No'Ala Holiday 2010

for the Holidays

NOV/DEC 2010 $3.95

Our Annual Holiday Gift Guide A River Runs Through It Growing Trees with the Shell Family Cupcakes, Ornaments, Stories, and More! noalamag.com

‘TIS THE SEASON. How will you spend your holidays? Start new holiday traditions at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. Leave the stressful planning to us while you soak in the memories and enjoy your family and friends during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our holiday dishes are trimmed with all the decadent ingredients needed for an authentic Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. While you’re here, why not finish your shopping? Our restaurant and spa gift certificates are guaranteed to fit and put smiles on their faces.

For information or to make reservations, call 256.246.3600 or visit MarriottShoals.com.

MARRIOTT SHOALS HOTEL & SPA 800 Cox Creek Parkway South, Florence, AL 35630 MarriottShoals.com, facebook.com/MarriottShoals A part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

© 2010 Marriott International, Inc. 2 | No’Ala

November/December 2010 | 3

Celebrate the colors of the season.

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Printing • Office Supplies Furniture • Gifts 113 North Court Street, Florence AL 35630 256-764-8061

4 | No’Ala

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{ contents }

ON THE COVER It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Zac Abramson’s Christmas wreath is made of vintage ornaments collected from Zac’s first tree and the first trees of his parents, grandparents and other relatives—can you find an ornament that you had, too? On this page, Caden Handley proves it’s never too early to get in the shopping mood for the holidays, as he browses the gift shop at Shell’s Christmas Tree Farm. For more ideas, visit the Gift Guide, beginning on page 55.

6 | No’Ala

November/December 2010 | 7

{ contents } 10 Contributors 12 Calendar 16 Growing Christmas Trees with the Shell Family 22 A River Runs Through It 34 Recipes: Holiday Cupcakes 42 A Christmas Story 55 Holiday Gift Guide 84 Bless Their Hearts 86 20 Questions for a Retail Associate 90 Parting Shot

November/December 2010 Volume 3: Issue 6 ••• C. Allen Tomlinson Editor-In-Chief David Sims Managing Editor/Design Director Contributing Writers Patsy Glen, Ashley Morrow Contributing Photographer Danny Mitchell Business Manager Matthew Liles Marketing Coordinator/Advertising Sales Amy Martin Marketing Assistant Natalie Finley Printing and Distribution Printers and Stationers, Inc. ••• No’Ala is published six times annually by ATSA PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630 Phone: 256-766-4222 | Fax: 256-766-4106 Toll-free: 800-779-4222 Web: www.noalamag.com Standard postage paid at Florence, AL. A one-year subscription is $19.95 for delivery in the United States.

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

Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their advertisements. © 2008-2010 ATSA, All rights reserved.

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

Letters may be edited for space and style.

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

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

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

Join us on Facebook: No’Ala Mag

GOLD GAMMA AWARD BEST DESIGN 2009

8 | No’Ala

{ editor’s letter }

BY

ALLEN TOMLINSON

Tradition When I was growing up, we had very important family Christmas traditions. One of the most anticipated was the choosing of the Christmas tree—since my father was a forester and we lived in the country, my city cousins joined us for the tree hunt. We always got a pine tree, and they always chose a cedar. After their trees had been selected, cut, dragged back to the house and strapped to the top of their Country Squire station wagons, we gathered in the house around the fireplace to drink hot chocolate before they headed back to town and we started the decoration phase. Truth be told, we had some pretty ugly trees and I remember more than one year having to wire in extra branches, but it seemed so magical and so important at the time, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. After all, this was our tradition.

This holiday issue is also all about tradition. You’ll read about a family near New Bethel who has been providing Christmas tree traditions for other families for more than 25 years; you’ll also see a few Christmas tree ornaments that have special stories. We’ve taken the traditional smells and tastes of Christmas and given you cupcake ideas for holiday entertaining, and our holiday buying guide shows you the hottest, neatest, coolest and most unique gifts from area retailers. That happens to be a No’Ala tradition; believe it or not, this is our third holiday issue!

We’ve tackled a serious topic in this issue and ask questions about a prevailing-but-dwindling “us and them” attitude we sometimes hear regarding our beautiful river. You might have read recently that Florence was named one of the best small towns in America by the Huffington Post, but we believe that you can’t look at Florence’s quality of life without considering the entire Shoals area. Sometimes, it seems, we need to examine traditional attitudes and decide whether or not to keep them. We’d be interested in your comments!

There are some other treats in this issue, too. This is our largest magazine yet, and our circulation, our page count, and our reach continue to grow. Thank you for making that happen—and please remember to keep your holiday dollars at home this year. We have wonderful retailers in the Shoals, and we think keeping our dollars where we live could be another wonderful holiday tradition.

Happy holidays!

Earlier this Fall, the family of Marigail McCreary Mathis created an endowed scholarship at the University of North Alabama to help talented students who need financial support to achieve their goals.

Marigail prided herself on being a mentor, and even now that wonderful spirit prevails. Please consider contributing to the Marigail Scholarship at UNA; details can be found at the UNA Foundation link at www.una.edu.

November/December 2010 | 9

{ contributors }

Patsy Glen

Patsy Glen, who grew up in Florence, has been writing most of her life. This Christmas season, she expects to be writing names on Whitman’s Samplers.

Now Booking Holiday Parties

We’re always on the lookout for talented writers in the Shoals area, especially those who have a unique point of view and a great sense of humor about a variety of subjects. If you would like to be considered as a “Bless Your Hearts” guest columnist, send us a sample of something you’ve already written or a link to your writing samples. See our mast for details and addresses.

A WORD ABOUT PARTY AND EVENT PICTURES We love featuring pictures of your events and parties in the pages of No’Ala, but we have some rules: We accept only high resolution, digital photos—either emailed to us or burned to a disc. Every person pictured should be identified (no exceptions), and you must include the name, date, and location of the event. We need eight or sixteen good photos; we would prefer a mixture of horizontally and vertically oriented shots for variety. Parties and events will be included on a first-come, first-served basis (space permitting) in our next available issue.

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Subscribe! www.noalamag.com 10 | No’Ala

Holiday Portraits by Robert Rausch

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366 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, AL 35630 • (256) 275-3601 Behind Zaxby’s and next to Kirkland Home Store November/December 2010 | 11

Calendar of events November

November 4–December 30 Henry C. Betak: Observations Past Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, Florence, 9:00am–4:00pm Monday through Friday. No admission; 256-760-6379 or florenceal.org

November 11 Veteran’s Day Parade Parade will begin on North Main Street and proceed to Spring Park, Tuscumbia; 11:00am; no admission; For more information: 256-381-2298 or 256-436-5874; Parade pays tribute to all that has served our Country in the Armed Forces. The parade is followed by a program in Spring Park. and an Open House at the Legion Hall from 10:00am–1:00pm.

November 12–14 Dragonfly Boutique Holiday Open House 819 Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals; 256-386-5242

November 4–6 David Christopher’s Holiday Open House 162 Titan Dr, Florence; 256-764-7008

November 13 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents From Medtner to Mother Goose Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center, Huntsville; 7:30pm; Tickets from $28-$69; Call 256-539-4818 or visit www.hso.org; Featuring the music of Ravel, Medtner and Brahms, with Yakov Kasman, pianist.

November 5 Apple Annie Day Junior League of the Shoals

November 14 Andy's the Professionals Holiday Open House 223 Edgewood Dr, Florence; 256-767-2800; 1:00–4:00pm

November 5–7 Ritz Benefit Sale Foodland Shopping Center, Sheffield; Friday, 5:00pm–8:00pm, Saturday. 9:00am–4:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm. Admission on November 5 for the Preview, $5; Contact: 256-383-0533; The sale supports the Tennessee Valley Art Association’s historic Ritz Theatre and educational outreach programs. Donations will be accepted at the Foodland Shopping Center prior to the event.

November 16 W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration W.C. Handy Home, Museum & Library, Florence, 11:00am–1:00pm; No admission; 256-760-6434 or florenceal.org.

November 5 First Friday Court Street, Downtown Florence (Alternate bad weather location: Upper decks of Florence Parking Deck on the corner of Tennessee St and Pine Street.) 5:00pm–8:00pm; no admission; 877-290-8880; www.firstfridaysflorence.com.

Apple Annie Day All around the Shoals, to raise money for charitable projects of the Junior League of the Shoals.

Give Thanks Walk Regency Square Mall; registration begins at 7:00am; walk begins at 8:30am. Fundraising walk to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information call Jeannie Rogers at 256-366-0580 or visit www.givethankswalk.org.

November 6 Rogersville First Saturdays Downtown Rogersville, 3:00pm–8:00pm; no admission. Rogersville Chamber of Commerce, 256-247-9449; Live music and merchants line the streets of downtown Rogersville.

November 10–December 16 Quilt Challenge ‘10: Shoals Piecemakers Quilt Guild Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, Florence, 9:00am–4:00pm Monday through Friday; No admission; 256-760-6379 or florenceal.org

12 | No’Ala

November 11–14 Gingerbread Players present The Ransom of Red Chief Shoals Theatre, Seminary Street, Florence; Admission charged; Check with box office for show times and admission; www.gingerbreadplay.com.

November 18 On Stage presents Boston Brass Shoals Theatre, Seminary Street, Florence; 7:30pm; Admission charged. www.shoalsonstage.com or visit the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts for tickets.

November 20 & 21 Christmas in the Country LaGrange College Site, Leighton; Saturday, 10:00am–4:00pm; Sunday 1:00pm–4:00pm; No admission. 256-446-9324 or louiselinville@earthlink.net. Purchase homemade baked goods, small gifts and Christmas ornaments for the holidays. Wagon rides with Santa.

