ENSEVOL. 3, ISSUE 8MARCH 2013

ECLECTIC INTELLECT FOR THE SOUL

26 Destine for Paradise

42 PMIA Premier

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23 noteworthy

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LITERATICold Ribs in the Fridge52

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26ThEy SpEAkContributors

In ThE LoopBeing theRe: Must-sees and

have-to-dos throughout the South.

MARkETpLACEThe Azalea trail Run: A Community Affair

ThE SEnSE of IT ALLCouSin leRoy SpeAkS

deSigndestination design

gREEnSEnSEleener and greener50

SENSE goeS Multi-MediA

19TRAVELogUERetreating Spiritually

C o n T E n T S

oUTdooRS LIfEpitch perfect45

wELLnESSget Beezy48

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ARTSRave Reviews42

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11SpoTLIghTin Bloom

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Sense is published and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License by Eco-Urban Media, a division of Eco-Urbaneering Corporation. Creative Commons defines the spectrum of possibilities between full copyright and the public domain. For more information go to http://www.creativecommons.org and http://creativecommons.org/about/licenses/ and http://www.theSenseofitAll.com. All content of Sense is copyrighted. However, Sense also works under Creative Commons licensing guidelines for works published in Sense by contributing writers, artists and photographers. All rights to works submitted to and published by Sense will revert in their entirety to the respective contributing authors, artists and photographers 120 days after publication. At Sense, we believe this policy promotes journalistic independence and fosters mutual goodwill between the publisher and the contributing writers, artists and photographers..

PUBLISHER Jamie Seelye Leatherbury

COPY EDITOR Justin Vicory

ART DIRECTOR Jennifer Birge

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Margaux Bodet Molly harrell Skeet Lores Cecilia Mace Jamie Mcfaden Simmons Murphy Lynn oldshue Justin Vicory CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jennifer Birge Jeff kennedy DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT karen Renyolds

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Rosie Mcgowin

ADVERTISE WITH US sales@thesenseofitall.com

EMAIL US editor@thesenseofitall.com art@thesenseofitall.com events@thesenseofitall.com

SENSE OFFICES 251 South greeno Road fairhope, Alabama 36532 Tel (251) 604-8827 fax (251) 990-6603

ENSEE C L E C t I C I N t E L L E C t f O R t H E S O U L

6 | MARCH 2013

8 | MARCH 2013 SENSE MAGAZINE | 09

f E A T U R E S

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8 / MARCH 2013 ON THE COVER: PHOTO COURTESY OF jOSE VILLA PHOTOGRAPHY

I s s u e s - o r i e n t e d S e n s e m a g a z i n e g i v e s vo i c e t o d i v e r s e p o l i t i c a l o p i n i o n s b u t d o e s n o t e n d o r s e t h e o p i n i o n s o r r e f l e c t t h e v i e w s e x p r e s s e d h e r e i n . Yo u a r e we l c o m e t o s u b m i t yo u r O p - E d p i e c e v i a e m a i l t o e d i t o r @ t h e s e n s e o f i t a l l . c o m .

40 Maritime Magic along the gulf CoastA LOOk INSIDE OUR BACkYARD

tEXt BY JAMIE MCfAdEN

23 Trina Shoemaker:The determined Mind of a Musical Magician

THE RIGHT NOTES

tEXt BY LYNN OLdSHUE

WAnt to BeCoMe A SENSE ContRiButoR?

Sense is always looking for new talent. if you are interested in becoming part of the Sense team, e-mail us at editor@thesenseofitall.com.

ContrIBUtorS| tHEY SpEAk

JAMIE MCFADEN is a magna cum laude graduate of uAB, and a freelance writer based in Mobile, Alabama. She is a self-proclaimed pure Barre "bunhead" and poetry enthusiast who digs counterculture, wine of both cheap and expensive varieties, Alabama football, and reading novels penned by brilliant (and often tortured) women. She can't braid or snap her fingers and has difficulty walking in high heels.

10 | MARCH 2013

lynn hendeRSon oldShue is a freelance writer. She lives on a farm outside Fairhope with her husband, two boys, thirty chickens, and a horse. She enjoys sharing the stories of artists, musicians, andcreative personalities. She grew up in yazoo City, MS and graduatedfrom Mississippi State.

JenniFeR BiRge recently moved back to her native Fairhope, Ala., after studying photography in huntsville, Ala. She is an avid artist who enjoys crafting, painting, accessorizing. She currently employs her talents as a freelance graphic designer and photographer at Sweet darling photography.

JuStin ViCoRy earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications at the university of South Alabama. Former news editor of the university paper the Vanguard, he has also worked as a contractor for Columbia Southern university, writing study guides for students. in his spare time, he doubles as a bartender at California dreaming restaurant, where he serves beer, mixed drinks, and martinis all made with love, compassion and understanding.

JeFF kennedy was born in havana, Cuba and lived in several countries before his family settled in the Mobile area. After enjoying a career in land planning and development, Jeff now provides portrait, wedding, and commercial photography, working on location and from his studio in Fairhope, Ala. Jeff is well known for his images that capture a brief moment in time through his blend of creative vision and technical expertise. he lives with his wife karen, his “title holder” yellow lab, Watson, and a few cats in Montrose. to see more of his work, visit www.jeffkennedyphotography.com.

SiMMonS MuRphy holds an M.A. from the university of Southern Mississippi. Murphy is an adjunct english instructor at the university of South Alabama and a poet. outside of the literary world and academia, she has been, and currently is, employed within the health care industry as a cardio-pulmonary tech, hemodynamic monitoring tech, and pharmacy tech.  Simmons finds both the medical and literary world equally rewarding. 

SENSE MAGAZINE | 11

| IN tHE LOOp

Submit events to events@thesenseof itall.com

2 Azalea Trail RunMARCh 23 | MoBILE, AL

one of the United States’ premier road races, the Azalea Trail Run will celebrate it’s 36th annual run with runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes from all around the world. Taking place through the streets of old Mobile, participants will enjoy the sights and smells of springtime in full bloom. white blossoms of dogwood, bridle wreath, purple wisterias and pink hues of azaleas will border the course during this 10k event. Event information and entry forms can be found at www.pcpacers.org.

3Mobile Ballet’s Snow WhiteMARCh 2 | MoBILE, AL

get a sneak peak of the world premiere of Snow white and meet Snow white herself and other cast members.The world premiere of winthrop Corey’s Snow white will be presented March 9-10, 2013, 2:30pm - 4:30pm. This fresh telling of the familiar story brings kathryn Morgan to the stage as Snow white and kimberley Sears as the evil and jealous queen. The production promises to be a visual feast! Tickets are available by calling 251.342.2241.

4 La Fanciulla del WestMARCh 22 & 24 | MoBILE, AL

The Mobile Civic Center Theater will proudly host an opera in three acts by giacomo puccini, La fanciulla del west, or “The girl of the west”. Based on the play “The girls of the golden west” by the American author david Belasco, the opera is admired for it’s impressive orchestration and for a score that is melodically integrated. displaying influences from composers Igor Stravinsky, Richard Strauss and Claude debussy, La fanciulla del west is an opera that remains quintessentially Italian. Additional information and tickets can be found at www.mobileopera.org.

5 Pensacola Symphony OrchestraMARCh 2 | pEnSACoLA, fL

Conducted by peter hubardt, this performance will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Beginning with haydn’s symphony no. 96, the performance will end with Sibelius’ symphony no. 7. guest violinist philippe Quint will bring his supreme technical skills and an emotional touch to dvorak’s Violin Concerto. Ticket information can be found at www.pensacolasymphony.org.

6 ToscaMARCh 15 & 17 | pEnSACoLA, fL

The pensacola opera will put on legendary Italian composer giacomo puccini’s “Tosca” opera, a masterful melodrama of political intrigue and double-crossing. The beautiful opera singer, floria Tosca, is tasked with finding a way to save her lover, Cavaradossi, who has been arrested and tortured by the jealous Chief of police, Baron Scarpia. The drama climaxes in an unexpected, thrilling final scene. Additional information and tickets can be found at www.pensacolaopera.com.

7 Midtown MenMARCh 19 | pEnSACoLA, fL

Come celebrate the timeless hits of the 60’s in The Midtown Men, a collection of music from the era that will be performed by Tony Award winner Christian hoff, Michael Longoria, daniel Reichard and Tony nominee J.Robert Spencer. The show will feature top hits from a number of legendary ‘60s artists such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The Jackson 5 and The four Seasons, whose story was brought to life every night as stars in the original cast of Jersey Boys. Ticket information can be found at www.pensacolasaenger.com.

8 Elton JohnMARCh 30 | Biloxi, MS

Legendary singer/songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor, the one and only Elton John will be performing at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. The “Rocket Man” will be performing memorable hits from over 30 albums that span over four decades of musical history. Ticket information can be found at www.mscoastcoliseum.com.

