No'Ala Holiday 2009

NOV/DEC 2009 $3.95

noalamag.com

Great Gifts for any BudgetServing Seven Thousand for Thanksgiving

Cute Kids and Christmas CookiesHidden Treasure—Creative Gifts of Money

HappyHolidaysHappyHolidays

© 2009 Marriott International, Inc.

MARRIOTT SHOALS HOTEL & SPA 800 Cox Creek Parkway South, Florence, AL 35630Phone 256.246.3696, MarriottShoals.comA part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

THE PERFECT SIGHS FOR YOUR SPA EXPERIENCE.

Go ahead and sigh – we understand the delight that comes from complete relaxation.

With luxurious skin care, body treatments, massage therapies, and a full range of relaxation

and hydrotherapy sessions, our spa offers you 6,000 square feet of European-inspired

pampering. Just sink into the bliss as stress fl oats away and your renewal begins.

ALDEN SHOE COMPANY · BILL’S KHAKIS · BURBERRY · GITMAN BROTHERSGRAHAM & GUNN WITH FABRICS BY ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA

HICKEY FREEMAN SPORTSWEAR · IKE BEHAR NEW YORK · MARTIN DINGMAN LEATHERGOODS LACOSTE · LACOSTE FOR WOMEN · LACOSTE FOR KIDS · PETER MILLARSCOTT BARBER · SOUTHERN TIDE · INDIVIDUALIZED CUSTOM SHIRTS

SOUTH PORTStyles Change. Taste Remains.

1623 DARBY DRIVE IN ENGLISH VILLAGE · FLORENCE, ALABAMA · (256) 764-0105

It ’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

4 | No’Ala

Printing • Office Supplies • Furniture • Gifts113 North Court Street, Florence, AL 35630

256-764-8061

November/December 2009 | 5

Tai Do, 4, knows the perfectway to Santa’s heart is witha giant Snickerdoodle.

Cover: Around this time of year, children tend to

get a little nervous. Did they spend the last year a

little bit naughty—or a little bit nice? Twins Xan-

der and Peyton Liles hope their gingerbread

cookies will help Santa overlook any minor trans-

gressions during the past year and that he will

leave lots of good things under their tree.

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You better watch out…

6 | No’Ala

November/December 2009Volume 2: Issue 6

• • •

C. Allen TomlinsonEditor-In-Chief

David SimsManaging Editor/Design Director

Contributing WritersDebra Dombrowski-Hendrix

Contributing PhotographersDanny Mitchell

Contributing DesignersJustin Hall

Business ManagerMatthew Liles

Marketing CoordinatorJeff Linholm

Printing and DistributionPrinters and Stationers, Inc.

• • •

No’Ala is published six times annually by ATSA PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630

Phone: 256-766-4222 | Fax: 256-766-4106Toll-free: 800-779-4222

Web: www.noalamag.com

Standard postage paid at Florence, AL.A one-year subscription is $19.95for delivery in the United States.

Signed articles reflect only the views of theauthors and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the editors.Advertisers are solely responsible forthe content of their advertisements.

© 2008-2009 ATSA, All rights reserved.

Send all correspondence toAllen Tomlinson, Editor,

at the postal address above, or by e-mail [email protected].

Letters may be edited for space and style.

To advertise, contact us at:256-766-4222, or [email protected].

The editor will provide writer’s guidelines upon request.

Prospective authors should notsubmit unsolicited manuscripts;

please query the editor first.

{ contents}

8 Contributors

10 Calendar

14 Jen’s Café serves the hungry everyThanksgiving. About seven thou-sand, in fact. Learn more about thisgrowing outreach project and thepeople behind it.

19 You won’t believe what we’ve found! Once again, we prove that there is absolutely no reason to leave the Shoals when you do your holiday shopping. We found some really unique things this year!

44 Giving money doesn’t have to beboring. We show you some waysthat the packaging can make thecash a little more memorable.

48 If you’ve forgotten how exciting this time of yearcan be when you’re a child, take a look at thesebeautiful kids and the goodies they plan to leave for Santa.

62 Santa and his reindeer will expect a tall glassof milk and a plate of homemade cookieswhen he delivers to your house, so we’re giv-ing you a hand by sharing some familyrecipes from all over the Shoals.

66 There are holiday decorations, and then there are the Wrights’ lights. Photographer Danny Mitchellsits down with the Wrights as they begin their decorating.

60 The Jolly One makes a brief stop toanswer our twenty questions aboutwhy he does what he does—andwhat good little boys and girls reallywant for Christmas.

64 Debra Dombrowski-Hendrix ishilarious. You’ll see. Bless her heart!


{ editor’s letter}

You probably don’t remember your first birthday party, but itprobably went something like this: face and hair smeared in but-tercream frosting, incoherent babbling, a few tears, and sometime spent stumbling around the backyard—trying to find yourfooting. Well, it’s our first birthday, and thanks to a loyal groupof advertisers, partners and friends, we’re firmly on our feet.

And even though we haven’t shed any tears, we’ve certainly felt the sting of therecession. Heck, we all have.

But there’s good news. The economy is showing signs of improving, and ourfirst birthday wish is that this will translate into more sales for our local smallbusiness owners—especially during the Holidays. So, to inspire you, we’vefilled these pages with unique items and services from local shopkeepers whoare also your friends and neighbors. When you head out to shop for yourfamily and friends, spend a little time (and a little money) in their stores. Getto know these people who are such an integral part of our local economy.You might just find some really sweet deals while you’re at it!

Speaking of sweets—you really can’t go wrong with cookies and kids, andwe’ve got some of the sweetest of each in this issue. We’re featuring some ofour readers’ favorite holiday cookie recipes, and we’ve photographed themwith some of the cutest kids in the Shoals. Plus, the folks at Jen’s Café tell uswhat it will take to feed 7,000 people for Thanksgiving, Debra Dombrowski-Hendrix shares her unique take on homemade gifts in Bless Their Hearts,and Santa Claus stopped by to answer our Twenty Questions. And there’smore, too—but only because you’ve been good boys and girls.

As we head into our second year of publication, we thank you for support-ing our small business venture. We’re proud to say that our goal is still thesame today as it was last year—to spotlight the unique people, places andthings of the Shoals. Because there’s still no place like No’Ala.

Home for the Holidays

BY DAVID SIMS

Here’s a snapshot from our weekend baking and decoratingmarathon. It was a lot of fun andwe got to eat the delicious cook-ies as our reward!

Dr. Hamp Moore318 E. Tennessee Street, Florence, AL 35630

256-767-5000

Give Style forChristmas

Sunglasses, designer eyewear,

contact lenses and more...

including eye exams, diagnosis

and treatment of eye disease.

You can trust Dr. Hamp Moore

at Tomsik Eyecare, because

the best gift you can give this

Christmas is the gift of

good sight.

8 | No’Ala

{ contributors}

Debra Dombrowski-Hendrix is a North-erner by birth, but a Southerner by the graceof God… and dumb luck. As a little girl,Debra wanted to be Nancy Drew when shegrew up—solving crimes and writing aboutthem. Instead she and a friend investigatecrimes against common sense and blog aboutthem. Debra lives in Florence with her hus-band, Jackie Hendrix, and a menagerie ofrescued animals.

You can read more from Debra on her blog,countrygirl-citygirl.blogspot.com.

Danny Mitchell is as reliable as a Japanesecar, but far more imaginative. He will doalmost anything we ask of him to get the rightshot (including wading into Cypress Creekand almost losing his very expensive camera).He also loves dogs, and we love people wholove dogs.

We’re always on the lookout for talentedwriters in the Shoals area, especially thosewho have a unique point of few on a varietyof subjects and a great sense of humor. If youwould like to be considered as a Bless YourHearts guest columnist, send us a sample ofsomething you’ve already written or a link toyour writing samples. See our mast for detailsand addresses.

