HEM Jan Feb 2024 Issue

VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

Ha y New Year! Winners 2023

A T

T O W N

M A D I S O N

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Enjoy delicious tapas and charcuterie that pair perfectly with our collection of unique wines.

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Mazzara’s brings a unique culinary experience along with old-world charm in the elegant historic Humphreys-Rogers House.

High-End Eclectic Food with an American Flair.

Experience world-class cooking, perfectly paired with your favorite wine, beer, or bourbon.

Enter through the velvet ropes to experience live piano music, complete with an inviting ambiance and a taste of elegance and sophistication.

Enjoy deliciously fresh oysters, shrimp, and lobster, along with non-seafood fare, 24 beers on tap, and a full bar.

All of our unique locations are available for private parties and full space rentals. Please visit our website for more information on each venue and call us for pricing and creative planning.

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January / February 2024

HUNTSVILLE EVENT Magazine

Contents 16

12 Publisher’s Letter

18

44

Tie The Ribbons

60th Annual Symphony Ball

14 Editor’s Note

46

Wine, Women & Shoes Inaugural Event

Events

Editorials

16

60th Annual Symphony Ball

24

Spotlight: Melissa Thompson

18

Tie The Ribbons

31

Feature: Best of Huntsville

22

Hays Farm Ribbon Cutting

42

Gothic Guild Announcement

26

Blind Tiger Soft Opening

48

Valentine’s Date Night

28

Synergy Med Spa’s One Year Anniversary Party

58

Calendar of Events

62 40

Advanced Life Clinic Open House

Encore: George Gilliam Steele: Huntsville’s Architect for the Ages

44

Wine, Women & Shoes Inaugural Event

46

ChurchStreet Family’s Italian Food & Wine Festival

50

Galaxy of Lights VIP Preview

52

Porsche Cayenne Launch

54

Summit on Philanthropy

48

On The Cover: Anna Ward, Reba Moorer, Emily Davis at Wine, Women & Shoes Photos by Stephanie E. Jennings

www.eventhuntsville.com

ChurchStreet Family’s Italian Food & Wine Festival

24

62

10

60 Huntsville Happenings

LACEY’S SPRING, ALABAMA

MIA Photography BouqYard Florist

A Letter from the Publisher

President/Publisher Todd Stephenson Editor Lori Boatfield Writers Rishon Hanners Noah Logan Jennifer Moore Nancy Wilkinson Van Valkenburgh Graphic Design/Website Jim Gharib/IG Webs Graphic Design/Creative Director Patty Satterly Graphic Design Assistant Amy Pearson

Happy New Year Huntsville! I know I say often how time flies by. The industry I am in does not help slow things down. We work on deadlines...each month counting the days down until our next date we land images on huge rolls of paper going through the massive printing presses. 2020 seems like just last week and so the year 2024 sounds so futuristic to me. As I write this letter, things are looking brighter for our economic future. The Dow has hit a record high, interest rates seem to have peaked and will be on the down trend for the new year. That is great news for the business community and especially for our friends and family looking to purchase homes in the coming year.

In this new year we celebrate the businesses who were nominated by you, our readers, as the best businesses in their industry during 2023. With your 110,837 votes the winners have been determined and published in this issue.

While we allowed for multiple votes per person, the voting was very close.

With that said, ALL of the nominated businesses are truly winners. Our community certainly thinks highly of all the nominees as well.

As you will see, our photographers have been busy out and about covering many of the nonprofit fundraising events for our community and some of our advertising partner events. So from HudsonAlpha’s Tie the Ribbons, Hays Farm Ribbon Cutting to a new Porsche unveiling at Century Automotive and Wine Women & Shoes benefitting Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama, we’ve been capturing images of new and familiar faces in this wonderful spot we call Huntsville.

Please shop with businesses you see within these pages, as they have allowed us to do what we have been doing for the last 16 years. And don't forget to tell them you saw them in Huntsville EVENT Magazine!

Cheers to the New Year!

Scan the QR Code below to visit our website eventhuntsville.com Follow us on

Todd Stephenson President/Publisher

12

Lead Photographer Steve Babin Photographers Stephanie E. Jennings Jessie Lewis Richard Van Valkenburgh KWaldrup Studio & Design Director of Sales Carolyn Stephenson Distribution Glenda Mace HUNTSVILLE EVENT Magazine is published bi-monthly by Event Magazine, LLC, P.O. Box 14219, Huntsville, AL 35815 For advertising information please call 256.533.8078 or e-mail advertise@eventhuntsville.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please visit our web site at www.eventhuntsville.com

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Huntsville event Magazine is published bi-monthly by event Magazine, llC. although the magazine is distributed free throughout the area in athens, Decatur, Fayetteville, guntersville, Huntsville, Madison and Owens Cross Roads, paid subscriptions are available for $50.00 annually. For new subscriptions or changes of address, call 256.533.8078 or email subscriptions@eventhuntsville.com. all contents © 2024. all rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents without the prior written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Huntsville event Magazine is a registered trademark of event Magazine, llC. all rights reserved. unsolicited photographs or articles are submitted at the risk of the photographer or author. event Magazine, llC assumes no liability for the return of any unsolicited materials and may use them at its discretion.

To Submit an Ad or Event to HUNTSVILLE EVENT MAGAZINE please call us 256.533.8078 or visit our website eventhuntsville.com

Editor’s Note

Happy New Year Huntsville! What an exciting time it is, the fresh new year ahead with so many possibilities. My every year resolution still stands – to slow down and enjoy more, to be in the moment and not watching the moments fly past.

With excitement in the air, we are thrilled to announce the winners of Best of Huntsville. You, our readers surpassed all of our expectations in terms of nominations and voting, with more than 110,000 votes cast! Read on to find out the winner and runner up in each category.

We shine our Spotlight on Melissa Thompson, CEO of Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, who highlighted the growth of the pivotal institution that celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.

We are always honored to be invited to profile the events and organizations that do so much good in our area. From the Summit on Philanthropy to the Symphony Ball to the Galaxy of Lights Preview, we loved attending each event.

While you’re perusing our pages for pictures of your friends and family, take note of the advertisers within. Without them, we couldn’t bring focus to so many worthy causes. Shop with them – whether you’re buying a dress or a car, pull up a chair at their table, utilize their services. And don’t forget to tell them you saw them here.

Here’s to the New Year!

Lori Boatfield Editor

Follow us on

14

www.eventhuntsville.com

Love the Way You Look this Valentine’s Day NON-INVASIVE COSMETIC PROCEDURES - WEIGHT LOSS - WELLNESS - BIO IDENTICAL HORMONES 115 Queensbury Drive ï Huntsville, AL 35802 256.882.6555 ï www.advancedlifeclinic.com Follow us on Hayley DeGraff, M.D.

Jennifer Sholes, M.D.

Owner / Medical Director

Physician Injector

Ball Committee Leigh Ann Bender, Elizabeth Rankin, Kathleen Rankin, Annie Rankin

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Symphony Ball Celebrates 60th Year Photos by Stephanie E. Jennings Group Photos by KWaldrup Studio & Design On October 28, 2023, the Saturn Ballroom at the VBC was aglow, as thirty-five young women made their debut before family and friends. Guests arrived to sounds of Huntsville Symphony Orchestra harpist, Anna Dunlap. An In Bloom-designed golden-crowned peacock, laden in sunset-colored peonies and roses, pointed the way to the ball. Once inside, guests enjoyed classical selections performed by members of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Kenneth Rivenbark began the evening’s festivities with the introduction of 2023 Ball Chairman, Michele Lucas, who thanked her committee, including Guild President Rosemary Latham, members of the Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and the 2023 Symphony Ball Advisors including Mr. Philip Wind Bentley III, who provided the invocation.

Richard & Nancy Van Valkenburgh

Dr. Rivenbark introduced the young ladies, who were serenaded with Jvke’s hit, Golden Hour, by Mr. John Preston Watts Jr. The song was arranged especially for the ball by Huntsville Symphony Orchestra General Manger, Curtis Lindsay.

