VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2
Wedding Issue
MARCH / APRIL 2022
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HUNTSVILLE EVENT Magazine
Contents 16
12 Publisher’s Letter
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Church Street Wine Club Christmas Party
25th Annual Margarita Ball
14 Editor’s Letter
Downtown Madison’s Wassailfest
Events
Editorials
16
25th Annual Margarita Ball
27
Feature: 2022 Wedding Trends
20
HSO Guild Silver Tea
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Editorial: The Wedding of Farima & Andy Ferguson
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Church Street Wine Club Christmas Party
44
Spotlight: Amy George
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Carillon Club Luncheon
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Centerstage: Angel Coleman
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BMW Brunch
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Taste: Foods to Love
40
Downtown Madison’s Wassailfest
62
Encore: The Twickenham Historical Preservation District
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Huntsville Ballet Company’s Nutcracker
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Southern States Bank Holiday Party
50
37th Annual Under the Christmas Tree
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Therapy Partners 14th Annual Dog Days
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Galaxy of Lights VIP Party
56
First Stop’s One Giant Leap
62
Farima & Andy Ferguson Wedding Photo by Jennie Andrews Photography
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www.eventhuntsville.com
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First Stop’s One Giant Leap
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On The Cover:
60 Huntsville Happenings
A Letter from the Publisher President/Publisher Todd Stephenson Editor Lori Boatfield Writers Lori Connors Suzanne Conway Noah Logan Judy Ryals Nancy Wilkinson Van Valkenburgh Contributing Writers Farima Ferguson Graphic Design/Website Jim Gharib/IG Webs Graphic Design/Creative Director Patty Satterly Graphic Design Assistant Amy Pearson
Welcome to a new spring Huntsville! I’m hopeful that the worst we’ve all experienced these past two years is behind us and we can now look forward to better days in the near future. I’m not calling it by name on purpose - as it has interrupted many of our lives in too many ways to mention in my brief letter. While we have all felt the negative aspects, good has also arisen from it. We witnessed the humanity of people helping others with donations of money, their time or their training. With people donating to food banks for the needy or a team of men and women sewing masks when there were none available, or the healthcare workers stretched to their limits with extra shifts. There was good even in the people who worked as cashiers or stockers at the grocery store through the height of it all, when no one knew much about the disease and its effects. These people still went in to work and I am thankful for them. Huntsville EVENT Magazine was out and about covering the many holiday events as well as fundraiser and advertiser events over the past few months. From the Margarita Society Ball to The Nutcracker at Huntsville Ballet Company, there were many activities in between celebrating the holiday season or raising funds for worthy causes. This issue is not only packed with parties and fundraisers, it also contains information on wedding trends and a spotlight on Amy George, who has tirelessly worked to raise funds for Huntsville Hospital’s NICU facilities through the Swim for Melissa. Angel Coleman is the Centerstage offering us a glimpse of her creativity and talent. I hope you enjoy seeing the new and familiar faces in this issue. Please shop with the advertisers you see within these pages because they are the businesses that allow us to cover the many events and do what we do. Don’t forget to tell them you saw them in EVENT Magazine! Cheers!
Scan the QR Code below to visit our website eventhuntsville.com
Todd Stephenson President/Publisher
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Lead Photographer Steve Babin Photographers Jennie Andrews Photography Mark Jaeger Stephanie E. Jennings Rich Ortiz Director of Sales Carolyn Stephenson Account Executive Noah Logan Marilyn Pinchock 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 © 2022. 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
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Editor’s Note
Dearly beloved, it has been a long and dreary winter, and I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to some sunshine, cherry blossoms and warmth. Spring ushers in one of my favorite issues. Weddings! With life returning to some semblance of normalcy, weddings are getting back to the larger, lavish events of yesteryear (or 2019 anyway.) In this issue, we are talking trends. What’s old, what’s new, what’s borrowed…you get the picture. We’ve gathered insight on wedding trends from local experts in many different fields. And as a special treat, we feature A Persian Wedding in the South, the wedding of Farima and Andy Ferguson, our fabulous cover couple. While the event season ramped up, we were keeping in step, capturing the moments to share! From Madison’s Wassailfest to the HSO Guild’s Silver Tea, the BMW Brunch to First Stop’s One Giant Leap, we have been honored to be invited. While you check out the photos of your friends and neighbors, don’t forget to take note of the advertisers within these pages. They are the reason we are able to shine a light on the organizations that make our city and its surrounding area an even more wonderful place to call home. Shop in their stores, utilize their services, pull up a chair at their tables. And while you’re there, be sure to tell them you saw them right here in Huntsville EVENT. Here’s to you Huntsville,
Lori Boatfield Editor
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Jonathan & Amy McDowell
The 2021 Margarita Society Directors
PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Margarita Ball Celebrates 25th Year Photos by Steve Babin The Margarita Ball was held on November 13 at the VBC South Hall. The event supports 22 local nonprofits by collecting toys from guests. The 2020 ball was cancelled due to COVID-19, so this year marked the 25th year for the event. Around 3,000 guests attended. Food was catered by 14 local food vendors, with entertainment by Party Nation.
