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Andalusia Star News South Alabama Living magazine
Citation preview
FALL 2011
MENUS AND TIPS FOR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING
peek inside this
HUGHESMANSION
gigi’s tutu is
DREAM COMETRUE
this place is
JUST FOLK
syrup making is
SOUTHERNTRADITION
new standards for a
TRADITIONALWEDDING
UnexpectedBeauty & Flair
Already Andalusians have enjoyedthe use of Springdale for a variety
of special events.
Consider Springdale for yourholiday events.
Not what you’d expect from a small town, is it?
Expect the Unexpected.
City of Andalusiawww.cityofandalusia.com
south alabama living 3
IT CAN TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
SymptomsMany people delay seeing a doctor because the symptoms of COPD are often confused with normal signs of aging. Common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath
Coughing (with or without mucus)
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is more common than you think, especially among current and former smokers – even those who haven’t smoked in years.
COPD is a serious lung disease that develops slowly and worsens over time. Ultimately,
until you feel like you are inhaling and exhaling through a small straw.
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4 south alabama living
contents fall 2011
EDITORIALMichele Gerlach
Editor
Stephanie Nelson
Bob Brooks
Tom Gerlach
ADVERTISINGRuck Ashworth
Marketing director
Jill PrevettMarketing consultant
Jason KillingsworthMarketing consultant
PRODUCTIONErin Johnson
Graphic Designer
South Alabama Living is published fourtimes per year by Andalusia
Newspapers, Inc.PO Box 430
Andalusia, AL 36420www.andalusiastarnews.com
(334) 222-2402
Advertising rates and information available uponrequest. Subscriptions are $16 annually. Pleasemake checks payable to Andalusia Newspapers,
Inc., PO Box 430, Andalusia, AL 36420
just folk, Page 25hughes mansnion, Page 21
old-fashionedsyrup makingPage 29
traditional vowsPage 17
make-ahead menuPage 31
"You know what? I can feel the happiness inmy heart at Christmas! Everything feels perfect!"
So said young Christopher on a recent cold,wintry night.
From the vantage-point of adult-hood, we know that perfectionescapes us even during the holidays,but we seem to work harder for itthis time of the year.
But from the majestic autumndays, like those when Dan Marlerknows it’s time to make syrup, to themyriad of gatherings that call for well-thought-out meals, like the recipes inthe his edition, it is a magical time of
the year.Countless hours of work go into dressing up city side-
walks, planning events like caroling, tree lighting, con-certs, and the hanging of the greens. It was practicallystill summer when the Andalusia Ballet began castingMessiah.
Whichever of these events calls to you and completesyour season, here’s wishing you “happiness in yourheart” during the Christmas season and throughout thenew year.
Welcome
Ask about our small business loans.
www. b a n k c c b . c o m225 E. Three Notch St.
Andalusia(334) 222-2561
609 Florala HwyOpp
(334) 493-2259
1290 North Ferdon Blvd.Crestview
(850) 682-0484
Loans subject to credit approval.
south alabama living 7
Christopher’sDiamonds &
Fine Jewelry, Inc.
156 Covington Mall Andalusia, AL
(334) 222-4925
Opp VeterinaryHospital
Faith B. Drumheller, D.V.M&
Wesley Pattison, D.V.M.
Home of Opp Paws & Claws, Inc. A non-profit 501(c)(3) no kill opppawsandclaws@gmail.com •
www.petfinder.com/shelters/al276.htmlDonations are great appreciated &
desperately needed.All donations are 100% tax deductible.
Call 334-341-4577 for Adoptions.
• Small Animal, Birds, & Exotic• Medicine & Surgery
• We provide state of the artUltrasound, Laser Pain
Management, Radiography,Bloodwork
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www.oppvet.com207 Highway 52 East• Opp
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CLOTHING • JEWELRY • GIFTS •222.2820 • oasisandalusia.com
regional events
12/01 - Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyAndalusia Tourism and RelocationCommittee will host the Christmas TreeLighting Ceremony on Thurs., Dec. 1, on thesquare. Caroling begins at 6 p.m.; lightingceremony at 7 p.m.
12/01 - Wild Game Cook-offThis fundraiser for the Alabama WildlifeFederation is set for 5:30 p.m. until 8:30p.m. at the Covington Center Arena.Admission is $40 per couple. Info:334.222.3123.
12/02 - Opp Christmas ParadeThe Opp Area Chamber of Commerce pre-sents its annual Christmas parade, at 7 p.m.
12/02 - Andalusia Christmas ParadeThe Andalusia Area Chamber of Commercepresents “Rockin’ Around the ChristmasTree,” its annual Christmas parade, at 7 p.m.
12/03 - 12/04 Springdale Open HouseThe City of Andalusia will host Open Houseat Springdale from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
12/05 - Photos with Santa at SpringdaleThe City of Andalusia will host Open Houseand Photos with Santa at Springdale from 1p.m. to 3 p.m.
12/09 -- 12/11 - MessiahAndalusia Ballet is proud to present Messiahfor this year's holiday performance. Fri., Dec.9, 7:30 p.m. - premier performance; Sat.,Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Dec. 11, 2:30p.m.
Through Dec. 31 – Larry Jordan PhotographyThe LAAC presents the fine art photographyof Larry Jordan. Show and sale runs throughDec. 31 at LAAC, 116 E. Three Notch St.
01/12 - Coffee County Arts Alliance presentsThe Association in ConcertThe CCAA presents one of the 1960s’ mostsuccessful bands with hits like “Never MyLove, “Cherish,” and “Along Comes Mary.”Elba High School.www.CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com
01/29 - CAC presents “The Queens ofBingo”The Covington Arts Council continues its2011-12 season with the comedy “TheQueens of Bingo” in the Dixon Center atLWBCC, Andalusia. Tickets are $15 inadvance; $18 at the door.
03/24 - CAC presents Legends of MotownThe Covington Arts Council continues its2011-12 season with a musical performanceby the Legends of Motown, Dixon Center,LBWCC. Tickets are $15 in advance; $18 atthe door.
