No'Ala Shoals, November/December 2014

Christmas to Go | The Geography of Place | Figuratively Speaking | School of Life | Stirring Up the Still

WISHING YOU PEACE & JOY OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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November/December

20

features

CHRISTMAS TO GO It’s begin beginning to taste a lot like Christma Christmas.

PHOTOS BY PA PATRICK HOOD

112

STIRRING UP THE STILL

Bringing moonshine into the light of day: two Bullock County brew masters put Alabama spirits on the map.

T

HOLIDAY

34

G

G IFT

BIG HE

UIDE

COVINGTON PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING

L

Y O U R G UI

From representational to abstract, four local portrait artists’ distinctive styles reveal their subjects, and themselves.

CA

DE

TO

BY SARA WRIGHT

SH O P PIN G LO

OUR HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

BY SARA WRIGHT

We’ve got the inside track on the coolest gifts around—all from just down the street and around the corner!

COVINGTON PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

118

THE ART OF ALABAMA FOOD

A delicious photography exhibit celebrates the very best of Alabama cuisine.

PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD PRODUCED BY ASHLEY WINKLE

BY ALLEN TOMLINSON PHOTOS BY BECKY

LUIGART-STAYNER

44

©Patrick Hood

104

SCHOOL OF LIFE

Everyday miracles: How the Southwire company turned part-time jobs into a perfect high school graduation rate.

BY ROY HALL PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

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no’ala advisory board Jeremy Britten Anne Bernauer Vicki Goldston Leslie Keys Wes Wages Ashley Winkle

editor’s letter « Allen Tomlinson

These are a few of my favorite things.

Ready or not, here it comes—the holiday season is approaching at lightning speed.

It’s hectic, it can be stressful, it sometimes rushes by in a blur—but it can be the most wonderful time of the year. The smell of a Christmas tree that we handpicked at Shell’s, draped in some of the ugliest but most meaningful ornaments from our families; the taste of cranberry-banana bread and that special Christmas fudge we only make this time of year; the sounds of choirs singing all of our favorites, especially “Oh, Holy Night”; the warmth of family and friends, regardless of how cold it gets outside. These are a few of my favorite things; I’ll bet your list of seasonal favorites is as long as mine, if not longer.

One of the best parts about living in this special place is the fact that everything you could possibly need or want, as you consider gift giving, can be found here. Think I’m exaggerating? Take a look at the buying guide for this year, where we showcase a small sample of the delightful offerings available from our local merchants. I’d like to suggest an early New Year’s resolution, as you consider the gifts you will give: Shop the Shoals! Not only will the gifts be the best in the world, but shopping locally is like giving a gift to our community, by encouraging local retailers and making sure your tax revenues stay local. It makes sense in so many ways—and there’s certainly no need to go anywhere else!

I’m making another early resolution this season: I’m going to try to slow down and enjoy this hectic time of year. I may not be able to go to every event or see every friend I want to see, but I plan to live more in the moment and soak it all in. No matter how you say it or celebrate it—Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays—everyone here at No’Ala Studios wishes you and yours a joyous season, filled with all of your favorite things.

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contents

HOLD THAT POSE: The resurgence of portrait painting

34

© Painting by Maggie Little ; photo by Patrick Hood

everything else 14 110

No’Ala is published six times annually by No’Ala Studios PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630 Phone: (256) 766-4222 | Fax: (256) 766-4106 Toll-free: (800) 779-4222 Web: noalastudios.com

CALENDAR

Events for November-December 2014

CHECK IT OUT

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.

BOOK REVIEWS BY THE FLORENCE-LAUDERDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

124 KUDOS 130 THE VINE

© 2008-2014 No’Ala Studios, All rights reserved.

“The King & Queen of Nebbiolo”

BY AMY COLLINS Courtesy photo

132 FOOD FOR THOUGHT “Nutty for Fruitcake”

BY SARAH GAEDE

134 BLESS THEIR HEARTS “New Year's Evil”

BY DAVID SIMS

136 BACK TALK

“What Gets You in the Holiday Spirit?”

BY KALI DANIEL

138 PARTING SHOT

BY PATRICK HOOD

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 Volume 7: Issue 6 ••• Editor-in-Chief C. Allen Tomlinson Chief Operating Officer Matthew Liles Creative Director David Sims Advertising Director Heidi King Features Manager Roy Hall Graphic Designer Rowan Finnegan Retail Product Manager Ashley Winkle Proofreader Carole Maynard Intern Kali Daniel ••• Contributing Writers Amy Collins, Sara Wright Covington, Kali Daniel, Sarah Gaede, Roy Hall, David Sims, Allen Tomlinson ••• Contributing Photographers Patrick Hood, Becky Luigart-Stayner, Danny Mitchell, Shannon Wells

90

THE GEOGRAPHY OF PLACE

On the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, a Florence couple reflect on their journey from “Bombingham” to the Shoals.

BY ROY HALL PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

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

Letters may be edited for space and style.

To advertise, contact us at (256) 766-4222, or sales@noalastudios.com.

The editor will provide writer’s guidelines upon request.

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

No’Ala is printed with vegetable-based inks.

Please recycle.

Connect with us on Facebook: No’Ala Mag and Twitter: @NoAla_Magazine

Some of your most important connections can be found close to home Proud to serve the Shoals since 1981.

Merrill Lynch financial advisors are committed to the individuals and businesses in the Shoals. We can help you build upon your success, prepare for the future and create a strategy that’s uniquely yours.

The Trapp Group Will Trapp Vice President Resident Director–Wealth Management Advisor Portfolio Advisor, PIA Program 256.760.2012 Russell Trapp, CFP® Senior Vice President – Wealth Management Wealth Management Advisor Portfolio Manager, PIA Program 256.760.2010 Merrill Lynch 301 North Seminary Street Florence, AL 35630

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calendar

Saturday, November 1 Rogersville First Saturdays 3:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Rogersville; (256) 247-9449; rogersvillealabama.com Saturday, November 1 – Sunday, November 2 UNA Theatre presents: Dr. Faustus Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:00pm; Admission charged; George Lindsey Theatre; (256) 765-5122; una.edu Sunday, November 2 – Friday, November 14 (Sundays – Fridays only) 50 Years: Works from the Permanent Collection Sun 1:00pm-3:00pm, Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm; $5 adults, $3 students, and free on Sundays; Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N Water St, Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0533; tvaa.net Thursday, November 6 – Wednesday, December 31 (weekdays only) The Prints of Mary Wallace Kirk Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm; Free; Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E Tuscaloosa St; (256) 760-6379 Friday, November 7 First Fridays Florence 5:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Florence; (877) 290-8880; firstfridaysflorence.org UNA Opera/Musical Theatre presents: Old Maid and the Thief Fri 7:30pm; Admission charged; George Lindsey Theatre; (256) 765-5122; una.edu Saturday, November 8 Swampette Music Tour Times TBD; $35; Florence-Lauderdale Tourism & Visitor’s Center, 200 Jim Spain Dr; (256) 740-4141; visitflorenceal.com Walking Tours of Historic Florence: Forks of Cypress Plantation Site and Cemetery 10:00am-10:00pm; Free; Forks of Cypress Plantation, directions and information available online; (256) 740-4141; visitflorenceal.com Sheffield Second Saturday 2:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown; (256) 386-5606; sheffieldalabama.org Tuesday, November 11 Veterans Day Parade 11:00am; Free; Downtown Tuscumbia; (256) 381-2298 Wednesday, November 12 – Friday, December 12 (weekdays only) Quilt Challenge ’14 Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm; Free; Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E Tuscaloosa St; (256) 760-6379

Friday, November 14 Kennedy-Douglass Volunteers’ Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series 11:30am-1:00pm; Free (dessert and beverage provided); KennedyDouglass Center for the Arts, 217 E Tuscaloosa St; (256) 760-6379 Sunday, November 16 W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration 3:00pm-5:00pm; Free; W.C. Handy Home and Museum, 620 W College St; (256) 760-6434 Thursday, November 20 – Sunday, November 23 UNA Theatre presents: A Christmas Carol Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:00pm; Admission charged; Norton Auditorium; (256) 765-5122; una.edu Saturday, November 22 – Sunday, November 23 Christmas in the Country Sat 10:00am-4:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-4:00pm; Free (donations accepted); 1461 LaGrange Rd, Leighton; (256) 383-0783; recall-lagrange.00me.com Saturday, November 22 Downtown Christmas Open House 10:00am-3:00pm; Free; Participating Businesses; (256) 760-9648; florencemainstreet.org Friday, November 28 Lighting of the Town Time TBD; Free; Downtown Rogersville; (256) 247-9449; rogersvillealabama.com Saturday, November 29 Iron Bowl Pancake Breakfast Time and Cost TBD; LCHS, Rogersville; (256) 247-9449; rogersvillealabama.com Tuesday, December 2 Sheffield Christmas Parade 6:00pm; Free; Downtown; (256) 383-0783; colbertcountytourism.org Civitan / Tuscumbia Christmas Parade Time TBD; Free; Downtown; cityoftuscumbia.org Friday, December 5 – Sunday, December 7 Sugar Plum Marketplace Fri 9:00am-7:00pm, Sat 9:00am-6:00pm, Sun Noon-5:00pm; $5; North Alabama State Fair Grounds, Muscle Shoals; jltheshoals.org Friday, December 5 – Wednesday, December 24 (Sundays through Fridays only) The Trees of Christmas Sun 1:00pm-3:00pm, Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm; $5 adults, $3 students, and free on Sundays; Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N Water St, Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0533; tvaa.net Friday, December 5 First Fridays Florence 5:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Florence; (877) 290-8880; firstfridaysflorence.org

Saturday, December 6 Rogersville First Saturdays 3:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Rogersville; (256) 247-9449; rogersvillealabama.com

Florence Christmas Parade 7:00pm; Free; Downtown; (256) 760-9648; florencemainstreet.org The Dickens Feast – Part of It’s a Dickens Christmas, Y’all 7:00pm; Advance tickets required; Roundhouse of the Tuscumbia RR Depot, 204 W 5th St, Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783

Sunday, December 7 Saturday, December 13 Shoals Symphony at UNA presents: Candlelight Christmas 2:00pm; Admission charged; Norton Auditorium; (256) 765-5122; una.edu/shoals-symphony Plantation Christmas 1:00pm-5:00pm; Admission charged; Belle Mont Mansion, 1569 Cook Ln, Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; colbertcountytourism.org Tuesday, December 9 Florence Camerata Christmas Concert Time and location TBD; Admission charged; florencecamerata.com Muscle Shoals/Bank Independent Christmas Parade 7:00pm; Free; Avalon Ave; cityofmuscleshoals.com Friday, December 12

The Dickens Christmas Festival – Part of It’s a Dickens Christmas, Y’all 10:00am-5:00pm; Free; Downtown Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783 Joe Wheeler Boat Parade of Lights 6:00pm; Free; Joe Wheeler State Park, 4403 McLean Dr, Rogersville; (256) 247-5461 Sheffield Second Saturday 2:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown; (256) 386-5606; sheffieldalabama.org Christmas at Ivy Green 8:30am-4:00pm; Admission charged; 300 N Commons W, Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; colbertcountytourism.org Shoals Margarita Ball Benefit for Toys for Tots 6:30pm; Admission: one toy per person, RSVP Required; Formal Attire; Location TBD; (256) 764-0112

Kennedy-Douglass Volunteers’ Brown Bag Lunch Speaker Series 11:30am-1:00pm; Free (dessert and beverage provided); Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E Tuscaloosa St; (256) 760-6379

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scene

Christy Spearman and Gilbert Renault Tony Smith, Grace Fox, Vince Brewton, Callie Plunket-Brewton, and Jean McIntyre

Dave DeWolfe Scott Townsend

Cathe Harrison, Susan Trousdale, and Rachel Mitchener

Robert Gonce

Jane Pride and Sherry Alexander

Carole Foret

St. Francis Art Show Opening Reception september ,  · trinity episcopal church, florence

Tom Osborne and Libby Jordan Mary White and Dick Peck

Missy Ridgeway Tom Frith

Joan Lane

Lib Webb Lynn and David Beattie

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

Jane Simmons, Nita Thornell, and Josphine Redd All photos by Scotty Bobo

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Seasoned Eatings!

They come like clockwork every holiday season. Not Santa Claus and Rudolph. I’m talking about the arrival of heavenly divinity. Peppermint bark.

Luscious peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.

Maybe you make it to give away, or maybe you designate prime real estate at your workspace for its arrival. It could be your sweet Nana’s special guarded secret, or Mama’s prize-winning recipe. And someday, if you prove your trustworthiness, you will inherit the stained and sticky recipe card so you can carefully learn the steps and carry on the tradition for the next generation.

This year, we present some of our favorite (and a few of our readers’ favorite) traditional and not-so-traditional holiday treats. They’re the best kind of gift— ones that can be thoroughly enjoyed and completely consumed. And if one of these tickles your fancy, feel free to start a new family tradition.

photos by patrick hood » recipes by jan anderson, debra dombrowski, sarah gaede, david auston johnson, laurie tant, & allen tomlinson introduction by david sims

Bourbon Balls

Special thanks to Pat Slusher

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Cranberry-Banana Bread Serve with Alabama Chanin Coffee and homemade jellies and jams from Jack-O-Lantern Farms

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Honey-Thyme Bread with Homemade Apricot Butter

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Honey-Thyme Bread (David Auston Johnson) Bourbon Balls (Laurie Tant) • • • • • •

2 1/2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup finely chopped pecans 3 tablespoons light corn syrup 1/4 cup bourbon Powdered sugar

Mix first 3 ingredients well. Add syrup and bourbon; mix well. Roll into 1 inch balls, then roll in sugar.

• • • • • • • • • •

1/4 cup water, warmed to 110° F 1 teaspoon sugar 1 packet active dry yeast 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon chopped thyme leaves 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1/3 cup honey 1 egg, lightly whisked for brushing

Makes 3 dozen.

Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in preheated bowl.

Let the mixture sit 10-15 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.

Cranberry-Banana Bread (Allen Tomlinson)

In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, place the sifted flour, salt, and thyme.

• • • • • • • • •

In separate pan, heat butter until just melted. Add buttermilk and honey; stir over heat until combined. Off the heat add yeast mixture and stir. Add this mixture to the flour.

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups white sugar 2 cups mashed overripe bananas 4 eggs, beaten 1 package cranberries 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.

Sift the flour, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Stir in the mashed bananas and eggs until wellblended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just blended. Add cranberries and walnuts (optional), stirring just until well mixed. Divide the batter evenly between the two loaf pans.

Bake for 60 to 70 minutes in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted in the crown of the loaf comes out clean. (If it starts to brown too much, loosely cover with aluminum foil.)

Let the loaves cool in the pans for at least 5 minutes, and then turn out onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before wrapping in aluminum foil. Ideally, refrigerate the loaves for two hours before serving.

Turn the stand mixer on medium-high speed until ingredients are completely mixed and the dough begins to form. Knead until the dough starts to pull away from the walls of the bowl, adding a teaspoon of flour as needed until the dough is completely detached from the walls of the mixing bowl.

Remove the dough from the mixer and place in a lightly oiled glass bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and allow to rise in a warm place (a slightly warmed oven works great) for 2 hours.

After allowing the dough to rise, punch the dough down and turn out onto a floured surface.

Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Place each piece of dough into greased miniature loaf pan. Cover again and allow to rise for 1 hour.

After the second rise, brush the tops of the dough with egg wash. Place the pans into a preheated 375 degree oven.

Bake on the middle rack for 30-45 minutes until the tops are golden brown.

Allow bread to cool on wire racks for 20 minutes.

