E-news August 10, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 10, 2011 | 2767 views |  0 comments | 13 13 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
ARC member Gordon Harvey at the SF Marathon
ARC member Gordon Harvey at the SF Marathon
slideshow

Good afternoon runners! Hope you haven't stashed your running shoes under the bed or left them in the trunk of the car now that the excitement of Woodstock has cooled a little bit...your next Grand Prix race is THIS SATURDAY! Check out the website at annistonrunners.com for all the information you need on the Lincoln 5K.

1) RACE REPORTS

***
First off, congratulations to everyone who volunteered to help out with Woodstock.  You guys deserve a big thank you for a race well organized and executed!  We enjoyed the race thoroughly, and already look forward to next year.  Jen and I also ran the Hot to Trot 8hr race in GA on Sunday.  It is a timed race, meaning the standings are determined by how many total miles you run in 8 hrs--not on who goes a set distance the fastest.  This particular race is run on very pretty trail over at Sweetwater.  Jen and I had a good time, and their race was also extremely well run by the G.U.T.S. group.  We had a ball, and managed to perservere together through 32 very hot/sweaty laps, or about 37.8 miles total.  This was good enough for 7th place for Jen/femlaes, and 8th place for me in the males, or 14th and 15th overall.  Timed races aren't for everyone, but it really is a fun format, and you end up making a lot of new friends and cheering each other on. 
 
Jay Worrall

 

***
Six local runners from the ARC (Derrick Carver, Amie Hinton, Dylan McPhee, Mike McPhee, Greg Velasquez and myself) went down to Clinton, Mississippi on Saturday July 30, 2011 to compete in the 1st Official Big Butts 50/100K at Butts State Park. For Derrick and Amie this was their first 50K race. Amie was actually talked into signing up on Friday at packet pickup.

 

I am pleased to report that on a day when temperatures reached 106 degree all of us completed the 50K. The initial field was 57 runners and 18 dropped out before finishing at least 50K. We worked as a team when necessary to make sure all of our group got across the line. I was more ambitious and attempted the 100K but realized after 42 miles that I wasn't on pace to complete it in the 14 hour time limit so I tapped out.

 

For anyone who is interested in running their first 50K, this is a great course to do so as it is really flat and fast! Next year's race is set for July 28, 2012.

 

Joe Jankoski

 

***

 

Ran the 2011 San Francisco Marathon on July 31. Finished in 3:33 and had a great time. beautiful course and amazing race organization. Lots of hills, but running up and down Jacksonville's Chimney Peak every Thursday had me ready.

Gordon Harvey

2) TRAINING RUNS

Hey Anniston Runners - Did you enjoy those Thursday evening Woodstock runs?
All the camaraderie? All the support and energy from fellow runners? The
cold water at the finish? The hills? The thrill of victory? (No agony of
defeat.) Well, the fun can continue if you want it to!?! Why stop now? Who's
in to run the Woodstock course (or a variation thereof) every Thursday
evening about 5:45 p.m.
If you are interested, email:

 

Brooke Nelson
brookenelson@amcvets.com
256-239-9001

 

3) NEWS

 


2011 WOODSTOCK SURVEY

You will be receiving an email about the 2011 Woodstock 5K and Kidstock 1 Mile Survey. Please take a few minutes (We promise, it will be quick.) to fill it out and submit. Everyone who was involved in any way should receive the survey – runners, walkers, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, etc. We use this info every year to make improvements to our signature race. PLUS, you will be entered in a random selection for a FREE 2012 Woodstock entry. So please take the survey as soon as you get it. If you have questions, please email Drew Nelson at:  drewnelson@amcvets.com Thanks!

Hey there ARC. Man it's hot and humid! This ain't Kansas OR RI!


Thanks to all who have reported. Check your data for accuracy. Everybody with a zero in July, let's see some mileage.

Have a great rest of your week runners!!!
MERCY

 

Woodstock 5K Update August 6, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 06, 2011 | 1171 views |  0 comments | 11 11 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

If you've been hiding out in the Batcave for the past few months, you may not know that the RRCA 5K National Championship was held today...the 31st annual running of the Woodstock 5K!

 

First, let me say FANTASTIC JOB VOLUNTEERS! Record numbers of people gave their time and energy to stage this signature event. Great job Dennis Dunn in putting on the race! Awesome presidential leadership throughtout, Ed Turner! Brooke Nelson, you're a coordinating rock star! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to the literally hundreds of people who made this event happen today.

