LEAN Magazine-Winter 2016

To Life

W I N T ER 2 016

to PLA

PLE M I S IN &

GOODNE

SS

THE ART OF LIFE + CAST IRON COOKWARE SOUP DU JOUR

LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE.

15 years ago, Joy To Life took the first steps in the fight against breast cancer. Since then, we’ve impacted the lives of thousands throughout the state with early detection screenings for low income women.

APRIL 16, 2016 REGISTER NOW

WALKOFLIFE2016.ORG

It’s up to you to help us keep the momentum going.

JOY TO LIFE PROVIDES LIFESAVING MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST SCREENINGS IN EVERY COUNTY IN OUR STATE.

H LIDAY WISH LIST HQ. Find the latest winter weather gear for everyone on your holiday shopping list at Alabama Outdoors.

FESTIVAL PLAZA 7917 Vaughn Road Montgomery, Al 36116 (334)-277-3232 AlabamaOutdoors.com

W IN T ER 2016

Even in these colder winter months, Alabama is laden with beautiful, lush landscapes, productive farms and allaround stellar options for a sustainable life. And as the publication of an Alabama non-profit organization (that’s been serving the state for over 15 years), we are pleased as punch to show you the people and places that make it so worthwhile.

PUBLISHER JTL Publishing EDITOR Jenny Enslen Stubbs WEB EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

First off, you’ll notice some amazing people doing inspiring things. Check out our articles about Studio By The Tracks in Irondale (page 8) and Ernest Wardner Designs in Gadsden (page 36).

ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS Big Dreamz Creative

And since it’s the beginning of a new year, we thought we’d introduce you to several different ways to enjoy life during all its seasons (page 26). And speaking of enjoying life, we’ve also discovered 10 things happy people do every day (page 22).

MARKETING Kelly Haynes

Ever heard of Jack Daniel (page 38)? We thought that might ring a bell.

We’ll tell you about how and why it’s claimed a little corner of Alabama all for itself.

PROOFREADER Georgia Pinkston

We even added info about how to age gracefully (natural vs. not) in this issue (page 44).

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brenda Robertson Dennis Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

Cast iron cookware recipes, DIY soups and what to feed your kids, for goodness sake. You’re about to take a journey to discovering what your Alabama can do for you. That’s what we’re all about: Bringing Alabama to Life. (And if you just can’t get enough, be sure to visit readlean.org for our back issues!)

Michele Olson, PhD, FACSM, CSCS Jenny Enslen Stubbs Melissa Tate Witt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

SUPPORT SUPPORT JOY TO LIFE FROM YOUR MOBILE DEVICE

Big Dreamz Creative COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Aubrie Moates / Hello Gorgeous Photography

lean is published quarterly by JTL Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission from the publisher. lean reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. lean 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. lean does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial. The publishers do not assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. lean is a news magazine with information on health, fitness, leisure activities and sports. 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 lean. EDITOR IMAGE BY AUBRIE MOATES.

38

JACK DANIEL COOPERAGE

WINTER ISSUE 13

Features

16 CONTENT

8 24 TO LIFE

In Support of Joy to Life

26 ON THE MOVE

Four Seasons of Fun

12 WHOLE LIVING

32 LEAN LOVES

14 THE DISH

36 IN BALANCE

18 FIT FOR KIDS

44 SKIN DEEP

22 FORWARD MOTION

48 GO & DO

Cooking with Cast Iron

Soup du Jour

5-2-1-0: The Count is On

Be Happy Every Day

STUDIO BY THE TRACKS

Holiday Gift Guide

Ernest Wardner Designs

Aging Gracefully

’s Calendar of Events

STUDIO

BY THE

TRACKS

It can be frustrating for families seeking resources to help their loved one live a fulfilling and productive life. One of the fundamental goals of SBTT is to provide adult students the opportunity to earn a living through their art. Throughout the year, their work is showcased at fundraisers and seasonal shows at galleries where 60 percent of the proceeds go directly to the artist.

BY BRENDA ROBERTSON DENNIS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE

8

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BACK to

B A SIC S

MOLDING PEOPLE INTO WORKS OF ART In recent years, Alabama has seen a decline in services available to adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other mental illness as well as mentally conflicted children. Fortunately, Studio By The Tracks (SBTT) in Irondale, Ala., is thinking outside the box in order to fill some of those gaps.

One of the fundamental goals of SBTT is to provide adult students the opportunity to earn a living through their art.

Throughout the year, their work is showcased at fundraisers and seasonal gallery shows where 60 percent of the proceeds go directly to the artist.

Remarkably, SBTT has served nearly

2,000

students since it was founded.

“SBTT started as an art studio to give a safe haven for students to express themselves,” says Executive Director Suzanne Boozer. “[It] has become an architect for self-esteem and a platform of visibility for people who are otherwise ‘invisible.’”

Remarkably, SBTT has served nearly two thousand students since it was founded.

GIVE ART. Donations can be made through SBTT’s website to sponsor weekly art classes or a full year of art supplies for one student.

The Roots of Studio by the tracks SBTT was founded by Ila Faye Miller, the former vocational director of the Alan Cott School for Children with Autism.

There she started an on-site job training program for students ages 16 years and older. According to Boozer, “It was during Miller’s time at the school that she realized the dilemma that faced the children and their parents as they aged out of school.

There was a severe lack of services at the time for adults with autism,” she explains. “Ila Faye teamed up with an artist friend, and they opened Studio By The Tracks in 1989.”

Boozer, who has a background in sales management, became involved in the studio through a friend who was an art teacher at SBTT. She spent seven years as Ila Faye’s assistant before becoming executive director in 2014. In that time she has seen some real success stories.

FIND OUT MORE : :: studiobythetracks.org

“Studio By The Tracks has given families ‘bragging rights’ about their adult child’s ability to produce artwork that is valued by the community,” she says. “One mother told us that her 44-yearold daughter with autism has $13,000 in a savings account, most of which came from art sales at the studio.”

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RIDE JOIN OUR FIGHT

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“We hope our efforts with autistic adults

REACH BEYOND OUR CLASSROOMS ,” Boozer adds.

“Our

students have been handicapped by negative circumstances and society’s assumptions about their ability to achieve. We work to change that perception. Our overall belief at Studio By The Tracks is that

OUR STUDENTS AND THEIR ART ADD A GREAT VALUE TO THE BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY .”