Through 12/24 –A ChristmasMemory TThe AlabamaShakespeare Theatre presentsthis new musical adaptation ofTruman Capote’s short story.Ticket information, www.asf.net.
Dec. 5, 12, & 19 - Governor’sMansion Candlelight OpenHouseGov. and Mrs. Robert Bentley willopen the Governor’s Mansion forcandlelight tours from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. The 1907 ColonialRevival mansion located at 1142South Perry S.t in Montgomerywill be aglow with lights andfilled with the spirit of the sea-son.
Through Jan 2 -- Kangaroo Kraze
The Mobile Exploreum is hostinga “hopping” exhibit about lifedown under. This journeyincludes live kangaroos, walla-roos, wallabies, baby joes andmore. www.exploreum.com
01/01 – Hank Williams 59thMemorial CelebrationCommemoration of the 59thanniversary of Hank Williams’death with a wreath-laying cere-mony followed by live music. 10a.m. until 2 p.m., Montgomery’sOakwood Cemetery Annex.Admission charged.www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.com.
01.21 - 02/21 --Mardi Gras inMobile
Mobile is recognized as celebrat-ing the first-known AmericanMardi Gras celebration in 1703.The celebration lasts for morethan two and a half weeks andculinates on Fat Tuesday, the daybefore Lent. www.mobilebay.org.
01/26 - 01/29 FloridaChautauqua Assembly 2012The theme for this year’sDeFuniak Springs event is “AJourney into the AmericanPresidency” with PresdientThomas Jefferson, portrayed byBill Barker of ColonialWilliamsburg, as keynote speaker.www.florida-chautauqua-cen-ter.org
01/27 - 01/28 Pike Piddlers
Storytelling FestivalThe Brundidge Historical Societybrings four of the top master sto-rytellers in the country to PikeCounty. This year's tellers areDonald Davis, Bil Lepp, SusieWhaples, and more. The festivalbegins on Friday night with sup-per and stories at the We PiddleAround Theater and continueswith three concerts at the TrojanCenter Theater at Troy Universityon Saturday. Jan. 27, 6:30 & Jan.28, 10 a.m., 2 & 6:30 p.m.www.piddle.org
02/12 – B.B. KingLegendary blues musician B.B.King will perform at theMontgomery Performing ArtsCentre.
what to do8 south alabama living
The Andalusia Ballet will presentHandel’s “Messiah” for this year’sDecember performance.
The production is a tremendous under-taking, bringing together an orchestra, acommunity chorus and dancers from theballet performing selections from“Messiah.”
Murphy said she has wanted to do thisballet again for several years.
“I am thrilled and excited that we aregoing to be able to present this magnifi-cent production for this special season,”she said.
Former Andalusian Becky Taylor, direc-tor of the Montgomery Chorale, is coordi-nating the community chorus andorchestra. Taylor also is the director ofmusic ministries, organist and choirmasterat Montgomery’s Church of theAscension.
Amelie Hunter, who choreographedthe ballet several years ago, spent arecent weekend in Andalusia workingwith dancers.
Hunter is a Louisiana native who beganher dance training with the Baton RougeBallet Theatre. Her interest in worlddance led to her performing with LaMeri’s Ethnic Dance Arts Co. and in con-certs in England, Indonesia and theUnited States, and to her dance studiesin Java and Bali. She is a free-lancechoreographer who has set ballets oncompanies across the country, with six of
her works placed on the NationalChoreography Plan for Regional DanceAmerica.
The performance also features guestdancers Jared Jacoby and Patrick Willison.
The Andalusia Ballet last presented“Messiah” in December of 2006.
This year’s performances are set for7:30 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 9, and Sat., Dec.10, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 11.
south alabama living 9
news + notes
Andalusia Ballet’s seniors, Cameron Morgan, Mary Ashton McMillan and Ander Helms, haveleading roles in Messiah. Photo courtesy of the Andalusia Ballet
Andalusia Ballet to stage ‘Messiah’ in December
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south alabama living 11
south alabama scene
2 3 4
The LBWCC Foundation hosted an apprecia-tion dinner at Springdale in the early fall. 1)Guests enoyed drinks and hors d'oeuvres inthe courtyard. 2) Wynne and Shannon Glenn.Wachovia Bank sponsored the dinner. 3)Sal.Lee Sasser-Williams and Dr. Jim Krudop. 4)Louisa and Cary Baker. 5) Mark Murphy,Stallion Sasser, Sal.Lee Sasser-Williams,Meryane Murphy and Renee LeMaire.
The meal was catered by Destin’s CuveeBisto and Great Events Center.
LBWCCFOUNDATION
DINNER
1
5
12 south alabama living
south alabama scene
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* Optional. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use mobile phones/MyFord Touch/other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Certain commands abbreviated. See owner’s guide for complete commands. **Standard text messaging and data rates apply.
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south alabama living 13
south alabama scene
The Andalusia Ballet’s annual openingnight auction featured a Caberet themethis year. Clockwise from far left: 1)Sydney Brunson and Fran Davidson. 2)Shanda Beste, Katie O’Neal and ChristyHutcheson. 3) Kassidy Mears, SydneyWard, Lindsey Stephens, Catherine Weed,
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Olivia Amerson, AudreyDanford. 4) Zebbie andRichard Nix presentAndalusia Ballet Boardpresident Kathy McMillanwith a check. It was, after-all, a fundraiser. 5) Mezzosoprano Lyndsey JohnsonHand performed selec-tions from the Broadwaymusical ‘Caberet.’ 6)Danna Smith, Mike andKathy Jones, SylviaJohnson and Jim Smith.
ANDALUSIA REGIONAL HOSPITAL
WelcomesKevin Diel, MD and Brenda Smith, CRNP
To the Practice of General Medicine
Dr. Diel obtained his MD at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois. He completed his internship at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Illinois. He served in the United States Army
and is a veteran of the Gulf War.
