will be $10 per person per day. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. No pets, alcohol or smoking are allowed in the park. Kentuck offers plenty of hands-on opportunities for children (and adults). Photos: Jeff Perrigin
The 43rd annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts hours are Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information on the 2014 festival, including the full artist lineup and the schedule for each day, visit www.kentuck. org or call (205) 758-1257.
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Want to see your favorite moments in the pages of Druid City Living? We would love to feature your birthdays, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and more! Please email all relevant details (no more than 250 words), as well as one accompanying photo, to Tuscaloosa Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin at laurie@druidcitymedia.com ***We reserve the right to edit all submissions for space.
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Check Out “What’s Happening In TTown”:
So much of this Druid City Living paper is due to you, the community of Tuscaloosa, offering up your stories in the form of submissions. We’d love more. If you’d like to contribute a story or idea that you feel needs to be told, please email Tuscaloosa Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin at laurie@druidcitymedia.com
Think of this Facebook group as our community bulletin board to share information about things going on in (and around) Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This is YOUR PLACE to post! Please invite your friends and neighbors to join this group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatshappeninginttown/
Community
Page 12 . Issue 8
Continued from Front Page, Haunted UA:
and looked up to see a chair had popped down and back up. The experience kept him from ever returning to the theatre at night alone. When Higdon responds to calls from clients about ghosts, he and his team ask for the time and location of the occurrences, and can often attribute the sounds and movement to nature, he said. Squirrels may have taken residence in the attic, or changes in air temperature may cause the house to settle and creak. However, there are instances when nature can’t be attributed to occurrence. “There’s some things we can explain, and there are some things we can’t explain,” Higdon said. Steve Burch, associate professor of theatre history and playwriting at the university, has been with the department since 2002, but has never had an experience with seeing Gallaway’s ghost himself. Curses in the theatre exist as much as people believe them to exist, he said. “But there is no question that theatre can be and frequently is, without trying to, an evocative place. Especially late at night,” Burch said. The history present in old theater spaces offer a presence that even those who don’t believe in ghosts may feel, he said. Burch recalls having times in his life where he has felt these presences, such as during a trip to Athens, Greece, where he visited the Theatre of Dionysus. “I think art has the ability to do that,” Burch said. “It allows that kind of communication between people who are no longer living or at least not in their once physical presence to help make certain connections, and help explain things to you or give you a stronger sense of your place in the cosmos.”
Does the ghost of Marian Gallaway haunt the Allen Bales Theatre?
Rowand-Johnson Hall on the University of Alabama campus houses two theaters that are believed by some to be haunted. Photos: Laura Testino
Continued from Front Page, DCH Ball Preview:
bers of the family, whenever their comfort is most needed – the twins’ due date, birthdays, and visits to the cemetery. These butterflies now represent Finn and Quinley wherever their fund is represented, and this year will have a special role in The DCH Foundation’s signature event. They would have been 10 years old this August – and this November, the community will come together for the birthday party of all birthday parties – The DCH Foundation’s Lucy Jordan Ball. On Friday, November 14th, the Ball’s proceeds will be dedicated to the Finn and Quinley Children and Infant’s Fund, with a focus on acquiring General Electric’s Giraffe OmniBeds. These specialized beds provide a developmentally-supportive environment for critically-ill babies in the NICU. The beds minimize the many stresses that can cause developmental delays like blindness, deafness, Krista Poole, Gene “Poodgie” Poole and Jamie Poole enjoy and brain damage – giving these babies a much better chance at a the fun at the 2013 Lucy Jordan Ball normal life. This year’s Ball, appropriately themed Butterfly Kisses, will be chaired by Mrs. Michael McInerney, Mrs. H. Leslie Fowler and Mrs. David Wright. The Diamond Benefactor for this year is TeamHealth. We invite you to join us and make life better for the babies in West Alabama. Call The DCH Foundation at Mr. and Mrs. Robert Amason, Jr. at the 2013 205.759.7349 for reservations and more information. Lucy Jordan Ball Photos: The DCH Foundation
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“B Side” art exhibit offers music-themed works from 13 regional artists Some of the region’s most talented artists’ works are on display during the second annual “B Side” Art Show at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center during the month of October. The group exhibit, hosted by The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, is comprised of original works by 13 artists from Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Nashville. The subject matter in the B Side exhibit is composed of artists’ visual music-themed interpretations, covering all genres Tony Brock, KISS/Spirit of ‘76 from country to rock and jazz. Tony Brock, B Side Art Show originator and organizer, asked each artist to produce at least two pieces of art of their choice and style, interpreting songs, designing faux album covers, painting portraits of musicians, or anything music-related. Many of the greatest icons in musical history will be represented. “B Side has become a labor of love since its launch last year,” Brock said, adding that after the success of what was originally planned to be a one-off show, he was approached by other artists, and the Arts Council, to plan another. “After some thought, I said, ‘Let’s do this.’ This time, however, I wanted more art-
Joshua Watkins, Esq.
