EVENT Magazine March - April 2015

HUNTSVILLE

Inventors’ Ball | Dog Ball | Pineapple Dinner | Rotary Club Anniversary Gala MARCH / APRIL 2015

MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2

The

Wedding Issue

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Susan Thome 256-337-8707

Susan Coe Miller 256-603-5449

Brooke Sherron 256-714-2052

Dick Smedstad Broker - Madison 256-656-5869

Dena Hoekenschnieder 256-417-3640

Jim Hoekenschnieder Broker 256-337-3217

Jeanne Allen 256-337-7615

Jim Erwin 256-509-1652

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256-428-3780 www.legend-realty.com

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Jenny Walton Legendwood 256-698-2757

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April Killgore Mid Towne on the Park 256-797-2905

11 Hughes Road, Ste 202 Madison, AL 35758

Sandra Vann 256-679-6628

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Stoneridge Homes New Construction On Site Agents

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Zachary Frakes McMullen Cove 256-527-2333

Dana McConnell, Wendy Skinner, Jordan Morgan, Dr. Bill Alison, Belle Kelly, Christy Alison, Claire Roby, Allison Longshore

303 Williams Avenue Suite 1031 • Huntsville, Alabama www.alisonwellnessclinic.com • 256-489-5748

Eat With Your Eyes, First An elegantly set dinner table, a plentifully laid lunch, a lavish brunch or breakfast…

Catering by Narvell starts with a considerable selection of appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, assured to tease the palate.

Sit down to a four-course repast beginning with fresh, crunchy salads and succulent soups both hot and cold; piping hot breads; and meat, fish, and vegetarian entrées in perfect proportion to your special occasion.

Conclude with desserts so decadent, Narvell needs a license to make them!

Catering by Narvell

NEW LOCATION 2107 Ste. C, Meridian Street • Huntsville • 256.830.1210

Casual settings for small groups, or formal presentations for large corporate parties! www.eventhuntsville.com

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March / April 2015

Contents

14

Wedding Issue 10 Publisher’s Letter

16 Inventors’ Ball

57 Huntsville Happenings

Rotary Club 25th Anniversary Gala

54

Dog Ball - Canine Royale

Carillion Club

Editorials

14

Inventors’ Ball

50

HYO Valentine’s Day Ball

16

Rotary Club 25th Anniversary Gala

54

Carillion Club

60

Have Yourself a Jazzy Little New Year

Pineapple Dinner

24

“Music from the Mad Men Era,” starring Steve Lippia

62

Honoring Our Mentors 4th Annual Gala

38

Lowe Mill Expansion

66

Rotaryann Christmas Coffee

42

Dog Ball - Canine Royale

48

Wedding Alliance at Swan House

20

Business Profile: Catering by Narvell

27

Feature: Weddings

36

Expert’s Corner: Belle Faire

40

Spotlight: Chad Emerson

46

Taste: King’s Olive Oil

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40

On The Cover: Scott & Christina Seeley

www.eventhuntsville.com

Photo by White Rabbit Studios

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58 Calendar

42

Events

22

12 Editor’s Letter

46

www.eventhuntsville.com

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Hello Huntsville! Welcome to our March/April issue of Huntsville EVENT Magazine. This issue’s editorial focus is on weddings, deemed “The Big Day” by many a future bride. Being an old dog myself, I’ve been married to my wonderful wife for 20 years in December. It’s been a long time by anyone’s standards, but I still recall that day as if it were yesterday. The planning involved is usually a monumental undertaking to say the least. Picking the date, finding the perfect reception venue, having invitations designed and printed, hiring the photographer, florist, entertainment, caterer and bartenders. Oh, not to forget the wedding dress and tuxedo... The list goes on and on. No matter how simple or elaborate the ceremony and reception, the date will be etched in the minds of the bride and groom. Depending upon the circumstances, it can be memorable occasion for the guests as well. Not too many weddings are without hiccups, but those situations only add to the memories.

In this issue we feature two weddings: from first-timers to second-time-around weddings to give you a perspective depending on your path in life. We have included a number of advertisers that cater to the needs of any wedding, from venues to florists and entertainers. We hope this editorial feature is informative and entertaining to all of our readers.

Please shop with all of the advertisers you see within these pages. These businesses are reputable companies in our community and allow us to publish each issue for your enjoyment. They are the reason EVENT Magazine is here.

Don’t forget to tell them you saw them in EVENT Magazine!

EVENT

HUNTSVILLE

A Letter from the Publisher

MAGAZINE

President/Publisher Todd Stephenson Editor Jessica Luther Writers Amanda Allen Kimberly Ballard Kerry Coker Lori Connors Melissa Gerrish Morgan Hopper Mandee Jones Contributing Writer Judy Ryals Creative Director/Graphic Design Patty Satterly Website/Graphic Design Scott Seeley Photographers Steve Babin Sarah Bélanger David Coker Chris Jensen Amanda Kemp Monica Martin Director of Sales Carolyn Stephenson Account Executives Haley Temple Jessica Luther Ad Trafficking Lori Boatfield Distribution Victor 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 $25.00 annually. For new subscriptions or changes of address, call 256.533.8078 or email subscriptions@eventhuntsville.com.

All contents © 2015. 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.

Cheers!

EVENT Magazine Scan the QR Code below to visit our website eventhuntsville.com

Todd Stephenson President/Publisher

256.533.8078

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Editor’s Note

I think we’re due for some sunshine, Huntsville! With a late and particularly cold winter ending, spring is the perfect time to celebrate new beginnings - which is why this is our Bridal Issue! Inside we feature two local weddings; though very different from each other, both brides and grooms created a personalized, special celebration of their love. Thanks to Scott and Christina (South) Seeley, and Anthony and Teneshia (Acklin) Daniels for their help; and thanks as well to White Rabbit Studios and Kerry Brooks Photography for allowing us to use the beautiful photographs from those memorable days.

We also provide guidance for brides-to-be with our Expert’s Corner written by Belle Faire, a brand new private meeting studio housing a combination of Huntsville’s elite bridal vendors.

To keep up with what’s moving and shaking in Huntsville’s downtown, Downtown Inc.’s CEO Chad Emerson stopped in to chat with Kimberly Ballard for our Spotlight. He highlighted all the great developments and plans for a downtown revitalization that we can all attest has been a success thus far.

Our Business Profile is on a local treasure, as anyone who has needed a dinner party or event catered certainly knows: Catering by Narvell is certainly a Huntsville institution for comforting culinary excellence.

Finally, keep your appetite whetted for our Taste feature on Madison shop King’s Olive Oil; their infused olive oils and vinegars can add something special to any meal.

Please enjoy the many events we covered this winter: from a “Jazzy Little” New Year at the Museum to the dog-gone good times had at the Dog Ball’s Canine Royale - it’s been a fun season for events despite the cold.

Please, as you flip through these pages, check out the advertisers you see pictured in here. Their support allows us to continue producing original content and covering the worthy causes mentioned above.

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

To A Fast Six Weeks!

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Jessica Luther Editor In the article in January/February’s issue of EVENT for the 2nd Annual Redstone Arsenal Garrison Gala, General Dennis L. Via was incorrectly titled Colonel. On that same event, a picture of Clara & Col. (Ret.) Jim Hill, Andi & Steve Hill was incorrectly labeled as a picture of Col. Bill & Kim Bigelow, Grace & Col. John Kuenzli. We apologize for those errors.

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An Inventive Night at the USSRC Written by Morgan Hopper

Photos by Steve Babin

Over 350 local inventors, community leaders and spectators gathered to celebrate at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center on January 29th for this year’s Inventors’ Ball.

Guests had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful night under the Saturn V while learning about Huntsville’s inventive heritage, past and present.

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center hosted the event with the Smithsonian Institution in efforts to raise community awareness that the USSRC is a local Smithsonian Affiliate museum. The idea for the theme grew from an exhibit that opened this past November, named “101 Rocket City Inventions.” The exhibition showcased local inventions dating from the 1900’s to present, and was displayed from November 11th – December 31st. It was designed to reflect Huntsville’s robust culture of invention and innovation for products, services and technologies.

Kim Smith, Jane Hardebeck, Bill Oliver, Claudia Jones, Alice Dorries

Speakers for the special evening included Dr. Richard Kurin, Undersecretary for History, Art and Culture at Smithsonian Institution and author of “History of America in 101 Objects;” Jody Singer, Manager of the Flight Programs at Marshall Space Flight Center; and Todd May, Program Manager of Space Launch Systems at NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center.