November 20 & 21 Lola’s Gifts & Flowers Open House Lola’s Gifts & Flowers, 214 N. Montgomery Ave., Sheffield; 256-383-2299; November 20, 5:00pm–8:00pm; November 21, 1:00pm–5:00pm.

November 21 Dena Diane Holiday Open House 2568 Mall Rd, Florence 256-760-9671; 1:00pm–4:00pm November 26–December 31 The Christmas Water Show in Spring Park, Tuscumbia.

Spring park, Tuscumbia, 6:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. No admission. The Santa Express Train will run from 5:00pm-8pm these nights; admission is $4 adults, $3 children.

256-389-1357. A special Christmas show will begin on Friday evening, November 26, and continue through December. Beginning on Friday night, November 27 and continuing through

December 31, ride The Santa Express Train. You’ll love seeing the hundreds of thousands of Christmas Lights on displays in Spring Park.

Waterfront

November 29 An Evening with Dr. Foster Ritz Theatre, Sheffield; 7:30pm; Advance tickets: $10 Adults, $5 Students; at the door, $12 Adult, $6 Students. Contact: Keith McMurtrey, 256-383-0533; Folklorist, Dr. C. William Foster, will relate humorous anecdotes and personal accounts of his Appalachian upbringing and life experiences. His tales will be mixed with traditional music by his award winning four member Foster Family String Band.

November 30 Tuscumbia Christmas Parade Begins at Deshler High School, down Main Street, right on Sixth Street and left on Water Street; parade begins at 6:00pm. No admission. James McCorkle 256-386-7200.

To 340 Ridgewood Drive - MLS#372241 1253 C.R. 473 - MLS#372615

Find

December December 2 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents An Nollaig: An Irish Christmas With Eileen Ivers Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center, Huntsville; 7:30pm; Tickets from $28-$68; Call 256-539-4818 or visit www.hso.org; Celtic fiddler Eileen Ivers and her band of Irish musicians bring their Christmas performance to north Alabama.

English Village Holiday Open House Darby Dr, Florence; 10:00am–7:00pm

Your 550 Point Road - MLS#370823

Merchants of Downtown Tuscumbia Holiday Open House Downtown Tuscumbia

280 Lee Drive - MLS#373803

December 3–5 Sugarplum Marketplace Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum; Admission: $5/Adults

Waterfront

December 3–31 The Trees of Christmas Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia. 9:00am–5:00pm MondayFriday and 1:00–3:00pm Sunday; Admission is $5 adults and $3 children, Sundays are free, and group rates are available for 15 or more people; 256.383.0533 or www.ttvaa.org; Enjoy 12-foot trees decorated in themes that explore who the people of the Shoals are.

Home

December 3 First Friday Tree Lighting in Wilson Park Wilson Park, Florence, beginning at dusk; No admission.

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Muscle Shoals Christmas Parade Parade begins at Gusmus Avenue and proceeds down to Sheffield Avenue and turns right by the Muscle Shoals Post Office; 7:00pm; no admission; Sponsored by the City of Muscle Shoals and Muscle Shoals Businesses. 256-386-9250.

December 4 Rogersville First Saturdays Downtown Rogersville, 3:00–8:00pm; no admission; Rogersville Chamber of Commerce, 256-247-9449; Live music and merchants line the streets of downtown Rogersville.

Sheffield Christmas Parade North Montgomery Avenue beginning at 10th St. & proceeding to 2nd Street, beginning at 6:30pm; Entertainment at stage following parade at Fifth St. & North Montgomery Avenue; No admission; 256-383-0250 or cpdriskell@cs.com.

Merry Christmas From Dixie Ritz Theatre, 111 W. Third St., Sheffield; 2:00pm and 7:00pm; $12 for adults and $9 for stuContinued page 14 November/December 2010 | 13

Call Shirley Neese 256.335.6789 www.shirleyneese.com

Calendar of events

FEEL YOUR BEST FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

IMPROVE THREE DIMENSIONS OF VITALITY: PHYSICAL VIGOR MENTAL ACUITY SEXUAL DRIVE

Continued from page 13

dents at the door and $10 for adults and $8 in advance at www.ritztheatre.ticketleap.com; Information at 256.383.0533 or www.ttvaa.org; A musical holiday treat with Senator Bobby Denton and his friends from SummerStock at the Ritz.

December 5 Plantation Christmas Belle Mont Mansion, Cook Lane, off Highway 43 S, Tuscumbia; 1:00pm–5:00pm; $6 adults, $3 children; 256-383-0783; A holiday event reminiscent of the “Old South” with traditional live decorations, period Christmas music, vintage ballroom dancers, and refreshments.

December 7–10 Holly & Ivy Luncheons Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, Florence, noon; special dinner on Friday evening, December 10 at 7:00pm; By reservation only; admission charged; 256-760-6379 or florenceal.org December 10 Downtown Florence Christmas Parade Downtown Florence, beginning at 7:00pm; 256-760-9648.

December 11 NCAA Division II Championship Football Game Braly Stadium, Royal Ave., Florence, 11:00am; Admission: $15; Contact: 256-764-4661 or www.d2championship.com; Voted one of the top 20 events in the Southeast during the month of December, this is more than just a bowl game, it is a championship!

December 12 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Ritz Theatre, 111 W. Third St., Sheffield; 2:00pm; all tickets are $5; 256-383-0533 or www.ritztheatre.ticketleap.com; It’s not truly the holidays unless you spend time with the Herdmans! Join Time Out for Theatre for its single public performance of this Christmas classic.

December 14 Christmas in the Shoals with the Shoals Chamber Singers Location TBA, Tuscumbia, Alabama; 7:30pm.

December 19 Christmas Open House at Ivy Green Helen Keller Birthplace, Tuscumbia, 1:00pm-4:00pm; no admission; 256-383-4066 or www.helenkellerbirthplace.org; Beautiful live holiday decorations adorn the historic birthplace and home of America’s First Lady of Courage, Helen Keller.

Available at:

December 29 Holiday Trolley Tours in Historic Tuscumbia Driving tour of historic Tuscumbia, including visits into private homes and churches decorated for Christmas; Admission: $10.00; Two Tours: 6:00pm, 8:00pm; Board Trolley at ColdWater Books, corner of Main Street and Sixth Street; For more information: 256-3830783; ColbertTourism@comcast.net.

December 31 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents Canadian Brass Countdown Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center, Huntsville; 7:30pm; Tickets from $28-$68.

Call 256-539-4818 or visit www.hso.org; Join conductor Joseph Lee and the HSO as the Canadian Brass and the orchestra ring in the New Year.

www.ageloc.com, Sponsor # US9265944 Drop in or call for more information.

14 | No’Ala

Chandelier from the Minka Terzetto Collection

Maria Sharapova and her Aquaracer Diamond Watch

Lighting makes a warm and happy home for the holidays!

625 South Cherry Street Florence, AL • 256-764-8481 November/December 2010 | 15

{ everybody’s business }

Hunting Season TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON » PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

Case Bullington, Colton Bullington, Jacob Stutts, and Caden Handley (front) find the perfect tree.

16 | No’Ala

The air is crisp.

You can smell the smoke from the bonfire, mixed with a hint of fresh cut wood; children are running around excitedly, and families are chattering and trying to be the first to spot their perfect tree. Everyone’s bundled up, and a few people are already clutching warm cups of apple cider. It’s that time of year again, but for this hunting season you don’t need a permit. It’s time for the annual Christmas tree hunt!

At the Shell’s Christmas Tree Farm, nestled in the hills of Colbert County near the community of New Bethel, everything is designed to give families an experience to remember. In the 25 years this tree farm has been in operation, the Shells have seen parents come with their children, and then, as those children grew, they came back with their grandchildren so that the tradition extended into the third generation. The Shell family is in its third generation, too—the Shells’ sons and nieces and nephews grew up working on the tree farm, and now their children are making the farm an important part of their lives.

for months, and those turn out to have a lot of needle drops.

Our trees are cut fresh, and will last six to eight weeks, without the dust and needles that northern trees tend to have. A Leland Cypress brings our customers back year after year, where another type of cut tree will drive a customer to an artificial.”

The trees are trimmed in the late spring and again in the There’s one thing about a late summer, and that requires a good eye and a steady Christmas tree farm that most hand. The trimming equipment looks a little like a long people don’t think about: it weed eater, except that at the end of the machine there takes time. “It takes four to five is a funny looking steel blade where a weedeater’s string years to grow a tree to Christwould be. mas tree size,” said Greg Shell, “and so we plant in sections, so Some families start arriving in that we always have trees in difearly November, for what the ferent phases of growth.” The Shells call “early tagging.” “We Shell farm has about 40 acres let you come choose your tree under cultivation, and even and claim it, and then come back though it takes a long time for a later to cut it,” said Greg. But the tree to grow to Christmas tree real season begins on Thanksgivsize, there’s still plenty to do ing Day, when the farm is open at Greg Shell around the farm. The trees are 1:00 p.m.; this is when families trimmed twice a year—all of flock to the area. them, whether they will be ready for harvest this year or not. Then, when it gets closer Weeta Shell explains. “As children to Christmas tree time, the sleighs and wagons have Weeta Shell holding grow up and go away to school, Caden Handley to be prepared, the gift shop has to be stocked, and lots of families are scattered, but the whole place has to be tidied up to accommodate they get together at Thanksgiving, the hundreds of families who will flock here, most of and this is an important part of them between Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas. their Thanksgiving family tradiBut first—the trees. “We plant Virginia pine and three varieties of Leland Cypress,” said Greg. The trees are planted as seedlings, and only twice in the past twenty five years have the Shells had to water to make sure the young trees survive.

