ISSUE 02 / 2021
JOY BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
G O D O enough toEat
fresh, healthy, summer recipes
PLUS: FREE Family Fun
+
Best of the Beach
AWARD WINNING CARE Women’s Choice Award Winners Best Stroke Centers Baptist Medical Center South Best Hospital for Obstetrics Baptist Medical Center East Best Mammogram Imaging Centers Montgomery Breast Center and Baptist Breast Health Center From excellent clinical care to ranking above average for patient safety to the highest level of overall patient satisfaction, we understand what matters most to women. And being recognized with multiple Women’s Choice Awards signifies our commitment to meeting the highest standards in healthcare, close to home. BAPTISTFIRST.ORG
Cancer Screening is Essential
Don’lt ay! de
Do it for yourself Do it for your family
Call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment today! LEARN MORE ABOUT CANCER SCREENING DURING COVID-19. Visit our website at: www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer
INTRODUCING ADOLESCENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES As the only mental health center in Central Alabama, Crossbridge Behavioral Health now offers specialized in-patient care for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18. We understand how chaotic life can feel for families when a child is struggling with behavioral health issues. Our staff of expert physicians, licensed therapists, licensed social workers, registered nurses and mental health technicians offer a program of therapies and services that help return the young patient to emotional well-being. We treat adolescent behavioral health illness such as: Anxiety | Bipolar | Depression | Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Schizophrenia | Mood Disorders | Psychosis
Now is the time to begin the healing journey. Please call 334-286-3116 for more information.
The Road to Health and Hope Begins Here
JOY
Hello everyone.
BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
The pandemic seems to be slowing down, and as more of us are vaccinated, there is great hope that life will be back to normal very soon. If you haven’t been vaccinated, please consider getting your shot. We can only overcome COVID-19 with vaccinations! We all want to live life to the fullest once again! Sometimes, we take our hometowns and home states for granted when thinking about summer vacation, and often times we plan trips to faraway places. We really don’t have to travel far to find the perfect vacation. There is so much to see and do here in Alabama! Some of the most beautiful beaches in this country are right here on the Alabama Gulf Coast. But, did you know that there is so much more to enjoy when you vacation in the Gulf Coast area? In this issue, read all about some of our favorite things to do in and around this interesting and beautiful part of our state. People from around the world come to Montgomery to visit the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. What a wonderful way to spend a summer day at this special and powerful place. I urge you to spend
Photography by Big Dreamz Creative
Summer is here, and I know we are all looking forward to being outside more and finally getting together with family and friends.
time there and learn more of the history that none of us should ever forget. We’ve got some welcoming to do. JOY magazine is thrilled to have Sidney Fry join our team. She will be developing and sharing healthy recipes in the magazine and on our website, so keep your eyes open for her delicious dishes; they’ll be “popping up” on our social media. Finally, I want to thank Baptist Health, our Community Champion Sponsor, and ADPH’s Cancer Prevention and Control Division, our Community Supporter Sponsor, for their unwavering support of JOY magazine. We are extremely grateful to them, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts! So, get vaccinated; enjoy your summer; and, as always, here’s to Health, Happiness and Joy to Life!
PUBLISHER JTL Publishing EDITOR Joy Blondheim MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS Big Dreamz Creative COPY EDITOR Jenny Enslen Stubbs Ray Blondheim CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sidney Fry Jennifer Stewart Kornegay CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Big Dreamz Creative, Bryan Carter, Chris Granger, Kendra Isbell, Eric Salas and John Tracy COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Big Dreamz Creative
Joy Blondheim Editor & Co-Founder, Joy to Life Foundation
Joy is published quarterly by JTL Publishing. © 2021 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission from the publisher. Joy reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. Joy is not responsible for damage, loss or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts and/or unsolicited artwork. This includes, but is not limited to, drawings, photography, transparencies or any other unsolicited material. Joy does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial. The publishers do not assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Joy is a news magazine with information on health, leisure activities and a healthy lifestyle. Readers are advised to consult their physicians before participating in any sport or fitness activity or starting any exercise, dietary or nutritional program published in Joy.
