Joy to Life Magazine--Winter 2017

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VOLUME ONE, ISSUE TWO

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A N A L A B A M A G U L F C O A S T VA C AT I O N R E A L I Z AT I O N

FINDING THERE’S ANOTHER SIDE TO THE BEACH.

Coastal Christmas Along this quiet stretch of soft, sugar white sand and turquoise water, remarkable memories create themselves.

Thanksgiving - New Year’s

GulfShores.com / 877-341-2400

Hi everyone!

W IN TER 2018

The winter season is my favorite time of the year! It’s holiday time,

PUBLISHER

and the time we celebrate a New

JTL Publishing Photography by Big Dreamz Creative

Year. Wintertime gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months and to look forward to the exciting experiences that might await us in the coming year.

I am extremely excited about this issue of the magazine. The articles

Our new JTL merchandise is also

are unique and informative. They

highlighted in this issue, and we

range from learning about a business

hope you will become a fan of our

in North Alabama that produces

new line of comfy clothing.

natural fermented products full of healthy probiotics to checking out

As we look forward to 2018 and

the quaint town of Fairhope in the

beyond, we also look forward to

southern part of the state.

your continued support of JTL’s lifesaving mission, because without

There is so much good information

your interest and help, we could not

in this issue about the impact

move our message forward.

JTL continues to have on a very significant arm of the Alabama Department of Public Health

Joy Blondheim Editor & Co-Founder, Joy to Life Foundation

Joy Blondheim MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS Big Dreamz Creative MARKETING Margaret Fields COPY EDITOR Jenny Enslen Stubbs CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Cheyenne Martin, Jenny Enslen Stubbs, Melissa Tate Witt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Big Dreamz Creative, Erika Rowe Tracy

LOOK FOR THIS ICON. GIVE GOOD

EDITOR

Share some good. Check out this icon

throughout our issue to find ways to do a little good for yourself or someone else with your actions and even your dollars. It's good stuff.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY & CREATIVE Big Dreamz Creative, Erika Rowe Tracy

Joy to Life is published quarterly by JTL Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission from the publisher. Joy to Life reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. Joy to Life is not responsible for damage, loss or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts and/or unsolicited artwork. This includes, but is not limited to, drawings, photography, transparencies or any other unsolicited material. Joy to Life does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial. The publishers do not assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Joy to Life is a news magazine with information on health, leisure activities and a healthy lifestyle. Readers are advised to consult their physicians before participating in any sport or fitness activity or starting any exercise, dietary or nutritional program published in Joy to Life.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA ROWE TRACY

14

Features

08

THE POWER OF PLANTS

02

WINTER ISSUE 02

18 THE DISH

32 IN BALANCE

20 WHOLE LIVING

36 GREAT GOODS

24 TO LIFE

42 ON THE MOVE

28 TO LIFE

48 GO & DO

Rooted in Tradition

Toxic Threads

Impressive Impact

Spotting a Stroke

At the Core

Products & Gear

Fairhope: A Great Escape

Calendar of Events

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

S A N

T

P

L

fo

the

R

P

W O E

A L A BA M A H A S ITS OW N M A K E R OF NAT U R A L – BU T E FFECT I V E – SK I NCA R E PRODUCTS .

BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY

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Deborah Stone (left) works with her daughter, Alexandra (right), at their farm near Birmingham where they grow, among many other things, the ingredients for their natural, plant-based Botaniko Skin products.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

DOWN ON T H E FA R M Stone Hollow Farmstead, Deborah Stone’s retreat right outside of Birmingham, is a working farm producing flowers, veggies, herbs, eggs, honey, dairy products, canned goods like pickles and jams as well as the plants needed to fuel Stone’s Botaniko formulations. Check out the farm’s CSA program, buy farm products and learn about the dinner series and other events like days at the farm (hanging out with the goats!) at stonehollowfarmstead.com.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

W

e all want to look our best,

That’s what our mission is: to find the

and clear, glowing skin is a

balance. And it describes my approach

given on most women’s wish lists. But

to my products; they are a balance of

you don’t have to compromise your

nature and science. They are majority

health by slathering on products packed

all-natural herbal and floral extracts,

with chemicals to achieve it, thanks to

but some do contain small amount of

Birmingham-based skincare company

cosmeceuticals, just what is needed to

Botaniko Skin. Started by Deborah

work with and enhance the effects of

Stone in 2003, Botaniko harnesses

botanicals.

the power of plants to address a host of common skin issues and rejuvenate while remedying them. Read on to learn more about what inspired Stone

Where do the plants and botanicals used come from?

to create her products, why she believes

DS: We grow everything we can at

natural is best and to find out a little

the farm so we can ensure optimum

about her farm, Stone Hollow, where

quality. There are a few things, like

the majority of Botaniko’s ingredients

lavender, that don’t grow as well in the

are grown, harvested and processed

deep South that we source from other

and the magic is made.

places. The farm is also the site of our manufacturing; we make all of our

What prompted the founding

products from scratch.

of Botaniko Skin?

DS: I have a background in medical aesthetics; in 1989, I started a day spa

Why focus on using plants?

in Birmingham, and it was one of the

DS: I believed that if I could create

first in the country. Coming up in that

my own botanical and herbal

industry, I saw people over-treating

extracts, I could reduce the amount

their skin. At that time, the organic

of cosmeceuticals needed to get

movement was just starting. You

results. I set out to prove that. There

were seeing European lines focusing

was some trial and error; I tested my

on botanicals. When I sold my spa

formulations for years to find the

and bought Stone Hollow Farm, I

right mix of plants. What I found is

wasn’t really thinking about starting

that the botanicals actually make

a skincare line at that time, but as I

cosmeceuticals work better, so you

started growing all these herbs and

don’t need as high a percentage of them.

plants, it came to me. I decided to create

We also have a plant-therapy line that is

a plant-focused skincare line that

100-percent natural.

was natural but that also got results.

TI

I

Cosmeceuticals are ingredients like Retinol, Alpha Hydroxy, DMAE, Vitamins A, C and E and other antioxidants.

C A L?

W H AT

COSMECE U

S

A

S OL D ON H Y DRO S OL S We love these innovative,

floral-focused spritzes.

Hydrosols are water-based aromatherapy, similar to essential oils but in less of a concentration. When plant material is brewed in water in a specially designed copper distiller, the steam fills the pot causing the glands of the plant to burst open and release the plant’s oils into the steam. This steam rises to a condenser and collects in a separate vessel to produce hydrosol.