ists to contribute to make it a big, fun event.” Nashville artist Jeff Bertrand says B Side is a great chance to broaden his audience, reconnect with old friends, and make new ones. “I like to showcase with these artists in Tuscaloosa because we all have a common aesthetic and mesh really well. I showcased last year at the original show and had a blast.” Why the show’s name? “B Side was the title I came up with to recognize a couple of show characteristics: One, the four artists participating in the show last year had last names starting with “B,” and two, it was a music-themed show with a nod towards a record’s b-side,” Brock explained. “A record’s b-side didn’t get a lot of radio airplay, and sometimes it was an undiscovered musical gem. This applied to the artists and their styles, too. Now, ‘B Side’ means art that’s not quite mainstream or traditional. The art, still music-themed, can best be described as pop-surrealism, with a wide variety of styles.” “The B Side” group exhibit kicked off with an opening reception on October 3, as part of the First Friday activities. Two musical groups, The Infinite Monkey Typing Pool and the Alabama Blues Project Advanced Band, were on hand, entertaining guests as they enjoyed the art show. B Side concludes on October 31. Gallery hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Artists whose works are included in the exhibit are JenX, Tony Brock, Chris Davenport, Tony Bratina, Tony Tavis, Anjeanette Illustration, A.L. Swartz, Shweta Gamble, Bruce D. Andrews, Jeff Bertrand, Tingler, Joe Rossomano, and Charles V. Bennett. For more information on the second annual B Side Art Show, visit www.bsideartshow.com.
Community
Shweta Gamble, Amy Winehouse
Jen McKee, Nick Cave
Community
Page 14 . Issue 8
Northport’s new haunted house: ‘Malice in Otherworld’ promises big scares By Laurie Mundy Perrigin West Alabama residents once again have the opportunity to visit a true haunted house this Halloween season. This year’s spooky house is located in Northport, at 903 Main Avenue. If the success of last year’s house, the Main Avenue Mortuary, is any indication, lines are already forming for
TownScare: Malice in Otherworld. Townsquare Media and Spirit Halloween are opening Malice in Otherworld now. The haunted house, with it’s totally new theme this year, will remain open through the end of the month, promising to spook all who dare to enter with professional-level special effects, horrifying scenarios and terrifying makeup. Leslee Howard, live events manager for Townsquare Media, says this year’s haunted house will be every bit as good as Main Avenue Mortuary, and the old Fright Factory. “You can expect this to be different than any haunted house you’ve been in,” Howard said. “We’re going for the psychological mind scare as well as the traditional scares people are accustomed to when going to the haunted house. We are working to make this an experience you will keep thinking about after you’ve left.” Volunteer workers, including several college students, have jumped on board to help make this year’s haunted house the best ever. Many of those involved have a background in theater, and have worked at other major haunted houses before, including Sea World’s Howl-O-Scream and Nightmare Manor in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Putting together a haunted house at this level takes a lot of preparation. “There’s been a lot of conversations that start with, ‘Hey, you know what would be awesome…’ and then before I know it, everyone is brainstorming a plan to make it happen,” Howard said of the Malice in Otherworld planning process. “The haunt managers and employees have put in countless hours making things the absolute best they can be.”
Malice in Otherworld is open through Halloween night. Admission is $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Team DanielLogan. “We’re doing ticket prices a little different this year,” Howard said. “You can buy in advance to save money, and we’re also offering line jumper passes, so you don’t have to wait in line. These are a limited quantity, and add $5 to your ticket (whether you buy online or at the door).”
Advance tickets can be purchased at www.maliceinotherworld.com, and more information (including special promotions) can be found on the Malice in Otherworld Facebook page at www.facebook.com/maliceintuscaloosa.
The Malice in Otherworld haunted house is located at 903 Main Street in Northport. Photo: Leslee Howard
Monster Makeover V to Exhibit at the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum By Sheena Gregg Tuscaloosa art lovers can once again look forward to the Monster Makeover art exhibit and charity auction to be held this year at the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum. The program was established in 2010 by The Tuscaloosa News and led by Graphics Editor, Anthony Bratina. The auction raises money for the Monster Makeover Arts in Education grant, administered by the
having the actual art pieces on display in our home.” The gallery will be open throughout the month of October with the closing reception and art auction on Thursday October 30. Children and adults are invited to come dressed in costume to the reception, which offers the chance for the artists to meet their child artist counterparts. Bidding for this year’s Monster Makeover artwork will open one week before the auction. A coffee table book containing all artwork is also available, with proceeds from the book sale benefiting the Community Foundation of West Alabama.
For more information on Monster Makeover, visit monstermakeover.org.
Arts of Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa. Shweta Gamble, who helps coordinate the program, says that Monster Makeovehas been a great way to establish community among the artists of Tuscaloosa. First graders from one school each year are chosen to draw monsters with local artists, eventually making the first grade drawings larger pieces of art. “The artists love participating in it because of the challenge of letting a first-grader come up with your concept. It has also been great way for local artists to meet with each other and form relationships,” Gamble said. This year’s first graders chosen for the Monster Makeover are first graders from Tuscaloosa Academy. Parents of the child artists say that this program has been great for their kids and the community. “We enjoyed the experience so much,” Ashley Ratliff, a local Westwood Elementary mom whose children participated last year, said. “The kids felt like they were real artists, and felt empowered to think creatively and artistically. As parents, we were thrilled to see the work come together and love
Photos: Sheena Gregg
Transportation Museum’s outdoor fall movie series continues The Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum is hosting the fall outdoor movie series right now, and all of the films are perfect for Halloween. A different movie will be shown each week on the museum’s 50-foot inflatable screen on the former site of the historic Queen City pool. The series kicked off with Ghostbusters on Oct. 3 and Beetlejuice on Oct. 10. • • •
The remaining lineup of films for the movie series includes:
Hotel Transylvania, Oct. 17 Little Shop of Horrors, Oct. 24 Hocus Pocus, Oct. 31
Tickets are a $5 donation for a group up to seven people.
All of the films start at 7 p.m., and, in the event of inclement weather, the films will be moved or rescheduled. Attendees can bring blankets, chairs, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages to the movies.
