Southern Tatler Issue 25

25

MALLORY HAGAN

STAND UP, SPEAK OUT, FIGHT BACK

AUBURN / OPELIKA, AL MARCH/APRIL 2018

GREAT ESCAPE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Enjoy some of Marriott’s top golf in Alabama and play where the PGA pros will compete in July during the Barbasol Championship. Plunge into three tropical pools. Experience the new tennis center complete with pickleball courts or hike along miles of natural trails. Sip on signature cocktails while sitting around outdoor firepits. Stay in style and savor American cuisine at the Lakeview Room. No passport or long drives required for this escape. Just head to the Marriott at Grand National in Opelika and enjoy a world-class retreat closer than you think.

For information or to make reservations, call 800.593.6456 or visit MarriottGrandNational.com.

AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER AT GRAND NATIONAL 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, AL 36801 Phone 334.741.9292, MarriottGrandNational.com A part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

© 2016 Marriott International, Inc.

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CONTENT

VISAGE

VISAGE

town

EVENTS AROUND

KREWE DE TIGRIS BALL Sky Bar Auburn AL

18 OYSTER SOCIAL ALFA Pavilion at Ag Heritage Park, Auburn AL

22 WINE DINNER Moore’s Mill Golf Club, Auburn AL

28 OKTOBERFEST The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, Auburn AL

30 CASINO NIGHT Moore’s Mill Golf Club, Auburn AL

34

6 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

Ann h u t

l

10

a

K e n t u c k y D E R B y Dinner & Auction

And They’re Off!

Don your Derby Attire, enjoy a Mint Julep reception, sample tasty traditional cuisine, and experience the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" all while supporting our mission of Hope On Horseback! Held on Derby Saturday, May 5, this event is a delightful and sophisticated afternoon that takes place at Storybook Farm, where fairy tales come to life and lives are changed.

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May

On the grounds of:

2018

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CONTENT

FEATURES

LOCAL FOCUS

FACES

Mr. Trip Walton

40

LOCAL FOCUS

Lutzie 43 Foundation

48

CULINARY CORNER Red Clay Brewing Company

FEATURE STORY

58

M A L L O RY H A G A N

72

RECIPE

SCOT T SIMPSON

66

FASHION Studio 3:19

82

T R AV E L

NEPAL

Galรกpagos Islands

90

8 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

334.444.4444 Dial “4” a limo

AuburnLimo.com

SOUTHERN TAT L E R THE ESSENCE OF SOUTHERN SOCIETY

PUBLISHER Matthew Tse

O peratio n S

Savannah Simpson

A D V E R T I S e M E N T & M ar k eti n g marketing@southerntatler.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Anisa Patel Kenneth Ngo Mitch McHargue

P hotographer Glenn McCarley Isaac Leverett Philip Smith

cop y editor Jonathan Kaiser

W riters

Caroline Lentz Jarod Johnson

for questions or comments concerning advertising or general inquiries: 334.539.1780 customer.relations@southerntatler.com Southern Tatler is a bi-monthly magazine by Raw Conceptual, LLC. All material published remain the property of Raw Conceptual, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or copied without Raw Conceptual, LLC consent.

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LETTER from

the

PUBLISHER In putting together this issue of Southern Tatler, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on how far we’ve come since establishing our publication in 2012. We have evolved just as East Alabama has evolved, and it is because of our loyal readers and sponsors. Please allow me to thank you for supporting us.

Starting this issue, we will include a recipe section within the pages of the magazine. The recipes featured, from some of the local chefs around town, and chefs living within the households. For our inaugural recipe section, we featured a seafood dinner, featuring chef Scott Simpson from The Depot. Please try the recipe, and let you know what you think.

The cover feature is Ms. Mallory Hagan, former 2013 Miss America, and Tv Anchor. She is a self-driven individual. She was born and raised in Opelika, AL and moved to New York to compete for Miss America. We also have the opportunity to talk with Mr. Mike Lutzchenkiren about the reason behind the Lutzie 43 Foundation and what impact the death of his son have on him, and how he dealt with it.

Life is short, and when significant catastrophic events happen in life, some of us tend to run away, while some of us tend to face it head on and deal with it. Mr. Trip Walton who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson talks about how he is balancing his health situation, work, and family.

I’m sure you’ll be just as impressed by our featured Auburnitees and Opelikans as we were. Take the time to read their stories. Afterall, we are all part of this beautiful town.

-Matthew Tse

14 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

LIFE

HOT SPRINGS DESTINATIONS & HOTEL

HOTEL ANTUMALAL PUCON, CHILE

www.antumalal.com

Nestled in 5 hectares of private gardens on the Villarrica lake edge, Hotel Antumalal generates a sensation of unrivalled tranquility. All rooms, suites, and Chalets have fireplaces and scenic park and lake views. Located in nature itself, the prized Spa Antumaco offers massages and therapies. Restaurant Parque Antumalal incorporates fresh produce from the onsite vegetable garden creating dishes that combine tradition with innovation. Antumalal means “Corral of the Sun” in the indigenous Mapudungun language, a name that brings to life the radiant sunsets that are framed in the panoramic windows of the hotel. It is the architecture, design, personalized service and privileged location that make Antumalal “Simply an Experience.”

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK CABINS YELLOWSTONE, WYOMING

www.yellowstonevacations.com Clustered in five distinct camp settings, this 50-cabin property in the heart of West Yellowstone provides a sense of community without compromising privacy. This makes Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone perfect for family and friends traveling together - as well as romantic getaways. Walking distance to the Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone and the third largest in the entire world.

THE RETREAT BLUE LAGOON ICELAND retreat.bluelagoon.com It’s located in the heart of an 800-yearold, moss-covered lava flow, the Retreat will be a place of relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration. Conceived for both day and overnight experiences, the Retreat journey is designed to bring you closer to nature and the wonders of geothermal seawater. It’s a place for a sanctuary of peace and serenity where you can unwind the clock of modern life and unlock the door to a wonder of the world.

BETTEI SOAN KUROKAWA ONSEN, KYUSHU, JAPAN This hotel is a ryokan, which is a type of traditional Japanese Inn, and it’s one of the top-rated hotels in the area. Japan is known for its onsens, or natural hot springs. It’s within walking distance to one of the prettiest is located in Kurokawa on the island of Kyushu, where you can stay overnight or get a day pass with access to three of the 24 baths. Choose from pools located in caves, surrounded by bamboo, or situated next to snowy riverbanks (among others).

14

S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

EVENT: Casino Night VENUE: Moore’s Mill Club DATE: February 17th, 2018

18

KREWE DE TIGRIS BALL

22

OYSTER SOCIAL

28 WINE DINNER

SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

VISAGE

30

34

OKTOBERFEST

CASINO NIGHT

VISAGE KREWE

SKYBAR, AUBURN AL

DE TIGRIS

KREWE DE TIGIRS BALL

BALL

February 3th, 2018

Clint and Kim Rogers

Noel Hoffman and Macon Martin

Kerry and Lucinda McGinnis, Mark Kantor

David and Jeanie Collins

Dakota and Kelly Wells

18 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

Krewe De Tigris held its second annual Mardi Gras Ball. The 2018 Krewe De Tigris king and queen were Mark Kantor and Mary Helen Martin, and the 2018 Queen’s Court were Macon Martin, Madison Martin, Judy Simon, Ann Pittard, Savannah Rundquist, Liz McPhaul, Courtney Ludlum, Chelsea Settles, Dawn Patterson, and Dawn Walker

Adris and Courtney Ludlum

Levy Daniel and Randel Whitehead

2018: King & Queen

Will & Lauren Faulkner, Michael & Robbie Reynolds Melissa & Morgan Rhodes

19 M ARCH/ APRI L

2018

VISAGE KREWE

SKYBAR, AUBURN AL

DE TIGRIS

KREWE DE TIGIRS BALL

BALL

February 3th, 2018

Steve and Liz McPhaul

Dan and Amy Whatley and family

Bradon and Brittney Duncan, Kaylin and Brad Garrnett

Gordon and Judy Simon, Deborah and Brad Dorman

Jamie Schultz, Savannah Rundquist, Ann Pittard

Harley and Sylvia Nethken

John and Mandy Corbin

20 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

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VISAGE OYSTER SOCIAL

OYSTER SOCIAL ALFA Pavilion at Ag Heritage Park, Auburn AL January 27th, 2018

Chef Rob McDaniel Donna Roberts, Joey Armstrong, Bobby Greenawalt, Rhianna Lerma, Whitney Moore, Michael Harder

Matt Walker and Brittney Hill Morgan Yadacus John Mark Sawyer, Mark Sawyer, Lauren Weil

Bret Sakaguchi and Chris Hill

Cate Ankersen and Peyton Domning

Zachary and Rachael Edmonds

22 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

This is the fifth and final year, for the Oyster Social. It’s a celebration for the Alabama oyster, the hard work of the oystermen, and Dr. Bill Walton’s crew at the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory. The Alabama oyster industry is growing, and now have over 15 different oyster farms and commercial nurseries around the state.

