Setting the Scene for the Season
AT PEPPER PLACE
District-Wide Holiday Preview
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Spend the day exploring Birmingham’s creative design district. Stroll our alleyways, discover unique local treasures and enjoy exclusive instore offerings, pop-ups and festive fare.
Prepare for the holidays because style does not stop with what you wear. Your home is a canvas for gatherings, traditions and making memories. At Pepper Place, you’ll find pieces that spark conversation, curated tabletop accents for celebration and artwork that reflects your signature personality.
Make a day of it: Shop with your local favorites, gather hostess gifts, sip and celebrate, then stay for dinner at one of our award-winning restaurants. Pepper Place offers countless ways to dress yourself, your home and your holidays in style.
BETTOLA
BLUEPRINT ON 3RD
HOT AND HOT FISH CLUB
JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS THE ANVIL PUB (COMING SOON)
THE MUSTARD CLUB OVENBIRD RED CAT COFFEEHOUSE
ALCHEMY SPA BALANCE WINE (COMING SOON)
BILLY REID BODYROK
THE COLLECTIVE DESIGN SUPPLY
DEVORE VINTAGE
ENCORE STONE STUDIO
FARMSTAND BY STONE HOLLOW FARMSTEAD
FERGUSON HOME
FOUND
IGNITE CYCLE
KRAVAT
LILLIEKAT RUGS
ODETTE COLLECTION
SCHUMACHER (COMING SOON)
THE SON OF A BUTCHER YELLOWHAMMER CREATIVE
The Thankful Issue
As we put together this month’s Thankful Issue, I have been reflecting on the life of the most beautiful, gracious woman I will ever know: my grandmother, Mary Ann Addington Martin.
Born in 1931, she spent 94 remarkable years showing us what steadfast strength and faith look like. She and my grandfather, Billy Charles Martin, built a marriage that lasted 58 years and a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. Together, they built a business that would grow into Martin Retail Group, but more than that, they built a family that remains closely knit to this day.
Mimi was the picture of class and grace. She never raised her voice, but her presence guided us and reminded us what really matters. She was the heart behind every Christmas gathering, the keeper of family traditions, and, until her last months, the most active participant in our family group chat—emojis and all.
This season, I am thankful for a legacy that reminds me to love generously, to create space for others, and to keep family close. We will miss Mimi terribly, but we rejoice knowing she is reunited with my grandfather, and that her life continues to teach us how to live well.
I love you, Mimi!
KALI MCNUTT, PUBLISHER
@BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE
Editor’s Note
In last month’s issue, we shared a beautiful dinner party feature,“An Evening Well Served,” photographed by Mary Fehr but did not fully recognize the partners who helped bring the table to life. Our heartfelt thanks go to The Son of a Butcher — with special gratitude to head butcher Chris Spear and head cheesemonger John Litzinger — for their exquisite meats and cheeses, to Buka for perfectly paired wines, and to Chocolatá for the sweet finish. Your work made this gathering truly unforgettable.
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Blair Moore | blair.moore@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mary Fehr
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lauren Sisler, Blair Moore, Kali McNutt
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ambre Amari, Andrew Thomas Lee, Elise Ferrer, Courtney Sucher, Kristie Allen
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 688 transactions totaling over $322 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. “I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding “city suburbs” from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge”. Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, “Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing my contributions positively impact my clients, my company and my city and that I have produced the highest quality of work.”
Gat
Set
A Cozy Season Dinner Party
Gratitude by Hand
Etiquette
Quality Provisions for the Common Cook
At The Son of a Butcher, we pride ourselves on sourcing quality provisions rooted in hard work, integrity, and respect for the animals and environment.
During the holidays, we offer a selection of showstopping centerpieces, ranging from Prime and Dry-Aged Rib Roasts to the "Spiral Ham of all Hams," Nueske's Applewood Smoked Ham. Luxurious additions like Polanco Caviar elevate any special occasion, while traditional cheeses like Ebenezer and Stilton add festive depth to any spread. Panettone, a traditional Italian sweet bread, comes in a variety of fruit flavors, great for sharing with loved ones.
Stay updated on our online pre-order menus, other festive offerings, and events by following us on Instagram, Facebook, or by joining our newsletter.