9 The Spring Luncheon Presented by Friends of the Mobile Public Library

MARCh 14 | MoBILE, AL

humorist and best-selling, award-winning author Melinda Rainey Thompson will be the guest speaker at a luncheon on Thursday, March 14, at noon at the Mobile Marriot. Thompson, an Alabama native, is the author of: “SwAg: Southern women Aging gracefully.” Seating for the program is limited and reservations are required. Cost is $45 per person, which includes lunch.

10 Trumpet SpectacularMARCh 9,10 | MoBILE, AL

The Mobile Symphony orchestra will host Jens Lindemann, one of the world’s best trumpet soloists, at the Mobile Saenger. while the concert will be wrapped entirely around the trumpet, the orchestra will also perform John wiliams’ famous “olympic fanfare and Theme”, written for the 1984 olympics and featuring six separate trumpet parts. Lindemann will conclude the event by performing Mahler’s Symphony no.5, which includes an amazing trumpet-solo opening that concludes with a bold and brassy climax. Ticket information can be found at www.mobilesymphony.org.

1 61st Annual Arts & Crafts FestivalMARCh 15, 16 & 17 | fAIRhopE, AL

top10MARCH EVENTS

Come celebrate the wonders of spring in beautiful downtown Fairhope for the city’s 61st annual arts and crafts festival! Spectators can enjoy live entertainment, unique cuisine and will be able to look at the work of over 230 exhibitors. More than 275,000 visitors attended the event last year. The festival was chosen as one of the top 20 events in the southeast for March by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism. The event is also one of the top 20 events selected by the Southeast Tourism Society. Additional information about the festival can be found at www.cofairhope.com/events.

PHOTO BY jEROME CARTER

Leaders in Full Artistic Potential

O ur mission is to foster and nurture young dancers who demonstrate the aptitude and ambition to achieve loftier levels

of artistry and performance. Performances are designed to demonstrate technical and artistic excellence “earned through motivation and passion”; and instill the principles of empathy, teamwork, and community-building through the donation of performance proceeds to charity.

Who we are: Leaders in developing the mind and body of our youth to achieve full artistic excellence.

What we offer: Leaders in intensive training and dynamic performance opportunities for local young artists.

What you can do: Lead in supporting Performance Art: Dance: Music

www.mouvement-in-art.comSENSE MAGAZINE | 13

| SpOtLIGHt

The largest outdoor flower show in the Southeast will be celebrating its 20th year anniversary in late March, bringing with it an extraordinary display of horticultural designs. proceeds from the flower extravaganza will benefit the providence hospital Radiology department.

The festival is held annually in Mobile when spring is in full bloom with temperatures in the mid 70’s. Advocates of horticulture-whether professional or amateur-will tell you, this is prime time for gardening. Executive director of Bellingrath gardens, william E. Barrick suggests, “whether you are a beginning gardener or you have specialties, the festival of flowers is the place for you.” founder of the event, Barrick will be this year’s honorary Chairman.

The scale of the event can be understood by the expected number of attendees. Annually, the festival brings in an audience of over 16,000 spectators and participants, some having traveled as far as ontario, Canada to attend.

The prime attribute of the festival-of course-are the more than 8,000 fresh cut lavish flowers that are brought in from over 16 different countries. The event also brings in full size landscapes and luxurious gardens by prominent landscape architects and designers. Locally-renowned floral designer, Benny Campbell will be featured at the festival this year. Campbell’s signature design style revolves around freshness and diversity. A number of national publications have recognized the talented designer from gadsen, Alabama. Campbell has been called upon to create floral designs throughout the Southeast.

Carol o’neil, special events coordinator for providence hospital, explains the genesis of the occasion. “The festival of flowers was originally inspired by a providence hospital foundation Board Chairman’s visit to the Chelsea flower Show in London. The event then took root in Mobile in 1994 and has blossomed into the premier garden and flower event of the greater gulf Coast area.”

dedicated to promotional gardening, the festival gives visitors a top notch cultural experience. Every year the festival has a featured display. This year the display will be a replica of an old Mobile greek Revival style home which will be accessible from both the front and the back entrances. This will allow visitors an inside look into the look, feel and experience of southern Mobile heritage.

Before the festival begins, there will be a preview gala held specifically for major sponsors of the festival and those individuals that have purchased tickets. Celebrating the festival’s 20th year on the night before the festival officially begins, the gala will exhibit “An Emerald Extravaganza” theme.

Sponsored by the providence hospital foundation, more than 300 volunteers will assist in setting up all the event details. In less than a week, these volunteers will set up one of the major cultural events of Mobile.

Similar to years past, the event will also provide aspiring artists and horticulturists a photography contest. This year the entries will be delivered to Mobile’s Calagaz photo, and will be submitted and judged pre-festival. The winners can win up to $200 in cash prizes for Best of Show. There is also a cash prize for each person who places first in their division. Along with the beautiful array of flowers that will be featured at the festival, there will be many educational exhibits for visitors to attend as well.

for over 20 years, organizers and city planners assume a certain degree of pride in hosting the event in Mobile. o’neil says “the festival not only provides proceeds for providence hospital and their needs, but is a big promotional benefit for the local community by showing visitors all that Mobile has to offer.”

The organization makes an effort to coordinate other events and schedules with Mobile area attractions such as the Azalea Trail Run which takes place Saturday the 23. on the night of Thursday, March 21st, the young Advisory group of providence foundations will hold a fundraising event call the “Buds and Brews”. The event will host live entertainment.

potential sponsors will be provided an exotic garden and grand Marquise tent. for the occasion, friedman’s Jewelers has donated an exquisite emerald and diamond ring which will be raffled off at the event. The festival will be held at providence hospital’s campus off of Airport Blvd in Mobile March 21-23.

According to o’neil: “when you leave, you will not only have an inspiration to start your own garden, but divergent and creative ideas as well. you can view flowers of every color, and the sights and scents of the most unique varieties will give you a once in a life time horticultural experience.” for volunteer opportunities or ticket information, potential attendees can visit the festival’s website at www.festivalofflowers.com.

An EMERALd ExTRAVAgAnzA of

fLowERSFestival of Flowers Celebrates 20 years of

Horticultural Artistry

TEXT BY MOLLY HARRELL

“now marking it’s 20th anniversary, the festival is indeed Mobile’s signature herald of Spring.” Lee Sentell - Alabama Tourism director

14 | MARCH 2013 SENSE MAGAZINE | 15

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cousinleroy@thesenseofitall.com

C O U S I N L E R O Y S p E A k S :

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| tHE SENSE Of It ALL

Energy Leadership and policy?

do not think that I am against renewable or sustainable energy sources. I think we should develop them to our best practice and advantage. we need a solid energy program that is a mix of the technologies that are available to us, that we know we can control to some extent, and that are safe to use. damming a trout stream for hydropower does not sound like a good idea. The Mississippi River, as a source for hydropower, sounds like a much better idea.

here is much of the problem. what is reasonable and should be policy and what is not? how should our power be generated? how cheaply do we want to flip the switch? how are we going to afford to provide power to the lower incomes who will be unable to afford electricity for their homes or apartments? I believe that we as citizens of the US are shorting ourselves by not having nor demanding a clear energy policy from our politicians and government leaders. Energy needs and availability are changing rapidly right now. we are unprepared for what that means and how we are going to direct it. There is no clear message from the whitehouse. There seems to be a lot of smoke and mirrors clouding up the actual picture.

Trust what I say here, we cannot depend on green power for our needs at this time. It is expensive. The technologies, although they have been around for 50 years or more, are not quite as efficient as they need to be. The learning curve is going to take a little longer to get to the point where they can be competitive on their own. Just as in fossil fuel sources, they will provide jobs. we will still need controls and instrumentation. we will still need production and maintenance. we will still need research and development. we will still need engineering.

Just do not count on green energy bailing us out of where we are now. we are best to develop and use our oil and gas resources right now. we are best to have a clear plan to upgrade our refineries , get started on the upgrades in order to be ready to provide the energy our United States of America, we the people, are asking for.

for that, we will need better government than is available to us at this time. we will need better leadership of that government. we had all best remember the next time elections come around. we have taken a nap and let the idiots lead the way. The time is now for citizens and practical wisdom to lead the way.

SENSE MAGAZINE | 17

A d V E R T I S E R S

d I S T R I B U T o R S

Sense is distributed to over 100 locations throughout Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Because we are in the business of promoting the economy and design in Gulf Coast communities, we distribute through our advertisers and local businesses. We feel that this brings the opportunity to exchange ideas, encourage conversation, and support the local economy. It will also move us forward by furthering thought for our future and how we wish to design it, resulting in participation by each of us in weaving the fabric that is our Sense of Community.