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Photography by Big Dreamz Creative
FEATURES
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SUMMER
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GARDEN GOODS ON THE GRILL
CONTENT 14 THE DISH
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FREE SUMMER FUN
Melon Mania
16 TO LIFE
Get Energized
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BEST OF THE BEACH AND BEYOND
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18 EVERYDAY JOY
News & Happenings with the Joy to Life Foundation
Garden
Gon D OO S the GRILL
Burgers, dogs and steaks likely come to mind when you light the grill, but
have you ever thought about focusing your grill menu on the latest farmers market haul? You should! Here are a few reasons why. Vegetables are more than perfect summer sides. They can take center stage, too. Summer vegetables are simple, beautiful and so easy when it comes to grilling. They don’t need a fancy marinade; most need nothing more than a drizzle of oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Plus, they don’t take long to cook, don’t need to rest, and don’t cost much! They also deliver big nutritional benefits. A more plant-based diet provides vitamins, minerals, satiating fiber and plenty of protein too! These are benefits many of us need. Only one in 10 Americans are getting enough fruits and vegetables each day. But the best part? Vegetables are downright tasty, especially when you throw them on the grill. Try these easy, creative ways to get your latest fresh farmers market finds and get grilling.
BY SIDNEY FRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE
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Meet the other steak of summer: cauliflower! An entire head of cauliflower has about 200 calories, the equivalent of a 3-ounce portion of a grilled beef tenderloin steak. The grill transforms the florets, caramelizing them and turning them crunchy, while the center stem gets tender but remains crisp. I dress the cauliflower steaks up with a bold, bright, zippy Romesco sauce. Romesco is a rich, smoky, Spanish-style sauce made from roasted peppers and charred tomatoes and thickened with nuts or bread. Instead of roasting the peppers (why turn on the oven?) I grill them and use heart-healthy walnuts to “beef” up the texture and balance all the bright flavors.
2 red bell peppers
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Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Romesco Sauce
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1 small tomato 1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 1/2 tablespoons sherry or red wine vinegar 2 small garlic cloves 3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 heads cauliflower
Preheat grill to medium high.
FOR SAUCE: Place whole peppers over direct heat. Turn every 2 to 3 minutes or until completely charred, about 10 minutes. Place warm peppers in a heat-proof bowl; cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Let sit 5 minutes or until skins easily rub off. Remove skins, stem and seeds from pepper; discard. Cut tomato in half; discard seeds. Place peppers, tomato, walnuts, 2 tablespoons oil, vinegar, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt and pepper in a blender or food processor; process until smooth.
FOR CAULIFLOWER: Cut cauliflower into 3/4- 1 inch thick “steak” slices vertically from the center of each cauliflower head. Repeat with the other head of cauliflower. You should end up with 4-6 “steaks” and large florets from the sides.
PRO TIP: Make a double batch of the sauce while you’re at it. It’s great drizzled over fish, tossed into pasta, smeared on sandwiches, or simply served on a platter alongside raw veggies and hearty slices of whole grain bread.
Drizzle cauliflower with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, rubbing to coat steaks; season with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Place steaks and any florets on the grill, cook until lightly charred, about 4-5 minutes. Carefully turn steaks over; cook until lightly charred and middle is tender when pierced with a fork, about 4-5 minutes more. Remove from grill; keep warm. Serve sauce over cauliflower; sprinkle with additional walnuts, if desired.
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Grilled Romaine Wedges with Tahini Caesar Dressing The grill is already hot. Why not throw the salad on there, too? “Meaty” hearts of romaine hold up well on the grill and make a gorgeous and delicious accompaniment to any grill menu. The Caesar-inspired dressing with a fun tahini twist that brings a nutty, creamy, nutrient-rich boost to a historically calorieloaded dressing is the start of this dish. I balance the tahini with a little parmesan cheese, fresh lemon and garlic and drizzle the whole mess over the grilled greens. Don’t let it sit long; grilled lettuce has a short shelf-life! Finish by adding a little extra parmesan cheese and a handful of crunchy chickpeas, and you’ll love the summer-kissed spin on this all-too-familiar salad.
1/4 cup tahini 1/4 cup water, plus more as needed 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tsp dijon mustard 2 cloves garlic 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3 hearts of romaine 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese 3/4 cup sea-salt crunchy chickpeas
FOR DRESSING: Combine first 9 ingredients (through pepper) in a small blender or food processor; process until smooth (you can also whisk these together). If dressing is too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.
FOR SALAD: Cut each romaine heart in half lengthwise, keeping stem intact. Drizzle with olive oil. Place cut side down over medium heat, grill 1-2 minutes or until lettuce is lightly charred. Remove from grill. Drizzle 2 tablespoons dressing over each Romaine wedge; sprinkle each wedge with 1 tablespoon cheese and 2 tablespoons chickpeas. Serve immediately.