For more information, visit the Museum’s official website (www.mwwtm.com) the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mwwtm) or call (205) 248-4931. You can also call Tuscaloosa 311.
Community
Page 15 . Issue 8
Most popular local Halloween costumes include ‘Frozen,’ ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ By Laurie Mundy Perrigin It seems that when many Tuscaloosa and Northport residents open their front doors on Halloween night, they’ll be greeted by Elsa, Anna and Olaf the snowman from the Disney movie Frozen, and more than a few members of the
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Frozen and TMNT
are among this year’s hottest Halloween costumes for kids, according to local costume retailers. “We’ve had a lot of calls about Frozen costumes. We’re almost sold out of our Maleficent costumes and accessories already,” Kristin Lambert Walters, owner of Candy Apple Costumes, said. She adds that TV shows, in addition to popular movies, are among The Anna and Elsa Frozen costumes the red hot at Spirit Halloween were a hit with costume choicLinlee Murphy and Kenadie Colbern es for Hallowof Centreville. een. “Game of Thrones-inspired costumes have been popular for a couple of years now.” That sentiment is echoed at Spirit Halloween in Tuscaloosa, by store manager Dixie Hitson. “Guardians of the Galaxy and Frozen are the really popular costumes for the kids this year. There’s also
Spirit Halloween manager Dixie Hitson says you can’t go wrong with some fun face paint for your Halloween costume.
always the classic, traditional costumes, like Batman and Spider Man that do well.” For costume parties, expect to see a lot of Game of Thrones and Walking Dead zombies running around. “Since it first came out, The Walking Dead costume has been a huge hit,” Hitson said. She adds that Spirit has a huge section for face painting, allowing anyone to expertly transform themselves into a bona-fide zombie for Halloween. “Face painting is very simple. We have a huge makeup center that shows you step-by-step Walters, who owns Candy Apple how to put on Costumes, says tutu costumes are the makeup, the always popular for Halloween. Here, prosthetics, the her daughter, Ruby, is a fierce tiger in latex, all of it.” a mask with an orange tutu. Walters, whose Candy Apple Costumes offers online sales with local pickup in Tuscaloosa, said two new adult costumes inspired by Oompa Loompas from the 1970s Willy Wonka movie are big sellers. But what about those costumes that seem to be popular from year to year, regardless of trends? “Our perennial best sellers are 50s Grease costumes, 20s flapDon’t forget your pet’s costume per and gangster for Halloween. Chico Seymour costumes, 70s Hoffman is ready to greet trick-ordisco costumes treaters as Underdog. and animal cos-
seekThe Foundation Directory Online @ ers Grant can search an easy-touse database Your Tuscaloosa Public Library to find funders By Mary Elizabeth Harper, Executive Director When I commented to a friend recently that I was about to make the same old dinner, he told me that he uses the Food Network’s website to search for recipes and especially likes the feature that lets him list the ingredients he has on hand and find a list of possible meals to make. I learned something new and also realized that the Foundation Directory Online does for grant writing what Food Network has done for cooking.
who support their interests. The Directory provides the list of ingredients necessary to prepare a grant application and even lists additional information on organizations that have submitted successful grant proposals to the funder. The Foundation Directory Online doesn’t make grant writing easy but it does make it more manageable, just as the Food Network’s website makes mealtime more manageable. If you are affiliated with one of the over 325 Tuscaloosa-area organizations with 501(c)(3) status and if your organization needs funds, read on! The Foundation Directory Online provides detailed profiles for over 120,000 foundations, corporate giving programs, and grant-making public charities. While it offers ever so much more, the reason
League of TuscaJunior League loosa’sThefourthJuniorannual T-Town Shop Around Card fundraiser offers the to both give and receive of Tuscaloosa’s opportunity this fall. Seventy-five of Tuscaloosa’s finest retailers and restaurants have T-Town Shop partnered with the Junior League to offer a 20 percent discount to cardholders from Oct. 16 through Nov. 2. Around Card T-Town Shop Around Cards are $20 and benefit the Tuscaloosa comfundraiser kicks munity by furthering the cause of the League of Tuscaloosa, which is off this month Junior committed to promoting volunteerism,
tumes,” Walters said. “At Halloween, the more risqué costumes start selling a lot, too - tuxedo bunny costumes for women, sexy cops, flight attendants, that kind of thing.” Halloween costume p r o c r a s t i n a - Kristen Walters and her daughter, tors, be aware: Ruby are Halloween perfect in matchThose who ing clown costumes. hope to wear the most popular costumes to parties and events this season should plan ahead. I t would be a good idea to come in and get your costume now, but we try to keep everything in stock as much as Spirit Halloween employee Brett Harbison p o s s i b l e , says despite the busy season, they’re because we having great fun on the job. know there’s a high demand,” Hitson said. Spirit employee Brett Harbison of Brookwood says they’ll be ready for the big run up on costumes in these weeks leading up to October 31. “It’ll be pretty chaotic these last two weeks; it gets crazy. We’ll have a full staff on hand, and we’ll be running around and just having as much fun as possible.” Walters agrees. “If you’re looking for a potentially hot seller like Frozen or Maleficent, definitely get it as soon as possible. Otherwise, we don’t sell out of most stuff at Halloween.” Photos: Jeff Perrigin and Kristin Walters
many people turn to it is to find funding for non-profits. To get into the Foundation Directory Online, a user must be in one of the Libraries. This database cannot be accessed remotely. From the TPL homepage, under “Online Resources” select “Databases” and scroll down to the end of the list: “Foundation Center Cooperating Collection.” Choose Foundation Directory Online Professional. From the homepage that appears, if you are familiar with the service, select one of the options at the top: Power Search/ Grantmakers/ Companies/Grants/990s and fill in the blanks. If you are unfamiliar, click on “Getting Started” and follow the links. I advise “Search Tutorial,” “Getting Started,” and “Searching—Basic” for beginners. While it is possible to navigate the database alone, Library staff are happy to assist with quick questions on the spot or to schedule times for longer tutorials.
