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VoiceVolume 3 issue 4 october 2012

Staff

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Local VoiceHalloween Warm-Up, Dead Man Running

healthShould You Get The Flu Vaccine?, Eating Healthy at Cactus Flower

lifestyleEducation, Fall Soup Reci-pes, Book Review: Savannah Shadows

businessFeatured Employer, McLeod's Publick House, Marketing Tips

local contributorsJustin Hovey, M.D., Katy Williams, Joe Whaley, Emily D. Wood, Alicia Lokey, Kacy Green

SENIOR CONTRIBUTORSEditor of Most Words- Barrett BrownEditor of Picture Takin' - Justin April Editor of Color Palettes - Mike Riddle

Contactthe local is published by BAR Media, LLC. The Local makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. Neither the publishers or advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found herein, and the publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy of the statements made by advertisers in advertising and promotional materials.

For advertising rates, distribution requests, or information on posting an event listing, contact

The Local2932 Ross Clark Circle Suite #415Dothan, AL 36301wiregrasslocal@gmail.com

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Locals Do"

page 02 | OCtober | vol 3 issue 4

12featureWho Ya Gonna Call? An Interview with The Alabama Ghostbusters

use hashtag #LocalWire and we may print your tweet Contents

13 october eventsCalendar Updates, Recurring Events

Local Voice

Vita LunaBoutique PhotoramaPosh PanoplyThe CellarBasket of CheerYounique BoutiqueChapman Green

SalonStudio EnvogueLove2RunCarousel MusicAtlanta BreadTropical SmoothiePanera BreadLasting EmpressionsMexican ConnectionHumidorNail Essence

Dakota Coffee WorksDante’s PizzaEurasia CafeBlue PlateGibbons AutomotiveButchers BlockMomma Goldberg’sWRC MarketJoyce’s Touch of ClassFrock Therapy

Oriental ExpressTaj CafeDistrict Ultra LoungeThe Nature GalleryRiver NileWiregrass Museum of ArtSnobs SalonMetro MusicSlick WilliesEm&co Salon

Club SunRic’s TavernFusion SalonScotty’s PizzaCactus Flower CafeWest Side SpiritsNail BoutiquePalm Beach TanGulf Coast DermatologyBig Fun

Zakis MediterraneanKarma BoutiquePosh SalonSouthern Bone & JointChill YogurtNice NailsDunkin DonutsBrackin AppliancePhysical Therapy Specialists

Dothan CVBBulletsJ&J’s BarbershopKT’s TavernThe Bike ShopN-balanceTouch of Grace MassageVintage ChicBlue moon CafeCourtyard Marriot

page 03 | October | vol 3 issue 4

For the month of October, we have compiled a list of must-see(ish) scary(ish) movies. The first half of the month is a warm-up for the remaining two terrifying weeks. The idea is to watch one movie a day until Halloween. We love Halloween and the entire month of October, so to help celebrate the best month out of the year, why not join in and watch some awesomely horrifying films?

1. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)2. Return of the Killer Tomatoes (1988)3. Scary Movie 2 (2001)4. Young Frankenstein (1974)5. Gremlins (1984)6. Shaun of the Dead (2004)7. The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)8. Ghostbusters (1984)9. Ghostbusters II (1989)10. Beetlejuice (1988)11. Cabin Fever (2002)12. Dracula (1931)13. The Ring (2002)14. The Birds (1963)15. Evil Dead II (1987)16. An American Werewolf in London (1981)17. Pet Sematary (1989)18. Friday the 13th (1980)19. Night of the Living Dead (1968)20. When a Stranger Calls (1979)21. Psycho (1960)22. Silence of the Lambs (1991)23. The Amityville Horror (1973)24. The Exorcist (1979)25. Suspiria (1977)26. Hellraiser (1987)27. The Thing (1982)28. The Shining (1980)29. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)30. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)31. Halloween (1978)

Halloween Warm-Up

Distribution

This month, just in time for Halloween, The Dothan Eagle is hosting the area's first zombie run. The Local staff spoke with event organizer Stephanie Madden about the race. She told The Local that the proceeds from "Dead Man Running" are used to provide newspapers to wiregrass area schools. Participants are encouraged to dress up and there is a costumed party and prizes immediately following the race.

The first Dead Man Running 5K in Dothan will take place on Saturday, October 27th, 2012 at 2:00 pm. The race starts and finishes near The Wiregrass Museum of Art located at 126 Museum Ave, near the Civic Center downtown.Participants will have access to the parking available in the Civic Center Parking Lot.

Proceeds from the race are used to

provide newspapers for more than 200 wiregrass classrooms. Newspapers are incorporated in daily lesson plans to enhance reading, comprehension, writing, arithmetic, geography, history, social studies and current events skills. Students also learn how daily events shape our communities, country and the world.

