October2013_notrl by Druid City Media

October • 1

Volume 1, Issue 2, October 2013

Haunted House

North of the River haunts in abundance for thrill-seekers By David Higdon and Brett J. Talley

Photo credit: Laurie Perrigin

The Main Avenue Mortuary is the first haunted house in Tuscaloosa since 2008 and incorporates volunteers from the community, with proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Club of West Alabama.

Celebrations page 8

Technology in Schools

Photo credit: Natalie Jacks

Rock Quarry Middle School incorporates technology into the curriculum, better equipping students for leadership and the digital age.

alloween is a time of spooky haunts and ghost stories, and folks north of the river don’t have to go far to find their share of haunted houses and strange happenings. For more than five years, the Tuscaloosa Paranormal Research Group, led by David Higdon, has been at the forefront of paranormal investigations in our area. He recently joined forces with Brett J. Talley, the author of the criticallyacclaimed horror novels That Which Should Not Be and The Void, to chronicle some of the best stories of spooks and spirits around in their books Haunted Tuscaloosa and Haunted Alabama Black Belt. One of those stories takes us to the Shirley House. Perhaps there wouldn’t be much to tell about the brick, raised cottage in Northport were it not for a mid-1850’s pine and tulip school master’s desk in the downstairs den. The desk is the heart of paranormal activity in the house. The heavy wooden doors are known to move of their own accord, and one witness claims that not a single day goes by without the rattling sound of the doors swinging open and closed. One might assume that such occurrences would be frightening at worst and severely unsettling at best, but that’s not how those who have experienced it describe the phenomena. Rather, they claim there is something comforting about the presence, as if it is watching over them, and that as long as it is around,

see Haunts page 4

Schools page 28

Inside This Issue 2 5 8 12 18 27 29

Dog park groundbreaking signals progress for city By Haley Moody

ocal community members broke ground on the Will May Memorial Dog Park on October 12 at Munny Sokol Park. The park is named in honor of May, an eighth-grader at Rock Quarry Middle School in Tuscaloosa, who was killed earlier this year in a hunting accident. May loved the outdoors and all animals, much like the rest of his family members who have been in the veterinary service for many years.

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About Us Business Celebrations Food Community Schools Sports

“Having a small dog area and a large dog area will make it really nice. Small dogs are usually afraid of bigger dogs, and the big dogs can run around and play while knocking each other out,”

said Joe May, uncle of Will May. Other features of the new dog park are an outdoor fitness area, art displays and a training area for owners and their pets. “There has been a lot of excitement about the training area,” May said. “A lot of people don’t have the yards to do so.” Family and friends of Will May came

out to provide a helping hand with the kickoff of the park. “I am excited about getting to bring my dog out here to play,” said Lele Goldsmith, a May family friend. The park is located on Watermelon Road and Old Colony Road, and is scheduled to open to the public by the end of 2013.

2 • October 2013

About Us Photo of the Month

Photo credit: Dawn Key

“Sunrise on the Black Warrior” Members of the Black Warrior Rowing Club (BWRC) lift their oars to push their boat through the early morning waters of the Black Warrior River. The BWRC is a nonprofit, social sporting club founded in 2008 for the masters (age 21 and up) rowing community in the West Alabama region.

Publisher’s Note

Meet the Editors Christina Jesson is the executive editor of North of the River Living, and lived in Tuscaloosa from 2004 to 2010. She grew up in Northwest Florida, and received her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Alabama in 2008. She was previously in public relations and marketing at the corporate level with Caterpillar, and at the agency level with Bobcat Company. She also held editorial positions at both Randall-Reilly Publishing and The Tuscaloosa News. She loves college football, cooking, running marathons, traveling and the beach.

Laurie Mundy Perrigin is the Tuscaloosa editor of North of the River 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.

North of the River Living Directory Publisher: Heath Hendrix Executive Editor: Christina Jesson Editor: Laurie Mundy Perrigin Operations Director: Ryan Flynn Contributors: Vince Bellofatto, Michelle Crouse, Brenda Ewart, Serena Fortenberry, Betty Freeman, Mike Green, Laren Hammonds, Molly Hendrix, David Higdon, Robin Jenkins, Casey Johnson, Karis Lamb, Hannah Lansdon, Debby Laycock, Haley Moody, Blair Plott, Brett Talley, Kitty Wheeler

Director of Sales: Tom Sommerville Sales: Diana Browning Sales: Britney McComb Sales: Amy Page

North of the River Living is written for and about you Dear Readers, We are delighted to bring you another issue of North of The River Living! Thank you for the fantastic reception of our first issue. To all of our contributors, advertisers and most importantly, you – our readers – thank you for making this possible! We now have a Facebook presence as well as a website that will host the current issue at www.NOTRL.com. Please visit the site and like us on Facebook so we can continue to grow and provide this free publication. We will continue to focus on the community, events, friends and family, with our ultimate goal being continued improvement of the paper with each issue. Please let us know if there is something we are missing, or if there’s something we’re doing that you really enjoy!

Contact Information: North of the River Living 1902 Hackberry Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Additionally, we are trying to devise a way to allow for subscriptions. If this is something you would like, please visit www.NOTRL.com where you will find a simple form asking for your name, city, state and email address. If we get enough interest, we will open up subscriptions for North of The River Living.

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: laurie@zambooki. com

For those who are wondering or hearing the rumors, yes we plan to launch South of Town Journal in November. We will strive to provide those residents south of Tuscaloosa with a paper that will archive their community the same way North of The River Living serves yours.

For advertising, contact: heath@zambooki.com

Thank you from our staff for the support and interest, and we will keep working hard to deliver our best! Heath Hendrix, publisher

October • 3

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4 • October 2013

North of the River Living Q&A with David Higdon Author and Founder of Tuscaloosa Paranormal Research Group By Laurie Mundy Perrigin What made you decide to start the Tuscaloosa Paranormal Research Group? (What got you interested in the paranormal?) As a child I was always fascinated by the book “13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey” (Kathryn Tucker Windham), and hearing ghost stories by friends and family. As an adult I noticed there were no other paranormal groups in Tuscaloosa so I decided to start one of my own. How many people are involved in your paranormal investigations? (i.e. members of the “hunting team”) There are a total of eight members but location may determine how many participate. How does your group determine if a location is haunted? My group first receives phone calls or emails from people with concerns that a place has unexplained activity. We research places or locations that have

urban legends so we can determine if we should investigate. We can either validate or disprove based on the evidence collected during our investigation. What is the most haunted location you’ve ever investigated? While we do not go to any locations without permission, the place that we have found to be the most active would be Old Bryce Hospital in Northport. In the course of your investigations, have you ever been truly frightened and/or worried for your safety?

However, if you feel there is no other explanation, start a journal including: location, date, times, conditions and what occurred. Then contact a group like ours. We can be reached via www.tuscaloosaparnormal.com Should someone who thinks they’re being haunted ever try to communicate with a spirit on their own? We do not recommend it. It usually causes more problems than solutions. What do you say to skeptics who maintain that no, there is just no such thing as ghosts?

What should someone do if they think they are being haunted?

Our group has no problem with that, as we come from a skeptical point of view ourselves and rely strictly on documenting occurrences of activity. Any skeptic can come, then review our evidence and decide for themselves.

Look for the obvious first, make sure it’s not just a normal occurrence such as something rattling in the ductwork, a wild animal in your attic, etc. These are things that we commonly find.

What are “orbs”? I hear a lot of people talking about this - but how do you determine if it’s just a spot on the photo or a possible spirit manifestation?

I have been startled to a point, but I have never been worried for my physical safety during an investigation.

Haunts from page 1

Even though the location is only a few hundred yards from houses and the highway, a preternatural silence lies over the countryside. Standing in that absence of sound, it feels as though you are as far as could be from human civilization.

EVP stands for Electronic Voice Phenomena. Most of our evidence comes from EVP’s but there can be a lot of background noise - that’s why our group prefers the use of higher quality recorders. How do EVPs work? There are many theories, which is why we continue our research in this field. Tell us about your books, please! I have authored two books entitled “Haunted Tuscaloosa” and “Haunted Alabama Blackbelt.” The books are filled with history and ghostly tales that are fact based. It gives you the chance to learn more about stories you may have heard over the years. Our books can be found at your local bookstore as well as Amazon.com.

People have heard voices, had their hair pulled, or felt as though they were punched or kicked. Others claim that the sound of piano music sometimes wafts through the halls, where other visitors grow instantly sick upon entering the building.

