South Alabama Living - Fall 2011

FALL 2011

MENUS AND TIPS FOR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

peek inside this

HUGHESMANSION

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DREAM COMETRUE

this place is

JUST FOLK

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SOUTHERNTRADITION

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TRADITIONALWEDDING

UnexpectedBeauty & Flair

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south alabama living 3

IT CAN TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY

SymptomsMany people delay seeing a doctor because the symptoms of COPD are often confused with normal signs of aging. Common symptoms include:

Shortness of breath

Coughing (with or without mucus)

Wheezing

Chest tightness

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is more common than you think, especially among current and former smokers – even those who haven’t smoked in years.

COPD is a serious lung disease that develops slowly and worsens over time. Ultimately,

until you feel like you are inhaling and exhaling through a small straw.

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4 south alabama living

contents fall 2011

EDITORIALMichele Gerlach

Editor

Stephanie Nelson

Bob Brooks

Tom Gerlach

ADVERTISINGRuck Ashworth

Marketing director

Jill PrevettMarketing consultant

Jason KillingsworthMarketing consultant

PRODUCTIONErin Johnson

Graphic Designer

South Alabama Living is published fourtimes per year by Andalusia

Newspapers, Inc.PO Box 430

Andalusia, AL 36420www.andalusiastarnews.com

(334) 222-2402

Advertising rates and information available uponrequest. Subscriptions are $16 annually. Pleasemake checks payable to Andalusia Newspapers,

Inc., PO Box 430, Andalusia, AL 36420

just folk, Page 25hughes mansnion, Page 21

old-fashionedsyrup makingPage 29

traditional vowsPage 17

make-ahead menuPage 31

"You know what? I can feel the happiness inmy heart at Christmas! Everything feels perfect!"

So said young Christopher on a recent cold,wintry night.

From the vantage-point of adult-hood, we know that perfectionescapes us even during the holidays,but we seem to work harder for itthis time of the year.

But from the majestic autumndays, like those when Dan Marlerknows it’s time to make syrup, to themyriad of gatherings that call for well-thought-out meals, like the recipes inthe his edition, it is a magical time of

the year.Countless hours of work go into dressing up city side-

walks, planning events like caroling, tree lighting, con-certs, and the hanging of the greens. It was practicallystill summer when the Andalusia Ballet began castingMessiah.

Whichever of these events calls to you and completesyour season, here’s wishing you “happiness in yourheart” during the Christmas season and throughout thenew year.

Welcome

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Home of Opp Paws & Claws, Inc. A non-profit 501(c)(3) no kill [email protected] •

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regional events

12/01 - Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyAndalusia Tourism and RelocationCommittee will host the Christmas TreeLighting Ceremony on Thurs., Dec. 1, on thesquare. Caroling begins at 6 p.m.; lightingceremony at 7 p.m.

12/01 - Wild Game Cook-offThis fundraiser for the Alabama WildlifeFederation is set for 5:30 p.m. until 8:30p.m. at the Covington Center Arena.Admission is $40 per couple. Info:334.222.3123.

12/02 - Opp Christmas ParadeThe Opp Area Chamber of Commerce pre-sents its annual Christmas parade, at 7 p.m.

12/02 - Andalusia Christmas ParadeThe Andalusia Area Chamber of Commercepresents “Rockin’ Around the ChristmasTree,” its annual Christmas parade, at 7 p.m.

12/03 - 12/04 Springdale Open HouseThe City of Andalusia will host Open Houseat Springdale from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

12/05 - Photos with Santa at SpringdaleThe City of Andalusia will host Open Houseand Photos with Santa at Springdale from 1p.m. to 3 p.m.

12/09 -- 12/11 - MessiahAndalusia Ballet is proud to present Messiahfor this year's holiday performance. Fri., Dec.9, 7:30 p.m. - premier performance; Sat.,Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Dec. 11, 2:30p.m.

Through Dec. 31 – Larry Jordan PhotographyThe LAAC presents the fine art photographyof Larry Jordan. Show and sale runs throughDec. 31 at LAAC, 116 E. Three Notch St.

01/12 - Coffee County Arts Alliance presentsThe Association in ConcertThe CCAA presents one of the 1960s’ mostsuccessful bands with hits like “Never MyLove, “Cherish,” and “Along Comes Mary.”Elba High School.www.CoffeeCountyArtsAlliance.com

01/29 - CAC presents “The Queens ofBingo”The Covington Arts Council continues its2011-12 season with the comedy “TheQueens of Bingo” in the Dixon Center atLWBCC, Andalusia. Tickets are $15 inadvance; $18 at the door.

03/24 - CAC presents Legends of MotownThe Covington Arts Council continues its2011-12 season with a musical performanceby the Legends of Motown, Dixon Center,LBWCC. Tickets are $15 in advance; $18 atthe door.

Through 12/24 –A ChristmasMemory TThe AlabamaShakespeare Theatre presentsthis new musical adaptation ofTruman Capote’s short story.Ticket information, www.asf.net.

Dec. 5, 12, & 19 - Governor’sMansion Candlelight OpenHouseGov. and Mrs. Robert Bentley willopen the Governor’s Mansion forcandlelight tours from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. The 1907 ColonialRevival mansion located at 1142South Perry S.t in Montgomerywill be aglow with lights andfilled with the spirit of the sea-son.