Atchison HomeBay Gourmet

B’Beth WeldonBelle Shain Kennels

Bellingrath GardensBlue Rents, Inc

Brown & McCool Wellness CenterCK Collection

Cocktails with the CrittersColdwell Banker - Reehl Properties

Downtown Mobile AllianceEscape @ Wind CreekEast Bay ClothiersEscape @ Wind CreekEstate Jewelers of FairhopeFestival of FlowersGiGi & JaysGoldstein’sInfirmary HealthLap’s Grill & Grocery

Louise Doggett AntiquesLyon’s Share

Mercedes of MobileMercy MedicalMetal Benders

Mobile SymponyNuthouse Three Georges

Old 27 GrillParsons Boat Works

Point Clear Tennis & Swim Club

PMIASadiesSouthern Edge Dance CenterThe Colony at the GrandThe Fairhope StoreThe Gallery Shoe BoutiqueUSA Children’s & Women’s HospitalUSA Mitchell Cancer InstituteWarlocksZimlich’s The Florist

MOBILEAlabama Orthopedic Clinic

Anders BookstoreAshland Gallery

Atchison ImportsAzalea City Physicians for Women, PC

Ballin’s LimitedRenaissance Battle House Hotel

Bay GourmetBebo’s Springhill Market

Bliss Salon & Day SpaBradley’sCafé 615

Callaghan’s Irish Social ClubCamille’s Sidewalk Café

Carpe Diem Coffee & Tea CompanyCenter for Dermatology

Charles Phillips Antiques and ArchitecturalsChat A Way Café

Claude Moore JewelerCold Snap @ USA

Debra’sDowntown Mobile Alliance

Dragonfly BoutiqueEstetica Coiffure

Five Gold MonkeysFuego Coastal Mexican Eatery

G Harvell Men’s ClothierGoldstein’s

Heroes Sports Bar & GrilleHigh Cotton Consignment

Inside UpJoe Bullard Jaguar/Cadillac

Little House BistroLLB&B Realty

Louise Doggett AntiquesM.A. Simons

Martha Rutledge CateringMcCoy Outdoor CompanyMaghee’s Grill On the Hill

Mercedes Benz Mobile

Mobile Arts Council, Inc.Mobile Museum of ArtMobile Regional AirportRed Or WhiteRoberts Brothers RealtorsRoyal ScamSatori Coffee HouseSerda’s @ Royal StreetSomething New BridalSpoke ‘N TrailSpot of TeaSpringdale TravelSpringhill Taekwondo CenterState Farm - Allison HornerTaste @ AirportThe Bean and BistroThe Bicycle ShopThe Crescent TheaterThe Ivy CottageThe W Salon, Spa, and Nail BarThe ShedTwists Cupcakes @ LegacyVirginia Health FoodsWintzell’s AirportWorld Nails @ AirportWoven TreasuresZimlich Brothers FloristZoe’s Kitchen

DAPHNEAllegri Farm MarketBaldwin Bone & JointBarnes and NobleBaumhower’s WingsComfort InnDaphne LibraryEast Shore CaféGlamour NailsGuido’sHaley Dermatology CenterHilton Garden Inn

Homewood Suites of DaphneLake Forest Shell

Malbis ShellMarket by the Bay

Rosie’s GrillStarbucks @ Hwy 181

SPANISH FORTBoltz Pain & Wellness Center

Bayside ChiropracticBlue Gill

Eastern Shore CentreFelix’s Fish Camp

Malbis Parkway Pediatric DentistryMcMurphy Orthodontics

Private Gallery @ Spanish FortTwist @ ESC

SOUTH BALDWIN COUNTYBlue Water Ships Stores

Bluewater Yacht SalesIntra Coastal Bread and Bottle

Cosmo’s Restaurant and BarGulf Coast Chamber of Commerce

Gulf Coast HatterasGinny Lane Bar & Grill

Jesse’sLulu’s

M II the WharfMalouf ’s Furniture and Design

McCollough InstituteMerrill Miller’s Interiors & Gifts

Ono Realty @ Orange BeachSpectrum Resorts

The HangoutVillaggio Grille

FAIRHOPE/POINT CLEARBattles Wharf Market

Bay Animal ClinicBayside Dental Care

Bayside OrthopedicsBrown & McCool GynecologyBuck’s DinerCamellia CaféClear MedspaThe Coffee LoftDragonfly RestaurantEastern Shore Heart CenterEastern Shore Plastic SurgeryFairhope InnFairhope LibraryFairhope Physical TherapyHair Designs by Ann RabinHampton Flooring & DesignHeavenly CreationsJ J EyesLyon’s ShareMajestic NailsMarket by the BayMary Ann’s DeliMr. Gene’s BeansPage & PalettePanini Pete’sPapa’s PizzaPatina Art GalleryProvence Face & BodyRed or WhiteRunning WildSandra’s PlaceShanghai CottageMarriott’s Grand HotelThe Wash HouseThe Windmill MarketVirtu Salon

I-65 CORRIDORConecuh Sausage - EvergreenBates House of Turkey - GreenvilleGreenville Country ClubYMCA - GreenvillePriesters Pecans - Ft. Deposit

SENSE MAGAZINE | 01818 | MARCH 2013 SENSE MAGAZINE | 19

36 years later and the Azalea Trail Run remains one of the most premier road races in the country. known for its magnificent course arrangement and surrounding beauty, it is also one of the

fastest road races in the nation. despite the fact that the popularity of the event brings in

the cream of the crop of the running world, organizers and city planners intentionally coordinate the day to be a community affair. given the 36-year legacy of the race, the event encapsulates a multi-generational affair, where grandchildren pace themselves aside their grandparents.

The true magic of the race concerns it’s nearly perfectly timed coordination with the freshness of springtime in Mobile, and the gulf Coast in general. for 36 years, the course exemplifies the port City in full bloom, where runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes from all over the world converge to enjoy one of the most magnificent times of the year.

participants will note the pink hues of the race’s namesake azaleas along the course perimeter, sometimes just inches from old dogwood trees and massive oaks. The unique beauty and fragrance of purple wisterias drape themselves along the course’s perimeter, which represents the historic old Mobile district, noted for its antebellum greek Revival and Victorian architecture and style.

Besides one of the most beautiful races in that nation, the Azalea Trail Run is also a significant, economic boom for the community. with over 6,000 projected participants, the economic impact of the race on local schools and charities runs into the tens of thousands of dollars. In total, race organizers expect to see close to 15,000 people at the races and the Expo.

during race registration, runners will donate one dollar of their entry fee toward a school or charity of their choice. To ensure full participation, and to make sure participants benefit from a healthy, day of running, another dollar will be allocated towards the same school or charity provided the participant finishes the race.

Sponsorships for the event provide additional monies for the community and run the gamut. A $250 donation lands one the title “friend of the Azalea trail” while a $50,000 sponsorship represents a “title sponsor”. Chief among sponsors this year will be Chick-fil A whose logo will be represented on the official Azalea Trail Run t-shirts and posters. The company will also be handing out chicken sandwiches at the race.

over the years, one of the most memorable points of the race is the consideration, and eventual selection of the AzT artwork. director of the Azalea Trail Run, peggy olive suggests “the biggest complaint from race participants in the past is too much pink. Although the theme of the race is azaleas, many people believed the color to be too overwhelming.”

This year the race directors chose local artist diana friedman to do the artwork for the race. The AzT logo will be on race

STILL RUnnIng STRongSetting the Pace for Charitable Giving

TEXT BY jUSTIN VICORY

| MARkEtpLACE

t-shirts, posters and other promotional items. Monet-ish, the design offers a dreamy, interpretation of old Mobile from the perspective of a race participant.

According to olive, “this year’s decision was an easy one. we presented diana with what we wanted to include, and what we did not, and she came back with a sketch the next day. we agreed almost immediately.”

while highly competitive, or “elite” runners, have been known to run through the course at a blistering rate due to the race’s fast and flat course, most participant’s enjoyment of the event is twofold according to the event’s organizers.

The port City pacers, a running club created in 1978 with the goal of “promoting the health and fitness of the local community”, suggests that the key focus of the event is to give back to the community via charitable giving, donations and corporate sponsorships. olive says “a good deal of the money that is raised from the race goes towards paying the nearly $120,000 price tag that goes along with the race setup. This covers a number of things, specifically rental of the Mobile Civic Center for the Expo and police protection. The rest goes to charity.”

“Every child needs a hero, but abused children need Superheroes.” This is the motto of the Superhero foundation, an organization of committed professionals that is devoted to stemming child abuse. Similar to last year, members of the organization will be recognized easily by the community. during the race, they will be dressed as any number of superhero characters, some conventional, others not.

past races have enjoyed the participation of entire elementary school classes-often coordinated by those teachers who have more than just a passing interest with the health and development of their kids. Entire classes will arrive as a field trip.