961-3200
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By Your
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ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR
Gather: A Cozy Season Dinner Party
Set the scene with scent, song, and sip — the makings of a perfect fall evening
It’s cozy season, and that means it’s time to light the candles (and the fireplace), turn on the tunes, and gather with friends over a glass of something delicious. This evening at home is less about an Instagrammable place setting or picture-perfect meal and more about intentionally engaging all five senses, while enjoying the people who matter most. Invite a few souls you’re grateful for, and let the night unfold— unforced, unfussy, unforgettable.
WHAT WE’RE POURING
A trio selected by Luis DeLaTorre of Buka
Jean Max “L’Ext’hase” Beaujolais – A go-to red for charcuterie and cozy dinners alike.
Maître de Chai Sparkling Chenin Blanc – A crisp, apple-and-pear–forward alternative to Champagne with a touch of wildflower.
Avinyó Cava Brut – A bright, festive bottle worthy of a toast.
SETTING THE SCENE
Created in collaboration with Jordan Maxey, owner of Village Apothecary, our special-edition candle, It’s Giving Thanks , lends the perfect glow and olfactory experience. Top notes of vanilla bean, almond, and coriander are grounded by soothing bottom notes of amber, tonka, and sandalwood. Base notes of warming spices, acorn, and bay leaf nod to the season.
Civil Stoneware’s casually elegant ceramics in earthen hues are the evening’s vessels of choice: a
coppery vase holds autumnal florals, while weighty wine mugs feel unexpected and cool.
THE SOUNDTRACK
A great playlist turns dinner into a night to remember. Our friends at Ralph’s Listening Room curated a mix of classics and discoveries perfect for a fall gathering.
• Falls on Me – Sylvie
• It’s Not Easy – Ofege
• That’s All – Baby Rose
• A Knock at the Door – Ethel Cain
• Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
• See You Later, I’m Gone – Robert Lester Folsom
• Momma Forgot to Tell Me – Little Beaver
• I Really Really Love You – Father’s Children
• Milk – Sweet Trip
• Maybe Tomorrow – Grant Green
Hear the full soundtrack by visiting ralphslisteningroom on Spotify and playing Fall Dinner Party 2025 — the perfect mix to carry your evening from the first pour to the last toast.
CONTINUED >
RALPH’S LISTENING ROOM:
Q&A WITH CO-OWNER QADEEM HASSAN
WHAT CAN GUESTS EXPECT WHEN THEY VISIT?
A space where music isn’t just the background, but the foundation of your experience. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to slow down and be present — lots of warm wood and saturated greens, like a cozy living room for everyone.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN RALPH’S?
Listening rooms started in Japan in the 1950s, where cafés called Jazz Kissa put music first. Between co-owner Justin Speegle’s passion for creating music and my love of cocktails and hospitality, it felt natural to bring a version of that to Birmingham.
DESCRIBE RALPH’S IN THREE WORDS:
“Listen with Taste.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ALBUM OF ALL TIME?
Between [co-owner Justin] Speegle and myself, here are our top ten:
• Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
• Voodoo by D’Angelo
• To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
• Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder
• Blonde by Frank Ocean
• Currents by Tame Impala
• OK Computer by Radiohead
• Nevermind by Nirvana
• What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
• I Love You, Honeybear by Father John Misty
HOW DOES YOUR HOME ENTERTAINING STYLE COMPARE TO RALPH’S?
They’re more alike than different. I have a room dedicated to listening to music and reading books, with a Technics 1200 turntable and vintage Sansui speakers. Speegle has a monochromatic green recording studio with plush carpet and velvet couches. Both are about intimacy and creating a mood.
WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR HOSTING?
Create a space of inclusiveness and freedom, play for the crowd, and curate a mood that reflects the purpose of the night.
Ralph’s is set to open in the first quarter of 2026 at 2044 2nd Avenue North.
To purchase our special edition candle, visit shopvillageapothecary.com
Follow our friends on Instagram
@Ralphslisteningroom @bukabhm @villageapothecary.co @civilstonewar e
ESPN’S LAUREN SISLER SHARES HOW SHE HAS FOUND HOPE AND GRATITUDE IN THE FACE OF UNIMAGINABLE LOSS
When It Feels Like Too Much
ARTICLE BY LAUREN SISLER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
12 years.