Davidson Technologies was the presenting sponsor for the ball. For more information about featured exhibits or events at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, visit them online at: www.rocketcenter.com. n Cherie Byrne, Ann Delaney, Ann Towry, Bennie Jacks, Jane Holland, Bill Vaughan

Paul & Courtney Lanza

Dr. Patti Dare, Patricia Gore

Michael Bertoldi, Lisa Dobson, Steve West

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Anthony & Teneshia Daniels

Michael & Maggie Barnes

Joe Fitzgerald, Dr. Richard Kurin, Dr. Deborah Barnhart, Tim Pickens, Bob Baron, Craig Naudain

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

Ginger & Ken Corder

Johnny Stephenson, Ari Stephenson

Mike & Christine Wicks, Chelsea Lavish, Chandler Wicks

Justin Appel, Dr. Jennifer Dean

Jerry Fishman, Patti & Bobby White, Clay White

Alice Dorries, Kim Smith

Bob Quick Jr., Ron Wicks Sr., Michael Thomas, Jennifer & Julian Olander

www.eventhuntsville.com

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Carol & Andy Trice

Jim & Carol Tevepaugh

The Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville 25th Anniversary Gala PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Written by Mandee Jones

Matt & Sarah Schuster, Jacob & Heather Ives, Hank Isenberg, Jennifer Powers

Photos by Steve Babin

Nearly 300 people gathered at the Westin Hotel for the Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville’s 25th Anniversary Gala to benefit the children of Huntsville and Madison County on February 7th.

While people enjoyed the musical stylings of violinist Winslow Davis and snacked on cheese and fruit, they were invited to bid on the many wonderful items at a silent auction. Participants were served dinner and listened to a performance by the Birmingham-Southern College Hilltop Singers and the band Persons of Interest.

“The silent auction exceeded expectations by 50 percent,” said Andy Trice, Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville member and Gala Chairman.

Johnnie & Art Hargrove

Jacob & Heather Ives

All proceeds will benefit The Greater Huntsville Rotary Foundation and Kids to Love, both 501(c)3 corporations. The Rotary Foundation supports the Rotary Education Assistance Program (REAP) which has provided over 1,250 students in the Huntsville City School System with eye exams, glasses, and clothing. The Rotary Child Assistance Program (RCAP) has provided assistance to over 500 foster children since its inception. Kids to Love provides assistance to foster children through programs such as Forever Families, Foster Parent Recruitment, Pack the Backpacks School Supply Drive, College Scholarships, Christmas for the Kids, and Rescuing Meth Orphans.

The main sponsors of the event were Redstone Federal Credit Union, Avion, Sigmatech, DSMC, AEgis, Cadence Bank, Stanley Construction, Iron Mountain Solutions, Inc., Ables, Baxter and Parker LLC, Peopletec, Merrill Lynch, and Forter Perry, Business Development, PNC Bank, and CB&I Federal Service. n continued on page 18

Stephanie Jeffrey, Howard Petty, Anna Sharp, Nese & Max Bennett, Lee Marshall, Meredith Payne

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Joe & Marie Newberry, Freda & Larry Muncey

Bethany Pauli, Emily Pauli

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

James & Michelle Falcon

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Rotary Club Gala continued

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Wendy & Todd Kirk

Shari & James Burnum

Amy & Art Meier, Ceil & Morgan Jellett, Karen & Mike Measels

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Andi & Steve Hill

Jeff & Lisa Abbott

Barry & Dena Schrimsher

Bill & Tanjie Kling

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Rotary Club Gala continued

Matt & Sarah Schuster

Walter & Barbara Cooper

315 North Jefferson Street Huntsville | 256.533.6550 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm

Sonja Enfinger, Karen Petersen, Susan Ozment

Chris Russell, Sharon Doviet, John Omenski

Pat & Ron Waiwright

Howard Petty, Anna Sharp

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Profile

BUSINESS PROFILE

Catering byNarvell

A Gourmet Twist on Southern Comfort Food Written by Kimberly Ballard Photos by Sarah Bélanger

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“…eat with your eyes first.”

M

Most people fondly remember mom teaching you how to crack eggs without getting shell in the batter, or dad showing you how to stir the spaghetti sauce down to the bottom so it won’t stick to the pot. As important as that may be, Georgia Allen taught her daughter, Narvell Patton, that there are attributes more important in the preparation of a meal than the mechanics. She taught her that patience for finding the freshest and most appealing ingredients is a virtue people can savor; she showed her that people can taste love when it’s added to the recipe; and that creative courage has its own tangy flavor.

Catering By Narvell is in itself, a courageous enterprise.

Growing up in Madison County, both of Narvell’s parents were sharecroppers. “I cooked my first full meal for other people when I was seven years old,” Narvell said. “My youngest sister and I were useless in the fields so preparing the meals was our contribution to the family. My mother taught me all about food. She stressed the importance of seasonings and we always had a garden 12 months out of the year, so I learned how differently fresh ingredients taste compared to canned or frozen. I still avoid canned and frozen foods as much as possible.”

Narvell does a great deal of catering work for the Huntsville Museum of Art and she enjoys small private functions, dinner parties, and weddings. “I have always believed in the adage, ‘Stay in your own lane,” she said. “I have never been interested in the restaurant business or having a set of menus and packages for customers to choose from. There is no redundancy in catering. Every event is unique so the menu needs to be unique.”

In addition, people today are health and calorie conscious. “They have special requests for things like gluten-free and vegan cuisine, so you have to be flexible in changing ingredients or creating a completely new dish just for them.”

Weddings, Narvell said, are a perfect example in which the client can get what they want and still be elegant.

“The bride will always have her cake,” Narvell said,

“but how about the husband-to-be ⎯ what does he like? Most Southern men like real food. They are less inclined towards pick-up desserts like petit fours. They prefer bread puddings, homemade pies and fruit cobblers; lemon bars and brownies. Many chefs say we eat with our eyes first, so presentation can be graceful and yet still be comforting.”

Most of Narvell’s crew has been with her since her first day in business. “Many of them don’t have the experience of spending time in the kitchen with their moms like I did, but in many ways, I have served that purpose. I sanction whatever comes out of my kitchen and my hand is always in there guiding them.” n

Narvell was over 50 years old when her daughter Rita Patton Collier, an electrical engineer with a Master’s degree in business, convinced her mom to turn her passion into a profitable, full-time business. “At first, I played it safe, sticking with what I knew, preparing simple fare I was already known for like my homemade biscuits and fruit cobblers ⎯ what we call good ol’ comfort food.”

Catering By Narvell’s success, however, comes with its own merits. “My friend and mentor Jean Sparks suggested I take one of her cooking classes where I progressed into French and Italian cuisine, which opened up opportunities for me to give simple southern food a gourmet twist,” she explained. “I love to read and reading encourages you to try new things so when Jean told me, ‘Narvell, never let food intimidate you!’ ⎯ I was able to rise to the challenge.”

2107 Ste. C, Meridian Street • Huntsville • 256.830.1210

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Madison Mayor Troy Trulock, Lisa Williams, Mike Ball

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Tom Giles, Bob Rogers, Beth Goodwin

Hospitality Superstars Awarded at Pineapple Dinner Written by Kerry Coker

Photos by David Coker

Pineapples, the spirit of service, and the celebration of awards filled the atmosphere at the Huntsville-Madison County Hospitality Association’s 18th annual Pineapple Dinner on Tuesday, January 20, 2015. The event, which honors outstanding achievement in the hospitality industry, welcomed 154 guests to the Jackson Center. Pineapples, long identified as a symbol of hospitality, were spread throughout the evening. The event culminated in the prestigious Pineapple Award being presented to individuals in the Restaurant, Hotel, Attraction, and Allied Partners categories. Red Ribbon Awards were also distributed in the same categories. Association board members, a wide variety of hospitality industry representatives, and local dignitaries such as Mayor Tommy Battle of Huntsville and Mayor Troy Trulock of Madison were in attendance.