Runners are encouraged to pre-register for the event. Early registration fees are $25.00. Event t-shirts are only guaranteed to those who register by October 17. Registration for the race only is $20.00. Race Day Registration is $30.00.All race day registrants will receive "Dead Man Running" t-shirts while supplies last.

The race is divided into two categories. A "Walker" must walk the entire course. A "Runner" must start off running and may walk or run the duration of the course.

Race day packet pickup and registration: is at 12:30 pm and the run starts at 2:00pm. There will be a beverage station set up on the course to provide water to race participants.

Dead Man Running will present awards in several categories: The overall male and female first place finisher, male & female masters (>40 years), male & female grand masters (>50 years), top finishers, first three male and female finishers in each age group (0.14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65 & up), first three male and female finishers in "walker" classification. There will also be a costume contest.

For more information visit www.dothaneagle.com/zombie.

page 04 | October | vol 3 issue 4

page 05 | october | vol 3 issue 4

Health

from the doctor

Should You Get The Flu Vaccine?The simple answer is yes. The flu virus usually infects the upper airways (nose, mouth, and throat), however it can infect the lungs. When the virus makes its way into the lower airways, it can cause significant morbidity and mortality. In the lungs, the virus causes a vast inflammatory response leaving behind cellular debris and a goo that serves as food for bacteria. People who suffer the most from the virus actually suffer from subsequent pneumonia once the virus has passed.

The flu virus can be a killer, and it changes its genetic makeup rather quickly. Significantgenetic changes in the virus are called genetic shifts. These shifts lead to pandemics (i.e.H1N1). Usually, the people who have the highest mortality rate are the very young andthe very old. However, when there is a significant genetic change in the virus, youngadults and those in good health can be at risk of death. The importance of vaccinationhinges on these concepts.

Contrary to popular belief, the flu vaccine does not cause the flu. It does not containany live virus. The benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risk for the majority of thepopulation. Only a small subset of the population cannot take the flu vaccine. Peoplewho are severely allergic (anaphylaxis) to eggs should not take the vaccine as the virusthat is used to make this vaccine is incubated in eggs. If a person has had a rare conditioncalled Guillian Barre syndrome, then they should not take the vaccine either. Thus, only a minority of the population should not take the vaccine.

*The vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age.*Consult your primary doctor about receiving the flu vaccine.

-Justin Hovey, M.D.Board Certified Internal Medicine and

Pediatrics

If you’re looking for a break from standard Mexican fare and an option for fresh and healthy food, then look no further than Cactus Flower Café in Dothan. This restaurant gives a unique take to a cuisine that is known for its heavy cheeses and oil use. Cactus Flower Café is "California Style" Mexican and the food is fresh, flavorful, delicious and healthy. Unlike chain restaurants, at Cactus Flower Café the staff prepares the food fresh to order, not pre-measured, pre-cut, or pre-done from frozen ingredients. All of their food, salsas, and sauces are made fresh, twice daily. No animal fat is ever added to their beans, and sautéed items are made with extra virgin olive oil.

As the fish-taco craze continues to spread, we suggest that you try a fish taco as a fresh and healthy alternative to fast food. A bite of a well-made fish taco is a refreshing experience, and Cactus Flower Café proves this to be true with their mild, flaky Mahi Mahi taco. The Mahi Mahi is seasoned with spices, flash fried and served in creamy lime sauce with jack cheese, shredded cabbage, citrus dressing, and pico de gallo on the taco shell of your choice. All taco shells are made in-house. In addition to fish, Cactus Flower Café offers beef, pork, chicken, or vegetarian for more standard choices. They use only chicken breast meat and all of the beef is 100% USDA certified Angus. Guests can get an amazing two or three-taco plate, with tasty rice and your choice of smashed or black beans, for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Our favorite appetizer is the fresh guacamole made from an entire avocado for each serving. Avocados are considered a "super food" loaded with rich vitamins, nutrients and fiber. On weekends you will find specials like the Blue Crab Quesadilla, which is a house favorite and usually sells out. This unique dish is filled with mounds of seasoned blue crab and Monterey Jack cheese, then grilled to perfection and served with a cup of delicious tortilla soup.

Cactus Flower Café offers many options for the health conscious out there among you with flavor that is certain to keep you coming back again and again. Visit their Facebook page for updated information on their weekend specials at www.facebook.com/CactusFlowerCafeDothan.

-Alicia Lokey

Eating Healthy Is Easy

ustin AprilJphotography.com

Commercial, Wedding and Portrait Photography334.479.9703 / 334.685.8069

justin@justinaprilphotography.com

The Mahi Mahi Taco At Cactus Flower Cafe

Veggie

healthy

With the weather cooling off, fall is here and that means it’s time for soup! This month I’m going to share three of my favorite soup recipes.

