No'Ala Premiere Issue 2008 (Holiday)

North Alabama Lifestyle, Arts, Business, & Gossip

Wrap it Up! The No’Ala Gift Guide S aster s U PL w M cipie g

no e in e S day Rcorat Th oli e H nd D a

2 | No’Ala

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The Best Quality Printing in the World Is Found Here in the Shoals.

We have the best printing technology available, and people who know how to use it.

From forms to flyers, wedding invitations to No’Ala magazine, we’ll work with you to give you the best printed piece at the best price, every time.

Printers & Stationers, Inc. 113 North Court Street Florence, Alabama 35630 256-764-8061 www.psi-online.net 4 | No’Ala

Contents

on the cover Who better to kick off our magazine and to jump start the Holiday season than the Shoals’s own jolly Carl Casiday, owner of Lola’s Gifts & Flowers? Have you been good boys and girls?

Everyone knows Santa can’t do it alone.

Above, the staff of Lola’s. From left to right: Cynthia Hughston, Betty Pritchard, Judy Renegar, Olivia Holdbrooks, Carl Casiday, Ann Marks, Judy McKelvey, Kaye Martin.

Save postage, save gas, and save your sanity— We’ve got some of most unique, practical, magical, beautiful, and fashionable gifts for everyone on your Christmas list—and they’re right in your own backyard!

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{ contents }

9 Contributors 10 Calendar 12 14 20 28 60 62 64 66 Heritage Christian University rocks their annual fundraiser with country star Richie McDonald.

Snow storms in Anderson, Alabama? It’s just another day in the life of entrepreneur Francisco Guerra.

What will the most stylish doors in the Shoals be wearing this holiday season? The area’s leading floral artists show us their best designs.

Got a big crowd coming home for the Holidays? Don’t despair!

No’Ala brings the area’s best cooks to the table.

Twenty questions answered by Sheffield’s own Santa Claus, Carl Casiday.

The Shoals Symphony presented their concert under the stars at the Rosenbaum Home—and we’ve got pictures.

The Shoals Theatre finds its new home and celebrates it in the most “colorful” way!

Marigail Mathis wraps up some Holiday advice with her typical Southern charm—Bless her heart.

6 | No’Ala

November/December 2008 Volume 1: Premiere ••• C. Allen Tomlinson Editor-In-Chief David Sims Managing Editor/Design Director Keith Sims Art Director Contributing Writers Marigail Mathis Contributing Photographers Danny Mitchell Contributing Designers Justin Hall Business Manager Matthew Liles Marketing Coordinator Jeff Linholm Printing and Distribution Printers and Stationers, Inc. ••• No’Ala is published six times annually by ATSA PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630 Phone: 256-766-4222 | Fax: 256-766-4106 Toll-free: 800-779-4222 Web: www.noalamag.com Standard postage paid at Florence, AL. A one-year subscription is $19.95 for delivery in the United States.

Signed articles reflect only the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors.

Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their advertisements. © 2008 ATSA, All rights reserved.

Send all correspondence to Allen Tomlinson, Editor, at the postal address above, or by e-mail to atomlinson@atsa-usa.com.

Letters may be edited for space and style.

To advertise, contact us at: 256-766-4222, or sales@noalamag.com.

The editor will provide writer’s guidelines upon request.

Prospective authors should not submit unsolicited manuscripts; please query the editor first.

{ editor’s letter }

There’s no place like No’Ala.

T

his is our premiere issue, but we are no strangers to publishing.

David and I have been involved in design and print projects for longer than we care to admit, including the production of a monthly magazine for a client in Washington, D.C. and creative direction for the former Bliss magazine. We thought the time was right to create a magazine that could serve as a cheerleader for the Shoals area, to remind our readers that this is a great place, full of fascinating people, beautiful scenery and a wide array of entertainment options.

So, No’Ala was born. In case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced just like it’s written—“Knowala.” We hope you’ll learn more and more about this wonderful place with every issue!

We’re launching this magazine at the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and you’ll find our holiday gift guide full of unique and interesting ideas for everyone on your list. Did you know that we have retailers here who carry items you can’t find in Huntsville, Birmingham or Nashville? Read on—you will, soon! Best of all, in the days of four dollar a gallon gas—or more—it’s great to know that you don’t have to travel out of the city limits to find some very special things!

The holiday season is a time to gather with family and friends, so we invited eleven of the area’s best cooks to help us set a holiday table.

They are even sharing their recipes, and speaking from firsthand experience (after the photo session we sampled a little of everything on the table) we can tell you that lots of these dishes will be on our table when the holidays come!

There’s more of course. You’ll meet the Snow Man, get some ideas about how to decorate your door this season, and see pictures from some of the social gatherings that took place this fall. We hope you’ll be reminded why this is the best place in the world to live. Please let us know what you like and don’t like and what you’d like to see more of. Like North Alabama, we want No’Ala to be a changing, growing, dynamic reflection of our lives. Enjoy!

Allen Tomlinson David Sims

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Need some direction this Christmas?

At Extreme Auto Design, we have something for everyone on your Christmas list. Like hand-held or in-dash navigation systems, starting at under $200. Stereo systems. Custom wheels, DVD players, graphics and Line-X bed liners. Need some direction for the people on your list? Come to Extreme Auto Design!

2801 Woodward Avenue, across from Long-Lewis Ford

256-389-3917 8 | No’Ala

{ contributors }

Keith Sims Marigail Mathis David Sims Allen Tomlinson

Justin Hall Jeff Linholm Matt Liles Danny Mitchell

Marigail Mathis is a style-setter and owner of Marigail Mathis in English Village Shopping Center. An artist, designer, stylist and entrepreneur, Marigail explains why, especially in this day of four-dollar gas, there’s absolutely no reason to shop anywhere but right here in the Shoals. Bless Their Hearts is a regular feature, and this month it’s found on page 66.

David Sims is a Renaissance Man. He’s a designer—he’s the Creative Partner at A. Tomlinson/Sims Advertising; a playwright, with a screenplay and a stage play already written; and an event planner, who brought you Red Ribbon Runway and the Shoals Idea House, among other events. With all of this, David actually finds time to swim every morning. No’Ala is his creation, too.

Allen Tomlinson, Editor-In-Chief, is the man who can talk to anyone. The Managing Partner of A. Tomlinson/ Sims Advertising, he’s been involved in creative work all of his career, and spends a lot of time—a lot—working

with non-profits in the Shoals area.

He’s also a full-time dad to three great kids who are all either in college or have just graduated. Thankfully, he likes the taste of peanut butter.

If you’re an advertiser, you’ll get to know Jeff Linholm, who is the detail man who makes sure things run smoothly here. He picks up items for photo sessions and sees that ads have been delivered and approved. Jeff is the outside guy‚ and Matt Liles is the inside guy, who checks facts, handles all the other details, and generally makes sure we have our act together.