Photo by Courtney Sucher.
Lauren with her brother, Allen, who served in the Navy for
Lauren and her husband John Willard with their 2-year-old son, Mason.
Photo by Kristie Allen.
“Life can feel like it’s shattered into a million pieces, but through resilience, we have the ability to gather the fragments and rebuild with joy and purpose.”
I grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, and if you had told me years ago that Birmingham, Alabama, would become my forever home, I wouldn’t have believed you. I moved here in 2011 for a job at CBS 42, later joined AL.com, and eventually ESPN. My husband and I love this city, and now, as small business owners and parents raising our two-year-old son Mason, I’m grateful we landed here.
My book, Shatterproof, tells a story I never wanted to tell. At 18, I lost both of my parents within five hours of each other to opioid overdoses. My mom was 45, my dad 52. Both lived with chronic pain. Both died from fentanyl.
For years, I carried the shame of their addiction. I was afraid people would judge them, or me. Their legacy was in my hands, and I wanted to protect it. Writing the book forced me to face that shame head-on. The title comes from this idea: life can feel like it’s shattered into a million pieces, but through resilience, we have the ability to gather the fragments and rebuild with joy and purpose.
My brother was a huge part of that journey. After our parents died, we leaned on each other. He was in the military, I was at Rutgers, but we grew close through tragedy. When I finally put pen to paper, he could have asked me to shut it all down. He could have said, No, you can’t tell this story. But instead, he gave his blessing. He filled in gaps, provided details, and helped me preserve what really happened. In so many ways, we wrote this book together.
Which is why November 8, 2024, just a month after the book released, shattered me all over again. I was in Arizona for a football game when I got the call: my brother had passed away from health complications. Sudden. Unexpected. My biggest cheerleader, gone.
I’ll never forget sitting on the floor days later with a bracelet I’d co-created with Presently Bracelets— engraved with “I’m in love with my story”—and a copy of Shatterproof. I remember feeling this unbelievable weight and grief and heaviness. And I thought, I want to light it all on fire and walk away. The book, the bracelet, the mantra—every bit of it. Because now this was my story. My parents gone. My brother gone. My family of origin, gone. And I thought, How am I supposed to love this story?
I hit the high of publishing a book, then crashed into the lowest low. I wanted to walk away. But I didn’t. What held me up was love and support. My faith deepened in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My church family, Church of the Highlands, stepped in. Pastor Chris Hodges called me personally after my brother died and said, “We’re not going to let you be silenced. Your voice will be heard.” That shifted something in me.
My husband, John, carried so much—handling logistics, holding my grief, reminding me I wasn’t alone. My Auntie Linda and Uncle Mike stood close. And Mason, in his innocence, reminded me daily why my heart still beats. A toddler doesn’t understand grief, but his laugh, his hugs, his kisses—they anchored me.
Even going back to work became a test of strength. I took a week off, then returned to the sideline with a microphone in my hand. The heaviness was still there. A colleague reminded me, “Most people watching tonight won’t know what you’re carrying. But you showed up. That’s a personal victory.” And they were right. Sometimes, showing up is enough.
What I’ve learned is that adversity isn’t something we can outrun. It’s not going anywhere. We either exhaust ourselves trying to escape it, or we let it
CONTINUED >
sharpen us. Adversity doesn’t define you—it refines you. That mental shift is the gift, and that peace that leads to gratitude.
The truth is, adversity still hurts. It sucks real bad. But being with it instead of running from it has taught me to see what it gives back: perspective, resilience, and a deeper connection to faith, family, and community.
If you’re walking through something hard right now, slow down. Plant your feet. Don’t try to outrun the pain. Use it. Let it shape you. One day, maybe sooner than you think, you’ll see that your story—even the parts you never would have chosen—is giving you strength you didn’t know you had.
“Adversity doesn’t define you—it refines you.”
I don’t love every part of my story. I wish I could rewrite the losses. But I am learning, day by day, to fall in love with the person my story is shaping me into. And I know that my parents, and my brother, would be proud of that.
