Lagniappe November 3-9, 2016

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November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

WEEKLY

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LAGNIAPPE

N O V E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 6 – N O V E M B E R 9 , 2 0 1 6 | w w w. l a g n i a p p e m o b i l e . c o m ASHLEY TRICE Co-publisher/Editor atrice@lagniappemobile.com

ROB HOLBERT Co-publisher/Managing Editor rholbert@lagniappemobile.com STEVE HALL Marketing/Sales Director shall@lagniappemobile.com GABRIEL TYNES Assistant Managing Editor gabe@lagniappemobile.com DALE LIESCH Reporter dale@lagniappemobile.com JASON JOHNSON Reporter jason@lagniappemobile.com JANE NICHOLES Reporter jane@lagniappemobile.com

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BAY BRIEFS

A Mobile County grand jury found no evidence of criminal intent in a police officer’s shooting death of a 19-year-old in May.

COMMENTARY

The presidential election can be an end and a beginning to America’s national nightmare.

BUSINESS

New medical offices sprout in Baldwin County.

CUISINE

KEVIN LEE Associate Editor/Arts Editor klee@lagniappemobile.com ANDY MACDONALD Cuisine Editor fatmansqueeze@comcast.net

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STEPHEN CENTANNI Music Editor scentanni@lagniappemobile.com J. MARK BRYANT Sports Writer sports@lagniappemobile.com STEPHANIE POE Copy Editor copy@lagniappemobile.com DANIEL ANDERSON Chief Photographer dan@danandersonphoto.com LAURA RASMUSSEN Art Director www.laurarasmussen.com

Chef Martie Duncan will be among the dozens of culinary professionals leading workshops, tastings or demonstrations at The Hangout Oyster Cook-Off Nov. 5 in Gulf Shores.

COVER

A guide to 14 statewide amendments on the ballot Nov. 8, as well as five local amendments in Baldwin County and one in Mobile County.

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BROOKE O’DONNELL Advertising Sales Executive brooke@lagniappemobile.com BETH WILLIAMS Advertising Sales Executive bwilliams@lagniappemobile.com ASHLEY KILLIAN Advertising Sales Executive akillian@lagniappemobile.com MELISSA EDGE Editorial Assistant events@lagniappemobile.com ROSS PRITCHARD Distribution Manager delivery@lagniappemobile.com

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ARTS

The Orford String Quartet furthers Mobile Chamber Music’s world-class tradition.

MUSIC

JACKIE CRUTHIRDS Office Manager jackie@lagniappemobile.com CONTRIBUTORS: Asia Frey • Brian Holbert Ron Sivak • Jeff Poor Ken Robinson • Stephanie May ON THE COVER: 2016 General election

By Laura Rasmussen POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652.

Editorial, advertising and production offices are located at 1100B Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36604. Mailing address is P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Phone: 251.450.4466 Fax 251.450.4498. Email: ashleytoland@lagniappemobile.com or rholbert@lagniappemobile.com LAGNIAPPE is printed at Signature Offset, 2610 Lakeview Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

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Young singer/songwriter Chase Bryant, who is headlining this weekend’s Hangout Oyster Cook-Off, is making his mark on the country music scene.

FILM

The Fairhope Film Festival returns Nov. 10-13 with another selection of “The Best of the Best.”

MEDIA

Our only endorsement is if you’re registered, go vote.

SPORTS

A preview of local college basketball teams, which are ready to tip off the 2016-17 campaign.

STYLE

Halloween costumes, a Revivalists show and the Witches Ride all caught Boozie’s eye this week.

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GOING POSTAL Pick a side or get out of the way

I moved to Mobile three years ago after retirement, and after a two-year search for the perfect house and location we moved to the peninsula area of Mobile, not far from DIP. Since moving here I’ve joined The Peninsula of Mobile group, and have both worked with Debi Foster directly and been involved with initiatives sponsored by The Peninsula of Mobile.

I share Debi’s desire to see growth in our area, and to make it a better and safer place for all. While folks have commented to me about moving to the DIP area, I have found it to be a safe and friendly place, and its safety has been confirmed by the police crime reports posted on the Nextdoor site. Indeed, talking to the police captain for our area, it was mentioned that a number of the break-ins were actually domestic matters where someone was trying to retrieve their belongings after a separation.

While I cannot knowledgeably comment on the legal issue pertaining to a rezoning of the Heron Landing property (“Mobile subdivision at odds with property owner,” Oct. 27), and understand that some of the issues pertaining to selling the lots have to do with the real estate crash shortly after its purchase, as well as the perception of our area (let me say at this point I would like to see the part of DIP from Interstate 10 to the Dog River Bridge renamed “Peninsula Parkway” to differentiate it from other locations, and to build on its unique environmental habitat), I think that rezoning to become middle-income apartments or, even better, rezoned for condos is an idea that could

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greatly benefit our area.

If built with the correct amenities, and properly marketed, I feel units could easily be sold or rented to the growing work population at the Brookley Aeroplex. I continually read about new businesses opening there and the number of new jobs being created.

These new apartments would be an easy bike ride to work on the Crepe Myrtle Bike Trail, which is one of the projects strongly promoted by the Peninsula of Mobile group, and one that I have helped clean McNally Park for, and in the past have helped staff the group’s booth.

This past summer we lost both Uncle Jimmy’s Hot Dogs and Miko’s businesses, and are seriously lacking in a decent, non-fast-food restaurant along the parkway. The influx of new tenants to middle-income housing could go a long way toward remedying that.

This is, therefore, the reason I find it perplexing that the Peninsula of Mobile group is not taking sides, as the potential for multifamily units would bring a population increase to our area, make use of the Crepe Myrtle Trail and increase the potential for businesses in our area with the potential for new jobs as well as tax revenue.

If memory serves me well, I have met Mr. Betbeze at some of the Peninsula-sponsored events, and am concerned that the Peninsula Group’s neutrality on the issue may stem from friendship, as opposed to doing what is in our area’s best interest.

Alvin Bernstein Mobile

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

Shared vision

I just finished reading the column you wrote on making Montgomery great again (Hidden Agenda, Oct. 20) and as usual you hit the proverbial home run. You give a snapshot of exactly what our capital is, and can become.

Please continue your excellent writing!

James D. Hutchins Mobile

Drive thru

Regarding GulfQuest, “the elephant on the river,” all Mobilians need to realize that Mobile is not a “destination place.” We are that obstacle that people from the east and northeast have to go through to get to the casinos of south Mississippi or to New Orleans.

The people from the west or northwest come through Mobile to get to south Baldwin, to Emerald Coast beaches or to the tourist places of central Florida. For all these people it is maybe a lunch stop or a refueling place at most.

Another debacle is in the planning for downtown and reducing the traffic along Water Street. In 2000, I traveled I-165 and Water Street to go to work in Baldwin County. Often I wondered why the waste of money building that corridor; very few cars traveled it.

I now use that same corridor to drive to work downtown. On I-165, policing is needed as it is now a raceway. On Water Street, we often sit for traffic signals seven to eight cars deep. When the AL-158 corridor is complete and it becomes U.S. 98, how is all the beachbound traffic going go get to I-10 coming out

of the northwest?

GPS I-165 and Water Street. There’s more traffic along a reduced traffic corridor. Why do we need parks in the median of such a busily traveled traffic flow?

Doug Cook Mobile

Perception vs. reality

I read Jean Ingram’s letter to the editor about Fort Conde (“If it ain’t broke …” Oct. 20). Three of us in my family volunteered there for years and loved every minute of it.

We had a wonderful boss at Fort Conde and the ladies of the AARP are the best.

You meet such nice people from all over the world and they have such nice things to say about our city. Not like the people who live here — they never go downtown and don’t know a thing about it.

There’s so much to do and see and no one is going to attack you or lay in the sidewalk drunk. Where do these people get all this negative stuff about our city? I get mad when I hear those kinds of things.

The Carnival ship is coming back and I wish I was able to volunteer again, it is so much fun meeting all those people. I wish the people of Mobile would go downtown and see what a beautiful city we have. Please don’t close Fort Conde, it’s one of our top attractions.

Dot Jones Mobile

BAYBRIEF | MOBILE

Grand jury report

STATE DECLINES CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST OFFICER IN MICHAEL MOORE SHOOTING

BY JASON JOHNSON

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Photo | Lagniappe

fter months of investigation, a grand jury has determined Mobile police officer Harold Hurst will not face criminal charges for his use of deadly force in a June 13 shooting that resulted in the death of 19-year-old Michael Moore.

However, with strict laws protecting the secrecy of grand jury proceedings, many have been left with questions about what information was presented to the 17 Mobile County residents who deemed Hurst’s actions justifiable.

At press conference Nov. 1, District Attorney Ashley Rich said jurors heard 40 hours of testimony and reviewed evidence collected in four separate investigations conducted by the Mobile Police Department’s Internal Affairs unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice and the Mobile County District Attorney’s office.

Moore was shot and killed after being pulled over by Hurst, who was reporting for his regular shift at the MPD’s third predict on the evening of June 13. According to the police department, Moore was driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen earlier in the week.

After a brief verbal interaction, Moore exited the vehicle, which is when Hurst claims he saw Moore reach for a gun in the waistband of his shorts — prompting him to use deadly force.

However, witnesses near the scene have repeatedly claimed they never saw Moore reach for a weapon, and further, there’s even been some dispute in witness reports to the media about whether Moore had a weapon at all.

Some of that ambiguity was fueled by “a mistake” MPD Chief James Barber said occurred during the initial response to scene on Stanton Road. While police initially said a gun had been recovered “in Moore’s possession,” Barber later clarified that it was recovered from Moore’s body after he had been transported to the hospital.

Adding to the speculation was the fact that — despite a recent push to equip MPD officers with body cameras — Hurst was not wearing a body camera at the time of the incident because he had not yet reported to his assigned predict to begin his shift.

Barber has maintained since June that the investigation into Hurst’s actions would boil down to “the critical few seconds” before Moore was shot.

Ultimately, the grand jury’s report concluded Hurst “had a right to protect himself and a duty to neutralize the threat to innocent civilians in this populated neighborhood” and criminal charges were “not warranted.”

“I hope the public understands that every effort was exhausted in this case to uncover every fact and every bit of evidence that was out there,” Rich said. “The fact that the FBI offered $10,000 for any video evidence, the fact that there have been thousands of hours put into this case by four different agencies in conducting their own independent investigation tells you the magnitude of time and attention this case has received.”

Though she acknowledged there would undoubtedly be criticism over the lack of transparency into the grand jury process, Rich said she remains bound by state law and cannot release any

Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich announced Monday that a grand jury decided not to press charges against Mobile police officer Harold Hurst for the shooting death of 19-year-old Michael Moore. details about the about the proceedings other than the date and time which they occurred.

“It’s a difficult position to be in, but when I was elected to be the district attorney, I took an oath that I would follow the law of the state of Alabama,” Rich said. “What’s most important is that it was 17 members of our community that made this decision, and they did so with the utmost professionalism and the utmost attention to detail.”

Rich’s announcement marked the first official confirmation that MPD has concluded its own investigation into Moore’s death, but an independent civil rights investigation launched by the Department of Justice is still being conducted by federal authorities. According to a city spokesperson, Hurst remains on paid administrative leave pending the conclusion of the DOJ investigation.

While some who have backed Hurst are claiming a victory following grand jury’s decision, others are “holding out hope” that more information will come out of the DOJ’s finding — including whether any of the MPD policies and procedures need to change.

“I heard [Rich] talking about police officers making decisions in tense situations and how the officer wanted to protect the community, but from all of the witnesses we’ve heard from, there was not a tense situation that was occurring for him to use such force,” State Sen. Vivian Figures told reporters Tuesday afternoon. “I also didn’t hear the district attorney mention anything about the policies and procedures of the MPD and whether those were followed.”

Figures, who represents Alabama Senate District 33, is a member of a group of legislators, city council members and local religious leaders in the black community know as the “The Leaders of Truth and Justice.”

Since the MPD’s investigation began, the group has aimed to make sure “the truth comes out” about Moore’s death. While Figures did not question the grand jury’s decision, she expressed concern about how little the public could know about how it was reached.

“The district attorney has to follow the law, and I’ll give that to her, but we as legislators may need to look at this again,” Figures said. “The people need to have confidence that everything truly was presented and taken into consideration.”

State Rep. Barbara Drummond, another member of the Leaders of Truth and Justice, pointed out that some significant changes have occurred in the wake of Moore’s death — including the Police Citizens Community Relations Advisory Council the city of Mobile established in September.

“The Leaders for Truth and Justice are still calling upon this community to be very peaceable and respectful until this process plays out,” Drummond said. “We respect the grand jury’s findings, but we do want more transparency — especially in a case that is so crucial and toxic to our community right now.”

Lagniappe reached out to a representative of Michael Moore’s family, but was told the family was in the process of scheduling a press conference to respond the grand jury’s decision.

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BAYBRIEF | FAIRHOPE

Show me the money

MAYOR-ELECT WANTS HIGHER PAY; CITY ADMINISTRATOR BEING CONSIDERED

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BY JANE NICHOLES

efore she even takes office Nov. 7, Fairhope Mayor-elect Karin Wilson says the job should pay more money. Meanwhile, the incoming City Council must decide to how to fill the utilities superintendent job also vacated by outgoing Mayor Tim Kant and may choose to appoint a city administrator.

Kant has long served as both mayor and utilities superintendent, with his most recent combined salary at about $90,000 — $30,000 for the mayor’s position and about $60,000 for the superintendent’s job. But Wilson has promised to separate the two positions and says she does not believe they should be co-mingled. As a result, she would be left with the current mayor’s salary of $32,400, which the City Council set months before the election as required by state law.

That’s a salary Wilson, it appears, believes is too low.

“The council decided six months ago that the salary of the mayor will be $32,400. The state average for full-time mayors is $64,000 to $96,000 for like municipalities.

In what I believe to be an effort to bridge the salary gap in Fairhope, the mayor’s and superintendent of utilities’ responsibilities combined such that the total salary paid to the previous mayor was $90,000-$100,000+,” Wilson wrote on her Facebook page Monday. “This total salary is in line with the compensation received by mayors in other municipalities throughout the state; however, the City Council neglected to provide for the mayor’s salary to return to its original level if the two positions were once again separated.”

What exact salary Wilson would propose for herself is

unclear, as she would not consent to speak with Lagniappe about the matter unless interview questions were provided in advance and the paper would agree not to record her comments. Lagniappe declined to provide questions ahead of an interview and an additional request by a spokeswoman for Wilson to review the article before it appeared.

But Wilson’s Facebook post reflects her thoughts that the mayor’s salary will directly affect the qualifications

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT IS PUTTING THE UTILITIES DIRECTOR’S JOB TOGETHER WITH A CITY ADMINISTRATOR, FOR LACK OF A BETTER TERM. THE MAYOR IS STILL THE MAYOR … IT WOULD NOT, BY ANY MEANS, TAKE AWAY FROM HER AUTHORITY.” and dedication of those who seek the office.

“Allowing the mayor to hold two taxpayer-funded positions that control two separate checkbooks has proven to be a risk for our city in the past. Therefore, I believe the best course of action for the city of Fairhope is to have a full-time mayor who is compensated by a single, appropriate salary,” she wrote.

Kant’s departure as utilities superintendent along with

the recent retirement of general superintendent James Gillespie leave some key management functions to be filled.

These needs may have opened the door for the city to approach its management in a different way. City Council President Jack Burrell, who says he expects to be re-elected as leader of the council next week, said a city administrator position may be created.

“What we’re talking about is putting the utilities director’s job together with a city administrator, for lack of a better term,” he said.

“The mayor is still the mayor. We’re not trying to trip up her power. It would be to complement her duties and assist her in her duties. It would not, by any means, take away from her authority.”

Fairhope’s utilities system is “about a $45 million enterprise” Burrell said.

The council eliminated Gillespie’s general superintendent’s position when he announced he was retiring, so it’s possible that salary could be combined with the utilities salary into one job. Gillespie’s job included authority over the revenue department, city magistrates and whatever else the mayor assigned, Burrell said.

Burrell would like the position to be more defined and said the specifics and structure are under discussion. A utilities salary likely would need to be higher than $60,000, he said, and the council could require a professional engineer to fill the job.

If Wilson wanted to take on other duties besides the mayor’s, that also could be discussed, Burrell said, adding that utilities department heads will run the system until a permanent appointment is made. Someone might be appointed as acting superintendent if needed.

As part of her Facebook statement Monday, Wilson wrote in part, “It is important to me that Fairhope citizens know that I made the sacrifice to leave my business to serve as their mayor 24/7 regardless of my compensation.” Later in the day, she followed up with a lengthy post on her Facebook campaign page, “Karin for Fairhope,” criticizing the past practice of Mayor Kant holding both the elected and the utilities positions.

One other utilities note: Kant said Fairhope residents can expect to see some changes to the format of their utilities bills in the most recent billing cycle. A new computer system was just put into place and some new account numbers were required in addition to format changes. The changes, Kant said, “have nothing to do with who’s going to run the city and who’s not going to run the city.”

BAYBRIEF | DAPHNE

Ethical dilemma

DAPHNE MAYOR DENIES WRONGDOING IN AUTONOMOUS PLANNING DECISIONS

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BY BY JANE NICHOLES hether it’s a difference of interpretation of land use regulations or a matter of the mayor of Daphne going beyond the scope of his authority, a city official’s conflict with Mayor Dane Haygood has raised questions that may involve ethics or politics or both.

Regardless, the Daphne Police Department is considering making a report to the Alabama Ethics Commission.

“What we are investigating is whether or not we have to do that,” said Capt. Jud Beedy, spokesman for the Police Department.

Some council members now question two planning and zoning issues, one involving the mayor and his own piece of property.

The conflict went public on Oct. 17, when Community Development Director Adrienne Jones asked to address the City Council.

“It is my opinion that this discussion whether public or in executive session will have negative impact on relationship between the city executive and me; however I think the council should be aprised [sic] of certain matters tonight,” she wrote in a note to the council asking to be allowed to speak.

After City Attorney Jay Ross ruled the discussion should be held in public under the provisions of Alabama’s open meetings law, a tearful Jones accused Haygood of overstepping his authority over the planning staff, the city Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustment. “There are certain things that the mayor and I disagree on,” Jones said that night.

Although there are several instances of disagreement, the two examples drawing the most attention are

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Haygood’s handling of the construction of a private access road on property he has an interest in that is part of the Renaissance development fronting Highway 90 in Daphne near Highway 181. A building that will house a Smoothie King is under construction on one lot, but an access road on a second lot did not have city site plan approval from the Planning Commission.

Baldwin County Probate Court records list Haygood as

BALDWIN COUNTY PROBATE COURT RECORDS LIST HAYGOOD AS THE MANAGING PARTNER FOR THE PROPERTY OWNERS. HAYGOOD SAID HE RELIED ON LEGAL ADVICE THAT THE ACCESS ROAD DID NOT NEED OFFICIAL SITE PLAN APPROVAL AND THAT THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION HAS SINCE STOPPED AT JONES’ REQUEST.” the managing partner for the property owners. Haygood said he relied on legal advice that the access road did not need official site plan approval and that the road construction has since stopped at Jones’ request.

The second issue concerns Haygood issuing at least one “temporary business license” in a commercial business park on Pollard Road. Two businesses have been

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

mentioned as getting approval from Haygood — a dance studio and martial arts facility — but only one license has been issued since the second business is reportedly not ready to open.

Jones told the council the zoning for the business park is commercial/industrial and is not zoned for the businesses Haygood allowed. Haygood told Lagniappe similar businesses had already been allowed into the park.

Jones said she was embarrassed to bring the matters to the council. “I want to do the right thing and I have no ulterior motives,” she said. “But we cannot continue to operate this way.”

Haygood said he was happy to have a discussion in public, but has since told Lagniappe that Jones should not have “run to the council or the public.” Jones declined to discuss the issues with Lagniappe.

Councilman John Lake, whom Haygood defeated in the recent election for mayor, praised Jones for being brave enough to take on the mayor in public.

“He figures since he’s the mayor he has the authority to do whatever he wants.”

Lake denies that his criticism is a case of political sour grapes. “I would never have brought it up if I hadn’t seen what I saw at the public meeting.”

Council President Pat Rudicell said the council had no inkling of what was coming the night Jones went before them. “We didn’t know what was going on before it happened,” he said.

Rudicell said he’s not trying to make an accusation, but the issue is what Haygood can and can’t do as mayor of Daphne, particularly in regard to planning and zoning.

“There’s no such thing as a temporary business license in the city of Daphne,” Rudicell said.

Haygood said the city exposed itself to legal liability by not issuing a business license when a similar business had been approved previously. He said he disagrees with Jones about the need for a site plan to build the access road on his property but will abide by whatever the legal department advises. And the Police Department is obligated to report any potential wrongdoing to the Ethics Commission, he said.

“The fact that we want to point the finger because the mayor was forced to understand the issues at hand, engage legal, made a decision based on the circumstances — and we want to try to call attention to it for political purposes, is problematic,” Haygood said.

“We’re not going to spend our days trying to make the right decisions for the city and having every decision played out in the public eye. It’s just the wrong way to try to conduct business for the city of Daphne.”

BAYBRIEF | EDUCATION

Crosstown coursework

SPRING HILL, USA LAUNCHING CROSS-REGISTRATION PROGRAM

BY JASON JOHNSON

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tudents at the University of South Alabama and Spring Hill College will soon be able to register for classes offered on each other’s campuses through an interinstitutional registration program both schools plan to implement starting in the spring 2017.

Modeling their efforts after their respective alma maters of Duke University and the University of North Carolina, Spring Hill President Dr. Christopher Puto and USA President Dr. Tony Waldrop last week said the cross-campus initiative would be a mutually beneficial partnership.

“Some people might ask, ‘Why would you enter into an agreement like this with someone that can be a competitor?’ Well, I think that’s very backward thinking,” Waldrop said. “The more we can do together, the more we can both benefit from those activities.”

With fewer than four miles of Old Shell Road separating the campuses, Waldrop said the partnership with Spring Hill will help facilitate “student access and success.” It adds to the existing partnerships USA has with local community colleges and, according to Waldrop, also fits into Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s

tuition comes a difference in the size of each school’s student population. One clear benefit the new program will have for students is the ability to take classes that might be full or only offered once a year on their home campuses.

For Spring Hill, which has around 1,200 full-time students compared to USA’s 16,000, Puto said the option to take a course offered at the other school would make it easier for students to complete their degrees “at the right time and in the right sequence.”

Student Government Association president Joseph Crapanzano said his fellow students at Spring Hill are “very excited” about that option, adding that having the option to use interinstitutional registration would be mutually beneficial for students on both campuses.

“You have different professors at each school specializing in different things, so a student might see that there’s a 400-level philosophy class being offered at Spring Hill but not at South,” Crapanzano said. “That would be really good for a philosophy major at South to come over and take, and vice versa, for a student that might want to take a higher-level course a professor at South offers.”

Josh Crownover, the SGA president at USA, said the chemistry offerings at Spring Hill will benefit students at USA who need to take certain general studies and upper-level THE TUITION RATE classes that may not be available in a given AT SPRING HILL, A semester.