Ryan Smith, Lauren Doyle, Bryan Rackley

Ralf and Missy Dutoit

John Mark Sawyer, Mark Sawyer, Lauren Weil

Hunter Clark, Lynda Cortes, Sarah Bailey, Ed Bailey

Sonoma Rohrbaugh and Lady Cox

Alex Morrison and Olivia Walter

23 M ARCH/ APRI L

2018

VISAGE OYSTER SOCIAL

OYSTER SOCIAL ALFA Pavilion at Ag Heritage Park, Auburn AL January 27th, 2018

Casey and Ashley Corder

Mark and Virginia Mattox

Jennifer Keasal and Josh Nagel

Travis and Mandy Wisdom, Kathy and Dan Wood, Ann Shannon

Clint and Kelly Langley

Mike Kata and Mike Davis

Brian and Janet Gignilliat

Allison Blankenship, Keyal Loveland

24 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

Shay Farley and Debbie Breckenridge

Singleton Marine - Blue Creek Marina 7280 Highway 49 South Dadeville, AL 36853 (256) 825-8888

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VISAGE OYSTER SOCIAL

OYSTER SOCIAL ALFA Pavilion at Ag Heritage Park, Auburn AL January 27th, 2018

Ben and Ginny Cumbus

Hollie Hodges with Kacyn Hodges Phillip and Gloria Rawlings

Chef Scott Simpson, Mallory Hagan

Ashley Field and Ashley Corder

John & Marianne Jensen, Tiffany Washburn

Kelly & Lee Johnson, Kate & Matt Boyer

26 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

Anna Kent, Christin Bancroft

VISAGE WINE TASTING

WINE TASTING M o o r e ’s M i l l G o l f C l u b

February 15th, 2018

Marion Scott and Ann Robison

Will & Brianna Golden, Lee English All State Prewett Insurance Group

Paul and Gerri Talley

Evan & Alicia Crawford, Johnny and Justy Mann

28 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

Caroline Gomez, Stacy Stallworth

Rusty Prewett, and the staff at Prewett Insurance Group, invited guests to attend a complimentary Wine Tasting & Food Pairing, prepared by the culinary team at Moore’s Mill Club. This is Prewett Insurance Group way of saying “Thank You!.”

Adrienne & Barry Kirkland Erique Florence, Bianca Davidson Rusty & Mandy Prewett

PD & Emily Pollard, Candy Bell

Wayne & Janis Stewart, James & Linda Givins

29 M ARCH/ APRI L

2018

VISAGE OKTOBERFEST

OKTOBERFEST The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, Auburn AL October 12th, 2017

James & Suzanne Hunter

Gabrielle Grief, Mike Aurilio

Terri and Dave Plundo

Taylor Holt, Lauren & MacKenzie Brewer

Lee and Kelly Johnson

Kasey Cross, Patrice Porter

Scott & Colleen Thompson

30 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center hosts its eighth annual Oktoberfest. With over 100 beers from local craft breweries and national brand favourites to choose from. Traditional German food like bratwurst, pretzels and more was also available.

Nate & Karen Stanton

Cory Broome, Cathy Parker

Peter Atkinson, Erin Carpenter, Jonathon Fearing

Annette & Danny Perry, Tim & Lee Ann Matsos, Judy & Jimmy Perry

Patty Patten, Derrin Stull

J.P & Emily Parsons

Tim & Lee Ann Matsos

31 M ARCH/ APRI L

2018

VISAGE OKTOBERFEST

OKTOBERFEST The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, Auburn AL October 12th, 2017

Rich Perkins, Martha Williams

Chris Bacchus, Tara Woods

Heather Woodard, Shaylen Robinson

Todd Scholl

Robin Hoshor, Chuck Ludwig

Greg & Angela Stringer

Eve & Will Brantley

Jana & Ed Whealdon

32 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

369 S. College St. Auburn, Alabama Office: 334.329.5599

Katie McCarley, Realtor

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VISAGE CASINO NIGHT

CASINO NIGHT M O O R E ’ S M I L L G O L F C LU B, AU BU R N A L

February 17th, 2018

Jess Margeson, Andrew Parmer

Nicole & Chip Gaillard Lindsey Alsobrook, Rachel Hyink

James & Kelly Moore

Katy and charley Beene

Maunette Bass and Barbara Higgins

Mike & Christy Bratcher

34 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

Junior League of Lee County hosts its annual casino night at Moore’s Mill Club. Guests were able to try their luck on the gambling table.

Everyone was a winner; there were no losers.

Allen & Kathryn- Ruth Sasser

Katie Bass, James Long Drew Irvin , Lindsey Gilchrist

Bo and Melissa Adams

John & Mandi Corbin

Ryan & Ashlyn Roberts

Katie Bass, Kirby Farr, Robin Blake, Lindsey Alsobrook, Christi Rose

35 M ARCH/ APRI L

2018

VISAGE CASINO NIGHT

CASINO NIGHT M O O R E ’ S M I L L G O L F C LU B, AU BU R N A L

February 17th, 2018

Ta Williams and Shelia Threat

Sandy Bridges and Kerri Hensarling

Hunter Herring and Kennedy Samples

Brent & Rachel Hopkins, Lauren & Steve Mills

Joey and Paige Tatara

Robin Blake, Lindsey Alsobrook, Katie Bass

36 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

­

@ ­

BREATH FACES: TRIP WALTON LOCAL FOCUS: LUTZIE 43 FOUNDATION CULINARY CORNER: RED CLAY BREWING COMPANY RECIPE: SCOTT SIMPSON

SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

FACES TRIP WA LT O N

THE

Good Fight TRIP WALTON HAS A REPUTATION AS A TOUGH LAWYER; THE FORMER BOXING CHAMP’S LAW CAREER HAS BUILT A REPUTATION FOR FIGHTING TOOTH AND NAIL FOR CLIENTS. BUT TRIP WALTON IS MUCH MORE THAN HIS SUCCESS. HONEST, OPEN, AND UPROARIOUSLY FUNNY, HE IS A DRIVING FORCE FOR GOOD IN LEE COUNTY AND A GREAT PERSON TO BOOT. “THE FIGHTER,” AS TRIP IS CALLED, SITS DOWN TO TELL US ABOUT HIS FAMILY, HIS LIFE, AND NEW CHALLENGES AHEAD.

name like Will O. Walton III may bring a particular image to mind; it would come as no surprise to learn that such an individual is a successful practitioner of law. But Will “Trip” Walton’s style doesn’t always give that away. Even amid his beautifully furnished office in his firm, Trip is clad in a casual buttoned shirt, jeans, and sandals. He sips his coffee gleefully and smiles, stopping occasionally to give a hearty belly laugh alongside the interviewer whenever he tells a good joke or recalls a funny story. Trip’s charisma is pervasive, and it is no wonder why his clients, friends, and employees are so loyal and committed to him. His casual, friendly, and down-to-earth manner are apparent and contagious; it is hard not to genuinely like Trip Walton, even before knowing everything he’s done and continues to do for his clients and Auburn-Opelika.

Business to Baller

Trip playing a little game of basketball with the local Boys and Girls Club

LIFE IS 10% WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU AND

90% HOW YOU DEAL WITH IT

Trip was born and raised in Lafayette, AL in Chambers County, just north of Lee County. His family has a long track record of practicing law, with his grandfather being a judge and his father an attorney. His mother was an elementary school principal.

Trip was a Boy Scout, ultimately achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He and his sister Marianne (also a law school graduate) attended and graduated from what is now called Lee-Scott Academy; at the time the school operated under the name of Lee Academy. Trip played football at Lee Academy and for a short while at Auburn University, which he attended as an undergraduate. Trip received a degree in Public Administration from Auburn University and would go on to attend law school at the University of Alabama. During his undergraduate education and during most of law school, Trip was a championship boxer, eventually winning the title of Alabama Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion in 1982. Trip’s career ended as he promised when he first lost a match, ending his career with a record of 20-1. He recorded 18 first-round knockouts, a rarity in professional boxing today. Trip jokes about his time in law school, “I won a couple of boxing championships, and then I got my law degree...when I finally decided to go to class,” he says with a wry smile. After finishing law school, he went to work in Montgomery as Deputy District Attorney, trying all kinds of cases, including capital murder cases, right out of the gate. Trip later moved to Auburn and began to work with Harper & Meadows, which would later become Harper & Walton when Trip became a partner with the firm. Harper & Meadows would then unite with Walker Hill Law Firm, where Trip would serve as a partner until the heads of the firm went off in separate directions. Trip then began his own firm in 2001, Walton Law Firm, P.C. Many employees would join Trip in his new venture, one that would become very successful for Trip, his employees, and most importantly the many clients for whom the firm has fought.

