Crooked Oaks: From Football Legend to Hands-On Learning!

Get ready to be wowed, ChumCity folks! Auburn University's College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) has a new gem: Crooked Oaks, a stunning 415-acre property gifted in 2023! And guess who used to call it home? None other than legendary Auburn football coach, Pat Dye!

A Legacy of Land and Learning

Imagine rolling hills, tranquil ponds, and yes, a pasture fit for champions (or at least, horses!). N.L. Hart, the site's new manager, felt the magic the moment she drove through the gates. "It was just creativity running wild!" she exclaimed, envisioning endless possibilities for Crooked Oaks.

What's Happening Now?

Crooked Oaks isn't just a pretty face; it's becoming a hub for hands-on learning experiences for Auburn students. But that's not all! The property is also open for private events, from weddings to corporate retreats. We're talking up to 400 guests, folks! With Dye's main house, guest cabins, a full-service lodge (sleeping up to 28 adults!), and a 10,000-square-foot pavilion, Crooked Oaks is ready to party!

Picture This...

Think rustic charm, photo-worthy landscapes, and those special touches that make an event unforgettable. Hart even recommends the dock at Dye’s former lake house for a truly swoon-worthy wedding proposal, or maybe "the secret spot" by the creek with natural waterfalls.

More Than Just Events!

But wait, there's more! Dye's love for Japanese maples lives on! The CFWE is reviving his nursery, propagating both maples and camellias, and plans to sell cultivars Coach himself planted.

The Future is Bright at Crooked Oaks

Crooked Oaks is branching out! (Pun intended!) There are plans for campsites, land management programs for the public, and more ways to honor Dye's legacy of stewardship.

As Dye himself said, "The good Lord created it, and then I just put a few touches on it, so I can enjoy it and appreciate it. Because no one can paint a picture like Mother Nature." And now, you can experience that beauty too!

B'ham Bartender Shakes Up James Beard Finals!

Only one Alabama culinary star is still in the running for a 2025 James Beard Award, and it's shaking things up in the beverage world!

Adiõs to the Competition!

Birmingham's own José Medina Camacho, the mastermind behind Adiõs cocktail bar and Salud taqueria, is a finalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. Talk about a reason to raise a glass!

Making the Cut

The James Beard Foundation revealed its finalists on April 2nd, narrowing down the semifinalists from January. The winners will be revealed on June 16th at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

From Birmingham to the Windy City

"I’m incredibly honored to be listed amongst all the other professionals,” said Medina Camacho. “I’m looking forward to getting to Chicago. It was always a dream to be nominated." He's up against some stiff competition from San Francisco, Austin, New York, and Vegas. Go get 'em, José!

Southern Chefs Fall Short

Unfortunately, chefs David Bancroft from Acre in Auburn and Arwen Rice from Red or White in Mobile didn't make the cut for Best Chef: South. Better luck next time! This category covers a wide swath of the South, and this year, chefs from Puerto Rico, Arkansas, and Florida will be battling it out.

Alabama Supreme Court Takes Center Stage at UNA!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The Alabama Supreme Court recently brought its courtroom drama to the University of North Alabama, turning the Guillot University Performance Center into a hub of legal action!

Court in Session

Students, professors, and staff got a front-row seat to see how justice gets served in the great state of Alabama. The court convened to hear oral arguments in a case involving a Walker County deputy chasing a motorcyclist – a real-life chase scene with questions of immunity thrown into the mix! This amazing event was all thanks to UNA’s Office of the General Counsel. This marks only the second time ever that the state's highest court has graced UNA with its presence.

Setting the Scene

Picture this: the judicial bench assembled on stage, facing the petitioner and respondent tables. The auditorium was packed! Students and faculty filled the stadium seating, while local judges, attorneys, sheriffs, university officials, and other VIPs occupied reserved seats on the floor. It was a legal who's who!

Arguments and All

Both sides were given 20 minutes to plead their cases, complete with a high-tech countdown timer indicated by green, yellow, and red lights. Chief Justice Sarah Stewart kicked things off with an overview at 10 a.m., followed by introductions from each justice. Then, bam! The arguments began, complete with probing questions and requests for clarifications from the justices.

All Wrapped Up!

The hearing concluded around 11 a.m. But the day didn't end there! UNA student leaders got to rub elbows with the justices at lunch, and the justices even took a campus tour! Plus, university officials threw a swanky reception and dinner the night before. Bonus points: Alabama Justice Greg Cook is a Florence native!

Okay, here's a ChumCity-flavored revamp of the text, focusing on engagement and that lively tone, while keeping it compact:

Sara Finkelstein: Hearing God's Whisper Since Day One!

Ever heard whispers from beyond? Sara Finkelstein has! This amazing woman was hearing God's voice way before she even understood how cool and connected we can be with the Big Guy upstairs.

Gifted with a knack for knowing things and seeing what's coming, Sara followed God's lead straight to Global Awakening. After rocking the Global School of Supernatural Ministry, she packed her bags and moved to Pennsylvania to team up with the Global Awakening crew. Her mission? To help you dig deeper into the truth through the Global Awakening Theological Seminary!

Passion & Revelation

Sara's seriously passionate about reaching folks who haven't yet had that "Aha!" moment about the Good News. She's all about opening doors to a closer, more intimate connection with our Heavenly Father.

An Adventure with Jesus!

In this episode, Sara spills the tea on her incredible journey with the Lord – and trust us, it's been one wild ride!

Following Jesus should be FUN, and this convo proves it.

So crank it up, get inspired, and let Sara light your fire!

A Lesson in Unity: Remembering Ford and Carter

The 1976 presidential election was a real nail-biter, folks! It pitted Gerald Ford, who’d stepped into the presidency after some serious historical drama (think Nixon, Agnew...yikes!), against Georgia's Governor Jimmy Carter. Remember Ford? He's the only president and VP who never got elected to either office. Wild, right?

The Pardon Heard 'Round the World

Ford’s pardon of Nixon sparked a firestorm. He argued it was time to heal the nation, but Senator Sam Ervin quipped that Ford did something even the Almighty doesn't: forgiving without repentance! Nixon, though, eventually became a counselor to future presidents like Reagan and Clinton. Talk about a comeback!

Carter's Victory and Vision of Unity

Carter narrowly won that '76 race. But it wasn't just the win that stuck. On Inauguration Day, Carter’s first words were a thank you to Ford "for all he has done to heal our land." Whoa. He followed it up by regularly briefing Ford and inviting him to lunch when in D.C.

An Unlikely Friendship

These guys went on to work together on dozens of charitable projects, raising awareness and funds for worthy causes. Then came that phone call. Ford asked Carter to speak at his funeral. Carter agreed, but with a catch: if Carter died first, Ford had to return the favor.

A Final Gesture of Respect

At Ford’s funeral in 2007, Carter echoed his Inauguration Day sentiments: "For myself and for our nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land." Boom!

Our American Brotherhood (and Sisterhood!)

Political seasons are intense, and 2024 has been no different. But America's strength comes from unity. As General U.S. Grant said after Gettysburg, "Those on both sides were Americans, and united, need not fear any foreign foe.” Let's not forget that!

A Prayer for Our Nation

Let's all, no matter what side of the aisle we're on, pray for the protection of our great land, wisdom for our leaders, and respect for the beliefs of others. Amen to that!