Yes, haunted sites in Northport are in no short supply. But every now and then, the legends that grow up around a place outrun the history. Old Bryce, famous to teenagers, college students, and ghost hunters alike as an ancient, abandoned insane asylum filled with horrific secrets, is one of those places.

The house lies at the end of a long, broken driveway shaded by ancient, gnarled Oak trees, leading to an empty fountain, so bone dry that one wonders if water ever flowed there.

How do EVPs work?

nothing to squelch the growth of dark tales and whispered rumors about the spirits that haunt its halls.

nothing bad would happen. Perhaps it is the essence of whatever school teacher who once owned the desk, still protecting his charges a full century after his death.

On the outskirts of Northport sits an abandoned, antebellum style building. It is little more than a ruin today, having suffered extensive fire damage in addition to the normal wear and tear one would expect. There’s graffiti, broken windows, and wild animal infestation.

Majority of the time we believe “orbs” are nothing more than dust, pollen, bugs, etc. ... reflecting from the light of a camera.

Photo credit: David Higdon

And yet, one can imagine the beauty that must have been there once, back before decay and destruction came to Old Bryce. When the road was new, when the trees were not so twisted, when the antebellum columns were a shining white, and when crystal clear water flowed freely from the stone fountain that stands before the old asylum. Yes, standing there in the shadow of the slowly disintegrating structure you can almost see it, almost hear it. The spirits are there to remind you. The land on which Old Bryce sits once belonged to the famous Jemison family. The facility itself is more myth and legend than reality. The actual Bryce Hospital on the cam-

pus of the University of Alabama is far older than the Jemison Center, which was built in 1939. While presented by most visitors as an insane asylum, Jemison was actually a school for mentally retarded and handicapped boys. It served as a dormitory for those who worked the farmlands that surround the center, and the home itself has more in common with a boarding school than a mental hospital.

Doors slam, footsteps echo through floors where no one should be, the smell of antiseptic or new bandages appears in rooms left to the elements for decades. Do these stories have any basis in reality? Those students, paranormal investigators, and former staff who claim to who have experienced bizarre occurrences at Old Bryce would say yes. Perhaps these reports are the result of overactive imaginations. Maybe there is nothing at Old Bryce but a seemingly ancient building that is crumbling into dust, surrounded by overgrown weeds and gnarled trees that only added to the mysteriousness of the location.

And despite rumors that it closed as a result of nefarious practices or secret experiments, in reality, it was lax funding, not lax morals, that led to the facility’s closure.

Maybe. But whatever the truth, the Jemison Center remains a place of mystery and foreboding for the people of Tuscaloosa and Northport. That’s the sort of thing you can only feel, even if you can’t really explain it.

But whatever the reality of the Jemison Center’s history, it has done

And that’s what a haunting is all about.

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Business

West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Happenings Become a Chamber Ambassador

Facility on 10th Avenue Planned

Ambassadors welcome new members and share ways to get the most of membership through an informal mentor relationship. They serve as greeters at our events and generally foster good will. The program has also proven to develop future Chamber leaders. Any member or employee of a member firm can apply. Applications are being accepted through Nov. 30. Interviews will be conducted in December. www. tuscaloosachamber.com.

Federal dollars will construct an estimated $9.31 million facility for our business incubator, The EDGE — Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which was formed last year and has already seen many businesses grow from its current location downtown to business spaces of their own. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded the City of Tuscaloosa $5.06 million to construct the facility. The remaining $4.25 million, allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for storm recovery efforts, will go toward engineering, site preparation and other aspects of completing the building on the former site of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Center on 10th Avenue.

Fall Professional Training In an effort to provide valuable training for our members from highly qualified professionals at discounted rates, we present the 2013 fall training schedule. Non-members are welcome at different rates. Get details at www.tuscaloosachamber.com. Chamber Connects Mixer at Bryant Conference Center/Hotel Capstone The Bryant Conference Center (BCC) and Hotel Capstone will host our mixer from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 12 at BCC, 240 Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa. New $9 Million Business Incubator

Ribbon Cutting at Caring Hands Hospice Caring Hands Hospice hosted a ribbon cutting on Oct. 2. The lovely facility is located in Hobson Place, across from Publix in the North River area. Learn all about them at www.caringhandshospice.org.

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8 • October 2013

Celebrations

Northport boasts new haunted house

Main Avenue Mortuary increases the spook factor this Halloween

he last time Tuscaloosa had a haunted house event was October 2008, and if you ask most people they would say it’s about time for another one. Townsquare Media and The Laser Skin Center opened Main Avenue Mortuary earlier this month on Main Avenue in Northport. Brenda Ewart, live events manager for Townsquare Media, says this haunted house will be every bit as good as the former “Fright Factory” that had a morethan-10-year run in West Alabama. She enlisted the help of Haunt Master Cody Minor, the production manager and mastermind behind a number of the “Fright Factory” houses.

Above: Main Avenue Mortuary is the first haunted house in Tuscaloosa/ Northport since 2008, and is open through Thursday, October 31.

“Minor has the ability to scare you to death and runs a first-rate production ensuring that you get your money’s worth from your haunted house experience,” Ewart explained. The Main Avenue Mortuary haunt is centered on a mortuary/butcher shop theme. No expense was spared in attempting to make the mortuary theme real; they even installed a scent sprayer in one of the rooms with the scent of “rotting carcass.” Ewart says the makeup experts on hand are pros.

Left: The haunted house volunteers hail from local high school drama clubs, theater groups, the University of Alabama and Stillman College. Photo credit: Brenda Ewart

“They create zombies and monsters out of ordinary volunteers daily, and it takes up to 25 to 35 actors each night to make the Main Avenue Mortuary run smoothly.” All of the actors are volunteers and come from local high school drama clubs, theater groups, the University of Alabama and Stillman College.

The Main Avenue Mortuary is open through October 31. Admission is $15 and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama. In addition to the haunted house, the first-ever Bama Zombie Dash 5K is also planned at Kentuck Park on October 27. Runners will have flags attached to

them, and will race to the finish line with zombies chasing them. Those who wish to participate in the inaugural Bama Zombie Dash can register at Wagner’s RunWalk store in Midtown Village. Entry fee is $30 in advance or $35 on race day.

October â&#x20AC;˘ 9

Celebrations

Photo credit: Susan Dickinson

Pumpkin Carving Time: Max, Claire and Ellis Dickinson of Northport perfected their pumpkin carving skills earlier this month in preparation for fall festivities.

10 • October 2013

Celebrations

DCH Foundation’s Black & White Ball will be November 15

he DCH Foundation is proud to announce that this year’s DCH Foundation Lucy Jordan Ball will be Friday, November 15 at North River Yacht Club. Mrs. Robert Kuhn, Mrs. Howard Winfield, and Mrs. Robert Amason are our gracious co-chairs for the black tie gala. They are already hard at work designing, planning, and executing an exciting and memorable event. The DCH Foundation invites you to save the date and be a part of this special project. While seating is limited, a contribution of $1,000 entitles you to two reservations for the Ball. This year, we have a new Premier Benefactor offering of Diamond and Platinum levels, which reserve tables and special seating areas to give groups of guests a place to visit before dinner and to enjoy the music after dinner. These areas will have dedicated servers throughout the evening.

This year’s beneficiary project will provide patients with significantly more time with their nurses and physicians by contributing to the purchase of bedside computer systems at both DCH campuses. These specialized units will allow nurses and doctors to put all patient information into the chart right at the bedside, creating more time for patients to ask questions, for clinical staff to ensure accuracy, and to spend more time caring for patients. The DCH Health System and Foundation Board members want to thank our community for their generous support. More than $3 million from Ball proceeds during the last thirty-six years have benefited important DCH projects, improving the quality of health care for West Alabama. For more information, please call The DCH Foundation office at (205) 7597349.

Photo credit: Mike West

Mr. and Mrs. John Poole at last year’s Pretty in Pink Ball. Mrs. Poole is also a past ball chair.

October • 11

Celebrations DCH Foundation Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Photo credit: Jeremy LaGrone

Claude Edwards and Bobby Ingram discuss items in the silent auction at “Nite on the Green” on October 3 at Cypress Inn Pavilion.

