E-news Oct. 19, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Oct 19, 2011 | 2971 views |  0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
But which do you think was harder, the marathon or giving birth 7 hours later?
But which do you think was harder, the marathon or giving birth 7 hours later?
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Good morning, runners? Are your shoes wet? If not, you haven't been running outside that much!

1) RACE REPORTS
***from Chris Humphries

I got the opportunity to run the Chicago marathon this weekend.  This was my fifth marathon but by far the best one that I have been apart of to date. 
 
The course was lined from start to finish with spectators and they did a great job with on course entertainment and water stations. 
I read one report where there were an estimated 1 million people watching. 
 
I finished in 4:39 which was way off my goal time but I was happy with the finish.   It was a bit hot and humid but not unbearable.  This was definitely a race where I took in the scenery and enjoyed the event. 
 
As you may have already seen, a runner actually passed away during the race.  That fact makes a runner be grateful for what we are able to do and the ability to do it safely. I know it put my race in perspective. 
 
I am grateful to everyone who supported me during my training, especially my ARC family. The words of encouragement and congratulations have been overwhelming.  
 

Thanks everyone for continuing to allow me to be a part of the ARC family even though I'm in Chattanooga!


2)UPCOMING EVENTS
Come Support Children With Developmental Disabilties
A Benefit Poker Run for Motorcycles AND Bicycles through Beautiful Northeast Ala-bama to benefit children with developmental disabilities! Come Join Us!

For more info: please contact Lisa Spurling at 256-447-9349 (x38) or email me at laspurl-ing@learning-tree.org
Motorcycle Category:
100 mile—Poker Run: $40
100 mile—Additional Rider: $20
(All participants will receive an event T-shirt, bandana, and collectible event memorabilia. Additional riders are not eligible to draw cards during Poker Run)
Waivers AND Proof of Insurance required at sign-in!!
Saturday—November 5, 2011
Ft. McClellan , Alabama
At the Duck Pond!
74 Exchange Ave, Ft. McClellan, AL 36205
Bicycle Category :
50 mile—Poker Run: $40
25 mile—Poker Run: $20
(All participants will receive an event T-shirt, bandana, and collectible event memorabilia. Winners determined after last rider returns, need not be present to win)
Waivers required at sign-in!!

Register TODAY on Active.com
CA$H Prizes awarded for BEST & WORST hand in each category!!!
Bicycle start time: 8 am Motorcycle start time: 9 am



***from Brooke Nelson
NEEDED: A few good men/women/children to help with Aid Station #10 of the Pinhoti 100 (Mile 55.34)
SATURDAY, November 5
 
Tom and I are the “hosts” for Aid Station #10 at Adam’s Gap. This is a large aid station/command center with bag drops, pacer pickup, doctor checks, etc…
It’s a fun Aid Station (think party atmosphere) with a large roaring fire and rocking music.
But we need a few volunteers to help check-in runners as they come through. This is very important as we don’t want to lose track of any runners.

What is required: If you want to do shifts, we can set up for 4 hour increments, but it would still be best to have two people swapping out each shift.
                2:00 p.m. – 6 p.m.            Arrive at Adam’s Gap at 2 p.m. to help set up “stuff.” Check-ins would not occur until later.
                6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.          Do check-ins of runners and help breakdown station.
What you need to bring: Flashlight to read list while checking in the runners. Food/drink for you. Jacket. If it’s really cold, hand warmers, etc…. This aid station is out in the open. It’s a trail run, remember?
 
If you’ve never experienced an ultra-trail run, now is the time!
Questions? Let me know.
Thanks!
 
Brooke Nelson
brookenelson@amcvets.com
256-239-9001

***from Todd Henderson

Here is the call for Aid Station and other volunteers for the Pinhoti 100. The Pinhoti 100 is the RRCA Ultra Regional 100 mile Championship Race this year! The race starts on Saturday November 5th at 6:00a.m. closes on Sunday, November 6th. Here are the volunteer positions we need to fill as soon as possible. For Aid Stations I have listed the location and times. Directions can be supplied as well.
 