Learn more about Lauren’s journey at LaurenSisler.com, explore her book Shatterproof, and see her collaboration with Presently Bracelets©. Follow her on Instagram @LaurenSisler.
Gratitude by
ETIQUETTE EDUCATOR AMY RAINER ON EMBRACING THE TRADITION OF THE HANDWRITTEN
THANK-YOU NOTE
ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBRE AMARI
H a n d
Amy Rainer keeps a special box that holds notes she’s received over the years. “Without exception, every single note in that box has some type of meaningful sentiment that speaks to the value of my relationship with that person,” she says. “Letters and notes can be kept and read over and over again. Those are the true ‘gifts.’”
As an etiquette and gratitude educator, Amy teaches students — and adults — the lasting power of putting pen to paper. Here, she shares why the tradition matters more than ever, how to make your notes personal, and why the smallest details make the biggest difference.
In an age of texts and emails, many of us rarely put pen to paper. What is it about a handwritten thank-you note that still carries a sense of grace and presence no digital message can replicate?
There is an underlying message that accompanies a handwritten note. From choosing just the right stationary for your recipient to using humor or warmth based on the occasion, a handwritten note whispers, “You deserve the time, thought and expense that went into this note.”
Readers often wonder how much is enough, or too much, when writing a thank-you. How do you strike the balance between polished and personal?
I suggest letting the main focus be the relationship rather than the gift. When teaching lessons on gratitude and the written thank-you note, I offer this model for my students:
Dogwood Hill’s Raleigh Floral pattern notecard from the Williamsburg collection.
Antique monogram, letterpressed onto a folded Arturo notecard with deckled edges. By Key Circle Press.
From Dogwood Hill’s Williamsburg collection, the Butterfly Chintz pattern is from a 18th century wallpaper fragment.
1. Compliment the gift giver (not the gift). Think of something admirable or complimentary that you can say about that person.
2. Write the words “thank you” and say something about the gift that you were given or the kind thing that someone did for you. This is the place where you show your grateful heart.
3. Let them know how you plan to use the gift, how you enjoyed your time with them, or how you felt after they were kind to you.
4. Say something about the next time you hope to see them. This shows that you enjoy having them in your life and that you value the relationship.
5. Finally, thank them for the gift one more time, and sign the note.
From the paper itself to the ink and envelope, the physical details of a note carry their own message. What role does beautiful stationery play in elevating the act of gratitude?
Beautiful stationary is a way that we can “gift the gift giver”! It is a way to send the “you are valued” message to our recipients. From choosing the perfect font for your monogram to deciding if an envelope liner is the perfect final touch, beautiful stationary is a way to express yourself before the pen even touches the paper!
Playful Pudelpointer, Weezie, takes etiquette cues.
An assortment of cards from Key Circle Press
In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, taking the time to sit down and compose a handwritten note is falling by the wayside. Sending a handwritten note is the most elegant way to say “thank you”!
Many parents want to instill gratitude in their children, but forcing a formulaic “thank you” can feel uninspired. What’s your advice for helping children embrace the ritual in a way that feels genuine and lasting?
Long before children can write on their own, parents can begin guiding them to express gratitude in simple ways. Even “drawers” can “write” a thank-you note! I like to begin with my very youngest students by encouraging the children to draw a picture and guiding them to dictate a sentence (or two) of gratitude to their parent. Anytime a child can dictate a heartfelt sentiment, that holds meaning for the recipient!
Some readers may associate thank-you notes with duty or social expectation. How can reframing them as a gift to the recipient transform the way we approach them?
At the end of the day, our relationships are the true gifts. The presents that we receive for birthdays or holidays are just tangible reminders of the precious relationships in our lives. Focusing on the relationship first and the gift second will help produce a note that is meaningful to the recipient!
Sometimes the most meaningful notes are those sent for no obvious reason at all. When might a spontaneous thank-you have the greatest impact?