Annual events benefit West Alabama women

ince 2004, The DCH Foundation has been committed to making a difference in the lives of women in our community with their dedication to The DCH Foundation’s Breast Cancer Fund. The group’s recent efforts, called the “PINK events,” were held in multiple locations in Tuscaloosa on October 3-4, 2013. The PINK events opened on the morning of October 3 to “A Day on the Courts” at Indian Hills Country Club. Thirty-four women’s teams took to the courts to raise awareness of early detection. Throughout the day, these women enjoyed fun and laughter and all things PINK! At the end of the day, beautiful trophies awarded by HudsonPoole Fine Jewelers were given to the winners of each division. That evening, supporters of The DCH Foundation Breast Cancer Fund gathered for “A Nite on the Green” at the Cypress Inn Pavilion. Great food, live and silent auctions, and music by the John Martin Davis Band echoed along the Black Warrior River. Hundreds of local donors filled the auction with trips, electronics, art, furniture and more. This event was chaired by Amanda and Les Fowler. And in the wee hours of October 4, golfers gathered at NorthRiver Golf Club for a day of fun. In a shootout that evening, Drew Ingram won a trip to the U.S. Open. The Golf Classic was chaired by Robert Kuhn and Rick Hanna Jr.

“Supporting our local health system is now more important than ever. We are thankful to our corporate sponsors and individuals who recognize the significance of helping those in need right here in our community,” said Casey Johnson, director of development for The DCH Foundation.

Photo credit: Pete Pajor

Drew Ingram tees off at the DCH Foundation Golf Classic on October 4th at NorthRiver Golf Club. Drew also won the shootout that evening, and a trip to the U.S. Open.

Presenting sponsor for these events was Harrison Construction Company. Silver sponsors included Ward Scott Architects, Krispy Kreme, Bryant Bank and Gina Myers. Bronze Sponsors were Alabama Power Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Kyle Office Solutions, Nutritional Parenteral Home Care, Regions Bank, and WHMZ Group at Morgan Stanley. The Events Committee also included Kara Warr, Kim Hudson, Julie Jamison, Dan Blakley, Molly Ingram and Natalie Abbott. The DCH Foundation Breast Cancer Fund, founded in 2004 with the help of Coach Sarah Patterson, supports early detection services for uninsured women in our community with mammography and additional testing if necessary. It also supports wigs, prosthesis, and other needs during treatment. For more information, please call (205) 759-7349.

Photo credit: Jeremy LaGrone

Beverly May participates in “A Day on the Courts” women’s tennis tournament on October 3rd at Indian Hills Country Club.

12 • October 2013

Food Recipes By Molly Hendrix

Jalapeno Popper Twice Baked Potatoes

ith grilling season coming to an end, I wanted to find a way to enjoy one of my husband’s specialties – jalapeno poppers – year round. The spicy jalapenos and creamy cheeses pair perfectly with baked potatoes. This dish requires a few steps, but can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready for baking. Ingredients: 4 Russet potatoes 4 Tbsp. butter, softened 4 oz. cream cheese, softened ½ cup Monterey jack cheese, grated ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated 5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled 2 Tbsp. diced jalapeno* 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper ½ tsp. garlic powder Preparation:

into a large bowl.

skins and top with a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Thoroughly clean the skins of the potatoes, and pierce skin 4-5 times with a fork or knife. Bake in a 400-degree oven until fork tender (about 45 minutes).

Mash the potatoes with the butter, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until fairly smooth. Some lumps are fine.

Bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned (about 25 minutes).

Once cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes in half, lengthwise. Scoop the inside of the potatoes

Stir in the grated cheeses, bacon, and jalapeno. Mound the potato mixture into each of the potato

*Note: I used canned jalapenos, but fresh will work as well. Two tablespoons will have a kick, but will still be palatable for most people. If your crowd likes things on the spicier side, feel free to use more.

Butternut Squash and Black Bean Soup

his soup is a fast and easy dish that can be put on the table in a matter of minutes. Since all of the ingredients come from the pantry, it is my go-to meal when I don’t have time to go shopping. But don’t worry: It is a fully satisfying meal perfect for dinner on a cool, fall evening. Ingredients: 2 (15 oz.) cans butternut squash 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, diced ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth 1½ Tbsp. chili powder 2 tsp. cumin Salt and pepper to taste Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving Preparation: Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the broth and simmer, reducing by half. Add the butternut squash, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and serve with a dollop of sour cream. This makes a thick soup, but you can thin it out with additional broth to suite your taste. This soup pairs nicely with cheese quesadillas or a salad.

October • 13

Food

Pumpkin Mousse Trifle

othing announces the arrival of fall better than a delicious pumpkin recipe. This dessert is a variation of a concoction my mother deemed “Molly Cake.”

the box.

I requested it every year for my birthday. Her version was chocolate based, but I modified it to make it an ideal fall treat.

Prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the box, allowing it to set in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes.

Ingredients:

Combine the pudding, pumpkin, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and half the container of Cool Whip. Set aside.

1 box spice cake mix, prepared per the directions on the box 1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 1 (7 oz.) container marshmallow fluff 1 (8 oz.) bag Heath toffee bits ¾ cup pureed pumpkin 1 package vanilla pudding, prepared per the instructions on the box 1½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice ½ tsp. vanilla

Allow to completely cool and cut into 1x1 inch squares.

With an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese and marshmallow fluff. Gently stir in the remainder of the Cool Whip and half of the toffee bits. In either one large serving dish, or several individual cups, begin layering the ingredients. Place the cubes of cake down first, then the pumpkin mousse, and lastly the toffee mixture. Continue layering until your container is full, being sure to end with the toffee mixture.

Preparation:

Decorate the top with the remaining toffee bits.

Prepare cake, according to the instructions on

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Love to cook?

It’s fall, and the holidays are fast approaching! We want to feature your favorite seasonal recipes in an upcoming issue of North of the River Living. Send your recipes, along with color photos of the finished dish, to Tuscaloosa Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin at laurie@zambooki.com to be considered for publication in a future issue.

14 • October 2013

October • 15

Food Restaurant Review: Jalapeños Mexican Grill By Molly Hendrix

e’ve all been there. It’s late afternoon, you are getting hungry, and a craving for Mexican food hits you out of nowhere. Thoughts of crispy chips and spicy salsa, warm cheese dip, and an ice cold margarita dance around your head until you are finally able to sit down at your restaurant of choice.

Photos: Molly Hendrix

Above: Co-owner Justin Grimball displays the restaurant’s seasonal flair. Bottom right: The Pechugas Monterey is big on flavor.

This week I decided to indulge my craving at Jalapeños Mexican Grill. Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Wayne Grimball founded and operated the original Jalapenos, downtown in Temerson Square in 2001. During the growth and popularity of the restaurant, Jheovanny Gomez was hired on in the kitchen and quickly moved through the ranks until he became a partner and co-owner. Jalapenos opened a location in Northport and moved from Temerson Square. The third partner, Wayne’s son Justin Grimball, joined in 2007 after graduating from the University of Alabama. Jalapeños is due to open its third location in Cottondale in spring 2014. The Watermelon Road location is instantly welcoming with its warm and cheery décor. There is plenty of room to accommodate large parties and cozy booths for couples and families. There are several TVs throughout, and a spacious bar area making it an ideal location to watch your favorite football team. The menu features a diverse selection ranging from the typical offerings to some that are more unique. Families can come in on Mondays for the “Kids Eat Free Night.” They also cater to the health-conscious diners with a selection of Paleo dishes and a five-calorie margarita.

On my visit I sampled three of Jalapeno’s specialties. First was the Pechugas Montery. It is a large chicken breast cooked in an iron skillet topped with pico de gallo, melted cheese, and jalapenos. It also comes with warm tortillas, lettuce, tomato, and mushrooms simmered in a mild tomato sauce. The chicken had a deep brown sear from the pan, making it delectably juicy. All of the elements of this dish were perfectly seasoned, and I was able to control the spice since the jalapenos are in large slices. Next I tried the Cowboy Burrito, and it was huge! It’s a perfect option for when you are starving but can’t narrow down exactly what to try. Every bite of this dish is a different taste experience. Inside there is chicken, steak, and chorizo, and it’s topped with cheese sauce as well as red and green enchilada sauces. For me, the star of this burrito was the chorizo sausage. It has a spicy and smoky flavor, with a slightly sweet finish. Finally, I sampled a unique creation known as Fajita Gumbo. Despite being pretty full, I just couldn’t stop eating the bowl of savory goodness. It consists of perfectly grilled shrimp, tender steak, and juicy chicken married together by a velvety cheese sauce. Everything I sampled was delicious, but this dish stands out as a must-try item. With so many Mexican restaurants in the Tuscaloosa and Northport area, the Jalapeños team has done the seemingly impossible. They have created a menu and atmosphere that sets their establishment apart. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal with your family, a fun atmosphere for a birthday celebration or a pitcher of margaritas for your next girls’ night out, Jalapeños will not disappoint.