 

A huge thank you also goes to everyone from Anniston High School. I don't know of many races that offer an air conditioned auditorium for the awards ceremony, and I know the 1400 runners appreciated the chance to cool off indoors. It was especially appreciated considering that the faculty and staff return to work in less than 48 hours, and we know that many sweaty runners can leave a little bit of a mess behind!

 

Reuben Mwei and Janet Cherobon-Bawcom were the overall male and female winners respectively.


Results are available online at http://www.besttimescct.com/results/Woodstock11.txt so check out the times!
E-news August 3, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Aug 03, 2011 | 1223 views |  0 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
Don't miss out on the fun!
Don't miss out on the fun!
slideshow
Hi runners! Guess what day it is? It’s the Wednesday Before Woodstock! Do you know what that means? Well, if you’re good at math it means you already know there are only three days til the Big Race! (If you’re not good at math, I just told you there are three days til the Big Race!)

Below I’m posting a step-by-step timeline of how you want your race weekend to go, just so there are no surprises when you get there.

 

But first, if you haven’t signed up already to volunteer, don’t worry. I’m here to ease the guilt that is stabbing you horrifically in the gut. Still want to run but didn’t want to be tied down with race-day responsibilities? Brooke Nelson and crew need a few (million) extra hands at the storage unit and at set-up. Here’s her note:

 

Thursday after the run – We will be going to the ARC unit to clear out anything else that is needed, mainly scaffolding, podiums, etc…. Tom and I would love any help loading all this stuff.
Friday, 3 p.m. at the race site – Tom plans to start building the Start and Finish standards, so we need helpers. Bring gloves as the scaffolding is very hot at this time. FRIDAY is a must for volunteers, so be a helper!


Thanks!

Brooke Nelson

brookenelson@amcvets.com

256-239-9001

 

Woodstock 5K Race Weekend Timeline:

Friday – Beat the race day rush and get your packet during the Pasta Pig Out, from 5pm to 7pm at the Anniston High School gym/cafeteria. If you have friends who still haven’t signed up, FRIDAY is the LAST CHANCE! There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION! Get your packet, go home, get a good night’s sleep.

Saturday –

6:30 a.m.- Last chance to pickup packets. NO RACE-DAY REGISTRATION (Have I mentioned that?)
7:15 a.m.- First Call to the Start Line
7:25 a.m.- Final Announcements
7:30 a.m.- Woodstock 5K Start
8:30 a.m.- Kidstock 1 Mile Run/Walk Start
Post-Race Party and Expo
9:30 a.m.- Awards Ceremony

That should give you a clear idea of what will take place during all the fun that is Woodstock. If you still have questions, there will be plenty of people on hand at the Pasta Dinner who can answer those questions and give you a lot more helpful hints in order to have the best race ever. Don’t miss out!

E-news July 28, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Jul 28, 2011 | 1209 views |  0 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
Team Gower, winner of the 2010 Skyler Brady Heart of a Champion Award
Team Gower, winner of the 2010 Skyler Brady Heart of a Champion Award
slideshow

 

 

Hi runners! I hope you've taken advantage of the on-again-off-again rains to log some serious training miles...while showering at the same time!

1) NEWS
Woodstock Woodstock Woodstock! Let's see how many times the word Woodstock can be squeezed into one email. I won't have to do that if you contact Dennis Dunn ASAP and let him know how you can help make this year's running the best one yet. There are still positions that need to be filled, so hurry! It's also a huge surprise how many runners forget to register until the last minute, and you don't want to do that. Why, you ask?

BECAUSE YOU MIGHT NOT GET A SHIRT! Let me say that again...YOU MIGHT NOT GET A SHIRT if you wait til the last minute, and this year's shirt is one you do NOT want to miss. It's got everything...wick away fabric...the biggest bird ever to appear on any shirt in your wardrobe (I hope)...and it's lime green! What else could you ask for from a free piece of clothing???


2) UPCOMING EVENTS
Never let it be said that we let you take it easy. Woodstock is all the news, but don't forget that the next Grand Prix event after Woodstock is the very next weekend. Check out the Anniston Runners Club website at annistonrunners.com for all the info and entry forms.


Rock-and-Roll San Antonio takes place in November this year, but the price increase happens on July 31st. Check out all the rock-and-roll series events on their website for complete information.


3) RACE REPORTS
Don't forget to send me all your news so we can brag on you! Photos are welcome, but remember that these are now attached to the Anniston Star community blog pages.