However, in addition to the academic benPRIVATE COLLEGE, IS NEARLY efit, Crownover and Crapanzano said sharing a classroom is likely to create opportunities DOUBLE WHAT STUDENTS AT for students at both schools to interact and USA PAY ANNUALLY engage — adding that spending more time on each other’s campus can “automatically build a connection that students may not have had goal of bringing Mobile’s universities and col- before.” leges together in various partnerships.

“Just from the time that I’ve been here, the As for the details, an interinstitutional comradery between the schools has grown registration program is fairly simple. Full-time tremendously, though there’s still plenty more undergraduate students at either college will that we can do,” Crownover said. “I think a lot be able to sign up for traditional classroom of people see the differences between the camand online courses offered at the other and can puses as a barrier, but I think we’ll keep seeing do so using the same registration process they more opportunities pop up where we can colnormally go through each semester. laborate even outside of the classroom.”

Speaking with Lagniappe, Puto said that While the cross-campus registration will while interinstitutional registration is a new cover mostly undergraduate and general studconcept for both schools, in many ways it acts ies courses, some higher-level classes will be to simplify a process some students are already offered as well. Waldrop did say, however, that taking advantage. courses in “some colleges” at USA may not be “A student now who wants to take a course able to participate because of limited space, at [USA] can register here as a part-time stu“strict curriculum” or both. dent, even if they’re full-time at Spring Hill.

The exact course offerings aren’t set just yet, Then they could apply to transfer those credits, but Puto said students who are interested in takbut that is so full of red tape,” Puto said. “With ing classes away from their home campus will this new partnership, it’s not a transfer — it’s be able to speak with their academic advisors as if you register at your own school. It shows about those options when the program officially up as a normal credit on your transcript, it launches at the start of the spring semester. counts toward your GPA and you pay your “It all will work through the advisors, so home school’s tuition.” it’s not as if a student can just say, ‘Hey, I feel The tuition rate at Spring Hill, a private like taking this course because I’m bored,’” college, is nearly double what students at USA Puto said. “Are we going to plug up Old Shell pay annually. According to their respective Road with people driving back and forth? I websites, a year of tuition, books, room and doubt it … because your home college is your board is estimated to cost roughly $16,000 at home college. But this program provides a USA, while a year at Spring Hill can ring up at wonderful opportunity to embellish and adnearly $48,000. vance the educational experience for students However, with a difference in the price of on both campuses.”

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BAYBRIEF | DAPHNE

No pain, no gain

FEDS RAID DAPHNE DOCTOR WITH HISTORY OF ‘OVERPRESCRIBING’

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BY JASON JOHNSON

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conduct” that included prescribing excessive narcotic medications like Lortab, Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin, Tylox and Demerol.

In one case, Tarabein was said to have prescribed addictive medications “without any attempt to discover the cause of [a] patient’s pain.” In another case, he admitted to prescribing 60 OxyContin and 120 Lortabs to one patient for a single month.

As a result, Tarabein’s medical license was suspended from 2004 until January 2007 and he was fined $40,000.

In addition, Tarabein was ordered to complete continuing education courses on “Prescribing Controlled Drugs” and “Medical Ethics and Professionalism.”

According to a consent decree, Tarabein also agreed — at least temporarily — to issue any prescriptions for controlled substances “on pre-printed, sequentially numbered, duplicate prescription forms,” copies of which he’d keep on hand at his practice in Daphne.

Despite the turmoil with the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama, Eastern Shore Neurology continued to operate and even boasted of a number of fairly recent professional accolades.

According to Tarabein’s website, MD News magazine published a cover story on his practice in 2007 — the year his suspended medical license was reinstated — that ran with the headline: “Making Waves in Pain Management and Patient Care, the Dr. Tarabein Way.” Tarabein lists several other awards on his website, including a 2012 designation for “World Leading Physician” given by the International Association of Healthcare Professionals. However, some medical professionals have been critical of IAHP for giving awards to doctors who are

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

Photo | Lagniappe

gents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration spent several hours raiding an Eastern Shore pain clinic last week — taking boxes of files and computer equipment from the office but making no arrests.

The subject of the raid was the Eastern Shore Neurology and Pain Center in Daphne, which is owned and operated

by Dr. Rassan Tarabein. According to the center’s website, Tarabein has practiced medicine in Daphne since 1996.

In the past few years, federal authorities have brought a number of high-profile criminal cases against local doctors accused of intentionally overprescribing narcotic pain medication, but so far there’s been no confirmation from the FBI or the DEA that Tarabein is suspected of that sort of activity.

In fact, as of Nov. 1, Tarabein had yet to be charged with any criminal offense at all, despite federal investigators conducting unannounced searches of his office and home Oct. 28.

A review of federal court filings in the Southern District of Alabama turned up no active cases against Tarabein, and a spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown’s office was unable to comment on the context or intention of last Friday’s raids.

However, according public records kept by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, Tarabein has a history of prescribing excessive pain medication that led to a temporary suspension of his medical license after an administrative complaint was filed against him in 2004.

After a hearing process, Tarabein agreed to waive his right to an administrative hearing by admitting to several allegations of “immoral, unprofessional or dishonorable

no longer in practice and, in some cases, people who were never doctors at all.

While his business on the Eastern Shore has continued to operate, Tarabein has also seen some recent personal issues with local law enforcement in his current city of residence, Fairhope.

In 2012, Tarabein was convicted of criminal solicitation when he and a woman allegedly offered to pay men at a local bar to assault another resident of Fairhope. Tarabein was convicted of that charge in Fairhope’s municipal court but was later acquitted in an appeal to the Baldwin County Circuit Court.

Also in 2012, Steven Hazelwood — the same man who accused Tarabein of soliciting his assault — signed a warrant for Tarabein’s arrest on charges of harassment. Court records indicate Tarabein was also convicted of that charge, though a jury ultimately found him not guilty when the case was appealed.

Attorney John Beck, a criminal defense attorney based in Baldwin County, represented Tarabein in both of those cases. Beck was also present last Friday when Tarabein’s home was searched by federal authorities. However, attempts to reach Beck for comment for this report were not immediately successful.

In the meantime, Eastern Shore Neurology and Pain Center has already reopened its doors and is seeing patients once again.

BAYBRIEF | PRICHARD

Temporary solution

REMEDY TO WAVE CUTS SEEKS PUBLIC FUNDING

BY DALE LIESCH

Photo | Lagniappe

Two bus routes through the city of Prichard were eliminated earlier this year after the Mobile City Council cut $600,000 from the WAVE transit system.

M

ore than six months after WAVE Transit cut all but one route in Prichard, the system’s replacement is in peril of closing.

Comfort Coach, which began running the two routes cut by WAVE in April, had been operating at no charge to the city or riders, but the consortium of businesses and private citizens which helped fund the service is now looking for public assistance, Prichard Chief of Staff Philip Stiehl said.

“They have submitted a proposal to continue its service,” Stiehl said. “In order for service to continue there was some payment expected from the city, or through fares.”

Mayor Troy Ephriam, a private donor for the service, presented the proposal to the City Council a couple of weeks ago, but the council has yet to act on it.

The original agreement with Comfort Coach was temporary and was scheduled to expire in mid-November. Stiehl said the service has been “extremely helpful” in getting Prichard residents to work and other appointments in the absence of WAVE. “It has minimized the impact,” he said.

During the budget process last September, the Mobile City Council cut more than $700,000 from its general fund transfer to WAVE. Before the cut, Mobile was paying more than $6 million of the system’s $10 million budget; the other $4 million came from federal grant funds.

Both routes most affected by the cuts came through Prichard. One bus went through Plateau into Eight Mile and another

stopped in Chickasaw. Both of those WAVE buses now terminate at a federally funded transfer station in downtown Prichard.

Prichard Mayor-elect Jimmie Gardner said he hasn’t yet had an opportunity to get involved in the transit discussion, but acknowledged that support for Comfort Coach was beginning to run out. He also said public transportation, like public safety, is one of the most important services a city can provide to residents.

“We’ve got to have public transportation,” he said.

Gardner said he plans to meet with leaders from other small cities in the county to devise a plan for a countywide transportation system and present the idea to the Mobile County Commission.

“We have to come up with something more,” he said. “We all need to join together.”

Councilman Lorenzo Martin, who did not return a call seeking comment for this story by press time, has previously stated he’d be in favor of creating a countywide system similar to Baldwin County’s Baldwin Rural Area Transit System.

Gardner said he didn’t want to “get ahead of himself” with plans for the service and again mentioned the possibility of appointing a steering committee to look into the issue.

He has previously stated that a steering committee could look into the feasibility of the city creating its own transportation authority and seeking local, state and federal funding sources for the future service.

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COMMENTARY | DAMN THE TORPEDOES

The political queasiness is bound to continue ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR/RHOLBERT@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

MAKE NO MISTAKE, THIS ELECTION WILL LEAVE NO WINNERS. THE CANDIDATES AND THE SYSTEM HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE BONE AND IT’S GOING TO BE IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT THE SKIN BACK ON. ”

10 | L AG N I A P P E |

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

this election with a week still to go is I’m bound to miss some truly bizarre addition that hits over the next seven days. It wouldn’t be “Decision 2016” without a jawdropping moment almost daily. What’s next, dirty emails between Hillary and Trump?

Naughty photo exchanges between Weiner and Bill? Nothing seems impossible.

The fuel-injected cynicism that will be the biggest legacy of this election is completely justified. Never have two candidates more obviously, consistently and shamelessly lied to the public about even the most mundane details. Never has media looked less trustworthy or more like they’re playing sides. Never have the choices seemed so unpalatable.

If there’s anything good to be taken from this election it has to be the way our political process has been exposed. For people to see things as they truly exist can’t hurt, especially if it tempers some of the rabid enthusiasm displayed by those who dwell on both ends of the political spectrum.

The political process needed shaming — even more than poor Ken Bone did after it was discovered he liked looking at pictures of women’s butts online. Turns out the “Bone Zone” wasn’t such a happy, redsweatery, pornstachey kind of place after all.

Whether the shaming will bring changes to our politics, or to Ken for that matter, only time will tell.

I would say the nation is going to have severe political drama withdrawals after next week, but my guess is the good times are far from over. But take a deep breath next week and enjoy whatever respite there is before the next wave hits.

THEGADFLY

which way this thing breaks.

Personally I believe neither candidate deserves my vote, but that’s a personal decision made in a state where it really won’t matter. My only hope is enough thirdparty or write-in ballots cast nationwide might encourage someone “reasonable” to make a run in 2020 at breaking up the two-party system stranglehold on the U.S. presidency that routinely manages to cull a psychically damaged or otherwise inept individual from more than 300 million people to lead this great nation.

What’s coming next is as obvious as an Anthony Weiner selfie. If Hillary Clinton prevails she will not only become the first woman president but will likely do so under investigation. Certainly she would be the most criminally investigated person we’ve ever had sworn in as president. Talk about shattering the glass ceiling! Go, girl! I guess you can have it all.

The troubles that lie ahead might not be so clear for a President Trump, but he should certainly expect to have just about every business deal and international relationship combed through like that orange coif clinging for dear life atop his noggin. Imagine the specter of President Trump having to testify about his shady university or his Russian business ties.

The most unlikely vision of the future for either potential president would be one in which there weren’t depositions and endless investigations, or where James Comey isn’t being praised one day and reviled the next.

Frankly it’s hard to imagine.

Both candidates have pushed their desire to be president far ahead of the country’s best interests. It’s hard to believe at this point that either one can possibly in their

heart of hearts think they are positioned to do a great job leading the country. Of course that doesn’t mean both don’t want to win more than they want the next lungful of air.

It’s cringe inducing to imagine the smug smile of whichever one of these candidates wins next Tuesday. Will it be Hillary’s insane cackle or Trump’s insufferable “I told you so?” Can I still fit a No. 2 pencil into my ear canal so I don’t have to hear either? I may find out.

Make no mistake, this election will leave no winners. The candidates and the system have been exposed to the bone and it’s going to be impossible to put the skin back on. As Watergate served to wipe away any remaining shreds of post-war patriotic naivety that still hung around the presidency, the 2016 election has exposed a level of cynicism within the political structure that formerly may only been believed by angry bloggers in the far corners of the internet.

Perhaps this is the perfect progression of politics in the post-reality TV show world.

Campaign staffers’ innermost thoughts are splashed across screens worldwide.

So much time was spent talking about bagging babes and grabbing crotch that it seemed like an episode of “Jersey Shore” with Wikileaks serving as a “confessional.”

Secret speeches, long-held videos and withheld taxes all had their place.

That the creepy-clownish Anthony Weiner ended up playing major part in rolling this debacle up in a nice neat ball is a plot twist so outlandish it would wind up in the trash can of even the cheesiest Hollywood producer.

The thing about writing an epitaph for

Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen

S

weet baby Jesus, it’s finally almost over.

As I write this Halloween night full of miniature chocolate bars, the most gruesome election in forever has one week left. If there’s a feeling of relief it’s the kind of relief you get during a severe stomach virus and you’ve just thrown up. There’s hope you’re going start getting better, but logic tells you a new wave of nausea is coming.

That’s where we are nationally — collective heads in the toilet, enduring a political vomitus unlike any we’ve seen since Samuel J. Tilden was called a drunken syphilitic in 1876. Hard to tell if it was the Trump that looked so good there in the fridge at midnight but tasted funny, or maybe the expired Hillary we convinced ourselves still had shelf life? It really doesn’t matter now, we just want the queasiness to stop.

But it’s not going to.

There are sure to be readers who have faith their chosen candidate is prepared to somehow step out of this cesspool campaign, wipe off the muck and govern in an effective and inspired way, but there’s no way that can be the majority opinion. After watching what’s transpired over the past 10 months there’s not enough Dawn dish soap in the world to wash away the grease, no matter

Only a few days left for Clinton and Trump to shoot themselves in the foot before it’s all over.

COMMENTARY | THE HIDDEN AGENDA

Vote yes on amendment to preserve our parks and (perhaps) our sanity

ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR/ASHLEYTOLAND@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

T

hankfully, this long, strange acid trip that we have been referring to as a “presidential election” is almost over.

As much as I have enjoyed hearing Donald Trump say “tremendous” three million times a day and listening to tapes of him talking about grabbing, um, “stuff,” not to mention Hill’s emails, the foundation and the “Weiner connection,” all good things must come to an end, right? Is the sarcasm coming through in print? I hope so.

This is the last column I will write before the election. I am not going to waste any ink trying to convince you who to vote for as your next president. I am sure you have already made up your mind and even a pretty crazy “November surprise” wouldn’t sway your opinion at this point.

But I do want to say to my friends who

IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T HEARD, OUR SWEET HOME ALABAMA IS ALWAYS BROKE. SO BROKE, IN FACT, AS I MENTIONED BEFORE, WE HAD TO STEAL FROM OUR STATE PARKS’ PIGGY BANK LAST YEAR. have expressed absolute despair or a desire to move to Canada (Why is it always Canada? I say go to the Bahamas!) should their candidate not win, it’s going to be OK. While I don’t think either nominee is great (a “tremendous” understatement), I do think our country is. The founding fathers set up a pretty nifty system and there will be checks and balances to keep whoever ends up in that funny-shaped office in line. In fact, I am beginning to think they must have been time travelers and crafted our clever three-branch system after witnessing this election cycle. Thanks, guys! Did you travel in a hot tub or a Delorean? Either way, could we borrow it and go back to the primaries so we can have a do-over? Every electorate deserves at least one mulligan, right?

I guess not.

While we may be stuck with that guy in that hat and that gal in the pants suit, there are other things on the ballot we will need to decide on here in Alabam’.

I know, I know. It’s hard to believe.

Most of the other politicos are running unopposed, but there are also 14 amendments to consider. We do a thorough rundown of those in our election guide. Take a gander so you don’t have to read them for the first time while you are in the voting booth. Never a good idea!

One of those amendments has been causing quite a bit of confusion.

Amendment Two would prohibit funds gen-

erated by state parks from being used on anything else. Last year, around a million dollars from the parks was transferred into the general fund. Grrrrrrrrrr. An affirmative vote on this amendment would make sure “park money” stays where it is supposed to be and is used to operate and maintain them, as it should be.

The confusion has come with the part of the amendment that states the parks can enter into private partnerships with businesses to run things like restaurants or golf courses, if they so desire.

This is already happening in some parks, but an amendment passed sometime in the ‘90s prevented some others from being able to do the same. This would simply allow those parks to do what others have already been doing.

Sure, it will take the state and the parks entering into good agreements with reputable partners that complement what they are trying to do. But I think it’s much better to secure the funds for the parks than worry about what might happen if a bad partnership is made. As my momma would say, that’s just “borrying trouble, Ashley.”

I think most people who are worried about this are envisioning some private entity turning Chewacla into Las Vegas. That is not going to happen. This would just allow a chef to run a restaurant rather than the state. Or a recreation company to add a new amenity or service the park system couldn’t otherwise afford or provide.

In case you haven’t heard, our sweet home Alabama is always broke. So broke, in fact, as I mentioned before, we had to steal from our state parks’ piggy bank last year. This amendment puts a padlock on that piggy bank that none of our legislators would have a key to and it would allow the park service to add enhancements to parks it might otherwise not be in the position to do for years. As my momma would also say, “sounds like a win-win to me.”

I have been waiting for my munchkins to get just a little bit older so they could fully enjoy the parks before we set off on our Alabama state park adventures, but they are almost there and I can’t wait to take my geology-loving son to Cathedral Caverns. And we will definitely have to stay in a chalet at DeSoto State Park because I really want to be able to say, after putzing around on Lookout Mountain and checking out all of the beautiful waterfalls there, “Honey, kids, we really need to get back to our chalet.” My pinky finger will most definitely be extended.

But more important than the fun of being able to say “chalet,” it is imperative we keep the funding to our parks secure. In this crazyalways-busy-glued-to-the-iPhone-iPad world we now we live in, it is so important that we make sure we all have these “tremendously” beautiful places to unplug.

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COMMENTARY | THE GRIOT’S CORNER

Transforming our community

BY KEN ROBINSON/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

T

he term “community” can be used in several different contexts. The most notable are as a sense of place or geographical location, a sense of shared interests or a sense of communion or togetherness among a group of people. However, regardless of the context used, there is no denying that for a society to function well, forging a sense of community is vitally important.

A huge impediment to this, though, is fear, and nothing feeds fear like the presence of crime. The recent wave of murders in Mobile has sent shock waves throughout our community. The fact that they have taken place in random areas of the city has only fed the growing sense of fear. The fact that so many of the perpetrators and victims are youth has been both disconcerting and distressing.

Our response as a community is so important. Even if the small part of the larger commu-

change,” Simmons said. “Courageousness means these same residents see how strong our resolve is and that we’re not afraid to engage in their world … Solidarity means we can’t let divisive factors separate us as we work to effect change. In separation there is weakness; in unity there is strength.”

It will take these traits, Simmons noted, to sustain efforts in which we as a community create an environment and culture in our challenged neighborhoods that diverts the negative aspirations and actions of the youth there, which leads to the violence and criminality we see manifested. So often, he stated, and as others have observed, those negative aspirations and actions are born of the economics at play in these neighborhoods.

Someone who has been immersed in dealing with these problems for decades is long-serving Mobile County Public Schools resource officer Andrew Howard. He is the resource officer for Vigor High School and its collection A HUGE IMPEDIMENT of feeder-pattern schools. I asked him him to nail down what he sees as the central problem TO THIS, THOUGH, IS from which the violence, dysfunction and FEAR, AND NOTHING FEEDS negative behavior stems.

“Economics,” Howard said. “Families don’t FEAR LIKE THE PRESENCE have resources, and in the absence of resources OF CRIME. they’re unable to address and solve life challenges … according to Maslow’s hierarchy of nity we reside in seems “safe” and “unaffected,” needs learning theory, in order for kids to be able to focus on learning they have to have food, persistent dysfunctions in one part or parts clothing and shelter and feel safe — the basics. affects the whole.

Many of our kids don’t have any of these with That’s why I’ve been so heartened by the response of our city leaders to this problem. The regularity.”

To make up for that lack, drugs, robbery and focus is being put on our response as a community as a whole, and this is the way it should be. other criminality becomes an easy means to an Without a collective investment and a collective end. Howard further stated that kids look for someone to “respond, react and provide,” and response, success is not possible. Absent these, if the traditional structures found in family and the balkanization or dividing of our community will become entrenched, stifling unity, opportu- community aren’t doing that, the guys on the street will easily fill that void. nity and growth.

He has instituted something called the The immediate response has been a steppedChange Initiative, a multi-faceted approach to up presence and targeted tactics in specific dealing with the problems unique to his colMobile neighborhoods. Yet, while these should lection of schools, utilizing the efforts of the be helpful in the short-term, true change lies in various school administrators, staff and those the implementation and sustained support of from the surrounding community. “When you long-term initiatives. find yourself saying ‘somebody ought to do The recent launch of the city’s YES (Youth something,’ that somebody is generally you.”

Empowered for Success) initiative is an excelMayor Stimpson noted in announcing the lent example and framework to work within. It’s YES initiative, “Let me be clear. Mobile, Alaalso where we as a community, as a collective, bama, will be the first midsized city to curtail come in because it will take the community’s this problem and make a promise and commitsustained support and involvement to see it ment to its children’s success.” through to success.

I believe this goal is possible and that Mobile I recently spoke with 25-year-old Africancan become a model for other communities.

American community activist Terrell Simmons.

He observed that to truly transform our city — to But it will take sustained effort and focus, along transform our community — it will take a diverse with a vested interest and action on the part of group of us manifesting three essential traits: con- the community as a whole.

It can’t be seen as “their” problem, but “our” sistency, courageousness and solidarity. problem. Accordingly, we must engage with “Consistency means that residents of our understanding and knowledge, not judgment challenged neighborhoods see us out and involved over and over, they know we are com- and cynicism. We can transform our community. mitted to being there and committed to effecting The important point to remember is the “we.”

12 | L AG N I A P P E |

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

COMMENTARY | THE BELTWAY BEAT

Down the stretch they come

BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST/JEFFREYPOOR@GMAIL.COM

A

fter nearly two years of speculation, prognostication, calculation and now consternation, it is the moment we have all been waiting for — the time to vote and decide who will be the next president of the United States.

Yes, our long national nightmare will be over. And then a new one can begin.

The game of presidential politics is a never-ending business for us in the media. As soon as President Barack Obama defeated Mitt Romney for re-election in November 2012, the media were already speculating who would be the next group of candidates vying for the White House.

The day after Election Day 2012, Public Policy Polling put out results of a survey showing Hillary Clinton up big over Joe Biden and Andrew Cuomo on the Democratic side looking to the presidential election in 2016. On the Republican side, another Public Policy Polling survey showed Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio up big over Mike Huckabee as possibilities for that

IT’S NOT JUST ENOUGH FOR A REPUBLICAN TO WIN THOSE TWO STATES ANYMORE. BUT IF A DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TAKES JUST ONE, IT IS PROBABLY OVER FOR THE REPUBLICAN. same contest.