Through Jan 2 -- Kangaroo Kraze

The Mobile Exploreum is hostinga “hopping” exhibit about lifedown under. This journeyincludes live kangaroos, walla-roos, wallabies, baby joes andmore. www.exploreum.com

01/01 – Hank Williams 59thMemorial CelebrationCommemoration of the 59thanniversary of Hank Williams’death with a wreath-laying cere-mony followed by live music. 10a.m. until 2 p.m., Montgomery’sOakwood Cemetery Annex.Admission charged.www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.com.

01.21 - 02/21 --Mardi Gras inMobile

Mobile is recognized as celebrat-ing the first-known AmericanMardi Gras celebration in 1703.The celebration lasts for morethan two and a half weeks andculinates on Fat Tuesday, the daybefore Lent. www.mobilebay.org.

01/26 - 01/29 FloridaChautauqua Assembly 2012The theme for this year’sDeFuniak Springs event is “AJourney into the AmericanPresidency” with PresdientThomas Jefferson, portrayed byBill Barker of ColonialWilliamsburg, as keynote speaker.www.florida-chautauqua-cen-ter.org

01/27 - 01/28 Pike Piddlers

Storytelling FestivalThe Brundidge Historical Societybrings four of the top master sto-rytellers in the country to PikeCounty. This year's tellers areDonald Davis, Bil Lepp, SusieWhaples, and more. The festivalbegins on Friday night with sup-per and stories at the We PiddleAround Theater and continueswith three concerts at the TrojanCenter Theater at Troy Universityon Saturday. Jan. 27, 6:30 & Jan.28, 10 a.m., 2 & 6:30 p.m.www.piddle.org

02/12 – B.B. KingLegendary blues musician B.B.King will perform at theMontgomery Performing ArtsCentre.

what to do8 south alabama living

The Andalusia Ballet will presentHandel’s “Messiah” for this year’sDecember performance.

The production is a tremendous under-taking, bringing together an orchestra, acommunity chorus and dancers from theballet performing selections from“Messiah.”

Murphy said she has wanted to do thisballet again for several years.

“I am thrilled and excited that we aregoing to be able to present this magnifi-cent production for this special season,”she said.

Former Andalusian Becky Taylor, direc-tor of the Montgomery Chorale, is coordi-nating the community chorus andorchestra. Taylor also is the director ofmusic ministries, organist and choirmasterat Montgomery’s Church of theAscension.

Amelie Hunter, who choreographedthe ballet several years ago, spent arecent weekend in Andalusia workingwith dancers.

Hunter is a Louisiana native who beganher dance training with the Baton RougeBallet Theatre. Her interest in worlddance led to her performing with LaMeri’s Ethnic Dance Arts Co. and in con-certs in England, Indonesia and theUnited States, and to her dance studiesin Java and Bali. She is a free-lancechoreographer who has set ballets oncompanies across the country, with six of

her works placed on the NationalChoreography Plan for Regional DanceAmerica.

The performance also features guestdancers Jared Jacoby and Patrick Willison.

The Andalusia Ballet last presented“Messiah” in December of 2006.

This year’s performances are set for7:30 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 9, and Sat., Dec.10, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 11.


news + notes

Andalusia Ballet’s seniors, Cameron Morgan, Mary Ashton McMillan and Ander Helms, haveleading roles in Messiah. Photo courtesy of the Andalusia Ballet

Andalusia Ballet to stage ‘Messiah’ in December

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south alabama scene

2 3 4

The LBWCC Foundation hosted an apprecia-tion dinner at Springdale in the early fall. 1)Guests enoyed drinks and hors d'oeuvres inthe courtyard. 2) Wynne and Shannon Glenn.Wachovia Bank sponsored the dinner. 3)Sal.Lee Sasser-Williams and Dr. Jim Krudop. 4)Louisa and Cary Baker. 5) Mark Murphy,Stallion Sasser, Sal.Lee Sasser-Williams,Meryane Murphy and Renee LeMaire.

The meal was catered by Destin’s CuveeBisto and Great Events Center.

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The Andalusia Ballet’s annual openingnight auction featured a Caberet themethis year. Clockwise from far left: 1)Sydney Brunson and Fran Davidson. 2)Shanda Beste, Katie O’Neal and ChristyHutcheson. 3) Kassidy Mears, SydneyWard, Lindsey Stephens, Catherine Weed,

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Olivia Amerson, AudreyDanford. 4) Zebbie andRichard Nix presentAndalusia Ballet Boardpresident Kathy McMillanwith a check. It was, after-all, a fundraiser. 5) Mezzosoprano Lyndsey JohnsonHand performed selec-tions from the Broadwaymusical ‘Caberet.’ 6)Danna Smith, Mike andKathy Jones, SylviaJohnson and Jim Smith.

ANDALUSIA REGIONAL HOSPITAL

WelcomesKevin Diel, MD and Brenda Smith, CRNP

To the Practice of General Medicine

Dr. Diel obtained his MD at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois. He completed his internship at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Illinois. He served in the United States Army

and is a veteran of the Gulf War.

Brenda obtained her BSN, MSN and CRNP from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. Brenda has 20 years of hospital experience and has worked as a CRNP in Family Practice for 7 years.

Diel and Smith are currently on staff at the Andalusia Regional Hospital.