Debra Dombrowski-Hendrix Danny Mitchell

10 | No’Ala

Calendarof events

NovemberNovember 2009Ritz Benefit Huge Yard SaleAdmission charged ONLY on Nov. 7.$5 adults, $3 children, all other days are FREENov. 7, 5–8 pm; Nov. 8, 7am–4pm; Nov. 9, 1–4 pm; Nov. 14, 21, 28,9am–1pm; Town Plaza Shopping Center, Sheffield; For more informa-tion: (256) 383-0533

November 3, 10, 17, 24Watercolor Workshop with Jonathan CainTennessee Valley Museum of Art511 North Water Street, Tuscumbia; 256-383-05336–8pm; Cost: $60.00 / $50.00 for TVAA Members. Call TVMA for list ofsupplies. A beginner’s basic introduction into the medium of water-color. Course presentations will include: discussions of materials,preliminary techniques, finished paintings, color theory, and conser-vation issues and framing. Ages 15 and older

November 6First Friday, downtown Florence5–8pm

November 6Apple Annie DayJunior League of the Shoals

November 6–December 31Landscapes: Selections from the Corporate Collectionof Wachovia SecuritiesKennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence9am–4pm Monday–Friday: No Admission

November 7smART Club–Let’s Build Something Big, with instructor Brad Bernard, Architect(Ages 7-12); Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 North Water Street,Tuscumbia; 256-383-0533

Cost: $20.00/$15 if paid one week in advance; $15.00 for TVAA Mem-bers/$10 if paid one week in advance. All supplies are provided;10am–Noon

Using recycled political yard signs, Mr. Bernard will lead the class inbuilding a temporary structure. The class will be introduced to basicdesign elements as well as structural engineering. This is a collabora-tive project.

November 8Andy’s the Professionals Holiday Open House223 Edgewood Dr, Florence(256) 767-2800; 1–4pm

November 11Veteran’s Day ParadeTuscumbia followed by Open House at the Legion Hall

November 12– December 17Quilt Challenge ’09: Shoals Piecemakers Quilt GuildKennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence9am–4pm Monday–Friday; No Admission

November 14–15Christmas Open House at Lola’s Gifts & Flowers214 N Montgomery Ave, Sheffield; 256-383-2299

November 15Josh Willingham Celebrity Classic Dinner and AuctionUNA Guillot Center, 6:30pm; Visit www.joshwillinghamfoundation.orgfor more information.

November 16Josh Willingham Celebrity Classic Golf TournamentRTJ Shoals Golf Course, 4-person Scramble, 9am Shotgun Start

November 16W.C. Handy Birthday CelebrationW.C. Handy Home, Museum & Library, 620 W. College St., Florence11am–1pm; No Admission

November 21–22Christmas in the CountryLaGrange College Site, Leighton256-446-9324; Saturday, 10am–4pm; Sunday, 1–4pm; Free

November 21smART Club–Paint a Star for the Museum with Lori Curtis(See smART Club entry, November 7)

Each student will be given two wooden stars. One star will bepainted for a take home project. The other will be added to a collec-tion of stars being painted by our member artists for a fundraisingeffort for the museum. These stars will be available for purchase at ourannual Member’s Party for the opening of The Trees of Christmasexhibition.

November 22On Stage presents Best of Momix, 2 pm, Norton Auditorium. Ticketsavailable at the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts or online atwww.shoalsonstage.com

November 27Rogersville Tree Lighting Ceremony5pm

November 30An Evening with Dr. FosterRitz Theatre, 111 West 3rd Street, Sheffield256-383-0533; 7:30pm; Tickets: $10.00 for Adults, 5.00 for Students

DecemberChristmas parades are held in downtown Florence, Sheffield,Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals. Check city websites for dates andtimes.


Tuscumbia Spring Park Fountain ShowFree; Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at duskSpring Park, Tuscumbia

December 1–5Holly & Ivy Luncheons and DinnerKennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., FlorenceLuncheons: Tues.–Friday, Cup o’Cheer 11:30am, Lunch at noon; Din-ner: Saturday, 7pm; Ticket required

December 4First Friday, downtown Florence5–8pm

December 4–6Sugarplum MarketplaceFlorence-Lauderdale Coliseum; Admission: $5/Adults, $3/Children

December 4–December 24The Trees of ChristmasTennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 North Water Street, Tuscumbia;256-383-0533; Exhibition Hours: Sunday, 1–3pm; Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5pm; December 24, 10am–2pm; Admission: $5.00 for Adults,$3.00 for Students

December 5Rogersville Christmas Celebration4pm; Yulelog Service at Rogersville Old Presbyterian Church, 6pm

December 5smART Club–Personal 2010 Calendar with Megan Pinch(See smART Club entry, November 7)

Students will design their own personal calendar for 2010.

December 6Plantation ChristmasBelle Mont Mansion, Cook Lane,off Highway 43 S, Tuscumbia; $6 adults, $3 children; 1–5pm

December 12Wheeler Lake Parade of Lights5pm

NCAA Division ll Football Championship Gametime TBA

December 13The Best Christmas Pageant EverRitz Theatre, 111 West 3rd Street, Sheffield; 256-383-0533Tickets: $5.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Students, Public Performance 2pm

December 15Florence Camerata–Christmas in the Shoals7:30pm, Grace Episcopal Church, Sheffield; Tickets: Kennedy-DouglassCenter for the Arts, 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence; www.florencecam-erata.com

December 20Christmas Open House at Ivy GreenHelen Keller Birthplace, Tuscumbia; Free1–4pm; (256) 383-4066

David Gardner, Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Properties

2093 Florence Blvd,Florence, AL 35630

Direct: 256.349.0514 www.DavidGardnerHomes.com

David Gardner is the pro to know

when you’re ready for a hearth of your own.

12 | No’Ala

{ guess who I saw}

What Star?: A Grief Book for Childrenby Jean Elkins Chenault($15.99 Softback; $25.99 Hardback)ColdWater Books (256) 381-2525The Kennedy Douglass Center for the Arts

(256) 760-6379Mars Hill Bible School (256) 767-1203Tennessee Valley Arts Center

(256) 383-0533The Yellow Door (256) 766-6950

Jeanne Chenault Book Signing for What Star?SEPTEMBER 19, 2009 COLDWATER BOOKS, TUSCUMBIA

Leo

Chamber President Steve Holtspeaks to the crowd

Kurt Wilson

Jeanne Chenault and daughter,Abbey Thompson

Jeanne and her mother, Mildred Elkins

Jeanne, Donna Wilbanksand Mrs. Miles Carter (Jo)

Jeanne's grandchildren: HunterThompson, Gracie Thompson,Jeanne and Maggie Thompson

Rachael Reddick

Tobias James (left) andKurt Wilson (right)

??

David Shields with David Bragwell, Tracy Jones, and Kurt Wilson

Jeanne and SteveChenault

UNA Cheerleaders

Ribbon Cutting

Truly Cigars Grand OpeningAUGUST 27, 2009 TRULY CIGARS, FLORENCE

Jen Stutts and her family

and friendsfeed the community

at Thanksgiving

Serving Seven

Thousand

PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELLTEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON

14 | No’Ala

{ everybody’s business}


Jen Stutts makes it all sound so simple. She talksabout what it takes to put together a Thanksgiv-ing meal for seventy five hundred people as if it’ssomething anyone could do, even though theactual details boggle the mind. It takes money,and volunteers, and lots and lots of time, but thatdoesn’t matter; there is a need in the community,

and she has the ability to help satisfy that need. That’s allthat really matters.

Jen and her family originally lived in Brooklyn, Ohio,but moved back to the Shoals area about 15 years agobecause her father grew up here. Jen went to school inCherokee and then worked for the man who owned therestaurant that now bears her name. Jen’s Café is on PineStreet, a small restaurant that smells heavenly and bustleswith activity, even early in the morning. This is a familyplace; Jen’s mother, Sandra, her sisters Victoria andTabitha, and even the six year old, Joanne, have work to

do at Jen’s Café, getting ready for the lunch crowd ofbusinesspeople and UNA students who come pouring infor the daily special.