16 â&#x20AC;˘ October 2013

There are so many ways to enjoy Northport, now!

Keeping your money local keeps jobs and your tax revenues

working right here in Northport. Our town has something

for everybody, so spend some time spending local.

Visit ShopNorthportNow.com for more reasons to shop local.

October • 17

18 • October 2013

Community

Youth for Christ ministry making an impact in the lives of Tuscaloosa teens

Photo credit: Laura Green

By Mike Green, Executive Director

them. That willingness to listen allowed us to introduce 178 youth to a relationship with Christ last year.

“T

eenagers are our business.” That is what has been said about Youth For Christ (YFC) in recent years. Today’s youth face a myriad of challenges. The ministry of Youth For Christ endeavors to help Tuscaloosa teenagers navigate the turbulent high school years through creative programming, healthy relationships, and opportunities to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ. YFC is a ministry of more than 2,400 high school and middle school students and their families in Tuscaloosa. Through Christ-sharing relationships, YFC engages these youth through 10 distinct ministries in schools and neighborhoods. Loving and enabling students to be all God intended them to be is the “business” of YFC. Since 1968, the ministries of Tuscaloosa YFC have had life-changing impact upon thousands of youth in Tuscaloosa. We strive to provide excellent programming, but each ministry is geared to empower Christian adults, as well as high school students, to build relation-

Photo credit: Frank Bussey

ships that change lives. Very often, YFC is focused on the neediest youth across our community. In our Teen Moms outreach, in particular, nearly 100 young moms annually are given the tools to succeed in school, provide a loving home for their child, and wait until marriage to have their next child. The numbers speak for themselves: Over the last six years, 95 percent of the mothers in Teen Moms have graduated high school. That is well above the 50 percent national average.

YFC’s largest outreach is called Campus Life. For students at seven area high schools and middle schools, Campus Life staff and volunteers provide clubs, trips, leadership training, and numerous other innovative programs. Through this programming YFC provides un-churched youth a safe place to explore faith and a relationship with Jesus. Our approach can best be described as conversational. We have discovered that our youth listen to those who listen and are eager to understand

YFC is committed to reaching all types of kids. From all economic classes, faith backgrounds and races, YFC continues to reach youth wherever they are found. In the most recent ministry year, 50 percent of the teens involved in our ministries were minority youth. YFC’s commitment to reach every young person is what compels us to partner with the adult community in greater ways. This past year, 12 youth pastors from various churches and denominations partnered with us in our ministries. YFC needs more churches, Christian business owners, community groups and concerned families to join us in this cause. We desire to mobilize an army of interested adults to change the future for this generation of youth. We invite you to join us as we journey with thousands of young people throughout our community this coming year. To learn more about YFC call 205.752.3361, email campuslife@ tuscaloosayfc.com or visit www.tuscaloosayfc.com.

October â&#x20AC;˘ 19

Community 4th Annual Thomas Plott Golf Tournament

Five-year-old Thomas Plott gets ready for the 4th Annual Thomas Plott Foundation Golf Tournament. Photos Blair Plott

A family foursome, Harrison Howell, Larry Howell, Wood Howell (not pictured) and Hinton Howell (not pictured) and Thomas Plott

Long-time supporters of the Thomas Plott Foundation, Chris Campbell, Sonny Bunn, and Andrew Knipher watch as Thomas Plott putts the ball.

Robert Kuhn joins founders of The Thomas Plott Foundation Golf Tournament Luke Cox, Spencer Burchfield, and Mike Echols for a photo op with Thomas.

20 • October 2013

Community

Area Calendar of Events Main Avenue Mortuary: Through Oct. 31. Sunday-Thursday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. to midnight. 315 Main Avenue, Northport. Ticket info: $15 per person. For more information: http:// www.mainavenuemortuary.com/ Third annual “Monster Makeover” Exhibit: Through Oct. 30. Bama Theatre, Junior League Gallery & Greensboro Gallery, Downtown Tuscaloosa. Exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Hosted by The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa and The Tuscaloosa News. For more information: 205-758-5195 or visit bamatheatre.org Griffin Farms Pumpkin Patch: Every weekend through the end of October, Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sundays Noon - 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) 5350552 and https://www.facebook. com/pages/Griffin-Farms-PumpkinPatch/639751309370635 Beat Auburn Beat Hunger Food Drive: Through Nov. 22. 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: beatauburnbeathunger@gmail.com Little Shop Of Horrors: Oct. 25 – Nov. 3. Theatre Tuscaloosa, the BeanBrown Theatre. Ticket info: $22-$7 ticket prices. All ages. To purchase tickets, visit www.theatretusc.com or call the Theatre Tuscaloosa Box Office at 391-2277. Sorority Row Trick or Treat: Oct. 29, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Sorority Row, Magnolia Drive, University of Alabama Campus. Hosted by the Alabama Panhellenic Association. Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Championship: Oct. 29 –Oct. 31. Ol’ Colony Golf Complex, Tuscaloosa. For more information: http://www. womens-southerngolfassociation.org/ contact.htm Pumpkin Carving Party: October 31, 3 p.m., Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa (C.H.O.M.), Downtown Tuscaloosa. Pumpkin carving contests, paper bag pumpkin crafts and more. All activities included in admission. For more information: (205) 349-4235

Photos: Kami Combs

Tuscaloosa Barnyard will be open throughout the holiday season on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Group visits are also available, and the farm also hosts birthday parties! Visit www.tuscaloosabarnyard.com or call (205) 248-0773. and www.chomonline.org Charlotte’s Web, Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre: Nov. 1 7 p.m., Nov 2. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Nov. 3 2 p.m. Bama Theatre, Downtown Tuscaloosa. Ticket info: Adults: $20 and $15, reserved. Others: $10. Bama Brew & Que Bar-B-Que and Music Festival: Nov. 1-2, Old Farmer’s Market (Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre). This inaugural event will feature 25 teams competing for bragging rights in a huge barbecue competition. For more information: BamaBrewandQue@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/ BamaBrewandQue The Author’s Edge, The Literacy Council of West Alabama (LCWA): Nov. 1-2, Cocktail reception on Nov. 1, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuscaloosa Federal Courthouse. Tickets to this event are $50 and may be purchased from any LCWA Board Member or by calling or emailing Kitty Wheeler at (205) 3912612) or kwheeler@literacywa.org Warrior Dash, Tuscaloosa: Nov. 2, first race begins at 9 a.m. Munny-Sokol Park. For more information, including safety rules, registration information and the Warrior Dash’s support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, visit www.warriordash.com or contact Kelsey Colglazier, Director of Event Operations and Sports Marketing for the TTSC, at (205) 391-9200 or kcolglazier@visittuscaloosa.com A Gathering of Friends Following Christ Through Cancer: Nov. 3. at 3 p.m. University Church of Christ (Campus View Auditorium).

Sponsored by The Bigger C Encouragers, a West Alabama community wide Christian ministry of support and encouragement to cancer patients and families. No church affiliation required. For more information: (205) 553-3001 ext. 15 or visit www.thebiggerc.org Art Night in downtown Northport: Nov. 7. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event is free to the public. For more information: www. tuscarts.org/artnight Chuck Leavell and the Randall Bramblett Band: Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m., Bama Theatre, Downtown Tuscaloosa. Ticket info: $47.50 main floor reserved $35 balcony general admission. For tickets: bamatheatre. org/buytickets Museum Madness “Turkey Trot”: Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa (C.H.O.M.), Downtown Tuscaloosa. For more information: (205) 349-4235 and www.chomonline.org Tuscaloosa Academy Players present “Alice in Wonderland”: Nov. 11, 7 p.m., Bama Theatre, Downtown Tuscaloosa. Ticket info: $10-12 adults, $8 students and senior citizens. Tickets will be available at the Bama Theatre box office nights of show. For more information: mvonredlich@tuscaloosaacademy.org or mrv@taknights.org Alexis de Tocqueville Society Steak/ Lobster Dinner: Nov. 13, 6 p.m., Tuscaloosa Rivermarket. This event will honor United Way of West Alabama’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society of West Alabama members and prospective members. For more

information about the Society, please contact Rusty Smith at (205) 345-6640 or rusty@uwwa.org. An Evening of Arts...And Autism: Nov. 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Harrison Gallery, Downtown Tuscaloosa. Ticket info: $30 per person or $50 per couple. Experience an evening of amazing artwork done by awesome kids that you can bid on via silent auction. Proceeds benefit Arts ‘n Autism, a unique after-school program and summer camp for children with autism in Tuscaloosa. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. artsnautism.com, call (205) 2474990 or visit https://www.facebook. com/artsnautism An Evening of Art and Blues, Alabama Blues Project: Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Hotel Capstone, University of Alabama campus. This event is the ABP’s annual fundraiser, raising money and awareness for its award-winning after-school and summer Blues Camps. For more information: (205) 752-6263 or paula@alabamablues.org and www. alabamablues.org The YMCA of Tuscaloosa County Golf Tournament: Nov. 21, 11:30 a.m., Ol’ Colony Golf Complex, Tuscaloosa. This annual tournament raises money for scholarships and financial assistance for at risk youth to play YMCA/PARA sports, and attend summer camp and after school programming. For more information or to register, please contact Charlotte Lewis at (205) 345-9622 or charlotte@ymcatusc. org.