Deborah's favorite product:

GIVE GOOD

WH

ER

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BU Y

The natural deodorant is really such an amazing product, and from a pure health standpoint, it is our best offering. We have to get away from putting all the chemicals of traditional deodorant on freshly shaved underarms, where you are absorbing those harmful toxins even more. My favorite cleanser is our lightning cream cleanser.

It cleanses skin but without stripping and lightens blemish scars, but that’s for my skin type. Every product that we have developed is specific to a need. We’ve also got a product called NeoTegument, made from plantago major that we grow on the farm, that a doctor at St. Vincent’s hospital is using on her cancer patients before radiation treatment. It is designed to help prevent the breakdown of skin, and it’s working. It’s now patent-pending.

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Get your hands on some of Botaniko Skin’s products at The Pantry in Birmingham (Stone Hollow Farmstead’s specialty grocery store and juice bar) or order online at botanikoskin.com.

free mammograms and pap smears If you are age 40 to 64, have no insurance and a low income, you may qualify for a FREE Mammogram and Pap smear.

With you every step of the way from FREE SCREENING to FREE TREATMENT For more information, call toll-free 1-877-252-3324 adph.org/earlydetection

A PLACE FOUND FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS CRAVING COMMUNITY.

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W

hen we talk about breast cancer, we often employ war terminology and use

words like battle and fight, focusing on the ultimate victory, survival. But for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC),

Montg omery C ancer C enter IS HELPING AREA WOMEN LIVING

WITH METASTATIC BREAST CANCER CREATE A MUCH NEEDED

this symbolism simply doesn’t fit. This incurable but treatable form of cancer will

COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT.

win. They will lose, and die from either the

And they are living. Some women with

cancer itself, from complications it causes

MBC can live long, even relatively healthy

or side effects from the treatments used to

lives. They can still work. They are still

prolong their life and ease their pain. And

active participants in many things. But

because they suffer from a distinct subset

they have a specific set of challenges

of breast cancer that is terminal, they often

and issues they deal with daily. One

feel left out when conversations about the

need that was quickly identified was a

disease center on “beating it.”

craving for community. So that’s just what Reed and her team gave local MBC

That’s one reason Baptist Health and the

patients at a recent retreat. “We have an

Montgomery Cancer Center applied for

extensive support system in our area for

a grant from the Avon-Pfizer Metastatic

breast-cancer patients, but not for MBC,”

Breast Cancer Grants Program. “Most

said Laura Hamilton, Cancer Program

of the breast cancer advocacy is along

Manager. “That was the main purpose

the lines of prevention, early detection

behind the retreat, helping them create

and survival, but the women with MBC

that community of camaraderie and

don’t really feel like they are a part of

support.”

that discussion since what they have is incurable. They will be in treatment

Held in early September 2017 at the

without end,” said Susan Reed,

Legends Marriott Resort in Prattville,

administrator of the Montgomery Cancer

the three-day event included 16 MBC

Center.

patients. The group did rhythm therapy (think drum circles), art therapy like

In October 2016, Reed found out they

group painting, and they learned how to

received $30,000 in grant funds that would

do creative journaling as a way to express

allow them to better support women living

their thoughts. They also engaged in

with MBC. “The grant helps us look at how

some pure girl time, eating popcorn in

MBC patients are different. We got to work

their pajamas and doing manicures. The

assessing the practical, psychosocial and

result, according to Hamilton and Reed,

spiritual needs that they have as they live

was remarkable. “It was a beautiful time,”

with their diagnosis,” she said.

Hamilton said. “The women really bonded.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

They realized that they had such similar experiences and issues, so they really already were a community; they just didn’t know it until they had the opportunity to meet each other.”

The retreat also included a speaker, Margo Salem, who is an MBC patient herself.

"C ancer h as our bodies, but it does n ot h av e a right t o any ot h er piece of us.”

“She did such an excellent job leading

Talking Truth

the ladies through an exercise called vision boarding as a way to visualize what they want and to drive home the point that their disease does not have

When it comes to MBC, many

to define them,” Reed said.

talk in euphemisms, but not

GIVE GOOD

Margo Salem, the speaker who

As for what comes next Reed and

came to the recent retreat for

Hamilton are still ironing out some

MBC patients in the River

plans, but they know that some form

Region and an MBC patient

of support group for MBC women

herself. “MBC is different; we

in our area will be a part of it. “That

are incurable. We live with it

is something that is missing here,”

until we aren’t living anymore,”

Reed said. And the women from the

she said.

retreat have stayed in touch. “They’re

W

YOURSELF AND OTHERS. Shared experiences with friends gives everyone a reason to smile and creates happy memories.

already planning a Christmas party

The 51-year-old lives in

for each other that they’ll have at The

Oakland, Calif., and was

Montgomery Cancer Center,” Reed

diagnosed three years ago. She

said.

still has a “day job,” but she also travels the country speaking to groups like those at the retreat. Many of her talks begin with a list of

It’s proof of the power of connection,

the ways some people dance around the concept of death by calling

something the retreat made possible

it other things: taking a dirt nap, catching the last train to the coast

for these ladies. “We knew it would

and exiting stage left.

do them good, but how I wish we had photos of these women, their

Her intro gets a good laugh, but it also opens the audience up,

faces when they left the retreat,”

showing them her vulnerability and giving them permission to be

Hamilton said. “They were so bright,

vulnerable too. “Just like I imagine they are, I am dealing with pain

so hopeful.”

and sadness and some emotional fragility,” she said.

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She admits to succumbing to the fear and defeat that MBC can bring, but she is also proud to say that when she hits bottom, she bounces back up. It’s buoyancy that she sees stemming from her gratitude-centered attitude and her deep faith. “The consolation I take is the knowledge that I’ve had a really amazing life,” she said. “Gratitude was the center of my life to begin with, and it is crucial for what I’m doing now. It keeps me focused on staying in the ‘now.’”

She sees her participation in the retreat and other events like it as an assignment straight from God. “Cancer is a

"C ancer is a bully, it w ants t o mak e y ou small, w ants t o tell y ou it is in ch arg e, but I s ay n o t o th at."

bully, it wants to make you small, wants to tell you it is in charge, but I say no to that,” she said. “I am encouraging

And despite her own struggles, she is driven to encourage

my sisters and brothers on this journey to see that it is the

others to do the same. “Cancer has our bodies, but it does

opposite. I tell people that what I do for a living now is that

not have a right to any other piece of us,” she said. “It

I am a prospector of joy. I look for it, seek it out and then try

doesn’t have to steal your joy.”

to share it.”

the dish

RO O Meet two Mentone-based makers who are taking an ancient form of food preservation to tasty new heights.

