September 2013 - North of The River Living by Druid City Media

Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2013

Color Run For A Cause

Rama Jama’s is no joke

Photo credit: Julie Baggett Burroughs

Greg and Julie Burroughs, daughter Caroline, and son Cason joined thousands of people in the Color Run 5K on September 7 to raise money for Read Bama Read. Sports page 24

Back to School Photo credit: Molly Hendrix

The National Championship Cheeseburger is for customers with an extra-large appetite.

Tuscaloosa diner is a game-day staple, and an example of delicious food and Tide pride By Molly Hendrix, Contributor

Photo credit: Lesley Bruinton

Rock Quarry Elementary School teachers and students were excited to kick off the school year earlier this month. Check out our “North of the River” schools photo collage inside! Schools page 22

Inside This Issue About Us 4 City & News 6 Business 8 Celebrations 10 Food 12 Community 14 Schools 21 Sports 24

t is no secret that Tuscaloosa is most known for the University of Alabama. The campus is filled with landmarks such as Denny Chimes, Woods Quad, and, of course, Bryant-Denny Stadium. However there is also a relatively new landmark near the shadows of the massively renowned stadium: Rama Jama’s restaurant.

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grams, game-day tickets, pictures, and newspaper clippings spanning decades fill every empty space.

As you walk through the doors you are inundated with Alabama sports memorabilia that quite literally covers the walls and ceiling.

It’s no wonder that visitors often can’t resist the urge to take snapshots.

To merely call this “décor” is an understatement, as these are pieces of Alabama’s rich history. Football pro-

The casual dining areas are filled with the smells drifting from the open kitchen and conversations of happy

see Rama Jama’s page 12

Annual “Garden Party” celebrates everything local and delicious in T-Town The Druid City Garden Project held its annual fundraiser, The Garden Party, from 5 to 8 p.m. on September 8. The Tuscaloosa River Market was packed with patrons sampling some of the area’s most delicious dishes, courtesy of 10 local restaurants. All of the dishes served were made using seasonal, local produce. Live music was provided by the old-time string band Red Mountain White Trash. Proceeds from the event benefit the nonprofit organization, which strives to build community through food.

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This simple diner offers classic breakfast and lunch items, while offering a dining experience that is unsurpassed.

“Supporting local food systems – from farm to fork – is not only important for our local economy it is important to preserve our food heritage and for our health,” said Lindsay Turner, executive director of The Druid City Garden Project. “The Gar-

Photo credit: Lindsay Turner

Attendees of The Druid City Garden Project’s annual “The Garden Party” fundraiser sampled dishes prepared by 10 local restaurants. den Party is an opportunity to celebrate local produce while supporting school gardens and having fun!”

tasty treats provided by local eateries,

Garden Party attendees feasted on

see Garden Party page 12

including Jim ‘n’ Nicks Bar-B-Q, Hotel Capstone, FIG, Epiphany Café, The

4 • September 2013

About Us Photo of the Month

Publisher’s Note

North of the River Living is written for and about you Dear Readers: This paper is different. North of The River Living (NOTRL) is a hyper-local newspaper featuring stories, pictures, and people that you, as a resident north of the Black Warrior River, care about. I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, and I have family that sprawl throughout every corner of the county. I am incredibly fortunate to have been blessed with two adorable girls and a loving wife of seven years, and I wanted something different and more upbeat for our area. Instead of the glum happenings in the world and daily reports that drag everyone down, we should celebrate what we have here: a community rich in history and culture. Northport (anything north of the Black Warrior) was once known as Canetuck, which in turn became Kentuck. One theory suggests that Canetuck was chosen due to the “Cane Brake wilderness” that covered the area before the growth of what we now recognize. North of the River has grown tremendously in the past decades, and since the completion of the dam of North River in 1970, Lake Tuscaloosa has become a mainstay in real estate, industry growth and provided the prestige of “living on the lake.” This paper was created to encompass monthly happenings as well as to archive our community growth and influences. Our goal is to provide a non-traditional staple that is filled page to page with friends, families and future generations. Photo credit: Jeri Alyce Gulsby

Caroline Burroughs, daughter of Greg and Julie Burroughs of Tuscaloosa, cuddles with Lady Bug at the Alabama SPCA National Dog Adoption Day event on August 17.

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 Perrigin Operations Director: Ryan Flynn Contributors: Karis Lamb, Molly Hendrix, Katie Kincaid, Kimberly Gibson, Serena Fortenberry, Joyce Donley, Shweta Gamble Director of Sales: Tom Sommerville Sales: Diana Browning Sales: Britney McComb Sales: Amy Page

Contact Information: North of the River Living 1902 Hackberry Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Please submit all articles, information and photos to: laurie@zambooki.com For advertising, contact: heath@zambooki.com

As a 30-something entrepreneur trying to make a difference in our world, I thank you for reading and enjoying this paper and hope to create not only readers but fans of the work. We encourage your contributions of stories, events and even folklore that you would like to share. Thank you for reading, and thank you to everyone who made this publication possible. Sincerely, Heath Hendrix, publisher This is for my parents Randy and Daphne Hendrix; I will always love and miss you, both.

6 • September 2013

City & News

‘Tuscaloosa Moon’ author delves into the inspiration behind her new novel Newly released murder mystery centers on Tuscaloosa and its many, many secrets “It winks because of secrets it keeps, things it sees, things it knows. Not everybody has such a fine winking sign! We might be the only city in the country with a winking moon sign.”

or an exotic or European setting? Why not showcase the beauty and charm of our very own city and county and state? And, the University of Alabama, as well.’

— Dr. Priscilla Beaty, “Tuscaloosa Moon”

I’ve lived and traveled all over the world and I’ve come to believe Tuscaloosa and Alabama and the South, in general, have an awful lot of positive bragging rights. Don’t get me wrong: There’s always room for improvement, but there are a lot of misconceptions about our area of the country. I read somewhere not long ago that our city is growing at the rate of about 2 percent a year, which would indicate a number of people who stop in for a while decide to stick around.