Aid Station #1 (Highrock, FS531) 6:45 till 8:00a.m.
Aid Station #5 (Lake Morgan, Cty 24) 10:00a.m. till 2:15p.m.
Aid Station #6 (Blue Mtn, CC Road) 11:00a.m. till 4:18p.m.
Aid Station #7 (Bald Rock, Cheaha St Park) 12:00p.m. till 6:12p.m.
Aid Station #11 (Clairmont Gap) 2:45p.m. till 11:59p.m.
Aid Station #12 (Chandler Springs) 3:30p.m. till 1:31a.m. Sun
 
Sweeping Duties Needed. Duties- Follow last runner picking up course markings and dropping course markings off at aid stations. If anyone would like to sweep you can start at any mileage and go as far as you want. You will be moving at a fast hike to slow jog. You can start and stop at any distance.
 
Start of Race; Start at approx 6:30a.m.
to Aid Station #1. Mileage= 6.7
to Aid Station #2. Mileage=6.57  Total Mileage from Start = 13.27
to Aid Station #3. Mileage=5      Total Mileage from Start = 18.27
to Aid Station #4. Mileage=4.44 Total Mileage from Start = 22.71
to Aid Station #5. Mileage=4.95 Total Mileage from Start = 27.66
to Aid Station #6. Mileage=6.95 Total Mileage from Start = 34.56
to Aid Station #7. Mileage=6.38 Total Mileage from Start = 40.94
 
Start at Aid Station #10 (Adams Gap). Start time will be approx 10:45p.m.
to Aid Station #11. Mileage= 4.95
to Aid Station #12. Mileage=5.15 Total Mileage from Aid #10 = 10.1
to Aid Station #13. Mileage=3.34 Total Mileage from Aid #10 = 13.44
to Aid Station #14. Mileage=5.75 Total Mileage from Aid #10 = 19.19
to Aid Station #15. Mileage=5      Total Mileage from Aid #10 = 24.19
to Aid Station #16. Mileage=6.1   Total Mileage from Aid #10 = 30.29
 
Time Clock and Finish Line Volunteers Needed:
We will need a club time clock and volunteers to work in shifts.
Arrival time= 9p.m. Saturday
Location= Sylacauga High School Football Stadium
Finish Line will be set up on the 50 yard line of the track located inside the football stadium.
Close time= 12:00a.m. Sunday
 
Please contact:
 
Todd Henderson
RD
Pinhoti 100
205-492-7063 cell


***from Tom Griffin

Plucked Turkey 10K - Thanksgiving morning
Hey runners! Thanksgiving is fast approaching and with it all the turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce and potatoes and gravy – and of course the pies. Don’t forget you have a chance to burn off those calories before you sit down at the table – the Plucked Turkey 10K Thanksgiving morning. Send in your entry now. Check the ARC website and event calendar or go to www.annistonrunners.com/event-calendar/?eventID=135&date=11/24/2011 to download the registration form.

E-news Oct. 3, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Oct 03, 2011 | 1617 views |  0 comments | 16 16 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
Want one of your own?
Want one of your own?
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Happy Monday, runners! I hope you took advantage of the cooler weather and got some run time in before your weekend got too busy!

1) RACE REPORTS
***from Roxana Conroy
I ran a 5k yesterday here in Ft. Payne. The run was to raise money for Whitney Smith who has plans to serve in Sudan through her church ministry. I do not know all the details but i have a website if anyone wants to check it out.

www.wgm.org/whitneysmith


***from Jay Worrall
1) Race Report.  Jennifer and I ran the Inaugural Georgia Jewel this past weekend, September 24.  There was a 100 mile, a 50 mile, and a 35 mile race.  Jen and I ran the 50 mile.  She was the second woman overall, and I was the 9th male overall.  As usual, we ran the entire race together, and we were happy with our performances.  It is a rough course on the feet--lots of rocky and technical terrain, as well as some hills--but it was also pretty, and the volunteers were awesome.  We also saw Wayne running the 35m, and it looked like he was doing well.  I look forward to hearing how he did!
 