After dinner, the debutantes, family and friends danced into the wee hours of the night to the music of the Craig Duncan Orchestra.

Funds raised support the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, whose mission is to serve the region with professional quality classical music performances, education, and outreach. n

Joy Smith, Linda Finnell, Patricia Hammer, Ramsey Williams

16

Tina Johnson, Angela Rexroad

Bill Fowler, Kate Sandrini

Donna Counts, Amy Mayben, Karen Citrano Watson, Sam Citrano Jr.

SeeSee andand purchase purchase photos photos fromfrom this this event event at www.eventhuntsville.com at www.eventhuntsville.com

Byrd & Rosemary Latham

Top Left to Right: Gabriela Elizabeth Comulada, Rani Leela Ginn, Madison Renee Bibb, Mary Elizabeth Anderson, Anna Katherine Ayers, Katherine Ellen Flowers, Anna Holland Blackwell. Bottom Left to Right: Susan Tabory Ellett, Julia Ann Fowler, Anastasia Rachel Jenette Gann, Isabella Ariel Duesing, Sadie Elizabeth Anglin, Scout Margaret Esmeralda Ann Bender, Samantha Fay Counts

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Suzanne O’Connor, Tabby Ragland, Patti Thornton

Top Left to Right: Mallory Paige Holland, Anna Catherine Goodson, Maggie Grace May, Kendal Brooke Killian, Margaret Chrystalla Kattos.

Bottom Left to Right: Betty Jean League, Wyndham Karen Herring, Clara Grace McManus, Virginia Ann Jarres

Danielle Thew, Cassie Wilson

Garrett & Ina Smith

Top Left to Right: Emery Elizabeth Rexroad, Nancy Katherine Owens, Sophia Kathleen Wilson, Caroline Robertson Smith, Catherine Love Plott, Elizabeth Park Scholl. Bottom Left to Right: Madeline Kate Slinkard, Kristen Merrill Parker, Dollie Meredith Patricia Murray, Jane Hollaway Simpson, Chloe June Stepien, Abbie Elizabeth Rankin

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

17

Survivors Table Amy George, Mary-Claire King, Emily Davis, Leigh Anne Luther

Tie The Ribbons Supports Research at HudsonAlpha

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Photos by Stephanie E. Jennings On October 12, the HudsonAlpha Foundation’s annual Tie The Ribbons luncheon brought together over 1,100 cancer survivors, physicians, researchers, business leaders, members of the community, and local elected officials in the fight against breast and ovarian cancer.

Neil Lamb, Mary-Claire King, Richard Myers

Pammie Jimmar, Eleanor Eagle

For 15 years, Tie The Ribbons has supported the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology’s scientific research to improve cancer diagnostics and treatment, fuel the Information is Power cancer risk genetic testing initiative, and honor women who have survived or are battling cancer.

Held at the newly renovated Saturn Ballroom at the Von Braun Center, this year’s event exceeded the day-of fundraising goal of $20,000. Combined with other funds raised in support of Tie The Ribbons, the luncheon raised nearly $200,000.

Dr. Mary-Claire King, the scientist who discovered the BRCA genes that signal an elevated genetic risk for breast and ovarian cancer, was this year’s special guest speaker.

Those at the event also participated in a silent auction, shopped from Personal Couture, a local clothing boutique that donated a portion of their proceeds to HudsonAlpha, and made donations to directly support HudsonAlpha’s cancer research programs. n continued on page 20

Jada Pugh, Emily Gordon, Kristy Bell

Presenting Sponsor Rosie’s Cantina

18

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

Johnette Davis, Ina Smith

Tie the Ribbons continued

Katy Bryan, Melinda Inglis, Jane Anne Carlton, Margaret Walker, Jamie Moulder, Susan Wessinger

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Wendy Yang, Jim Hays, Richard Myers

Alan & Margaret Walker

Liz Hurley, Neil Lamb

Lauren Graveman, Kirsten Bias, Jessica Bolton

Elaine Alspach, Elizabeth Herrin, Jeff Moore, Beth Sippel

20

Sara Cooper, Emily Gordon

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

Jessica Hovis Smith, Terry Lewis, Kelly East

Katie Patterson, Todd & Carolyn Stephenson

Hays Farm Homes Celebrates Grand Opening of Model Home

Lance Gilmet, Ollie Horton, Dave Brown

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Photos by Todd Stephenson Hays Farm Homes marked a momentous occasion on October 25 as they celebrated the grand opening of their model home with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was attended by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, along with John and Jim Hays, Jeff Enfinger, and esteemed guests.

The community is a testament to Hays Farm Homes’ commitment to providing high-quality, comfortable, and modern living spaces while preserving the natural beauty of the Huntsville area. Guests had the opportunity to explore the model home to see the innovative design, state-of-the-art amenities, and naturistic backdrop.

Cherry Howell, Suzanne Druckman Tom Ray, Laura Rogers

The event was not only a celebration of the Hays Farm Homes project but also a reflection of the ongoing revitalization efforts in Huntsville, setting a new standard for community development. The model home, located in South Huntsville and surrounded by nature, provided a glimpse into the future of what to expect in Hays Farm as a whole. n

Brenda Conville, Madison Roberts, Brandi Quick

Jeff Enfinger, Jim Hays, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, John Hays

22

John Caissie, Mary Ann McMeans

Katie Patterson, Amanda Howard, Allie Wright. Laura Rogers

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

Melissa Thompson 24

Spotlight

Written by Noah Logan Photos by Steve Babin

At the heart of Huntsville’s philanthropic endeavors stands Melissa Thompson, the dedicated CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville. With a robust history of service within the foundation, Melissa assumed the role of CEO after six years in an operations role. Her journey through the organization has been marked by a deep commitment to community well-being and fostering generosity in all its forms.

Melissa’s story intertwines with the growth of the Community Foundation, a pivotal institution celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. The foundation has played a vital role in marshaling resources, amassing over $100 million in charitable contributions, and leaving an indelible mark on Huntsville and its surrounding counties. With Melissa at the helm, her vision extends beyond mere financial figures – she makes sure the Community Foundation is always becoming more of an indispensable part of this community’s fabric.

One of the Community Foundation’s remarkable achievements under Melissa’s leadership was undoubtedly the Emergency Relief Fund. Initiated during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the fund exemplifies the foundation’s rapid and impactful response. Over $900,000 in grants were deployed to nonprofits on the front lines, showcasing the organization’s commitment to mobilizing generosity for the greater good.

According to Thompson, collaborations have been a cornerstone of the foundation’s success. Public-private partnerships, like the one that led to the opening of the new skate park at John Hunt Park, emphasize the power of community-driven initiatives.

One of the surprises Melissa experienced early in her tenure as CEO has been the diversity among donors. The foundation caters to a wide spectrum – from those who shy away from the spotlight, desiring only to do good, to those who actively seek recognition if it promotes more generosity. Melissa shares stories of donors, both those who prefer anonymity and those willing to step into the limelight, all united by a common goal – making a positive impact on the community. This diversity challenges Melissa and her team to craft customized solutions, ensuring each donor’s unique philanthropic vision is realized.

The foundation manages around 370 different funds, each with its distinct character. The Women’s Philanthropy Society, one such fund, emerged as a testament to women coming together to achieve collective impact. With over 175 members, the society has granted $425,000 since its inception in 2017, focusing on critical issues such as childcare and addressing gaps that disproportionately affect women.

As Melissa delves into the dynamic landscape of philanthropy, she emphasizes the foundation’s role in addressing not only current issues but also anticipating and shaping the future. The Compass Society, a signature grant-making fund, exemplifies this forward-thinking approach. By awarding grants that align with both present challenges and future community needs, the

foundation positions itself as a proactive force in shaping Huntsville’s trajectory.

The foundation’s commitment also extends beyond just financial contributions. The Racial Equity Fund, launched in 2020, addresses systemic issues by closing equity gaps based on race. Melissa highlights the importance of philanthropy as a force for good, a tool that transcends political rhetoric and focuses on making a tangible, positive difference.