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Cinnamon Popcorn

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Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars

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Blackberry Liqueur

Sweet Spiced Pecans

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Continued from page 25

Homemade Apricot Butter (David Auston Johnson) • • • • • •

1, 16-ounce container of heavy whipping cream Ice water 1/3 cup apricot preserves (homemade or store bought) 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon honey Kosher salt

In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk heavy cream on high for 10-15 minutes.

As the cream is whisked, a separation of the liquid and solids will occur. (This solid will become the butter.) When the liquid and solids have completely separated, pour off the liquid. (This liquid is actually buttermilk and can be saved.) *Be sure to use a shield or kitchen towel to cover the mixing bowl. The process can become messy as the liquids and solids begin to separate.

With a rubber spatula, press the butter against the side of the bowl to squeeze out any extra liquid. The butter should be as liquid-free as possible, so continuously press until all liquid has been drained.

Pour ice water over the butter and then drain repeatedly, until the water begins to run clear.

Add the apricot preserves, cinnamon, honey, and a pinch of salt to the butter and mix until completely combined.

Transfer butter to a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. *This same process can be completed using a food processor.

Cinnamon Popcorn (Jan Anderson) • • • • •

6 cups plain popped popcorn (3 bags) 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 cup butter 9 ounces red hot candies 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)

Pop popcorn. Remove unpopped kernels. Set aside.

In saucepan, combine other ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour over popcorn and mix thoroughly. Turn into 9x13 pan (greased). Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes to coat.

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Remove from pans and put on waxed paper to cool. Break apart and store in airtight containers.

Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars (Sarah Gaede) • • • • •

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for pan 2 cups (8 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups (12-ounce package) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts • 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Place 2 sticks butter in mixer bowl; beat until creamy.

Beat in flour, sugar, and salt until well mixed. Place one cup of the mixture in a bowl and reserve; press the remainder evenly into the bottom of the pan with your hands. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Remove pan from oven; keep oven on.

In the meantime, combine 1 cup chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-proof bowl or 4-cup glass measuring cup. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir. Continue in 30-second intervals until chocolate chips are completely melted. Be careful not to scorch the mixture.

Add the rest of the chocolate chips and the nuts to the reserved butter-flour mixture, and mix with your fingers until well combined.

Spread the melted chocolate mixture over the hot crust.

Pinch off little pieces of the crumb mixture to cover the filling. Heat the jam for about 20 seconds in the microwave, or until melted, and drizzle it over the crumb mixture with a small spoon. Return to oven for 25-30 minutes, or until crumb mixture is golden brown. Cool completely on a rack before cutting.

To cut into bars, trim about 1/4-inch from each edge; reserve trimmings for the cook. Cut 6 even strips lengthwise and 4 crosswise, for a total of 48 squares.

Remove carefully from pan and store in an airtight container, with wax paper between the layers. These will keep for a few days at room temperature, or can be frozen.

Blackberry Liqueur (Sarah Gaede) • 1 cup water • 3 cups sugar • 1 quart fresh blackberries, or 4 cups frozen

unsweetened blackberries, thawed • 750 ml bottle vodka Stir water and sugar in a saucepan over low heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool to room temperature. Place blackberries in a large glass crock or plastic container with a tightfitting lid, being careful not to crush the berries. Pour in sugar water and vodka. Seal and store in a cool place for 2 weeks or so, until the berries have lost most of their color. Pour through a sieve lined with coffee filters or paper towels, and bottle. Sip straight up, or mix with Champagne, Prosecco, or club soda.

Note: I used Cathead vodka from Mississippi, but any decent vodka will work. No need to use the expensive stuff.

You can buy decorative bottles in hobby stores or on the Internet, or reuse upscale vinegar bottles. Running them through the dishwasher will help remove the labels.

Sweet Spiced Pecans (Debra Dombrowski)

• Canola or other vegetable oil • 1/2 cup white, granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (don’t skimp!)

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 large egg white • 1 teaspoon water • 5 cups pecan halves

Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with canola oil.

Combine sugar, cinnamon, pepper, and salt in a small bowl.

Set aside.

Combine egg white and water in the bowl of a mixer and beat, on the highest setting, until foamy but still in a liquid state.

Stir pecans into egg white until all nuts are thoroughly coated. Add sugar mixture and fold lightly until coated.

Spread pecans, in a single layer, on prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring pecans at 15 minute intervals to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Remove baking sheet and cool on a rack until pecans are at room temperature. Transfer pecans to airtight containers.

Makes 5 cups.

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Jonny Skull

Figuratively Speaking

text by sara wright covington » photos by patrick hood

Since the beginning of time, men have created renderings of the people around them. Over the centuries, the vehicle may have evolved from cave walls to canvas, but man’s need to savor emotion and expression from small slivers of time has never changed. Whether limned in oils or acrylics, charcoal or water colors, portraits are a communication of who we are, and a truly gifted portrait artist can capture joy, anger, peace, or pain from the simple nuance of a smile. As an appreciation of just a few of the very talented artists we have here in North Alabama, No’Ala has taken a closer look into the technique and talent that make these artists exceptional.

Jonny Skull Like most artists, Jonny Skull is a dreamer. But his pragmatic approach to painting belies any idealistic shortcomings. Skull is not only a dreamer, but a doer. His ambition and passion for painting and drawing have taken him all over the world to study the masterpieces of his fellow visionaries, both past and present. Skull has been painting and drawing his entire life, working primarily in charcoal and oils, and his favored style is classical realism— which is achieved when something is made to look exactly as it is. Appropriately, Skull’s preferred realistic style of painting is representative of his philosophy on learning as well.

He attended a four year art school in Philadelphia where he majored in illustration, but felt he didn’t quite get all of the technique he needed. “In the early ’90s when I was in school most of the instructors had this theory that if you didn’t teach technique, then the student would have to come up with a purer expression of themselves. But that’s like trying to write a novel without learning grammar.”

Skull finished school with a concentration in illustration and worked for several years as a graphic designer before finding a website for the Art Revival Center, which champions bringing realism back into art. As a means of communication, the Art Revival Center argues that there is no better language for art to speak than one everyone can understand. In spite of years of critique that realism was “unoriginal,” the Art Revival Center’s belief is that even dreams and fantasies of the subconscious are represented in the mind by realistic images, so there is no better way to show expression than using real images—something they argue cannot be achieved by modern art.

Skull’s research led him to find The Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, and he accompanied his wife, a teacher, on a field trip to Florence as a chaperone, where he had the opportunity to tour the school. The school made a sizeable impression on Skull, and he made it his goal to eventually become a student of the Angel Academy. In 2012, Skull, his wife, and their infant son finally packed up and left for Florence. “I decided that’s what I wanted to do. It took about 8 years to save up the money to do it. I went to study in September of 2012 and stayed until June. We flew back in June for the summer, stayed a term, and then came home and then went back. We were there for 15 months total. It was a fantastic experience and it was difficult, but it was what I wanted to do. I wanted to learn how to make things look a certain way.”

Now back home in Huntsville, Skull plans to focus his energy on figures and portraits, using realism as the vehicle to evoke emotion and tell a story. “It could be anything from a texture to an old rusty piece of metal or paint flaking on a wooden fence,” says Skull.

“Generally it’s people though. I like painting people. You can relate better to another human being than you can a still life.” Still both dreamer and doer at heart, Skull plans to continue his worldwide travels whenever possible to experience masterpieces and museums firsthand, so that he can successfully create something fresh. But no matter where he resides, Skull will continue pursuing his dream. “It’s what I love. I would spend all my time painting if I could. It’s a level of compulsion.”

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

Logan Tanner At first glance, walking into 24-year-old Logan Tanner’s studio at Lowe Mill, it looks a little like a scene in a Little Shop of Horrors-esque florist shop where things have gone very, very awry. In addition to paintings of some VERY alive plants, there are surreal landscapes, mythical creatures, and some dark dwellings that could be straight out of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel. But after the eyes adjust and you look around, there are the vivid portraits of the people—young and old, in beginnings and endings, captured in joy and in sorrow— narratives of life and death lining his studio walls in equal proportions to the fantasy creatures. So to say that Tanner’s painting styles are varied is an extreme understatement.

“My style varies a lot,” says Tanner. “I don’t know that I have a single style. It sort of flows in and out of several styles.

Generally it’s sort of realism with an expressionistic edge, a loose figurative work.” Vacillating between wildly imaginative subject matter and realistic portraiture also gives Tanner an edge as he seems at ease in many different styles.

“With portraiture, there is sort of an objective measurement,” he says. “With imaginative work, there is no right or wrong for accuracy. And I get different benefits from those different modes of working.”

Tanner is originally from Danville, Alabama, and began painting in high school at the Alabama School for Math and Science in Mobile, and then went on to the University of Montevallo. After working in Clanton when he finished school, Tanner eventually moved to Huntsville specifically for the art scene, where he now works full time as an artist in his Lowe Mill Studio. And although he isn’t married to one particular style of painting, Tanner prefers painting portraits in oil. He gets much of his inspiration from art history, and from the people and places around him. “I’m always looking back to the artists of the past, my own daily life and things that I see that are beautiful or interesting, or noteworthy in any way,” says Tanner. “Half the reason I moved to Huntsville is the big draw of Lowe Mill.” Surrounded by the creative vibes of Lowe Mill, Tanner is in his mecca. And he knows his goal of showing his work in galleries and museums across the nation will not come without sacrifice and hard work— advice he received from the previous tenant of his Lowe Mill space. “‘Work, work, work, that’s the ticket,’ that’s the last advice that Jim Jobe gave me when he was moving out of this space,” says Tanner. “If you work, work, work, then you will see the success. If you don’t have that work ethic, then it’s not going to happen.” Like most artists, Tanner says the fear of a blank canvas can be daunting, but with his implacable work ethic and out-of-this world creativity, it doesn’t seem likely he will have a shortage of inspiration any time soon. “I think the most important thing is to have a little originality,” he says. “And you’ve got to have that drive to experiment, continue expanding. You have to know yourself and what you want. And there is a little bit of self-discovery that you have to do first before you know what you want. Otherwise you are just stumbling around in the dark.”

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

Logan Tanner

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

Robert Bean

Robert Bean Artist Robert Bean was born an old soul. “My wife always jokes that I should live in the 17th century when they had paint-offs to see who could be the next court painter,” says Bean. “That had everything to do with technique and finesse.

Nowadays art is much more subjective.” As a part-time professor of art at UAH, Bean spends the time when he is not teaching perfecting his technique in his studio at Lowe Mill.

Originally from southern Mississippi, Bean knew at a young age that he wanted to paint for his living, but had no idea how he could make it happen. Although there didn’t seem to be many career opportunities for artists in the South, Bean stayed on, eventually attending LSU where he received a Master of Fine Arts. What Bean discovered from his steady Southern exposure is that while the South might appear on first glance to be lacking in opportunity for artists, it is an endless wealth of inspiration for those artists willing to stick around. The people, sights, and sounds of the South are like no other culture, and Bean found that many muses could be found all around him. “The culture in the South is the people and the behavior,” says Bean. “As I’ve painted more, and maybe it’s being from the South, there is a strong narrative or storytelling aspect. I think I was always drawn to painting people because of their ability to tell stories. So that’s why I was always interested in painting people more so than landscapes.” Primarily working in oil, Bean describes himself as a traditional impressionist and cites Monet, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Velazquez as just a few of his favorite painters, although he says he finds most of his inspirations from everyday life.

For Bean, the key to painting people well is realizing it is not about exactitude, but about capturing the essence of a person and the nuances of their expressions. His studio is filled with portraits of his wife, daughter, and son, and he admits that he most enjoys painting the people he knows. “The real interesting challenge with portraits or just painting people is when you are trying to get a likeness,” says Bean. “In some regard, it just has to do with measurement. There is also a mysteriousness to portraiture and trying to capture the essence of a person. And that can be easier to do if you know the person.”

For a Mississippi-born man who once pondered as a young boy how to make his love of painting into a career, Bean has done quite well in using the unique culture of the South to his advantage. In recent years, he has begun teaching only part-time to allow more time for his painting. Technique, he says, is key, as well as patience and an understanding that portraits take time, often many months. Commitment to the craft is equally important. “I think that probably goes with almost everything,” says Bean. “Everybody has something they are good at, an inborn ability. You find something that makes sense to you and for me, it’s the language of art. I feel comfortable in that world.”

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

Maggie Little For Huntsville native Maggie Little, painting has been her passion from the time she was a small girl. “It was all I ever wanted to do,” says Little. “It was what I was good at. Even when I was a fairly young kid, I could get a pretty good likeness.” Little painted her way through her childhood and adolescence, until attending Auburn University where she majored in visual design, which was a precursor to graphic arts.

“In those days, the first two years of design were the same as the architecture program,” says Little. “So I took all the figure classes. You started with simple solid shapes and progressed from there.” By the time she was a senior, Little transferred into art education, where she once again fell in love with figure drawing and went on to teach art education at Mountain Brook High School. As a painter, her earliest subjects were her own children, and over time Little built her business by drawing watercolors of the children of friends and family.

After nearly 20 years painting mostly in watercolor, Little became interested in changing her medium to oil. “Every time you touch a watercolor is an opportunity to ruin it,” says Little. “For every painting I finished and a person took out of the house, I had probably put two in the trash can. And although there is something really fresh and dynamic about a watercolor, I had lost my burn for it. Oil is a more forgiving and classical medium, and something I just hadn’t studied enough and wanted to try.” From this point on, Little began taking classes and studying oil painting and has really never stopped. She studied with the head of UAH’s art department, Jack Dempsey, for many years before his death, and credits him with much of the skill she has acquired today. Little says Dempsey took a classical approach to his teachings, but his main interest was social narrative paintings—pieces that spoke to a social issue. “He was the kind of guy that if you were having trouble with a painting, he would come and spend an afternoon with you to help you work it out,” says Little.

Now after painting more than 140 portraits in both watercolor and oil throughout her lifetime, Little has plans to once again change her course. “I’ve got one more portrait on the books,” says Little. “And after that, I’m retiring from portraiture.” Her new focus is taking her alfresco, and she plans to spend much of her focus on painting narrative landscapes, in which she will use the strokes of her brush to tell the story of the land. Her narrative paintings have an ethereal quality, as she often uses old photographs of people and structures from the past to help tell its story. One of her recent projects was of the Old Big Cove community where Walmart and Publix now stand in the place of an old school and many old houses. “The narrative is about what’s gone,” says Little. “The old houses and the school are gone, but I painted them back in there in the haze and the mist.”

Forever a student of her craft, when Little isn’t working from her home studio in Huntsville, she travels all over the country with her husband to study under other great artists and to fully experience the landscapes and people she translates

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

to canvas. As a keen observer of details, Little believes her painting affords her a clarity of vision to view life at a deeper level. “I think that when I paint or draw something, I see it so much more clearly. You look at whatever the thing is without judgment. You just see it as it is. And the beauty comes through when one can look deeply without a judgment of ‘is this good or is this bad?’” says Little. “And when I have painted a person or a landscape and I go back to it or see the person again, I remember things so much more clearly about them and what I saw. So for me it’s about experiencing the visual world at a deeper level. My painting is about looking long and deep.”

Maggie Little

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

• • • PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCALLY OWNED INDEPENDENT RETAILERS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND NONPROFITS! • • •

News, classical music and more 88.7 FM Muscle Shoals • 100.7 FM Huntsville www.apr.org november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

SHOP LOCAL, Y’ALL

THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE photos by patrick hood » produced by ashley winkle introduction by david sims

Sources: Independent We Stand, Small Business Administration; Intuit Small Business Innovation Study; American Express OPEN Independent Retail Index; Joel Popkin and Company; Civic Economics/American Booksellers Assoc., U.S. Dept. of Labor

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

It bears repeating: There’s really no need to shop out of town. And to prove it to you, we’ve scoured the Shoals to find hundreds of unique gifts and stocking stuffers that will delight every person on your list—from a delicious yellow plum jam, to a heart-stopping $28,000 diamond necklace (and everything in between). We’ve given preference to our loyal advertisers because, let’s be honest, without them we could not do what we do. This gift guide is our way of saying “thanks” for supporting our efforts. We encourage you to do the same.