Andalusia Medical CenterKevin R. Diel, MD

Brenda F. Smith, CRNP301 Medical Avenue, Suite A

(334) 427-2621Hours Monday – Thursday • 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, Medicaid or Private/Self Pay. Walk-ins Welcome.


south alabama scene

Art Off the Wall is the annu-al fundraiser for the LowerAlabam Arts Center (LAAC)and the Covington ArtsCouncil. (1) Amy Dugger,Bob Carter, John Dugger.(2) Hannah and WaltMerrell (3) Angie Miller andTara Dalton. (4) ShandaBeste and Andy Uhquhart.;(5)Starr and Ken Odom.

ART OFFTHE WALL

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The Opp Cultural Arts Center held areception unveiling its juried arts showheld inconjunctionwith OppFest inOctober. (1) Toby Hollinghead visits

with Wesley Laird; (2) Virginia Dowlingpoints out the intricacies of a painting;(3) Gourd artist Terri Camp.

photos by kendra bolling

OCAC RECEPTION

south alabama scene

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The wedding party included Rachael Taylor, Boris her guide dog, Linda Rawls, David Robertson, Rabbi Robert Couch, Aurelia ScherfRobertson, Authur Foley III, Lisa Law.

If weddings are about traditions, Aurelia Sherf Robertson andDavid Robertson might have set a new gold standard with theirafternoon wedding on Oct. 31, 2011, on the grounds of

Springdale.Mrs. Robertson is the granddaughter of the John G. and Ruth

Scherf, who built the historic home in the 1930s. She and her hus-band chose to weave their shared Scottish and Irish histories into theirmarriage ceremony.

“David and I both have Scottish and Irish Heritage,” Mrs.Robertson said. “My grandmother Ruth Scherf's maiden name wasGibson.

“David's heritage was from the Donnachaidh Clan, StruanScotland,” she said. “David came up with the idea to have some tradi-tional Celtic elements to our ceremony, such as costumes, hand fas-tening and stepping over the broom.

“I researched the ceremonies and made our clothes for the wed-

new standards for

a traditionalwedding

story and photos by michele gerlach

See WEDDING page 17


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ding,” she said. “I had a lot of traditional experience from participat-ing and selling pottery for many years at Renaissance fairs in north-ern and southern California.”

A close personal friend of the groom’s, Messianic (Christian)Rabbi Robert Couch performed the cer-emony.

“We planned our ceremony aroundthe 31st of October because it is anancient Celtic, Druid and Christian hol-iday,” Mrs. Robertson said. “Weincluded some of each of these ele-

ments in our ceremony.”As part of the ceremony, the rabbi talked about second marriages,

and counseled both the bride and groom to respect each other’s past.The past made each the person he and she is now, he said.

“Love is a gift; a joyful consequence of nothing you can control,”the rabbi said.

Mrs. Robertson, who was joined at her wedding by three of hersisters, said she and her siblings were very close to their grandmoth-er. She has fond memories of having lunch with her grandmother atSpringdale as an elementary school student; of Easter egg hunts andChristmases that were very special times.

“Springdale was a second home to me,” she aid.That made having her wedding at Springdale more special.“I have many fond memories of not only the beautiful mansion

but also playing on the grounds as a child,” she said. “My grand-mother was very special not only to me but my sisters as well.” ■

WEDDING from page 17


Gigi’s Tutu offers specialty coffees, snacks, dance supplies and boutique gifts. It is located in the new Church Street Cultural ArtsCentre. Below, the “tutu” marking the entrance to Gigi’s changes with the seasons.

gigi’s tutu is part of

a dream come true

W hen the Andalusia Ballet movedto the Church Street Cultural ArtsCenter this year, it expanded its

offerings, hoping to have something for every-one.

In addition to classical ballet and moderndance, there are tap classes, yoga classes, pilates,zumba and voice lessons.

And there is coffee, mac and cheese and freshfruit, among other things, in Gigi’s Boutique.

For almost a decade, Ellen Foreman andMeryane Martin Murphy talked about how won-derful it would be to have a place in the ballet’shome where parents could relax and have coffeewhile waiting for their children, and where stu-

dents could take a break between classes.When architects created the new cultural arts

design for the former elementary school, they setaside an appropriate space and Gigi’s was born.

Working near the ballet isn’t new to Foreman,whose Design Studio Boutique was located onHistoric Central when the ballet was. Foremanstarted her wholesale design business, SimplySilk, in her basement and grew it to 23 employ-ees, eventually opening retail stores inAndalusia, Brewton and Tuscaloosa. Whenbreast cancer slowed her down at age 42, shetook the business in a different direction, eventu-ally sold it, and moved to Birmingham whereshe opted for a slower pace. Later, she became a

story and photos by michele gerlach

See GIGI’s page20


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real estate project managerdesigning interiors andrenovating apartments allover the Gulf Coast. Whenreal estate marketschanged, she found herselfback in Andalusia, and thetiming was perfect.

“This is the perfect thingfor me now,” she said.

Gigi’s offers custom coffees by thepound, and in single-serve, healthy snacksfor dancers, emergency dance items liketights and leotards, and gift items galore.The boutique is ready for Christmas withlots of ballet-themed gift items.

“This place helps build a good attitudeabout being here,” Foreman said. “Thestudents are working hard. It’s nice thatthey can take a break, watch TV, do home-work, and enjoy camaraderie with theirpeers. It’s also a great spot for parents, shesaid.