10

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Catherine Boyd, director of SBTT, had known Ila Faye since she was a child. When she heard what Faye was doing at SBTT, she knew she wanted to become involved.

So she brought her background in counseling and human resources to aid. “Each week, we serve approximately 40 adults at every point on the spectrum, from low- to highfunctioning. The only requirement is they have an interest in making art. Our classes provide a nurturing, creative environment, and also serve as a social outlet for our students.”

The Growth of SBTT In spite of its many success stories, there are very real challenges the staff and volunteers of SBTT must be prepared to meet. “Staff at the studio is often faced with angry individuals who refuse to participate in art class,” says Boozer. “Eventually, our staff shows them how to communicate their angry, sad feelings into art in a safe place free of judgment. It is rewarding to watch a shy, withdrawn child gain self-confidence after experiencing success through art.”

(

“ I T] HAS BECOME AN ARCHITECT FOR SELF - ESTEEM AND A PLATFORM OF VISIBILITY FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE OTHERWISE ‘ I NVISIBLE. .’ ”

“

(

SBTT STARTED AS AN ART STUDIO TO GIVE A SAFE ““HAVEN FOR STUDENTS TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES,”. . .

-Executive Director Suzanne Boozer

SBTT is partially funded by a yearly benefit called “Art From The Heart,” which is held annually at the B&A Warehouse in Birmingham. This event gives the community the opportunity to observe and purchase the work of the SBTT students.

Other events are held throughout the year, including a Holiday Open House which is held in November. It consistently features hundreds of gifts created by artists themselves. Cards and t-shirts can also be purchased from SBTT’s website at studiobythetracks.org.

“We hope our efforts with autistic adults reach beyond our classrooms,” Boozer adds. “Our students have been handicapped by negative circumstances and society’s assumptions about their ability to achieve. We work to change that perception. Our overall belief at Studio By The Tracks is that our students and their art add a great value to the Birmingham community.”

11

SBTT is partially funded by a yearly benefit called “Art From The Heart,” which is held annually at the B&A Warehouse in Birmingham. This event gives the community the opportunity to observe and purchase the work of the SBTT students.

A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

Cards and t-shirts can also be purchased from SBTT’s website at studiobythetracks.org.

G WHOLE LIVIN

Cooking

BEYOND THE BREAD

with

CAST IRON YOUR grandmother KNEW WHAT SHE WAS DOING!

Advances in technology have given cooks a wide array of tools that help make whipping up even the most complicated dishes easier than ever before. But sometimes, plain and simple will suffice and time-tested wisdom wins out. That’s certainly the case with cast iron. A cast iron skillet is an essential piece of cookware in any Southern kitchen, and there are several good reasons your grandmother pulled it out of her cupboard over and over again.

It’s basically indestructible, which is why cast iron cookware can be used daily and still handed down through several generations.

A well “seasoned” piece of cast iron is the original non-stick cookware.

You can use less oil or fat when preparing everything from cornbread to creamed corn to steak in your skillet. Additional health benefits are the lack of chemicals often found in modern non-stick pans, and the fact that cast iron is just that: iron. Your skillet will leach a small amount of the mineral into whatever you’re cooking, adding a little extra iron to your nutritional intake.

Foods cooked in cast iron have unbeatable taste and texture. Since iron is an excellent conductor, and since it heats evenly and consistently, it’s far easier to get a good sear on meat and keep those flavorful juices in. It’s also better at browning cornbread and crisping the crust on fried chicken.

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You can cook almost anything in cast iron: steak (the skillet stays screaming hot so it sears meat perfectly), grilled cheese sandwiches (thanks to even heating), even desserts.

IT’S easier THAN YOU THINK

If you’ve got a

RUSTY SKILLET

If you’ve shied away from using cast iron because you’re unsure how to clean and care for it, here’s the good news: cast iron is as easy, if not easier, to clean and keep as any other tool in your culinary arsenal.

Revive

A CLASSIC

Feel free to use metal utensils with your cast iron cookware.

(One more way it’s better than most non-stick pans.)

languishing in a cabinet somewhere, get it out, now! Here’s how to get it back in good working order:

Use a bit of fine steel wool and warm water to rub off any rust.

You can wash it, and yes, you can even use a bit of mild soap (but you don’t really need it). The best way to clean cast iron is to run hot water on it while it’s still warm (but cool enough to handle) and wipe it out with a dry dishcloth. If you need to give a few stuck-on food bits a nudge, use a soft brush or make a paste with Kosher salt and give it a rub.

Re-season it by drying it completely and spreading a thin layer of vegetable oil or shortening around the inside with a paper towel.

Place it upside down in your oven and bake at 350 degrees for about an hour.

(Put a sheet pan covered in foil underneath it to catch grease drips.)

Dry it completely before putting it away to stave off rust, and use a paper towel to wipe a little oil on the inside at least every other time you use it.

THERE IS ONE “DON’T” TO KEEP IN MIND:

Let it cool to room temperature in the oven.

Don’t soak or submerge your cast iron in water and don’t put it in the dishwasher.

If food starts sticking after you’ve used it for a while, simply re-season it.

SO WHAT’S “SEASONING”?

Seasoning refers to a layer of fat that’s baked onto the interior surface of cast iron cookware.

Most cast-iron cookware made today comes already seasoned.

If you buy a piece that wasn’t, follow the same steps for re-seasoning to get it ready for cooking.

Munnie’s

CORNBREAD 1 cup self-rising white cornmeal mix

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Pour 2

1 cup buttermilk (don’t use low-fat!)

tablespoons vegetable oil in a 10-inch cast

1/4 teaspoon baking soda pinch of salt

iron skillet and heat in the pre-heated oven or on the stovetop until shimmering. Mix all ingredients together and pour over hot oil in the skillet. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until dark golden brown on top.

13

A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

the dish

DU JOUR!

DIY Cream Soups

v e ge tables

BY MELISSA TATE WITT

B A CK to

B A SIC S

BPA Save some money (and your health!) by learning how to

MSG

make cream soups from the comfort of your own home.