Truly a staple of the national runner’s circuit, last year’s race brought in participants from 30 states and six countries. overall, residents from over 138 cities in Alabama, 61 from Mississippi and 33 from florida helped to represent the gulf Coast area. over 3600 runners were women, most of them under 40 years of age.

notably, the race is considered one of the fastest courses in the country. In 1995, Joseph kimani of kenya finished within two seconds of setting a new world record in the men’s open division with a time of 27 minutes, 41 seconds. In 1999, John Campbell of new zealand ran the race just two seconds over the 31 minute mark. This represents the world’s best time for a male athlete in the masters division (50 years or older).

for more information about how to register for the race and/or donate to one of the race’s charitable foundations, contact the port City pacers at www.pcpacers.org.

20 | MARCH 2013

| tRAVELOGUE

husbands and wives, corporate executives and enterprising anglers are lured across the states to experience one of the most exclusive and luxurious northern California mountain resorts called Scott River Lodge. Its majestic

views and lush landscape welcome guests for corporate and marriage retreats, private events or the finest fly fishing for trout the golden State has to offer.

nestled in the remote Marble Mountains overlooking the pristine Scott River, Scott River Lodge was once a fish hatchery established in 1983 to propagate the trout population in the region. It was built above Tompkins creek, which provided a strategic confluence of warm and cold-water runoffs for the hatchery, enabling fish populations to flourish. It operated as a hatchery until 1994 when Jerry Lynnes purchased the land, adding the beautiful 9,000 sq ft. rustic log cabin and attracting guests who wanted to experience trail riding on the open frontier. In 2006 Jh Ranch purchased Scott River Lodge.

SCoTT RIVER LodgE:A SEnSE of pURpoSE InA dIVInE SETTIngTEXT BY CECILIA MACEPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SCOTT RIVER LODGE

SENSE MAGAZINE | 21

founders of Jh Ranch, Bruce Johnston, his mother Joy and his father, the late gene Johnston transformed Scott River Lodge into a premier destination for couples to experience 5-star accommodations, gourmet food and the spiritual, experiential learning model of Jh Ranch. Established in 1980, Jh Ranch is a 300-acre guest ranch and ministry about 45 minutes from the lodge that offers life-changing spiritual retreats and leadership programs for high school students, parents and their children and married couples. The ministry was born from a promise made by gene Johnston to the Lord, “If you will provide the resources, I will invest them in a manner that will have eternal value.”

The thousands who have experienced Jh Ranch and Scott River Lodge each year will testify that it is an everlasting adventure providing practical understanding of life purpose, personal values and leadership skills. Many alumni of these programs pay it forward to friends and loved ones by sponsoring them so they too can experience the everlasting adventure.

Surrounded by stone walkways of cascading foliage, roses and grape arbors, Scott River Lodge features a stunning grand room overlooking the river, deluxe guest rooms, a quiet library with a spectacular wilderness river view and expansive decks. Enveloped by acres of undisturbed wilderness, rugged river bluffs and secluded beaches, the resort also offers cozy river cabins and rustic camping.

while most guests gather before dinner around the fireplace in the great hall or in the intimate library to enjoy communal dining, some guests prefer privacy by the library fireside or dining loft.

Executive Chef Bob fleener, Chef Terri parker and their culinary team specialize in preparing and presenting cuisine that highlights locally grown and seasonal produce as well as Scott River Lodge’s very own grass-fed beef and free-range chicken. The farm-to-table menus include refined and elaborate presentations of aesthetically balanced meals for any epicurean.

Customized recreation and adventure activities are available for guests such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and river rafting, as well as team-building activities and The farm Stead program, which also offers guests the opportunity to learn and grow sustainable agriculture.

guests quickly find a balance between being pampered on the decks of the lodge watching the rapids below, and being pushed into challenging activities like horse back riding. It is then most come to understand why they came. The beauty of the pristine river, the cool mountain breezes across their face, the only sound being of clanking hoofs across a wide-open valley or a mountain pass, the disconnect from everything except the trail before them.

Scott River Lodge and Jh Ranch are undergirded with a higher-minded beauty and therapeutic aim: to achieve a harmonious union under god.

| tRAVELOGUE

Marriage enrichment programs and couples retreats transform marriages with the guidance of facilitators such as dr. Chip hanes and pam hanes of Mobile, Ala., a husband and wife team, who have coached at Scott River Lodge for years.

“Scott River Lodge has become a place where couples come to rest, are taught authentic biblical truth, enjoy recreation but yet go way beyond vacation into a place where they can understand god’s plan. It focuses each couple’s attention and time on welcoming the holy Spirit into the marriage relationship, trusting him to heal past wounds and create an environment where spouses desire to live a lifestyle of forgiveness,” explained pam hanes.

“we will have house insurance, car insurance and medical insurance but what if we did something to have marriage insurance such as taking time out from our year to attend Scott River Lodge or Jh Ranch and to refocus and renew our marriage. In John 17 Jesus said, ‘father I pray that they can be one as you and I are one, because when they do the world will know.’ when couples find this place they really become blessed to those around them because they are happily married,” shared hanes.

Jh Ranch includes outback America and Jh Israel. outback America is a weekend retreat similar to Jh Ranch across US cities in Birmingham, AL; huntsville, AL; Mobile, AL; Montgomery, AL;

Tuscaloosa, AL; Cincinnati, oh; San diego/del Mar, CA; and nairobi, kenya. Jh Israel is located in Ariel, Israel.

for more information on Scott River Lodge please visit www.scottriverlodge.com or call 800-242-1224. for more information on Jh Ranch please visit www.jhranch.com.

- Buffets -

The Game BuffeT

Heirloom TomaTo Basil salad w/Balsamic Glaze

duck BreasT w/Berry PePPercorn cHuTney

Honey soy marinaTed lamB cHoPs

Grilled alaska coHo salmon w/cHili lime aioli

rainBow Heirloom carroTs

roasTed Heirloom BeeTs

Basil PesTo Gnocci

Bread rolls w/Honey BuTTer

PomeGranaTe lemonade

sTrawBerry sHorTcake sliders

The ClassiC BuffeT

seasonal salad w/cranBerry oranGe VineGareTTe

Twice Glazed cHicken BreasTs

Braised red wine sHorT riBs

sPicy Glazed sHrimP kaBoBs

Tuscan marinaTed zuccHini and squasH

HerB roasTed red PoTaToes

BurGundy musHrooms

TwisT rolls w/Honey BuTTer

sTrawBerry lemonade

serVe yourself Homemade ice cream w/ToPPinGs

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| fEAtURE

TEXT BY LYNN OLDSHUEPHOTOGRAPHY BY SWEET DARLING PHOTOGRAPHY

“I got to watch Bruce Springsteen rehearse at the paramount Theatre in Asbury park for The Rising tour. There are some cool perks with my job, but I am not a millionaire or a rock star. I just get to dip my toes in that world from

time to time.”

TRInA ShoEMAkER:ThE dETERMInEd MInd of A MUSICAL MAgICIAn

26 | MARCH 2013

| ARtS

Trina Shoemaker knows music. She is a record producer, engineer and mixer with an ear for the tone of each note and a passion to make well-crafted, high-fidelity songs. She is the first woman to win the grammy award for Best Engineered Album and now works in a small studio she built behind her house in fairhope, Alabama to have more time with her husband, singer grayson Capps, and her eight-year-old son.

Shoemaker has engineered, mixed and/or produced over 100 singles and albums for artists such as the dixie Chicks, Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile and the Indigo girls. She recorded neil young on Emmylou harris’ album wrecking Ball. In 2005, she won her third grammy for Stephen Curtis Chapman’s All Things new.

Even though Shoemaker has worked with some of the biggest names in music, her cozy, guest-cottage mixing room gives only a hint of celebrity connections. hanging on a pine-paneled wall next to rows of neatly coiled cables is a black and white photograph of Shoemaker sitting on a motorcycle. The small inscription says “happy Birthday Motorcycle girl. Bruce and patti.” The motorcycle belongs to Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen took the picture while Shoemaker was recording an album at his home studio for his wife, patti Scialfa.

“I got to watch Bruce Springsteen rehearse at the paramount Theatre in Asbury park, new Jersey for The Rising tour,” says Shoemaker. “There are some cool perks with my job, but I am not a millionaire or a rock star. I just get to dip my toes in that world from time to time.”

Shoemaker was raised by her father and step-mother in Joliet, Illinois, far away from the music industry. however, her path always pointed to the music studio. “Very early, I had an obsessive interest in music, but not as a fan,” explains Shoemaker. “when I listened to music, I did not think about the singer or the band. I thought about what made the music and how it sounded in my headphones. I was enthralled by the process, but I did not know why. I studied the album jackets of the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Jimi hendrix just to see the pictures of their control rooms.”