Kevin & Barbara Beebe
Jessica Clunan, Amanda Tomczyk-Kemp
Board member Brandon Price said, “We couldn’t do this without our partnership with the VBC or our restaurant sponsors.” Price also recognized UAH's Sigma Nu Fraternity for the set up and collection of toys. Price continued, “2021 Margarita Ball was easily our most successful. We moved into the larger South Hall to provide additional space for our guests, which everyone loved. We received over 5000 toys for local children. We can't thank our guests enough!” n continued on page 18
Mary Zingarelli, Sara Yates, Denise Sneeringer
Stephanie Rowland, Valerie Cortez, Joceline Browning
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Victoria & Aaron Greer
See and purchase photos from this event at www.eventhuntsville.com
Tony & Julie Laten
Margarita Ball continued
Ava Rosetti, Stephen Ryberg
Michelle & Ryan Clark
PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Sharon Heinz, Penny Stevens, TC Zimmerman, Kari DeGrandpre
Jeff & Megan Salem
Michael Burke, Kara Regnery
Julia Dubois, Juliet Thomas, Sheren Roberts
Sam & Sara Yates
Julia DuBois, Joe Paschall
Stephanie Guinn, Angela Hicks, Melissa Davis, LarNique Lunsford
Titus & Allison Crutcher
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Belle & Cody Hardin
Jennifer Buckner, Christa Marik, Alison Strong
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Paige & Jordan Hanks
Tabby Ragland, Michelle Hunter Laurel Bailey, Michelle Epling, Nancy Van Valkenburgh, Audra Lockwood
Silver Tea Benefits Youth Orchestra PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Photos by Steve Babin The 55th Silver Tea was held at the home of Ashley and Bill Mitchell on December 2, 2021. The Silver Tea is a benefit for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra. Greeting guests with the hostess were Rosemary Latham, Silver Tea chair; Joe Lee, Director of the HYO; Jennifer Case, HYO Board President; Deborah Brown, HYO Executive Director, and Naomi DuBois, President of the Guild. The dining room was filled with delicious tea treats prepared by Ina Rosa of Chef on Call. The focus of the decorations in the dining room were red and terra cotta roses, magnolia, berries, and winged elm along with hand-dyed velvet ribbon with other seasonal decorations throughout the home. The Silver Bowl was attended by past Guild Presidents. Huntsville Youth Orchestra entertained the guests with a selection of holiday favorites and classical music. A special thanks was extended to the Tea committee. n continued on page 22
Deborah Brown, Jennifer Case, Ashley Mitchell, Joseph Lee, Rosemary Latham, Naomi DuBois
Margaret Vann, Joyce Billingsley
Susan Trousdale, Nichole Reeves, Kristin Mitchell, Vickie Ziegler
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Dawn Gooch Hall, Susan Lewis
Heather Duncan, Michelle Livingston, Patsy McAnally
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Silver Tea continued
PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Emily Stone, Samantha Bentley, Bobsy Ingram
Pat Cross, Karen Morris, Julia & Darla Maleug
Anne Vasile, Hillary Morris, Ina Wilson Smith
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Molly Owen, Ann Ever Ainsworth
Mary Beth Wilson, Ashley Wells, Shelia Irby
Linda Akenhead, Ina Rose
Betty Moore, Pauline Neely
Caitlin Thomas, Elaine Coley, Erin Bailey
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Stephanie & Matt Mell
Leonard Jefferson, Brandon Zeller
Melissa Duff, Samantha Blumkin, Shannon Bailey
PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Church Street Wine Club Christmas Party Photos by Steve Babin Church Street Wine Club gathered on November 28 for a tasting event to celebrate the holidays and thank all its members for their amazing support all year long. Around 600 guests attended the 7th annual event. The group enjoyed revisiting some of the most popular wines introduced during the year, paired with small bites to perfectly complement the wines. “We are so humbled by the relationships we have formed with our wine club members; we have become friends with many and formed some lasting relationships, both personally and within our community,” said Stephanie Kennedy-Mell, who owns the Church Street Family of restaurants with her husband Matt. She added, “Wine Club is a diverse group of like-minded people coming to together to enjoy and learn more about wine and food pairings. It is also social club, so you can meet new and interesting people. Whether you’re an aficionado or novice or somewhere in between, wine club is the perfect experience for people who love wine & food!” n
Kurt & Sue Weidenthal, Teresa & Jim Covington, Stephanie Mell
Jonathan & Connie Little
Tara Mayhan, Alex Svensen
Ara & Dave Cripps
Shannon Hayes, Lisa Stewart
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Terri Osani, Casey Fritz
Whitney Mitchell, Rachel Bray, Melissa Butler
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Feature
Wedding Trends What’s New in 2022 Weddings have come a long way since Queen Victoria donned a white dress and began the tradition of brides wearing white. While many brides whittled down their guest lists for safety over these past two years of the pandemic, others bided their time and are planning larger and more lavish celebrations in 2022. Whether your list is big or small, we’ve gathered what’s trending in weddings – and brought in some local experts for guidance. From the ring to the registry, from the flowers to the food, our panel dishes on, well, dishes, and crystal, and makeup and more! 27
The Ring
Whether your heart is set on the traditional “set” or you prefer to think outside of the ring box, ring trends in 2022 span a wide range of styles and even colors. According to The Knot, engagement ring trends include oval solitaires, two- and three-stone engagement rings, emerald engagement rings, vintage rings or vintage-inspired engagement settings, and rose cut diamonds.
From Our Local Expert Trent Thomas, President and Graduate Gemologist at Loring & Co. Fine Jewelers said: The first rule of engagement rings: there are no rules. The new generation is buying rings that reflect their personal style. Fancy shapes tend to rule the day and are set in various nontraditional ways like East to West and brushed recycled gold. Our favorite mix of old-meets-new must be this gypsy-set round by Fred Leighton.
The Registry
Ring, check. Dress, check. Time to register for gifts! According to the Knot, perhaps the biggest 2022 wedding registry trend is the push toward all-in-one registry tools. Thanks to universal tools like The Knot Registry, there’s no need to direct guests to multiple sites when all gift requests can be on one, shoppable list.
From Our Local Expert
The Dress
When researching trends for wedding dresses for 2022, one word was prevalent: romantic. With the hit series Bridgerton, an overarching theme for apparel, especially wedding apparel has shown a focus on romantic details. Puffed sleeves are trending, along with corset-style bodices and textured or heavily embroidered fabrics. According to Brides magazine, bridal fashion week predicted the same romantic trends for spring 2022. Floral motifs dominated with three-dimensional floral appliques and gowns full of florals, sequins and beading. Two-piece dresses and shorter wedding dresses were seen on the runway, along with high necklines and the return of ruffles.
Dana Garding, who owns Lawren*s Gifts with her husband Martin, said: Brides today enjoy having fun with their bridal selections. Many brides are mixing designs in both their fine and everyday china patterns. They are adding chargers and accent salad plates. Another fun trend in the tabletop is colored glassware, stemmed and stemless wine glasses, bar ware, decanters and even cake stands. Lawren*s carries Estell colored glass with an array of fun colors to add that modern touch to your entertaining. People are a bit more casual with their dining as well and brides love the look of melamine serving pieces for more casual occasions. The warmth of wood in serving pieces is also making a comeback and can add the texture to a table or buffet.
From Our Local Expert Kimberly Walker, owner of Walker’s Market, said: Wedding trends are always evolving. We have noticed that many brides are gravitating towards traditional Southern trends when they are registering. Many brides we have talked to seem to be interested in their family’s silver and china again, which is a wonderful thing to hear. Brides are loving table settings and wanting to set a beautiful tablescape both formally and informally. We have seen a resurgence in this when we go to Market. At Walker’s Market, we have chosen many items to help our brides set the perfect table. We have a vast array of placemats, napkins, napkin rings, and more to make a great table setting. We have expanded to include melamine and ceramic dinnerware, which can be used for any occasion. When a bride registers at Walker’s Market we want her to find fun items she will be excited to unwrap. We are carrying great kitchen items with a modern flair for the younger brides. Our advice to any bride is to register for anything and everything you may want, no matter the price point. Since opening our doors in 2016, we have watched Huntsville grow in so many ways. After many requests, we made the decision to offer a registry and bridal gifts. It is a natural fit for us to bring our kitchen and entertaining accessories to our upcoming brides. We want your registry to go as smoothly as possible. We offer appointments for our brides to come in and work with us individually to make sure you have everything you need to start your life as newlyweds. When you register for your wedding, always remember to shop local. Many people prefer to pick out gifts in person rather than online. Some of us (like myself) aren’t very tech savvy. continued on page 30
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The Venue
Brides are replacing bold looks with soft romantic hues of pinks instead of champagnes and browns. Nude lips with a hint of pink are the perfect bridal look.