Brenda obtained her BSN, MSN and CRNP from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. Brenda has 20 years of hospital experience and has worked as a CRNP in Family Practice for 7 years.
Diel and Smith are currently on staff at the Andalusia Regional Hospital.
Andalusia Medical CenterKevin R. Diel, MD
Brenda F. Smith, CRNP301 Medical Avenue, Suite A
(334) 427-2621Hours Monday – Thursday • 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, Medicaid or Private/Self Pay. Walk-ins Welcome.
south alabama living 15
south alabama scene
Art Off the Wall is the annu-al fundraiser for the LowerAlabam Arts Center (LAAC)and the Covington ArtsCouncil. (1) Amy Dugger,Bob Carter, John Dugger.(2) Hannah and WaltMerrell (3) Angie Miller andTara Dalton. (4) ShandaBeste and Andy Uhquhart.;(5)Starr and Ken Odom.
ART OFFTHE WALL
1
3
54
2
16 south alabama living
The Opp Cultural Arts Center held areception unveiling its juried arts showheld inconjunctionwith OppFest inOctober. (1) Toby Hollinghead visits
with Wesley Laird; (2) Virginia Dowlingpoints out the intricacies of a painting;(3) Gourd artist Terri Camp.
photos by kendra bolling
OCAC RECEPTION
south alabama scene
3
2
1
south alabama living 17
The wedding party included Rachael Taylor, Boris her guide dog, Linda Rawls, David Robertson, Rabbi Robert Couch, Aurelia ScherfRobertson, Authur Foley III, Lisa Law.
If weddings are about traditions, Aurelia Sherf Robertson andDavid Robertson might have set a new gold standard with theirafternoon wedding on Oct. 31, 2011, on the grounds of
Springdale.Mrs. Robertson is the granddaughter of the John G. and Ruth
Scherf, who built the historic home in the 1930s. She and her hus-band chose to weave their shared Scottish and Irish histories into theirmarriage ceremony.
“David and I both have Scottish and Irish Heritage,” Mrs.Robertson said. “My grandmother Ruth Scherf's maiden name wasGibson.
“David's heritage was from the Donnachaidh Clan, StruanScotland,” she said. “David came up with the idea to have some tradi-tional Celtic elements to our ceremony, such as costumes, hand fas-tening and stepping over the broom.
“I researched the ceremonies and made our clothes for the wed-
new standards for
a traditionalwedding
story and photos by michele gerlach
See WEDDING page 17
18 south alabama living
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ding,” she said. “I had a lot of traditional experience from participat-ing and selling pottery for many years at Renaissance fairs in north-ern and southern California.”
A close personal friend of the groom’s, Messianic (Christian)Rabbi Robert Couch performed the cer-emony.
“We planned our ceremony aroundthe 31st of October because it is anancient Celtic, Druid and Christian hol-iday,” Mrs. Robertson said. “Weincluded some of each of these ele-
ments in our ceremony.”As part of the ceremony, the rabbi talked about second marriages,
and counseled both the bride and groom to respect each other’s past.The past made each the person he and she is now, he said.
“Love is a gift; a joyful consequence of nothing you can control,”the rabbi said.
Mrs. Robertson, who was joined at her wedding by three of hersisters, said she and her siblings were very close to their grandmoth-er. She has fond memories of having lunch with her grandmother atSpringdale as an elementary school student; of Easter egg hunts andChristmases that were very special times.
“Springdale was a second home to me,” she aid.That made having her wedding at Springdale more special.“I have many fond memories of not only the beautiful mansion
but also playing on the grounds as a child,” she said. “My grand-mother was very special not only to me but my sisters as well.” ■
WEDDING from page 17
south alabama living 19
Gigi’s Tutu offers specialty coffees, snacks, dance supplies and boutique gifts. It is located in the new Church Street Cultural ArtsCentre. Below, the “tutu” marking the entrance to Gigi’s changes with the seasons.
gigi’s tutu is part of
a dream come true
W hen the Andalusia Ballet movedto the Church Street Cultural ArtsCenter this year, it expanded its
offerings, hoping to have something for every-one.
In addition to classical ballet and moderndance, there are tap classes, yoga classes, pilates,zumba and voice lessons.
And there is coffee, mac and cheese and freshfruit, among other things, in Gigi’s Boutique.
For almost a decade, Ellen Foreman andMeryane Martin Murphy talked about how won-derful it would be to have a place in the ballet’shome where parents could relax and have coffeewhile waiting for their children, and where stu-
dents could take a break between classes.When architects created the new cultural arts
design for the former elementary school, they setaside an appropriate space and Gigi’s was born.
Working near the ballet isn’t new to Foreman,whose Design Studio Boutique was located onHistoric Central when the ballet was. Foremanstarted her wholesale design business, SimplySilk, in her basement and grew it to 23 employ-ees, eventually opening retail stores inAndalusia, Brewton and Tuscaloosa. Whenbreast cancer slowed her down at age 42, shetook the business in a different direction, eventu-ally sold it, and moved to Birmingham whereshe opted for a slower pace. Later, she became a
story and photos by michele gerlach
See GIGI’s page20
20 south alabama living
Fall in love...
...with our flooring526 E. Three Notch St. • Andalusia, AL
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real estate project managerdesigning interiors andrenovating apartments allover the Gulf Coast. Whenreal estate marketschanged, she found herselfback in Andalusia, and thetiming was perfect.
“This is the perfect thingfor me now,” she said.
Gigi’s offers custom coffees by thepound, and in single-serve, healthy snacksfor dancers, emergency dance items liketights and leotards, and gift items galore.The boutique is ready for Christmas withlots of ballet-themed gift items.
“This place helps build a good attitudeabout being here,” Foreman said. “Thestudents are working hard. It’s nice thatthey can take a break, watch TV, do home-work, and enjoy camaraderie with theirpeers. It’s also a great spot for parents, shesaid.
“We have several moms who are teach-ers who sit here grading papers ,” she said.“It’s just the way we dreamed it to be.”