These are the go-to guys if you have questions.

Keith Sims is a designer, a video and web producer, and brother to David.

Keith designs ads, helps with the creative content for the magazine, and is in development with the next phase of the No’Ala project—a new way to continue to serve as the area’s cheerleader.

He and Angela can be found at many of the area’s parties, taking pictures for

the “Guess Who I Saw?” section, found throughout this issue.

Justin Hall is, quite simply, a web genius. He joined the creative team at ATSA when he was still in college, because one of his professors called and said that Justin was one of the most talented students he’d ever had.

We agreed. Although most of Justin’s time is spent on web projects, he’s also able to design logos and ads, and you’ll see his work throughout this magazine and at www.noalamag.com.

Danny Mitchell is a freelance photographer whose creative eye for detail graces the pages of this issue. He’s as comfortable in the studio shooting items for the gift guide as he his riding through town in his Jeep looking for the perfect weathered door for a Christmas wreath shot. Although he spends most of his time in his studio in downtown Tuscumbia, we’re lucky to have at least some of his time—and you’ll understand why, as you flip through these pages.

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Pilobolus

Calendar of events

November November 1 American Cancer Society’s La Valle di Fiume Gala— Vintage Hollywood: An Evening Under the Stars.

Admission: $75 per person, $850 per table of eight.

Call 767-0825 for more information. 6:00 p.m.

November 2 Apple Annie Day. Members of the Junior League will be all around town, wearing red stockings and selling apples to raise money for children’s charities.

November 1-14 The Alabama Music Hall of Fame presents the art collection of country icon William Lee Golden.

Admission charged: 381-4417 November 6-9 Shoals Community Theatre presents the Zodiac production of Our Town. Shoals Theater; admission charged: 764-1700.

November 7 First Friday, downtown Florence.

10 | No’Ala

November 9 The Kennedy-Douglass Center hosts a reception for artist Lendon Noe, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Noe, Professor of Art at Lambuth University, will have his art on display through December 31. No charge.

November 12 – December 18: Quilt Challenge ’08 Exhibit from the Shoals Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Kennedy Douglass Center Annex. No charge.

November 16 W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration at the W.C. Handy Home, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. No charge.

November 17 University of North Alabama Distinguished Events Series presents author William Trest, author of Nobody But the People, a biography of Alabama Governor John Patterson. 7:00 p.m., Guillott Performance Center. No charge.

November 18 On Stage presents Pilobolus, 7:30 p.m. at Norton Auditorium on the UNA campus. This amazing

dance troupe from New York combines gymnastic athleticism with a Cirque du Soliel style. Admission charged: 766-4222 or www.shoalsonstage.com.

December December 1-5 Holly & Ivy Luncheons at the Kennedy Douglass Center, beginning each day at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are required: 760-6379.

December 4-7 Shoals Community Theatre presents the Gingerbread Players production of A Christmas Story.

Shoals Theater; admission charged: 764-1700.

December 5 First Friday, downtown Florence.

December 5-7 Sugar Plum Market, presented by the Junior League at the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum. Money raised supports children’s charities. www.jltheshoals.org.

December 5-24 The Tennessee Valley Art Association presents Trees of Christmas at the Tennessee Valley Art Center in Tuscumbia. Admission charged: 383-0533.

December 6 The Killen Christmas Parade, An Old Fashioned Winter in the Shoals, begins at 4:00 p.m. downtown.

No charge.

December 7 Shoals Symphony at UNA presents its Holiday Concert with the High School Honors Choir. Norton Auditorium; admission charged: www.shoalssymphony.org.

December 11 7:00 p.m., Downtown Florence Unlimited presents the annual Downtown Florence Christmas Parade.

No admission.

December 13 NCAA Division II National Championship game, Braly Stadium. Admission charged: 764-4661.

December 26-27 Trade Days in St. Florian, downtown. No charge.

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{ guess who I saw } President Dennis Jones and Mayor Bobby Irons

Richie McDonald at the piano

Dennis and Fredda Jones, Richie McDonald

Richie McDonald and Gary Baker perform

Richie McDonald and Gary Baker

President Jones after being presented with signed sheet music for Lonestar's “Amazed” and “I'm Already There”

Heritage Christian University’s An Evening with Richie McDonald AUGUST 23, 2008

Ben and Kenya Hayes

Richie and Gary Baker with Mayor Bobby Irons and his daughter

Silent Auction

Jeff and Allison Lawson with Richie and their guests

Richie McDonald performs at 360° Grille

Silent Auction PHOTOS BY CARA WAGES

12 | No’Ala

Whether you’re looking for wide, sweeping porches or modern contemporary styles, if you’re interested in buying or selling a home in the Shoals, Cypress Realty Group sells them all. Large or small, in every price range—call us to help you with your American Dream!

620 Sam Phillips Street, Florence • www.cypressrealty.net

256-764-6151 • 888-764-6151

If you live on the lake, the last thing you want to worry about is shore erosion. Our staff has over 150 years combined experience in seawall construction and repair, using environmentally-friendly Shotcrete® technology. We can secure the shore and improve your property values at the same time!

Winter is a great time to repair your seawall, because lake levels are at their lowest. Call us to make an appointment for a no-obligation consultation. You should enjoy the lake—we’ll secure the shore!

B&A Contractors, Inc. 888-779-0277

www.bacontractorsinc.com

We are licensed and bonded and warrant our work Holiday/Premiere | 13

{ everybody’s business }

14 | No’Ala

Funny thing: when Francisco Guerra was growing up in south Florida, he never even saw snow. Now it’s a major part of what he does every day, and he has a worldwide business creating it for movies, events and special effects.

Another funny thing: Francisco’s company is headquartered in Lexington, Alabama, not exactly on the beaten path. In fact, he’s taken a building that used to be a T-shirt factory and converted it into a squeaky clean manufacturing center for SnowMasters, his snow-producing company, as well as a company that floats logos in the air like clouds and another company that provides scents for private residences and retail stores and hotels.

But that’s getting ahead of the story.

“When I was 16 years old, I decided to become a magician,” Francisco said.

“My parents wanted me to become a doctor, of course, but my brother was a juggler and I wanted to learn how to perform magic tricks. I was a shy and introverted kid until I learned magic tricks, and what it really taught me how to do was make presentations.”

It also taught him about special effects. The special effects industry is huge, and Francisco soon saw a niche there that no one else was filling.

“For one of my magic tricks, I needed snow,” he said. “My performance was indoors, so it had to be artificial, and I experimented until I developed an indoor snowfall that really wowed my audience. I guess the rest is history!”