PRO TIP: The dressing can be made several days in advance and kept refrigerated. Just add a few tablespoons of water to thin it out as needed.
A WARM WELCOME: Sidney Fry is a two-time James Beard Award-winning food and nutrition writer who loves creating simple, healthy recipes and thoughtful, actionable content for the hungry consumer. A healthyliving proactivist, Sidney is also a registered dietitian nutritionist, recipe developer and mama of three based in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Grilled Summer Tomato Pizza
2 whole-grain naan, lavash or flatbread
The best pizzas are those cooked at ultrahigh temperatures. Did you know that a grill can get much hotter than an oven? And it’s summer in the South, so keep that heat outside! I keep the process simple by using individual-sized whole-grain naan flatbreads, but any prepared pizza crust will work here. And I grill the crusts for a few minutes before building the pizza to lock in some extra smoky flavor. What sets this pizza apart is an ultralight layer of basil-and-garlic-infused mayonnaise (yes, mayonnaise!) brushed delicately over the crust before grilling. Mayonnaise (just a touch!) gives this pizza the ultimate “Southern” stamp; adding a bright pop of flavor and a creamy element to this simple-yet-elegant pie. The rich, creamy mixture complements the tomatoes beautifully and allows you to use less cheese for a lower-in-calorie but fullon-flavor pizza. As for cheese? Splurge on the good stuff. Fresh mozzarella is much lower in sodium than its shredded, part-skim counterpart and has a rich, velvety texture that melts like butter over the pizza crust. You don’t need much! Fresh mozzarella also contains gut-healthy probiotics. And to top it all off, I recommend placing a few bigger, but thin, slices of tomato on the crust and then tossing a few handfuls of heirloom cherry tomatoes over the top like a salad. You can never have too many fresh summer tomatoes!
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2 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 ounce grated parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons olive oil mayo 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced 1 small heirloom tomato, seeded and thinly sliced 2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Preheat grill to high. Place flatbreads on grill, grill 3-4 minutes each side or until flatbreads start to brown. Combine cherry tomatoes, vinegar, and parmesan cheese; toss to coat. Combine mayonnaise, oil, basil, and garlic in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Lightly brush mayonnaise mixture over grilled flatbreads, leaving a 1-inch border. Layer with large tomato slices and fresh mozzarella. Sprinkle cherry tomatoes on top. Grill 8 to 10 minutes, over indirect heat, or until the crust is crisp but not burned and cheese is melted. Remove from heat; top with additional basil and parmesan cheese.
the dish
MELON M A NI A In the midst of our state’s annual seasonal swelter, nothing is sweeter or more refreshing than a mouthful of chilled watermelon. Sticky juices running down upturned chins and slippery seeds propelled through puckered lips are quintessential summer sights around here. Contrary to what you may think, watermelons have high nutritional value. A 10-ounce slice of watermelon provides 13 milligrams of lycopene, an important antioxidant also found in tomatoes. The same portion size has about 23 milligrams of vitamin C and 1,627 IUs of vitamin A. Plus, its sweet flavor can satisfy sugary cravings without the crazy calorie count. (A slice has only 86 calories.) And finally, don’t forget the watermelon’s main ingredient: water. We all know how beneficial water is to our bodies, even though it contains no vitamins. So grab some old newspapers, a big knife, and head out to the deck or patio to slice into one of summer’s sweetest gifts.
S GET OME O . G
Watermelons are at their peak right now, so check area farmers markets. To make sure you get one that’s good and ripe, look for a vibrant stripe pattern and a dull finish on the rind. And feel free to pick it up. It should be heavy. Also, give it a quick knock with your knuckles. A hollow sound indicates a higher water content and means it should be riper.
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YOU DON’T SAY? We may consider it a distinctly Southern treat, but the first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt and is depicted in hieroglyphics on walls of their ancient buildings. And there are so many types of watermelon, with names like Gold Flower, Red Doll and Afternoon Delight. Some are huge and oblong; some are small and round; some sport stripy skins; others are completely solid. In Asia, they’re growing them square! But whatever their size or shape, watermelons are always a good choice.
Eat ‘Em!
Whether it’s in big hunks, picture-perfect wedges or cute little balls, enjoying watermelon on its own is great. But it also shines mixed with other summer favorites.
WATERMELON FROSTY
FORGET THE FRIDGE. Studies have shown that watermelons stored at room temperature have almost double the amount of Vitamin A and 20 percent more lycopene than those kept in a refrigerator. This is only true before the fruit is cut though. After that, feel free to chill ‘em.