By Laurie Mundy Perrigin Tuscaloosa Editor

uthor Carolyn Ezell has given Tuscaloosa’s winking moon sign an abundance of tantalizing fictional secrets to keep in her newly released murder mystery set in and around Tuscaloosa County. “Tuscaloosa Moon” is a delightful romp, a story that only someone who lives in T-Town can tell so well. And yes, it’s a work of fiction, so everyone calm down. “Tuscaloosa Moon,” released earlier this year, is about murder, mayhem and of course, Alabama Crimson Tide football. Intrigued yet? You should be. I sat down to chat with Carolyn Ezell, aka Carolyn Breckinridge, about “Tuscaloosa Moon.” Her story is fascinating, insightful, and downright hilarious. First question: Why the pseudonym? Breckinridge is an old family name on my mother’s side. And don’t you think

Photo credit: Barnes & Noble Tuscaloosa

Barnes and Noble Tuscaloosa held a “Tuscaloosa Moon” book signing with Carolyn Breckenridge on August 17. it sounds more sultry than Ezell? Seriously, though. I’ve had the privilege of writing occasionally for “Highlights for Children” under the name Ezell, and plan to publish other children’s manuscripts in the future. It’s important to me to clearly delineate between works appropriate for youth and novels written specifically for adults. So, Breckinridge is the code word for “adult.”

Did you always know you’d write a book set in Tuscaloosa at some point? It honestly never crossed my mind until I started working on ‘Tuscaloosa Moon.’ But when I began thinking about writing a mystery series, it obviously had to be placed somewhere. And I started wondering: ‘Why does it have to be an imaginary town or a hugely, well-known city like New York,

You grew up all over the world. How did you wind up in this area?

When I was thirteen, my family lived in Pittsburgh. One night my father came home from work and announced that we were going on a very long trip. To Africa. I was petrified. All I could think about was getting eaten by lions and tigers, and of course, there aren’t even any tigers living in Africa. Anyway, when he said ‘long trip,’ he actually meant we weren’t returning. We were moving to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Moving to Dar es Salaam turned out to be an extremely meaningful

see Tuscaloosa Moon page 7

West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Happenings We Moved! We moved to our new location at the Riverbluff Office Park on Jack Warner Parkway, across from The Bank of Tuscaloosa Plaza, in late August. The new facility gives us multiple meeting rooms, more functional space for staff, and has more parking for our members and guests. We invite you to consider using this facility for meetings, staff training, or other special events. Our new address is 2201 Jack Warner Parkway. 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: Financial Education for Small Businesses, Excel, Powerpoint, iPad, Grant Writing, Employees, Veterans, Social Media, Healthcare Law, and City Contracts/Bids. There’s something for everyone! All classes require reservations, and some will fill up quickly. Get details at www. tuscaloosachamber.com. Money Smart Series Begins: The Money Smart Series is a training program for small businesses developed by the FDIC and SBA. Participants are introduced to a different topic in each session and provided an overview, basic concepts, and key points relative to that topic. It’s for new and aspiring entrepreneurs, those without formal financial training, and existing business owners who want to know

2013 Washington Fly-In Features Senators Marco Rubio & Mitch McConnell: Our annual visit to Washington, D.C. is set for Oct. 9-Oct. 11. Our agenda is being finalized, but highlights will be breakfast with Marco Rubio (R-FL) and a luncheon with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). For details and registration info, visit www.tuscaloosachamber.com. Chamber Connects After-Hours Mixer at Bryant Conference Center/Hotel Capstone: The Bryant Conference Center (BCC) and Hotel Capstone will host our November mixer, 5-7 p.m. Nov. 12, 240 Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa. This holiday affair is always a treat. Prospective members are always welcome!

more about financials. More information on this class and the series is available at www. tuscaloosachamber.com.

Walter Jones, Charles Nash, Beverly Phifer, and Gordon Rosen. Visit www.tuscaloosachamber. com for details.

2013 Civic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Set: The 2013 Class of the Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame will be inducted at a ceremony at 3 p.m. Sept. 24 in Government Plaza, where a lovely monument stands in their honor. Inductees are: George “Norman” Carlson, Sylvester Croom Sr., Claude Edwards,

Chamber Connects After-Hours Mixer atTin Top: See the new location of Tin Top on 4th Street in Downtown Tuscaloosa’s Temerson Square at our mixer; 5-7 p.m. Oct. 8. Join us for networking, fine food and libations. Prospective members are welcome!

Get Your Business on the Map: We just started production on our 2014 official community map to be in print and online. Your decision to support this map by advertising on it is an absolute networking win for you, our business community, and the entire Tuscaloosa area! Call Ginger Nunley at Village Profile at (850) 866-3385 or email flmaplady@gmail.com for information. Nominate a Difference Maker: In partnership with Moody Radio, we recognize a group each month for being a Difference Maker in our community. Nominate a group today (even your own) at www.moodyradiosouth.fm.

September • 7 Tuscaloosa Moon Tanzania. Moving to Dar es Salaam turned out to be an extremely meaningful experience for me and you’ll find that reflected in much of what I write. It definitely sparked an intense appreciation for nature and a belief that people throughout the world are really far more similar than different. Anyway, that was the beginning of years of traveling through many, many countries and eventually going to boarding school in Beirut, Lebanon, and graduating from high school in Ka-

rachi, Pakistan. When it came time for college, there was really no decision to be made. I come from a very long line of University of Alabama alumni. My grandmother came to the University when there were only about 500 students on campus. My parents are both graduates, as are most of my maternal relatives. My senior year I met another University alumnus who soon became my husband. And, here we have stayed. Readers will no doubt recognize sev-

eral major landmarks in “Tuscaloosa Moon,” correct? Local readers definitely will as much of the novel takes place along Riverwalk, on the University Quad, in the Alberta City area, and in the historic area around Queen City Avenue. Coker and Fosters are featured, too. If you think about it, there are lots of people who’ve spent time in Tuscaloosa, and probably even more who follow The Crimson Tide. Hopefully other readers will find the descriptions in the book enticing enough to come and visit when they have the time. Or they’ll just enjoy the all-expenses-paid trip through the pages of the book. Of course, some of the landmarks are works of fiction, like Dr. Beaty’s actual house, the homes of the suspects, Tuskaloosa Gardens Elementary School, the residential treatment facility Metamorphosis Inc., and so on. And it goes without saying that the Moon Winx sign is iconic and has its own following on the Internet. Tuscaloosa Moon features a myriad of wild and wonderful characters — so many that it keeps you guessing about the outcome until the final pages. Are any of these characters based on real people? All of the characters in my novel are, of course, entirely fictional and are not based on real people. That is, all except for my own cameo appearance as the eccentric woman living in the Queen City area who has a pet starling. My husband and I did rescue a baby starling in the middle of a horrific rain storm as it was being washed along in a gutter in downtown Tuscaloosa many, many years ago. Attempts to return it to its mother weren’t successful, so we fed it canned dog food every two to three hours and taught it to fly and named it Clem. We kept Clem safe on our screenedin front porch and it was free to fly in the park, in our back yard, and out in the countryside whenever we went hiking or fishing. It would fly high into

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the trees, sometimes out of our sight, sometimes into flocks of other starlings, but when we got ready to leave, it always thudded down onto one of our shoulders and came home with us.