These are all dangerous chemicals often found in canned soups. Fortunately, in only a few minutes, you can whip up a homemade version with simple ingredients you already have around the kitchen. Not only will it prove to be a big money saver, it also offers huge health benefits as well!

Dinner is once a mon th mea ls

.com

sodium

D A simple internet search will show you any type of creamed soup recipe you can imagine. Check out the amazing chart found at OnceAMonthMeals.com, a website that shows you all kinds of creamed soup recipes and ways to modify them to be gluten free, vegetarian, dairy free, etc. You can even make these ahead of time and freeze in small servings or refrigerate up to a week.

Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup EQUIVALENT TO ONE CAN

1 tsp minced garlic 1/2 cup diced onion

Condensed Cream of Celery Soup

1/2 cup diced mushrooms 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

EQUIVALENT TO ONE CAN

1 cup milk

2 tsp minced garlic

3/4 cup chicken broth/stock

1/3 cup diced onion

Sauté garlic, onion and mushrooms; set aside. Melt

1/2 cup diced celery

butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2

1/4 cup butter

minutes. Add in milk, broth, sautéed garlic, onion and

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole milk (We love Working Cows Dairy milk!)

3/4 cup chicken stock/broth

mushrooms. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until thickened (about 10 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, celery seed and/or dried thyme.

Sauté garlic, onion and celery; set aside. Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Cook for about 2 minutes. Add milk and broth. Add sautéed garlic, onion and celery. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring regularly, until it reaches desired consistency (about 10 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.

MAKE. FREEZE. ENJOY IT LATER. Cross canned goods (and some sodium) off your grocery list this winter. Make soups ahead and freeze fresh ingredients for casseroles, crockpots and cast iron dishes full of flavor.

make

Meals

Happen

sh a nd e r F

Na t ur a l

Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup EQUIVALENT TO ONE CAN

2 tsp minced garlic 1/3 cup diced onion 1/2 cup cooked and diced boneless chicken breast 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup milk 3/4 cup chicken broth/stock SautĂŠ garlic, onion and chicken. Remove from pan and set aside. Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add in milk, broth, sautĂŠed garlic, onion and chicken. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until thickened (about 10 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, celery seed and/or thyme.

S F IT F O R K ID

5-2-1-0 THE

C • OUNT•

IS ON!

This easy-to-remember list outlines exactly what to feed the family and their minds and bodies for breakfast, lunch and N e ed M ore R e Ci pes?

dinner (and everything in between).

We’ve got your snack attack covered! Visit

readlean.org to check out our Fall 2013 issue’s Fit for Kids.

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RIDE JOIN OUR FIGHT

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18

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Whe R E tO B eG I n?

Start by providing delicious, easy and “clean” snacks for your family!

Real food can taste good!

5

S eRVi NgS - O F-

fr u its & vegg i es You sort of knew this one already, right?

Here are some tips to help you get it done!

1)

Cheese Toast on Whole Wheat Bread Veggies dipped in Hummus Apples and Peanut Butter Scrambled Eggs with Sauteed Veggies Air-Popped Popcorn Nuts and Fruit Veggies in Guacamole

Try new foods!

2)

Decrease your portion sizes by eating on smaller plates.

3)

Avoid eating out as much as possible.

4)

Usually “clean” foods will have no more than five ingredients (and you’ll want to be able to pronounce them!).

5)

Try eating baked or grilled foods, instead of fried foods.

6)

Cook with your children! They won’t miss out on a dish they created.

Want to find ways to help your children have a healthy relationship with food for a lifetime? Read up on it in our Summer 2014 issue’s “Kiddos in the Kitchen” article at readlean.org

L i M It

S CreEN Ti M e

2

-to -

•

(

1

H o U rS

)A

o r less

dA Y

It is what it is.

Screen time includes regular and hand-held video games, watching TV, videos, DVDs, going to movies or playing on

•

to H o P

2)

every

remote in your bedroom.

at least 30 minutes a day

4)

television.

options that are everywhere. Instead, try drinking water with some lemon, lime, fresh herbs or

do the trick. And be sure to

walk or bike ride.

read the labels! Sugars are hidden in so many foods,

2)

Bust a move together.

Turn on some music and dance!

3)

Playing sports is a great way to stay active. But even if you think playing team sports isn’t for you,

SUPPORT

few of the ultra-sweetened

Go for a sightseeing hike,

Be sure to eat food at the table and not around the

drinks—these are just a

skim or 1 percent milk can

ride as a family after on those electronics.

Juice, sodas, sports

1)

Go for a walk or a bike dinner, instead of turning

se ho t t ! ou ks w n i o r Dr Th ed N e e et W S

fruit added, or even some

than those recommended

3)

(Check out some easy ways t o stay moving on page 24.)

Need a little more?

Well, here you go!

until you’re getting less two hours.

,

O

Da Y !

Do not have a television

Decrease screen time by

SKip

B e A ctiVE

the computer.

1)

,

- H O U R-

P

!

P

pick up a basketball or kick around a soccer ball for fun.

20

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even those you may think have little to no sugar.

Try this n o -fail

B eR Ry B a N an A S M o otH i e:

1/2 cup frozen strawberries 1/4 cup frozen blueberries 1 frozen banana 1 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt or 1/2 scoop of whey protein 1/4 cup milk or water

Po p S o d a ’ s B u b b l e !

It’s easy to take in a ridiculous amount of sugar from sodas and other sugary drinks. This can translate into many more calories than you realize you’re actually getting.

Right now, you might be thinking water just isn’t for you. But give it a shot. Sometimes it takes a couple of days before your palate begins to enjoy the flavor of water again.

Estimated SuGAr Content in Common Beverages: 20 ounce soft drink = 16-20 teaspoons sugar

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

20 ounce diet soft drink = artificial sugar

their healthcare is.

32 ounce sweet tea = 24 teaspoons sugar 8 ounce 100% orange juice = 6 teaspoons sugar 20 ounce sports drink = 9 teaspoons sugar 16 ounce coffee frappucino = 13 teaspoons sugar

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

20 ounce water = 0 teaspoons sugar!

LeanMagazine_COA_JudgmentAd.indd 1

7/23/14 9:42 AM

FORWARD MOTION

BE HAPPY

Every Day

WE’RE NOT SO SURE THE SAME THING WORKS FOR EVERYBODY, BUT WE DO KNOW THERE ARE SOME STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO MAXIMIZE YOUR CHANCE TO ACHIEVE HAPPINESS. H int: IT INVOLVES SOME STUFF YOU PROBABLY ENJOY ALREADY!