Francisco’s talent is taking technology that already exists and finding new uses for it, and he loves experimenting. From that original indoor snowfall, he worked to develop different kinds of artificial snow and different kinds of delivery systems. Evaporative Snow is a fast dissolving form of artificial snow that appears to “melt” just like the real thing, without leaving a sticky residue. His Faux Snow, which does not melt, can be used to cover the ground for movie sets, theater productions or just to cover your lawn at Christmastime as a part of your decorations. Snow blankets can be rolled out to cover the ground, artificial icicles can be attached to your gutters, and fog machines and misters can be used to enhance the effect. If you want snow, Francisco can deliver everything except the need to bundle up.

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Funny thing: if you went to the downtown Tuscumbia Christmas Parade last year and saw it snow downtown, even though the temperatures outside were well above the freezing mark, that was Francisco’s snow.

Another funny thing: if you go to Universal Studios a year or so from now and ride the Wizarding World of Harry Potter ride, you’re going to get snowed on. Only it’s Orlando. And the snow is Francisco’s.

Clockwise: A peaceful Flogo floats across an Alabama sky; Francisco holds a handful of Faux Snow; enjoying a demonstration of Evaporative Snow; a performance of The Nutcracker becomes even more magical with a snowfall of Evaporative Snow.

Facing page: Francisco gets the first whiff of a new scent blend, crafted by his wife Brigitte.

16 | No’Ala

From snow, it was a short step into manufacturing bubble machines and foam pits, used for parties as well as for use in movies and theatrical productions. But that got Francisco thinking about even more commercial possibilities. What if you could create a company logo out of a cloud-like material and get it to float in the air?

The new company was named Flogos. Francisco and his research partner, Brian Glover, developed a formula that basically combined a soap-based bubble with helium—and a little bit of Francisco magic—which can

be extruded into the shape of a corporate logo. The machine itself is a large black box, which gently whirs and spits out clouds in the desired shape at the rate of one every 15 seconds. It doesn’t really matter how it’s done: people stare at these logos as they float upward on the wind, and point. And laugh. The cloud logos last from a few minutes to an hour, based on the formulation, but no matter, these floating logos are crowd pleasers.

“It’s a good thing I work in Lexington, Alabama,” says Francisco with a laugh. “I was experimenting with a really large shape once that sort of

Can you recall the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree?

Another funny thing: when you go to the Marriott Shoals, the scent you smell when you walk in the door is a custom-designed signature scent. And it comes from Francisco.

“We call this sensory branding,” said Francisco. “We can design a signature scent that greets a customer when he or she walks in the door, or create a system that is added to the heating and air conditioning system so that scent is delivered throughout the home or store. We have a funeral home

“I was a shy and introverted kid until I learned magic tricks, and what it really taught me how to do was make presentations.” got out of hand, landed in a cow pasture and started a mini-stampede. Can you imagine what would have happened if a floating logo the size of a cruise ship landed on an expressway in south Florida?”

The next step for Flogos is the development of color, which Francisco is experimenting with right now. That is, when he has time and isn’t experimenting with scents.

Which is the third major business he has started, called EcoScent.

Funny thing: the ability to recall scent is much greater than the ability to remember visual images. Can you remember what your grandmother’s house smelled like? How about Culpepper’s Bakery when it was located in downtown Florence?

client that uses the smell of fresh apple pie and chocolate chip cookies, which are comfort smells that remind grieving relatives of the wonderful times they spent with their loved ones. One grocery store uses a peach scent in the vegetable department, the smell of roasted chicken in the meat department, and chocolate in the bakery.”

“I walked through that store and by the time I was finished I was starving,” said Brigitte, the scent designer for EcoScent—and, coincidentally, Francisco’s wife. She shows us rows and rows of small vials, each representing a different “flavor” of smell, which can be mixed and combined to create new and unique designer scents. It doesn’t take a lot, these scents are

Holiday/Premiere | 17

so concentrated, and she shows us how to gently wave the air from the bottle to our noses. We smell gardenias, coffee, chocolate and white tea ginger. Each scent brings an emotional response as we remember our mothers’ cooking or hot summer nights in the deep south when the wisteria is in bloom.

Then we get to smell the bad smells. “We have these here so we can develop masking scents,” said Francisco, “and we’re working on the technology to basically override the sensory receptors in your nose, for those who work around these odors all the time.” Sanitation workers, for example, will be able to use the smell-cancelling products to allow them exposure to odors most of us would gag if we smelled. The bad scents are realistic, too—one whiff of “dumpster” and we’re running for the chocolate chip cookie vial, hoping to wipe out that awful but realistic scent.

Francisco Guerra and his wife Brigitte

18 | No’Ala

“I walked through that store and by the time I was finished I was starving.�

Francisco shows us different delivery systems for the pleasant smells. There are programmable machines that sit in corners, with cartridges that can be changed with the seasons or when a new scent is desired. There are more expensive machines that tie into a heating and air conditioning system so that scent is evenly distributed throughout an interior space. None of it seems overly costly, actually, and the ability to design a signature scent as a part of the branding process seems to be a marketing idea whose time has come.

A few more funny things. Francisco never became a doctor, the way his parents wanted him to be, but he did earn a law degree. And that has helped him structure his contracts and patents so that his products represent win-win opportunities for his clients all over the world.

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Another funny thing: when he’s not at the office, Francisco loves to spend time with his kids at home, where they have lots of land to roam and where Francisco parks his helicopter. And, incidentally, where he plays host to some of the most famous magicians and entertainers in the world. Right there between Lexington and Anderson, Alabama.

Your Realtor.

Your mortgage lender.

And Alabama Land Services. For 121 years, we’ve provided land title searches, insurance, and closing services. Three Shoals locations to serve you—professionally!

Some day soon, you are going to go to a movie and see it snow, or you’ll ride a ride in an amusement park where you’ll smell wonderful scents or have it snow on you. You may walk into a store and smell home cooking, the way your mother used to make it, or you’ll look up in the sky and see a cloud in the shape of something familiar, like a Batman logo or Coca-Cola. When you do, you can smile and know that these things come from north Alabama. All from a man who grew up in south Florida, where it never, ever snows. N

www.alabamalandservices.com Holiday/Premiere | 19

FLORENCE: 110 S. Pine Street Phone (256) 764-2141 TUSCUMBIA: 301 N. Water Street Phone: (256) 381-2802 RUSSELLVILLE: 202 N. Jackson Ave., Suite 100 Phone (256) 332-6092

Dress Your Door for the Holidays PHOTOS BY DANNY

20 | No’Ala

MITCHELL

WREATH BY CARL CASIDAY LOLA’S GIFTS & FLOWERS

BUT THE PRETTIEST SIGHT TO SEE IS THE HOLLY THAT WILL BE ON YOUR OWN FRONT DOOR .