Jenny Mitchell, Lakeysha Brown, Lee Ownbe, Elaine Ballew, Belinda Klar, Kenny Dodson

The Huntsville Madison County Hospitality Association also puts on the Taste of Huntsville every year. The Taste of Huntsville is a fundraising event, and this year a check for $18,000 was presented to the two charities selected for the event, CAJA and Family Services Center. The mission of the Huntsville/Madison County Hospitality Association is to unite members of lodging, restaurant, tourism, travel and allied industries for the enhancement and promotion of their governmental, communications, research, educational and membership opportunities. n Jenny Mitchell, Jamie Jones

Lacy Fitzpatrick, Jo Seay, Brandi Quick

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Steve & Susan Stricklin

Mark Baker, Katelyn Sides, Jessica Carlton, Leslie Walker

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

www.eventhuntsville.com

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Steve Lippia, Loretta Spencer, Gregory Vajda

Janice Fowler, Sarah Green

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Steve Lippia & “Music From the Mad Men Era” Headlines HSO NYE Pops Concert Written by Kimberly Ballard

Photos by Steve Babin

Backed up by Huntsville’s vaunted symphony musicians led by music director and conductor Gregory Vajda, Lippia performed over 20 popular hits from the American songbook including “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Mack the Knife,” and “My Way” as a finale. Ending around 10 p.m., concert sponsors from SAIC, the Boeing Company and Loretta Spencer joined Lippia and the HSO musicians for a VIP Reception in the Green Room where a delectable spread of fruit, cheeses, and gourmet finger-foods awaited. Guests had only to step outside and walk across the bridge to enjoy the balloon drop and fireworks display at midnight in Big Springs Park.

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New Year’s Eve is always special for Huntsville Symphony Orchestra goers who often bring holiday guests with them to the New Year’s Eve Pops Concert. Held at 7:30 p.m. at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the Von Braun Center, the 2014-15 show entitled “Music From the Mad Men Era” starring Sinatra-sound-alike Steve Lippia, was the perfect pre-midnight celebration.

“We always look for a special theme and a performer who appeals to a broad audience for the New Year’s Eve show,” said HSO president and CEO, Dan Halcomb. “Steve Lippia was here five or six years ago, and while he sounds eerily like Sinatra, in between songs, he talks to the audience, sharing background about the song and the songwriter, telling how the song landed in the repertoire of a Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, or Sinatra, who made it an American classic.” n

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Harry Babin, Melinda Still, Louise Barlow, Josie Lipscomb, Markelda Umfleet, Linda Presley

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

Renee Knowles, Anne-Marie Whatley, Patrick Robbins, Sylvia Ferry, Dr. Margarita Guzman, Gregory Vajda

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Chris Coletti, Ayree Koh

Patrick & Nancy Willson, Dan Halcomb

Janet & Paul Ferrone, Randi Dibona, Jan & Scott Fuller, Bill Curry

Gregory Vajda, Loretta Spencer, Lt. Gen. David & Robyn Mann

Gregory Vajda, Ryan Whatley, Anne-Marie Whatley, Kristy Whatley, Ben Whatley, Gavin Whatley, Sharon Whatley

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

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Southern Style

Weddings

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‘…contemporary and glamourous with a Southern slant.’

REPRESENTATIVE ANTHONY DANIELS JR. DR. TENESHIA ACKLIN SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 Photos by Kerry Brooks Photography On September 6, 2014, Dr. Teneshia Acklin and Representative Anthony Lee Daniels Jr. wed in a ceremony at Trinity United Methodist Church, with a reception following the Historic Roundhouse Depot in Huntsville, Alabama.

The bride wore a custom gown by Veejay Floresca out of Makati City, Philippines - a former contestant on the television show Project Runway Philippines. She followed her bridal gown up with a reception dress by Lazaro - the first and only gown she ever tried on. The bridesmaids wore Lela Rose fuschia one-strap dresses. Groom and groomsmen were all dressed in charcoal grey Vera Wang two-button lapel tuxes with custom bow ties and lapel pins designed by Boicarter Company.

The wedding was planned and executed by wedding planner Krystal Bonner with Phoenix Forrester Events, including the draping of the Roundhouse Depot with sheer white and uplighting with large crystal chandeliers. After meeting in June 2013 and describing her vision, Krystal drew up the plans on paper.

“We could not have done this wedding without her and her staff,” Teneshia said. “I told her what I imagined and she made it come to life.”

The centerpieces were designed by Rhonda Patton of Rhonda Patton Weddings and Events, and included large silver branches spouting from a purple satin base with an array of purple and fuschia flowers. They shared the reception’s spotlight with the six-tier wedding cake, designed by Bob Johnson of Couture Cakes.

It stood four feet high and was covered in white sugar flowers and topped with a handcrafted jeweled egg. The 400 guests danced to Marcus Johnson and Company, after the couple shared their first dance to Kem’s “Share My Life.” The theme was contemporary and glamourous with a Southern slant.

In addition to the above mentioned vendors, the Daniels also worked closely with photographer Kerry Brooks, makeup artist Sylvia Smith, hair stylist Meghann Hill, a groom’s cake by Hamley Bakery, and lighting by Metropolitan Special Events Lighting.

The wedding itself was a culmination of life-changing year for Teneshia that started with Anthony’s proposal on August 30, 2013.

The couple traveled to Washington, D.C. for a trip to take in the city for the first time as tourists, and not on business. The couple’s friends surprised Teneshia in the rose garden at the Washington National Cathedral, while a photographer friend took secret paparazzi photos and they were serenaded by a saxophone player as Anthony proposed.

The wedding itself was made especially meaningful by details: Teneshia’s brothers gave her away in their military uniforms as a tribute to her father, who was also a veteran and passed away three years before. Her something old was a gold coin given to her by her father the night she graduated from dental school; her something borrowed an old pendant owned by her grandmother that she attached to her bouquet; the something blue was her garter and her something new was “everything else.”

“The entire day was my favorite memory,” Teneshia offered.

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SCOTT SEELEY CHRISTINA SOUTH JUNE 7, 2014 Photos by White Rabbit Studios Scott Seeley and Christina South were joined together as husband and wife on June 7, 2014, surrounded by friends and family in a pecan grove in Mooresville, Alabama. They were joined by their parents: Kay and Lynn South, and Priscilla and Fred Seeley, as well as good friends Carrie Plank and Ingrid Marie. Family friend Judge Buddy Little performed the ceremony.

Afterward, the reception took place at Lila’s Dance Hall, on the same property as the pecan grove, both owned by Lila and Woody Peebles.

“We were looking for a rustic outdoor venue, but it needed to have plan B in case of rain,” Christina said. “When we walked in [to Lila’s Dance Hall], we were instantly in love. We wanted it to be festive, joyful and relaxed: it was a just a magical place in a perfect setting.”

The bride’s gown was vintage inspired from Anthropologie’s online store; it matched the theme of the reception, replete with mismatched china and flatware, antique windows, and flea market chairs. Each place setting was unique, with burlap coffee bags covering cream tablecloths.

The rustic feeling was even found in the Southern picnic-style dinner, cooked from scratch by Catering by Narvell. Free the Hops VP Carie Partain and Straight to Ale sales manager Rich Partain provided craft beer selections, and Narvell offered a secret signature drink. The Freighthouse in Hartselle baked a Key Lime wedding cake, as well as strawberry cake, chocolate peanut butter cake and German chocolate cake - with Scott’s groom’s cake taking the form of cherry pie, his favorite.

About 150 guests enjoyed the very intimately styled reception.

DJ Al Karrh played “Chances Are” by Johnny Mathis and “Just Like Heaven” by Katie Melua as the couple’s songs, and Microwave Dave and the Nukes performed for the crowd.

Nancy Finnegan MUA made the bride even more beautiful; White Rabbit Studios captured the moments as photographers; David’s Jewelry provided gorgeous one-of-a-kind rings (including an art-deco inspired engagement ring Scott picked out with help of friend Mimi Little); and baby’s breath bouquets and wreaths were provided by Brosemer Farms.

‘It’s never too late to live happily ever after.’

The entire wedding was a labor of love for the bride and groom, searching out antique stores and secondhand shops for just the right pieces. Close friends contributed heartfelt gifts such as a wooden vintage suitcase painted with “Protect Your Joy” from artist friend Freddy Faust and wife Lynn. The couple themselves made each moment personalized.

“I painted a message on an old door that greeted people as they arrived,” Christina described. “It struck a chord with me ‘It’s never too late to live happily ever after.’ Scott and I are living proof of that.”

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about Belle Faire, written in French- the language of love- translates to “beautiful work” in English.

The word “faire” has over a dozen meanings: work, make, perform, transact, cook, make-up, prepare, draw up, handle, build, execute.