WATERMELON AND FETA SALAD No measurements for ingredients here, because you can just add as much or as little of each element as you like!
O Lettuce of your choice
Try a mix of butter lettuce and Romaine.
O Watermelon in melon balls or small chunks
O Crumbled feta O Walnuts or pecans, toasted lightly
(or plain croutons will work in a pinch)
O Thinly sliced red onion O Vinaigrette dressing
Choose a lighter flavor that won’t overpower the watermelon.
SERVES 2 O 3 cups frozen watermelon cubes
(try to get most of the seeds out when cubing)
O 1/3 cup water O 2 Tbsp honey O Juice of one lime O 1 small banana (1/2 to 2/3 of a big banana) Throw this all in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
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“When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat.” -Mark Twain
INTENTIONAL HABITS TO TRY
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TURN UP YOUR ENERGY WITH HEALTHY AND NATURAL CHOICES
If you’re stuck feeling sluggish and overly tired, read on for some simple yet effective ways to boost your overall energy level. Lots of us have a lot going on and staying busy can certainly be draining. But sometimes, we feel tired and tapped out no matter what our activity level or schedule looks like. Fight that fatigue with these healthy and natural steps to re-energize yourself.
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DO THIS: Exercise. It may sound odd, but when you’re tired, pushing yourself to get up and get active instead of staying sedentary can actually boost your energy (and your mood). Something as simple as a brisk walk around the block can give you energy for hours afterward.
Eat right. You definitely need fuel for energy, but the wrong foods won’t drive you, they’ll put on the brakes. Sugar will give you a shortlived burst of energy, but that’s usually followed by a big crash into slumpville. Opt for low-glycemic index foods that keep your blood sugar balanced and provide sustained energy instead of highs and lows. Examples are high-fiber veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and nuts. Adding more magnesium to your diet can also help improve energy levels.
Drink more water. Staying properly hydrated ensures every system in your body is running at top form. If you’re low on water, fatigue will quickly set in.
Get enough sleep. Don’t think you can skimp on sleep and still have stamina. Good sleep and the right amount of it is the foundation of vitality. Most people need around seven hours a night, but this can vary from person to person. Do an amateur sleep study at home by sleeping five, six, seven and eight hours over a series of nights and keeping a journal to see which days you felt at your best.
Learn how to manage stress. Stress is the enemy of energy, consuming massive amounts of it. Plus, it hinders your ability to generate more energy by putting anxious thoughts on an overdrive loop, making it hard to “switch off,” which, in turn, makes it difficult to get the rest—either in sleep or with relaxed and mindful moments during waking hours—you need to get and stay energized. Explore ways to reduce stress to see which work for you. Talk to a friend. Try relaxation techniques like meditation, journaling and prayer.
Getting the Right Zzzs How well you’re sleeping is as important as the amount of sleep you get. Avoid the use of your phone or other tech devices right before you go to bed or while you’re trying to wind down. The light emitted has been proven to have negative effects on sleep quality.
DRAINING HABITS TO AVOID
STOP THIS: Taking on too much.
The quickest way to get worn down and worn out is to overwork, over-commit and put so much on your plate that you simply don’t have the capacity to do it all without sacrificing time to sleep enough, get some exercise and eat well.
Smoking. We all know by now that smoking is detrimental to health in multiple ways, but it can really sap your energy. Smoking can reduce the efficiency of your lungs, meaning less oxygen in your blood, and that can make you feel constantly tired.
Overloading on caffeine.
Still Running on Low ? If you’ve instituted most of these lifestyle edits, and your energy remains low, consider a check up. Ask your doctor to look for conditions like anemia or a thyroid issue.
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A cup of coffee in the morning is a fine way to give yourself a little jumpstart, but too much caffeine intake or getting it too late in the day can disrupt your sleep, ensuring you’ll be tired the next day.
Drinking in excess. Just like caffeine, alcohol can mess with your sleep cycle, impairing your ability to get a full, restful night’s sleep. So cut down on your drinking if you’re not sleeping well.
everyday
Joy
NEWS & HAPPENINGS WITH THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
WE WALKED Togethe r
RAN, SMILED DANCED, LAUGHED
LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE.
For our 20th anniversary, the Walk of Life was
re-imagined to celebrate the amazing passion and talents of you, our incredible participants! The pandemic didn’t stop the need for the Joy to Life Foundation’s lifesaving work, and it didn’t stop you either. You showed up and showed us your commitment to our mission by participating in the Walk in multiple ways.