There are limited kitchen facilities, so
everything sold is prepack-aged. Among the most popu-lar items is single-serve maca-roni and cheese which can beheated in the boutique’smicrowave. But true to hernature, Foreman is working tokeep Gigi’s fresh.
“We keep a selection offruit, yogurts and water,” she
said. “I did baked apples in November andwe’ll do frozen hot chocolate in January.”
To make access easier, parents may pre-pay accounts, and students are issued lug-gage tag identification cards so there’s noneed to carry cash.
“The dancers might forget their shoes,but they don’t forget their Gigi’s cards,”Murphy said. “Everybody has one.”
The boutique is open on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:30 until6:30, and on Tuesdays and Thursdaysfrom 3:30 until 6:30. On Saturdaysthrough the performance of Messiah,Gigi’s is open from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“We welcome visitors,” Formean said.“The facility is designed so that you canwalk through and view classes.” ■
Andalusia Ballet student Hannah Sellerschooses her favorite snack at Gigi’s.
GIGI’s from page19
south alabama living 21
The stately Victorian Florala home
known as the Hughes Mansion will
soon be home to a father and daughters
again – just as it was when built in the early
1900s. But not before the public gets a sneak
peek.
James Thomas Hughes was a son of James
Edwin Hughes, one of the first settlers to make
his home in what is now the corporate limits
of Florala. Tom Hughes was the principal
stockholder in the Florala Saw Mill Co., which
was established in 1903. He also was president
of Florala’s First National Bank.
The house was designed and built for him,
his wife and five daughters.
From his sawmill, Mr. Hughes provided
burl pine, which is found in the parlors, dining
room and hall on the first floor. Other features
of the house include tall ceilings, pine floors,
stained, beveled and leaded glass and marble-
faced mantels.
Massachusetts architect Chris DiMattei said
the home is a spot-on match for a design of
George F. Barber’s in his “Modern Dwellings,
A book of Practical Designs and Plans For
Those Who Wish to Build or Beautify Their
Homes,” published in 1905. Described in the
book as a “modest Southern home” that would
cost less than $10,000 to build, the home fea-
Perfect VictorianAfter 3
generations,The Hughes
Mansionwill leave
family
story by michele gerlach; photos courtesy of gary jones, precision image photography
See MANSION, page 22
tures two-and-a-half floors. The first floor –
where the ceilings are 11 feet, 8 inches - has a
vestibule, music room, two parlors, dining room,
butler room, kitchen, bath, enclosed porch, and a
library. The second floor – which has 10.5-foot
ceilings – includes five bedrooms and two bath-
rooms.
Most recently occupied by Hughes’ grandson,
James Thomas Harper, the home is being sold to
a doctor who plans to live there with his two
daughters. Closing was scheduled for Nov. 1, but
was postponed until February so that the family
could have an estate sale.
Glenn Powell of Alabama Land and Home,
said the home sits on 10 lots. The listing price
was $650,000, but the selling price has not been
disclosed.
“That they could find someone to do this kind
of work in 1910, is unreal,” Powell said.
The sale was delayed after several items of
value were found in the attic, he said. The family
has removed the items, and Allan Cotton will
conduct the estate sale in late January or early
February. He said the family has taken many of
the furnishing from the home, but he expects to
have china, glassware and some furnishings in
the sale. ■
MANSION, from page 21
• Built in 1910 by J.T.Hughes, located on FifthStreet in Florala.
Hughes was the fatherof five daughters, Birdie,Ruth, Marie, Juliette andInez, who grew up in thehouse, and often roller-skated on its porches.
Hughes’ father, J.E.Hughes, was known asthe “father of Florala.” Hesettled there in 1865,after hauling all of his pos-sessions in by oxcart.
• Downstairs includes avestibule, two parlors, din-ing room, b utler’s room,kitchen, bath, enclosedporch and a library.
The second floorincludes two stairwells,five bedrooms, two bathsand a balcony in the largehall.
The third level is a com-pletely ceiled attic withstairs from the secondfloor.
Other trivia:• First floor ceiling
heights - 11’8”• Second floor ceiling
heights - 10’6”• Fireplaces - nine• Windows - 52• Air/heat - three sys-
tems, 11 tons• Exterior paint require-
ments - 165 gallons
About theHughes
Mansion
“One of the first set-tlers to make his home inwhat is now the corpo-rate limits of Florala wasJames Edwin Hughes(father of J.T. Hughes andthree other sons), whowas born in Dale County,Ala. He arrived in Floralaby ox cart in Decemberof 1865, after the endingof the Civil War. Mr.Hughes, while serving inthe Confederate Army,had traded for a 160-acretract of land from a sol-dier in his company, whowas from CovingtonCounty. This man hadbargained for the 160acres from the govern-ment for $15. …This tractis now the central part ofthe City of Florala.
“Upon his arrival herewith his widowed mother,Mr. Hughes found asmall log building, justnorth of the present loca-tion of the FloralaHardware Co. ...
“Later, his storeincreased to large propor-tions, and he made tripsto market in Troy, Ala.,and Milton, Fla. ...
“On Jan. 11, 1875, apost office was estab-lished in the home of Mr.Hughes, who had beennamed postmaster, andwas named Lake City,Ala. The name of thecommunity was changedto Lakeview, Ala., on May18, 1877, and finally toFlorala, on June 22,1891, this name beingderived by using the firstfour letters of Florida andthe first three letters ofAlabama.”
Mr. Hughes died in1936 at the age of 97.
From A Short Historyof Florala, 1970 Masonic
Centennial Celebrationprogram.
EarlyFlorala
south alabama living 23
24 south alabama living
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south alabama living 25
When Elba’s Covenant
Community Church
was given the old
Claire Theater, located on the
downtown square, as a gift, church
members weren’t quite sure what
to do with it.
Mart Gray, the church’s pastor,
had an idea of making it a place
for entertainment and some
evening events. So they decided to
call it a coffee house and have
some cultural events there. “Just
Folk Coffeehouse” was born.