“Leland Cypress trees are not conifers,” said Greg. “A lot of the big box stores bring in trees from up north that have been cut

tion. We eat our Thanksgiving meal early and then come here to open up, and we’ve been doing that since the beginning.”

“We operate on a row stake system,” said Greg. “We have white stakes with numbers, and you go out and tag and flag the tree you want. You let us know what field and row your tree is in, and we go cut it for you.” The trees are brought back to the

November/December 2010 | 17

Front row: Colton Bullington, Jacob Stutts and Case Bullington. Middle: Joan Roberts, Michelle Stutts, Tiffany Terry, Nancy Viall, Greg Shell (holding Caden Handley) and Weeta Shell. Back row: Bobby Stutts, Chad Terry, Amber Shell and Candice Bullington.

barn, where they are shaken to remove and dead needles or birds nests; leveled; drilled for a special stand that the Shells manufacture and sell; and then netted. While all of that is taking place, children can visit with Santa Claus, who is sitting in the gift shop near the woodburning stove and the hot apple cider. There are mule-drawn wagon rides and a bonfire where you can roast marshmallows, if you’d like; all the while, the Shell family and friends are tending to your every need.

This truly is a family business. Greg, a retired special education teacher and coach, who also is an interim youth minister at New Bethel Baptist Church, and Weeta bought the land years ago because it joined her family’s property. Their two sons,

Chad and Aaron, grew up working on the farm, and Chad Terry, a young man who has been hanging around the farm since he was a baby and working on the farm since he was old enough to carry a chain saw, is the right hand man. Weeta’s mother, Nancy Viall, makes apple cider and handles the money, and Weeta’s sisters, brother, their spouses and their children all take part. This is truly a family undertaking, and they seem to get such joy from their work. “My favorite part is watching the people who come here and experience the fun of picking their tree, and I love seeing families that I have come to know come year after year,” said Weeta. That sentiment is pretty much echoed by the entire clan.

Picking the Perfect Tree Measure Cut Drill Shake 18 | No’Ala

Bag

When the Shells first started the farm, a tree sold for $2.50 to $3.00 a foot. These days, a tree brings $4.50 a foot, but that’s still only about $32 for a seven foot tree. Greg laughs and says that the most common mistake made is to choose a tree that’s too tall; out here, it’s hard to judge how that tree will fill up your living room, and for that reason they supply measuring sticks.

I’ll help you find a home for the holidays.

In addition to the trees grown on the property, the Shells bring in Fraser firs from North Carolina, if that’s your preference.

“One of the most unusual experiences we had was a woman from North Carolina who was here to visit her family, and she bought a Fraser fir to take back home. We strapped it to her car and she drove all the way home with it, even though it was originally grown not far from where she lived,” said Weeta.

In the gift shop, there are small and inexpensive gifts for the kids who come here on field trips, and there are beautiful hand-made wreaths and garlands, made by Weeta, her mother, Nancy, Bonnie Stokes and Pat Gargis. The barns were built by the Shells and their extended family, and it takes everyone to run the operation. There are school groups, who come to learn about the tree farm; church groups, who want to take a hayride and gather around the bonfire; families, their children and sometimes the family dogs; and Santa, of course. It’s a unique experience, but it’s one many families have incorporated into their holiday ritual—and an experience families look forward to, year after year.

I’m Anne Bernauer and I want to be your Realtor® — for life.

Call 256-740-0706 or 256-757-9008

Email anne@annewillsell.com Visit www.annewillsell.com

Warm Holiday Wishes from the

From a knoll near the barn, Greg and Weeta Shell can look out over the entire farm and see trees in various stages of growth.

Each tree has been lovingly planted and groomed and patiently waits for someone to come, claim, and take home. The Christmas tree will be one of the centerpieces of the holiday, but the experience of choosing it is much more than that. The Shells understand—and they’d love to see you and your family this year. N

Karen McDaniel, President, A.R.M.L. Lic#189498

Susan Beckett Lic#189433

From Muscle Shoals, take Highway 72 west toward Cherokee.

Go one mile past the Alabama Music Hall of Fame to the Colbert County Co-Op; take the exit ramp to the left to Frankfort Road and turn left. Travel on Frankfort Road for 7-miles and follow the signs. The Shell’s Christmas Tree Farm is open the first weekend in November for tagging, on Saturdays from 9:00am–5:00pm, Sundays 1:00pm–5:00pm, and weekdays from 3:30–5:00pm. Cutting begins Thanksgiving Day, from 1:00pm–5:00pm, and the last day to choose your tree is December 19th.

Jennifer Michael Lic#189907

Cyndee Oliver Lic#189908

Lynn Francis Lic#189499

HomeLenders of the Shoals, inc 502 E. Dr. Hicks Blvd., Florence · 256-766-7339

November/December 2010 | 19

{ guess who I saw }

Ken Shepski and Darrel Johnson

Andy Cagle, Jeff Bibbee and Sarah Gaede Rachel Hillis in the background Doug Johnson, Chris and Randy Horn

Libby Watts Jordan

The Ray Brothers perform

Timmy Ray, Brad Greene, and Bethany Oliver

Jennifer Highfield and Susan Maxwell

Regina Brown

Above: Sweet Magnolia Café First Anniversary Celebration

Below: Chapeaux Summer Wine and Cheese AUGUST 19, 2010  LOCUST HILL , TUSCUMBIA

SEPTEMBER 20, 2010  SWEET M AGNOLIA C AFÉ , FLORENCE

Pat Ward, Janet Stewart, Margaret Forsythe and Susan Beckett The Group

Ann Aldridge Janet Stewart

Suzanna Wiley and Margaret Forsythe 20 | No’Ala

Susan Beckett

Elise Gilchrist Pat Ward and Laura Irvine

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

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

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

November/December 2010 | 21

22 | No’Ala

TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON WITH ASHLEY MORROW » PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

There are two ways to read this story. If you have lived here for a long time, you might see yourself or someone you know here. If you ask anyone from the Shoals what’s so great about living here, be prepared to hear about the river and how it defines us and makes us the unique community we are. (Continued)

November/December 2010 | 23

“No matter where you live, the tendency is to stick close to home.”

—a Shoals Newcomer

Listen long enough, though, and the person talking will tell you which side of the river he or she lives on. For some, that seems to matter. We all know that there can be an “us and them” attitude around here about the banks of our river, but no one really remembers why or how that attitude got started.

If you are new to the area, you will read this story and wonder what the big deal is. Most newcomers are still trying to figure out where the city limits of one town start and the others end, and are completely unaware that the river is “sometimes as large as the Atlantic Ocean,” as one native puts it.

So, where did all of this come from?

Why does it—or should it—persist?

Turns out, there are six major theories about this attitude, and although none of the research is scientific, these theories might help explain. The only question now is—is the us-and-them attitude still valid?

THEORY #1: FOOTBALL In the 1950s and 60s, the football rivalries between Deshler High School in Tuscumbia, Sheffield High School and Coffee High School in Florence were legend. The Sheffield/Coffee rivalry was especially strong, greater even than today’s Auburn/Alabama competition.

“The Sheffield-Coffee game was held on Thanksgiving afternoon, and it was a real event,” said Jess Bradford, who grew up in what is now Muscle Shoals.

“Everyone dressed up—women even wore their hats and gloves. It was one of the biggest rivalries ever, but we all looked forward to it.” It was also a competition for area-wide bragging rights.

“It’s possible that as an area it was hard for us to separate the school rivalries

24 | No’Ala

from how we felt about each other’s communities,” said Jack Martin, who grew up in Florence but will quickly tell you he married a Sheffield girl. “At the time, we were beginning to experience some great industrial growth in this area, with Reynolds Metals and Ford and TVA, and there was also a little competition for where those facilities were going to locate. It could be that our school football rivalries just grew into something bigger.”

The school rivalries never escalated into anything unpleasant—in fact, according to one woman who grew up in Sheffield (and prefers to remain anonymous), there were always aftergame sock hops and parties, and quite a bit of socializing between the communities. “I’ll say one thing, though,” she said. “My parents always warned me not to date a Florence boy. I don’t know why, but like most teenagers I didn’t pay much attention to them. I didn’t only date a boy from Florence, I married him.” (That marriage lasted almost fifty years.)

The football theory wouldn’t be valid these days, of course. Muscle Shoals is now one of the larger school systems in the area, a city that hardly even existed when Sheffield and Florence teams played each other. Florence High School, the consolidation of the former Bradshaw and Coffee High Schools, plays football against Muscle Shoals, but Sheffield is no longer on the Florence schedule.

THEORY #2: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT “Sometimes, we don’t communicate very well with each other, and as our economies grew, we made assumptions about each other that weren’t necessarily true,” said one retired businessman

who had offices in both Colbert and Lauderdale counties. “The folks in Lauderdale County were jealous of Colbert County because that’s where the flat farmland was, and that’s where the industrial and manufacturing plants wanted to locate. Lauderdale County was jealous of the tax base that brought to Colbert County. On the other hand, lots of people who worked in those manufacturing plants in Colbert County chose the hills on the north side of the river to live, and that’s also where the college was located. Colbert County was jealous of Lauderdale because they had retail and residential areas.” What we forgot, he explained, was that when it came time to make a living, people crossed the bridge every day—going in both directions. When a business located in Colbert County, folks in Lauderdale benefited, and vice versa.

What developed, as well, was a blue collar-white collar separation that doesn’t necessarily hold true today.

During the growth of the middle of the last century, it was assumed that management lived in Florence and labor lived on the south side of the river. (Of course, that was a generalization— there were plenty of prosperous areas and moderate income neighborhoods in every one of the communities.) That is much less the case these days; upper end residential developments, such as Huston Plantation and The Oaks areas of Muscle Shoals, the beautiful homes along the cliffs in Sheffield, the gracious and huge old homes in Tuscumbia and more mean there is pretty much an equal balance of collar colors on either side of the bridges.