The Public Policy Polling survey was one for two. No one foresaw the rise of Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Bernie Sanders or, most significantly, Donald Trump back in 2012.

Later, many wondered if the GOP’s solid showing in the 2014 midterms was a sign of things to come. A flurry of presidential announcements in March 2015 followed the midterms and quickly the voters in Iowa and New Hampshire became the most important thing to American democracy.

During the primaries we watched the usual, never-ending flurry of debate and pundits speculate about the possibility of a brokered or contested party convention.

Unlike in past primaries, Trump was an unpredictable wild card in the process. Trump established a lead early — almost immediately after announcing his candidacy. He demonstrated his early popularity by attracting big crowds to stadiums in Mobile and Huntsville leading up to last March’s Republican primary.

As Trump shook the presidential race this cycle, the state of Alabama also had a reinvigorated role in the presidential race. Prior to 2008 Alabama’s presidential primaries were later in the season. Over the last three elections, Alabama learned it is not necessarily how early the primary election is scheduled, but that there is power in numbers and partnering with other nearby so-called SEC primary states can have a larger impact on a primary race.

While the general election may have less significance, Alabama’s overall reliably Republican leaning and its heavily African-American Democratic voting base will keep it relevant

in selecting the two major party candidates for presidential elections to come.

Once the candidates got past the intraparty fighting of the primaries, it was all about calculating the path to 270 electoral votes. The candidates have given the usual suspects — Ohio and Florida — a lot of time and attention, but in the late going the map has changed.

It’s not just enough for a Republican to win those two states anymore. But if a Democratic presidential candidate takes just one, it is probably over for the Republican.

“If Hillary Clinton wins Florida, Hillary Clinton will be president,” Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine said at a rally last week in Tallahassee.

He is right. While the population is generally split down the middle, give or take a percentage point or two, the way the Electoral College is laid out, winner-take-all states with major population centers go almost automatically to Democrats. Therefore, if you are a Republican and you want to be president, you’d better have those two locked up and be aiming to pick off one or two other states.

We are witnessing this phenomenon now.

Clinton and her surrogates are barnstorming Florida in the late going. Trump has scaled back his Florida rally stops and is attempting to expand the map by scheduling events in Colorado, New Mexico, Michigan and Wisconsin.

All of this is not without the ugly part of the politics, which is the October (and sometime early November surprise). Trump misogynistic dirty talk and Hillary emails are the dominant themes of this campaign cycle, as each side tries to find a magic bullet that lessens the chances of the other side.

Perhaps it is happenstance, but Trump seems to be winning this stage of the battle — especially with the most recent development in Clinton’s ongoing email saga/scandal. Last week FBI Director James Comey sent a letter to Congress notifying it that his agency was reopening its investigation into possible criminal wrongdoing regarding the email server Clinton used while secretary of state.

The key in this stage of the election is to peak at the right time. Between the time I’m writing this and the time of publication, something else could emerge. It is just a matter of catching the tailwind right as people head to the polling place to vote. Polls are lagging indicators because they often don’t reflect the news of the moment.

A candidate can peak too early, as Clinton did after the Alicia Machado and “Access Hollywood” episodes. In some polls Clinton showed an 11-point lead as a result. Regardless, polling largely tightens in the remaining days of the election.

We are told that every presidential election is the most consequential of our lifetime — a cliché, to be sure, but one aimed at getting people out to vote. Whether that is the case or not this time around remains to be seen.

As far as the election goes, it will be remembered as one that defied what the textbooks say about campaigns and one that — in the age of WikiLeaks — offered the public a more up-close glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.

Consultants, political scientists and history professors will be studying the 2016 race for many years to come.

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BUSINESS | THE REAL DEAL

Stirling Properties’ commercial survey

New medical offices sprout in Baldwin

BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST/BUSINESS@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

N

AI Mobile recently announced it brokered the sale of 6.6 acres at the southeast corner of U.S. Highway 98 and County Road 44 on the south side of Fairhope, with a sales price of $1,439,180.

The sellers were a local investment group. The buyers, Pensacola, Florida-based Catalyst CRE, have established Magnolia Medical Park as one of two commercial real estate projects currently underway for development in the red-hot Baldwin County real estate market. According to Catalyst CRE’s website, the Fairhope property will be the site for construction of a 36,000-square-foot medical office building that will service the entirety of the Eastern Shore, from Fairhope north to Spanish Fort. It is expected to open in late 2017.

Additionally, Catalyst CRE soon will have completed construction on a two-story, 28,000-square-foot, on-campus new medical office building in Foley. This building will house orthopedic, physical therapy, cardiology, general surgery, neurology and pediatrics services. For more information about the projects, visit www.catalystcre.com.

Commercial real estate moves

Per John Delchamps of Merrill P. Thomas Co., some 62,000 square feet of office warehouse space located at 3201 Meador Drive in Mobile was purchased by Trent Hall Properties for $650,000. Joey Betbeze of Betbeze Realty worked for the buyers and Delchamps represented the seller.

Dog Days Barkery recently leased a 1,300-square-foot retail space in Olde Shell Square, at 5552 Old Shell Road across from the U.S. Post Office, and held its grand opening. Dog Days specializes in all-natural dog and cat foods, homemade treats, cakes and ice cream, holistic supplements, healthy chews and eco-friendly pet supplies. Pratt Thomas of Merrill P. Thomas Co. represented the landlord

14 | L AG N I A P P E |

and Tom Bradley of The Cummings Company worked for the tenant.

Jay O’Brien of J.L. O’Brien & Associates Inc. recently reported the purchase of a 1,338-square-foot building located at 2154 Airport Blvd. for $110,000 by Identity Salon, currently at 1218 Montlimar Drive in Mobile. Plans are in place for the business to relocate to the Loop-area site by early 2017 after renovations to the property. Courtney & Morris Real Estate in Daphne worked for the seller and J.L. O’Brien & Associates represented the buyer.

Gulf Shores-based Yabba’s Wacky Snack Shack is opening a second location in Foley according to Kim Ward of Kim Ward Realty. The building was purchased for $375,000. The new owners plan to renovate the 70-year-old, 7,000-square-foot property prior to opening. The sellers of the 1940s-era site, located on U.S. Highway 98, were represented by Robert Younce of Sand Dollar Real Estate.

Buywise Rent-to-Own furniture store recently signed a five-year lease for 6,630 square feet of retail and warehouse space at the former Linen Locker at 2 Ferry Ave. in Saraland. Tommy Gleason and Josh W. Hall of NAI Mobile worked for the landlord in the transaction. Alan Garstecki of JLL represented the tenant.

Per Tim Herrington of Herrington Realty, a Zaxby’s franchisee has purchased a lot at the corner of Spring Hill Avenue and Mobile Infirmary Drive in Mobile and will be starting construction of the new restaurant in the next few weeks. BT Roberts of Roberts Brothers represented the seller. John Vallas of Vallas Realty and Herrington worked for Zaxby’s.

Some 3,300 square feet of retail space was leased by Verizon Wireless off U.S. Highway 98 at the Daphne Southern Gate Center, according to Colby Herrington of Herrington Realty.

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

Stirling Properties recently released findings of its commercial real estate office market survey, providing a snapshot of market movements effective through the third calendar quarter of 2016.

The information was gathered on professional office buildings in Mobile with 20,000 or more square feet of space. The goal of the study was to assist commercial real estate agents in tracking average rental rates, occupancy rates and average absorption rates for West Mobile and the downtown Central Business District.

According to the survey, the West Mobile area has seen a number of noteworthy transactions. The net effect, however, was a negligible decrease in average occupancy in this part of the city, from 79.5 percent to 79.4 percent, as well as a decrease in the average rental rate, from $15.50 per square foot to $15.35 per square foot, reflecting a decrease in the absorption rate of 0.09 percent from Q1 2016.

Prominent closings in West Mobile were highlighted by the shuttering of the ITT Technical Institute and Englobal at 3100 Cottage Hill Road, representing approximately 41,250 square feet of reduced total occupancy, from 83 percent to roughly 51 percent.

Notable expansions included Montlimar Place, Stantec and Physicians Mutual, all with new leases. West Corp. renewed its lease of approximately 60,000 square feet of office space. Additionally, Butler Pappas Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP relocated its offices to Riverview Plaza and Michael Baker International relocated to the Van Antwerp Building, both in the CBD. According to the report, there was a slight decrease in the occupancy rate in the CBD from approximately 65.9 percent to 63.6 percent, with an average rental rate of $17.25 per square foot (no change from Q1 2016). In spite of the decreased absorption rate of 2.21 percent from early 2016, new activity is taking place in downtown Mobile.

The development at 210 Government St. was recently acquired by local investors who signed a lease with Hargrove Controls + Automation, a division of Hargrove Engineers + Constructors. In addition, Oakworth Capital Bank leased approximately 4,650 square feet of space at One St. Louis Centre, while Southern Light moved a portion of its offices from One St. Louis Centre to The RSA Trustmark Building.

According to the Stirling Properties survey, Mobile’s growth is evident with several building projects planned and underway. In the CBD, a new federal courthouse is under construction and Meridian at the Port, a 264-unit apartment complex at 300 Water St., is awaiting construction.

Finally, Wal-Mart’s recent announcement of plans for a new 2.9 millionsquare-foot distribution center going up in West Mobile, as well as Airbus launching its first “Made in Alabama” airplane last April are additional indicators of further local office market stabilization moving into 2017.

For more information on the survey, visit Stirling Properties’ website.

N o v e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 6 - N o v e m b e r 9 , 2 0 1 6 | L AG N I A P P E | 15

2016 HANGOUT OYSTER COOK-OFF CHEFS Martie Martie Duncan Duncan

Jim Jim Smith Smith

Host Hostof ofOyster OysterCook-Off Cook-Off Food FoodNetwork NetworkStar Star Birmingham, Birmingham,AL AL

Top TopChef Chef Executive ExecutiveChef, Chef,State Stateof of Alabama Alabama Montgomery, Montgomery,AL AL

Mike Mike Lata Lata

2009 2009James JamesBeard BeardAward Award Winner WinnerBest BestChef Chef Iron IronChef ChefCompetitor Competitor The TheOrdinary/ Ordinary/Fig Fig Charleston, Charleston,SC SC

Jesse Jesse Houston Houston

Elliott Elliott Moss Moss

Bill Bill Smith Smith

2016 2016Bon BonAppetit AppetitTop Top10 10 Restaurant Restaurant 2014 2014James JamesBeard BeardSemifinalist Semifinalist Buxton BuxtonHall HallBBQ BBQ Asheville, Asheville,NC NC

Jason Jason Stanhope Stanhope

2015 2015James JamesBeard BeardAward Award Winner Winner FIG FIG Charleston, Charleston,SC SC

David David Bancroft Bancroft

2016 2016James JamesBeard BeardAward Award Semifinalist Semifinalist Acre Acre Auburn, Auburn,AL AL

16 | L AG N I A P P E |

2015 2015James JamesBeard BeardAward Award Semifinalist Semifinalist Saltine SaltineOyster OysterBar Bar Jackson, Jackson,MS MS 3x 3xJames JamesBeard BeardAward AwardWinner Winner Crook’s Crook’sCorner Corner Chapel ChapelHill, Hill,NC NC

Annie Annie Pettry Pettry Top TopChef Chef Decca Decca Louisville, Louisville,KY KY

Josh Josh Quick Quick

2016 2016Alabama AlabamaSeafood SeafoodCookCookOff OffWinner Winner Odette Odette Florence, Florence,AL AL

Greg Greg Baker Baker

44xxJames JamesBeard BeardAward Award Semifinalist Semifinalist The TheRefinery Refinery Tampa, Tampa,FL FL

Derek Derek Emerson Emerson

33xxJames JamesBeard BeardAward Award Semifinalist Semifinalist Walker’s Walker’sDrive-In Drive-In Jackson, Jackson,Mississippi Mississippi

Ron Ron Stone Stone

John John Hamme Hamme

Coast CoastRestaurant Restaurantat atThe TheBeach BeachClub Club Gulf GulfShores, Shores,AL AL Kevin KevinKorman Korman Roselie RoselieDining Dining&&Seafood SeafoodBar Bar Inlet InletBeach, Beach,FL FL

Tres Tres Jackson Jackson

Nate Nate Slone Slone

Matthew Matthew Kajdan Kajdan

Cam Cam Barfield Barfield

Epiphany EpiphanyCafé Café Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa,AL AL Parlor ParlorMarket Market Jackson, Jackson,MS MS

2015 2015People’s People’sChoice ChoiceWinner Winner &&Best BestCajun CajunOyster Oyster Wolf WolfBay BayLodge Lodge Orange OrangeBeach, Beach,AL AL

Scott Scott Serpas Serpas

Irv Irv Miller Miller

Jackson’s Jackson’sSteakhouse Steakhouse Pensacola, Pensacola,FL FL

2014 2014Cook-Off Cook-OffWinner Winner Driftwood DriftwoodBar Barand andGrille Grille Orange OrangeBeach, Beach,AL AL

Ty TyThames Thames

George George Reis Reis

Jordan JordanWakefield Wakefield

Cameron Cameron Razavi Razavi

2015 2015Alabama AlabamaSeafood SeafoodCookCookOff OffWinner Winner Ocean Ocean Birmingham, Birmingham,AL AL

David David Crews Crews

2013 2013King Kingof ofAmerican American Seafood Seafood Six SixShooter ShooterLand Landand andTimber Timber Drew, Drew,MS MS

Brent Brent Sexton Sexton

2015 2015Best BestRockefeller RockefellerWinner Winner The TheBeach BeachHouse HouseKitchen Kitchenand and Cocktails Cocktails Gulf GulfShores, Shores,AL AL

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

Serpas SerpasTrue TrueFood Food Atlanta, Atlanta,GA GA

Chris Chris Kelly Kelly

Guy’s Guy’sGrocery GroceryGames GamesWinner Winner Smoke SmokeRing RingBBQ BBQ Atlanta, Atlanta,GA GA

William William Sigley Sigley

Hammocks HammocksTrading TradingCompany Company Sandy SandySprings, Springs,GA GA

Brody Brody Olive Olive

Voyagers Voyagers--Perdido PerdidoBeach Beach Resort Resort Orange OrangeBeach, Beach,AL AL

Doug DougTurbush Turbush

Drift DriftFish FishHouse House&&Oyster OysterBar Bar Atlanta, Atlanta,GA GA

Eddie Eddie Spence Spence Mikee’s Mikee’sSeafood Seafood Gulf GulfShores, Shores,AL AL Restaurant RestaurantTyler Tyler Starkville, Starkville,MS MS Restaurant RestaurantIris Iris Memphis, Memphis,TN TN

David David Dickensauge Dickensauge

Brackish BrackishSeafood SeafoodRestaurant Restaurant Long LongBeach, Beach,MS MS

Brian Brian Potter Potter

L.A. L.A.Spice SpiceHouse House Satsuma, Satsuma,AL AL

Cory Cory Garrison Garrison Saltwater SaltwaterGrill Grill Point PointClear, Clear,AL AL

Rotolo’s Rotolo’s Orange OrangeBeach, Beach,AL AL Tailgater TailgaterMagazine Magazine

Kert Kert Eggers Eggers

The TheHangout Hangout Gulf GulfShores, Shores,AL AL

Maksym MaksymTsegelnyk Tsegelnyk The TheGulf Gulf Orange OrangeBeach, Beach,AL AL

John John Engle Engle

The TheGulf Gulf Okaloosa OkaloosaIsland, Island,FL FL

Zach Zach Peninger Peninger Gulf GulfIsland IslandGrill Grill Gulf GulfShores, Shores,AL AL

Matthew Matthew Barnett Barnett

Gilbey’s Gilbey’sSeafood Seafood&&Steak Steak Orange OrangeBeach, Beach,AL AL

Woody WoodyWalker Walker

Union UnionRestaurant Restaurant Mobile, Mobile,AL AL Scott ScottPulliam Pulliam Fiddlefish Fiddlefish Perdido PerdidoBeach, Beach,FL FL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

• 6 p.m.: Gates Open - Craft Beer Festival

BREWERIES:

Oskar Blues Brewery, Avondale Brewing Co., Big Beach Brewing, Wyndbridge Farm Brewing, Chandeleur Island Brewing Company, Catawba Brewing Co., Grayton Brewing Co., Band of Brothers Brewing Co., Trimtab Brewing, Kona Brewing Co.,Goodwood, Good People, Southern Prohibition Brewing, Abita, New Belgium Brewing, NOLA Brewing, Red Hare Brewing Co., Singin’ River Brewing Co., Terrapin Beer Co., Guinness • 11 p.m.: Craft Beer Festival pouring ends

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 11 a.m.: Gates Open

CHEF DEMONSTRATIONS

•11 A.M. ANNIE PETTRY, TOP CHEF, DECCA LOUIEVILLE, KY •11:45 A.M. DAVID BANCROFT, JAMES BEARD AWARD SEMIFINALIST, ACRE - AUBURN, AL •12:30 P.M. IRV MILLER, COOKBOOK AUTHOR, JACKSON’S STEAKHOUSE - PENSACOLA, FL •1:15 P.M. JIM SMITH TOP CHEF STATE OF ALABAMA EXECUTIVE CHEF - MONTGOMERY, AL •2 P.M. JASON ROGERS, EXECUTIVE CHEF, OSKAR BLUES FOODERIES - LYONS, CO •3 P.M. IN THE KITCHEN WITH DUCK DYNASTY APPEARANCES BY AL & LISA ROBERTSON •3:45 P.M. MIKE LATA & JASON STANHOPE ,JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNERS FIG - CHARLESTON, SC •4:20P.M. BILL SMITH, 3X JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER, CROOK’S CORNER - CHAPEL HILL, NC •5:30 P.M.: AWARDS CEREMONY, END OF OYSTER COOK-OFF

MUSIC STAGE SCHEDULE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 •11:30 A.M. - 12:15 P.M. SHELBY BROWN •1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. JAMELL RICHARDSON •3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. CHASE BRYANT

COURTYARD EVENTS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 •2:15 P.M. SHUCKING CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS •4 P.M. TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA/ZING ZANG BLOODY MARY INVITATIONAL FINAL

TICKETS

WWW.HANGOUTCOOKOFF.COM

Photos/www.hangoutcookoff.com

N o v e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 6 - N o v e m b e r 9 , 2 0 1 6 | L AG N I A P P E | 17

$10/person $$ 10-25/person $$$ Over 25/Person

COMPLETELY COMFORTABLE

All Sports bar & grill ($) Classic hotdogs, gyros & milkshakes.

3408 Pleasant Valley Rd • 345-9338 Al’s Hotdogs ($) Classic hotdogs, gyros & milkshakes.

4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243 Atlanta Bread Company ($-$$) Sandwiches, salads & more.

3680 Dauphin St. • 380-0444 Bake My Day ($) Old-fashioned southern bake shop 156 N. McGregor Ave • 219-7261 The Blind Mule ($) Daily specials made from scratch.

57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853.

Bob’s Diner ($) Good old American cooking 263 St. Francis St • 405-1497 Cafe 219 ($) Salads, sandwiches & potato salad.

219 Conti St. • 438-5234 Camellia Café ($-$$$) Contemporary southern fare.

61 Section St., Fairhope • 928-4321 Cammie’s Old Dutch ($) Mobile’s classic ice cream spot.

2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710 Carpe Diem ($) Deli foods, pastries & specialty drinks.

4072 Old Shell Rd. • 304-0448 Chat-A-Way Cafe ($) Quiches & sandwiches.

4366 Old Shell Rd. • 343-9889 Chicken Salad Chick ($) Chicken Salad, Salad & Soup.

2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit R • 660-0501 5753 Old Shell Road • 408-3236, 1802 US Hwy 98 Suite F• 625-1092 Chi-Town Dawgz ($) Chicago Style Eatery 1222 Hillcrest Rd. • 461-6599 Cream and Sugar ($) Coffee, breakfast, lunch, dessert 351 George St #B • 405-0003 Dauphin St. Cafe ($) Hot Lunch, daily menu (Inside Via) 1717 Dauphin St. • 470-5231 D’ Michael’s ($) Philly cheese steaks, gyros & more.

7101-A Theodore Dawes Rd. • 653-2979 Delish Bakery and Eatery ($) Great desserts & hot lunch.

23 Upham St. • 473-6115 Dew Drop Inn ($) Classic burgers, hotdogs & setting.

1808 Old Shell Rd. • 473-7872 Dunkin Donuts ($) Donuts, coffee and sandwiches 1976 Michigan Ave • 442-4846 3876 Airport Blvd • 219-7369 505 Schillinger Rd. S. • 442-4845 29160 US Hwy 98 • 621-2228 E Wing House ($) 195 S University Suite H • 662-1829 Firehouse Subs ($) Hot subs, cold salads & catering.

6300 Grelot Rd. • 631-3730 Five Guys Burgers & Fries ($) Burgers, milkshakes & fries 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2394 4363 Airport Blvd. • 661-0071

18 | L AG N I A P P E |

5319 Hwy 90 • 660-0071 1225 Satchel Page Dr., E100 • 378-8768 Foosackly’s ($) Famous chicken fingers.

310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000 The Galley ($) Open for lunch, inside Gulfquest 155 S. Water St • 436-8901 Gulf Coast Exploreum Cafe ($) Homemade soups & sandwiches 65 Government St • 208-6815 Gumbo Shack($-$$) Seafood and sandwiches 212 ½ Fairhope Ave • 928-4100 The House ($-$$) Seafood, sandwiches, salads & soups.

4513 Old Shell Rd. • 408-9622 The Hungry Owl ($) Burgers, flatbread pizza & seafood.

7899 Cottage Hill Rd. • 340-2522 Jamaican Vibe ($) Mind-blowing island food.

3700 Gov’t Blvd. Ste A • 602-1973 Jersey Mike’s ($) Authentic sub sandwiches 7449 Airport Blvd • 375-1820 Jimmy John’s ($) Sandwiches, catering & delivery too.

6920 Airport Blvd. • 414-5444 9 Du Rhu Dr. • 340-8694 62 B Royal Street • 432-0360 Joe Cain Café ($) Pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails.

26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 Judy’s Place ($-$$) Home cooking.

4054 Government St. • 665-4557 Loda Bier Garten ($) Pub food and draft beers 251 Dauphin St • 287-6871 Mama’s ($) Slap your mama good home cooking.

220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262 Mars Hill Cafe ($) Great sandwiches, coffee & more.

1087 Downtowner Blvd. • 643-1611 Mary’s Southern Cooking ($) 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232 Micheli’s Cafe ($) 6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917 McSharry’s ($-$$) Authentic Irish Pub 101 N. Bancroft St • 990-5100 Miko’s Italian Ice ($) Hotdogs Sandwiches & Cool Treats 3371 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 300–4015 Momma Goldberg’s Deli ($) Sandwiches & Momma’s Love.

3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556 Montego’s ($-$$) Fresh Caribbean-style food & craft beer.

6601 Airport Blvd. • 634-3445 225 Dauphin Street • 375-1576 Mostly Muffins ($) Muffins, coffee & wraps.

105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855 Newk’s Express Cafe ($) Oven-baked sandwiches & more.