Remember, though, the holidays are not just about shopping.

Don’t forget to take time to celebrate life’s simple pleasures.

Get in the kitchen and bake, gather around the fireplace and share stories, take in a holiday music concert, or worship with your church family. Make some lasting memories with those you love—these are gifts of which you’ll never get enough.

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE F OR EVERY SQUARE FOOT A LOCAL FIRM OCCUPIES , THE LOCAL ECONOMY GAINS $179 VS . $105 FOR A CHAIN STORE .

Jude Frances Cinnamon Topaz Charms ($1,280) on Tiny Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18 kt Yellow Gold ($590) Jude Frances Golden Topaz with Clover Design Diamond Accent Ring ($1,580) Cynthia Ann Lazy Bracelet with Diamond Accents ($5,875) Cynthia Ann Round Link Gold Chain with Toggle Clasp ($1,295) Parker Bingham Jewelers (256) 764-2032

Hair and Makeup by Natalie Faggioni

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

Slip Lace Dress ($88) Noel Bronze Headband ($51.95) Just Charmed Bracelet ($25) Mardi Gras Necklace ($41.95) Swazi Bracelet ($37.95) Rafael Bracelet ($51.95) Skinny Classiqu Jeans ($78) Jersey Tank Top ($13) Robyn Gold Wedge ($78.95) Faux Fur Vest ($62.95) James & Alma (256) 764-4400

2BTogether Black Tunic Top ($22.99) Cecico Red Skirt ($27.99) Necklace/Earrings Set ($25.95) Black Clutch ($20) CoCo’s (256) 349-2133 Madden Girl Domain Black Wedge Bootie ($44.95) Austin’s Shoes

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

F

GIFT GUIDE THE ANNUAL

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I F JUST HALF THE U.S. EMPLOYED POPULATION SPENT $50 EACH MONTH IN LOCALLY OWNED INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES , IT WOULD GENERATE MORE THAN $42.6 BILLION IN REVENUE .

B

THE FASHIONISTA A

Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquers ($6) Osa’s Garden (256) 764-7663

B

Wild Ophelia’s Southern Hibiscus Peach Milk Chocolate Bar ($2.90) Gourmet Garden Gift Shoppe (256) 766-3796

C

Tortoise Acrylic Earrings ($14.95) Well Ida-Clair Boot Socks ($24.95) TRU Identity (256) 577-5177

D

E

Arrow & Archer Bracelet ($25) My Favorite Things (256) 856-0350

F

Vogue Magazine ($5.99) Coldwater Books (256) 381-2525

G

Alabama Chanin Scarf ($45) Rifle Paper Co. Stationery ($22) Maple (256) 349-5465

H

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Lafont Nanou Glasses ($400) Specs (256) 246-2959 Stocking and Stocking Fabric Thread (256) 383-2223

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE L OCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES ADD CHARACTER TO A TOWN ; NATIONAL STUDIES SHOW THAT TOWNS THAT PRESERVE THEIR UNIQUE MOM - AND - POP BUSINESSES HAVE AN ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE .

W HERE WOULD YOU RATHER SHOP — IN A COOL DOWNTOWN SHOP OR A HUGE , IMPERSONAL MEGA - STORE ?

Patagonia Grey Sweater Coat ($179) American Apparel Purple Leggings ($28)

Ex Officio Plaid Button Down ($80) North Face Green Zipper Jacket ($149) Marmot Pipeline Jean ($85) Patagonia Lo Pro ($29)

Alabama Outdoors (256) 764 - 1809

Alabama Outdoors (256) 764-1809 Portable Kitchen Grill ($349.99) Spatula/Baster ($8.99 ea.)

The Grilling Room (256) 766-7899 Lilly Flag Straight to Ale ($1.75) The Wine Seller (256) 766-1568

Special thanks to Dish Gourmet Café

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE L OCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES RECYCLE A MUCH LARGER SHARE OF THEIR INCOME INTO THE LOCAL ECONOMY , WHICH MEANS THE ENTIRE AREA WINS .  | noalastudios.com | november/december 

Barbour Tartan Lambs Wool Scarf ($50) Barbour Calvary Liddesdale ($279) Fornash Navy Rhinestone Bracelet ($20) PSI Printers and Stationers (256) 764-8061 Barbour Castlebay-Grey Button Down ($119) Barbour Polar Quilt Vest ($129) PSI Printers and Stationers (256) 764 - 8061

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

Y

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THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE S MALL BUSINESSES ACCOUNTED FOR 65% OF ALL NET NEW JOBS OVER THE PAST 17 YEARS .

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Flowers from Lola’s Gifts & Flowers

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A

Silver Plated Jewelry Box ($35)

B

Multi-Color Peach, Pink, and White Pearl 100” Pearl Strand ($160)

C

36” Baroque White Pearl and Sterling Silver Necklace ($365)

D

Two Tone Sterling Silver and 18 kt Mabe White Pearl Ring ($160)

E

Two Tone Sterling Silver and 18 kt Cushion-shaped Blue Topaz Ring ($295)

F

.60 ct tw Antique Pave Style 14 kt Diamond Ring ($1,765)

G

Paisley Style Rose and White .74 ct tw Pave Gold Ring ($2,305)

H

.75 ct tw Cushion-Shaped Chocolate and White Diamond Studs ($615)

I

Chalcedony Aquamarine Tear Drop Silver-Plated Dangle Gold Earrings ($85)

J

Amethyst and Smokey Quartz Rose-Plated Dangle Earrings ($65)

K

Amethyst and Smokey Quartz 36” Long Rose Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Necklace ($195)

L

.50 ct tw 14 kw Three Row Pave Antique Style Diamond Bracelet ($1,350)

M

Estate 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet ($2,650)

N

1.00 ct tw 14 kt Rose Gold and Bezel Set Diamond Bangle ($2,595)

O

Ladies Citizen Eco Drive Rose-Plated Watch with White Crystals on Bezel and Dial ($375) Jamie Hood Jewelers (256) 381-6889

P Q R S T U V W X

Tocca Perfume Guilietta ($62) Barr. Co. Hand and Body Cream ($21) Canvas Platinum Glazed Bowl ($22) Square Provence Frame ($38) Mirrored Tray ($110) Canvas Bowl/Bottle Coaster ($15) Pinch Teak Wood Flower Bowl ($18) Sage Wax Seal Accent Book ($42) Dover Gray Votive Holder/Vase ($18) The French Basket (256) 764-1237

Y

Antique Marble Lamp with Black Shade ($169.95) Southern Shades and Lighting (256) 757-0045

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE

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I NDEPENDENT RESTAURANTS RETURN MORE THAN TWO TIMES AS MUCH MONEY PER DOLLAR OF SALES THAN NATIONAL RESTAURANT CHAINS .

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THE COOK A

Theo Bar ($3.99) Osa’s Garden (256) 764-7663

B

Dill & Garlic Pickles ($11.95) Yellow Plum Jam ($7.95) Pure Peppermint Extract ($10) B.R. Cohn Olive Oil ($14.75) Fleur de Sel French Sea Salt ($12.55) Parmesan Grater ($33) Sweet Basil Café (256) 764-5991

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Graham’s Six Grapes Port ($14.99) The Wine Seller (256) 766-1568

I

Odette’s Blueberry Pinot Noir Jam ($7.50) Gourmet Garden Gift Shoppe (256) 766-3796

J

Slotted Spoon ($27) The Carriage on Court (256) 810-3752

K

Pocket Knife Cutlery Set ($16) Kikkerland Kitchen Magnetic Timer ($18) Wood Salad Hands ($31) Odette (256) 349-5219

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P Q R S

Alabama Back Road Restaurants ($18.95) Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Cards ($12) PSI Printers and Stationers (256) 764-8061 Apples ($2/lb) Plums ($1.50/lb) Local Raw Honey ($6) Honey Dipper ($2) Jack-O-Lantern Farms (256) 386-2335 Stocking and Stocking Fabric Thread (256) 383-2223

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE S MALL BUSINESSES EMPLOY 77 MILLION A MERICANS .

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Hair and Makeup by Natalie Faggioni

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

A

14 kt White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings (10 ct tw) ($15,000)

B

18 kt White Gold Diamond Ring with Two Carat Brilliant-Cut Center Round (3.75 ct tw) ($18,500)

C

18 kt White Gold, Triple Row Diamond Eternity Band (8 ct tw) ($25,000)

D

2 ct tw Cluster Diamond Pendant on 14 kt White Gold Bezel-Set Diamond Chain with over 8 carats of Diamonds ($12,455)

E

18 kt White Gold Baguette and Round Diamond Square Tennis Bracelet (7 ct tw) ($22,000)

F

18 kt White Gold Diamond Tennis Bracelet (8.55 ct tw) ($28,000)

G

18 kt White Gold Round Diamond Bangle (5 ct tw) ($14,500) Grogan Jewelers (256) 764-4013

H

My Tribe Shredded Leather Jacket ($450) Lilly’s Sportswear (256) 767-0071

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

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IF INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES REGAINED THEIR 1990 MARKET SHARES, IT WOULD CREATE 200,000 NEW SMALL BUSINESSES, GENERATE NEARLY $300 BILLION IN REVENUES, AND EMPLOY MORE THAN 1.6 MILLION AMERICANS.

C

THE KID ON YOUR LIST A

B C

Main Street Collection Chalkboard Travel Mat ($15) My Cool Sticker Tool Box ($7) My Pretty Pink Sticker & Doodling Purse ($10) The Whimsy Willow (256) 760-9671

D

Eeboo Tell Me a Story ($10) Children’s Museum of the Shoals (256) 765-0500

E

My Drinky ($9.95) The Yellow Door (256) 766-6950

F

Bavarian Pretzel ($2) Sweet Basil Café (256) 764-5991

G

Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter ($1.69) Chocolate Frog ($0.50) Gourmet Garden Gift Shoppe (256) 766-3796

H

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Natural Life Reusable Gel Pack (9.95) TRU Identity (256) 577-5177

J

Ridley’s Spring Toy Stair Walker ($7.50) Printers and Stationers (256) 764-8061

K

My Crayons Roll-Up ($12) The Lily Pad (256) 332-5411 Stocking and Stocking Fabric Thread (256) 383-2223

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE E VERY DOLLAR SPENT AT A LOCAL RETAILER CREATES MORE THAN THREE TIMES THE LOCAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OF DOLLARS SPENT AT A CHAIN STORE .

Bill’s Khakis Plaid shirt ($155) Joe’s Jeans ($158) Coastal Cotton Belt ($61) Leo Martin (256) 381-1006 Clarke’s Circuit Cognac Loafer ($84.95) Austin’s Shoes

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

Uncle Frank Dress ($141) Diba Boots ($168) Lucy’s Lockets Necklace ($95) Lucy’s Lockets Cuff ($50) Audie Mescal (256) 314-6684

For holiday parties of five to five hundred, consider hosting your event at Singin’ River Brewing in Florence. Great atmosphere — and the best beer in Alabama!

Visit our website or email Events@singinriverbrewing.com to book your space now.

526 E. College Street, Florence AL 35630 • www.singinriverbrewing.com

2015 Lauderdale County Plat Book Get the map. Know the land.

Available locally from:

Lauderdale County Revenue Commissioner’s Office 200 S Court St, Florence, AL 35630 | (256) 760-5785

Also available from Rockfordmap.com are Wall Maps, smartphone/tablet maps, GIS-compatible maps, and more.

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE WHEN YOU SHOP AT INDEPENDENT LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESSES, YOU ARE CONTRIBUTING TO A SMALLER CARBON FOOTPRINT. PRODUCTS OFTEN REQUIRE LESS PACKAGING AND DON’T TRAVEL AS FAR.  | noalastudios.com | november/december 

Aryn K Coat ($152) Laura Teal Earrings ($42) Julie Voss Bracelet ($225) Amadi Shirt ($106) Elliott Lauren Pant ($138) Ruby MZW Purse ($425) Rowen Chapman Shoes ($158) Cream Enamel Bracelet $86 Marigail (256) 764-9444

See Anyone You Know?

For more than 30 years, Riverhill School has been educating students and imparting a lifelong love of learning. To help our students remain connected, we are beginning the Riverhill Alumni Association. Were you a Riverhill student? Do you know someone who was?

Please share your contact information so we can connect you to your Riverhill friends! www.riverhillschool.org

Call 256-764-8200 or visit www.riverhillschool.org for more information.

Email your contact information to allen@noalastudios.com to become an Alumni Association Member!

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE

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G B

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89% OF CONSUMERS AGREE THAT INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO LOCAL ECONOMIES .

A

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Made in the Deep South 1930s Brooch on Necklace ($234)

B

Baroque Pearl Necklace with Old Coin ($85) A Side Lines Original

C

Chandelier Style Earrings with Crystals and Turquoise ($45) A Side Lines Original

D

L. George Necklace with Multi-Colored Pearls ($250)

E

Ronda Smith Necklace with Black Crystals ($115)

F

Liztech Bracelet ($90)

G

Zenzii Bracelet with Rhinestones ($20)

H

Susan Shaw Earrings ($28)

I

Zenzii Earrings ($15) Side Lines Jewelry (256) 767-0925

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE L OCAL BUSINESSES TEND TO HAVE LARGER PAYROLLS BECAUSE THEY EMPLOY THEIR OWN BUYERS , ACCOUNTANTS , AND OTHER POSITIONS INSTEAD OF RELYING ON THOSE SERVICES TO COME FROM A CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS OUTSIDE THE AREA .  | noalastudios.com | november/december 

Wish Black/Gold Sweater Top ($74) Wish Black Cami ($15) Blank NYC Black Leather Leggings ($96) TRO Black Leather Stud Clutch ($45) TRO Gold Chain Bracelet ($35) TRO Black Leather Snap Bracelet ($40) TRO Black & Gold Serpentine Bracelet ($20) TRO Black/Gold Rectangular Drop Necklace ($24) Jewell’s (256) 712-5988

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“S MALL BUSINESSES ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR COMMUNITIES . T HERE IS CONCRETE EVIDENCE THAT THRIVING INDEPENDENT NEIGHBORHOODS LEAD TO HIGHER REAL ESTATE VALUES AND MORE LOCAL JOBS .” —S USAN S OBBOTT , PRESIDENT , A MERICAN E XPRESS OPEN

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Bottle Opener ($20) The Carriage on Court (256) 810-3752

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Christmas Tie ($20) Maui Jim Sunglasses ($309) Coats Clothing Company (256) 760-0033

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Izola Pocket Knife ($20) Kikkerland Compass Flask ($16) Odette (256) 349-5219

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Buffalo Jackson Wallet ($80) PSI Printers and Stationers (256) 764-8061

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Swiftwick Sock ($12.99) The Spinning Spoke (256) 349-5302

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Engravable Bullet Pen ($68) Leo Martin (256) 381-1006

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Sweet BBQ Beef Jerky ($5) Jack-O-Lantern Farms (256) 386-2335

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Peterson Burled Wood Pipe ($85) Dunhill Flake Pipe Tobacco ($15.99) Truly Cigars (256) 275-3601

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Double Chocolate Truffles ($4.99) Sweet Basil Café (256) 764-5991

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Feridies Peanuts ($2.50) Gourmet Garden Gift Shoppe (256) 766-3796

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Tuskwear Elephant Cozy ($6.95) Tigerwear Tiger Cozy ($6.95) TRU Identity (256) 577-5177

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Access your live video or recordings from your smartphone

Sparq Whiskey Rocks ($13) Handmade Zebra Wood Shaving Set ($118) The Yellow Door (256) 766-6950

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Downtown Dollars ($1-$20) Florence Main Street (256) 760-9648

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Southern Star Brewing Valkyrie Double IPA ($2.99/can) The Wine Seller (256) 766-1568 Stocking and Stocking Fabric Thread (256) 383-2223

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november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

help.

