Tuscaloosa magazine summer 2015 by Tuscaloosa News

ALSO INSIDE: ARTS ‘N AUTISM THE AVENUE PUB SUMMER FASHION THE LEVEE SEAFOOD 6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE + MUCH MORE!

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Publisher James W. Rainey

editor’s letter

Editor Robert Sutton Design Editor Janet Sudnik Director of Photography Robert Sutton Photographers Michelle Lepianka Carter Erin Nelson Copy Editors Amy Robinson Edwin Stanton Laura Chramer Ashlie Bowman Reina Kempt Operations Director Paul Hass Advertising Director Lynnie Guzman Marketing Director Sam Kirkwood Prepress Manager Chuck Jones Published by The Tuscaloosa News 315 28th Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Executive Editor Michael James Controller Steve Hopper Magazine 205-722-0234 To advertise 205-722-0173 To subscribe 205-722-0102

Halifa M E D I A

G R O U P

Photographer Michelle Lepianka Carter splatters paint on a studio backdrop in preparation for a portrait for a feature story about the Arts ‘n Autism after-school program (Page 68).

ozens of students, fans and media lined up along the fence of the University of Alabama’s airplane hangar at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport on April 7, 2015, hoping to catch a glimpse of Avery Johnson. When Alabama’s new basketball coach emerged from the building, cheers of “Roll Tide” filled the air. Alabama had its man. Johnson, nicknamed the Little General during his playing days for the San Antonio Spurs, addressed the crowd: “Put your seat belt on, because what you’re about to experience is something you’ve never experienced before.” As a player, Johnson helped lead the Spurs to a NBA championship in 1998-99. Johnson played in the NBA for 16 years before becoming a coach with the Dallas Mavericks and later the Brooklyn Nets. Most recently, he has been a sports analyst for ESPN. Our own Donna Cornelius sat down with Johnson to talk about the path that led him to Alabama and his plans for the future (Page 44). Speaking of new coaches, Wes Hart has taken the reins of the UA women’s soccer team. Hart comes to us from Florida State University, where he worked the last two years as an assistant coach (Page 65). Our food offerings for this issue feature seafood on the banks of the Black Warrior River at The Levee (Page 8), fresh fare at the Avenue Pub (Page 20), shiitake mushrooms from McShan, Alabama, (Page 12), Miss Emily’s tomatoes (Page 17) and of course, the latest in food trends in Foodie News (Page 24). If you’re looking for a little relaxation, or would like to learn to help others relax, we suggest you pay a visit to Massaged Life and Wellness Academy (Page 40). We also have a feature on the Crawfords, who are redefining the meaning of the word family (Page 32), the latest summer fashion trends (Page 52), our Six Intriguing People (Page 79) and the social events of the season in On the Scene (Page 92). We hope you’ll enjoy reading the latest issue of Tuscaloosa as much as we enjoyed putting it together. See you in the fall.

Reach Robert Sutton at Robert.Sutton@ tuscaloosanews. com.

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SUMMER 2015

VOLUME 13, NO. 2

CONTENTS

106

08 DINING OUT

20 DINING OUT

40 FEELING GOOD

12 DINING IN

24 FOODIE NEWS

44 COVER STORY

17 DINING IN

32 PERSONALITY

52 FASHION

The Levee features fresh seafood on the banks of the Black Warrior.

Shiitake mushrooms make their mark in McShan, Alabama.

T-Town tomatoes, fresh off the vine year round at Miss Emily’s.

The Avenue Pub offers comfort foods with a more elegant flair.

The latest in local food, trends, recipes and epicurean events.

Charmian and Elwin Crawford are redefining the word “family.”

New school offers an education in wellness and relaxation.

Tuscaloosa welcomes new UA basketball coach Avery Johnson.

Fun, stylish summer fashions for girls and young ladies.

ON THE COVER A crowd met Avery Johnson at the airport after his plane touched down in Tuscaloosa. The new head coach of University of Alabama basketball is ready to take the court in the upcoming season. Outside of the sports world, he’s a family man who loves to travel, cook and explore his community. Photo by: Robert Sutton See story: Page 44

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SUMMER STYLE School’s out, so it’s time to throw on some fun fashions. Bright colors, bold prints and a few accessories are all you need. Chloe Lois Pickrell wears a terrycloth zip-up hoodie by Polo Ralph Lauren, $55; terrycloth shorts by Polo Ralph Lauren, $35; cowboy hat with peace sign by Capelli Kids, $6.99; Belk. White tank by Butterflies & Zebras, $16; Krush Boutique. Page 52.

79 6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE Meet six folks who are making a difference in our community.

68 GOOD DEEDS

92 ON THE SCENE

65 NEW IN TOWN

75 MUSIC

106 LAST LOOK

Arts ’n Autism enriches students’ lives and celebrates creativity.

A career of hard work and commitment led Wes Hart to UA.

Alabama State Trooper makes music with a mission.

The best bashes, parties and charity events of the season.

A photographic collection of moments in our community.

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DINING OUT

Jumbo lump crabcakes served with remoulade sauce and steamed asparagus at The Levee Bar & Grill on the Black Warrior River in Northport.

River

DINING

DOWN BY THE

THE LEVEE IS BANKING ON FRESH SEAFOOD TO MAKE A SPLASH BY DONNA CORNELIUS | PHOTOS BY MICHELLE LEPIANKA CARTER

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DINING OUT

hen Allen Aldridge, Chris Bradshaw and Gary McGee partnered to open a new restaurant, they agreed on the food focus. “We were all thinking seafood,” McGee said. “There’s a market for fresh Gulf seafood here.” The three men also had no trouble choosing the location for their new venture: 1 Bridge Ave., a Northport building on the Black Warrior River. The place had been home to Wintzell’s Oyster House and, before that, Steamers Seafood Restaurant. “The river was a selling point for all three of us,” McGee said. “The building had all the things we were looking for: a large kitchen and dining room and a great location.” Those decisions were easy. Choosing a name for their restaurant was a little more challenging. “We thought about Riverside Dining and Black Warrior Bar and Grill,” McGee said. “Then Chris said he woke up at 3 a.m. one morning with the idea that we should call it The Levee. He’d texted all of us about it before we even got up.” There’s actually a levee near the restaurant, McGee said. The Levee Bar & Grill opened March 2, but not before the interior had been revamped. Instead of keeping the layout of one large, open dining area, the main eating space was cozied up with booths and partitions. “My wife, Vanessa, was the inspiration for the new design,” McGee said. “She worked to warm the place up. She picked out the booth colors and the wall colors and tried to get rid of the ‘cold’ feel.” Partitions not only added privacy for diners but

also made service easier, he said. “Restaurants need to be sectioned off in order for the servers to keep track of their tables,” McGee said. “A former manager at the old restaurant here told me it had been a nightmare to operate before.” Other changes included moving the bar to the back of the main dining area to take advantage of the river view, turning one side of the restaurant into an oyster bar and seafood market, and adding a banquet room for special events and large groups of diners. While atmosphere matters, it’s food that keeps customers coming back. All three owners have worked in the restaurant business for years and collaborated on recipes for The Levee, McGee said. “We all started at Cypress Inn about 25 years ago,” McGee said. Aldridge and Bradshaw left to pursue other ventures, including Blue Plate Restaurants in Dothan and Northport. McGee stayed at Cypress Inn, working his way up from busing tables when he started work there to becoming general manager, a position he held for about 15 years, he said. Leaving Cypress Inn wasn’t an easy decision, McGee said. “I started there when I was about 15,” the Tuscaloosa native said. “My wife and I pondered over the

ABOVE: Gary McGee, owner of The Levee Bar & Grill. TOP: A platter of raw oysters served with cocktail sauce and horseradish. The restaurant’s oyster bar offers fresh oysters served in several styles.

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DINING OUT BELOW: A grilled salmon salad served with a raspberry vinaigrette. RIGHT: Raspberry and blueberry Levee Lemonades. BELOW LEFT: The new bar area faces the river and has a warmer interior design. BOTTOM RIGHT: Oyster bar supervisor J.P. Reppin holds a platter of raw oysters in front of a case of fresh seafood at the restaurant’s seafood market.

THE LEVEE IS OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-9:30 P.M. AND SUNDAYS FROM 11 A.M.-8 P.M. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO VIEW THE MENU, VISIT LEVEE BARANDGRILL.COM OR FOLLOW THEM ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM.

decision and prayed about it. It just came to me one night that this was the right thing to do.” McGee said that except for tuna and salmon, all the seafood on The Levee’s menu comes from the Gulf of Mexico. “We try to have things people can recognize — grouper, snapper, amberjack, mahi-mahi,” he said. “We try to keep the names of menu items simple with no hoity-toity words. The food is simple — but good.” Dishes already proving popular with diners include The Levee’s fried shrimp and one of McGee’s favorites, the ahi tuna. Gumbo is served every day, he said, and customers often ask for the oyster chowder. “We had the chowder on the menu the first day we opened,” McGee said.

Like most menu items, oysters are available both in the main dining area and the oyster bar — and in several incarnations. You can get oysters on the half-shell, oysters Rockefeller or Southern Casino-style with bacon crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Oysters in another version are baked with white wine, drawn butter and lemon juice. A sampler platter includes three of each. The Levee prides itself on its steaks, too, McGee said. “They’re from Creekstone Farms in Colorado,” he said. “A lot of black Angus farms are large. Creekstone is small, and so you get better quality.” Dave Snow of South’s Finest Meats and Vegetables does all the restaurant’s butchering, McGee said. The Levee opened its patio in late April with eight tables and full service. Another large patio on the back of the building likely will be ready for diners this fall,

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DINING OUT

New paint colors, partitions and decorations were part of transforming the restaurant into a new incarnation of the prime spot along the Black Warrior River.

McGee said. “We have all the components: good food, service and atmosphere,” he said. “We eyeball products when they come in the back door and make guests feel welcome when they come in the front door. We do server classes and server testing. We have ongoing training. Before each shift, we meet with the front-of-the-house staff and talk about the specials and any issues we’re having.” One of the staff members is McGee’s daughter, Bria. The University of Alabama junior is majoring in business, like her dad, but works part time at The Levee as a hostess and cashier. “She loves for the two of us to get home and share war stories,” McGee said. His younger daughter, Taylar, will be a junior at Tuscaloosa County High School this fall. “I love being in the kitchen,” McGee said. “It’s the heart of the restaurant. Chris, Allen and I all started there. I also love to eat.”

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DINING IN

A basket of freshly picked shiitake mushrooms grown by Grover Allgood.

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DINING IN

CULTIVATING

flavor

GOURMET MUSHROOMS: GROVER + MELISSA ALLGOOD GROW THEIR OWN AT THEIR PICKENS COUNTY HOME

BY DONNA CORNELIUS PHOTOS BY ROBERT SUTTON

Grover Allgood uses logs behind his historic Pickens County home to grow shiitake mushrooms, which he and his wife use for cooking.

embers of the McShan family have lived at Melrose, a distinctive Greek revival house in western Pickens County, for almost 90 years. The family’s history in the area goes back even further — to 1844, when Feaster McShan came from South Carolina to Alabama. He and his son, Nathan, were evidently such good citizens that the community was named McShan in their honor. Feaster McShan’s grandson, Tyler, bought the Melrose plantation and a sawmill on the property in 1926. McShan Lumber Co. is still going strong today, producing a wide variety of lumber that’s sold internationally. But it’s likely that the McShans of the past never envisioned a crop that’s thriving there now: mushrooms. Melrose’s current residents are Grover Allgood and his wife, Melissa McShan Allgood. The couple raised a family at Melissa’s childhood home. Now, they’re raising mushrooms. “I started growing mushrooms in 1994,” Grover Allgood said. “Melissa and I went to Birmingham for a weekend retreat, and Melissa had a recipe that called for shiitake mushrooms. At that time, there was no Whole Foods or Fresh Market in Birmingham.” The Allgoods stopped at Vincent’s Market, a small specialty grocery store owned by Bruno’s Supermarkets. They found the shiitakes — and also found out the mushrooms

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DINING IN

Grover Allgood carefully harvests shiitake mushrooms from a group of logs behind his home.

me where to order supplies.” Grover found what he needed from Mushroompeople in Tennessee. After getting a newsletter from Mushroompeople, he went to a shiitake workshop at the company’s home base, The Farm, he said. “It’s in Summertown, Tenn., but close to Florence,” he said. “It calls itself America’s First Intentional Community. The best way to describe it is a hippie farm. Some folks from California bought about 1,800 acres in Tennessee in 1971. They came across the country in a bus caravan.” He didn’t tell his new friends at the farm that he was “a conservative guy who cut down trees for a living,” he said. Grover found out that the best logs for mushroom growing come from oak or gum trees.

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weren’t cheap. “We were shocked at how much they cost,” Grover said. Shortly after that, an article in the American Forest Foundation’s Tree Farm magazine caught his eye. “It had an idea for how people could use the wood on their wood lots to grow mushrooms,” Grover said. The magazine is a national publication, so many of the articles don’t apply to the Southeast, he said. “I thought that mushroom growing would be something they did up North, but there was a guy from Mississippi doing this,” Grover said. “This was before Google, so I learned about it the old-fashioned way: by calling this guy from Hinds County. He gave me some advice and told

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DINING IN

RIGHT AND BELOW: Grover Allgood prepares mushrooms with toasted tortillas with Swiss cheese and fresh spinach.

“Since we have the lumber company, finding logs wasn’t a problem,” he said. “But I do get some funny looks from the loggers when I ask them to cut me a few logs and I have to explain why.” He ordered mushroom spawn, a mixture of fungus spores and sawdust that’s used to propagate mushrooms. He also needed a special drill to make holes in the logs; the spawn is placed inside the holes with a plunger-like tool and then sealed with dairy wax. That process is called inoculating, he said. Next, he found a shady spot under tall trees at the edge of his backyard and laid the logs in log cabin-style patterns. “Spring and fall are when you inoculate the logs,” he said. “You need cool nights and warm days and lots of rain. You drill holes in the logs and put in the spawn and seal it with wax. Then you forget about it. It takes about eight months.” When his initial crop of mushrooms started “pinning,” or emerging

from the logs, he wasn’t exactly sure what was happening, he said. “The first time I saw this, I thought they were snails,” he said. Allgood said the spawn and wax are the only supplies he has to buy annually. “It takes about two 5.5-pound bags of spawn to inoculate 40 5-inchdiameter logs,” he said. “The two bags of spawn cost about $48.” Allgood’s crop yields plenty for his own family and to share with friends, he said. “When conditions are just right, I’ve picked two grocery bags full,” he said. “I have about 60 logs out there now. Each log has about 40 holes. The logs have been inoculated in three different years: 2013, 2014 and 2015.” Allgood said that he can force fruiting by soaking logs in water for about 24 hours. “I take a few logs across the road to McShan Lake and hold them down in shallow water with concrete blocks,” he said. For those who like cooking and eating mushrooms, growing your own is a real money-saver, Allgood said. “It’s about $70 for the tools, and you can buy the spawn for 20 logs for about $24,” he said. The McShans live close to Columbus, Miss., and often shop there. “Right now at Kroger, shiitakes are about $22 a pound,” he said. Homegrown shiitakes look different than their grocery store cousins, too. They’re about the size of the portobello mushrooms you’re likely to see in supermarkets — and full of flavor. Melissa Allgood said one of her favorite ways to eat shiitakes is in a dish her husband concocted on the fly. “We were working at the office one day and were starving, so Grover came home and whipped up these shiitake roll-ups,” she said. “He just toasted some tortillas with Swiss cheese, fresh spinach and mushrooms — and they were delicious.” If you’d like to find out more about mushroom growing, Grover Allgood recommends checking out www.mushroompeople.com or www. fieldforest.net. On Instagram, you can follow soakyourlogs and see photos and products from 2 Fun Guys (get it?). Rob McDaniel, executive chef at SpringHouse restaurant on Lake Martin, has Instagram photos of foraging for golden chanterelle mushrooms, too, Allgood said. 15

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DINING IN

tomatoes twist RIGHT: Vince and Karen Wallace operate Miss Emily’s Tomatoes.