Trip met his wife Jacki in Montgomery, where he now lives. Amusingly, she lived in his neighborhood, and the two were married when Trip was 50, something he isn’t shy about mentioning. In Trip’s joking words, “Be careful about talking to your next-door neighbor, or she might end up marrying you, moving in, and now you’ve got a house full of kids,” he says with a bellowing laugh. Jokes aside, Trip loves his wife and the three children that accompanied the union. He adds that the youngest, Reilly, aged 12, keeps him and his wife busy enough for three kids now that the two oldest, Forrest and Coleman, are off at college. Trip says “We’re up at

the tennis court training before the sun comes up most days, or traveling to Columbus, Montgomery, Auburn, etc. for tennis matches. Competitive cheerleading has also started up, so I’m running around a lot with [Riley’s] activities.” Though he jokes about wanting his weekends back, he beams with pride at Riley’s athletic prowess and relentless drive to succeed.

Trip’s boxing career started with his time in the Kappa Alpha (Order) fraternity at Auburn. His story and rise to the title of champion were almost like something out of one of the “Rocky” movies. A friend in the fraternity introduced him to the sport, and before he knew it, he was traveling to Bibb City in Columbus to train. “We were driving up there to train in the gym four, five times a week. My parents thought I’d lost my mind. When I drove over there, I’d have another kid sit in my car so nobody would steal the tires or nothing...it was like living in a movie” Trip reminisces with another of his infectious laughs.

He tells more funny stories about the wrestlers at the gym, the ring, and even the first time he’d seen a real boxing “ring girl” (the young women that would walk across the ring with a large card to signify the start and number of each round.) Trip won many titles in his time as a boxer; these include the A-Club Heavyweight Boxing Championship on Auburn University’s campus in 1979, the AAU Heavyweight Championship in 1980, and culminating in being the Alabama Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion in 1982. Trip’s career was a tour de force, with most of his fights ending quickly, and he achieved 18 first-round knockouts. In boxing terms, few men could “go the distance” against Trip Walton and finish out a match. He chose to end his career upon incurring his first loss, as he had always promised he would. He recalls his only loss, in the Regional Golden Gloves competition. “They called him ‘Junebug.’ [The next year] I asked about him, and the guys said they never saw him again at the gym.” “Even though he ended my career, I guess they figured I scared him enough that he never came back” Trip adds with a raucous laugh.

In his time serving the Auburn-Opelika and greater Lee County area, Trip has also participated in a significant number of charitable causes and community services. In Montgomery, he serves on the school board for the St James school, which his children attend (or have attended). In Lee County, Trip and his law firm are members of both the Auburn and Opelika Chambers of Commerce. Trip served as a board member for the Lee County Boys and Girls Club, the Lee County Chairman of the YMCA Board of Directors, as well as

43 M ARCH/ APRI L

2018

Laughing Lawyer

Trip causing a few laughs from a few of the Boys and Girls Club leaders

Work Hard, Play Hard

Trip enjoying his time volunteering at the local Lee County Boys and Girls Club.

the Director of the Lee County Youth Judicial Program, in which he plies his experience in law to serve the community. Trip was an adjunct professor at Southern Union State Community College.

Trip has many accomplishments to his name and has won many fights. However, he does have a new one on the horizon; earlier this year, Trip Walton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. High-profile diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease include celebrities such as Michael J. Fox and Neil Diamond, who have done much to raise awareness of the central nervous disease. Trip’s concerns began with a tremor in his right hand, one that he barely noticed. While sitting with him in the interview, it is hard to tell that Trip has a tremor without prior knowledge of his diagnosis. However, Trip is open about his diagnosis and remains optimistic about his future. “It doesn’t kill you,” Trip says, looking on the bright side, “but it will slow you down, and make almost everything harder depending on the symptoms and how it progresses.” Trip tells us about being diagnosed at UAB, “I walked out and was worried, but I slowed down and thought about it; there are millions of people walking [into the clinic], and they got a whole lot worse news than I got.” Trip’s sunny outlook is indicative of his upbringing, and his general attitude towards life. “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it,” he says with a smile. “I could lie and bed and feel sorry for myself, or I could get up every day and do the right thing, and just keep on going.” Trip has said that he won’t stop working until he absolutely cannot continue doing so, and his attitude seems to reflect that.

that only 6-8% of boxers are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and Trip’s career was shorter and less bombastic than most boxers that can boast a similarly high win record. Trip initially believed the concussions he incurred while playing football could have also been the culprit, but his doctor also assuaged those concerns; while no one can be sure, it’s most likely that a high percentage of Parkinson’s diagnoses is attributed to environmental factors like herbicides and pesticides.

Trip Walton, The Fighter, seems well-poised to take on this new challenge. His law firm will continue, he’ll continue to work, and he’ll enjoy the support of his loving friends and family as this new challenger approaches. His brimming optimism and can-do outlook on life put him far above anything life can throw at him. He’ll continue to do what he’s always done: throw himself head-first against the competition and go for the knockout. And just as before, whether in the ring or the courtroom, everyone around him will be rooting for Trip Walton.

TRIP IS A SPONSOR OF:

For those that recall renowned boxer Muhammed Ali’s Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, don’t go making connections between Trip’s diagnosis and his boxing (or football) career. Trip’s doctor told him outright

45 M ARCH/ APRI L

2018

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LOCAL FOCUS LUTZIE 43 FOUNDATION

LIVE, LOVE, MIKE LUTZENKIRCHEN BECAME CONNECTED TO AUBURN THROUGH HIS SON PHILIP. PHILIP LUTZENKIRCHEN (OR “LUTZ”, OR “LUTZIE” AS HE WAS CALLED

BY FANS AND LOVED ONES) WAS A RECORD-BREAKING TIGHT END ON THE AUBURN FOOTBALL TEAM; HE WAS ONE OF THE STARS OF THE 2010 NATIONAL CHAMPION AUBURN TIGERS TEAM. TRAGICALLY, PHILIP PASSED AWAY IN 2014 AS THE RESULT OF A SINGLE VEHICLE AUTO ACCIDENT. SINCE THEN, MIKE LUTZENKIRCHEN HAS ESTABLISHED THE LUTZIE 43 FOUNDATION, A NONPROFIT PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATION IN LOVING MEMORY OF PHILIP LUTZENKIRCHEN. THE FOUNDATION AIMS TO DEVELOP THE CHARACTER OF YOUNG PEOPLE BY TEACHING THEM THE GOOD VALUES THAT PHILIP EMBODIED, AS WELL AS TEACHING THEM LESSONS FROM PHILIP’S LIFE

ike Lutzenkirchen was born and raised in Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb of the greater Chicago area. Though he’s lived in the South for almost 20 years, he bears a twinge of a Chicagoan Midwestern accent, a testament to his upbringing in the area. He attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After graduation, he went to work in Indianapolis for about 3 years before an opportunity with IBM brought him to the Atlanta, Georgia area. He met his now-wife Mary in the second grade, having attending the same church and Sunday school, and got to know her better by playing sports with her brothers. They began dating in their sophomore year of high school, and would later be married. The couple would go on to have 4 children together: Amy, Ann, Philip, and Abby. Amy, 30, is happily married and has a career in property management. Ann, 28, works for Turner Sports. Abby, 24, is working with a non-profit organization. All 3 of them live in the Atlanta area, as do Mike and Mary. Philip, who would have been 26 this year, was a breakout tight end for the Auburn Tigers football team, and passed away in a tragic vehicular accident in 2014.

Mike Lutzenkirchen spends a great deal of his time these days speaking about his late son Philip, as well as running an organization in honor of his memory. The foundation is a nonprofit philanthropic organization called The Lutzie 43 Foundation, in reference to Philip’s nickname among fans and loved ones (another nickname is “Lutz”) and his jersey number while at Auburn. Philip was an all-star tight end for the Auburn Tigers football team, and was a

member of the 2010 National Champion Auburn Tigers team alongside Cam Newton.

Philip Lutzenkirchen and “Lutzie” became household names beyond the Auburn Tigers fanbase after catching the game-winning touchdown in

50 S OUTHERN

the 2010 Iron Bowl, securing a spot for the team in that year’s SEC Championship game. Philip ended his career with Auburn as a national champion and Auburn’s all-time touchdown reception leader (at tight end) with 14 touchdowns. Philip went on to sign with the St Louis Rams in the NFL, but his professional football career was cut short due to an injury he incurred in the 2010 Auburn season, resulting in an inability to be at 100%. Tragically, Philip passed away when the car in which he was traveling as a passenger crashed on June 29, 2014. Though remembered by many for his achievements on the field, he is remembered by friends, family, and fans as a kind, generous, and humorous soul that brightened the lives he touched with his presence.

