No'Ala Shoals May/June 2013

Order in the Court | Tour de Force | A Father’s Garden | Corporate ReDesign | Mom and Dad’s Makeover

MAY/JUNE 2013 $3.95

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Your BizHub Watchdog If you’re interested in controlling costs with office equipment solutions for almost any business challenge, call me. We’re the specialists, because we’re the watchdogs.

—J.T. Ray

(256) 464-0010 450 Production Avenue, Madison, AL 35758

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May/June 2013

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ORDER IN THE COURT Florence’s U.S. 11th Circuit Courthouse is restored to its original grandeur, thanks to a judge with a preservationist’s eye.

BY LAURA ANDERS LEE PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

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Narayan Madasu built a garden that has become so much more than just trees and flowers.

BY ALLEN TOMLINSON PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

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Jonathan and Kristy McKinney get a bedroom makeover that is fit for a king and queen, but on a commoner’s budget.

BY ALLEN TOMLINSON PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

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Riverhill School’s home tour is back for an encore performance.

BY DAVID SIMS PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

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Nooks, crannies, corners.

We’ve uncovered some of North Alabama’s most charming small spaces, such as Professor Michael Pretes’s living room, shown here.

PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL AND PATRICK HOOD

© DANNY MITCHELL

BY DAVID SIMS

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With a nod to its history, Wise Metals Group transforms its corporate headquarters with a little creativity and a lot of recycling.

BY LAURA ANDERS LEE PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

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contents SHOALS •••••

May/June 2013 Volume 6: Issue 3 ••• C. Allen Tomlinson Editor-In-Chief David Sims Creative Director Contributing Writers Jeffrey Bibbee, Amy Collins, Sarah Gaede, Laura Anders Lee, Claire Stewart, Allen Tomlinson Contributing Photographers Patrick Hood, Danny Mitchell

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Our annual home and garden issue features special little spaces, like this pantry in Allan and Tina Neill’s Florence home.

Marketing Coordinator/Advertising Sales Heidi King Features Manager Claire Stewart Business Manager Roy Hall Graphic Designer Rowan Finnegan Interns Mack Cornwell, Ryan Paine, Will Whaley ••• No’Ala is published six times annually by No’Ala Press PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630 Phone: 256-766-4222 | Fax: 256-766-4106 Toll-free: 800-779-4222 Web: www.noalapress.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. © 2008-2013 ATSA, All rights reserved.

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Calendar

100

Events for May-June 2013

54

Check It Out Book Reviews

Oregon Pinot Noir

BY AMY COLLINS

104

Market What’s Your Style?

BY SARAH GAEDE

112

Kudos

BY LAURA ANDERS LEE

BY JEFFREY BIBBEE

114

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

The editor will provide writer’s guidelines upon request. Prospective authors should not submit unsolicited manuscripts; please query the editor first.

Bless Their Hearts Southern Nation

BY ROY HALL & CLAIRE STEWART

88

Food for Thought Cocktail Hour

BY FLORENCE-LAUDERDALE LIBRARY

70

The Vine

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.

No’Ala is printed with vegetable-based inks on 100% recycled paper.

Parting Shot

BY DANNY MITCHELL

Join us on Facebook: No’Ala Mag

editor’s letter « Allen Tomlinson « 11

There’s no place like home…even if it’s not yours.

We’ve observed something very interesting about human nature: we tend to have a fascination with the way other people live. Maybe it’s because we want inspiration for our own surroundings, or maybe we just want to gape at what others have done to their homes, but one thing is for sure: our annual Home & Garden issue is one of our more popular publications. And this year, we certainly won’t disappoint! From the houses in this year’s Riverhill Tour of Homes to the special nooks that others have created—and much more in between—there will be lots to look at this month.

We hope you enjoy!

Last issue, we stepped out on a limb and created our first ever “Why Not?” edition, in which we asked you, our reader, to weigh in on things you’d like to see. It was a risk for us, we felt, because our balance between words and pictures was so far tilted in favor of words…but your response was overwhelming. We probably got more letters discussing what you read and talking about ideas that came from these essays than we’ve gotten ever (with the exception of the time we printed the wrong German chocolate pie recipe) Thank you.

Now, we have a favor to ask of you. Don’t let the conversations stop! As was pointed out, most of the ideas presented were not new—some, like consolidation, have been the topic of debate for decades. We challenge you to work hard to make some of these ideas a reality—after all, why not?

Next March, No’Ala will present its third Renaissance Awards. The nominees and recipients from past years have been stellar examples for us all; we need your help in identifying the people who have made significant contributions to our area and who deserve to be recognized. Ten months seem like a long time to gather these nominations, but please do not delay—email us your nominations with a brief description of why they deserve recognition, and let us consider them, please. These are the people who work to make the “why nots?” into reality. Let’s thank them.

Now, grab a tall glass of iced tea, find a sunny spot in the yard, and savor this issue.

Enjoy!

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calendar

May 1 Concerts in the Park 11:30am-1:30pm; Free; Wilson Park, Downtown Florence; (256) 760-6389; visitflorenceal.org May 1 UNA Spring Concert featuring Phillip Phillips and Mat Kearney 7:00pm-11:00pm; $10; Norton Auditorium at UNA; (256) 765-4948; una.edu May 3 First Friday 5:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Florence at Court Street; (877) 290-8880; firstfridaysflorence.com May 3 NAACP Banquet 6:00pm; Admission charged; Guillot University Center at UNA; (256) 765-4444; una.edu May 4 Shoals Symphony Choral Extravaganza 7:30pm; $15 for adults and $5 students; Norton Auditorium at UNA; (256) 765-5122; una.edu/shoals-symphony May 4 Derby Days 3:00pm-6:00pm; $100; Coby Hall Lawn at UNA; (800) 825-5862; una.edu May 4-5 Remembering LaGrange: Civil War 150th Anniversary Commemoration 10:00am-4:00pm; Free; LaGrange College Site; 1461 LaGrange College Rd, Leighton; (256) 383-0783; colbertcountytourism.org May 8 Concerts in the Park 11:30am-1:30pm; Free; Wilson Park, Downtown Florence; (256) 760-6389; visitflorenceal.org Through May 9 Pastel Paintings by Mikki Root Dillon 9:00am-4:00pm; Free; Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts; 217 E. Tuscaloosa St.; (256) 760-6379; florenceal.org Through May 10 John Petrey: Expressions Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-3:00pm; $5 adults, $3 students, and free on Sundays; Tennessee Valley Museum of Art; 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0533; ttvaa.org May 10 Riverhill School Tour of Homes Patron Party 6:30pm; $250 a couple in advance; the Alexander Home in Muscle Shoals; (256) 764-8200; riverhilltour.com May 11 UNA Commencement 10:00am-noon; Free; Flowers Hall at UNA; (256) 765-4316; una.edu May 12 Mother’s Day

May 4 Derby Days

May 15 Concerts in the Park 11:30am-1:30pm; Free; Wilson Park, Downtown Florence; (256) 760-6389; visitflorenceal.org May 16-19 The Nerd Thurs, Fri, Sat 7:30pm and Sun at 2:00pm; $9 children and $12 adults in advance or $10 children and $15 adults at the door; Shoals Community Theatre; 123 N. Seminary St., Florence; (256) 764-1700; shoalstheatre.com May 17-18 Front Porch Story Telling Festival 9:00am-10:00pm; Free; various venues at UNA; (256) 765-4297; una.edu May 18 Timmy Horton High School Bass Anglers Challenge Weigh-in at 2:00pm; Colbert County Rose Trail Park; (256) 383-0783; fishpickwicklake.com May 18-19 Riverhill School Tour of Homes Sat 11:00am-4:00pm and Sun 1:00pm-4:00pm; $30; various locations; (256) 764-8200; riverhilltour.com Continued page 16

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calendar

May 18-19 Arts Alive Festival 9:00am-4:00pm; Free; Wilson Park, Downtown Florence; (256) 760-6379; artsalivealabama.com May 18-June 21 Arts Alive Gallery Exhibition 9:00am-4:00pm; Free; Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts; 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence; (256) 760-6379; florenceal.org May 22 Concerts in the Park 11:30am-1:30pm; Free; Wilson Park, Downtown Florence; (256) 760-6389; visitflorenceal.org May 25 Sheffield Street Party with John Anderson, Confederate Railroad, and The Ben Parker Project 6:00pm; $20; Downtown Sheffield on Montgomery Ave.; (256) 810-3030; colbertcountytourism.org May 27 Memorial Day Ceremony 11:00am; Free; Colbert County Courthouse; 201 N. Main St., Tuscumbia; (256) 381-2298; colbertcountytourism.org May 26-July 12 Elayne Goodman: Art as Life Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-3:00pm; $5 adults, $3 students, and free on Sundays; Tennessee Valley Museum of Art; 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0533; ttvaa.org May 29 Concerts in the Park 11:30am-1:30pm; Free; Wilson Park, Downtown Florence; (256) 760-6389; visitflorenceal.org June 1 Muscle Shoals Street Rod Run 9:00am-4:00pm; Free; Spring Park, Tuscumbia; (256) 381-3518; colbertcountytourism.org June 1-2 Frontier Day Celebration Sat 10:00am-4:00pm and Sun 1:00pm-4:00pm; Free; Pope’s Tavern Museum; 203 Hermitage Dr., Florence; (256) 760-6439; florenceal.org June 1 African Heritage Festival 10:00am-8:00pm; Free; Willie Green Center; 609 S. East St., Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; colbertcountytourism.org June 5 Concerts in the Park 11:30am-1:30pm; Free; Wilson Park, Downtown Florence; (256) 760-6389; visitflorenceal.org June 7 First Friday 5:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Florence at Court Street; (877) 290-8880; firstfridaysflorence.com