developing the potential of women, and improving its community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League’s community partners include Holt Elementary School (the League’s Adopt-a-School Partner) and Junior Achievement. “We are really excited to partner with Midtown Village again this year. The T-Town Shop Around Card is a great fundraiser for the Junior League and for the community,” Brandt Garrison, T-Town Shop Around Chair, said. “It provides shoppers discounts to incredible merchants. And it helps the League raise money to support our Tuscaloosa in our focus areas of health, education and financial literacy.”
For more information about the T-Town Shop Around Card or the Junior League of Tuscaloosa, please visit jltuscaloosa.org or contact Brandt Garrison at bgarrison@visittuscaloosa.com.
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Sports
Page 19 . Issue 8
Gary Harris: Proud to be T-Town’s sports anchor By Stan J. Griffin
Gary Harris and his hardworking staff (L to R): Bradley Whittington, Harris, Katarina Monteiro, Scott Braswell, and Lee Smith. Front: Mike Parker
For nearly two decades, WVUA sports director Gary Harris has been the main face of local sports for the Tuscaloosa and West Alabama community, a role in which the 50-year-old Miami, Florida, native takes a special sense of pride in. Along with the strong coverage of prep, college and other local sports by Harris and his dedicated staff, Harris has also been a strong link to University of Alabama athletics through his efforts with the awardwinning Crimson Classics DVD collection and his work with cohost Rodney Orr on the popular (and also award-winning) discussion show Tider Insider
TV, which is in its 15th year. Although he has a host of daily and weekly duties that keep him running, Harris acknowledged there is nothing like the hectic pace which the football season entails. “Controlled craziness is a good term for it, because it’s non-stop,” Harris said of the demands of covering football in this pigskin-crazed community. “It is almost a little bit like the movie Groundhog Day, as everyday has a routine and then one
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week rolls into the next. Between Alabama and the high-school shows (on Friday nights) and Stillman College and Tider Insider TV and Crimson Tide Kickoff (WVUA’s Saturday UA pre-game show), it is non-stop.” Although the coverage of sports has changed dramatically over the past decade or so due to various factors, such as the increased reliance on the Internet and social media, Harris said he still enjoys his job as much as ever, and having a talented, hardworking sports staff helps. “We rely heavily on our students, and that’s great, because our students are learning in a real newsroom environment, and at the same time they’re contributing to the product,” said Harris, who noted the tremendous working relationship between the veterans on the staff such as he and anchor Lynn Brooks and the still-learning UA students. “I also have a tremendous sports producer in B.J. Millican. He produces Crimson Tide Kickoff and Tider Insider TV. We just hired a brand-new weekend sports anchor (Jennifer Chapman). She’s coming to us from Wisconsin. We’re excited about having her.” Harris also noted Lee Smith as key member of the sports staff as well. Another exciting occurrence has been the station’s recent move into the Digital Media Center inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. “(The move inside the legendary stadium) has been incredible,” Harris said. “(The new headquarters for the station) is just phenomenal. You walk through the halls and it looks like CNN and you could put it up against anywhere. As a Tuscaloosa sportscaster, to be able to tell people that you get to work inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, it can’t get any better than that. It’s been great for us, not just because it is in the stadium, but because of the quality of the facility.” Harris added that the new headquarters are still a work in progress and said it is hoped that the station’s new state-of-the-art set will make its debut sometime early in 2015. Photo: Stan Griffin
Page 21 . Issue 8
NorthRiver Happenings October 2014
Congratulations to Justin Peterson and C.D. Bale for winning the 2014 NorthRiver Member-Member Golf Championship.
The NorthRiver Member-Member Golf Championship flight winners gathered for a photo on the 10th tee before the Shootout began.
Tide fans salute SEC title squads By Stan J. Griffin
Sports
NorthRiver Yacht Club Members Lisa Edwards and Margaret Donnelly won the 2.5 division of the Day on the Courts Ladies Tennis Event, part of the PINK events for the DCH Breast Cancer Fund.
For those who bleed Crimson and White, the Sarah Patterson Champions Plaza in front of Coleman Coliseum was the place to be during the recent Alabama/Florida football weekend. On September 19, the UA athletic family began what proved to be a great weekend for Crimson Tide athletics by honoring Southeastern Conference championship squads in gymnastics (the Tide’s 8th SEC title, and the final one for longtime coach Patterson), softball (fifth SEC crown), women’s tennis (the first one for that squad), and men’s golf (which celebrated its second-consecutive NCAA title, its third SEC title in a row and its fifth conference title overall). The celebration included various UA representatives. UA President Dr. Judy Bonner, Athletic Director Bill Battle, members of the pep band, Crimson Tide cheerleaders and Big Al were on hand. It was announced that the A Club is endowing scholarships in the names of Crimson Tide national title coaches Patrick Murphy (softball), Jay Seawell (men’s golf) and Mic Potter (women’s golf). It was a festive day to celebrate UA champion teams, and perhaps ceremony emcee Tom Roberts said it best when he proclaimed, “Isn’t it a great day to be at the University of Alabama? It’s always great to be at the University of Alabama, especially on what’s becoming an annual event, when we honor our championship teams.” Bonner, during her remarks, noted the athletic and academic achievements of the four championship squads being saluted. “I thoroughly enjoy cheering our students on to victory as athletes, but I also take great pride at what they did in the classroom,” Bonner said. “Student athletes, you have represented the University of Alabama extremely well.” Battle also lauded the achievements of the athletes, and Mal Moore’s vision. “I’ve got to believe that (Moore) and Coach Bryant are looking down with big smiles on their faces at what is going on this weekend,” he said. “Today is a great day. The Champions Plaza was Mal’s last project that he built, and I know he was proud of naming this facility after Sarah Patterson, which she so richly deserves, and giving credit to, and a place to recognize all of our sports.”