“He was so good, so kind...he was always happy, goofy, making everyone smile. He had a love of life that was so much bigger than what he did on the field” Mike says of his son. In addition to his reputation for kindness and generosity, Philip was also known for his outstanding dedication to leadership and service to his community and fellow human beings. Philip was a boisterous presence in his home community of Marietta, Georgia and well-known as a model of leadership at Lassiter High School, where he played football. He had the same reputation at Auburn University; students that knew “Lutz” will never fail to have a story about a time in which he was a role model and outstanding person.

The tragedy of Philip Lutzenkirchen’s untimely passing left Mike and Mary with a void in their TAT L E R

lives; they would never again see their son, hear him laugh, or be made to laugh by one of his jokes again. The reality set in immediately for Mike.

He recounts, “There was never a moment where I denied and didn’t believe it was real. I got the call [early in the morning] and I knew I’d never see my son again.” The circumstances surrounding Philip’s death made the reality harder; though he was not driving the vehicle in the crash that ended his life, Philip’s blood alcohol content was .377; for reference, most states identify an individual as legally intoxicated at .08 BAC. Philip was not wearing a seatbelt, nor was the driver of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was also intoxicated. However, despite his grief, Mike sprung into action to honor his son’s memory after a relatively short span of 6 weeks. A coach at a local high school gave him the idea to use Philip’s outstanding life and the tragic circumstances of his passing to teach life lessons to students and athletes all over the country. This idea

would bud into what is now the Lutzie 43 Foundation.

The Lutzie 43 Foundation was founded by Mike Lutzenkirchen in honor of the memory of his beloved late son Philip. Mike became aware that after Philip’s passing, his son’s character, achievements in life, and circumstances surrounding his death could be used to teach valuable life lessons to students, athletes, and other youth throughout the country. The objective of the foundation, in Mike’s words, is to pass on Philip’s many admirable characteristics in terms of leadership, community service, and service to others. Mike says the Foundation’s motto and mantra is “Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz”. This reflects the positive aspects of Philip’s character while simultaneously addressing the need for young people to learn from the circumstances that led to Philip’s tragic death. One of the Foundation’s focal points is the “43 Lessons of Legacy”, a program

The Message

Mike Lutzenkirchen delivering a speech at the 2016 Lutzie Golf Invitational

51 M ARCH/ APRI L

2018

Cause and Effect Some of the annual Lutzie Foundation events include a : Golf Invitational, an Adapted P.E. field day , and a race for all ages

HE HAD A LOVE OF LIFE THAT WAS

THAN WHAT HE DID ON THE FIELD designed to teach positive character attributes and behaviors using lessons from Lutz’s life and stories of his good works in life. Mike says that the Lutzie 43 Foundation’s curriculum for young people also include information on behaviors to avoid; the Foundation warns children and teens of the dangers of high-risk behaviors such as smoking, underage drinking, drug use, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In accordance with the Lutzenkirchen family’s deeply held Christian faith beliefs, the program also has age-appropriate advisories against risky sexual behaviors and premarital sex. These programs are interspersed with videos and audio recordings of Philip, as well as stories of his service; such stories include the time that Philip returned from Auburn University to accompany a friend with special needs to her senior prom, or visiting and then developing a friendship with a die-hard fan that had been diagnosed with cancer.

The Lutzie 43 Foundation not only speaks to and educates students, but also organizes fundraising events and activities, as well as awarding scholarships to young students and athletes that embody

Going Live

Mike talking to some of the local television stations during the Lutzie Golf Invitational

Greetings!

yogi giving traditional greeting in Kathmandu the temple.

the spirit of Philip Lutzenkirchen. Such events include the Lutzie 43 Road Race, and the Lutzie 43 Golf Invitational, both held annually with the intend to raise funds for the organization’s work.

In most cases, such as with the most recent Lutzie 43 Road Race, 50% of funds raised were given to Auburn University as a means of thanks for its role in the lives of Philip and the Lutzenkirchen family.

Another philanthropic, non-fundraiser event is the Special Needs Field Day, in which special needs children are invited to enjoy a day of fun games and past times at no cost to the parents. Additionally, the Foundation awards the PFL 4300 scholarship to promising young students; the scholarship is a $4300 award that can be used at any two-year college, vocational school, community college or major university.

All in all, while still missing his late son, Mike is looking to the future and giving Philip’s legacy the immortality it deserves. The Foundation is run in a very business-like fashion, making sure that

budgets are met and run by a board of directors, on which Mike serves in addition to his role as Executive Director of the foundation. Mike acknowledges the reality of the difficulties of running a non-profit, citing the statistic that most nonprofits fail to continue operating after 18 months. The Lutzie 43 Foundation will enter its 4th year of operation as of this year, so Mike’s strategy has succeeded.

While initially working in the South, Mike and the Lutzie 43 Foundation are looking to expanding to schools all across the country in the future. Despite the tragedy of his son’s death at a young age, Mike Lutzenkirchen and the Lutzie 43 Foundation seem poised to ensure that Philip Lutzenkirchen’s legacy and good character live on well after his passing. If all goes well, students of all ages all over the country will know the story and personality of Philip Lutzenkirchen, and will go into their own lives living like Lutz, loving like Lutz, and learning from Lutz.

ELEMENTS

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CULINARY CORNER

RED CLAY BREWING COMPANY

RED CLAY

BREWING CO. RED CLAY BREWERY HAS BEEN OPEN IN DOWNTOWN OPELIKA SINCE EARLY 2015. THE BRAINCHILD OF OWNERS KERRY MCGINNIS, JOHN CORBIN, AND STEPHEN HARLE, THE DOWN-SOUTH CRAFT BREWERY HAS BEEN A KEYSTONE IN THE REVITALIZATION OF OPELIKA’S HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AREA. THE BREWERY’S MANY CRAFT BEERS, BREWED ON-SITE, ARE MADE WITH CARE AND INCLUDE INTRIGUING TWISTS ON TRADITIONAL BEER PROFILES. COMPLETE WITH A TAPROOM TOUTING ENOUGH SPACE TO DOUBLE AS AN EVENT VENUE, THE LOCAL BREWERY PROVIDES A WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE AND AN ADVENTURE FOR ANYONE LOOKING TO ENJOY A TASTY BREW. SOUTHERN TATLER SITS DOWN WITH KERRY AND JOHN TO DISCUSS THE BREWERY’S ORIGINS AND ITS ASTOUNDING SUCCESS.

he Red Clay Brewery is welcoming from the very beginning; after passing through the doors, the brick building opens into a vast space filled with sturdy high tables and inviting couches. At the far end is the bar, and behind it lies the tap system. Each tap is labeled with its respective Red Clay offering. Beyond the thresholds behind the bar, you can see into the brewing rooms, where the local brewery’s made craft beers are lovingly made. Adorning the brick walls are various posters and framed pictures, and some of them are enumerating upcoming events at the brewery. As the envoys of the Tatler enter Red Clay, we’re greeted by two of the brewery’s three owners, Kerry McGinnis and John Corbin. The third co-owner, Stephen Harle, was unable to attend the interview. Kerry sports an impressive red beard and wears his Red Clay staff shirt while John sports a Red Clay Brewing Co hat. Kerry offers samplings of Red Clay Brewery’s delicious craft beers while John begins to tell the story of how the brewery came to be.

The Red Clay Brewery was (in short) born out of humble home beer brewing, a splash of work apathy, and a strong working spirit. John Corbin and Kerry McGinnis had been friends and fine beer lovers for years. At the time, John was feeling dissatisfied in the corporate world, and Kerry was a former Navy enlistee attending college. When they first attempted home brewing, it was an experiment that would become a hobby and (unbeknownst to them at the time) eventually a successful business. They found that they had a natural knack for the craft after a few brews. John says, “I remember our second or third batch was when I said [to Kerry], ‘We should do something with this.’ I told him that I needed to stop doing [the job] that I was doing at the time,

I wasn’t happy with it. Of course, it wasn’t overnight, but it was a change.” Kerry laughs, “I was a little harder to convince. I had a wife and house and was living the life of a student. I had it pretty good. It was difficult to get me to take the risk.” Fortunately for both and the beer lovers of Auburn and Opelika, Kerry and John decided to take the risk.

The road was a long one, but Kerry and John (and Stephen) threw everything they had into the new business venture. First was finding a location; they didn’t want the microbrewery to be considered as “just another bar.” Luckily, the city of Opelika was forthcoming with its desire for the business. John and Kerry recall “I think the second thing on their list [of wants] for the downtown area was a brewery. It ended up being a good fit.” The two men also cited Opelika’s relatively low rent prices in comparison to other areas that they had considered. The building also needed to be large and have a sturdy foundation.