From Our Local Expert Cheyenne Zavatsky, Manager of Hospitality Services at the Huntsville Botanical Garden said: Recent wedding trends have been influenced by the nuances and limitations of the current state of the industry. Some of the trends we have seen here at the Huntsville Botanical Garden include micro weddings that focus on more intimate gatherings and monochromatic floral decor given the floral shortages. Then there are the ever-sopopular social media savvy aspects, like unique table numbers, welcome signs, bar signage, custom dance floors, and photo backdrops. Wedding styles are unique to each couple, but if we had to choose a prevailing style, it would be the evolution of photo backdrops! From grand balloon displays to lush floral walls to arches adorned with custom cutout names and clever neon phrases, interactive photo booths and immersive social media photo ops are what’s popular! Our team advises couples to: set expectations and goals; know your limits, including those of your venue, budget, and time; and hire the right team to help you meet your goals and expectations. With a strong foundation, you’ll be excited to see all your hard work pay off!”
From Our Local Expert Emma Lansdell, park manager at Monte Sano State Park said: In 2022 we seem to be stepping further away from greenery and more towards brighter floral decorations for both the ceremony and reception. The balloon garlands and arches are following us into 2022 as well, and we love to see them set up in our lodge! I think it adds a unique, more modern, touch to the traditional exposed stone and wood beams inside and outside the lodge. I have really enjoyed seeing the “mix and match” bridesmaid dresses, not only different styles but different colors too. I love the idea all around, it really makes a statement and shows off your personality. One of my favorite trends that is sticking around is the type of food service our brides are choosing. We have had countless taco bars, nacho bars, and BBQ bars lately. They all have a personal touch from one event to the next, getting to make your spread unique!
The first advice I give brides is to schedule a trial for sure! If there are time constraints that don’t allow one, then we need to Facetime or schedule a phone meeting. It is important for me and the bride to understand why she has hired me, what her vision is and how my experience can guide her. She is the main attraction, but she also has a bridal party that is part of her wedding day vision, so they should get on the books for makeup as well to complete the unified look the bride has in mind. Moms definitely need to schedule makeup as well, because this is a big day for them and they’ll be in a lot of the photos. As a professional Makeup Artist, I view products differently than a consumer purchasing for themselves. There are always going to be trendy and new products coming out. I tend to not pay much attention to that (although I do stay educated on them) because I know my go-to’s that work seasonally and with skin type. I do plug in a few trendy products here and there, but they’re still going to have quality and be subtle. I tend to stick to what colors, formulas and styles flatter the face, plus compliment the wedding dress and ambiance of the setting.
The Lashes
From Our Local Expert Ericka Edwards, Founder of Lash Belle said: In 2022, the brides want natural beauty! Therefore, the low-key and natural look remains strong. This year, we will see more brides opt for hybrid lashes and semipermanent microbladed brows which are the perfect combination to create fluffier lashes and brows. Prevalent styles trending this year will feature glitter, crystal embellishments and “salt and pepper” eyes. According to Pinterest, inquiries for white eyelashes have increased over the last quarter. It is noted that colored eyelashes give you a high contrast look that is subtle yet bold. At Lash Belle, we understand how important this moment is for you and we want you to walk away feeling not only beautiful but confident that you will look your best. My advice to brides is to always schedule a consultation (patch test) with your lash artist at least four weeks prior to your big day. Doing so helps to eliminate any risks of eye irritation or dissatisfaction with your experience.
Photos provided by Nancy Finnegan
The Makeup
The pandemic affected so many facets of life. For many women working from home, makeup became less of a day-to-day need. “There wasn’t too much of a reason to go full glam so I think a lot of people embraced their natural beauty and got used to seeing themselves without a full face of makeup,” said Alexandria Gilleo of Bridal By Alexandria in Fishkill, New York. “Because of this, [we’re] seeing a more natural yet enhanced look on brides.”
From Our Local Expert Nancy Finnegan, MUA said: This year more than ever we are seeing a return to the classic bride. We aren’t seeing heavy contour, bold brows or matte lips. Brides, especially in the winter are going for a fresh, light, dewy look that allows the skin to look healthy and luminous. Emphasis on the eyes with false lashes paired with a clean eye is very classic bridal.
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Flowers/Décor
Photo provided by Lash Belle
From Our Local Experts
Mark Kimbrough and Ron Cooper, owners of In Bloom said: In Bloom is still seeing the current flower trends to be neutral tones with hints of color. We do have several weddings this year that are adding pops of coral, salmon and persimmon. Spring and summer weddings will continue to be mainly neutral, but we do see a few brides avoiding all the gray foliage like eucalyptus that has been popular over the past several years. Late summer and fall weddings normally add deep hues of the upcoming autumn season. A return of gold and brass containers has been on the horizon for awhile and we expect that to continue. Old is new again! Taper candles are also becoming more prevalent which adds a romantic glow to the reception. As with every other component of weddings, the supply chain sometimes doesn’t cooperate. We can normally provide the color and style for our brides, but the actual bloom might vary depending on supply and demand. Most flowers are grown around the world, but we do buy local when available. We encourage our brides to plan early and be flexible with flower selections.
From Our Local Expert Stephanie Kennedy-Mell, who owns Church Street Family of restaurants with her husband Matt contributed: The world has faced nearly two years of disruption and uncertainty, cautious optimism and unexpected challenges - CateringInsight.com We have definitely experienced our highest level of uncertainty these past two years, with events on the books cancelling at the last-minute planning has been a challenge. We have found that the key to catering, especially in 2020 and beyond, is to be flexible. Caterers need to be in constant contact, you need to be able to adapt to your customers’ needs and wants more than ever and remember this is their special day so it must be perfect! We are so excited to be a preferred caterer at our amazing local venues here in Huntsville, and with the addition of our own unique places, we have a lot to offer, and with the number of events increasing in the coming months, we are looking forward to the future!
From Our Local Expert
Photo provided by In Bloom
The Food
Guests come to weddings for the hope, the joy but also for the food. “In 2022, couples are infusing their menus with both cultural and sentimental dishes, like food from the restaurant where they had their first date or a favorite childhood dish,” said Kim Forrest, in her article 2022 Wedding Trends That Are Actually Doable.
Ashley Ramirez, owner of Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro said: For 2022 and 2023, we are seeing more couples choose to offer either a plated meal, or family style dining option over a buffet! This creates a slightly more elegant and formal setting for your day. With a plated meal, each guest selects their entree prior to the wedding. If you do not want to go through the hassle of having guests choose their entree in advance, consider choosing a family style meal instead. With this dining option, each guest table receives a sampling of every item from the menu to pass and share. We personally love the family style dining option as it allows for the variety of a buffet, with a more intimate feel. It is also an efficient way to serve the meal and allows guests to receive their food quickly.
According to Jen Avey of Destination Weddings Travel Group, couples aren’t only offering signature cocktails, but including a signature mocktail on their drink menu – making sure that guests who don’t drink are included in the fun.
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Sustainability
Though bigger weddings may be back, sustainability is on the minds of many couples in 2022. “A focus on the environment is being echoed in our couples’ desire to have a smaller footprint; whether, through sustainable catering, digital RSVPs or a desire to utilize local vendors,” said Nora Sheils of Bridal Bliss in Lake Oswego, Ore. Save the Dates and even invitations are going digital. And according to Amy Shack Egan of Modern Rebel & Co., charitable favors are a way to share those values with guests and reduce waste. “Couples are increasingly excited to give back through their events,” Shack Egan says. “We’re seeing couples donate a set dollar amount per guest toward a non-profit they care about—it feels good and makes a difference!” Other couples are opting for eco-friendly favors, like food, seed packets or succulents.