Melissa’s journey into the nonprofit sector unfolded organically. A lawyer by profession, her transition into philanthropy was marked by a passion for community involvement. Her experience as the president of the Huntsville Council of PTAs and her deep engagement in education showcase her commitment to making a difference in her immediate surroundings.

Coming to Alabama in 2004, Melissa initially put aside her law career to focus on family and community engagement. This period of active involvement in schools and local organizations eventually led her to the Community Foundation in 2011. Her various roles within the foundation and her continued dedication reveal a personal mission to always make her corner of the world better. She also has plenty of hardware that confirms the genuine nature of her mission.

The accolades bestowed upon Melissa are not merely tokens of recognition but testaments to her unwavering commitment.

Reflecting on her journey, Melissa exudes humility, emphasizing the importance of passing on leadership skills. For her, leadership is not merely a title but a responsibility to guide the team, nurturing future leaders.

“People respect others that are working hard,” she observed, underlining the significance of teamwork and expressing immense pride in the growth of her team.

Melissa’s gratitude extends beyond her professional life.

She expresses appreciation for the supportive team at the

foundation, exemplified by a cherished photo on her desk featuring the five remarkable women she works with daily. As Melissa continues to steer the course for the foundation, she remains cognizant of the immense privilege and responsibility that comes with representing the city she holds dear.

“Being in this situation and contributing to the city I love is a blessing I don’t take lightly,” she remarked, encapsulating the gratitude that underscores her professional journey.

As Melissa envisions the future, her goal for the Community Foundation is ambitious yet simple – to be so ingrained in the community that its absence becomes unimaginable. Drawing inspiration from Seth Godin’s concept of being indispensable, Melissa challenges her team to envision a future where the foundation is an irreplaceable linchpin.

Melissa Thompson emphasizes that philanthropy is about strategy and generosity. She believes in making generosity simple and tailoring solutions to the unique preferences of each donor. The Community Foundation serves as a guide, helping individuals, families, and companies navigate their philanthropic journey. Melissa highlights that philanthropy is not a one-size-fits-all concept; instead, it’s a diverse spectrum of giving, where the foundation’s role is to facilitate and maximize the impact of each donor’s generosity.

Melissa poses a powerful question to the community, asking, “What is your dream for our community’s future?” She stresses the importance of dreaming big and fostering an innovative spirit in philanthropy. By encouraging the community to think beyond immediate challenges, the foundation aims to contribute to lasting, positive change. Melissa envisions the Community Foundation becoming an indispensable part of the community, deeply embedded in its problem-solving mechanisms. n

25

Jenny Askins, Corrie Christian

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Jessie Engle, Wesley Padot

Ashley & Tom Brown

Bill Read, Angela Panzica

The Blind Tiger Opens as Huntsville’s Newest Luxury Event Space Photos by Steve Babin The Blind Tiger held an invitation-only opening on October 8. The new luxury event space is located at 113 Clinton Avenue West. Among the 100 guests were family, friends and many local business owners and members of the Chamber and Downtown Huntsville Inc., who came to show support. Fare was catered by Events by JRaphael.

Rafi Torres, Angela Panzica, Bill Read, Roberto Monteagudo

The Blind Tiger specializes in distinctive corporate, social and private event experiences. The growing demand for rental space downtown prompted the decision to open an event venue. The space is outfitted for 20 to 200 guests and has a unique aesthetic for Huntsville.

Owner Angela Panzica is also the owner of Stella's Elixir Lounge, which opened in December 2020. Panzica said of the event, “We are excited to show off our new venue to Huntsville. We have the ability to collaborate for a bespoke event that is truly one's own and look forward to hosting unforgettable moments at The Blind Tiger. I am always overwhelmed by how supportive the city is of women-owned, local businesses. Stella's has become a staple in Downtown Huntsville, and my hope is that The Blind Tiger will too.” n

Dustin Gray, Carolyn Stephenson, Jenna Stevenson, Teddy Haymon

26

Angela Panzica, Ashley Brown

Matt Pittman, Angela Panzica

Coty & Victoria Williamson, Leann Foster

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

A Community Nestled in Nature Imagine living in a community where the outdoors are at your doorstep. Where the sounds of nature surround you as you walk over 10 miles of walking & biking trails. Where you feel tucked away, yet can be at your favorite local restaurants and shops in mere minutes. All of this is possible in Hays Farm. Build your dream home in one of two neighborhoods o昀ering various lot sizes and price points.

Contact us today to secure your home and rediscover the nature around you.

HAYSFARM.com

Jenn Stacy, Ellie Zehm, Haley Nelson

Kristi Morgan, Dr. Monica Williams

Synergy Med-Spa Celebrates its First Year Photos by Todd Stephenson

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Eryn Barker, Brandee Fierro, Sheyda Aziz

Synergy Med-Spa celebrated with a Spooktacular One Year Anniversary on October 13 at their location at 7105 Bailey Creek Circle. Among the 50 attendees were special guests who represented many of the company’s vendors: ZO representative - Kristi Morgan, Cutera representative - Michael Nufio, Xeomin representative - Lori Hoven, BTL representative - Eryn Barker.

“Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us! We appreciate each and every one of you and had so much fun!” said Office Manager Brandee Fierro.

Flowers and food were arranged and provided by the staff. The group announced the launch of its laser services at the event. Fierro added, “We are so thankful and blessed to have all of our amazing friends, family and clients support us during our first year. We are excited to see what the new year brings!” n

Jenn Stacy, Ashton Dennis, Brandee Fierro, Ellie Zehm

Kristen Jackson, Rachel Clark

28

John Frederickson, Jenn Stacy

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

Lori Hoven

Rated Best New Event Venue in Huntsville thevenueatoakplace

the Venue at Oak Place

808 Maysville Rd 35801 • 256-945-7309 oakplacehsv@gmail.com www.thevenueatoakplace.com

Feature

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BEST OF HUNTSVILLE

BEST ATTRACTIONS WINNER Downtown Huntsville Runner-Up Huntsville Botanical garden

BEST LOCAL BANDS WINNER Microwave Dave & The Nukes Runner-Up JuiCe

BEST DJ SERVICES WINNER Steve Metz - Metropolitan DJ www.metropolitandiscjockey.com Runner-Up america’s Party Pros

BEST MUSEUMS WINNER U.S. Space & Rocket Center www.rocketcenter.com Runner-Up Huntsville Museum of art

BEST FESTIVALS WINNER Tinsel Trail Big Spring Park www.tinseltrail.com Runner-Up Panoply arts Festival

BEST MUSIC VENUES WINNER Orion Amphitheater www.theorionhuntsville.com Runner-Up Mark C. smith Concert Hall von Braun Center Concert Hall

BEST GOLF COURSES WINNER Robert Trent Jones Hampton Cove www.rtjgolf.com/hamptoncove Runner-Up Huntsville Country Club

BEST TOURIST DESTINATIONS WINNER U.S. Space & Rocket Center www.rocketcenter.com Runner-Up Rocket City trash Pandas

BEST HOTELS WINNER 106 Jefferson www.106jefferson.com Runner-Up the Westin

BEST PERFORMING ARTS WINNER VBC Playhouse www.vonbrauncenter.com Runner-Up theatre Huntsville

BEST MOVIE THEATERS WINNER Cinemark Bridge Street www.bridgestreethuntsville.com/movies Runner-Up aMC valley Bend

BEST WEDDING & EVENT VENUES WINNER Burritt on the Mountain www.burrittonthemountain.com Runner-Up Huntsville Botanical garden

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BEST OF HUNTSVILLE

BEST MAKEUP ARTISTS WINNER Nancy Finnegan https://book.heygoldie.com/ Nancy-Finnegan-MUA Runner-Up Olivia sparks

BEST DAY SPA WINNER Cabana Wax www.cabanawaxstudio.com Runner-Up terramé salon & spa

BEST EYE CARE WINNER The Eye Center www.eyecentersurgeons.com Runner-Up R City eye Care