2) Trail Training Run.  Any trail runners interested in getting some miles in the weekend of October 8-9?  Jen & I will be organizing a run for anyone that wants to join us for any distance.  We're running the Pinhoti 100 course, throughout the day and night, hoping to cover about 67 miles total.  Important: no one is expected to go the entire way if they don't want to!  Anyone who wants to come out for 5 or 10 miles, please do, as we'd love the company.  Let me know and we'll coordinate: jayworrall@hotmail.com



2) NEWS

***from Brooke Nelson

TRI SOCIAL - NOT just for triathletes! If you've ever even had an inkling to do a multi-sport event (individually or on a team) - come on over!

Coming up this Sunday, October 9 at 5 p.m. at our cabin. We've got about 20 signed up so far, but would love to have loads more. We need to do a little planning for next year (so bring your ideas) and a lot of socializing. We’ll provide the main dish, but we need you to bring your own drinks and a dish to share (appetizer, salad, veggie, or dessert).

PLEASE plan to come, and please let me know so I have enough food.
Let me know if you need a map.
brookenelson@amcvets.com

 

***Don't forget to log your September miles for the 1200-Mile Club by emailing Jim Parham at cdrjimparham@hotmail.com.

 

***



Disney’s Princess Half Marathon
Have you signed up to become running royalty in 2012?  If not, grab your ladies in waiting (or even your frog prince) and register for the 2012 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon before the entry fee increases on Monday, October 3, 2011. 
 
And if you are already signed up to run through the kingdom, here are three ways to pamper yourself and your fans during race weekend. 

Pasta in the Park Party – Prepare with a proper pre-race meal, meet the Disney Princesses and cap-off the evening with a viewing of Illuminations:  Reflections of Earth at Epcot®.

Race Retreat – Stay comfortable before and after the race with this VIP runner package that is fit for a princess. 

ChEAR Squad Make sure your loved ones sign up so they don’t miss a minute of the race action. 

runDisney Share Your Bling Sweepstakes
And if you haven’t done so already, show us your runDisney “bling” on our Facebook wall!  You can upload images of yourself with your crowning runDisney achievement by going to Facebook.com/runDisney.  And while you are there, don’t forget to enter the runDisney Share Your Bling Sweepstakes to win an all-expenses paid trip to the 2012 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna, January 5-8, 2012. 

Join runDisney fans and “Like” us on the Official runDisney Facebook page to keep up with updates and more.  Become a fan today!
 
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. The runDisney Share Your Bling Sweepstakes starts 9/6/11 at 3:00 PM ET and ends 10/22/11 at 11:59:59 ET. Open to eligible legal residents of 50 U.S./D.C., 18 years or older as of time of entry. Click on the View Official Rules for entry instructions, odds of winning, prize details, restrictions, etc. Residents of P.R. are ineligible. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: Disney Destinations, LLC P.O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. View Official Rules.



Have a great week, runners!
MERCY

E-news Sept. 27, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Sep 27, 2011 | 1234 views |  0 comments | 16 16 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
For the record, I was NOT the one who suggested we steal the sign...
For the record, I was NOT the one who suggested we steal the sign...
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Hi there, runners! Hope all of you have a productive week of logging some miles. Speaking of logging those miles, remember to report your miles to Jim Parham at the end of the week!

1) RACE REPORTS
Did you know there was an event in Nashville this past weekend and that two of our runners placed in their age groups? Nancy Grace and Lori Tibbetts placed 3rd and 2nd respectively in their separate categories at the Women's Half Marathon...way to go!