Focus on Technology
During the pandemic, couples who were forced to shrink their guest lists utilized livestreaming technology to include loved ones who weren’t able to attend. And while most gathering restrictions have been lifted, livestreaming is here to stay, according to Forrest. “There’s definitely a rise in new streaming companies and videographers are now adding this service to their current packages,” said Natasha Celestin of Just4U Wedding Coordination and More in Fort Worth, Texas. “Pre-COVID, guests had two choices when it came to accepting an invitation—yes or no. Now couples can offer their family and friends a great alternative to attend their wedding.” Online RSVPs are also rising in popularity. “About eight out of 10 of my clients are opting for their guests to RSVP via their wedding website,” says Gina Geiler of Gina Marie Weddings & Events in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “They still have an RSVP card and then direct their guests to their website. I also have guests who are getting custom QR codes for guests to scan [to] take them to their websites.” n
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Academic, Fun, & Open to the Public RANDOLPH SUMMER PROGRAMS
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A Persian Wedding in the South: The Wedding of Farima & Andy Ferguson Written by Farima Ferguson Photos by Jennie Andrews Photography After two years of dating, Andy asked me to marry him in 2019 when we were visiting our favorite vineyard in Hillsborough, Va. The view was amazing, with the beautiful rolling green hills and sunny blue sky. I knew I wanted my wedding venue to have the same view, but I wanted to celebrate our wedding where most of our family and friends live. Burritt on the Mountain was the perfect choice since Huntsville is my hometown, and the view was exactly what we pictured for our wedding. We set our wedding for May 2020, but like many other 2020 brides, that didn’t happen. We postponed our wedding a couple times before we were finally able to celebrate with our family and friends in July of 2021. It all worked out because it turned out to be an unusually cool, sunny day for July in Alabama.
Persian Infusion Since I am first generation Persian-American, my husband and I wanted to incorporate Persian cultural traditions in our ceremony and reception. During a Persian ceremony, the couple displays a table spread, called a sofreh, that symbolizes their love and future together. Each item on the sofreh has a special meaning. For example, the couple feeds each other honey to bring sweetness to their lives together. Another tradition we incorporated was asking close female family members and friends to
come up during the ceremony and rub sugar cones together on a cloth held up over our heads to add sweetness to our lives together. At the end of the ceremony, a close friend walked the aisle with wild rue to bring us prosperity and luck before my husband and I walked out. We printed out programs that explained the aspects of a Persian ceremony, along with a watercolor drawing my cousin did of the sofreh explaining the significance of each item, so any guests who weren’t familiar with the traditions could follow along with our ceremony. Once cocktail hour and dinner were finished, it was time for the traditional Persian cake cutting. In Persian weddings, the cake cutting is its own special event. The couple usually asks a few female family members or close friends to dance with a knife before giving it to the couple to cut the cake, but there’s a catch. The family members won’t give the knife unless the groom pays them for it. Each person goes back and forth with the groom a couple times before passing it on to the next person. Eventually, the groom gets the knife and all the guests cheer. To add a surprise for our guests, our groomsmen decided to get in on the fun and dance with the knife before giving it to the groom. We spent the rest of our night dancing the night away with our family and friends, but my favorite part of our wedding was incorporating these Persian elements with a traditional American wedding because it was the perfect way to share our love for one another and to blend two cultures coming together into one household. n
Our Vendors: Wedding coordinator/planner: Revel Events Agency | Caterer and Linens: Belle Fleur | Cake: Belle Fleur | Photographer: Jennie Andrews Photography Videographer: Colling Films | Dress: Arzelle’s Bridal | Florals: BouqYard | DJ and Lighting: DJ Prez with Superior Sound Entertainment | Makeup: MLAartistry | Hair: Evolution Bridal Co | Live Wedding Painter: Joy Varnell Art
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Harriett Frederick, Mindy Nettles, Jill Grace, Joy Hall Lisa McBride, Michelle Hunter, Donna Joffrion, Jan Teachy, Amy Cornelius
Carillon Club Christmas Luncheon PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Photos by Steve Babin The Carillon Club gathered to celebrate its annual Christmas luncheon on December 1 at The Ledges. Among the 96 ladies in attendance, special guests included Carillon Club President Patti Thornton, who introduced Executive Director of Girls Inc., Stephanie Malone; and Program Director of Girls Inc., Regina Burden.
Alexis Parker, Edna Block, Tabby Ragland, Michelle Campbell
Carillon Club Member Aida Moultrie gave a devotion on the importance of reaching out to others every day and focusing on giving encouragement, a listening ear, an uplifting smile, or a rescuing hug. Moultrie also offered the prayer to bless the food. Victorian Carolers from Windham Entertainment sang a variety of Christmas Carols for the event. The Carillon Club is a society created in 1966 to unite women in the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding, and to take an active interest in the civic, social, and moral welfare of the community; and to help advance and preserve the image of the City of Huntsville as concerns the interests of its members. The Carillon Club continues to support Girls Inc. of Huntsville, Ala. n Becky Mathis, Lorri Doss, Jan Ingram
Joy Hall, Patti Thornton, Aida Moultre, Jan Teachy, Lisa Caprio, Mary Beth Davis, Amy Cornelius, Kim Mims, Becky Mathis, Carol May
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Kelly Thomas, Nancy Siniard, Bobsy Ingram
Stephanie Malone, Regina Burden
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Davis Manning, Katherine Flowers, Diane Brown
Ryan Clark, David Faulk
Parker Jones, Chase Volinski, Ryan Clark, George Jones, Ron Volinski
PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
BMW Brunch Goes Mobile with Drive-Through Event Photos by Steve Babin Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s longest-running fundraiser took a creative approach this year, featuring a drive-through brunch at Century BMW on November 22. The 35th annual BMW Brunch raised a record $81,343 in net proceeds, which will provide comfort and support to gynecologic oncology patients through the new Lee Coggins Patient Care Fund at HHF. More than 450 guests supported the cause and picked up a special meal catered by Cotton Row. The organizers extended a special thank you to Silver Sponsors Century BMW; Robins & Morton; and Twickenham Advisors for their generous support.
Lauren Barry, Bill Coggins, Sarah Jones, Molli & Tyler Kirby
To support the Lee Coggins Patient Care Fund or learn more about BMW Brunch, visit huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org. n
Jeff Samz, Tracy & George Jones
Bill Coggins, Sarah, Allie & Parker Jones
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Lauren & Brett Barry
Melinda Marona, Anna Manning, Anna Smith, Brandon Hicks
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Luis Hulguera, Marilyn Cash, Stephanie Estrada, Luke Hulguera, Carlos Estrada Carolyn, Lauren & Todd Stephenson
Madison Goes Wassailing PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Photos by Steve Babin Madison Downtown Merchants presented the Wassail Fest on December 2 in historic Madison. The event kicked off the season with a tasty sampling of wassail, festive music, lighting of the Christmas Trees, shopping and eating. Participating merchants were: South and Pine, Main Street Café, Old Black Bear Brewing Company, Hook a Frog Fiber and Fun, The House of Pilates, Pure Barre, Filthy Gorgeous on Main, Madison Station Antiques, Lemon and Lavender, Murphy Homes, Noble Passage Interiors, Balch Realty, Kathleen’s Bridal.