Tomato Bisque

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil1/3 cup all purpose flour3 small onions, finely chopped3 leafy stalks of celery, finely chopped3 garlic cloves, finely chopped¾ cup dry white wine6 cups of chopped tomatoes6 tablespoons chopped parsley3 teaspoons dried oregano8-10 basil leaves, chopped6 bay leaves6 tablespoons tomato paste3 teaspoons sugar1 cup waterSalt and White Pepper to taste1 cup of heavy cream

•On medium heat, add oil to a large soup pot. Add onions, celery, garlic, tomatoes, oregano, parsley, basil, and bay leaves. Cook for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally throughout.•Add flour, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.•Add water and wine. Continue cooking for 30-45 minutes.•Remove bay leaves.•Blend with an immersion blender. A table-top blender will also work.•Turn the heat down to medium low. •Add mixture back to soup pot with the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes.•Taste and season throughout cooking if necessary. If it is too thick, you can thin it out with water or vegetable stock.

Loaded Potato Soup

1 ½ lbs. smoked bacon, small dice5 lbs. small diced potatoes (half red bliss, half Yukon Gold is preferable)1 yellow onion, small dice4 leafy stalks of celery, small dice4 garlic cloves, small dice1 shallot, small dice¼ cup oil/bacon fat1/3 cup flour3 quarts of water16 oz. sour cream1 quart heavy cream

Lifestyle

local education

All Children Have A Story To TellSchool is in full swing. Progress reports have already gone home. This means that half of the first nine weeks has already passed!

Many students are doing well, and then there are also many students who are struggling.Determine if you need to spend more time working with your child on the multiplication facts, spelling words, reading, science, or any other area of the curriculum with which your child experiences difficulty. With extra help and much practice, your student can succeed.Remember, anything worth doing is worth doing well!

Spend extra time reading favorite books, or making new favorites. Practice those addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts! Every week there are new spelling and vocabulary words, and with some extra work your student can master each new word. We all know that these are skills that are important in life. Push their imaginations and invest time in their creative pursuits. Have your student write about their day or maybe a favorite activity. Encourage them to use and stretch their imaginations and write about what is going on in their lives and the lives of those around them. Have them set goals about what they want from their future. Young and old, students have wishes, hopes, and desires.

Encourage each child to express themselves in words, stories, poetry, music, or artistic endeavors. All children have a story to tell. With encouragement, each and every one can tell their stories!.

-Ms. Crabapple, Educator

Fun Fall Soup RecipesOctober recipes from chef joe whaley

page 06 | october | vol 3 issue 4

use #LocalWire if you like these noms 1 lbs. grated sharp cheddar cheese8 green onions choppedsalt and white pepper to taste*You can also reserve some of the cooked bacon and chopped green onions to top the soup at the end.

•On medium heat, cook bacon until crispy in a large soup pot. Remove bacon but leave the oil.•Add onions, celery, garlic, and shallots. Saute over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.•Add flour and stir until oil is soaked up.•Add potatoes, water, salt, and pepper. Stir until flour is dissolved. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.•Add quart of heavy cream. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.•Turn heat to low and add cheese, green onions, sour cream, and half of the cooked bacon.•Make sure to taste to see if any additional seasoning is necessary.•Bowl it up and use any additional bacon and green onions for topping.

Chicken Noodle Soup

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil2 lbs. cooked chicken, small diced3 quarts water or chicken broth2 onions, small dice2 carrots, small dice5 leafy stalks celery, small dice4 garlic cloves, small dice2 cups diced tomatoes2 tablespoons chopped parsley1 small bag of egg noodlessalt and white pepper1 cup of heavy cream (optional)

•In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat. •Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. •Saute for 10 minutes.•Add cooked chicken, tomatoes, noodles, and broth. Continue cooking on medium heat until noodles are done.•Season with salt and white pepper to taste.•Optional: Add heavy cream, to make a richer version of this soup.

-Joe Whaley

How Are Your Children Doing In Their Studies?

page 07 | october | vol 3 issue 4

www.DothanRealEstateTeam.comFEATURE HOME1110 N PoNTiac•$122,500•2 Bedrooms•2 ½ Baths•Built in 1982•1768 Square Feet•Private Courtyard•1 Car Garage

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108 DunWooDy•rEDuCED…$199,900•4 Bedrooms•3 Baths•Built 1986•2441 square feet•inground Pool•Sunroom

100 lAMAr•$149,900•nEW ConSTruCTion•Gradic Creek S/D•3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths•1549 Square Feet•Corner lot, Side Entry Garage•open Floor Plan, kitchen appliances included

Tobias McGriff is the author of Savannah Shadows: Tales from the Midnight Zombie Tour and Founder of Blue Orb Ghost Tours in Savannah, Georgia- named “Savannah’s Best Ghost Tour 2012” by The Destination Guide and the highest rated ghost tour on Trip Advisor for their flagship “Uncensored Zombie Tour” .