—ROBERT MEREDITH WILLSON

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BELLS ARE RINGING, CHILDREN SINGING; ALL IS MERRY AND BRIGHT. HANG YOUR STOCKINGS AND SAY YOUR PRAYERS, ‘CAUSE SANTA CLAUS COMES TONIGHT. —GENE AUTRY & OAKLEY HALDEMAN

WREATH BY TOM HARDIN SWEET DELIVERIES

22 | No’Ala

WREATH BY EMMA HOFFMANN DISTINCTIVE DESIGNS

A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT, WE’RE HAPPY TONIGHT. WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND. RICHARD B. SMITH

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CITY SIDEWALKS, BUSY SIDEWALKS DRESSED IN HOLIDAY STYLE. IN THE AIR THERE’S A FEELING OF CHRISTMAS. —JAY LIVINGSTON & R AY EVANS

DOOR DECOR BY JOEY KIMBROUGH KALEIDOSCOPE FLORIST & DESIGNS

24 | No’Ala

WREATH BY DAVID SMITH DAVID CHRISTOPHER’S

COME ON IT’S LOVELY WEATHER FOR A SLEIGH RIDE TOGETHER WITH YOU. —MITCHELL PARRISH

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MIX AND A-MINGLE IN THE JINGLING FEET, THAT’S THE JINGLE BELL ROCK .

—JOE BEALE & JIM BOOTHE

WREATH BY DAWN HILLIARD, AFID BILL’S FLORIST

26 | No’Ala

COMING SOON

THE BRIDAL ISSUE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009

ALSO IN 2009 MARCH/APRIL: HEALTH & FITNESS MAY/JUNE: HOME & GARDEN JULY/AUGUST: ENTERTAINMENT SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER: ACHIEVEMENT

VISIT NOALAMAG.COM TO SUBSCRIBE.

Holiday/Premiere | 27

28 | No’Ala

A HOLIDAY POT LUCK We Asked Eleven of the Best Chefs, Cooks, Restauranteurs, and Bakers in the Shoals to Serve Up Their Favorite Holiday Recipes.

PHOTOS BY DANNY

MITCHELL

TABLE AND CHAIR COURTESY OF JONES HOME FURNISHINGS

Holiday/Premiere | 29

First Courses & Appetizers

pinecone. Cover loosely and chill 1 hour. Garnish with rosemary sprigs. Serve with crackers and vegetables.

Tomato Basil Soup Scottie Floyd, Cypress Lakes Country Club • 1/2 onion minced • 1/2 tsp. fresh garlic chopped • 2 large cans tomato juice • 2 tbsp. olive oil • 1 c. homemade bread crumbs • 1 quart whipping cream • 1 handful fresh basil Sauté onion and garlic, add tomato juice, simmer about 30 minutes. If you like, process in small batches until smooth.

Add bread crumbs, cream, and chiffonade of fresh basil before serving. Makes about 1/2 gallon.

Tomato Cream Sauce

Side Dishes Glazed Potatoes (Brúnaðar kartöflur) Einar Gudmundsson, 360º Grille/Bronzeback Café, Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa • 2 lbs. potatoes • 6 tbsp. sugar • 3 tbsp. butter Boil the potatoes until tender, drain them, and peel them when they have cooled enough to handle (or peel them before boiling them). Cut them into even-size pieces, unless they are very small.

Ricatoni’s Italian Grill • (1) 26 oz. jar of spaghetti sauce (commercial) • 1/2 pt. Heavy whipping cream

Sprinkle the sugar evenly on a heavy frying pan and heat it.

Watch the sugar carefully; it should melt and begin to brown but it must not burn. Stir in the butter when it is melted and cook for a minute or two.

In a saucepan, warm up your favorite spaghetti sauce over low heat. Then gradually add heavy whipping cream, stirring until blended. Pour over your favorite pasta and serve.

Add the potatoes and stir until they are covered in the caramel and heated through.

(Serves 6)

Herb Mix for Bread with Herbs & Olive Oil Ricatoni’s Italian Grill • Dry basil • Dry parsley • Fresh rosemary • Fresh chopped garlic • Granulated garlic • Dry oregano • Crushed red pepper • Kosher salt • Course ground black pepper Chop the fresh garlic and rosemary until very fine either by hand or using a food processor. (Do not squeeze the herbs dry.) Thoroughly mix all the dry ingredients in with the garlic and rosemary by hand until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly and evenly. Place herb mix in proper container and store in refrigerator. Will keep for one to two nights.

Holiday Pinecone Cheese Ball Nickie Campbell, Campbell’s Catering • (1) 8-oz. package of cream cheese, softened • (1) 3-oz. cream cheese, softened • (2) 3-oz. cans deviled ham • 1 envelope Italian dressing mix • 6 oz. whole almonds • Fresh rosemary sprigs Combine first four ingredients until well blended. Cover and chill 1 hour.

Form mixture into pinecone shape, using hands and plastic wrap. Starting at the bottom, press almonds into cheese at slight angles, forming overlapping rows to resemble 30 | No’Ala

Apple Salad (Epplasalat) Einar Gudmundsson, 360º Grille/Bronzeback Café, Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa • 2 Granny Smith apples • 2 tbsp. mayonnaise • 1 tbsp. sour cream • 2 tbsp. sugar • 1 tbsp. lemon juice Peel the apples, core and dice in 1/4” pieces. Toss in the lemon juice and put aside. Stir mayonnaise with a spoon until it is blended well, add sour cream and sugar. Combine well. Add apples to the mayonnaise mixture and coat well.

Serve cold.

(Serves 4)

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Chutney Dressing Carole Graves & Garry Thomas, Sweet Basil Café Salad • 8 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” pieces • 10 tbsp. olive oil • 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary • 2 tsp. salt, plus more as needed • 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed • 1 tsp. ground cumin • 1 c. ground ginger • 2 c. raw green pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) • 2 c. dried cranberries

Pinecone Cheese Ball

Apple Salad

Glazed Potatoes

Tomato Basil Soup

Ravioli with Tomato Cream Sauce

Wines The Wine Seller 2006 Steele Old Vine Zinfandel Mendocino County, California Giribaldi Brachetto NV Sparkling Dessert Wine Piemonte, Italy 2005 Fritz Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley, California 2005 Kenneth Volk Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, California

Holiday/Premiere | 31

Caprese Skewers Carole Graves & Garry Thomas Sweet Basil CafĂŠ Below right, a simple appetizer made by combining one cherry tomato, one baby mozzarella ball, a fresh basil leaf, and a cube of your favorite (cooked) sausage.

Thread onto a bamboo skewer for a lighter alternative to heavy chips and dips.

Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Salad

Roasted Pork Tenderloin Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

Apple Chutney

32 | No’Ala

• 2 c. chopped scallions (green and white) • 2 c. julienned roasted red pepper Dressing • 12 tbsp. balsamic vinegar • 2/3 c. mango chutney • 4 tbsp. Dijon mustard • 4 tbsp. honey • 4 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 c. olive oil Make the salad Preheat oven to 425 °F. In a roasting pan, combine the potatoes, 6 tbsp. olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper, cumin and ginger. Stir to combine and bake until the potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 4 tbsp. olive oil in a skillet over medium-heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and cook, stirring, until toasted. Transfer the seeds to a plate and season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, scallions, and red pepper and set aside.

Make the dressing Prepare the dressing by combining all the ingredients (except the olive oil) in a small saucepan and heat. Remove the heat and whisk in the olive oil.

Assemble salad by gently tossing the roasted potatoes with the red pepper mixture. Add enough of the dressing to coat and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve with extra dressing on the side.

Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Salad Leslie Carter, Dish Gourmet Cafe & Catering • 8 c. cooked wild rice* • 2 c. dried cranberries (plus 1 tbsp.)

• 1 c. toasted pecans (chopped) • 1-1/2 c. shredded carrot • 1/2 c. chopped green onion • 10 oz. vinaigrette dressing**

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Nickie Campbell, Campbell’s Catering • 1 lb. fresh asparagus • 1 large red pepper (cut in1/4 inch strips) • 1/2 lb. thick sliced bacon (strips cut in half ) • Italian dressing • Kosher salt • Fresh ground black pepper • Parmesan cheese Bundle 3 asparagus spears with 1 slice of red pepper, wrap with bacon, and secure with toothpick. Pour Italian dressing over each bundle. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Marinate for 1 hour. (May be prepared the day before).

Preheat oven to 350.

Place on sheet pan and bake uncovered 10-15 minutes or until bacon crisps around edges. Be careful not to overcook.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve.

Main Courses Honey Mustard Glazed Ham Einar Gudmundsson, 360º Grille/Bronzeback Café, Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa • 1 orange cut in thin slices • 12 whole cloves • 1 boneless ham 10-12 lbs.

• 4 oz. apple cider vinegar • 8 oz. Whole grain mustard • 8 oz. honey • 4 oz. honey • 1 vanilla bean • 2 cinnamon sticks Preheat oven: 300 °F. With a sharp knife, score the ham about a quarter inch in depth. Attach the orange slices to the ham with the whole cloves. Bake covered in preheated oven for about 1 hour.

Cook wild rice according to package directions. Let rice cook completely then gently fluff with fork.

While ham is baking combine the other ingredients in a saucepot. Bring ingredients to a boil, then turn down to simmer for 15 minutes.

Carefully stir in 8 oz. of vinaigrette and then add in all additional ingredients—stir carefully. Let salad chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Uncover ham and brush on the glaze. Return to oven for 10 minutes, repeat and then remove from oven. Brush glaze one more time and let rest for 15-20 minutes.

Before serving drizzle remaining vinaigrette over salad and garnish with extra tablespoons of cranberries and pecans.

Reserve remaining glaze for service, slice ham and enjoy!

* Uncle Bens long grain wild rice or Lundberg available at most health food/natural food stores are good options.

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple Chutney

**Dish Café uses its house Greek dressing. Any homemade vinaigrette or bottled Italian type dressing will work well.

Marinade • (2) 1-1.5 lb. Pork Tenderloins • 2 c. cider vinegar • 3/4 c. honey • 3 tbsp. kosher salt • 1/2 gal. cold water

Jeff Eubanks, Florence Golf & Country Club

Holiday/Premiere | 33

Mix cider vinegar, honey, salt and water and stir to incorporate. Put the pork tenderloins in a casserole dish and cover with marinade and set aside any remaining marinade to use later. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 8-24 hours turning the pork tenderloins over once.

Apple Chutney • 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced • 1 c. golden raisins • 1 green or red bell pepper, diced • 3 shallots, minced • 1/4 tsp. ginger, freshly grated • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes • 3/4 c. brown sugar • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon • 1 tbsp. ground allspice • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves • 1 tsp. kosher salt • 1 c. orange juice • 1 c. white wine • 1/4 c. cider vinegar • Splash of brandy (optional) Put all ingredients except for brandy in a sauce pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until the apples are soft and the liquid has reduced by half. Remove from the heat, add the brandy and stir.

To Roast the Pork Tenderloin: • Olive oil • Kosher salt • Fresh ground black pepper • Caribbean Jerk seasoning • Roughly chopped carrots, celery, onions, garlic and fresh thyme and parsley • Reserved marinade Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Coat the tenderloins with olive oil and season with Kosher salt, pepper and Jerk Seasoning. Rub the seasoning in and allow to set for 5 minutes.

Line the bottom of a roasting pan with the chopped vegetables and herbs and set aside.

Coat the bottom of a sauté pan with olive oil and turn on high heat. When the oil begins to smoke, carefully lay the tenderloins in the pan and sear on all sides.

Remove them from the pan and place on the vegetables in the roasting pan. Deglaze the sauté pan with the reserved marinade, scraping all the browned bits from the pan. Pour over the tenderloins and put the pan in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature is between 155160 degrees. Remove from the pan and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Strain any liquid from the pan, separate the fat and add to the apple chutney.

To serve, slice the tenderloins into medallions and top with the apple chutney.

(Serves 8) 34 | No’Ala

Desserts Candy Orange Slice Cake Jimmy Czermak, Sugarbakers Cakes & Catering • 1 c. butter • 2 c. sugar • 4 eggs • 1/2 c. buttermilk • 1 tbsp. soda • 3 1/2 c. flour • 1-1/3 c. flake coconut • 1 lb. dates (chopped) • 2 c. nuts (chopped) • 1 lb. candy orange slices (chopped) • 2 c. powdered sugar • 1 c. orange juice Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating each one. Add dates, nuts, orange candy and coconut to creamed mixture. Makes stiff dough.

Bake at 250° for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Combine orange juice and powdered sugar. Pour over cake while hot.

Coconut Cake Jimmy Czermak, Sugarbakers Cakes & Catering • 2-1/2 c. flour • 1/2 c. shortening • 1 stick butter • 2 c. sugar • 6 eggs • 1 c. buttermilk • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. soda • 2 tsp. vanilla Cream shortening, butter and sugar till fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, reserving 2 whites for icing. Add vanilla and beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk.

Mix well, but do not over beat. Bake in (3) 9-inch pans at 350° for 30 minutes.

7-Minute Icing • 2 egg whites • 3/4 c. sugar • 1/2 c. white corn syrup • 2 tbsp. water • 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar • 1/4 tsp. salt Combine all ingredients and cook over rapidly boiling water, beating with electric mixer for 7 minutes or until firm and holds peaks. Cool slightly and spread over cake. Sprinkle cake with fresh coconut.