Clem’s biggest surprise was yet to come, though. While convalescing in a cage in the house due to a bad cough, the bird learned to talk. ‘Good morning!’ it would say as clear as any mynah bird or parrot, but for the first month, it talked only when I was alone. My friends pretended to believe me, but with concern in their eyes.

Well, eventually the bird learned probably 50 or more words and it lived with us for about 13 years. Finally, it apparently pecked its way out of the screened porch while we were on vacation and when we next saw it, it was flying with a mate. We heard tales for a while about a starling that was landing on peoples’ shoulders trying to swipe potato chips and other goodies around Tuscaloosa, but we never could verify these.

The following spring, Clem showed up again though and built his nest right outside the screened porch. I always wondered if its babies talked, a la planet of the starlings. All of this is to say that nature is absolutely amazing and full of incredible gifts and surprises if we just take the time to explore it. I hope this always comes across in my writing.

I have to ask: Do you have a dog named Winx? Because he’s on the cover of “Tuscaloosa Moon” and he pops up throughout the novel, and he’s adorable.

Now, that’s a funny story. I’ve had pets all my life: a monkey, a bush baby, a Parson’s chameleon, an iguana we inherited from our son, dogs, cats, parrots, a mynah bird, the starling, koi, a lamb (only one of the animals I brought home live from the markets overseas to feed instead of eat!), and a myriad other animals, but I’d never had a dachshund.

Almost immediately after the book was published, though, I decided to team up with a West Alabama Humane Society Adoption event out at Pet Supplies Plus. The idea was that for every book I sold, I’d donate half my profits. Well, I didn’t sell even one book. But I came home with a new $15 T-shirt and a miniature dachshund-mix adoption promise.

I’ve always said that social workers (my pre-retirement profession) should never attend adopt-an-anything events. We have soft hearts! Incidentally, our dachshund-mix dog who is not named Winx, is delightful.

Detective Addie Bramson is a wonderful character in “Tuscaloosa Moon.” ICan we expect more Addie Bramson goodness in the future?

Absolutely! She is already very busy trying to solve a rash of thefts and a perplexing murder as we speak!

1848 McFarland Blvd. | Northport, AL 35476 | www.nancyandco.com | (205) 333-1851

8 • September 2013

SPONSORED BY POSH TUSCALOOSA

September • 9

Business

Zambooki Holdings graduates from The Edge Zambooki Holdings graduated from The Edge-Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation on September 13 . It’s the first start-up business to graduate from the downtown business incubator facility, which assists entrepreneurs starting businesses, providing low-rent facilities, shared services, mentoring and other assistance. The Edge is a joint project of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, the City of Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama business school. Starting as a contractor referral service, www.Zambooki.com has grown into a media conglomerate, offering services from web design and hosting to newspaper publishing. Poshbirmingham and Poshtuscaloosa have also been acquired by Zambooki Holdings. The company now has 15 employees and recently moved to its own facility on Hackberry Lane. Zambooki Holdings is the parent company of North of the River Living.

West Alabama Chamber of Commerce: Here We Grow Again! Each month we hope to feature new businesses opening in the Tuscaloosa area. Congratulations to the following businesses on their recent ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings: Cintas, Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, Ward Scott Architecture, Chik-fil-A @ Tuscaloosa South, Tower Loan, Woodforest National Bank, Druid City Brewing Company, Johnson Controls, Inc., Daylight Doughnuts, AGLA / American General Life & Accident, Dunkin Donuts, Tuscaloosa Center for Technology, Oak Hill School, University Place Elementary School, Crimson Village and Jalapenos Cottondale.

Cintas, 3437 Kauloosa Ave., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, (205) 345-1686, www.cintas.com

Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, 9770 Hwy 69 South, Ste. H, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, (205) 344-6500, www.dickeys.com

Tower Loan, 3380 McFarland Blvd., Ste. 11, Northport, AL 35473, (205) 330-0135

Ward Scott Architecture, 2715 7th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, (205) 3456110, www.wsv-architects.com

11 • September 2013

Celebrations

Meet Jessica Procter: Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2013 Northridge High School senior aims to make a difference with her ‘Each One, Reach One’ mission

eventeen-year-old Jessica Procter, daughter of Doff and Laurel Procter of Tuscaloosa, is one outstanding teenager. How outstanding? In August, the Northridge High School senior won Second Runner-Up in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant in Orlando. The teen pageant is a younger-sister pageant within the Miss America Organization.

To say this young lady is busy is a huge understatement. On September 11, Jessica performed “The National Anthem” before a packed house at the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Procter is an incredibly upbeat teen who only began entering pageants last year. Clearly, she’s on the fast track.

n January 2013, Procter won the Miss West Central Alabama Outstanding Teen pageant. On March

3, she was crowned Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2013, an experience she calls “surreal” and incredibly “humbling.” Classically trained, she comes from an entire family of singers. Her parents both performed as professional opera singers in Europe for many years, before ultimately settling in Tuscaloosa. Doff Procter is the director of The Alabama Choir School; mom Laurel Procter is an administrator and artist in residence there. Procter lovingly refers to her family as the “Von Procters” (a nod to the Von Trapp Family singers, who inspired the Broadway musical and 1965 film “The Sound of Music”). Her decision to begin entering pageants proved fortuitous: As Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen she has received $141,000 in cash in-kind

September 2013 • 11

Celebrations in-kind scholarships to the University of Alabama, Auburn University and Troy University, along with an additional $5,600 in cash scholarships to a college of her choice. As Second Runner-Up in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2013 pageant, Procter received an additional $9,000 in cash scholarships, as well as additional full scholarships to Auburn University and Troy University. Each contestant who participates in pageants at this high level must have a personal platform, and Procter’s is “Each One, Reach One.” She says the idea came about after a family medical mission trip to Honduras, where she witnessed extreme poverty first hand. Where some would be overwhelmed, Procter was inspired. She believed if she could reach just one person at a time, she could make a difference. Procter began an active campaign for donations of clothing to send to anyone in need— nationally and globally. She actively volunteers throughout the Tuscaloosa community as well, visiting the Pine Valley Retirement Community to sing for residents. In case you were wondering, Procter is busy filling out college applications and writing college essays. She hasn’t made any final decisions, but one can’t help but think she’ll have a bright future wherever she goes.

Celebrations submissions Want to see your favorite moments in the pages of North of the River Living? We would love to feature your birthdays, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and more! Photo credits: Doff and Laurel Procter

(Above) Jessica enjoys a moment with her proud parents.