The first concert season was in
2008-’09. Then, when the nearby
deli closed, there was a need for
more than coffee, and Just Folk
became a lunch place, too.
A full kitchen was added and
church member Pattie Taylor
Johnson became the volunteer
manager. She is assisted by other
volunteers.
“We have a good group of regu-
lars,” Gray said. “Even people
who live in town are still discover-
ing we’re here.”
A selection of sandwiches is
available, along with a daily lunch
special, typically a soup or sand-
wich and a dessert.
The coffeehouse also is often
Once the Claire Theater, thisplace brings entertainment to
Elba’s court square again.
coffee
See COFFEE page 26
more than just
served at Just Folk
by michele gerlach
Just Folk Coffee House is filled once each week by a group of women who enjoy bridge.
rented for special occasions, like birthday parties or reunions, and
there’s a group that plays bridge there every Wednesday.
What it has become, Gray said, is an outreach for the church,
although a subtle one.
“I see people come in and start to talk to other people,” he said.
“Sometimes, they are just lonely. If we can provide a place where
people come together, that’s good.”
At the same time, he hasn’t lost the focus on the original mission
of promoting the arts.
“We could never afford the biggest names,” he said. “But there are
lot of pretty good artists out there who just haven’t made the big time
yet.”
The fall season included Leon Redbone and Harpeth Rising, as
well as an evening with Alabama historian Wayne Flyntt. ■
26 south alabama living
COFFEE, Continued from Page 25
2011-2012 Entertainment at Just Folk
Sat., Dec. 3........................................................................Grace PettisFri., Jan. 6 ...............................................................Bill and Kate IslesFri., Feb. 3 ...................................................................Craig CarothersFri., March 2 ........................................................................Ronny CoxFri., April 6 ....................................................................Kate CampbellFri., May 4 .........................................Eric Brace and Peter Cooper
Season tickets are $125.All other tickets are $20 per concert per person in
advance or at the door
ABOUT THE BUILDING
When the Claire Theateroriginally opened, it wasowned by an Ozark resident,Mr. Brackin, who owned themain theater on the west sideof the square. Brackin had got-ten word that someone wasplanning to open a drive intheater in Elba, and he want-ed to give the appearance ofcompetition. Collis Parrishworked in the projectionbooth. He and others of hisgeneration have shared storiesabout the Claire, which oper-ated roughly from 1947 –1953.
Later, Parrish operated aradio and television repair ser-vice in the building for about30 years.
Mike Jared, Kenneth Calhoun, Mart Gray, and Debbie Jared enjoy lunch and conversation at Just Folk.
south alabama living 27
homecoming queenflorala valedictorian is troy’s
At Troy University• Junior, studying bio-
medical science, planningto become a pharmacist
• Homecoming queen• Former TU cheer-
leader• Alpha Gamma Delta,
vice president of scholar-ship
• Alpha Epsilon Delta• Omicron Delta Kappa• Beta, Beta Beta
At Florala High School• Valedictorian, Class of
2008• Varsity cheerleader• Homecoming queen• State champion in
Track• Miss Florala 2006• Beta Club president
Hobbies• Scrapbooking• Runing• Reading• Wakeboarding
Loves• The color pink• Coffee• Chinese food• Sushi
AboutEmily
Dr. Jack Hawkins, Chancellor of Troy University; Elizabeth Dowe, 2010 Homecoming Queencrowing Emily Evans; Joey Evans, Emily's father and escort; Darreyel Laster, SGA president.
On Nov. 12, Florala’s Emily Evanswas crowned Troy University'sHomecoming Queen.
Emily is a senior biomedical science majorwho plans to become a pharmacist. She is thedaughter of Joey and Suane Evans of Florala.
A large crowd from Florala was in atten-dance for the long day of activities. Joey
Evans', Emily's Father said, "This is an honorfor Emily and her family, however it is also agreat recognition for the city of Florala and forCovington County. We are extremely proud ofthis recognition for all of our community." ■
photos courtesy of gary jones, precision imagephotography
28 south alabama living
The George Lucas film, Red Tails,about Alabama’s TuskegeeAirmen premieres in theaters
across the U.S. Jan. 20, 2012. The movieis the brain child of Lucas who has been
developing the story fornearly 25 years.
Red Tails is a high-flying action epic aboutthe first AfricanAmerican combatpilots in the Tuskegeetraining program whoseabilities were calledinto question as a resultof segregation. The air-men were mostlyuntested, but provedthemselves duringWWII combat missions
in Sicily and Italy. They also escortedbombers across Europe. Their nickname“red tails” stems from the paint that theyapplied to the tails of their planes.
The storyline follows the lives of the332nd Fighter Group who are called intoduty under the guidance of Col. A.J.
Bullard played by Oscar nomineeTerrence Howard. Howard’s character isloosely based on Tuskegee Airmen com-mander Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. Davisbecame the first African American gen-eral in the U.S. Air Force.
The movie also stars Oscar winnerCuba Gooding Jr. as Major EmanuelleStance and Theo James plays an intelli-gence officer. Lucas is the executive pro-ducer and Anthony Hemingway directedthe action drama. The co-executive pro-ducer Charles Floyd Johnson is a nativeof Camden, Ala.
“They were only in their early 20swhen they performed these amazingfeats,” Lucas said. “They became thebest of the best—the top guns. It is anhonor to bring to the screen a storyinspired by their heroics.”
When asked about the movie Goodingtold an Inquirer reporter, “This is theblack answer to Avatar,” he says,promising the film is chock-full of themost sophisticated and breathtakingeffects this side of James Cameron’sbox-office hit.
Although none of the scenes werefilmed in Alabama, the shoot took placein Prague over 13 weeks. The story fol-lows lives of the 332d Fighter Group,which saw action in Sicily and Italy andalso escorted bombers across Europe.The group acquired the nickname “redtails” for the paint they applied to thetails of their planes.