BEST DENTISTS / ORTHODONTISTS WINNER Limbaugh Orthodontics Dr. Lindsay Limbaugh www.limbaughortho.com Runner-Up Pediatric Dental associates

BEST GENERAL PRACTITIONERS WINNER Innova Primary Care www.innovaprimarycare.com Runner-Up Dr. Christopher Puckett, DO

BEST DERMATOLOGISTS WINNER Advanced Dermatology Dr. Patricia Wilson www.advanceddermatologyhsv.com Runner-Up southeastern skin Cancer & Dermatology

BEST HAIR SALONS WINNER Terramé Salon & Spa www.terrame.com Runner-Up terrabacio salon

BEST PEDIATRICIANS WINNER Huntsville Pediatric Associates Dr. Kevin Ellis www.huntsvillepediatrics.com Runner-Up Cornerstone Pediatrics Dr. Brassert BEST FITNESS / GYMS WINNER F45 Training www.linktr.ee/f45westhuntsville Runner-Up Burn Boot Camp - Jones valley BEST NAIL SALONS WINNER Classy Nails www.valleybend.com/store/classy-nails Runner-Up terramé Day spa & salon BEST OB / GYNS WINNER Tennessee Valley OB/GYN Dr. Sharon Callison www.tvobgyn.com Runner-Up Women 4 Women OB/gYn BEST PLASTIC SURGEONS WINNER Dunagan, Yates & Alison Dr. Alison & Dr. Yates www.dyaplasticsurgery.com Runner-Up Weaver Plastic surgery Dr. tony l. Weaver BEST CHIROPRACTORS / HOLISTIC MEDICINE WINNER P3 Chiropractic & SportsCare www.P3ChiroandSportsCare.com Runner-Up Max Health

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BEST OF HUNTSVILLE

BEST RESTAURANTS - GERMAN WINNER Ol Heidelberg Café www.olheidelberg.com Runner-Up Hildegard’s german Cuisine BEST RESTAURANTS - SEAFOOD WINNER Bonefish Grill www.bonefishgrill.com Runner-Up Cajun steamer Bar & grill BEST BAKERIES WINNER Edgar’s Bakery www.edgarsbakery.com Runner-Up Mason Dixon Bakery

BEST PIZZERIAS WINNER Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria www.samandgregs.com Runner-Up Big ed’s Pizza

BEST BARS WINNER The Open Bottle www.liquorexpress.net Runner-Up the Furniture Factory

BEST RESTAURANTS - BARBECUE WINNER LawLers Barbecue www.lawlersbarbecue.com Runner-Up Boarhog’s Barbeque

BEST BREWERIES WINNER Straight To Ale www.straighttoale.com Runner-Up Yellowhammer Brewery

BEST RESTAURANTS - AMERICAN WINNER Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint www.jackbrownsjoint.com Runner-Up Baumhower’s victory grille

BEST RESTAURANTS - MEXICAN WINNER Phil Sandoval’s www.philsandovals.com Runner-Up little Rosie’s taqueria

BEST RESTAURANTS - ASIAN WINNER Ding How II www.facebook.com/Dinghow2 Runner-Up viet Cuisine

BEST RESTAURANTS - UPSCALE WINNER Char www.huntsville.charrestaurant.com Runner-Up Connors steak & seafood

BEST CATERERS WINNER Mason Dixon Bakery www.masondixonbakery.com Runner-Up taco Mama BEST FOOD TRUCKS WINNER Taqueria El Cazador www.stovehouse.com/tenant/ taqueria-el-cazador/ Runner-Up vujee vegan BEST COFFEE SHOPS WINNER - TIE Angel’s Island Coffee www.angelsislandcoffee.net WINNER - TIE Honest Coffee Roasters www.honesthsv.coffee Runner-Up gold sprint

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BEST RESTAURANTS - INDIAN WINNER Sitar Indian Cuisine www.sitarindianhuntsville.com Runner-Up the Curry Modern indian BEST RESTAURANTS - ITALIAN WINNER Carrabba’s Italian Grill www.carrabbas.com Runner-Up amerigo italian Restaurant

BEST OF HUNTSVILLE

BEST MASONRY CONTRACTORS WINNER Presidential Concrete Runner-Up luna Masonry BEST GENERAL CONTRACTORS WINNER Bret Slaton Home Restoration & Remodeling www.bretslaton.com Runner-Up Woodland Homes of Huntsville BEST ARCHITECTS WINNER Chapman Sisson Architects www.chapmansisson.com Runner-Up Fuqua & Partners architects

BEST LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING WINNER Alabama Lawn Management www.alabamalawnmanagement.com Runner-Up Happy Hippie

BEST PLUMBING CONTRACTORS WINNER J Henry Plumbing www.jhenryplumbing.com Runner-Up scott Plumbing

BEST CLEANING SERVICES WINNER Clean Bright Cleaning Services www.cleanbrightcrew.com Runner-Up norma’s House Cleaning

BEST PAINTING CONTRACTORS WINNER Luxe Home Painting www.luxehomepainting.com Runner-Up Five star Painting

BEST PEST CONTROL WINNER Cook’s Pest Control www.cookspest.com Runner-Up Waynes Pest Control

BEST FLOORING CENTERS WINNER Haley’s Flooring & Interiors www.haleysflooring.com Runner-Up tile & stone Market BEST FURNITURE / HOME DÉCOR WINNER Haley’s Flooring & Interiors www.haleysflooring.com Runner-Up Reflections Home Furnishings BEST GARDEN CENTERS WINNER Bennett Nurseries www.bennettnurseries.com Runner-Up the greenery BEST HVAC CONTRACTORS WINNER Comfort Control Systems www.comfortcontrolal.com Runner-Up Craig Comfort Control

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BEST OF HUNTSVILLE

BEST PET STORES WINNER Hollywood Feed www.hollywoodfeed.com Runner-Up Pet smart BEST BOOKSTORES WINNER Barnes & Noble www.barnesandnoble.com Runner-Up snail On the Wall

BEST GROCERY STORES WINNER Publix www.publix.com Runner-Up trader Joe’s

BEST TOY STORES WINNER Learning Express www.learningexpress.com Runner-Up the toy Place

BEST BOUTIQUES WINNER Elitaire Boutique www.elitaireboutique.com Runner-Up shoe Fly Clothing

BEST GIFT SHOPS WINNER Mojana Soaps www.mojanasoaps.com Runner-Up sweet Pineapple

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING WINNER Belk www.belk.com Runner-Up Roosevelt & Co.

BEST CAR DEALERSHIPS WINNER Hiley Audi, Mazda, Volkswagen www.audihuntsville.com Runner-Up Century automotive group

BEST JEWELRY STORES WINNER Donny’s Diamond Gallery www.donnysdiamondgallery.com Runner-Up Osborne’s Jewelers

BEST SPORTING GOODS WINNER Academy Sports www.academy.com Runner-Up Dick’s sporting goods

BEST BRIDAL SHOPS WINNER Birch On Main www.birchonmain.com Runner-Up David’s Bridal BEST FLORISTS WINNER In Bloom www.inbloomhuntsvilleal.com Runner-Up albert’s Flowers BEST FARMERS MARKETS WINNER Greene Street Market www.greenestreetmarket.com Runner-Up MidCity Market

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BEST OF HUNTSVILLE

BEST MARKETING FIRMS WINNER SweetWater Marketing www.sweetwaterglobal.com Runner-Up Bold agency BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOPS WINNER Christian Brothers Automotive www.cbac.com Runner-Up Kevin’s auto Repair

BEST ACCOUNTING FIRMS WINNER Anglin Reichmann Armstrong PC www.anglincpa.com Runner-Up Warren averett

BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS WINNER Ashley Lowder Photography www.ashleylowderphotography.com Runner-Up taylor Harris Photography

BEST ATTORNEYS WINNER Russ Munger, Attorney at Law www.russmunger.com Runner-Up Wolfe, Jones, Wolfe, Hancock, Daniel & south, llC