He is widely regarded as Savannah’s voice for all things strange in America’s Most Haunted City. Tobias is a professional member of the Rhine Research Center and former engineer with over 10 years’ experience in the science and technology field with the largest telecom in the United States. He is a frequent guest on paranormal programming such as Coast to Coast AM with George Noory, Darkness Radio and SYFY’s new original series Haunted Highway as a subject

matter expert on scientific approaches to afterlife studies, Voodoo and Hag phenomena.

Tobias is the host of Supernatural Science that can be heard on WTKS 1290 in Savannah, Ga just before Coast to Coast and on iTunes (keyword: Supernatural Science) and has interviewed such guests as Vatican trained exorcist Father Gary Thomas, Amityville survivor Christopher Lutz and psychedelic ethnobotanist Dennis McKenna, brother of the late Terence McKenna.

Tobias is currently the Associate Producer for Betsy Chasse’s (Creator: What The Bleep Do We Know?) new film Killing Buddha and continues to lead Savannah’s best ghost tour as often as his schedule permits.

Tobias's book, Savannah Shadows, offers a fresh perspective on an age-old discussion: supernatural manifestations in our world. Tobias McGriff is a powerfully, talented story-teller. Combining that talent with exceptional knowledge and expertise, Savannah Shadows is not only entertaining, it is mysterious, compelling and richly educational. The author walks you through historical accounts of Savannah, Georgia in a casual, matter-

Savannah Shadows: Tales from the Midnight Zombie Tour

book review

page 08 | october | vol 3 issue 4

of-fact manner, all the while developing persuasive theories. Tobias shows unique charisma as an author in his ability to hook you with undeniable facts and powerful suggestion, while softening his stand enough to allow you to develop theories of your own. The stories are so fantastic, I found myself with an i-pad in hand, researching and studying as I read. Detailing each account,

Tobias reveals a deeper, darker foundation hidden in the shadows of Savannah's history and brings to life it's relevancy for the modern city of today. For the history buff, mystery seeker, religious

Lifestyle

fanatic or those who just love to read, I can only say one thing....this book delivers!

For more information visit the IMDBpage for Tobias McGriff

-Kacy Green

"Tobias reveals a deeper, darker foundation hidden in the shadows ..."

page 09 | october | vol 3 issue 4

2276 Montgomery Hwy # 4 Dothan AL 36303

This month’s Featured Employer, Personnel Resources, strives daily to be the best human resources supplier in the Wiregrass. The leadership team at Personnel Resources give expert advice, provide qualified candidates to clients, and strive to administer the best possible service. Personnel Resources relies on five core corporate values in order to maintain an excellent standing in business: integrity, expertise, dedication, assertiveness, and honesty.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Senior Executive Vice President, Mary Beth Maddox, in order to get an inside look at some of the perks the employees of Personnel Resources enjoy. The company has a Star Award program in place that awards incredible incentives such as extra paid time off or gift cards. The program is a peer-nominated program where any employee cannominate a fellow employee who has gone above the call of duty in some fashion.

PR also has a Sales Lead training program that pays commission to anyone who can develop alternative revenue. This means that any employee, not just the sales team, can create a sale and follow through to gain commission.

A goal-oriented annual incentive program is an ongoing event with PR. This particular incentive program is designed to keep employees focused on their achievements. The company offers mid-year incentives as well as end-of-year. At the mid-year goal, employees can earn a cash bonus of $212 and four days of paid time off. The same incentive is awarded at the end-of-year

goal as well.

PR also offers surprise incentives for the staff. Mary Beth said these surprises are based on the needs of the business at the time. The company purchased a Nintendo Wii gaming system after a staff member suggested this would be an excellent stress reliever. The Wii is set up in an area where staff members can have lunch and relax. Mary Beth stated that they have even held a few “Just Dance” dance-offs as a fun reward.

An additional surprise reward came in the form of a spa day. The company took a room in the office and turned it into a spa room offering services such as pedicures and manicures. The leadership team at Personnel Resources is always looking for unique rewards to offer the employees as an offset to the stresses of the job.

Mary Beth states: “Our staff works very hard, and our industry is difficult, plus our company standards are very high. We know that this can take its toll on even the best employee, so we try very hard to offer creative rewards and incentives to let them know they are appreciated and to acknowledge that they are the driving force behind our success.”