WAKE UP EARLY. “Early to bed, early to rise, makes one healthy, wealthy and wise.” Get a jump start on your day! Waking early has been proven to decrease stress and helps give us a more optimistic, take-on-the-world attitude.

PINK YOUR

RIDE JOIN OUR FIGHT

& SMILE be grateful

Studies have proven that smiling and laughing lift your mood as well as boost immunity—Plus, we all look better with a smile on our face! Remember to stop each day and find at least one reason to be grateful. You will be amazed how much this can change your attitude on just about anything.

y JOYTOLIFE.ORG

BY MELISSA TATE WITT

meditate

Learn

This may not be meditation at its finest, but could simply be quiet time alone to think, pray or reflect. Time spent in this state has been shown to ease stress, enable true focus and stimulate the creative juices.

Sounds good, right?

SOMETHING.

Whether it’s a new skill at work or for personal enrichment, learning every day is vital to good health.

It expands your mind, creates opportunities for new conversation, combats boredom and gives you something to look forward to! Turn on the TV, check out a podcast (many are free!), get online or read a new book.

DRINK WATER

AT LEAST OUNCES

Generally speaking, eight glasses of water a day is a good goal, and even more if

10 Things

you are outside or exercising.

every day

Add natural flavors such as

HAPPY PEOPLE DO Ditch the processed foods (see The Dish on page 14) by shopping the perimeter of your grocery store or picking up the staples at your local farmers market. Purchase organic as much as possible and keep any packaged goods’ ingredients to five or less.

SLEEP WELL.

Consistent, solid sleep is vital. Over the course of 7-9 hours, the brain goes through a “housecleaning” process.

Deprive your body of this time, and it will leave you foggy and unfocused. Lack of sleep—or even too much sleep—is shown to be linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other issues.

MOVE OFTEN.

EXTRA TIP: Drink one full glass as soon as you wake up to rehydrate and help flush toxins.

DON’T LOVE WATER? CUCUMBERS OR LEMON, and never leave home without that (reusable) water bottle to keep it flowing on the go!

PLAN AHEAD: Best way to stay on track?

Plan ahead. Schedule workouts, weekly meals and your to-do list (and commit to it!).

LOAD UP ON VEGETABLES

Whether it’s a long, leisurely walk in the neighborhood or an intense weight routine in the gym, you gotta exercise regularly. Add in a few extra flights of stairs and a longer walk in from the parking lot for an added bonus!

Exercise scientist Dr. Michele Olson gives us this quick tip about keeping active. Learn more ways to keep moving and find more of Dr. Olsen’s tips at readlean.org.

23

A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

Vegetables should dominate every meal—even at breakfast!

So amp up that morning smoothie or omelet with greens, peppers and carrots and ensure vegetables account for at least 50 percent of your plate all day long.

GET TO

’ N I P P E ST S U P P O R T T HEE W A L K O F L IF

IT’S OFFICIAL! The Walk of Life has been a significant staple in Alabama for a decade and a half. But after 15 years and a substantial increase in services funded by the Joy to Life Foundation, we need everyone to get to steppin’!

MAKE IT COUNT.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—

The Walk is a family-friendly

determine where you’ll be donating. You never know—

event, so register your entire

you could literally be saving a life!

end of year giving! Please consider Joy to Life as you

family and help raise funds to fight breast cancer! There’s a Kids Dash, along with scores of

Whatever your m oti vati o n —

entertainment, vendors and the

surviving cancer, remembering a loved one lost or

“joy” of giving back.

celebrating life—the Walk proves to consistently be a fantastic event filled with fellowship.

24

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E. LIVE HER E. GIVE HER

FEEL THE BURN

The cost of one patient Joy to Life helps can be anywhere from $100 to over $500.

The Walk of Life is Joy to Life’s largest fundraising event each year and helps provide

TRAIN NOW. GET ALL THE BENEFITS. SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE.

services to every county in the state of Alabama. # l ive h er eg ive h er e

The Walk isn’t only for runners; it’s for walkers too! And you won’t believe the physical and mental health benefits that go along with a 5K walk: JTL is always looking for

Lowers “bad” cholesterol

community-centered Walk sponsors. If you’d like to learn

Raises “good” cholesterol

more about such an opportunity, email Peggy at

Lowers blood pressure

peggy@joytolife.org or give her

Reduces risk and helps manage type 2 diabetes

a call at 334/284-5433, ext. 8.

I nfo r m ati o n

Improves your mood

IS POWER

A leading genetic research facility named the

Manages your weight

Hudson Alpha Institute is offering free breast/ ovarian cancer genetic test kits for Alabama women meeting a specific age requirement.

We can’t wait to tell you more!

Be sure to keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and readlean.org for the latest.

SUPPORT

25

PUBLICATIONOFOFTHE THEJOY JOYTO TOLIFE LIFEFOUNDATION FOUNDATION AAPUBLICATION

ON THE MOVE

OUTSIDE

at Alabama Parks

Four

of

Seasons

fun

AL

/ a new path The underlying theme of standard New Year’s resolutions like “eat right” and “exercise more” is “get healthy,” and while these are laudable goals, don’t underestimate the role that fresh air and sunshine can play in a healthy lifestyle. And not just for you — for your whole family, too. You don’t even have to go very far to find a host of activities in the great outdoors. Our own state is full of still-wild and natural places begging for you and yours to come play all year long, and much of the fun is free. So add “become a fresh-air family” to that resolution list,

PINK YOUR

RIDE

ditch the remote control and tablets, and get outside.