(Opposite page) Jessica visits with Ruby Hardin, 90, a contestant in the Miss Alabama 1941 pageant, at the Pine Valley Retirement Community.

Please email all relevant details (no more than 250 words), as well as one accompanying photo, to Tuscaloosa Editor Laurie Mundy Perrigin at laurie@ zambooki.com. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for space.

12 • September 2013

Food & Restaurants Every time I drive by Rama Jama’s my 4-year-old announces she wants some pancakes, and my 2-year-old simply screams at the top of her lungs, “EAT!” Rama Jama’s from page 1 diners. The diverse crowd consists of college students, families, and local professionals on their lunch breaks. Another person you will most likely see on any visit to Rama Jama’s is owner, Gary Lewis, in his trademark red apron. Always smiling, Gary’s hospitable personality is as much a staple of the restaurant as its famous cheeseburgers. The Montgomery native opened Rama Jama’s doors in 1996 and became an instant success thanks to his simple, yet perfectly executed menu.

Garden Party from page 1

Cypress Inn, Edgar’s Bakery & Café, Chuck’s Fish, Mary’s Cakes and Pastries, Snap Decisions Catering, and Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Dishes ranged from a delightful Sausage and Kale Chowder with Swiss chard and black-eyed peas from Mockingbird Farms (courtesy of FIG Restaurant) to Old-Fashioned Tomato Pie with tomatoes from Burnett Farms.

Desserts included assorted vegetable and oatmeal cookies with okra, eggplant and squash from Snow’s Bend Farm (courtesy of Mary’s Cakes and Pastries) to OldFashioned Peach and Apple Pie using fruits from G&G Produce.

I can’t count how many times my family and I have eaten at Rama Jama’s, and I have never been disappointed. Recently, we went in to sample some of the menu’s classics.

Everyone who attended The Garden Party received all-you-can-eat food and refreshments, provided by Good People Brewing Company.

Our tasting began with the ham biscuit. It’s a breakfast item you can find in many restaurants, but not like this. The biscuit itself was delightful with a golden, brown top and soft, flaky interior, a perfect pairing with the thick cut ham that had a light char to accentuate its slightly sweet, salty flavor.

All-Star Level patrons enjoyed a private bar and seating, along with exclusive beer from the Druid City Brewing Company. Druid City brewed a specialty beer just for the event using the Druid City Garden Project’s own hot peppers. All-star guests also enjoyed a special dessert of Blueberry Gelato with blueberries from Jean and Carol’s U-Pick prepared by Mary’s Cakes and Pastries.

Next, I sampled the fried green tomato BLT. This Southern twist on a diner staple is definitely one to try. It has the usual ingredients: crisp lettuce, perfectly cooked bacon, and just the right amount of mayonnaise. What sets this sandwich apart is the fried green tomatoes. The crunchy, flour breading offered a delectable counterpoint to the bright tartness of the tomatoes, making it one of my new favorites.

The Druid City Garden Project, founded in 2010, is a communitybased effort to increase access to fresh, locally grown produce.

Next on the tasting was the National Championship Cheeseburger. This is for customers with a large appetite with its two quarter-pound patties and four strips of bacon. The beef had a perfect sear holding in all of the mouthwatering juices. Adorned with salty crisp bacon, American cheese, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato, it was a delicious combination of flavors and textures. On those occasions you are craving a good, oldfashioned burger, it will be hard to beat what Rama Jama’s has to offer.

Photo credits: Molly Hendrix

(Top) Rama Jama’s walls and booths are adorned with University of Alabama sports memorabilia.

We concluded our meal with a strawberry milkshake. I hadn’t had a milkshake in years and had honestly forgotten what I was missing. However, I only got a couple of sips before my 2-year-old happily finished the rest.

(Above) The fried green tomato sandwich is a unique and tasty twist on a traditional BLT. (Left) Montgomery native Gary Lewis opened Rama Jama’s in 1996.

This cold and creamy treat would be perfect on your way to an afternoon game when the weather is still hot and sticky, despite being well into fall.

for hours of cheering before a game.

After our visit it was clear to me why Rama Jama’s is more of a tradition than just a place to grab a bite to eat. It is a place you can take your family, catch up with an old friend, or fuel up

Every time I drive by Rama Jama’s my 4-year-old announces she wants some pancakes, and my 2-year-old simply screams at the top of her lungs, “EAT!” I know that we are building

family memories for them when we go and they will tell their children how they remember eating there. Rama Jama’s staked its claim in Tuscaloosa 17 years ago and will be influencing tradition for many more to come.

The Garden Project uses gardenbased lessons at Title I elementary schools to teach hands-on science, math, and nutrition. Students are taught the basics of gardening in a first-hand environment: They plant their produce, harvest it and then work to sell the produce they’ve grown.

Through the Druid City Garden Project’s Budding Entrepreneurs Program, the children operate an onsite school farm stand. This fall, the Project is expanding into three schools, with hopes of continuing to make a difference in children’s lives throughout Alabama.

For more information on the Druid City Garden Project, visit

September • 13

Food & Restaurants Gameday Recipes by Molly Hendrix

Hot Pimento Cheese Dip Southern sandwich becomes favorite football food Photo credit: Molly Hendrix

Baked Roast Beef Sandwiches are easy to prepare and are always a crowd favorite.

Baked Roast Beef Sandwiches

he flavors of this simple sandwich taste surprisingly complex when all placed together. The bread is crunchy on the outside and the cheese sauce slowly melts into the interior of the bread. This dish is great for parties because you can prepare the sandwich in advance and bake it just before your guests arrive. Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread 1 pound deli roast beef, or leftover roast beef if you have it 1 stick butter, softened

½ cup mayonnaise 1½ cups Swiss cheese, grated 1 tbsp. horseradish 1 yellow or white onion, thinly sliced Preparation: Sauté the onion slices in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally until they are lightly browned, 15-20 minutes. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 325. Slice the bread in half lengthwise and place on a large sheet pan.

Combine the butter, mayonnaise, cheese, and horseradish in a bowl. You may use more or less horseradish based on how spicy you like things. Spread this mixture evenly over both sides of the bread. Place the roast beef on the bottom piece of bread. Place the sautéed onions on top of the beef and place the top part of the bread on the sandwich. Bake until golden brown and the cheese has melted, 20-25 minutes. Cut into 4, 6-inch sandwiches and enjoy!

24-Hour Spicy Crockpot Peanuts Despite living in Tuscaloosa since the age of three, when I met my husband I had yet to develop a love for Alabama football. I know, gasp! The horror!