As Southerners, we know how to put up

so they shifted the farm’s focus. “Our

and preserve foods. We often save some of

fermented items were more popular than

each season’s abundance for later, canning

our produce,” Pete said. They began to put

and/or pickling a variety of fruits and

all of their harvest into their ferments,

veggies. But fermenting is another method

and demand grew so much, they had

that achieves the same end result—and

to supplement from other area farms.

that can also increase the flavor and even

Today, they no longer grow. “We are fully

the nutritional value of produce. While it

dedicated to fermenting, so we source all

is often associated with Asian cultures, a

our produce from our farming friends

young couple up in Northeast Alabama is

around us,” Pete said. This year, Harvest

putting a Southern spin on the tradition.

Roots is on track to ferment approximately

Peter Halupka and his wife Lindsay Whiteaker started Harvest Roots, their small organic farm, in Mentone in 2012.

They began fermenting some of their

35,000 pounds of local produce. “So

SO, LIKE PICKLES? “Vinegar pickling and canning are good ways to preserve, but

when you buy our stuff, you’re not just

fermentation adds a

supporting us, you’re supporting Alabama

whole other layer of

farming families,” Pete said.

complex, deeper flavors that are very different,”

bounty to sell alongside their fresh

Fermenting is akin to pickling, but there

produce at farmers markets, turning

are distinct differences in method and

herbs and berries into kombucha, cabbage

outcome. There’s no added acid (like

and carrots into kraut, and radishes and

pickling’s vinegar); instead, fermentation

scallions into kimchi. Folks couldn’t get

relies on micro-organisms and natural

enough. Whether it was their uniqueness

bacteria to produce an anaerobic (zero-

each one unraveling

(there’s not a lot of kimchi at your corner

oxygen) environment, thus killing “bad”

as you eat it. We love

farm stand), their funky, tangy taste or

bacteria and safely preserving foods for

exposing people to that.”

both, it quickly became clear that their

months and even years. The result is a

fermented products were their best sellers,

powerfully pungent and tart flavor that’s

he said. “There’s more nuance. If you have five seasonings in your kraut, you can taste

BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY

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GIVE GOOD

WASTE NOT. You can ferment any vegetable (instead of throwing them out before they go bad) but some work better than othIMAGES BY HARVEST ROOTS

ers. Cabbage is easy, as are radishes, carrots, turnips, apples and beetroot, even some berries.

lower in sodium (even though the

GOODNESS is plant powered

process calls for salt) and less acidic than pickles.

And unlike canning or freezing, which can diminish vitamins and nutrients, fermentation keeps them

pickling and canning are good ways to preserve, but fermentation adds a whole other layer of complex, deeper flavors that are very different,” he said.

“There’s more nuance. If you have five seasonings in your kraut, you can

intact. Plus, the bacterial workhorses responsible for the fermentation are

“We source all our produce from our farming friends around us. So when you buy our stuff, you’re not just supporting us, you’re supporting Alabama farming families."

really good for your digestive system, and several recent studies have shown a strong link between a healthy gut and improved overall well-being. “The health benefits of fermented foods are big,” Pete said. “One you can really feel is improvement to your digestive health thanks to the probiotics in

taste each one unraveling as you eat it.

We love exposing people to that.”

Those people are loving Harvest Roots and their wares right back; many end up fervent ferment fans after just a few bites. And some are learning to make their own. Lindsay routinely offers workshops that teach how to properly (and deliciously) ferment at home.

fermented food and the fact that they

said. By extending the life of fruits

are kinda pre-digested, which means

and vegetables, you cut down on

you digest them easier and get more

waste. “Instead of throwing out the

out of them.”

cucumbers or cabbage you can’t eat

Lindsay learned the fermenting

better than pickled items. “Vinegar

before they go bad, preserve them by

While it may seem like a new trend, at least here in the deep South, its really a throwback, just one part of a return to a simpler, more natural way of

fermenting them,” Pete said.

eating and living. “Time after time, we

community in Fiji, which highlights

Fermentation is good for the

of our ancestors hold up,” he said.

another benefit of fermenting foods:

environment and good for your body,

“They knew what they were doing.”

its sustainability. “Fermenting was

but because you can add spices and

really important to their lifestyle

seasonings to amp up the flavor,

and for the same reasons, has been a

fermented foods taste great too, often

part of many cultures all around the

even better than the produce in its

globe for thousands of years,” Pete

original form and, in Pete’s opinion,

process while living in a self-sufficient

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

see that the habits and food knowledge

Visit harvestrootsferments.com to find out where you can buy Harvest Roots' products.

G WHOLE LIVIN

HOW TO AVOID

TOXIC

THREADS DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR CLOTHES?

BY MELISSA TATE WITT

You’re shopping organic at the grocery store, swapped your plastic water bottle for stainless, and you’re slowly upgrading your personal care products for natural alternatives. Step by step you’re working to remove as many toxins as you can from your life. But have you considered what is hiding in your closet?

Sadly, much of the clothing we wear every day isn’t anything we should want on our skin, especially the skin of younger children and infants. Although many of the harmful chemicals are washed out during manufacturing or in the first few washes at home, it is still unknown of how much is left.

We do know that many of these chemicals are linked to cancer and other issues.

The amounts absorbed can often cause skin irritation or potentially build up within our bodies over time and have a toxic effect.

This is especially true of fabrics that are close fitting—such as work-out apparel where we sweat and absorb more of the harmful chemicals. Of even more concern is the contact the workers in the clothing industry have with these toxins during production, as well as all the chemical residue flushed back into our environment upon washing.

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We’re not suggesting you throw out your entire wardrobe, but we have a few ideas to change the way you shop for new clothing, as well as how to handle things when they aren’t ideal.

WHAT TO BUY

IN THE CLOSET NOW

START SLOW.

Shop for clothing made with natural fibers such as cotton, flax, hemp,

Here’s how to handle detoxification

silk or wool but look out for additional

of your existing wardrobe. Start

use of synthetic dyes. Many natural

by slowly ditching any synthetic

fibers will still use various dying

stuff from your closet. As for

or printing methods that contain

conventional cotton items, hold

chemicals, so read the label.

on to them until they are no longer needed. Gradually replace undergarments, sleepwear and

THINK USED:

workout apparel and go from there.