WITH A

AT MISS EMILY’S, THESE SOUTHERN FAVORITES ARE GROWN A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY

BY DONNA CORNELIUS PHOTOS BY ROBERT SUTTON

ince Wallace picked up a tomato and examined it with a practiced eye. Rubbing a finger over its smooth skin, he couldn’t resist a little public relations pitch. “This was picked today, and it’s a vineripe tomato,” he said. Then he took a bite as casually as most folks would munch on an apple. The reason Wallace felt the need for some explanation about this particular tomato was that it didn’t come from a traditional garden. At Miss Emily’s Tomatoes in Coker, he and his wife, Karen Wallace, produce this Southern favorite hydroponically — in a nutrient solution rather than in soil. The tomatoes are grown in a greenhouse, where rows and rows of sturdy green vines are punctuated by bright red tomatoes as juicy as the one Wallace just sampled. “We started the year with 1,116 plants, and we have 1,073 now,” Vince said. The couple’s biggest challenge isn’t the work involved in farming, they said. “It’s people hearing ‘hydroponics’ or ‘greenhouse tomato’ and thinking, ‘That’s

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DINING IN

MISS EMILY’S TOMATOES IS AT 14800 SUMMERSET ROAD IN COKER. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.MISS EMILYSTOMATOES .COM OR FOLLOW THEM ON FACEBOOK.

TOP: Vince Wallace checks on tomatoes in his greenhouse. ABOVE: The vines will grow to more than 30 feet long by the time they are cut for harvesting.

what they sell in the supermarket,’ ” Vince said. “That’s not true. Most of the tomatoes you see in the supermarket are picked green, put in a truck, and gassed to make them red. If you cut into them, they’re still not ripe on the inside.” The couple grows one variety of tomato in the greenhouse. “It’s Dutch Heritage, which is especially bred for greenhouse growing,” Karen said. At the Miss Emily’s Tomatoes stands at Tuscaloosa and Northport farmers markets, Karen sometimes uses a bit of salesmanship to convince reluctant customers to give her tomatoes a try. “I say, Take one home and try it,” she said. “Nobody’s ever come back and said they didn’t like it.” A few years ago, the Wallaces didn’t know much about hydroponics or about commercial food production either. The Newfoundland, Pa., natives were transplanted to Tuscaloosa in 2010 by Vince’s job with a cable television company. Vince liked Alabama, he said, but soon found himself so unhappy with the company and his job that it was affecting his family life. “When you get home and your dogs won’t even come and greet you, there’s a problem,” he said. “It was time for a change.” Vince and Karen said neither of them come from a

traditional farming environment. “I had more of a growing background than a farming background,” Vince said. “When I was a kid, my dad had a family garden and did canning. I picked up a lot more from him than I realized. And Karen is extraordinary with flowers and houseplants. I had a black thumb before I met her.” After moving to the Tuscaloosa area, the two met John Bruce, who started Miss Emily’s Tomatoes. “We worked with him and went to market with him,” Vince said. In 2013, the Wallaces bought the farm from the Bruces. “We knew hydroponics through its name only,” Vince said. “We probably got a college education about hydroponics in our heads in a year.” The farm was named after John Bruce’s wife, Karen said. “We were happy to keep the name because the farm had such a good reputation,” she said. The name did cause a little confusion soon after the Wallaces took over. “People would call and say, ‘Is this Emily?’” Vince said. “I’d say, ‘No, it’s her sister, Sue.’” Tomatoes grown hydroponically are on a different timeline than those raised outdoors in a garden. The Wallaces said they planted their current crop July 23, 2014. Vince said he finds it easy to remember that date because it’s also his son’s birthday. “The vines won’t be cut until this July 4,” Vince said. “They’ll be in excess of 30 feet long when we cut them.” Clusters of blooms are also pared down, he said. “We want to concentrate as much energy as we can into the fruit, so most clusters are cut back to

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DINING IN

TOP LEFT AND CENTER LEFT: Karen Wallace puts out fresh tomatoes from Miss Emily’s Tomatoes at the Tuscasloosa Farmers’ Market. TOP: A sign welcomes guests to the farm. LEFT: The Wallaces also sell fresh eggs and other items.

three flowers, which means three tomatoes,” Vince said. While Alabamians are accustomed to buying fresh tomatoes in the summer, Miss Emily’s has them from November through July. “But we’ll have some other fresh tomatoes throughout the summer,” Karen said. These traditionally grown tomatoes come from what the Wallaces call their “farmette,” their home in Fosters. There, they also raise chickens — the eggs sell quickly at farmers markets, Karen said — and peppers, okra and other vegetables. “I’ve been growing Jerusalem artichokes,” she said. “They’re a tuber, like a potato. You can slice them and sauté them in butter and garlic. They’re ready in November. They have a pretty flower like a sunflower in the summer.” Their Fosters property also is home to Karen’s bees. She sells honey and other bee products. She and her tomatoes have also partnered with some fellow Tuscaloosa-area farmers market vendors. Soapy Jones has soap made from Miss Emily’s Tomatoes, and La-ren’s Farm gives them the starring role in its tomato pies, Karen said. Vince had another suggestion for using tomatoes, but you won’t find this concoction at the farmers market. “You can make tomato wine,” he said. “Remember, tomatoes are a fruit.” Vince and Karen both have become Master Gardeners, a designation obtained through a program of intense horticulture training. “I’d encourage anyone interested in gardening to go through that,”

Vince said. “It’s very hands-on, and you share a lot of information.” People they met through the Master Gardeners program recently shared their support as well, Vince said. When he had to make a quick and unexpected trip to Pennsylvania to deal with his father’s health crisis, fellow Master Gardeners and other friends pitched in to help, he said. “They helped Karen keep the farm going while I was gone,” Vince said. “We feel like we’ve been grafted into Alabama. There’s a sense of community here.” The Wallaces said they never get tired of eating what they grow. “My favorite way to eat tomatoes is on a sandwich,” Vince said. “Karen makes homemade mayo, we put on Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning, and we eat it on homemade bread.” Miss Emily’s Tomatoes are sold at the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market at the River Market, the Northport Farmers Market and the Homegrown Alabama farmers market on the University of Alabama campus. Manna Grocery carries the tomatoes, too, Karen said. “You can also come out to the farm to buy them,” Vince said. “We’re here seven days a week during the daylight hours. We’ve had people come from Jasper, Fayette, Mobile, Gulf Shores and Mississippi. Some customers ship them to friends. One sent some to his son’s friend who was stationed in Afghanistan.” Farming, whether it’s done hydroponically or the old-school way, isn’t easy work, Vince said. “You have to make sure this is something you really want to do,” he said. “For us, this is a career, not a hobby.” 19

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DINING OUT

PUB

GRUB YOUR NEW DOWNTOWN FAVORITE: THE AVENUE PUB OFFERS ELEVATED COMFORT FARE, CRAFT BREWS AND A UNIQUE LOCATION BY DONNA CORNELIUS PHOTOS BY MICHELLE LEPIANKA CARTER 20

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DINING OUT BELOW: Craig Williams, owner of The Avenue Pub on 23rd Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. LEFT: The restaurant’s custom sign was created by Chris Freeman of Metal and Lights in Brent. BOTTOM: A Loretta Lemonade, left, featuring Maker’s Mark bourbon, orange liqueur and fresh-squeezed lemon juice. The Gin Mill features Pinnacle gin, St. Germain liqueur, fresh-squeezed kiwi and fresh lime juice.

ome restaurant owners aren’t thrilled when other eateries open nearby. Craig Williams isn’t among them. “I want every place in downtown Tuscaloosa to be crowded,” said the 33-year-old owner of The Avenue Pub. “I want downtown to be a dining epicenter.” Williams said that when the city’s new Embassy Suites Hotel was under construction, he loved looking out the front door of his Temerson Square pub and seeing a crane in action. “To me, that symbolized the direction of downtown,” he said. After growing up in Mobile and Fairhope, Williams came to Tuscaloosa 15 years ago to attend the University of Alabama. He got a bachelor’s degree in restaurant and hospitality management and for much of the time between 2000 and 2013 was general manager at Buffalo Phil’s on the Strip, he said. But that wasn’t his first food-related job. “I worked at restaurants from age 14,” he said. “I started busing tables and washing dishes. I did cooking, serving, bartending and managing.” Williams decided against going to culinary school, he said. “But I love food,” he said. “I’m always eating out at other restaurants.” The Avenue became the new tenant at 405 23rd St. when Williams decided it was time to do “something of my own,” he said. “I randomly walked past this building, and the next thing I knew, I’d signed the lease,” he said. “We opened in January 2014.” Williams said the building’s downtown location — he lives not far away — was a major draw. “I loved the place’s exposed brick walls and the loft, which you don’t see in many buildings this age,” he said. “Also, it already had a built-out kitchen, and that’s one of your major expenses with restaurants. Most of the work we did was cosmetic. We made new tabletops, redid the bathrooms and got new chairs and barstools.” The front of the bar is covered in pennies — 8,900 of them. Williams is painfully aware of the exact number because he and some friends put them in place by hand before sealing them with polyurethane. Suspended from the exposed ceiling is a huge wheel-shaped light

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DINING OUT LEFT: A custom light fixture adds a dramatic focal point to the high ceilings in the space. CENTER: The loft is a unique feature seldom found in older downtown buildings. BOTTOM: Thai Nachos with marinated chicken, mozzarella, peanut sauce, Sriracha, black and white sesame seeds, and green onions served on house chips.

fixture made by Chris Freeman of Metal and Lights in Brent. Freeman also crafted The Avenue’s outdoor sign and the metal letters hanging upstairs that spell out “downtown.” Once the interior work was finished, next on the menu before opening was — well, the menu. “The location of a restaurant usually determines your concept,” he said. “We’re in Temerson Square, surrounded by bars, so we wanted to have good, comfortable food. We do things like burgers and chicken sandwiches, but at a high level. “We focus on doing everything from scratch and in-house. We don’t have a freezer, so that keeps us on our toes. There are so many ways to cut corners, and we want to focus on doing things the way they’re supposed to be done.” With the philosophy that everyone likes a good cheeseburger, Williams set out to serve a really tasty one. The Avenue’s Bacon Burger is a half-pound sirloin and chuck blend that’s ground fresh by South’s Finest Meats and Vegetables, Williams said. “They don’t grind it until we call and ask for it, so it’s always fresh,” he said. Another customer favorite is the restaurant’s Thai Nachos, with marinated chicken, mozzarella, peanut sauce, Sriracha, black and white sesame seeds, and green onions. This combo with a kick is served on house chips that are a perfect texture — sturdy enough not to sag under the pressure but not so hard you’re afraid you might chip a tooth. “Our Fish and Chips are my favorite,” Williams said. “They’re fried in a Black Warrior Brown Ale batter. Black Warrior Brewing Co. and Druid City Brewing Co. have been great partners for us.” The Avenue is open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday. It also offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Brunch dishes include Huevos Rancheros with poached eggs, rice, black beans, avocado and spicy chili sauce, all piled in a tortilla bowl. Brunch Salmon is grilled and served with asparagus and a poached egg. The Monte Cristo is a sweet and savory sourdough bread sandwich made with turkey, ham and Swiss cheese. It’s deep-fried and tossed in powdered sugar with strawberry jam on the side. “We have live music during brunch, but it’s not so loud that you can’t have conversations,” Williams said. The Avenue is a pub, after all, so it has plenty of beer selections. “We have 12 draft beers, all from Alabama companies,” Williams said. Domestic and imported beers in bottles and cans range from Budweiser 22

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DINING OUT

the avenue pub: if you go

WHERE: 405 23RD AVE. CALL: 205.759.4900 WEB: AVEPUB.COM HAPPY HOUR: MON-FRI 3-6 P.M.

ABOVE: The bar features 12 Alabama beers, a modest wine list and some very inventive cocktails. RIGHT: The space, which has had many incarnations, now features industrial decor and a rustic atmosphere, thanks to custom pieces and original art.

and Coors Light to Stella Artois and Good People IPA. There’s a modest but respectable wine list, and The Avenue gets adventurously creative with its mixed drinks. “We have about eight house cocktails, all made by hand,” Williams said. “When we were coming up with them, we brought in every fruit you could think of and played with some recipes. We use fresh-squeezed juices.” The Gin Mill has Pinnacle gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and fresh-squeezed kiwi and lime juice. The Berry Bash blends Cruzan rum, crushed strawberries and blueberries, and fresh lime juice. “If you like the taste of Maker’s Mark, get the Loretta Lemonade,” Williams said. He’s not kidding — but the distinctive taste of the small-batch bourbon is balanced with a generous splash of fresh lemon juice and some orange liqueur. The Avenue attracts all ages, Williams said. “We get a range of customers,” he said. “During lunch, we have a lot of business people and UA people. It’s a mixed bag. Everyone can feel comfortable here.” Williams said he spends from 70-100 hours a week at his pub. “I have a phenomenal support staff and management,” he said. “It’s great to have people going along with a start-up business and to have them take ownership in it. Some have been here since day one.” Williams said he’s looking forward to being involved with a new event a few blocks away from his pub. Live at the Plaza, which will be held every Friday night in June, will bring live music to Government Plaza. “I really love being part of downtown, and I think the opportunities here are endless,” he said. “I’ve been in Tuscaloosa 15 years. I love the lake, Alabama football — this is home to me.” 23

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FOODIE NEWS BY DONNA CORNELIUS, THE SNOOTY FOODIE | PHOTOS BY ROBERT SUTTON

EAT LOCAL. OR ELSE.

got pretty hot and bothered with my husband recently. And it wasn’t for forgetting my birthday, deleting the latest “Game of Thrones” episode from the DVR, or leaving the seat up. I went all black ops on the poor guy because he brought home fresh corn. From Canada. (He didn’t go all the way North of the Wall to buy the corn, of course — just to Costco.) My point was, why buy food from far away if it’s available close to home? “Eat local” is my new motto. I even had it stitched on an apron. It just makes sense to support local farmers and food suppliers. Food tastes better if it hasn’t been carted halfway around the country — or North America, like the ill-fated corn. It’s healthier if it hasn’t been transmogrified with preservatives or gassed with fake coloring. And why not spend your food dollars in your own community when you can? I love visiting farmers and other food folk — that’s one of the most fun parts of my job. For this issue alone, I got to meet Vince and Karen Wallace at Miss Emily’s Tomatoes and catch up with Grover Allgood, who’s married to a high school friend of mine from McShan, and taste his homegrown mushrooms. Believe me, the shiitakes you find at the supermarket are not in the same league. I like to go to farm-to-table restaurants, too, places that make an effort to use locally grown products. There’s something very satisfying about knowing that what’s on your plate comes from not far away. I envy those of you who are able to really eat locally, as in, having food from your own gardens. Our neighborhood residents include quite a few deer, and evidently they all visit our yard in the dead of night to consume everything from azaleas to zinnias. They strip our fig tree of fruit in such short order (“Look, guys! Dessert!”) that I shudder to think how fast they’d go through tomatoes, lettuces and okra. The only edible plants we can safely grow are those in pots on our decks, because the deer haven’t mastered the art of stair-climbing. At least, not yet. Until we are able to erect a 12-foot fence around our property, I’ll content myself with visiting Tuscaloosa-area farmers markets. And wearing my snazzy “Eat Local” apron.