One more thing has really changed.

Because of the way our area worked together to bring in the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) investment

“These long-held attitudes are changing, as they should, and in more and more ways we’ve gotten our act together. Perhaps, these days, instead of dividing us, it’s our river that brings us together.”

—Macke Mauldin, Florence

November/December 2010 | 25

“The Sheffield-Coffee game was held on Thanksgiving afternoon, and it was a real event. It was one of the biggest rivalries ever, but we all looked forward to it. It was also a competition for area-wide bragging rights.”

—Jesse Bradford, Muscle Shoals

26 | No’Ala

in the Robert Trent Jones Golf courses (in Colbert County) and the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Conference Center (in Lauderdale County), and because of how the entire region works cooperatively toward economic development, people in other parts of the state come here to learn how their regions can do what we have done. “What we don’t realize is that these regional rivalries exist almost everywhere,” said Macke Mauldin, a local bank president.

“Huntsville and Madison, Tuscaloosa and Northport, north Decatur and south Decatur—we’re not the only place in the world that has these rivalries, and to the outside world we really have our act together,” he said. In fact, more than one person will point out that we are like a great big dysfunctional family: we complain about each other, but when it gets down to it, we defend our area aggressively against outsiders.

THEORY #3: ACCESS In the beginning, there was the river, there were the rapids, and there was no easy way to traverse between the two counties. Two hundred years ago, it was difficult to get from one side of the river to another, so the communities on either side developed in relative isolation.

The railroad bridge and the dam changed that, somewhat, but crossing the river was still an adventure. The railroad bridge had tracks for trains and a trolley and a motorway for cars, but it was narrow and frightening. It also suffered damage multiple times during wind storms in its early history, which would completely shut off transportation between the counties while repairs were made. The trolley system connected Tuscumbia, Sheffield and Florence, but automobiles became more popular, and traffic on the railroad bridge increased. “Cars got bigger, but bridges didn’t,” said Jess Bradford, “and eventually the railroad bridge had to install big arms on either end and the car traffic went across one way at a time.”

There was Wilson Dam, too; although

the dam is not considered a major artery back and forth today, it was important for a time when the dam and the railroad bridge were the only options. The dam still intimidates some people with its section of elevated pavement and its narrow lanes, since it was built in the 1920s when automobiles were taller than they were wide.

around how those invaders were treated. Residents of Lauderdale County, perhaps fearing for their beautiful homes and businesses, helped set up a hospital at Pope’s Tavern to treat both Confederate and Union soldiers.

Colbert County was more vigorous in its attempt to keep them out completely.

O’Neal bridge helped—but not a lot.

To begin with, in October, 1939, when it opened, it was built as a toll bridge, and it cost a whopping fifteen cents to cross. There was a pedestrian walkway through the center of the bridge, which was great for foot traffic, but added to the optical illusion that the lanes were narrow. (It’s interesting to note that in the 1950s and 1960s, cars were their very widest.) The walkway was removed and the lanes were widened about twenty years ago, but the optical illusion persists, and many people today will admit a lingering fear about venturing across. “My mother used to beg me not to cross the river because she was afraid of the bridge,” said one young woman. “When she had to do it, she would grip the wheel and step on the gas to get over as fast as she could.”

This is not a widely held theory for current us-and-them attitudes in the Shoals, and the entire legend could have its roots in myth. Did this happen, and begin a distrust that has survived?

Or was this theory made up because of the distrust that already existed?

Today, everything has changed. The railroad bridge is no longer in use, and Wilson Dam is considered more recreational access than central to traffic flow. The Singing River Bridge, which crosses the Patton Island Corridor, features six wide lanes and wide shoulders, and has brought back pedestrian and bicycle walkways. An entire generation of Shoals residents today zips across the river without giving it a second thought.

THEORY #4: CIVIL WAR LEGENDS It’s hard to imagine how difficult times were during the Civil War, and the Shoals area was not immune. Union troops came through the area, and there were skirmishes; houses and businesses were burned. One theory about the division of the river revolves

THEORY #5: LIQUOR “When I was growing up in what is now Muscle Shoals, I can’t remember a time that Lauderdale County was ever wet,” says Jess Bradford. And there was a time in our area’s history when we didn’t handle our liquor very well.

There was trouble with a capital “T” in spots, and some areas of Colbert County got a reputation for having “honky tonks and drunks in the streets,” as the anti-wet forces reminded the area every time the thendry county voted on returning legal alcohol sales to the area.

“That could have been another reason people on the north side felt so selfrighteous about where they lived,” said Jack Martin. “Folks on the Lauderdale side knew that to have a good time you went to Colbert County, but we wouldn’t want to live where they allowed such things.” Understand, it didn’t mean they didn’t partake. But for a certain segment of the population, looking for a reason to feel superior about the other side of the river, it was enough.

THEORY #6: LAZINESS When you live in Tuscumbia, the thought of going all the way across town to Florence to shop is tiring. It seems like such a long way, even though it only takes about fifteen minutes or so. The same is true of living in

November/December 2010 | 27

“It’s possible that as an area it was hard for us to separate the school rivalries from how we felt about each other’s communities.”

—Jack Martin, Florence

Florence—even if you want to check out the neat new retail stores in downtown Tuscumbia, it just seems like such a long way.

You should live in Atlanta. “No matter where you live, the tendency is to stick close to home,” said one newcomer to the area. “When we lived in Atlanta, we tended to shop within a ten minute radius, if we could, because traffic in that city is so bad. It’s natural to do the same thing here, but you just don’t know how good you have it. Traffic in the Shoals is not an issue.”

THE GOOD NEWS If you are a Shoals resident in 2010, whether a business is located on the north or the south side of the river doesn’t matter much any more. “I can remember such animosity when I was growing up among my parents’ generation,” said one middle-aged woman, “but I don’t see that anymore among my children’s friends. It’s easier to cross the river, and each side has a uniqueness that’s worth traveling for to take advantage of.”

Perhaps, too, our influx of tourists is helping. People who are here for recreation, and only plan to stay a few days, don’t have time to pay attention to boundaries or historical differences.

They are here to enjoy what our area has to offer, and what we offer is tremendous. There are shopping, dining and recreational areas in all four corners of the Shoals, it’s relatively easy to get to any of them, and our Southern hospitality is legendary. Who has time for anything else?

“Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees,” said Macke Mauldin.

“These long-held attitudes are changing, as they should, and in more and more ways we’ve gotten our act together.” Perhaps, these days, instead of dividing us, it’s our river that brings us together. N

28 | No’Ala

and Accessories Santa Clothing makes weekly stops at Frolic!

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Call Jackie Hendrix 256-766-6214 November/December 2010 | 29

{ guess who I saw }

Jeff Gordon, Andy Cagle, and Doug Johnson

Denee Savage, Jennifer Highfield, Kyle Savage, and Angie Doughty Rogers

Doug Johnson and Ken Shepski

Sarah Clarke

Ann Taylor Wilson and Liz Anderson

Jennifer Highfield and Melissa Daniel

John and Nita Thornhill and Rip and Pinky VanWinkle

Ajit Naidu and Lillian Akin

Above: The Wine Seller 2nd Anniversary Celebration Catered by Sweet Magnolia Café AUGUST 20, 2010  THE WINE SELLER , FLORENCE

Below: Flowtown River Cruise to Benefit the Florence City Schools Education Foundation JULY 29, 2010  TENNESSEE RIVER

James Ray and Tara Mixon Grace Fox, Myra Wilhite, Diana Osborn, Babs Campbell.

Clare Hogan and Christopher Ray

Nada Ba'albaki and Meredith Moore

Burgess and Frances Fox

Tim Ray, Buddy Johnsey, Elizabeth Johnsey, Sheila Johnsey.tif Judy Moore, Jack Bartmess, Bea Bartmess

30 | No’Ala

Susie and Tim Ray

Joey uses a green wreath with a combination of permanent botanicals, ornaments, and beautiful velvet ribbon. The mantel itself is decorated with a mixture of shiny ornaments, woodsy containers and permanent botanicals.

Kaleidoscope Florist & Designs Creating what others have yet to imagine.

Full service floral with delivery worldwide Certified designers on staff, specializing in weddings and special events Florence location: English Village 1633 Darby Drive 256-767-2056

Muscle Shoals location: 3108 Woodward Avenue across from Burger King 256-383-1844

www.kaleidoscopeflorist.com November/December 2010 | 31

Gourmet café and catering for the holidays, with a menu that is delicious and distinctly different.

Make your holiday entertaining unique — at your place or ours.

253.766.2414

32 | No’Ala

310 N COURT STREET, FLORENCE (256) 765-9911 November/December 2010 | 33

Hannah Clayton, 1, is the daughter of Brett and Chenequa Clayton of Florence.

34 | No’Ala

BabyCakes TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON » PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL STYLING BY DAVID SIMS

It doesn’t matter what your holiday traditions include, chances are there’s something sweet involved.

No’Ala took six tastes that represent this time of year—fruitcake, gingerbread, eggnog, red velvet, hot chocolate and peppermint—and recreated each of them as a cupcake.

We’re sharing the recipes with you, in hopes you’ll find a new twist on an old tradition. Happy Holidays!

FRUITCAKE CUPCAKES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1/2 cup orange juice, unsweetened 3 tbsps. liquid sweetener 1 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup chopped dates 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained & chopped 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut 1 tbsp. grated orange rind 3 tbsps. butter, melted 1-1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 tsp. soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. allspice 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. cloves

Pour orange juice and liquid sweetener over cranberries and let stand 1 hour.