Preparing for the Thanksgiving meal is a job thattakes almost the entire year, these days. “When westarted out, we served about 300 people,” Jen says with asmile, “and we had no idea what we were doing. Lastyear, we cooked 45 turkeys, 36 hams, 700 pounds ofpotatoes, and went through a 5’x 5’ storage building fullof canned vegetables. We served between 7,400 and7,500 people, and we expect even more this year.”

That first year, following up on a dream that Jen’smother had of providing a good meal for people whowere alone or in need during the holiday, the entire eventwas pulled together by just a few people, including vol-unteers Eli Flippen, Carey Posey and a small monetarydonation from the Thompson-Fisher company in indus-trial park.

This year? “With the economy in the shape it’s in,we expect up to 10,000 people,” said Jen,unphased. “We never know until the day comes,though. And we don’t care about the definition

of ‘need,’” she said, “because some people come herebecause they genuinely need a good meal, and some

Life is good. We’ve never wanted.My mother raised us to give back.

Jen Stutts

16 | No’Ala

come because they genuinelyneed to be with other people onThanksgiving. If a UNA studentcan’t make it home to be withfamily, this can be their family forthat day. If someone lives alone oris shut in or want to be with otherpeople, they are welcome here.”

In addition to physically serv-ing all of those meals, Jen and hercrew box up dinners for thosewho are sitting with shut-ins, andthose meals are delivered. There’sno judgement involved, and norestriction—just good food, lov-ingly prepared and served.

“We spend August and Sep-tember rounding up donations,”Jen said. “We have some compa-nies who support us consistently,and lots of individuals who contribute money so we canbuy the turkeys and hams and vegetables. We havebetween 130 and 140 donors every year, even though wehaven’t found a corporate underwriter for the event. Sin-gleton’s Bar-B-Que cooks the turkeys and ham, and thePurity Milk Company not only donates the 92 gallons ofmilk and other dairy products, they also park a hugerefrigerated truck in back of the café so that we have anextra refrigerator to store things in.” Silverware, napkins,garbage bags and other staples are collected all year long.

A day or so before Thanksgiving, the entire restau-rant is cleared out and the assembly line is set up. It takesa hundred or more volunteers, cooking, plating and pass-ing out food on the big day. “The way we look at it,Thanksgiving is a day to spend with family, and our vol-unteers consider this to be their family,” said Jen. “We’re

thankful for what we have, we want to give back, and thisis a great way to do it.”

Last year, Jen’s mother, Sandra, went to the hospitalat the beginning of September with heart problems andwasn’t able to assume her customary overseeing role.But Jen’s father, George, a trucker, made sure he washome to peel potatoes and plate food, just as he’s done

every year since it started.Even the six year old spendsthe day taking plates frominside the restaurant to thecars and people waiting out-side.

The stories Jen has toshare are heartwarming.“You can’t really explain whatthis experience is all about,”she says, “you just have to behere. It’s a long day—we startserving very early in themorning, and many timeswe’ll have people show uplate at night. We may runout of turkey, but we’ll alwaysfind something to eat that wecan share. No one leaves herewithout being fed.”

And nothing goes towaste. “We package the left-overs and share them withthe senior citizens at Magno-lia apartments, and we takefood to the AttentionHomes,” said Jen.

They say actions speak louder than words. When itcomes to the Stutts family, if you really want to knowhow blessed they feel and how compelled they are to giveback, just wander over to Pine Street on Thanksgivingmorning and see what they are doing. They and their vol-unteers are feeding thousands, because they can—andno one leaves there without being fed.

For a look at Thanksgiving at Jen’s Café, search for themon YouTube. To contribute, consider a monetary dona-tion or spend some time serving on Thanksgiving. Youmight be fed, too, in more ways than one.

N

Jen’s Cafe, Florence


dish gourmet café & catering

offers a menu that is both deli-

cious and distinctively different.

dish offers catering for any type

or size of event. From business

meetings to garden parties,

gourmet dinners to lavish cele-

brations, we will design the per-

fect menu for you.

dish combines only the fresh-

est ingredients along with a

fresh approach and attitude to

create the finest food and over-

all experience possible. Call us

today to begin planning your

event.

256.766.2414

open at 11:00 • monday–friday • 118 w. mobile st. • florence

dish for theholidays.

409 East Mobile Street · Florence, AL 35630

We’re a professional team workingfor Renaissance Realty—

Visit our website and learn moreabout what we can do for you!

BJ BaskinAssociate Broker, CRSASP, e-PRO, ABR, [email protected]

Suzanne MorrisAssociate Broker, ASP256-366-5416 [email protected]

openingdoorsintheshoals.com

18 | No’Ala

1593 Darby Drive, Florence · 256.764.9294 · www.halseyhouseinteriors.com

Good style is always in season.

Call 1.800.685.9267 or visitwww.doublehead.com

Throughout the month of December, stay onenight in one of our waterfront cottages

and get your second night free!(Holidays excluded.)

Waterfront CottagesHorseback Riding

Sporting ClaysQuail HUnting

Banquet FacilitiesMeeting Rooms

145 County Road 314Town Creek, AL

35672Call us for more

details!

Spend your holidays with us!

Please join us at Longing for Home Bed andBreakfast this holiday season. Book your holiday events, send out-of-town family andfriends here to stay, or just escape it all andcome spend time with us! Our guests enjoyhospitality Southerners are known for. Youare very welcome at our home!

Bill & Betty MaloneyA state of mind...a place of grace...a way of life

1017 Lee StreetRogersville, AL 35652256.247.0261 or 866.699.5823longingforhome.net


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r$ 100

Southern Tide Cap ($20)Lacoste Cap ($29)Mountain Khakis Cap ($20.95)South Port(256) 764-0105

BareMinerals Crash Course: 4-piece Beauty Shortcut ($22)Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa(866) 746-2564

Olivina Body Butter ($37); Scrub ($29); Hand Crème ($17)Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa(866) 746-2564

Handmade Children’s Clothing & Monogrammingby Christina Beckman ($18 shirts/$22 pants)Junior League of the Shoals—The Sugar Plum Market

Personalized Picture Frames by Jenny Sain ($15)Junior League of the Shoals—The Sugar Plum Market

Personalized Gift Items with Vinyl Lettering & Designsby Anna Burnley ($8 ea.)Junior League of the Shoals—The Sugar Plum Market

Original Appliqué Designs by Amy Rutledge ($25)Junior League of the Shoals—The Sugar Plum Market

Sharp & Sally Stationary ($12) (10 cards each)Whitney English Stationary ($12) (10 cards each)Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Pen by Acme Studios ($70)Printers & Stationers(256) 764-8061

Xikar Five Count Cigar Case ($21.99)Truly Cigars(256) 275-3601

Vera Bradley Zip ID Case ($10)Village Shoppe(256) 383-1133

Strauss Crystal Finial ($19.95)Chinese Sampan Boat Finial ($16.95)Southern Shades & Lighting(256) 757-0045

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Cynthia H. Designs Message Bracelet ($35 Small; $44 Large)Audie Mescal(256) 314-6684

Votivo Holiday Candles ($25)Sweet Deliveries(256) 383-3770

TRENDies Reading Glasses by CINZIA ($24 ea.)Tomsik Eyecare(256) 767-5000

18” Lapis Globe Pendant on Sterling Chain ($24.95)Meffords Jewelers(256) 764-2632

“Art by Amy” Custom Bracelets and Necklaces ($25)Sidelines Jewelry(256) 767-0925

Silver Toned Jewelry Box ($25)Jamie Hood Jewelers(256) 381-6889

Luggage Handle Wraps ($12)Marigail Mathis(256) 764-9444

Hillhouse NaturalsBody Crème ($12.50); Body Wash ($12.50);Perfumed Soy Candle ($30); Reed Diffuser ($62)The French Basket764-1237

Emily Green Placemats ($15 ea.)Land of Lolly(256) 767-0097

Esque Candles ($30)Noble Passage(256) 764-1213

Christmas Tree Bowl & Spreader ($15)Lola’s Gifts and Flowers(256) 383-2299

“Doors of the Shoals” Poster ($25 Unframed*)($75/$85 Framed*)By BJ Baskin and Suzanne MorrisA portion of the proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity.www.openingdoorsintheshoals.com*Shipping is additional(256) 766-4222

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Offering the finest selection of wine

in the Shoals area.