Schools
Page 22 . Issue 8
Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools-Elementary is a Blue Ribbon winner
Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools-Elementary was selected as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School. TMSE is one of five schools in Alabama to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon winner. The others are: Mountain Brook Junior High School, Winfield Elementary School, and Heard Magnet School and Beverlye Magnet School in Dothan. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made the announcement during an online broadcast on September 30. “These great schools are fulfilling the promise of American education—that all students, no matter their name or zip code, can flourish when schools provide safe, creative, and challenging learning environments,” Secretary Duncan said in a news release from the Department. “For an educator, working in a school that is nominated as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor. Actually, achieving Blue Ribbon status is much like winning an Oscar for an actor or the Heisman for an athlete: a dream come true,”Jeanee Burkhalter, principal of TMSE, said.
TCS Teacher wins UNICEF grand prize By Carson Birdsong
You might see ghosts and goblins on the streets soon, and if they’re holding little collection boxes instead of bags for candy, pay attention: These students are participating in the 2014 UNICEF Trick-or-Treat program, which began on Oct. 1. In 2013, 15 classrooms nationwide were selected to receive a $1000 grant, based on donations raised. The “Trick-or-Treat” program encourages the community to donate to UNICEF in order to provide and improve healthcare and education services to underprivileged children. One Verner Elementary School teacher knows first-hand just how great winning the UNICEF grant can be. Kathy Perkins Photo: Kathy Perkins was selected by UNICEF as one of the five grand prize winners of the 2013 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF School Challenge. Perkins, who teaches 5th grade at Verner, won a $1000 grant for her classroom and a trip to Tanzania to experience the charity efforts provided by the Trick-or-Treat program. She traveled to Tanzania in July. “Winning the Trick or Treat for UNICEF School Challenge was an incredible honor,” Perkins said. “My students have raised money for UNICEF for the last nine years, and it is really their hard work that won the challenge. This really gave my students the opportunity to develop empathy and compassion while realizing that kids can make a difference.” Perkins said visiting schools in Tanzania helped her realize how fortunate Tuscaloosa students are. “The schools had no electricity or running water -- only the well and hand-washing stations that UNICEF had helped to provide. There were 50 or more students in every classroom, including the preschool classes,” she said. “The children’s lunch was corn meal mush cooked over an open fire in the back of the school, and each child got one cupful. But despite the lack of resources, the children were eager to learn, happy to share what they had, and excited to welcome us to their schools.”
To learn more about the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program, visit www.unicefusa.org/mission/usa/trick-or-treat.
Blessing pets at Holy Spirit Catholic Church
The annual Pet Blessing took place on Friday, October 3, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Each year, families bring their pets to be blessed for the Feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his love and care of all of God’s creation. Pets including dogs, cats, hermit crabs, and a pet turtle took part in the event as students, parents, parishioners and members of the community joined in on the celebration led by Father Jerry Deasy, Pastor of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Photos: Laurie Mitchell
Patriotic Preschoolers
Preschoolers in Carmen Guggenberger’s four year old class at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Tuscaloosa wore red, white, and blue to school to show their patriotism for America on September 11. Photo: Laurie Mitchell
First Grade Masterpiece
First grade students from Holy Spirit Catholic School in Tuscaloosa are studying famous painters as part of their art history lessons in Tricia Schuster’s art class. The students had the opportunity to paint pictures using the underside of their desk to understand the artistic techniques of the famous painter and sculptor Michelangelo. Pictured: First grade student Mason Mitchell works on a painting Photo: Laurie Mitchell
Celebration
Page 24 . Issue 8
Homecoming 2014 at Holy Spirit
Senior girls homecoming reps (L to R): Katie Connell, Caitlin Shortall, and Aeriel Winn
Senior boy homecoming reps (L to R): Chase Barker, Chase Lake and Vic Poole
Aeriel Winn is Holy Spirit’s Homecoming Queen 2014.
Holy Spirit Catholic School in Tuscaloosa proudly celebrated Homecoming 2014 during the week of September 22-26. The high school students showed their school spirit as they dressed in costumes, participated in relay competitions, football games, the annual bonfire and pep rally, parade and presentation of the Homecoming Court. Their school spirit was passed on when the students collected non-perishable food items to be distributed to needy families in the Tuscaloosa area by Catholic Social Services. This year’s Homecoming court included freshmen Nicholas Shore and Tara Ulferts, sophomores Trevor Brinster and Catherine Sisson, juniors Galen Lee and Abby Mitchell and seniors Vic Poole, Chase Barker, Chace Lake, Katie Connell, Aeriel Winn and Caitlin Shortall. Aerial Winn was crowned Homecoming Queen and Chase Barker was named King at the Homecoming Football game on Friday, September 26. Photos: Laurie Mitchell
Tuscaloosa Academy Homecoming 2014
Tuscaloosa Academy students celebrated Homecoming 2014 on Friday, September 26, with a game against Morgan Academy. The Knights won 42-14, and during halftime, TA senior Hallie Harrison was crowned Homecoming Queen. (L to R): Freshman representative Kalin Burt, sophomore representative Elizabeth Bonhaus, senior Lillie Sansing, senior Hallie Harrison (2014 queen), Meredith Diaz (2013 queen), senior Anna Grace Godoy, senior Hannah Warner, and junior representative Sarah Corbett Woods Photo: Chelsea McKenna
Joshua M. Watkins, esq.