Add raisins, dates, pecans, pineapple, coconut and orange rind to cranberry mixture. Add melted butter. Sift and measure flour. Add soda, salt and spices; sift again. Add dry ingredients to fruit mixture and stir until thoroughly mixed.

Pour into 16 muffin tins lined with cupcake paper.

Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes, until lightly browned.

Frost with buttercream and sprinkle with orange zest. Top with a Maraschino cherry or chocolate covered dried cherry.

Makes 16 cupcakes.

November/December 2010 | 35

Recipes

Did you know?

The history of the cupcake has never officially been determined, but there are two theories: the first theory is that the cakes were originally baked in cups, and the second theory is that the ingredients used to make the cupcake were measured by the cup.

—from The History of the Cupcakes by Danielle Worth

TIP: Wait until just before serving to add decorations such as peppermint sticks and other candies. Candies will “bleed” or run onto the icing—sometimes even dissolving after a few days. Also, cookie decorations such as the miniature “gingerbread men” will get softer the longer they are exposed to the air.

36 | No’Ala

EGG NOG CUPCAKES • • • • • • • •

1 pound butter 3 cups sugar 8 eggs, separated 3 cups flours, sifted 2 tablespoons vanilla 1 teaspoon butter flavoring 2 tablespoons almond flavoring 8 tablespoons bourbon

Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add egg yolks and beat well. Mix in sifted flour, flavorings and bourbon.

Beat egg whites until stiff; fold into batter. Prepare your cupcake pans with liners. Spoon batter into liners, filling almost to the top. Because the basis of this recipe is a bourbon pound cake, there is no baking soda or powder so the cake will not rise as much.

GINGERBREAD CUPCAKES • • • • • • • • • • •

1/2 cup self-raising flour 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 egg 3-1/2 oz. butter, softened 1/4 cup milk 2 tbsps. corn syrup

Bake at 325 degrees until brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Frost with buttercream and dust with nutmeg. Garnish with a malted milk ball.

Sift the flours, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg into a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients.

Using an electric mixer, beat until combined and lightens in color (about 2 minutes). Pour batter into muffin pan.

Bake at 330 degrees for 30 minutes. Best with cream cheese frosting. Dust with cinnamon and sprinkle with miniature chocolate chips. Makes 1 dozen cupcakes.

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING *Substitute 1 tsp. of peppermint extract for the 1 tsp of Vanilla to create peppermint frosting • • • •

2 sticks butter 6 cups powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 to 1/2 cup of milk

Whip butter with standing/hand-held mixer while slowly adding powdered sugar and milk until desired consistency is achieved. Add vanilla.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING • • • •

1 lb. cream cheese, softened 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened 1 tsp vanilla extract

In a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand-held mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Add vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy. Store in the refrigerator until somewhat stiff before using.

November/December 2010 | 37

Recipes

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT & HOT CHOCOLATE* CUPCAKES • • • • • • • • • • •

2 cups sugar 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup dark cocoa 1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 cup milk 2/3 cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup boiling water

Prepare the liners for your cupcakes. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for two minutes. Add boiling water; batter will be thin. Fill liners half to two-thirds full.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for ten minutes. For “Hot Chocolate” cupcakes, frost with buttercream and dust with cocoa; sprinkle with miniature marshmallows. For Chocolate Peppermint cupcakes, add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract (instead of vanilla) to buttercream frosting. Add a miniature candy cane or peppermint stick, and sprinkle with colored sugar. *Add 1/2 to 1 tsp of cayenne pepper to batter to create “Hot Chocolate Cupcakes.”

SOUTHERN RED VELVET CUPCAKES • • • • • • • • • • •

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 cups sugar 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. fine salt 1 tsp. cocoa powder 1-1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature 2 large eggs, at room temperature 2 tbsps. red food coloring (1oz.)

1 tsp. white distilled vinegar 1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

Using a standard mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed. Pour batter in muffin tins.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cool completely.

Best with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle with decorative sugar.

38 | No’Ala

November/December 2010 | 39

{ guess who I saw } Robert Beck and Keith Fraser

Desirae Brown, Billy Reid, Deondra and Melody Brown Josephine Redd and Christopher-Joel Carter IV

Charlotte Dean and Rhonda Dillard

Donna Jacobs and Deborah McDaniel

Diana Sanford, Ray Azbell, and Margie Beck

Karen and Stanley Goldstein

Gregory Brown

Above: Reception for the 5 Browns Presented by On Stage and CB&S Bank

Below: American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer Party with a Purpose

OCTOBER 7, 2010  BILLY REID

AUGUST 21  PICKETT PLACE , FLORENCE

Lauren and Carolyn Burch Laurie Tant, Teresa Bartek, Anna Champagne, and Theresa Wood Beth Faulkner and Pat Slusher James Willhelm

Suzy Robbins and Megan Lovelace

Sandy Holcombe, Ginger Holcombe, and Christy Dolly

Beth Kimbrell and Lee Cox Rhodes

Quint Langstaff and friend PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL

40 | No’Ala

If you are buying or selling real estate, we should talk. At Alabama Land Services, our professionals can help you with title searches, title insurance and real estate closings from the convenience of our downtown Florence location. Our technology is state-of-the-art, but our dedication to service is 123 years old. We make it easy for you!

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www.alabamalandservices.com

November 13, 2010

PHOTO BY BUTLER STUDIO

110 South Pine Street Florence AL 35630

Emily Anderton and Jonathan Hinton

Chris Bobo, owner Bride: Emily Anderton Bride’s Hometown: Florence, Alabama Bride’s Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Anderton Bride’s Grandparents: Mayor and Mrs. Bobby Irons, the late Mr. & Mrs. Ira Anderton Groom: Jonathan Hinton Groom’s Hometown: Lutts, Tennessee Groom’s Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hinton, the late Tina Hinton Groom’s Grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hinton, Mr. and Mrs. Grady Williams, Mrs. Shirley Wilson Bridesmaids: Shelly Anderton Cain, Matron of Honor & Sister of the Bride; Sylvia McDonald Pannell; Julie Haygood Becker; Abby Couch Carpenter; Jennifer Farris; Honorary Bridesmaids: UNA Lionettes Groomsmen: Larry Hinton, Best Man & Father of the Groom; Will Hinton; TJ VanFleet; Doug Ezekiel; Josh Donnan Ushers: Jeremy Cain, Dennis Harris, and Jared Hastings Flower Girl: Hannah Brook Cain, Niece of the Bride Bride’s Book Attendants: Jan Harris & Shelia VanFleet Program Attendants: Tiffany Donnan and Jennifer Moore Ceremony: November 13, 2010; Highland Baptist Church Florence, Alabama; 6:00 p.m.

Rehearsal Dinner: Dale’s Restaurant Reception: University of North Alabama Guillot University Center Banquet Hall Wedding Coordinator: Faye Mann Bride’s Gown: Allure Couture Bridesmaid’s Gowns: Forever Yours, Cherry Tree Lane Tuxedos: Cherry Tree Lane Wedding Bands: Grogan Jewelers Florist: Kaleidoscope Florist & Designs Photographer: Butler Studio Photography Videographer: Claus Martel Caterer: University of North Alabama & Victorian Tea Room Hair: Ramona’s New Attitudes, Cameron Prince Honeymoon: Aventura Spa Palace Resort, Cancun, Mexico Registries: Dillard’s, Target Parties: Teas, Showers, etc.: UNA Lionettes and Friends; Shower, given by Abby Carpenter and Shelly Cain; Bridal Luncheon, given

by Jennifer Moore; Bridal Tea at the Larimore Home, given by Jan Harris; Bridal Shower, given by Second Creek Church of Christ and Groom’s Family; Bridal Shower, given by Florence Boulevard Church of Christ; Bridal Shower, given by Harlan Elementary School; Lingerie Shower, given by Julie Becker; Bachelorette Party, given by Shelly Cain; Grooms Getaway, given by Josh Donnan; Bridesmaid Luncheon at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa, given

by Rhonda Anderton, Mother of the Bride November/December 2010 | 41

A

CHRISTMAS STORY

Stephen Browne

Stephen Browne was my grandfather.

When he fought in WWI he was exposed to mustard gas and eventually contracted tuberculosis. As he was convalescing, he painted, sculpted and carved. This church is the centerpiece of an entire village he carved out of wood. When I was a child I always looked forward to arranging the village under our tree.

Virginia Cohenauer, Florence

42 | No’Ala

Zac Abramson, December 1963

The sock is part of our tradition, and long ago became a joke because I almost always forget to check it. My dad always says, “You better check, I think you forgot a present.� The $100 bill has been in there for 48 years!

Zac Abramson, Florence

November/December 2010 | 43

Percy the Cat

The fuzzy purple kitty ornament was acquired for our late cat Harry. When Harry died, we got two Siamese kittens, Percy and Willie. Percy is peculiar, even for a cat. As a young cat, the only toys that appealed to him were little balls of wool. He would carry them around the house in his mouth, and eventually drop them in his water fountain. The Christmas after Percy turned one, we attractively displayed all the kitty ornaments on the lower boughs, as is our custom. The next morning, [my husband] staggered into the bathroom, looked down into the toilet and saw fuzzy purple kitty floating, waterlogged, in the bowl. Did he fish it out in disgust and fling it aside, or try to flush it down? Of course not. He called me to admire Percy’s work. I washed it well, blotted it, let it dry, and hung it back on the tree, where, every Christmas, it is given a place of honor in the front. We remind Percy of his daring deed, and pass the story along to our younger cats, Maggie and Flossie— along with a stern admonition not to get any ideas. Thus far, they seem more interested in rearranging the lights. If I had a choice, I’d rather fish purple kitty out of the toilet again.