At No’Ala Studios, we strongly believe in giving back. For that reason, we’d like to offer our services for a year to a non-profit organization in the Shoals who might benefit from professional marketing advice, graphic design, and a year’s worth of exposure in No’Ala.

THE FINE PRINT: The final decision is ours to make, and it might be subjective. We’re offering a lot of help, but there will be some limitations; we’ll discuss this further with the organization we choose. This mentoring agreement is for a year, but hopefully we can help build your organization to the point that you can market successfully when the year has ended. Making a request doesn’t obligate you to anything — so why hesitate? You never know if help is available until you ask.

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Our guidelines are simple. First, write us a letter explaining the mission of your non-profit, what your particular marketing needs might be, and how you might benefit from our help. Make sure that letter arrives at the No’Ala office at 250 S. Poplar Street, Florence (35630) before the close of business on December 1, 2014.

We may ask you and others from your organization to come in for a personal discussion, so that we might better understand your needs. We’ll select one organization to “adopt” for 2015, and we’ll work with you to help spread the word. No strings; no obligation.

You’re doing great things. Can we help?

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE

Cricket Brush ($8.50) Ink Pen ($9.95) Aveda Powder/Lipstick Compact ($70) Cinda B Contact Case ($13.25) Aveda Rehydration Lip Glaze ($18) Aveda Hand Relief ($9) Aveda Air Control Travel ($7.50) Peepers Tortoise and Wood Grain Readers ($18.95) Isabelle Wallet ($16.95) Isabelle Purse ($49.95)

R ESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS SERVED BY A SUCCESSFUL INDEPENDENT BUSINESS DISTRICT GAINED , ON AVERAGE , 50% MORE IN HOME VALUES THAN THEIR CITYWIDE MARKETS .

Andy’s The Professionals (256) 767-2800

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MANY INDEPENDENT LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESSES CAN BE FOUND IN ESTABLISHED BUSINESS DISTRICTS, WHICH MEAN LESS INFRASTRUCTURE, LESS MAINTENANCE, AND LESS WEAR AND TEAR ON YOUR COMMUNITY.

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Where’d You Go, Bernadette ($14.99) Coldwater Books (256) 381-2525

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Baaii for Her Parfum ($43) Lucy’s Locket Baby Prism ($35) Audie Mescal (256) 314-6684

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Cheese Markers ($30.50) Travel Candle ($10) Lola’s Gifts and Flowers (256) 383-2299

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Rifle Paper Co. Note Cards ($16) Maple (256) 349-5465

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Govino Go Anywhere Wine Glass ($13.99) The Wine Seller (256) 766-1568

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Toffee to Go ($11.50) Sweet Basil Café (256) 764-5991

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Groundwork Necklace ($49) My Favorite Things (256) 856-0350

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Stray Dog Collar Bangle ($45) Odette (256) 349-5219

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Universal Battery ($50) PSI Printers and Stationers (256) 764-8061

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Swiftwick Sock ($12.99) The Spinning Spoke (256) 349-5302

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Della Q Crochet/Lingerie Bag ($10) Unraveled (256) 349-2533 Stocking and Stocking Fabric Thread (256) 383-2223

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THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE M OST LOCAL BUSINESSES BANK LOCALLY , PURCHASE LOCALLY , AND HIRE LOCALLY . B IG BOX STORES DO A LOT OF THAT SOMEWHERE ELSE .

Joseph Radcliff JR Black Lace Dress ($227) My Flat London Silver Clutch ($130) Mariana Silver Necklace ($213) Mariana Silver Earrings ($81.60) The Village Shoppe (256) 383-1133

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THE ANNUAL

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I NDEPENDENT RETAILERS RETURN MORE THAN THREE TIMES AS MUCH MONEY PER DOLLAR OF SALES THAN CHAIN COMPETITORS .

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Eco ReUsable Stainless Steel Bottle ($14.99) Osa’s Garden (256) 764-7663

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Melissa & Doug Suspend ($17) The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Extreme Junior Edition ($9) Children’s Museum of the Shoals (256) 765-0500

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Preister’s Pecans Key Lime Pecans ($2) Glee Gum ($1.69) Gourmet Garden Gift Shoppe (256) 766-3796

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Patsy Cline Wood Block

by Arthur Kirby ($10) Merry Blu (256) 765-2223

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Natural Life Drink Cozy ($6.95) Natural Life Luggage Tag ($12.95) Stress the Seams Recycled License Plate Keychain ($7.95) Natural Life Car Air Freshener ($7.95) TRU Identity (256) 577-5177

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Hot Chocolate on a Spoon ($1.75) Jade Green: A Ghost Story ($7.99) Coldwater Books (256) 381-2525 Stocking and Stocking Fabric Thread (256) 383-2223

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Navy Butterfly Shirt ($65) Navy Butterfly Skirt ($115) (Model’s own sweater and shoes) Bohem shopbohem.com

THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE A MERICAN SMALL BUSINESS PRODUCES ROUGHLY ONE - HALF OF THE PRIVATELY GENERATED GDP IN THE COUNTRY , A FIGURE UNCHANGED SINCE THE 1970 S .

Townie Electra Bicycle ($459.99) House of Talents Square Bike Basket ($60.99) The Spinning Spoke (256) 349-5302

Ya Red Sweater Dress ($39.95) Madeline Birdie Rich Brown Riding Boots ($79.95) Hobo Finley Mocha Bag ($318) Ronaldo Little Princess Bracelet ($199) Ronaldo Sweet Bracelet ($99) Ronaldo Forever Fellowship Bracelet ($59) Jennifer Thames Originals Betsey Earrings ($24.95) Well Ida-Clair Sophie Boot Socks ($24.95) The Market House (256) 577-5197

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Vietri Belleza Holiday Reindeer Condiment Bowl ($38) Vietri Belleza Santa Salad Plate ($38) Vietri Belleza Holiday Reindeer Medium Serving Bowl ($62) Vietri Belleza Holiday Reindeer Serving Bowl ($145) Vietri Old St. Nick Mug ($44) Vietri Old St. Nick Round Body Pitcher ($137) Vietri Old St. Nick Square Salad Plate ($48) Vietri Old St. Nick RoundHandled Platter ($179) Vietri Old St. Nick Salt and Pepper ($65) French Basket (256) 764-1237

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THE ANNUAL

GIFT GUIDE

Jar & Co. (256) 768-1004

A CCORDING TO THE U.S. S MALL B USINESS A DMINISTRATION , SMALL FIRMS REPRESENT 99.7% OF ALL EMPLOYERS , EMPLOY JUST OVER HALF OF ALL PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES , AND HAVE GENERATED 64% OF NET NEW JOBS OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS .

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Bill’s Khakis Parker Pants ($98.50) Southern Tide Upper Deck Pullover ($89) Southern Tide Button Downs ($99.50)

No’Ala readership is growing, and so is our circulation! Because of the increasing number of readers, our advertising rates are going up slightly in January. But there’s good news! If you will commit to advertising for 2015 before December 31, 2014, we’ll honor your current rates for the entire year. Commit now — save later. Thank you for your support of No’Ala Magazines!

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

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november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

text by roy hall » photos by patrick hood

Every home tells its owners’ story. That’s one of the reasons why No’Ala’s annual home issue is such a pleasure to put together. Beautiful rooms are a joy to look at, sure, but what they reveal about their owners can be just as fascinating.

Sometimes, even more so.

The process of putting together this year’s home issue, last May, led us to a stylish, airy home in a neatly manicured neighborhood near Florence High School.

The home belongs to long-time Florence residents James and Peggy Clay, who graciously accepted our request to photograph their interior.

Our visit began typically enough, with a home tour: the foyer, with its collection of African-American church choir figurines and a W.C. Handy sculpture; the living room, and its fireplace flanked by bookshelves featuring photos of family and travels. Then onward, into the heart of the house, and a gallery wall displaying a black-and-white photograph collection of African-American musicians discovered, according to Peggy, “inside a bin in an old junk shop in Decatur.”

And at the very end of the hall, a framed print of an iconic black-and-white Charles Moore photograph capturing three black teenagers as they struggle to stand against the force of Bull Connor’s water cannon. “What is the significance of that photo?”

James Clay responds: “I was standing across the street when the picture was taken.”

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ow we come to live in the houses we live in, in the towns we call home, with our own particular accumulations of memories, is rarely a simple story to tell. And while no photo essay in any of our home issues ever entirely conveys a family’s full story, any home tour that includes the question, “How did you find yourself an eyewitness to history?” is a story that needs to be told, in pictures and in words.

Fortunately for us, the Clays agreed to open more than just their home to us; they agreed to let us into their lives. And leading the way to the breakfast room—the very one we’d come to photograph, because it and the picture window that frames it are so beautiful—we sit, as Mr. Clay explains how he came to find himself across the street from one of the most iconic scenes of the Civil Rights struggle.

It’s a stunning proximity to history, and an introduction to a theme that, remarkably, repeats itself throughout the Clays’ lives.

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James and Peggy Clay as newlyweds

Courtesy James and Peggy Clay

“And why is geography so important? It’s more than just where a place is. It’s who it is.

What it is. Why it is. And what is your role in it?” PEGGY CLAY

James and Peggy Clay with a copy of Charles Moore’s photo anthology, Powerful Days

THE GEOGRAPHY OF PLACE

“James and I were blessed with the parents we had. Our parents had expectations for us, and we had expectations for ourselves.” PEGGY CLAY

The answer is straightforward enough. Mr. Clay didn’t set out that fateful day in May 1963, to attend a freedom march. Like any other weekday morning, James Clay left his home, and his pregnant wife, to go to work at downtown Birmingham’s Holy Family Catholic School, where he taught social studies and business. An anomaly for its time and place, Holy Family was composed of a black student body and mixed race teachers, and was presided over by nuns, all of whom were white. Its unusually diverse racial composition aside, it was a thoroughly unremarkable morning at Holy Family. Unremarkable, that is, until the students and teachers noticed something peculiar through the window: a large number of people streaming past headed in the direction of downtown.

Mr. Clay explains: “A whole bunch of kids from the public school, Ruston, came marching down the street. They came into our schoolyard, and they tried to get our kids to go with them. We didn’t know what was going on. We made all the kids go upstairs.”

Unfolding outside Mr. Clay’s schoolroom window was what would come to be referred to as the “Children’s Crusade.”

Held the first week of May 1963, the march was attended by hundreds of school-aged children who wanted to demonstrate to the world the consequences of a simple walk downtown in 1960s Alabama, if you were black.

The potential precariousness of the situation was clear to the teachers inside Holy Family, including Mr. Clay: “It was a scary time. We didn’t know what would happen.” Birmingham had come by its infamous moniker, “Bombingham,” honestly. The threat of violence was always implicit in the presence of peaceful protests. So, for their protection, the students were hastily relocated from their classrooms and led upstairs, until the last of the marchers had passed.

With the students secure—and their curiosity piqued—Mr. Clay, along with his friend Louis, followed in the marchers’ tracks…and right into the heart of what turned into a pivotal moment in history.

Mrs. Clay, pregnant at the time, was at the couple’s home across the street from Mr. Clay’s school. She describes the circumstances of that afternoon. “All the kids and other black people were on one side of the park, and Bull Con-

nor and his police were on the other side. Somebody from the group threw a bottle, and Bull Connor yelled, ‘Get them [racial slur], and get the spectators too.’”

James Clay managed to remain at a safe distance throughout, but Louis wasn’t quite so lucky, or so dry. “Louis refused to run. He held to a tree, and a hose blew his shirt off. That’s when the kids ran across the street and clung to the store fronts. The force of the water was so strong it shattered some of the windows, so they ran to the 16th Street Baptist Church for safety.” The same hallowed place that protected Louis would offer no sanctuary to four little girls, one year later.

As he watched three teenagers’ clothes torn off by a water cannon, James Clay couldn’t possibly have known he was standing mere feet from photographer Charles Moore— a resident of Tuscumbia, a town that would soon become the Clays’ home. Or that the barbarism documented by the undeveloped negative sitting inside Charles Moore’s camera would galvanize the nation behind the passage of the Civil Rights Act, whose 50th birthday we honor this year.

Sadly, that future hadn’t quite arrived. These were still scary, uncertain times. And in retrospect, through the lens of our imagination, it’s easy to fall prey to the notion that every moment in the life of the Clays, or any black person living in Birmingham in 1963, consisted of a series of similar, terrifying moments. But the Clays dispute that notion. Life for them, while limited by the apartheid of the 1960s South, was not a series of Bull Connor hoses or snarling German Shepherds.

The Clays were limited, of course, because of their skin color.

But they were never hopeless, because of their parents.

“James and I were blessed with the parents we had,” says Peggy. “Our parents had expectations for us, and we had expectations for ourselves.”

Peggy Dean Clay was born in the tiny town of Lineville, Alabama, near Anniston, in Clay County. As a child, Mrs. Clay’s family relocated to Birmingham, and lived in the garage apartment behind the home of her parents’ employer. Her father worked as a chauffeur; her mother, a domestic. Mrs. Clay’s parents’ options were limited by the circumstances of

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

“It was a scary time. We didn’t know what would happen.” JAMES CLAY

Charles Moore’s iconic photo of three young people hosed by Birmingham police during 1963’s Children’s Crusade. A copy of the photo hangs in the Clays’ house.

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

THE GEOGRAPHY OF PLACE

the times, and their fortune was largely dependent on the magnanimity of their white employers. Fortunately for the family, Mr. Dean’s employer recognized more potential in him than his job allowed, and recommended Mr. Dean for a position in the TVA medical corps.

Life with the TVA meant more money for the young family, but it also meant a life on the move. Like a military family, the Clays rarely stayed more than two years in any town, as transfer after transfer led them throughout the Tennessee Valley.

Maybe it was that experience of moving about every few years that led to a lifetime fascination with and, later in life, a second career teaching geography.

Unlike his wife, Mr. Clay was a city boy, born and raised in Birmingham, where his father worked as a laborer, and his mother worked in the home. While James and Peggy Clay had very different childhoods—one urban, one rural; one stationary, one always on the move—they each enjoyed the benefit of strong, proud parents who taught their children the value of self-respect and education. And, the times being what they were, their parents also taught them to manage their expectations of the future.

“My parents used to tell me all the time: stay in your place,” recalls Mrs. Clay.

There were parameters, to say the least, and it was the job of loving parents to impart to their children the practical lesson that wandering too far from your allotted place in society could get you hurt, or worse. Peggy’s and James’s parents taught their children to understand what they had been taught by their own parents, a lesson that had been passed down for generations: you can only go so far.

“Opportunities simply did not exist,” Peggy Clay explains. “When I graduated college in 1955, I could do two things: I could go to college and be a teacher, or I could go to college and be a nurse. I wanted to do neither. But I went to college at Alabama A&M, and I became a teacher.”

And what was the deciding factor? “Blood didn’t excite me.”

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ith opportunities so limited by law and custom, and with generations taught to expect so little and to fear asking for more, what changed? What motivated those young people to march past James Clay’s school, directly into Bull Connor’s militia?

Martin Luther King, Jr. “He galvanized people,” explains Mrs. Clay. “He woke people up. And it didn’t just happen overnight. It was boiling. He had the power to unlock the doors and let you see: you are being mistreated as a human being! People just got tired of the limitations. Not being able to go to town without having to go to the bathroom way down in the basement, if they even let you use the bathroom.”