June 2-30 Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-3:00pm; $5 adults, $3 students, and free on Sundays; Tennessee Valley Museum of Art; 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0533; ttvaa.org June 7-8 The Miracle Worker 8:00pm; Admission charged; Helen Keller Birthplace; 300 N. Commons, Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; helenkellerbirthplace.com June 10-14 Young Masters Art School 9:00am-11:00am for first-third graders and noon-2:00pm for fourth-sixth graders; $50 first child and $45 additional children; Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts; 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence; (256) 760-6379; florenceal.org June 12 Concerts in the Park 11:30am-1:30pm; Free; Wilson Park, Downtown Florence; (256) 760-6389; visitflorenceal.org June 14-15 “The Miracle Worker” Play 8:00pm; Admission charged; Helen Keller Birthplace; 300 N. Commons, Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; helenkellerbirthplace.com June 16 Father’s Day June 17-21 Young Masters Art School 9:00am-11:00am for first-third graders and noon-2:00pm for fourth-sixth graders; $50 first child and $45 additional children; Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts; 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence; (256) 760-6379; florenceal.org June 19 Concerts in the Park 11:30am-1:30pm; Free; Wilson Park, Downtown Florence; (256) 760-6389; visitflorenceal.org June 21-22 The Miracle Worker 8:00pm; Admission charged; Helen Keller Birthplace; 300 N. Commons, Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; helenkellerbirthplace.com June 26 Concerts in the Park 11:30am-1:30pm; Free; Wilson Park, Downtown Florence; (256) 760-6389; visitflorenceal.org June 27 Helen Keller Festival Street Party 5:00pm-9:00pm; Free; Downtown Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; helenkellerfestival.com June 28-29 The Miracle Worker 8:00pm; Admission charged; Helen Keller Birthplace; 300 N. Commons, Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; helenkellerbirthplace.com June 29 Cherokee Independence Day Celebration 10:00am; Free; 3752 Old Lee Hwy., Cherokee; (256) 383-0783; colbertcountytourism.org

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scene Chris Becker

Meaghan Doyle and Scott Brawley Ina Ranger and Marilynn Szecholda Ann Austin

Jasbeer Kaur

Mike and Paula Kelley

Russell Gautney and Henry Weekly

Pat Butler

Above: Get Dirty at the Library Series

Below: Coaches vs. Cancer Suits & Sneakers Game

M ARCH 21, 2013  FLORENCEL AUDERDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

JANUARY 26, 2013  FLOWERS HALL , UNA

Pat Burney and Maxie Foster John and Wanda Foster Coach Bobby Champagne

Coach Terry Fowler and Coach Bobby Champagne

Megan Lovelace and Christi Lovelace

Mollie Hannah and Anne-Marie Tant

* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.

UNA Men’s Basketball Team

TEXT BY L AURA ANDERS LEE » PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

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One hundred years ago, architect John Robie Kennedy, Jr., said his downtown Florence post office and courthouse “will never be outdated in its design, and it will fit well into the modern architecture of the future.” His neoclassical building featured elegant marble, handsome Alabama oak, detailed iron work, massive windows, sweeping ceilings, and elaborate molding.

And today, a century later, he would be proud.

But just a year ago that would not have been the case. Over time, additions and changes have compromised the building’s original design, the worst injustice being the courtroom’s socalled “modernization” in the 1960s. The second-floor of the building was practically gutted. The natural oak woodwork and benches were demolished, the plastering was nearly destroyed, and a concrete block wall was built to cover the east wall of windows. A tiled acoustic ceiling was installed, cutting the height of the room in half, and fluorescent lighting glared down at walnut veneer paneling which lined the walls.

The courtroom was like this in 2011 when U.S. District Judge Inge Johnson was asked to move her 11th District duty station from Birmingham to Florence. While she was thrilled to take her hard-earned senior status near her Tuscumbia home, she was alarmed by the dismal atmosphere of the courtroom, especially when the first floor post office was so grand.

With an eye for architecture and historic preservation, Judge Johnson thought the courtroom deserved new life, so she petitioned the 11th Circuit for funds to restore the second floor of the building to its original grandeur. Her request was granted, and the U.S. General Services Administration hired Louisville, Kentucky, architect Alvin Cox and Samson, Alabama, contractor Hammer LGC to get started.

“When they took the ceiling tiles down and knocked holes in the paneling to discover five windows had been blocked, I was so excited,” said Judge Johnson. “Coming from a country like Denmark that preserves buildings, I have always been interested in historic preservation, and my husband and I live in a historic home in Tuscumbia. The architectural features of the courtroom are really superb. You can’t imagine the details they went through; it’s incredible.”

Today, it’s the consummate, classic courtroom, conjuring images of Atticus Finch, Matlock, or a John Grisham scene.

Light from the sun streams through Wilson Park into the 12foot windows, crowned with arched-heads. Alabama red oak wainscoting climbs the walls to nearly eight feet, cleverly hiding the entry to the judge’s chambers, and the ceiling once again soars to 20 feet.

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Facing page: The cornice and ceiling are decorated with ornate plaster details, which were painstakingly restored by hand. Right: The judge’s bench, above which is displayed the official U.S. District Court seal.

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“THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE SOUTH THAT YOU DON’T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE THAT IS APPEALING. SOUTHERNERS HAVE AN APPRECIATION FOR HISTORY.” —ALVIN COX, ARCHITECT

The building and design team constructed red oak arm rests on the walnut pews to match the wainscoting, witness bench, and judge’s bench. They recreated the Roman-style corbels around the ceiling, complete with intricate acanthus leaves that complement the molding.

The team reupholstered the leather on the jurors’ chairs to replicate the leather embossed modesty doors, which have diamond-shaped windows that were originally used for public viewing. And they accessorized the room with a new seal reading, “United States District Court Northern Alabama.”

Inside the courtroom today, it’s easy to see the original vision and meticulous planning of Kennedy, who kept a close eye on the building’s construction from the home of his cousin Rev. Hiram Kennedy Douglass who lived just across the park. Douglass often bragged that Kennedy had “designed a building for the ages.” The building remained a symbol of pride through the years and was later named for Justice John McKinley, the first Supreme Court Associate Justice to hail from Alabama.

But restoring the building to its former glory took tremendous effort. Architect Alvin Cox usually likes to start with images of the original building, but he ran into several challenges.

“My firm does a lot of this kind of work, but we had a hard time finding images of the interior of the courthouse,” said Alvin. “We contacted the state’s historic preservation office in Montgomery; we contacted all the area newspapers; we searched the library’s and the university’s archives, and even the U.S. Post Office’s archives in Washington, D.C., but we found nothing.”

So Alvin had to rely on old-fashioned, word-of-mouth research, contacting members of the local historic preservation society.

“There’s something about the South that you don’t find anywhere else that is appealing,” said Alvin. “Southerners have an appreciation for history. The very project was enhanced by the relationships with the locals and people like Inge and Sharon Harris, the clerk of the court.

So many people in the Quad Cities have a great knowledge and love for architecture and historic preservation.”

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“IT IS CUSTOMARY TO CELEBRATE A COURTHOUSE’S CENTENNIAL, BUT I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL. AS A NATURALIZED CITIZEN MYSELF, I WANTED TO HOST A NATURALIZATION CEREMONY— IT’S NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART.” —JUDGE INGE JOHNSON

So after piecing together information like evidence in a complex case, Alvin and his team were able to reconstruct what that courthouse would have looked like in 1913.

“I think what we have done there is very, very close to what originally existed,” said Alvin.

This is true with two exceptions: security and technology.

Today, visitors go through a security area before entering the courtroom, and the courthouse is equipped with all the latest

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technology including computer hookups and flat-screen TVs. While Judge Johnson still holds onto her law books, she admits she’s much more efficient looking up various codes online, so she keeps her laptop close by on her judge’s bench.

The renovations of the courthouse were complete just in time for the building’s 100th anniversary.

“It is customary to celebrate a courthouse’s centennial, but I wanted to do something special,” said Judge Johnson. “As a nat-

The courtroom, facing north. A doorway (below) blends discreetly into the expansive room’s wainscotting. Right: The original doors are covered in leather and outlined in brass nail trim. Bottom right: One of five grand, east-facing windows that were once covered with paneling.

uralized citizen myself, I wanted to host a naturalization ceremony—it’s near and dear to my heart.”

So on a warm March morning, the public gathered to celebrate the history of the courthouse and the future of its newest citizens. A new chapter in history was written as Judge Johnson swore in 30 immigrants from 16 countries in the area’s firstever naturalization ceremony. Then and now…there is liberty and justice for all.

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On the third weekend of May, Riverhill School presents its second annual Tour of Homes. The five homes on this year’s tour are all located in and around Florence, and each is very different from the others. Two are brand new construction, occupied by their original owners; three are remodeling projects that took basic homes and transformed them into showcases. All are beautiful; all are worth touring.

In the pages that follow, we’ll give you a glimpse into each of these five houses.

You’ll be amazed at what these homeowners have done, and you may find inspiration for decorating projects of your own. But honestly, if you have the chance, go and see them in person. The pictures are beautiful, but these homes, each in its own way, will take your breath away.

TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON » PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

For information about the tour, visit www.riverhilltour.com.

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The Sullivan family built this Victorian cottage in the early 1900s. Delana Darby Blake transformed it into a 5,100 square foot family home with four bedrooms, five and a half baths, an office, and a carriage house. “My favorite feature is the antique and unique woods that were used in the floors and the custom doors and cabinets,” Delana says.

Pecky cypress is used in the stairwell, kitchen island (previous page), and bar.

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“Our favorite room is the family room,” says Delana, although the back porch, with its fireplace and pool, complete with water streams coming from the brick walls, is a wonderful place to relax. “I love historic homes, love history, and love the intrigue of the stories the house holds,” she says.