252 Azalea Rd. • 341-3533, 1335 Satchel Page Dr. Suite C. • 287-7356 7440 Airport Blvd. • 633-0096 30500 State Hwy 181 #132 • 625-6544 Panini Pete’s ($) Original sandwich and bake shop.

42 ½ Section St., Fairhope • 929-0122 102 Dauphin St. • 405-0031 Pat’s Downtown Grill ($) Bar food 271 Dauphin St • 438-9585

PDQ ($) Chicken fingers, salad & sandwiches.

1165 University Blvd. • 202-0959 Pita Pit ($) 211 Dauphin St. • 690-7482 Pollman’s Bakery ($) Bakery, sandwiches and more 750 S. Broad St • 438-1511, 4464 Old Shell Road • 342-8546, 107 St. Francis St. Suite 102 • 438-2261 Queen G’s Café ($) Down home cooking for lunch.

2518 Old Shell Rd. • 471-3361 Regina’s Kitchen ($-$$) Sandwiches, subs and soups.

2056 Gov’t St. • 476-2777 Roly Poly ($) Wraps & salads.

3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 Rosie’s grill ($-$$) Sandwiches, southwest fare, 7 days.

1203 Hwy 98 Ste. 3D, Daphne • 626-2440 RoyaL Knight ($) Lunch & dinner.

3004 Gov’t Blvd • 287-1220 Royal Street Cafe ($) Homemade lunch & breakfast.

104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011 Satori Coffeehouse ($) Coffee, smoothies, lunch & beers.

5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575 Serda’s Coffeehouse ($) Coffee, lunches, live music & gelato.

3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 Stevie’s Kitchen ($) Sandwiches, soups, salads & more.

41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite 150.

The Sunflower Cafe ($) Inside Virginia’s Health Food 3055 A Dauphin St • 479-3200 Tin Roof ($-$$) Southern casual family dining 10800 US hwy 31 • 621-4995 TP Crockmiers ($) American Restaurant & Bar 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 Three Georges Candy Shop ($) Light lunch with Southern flair.

226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725 Tropical Smoothie ($) Great smoothies, wraps & sandwiches.

Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454 Uncle Jimmy’s Delicious Hotdogs ($) 2550 Dauphin Island Pkwy S. • 307-5328 Warehouse Bakery & Donuts ($) Coffee and donuts 759 Nichols Avenue, Fairhope • 928-7223 Wild Wing Station ($) 1500 Gov’t St. • 287-1526 Yak the Kathmandu Kitchen ($-$$) Authentic foods from Himalayan region.

3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115 400 Eastern Shore Center • 459-2862

7721 Airport Blvd • 380-8957 Dreamland BBQ ($) Ribs, sandwiches & great sides.

3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898 Moe’s Original Bar B Que ($) Barbeque & music.

Bayfront Park Dr., Daphne • 625-RIBS 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 4672 Airport Blvd. • 300-8516 Saucy Q BarBQue ($) Award-winning BarBQue. 1111 Gov’t Blvd. • 433-7427 Smokey Dembo Smoke House ($) Smoke House 3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 473-1401 Tilmo’s BBQ ($) Fast BBQ w/ Drive-Thru 3249 Dauphin St. • 652-3508

DROP DEAD GOURMET

Bay Gourmet ($$) A premier caterer & cooking classes.

1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051 Briquettes Steakhouse ($-$$) Grilled steaks, chicken & seafood.

720A Schillinger Rd. S. S2. • 607-7200 901 Montlimar Dr • 408-3133 Café 615 ($$-$$$) American fare with local ingredients.

615 Dauphin St. • 432-8434 Corner 251 ($-$$) High quality food and drinks 251 Government St • 460-3157 Dauphin’s ($$-$$$) High quality food with a view 107 St. Francis St • 444-0200 Dumbwaiter ($$-$$$) Serving local seafood & produce 167 Dauphin St. • 458-9573 FIVE ($$) Great food and cocktails 609 Dauphin St. • 308-3105 Kitchen on George ($-$$) Contemporary American food.

351A George & Savannah St. • 436-8890 Legacy Bar & Grill ($$$) American, Seafood,Stekhouse.

9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370 MaGhee’s Grill on the Hill ($-$$) Great lunch & dinner.

3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 Noble South ($$) Local ingredients 203 Dauphin St. • 690-6824 NoJa ($$-$$$) Inventive & very fresh cuisine.

6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 Osman’s Restaurant ($$) Supreme European cuisine.

2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006 Royal Scam ($$) Gumbo, Angus beef & bar.

72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) Ruth’s Chris Steak House ($$$) Exceptional service & taste.

271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 ‘CUE Sage Restaurant ($$) Backyard Cafe & BBQ ($) Inside the Mobile Marriott.

Home cookin’ like momma made.

3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739 Saisho ($-$$) BAR-B-QUING WITH MY HONEY ($$) Modern gastropub inspired by Japanese kitchen BBQ, burgers, wings & seafood 455 Dauphin St • 433-0376 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 839-9927 Union ($$$) Brick Pit ($) Premium steaks & burgers.

A favorite barbecue spot.

659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001 Von’s Bistro ($-$$) Cotton State BBQ ($) Seafood, Asian and American Cuisine Downtown Lunch 69 St. Michael St • 375-1113 101 N. Conception St. • 545-4682 Tamara’s Downtown ($$) Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ($-$$) Casual fine dining.

BBQ and more.

104 N. Section St., Fairhope • 929-2219 Jubilee Sq.Ctr. Hwy 90, Daphne • 210-2151 The Trellis Room ($$$) McGowin Park Ctr. Satchel Paige Dr. • 471-1050 Contemporary Southern Cuisine

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

Fuji San ($) Thai fare and sushi 2000 Airport Blvd. • 478-9888 Golden Bowl ($) Hibachi Grill & Asian Cuisine.

309 Bel Air Blvd • 470-8033 A LITTLE VINO Hibachi 1 ($-$$) Domke Market 2370 Hillcrest Rd. Unit B • 380-6062 Wine, Beer, Gourmet foods, & more.

Kai Japanese Restaurant ($-$$) 720 Schillinger Rd. S. Unit 8 • 287-1851 5045 Cottage Hill Rd. • 607-6454 Fathoms Lounge Liquid ($$) A tapas restaurant, cocktails & live music.

Amazing sushi & assortment of rolls.

64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 Pour Baby Rice Asian Grill & Sushi Bar ($) Wine bar, craft beers & bistro 3964 Gov’t Blvd. • 378-8083 6808 Airport Blvd. • 343-3555 Rock n Roll Sushi ($$) Firehouse wine bar & Shop 273 S. McGregor Ave • 287-0555, Wine Shop.

6345 Airport Blvd. • 287-0555, 216 St Francis St. • 421-2022 940 Industrial Pkwy • 308-2158 Red or White Taste of Thai ($$) Wine Shop.

9091 US-90 Irvington • 957-1414 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 Tokyo Japanese Steak House ($$) 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494 Upscale sushi & hibachi.

Royal Street Tavern 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 Live music, martinis & dinner menu.

Wasabi Sushi ($$) 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 Japanese cuisine.

Southern Napa 3654 Airport Blvd. S. C • 725-6078 Bistro plates, craft beers and pantry.

PHO Yen ($) 2304 Main St. • 375-2800 Authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814

Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493 Zea’s ($$) Gourmet rotisserie. Prime rib & seafood.

4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414

FALAFEL? TRY SOME HUMMUS

7 Spice ($-$$) Healthy, delicious Mediterranean food.

3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177 Abba’s Mediterranean Cafe ($-$$) Beef, lamb & seafood.

4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 Istanbul Grill ($) Authentic Turkish & Mediterranean 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901 Jerusalem Cafe ($-$$) Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern cuisine.

5773 Airport Blvd. • 304-1155 Kan Zaman ($-$$) Mediterranean food and hookah 326 Azalea Rd • 229-4206 Mediterranean Sandwich Company ($) Great & quick.

274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725-0126 6890 US-90 (Daphne) • 621-2271 Mint Hookah Bistro ($) Great Mediterranean food.

5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 Ollie’s Mediterranean Grill ($-$$) Mediterranean restaurant and hookah 1248 Hillcrest St • 634-9820

FROM THE DEPTHS

Baudean’s ($$) Fried, grilled, steamed & always fresh.

3300 River Rd. • 973-9070 The Bluegill ($-$$) A historic seafood dive w/ live music. 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998 Bonefish Grill ($$) Eclectic dining & space.

6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196 BOUDREAUX’S CAJUN GRILL ($-$$) Quality Cajun & New Orleans Cuisine.

29249 US Highway 98 Daphne. • 621-1991 Cravin Cajun/DIP Seafood($) Po-boys, salads & seafood.

1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 287-1168 Ed’s Seafood Shed ($$) Fried seafood served in hefty portions.

3382 Hwy. 98 • 625-1947 Felix’s Fish Camp ($$) Upscale dining with a view.

1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710 Fisherman’s Legacy ($) Deli, market and catering.

4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266 The Grand Mariner ($-$$) Local seafood & produce.

6036 Rock Point Rd. • 443-5700 The Harbor Room ($-$$) FAR EASTERN FARE Unique seafood.

Bamboo bistro ($$) 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 3662 Airport Blvd. • 378-5466 Half Shell Oyster House ($) Bamboo fusion ($$) 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350 2400 Airport Blvd. • 307-5535 Lucy B. Goode ($$) Bamboo steakhouse ($$) Gulf Coast cuisine, reinvented.

Sushi Bar. 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores • 967-5858 650 Cody Rd. S • 300-8383 Lulu’s ($$) Bangkok thai ($-$$) Live music & great seafood.

Delicious, traditional Thai cuisine.

200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores • 967-5858 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995 Mudbugs at the loop ($) Banzai Japanese Restaurant ($$) Cajun Kitchen & seafood market.

Traditional sushi & lunch.

2005 Government St. • 478-9897 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 Ralph & Kacoo’s ($-$$) Benjas ($) The Seafood Restaurant!

Thai & Sushi 1595 Battleship Pkwy • 626-0045 5369 D Hwy 90 W • 661-5100 R&R Seafood ($-$$) Charm ($-$$) Laid-back eatery and fish market Thai kitchen and sushi bar 1477 Battleship Pkwy. • 621-8366 960 Schillinger Rd. S • 660-4470 River Shack ($-$$) Cuisine of india ($$) Seafood, burgers & steaks.

Lunch Buffet 6120 Marina Dr., Dog River • 443-7318.

3674 Airport Blvd. • 341-6171

Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar ($$) Seafood, Steaks, & extensive wine list.

6232 Bon Secour Hwy County Rd. 10. • 949-5086 Wintzell’s Oyster House ($-$$) Fresh seafood for over 75 years 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 1208 Shelton Beach Rd., Saraland • 442-3335 805 S. Mobile St. • 929-2322

IS THE GAME ON?

Ashland Midtown Pub ($-$$) Pizzas, pastas, & calzones.

245-A Old Shell Rd. • 479-3278 Baumhower’s ($) Wings, burgers, pub grub 6880 US-90 #14, Daphne • 625-4695 Bishop’s ($) A southern grill & bar.

3673 Airport Blvd. • 344-2131 Buffalo Wild Wings ($) Best wings & sporting events.

6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 Butch Cassidy’s ($) Famous burgers, sandwiches & wings.

60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690 Callaghan’s Irish Social Club ($) Burgers & beer.

916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 Gulf Coast Wings ($-$$) Wings, beers and drinks 1850 Airport Blvd • 471-5520 Heroes Sports Bar & Grille ($) Sandwiches & cold beer.

273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376 Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464 Hurrican Grill & Wings ($-$$)

Wings, seafood, burgers and beer 7721 Airport Blvd. Suite E-180 • 639-6832 Mancis ($) Burgers.

1715 Main St. • 375-0543 McSharry’s Irish Pub ($) Brilliant Reubens & Fish-N-Chips.

101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope • 990-5100 Mug Shots ($$) Bar & Grill.

6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514 Old 27 Grill ($) Burgers, dogs & 27 beers & wines.

19992 Hwy.181 Old County Rd. Fairhope • 281-2663 Lucky’s Irish Pub ($) Irish pub fare & more.

3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 WeMos ($) Wings, tenders, hotdogs & sandwiches.

312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877

MAMA MIA!

Buck’s Pizza ($$) Delivery.

350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 Cortland’s Pizza Pub ($-$$) Great pizza. Lunch & dinner.

4356 Old Shell Road • 342-0024 Gambino Brothers ($) Homemade pastas & sandwiches.

873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115 Gambino’s Italian Grill ($) Italian, Steaks & Seafood.

18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995 Guido’s ($$) Fresh cuisine nightly on menu.

1709 Main St., Daphne • 626-6082 La rossO ($$)

Comfort food.

1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne • 281-2982 Macaroni Grill ($$) Small plates, pizzas, pastas and wine 3250 Airport Blvd. • 450-4556 Mellow Mushroom ($) Pies & awesome beer selection.

2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 29698 Frederick Blvd, Daphne • 621-3911 Navco Pizza ($$) Pizza, subs & pasta.

1368 ½ Navco Rd.• 479-0066 Picklefish ($$) Pizza, sandwiches & salads.

5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 Papa’s Place ($$) A Taste of Italy . BYOB. 28691 U.S. Highway 98 • 626-1999 Pinzone’s Italian Downtown ($$) Italian, catering, to-go.

312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 990-5535 Pinzone’s Italian Village ($$) Authentic Italian dishes 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 990-5535 Ravenite ($) Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 Pizzeria Delfina ($) Pizza & Pasta 107 Dauphin St. • 375-1644 Roma Cafe ($-$$) Pasta, salad and sandwiches.

7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217 Romano’s macaroni grill ($$) Springdale Mall 3250 Airport Blvd. • 450-4556 Tamara’s Bar & Grill ($) Wings, po-boys, burgers.

210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 • 929-0002

Trattoria Pizza & Italian ($$) Italian food & pizzas.

11311 US HIghway 31 Spanish Fort• 375-0076 Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint ($) Homemade pizza & gourmet salads 7765 Airport Blvd. • 639-5010 Via Emilia ($$) Homemade pastas & pizzas made daily.

5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677

OLÉ MI AMIGO!

Aztecas ($-$$) Taste of Mexico 5452 Hwy 90 W • 661-5509 Café Del Rio ($-$$) Mouth watering Mexican food 1175 Battleship Pkwy • 625-2722 Cinco de Mayo ($) Mexican cuisine 260 Azalea Rd. • 375-1095 Dauphin St. Taqueria ($) Enchiladas, tacos, & authentic fare.

661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453 Fuego ($-$$) Outstanding Mexican cuisine.

2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 Hacienda San Miguel ($-$$) Taste of Mexico 880 Schillinger Rd. S. • 633-6122, 5805 US 90 • 653-9163 Los Arcos ($) Quaint Mexican restaurant.

5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 La Cocina ($) Authentic Mexican cuisine.

4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 Maria Bonita agave bar & grill ($-$$)

Mexican cuisine.

3977 Gov’t Blvd. • 660-4970 TaquerIa Mexico ($-$$) Authentic Mexican flavor.

3733 Airport Blvd. • 414-4496

NO GAMBLING CASINO FARE

BEAU RIVAGE: 875 Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 888-952-2582 BR Prime ($$-$$$) Fine dining establishment.

Coast Restaurant ($-$$) Burger, wings, pizza Jia ($-$$) Exotic cuisine and sushi Stalla ($$) Italian cooking Terrace Cafe ($) Breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night HARD ROCK CASINO: 777 Beach Blvd.Biloxi • 877-877-6256 Half Shell Oyster House ($-$$) Seafood Hard Rock Café ($) American fare & rockin’ memorabilia.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House ($$$) Exceptional service & taste.

Satisfaction ($-$$) Southern favorites buffet HARRAH’S GULF COAST: 280 Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 288-436-2946 Magnolia House ($$-$$$) Fine dining, seafood and steaks Flavors Buffet ($-$$) All you can eat buffet IP CASINO:

850 Bayview Ave. Biloxi-- • 888-946-2847 Thirty-Two ($$$) Seafood, steaks, wine Tien ($-$$) Interactive Asian dining High Tide Café ($) Casual & relaxing, extensive menu.

ISLAND VIEW: 3300 W. Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 877-774-8439 Beach Blvd Steamer ($) Carter Green Steakhouse ($$-$$$) Rich traditions, steak, seafood C&G Grille ($) Large breakfast, lunch or dinner menu.

PALACE CASINO: 158 Howard Ave. Biloxi • 800-725-2239 Mignon’s ($$$) Steaks, seafood, fine wine Place Buffet ($-$$) Interactive Asian dining Stacked Grill ($-$$) Burgers and everything in between TREASURE BAY: 1980 Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 800-747-2839 The Den ($-$$) Intimate & casual with daily specials.

CQ ($$-$$$) Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing entrees.

Blu ($) Lounge with cocktails & tapas menu.

WIND CREEK CASINO: 303 Poarch Rd. Atmore • 866-946-3360 Fire ($$-$$$) Prime steaks, seafood & wine.

Grill ($) Contemporary & old-fashioned favorites.

SEND LISTINGS TO LISTINGS@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

N o v e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 6 - N o v e m b e r 9 , 2 0 1 6 | L AG N I A P P E | 19

CUISINE THE REVIEW

Martie Duncan celebrates the 5th Hangout Oyster Cook-Off

BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | FATMANSQUEEZE@COMCAST.NET

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he Hangout Oyster Cook-Off is in its fifth year and going strong with more of what we’ve come to love about this festival. The 2016 version kicks off Friday, Nov. 4, with the Craft Beer Festival at 6 p.m. followed by the Gulf to Table Dinner for those who want to shell out $100 for an intimate experience, with wine pairings and Gulf Coast seafood prepared by acclaimed Alabama chefs and more.

Saturday, Nov. 5, chefs from the southeast will be competing in three categories for the best oyster dishes. This is where everyone dons their game faces and wows the crowd with spectacular oyster dishes beginning at 11 a.m. Enjoy as many oysters as you can afford tasting tickets ($25 for 15 tickets), but be sure to save room for the North American Oyster Showcase where you sample nude oysters from anywhere north of Miami.

With all there is to offer I felt it time to talk to one of the people behind all of this, Martie Duncan. Our Birmingham-area resident party girl spoke at length about this festival showing no signs of slowing down.

Andy MacDonald: What’s so special about our fifth year of the Oyster Cook-Off? Martie Duncan: I can’t even believe it.

We did our first one and now, blink, we are five years in. It’s really amazing how the industry has grown and all the changes we’ve seen. In the first year I had gotten to know Steve Crockett over at Point aux Pins and he had to sneak in some oysters for me to try in a cooler because they were just getting started.

Now you can find them in restaurants all over the place and in Whole Foods. And there are lots of others like Navy Cove, Massacre Island and Murder Point that are so popular.

Isle of Dauphine got one of the highest ratings in the North American Oyster Showcase.

This event has helped to create so much interest in our oysters, sort of like the music festival, we became known for our oysters and now more and more farmers are getting involved. But I credit Shaul [Zislin] with helping to bring oyster awareness to our coast, not just Apalachicola but our coast.

MacDonald: Down here it’s been great to see more local restaurants serving Isle of Dauphine oysters.

Duncan: I did a 300-mile bike ride this summer for No Kid Hungry and the guys from Point aux Pins, Isle of Dauphine and Navy

WORD OF MOUTH

Bayou Bash this Friday at All Saints

Photos Courtesy of the Hangout

CHEF MARTIE DUNCAN WILL BE AMONG THE DOZENS OF CULINARY PROFESSIONALS LEADING WORKSHOPS, TASTINGS AND DEMONSTRATIONS AT THE HANGOUT OYSTER COOK-OFF NOV. 5 IN GULF SHORES. Cove sent up oysters for a social at the Five Point Public House and Oyster Bar in Birmingham and we raised almost $1,800 because people were so excited to hear about Alabama oysters. They came out like crazy!

MacDonald: Friday night is the Gulf to Table Dinner at The Gulf restaurant. What can we expect from you and these high-caliber chefs?

Duncan: I just jumped on board with this because I wasn’t sure if I would have time, but they asked me to do dessert and said they would make it a No Kid Hungry benefit. I have not decided what to do yet but it will be something homemade with a crust and ice cream on it. That’s what I do know. Some sort of pear tart, apple tart, profiteroles, I don’t know.

So it’s benefiting No Kid Hungry and everyone that comes is going to get a copy of my book “Birmingham’s Best Bites.” It’s not just recipes from favorite Birmingham restaurants, it’s also like a Birmingham tour guide. When you go to Birmingham you can use the book to find your way around to some of your favorite places.

I don’t think it has sold out yet, there may be a few tickets left, so I would encourage everyone to

BY ANDY MACDONALD All Saints Episcopal Church’s Bayou Bash turns 12 this year! Friday, Nov. 4, 6-10 p.m. there will be dancing under the oaks at the corner of Ann and Government streets as guests enjoy food from Stevie’s Kitchen, plenty of drinks and entertainment provided

by DJ Rhettro spinning old-school vinyl.

These are some of the city’s favorite silent and live auctions so don’t miss your chance at a boat trip, a progressive dinner and a condo stay, to name a few.

Tickets are $35 per person and are available at the church or by phone at 251-4382492. Children 12 and under get in free.

All net proceeds go toward local charities including L’Arche, McKemie Place, 15Place, Family Promise, summer camp for 40 inner-

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city youth and the church’s refugee resettlement program.

There is a lot to love at this event, and a little birdie told me there may be baconwrapped Conecuh.

Island Wing Co. changes hands

The wings are still delicious, but the ownership is different. Island Wing Co. at 2617 Dauphin St. near the tracks briefly shut down for refurbishment and improvements. At the time of this writing the grand reopening was planned for Halloween Day at 11 a.m.

No need to worry, folks. You can get your Midtown chicken wing fix again. Make sure you also try the mac and cheese.

Curate opens at MMoA

The wait is over for Chef Gillian Clark’s latest venture. Curate is the hippest trend at the Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

get on it. There are three notable Alabama Chefs: Jim Smith (Executive Chef for the State of Alabama), David Bancroft (2016 James Beard Best Chef South semi-finalist from Acre in Auburn) and our Alabama Gulf Seafood Champion this year, Josh Quick (Odette in Florence).

MacDonald: There’s a Duck Dynasty connection this year, right?

Duncan: Oh yeah, Lisa and Al Robertson are coming to cook with us. We took one of Miss Kay’s recipes and worked it into what will work real well with oysters. We’re doing a classic Angels on Horseback and I’ll make a little horseradish sauce to go with it. Nothing yummier than bacon and oysters and horseradish — are you kidding me, delicious.

MacDonald: Lots of new faces this year.

What can we expect in terms of demos?

Duncan: The website has it listed with teams of chefs. I think we have eight demos including the Duck Dynasty demo. Instead of mostly Food Network like we’ve had the last few years, this year they decided they wanted to go with some of the “Top Chef” contestants because Jim Smith is going to be featured on the upcoming season of Drive, with locally sourced farm-to-table dining led by the Nappie Awards’ Best Chef in 2015 and 2016.