“We have several moms who are teach-ers who sit here grading papers ,” she said.“It’s just the way we dreamed it to be.”

There are limited kitchen facilities, so

everything sold is prepack-aged. Among the most popu-lar items is single-serve maca-roni and cheese which can beheated in the boutique’smicrowave. But true to hernature, Foreman is working tokeep Gigi’s fresh.

“We keep a selection offruit, yogurts and water,” she

said. “I did baked apples in November andwe’ll do frozen hot chocolate in January.”

To make access easier, parents may pre-pay accounts, and students are issued lug-gage tag identification cards so there’s noneed to carry cash.

“The dancers might forget their shoes,but they don’t forget their Gigi’s cards,”Murphy said. “Everybody has one.”

The boutique is open on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:30 until6:30, and on Tuesdays and Thursdaysfrom 3:30 until 6:30. On Saturdaysthrough the performance of Messiah,Gigi’s is open from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“We welcome visitors,” Formean said.“The facility is designed so that you canwalk through and view classes.” ■

Andalusia Ballet student Hannah Sellerschooses her favorite snack at Gigi’s.

GIGI’s from page19


The stately Victorian Florala home

known as the Hughes Mansion will

soon be home to a father and daughters

again – just as it was when built in the early

1900s. But not before the public gets a sneak

peek.

James Thomas Hughes was a son of James

Edwin Hughes, one of the first settlers to make

his home in what is now the corporate limits

of Florala. Tom Hughes was the principal

stockholder in the Florala Saw Mill Co., which

was established in 1903. He also was president

of Florala’s First National Bank.

The house was designed and built for him,

his wife and five daughters.

From his sawmill, Mr. Hughes provided

burl pine, which is found in the parlors, dining

room and hall on the first floor. Other features

of the house include tall ceilings, pine floors,

stained, beveled and leaded glass and marble-

faced mantels.

Massachusetts architect Chris DiMattei said

the home is a spot-on match for a design of

George F. Barber’s in his “Modern Dwellings,

A book of Practical Designs and Plans For

Those Who Wish to Build or Beautify Their

Homes,” published in 1905. Described in the

book as a “modest Southern home” that would

cost less than $10,000 to build, the home fea-

Perfect VictorianAfter 3

generations,The Hughes

Mansionwill leave

family

story by michele gerlach; photos courtesy of gary jones, precision image photography

See MANSION, page 22

tures two-and-a-half floors. The first floor –

where the ceilings are 11 feet, 8 inches - has a

vestibule, music room, two parlors, dining room,

butler room, kitchen, bath, enclosed porch, and a

library. The second floor – which has 10.5-foot

ceilings – includes five bedrooms and two bath-

rooms.

Most recently occupied by Hughes’ grandson,

James Thomas Harper, the home is being sold to

a doctor who plans to live there with his two

daughters. Closing was scheduled for Nov. 1, but

was postponed until February so that the family

could have an estate sale.

Glenn Powell of Alabama Land and Home,

said the home sits on 10 lots. The listing price

was $650,000, but the selling price has not been

disclosed.

“That they could find someone to do this kind

of work in 1910, is unreal,” Powell said.

The sale was delayed after several items of

value were found in the attic, he said. The family

has removed the items, and Allan Cotton will

conduct the estate sale in late January or early

February. He said the family has taken many of

the furnishing from the home, but he expects to

have china, glassware and some furnishings in

the sale. ■

MANSION, from page 21

• Built in 1910 by J.T.Hughes, located on FifthStreet in Florala.

Hughes was the fatherof five daughters, Birdie,Ruth, Marie, Juliette andInez, who grew up in thehouse, and often roller-skated on its porches.

Hughes’ father, J.E.Hughes, was known asthe “father of Florala.” Hesettled there in 1865,after hauling all of his pos-sessions in by oxcart.

• Downstairs includes avestibule, two parlors, din-ing room, b utler’s room,kitchen, bath, enclosedporch and a library.

The second floorincludes two stairwells,five bedrooms, two bathsand a balcony in the largehall.

The third level is a com-pletely ceiled attic withstairs from the secondfloor.

Other trivia:• First floor ceiling

heights - 11’8”• Second floor ceiling

heights - 10’6”• Fireplaces - nine• Windows - 52• Air/heat - three sys-

tems, 11 tons• Exterior paint require-

ments - 165 gallons

About theHughes

Mansion

“One of the first set-tlers to make his home inwhat is now the corpo-rate limits of Florala wasJames Edwin Hughes(father of J.T. Hughes andthree other sons), whowas born in Dale County,Ala. He arrived in Floralaby ox cart in Decemberof 1865, after the endingof the Civil War. Mr.Hughes, while serving inthe Confederate Army,had traded for a 160-acretract of land from a sol-dier in his company, whowas from CovingtonCounty. This man hadbargained for the 160acres from the govern-ment for $15. …This tractis now the central part ofthe City of Florala.

“Upon his arrival herewith his widowed mother,Mr. Hughes found asmall log building, justnorth of the present loca-tion of the FloralaHardware Co. ...

“Later, his storeincreased to large propor-tions, and he made tripsto market in Troy, Ala.,and Milton, Fla. ...