Renovation architect: Cherri Pitts, Studio C, Birmingham Builder and decorator: Delana Darby Blake

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Wade and Patty Gilchrist know a thing or two about building homes—it’s what they do for a living. So when it was time to build a home for themselves, they built a five bedroom, five full and two half bath home situated right outside of town, on a beautiful spread of land. The rooms flow easily, the colors are warm and inviting, and it’s a great house for entertaining. But if the weather’s nice, don’t look for the Gilchrist family inside; their favorite spot is the pool house and the outdoor kitchen (page 32).

Builder: Wade Gilchrist Decorator: Patty Gilchrist, Debra McDaniel and Sabrina Flint

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One of the most beautiful spots on Cypress Creek was the inspiration for Steve and Sheila Pierce’s 5,800 square foot home in Wildwood on Cypress. “The openness of our home allows us to entertain on both levels,” says Sheila. “And we love sitting on our patio in the late afternoon.” The Pierce home has four bedrooms, four and a half baths, a home theater, and two large living areas. The best of three different house plans was used to create the design, and all stonework was custom cut.

Architect: Randy Menne Builder: Wade Gilchrist

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“After a year long search, this house was love at first sight,” says Patty Klos of her 8,900 square foot English Tudor home. The exterior is made of antique brick salvaged from an old schoolhouse in Colbert County, and the slate fireplace in the den was found buried in the backyard of an antebellum home in South Alabama, hidden there during the Civil War to protect it. “Our favorite spots are the kitchen, den, screened porch, and living room,” says Patty. (See photos, next page.) “The flow is brilliant, and it’s where we live.” Built in the early 1970s by Joyce and Wayne Dunn, the house was remodeled by Deweese and Mary Linda Crockett before becoming Patty’s home.

Builder: Wayne Dunn Decorator: Amy Darby, Driftwood Home +Design

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Tina and Allan Neill loved the location of their house, and loved the view—but the house itself underwent a total transformation before becoming the 7,000 square foot, seven bedroom, eight bathroom home they live in today. “We gave this place a major transformation,” says Tina, “and have lived through years of remodeling—but it was worth it.”

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The initial design was done by Henry Sprott Long, and the decorator was Bebe Ray. The Neill’s favorite feature is the stone fireplace—but on a pretty day, you’re much more likely to find them on the screened porch, sipping a cup of coffee and gazing at the view of the water.

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The Neill home is more than 40 years old, but it seems fresh and new.

It’s large enough for entertaining, but still retains an air of comfort; it’s a beautiful home but it’s not pretentious. “We spend a lot of time in the kitchen area and great room,” says Tina. “But it’s the view that sold us.” The views inside the home are beautiful, too!

Architect: Henry Sprott Long Decorator: Bebe Ray

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Providing Insurance and Financial Services

Myron Gardner, LUTCF 1819 Darby Drive, Florence, AL 35630 Bus 256-764-2234;Cell 256-335-6080 Email myron.gardner.b17k@statefarm.com

Phil Wiginton 419 Cox Boulevard, Sheffield, AL, 35660 Bus 256-383-4521; Cell 256-762-5859 Email phil@philwiginton.com

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TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON » PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

Dr. Narayan Madasu loved nature. As a family doctor, father to two girls, and loving husband to Lakshmi, his life was busy, and his yard became his retreat.

“When my parents moved into this house in 1995, the back yard was covered in kudzu,” said daughter Sunitha, a dentist in Florence. “The first job was to reclaim it, and with the kudzu gone we realized what a huge yard it really is.”

Dr. Madasu suffered from rheumatic fever as a child and had had a heart valve replacement as an adult. In the early 2000s, his health took a turn, and he decided to slow down and take an area of the backyard and turn it into a retreat.

Although he wasn’t able to do a lot of the hard physical work, the family banded together to create an oasis where he could read his Sunday paper, play with the grandchildren, and find peace.

“MY FATHER LOVED THIS SPOT, AND HE PICKED THE TREES AND DESIGNED THE FLOW AND THE MAJOR STRUCTURES. IT’S A GREAT PLACE FOR OUR FAMILY TO SPEND TIME AND REMEMBER HIM. IT’S COMFORTING TO KNOW THAT HE IS STILL A PART OF IT.” —SUNITHA MADASU

There is beauty here all year long. Spring is the most spectacular season, when the Continued, page 52

Facing page: A pond was added, and a waterfall provides a soothing and comforting sound. Right: The back arbor and swing were one of Dr. Madasu’s favorite spots.

Inset: Dr. Narayan Madasu, before his design was implemented; clearing the yard of kudzu was the first major job.

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A Father’s Garden

As the garden matures, it just becomes more beautiful. In the inset, the new arbor and bridge show the basic bones of the garden, but now the plants have ďŹ lled in, the gazebo has weathered, and the garden is lush and beautiful.

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Below: The garden as it looks today.

roses and jasmine are in bloom, and trees provide ample shade. The back arbor has a swing, and no matter how hot the summers get, the yard is always several degrees cooler.

“My father passed away in 2004, so he wasn’t able to see his garden as lush and mature as it is today,” said Sunitha. “But he loved this spot, and he picked the trees and designed the flow and the major structures. It’s a great place for our family to spend time and remember him; it makes me feel his presence here, and it’s comforting to know that he is still a part of it.”

The Madasu garden is an example of how beautiful, blooming plants and carefully placed environmental structures can transform a kudzu-covered expanse of space into a calm, soothing tribute to a life well lived. “Nature, trees, and flowers were very important to him,” said Sunitha. “Everything about this garden reminds us of him.”

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check it out » Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Readers get an in-depth look at the lives of the ever-serious and strict Judge Olivia Lockhart, her mother and perpetual baker Charlotte, and Olivia’s best friend Grace Sherman, director of the local library. The first book establishes the close bond shared by these characters, a bond which continues in the subsequent books.

Throughout the series, Macomber adds relatable new characters and challenges.

Readers are bound to find at least one character whose problems sound like their own. That could be the reason why the Hallmark Channel has adapted the books into a television series that is set to air this summer. The variety of characters and feel-good stories penned by Macomber pull the reader into a world that is friendly and comforting, providing a welcome escape from the real world. So grab a hot cup of coffee or tea and join the town of Cedar Cove for a series of adventures that will surely make you smile.

—Kristen Tippett The Lightning Thief

by Rick Riordan Juvenile Fiction Call Number: JF-RIO (In Juvenile Fiction section) BP-JF-RIO (In Juvenile Audiobook section)

Learning to Swim

by Sara J. Henry Adult Fiction Call Number: F-HEN (In Mystery section) “If I’d blinked, I would have missed it.” “It” is a young boy being thrown overboard from a ferry. “I” is Troy Chance, a freelance journalist in Lake Placid and the narrator of Learning to Swim, an awardwinning first novel by author Sara J. Henry.

Troy dives into the frigid water of Lake Champlain and rescues the little boy, who is terrified and speaks only French when he speaks at all. Disturbed and surprised that no one seems to be looking for the child, Troy begins her own investigation into his identity. As she learns more about his family and past, she becomes more attached and determined to protect him.

Troy is a likeable heroine: smart, strong, and sincere in her intent to do the right thing, even when she makes bad choices.

Other characters are also appealing; there

is a hint of romance, and the Adirondack setting is different and interesting. Part psychological thriller, part who-dunnit, the story is well-written and captivating from beginning to end. Learning to Swim is a great read from a new and interesting voice. Henry’s second novel, A Cold and Lonely Place, continues the series and has just been published.

—Elisabeth South 16 Lighthouse Road

by Debbie Macomber Adult Fiction Call Number: F-MAC (In Adult Fiction and Romance sections) BCD MAC (In Books on CD section) Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series has captured the hearts of readers everywhere.

Each of the 12 books in this series follows the lives of townspeople in the quaint town of Cedar Cove. 16 Lighthouse Road offers a wonderful introduction to the series.

The Lightning Thief, the first book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, is a wonderful book that is fun and gives kids an overview of ancient Greek mythology.

Percy Jackson, a normal 6th grade student, learns that he is really the son of Poseidon, the god of the seas. He is then sent on a quest to try to find the god Zeus’ first lightning bolt, which has been stolen. In the story, Percy encounters iconic figures from mythology, including the Fates, a Minotaur, the god of war, and many other amazing creatures that are sure to fascinate young minds. The author, Rick Riordan, is a superb storyteller who can make even the most serious situation seem light.

The film version of The Lightning Thief was released in 2010, and the adaptation of the second book, Sea of Monsters, hits theaters late this summer, so now is a great time to catch up with the series. This is definitely a book to check out, especially if you like the stories of ancient mythology.

—Chris Ferguson

The Books That Mattered: A Reader’s Memoir

by Frye Gaillard Adult Nonfiction Call Number: 028-GAI (In Nonfiction New Arrivals section) The Books That Mattered is perfect for the book lover who prefers to read with pen in hand. Frye Gaillard blends memoir, literary analysis, and historical research in his new collection of essays.

In each essay, Gaillard explores multiple books that share a genre or theme (such as children’s literature or books that examine race relations). He explains how the books affected him at different periods of his life and how they inspired him to change his thinking. For instance, his honest description of his Southern family’s evolving racial attitude is a particularly poignant example of how literature can inspire empathy. He also provides readers with biographical information about each author and a sampling of critical responses to the books, placing each work in its historical context and giving a nice overview of why those books “mattered.”

This sounds like a lot to fit in one book, but Gaillard nimbly navigates it all with an elegant and clear writing style that never feels dense. Gaillard will remind you of why you fell in love with the important books in your past, and he just might inspire you to give some new ones a shot. Or, better yet, to start writing about them yourself.

—Jennifer Butler Keeton At Home: A Short History of Private Life

by Bill Bryson Adult Nonfiction Call Number: 92-BRY (In Adult Nonfiction section) Bill Bryson is basically interested in everything. In 2003’s A Short History of Nearly Everything, he took on the entire universe and almost everything in it. This time out, Bryson continues the job by limiting himself to the ordinary things of life: paint, wallpaper, plumbing, lawnmowers, flatware, and dozens of other items, as well as customs, styles, and traditions. These are grist for the Bryson mill as he explains, in his humorous and insightful way, how these things became such integral parts of everyday life.