Red Velvet Cake Jimmy Czermak, Sugarbakers Cakes & Catering • 1 1/2 c. sugar • 2 c. Crisco oil • 2 eggs • 2 oz. red food coloring

• • • • • • •

1 tsp. vinegar 1 tsp. cocoa 2-1/2 c. plain sifted flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. soda 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring 1 c. buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream sugar and oil; add eggs. Beat well. Sift together flour, salt and soda; set aside. Mix together food coloring, vinegar, and cocoa; add to sugar and oil ingredients. Add vanilla flavoring. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk; blend well. Pour batter into 3 round cake pans or can use 1 sheet cake pan. Bake for about 35 minutes.

Let layers cool after baking.

Classic Bread Pudding Laura Hester, Red Gingham Gourmet • 1 loaf plain or Brownsugar/Cinnamon Sourdough bread • 2 c. milk • 3 c. heavy cream • 4 large eggs • 1 egg yolk • 1 cup sugar • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1 tbsp. vanilla • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg • 1/2 c. raisins • 1 c. boiling water Soak raisins in boiling water until plump, cube bread and add to all the other combined ingredients. Let stand for a few minutes for bread to absorb mixture. Bake 350 for 30-40 minutes.

(Yield: One 9 x 13 casserole)

Raspberry-Topped Checkerboard Cake Ruby Tiggs, Mrs. Ruby’s Catering • 1 box chocolate cake mix • 1 box french vanilla cake mix • 1 box of confectioner's sugar • 3/4 c. cocoa • 1/2 c. butter • 1/4 c. milk • 1 tsp. almond extract • 1-1/2 c. fresh raspberries • 1 tbsp. of granulated sugar • whipped cream • checkerboard cake pan (optional) • 2 gallon-size freezer bags Mix cake batter according to package directions. If you have a checkerboard cake pan, fill two pans, beginning with chocolate cake batter and alternate with vanilla cake batter.

In the third pan, begin with vanilla cake batter and alternate with the chocolate. You may also fill one freezer bag with chocolate batter and the other with vanilla batter. Snip the end of the bag so you will be able to squeeze the batter in circles into the cake pan with alternating mixes. Start two pans with chocolate and the other with vanilla.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until cake springs back with a touch. Cool layers on rack.

Frosting Cream butter, add cocoa slowly. Add confectioner's sugar. As the frosting thickens, alternate with milk until all the ingredients are in the bowl. Add almond extract and mix well.

Spread frosting between layers and on the sides of cake.

Sprinkle raspberries all over the top of cake. Using a large spoon or pastry bag, encircle the raspberries with whipped cream, making a border around the edge of the cake. Sprinkle granulated sugar over raspberries.

Rum Sauce • 1/2 c. butter • 1/2 c. light brown sugar • 2 tbsp. dark rum • 1 tbsp. vanilla Melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat just until melted and sugar is dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla and rum. Serve over bread pudding.

Classic Bread Pudding

Raspberry-Topped Checkerboard Cake

Candy Orange Slice Cake Issue 00 | 35

DANNY MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY Weddings · Portraits · Commercial · Advertising · Events · Sports · Interiors · Product · Stock 116 South Main Street · Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674 256-386-0944 (office) · 256-627-3056 (cell) www.dannymitchell.com

Member, Professional Photographers of America

36 | No’Ala

Holiday/Premiere | 37

Reverse-a-Purse $70 Andy’s the Professionals

An arrangement of Jeweled Ornaments, Branches, Pine, Cedar & Boxwood on an Ornate Bronze Pedestal Compote $339 Distinctive Designs

TRULY UNIQUE!

“Sheep Snacking on Daisy” 11”x14” “Alpaca in Wind” 12”x12” —by Butler Steltemeier $850 each Artifacts Gallery 38 | No’Ala

Wrap Your Holiday

IN CASHMERE.

The Laundress Speciality Fabric Care & Accessories $13.99-$19.99 David Christopher’s

H OT !

1631 Darby Dr Florence, AL 35630 256.764.9444 marigailmathis.com

New Space.

Twice as Large.

Same Standard of Excellence.

Connie Sicotte Designs Exclusive Oil Lamps $100 Sidelines

! ,IZJa ,ZQ^M Π-VOTQ[P >QTTIOM Π.TWZMVKM Π___ \WUUaUI\PQ[ KWU Open Monday-Saturday 10-5 Holiday/Premiere | 39

Tepper Jackson ID Tags $15 each Printer’s and Stationers

STOCKING STUFFER

Yellow Diamond Necklace $22,295 Grogan Jewelers

Martin Dingman Leather Belt $135 South Port

VERY SPECIAL!

Michael Stars Hoodies $68 each Marigail Mathis/MG2

40 | No’Ala

STOCKING STUFFER

Thymes Home Fragrance Collection $5 – $24 Andy’s the Professionals

Steve McQueen Edition Tag Heuer Watch $3,295 Grogan Jewelers

Holiday/Premiere | 41

VERY SPECIAL!

Sumptuous .92 ct. Baguette Diamond Ring $1,170 Jamie Hood Jewelers

Luzern Art Glass Chandelier $1830 SBS Electric

Vera Bradley Cotton Collection $18 – $72 The French Basket

42 | No’Ala

c\W_cS XSeSZ`g Q`SObW]\a

C\W_cS O\bW_cS P`Oaa QVOW\ eWbV abOW\SR e]]RS\ ^S\RO\b S[PSZZWaVSR eWbV ^OW\b O\R `VW\Sab]\Sa BVS >S`TSQb 1][PW\ObW]\ ]T \Obc`OZ O\R PZW\U

Burberry Check Button-Downs $175 each South Port

$ 2O`Pg 2`WdS Â’ 3\UZWaV DWZZOUS Â’ 4Z]`S\QS Â’ #$ %$% ' # DWaWb eee aWRSZW\SaXSeSZ`g Q][

For F orr All A Your Your o STOCKINRG STUFFE

HOLIDAY H HO OLID IDAY CELEBRATIONS CELEB CE BRATIO ONS NS From F rom Coconut conu Cak C Cakes, ess, ttoo PPecan eca e an Pies ttoo Cheese Chees Straws, Str t aws, s let let Suga Sugarba Sugarbakers akerrs pr provide ovidee all of your your Holi Holiday Holiday Des Desser Dessertt needs! nee Pluus - Suga Plus Sugarbakers akers can n cat cater ter your Special ecial Eve Event ent with customized Sweet Trays, Gift Baskets, and Casseroles.