WINE TASTINGS

Gift BasketsWine Accessories

Local ArtJewelry • Candles • Linens

Pottery • GlasswareGourmet Foods

Now selling specialty beers

324 North Court Street, Florence, AL 35630256-766-1568 [email protected]

www.florencewineseller.com

2575 Hough Road, Florence, behind Cinema 12(256) 764-1213 or (256) 275-3922 · M-F 10-5:30 • Sat 10-2

Our Reputation for Good Designis Spreading

Gifts, Fine Furniture & Interiors

Designer, 2009 Parade of Homes Showhouse

Window Treatments · Custom Bedding · Custom BlindsOriginal Art · New & Antique Rugs · Gifts · Jewelry

24 | No’Ala unde

r$ 100

Initial Cutting Board & Spreader ($25)Initial Napkins ($2.50)Lola’s Gifts and Flowers(256) 383-2299

Black Forest Cupcakes with Ganache Frosting (Prices vary)Sweet Magnolia Cafe(256) 765-2234

Customized Christmas Guest TowelsDavid Christopher’s(256) 764-7008

Festive Square Baker by Mudpie ($19.99)David Christopher’s(256) 764-7008

Juice Plus Nutritional Supplements (Prices vary)Lucy Crosby(662) 347-4330

Granola, Chocolate Granola, Fudge & Cheese Straws ($4 ea.)Sugarbakers(256) 766-0001

Cross Ornaments ($8)The Yellow Door(256) 766-6950

Plaid Christmas Ornaments ($11.95)Andy’s the Professionals(256) 767-2800

Christmas Can Cozies ($8.75)Lola’s Gifts and Flowers(256) 383-2299

Robert Rothschild Farm: Buffalo Bleu Cheese Dip ($10)Robert Rothschild Farm: Raspberry Honey

Mustard Pretzel Dip ($10)Robert Rothschild Farm: Dirty Martini Dip ($11.99)Sweet Basil Cafe(256) 764-5991

Mo’sBBQ Sauce ($6.35); Bourbon Barrel Wood Chips ($8.50)Sweet Basil Cafe(256) 764-5991

Mrs. Murphy’s Food Products ($5.95 ea.)Bar-B-Que Sauce, Ribeye Steak Sauce, Peach SalsaBean Salsa, Mild Pepper Jelly, Spicy Zucchini (256) 765-0036

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New Arrivals Weekly

Affordable Prices on Fabulous Clothing!

Frolic is a weeklystop for Santa!

1326 North Pine Street, Florence256-766-6150

Tuesday–Thursday: 10am–5pm; Saturday: 10am–4pm

Looking for a home for the holidays?I’m Anne Bernauer and I want to be your Realtor® —

for life.

Call 256-740-0706 or256-757-9008Email [email protected] www.annewillsell.com

Fringe Christmas Ornaments ($25)David Christopher’s(256) 764-7008

Custom Designed Christmas WreathsDistinctive Designs(256) 332-7390

Pendant ($450)SBS Electric(256) 764-8481

Two Tier White Porcelain Chandelier ($3,200)SBS Electric(256) 764-8481

Vaubel Gold & Precious Stone Rings ($650)Marigail Mathis(256) 764-9444

Vaubel Gold Necklace ($1,530)Marigail Mathis(256) 764-9444

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Let us help with your holiday food and drink. It’s what we do best!1627 Darby Drive, English Village, Florence (256) 764-5991

Grandmother’s Buttons Ring ($62)Audie Mescal(256) 314-6684

Alisa18kt & Sterling Bangle ($665); Sterling Bangle with DiamondAccents ($515); Rose 18kt & Silver Bangle ($385)Jamie Hood Jewelers(256) 381-6889

Sterling Silver, Mother of Pearl & Black ShellJewelry Collection ($25 – $75)Noble Passage(256) 764-1213

Steven Raichlen Best of Barbecue Series: Ultimate Chimney Starter ($33.75)Sweet Basil Cafe(256) 764-5991

UNA Logo Earrings ($9.95)Off Campus Bookstore(256) 764-7507

Tommy Mathis Giclee Prints ($195 ea.)Artifacts Art Gallery(256) 764-7732

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Choose a professional whois consistently at the top ofher profession. BABS CAMPBELL

256-740-0706256-366-3090

Paige ProductsFlat Wallets, Pocket Wallets, and Photo Wallets ($12.95 – $21.95)Andy’s the Professionals(256) 767-2800

John Wind Silver Sorority Gal Bracelet ($70)Sidelines Jewelry(256) 767-0925

Kensie Vest ($86)Audie Mescal(256) 314-6684

Green & Patterned Glazed Ceramic Lamp ($799)Southern Shades & Lighting(256) 757-0045

Glass Bottles with Decorative Caps ($15, $23.75, $31.25)Lola’s Gifts and Flowers(256) 383-2299

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Shells in Shadows CollectionThe French Basket764-1237

14kt White Gold Diamond Cross Pendant (.77ct TDW) ($1,295)Grogan Jewelers(256) 764-4013

Bill’s Khakis Authentic Leather Belt ($75)South Port(256) 764-0105

Three Canoes Lamp ($109.95)Southern Shades & Lighting(256) 757-0045

Potluck, Postscripts & Potpourri by Jean Gay Mussleman ($32)Available at Dish, Sweet Basil Café, The Yellow DoorMcGraw's Coffee, The Gourmet Shoppe, ColdWater Books, The Kennedy-Douglass Center, the Tennessee Valley Art Center,and David Christopher's

Burberry Men's Trench Button Down Shirt ($175)South Port(256) 764-0105

Baekgaard Laptop Bag ($85)Printers & Stationers(256) 764-8061

ThymesHome Fragrance Mist ($19); All Purpose Cleaner ($9.95);Dishwashing Soap ($9); Aromatic Candle ($26)Andy’s the Professionals(256) 767-2800

Baekgaard Tie Case ($30)*Tie not includedPrinters & Stationers(256) 764-8061

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32 | No’Ala

The Perfect Placeto Party!

Luv-a-Bear Parties, Hannah MontanaChef Parties, Groovy Girl, & Princess Parties!

Parties are available Monday-Sunday,just pick a date and time!

1605 Darby Drive · English Village · Florence256-764-1018 · XtravaganceBySusan.com

NEW! Luv-a-Bear Partieslet you and your friends

build your own plushfriends!

Dozens of Accessories and Outfits!Everything You Need to Build the Perfect Plush Friend!

For Girls and Boys!

FOLLOW USON FACEBOOKAND TWITTER!

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Here's to.......Sisters!