Belle Faire is a collaborative, creative meeting studio made up of 10 of Huntsville’s elite wedding vendors that have a passion for creating an aboveand-beyond experience for their clients- from the very first email until the honeymoon begins and every step in between and after. We are a carefully curated team of artists, artisans, and wedding and event specialists, working together in harmony to help you cultivate the day of your dreams.

While every Belle Faire vendor is among northern Alabama’s most sought-after wedding professionals in their own right, we’ve found that we can provide you with a more customized wedding planning experience by coming together. That’s not to say that you’re obliged to team up with all of us for your wedding or event – each of our vendors is perfectly happy and free to work with you on their own.

our vendors Belle Faire is not only an idyllic meeting studiobut also a bridge between brides or clients and their ideal event vendors. If one of our featured vendors is not the right fit for you, we have an enormous arsenal of tried and true professionals to share with you that we enjoy working with week in and week out.

studio hours Since Belle Faire is primarily a private meeting studio, our hours of operation are “by appointment only.” Contact the vendor(s) you would like to meet with individually to schedule your consultation! Allow us to treat you to a cup of coffee or a glass of champagne and show you the difference of dealing with truly passionate professionals.

Belle Faire in all of its beautifulness is available for rent for your private event.

Contact us at bellefairehuntsville@gmail.com for more information.

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Expert’s Corner The ten of us recognized in each other the same devotion to detail, the same passion for perfection, the same commitment to our clients. We knew that together, we could truly create “beautiful work” and wanted to combine all of our talents under one roof to create for you a truly luxurious experience.

Here are our tidbits of advice: 1- Kathi Bertsch of Decorous Dishes If you like vintage but don’t want your event to look “old,” don’t be afraid to mix vintage with modern. Choose one or the other as the dominant style, add texture with accents from the other and unite the two with a neutral color scheme. It will create a layered and luxurious look that will be unique and exciting!

2- Seth Adgate of Woodnote Media Be sure you meet with your videographer before your big day! Videographers seem to be put on the back burner in getting a scheduled meeting with the couple. Few things can make you feel as awkward as a stranger filming you and following you around all day. It’s as important for you to know your videographer as it is for your videographer to know you!

3- Margaret Baggett of The Chef Next Door Catering for your wedding doesn’t have to be just choosing from a list off a caterer’s set menu. Don’t be afraid to personalize, customize, and put your own spin on your wedding menu! Have some fun planning a menu with your caterer that reflects your background, your likes, your style, the season, the venue, etc. The rest of your wedding is personal to you, so why not your menu as well?

4- Jacki Gil of Salt and Paperie Be sure to make sure your invitations match the style of your wedding so that your guests know what to expect of your wedding. Your Save the Dates and Invitations are the first thing your guests see from your big day, so make it you, and make it unique! Get them excited for your upcoming wedding through your stationery.

5- Erin Lindsey of Erin Lindsey Images If you want those dreamy, light, and airy bridal getting ready photos, choose a big room to get ready in with windows that let in a lot of natural light. Also, keeping all bags, food, water bottles, etc. all in one place off to the side of the room instead of all around the room eliminates those extra distractions in the background of your photos. A big, light, and clean room is the perfect setting for your dream getting-ready bridal portraits!

6- Kris Clark of Kris Clark Designs Online resources are both a blessing and a curse. Use them wisely for inspiration and to generate ideas. Try to avoid duplication, let your creativity flow and trust your own style. A beautifully designed event is one that weaves in your personal experiences, celebrations and ideas to create beautiful aesthetics and a thematic experience.

7- Heather Petersen of Slice at a Time Brides today have a vast amount of choices when deciding on their wedding cakes. First of all, the cake should taste amazing, and after that, the design choices are limitless. One of my favorite design suggestions for my brides is having fresh flowers on their wedding cakes. As lovely and amazing as handmade sugar flowers can be, there is just nothing that can quite compare to the beauty of fresh flowers on a wedding cake. I always suggest that the bride have her florist leave flowers for me to add to the cake upon delivery. This ensures that they will match all of the other beautiful flowers already decorating the reception area, and will tie everything together making the cake a beautiful centerpiece, which is exactly what it should be.

8- Steve Metz of Metropolitan Disc Jockey Service When considering entertainment for your wedding event, start by making sure you’re dealing with true a professional. You might begin by discovering the answers to the following questions: Is the service you’re considering a part time or full time business? Do they have a business license? Do they own professional equipment and backup equipment? Do they have a professional office? Do they provide liability insurance? Do they have adequate wedding experience and are they well respected in the wedding community as a reputable service with integrity? Finally, will you need to worry about any aspect of what they promise to provide for your event? These may sound like simple questions, but it’s important to remember your wedding day is not only one of the most cherished days of your life, it’s also one of the most expensive. The time tested proverb “you get what you pay for...” will ring true with all of your wedding day services. Simply stated, don’t take the risk in hiring a non-professional, seek an experienced service with a good reputation.

9- Pat Morgan of Modern Brides With all the meticulous planning of your special wedding day, hand over all the worries to the professionals you have hired. No one wants your day to be more enjoyable than us. So that you have no worries in the “attire department,” have all your final fittings on the bridal gown, bridesmaids dresses and mothers’ gowns, two weeks before the wedding. Schedule your pick up day in advance so everything can be completed for you in a timely manner.

10- Jennifer Oliver of Terrame Day Spa and Salon To ensure your hair and make up are perfectly bridal ready, always aim for having a trial run at least a month in advance to the big day. This is a wonderful time for your stylist and make up artist to recommend products that will make your hair shine and your skin glow! n

5732 Highway 431 South (within the Interior Marketplace) • Hampton Cove, AL 35741 • bellefairehuntsville@gmail.com

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Jonny Scull, Glenna Ledbetter

Sarah Johns, Suzy Naumann

Evan Anzalone, Tarra Anzalone

Lowe Mill North Wing Grand Opening

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Written by Kerry Coker

Lauren Tepool, Trent Tepool

Becki Rogers, Bob Rogers, Stephen Perkins

Photos by David Coker

On December 20th, Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment celebrated the grand opening of their newly renovated North Wing. The remodeled space features 31 new artist studios and an additional large gallery space. Classical and acoustic music accompanied guests as they toured the space, and artists offered various sweet treats to passers-by. Piper and Leaf provided gourmet tea in the North Hall, and Suzy’s Pops offered free, freshingredient ice pops to the crowds. A wide array of art served as the decoration for the occasion, as artist studios feature window openings for guests to peer in through.

Popular new studios included MindGear Labs with their 3D printer on display, a brand new 72- seat classroom space that is open to the public, Suzy’s Gourmet Pops, and the multitude of new painters, photographers, glassworkers, and jewelry designers. Guests toured not only the North Wing, but the Flying Monkey Artist Market, and the remaining wings of the mill, which were open to the public. Owners Jim and Jimmy Hudson were in attendance, as was Chad Emerson of Downtown Inc., and Dennis Madsen of Huntsville’s Urban & Long Range Planning team.

Taylor Dershem, Taryn Dershem, John Dershem

Lowe Mill enjoyed some of the largest crowds they’ve ever seen, with visitors numbering between 7,500 and 10,000. A number of guests were visiting for the first time, and the mill has noted a strong increase in crowds since then. n

Reid Selvidge, Anthony Vizzini

Sarah Rathbun, David Wall

Joseph Banks, Aaron Atkins

Kisha Freed, Marcia Freeland, Chrisha Favors

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Carrie Alderfer, Greg Stenberg

Molly Kitts, Dustin Timbrook, Teresa Green, Saundra Ivey

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

www.eventhuntsville.com

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Spotlight

d a Ch son r e Em

Written by Kimberly Ballard Started in 2013 as a successor to Big Spring Partners, Downtown Huntsville, Inc. led by its first CEO Chad Emerson, is contracted by the City of Huntsville to lead a revival of Downtown Huntsville. Just like the Chamber of Commerce leads the revival of economic development initiatives, and the Arts Council leads the revival of arts initiatives, Chad and his small but aggressive team were hired 18 months ago. They have a five-year goal to increase residential availability; increase hotel occupancy; increase retail and shopping venues; and increase awareness of it all, by reacquainting people with our City’s center. EVENT sat down with him to discuss what appears to be a highly successful undertaking.

EVENT: Tell us about your work with Downtown Huntsville, Inc. CE: We wake up every day thinking, ‘How we can improve downtown Huntsville?’ When you look at our peer cities, almost every one of them has a strong downtown.