Have you ever heard of a “surcee”? A surcee is a southern term for a thoughtful and unexpected gift. Often inexpensive, these gifts are given “just because” and show care and love rather than celebrating an occasion. Dropping surcees on my friends’ doorsteps is one of my favorite things to do! It’s a simple way to show those I love that I appreciate their presence and influence in my life! An unexpected note is the written form of a surcee. When was the last time you wrote a note to someone telling them how much they enhance your life? What about writing to let them know how
much you value the solid advice or loyal friendship they provide? In today’s world, “surcee notes” might be just the thing we need to be sending and receiving! They include encouraging and affirming words that speak to parts of our character and will long outlive tangible gifts! Those might be the “thank you notes” that have the greatest impact!
Amy is offering a complimentary resource for those ready to extend gratitude to someone in their life. Visit etiquettewithamy. com and use code BHAMLIFESTYLE to download her Thank You Note Guide — her gift to you.
Stationery throughout this story provided by @dogwood.hill and @keycirclepress, two Birmingham paperies keeping the art of beautiful correspondence alive.
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
How one man’s devotion to service continues to guide CASA and inspire a community
In the Spirit
of Mr. Roseman
Sometimes, a life lived for others becomes a legacy that outlasts its years. This fall, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) of Jefferson County introduced a new award honoring a man whose life was defined by service. Arnold “Pops” Roseman, who died in 2009, spent nearly two decades volunteering at Jefferson County Family Court. Sixteen years later, CASA created the award as an annual reminder of what steady, faithful advocacy can accomplish.
“It means so much that people still remember him,” says his grandson, Evan Roseman of Birmingham. “He was a fantastic man.”
For 50 years, Roseman worked in the family’s wholesale jewelry business — a career built on tangible goods: rings, watches, stones. After retiring, he began what became an entirely new vocation: helping children and families in crisis.
CASA volunteers do what Mr. Roseman did so faithfully — step into the lives of children in crisis, get to know their stories, and stand beside them in court so judges can make decisions that lead to safe, stable homes.
“When most people would have slowed down, he just found another full-time job — volunteering at Family Court,” Evan says. “He had an office there. Anyone would have considered that a full-time position, even though it was all volunteer.”
Roseman’s son Donnie remembers those years clearly. “My weekly calls home began and ended with Dad talking about his week — which was his daily volunteer job with CASA,” he says. “That passion even got me involved. I joined the board of what became Child Advocates of Fort Bend County in Texas, and today I still serve as a trustee on its foundation board.”
Growing up, Donnie recalls his father as fully engaged with his family, even when work kept him on the road three weeks of every month. “He was always home Wednesday nights — that was Army Reserve night — and he attended most of our athletic events and school programs,” Donnie says. “He offered guidance without directing a course of action. We would chart our own paths.”
Roseman was known as a man of presence and principle. “If Dad said something, it was more than a suggestion,” Donnie says with a smile. “He made sure we had boundaries, but he supported anything any of us wanted to attempt.”
That balance of discipline and encouragement carried into Family Court, where Roseman became a trusted, almost grandfatherly figure to the children he served. His son Ronnie remembers how fully he threw himself into the work: “They gave him an office with a bookshelf — no legal books, just big bowls of candy — and the kids were welcome to come in any time,” Ronnie says. “Five days a week, he put on a suit and went to the courthouse. He was outgoing, he got along with everyone, and he loved being around kids.”
“They tried to give him a computer at one point, but he wasn't having that,” Evan remembers. “And when they told him he had to start paying for parking at the courthouse, he told them, ‘Just take it out of my paycheck.’”
Roseman’s military service also shaped the way he approached advocacy. “He served in India as a troop train commander during World War II,” Donnie says. “Those trains were strafed by enemy fighters. He learned to type by sending letters home to families informing them about their loved ones. I think that gave him a certain level of empathy for anyone who suffers a loss.”
That empathy, combined with the analytical skills sharpened through decades in business and the Army, made him a remarkably effective CASA volunteer. “As a CASA, you can do everything right and still not get the outcome you want,” Donnie says. “Dad’s military and business background taught him to keep moving forward anyway.”
CASA of Jefferson County has numerous volunteers who demonstrate this same level of commitment and now recognizes one each year at its Friends of CASA luncheon at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. “I got the idea for The Roseman Award because I am awestruck by how often I hear about Mr. Roseman more than 10 years after his passing,” says CASA Executive Director Kelly Burke. “‘This is what a legacy looks like. Like all legends, I doubt Mr. Roseman set out to be legendary. He simply showed up every day for twenty years and shared his time. He was consistent and kind. These are values that define compassionate advocacy. We strive to serve our children with volunteers and staff that model these qualities.”