VEGGIE SMELLS Baking bread smells like heaven. Fish being cooked — not so much. When your kitchen aromas need a little boost, scented candles are a logical choice. But instead of plain vanilla, try a different flavor. We nosed around and found Produce Candles at Rhubarb’s Real Living in downtown Northport. The kale scent is a sweet surprise. The Charleston, S.C., company also has candles in carrot, radish and, seasonally, mint and peach. Chef James Boyce of Birmingham’s Galley & Garden has cooked up his own candle collection. I like the Chef’s Special: heirloom tomato, celery and fennel bulb. You can find these at http://chefjamesboyce.com or at his restaurant.

- Donna

Follow Donna Cornelius @blonderavenous on Twitter and Instagram, where she’s “promoting Alabama food, because how else will we have the strength to follow college football?” 24

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FOODIE NEWS

ow long has it been since you’ve had a pickled peach? Maybe on Sunday dinner at your grandmother’s house back in the day? Katie Farms in Coker is bringing back this retro treat and other tastes of home, too. The farm’s owners, husband and wife Margaret Purcell and John Fleenor, recently started their own line of jellies, pickles and other jarred goodies. In addition to pickled peaches, their products include mild and hot salsa made with heirloom tomatoes as well as pickled okra, watermelon pickles, and scuppernong, muscadine and blackberry jelly. In the Tuscaloosa area, you can find Katie Farms’ goodies at Piggly Wiggly stores on Greensboro Avenue, Lurleen Wallace Boulevard and in Alberta. The products also are sold at the Piggly Wiggly in Gordo and at the Tuscaloosa Farmers Cooperative on U.S. Highway 82 in Northport. Piggly Wiggly stores in Homewood and on Clairmont Avenue in Birmingham are carrying the line, too, Purcell said.

GOAT CHEESE GOODNESS

KATIE FARMS JAMS IT UP

“We hope that our products connect folks to our food heritage and the old recipes and flavors that make us remember being at home with family and friends,” she said. “Many of our products are difficult to find elsewhere.”

Spanish Style Goat Cheese with Ancho Chile Oil from AA Farm Creamery.

love goat cheese. I have a hard time using it in a recipe because I can’t resist swiping bites. That’s why AA Farm Creamery’s stand is one of my regular stops at the farmers market. Owner Aric Adams always has interesting varieties from his Millbrook farm for sale — and to sample, too. I usually come home with some of his Herb de Provence cheese or a flavored Gruyere and lately have become a fan of his mozzarella. Look for Adams and his cheeses at the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market at the River Market and at the Homegrown Alabama Farmers Market at Canterbury Episcopal Chapel.

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M A K I NG YOU R

Dreams A Reality

3710 RESOURCE DRIVE | TUSCALO OSA, ALABAMA 35401 | 205.345.4800

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FOODIE NEWS

Hit me with your best shot: GAZPACHO IN CUCUMBER CUPS This recipe gets its own little section because it’s more work. It’s well worth the trouble, but I wouldn’t advise putting it on the menu if you’re expecting a crowd. If you have a favorite gazpacho recipe, good for you. Here’s one I like. It’s adapted from a recipe on http://vikingrange.com. Ingredients: 3 medium tomatoes, cored and cut into wedges 1½ cups vegetable juice, such as V8, or Bloody Mary mix ½ medium roasted red bell pepper, seeded and cut into wedges 2 whole green onions, ends trimmed 1 clove garlic, minced 1 ½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lime juice ½ teaspoon Sriracha 1 teaspoon sugar Salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 long cucumbers (try to get ones that aren’t too curvy) 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Directions: Make the gazpacho. Combine the first 9 ingredients in a food processor and process until you get the desired consistency. I like mine a little chunky. Stir in salt and pepper to taste. Now, use a citrus stripper (or potato peeler, whatever) and make lengthwise stripes down the cucumbers. Cut each cucumber crosswise into pieces about 1¾ inches long. Scoop out the flesh and seeds, being careful to leave some of the flesh as the base of each cup. Fill each cup nearly full and top with parsley. You won’t use all the gazpacho, so put it in the fridge for later. Then get ready to serve your shooters and hear, “Aw! How cute!”

festival eats: WEST ALABAMA FOOD AND WINE EVENT SHOWCASES LOCAL FLAVORS

ay 7 was not a good night for calorie counters if they attended the West Alabama Food and Wine Festival. The annual event, which benefits the West Alabama chapter of the American Red Cross, offered guests samples from 13 restaurants plus wine and beer tastings. Hotel Capstone’s ballroom turned into a fine place for foodies (why is there no such word as “drinkies”? “Drinkers” sounds a bit seedy), offering dishes ranging from seafood to sweets. The Avenue Pub had a hot number, topping a fried wonton chip with shredded chicken, black sesame seeds and peanut sauce with a Sriracha boost. Cool concoctions included Epiphany’s happy marriage of smoked beets, watermelon, radishes, jalapeno peppers and some really good blue cheese. Two restaurants ventured into the wonderful world of ceviche. Evangeline’s version was shrimp in a Parmesan cheese cup, while Kozy’s combined shrimp with swordfish. The Levee had gumbo and its creamy shrimp dip, while Hotel Capstone served spoonsful of saffron risotto with prosciutto and tomato chutney. Cypress Inn offered Greek-style nachos, and Southern Ale House went down home with meatloaf bites plus spinach dip with house-made chips. DePalma’s Italian Café’s served white chocolate bread pudding and stuffed pasta shells topped with pancetta. Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Que had homey saltine crackers with a dollop of pimiento cheese, sausage and Serrano peppers. Taziki’s Mediterranean Café brought its popular penne pasta with grilled chicken. Another Broken Egg Café served cheese grits, biscuit beignets and, for those who like something savory with their sweets, chocolate-covered bacon. In addition to five tables offering wine, Druid City Brewing Co. and Loosa Brews catered to beer lovers. Mary’s Cakes and Pastries’ display of cake bites was the final stop for many before they went home to put on sweatpants. Other people. Not me.

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The Rumble under your feet. The Wind in your hair. The Excitement on your face.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the feel of the FORD Mustang!

NA0358513

5801 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 | 205.752.0401 | townsendford.com

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FOODIE NEWS

Eating experiment: CHEFS, DINERS INTERACT AT BIRMINGHAM’S DINNER LAB

he April 18 space on my calendar was decorated with stars, flowers and flourishes. Why? That’s the date Dinner Lab debuted in Birmingham. Dinner Lab is a membership-based organization that gives diners pop-up restaurant experiences with food prepared by up-and-coming chefs. Francisco “Paco” Robert, a Vestavia Hills High School graduate, is one of the social dining network’s cofounders. Dinner Lab works like so: You visit the website and buy a membership for you and a plus one. Then you get access to all DL events, currently held in 25 markets across the country. There’s an additional price for tickets to each event. The price includes your meal, drinks, taxes and tips. The day before the event, each ticket-holder gets an email revealing the location, usually an unexpected place. On April 18, we ate at an abandoned tire-retreading factory in downtown Birmingham. Decorations were minimal — strings of lights hanging from the ceiling and fresh flowers on the long tables. The real star was the food prepared by Chef Kwame Onwuachi, who will open his own restaurant in Washington, D.C., this fall. Onwuachi chatted up diners before the meal, telling us how he became a chef. We learned that the name of this particular event, “From Candy Bars to Michelin Stars,” came from his days of selling candy to earn money to go to culinary school. Our five courses included quail confit with blackberry vinaigrette, seared sirloin with a pickled quail egg, and beet butter cake with chocolate meringue and malt “snow.” We got to rate each dish: Would we order it in a restaurant? How might we change it? Robert said more Dinner Lab events are planned in Birmingham. For more information, visit www.dinnerlab.com.

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FOODIE NEWS

EASY APPS: You’ll notice we’ve got a theme going here: fresh and local. Here are some appetizers with another quality: They’re easy. Even the most enthusiastic home cook may not want to spend time in the kitchen while the rest of the fam is lolling by the pool. When I found some beautiful radishes at the Snow’s Bend Farm booth at the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market, I wasn’t sure what to do with them other than take them home and admire them. My son, Kirk, suggested getting some good bread, smearing it with butter (spring for Kerry Gold Irish or another decent brand) and topping it with thinly sliced radishes. Sound strange? I thought so, too. But it’s delicious.

My friend, Neilann Thomas, brought a tasty triple threat to a get-together. Get three cute little bowls. Fill one with basil leaves, one with cherry tomatoes and the third with fresh mozzarella balls, which can be marinated in balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. Provide toothpicks. Guests can skewer away and get a fresh bite every time.

Need a family-friendly drink? Try blueberry lemonade. Even the name sounds yummy. Combine ½ cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Stir in a cup of blueberries and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer until the berries break down, about 3-4 minutes. Strain this mixture through a cheesecloth or fine sieve and let it cool. Whisk it into ¾ cup fresh lemon juice and 5 cups of water. This recipe is from http://damndelicious.net, or you can cheat like I did and mix the blueberry syrup into Crystal Light lemonade or your favorite store-bought brand. Drop in a few extra blueberries and pop a lemon slice onto the glass rims if you’re feeling sporty.

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FOODIE NEWS

EPICUREAN EVENTS

JUNE 20-28

CHILTON COUNTY PEACH FESTIVAL, CLANTON When we lived in Birmingham and were heading to Destin, Fla., we always traveled via Montgomery so we could stop by the Peach Park in Clanton. (Good peaches; clean bathrooms.) This festival is, well, positively peachy, with a cook-off, pageants, music, parades and even a peach run. Visit http:// chiltoncountychamber.com or call 205-7552400 for more information and a schedule of events.

JUNE 20

SLOCOMB TOMATO FESTIVAL, SLOCOMB Slocomb bills itself as a “Mecca of goodness in eastern Geneva County,” so now you know all I know about Slocomb — other than that it has a tomato extravaganza. The family-friendly festival has recipe contests, parades, music and a Ms. Tomato Pageant. For more information, go to the event’s Facebook page or call 334-886-2334.

AUG. 1

EAGLES’ WINGS SHRIMPFEST AND BBQ, NORTHPORT Fresh boiled shrimp, gumbo and barbecue are on the menu at this event hosted by Eagles’ Wings, which provides services for adults with developmental disabilities. The Coker-based organization is trying to raise $300,000 to build a residential home. This event from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. in downtown Northport includes music, kids’ inflatables and a classic car show. Buy $50 meal tickets for chances to win $10,000 and other

prizes. Other meal tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for ages 10 and younger. For more information, visit www.eagleswingsoftuscaloosa. yo org.

JUNE 29-JULY 3

MASTER CHEF — OUTDOOR EDITION, BIRMINGHAM Are you a “Survivorman” fan? This outdoor camp at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve aims to help participants view nature as a kitchen. Campers will learn about foraging and outdoor cooking skills. For more information, visit http://ruffnermountain.org.

SEPT. 25-26

BAMA BREW & QUE, TUSCALOOSA This third annual event hosted by the Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa is a barbecue competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Festivalgoers can visit with cooking teams and maybe learn some top-secret cooking styles and grilling techniques. Festivalgoers can get samples from each team; there will be on-site food sales, too. The event is at Munny Sokol Park. For more information, visit http://yptuscaloosa.com. 31

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PERSONALITY

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PERSONALITY

ALL IN THE

FAMILY MEET THE CRAWFORDS: CHARMIAN, ELWIN, BRANTLEY, BAILEY, BENTLEY, BARKLEY, BRILEY AND BAXLEY ARE REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FAMILY BY JENNIFER BRADY PHOTOS BY MICHELLE LEPIANKA CARTER

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PROTECT THIS LAND O u r Com mu n ity. O u r Env i ronment .

RUMSEY ENVIRONMENTAL

5 4 0 0 K A U L O O S A AV E N U E , T U S C A L O O S A , A L 3 5 4 0 5 205.248.0002 TM_061215_034.indd 34

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PERSONALITY

From left: Bentley, 11, Brantley, 18, Briley, 6, Charmian, Baxley, 3, Bailey, 16, and Barkley, 10.

ou don’t have to be a blood relative to be part of a family. Many people even consider their close friends as family. That bond can be a tight one, but that closeness, that bond, doesn’t stop at friendship. It is also present in adoption. The Crawford family in the Tuscaloosa community of Taylorville knows this well, and it’s a bond for them that continues to strengthen. Charmian and Elwin Crawford have six adopted children, and a seventh will be joining them around December or January. “We couldn’t get pregnant, but we knew we wanted children, so we decided to adopt,” Charmian said. Their first child, Brantley, 18, was later joined by Bailey, 16, Bentley, 11, Barkley, 10, Briley, 6, and Baxley, 3. Their seventh child will be Blakeley, who now is 18 months old. All of the children, with the exception of Briley (adopted at age 2) and Blakeley, came home to the Crawfords at birth. Briley and Blakeley are also the family’s only international adoptions. Briley is from Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, in China, and Blakeley is from Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province. Charmian said that all of the children know all about their adoptions. “The kids always knew from day one. (Adoption) has always been part of our lives,” she said. “People knew that they were adopted, so it wasn’t a secret. We would read ‘Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born’ by Jamie Lee Curtis, so they’ve always known and we were always open about their birth parents.” Charmian jokes that the Crawford kids are just like any other

Charmian prepares centerpieces for a graduation party as Barkley, 10, supervises.

siblings. “We did ask the kids about adopting Blakeley and they were like, ‘No. No more!’ ” she said. “But, every time, the kids were always excited when we brought a baby home.” She added, “(Briley and Barkley) have a love/hate relationship, but when we go to the store, if one of them is not with us, the other has to get them something.” Elwin said there was no plan to be where they are now, but that’s OK. “I knew she wanted a lot of kids, but I never saw myself with seven children,” he said. Now, they can’t see life any other way.