Anastasia & Bobby Morris
Mike & Leigh Ann Toth
This was the first year for the event, but Tammy Hall of Main Street Café, one of the organizers, proclaimed it very successful, with 1000+ attendees. Hall reported that a Madison resident said of the event, “This is great! Please have this every year!” n
Pamela Bass, Paul Finley, Belinda Thompson, Kim Tilghman
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Tammy & Presley Hall
Josie Lipscomb, Paul Finley
Christine & Amber Davis
Jake & Michael Johnson
Richard Stults, Claire Whitt
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Courtney Martin, Jill Ryan
weddings We specialize in custom designed events and menus and o昀er several private dining rooms. Our catering division, Washington Square Catering, will also bring our award winning chefs and cuisine to your special day. thebottledowntown.com thebottlehuntsville
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Maya Webster, John Franklin Waverly Dover, Lea Williamson
Jodi Stephens, Elissa Leonard
Debbie Rogers. Sara Thomas
PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
The Nutcracker Ushered in the Holiday Season Photos by Steve Babin The Huntsville Ballet Company celebrated the 2021/2022 season with its 53rd annual production of the Nutcracker. The holiday classic is a favorite Huntsville tradition. The enchanting story came to life at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, masterful choreography, enchanting scenic designs, brilliant lighting and stunningly crafted costumes. n Henry Turner, Tanjie Kling, Phillip Otto, Bill Kling
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Hannah Marker, Eric Free
Ashley & David Reamey
Kevin & Susie Jolley
Dawn Cole, Sylvia Herring
Rachel Butler, Shannon Satterfield, Christy Bates
Jeff & Teresa Ferguson
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Spotlight
Amy George Transforming Grief Through Fundraising 44
Written by Lori J. Connors Photos by Steve Babin
Spotlight
Amy George, Director of Corporate and Government Relations for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation has spent nearly two decades building awareness and raising funds toward the purchase of life-saving equipment for the Huntsville Hospital Women & Children Regional Neonatal ICU and to support the NICU’s Family Services.
When your child is admitted to the hospital, you also want to know that the facility has the most up-to-date equipment. For those unfamiliar with the costs of Neonatal medical equipment, it can be a real eye-opener. A single Giraffe OmniBed costs $41,000; one Voyager Isolette is $187,000. “We also provide program support for families who have been admitted into our NICU. We make sure that their needs are being met,” said Amy. “We provide bereavement support, because Chris and I walked that really interesting NICU road where we know what it is like to leave without your child, and we also know what it is what is like to bring your child home.”
The Huntsville Hospital Foundation is the fundraising arm for Huntsville Hospital. In her role, Amy works with corporate donors and government entities who support the hospital. Long before her role with the Foundation, the Muscle Shoals native was a news anchor from 1996-2007 for WHNT Channel 19. Her husband Chris played hockey with the Huntsville Channel Cats, the precursor to the Huntsville Havoc. His jersey prominently hangs on the wall in the Propst Arena.
“Because we know both sides, we know how important the medical equipment is because it helped save Ann Catherine’s life and that’s why she came home and is with us now,” said Amy. “Because we know it’s like when medical equipment isn’t enough, we want to fill those other gaps.”
When Amy left the world of TV news in 2007, she went to work for the Foundation, then left to stay home with her two young daughters, Ann Catherine and Lily Baker. She returned to the Foundation in 2016 as a grant writer. In 2019, she moved into her current position. The couples’ unexpected role as fundraisers came about through a deeply painful experience, one that left them profoundly grief stricken – the loss of their infant daughter, Melissa. In June 2005, Amy gave birth to twin daughters Ann Catherine and Melissa Suzanne. They were born 14 weeks early. “They were just incredibly sick, so tiny, and they were taken to the NICU,” she said. “Melissa had complications that all the best technology in the world just could not help. She passed away later that same day. Ann Catherine did not have those same complications and went on to spent 68 days in NICU and came home on August 7, 2005.” “The whole time that we were in the hospital we were so touched by the care our daughters received,” said Amy. “The medical care was second to none. We were also moved by the care that Chris and I received, how the nurses cared about us and would explain to us in great detail what was going on. On days that we needed a hug, they would give us a hug. On days where we needed to cry, they let us cry. It’s just such a special place, that unless you’ve had a child there, it’s hard to understand.” When Ann Catherine was discharged, Chris said, ‘Amy, I think we’re in a position where we could help a lot of people, that we could try to bring something good out of something so awful.’ At the time, Amy was a main anchor at Channel 19. As a recognized local TV news persona, she had a built-in platform. Chris was also well-known through the Huntsville Channel Cats. “To be completely honest, I didn’t want to,” said Amy. “I didn’t think that my heart could go there. We had just lost Melissa and it was so raw still and so painful, and I just didn’t think I could do it.”
“When Melissa passed away, the world just went dark,” she said. “There’s no other way to describe what losing her felt like. I remember in those early days, just wanting to close the door of my bedroom and never leave again. I think it was a few days after she died, just realizing that she’s not here, but Ann Catherine is, and she needs her mother. I think it was what helped me be able to put one foot on the floor and get up in the morning and continue to live.” Chris continued to bring up the idea of reaching out, so the couple began talking about it, praying about it, and then decided that this was the path that God was leading them on, to take their tragedy and transform that loss into something that could help others. In November 2005, the Georges founded the Melissa George Neonatal Memorial Fund, which is overseen by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Since its inception, the Fund has raised $4.2 million dollars toward helping babies and their families who come through the regional NICU at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children. “When we started Melissa’s Fund, we just wanted to raise people’s awareness,” said Amy. “Because of how touched we were by how the NICU took care of our girls and us, we wanted to support the NICU, to raise money to provide medical equipment for the NICU and offer program support.” Since Huntsville Women’s and Children is home to the region’s neonatal unit, every neonate in North Alabama is transported there. For those who might not live nearby, it can create a hardship. It can also become very expensive for families who may live 1-2 hours away and are driving back and forth. It’s especially difficult for families with other children at home.