This year’s recipient, Godilean Powell, embodies those same values. A CASA volunteer for nearly two years, she takes on each case with energy and heart. “Unlike many other forms of volunteering, CASA work often allows you to see the direct impact of your involvement,” she says. “By advocating for children, I have witnessed the positive changes in their lives as they find permanent homes or receive the support they need.” Powell also leads Changing Spaces Alabama, the group behind new legislation requiring publicly funded buildings to include adult-size changing tables. Her advocacy, shaped by her experience as a mom of a child with special needs, mirrors the way Roseman once “breathed kids,” as colleagues put it.
Ronnie says the family is proud that his father’s work continues to inspire others. “My dad would be pleased that this award has been created, not because it’s in his name, but because it will encourage other people to step up and volunteer for this very important program.”
Donnie adds, “Mainly he would be hopeful that the recognition he received is inspiring others to help the children who are most at risk.”
Evan agrees. “When I hear people talking about my grandfather, it warms my heart,” he says. “I aspire to be even 1% of what he was.”
THE JOURNEY TO ENGLISH VILLAGE LANE IS MARKED WITH GRACE AND GRATITUDE
Beneath Our Feet
ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR
Morning haze settles over a rural village outside Bhadohi, India, as men and women walk for miles down red-dust paths toward a loom strung tight with warp threads. A paper map guides the work: blue, blue, green, green. Six or seven inches of rug might be woven in a day, the rhythm steady, the artistry unchanged for centuries. Last fall, Angie Burge, owner of English Village Lane, stood among them, listening to the clack of wood and thread, realizing fully that her Birmingham-based business was also their livelihood. “We singlehandedly employ the entire village,” she says. “And without these people, we wouldn’t have a business.”
CONTINUED >
That business began in 2021 with grief and spaghetti sauce. During the pandemic, Angie lost the mentor who’d hired her into a corporate sales career. He was only 42. The shock was a wake-up call. At home with her two small children, she found herself fixated on rugs. She bought one after six months of contemplation, only to watch her toddler christen it with a bowl of spaghetti in the first week. “I froze,” she laughs, “thinking, why did I ever buy this?” But the stain lifted immediately with hot water, and her fascination deepened. She went room to room, replacing what she had with rugs that were not just decoration but anchors of a home.
She began to notice industry gaps—standard sizes that never quite fit, repeating patterns that dulled the eye, a lack of transparency about color and craft. When she commissioned her first custom rug through a husband-and-wife team in India, the process was maddening—hours spent guessing at shades across a computer screen. So she bought the same wool color poms the weavers used, then the same software, teaching herself to design in their language. What emerged was something new: rugs born of collaboration, rooted in history, and uniquely her own.
Every pattern in her downtown Birmingham showroom is exclusive. The bold geometrics, the softened plaids, the lavender and green that glow in her own den—all drawn from her hand or her team’s. She calls a frequent move “color-linking,” lifting the palette from one rug and reinterpreting it in another pattern or scale so adjoining rooms speak the same language. “Then, they go together without being matchy-matchy,” she says, noting that she likes using colors and patterns—for practicality— that hide crumbs.
The crumbs matter, because Angie built the company while raising two young children. For a year she packed and shipped every order herself, running to UPS before daycare pickup. She dismantled her dining table to photograph rugs in good light. She learned camera angles, then Instagram. Within months, 10,000 followers were watching. Within a year, she was shipping her custom rugs all over the world.
“It was a leap of faith,” Angie says of leaving her high-profile corporate job to pursue the vision that became English Village Lane. When her top sales rep said, “Take me with you,” she couldn’t do it right away — but two years later, she made it happen. Building a team, she says, has been one of the most rewarding parts of the business. “It’s surreal to look around and realize these people are building this with me. It feels like another dream realized—gratitude level one hundred.”