We do not want to be at a competitive disadvantage and with downtown Huntsville’s natural assets, there is no reason for us to be.

Few downtowns have Monte Sano with its 30 miles of hiking and biking trails in its midst, or Big Spring Park

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Photo by Steve Babin winding its way through the neighborhood. Cities who do have those things are usually a 30-minute drive outside the city center. Also unique to Huntsville is its largely intact historic City Square with buildings that are 100 years old, but rehabilitated into businesses, office buildings, restaurants, and living space. Most cities have torn down their original city square.

The re-introduction process has been our biggest challenge. It’s hard to do a $30 million mixed-use project like The Avenue for instance, without generating interest first. The good news is that at the 18-month mark, we are actually closer in terms of a timeline, to where we would be in 24 to 32 months, so we are making progress at a fast pace.

Add to that a huge hospital complex that bring a lot of jobs to downtown, and something you may not think a lot about, but it is significant ⎯ our Interstate system does not cut downtown in half. These things make it possible to start with events and promotions that have reacquainted people with downtown and its unique aspects so they don’t just see it as a location, but also as a unique place for people to gather.

EVENT: Sounds like a challenge well met.

CE: Over 30,000 people attended our events in 2014.

The Avenue is just breaking ground and it will be both retail and residential. A major anchor retailer is looking at the Mason Building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Square has 90 percent occupancy.

EVENT: What do you mean by ‘reacquainting’ people with Downtown?

CE: People move to the suburbs when there isn’t much to do downtown. For the person who walked around downtown five years ago and found it lacking, five years is a long time. It’s not a good snapshot of what’s going on today.

We partner with other organizations to provide promotional support for events that have already found long term success like the Rocket City Brewfest, the WhistleStop Barbeque Weekend, and Panoply.

Our summer live outdoor music season on Thursdays and Fridays starts in March and in April, we will see the return of the street food season on every third Friday through October. The Street Food Truck Rally on Church Street brings thousands of people to downtown. n

www.eventhuntsville.com

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High-Stakes Canines at the GHHS 26th Annual Dog Ball Written by Lori Connors

Photos by Steve Babin

The 26th Annual Greater Huntsville Humane Society’s Dog Ball was presented at the Von Braun Center South Hall. “Canine Royale” was this year’s theme; artist Jauni Skinner did a fabulous job of creating the casino-inspired logo and artwork for the event.

Doug & Lucy Sutherland

Jennifer Muse, Tammie Berzett

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

The evening began with a silent auction and “Yappy Hour,” where guests could meet with the 55 community dogs and six shelter dogs. Dinner was followed by the parade of canines on the runway. To make a statement about animal cruelty, Laura and Darren Malone walked their dachshunds Heidi and Susie. Both dogs have survived separate instances of intentional poisoning while in their own backyard.

The live auction included three fire hydrants, hand-painted by local artists Rhonda Mitchell, Sandy Sparks and Gary Anderson. The evening closed with a raffle drawing for two tickets to the 2015 Westminster Dog Show and a $2,000 Visa gift card compliments of Paradise Pet Resort and Spa, the Dog Ball’s Signature Sponsor.

Event Chairman Jennifer Muse stated, "The event was a great success! It was such a fun and wonderful time for everyone involved; three of the six shelter dogs presented have already been adopted. We would love to thank all committee members, sponsors and in-kind donors for making the event possible!"

Sue Buoscio, Rachel Smith, Jackie Stiles

The Greater Huntsville Humane Society is dedicated to furthering the humane care and treatment of animals and providing adoption services for unwanted animals. For more information about next year’s Dog Ball, go to: http://thedogball.org/. n continued on page 44

Emma Cape, Earl Eastin

Cameron & Caitlin Hall, Heather & John Stevens

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Cynthia Potts, Cole Parker

Don & Myrna Ross, “Ruff” the GHHS Mascot, Susan & Bob Goodman

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

www.eventhuntsville.com

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Dog Ball continued

Dan & Casey Aldridge

Leslie Pickett, Warren Candler

Charlotte Tauss, Liddy Malone

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Amy & Mark Pope with Roosevelt

Anna Adams with Avery, Lauren Hayes with Millie

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Joe & Tracey Lawrence

Tom McGrath, Katie Bosarge, Debby & Steve Reed

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

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TASTE

Taste

King’s Olive Oil Written and Photographed by Sarah M. Bélanger When Tena King’s mother got sick, Tena and her husband, T.C. Morgan, set out to find healthy foods with restorative benefits. That is when they discovered a super food: olive oil. They were amazed at all the benefits olive oil had: improving heart health, increasing bone density, assisting with proper metabolism, and even reducing inflammation. They also learned that olive oil is packed with polyphenols - antioxidants that can help fight numerous diseases, including certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

Tena and T.C. were excited to reap the benefits of olive oil, but found that it was hard to get quality oil.

Olive oil in the United States is poorly regulated, and many of the health benefits are not available in the grocery store varieties. Tena and T.C. soon learned that they could not trust many of the labels and claims of the olive oils available to them, so they set out to create a specialty shop to sell olive oil and vinegar that customers could rely on.

The pair opened a shop in Gadsden in October 2013, and King’s Olive Oil Company was born. With the success of the Gadsden store, they opened a second location in Madison. Both locations offer a wide variety of olive oils, vinegars and specialty items, such as locally made dishes, spices, fresh pasta, sauces, and gourmet olives.

“We offer an interactive and educational tasting experience unlike any other in this area,” said Morgan.

“You can treat your taste buds to an incredible array of flavors from around the world, including Italy, Spain, Greece, Tunisia, Chile and Australia, just to name a few.”

Customers are encouraged to sample the products and ask questions from the knowledgeable staff.

In order to preserve the flavor and health benefits of the olive oils and vinegars, the products are filled in dark, green glass bottles at the time of purchase.

Customers can purchase the basics, but they can also choose from a wide selection of infused oils and vinegars, including Persian lime, butter, and Tuscan herb olive oils, as well as blackberry-ginger, dark chocolate, and peach balsamic vinegars.

T.C. and Tena also offer customers a large variety of free recipes displayed on a board in their store and on their website. A particular favorite at the store is the blood orange brownies.

“It is so easy, “ said Tena. “All you do is get a box of brownie mix and substitute the vegetable oil for our blood orange olive oil. Then just follow the directions on the box.” On many lucky Saturdays, customers can sample the dessert while they are shopping.

For more information, visit: http://www.kingsoliveoil.com n

12090B County Line Road

Madison, AL

256-262-4395

www.kingsoliveoil.com

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First-ever Memorable Events Bridal Expo is a Success Written by Melissa Gerrish

Photos by Steve Babin

Around 70 brides- and grooms-to-be attended the first-ever Memorable Events Bridal Expo on February 1st at the Swan House in New Market.

J'Que Ellis, Jeff White, Bianca Bartlett

The WE (Wedding & Events Professionals) Alliance hosted the event. “The group brings together professionals in the event industry for business education, to refer business to each other, and to take advantage of co-marketing opportunities like the expo,” said Susan Voiers, founder of WE Alliance and mymemorableevent.com.

Dathern & Russell Moon

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

“We have our own marketing arm that we present to the community as a resource for anything they need to put together any type of event. The public can find caterers, photographers, venues, cakes, and formal wear all in one place – along with tips and ideas,” Voiers described.

The Swan House is more than a wedding venue – it is a destination, according to owner Steve Quinn. “It is a place that friends and family can spend days instead of hours enjoying the event of two families becoming one. With five bedrooms, including a bridal suite and groom suite, and rooms for family or friends, it makes it a once-in-alifetime experience for everyone.”

Argenia Keeling, Kyrstie Adams

Chelsea Greene, Chuck Clark

Event sponsors included WE Alliance, MyMemorableEvent.com, Swan House and All Needz Rental Center. One attendee received a grand prize package valued at more than $8,000 that can be used for any type of event. n For more information on the Swan House, visit its website at www.swanhousenewmarket.com. To learn more about WE Alliance, check out www.thewealliance.com.

Marjorie Peck, Stephanie Dove, Whitney Ferguson, Renea Lebiche

Susan Voiers, Jennifer Middleton

Steven & Karen Quinn

Meghan Champion, Katie Nobles, Megan McCravy, Jaimie Brunett

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

Rebecca Pruitt, Jennifer McMonigle

Make your lasting memories at Valley Hill Country Club Specializing in Rehearsal Dinners, Receptions and Wedding Ceremonies

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Hearts Aflutter at the Third Annual Valentine’s Ball for the HYO

Written by Kimberly Ballard

Photos by Steve Babin

The Tennessee Valley Jazz Band headlined the Third Annual Valentine’s Day Ball & Silent Auction held in the EarlyWorks Museum Grand Ballroom on Saturday, February 14th. The fundraiser raises money for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra and their programs.