Kerry says, “In a brewery, you need the space for the brewing equipment, and that’s almost half of our building area.” In business terms, the space used for the brewing and equipment doesn’t translate into (immediate) revenue generation, as it would if the same space were used to house paying customers or hold events.

John adds “...and because of the heft of the equipment, we needed a sturdy foundation.

Hoppin Trio We can’t have a hollow area holding up tons Founders of Red of metal.” Luckily, they found the perfect Clay Brewing Co. (Left-Right) John building in which to set up shop. Next, the Corbin, Stephen Harle, Kerry McGinnis

WE MAKE GOOD BEER AND LET THAT SPEAK FOR ITSELF.

guys set out to renovate the building; they rebuilt the HVAC system, added and built the light fixtures, among other tasks. “We did everything we were legally and functionally able to do. I built the tables in here; we installed the HVAC system, etc.” Kerry explains. While exhibiting their dedication to the new business, it also doubled in keeping startup costs low, reducing the need for excessive starting capital. Due to this, the men were able to steer the brewery in the direction they desired without having to keep to the whims of investors; most of the initial investors in the business (aside from the three co-owners) were friends and family that contributed small amounts to see the dream come to life.

After years of keeping recipes, engaging in negotiations, seeking licensing, and plenty of hard work, the owners opened the door of Red Clay Brewing Company in March of 2015. Keeping beer recipes from their early brewing days, the men opened the taproom and brewery and began to deliver the craft beers that the region needed. Coinciding with the peak of the craft beer boom in the Southeast, the business has seen a broad customer base form as newcomer and connoisseur alike came to sample the microbrewery’s fare. Ever since its opening, the business has seen increased production to meet the demand that has accompanied its success. In the first year of opening, Red Clay brewed about 400

barrels of beer. In 2016, they produced 1000 barrels, with the next year seeing a doubling to 2000 barrels produced. John and Kerry believe they are on track to double that number (in 2018) as demand increases and their area of distribution widens.

In addition to providing craft beer on-site at Red Clay’s taproom, another critical element of the business lies in distributing their product to retailers. Red Clay beers can be found everywhere from restaurants to the local grocery stores. Their distribution area currently includes Alabama and select markets in Georgia, soon to come to the Metro Atlanta area. In the future, Kerry and John have mentioned expanding to seeing Red Clay craft beers sold in Florida and South Carolina.

Kerry also tells of European interest in American craft beer; he intends to export barrels of Red Clay’s brews to other countries to expand into the international market. As for distributing beyond, Kerry and John have different plans; instead of becoming a giant mega-brewery akin to larger, corporate beer brands, they would rather open another small brewery in another state. That way, the local feel could continue in another part of the country, handle distribution, and keep the same Red Clay spirit alive in a satellite brewery and taproom. Kerry says, “We’re Red Clay, we’re not a bunch of guys in suits or a Clydesdale on a TV ad. We

Simple, Southern, Beer

Red Clay is a brand rooted in southern heritage and a genuine love of beer

grew up here; we named the brewery after the red clay [that’s native to the region], we wouldn’t want to change that feeling.” John adds, “We do market research, but we’re not a bunch of guys obsessing with what a focus group feels is the perfect beer. We make good beer and let that speak for itself.”

Craft Champions

Hanging inside of Red Clay you can view a few of their Craft Beer Medals.

Some of the brewery’s fine offerings are old favorites of the owners from their early brewing days, while others are improved recipes or new twists on existing profiles. The company’s highest seller, the Halftime Hefe, is their twist on the traditional German hefeweizen recipe. Another favorite, the Big Swamp Stout, has an interesting origin as told

by John. He recounts “It was the second batch we ever brewed, and it was great. But at that time, we weren’t keeping a beer journal with all of our recipes, and we tried to recreate it for years, and we could never find it. Well, it just so happens some years later that I was cleaning out an old computer, and when I was seeing what was left on it, I found the recipe! I called Kerry and was like ‘Dude; you’ll never believe it, I found that recipe!’” The oatmeal stout is also among the most popular of Red Clay’s offerings. Another intriguing brew is the Southern Bumpkin, a beer whose mash is loaded with sweet potatoes. The writer of this article’s favorite beer was the sour craft called Fortuity (spelling as heard; the tap was only marked with a stylized “F”), an exciting and delicious creation including merlot grape juice. While it’s a major draw of the local brewery, craft beer isn’t their only offering; Red Clay also touts their take on a traditional English hard cider, which goes by the name of Lake Side Hard Cider, and is making a foray into wine-making. Customers of the taproom can also enjoy a unique pizza from Red Clay’s menu to accompany the incredible craft beers.

Red Clay’s success is apparent, as can be evidenced by the packed-out taproom on a weekend night or the production and growth numbers provided by Kerry and John. Both men keep a humble demeanor about the business’s success but also remain optimistic about the brewery’s future; craft beer is still growing all over the nation and still experiencing a boom in the South.

Everyone from the businessman to the busboy can find and enjoy fine craft beers today, and Red Clay is ready to keep in that market. Raised in the South and brewing some of the best beer in the region, Red Clay shows no signs of stopping or changing up the working structure that pays homage to their humble beginnings.

Beer lovers rejoice, raise your glasses, and stop in at Red Clay. Whether you enjoy the Halftime Hefeweizen, the Big Swamp, the Southern Bumpkin, or one of the many other wonderful brews, Red Clay will be there and keep the taps flowing for anyone looking for some great beer, great food, and great times.

ELEMENTS

KITCHEN

a

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Once you load your food into this over, the HD camera and built-in scale will determine the correct procedure for cooking it. c - ROCCBOX - THE PORTABLE STONE BAKE PIZZA $599.00 www.roccbox.com Roccbox can reach temperatures of 930F/500C and uses an innovative heat-proof insulation system, as well as Cordierite stone floor, to cook Neapolitan-style pizza in just 90 seconds d - MIRACLE - GRO AEROGARDEN BOUNTY ELITE $429.95 www.aerogarden.com Grow fresh kitchen herbs at home with this smart indoor garden. The garden comes with 45 watts of LED lighting to boost the indoor growing process.

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For our Businesses & Nonprofits SERVICES SMALL BUSINESS NONPROFITS FAMILY LAW REAL ESTATE

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RECIPE

SCOTT SIMPSON

PHOTO BY PHILLIP DARDEN

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN RAINBOW TROUT *Serves 2 Ingredients

CHEF SCOTT SIMPSON The Depot As Executive Chef and Co-Owner of The Depot in Auburn, Chef Scott Simpson has over thirty years of culinary experience and is now bringing his globally inspired seafood dishes to the heart of the South. As the first Alabama restaurant to fully qualify for the James Beard Foundation’s Smart Catch program, Chef Simpson and The Depot are committed to serving sustainable seafood fished or farmed through environmentally responsible practices. Bringing The Depot back to life, Chef Simpson is plating up pristine seafood focusing on grilled gulf-coastal cuisine with a worldly flair.

PHOTO BY SARAH VAN HECKE

• 4 x 8oz. boneless, scaled rainbow trout filets • 1 splash of oil • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 1⁄2 cup flour • 8 tbsp. unsalted butter • 1/2 cup roughly chopped pecans • 1 tbsp. finely chopped parsley, for garnish • 1 Charred wedges for serving

Directions 1. Season 2 filets trout lightly with salt and pepper; dredge in flour, shaking off excess.

2. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just starting to smoke, turn down heat and add ½ oil to pan 3. Quickly but carefully place trout filets in pan skin side up. Cook trout fillets starting with skin side up for 1 minute until just golden then flipping once, and cooked through, 3–4 minutes.

Remove from pan and place on a holding plate 4. Repeat with remaining oil and any remaining trout filets. Transfer all filets to serving plates.

5. Quickly add chopped pecans to skillet; cook, until toasted, 1 minute.

6. Add butter cubes cook until bubbly and browned, about 1 more minute.

7. Add chopped parsley to pan, then spoon over Trout filets 8. Serve with charred lemon or lemon wedges

HAWAIIAN AHI TUNA POKE Ingredients

AVOCADO CREMA Ingredients • 2 ea.Avocado ½’s • 1.5 c Sour Cream • 1 each Lemon Juiced • 2t Sea Salt • Pinch Toasted Cumin Ground • 3 Limes juiced • 1.5 b Cilantro • 2T Water to thin

Preperation 1. Thin as needed to Blend 2. Season Up to taste

• 1 cup soy sauce (shoyu) (We use an imported Japanese Smoked Shoyu) • 1 cup chopped green onions (tops included) • 1 cup chopped Maui onion (or yellow onion) • 4 T. sesame oil • 4 T. grated fresh ginger • 4 chili pepper, cored, seeded and diced (optional) • Choose Ahi Tuna or other fresh fish up to 2 lbs to use.