In a word or two, it’s food art. Check out the pics on social media. Reservations may be in order since Curate is only open Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Take advantage of what our museum has to offer and what has been described as Spring Hill’s only waterfront dining.

World Food Championships hit The Wharf No sooner do we get The Hangout Oyster Cook-Off tucked away, the beach bustles again with the World Food Championships Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 9-13.

General admission is free for this ultimate food fight that pits hundreds of cooking and culinary teams from around the world

“Top Chef” for season 14. So is Annie Pettry, who is going to be kicking off the demos. She has her own restaurant, Decca in Louisville, Kentucky. We will have several James Beard finalists, and just a nice mix of different chefs from around the country that bring their own unique seafood perspective.

MacDonald: Friday night is the craft beer festival.

Duncan: Yes, if you aren’t coming to the Gulf to Table dinner the craft beer festival is the place to be. We have, I don’t remember how many kinds of craft beers and a David Bowie tribute band, which is kind of significant because Bowie died this past year.

MacDonald: I know they have Southern Prohibition out of Hattiesburg, Band of Brothers from Tuscaloosa, Avondale comes from Birmingham and the new Big Beach is the latest Gulf Shores brewery. Hopefully there’ll be two more from Mobile next year. That’s just locals. Many more. A lot is going on in the beer world.

Duncan: Food, too. It’s amazing to me there is room to grow, and there is. More are moving away from the big chains and headed to the mom and pops. against each other in nine categories. Only one will leave as World Food Champion, with $100,000 in cash and prizes.

It’s a packed week as Thursday night there will be a Low Country Boil benefiting Operation BBQ Relief. Careful, it’s all-you-can-eat for $20. Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Chef Challenge will feature a multi-round tournament showcasing local, international and Food TV stars. There’s even a Bourb’nque event at gorgeous Heron Pointe, walking distance from the WFC Kitchen Arena. Think Jim Beam samples, pork and recipes with everything, from a general admission to VIP ticket.

I could fill these pages with all that’s going on. It’s best you visit their website at www. worldfoodchampionships.com for all the skinny. See you there!

And don’t forget to recycle!

Game of thrones

LOCAL POLITICAL LEADERS DISCUSS NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

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BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER said Clinton could have a hard time with the Senate as well.

As for the mountain of Clinton campaign emails that have surfaced via WikiLeaks, Byrne said they prove Clinton has a public persona very different from her private life. He said the information contained in the various emails are “not a good sign” for how she’ll act as a leader.

Vivian Beckerle, chairwoman of the Mobile County Democratic Executive Committee, said the emails only help prove suspicions that Trump may have connections to Russians and that they are “digging up old bones.”

“It’s just rehashing old stuff,” While Alabama is considered a lock for Republican presidential nominee she said. “I think everyone has had Donald Trump, roughly 20 percent of voters in Baldwin County and 30 percent enough … ” of voters in Mobile County voted for Hillary Clinton in the March primary.

Even the latest announcement that the FBI would begin reviewing more Clinton-linked emails, Beckerle said, Beckerle said she approves of the way Clinton has run her was not unexpected and is just “another jab at her.” campaign, adding, “I don’t see what I would change.”

Beckerle questioned how Trump, who she said has no politiAlthough there has been a lot of discussion over the past few cal experience and no foreign policy experience, could be leadmonths about the excitement for Trump among GOP primary ing a major party. voters, Beckerle said she was encouraged by the turnout in “He’s just saying things his followers want to hear,” she Mobile County for Clinton in the primary, where she picked up said. “They’re not listening to any of the information, or to any 29,243 votes. That’s the largest total for a Democrat in Mobile of his plans.”

County since Jimmy Carter.

Clinton would be a better leader in the White House than Trump, Beckerle said. She added that Clinton will be influenced “That’s impressive,” she said. “We did that with a minimal greatly by Sen. Bernie Sanders, her main opponent in the primary. amount of money.”

Photos | wikipedia/donaldjtrump.com

hen Alabama residents go to the polls Tuesday to elect a new president, it is expected that most will choose Republican nominee Donald Trump.

In what many have described as an unusual campaign season, the real estate magnate’s populist views have resonated with hardline conservatives in the Deep South.

Despite one-time criticism of the candidate from U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne after a leaked recording surfaced of Trump making misogynistic comments about women, Byrne recently said he’s all in for his party’s nominee on Nov. 8.

Following the release of the video recording from an Access Hollywood segment where Trump made the lewd comments about women, Byrne released a statement where he suggested Trump’s running mate Mike Pence should take over at the top of the GOP ticket.

“It is now clear Donald Trump is not fit to be President of the United States and cannot defeat Hillary Clinton,” the Oct. 8 statement read. “I believe he should step aside and allow Governor Pence to lead the Republican ticket.”

Byrne has since changed his position and said he supports Trump. He said Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s “record of not telling the truth” is “unacceptable.”

“You have got to make a choice between two people … and he is the clear choice,” Byrne said.

Under a Trump presidency, Byrne believes, the country would be stronger abroad and better equipped to defend itself.

Byrne also believes a Trump election would lead to a needed shakeup of the executive branch in Washington.

He’d also have a better working relationship with Congress.

Clinton, he said, would have an issue with a GOP-led House because many leaders are “diametrically opposed” to her ideals. Depending on how the races unfold down the ballot, Byrne

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14 statewide amendments on ballot, five local amendments in Baldwin

BY JANE NICHOLES AND JASON JOHNSON

A

labama has the longest constitution in the country, but rather than tackling the monumental task of overhauling of the state’s governing document, legislators and voters have continued to tack amendments onto it for years.

The current count, according to the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, is 895, and on Nov. 8 voters will be asked to consider 14 new additions to the growing document.

This year’s batch of amendments covers several varied topics, from municipal laws regulating the growth of weeds to the processes the Legislature must use to impeach state officials. However, because of the ambiguous wording in some of the proposed amendments, many voters, and even a few elected officials, have had trouble understanding what exactly they’re being asked to decide.

While some of the 2016 amendments only apply to smaller areas of the state, others will have statewide effects as well as lasting impact on the way cities and counties along the Gulf Coast operate for years to come.

STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 1

State Park brings in major tourism revenue for the state while drawing visitors to Pleasure Island and its local attractions, this is an important amendment.

As the Alabama Policy Institute notes, state parks’ user fees generate at least 80 percent of their funding, but last year $1 million in user fees was transferred away from parks to the state general fund. Continued budget cuts have resulted in closings of some state parks, reductions in operating hours of others and fee increases.

Another provision of the amendment would seem to support projects like the lodge and conference center at Gulf State Park, which involves a 20-year franchise agreement with Hilton Hotels. It would let private entities operate hotels, restaurants and golf courses on state park lands, instead of restricting those operations to the Department of Conservation and National Resources.

Proponents such as Tim Gothard, executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, argue that the amendment helps parks plan for repairs and maintenance without unexpected raids on budgets that have led to the closing of some parks and cutbacks on operating hours in others.

Opponents such as Glynn WilTHIS YEAR’S BATCH OF son, writing in the New American AMENDMENTS COVERS SEV- Journal, argue the amendment is a back door to privatization ERAL VARIED TOPICS, FROM actually of state parks, and that the LegisMUNICIPAL LAWS REGULAT- lature could have banned raids on park revenue with a bill rather than a ING THE GROWTH OF WEEDS constitutional amendment.

Of all the statewide amendments on the Nov. 8 ballot, the first may be one of the most straightforward.

It would change the way the terms expire for members of the Auburn University Board of Trustees by staggering them so that “no more TO THE PROCESSES THE than three trustees’” terms would STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 3 expire in a single year.

LEGISLATURE MUST USE TO Voters may notice some of the According to Auburn University, ballot amendments don’t apply to IMPEACH STATE OFFICIALS. Mobile or Baldwin counties. which supports Amendment 1, the change would ensure that transiIn the future, whom those local tions of the board’s members “occur decisions are left up to will depend, in a stable manner.” in large part, on how the residents vote on Amendment 3.

However, a “yes” vote on Amendment 1 would also When the Legislature proposes a constitutional increase the number of board members from 14 to 16 — amendment it must go before the voters for a final apadding two more at-large seats to the board that would proval. In some cases, a change may only affect a certain specifically enhance its diversity by better reflecting the county or city, and if there’s no dissenting vote in the “racial, gender and economic diversity of” Alabama.

Legislature those issues can be placed exclusively on the ballots in those areas. In other words, Mobile County STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 2 voters would decide Mobile County issues.

Generating some controversy is Statewide AmendHowever, Sen. Trip Pittman (R-Montrose) said the ment 2, which prevents any money generated for state current system makes it possible for legislators to object parks from being taken away for other uses. As Gulf to laws outside of their districts. Pittman said some law-

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November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

makers object to issues that don’t affect their district for purely “philosophical or political” reasons, but he also said he’s seen others make objections to local initiatives just “to get some retribution.”

Putting something before the entire state is often a tough sell, and Pittman said it’s not uncommon for people in unaffected areas of the state to vote “no” on issues that don’t pertain to them as many can be “skeptical” of any constitutional change.

However, even if an amendment makes it through the legislative process, a Local Constitutional Amendment Commission makes the final decision on whether it will only appear before voters in the area it affects or go before the entire state.

A majority “yes” vote on Amendment 3 would abolish the Local Constitutional Amendment Commission and leave the final decision on local amendments to the Legislature. If approved, each house of the Legislature would be required to pass a separate resolution deciding whether a proposed amendment would be voted on locally or around the state.

If even a single legislator were to vote against a resolution, the proposed amendment would be placed on the statewide ballot.

However, the change also requires that any objection to a local vote be based on “the local nature” of the amendment and not the “substance” of the change itself — something Pittman said should prevent lawmakers from letting politics affect areas they don’t actually represent.

The Mobile County Commission has already thrown its support behind Amendment 3, saying that a “yes” vote would “put the question of passing local amendments in the hands of local voters.”

STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 4

The original Alabama Constitution gave the Legislature a lot of authority over smaller political subdivisions. However, the Alabama Limited Self Governance Act of 2005 loosened some of those restrictions and gave counties the authority to adopt certain programs and policies without approval from Montgomery.

That allowed counties to adopt laws that concern “controlling weeds, junk yards, litter and rubbish, noise, pollution, unsanitary sewage and animal control” without legislative approval, provided they were approved by a majority of voters in the affected areas.

However, if passed, Amendment 4 would allow counties to enact laws governing those same activities without the approval of the voters — though it would not give counties the authority to enact any policy that “increases taxes or fees” or that would “infringe on citizens’ right to the use of their private property.”

The amendment is supported by the conservative-leaning Alabama Policy Institute, which called it “another step toward more self-governance at the local level.” Commissioners in Mobile County have also weighed in on Amendment 4, claiming that a “yes” vote would prevent them from seeking permission “to make routine decisions.”

STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 5

The fifth amendment on the ballot deals with eliminating redundancies in the state constitution outlining the separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. Currently, language setting up that separation of powers can be now found in two parts of the constitution — in Amendment 582 and in Article III, sections 41-43.

Amendment 5 would combine some of the redundant language in those sections of the constitution and remove some more antiquated language included when the constitution was first ratified in 1901. According to the Alabama Policy Institute, the changes proposed in Amendment 5 are stylistic, not substantive, and a “yes” vote would simply clean up a constitution that is already the longest in the country.

STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 6

As written, Amendment 6 would require a vote from twothirds of Alabama senators in order to impeach any of the state’s constitutional officers, including the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, secretary of state, state treasurer, commissioner of agriculture and the justices on Alabama’s Supreme Court.

If passed, Amendment 6 would also remove the state superintendent of education from the list of officials that can be impeached by the Legislature while adding the elected members of the state board of education for the first time.

Opponents of the amendment — including State Auditor Jim Zeigler — say a “yes” on Amendment 6 could be a “Get Out of Impeachment Free Card” for Gov. Robert Bentley.

Amendment 6 was scheduled to be on the the Nov. 8 ballot more than a year before the revelation of Bentley’s alleged affair with a staff member launched a push in April in the state House for his impeachment, but Zeigler said “that fact, does not change the end result.”

Though opponents argue the current impeachment process requires a simple majority of “50 percent of the Senate plus one additional senator,” there is actually no language in the constitution setting the number of Senate votes needed to remove a public official from office.

If approved, Amendment 6 would officially set that bar for the first time at two-thirds of the state Senate. If it fails, the current impeachment process will remain unchanged.

AMENDMENT 7

Applicable only to Etowah County, Amendment 7 would allow the Etowah County Sheriff’s Department’s to manage the majority of its personnel by removing them from the purview of the Etowah County Personnel Board.

AMENDMENT 8

Amendment 8 deals with Alabama’s “right-to-work” law, which protects citizens from being fired or denied employment based on their membership or nonmembership in an organized labor union.

The law has been part of the Code of Alabama since 1953 but never included in the state constitution.

Because the state code can be changed with a vote in the Legislature, proponents of Alabama’s right-to-work law say adding it to the Alabama Constitution would further protect workers because, once added, it could only be removed in the future by a statewide referendum. As written, a “yes” vote for Amendment 8 would do just that.

AMENDMENT 9

Amendment 9 is specific to Pickens County, where a “yes” vote would abolish the state’s age limit of 70 for judicial officials. The change would only apply to circuit and district judges.

AMENDMENT 10

Another county-specific change, a “yes” vote on the 10th amendment would prevent any city or town outside of Calhoun County from exercising a police jurisdiction in a territory that falls within Calhoun County. Regardless of the outcome, Amendment 10 will have no effect on the state budget or Alabama’s 66 other counties.

AMENDMENT 11

Amendment 11 aims to loosen some of the existing restrictions on economic development by allowing cities and counties to sell certain properties to private entities for less than their fair market value.

A Tax Increment Financing (TIF) zone can be established anywhere a private entity plans to invest at least $100 million in an area with more than 250 contiguous acres. Usually TIF zones are set up in areas that have been specially designated for redevelopment or for housing major manufacturing facilities.

Establishing a TIF zone caps property taxes within the designated area for several years, and a municipality can then use revenues generated from increased property values to acquire or redevelop property within the TIF zone. That funding can also help pay for tax incentives used to attract additional development to the area.

Under the state’s current law, though, municipalities can only sell property to private entities at or above the land’s fair market value.

However, Amendment 11 would allow cities and counties to sell property within a designated manufacturing area or TIF zone for less than the fair market value, even if the sale is to a private entity.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson has been vocal in his support for Amendment 11, saying it “gives municipalities proven tools to aggressively compete for large-scale industrial projects.”

Mobile has made regular use of TIF zones and their proceeds, which helped fund the construction of the RSA Tower in 2003 and allowed the city to contribute $4.5 million to a private apartment development in downtown Mobile earlier this year.

STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 12

Although it is a statewide amendment, No. 12 affects only Baldwin County. It would let the Legislature authorize any municipality to create a toll road and bridge authority to build toll roads and bridges and to finance the projects with revenue bonds. Projects under discussion in Baldwin County include a new extension of the Beach Express from Interstate 10 to Interstate 65 as well as a new bridge off Pleasure Island into the south part of the county.

The whole state gets to decide on this one.

AMENDMENT 13

Under current law, people who have reached a certain age are not allowed to run for or be appointed to certain public offices. If passed, Amendment 13 would abolish that restriction while also preventing the Legislature from passing any future law imposing a maximum age restriction for any public official.

The bill that initiated the referendum on Amendment 13 was sponsored by local Rep. Victor Gaston (R-Mobile), and its draft included state judicial officials among those who would no longer be subject to maximum age restrictions. However, changes in the Senate version of the bill added an exception for judicial officers, meaning that judges in Alabama will remain unable to seek re-election after reaching the age of 70 regardless of the vote on Amendment 13.

AMENDMENT 14

Many state officials have suggested Amendment 14 might be the most important ballot measure voters are asked to decide on Nov. 8. The decision could affect more than 600 existing laws throughout the state that have already been adopted, including several local acts that affect Mobile and Baldwin counties.

In 1984, the Alabama Legislature passed Amendment 448, which required state lawmakers to consider bills related to the state’s budgets before considering any other bills. However, according to Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile), the provision “never did what it was intended to do” because lawmakers have routinely used a provision of that law to pass Budget Isolation Resolutions (BIR) in order to take up bills out of order.

While Amendment 448 allows legislators to do this, BIRs also require approval from at least 60 percent of the legislators present in the chambers at the time they are considered. However, the House of Representatives has for years passed BIRs that were only approved by 60 percent of legislators voting on the particular issue.

That has specifically caused problems with local bills because, typically, only the legislators representing the affected portion of the state vote on those issues — leaving hundreds of local laws subject to to possible legal challenges due to the procedure used to pass them.

One law passed with a BIR was already invalidated in December 2015 after a Jefferson County judge ruled the Legislature had not properly enacted it. That created the need to legitimize hundreds of laws that have been passed in a similar manner since 1984. Those laws include more than 40 local acts affecting Mobile County and its cities — including the Zogby Act, which in 1985 established the form of government the city of Mobile still uses today.

“This is a quintessential example of, ‘Be careful when you ask for reform, because you might not like what you end up with 20 years later,’” Pringle told Lagniappe. “This is a case where one lawyer is spitefully creating a situation that could be disastrous for the entire state.”

A “yes” vote on Amendment 14 would retroactively approve all BIRs passed between 1984 and Nov. 8, 2016 — provided those bills conformed to rules of the House or Senate that were in place at the time they were adopted.

Local officials statewide have encouraged voters to support Amendment 14, and Mobile County is no exception. Members of the County Commission released a statement last week claiming that if Amendment 14 is defeated, several laws that support “vital public institutions like our school systems, volunteer firefighters, community hospitals and charities would be at risk.”

MOBILE COUNTY LOCAL AMENDMENTS Mobile County voters will only have to tackle one local amendment, and it’s a familiar one — the county’s Pay As You Go construction program, which finances millions of dollars of local infrastructure improvements annually.

To do this, the county uses property tax revenues set up by a special highway tax to purchase bonds and then immediately sell them back to generate revenue for a number of road and bridge projects.

This year voters will be asked to authorize the Mobile County Commission to issue bonds up to a limit of $48 million — money that is then kept in a fixed-interest account paying a set rate of 12 percent.

The PAYG program does not raise taxes and generates interest for the county from the accounts that hold the bond proceeds.

A full list of the projects this year’s bond revenues will fund is available at mobilecounty.gov.

BALDWIN COUNTY LOCAL AMENDMENTS LOCAL AMENDMENT 1

This measure affects only Bay Minette. It would allow the mayor of Bay Minette to appoint up to two more members to the Municipal Planning Commission, who must live in the police jurisdiction. Rep. Steve McMillan (R-Gulf Shores) said the goal is to give residents of the police jurisdiction representation on the commission.

LOCAL AMENDMENT 2

Amendment 2 would allow Baldwin County mayors to participate in the state Employees’ Retirement System. McMillan said the intent is to give the same opportunity to all mayors with no special treatment. Currently, he said, some mayors have the option to participate and some do not.

LOCAL AMENDMENT 3

This amendment sounds a lot like statewide Amendment 12, except that the Legislature could authorize the Baldwin County Commission — rather than only municipalities — to create a toll road and bridge authority. It could come into play if the Beach Express extension does go forward, McMillan said. Since only Baldwin County voters have a say, this one could succeed even if the statewide version does not.

LOCAL AMENDMENT 4

For proponents of home rule and constitutional reform, this is another example of why the number of constitutional amendments could break 900 on Nov. 8. The issue is whether golf carts can be operated on public streets in municipalities in Baldwin County, and the locals can’t decide for themselves unless this passes.

McMillan said the issue of golf carts on the streets has been discussed for years. Tickets have been issued to errant golf cart drivers, and the legislative delegation has tried several times to get this amendment on the statewide ballot. An attorney general’s opinion requested by Brewton in 2008 concluded that a golf cart did not meet the legal definition of a vehicle that could operate on a public road.

The local movement started in Magnolia Springs when gas prices were at their highest and residents wanted to save money by puttering around in their golf carts, McMillan said. Support has also come from residents of the Craft Farms development in Gulf Shores and from Silverhill.

“I don’t know of any opposition, frankly,” he said.

If Baldwin voters approve, each municipality could decide whether to authorize golf carts on their streets. McMillan said they would remain illegal on county roads and state highways.

LOCAL AMENDMENT 5

Baldwin County judges who are appointed to vacant circuit or district judgeships would not face election almost immediately, as can happen now, McMillan said. Instead, they would face voters at the first election scheduled six months after taking office. For example, under current law a judge could be appointed to fill a vacancy in December, then have to run for election in a March primary.

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Blue dots, red state

BALDWIN COUNTY DEMOCRATS LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER

BY JANE NICHOLES/REPORTER

T

he www.baldwincountydemocrats.org website advises those who want yard signs to place them as close to the house as possible — or even inside in a front window — to lessen the chances they will be stolen.

Politically active Democrats say they are working in Pensacola for Hillary Clinton because Florida is a swing state and volunteering there is a better use of their time than in Alabama. The Eastern Shore Democrats didn’t even open an office for this presidential election.

Democrats in Baldwin County may feel lonely in one of the reddest counties of one of the reddest states in the Union, but they have a couple of support groups. Calling themselves the Blue Dots, groups in South Baldwin and on the Eastern Shore meet, eat, socialize, have parties and sometimes work on presidential campaigns.

“We just assume everybody in Baldwin County is a Republican, and that isn’t true,” said Helen Clark, leader of the Blue Dots from Foley, Magnolia Springs, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Elberta and Lillian. “There were 19,000 votes for Obama in 2008 and 17,000 votes for Obama in 2012,” she noted, or roughly 20 percent of the county’s turnout.

The Blue Dots style themselves as “a bright blue dot in a really red state,” Clark said. Blue Dot stickers and other political paraphernalia can be found on a Birminghambased website (www.britebluedot.com). Some 300 people are on Clark’s email list. They get together for breakfast, lunch, dinner and house parties.

“When there’s an election coming up we get information out,” Clark said. “Any time there’s a big election, we

24 | L AG N I A P P E |

work real hard in Florida.” The goal, she said, is “reaching out and finding other Democrats and getting them to come out of the woods.”

Carol Stickney is one of the founders of the Eastern Shore Blue Dots, organized in 2008. Stickney had an Obama bumper sticker on her vehicle that year.

“Women would come up to me and whisper, ‘I’m for him, too,’” Stickney recalled. She thought it would be fun to send out a few emails and see if any Obama supporters were interested in getting together at what was then the Fly Creek Café.

“They asked, ‘How many people do you think are coming?’ And I said, ‘I sent it out to eight. Maybe 25 or

BOTH OBAMA ELECTIONS, WE ALSO VOLUNTEERED IN FLORIDA. IT JUST SEEMS MORE PRODUCTIVE TO SPEND OUR ENERGY IN A STATE WHERE WE’RE NOT SUCH A MINORITY.” something.’ About 150 people came.”

The Eastern Shore Blue Dots are more of a social group than the more politically active South Baldwin Blue Dots.