JOIN OUR FIGHT

y JOYTOLIFE.ORG

26

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hit the

road

/ it’s time to 27

A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

SPRING GO HERE: Palisades Park, Oneonta, www.blountcountypark.com

DO THIS: Rock climb or just ramble around DON’T MISS: Marine fossils embedded in the sandstone and limestone rocks Dubbed “Blount County’s best kept secret,” this little park on the tail end of the Appalachian foothills has big boulders and expansive, scenic views off the edge of Ebell Mountain.

it’s

wild

WINTER

GO HERE: The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf Shores, www.fws.gov/bonsecour

DO THIS: Explore a maritime forest DON’T MISS: The gators Part of the country’s network of national wildlife refuges that is 545 strong, Bon Secour means “safe harbor” in French and is just that for many species of both plants and animals. The refuge contains 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. These protected lands in and around Gulf Shores boast a unique feature — the last intact dune ecosystem in the state. When you see these dunes, you’re looking at remnants of what the entire Alabama Gulf Coast used to look like eons ago; walking the nature trails here is like walking back in time.

Bon Secour is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with more than 370 different species flying in and out during the migratory season, including several species of humming-

birds, peregrine falcons and bald eagles.

But you can also observe loggerhead and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles as well as red and gray foxes, coyotes and armadillos.

And you can discover all Bon Secour has to offer on its well-maintained trails. You’ll trek through maritime forest on your way to huge 30-foot dunes before you reach the Gulf. If you hike at dawn or dusk, you have a good chance of getting lucky and spotting a bobcat or a fox.

And the one refuge resident you really don’t want to meet up-close-and-personal on a trail is still the one most people would like to see. If you’re after an alligator sighting, try Mobile Street, a drivable road that goes down toward the beach. You’re more likely to see one there, and you can take a nice, long look from the safety of your car.

The county-owned Palisades Park is small by state and national park standards but still offers 80 acres of rocky recreation that has become popular with rock-climbing enthusiasts around the state and beyond. It has over 90 routes and approximately a quarter mile of bluff side as well as 60- to 70-foot cliffs at a 1,300-foot elevation. If you’re interested in climbing here, you’ll need a permit, available at the park office and online.

The website also offers links to some climbing groups and climbing outfitters in nearby Birmingham.

If you’re not a climber, this spot is still definitely worth a visit. It’s a perfect place for a picnic or leisurely stroll along its eight nature trails. A walk along the ridge promises some stunning overlooks, but there are also steep drops and uneven surfaces, so watch young children diligently.

ISN’T IT TIME TO CHANGE YOUR

POINT OF VIEW? s

ion t Vacat n o r F f ul

G

s Condo s u o i r Luxu enities

Am Resort

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HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, and MORE PRODUCTIVE, both at home are

and at work. We invite you to hit your reset button at one of our luxurious Gulf Coast resorts.

Panama City Beach

Orange Beach

Ft. Morgan Road, Gulf Shores

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And come back RELAXED.

PREMIER

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

855.349.2510

COMMUNITIES

855.389.3402

take the tots

FALL GO HERE: Cheaha State Park, Delta, www.alapark.com/cheaharesort

DO THIS: Hike DON’T MISS: The rustic stone

SUMMER

structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s

GO HERE: Cathedral Caverns

State Park, Woodville, www.alapark.com/cathedralcaverns

In need of a natural high? Travel to Cheaha State Park, which includes within its borders the peak of Mount Cheaha. At 2,407 feet, the summit is Alabama’s highest point, hence its Creek Indian name meaning “high place.”

DO THIS: Chill out DON’T MISS: The Goliath formation Ready for a deep discovery AND temps in the comfy low 60s? Check out Cathedral Caverns and marvel at an awe-inspiring landscape—underground. Journey down into and under Gunter Mountain through the caverns’ 125-foot-wide, 25-foot-tall entrance.

A well-lit path leads you to mammoth geological formations created inch by inch, over centuries.

Year after year, visitors to the caverns are surprised by the raw natural beauty and sheer size of the craggy, bumpy wonders within, as well as the cave’s immense expanse. Cave tours are offered daily and give insight on treasures like Mystery River, Big Rock Canyon, The Frozen Waterfall (one of the largest flowstones in the world) and Stalagmite Mountain.

Follow the park’s motto to ensure the perfect trip for you and those that come after you: “Take nothing but pictures.

Kill nothing but time. Leave nothing but footprints.”

If you’ve got very little ones in tow, some of our suggestions might be too rigorous for your family. But there’s so much more to see and do outside in Alabama.

Check out these more toddlerfriendly alternatives and visit www.alapark.com for more ideas.

LAKE GUNTERSVILLE STATE PARK On the banks of the Tennessee River in Northeast Alabama, this park overlooks the 69,000-acre Guntersville Reservoir and has more than 6,000 acres of natural woodlands as well as access to the lake for boating and other watery pursuits.

CHEWACLA STATE PARK This 696-acre park just four miles south of Auburn has a 26-acre lake, playgrounds, hiking trails, a modern campground, picnic areas and newly renovated cabins.

Nearby Auburn University makes Chewacla a great place to stay on football weekends.

WIND CREEK STATE PARK

60°

On the shores of lovely Lake Martin, this park has the largest state-operated campground in the United States with 626 sites, and 187 of them are waterfront. There’s also a marina and a camp store.

Cheaha was one of the state’s first parks and opened in 1933. Its 2,799 acres are in virtual seclusion, meaning you’ll really feel the call of the wild here, and one of the best ways to get back to nature at Cheaha is hiking its multiple trails.

Wooded hamlets, rocky outcrops and even a few waterfalls provide scenic splendor around every bend. Bald Rock Trail is an easy hike, while the Lake Trail is a little more strenuous. Pulpit Rock Trail leads to a lofty perch with breath-taking vistas awash in the blazing colors of autumn.

There’s even a handicap-accessible boardwalk trail at the park.

The park is also surrounded by the 280,000-acre Talladega National Forest and has trailhead access to the forest’s Odum Scout Trail, which traverses 11 miles of eastern deciduous and pine forests, as well as the 110-mile-long Pinhoti National Recreation Trail. If you’re up for even more activity, in addition to hiking, you can enjoy biking, fishing and horseback riding at Cheaha, too.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin is an idyllic place on the shores of Lake Martin, Alabama’s largest lake. With 41,000 acres of pristine water and 880 miles of shoreline, Lake Martin is a recreation destination unparalleled in the southeast.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin lies at the heart of Lake Martin and includes 25,000 acres of pristine forests with more than 100 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, four flagship marinas, an outstanding, private golf course and country club, and a town center - Russell Crossroads - that harkens back to a simpler time, yet provides charming shopping and fine dining opportunities.