Thanks to Mary Beth Maddox and Personnel Resources for allowing this opportunity to have an inside look at some of the fun and inspiring incentives offered to the employees.

-Emily D. Wood

Business

Featured EmployerPersonnel Resources Offers Surprise Incentives

page 10 | october | vol 3 issue 4

McLeod's Publick House

The west end of town is a very busy and high traffic area. With Flower’s Hospital and a handful of specialty clinics and other medical offices, there is no shortage of people. McLeod’s Publick House is ready to help those people wind down. With almost 100 beers on the menu and a full liquor bar, McLeod’s is stepping up the pub selections in town. They have also filled another important need on the west side: live music.

Before McLeod’s opened, there were no live music venues on the west end of Dothan. Now that McLeod’s is on the scene, we are looking forward to seeing what kind of talent they will showcase. They have seating for 65 and intend on rocking those seats with both bands and solo acts on a weekly basis. Not only do they have live music, but also trivia (Thursday) and an open mic night (Wednesday).

I am glad that there is a pub out on that side of town that is both laid back and forward thinking. On any given night you can run into people from many different walks of life at McLeod’s. The bar is incredibly comfortable and their beer selection is as diverse as their crowd. We, at The Local, are incredibly excited to see that McLeod’s Publick House has hit the ground running, and we look forward to enjoying their establishment.

McLeod’s is located at 5630 West Main Street next to the Humidor and Mexican Connection. Stop out there for their signature McLeod’s sweet tea, one of their 16 specialty shots, or try one of their craft beer selections.

-Justin April

local marketing tips

Guerrilla Marketing With Business Cards In this column last month, I talked about ways to make your business card stand out for more successful networking. This month I will share a few ideas of how you can use guerrilla marketing techniques with your business cards. For those of you not familiar with guerrilla marketing, it is a low cost, unconventional means of promoting a product or service.

I once had a client for whom we had developed some very catchy business cards. About six months after their new cards were printed, I was meeting with them and noticed that hardly a dent had been put in their box of 1000 cards. As I told them, your business cards aren’t going to work for you if you keep themall for yourself! You need to print plenty (larger quantities are not that expensive) and distribute them freely.

Here are some ideas to get your business cards out into the hands of the buying public:

Turn them into bookmarks – On your next trip to the library or bookstore, leave your cards in books or magazines that might be of interest to your business prospect. If you sell wedding cakes, insert them into wedding books or bridal magazines. A financial advisor had cards that looked like a folded $100 bill with the contact information on the

page 11 | october | vol 3 issue 4

15% off every Wednesday10% Military Discount every day

Tuesday - Saturday11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

5630 W. Main St. #7Dothan, AL 36305

inside. He would place them in such books as financial self-help publications where his prospects would certainly be looking. And usually if someone buys or checks out a book you have “stuffed,” they will use your card for a bookmark. Another great place to leave your card is in waiting room magazines at the doctor’s office, etc.

Networking bulletin boards – Anywhere there is a bulletin board available for you to display your card (such as grocery stores, apartment complexes, restaurants, etc.) don’t miss that opportunity. To make sure that your card is noticed, cut some brightly colored arrows to point at your card or a colorful shape or unusual material to put behind your card so that it stands out.

You may want to fan out 10-12 cards to encourage someone to take one if they are interested in what you do.

Over the counter prospects – Occasionally you will find a restaurant or merchant who devotes some counter space for their customers to leave a stack of their business cards. Take advantage of their kindness and add yours to the mix. If you have done a good job of making your cards unique so they will stand out among others’ cards, that will help. But just to make sure they are noticed, it wouldn’t hurtto invest a little money on business card holders which are sold in most office supply stores. For added attraction (and a little humor), put a label on the card holder stating: FREE – Take One!

Include with letters, payments & invoices – You never know who is opening the mail on the other end.By sticking a card in every envelope you mail out, you have another opportunity of your informationbeing received by someone in need of your products or service. And if you are a generous tipper, leave your card with your tip. People that wait on your table may be a prospect, or they have family and friends that could get a favorable referral from your well-compensated server.

Cards that stick to the job – Get a pack of card-size magnets that you can attach to your business card. Keep some handy wherever you go, looking for metallic surfaces where you can stick your card. Metal doors, street sign & utility poles in high-traffic areas are great places to leave your mark. If you are lucky, they won’t stick around long before good prospects take them home and file them on their fridge!

Robin Rainer has been creating award-winning advertising ideas for over 23 years. His firm, The Image Agency, islocated at 430 West Main Street in Dothan. Contact him at Robin@TheImageAgency.com or call 334.793.9042.

For more great marketing ideas, you are invited to attend the American Advertising Federation Dothan monthly lunch programs held the first Wednesday of each month at 12 noon at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center. Go to www.AAFDothan.com for more information.