Often this historical journey of the familiar takes us back to the earliest days of societal development. A case in point is the development of the modern living room from the medieval times when families and all their farm animals inhabited the same one-room house. Sheets and pillow cases originated from the need for protection from insects predisposed to inhabiting our bedding.

Bryson is endlessly fascinated by the very mundane and has the wit and verve to make the very mundane endlessly fascinating to the reader as well.

—John Brumley

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News, classical music and more 88.7 FM Muscle Shoals • 100.7 FM Huntsville www.apr.org

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MOM & DAD’S

MAKEOVER TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON » PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

Right: Before the makeover, the room was filled with a collection of hand-medowns and leftover college furniture.

“Our bedroom was the room where we threw everything and closed the door,” said Kristy McKinney.

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Before

Jonathan and Kristy McKinney are the typical young family. They have three small children (Jon Andrew, Hudson, and Ruthie), they are working hard in their careers, and like many young families, they spend most of their time running between job and family. They were able to purchase a beautiful brick home in the Hickory Hills area, but decorating and keeping it perfect took a back seat to family time.

“That made them the perfect project for us,” said Christy Spearman of Driftwood Home+Design. Working with Listerhill Credit Union, Driftwood chose the McKinneys for a room makeover to prove a point: good design doesn’t have to be expensive.

“We wanted to test a theory,” said Christy. “We believe that it’s possible to work with furniture and accessories you already have, to repurpose and reuse and create a fresh, new look. We decided to tackle the McKinney’s master bedroom, to create a sanctuary where the parents could retreat at the end of the day and find some peace and quiet. And with Listerhill’s help and advice, we wanted to see if we could do it all on a limited budget!”

Before the makeover, the room was filled with a collection of hand-me-downs and leftover college furniture, “a typical young family’s décor,” said Christy. And Kristy McKinney agreed, saying that of all of the rooms in the house, their bedroom was the last one they paid attention to. “It was more important that the kitchen, where the family gathers, and the living room, where company comes, were in good shape,” she said.

“Our bedroom was the room where we threw everything and closed the door.”

After!

Above: The result is even better than the McKinneys expected. “I absolutely love our new room,” said Kristy, “and I can’t believe how calm and peaceful it is there. I sometimes can hardly wait for the end of the day, so I can go there to relax. We learned so much, and I’m already looking at other rooms in the house and thinking about which one to tackle next.”

The good news, for Driftwood Home+Design, was that the curtains in the master bedroom were beautiful and of good quality, so was the carpet. There were also a few furniture pieces in the room that Christy wanted to repurpose.

“Drapes and rods can be quite expensive,” she said, “so we were pleased that those were already taken care of.”

“I never expected to learn so much,” said Jonathan, who provided much of the labor for the project. The first job was to paint a dresser in the room, which was stained a dark brown; he painted it a

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“We wanted to test a theory. We believe that it’s possible to work with furniture and accessories you already have, to repurpose and reuse and create a fresh, new look. And we wanted to see if we could do it all on a limited budget!” —Christy Spearman

creamy white, added new pulls, and completely changed the look. “It was in great shape,” he said, “and all it needed was updating. Who knew that a couple of coats of paint and some new pulls could make it look so good?”

The armoire (above, left) provides necessary extra storage, and helps create the serene atmosphere the young couple desired. On a side table, a butterfly encased in a shadow box echoes the botanical theme in the room. The table’s lower shelf gives Jonathan, a voracious reader, a place to store his favorite books.

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Kristy chose a soft blue-green color for the walls, and once again Jonathan was pressed into service.

“The color is soothing, and depending upon the light can look soft green or soft blue,” said Christy.

“We added a comforter for a pop of color, and topped it with a quilt Kristy’s mother gave her as a Christmas present. A small area rug covers up a stain in the white carpet, and it’s washable in case anything else gets dripped—and face it, with three kids, something’s going to drip!”

“The McKinneys were dream clients,” added Christy. “They did all of the

Color Palette craft project— pages from a calendar!

accents & trims wall color

existing draperies

duvet/shams & accents

upholstered headboard

Left: Four art pieces were created by Driftwood out of old calendar pages.

Ordinary matting was transformed with a little burlap and spray adhesive.

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The McKinney family.

Photo by Donna Berryhill

painting and moving and were very hands on. Kristy’s response to most everything we suggested was ‘let’s do it!’ and they were just great about everything.”

A family friend gave the McKinneys an armoire, and Jonathan built, stained, and installed shelves to make additional storage for linens. The armoire replaced some open wicker shelves the family originally had and allowed them to keep sheets and towels hidden from view. A side table and second dresser, for each side of the bed came from Bellemeade Antiques “and all we really had to do was tighten up the legs, dust it with Old English, and put it in place,” said Christy.

Because some of the original pieces in the room had served as storage space, the second bedside dresser was needed, but its height makes it ideal as a table for Kristy’s side of the bed.

The room already had a ceiling fan, but the light beneath it was dated. Driftwood

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found a barrel shade, which was an easy replacement, and gave the fixture a modern and contemporary look. “The fan kit to install the barrel shade was only $90,” said Christy. “It made a tremendous difference in the look of the room!”

The McKinneys had always wanted a fabric headboard, and Christy found one at a great price at Tuesday Morning. The color complements the other pieces and helps tie the room together so that it looks larger and more inviting than before.

The result is even better than the McKinneys expected. “I absolutely love our new room,” said Kristy, “and I can’t believe how calm and peaceful it is there. I sometimes can hardly wait for the end of the day, so I can go there to relax. I also would never have thought of some of the ideas that Christy came up with. We learned so much, and I’m already looking at other rooms in the house and thinking about which one to tackle next.”

Driftwood Home+Design’s advice to young couples such as the McKinneys is to invest in furniture that will follow them as their family grows and as they move into different houses. “The dresser beside the bed could someday be used as a sideboard,” said Christy. “And the other side table would work in a den as a TV table.”

Accessories, like lamps, pillows and art, can be inexpensive and can change as design trends change. Invest in furniture instead, even if that means going to thrift shops and antique stores; you can add some elbow grease, a coat of paint or stain, and some new knobs, and you’ll have a piece your family will treasure.”

Christy also says that children’s art makes great wall décor. For the McKinneys, matching frames and mats surround pages from a custom calendar, but the effect is that of expensive original art.

“One of the things we learned was the value of an objective design source,” said

Kristy. “A designer can provide a roadmap and can help create a plan; it’s amazing how stuck you can get, and how much help someone else can provide.” Designers can also create plans that can be added to over time, if budgets won’t allow the entire project at once. “In the long run, I think it will save money because we know what we want to achieve,” said Kristy. “And I don’t think we would have ever thought about our ability to repurpose without some professional help.”

Driftwood’s “Design Bar” allows young couples to select the amount of help they need and can afford, whether that is consultation time or full-service design and installation.

“Driftwood started by creating a design board for us,” said Kristy. “And the finished project looks just like the board. It’s comfortable, bright, and refreshing. It’s the perfect retreat.”

“It’s so perfect,” added Jonathan, “that it’s where the children want to hang out, too. I think our next project will be their rooms, so they have their own retreats!”

Budget Side Table (Bellemeade Antique Mall): $75.00 Chest of Drawers (Bellemeade Antique Mall): $225.00 Floral Tin: $6.95 Mirror: $31.50 Bins and Baskets: $90.30 Duvet Cover and Shams: $69.99 Sheet Set: $49.99 5’x7’ Rug: $79.99 Bed Skirt: $26.59 Lamp and Shade: $38.38 Accessories: $49.31 Bedside Lamps and Shades: $79.98 Drum Shade Light Kit for Ceiling Fan: $107.45 Upholstered Headboard: $299.95 Pulls for the Dresser (Brass Hardware): $83.00 Paint, Shelving, and Building Supplies: $242.00 Armoire: Donated Four Framed Calendar Prints: A gift from Driftwood Home+Design TOTAL (before sales tax): $1,555.38

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scene Luke and Emily Brown

Rob Jones, Ben Alexander, and Josh Kennedy

Jenny Kennedy, Molly Hill, Sara Welch, and Lacy Casteel Ben and Sara Beth Alexander (Winners of Best Dressed Contest)

Leslie and Davis Graves, Will and Ashley Beadle, Amber and Britt Graves

Molly Hill and Chad Boughner (Runners Up)

Above: Friday’s Creue “Boardwalk Empire” Soiree M ARCH 8, 2013  PICKETT PLACE

Mary Lord, Ben and Mindi Graves

Chris and Laurie Tant

Below: St. Joseph 13th Annual Jaguar Ball & Mardi Gras Benefit Celebration FEBRUARY 9, 2013  ST. JOSEPH C ATHOLIC SCHOOL

Maria and Dale Dobbs Susan and Dan Girsch Marcela Villagrana Guzman

Audrey Newton and Cade LeMay

Ernst Davis of The Midnighters Richetta and Cedric Parker * Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.

Kathy and Bob Blanke Chris and Laurie Tant

I’m Dr. Lee Nichols. As an orthopedic surgeon, I treat the entire musculoskeletal system. In addition to helping you with knees, hips, shoulders, and other bone and joint disorders, I have a special interest in foot and ankle ailments, with over 20 years of experience treating various problems, including: • bunions/hammertoes • fallen arches • heel pain • neuromas • ankle sprains Your feet are your foundation. Let me help you keep them healthy!

Dr. Lee Nichols, Shoals Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Board Certified • American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society member 426 West College Street, Florence • 203 West Avalon Avenue, Suite 230, Muscle Shoals

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NO’ALA

RENAISSANCE AWARDS A Renaissance Person: a present-day person who has acquired profound knowledge or proficiency in more than one field.