>> 35

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PERSONALITY

BAXLEY “HE IS SPOILED ROTTEN. HE WANTS TO PLAY BASEBALL LIKE HIS BROTHERS. HE LOVES HIS JOHN DEERE GATOR UTILITY VEHICLE, AND HE LIKES TO WATCH BULL RIDING.”

BRANTLEY “SHE LOVES MISSIONARY WORK AND TRAVELING. SHE LOVES TO LIE IN HER HAMMOCK. THE FAMILY CALLS HER BRANT, AND SHE IS THE QUEEN.”

BAILEY “HE HAS A HEART OF GOLD, AND HE WILL HELP ANYONE. HE LOVES TO WELD AND GO HUNTING AND FISHING, AND THE FAMILY CALLS HIM ‘BAY BAY.’ “ 36

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PERSONALITY

BRILEY “SHE IS THE LITTLE DIVA. SHE LOVES TO HAVE COMPANY AND PLAY WITH HER BABY DOLLS. SHE IS THE PRINCESS.”

BARKLEY “HE IS OUTDOORS ALL THE TIME. HE LOVES TO FISH AND HUNT AND PLAY ANY SPORT.”

BENTLEY “HE IS A MAN OF FEW WORDS. HE LOVES TO SWIM AND PLAY BASEBALL. THE FAMILY CALLS HIM BEAK.” 37

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PERSONALITY

ABOVE: Briley, 6, reads a book with her older sister, Brantley, 18, at the Crawfords’ home. RIGHT: Baxley, 6, plays with his toys. He and Briley are the youngest Crawfords, but not for long, as the family plans to adopt another baby, Blakeley.

Most days are spent either shuttling to and from events or attending the extracurricular activities of all the children. Brantley spent several years as a competitive cheerleader but decided to take her senior year off. “She decided this year she wasn’t doing anything but preparing for graduation,” Charmian said. “She is so ready to be done.” She added that Brantley plans to attend Shelton State and decide on a career path, but that after serving on missions, she knows she wants to live overseas. Bailey enjoys welding and works on it many mornings before school. Barkley and Bentley play baseball, and Briley plays the piano. “It’s a zoo

at all times,” Charmian jokes. But Elwin, an emergency room physician, and Charmian, who had known each other most of their lives, but only started dating as seniors in high school, couldn’t keep that zoo under control on their own. “We have a lot of family support,” Charmian said. Their two families are spread among Greensboro, Tuscaloosa and Moundville, so someone is always nearby to lend a hand if needed. “I’m blessed with being able to control my schedule,” Elwin said. “And I have great partners who also value their family time, so we all work together to help each other get to our kids’ events and family

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PERSONALITY

time.” Charmian is a substitute nurse for the Tuscaloosa County School System, as well as PTO president, so the family is well known around the Taylorville community. Although the Crawfords will welcome their seventh child home later this year, that doesn’t mean they have the adoption process down to a science. “There really is no rhyme or reason to it,” Elwin said. “Each one is different with different circumstances.” The family used A Angel Adoptions out of Helena for their domestic adoptions and Wasatch International Adoptions, based in Ogden, Utah, for Briley and Blakeley’s adoptions. Elwin said that domestic adoption, in their experience, has taken five to seven months. International adoptions can take close to a year. “There is also a ton of paperwork with any adoption, but international adoptions have a lot more, of course,” he said. Charmian and Elwin said they are elated to travel to China to bring Blakeley home and hope it will become another family affair. “When we came home with Briley, it was so late at night, but we did have friends and family greeting us at the airport,” Charmian said. “Right now, Brantley is the only one going with us, but if the date we can get (Blakeley) falls at a time when school is out, we hope to take the whole family with us.”

ABOVE: The Crawford kids each do their part to help keep the family and their home running smoothly. TOP: Family time is important to the Crawfords, and it can be hard to come by when each member has their own activities and lives, but they make sure it is a priority.

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FEELING GOOD

MASSAGE

WHETHER YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE SEEKING A CAREER OR JUST AN HOUR OF PURE RELAXATION, MASSAGED LIFE & WELLNESS ACADEMY HAS YOU COVERED

SCHOOL BY BECKY HOPF PHOTOS BY ERIN NELSON

massage can do wonders for the body and soul, and, in this case, an entire community. Rahe McCandless was receiving a massage from her favorite massage therapist, Rhonda Young, one day in August 2013. McCandless, a nurse who wanted to go into massage therapy, was sharing her frustration about her difficulty in finding a program that not only met her high standards for education and

training but also fit her busy schedule. Young, who ran a spa, shared her trials in finding available massage therapists that met her expectations for quality and knowledge. And then it hit them. Why not pool their knowledge and resources and open a dual-purpose business? They conceived of a school where prospective massage therapists could get a thorough education in the field, and they would bring in clients from the community for the students to get, literally, hands-on, supervised training. McCandless could get her license and Young a

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FEELING GOOD

pool to draw from of fully qualified massage therapists. Five months later, in January 2014, Massaged Life & Wellness Academy opened its doors in a building off Loop Road in Tuscaloosa. Among its first class of students was McCandless. “(Young) was doing a massage on me, and I was complaining about not being able to find a good school,” McCandless recalled. “And I was complaining about not being able to find a good therapist,” Young added. “I had been looking on and off for 10 years for a good school that had the curriculum that I desired and a schedule that worked with mine. And I didn’t want to be thrown in with 30 people in a class,” McCandless said. Young paused, mid-massage with McCandless still on the table, looked up and declared, “Let’s start one.” McCandless agreed. “I’d never thought of opening a school. I had thought it would be nice if we could apprentice like cosmetologists do to get that one-on-one interaction,” Young said. “That’s one reason we decided, right from the beginning, our classes here would never be larger than 10 students per one teacher, so the students could get that one-on-one experience. We want to make sure everything is covered and everyone is getting the knowledge and experience they need.” The two immediately went to work to secure a site, get the necessary industry approval and pull together the hundreds of decisions and moves that have to be made in order to start a school and business. They were so organized and complete in their approach that they were approved in their first submission to the Alabama Massage Therapy Board. Often, that step can take three or four attempts, they say,

to have a submission approved. “Honestly,” McCandless said, “the hardest thing was deciding what color paint to use.” Young has been a massage therapist for nearly 14 years and owned a day spa in her hometown of Haleyville. She also works as a wellness coach. She specializes in chronic pain management, oncology massage and medical massage. McCandless, who was one of Young’s first clients when Young started out in the business, has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and has been practicing for 23 years. She couples her time at the school with her jobs as a nurse at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a clinical instructor at Bevill State-Hamilton, and a legal nurse consultant. Now, thanks to their school, she is also a licensed massage therapist. “We’re a school, primarily,” Young said. “We focus on teaching massage and wellness.” They started the school with five students including McCandless. Students must be 18 or older and have a high school degree or GED.

ABOVE: Bethany Fondren, left, goes over an evaluation form with Rhonda Young, a massage instructor at Massaged Life and Wellness Academy. TOP LEFT: Students at Massaged Life and Wellness Academy do classroom training in CPR and first aid, ethics, the history of massage, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and more. TOP RIGHT: students perform mock clinics on other students to learn technique.

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FEELING GOOD Thuy Dong massages Tammy Tooson during a hands-on technique class.

ABOVE: Thuy Dong massages a student during her first mock clinic. RIGHT: Hot stones are heated under water before a massage.

The program is 10 months, but students are given two years to complete it because many, like Young and McCandless, are balancing work, school and families. By August 2015, they’ll have graduated 24 students since they opened the school. Most of their students receive job offers midway through the course, enabling them to go straight to work upon graduating and receiving their licenses. Among those graduates is staff member and licensed therapist Chelsey Hodge. She was among the first to enroll in January 2014. “I’ve learned so much,” said Hodge, 22, who moved from Gadsden to Tuscaloosa to attend the school. “I really enjoy helping people and healing people. Massage therapy can do so much to help people with their day-to-day stress and pain. I love the natural aspect of it, how touch can heal.” The staff, which includes licensed therapist Meredith Milner, teach and lead a comprehensive curriculum that starts with the basics, CPR and first aid, and runs the gamut, from ethics, the history of massage, anatomy, physiology and kinesiology, to technique, client assessment and how to actually perform medical and therapeutic massages. They initially practice the latter of those two upon one another. Once the instructors agree they are ready, the students put training into action with clients, always under the supervision of one of the licensed

therapists. The student spa services include $35 full body massages, facial massages and salt/sugar scrubs. The licensed staff members perform relaxation, therapeutic, hot stone and facial massages as well as scrubs and body masks and wraps at prices starting around $45. “We have clients who come here for student massages who book two and three months ahead of time for standing appointments,” McCandless said. “They come here and know they are going to get a quality massage.” Young and McCandless have a passion for what they are doing and truly believe in the power of massage. “I‘m a firm believer in it. I have lupus, so I have a lot of muscular aches and pains, and massage therapy has benefited me tremendously,” Young said. “We do it because we love it, and we want to offer people the opportunity to have careers,” McCandless said. “We try to have a nurturing and healing environment for our clients to come to,” Young said. They are getting the spa experience but in an educational setting. They are able to get work done on them, and in turn, our students are getting clinical hours experience. It’s a double blessing because it helps the community and it also helps our students.” For more information on attending classes or being a client, visit the website at www.mlwacademy.com or call 205-248-7416. 43

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COVER STORY

Holding court FAMILY, FOOD AND TRAVELING SCORE BIG WITH UA BASKETBALL COACH AVERY JOHNSON BY DONNA CORNELIUS | PHOTOS BY ROBERT SUTTON

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

PHOTO | UA, KENT GIDLEY

en Jobe, a basketball coach for more than 50 years, has had lots of conversations with former players. But one phone call stands out. Jobe was head coach at Southern University and A&M College when Avery Johnson was a star point guard there. The call came while Johnson was playing for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. “Avery said the Spurs were going to trade him,” Jobe said. “He asked if I’d see if any of my contacts in the NBA would be interested in him. I went to my filing cabinet to get my list, and the phone rang again. It was A.J. ‘Coach,’ he said, ‘I shouldn’t have asked you to do that. My God will take care of me.’ “When I got home that night, my wife said, ‘Isn’t it wonderful what happened to Avery?’ The team had a new owner and a new general manager, and he’d gotten a new contract and a raise. “I thought, I’m going to quit worrying about this boy.” Jobe said he’s confident Johnson will find success in his new job. The University of Alabama hired Johnson as its men’s basketball coach April 6. This is the former NBA player and coach’s first college coaching gig. Jobe, who lives in Montgomery, was at the UA news conference officially announcing the hire. “I wouldn’t have missed that for the world,”

Jobe said. Johnson, 50, said the thought of coaching college basketball came to him when he was cheering on his son, Avery Jr., last season. “The fire started to burn when I was watching my son play at Texas A&M,” he said. “I spent a lot of time at College Station. I decided I want to help college athletes.” Johnson grew up in New Orleans’ Lafitte Projects as the ninth of 10 children in a blended family. “My dad and mom had been married to other people before they married,” he said. “My dad had six kids, my mom had two, and then they had two together. I had pretty good

TOP LEFT: Alabama basketball coach Avery Johnson stands with his wife, Cassandra, during a news conference on April 8, 2015. TOP RIGHT: Fans try to get a glimpse of Johnson as he arrives at the University of Alabama airplane hangar on April 7. ABOVE: Johnson shakes hands with UA Director of Athletics Bill Battle at a news conference.

>> 47

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COVER STORY relationships with all of them. I wanted to make everybody feel good.” Johnson was 10 years old when he began playing organized basketball at New Orleans’ Treme Center, he said. After high school, he headed west to play college ball. “When I went to New Mexico Junior College, I had never flown on an airplane before or seen red dirt,” he said. “I didn’t like the food either. Remember, I was raised on gumbo and shrimp etoufee.” Johnson transferred to Cameron College in Lawton, Okla., before returning to Louisiana to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge. There, he met Jobe, who remains a close friend and confidante. “When Coach Jobe came in, everything began to click,” Johnson said. “I became a better student, a better player and a better person.” The former coach called Johnson “an anointed leader.” “That sounds like church, but it’s something you find in all walks of life,” Jobe said. “The Creator gave them their ability to lead. In my opinion, Avery is an anointed leader.” Jobe said he arrived at Southern University about the same time Johnson did. “I found in Avery a very spiritual man,” he said “He’s a little different from any player I’ve ever coached, and I was in coaching for 52 years. He’s a great family guy, a great community guy, and he has integrity.” Along with his skills on the court, Johnson brought a crucial ingredient to the team, Jobe said. “We had no trouble with discipline when Avery was there,” he said. “No one cut classes or was late to practice.” Despite Johnson’s collegiate success, he didn’t hear his name called in the 1988 NBA Draft. He signed as a free agent with the Seattle SuperSonics later that year. Johnson played with several different teams before making a name for himself with the San Antonio Spurs. He helped lead his team to the 1999 NBA title, hitting the go-ahead, championship-clinching shot against the New York Knicks in Game 5 with 47 seconds left. Johnson became head coach of the Dallas Mavericks in 2005, taking the team to its first appearance in the NBA Finals. He also coached the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets from 2010-2012.

Coach Avery Johnson walks the floor of Coleman Coliseum.

JOHNSON FAMILY VACATIONS Johnson said his wife, Cassandra, is now house hunting in Tuscaloosa. The two met at Southern University and married three years after he graduated. “I knew her family but not her. I think they kept her in a closet,” he said, laughing. The couple has two children. Christianne graduated in May from the University of Pennsylvania. Avery Jr. said in April that he will transfer from Texas A&M to UA to play basketball for his dad. “People ask me how I’m going to develop student athletes, and I say, ‘I’m doing it at home. I have both — a student and an athlete,’ ” he said, smiling. He said he and Cassandra are foodies. “We like to cook and eat at home, and we like to eat out, too,” Johnson said. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised with the restaurants here in

Tuscaloosa. We love to entertain and are big church-and-brunch people. I plan to visit different churches in Tuscaloosa throughout the year.” While he touts Cassandra as a talented Cajun food cook, he’s no benchwarmer in the kitchen. “I’m the breakfast king,” he said. “I make the best breakfast on the face of the earth.” One of the family’s favorite things to do together is traveling, Johnson said. “We have an annual trip,” he said. “We’ve been to Alaska, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Vancouver. We went to Moscow as a family. I’ve been all over China.” Christianne Johnson said her father turned vacations into educational experiences for her and her brother. “We’d have to do a research paper on the country we were visiting

>> 49

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COVER STORY LEFT: Avery Johnson hugs his former basketball coach Ben Jobe during a news conference. BELOW: Johnson waves to the crowd after his arrival in Tuscaloosa. BOTTOM: Johnson shakes hands with C.M. Newton.

before trips and write an essay about it afterward,” the 22-year-old said. “When we went to Spain, we had to keep a daily journal — in Spanish.” Life in the Johnson household was rarely dull, Christianne said. “Growing up with my dad around was really entertaining,” she said. “We cooked together, we went to church, and he did Bible studies in our media room. When he was home, he tried to be involved in our sports.” Her father emphasized academics, Christianne said. “He made us do extra homework, which was kind of annoying,” she said, laughing. “If I got below a 90, I couldn’t do anything on the weekend.” The rigorous discipline paid off, she said. Christianne graduated from Penn with two bachelor’s degrees, one in East Asian languages and civilizations and the other in economics and public policy. She already has a job with BlackRock Inc., a multinational investment management corporation based in New York. Christianne said it was fun watching her father play in the NBA while she was a child. “I saw him go from player to coach,” she said. “I saw how he dealt with adversity. Whether he was with a winning team or a losing team, he could handle it.”