Photo by Charles Moore

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The new employee vetting process was, in a word, thorough: The Clay’s Birmingham neighbors were interviewed, along with their parish priest, to ensure “suitability.” The process concluded with a criminal background check—the fruits of which included an incident of pear-theft from James Clay’s youth, when, along with a group of fellow twelve-year-olds, Mr. Clay liberated a pear from a neighbor’s tree, resulting in a short trip to the police station.

According to Mrs. Clay, with a wry smile, there were other incidents of youthful indiscretion in Mr. Clay’s past, too, including multiple acts of drinking from whites-only water fountains and trespassing across thresholds intended solely for white feet, although the stolen pear was the only one written in his record in indelible ink.

James Clay recalls the events captured in Moore’s book.

It was that great awakening, spurred by Dr. King’s rousing oratory, that led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Times were changing for everyone in the South, and the Clays’ lives changed along with them. First, a baby daughter was born on the cusp of a new era, just as the Clays entered a new phase of their lives, this time in the Shoals.

In 1964, James Clay was approached for employment by Reynolds Metals. The country was changing rapidly, and it’s Mrs. Clay’s assumption that the federal government sent a very clear message to companies throughout the Jim Crow South: integrate your work force now.

The application process was anything but typical by today’s standards. “Reynolds decided to hire some minorities in salaried positions. I got a call to come to Tuscumbia for an interview. I went through all these psychological tests. A lot of it was about temperament. Was I angry? Was I smart enough to do simple tasks?”

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Mrs. Clay didn’t escape the interview process, either. “Now, at the time, my hair was dyed flaming red, and James said to me, ‘You cannot go in there with red hair.’ So I dyed it. But I forgot to put gloves on before I did. So I went in there in a blue suit, with white gloves to cover the hair dye all over my hands.”

Because gender equality was still a decade away, at least, the questions Mrs. Clay was asked during her husband’s interview process sound anachronistic to our 2014 ears.

“I was asked, since I was a school teacher, if I was satisfied with my daycare arrangements. Because, as the Human Resources interviewer warned, ‘Mr. Clay cannot be worried about his child. And you can’t call out here every 15 minutes disturbing Mr. Clay.’”

Mrs. Clay translates: “My job, as they saw it, was to keep harmony in the house so he wouldn’t be upset when he came to work.”

With the process complete, and James Clay deemed acceptable, he accepted the position of Plant Service Clerk and, in so doing, made history as the first ever African-American white collar employee of Reynolds Metals.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF PLACE

Mr. Clay describes his first days at Reynolds: “In the beginning people look at you like you’re crazy. ‘What are you doing here?’” But in time everyone adjusted. As for the wider community, “There were a few black people who worked downtown, in menial positions,” according to Mrs. Clay. “If you went to Walgreen’s or Trowbridge’s, you stood at the counter, you paid for it, you got it and you left.”

Still, the Clays found the Shoals more hospitable to the inevitable changes on the horizon, changes that, according to Peggy Clay, were in everyone’s best interest. “If a man or a woman has a job, he and his family could enjoy food on the table, buy a car every five years, own a house, and send his children to college. There was a depth in the economic stability in the area. And that was for everyone, black and white.”

One striking example of the Shoals maturity, was the integration of UNA: “When Wendell Gunn became the first black student at UNA, there was no marching, no protesting,” Mrs.

“[Martin Luther King, Jr.] galvanized people. He woke people up. It was boiling. He had the power to unlock the doors and let you see: you are being mistreated as a human being!” PEGGY CLAY

Courtesy James and Peggy Clay

Peggy Clay’s profile in the 1980 Democratic National Convention program.

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“Opportunities simply did not exist. When I graduated college in 1955, I could do two things: I could go to college and be a teacher, or I could go to college and be a nurse. I wanted to do neither. But I went to college at Alabama A&M, and I became a teacher.” PEGGY CLAY

Clay recalls. “There were associations and inter-faith councils here. People met and talked. People here had some common sense. If we destroy where we live, where are we going to live?”

J

ames Clay spent a decade at Reynolds before beginning a new career and, in the process, making history once again as Lawrence County’s first elementary school counselor. Meanwhile, Peggy Clay was on the cusp of making history herself.

Peggy Clay’s career as an elementary school teacher, coupled with her work with the AEA, attracted the attention of the Democratic National Convention. In 1980, Peggy Clay, along with only eleven other Americans, was selected by the DNC to represent the party, as it nominated Jimmy Carter for president.

“I got a call from Washington one day, inviting me to be featured in the DNC Convention’s program. They selected 12 people from across the country who were active in politics, and I was active in the AEA.” Mrs. Clay’s inclusion in the Democratic Convention’s program led to another honor later in the year. “It was a tradition for politicians to come to Spring Park [in Tuscumbia] on Labor Day, and Jimmy Carter kicked off his re-election campaign on Labor Day in Spring Park. I was invited to sit on the podium.”

But before Peggy Clay would be allowed on the podium with the most powerful man in the free world, she and her family had to pass a background check. “I asked to include my husband and my daughter, which meant they had to be investigated too.” Laughing, Mrs. Clay adds, “I started to say, ‘Go to Reynolds, they’ve got the file.’”

Apparently, all of Mr. Clay’s pear-snatching priors had been stricken from the record by that point, and the family was cleared by the White House to welcome the president, along with then-Governor Wallace and other political dignitaries. It was a well-earned acknowledgement of Mrs. Clay’s work with the AEA, and a lifetime of political awareness and activism.

A passionate advocate for education and the arts, she is,

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along with Dr. David Musselman, Dr. Wayne Todd, and Edsel Holden, a charter member of the Music Preservation Society, the precursor to the W.C. Handy Festival.

Mrs. Clay recalls the early days of the Handy Festival, which began modestly with a children’s festival at Kennedy-Douglass. The children’s concert was well received, and “so we thought, ‘why not have a concert at Norton?’ We had a handful of people.”

With a laugh, Mrs. Clay looks back from the vantage point of what we today know as a week-long, nationally renowned music festival, to that first, sparsely attended concert at Norton in 1982. “We made $42.97. But David Musselman is a dreamer. He got [Yale ethnomusicologist and Shoals native] Willie Ruff on the phone, and the next thing you know, we’ve got Dizzie Gillespie down here.”

It was Mrs. Clay’s passion for the contributions of AfricanAmericans to the arts, coupled with her teacher’s instincts, that served as motivation. “People needed to be gently reminded of Handy’s contributions. Edsel [Holden] and I would go to Nashville, Atlanta, and Memphis looking for musicians. We went to every church and civic organization and publicized the festival.”

Peggy Clay’s contributions to the arts life of the Shoals are formidable, but it was her next adventure in education that made her a pioneer.

Maybe it was the experience of moving so often as a child that opened Peggy Clay’s mind to an awareness of the wider world. It was certainly her commitment to and passion for education that attracted the attention of the National Geographic Society, who, in 1988, invited Mrs. Clay to spend her summers and, later, her post-teaching years as its first ever teacher-in-residence. Peggy Clay taught teachers nationwide how to teach geography—how to make it “come alive.”

And why is geography so important? According to Mrs. Clay, “It’s more than just where a place is. It’s who it is. What it is. Why it is. And what is your role in it?”

Geography is context; it doesn’t just tell you where you are, but who you are. And who you can be.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF PLACE

“People don’t dream anymore,” Peggy Clay laments. “The status quo is just okay. Some people have never been anywhere, other than Ypsilanti, Michigan, for a funeral, or Lima, Ohio, for a family reunion. You need to see the world around you.”

Mrs. Clay’s role led her and Mr. Clay to spend much of their time at National Geographic’s headquarters in Washington DC, where, in what had by that point become a theme in their lives, they again brushed against history, sharing an apartment building with Haiti’s president-in-exile, Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Peggy Clay’s work with the National Geographic Society provided access to the most powerful people in the world.

She attended lectures given by President Clinton, was approached for non-profit management advice by then-notorious special prosecutor Ken Starr, and attended a private symposium with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

But perhaps equally as thrilling for both Mr. and Mrs. Clay is the grandeur of the monuments, the living history of Washington, best exemplified for Mrs. Clay in the Smithsonian.

Her advice to any citizen: “Your tax dollars pay for these museums. Visit them! Learn from them!”

A

nd, of all the important moments in history the Clays have witnessed, what of that first moment, all those years ago in Birmingham? Did the Clays ever meet Charles Moore?

They did, but only once, and briefly. The occasion was a book signing for a collection of Moore’s photography. Mr. Clay recalls their conversation about that day in downtown Birmingham in 1962. “He was very quiet,” Mr. Clay says. “Then something came over his face, and Mr. Moore said, ‘Those were terrible times.’”

Terrible, indeed, for everyone involved, Charles Moore included, whose courageous photographic documentation of the Civil Rights movement earned him the ire of the Klan.

“Everywhere he went, people tried to break his camera, to stop him from taking those pictures,” remembers Mr. Clay.

“He was a brave man.”

Since no conversation about history and politics would be complete without it, the inevitable question arises: “After all you’ve witnessed in your life, what was it like to see an African-American elected to the highest office in the land?”

The Clays pause for a moment, searching for just the right words. They come slowly, thoughtfully, first from Mrs. Clay.

“When Barack Obama first started talking about running, I thought, it’s too early.”

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

“People don’t dream anymore. The status quo is just okay. Some people have never been anywhere. You need to see the world around you.” PEGGY CLAY

And after the victory?

“It took me six months to believe it,” she confesses. With a mixture of emotion and awe, still, at the bending arc of history, she continues, “In my lifetime, a man of color was elected, twice, to be president of the United States! Even sometimes to this day I still cannot believe it.”

What about their daughter, Traci, born on the cusp of the Civil Rights Act and the new era ushered in by it? Does Traci understand the struggle, the sacrifices? According to the Clays, Traci knows the facts, of course. She knows her parents had to pay a poll tax and take a test before they were allowed to cast a vote. Maybe that’s why Traci stood in line three-and-a-half hours to cast her vote for the country’s first black president in 2008.

Traci also knows that at the time of her birth, her parents couldn’t eat at the Holiday Inn. But the reason why, she found impossible to understand. James Clay recounts, “When our child was young, maybe six or seven, Peggy told Traci, ‘You know, when we were your age, we couldn’t go in there.’ And Traci said, ‘Why, you didn’t have any money?’ And we said, ‘No, baby, it wasn’t that…’”

Traci knows that when her dad was a teenager, the police would run him home at night, just for walking home from the movies. “They would say bad words to us or make us run, just for the fun of it. That’s just the way it was.”

Mr. Clay laughs: “You know, sometimes I think she doesn’t believe us when we tell her about the old days.” Mrs. Clay offers a possible explanation for Traci’s childhood incomprehension. “When Traci was born, we tried to surround her with as many activities, as many far-reaching things as possible. If she’d wanted to be an astronaut, we would’ve encouraged that.” The Clays taught their daughter to dream as big as she wanted, a lesson the Clays’ parents weren’t free to teach them.

And what about the Clays’ parents? Did they ever dream the day would come when a black man would be president of the United States? The Clays smile. “Never.”

“Our parents thought things would get better,” James Clay says.

“But they never thought there’d be integration. They thought

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you could get a better education, a better job, but they never thought we would live in a neighborhood like this.”

The Clays are the first to acknowledge that the opportunities that ultimately led them here to this neighborhood were only possible because of the heroism of so many, only a few of whom we recall on the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks. Bayard Rustin and Thurgood Marshall. The Little Rock Nine and the martyred young men of Mississippi’s Freedom Summer. Wendell Gunn and Charles Moore.

Brave men and women whose valor hastened our understanding of a simple fact, confirmed by science and born out in experience, that we are, in the words of Maya Angelou, “more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”

The mistaken belief that we are fundamentally unalike resulted in the brutality captured forever in a photograph that hangs at the end of a long hallway in the heart of James and Peggy Clay’s home. That afternoon in Birmingham 50 years ago and all the dark days and nights that followed constituted steps in a long, bloody path that led ultimately to the most modest of goals: equality.

To drink from the same fountain; to go to the same school; to feel safe and at home in the world.

Likewise, each incremental step in the Clays’ path—from Lineville and Birmingham, right past Bull Connor and George Wallace, on their way to Reynolds Metals, the W.C. Handy Festival, and the National Geographic Society—led them to their rightful place, although it’s a far cry from the one their parents spoke of.

The Clays place is in a beautiful house in a verdant, diverse neighborhood in Florence, Alabama, surrounded by the memories and mementoes of two lives well lived. Amazed over the journey; equal under the law.

Home.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF PLACE

Charles Moore stands in front of Birmingham’s historic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, hallowed ground in the Civil Rights movement.

“He was a brave man.” JAMES CLAY

© Shannon Wells

text by kali daniel » photo by shannon wells

Charles Moore’s upbringing undoubtedly contributed to his admiration for photography as a means for capturing the injustice he witnessed all around him. Born in Hackleburg, Alabama, Moore’s father was a pastor who vehemently condemned racism and instilled those values in his son. But unlike his father, who used words to sway opinion, Charles Moore used photography.

“I don’t want to fight with my fists,” he once said. “I want to fight with my camera.”

Charles Moore got his first chance to do just that in 1958, when, as a photographer for the Montgomery Advertiser, he captured the arrest of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was pure coincidence: Moore was passing by the County Recorder’s steps as he witnessed a fight break out, and Moore was the only photographer on the scene. A few years later, in 1962, this time on assignment, Charles Moore documented the enrollment of James Meredith as the first African-American student at the University of Mississippi.

And on infamous “Bloody Sunday” in 1965, Moore was there with his camera to document the savage attack on peaceful marchers as they attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge, from Selma to Montgomery.

Moore’s crisp, black-and-white photos illustrated the struggle of the Civil Rights movement and gave the entire nation faces to associate with the struggle. The violent truth Charles Moore captured on film so shocked the country’s conscience they helped accelerate the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

After the Civil Rights movement, Moore left for Vietnam to capture the dismal sights of war, where his experience as a war photographer provided a fresh context for the horrors he’d witnessed at home: “In Birmingham, when I saw the dogs, I don’t think anything appalled me more,” Moore told The New York Times in 1999, “and I’ve been to Vietnam.”

Charles Moore’s illustrious career was acknowledged in 1989 with the first-ever Kodak Crystal Eagle Award for Impact in Photojournalism. A documentary about Moore’s life, I Fight with My Camera, was released in 2005. Moore was a resident of the Shoals during the last years of his life.

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scene

Rachel Wammack

Back Row: Kristie Durand, Aissa Castillo, Lierin Achord, Becca Okwu, Jessica Brown, Hannah Thurston; Front Row: Meghan Medlen, Aggie Armstrong

Yolanda Matthews Chelsea Tubbs

Models

Keri Klaus

Chris Klaus, Dylan Andrews, and Matt Liles

Show and production photos by Ginny Webb of Sleepy Fox Photography

Anthropologie Fall Fashion Show with No’Ala Huntsville september ,  · anthropologie, bridge street town centre, huntsville

Laurie and Grace Holbert, Frida Morel

Front Row: Inhee Warrenfells, Teresa Ledbetter, Kim Minkinow; Back Row: Karen Bofenkamp, Emily Johnson, Bonita Gainer, Glenn King, Christy Aycock

Isabella and Brooklyn McCarley

Kyle Medlen and Aggie Armstrong

Faith and Aspen Allen

Cara Zitting and Brianna Madry Rachel Wammack

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

Meghan Medlen, Aissa Castillo, Eva Ziegler, and Lierin Achord

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

School of Life

text by roy hall » photos by patrick hood

In a perfect world, schools have all the resources necessary to educate their students, and students are never confronted with obstacles that distract them from that education. But this isn’t a perfect world.