“Once moviegoers see the film, we arehoping they will come to Alabama tovisit the actual site of the TuskegeeAirmen at Moton Field,” said tourismdirector Lee Sentell. “Visitors can see areal planes used by the airmen duringWWII and they can experience the realhistory,” added Sentell.
Moton Field opened in 1941 and wasthe training base for the TuskegeeAirmen. Today visitors can tour theHangar One Museum at Moton Field forfree. The hangar houses WWII-era train-ing planes and interactive displays thattell the story of the airmen.
For more information on the museumand other Tuskegee attractions visitwww.alabama.travel. ■
new george lucas film puts focus on
famed tuskeegee airmen
Red Tails, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., opens Jan. 20.
29 south alabama living
southernsyrup
tradition
smokin-hot
This family’s syrup-making traditionhas been passed down
at least three generations
30 south alabama living
When vivacious reds, oranges
and yellows in the woods hint
at the autumn season, syrup
making season is in full swing in Fleeta.
Following a family recipe and method,
Dan Marler is carrying on his father-in-
law’s tradition of making cane syrup.
And Marler and his family were
responsible for the entire process from
planting the cane, tending to it, harvest-
ing, stripping the leaves, cutting the tops,
cutting it down, putting it on trailer and
bringing it to the grinder.
“We grind it and put it in a barrel,” he
said, stirring a batch of soon-to-be syrup.
Then the juice runs to a kettle-like
operation where it is cooked down into
thick, sweet syrup.
“We cook it and then draw it off in a
barrel and bottle it up,” he said. “You
have to cook all the water out of it. When
the syrup is ready, it will just flake off.”
During the cooking process, Marler
constantly skims the impurities out of the
syrup.
“We dip them off and throw them
away,” he said.
In true Southern fashion, Marler is car-
rying on a time-honored tradition of cane
grinding and syrup cooking.
Marler said his father-in-law Riley
Dubose, who died last year at 104, taught
him everything he knows about making
syrup. Dubose learned from his father.
“I’ve been doing it for about 20 years,”
he said. “I’ve been knowing about it for
40 to 50 years. I married Riley Dubose’s
daughter and I helped him. Then he
helped me learn how to do it.”
Marler said his family used to make
cane syrup frequently, but he had health
issues with his joints that required
surgery.
“Now we’ve started back,” he said.
“We’ve had all the equipment, so I
thought it was a good time to get started
again. I really want to carry on a little bit
of tradition and I’m hoping someone will
pick it up. We’ll keep it going.”
Marler said there are many ways to
enjoy cane syrup. His favorite is “with a
butter biscuit.” ■
Marlers continuedecades-old
syrup-makingtradition
Marler said he likes to wait for a cool snap before making syrup, as it’s a hot job. The juice is cooked for hours before it is thick-ened and ready for bottling.
story and photos by kendra bolling
holidaycrowd
cook ahead for a
32 south alabama living
1214 E. Three Notch St. • Andalusia, Alabama334-222-0450
ANSLEYPLACE
When you’re entertaining a
crowd for the holidays,
sometimes it helps to plan a
meal that can be mostly made-ahead. In
the South, there’s no better choice than
gumbo. When made the old-fashioned
way, it is a multi-layered process. Yes,
it can be a lot of work but the steps
give you wonderful flavors.
You can dress it up with the sides
featured here, or use the sides for appe-
tizers at your holiday gatherings. You
can’t go wrong with Gulf seafood.
Bon appetit!
Seafood Gumbo
Made in the South Louisiana tradition
1 pound 35 count shrimp, peeled and
deveined
1 pound lump crab meat
1 cup vegetable oil
1 ½ cup all purpose flour
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped bell pepper
¼ cup diced garlic
½ pound sliced andouille sausage
1 pound claw crabmeat
3 quarts shellfish stock
2 cups sliced green onions
½ cup chopped parsley
Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
File powder
First, you make a roux.
In a black iron pot or skillet, heat
see FOOD, Page 33
Crab cakes, shown here topped with Hollandaise, can be prepared ahead of timeand broiled or fried just before serving.
by tom gerlach
southern staples are popularanytime a crowd gathers
south alabama living 33
FOOD from Page 32
three cups of oil over medium high heat to approximately 300
degrees. Using a wire whisk or a wooden spoon, slowly add the
flour, stirring constantly until the roux is peanut butter in color,
approximately 20 minutes.
Lower the heat and add onions, celery bell pepper and garlic
to roux. Turn the heat and keep stirring the vegetables in the
roux.
Slowly add the shellfish stock to the roux until you reach the
desired consistency for your gumbo. Taste, add salt and cayenne
pepper if needed. Bring to a simmer and sprinkle file powder
over the top.
Simmer for 45 minutes, then add seafood to avoid overcook-
ing. Serve over rice with hot French bread.
Shellfish stock:
1 pound crab shells
1 pound shrimp shells with heads
1 pound crawfish shells with heads
2 onions, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
6 cloves garlic, diced
4 springs parsley
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. dried thyme
6 black peppercorns
1 sliced lemon
1 gallon cold water
2 cups dry white wine
Do not rinse the shells prior to beginning the stock. Combine
all the ingredients in a two quart stock pot. Bring to a rolling
boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for one hour. During the
cooking process, skim off all impurities that rise to the surface.
Add water if necessary to retain appropriate volume. Strain
stock through a fine strainer, return stock to boiler and reduce
liquid to two quarts.
Classic crab cakes
Makes 4 servings.
2 slices white bread, crusts removed and crumbled
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Old Bay® seasoning
2 teaspoons parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
1 egg, beaten
1 pound lump crabmeat
Mix bread, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, mustard
and egg in large bowl until well blended. Gently stir in crab-
meat. Shape into four patties. Broil 10 minutes without turning
or fry until golden brown on both sides.
Serve with your favorite topping: Hollandaise sauce,
Remoulade sauce or mango salsa.
Jambalaya
12 medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped
4 ounces chicken, diced
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
3/4 cup rice
3 cups chicken stock
Continued, Page 34
Risk Factors Age – About 1 in 4 of those 60 and over have diabetes.