This year the dance brought in $10,000 from Silent Auction items, ticket sales, and corporate sponsorships, which will go to support Youth Orchestra programs, their scholarship fund, their annual trip to New York City where they attend a variety of concerts to enhance their musical education, and their musical summer camp.

The event is open to public and this year offered heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Creative Catering, wine, and a punch bar.

The Huntsville Youth Orchestra consists of musicians from age seven through high school graduation. There are four aptitude levels ranging from beginners who play with the Novice Strings and Intermezzo Orchestra; an intermediate level Concert Orchestra for young string players with two years of experience; as well as the Philharmonia.

Kenny & Juli Mills, Kristin & Tony Manary, David & Maggie Hall

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

The Sinfonia is a more advanced full orchestra made up of accomplished string, woodwind, brass, and percussion students, while the Huntsville Youth Symphony is a full orchestra for the more advanced and accomplished youth musicians.

“The Huntsville Youth Orchestra is really phenomenal,” said HYO vice president of communications, Jennifer Middleton. “They play a number of fall, winter, and spring concert events throughout the year, as well as giving holiday performances and playing during community collaborations like Panoply.”

The HYO holds open auditions for several days in August, but they take new students throughout the year. The HYO’s next concert is on March 8th at Asbury Methodist Church on Hughes Road in Madison. Tickets to the concert are free. n

Jeanne & Richard Roth

Bob & Susan Janus

Phil & Rebecca Riddick, Ava May, Steven Riddick Jason & Angel Hundley

Julia & Harry Griffin

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Deborah Brown, Barbara & Mel Price, Ina & Garrett Smith

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

Drs. Jim & Sharon Gardepe

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Open 7 Days: M-F 9am-10pm, Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm

HUNTSVILLE

MADISON

4851 Whitesburg Dr. Publix Plaza at Airport (256) 881-8288

8141 Hwy 72 West New Target Center Madison (256) 430-4445

www.eventhuntsville.com

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Front Row L to R Brown, Plott, Grant, Caudle

Second Jiminez, Spearman, Oliver, Scherlis Third Childs, Bence, Spera, Plotka

Fourth Harper, Cimino, Gillespie, Nunn

Gothic Guild

Top Junen, Malone

Written by Sibyl Wilkinson Photos by Mark Jaeger

The Gothic Guild is pleased to announce that 39 young girls will participate in the 2015 Victorian Cotillion Club sponsored by the Gothic Guild. The club was chartered in 1985. Each year its members are given six weeks of instruction emphasizing the timeless social graces that continue to befit today’s lifestyle. Social activities preceding the Victorian Cotillion will include a mother-daughter tea, a dinner at Valley Hill Country Club and a father-daughter social. The Cotillion Dinner Dance will be held at the VBC North Hall on March 14, 2015.

criteria for selection include a good academic record, demonstration of leadership through participation in school, church, social and civic activities.

Following the selection of the girls, the club issues invitations. Once the selected girls have issued their acceptance of the Gothic Guild's invitation, their mothers are invited to an orientation coffee to acquaint them with the objective of the club. This year the coffee was held at the McClung Avenue home of Mrs. Douglas Madison.

The girls are chosen by an anonymous community committee of five who are in no way connected with the Gothic Guild. They must be 16 years of age or enrolled as a sophomore in a high school in the city of Huntsville or in Madison County. Other

The second and last mothers’ meeting was held at 6 p.m. on January 21st at the home of Mrs. Walter Max Thompson, Jr. and the Formal Tea was held on February 8th at the Weeden House Museum.

The Gothic Guild’s mission is to continue cultural, education and historical preservation of traditions in Huntsville and Madison County.

The group will donate proceeds from this year’s Victorian Cotillion to the Lincoln Village Ministry.

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Front Row L to R Hall, Neumann, Vroom, Tepool, McCrary Second Clark, Hammett, League, Givan, Collins Third Stone, Taylor, Tauss, Broyles Fourth Hamm, Jones, Lynn Top Lacey, Shoemake, Horton, Calvert

Following are the names of members of the 2015 Victorian Cotillion Club along with their parents’ names and their schools: Sara Parker Bence, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William Scott Bence Huntsville High School Catherine Ann Brown, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Michael David Brown Huntsville High School Joanna Grace Broyles, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Edward Broyles, Jr. Randolph School Susan Elizabeth Giles Calvert, daughter of Ms. Virginia Wahlheim Clavert & Mr. Steven Royce Calvert Huntsville High School Rachel Christine Caudle, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Harold Caudle Huntsville High School Abbie Elizabeth Childs, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Hoyt Abner Childs III Randolph School Sarah Margaret Cimino, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. John Paul Cimino Randolph School Annie Elizabeth Clark, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dallas Wade Clark II Huntsville High School

Caroline Peyton Collins, daughter of Ms. Deborah Martinez Collins & Doctor Ronald Lynn Collins Huntsville High School

Laura Melea Horton, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Charles Richardson Horton, Jr. Huntsville High School

May Merrill Gillespie, daughter of Mr. James Woody Gillespie & the late Mrs. Gillespie Randolph School

Victoria Susan Jiminez, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Victor Keith Jiminez Huntsville High School

Paige Elizabeth Givan, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Stephen John Givan Grissom High School Carsen Mae Grant, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Eugene Grant Bob Jones High School Caroline Ruth Hall, daughter of The Honorable Karen Kimbrell Hall & Mr. Billy Glenn Hall Huntsville High School Elisabeth Duffey Hamm, daughter of The Reverend & Mrs. Jeffery Leavon Hamm Westminister Christian Academy Cecil Elizabeth Hammett, daughter of Mrs. Ronald Lynn Collins & Mr. Robert Chase Hammett Huntsville High School Abigail Mae Harper, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Paul Muir Harper Randolph School

Rachel Catherine Jones, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Jefferson Jones Huntsville High School Rachel Elizabeth Junen, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Kendall Peter Junen Huntsville High School Emma Charline Lacey, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Abner Lacey III Huntsville High School Bentley Baynes League, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James William League III Randolph School Emma Francine Lynn, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. William Scott Lynn Westminister Christian Academy Elizabeth Comer Malone, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Darren Evan Malone Randolph School Ella Scott McCary, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. William Scott McCary Randolph School

Lane Elizabeth Neumann, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Donald Gene Neumann II Huntsville High School

Emma Hampton Stowe, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cullen Stowe III Huntsville High School

Alexa Nicole Nunn, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Wayne Nunn Randolph School

Charlotte Jean Tauss, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gary Harold Tauss Randolph School

Sarah Jordan Oliver, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Russell Dale Oliver Huntsville High School

Madyson Grace Taylor, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel, Retired & Mrs. Clark Benton Taylor Huntsville High School

Jillian Elaine Plotka, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Marshall Brian Plotka Randolph School Bradley Lauren Plott, daughter of The Reverend & Mrs. William Bradley Plott Westminister Christian Academy

Anna Katherine Tepool, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Alan Tepool Huntsville High School Grace Ann Vroom, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Eric Charles Vroom Huntsville High School

Raquel Lynn Scherlis, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Morris Lee Scherlis Randolph School Julia Myron Shoemake, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jason Kyle Shoemake Randolph School Betsy Blanton Spearman, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bryson Spearman Huntsville High School Victoria Georgia Faith Spera, daughter of Doctor & Mrs. Richard Victor Spera, Jr. Randolph School

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Jill Chadwick, Carol May

Kathy Ludwig, Anne Burke

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

T’was the Season for Girls, Inc. & the Aeolians of Oakwood University at the Carillon’s Christmas Luncheon Written by Kimberly Ballard

Susie McCormick, Robin Jennings, Linda Akenhead, Aida Moultrie

Photos by David Coker

Fourth grader Kymmora Pettus and high school junior Nia Malone were guest speakers at the Carillon Club Christmas Luncheon at the Ledges on December 10th. Both girls were chaperoned by Program Operations officer Chaundra Jones of the Huntsville Chapter of Girls, Inc., who accepted donations totaling more than $4,000 from members of the Carillon Club, one of Huntsville’s oldest philanthropic organizations.