That’s where 12 for Life comes in.

Begun in Carrollton, Georgia, in 2007, 12 for Life is an initiative conceived and developed by the Southwire company, in cooperation with its local school system, to create a more dependable workforce by improving its community’s high school graduation rate.

A modest goal, the results of which have been nothing less than transformative.

You’d never guess from Southwire’s 12 for Life exterior that something exceptional is going on inside. Even after stepping inside the 30,000 square foot 12 for Life plant, it takes your eyes a minute to adjust to the differences. Like any factory, 12 for Life’s factory floor hums with activity; workers unwind in a snack area during their breaks; and managers oversee the work floor. But, unlike its Industrial Park neighbors, the workers at Southwire’s 12 for Life plant are almost exclusively high school students; the break area is next door to a classroom; and those managers serve double-duty as teachers and counselors.

One of those managers, Charles Stewart, explains the origins of this unique program: “Back in 2007, Southwire’s home city, Carrollton, Georgia, was experiencing low graduation rates.

But Southwire requires that all applicants have a diploma.

So the company found it extremely hard to find employees.”

As is often the case, out of desperation came inspiration.

Stewart continues, “Southwire built a plant that could accommodate entry-level high school students.” The goal, according to Charles Stewart, was simple: “Provide a way for students to stay in school, but also give them the ability to make money.”

After two years and dramatically improved graduation rates in Georgia, Southwire looked east, to Florence.

“The graduation rate in Florence wasn’t the greatest at the time,” says Charles Stewart. “When Southwire presented this to Florence in 2009, the rate was 68 percent.”

And in the years since Southwire’s arrival? According to 12 for Life Coordinator Corey Behel, “It’s gone from 68 percent to 92 percent, for the entire school system, in just a few years.” While that figure is impressive, there’s an even more impressive one: 100 percent. That’s 12 for Life’s graduation rate, and it’s a significant contribution to the dramatic increase in Florence’s overall graduation rate.

So what’s the magic formula? How has Southwire managed to translate part-time factory work into a perfect graduation rate?

It’s all about commitment to each student’s overall well-being.

“Basically, our whole mission is development,” says Behel.

“That’s the whole purpose of this program. It’s to teach the students how to make better decisions; how to not only develop a goal, but to set up an action plan to achieve the goal.”

The initial goal that brings most students into the 12 for Life program is a practical one: to earn money.

The challenges of economic uncertainty are hardly confined to the students in the 12 for Life program; we are all vulnerable to job loss, illness, and other financial obstacles, at any point in our lives. For these students and their families, some of whom are experiencing temporary financial hardship, the 12 for Life program offers an opportunity to alleviate that burden while encouraging their continued scholarship. Bottom line: students in the 12 for Life program need a paycheck, and Southwire gives them the opportunity to earn one.

But don’t mistake this for your typical after-school job. Not least of all because it’s not after school.

12 for Life is school.

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A Southwire employee works alongside 12 for Life participant KeAndre Cole.

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School of Life And a 12 for Life school day is a rigorous one. Students spend part of their day at Florence High School, where they fulfill their core requirements of history, English, math, and science.

Then, it’s time to clock in at Southwire, where, in addition to working on a factory floor designed specifically with their safety in mind, the students take one more class, one aimed at teaching them the practical skills necessary in both the workplace and the world outside it.

“They’re learning real world work issues every day,” says 12 for Life Counselor Cynthia Casteel. “I’m teaching them how to read their paycheck, the difference between gross and net. We teach them how to estimate their salary and budget accordingly. We want them to learn how to be independent.”

It’s a broad lesson plan, one that includes not just the practical lessons of work life, but character development, discipline, and team work. Behel continues, “We teach them how to respect diversity in the workplace, how to problem solve, decision making skills; all the components to increase their chances of being not an average employee, but an effective one.”

Above, back row: Southwire 12 for Life manager Charles Stewart, Southwire 12 for Life program coordinator Corey Behel, Southwire 12 for Life guidance counselor Cynthia Casteel, and 12 for Life participant KeAndre Cole (front) Facing page, top: 12 for Life Class of 2014 graduates. Bottom: Southwire’s 12 for Life graduates accept scholarships from UNA.

Those lessons students are learning as a result of 12 for Life aren’t confined to the Southwire plant. “It’s amazing to see how being successful and working with a group of people enhances their confidence, and it transfers back into the high school environment,” according to Behel. “We’ve reduced the absences in our 12 for Life group by over 100 last year. We have essentially no behavioral problems, and that enables teachers to teach.”

“It’s a win/win/win,” declares Behel. “It’s a win for the school system because it improves performance, test scores, and attendance. It’s a win for any business that would like to participate because they’re not only getting great employees, but because helping develop students is gratifying. And it’s a win for the community because you have a better educated, more prepared workforce.”

A higher earning workforce, too. According to the US Census Bureau, a worker without a high school diploma can expect to earn approximately ten thousand dollars per year less

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november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

School of Life

“It’s a win/win/win. It’s a win for the school system because it improves performance, test scores, and attendance. It’s a win for any business that would like to participate because they’re not only getting great employees, but because helping develop students is gratifying. And it’s a win for the community because you have a better educated, more prepared workforce.”

—Corey Behel,  for Life Coordinator

than a high school graduate and as much as sixteen thousand dollars less than a college graduate. These are statistics that impact not only the life of the student, but the community as a whole.

It’s this potential to transform entire communities that has attracted attention far and wide, from the statehouse in Montgomery, all the way to Washington, DC. In September alone, Representative Mo Brooks visited Southwire’s Florence operation, and US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan paid a visit to Southwire’s Carrollton, Georgia, plant in the same month. So the word is starting to get out.

And how do students at Florence High School find out about 12 for Life? Mostly from fellow students. “There’s a place at the top of the 12 for Life application for referrals,” offers Casteel. “I never see a teacher or a counselor’s name. I always see fellow students’ names!”

Charles Stewart concurs. “Our biggest marketing tool is the kids you see out there working. They’re treated well; they’re getting paid. Their fellow students want to know, ‘What are you doing?’ They tell them, ‘I work at 12 for Life.’ And then they come in with applications from their friends.”

So many friends, Casteel has a new application on her desk every day; some days two.

In total, according to Behel, there are in excess of 150 applications on file. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t hear from a kid or a parent wanting to know when there will be room for them,” Behel reports. “We graduated 37 seniors last year, and instantaneously we replaced every one of them.”

“There are so many students who want in to the program, we could have another plant and still not accommodate them all,” according to Behel.

And that’s the primary obstacle in 12 for Life’s path to achieving its full potential—not student success or enthusiasm, but available positions.

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The good news is that a company doesn’t have to commit at the same level as Southwire. The construction of a brand new, dedicated plant to accommodate 80 or more workers is not necessary. In fact, according to Charles Stewart, “We have the model in place for as few as a single employee.”

What kind of potential employer is a match for the 12 for Life program? “We want companies who care about the kids, who respect them; companies that have the same mission and the same goals in mind for these young people. In exchange, employers know they’re getting employees with a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed,” says Charles Stewart.

Two companies have already partnered with 12 for Life: Alabama Chanin and Right Solutions. Both companies have hired one student each, and both operate from the same model as Southwire. After their core curriculum classes at Florence High School, students report to work at Alabama Chanin and Right Solutions, then finish their day with a lesson in 12 for Life’s Southwire classroom, where students not only learn how to balance a checkbook or create a personal budget, but also intangibles, like confidence, integrity, and generosity.

“We have a program called ‘Power Fund,’” says Charles Stewart. “It’s a way for students to help other students in the program. Maybe a parent has been laid off. Maybe there’s a family illness. And suddenly there’s a lost income. We let the kids know, while keeping the individual anonymous, and the kids donate money from their paychecks. Whatever we collect from the students, Southwire triples the donation.”

As anyone who’s ever had a part-time job in high school knows, these checks aren’t huge. “We have kids who make $150 take home, who donate money from their checks to co-workers who need it,” offers Behel.

So they’re learning to earn, but they’re also learning to give.

And to dream.

“I ask every student what they want after high school,” says Charles Stewart. “What do they want their lives to look like

in five years. Do they want to go college? Into the military?

If they want to go to college, I ask them how they’re going to get there, and what they want to major in.”

Because this is 12 for Life, students aren’t just encouraged to dream, they’re given proactive steps to help make those dreams come true. “We help the kids apply for college, for scholarships, to learn what scholarships are available,” says Casteel.

One possible path for college-bound students is one of three UNA scholarships specifically created for 12 for Life graduates. NWSCC offers two more, one each for Mr. and Miss 12 for Life.

“We have so many students with so much potential,” Behel enthuses. “I say, ‘look at your ACT scores. Look at your GPA. You are so brilliant! Look how far you can go!’”

With so much potential on the horizon, what do 12 for Life’s managers and counselors want for its future?

For Charles Stewart, the dream is “to build a pipeline of industries and companies who are interested in working with us, so there can be room for every young person who could benefit from 12 for Life.”

Casteel agrees. “This is the best thing that could happen to any city. I’ve never seen a program change young peoples’ lives like this. These kids learn character and confidence.

They walk around with their heads held high. They have a job; they’re finishing high school; they’re going to college.”

But in order for 12 for Life to reach its full potential, people will have to realize how well this works, and how much interest the community has in stake in this. “These kids are the future workforce,” Behel says. “Anytime a kid doesn’t graduate high school, we all lose. We are so determined to make sure that every student who enters our program graduates.”

The leaders and students at 12 for Life would like the community to dream, too: of a Shoals in which every student who might be tempted to leave high school stays and graduates; a Shoals that can boast to prospective industries that its high school not only graduates 100 percent of its students, but that many of them have the skills necessary to excel in the workplace before they even put on their cap and gown.

They sound like pie-in-the-sky promises, don’t they? The kind we usually associate with politicians who are eager for our vote, but who have no realistic plan of implementing their lofty goals. But at 12 for Life, these aren’t pipe dreams; these are facts. And they’re happening right now.

If you’d like more information about changing the lives of students and your community by partnering with 12 for Life, contact Southwire’s 12 for Life program at (256) 768-7801.

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

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check it out » Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling Adult Nonfiction–818.602 KAL (In Adult Nonfiction)

Calling all fans of The Mindy Project! Join Mindy in this hilarious journey through her career (pre-Mindy) as she discusses getting her start as a comedian and television writer and her involvement with The Office and Hollywood. This laugh-out-loud read will provide you with tons of “life” tips, ranging from Mindy’s experiences getting her start as a twenty-something in New York to planning her own funeral.

Each chapter consists of short anecdotes based on topics like careers, shopping, relationships, and body image, but all told in Mindy’s very distinctive voice and perspective. Through Mindy’s girl-next-door narration, you will feel like you are having an in-person conversation with her as though she is your best friend. Add this quick read to your list and cure your Mindy Project withdrawal while you wait for each new episode. (Abby Carpenter)

is especially relevant for the South in 2014. As we continue to strive academically and technologically, we must be sure it is not at the cost of true learning. (Christi Britten) Playing for Pizza by John Grisham Adult Fiction—F GRI (In Adult Fiction Section)

In America, star NFL players get paid millions of dollars to toss the pigskin. In Italy, however, the players make a modest salary, if any salary at all. Instead, they play for pizza. Playing for Pizza is an excellent example of how other countries, or at least Italy, view the American version of football. Before reading Playing for Pizza, I never really thought about taking a trip to Italy; however, after reading the book, I can’t wait to visit. The way John Grisham describes the Italian food, wine, culture, and way of life made it feel like I was there. WARNING: This book will make you crave pizza and wine. Reading this book while hungry may result in increased appetite and temporary weight gain. (Luke Hannah)

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv Adult Nonfiction–155.4 Lou (In Nonfiction New Arrivals)

The Ex-Amish Kid by Jonas Miller Adult Nonfiction–92 Mil (In Nonfiction New Arrivals)

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder was initially released in 2005 by Audubon Award recipient Richard Louv as a call to action for parents and educators. Since the book was first released, there has been a huge increase in efforts to get children back into nature for healthy growth and development. Eye-opening revelations about the lack of interaction between nature and children speak to the tech culture of our time and align the consequences of failing to nurture sustainable relationships. The rise in depression, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and childhood obesity all correlate with the disappearance of the child’s place in a natural habitat. Louv provides a well-researched and scholarly approach to the sage advice of our elders: “Go outside, it’s good for you.”

The newly released edition has an updated progress report on the efforts to get kids interested in the physical outside world, as well as a list of 100 actions we can take in our communities to foster children’s relationships with nature. This book

Did you know that Amish weddings in Lawrence County, Tennessee, can last up to 17 hours? Or that female Amish school teachers can make as little as $12 per day? Or that some Amish date nights don’t end until 4:00 a.m.?

Jonas Miller, a local man who left the Amish lifestyle at 21-years-old, has revealed all of this and much more about the Amish community of Lawrence County, Tennessee, in his new book The Ex-Amish Kid. Miller wrote the book as an answer to many of the most common questions he receives about the Amish church and the simplified way of life of its members.

This book is a fascinating, respectful, one-of-a-kind glimpse into the secretive world of Lawrence County’s 1,500 citizens who are part of the Old-Order Amish faith. From an in-depth explanation of how Amish church leaders are chosen (the answer will probably surprise you), to the expected menu at an Amish wedding, Jonas goes into great detail about the inner-workings of the Amish way of life.

To learn more about The Ex-Amish Kid, access the book’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/examishkid. (Clint Alley)

PILLARANDPEACOCK.COM

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

STIRRING UP THE STILL

AN ALABAMA MOONSHINE REVIVAL text by sara wright covington » photos by patrick hood

In

a secluded stream in rural Bullock County, Alabama, two old, rusted 55-gallon drums rest abandoned amidst the spring water. Just beyond the water’s edge, a fence contains the property where High Ridge Spirits, Alabama’s first legal moonshine distillery, now sits—almost nodding in homage to the two old mash barrels, remnants of just one of the likely thousands of illegal moonshine operations in Alabama. And like so many other stereotypically Southern beginnings, this one, too, began in a bar.

Courtesy photo

Robert “Bubba” Hall, Jr., had been making his living as a performer and singer/song writer for 15 years when he took a seat at a downtown Montgomery brew pub one evening in 2009 after a gig. “I was sitting at the bar, and the guy behind the bar just looked like he knew something,” says Hall. “I asked who the brewer was, and he introduced himself as Jamie Ray.” The two struck up a conversation, and Hall learned that Ray began brewing beer as a young man while visiting a cousin in Washington state during harvest season. When Ray came across a semi-truck load full of hops that had been spilled into the road, he shoveled the hops into the back of his truck and then went home to make beer with it. Ray’s first batch of “road kill beer” began an obsession, and over time he became a sought after brew master, helping to open up breweries all over the southeast. Intent on brewing beer, Ray eventually moved to Alabama to help found Back 40 Brewing Company. “I bought a horse farm out here at Stills Cross Roads in Bullock County and found the remains of a still on the property when I cleared it,” says Ray. “I was racking my brain about what I was going to do with an acre on the farm. I just never really thought about moonshine because I was really intent on the beer business.”

While Ray was doing research to help found Back 40, he got a report from the water department and discovered that Bullock County boasts some of the purest water available—perfect for any type of brewing. “It’s very soft and it’s naturally very pure,” says Ray. “And the pH is good.”

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“moonshining didn’t go on because they were lawless people, but because they had no way to make cash.

They could raise their own food, but they couldn’t buy shoes.”

Robert “Bubba” Hall, Jr.