Shoemaker’s father was a dispatcher for Midwestern gas, and he worked in an underground control room filled with big boards, lights, knobs and meters. “That room was the same environment as a studio control room,” says Shoemaker. “It was soundproof and it felt safe. while you were in that room the rest of the world did not exist.”

when Shoemaker turned 18, she moved to Los Angeles to become a record producer even though she did not know precisely what that meant. “My dad thought I was going out there to fix stereos,” she says. “I had never been anywhere. I did not know how to find a studio. I was just trying to find the picture I had seen on the album cover.” She became a secretary at Capitol Records because no one would hire her to work in the studio. An engineer let her sit in on a session. It was immediately clear that recording, mixing and editing music was what she wanted to do.

After five years of office work at Capitol, Shoemaker realized that the record label would not hire a woman to work in the recording studio. “Recording studios were traditionally male-dominated,” she explains. “At that time, it seemed that most women

were not interested in working in a studio with long hours, low pay and no time for a family. Being a woman made me more focused.”

Shoemaker quit Capitol Records and moved to London where she rented a bed in a flat. She became a bartender at the legendary “portobello gold.” At that bar, she reconnected with hugh harris, an English singer signed to Capitol, whom she had known in Los Angeles. he invited her to see the studio in his basement flat and became the first person that took her seriously and gave her a chance. “he let me in, pushed the auto-locator my way, and showed me how to record his vocals,” says Shoemaker. he taught her “recording is all just volume, luv, just volume… you turn it up, you turn it down.”

despite this recording experience, London’s studio doors remained closed. Shoemaker left England, hitchhiked alone through Europe, Turkey, Israel and Thailand, and temporarily moved back to Los Angeles. She then made an impulsive decision that started her music career and changed her life. “I had never been to the South but I moved to new orleans with $312 and my guitar,” she says. “I applied at every studio in town and got a job at UltraSonic Studio as a maid. Cleaning was my first official job in a studio. I cleaned toilets. I cleaned vomit. whatever I had to do, I did it. That was a hard time. I went through some abuse, but I learned there was nothing anyone could do to me that would stop me from going after my dream.”

Shoemaker’s persistence was rewarded finally with late night access to an empty control room. She learned to mix and edit by making new versions of her favorite songs such as the Rolling Stones’ “gimme Shelter.” “Editing tape is a specialized skill that takes tremendous focus and steady hands,”

“Recording is nerve-wracking because we are creating the version of the song that everyone will expect to hear every time we play it.

says Shoemaker. “It put me in demand and led to my job at kingsway Studios, where I eventually became chief engineer.”

daniel Lanois’ kingsway Studios, a 12,000-square foot mansion in the french Quarter, was a legendary recording studio in the late-1980s and early-1990s when some of the biggest names in music flocked to new orleans to record grammy-winning albums. In 1995, Sheryl Crow booked the studio to record her self-titled second album, Sheryl Crow. By then, Shoemaker was an independent engineer, but she was hired to set up Crow’s recording session because Crow’s engineer/producer quit in a dispute on the second day of production.

Shoemaker’s relationship with Crow began as an anonymous set up of mics and a recording of “home” that Shoemaker made as the band wrote the song. “Sheryl liked my work and asked me to stay. They used that recording of ‘home’ on the album.” The Sheryl Crow album produced four hit singles, including “If It Makes you happy,” which won a grammy for Song of The year.

Shoemaker engineered Crow’s music for ten years. Crow’s records received critical praise and Shoemaker won two grammys for Crow’s third album “globe Sessions”, including Best Engineered Album non-Classical. “That is the first trophy that I ever won in my life,” says Shoemaker. “It was nice to win that one, but I do not have to do it again. I had my chance to wear the fancy dolce and gabbana gown.”

Shoemaker and Crow parted ways in 2005 after Shoemaker became pregnant. That was also the year that five feet of katrina floodwater destroyed almost everything in Shoemaker’s new orleans home. “That was a hard year,” says Shoemaker. “I left Sheryl, my main source of income, so I could have more time for my family. Then I lost everything in katrina, from nail clippers, lamps and furniture, to my house and all of my recording gear.”

Shoemaker and Capps relocated to nashville, then moved to fairhope in 2010 to be closer to Capps’ family. far away from nashville, Austin and other major recording cities, fairhope is an inconvenient location for a recording engineer. “There are advantages and disadvantages to living in fairhope and making records,” Shoemaker says. “This is not a music city, but there is a huge advantage to being a mom in fairhope. I can pick up my son from school. he can be around his grandparents. grayson has work here and fairhope is a town that I love. I can mix and be creative wherever I live.”

despite the distance, Shoemaker works on four or five album productions a year and mixes many more singles from artists around the world. Surrounded by speakers on her studio wall and a large computer screen filled with audio files, she finds the truth in every note. “It is not an accident when a song sounds good,” says Shoemaker. “I am more than an auto-tuning service. I spend hundreds of hours on the subtle shifts in music and balance in one song. I want it to sound exactly right whether anyone notices it or not. It is like a sculpture. I manipulate notes until it sounds perfect and evokes the right mood.”

Singers trust Shoemaker to bring out the best in vocals and instruments as well as maintain the perspective of the listener. “In the studio we play a song over and over until we get vertigo and are not sure which way is up,” says Andrew duhon, a new orleans songwriter who plays regularly around the gulf Coast. “Trina rights the ship and reminds us of our direction. Recording is nerve-wracking because we are creating the version of the song that everyone will expect to hear every time we play it. There is no going back and changing it on another record. I trust Trina to immortalize my songs.”

Shoemaker’s uncompromising ear was shaped by the music of the 70’s, but she has to adjust to the sounds of today. “In the 70s they made well-crafted records with warm, fat, gorgeous sounds,” says Shoemaker. “Many of today’s records are mixed knowing they will be heard on computers and earbuds. A hit song just has to be catchy. I use many musical points of reference to keep myself contemporary, so I am not mixing too dark or too warm to be competitive in today’s market.”

In 2012, she engineered Brandi Carlile’s Bear Creek album. The record reached the Billboard top ten and still receives radio airplay, but there is no hit like “The Story,” Carlile’s 2007 masterpiece. “Bear Creek was a wonderful, beautiful record that the band loves and that I love,” says Shoemaker. “But the label does not care about the art of it because it did not produce a hit single. I wanted that hit too, but I cared more about the art and the song. Through this, I became friends with Brandi and The Twins (phil and Tim hanseroth, Carlile’s band members). we will make another record together.”

Shoemaker still has a wish list of music legends that she wants to record, including Bonnie Raitt and paul Rogers (formerly of Bad Company). however, some of her favorite recent albums were for duhon and Louisiana songwriter dylan LeBlanc.

“The bigger records pay the bills, but I love making records for people I care about,” says Shoemaker. “we put so many hours of devotion into these songs. It breaks my heart that more people will not hear them. no one makes much money on these smaller records, but we do it anyway because we believe we can raise the bar and introduce people to better music. I cannot accept mediocrity because I care too much about the musicians and the music.”

SENSE MAGAZINE | 028

| dESIGN

Anna Blaise Coleman

Scott Whitney Dunbar&

| dESIGN

TEXT BY MARTY LEATHERBURYPHOTOGRAPHY BY jOSE VILLA PHOTOGRAPHY

30 | MARCH 201330 | MARCH 2013 SENSE MAGAZINE | 031

When Anna Blaise discovered this 12th-century Augustan cloister on Paradise Island, she knew she had found the perfect backdrop for her destination wedding.

Anna Blaise being a perfectionist for detail, and her mother, Marty Leatherbury, an incurable romantic with over 30 years’ experience in wedding design, set about bringing their unique touches to this special occasion.

The bride-to-be personally gathered the varied materials she wanted her mother to use, from the hand sewn Indian jalismere fabric for the altar, to the ribbons and cushion fabrics in the “shades of sunset.” All was lovingly “hauled in.”

An added delight to this destination wedding afforded them the opportunity to be together on the island the week before the wedding, polishing the final touches.

Of course, there was the cake tasting, with Ann Lever of Simply Sweet, but both agree the most fun was scouring the islands famous straw market for umbrellas, baskets, and favors for the guests.

Classic

SENSE MAGAZINE | 31

Elements

32 | MARCH 2013 SENSE MAGAZINE | 33

DetailsNever missing a good excuse to take a trip, Anna Blaise and her mother traveled to Europe to find her dress. “Partly as a chance to be with her sister Katherine, who is living in England and par-tially because we were short on time”, needless to say, the search was half the fun. “Though there were close runners up Paris and Budapest, it was unanimous we found this dress at brown’s Bridal in London.”The designer herself, Mira Zwillinger was there giving a trunk show. Anna was the first to wear the hand embroidered lace design fresh off the cutting boards.

Local dressmaker, Carolyn Reid used extra lace provided by the dress designer, to give Anna’s cathedral length veil its beautiful blusher.

Anna Blaise appliqued lace from the veil onto her slippers. Along with her engagement ring, she wore her great- great grand-mothers’ engagement ring. A dear friend provided the something borrowed bracelet.