“A few years ago, we started a support group for families who have lost infants. It’s called the HOPE group. HOPE stands for Helping Other Parents Endure,” said Amy. “It really came about in an interesting way, because ever since I lost my daughter, hope has always been my word. Hope is my word because it is what I cling to.” The HOPE group meets monthly and is a service of Melissa’s Fund, but partners with the trained medical professionals at Hospice Family Care because of their experience in dealing with grief and loss. The Fund’s double header benefit event falls on the first weekend in August. The Miracle Bash on Friday evening features a buffet dinner, one of the largest silent auctions in town, and provides special moments that connect guests to the meaning of the event. On Saturday morning, hundreds of kids ages 4 - 14 swim laps to raise money for the babies. In 2021, a major uptick in COVID cases prompted the unexpected. “The Miracle Bash was supposed to be August 6 and Swim for Melissa was going to be August 7,” said Amy. “But we hit a surge – the week of the event. We ended up having to cancel the in-person part because we’re a hospital foundation. At the time, we just didn’t feel that it was right to hold a big in-person event while nurses and doctors at the hospital were trying to treat COVID patients.” “But the amazing thing is that we ended up having record proceeds, $265,000, in a year where we didn’t actually meet in person,” said Amy. “I think that speaks volumes to what Melissa’s Fund means to people and of the support that we received. That was a really neat thing to experience during a week that was really hard for us.” “There’s so many different facets of what we do,” said Amy. “But at the end of the day, our main purpose is to to help families that are walking that same really hard road that Chris and I walked.” n
To donate, visit https://www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org/get-involved/give-now
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Ward Ragland, Dr. Clyde Yarbrough
Richard & Nona Perdue, Doug Martinson
John Corbell, Bob Seaman
Brooks Brown, Don McClure
Todd Stephenson, Richard Perdue
Nona & Richard Perdue
Southern States Bank’s Annual Holiday Party PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Photos by Steve Babin Southern States Bank celebrated their annual holiday party on December 6 at the bank’s office at 415 Church Street. The event was attended by company stockholders and clients. Richard Perdue welcomed guests and thanked them for helping the bank have a successful year. Fare was catered by Bubba’s Silver Spoon with entertainment by Winslow Davis. n
Virgil Curry, Brooks Brown, Ben Freeman Andrea Crain, Rebecca Aycock, Heather Poe, Virginia Burridge, Jake Scanlon
Sabrina Lee, Deona Lawrence
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Dr. Clyde Yarbrough, Kelly Parkinson
James Smith, Jeneene Sams
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Laurel Bailey, James Brown
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Centerstage
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Written by Lori Boatfield Photos by Steve Babin Hair and Makeup by Andrea Johnson
Huntsville Resident Angel Baker Coleman has recently embarked upon her artistic journey. She uses clay, hot glue, and sometimes a little pixie dust to express her unique style. LB: What or who inspired you to be an artist? AC: I took art in high school from Robbie Pulliam. She was tiny, quiet, mildmannered and yet she inspired all of her rambunctious students to learn, create, and appreciate art. Those gifts have always been a part of who I am. LB: How did you begin to use different materials, like glue and clay in your pieces? AC: Other than helping my five children with their school projects or working on a set for some play they were in, my artistic side lay dormant after high school. About three years ago, I mentioned to my children that I might like to paint again, so for Christmas of 2018, they set up a little studio for me. The easel-mounted canvas mocked me for a year. It had been 35 years! Then I happened upon a YouTube video of a tree created using a glue gun. Finally, I found the courage to tackle that blank canvas, and I was pleased with the finished product. Immediately, my mind flooded with ways I could explore more options with different media. I began using clay because it allowed for more detail. It was very freeing to realize I didn’t have to limit myself to just one medium. LB: I read that much of your art is inspired by your love for the South. Can you talk about that? AC: Nature, family and whimsy play a large role in my art. Being raised in the South, I find inspiration all around me.
LB: What do you love most about Huntsville specifically? AC: I was recently asked to make a painting of the Huntsville skyline. Well … that’s a tough one, but there are many iconic sites that evoke that warm feeling of “home.” Big Spring Park, Eggbeater Jesus and our very own Saturn V. LB: How do you bring life to unloved pieces in your art? AC: I have a room that is full of thrift store, yard sale, even curbside pieces that were likely destined for a landfill, but I knew that with a little creativity, they could be given a new life and made into something to be cherished. n
To see more of Angel’s artwork: Instagram.Com/angelbakercoleman https://www.facebook.com/angel.b.coleman.7 Https://www.angelbc-art.com/
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Dokk Savage, Clarissa McClain
Meagan Tortorigi, Kristin Davis
PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Lakely Craig, Whitney Heaps, Jeanne Allen, Ann Tucker
Randolph School Hosts 37th Annual Under the Christmas Tree Photos by Steve Babin Randolph School hosted its longstanding Under the Christmas Tree at the Von Braun Center’s South Hall. The weekend event is Randolph School’s largest fundraiser and contributes more than $100,000 to Randolph’s Tailored Tuition program, which is designed to offset the cost of tuition for families. The three-day holiday shopping marketplace featured specialty merchants from the local community and around the southeast region. The event featured special sections and activities for everyone: Mimosas at the Market offered refreshments and vendor discounts. Children of all ages joined Randolph Middle School Art Teacher Mrs. Vinchenza Sweet to make their own art projects. At Gingerbread Dreams, children decorated a keepsake gingerbread house. Storytime with Santa offered a special visit with a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.”
Christina Tabereaux, Heather Jones, Stephanie McCarthy, Missy Baldone, Carol Shannon, Holly Hall, Wendy Sawyer, Trina Waites, Beth Dube, Kim Davenport
Randolph School is the area’s only K-12 independent, college preparatory school. Randolph School is committed to providing excellence in academics, the arts and athletics. Students become lifelong thinkers, creative problem solvers, and fearless leaders as they learn to embrace their full potential. n Sherrie & Kelly Nash
Susan George, Kelly Davenport, Ann Waldrop, Brandy Smith, Meggy Sabatini, Molli Kirby
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Cindy Swendsboe, Karen Stork
Heather Jones, Stephanie McCarthy, Missy Baldone, Carol Shannon
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Ron Hulsey, Val Davis
Edna Block, Jodi Stephens
Dog Days Fetches Funds for Therapy Partners
Tammie Berzett, Renee Elliott, Meredith Miller
PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Photos by Steve Babin Therapy Partners, Inc hosted their 14th annual Dog Days fundraiser on October 15 at Preservation Company. Therapy Partners, Inc. provides professionally trained and certified teams of handlers and Pet Partners to work as therapeutic tools. Funds from the benefit allow Therapy Partners to keep up with the demand for serving the community. Therapy Partners handlers and their Pet Partners greeted the 200 guests as they arrived. Attendees enjoyed fare by Catering by Narvell, fall flower arrangements donated by Sandra Firestone, and entertainment provided by Kirk Jones and John Gallaspy. Silent and live auction items were displayed at the Preservation Company’s unique venue for a fun experience for guests while enjoying “Bad Puppy Punch.” Guests were thrilled to view the “Davinci Dog” pet portraits created by local artists who donate their time and to talent to the mission of Therapy Partners. Participating artists were Leslie Lockhart, Peter Grant, Sandy Sparks, Gary Anderson, Chuck Whaley, and Stephanie Weaver.