Directions 1. Combine Poke Marinade ingredients into a large glass bowl & refrigerate for at least ½ hour. ( Can be done up to 1 day in advance) 2. Meanwhile Cut Ahi Tuna of other super fresh fish into medium cubes at least 1/2”- set aside & refrigerate while you organize your garnishes.

3. When ready to serve toss Ahi and Marinade together.

4. Serve in chilled bowl, garnish with a drizzle of Avocado Crema rice 5. Sprinkle with Toasted Sesame Seeds & Scallions 6. Optional Garnish include crispy rice noodles and sprinkle furikake over bowl.

• ½ cup crispy rice noodles • ½ tbsp furikake seasoning PHOTO BY MONICA SIMPSON

SCALLOPS WITH GRAPEFRUIT CHILI BUTTER Ingredients • 8 extra large sea scallops (u-10), tendons removed • Sea salt, Ground fennel seed and Fresh Ground pepper blend • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

PAN GRAPEFRUIT BUTTER • 1 cup white wine • 1 cup ruby grapefruit juice • ¼ cup Sweet thai chili glaze • 6 Tblspoons butter

Directions 1. Place scallops on clean paper towel.

2. Place second clean towel on top of scallops and press gently on towel to dry any liquid.

3. Let scallops sit at room temperature for 3 minutes while towels absorb moisture.

4. Remove Cloth, Season scallops on both sides with salt, ground fennel and pepper.

5. Heat 12‑inch nonstick skillet over high heat until just smoking.

6. Add scallops carefully spread out in single layer, flat side down, and cook, without moving, until well browned, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

7. Using tongs, flip scallops then flip onto other side and add butter to skillet.

8. Continue to cook, using large spoon to baste scallops with melted butter (tilt skillet so butter runs to 1 side) until sides of scallops are firm and centers are opaque, 30 to 90 seconds longer (remove smaller scallops as they finish cooking).

9. Transfer scallops to large plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil.

10. Return pan to stove and reheat fully then add white wine let reduce in half, add grapefruit juice and reduce slightly then add chili sauce and lastly whisk in butter. Serve with grapefruit slices as garnish PHOTO BY SARAH VAN HECKE

CHEF’S TIP Ask the fresh fish manager if for large fresh DRY scallops, if you can only get wet scallops, you can soak them quickly in a solution of cold Milk and pinch of salt for 10 minutes before proceeding.

Next Step remove the tendons from the scallops, by peeling away the small, any rough textured crescent-shaped tendon and discard.

PHOTO BY PHILLIP DARDEN

DEPOT GREEN TOMATO COCKTAIL Great for Boiled Shrimp, Crab Claws, and of course Fresh Shucked Oysters Ingredients • 3 T Blended Oil • 4 ea. Green Tomatoes, coarsely chopped • 4 stalks Celery, coarsely chopped • 1 bulb Fennel, coarsely chopped • 1 each Yellow onions, coarsely chopped • 2 Cloves Garlic • 1 small thumb fresh Ginger, peeled and diced • 1 bunch Fresh Basil • 1 ea. Poblano peppers, seeds and stems removed chopped • 1 t Coriander seed • 1 cups Fresh Spinach • 2 T rice vinegar • 3 T Prepared Horseradish • ¼ cup Chopped Cilantro • 3 T Honey • 1 pinch Lemon pepper • To Taste K Salt & White Pepper

Preperation 1. Place first 10 ingredients into a heated medium sauce pot lightly sprayed with a non-stick cooking spray 2. Simmer well until reduced by half about 30 minutes to 1 hour 3. Chill well till cold then blend in the Mixer until very smooth 4. Adding in remaining ingredients

5. Season to taste with salt and any finishing pinches of last 5 ingredients

OYSTERS WITH GINGER MIGNONETTE AND GREEN TOMATO COCKTAIL SAUCE *Make the mignonette at least 4 hours ahead of time, preferably a day or two, which allows for the flavors to blend, and the shallots to mellow.

Ingredients • ½ cup finely minced shallots • ½ cup finely minced Green Apples • 2 T finely minced Fresh Ginger • 2 cup Rice wine vinegar • Pinch salt • 1 T FGBB (fresh ground Black Peppercorns)

Directions 1. Mix all ingredients together 2. Season to taste, (remember Oysters bring the salt)

SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

FEATURE 72 _________________________

MALLORY HAGAN STAND UP, SPEAK OUT, FIGHT BACK

FEATURE MALLORY HAGAN

Stand up, Speak Out,

Fight back MALLORY HAGAN IS THE LIVING EMBODIMENT OF THE PHRASE

“MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE.” IN FACT, SINCE WINNING MISS AMERICA IN 2013, MALLORY HAGAN HAS USED HER PLATFORM AND PLIED HER MULTIPLE TALENTS IN WAYS THAT HAVE CEMENTED A REPUTATION AS A FIERCE ADVOCATE FOR THOSE UNABLE TO SPEAK UP. SINCE LEAVING THE PAGEANT CIRCUIT AFTER HER CROWNING AS MISS AMERICA 2013, SHE HAS WORKED TIRELESSLY TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF COUNTLESS PEOPLE THROUGH CHARITY, ACTIVISM, AND POLITICAL ACTION. SHE SITS DOWN WITH THE TATLER TO TALK ABOUT HERSELF, HER WORK, AND THE PATH THAT LED HER HERE TODAY.

allory Hagan isn’t your typical idea of a pageant contestant. Well, she’s beautiful and charismatic, sporting a winning smile and an outgoing demeanor. However, her vibrant and powerful personality is the undeniable winner of Mallory’s many great qualities. Best known nationally for being Miss America 2013, Mallory has a bevy of local and national achievements since being crowned. More may be aware of her activism and involvement in changing the leadership of the Miss America pageant after a scandal with the pageant’s leadership in recent years. Many locally may recognize her from TV, from her time at WTLZ-TV in Columbus. Others may have seen her on campus, or may have met with Mallory at some point in time around town. Despite her busy schedule, she graciously finds time to meet with us at the Panera Bread for coffee and lunch to discuss her life, her accomplishments, and her plans.

Mallory Hagan was born in Opelika and lived placed first runner-up in Miss New York. She won the there for her entire childhood. She attended Opelika Miss New York City pageant in 2012 and would go on High School, from which she graduated in 2007. Her to finally win Miss New York. The next year, she would mother headed a dance studio in the Auburn-Opelika compete in Miss America and would be crowned as area, and Mallory was involved in teaching and would Miss America 2013. During her time as Miss New eventually take her talent of dance to her future comYork and Miss America, Mallory’s platform was the petitions in the Miss America circuit. Upon graduating prevention and awareness of child sexual abuse. She high school, Mallory attended Auburn University for took up this cause at the behest of her mother, Mandy, one year before packing up and moving to New York and to honor the women in her family that had been City. When asked about that uprooting, Mallory says victims of various forms of abuse in the past. Mallo“I had $1000 and a one-way ticket, I was determined ry continues to champion this cause into the present to make it work.” She lived in the Bedford-Stuyveday. While competing in the Miss America pageant, sant neighborhood of Brooklyn in the beginning and Mallory was also a student of the Fashion Institute of began to run the Miss America circuit as she worked Technology (FIT), from which she would receive her and attended school. As romantic as moving associate’s degree her life from Alabama to New York City may sound, she minces no words about the difficulties of the change in locale. “I remember calling my dad when I was in Times Square, saying I wanted to come home” she recalls with a laugh, “I was crying outside [of my workplace], just bawling in my Planet Hollywood uniform, nametag still on. That was probably my worst moment in New York City, trying to make it.” Thankfully, for Mallory and everyone who believes in her, she persevered. “I think a solid work ethic and good old common sense goes a long way,” Mallory says with a smile. In 2010, she won Miss Brooklyn and placed as first Proud Parents runner-up in Miss New York. In 2011, Mallory with her parents Phil Hagen she won Miss Manhattan and once again and Mandy Moore

Local Supporter

Paying for some very tasty cookies from Auburn’s local Girl Scout troop.

Crowning Achievement The moment Mallory was crowned 2013’s Miss America

in Advertising, Marketing, and Communications. She was able to achieve this due to the scholarship money that she won from competing in the Miss America pageant circuit throughout the years.

During her press tour as Miss America, Mallory made an appearance on Good Morning America, as Miss America is accustomed to do after being crowned in the pageant. After her segment, she was approached by a producer that said that she should be on TV. She recounts “He said, ‘There’s no reason you shouldn’t be on TV.’” Taking this to heart, Mallory would find her way into reporting at WTLZ-TV in Columbus after moving back to the Auburn-Opelika area, where she regularly appears on news broadcasts.