GirlsInfant to Size 12

BoysInfant to Size 8

HolidayGifts & Toys

Baby Registry

1633-A Darby DriveEnglish Village

FlorenceMon-Sat, 10am–5pm

256-767-0097

Waterford Santa Ornament ($45)Sweet Deliveries(256) 383-3770

Handmade Pottery Crosses ($35 Small; $125 Large)The French Basket764-1237

Auburn & Alabama Baskets ($26.99)Xtravagance by Susan(256) 764-1018

Gift Basket ($225)2004 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinturi Wine Aerator, Schott Zweisel Bordeaux Glasses, LaguioleCorkscrew, Dried Roses and Chocolates. The Wine Seller(256) 766-1568

Gladys Lo-Boot ($495)Billy Reid(256) 767-4692

FYSH UK Urban Eyewear ($202)Tomsik Eyecare(256) 767-5000

Burberry Designer Glasses ($208)Tomsik Eyecare(256) 767-5000

BCBG MAX AZRIA ($234)Tomsik Eyecare(256) 767-5000

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318 N COURT STREET, FLORENCE · (256) 765-9911

CUSTOM WIG FITTING & STYLINGCUT · COLOR ·MANICURES · PEDICURES

French Coin Bracelet ($120)Sidelines Jewelry(256) 767-0925

Byers’ Choice Carolers ($68 – $70 ea.)The Yellow Door(256) 766-6950

Petunia Pickle Bottom Touring Bag ($145)Land of Lolly(256) 767-0097

14kt White Gold Diamond Pendant ( .75 ct TDW)on a 17” 18kt White Gold Chain ($1,475)Meffords Jewelers(256) 764-2632

Ladies Tag Heuer Aquaracer Watch with Diamond Dial ($2,100)Grogan Jewelers(256) 764-4013

Dansfield & Ross Lapidus Pillow ($320)The French Basket764-1237

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Lulumari Dress ($59)Frolic Clothing(256) 766-6150

Silver Leaf Necklace by Dena McClure ($49)Frolic Clothing(256) 766-6150

Full Aprons ($44.50)Halsey House Interiors(256) 764-9294

Iron Rose Mirrored Tray ($135)Halsey House Interiors(256) 764-9294

Metal Branch Candle Stand ($110)*Candles sold separatelyThe Yellow Door(256) 766-6950

BareMinerals Get Started Complexion Set ($60); Brush Set ($49); Diamond Beauty Duo ($45); Refillable Buffing Brush ($30);Foundation ($28)Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa(866) 746-2564

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625 South Cherry Street, Florence,AL • 256-764-8481

From lamps to chandeliers and everything in

between, nothing makes a home glow like lighting

from SBS. They’ve been lighting homes in the

Shoals for over 60 years! Happy holidays!

Style Me Up! Kits Glitter Power Tattoos ($25)Twistable Friendship Bracelets ($25)Crystal Glitter Bracelets ($25)Xtravagance by Susan(256) 764-1018

Lurleen Equestrian Boot ($695)Billy Reid(256) 767-4692

Xikar Havana AccessoriesLighter ($100); Cutter ($300); Ashtray ($90); Envoy Case ($90)Truly Cigars(256) 275-3601

John Medeiros JewelryBracelet (Hinged) ($175); Bracelet (Tri-band) ($145); Bracelet (Black Tipped) ($115)Village Shoppe(256) 383-1133

Carrot Cake with Marmalade Frosting (Prices vary by cake)Sweet Magnolia Cafe(256) 765-2234

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Burberry Men’s Purple Check Button Down Shirt ($225)South Port(256) 764-0105

Sterling Silver, Mother of Pearl & Black ShellJewelry Collection ($25 – $75)Noble Passage(256) 764-1213

Brighton Luggage Wheeled Carry On ($550); Large Cosmetic Case ($325)Village Shoppe(256) 383-1133

Sang Real Jeans ($85)Frolic Clothing(256) 766-6150

Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Necklace ($1,950)Jamie Hood Jewelers(256) 381-6889

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Gift ServicesSpa/Health Services

Andy’s the Professionals (256) 767-2800Dwight Cox & Associates (256) 765-9911Garrett Chiropractic (256) 757-0023Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa (866) 746-2564Methel’s Spa (256) 383-5160

Holiday Events/CateringCypress Lakes Country Club

(cypresslakescountryclub.com)Dish Café (256) 766-2414Locust Hill (locusthillevents.com)Longing for Home (longingforhome.com)Doublehead Resort (doublehead.com)Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa (866) 746-2564Sweet Basil Café (256) 764-5991Sweet Magnolia Café (256) 765-2234

Holiday PortraitsDanny Mitchell Photography (256) 386-0944Portraits by Sharié (256) 718-3456

EntertainmentFlorence Camerata (florencecamerata.com)Huntsville Symphony (hso.org)OnStage (shoalsonstage.com)Shoals Community Theater (shoalstheatre.com)


Do you experience discomfort, leg painor swelling? Do you have

varicose veins?The underlying cause of varicose veinsand heavy, aching legs can be treated inour office with the VNUS Closure® proce-dure. It allows you to resume normalactivities typically within a day. •Minimally invasive • Fast and mildrecovery • Covered by most insurance

For more information or tomake an appointment, call

256-383-0423 or 866-383-0423.

Helen Keller Medical Office Complex

1120 S. Jackson Highway,Suite 105, Sheffield, ALwww.shoalsveincenter.com

Shelby K. Bailey, M.D., F.A.C.S. • William A. Collignon, M.D., F.A.C.S.

2504 EAST AVALON AVENUESUITE A, MUSCLE SHOALS (256) 381-6889

WWW.JAMIEHOODONLINE.COM

Christmas OrnamentMatching Necklace and Earrings also available

Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Collection

HIDDEN TREASUREMaking the Gift of Money Memorable and Magical

PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL » TEXT BY DAVID SIMS

44 | No’Ala

THE TEAPOTOn a trip to New York City one year, I found these tiny teapots in a store thatspecializes in discontinued restaurantchina. I took one large bill and folded itinto a tea bag shape, stapled one end of acolored string to the bill and the other to afolded piece of card stock with theemployee’s name. Although all of theteapots at our Holiday party were identical,I think it would have been more creative topurchase unique teapots from area antiquestores and flea markets.


Most of you have giventhe gift of money at onepoint or another. Andthose of us who have

teens and preteens—well, it’s oftenour only option. At its best, moneyis the perfect gift—timeless andinherently practical. At its worst,gifts of cash can be cold and down-right impersonal. So, how can yougive a few bills to someone youlove, and feel satisfied at the sametime?

All it takes is a little thought andimagination. Here are just a few ofmy favorite ways to package money.All of these ideas came about as away to present money to ouremployees at our annual Holidaydinner, but these ideas shouldn’t bejust limited to Christmastime—many of them can also be adaptedto other gift-giving occasions likegraduations, confirmations—evenweddings.

THE NESTHere, dozens of smaller bills were tied toa circle of natural raffia and placed intoan unadorned papier-mâché craft box.Two small, wooden eggs were painted tolook like Robin’s eggs and placed in thecenter of the “nest.” A perfect way topresent a gift of money to newlyweds ora college graduate.

NUTCRACKERSThis is my favorite idea forpresenting money or othersmall gifts at Christmastimebecause it can be personalizedto each recipient. Nutcrackerscan be found in so manyunique designs—I’ve evenseen Alabama and Auburnnutcrackers!

All you really need it a hol-lowed-out walnut. Stash yourprize in the walnut and re-attach the halves with a littlehot glue. Hang the nut aroundthe neck of the nutcracker—the recipient will have to openthe nut with the nutcracker!

46 | No’Ala

FRAMESSimple, but veryelegant. Miniatureframes work bestfor one large billand can actuallybe hung on a treeor placed on themantle next to astocking. Multi-ples of smallerbills can beinserted intohinged frames orinserted into aframe that con-tains a matte withmultiple openings.This is my favoriteway of givingmoney to teens,because theframes can bereused for theirfavorite photos.

SHELLSShells are naturalcontainers—per-fect for presentingmoney, or evenjewelry. Why notreally surprise heron your engage-ment? Or tuckmoney into a shellto help yourteenager pay for aSpring Break tripwith his friends.Here, the shellsare tucked intowhite sand, in sim-ple clear glass jars.

Pearl ring from Jamie Hood Jewel-ers, Muscle Shoals; Pearl braceletfrom Meffords Jewelers, Florence;shells courtesy of Shells in Shad-ows (shellsinshadows.com).