PAST RENAISSANCE AWARD NOMINEES* AND RECIPIENTS: ARTS & CULTURE

David Anderson Mary Settle Cooney Alan Flowers Bill Matthews Audwin and Sandi McGee Rick Hall Edsel Holden Jean Gay Musselman Billy and Jeanne Reid (Winners, 2012) Kathryn Rice Jean Schulman Robin Wade Mary White (Winner, 2010, and Renaissance Person of the Year) Debbie Wilson

SERVICE & SPIRITUALITY

Elba Barnes Paul and Anne Bernauer Dr. Carl Gebhardt Dr. Felice Green Arneda Heath (Winner, 2010) Robert and Sybil Layton Megan Lovelace The Master Gardeners Nancy Muse Sandra Stutts Billy Warren (Winner, 2012, and Renaissance Person of the Year) Josh and Ginger Willingham

* There is no limit on the amount of times a person, couple, or group can be nominated, but past winners are not eligible for nomination.

SCIENCE

Dr. Patrick Daugherty Dr. Mary Leigh Gillespie Donna Johnson (Winner, 2012) Rhonda McGregor Dr. Nolan Richards (Winner, 2010) Dr. Amit Roy Dr. Danl E. Spangler, Jr. Dr. Rob Webb

EDUCATION

Dr. Cynthia Burkhead (Winner, 2010) Carolyn Eck Gene Gooch Nicki Graham Bill Griffin Dr. Dorothy C. Hardy Laurie Mitchell Dr. Randy Pettus (Winner, 2012) Rebecca Rockhill Dr. Janet Womack

BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP

Max and Terri Akin Joel Anderson Tori Bailey David D’Addario Francisco Guerra Jackie Hendrix Casey Jeffreys Tommy and Marigail Mathis (Winners, 2010) Silka Miller Todd Ouellette Harvey Robbins Bud Ward (Winner, 2012)

WHO INSPIRES YOU? Please make your nominations for the 2014 No’Ala Renaissance Awards Every two years, we ask our readers to tell us about the people in our area who quietly work behind the scenes to make this an even better place to live.

We’re interested in the unsung heroes, the role models, and inspirational figures who make a difference in your life and the life of our community. It’s time once again to begin gathering our nominees for the 2014 award.

Our categories are: Science, Education, Service & Spirituality, Business & Leadership, and Arts & Culture.

We will convene a panel of prior award winners and nominees to help us choose the five category winners, and from that group we’ll select a Renaissance Person of the Year. These special people will be featured in our 2014 March/April issue.

Who inspires you? Who are your role models, your teachers, your mentors, and your inspiration?

Let us know by writing us and mailing your nominations to No’Ala Press, P.O. Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630; or email your nominations to claire@noalapress.com.

Help us bring recognition to the unsung people who make a difference in our lives.

The No’Ala Renaissance Award trophy is a collaborative effort. It is made from recycled steel with a hardwood base and finished with a sterling silver charm.

You’re More Than Money.

We’re More Than a Credit Union.

David & Natalie Members Since 1994 68 | NOALAPRESS . COM | M AY /J UNE 2013 Listerhill

Credit Union | listerhill.com | Insured by NCUA.

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market » Roy Hall & Claire Stewart » Photos by Danny Mitchell

What’s your style?

Vintage Remix

by Elizabeth Roehrig ($35) Driftwood Home+Design (256) 349-5981

White Eiffel Dining Chair ($210) Driftwood Home+Design (256) 349-5981

Linking Trellis Double Vase ($125) Orange Squash Vase ($85) The French Basket (256) 764-1237

Holmby Table Lamp ($245) The French Basket (256) 764-1237

Chevron Stack Pillow ($75) Driftwood Home+Design (256) 349-5981

Cathedral Chandelier ($1,642) SBS Electric (256) 764-8481 The Great American House

by Gil Schafer III ($55) Halsey House (256) 764-9294

Ceramic Chicken ($49) The Yellow Door (256) 766-6950

Deer Frame ($72) Halsey House (256) 764-9294

Antique Prints ($225) each Halsey House (256) 764-9294

Ladies Lap Desk ($325) The Yellow Door (256) 766-6950

Wooden Finial ($625) The French Basket (256) 764-1237

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market » Roy Hall & Claire Stewart » Photos by Danny Mitchell Greek Key Table ($400) The French Basket (256) 764-1237

This mirror has crossover appeal!

It has both a modern and a rustic vibe Klein Wood Mirror ($249.99) David Christopher’s (256) 383-2274

Slate Picture Frame ($42.50) Halsey House (256) 764-9294 Agate Block Bookends ($42) Firenze Gifts & Interiors (256) 760-1963

Haswell Vase ($69.99) David Christopher’s (256) 383-2274

American Modern

by Thomas O’Brien ($50) Driftwood Home+Design (256) 349-5981

Metal Plates ($18, $38) Firenze Gifts & Interiors (256) 760-1963

Bassethound painting ($189.99) David Christopher’s (256) 383-2274

Caged Light ($245) Driftwood Home+Design (256) 349-5981 Casa Mia Fortunada (From $22 to $44 per piece) The French Basket (256) 764-1237 Rustic Pig Lamp ($129.95) Southern Shades (256) 757-0045

Country Chic

by Beatrix Kleuver ($50) Halsey House (256) 764-9294

‘Deer Me’ Pillows ($225/pair) Halsey House (256) 764-9294

Vintage Metal Drum ($350) Driftwood Home+Design (256) 349-5981

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TEXT BY L AURA ANDERS LEE PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

WISE ALLOYS IS ONE OF THE LARGEST RECYCLERS OF ALUMINUM CANS IN THE COUNTRY. In fact, it uses 75 per-

cent of recycled goods to produce new aluminum cans for clients around the globe. So it’s no surprise that its new corporate offices were designed with the same concept in mind: recycling and repurposing.

Wise Metals Group Chairman and CEO David D’Addario contacted local designer and French Basket owner Paige Thornton to renovate an old building at the Muscle Shoals facility to use as his personal quarters and executive office.

He wanted to unify the corporate offices under one roof and provide an impressive meeting place for clients and potential new businesses. The timing proved perfect as the headquarters for Wise moved from Baltimore to Muscle Shoals in 2011, just as the renovations were nearing completion.

David and Paige, along with Gene Clark, the director of contract maintenance services, scoured the plant for unique items to repurpose with a new twist, which not only enhanced the design, it saved valuable resources and costs of procuring new materials. The result is a cool juxtaposition of old industry and modern innovation.

An old furnace is now the base of a coffee table, a pipe flange now serves as the bathroom mirror, and metal scraps have been reborn as baseboards and a staircase. And the list goes on.

Facing page and above, right: Large works of art signed by David D’Addario command attention. Bright aluminum twists across the black canvas in striking, contorted shapes.

Above: A collage of 12 black-and-white photos depicts different scenes throughout the 100-acre plant’s rich history.

“I love nothing more than to bring a forgotten treasure back to life,” said Paige. “We started discovering things to layer the character and the years of history. David has

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REDESIGN

“I love nothing more than to bring a forgotten treasure back to life. Each piece has its own unique story.” —Paige Thornton

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great taste in art and architecture and was instrumental throughout the entire renovation process. I love the way it all came together. Each piece has its own unique story.”

Walking up to the building, a quaint courtyard graces the entranceway, and light from expansive windows fills the reception area inside. Turning the corner, a large work of art signed by David D’Addario commands attention. Bright aluminum twists across the black canvas in striking, contorted shapes.

“It’s what we call an uh-oh piece,” explained Gene. “Sometimes when you’re hauling hot molten metal in crucibles to the casting area, it splashes out and hits the road. Once it hits the pavement, it cools, making this formation.”

The result is a testament that art can indeed be found in the least expected places. David, with an eye for art, thought it would make a great statement piece.

Down the stairs is a kitchen featuring an aluminum table and chairs, repurposed from a Southern Reclamation facility which closed more than a dozen years ago. Sleek appliances and the fabricated concrete

Facing page: Down the stairs from the reception area is a kitchen featuring an aluminum table and chairs, repurposed from a Southern Reclamation facility which closed more than a dozen years ago. Sleek appliances and the fabricated concrete countertops are softened by the farmhouse sink (also shown above). The backsplash is Alabama marble, which was also salvaged from the Southern Reclamation facility. Above, far right: A large hand-drawn map originally created in 1959 dominates one wall, and the reds in the painting are echoed in a bright red bench, also found in the Southern Reclamation facility, which sits underneath.

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REDESIGN

Facing page: D’Addario’s desk was made from old pipe joints. A large sliding metal door recovered from the Southern Reclamation facility leads to the bathroom. Above: A sitting area complete with a table (below, left) built from a salvaged squirrel-cage furnace faces the bookshelf, which is filled with David’s art collection. Below: More repurposed Alabama marble was used on the floor and walls, creating the perfect backdrop for the unique shower head, which was found at the old chemical laboratory on site, and the mirror, which was made from an old pipe flange.

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REDESIGN

“I couldn’t be prouder of the new offices and the headquarters being here. It’s a great place to showcase to our clients, with the design, repurposing, and technology.” —Gene Clark

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countertops are softened by the farmhouse sink. A collage of 12 black-and-white photos depicts different scenes throughout the 100-acre plant. Starbright metal, which was once produced by Wise Alloys for truck beds, was used as a design element on the corners. The backsplash is Alabama marble, which was salvaged from the Southern Reclamation facility along with most of the light fixtures. During the renovation, Paige discovered mushroom joints in the corner of the room that she left exposed. She also left the elements of the ceiling exposed and painted the tiles, pipes, and wires a sleek Iron Mountain gray.