Those who want to be more active are referred to Clark or Elliott Lauderdale, president of the Eastern Shore Democrats and also a Blue Dot.

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

Monthly dinner attendance at a Daphne restaurant varies widely. The Eastern Shore Blue Dots prefer not to seek publicity and don’t recruit much. This summer, attendance dropped to seven or eight, Stickney said.

“I was even thinking of just closing the whole thing down. And then people got fired up with the crazy campaign and needed to vent.”

Recent meetings have seen 25 to 50 people in attendance. “Last month it was packed. There was no sitting room back there,” Stickney said.

Lauderdale, who describes himself as “out” as a Democrat, wears his “Nasty Woman” pin at a local coffee shop. He says the Eastern Shore Democrats are a local party organization, not a social group.

In Baldwin County, some elections have no Democrats on the ballot, forcing those who identify with the party to either vote Republican or not vote at all.

Lauderdale said his group tries to identify the Democrats and then focus on getting them out to vote. But in the 2016 campaign between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Lauderdale has spent more time organizing carpools to campaign in Escambia County, Florida.

“In previous elections we’ve had offices, but this time they decided it’s not worth the expense to have an office,” Lauderdale said. “Both Obama elections, we also volunteered in Florida. It just seems more productive to spend our energy in a state where we’re not such a minority.”

Despite the volatile campaign this year, the locals said Baldwin County hasn’t been as antagonistic as it could have been.

“I’ve heard at least 15 people say their yard signs have been taken down, cut in half. I think there is some anger,” Lauderdale said. “But in general I think people were prouder of the previous candidate for president. They were prouder of Romney, and put more Romney signs out. There are fewer Trump signs.”

Clark said a man walking his dog shouted at her group when they set up a table with Clinton paraphernalia at a park in Foley on a recent weekend. But he didn’t come up to try to talk to them.

“There is a little anger. I have bumper stickers. We have them all over our cars,” she said. “Nobody ever says anything. But then, I’m down in Orange Beach and it’s a little different down here. If you get out in the rural areas, there are more signs getting stolen and ripped up.”

On election night, the Democrats are planning relatively unpublicized watch parties. “It’s really been fun,” Stickney said of her involvement with the Blue Dots. “I’ve been a liberal in Alabama all my life. I’ve seen a lot of crazy stuff over the years.”

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ART ARTIFICE

Mobile Chamber Music furthers its world-class tradition

BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR/KLEE@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

M

aybe nothing means as much in Mobile as tradition. The older the better, the sentiment goes, which would make Mobile Chamber Music one of the best things on Mobile’s arts scene.

Formed in 1960, Mobile Chamber Music’s longevity is surpassed only by Mobile Opera, with its 15 years of seniority, and the Mobile Arts Council, with a head start of less than 10 years. That makes MCM longer in the tooth than the Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile Ballet or Mobile Symphony Orchestra.

Birthed by Anthony Fisher and former Mobile Public Library Director Guenter Jansen, the group first staged concerts at Bernheim Hall in the library’s Government Street main branch. While they initially employed faculty ensembles from nearby colleges, they’ve grown notably.

These days, their shows unfold in the pitch-perfect concert hall of the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on the University of South Alabama campus. The annual schedule boasts world-class musicians from around the globe who create startling beauty and poignant experiences.

That track record continues Sunday, Nov. 6, at 3 p.m. when New Orford String Quartet takes the stage in West Mobile. The Canadian ensemble carries something of a tradition itself.

Almost as old as its local host organization, the original Orford String Quartet logged its first concert in 1965 and continued as one of Canada’s best-known string quartets.

Then — 26 years, 2,000 concerts and six continents later — the original ensemble disbanded.

Fast forward to 2009 when a new foursome of principal players from the Montreal and Toronto symphony orchestras renewed the combo. Committed to renewing

Downtown street fest on Nov. 6

the Orford legacy, the quartet stepped beyond the standard repertoire.

As a result, it draws from a well 225 years deep, from Haydn and Beethoven to Sir Ernest MacMillan and Denis Gougeon. The quartet is committed to including 20th century or newer work, preferably of Canadian origin.

For instance, the Mobile show includes Beethoven’s Quartet in E flat major and Debussy’s Quartet in G minor and also includes Uriel Vanchestein’s Les Veuves (“The Widows”), which was written for New Orford in 2016.

The ensemble’s members boast their own individual accolades. Violinist Jonathan Crow, while serving as concertmaster for both Toronto and Montreal symphony orchestras, became the youngest concertmaster for any major North American orchestra. Crow has taught violin at McGill University since 2005.

Violinist Andrew Wan was likewise a young concertmaster for Montreal Symphony Orchestra and has appeared as soloist with numerous major orchestras in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and the Kennedy Center. In 2008 he was the only violinist accepted into Juilliard’s prestigious Artist Diploma Program and is currently on the faculty of McGill.

Violist Eric Nowlin first snagged a major prize at a 2001 Juilliard competition and continued doing so around the continent. He has since played with symphony orchestras globally, has a slew of television performances in major markets and a regular chamber gig in New York City, in addition to a position as associate principal viola with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Cellist Brian Manker has been a principal of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra since 1999 and enjoyed

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Learning Lunch looks at first residents

The New Orford String Quartet will perform Sunday, Nov. 6, at 3 p.m. at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. performances with Canadian and American chamber groups. A participant in festivals at Norfolk, Blossom, Chamber Music East, Roundtop, Swannanoa, the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival and at the Canton International Summer Music Academy in China, he too has a wealth of media appearances to his credit. Also a McGill faculty member, Manker has taught at West Texas State and Emory Universities to boot.

The sum of these impressive parts is “stupefying.” The quartet gives annual concerts on national CBC broadcasts and won two Opus Awards for Concert of the Year.

The Montreal Gazette described one performance as “sweet, balanced and technically unassailable.” Their concert recordings of the last few years have been called “stunning” by the Audio Video Club of Atlanta, “flawless” by Classical Musical Sentinel and “nothing short of electrifying” by the Toronto Star.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students. Season tickets are available at mobilechambermusic.org. Some tickets will be available at the door the day of the concert.

Considering Mobile’s lofty tradition with Canadian imports — Bienville and d’Iberville — these new visitors have big shoes to fill. Luckily for us, they just might have the pedigree to do so.

Mobile’s location has many natural advantages that were apparent to people long before the first Europeans floated up the bay. The long growing seasons and abundant wildlife lured newcomers for millennia, and evidence of them is here if we know where to look.

Director of the University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum Dr. Phillip J. Carr will be the speaker for the History Museum of Mobile’s Learning Lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at noon. Carr will talk about the state’s first residents and the wealth of archaeological sites in the Mobile Bay area.

Learning Lunches are free presentations on a wide range of historical and cultural topics. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages.

For more information contact Curator of Education Jennifer Fondren at 251-208-7510 or fondrenj@historymuseumofmobile.com.

November 3, 2016 - November 10, 2016

Nudes in November changes location

Innova Arts (505 St. Louis St.) has picked up a standard formerly held by Blue Velvet Studio and made itself home for the seventh incarnation of the Nudes in November exhibit. The show dedicated to one of the oldest art subjects in history — the bare human form — has traditionally encompassed varied media, like sketches, paintings, photography, sculpture, wood carvings, papier mache, chalk, ink, mixed media and even live models.

This year’s event will peak during the Nov. 11 LoDa Artwalk and includes among its roster Shawn Berdux, Judith Boswell, Joanne Brandt, Holly Carrigan, DeAnna Cobb, Hunter Cobb, Melissa Diegan, Ian Glass, Denise Inge, Lori JacobusCrawford, Karli Kimmons, Linda Ledet, Ainsley McNeely, Trey Oliver, Michael Touchet, David Trimmier, Adam Underwood and Devlin Wilson.

For more information call 251-510-0659.

ARTSGALLERY

Last year’s Streets Alive celebration has changed its moniker but remains the same celebration intended to bring activity to Mobile’s oldest sector. Now named Downtown Alive, the event chock full of activities is set for Sunday, Nov. 6, 2-6 p.m.

Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que will have a rock-climbing wall to go with the surfeit of things at various locations. There will be a dog competition for this pup-friendly happening, vendors, aerial acrobats, the University of South Alabama cheerleaders, the Azalea Trail Maids, fitness classes, Disney princesses, pop musicians and more, scattered across downtown. Read more in this week’s Calendar of Events.

For more information contact Lindsay Grandquest at 251753-9228 or email lindsayg@bhggo.com.

Alain Lefort / neworford.com

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MUSIC

FEATURE

Photo | Justin Nolan Key

OYSTER COOK-OFF & CRAFT BEER WEEKEND FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, NOV. 4-5 THE HANGOUT, 101 E. BEACH BLVD., WWW.HANGOUTCOOKOFF.COM TICKETS: $10 FOR COOK-OFF / $40 FOR CRAFT BEER FEST / VIP AVAILABLE; FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.HANGOUTCOOKOFF.COM Chase Bryant, the 24-year-

Chase Bryant headlines Hangout Oyster Cook-Off

A

old pop country crooner, plans to release his first full-length album early next year.

BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR/SCENTANNI@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

ccording to regional belief, months containing the letter “r” are optimal for enjoying oysters. But the truth is, you can eat them anytime.

Typically, however, oysters are purest in late fall, after they’ve spawned. In celebration of this yearly event, The Hangout established its Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Weekend in early November.

This part celebration, part competition is dedicated to the area’s favorite bivalve and brings dozens of well-known chefs battling for oyster dish supremacy.

In true Hangout fashion, the Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Weekend will also feature a great lineup of live music. For the Friday craft beer fest, the crowd will imbibe stellar brews and enjoy the equally stellar sounds of the Wham Bam Bowie Band, which revives the music of David Bowie.

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Saturday’s Oyster Cook-Off will feature performances from Shelby Brown and Jamell Richardson, ending with a headlining set from pop country up-and-comer Chase Bryant.

Bryant is a mainstream country artist coming along at a strange time for the subgenre. While this facet of the country music world has been very successful, mainstream pop country has not been without its detractors, who range from critics to traditional country performers. Bryant is not ignorant of these reproaches. However, the 24-year-old guitarist/songwriter is also not deterred. In fact, he acknowledges his love affair with the guitar can sometimes throw a rock punch at his listeners.

“I think the guitar playing is definitely one key to it,” Bryant recently told Lagniappe. “My music has a little twist to it, because of the fact that I’m a guitar player. There’s a little more punch to it.

Other than that, I’d say lyrically that it’s honest.”

Bryant notes that country icons such as Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard were not considered “the most country guys of their era,” and said artists such as the Dixie Chicks, Chet Atkins and Vince Gill were also criticized for their “mainstream” sounds. Ultimately, Bryant views the current pop country sound as a natural progression.

“What keeps country music alive is the evolution of it,” he explained. “I think instead of beating up on everybody, the format should understand that this is what is keeping country alive. It’s what people want to hear. There’s 31 flavors of Baskin-Robbins ice cream; everybody likes a different flavor.”

As a member of a “family of musicians,” Bryant’s style began to take shape in his small hometown of Orange Grove, Texas. His first look into the world of country was provided by his grandfather Jimmy Bryant, who gained notice for his keyboard work with Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings and Ricochet. His grandfather’s influence soon entwined with Bryant’s love for the guitar, which began at an early age.

As he grew older, Bryant says, he discovered

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

music was his strength. Eventually the young country hopeful decided to follow in the tradition of a long line of country music predecessors and traded Texas for Nashville. Four years after releasing an album under his birth name, Chase Yaklin, he joined producer/multi-instrumentalist Derek George (Diamond Rio, Randy Houser) to pen tracks for his breakout release, “Take It On Back.”

As a fellow guitar player, Bryant saw George as a wise choice to act as guide for this album.

“The guy is a genius,” Bryant said. “I think he’s the most underrated guitar player of all time, and one of the best guitarists in that town. He’s not this

“When you write with a team, everybody’s got a story to tell,” Bryant said. “I’m 24 years old. I can’t tell you everything, and it took me a long time to figure that out. They’re people that I’ve learned from and respect, because they’ve been doing it for so many more years than I have. I learned to be creative from other people’s stories.”

Since its 2014 release, “Take It On Back” has legitimized Bryant’s initial strategy. A huge audience has fallen in love with rocking country anthems such as the EP’s title track, which has earned millions of views online and spent 15 weeks on the “CMT Hot 20 Countdown.”

I think instead of beating up on everybody, the format should understand that this is what is keeping country alive. It’s what people want to hear. There’s 31 flavors of Baskin-Robbins ice cream; everybody likes a different flavor. producer. He’s a best friend and a great songwriter.

He’s a multi-instrumentalist. He’s so damn talented that it’s sickening.”

Bryant decided to release “Take It On Back” as an EP for two reasons. First, he wanted to give the public a slow introduction to his mainstream country sound. He notes that country stars such as Jason Aldean and Blake Shelton can easily release a successful full-length album because both artists have a wide audience. As he prepared the songs for “Take It On Back,” Bryant thought his reputation would benefit from a five-song EP full of radiofriendly singles. He also believed, due to his age, compiling a team of songwriters would be more conducive to honing his own songwriting method.

This single has also gathered Bryant fans in both Canada and Australia. He has been lauded as one of country music’s most promising up-and-comers by the Huffington Post, Rolling Stone, USA Today and iHeartMedia. In addition to media attention, Bryant has used opening slots on tours with Tim McGraw and Brantley Gilbert to expand his acclaim.

Bryant is planning to make 2017 another step in his country saga. He’s been in the studio recording what will be a full-length album to be released early next year. Afterward, Bryant says, he’ll be touring heavily, and says his fans should anticipate some “big announcements” in the very near future.

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Ultimate Evanescence

BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR/SCENTANNI@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

I

n the early years of the new millennium, Evanescence emerged from the hills of Arkansas with a mainstream rock style that dominated the airwaves.

Over the years, the band has released four albums that embody a borderline metal sound and dramatic vocal work provided by lead singer Amy Lee. The band’s sophomore effort, “Fallen,” served

Photo | Facebook | Evanescence

EVANESCENCE, VERIDIA WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9, WITH DOORS AT 7 P.M. SAENGER THEATRE, 7 S. JOACHIM ST., WWW.MOBILESAENGER.COM TICKETS: $44.50 TO $64.50, AVAILABLE AT THE SAENGER BOX OFFICE AND THROUGH TICKETMASTER

as Evanescence’s breakout. Its hit singles “My Immortal” and “Bring Me to Life” helped sell almost 20 million copies of the album and establish a worldwide audience. After two more successful albums, Evanescence went on hiatus in 2014, but did not make its fans wait too long. After a year, the band returned to the stage, much to the excitement of its following.

Evanescence is currently generating excitement for the

Guitar heroes

BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR/SCENTANNI@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

upcoming release of “The Ultimate Collection” box set, which will include all of the band’s albums in vinyl format, including the rare debut album “Origin.” In addition to its full catalog, “The Ultimate Collection” will also feature “Lost Whispers,” an LP comprising rarities and B-sides.

Evanescence completes the box set with a hardcover book that will include lyrics and band artwork.

Take it easy

I

BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR/SCENTANNI@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

Photo | therecordcompany.net | The Record Company

P Casino & Resort is giving the Gulf Coast another dose of ‘70s rock ‘n’ roll.

Foghat will be the first to take the stage. In 1972, this British outfit exploded on the scene with its first hit single, “I Just Want to Make Love to You.” Its crunchy rock cover of this classic blues tune from Willie Dixon rolled across the radio waves and into the ears of a multitude of new fans. Three years later, Foghat took their fans on a “Slow Ride.” As if this song was not enough of a rock anthem, the band included an extended jam that slowly rose to climax.

Foreigner was another band that established itself in the ‘70s. The band dominated the late ‘70s rock scene with a number of timeless hits that included “Feels Like the First Time,” “Hot Blooded,” “Urgent,” “Cold as Ice” and many more. Foreigner then resurged in the mid-‘80s with “I Want to Know What Love Is.” All the while, Lou Gramm served as the group’s voice. These days Gramm performs solo. However, his set at the IP should provide an excellent flashback to the glory days of Foreigner.

BAND: THE RECORD COMPANY, MARCUS KING BAND • DATE: MONDAY, NOV. 7, WITH DOORS AT 7 P.M. • VENUE: SOUL KITCHEN, 219 DAUPHIN ST., WWW.SOULKITCHENMOBILE.COM • TICKETS: $15 ADVANCE / $20 DAY OF SHOW, AVAILABLE AT SOUL KITCHEN, ITS WEBSITE, MELLOW MUSHROOM (BOTH LOCATIONS) OR BY CALLING 1-866-468-7630

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Photo | fanart.tv | Lou Gramm

N

ext week LoDa will fill with modern blues rock at its finest, thanks to Soul Kitchen.

Marcus King Band has become Mobile’s latest obsession. With his guitar in hand, the band’s 20-year-old namesake is known for furious work on the fretboard mesmerizing his audience and fellow guitarists alike. King and his band will be entertaining the audience with tracks from its self-titled sophomore effort. While this album shines in many ways, King is truly a master of the intricate, eclectic jazz rhythms that made legends of Duane Allman and Warren Haynes.

Since catching the band’s Gulf Coast debut at Hangout Fest 2016, locals have eagerly anticipated the return of The Record Company. The band’s Morphine-esque single “Off the Ground” has proven popular on 92ZEW. However, this track shows only one aspect of the band. The Record Company wears many musical faces, as proven by its follow-up single “Rita Mae Young.” While each track on the major-label debut “Give It Back to You” is unique, blues rock provides this album’s cohesion.

BAND: LOU GRAMM, FOGHAT • DATE: FRIDAY, NOV. 4, AT 8 P.M. VENUE: IP CASINO & RESORT, 850 BAYVIEW AVE. (BILOXI), WWW.IPBILOXI.COM TICKETS: $39 TO $54, AVAILABLE THROUGH TICKETMASTER

AREAMUSIC LISTINGS | November 3 - November 9

THUR. NOV 3

Bluegill— Grits N Pieces Blues Tavern— Al McNab Trio, 8:30p Brickyard— Red Field Trio Callaghan’s— Phil Proctor Felix’s— Jeri Flora Bama— CW Colt, Ottar Johnson, Bjoern Nilsen, 6p// John Joiner, Jimmy Parker, Gove Scivenor, 6p/// Dave Nelson, Bernie Nelson, Sam Tate, 7p//// Nick Branch,Ted Handley, Darrel Roberts, 7p//// Dave & Julie Carson, Greg Crowe, 8p//// Michael Peterson,Tony Stampley, Billy Yates, 8p//// Hurricane Warning, 8:30p//// Dave Gibson, Berine Nelson, Sam Tate, Jerry Vandiver, 9p//// The Lewis Hill Project, 10:30p//// Jay Brown, Jim Femino, Mike Loudermilk, 10:45p//// Mark Sherrill, John Joiner, Chris Newbury, Mel Knapp, 11:30p//// Hits & Grins, 12a Listening Room— Infant Richard and the Delta Stones Lulu’s— Adam Holt, 5p McSharry’s— Seamus & de Shim Shams Veets— Al and Cathy, 8p Wind Creek Casino— Derryl Perry

FRI. NOV 4

All Sports Bar & Billiards— DJ Markie Mark, 10p Beau Rivage— Patti Labelle, 8p Bluegill— Shea White, 12p// Jeri, 6p Blues Tavern— Ric McNaughton Band, 9p Brickyard— Stolen Faces Cockeyed Charlie’s— 3HG, 10p Felix’s— Grits N Pieces Flora Bama— Frank Martin, Gilligan, Jimmy Payne, Brent Burns, 6p// Jim Femino, Mike Loudermilk,Tony Stampley, 6p//// Chris Canterbury, Brian Carper, Rob Snyder, Channing Wilson, 7p//// Wil Nance, Jerry Vandiver, Steve Williams, 7p//// Henio Moeller, Darrel Roberts, Scott Southworth, 8p//// Marc-Alan Barnette, Jimbeau Hinson, 8p//// Hung Jury, 8:30p//// Applegate & Nance, Derek Norsworthy, 9p//// Barbara Cloyd, David Norris, Bridgette Tatum, 9:45p//// Christina Christian, Doug Forshey, Brigette London, 10p//// Brittany Grimes, Ken Johnson,Andi ZackJohnson, 10:45p//// Smokin’ Elvis, 11p//// The Lewis Hill Project, Dave McCormick, 11:45p Hard Rock (Center Bar) — Tomplay, 9p Hard Rock (Live) — Rick Springfield, 8p IP Casino— Lou Gramm and Foghat, 8p Listening Room— The Kit Thorn BAnd Lulu’s— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, 5p Main Street Cigar Lounge— Express, 8p Manci’s— Paw Paw’s Medicine Cabinet McSharry’s— DJ Tiger, 10p The Merry Widow— Chrome Pony and Ron Gallo, 10p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne) —

Blue Yonder, 8p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile) — Andrew Ayers, 6:30p O’Daly’s— Gene Murrell,Tony Edwards and David White, 10p Top of the Bay— Loxley Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Wind Creek Casino— Troy Laz Band

SAT. NOV 5

Bluegill— Bobby Butchka, 12p// Brandon White, 6p Blues Tavern— Soul River Levy, 9p Brickyard— Tyler Mac Band Cockeyed Charlie’s— Jordan Bramblett Cowboys & Angels— Travis Clark, 9p Crooked Martini— Infant Richard and the Delta Stones, 9p Felix’s— Matt Neese Duo Flora Bama— Curly Corwin, Michael Smotherman, Ricky Whitley, 6p// Mike Aiken,Tim Buppert, Mark Sherrill, 6p/// Doug Gill, Lynn Langham,Alan Rhody, 7p//// Johnny Barbato, Smokey Joee Peoples, Susan Swanson, 7p//// Chris Canterbury, Brian Carper, Rob Snyder. Channing Wilson, 8p//// CW Colt, Brittany Grimes, Roy Hale, 8p//// Newbury Syndicate, 8:30p//// Lanee Carpentar, Erin Enderlin, Bridgette Tatum, 9p//// Bruce Channel, Sonny Thockmorton, Rafe VanHoy, Mac Walter, 9:15p//// MoonDawg Hall, David Norris, Bo Porter, 10p//// Don Henry, John Northrup, Debby Thockmorton, 10:30p/// Jason Justice,AMrk Sherrill, Jackson Capps, 11p//// Smokin’ Elvis, 11p//// Jon Cook, Earl Montgomery,T-Bone Montgomery, 11:30p//// Smokin’ Elvis, 12a//// Rusty Buddle, Nick Branch, Doug Forshey,Ted Handley, 12:20p Hard Rock (Center Bar) — Tomplay, 9p Listening Room— Lauren Murphy and Molly Thomas Lulu’s— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, 5p McSharry’s— DJ Carter, 10p The Merry Widow— Banditos, 9p Pirates Cove— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival Top of the Bay— Framing The Red Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Wind Creek Casino— Troy Laz Band