WALKED OR RAN A 5K ON YOUR TIME IN LOCATIONS YOU LOVE. MADE MASKS RODE YOUR BIKE CHALLENGED FRIENDS TO VIRTUAL DANCE CONTESTS BAKED CUPCAKES AND MORE!
Thank you all.
SAVE THE DATE
WOL 2022 APRIL 23, 2022
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AND THANKS TO THE MANY 2021 WALK OF LIFE SPONSORS:
t h a nk y o u f o r y o ur s up p o r t
BUSH HOG KINEDYNE J.K. LOWDER FAMILY FOUNDATION OWEN ARONOV CHAPPY’S DELI BUFFALO ROCK CITY OF MONTGOMERY
“WE BELIEVE, WHETHER THERE ARE 300 PEOPLE OR 3,000 PEOPLE AT THE WALK OF LIFE, THIS EVENT BRINGS TREMENDOUS AWARENESS TO BREAST CANCER IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.” – DICKIE BLONDHEIM, JTL FOUNDATION CO-FOUNDER
OUR TOP TEAMS
OUR TOP PARTICIPANTS
CANCER BUSTERS
ANGELIA RIGSBY
MONTGANTIOCHMATRON7
CYNTHIA CALVIN
KINEDYNE
WANDA BAKER
AUM SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
CLAUDIA O’CONNELL
AKA BNO
ARNEA LINDEN
SIMINGTON SISTERS
ASHLEY SPIEGNER
TEAM MCDONALD
HAYDEN MCDONALD
KRISTIN WATSON HORNSBY
HANNAH LEHMAN
AKA
HALEY DANIEL
TAU RHO MU CHRISTIAN SORORITY
JESSALYN PECK
“ALTHOUGH EXTREMELY DIFFERENT DURING THIS COVID YEAR, THE WALK OF LIFE 2021 WAS WONDERFUL! THE DAY WAS GLORIOUS; FOLKS ENJOYED THE RIVERFRONT LOOP. AND, MOST OF ALL, EVERYONE CAME OUT TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AND OUR MISSION OF SAVING LIVES.” – JOY BLONDHEIM, JTL FOUNDATION CO-FOUNDER
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LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE.
everyday
Joy
NEWS & HAPPENINGS WITH THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
STEADFAST SUPPORT The JOY magazine team would like to offer a big, heartfelt “Thank you!” to the businesses and organizations helping us create each issue as well as all the exclusive digital content we’re now featuring on our website, joymagazine.org.
MORE NEWS. MORE LOVE. MORE PINK. MORE SUPPORT. MORE JOY. MAN Y THANKS!
Baptist Health is JOY mag’s new Community Champion Sponsor, partnering with us at the highest giving level to ensure we have the resources to produce informative, inspiring and entertaining articles and other great content that give you the tools you need (and want!) to live active, healthy and balanced lives. The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Cancer Prevention and Control Division has also joined in, coming in as a Supporting Sponsor, and like the name says, supporting all of JOY magazine’s efforts. Both Baptist and the Cancer Prevention and Control Division have long given funds to the Joy to Life Foundation, so we’re thrilled they’re continuing their commitment to JTL’s work by supporting JOY magazine.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
We’ve got some fun events planned for late summer and fall and proceeds benefit the Foundation’s work, so make plans to attend and get involved.
PRINCESS NIGHT WITH BISCUITS BASEBALL AUGUST 20, 6:35 PM RIVERWALK STADIUM
WATCH JOY TO LIFE’S SOCIAL PAGES FOR MORE DETAILS.
JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC
OCTOBER 18 WYNLAKES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
The Joy to Life Foundation’s first golf tournament is teeing up this fall. Don’t miss the chance to play a round of golf with friends and fundraise for the Foundation.
VISIT JOYTOLIFE.ORG FOR DETAILS.
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PODCASTS. JOY MAGAZINE. SOCIAL MEDIA. Get news and information in a variety of formats. Find them all at joytolife.org.
Gre at Ways to find us:
NE IN! TU GEAR UP FOR GOOD DEEDS Miss the 2021 Walk of Life? Don’t worry. You don’t have to miss out on the cute event gear, and your purchase aids JTL in its work to increase access to breast cancer screenings. Grab a Walk t-shirt at joytolife.org. Tune into the Joy to Life Foundation podcast, Everything Joy to Life. Each episode features insightful medical information, inspiring stories from breast cancer survivors as well as interviews that provide tips and ideas that will help you live your healthiest, best life.