Over 120 Carillion Club members and their invited guests attended the formal sit-down holiday luncheon. Pettus talked about planning for college and both girls described how Girl’s, Inc. has helped them by providing supervised after school support and time to do their homework or get involved in activities. Girls, Inc. provides a nurturing environment that encourages girls to achieve academic success in math, science, technology; improve their self-esteem; and avoid risky behaviors.

(Singers) Candace Williams, Mallory McHenry, Lindsay Gibbons, James Williams, Terrol Stone, Antonio Hargrove, Rachel Williams, Clenol Jean, Briana DeSha

The internationally renowned Aeolians of Oakwood University provided a repertoire of choral music in a capella that ranged from the Baroque era to the twentieth century.

Under the direction of Dr. John Dennison, the Aeolians recently performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The Carillon Club is a local women’s social and civic club organized in 1966. They are limited to 65 members at a time, and all of their membership fees go towards Girls, Inc. n

Susan Trousdale, Melissa Slaten, Nia Malone, Kymmora Pettus, Jill Cole, Chaundra Jones

Jan McMurray, Donna Basore, Julia Parker, Jerry Ann Wynn, Mary Susan Johnson

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Amy Ridgeway, Melissa Slaten

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

Michelle Campbell, Edna Block

Lexus of Huntsville, Where You Get Much More For Much Less Than You Might Think

Lexus of Huntsville 6580 University Drive • Huntsville, AL 35806 www.lexusofhuntsville.com • 256.824.8050 or 800.721.9560

Huntsville Happenings Written by Judy S. Ryals, Pres./CEO Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau

With the 40th anniversary of the Von Braun Center in March, get out and celebrate 40 awesome years in the Rocket City for the VBC. Cheer on the home team in one of the many area sporting events including arena football and hockey and be sure to see an event in the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall or the Propst Arena. You can enjoy a play, ballet, concert, or even the circus at the VBC as well.

There’s always something growing on at the Huntsville Botanical Garden! The garden features the Southeastern Raptor Center Birds of Prey Show on March 25th and Huntsville Blooms March 15th – April 30th. The Spring Plant Sale from April 17th-19th is not to be missed. Late April also brings “Nature Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney” to the Garden. Nearly 500,000 LEGO® bricks were used in 27 amazing sculptures featured in the 14 displays throughout the Garden. This colorful, intricate and fun exhibit will be at the Garden from April 24th through July 26th. Watch for the appearance of fluttering wings at the Purdy Butterfly House, which will open in early May. The Huntsville Museum of Art always has some great exhibits. This spring, you can enjoy the visual arts with “Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough and the Golden Age of Painting in Europe” exhibit along with the “John James Audubon: Quadrupeds of North America” exhibit. What a fantastic combination! Visit the nine locations throughout the community with a total of 37 sculptures comprising the SPACES Sculpture Trail.

Kudos to The Arts Council Inc., Alabama A&M University, the Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment and the University of Alabama in Huntsville on this collaborative outdoor art project.

The free walking tours provided by the CVB will be held Saturday mornings in April.

Join us in downtown Huntsville April 4th and 11th, and in downtown Madison April 18th and 25th. The Huntsville tours start at the Confectionery Shop of Constitution Village, and the historic downtown Madison tours start near the little roundhouse, at 10 a.m.

The Panoply Arts Festival promises to be one of the best yet! Enjoy some of the finest musicians, dancers and artists from the area and around the country at this weekendlong event. 2015 is The Year of Alabama Barbecue so go to the Historic Huntsville Depot, May 1st and 2nd, for WhistleStop Weekend. Great entertainment, refreshing beverages and some of the best BBQ around are all abundant at this fun and tasty annual event!

The Huntsville Chapter of Free the Hops will present the 4th Annual Rocket City Brewfest, May 8th and 9th. Adults (21 & over) have the opportunity to sample some of the best local and regional beers available in the Tennessee Valley as well as to enjoy live music and tasty offerings from local food vendors. See why many believe our community is poised to become the Napa Valley of craft beer.

I hope to see you at the first Street Food Gathering of the season, April 17th, on Church Street. These will be held every third Friday from April through October. The Thursday afternoon/evening Biergartens at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center will be held weekly beginning in April. Catch the “101 Inventions that Changed the World” exhibit, then enjoy the festive atmosphere with authentic German cuisine.

All of these fantastic events and I’ve just scratched the surface! Stop by the Huntsville/Madison County Visitor Center® at 500 Church Street NW and check out our website www.huntsville.org and our new blog www.iHeartHSV.com for visitor tips and additional information on all the great events and activities this spring. n

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Calendar of Events March 5

Alabama Fashion Week 2015 Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m. – Saturday, March 7, 2015, 6 p.m.

DesignLab Huntsville, 1300 Meridian St – 2nd Floor Lincoln Mill, Huntsville, Alabama 35801 Fashion Week Alabama is organized by the Alabama Fashion Alliance. Tickets go on sale midnight February 1st.

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Strauss Connection 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Mark C. Smith Concert Hall/VBC 2015 is the 150th anniversary of Strauss’s birth, and Strauss was tremendously influenced by Mozart. In turn, contemporary composer John Williams was tremendously influenced by Strauss.

These connections make tonight’s selections ideally suited as a way to showcase work from three musical masters from three different generations. www.hso.org 21

17th Annual UCP An Irish Evening 6 – 10 p.m.

Historic Depot Roundhouse, 320 Church Street, Huntsville, AL 35801 Let the luck of the Irish be with you this St. Patrick’s Day! Tickets are just $25 each (includes free admission for one child per adult ticket) and can be purchased at ucphuntsville.org or by calling 256.859.4900.

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The Huntsville Museum of Art’s 24th Annual Gala Silent Auction and Cocktail Party 7 – 11 p.m.

Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street entrance, Huntsville, AL 35801 The 24th Annual Gala will be held at the Huntsville Museum of Art’s galleries and halls. Artwork to be auctioned will be exhibited in the Museum beginning in February. Ticket to this event are available atwww.hsvmuseum.org

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Rolling Jazz Review 7 – 9 p.m.

Flying Monkey Theatre, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville AL Rolling Jazz Review plays very rock and r&b influenced modern jazz, some free jazz and lots of original music. RJR is Jim Cavendar, guitar, Newt Johnson, keys, Nick Walker, bass, Jeff Woods, percussion and Aaron Cox, drums. Listen at www.startlinglyfreshrecords.com

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38th Annual Ellen McAnelly Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Downtown Huntsville Please visit our website at www.huntsvillestpatricksday.com for more information about the parade route, the Queen and her Court, the Grand Marshal, our sponsors, and more!

Von Braun Music Run & Open House 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The race will begin outside of the Von Braun Center and inside there will be an open house.

The band Driven Under will be here for your entertainment. Check out the website for more information and to register for the race. www.vonbraunmusicrun.com The Downtown Dish - Huntsville Food Tours 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Downtown Huntsville Guests will sample distinct flavors and boost their food IQ at six different original tasting locations, while learning about the history and architecture of our great city. For more information, visit www.huntsvillefoodtours.com

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Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year Campaign Kick Off 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Cotton Row, 100 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Man & Woman of the Year campaign is a fundraising competition among a select group of individuals in the community www.mwoy.org

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Greater Huntsville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Pink, White and Blue Children’s Ball 6 – 10 p.m.

Grand Ballroom, Westin Hotel at Bridge Street The ball encourages family values and self esteem in youth and promises to be an evening of fun with dining and dancing for the entire family. Proceeds from the ball will be donated to local charitable organizations that cultivate and promote children’s programs and Jack and Jill of America Foundation.

Tickets not available at the door.

For more information, please contact Latoya Smith 256.885.9708 ext 237.

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The Science of Music 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Roberts Hall, University of Alabama Huntsville Experience the fun relationships between music and science! Featuring musical selections from Johann Pachelbel, Henry Purcell, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Joseph Haydn. Gregory Vajda, conductor.

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Voices of Our Times: Charlotte Moss 6 – 8 p.m.

Huntsville Museum of Art Interior designer and style guru Charlotte Moss will join the Voices of Our Times series in April 2015!

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EuroSunday 7 – 9:30 a.m.

Brueggers, 2000 Cecil Ashburn Drive The inaugural EuroSunday meet in Huntsville.