-Robin Rainer, The Image Agency

Be Creative When Placing Business Cards

Feature

page 12 | october | vol 3 issue 4

If there’s something strange… in your neighborhood… don’t call these guys. But if you’d like some added enthusiasm to an event you’re throwing, the Alabama Ghostbusters are the ones for the job.

The Alabama Ghostbusters is a fan group of men and women all over the state who come together to share their love of the movie. Along with that, they march in parades, are warmly welcomed every year at Dragon*Con, and give back to the state by volunteering as “event enhancers” for charity drives and business openings.

Just imagine you are hosting an event that is lacking in any kind of energy. Who you gonna call? A group of Ghostbusters fans that will entertain the crowd and draw publicity. That’s who.

“When you have six or seven guys standing around in flight suits holding proton packs, you can get a lot of attention,” said Robert Lawrence, 26, of Andalusia.

Lawrence has been a member of ALGB for about a year, and spends most of his free time doing Ghostbusters stuff. Being the technical director at Flagship Theater here in Dothan, Lawrence is experienced in building props and sets. He takes that skill and uses it for the group; building proton packs, booths for events, and flight suits for other members.

“I’ve made a couple games for our booths. One is a Slimer game where his mouth is open, and you throw food in there, kind of like a beanbag toss,” says Lawrence. “The kids love it. The adults love it too, but they don’t always like to admit it.”

While Lawrence is discussing ALGB more in depth, The Local’s own Justin April gets the urge to interject and yell, “Nobody steps on a church in my town!”

“This happens at events a lot,” laughs Lawrence. “People will see us and start a quote then the rest of it just starts following. It’s addicting.”

The ALGB participate in events

year-round, but October is usually their busiest month. They will be at Porktoberque October 5 and 6 ready, waiting for you readers to come strike up a quote-marathon and have a little fun.

Other than doing community events, the group also does their own thing, including special meetings and workshops. The club has officers, rules, and is always welcoming new members.

“I like the fact that we spread awareness of Ghostbusters to as many people as wecan,” says soon-to-be new member Shawn Cherry, 28, of Dothan. “It would be a crying shame if the movies were lost to history.”

To get in the club, all you have to do is register on the message board atAlabamaGB.com, then show up at a few events to meet some officers andparticipate. They prefer you wear some sort of Ghostbusters memorabilia, like a T-shirt, so you will be seen as part of the group, but a full costume is not required. In fact, the website states their strict policy of banning any “elitist” fan mentality that puts others down for not being as extreme or accurate as the movie. All levels of fandom are welcome at ALGB.

“Being ‘normal’ is highly overrated,” says Cherry. “If you love the movies and you love the feeling you get when you help the community, then you should definitely check ALGB out.”So do some people consider this group ‘weird’? Sure. But take Cherry’s advice when he says ‘normal’ is overrated. This community of fans is about getting together to celebrate one of the greatest movies (and sequels, and spin-off Saturday morning cartoons, etc) of all time, all while giving back to the area.

And for all we know, if our city really was headed for a disaster of biblicalproportions, the Alabama Ghostbusters might be our only hope. They ain’t ‘fraid of no ghosts.

For more information and DIY costume tutorials, do yourself a favor and check out www.AlabamaGB.com.

-Katy Williams

Who Ya Gonna Call?local enthusiasts enhance community events as members of the alabama ghostbusters

“The kids love it. The adults love it too, but they don’t always like to admit it.”

“Being ‘normal’ is highly overrated ..."

Events

Calendar Updatesoctober 1-31scarecrows in the gardenDothan Area Botanical Gardens.

october 3 gary cox bandPerforms at Cowboy's.

plug uglies presents: carrier, midwayer, & acost!Jennings Skate Shop.

october 4 tipsey easel2 for 1 Night Bring a friend and share the cost! 16x20 canvas $30 6:00 pm

october 5Alan Watson LivePerforms at Blue Moon.

Gary Cox Band LivePerforms at Cowboys.

Bobby Lee LivePerforms at McLeod's Publick House

First Friday on FOsterJoin Downtown Merchants for an evening stroll on Foster Street as they offer specials, play host to street vendors, and invite local musicians to perform.

Skyview LivePerforms at Slick Willies

october 5-6porktoberquea combination of a bar-b-que competition and Oktoberfest,is free to the public (no admission cost)and will feature musical entertainment, street performers, BBQ for sale, a sample tent, beer tents, arts and crafts vendors and more. Visit www.porktoberque.com or call (334)699-1475 for more information.

october 5-7Westgate Tennis Center3rd Annual Terry Kendrick Memorial-Mixed Doubles

october 6gary cox bandPerforms at Cowboy's.

modeling workshopFlagship Theatre - Modeling Workshop 9:30 - 11:30am (Ages 8 - 13) & 12:30 - 2:30pm (Ages 14 & Up) Victoria Henley from the upcoming season of "America's Next Top Model" to direct this workshop.