BEST SCHOOLS WINNER Mt. Carmel Elementary www.mcssk12.org/Domain/24 Runner-Up Jones valley elementary

BEST REAL ESTATE – RESIDENTIAL WINNER Amanda Howard Sotheby’s International Realty www.amandahowardrealestate.com Runner-Up Capstone Realty

BEST VETERINARIANS WINNER Towne Park Animal Hospital www.towneparkpets.com Runner-Up animal Care Clinic

BEST REAL ESTATE – COMMERCIAL WINNER Capstone Realty www.choosecapstone.com Runner-Up Crunkleton Commerical Real estate

BEST BANKS / CREDIT UNIONS WINNER Redstone Federal Credit Union www.redfcu.org Runner-Up Merit Bank BEST DRY CLEANERS WINNER Carriage Cleaners Runner-Up gates Cleaners BEST DAY CARE WINNER Ardent Preschool & Daycare www.ardentpreschool.com Runner-Up First Baptist Church Heart of the valley Kids BEST INSURANCE COMPANIES WINNER State Farm - Diana Lockmiller www.dianaismyagent.com Runner-Up alFa insurance - Chastity schrimsher BEST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WINNER Kids to Love www.kidstolove.org Runner-Up Raising Men lawn Care service

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Beverly Weiner, Dr. Hayley DeGraaff, Carolyn Stephenson, Linda Agee

Advanced Life Clinic Holds Holiday Open House

Parker, Will, Dr. Jennifer & Eric Sholes

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Photos by Stephanie E. Jennings Advanced Life Clinic hosted a holiday open house on November 9 at their location at 115 Queensbury Drive Southwest. This event featured door prizes up for grabs, a glass of wine to enjoy, and delicious charcuterie from the Good Company Cafe. Holiday promotions were offered for one-day-only special pricing.

The Advanced Life Staff and Drs. Haley DeGraaff and Jennifer Sholes were on hand to meet and greet guests; along with representatives from the company’s top vendors, who were available to answer questions. n

Cathy Lee, Dr. Hayley DeGraaff, Jordan Lee

Mary Webb, Katie Colson, Tiffany Lukas

Lindsay Arndt

Sabrina Hughes, Danna Freeman

Crystal Chamberlain, Dr. Hayley DeGraaff, Wanda & Sarah Huskey

Connie Barrett, Amanda Fitch, Kristina Frith

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April Martin, Madison Collum, Dr. Hayley DeGraaff

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

2024 Gothic Guild Victorian Cotillion Club Members Following are the members of the 2024 Victorian Cotillion Club, the schools they attend, and the names of their parents.

Finley Jayne Amos, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Mark Amos Whitesburg Christian Academy

Claire Edith Duckett, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Carl Ernest Duckett Huntsville High School

Mary Elizabeth Mullins, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ward Mullins III Huntsville High School

Ellie Grace Anderson, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mark Daniel Anderson Huntsville High School

Maury Hill Farrell, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Peter Edward Farrell, junior Huntsville High School

Ella Jane Nuwayhid, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mazen Robert Nuwayhid Huntsville High School

Marybella Rene Bailey, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Bo Randall Bailey Randolph School

Katelyn Nicole Friedt, daughter of Mrs. Sara Nicole Friedt Randolph School

Sarah Medders Raleigh, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Joe Rupert Raleigh, junior Huntsville High School

Austill Jane Baker, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Michael Baker Huntsville High School

Hatten Hollis Hess, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Dean Hess Randolph School

Isabella Gutierrez Russell, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Dwayne Russell Westminster Christian Academy

Evelyn Meier Balch, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Victor Denton Balch Huntsville High School

Mary Camille Hodge, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. David Jason Hodge Huntsville High School

Alexis Anne Seagrave, daughter of Ms. Dominique Edwards Seagrave Huntsville High School

Mary Lucinda Barnes, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Clinton Whitesburg Christian Academy

Abigail Emiko Inman, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. David Wayne Inman Whitesburg Christian Academy

Emory O’Neal Shelor, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Brian Joseph Shelor Huntsville High School

Rowe MacAllister Bennett, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Strong Bennett Huntsville High School

Sophia Dorriese Smith James, daughter of Doctor Heather Christine James & Mr. Mark Edward Smith Randolph School

Austin Page Slaten, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Shane Slaten Westminster Christian Academy

Emily Kate Butler, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Michael Mashburn Butler Huntsville High School Maddie Laine Callaway, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James Blake Spencer Huntsville High School Campbell Brantley Click, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Lee Potter Randolph School Mackenzie Corella Comer, daughter of The Honorable Christian Michael Comer & Mrs. Comer Huntsville High School Emma Kate Cost, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Brian Antone Cost Grissom High School Benton Lowery Craig, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mark Malone Craig Huntsville High School Bella Defee Daniel, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Brent William Daniel Madison Academy Taylor Grace Davenport, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. William Brett Davenport Whitesburg Christian Academy Ella Elizabeth Douthit, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Eugene Douthit, junior Huntsville High School 42

Braidynn Jean Jernigan, daughter of The Reverend & Mrs. Alfred Benjamin Jernigan III Whitesburg Christian Academy Zoey Katherine Jones, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Albert Love Patterson III St. John Paul II Catholic High School Anna Clare Kelly, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Frank Joseph Kelly II Westminster Christian Academy Madison Elizabeth Kelly, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Kirk Harris Kelly Huntsville High School Allyson Rose Lapidus, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Steven Lapidus Huntsville High School Mary Coles Lusk, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Marion Lusk Huntsville High School Mary Newton Maxwell, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Newton Maxwell Randolph School Mabrey Jordan Morgan, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jonathon Eric Morgan Huntsville High School

Sara Janelle Smith, daughter of Mrs. Michelle Looney Smith St. John Paul II Catholic High School Lova Carolinn Stenberg, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mattias Gunnar Stenberg Randolph School Elizabeth Anne Stone, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Nobie Russell Stone Huntsville High School Katherine Elizabeth Thomas, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Scott David Thomas Whitesburg Christian Academy Natalia Paulina Domingo Vela, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Guillermo Vela Huntsville High School Frances Fleming Walker, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Cole Fleming Walker St. John Paul II Catholic High School Harper Grace Watson, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John Andrew Watson III Randolph School Vivian Jane Wiginton, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Lee Wiginton Randolph School

The Gothic Guild is pleased to announce that 46 young ladies will participate in the 2024 Victorian Cotillion Club, a program sponsored by the Gothic Guild.

The Victorian Cotillion Club was chartered in 1985. Each year, members are given five weeks of instruction emphasizing the timeless social graces that continue to befit today’s lifestyle. Social activities of the Victorian Cotillion will include a formal mother-daughter tea, a formal dinner at Valley Hill Country Club, and a father-daughter luncheon at The Ledges. The Victorian Cotillion Dinner Dance will be held at the VBC Saturn Ballroom on March 9, 2024.

The members of the Victorian Cotillion Club must be enrolled as a sophomore in a high school in Madison County. Other criteria for selection include a good academic record as well as a demonstration of leadership through participation in school, church, social and civic activities.

The purpose of the Gothic Guild is to promote the cultural, educational, and historical preservation of Huntsville and Madison County. Proceeds from this year’s events will benefit Burritt Museum.