“On Jan. 11, 1875, apost office was estab-lished in the home of Mr.Hughes, who had beennamed postmaster, andwas named Lake City,Ala. The name of thecommunity was changedto Lakeview, Ala., on May18, 1877, and finally toFlorala, on June 22,1891, this name beingderived by using the firstfour letters of Florida andthe first three letters ofAlabama.”

Mr. Hughes died in1936 at the age of 97.

From A Short Historyof Florala, 1970 Masonic

Centennial Celebrationprogram.

EarlyFlorala



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When Elba’s Covenant

Community Church

was given the old

Claire Theater, located on the

downtown square, as a gift, church

members weren’t quite sure what

to do with it.

Mart Gray, the church’s pastor,

had an idea of making it a place

for entertainment and some

evening events. So they decided to

call it a coffee house and have

some cultural events there. “Just

Folk Coffeehouse” was born.

The first concert season was in

2008-’09. Then, when the nearby

deli closed, there was a need for

more than coffee, and Just Folk

became a lunch place, too.

A full kitchen was added and

church member Pattie Taylor

Johnson became the volunteer

manager. She is assisted by other

volunteers.

“We have a good group of regu-

lars,” Gray said. “Even people

who live in town are still discover-

ing we’re here.”

A selection of sandwiches is

available, along with a daily lunch

special, typically a soup or sand-

wich and a dessert.

The coffeehouse also is often

Once the Claire Theater, thisplace brings entertainment to

Elba’s court square again.

coffee

See COFFEE page 26

more than just

served at Just Folk

by michele gerlach

Just Folk Coffee House is filled once each week by a group of women who enjoy bridge.

rented for special occasions, like birthday parties or reunions, and

there’s a group that plays bridge there every Wednesday.

What it has become, Gray said, is an outreach for the church,

although a subtle one.

“I see people come in and start to talk to other people,” he said.

“Sometimes, they are just lonely. If we can provide a place where

people come together, that’s good.”

At the same time, he hasn’t lost the focus on the original mission

of promoting the arts.

“We could never afford the biggest names,” he said. “But there are

lot of pretty good artists out there who just haven’t made the big time

yet.”

The fall season included Leon Redbone and Harpeth Rising, as

well as an evening with Alabama historian Wayne Flyntt. ■


COFFEE, Continued from Page 25

2011-2012 Entertainment at Just Folk

Sat., Dec. 3........................................................................Grace PettisFri., Jan. 6 ...............................................................Bill and Kate IslesFri., Feb. 3 ...................................................................Craig CarothersFri., March 2 ........................................................................Ronny CoxFri., April 6 ....................................................................Kate CampbellFri., May 4 .........................................Eric Brace and Peter Cooper

Season tickets are $125.All other tickets are $20 per concert per person in

advance or at the door

ABOUT THE BUILDING

When the Claire Theateroriginally opened, it wasowned by an Ozark resident,Mr. Brackin, who owned themain theater on the west sideof the square. Brackin had got-ten word that someone wasplanning to open a drive intheater in Elba, and he want-ed to give the appearance ofcompetition. Collis Parrishworked in the projectionbooth. He and others of hisgeneration have shared storiesabout the Claire, which oper-ated roughly from 1947 –1953.

Later, Parrish operated aradio and television repair ser-vice in the building for about30 years.

Mike Jared, Kenneth Calhoun, Mart Gray, and Debbie Jared enjoy lunch and conversation at Just Folk.


homecoming queenflorala valedictorian is troy’s

At Troy University• Junior, studying bio-

medical science, planningto become a pharmacist

• Homecoming queen• Former TU cheer-

leader• Alpha Gamma Delta,

vice president of scholar-ship

• Alpha Epsilon Delta• Omicron Delta Kappa• Beta, Beta Beta

At Florala High School• Valedictorian, Class of

2008• Varsity cheerleader• Homecoming queen• State champion in

Track• Miss Florala 2006• Beta Club president

Hobbies• Scrapbooking• Runing• Reading• Wakeboarding

Loves• The color pink• Coffee• Chinese food• Sushi

AboutEmily

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Chancellor of Troy University; Elizabeth Dowe, 2010 Homecoming Queencrowing Emily Evans; Joey Evans, Emily's father and escort; Darreyel Laster, SGA president.

On Nov. 12, Florala’s Emily Evanswas crowned Troy University'sHomecoming Queen.

Emily is a senior biomedical science majorwho plans to become a pharmacist. She is thedaughter of Joey and Suane Evans of Florala.

A large crowd from Florala was in atten-dance for the long day of activities. Joey

Evans', Emily's Father said, "This is an honorfor Emily and her family, however it is also agreat recognition for the city of Florala and forCovington County. We are extremely proud ofthis recognition for all of our community." ■

photos courtesy of gary jones, precision imagephotography


The George Lucas film, Red Tails,about Alabama’s TuskegeeAirmen premieres in theaters

across the U.S. Jan. 20, 2012. The movieis the brain child of Lucas who has been

developing the story fornearly 25 years.

Red Tails is a high-flying action epic aboutthe first AfricanAmerican combatpilots in the Tuskegeetraining program whoseabilities were calledinto question as a resultof segregation. The air-men were mostlyuntested, but provedthemselves duringWWII combat missions

in Sicily and Italy. They also escortedbombers across Europe. Their nickname“red tails” stems from the paint that theyapplied to the tails of their planes.

The storyline follows the lives of the332nd Fighter Group who are called intoduty under the guidance of Col. A.J.