Meaningful

Scott patiently waits for his first glimpse.

34 | MARCH 2013 SENSE MAGAZINE | 35

The turn of the century gardens fashioned after Versailles were in especially full bloom, for this March 24th wedding. Leaving the ocean and sky to speak for themselves. Anna chose simple baby’s breath garlands to tendril down the columns. Family and close friends basked in the ocean breezes as a perfect sunset kissed the day with its departing delight.

ArtfullySculpted

Elegant TouchesCenterpieces of wild manzanita hung with candles and baby’s breath, nested in white hydrangeas, roses, astilbe, and silver fan coral. A vintage suitcase gave a nod to the notion that all had traveled from afar for this special event.

36 | MARCH 2013 SENSE MAGAZINE | 37

PHOTO BY REX LEATHERBURY

38 | MARCH 2013

Creating MemoriesTime was set aside between the rehearsal and dinner for Anna Blaise and Scott to share a quick, intimate picnic on the beach. Marty bundled all the tableware “goodies” back for Anna to use in her new home.

“It’s so important to have small moment’s when you can pause and savor all that’s going on around you.” - Rex & Marty

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The ocean’s blue and white backdrop of the Beach Club Cafe set the perfect Caribbean tone for the after the rehearsal dinner. Scott’s favorite chocolates were boxed at each guest’s place, with an extra measure of chocolate for the groom’s cake! Local bougain-villea was placed in nautilus shells for the tables, where playful wire elephants, made by local craftsmen, danced their way along.

40 | MARCH 2013

look forward to returning to Paradise Island one day, perhaps with children in tow, to relive and share the memories they created here.

Anna Scott

Designmarty.leatherbury@gmail.com

jewelryw w w.antiquesfromasia.com /

wilDflowers, events & occasionsinfowilDflowersbahamas.com

simply sweet: ann lever

scriptura: stationeryscriptura.com

jose villa photographyjosevillaphoto@mac.com

beach club cafe:Diope77@hotmail.com

40 | MARCH 2013

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feature within gulfQuest. The panoramic simulator, identical to those used to train boat pilots, will give visitors a chance to select a vessel of choice and navigate it in and around the gulf waters. The simulator will mimic maritime job scenarios like a high-speed Coast guard chase. It will also mimic the steering of a massive cargo ship through rough waters to port. Each simulation is based on digital models of the actual gulf, Mobile Bay and Tombigbee River locations, providing participants with a realistic peek into what constitutes a career on the sea.

In addition to the interactive experiences offered, the grounds of the facility will feature a Lighthouse Exhibit complete with a lantern room identical to the one that once sat atop Middle Bay Lighthouse in the center of Mobile Bay. This lantern room once stood on top of two different lighthouses in California. The Alabama Lighthouse Association salvaged and restored it to serve as a bright symbol of history that will soon greet visitors as they enter gulfQuest. A newly-restored fresnel lens beacon courtesy of the U.S. Coast guard will provide a focal point of the display, and panels will surround the lantern room with information, quite literally illuminating details about the structure’s history.

gulfQuest will also include a ferry terminal service that will connect downtown Mobile to other locations and a grand Lobby at the entrance of the building that will provide ground-level access to ticketing, a full-service cafe, and a museum store. with its pristine view from the top of the museum, the events space will serve to guarantee that any gathering held there will embody the very spirit of the gulf Coast.

gulfQuest is only the third maritime museum in the world offering interactive exhibits rather than just encased artifacts and memorabilia. The ability to engage with the exhibits will create a tactile understanding that is certain to draw in visitors of various ages and backgrounds. According to gulfQuest Executive director Tony zodrow, these interactive exhibits will serve to

| fEAtURE Water Wonders discovered at GulfQuest national MaritiMe MuseuM

The gulf of Mexico waters produce succulent delicacies, draw visitors from all over the world and create a wealth of job opportunities. More than 600,000 square miles of ocean basin serve as a precious national resource, a part of which many of us simply call home.

In honor of the gulf ’s invaluable gifts to locals and tourists alike, the City of Mobile, in conjunction with a non-profit organization governed by an independent Board of Trustees, is constructing a national maritime museum entirely centered on the seafaring history, culture and traditions of these crystalline waters and their sugar sand surroundings.

Slated to open at the end of 2013, gulfQuest (national Maritime Museum of the gulf of Mexico) will serve to increase public awareness and knowledge of the gulf of Mexico as a crucial aspect of the country’s nautical history. Located in downtown Mobile at Michael C. dow Mobile Landing, the museum will join the likes of the Mobile Convention Center, Exploreum, Cooper Riverside park and the Museum of Mobile as a tourism epicenter conveniently located along Mobile’s waterfront.

Unlike any other structure in the region, gulfQuest is a 900,000 square foot building shaped like a ship destined for the sea. Inside, its exhibits are slated to be held inside the stern of a full-sized container ship, constructed to appear as a dockside vessel. This realistic ship, complete with stacked “containers,” surrounding water and murmuring engines, is a nod to the Mobile-centric concept of “containerization.” Ramp ways positioned on each side of the ship will provide access to interactive exhibits featuring various pelagic topics from weather and hurricanes to lighthouses and shipbuilding, the shrimping and fishing industries to recreational boating.

Building planners project the “Take the helm” exhibit to be a particularly enticing

TEXT BY jAMIE MCFADENPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WATERMAN DESIGN, MOBILE

Maritime Museum Navigates Its Way to Mobile

42 | MARCH 2013 SENSE MAGAZINE | 43

educate and entertain the public. “our goal is to surprise people with hands-on, interactive experiences that are very compelling, educational, and entertaining--and to greatly expand their maritime knowledge of Mobile and the gulf Coast in the process. It is unlike any other museum in the world,” he said.

Educational programs for students and youth group organizations will be offered in the form of field trips, overnight camp-ins and other special events. gulfQuest will also provide weekend programs geared toward families and individuals. These programs will address those who seek to spend their leisure time becoming more knowledgeable about the maritime industry and the gulf Coast in general. These educational programs and workshops will expound upon the principles and information presented in the museum’s regular exhibits for those who wish to reach savvy seafarer status.

world-renown designers and multimedia content specialists are responsible for a great deal of the magic inside gulfQuest. Lyons/zaremba and Monadnock Media are chief among the planning, management and design aspects of the exhibits and the areas that will house them. Lyons/zaremba designers helped design the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga and the Bronx zoo in new york. Monadnock Media produced media content for the national world war II Museum in new orleans and the Carnegie Science Center in pittsburgh.

“guided by gulfQuest’s professional staff, a team of companies was assembled to first design, then fabricate the museum’s exhibits. The primary goal in planning the exhibits has been to take subject matter that museums typically address through static displays, and find ways to apply interactive techniques used in hands-on science centers. Interactive exhibits will encourage visitors to embark on their own quest to explore the gulf of Mexico,” said zodrow.

Like any undertaking of this magnitude, the $58 million project has not been without its challenges. zodrow articulated that the primary difficulties have involved securing the necessary funding for gulfQuest, designing and fabricating the one-of-a-kind exhibits, and designing and constructing the extremely complex structure of the museum. however, he stresses that the museum is due to be “substantially complete” by May of 2013. “At that point, gulfQuest’s exhibits contractors can begin to install the interactive exhibits, simulators, and theaters--over 70 in all--that will engage visitors in educational experiences. This process will take about six months,” he said.

despite the length of time it will take to complete the project, the end result promises to become a stunning accomplishment for the gulf Coast tourism industry. “A recent market analysis indicates that gulfQuest will attract over 300,000 visitors per year. The museum’s primary market area extends across the southern portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the panhandle of florida,” said zodrow. In addition, because of its unique structure and interactive components, zodrow believes the museum is poised to become a “signature attraction” for

both the city of Mobile and the state of Alabama. A byproduct of traffic to and from the museum is a natural boost in business for hotels and restaurants surrounding it. “our goal is to capture a much greater percentage of the people who are passing through Mobile on their way to the beaches in Baldwin County and the florida panhandle. we want to give them a more compelling reason to stay in Mobile, which will benefit other local attractions and the hotels in Mobile and on the Eastern Shore,” he said. gulfQuest seems destined to put Mobile on the map in a new and exciting way that takes people’s enthusiasm for the gulf of Mexico and elevates it with a greater all- encompassing consciousness of the many essential purposes those beloved waters serve.

The museum is conducting a capital campaign for those interested in assisting the project’s completion. Located in the gulfQuest lobby, the donor wall will recognize those that donate $2,500 or more. According to zodrow, “Many individuals who have an interest in the museum have contributed at that level. Soon, we will roll out the last phase--the “public phase”--of the capital campaign that will focus on smaller gifts ($250 and up), and give individuals a chance to gain some recognition for their support.” Contributions of all sizes, however, are needed to reach the goal of $12 million for the project. for more information about gulfQuest and ways in which you can contribute to this venture, visit www.gulfquest.org.