{ guess who I saw}

An Evening at the Buffler HouseAUGUST 8, 2009 ST. FLORIAN

Glenda Oldham and Claudia Vance

Hannah Brake, Susanne Musgrove,and Glenda Oldham

Marty and Kim Ferguson, and Robin and Russ Coussons

Rebecca East, Amy Jon Finch,and Shelia Holway

Abby and Matt Bernauer

John Locke

Brian Corley

Caitlin, Cecily & Evins WallCindy Varner, Sean Connolly,Anne Bernauer

Cabaret Club Summer PartyROBERT TRENT JONES SHOALS CLUBHOUSE

Father Edward Markley, Paul Bernauer,Abbot Victor Clark

Janet & Regan Ragland, Angie Czermack ,Ralph & Donna Peters

Susan Haddock and Brantley Holt

Claire and Tom Pebworth,Martha Woodford, and Walter Matthews

Kay and Barry Wood

Claudia and Larry Vance

48 | No’Ala

Don’t believe everything youhear about how I behaved thisyear, Santa. I tried my best tobe really, really good. I didn’tpick on my little sister thatmuch, I washed behind my

ears, and tried to finish all my chores—and allof those other things my parents make me do.I tried so hard this year, and I hope you willunderstand the occasional slip.

As a small token of my respect, my parentsand I baked these special cookies for you. So,sit a minute. Rest. Drink a little milk and catchyour breath. I know, I know, you have a mil-lion other kids to visit tonight, but take amoment to reflect on how tasty these treatsare. After all, they’re made from favorite fam-ily recipes! I hope the goodness that wasbaked into every bite will overcome anythingyou might have heard about that chewinggum in Emma Grace’s hair. That was so notmy fault.

PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL » TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSONART DIRECTION BY DAVID SIMS

{ RECIPES, PAGE 62 }

Santa &Cookies

The tradition ofChristmas cookies

for Santa isn’t anincredibly old one.

In fact, it is believedto have emerged

around the time ofthe Great Depressionwhen parents wanted

to inspire theirchildren to share

with others,especially in hard times.

Dear Santa,we need to talk.


Gingerbread MenPeyton and Xander Liles, 7Sons of Mickey and Jamie LilesKillen

50 | No’Ala

Sugar CookiesMary Margaret Frederick, 5Daughter of Jonathan and Julie FrederickFlorence


SnickerdoodlesTai Do, 4Son of Phong Do and Huyen LeFlorence

English Toffee BarsBrooke Deason, 4Daughter of Wayne and Cindy DeasonKillen

52 | No’Ala

Cowboy/Cowgirl CookiesMessiah Jackson, 4

Son of Tamari Webster and Tia JacksonFlorence


Midnight CrispsAkshaya Naidu, 4Daughter of Ajit and Divya NaiduFlorence

54 | No’Ala

“Reindeer” BiscuitsDudley Morgan, 4

Owners: Van and Cellie MorganFlorence

www.wilsonlakerental.com

For more information or to make reservations contact

James W. Bobo, II at (256) 764-0500

or visit us on the web at...

A secluded, spacious two bedroom, two bathroom house on the waters edge—this is our Lake House on Wilson, and we’d like to share it with you.


DANNYMITCHELL

PHOTOGRAPHY

Member, Professional Photographers of America

WEDDINGSPORTRAITS

COMMERCIALADVERTISING

EVENTSSPORTS

INTERIORSPRODUCT

STOCK

116 South Main StreetTuscumbia, Alabama 35674

256-386-0944 (office)256-627-3056 (cell)

www.dannymitchell.com


ECM hospital is a blue cross and blue shield tier one facilityBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

www.ecmhospital.com

Floral Design, Event Planning, & Home Accessories · (256) 383-2299 · 214 North Montgomery Avenue · Sheffield, Alabama

Holiday Preview PartySaturday, November 14 · 4:00pm-8:00pmSunday, November 15 · 1:00pm-5:00pm

58 | No’Ala

No’Ala Renaissance AwardsNominees

Winners of the 2010 No’Ala Renaissance Awards will be profiled in the March/April issue of the magazine.The following individuals and couples were nominated by individuals in the Shoals community.

ARTS AND CULTUREMary Settle Cooney

Alan FlowersAudwin and Sandi McGee

Edsel HoldenJean Gay Mussleman

Jean SchulmanRobin WadeMary White

Debbie Wilson

BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIPMax and Terri Akin

Joel AndersonTori Bailey

Francisco GuerraJackie Hendrix

Tommy and Marigail MathisTodd OuelletteHarvey Robbins

EDUCATIONCynthia A. Burkhead

Carolyn EckGene Gooch

Nicki GrahamBill Griffin

Dr. Dorothy C. Hardy

SERVICE AND SPIRITUALITYElba Barnes

Dr. Carl GebhardtArneta Heath

Robert and Sybil LaytonSandra Stutts

SCIENCEDr. Patrick Daugherty

Nolan RichardsDr. Amit Roy

Dr. James Ryerson and Dr. Mary Leigh Gillespie


“My mother suffered a stroke in 2003 and was admitted to Glenwood for

post-stroke rehabilitation therapy. During that time, it became apparent to us

that she would require full-time care and assistance. I live in Washington, DC,

and researched local nursing homes from Medicare records and by talking to

friends and family in North Alabama. Glenwood’s name remained at the

top of the list as the best “all-around” care available.

I am deeply grateful for the care that she has received, not only medically,

but also in how she has been treated as a person. The entire Glenwoodstaff, has succeeded in getting to know her and working with her individual

needs. I regularly participate in her care by telephone and am given all

information needed to make the best decisions on her behalf. I especially appreciate

how Glenwood staff has worked with me to take her on local outings during my visits

to Alabama. I am convinced that my mother has received the best care available to her, and I

have no hesitation in recommending Glenwood to anyone seeking a caring environment

for a loved one.”

— Scott Pritchett, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Scott Pritchett of Washington, DC, has one word to describe his mother’s experience at The Meadows at Glenwood:

Grateful

211 Ana Drive, Florence AL 35630 • 256-766-8963 • www.glenwoodhc.com

Breakfast, lunch and dinner...the reviews for

The Sweet Magnolia Caféproclaim it a hit!

Have you been to The Sweet Magnolia Café? Award-win-ning Hollywood producer/director Doug Johnson (origi-nally from Elgin) and Broadway entertainer Ken Shepskihave combined their talents for entertaining, cooking andcustomer service to create THE SWEET MAGNOLIA CAFÉ,and it’s a wonderful dining experience. Breakfast, lunchand dinner— The Sweet Magnolia Café is a dining experi-ence unlike anything else in the Shoals!

Dinner is especially good. Rotini with sweet Italiansausage, Black Velvet Shrimp, Salmon Magnolia, ChickenVenezia and Peggy’s Eggplant Parmesan are just a few ofthe delights that await you. Add a comprehensive winelist and desserts that are stunning to look at and exquisiteto taste, and you’ll want to come back every night.

You might want to make a reservation by calling 256-765-2234; word about The Sweet Magnolia Café is spreading,and you won’t want to wait. We can’t wait to see youthere!

1154 N.Wood Avenue (Seven Points)Florence, Alabama • (256) 765-2234

The most unusual thing a kidever asked me was how I got downthe chimney!

The ones you have to look out forare the ones who are afraid. Or theones who haven’t had a nap beforepicture time.

I do it for the pleasure of watchingtheir faces light up and how happythey are to see you.

To me, the real spirit of Christ-mas is for all grown people tocelebrate the birth of Christ and tobe thankful, and my hope that eachand every child gets a gift forChristmas.

It breaks my heart to know thatsome children are going to have lit-tle or nothing for Christmas.

I get asked all the time, where isyour sleigh? Your reindeer? Mrs.Claus? The elves?

You know they are too old whenthey joke that there is no Santa.

My personal holiday wish is foreveryone to have good friends andfamily gatherings, and for everyoneto know the true meaning ofChristmas and be thankful for whatwe have.

60 | No’Ala

{ 20 questions}

20 Questions forSanta Claus

I got started doing this beingSanta at church.

Every good Santa needs a lot ofpatience, a smile, and hugs to give.