Growing up I always thought I hated pimento cheese, until the glorious day I had the real homemade version. It was truly a life-changing event that started my borderline obsession with the delectable concoction. My goal with this recipe was to combine a hot cheese dip and grilled pimento cheese sandwiches. Ingredients: 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup pepper jack cheese, grated 1 jar pimentos, drained 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Fritos Scoops for dipping Preparation: Combine all ingredients, except the chips, in a bowl. Transfer to a glass baking dish and bake at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Love to cook? Have a recipe to share?

Thankfully he loved me enough to overlook this flaw, and made it his mission to convert me. One way he succeeded was by making his spicy boiled peanuts on game days. These salty and spicy peanuts go perfectly with an ice cold beer and the Alabama fight song in the background.

It’s fall, and the holidays are fastapproaching!

Ingredients:

We want to feature your favorite seasonal recipes in an upcoming issue of North of the River Living.

1 pound raw peanuts in the shell 1 package dry crab boil 4 cloves garlic peeled ½ cup kosher salt

Enough water to cover

stirring occasionally. Serve and enjoy!

Preparation:

Note: One word of caution is to wash your hands after eating before rubbing your eyes. I made that mistake once, never again.

Combine all ingredients in a large crockpot and cook on low 12 hours,

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 • September 2013

Community

Alabama SPCA’s dog adoption day a success By Katie Kincaid, Contributor

n Saturday, August 17—National Dog Adoption Day—Alabama Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as well as other rescues set up adoption stations at both Tractor Supply locations in the Tuscaloosa area. The Alabama SPCA was founded in 2011 after the deadly tornadoes ravaged much of the state of Alabama. It is a nonprofit organization, not affiliated with the ASPCA, and funded strictly by the generosity of donors. Alabama SPCA has made the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter the main focus of their rescue efforts, saving the lives of more than 400 cats and dogs in 2013 alone. After the animals are pulled from the shelter, they are placed in foster homes where they receive love, attention, and basic training. For dogs this might include housebreaking, crate training, and socialization. Most of the time, the animals will stay with that foster family until they are adopted or can be sent to another rescue where an adoptive family is waiting for them. Getting the animals noticed by the public can be tricky. Aside from social media and the Pet Finder website, the animals are seen at adoption events hosted regularly at Pet Supplies Plus and PetSmart in Bessemer. Foster families bring their animals (mostly dogs) to the events and stay with them in hopes of them finding a forever home. On National Dog Adoption day, three foster dogs were adopted, and while three may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things, it’s three dogs that may not have been adopted at the shelter and were given a second chance at life. The field of rescue is a never-ending cycle and while saving every dog and cat is an impossible feat, saving the lives of the ones that can be saved is what keeps the Alabama SPCA going. If you are interested in joining as a volunteer, donating, or fostering one of the animals, please visit www.alabamaspca.org for more information. Also, be sure to check out the Alabama SPCA Facebook page for information on upcoming events.

Photo credits: Jeri Alyce Gulsby

Caroline Burroughs, left, daughter of Greg and Julie Burroughs, and Anna Carson Wagner, daughter of Dr. Will Wagner and Berkley Wagner, play with a dog at the National Dog Adoption Day event.

Groundbreaking set for Will May Memorial Dog Park Tuscaloosa is about to get its first official dog park. The Will May Memorial Dog Park will be located on 2.5 acres in Munny Sokol Park. After years of planning, the groundbreaking will be 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. Once ground is broken, excavation will begin and the park — a collaboration between the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority and the local not-for-profit group Fresh St-Art — will become a reality. For more information, visit T-Town Unleashed on Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/FreshSt.Art501c3

Fall Fashion: W is for ... By Karis Lamb Wilson Contributor White. Wear white. Wear white all winter. I know you are freaking out on the inside as you read these words. I must have completely forgotten about the rule “no white after Labor Day,” right? It is a cardinal sin to be seen sporting your favorite white pieces after the holiday. You just can’t break that rule. Your grandmother would not approve. However, you should know that the number one rule in fashion is that there are no rules. Gone are the days of putting away your white jeans after Labor Day. You will now be wearing those all year long. Oh, and that summer staple white dress that you love? Keep that in your closet as well. Here’s how you style your white wardrobe all year long. Take your white skinny jeans and pair them with a white blazer and a classic white tank top. Finish this look with your black winter booties and you have an instant chic ensemble. You know your cozy knit sweaters that you live in during the cold months? Throw them on with those white skinny jeans

and boots and you have a casual, comfy winter look. Now, remember that white dress that you wore to many a barbecue and birthday party this summer? Combine the dress with your favorite black blazer, tights, and booties for a look that will tell the world that you know the meaning of style. I read once that it really is just fine if your winter wardrobe consists of your summer wardrobe with tights and boots. How freeing is that statement? What about winter white? Aren’t we supposed to transition to that color during the cooler months? You can, but you will fall into the long line of toy soldiers that all look

exactly the same. Where is the fun in wearing what is expected? Style is derived by wearing the common things in an uncommon way. Hence: wearing stark white in the winter. You don’t have to be an expert at pairing amazing pieces or buying the latest trend of the season, but you can do the little things that will set you apart and give you an edge. My challenge to you this winter is to step outside of your comfort zone and dare to wear those white jeans. I can promise you that you will not only feel bold and free, but you will also feel like Coco Chanel who said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”

September • 15

Community

Hospice of West Alabama celebrates 31 years of serving the community Annual Cabaret Night fundraiser at NorthRiver raises thousands for local hospice care By Kimberly Gibson, LGSW Volunteer Coordinator, Hospice of West Alabama Hospice of West Alabama (HOWA) celebrated 31 years of service with their annual Cabaret Night fundraiser last month. NorthRiver Yacht Club was magically transformed into a Las Vegas-style casino, with riveting games of Texas Hold ‘Em, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and more. More than 300 people attended, and thousands of dollars were raised to support the ministry of hospice care. This year’s theme, “Blackjack and BBQ,” proved to be enjoyable and exciting due in large part to the dedicated Hospice of West Alabama volunteers. HOWA has the honor of working with a diverse group of volunteers, including students at the University of Alabama, local professionals and retirees who contribute their time and talents for events like Cabaret Night. But they also give of their time throughout the year to help the agency with day-to-day business in providing quality end of life care. “Volunteers are the backbone of our agency. Without their energy, passion, and commitment, we would be unable to provide the excellent quality care to patients at end of life,” said Latrelle Bell, HOWA executive director. Hospice of West Alabama uses the funds raised from this event, as well as their annual 5K in March, for direct patient care. The goal of hospice care is to help patients and their families make a successful transition from aggressive, curative care to a less-invasive, comfortfocused plan of care. Care is patientcentered, designed to honor their wishes and goals wherever a patient calls home. The Helen H. Hahn Inpatient Facility is also available to patients and their families for pain management, symptom control, and short-term respite for the terminally ill. Upcoming events for Hospice of West Alabama include Camp Daybreak in October and a Candlelight Memorial Service in December. Camp Daybreak is a oneday bereavement camp for children who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. This is a great day where children are engaged in therapeutic activities that are fun and uplifting. The Candlelight Memorial Service is a special way for

Photo credits: Anne Allen, HOWA Volunteer

(Top) Guests enjoy Cabaret Night at NorthRiver Yacht Club.