Sarah Gaede, Florence

44 | No’Ala

217 Ana Drive, Florence, Alabama Deidre Berry: 256-648-6747 Sheila Martin: 256-412-5522 Jennifer Presley: 256-394-7698 Chad Oakley: 256-335-0579

We Wish You a “WOW” Holiday Season November/December 2010 | 45

Keri Klaus on her wedding day

My ornament is made up of tiny glass bells clustered together and was given to me by my Aunt Sylvia on my wedding day. My husband Chris and I got married in July, so you can imagine why being given a Christmas ornament in the middle of the summer (at the beach) would be a standout wedding gift! Every year when I put them on the tree I think of that moment that she handed them to me. I was standing there in a walk-in closet, (already wearing my wedding dress, no less!) and she said they were my “wedding bells."

Then she told me to always remember that our hearts are as fragile as these tiny glass bells, so you have to treat them with care at all times or risk breaking them. It was one of my favorite moments of the whole day.

Keri Klaus, Huntsville

46 | No’Ala

From Sweet to Savory, Eat, Drink and Be Merry With Us this Holiday!

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Good health is not an option - it is a necessity and a lifelong journey! Contact me for more information about Juice Plus+ For more information: Lucy Crosby and your good health!

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November/December 2010 | 47

It was a couple weeks before Christmas, when my daughter Natalie was four years old. A friend who frequently took her to high school football games and pep rallies called to ask if I would stop by so Natalie could select an ornament from her tree. My friend had the most stunning tree with tons of gorgeous ornaments and I knew Natalie would love choosing an ornament from this spectacular tree. When we arrived she told Natalie that she could choose anything she wanted from the tree, so with careful thought my daughter passed up all the “nice” ornaments for one that had the head of a human and the body of a dragonfly. My friend burst into laughter and said, “Natalie since you choose that one you get to choose one more from the tree.” So, without missing a beat, Natalie went right back to the tree and choose a Mrs. Claus ornament that was from the same designer of the dragonfly ornament she had just picked. We had to leave before she made any more bad decisions. Every year I make it a point to remind her that she choose these funny little ornaments over all the other fancy ones.

Mary Jane Finley, Florence

Natalie Finley, Christmas Day, 1988

48 | No’Ala

November/December 2010 | 49

My sweet grandmother gave my mother this beautiful angel as a symbol of her love for me. I think we always had a special bond because we shared a birthday. Growing up, the angel always graced the top of our “kids tree”—my Mom always had a “fancy tree” in the living room.

When I married, my mother gave me all of my childhood ornaments so I could create my own holiday tree. I remember carefully unpacking the ornaments— each one bringing back so many memories of family celebrations, traditions, and special gifts, given and received. Then I found the angel. As I pulled her from her original plastic box, she took my breath away. My grandmother had been gone for some time, but this well-worn angel reminded me of her and our special bond.

Amy Darby and her Mom, Jane Goza Edington, Christmas Day, 1967

50 | No’Ala

Amy Darby, Florence

This holiday, give a noteworthy gift!

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Series this year features your favorite performers!

Thursday evening, December 2, 2010 Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m.

HSO Presents An Nollaig: An Irish Christmas with Eileen Ivers Billboard calls her a “sensation.” The New York Times says she’s the “Jimi Hendrix of the violin.” She’s a north Alabama favorite, and this year Eileen is bringing us her Christmas Show!

Friday evening, December 31, 2010 Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Canadian Brass Countdown Canadian Brass is coming to north Alabama to help you ring in the New Year!

Saturday evening, March 12, 2011 Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Beyond Fantasies and Fairytales: An Evening With Jodi Benson and Gary Mauer Jodi Benson—the voice of the Little Mermaid—and Gary Mauer—the Phantom of the Opera—guest star in this concert, an ode to all things extraordinary. Come hear music from your favorite movies and Broadway musicals!

You can save money by subscribing to the entire Pops Series. Tickets are available for all of the concerts in the Pops Series, sponsored by SAIC. We promise, these selections are noteworthy...

For more information, call 256-539-4818, or visit hso.org November/December 2010 | 51

Julie Montero, age 4, decorating her grandmother’s tree.

I remember this glass ornament always being on my mother’s tree from when I was a very little girl—there were several like it, only in different colors. When I married I took it with me to my home and every year it is always placed first in a special place on the tree. It is also removed first and packed gently. I plan to give it to my daughter Julie when she gets married.

Kristi Montero, Sheffield

52 | No’Ala

We love it when people talk about us. Our rehab services get great reports from national media and medical review organizations, and we were recently named one of the top facilities in the nation—one of only two from Alabama. If you or someone you love is a candidate for rehab services, ask around. You’ll probably hear our name a lot. We are dedicated to quality in rehab care, and we work to earn our great reputation every day. We want to give you a good experience to talk about, too!

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

Winter Forecast: Plenty of Snow and Ice

2504 EAST AVALON AVENUE SUITE A, MUSCLE SHOALS (256) 381-6889 WWW.JAMIEHOODONLINE.COM

November/December 2010 | 53

{ guess who I saw }

Mary Mullis Keyse & Al Stocks

Grace Bevis, Ms. Sandy Hardcastle, Ruby Cunningham, Siras Keyse, Mary Claire Ridgeway, and Isabelle Mallette Ruby and Ralph Cunningham

Joel Anderson & Grant Billingsley

Ruthie Mitchener and George Pillow

Grace & Tom Glasgow

Vivian Mallette, Susan Beavis, and Isabelle Mallette

Ashli and Anna Claire Smith

Above: Riverhill School Grandparents Day SEPTEMBER 24, 2010  RIVERHILL SCHOOL , ST. FLORIAN

Below: Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s 50th Anniversary Guild Luncheon & Post-concert Supper SEPTEMBER 10 & 11, 2010  HUNTSVILLE

Lu Downey, Guild President Debbie Overcash, First Note Sponsor Joyce Griffin, and Ginney McDonald

Guild 50th Anniversary Chairman, Shirley McCrary

Concert Master, Mark Reneau; Gabriela Lena Frank; Principle Flute, Evelyn Loehrlen

Music Director and Conductor, Carlos Miguel Prieto with and Composer, Gabriela Lena Frank

Back: Marjorie Jennings, Martha Sue Hutchens, and Dolly Shuey, Front: Eva Johnston, Clara Miles, and Peggy Kling

Helen Middleton, Mabry Miller, and Rosalie Smith

Sarah Hereford and Martha Sue Hutchen

54 | No’Ala

First Note Sponsor, Jean Wessel Templeton

NO’ALA HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

November/December 2010 | 55

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Diana Warner Necklace ($71.00) Audie Mescal (256) 314-6684

Guitar String Bangles ($45.00 for 3) Relique (256) 767-4810

Diana Warner Autism Awareness Necklace ($58.00) Sidelines Jewelry (256) 767-0925

Urbanware Belt Buckle Necklace ($44.00) Relique (256) 767-4810

Bulletware Men’s ring ($38.00) Bulletware Women’s “Guns ‘n’ Roses” ring ($38.00) Relique (256) 767-4810

Waxing Poetic Camp Bracelets ($40.00 each) Sidelines Jewelry (256) 767-0925

56 | No’Ala

Europa Fur Hooded Vest ($625.00) Village Shoppe (256) 383-1133

Knit Cardigan ($325.00) Blouse ($195.00) Scarf ($210.00)

by Doncaster Jean McIntyre (256) 394-3660

Sisters Vest ($87.00) Audie Mescal (256) 314-6684

Harmonic Short Sleeve Sweater ($42.00) Frolic Clothing (256) 766-6150

November/December 2010 | 57

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Anna Griffin Calisto Blue Oval Tote ($58.00) Halsey House (256) 764-9294

Scout Junque Trunk ($36.00) Printers & Stationers (256) 764-8061

The North Face Travel Canister ($26.00) Alabama Outdoors (256) 764-1809

Paige Danielle Rollup Leather Garment Bag ($75.00) Andy’s the Professionals (256) 767-2800

58 | No’Ala

www.ecmhospital.com

www.shoalshospital.com

Join Us. Join It’s It’s Easy.

Easy y.

Listerhill Credit Credit Union is a full service service ccommunity ommunity credit cr edit union ser serving ving an anyone yone who w works, o orks, liv lives es or ggoes oes to sc school chool in Colber Colbert, t, Cullman Cullman, n, Fa Fayette, ayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lauderdale, La Lawrence, awr w ence, Limestone, L Limestone , Marion,, Morga Morgan, an, W Walker aalkker e and Winston co counties. ounties.