Photos by KWaldrup Studio & Design

Back row from left to right: Campbell Brantley Click, Mackenzie Corella Comer, Emma Kate Cost, Benton Lowery Craig, Bella Defee Daniel, Taylor Grace Davenport, Ella Elizabeth Douthit

Front row from left to right: Finley Jane Amos, Ellie Grace Anderson, Marybella Rene Bailey, Evelyn Meier Balch, Mary Lucinda Barnes, Rowe MacAllister Bennett, Emily Kate Butler

Back row from left to right: Anna Clare Kelly, Madison Elizabeth Kelly, Allyson Rose Lapidus, Mary Newton Maxwell, Mabrey Jordan Morgan, Mary Elizabeth Mullins, Ella Jane Nuwayhid

Front row from left to right: Claire Edith Duckett, Katelyn Nicole Friedt, Hatton Hollis Hess, Mary Camille Hodge, Abigail Emiko Inman, Sophia Dorriese Smith James, Braidynn Jean Jernigan

Back row from left to right: Elizabeth Anne Stone, Katherine Elizabeth Thomas, Natalia Paulina Dominga Vela, Frances Fleming Walker, Harper Grace Watson, Vivian Jane Wiginton

Front row from left to right: Sarah Medders Raleigh, Isabella Gutierrez Russell, Alexis Anne Seagrave, Emory O’Neal Shelor, Austin Page Slaten, Sara Janelle Smith, Lova Carolinn Stenberg

Not pictured: Austill Jane Baker, Maddie Laine Callaway, Maury Hill Farrell, Zoey Katherine Jones, Mary Coles Lusk

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Brooke Brunsvold, Lee Nast, Alice Bentley, Tina Caudle Janye Clary, Lori Meyer, Michelle Campbell, Alexis Parker, Tabby Ragland, Ashley Mitchell

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Wine, Women & Shoes Inaugural Event Photos by Stephanie E. Jennings The first Wine, Women & Shoes event was held on November 9 at The Royal at Stovehouse. Proceeds benefited The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama.

Dexter Strong, Jazmine Melton, Beth Richardson

Catherine Gray, Jennifer Nees

Around 350 professional, community-minded women bought tickets, plus 65 Shoe Guy volunteers attended. Special guest was Jim Clark, National President of The Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Featuring fare by The Standard, flowers and décor were arranged by In Bloom and Shindigs & Such. Entertainment was a fashion show by Personal Couture. Fabulous swag bags were delivered to guests, filled with wonderful treats from event sponsors and local businesses.

The event was made possible by Presenting Sponsors Bentley Automotive and DeLoitte.

“It was a fun and exciting event filled with lively entertainment, shopping and a lovely meal. Thanks to our sponsors, community partners and a cast of rockstar volunteers. All in support of the children who need us most – The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama,” said event chairs Alice Bentley and Tina Caudle. n Callie Young, Landon Whatley, Carlee Propst, Alison Montebello

Casey Creque, Stratton Hobbs

44

Mary Alice Fann, Celeste Childs

Lee Nast, Tina Caudle, Jim Clark, Alice Bentley, Patrick Wynn, Beth Morring

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

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Davison & Alicia Pearce, Preetha Pulusani, Brenda Pearce, Ellyn Christian, Audra Wiginton, Karen Carleton

ChurchStreet Family Launches First Italian Food & Wine Festival

Chef Kev Des Chenes, Chef Alex Belew

Stephanie & Matthew Mell

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Photos by Jessie Lewis The First Annual ChurchStreet Family’s Italian Food and Wine Festival launched on The Orion Amphitheater stage on November 9 with an unforgettable celebrity chef experience.

Stephanie Mell emceed the night alongside renowned Executive Chef and Private Chef to the Stars, Kevin “Kev D” Des Chenes; and Chef Alex Belew, Executive Chef and Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 Champion, who impressed attendees with a four-course masterpiece, pairing each course with a unique drink.

Tairn & Jeff Eshelman, Keri & Phil Woodall

Greeted with a glass of specially selected wine, guests were seated on the Orion stage. The culinary adventure began with expertly prepared Venetian scallops and rigatoni with langoustines, followed by pinot noir-braised short ribs.

Deliciously light and fluffy ricotta-stuffed donuts were the perfect finish. Guests not only savored delectable dishes but were able to share stories and take pictures with the chefs.

“Curating unique culinary experiences is one of our favorite things we get to offer to our community. Whether you’re dining in one of our brick-and-mortar restaurants or attending a ChurchStreet Family Event we strive to deliver a seamless and elevated adventure in hospitality,” said ChurchStreet owner Stephanie Kennedy Mell. n Jacob & Mandy Davenport

Audra Wiginton, Adriane VanKirk, Taylor Burton, Brenda Pearce, Ellyn Christian, Karen Carleton, Rochelle Uptain

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Stephanie Sanderson, Kenny Davis

Joann Hallford, Christine Godlewski, Ray Andrews, Raymond Andrews, Susan Hammond, Luis Hammond

SeeSee andand purchase purchase photos photos fromfrom this this event event at www.eventhuntsville.com at www.eventhuntsville.com

Get BACK to what you

LOVE

The Magic of Michael Grandinetti Saturday, March 23, 2024 Doors: 6:30 PM Show: 7:30 PM Mark C. Smith Concert Hall

256-539-4818

hso.org spineandneuro.org

Valentine’s Day Date Night Searching for delightful date night locale for Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re craving a cocktail before dinner, some music after, or just the perfect place to dine, look no further than our list of favorites!

We’ve included some of Huntsville’s hottest spots!

ChurchStreet Family | churchstreetfamily.com -ChurchStreet Wine Shoppe | Wine Bar & Bottle Shop – tapas & charcuterie | 501 Church Street NW | 256.970.4097 -Church Street Wine Shoppe | 485 Providence Main Street, Suite 101 256.937.3005 -Purveyor | Casual Fine Dining | 201 Jefferson Street N | 256.419.2555 -The Library | Downtown Piano Bar at Purveyor

-Seasalt | Urban Oyster Bar | 114 Clinton Ave E | 256.824.0000 -Catacomb 435 | Secret Underground Speakeasy | 100 Jefferson Street N Unit 435 | 256.414.8248 -Li’l Mazzara’s Small Italian Kitchen | 102 Washington St E, Athens

Hildegard’s German Cuisine | hildegardsgermancuisine.com | 2357 Whitesburg Drive SE | 256.512.9776

-Mazzara’s Italian Kitchen | 102 Gates Ave SW | 256.804.6299

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-Pourhouse | Comfortably Swanky Bar & Music | 3414 Governor’s Drive | 256.289.7687

Main Street Café | Fine Dining | mainstreetcafemadison.com | 101 Main St, Madison | 256.461.8096

Stella’s Elixir Lounge | Cocktail Bar | stellashsv.com | 127 Holmes Ave NW, Suite 202 | 256.384.4313

Tom Brown’s Restaurant | Premium Steak & Seafood | tombrownrestaurant.com -9070 Memorial Pkwy SW, Suite 210, Huntsville | 256.945.7105 -8141 Hwy 72 W, Suite A, Madison | 256.715.1283

Tortora’s | Casual Italian Family Dining | tortoras.com | 182 Old Hwy 431, Owens Cross Roads | 256.536.6100

Ken & Margaret Denton

Toney Marty & Susie Brock

Deke Damson, (baby) Reynolds Damson, Danielle Damson, Joanna Damson, (baby) Rhett Damson, Kohler Damson

Galaxy of Lights VIP Preview PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Photos by Jessie Lewis Huntsville Botanical Garden celebrated the opening of Galaxy of Lights with a preview for their sponsors and supporters on November 16. Live music was provided by members of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. The VIP Preview event was presented by Publix.

Bill Roark, Lee Hoekenschnieder, Riley Parker, Sue Wagner, Michael Kirkpatrick

Galaxy of Lights offers a unique experience with 3.5 million lights throughout the grounds. For more than 25 years, the Garden has welcomed guests from near and far to explore the magnificent light displays and enjoy the botanic beauty.

With both walking and driving experiences, even dog walking nights, Galaxy offers guests of all ages the chance to share in the beloved tradition and make memories together. n

Daniel & Lisa Ceci, Stephanie & Larry Daniel

Sue Wagner

Katie Caldwell, Lauren Smith

Ashley Walker, Pat West, Jean Lee, Kc Wendler

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Faye Wishik, Cody Anderson

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

Jennifer Wu & Chris Sanders

George & Tracy Jones, Amanda & Travis Howard

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Danny Alm, Glinda Clardy, Eric Wagner

George Jones, Mark Johannes

Porsche of Huntsville Launches 2024 Cayenne Photos by Jessie Lewis Century Automotive Group threw a launch party for the iconic Porsche Cayenne at the state-of-the-art Porsche of Huntsville dealership at 3800 University Drive, on October 19. The event allowed guests to view the new model.