***From Jim Parham
My first race as a 65 yo. New age group on Friday Sept 23, a 5K that represents a return to our Navy roots witht the SWOS (Surface Warfare Officer School) 5K........ always well done. Creative T-shirts, beautiful vistas from our island featuring views of Narragansett Bay the Naval War College. Post race Newport Storm (our local beer) with pizza for after. All made better by finishing first in my age group, and that is a first for me here in RI.
Then yesterday Sept 25, my favorite swim race of the year. The New England 5&10K Championships, hosted by a gent who may be one of the greatest swimmers in the world. Ray Gandy has swum the English Channel, swum 50 miles around our islands here and is just a nice guy. The river is beautiful, the folks are great and the post steak burgers, deluxe RI hot dogs, beer from Vermont and the prizes, a Chocolate Swimmer trophy make it unique. I beat the top 10K winner who set a national record. I swam the 5K in 2:01. A wonderful event.
Still in all, missing Sweet Home and appreciate you E-news of our great running club news.
Best, Jim

*** From Steven Miles

Steven Miles, Allison Miles, and Brian Mount had a great time at the Warrior Dash in Tennessee over the last weekend.  It was great to run a race for a change that was just about having fun.  We all took on the obstacles and dove into the mud pit at the end to cover ourselves from head to toe in mud.  Was a very liberating experience.  We got our warrior helmets, our shirts, our medals, and I bought a kilt.  Can't wait to do another one.  Signing up for the May 19th, 2012 event in Georgia.  If anyone is interested, jump in there with us. :o)

*** From Wayne Tucker
Last Saturday I ran my first marathon at Wright Patterson Air Force Base
in Dayton Ohio. I chose the Air Force Marathon as my first because of
the 7 hour time limit (which I knew I would need). It was a great
experience and would suggest this race to anyone. It consisted of a 5K
on Friday night with a 10K, half and full marathon on Saturday morning.
There were over 13000 runners registered, of which more than 3000 for
the marathon. Race time weather was cloudy in the mid to upper 40's with
an afternoon high in the 60's (much better than the 80's I had trained
in!). The Air Force and local communities put on a big show for us and
we had plenty of support including an accordion band playing Oktoberfest
music (love that chicken dance). I met my goal of not walking and had an
official time of 7hrs 3 min 54 sec (official 7 hour time limit was
extended because it took 10 minutes for everyone to get across the start
line). I have pictures and a couple videos posted on my Facebook. The
flyover of the B1 was an awesome thing to see.....


2) UPCOMING EVENTS
You must register before October 2nd, 12:00 Midnight to guarantee you get a race shirt!



 
 
            ABSOLUTELY RUNNING FOR A CURE
To benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure
 North Central Alabama
 
THIS SATURDAY!
 
LATE REGISTRATION UNTIL RACE DAY 
 
Saturday October 1, 2011
8:00 am 




Run The Rim 5K - THIS SATURDAY! www.racesonline.com


Have a great week and send in those reports!
MERCY

E-news Sept. 19, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Sep 19, 2011 | 1153 views |  0 comments | 11 11 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
XTerra Races are staged worldwide.
XTerra Races are staged worldwide.
slideshow

Good morning, runners! I hope you had the chance to log a few miles in the cooler temps over the beautiful weekend. A LOT of you came out to run the XTerra 10K on Mt. Cheaha over the weekend. I was passing out water so I can't speak for the course, but if the smiles heading into the finish line chute were any indication, you loved the course, too! There was a mishap with some yellow jackets around mile two that affected quite a few of you, but you didn't let that stop you from finishing a challenging and scenic course. Way to go!

1) RACE REPORTS
***I've been traveling and ran in a 10K race, TRC Running Over Cancer, in Sugarland, Texas (think Houston). Turns out it was a bit more than 10K (actually 6.8 mi) due to improper course marking or something.

I did fairly well, finishing 35th overall (of 123) and 2nd in my age group ( 60). The guy who finished 1st in group was second overall.

There was good support for the race and pretty well run (other than the glitch with distance). The race supported The Sundrop Foundation, fighting kids cancer.

Will be nice to get back to my home course, though!