Tim McConell, Eric Taylor, Katherine Vinson, Tyler Kaub, Rachel McKinley, Stephen Cantley, Courtney & Russell Stephens
The event was made possible by a number of sponsors, including Blue Ribbon Champion Sponsor, The Propst Foundation. n
Meg McArdle with Sullivan
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Ben Lehman, Jeanne Allen
Tom Kelly, Mary Graham with Gavin & Nelly
Tammie Berzett, Peter Grant, Jennie Hudson with Opal
Sandy Sparks, Lyndsay Coats with Miller
Jackson Reilly, Sarah Teters
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Diane & Jim Reynolds
LaSonja Greene, Traci Tyree Becca Schmidt, Tonya Puckett, Lou Seymour
Galaxy of Lights Continues Holiday Tradition
PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Photos by Steve Babin Galaxy of Lights, the annual holiday light experience at Huntsville Botanical Garden returned for its 26th season in 2021. With both walking and driving experiences, Galaxy offered a combination of familiar features and new surprises. Galaxy of Lights is presented by Jerry Damson Automotive Group. Ashley Parsons, Kristen Bowen
Andy & Sarah Lauren Kattos
The Garden hosted a VIP Preview Party on November 10, 2021. The annual celebration served to thank the many people who support Galaxy and help make the regional holiday tradition possible. The party was held the day before Galaxy of Lights opened to the public and included an outdoor walking tour of the lights plus refreshments. “Galaxy of Lights is a beloved tradition for our entire region, and as we look forward to the next 25 years of the event, we are inspired by the opportunity to blend familiar traditions with new surprises,” said Sue Wagner, chief executive officer of the Garden. Proceeds from Galaxy of Lights go directly to support the mission activities of the Garden. n
Jeff & Sue Wagner, Herb & Terry Lewis
Lana & Joe Ritch
Matt & Stephanie Mell
Beverly Sullivan, Earl & Elaine Alspach
Donna Parsons, Rebecca Turk
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Alisa & Kasey Clark
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Chris Sanders, Jennifer Wu
Newsweek’s 2021
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Morgan Vick, Jennifer Geist, Jessica Brown
Jennifer Geist, Kathryn Crowe, Rev. Paul Pradat Eugene & Sylvia Folks, Sheritha Mullen, Gloria Brown, Yvonne & Lonnie Jefferson
First Stop Hosts One Giant Leap Fundraiser PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES
Photos by Steve Babin First Stop presented their annual fundraiser, One Giant Leap on October 19 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. The event benefited First Stop’s mission, working with Huntsville’s homeless community to provide a path to sustainable, independent living. Among the 340 guests were the City of Huntsville’s Community Development Manager, Scott Erwin; and keynote speaker Kathryn Crowe. The buffet centerpiece and entry table arrangement were donated by Lisa Atkins of Sacred Stone. Musical entertainment was provided by Soft Note Combo.
Joyce & Gary Joyce
Speaker Kathryn Crowe shared her story of overcoming homelessness, becoming an Arabic linguist for the Air Force, and ultimately working as an engineer at NASA. The event was made possible by Gold level sponsor Seabrook Solutions; and Silver level sponsors AccuRX, Thrive Alabama, and Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Kathryn Crowe, Megan Isherwood
“I am so proud to live in this amazing community that continues to be so supportive of First Stop and our homeless community. Our annual dinner is a large fundraiser for us, and the Huntsville community really showed up,” said Jennifer Geist, Executive Director of First Stop. n
Chris Birdwell, Jessica Brown
Julie Clarke, Dawn Birdwell, Mary Reynolds, Lanette Wilbourne
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Mike & Melissa Frazier
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Sandra & Jason Vaughn
Taste
Foods toLove Say I do – to the fare of your dreams, whether it’s a hearty brunch, a delectable dish for dinner or a mouth-watering dessert. Feast your eyes on sumptuous spreads from the hottest Huntsville-area eateries.
Tom’s Chessaberry House-Made Brown Butter Cake Tom Brown’s Restaurant
Topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, mixed berry compote, and a dollop of whipped cream on top
Photo by Steve Babin
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Pastrami Cured Yellowfin Tuna The Bottle On black rice with wakimi and kimchee
Photo by Steve Babin
Hildegard’s German Cuisine
Traditional German dishes can be part of your custom menu at Hildegard's
Photo by Steve Babin
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Quiche Lorraine Main Street Cafe
With sweet mandarin orange spinach salad and lemon poppyseed bread
Photo by Steve Babin
Korubuta Pork Belly Purveyor
Sweet plantain, molé sauce, shaved chicharron with a smoked poblano foam espuma
Photo by Steve Babin
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Huntsville Happenings Photos courtesy of Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Written by Judy S. Ryals, Pres./CEO Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau
The longer, warmer days are perfect for enjoying all that our community has to offer! In addition to all the beautiful flora and fauna of spring, the Huntsville Botanical Garden now features Stickwork, a giant sculpture built from local sapling branches that twist and turn to create an interactive installation for visitors to explore. Stickwork is included in the garden admission so guests of all ages will have the chance to play, imagine and find inspiration in nature. Photo by Anna Anderson
Panoply turns 40 this year! Panoply is the Southeast’s premier arts weekend where Huntsville’s innovative spark shines through a festival of art, music and more. Arts Huntsville is planning a fantastic Panoply Arts Festival with more than 100 visual artists from various mediums. This is one of my very favorite annual events in downtown Huntsville. I can’t wait to see artist and stage tents throughout Big Spring International Park. Make your plans to attend to enjoy and support the arts. Huntsville is the Rocket City, so watch for special events and activities to mark the launch of Artemis I, which will usher in a new era of U.S. space travel. The legacy of Marshall Space Flight Center’s role as NASA’s lead propulsion facility carries on with the rocket that will enable our return to the surface of the Moon and eventually on to Mars. The Huntsville Museum of Art has some outstanding exhibits including a special offering of selected works from the Sellars Collection of Art by American Women. Burritt on the Mountain is a great place to see the Tennessee Valley come to life in a kaleidoscope of spring color. The views are amazing! There are plenty of sports events and activities coming up. Elevate the Stage will bring some of the best college gymnasts in the world to the Von Braun Center on March 6. At the VBC, you can also enjoy hockey when the Huntsville Havoc take the ice in the Propst Arena. The Huntsville Championship will be held at The Ledges from April 25 through May 1 this year. You can see some of the top golfers in the country vying for their spot on the PGA Tour. The Rocket City Trash Pandas have their home opener at Toyota Field on April 12. Photo by OdinnMedia
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The events and activities mentioned above and listed below are currently scheduled for March and April. Visit huntsville.org for updates and don’t forget to use our Passport Coupons to stretch your entertainment dollars.