October • 21

Community Humane Society of West Alabama 5K a success

picture-perfect day helped guarantee the success of the 11th annual Canine Classic 5K road race held September 14 at Kentuck Park in Northport. The annual fundraiser benefits the Humane Society of West Alabama, an all-volunteer, nonprofit animal welfare organization. Nearly 150 runners and walkers of all ages crossed the finish line of the race, which is part of the Tuscaloosa Track Club Grand Prix. The overall male winner was Josh Gruver, 20, with a winning time of 17:42. Gruver, originally from California, is a student at the University of Alabama. The overall female winner was Alegna Contreras, 14, who runs cross country at Sipsey Valley High School, with a time of 23:05. Runners were given a goody bag full of promotional items and coupons from various local companies and retailers, an original designed T-shirt, and were treated to food and beverages after the race. Humane Society volunteers were also on hand with several adoptable animals to greet them at the finish line or give them a “smooch” at the doggie

Photo credit: Brenda Thomas

kissing booth. Door prizes donated by numerous local companies were also given away to the participants. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Betty Freeman, HSWA Board Member and Race Director, “so

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we appreciate all the local support of our community for sponsorships and all the runners who participated. A lot of hard work goes into the planning of an event like this and we are very pleased with the outcome this year.”

All proceeds go directly toward the more than 100 animals in the Humane Society’s care to prepare them for adoption. For more information about the Humane Society, visit www.HumaneSocietyofWA. org.

Tuscaloosa Public Library participates in national Read for the Record event

Becky Baltrusaitis, a children’s librarian from The Tuscaloosa Public Library, reads to children during Read for the Record on Oct. 3, with readings at the library and The Capitol School. Presented by Jumpstart, a national early education organization that recruits and trains college students and community Corps members to serve preschool children in low-income neighborhoods, the event is presented in visit usft.com for a live demo |

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partnership with the Pearson Foundation. One day each year, millions of people come together to celebrate literacy and promote early childhood education.

22 • October 2013

Community

Annual Wine for the Walk benefits JDRF By Michelle Crouse

munity and businesses, The Wine for the Walk is one of the largest single event fundraisers for Type 1 diabetes in Alabama.

n May 30, 2003, our 2-year-old son, Cameron, was diagnosed with Type 1 or juvenile diabetes. The onset was sudden, and with no family history, the diagnosis changed his and our lives forever. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. Insulin is the hormone that allows sugar (glucose) to enter body cells, where it is used for energy. Without insulin, a child with diabetes cannot survive. Insulin is not a cure. There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes. As many as three million Americans live with T1D. Each year, more than 15,000 children and 15,000 adults are diagnosed with T1D in the U.S. That is 80 people per day. A person living with diabetes faces the constant challenges of multiple daily injections or infusions of insulin, invasive finger sticks to monitor their blood sugar as many as 10 to 12 times a day, and careful meal and exercise planning. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the leading charitable funder and advocate of T1D research worldwide. The JDRF proudly contributes more than $100 million annually to diabetes research. One of the JDRF’s main fundraisers are the Walks to Cure Diabetes held across the country. The Alabama Chapter holds their walk each fall. Prior to Facebook and social media, the mainstay of JDRF fundraising was a letter writing campaign. This letter, while an extremely effective fundraising tool, just wasn’t me. I couldn’t bring myself to put on paper the daily struggle of managing a then 3-year-old who required diligent meal planning, multiple daily injections of insulin, and around the clock blood glucose checks. So during a play group, I posed this dilemma to my friends. I wanted to fundraise for our walk team, Cameron’s Crew, but do so in a creative and fun way. We kicked around ideas, decided upon a wine tasting and called it The Wine for the Walk. From the very beginning, Wine for the Walk has relied on the generous donations of Tuscaloosa businesses. For years, the wine was donated by the Wine Source and then this year Rush Wines, Greene Beverage Company, and Momma Goldberg’s donated wines and select craft beers. Christ Episcopal Church donates the use of their stemware and serving pieces, Kyle Stationary prints our invitations at a discount, and Matt Clinton

As a volunteer with the JDRF, I know that these donations continue to support cutting edge research in the cure, treatment, and prevention of diabetes. Research and technological advances are changing the quality of life for people who live with Type I diabetes.

Photo credit: Michelle Crouse

Cameron Crouse is now an active and healthy 13-year-old who has benefitted from JDRF fundraisers. Designs donates a beautiful arrangement for the event. Though our event is a wine tasting, over the years, we have been thrilled to feature menu offerings from Tuscaloosa’s finest restaurants. Year after year, Another Broken Egg, Chuck’s Fish, DePalma’s, Evangeline’s, FIG, Five, The Globe, Glory Bound Gyro Co., L & N Station, Local Catch, On a Roll at Fifth and Main, Peterbrooke, Publix, Surin of Thailand, Sweets, and Wintzell’s Oyster House have contributed delicious samplings from their menu to complement the wine and beer. In recent years, we have added a small silent auction. This year’s auction featured items from Fincher & Ozment, Expeditions, Studio C Salon, and a three-night stay in Sewanee. Thanks to these incredibly generous businesses, 100 percent of the proceeds from the Wine for the Walk were donated directly to the JDRF. Originally held at the former Matt Jones Gallery, in the last seven years, The Wine for the Walk has been graciously hosted in some of Tuscaloosa’s most beautiful homes. Since Cameron’s diagnosis, we have been joined in our fundraising by other Tuscaloosa families fighting diabetes. We are thankful for the continued support of Dr. and Mrs. Keith DeBell, Mr. and Mrs. John Humber, Dr. And Mrs. Alex Lushington, and Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Toney. Our commitment to a cure unites us in our effort to raise critical research dollars. The JDRF is committed to funding research on the cure, treatment, and prevention of diabetes. Research for a cure focuses on discovering, developing, and delivering advances in restoring a person’s insulin producing capability and stopping the attack on the immune system. Treatment research explores innovative devices and therapies that optimize blood

sugar control and decrease complications. Research on prevention focuses on halting the autoimmune process prior to the onset of insulin dependence. This year marks 10 years of Cameron living healthfully with T1D and the ninth year for the Wine for the Walk. Thanks to the continued generous donations of the Tuscaloosa com-

Today, Cameron is 13. He is an active, healthy, eighth-grader who loves sports, school, and hanging with his friends. He still checks his blood sugar 10 to 12 times a day, takes a minimum of five shots of insulin daily, and carefully monitors his exercise regimen and food intake. He is now an avid fundraiser himself and active participant in JDRF activities. Our family will always be grateful for the amazing support and generosity of the Tuscaloosa community. To learn more about the JDRF and Type 1 diabetes, visit www.alabama. jdrf.org.

October • 23

Community

Taking on the tricky topic of #officeattire By Karis Lamb Wilson, Contributor

Trust me, your colleagues and clients will think you earned a promotion, because you did: a promotion in style!

s I was perusing E News correspondent Catt Sadler’s Instagram, I noticed the hashtag #officeattire in a photo of one of her current outfits. In the truest sense of “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” that hashtag now appears on my daily office style photos, which brings us to the ever-so-complicated subject of fashion in the workplace. Who sent out the memo that work attire must be dull, drab, and extremely boring? I would venture to say that most employers want the contrasting attitude from their employees and seek out bright, exciting, and creative minds when considering individuals for jobs. Your style in the office can and should match the attitude that you bring to work every day. Dressing for success just took on a whole new meaning. If you work in a business professional setting that requires you to wear suits on a consistent basis (hello, all you accountants and lawyers), try taking a new approach to the age-old style. Instead of the ever-so-common wide leg trouser and blazer look, experi-

For the more business casual office, experimenting with pattern mixing can offer an exciting array of endless possibilities. However, be warned: This does not mean that you can open your closet, close your eyes, and simply pair the first two items you touch. Pattern mixing may require setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier in the morning, but the extra effort will be well worth your time.