Tom Griffin


***Race report...
 
Jen and I competed at the Wood's Ferry 24 hour race Labor Day weekend.  Under this format, you run, walk, or crawl as many miles as you can within the time allowed.  The course was a 7.75 mile trail loop in the Sumter National Forest in South Carolina.  Conditions were very hot & humid, and we heard many runners comment on this.  The race started at 4pm Saturday, finishing at 4pm Sunday.  Jen and I had a race plan of running through the night, and hopefully continuing into Sunday as long as we could.  (By contrast, other runners ran until midnight, slept for several hours, and then ran more the next day.)  We are preparing for the Pinhoti 100 in November, and we need as much sleep deprived night running as possible!  We managed to run 7 loops in a tad under 16 hours, before deciding we'd had enough.  This was good for a multi-person overall tie for 12th place (based on mileage, not time), with Jen getting 2nd place for the women.  I have to admit we had hoped to go a bit further, but under the conditions we were still quite content with our places!  Terri Hayes the Race Director (ultrasontrails.com) always puts on several fun events each year, and I recommend running with her sometime...
 
Jay Worrall & Jennifer Ford
 


2) UPCOMING EVENTS
As we head into October, be sure to check out the ARC website for all the details on fall races. The Honda 5K will be October 8th, The Gamecock Gallop is October 22nd, and the YMCA Spooktacular 5K is October 29th...just to name a few!

Have a great week!
MERCY

E-news Sept. 13, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Sep 13, 2011 | 1088 views |  0 comments | 16 16 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
The Women's Half Marathon is open to all!
The Women's Half Marathon is open to all!
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Good afternoon, runners! Several of you have been busy answering the call for race reports, so thanks for the updates and for doing our club proud in the running and multisport worlds!

1) IMPORTANT NEWS

*Walkers - need a buddy?
I have a friend who is just getting back into exercising after a long layoff (and a recent knee replacement). She needs the motivation, commitment, and support a walking buddy (or buddies) would give her. She lives in Anniston and would love to join/start a group of walker-friendly people who want to get in better shape and enjoy the camaraderie of friends sharing a common goal. If you or someone you know is interested, just email me at:  brookenelson@amcvets.com   Also, please post the days/times that are best for you. Thanks!



*Since the 4 yr Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) for the MPO is complete, I will be attempting to update its accompanying Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan for the urbanized area (Jacksonville, Weaver, Anniston, Oxford, Hobson City, Saks, Lenlock, Alexandria and portions of the County immediately adjacent to these areas).  Our current Bicycle/Ped plan was adopted in Nov. 2003 so it’s getting a little old and several projects in it have been completed. 

 
Several of you participated in the advisory committee for the 2003 plan so I am contacting you once again.   If you know of others who would like to be involved please send a name, address and # so I can contact them.   We need representation from a cross section of the community so, any one of any age and any gender may participate as long as they reside in the urban portion of Calhoun County .    If you would like someone else to represent your issues or agencies please send the appropriate information. 
 
Our current plan can be viewed at:  http://www.earpdc.org/pages/?pageID=27  scroll down about half the page and click on the Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan highlighted in blue.
 
This update will take several months and the advisory committee will need to meet a few times.  Of course, this plan must focus on projects which improve bicycle and pedestrian transportation for example; sidewalk improvements, connections to or extensions of the Chief, bicycle lanes where feasible, bicycle parking racks, bicycle safety education, StR signs, etc.   Sorry, no off-road mountain bicycling or round walking track projects can be considered.  However, on street improvements or connections to/from them might be.
 
Today, I am updating my email and mailing address lists and I hope to have our first meeting within the next several weeks.
 
Thank you,
 
Jack Plunk, MCRP







2) UPCOMING EVENTS

*CYCLO-CROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS in ANNISTON

Anniston, Al has been chosen to host the 2011 Alabama State Cyclocross Championships. The race will be held Saturday November 19th at the Woodland Park Softball Complex. The race is also race number 5 of the 10 race BamaCross Series. Please come out and help support this event.

Let Wig (Patrick Wigley, owner of Wig's Wheels and sponsor of ARC) know if you can help with the event. If you've never watched or participated in Cyclo-Cross (CX), you are in for a treat!
 