SPEAKING OUT As a college student, Johnson organized food drives for the needy and mentored children, Jobe said. “I came into my office one day, and Avery had it full of kids,” Jobe said. “I asked him what they were doing there, and he said, ‘Coach, they needed a place to study.’ ” Johnson now is involved with Just Say Yes, a nonprofit organization whose goal is empowering kids to “say yes” to their dreams and goals. The organization has a bureau of speakers, including Johnson. “We’ve talked to kids at more than 80 to 100 schools,” Johnson said. “Throughout my life, I’ve had guys come and give speeches that resonated with me. If I was famous one day, I told myself, I’d do the same thing.” He was active in relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina devastated his hometown. “After Katrina, we took in family and friends who stayed with us at our home,” he said. “It was a painful time.” Between NBA coaching stints, Johnson was an ESPN analyst. He said

he thinks his experience as a player and coach made that job easier. “I was always conscientious,” he said. “I didn’t give anybody a pass, but I wasn’t an armchair quarterback either. For example, when things go wrong, I understand that it’s not always the coach’s fault.”

LOOKING BACK — AND LOOKING FORWARD Johnson said he’ll always remember seeing some 30,000 people line San Antonio’s River Walk for the 1999 championship parade. Another unforgettable day was in 2007 when the Spurs retired his jersey. At the ceremony were Spurs owner Peter Holt and head coach Gregg Popovich, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and some of Johnson’s former teammates, including David Robinson and Tim Duncan. But someone else’s presence at another memorable event stands out even more, Johnson said. “My mom was at the press conference when I signed my long-term contract with the Spurs,” he said. “I’d been up and down, so that meant a lot.” Johnson said he’s excited about leading UA’s basketball program. “When you sit down and look at the tremendous resources and the opportunity to build on the legacies of coaches like C.M. Newton and Wimp Sanderson ... It’s a program ready to explode, not if but when you can get it going,” he said. “And I’m always up for the bigger challenge.” 51

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THELOCKERROOM64 TM_061215_064.indd 64

6/2/15 10:41 AM

NEW IN TOWN

GOALUA’S NEW WOMEN’S SOCCER HEAD COACH WES HART IS READY TO TAKE THE TEAM TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF PLAY

ORIENTED BY ELAYNE SMITH | PHOTOS BY ROBERT SUTTON

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NEW IN TOWN

UA soccer coach Wes Hart meets with his team for the first time after accepting the position.

UA | KELLY PRICE

erhaps if he had lived behind a football field or a baseball field, Wes Hart would not be in Tuscaloosa today. Hart jokes that perhaps it was fate that a soccer field was merely feet away from his backyard growing up, fate that led him to his passion. Yet he knows it was not fate, but a career of hard work and commitment that has led him to sporting the University of Alabama’s “A” stitched on a crimson coach’s uniform. Hart is the new head coach for the University of Alabama’s women’s soccer program. After two years as the assistant soccer coach at Florida State University, Hart takes over for the Crimson Tide and looks forward to developing the program. “I want to see improvement,” Hart said. “It’s going to be a process to take it where I want to go. We’re not going to change overnight.” During his time with the Seminoles, Hart coached the team as they took the 2014 national championship title. He said he’d like to see Alabama aim for such success. Part of Hart’s goal for the upcoming seasons is to create a winning culture and not settle for average. With all the traditions of excellence in the football program, gymnastic program and other athletic programs, Hart said, there’s pressure to follow their lead. “Average at Alabama is not good enough,” Hart said. “We can’t accept just being average.” Hart wants to start creating that winning culture by making sure the players buy into his high expectations, recruiting the right players and making sure

his player-management skills are up to par. “The most important thing is that they have the right mentality,” Hart said. “I want players who have high aspirations and high goals, who want to use this as a stepping stone.” This job for Hart is the stepping stone he wanted ever since coaching for Florida State. He said he took the assistant coach’s job in Tallahassee knowing he wanted to be head coach of a program one day. “I enjoy the sport and the competition,” Hart said. “I’m too old to play, but I love still being involved and seeing players reach their goals.” Mark Krikorian, the head soccer coach at Florida State and Hart’s former boss, said he thinks Hart will take the Alabama program in the right direction. He said Hart is a smart guy with a good way about him. “I think he’ll do a great job,” Krikorian said. “I think he brings a lot of very good qualities to the group. He has a very good soccer mind, he’s a good teacher, he has a very good eye for talent, and his analysis of opponents is quite good as well. I think he’s very wellrounded. He was a high-level, experienced player and his coaching reflects that same quality.” Hart’s passion for soccer started before he knew how to write. Living in Littleton, Colo., Hart’s family lived behind a soccer field. When he was 3 or 4 years old, his older brother signed up to play soccer and his dad signed up to coach. Watching them play inspired him to follow in their footsteps. He would hop over the fence to get on the field and kick the ball around. Growing up, he knew he wanted to be a soccer

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NEW IN TOWN

“I’VE ALWAYS HAD ASPIRATIONS OF BEING A PRO SOCCER PLAYER SINCE I CAN REMEMBER,” HART SAID. “IT WAS AT THAT POINT THAT I REALIZED THAT THIS WAS A REALISTIC DREAM OF MINE. IT WAS AT THAT POINT THAT I REALIZED IT COULD HAPPEN.” player. Yet it wasn’t until his junior year at the University of Washington when he realized he could actually make it his career. The team had a good year and he saw that he had what it took. “I’ve always had aspirations of being a pro soccer player since I can remember,” Hart said. “It was at that point that I realized that this was a realistic dream of mine. It was at that point that I realized it could happen.” He started at the University of Wisconsin before transferring to the University of Washington. He played in six seasons of Major League Soccer, four years with the Colorado Rapids and two years with the San Jose Earthquakes. He started his coaching career as a club coach for Colorado Rush. He said all his experiences have prepared him for this job. “Ultimately the success of the team is going to fall on my shoulders,” Hart said. “Having played the game at a high level, I know what’s realistic and unrealistic for the players.” Off the field, Hart enjoys fishing, playing golf and spending time with his family. His wife was a gymnast, and their athleticism has made them an active family. Hart’s 9-year-old son has taken up soccer and seems to be following in his father’s footsteps. His 7-year-old daughter, though, can’t stand the sport.

Hart enjoys bass fishing and saltwater fishing. He’s still trying to find a place to fish in Tuscaloosa, but he said the area seems nice and full of friendly people. He said he looks forward to getting to know the place. “I’m pretty transparent with my players and other people,” Hart said. “I don’t tend to close off.” While the timing of his hire may not have given him as much time with the team as he would have wanted, he said he’s happy to be the head coach and looks forward to pushing himself as well as the players. “It’s exciting,” Hart said. “To see the potential this place has, I’ve set the bar high for myself.”

Hart is married to the former Jamie Martini. The couple are the parents of two children, Dominic, 8, and Grace, 6.

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GOOD DEEDS

Arts â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Autism student Camden Ryan enjoys being artistic and creative at the after-school program.

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GOOD DEEDS

MORE THAN AFTER-SCHOOL CARE, THIS LOCAL OUTREACH PROGRAM ENRICHES THE LIVES OF ITS STUDENTS AND OUR COMMUNITY

BY JENNIFER BRADY PHOTOS BY ROBERT SUTTON

he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta says that one in every 68 children is diagnosed with some form of autism. That number has risen from 2004, when the CDC reported that one in every 125 children would be diagnosed. Organizations like Tuscaloosa’s Arts ’n Autism are constantly working to not only raise awareness, but also to meet the needs of their students, who currently range in age from 3 to 26. Arts ’n Autism started as an outreach program of Covenant Presbyterian Church in March 2004. “It was a six-week program and the church provided $2,500 of seed money,” said Janet Sikes, who co-founded the program along with Suzanne Dowling. “We became incorporated in 2009 and a 501(c)(3) in 2011.” Another milestone was met when the program moved to its current campus on Eighth Street in downtown Tuscaloosa in April 2014. Arts ’n Autism Director of Development Voni Wyatt said the move has meant a lot to everyone involved. “We were thrilled to get this building, but the kids know it’s theirs,” Wyatt said. “You can see that they feel real ownership of this place.” The program had grown due to the basic need for after-school care. “There wasn’t a place just for kids with autism to

go after school,” Wyatt said. “We started as just one day a week and now we’re every day.” She adds that the program has 40-50 students per week. But Arts ’n Autism is more than an afterschool gathering place. Those who direct it pride themselves on how the students are enriched and prepared for life. The programs offered include:

PRESCHOOL - FIRST GRADE This program connects children on the autism spectrum through music, art, fine motor activities and sensory integration therapy within a language-rich curriculum. Students practice socialization and communication skills in all of the activities. The preschool students even started joining the yoga classes.

FIRST GRADE - FIFTH GRADE Elementary school-age children are provided social opportunities through after-school arts activities that focus on individual talents, sensitivity to sensory issues, language and social skills development.

ARTS ’N AUTISM AMBASSADORS This group is composed of junior and senior high school students. These students focus on learning life skills and utilization of social skills in community settings. They also continue specialized classes in their areas of interest and talent.

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Art teacher Stephen White works with Breanna Rowe, 11, on a project at Arts ‘n Autism.

Arts ’n Autism has certified teachers, a speech language pathologist on staff and a teacher-to-student ratio of 1 to 2. Another source of pride for the group is its relationship with the West Alabama community. “We work with (University of Alabama) students who are marketing, fashion design, (telecommunication and film), public relations majors and students from nonprofit volunteering classes,” Wyatt said. “We also have social work and special needs majors volunteering with us.” She added that the students use their talents and classroom training to do various things for the program, which saves them resources and funding that can be spent directly on or for the students. Arts ’n Autism is a United Way program, but as with many small organizations, funding is always an issue. “We love being a part of United Way because of that national recognition, but we do not receive any national funding,” Wyatt said. “We don’t receive any money from Autism Speaks or any national organizations. We are dependent solely on local funding.” She added that they have tremendous community support and businesses don’t just give money, some offer services or help in non-monetary ways. The program also has three fundraisers each year — Masterpiece: A Night of Arts and Autism, Stand-Up for Autism and the recently added Tips for Tuscaloosa — but are working on adding other events. Co-founder Sikes adds, “We fortunately do not have the barriers that a lot of your small nonprofits do. We just need more funding.” No student is ever turned away at Arts ’n Autism despite its financial needs or the financial capabilities of the students’ families.

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GOOD DEEDS

“Sixty percent of our students come from disadvantaged or single-family homes,” Wyatt said. “But, we will work with parents in any way possible to get their child in our program.” Arts ’n Autism focuses only on children and adults on the autism spectrum so that those parents and caregivers are able to work and keep their full-time jobs. “We have some pretty creative ways we work with parents to help with tuition,” Wyatt said. “They volunteer to paint, fix things around our campus or even clean.” Locally funded scholarships are also a way to help students attend Arts ’n Autism. A student’s tuition is covered for one year with a $3,000 scholarship, but other sponsorship levels are available. Disability Scoop, a national developmental disability news website, reports that recent research estimates that parents of an autistic child will spend nearly $2.4 million over the child’s lifetime. Insurance does not cover autism, Wyatt added. Arts ’n Autism has two buses, which allow them to pick up the students from school so that parents and caregivers do not have to leave work to either stay with their child at home or arrange for transportation to Arts ’n Autism. The students are enriched by the learning that takes place, and also by the bonds that are made. “These kids and young adults get to have friendships. They get to be part of peer groups,” Wyatt said. “They get a chance to experience the typical day of someone who isn’t on the autism spectrum.” Those experiences include attending summer camps just like any child would and playing and engaging with the peers on Sarah’s Playground, recently dedicated on the Arts ’n Autism campus in honor of student Sarah Seneff.

TOP: From left, Devin Washington, 12, Breanna Rowe, 11, Addyson Burroughs, 8, and Lydia DeGraffenried, 11, work on a project with art teacher Stephen White. ABOVE: Ken King, 16, paints during an art class at Arts ‘n Autism. Letting the students express their creativity is a big part of the program.

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ABOVE: Addyson Burroughs, 8, dances with volunteer dance teacher Jayci Kalb during a dance class. TOP LEFT: Lydia DeGraffenried, 11, shows off her moves during the dance class. LEFT: Cameron Washington, 13, works on an art project. BELOW LEFT: Clint Hutchinson, a LIFEE Student, pulls weeds and tends to a garden on the grounds.

But they also understand the rising importance of preparing adults with autism to live normal lives. Their LIFEE (Learning Independence for Future Education and Employment) program works with area businesses to help teach employment skills so adults on the autism spectrum can seek safe and fulfilling jobs in their community. Sikes said she believes every child should have access to the resources that prepare people for everyday living. Those resources for autistic children generally stop at age 21. “Most college kids aren’t ready to live out on their own at age 21, so why should special-needs adults be expected to?” she said. The LIFEE program serves students who have graduated from high school and are ready for either work or college. The program includes vocational preparation with supervised work experience in the community. The goal is to assist students in reaching their full potential and leading happy productive lives. “There are a lot of businesses and area programs that help make this possible for us,” Wyatt said. Those programs include the Department of Vocational Services, Shelton State Community College, the Ability Alliance of West Alabama and many local businesses. The staff and students could sing the praises of the Arts ’n Autism program all day, and it would be a sentiment shared by parents like Tony and Tina Brock, whose son Matthew attends Arts ’n Autism. “Arts ’n Autism came at a good time for Matthew,” Tony Brock said. “Matt is 26 years old and is somewhere in the low middle of the autism spectrum; he’s somewhat verbal but doesn’t converse, he’s unable to drive or make rational decisions and he’s very compulsive.” Matthew graduated from Oak Hill School when he was 18. “After Oak Hill, we transported him to and from Crossing Points for two years at the University of Alabama, when he aged out,” Brock said. “Shortly after that, our fears were confirmed.” There weren’t as many programs for autistic young adults 72

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TOP LEFT: Addyson Burroughs, 8, works on an art project. ABOVE: Lucas Camp, 16, draws with Alex Morgan, a volunteer at Arts ‘n Autism. TOP RIGHT: Travion Eatmon, 7, works with Director of Development Vonnie Wyatt. BOTTOM RIGHT: Taylor Kerekes, a LIFEE Student, rakes a pile of leaves on the property.