As fate would have it, Bubba Hall never forgot the details of his first conversation with Ray in 2009, including their discussion about the purity of Bullock County water. The two exchanged contact information, although they didn’t actually meet again until a few years later when they crossed paths in the same Montgomery bar. After Ray had researched Alabama’s history of distilleries, he discovered that there had not been a legal distillery since the Jack Daniel’s Distillery left Alabama and moved to Tennessee when prohibition was established in 1915. “So he said, ‘man, let’s start the first legal whiskey distillery in Alabama in 100 years,’” recalls Hall. “I did my research, and sure enough, nobody had done it. Alabama adopted prohibition early. When that happened, Jack Daniel’s left, and no one had done it since.”

Previous to Jamie Ray’s idea of opening High Ridge Spirits, it was widely perceived that distilleries were illegal in Alabama—a misconception of Alabama laws that Ray had to first set out to understand. “People just made the assumption it was illegal,” says Hall. “And that leads up to part of Jamie Ray’s genius. He just figured out what no one else had figured out. He discovered it was not illegal to do it and it could, in fact, be done.”

After an arduous 18-month process involving paperwork, background checks, and many meetings with federal and ABC board officials, High Ridge Spirits was born. Jamie Ray made the distillery’s very first still out of a beer keg. “We all thought, ‘we’ve gotten all this done and it’s going to be easy street now,’” says Hall. “But when we started making the whiskey, it wasn’t coming out right for Jamie, who had a flavor profile in mind. We were starting to get worried. But when he finally hit it, it was incredible.” High Ridge Spirits’ first product launch was called 27 Springs Gin, named for the union of 27 springs in Bullock County, which had been settled by the Creek Indians for the purity of its water hun-

dreds of years ago. “It’s a really different gin,” says Jamie Ray. “It has a much lighter balance to it, which I thought would make it much more refreshing in the heat down here.” The unique citrus-based gin made a splash almost immediately, as it won first in class at the Denver International Spirits Competition in spring of 2014.

Now a company of 10 investors, High Ridge Spirits is quickly making an impression on the chef community as well, as the unique rye-based drink is becoming a favored ingredient in the culinary creations of celebrity chefs across the country, and has even been named on Southern Living’s Hot List as one of the top seven clear shine products. “Chefs love to cook with it because of the complex flavor profile of the rye,” says Hall. “It starts off fruity with a peppery finish.” Their Alabama moonshine has been a key ingredient in creations everywhere from a United Nations dinner in New York to former Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron’s rehearsal dinner in Orange Beach, Alabama. “In June of 2013, Chef Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot, who was a James Beard Finalist, prepared a dinner at the James Beard award banquet in New York,” says Hall. “On the list of his ingredients, the very last ingredient was Alabama moonshine, which at that time was illegal. I think it was a bit serendipitous that he used it one month prior to us getting our license.”

High Ridge Spirits now has three core products: Stills Crossroads ’Shine, Flavored ’Shine in Apple and Peach, and 27 Springs Gin. It’s available in over 30 ABC stores and on all Robert Trent Jones Properties in Alabama. “We are all over the state,” says High Ridge Spirits investor Jim Cunningham. “And it’s been received very well. We are going to schedule some tastings in North Alabama over the course of the next couple of months.”

And now thanks to being picked up by a distributor in Miami, any of High Ridge Spirits’ products can be purchased through the internet from anywhere in the country.

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

Chasing Down the ’Shine

Even though it is still in its infancy, High Ridge Spirits already has a 10 year plan in place. For now, they are focusing on the consistency of the product and the development of the brand. But for the two gentlemen—Jamie Ray and Bubba Hall—who first nurtured their distillery dream years ago in a Montgomery bar, the bigger picture is about much more than making moonshine. “I’m all about trying to create a better South and erasing some of the black eyes of the past,” says Hall. “Bullock County is one of the top poorest counties in the country, and that ties into the history of the moonshiner, because television has glamorized moonshining. But moonshining didn’t go on because they were lawless people, but because they had no way to make cash. They could raise their own food, but they couldn’t buy shoes. And there were no jobs. For every one job we create, it translates to 33 jobs in neighboring Montgomery County.” As for the man behind every batch of Alabama ’Shine, master distiller Jamie Ray, it’s all about using the rawness and purity of the land to make something Alabama can be proud of. “I love working on product development and working with different raw materials,” says Ray. “It’s something I’ve always been interested in while brewing and working in local ingredients.” Mostly, Hall and Ray are giving Alabamians just one more reason to support and be proud of the products created right here the state, even though their operation would likely have been “busted up” just a few years ago. “The most fun is to be in a small restaurant in a small town where the restaurant owner is so proud to have an Alabama product in their establishment,” says Hall. “They feel a part of what we are doing and that’s just really, really cool. We started with nothing and we created an international award-winning Alabama product.

And we did something that people said couldn’t be done.”

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

“Some of the best races I’ve ever had have been chasing a load of liquor in a pick-up truck through the woods,” recounts Florence native Troy Hamner, who could be describing a scene straight out of the Dukes of Hazzard.

Hamner, who was born in 1931, grew up during the time of prohibition in Alabama, and spent nearly 24 years of his life as a revenuer, or an officer of the government charged with enforcing the laws prohibiting bootlegging. For nearly 24 years, Hamner helped to track down and destroy illegal distilleries all over the Southeast.

“First you’d go in and raise your right hand to protect the constitution,” remembers Hamner. “Then they’d issue you a firearm, train you, and then give you a car and a territory. You’d contact sheriff ’s departments in various counties and make all your rounds, then you’d go into the little country stores and people would look at you with a questioning look like ‘you a revenuer?’ and then the first thing you know, somebody would wink at you. So we got information on the distilleries, and we tried to catch everyone we could.”

He remembers his years as a revenuer as exciting, often dangerous times, which involved everything from chasing moonshiners on foot through briar patches in the woods to high speed car chases on county roads with guns drawn. He tracked down stills in houses, on farms, under roads, and even over ledges. “The best ones were way back in the woods,” says Hamner. “And one time I found one where they were working the still off a ledge.

They had to work it by letting the materials down on a rope.” Hamner even remembers taking a call one Sunday morning from an anonymous woman providing a “tip” of the location of a particular still and that it was in operation even as they spoke. “I knew it had to be her husband running it,” says Hamner. “I told my partner, ‘We’ve got to hurry fast.’ I knew that any woman providing information like that about her husband was likely to change her mind fast.”

Although Prohibition was enacted with the intention of improving family life, reducing violence, and helping the economy, the government would eventually see that it was fighting a losing batter. Over time, the costs of making moonshine increased, and as more counties became wet, it was harder and harder for moonshiners to make a profit. Hamner remembers that in 1966, Cleburne County, Alabama, was one of the most prolific counties in the state for moonshine, with over 100 stills. By 1970, he estimates there were no more than five. Times had changed, and would-be moonshiners had abandoned their efforts for nobler pursuits. “That was the culture back then,” says Hamner. “Moonshining had just gotten passed on down. But society became more mobile, and the mamas started to want better things for their sons.”

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

text by allen tomlinson » photos by becky luigart-stayner

There are some foods that you just have to eat before you die. In fact, of all of the things Alabama is known for, a visitor here is most impressed by our food.

We’ve heard of the “farm-to-table” movement, but we find that amusing; after all, we’ve been growing fresh things in our gardens and putting them on the table for years.

Our local restaurants get it. So do the folks at the Alabama Tourism Department, who commissioned a photography exhibit called “The Art of Alabama Food.”

The exhibit made an appearance at Court Street Market in Florence, from August 15 through September 6, and talks are underway to schedule it in Huntsville. In this issue, No’Ala focuses on the restaurants in North Alabama who were a part of this beautiful exhibit, with explanations provided by the exhibit owners. We promise, you’ll be hungry after you see them.

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Chicken and White Sauce Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, Decatur Big Bob Gibson’s split, seasoned chickens roast on the barbecue pit for several hours and are then dipped in white sauce. The unique flavor of the sauce, combined with meat smoked in hickory-fired brick pits, helped establish white barbecue sauce as a North Alabama regional specialty.

Orange Pineapple Ice Cream Trowbridge’s, Florence The signature orange pineapple ice cream recipe created by Trowbridge’s has won the hearts of customers since the restaurant opened.

The popularity of this frozen treat has grown so much that the shop has had to enlist extra help to make enough ice cream to keep up with demand.

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

PB&J in Phyllo Cotton Row, Huntsville This dish originated when Cotton Row’s chef and owner, James Boyce, forgot to bring dessert to an event he was catering. He raided the client’s kitchen and made the unique treat using found ingredients. At the restaurant, Boyce uses homemade jam and chunky peanut butter to add extra crunch to the dessert.

Green Beans Albany Bistro, Decatur What can be more representative of Alabama food than green beans? This side, served at Albany Bistro with meatloaf and mashed potatoes, is a favorite among guests. The fact that it is all locally grown makes it even more special—and when it’s all paired with a glass of sweet tea, you’re in Alabama food heaven.

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Grouper Oscar Grille 29, Huntsville Pan-seared and topped with jumbo lump crabmeat, asparagus, and hollandaise, this dish is worthy of all of the raves it receives. In reviews, customers repeatedly say the fish is “amazing,” and the accompanying white-corn cheese grits give it a Southern flair while maintaining the quality of fine dining.

Tomato Pie Carlile’s, Scottsboro The pie ingredients seem simple—fresh basil, tomatoes, and bacon. But the catch is in the topping— a mixture of mayonnaise, cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper. The pie is baked for half an hour until it’s golden brown.

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

Crawfish Crawmama’s, Guntersville Whether you enjoy your crawfish boiled, fried, with potatoes or even corn, Crawmama’s special recipe is sure to satisfy. The water is seasoned before cooking the succulent crawfish, ensuring that each bite is as flavorful as the last.

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

I promise It’s my job to make you look - and feel - your very best. That’s why my entire staff and I keep ourselves abreast of the latest surgical techniques and procedures, so we can offer services that make you look your best — whether they are cosmetic or reconstructive. An experience at Shoals Hospital is different, because those little details are important to us. After all, it’s not just about care...it’s about caring. I promise!

Russell Jennings, M.D., Plastic Surgeon

www.shoalshospital.com

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kudos

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If you want to share some good news about a friend, neighbor, or colleague—or even toot your own horn—send your kudos to allen@noalapress.com.

University of Alabama, where she was Senior Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

From left to right: Tim Stevenson, Heidi Tilenius, Shaler Roberts III, Ray Grissom, Allen Tomlinson, Kim Jackson, Teryl Shields, and Christina Dorough

The Main Event

A New Chair for SEDA

© Danny Mitchell

Brad Haddock, Senior Vice President of First Southern Bank, is the new chairman of the Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA). Brad brings to the chairmanship a lifelong knowledge of the Shoals and a dedication to economic development.

Brad Haddock

New-NA UNA’s College of Arts and Sciences has a new dean, Dr. Carmen Burkhalter. Dr. Burkhalter comes to UNA from the

Six new members have been inducted into UNA’s Athletic Hall of Fame, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the university’s athletics programs.

They are Amber Deline, Cliff Lord, Hamp Moore, Yana Ninova, Jason Vaughn, and Buck Williams.

Dr. Christopher Maynard

Standing Out Four UNA professors have Clinton Carter received special recognition for their outstanding contributions to the university community: Keith Jones, Professor of Accounting, is the recipient of the Jim. F. Couch Outstanding Scholarship/Research Award; Tera Kirkman, Associate Professor of Nursing, is this year’s Academic Affairs Award winner for Outstanding Service; Martha Rock, Professor of Nursing, is UNA’s Academic Affairs Award honoree for Outstanding Advising; and Jeffrey Bibbee, Associate Professor of History, is the Lawrence J. Nelson Outstanding Teacher of the year.

Rivertown's Turning Ten! A very happy birthday to our friends at Rivertown Coffee Co. as they celebrate a decade of authentic, delicious goodness.

We can't imagine downtown without them. Many happy returns!

© Shannon Wells

Artist Tim Stevenson’s mural project, commissioned by Florence Main Street, earned the organization an award for Excellence in Planning and Public Spaces. An ad campaign promoting the downtown area (which ran in yours truly, No’Ala) was recognized for Excellence in Downtown Marketing. Florence Foodies, an initiative highlighting Florence’s world-class eateries, earned an Excellence in Business Promotion Award. And, last but not least, for its commitment to Florence Main Street’s mission, the City of Florence received a Community Award.

Clinton Carter, former Deputy State Finance Director in the office of Governor Robert Bentley, is the new VP of Business and Financial Affairs. © Jessica Pjaron

In recognition of their advocacy in promoting and revitalizing downtown, Florence Main Street received four awards at Main Street Alabama’s awards ceremony in Montgomery on August 26.

Dr. Carmen Burkhalter

© Shannon Wells

The new associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is Dr. Christopher Maynard, who served as chair of the UNA Department of History and Political Science before moving to the Dean’s office.

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

 | noalastudios.com | november/december 

• • • PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCALLY OWNED INDEPENDENT RETAILERS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND NONPROFITS! • • •

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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scene

Sarah Beth Alexander and Mary-Margaret Epps Mimi Kraemer, Betty Balch, Rhonda Dillard, Emily Olsen, and Lexi Sandlin Kathryn Rice and Donna Sather Jean Schulman

Lucie Ayers Jen Kennedy and Tara Bullington

Janell Askew and Joanne Peck

Photos by Margaret Dooley

Below: Art of Alabama Food “Sneak Peek” Reception

Above: Kennedy-Douglass Volunteers Open House september ,  · kennedy-douglass center, florence

Pinky Van Vickle and Margaret Dooley

august ,  · court street market, florence

Rusty Carbine and Allyssa Carbine Karen Oldham, Johnny Belew, Nancy Gonce, and Debbie Wilson Einar Gudmundsson and Ryan Matthews Ann Marie and Richard Fisk

Lee Sentell Mick Jagger and John Orman * Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.

Marianthe Snyder and Carmen Erdmann Gwen Burney and Orlandous Johnson Photos by Shannon Wells

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

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the vine » Amy Collins

THE KING & QUEEN OF NEBBIOLO A few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to the Piedmont region in northwest Italy for work. I use “work” here loosely, as I and four big guys spent a couple of nights in Barolo, eating, drinking, meeting winemakers, and walking the vineyards. It was here, after a decade of trying, that I finally came to terms with the fact that I neither could nor should “keep up with the boys,” and that good raw beef, chopped and lightly drizzled in good olive oil, can be one of the most healing foods for a nasty hangover that’s not allowed to stay home and wallow. More importantly, the wines, the vineyards, and the people have been forever imprinted on my memory.

Barolo wine takes its name from the small village of Barolo. Made from 100 percent Nebbiolo grapes, it is often called “the wine of Kings, the King of wines.” Barbaresco is a neighboring village and DOC area with about a third of the production of Barolo, and wines made in a similar manner from similar soils and climate conditions.

Vinification and aging laws are a bit less strict than those for Barolo, and as a result, Barbaresco wines tend to be a touch less structured, less robust, and slightly lower in alcohol. They are considered the “feminine” counter to the King’s drink—nectar for the Queen, or Princess. There are other DOCs that produce Nebbiolo-based wines— La Morra, Ghemme, Gattinara, to name a few—but Barolo is the star, and its growing importance influences the surrounding communes in Piedmont, like Barbaresco and Nebbiolo outliers with eponymous labeling.

A recent conversation with Odette restaurant general manager and wine director Kristy Bevis revealed we have a common love for Barolo, specifically, and Nebbiolo in general. We tasted several wines and chose a few favorites that are available here in North Alabama. What we love about the Nebbiolo is its elegance, finesse, and ability to express great structure or soft tannins, depending on the place and producer. We found both in our line-up.