Homemade Granola (Various sizes and flavors) Sugarbaker’s Cakes & Catering

New Hours! M - F 9 am-5 pm, Sat 9 am - 12 2 noon 51 121 C Co es North past st M Martin n ns 5121 County Road 47, Florence – 3.2 Miles Martins BAKERSGRANOLA COM ERSGRA LA CO s SUGARBAKERSGRANOLA COM Holiday/Premiere | 43

Tocca Candelinas $16 The French Basket

Bone & Horn Collection (Frames, Barware and More) $20-$145 The French Basket

STOCKINERG STUFF Gourmet Salts $9.80-$22.50 Sweet Basil Café

44 | No’Ala

GREAT GIFT FOR MEN!

Ne’Qwa Art Handpainted Ornament (Manger Scene) $40 Sweet Deliveries

Holiday Votive Gift Set by Fringe $32 David Christopher’s

101 North Main Street, Tuscumbia • 256.314.6684 Holiday/Premiere | 45

S TO C K I N G STUFFER

A Spa Day at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa Stuffed Olives $8.99-$23.50 Sweet Basil Café

VERY SPECIAL!

Bird Vials Flower Vases $47.50 Lola’s Gifts & Flowers Maria Sharapova Edition Tag Heuer Watch $4100 Grogan Jewelers

46 | No’Ala

Glenroyal Chic Leather Briefcase $325 Andy’s the Professionals

Santa for the Mantel or Hearth $70 Sweet Deliveries

Holiday/Premiere | 47

S TO C K I N STUFFERG

Gourmet Olive Oils $14.85-$55.99 Sweet Basil Café

Antler Lamp $216.50 Jones Home Furnishings

Purple Handbag by Bagtique $75 Audie Mescal

48 | No’Ala

High-Back Executive Chair $2235 (in leather, as pictured) (other materials available) Printers & Stationers

GREAT GIFT FOR MEN!

Waterford Ornaments $65 Sweet Deliveries

Lisa Wallace Green Tea Shampoo & Conditioner $9.95/$10.95 Cost Cutters

G STOCKFINER STUF Art should make you happy Acrylic on canvas, wood and walls Gifts • Commissions Lisa Wallace, Artist 256-766-2677 • www.lisawallace.com

Holiday/Premiere | 49

Jay Strongwater Collectibles Crispin “Tiger’s Eye” Turtle (left) $135 David Christopher’s

John Hart Binders $27 Printers and Stationers

H OT !

50 | No’Ala

Daniel Swarovski Sunglasses $500 Tomsik Eyecare

Pewter Pieces from Sunshine Imports $36.50/$27.50 Sidelines

STOCKING STUFFER

Dogeared Peace Bracelet $35 Sidelines

Home for the Holidays.

Joe’s Jeans Straight Leg Fit $158 Audie Mescal

256-740-0706 | 256-757-9008 Email anne@annewillsell.com Visit www.annewillsell.com Holiday/Premiere | 51

GRE GIFT FAOTR MEN!

Linberg Frames $429 Tomsik Eyecare

The La-Z-Boy Wingback Chair $1,299 Jones Home Furnishings

Christmas Tree Cake $275 Sugarbakers Cakes and Catering

Three Wishes Insulated Cooler on Wheels $60 Printers and Stationers 52 | No’Ala

MissBehave in Gray by Volatile $158 Audie Mescal

S TO C K I N STUFFERG Niven Morgan Body Wash, Hand Cream, and Cologne $25-$45 Lola’s Gifts & Flowers Goodies from Local Entrepreneurs at the Shoals Culinary Center $2.50-$8 (Most can be found in local grocery/gift stores)

Treat Someone Special to An Elegant Dinner at the 360° Grille Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa

Holiday/Premiere | 53

Waxing Poetic Charms $30-$55 Sidelines

Bill’s Khakis $135 South Port

VERY SPECIAL!

Steve Vaubel Bracelet (22kt Yellow Gold over Sterling) $1700 Marigail Mathis

Handmade Soaps and Creams $5.50-$11 spsoap.com

54 | No’Ala

Pure Wraps $78 Marigail Mathis

Teardrop Pine Swag with Poinsettias, Pinecones, Berries, and Gold Butterflies $110 Distinctive Designs

Tab Boren Pottery (Handmade in Mississippi) $116 The Yellow Door

G STOCKFINER STUF

Coach Sunglasses $388 Tomsik Eyecare

The Best Stocking Stuffers!

(Some we haven’t seen in years!)

Milner Rushing Drugs

Holiday/Premiere | 55

Chocolate Pearls (18”) $575 Mefford’s Jewelers Wine Basket for the Hard-to-Buy-For! Baskets start at $50 The Wine Seller

M.Z. Wallace Bronze Emma Bag (In small and large) $395 Marigail Mathis

H OT !

56 | No’Ala

H OT !

Baby Stella Dolls $37.50 (Stroller) $43.99 (High Chair) Groovy Girl Doll $18.99 Xtravagance by Susan

Red Tulips, Cock’s Comb, Hydrangeas, Ornaments, and Berries in a Green Glass Bowl $185 Distinctive Designs

Holiday/Premiere | 57

Tea Separates for Kids Red Tee $25 Striped/Embroidered Top $45 Land of Lolly

GREAT R GIFT FO! MEN

Pioneer In-Dash Navigation System Prices start at $899 plus installation Handheld Michelin System Prices start at $189 Extreme Auto Design

A Practical Gift for Older Parents $495-$875 +$55 for Leather Milner Rushing Drugs

An 8" Infinity Roof-Mount DVD player starts at $799, installed.

A 10" system starts at $899.

Extreme Auto Design

58 | No’Ala

TRULY UNIQUE!

Beautiful impressionistic paintings from Shoals artist Lisa Wallace.

Prices vary Lisa Wallace

Flexsteel Furniture Sofa $1999; Chair & Ottoman $1999 Cocktail Table $299; End Table $199 Jones Home Furnishings

Holiday/Premiere | 59

{ 20 questions }

My favorite Christmas tradition is Christmas Eve at Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence.

In other people, I most admire honesty.

If I hadn’t opened Lola’s, I would have continued my education. I acquired Lola’s after graduation from high school and have never looked back or stopped to consider anything else. I love what I do.

This is a great place to live because we live on the beautiful Tennessee River and you’re only two hours from Nashville, Birmingham and Memphis.

The one thing people don’t realize about what I do is that my job is 24/7 and I am always on call.

Secretly, I’m terribly afraid of dogs. I was bitten as a child when I fell off a fence wearing a Halloween mask.

The best gift I ever got was Lola’s Gifts & Flowers.

20 Questions for Carl Casiday Carl Casiday has owned Lola’s Gifts & Flowers for over 32 years.

When I give gifts, I try to give them spontaneously—when people are least expecting them.

I worry most about pleasing others.

A Christmas stocking should always include fruit and hard candy.

It just isn’t Christmas without a fresh-cut tree. You can’t manufacture that smell!

I always wished I could fly everywhere in a private jet or helicopter.

Secretly, I admire people with musical talent.