Race – African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native American, Native
Americans have a higher risk.
Gender
Family Historyfather, sister or brother has diabetes,
Eat healthy
Stay active
Lose weight
Maintain a healthy blood pressure
CONTROLLINGD IAB ET E S
CON
OLLNTR
LING
CON
OLLNTR
LING
Ri k
F t
Risk Age –
er hvo
RaceAmeri
Ameri
Gend
FactorsAbout 1 in 4 of those 60 and–
e diabetes.vha
MexicanAmericans,,African–eNativAmerican,,e Nativcans,,
e a higher risk.vcans haav
rer
yhealthEat
evactiy Sta
Famil,,fatherr,
yy Historl yother has diabetes,sister or br
,
weightLose
yMaintain a health
eessurrey blood prre
south alabama living 35
FOOD, from Page 34
5 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced
Salt and pepper
Combine shrimp, chicken and Creole seasoning, and work in
seasoning well. In a large saucepan heat oil over high heat with
onion, pepper and celery, three minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes,
bay leaves, Worcestershire and hot sauces. Stir in rice and slowly
add broth. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rice absorbs
liquid and becomes tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 min-
utes. When rice is just tender add shrimp and chicken mixture
and sausage. Cook until meat is done, about 10 minutes more.
Season to taste with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning.
This dish was developed at Drago’s Seafood Restaurant in
New Orleans in response a raw oyster scare. I always stop by for
at least a dozen.
Drago’s Charbroiled Oysters
8 ounces (2 sticks) softened butter
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch dried oregano
1 1/2 dozen large, freshly shucked oysters on the half shell
1/4 cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, mixed
2 teaspoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
Heat a gas or charcoal grill. In a medium bowl, mix butter with
garlic, pepper, and oregano.
Place oysters on the half shell right over the hottest part. Spoon
enough of the seasoned butter over the oysters so that some of it
will overflow into the fire and flame up a bit.
The oysters are ready when they puff up and get curly on the
sides, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and
Romano and the parsley on top. Serve on the shells immediately
with hot French bread. ■
Drago’s Seafood Restaurant in New Orleans pioneerd charbroiled oysters in response to a raw oyster scare. The scare is mostlygone, but this dish is still a favorite.
36 south alabama living
Opp VeterinaryHospital
Faith B. Drumheller, D.V.M&
Wesley Pattison, D.V.M.
Home of Opp Paws & Claws, Inc. A non-profit 501(c)(3) no kill opppawsandclaws@gmail.com •
www.petfinder.com/shelters/al276.htmlDonations are great appreciated &
desperately needed.All donations are 100% tax deductible.
Call 334-341-4577 for Adoptions.
• Small Animal, Birds, & Exotic• Medicine & Surgery
• We provide state of the artUltrasound, Laser Pain
Management, Radiography,Bloodwork
• Boarding & Grooming
www.oppvet.com207 Highway 52 East• Opp
(334) 493-6687
We now have gift certificates and layaway. Free gift wrap.
From our family of dealers to your family,we wish youa gloriousChristmas and a Happy New Year.
1206 River Falls St. • 334-488-5752
Perhaps the most antici-pated aspect of theholiday season is the
lavish holiday meal. Manypeople look forward to thefood just as much as they lookforward to the festivities.
Planning a holiday gatheringand meal can be stressful forhosts or hostesses. However,establishing a wonderful andstress-free meal is possiblewith a few easy-to-follow tips.
• Create a meal concept.Holiday meals can be tradi-tional or avant garde. Thereare many options from whichto choose, but one thing tokeep in mind is to select foodsthat go together. Those new toholiday hosting may want tostick with items that are wellknown and expected, such asturkey and trimmings. Thosewho want to experiment maywant to introduce one or twonew dishes into the mix. Foodchoices should be about whatyour guests will want to eatand not about which items willensure a spectacle.
• Keep preparation time inmind. Another thing to consid-er when planning the meal isthe amount of time you havefor food preparation and cook-ing. The holidays are a busy
time of the year, and work andsocial engagements may con-tinue up until the eleventhhour. Choose foods that can beprepared in advance and heat-ed on the holiday if you'retime-pressed.
• Compile a shopping list.Once foods are selected,review all recipes and make alist of the ingredients you willneed. Make a list of things thatcan be bought in advance(paper products, coffee, linens,etc.) and other items that needto be checked off closer to theactual holiday. Cross off eachitem once it is purchased.
• Create a timetable. Make aschedule or use a calendar toschedule when each compo-nent of the meal and otherpreparations will be made.
• Ask for help. If you findthat time will be short, dele-gate some jobs to others. Forexample, if a grandmother oraunt is known for her prizedpotatoes or pies, ask her tomake that item.
• Go easy on yourself.While not everything willwork out exactly as youexpected, chances are littleglitches will not even benoticed by guests unless youpoint them out. ■
Planning can lessen stressof holiday entertaining
Lower AlabamaArts Center
116 East 3-Notch StreetAndalusia, Alabama
334-222-3205
loweralabama@centurytel.net
Presenting
photography of larry jordan
Show & Sale November 5 through December 31
*****exhibits • classes • camps
music • Art • Drama
south alabama living 37
Alain Deasy, M.D. .....................................................................39Andalusia Ballet ...........................................................................9Andy Cable .................................................................................24Andalusia Ford...........................................................................12Andalusia Manor .........................................................................4Andalusia Regional Hospital ..................................................3Andalusia Regional Hospital ...............................................34Ansley Place...............................................................................32Barrow’s Furniture....................................................................13CCB Community Bank..............................................................6Christopher’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry ............................7City of Andalusia .........................................................................2Covington Electric Cooperative..............................................8Covington Metals .....................................................................40Darby’s Village Pharmacy .................................................... 10Harold’s........................................................................................20LAAC .............................................................................................36LBW...............................................................................................37Massey Automotive ...................................................................7Oasis Spa and Salon .................................................................7Opp Veterinary Hospital ........................................................37
Picket Fence Antiques ............................................................34Precision Image Photography..............................................16Professional Hearing Aid Center ........................................24Savannah Terrace........................................................................4Steamboat ..................................................................................34Vicki Popwell ..............................................................................18Walker Electric ..........................................................................24
index to advertisers
Opp VeterinaryHospital
Faith B. Drumheller, D.V.M&
Wesley Pattison, D.V.M.