Show your joy!
+ EXC I T I N G Joy to Life
UR
O
Order at joytolife.org
Did you know that in addition to three issues of JOY magazine each year, you can find a wealth of fresh, exclusive content on the magazine’s website? Read compelling personal profile and cancer survivor stories. Discover great places to explore the outdoors and get active all over Alabama. And get your mouth watering with our monthly healthy eating column packed with easy, nutritious and delicious recipes. It’s all online and only at
F O U N D AT I O N U P D AT E S
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ISSUE 01 / 2021
JOY
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Take your pick. Green or blue tie-dye designs.
Find Everything Joy to Life wherever you listen to podcasts and at joytolife.org.
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The podcast began last October, and new episodes are added each month. You’ll laugh; you may cry; but whatever emotions it brings, you’ll certainly enjoy it.
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LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE.
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IMAGE COURTESY OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
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If you need a break (and your budget does too), you’re in luck. There are plenty of attractions and activities all over Alabama that will educate, entertain and inspire you for free.
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IMAGE BY BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE
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IMAGE BY KENDRA ISBELL
HIGH FALLS PARK:
With the wide, roaring High Falls cascade as its focal point, this park in Northeast Alabama is a relaxing place for a picnic with a side of stunning scenery and a little wading in cool, clear water. As it hurls over ledges in Town Creek, the waterfall is several hundred feet across and has another wonder right below it, a 25-foot natural stone bridge, its arch created by the relentless flow of water wearing it away.
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In Northeast Alabama’s Appalachian foothills, this is a must-visit spot. Start at the Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne to learn about the area’s natural heritage before checking out the Preserve. The Little River is the centerpiece of the 14,000-acre protected site. It’s one of the longest rivers in the country to flow atop a mountain (Lookout Mountain), and over eons, its current has cut through sandstone to form the 700-footdeep Little River Canyon (one of the deepest this side of the Rocky Mountains). On the edge of the canyon, the river rumbles over a rocky outcrop to form Little River Falls.
CANE CREEK CANYON NATURE PRESERVE:
This privately owned, 440-acre preserve invites anyone to come in and bike, hike or even camp out overnight among its rock formations, forest glens, canyons, 15 miles of trails and waterfalls. Don’t miss the bountiful blooms of mountain laurel and other wildflowers that put on a show every summer.
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BLOUNT CULTURAL PARK:
Enjoy a picnic and a day of running, skipping and playing in one of the River Region’s biggest and prettiest parks. With its gentle hills and expanses of grassland, the Blount Cultural Park is reminiscent of the English countryside and houses the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. While you’re there, visit the Museum’s John and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden, an alfresco art space featuring both temporary and permanent sculpture installations.
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T HE ALAB AMA NATURE CENT ER:
This 350-acre planned-use outdoor education facility offers the chance to explore several different ecosystems all in one place. On the grounds of the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s headquarters, ANC offers five miles of boardwalks and trails traversing forests, fields, streams, wetlands and ponds. There are often special events (guided hikes, kids’ fishing rodeos, nature photography classes), especially in the spring and summer months.
CENT RAL ALAB AMA
BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS:
This wonderland of green growing things is divided into 25 specialty gardens dotted with impressive outdoor sculptures, including the Japanese Gardens, a wildflower garden and a formal rose garden. Mostly level walking paths help you wander around the grounds and connect the gardens to the Birmingham Zoo. And on rainy days, you can still enjoy this treasure with a visit to its closed-in conservatory bursting with an array of exotic and tropical plants.
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BIRMINGHAM’S SLOSS FURNACES:
It will cost you a few bucks, but Birmingham’s Sloss Furnaces is worth it. It’s the only early 20th century foundry being preserved in the United States; its labyrinth of pipes and tubes and its smoke stacks reaching high into the air are a tangible tribute to Birmingham’s—and our country’s—industrial roots. It ceased operations in 1970, and the site is now a City of Birmingham museum and a National Historic Landmark. Walk among, under and through steampowered boilers; blower engines; a water tower; the dark tunnel where workers fed the furnaces; and more. Due to COVID, Sloss is still offering guided and self-guided tours by appointment only, but it is expected to open fully in the next few weeks. Check slossfurnaces.com before you go.
IMAGE COURTESY OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS
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Ever wonder how cars are made? Find out with an up-close-and-personal look at the amazing, automated manufacturing process at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant outside of Montgomery. Watch as more than a thousand Hyundai vehicles are made daily by almost 3,000 team members on a guided tour of this state-of-the-art facility. Tours are free but must be scheduled in advance.