Speaking of blogs, this email is also viewable as the Anniston Star community blog page under Mileage. Find it here at http://annistonstar.com/blogs_mileage.

Have a great week!
MERCY

E-news July 19, 2011
by mercypilkington
 Mileage
Jul 19, 2011 | 1350 views |  0 comments | 13 13 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

Hi there, Runners! Let me ask you a question: how's your Woodstock training shaping up? Not so happy with it? Why don't you join the 50 runners who came out Saturday at 7:30am to train on the course?

1) WOODSTOCK NEWS
There is still a lot to be done on this awesome event, and there are quite a few positions that will still enable you to run the event on race day. Check with Dennis Dunn and he will plug you into a job that's right for you (ddunn@annistonstar.com).

Training for Woodstock still takes place on Saturday (see above) and Thursdays at 5:45pm.

2) RACE REPORTS
This weekend, Jennifer Ford and I ran the Tahoe Rim Trail 50 mile race.  I can honestly say it was both the most beautiful, and the most difficult, race I have ever done.  It is quite challenging with nearly 10,000 feet of elevation change, the entire course is run between 6,000 and 10,000 feet elevation, and there's one two-mile stretch (from miles 30-32) of approximately 2,000' of climb straight up a black diamond ski run.  This was really something!  You had snow fields and creek crossings, too.  All in all it made for quite an adventure.  I am happy to say that we were both very happy with our efforts, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  I would recommend this race to anyone, with the one caveat of: be prepared to work hard!  It was simply gorgeous there, and I hope to race there again someday!
 
Jay Worrall

Donation Goal has been met!

Many thanks to all who donated to this worthy cause.
 
Several who have donated $10 have NOT submitted a prediction. If you are one of them, please do so. Somebody is going to double their money and win the prize awarded for meeting the goal. You can’t win if you don’t predict.
If you haven’t joined the prediction challenge, feel free to do so. Goal is met but it’s probably an easy way to make some money for your charity and earn a nice prize.
 
The swim is imminent on Saturday July 23, so get in your prediction ASAP.  No predictions accepted after the swim.
Email predictions to William.Johnson@cms.hhs.gov 
per original Email below.
Do not tell me.  Do not post on Save the Bay Page. This will keep it fair.
Note past  swim times are listed to facilitate your prediction.
 
Make your donation to
https://www.savebay.org/
JimLuisParham

If I survive the swim, will advise the winner following the race.

3) UPCOMING EVENTS
Historic Lincoln ’s 10th Annual 5k Run/Walk, an ARC Grand Prix Race, is Saturday, August 13th
The race begins at 7:30 a.m. with check-in
and registration at 6:30.  A Children’s Run/Walk follows. 
(Applications also are available at the Chamber office , 210 East Street, South in Talladega .)
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1873845

JOIN THE PARTY IN L.A!

Run the Dodge Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles
Half Marathon benefiting the ASPCA on October 30.

Price Rollback – Save $15 when you
register before July 31st with coupon code ROLLBACK.

Rub shoulders with celebrities and enjoy the FREE Bret Michaels finish line concert. New loop course starts & finishes downtown at
L.A. LIVE. Register Today!


Fool's Gold 50 & 100 - Dahlonega, Georgia - August 20, 2011

Tomorrow is your last chance to secure one of the limited edition "Speedy Bike Club Dahlonega" shirts from Twin Six. If you have not registered, you better get with it. Like the 2011 Southern Cross shirt, this one is another Twin Six & Krautstache Design collaboration with the Fool's Gold race logo on the sleeve.  The shirts are black with metallic gold ink.  You know you want one. If you have already registered you all set and will receive your shirt when you check in for the race.

You are only guaranteed one of these shirts if you register by July 16.  Register now before you forget.  Want the shirt, but not the race?  You can do that through Bikereg.com as well.

4) NEWS
Remember, the e-news is now available to view as the blog MILEAGE through the Anniston Star community blogging pages (psst...so is the ARC triathlon team news under Tri Talk). Click the link to take a look!
http://annistonstar.com/blogs_mileage

Have a great week!
MERCY

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Tuesday, 18, 2013
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Editorial: Schools on trial — In Anniston, improving education remains the ultimate goal
by The Anniston Star Editorial Board
Jun 18, 2013 | 28 views |  0 comments | 2 2 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 | 5 views |  0 comments | 2 2 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 | 11 views |  0 comments | 2 2 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 | 2 views |  0 comments | 2 2 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 | 114 views |  0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Sindhi Chicken Curry
Sindhi Chicken Curry
slideshow
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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