Celebration
Page 25 . Issue 8
Boy Scouts of America Troop 90 celebrates Eagle Scouts
The Black Warrior Council, Boy Scouts of America Troop 90 celebrated six new Eagle Scouts in a special ceremony. A typically hot afternoon didn’t damper the achievements of Black Warrior Council Eagle Scouts Nicholas Davis, Roddy Edwards, Grayson Lent, Drake McDonald, Joey Stegall, and Bradley Vaughn. Each Eagle Scout candidate must earn 21 merit badges while planning, developing, and giving leadership to a service project that benefits the community. Only four percent of Scouts nationwide reach Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. These proud new Eagles were honored in front of more than 100 Troop leaders, family members, and friends, as Troop 90 (chartered to First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa) became the first Troop to host an Eagle Court of Honor at the Black Warrior Council’s Eagle Plaza and Chapel. The Scouts were presented with Eagle pins and neckerchiefs to mark their extraordinary achievements. “Our community should be very proud of these fine young men who have earned the honor to be called Eagle Scouts,” Ed Martin, Executive Director of the Black Warrior Council, said. “Their daily dedication to the values of the Scout Oath and Law, including service to our community, is remarkable. I commend the Scouting volunteer leaders of Troop 90 and all the parents who supported these young men in attaining the Eagle rank.” Photo: Lee Stegall In April of 2013, the Council hosted the inaugural Eagle Scout Honor Day and Alumni Celebration—an annual event honoring each year’s Eagle Scouts from throughout the Council’s 12-county service area. This gathering will continue each spring and serve as the Council’s yearly salute to new Eagle Scouts and BSA alumni.
For more information about scouting or hosting events, call the Black Warrior Council Service Center at (205) 554-1680 or stop by the office located at 2700 Jack Warner Parkway NE in Tuscaloosa during the week.
A DCL reader’s favorite moment: Elizabeth Williams “My favorite moment is the day I got to experience my very first Alabama football game, September 6, against Florida Atlantic. I was born and raised in Alabama, but Uncle Sam sent me away for a few years. Finally, after 15 years, I can call the University of Alabama my home. I got to go to the game and experience a treasure that everyone should experience at least once. My game experience was amazing, because I also spent time photographing fans. I saw how, just for a few hours in our busy lives, we all as southerners set aside our worries to stop and enjoy the best game in the land. Roll Tide!” Photo: Elizabeth Williams
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Calendar
Druid City Living
Page 26 . Issue 8
Calendar of Events 43rd Annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts: Oct. 18-19, Kentuck Park, Northport. More than 250 artists will exhibit works, along with demonstrations, music, food, and more. Free, continuous shuttles provide transportation to the park from downtown Northport. Advance purchase only weekend tickets are available online through Oct. 17 for $15 (ages 12 and up). Children under 12 are admitted free. Daily tickets will be $10 per person, per day. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. For additional information or call (205) 758-1257. Beat Auburn Beat Hunger Food Drive: Now through Nov. 21. Since 1994, the Community Service Center and the West Alabama Food Bank have united students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to help “fight” hunger and poverty in West Alabama by challenging Auburn University and the Food Bank of East Alabama to see who can collect more non-perishable food to help the needy. For more information, visit beatauburnbeathunger.ua.edu. Tuscaloosa Barnyard Pumpkin Patch: Fridays and Saturdays in October, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sundays 1-4 p.m. Turner Bridge Rd, Tuscaloosa. Includes hayrides, a petting zoo and more. $15 per person. For more information: (205) 248-0773 or visit www.tuscaloosabarnyard.com. Griffin Farms Pumpkin Patch: Every weekend through Nov. 2. Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m. Near Mercedes on Griffin Road, West Blocton. $10 admission ages 2 and older. Attractions include pumpkin picking, hayrides, a petting zoo, pony rides, a corn maze and a zip line. For more information: (205) 535-0552 and https://www.facebook. com/pages/Griffin-Farms-PumpkinPatch/639751309370635.
Fourth Annual Monster Makeover Exhibit: Now through Oct. 30. Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum, Tuscaloosa. Reception and silent auction Oct. 30 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For more information, email Monstermakeoverart@gmail.com. B Side Art Show: Now through Oct. 31, Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, downtown Tuscaloosa. Admission is free. The show features work inspired by music, created by 13 regional artists. For more information, visit www.bsideartshow.com.
Halloween Spooktacular and Monster Mash Ball: Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa (C.H.O.M.), downtown Tuscaloosa. Your costume is your admission. Tickets available to play carnival games for prizes. All ages with adult. For more information: (205) 3494235 and www.chomonline.org. The Actor’s Charitable Theatre presents The Addams Family: Oct. 24-27, Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. Show times: Oct. 24-25, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. matinees on Oct. 25-26. For more information, visit www. theactonline.com or call (205) 393-2800. Halloween in Oz: Oct. 26, 2-4 p.m. Moody Music Building, University of Alabama campus. This annual family-friendly carnival-style event features games, prizes, a costume parade, and more. Meet the Oz characters, and visit with the Wicked Witch! Admission: $5 per person (ages 2 and under free). Proceeds benefit the Community Music School Scholarship Fund. For more information, call (205) 348-6741 or email jweigel@music.ua.edu. R. Kelly in Tuscaloosa: Sunday, Oct. 26. 7 p.m. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Tickets:
$65-85. Tickets available via Ticketmaster. com. Amphitheater Box Office: (205) 2485280.