Rounding the corner is a reception area. A large hand-drawn map originally created in 1959 dominates one wall, and the reds in the painting are echoed in a bright red bench, also found in the Southern Reclamation facility, which sits underneath. A nook on the opposite wall was formed by wrapping a concrete

The conference room was created with client presentations in mind. Local artist Lucas Stokes made the cylinder base of the table from milled steel. Data ports provide convenient access for loading presentations, and the room’s state-of-the-art AMX system offers full audio and video capability.

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REDESIGN

On the opposite side of the building is a wing for seven executives. The offices are contemporary and fashionable, yet efficient—their large windows have automatic shades that create privacy within seconds.

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REDESIGN

Project Partners Alabama Painting Cates & Puckett Construction Co. Ceramic Harmony (Custom Tile Interior and Exterior) Coldwater Landscapes Dell Hobbs Designer Window Fashions (Traci Marcu) DMA Construction Engineers of the South Framing by Bonnie Frederickson’s Appliances Furnace Hill Millworks (Custom Cabinetry) Hendrix Glass Service J.K. Terry and Company Lucas Stokes (Metal Design) Mainline Services Mike O’Steen Contractors Mitchell Industrial Contractors Paige Thornton (The French Basket) Parkes Mechanical & Metals Philip Gamble (Building Designer) SBS Electric Shoals Electric Southern Pipe (Plumbing Fixtures) Turner Construction

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countertop around another exposed mushroom support, creating the perfect space for visiting clients to catch up on e-mail.

The conference room was created with client presentations in mind. Local artist Lucas Stokes made the cylinder base of the table from mild steel, along with planters and coat racks that can be found throughout the building. Data ports provide convenient access for loading presentations, and the room’s state-of-the-art AMX system offers full audio and video capability.

Next door is David’s office, with the centerpiece being his desk, which was made from old pipe joints. A sitting area complete with a coffee table built from a salvaged squirrel-cage furnace faces the bookshelf, which is filled with David’s art collection.

A large sliding metal door recovered from the Southern Reclamation facility leads to the bathroom. More repurposed Alabama marble was used on the floor and walls, creating the perfect backdrop for the unique shower head, which was found at the old chemical laboratory on site, and the mirror, which was made from an old pipe flange.

On the opposite side of the building is a wing for seven executives, complete with offices and a kitchen. The offices are contemporary and fashionable, yet efficient—their large windows have automatic shades that create privacy within seconds.

“I couldn’t have done it without David, Gene, and our many partners,” said Paige. “It was a huge project and required many, many hands. Patience is your best friend on a renovation. You never know what surprise is hidden behind a 72-year-old wall.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of the new offices and the headquarters being here,” added Gene. “It’s a great place to showcase to our clients, with the design, repurposing, and technology.”

The renovated corporate office certainly is a showpiece for the new head-quarters and a fitting home for one of North Alabama’s largest manufacturers.

A large conference room and adjacent kitchen anchor the offices on the north side of the building. The galley kitchen is accessible from both the hallway and from a clever pair of rolling walls (left) in the conference room. More graphic black and white images (above, left) decorate the conference room.

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scene

Sheila Quinn and Nansue Cowan Erin McGahey, Joy McCaughlin and Lily Rausch Jan Barney Dana Aldridge

Pat Shoemaker, Mary Armstrong, Betty Champion, and Linda Campbell

Donald Wilson and Randy Pettus

Brantley Holt

Above: The Salvation Army’s Empty Bowl Luncheon APRIL 3, 2013  M ARRIOTT SHOALS CONFERENCE CENTER

Anne Bevis

Below: Heart Ball FEBRUARY 9, 2013  M ARRIOTT SHOALS CONFERENCE CENTER

Bethany Oliver, Melissa Daniel Bain, and Lyndsie McClure Cody and Raquel Ward, Jason and Jerica Wood, Chad McElroy and Kristin Kachermeyer Tony and Natalie Faggioni Steve and Sheila Pierce

Shannon and Shane Baker Salina Miller and Phillip Barber * Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.

Morgan Berry, Laura Berry, John Lawton, Gwen Lawton, Ian Berry and Elizabeth Berry

Robbie Burdine and Katy Summy PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

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ers Lee Laura And

We’re pleased to introduce No’Ala’s newest column to give our pats on the back and attaboys to our deserving readers. If you want to share some good news about a friend, neighbor, or colleague—or even toot your own horn—feel free to pass it along to allen@noalapress.com.

ON THE BIG SCREEN

ily apartment and the women’s shelter. The Center for Hope is the only homeless shelter in the three-county area.

Muscle Shoals the movie continues to gain accolades and success. Magnolia Pictures, of the Dallas Mavericks’ Mark Cuban, has acquired the film’s rights, and Independent Lens for PBS has acquired the TV rights. The film about FAME Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studios premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has been screened at the George S. Lindsey Film Festival in Florence and South

by Southwest in Austin. The documentary was produced by Stephen Badger and directed

by Freddy Camalier.

Listerhill Credit Union’s marketing manager Kristen Mashburn received a Trailblazer Award for Marketing Executive of the Year from the Credit Union Times magazine. She received the presKristen Mashburn tigious national award at the Credit Union National Association’s Governmental Affairs Conference held in February in Washington, D.C. With $202 million in assets and 18 branches, Listerhill is among the top 10 credit unions in the state.

MOVIN’ ON UP

PACESETTER

Florence-based company Senators Coaches, Inc., one of the world’s premier luxury bus providers, has promoted John Aikin to executive vice president. Serving the company for more than 30 years, John will expand upon his role as vice president of leasing to cultivate new business and design tour buses for a roster of A-list clients in the entertainment industry.

John’s love for music and his background as a guitar and drum technician, sound engineer, coach driver, and assistant John Aikin tour manager has prepared him for his role today. Senators Coaches has been named “Coach Company of the Year” for the past six years by Performance and Tour Guide magazines.

Terry Pace has been named as the interim director of university communications and marketing at UNA. Terry teaches English literature and composition and film history/film appreciation where students no-doubt learn a great deal from his real-life experiences as writer, director, actor, producer, and music historian.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME The Salvation Army Shoals is investing $1.5 million in a new Center of Hope on Huntsville Road in Florence to serve more area families in need. Improvements include construction of a men’s shelter, office, and storage shed and renovation of a fam-

GIVING CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE

Terry Pace

YOU C AN CURE STUPID Local author Juanica Baugh has published a self-help book entitled Stupid Girl…Memoirs of a Woman. Her book helps readers make better decisions by giving humorous examples of real-life women who were STUPID: Selfish, Thoughtless, Unmoldable, Prideful, Ignorant, and Dumb.

Available at amazon.com or towercom.

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A Benefit For Riverhill School Five of the most spectacular homes in the Shoals, open for two days only.

May 18 & 19, 2013 www.riverhilltour.com Presented by

Florence Camerata Saturday, May 4, 2013 • 7:30 p.m.

Norton Auditorium The Shoals Symphony presents Karl Orff’s

Carmina Burana

with special guests Florence Camerata and UNA Collegiate Singers Tuesday, July 23, 2013 • 7:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, Florence

America Sings

Part of the W.C. Handy Music Festival www.florencecamerata.com

© DANNY MITCHELL

It’s a nook or a cranny.

© PATRICK HOOD

A corner, a hallway, or featured wall. We’ve asked our readers and designer friends to pick some little spaces and tiny places that pack a lot of punch for their paltry parcel. Maybe some of these gems will inspire you to take a small space and turn it into something special!

Facing page: University of North Alabama geography professor Michael Pretes knows a thing or two about special spaces. It’s evident from the hundreds of special mementos he’s collected from his many trips around the world. In the cozy office of his Florence home near the college, the space may be limiting, but the objects found within seem to transport one across the globe.

TEXT BY DAVID SIMS PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

AND PATRICK HOOD

Above: Designer Jenny HillHall transformed Leslie Howard’s powder room into a jewel box of a space with a kiwifruit-hued wallpaper and bold metallic print.

It’s the perfect shimmering welcome that a small bathroom needs.

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SPECIAL LITTLE SPACES

The small kitchen of Chuck and Michelle Hyde was once the dining room in their 1889 home on historic north Walnut Street in Florence.

Kitchen designer Barbara Cook (who is actually the greatgreat-granddaughter of the original owner and builder, William Price) created a space that took advantage of the home’s tall ceilings and the owner’s love of preservation. The original fireplace was preserved to form the backdrop for the range—even old tiles were carefully pried from their place to create an art piece which is displayed in the space above. An antique banister was salvaged from another section of the house to form a support for an old scale, a favorite piece. Careful space planning made way for a bookcase which keeps Michelle’s favorite cookbooks close at hand. Right: Hyde purchased an old chest which was transformed into a charming kitchen island that Barbara then antiqued. Tiles that normally grace the ceilings of older homes were used as a warming backsplash throughout the kitchen. © DANNY MITCHELL

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© PATRICK HOOD

SPECIAL LITTLE SPACES

Facing page: Designer Amy Darby took the corner of her kitchen and created the perfect space for relaxing with a cup of coffee or glass of wine or just waiting while the cakes are baking. She has filled the space with cookbooks, extra serving pieces, and framed artwork by her two boys.

Right: Designer Susan Trousdale’s entry is the perfect welcome to her Florence home. The diminutive desk provides a place to stow car keys, and a space-saving upholstered stool creates the perfect spot to tie your shoes before a morning run.

© PATRICK HOOD

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SPECIAL LITTLE SPACES

Facing page: When Bobby Marlar purchased this antique sideboard at auction, he and partner Gene Bouie thought it would make the perfect bar for the hallway of their Victorian Florence home. Shortly thereafter, Gene purchased an antique portrait of a Catholic cardinal. “We decided that he could bless the bar,” said Gene. That began a lifetime of collecting religious statuary, artifacts and paintings, many of former popes and cardinals.

The result is a hallway that is both playful and pious.