Porsche celebrates new designs launched on a regular basis. On hand to greet attendees were George and Tracy Jones and the staff of Porsche of Huntsville. Guests feasted on fare catered by The Standard Social Market and Catering Company. n

Joe Still, Beverly & Danny Alm, Ron Volinski

Arica & Virgil Whitlow

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Jeremiah House, David Todd

Tracy & George Jones

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

American Made

Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection March 22-June 16, 2024 Thursday, March 21, 2024 | Lecture and Reception: 6-8 p.m. with guest speaker Dianne Jacobsen

Mary Cassatt (American, 1844-1926). Baby Charles Looking Over His Mother’s Shoulder (No. 3), 1900, oil on canvas. Courtesy of the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen PhD Foundation.

American Made was curated by Todd Herman, PhD, President and CEO of The Mint Museum; Kevin Sharp, Director of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens; and Jonathan Stuhlman, PhD, Senior Curator of American Art at The Mint Museum; with contributions by William Keyse Rudolph, PhD, Deputy Director, Curatorial Affairs at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Photography for the catalogue, American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection, generously funded by the Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation of 1992.

The national tour of American Made is made possible by Bonhams, Christie's, Doyle, Heather James Fine Art, Schoelkopf Gallery, and Sotheby's.

Downtown Huntsville | hsvmuseum.org | 256.535.4350

Mike & Leta DeMaioribus, Kathi & Norm Tew

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Chasity Acree, Ann Kvach, Sundown Kelley, Melissa Thompson, Julie Brasfield, Cheri Wilson, Preeti Francis, Katie Woods

Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville’s Summit on Philanthropy Photos by Steve Babin The Summit on Philanthropy was held on October 24 in VBC’s North Hall.

This year’s sold-out event marked the 14th for the organization. The Summit on Philanthropy celebrates and inspires local generosity, and also honors the recipients of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville’s Community Philanthropy Award. This award honors an individual or family that exemplifies the spirit of generosity in the community. The 2023 Community Philanthropy Award was presented to Bill and Brenda Roark in honor of their generous contributions to the Greater Huntsville community.

Adrianna Manginelli, Katyleen Croft, Chezney Orcutt, Maggie Hall

Platinum event sponsors were Huntsville Utilities, Meta, and Vector Wealth Strategies. n

Kaitlynn, Brenda, Bill & Amy Roark

Bill & Brenda Roark, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Pam & Joe Alexander

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Brenda & Bill Roark, Bob Ludwig

See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com

Katie Woods, Kathy Tew, Ashley Clark

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Calendar of events

January

7 Celebrations Bridal Event Von Braun Center 12 - 4 p.m.

Modern Brides has been hosting the Celebrations Bridal Event for over 30 years – North Alabama’s largest bridal show. Businesses that supply a bride and groom with a product or a service in the planning of their wedding are eligible to be a part of this special bridal show. Over 100 vendors participate.

Visit Events (modernbridesinc.com) for more information.

13 Backyard Botanicals Huntsville Botanical Garden 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

4747 Bob Wallace Ave Join the staff at the Huntsville Botanical Garden for a course on hot teas and their medicinal properties.

This class will cover the history of various plants used in folk medicine, and how you can utilize their medicinal properties in your own home. Learn how to gather, blend, and brew your own medicine using plants that you might find in your front yard. Visit hsvbg.org for more information.

20 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents: “SCHEHERAZADE” Classical 3 Mark C. Smith Concert Hall 7:30 p.m.

Though the tales of the 1001 Nights have been told many times, it was probably Sir R. F. Burton’s 1885 translation of the Arabian Knights which made these exotic stories famous worldwide, inspiring numerous artists and composers. Soprano Christie Weber performs Maurice Ravel’s picturesque Shéhérazade songs, paired with Rimsky - Korsakov’s colorful and evocative symphonic suite of scenes from the sweeping Middle Eastern epic.

21 Harlem Globetrotters VBC Propst Arena 3 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the worldfamous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan fun. See the Globetrotter stars live as they dribble, spin, slam and dunk their way past their relentless rivals, the Washington Generals. You’ll be amazed by new levels of mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills, and big laughs with unrivaled opportunities for pre-game, post-game and in-game fan engagement.

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23 Huntsville-Madison County Hospitality Association 27th Annual Pineapple Awards Von Braun Center Saturn Ballroom This prestigious event celebrates the past year and recognizes outstanding accomplishments of hospitality professionals in the Huntsville/Madison County community. The presentation of the Pineapple and Red Ribbon awards, awarded at the dinner, are the hospitality industry’s highest honors. Additionally, the HMCHA will award scholarships to local hospitality employees and their dependents. Several Professional Development Scholarships will be awarded to current members HMCHA members who apply and qualify. Visit huntsvillehospitality.org for more information.

February

3 The Dog Ball Von Braun Center North Hall Join us for the 35th annual Dog Ball to support The Greater Huntsville Humane Society. Featuring dinner, a live and silent auction and the presentation of the VIDs (Very Important Dogs.) The Dog Ball benefits the Humane Society’s animal shelter by helping to defray expenses incurred while providing care to animals in need. This year’s Party with the Pack moves to the Von Braun Center’s North Hall so even more pet lovers can enjoy the fun. Tickets and sponsorship information are available online at thedogball.org.

8th Annual Von Brewski Beer Festival Von Braun Center South Hall – 2 p.m.

Live music, over 100 brews on tap from over 50 breweries, pretzel necklaces, brats, nachos and more. It’s all coming back for another round.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample beer not only from Huntsville brewers, but from brewers across the world.

Non-sampling tickets are available, along with a fully stocked bar with drinks available for purchase. The Hydration Station will also be back, so you can drink responsibly and stay hydrated throughout the festival. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to attend.

Black Jacket Symphony: Journey Von Braun Center - Mark C. Smith Concert Hall Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Journey’s iconic album Escape live in its entirety – note for note,

sound for sound – plus a full set of Journey’s greatest hits.

Over the past ten years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the US. Fans across the country flock to their shows – and once you see one, you won’t miss another!

10 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents: “MOZART AND MENDELSSOHN” Classical 4 Mark C. Smith Concert Hall 7:30 p.m.

The “Italian” Symphony No. 4 of Felix Mendelssohn is among the most celebrated of his compositions, catalyzed by his enchantment with the peninsula during a European tour. The HSO also performs his overture Die schöne Melusine, based on the legend of a forlorn mermaid. Soloist Gábor Varga joins the orchestra for Mozart’s timeless Clarinet Concerto, a lyrical masterpiece and one of the great composer’s final completed works.

22 Orchid Repotting 101 Huntsville Botanical Garden 6 p.m.

Orchids make wonderful gifts for anyone that wants to bring a splash of color and interest into their home, but what happens after your orchid is done blooming? How do you keep your beloved orchid alive so that it will continue to produce flowers year after year? Repotting is one of the most important aspects of orchid care but requires a different approach compared to most houseplants.

Join the Huntsville Botanical Garden for a demonstration on the basics of how to repot some of the more commonly encountered orchids.

Visit hsvbg.org for information.

22 -25 Rapunzel & the Beanstalk Von Braun Center Playhouse Rapunzel and Jack have always lived on the same cobblestone street but never knew it! Between them sits the run-down cottage of the worst witch in Nysland – Willy Nilly Walliwort. When Willy Nilly tries to make new friends, she invites her neighbors over for her delicious magic beans. Climb on up for this adventure to giant places about friendship, trying your best, second chances, and the power of positivity. February 22 and 23 at 7 p.m., February 24 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., February 25 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets: $22 for adults $17 for children 18 and under.

Huntsville Happenings

Written by Jennifer Moore, Pres./CEO Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photos courtesy of Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau

It’s a great time to visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical Garden, EarlyWorks, Burritt on the Mountain, and all of the area attractions. Buy your tickets now for the inaugural Huntsville City Football Club Blastoff Battle invitational soccer tournament, coming to Wicks Family Field February 16 and 18.

