BEST BETS
EXPANDING ALABAMA MURAL TRAIL OFFERS PASSPORT WITH PRIZES — With nearly 300 Instaworthy spots to visit, the Alabama Mural Trail is growing, and travelers now have another reason — other than a great selfie — to explore the trail. With the new, free digital passport, travelers can earn points to exchange for prizes by visiting a selection of murals on the trail, which is led by The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development in partnership with several state tourism and economic development organizations. For more information, contact Alex House, UA Strategic Communications, at alex.house@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
TRANSITION TO SHORTER DAYS CAN BE A STRUGGLE FOR SOME — “The effects of daylight savings time, or DST, are more than just seeing less sunlight,” said Dr. John Burkhardt, associate professor with UA’s department of psychiatry and behavioral medicine. “It can disrupt an individual’s circadian rhythms altering their sleep/wake cycle, which can cause sleep debt, and hormone levels. For individuals living with major depression, seasonal affective disorder or other mood disorders, this can be an unwelcome long dark period. These disorders are known to have effects like increasing depression and anxiety, fatigue, isolation, decreased drive, and in some cases suicidal ideations. A few recommendations to combat DST’s effects include using a light box or being outside in the morning throughout the time change to offset reduced sunlight exposure, maintaining your current sleep schedule and daily routines, practicing good sleep hygiene, staying physically active, and tracking your personal experiences during this time to make other necessary adjustments.” To schedule an interview, contact Burkhardt at jeburkhardt@ua.edu.
EVENTS
RIVER PITCH 2023 — The River Pitch Competition will be held Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. at the Tuscaloosa River Market. The River Pitch Competition was created to help innovators and entrepreneurs with new ideas and early-stage businesses obtain feedback on their work and potentially win one of 10 different $1,000 prizes.
FALL CHORAL SHOWCASE — Join the UA choral department as they showcase their arts and talents in a night of fantastic music Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the concert hall of the Moody Music Building. The event is free to the public.
SATURDAY IN THE PARK: CERAMIC POTTERY CLASS — The Moundville Archaeological Park’s Saturday in the Park series returns with a ceramic pottery class Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. Learn how to make and take home a small ceramic vessel with Mary Smith of the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma. This event will take place in front of Jones Archaeological Museum or inside the conference center, pending weather conditions. This program is free with park admission and registration is required. Capacity will be set at a maximum of 30 people.
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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.