Photo taken at R&R Cigar

ment with a skinny, cropped pant and a longer, boyfriend-style blazer. You can also incorporate colors other than black, navy, and gray for a chic twist. Cherry, cobalt, and eggplant are alternative options that will leave you feeling like you can face any challenge in the courtroom and decipher tax returns that haven’t been filed in 10 years. Pair your new power suit with a simple white tank and pointed-toe heels to complete the transformation.

There are a few basic points that apply to most patterns. First, leopard is the new neutral. No, really. It is. Investing in a leopard belt and heels are a must. These two items can be paired with virtually any pattern in the marketplace. I know what you are thinking, so please go ahead and eliminate the word “matching” from your vocabulary. Clothes do not have to match. In fact, it’s much better if they don’t. Secondly, stripes and florals play very well together. A black and white striped blouse and cigarette floral trouser are staple starter pieces that

will launch you into your new fashion career. Finally, keep it in the family: the color family, that is. Mixing different prints that are in the same color family is always a good choice. A plaid blazer and a printed pant with similar hues will make you best-dressed employee in record time.

When all else fails, a pop of color is the correct strategy. You don’t even have to call in the marketing team to tackle this project. The next time you find yourself slipping on those same black pumps with your trusty black pants, pause and reevaluate. Why not add some life to your PowerPoint presentation and try a fun, red heel or lively, turquoise pump? A detail-oriented employee is one of the most coveted assets, so do yourself a favor and focus on the little things like infusing your everyday looks with vibrant shoes. The next time you find yourself trying to figure out ways to get the boss’s attention, snag that new front office, or close the sale of a lifetime, take a step back and make sure you haven’t forgotten the very first item on the agenda: dressing for success.

24 • October 2013

Community

Football fans turn out in droves for Crimson Blues kickoff party Sept. 21 By Laurie Mundy Perrigin

Project is also hoping to eventually expand into different schools in the area, and to have more after school programs. “We want to try and reach all the kids out there,” she said.

he wait for Alabama’s first home football game seemed especially long this year, but once the big game weekend arrived, everyone was in the mood to celebrate. Revelers packed the Marriott Courtyard on September 20 for the Crimson Blues Kickoff Party, a free event hosted by the Alabama Blues Project.

This family-friendly evening was the perfect way to kick off an Alabama football weekend, and patrons danced the night away under a huge tent set up by the Marriott Courtyard. David Coram, general manager of Marriott Courtyard, said the decision to get involved with the ABP was an easy one to make.

Patrons enjoyed a cash bar, dined on complimentary hors d’oeuvres provided by Marriott and by Chick-fil-A, and spent hours chatting animatedly about Bama’s game against Colorado State on September 21. But it was the live music that was, without a doubt, the highlight of the evening. The Crimson Blues Kickoff Party featured outstanding performances by the Alabama Blues Project Advanced Band, as well as local musicians Shod Shirby, and Ham Bagby. The evening was upbeat, energetic and filled with an excitement that only comes when two iconic things combine: Alabama football and heartfelt blues music. Guests at the Kickoff Party also enjoyed ballroom dance

Several local businesses provided Alabama Crimson Tide-related items for a silent auction, along with gift cards, jewelry and hotel stays. Proceeds went to the Alabama Blues Project’s after school program.

tor of the Alabama Blues Project, said the funds are needed. “All the money goes towards scholarships for the children. We do not turn any child away for lack of ability to pay. We have financial aid for everyone that needs it. We want to be the alternative - if you can’t afford music lessons anywhere else, you can always come to us.”

Paula Demonbreun, executive direc-

Demonbreun said the Alabama Blues

performances by the Crimson Tide Ballroom dancers.

“We’re very involved in giving back to the community through our CARES program (Caring Associates Ready and Empowered to Serve),” Coram said. “It’s crucial that we have programs like this, because they not only teach kids about music, they teach them about so many other great things beyond the music itself.” For more information on the Alabama Blues Project, contact Paula Demonbreun at (205) 752-6263 or paula@alabamablues.org. You can also visit the Alabama Blues Project official website at www. alabamablues.org.

Monster Makeover brings ideas to life By Laurie Mundy Perrigin

program administered by the Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa,” said co-organizer Shweta Gamble. “I am thrilled that we have so many artists that will not only donate art, but create original art for this annual fundraiser. The artwork is amazing, and the impression it leaves on the child artists is lasting. We are lucky to be able to provide an experience like this for the arts community and children in Tuscaloosa.”

hen you were little, did you ever draw pictures of the monsters that lived under the bed or in your closet? What if someone could take those drawings and turn them into professional works of art? That’s exactly what happened with the annual Monster Makeover event, and just in time for Halloween. This year, more than 80 different artists and about 60 area school children participated in the event, which brings together children, local artists, educators and the community for a great cause: supporting arts education in our schools. The show is presented by The Tuscaloosa News and The Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa. The fourth annual Monster Makeover exhibit featured drawings from firstgraders at Westwood Elementary school. Each student was asked to draw a picture of a monster and provide a description. The drawings and descriptions, which feature cuddly and cute to downright scary monsters, were then given to local and regional artists for interpretation.

Essentially, the artists brought the children’s imaginative ideas to life! All of the art pieces, including paintings, sculptures and more were on display at the Bama Theatrer in Downtown Tuscaloosa through October 24. All of the artwork will be displayed in a Monster Makeover book. On October 24, a huge closing reception was held for Monster Makeover IV. Books featuring color images of both students’ and professionals’ artwork were available, and all of

the monster art was auctioned off. Live music will be presented by the Resident Evils. “Proceeds from the Monster Makeovers silent auction, book sales and T-Shirt sales will become grant money for arts in education programs, available to any public or private school in Tuscaloosa County. The money goes into a fund established by the Community Foundation of West Alabama and will be distributed through a grant

Artist Anthony Bratina says the goal of the event was to “get kids excited about art and get artists excited about the kids work.” He says the kids’ submissions are incredibly unique and creative. “I think we are all always so impressed by the kids’ lack of inhibition, and their positive attitudes. All of them, the kids, consider themselves ARTISTS and they are. Their imaginations are raw and uncontrolled and what they say and draw is true and right. If there are rules in drawing and design, they’ll break them and they should.”

October • 25

Community

Literary event to highlight Frye Gaillard By Kitty Wheeler

of the books that mattered to Frye Gaillard, and Mr. Gaillard will give a short talk to the students.

he Literacy Council of West Alabama (LCWA) is proud to announce our first annual literary event, The Author’s Edge, to be held November 1 and 2, featuring author Frye Gaillard.

Shelton State will video the presentation and Shelton English teachers will present a copy of the DVD and a copy of “The Books That Mattered” to all high school libraries in the LCWA nine county service area.

Gaillard, writer in residence at the University of South Alabama, has written extensively on Southern race relations, politics and culture.

The Tuscaloosa Rotary-Noon Club, Shelton State Community College Foundation, and The University of Alabama Community Affairs are working with LCWA to provide the funds to buy “Clover” and “The Books That Mattered.”

The Author’s Edge focuses primarily on “The Books That Mattered: A Reader’s Memoir,” which details Gaillard’s journey from reluctant reader to voracious reader after he discovered “Johnny Tremain” at age nine. In a series of essays, Gaillard discusses the books that enriched and altered his life. Authors featured in the book include Mark Twain, Harper Lee, Carson McCullers, Eudora Welty, Dori Sanders, and more. Judge Sonny Ryan, Chairman of the event, and his LCWA committee designed The Author’s Edge to be part service to the community and part fundraising for LCWA.