Older clothes are more likely to have less harmful toxins from more washes. Also, purchasing used clothes means you aren’t adding to additional

CHEMICAL

USED FOR

ISSUES

Chlorine bleach

Whitening

Linked to breathing issues

Formaldehyde

Wrinkle-free material and shrink resistance

Known carcinogen

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Various aspects of the textile process, especially printing

Respiratory and reproductive issues; some carcinogens

Perfluorochemicals

Water resistance

Known carcinogen

Ammonia

Shrink resistance

Affects lungs, eyes and throat

Brominated Flame Retardants

Burn prevention

Known carcinogen; endocrine disruptor

Heavy Metals

Dying and polyester

Reproductive, kidney and liver issues

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)

Detergent

Endocrine disruptor

Phalates

Printing

Endocrine disruptor

waste and harm to the environment from the production of new ones.

MAKE IT LAST: Once you do buy an item, make it last. In a world of fast fashion, we are wearing out cheap, synthetic clothing and then throwing it into landfills, sending those toxins back into our environment. Hang clothes to dry and have them mended instead of throwing them out. Donate or consign unwanted clothing for someone else to reap the benefits!

GO ORGANIC: Read up on some quality, organic brands and try to shop there first.

It may be more expensive, but you will find the clothes to last longer and feel better. Some brands to browse that won’t break the bank: Burt’s Bees (BurtsBees. com), Pact (wearpact.com) and Sorella Organics (sorellaorganics.com.au).

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WHAT TO SKIP

LET’S TALK ABOUT COTTON

When you are out shopping for

When dealing with cotton, it is best

new clothes, skip the synthetics.

to go organic due to the large number

Polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra,

of pesticides, herbicides and even

acrylic, rayon and anything

genetically modified materials used in

black or blue dyed are all items to

this crop, many of them classified as

reconsider. Words that are often

highly toxic. One common herbicide

associated with these items?

is glyphosate, which is a known

Wrinkle-free, water repellent/

carcinogen and also been linked to

water proof, flame retardant, stain

autism. Of equal importance are the

resistant and anti-shrink. Hang

environmental factors associated with

them back on the rack and walk—

cotton production. Organic cotton is

or run—away!

safer for the workers handling it, uses less than half of the water and energy used to make conventional cotton,

THESE SOCKS ROCK.

and sends less pesticides back into our

Soft and super cute, both brightly patterned Zkano socks and the sophisticated footwear from its sister brand, Little River Sock Mill, are made for comfort and for looking good.

Plus, they’re made in Fort Payne, Alabama, by a family owned company. And you know what’ll really knock your socks off? They’re made with certified organic cotton sourced from the South, and the colors are created using low-impact dyes, also made in the South. So wearing a pair of these socks makes you stylish, sustainable and full of state and regional pride! The company just opened a new retail shop at its mill in Fort Payne. Swing by to say hello and grab some super Southern socks.

Check out a few fun Zkano styles on the cover.

zkano.com and littleriversockmill.com

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

water sources.

Look for an organic certification such as The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) when selecting organic items.

As awareness continues to grow, many brands are starting to make a change. Check out your favorite brands’ chemical policies. You, a loyal customer, have the power to drive a change.

HANG IT UP. Investing in good-quality clothing is one step toward taking good care of yourself.

GIVE D GOO

The Joy to Life Foundation was not only THE FIRST AND LARGEST PRIVATE PROVIDER for the Alabama Department of Public Health and its Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, and since 2012, it has provided MORE THAN $1.4 MILLION to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

IMPRESSIVE IMPACT WITH

J oy t o Life Giving that equals lives saved

“We wanted to see SOMETHING POSITIVE come from my personal experience with breast cancer, and we saw a need in our community for better access to preventative care. Now, almost two decades later, WE FEEL THAT OUR IMPACT WITH THE ABCCEDP HAS BEEN MONUMENTAL.” -Joy Blondheim, CO-FOUNDER, JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

PINK YOUR

After battling breast cancer and win-

When it comes to the foundation’s record

ning, Joy Blondheim formed The Joy to

in practicing what it preaches, the num-

Life Foundation in Montgomery with her

bers speak for themselves. The founda-

husband Dickie in 2001. The non-profit

tion was not only the first and largest

raises funds to ensure that un- and un-

private provider for the ABCCEDP, since

der-insured women in Alabama have ac-

2012, it has provided more than $1.4

cess to mammograms and other screen-

million to the Alabama Department of

ings to detect breast cancer earlier and

Public Health. In 2001, the ADPH was

therefore, greatly increase their chances

providing approximately 1,500 mammo-

of survival. It also raises awareness about

grams per year. Today, they provide more

breast cancer in general and has become

than 17,000 per year, in large part due to

a shining symbol of hope and support for

the foundation’s consistent financial sup-

people of all ages and walks of life who

port and Breast Cancer Awareness Pro-

are facing and fighting breast cancer.

grams. Since 2007, the foundation has directly and indirectly been responsible

The vehicle through which JTL Foun-

for more than 91,000 mammograms,

dation provides mammograms is the

meaning thousands of lives have been

Alabama Department of Public Health

saved because of its work.

and its Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP). Money

It’s a fact that Nancy Wright, Director

that the foundation brings in from sales

of the Cancer Prevention and Control

of its car tags, money raised at its Walk

Division at ADPH can't stress enough.

of Life 5k event, donations and other

“Without funding from Joy to Life, the

avenues are given to ADPH, which in

program would be unable to offer its free

turn “pays” for mammograms and other

screenings and diagnostic services to

breast screenings for women who cannot

women across the state in their 40s who

afford these lifesaving services.

have no insurance and a low income,” she said. “We would only have the funds to

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B eautiful liv es matter S IN C R A ISE

TO L 1, JOY 0 0 2 E D MO

F OR T

AN $ RE TH

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IF E H A

S

,000 6,000 AL AB

AMA.

GIVE GOOD

In the 16 years since the Foundation began its work, it has racked up a staggering list of statistics.

• JTL was the first independent provider for the Alabama Breast & Early Detection Program.

• JTL is the largest independent provider for the program.

• JTL is the only provider of mammograms for qualified women ages 24-39.

• Since 2012, JTL has paid out more than $1.4 million to the Alabama Department of Public Health for breast cancer screenings, plus an additional $257,000 for ages 24-39.