Throughout our country’s history, the town center has served as a community gathering spot – a common meeting ground to shop, to dine and if luck had it, to leave with a few friendships formed. Located in the heart of Russell Lands On Lake Martin, Russell Crossroads perfectly blends these storied traditions with today’s conveniences.

For more information, call 256-215-7011 or visit OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION 31 A PUBLICATION RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

Gear PRODUCTS &

GET AN EYEFUL OF THESE PRODUCTS AND PLACES WE LOVE.

KEEP YOUR COOL Thanks to double-wall insulation, the Yeti Rambler 10oz. Lowball keeps cold drinks icy for hour after hour. Or, if you like things hot, it’ll keep the heat in your cup of joe or the temps up high in your tea all day long. It’s smaller than the original Rambler, but big on thermos power.

It’s a can’t-miss gift for the busy guy or gal on your list.

A S T O R E made I N B A M A A labama Outdoors CEO Scott McCror y is pa ssionate about finding the latest and greatest products to encourage and enhance Alabamian’s outdoor lifestyles since our state is one of the most diverse in the Southeast, offering hundreds of recreational opportunities. It’s why he stresses AO’s “ser vice, quality and expertise” approach, a commitment to a customer-focused philosophy that sets the shopping

Available at Alabama Outdoors

experience apart at AO. Check out the great stocking stuffer ideas from AO on these pages, and visit readlean.org to learn more about this Alabama company and some of the other products they carry.

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GIFT

GIVING

HOLIDAY 2015 GIFT GUIDE

WILD & FREE Auburn artist Andrew G. Lee is inspired by the raw natural beauty of the sporting South, portraying trusty hunting hounds, brilliantly hued trout, pheasant taking wing, owls, gators and other wildlife with expertly rendered watercolor brushstrokes that breathe motion and life into still images.

Visit his website to find his works.

SOUTHERN SCENTS Cast a warm glow and bring the smells of the South into your home by burning a candle from Birminghambased Great Bear Wax Co. Its hand-poured luminaries are made with American-made soy wax. Some are scented with natural essential oils like lavender and grapefruit, while others like Campfire and Forest use fine fragrance oils to create a little olfactory magic that will transport you back to summer camp or deep into the woods. burnbear.com

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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

agleedesign.com

MOMENTS IN THE MAKING

TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE TIMELESS & TRENDY

It’s okay. You can tell. Mama’s Secret Cookies are better than your mama’s. Oh wait.

That’s not the secret. It’s the recipe. But you don’t have to know what’s in them to appreciate the simple melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these little powdered-sugar dusted orbs of delight homemade in Auburn, Ala. Share the secret with those you love. Visit mamassecretcookies.com to find them near you.

Suzanne Jones designs and hand-makes her Holland’s Trinkets jewelry line in honor of her daughter Mary Holland, combining semi-precious stones, pearls, leather and different metals to create one-of-a-kind cuffs, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. And there’s more to many of the pieces than good looks; some are hand-stamped with a word, verse or phrase that holds special meaning.

mamassecretcookies.com

hollandstrinkets.com

SUPPORT

34

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A GOOD BOOK is not H A R D T O F I N D

DRINK IT IN GO NUTS Stock up on pecans for all those holiday goodies you’re making, and bypass the no-name nuts at the grocery store. Get them from the experts at Montgomery’s Tucker Pecans. This family owned business has been shelling and roasting pecans since 1952. Check out their wide variety of pecan candies too, chocolatecovered, honey-glazed, and of course, the caramelized-sugar-coated regional faves, pralines.

“Birmingham Beer” chronicles the hoppy history of craft brewing in the Magic City.

Crack open a cold one and then crack open the covers of this informative and entertaining read by Birmingham author Carla Jean Whitley to learn the story behind the industry’s beginnings and its current boom.

Available on Amazon.com and at bookstores around Alabama.

B O O K S penned I N O U R S T A T E

tuckerpecan.com

MASCOT MANIA ONE FOR ALL

Football season is winding down, but pigskin passion never truly fades, at least not in the South. Thrill little fans with a copy of “Twas the Night Before Gameday,” a charming children’s book highlighting the camaraderie and traditions of the schools and teams that make up the SEC family. Written by Montgomerian Susan Carothers, it’s available on Amazon, at Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, as well as local retailers and university bookstores across the SEC.

Always take your tunes along with this super-portable, multifunctional, rugged and water-resistant wireless speaker. With Bluetooth connectivity, bike mount and 33-foot range, the Buckshot will become your new go-to speaker.

Available at Alabama Outdoors

www.mascotbooks.com 35

A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

in

WARDNE T S

R

BUILDING

A BIGGER

Ga

ds

den

IG

STORY , AL

Bartlett’s dog, Ben, is a shop regular.

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NS

ER N E

Balance

S E D

get yours

To view some of the beautiful furniture, visit ernestwardner.com

A PIECE OF INSPIRING FURNITURE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME A PART OF HISTORY. BUT IN GADSDEN, ALA., BRIAN BARTLETT OF ERNEST WARDNER DESIGNS LIKES TO TAKE THE HISTORY OF A PERSON TO INSPIRE BEAUTIFUL FURNITURE. When Brian Bartlett started making custom furniture out of his shop, within only a couple of months his products were so popular, he had to hire more help.

“I put an ad in craigslist and was flooded with 40-something emails the first day and over 150 the first week. The one thing that jumped out was they were all veterans. And they expressed that they were having a hard time finding work because of the job market, but also because of limitations and disabilities. In a broader sense, they felt unemployable.”

This surprised Bartlett, who didn’t expect the dismal plight of veterans to be quite so prevalent.

WHAT’S IN A NAME As an homage to his educator father, who, for one, taught him woodworking skills, Brian Bartlett named his furniture design company Ernest Wardner Designs.

“I was one of four children, so if we wanted something, we had to build it. I used to hate it but now I’m appreciative of it.

Eventually, it became more than a hobby.”

So he hired his first employee, an Army veteran, who actually already had a job but was still struggling to make ends meet. Then he hired a second veteran; same dilemma. “If there’s any possibility of me hiring an employee in this situation, at least I can help give them job skills. So many come out of the military with no technical skills,” Bartlett explains.