Friday morning there will be a presentation at Central High School that is co-sponsored by Shelton State Community College Student Services. Joan Davis, Central alumna and Interim President of Shelton State, will emcee the event in which winners of The Writer’s Edge art contest will be announced, all juniors and seniors will be given a copy of “Clover,” one

On Friday from 6-8 p.m., LCWA will host a cocktail reception at the Tuscaloosa Federal Courthouse for people to meet Frye Gaillard and enjoy catering by Snap Decisions and beverages provided by Rosen Harwood. Patrons will also be able to purchase autographed copies of “The Books That Mattered” and wreaths or ornaments made from old books that volunteers make for another LCWA fundraiser. Tickets to this event are $50 and may

be purchased from any LCWA Board Member or by calling or emailing Kitty Wheeler, Program Director of LCWA at (205) 391-2612, kwheeler@ literacywa.org. Barnes and Noble will host a book signing from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday for the public to meet author Frye Gaillard and purchase his books. “The Books That Mattered: A Reader’s Memoir,” as well as some of his other books will be available for signing and personalization. The funds raised from this event will support many projects that LCWA is involved in. Currently, we are stocking new Habitat for Humanity homes in the Alberta area with age- and interest-appropriate books, providing scholarships for students to take the GED test, opening a Learning Center in Holt, recruiting volunteers to tutor in elementary schools and in adult education, recruiting learners for adult education programs, and much more. We thank our generous sponsors for supporting literacy and for making this event possible.

26 • October 2013

Community

North of the River residents use social media platforms to buy and sell By Serena Fortenberry

ometimes fighting the traffic on McFarland Boulevard so you can hit the consignment stores and find those deals is just not worth it. So what is a bargain shopper to do? The answer is easy: log in to Facebook from the comfort of your own home! Over the past few years, several group pages have popped up on Facebook that offer a way for locals to buy (and sell), a variety of items. Some groups are very general, like Tuscaloosa Area Garage Sale, but some are more specialized and cater to particular interests. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular: For folks who live in the Northridge and North River areas, North River Trading has quickly become the go to page for finding and selling highend, boutique items. The page was originally created by Rachel Norris who had the idea to start North River Trading after trying out a few other local Facebook garage sale-type sites and finding the work involved in the actual buying and selling part was not worth the effort. “I felt like I was driving all over town just to make a few bucks. I had a dream of buying and selling in an area that was close to me (mainly for convenience sake since I have four young children),” Norris explains. After canvassing her Facebook friends to see if there was interest, Norris developed North River Trading “just for people who lived north of the river in Tuscaloosa to buy and sell their gently used upscale items.” The page was so popular and membership grew so quickly, that Norris soon needed help. She now manages the page with her friend Jessica Jacobson. Because of the popularity and growth of the page, Norris and Jacobson recently revamped it. In order to keep it focused without limiting growth, they require that all users read key documents explaining the structure and rules for the page, and then agree to abide by them. Additionally, users must be located in Tuscaloosa or Northport in order to be approved for membership. Meeting places must be in the areas around Northridge and North River—the Publix on Rice Mine

Popular Local Facebook Groups Consignment Grade/Boutique NorthRiver Trading North of Tuscaloosa Trading Tuscaloosa Upscale Used Clothes/Shoes, etc. Antiques West Alabama Antiques Southern Mother Junker Tuscaloosa/Cottondale Antiques and Collectibles Attic Treasures Garage and Yard Sale Tuscaloosa Area Garage Sale Tuscaloosa Yard Sale Sell It Here--Tuscaloosa & Northport Tuscaloosa Mobile Garage Sale Tween & Teen Garage Sale Northport Garage Sale! Road is a popular spot. No items may be listed for less than $10. Norris and Jacobson have also expanded North River Trading’s categories to include ISOs (In Search Of) and Tickets. Shoppers in this group can expect to find boutique and upscale clothing, along with home decor and furnishings. Some items are strictly prohibited (stuffed animals, car seats, etc.) because of safety concerns and recalls. The administrators emphasize, “If you are in doubt of an item you have, please PM an admin BEFORE posting. One of the little things we ask of our members is to have fun and be safe. This is an extra step we are taking to help keep you safe.” Jacobson says she adds between five and 10 new members every day. Because of the rapid growth, users should expect the page to evolve in order to maintain convenience and ease of use. For those who are more into unique

finds and home furnishings, West Alabama Antiques may be the place to go. Covering a broader geographic location, this Facebook group is great for selling, buying, and trading older items. The group has been on Facebook since 2010, and has grown steadily to more than 500 members. Founder Chris Pearson says he saw a unique need for an antiques group for the area. “I had joined the Tuscaloosa garage sale site and I saw some really great antiques on there. The people that had them listed were asking a fair price and there were some responses to their posts fussing about ‘this is supposed to be garage sale prices.’ I can remember thinking that if they wanted garage sale prices we needed a special place to post antiques.” Guidelines are a bit looser in West Alabama Antiques. Sellers are not required to list a price for their items, since a lot of antiques buying centers on negotiating anyway, but they are asked to only post old items. The group is also open to queries from collectors who just want to find out

more information about an item they have. Professional dealers are allowed to post as well, and many advertise estate sales via this group, so it is also a good source of information for shoppers who like to “see and touch” before they buy. Pearson has also created a group called Families of West Alabama, for locals who are trying to gather genealogical information about ancestors in this area. If you’re not into selling, and are only into acquisition, another great place to find the unique and the unusual is Southern Mother Junker. This Facebook page is not a group site for selling and trading; instead dealer Allison Olson uses it as her store front, and sells only her own finds there. Clearly, she has what folks are looking for: Her page has more than 800 followers, and she has only been operating since May! Olson began her page as a way to manage her garage, which was “overflowing with things I had acquired, with projects in mind” that she was unable to complete before she “would find another item that looked project worthy.” Olson attributes her success to two factors: First, there are few places in Tuscaloosa to shop for vintage and reclaimed items, and, second, the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra has really taken root among shoppers and decorators. Olson’s offerings come in a wide variety, and she says, “If I had to classify my style, it would be eclectic re-salvaging, with a tendency toward the early 1900s through 1970s. I am mainly drawn toward the unusual, odd and unique. Things that one would look at and say, ‘what on Earth is that?’ That is something I have always been drawn to.” Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a great name as well, and Southern Mother Junker is pretty darned great. Olson originally wanted to simply be Mother Junker, but someone on Facebook had already created a page with that name. For a proud Southerner, a mom, and a collector, Southern Mother Junker differentiated Olson just enough and it has certainly helped with publicity. She says, “I get A LOT of comments about my page name, which is more than fine with me.”

October • 27

Schools Rock Quarry Middle School teachers, students and parents use Twitter as a learning tool

witter is becoming a huge part of education, and that was never more apparent than on September 19 at Rock Quarry Middle School. Principal Andrew Maxey led the way in a special “Tweet-In,” organized by the American Middle Level Educators (AMLE). Maxey hosted the Tweet-In as a way to help educate parents about EdChat - a special Twitter discussion about great education practices. Teachers, parents and students were on hand to participate in the Tweet-In, learning more about how useful Twitter can be as a learning tool. “The idea of the Tweet-In is to invite teachers and parents to the school to see how these kinds of professional learning tools work in the hopes of encouraging them to begin participating in future chats,” Maxey said.

Photos courtesy of Craig Williams, Tuscaloosa City Schools

28 • October 2013

Schools RQMS Student Tech Leaders support powerful learning through new technology practices

By Laren Hammonds

ach weekday at 10 a.m., 30 students file into room 530 of Rock Quarry Middle School, grab a computer, and go to work. Some complete training sessions within the Google Apps Ninja Program, a small group collaborates on a video for the new school YouTube channel, and another cluster edits copy and photos for the week’s posts to the RQMS Tech blog. For thirty minutes, the room teems with activity as the RQMS Student Tech Leaders train and work on projects to support their school. This team, the first of its kind in the Tuscaloosa City Schools, helps to facilitate current technology integration efforts in their school and is poised to assist as the system implements a more widespread digital transformation. “This inaugural group of student tech leaders are serving as pioneers at Rock Quarry Middle School,” says RQMS Principal Andrew Maxey. “They are helping our teachers learn how to effectively harness the power of technology for learning, and they are modeling skillful application of this skill set for their peers.” The tech leaders take their role in the school and the community seriously. “Ultimately, we as tech leaders want to promote the idea that technology is not a distraction or a ‘cheating’ tool but instead an efficient educational tool to implement in schools,” says eighth-grader Jake Ellis, a student coordinator for the group. Fellow eighth-grader Frances Lehman echoes Ellis’s sentiment. “Technology fits everyone’s learning. Like Cinderella’s glass slipper, it fits. It’s not just a distraction. There will always be distractions, whether we’re using devices or not. Using technology is better than a textbook because its not just about copying or doing exercises. It’s more challenging because once you master one thing you move on and keep learning; it never stops.”