The grape itself is a thin-skinned variety, much like the Pinot Noir, and, therefore, susceptible to rot and other undesirable conditions in less than ideal weather. Old School Barolos were made in a way that extracted a tremendous amount of dry, chewy tannins, rendering wines undrinkable for at least five years, closer to ten. Producers kept these wines in barrels until they’d mellowed enough to sell, thus carrying a hefty overhead of inventory that they sold primarily to locals. In the mid-1970s, Barolo son Elio Altare traveled to Burgundy, France, to learn winemaking and grape growing. He recognized distinct parallels between the Pinot Noir of Burgundy and the Nebbiolo of his hometown, returned to Barolo, and, with the collaboration of a handful of likeminded young rebels, flipped Barolo production on its head, changed the wines and changed the region, now a prominent pin on the wine map. This fall, a documentary called The Barolo Boys, which tells the story of the Barolo revolution, won several

© Courtesy of Damilano

film festival awards and is available by DVD or streaming, if you’re interested in learning more about the revolution and more about the beauty of these wines.

From Kristy’s notes on two of our favorites: “I’ve always thought of Barbaresco as more feminine and Barolo as more masculine when it comes to these two prides of Piedmont, and the Produttori and Damilano, respectively, own up to this sentiment. The Produttori has a nose of dried flowers (rose petal, violet) and bright cherry, with more cherry and moderate acidity on the palate, and an elegant, soft tannic finish. While a bit tight initially, the wine opened up nicely and became more nuanced while maintaining a feminine subtlety. The Damilano, while it could use a little more age, has all the beautiful, brooding structure and richness expected of a Barolo. Firm tannins and a long, velvety finish with notes of dark plum and dried fruit matched beautifully with pecorino Romano and Prosciutto.”

A third favorite was the 2012 Cantina del Pino Langhe Nebbiolo, which is made from grapes grown within the Barbaresco DOC but declassified under the Langhe DOC, probably because the fruit did not match winemaker Renato Vacca’s standards for Barbaresco, which is his primary cuvée.

This Nebbiolo has the structure to age a few years but smooth tannins and bright fruit compelling it to be drunk now. It is quite delicious and, to quote Vacca’s website, “Dangerously easy to drink.”

The treasure of all these wines is their ability to express throughout a meal, as each taste gathers a little more air and shares a little more nuance than the previous sip. These are conversation wines that invite thoughtful consideration of the wines themselves and general good cheer among friends and family. For that reason alone, they are well-suited to the holiday table and make for excellent gifting.

Our three favorites are all available in North Alabama.

Cantina del Pino Langhe Nebbiolo Leather, anise, violet flowers, tobacco, and firm soft tannins lead an expressive wine that would suit a meal or a leisurely evening of sipping. Stock up on this lovely quaff. $22 Damilano Barolo “Lecinquevigne” The proprietary name on this cuvée means “five vineyards” and is a blend of five of the most respected vineyards in the Barolo commune. Surprisingly elegant and structured for the price. A “tasting” seamlessly became an empty bottle. $35 Produttori del Barbaresco Much less structured than the Damilano with drier fruits and greater need for food. Hard, salty cheese, cured meats, and roasts with unctuous fat will bring out the best in this majesty. $37

Follow Amy at pigandvine.com for more stories and wine suggestions. november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

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food for thought » Sarah Gaede

NUTTY FOR FRUITCAKE Fruitcake has been a part of festive celebrations since Roman times, when cooks mixed raisins, pine nuts, and pomegranate seeds into barley mash. Yum. Things improved in the 13th century when panforte (“strong bread,” referring to the spicy flavor) was first made in Tuscany. Documents from 1205 show that panforte was paid as tribute to the monks and nuns of a local monastery. There are references to the Crusaders carrying panforte with them and to the use of panforte as an aide in surviving siege. It is a dense round cake full of hazelnuts, almonds, candied orange peel and citron, spices, and just enough honey and flour to hold it together. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and sticky to make, but so worth the effort. There’s a good recipe in the New York Times Cookbook if you are feeling adventurous. I make it every Christmas, to universal acclaim—especially for the chocolate version with cocoa and dried figs.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, fruitcake, often covered with elaborate marzipan icing, is still the traditional wedding cake. In the United States, on the other hand, fruitcake has a bad reputation, due in large part, I believe, to the proliferation of mass-produced cakes full of candied fruit, specifically the neon red and green cherries. Before the advent of mass production, fruitcakes were a nutritious blend of raisins, currants, nuts, and citron, and perhaps a few candied cherries for color, with a poundcake-like batter to hold it together. It was flavored with spices and whiskey, sherry, or brandy, and wrapped in linen soaked with more spirits as a preservative. If you are southern, I guarantee your grandmothers made fruitcake. Even if they were teetotalers, they made an exception for fruitcake, even during Prohibition. Baking fruitcake was a major seasonal endeavor. Read “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote for a blast of fruitcake baking nostalgia.

In 1945, the new owner of a bakery in a small town in Georgia decided to mass market fruitcake to take advantage of the abundant south Georgia pecan crop. This dread fruitcake, which shall remain nameless, has become ubiquitous. You can find it prominently displayed at Walmart during the holiday season. If this is the only fruitcake you’ve ever tasted, it’s quite understandable that you would think you hate fruitcake. Even I, who love fruitcake, including the kind with the screech-red cherries, will not let it past my lips. Worst of all, it is completely nonalcoholic.

Some wag posted on Wikipedia that making a fruitcake privately for oneself is considered acceptable at Christmas, but receiving one as a gift is a cruel insult and meant to be a rebuke or slap in the face. It implies to the receiver that whoever gave the fruitcake dislikes the receiver, is giving the receiver a fruitcake to fulfill a holiday obligation and no more, does not care about the receiver nor wish the receiver a happy Christmas, and that this fruitcake, which can be rewrapped and used over and over again because of its freakishly long shelf life, is an insult, the worst present in the world.

On the other hand, my chocolate fruitcake, a variation on a recipe by Nigella Lawson, is one of the best presents in the world, if you can stand to give it away. It is SO GOOD! And no candied fruit is involved in its creation.

Chocolate Fruit Cake Note: Since this is an English recipe, one weighs the dry ingredients rather than measuring—a good idea for all baking. A kitchen scale from Amazon runs less than $20. I stick a medium-sized bowl on my scale, reset it to zero and to grams instead of ounces, and start tossing fruit in until I get to 725 grams. (I weigh in grams to avoid having to add fractions. Why, oh why, didn’t we embrace the metric system along with everyone else in the world?) No need to be exact with each fruit—this is a more-or-less sort or recipe.

Cut the fruit with kitchen shears—much easier than chopping with a knife. Nigella uses only prunes, raisins, and currants, the classic English fruits, but I love cherries and apricots too. You can use dried figs, blueberries, and/or cranberries as well, in any combination, as long as it all adds up to 725 grams. You weigh the dry ingredients too, and your glass measuring cup will have metric measurements on one side for the liquids.

You can find almond meal or flour at the grocery store sometimes, or you can use finely processed blanched almonds. Or you can order it from nuts.com, along with organic dried fruit.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

200 grams cut up dried soft prunes 150 grams golden raisins 125 grams dried currants 125 grams cut up dried apricots 125 grams whole dried tart cherries 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter 175 grams dark brown sugar 175 ml honey 125 ml coffee liqueur—I use Kahlua 2 navel oranges, zested and juiced 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 2 tablespoons good quality cocoa (I use Hershey’s Dark) 3 large eggs, beaten 150 grams all-purpose flour 75 grams almond meal or ground blanched almonds 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

JINGLE BELL ROCKS

2508 East Avalon Avenue Muscle Shoals · 256-381-6889 www.jamiehoodonline.com

Spray the sides and bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan with cooking spray; line with a parchment round cut to fit on the bottom, and spray parchment.

Place the fruit, butter, sugar, honey, coffee liqueur, orange zest and juice, mixed spice, and cocoa into a large, heavy saucepan. Heat until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring the mixture as the butter melts. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and cool for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Stir eggs, flour, ground almonds, baking power, and soda into liquid mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula until combined. Pour the batter into the lined cake pan. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the top of the cake is firm but still has a shiny and sticky look. At this point, if you insert a sharp knife into the middle of the cake, there should be moist crumbs clinging to the knife when you pull it out. Cool on rack; remove from pan. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in a cake tin. Cake keeps at room temperature for several weeks.

Note: This also makes five 6” x 3” mini loaf pans. Spray and line bottoms with parchment. Start checking for doneness at about 45 minutes.

november/december  | noalastudios.com | 

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bless their hearts » David Sims

If my family’s holiday gatherings were made into a feature film, it would be co-directed

by David Lynch, Wes Anderson, and the Coen brothers.

NEW YEAR’S EVIL My mother had this expression. Well, it wasn’t so much an expression as it was an impression. She would flash an exaggerated, toothy smile—presumably to feign happiness where there was no happiness to be found. She called it her “New Year’s Eve Smile,” and she used it liberally.

This smile, and all of the sentiment that went with it, was not just to be reserved to usher in the New Year. It also came in handy for dinners with the in-laws, opening Christmas presents from your spouse, and your fourth-grader’s annual holiday band concert. It wasn’t until much later in my life did I realize just why my mother would hat hate New Year’s Eve. It hit me on an afternoon watching some old home movies with Pensacola wat cousins: our family New Year’s Eve parties. cou Fo a while my family gathered at local commuFor ni nity spots like Sanders Beach’s Fireman’s Hall, a cavernous yet rustic hall, where they would drink and trip the light fantastic. Those events d m may have also included food, but it never sshowed up in the old photos or films. Ladies w wore full skirts made of satins and thick silk ttaffeta, and men wore full suits. There were corsages and boutonnieres, and decorations were simple: paper hats, empty bottles of liquor, and overflowing ashtrays.

Above: New Year’s Eve with cousin Gloria and her husband (at least I think he’s her husband).

Fast forward to the late 1960s. Each December 31, my older brother and I were loaded into the car clutching our favorite Christmas presents. We would pick up my grandmother (my grandfather had since died), and we would head to Pensacola’s East Hill to the q quiet, picturesque suburban home of Kenny and Mary Wells Wells. When we arrived arrived, and while everyone was still sober, I would be stuffed with cheddar cheese cubes, sweet baby gherkins, ambrosia, and deviled ham, spread on tiny slices of rye. Then I was whisked off to a back bedroom with Ellen Wells (Kenny and Mary’s daughter) to “play with our Christmas toys.”

Ellen Wells, bless her heart, may have been a nice girl, but to me, she was damn near a textbook sociopath. As soon as the door was shut, Ellen’s sweet little smile would morph into a grimace reminiscent of Anthony Perkins in the climax of Psycho. All I remember was a series of tears and broken toys (mine), though I seem to remember some downtime where Ellen was on her princess phone with a girlfriend, complain-

ing about what a “bummer” it was to be stuck at home with her distant cousins. I couldn’t agree more.

One year, I got a complete Creepy Crawlers Kit for Christmas. For those of you who don’t know what that is, Creepy Crawlers were essentially one of the most dangerous toys in history, next to maybe a pair of Clackers*. A Creepy Crawlers Kit consisted of a an electric “skillet” upon which you would place heavy metal molds featuring the negative indentions of a variety of insect shapes. You would then plug in the “skillet,” fill a tray with what was clearly toxic liquid plastic, and heat it until it became a toxic flexible plastic. After the mold had cooled, you would peel out your new fantastical creations. Then you would play with (or gnaw on) your centipedes, spiders, and cockroaches until you were bored out of your mind.

This particular year, Mattel had introduced an edible plastic (yes, you heard me correctly) so kids could make insects to eat! I was originally planning to save my edible goop for special occasions, but Ellen had other plans. That night she made every edible insect she could, and ate them all, until all my goop (and most of my dignity) was gone.

The events that occurred next are hazy, but in a temporary loss of control, I burst into the living room (ignoring the stern warning not to ever enter the living room) to find a New Year’s Eve party unlike any I had ever seen. (What am I talking about? I had never seen a New Year’s Eve party). Apparently in the 1960s, Pensacola’s middle class really knew how to party. If my family’s holiday gatherings were made into a feature film, it would be co-directed by David Lynch, Wes Anderson, and the Coen Brothers.

Was that really my grandmother dancing on a table? Or was it a chair? Was that cousin Mina’s husband Henry (a retired Air Force major) dressed in a smoking jacket and ascot?

Was Uncle So-and-So hitting on Miss Whatchamahoops in the presence of his wife? Yes. Yes, to all of that. And there, among all of the eye-opening, innocence-killing debauchery was my shy, sweet little mother sitting in the corner. With that New Year’s Eve Smile plastered all over her face.

I stopped crying instantly when I saw her. I stood in solidarity. And I found myself mimicking that same, force grin.

Maybe because of Creepy Crawlers past. Maybe because of Ellen Wells. Maybe because I grew up too fast that night. I too would grow to hate the New Years.

But to look at my face, you’d never know it. *From Wikipedia (with my annotations in parenthesis): Clackers were a toy popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They consisted of two (heavy, rockhard) plastic spheres (think large jawbreaker) suspended (lightly imbedded) on string which, when swung up and down, banged against each other, making a clacking sound (and occasionally detaching and flying across the room).

Clackers are similar in appearance to bolas, the Argentinian weapons (duh).

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back talk » Kali Daniel

“What gets you in the holiday spirit?”

“The romantic atmosphere and decorating the Christmas tree” (DAYEON J)

“Gifts from my boyfriend” (HYEBIN J)

“Christmas lights, candy, and gifts” (ALI A)

“Cold weather” (DARIEN H)

“Christmas-themed footie pajamas, hot cocoa, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (NATALIE B)

“Seeing ugly Christmas sweaters” (DUSTIN P) “The sense of family and community, ornaments, and snow” (CORY M)

“That first Christmas song on the radio” (MARIE W)

“Working in retail where they set out décor four months early” (JORDAN F)

“Watching and listening to holiday-themed commercials” (CAROLINE T)

“Making cookies while listening to Christmas carols” (JOHNNA D)

“Seeing my five kids’ and two grandkids’ expectations” (TOBY C)

“Colorful red and green sweaters” (JASMINE F) “Christmas candles and wintertime coffee flavors” (ZAKARIA A)

“Putting up the tree! My brother is in the military, and we don’t put lights on the tree until he comes home.”

(JAMES D)

“Trailers with excessive Christmas decorations” (ANNA U)

“Black Friday deals” (ZAKARIA A)

“Frank Sinatra and taking time being around my family” (CARRIE R)

“Old-school Christmas music” (SCOTT M)

“All of the music, but ‘Carol of the Bells’ specifically” (CHAD M)

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parting shot » Patrick Hood

SCHOOL COLORS

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With Mobile Banking, Check Your Balance While You Christmas Shop!

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Talk to your First Southern Banker about the convenience of Mobile Banking. It’s a great help this holiday season — and all year long!

*Although mobile banking is a free service from First Southern Bank, your mobile carrier may apply text messaging and web access charges.

MEMBER FDIC

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LEFT, from the back: Coby and Will Futrell, son and daughter of Jeff Futrell, durable medical equipment; Anna Lawson, daughter of Allison and Jeff Lawson, holding Chloe Wells, daughter of Lezlie Wells, Business Office; Cohen Woods son of Justin and Kelley Woods, Muscle Shoals store; Cassidy June Barnes, granddaughter of De Barnes (in the hat); Audrey Rickard, daughter of Shannon Rickard, Marketing; Gracie the Dog. Jake Robert, son of Dana Roberts, Business Office, in the rocking chair; Claire Lawson, daughter of Jeff and Allison Lawson; Standing, right, Maggie and Lawson Frederick, son and daughter of Julie Frederick.

From all of our families to all of yours, we wish you the very best of this season. www.mrdrugs.com • 869 Florence Boulevard, Florence • 202 W. Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals • 2602 Hough Road, Florence

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