Sorority Row Trick or Treat: Oct. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sorority Row, Magnolia Drive, University of Alabama Campus. Children of Tuscaloosa are invited to dress up and visit sorority row for candy and games. Hosted by the Alabama Panhellenic Association. Stars and Starlets, Old Hollywood Glamour Gala: Oct. 30, 7-10 p.m. Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, downtown Tuscaloosa. This is a fundraiser for the Mansion; $50 donation suggested. For more information, call (205) 758-2906. Pink Box Burlesque Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Oct. 31, 9 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m., costume contest begins at 7:45 p.m. Bama Theatre, downtown Tuscaloosa. Ticket info: $15 in advance, $20 for a ticket and a prop bag. Must be 18 to attend, 21 and older to drink. Ticket sales benefit the Bama Theatre Renovation and Preservation Fund. For more information, visit www.pinkboxburlesque.com. Freaky Friday 8K Night Run: Oct. 31, 9 p.m. Dreamland Barbecue, Northport. This 8K run is hosted by the Alabama State Trooper Association. Packet pick up at Wagner’s RunWalk in Midtown Village on Oct. 30. Entry fee: $30. Bacon & Brewfest: Nov. 1, 2:30-5 p.m. (VIPs enter beginning at 1 p.m.) Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. For more information, call (205) 345-7200 or email ALBaconBrewfest@townsquaremedia. com. NorthRiver Ladies Tennis Invitational: Nov. 1-2, NorthRiver Yacht Club Tennis Pavilion. Proceeds from the tournament, sponsored
by Hamner Realty, will benefit Turning Point Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Services. To sign up, visit www. northriveryc.com/tennis. For more information, call (205) 343-4558.
5th Street Vintage Market: Nov. 2, 11 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 www.5thstreetvintagemarket.com. Dance Alabama! Fall 2014: Nov. 4-7, Morgan Auditorium, University of Alabama Campus. Tickets: $20 (adult), $17 UA faculty/staff/seniors, $14 UA students/children. For more information, call (205) 348-3400 or visit theatre.ua.edu. Kentuck Art Night in downtown Northport: Nov. 6, 5-8 p.m. This event is free to the public. For more information, visit www.tuscarts.org/ artnight. Tailgating With the Stars: Nov. 6, 6-9 p.m. The North Zone at BryantDenny Stadium, University of Alabama campus. This is a fundraising event for Sprayberry Education Center, and the special guest is Collins Tuohy, the sister of Michael Oher, featured in The Blind Side movie. Wagner’s Turkey Trot: Nov. 15, 8 a.m. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. at Wagner’s RunWalk in Midtown Village. Registration fees: $25 (single) or $30 (family). Your registration fee is also your membership to The Tuscaloosa Track Club for 2015. Applications are available at Wagner’s RunWalk in Midtown Village.
Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce Happenings
New Supercuts in Northport The Chamber celebrated the opening of the new Supercuts at 2300 McFarland Blvd. in Northport (next to Hobby Lobby) on Sept. 12. Congrats to the team! Open House at Tuscaloosa Orthopedic and Joint Institute Dr. Bryan King and staff hosted an
open house with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 18 for the office located at 3515 Watermelon Rd. in Northport. Call (205) 722-5591 for more info.
Square, offers casual Asian dining and serves sushi, sashimi, rice bowls, salads, sliders and more. Visit www. makifresh.com for more info.
Maki Fresh Opens The Chamber celebrated the opening of Maki Fresh on Sept. 24. The Birmingham-based restaurant, located at 1530 McFarland Blvd. in Indian Hills
Ribbon Cutting at Arlington Rental, Inc. The Chamber marked the opening of this temporary RV park on Sept. 19 at 101 Hargrove Rd., E. in Tuscaloosa, behind Tennis Jackson Electric. Spaces are available. Call (205) 722-2048 or visit www.bamagamedayrvparking. com for details. Hotel & Restaurant Supply Opens A ceremony was held on Sept. 22 at 10:30 a.m. for this new business, located at 200 14th St., Ste. 1 (in Spiller Center, just off 15th St.). Visit
www.hnrsupply.com to learn more.
Hospice of West Alabama Celebrates New Wing A ribbon cutting was held for a beautiful new wing in this facility on the VA campus (3851 Loop Rd. in Tuscaloosa) on Sept. 22. Learn more at www.hospiceofwestalabama.org.
Health
Page 28 . Issue 8
Break time: Afternoon pick-me-ups to energize and refresh
By Brandie Rickett Bowden
Ever find that about mid-afternoon you suddenly start dragging? There’s a natural reason for this: a person’s blood sugar bottoms out twice a day: around 2 or 3 a.m., and again in the afternoon. Most people are sleeping during those wee-morning hours, so they don’t notice. But our schedules often have us working in some capacity in the mid-afternoon. When blood sugar drops, people feel weak and tired; it makes them out of control with their food choices. The body starts craving sugar and fat for energy. Soft drinks and sugary foods temporarily satisfy, but over-consumption of these foods lead to other health problems. “Understanding is the key,” says Dr. Milady Murphy, Director and Founder of Shelton State Community College Wellness Center. She started the first wellness initiative in the educational system for two-year colleges in Alabama in 1987. She has devoted her career to the wellness of others. “Once you understand what’s happening to your body, you become empowered to overcome it.” Keeping your blood sugar regulated will keep you from feeling that dreaded afternoon slump. In the early afternoon, follow a diabetic diet for blood-sugar regulation: Have a snack including a complex carb, protein, and fat. Fruits tend to make the easiest complex carbohydrate snacks. Nuts are a quick and easy snack with protein and fat. Anything with fruit and nuts will regulate your blood sugar before it drops, keeping you awake and focused. You can eat them on their own or combine them with juice to make a smoothie. A snack like this will give you energy and keep you full through the rest of your day. “Having healthy mini snacks between meals to regulate blood sugar empowers the individual,” Murphy says, allowing you to be productive and healthy. Drinking water instead of soda can also keep away the afternoon slump. According to Murphy, “Proper hydration with water restores energy and balance and mitigates the dehydration process.”