He also points out that almost every soldier that comes back is suffering at some level from PTSD. “And that combined with a lack of job skills makes it exceptionally harder for them to get a job.”

Bartlett admits it doesn’t always work out, no matter how understanding and patient he may be.

But for some, working in a laid back environment with like-minded people, (some even bring their service dogs), is therapeutic in and of itself.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition resulting from exposure to direct or indirect threat of death, serious injury or a physical threat. Symptoms of PTSD can include recurrent thoughts of traumatic event[s], reduced involvement in work or outside interests, emotional numbing, hyper-alertness, anxiety and irritability.

The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) has this to say about post-traumatic stress disorder, also referred to as

PTSD:

“The Department of Veterans Affairs and Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) recognizes the great sacrifices made by Service members and Veterans of all eras and that no one returns from combat unchanged. Some Veterans develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and may have significant challenges for several years as they live with PTSD and other related problems.”

B A CK to

B A SIC S

Birth of a 38

JACK D A NIE L C OOP E R A GE

Barrel Read on to lear n A labama’s par t in an age- old Souther n t radit ion .

BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY

39

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE

A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

With recent changes to state laws, Alabama is enjoying a renaissance of beer and liquor production. More than 28 craft breweries are now operating and several small-batch distilleries have opened in the last two years. They’re all part of a wider “maker movement” that embodies a renewed interest and appreciation for Alabama-made goods of all kinds.

But in little Trinity, Ala., northeast of Decatur, some Alabamians are contributing their labor and skill to one of the world’s most famous names in whiskey,

SUPPORT

Tennessee-based Jack Daniel’s.

40

In July 2014, the Jack Daniel Cooperage opened its doors in Trinity, and today approximately 115 fine folks are working at the 60-acre site to make the barrels used to store several versions of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, including the famous Old No. 7. Jack Daniel’s is one of the only distilleries in the world to still make its own barrels.

Getting Started The barrels they’re building are more than mere holding vessels; as any real whiskey drinker knows, the barrel is integral to the product’s final form. Whiskey ages and mellows once put in a barrel, soaking up some of the wood’s rich, earthy flavor, and the wood also removes impurities that can mar the liquid’s smooth finish.

Derrick Connor, the plant director, explained how ordinary wood planks are transformed into tastemakers, a method that combines automated and hand assembly.

“All of our wood is trucked in from mills in Stevenson, Alabama, or Clifton, Tennessee. It’s all white oak,” he said.

White oak is the wood of choice since it is an abundant, self-propagating species in the South and because it is naturally non-porous. “That means we don’t have to do anything to the exterior to keep it from leaking,” he said. And no distiller wants a leaky barrel.

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JACK D A NIE L C OOP E R A GE

“At Jack Daniel’s, we consider the wood an ingredient; without the wood and the charring, you get no color; whiskey is actually distilled clear.

It also helps with flavor.

Up to 50 percent of a whiskey’s flavor comes from its barrel.”

Now t hos e bar rels come f r om A labama .

41

A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

JACK D A NIE L C OOP E R A GE

The Process

The wood is dried in a kiln, making it easier to cut into staves (the pieces that make the sides of the barrel) and heads (the round pieces that cap the top and bottom).

The heads are planed by a machine, and then sent to a rounding table where workers finish them by hand. The staves are cut to size and planed before they’re handinspected. “We’ll do additional cutting if needed at this point,” Connor said. Then angled joints are cut into the staves, which allow the barrel to be put together in the next step.

When the elements are all cut and approved, it’s time to “raise” the barrel. This is when a worker forms the staves into the traditional barrel shape. A quick ride through a steam tunnel gives the barrel an initial toast before metal rings are dropped around it.

barrel

“The next step is the exciting moment,” Connor said.

Each barrel is run over a natural gas flame and is allowed to ignite; tongues of fire lick its inside walls for about 15 seconds and burn them black before the blaze is extinguished. “This is what we call charring.”

BASICS why the bla ze?

It may last only a few moments, but it’s a crucial part of the process. “It’s really pretty cool to watch,” Connor said.

Charring removes impurities and also

“At Jack Daniel’s, we consider the wood an ingredient; without the wood and the charring, you get no color; whiskey is actually distilled clear,” Connor said. “It also helps with flavor. Up to 50 percent of a whiskey’s flavor comes from its barrel.”

helps increase both color and flavor.

The charcoal now in the wood acts as a filter, removing impurities, since whiskey is absorbed into the wood and then leaches back into the barrel over time. “The whiskey seeps about ½ inch into the wood,” Connor said.

42

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The Future Jack Daniel’s currently has one other cooperage—a bigger one in Louisville, Ky., that makes 2,500 barrels a day.

“That’s what we want to work up to,” Connor said. And the Trinity plant is on its way, producing 800 to 1,000 barrels a day right now. “We’ll add more employees this spring, and I think we can up that by 50 percent.” Connor’s never worked in barrel raising or whiskey making before, but he’s enjoying his job at the cooperage. “I love getting to smell the wood every day,” he said. “And I love the role we’re playing in the production of a historic product.”

Aging Gracefully:

NATURAL VS. NOT

Ever wonder why it’s referred to as the “art” of aging gracefully?

Turns out it’s because the older you get, the more creative you have to be when it comes to maintaining your youthful glow.

Speaking of free radicals and cell damage, learn about how this all fits in with cancer prevention in the “to Life” article of our Spring 2013 issue at readlean.org.

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{

Keep a Lid on It

REAL LIFE Arla Chandler underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer that left her with a little droop in her right brow.

She turned to River Region Facial Plastics for help. She explained, “The droop in the brow and the sagging lids weren’t going to get better on their own. I had asked Dr. Cawthon to take a look and see how involved a little tightening would be for the lids.

“Dr. Cawthon described a ‘pinch’ technique for my upper lids. He pushed on my upper eye and felt there wasn’t fat behind the bulge, and a little tightening of the muscle and trim of the extra skin would be the perfect remedy to brighten my eyes.

This was a little pick-me-up for this 41-year-old gal!”

Whether it’s lifestyle or heredity, droopy eyelids can become the aesthetic enemy of us all.

