If you read our piece about Roger Fritz’s new book, A Luthier's Life, or better yet, if you attended the book release party at the Mobile Art Council’s Gallery @ Room 1927 next to the Saenger Theater, then you might know a bit about what the arts Council does to support the arts community.

The October Newcomers luncheon, held at the James P. Nix Center, was replete with catered, individual charcuterie boards by the relatively new kitchen business called Rouxsters. Newcomer members and their guests listened attentively to the presenter, Fairhope Film Festival’s executive director, Mary Riser, who announced the details of the weekend-long event, being held in several areas around Fairhope November 9-12.

Before you ask retired dentist Dr. Barry Lee Booth a question about veterans, maybe you should know that he himself is a veteran. Dr. Booth is fond of saying, “Every day is Veterans’ Day,” and he is passionately dedicated to promoting and celebrating veterans from all branches of service. To list Booth’s accomplishments regarding what he has done for veterans, all one needs to do is look around the state of Alabama. Beginning with his tour in Vietnam (1966-67) in the Navy attached to the 1st and 3rd Divisions of the Marine Corps, much of his life has been dedicated to promoting veterans’ sacrifices in service to our nation.

Linda and I enjoy discovering new places to eat. It's even better with friends who are knowledgeable about different cuisines and are able to recommend various restaurants. In this case, we were at an event in downtown Mobile and took the opportunity to all meet at Slurp Society Ramen Shop where Von’s Restaurant used to be at 69 St. Michael Street.

“Feets don’t fail me now!” That’s really not the way it goes. This phrase is what I thought of after visiting with the founders and owners of Running Wild, a terrific running shoe and athletics store in Pensacola, where it was first established, and a second store in the heart of downtown Fairhope. The brainchild of Paul and Cherie Epstein, Running Wild is where you get the right shoes, apparel, and accessories for your running and fitness needs.

It was a hot, tense day at the Panama Canal. Reporters and other interested and curious people watched as the huge (45,000-ton) battleship, the USS Alabama, squeezed its way through the locks. The suspense grew as onlookers saw the tiny clearance the massive ship had: only 11 inches on each side.