An informal monthly gathering open to all European, sports, exotic cars and motorcycles. For more information visit our website EuroSunday.net

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Spring Luncheon Thursday, April 30, 2015, 11am – 1pm Huntsville Botanical Garden, The Arbo

April 11

Heads-n-Tails Crawfish Boil and Craft Beer Garden 3 – 10 p.m.

Von Braun Center- South Hall, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801 We’re excited to bring back the Craft Beer Garden with even more great selections. FREE for all to attend! Gabrielle’s Face Painting will be on hand to paint faces and there will be plenty of fun for the kids in the Jump to It, Inc. inflatables area!

Parking is available in the VBC Parking lots at $7 per vehicle.

The program this years features James Farmer, renowned author, interior designer, and entertaining expert. Farmer is a well known author including his recent “Dinner on the Grounds: Summer Suppers and Soirees”, and will share fun, informative ideas and tips for lifestyle and entertaining. Limited seating is available with individual reservations $60 per person, tables of eight $500, and a select number of corporate tables with sponsor benefits for $750.

For further information on these and other events please visit our calendar on line eventhuntsville.com

Submit your www.eventhuntsville.com event at www.eventhuntsville.com

Brian Simpson Band: Jeffery Johnson, Eugene Fleming, Brian Simpson, Kenny Anderson, Sean Michael Ray

Jamie Jones, Sonja Koonce, Jim & Rea Smith, Andrea Rona

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

The Night was Cold & the Jazz Was Hot at Have Yourself a Jazzy Little New Year

Written by Kimberly Ballard Photos by Steve Babin

The last evening of 2014 was frigid, but the jazz was hot! Smooth jazz keyboardist and composer Brian Simpson and his all-star band helped ring in 2015 at the Have Yourself a Jazzy Little New Year celebration at Loretta Spencer Hall in the Huntsville Museum of Art starting at 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. In addition to the music, there were party favors, a cash bar, a balloon drop, and fireworks at midnight in Big Spring Park visible off the museum ballroom.

Open to anyone interested in supporting educational projects, proceeds from the evening went towards the 2nd Chance Endowed Scholarship at Calhoun Community College (CCC). Created by Kenneth Anderson, Director of Multicultural Affairs for the City of Huntsville in honor of his parents, Jack and Annie Anderson, the foundation represents Kenny and his late parents’ commitment to education.

Natasha Draper, April Fortune, Shelia Swoope, Paul Tavernier

There were many out-of-town guests visiting friends and family in Huntsville during the holidays who stayed specifically to hear Simpson. A top name in the jazz business, Simpson served as music director for Dave Koz and Norris Jones; and played bass guitar with some of the biggest names in jazz like Boney James, Sean Michael Ray, Norman Brown, Gerald Albright, and Stacey ‘Quick’ Ellis.

Catered by Teresa Wilson, the delicious spread consisted of spicy grilled chicken sliders with Creole mustard, baked tilapia over seasoned wild rice with a variety of salads, pasta, fruit, veggies and rich desserts.

Local comedian Jeffery Johnson served as emcee while soloist Eugene Fleming, winner of the 2012 Smooth Jazz Cruise talent contest, and saxophonist Jazmin Ghent also entertained throughout the evening. Tickets ranged from $55 per person to $100 per couple, and $60 at the door. n

Bob & Christy Copeland

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Felicia & Leon Beaulieu

Shannon & Paul Thompson

Alan & Dottie Markell

Walt & Lauri Russell, Leanne & Fred Mayes

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

Rick Aboudonia Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Senior Vice President - Investment Officer

Jason E. Clowers, MBA Managing Director - Investment Officer

A seasoned group of investment professionals delivering an incredible client experience.

Serving our clients the old-fashioned way – face-time, objective non-sales-driven investment advice, tactical risk management-centered asset management, exceptional service

525 Madison Street, Suite 201 • Huntsville, Alabama 35801 256.564.6460 • 800.233.2161

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Honoring Our Mentors Fourth Annual Gala Written by Morgan Hopper

Photos by Steve Babin

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama filled the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum with over 200 guest and supporters on January 29th for their Fourth Annual Honoring Our Mentors Gala. The auction brought in over $50,000, exceeding this year’s goal.

Proceeds from the fundraiser go directly toward providing mentoring for children facing adversity. It costs $1,200 a year just to match and maintain a mentoring relationship.

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

January is National Mentoring Month, which gives BBBSNA a chance to honor and recognize a key mentor in their organization, but this year they were able to honor two key mentors. Chris and Deb Litz and their Little, Lamar, and Ken and Pat Arrington and their Little, Tywaun, were acknowledged at the gala as the 2014 Matches of the Year.

Liz Hurley, Brandi Quick, Leila Nabors, Danielle Thomas

Colsa Corporation and Radiance Technologies were presenting sponsors for the magical night. Crestwood Medical Center graciously catered the event, while the Randolph Band Ensemble and harpist Olivia Johnson provided music. Lillie Blackburn, a senior at Clements High School, was a featured artist who painted during the event. Mayor Tommy Battle and his wife Eula Battle; Kenny Anderson, Multicultural Affairs Officer for the City of Huntsville; Judge Chris Comer, and Liz Hurley were among attendees for the evening.

Fariba Tabarrok, Tamera Puryear, Eric Franchois

“We wanted to be able to take an opportunity to promote the significant impact mentoring has on our community, and recognize not only those who play the role of being a mentor, but also those who have benefited from having a mentor,” said Emmett Moore, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama. “This is why you will find a presence of Littles at these events to speak about their experiences.”

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama visit online at www.bbbsna.org. n continued on page 64

April Forde, Harper Beranek

Lynda Hall, Emmett Moore

Harper Beranek, Marivel Miguel, Tywaun Cousan, Dontavious Cousan, Sevyn Wade, Donovan Cousan, Lamar Moore (in the pink), Jacob Beranek, Dion Morris Back row: Jared Francis, Emmett Moore

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

Kenny Anderson, Mayor Battle

8506 Whitesburg Drive SE • Huntsville, Al 35802 256-880-0909 • www.interiorsbyconsign.net

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Honoring Our Mentors continued

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

JoAnn Perez, Kitty Davenport, Sonja Enfinger

King’s Olive Oil Company is the only o y Balsam c Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar tasting room in the Huntsvillee area. We carry the freshest EVOOs, as welll y as balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy that are aged from 3-18 years.

12090B County Line Road • Madison, dison AL 35756 256.262.4395 64

Daniel Gann, Keri Fletcher

Adam & Laura Bernick

Bob & Mary Ratliff

Becky & Tim Smith

Julian & Daniel Kasambira, Leila Nabors, Winton Forde

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

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Rotaryann Scholarship at UAH Written by Lori Connors

Photos by Steve Babin

The historic Lowe House was filled to capacity to honor the Rotaryann University of Alabama in Huntsville Scholarship winner. Emily Olsen, a senior at Grissom with plans to enter the Biochemical Engineering program, was this year’s proud recipient.

Along with festive holiday décor, there was a delicious assortment of desserts, coffee and beverages, catered by Sodexo.

PEOPLE • PLACES • PARTIES

Built in 1902 by Alabama state senator A.S. Fletcher, the Lowe House serves as the living quarters for UAH presidents and their families. The Lowe House was designed by architect Herbert Cowell and exemplifies the Chateauesque style. Some of its unique characteristics include a portico, a side foyer, a stained glass panel above the side entrance and a double stairway. Behind the residence is a two-story “crow-step” gabled brick 1820’s Federal-style building which also served as General Sherman’s headquarters during the siege of Huntsville. Fletcher’s nephew Robert Lowe and his wife Jane lived in the house for many years before donating the house to the UAH Foundation.

Charlotte Park, Julia Parker, Mary Rutledge

Betty Cherry, Allison Janen

Rotaryann is the spousal organization of the Downtown Rotary Club. The Rotaryann Scholarship at UAH is the organizations signature fundraiser. Since its establishment in 2009, the Huntsville Rotaryann Scholarship at UAH has been awarded to young women in high academic standing; graduates of Madison County public high schools.

The scholarship is non-renewable and the student must maintain a full academic load and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. n

Amelia Summerville, Betty Tomlin, Cindy Spillers, Susan Griffin, Susan Ozment

Jean Salter, Tammi Thomas-Smith

Sharron Hedden, Pat Schwerman

Janis Simpson, Susan Ozment, Emily Olsen, Amanda Secrist

Robbie Hallisey, Wanda Cobb, Billie Grosser, Judy Vann

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Stacey Gardner, Lee Ann Smith, Lady Jane Powell, Lady Smith

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