My favorite Christmas carol is “Oh Holy Night.”

The one misconception people have about me is that we’re expensive.

We’re good—but we’re always affordable.

I’d like to have dinner with Michael Phelps and his mother. I admire the fact that she raised him as a single mother and that he went from having nothing to being so incredibly successful.

Life isn’t worth living if you don’t have your friends by your side.

My favorite age is now, at age 50.

Young people today don’t realize how hard you must work to be successful.

If I won the lottery, I’d continue to work, travel a little, and help others who are less fortunate.

60 | No’Ala

We’re Jones Home Furnishings, but you can call us “Santa’s Helpers” Sealy. La-Z-Boy. Flexsteel. Those are just three brand names that you know and love, and we have them and more here at Jones Home Furnishings! This holiday season, we have just what you need, whether you’re looking for a gift for the home or getting ready to entertain family and friends for the holidays. We have the best selection and the friendliest design associates in town. Best of all, we have financing options that will help you enjoy the holidays—with no hassles. Come see our huge selection of Christmas ideas for your home, at Jones Home Furnishings.

Make your home a Jones Home this holiday!

JONES Home Furnishings

Rob Jones

In the Target Shopping Center at 390 Cox Creek Blvd, Florence (256 or 800) 718-0121 Mondays - Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 8 pm. www.joneshomefurnishings.com

There’s something about a Jones Home!

Holiday/Premiere | 61

{ guess who I saw }

Angela Webb, Taniya Maloney, Bo Woody

Harriett Edwards

Rebecca Meeks and Lisa Elliott Midge Akres and Mary Lynn Jackson Dick Jordan and Libby Watts

The Shoals Symphony at UNA presents Sounds at Sunset SEPTEMBER 11, 2008  FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT/ROSENBAUM HOUSE

Ken & Rita Tinkham

Symphony President Alan Wall

Symphony Conductor Viljar Weimann

Meghan Pritchard and Jacob Kalliath

Carmen Macias-Erdmann PHOTOS BY KEITH SIMS

62 | No’Ala

Honor. Remember. Pay Tribute. Share.

Trees of Love is an opportunity to honor, remember and pay tribute to someone you love . Your $15 tax-deductible contribution to the ECM Charitable Fund will mean a luminary will be placed in tribute, and your loved one’s name will be read in a special ceremony. It’s a beautiful and moving event, and your support of the Charitable Fund makes good things happen, all year long, for years to come.

Trees of Love Celebration Thursday evening, December 4, 2008 Rosenbaum Park, across from Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital 5:30 p.m.: Reading of Names and Lighting of Luminaries 6:00 p.m.: Lighting of the Tree Complimentary parking in the ECM parking garage Commemorative ornament for all attendees

Holiday/Premiere | 63

{ guess who I saw } Zodiac’s cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Audrey Cohenour and Nathan Clemons

Aarah and Jim Ringnell

Wesley Rodin and Peggy Baine

Keith Hagar

The Joseph cast sings for First Friday goers Linda Quigley, Keith Rhodes, and Aarah Ringnell

Shoals Theatre Grand Opening Gala—Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat SEPTEMBER 5, 2008

Ribbon cutting for the renovated Shoals Theatre Mary Ellen Killen and Buker Young Johnny Quigley and Lara Raney

Madeline Camp, Audrey and Ginny Cohenour

Heather Chaney and Lara Raney

64 | No’Ala

Alan Flowers, Jason Allen and Leanne Gilbert

Lara Raney and Linda Quigley

Award-winning landscape architect Donnie Phillips has created some of the most beautiful settings in the Shoals. He is now booking for Spring, 2009.

The Edsel Holden home

The Stan ley Robb ins islan d home

land • scape ar • chi • tect, n. One trained in the profession of modifying the natural features of the landscape so as to improve its beauty.

Donnie Phillips is a Landscape Architect. A site planner, residential architectural designer, irrigation and drainage specialist and artist, Donnie has taken some of the nicest homes, offices, parks and developments and turned them into spectacular showcases. In short, he specializes in creating beauty.

Now is the time to begin planning for Spring projects. Call for your consultation, and see just how spectacular your project can be.

e nd hom ins isla b b o R nley The Sta

The Rick and Linda Walter home

Donald R. Phillips & Associates • 102 South Court Street, Suite #507, Florence, AL 35630 Holiday/Premiere | 65 256-760-0054

{ bless their hearts }

Think of your hometown area as your garden.

There are trees, flowers, bees, birds, gardeners, a supply of fresh water, soil and sunshine: everything you need for blooming perfection!

Now think about what would happen if you sent some of the seeds to Atlanta, New York, or who knows where. What if you took a “garden trip” and planted all your seeds in Nashville, Atlanta, or New York in a “designer garden?” What if you watered the gardens in another area, rather than your own: If you did it often enough, your garden would diminish, the gardeners would be laid off and the bees and birds would move elsewhere.

What if…well you see where I’m going with this.

You have the power.

BY M ARIGAIL

MATHIS

Now, let’s talk about your shopping habits. What if you bypass the myriads of shopping options in the Shoals to purchase via the internet? You take that weekend trip to a city to buy for back-to-school, holiday gifts, to decorate your house, or to perk up your wardrobe. You are taking your valuable resources elsewhere and your garden is diminishing.

This is the connection I want to make. The shopping options are rich and interesting and boundless in a community where people shop. There are more stores with more and varied product when the store are supported.

The shopping options are rich and interesting and boundless in a community where people shop. There are more stores with more and varied product when the store are supported.

Marigail Mathis is owner of Marigail Mathis and MG2 in Florence, Alabama.

Please consider using your personal resources to keep the Shoals growing.

If you cannot find that special something that sends you out of town or to the internet, ask for it. We local shop owners and service providers are here to make you happy. If your favorite gizmo is available, we will bring it to the Shoals for you.

It’s tough for a local shop owner to talk about shopping locally. I’m a consumer, too, so I’m responsible for using my purchase power here. So here goes: I get my hair dipped nipped and clipped in English Village, I buy groceries at a wonderful local super market and fresh vegetables at several farmer’s markets, I haunt the local book stores (large and small) for my beach reads. I drive a fairly new car from a Shoals dealer. I buy flowers and ferns for my garden from wise-cracking wise women who wear crazy hats and pull little red wagons full of plants. I find beautiful and interesting gifts in stores that range from sublime to ridiculous. I find amazing bargains on house wares, clothing, furniture, mattresses, building supplies, and personal services. I can find glorious splurges, too: jewelry, art, hot stone massage, fine French porcelain, Persian carpets, and 18th century armoires. It’s all here.

You have the power. If you support the local shops, markets, shopping centers, then you are a hero. And if you don’t, then just bless your heart.

66 | No’Ala

Holiday/Premiere | 67

Holiday/Premiere | 68