Left: Marilyn and Dick Hall’s renovated attic includes an ingeniously placed reading nook—a perfect play space for their grandchildren.

© DANNY MITCHELL

© PATRICK HOOD

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© DANNY MITCHELL

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the vine » Amy Collins “Oregon is on the same latitude as Burgundy, the French region famous for making the world’s best Pinot Noir.”

Oregon Pinot Noir I RECENTLY ATTENDED THE ANNUAL BIRMINGHAM PINOT CAMP, a collaboration of Alabama distributors to bring together all represented Oregon producers in our state for a single trade and consumer wine tasting and to celebrate the noble Pinot Noir grape. Oregon’s wine growing history is relatively young, and from the start, the industry has worked together to promote the region as one brand: Oregon Wine.

Oregon wine made its first impression on me in exactly that vein. I was selling wine for Daniel Johnnes in New York a few years ago when the five Oregon producers we represented came to town for “work withs”—an industry term for taking a winemaker or winery representative around to meet your customers, in effort to sell their respective wines. Winemakers do not typically travel in packs, but this group flew together from Oregon, and we dragged them up and down Manhattan, introducing them as the Oregon Guys, while each took his turn with the customer’s attention.

The crew included some of the most accomplished winemakers from the Willamette Valley, including Eric Lemelson, Josh Bergström, Eric Hamacher, and Adam Campbell of Elk Cove, which made it that much easier to fall in love with Oregon. The guys were shy, outgoing, loud, and soft spoken. They were fun to be with and passionate about their wines. And the wines were well crafted, impressive, and intoxicating (on several levels). Individuals and independent thinkers, their collective effort and their willingness to share the spotlight spoke volumes about the Oregon wine business. After that week, Oregon wine has forever been near the top of my drinking list.

From a purely humanistic stance, it’s hard not to like a region-wide movement to support one another in business. Oregon is the smallest wine-growing region in the Pacific Northwest, shadowed by both Washington and Northern California.

Willamette Valley producers host an annual Pinot Camp of their own—the original, actually—entertaining, educating, and indoctrinating a slew of wine trade people for a long, spirited weekend every July. It’s the sort of camaraderie many of us in the Shoals talk about achieving, bridging the four towns to promote and celebrate the life we love here.

Below: The Willamette Valley— the heart of Oregon’s winemaking industry

And then there’s the dedication to environmental protection. Many Oregon vineyards and wines are LIVE certified. LIVE is an acronym for Low Input Viticulture and Enology (grape growing and winemaking). Of course not everyone obtains the certification, and not everyone places such concerns as a priority, but there’s enough

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of a presence to promise everyone is at least conscious of steps that can be taken to treat their vineyards kindly.

Finally, there are the wines. Oregon is on the same latitude as Burgundy, the French region famous for making the world’s best Pinot Noir. Summers are generally cooler and wetter than in Washington and California, making it an ideal area to grow the thin skinned, rot-prone grape.

Pinot Noir is king here. You can find the oaky, extracted— though rarely as extracted as you’ll find in California—Pinot Noir, to the completely Natural, meaning nothing was added, nothing taken away, with a dedication to producing wine that expresses purity and place (terroir).

Willamette Valley (pronounced with a hard “a”) is the largest area with several sub-regions, like the Dundee Hills, known for its rich red soil, McMinnville, known for its sedimentary, dry soil that produces more powerful wines, and the Chehalem Mountains with less soil that produce Pinots with brighter fruit and earthy qualities. South of Portland is another handful of grape-growing areas with unique soil and climate combinations, each producing wines that reflect, in the best examples, the place from which they come.

Oregon produces great whites as well. Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer are good varietals for the region, some dry, some a little sweet, so you have to ask or be willing to find out for yourself. Excellent dry Rosé wine made from Pinot Noir is easy to find, a good value and highly recommended for patio sipping.

The beauty of Oregon Pinot Noir, if I haven’t made a case for it already, is the versatility of the wines. Pinot Noir generally produces lighter wines with elegance and soft, bright fruit. Even the most powerful cuvées will likely not overpower your palate.

The grape lends itself to easy paring, from salmon to roast chicken and pork to burgers, pizza and a variety of pasta. Pinot Noir may just be the perfect grape, and it’s certainly a safe bet for dinner parties where you don’t know what will be served.

Beginner’s Sipper (under $20) Elk Cove Rosé 2012—100% Pinot Noir grape, totally dry, with ripe, bright strawberry fruit and excellent acidity.

Knows Just Enough to Make Trouble ($20-$35) Mouton Noir O.P.P.—New York based winemaker André Mack travels to Oregon to make his garage wines. Other People’s Pinot embodies his easy persona and sense of humor. Goes with everything, always fun.

High Roller’s Cuveé ($50+) Chehalem Estate ‘Stoller Vineyard’ 2010—elegant and subtly nuanced with excellent acidity, hints of dark chocolate, cherry, and pure Pinot expression from a single vineyard harvest.

Follow Amy at www.pigandvine.com for more stories and wine suggestions.

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Where would you like to go?

Wherever you’re traveling, Silver Airways and the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport can get you there. From business trips to vacations, anywhere in the world there is air service — your travels begin at the airport right here at home. Fly the Shoals - you can get anywhere from here!

www.flytheshoals.com

Modern Travel Old Fashioned Service

WELCOME

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European-style Country Estate Built in 2010, this 11,000 square foot country estate sits on 208 acres in the rolling hills just north of Florence, Alabama. Attention has been paid to every detail, from the custom copper roofs and downspouts to the nine bedrooms, seven full baths and three powder rooms. s Gourmet kitchen featuring a Wolf range and Sub-Zero refrigerator s "RICK WITH (ARDIE 0LANK 3TONE !CCENTS s 1UARRIED 3TONE &IREPLACES 2AISED "EDS 7ALLS s &EATURING 2E #LAIMED -ATERIALS FROM 4WO TH #ENTURY (OMES THAT WERE ,OCATED ON THE 0ROPERTY s 'UESTHOUSE #LUBHOUSE s #ONVENIENT TO $OWNTOWN &LORENCE AND %NTERTAINMENT 6ENUES s 0RIVATE EXCLUDED %STATE n /NLY -ILES FROM &RANKLIN 4ENNESSEE For an appointment call listing agent Anne Bernauer or Quint Langstaff at (256) 740-0706.

More details at alabamacountryestate.com

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food for thought » Sarah Gaede

The Cocktail Hour MY GRANNY, BORN IN THE 1880S, WAS OF A GENERATION THAT MEMORIZED VOLUMES OF VERSE. During our annual summer visit, she would recite bygone stanzas for our entertainment. One of our favorites was “Little Orphan Annie” by James Whitcomb Riley, a cautionary tale for naughty children which introduced us to the blood-chilling phrase “The goblins will get ya if ya don’t watch out!” Granny also favored “The Children’s Hour” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (did all poets go by all three names back then?) which was more sappy than spine-tingling. The first verse emerged from the depths of my brain as I was thinking about what to write this month: Between the dark and the daylight, When the night is beginning to lower, Comes a pause in the day’s occupations, That is known as the Children’s Hour.

Simply substitute “the Cocktail Hour” for “the Children’s Hour”, and you have the theme of this column.

There is something pleasantly ritualistic about marking the end of the day with a celebratory drink, before transitioning into dinner preparations and evening activities. Long summer evenings in particular provide a perfect opportunity to sit on the porch and catch up with family or friends over a refreshing beverage.

I first succumbed to the lure of the cocktail hour when I was living in historic downtown Savannah. My friend Brenda and I would come home from Jazzercise, grab a beer and a bag of Cheetos, plop down in our sweaty exercise togs on the wide front steps of our vaguely Romanesque apartment building, and chat with the neighbors. We especially enjoyed waving at the tour buses driving by—local color, don’t you know?

A summer libation, especially if drunk outside, should be light and refreshing, and not too heavy on the hooch, if any.

It can be as simple as a frosty glass of iced tea or sparkling water and lime, served in a pretty glass. A left-over half bottle of white wine can be rescued with club soda and lime. My new favorite, which I think might be the most sublime aperitif I have

ever imbibed, is the Lillet Rosé reverse martini. I’m also enjoying drinks made with St-Germain, an elderflower liqueur. A splash in a glass of white wine, still or sparkling, makes a lovely white Kir or Kir Royale.

Along with drinks, it’s nice to serve a little nosh—something that’s always on hand, easy to prepare, and of some nutritional value. You can’t go wrong with a wedge of brie or Saint André with a warm baguette or crackers and some green grapes or sweet cherries on the side. A three-ounce log of our own Alabama goat cheese, Belle Chevre, can be spread with pepper jelly or fig preserves and served on crackers. Publix sells yummy pâtés and terrines that keep for weeks in the refrigerator unopened. When melon is in season, wrap chunks with thinly-sliced prosciutto. And don’t forget the simple allure of well-roasted and seasoned nuts, especially Marcona almonds, which are addictively delicious and good for you. You can order them from nuts.com.

Lillet Rosé Reverse Martini • 4 parts Lillet rosé • 1 part Hendrix gin • 2 shakes orange bitters—order Fee brand from amazon.com Shake with ice and strain, or pour over ice, and garnish with a twist of grapefruit peel or a wedge of lime.

For one drink, I use 2 ounces of Lillet and 1/2 ounce Hendrix. For a crowd, pour 250 ml of Lillet from a 750 ml bottle into another container, and add 250 ml Hendrix gin to the bottle. Refrigerate and pour as needed.

Add bitters to each glass before serving. I have visions of taking a swig from a bottle of this elixir every time I pass the refrigerator, but that would be so wrong.

St-Germain Sangria Flora • 3/4 cup St-Germain • 3 cups Sauvignon Blanc • Fresh fruit in season—diced peaches, sliced strawberries and white grapes, raspberries Place ingredients in a carafe; let sit for at least 15 minutes. Can be made in advance and refrigerated.