Since 2007, the foundation has directly and indirectly been responsible for MORE THAN 91,000 MAMMOGRAMS, meaning thousands of lives have been saved because of its work.

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DRIVING CHANGE

“The biggest benefit JTL provides ADPH actually comes from our PINK CAR TAG PROGRAM. Not only does it raise additional funds, as the sixth most popular car tag out of more than 130 different specialty tags in the state, it acts as A MOVING BILLBOARD in every county in Alabama that reminds everyone to be sure to pay attention to their breast health and to ALWAYS GET THEIR MAMMOGRAMS.” -Dickie Blondheim, CO-FOUNDER, JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

GIVE D GOO

LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE. The good folks behind the Foundation humbly ask that you consider JTL when you’re making decisions about year-end giving.

provide breast cancer screening and diagnostic services

get breast cancer screening not only helps them, but

to women 50 to 64 years of age with no insurance and a

their family as well­. It helps to ensure they will be there

low income. Fewer cancers would be detected and fewer

in the future for their children, grandchildren, and

lives saved.”

often, to take care of their parents.”

But the reach of the foundation goes so far beyond num-

And it’s not just the screenings making a major dif-

bers. Every digit represents a life, someone’s mother,

ference. Dickie believes that the foundation’s general

wife, sister, daughter and friend. Foundation founder,

breast cancer awareness efforts are just as important.

Joy, explained her and her husband’s motivation in cre-

“Our pink ‘fight breast cancer’ car tag has been a key

ating Joy to Life. “We wanted to see something positive

marketing tool for early detection,” he said. “Serving as

come from my personal experience with breast cancer,

a moving billboard, the JTL pink car tag reminds every

and we saw a need in our community for better access to

woman in Alabama to get her mammogram.” He also

preventative care,” she said.

pointed to the role that JTL’s supporters, its billboards,

Wright also pointed to another facet of the foundation’s

forts, including the Joy to Life magazine, play in keeping

work. “Often the women helped by Joy to Life are the

breast cancer a top-of-mind issue. “They are all great

primary caregivers in their home,” she said. “Providing

ways to increase breast cancer awareness and educa-

the chance for women to take charge of their health and

tion,” he said.

its pink trash cans, the annual Walk of Life and other ef-

GOOD NEWS

good news about good work

TRASH CANCER Great news for the scenic city of Wetumpka: The Joy to Life Foundation’s pretty pink trashcans are now available for residents. Order yours online for free delivery to your home and to add a pop of color to your curb, all while supporting the life-saving work of the JTL Foundation all at the same time.

PROUD PARTNERSHIP

Let your fingers do some walking and type in JOYTOLIFEFOUNDATION.ORG. Then, go ahead and

The Joy to Life Foundation is thrilled to announce a new partnership

register for the next Walk of Life on April 22,

with Montgomery Biscuits Baseball. To kick things off, the Biscuits

2018. Since 2001, this event has brought the com-

organization hosted a JTL volunteer and donor appreciation party at

munity together in downtown Montgomery to

Riverwalk Stadium on November 28. Watch JTL magazine’s website

support and honor breast cancer survivors and

and social media to find out more ways these two Montgomery

victims while raising the funds needed to keep

institutions will be benefiting each other and how you can get involved.

the Foundation’s important work going strong.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

spotting

Worried about stroke? Learn to think FAST.

A

Every 40 seconds, somebody in the United States has a

stroke. In fact, by the time you finish reading this, a dozen or more individuals of all ages, genders and races, will find themselves in a life-changing reality where every second counts. Knowing the signs of a stroke and knowing what to do if you suspect one are invaluable when it comes to treatment and survival.

The easiest way to remember the symptoms of stroke is to remember the acronym F.A.S.T.: face, arm, speech, time.

Ask the following questions to try and determine what is going on. Is the face numb or drooping? Ask the person to smile; a lop-sided smile is a clue that only half the face is responsive. Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms; it may be difficult to raise one arm or one arm might drift downward. Is speech slurred, difficult or impossible? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence and listen for difficulty in pronunciation.

If a person presents with even one of these symptoms—even if the symptoms disappear—it is time to call 911. Make sure to note the time that the symptoms presented for the EMTs and the doctors. Treatment for a stroke depends on the type of stroke and how much time has passed since the onset of symptoms. Early treatment of a stroke makes a significant difference in recovery.

Other symptoms of a stroke may include: • trouble with walking, balance or coordination • numbness or weakness in the leg • confusion or difficulty understanding • severe headache These symptoms • trouble seeing out of one or both eyes come on suddenly and are indications that normal processes in the brain are being disrupted.

WHAT IS A STROKE? A stroke happens when a blood vessel carrying nutrients and oxygen to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. This means that part of the brain is unable to get the blood and oxygen it needs and starts to die. If doctors can determine and treat the stroke quickly, they can limit the long-term effects on cognitive thought, speech and movement.

Strokes are divided into three main types: ischemic, which is a result of a clot; hemorrhagic, which is a result of a weakened blood vessel that bursts and bleeds; and TIA, or transient ischemic attack, which is often called a mini stroke. Ischemic strokes account for 87 percent of all strokes.

Hemorrhagic strokes are most commonly due to uncontrolled high blood pressure.

BY CHEYENNE MARTIN

stroke Memorize these ways to spot a stroke and greatly increase survival chances.

F

A S T

Face.

Does one side of the face droop when the person smiles?

ARMS.

Does one arm drift downward when the person raises both arms?

GOOD NEWS.

SPEECH.

Is the person’s speech slurred or strange when speaking in simple phrases?

TIME.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you notice any of these factors, even if you still aren’t sure of a stroke. Time is critical.

Healthy living is crucial to decreasing your risk of stroke. Knowing what to do in the face of a stroke can mean the difference between life and death as well as improve the quality of life after. While a stroke can certainly be a game changer, it doesn’t have to be a game ender.

HELP IS AT HAND. The American Stroke Association has a free app called Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T. The app quickly walks you through stroke symptoms and what to do. You can search for a hospital and even call 911 from the app. If you are at risk for a stroke or have loved ones who are at risk, it’s an invaluable tool.

Find it in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

WHY IT MATTERS:

STROKES KILL

128,000

PEOPLE A YEAR.

PREDETERMINED

80%

vs. PREVENTABLE

As scary as stroke statistics may sound, there is a silver lining:

NEARLY

OF STROKES ARE PREVENTABLE.