Visit one of our ouur 17 branches located th throughout hroughout Northwest N Nor thw h est Ala Al Alabama abama b ffor o or mor moree details. d l

John Kelley Member Since 1990

Your Y our o savings federally insured to at least $100,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

NCUA N CUA

by National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency

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November/December 2010 | 59

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Minuet Mini Dress ($64.00) Frolic Clothing (256) 766-6150

BCBG Bubble Hem Party Dress ($298.00) Dragonfly Boutique (256) 386-5242

Ryu Cocktail Dress ($72.00) Dragonfly Boutique (256) 386-5242

Ryu Silk One Shoulder Top ($56.00) Addiction (256) 764-6890

60 | No’Ala

Chamilia Sterling Necklace with Jeweled Kaleidoscope Purple and Golden Swarovski ($183.00) Meffords Jewelers (256) 764-2632

Chamilia Sterling Earrings with Black Disco Balls ($155.00) Meffords Jewelers (256) 764-2632

Vaubel Stone Bracelet ($1,365.00) Marigail Mathis (256) 764-9444

Men’s Tag Heuer Watch ($2,550.00) Grogan Jewelers (256) 764-4013

Vaubel Bracelet ($1,276.00) Marigail Mathis (256) 764-9444

Women’s Tag Heuer Watch ($3,600.00) Grogan Jewelers (256) 764-4013 Custom Design Diamond bands ($1,900.00- $1,950.00) Fancy Yellow White Diamond Earrings ($3,650.00) Jamie Hood Jewelers (256) 381-6889

Chamilia Aubergine Metallic Leather Bracelet with Marquis Brown Swarovski Bead ($95.00) Meffords Jewelers (256) 764-2632

Vaubel Earrings ($1,638.00) Marigail Mathis (256) 764-9444

November/December 2010 | 61

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Custom Designed Christmas Wreath ($225.00) Lola’s Gifts and Flowers (256) 383-2299

62 | No’Ala

Floral Design, Event Planning & Home Accessories • (256) 383-2299 • 214 North Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield, Alabama

Friday, November 5, 2010 To benefit many local nonprofit organizations. To order apples, please email us at appleannie@jltheshoals.org

November/December 2010 | 63

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Maui Jim Wayfarers ($209.00) Maui Jim Sunglasses ($219.00) Tomsik Eyecare (256) 767-5000 JZ Boulder Handmade Silk Ties (Assorted colors) ($75.00 each) South Port (256) 764-0105

64 | No’Ala

Men’s Industrialized Leather Cuff ($42.00) Relique (256) 767-4810

Hammer + Sickle Cigar Glass Box ($163.00) Xikar Ulta Cutter/Lighter Combo ($95.00) Truly Cigars (256) 275-3601

Small Glass Tumblers ($9.00 each) Firenze Antiques & Gifts (256) 760-1963

Knit Socks ($16.00) Billy Reid (256) 767-4692

Kavu Long Sleeve Polo ($60.00) Patagonia Micro Puff Vest ($129.00) Alabama Outdoors (256) 764-1809

Jersey Polo ($135.00) Billy Reid (256) 767-4692

Nike UNA Windbreaker ($70.00) Off Campus Bookstore (256) 764-7507 Bowtie Blouse ($245.00) Billy Reid (256) 767-4692

November/December 2010 | 65

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Tulle Peacoat ($85.00) Audie Mescal (256) 314-6684

Nick & Mo Gray Military Jacket ($87.00) Addiction (256) 764-6890

Luii Peacoat ($123.00) Village Shoppe (256) 383-1133 TCEC Black Faux Leather Jacket ($59.00) Frolic Clothing (256) 766-6150

66 | No’Ala

™

ProFractional™ Therapy gives dramatic results with minimal down time.

Dramatic results before (above) and after (right)

ProFractional™ Therapy is a quick and comfortable laser procedure with little downtime, used for improving the overall appearance of your skin. It can be custom tailored to your specific skin condition and desired outcome.

ProFractional™ uses a tiny laser beam to treat thousands of pinpoint areas of your skin. Because only a fraction of your skin is directly treated with the laser, the surrounding untreated tissue promotes rapid healing.

The skin’s wound healing response creates new collagen which adds firmness and resilience to the skin.

Most patients usually feel comfortable enough to get back to work and apply makeup a day or two after the treatment.

Want to discuss ProFractional™ Therapy? Call Dr. Christopher Nester at 256-383-1499 to arrange for an appointment. We’d love to help you get dramatic results with little downtime!

(256) 383-1499 398 Ashe Boulevard Sheffield AL 35660 www.oralandfacialoftheshoals.com

Mark R. McIlwain D.M.D., M.D. Christopher B. Nester D.M.D., M.D. Jonathan W. Frederick D.M.D., M.D.

My family had Hospice care.

I work for Hospice today.

My name is Debbie Collum, and I have been a hospice aide with Hospice of the Shoals since 1997.

Hospice aides provide personal care, such as bathing and dressing, and I am trained to help you and your family deal with these needs with safety and dignity.

Many times patients are hesitant to discuss life and death issues with their families, but that’s what I’m here for. End of life issues can be difficult, but you have options—even in this stressful time. I love to spend time talking with patients and their families, and I have met some wonderful people who will forever have a place in my heart. If you have any questions about hospice care, I would be happy to sit down and talk with you.

You can lean on me. www.hospiceoftheshoals.org Ask your doctor about Hospice of the Shoals November/December 2010 | 67

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Brenda Hasty “Tuscan Capella” and “Tuscan Farmhouse” ($425.00 each) Artifacts Art Gallery (256) 764-7732

Tommy Mathis “French Street at Night” ($1,400.00) Artifacts Art Gallery (256) 764-7732

Leslie Lockhart Angel Painting ($150.00) Halsey House (256) 764-9294

68 | No’Ala

Occasionally Made Rain Boots ($51.00) Occasionally Made Umbrella ($18.00) Marriott Shoals Spa (256) 246-3696

Pine Cone Hill Pajamas ($56.00) The French Basket (256) 764-1237

Amy Butler Apron Pattern ($16.95) and Fabrics (Prices vary) Thread (256) 383-2223

Chunky Cable Scarf ($195.00) Billy Reid (256) 767-4692

November/December 2010 | 69

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide Patience Brewster “12 Days of Christmas” Ornaments (Prices vary) David Christopher’s (256) 764-7008

Santa Claus Felt Art ($37.50) Illume “Balsam & Cedar” Home Accents ($17.50-$37.50) Lola’s Gifts and Flowers (256) 383-2299

70 | No’Ala

presents

Boston Brass

Thursday, November 18, 7:30pm, at the Shoals Theatre Tickets available at the door, at the Kennedy-Douglass Center, or online at shoalsonstage.com

“A unique brand of entertainment, which captivates all ages...�

The On Stage Season is underwritten in part by a generous grant from CB&S Bank

MEMBER FDIC

November/December 2010 | 71

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Fleur dis Leur Candlesticks ($149.00 set of 3) Unforgettable Fine Furnishings (256) 383-4004

Imported Wooden Candlesticks ($33.00 each) Firenze Antiques & Gifts (256) 760-1963

Giant Blue Coral Art Piece ($85.00) Ivory Florentine Box ($80.00) Florentine Frames, Small & Medium ($34.00 & $40.00) Florentine Votives ($22.00 each) The French Basket (256) 764-1237 72 | No’Ala

Large Glass Tumblers ($14.00) Firenze Antiques & Gifts (256) 760-1963

Table Art Italian Herb 4-Piece Napkin Rings ($50.00) Table Art Hosta Serving Set ($58.00) The Yellow Door (256) 766-6950

November/December 2010 | 73

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Dried Gold Magnolia Leaf Wreath ($60.00) Southern Naturals (256) 710-4239

74 | No’Ala

Maui Jim Sunglasses

Peace of Mind Another reason families choose ElderCare Services ElderCare Services provides in-home care that enables you to relax, knowing your family member is being cared for in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. Since 1996, we have been a trusted resource for those who need a little care...or a lot. Call Jean Gay Mussleman or Dee Mussleman for details.

210 E. College Street, Florence AL 35630 256-740-8249 www.eldercareweb.com

Sunglasses, frames, and complete eye care. Trust Dr. Kathy Warner and Dr. Hamp Moore for all your vision needs.

The perfect gift when the days are Merry and Bright.

(256) 767-5000

318 E. Tennessee St. Florence, AL 35630

November/December 2010 | 75

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Rich Frog the K’Nits (elephant) ($12.99) Monkeez & Friends knit (giraffe) ($16.50) David Christopher’s (256) 764-7008

The Elf on the Shelf ($29.95) Sweet Deliveries (256) 383-3770

Zebi Elephant Bib and Burp Cloth Set ($32.00) Peche Headbands ($16.00) Land of Lolly (256) 767-0097

76 | No’Ala

WubbaNub Infant Pacifier ($14.99) Maison Chic Travel Pillow ($15.99) Hartstrings Baby Sweater Hat ($16.00) Dena Diane (256) 760-9671

Minka Lavery Mini Chandelier ($225.00) SBS Electric (256) 764-8481

Triple Gourd Table Lamp ($240.00) Floor Lamp ($170.00) Small White Gourd Table Lamp ($110.00) Southern Shades (256) 757-0045

Horizon Gray Floral Rug ($398.00) Unforgettable Fine Furnishings (256) 383-4004

November/December 2010 | 77

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Himalayan Bath Salts ($29.95) Lyda’s Delights (256) 248-4021

Lollia Dusting Powder ($28.00) Lollia Imagine Handcréme ($24.00) Lollia Believe Soap ($10.00) Camilla Shell Dish ($22.00) Halsey House (256) 764-9294

78 | No’Ala

Pass Christian Soap Co. Fizzing Bath Cupcake Bombs (Assorted Scents) ($9.00) Pass Christian Soap Co. Sugared Fig Bubble Bath and Body Lotion ($23.00 each) Marriott Shoals Spa (256) 246-3696

Custom Designed Christmas Wreath ($89.95) Kaleidoscope Florist & Designs (256) 767-2056

November/December 2010 | 79

No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Red Felt Stocking ($19.00) Land of Lolly (256) 767-0097

Paupers Field by Dylan LeBlanc ($13.98) Pegasus Records Tapes & CD’s (256) 767-4340

Ms. & Mrs. Dorm Survival Kit ($25.00) Jonathan Adler Nifty Gifts ($9.00 to $18.00) Flo-Town Scented Candle ($18.00) Printers & Stationers (256) 764-8061

Love + Toast Prickly Pear Lip Balm ($9.00) Honey Coconut Handcreme ($9.00) Roller Perfume (Assorted fragrances) ($12.00) Grassroots Market (256) 764-9066 Juice Plus Nutritional Supplements (Prices vary) Lucy Crosby (256) 577-8106 80 | No’Ala

Everyone Needs Their Space & Keystone’s Got It!

Where do you suppose Santa does his shopping?