Bullard played by Oscar nomineeTerrence Howard. Howard’s character isloosely based on Tuskegee Airmen com-mander Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. Davisbecame the first African American gen-eral in the U.S. Air Force.

The movie also stars Oscar winnerCuba Gooding Jr. as Major EmanuelleStance and Theo James plays an intelli-gence officer. Lucas is the executive pro-ducer and Anthony Hemingway directedthe action drama. The co-executive pro-ducer Charles Floyd Johnson is a nativeof Camden, Ala.

“They were only in their early 20swhen they performed these amazingfeats,” Lucas said. “They became thebest of the best—the top guns. It is anhonor to bring to the screen a storyinspired by their heroics.”

When asked about the movie Goodingtold an Inquirer reporter, “This is theblack answer to Avatar,” he says,promising the film is chock-full of themost sophisticated and breathtakingeffects this side of James Cameron’sbox-office hit.

Although none of the scenes werefilmed in Alabama, the shoot took placein Prague over 13 weeks. The story fol-lows lives of the 332d Fighter Group,which saw action in Sicily and Italy andalso escorted bombers across Europe.The group acquired the nickname “redtails” for the paint they applied to thetails of their planes.

“Once moviegoers see the film, we arehoping they will come to Alabama tovisit the actual site of the TuskegeeAirmen at Moton Field,” said tourismdirector Lee Sentell. “Visitors can see areal planes used by the airmen duringWWII and they can experience the realhistory,” added Sentell.

Moton Field opened in 1941 and wasthe training base for the TuskegeeAirmen. Today visitors can tour theHangar One Museum at Moton Field forfree. The hangar houses WWII-era train-ing planes and interactive displays thattell the story of the airmen.

For more information on the museumand other Tuskegee attractions visitwww.alabama.travel. ■

new george lucas film puts focus on

famed tuskeegee airmen

Red Tails, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., opens Jan. 20.


southernsyrup

tradition

smokin-hot

This family’s syrup-making traditionhas been passed down

at least three generations


When vivacious reds, oranges

and yellows in the woods hint

at the autumn season, syrup

making season is in full swing in Fleeta.

Following a family recipe and method,

Dan Marler is carrying on his father-in-

law’s tradition of making cane syrup.

And Marler and his family were

responsible for the entire process from

planting the cane, tending to it, harvest-

ing, stripping the leaves, cutting the tops,

cutting it down, putting it on trailer and

bringing it to the grinder.

“We grind it and put it in a barrel,” he

said, stirring a batch of soon-to-be syrup.

Then the juice runs to a kettle-like

operation where it is cooked down into

thick, sweet syrup.

“We cook it and then draw it off in a

barrel and bottle it up,” he said. “You

have to cook all the water out of it. When

the syrup is ready, it will just flake off.”

During the cooking process, Marler

constantly skims the impurities out of the

syrup.

“We dip them off and throw them

away,” he said.

In true Southern fashion, Marler is car-

rying on a time-honored tradition of cane

grinding and syrup cooking.

Marler said his father-in-law Riley

Dubose, who died last year at 104, taught

him everything he knows about making

syrup. Dubose learned from his father.

“I’ve been doing it for about 20 years,”

he said. “I’ve been knowing about it for

40 to 50 years. I married Riley Dubose’s

daughter and I helped him. Then he

helped me learn how to do it.”

Marler said his family used to make

cane syrup frequently, but he had health

issues with his joints that required

surgery.

“Now we’ve started back,” he said.

“We’ve had all the equipment, so I

thought it was a good time to get started

again. I really want to carry on a little bit

of tradition and I’m hoping someone will

pick it up. We’ll keep it going.”

Marler said there are many ways to

enjoy cane syrup. His favorite is “with a

butter biscuit.” ■

Marlers continuedecades-old

syrup-makingtradition

Marler said he likes to wait for a cool snap before making syrup, as it’s a hot job. The juice is cooked for hours before it is thick-ened and ready for bottling.

story and photos by kendra bolling

holidaycrowd

cook ahead for a


1214 E. Three Notch St. • Andalusia, Alabama334-222-0450

ANSLEYPLACE

When you’re entertaining a

crowd for the holidays,

sometimes it helps to plan a

meal that can be mostly made-ahead. In

the South, there’s no better choice than

gumbo. When made the old-fashioned

way, it is a multi-layered process. Yes,

it can be a lot of work but the steps

give you wonderful flavors.

You can dress it up with the sides

featured here, or use the sides for appe-

tizers at your holiday gatherings. You

can’t go wrong with Gulf seafood.

Bon appetit!

Seafood Gumbo

Made in the South Louisiana tradition

1 pound 35 count shrimp, peeled and

deveined

1 pound lump crab meat

1 cup vegetable oil

1 ½ cup all purpose flour

2 cups chopped onions

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped bell pepper

¼ cup diced garlic

½ pound sliced andouille sausage

1 pound claw crabmeat

3 quarts shellfish stock

2 cups sliced green onions

½ cup chopped parsley

Salt and cayenne pepper to taste

File powder

First, you make a roux.

In a black iron pot or skillet, heat

see FOOD, Page 33

Crab cakes, shown here topped with Hollandaise, can be prepared ahead of timeand broiled or fried just before serving.

by tom gerlach

southern staples are popularanytime a crowd gathers


FOOD from Page 32

three cups of oil over medium high heat to approximately 300

degrees. Using a wire whisk or a wooden spoon, slowly add the

flour, stirring constantly until the roux is peanut butter in color,

approximately 20 minutes.