Many times, a stroke is thought of as something that only happens to the elderly—and there is certainly risk involved with age—but the risk of stroke is strongly linked to lifestyle and health, which knows no age discrimination. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, poor diet, poor physical activity, obesity, high cholesterol, carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart disease and sickle cell anemia all increase the risk of stroke.

Live life well. Just living a smoke-free, healthy, balanced life can do much in reducing your own risk of stroke. Maintaining a healthy weight, good blood pressure and normal cholesterol levels all start with eating a healthy diet and exercising.

Eat right. Cut out unnecessary sugar and opt for fresh ingredients whenever possible. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables and save the steak for a special occasion. Understanding nutrition labels and serving sizes can go a long way in making or breaking healthy eating habits.

Stay active. Exercise doesn’t mean training for a marathon, but a walk after supper, pushing a lawnmower or raking leaves is enough to get your heart pumping blood and oxygen to your brain. Turn exercise into a family affair and get out and practice with the kids. Shoot some hoops, kick around the soccer ball or play catch. Swimming, dancing, hiking and

START WITH KNOWNS.

Reduce your risk of stroke by half by keeping your blood pressure at 120/80.

Understand your numbers.

The top number (Systolic Blood Pressure) is the amount of pressure your blood puts on your artery walls when your heart beats. The bottom number (Diastolic Blood Pressure) is the amount of pressure your blood puts on your artery walls when your heart is resting between beats. Systolic pressure less than 120 and Diastolic pressure less than 80 are considered normal.

biking are other great options for low-stress activities that can be done individually or with friends.

gre a t s new

STROKE IS THE

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VISIT JOYTOLIFE.ORG

No. 1 PREVENTABLE CAUSE OF DISABILITY.

ACT NOW. Stroke is a scary word, but it doesn’t have to be. Healthy habits can go far in the prevention of stroke.

And even in the cases where a stroke comes anyway, the more than seven million stroke survivors in the United States know that life goes on and can still be good. For more information about the risks or stroke and prevention, visit strokeassociation.org and visit with your doctor.

Manage high blood pressure.

• Talk with your Doctor • Take Your Medication Properly • Enjoy Regular Physical Activity • Eat A Well-Balanced, Low-Salt Diet • Limit Alcohol

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in

Balance

At the

Core

How to strike a work-life balance that keeps you centered .

AN APPLE A DAY It may or may not keep the doctor away, but regular routines and taking time for self-care are two habits beneficial to maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

With technology where it is today, striking a work-life balance is tough, especially if you love your job. We are almost always plugged in and quickly monopolized by email, phone calls and even social media. Although in the past, many people lived by the “work hard now, play hard later” mentality, with advances in technology, many people—especially millennials—aim to do both simultaneously. They seek work-life integration through careers that are adaptable to change. They want flexibly with schedules and freedom to travel, have kids or become a triathlete now, not later.

Work-life balance. Work-life integration. However you refer to it, it becomes a concentrated effort to achieve successful boundaries. With the lines between work life and real life now constantly blurred, the inability to separate the two can slowly sneak up on us. Without any priorities defined, too much is crammed into a daily routine, and nothing gets done well.

Career burnout is often the result, or worse yet, mental and physical fatigue induced by stress, poor health and lack of sleep.

BY MELISSA TATE WITT

feeling fruity?

It's time to make some changes.

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So how can you keep your life dreams in place while successfully balancing your work and your personal life?

Dream big

but Define Current Priorities

Know what your big picture plans are for your life, and then consider life at the moment. Priorities can change over time without affecting your big picture plans. Define goals annually and be specific. For example, your goals this year might be to 1) Be home every night for a family dinner. 2) Hit a specific sales goal within the next two quarters.

3) Train for and complete a marathon.

4) Volunteer twice a month with a local organization.

Say No

Making a few hard choices up front makes future "no's" a lot more natural and freeing.

and Lose the Guilt

Now that you have your goals for the year, remove any stressors that are causing you to potentially not obtain them. Having your priorities defined makes it easier to say no to things that don’t work towards accomplishing those specific goals. Remember, saying no to something now doesn’t mean there won’t be time for it later.

CREATE A SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT

COMMUNICATE WORK BOUNDARIES AND UNPLUG

SCHEDULE SELF CARE AND NEVER MISS IT

Now that you know your priorities, you can better manage your time.

Set up a schedule and task list daily for what needs to happen to meet your goals. If you need to run four days a week—put it on your calendar. That nightly dinner is at 6 pm, so that’s another easy addition. How many sales calls must you make daily to work towards that goal? Block your time out accordingly. When those time slots are done, be done. It’s time to focus elsewhere.

Defining work boundaries is only part of the equation. You must communicate them to your coworkers. If you have to be home for dinner at 6, and it takes 25 minutes to get there, then that 5:30 meeting can’t happen. Decline and offer up another time you are available—or offer to discuss on your commute home. When you arrive home, put the smartphone away and only check it during a specified time. Let your coworkers know the times you will be available, perhaps even share your calendar, and stand firm to your rules.

When life gets hectic, usually the first thing we skip is our workout, meditation or “metime.” No matter what that time consists of, don’t skip it.

Thirty minutes of that time can really make a difference on how you handle everything else that comes your way that day.

PINK YOUR

RIDE JOIN OUR FIGHT

y JOYTOLIFE.ORG

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GIVE GOOD

WELLNESS is being the best version of yourself. Setting expectations for what matters most helps you focus on balancing the right things and forgetting the rest.

BUILD A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM AND ASK FOR HELP Life gets tough, and tough times call for support. Being truly present in the various aspects of life and developing meaningful relationships with spouses, co-workers, family and friends will create the strong support system you need to accomplish your goals, especially when things get difficult. Try to communicate stressful situations before they happen and set expectations ahead of time.

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

their healthcare is.

Healthcare as amazing as their potential 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

give PRODUCTS & GEAR

good

Find out more about clean Botaniko products on page 8.

START THE SEASON WITH GOOD VIBES

They’ll be a lot of giving and receiving going on pretty soon, but no matter when you’re presenting a friend or loved one with a present (or even if you’re simply treating yourself!), you can put even more meaning behind it if you buy a product that supports a cause. We love this JTL Foundation gear and some items from a few other Alabama makers that put your money to good use.

#LIVEHEREGIVEHERE

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIKA ROWE TRACY

goods

great

CLEAN UP

HAT TIP

Support a survivor or patient by embroidering a "FOR" or "REMEMBER" hat in their honor.

LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE. All stocked up on cozy stuff?

You can still help the Joy to Life Foundation. The good folks behind the Foundation humbly ask that you consider JTL when you’re making decisions about year-end giving.

THE LOOK OF LOVE: SUPPORT. OPPOSITE PAGE: Stainless steel water bottle.

Available in "Fight" and JTL logo design. $20 Washed black jogger pants, drawstring waist.

Available in S-XL. $48 Joy to Life Logo Mug. $10

THIS PAGE: FOR Baseball hat.

One size fits all, adjustable.

Customizable with embroidered name. $25 Long-length "Saturday" hoodie.

Hits mid-thigh, zip front with Joy to Life logo. Available S-XL. $75

SHOP JOYTOLIFE.ORG

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF Try tea for a lower dose of caffeine in your warm, morning beverage.

give good

GIFT GUIDANCE

Any special occasion

doubles as a chance to gift the recipient and a cause.

Look for GIVE GOOD icons to find items that do a little extra good with your dollars.

FLYING HIGH Sometimes the simplest concepts really resonate.

Aviate’s tees and other products prove it. Founded in 2015 in Birmingham by Gadsden native Ben Lancaster, Aviate has let hometown pride take wing by adorning

CUTE IN THE KITCHEN

its products with different cities’ three-letter airport

Up your baking game with MellMee Painted Bakeware.

codes and then watching their offerings “fly off the

Huntsville artist Mellissa Meeks’ hand-drawn and hand-

shelf.” The goal is to provide customers with a space to

painted vintage-looking designs—like whimsical ginger-

create and celebrate community. “That’s what sells our

bread men and bright fruit—are applied to ceramic-coated

hats,” said Randall Porter, with Aviate. “They let you

metal baking pans, cookie sheets, loaf pans, muffin tins

tell a story about where you come from and where you

and more. “I love seeing my artwork come to life in such a

want to go.” Aviate’s products are now in more than 500

unique product,” Meeks said. She hopes they will inspire

retail stores across the country and available for order

folks to get into their kitchen and be creative too and then

online. And look for some new styles and fabrics soon.

serve their treats “from oven to table” in her pretty pieces.

shopaviate.com

Mellmeecompany.com

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VISIT JOYTOLIFE.ORG

GIVE GOOD

GO ORGANIC. Find more benefits on wrapping up in all-natural fabrics on page 20.

SLEEP WELL You can rest easy on bedding from Red Land Cotton. This Alabamabased company is growing organic cotton on old family land—on North Alabama’s rich red earth— and then weaving their crop into luxurious linens for the bedroom that look as good as they feel and are sturdy enough to hold up, wash after wash. Red Land Cotton’s sheets, shams and duvet covers are based on heirloom designs and the simple styles— like pure white and homey grey ticking—are anything but basic. redlandcotton.com

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give good COUTURE TO CURE Ex Voto Vintage Jewelry’s pieces combine antique lockets and other vintage trinkets with chunky chains and freshwater pearls.

Designer Elizabeth Adams’ elegant, feminine necklaces, bracelets and earrings are the epitome of sophisticated Southern style and put a fresh spin on classic looks.

GIVE GOOD

By breathing new life into items discarded and long forgotten, she’s

COUTURE TO CURE is a special collection of oneof-a-kind Ex Voto pieces whose proceeds go to The Cure Starts Now Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research.

taking something broken and making it whole again. exvotovintage.com

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SPICE THINGS UP Add a warm kick to your holiday festivities with John Emerald Distilleries Gene’s Spiced Rum. Based in Opelika, John Emerald Distilling is a small-batch, fatherand-son-run craft distillery.

Combining ingredients from rural Alabama and coastal east Africa, JED has created a spirit that’s full of character and aromatic flavor.

As a family business, JED names all of its products after family members, and Gene is remembered as a “fun-loving guy with an infectious smile.” His namesake rum should put a grin on your face and your guests’ faces too.

Johnemeralddistilling.com

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ON THE MOVE

FAIRHOPE

A great escape just the sight to see PINK YOUR

RIDE JOIN OUR FIGHT

y JOYTOLIFE.ORG

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HAVE A FABULOUS WEEKEND AWAY This quaint, artsy town cozied up to the eastern bank of Mobile Bay in south Alabama is an apropos location for a leisurely weekend of shopping and gallery hopping, exploring Mother Nature and filling up on coastal cuisine.

Founded on lofty ideals in 1908, Fairhope’s spot on the water led its original settlers to believe that it was a

may not be the biggest city you're set to visit, but it boasts a long list of ways (and spots) to unwind.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENISE CURTIS, EASTERN SHORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Fairhope, Ala.,

place that held a “fair hope of success” for their progressive idea of a single-tax colony. Today, it radiates that same sense of hope and is permeated with a relaxed attitude that beckons visitors all year long.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

to ) ( enjoy Stops and spots to fill your day.

Start downtown. To uncover

Next, wander through the myriad

At the Eastern Shore Art Center, find

shopping options. Ladies boutiques,

classes, workshops and a gallery that

antique shops, gift stores and more line

shows off the talents of the many artists

the flower-basket adorned streets set

who call the area home. Browse the

up with strolling in mind. Aubergine

rotating exhibits to find watercolors,

is a favorite, packed with cool vintage

funky pottery, brilliantly bright folk art

cooking implements and antique china,

and graceful sculptures.

tables and chairs, while Page & Palette,

Fairhope's appeal, start in its heart.

an independent book store/art supply

Walk waterside. On the edge of

Walking in downtown takes you through

shop, frequently hosts readings and book

downtown, Pier Park is a lovely spot to

one of Alabama’s prettiest small-town

signings with both bay area and other

sit for a spell. Find a perch on the bluff

city centers. Begin with a visit to the

Alabama authors.

overlooking the bay or make your way onto the pier stretching over the water.

Museum of History, housed in the city’s first municipal building, to learn about

Through an artist's eye.

the city’s interesting past. Exhibits and

Fairhope’s vibe and its scenery

photos highlight its original residents’

continually draw artists to it, and

utopian dreams based on the philosophy

they’ve added the beauty of their works

of “collective individualism.”

to that of the surrounding landscape.

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VISIT JOYTOLIFE.ORG

Stroll on.