 

*Runners... The XTERRA Alabama Cheaha State Park 10K Trail Run is September 17th, 2011 / First Race of a 3 Race Series! On-Line Registration Closes Sept 15th http://www.active.com/running/ delta-al/xterra-cheaha-state-p ark-trail-run-2011 we will be taking race day registrations! Your registration includes Dri Fit Shirt, Custom XTERRA Alabama Pint Glass, Chip Timing... Alabama Outdoors will be on hand giving away FREE Raffle Prizes (5 Free Pairs of Trail Running Shoes will be given away)!

 
Thanks, Tim


*
Run Away from Domestic Violence
8K Run & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Hoover, AL
October 22, 2011 ~ 8:00am       runawayrace.com

 


*

 
Register and Save $15 on The Women's Half Marathon Nashville, TN on September 24, 2011
 
Don't miss out on this spectacular women's event. Grab your girlfriends for an unforgettable weekend in the Music City. The custom finisher's medal, designer goodie bag, cookie cafe and much, much more make this Half Marathon & 5K a spectacular event.
 
    All half-marathon finishers will receive the legendary 2-in-1 Medal & Charm!

Registration is approaching a sell out so sign up today!
 
Get $15 off your half marathon registration with coupon code WHMNASH15 (Case Sensitive) when you register online at Active.com.

Learn more at womenshalfmarathon.com.

 