Lower the heat and add onions, celery bell pepper and garlic

to roux. Turn the heat and keep stirring the vegetables in the

roux.

Slowly add the shellfish stock to the roux until you reach the

desired consistency for your gumbo. Taste, add salt and cayenne

pepper if needed. Bring to a simmer and sprinkle file powder

over the top.

Simmer for 45 minutes, then add seafood to avoid overcook-

ing. Serve over rice with hot French bread.

Shellfish stock:

1 pound crab shells

1 pound shrimp shells with heads

1 pound crawfish shells with heads

2 onions, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

6 cloves garlic, diced

4 springs parsley

2 bay leaves

1 tsp. dried thyme

6 black peppercorns

1 sliced lemon

1 gallon cold water

2 cups dry white wine

Do not rinse the shells prior to beginning the stock. Combine

all the ingredients in a two quart stock pot. Bring to a rolling

boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for one hour. During the

cooking process, skim off all impurities that rise to the surface.

Add water if necessary to retain appropriate volume. Strain

stock through a fine strainer, return stock to boiler and reduce

liquid to two quarts.

Classic crab cakes

Makes 4 servings.

2 slices white bread, crusts removed and crumbled

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons Old Bay® seasoning

2 teaspoons parsley flakes

1/2 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard

1 egg, beaten

1 pound lump crabmeat

Mix bread, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, mustard

and egg in large bowl until well blended. Gently stir in crab-

meat. Shape into four patties. Broil 10 minutes without turning

or fry until golden brown on both sides.

Serve with your favorite topping: Hollandaise sauce,

Remoulade sauce or mango salsa.

Jambalaya

12 medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped

4 ounces chicken, diced

1 tablespoon Creole seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/4 cup chopped celery

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

3 bay leaves

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon hot sauce

3/4 cup rice

3 cups chicken stock

Continued, Page 34

Risk Factors Age – About 1 in 4 of those 60 and over have diabetes.

Race – African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native American, Native

Americans have a higher risk.

Gender

Family Historyfather, sister or brother has diabetes,

Eat healthy

Stay active

Lose weight

Maintain a healthy blood pressure

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FOOD, from Page 34

5 ounces Andouille sausage, sliced

Salt and pepper

Combine shrimp, chicken and Creole seasoning, and work in

seasoning well. In a large saucepan heat oil over high heat with

onion, pepper and celery, three minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes,

bay leaves, Worcestershire and hot sauces. Stir in rice and slowly

add broth. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rice absorbs

liquid and becomes tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 min-

utes. When rice is just tender add shrimp and chicken mixture

and sausage. Cook until meat is done, about 10 minutes more.

Season to taste with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning.

This dish was developed at Drago’s Seafood Restaurant in

New Orleans in response a raw oyster scare. I always stop by for

at least a dozen.

Drago’s Charbroiled Oysters

8 ounces (2 sticks) softened butter

2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic

1 teaspoon black pepper

Pinch dried oregano

1 1/2 dozen large, freshly shucked oysters on the half shell

1/4 cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, mixed

2 teaspoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Heat a gas or charcoal grill. In a medium bowl, mix butter with

garlic, pepper, and oregano.

Place oysters on the half shell right over the hottest part. Spoon

enough of the seasoned butter over the oysters so that some of it

will overflow into the fire and flame up a bit.

The oysters are ready when they puff up and get curly on the

sides, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and

Romano and the parsley on top. Serve on the shells immediately

with hot French bread. ■

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant in New Orleans pioneerd charbroiled oysters in response to a raw oyster scare. The scare is mostlygone, but this dish is still a favorite.














(334) 493-6687

We now have gift certificates and layaway. Free gift wrap.

From our family of dealers to your family,we wish youa gloriousChristmas and a Happy New Year.

1206 River Falls St. • 334-488-5752

Perhaps the most antici-pated aspect of theholiday season is the

lavish holiday meal. Manypeople look forward to thefood just as much as they lookforward to the festivities.

Planning a holiday gatheringand meal can be stressful forhosts or hostesses. However,establishing a wonderful andstress-free meal is possiblewith a few easy-to-follow tips.

• Create a meal concept.Holiday meals can be tradi-tional or avant garde. Thereare many options from whichto choose, but one thing tokeep in mind is to select foodsthat go together. Those new toholiday hosting may want tostick with items that are wellknown and expected, such asturkey and trimmings. Thosewho want to experiment maywant to introduce one or twonew dishes into the mix. Foodchoices should be about whatyour guests will want to eatand not about which items willensure a spectacle.

• Keep preparation time inmind. Another thing to consid-er when planning the meal isthe amount of time you havefor food preparation and cook-ing. The holidays are a busy

time of the year, and work andsocial engagements may con-tinue up until the eleventhhour. Choose foods that can beprepared in advance and heat-ed on the holiday if you'retime-pressed.

• Compile a shopping list.Once foods are selected,review all recipes and make alist of the ingredients you willneed. Make a list of things thatcan be bought in advance(paper products, coffee, linens,etc.) and other items that needto be checked off closer to theactual holiday. Cross off eachitem once it is purchased.