SUN. NOV 6

Bluegill— Jeff Johnson, 12p// Ben Leinger & Friends, 6p Blues Tavern— DAVE Fest, 6p Callaghan’s— High Divers Cowboys & Angels— Connie Moore Benfit Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Flora Bama— Tribute Night, 3p// Curly Corwin, Bobby Keel, Bo Roberts, 6p//// Peewee Moore, 6p//// Bruce Channel, Sonny Throckmorton, Rafe VanHoy, Mac Walter, 7p//// Don Goodman, Bob Regan, Mark Sherrill, 7p//// Ed Beaver,Thom Bresh, Mike Loudermilk, 8p//// Lance Carpenter, Erin Enderin, Riley Vielding, 9p//// Cass hunter,

Chris Newbury, Jon Mark Stone, 9:30p//// Tony Brook, MoonDawg Hall, Kyle Wilson, 10p//// Ted Jones, Smokey Joe Peoples, Gove Scrivenor, David Wiseman, 10:45p//// Kyle Wilson Duo, 11:45p Frog Pond— Grayson Capps, Colin Linden, Sugarcane Jane, Colin Lake, Corky Hughes, 3p Lulu’s— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, 5p Manci’s— Maggie Koerner McSharry’s— Trad. Irish Music, 6:30p Pirates Cove— Neil Dover, 3:30p Veets— Jon Cowart, 8p

MON. NOV 7

Felix’s— Bryant Gilley Flora Bama— Cathy Pace, 5p// Southern Sugar, Rick Whitley, 6p/// Melissa Brethauer, Jan Buckinham, Nikki Talley, 7p//// Jon Cook, Darrel Roberts, Larry T.Wilson, 8p//// Moondawg Hall, Melissa Joiner, Kyle Wilson, 9:30p//// Neil Dover, Sean Casaway, 10:30p//// Zachery Thomas Diedrich, Kelley McKee, 11:30p Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 5p Soul Kitchen— The Record Company, The Marcus King Band, 8p

TUE. NOV 8

Alchemy— This Election Sucks Party, 9p Bluegill— Quintin Berry Blues Tavern— Dr. Bob Butch Cassidy’s— Jimmy Lee Hannaford Cockeyed Charlie’s— Jordan Bramblett Fairhope Brewing— Green Drinks Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Flora Bama— T-Bone Montgomery, 5p// Rusty Budde, Bo Porter, Gerald Smith, 6p/// Johnnt Barbato,Tony Brook, J. Hawkins, 7p//// Brent Burns, Matt Hoggatt, Bill Whyte, 8p//// Taylor Craven, Double Dee, 9:15p//// Jeff Dyton,Trevor Finley, Chris McCune, 10:30p//// Logan Spicer, 11:30p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile) — Nick Duhe, 6p

WED. NOV 9

Bluegill— Ross Newell Blues Tavern— John Fleming Duo, 8p Callaghan’s— Phil and Foster Felix’s— Jimmy Lumpkin Flora Bama— Austin Church, Beth McKee, Joe Sun, 6p// Ken Gaines, Mickey Springston, Karen E. Reynolds, 6p//// Roy Hale, Ronny McKinnley, Jim Vest, 7p//// Tony Brook, Jay Brown, Sam Morgan, 7p//// Ottar Johnansen, Bjoern Nilson, 8p//// Trevor Finlay, Dallas Moore, Nikki Talley, 8p//// Sean Casaway, Mickey Springston, 9p//// Blue Mother Tupelo, 9:30p//// Runaway Home, 10p//// Davis Nix Duo, 11p// Jason Justice Trio, 11p Lulu’s— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, 5p Nolans— Neil Dover, 8:30p Saenger— Evanescence N o v e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 6 - N o v e m b e r 9 , 2 0 1 6 | L AG N I A P P E | 31

FILMTHE REEL WORLD Fairhope Film Festival again highlights ‘Best of the Best’

T

BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC/AFREY@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

AREA THEATERS CARMIKE CINEMA’S Wynnsong 16 785 Schillinger Rd. S. (251) 639-7373

he Fairhope Film Festival continues its winning “Best of the Best” strategy with a lineup that ranges from must-see documentaries like “Weiner” to the feature films making a splash everywhere, such as “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” to an exclusive collection of “Southern Shorts.” Nov. 10-13, Fairhope will be the place to see brilliant, entertaining and award-winning films culled by the selection committee from some of the world’s best film festivals.

One such film of particular local interest is “Big Charity: The Death of America’s Oldest Hospital” (Friday, Nov. 11, noon, Library Venue), a riveting look into New Orleans’ Charity Hospital — from its beginning to its closing. Exclusive interviews offer valuable insight into the enormous public institution known today as Big Charity. As an irreplaceable health institution, its closing after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 continues to have devastating consequences for the locals.

Conversely, many crowd-pleasing comedy films are slated, including the adaptation of the beloved bestselling novel “A Man Called Ove” (Friday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m., Faulkner), a dramedy about a curmudgeon who has a change of heart.

“The Architect” stars Parker Posey and Eric McCormack as a couple who fool-

CRESCENT THEATER 208 Dauphin Street (251) 438-2005 HOLLYWOOD STADIUM 18 1250 Satchel Paige Dr. (251) 473-9655 RAVE MOTION PICTURE JUBILEE SQUARE 12 6898 U.S. 90 Daphne, (251) 626- 6266

ishly hire an uncompromising, modernist architect to design their dream house (Saturday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m., USA Baldwin County Performance Center).

Other intriguing titles include “Always Shine,” (Friday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m., Library), in which two actresses embark on a road trip to Big Sur. They hope to re-establish a bond broken by years of competition and damaged friendship, but jealousy opens old wounds. This twisted thriller is reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s films. Juliette Binoche stars in the French religious drama “The Wait” (Sunday, Nov. 13, 12:30 p.m., Faulkner), while a cast of stars including Jeremy Irons, Dev Patel, Toby Jones and Stephen Fry tell the story of a pioneering Indian mathematician and his mentor in “The Man Who Knew Infinity” (Friday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m., Library).

If you were intrigued by last week’s Lagniappe cover story on cancer clusters in Baldwin County, you can see the documentary as part of the “Southern Shorts” screening (Saturday, Nov. 12, 2 p.m., USA/BC) along with short films both serious and hilarious, all linked to the South in some way.

This festival is not only a great way to see an incredible variety of films, it’s a bargain. A four-pack of tickets is

only $40, while an eight-pack costs $75.

In addition to films, the Fairhope Film Festival hosts other events, such as the Opening Night Party, a Red Carpet party and a variety of panels and discussions.

There are several venues for this event, all within walking distance of one another: The Book Cellar Page & Palette, 32 S. Section St.; Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St. (corner of Section Street); Fairhope Film Festival Office, 122 Fairhope Ave., Suite #3 (entrance on Summit Street); Fairhope Public Library, Giddens Center, 501 Fairhope Ave. (corner of Bancroft Street); Faulkner State College, Centennial Hall, 450 Fairhope Ave. (corner of School Street); Regions Bank Parking Lot, 55 N. Section St. (corner of Magnolia Street); University of South Alabama Baldwin County Performance Center, 111 St. James Ave. (corner of Summit Street).

You really must peruse the full list of films at www.fairhopefilmfestival.org and start planning your weekend around the festival’s schedule. You can also order your tickets online; at the Festival Box Office, located inside the Fairhope Welcome Center at 20 N. Section St.; or in person before a screening if seats are still available. For more information call 251-990-7957 or 251-929-4626.

CARMIKE CINEMAS 23151 Wharf Ln. Orange Beach (251) 981-4444 COBB THEATRES PINNACLE 14 3780 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf Shores (251) 968-7444 EASTERN SHORE PREMIERE CINEMA 14 30500 Alabama 181 #500 Spanish Fort, Al (251) 626-0352 Information accurate at press time; please call theaters for showtimes.

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Photos | Oscilloscope / Marvel Studios / Lionsgate

From left: “Always Shine,” one of the many features of the upcoming Fairhope Film Festival, is a twisted thriller reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock. Benedict Cumberbatch as “Doctor Strange.”

NEW IN THEATERS DOCTOR STRANGE

Dr. Stephen Strange’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) life changes after a car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he looks for healing, and hope, in a mysterious enclave. Strange is soon forced to choose between his life of fortune and status or leaving it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.

All listed multiplex theaters.

TROLLS

Poppy (Anna Kendrick), the op-

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

timistic leader of the trolls, and NOW PLAYING Branch (Justin Timberlake), her BOO: A MEDEA HALLOWEEN polar opposite, embark on an All listed multiplex theaters. adventure that takes them far INFERNO beyond the only world they’ve All listed multiplex theaters. ever known. All listed multiplex THE DRESSMAKER Crescent Theater theaters.

JACK REACHER All listed multiplex theaters.

HACKSAW RIDGE KEEPING UP WITH THE The true story of Pfc. Desmond JONESES T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), who All listed multiplex theaters.

OUIJA: THE ORIGIN OF EVIL won the Congressional Medal All listed multiplex theaters. of Honor despite refusing to MAX STEEL bear arms during World War II All listed multiplex theaters. on religious grounds after he THE ACCOUNTANT risked his life — without firing All listed multiplex theaters. a shot — to save 75 men in KEVIN HART: WHAT NOW? All listed multiplex theaters. the Battle of Okinawa. Eastern THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN Shore Premiere Cinema

All listed multiplex theaters.

THE BIRTH OF A NATION Carmike Wynnsong 16, Regal Mobile Stadium 18 MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE All listed multiplex theaters.

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN Carmike Wynnsong 16, Carmike Wharf, Carmike Jubilee Square 12, Eastern Shore Premiere Cinema DEEPWATER HORIZON All listed multiplex theaters.

STORKS All listed multiplex theaters.

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN All listed multiplex theaters.

SULLY Eastern Shore Premiere Cinema, Carmike Wharf

N o v e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 6 - N o v e m b e r 9 , 2 0 1 6 | L AG N I A P P E | 33

CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOVEMBER 3, 2016 - NOVEMBER 9, 2016

DOWNTOWN COMES ALIVE ON NOV. 6

By Stephanie May

The Downtown Alive event committee has spent the past few months preparing and thinking outside of the box to come up with a unique event which will promote business while creating a unique atmosphere for all ages. Originally Mobile Streets Alive, Downtown Alive was given a new name and on Nov. 6 will demonstrate a fresh perspective of what it means to “support local.”

Think of it as a street party with a rock-climbing wall sponsored by Moe’s Original BBQ, plenty of vendors lining the streets, live music, a pop-up dog park in Cathedral Square, pet adoptions, fitness classes, USA cheerleaders, face painting and a lot more.

There will be unique vendors, such as Bombistry Bath Bombs offering a variety of scented and therapeutic handmade bath bombs, Redbird Design Co. offering handmade rustic accents and crafted furnishings, Art Girls featuring two local Mobilians who create handmade art work through personal inspiration, and many other inspiring vendors with creative gift ideas for the holiday season.

The musical lineup will be a mixture of folk, indie rock and jazzy tunes from local artists lining Dauphin Street. As you get closer to Cathedral

GENERAL INTEREST Greater Gulf State Fair The Grounds hosts the 62nd annual Greater Gulf State Fair Oct. 28 through Nov. 6, featuring 30 adult rides, 30 kids’ rides and more than 40 food and beverage vendors. For more information call 251-344-4573 or visit thegroundsmobile.com.

Schooner America visit The Schooner America, a replica of the racing yacht that won the first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851, will be visiting GulfQuest Nov. 4-8. For information or tickets visit bit.ly/ SchoonerAmericaGulfQuest.

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Square you’ll begin to hear barks and see wagging tails at Mobile’s first Pop-Up Dog Park. Bella and Bow’s Pet Market and Dog Wash is sponsoring the park, which will include dog games, agility obstacle courses and pet-specific vendors.

A nationally and locally recognized real estate brokerage, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, will also have a booth set up offering sunglasses to attendees and their famous green popcorn for the kids. Once Upon A Time Parties will be there with princesses from every girl’s favorite fairytales available for photos. Another

The Hangout Oyster Cook-Off Join The Hangout for a weekend full of oysters, music and beer Nov. 4-5. Visit the thehangoutcookoff.com for a full schedule and for tickets.

Alabama Pecan Festival Nov. 4-6 is the Alabama Pecan Festival at 5055 Carol Plantation Road in Theodore. Admission is free and there is plenty of fun for the whole family. For more information call 251-401-5555 or visit alabamapecanfestival.com.

Magnolia Cemetery tours Magnolia Cemetery will host three free tours the first three Saturdays in November, each focusing on

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

a different theme. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and last approximately two hours. Reservations are recommended. Call 251-208-7307 or 251-432-8672.

Barre3 Mobile in Bellingrath Bellingrath Gardens and Home is collaborating with barre3 Mobile to present a fall workout series in the gardens on the first three Saturdays of November, 10-11 a.m. For details call 251973-2217 or visit bellingrath.org.

Fall festival The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd (605 Donald St.) invites you to attend its annual fall festival, Saturday, Nov. 5, 11

fun addition is Fitbody Bootcamp, where you can catch a free class at 2 p.m. and 2:40 p.m.

With the cooler temps sticking around for the season and shopping season sneaking up on us quickly, events like Downtown Alive are a great way to get out and support your local business owners while spending time with the family and checking out what’s new downtown. Pack up the car with the kids, your dog and a leash on Sunday, Nov. 6, and head downtown from 2-6 p.m. for what is sure to be an afternoon full of entertainment along the beloved Dauphin Street.

a.m. until 5 p.m. for food, fun and fellowship. Call 251-452-9596 for more information.

Veterans Day parade The city of Fairhope will honor its military veterans with a Veterans Day parade on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m., beginning and ending at the Fairhope Civic Center.

Path to Peace An ecumenical gathering to promote racial reconciliation, unity and peace. Sunday, Nov. 6, 3-7:30 p.m. at the Daphne Civic Center, 2603 U.S. Highway 98.

For more information call 251458-1810 or 251-510-1915.

USO Show Sunday, Nov. 6, starting at 3 p.m., come see this fun show featuring a variety of acts including singers, musicians and comedians. Tickets are $5 and are available from any Auxiliary member or at the door.

American Legion Post 199, 700 S. Mobile St., Fairhope.

Doggie Happy Hour Every first Monday of the month from 5-7 p.m., bring your dog to the OK Bike Shop for doggie happy hour and get to know your local animal rescue groups, enjoy live music and more.

Election Day Head to polls on Tuesday,

Nov. 8, to vote. Visit myinfo. alabamavotes.gov for information on your voting location.

Veteran’s Day luncheon The Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission will host a luncheon at Fort Whiting on Friday, Nov. 11, beginning at noon with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $18; reservations should be made by Monday, Nov. 7, by calling 251-431-8621 or emailing nfunderburk@mobilechamber. com.

Pet Planning To help pet owners plan for the future, The Haven offers a free estate planning seminar from noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4, at Westminster Village, 500 Spanish Fort Blvd. in Spanish Fort. To register call 251-929-2494 or email mgraham@havenforanimals. org.

Fuse Factory grand opening Please join us at the grand opening of Fuse Factory on Friday, Nov. 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 200 Government St. Co-working spaces will be offered to area nonprofits, groups and individuals serving the public interest. For more information visit fuseproject. org.

Farmer’s market West Mobile Farmer’s Market features locally grown produce every Tuesday from 2-5 p.m. through Nov. 24. Market is located at 6101 Grelot Road. For

information call 251-342-0462 or 251-767-7526.

Brown Bag Concert Join Cat’s Brown Bag Lunch every Wednesday in Bienville Square (Mobile), Thursday in Mayday Park (Daphne) and Friday at Windmill Market (Fairhope) for a concert starting at 11:30 a.m. For more information visit radioavalon. com.

Volunteer opportunity United Way of Southwest Alabama’s 2-1-1 needs volunteers in the call center. Shifts are available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are interested please call Chalisse at 251-431-5100 or email cpeltier@lifelinesmobile.org to schedule an interview.

Dauphin Island Boardwalk Talks Boardwalk Talks are held the first and third Wednesday of each month at 11:15 a.m. at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd. For more information call 251-861-2141.

Midtown Optimist Club Join Midtown Optimist Club every Wednesday at noon for lunch at Azalea City Golf Course.

For reservations and more information please call 251-3483542.

Toastmasters Do you want to learn how to deliver a speech like a pro or gain leadership skills to advance your

career? Toastmasters International meets regularly at six locations in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

For more information visit www. toastmasters.org.

Addiction counseling If you know anyone who is struggling with drug addiction, get them the help they need.

Call 1-800-431-1754 or visit DrugAbuseSolution.com.

FUNDRAISERS Purse with Purpose Join Our Sister’s Closet’s Purse with Purpose event Thursday, Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Heron Lakes Country Club, 3851 Government Blvd. Tickets start at $30. For more information and tickets visit oursisterscloset.org.

Columns & Cocktails The Historic Mobile Preservation Society hosts its 4th annual Columns & Cocktails fundraiser, featuring the society’s preservation award honorees.

Thursday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m. at the historic Antoinette apartment building, 960 Government St. For more information visit historicmobile.org.

Evening on a Magic Carpet Saturday, Nov. 5, join us for a fundraiser for Lisa McEddy Smith, a dancer who is battling cancer.

A seminar will be held at 10 a.m. with a class at at 11 a.m. and the dance at 7 p.m. at the Ashbury Hotel. For more information email

alldance1@yahoo.com.

Care Carnival Care Carnival, a fundraiser for Woody’s Song, a program of The Learning Tree, benefits children with autism. Free familyfriendly event on the block of Jackson Street between Dauphin Street and St. Francis Street.

Sunday, Nov. 6, 2 p.m. For more information visit www.learningtree.org.

ARTS Night Market Mobile Museum of Art hosts Night Market on Thursday, Nov. 3, 5-8:30 p.m. featuring wares by artists and artisans. Support your local artists and join the party and shopping fun with great food, drink and live music. 4850 Museum Drive.

“The Producers” The Joe Jefferson Players present “The Producers,” Mel Brooks’ 12-time Tony Awardwinning comedy. Nov. 4-20, 11 S. Carlen St., Mobile. For more information or tickets visit joejeffersonplayers.com or call 251-471-1534.

MUSEUMS “Filming the Camps” The History Museum of Mobile will offer the exhibit “Filming the Camps: From Hollywood to

Nuremberg” through Jan. 16. It features the stories of three film directors — John Ford, Samuel Fuller and George Stevens — as they documented Nazi atrocities during World War II. For more information visit museumofmobile. com.

Tea for Two Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. the Fairhope Museum of History hosts a tea and a lecture on Fairhope history. The Nov. 8 speaker will be John O’Melveny Woods, the producer of the movie “Roundup Day Play.” He will also present a slide show, “The Origins of the Real Sherlock Holmes.” For more information call 251-929-1471.

“Treasures of NOAA’s Ark” Visitors to GulfQuest can discover how NOAA charts seas, protects and conserves the nation’s marine resources, and detects potential hurricanes and tsunamis. This exhibit also highlights past and present pioneers who made significant contributions to our understanding of shore, sea and sky. For more information visit gulfquest.org or call 251-436-8901.

“Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World” Through Jan. 1, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center features a guitar exhibit tracing the instrument’s evolution from 3000 B.C. to the present with a hands-on gallery and more than 60 guitars on display. There is also

N o v e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 6 - N o v e m b e r 9 , 2 0 1 6 | L AG N I A P P E | 35

CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOVEMBER 3, 2016 - NOVEMBER 9, 2016

a rock photography exhibit by Janet Macoska. For information call 251-208-6893 or visit exploreum.com.

including ballroom dance, boxing and more. For more information call 251-463-7980 or visit communityactivates.com.

Thursdays at MMoA Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. the Mobile Museum of Art offers free admission to all visitors. No reservations are necessary. MMoA is at 4850 Museum Drive. For more information call 251-208-5200.

Beginner belly dancing for women Every Tuesday from Nov. 1 through Dec. 13, come learn to belly dance at Palmer Pillans Middle School. For more information call 251-208-1662.

SPORTING EVENTS/ ACTIVITIES Walk to End Alzheimer’s The Alzheimer’s Association will hold its second annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Mobile’s Langan Park on Nov. 5, in the Mobile Museum of Art parking lot.

Registration will open at 7:30 a.m. and program begins at 9 a.m. For more information go to alz.org or call 850-462-5410, ext. 8042.

Senior Bowl Charity Run The Senior Bowl will host a 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run through downtown Mobile ending with a family fun festival in Bienville Square. The event is 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 5.

Visit seniorbowl.com for more information.

Exercise classes Palmer Pillans Middle School hosts a wide variety of classes,

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Bridge lessons The Mobile Bridge Center offers free bridge lessons each Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m. at the Mobile Bridge Center, 1510 University Blvd. Arrive a few minutes early to register. If you have questions call the Bridge Center at 251666-2147, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Holy yoga Tamara William will be leading a lunchtime holy yoga at the Steeple on St. Francis every Wednesday. The cost is $15.

Participants will be invigorated as they connect with Christ in mind, body and spirit. For more information call 251-656-3269.

Sunset yoga for charity Join Thrive Yoga and Massage at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Friday through Oct. at the Henry George Park overlooking the Fairhope pier. All classes will be by donation and all proceeds go to charity. Bring your mat.

November 3, 2016 - November 9, 2016

All classes are beginner friendly.

Well-behaved kids and pets are welcome.

Ballroom dance Azalea Ballroom Dance Club hosts dances with live music the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 7-9:30 p.m., $10 admission. Beginners are welcome. At Via! Health, Fitness & Enrichment Center, 1717 Dauphin St. For more information email cyoungblood9278@gmail. com, call 251-623-9183 or visit www.azaleaballroomdanceclub. com.

Ballroom dance The Moonlight Chasse Ballroom Dance Society hosts dances the first and third Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Beginners are welcome.

Fitzpen Place, 11247 State Highway 31 in Spanish Fort.

For more information email cassief13@aol.com.

WORKSHOPS Create the Magic Workshop In this three-hour, hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to tie LED lights to decorate a metal 3-foot-tall Christmas tree. Saturday, Nov. 5, at 9 a.m., Bellingrath Gardens and Home. For details or to order tickets call 251973-2217 or visit bellingrath.org.

CPR class Mobile Fire-Rescue will offer free community CPR classes at Murphy High School and Davidson High School over the next several months. All classes start at 5 p.m. beginning Tuesday, Nov. 8, at Murphy and Davidson high schools. Call 251-208-1659 or 251-208-1600 to register.

PUBLIC MEETINGS Baldwin County Commission: First and third Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., 322 Courthouse Square, Bay Minette. Work sessions are the second and fourth Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. rotating between Bay Minette, the Foley Satellite Courthouse, the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse and the Baldwin County Central Annex Building in Robertsdale. www. baldwincountyal.gov Baldwin County Planning Commission: First Thursday at 6 p.m., 22251 Palmer St., Robertsdale, www. baldwincountyal.gov.

Citronelle City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m., 19135 Main St., 251-866-7973.

Creola City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 6 p.m., 190 Dead Lake Road, #A, 251-6758142.

Daphne City Council: First and third Monday at 6:30 p.m., 1705 Main St. Work sessions are the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., www.daphneal.com.

Dauphin Island Town Council: First and third Tuesdays at 7 p.m., 1011 Bienville Blvd., www. townofdauphinisland.org.