(Above left) HOWA Chaplain Drew Dockery and his wife, Lori Dockery

(Above) Newell Allen serves as a volunteer dealer.

From left, Dr. and Mrs. John Crew, and Latrelle Bell, HOWA executive director

community member sto honor family and friends who have passed away. Hospice of West Alabama would like to thank all of the volunteers,

corporate sponsors, and community members who provide support for special events and who support the agency throughout the year. If you have questions regarding current

events, are interested in volunteering for Hospice of West Alabama, or would like to make a contribution, please contact Kimberly Gibson at (205) 523-0101.

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.

There are so many ways to enjoy T-Town, all the time! Keeping your money local keeps jobs and your tax revenues working right here in Tuscaloosa. Our town has something for everybody, so spend some time spending local.

Visit T-TownAlltheTime.com for more reasons to shop local.

18 • September 2013

Community The Fine Print: The value of registered trademarks Thomas W. Scroggins Tanner & Guin, LLC

e live in a world populated with trademarks. We are familiar with many because we see them every day. Coca-Cola®, Apple®, and 3M® are some of the most famous marks. The owners of these marks spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year to ensure consumers associate their marks with their products. That might lead to the conclusion that trademarks are the exclusive province of large, multi-national corporations flush with cash and marketing departments full of executives with MBAs. Not so. The effective use of trademarks is a key business tool for everyone, especially small businesses looking to identify with their target market. Yet an effective branding strategy, coupled with the protection of trademarks, is often overlooked by many businesses. Many local Tuscaloosa businesses make tremendous use of a good trademark and branding strategy. One such example is The Southern Shirt Company (www.southernshirt.

com), founded in 2006 by University of Alabama students. Southern Shirt creates custom clothing designs for college students and produces a line of clothing featuring its cotton ball trademark. Southern Shirt owns numerous trademarks and combines them with attentive customer service to create a brand that its customers identify with and return to repeatedly. Businesses of all sizes and sophistication levels can get overwhelmed by the process of developing their goods or services, and they either neglect to develop a strong mark or neglect to protect the marks they have spent time and money developing. With planning and preparation, any business can add value to its bottom line by developing strong and valuable trademarks. What Makes a Trademark? A trademark is a name or symbol by which consumers identify the source of products or services. Marks that identify services, such as legal services or restaurants, are known as servicemarks. Most marks consist of words or a symbol, such as the Nike® swoosh, or some combination of the two. The law also protects unique

product designs or packaging, like the Hershey’s® Kiss chocolate candy design that was registered in 1983. This type of trademark is also known as trade dress. Registration of Marks. Although registration of marks is not a prerequisite to ownership, it is highly recommended. Registration aids greatly in the event an owner is forced to take action against infringers. Specifically, registration makes it much easier to prove ownership and use of the mark, provides defined statutory causes of action, and monetary damages. Registration also wards off infringers who perform enough due diligence to search for prior existing similar marks. The federal government and the states have statutory provisions that allow for formal registration of trademarks. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”) is the federal government’s agency saddled with the task of processing and examining the approximately 250,000 applications received each year. Presently, it takes an average of 19.5 months from the date of filing of an application to be granted

a registration by the PTO. State trademark registration requirements vary but tend to generally follow the format for federal registrations with the PTO. Application fees are also substantially lower at the state level. Precautions. Make sure your company is not neglecting one of its most valuable assets, its trademarks. Take an inventory of the trademarks your business uses and then carefully analyze what action needs to be taken to register them with federal or state authorities. If someone is using a mark similar to your business’ mark, it may be time to take action. Thomas W. Scroggins practices law with the Tanner & Guin firm in downtown Tuscaloosa. Call 205633-0227 or email tscroggins@ tannerguin.com. This article is intended for general information purposes only, does not purport to offer legal advice in any form, and is not a comprehensive legal assessment. Readers should contact an attorney for application of the law and regulations to specific fact situations.

The Flea Market: A great store for a great cause

The Humane Society of West Alabama’s thrift store is operated entirely by volunteers By Joyce Donley Consignment and Crafts volunteer The Humane Society of West Alabama

hen you walk in, it’s like entering a fine gift shop. Sparking crystal and gleaming silver fill the first display area. To the left, several sets of fine china are displayed in an antique cabinet. To the right, a glass-fronted counter shows a variety of jewelry (including some unique, artist-original pieces) and collectibles. In the next room, a display of porcelain dolls faces shelves of knick-knacks and photo frames. In the corner, a large cedar blanket chest sits below a wall of framed prints and artwork. Farther back, you find the usual thrift store fare of gently used clothes, books, shoes, and miscellaneous tools. Now you know you are in The Flea Market, a thrift store in Northport, operated by the Humane Society of West Alabama. The Humane Society of West Alabama is an all-volunteer organization, serving the Northport and Tuscaloosa area for more than 40 years. The Humane Society is entirely funded by donations and fundraising efforts. Several years ago, some Humane

Society volunteers expanded the fundraising efforts to include periodic garage sales at their own homes. Eventually, the project expanded as a thrift store in a rental space. After several moves looking for a good home, The Flea Market is now at 3201 Main Avenue in Northport. If you are in downtown Northport and looking for The Flea Market, drive north on Main Avenue until you are almost to McFarland Boulevard. Look to your right to the big sign with a dog scratching fleas. The Flea Market is open noon-6 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. You can usually find someone there on Wednesday as well if you have items to donate. Everything sold at The Flea Market is donated, and the Humane Society is always in need of good donations. Particularly useful are household and kitchen items, furniture, decorative and collectible items, clothing and books in good repair, dishes, glassware, craft and sewing supplies, vintage, and handmade items. They cannot use old mattresses or TVs, non-working electronics, broken or dirty items, recalled items, or things in need of

Photo credits: Joyce Donley

Beautiful glassware adorns a wall of the store. serious repair.

Society to help with animal rescue.