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T HE NATIONAL MEMORIAL FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE:
This powerful place opened in Montgomery in April 2018 and shines a bright light on the racial injustices that happened in the city’s borders, across Alabama and all over the United States. Created by the Equal Justice Initiative, a criminal justice reform nonprofit founded by attorney Bryan Stevenson in 1989, the Memorial shares compelling stories, tales of truth that need to be told to help the stillvisible wounds of hate and fear heal. It is a blend of sobering sadness and serene reflection with steel monoliths suspended in air, standing in straight lines and lying flat on the ground like grave markers in meticulous rows. They’re all engraved with the names of those who’ve suffered at the hands of slavery, lynchings and Jim Crow segregation.
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ALAB AMA STAT E CAPITOL BUILDING:
A guided tour of the Alabama State Capitol Building in downtown Montgomery is a great way to get your children interested in our state’s rich history. Built in 1851, the Capitol Building is designated a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest, most beautiful capitol buildings in the country. The tour guides at the Capitol share a wealth of knowledge and insider information.
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WEEKS B AY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE:
This natural haven protects 6,525 acres of land and water representing a unique ecosystem. Follow shaded boardwalks through forest and marshland to arrive at a picture-perfect view of Weeks Bay, part of the Mobile-Tenasaw Delta, the second largest river basin in the country. Watch for signs along the way that identify plants and animals that inhabit the area. You may see several different birds of prey, but the winged things you’ll definitely encounter are mosquitoes, so put on a coat of bug spray before you set out. Also visit the reserve’s pitcher plant bog where hundreds of these fascinating carnivorous flowers—found only in bogs in the Eastern United States—sway in a soggy field and tempt insects (their favorite food) into their beautiful yet deadly blooms.
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h c a e B 9 E H T F O T BE S
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FAVE STOPS
GET THE MOST OUT OF THE COAST.
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Fed up with summer FOMO? Use this beach bucket list to ensure you hit these “can’t miss” things to see and do on and around Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Discover Alabama’s liquid assets by dipping
If you’d like to get away somewhere special this summer, a paddle in one of our state’s multiple waterways you don’t have to look past the borders of our own state. Just turn yourThe gaze Alabama south, towardScenic Alabama’s Gulf Coast. River Trail as your guide. With white sugar-sand fronting turquoise waters, Alabama beaches are some of the prettiest in the country, and you could easily spend all of your time with your toes in the sand or swimming in the sea. But there are other amazing attractions in the area worth your time and attention too. Here are 10 of our favorites. BY JENNIFER S. KORNEGAY
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Escape the swelling crowds on the coast with a journey into the “wilderness.” The Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail in Orange Beach is actually tucked right behind the main beach road, but hidden in this protected, undeveloped site are six distinct ecosystems that have been relatively untouched and can be discovered by traversing the more than 20 miles of paved trails that have been carefully laid over old Native American hunting trails and newer logging roads. The best way to see it all is on a bike. Rent one at Infinity Bike Shop, located just a few hundred yards from one of the Trail’s main entrances, and then pedal through marshes, hardwood swamps, dunes and more to spot cattails, wildflowers, butterflies, bobcats, osprey and alligators. The ride along all of the paths is easy and quiet, and even though you’ll feel like you’re far away from civilization, benches, bathrooms and water fountains are =sprinkled throughout keep you from really roughing it. A screened pavilion and adjacent butterfly garden not far from the main trailhead are perfect places for a picnic.
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FURRY FRIENDS
Just a few blocks from the beach, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo gained national attention after Hurricane Ivan nearly destroyed it, threatening its hundreds of animals. The zoo is now firmly back on its feet and boasts more than 300 animals, including lions, monkeys, bears and more. There is a reptile house, a petting zoo, and animal encounters that allow you to touch and pet lemurs and baby tigers. Plus, it’s boasting a brand new addition that’s sure to get you feeling warm and fuzzy. Aurora, a three-year-old clouded leopard, recently joined the Zoo’s other “cloudie” Belle. This vulnerable species is named for the cloud-like patterns on its coat. The zoo is currently raising funds to help secure a future for Aurora and Belle’s wild counterparts through the Clouded Leopard Project.
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Part of the Gulf State Park, the 1,540-foot-long Gulf State Pier is the largest in the Gulf of Mexico, and on any given day or night, you’ll find folks from all walks of life trying their luck with a rod and reel. Even if you’re not interested in fishing, it’s a treat to walk the pier on a warm evening and see what others are hauling in. You never know what sea creatures you might see.