Brent Beall photography

44 | MARCH 2013

Bees may not have been part of the act, but the Mobile arts scene has been buzzing with news of the premier performance of the fairhope-based community dance initiative, project Mouvement in Art. The ticket line for Carnival of the Animals almost wrapped around the corner of the Saenger Theater in downtown Mobile on february 23. The queue

of seasoned arts patrons, local performers and young families had high expectations for the fledgling creative arts group; and though the stakes were high, project Mouvement did not disappoint.

The premier event, presented by Mercedes-Benz, was an organic blend of classical ballet, Broadway and opera – all for the benefit of Thomas hospital Birth Center. The family-centric birthing experience at Thomas hospital was clearly the inspiration for the performance, featuring whimsical, animal-themed repertoire beginning with highlights from Cats, followed by the “Birds of a feather” collection of song and dance, and ending with the exuberant Carnival suite.

The evening commenced with a combination of acrobatic tricks and the theatrical modern movement of agile dancers dressed in full feline attire to the highlights of Andrew Lloyd webber’s, Cats. Choreographer Ryan Arnold artfully showcased the unique strengths of each individual dancer in tumbling, turning and extreme leg extension. To the surprise of audience members, Ross Smitherman sang a very animated version of “Rum Tum Tugger”.

following the action-packed Broadway tribute, two married couples took the stage. dancers nikki and Ethan white performed two short pieces, The Cranes dance and Lark and nightingale, accompanied by Mobile opera’s Scott and Sarah wright. The whites’ exquisite linear beauty was as strong, flexible and effortlessly balanced as the wrights’ vocal ensemble. The intertwining of such inherent beauty earned boisterous applause from an audience entranced by the pas de deux. Between the dance selections, a confident and tender Jessica webber performed the haunting torch song from kern and hammerstein’s Show Boat, retitled “fish gotta Swim, Birds gotta fly” for the Carnival performance.

The crescendo of the evening was Camille Saint-Saëns’s, Carnival of the Animals as interpreted by Lori Bilbry-Vaghefi, Artistic director. The performance was comprised of a corps of dancers hailing from studios across the region, brought together by the inclusive, community-focused project Mouvement in Art. Local dancers in outrageous costumes leapt, shook and waltzed in humorous movements that embodied the sounds and physical characteristics of animals like lions, kangaroos and hens. Each movement of the suite was introduced with a witty poem narrated by veteran community actor and director daniel Mainwaring.

pRoJECT MoUVEMEnT In ARTAn Evening of Ballet, Broadway, and Opera

TEXT BY MARGAUX BODETPHOTOGRAPHY BY MERADAD

PHOTO BY SURFSIDE PHOTOGRAPHY

At the graceful hand of artistic director, Lori Bilbrey-Vaghefi, Carnival of the Animals was a spectacular showcase of local talent. Bilbrey-Vaghefi herself is a Mobilian, as are her creative team of production stage manager, Mia Spicuzza guzlas, and CATS choreographer, Ryan Arnold.

Children of various ages were involved in each movement of dance, bringing a fresh display of different techniques and abilities simultaneously converging on a single stage. with cunning choreography, each variation captured the essence of the designated animal, in particular, the mermaid, portrayed by Mary Thomas Mackinnon, who elegantly moved across the stage as if swimming through our beautiful Mobile Bay.

Imaginative costumes meticulously crafted by Mobile native John Ross Thomas really made this show a stand out. In combining traditional ballet costumes of tutus and tights, Thomas creatively designed clever and quirky costumes to fit each animal’s personality.

The dancing was articulated by the unique set design, craftily engineered by Mobile- born Alicia Leatherbury Lamberti. watercolor and oil paintings by visual artist and ballerina, Lauren woods were projected onto a screen as the dancers performed. woods’ pieces brought a new perspective to the field of art and dance: the optical static coupled with her trembling bourées and fluttering arms in a majestic performance in the role of “Le Cygne,” the swan.

The evening was moving and magical, but the true beauty of project Mouvement in

Art lies in the comprehensive, embracing celebration of art, music, song and dance in our community. It is a happy amalgamation of art – in all its styles, forms and foundations – resulting in an opportunity for more local artists to bring passion and joy to the greater Mobile area.

| ARtS

46 | MARCH 2013

The deep South seems to have more than just a knack for sports. here, it is a way of life—a fervor that is as deep seated as the affinity for cheese grits and

church on Sunday. we read about athletic success stories in the local paper, know what jersey number to watch, and are familiar with those moments when the crowd explodes with clapping hands, laughter, and that collective sigh of relief. Still, there exists a world far beyond the seemingly raw talent we as the crowd witness: the hours of practice, the repeated sprints and training camps and the fine-tuning of god-given talent. for Coby Mackin and JC Romero, the owners and coaches of The fieldhouse, it is this behind-the-scenes work, meticulously developing each ball player from the inside out, that truly kindles the natural spark, elevating a good athlete to a great one.

Located in daphne, The fieldhouse is an indoor training facility with six batting cages, four tee stations, two baseball mounds, a softball pitching area and two Iron Mike pitching machines. open seven days a week, the facility

pITCh By pITCh—ThE BASICS of pLAyIng BALL AT ThE fIELdhoUSEThe Fieldhouse Approach to America’s Favorite Pastime

TEXT BY jAMIE MCFADENPHOTOGRAPHY BY jEFF kENNEDY

creates an opportunity for softball and baseball players alike to practice rain or shine, with professional coaching to ensure they develop their abilities in a safe, strategic way. Romero, a two-time world Series winner, and Mackin, a former nAIA All-American softball player and 1999 Coach of the year, possess the knowledge necessary to offer upcoming ball players resources not previously available in this area. “JC and I really wanted to provide access to professional coaching and a top-notch facility to advance the skills of local ball players. we have the skills knowledge, and connections to help athletes develop and then be recruited to play at the next level,” said Mackin.

In addition to one-on-one training for hitting, catching and pitching, The fieldhouse provides various camps throughout the year to improve agility, speed, stamina and overall form. This facility and its staff seek to create life skills such as nutrition and body conditioning to enrich the baseball/softball player both on and off the playing field. “we’re in the business of teaching these kids how to approach

| OUtdOORS LIfE

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life one pitch at a time. In addition to the specifics of the game, we include lifestyle training. The healthy diet and nutrition aspects will carry. we believe that an athlete will reach their full potential with a comprehensive approach to their development, and we have people in place to provide each component,” said Mackin.

Another unique opportunity The fieldhouse provides is Southern Spirit Softball, a competitive softball organization that allows players to learn the game through professional coaching in a team environment. According to Mackin, Southern Spirit Softball puts softball players as young as 10-years-old on the path to playing the game at their utmost potential. “we held tryouts in december for the 10u, 12u and 14u teams. These are teams that compete at the highest level. The 14u team is composed of players from all over the state of Alabama and the gulf Coast of Mississippi and is already ready to compete with the best teams in their division. They will play in the ASA/USA national Qualifiers, as well as the pgf Qualifiers, with the goal of competing for the national Championship. This will put them in front of college coaches beginning in June, thus beginning the college recruiting process for each of these girls,” she said.

Beyond the private coaching sessions offered and group conditioning camps, The fieldhouse demonstrates the fundamentals of softball and baseball for newcomers and more seasoned athletes alike. “foundation and fundamentals are so crucial. we take into consideration the age of each player, so each training session is tailored to be appropriate for that level of ball-playing. you never want to do too much too soon, and we train our athletes with their mental and physical well-being in mind,” said Mackin. The facility embodies a healthy outlook on the sport, embracing the strengths of individual players with a realistic approach to what he or she is capable of doing.

As coaches, Mackin and Romero exemplify the notion that adequate training is essential to the success of any competitor. The fieldhouse provides unparalleled resources to those who utilize it while the facility’s coaching staff maintains a realistic, honest approach to the sport. “what we do at the facility mimics the real world with that competitive edge. The need for training is evident with any sport, and we really make every effort to teach this game with integrity,” said Mackin.

for more information about The fieldhouse and Southern Spirit Softball, visit www.trainatthefieldhouse.com.

48 | MARCH 2013

| OUtdOORS LIfE | ARtS

SENSE MAGAZINE | 49

| wELLNESS

I have been gardening for over 50 years, but now that I am retired it is one of my favorite activities. I do most of this gardening in my back yard--in the city! I grow almost all of my vegetables and produce-even more than I can use most of the time. In recent years, with the decline of honeybees,

I have been doing things to help and encourage them to visit my garden. I typically let all of my winter greens bloom and produce seeds (turnips, mustard, broccoli, collards, kale, endive, chicory and lettuce). I know the flowers will attract and feed the bees, and I have enjoyed watching the birds that come to feed on the seeds—mostly cardinals and finches.