Wiregrass Antique & Collector Car ShowLandmark Park - This is one of the largest car shows in the Wiregrass with approximately 2,000 cars on display ranging from Model T's to custom classics. Tickets are adults $5; children $3; members free. For more information, call (334) 794-3452 or visit www.landmarkpark.com

Audio Z LivePerforms at Slick Willies

A Walk To RememberWestgate Park - The Alzheimer's Resource Center’s 20th annual A Walk To Remember. Registration will begin at 7:30

a.m., team pictures wil be at 8 a.m., opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. and the walk at 8:30 a.m.

wiregrass museum of artFirst Saturday Family Day Join the Wiregrass Museum of Art on the first Saturday of every month for a free art lesson and project for kids and their families. For more information, call (334) 794-3871 or visit www.wiregrassmuseum.org.

october 9Community Job FairDothan Civic Center - 1pm-4pm Local Businesses and industries will be accepting applications for employment and/or providing career information. Free admission; call (334)836-0217, ext. 112 or ext. 114 for more information.

Blood Drive for Breast Cancer AwarenessWilson Plaza (84W & Ross Clark Circle) - Blood Drive for Breast Cancer Awareness, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. LifeSouth will be in the Wilson Plaza parking lot for our Blood Drive for Breast Cancer. It is part of our Breast Cancer Awareness Month here at Posh Salon, participating with Joyce's Touch of Class. So come donate blood for a good cause and keep up to date with our festivities during the month of October.

In Her Father's Eyes (Exhibit)Troy University Dothan Library

october 10Jared AshleyPerforms at Cowboy's.

tipsey easelPumpkin Door Hanger - $60 6:00pm

october 10-12 & 17-19Harvest Hey DaysLandmark Park - Visit the pumpkin patch and enjoy many other fall-related activities such as corn pulling and cotton picking. New this year is our Kernels of Fun area. $7 per student; teachers/aides FREE; one chaperone per 10 students FREE. Extra chaperones pay student fee. Homeschools must register through the group coordinator. Program Length: 4 hours (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Suggested Grade Level: 3P-8th. Preregistered school groups only.

october 12Aaron Bostic Performs at Blue Moon.

Jared AshleyPerforms at Cowboys.

RTFOPerforms at McLeod's Publick House.

5 o’clock CharleyPerforms at Slick Willies

october 12-13Holiday of Hope MarketplaceDothan Civic Center - Covenant Hospice presents their Eighth Annual Holiday of Hope Marketplace, Oct. 12-13, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Dothan Civic Center. The Marketplace offers hundreds of unique and hard to find gifts offered by vendors from the tri-state area and beyond. A Pre-View Party will be held Oct. 11, at 6 p.m. The Pre-View Party is cocktail

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attire and allows you to be the first to shop while enjoying delicious food from eight local restaurants, live music from The Moonlighters and a silent auction with over 200 items. All proceeds benefit Covenant Hospice to help fund indigent care needs and the unfunded and underfunded programs.

october 13The 1st Annual Nazarene 5K Road Race1stNazarene - Pre-Entry fee with shirt $20, Day of Entry Fee and shirt (if available) $25. To Download a registration form visit www.dothanfirstnaz.org and click on "upcoming events". 7AM if not pre-registered 8AM Register

Jared AshleyPerforms at Cowboys.

The Wild FruitPerform at Slick Willies

tipsey easelDate Night Two 12x12 canvases $35 (You and a friend, date, etc. each paint one) Colorblock Song Lyrics/sayings/etc. 6:00 pm

41st Annual Harvest Day FestivalTown Square in Headland, Alabama - Featuring live entertainment, rides, games, arts & crafts, cakewalks, moonwalks, pony rides and train rides(for children)

october 14Reptile FeedingJoin Landmark Park and watch the park staff feed the snakes and learn why these animals are important to the environment. Reptile Feeding is held the

second Sunday of each month. The program is free with paid gate admission. For more information, call (334) 794-3452 or visit www.landmarkpark.com.

october 16The Boys Next DoorThe Cultural Arts Center

october 17Josh BuckleyPerforms at Cowboy's.

october 19Kristan MikalaPerforms at Blue Moon.

Josh BuckleyPerforms at Cowboy's.

YamadeoPerforms at District Ultra

Lounge.

Foster FestThe Downtown Group announces the newest downtown street festival. Free evening celebration with street vendors, live music and antique cars.

Bobby Lee LivePerforms at McLeod's Publick House

Cold SeptemberPerforms at Slick Willies

october 20Josh BuckleyPerforms at Cowboy's.