Many see a new year as a time of renewal and an opportunity for a fresh start. The Convention & Visitors Bureau will be moving back into our newly renovated facility at 500 Church Street NW, soon and we invite you to come see the refreshed and updated Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center®. Open seven days a week, the center serves as the initial stop for many visitors, who come to our community from across the nation and around the world.

Join us as we celebrate the attractions, events, activities, and people who make this such an extraordinary place with the #iHeartHsv campaign in February. We’re honored to promote our community as a visitor destination, sporting events host, and meeting and tradeshow site.

Rocket City winter activities will bring you out of hibernation. Lace up for Skating in the Park at Huntsville Museum of Art, before it closes on January 7. While there, check out the exhibitions at the museum, including The Age of Armor & Treasures from the Higgins Collection at the Worcester Art Museum, which runs through January 14. If you prefer watching people on the ice, the Huntsville Havoc has several home hockey games at the Von Braun Center.

The 8th Annual Von Brewski Beer Festival will move to the Von Braun Center Propst Arena with live music and more than 100 brews on tap. Attendees of the February 3 event can sample beer from local brewers, and brewers across the country and around the world.

Broadway Theatre League (BTL) has some superb shows this season. Stomp, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Simon & Garfunkel Story, will all be performed in the Von Braun Center’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall.

Many of these shows could sell out, so get the best seats early at www.broadwaytheatreleague.org.

The events and activities mentioned above, and listed below, are just some of the options in January, February, and early March. Visit our website, www.huntsville.org, for updates, and use our Passport Coupons to help stretch your budget.

Ongoing events: Huntsville Museum of Art | The Age of Armor: Treasures from the Higgins Armory Collection at the Worcester Art Museum (through January 14); Rania Matar: SHE (through February 11); Ginny Ruffner: Reforestation of the Imagination (through February 18); American Studio Glass; Buccellati: A Silver Menagerie; The Ponchin Legacy: Two Generations of Masterful Art Huntsville Botanical Garden | Dog Days at the Garden – January 2 through February 29 U.S. Space & Rocket Center | Space Craze: A Space-Age Journey Through Pop Culture and Dare to Explore: Frontiers of Space Recurring events: Test Flight: A Blind Tasting Challenge | Stovehouse, weekly on Tuesday Rocket City Rover Mixer Rides | downtown Huntsville, weekly on Friday & Saturday Rocket City Improv Presents | Shenanigans Comedy Theatre, monthly on the first Saturday Huntsville Brews Cruise | downtown Huntsville, weekly on Friday & Saturday Cigar Box Guitar Lessons | Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, weekly on Saturday The Market at Leigh Acres | Leigh Acres, weekly on Saturday Sensory Friendly Sundays at EarlyWorks | EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, monthly on the third Sunday

Huntsville Havoc hockey | Von Braun Center Propst Arena, January 5, 6, 20, 26, 27; February 9, 10, 18, 23, 24; March 2 Events at the VBC: www.vonbrauncenter.com The Boat Show | VBC South and East Halls, January 11-14 Jurassic World Live | VBC Propst Arena, January 13-15 Theatre Huntsville Presents “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” | VBC Playhouse, January 19-28 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents “Scheherazade” – Classical 3 | VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, January 20 The Harlem Globetrotters | VBC Propst Arena, January 21 BTL Presents STOMP | VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, January 26-27 Alabama RV Show | VBC South Hall, February 2-4 Black Jacket Symphony: Journey | VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, February 3 Shen Yun 2024 in Huntsville | VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, February 6 BTL Presents To Kill a Mockingbird | VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, February 16-18 St. Paul & The Broken Bones | VBC Mars Music Hall, February 16 Fantasy Playhouse Presents “Rapunzel and the Beanstalk” | VBC Playhouse, February 22-25 World Ballet Series: Swan Lake | VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, February 28 Events at Various Locations: Mark Curry | Stand Up Live, January 4-6 Nature Academy: January: Weather Watchers | Huntsville Botanical Garden, January 11 The Southern Momma Comedy Tour | Stand Up Live, February 2-3 Nature Academy: February: Backyard Birds | Huntsville Botanical Garden, February 15 n

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GEORGE GILLIAM STEELE: HUNTSVILLE’S ARCHITECT FOR THE AGES Written by Nancy Wilkinson Van Valkenburgh Our built environment tells a story. It tells what people thought was beautiful and useful in their time. It shows their art. It tells how they lived. It tells of their dreams and aspirations.

So it was for George Gilliam Steele, born in 1798 in Bedford County, Va, and one of many from that area to move to the new Alabama territory. Arriving around 1818, one year before Alabama became a state, he, like many others, wanted to build a life for himself in this land of opportunity.

He styled himself a “brick-builder.” There was no school of architecture in the United States, so he learned from books and from building structures. He kept up with the latest architectural styles and his work is evidence of his brilliance and artistry.

Photos by Richard Van Valkenburgh

House at 603 Randolph. He used the Federal style for the main body of the home, but the door and top light are Greek Revival.

Steele’s 1835 Greek Revival designs were two large buildings in the center of the city and the Mary Bibb mausoleum in Maple Hill Cemetery. The magnificent Greek Temple style structure that still presides over the West Courthouse Square was built as the First National Bank.

Steele’s other big design project in 1835 was the second Madison County Courthouse, (the second of four on that site.) The magnificent domed building was torn down before 1914 and replaced by the third courthouse.

ENCORE

The first house we know of Steele building was his own home at 519 Randolph Street in 1824. He had married Eliza Weaver, also originally from Virginia, in 1823. They had their first child, Matthew, in 1824, and had seven other children.

First National Bank Building, Circa 1835-36, West Side Courthouse Square

Oak Place

He completed his two large projects about 1840, bought 320 acres, and began construction of a larger house for his family. The property, east of town, he named “Oak Place.” In its design, he was creative, using the Greek Revival design but creating a split-level house while maintaining exterior balance and proportions.

He designed several other houses on Randolph in the 1840s-1850s which incorporate both Federal and Greek Revival styles. Steele did two outstanding Greek Revival renovations. The circa 1814 Pope House at 403 Echols Hill was a Federal House and in the 1850s Steele was commissioned to add a magnificent Greek Revival portico. Another addition and renovation was the Fearn House at 517 Franklin resulting in a beautiful Greek Revival design.

The first homes Steele built were in the Federal Style, which emphasized balance and symmetry and was popular throughout the country. Other Federal structures he designed were the Feeney House at 414 Randolph, the Yeatman House at 528 Adams, and the Cox House at 311 Lincoln, the latter changed in the 1860s to incorporate Italianate features.

Since Steele traveled and kept up with the latest trends, he began incorporating Greek Revival elements into his work. The first evidence of that is in the Cabiness

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For the next almost half-century, the church saved the building and was initially helped by HHF and the community. There were preservation grants, fundraisers, and a Showhouse. D. L. (Lee) Kilbourn of the church building committee provided invaluable support for many years.

Steele also designed the Huntsville Female College and the Huntsville Female Seminary. These 1850s school buildings were his last two projects, the first destroyed by fire in 1895 and the second torn down in 1912 to build houses.

Steele’s own home, Oak Place on Maysville Road, was almost lost when the church that owned it voted to tear it down. They agreed to save it after meeting with Historic Huntsville Foundation. The noted 20th century preservation architect, Harvie Jones, prepared drawings for them which showed how they could use the building.

One of the projects was HHF’s tour of George Steele buildings on April 1, 1979, George Steele’s birthday.

As part of the project, HHF member and city planner, Patricia Ryan, compiled Steele family letters into a book, “Cease Not to Think of Me.” George Steele died in 1855, but his legacy remains.

Oak Place is now a wedding and entertainment venue.

A number of the buildings he designed still exist and many were documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey of the 1930s.

As you enjoy the buildings, remember the young man with a vision and the talented and careful craftspeople who helped bring his vision to reality. Let us honor their work by saving the beauty they created. n

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