Photo credits: Natalie Jacks - RQMS 8th grader

how teachers and students can leverage technology to ensure that all students are equipped for their futures in a digital world. Maxey says, “The collected whole of human knowledge has been at our students’ fingertips their entire lives: in order for them to be prepared for the future they will live in, we must redefine learning - not as the accumulation of that knowledge but as the ability to think and make powerful use of it.” Laren Hammonds teaches 8th grade language arts at Rock Quarry Middle School. She is the founder and sponsor of the RQMS Student Tech Leaders. For more information about the group, email lhammond@tusc.k12.

Tech leaders have already reached out beyond classroom walls, providing support for two local Twitter events, one held for RQMS parents and another at the Tuscaloosa City Schools’ central office in celebration of Connected Educator Month. Activities in the works include collaborating with teachers to develop techembedded projects, shadowing tech professionals, and serving as student ambassadors at nearby educational technology conferences.

Top: Cameron Gowdy and Sani Ghulamani create a tech leader video.

The group hopes to lend its collective voice to the ongoing discussion of

Center: Jon White trains using the Google Apps Ninja Program. Bottom: Jasmine Aycock and UA teacher intern Courtnie Roberts edit a blog post.

October • 29

Sports Warrior Dash 5K comes to Tuscaloosa on November 2

approximately three to four miles long, winding in and out of Munny-Sokol Park, providing a truly extreme environment for the event, which becomes more and more popular with each passing year. Races will be held in waves starting at 9 a.m.

ife is filled with obstacles, so why not tackle them head on? That’s precisely what’s happening at The Warrior Dash, which arrives in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, November 2 at MunnySokol Park. Billed as “the world’s largest obstacle race series,” The Warrior Dash tests the very limits of participants.

Participants who brave the extreme challenge and complete The Warrior Dash will be able to relax afterward at the festivities featuring food, bands and beer.

Thousands of people are expected to compete in this grueling obstacle course sponsored locally by The Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission (TTSC) as well as the Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Authority (PARA).

An awards ceremony will be held after the last wave of competitors finish with honors given for best times and best costumes.

The Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission CEO Susan West says TTSC couldn’t be happier to be involved. “As Tuscaloosa is in hyper-competition with other cities for all events, it is especially imperative that we identify niche events such as The Warrior Dash. We are pleased to welcome many people to our community to demonstrate our spirit, energy, and passion. More importantly, this fits our mission of adding economic value to our community as these visitors spend their time and money in our area. It is another great day

in Tuscaloosa! We are grateful for the support of the mayors and councils as we host this truly unique event.” Unique indeed: Competitors in The Warrior Dash literally leap through fire over flaming hurdles, duck under barbed

wire in muddy trenches, climb massive walls and monkey bars and basically find their own inner warrior as they race to the finish line. This 5K extreme obstacle course is not for the faint of heart. The Tuscaloosa Warrior Dash course is

At last check, the TTSC says some 3,500 people had registered for the 2013 Warrior Dash in Tuscaloosa, and the group anticipates around 4,000 people will participate. To register, visit www. warriordash.com For more information on The Warrior Dash, including registration information and other inquiries, contact Brandt Garrison, Manager of Communications and PR for the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission at (205) 391-9224.

Tuscaloosa Soccer Team Places in Tournament

Photo credit: Susan Dickinson

The Tuscaloosa United Soccer Club U11 girls’ team placed second in the Liberty Cup Tournament on August 25. The tournament was held at the Vestavia Hills Soccer Club in Birmingham. The team is comprised of girls ages 8-10 from several area schools, including Rock Quarry Elementary School, Tuscaloosa Academy, Holy Spirit Catholic School, the Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools-Elementary and American Christian Academy. Front row: Aniiyah Bishop, Hayden Myers, Ava Mills, Madison Adams, Claire Dickinson, Caroline Karrh Back row: Coach Will Adams, Aileen Charles, Cherith Davis, Kelley Green, Kate Kilgore, Julia Paulus, Mary Elizabeth Stanard, Antonia Mund, Coach Kris Mills

30 • October 2013

Sports Athlete of the Month: Keith Holcombe, Hillcrest High School

eith Holcombe, the 6-foot, 3½inch, 215-pound linebacker from Hillcrest High School had offers from Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, North Carolina State, Georgia Tech, Southern Mississippi, and Kentucky among others before becoming the 17th commitment for the University of Alabama Class of 2014. Holcombe finished his junior season with more than 116 tackles, three forced fumbles, an interception and two sacks. This season he leads the team with 70 solo tackles, and numerous assists. Keith has been selected to participate in the Alabama/ Mississippi All-Star game to be played in Montgomery on December 14. Only 30 players from each state are chosen to participate in the All-Star game. His dad, Danny Holcombe, was an offensive guard and three-year letterman (1980-82) at Alabama, and his brother, Max Holcombe, also played at Hillcrest and is currently the starting Center for Jacksonville State University. It has always been Keith’s dream to play football in the SEC, and since he grew up here in Tuscaloosa and his

dad played at Alabama for Coach [Paul] Bryant, his ultimate goal was always to play for the Crimson Tide. Holcombe began playing tackle football at age 5 and has always been a very aggressive player. Having an older brother to compete against made him very tough. Diagnosed at age 9 with Type I Diabetes, he wears an insulin pump and a CGM (continuous glucose monitor). Being diabetic forced Keith to “grow up” very quickly. Continually having to be aware of everything you eat, drink and all your physical activities and how they affect your body’s performance is a full-time job and not just something he can do when it is convenient. Being diabetic has never slowed Keith down or ever limited him in any way on or off the playing field. The year he was diagnosed with diabetes he pitched the winning game of the 9/10 Dixie Youth World Series. Keith also plays Varsity Baseball at Hillcrest, as a pitcher and center fielder, and led the team in all offensive stats last season.

Correction: The byline on the Mal Moore article in the September issue should have been attributed to RollTide.com. We apologize for the error.

October • 31

Sports

Photo credit: Jeff Perrigin

Dixieland Delight: The setting sun over Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama vs. Colorado State game on September 21 was a perfect addition to UA’s 31-6 win over the Rams.

Tuscaloosa Half Marathon training program available By Laurie Mundy Perrigin

ave you ever wanted to run a half marathon? What’s stopping you? If you’re worried that you won’t be prepared, and you feel you need a help to prepare, one local group is offering just that: a way for runners to train to participate in the big Tuscaloosa Half Marathon coming up in March of 2014.

Wagners RunWalk is hosting the 2nd Annual Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Training Program beginning on November 1. This is an 18-week program, designed to help runners prepare themselves for the ultimate challenge. Ed Freeman, a longtime runner with tons of experience (33 marathons under his belt), is leading the program. Freeman says running doesn’t have to be the solitary endeavor that a lot of folks think it is. “Group programs such as the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Training Program bring a level of support, feedback and information that you can’t have training by yourself.” What can trainees expect? Freeman says the program provides the structure of a proven training plan, educational opportunities, plenty of experienced volunteer coaches and a supportive group of fellow runners on longer runs. “We will have exposure type classes by a yoga instructor, a massage expert, a cross training

Photo credit: Ed Freeman expert, a sports medicine specialist and a nutrition/hydration expert,” Freeman said. All total, 82 runners who participated in the 2012 Training Program finished the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon in March 2013. “Watching our trainees cross the finish line in their bright yellow training program shirts was the proudest moment of my running career - the look of accomplishment on their faces was priceless,” Freeman said. Participants in last year’s training program were quick to share their own stories of success. And while the physi-

cal training is important, many runners, like Tuscaloosa resident Joel Gorveatte, were quick to point out that there are other benefits to group training as well. “In addition to the educational benefit, running with a group and making new friends in the running community was highly motivational.” Runner Michelle Bordner echoed the sentiment. Bordner, a Tuscaloosa runner, said when she first signed up for the Half Marathon Training Program he wasn’t entirely sure she could cross that finish line on race day. “This group provided cheerleaders, support, advice and accountability

that made all the difference,” Bordner said. “I did make it to the finish line and feel really good about what I did that day. A big part of having the confidence to do this came out of my time spent with this group.” And several people who trained with the group kept up with each other. “Many of the program trainees from last year have continued doing their workouts together as a group,” Freeman said. Applications for this year’s Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Training Program are available at Wagner’s RunWalk in Midtown Village.

32 • October 2013