I was surprised at how attractive some of these flowering vegetables could look. Broccoli, turnips, mustard and collards all bloom with profuse heads of yellow flowers, chicory and endive have tall spikes of blue flowers similar to asters. however, they do look a little scraggly once the flowers are gone, and the seeds are forming. So it is a good idea to screen the seed forming plants with other tall, flowering plants like shrimp plants or a garden fence.

we used to feed birds at feeders with birdseed, but that usually ends up attracting unwanted guest like rats, mice and squirrels (aka bushy tail rats). feeding the birds with seeds on the plant avoids this problem for the most part, since the birds get the first shot at the seeds in the way that is natural. It can be fun to watch them too!

Summer garden plants that attract bees include okra, peas and beans. when the harvest is over, the leftovers make excellent food for the birds. okra is a good one to leave standing for the winter with the last few pods on the stalks. Birds will shred the dried pods to get to the seeds. There is one small problem you might have with birds in your summer garden—they will peck holes in your tomatoes! however, I have learned to pick my tomatoes at the first sign of pink on the bottom and just let them ripen indoors. That also helps protect them from some insect damage, and they will still develop that delicious homegrown tomato taste.

nothing beats a fully ripe homegrown tomato from your garden, but we also enjoy all of the squash, peppers, corn, okra, peas, beans, cucumbers, cabbage, broccoli, onions and greens we grow in our garden. It is amazing how much produce you can grow in a small garden. we do not buy much produce from the grocery store—mainly just cherry tomatoes in the winter and lettuce in the summer. It is a shame, but with our climate we can never grow all the ingredients for a good salad at the same time! we do always know that our veggies are fresh and pesticide free.

My wife has always wanted me to plant flowers in the yard, so I have always had a variety of flowers, mostly in the summer. I like the perennial ones that flower all summer like the shrimp plant, day lilies and jacobina. Annuals like impatiens, begonias, petunias, cosmos and marigolds are also good for the summer garden, and marigolds are supposed to help repel pest. All of these will help attract bees throughout the summer.

of course, if you are trying to attract bees, it is important to avoid killing them with toxic chemicals. when it comes to pests, I do not use toxic chemicals on my garden, mainly to keep a healthy population of natural enemies of the pest like ladybugs, assassin bugs, wasp and lacewings. however, when I do see that pest are getting out of control, I will use insecticides like soapy water or horticultural oil that will kill the pest I put it on but does not leave a toxic residue.

nothing beats a fully ripe homegrown tomato from your garden, but we also enjoy all of the squash, peppers, corn, okra, peas, beans, cucumbers, cabbage, broccoli, onions and greens we grow right in our garden. It is amazing how much produce you can grow in a small garden.

gARdEnIng foR ThE BIRdS,BEES And MEBY SkEET LORES

honeybees are very important pollenizers of many of our agricultural crops, but there has been a serious decline in honeybee populations all across the county and even Europe. Some of this decline has been related to varroa mites that have infested beehives, however, some recent studies suggest that a new class of pesticides called neo-nicotinoids may be responsible. A loss of bees could cost billions of dollars in agricultural crops. A pesticide called imidacloprid is one of the most common pesticides in that class. Imidacloprid is a systemic pesticide that is taken up by plants and can be transported throughout the plant including the flowers and pollen. The problem for bee keepers is often compounded by the fact that the high fructose corn syrup that they use to feed the bees after they take their honey often contains imidacloprid since it is commonly used on corn and ends up in the high fructose corn syrup—(just think about it—we consume that same high fructose corn syrup too!).

50 | MARCH 2013

fir0002/flagstaffotos

SENSE MAGAZINE | 051

| GREENSENSE

white-Spunner Construction Company, established in 1981, is one of the largest building firms in the southeast. Based in Mobile, it has branch offices in dallas, Texas and Raleigh, north Carolina. Licensed in 37 states, Engineering news-Record listed the construction company as one of the top 400 contractors

in the nation. The construction company also received the platinum Award from Building design + Construction magazine, beating out competition involved with renovation at the Smithsonian Institute in washington, d.C., theater construction at harvard University and another at the Virginia State Capitol Building. Business Alabama Magazine ranked white-Spunner Construction as one of the “2013 Top-Rank general Contractors” in the state. Its most recent award is the 2013 “new Building Construction” by the Alabama Association of general Contractors.

Therefore, it should be of no surprise the company’s involvement in the latest building technology and certifications. not only is it constructing “LEEd” buildings, but offering classes to assist other contractors in meeting the requirements. The two most recent were, “what’s next in the world of green Building design and Construction” and host of the workshop for green building update, “LEEd Building design & Construction: nuts and Bolts of LEEd & LEEdAp Exam preparation.”

Leadership in Energy and Environmental design (LEEd) is part of the U.S. green Building Council Register. focusing on five main categories—sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources and indoor environmental quality, it offers a true verification by a third party with professional skills and recognition of the true merit of a construction. with projects in over 135 countries, LEEd building certification offers both environmental and monetary benefits to builders, owners and tenants. In short, it is smart construction for all involved.

A single project application for review by LEEd is between $900-1200, in which plans are closely reviewed on several levels by third parties. These third parties encourage builders to advocate and build site appropriate structures. The environmental impact is kept to a minimum, with much consideration given for water resources. This allows for more efficient water usage, both inside and outside of the facility. Construction workers keep waste low by using sustainable building materials. Indoor quality promotes windows and skylights, allowing plenty of daylight and outside views. Such construction techniques give value to a neighborhood, from need to walkability.

Valuing the environment is not only good “for the planet,” but the owners and tenants. for developers who choose green, an increase of 6.4 percent occupancy occurs and a 6.1 percent for rent. In existing buildings that are updated, occupancy increases typically by 2.5 percent. A study by CoStar group in 2008 found LEEd buildings are often $11.33 per square foot higher in rent premiums. A 2 percent investment in green building design typically results in 20 percent of total construction costs. plus, energy efficient buildings often have sale prices of 10 percent more per square foot than those that are not.

for tenants or owners, LEEd certification is more demanding than the minimum building codes. one corporation, Cushman and wakefield claimed savings of over a half million dollars a year. frequently, “blue-chip” tenants use LEEd certification to demonstrate how environmentally concerned and cost conscious they can be. health issues, such as in-door air quality, also come into play. workers are in better health since they are working with less environmentally damaging substances and materials. This also reduces the chance for any potential risk environment law suits against the corporation. The reality is large corporations want a return on investments. Construction designs and building are a vital way.

The most recent, local LEEd project completed by white-Spunner is the Memorial hall / Student Business and Industrial Services Center on the main campus of faulkner Community College in Bay Minette. The construction company recycled 74 percent of construction waste. A large roof skylight not only offers stunning views and light, but a way to lower energy costs. The use of recycled building materials, along with water saving fixtures and many other features, also help make the structure environmentally friendly and cost effective. other sites of white-Spunner Construction are the University of South Alabama’s Recreation Center, the ocean Springs high School and the Retirement Systems of Alabama’s Battle house hotel. white-Spunner realizes the need for green investment, both for environmental and economic reasons. They are now helping others realize it too.

More Than Just A Pretty Building

TEXT BY SIMMONS MURPHYPHOTOS COURTESY OF WHITE-SPUNNER

whITE-SpUnnER ConSTRUCTIon:BUILdIng A fUTURE ToMoRRow

52 | MARCH 2013 SENSE MAGAZINE | 53

LItERAtI SUBMISSION GUIdELINES:

Sense invites you to submit edgy, eclectic pieces. we welcome short fiction, essays, humor, and poetry submissions. Rights to the material submitted remain those of its author, who is protected under Creative Commons licenses. we reserve the right to choose all materials that appear in the publication. for more detailed submission information, email editor@thesenseofitall.com.

54 | MARCH 2013

| LItERAtI

CoLd RIBS In ThE fRIdgE(After Billie Collins’ “Litany”)

BY SUE BRANNAN WALkER

you are cold ribs in the refrigerator,tin-foil wrapped and waiting. you areflour and butter—the dough for a tart.you are the pastry cream congealingin its pottery bowl; you arecherries and whipping cream.

however, you are not the summer sun,the ripe tomatoes on the sillor clothes tumbling in the dryer,and you certainly are not scented:lavender, magnolia, rose.

It is conceivable that you may be a serpentor even one of four-and-twenty blackbirdsor a gooseberry pie a la mode, but you are not singing wagner in Beirut.

Really, there, in the looking glassyou might see a reflection of yourself,not as you are, but how you’d like to be.

This is the way of divination,like the fortune cookie pulled from the box, its extracted message.

I am “might have been,”the sand at gulf Shores—but “not to worry” as they sayin the Uk, in grimsby,you are there in the bottom drawerof the frigidaire, cold ribs, waiting.

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17 the AZt: A Southerntradition

52 Visionary Construction

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