Mallory returned to the Auburn-Opelika area after moving between New York City, and Los Angeles, California, while pursuing her career in TV and completing her degree. She says she has found the return invigorating, allowing her to reconnect to her

hometown after so long away. She also mentions that she is impressed with the growth of both Auburn and Opelika as cities. She’s also begun to work in the area and use her platforms and fame in attempts to improve Lee County and the district as a whole for the entire population. Some of her favorite places in the area are the Auburn University campus and 8th and Rail in Opelika. “I go for runs on campus sometimes, no music, no nothing extra. I guess that is weird for someone my age, but I enjoy just taking in my surroundings and being there in what I’m doing at the time” she says.

“8th and Rail was also convenient when I was working in Columbus. I’d sometimes start traveling [for work] at 1 pm (Central Time) and get back as late as 11 pm on some nights. I’d pop into 8th and Rail and have a sushi roll and a drink and head home.” In addition to enjoying her favorite places of her hometown, Mallory is also engaged with many local events and philanthropists.

Outside of work at home, Mallory Hagan has also succeeded in using her exposure and title as Miss America 2013 to affect positive change. She lobbied the United States Congress on multiple occasions, most notably in favor of Erin’s Law, named after child sexual abuse survivor Erin Merryn. Erin’s Law is intended to mandate the implementation of age-appropriate curricula in public schools regarding child sexual abuse, as well as informing children and adults of warning signs of abuse. The program intends to provide a safe way of informing adults when abuse occurs and is noticed. Mallory has spoken countless times to

NEVER

YOU HAVE TO APOLOGIZE FOR STANDING UP

FOR YOURSELF

Making A Splash

Mallory showing her interest in future generations as she plays fountain side with some children in the downtown Opelika square.

many audiences about the ripple effects of sexual abuse, especially on young girls and women, to empower young girls into defying the behaviors that allow abusers to succeed. Mallory expands on this idea with “Abusers follow a pattern and choose victims based on certain criteria.

They engender a certain attitude of submission from the victim and make them feel as if there’s no way out.” This isn’t just about Erin’s Law either; Mallory notes that these patterns and behaviors should be sought by everyone, and we should teach children important lessons early in life to prevent them becoming victims. “We should be teaching our children early about boundaries; they know what they want and don’t want, and should be able to say ‘no’ if they so choose without fear of shame or judgement.” The interviewer presents an example of an older relative [innocuously, but forcefully] demanding a hug from a child, and the child refusing.

Mallory provides “the child has the right to say ‘no,’ with no fear of consequences, and no pushing [to acquiesce to the demand]. We usually default to

All Ears

Mallory having a conversation with a Local business owner.

‘just do it’ because it’s respecting authority, but there’s a difference between respecting authority and doing something just because you’re told to do it.” By teaching children agency of their own choices, Mallory and others advocating in her position hope to teach young people skills that will help them to avoid abusive situations before they become inescapable.

Mallory Hagan’s ability to affect change doesn’t stop there; she was also instrumental in unseating the head of the Miss America pageant after a scandal involving communications between him and others within the Miss America organization. During the year that Mallory was the reigning Miss America and beyond, Sam Haskell [CEO of the Miss America organization] sent emails to others within the conglomeration disparaging former Miss Americas with misogynistic slurs and comments about former contestant’s weights and personal lives. Haskell seemed to have a particular disdain for Mallory, and the emails about her were vile and slanderous, making comments about her weight and baseless allegations about her

Television Personality Mallory Co-Anchoring the WTLZ-TV evening news with Don Hammond

personal life. Mallory kept her gracious demeanor throughout the ordeal, and despite being targeted by vitriol from the heads of the organization, fought to have the misogynistic heads replaced with those who had the competing women’s best interests at heart. She successfully led the charge to change the structure of the organization; those embroiled in the scandal were fired or resigned. Former Miss Americas now head the pageant organization, the most prominent of whom is Gretchen Carlson, Fox News anchor and Miss America 1989.

When talking about standing up for others, Mallory recalls a story from her childhood that shaped her attitude. “I was young, maybe second grade, and this kid, a boy, hit me with a football. And I couldn’t handle it, I just whooped up on him” she laughs, “and it turned into a knockdown, drag-out fight. But I won. And I was scared because I knew my mom was NOT going to be happy. She was going to tan my hide. But I got home, and she wasn’t mad. When I asked her about it, she said ‘You never have to apologize for standing up for yourself.’ Of course, we talked about how physical violence and fighting wasn’t always the best way to go about resolving these things, but I learned that I should never be sorry for standing up, speaking out, or fighting back. Life’s too short to let people walk over you, or to let them walk over others. That’s why I do what I do.”

It’s clear that she never forgot that lesson, as she continues to fight for herself and others, and seems poised

to do so in the future.

Mallory is continuing her career by branching into politics; she intends to make a foray into a run for office, representing the Auburn-Opelika area on the national stage. She hopes to continue her streak of standing up for others and speaking truth to power by representing her home state in Washington DC. She has begun gearing up for the upcoming election season, and the effect has been an increase in her already busy schedule. “I was doing a lot of traveling as Miss America, somewhere like 20,000 miles per month.

I still travel, but campaigning is a different beast altogether. I’m lucky to have this [open block to conduct an interview]” she says with a laugh.

Mallory’s vivid, firecracker personality is undeniably at the top of her many excellent qualities. Funny, charismatic, talented and beautiful, she seems to have a bright future ahead of her. At 29, it’s unlikely that she’s seen the height of her career and accomplishments. Whether it’s running for office or fighting for the voiceless, Mallory Hagan seems to have everything going for her with more on the horizon. We here at Southern Tatler wish her luck in future endeavors and will be cheering her on as she continues standing up, speaking out, and fighting back.

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TRAVEL POKHARA N E PA L

Pokhara Melting Pot of Culture, History, and Adventure

Nestled within a valley that shares its name, Pokhara is built on the shores of the Phewa Lake in Nepal. Resting some distance to the west of the capital of Kathmandu, Pokhara is Nepal’s second most populous city. While it is the most expensive city in which to live in Nepal, Pohkara thrives on tourism. The county’s best-kept secret is one that invites travelers of all stripes to enjoy everything it has to offer. Whether it be the delicious local food, the rich history, the cultural heritage, or the challenge of a mountain trek, Pokhara has something that invites the adventurer in everyone.

hances are that if you’ve heard of the country of Nepal, you can’t name a city other than its capital, Kathmandu. The country may recall images of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism born in the country. You may imagine Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, which lies within the country’s borders. You may even know of its long and well-documented history, recorded since the Neolithic Age (10000 B.C.-2500 B.C.). But the most well-traveled and true searchers of delights know of Nepal’s real treasure, and one that shouldn’t stay a secret; the sprawling and vivacious metropolis of Pokhara.

Pokhara (formally known as Pokhara Lekhnath) is built within northwestern corner of the Pokhara Valley in the midland regions of the Himalayan mountain range.

Many lakes and tributaries flank the city, the greatest of which is the Phewa Lake to the south of the city. Sprawling over almost 289 square miles, Pokhara is the largest city by area in all of Nepal. It lies roughly 120 miles to the west of Kathmandu, the nation’s capital and most well-known city.

Within the Pokhara Valley, the elevation into the mountains can rise sharply, leaving the altitude ranging anywhere between 2700 and 5100 feet above sea level within the city itself. Within 20 miles of Pokhara, the elevation can rise as high as 24000 feet as the mountains begin to climb.

Nepal has a long-recorded history as a country, and Pokhara and the surrounding regions are no different. Once an important stop on a trading route between India and China, the city’s proximity to both countries have lent it a rich history, as well as a multinational and ethnically diverse culture and populace. In the 1800s, it was ruled by one of the 24 kingdoms of Nepal, the Kaski Kingdom; by that point in history, the trading route had expanded to be an important point in trading between India and Tibet, as well as internal national trade within Tibet. Many of this period’s medieval ruins can still be seen dotting the foothills surrounding Pokhara today.

Because of so much international trade and cultural exchange, Pokhara possesses large populations of Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus. These diverse cultures and backgrounds have meshed together over the centuries to give a distinctly cosmopolitan feel to the mountainous metropolis.

Before the late 1960s, Pokhara was only accessible by foot. Due to this, Pokhara was attributed a higher mysticism than Kathmandu which was seen as a spiritual mecca for those seeking enlightenment. The first road, the Siddhartha highway, was completed in 1969 and Pokhara’s tourism has boomed since that time. In the years since the construction of the highway, Pokhara has become the de facto tourism capital of Nepal. It lives up to the title admirably; the city offers a wealth of adventure for those looking to indulge in the exploration of fascinating historical sites, new cuisines, and thrilling experiences in the mountains.

THE MOST MOUNTAINOUS PART OF NEPAL IN THE NORTH CONTAINS EIGHT OF THE EARTH’S TEN TALLEST MOUNTAINS, INCLUDING ITS MOST FAMOUS, MOUNT EVEREST. MOUNT EVEREST STANDS ABOVE ALL OTHERS AT 8,848 METERS (5.5 MILES) ABOVE SEA LEVEL. IT IS CALLED SAGARMATHA (“FOREHEAD OF THE SKY”)

BY THE SHERPAS.