Easy access, high visibility, great historic location, free parking Offering long/short term leases tailored to meet your specific needs 205 S. Seminary Street, Florence, AL 35630 256-740-8228 • www.keystonebusinesscenter.com

Sweet Deliveries If you need to upgrade or downsize, Keystone should be your business address.

A Van Sandt Property

Gourmet candy baskets every day!

2713 East 2nd Street, Muscle Shoals

256-383-3770

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No’Ala Holiday Gift Guide

Vinturi Deluxe Aerator Set ($74.99) Chateau Lagarosse Bordeaux 2006 ($16.99) Schott Zwiesel Bordeaux glass ($12.99) The Wine Seller (256) 766-1568 Simply Organic Spices: Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Lemon Pepper ($5.49 each) Osa’s Garden (256) 764-7663

ChocoVine Wine ($11.95) Forever Herbs Compote (Assorted Flavors) ($8.99) Polka Dot Sweet Potato Crackers ($7.35) Southern Scrumptious Favorites by Betty Sims ($19.95) Sweet Basil Café (256) 764-5991

82 | No’Ala

360 Grille

The Sweet Magnolia Café

Dish Gourmet Cafe & Catering Sweet Basil Market & Café

Extraordinary entertaining Need a special place for a holiday party? Need help feeding the extended family during the holiday season? Here are four local eateries who can help you with true Southern style: BEST PLACE TO SPEND NEW YEAR’S EVE: 360 Grille (located at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa), with live jazz and the best view of the fireworks in the entire Shoals area.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE FAMILY FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER: 360 Grille has a Thanksgiving Tableside Buffet from 11:00am–2:00pm with all of the traditional favorites, and you don’t have to do the dishes! $45 per person (reservations recommended).

BEST LOCATION FOR AN INTIMATE CHRISTMAS PARTY: The Sweet Magnolia Café, where owners Ken and Doug can design the entire event to your specifications. Ken, a former Broadway singer, can even entertain

with a selection of Christmas carols or favorite standards, if you’d like.

OR 360 Grille, with its revolving restaurant, offers a great sunset view—and then, after dark, a bird’s eye view of the Christmas lights all over the city.

BEST COOK’S FRIEND, especially if you want to impress your guests: Sweet Basil Market & Café offers everything from the turkey and dressing to fabulous (and beautifully decorated) desserts. Check out their specialty side dishes, including New Orleans Grillard and Grits and Shrimp and Crab Au Gratin.

OR Take advantage of the a la carte menu of finely prepared fresh food from Dish Gourmet Café, and make them think you worked for weeks! Cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole and almost all of the rest of your traditional favorites are available; just heat and serve. Home made holiday cakes and pies and a treat, too; the cakes are three-layer cakes with cream cheese icing and serve 10-12 people. Yum!

November/December 2010 | 83

{ bless their hearts }

BY

PATSY GLEN

Quick! Wrap Something!

Probably one of the few things more embarrassing than prancing around in public with toilet paper streaming from the bottom of our shoe is to be caught without a reciprocal gift at Christmas. As southerners, we would rather be accused of mass murder than of inhospitality. And what’s more inhospitable than someone arriving at our door with a Yuletide gift and us having nothing to hand back?

At this point, a lovely cup of boiled custard just isn’t enough.

Many of us have enough of our wits about us to invite the guest to our fireside while we send another family member to the spare room where the unwrapped gifts are corralled. We whisper (one of the pinnacles of rudeness) that they should wrap anything even vaguely appropriate, and we return to our southern duties.

“I’m so glad you dropped by,” we lie.

Assuring our uninvited guest it will be just a moment until their specially selected gift is adored with seasonal paper and ribbons, we are hopeful our family member doesn’t return with the most expensive gift back there. Attempting to wrestle a diamond necklace away from a distant neighbor can be ugly.

Worse still is when our next of kin emerges with the gift our custard sippers gave us last year. We have that reserved to wrap for someone else.

Neighbors (or sort of friends or far distant relatives or in-laws of in-laws) who only appear sporadically with gifts should be hung upside down by their mistletoes until they beg to reform.

We need to be able to write their names on the annual gift list and feel confident they must be provided for.

Even those folk who make it to the annual gift list can be pesky.

Once somebody’s name is etched there, it is apparently a permanent etch. Short of faking our own death, we must come up with a gift. As these folks fade into our background, we find it more and more difficult to select anything even vaguely appropriate. Do we know what they like? And how hard will we try to locate the perfect donation? Just when we think they’ve gotten the message, there we are at the drug store on December 23 digging through the ripped open fragrance sets while they sip custard in the custody of our family members.

Gift certificates won’t really work—we can’t find them on clearance, marked down, last year’s model, etc. Cash is the same problem—recipients know what we spent for it.

We have claimed the infestation of all the plagues from frogs to locusts, and still these people appear. Like the ancient fruitcake, passed from family member to family member, year after year, they come bearing gifts. We, like the rest of the gift-giving world, have discovered the impossibility of shopping for those we’re not crazy about.

My parents covered all the possibilities nicely. Even when I was a teenager, endowed with all wisdom and living with parents who were painfully out of touch, I had to admit to myself their plan was brilliant.

Under our Christmas tree were always several boxes of Whitman Samplers. Festooned in ribbons and bows, none of these boxes had to-from tags attached. They could be whipped out and presented at a moment’s notice.

Brilliant.

84 | No’Ala

November/December 2010 | 85

{ 20 questions }

20 Questions for a Retail Associate My favorite day of the year…

The day after “Black Friday.”

I wish people knew…

I get paid to help, not clean up after them.

My favorite customer is…

One who has a smiling face.

My least favorite customer is…

One who expects me to have all the answers without researching the product themselves.

I am not responsible for…

Your credit card application being denied; Check your credit before applying.

I think during the holidays people forget…

Their lists.

Men ALWAYS… Know exactly what they’re getting before they come inside the store.

My worst retail day ever…

Halloween last year—a couple of church groups came in at the same time and trashed the costume section.

I cleaned up while the cashiers sat around watching.

My best retail day ever…

Any day I’m in electronics. I have a lot of good days.

The customer is ALWAYS… Going to get the benefit of the doubt.

The best time of year to buy electronics is…

Football preseason or Super Bowl for televisions, and the first chill for video games.

One thing I want for myself…

Other than a raise, a PS3.

I wish my customers understood…

We can only do is our best and no more.

The best electronic brand is…

Sony.

I hate to see this item returned…

Any item with wires attached.

The strangest request I’ve ever received…

Someone asked me to help them “find” a body part.

My response was, “If you don’t know where it is by now, I can’t help you.”

Women ALWAYS… Know what they want, but don’t know what they’re buying.

To get ready for the holiday season I… Mentally prepare and listen to very loud music on the way to work.

Since I’ve started working retail…

I’ve had to stop myself from organizing other stores.

The hot thing this year will be…

The Connect Xbox with built in WiFi and the new Nano iPod. When it comes to kids…

I treat them like adults until they act like kids.

People who choose retail as a career…

Have to love their job.

There is a special place in hell for…

People who think the toy department is a daycare.

86 | No’Ala

My favorite “customer is

one who has a smiling face”

DANNY MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO RESTORATION · FAMILY PORTRAITS · COMMERCIAL · ADVERTISING · EVENTS SPORTS · INTERIORS · PRODUCT · STOCK 1712 Birmingham Street · Sheffield, Alabama 35660 256-386-0944 (office) · 256-627-3056 (cell) www.dannymitchell.com Member, Professional Photographers of America

Celebrate Christmas in Tuscumbia!

Your entire family will find something to love in the heart of historic downtown Tuscumbia this Christmas!

• November 30, 6pm: Annual Christmas Parade • December 2, 5-8pm: Christmas Open House

Visit these participating merchants: Sixth & Main Boutique Josey Ella’s Thread Fiddledee D! Audie Mescal Promenade Too Cute Mimi’s

Historic Tuscumbia

Expert Oil Change

Locally Owned for 24 Years 256-764-4545

In 1986, John Van Sandt opened the first ten minute oil change in the Shoals area. He and his staff consolidated all previous locations in order to create Expert Oil Change on Helton Drive. After 24 years of serving the community, the experience speaks for itself. If you want reliability, quality and a friendly staff, visit Expert Oil Change on Helton Drive.

Oil Change. Brakes. Air Conditioning. Nitrogen Tire Inflation.

Tune Ups. Tire Rotation/Balance. General Automotive Repair.

November/December 2010 | 89

TRY YOUR LUCK » NORTHWEST ALABAMA STATE FAIR , MUSCLE SHOALS » FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2010 » 8:26 P.M.

{ parting shot }

90 | No’Ala BY BYD SANNY HANNON MITCHELL WELLS

Next year, give Santa a break!

Introducing Christmas Club Accounts... only from First Southern!

It’s never too early to begin to plan for next year’s Christmas! Open a Christmas Club Account after December 1, and Santa Claus can rest a little easier next holiday.

When you open a Christmas Club Account, you decide how much money you want to save.

We’ll send you a coupon book and you can make deposits, or you can have the money transferred from your checking account directly into

www.firstsouthern.com

your Christmas Club Account.

Next November, we’ll send you a check for your account balance, plus we’ll match your last deposit up to $100! You’ll be glad you were a smart saver and planned ahead for the holidays!

Visit your First Southern banker at any of our five convenient locations for help opening your Christmas Club Account. Santa will thank you!

MEMBER FDIC

First Southern will match the last scheduled weekly deposit made into your Christmas Club account when deposits are scheduled at account opening and made as scheduled. Maximum match is $100. Limit 1 matching deposit per household. $10 minimum opening deposit. One withdrawal permitted on account (when check is sent). Early closure fee of $10.