Leisurely is the preferred pace to enjoy the city center.

history lives

a ( Quiet

) view

WEEKS BAY PHOTO COURTESY OF DENISE CURTIS, EASTERN SHORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

On the outskirts of town, you can immerse yourself in the coastal ecosystem that makes the area so special. The Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve protects 6,525 acres of land and water. Follow shaded boardwalks through forest and marshland to arrive at a picture-perfect view of Weeks Bay, part of the MobileTenasaw Delta, the second largest river basin in the country. weeksbayplantation.com

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

TRY A

to ) ( eat

new

VIEW:

Experience Fairhope from a new front porch.

Quiet side-street cottages and city-center dwellings are up for rent to guests looking to enjoy downtown from just steps away. Check HomeAway.com or Airbnb.com for options.

This is the serious stuff.

Starting the day.

Fuel up for your exploration of Fairhope with a morning meal at the Biscuit King’s Fun Barn. While it’s out of the city, a little ways down a country road, crowds still fill its massive dining room every morning and chow down on soft-ball-sized breakfast suspects like egg, bacon,

Dragonfly Foodbar offers a diverse

sausage and cheese that the King

selection of dishes including

calls “ugly,” but you’ll call delicious.

gourmet tacos and noodle bowls

Sitting unassumingly down the street from the public library downtown, Julwin’s, opened in 1945, is Baldwin County’s oldest restaurant and is another popular breakfast choice. After a plate of bigger-than-your-face pancakes or an omelet large enough to feed a small army, you may not even need lunch later.

Feuling the fun.

as well as craft cocktails like the Damsel Fly, a refreshing blend of watermelon-lime purée and rum.

Resting well-fed.

For a decadent yet casual dinner

to ) ( stay A classic to take in again and again.

experience, consider leaving

Grand is an often over-used word, but

Fairhope and traveling to tiny

sometimes, it truly fits. At The Grand

Magnolia Springs, 15 miles away,

Hotel Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa

for some relaxed fine dining at

in Point Clear, it’s a perfect descriptor.

Jesse’s, a hidden gem that’s well

This historic waterfront property

worth the drive. Smothered in the

boasts plenty of modern amenities

shade of live oaks’ sprawling, fern-

without sacrificing the character and

But if you do, stop in Panini Pete’s.

covered and moss-draped branches,

charm that its age (more the 160 years!)

Tucked in downtown’s tiny French

this eatery’s renditions of classic

have burnished it with. This bayside

Quarter area, it’s a local favorite

dishes are created with fresh, local

bastion of calm combines the natural

that’s garnered national attention

ingredients. Try the grilled shrimp

beauty of its setting (moss-draped

with its selection of pressed

salad with goat cheese, just-caught

oaks, a profusion of azaleas, sparkling

sandwiches featuring tasty veggies,

Gulf shrimp, orange sections, sun-

water and all) with stellar service.

meats and cheeses melted together.

dried tomatoes and tangy citrus

And while it has consistently garnered

Take your food outside to the

vinaigrette. Next door is the old

plenty of praise and repeat visitors,

courtyard and snag a seat by the

Moore Bros. general store, listed on

a recently completed multi-million

bubbling fountain.

the National Register of Historic

dollar renovation has managed to make

Places.

it even better.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENISE CURTIS, EASTERN SHORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

biscuits baked around usual

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: AL GO SCALE BACK ADOPT ALABAMA HEALTHY TS BI HA IDE EW AT ST A FREE AND LOSE WEIGHT LOSS DS UN PO 10 TS UL AD R FO PROGRAM IMPORTANT PROGRAM 9 WEEK COMPETITION FREE! SBA PHONE APP HEALTH TIPS AND ENCOURAGING MESSAGES ALL YEAR LONG!

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For more information, visit

SCALEBACKALABAMA.COM

2018

OPELIKA

DEC/JAN/FEB

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS TO KEEP YOUR SEASON BRIGHT.

December 6-10 Victorian Front Porch Tour opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com

ALEX CITY

The North Opelika Historic District transforms into a

Russell Forest Run

charming Victorian Christmas, decked out with delightful

russellforestrun.com

holiday scenes and other nostalgic figures.

February 24

With both a 5K and 10K, this run leads

ORANGE BEACH

participants over beautiful rolling hills and

January 1

paths of sand, gravel and clay. Starting at Russell

Flora-Bama’s Polar Bear Dip

Kob’s Knob and Heaven Hill, this path is sure to

florabama.com/events Every year, the Flora-Bama invites folks to ring in the New

Crossroads and traveling through points like please.

Year by taking a dip in the Gulf of Mexico at high noon. Many

There’s a trail for that!

dippers dress up for this special day or just come to enjoy the

Did you know Alabama has eight spectacular

show! The venue provides the traditional feast with black-

birding trails that cover 270 sites in the state?

eyed peas, cornbread and ham along with some other goodies

Experience it for yourself.

for those who take the plunge.

Start by checking out alabamabirdingtrails.com.

(And don’t forget the binoculars.)

LAKE GUNTERSVILLE STATE PARK

January 19-February 18 Eagle Awareness Weekends

EMBRACE

alapark.com Eagle Awareness is a must-attend event for bird-watchers and outdoor lovers. Covering six weekends from January through early February, the event has been a tradition at Lake Guntersville for more than 25 years.

GET OUTDOORS.

ON ANOTHER NOTE GET THE BEAT ON MONTGOMERY

February 25-March 5 Clefworks Week & Concert clefworks.org Clefworks is a remarkable program that’s been improving the sounds of Montgomery and inviting all in the River Region to experience chamber music in new ways for the last 10 years. This particular event culminates in a wonderful concert at The Capri Theatre in Old Cloverdale. School concerts and outreach activities will take place during the prior week as well. You can keep up with all of the “pop ups” throughout the event by following Clefworks on social media. @ clefworks

share a song clefworks.org

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GIVE GOOD

START 2018 OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

GET YOUR FLU SHOT NO EXCUSES! STAY HEALTHY. BE HEALTHY.

EVERYONE 6 MONTHS OR OLDER SHOULD RECEIVE AN ANNUAL FLU SHOT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO ALABAMAPUBLICHEALTH.GOV/IMMUNIZATION

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Specializing In Breast conserving surgery | Breast pain | High risk counseling Fibrocystic change | Benign breast masses | Mastectomy | Clinical trial participation Kertrisa McWhite, M.D. Breast Specialist

Coordination with plastic surgeon for immediate breast reconstruction

334.613.7070 UABmedicine-Baptist.com/breasthealth UAB Medicine Breast Health Clinic 4749 Berry Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36106