Serve over ice.

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scene Tina Neill, Jesika Cartony, and Brittany Hart

Harlan School staff

John and Joan Lane

Denise Hill: Keeper of the Gong

Janet and Keith Womack, Wiley Barnard

Lynn and Missy Ridgeway

Leslie and Russell Pigg

Leslie Pigg and Suzanne Nester

Chinese Auction to Benefit the Florence City Schools Foundation APRIL 21, 2013  M ARRIOTT SHOALS CONFERENCE CENTER

Mickey McClure, Bill and Leslie Howard Phillip Abernathy

Andy and Nikki Mann

Lynne and David Beattie, and Dawn Beasley

Lynn Ridgeway stands to bid

* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.

Jessica and Roderick Sheppard; Cedric and Richetta Parker

Juanita Sheffield, Connie Gilley, Jan Stone, and Anne Behel

A home away from home If you need rehab services, we know that you want to get home as fast as you can. As a premiere provider of healthcare services in the Shoals for over 35 years, Glenwood Healthcare is totally focused on your care. Our goal is to work with you so that you can be home as fast as possible. And, if you are ready for a new home, one that provides additional attention and care, we can help with that too — with assisted living and long-term care.

At Glenwood Healthcare, we know the importance of home.

Rehab • Assisted Living • Long-Term Care ___________________________________ 211 Ana Drive, Florence, AL 35630 256-766-8963 • www.glenwoodhc.com

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back talk » Claire Stewart

What is your favorite space in your home?

“My front porch.

I love to have front porch parties when it is nice outside.”

“I feel like the living room is the best part of my home. That is where life happens.”

—Melissa Daniel Bain

—Gary Sparks

“Her front porch is my favorite place too.

Also my backyard.

It is a fun place to hang out.”

—Jonathan Oliphant

Gary

Melissa

“My kitchen.

It always seems like the warmest place in my home and it is where my whole family meets and hangs out.”

—Kaitlin Chappell

“I like to hang out in the study of our home.

It’s an eclectic little room unlike any other part of the house.”

—Bret Whiteside

Kaitlin

Bret

Jonathan

“Strangely enough I really love our guest bedroom.We have a huge bookcase full of books and a comfy spot to read them.”

“My bedroom because it is my own space and it is my favorite place to sleep!”

—Phillip Beckloff

—Kevin Creasy

Kevin

“I love playing in my son’s room.

That’s where all the best memories are made.”

Phillip

—Chris Anderson

“My living room.

It is the best place to hang out with friends and family.”

—Becky Bryant Chris

“My bedroom.

It is the only place that is completely my own space. It’s nice to go there and relax.”

—Chelsey Flurry

Becky

Chelsey

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back talk » What is your favorite space in your home?

“I love playing with my two year old in his room.”

“I love my screened-in porch. I love to sit out there and get a great view of the water.”

—Rachel Mitchener

—Rob McFarlane

“I love my sunroom.

It has a wall of huge windows that I can look out into the woods.

I love looking at the animals and the landscape.”

—Shane Baker

Rachel Rob

Shane

“My home is one big room, so I would say that one.

It’s an old dance studio, so there are huge mirrors on the walls… it can be creepy at times.”

—James Thigpen

“Being in the kitchen is a huge de-stresser.

After a bad day or a hard day, I could cook for hours.”

—Grace Oaks

James All respondents were interviewed at Rivertown Coffee Co. in Florence.

Grace

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bless their hearts » Jeffrey R. Bibbee “I WAS NOT BORN IN THE SOUTH, BUT I WAS RAISED IN THE SOUTH. I CONSIDER MYSELF A SOUTHERNER FROM MY EFFORTLESS ‘Y’ALL’ TO MY UNAPOLOGETIC ‘WAR EAGLE!’ THE SOUTH WILL ALWAYS BE HOME.”

Southern Nation WHEN YOU LIVE ABROAD, YOU QUICKLY LEARN SOME TRICKS ABOUT TRAVELING BACK HOME . NEVER FLY HOME ON A SUNDAY. Chick-fil-A is closed.

Regardless of the time of year, it will always feel more humid than any place you just left. The very first “Welcome home, y’all!” will bring the biggest smile to your face even if it is from the grumpiest customs agent. The elation of being back amongst your people is overwhelming—hugs and kisses, pieces of pie, and the familiar sights and smells of home. Then the questions begin.

“Have you put on weight?”

“Did you get to meet the Queen?” (This question seems only appropriate if you have been to a country with a monarchy but really can be asked if you have been in the rough direction of Europe.)

“Where did you ever buy those pants? They are so European.”

While in no particular order, these are the typical questions. But there is one question that always comes towards the end of the first interrogation. “Why do you sound different?”

This last one is always the most difficult to understand, as you never sound strange to yourself. More than any other question though, it seems to cut as it strikes right at the heart of your own cultural identity.

Jeffrey Bibbee at Oxford (not Mississippi—the other one)

I was not born in the South, but I was raised in the South. I consider myself a Southerner from my effortless “y’all” to my unapologetic “War Eagle!” The South will always be home. But…what happens when you leave home? Good barbecue is not to be found anywhere; you learn to do without Golden Flake potato chips, and even to call them crisps without thinking. You miss a number of birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July celebrations, and family events. Missing such occasions is difficult but made special by the apple pie or green bean casserole you make in your small efficiency kitchen for a few expats who will appreciate them. But the most disturbing thing about leaving the South was that I lost some of my Southern accent and my Southern expressions. They would quickly return after a week back in the South or after watching Steel Magnolias, a gag gift DVD from a fellow expat who wanted to know if people really talked like that down there, but they were harder to locate each and every time I was away. Was I losing my “Southernness?”

John Shelton Reed, the renowned sociologist, historian, and essayist on Southern culture, presented a lecture series at the Rothemere Institute at the University of Oxford titled “What’s Southern about the American South?” Reed’s thesis was that the South is more a nation today than in 1860 when we experimented unsuccessfully

with that notion. We have a national capital in Atlanta, a national airline with Delta, financial institutions, pastimes, and even a national media source in Southern Living.

Listening to Professor Reed wax eloquently about the intricacies of Southern culture, its development and future, I was left to ponder the hallmarks of such estimable institutions as NASCAR, the hazards of wearing white after Labor Day, and the perennial debates about white sauce versus red sauce. I was struck also by this idea of the loss of Southernness. The rather academic crowd (it was, after all, Oxford) peppered Reed with questions about the complexities of racial tensions in 1960s Birmingham vis-à-vis Atlanta, the rise of the Republican Party in the South, and the anomaly of Condoleeza Rice, and the South’s increasing dominance in the non-unionized auto industry. I finally got up the nerve to raise my hand.

“Professor, can you lose your Southern identity after moving away from the Southern U.S.?” I said in my more national newscaster-esque than Southern accent.

From the back of the room a sweet, soft Southern voice asked, “Where were you born?” I responded, “Ma’am? Oklahoma (Army brat), but I was raised in Decatur, Alabama.”

With a big smile she asked, “Do you know Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ?” “Of course,” I responded.

In Decatur you are either Big Bob’s or Whitt’s people.

“Do you know the McLemore’s?”

“Yes, I do…my sister went to school with their daughters.”

She then exclaimed, “They have the best sauce, I would do anything to get a bottle of their white sauce.”

“I have an extra bottle at my flat, I will happily share it.”

From the front of the lecture hall, now no longer being watched by the crowd who had craned their necks to watch the near family reunion unfold in the back row, Professor Reed pronounced, “No you can’t; you are still definitely a Southerner. Next question.”

Jeffrey R. Bibbee, while not a native of Alabama, is a self-proclaimed Southerner, an associate professor of history at UNA and the director of the UNA Centre for British Studies. Bibbee also leads study abroad trips to London along with fellow UNA colleague, Lesley Peterson, Ph.D.

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parting shot » Danny Mitchell

“The Light Through My Window”

With a First Southern Equity Line, the money for your next remodeling project or vacation may be found in the equity of your home! Open an Equity Line of Credit and enjoy these benefits: • Introductory rate of 2.99% APR for the first six months.

• After the first six months, if payments are auto-debited from a First Southern account, the rate is a variable rate of Prime + 1.00%. (This rate is currently 4.25% APR)

• Closing costs are paid by First Southern.

• There is a minimum draw of $10,000 at closing and a $50 annual fee.

• Lines are based on 90% of the equity in your home (LTV) Unlock your home’s potential with a First Southern Equity Line. Ask your First Southern Banker for details!

The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is variable and is the base rate on corporate loans posted by at least 70% of the 10 largest U.S. banks known as the Wall Street Journal U.S. Prime Rate and is published in the Wall Street Journal (the "Index"), plus a margin. The Index as of the last change date of December 17, 2008 is 3.25%. As of April 10, 2013, the current margin for lines of credit of $10,000 to $250,000 secured by owner-occupied properties with 90% combined loan-to-value is 1.00% resulting in a corresponding variable APR of 4.25%. APR includes a 0.75% discount for automatic debit of payment from a First Southern checking account. If automatic debit from a First Southern checking account is not selected or is cancelled after the account is opened, the home equity APR will increase by 0.75%. Discounts cannot result in a home equity APR below floor rate of 4.25%. Minimum APR is 4.25%; maximum APR is 18%. APR does not include closing costs. When bank pays closing costs and initial draw requirement or outstanding balance requirement is not met, customer agrees to reimburse bank for fees paid to others on their behalf. This Account has a Draw Period of 15 years. Hazard and, if applicable, flood insurance required. Approval subject to credit underwriting guidelines.

Ask your First Southern Banker for details.

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Three convenient locations to serve you: 869 Florence Blvd.

Florence, AL 35630 256-764-4700 202 W. Avalon Ave. Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 256-386-5220 2602 Hough Rd. Florence, AL 35630 256-740-5515 www.mrdrugs.com