Ongoing events: The Science of Guinness World Records, U.S. Space & Rocket Center Encounters: Dean Mitchell (through March 20), Artsy Tots (through May 13), Another Point of View: Art by American Women Highlights from the Sellars Collection (opens March 13), Beauty, Passion & Bliss: 19th Century Masterworks from the Dahesh Museum of Art (opens March 27), Encounters: Aimee Perez (opens April 10), Huntsville Museum of Art Stickwork (opens March 4), Huntsville Botanical Garden Recurring events: Rocket City Rover Mixer Rides, downtown Huntsville – weekly on Fridays & Saturdays Mardi Gras at MidCity – daily (except Mondays) through March 12 Rocket City Improv Presents, Shenanigans Comedy Theatre – monthly on the first Friday $5 After 5, Huntsville Museum of Art – weekly on Thursdays (through April 28) Scenethat Walking Tours - Downtown Food Tour – weekly on Wednesdays & Thursdays. Downtown Walking Tours – weekly on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Civil Rights Landmarks Tour – weekly on Sundays Jazz Jam Sessions, Valley Conservatory – monthly on the fourth Saturday Huntsville’s Only Drag Brunch, Speakeasy at Straight to Ale Brands – monthly on the last Sunday Cocktails & Cosmos – weekly on Fridays (through March 4) The Market at Leigh Acres – weekly on Saturdays One-time events: Alton Brown Live! Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center, March 3 Elevate the Stage: College Gymnastics Meet, Propst Arena, Von Braun Center, March 6 SEC Baseball: Auburn v. Tennessee Tech, Toyota Field, Town Madison, March 8 An Irish Evening, Historic Huntsville Depot Roundhouse, March 11 Huntsville Havoc Hockey, Propst Arena, Von Braun Center, March 11, 12, 18, 19; April 1, 2 662 Juke Joint Live, Mars Music Hall, Von Braun Center, March 13 Symphony Pops Series: Music of Billy Joel, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center, March 19 Symphony Casual Classics Series: The Musical Gene, HudsonAlpha Institute, March 20 Buddy Guy, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center, March 24 Lecture and Preview Party: Beauty, Passion & Bliss, Huntsville Museum of Art, March 24 Monster Jam, Propst Arena, Von Braun Center, March 25-27 Disney on Ice: Dream Big, Propst Arena, Von Braun Center, April 7-10 Master Artist Workshop with Jennifer Redstreake Geary, Huntsville Museum of Art, April 8-9 Gallery Walk and Reception with Aimee Perez, Huntsville Museum of Art, April 10 Rocket City Trash Pandas AA Baseball, Toyota Field, Town Madison, April 12-17; 26 – May 1 Three Days Grace, Mars Music Hall, Von Braun Center, April 19 Symphony Classical Series: Mahler Resurrection, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center, April 23 Huntsville Championship, The Ledges, April 25 – May 1 Panoply Arts Festival, Big Spring International Park, April 20 – May 1 Katt Williams, Propst Arena, Von Braun Center, April 30 2022 Huntsville Classic Featuring Jake Owen, Orion Amphitheater, May 7 n
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IMAGINE
Left to right: Phillip Hamman, CFA, CFP®; Chris Russell; Sheri Robinson, CPA, CFP®, AEP®; J. Harold Williams, CPA/PFS, CFP®
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The circa 1834-35 Lane Home on Adams Street is considered to be in the vernacular Greek Revival architectural-style with a Queen Anne-style front porch supported by square columns. The porch was added in the 1890’s, changed in the 1960’s during remodeling and in 1992 restored to its 1890’s appearance.
The Helion Lodge at 409 Lincoln Street is the First Masonic Lodge in Alabama. This was the site of an 1820 original building. A noted Huntsville architect and Mason, Edgar Lee Love, designed this 1917 Neoclassical Revival style temple.
TWICKENHAM – A MUSEUM OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES Written by Nancy Wilkinson Van Valkenburgh
ENCORE
Imagine visiting a museum that charges you no admission. The owners take on all the expenses on your behalf and all you have to do is enjoy the experience… Huntsville, Ala., has such a place!
The ca. 1820 and ca. 1874 Wharton-Walker House on Williams is a Second Empire style home, a style rare in our area. The original 1824 service wing survived a fire that destroyed the main structure. It was rebuilt in 1874 with extensive work done 2002.
That is what we have in our Historic Preservation Districts. You can see a museum of architectural styles right here in our city, as well as historic architectural treasures throughout the county. Our historian predecessors, architect Harvie P. Jones, educator Dr. Frances Roberts, historian/artist Sarah Huff Fisk, and others worked hard to establish a Preservation District in what is now known as “Twickenham.” This is what Huntsville’s oldest historic district is named because it was once the city’s name when Leroy Pope purchased the land from the federal government in the early 1800’s. The Twickenham Historic Preservation District, established 1972, was described by Harvie Jones as a museum of architectural styles from 1814 to 1972. To enjoy this “Museum” of about 13 blocks, all you need to do is choose a nice day and enjoy the stroll. The Huntsville Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau also offers great information online or in print format at huntsville.org/events/tours/guided-history-tours.
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Photo by Richard Van Valkenburgh
For a special experience, you can pay a small fee and enjoy private guided “ghost” tours or step back in time to the Weeden House Museum and Garden. There are approximately 527 sites, homes, businesses, churches, and various structures, of which approximately 360 are considered as contributing to the Twickenham District’s historic designation. Other noncontributing sites come within district guidelines so that they complement existing architecture. The city has one of the state’s largest collections of pre-Civil War structures in a small area. A number of them were documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey of the 1930’s. The HABS program was a United States Government program during the Great Depression to give employment to out-of-work architects and to record valuable structures that could be lost to neglect, changing times, or future development.
The Twickenham District maintains its character, but continues to evolve, due to modifications needed by t echnology, change needed for living in the twenty-first century, and unfortunate fires. Our city’s preservation commission oversees exterior changes for appropriateness as established by law with approval of residents. It helps preserve the architectural heritage for all our city and for the future. It is hoped that this “museum” of over 200 years of architectural styles will continue to bring enjoyment to all residents and visitors to our community. n
Architectural styles in the Twickenham District are many and varied. Among the twenty-seven identified styles are Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Egyptian Revival, Classical Revival, Spanish or Mediterranean Revival, Colonial Revival, Bungalow, Prairie Style, and others. It is interesting to identify these styles and see where different elements are blended during periods of architectural transition. We can see where Federal or Italianate were modified to add Greek revival elements or Victorian porches were added. Or we can see where a flamboyant Victorian of the late 19th or early 20th century was remodeled in the period of 1910 to 1935 into the then fashionable Prairie Style. Harvie Jones often said that it takes at least fifty years for an architectural style to be appreciated. We see that trend today when in many neighborhoods, mid-century ranchers are modified by adding bungalow porch entries, making an attractive but changed blend of styles. Harvie noted that changes start occurring about every twenty-five years as each generation starts to make its mark.
Built by Leroy Pope in 1814, Poplar Grove on Echols is the oldest documented mansion in Huntsville. Its Federal styling was changed ca. 1850 with a Greek Revival front portico designed by the architect, George Steele. It was leased to the University of Alabama in Huntsville for the President’s home before the Lowe house on Williams was given to UAH for that purpose. Photo of a 1990 brochure, by Nancy W. Van Valkenburgh
Once you’ve found it, you know you’re home. Banking and mortgage loans are the same way. At ServisFirst Bank, we offer a range of banking and mortgage products that are as varied as our clients’ tastes in homes. Each offers a competitive rate and our exceptional service. Perhaps that’s why homeowners feel so settled in once they find us. Downtown Banking Center 401 Meridian Street, Suite 100 Huntsville, AL 35801 256.722.7800 Research Park Banking Center 1267 Enterprise Way, Suite A Huntsville, AL 35806 256.722.7880 Cindy LeBlanc Vice President, Mortgage Lending 256.722.7821 | cleblanc@servisfirstbank.com NMLS ID: 776271 AT L A N TA • B I R M I N G H A M • C H A R L E S T O N • D O T H A N • H U N T S V I L L E • M O B I L E M O N TG O M E RY • N A S H V I L L E • N O RT H W E S T F L O R I D A • W E S T C E N T R A L F L O R I D A M ember FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