The best part of my job is seeingchildren’s eyes light up with amaze-ment when I walk into the room.

…ad the worst part is that the suitgets a little warm, at times.

To get prepared every morning, Iput my red suit on, grab my bag ofcandy and go!

By the end of the day I’ve seen alot of children and heard a lot of toyrequests, but I always get a hug forSanta.

Generally, boys want footballs,basketballs, Wiis, and handheld andcomputer games.

Girls usually want “Doras”, dolls,dollhouses, CDs, DVDs and HannaMontana.

The thing that sticks out themost was when I was at a home,visiting a little boy, and the amaze-ment he had that Santa had cometo his house and brought him toys!

Parents are so happy to see theamazement in childrens’ faces whenthey see Santa.

My most memorable momentwas the lump in my throat when achild climbed up in my lap and saidshe didn’t want any toys for Christ-mas—she just wanted her family tobe together.

My favorite holiday is Christmas!What else would Santa say? MerryChristmas to all, and to all a goodnight…and Merry Christmas andHappy New Year from Dasher,Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet,Cupid, Donder and Blitzen. Anddon’t forget Rudolph! God blesseach and every one.

You can reach Santa Claus, akaTommy Corum, at (256) 766-1551,or (256) 247-0987.

Tommy Corum


Lampe BergerLenox Gifts

Gorham CrystalWaterford OrnamentsNe’Qwa OrnamentsCircle E CandlesTrapp CandlesVotivo CandlesGift Baskets

Candies and Gourmet Items

NEW: Ask about Chocolate Bacon!

2713 East 2nd Street, Muscle Shoals256-383-3770

SWEET DELIVERIESThe best gifts come from

62 | No’Ala

Cowboy/Cowgirl CookiesAnne Bernauer, Florence

Makes 6 dozen.

1 cup sugar1 cup brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 2 cups flour 2 cups oatmeal1/2 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. salt1 tsp. baking soda1 (12 oz.) package semi-sweet

chocolate chips1 cup chopped pecans

Cream butter, shortening and sugars. Beatin vanilla and eggs. Sift dry ingredientstogether and add to creamed mixture,blending well. Mix in oatmeal, chocolatechips & pecans by hand.

Drop by teaspoonfuls on ungreased cookiesheet.

Bake 350° for 12 minutes.

If you want to mix it up some, try addingcayenne pepper and crystallized gingerinstead of nuts—also great with peanutbutter and chocolate chips (with peanutsinstead of pecans)…or macadamia nutsand banana chips!

Note: Butter, shortening and eggs shouldbe cold—put mix back in refrigeratorbetween batches—you’ll have a biggercookie!

Midnight CrispsDebra Dombrowski-Hendrix, Florence

Makes 4 dozen.

3 sticks butter, softened2 cups granulated sugar2 eggs, room temperature1 tsp. vanilla3 cups all-purpose flour1.5 cups Dutch-process cocoa powder1/4 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper2 tsps. cinnamon1/4 cup flour2 tbsps. cocoa powder1/4 cup granulated sugar

In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat butterand sugar until light-colored; add eggs andvanilla and beat until fluffy.

Combine dry ingredients, through cinna-mon, and add to butter mixture, ¼ cup at a

time, until thoroughly combined.

Transfer dough to a large piece of plasticwrap, flatten dough into a thick disc andwrap completely. Refrigerate for severalhours, until firm, or overnight.

Combine remaining flour and cocoa pow-der in a small bowl. Place remaining sugarin a shallow bowl.

Remove dough from refrigerator andunwrap. Preheat oven to 350°.

Sprinkle counter surface with a portion ofthe flour mixture. Place dough on counterand sprinkle with a bit more of the flourmixture to prevent sticking.

Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness (do not rolltoo thin) and cut into circles using a cookiecutter or the rim of a drinking glass. Thor-oughly coat both sides of dough circles insugar and place on an untreated cookiesheet.

Combine dough scraps, reroll and cut addi-tional circles until all dough is used.

Bake at 350° for 8 minutes. Cool on rack.Store in a sealed container at room tem-perature for one week, or in the freezer forup to 6 months.

English Toffee BarsJoan Lane, Florence(Her Grandmother Miller’s recipe)

1 cup brown sugar1 tsp vanilla1-1/2 cup flour1 cup butter1 egg yolk1/4 cup walnuts (fine)(10) 5-cent Hershey bars (original recipe)

Mix first five ingredients in a greased pan.Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes. Spread Her-shey's—sprinkle with nuts.

Tea/Sugar Cookieswith Decorative (Royal) IcingMartha Beadle, Florence

Makes 4 dozen.

1-1/2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar1 cup butter1 egg1 tsp. vanilla1/2 tsp. almond flavoring2-1/2 cups flour1 tsp. soda1 tsp. cream of tartar

Cream sugar and butter. Mix in egg and fla-vorings. Blend dry ingredients and stir intocreamed mixture. Heat oven to 375°.Divide dough in half and roll out on lightlyfloured board to 1/4” thickness. Use cookiecutters to cut into shapes. Place on lightly

greased baking sheet. Bake 7 minutes or untilgolden brown.

Royal Icing3-1/2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar or onebox of confectioner’s sugar3 egg whites1 tbsp. lemon juice

Beat egg whites until stiff. Add sugar gradually,a tbsp. at a time, until half of the sugar is used.Add lemon juice gradually, then slowly addremaining sugar. Beat until stiff enough tospread. Divide the icing into small bowls, eachfor a different color. Use food coloring to color.The icing will harden, so keep it covered with adamp cloth while decorating. It’s also fun to addsprinkles and small candies for more splash!

Buffalo Chip Cookies(not pictured)Michelle Eubanks, Florence

2 cups (4 sticks) butter2 cups light brown sugar2 cups white sugar4 eggs2 tsp. vanilla4 cups all-purpose flour2 tsp. baking soda2 tsp. baking powder2 cups rolled oats (not instant)2 cups corn flakes6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips1 cup pecans, chopped

Cream butter with brown and white sugar.Blend in eggs, one at a time, until well mixed.Add vanilla. Sift flour, baking soda and bakingpowder. Add into wet ingredients. Mix in oat-meal, chocolate chips, cornflakes, and pecans.

Use ice cream scoop to measure dough. Bakesix cookies to a sheet lined with parchmentpaper. Bake for 15 minutes in a 350° oven.

“Reindeer Biscuits”(Suitable for dogs too!)Anne Bernauer

2 tsps. dry yeast1-1/2 cups chicken broth1/2 cup lukewarm water3 tbsps. honey2 tbsps. dry parsley1 egg2 tbsps. minced garlic5-8 cups whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, dissolveyeast in warm water. Stir in the parsley, garlic,broth, honey, and egg. Gradually blend in flour,adding enough to form a stiff dough.

Transfer to a floured surface and knead untilsmooth (about 3-5 minutes). Shape the doughinto a ball, and roll to 1/4” thick. Using small,bone0shaped cookie cutters, make biscuits!Transfer to ungreased baking sheets, spacingthem about 1/4: apart. Gather scraps, roll again,and cut additional biscuits.

Cookie Recipes

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from ovenand turn over. Bake for an additional 15minutes, or until lightly browned on bothsides. Let cool overnight. They can alsoremain to cool in the oven. This makesthem extra crispy!

GingerbreadAllen Tomlinson and David Sims

12 tbsp. butter, softened3/4 cup dark brown sugar1 egg. lightly beaten1/2 cup unsulphered molasses3 cups all-purpose flour1 tbsp. ground ginger1/2 tsp. ground clovest tsp. ground cinnamon1/2 tsp. baking powder1/4 tsp. baking soda1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter andsugar in a large bowl. Stir egg andmolasses into mixture. Sift flour, ginger,cloves, cinnamon, baking powder, bakingsoda and salt together in another bowl,then beat into creamed mixture a quartercup at a time, until well mixed. Wrap doughin plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Roll out dough 1/4" thick on a floured sur-face and cut out. Bake cookies untilbrowned, 12-18 minutes.