NATURAL: Do the Eyebrow

Dance! Livestrong.com recommends doing some specific moves to help strengthen the muscle in your eyelid and forehead. “Begin by lifting your eyebrows and then close your eyes. Lower your eyebrows to finish one rep. Perform one set of 10 reps. When you close your eyelids, avoid squeezing or contorting your face. Focus on raising the outer part of each eyebrow.” Who knew?!

NOT: So what if doing the dance just doesn’t work, or you’ve experienced a life change that prevents it from helping? Pinch blepharoplasty is a technique some people have found to be helpful.

Oh,

THE TANGLED WEB

OR BLUEBERRIES? We all want youthful, glowing skin. But the longer we’re around, the harder that becomes.

NATURAL: Research shows

that a diet rich in blueberries helps one get plenty of antioxidants, which fight free radicals to help protect your skin from environmental wear and tear. In other words, these berries help prevent cell damage. And don’t forget to drink up the water, either! Getting at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day helps your skin stay radiant.

NOT: The American Society

for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has found that Botox injections are one of the most popular non-surgical procedures around. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles and dramatically reduces the look of wrinkles and lines.

Do you have those pesky spider veins? Some people seem less prone than others to get them, but there are some simple things you can do to decrease your changes of having them.

NATURAL: Getting the circulation

going, especially in your legs, is very important to decreasing your likelihood of having them. Keeping your legs elevated when sitting (and not standing around all day long), as well as regular exercise, helps decrease your chances.

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Botox

A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

NOT: The best-known and most successful medical procedure for getting rid of spider veins is sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a saline solution into the veins. This injection causes them to clot and become less visible. It’s known to be a very safe and efficient method.

Mammograms & 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.

Early detection of breast and cervical cancer saves lives For more information, call toll-free 1-877-252-3324 adph.org/earlydetection

2015-16

DEC/JAN/FEB

ne e d a

HUNTSVILLE Rocket City Marathon

December 12 runrocketcity.com

LAKE MARTIN

LIT TLE PACE A C H NG E OF

February 27

?

Russell Forest Run 5K and 10K russellforestrun.com

MOBILE First Light Marathon

January 10

firstlightmarathon.com

With a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills and wooded forests, as well as a sand and clay running path, this 5K and 10K exists to benefit the Alexander City Education Foundation.

(We recommend you refuel at Catherine’s Market when you’re done!)

GULF SHORES Big Beach Marathon

January 31

bigbeachmarathon.com

IT’S THE NEW YEAR, AND WE ARE

MONTGOMERY Montgomery Marathon

March 12

montgomerymarathon.com

February 12-14

mercedesmarathon.com

MAKING ALL KINDS OF LISTS. BUT HOW ABOUT THAT BUCKET LIST? DO YOU HAVE RUNNING A MARATHON SOMEWHERE ON THERE? IF SO, HERE ARE SOME MARA-

BIRMINGHAM Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend

READY TO RUN?

MUSCLE SHOALS

THONS YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK

Running the Shoals Marathon

OUT. IF NOT, YOU COULD ALWAYS GO

March 19

runningtheshoals.itsyourrace.com

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TO THE AFTER-PARTY!

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS THAT MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT!

OPELIKA

December 9-13 Victorian Front Porch Tour

GET RACE READY

opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com

to CARB

OR NOT

to CARB?

Learn more from Dr. William Stewart about how to fuel up for races of all lengths in our recent spring issue at

OR NOT

The North Opelika Historic District transforms into a charming Victorian Christmas, decked out with delightful holiday scenes and other nostalgic figures.

readlean.org

GULF SHORES

December 12 Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade alabamacoastalchristmas.com

15 YEARS AND COUNTING!

For 30 years, this annual boat parade has been a huge favorite of ogling onlookers!

Walk of Life 2016

April 16, 2016 joytolife.org Mark your calendars for the 15th Annual Walk of Life presented by the Joy to Life Foundation. Online registration is already available .

LAKE GUNTERSVILLE STATE PARK

Check out

joytolife.org for more information on how Walk of Life funds continue to help Alabama residents in every county.

live HERE. give HERE.

49

January 8-February 21 Eagle Awareness Weekends alapark.com

It tops our list every year! This event is a must-do for nature lovers. Covering six weekends from January through February, this event has been a tradition at Lake Guntersville for more than 25 years and grows in popularity each year.

A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION

SUPPORT

FIGHT BREAST CANCER RIGHT HERE IN ALABAMA. PURCHASE THE ORIGINAL PINK PLATE AND TRASH CAN. JOIN THE LEAN TEAM AT READLEAN.ORG. REGISTER FOR THE WALK OF LIFE 2016 STARTING IN OCTOBER. Thanks to your support, we’ve provided thousands of mammograms and hundreds of screenings and physician visits to the underserved in our state.

But the best news, through our efforts hundreds of cancers have been diagnosed and treated. Lives have been saved! And that’s what makes us joyful!

V I S I T OU R W E BS I TE

J OY T O L I F E . O R G TO L E A R N A B OU T MO R E WAYS TO S UPPO R T OU R MI S S I ON , PLU S T HE L ATEST N E W S A ND U PCOMI N G E V E NTS .

JOY TO LIFE P R O V I D E S L I F E S AV I N G M A M M O G R A M S A N D B R E A S T S C R E E N I N G S I N E V E RY C O U N T Y I N O U R S TAT E .

Alfa Life. ®

A Legacy of Love.

Five generations of the Bates family have counted on Alfa Insurance® for security, service and savings.

When Ralph passed away unexpectedly, his life insurance policy provided peace of mind for his wife, Cheryl, and a college education for his children. Today, Ralph’s son, Joseph, has an Alfa Life policy to protect his daughter, Piper. It’s part of Ralph’s legacy of love. Ask your local Alfa agent about affordable life insurance options for your family. Call Alfa®.

Alfa Insurance® Find a local agent: 1-800-964-2532 • AlfaInsurance.com

It’s not just your joints that are suffering.

It’s your life.

Introducing the Joint Center of Alabama at Baptist South.

Is joint pain making you miss out on life? It’s time to stop hurting and start living. The new Joint Center of Alabama at Baptist South offers joint replacement surgery, recovery and rehab all in one convenient

Joint Center of Alabama

AT BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH

location. And our specialized doctors and surgeons know how to get you back to living. So call us today to schedule a visit.

Bring the pain.

52

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BringUsYourPain.com (334) 273.4444