“Most of what we receive we are able to sell, but not all of it is sold in the store. Some things are sold at local consignment shops and sales. We also sell a few things on eBay,” says Cindy Parker, volunteer store manager.

For more information or to arrange a donation drop-off, call (205) 3393331. For information on the Humane Society and pet adoption, visit www. HumaneSocietyofWA.org.

The Humane Society also sells donated handmade goods at craft sales and at The Makers Market in Tuscaloosa. Since nearly everything is donated and everyone who helps is a volunteer, all of the money made from thrift, craft, consignment, and eBay sales goes to the Humane

Note: The Flea Market is a thrift store; it is not an animal shelter. Please DO NOT bring unwanted animals to The Flea Market. All stray and unwanted animals should be taken to the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter. The Humane Society is happy to work with Metro Shelter to rescue unwanted animals and find them new homes.

20 • September 2013

Community

Alabama Blues Project fundraisers benefit children, provide music lessons Shweta Gamble Alabama Blues Project PR Director

Evening of Art and Blues When: Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, 7-11 p.m.

uring the first weekend of September, the Alabama Blues Project invited community members to comb through used musical instruments, books, and household items at an office yard sale and at their booth at the Northport Farmer’s Market’s Vintage Flea Market. Proceeds of the sale go toward providing materials and scholarships for ABP’s afterschool and summer blues camps.

Where: Hotel Capstone on the campus of the University of Alabama About: Live blues music by The Alabama Blues Project Advanced Band, silent auction original artwork, getaway packages and gift baskets. Proceeds of the auction benefit blues music camps for children and other programs to preserve the Southern tradition of blues music.

“We provide music lessons to children no matter what their financial situation. We never turn away a child due to their inability to pay,” said Executive Director Paula Demonbreun. “We appreciate all the donations for the yard sale and everyone who came out to support us. We plan on being at the remaining Vintage Flea Markets this year with books, records, and musical instruments.” A passion for art education and the blues tradition brought longtime APB supporters Otha A. Belcher and Tricia Schuster to the yard sale. Belcher, a Centerville resident with a doctorate in health education, said the blues had a profound impact on him as a child, and he’s thrilled the organiza-

Admission: $25 in advance; $30 at the door. tion can offer lessons in this musical tradition to area children.

Photo credit: Shweta Gamble

Will Henson, son of Cypress Inn owner Drew Henson, performs as part of the Alabama Blues Project’s Advanced Band.

“It gives them a chance to improvise and play by ear. When I took seven years of piano, it was note-reading, and my brother was playing blues harmonica. He would hold those Jimmy Reed notes for 45 seconds, and I just thought it was the greatest thing ... made me love music. Church music was OK, and classical music was OK, but the blues that my brother was playing — that was where it was at,” Belcher said. “The blues can reach somewhere that reading music

and church music can’t. It can reach people at their pain. Everyone has some sadness and pain in their life, and if you can just go with the pain, and learn to express it and confess it, then you can move out of it.” “It gives kids an opportunity to learn about musical instruments and cooperation. It introduces them to a different form of music than they are used to,” said fellow supporter Tricia Schuster, art teacher at Holy Spirit Catholic School and recipient of the 2012 Druid City Arts Award for Educator of the Year. The Alabama Blues Project is a nonprofit organization in Northport that provides after-school and summer blues camps for children ages 8-18. A 10-week session is $170, and children receive lessons in harmonica, guitar, drums, and vocals. Need-based scholarships are available. The Blues Project is seeking art/craft donations for a silent auction during the Evening of Art and Blues, Friday, Nov. 15. For more information, please visit www.alabamablues.org, email paula@alabamablues.org or call 205-752-6263.

Art Night in Downtown Northport • September 5, 2013

Photos by Amy Materson

Art Night takes place on the first Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Northport and is free to the public. (Above) Entertainment for the evening was provided by One Hand Dan and the Dogbox String Band. (Right) Madelyn and Thomas Herwig select bowls handcrafted by the Kentuck Clay Co-op, which were then filled with gelato by Mary’s Cakes & Pastries.

September • 21

Schools Verner Elementary School holds E-Cycling Day

ervice Learning Program students at Verner Elementary School (VES) spent a busy day on September 6 collecting old electronics as part of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce and the City of Tuscaloosa’s E-Cycling Day. Students got an early start unloading old computers, printers, keyboards, and cell phones from area residents and reloading them up into a waiting trailer. This year marks the fourth year that VES enrichment students have collected items for recycling. “Service learning projects, such as e-cycling, help young people develop stronger ties to their schools, communities and society,” said Verner enrichment teacher David Merzbacher. “It also helps improve higher-order thinking skills in our students.” For their part, the students are learning a lot about the importance of reusing products and caring for the environment. As Merzbacher points out, “Probably millions of pounds of electronics end up in landfills every year.”

Photo credits: David Merzbacher

(Above) VES students spent the day loading this trailer with old electronics. (Right) A traditional television cart comes in handy for this group of students during VES’ E-Cycling Day.

By participating in this type of event, the Verner students did their part to help keep West Alabama beautiful.

22 • September 2013

Schools

“North of the River” students Verner Elementary School

Rock Quarry Elementary School

September â&#x20AC;˘ 23

Schools

go Back to School for 2013 Photos by Lesley Bruinton

Northridge High School

Rock Quarry Middle School

24 • September 2013

Sports

Thousands of area residents participated in the 2013 Color Run in Tuscaloosa on September 7 to benefit local charity Read Bama Read.

Photo credit: Wagner’s RunWalk

Color Run attracts thousands and inspires weekend fitness

he 2013 Color Run in Tuscaloosa drew thousands to Munny Sokol Park bright and early on September 7. Participants in the “Happiest 5k on the Planet” were more than happy to get doused from head to toe in brilliantcolored, powdered dye for a good cause. Residents from all over the area turned out for the Color Run, including Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon. Kids of all ages were thrilled at the opportunity to literally become a human canvas, with volunteers gleefully dousing everyone at various color stations set up throughout the Color Run course. At the finish line, everyone was greeted with huge post-race color throws. Arms outstretched, runners who finished this (non-timed) race were cheering as they tossed special color packets into the air, showering everyone in a huge plume of color. This year’s Color Run helped benefit a local charity, Read Bama Read, which seeks to help fund school libraries in the area affected by the April 2011 tornadoes. For more information on Read Bama Read, visit readbamaread.org. In addition, Wagner’s RunWalk set up a tent at the Color Run, giving participants a first-hand look at some of the newest, hottest running shoes out today. Wagner’s also served as the official location for runners to pick up their Color Run packets.