VISIT WWW.ARTSNAUTISM. ORG TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARTS ’N AUTISM PROGRAM.

as there were for younger, school-aged autistic children, he said. “We applied to Eagles’ Wings so that he would have a different environment and be around people other than Tina and me. And, several of his friends, whom he grew up with, were clients at Eagles’ Wings,” Brock said. Around the same time, he said, they applied to the Arts ’n Autism program. “Arts ’n Autism has proven to be the perfect supplement for Matthew,” he said. “The instructors work hard to keep the students stimulated with activities like painting, music, chores, martial arts training, horseback riding and other activities I’m sure I’m forgetting. The staff is knowledgeable, informed and dedicated.” Brock said he believes Arts ‘n Autism is preparing his son for adulthood. “Matthew’s considered a ‘LIFEE,’ which simply means that he’s an adult,” he said. “He has, in a way, fallen into the role of a leader in the eyes of the younger students and it seems he sees himself as a leader and enjoys it.” Brock said the need for the program will only increase. “As these kids grow into adulthood, they face the same challenges that they always have — they’re still autistic and they don’t ‘outgrow’ it. In the coming years, there will be an unprecedented number of adults with autism and the need for programs like Arts ’n Autism will be greater than ever. It is a much needed and welcomed facility in Tuscaloosa and Tina and I are grateful for them. And, so is Matthew.” Comments like these from the Brock family only solidify what Wyatt said the program hopes to accomplish with students of all ages. “These are God’s children and it is important to enhance their lives,” Wyatt said. 73

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6/2/15 10:42 AM

MUSIC

MUSIC WITH A MISSION

STATE TROOPER ADAM AARON USES HIS SONGWRITING TO GIVE BACK TO POLICE FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST LOVED ONES BY ELAYNE SMITH PHOTOS BY ROBERT SUTTON

dam Aaron left his house during the hours where dreams, not his job, should have taken him away. He passed family portraits and Sharpie doodles his daughters stained into the wall. Guitars leaned untouched in corners, one broken by little hands and little feet that wanted to play the big instrument like their daddy. His wife was busy tucking his girls back into bed, trying to reconcile the interruption his sergeant’s phone call made to their sleep. As he left the house, the law enforcement officer thought how this could be the last time he petted his dog, heard his daughters’ voices or kissed his wife goodbye. The reality of this thought drove Aaron to try to make a difference for law enforcement officers’ families. Aaron is a state trooper for Walker County and lives in Jasper. For seven years, he’s put on his uniform and worked night shifts and weekends.

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“I DON’T CLAIM TO BE A SINGER, I DON’T CLAIM TO BE A MUSICIAN AND I CERTAINLY DON’T CLAIM TO BE A WRITER,” AARON SAID. “IT’S IN ME. I CAN HEAR THE PIECES OF MUSIC.”

He has two daughters who still need training wheels on their bicycles. He often comes home to his wife past 3 a.m., regularly gets calls during the night to work car wrecks and barely has time to see her between their schedules. Even with his duties as a trooper and a family man, he still finds time to live his passion. “I just love music,” Aaron said. “It’s more a part of me than anything else.” Using this passion, Aaron has produced

a song with half of its proceeds going to the Forever Blue Foundation. The nonprofit gives financial assistance to families of law enforcement officers who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. Aaron recorded his song, “Little Miss Moonshine,” a year ago and has raised $800 for the nonprofit within that year. “If I can help a family that is in a situation that my family could be in, that’s just as rewarding as making money off the song,”

Aaron said. “I wanted to reach everybody.” Aaron learned how to play guitar when he was 13 or 14 years old. His singing voice has a raspy strength to it that he typically uses for gospel songs. He’s the drummer for his church’s services and plays guitar with a local gospel band called Redemption. Yet, he still struggles finding time to strum his guitar or play in front of an audience with all his responsibilities. “The stars of the galaxy almost have to line up for me to be able to play,” Aaron said. “It’s a struggle to have a job, a family and try to pursue music.” He took only six months of guitar lessons, learning music by experiencing it. He doesn’t read music well, but he hears the notes and the chords. He said he can imagine new parts to songs and gets tunes in his head. While he lacks formal training, he said he has an ear for music. “I don’t claim to be a singer, I don’t claim to be a musician and I certainly don’t claim to be a writer,” Aaron said. “It’s in me. I can hear the pieces of music.” Aaron’s phone is filled with voice memos

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Aaron loves to play music, and though he says it can be challenging with his job and raising a family, he wouldn’t trade anything.

and notes of half-written songs and single lines that come to him throughout the day. He said his inspiration comes from anywhere — something somebody said to him during the day, a random thought or a daydream as for “Little Miss Moonshine.” He said the songs are part from personal experience and part from fiction, like painting a portrait with prettier colors. “It’s kind of like the songs have a life of their own and evolve into what they want to be,” Aaron said. “It’s like taking ingredients and making a meal. I take a little from here and a little from there to make it into something.” Aaron produced “Little Miss Moonshine” and chose it to raise money for the Forever Blue Foundation because it was the only song he had written at the time, and he thought it would appeal to more people than the gospel songs he wrote. He said he’s proud he got the song recorded. “To me, that’s one of the greatest legacies you could leave behind,” Aaron said. “It’s still something that’s never going to be taken away.” In the end, his singing is a way to relax and shed the worries of the day. Not only does he write tickets, but he’s also called to help with car wrecks. He’s seen children in ways a father shouldn’t have to see, he’s seen the death of family members and he’s seen how cars can be death traps. “People don’t think about the sacrifices in this line of work,” Aaron said. “It’s a way to sing away the faces and the tears.” Most days he doesn’t get to sit down and play. Instead, he spends his free time with his family, enjoying the moments they have together. “I wouldn’t trade any of that time for any amount of music,” Aaron said. When he does get to play for an audience, he said there’s no other feeling like it. Some days he said he feels the Lord channeled through him, spreading energy to other people. “When you’re up there playing and you know you’re bringing back a good memory, it’s that connection that don’t really have an age, don’t really have a race and don’t really know a gender,” Aaron said. “It just is.”

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6 123456 MEET THE FOLKS WHO

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intriguing people

JACKIE WUSKA

CEO and President, United Way of West Alabama

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President, TotalCom Marketing Communications

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE

NO.1

Jackie Wuska CEO AND PRESIDENT, UNITED WAY OF WEST ALABAMA BY ELAYNE SMITH PHOTO BY ROBERT SUTTON

ackie Wuska recognized the handwriting of the letter and, for the third or fourth time, wished the man would call instead

of write. As the CEO and president of United Way of West Alabama, Wuska could get him the help he asked for with his utilities bill but could not get back the two days lost on the postal service. She wished he’d called the United Way’s 211 help line instead of sending mail. Yet when Wuska opened the envelope, expecting to find another request for help, she found a different type of letter. Inside was a bright thankyou card, a page-long thank-you note and a

check. As she finished the letter praising the work her organization had done for him and read the last line scribbled, “Everyone have a blessed day,” Wuska looked at the man’s donation. The check promised $3 to United Way. “I couldn’t believe what was in it,” Wuska said. “It was so humbling to get his praises. It was so precious.” United Way of West Alabama helps raise money for 26 partner nonprofits, promotes charity work in nine counties and helps people in need connect with the necessary agency. “We kind of act as an umbrella organization to develop funding and guide people to really help serve their needs,” Wuska said. More than 100 times a week, people call the United Way 211 help line asking for help with utility bills, coats, school supplies, employment

or any other need. Three people divide these calls and try to offer comfort and a solution. “We try to have a holistic approach and help the person besides just paying for utilities,” Wuska said. “So many people are a paycheck away from being in that boat.” Over the years, Wuska has alternated between working for higher education and working for nonprofit organizations. She said she realized that she was not suited for a government job while she was earning her master’s degree in public administration at the University of Alabama. “I feel like higher education and nonprofit is the best place to hone my skills,” Wuska said. “I feel like there’s more direct impact without worrying quite as much about policy and procedures involved with government outreach.”

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE She worked at her alma mater, and then at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, before stepping into nonprofits. She worked as the executive director of the Literacy Council of Central Alabama for several years. When she returned to Tuscaloosa to work for the University of Alabama again, she soon yearned for the nonprofit world. About three years ago, Wuska began leading this division of United Way. “It’s so rewarding because I get to see the true heart of this community,” Wuska said. “It’s a great experience to be a part of the process, and it’s a lot of fun. We have a great team here, and we laugh pretty much every day.” Each day, Wuska juggles trying to increase fundraising, conducting public outreach, and training board members and volunteers. She said she loves training people the most because she gets to meet the people who want to make a difference. “Everyone has wonderful missions, and volunteers have outstanding intentions,” Wuska said. “I like giving individuals the skill set to be successful.” Wuska said she hopes to continue expanding United Way in the years to come. She is having the man’s $3 check framed and hung in United Way’s lobby as a reminder of how the smallest actions can make the most change. “Something happens every week at United Way when I realize our work is making a difference,” Wuska said. “(The letter) will be a reminder to make a difference every day.”

NAME: Jackie Wuska AGE: 46 PERSONAL: Cats Ethel, Chas and Albert HOMETOWN: Birmingham THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE INFLUENCED MY LIFE: My mom and dad were very encouraging, told me to set my sights high and were always there to support me. My dad was an engineer and spent his career at American Cast Iron Pipe Co. My mom was mayor of my hometown, Vestavia Hills. You can’t really repay people like that except by passing it on to others. SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME: I was the adviser to the Bama Skydivers when I worked at UA. I felt the need to participate until I managed to land on my feet. I didn’t enjoy it. Every time I went up, I would tear up and think, ‘Why am I doing this again?’ But I was

determined to land on my feet. It took me three times and now that I’ve done it, I’m done. MY PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: The GED scholarship fund that I created when I was the executive director and president of the Literacy Council of Central Alabama. It enabled folks who didn’t finish high school to get their GED for their training or their education so that they can get a better job and pursue their dreams. It was really rewarding to hear from the individuals why they wanted the scholarship and what they wanted to do with it and to follow up and see the results. WHY I DO WHAT I DO: It’s so rewarding because I get to see the true heart of this community. That’s both in the people who are struggling and have the courage to call United Way’s 211 help line when they realize they can’t get through these issues on their own, but also the response of the community, whether it’s financial resources or volunteering their time and talents.

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE

NO.2

Jimmy Warren PRESIDENT, TOTALCOM MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS BY ANGEL COKER PHOTO BY ROBERT SUTTON

n unopened yellow box of Crayola crayons sits among books and knick-knacks from advertising campaigns on the bookshelf that lines one wall of Jimmy Warren’s upstairs office at TotalCom Marketing Communications. Crayola wasn’t a client of his, and the crayons weren’t purchased to entertain his two grandkids. Warren was given the box some years ago as a handout at a speech to prompt attendees to think about what life was like back when they brushed the colorful wax across paper or

forbidden walls. “It kind of brought you back down to what’s really important in your life,” Warren said. He said he keeps the box in plain sight as a reminder that hard work and family are what’s important. Growing up, Warren learned the value of hard work by watching his father work as a laborer at the Central Foundry ironworks in Holt during the week and by working on his family’s farm in Walker County on weekends. Warren mowed grass and planted, weeded and harvested vegetables alongside his parents and two siblings on those weekends. He shucked corn, shelled peas, cut okra and picked fruit from trees before preparing it for

winter months to come, and he drew water from a well and cut firewood for a house with no running water or electricity. The work didn’t end when Monday rolled around. Between school and homework, Warren was tasked with watering the dirt road twice a day to keep the layers of dust on the furniture to a minimum. “Looking back, it was a great experience because it did teach me hard work,” Warren said. “I think I’m probably a workaholic now. It probably stems from that.” Warren now runs his own company, TotalCom, and said “it’s in my DNA” to sleep four to five hours a night and work 16 hours a day. He said he spends his days emailing, talking

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE and meeting with clients like the University of Alabama, DCH Health System, Bank of Tuscaloosa and more to understand their story. He said he and his team gather information, research the advertising and marketing industry and conceptualize, design and create advertising and marketing campaigns for print, broadcast, social, outdoor and other types of media to represent their clients. He bought the company in 1983 after working under its previous owner for about six months. The company has offices in Tuscaloosa and Huntsville. Warren got his start in advertising while working for an outdoor advertising company, Creative Displays, in Tuscaloosa after graduating from the University of Alabama with an undergraduate degree in business and Abilene Christian University in Texas with a master’s degree in biblical studies. An unstable political climate halted his plan to be a missionary, and he decided to work at the

advertising company and return to school to study law. He was persuaded to stay with the company — never returning to school — until it sold most of its assets, and he moved to TotalCom. In addition to his regular workload, Warren serves on several boards of community organizations in Tuscaloosa including the Tuscaloosa Public Library, Caring Days adult day care center, Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission, the Bank of Tuscaloosa and more. He served on the Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission for 16 years. Warren said although he spends a lot of time working, he makes time for his family. He said he enjoys watching Alabama football with his two sons and attending his church of about 15 years, University Church of Christ, and his two grandchildren’s sports games with his wife when he is not working. “I stay busy. There’s a lot of work,” he said, but “I believe in working hard and playing hard.”

NAME: Jimmy Warren AGE: 61 FAMILY: Wife, Emily; sons John and Parker; two grandchildren HOMETOWN: Tuscaloosa THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE INFLUENCED MY LIFE: My father, Daniel Warren. He was a good man and a hard worker. He’s a big influence because he was the oldest of 11 children, and he had to quit school in the fifth grade to help support the rest of the family. He didn’t have much education, but he worked hard, provided for his family, always did what was right, always steady and stable and willing to help anybody do anything.

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SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME: A lot of people don’t know that I have a master’s degree in Bible. I had planned to go to law school. I decided not to do that. I was going to be a missionary. That didn’t work out, and I ended up in the advertising business. MY PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: My children and grandchildren. Family’s pretty important. WHY I DO WHAT I DO: I do what I do because hopefully it’s helpful to somebody else, whether it’s a client, whether it’s a community organization I’m involved in. Hopefully giving back to help other people be successful and receive the services they need.