Today's Events
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Tuesday, 18, 2013
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Pond Spring- The Gener... 3:50 PM
Oxford Farmers market 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Join us for the kick-off of Oxford's first...
Oxford Farmers market 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Join us for the kick-off of Oxford's first...
Editorial: Schools on trial — In Anniston, improving education remains the ultimate goal
by The Anniston Star Editorial Board
Jun 18, 2013 | 108 views |  0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Any cocoon of stability that may have surrounded Anniston Middle School is now shattered. Last month, after decades of debate, the Anniston Board of Education voted to close the school on Alabama 21 and move its students to other campuses as part of a system-wide reorganization and cost-cutting measure. Last week, Superintendent Joan Frazier announced her retirement for June 2014, meaning someone else — possibly from outside the system hierarchy — will shepherd the system through the middle school’s closure. And Tuesday, the state Board of Education included Anniston Middle on its list of “failing” schools that, as part of the Alabama Accountability Act, will allow parents zoned for AMS to receive tax credits if they transfer elsewhere. For the Anniston Board of Education, the state board’s list of 78 “failing” schools represents two different headlines — both significant. No other Anniston schools made the list. (For that matter, Anniston Middle was the only school in Calhoun County to be deemed “failing” by the state board.) Anniston High School, whose dropout and graduation rates have long been serious civic concerns, and the system’s five elementary schools are free of both the stigma and the practicality of being considered “failing” institutions. We are glad that’s the case. But the other headline didn’t bring a sigh of relief to a city desperate to use public education in its efforts to reinvent the city’s outlook on vital matters such as job creation, economic growth and crime reduction. A city without vibrant and well-supported public schools is a city that struggles to educate its children and sustain its future. A city without successful public schools is a city that faces stagnation and decline, not prosperity. That is Anniston’s struggle today. Our advice is to consider Anniston Middle School’s label as a “failing” school as part old news and part opportunity. Don’t overreact. Instead, see Anniston Middle as what it is — a school already destined for closure. That’s not a rationalization; it’s a fact. What’s important now is the system’s still-developing reorganization that, once completed, is expected to lessen the system’s fiscal concerns. More important, still, is this community’s understanding that the education of the children within Anniston’s public schools must be a grade-A priority. It is not the priority solely of the city’s educators or its black community, whose children are overwhelmingly the majority of the city’s schools. It must be a priority for all who want Anniston to prosper. Make no mistake: We are disappointed that the state considers Anniston Middle School a “failing” school. But we cannot lose focus on the larger, vital picture — the reinvention of Anniston’s school system and the improvement of its public education. The ailments are well known. Repairing them with hard work and rational decisions is the key.
Editorial: In Alabama, best path is to scrap this wishful policy
by The Anniston Star Editorial Board
Jun 18, 2013 | 47 views |  0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Tommy Bice, the state’s superintendent of education, had the unenviable task Tuesday of carrying out a poorly conceived policy that, its authors assure us, is designed to raise the quality of Alabama public schools. Playing the good soldier, Bice produced a list of failing schools as defined by the so-called Alabama Accountability Act, the controversial law handed down earlier this year by Montgomery’s ruling Republicans. The strict definition of failing, Bice said Tuesday, meant he was “unable to remove a school from the list although they’ve shown improvement.” Sadly, that’s merely the start of the problems with this policy. As private school administrators from Calhoun County told The Star earlier this year, the law’s intent — allowing students in “failing” schools to transfer to a private school or better public school — almost certainly won’t work. The law’s tax credit — approximately $3,500 annually — won’t be enough to cover private school tuition. What’s more, private schools are balking at accepting state-administered scholarship dollars. Public schools are under no obligation to take transfers from failing schools. Several local districts have confirmed to The Star that they aren’t interested in taking on these new students. In Anniston and elsewhere across Alabama, there’s also the matter of a federal court order concerning desegregation that severely limits student transfers between public schools. All this adds up to a law that seems unlikely to have the intended effect. The shame is that Alabama’s public schools desperately need improvement. Of course, the 78 schools listed Tuesday as “failing” need help, but so does the entire state, especially when considering our ranking in national comparisons of student achievement. Perhaps the best path forward would be for the Legislature and the governor to scrap this policy’s wishful thinking and head back to the drawing board. Putting Alabama’s schools on the path to excellence will require a greater investment, in money, of course, but also in tougher standards for teachers and students.
Speak Out: The state of foreign missions
by our readers
Jun 18, 2013 | 41 views |  0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Today, one assumes that much of our commerce and industry have gone overseas — primarily to China. We further assume that China is a nation of non-traditional religious values, living virtually in the Stone Age with hostile attitudes toward Christianity. It may surprise the Christian community that China is now the largest Bible publisher in the world. Amity Publishing in Birmingham recently opened a sprawling printing complex in Nanjing dedicated just to the Holy Bible and is scheduled to turn out 12 million Bibles per year. But the unique twist is that local Chinese caught with an Amity printed Bible do not face harassment and are at liberty to practice their Christian faith just as they would be in America. This is a remarkable feat accomplished by the missionary effort of the Christian community. By relocating and vastly expanding the publishing arm of the effort and making it a Chinese industry, worldwide missionaries have been able to establish themselves permanently and become accepted for what they are in the previously most obstinate mission field ever targeted. To say foreign mission work has come a long way in the past 40 to 50 years would be the understatement of the year. If only U.S. foreign missionary Lottie Moon, who starved herself trying to save hungry Chinese on the mission field, could know this feat today. James W. Anderson