• • • • • •

Photo credit: Louise Steele

Upcoming local races 9/29 @ 1 p.m.: Roll Tide Run (5K), University Avenue, Tuscaloosa 10/5 @ 8:30 a.m.: Splatter out Heart Disease (5K), Gordo 10/5 @ 8:30 a.m.: Frog Level 5K and 15K, Fayette 10/12 @ 9 a.m.: Sawyerville Camp 5K and Fun Run, Greensboro 10/19 @ 8 a.m.: Rythym Run 5K, Sokol Park, Tuscaloosa 10/27 @ 5 p.m.: Bama Zombie Dash (5K), Kentuck Park, Northport

Information for all races can be found at: www.tuscaloosatrackclub.com

(Above right) Jack Steele, Louise Steele, Crawford Lehman and Edward Lehman all enjoyed getting doused with a myriad of color. (Right) Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon gets into the spirit of the colorful event. (Far right) Allison Stegall and Caroline Jessup celebrate after 3.1 miles of early morning color and exercise.

Photo credit: Julie Baggett Burroughs

Photo credit: Lee Stegall

September â&#x20AC;˘ 25

Sports Athlete of the Month: Bethann Bullard, Northside High School

orthport resident Bethann Bullard is the 16-year-old daughter of Robin and Mike Herring and Doug and Diane Bullard. She enjoys school, sports, and helping others. She has a 4.0 GPA, has received the academic award of excellence and is a member of Beta Club and the National Honor Society. In addition to her academic achievements, she is a member of Ignite (a Christian-based group), Science Club, and Spanish Club. Bethann also volunteers at Miracle League for disabled children. As a young teen, Bethann was diagnosed with ITP, a blood disorder that requires treatments for low platelet counts. Throughout the diagnosis and treatment, she continued to make good grades and compete in sports. This summer she worked out at JDPI Sports Authority and reached several goals of strength and fitness, including becoming the first 16-year-old female at JDPI to box squat 275 pounds. She worked out diligently all summer and attended volleyball camps at four different colleges. Bethann has played three years of travel volleyball for West Alabama Juniors and plays varsity volleyball at NHS. Her goal is to make it to the level of college play and pursue a career in sports medicine.

26 • September 2013

Sports

Mal Moore’s career at UA spans more than 50 years David Watson, contributor

he University of Alabama’s Director of Athletics since 1999, Mal Moore has made an indelible mark on one of the nation’s most storied athletic programs, leading a department that has enjoyed tremendous success athletically and academically as well as undergoing an unprecedented period of growth during his tenure. Through his guidance, Alabama’s athletic department remains focused on his vision of having all Crimson Tide athletic teams and student-athletes competitive at the highest level nationally while continuing to elevate athletic facilities at the Capstone to premier status nationally for all sports. During his tenure as Director of Ath-

letics, Moore has overseen more than $240 million of capital improvements to University of Alabama athletic facilities. Those projects have encompassed the entire scope of all Crimson Tide athletic programs and have benefitted every Alabama student-athlete, coach, and administrator. Throughout his career, Moore has worked with a diversified field of constituents, from fellow coaches and former players, to fans and the business community. All of those experiences and relationships - in addition to his ability to unify those many constituents - have made him the ideal person to lead Alabama athletics in the 21st century. Moore’s dedication to and love of the University of Alabama was recognized on March 28, 2007, when, as a permanent tribute to his life-long contribution to The University of

Alabama, the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama officially dedicated the facility formerly known as The Football Building as the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility.

conference and national titles that Alabama athletes continue to bring home to the Capstone on a regular basis.

Under Moore’s direction, Alabama’s athletic teams have produced national championship teams in football, gymnastics, softball and women’s golf as well as Southeastern Conference championships in football, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, men’s and women’s golf, men’s cross country and softball.

In addition to making his mark on Alabama Moore has also had a national impact as a key member of several prestigious NCAA and college football committees. Moore has served on the NCAA Division I Football Issues Committee, the SEC Athletic Directors Bowl Advisory Committee and the Big Six Conferences Minority Coaches Forum.

Alabama athletes have earned some of the highest honors the SEC and NCAA have to offer, including SEC Athlete of the Year, SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, NCAA Top VIII, NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships and NCAA Sportsperson of the Year. These honors are over and above the individual

Moore’s distinguished record of service to UA began more than 50 years ago when he joined the Crimson Tide football squad as a scholarship player for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1958-62. Moore has the distinction of being a part of ten national championship teams as a player, coach and

September • 27

Sports athletic director (1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011 and 2012), 16 SEC championships, and 39 bowl trips. He is the only individual connected with the Tide program to be a part of ten national football championships. In 2011, he was elected to the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a coach and an administrator. After the completion of the 2011-12 academic and athletic seasons, Moore was named the winner of the John L. Toner Award, given to the nation’s best athletic director. In 2012, the City of Tuscaloosa honored him and his late wife, Charlotte, by naming the new Caring Days program the Mal and Charlotte Moore Center. The facility is a day program for adults with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders. During a coaching career that spanned 31 years, Moore spent 22 of those at Alabama with stops at Montana State, Notre Dame and the NFL’s St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals. At Alabama, Moore started as Coach Bryant’s graduate assistant in 1964, then as defensive backfield coach for

Photo credit: 247 Sports Director of Athletics Mal Moore, left, and Head Football Coach Nick Saban speak to each other during a football game.

five years beginning in 1965 before becoming quarterbacks coach from 1971-82 and serving as the Tide’s first offensive coordinator starting in 1975. He returned as offensive coordinator under Gene Stallings from 1990-93 before moving into athletic administration. A 1963 graduate of The University of Alabama, Moore holds both an undergraduate degree in Sociology and a 1964 Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from the Capstone. A native of Dozier, Ala., he was married to the former Charlotte Davis of Tuscaloosa for 41 years before she passed away after a long illness in 2010. He

has one daughter, Mrs. Steve (Heather) Cook of Scottsdale, Ariz., a granddaughter, Anna Lee, and a grandson, Charles Cannon. “Coach Moore is somebody that I have a tremendous amount of respect for. First, for giving us the opportunity to come to the University of Alabama and the great job he did on selling us on this University and what could be done here. “Then, all of the support he has given to our program. He certainly deserves a tremendous amount of credit for the success we have had because of the way he sets the table and serves

us so well. Most things that you would see, he has had some hand in making all of the athletic facilities what they are, first class in so many ways. More than that, he is a class gentleman, probably as fine as you are ever going to meet. “He has been a great friend and his support has certainly been appreciated . . . He has been a part of a lot of championships and a lot of championship teams in this department as a coach was well as an athletic director.” — Nick Saban, head football coach, University of Alabama

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