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE

NO.3

Harrison Taylor COUNCILMAN, CITY OF TUSCALOOSA BY KAYLA MONTGOMERY PHOTO BY ROBERT SUTTON

ong before he was elected to the Tuscaloosa City Council, Councilman Harrison Taylor served the city in a different capacity. For 34 years, he traveled the winding streets of Tuscaloosa on a daily basis, working as a mail carrier, delivering letters and socializing with people from all walks of life in the city he loved. The job, which led to his nickname of “Mailman,” also allowed him to make meaningful connections, and led directly to his role as a public servant and his current position

as president pro tem of the Tuscaloosa City Council. Since then, he has been instrumental in achieving equality for the residents of the community he calls home. “When I was a mailman, people kept saying, ‘These roads haven’t been paved in 50 years,’ ” Taylor said. “I heard them, I took it all in, took it to task and said, ‘I’m going to run for office.’ After all these years, I think it’s just in my blood.” Since his early years, Taylor has been devoted to improving the conditions of his community. While studying at Druid High School at a time when schools were still segregated, he remembers speaking with his mother about the condition of his textbook. A hand-me-

down, many pages were either scribbled on or missing. In response, Taylor’s mother delivered a piece of wisdom that still follows him in his endeavors today. “She said, ‘Old book or new book, what difference does it make if you don’t use either? Get in there and get your lesson done,’ ” Taylor said. “That stuck with me. You use what you’ve got, and make the best of what you’ve got so you can do better.” Following the sentiments of his mother, Taylor continued to strive to do better for himself and others. He served a brief stint in the military and also served as a foot soldier in the civil rights movement under the Rev. T.Y. Rogers Jr., whose work became one of Taylor’s

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE greatest inspirations. “He said there was a better life out there — we deserved a better life; we wanted a better life, so let’s go get a better life,” Taylor said. “I bought into that, and I’ve been believing in it ever since. Tuscaloosa is a great city. We’ve come a long way in Tuscaloosa, and it’s all for the good.” Following his passion for serving others and drawing from his connections made as a mailman, Taylor decided to run for public office and was elected Councilman of District 2. From his position, he’s been instrumental in getting the first black man appointed to the Civil Service Board, and he was integral in integrating Tuscaloosa’s two separate retirement systems, allowing black residents to reap greater benefits than they received previously. Many of his accomplishments, Taylor said, have been made possible by the distinct attitude of Tuscaloosa, and he said that while the community has a way yet to go, there have been tremendous changes for the better. “It shows what kind of city this is. During the civil rights movement, Tuscaloosa was a unique city,” Taylor said. “No one died in the movement; we didn’t keep fighting after. In Tuscaloosa, once we broke something down or integrated, we moved on. That’s why Tuscaloosa is so unique, and I care about Tuscaloosa so much.” Even after 23 years with the council, Taylor still has goals he hopes to accomplish in the place he has served for so long, and hopes to continue bettering the community for its citizens who have supported him throughout his career. “I thank the good Lord, the citizens of District 2 and the citizens of Tuscaloosa for allowing me to be on a team with all the mayor and council members to take Tuscaloosa from a good city to a great city,” he said.

EVEN AFTER 23 YEARS WITH THE COUNCIL, TAYLOR STILL HAS GOALS HE HOPES TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE PLACE HE HAS SERVED FOR SO LONG, AND HOPES TO CONTINUE BETTERING THE COMMUNITY FOR ITS CITIZENS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED HIM THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER. NAME: Harrison L. Taylor AGE: 68

Rogers, who was a big civil rights leader in Tuscaloosa.

HOMETOWN: Northport

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME: I left Northport when I was 11 years old and went to Virginia, and I returned when I was 13 to Tuscaloosa.

PEOPLE WHO INFLUENCED MY LIFE: My mother, my aunt Ruth Bolden—the Bryce Library was named for her — my older brothers, the faculty at Druid High School, Rev. T.Y.

WHY I DO WHAT I DO: I want to make a difference, and I think I have over the years. I’m not a perfect servant, but I’m a public servant. It’s just in my blood to make things bigger and better.

FAMILY: Wife, Verdelle; sons Steven and Michael; daughter, Jennifer; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild

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NO.4

Brandon Kasteler

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

BY ELAYNE SMITH PHOTO BY ROBERT SUTTON

ll Brandon Kasteler had getting off the Greyhound bus in Georgia to work for Habitat for Humanity was two suitcases, half a college degree and a mission. Once he left, he had a passion to build and help people that shaped his life. Kasteler is the construction manager for Habitat for Humanity in Tuscaloosa. The tall man leaves trails of dried mud in his footsteps as he organizes builds. When he’s not in the office, overseeing construction or with his family, he’s lacing his sneakers for long runs that give him time to think. In 1993, Kasteler realized he wanted change.

He was in the middle of his sophomore year of college and the future was up in the air. During a run, he decided he was going to do something different. “I wanted to do something meaningful, not normal,” Kasteler said. “I stumbled onto Habitat and thought, ‘This is really cool, something meaningful, physical and tangible.’ ” He took a break from college and took a bus to Georgia to spend a year building with Habitat for Humanity. He didn’t have a car, phone or power bills. He had no distractions and no worries. He worked for 10 hours a day, lived with about 20 other people and eventually met his wife. “It was work for a good cause, and it was focused,” Kasteler said. “I was nervous at first, but then I loved it.” Throughout the years, he’s traded a hammer

for a classroom and taught at elementary schools, switching between construction and education. He said every time he takes a job in one profession, he misses the other. “I’m lucky to have two meaningful professions,” Kasteler said. “They’re a lot more similar than you would think. This kind of construction is teaching.” Four years ago, Kasteler was teaching a kindergarten class in Michigan when the 2011 tornado hit Alabama. Already wanting to return to the South, Kasteler and his family moved to Tuscaloosa to help rebuild the city. “I went for a run past the debris and I thought, ‘If I’m going to do this, I’m going to help people recover,’ ” Kasteler said. For 20 years, he has worked with Habitat for Humanity and other construction efforts. He

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE NAME: Brandon Kasteler AGE: 43 PERSONAL: Wife, Susan; son Isaac, 16; daughter India, 14; son Asher, 12; son Aiden, 9; and son Everett, 10½ months. HOMETOWN: Ferndale, Wash. THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE INFLUENCED MY LIFE: Mark Scott, my boss when I first worked for Habitat for Humanity, taught me a lot and his philosophy of working with volunteers. He taught me it’s important to keep the volunteers happy and safe and let them accomplish as much as possible. My father always taught me to work hard and play hard and to get the most out of life. He said to make learning fun, so I applied it to making building fun. My best friend, Will Berry, growing up. He passed away recently. I want to live up to his legacy of simplicity. He was all about being a simple person and enjoying nature, family and just being a good person. All three remind me to slow down and enjoy my family. SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME: I run ultra-marathons. I ran a 100-mile race a couple of weeks ago. My time was 24 hours and 31 minutes. I’ve sworn it’s my last. It’s my secret obsession. Running is both relaxation and meditation. It’s spiritual to me in a way that people talk about reading Scripture. I like the challenge and challenging myself. It’s my own private Super Bowl.

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MY PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: Finishing that race before their cutoff of 30 hours made me really happy. We built Habitat for Humanity in Tuscaloosa’s 100th house a few weeks ago. I raced 100 miles for the 100th house that we planned to build in 100 hours. We ended up finishing it in 72 hours. That was a great accomplishment. WHY I DO WHAT I DO: I believe in the cause, and I have a passion for serving people. I love the people I work with. I get to work with the best people in the world. joined local rebuilding efforts in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. Since coming to Tuscaloosa, he’s helped build 53 homes and organized 50 home rehabilitations. “We really have done amazing things,” Kasteler said. For three months and two days, Kasteler worked for a construction company. He said he hated it because it didn’t have life or energy to it. “I need a cause,” Kasteler said. “I have a passion for serving people.” Now, Kasteler is in charge of organizing the 15 houses Habitat for Humanity builds each year. He once logged 82 phone calls in one day as he contacted contractors, plumbers and builders. He said he tries to have more of a big-picture approach but that he can’t help but pick up a drill and help at a construction site. “It’s a people business and a teaching business more than a construction business,” Kasteler said. “I have headaches every day from working with materials and contractors, but I get to work with happy people who care about the job and about the cause.” At the end of the day, Kasteler said his family is the most important part of his life. He said after having a family, his life increased in depth and meaning. “I try to give them my best self and not just my leftovers,” Kasteler said. “My family is my greatest joy.” 87

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE

NO.5

Will Riley TENNIS COACH, STILLMAN COLLEGE

BY ELAYNE SMITH PHOTO BY ROBERT SUTTON

t took five cans of Pepsi, yards of pacing and a championship victory for Will Riley to overcome his nerves. The Stillman College tennis coach always drinks Pepsi when he’s nervous. That spring day in 2013, Riley’s teams were competing for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. He had all kinds of butterflies in his stomach as he paced from court to court. His men’s tennis team had claimed a quick 5-0 victory over Morehouse College. His women’s team was taking longer, prolonging

the players’ nerves as well as his own. Finally, with a last effort, the Stillman women took the victory, 5-3, over Benedict College. For years, Riley’s teams had been competing at the SIAC, but this was the first time they left as winners. “I couldn’t believe it,” Riley said. “I felt relieved and felt a big burden off my shoulders because we went so many times trying to win.” Riley has been coaching tennis at Stillman College for 22 years. He has five plaques decorating his office walls and a glass trophy naming him coach of the year. His men’s team has two SIAC titles and his women’s team has three straight SIAC championships, including this year’s. Riley trains his teams with the philosophy of never giving up, but always giving

your best to the finish. “You can’t lose until you actually get out there and play; you can’t win until you actually get out there and play,” Riley said. “You have to go out there and have the attitude that you want to win.” For one of his drills, his players have to touch the net then the baseline five times in 25 seconds. Players complained, saying they couldn’t do it. So, he cut the times. He told them to run it in 15 seconds, then 7.5 seconds. He said, of course, the players didn’t meet the time, but they succeeded in finishing and pushing themselves, which is the most important part. “I don’t want to coach a quitter,” Riley said.

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE NAME: Will Riley AGE: 44 PERSONAL: Wife, Sabrina; sons Oliver Wells, 28; Brandon Franklin, 24; Torrian Riley, 21; and Kendrick Carter, 18; daughter, Finesse Franklin, 19; granddaughter, Katilyn Franklin, 3; and grandson, Kayden Franklin, 11⁄2 HOMETOWN: Sallis, Miss. MY PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: Getting married and being a conference champion. I’ve had about 400 victories coaching tennis with barely 170 losses on both the men and women’s side. WHY I DO WHAT I DO: I do what I do because it’s a passion of mine and I love giving back. I’ve always wanted to coach. Watching young people get out there and play is inspiring. It’s not the highest paying job but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE INFLUENCED MY LIFE: My mother and grandfather have been a big influence on me. My mother always told me, even if you don’t have it, act like you do have it, push forward no matter what it is. Just always have the passion to go out and get it. My grandfather was always stern to the point where he always gave me, as they say, tough love. I have a lot of people who encouraged me. And of course, God was a key factor in everything. SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME: I was the first male cheerleader at Stillman College. That was an experience. Most people said I did it to be around girls, but I did it for the challenge. It was a challenge for me and had never been done before. Part of manhood is doing things that have never been done before. I’m also a big softhearted person. No matter where I’m at, I’m always willing to give. I would give someone my last.

“It’s not all about winning; it’s about finishing. I want them to strive to be better and not just in tennis but in life.” He learned how to be positive and resilient growing up. He didn’t have a father when he was young, so Riley’s grandfather served as his male role model. They stayed close as Riley grew up. During his senior year of high school, Riley lost him. His grandfather had gone missing for days. People were beginning to stop looking. Then one day, Riley’s dog Susie started barking at him as he sat on his porch. He followed the dog and found his grandfather’s body floating in a nearby pond. “I didn’t want to continue forward after that,” Riley said. Riley tried filling his grandfather’s boots and taking over the family farm. Yet, he was unprepared to lead it and felt overwhelmed. His family told him he was meant to do better things and encouraged him to pursue something bigger and make his grandfather proud. “No matter when it gets down to the worst, always have a fight in you because you don’t know what will happen,” Riley said. “You just have to push forward.” Throughout the years, Riley kept pushing forward. He played tennis through college, became the first male cheerleader at Stillman College and graduated in 1993. He immediately started working part-time for Stillman as a coach and a few years later, took over full-time as the tennis coach. “I love teaching students,” Riley said. “I think the most rewarding aspect is that I get to brag to my peers about what I’m doing.”

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE

NO.6 Shan LatrisWarren FASHION DESIGNER AND BIRMINGHAM FASHION WEEK AWARD WINNER BY D. KAYLIN BOWEN PHOTO BY MICHELLE LEPIANKA CARTER

ome designers are inspired by architecture. Some prefer nature. Shan Latris Warren is inspired by music. She listens as she sews and uses music to bring back the emotion of a moment she is capturing in fabric. “I’m always influenced by emotion,” said Warren, whose collection, titled REDvolution, earned her the Emerging Designer award at Birmingham Fashion Week on May 9. “With each design, I played a song that took me back to how I felt at a certain point in life, and I played it the whole time I was designing that

particular design.” Her inspiration for the crescendo of her collection was a powerful instrumental piece. Warren said she wanted this gown to say control and power. She listened to operas, instrumentals and a lot of Beyonce when sewing it. The dress represents the final step in the evolution of her collection, which shows the growth of a girl who began in a dark place and gradually grew into a confident, vibrant woman. “It says I am in control,” Warren said. “I am everything that I aspire to be at this point.” The collection features a lot of red and black. It was Warren’s first time using red as a show piece. Her REDvolution collection beat out 16 other contestants to win the award. The

award also comes with prestige and a schedule of photo shoots, appearances and a layout in a magazine. “With each look, I evolved her,” Warren said. “She started in all black, then I brought in the red, but you can still see the black. The black was a rebel. She goes from a dark stage, then gains strength. Finally, this (the gown) is the queen. She’s accepted herself, flaws and all. She’s every woman.” Warren said she knows the award will further her goals of having her own label sold in stores across the country, owning her own store, and seeing her designs on the red carpet. Her ultimate goal would be to make enough money to be able to travel and do humanitarian work.

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6 INTRIGUING PEOPLE

AGE: 28 PERSONAL: Single HOMETOWN: Tuscaloosa. Central High School and University of Alabama graduate. MY PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: The Emerging Designer Award has been my proudest achievement. It’s been a really tough road to pursue this goal. THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE INFLUENCED MY LIFE: I was influenced by Destiny’s Child. When I was younger, I remember Beyonce’s mom dressing them in all these different cohesive looks. That’s the ultimate influence. Also,

Kimora Lee Simmons. She has been an influence not just in fashion, but as a businesswoman, as a mogul. She’s branded herself so well.

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SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME: When it comes to music, I like oldieoldie-oldies, like Frankie Lymon. When I sew, I listen to the Ronettes and the B52s. I’m like the doo-wop pop chick. WHY I DO WHAT I DO: One word — passion. You have to truly love it, it’s hard work. It’s hard work and I had to work for free for a long time. I think for weeks I was going on two or three hours a night just for this show. I don’t think you would do it unless you were really passionate about it.