Use royal icing for decoration.

SnickerdoodlesJimmy Czermack, St. Florian

1 cup margarine1-1/2 cups sugar2 eggs2-3/4 cups flour2 tsps. cream of tarter1 tsp. baking soda

Topping4 tbsps. sugar2 tbsps. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl,cream together margarine, sugar and eggs.Add the dry ingredients to the margarinemixture. Stir until well blended.

In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.

Form dough into teaspoon size balls androll in the sugar mixture. Place 2” apart onan ungreased cookie sheet lined withparchment paper. Bake at 375° for 8-10minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.


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you!

Three locations toserve you:

FLORENCE:110 S. PineStreet(256) 764-2141

TUSCUMBIA:301 N. WaterStreet(256) 381-2802

RUSSELLVILLE:202 N. JacksonAve., Suite 100 (256) 332-6092

www.alabamalandservices.com

Let us wrap your home or officein holiday lights!

Call Jackie Hendrix256-766-6214

As we stare down the barrel of another gift-giving free-for-all, let us reflecton the true meaning of holiday gifting: Do the most you can with the little you have and hope to hellsomeone appreciates the effort.

If you are anything like me, you’ve been over celebrating the secular side of Christmas for atleast a decade. What was once the most anticipated day of the year has become an event I look for-ward to with about as much enthusiasm as the annual trip to get my bits checked. The dread beginsto build sometime around Labor Day and doesn’t let up until the New Year.

“September? How can it be September already? Christmas is only three months away! I have tobake and shop and wrap and…GAH!”

In an attempt to add a little somethin’, somethin’ back into Christmas gifting I, like many South-ern women, have over the years turned to whipping up goodies with my own two, well-intentionedhands. Handmade items, to my Martha Stewart-altered mind, are special and somehow take thecrass, over-the-top, sick-of-it-since-July commercialism out of the holiday.

Unfortunately, I don’t think many people on my gift list share my enthusiasm for hand-crafteddelights. At least not my delights.

Truth be told, they have good reason to be wary: I’ve nearly poisoned a few relations with giftsfrom the kitchen. These days, when my people unwrap a jar of jewel-colored deliciousness, all theysee is the red pepper jelly I made seven years ago that somehow, between Thanksgiving and Christ-mas, turned to vinegar.

After one big mouthful everyone was running for the bathroom. This holiday is now grimlyreferred to in certain circles as The Pepper Jelly Christmas. At least they didn’t disown me—onlydeveloped an aversion to savory jellies. Bless them.

And, as long as I’m venting the bad-gift bile from my spleen, I should probably own up to theenormous Doctor Who-like scarves I knit for everyone in my not particularly-tall family. The made-with-so-much-love-it’ll-choke-you monstrosities were worn and tripped over for approximately oneweek before being sent into exile in the backs of closets. No one made fun. Nobody muttered, “Thankthe Lord it isn’t pepper jelly.” Bless them. Again.

This year I had big plans—BIG, I tell you. I was going to start sewing in May and whip up lovely,retro-style aprons for all the adult womenfolk and vintage-y market bags for theyounger females. The guys were all going to get FABULOUS barbecue aprons andknit beanie caps in cool colors.

Until…suddenly it was September again. Damn. If it wasn’t for college foot-ball and cool weather I’d skip National Panic-Inducing Month altogether.

Now I’m thinking of giving everyone iTunes gift cards and calling it a year.Hey, with the gift of music, everyone can choose their own style and one sizetruly does fit all.

Most importantly there is absolutely, positively, no chance of pepper poi-soning. And that, I am assured, is the greatest gift of all.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, y’all!

Pepper Jelly, Hand Knits and Other Dangerous Gifts

BY DEBRA DOMBROWSKI-HENDRIX

{ bless their hearts}

64 | No’Ala


We’re looking fora few Real People.

Are you Real People?We’ve partnered with Real PeopleModels and Talent, a modeling agencyin Birmingham that represents talentacross the southeast, to find new talentfor their agency. We can’t guaranteefame and fortune, but we can guaran-tee a modeling contract and a ton ofcool prizes for our winners!

Please be aware that Real People has aneed right now for mature talent. Thatmeans if you’re 21 to 95, we want toconsider you!

Categories1. Fashion/Lifestyle Modeling• Fashion models, both male and fe-male, wear clothing for print, broadcastor runway. Regardless of the client,there is a height and size requirement.If you do not fall within these require-ments, you may not be selected.

Youth: 4 – 13 yearsFemale: 14 years old and up—at least 5'8" and size: 4/6/8.Plus size: 12/14/16/18Male: at least 5'11 to 6'2"—Waist 30 to 34"—Jacket 40 to 44"

• Lifestyle models appear in real life sit-uations for print and broadcast. Modelsare frequently hired to appear in ads forproducts ranging from soap powder tohealthcare; for clients like Coke, Delta,etc. You must be professional and havea flexible work schedule. We need allages, especially mature models. Thereis no height or size requirement forthis sub category.

2. ActingFor actors, some experience or qualitytraining is preferred. Tools required in-clude a headshot and resume. We needall ages, especially mature actors.

Directions for Enteringthe Print CategoryIf you have not modeled for pay withinthe last six months, you should submitone single non-returnable color pho-tograph, four by six inches orsmaller. Please do not send a highlystylized photograph such as a posedstudio portrait. We prefer a simple, nat-ural candid snapshot in which you lookand act your age. Since the photographis not returnable, please do not send alarge, fancy, or expensive photograph.

Please bear in mind that this is not aphoto contest. We are not judging thephotography itself, nor are we im-

pressed by fancy photographs (quitethe opposite, actually!). The photo-graph is a medium through which wecan determine how your personalityprojects on film. Any good-quality,clear photograph is acceptable.

We will not accept photos via e-mail.

On the back of the photo, so that it cannot become detached in handling,please write the following information:

• Name• Age• Date of birth• Height/Weight• Hair/Eye color• Clothing sizes (For women,

numbered dress size; for men, numbered jacket size, neck and sleeve, waist and inseam)

• Shoe size• Mailing address• Daytime telephone number

Directions for Enteringthe Acting CategoryIf you are entering the acting category,please download the two scripts fromwww.noalamag.com and prepare ahome video of each. Please submit thiswith your registration form and photo-graph on a CD, DVD or video tape.

You can drop off or mail your entryform, entry fee and your photo or videoto the No’Ala office, 250 South PoplarStreet in Florence (35630). Deadlinefor entry is January 2, 2010 at 5 p.m.A representative from Real People inBirmingham and a representative fromLeo Ticheli Productions, also in Birming-ham, will evaluate the entries and nar-row the field to the top ten entrants ineach category. If you make it this far,you will be invited to meet the panelwhere you will be interviewed, pho-tographed and/or videotaped. Winnerswill be announced in the March/Aprilissue of No’Ala Magazine.

Entry FeesThe registration fee is $25 for the firstcategory and $15 for the additional cat-egory. In other words, you may enterthe model category OR the acting cate-gories for $25 each, or you may enterboth categories for $40. These feescover our expenses.

Look for updates on our website,www.noalamag.com.

Questions? Call (256) 766-4222.

66 | No’Ala

{ parting shot} BY DANNY MITCHELL

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First Southern Bank is your local community bank, where we believesmaller, local and personal is better!We make loan decisions right here at

home. From all of us to you and yours,Happy Holidays!

MEMBER FDICwww.firstsouthern.com

Main branch at 301 South Court Street, Florence:

256-718-4200

1027 E. Avalon Ave., Muscle Shoals: 256-718-4242

1455 Highway 72, Killen: • 256-718-4273

5145 River Road, Ford City: 256-718-4255

4350 CR 47, St. Florian: 256-718-4282

Mortgage Department, 303 N. Pine Street, Florence:

256-718-4237

Documents

No'Ala Holiday 2009