LEARNING LAB
For more nature knowledge, visit the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuaruim showcasing the plants, animals and other natural resources of the Mobile Estuary System. It includes an aquarium and the Living Marsh Boardwalk, plus touch tanks and other interactive exhibits that make a big splash with kids.
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DIVE IN
If you’re a SCUBA diver, do not miss the chance to visit Poseidon’s Playground, a dive site three miles off the Perdido Pass in Orange Beach. This easy dive that’s great for beginners invites you to swim around an underwater museum of sorts, featuring statues of mythical Greek gods and other structures (dolphins, crosses and more) that have been placed on the sea floor and attract all kinds of sea life, functioning as an artificial reef. It all began in 2014, and additional figures have been added each year since.
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Skip the souvenir shops and search for more authentic beach-time keepsakes by searching for shells along the sand. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism’s new shelling program makes it easier and more fun than ever. It offers a guide to help identify shells commonly found on Alabama’s beaches and some tips on the best times to go and bests spots to try. Stop by any GSOBT visitors centers to pick up a shelling brochure and special shelling bag.
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BIG BITES
Alligator Alley is a preserve that gives a second chance to nuisance alligators, those who have lost their innate fear of humans. In 20 acres of cypress swamp, these lucky reptiles live and roam freely in their natural habitat, and you can observe them from the safety of an elevated boardwalk. Meet characters like Mighty Max and Captain Crunch, a 13-foot, 2-inch-long gator who currently holds the world record for strongest bite. 34
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There’s no shortage of places to eat and drink along Alabama’s coast, but try these two new spots. At Driftwoods Ice Cream & Deli Dogs in Gulf Shores, indulge in a thick, creamy handmade milkshake with an endless array of options for toppings and mix-ins. And score a dozen (or more) Murder Point Oysters at The Wharf in Orange Beach. These oysters, grown in Alabama waters on a family owned shellfish farm, are super succulent and now available at the farm’s new storefront.
TRY THIS: OLDIE, BUT GOODIE
Gliding across the Gulf on a sunset sail is a beloved classic activity for a reason. Whether you’ve seen the sun lighting the sky on fire and then disappearing below the horizon one or 100 times, the wonder never ceases. We love the good folks at Wild Hearts Cruises and their comfy catamaran. They take oodles of beach-goers on sails to search for dolphins, to snorkel and for the aforementioned relaxing late afternoon ride to bid the day goodbye. Find details and book your voyage at sailwildhearts.com.
WALKS TO REMEMBER
Part of the country’s network of national wildlife refuges, Bon Secour near Gulf Shores contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for nesting sea turtles, the endangered Alabama beach mouse and much more. It boasts more than 370 different species of birds flying in and out during the migratory season, including several species of hummingbirds, peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Hike through maritime forest on your way to 30-foot sand dunes on the refuge’s well maintained trails, and you might see loggerhead and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, red and gray foxes, coyotes and armadillos.
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See and touch both history and heroism at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, home of the battleship USS Alabama, the submarine USS Drum and an aircraft exhibit. The massive battleship, which saw 37 months of active duty during World War II, is impressive to say the least, measuring 680 feet, which is half as long as the Empire State Building is tall. Armed with nine, 16-inch guns in three turrets and 20, 5-inch, .38-caliber guns in 10 twin mounts when she was operational, her main batteries could fire shells as heavy as a small car for a distance of more than 20 miles.
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GOLF CLASSIC Chip in for Breast Cancer
Live Here. Give Here. October 18, 2021 Wynlakes Golf & Country Club Montgomery, AL 36
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For more information, visit joytolife.org or contact Denise@joytolife.org.
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Bringing Cancer Screenings Where They’re Needed Most Addressing the healthcare needs of residents in twelve mostly rural counties, this new 37-foot mobile unit will provide underserved communities with life-saving cancer screening services. Staffed with Montgomery Cancer Center and Baptist Health professionals, this state-of-the-art mobile unit will perform screenings, outreach, prevention, and education—in addition to patient navigation services that manage treatment plans and foster a caring environment. The Driving Hope Mobile Unit will also be available for over 150 annual Baptist Health community events.
DRIVE HOPE. FUND THE FIGHT. DONATE TODAY Visit M O N TG O M E RYC A N C E R C E N T E R .C O M or call 334.747.4534. The Baptist Health Care Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization and all gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
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