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1-866-289-1033 “My dream job will be to retire and be like Quincy Jones,” Warren said. “I think he has the best job in the world. That’s the ultimate goal.” Warren said she has been in other design competitions, including Birmingham Fashion Week. “After I first started sewing — I had only been sewing for nine months — this competition came to my attention while I was still in college, and I thought, ‘I’m the underdog, I’m the rookie here,’ ” Warren said. “A lot of the other girls had been sewing since they were like 15, and I was coming in — I couldn’t even thread the machine. I didn’t win, but I did make it to finals.” Before she decided to pursue a career in design, Warren was working toward a degree in psychology. While making good grades and enjoying the material, she said she changed her mind after reading “Do You!” by Russell Simmons. She said his book inspired her to pick a vision she loved no matter what anyone says. She said she wants to become a master rather than a jack of all trades. “I know I’m destined for this,” Warren said. “I continue to work through it. I put everything into this. This is going to be my all day, every day hustle.” Finding models for her clothes is an adventure. Warren said she tries to have a diverse group of models with different figures and nationalities, depending on the collection. She custom fits her clothes to her models for competition, and often she will see a girl in public and ask if they would be interested in modeling. “I’m that designer,” Warren said. “I will chase you out of the mall if I think you look like a good model.” As for the future of design, Warren said she had new ideas as she was driving back to Tuscaloosa from Birmingham. “You win, you celebrate that win for tonight, and the next day it’s on to the next thing,” Warren said. “I was already thinking. It’s on to the next. I’m thinking about doing a special collection of gowns. I would love to see some of them on the red carpet.”

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ON THE SCENE

EMBASSY SUITES GRAND OPENING APRIL 9, 2015 EMBASSY SUITES PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

8 1. Tommy Moore, Stella Moore, Ginny Adaire and Eddie Adaire 2. Summer Christman, Amy Tilford, Maria Colvin, Rhiannon Ward and Sharetta Watkins 3. Kip Tyner, Jon Crisp and Chuck Sittason 4. Charlie King and Katie Mellown 5. Belinda Singleton and Greg Singleton 6. Kristina Armstrong and Avi Nelson 7. Sharon Daidone and McLean Wilson 8. Kara Harton Glover and Haley Sirmon Vinson 9. Danny Bounds, Debbie Bounds and Carl Kennon 10. Patrick Sanshu and Amanda Musselwhite 11. Libby Wilson, Guy Pelly and Elizabeth Pelly

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CIVIC LUNCHEON MARCH 28, 2015 HOTEL CAPSTONE

PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

9 1. Pamela Pruitt, Donna Winn, Antenetta Clark, Tonea Stewart, Cynthia Brown, Joyce Stallworth and Phillis Belcher 2. Sandra Abrams, Luanne Baker, Patricia Wilson, Lisa Young and Irma Gore 3. Oscar D. Watts III, Luther Winn, Beverly Hawk, Gary Walton and Jeff Gray 4. Jade Ledet and Destiny Montgomery 5. Clifton Anderson and Reuben Harris Jr. 6. Charmaine Walton, Robbie Washington and Josephine Dantzler 7. Tiffany Warren, Evelyn Mims, Tonea Stewart and Mary Chambers-Huff 8. Brenda Ervin, Annie Mary Gray, Tonea Stewart, Leanita Crawford and Mary Wells-Porter 9. Cordell Crawford, Octavia Miles and Charles Miles 10. Debbie Hughes, Kathryn Anderson, Cynthia Brown, Belinda Singleton, and Phillis Belcher 11. Chinita Hinton, Marvin Hinton, Melissa McCarty, C. Ann Fairley and Ruby Bennett 12. Annie Winn and Luther Winn

ON THE SCENE

LINKS FOUNDATION

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ON THE SCENE

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SCHOLARSHIP BALL APRIL 24, 2015 NORTHRIVER YACHT CLUB PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

3 4

1. Susan McGruder, Julius McGruder, Etta Felton, Samuel Rutley, Ida Bell and Herman Bell 2. Takesha Shannon and Joyce Stallworth 3. Kenneth McMullen and Vonda James 4. Vivian Winston, Debra Jones and Teresa Harris 5. Tameka Holifield, Charles Jackson, Dedra Jackson, Akeyla Holifield and Danielle Hill 6. Rosie Dixon and Jerome Dixon 7. Shante Morton and Alphonzo Morton III 8. Jelicia Mallory and Courtney Mallory 9. Janiese Miller and Sarah Davis 10. Roy German, Serese German and Donald German 11. Athena Newsome, Joyce Grant, Catherine Harper and Sharon Bradford

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ON THE SCENE

TUSCALOOSA HIGH SCHOOL ‘NIFTY FIFTY’ CLASS REUNION

APRIL 24, 2015 TUSCALOOSA RIVER MARKET

PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

10 1. Lavon Pierce, Annette Pierce, Brent Sutton, Carol Simmons Sutton and David Brown 2. Al Caddis and Patricia Caddis 3. Don Olive and Gay Nell Olive 4. Charlotte Williams, Lisa Penz, Tina Hayes and Jonathan Hayes 5. Gloria Glover, Sharom Tremlett and Carolyn Strickland 6. Larry Warbington, Lawson Edmonds and Payne Wright 7. Bill Hamiter, Regina Kirkland and Don Kirkland 8. Bruce Caples, Regina Kirkland, Carolyn Gunter, Cary Williams, Jane Webb and Sara Jane Pugh 9. Tom Patton, Jimmy Bardon, Mike Lamon and Lynda Lamon 10. Mark English, Judy English, Buddy Miller and Carolyn Blankenfeld 11. Anna Brown and Pat Junkins 12. Bill Patton, Pat Armstrong and Bill Deal

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ON THE SCENE

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS APRIL 7, 2015 CYPRESS INN PAVILION PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

1. Peggy Harrison, Sandra Dockery, Gene Stallings, Doris Knight and Shelley Jones 2. Jim Harrison, Gene Stallings, Tom Jones and Don Salls 3. Stacie Kirkland and Mike McInerney 4. Tiffany Foreman and Brandon Holifield 5. Susan Gabriel, Allison Gabriel and Robin Lake 6. Jason Parton, Amy Parton and Shelley Vold 7. Jamie Poole and Poodgie Poole 8. Don Salls and Diane Salls 9. Michelle Lake and Robert Lake 10. Brian Groeschell and Cedric Burns 11. Brandon Agee and Jennifer Agee 12. Fran Powe and Bethany Smith

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FAMILY OF THE YEAR APRIL 30, 2015 HOME OF RICK AND VICKI BURCH

PHOTOS | KIRSTEN FISCUS

ON THE SCENE

ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE

10 1. Sandee Witt, Gina McClanahan, Scott McClanahan, Peg Harrison, Robert Witt and Kara Warr 2. Jackie Wuska, Jenny Pass, David Pass and Gina Miers 3. Rusty Smith and Anne Moman 4. Rick Burch and Vicki Burch 5. Susan Cork and Dianna Flemming 6. Tommy Townsend and Julie Townsend 7. Theresa Chandler, Bryan Chandler and Sharon Moore 8. James Leitner and Allison Leitner 9. Dianna Flemming and Jim Flemming 10. Lin Moore and Dan Blakley 11. Mary Mike Sullivan and Mark Sullivan 12. Johnny Roberts and Carolanne Roberts

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ON THE SCENE

CINCO DE MAYO YOUNG LEADERS OF THE UNITED WAY

MAY 5, 2015 HOSTED BY JIM AND DIANNA FLEMMING PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

2 1. Poonam Patel, Taylor Lee, Karen Kennedy, Jane Jordan Prather and Dianna Flemming 2. Jane Jordan Prather and Carl Prather 3. Patrick Kennedy and Karen Kennedy 4. Zac Snider, Jim Flemming, Dianna Flemming and Taylor Lee 5. Jackie Wuska, James Leitner, Ryan Stallings and Julie Mann 6. Poonam Patel, Trevor Pruitt, Jonathan Hood and Quinton Poole

WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHAMBER APRIL 23, 2015 HARBOR RIDGE

PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

1. Brenda Randall, Susan Randall and Kimberly McMurray 2. Kay McGiffert, Sharon Harrison and Mary Ann Hankins 3. Tamika Alexander, Lori Colburn and Vicki Burch 4. Charlotte Lewis and Judy Brown 5. Jane Newton and Joan Watson 6. Linda Pruett and Payton Edberg

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APRIL 16, 2015 TUSCALOOSA RIVER MARKET PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

ON THE SCENE

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE

10 1. Caroline Harvey, Emily Barnett and Borden Cater 2. Virginia Joiner and Jo Ann Wood 3. Dusti Monk and Rachel Hollingshead 4. Melissia Davis and Carlette Durham 5. Radnika DeLaire, Paul DeLaire and Barbara DeLaire 6. Peyton Chipman and Catherine May 7. Ryn Miller and Bess Miller 8. Elaine Lao and Alison Sizemore 9. Kirk Cornelius and Julie-Ann Burch 10 Drew Wallace and Courtney Mitchell 11. Larry Deavers and Jimbo Wilson 12. Lydia Corson and Christeen Corson

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ON THE SCENE

DRUID CITY BUSINESS LEAGUE CRAWFISH BOIL

MAY 16, 2015 THE TOWNES OF NORTH RIVER PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

4 1. Maggie Foster, Kate Rainey and Mary Rainey 2. Walt Larisey and Michael McComb 3. Aaron Sincroft and Christy Sincroft 4. Will McCafferty and Cassie McCafferty 5. Will Humber and Blake Corder 6. Madison Sincroft and Malia Herron

COLLEGE PARK BLOCK PARTY

3 1. Rachel Fraser and Jim Ward 2. Marianne Rosenzweig and Sheldon Rosenzweig 3. Frances Pool, Becky Knockemus and Rosemarie Childress 4. Marie Taylor and Joan Davis 5. Adrienne Richardson, Luke Richardson and Luther Richardson 6. Joanna Jacobs, Joseph Cox, Kay Cox and Lamont Landers 7. Andrew Hausinger, Ryan Swanger and Ben Wilkinson

MAY 16, 2015 COLLEGE PARK PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

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LEGACY GOLF TOURNAMENT APRIL 30, 2015 NORTHRIVER YACHT CLUB

PHOTOS | MICHELLE LEPIANKA CARTER

9 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

ON THE SCENE

YOUTH FOR CHRIST

Brian Harvey, Riley Austin, Ben Jameson and Jared Rhyne Trenton Shepherd, Mike Green and Sam Phillips Tyler Mitchell, Kerry Malone, Danny Cox and David Turner Scott Reynolds and Mark English Madison Pearson, Audreanna Johnson and Brandon Thomas Chris Tillery and Travis Moss Greg Barnett, Clay Hahn, Anthony Estes and Justin Taylor Cage Mills, Mike Mills, Justin Jensen and Richard Thomason David Jenkins, Joseph Gibbons and David Turner Mike Green and Laura Cabaniss Matt Burnette and Travis Moss Jim Essary and Phillip Guy

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ON THE SCENE

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL MAY 7, 2015 HOTEL CAPSTONE PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

3 4

8 1. Pat Larkin, Evonne Underwood and Tammy Woods 2. J.T. Wilson and Ashley Justice 3. Mary Ann McKissick and David McKissick 4. Christie Evans and Lourn Evans 5. George Harsch and Deb Rubino 6. Bob Tanner, Jennifer Bologna and Susan Tanner 7. Colby Giers, Rhonda Tew and Wesley Rorex 8. Glen Smith and Michael Ford 9. Olivia Hodges and PJ English 10. Dina Rainer and Sarah Reffett 11. Justin Holt and Dana Holt 12. Mike Freeman, Nancy Freeman and Robin Hand

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ON THE SCENE

RELAY FOR LIFE MAY 8, 2015 GOVERNMENT PLAZA PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

10 1. Rita Richardson, Lisa Hutchins, Brian Hughes, Krista Snyder and Randy Snyder 2. Hannah Robertson and Amy Perkins 3. Debbie Merrell and Marshella Greenlee 4. Renee Patton, Kim Huver, Shauna Rodgers, Robert Kuhn and David Sebren 5. Victoria Jones, Patrick Franklin and Courtney Cooke 6. Pierson Estes, Kristy Estes, Tanner Estes and Krislin Estes 7. William Byrd, Glenda Croft and Patty Owens 8. Darryl Hogeland, Diane Hogeland, Kylie Maddox and Karsyn Maddox 9. Karen Thomas, Denzella Matthews and Julie Love Templeton 10. Kenny Thomas and Evelyn Thomas 11. Mary K. McLaughlin and Frank McLaughlin 12. Hazel Coleman and Roslyn Lewis

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ON THE SCENE

BBQ & BLUES

BENEFITING THE DCH HELP AND HOPE PATIENT ASSISTANCE FUND MAY 16, 2015 TUSCALOOSA REGIONAL AIRPORT

PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

3 2

8 1. Dennis Hinton, Rachel Howat, Daniel Hinton and Linda Lehmann-Hinton 2. Caroline Allen, Lauren James and Travis Crocker 3. Debra Johns Hibbard and John Belcher 4. Amy Yarbrough and James Yarbrough 5. Barry Thornton and Marilyn Zemnes 6. Gail Faulkner and Steve Faulkner 7. Nell Wright, Jean Watson and Cindy Barnett 8. David Boyd, Joyce Evans and Barbara Boyd 9. Phyllis Olive and Ken Olive 10. Tanya Kissner, Georgia Abston and Anna Suther 11. Tina Jones and Jeremy Jones 12. Dianna Flemming and Jim Flemming

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WINE PAIRING MAY 6, 2015 KOZYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PHOTOS | ERIN NELSON

ON THE SCENE

UA OPERA GUILD

9 1. Ruirui Ouyang, Elizabeth Aversa, Francine Marasco, Zyda Culpepper-Baldwin and Melissa Taylor 2. Kathryn Owen, Beth Riggs, Willita Zoellner and Tonyia Tidline 3. Eleanor Streit, Ed Streit, Camille Mendle and Michael Mendle 4. John Lochman, Linda Lochman and Fred Hughes 5. Ginnye Capps, Lynn Bostick and Anne Trawick 6. Ralph Lane and April Lane 7. Jane Joslin and Dorothy Pieroni 8. Zyda Culpepper-Baldwin, Ruirui Ouyang and Melissa Taylor 9. Bill Rabel, Judi Rabel, Gail Fanning and Tom Fanning 10. Isabel Oldshue, Buddy Oldshue and Paige Oldshue 11. Donna Boles and Paula Quarles

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LAST LOOK

TINY VISITOR PHOTO BY ROBERT SUTTON

gnat lands on a dandelion as the sun rises on a recent morning. Many gnats feed on plants, but some are known to be carnivorous. Houseplants are a popular food for gnats. Several species eat the roots of plants, and others feed off the fungus found in over-watered houseplants. Damp, moist soil is also a preferred medium for breeding, according to the Home Institute website.

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6/3/2015 7:06:15 PM

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