Program helps fill medical access gap: 2 local students accepted into program
Florence Times Daily – Nov. 30
Quick access to medical care in many of Alabama’s rural areas is limited or non-existent because it is difficult to recruit doctors to those areas and, in some cases, it is difficult to sustain a practice. But a program started by the University of Alabama Department of Community Health Services in 1996, Alabama Medical Rural Scholars, aims to train physicians to serve those areas, reducing the impact of inadequate health care access in rural Alabama. Caitlin Tidwell, of Lexington, and Caleb Turberville, of Cherokee, were both accepted into the 2012 class. Each year, approximately 10 students are named Alabama Medical Rural Scholars. The five-year program includes completion of a master’s degree in rural community health and four years of medical school at the Alabama School of Medicine at UAB. Tidwell was valedictorian of the 2008 graduation class at Lexington High School and graduated from the University of North Alabama in 2012 with a bachelor of science degree in biology. Turberville graduated from Cherokee High School in 2008 and graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in biology.
Annual Hilaritas holiday concert held this weekend
Tuscaloosa News – Nov. 30
A lap around the ice rink at the Holidays on the River village might leave you singing carols, but for many in Tuscaloosa, the spirit of the season begins with Hilaritas, the University of Alabama School of Music’s annual holiday concert. “I’ve had members of our community tell me their holiday doesn’t begin until they attend Hilaritas each year,” said UA Director of Jazz Studies Chris Kozak. “Some have gone so far as to say it doesn’t feel like Christmas until they attend.” Hilaritas, which is a Greek word meaning to live joyfully, has been a tradition since the music department first performed a holiday concert under that name in 1969. John Ratledge, conductor of the University Singers, said late UA vocal professor Fred Prentice chose the name after a trip to Williamsburg, Va. He and his family were visiting a colonial home where he noticed the word “hilaritas” engraved in the mantel. “According to family members, Fred said, ‘that sounds like a good name for a Christmas holiday,” Ratledge said. “And has been so for over 40 years.” It is one of the largest concerts the school performs, involving all departments, with a focus on the University Singers, the University of Alabama Jazz Ensemble and select strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion from the Huxford Orchestra. Though the School of Music performs more than 300 concerts every year, Hilaritas is the best attended.
West Alabama Christmas Parade rolls through downtown Tuscaloosa Monday
AL.com – Nov. 30
The 37th annual West Alabama Christmas Parade will feature floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands, horses and more Monday night in downtown Tuscaloosa…The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society will hold a holiday open house Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at historic homes including the Battle-Friedman House, the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion and the Old Tavern. The Gorgas House on the University of Alabama campus and the McGuire-Strickland House have been added to this year’s event.
Theatre Tuscaloosa presents ‘Godspell’ this week
Tuscaloosa News – Nov. 30
Theatre Tuscaloosa is approaching the chestnut “Godspell” as “a fresh take on beautiful stories,” according to guest director Abe Reybold…“People sometimes think of ‘Godspell’ as being very religious, but it’s not,” actress Alex Hawkins said. “It’s just a man telling people the way he thinks, and people choosing to follow him. That’s the way I view it.” Hawkins, a junior at the University of Alabama, has been acting, singing and dancing for more than a decade. Hawkins is from Birmingham and worked with Reybold at Red Mountain Theatre Company before auditioning for “Godspell.”
Million Dollar Band prepares for SEC Championship game
NBC 13 (Birmingham) – Nov. 29
The University of Alabama football team isn’t the only group getting ready for a trip to Atlanta. The Million Dollar Band will travel to the SEC Championship game this weekend. Meredith Armstrong, got a sneak peek of the band practicing for their pre-game and halftime performances.
WRBL-CBS (Columbus, Ga.) – Nov. 29
UA students predict Bama will beat the Bulldogs
NBC 13 (Birmingham) – Nov. 29
We’re just two days away from the SEC Championship, and the Crimson Tide is working hard to battle the Georgia Bulldogs. Kyle Burger is live in Tuscaloosa tonight with a look at preparations at the Capstone. Kyle? College football’s biggest game of the year, so far, is only two days away. No. 2 Alabama will take on No. 3 Georgia in the Georgia Dome. . . . I had a chance to run around campus and talk to a few fans to get their thoughts on Georgia.
Chamber of Commerce holds Capital Campaign Kickoff
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Nov. 29
The Chamber held a capital kickoff event tonight at the Zone in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Many attended the presentation given by Dr. Robert Witt. They talked to the crowd about promoting work force growth, and bringing forth an innovative culture. Chancellor Witt says this partnership will benefit not only the University of Alabama, but the entire region.