National Peanut Festival PageantFor More Info. call the Dothan Civic Center 615-3175

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Tuesdays: Team triviaHouligans - Team Trivia 6:30

Wednesdays: drinkin' with lincoln. Presented by Slick Willies from 7pm-9pm with full club and karaoke. Penny well drinks and $1.00 domestic beer with $5.00 cover.

Thursdays: top shelf thursdays. Presented by Slick Willies all liquors for price of wells from 7pm-9pm with karaoke.

Fridays: friendly fridays. Two covers for the price of one from 9-11pm and $1.50 domestic beers and wells from 7pm-9pm with live music. Presented by Slick Willie's.

Saturdays: slick shot saturdays.Select shooters and shots for $3 from 7pm-9pm with live music. Presented by Slick Willies

Sundays: NFL Sunday TicketHosted by Bullets. Open at Noon.

NFL Sunday TicketHosted by Ric's Tavern. Every NFL Game with 15 tv’s and 2 Large Screen Projectors

Champions of Hope The Sandi McCool - Champions of Hope 2012 promises to be a fun-filled day that will appeal to the entire family. Funds raised help enhance cancer services & programs offered by SAMC through The SAMC Foundation. There will be a 7am/25-&45-Mile Cycling Event 8 a.m./5K race & Kid Fit Challenge, 10:30 a.m./2-Mile Spirit Walk, Kid Fit Challenge and a 25-&45-Mile Cycling event. The early registration fee is $25 for ages 11 & up, and $10 for ages 10 & under. Day of event registration begins at 6 a.m. and is $40 for ages 11 & up, and $15 for ages 10 & under. Located on the SAMC Campus – 1922 Fairview Avenue, Dothan, AL visit www.samcfoundation.org for online registration and donations.

tipsey easel“Bird Friends” (Family Friendly) Two 11x14 canvases $35 3:00 pm“Peacock” 16x20 canvas $30 6:00 pm

october 23-25"A Tree of Oranges"The Flagship Theatre Presents: "A Tree of Oranges" 6:00 pm Admission is free. Voluntary donations are accepted for any public school of your choice. Show runs 30-45 minutes.

october 24Shane OwensPerforms at Cowboy's.

october 25Ralph Smith Memorial Golf TournamentHighland Oaks Golf Course- 11 a.m. to benefit the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens The event will include a 4-person scramble, box lunch and awards receptions following the golf. Special Offer: Included with your

online registration is a 1-year subscription to Golf Digest (a $10 value)

october 26John WeaverPerforms at Blue Moon Cafe

Shane OwensPerforms at Cowboy's.

Annual Quilt Show10.00.am - 04.00.pm Held in conjunction with the Wiregrass Heritage Festival, the public is invited to join Landmark Park for their Annual Quilt Show featuring over 100 antique and contemporary quilts. Events include exhibits, juried show, guest speakers and more. The event is free with paid gate admission.

The Ayers LivePerform at Slick Willies

Night at the MuseumWiregrass Museum of Art - 6.00.pm - 8.00.pm This is a Night at the Museum for the whole family! Bring your kids in costume and explore the galleries. Our garden area will be filled with art activities, demonstrations, face painting, and food! We will also project the movie "Night at the Museum 2" on the facade of our building! Don't miss this fun filled night!

october 27Heritage LivePerforms at District Ultra Lounge.

Dead Man Running 5kDead Man Running is a costumed 5k that will be held Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 2:00 pm, in beautiful downtown Dothan. Participants are invited to join us at the Dead Man's Party following the race at The Grand on Foster.

Plug UgliesJennings Skate Shop - Plug Uglies presents: SAMHAIN

CARNIVAL! A night of horror!! 7:00p

Another Hero/Halloween Celebration$500 Costume Contest at Slick WIllies

Wiregrass Heritage Festival 10 a.m.-4p.m. Learn how peanuts were harvested in the Wiregrass a half-century ago and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of cane grinding, syrup making, butter churning, basket weaving, soap making and other traditional farm activities. There will be food, music and antique tractors and farm equipment. Tickets are adults $8; seniors $6; children $4; members free. For more information, call (334) 794-3452 or visit www.landmarkpark.com.

Ann RosenheckTroy University Dothan - Ann Rosenheck, a survivor of Auschwitz, will detail her experiences during the Holocaust. Her lecture will take place in Sony Hall.

october 29"A Tree of Oranges"The Flagship Theatre Presents: "A Tree of Oranges" 6:00 pm Admission is free. Voluntary donations are accepted for any public school of your choice.Show runs 30-45 minutes.

october 31J.T. Curtis & SilverEaglePerform at Cowboys

Events