Fairhope City Council: Second and fourth Monday at 6 p.m., 161 N. Section St. Work sessions are held before each council meeting at 4:30 p.m., www.cofairhope. com.

Fairhope Planning Commission: First Monday at 5 p.m., 161 N. Section St. For more information visit www.cofairhope.com.

Bayou La Batre City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m., 13785 S. Wintzell Ave., www.cityofbayoulabatre.com.

Foley City Council: First and third Monday at 5:30 p.m., 407 E. Laurel Ave. Work sessions begin at 4 p.m., www.cityoffoley.org.

Chickasaw City Council: Second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., 224 N. Craft Highway, 251-452-6450.

Gulf Shores City Council: Second and fourth Mondays at 4 p.m., 1905 W. First St., www. gulfshoresal.gov.

N o v e m b e r 3 , 2 0 1 6 - N o v e m b e r 9 , 2 0 1 6 | L AG N I A P P E | 37

MEDIA MEDIA FRENZY

Our only endorsement is that you vote

BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR/RHOLBERT@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

O THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE OVER/UNDER

BY ELLEN LEUSCHNER AND JEFF CHEN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ ACROSS 1 Take on 6 Some subjects in Scheherazade’s stories 11 Humbled 17 Playful leap 18 Mother-of-pearl source 20 Words preceding “We stand on guard for thee” 21 “Skyfall” singer 22 Over the 27-Across 24 In low spirits 26 Guarantee that one will 27 Rise 28 Sighed line 29 Rev 30 Obsessed with fantasy role-playing games, say 32 “What have we here?!”

34 Under the 29-Across 38 Certain swinger, informally 42 Spanish bear 43 Castor ____ (“Popeye” guy) 44 Balance-sheet abbr.

45 Friday, on old TV: Abbr.

47 Olympics venue between London and Tokyo 48 Many a Jazz fan 50 Preserver of bugs 52 Caffè ____ 54 “Thinking …”

57 Over the 62-Across 59 Prestigious mil. award 60 International observance in 20-Down, informally 62 Dreidel, e.g.

63 Cataract 64 Parisian sibling 65 Exerted 67 Put on the back burner 70 Verizon subsidiary 72 Old line in Russia 73 ____ Victory (tourist attraction in Portsmouth, England) 76 Under the 67-Across 79 Single-masted pleasure craft 82 Keeps up 83 Neck and neck 85 Luminous 86 Abbr. in many Québec city names 87 Potus No. 34 88 Conditionals 89 Melodramatic response 91 Reagan has one named for him 92 Competitor of Sapporo and Kirin 94 Over the 104-Across 100 Commercial prefix with Pen 102 With 109-Down, cochlea’s place 103 [snort] 104 Sky light 105 Sculpture medium for

16 Twain’s “celebrated jumping frog” 18 Crabgrass, e.g.

19 Mushroom variety 20 Start of the fourth qtr.

23 Early British actress Nell 25 Like quiche 28 In conflict 30 Title fictional character who “sprang from his Platonic conception of himself” 31 Clothier Bauer 33 Fired bullets, informally 35 ____ too happy 36 Blinker DOWN 37 Abbr. on a company’s sign 1 Signature Obama legislation, 39 Thin as ____ for short 40 Front and back, at a golf 2 Gosh-darn course 3 Floor-length formalwear 41 Silly billy 4 House member from the Bay 46 Bull session Area beginning in 1987 49 “Thinking …”

5 Quite the hike 50 Gerrymanders, say 6 Be plentiful 51 Big Apple paper, for short 7 Louis Armstrong vocal 52 Situated feature 53 Badly 8 High point of a European 55 Informal acknowledgment vacation? of responsibility 9 N.Y.C. div.

56 Portland-to- Spokane dir.

10 Cry annoyingly 58 “That was dumb of me” 11 Cause for a blessing 61 “____ Flux” (Charlize 12 Political columnist Matt Theron film) 13 Debate moderator’s day 64 Debugger job, typically 66 Man’s name that’s the 14 H. H. Munro’s pen name reverse of 15 Leon ____, Henry James 117-Down biographer 67 Woodworking fasteners Calder 108 Print tint 110 University of Washington logo 112 Under the 105-Across 116 John Paul’s successor 118 Increasing in pitch 119 “Me Talk Pretty One Day” humorist 120 One who can pick his work?

121 Impersonate 122 Places for studs 123 ____ dish

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68 Clueless 69 Food preservative abbr.

71 Letters ending a business name 72 Buy-one-get-one-free deal 73 Selfish sort 74 Villainous 75 Target customer of Yelp 76 Mount of Greek myth 77 R.E.M.’s “The ____ Love” 78 Kind of branch 80 Sweets 81 Lynn in the Pro Football Hall of Fame 84 Application datum: Abbr.

89 Fashions 90 “Um … fancy meeting you here” 93 [Look what I got away with!]

95 Small swigs 96 Huffs 97 Coat for a dentist 98 What “i.e.” means 99 Charlotte ____, V.I. 101 British ____ 105 Female W.W. II enlistee 106 Stick ____ 107 Some P.O. plans 109 See 102-Across 110 Antidote 111 Bank-clock info 113 Clean-energy grp.

114 Ringing words?

115 Catch 117 Man’s name that’s the reverse of 66-Down

ANSWERS ON PAGE 41

ne of the things that has been big news in this presidential election cycle is the number of big newspapers across the country endorsing one candidate or another. In this cycle the biggest news has been made by longtime Republican-leaning newspapers like the Arizona Republic crossing the political aisle to endorse Hillary Clinton.

And while it certainly wouldn’t make news anywhere if a smaller newspaper like Lagniappe endorsed a particular presidential candidate, we are often asked if we’ll endorse candidates for local or state offices in particular. We never do, though.

When Ashley Trice and I started Lagniappe we both agreed the idea of the newspaper formally endorsing a particular candidate made little journalistic sense. Maybe a lot of that was born of us being such a small operation that attempting to act as if there was some vast separation between our “editorial board” and the rest of the staff seemed absurd. It’s kind of like solo bloggers who always refer to themselves as “we.”

But moreso to us, the idea of a newspaper editorial board endorsing a candidate — essentially telling its readers that’s who they should vote for — runs counter to the ideal of a newspaper being a place where you call it like it is. After all, if a paper endorses a candidate, wouldn’t it create some pressure to see that candidate do well so the editorial board doesn’t look dumb? It seemed that way to us.

Our opinion writers are welcome to express

their thoughts on any election, but those are an individual’s opinions. When it comes to news coverage, we strive to just get it right, without anyone’s politics or political leanings affecting our reporting of the facts.

Wilson and Media 101

This political season has produced a few folks new to the world of public office and as such there are typically some rough spots when it comes to learning how to deal with the media.

Fairhope Mayor-elect Karin Wilson demonstrated that earlier this week when she got unreasonably self-protective when one of our reporters asked for an interview about the mayor’s thoughts on her salary and issues of how the city’s utilities board will be run. Wilson claimed she hadn’t liked the way some other reporters had handled her so she demanded all questions be submitted prior to the interview and wanted the right to review the story before it ran. She also told our reporter no tape recording of their conversation would be allowed.

Here’s Media 101, Mayor Wilson: Reporters aren’t going to submit questions to you ahead of time, nor are you going to be able to review their stories before they are published or aired.

That’s just not done in the business. As for recording, if you’re someone worried about being misquoted, having the interview recorded is a great way of making sure it’s totally accurate.

Record it yourself, too, if you wish.

Talking to media is part of holding political office and reporters have a job to do too.

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SPORTS UPON FURTHER REVIEW

Local college basketball teams ready to tip off 2016-17 campaign

BY J, MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER/SPORTS@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM/TWITTER @GOULAGUY

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Photo | Courtesy of Spring Hill College

B

asketball season gets underway this week for lory and Christen Carter; guards Genesis Perrymond and Spring Hill College, the University of Mobile and Alyese Givens; plus center India Hall. the University of South Alabama. Here’s a quick USA’s schedule includes three teams that played in the glance at the upcoming hoops campaign. postseason (Florida, Jacksonville, Southern) plus North Spring Hill College women — Head coach Karen Mc- Carolina State. The season starts Thursday with an exhibiConico will have five returning starters this season. Among tion game at home versus Auburn-Montgomery. the seniors is 5-foot-11 center Leah Washington, who has “We feel like we are at the time in our program where been named to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Aswe need to step up and challenge ourselves more in nonsociation’s preseason all-conference team. The three-year conference play to have ourselves better prepared for Sun starter averaged 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds as a junior.

Belt Conference play,” Fowler said.

Also preparing for their final season are forwards University of Mobile women — Billy Evans will enter Carmy Johnson (Faith Academy graduate) and Alishia his fifth year at the helm with a young roster. Despite half Drayton-Lewis plus guard Brittney Davis. of the roster being filled with freshmen, UM is still picked “Our four seniors have a new mindset and they have a to finish fourth in the Southern States Athletic Conference. mature attitude about the upcoming season,” McConico Helping to receive this notice is the future of senior said. “They really want to go out with a bang and they see guards Starla Daggan (led team with 16.6 ppg, 56 steals), that the talent of our newcomers can help them do it.”

Sydney Westry (Faith Academy graduate) and Kali Koenig Other veterans are 6-foot-1 sophomore forward Tiffany (13.4 ppg, 53 steals). Other veterans are senior forwards Valentine and junior guards Jennifer Clark and Jewel Hill. Kerrie York (3.6 ppg, 21 blocks) and Alicia Curry (5.5 Forwards include junior college transfer Angel Carthen ppg), junior guard Noelle Morris and sophomore guard and freshmen Windee Johnson and Alexis Fletcher. The Lady Rams open Katie Krout. Guard Johnta Hughes at home Nov. 2 versus Selma and is another former JuCo player.

Nov. 7 against Carver Bible College.

Freshmen looking for playing time University of South Alabama are Elise Reilly, Nora Brooks, Daja men — Head coach Matthew Graves Walker and Hannah Fillmore. eight returning players who THE LADY BADGERS ARE has The Lady Badgers are projected earned letters. This has helped the to finish four in the West Division.

Jags to be picked sixth in the Sun PROJECTED TO FINISH They open their season Nov. 11, Belt Conference rankings. hosting West Alabama.

“The biggest thing I like about this FOUR IN THE WEST DIVIUniversity of South Alabama team is the team chemistry these guys SION. THEY OPEN THEIR women — The sky’s the limit for have shared,” Graves said. “I feel like the Lady Jags after coming off a this is a group that is starting to jell SEASON NOV. 11, HOSTseason that included a 10-win imand bond a lot quicker than we’ve provement from the previous year. had in other years.”

ING WEST ALABAMA. Head coach Terry Fowler’s squad Leading the way is Ken Williams, is picked to finish fourth in the Sun who is on the all-SBC second-team Belt Conference. squad after averaging 15.5 points Named to the Preseason Coaches’ per game last year while handing out Poll are junior guard Marquita Daniels to the first-team 106 assists. Other seniors include Georgi Boyanov (10.4 roster and junior center Chyna Ellis to the second-team ppg, 7,4 rpg), Nick Stover (10.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Don unit. USA also returns a starter in senior guard Colby MuepoKelly (4.7 ppg). Also looking to contribute are Shaq Davis along with seven of its top nine scorers.

Calhoun, Dederick Lee, Herb McGee, John Pettway, Trhae Daniels led USA in scoring with 11.3 points and was Mitchell, Josh Ajayi, Nik Marijan and Kevin Morris. third in the league in steals with 2.3 per game. Ellis topped The Jaguars open play Friday by hosting the University the Sun Belt in blocks with 2.73 per game, while averaging of Mobile.

8.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Davis was second Spring Hill College men — As the Badgers continue on the team with an 8.9 scoring average. in their journey to be full members of NCAA Division II, Other veterans are forwards Erin Autio, LaNeetra Guil- head coach Aaron Niven will have a roster full of newcom-

LEAH WASHINGTON, A PRESEASON ALLCONFERENCE PICK, AVERAGED 9.7 POINTS AND 7.4 REBOUNDS AS A JUNIOR. ers when they open play Thursday at Jacksonville State.

“We have a long way to go, don’t get me wrong,” he said, “but it’s been a great start. When you don’t have to teach effort, half the battle is done and these kids are just wired that way.” In the preseason Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, SHC is picked seventh in the West Division.

Veterans back are senior Chris Hamilton at guard; juniors Jack Morrissey at guard, Matevz Rojc at forward and Walter Massey at forward (LeFlore High, 9.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg); plus sophomores Jared Holland at guard (Baker High, 4.5 ppg, 72 assists), Chase Shellman at forward (6.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and Quinn Sutton at forward.

Transfers include guard Deandre Lacy (Bishop State), guard Andrew Dotson (New Hampshire) and center Brandon Fischer (LeMoyne College). Freshmen include guards Shawn Moore, Adnan Bajrami and Gresyn Rogers, and forwards William Loyd, Jeffrey Pharr and Ryan Little.

University of Mobile men — Head coach Joe Niland knows what awaits his Rams this year. Not only do they face two NCAA teams in exhibition matches, four of their NAIA opponents played in the national tournament last season.

“We are playing a challenging nonconference schedule, with the likes of Dillard, Carroll College and, of course, crosstown rival Spring Hill,” said Niland, whose team is projected to finish eighth in their league. “This should help prepare us for probably the deepest NAIA basketball conference in the country in the Southern States Athletic Conference.”

The top returning players for Mobile are Brandon Barnes (9.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, third in SSAC with 1.8 steals per game) and D.J. Hill (6.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals).

Niland is counting on several newcomers. These include Will Stanford (averaged 27 points, 8 rebounds in high school), Darius Curry (averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds in high school) and Logan Adams (transfer from West Alabama). Other seniors include Peter Myers, B.J. Fisher, Myron Chapman, Lawrence Pierce, Mario Butler and Dillon Pollard.

After having played two early games, the Rams travel to USA this Friday night.

STYLE HOROSCOPES TAURUS GETS HOMEY WITH COMEY SCORPIO (10/23-11/21) — During its visit to GulfQuest, you’ll challenge The Schooner America to a regatta. Sailing technology has changed significantly since 1853, but employing your XXL boxer shorts as a spinnaker will put you over the top.

SAGITTARIUS (11/22-12/22) — You’ll be a raw oyster connoisseur at The Hangout’s Oyster Cook-Off. But no one will take you seriously as you use phrases like “hint of berries,” “chewy tannins” and “earthy aftertaste” to describe what you just put on a saltine and doused with hot sauce.

CAPRICORN (12/23-1/19) — You’ll attempt to set a cotton candy-eating world record at the Greater Gulf State Fair. Approximately 32 sticks later you’ll fail, but your consolation prize is a free one-month insulin prescription.

AQUARIUS (1/20-2/18) — You’ll support local businesses at Downtown Alive Sunday. Unfortunately, you’ll mistaken for an ownerless greyhound at the pop-up dog park and be listed for adoption. At least they didn’t think you were a pug.

PISCES (2/19-3/20) — You’ll notice a slight difference in your behavior after a week on male birth control, though true to the commercials, you will not be pregnant. After a month though, your doctor will admit he isn’t actually a doctor and that you paid $230 for Advil.

ARIES (3/21-4/19) — After a full day of destroying ballots for Donald Trump, you’ll return to your pod to reconnect with the master, George Soros, via telepathy. Having done your part to thwart democracy, you’ll take a little vacation before returning in January to help kick implement Sharia Law. TAURUS (4/20-5/20) — Feeling bad for James Comey, you’ll take donations to send the beleaguered FBI director an edible arrangement. He’ll appreciate those chocolate oranges, and most likely know the card reading, “The whole country hates you” is simply an on-the-nose joke.

GEMINI (5/21-6/21) — Playing off the 2016 Halloween fad, you’ll switch your wardrobe to mimick characters from “Stranger Things.” Eventually, you’ll inform everyone at work you’ll attend the office party as Will Byers, but then never actually show up.

CANCER (6/22-7/22) — Following a volatile election that somehow saw Jill Stein elected, you’ll pull up a news application that shows scores of parents getting their kids vaccinated before it’s outlawed.

LEO (7/23-8/23) — After visiting a successful public zoo in Chicago, you’ll approach the Mobile County Commission about establishing one at the intersection of 10 and 65. They vote “yes,” but then pull out of the deal after only being able to secure a pack of rabid dogs.

VIRGO (8/24-9/22) — You’ve never been one to produce “bulletin board material” at the office, but you forget that Janice in accounting was a college bowling champion. I’ll spare you the details. It did not go well.

LIBRA (9/23-10/22) — Sure, you’ll have a few scares, but it’ll be worth it when you win a bear wrestling contest at a downtown bar. So, it won’t actually be a bear, but a very weak man who likes to pull hair. Sounds the same.

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STYLE BOOZIE

Born to celebrate Halloween!

BY BOOZIE BEER NEWS

T

hings are kinda getting scary around here. Yeah, sure, Halloween happened but that’s not all. Mother Nature has been tricking us all!

Where is our rain and cold days? If she keeps this up, I am going to have to call the Fashion Police on myself. I don’t know what to wear. It’s sweater(ish) weather in the morning but by lunchtime it’s so hot I can’t remember if it’s June or November. I’m tired of the tricks and ready for a treat. But until that day comes, you can let this week’s Boozie be your little happy.

shaved head, but a few pulled off the blonde wigs just as good as Eleven did in Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” Friday I saw a girl who had almost the same orange dress and looked the most like El, all the way down to the bloody nose and box of Eggos.

Next favorite was a couple dressed as Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton — which, I’m sure you’re thinking, wasn’t clever, everyone dressed up as that. But this couple switched it up: the girl was Donald and the guy was Hillary. I guess he really was “with her.”

And the winner is …

Reviving in the Kitchen

Halloween causes me panic. Like I’ve got to come up with the best costume to win the nonexistent costume contest that I have created. Yes, you read that right, and y’all know what I am talking about. We all know deep down when you plan out your Halloween costume you want to have the best, most creative outfit out there. Yeah, sure, you could go as a slutty nurse or a schoolgirl or even something as clever as a cat, but the real winners are those that really play the part.

Ugh, so like years past, I get where I am going and realize I’ve lost the costume contest again. And every year I try to remember the clever costumes so I can be clever next year but it never happens. Why would I think a witch would win anyway (eyeroll).

Here were some of my favorites, slash, the costume contest winners.

Again this year the Dr. Pepper man was popular, as well as Star Wars, Nick Saban, Minions from “Despicable Me” and, well, the “Minions” movie, emojis, characters from the movie “Up” and, of course, cats.

Meow. Another popular choice was Snapchat filters; those obliviously make for an easy option. Also spotted was a piñata (depending on your friends, this could be a very dangerous choice). Beyoncé was one of my favorites! This girl nailed the look and I swear she borrowed Beyoncé’s necklace from the music video “Formation,” though she claimed she got her stuff from Target.

I saw a bunch of Elevens. Of course no one was brave enough to go with the

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As if downtown Mobile wasn’t already hopping enough from Halloween parties, let’s throw in a sold-out show at Soul Kitchen, where The Revivalists put on an amazing show last Friday.

All my spies had nothing but good things to say about The Revivalists. Those kinds of reviews makes me kick myself for not getting tickets in time. Hopefully there will be a next time, which I am willing to bet there will be. And when there is, I’m not dragging my feet, I am buying tickets as soon as they come on sale!

Witch please

Delta Dogs’ Witches Ride was this past Sunday and it was the biggest ride yet.

Witches (gals) and warlocks (guys) were asked to come out dressed in their witchy finery for a three-mile ride on their brooms, I mean bikes. Some witches love to decorate and it showed: one bike had a broom attached while another had a witch’s legs coming out of the basket.

Boozie’s favorite part was that one lady was smart enough to get the pedicab to do the pedaling for her. Maybe she put a spell on him. If Boozie doesn’t have a bike for the next witches ride, I am using her idea so I can sit back and sip on a magic potion.

Well, kids, that’s all I’ve got this week.

Just remember, whether rain or shine, dramatic or scandalous, or just some plain ol’ witch lovin’, I will be there. Ciao!

LAGNIAPPE LEGALS | 251.450-4466 | legals@lagniappemobile.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that the University of South Alabama (Owner) will accept sealed Bids for the following work: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA MOBILE, ALABAMA JAGUAR TRACK REPAIRS BID NO. 6102701 Bids will be received and clocked in at 2:00 p.m. local time on Monday, November 21, 2016, in Room AD245 of the USA Administration Building, on the Main Campus of the University of South Alabama. Bids will not be accepted after the time indicated herein and will be returned unopened. A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to the University of South Alabama in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Bid Documents shall be available only through the USA Purchasing Office. Contact as follows: University of South Alabama Purchasing Department 307 N. University Blvd. AD 245 (Administration Building) Mobile, AL 36688 PH# (251) 460-6151 FX# (251) 414-8291 (rbrown@southalabama.edu) Bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms furnished in the Bid Documents or copies thereof. The preceding is an abbreviated advertisement. The complete advertisement may be obtained from the location listed above.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. local time, in Room AD 023 of the Administration Building.

Those in attendance will include the Owner, Engineer, and Consultants.

Contract bidders, subcontractors and suppliers are encouraged to attend.

A tour of the Project site is scheduled immediately after the conference.

All questions concerning the Project should be submitted in writing to the Project Manager at the address listed below.

307 University Blvd. N. AD001 (Administration Building) Mobile, AL 36688 PH# (251) 460-7127 FX# (251) 461-1370 (mmayberry@southalabama.edu) LAGNIAPPE HD November 3, 10, 16, 2016.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that the University of South Alabama (Owner) will accept sealed Bids for the following Work: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA MOBILE, ALABAMA HVAC UPGRADES ARCHEOLOGY BUILDING BID NO. 6101392 Bids will be received and clocked in at 2:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, in Room AD245 of the USA Administration Building, on the Main Campus of the University of South Alabama. Bids will not be accepted after the time indicated herein and will be returned unopened.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to the University of South Alabama in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Bid Documents shall be available only through the USA Purchasing Office. Contact as follows: University of South Alabama Purchasing Department 307 N. University Blvd. AD 245 (Administration Building) Mobile, AL 36688 PH# (251) 460-6151 FX#(251) 414-8291 (rbrown@southalabama.edu) Bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms furnished in the Bid Documents or copies thereof. The preceding is an abbreviated advertisement. The complete advertisement may be obtained from the location listed above. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Thursday, October 27, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. local time, in Room AD 023 of the Administration Building. A tour of the Project site is scheduled immediately after the conference. All questions concerning the Project should be submitted in writing to the Project Manager at the address listed below.

307 University Blvd. N. AD001 (Administration Building) Mobile, AL 36688 PH# (251) 460-7127 FX# (251) 461-1370 (bkelley@southalabama.edu) (mmayberry@southalabama.edu) LAGNIAPPE HD October 20, 27, November 3, 2016

Deadline for legal advertising in Lagniappe HD is every Monday at 3 p.m.

Lagniappe HD is distributed each Thursday.

Lagniappe HD offices are located at 1100B Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36604.

For more information or to place your ad call Jackie at 251-450-4466. Or email at legals@lagniappemobile.com

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