Another easy thing to do to give an energy boost is simply to get up from your desk. Movement increases energy. “According to experts, ‘sitting is the new smoking,’” says Murphy. “You can sit at a computer and see that hours have passed and you didn’t even realize it.” Getting up and walking twenty steps away and twenty steps back will increase circulation, encouraging blood flow. The new recommendation is to get up and walk at least once an hour. An individual can easily accomplish this by personally delivering a message to a co-worker rather than sending an email. A little thing like this can make a huge difference to your daily well-being. These small adjustments can make great changes in your daily routine, helping you to feel rested and energized for your entire day, and making you healthier all the way around.
Page 29 . Issue 8
Foodie Alert: Bacon and Brewfest Coming to Tuscaloosa
Food
By Sheena Gregg
If the thought of bacon and beer makes your mouth water, be sure to mark your calendar for the inaugural Bacon and Brewfest hosted by Townsquare Media and Greene Beverage on Saturday, November 1. This year’s event, which will be held at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, will showcase a variety of breweries across the Alabama and southeast region. Visitors can also look forward to bacon-laden delicacies from area restaurants while enjoying live music, contests, and special door prizes. Leslee Howard, Live Events Manager for Townsquare Media, says that this event has been a long time coming. “With the rising popularity of craft beer and the luxury of having Greene Beverage Company in our backyard with the extensive line of beer they distribute, it was a natural fit,” she said. “The bacon element came into play because, really, who doesn’t love bacon? We approached Greene Beverage Company about co-partnering with us; they jumped on board and have been instrumental in all angles of planning.” Patrons are encouraged to buy tickets ahead of time for a discounted cost for general admission. VIP tickets are $45 and sold exclusively online by using the offer code of BEERME. VIP attendees can expect early access to the event with the opportunity to try beers from Druid City Brewing Company and Back Forty Beer Company brewed exclusively for Bacon and Beerfest. General admission tickets are $30 with advance purchase and $35 at the door. The event will also offer $10 food only/designated driver ticket admission for those who are all about bacon without the beer. Patrons can expect various gluten-free beer and cider that will be available at the event as well. Howard says that the list of vendors and restaurants for the event continue to grow daily. Confirmed vendors for this year’s event include local breweries such as Druid City Brewing Company and Cahaba Brewing Company, as well as out of state breweries, including Red Brick Brewing, Shock Top Brewing Company, and Goose Island Beer Company. Southern Ale House, The Lodge, and Clark’s Pub and Grill will feature bacon-inspired dishes for all to enjoy. Attendees are encouraged to check out www.baconandbrewfest.com and www.facebook.com/albaconbrewfest to keep up to date with confirmed vendors. “This is the first year of the annual event, and we want to come out swinging for the fence,” says Howard.
Photos: Sheena Gregg
Food
Page 30 . Issue 8
Fun, classic recipe favorites for fall
By Amy Poore
I love Halloween! I think it’s the most fun holiday behind Christmas. The retail world has caught on to this and oh, the fun things you can find to make and to decorate! Pinterest has also taken things to the next level. It makes my head spin. But this month? This month, I’m going to give you two great recipes: One is a true Halloween classic – you can never go wrong with a classic, after all. The other is a perfectly simple and perfectly delicious dish to serve on chilly fall nights. Bon appétit! Caramel Apples • 50 pieces of caramel, unwrapped • 4 popsicle sticks • 4 medium sized apples • 2 Tablespoons of evaporated milk Wash and dry apples and insert a popsicle stick into the core of each apple. - Place caramel and evaporated milk into a 1 quart microwavable bowl. Microwave on high, stirring frequently until smooth. (Around 3 minutes.) - Dip apples in caramel mixture and use a spoon to help coat. - Place on waxed paper until caramel sets.
Now, here’s the fun part: You can do a number of different things with your apples. You can roll them in nuts, crushed cookies, etc. when the caramel is still wet, or you can do what I did: Decorate the apples once the caramel has set. See? So much fun and so easy! The great thing about these caramel apples are how versatile they can be. I know they are traditionally Halloween items but you can decorate them to suit any occasion. They also bag up well and make great gifts!
Goulash • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 3 pounds ground beef • 2 large onions, finely chopped (about 2 cups) • 2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes • 1 29-ounce can tomato sauce • 3 tablespoons soy sauce • 2 teaspoons dried basil • 2 teaspoons dried oregano • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1.5 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Photos: Amy Poore
Brown meat and onion in a large dutch oven and drain. Then add all remaining ingredients except for macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add macaroni and simmer for another 20 minutes. Then let goulash stand for 20 minutes before serving. Goes great with hot buttered cornbread!
Amy Poore is a new mom, a wife and a foodie. To see more of Amy’s delicious recipes, visit her blog, Poore Amy, at www.pooreamy.com