Nepal is famed for its long and well-documented history, longer than almost any other still-existing nation. However, to read this long and rich history is one thing; it’s another thing entirely to experience the tapestry of the region in person. Pokhara boasts a treasure trove of historic sites running the gamut from the history of its earliest inhabitants, to the medieval dynastic period of the 24 Kingdoms, to its time as a cultural melting pot and beyond. First up is the Pokhara Regional Museum, an attraction that will take travelers back in time, back to the earliest days of the settling of the Pokhara Valley. The tours offered at the museum will provide tourists with a look into the shamanistic belief system of the first inhabitants of the valley. After a look into what the average day of a first Pokhara settler looks like, travelers are invited to view unearthed artifacts and structures from the period; these are some of the oldest cultural items excavated in all of Asia.

Next up for the history buff is a look into the medieval ruins among the foothills of the city; these ruins are those of battlements, fortifications, houses, and other shelters. The structures were raised at the time of the 24 Kingdoms of Nepal when the Shah Dynasty ruled

Pokhara and the surrounding regions. At this time, Pohkara had already risen to prominence as a major point on the trade route between India and China, and as such was coveted by many of the 24 Kingdoms for its mercantile advantages. Frequent skirmishes erupted for control of the areas surrounding Pokhara, and as such fortifications were needed to prevent surprise attacks from would-be usurpers of the land. The ruins of these impressive structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the politics of medieval Pokhara and Nepal at large, before the 24 Kingdoms were merged into the singular Kingdom of Nepal in 1768. Guided tours are given of the ruins by knowledgeable local guides that provide information to visitors as they visit each site.

Pokhara boasts a vast array of religious beliefs.

Due to its time as a trading route, travelers of various religions proselytized and made their homes in the city.

Nepal’s largest religion is Hinduism, with 82% of the country practicing. However, Pokhara’s demographics are a bit different. Islam and Buddhism (primarily Tibetan Buddhism) represent a higher percentage of the population in Pokhara than any other city in Nepal.

Since the many religions in the city have existed to-

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gether for years, Pokhara has many religious temples, monasteries, and holy sites scattered throughout its area. The most prominent of these temples is the Tal Barahi Temple, a Hindu structure. The temple is built in the middle of an island on Lake Phewa, the largest of the Pokhara Valley’s many bodies of water. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga (or Barahi), the protector of the gods. The temple is used for worship

by both Hindus and Buddhists. It dates to the days of Pokhara’s rule by the Shah dynasty and was erected in the Asian pagoda style of architecture. The journey to the vibrant and colorful holy temple is a quick boat ride from Pokhara to the island over Lake Phewa, and local religious leaders give guided tours. Another popular attraction is the Peace Temple, known in Sanskrit as the Shanti Stupa. It was built by a Buddhist monk on the

Delicious Dish!

traditional Tibetan dumpling momo served with red chatni and raw green beans

Lhamo Dondrub India’s 14th Dalai Lama.

Ananda Hill in Pokhara as a symbol of peace. One of two peace pagodas in Nepal and eighty in the world, the bright white dome pagoda provides a panoramic view of the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara city, and Lake Phewa.

Architecture isn’t the only area in which Pokhara’s cultural diversity shines. As with any diverse city, Pokhara’s food culture is second to none on the Asian continent. From its days as a trade stop to its opening to the world at large, Pokhara’s cuisine has grown and evolved out of every culture that has passed through the area. Everything from gourmet dining in a candlelit restaurant to pop-up restaurants serving street food favorites can be found within Pokhara’s urban sprawl.

Traditional Nepali cuisine can be enjoyed in a modern setting in The Harbor Restaurant, situated on the banks of Lake Phewa. Delicious Nepali staples such as pulao (rice and veggies fried with savory curry seasonings), gorkhali lamb, and roti (unleavened bread) can be enjoyed while overlooking the clear blue waters of the lake. Pokhara also boasts Indian and Chinese restaurants, kept authentic by the city’s proximity to the countries and its residents that originated in those nations.

Restaurants such as Marwadi and Lanhua provide a real foodie with everything from street food to gourmet offerings. The spicy food lover will feel at home in one of the city’s many fusion restaurants, such as Doko’s Fusion in the harbor district. The sleek restaurant effortlessly blends the ingredients of Nepali, Chinese, and

Indian food into a deluge of spicy, savory flavor that will satisfy the adventurous epicurean. In the time since the city’s opening to outsiders, other cuisines have also risen to prominence within the city. Japanese restaurant Aozara provides Japanese favorites with a spiced Nepali twist.

Items on the menu include takoyaki, a Japanese street food favorite made with a Pokhara-style dal bhat rice dough, to curry-spiced sushis made with fresh catches from surrounding Pokhara Valley waterways. Hankook Sarang provides Korean favorites such as kimchi and meat bolgogis curried in Nepali-staple yoghurt or seasoned with turmeric and fennel, providing a one-of-akind local experience. The pad thai and tom yum of the neon-lit Monsoon Restaurant are second to none for Thai restaurant food in Pokhara. Rolling carts patrol the

THE PEOPLE OF NEPAL GREET EACH OTHER WITH THEIR PALMS PLACED TOGETHER. THEY BOW THEIR FOREHEADS AND SAY “NAMASTE” AS IS DONE IN NEIGHBORING INDIA. THIS LITERALLY MEANS, “I SALUTE THE GOD IN YOU.”

Greetings!

yogi giving traditional greeting in Kathmandu the temple.

city, serving up street fare such as hot and spicy black pepper buns, cooked in stone ovens and stuffed with juicy pork. Other carts serve hearty Japanese ramen or Chinese mapo tofu. Pokhara’s collective is palate is so diverse that one can even find an Irish pub or Italian restaurant dotting the city’s landscape, beckoning tourists to try the astounding twists that the chefs add to the ethnic dishes.

After a hefty meal, you’ll want to work off those pounds with some of the outdoor activities and sites around Pokhara city. On the shores of Lake Phewa, outdoor adventurers can enjoy traditional lake activities such as fishing, rowing, and swimming. There is also a hiking trail around the perimeter of the lake, providing a breathtaking view of the clear-blue waters and natural formations. As far as natural formations go, under Pohkara is a system of intricate caves, carved out by the many waterways cutting through the city’s porous rock foundation. Chief among them for spelunkers is the Mahendra Cave, situated under the city and touting spectacular natural limestone formations. At the mouth

of the tributary leading into Phewa Lake is the large waterfall known as Davis Falls, which pours into the mouth of a cave only to resurface some 500 meters away out of the cave system. Hikers are advised against getting too close, as it is rumored that Davis Falls is named after a traveler that fell into the cave mouth after becoming too curious. However, the site is wondrous to behold and should suffice to awe from a reasonably safe distance.

The even more expeditious adventurer can find one of Nepal’s greatest draws in spades within the city of Pokhara: mountain climbing. The most famous mountain range in the Pokhara Valley is the Annapurna range. Within Nepal’s borders lie eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains; three of those mountains are in the Annapurna range and just a short trek from Pokhara proper. Pokhara

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History’s Peak

international mountain museum in Pakhara

Yum! Yum!

is the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit, a trek of somewhere between 100 and 150 miles, depending on the mode of transportation used. The mountains rise sharply from the Pokhara Valley, necessitating foot travel in some areas and providing travelers with the most exciting hike of their lives. Cycling trails are also cut through the mountains, providing another avenue for sporting travel. Rivers and rapids also cut through the mountains, giving a chance for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. Though the journey can be difficult, the Annapurna Circuit is a rewarding trek to complete, with beautiful vistas and lovely untouched campgrounds dotting the landscape. For those who would rather enjoy the mountains from a safe distance, the Annapurna and International Mountain Museums are an alternative. These museums provide photographic stories of climber’s achievements

delicious fried samosas on a steel plate.

throughout history, as well as insight into the cultures that pioneered mountain climbing techniques in the region. After a trip through these exhibits, travelers may feel as though they have completed the Annapurna Circuits or even braved Mount Everest itself.

Overall, Pokhara is the shining jewel in a beautiful and diverse region of Nepal. A long history coupled with the meshing of cultures and religions has made the metropolis a cosmopolitan place that beckons all adventurous travelers to see what’s in store. Whether you want to experience the mysticism of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, sample some world-famous gorkhali lamb, or climb a mountain, Pokhara has something for you to enjoy. If you’re planning a vacation or just passing through the country, Pokhara is a city that can’t be missed. The experiences and adventures you’ll undertake in this wondrous city will last a lifetime, and after you leave Pokhara, you’ll be dreaming of the day that you travel there again.

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Winter 2018 Menu Delight your taste buds with one of our specially prepared dishes from our exclusive Winter 2018 menu.

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