Home of Opp Paws & Claws, Inc. A non-profit 501(c)(3) no kill opppawsandclaws@gmail.com •
www.petfinder.com/shelters/al276.htmlDonations are great appreciated &
desperately needed.All donations are 100% tax deductible.
Call 334-341-4577 for Adoptions.
• Small Animal, Birds, & Exotic• Medicine & Surgery
• We provide state of the artUltrasound, Laser Pain
Management, Radiography,Bloodwork
• Boarding & Grooming
www.oppvet.com207 Highway 52 East• Opp
(334) 493-6687
Opp VeterinaryHospital
Faith B. Drumheller, D.V.M&
Wesley Pattison, D.V.M.
Home of Opp Paws & Claws, Inc. A non-profit 501(c)(3) no kill opppawsandclaws@gmail.com •
www.petfinder.com/shelters/al276.htmlDonations are great appreciated &
desperately needed.All donations are 100% tax deductible.
Call 334-341-4577 for Adoptions.
• Small Animal, Birds, & Exotic• Medicine & Surgery
• We provide state of the artUltrasound, Laser Pain
Management, Radiography,Bloodwork
• Boarding & Grooming
www.oppvet.com207 Highway 52 East• Opp
(334) 493-6687
Opp VeterinaryHospital
Faith B. Drumheller, D.V.M&
Wesley Pattison, D.V.M.
Home of Opp Paws & Claws, Inc. A non-profit 501(c)(3) no kill opppawsandclaws@gmail.com •
www.petfinder.com/shelters/al276.htmlDonations are great appreciated &
desperately needed.All donations are 100% tax deductible.
Call 334-341-4577 for Adoptions.
• Small Animal, Birds, & Exotic• Medicine & Surgery
• We provide state of the artUltrasound, Laser Pain
Management, Radiography,Bloodwork
• Boarding & Grooming
www.oppvet.com207 Highway 52 East• Opp
(334) 493-6687
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Send us yourholiday party
picturesand be featuredin our Winter
edition!
email: michele.gerlach@andalusiastarnews.com
38 south alabama living
scrapbook
Deacon Johnson, a deacon in
the literal, biblical defini-
tion, is and has been friend
and personal positive influence on
four generations of my family.
Deacon Johnson and Brooks
Hardware are both approaching their
100
th
birthdays this year, and they
have been converging stories to this
exact time in their histories.
Once upon a time when there were
only dirt, sand and clay roads in
Covington County and the City of
Andalusia, young Willy Johnson woke
long before daylight and drove his
wagon to the back of Brooks
Hardware. There, he waited for my
grandfather, S.D. Brooks, to open and
fill his order for a wagon-load of
syrup cans.
While he waited, he ate sweet pota-
toes he had cut into round, half-dollar
shaped snacks, fried on a wood-burn-
ing stove, and wrapped in paper. He
carefully unwrapped and slowly ate
his only meal for the day. I guess S.D.
must have slept in until 6 a.m. that
day.
Some 20 years later, we had some
family trouble, the serious kind, in
Clanton, Ala. My grandfather was too
upset to drive, so he borrowed Mr.
Anthony’s car and Willy Johnson
drove S.D. to Clanton. Deacon
Johnson said my grandfather was on
his knees praying all the way up there.
He said they shared in open-eyed
prayer. You had to keep your eyes on
the road … you can’t expect God to
do EVERYTHING for you.
During my time of store ownership,
Deacon Johnson would walk from
King Street to the store and take time
to visit and read The Star-News, tell
Denise some old hardware stories,
then walk down to Jimmy Faulkner’s
Dairy Quean and eat lunch almost
every day. Did I mention he always
wore a suit, even in 100-degree
weather? If it rained, someone always
gave him a ride home. He continued
this daily routine until he was about
95. Now he lives with his daughter in
Montgomery.
Whenever I want something that’s
not mine or think about getting my
way through unfair gain, I think,
“WWDJD?”
What would Deacon Johnson do?
Then I know he would walk
humbly, act justly and love mercy.
Now that’s what kinds strive for, but
only a few humble servants ever
obtain.
Happy birthday, Deacon Johnson.
You are a positive force in Andalusia
and the world. ■
story and photo by Bob Brooks
honoring
a force for good in the world
deaconjohnson
Dr. Desy obtained his medicaldegree from the Faculty ofMedicine, University of Montpellier, France. Hecompleted his residency in orthopedic surgery at theteaching hospitals of the University of Sherbrooke andthe University of Montreal,Canada.
Dr. Desy is certified by theRoyal College of Surgeons of Canada as an Orthopedic surgeon and a fellow of theAmerican College of Surgeons.
Dr. Desy will see both child and adult patients withorthopedic problems. He hasa special interest in total jointreconstruction and trauma.
Dr. Desy is a member of the Andalusia Regional Hospital Medical Staff.
Alain Desy, M.D.Orthopedic Surgeon
Andalusia Orthopedics301 Medical Dr, Suite CAndalusia, AL(334)222-4449
The possibilitiesare endless.
Open Mon-Fri8 a.m. -5 p.m.
318 Montgomery St. Andalusia AL
COVINGTON METALS CO.
“A Family Tradition Since 1925”Serving Andalusia, Covington County, and the Surrounding Area For 5 Generations
Industrial Scrap & Demolition
Roll off Container Service
Buyers of Scrap MetalIron • Tin • Aluminum • Copper
Brass • Aluminum Cans • Junk Cars
James Jones, Jim Jones, and the late Brown Jones
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