Talladega
Speak Out: Come out for Field Day
by our readers
Jun 18, 2013 | 38 views |  0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print
The Calhoun County Amateur Radio Association will hold its annual Field Day event from 1 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday at the Mike Tucker Park in Anniston near Weaver at the entrance to Chief Ladiga Trail. Field Day is sponsored nationally by the American Radio Relay League as a field operation for ham radio operators who provide emergency communications as well as a public demonstration of amateur radio activities. Community members and public officials are invited to stop by and learn more about amateur radio and the many facets of the hobby. There will even be a station for members of the public to operate on the air. For more information check the CCARA website at www.calcoamrdoascia.webs.com. Tracy A. Stephens
Anniston
A Taste of India: Cookbook author gives advice for beginning cooks
by Katie Turpen
kturpen@annistonstar.com
Jun 18, 2013 | 127 views |  0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Sindhi Chicken Curry
Sindhi Chicken Curry
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Cooking an exquisite Indian dish may be a daunting task for beginning cooks who are overwhelmed at first glance of a lengthy list of ingredients and directions. While many people around the world enjoy the exotic and aromatic flavors of Indian food at restaurants and festivals, few seem to imagine re-creating the dishes at home. Indian cookbook author Suneeta Vaswani is working to change this misconception by sharing her wealth of experience and knowledge with people all over the world through her books and cooking classes. Vaswani believes all a beginner needs are some basic spices and cooking equipment to cook creative, inventive Indian cuisine. “The spices are addictive,” Vaswani said. “People slowly start to taste more and more dishes and they are hooked.” Vaswani was born in Mumbai, India, and moved to the United States in the late 1970s with her husband and children. She has been teaching the art of Indian cooking for more than 30 years and has published two Indian cookbooks. Vaswani says students and friends inspired her first cookbook, “Easy Indian Cooking.” “I had this collection of very simple recipes. My friends said you should write,” Vaswani said. “Once I got the idea, I was really driven. I made sure to pick the easiest ones for people to do.” The cookbook was originally published in 2004 but was updated in 2013 with 30 additional recipes and a new chapter on street food, which consists of sweet, salty and tangy snack foods usually topped with liquid chutneys and yogurt. “Street foods are unique,” Vaswani said. “They have a certain structure and texture even for Indian food.” To begin, Vaswani says a cook simply needs six basic spices, which are all available at local grocery stores. These six spices are powdered coriander, powdered cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, whole mustard seeds and whole cumin seeds. “Turmeric is receiving a lot of publicity lately,” Vaswani said. “It is used in hospitals around the country as a good supplement and is anti-bacterial.” In addition to these spices, Vaswani recommends two types of cookware. First, she recommends a medium-sized pan with a tight fitting lid and second, a wok that allows the vegetables to cook in their own juices and retain essential nutrients. “If you have a wok and a three quart pan with a tight-fitting lid, you can cook 50 different dishes,” Vaswani said. With a hot Alabama summer in full force, many locals are craving cool foods. To beat the heat, Vaswani suggests whipping together a savory yogurt dish called Lassi. “Yogurt blended with ice cubes can be made sweet with a little sugar,” Vaswani said. “You add powdered cumin and salt and pepper. The dish has a nice cooling benefit.” Another enticing dish is Raita, which consists of yogurt, cilantro, mint and variety of different vegetables and makes for an easy side dish. “Raita is the equivalent of the American green salad,” Vaswani said. “It is one of the most important meal accompaniments.” Vaswani notes that in Indian culture, people typically try to make more vegetable dishes in the summertime for health purposes. “We tend to eat a lot less meat during the summer,” Vaswani said. “We eat a lot of vegetables. It’s easier on the digestive system.” As an experienced culinary artist and teacher, Vaswani has created and tasted a variety of delicious dishes from her home. However, her favorite dish is the featured Sindhi Chicken Curry, a flavorful north-Indian style dish. Vaswani, who recently moved back to Mumbai, believes that interest in Indian food has increased since she first came to the United States. She is happy to share the unique dishes of her home with any adventurous cooks who are ready to experiment with innovative, unique flavors. “When we arrived in the late ’70s, there was less interest in Indian food,” Vaswani said. “Now, everybody is traveling. People around the world are always looking around for new things.” SINDHI CHICKEN CURRY

Serves 8 This is the quintessential north Indian-style chicken curry with onion and tomato-based gravy. It is a simple home-style version, but the amazing flavors and bright, appetizing color make it suitable for company as well.

12 skinless bone-in chicken thighs, about 4 pounds
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt, at room temperature
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups finely chopped onions
1 tablespoon minced, peeled ginger root
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced green chiles
1 tablespoon coriander powder
1½ teaspoons cumin powder
¾ teaspoon turmeric
¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can (28 ounce) tomatoes, chopped, including juice
½ cup cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1½ teaspoon garam masala
¼ cup cilantro, chopped, divided Rinse chicken and pat dry. Stir together yogurt and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside. In a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until beginning to color, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and sauté until dark golden, 10 to 12 minutes longer. Stir in ginger, garlic and chile. Sauté for 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add chicken and brown well, 6 to 8 minutes. TIP: This dish freezes very well in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Reheat on low heat. Sprinkle with garam masala and cumin powder. Cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the aroma of the spices to infuse the curry. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.
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