• Create a timetable. Make aschedule or use a calendar toschedule when each compo-nent of the meal and otherpreparations will be made.

• Ask for help. If you findthat time will be short, dele-gate some jobs to others. Forexample, if a grandmother oraunt is known for her prizedpotatoes or pies, ask her tomake that item.

• Go easy on yourself.While not everything willwork out exactly as youexpected, chances are littleglitches will not even benoticed by guests unless youpoint them out. ■

Planning can lessen stressof holiday entertaining

Lower AlabamaArts Center

116 East 3-Notch StreetAndalusia, Alabama

334-222-3205

[email protected]

Presenting

photography of larry jordan

Show & Sale November 5 through December 31

*****exhibits • classes • camps

music • Art • Drama


Alain Deasy, M.D. .....................................................................39Andalusia Ballet ...........................................................................9Andy Cable .................................................................................24Andalusia Ford...........................................................................12Andalusia Manor .........................................................................4Andalusia Regional Hospital ..................................................3Andalusia Regional Hospital ...............................................34Ansley Place...............................................................................32Barrow’s Furniture....................................................................13CCB Community Bank..............................................................6Christopher’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry ............................7City of Andalusia .........................................................................2Covington Electric Cooperative..............................................8Covington Metals .....................................................................40Darby’s Village Pharmacy .................................................... 10Harold’s........................................................................................20LAAC .............................................................................................36LBW...............................................................................................37Massey Automotive ...................................................................7Oasis Spa and Salon .................................................................7Opp Veterinary Hospital ........................................................37

Picket Fence Antiques ............................................................34Precision Image Photography..............................................16Professional Hearing Aid Center ........................................24Savannah Terrace........................................................................4Steamboat ..................................................................................34Vicki Popwell ..............................................................................18Walker Electric ..........................................................................24

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Send us yourholiday party

picturesand be featuredin our Winter

edition!

email: [email protected]


scrapbook

Deacon Johnson, a deacon in

the literal, biblical defini-

tion, is and has been friend

and personal positive influence on

four generations of my family.

Deacon Johnson and Brooks

Hardware are both approaching their

100

th

birthdays this year, and they

have been converging stories to this

exact time in their histories.

Once upon a time when there were

only dirt, sand and clay roads in

Covington County and the City of

Andalusia, young Willy Johnson woke

long before daylight and drove his

wagon to the back of Brooks

Hardware. There, he waited for my

grandfather, S.D. Brooks, to open and

fill his order for a wagon-load of

syrup cans.

While he waited, he ate sweet pota-

toes he had cut into round, half-dollar

shaped snacks, fried on a wood-burn-

ing stove, and wrapped in paper. He

carefully unwrapped and slowly ate

his only meal for the day. I guess S.D.

must have slept in until 6 a.m. that

day.

Some 20 years later, we had some

family trouble, the serious kind, in

Clanton, Ala. My grandfather was too

upset to drive, so he borrowed Mr.

Anthony’s car and Willy Johnson

drove S.D. to Clanton. Deacon

Johnson said my grandfather was on

his knees praying all the way up there.

He said they shared in open-eyed

prayer. You had to keep your eyes on

the road … you can’t expect God to

do EVERYTHING for you.

During my time of store ownership,

Deacon Johnson would walk from

King Street to the store and take time

to visit and read The Star-News, tell

Denise some old hardware stories,

then walk down to Jimmy Faulkner’s

Dairy Quean and eat lunch almost

every day. Did I mention he always

wore a suit, even in 100-degree

weather? If it rained, someone always

gave him a ride home. He continued

this daily routine until he was about

95. Now he lives with his daughter in

Montgomery.

Whenever I want something that’s

not mine or think about getting my

way through unfair gain, I think,

“WWDJD?”

What would Deacon Johnson do?

Then I know he would walk

humbly, act justly and love mercy.

Now that’s what kinds strive for, but

only a few humble servants ever

obtain.

Happy birthday, Deacon Johnson.

You are a positive force in Andalusia

and the world. ■

story and photo by Bob Brooks

honoring

a force for good in the world

deaconjohnson

Dr. Desy obtained his medicaldegree from the Faculty ofMedicine, University of Montpellier, France. Hecompleted his residency in orthopedic surgery at theteaching hospitals of the University of Sherbrooke andthe University of Montreal,Canada.

Dr. Desy is certified by theRoyal College of Surgeons of Canada as an Orthopedic surgeon and a fellow of theAmerican College of Surgeons.

Dr. Desy will see both child and adult patients withorthopedic problems. He hasa special interest in total jointreconstruction and trauma.

Dr. Desy is a member of the Andalusia Regional Hospital Medical Staff.

Alain Desy, M.D.Orthopedic Surgeon

Andalusia Orthopedics301 Medical Dr, Suite CAndalusia, AL(334)222-4449

The possibilitiesare endless.

Open Mon-Fri8 a.m. -5 p.m.

318 Montgomery St. Andalusia AL

COVINGTON METALS CO.

“A Family Tradition Since 1925”Serving Andalusia, Covington County, and the Surrounding Area For 5 Generations

Industrial Scrap & Demolition

Roll off Container Service

Buyers of Scrap MetalIron • Tin • Aluminum • Copper

Brass • Aluminum Cans • Junk Cars

James Jones, Jim Jones, and the late Brown Jones

Documents

South Alabama Living - Fall 2011