That sense of gratitude has become the throughline of her journey. She names her “saints of parents,” who moved from Atlanta to help. She names her husband, who picks up the slack when she travels to design markets in Dallas. She names her team, who hold down the fort while she goes out to share their story. And always, she names the artisans. In that one village where the work of their hands now supports an entire community, families can feed themselves with dignity. One of her vendors tells her often, “It’s God that brought us together.” Angie believes him.
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“The interesting thing about gratitude is, be careful what you wish for,” she adds with a smile. “The business has grown so quickly, and we’ve been so blessed that it has been a lot on me. I’m extremely grateful to my team. I’m extremely grateful to our customers. But no one prepares you for a fast-growing business. We all wish for it, but you also have to bring scram packs (as in, get ready to move fast.) Inevitably, the ball is always going to drop somewhere—but with the right people in your life, there’s always a soft place to land.”
Then came a pinch-me moment. “I got a message from a Nobel Peace Prize winner’s designer,” she says. “They wanted rugs that matched their custom wallpaper. Two years later, they sent me photos of the rugs in their home.” Angie shakes her head. “I thought, wow, we’ve been put on the map.”
Angie measures success not by square footage or sales figures, but by people. “So many people have taken a chance on me,” she says. “Customers come, they love what we’re doing, and they want to be a part of it.” If a customer is ever unhappy with a custom rug, they remake it—no questions asked. If a designer entrusts her with a client, she delivers not just the product but the assurance that someone will stand behind it. “We want everyone to feel like they’re friends with us,” she says. “That’s our version of the girlfriend effect.”
The company continues to grow: two employees have become six, and the Birmingham showroom now has a sister location in Dallas. What began as a kitchen-table hustle has become an international business. But the core is still Angie, who talks about rugs with a spark that tells you they’re about much more than something to stand on. Her favorite is in her living room: a reinterpretation of her husband’s grandmother’s estate rug, once dark and traditional, now alive in lavender and soft blue. Across the open-concept space sits another rug, plaid, in matching tones. “They look at each other,” she says, smiling. “It’s history and legacy, but modern. And it’s ours.”
She could have set up shop anywhere—Homewood, Mountain Brook, or even Dallas—but she chose the city of Birmingham.
Ninety-five percent of her sales are out-of-state, yet her showroom remains downtown by design. “We want our tax dollars to go here,” she says. “We believe in Birmingham.” The city, like her rugs, is an investment piece.
“God has given me everything I could possibly want,” Angie says. “An amazing family. An amazing team. A business that I love. We are so grateful for the people that got us here, and I don’t ever want to lose sight of that.”
The looms in India stretch tight every morning, lines of color waiting to be knotted. Angie’s Birmingham team lays out samples, pulls pillows off walls, measures rooms down to the inch. Somewhere between the two—the dust of Bhadohi and the brick streets of downtown—a rug takes shape. In wool, in pattern, and in gratitude woven underfoot.
Follow Angie’s journey and see her latest designs on Instagram @englishvillagelane.
The Arc of Central Alabama is a place to call home for over 265 people with disabilities, ranging in age from 1282. Sadly, 75% of our residents do not have an active family member or caregiver in their life. Arc homes provide necessities like food, medicine, clothing, transportation, and the intangibles of life like security, comfort, dignity and relationships that many of us take for granted. This holiday season, as you shop for the special people in your life, we ask you to consider adding The Arc to your list.
Thanks Around the Table
Sausage Pinwheels
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 pound of your favorite breakfast sausage
• 3 cups White Lily Self-Rising Flour, plus extra for rolling out
• 1 ½ sticks cold unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups cold whole-fat buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Parchment paper
• Non-stick spray
Three gather-worthy dishes to enjoy with loved ones this fall
RECIPE:
1.Mix the flour and salt together in a medium bowl. Using a box grater, grate the cold butter into the flour. Using your hands, carefully toss the butter in the flour to coat the outside of the butter slivers. This should be done rather quickly. Then form a well in the center of the flour and pour in the cold buttermilk. Using a floured hand and turning the bowl with the other, carefully fold the flour into the center of the buttermilk.
2. Once the flour and buttermilk come together, cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and lightly flour the top of the dough, then roll out the dough into even squares that are about ¼ inch thick. Cut two pieces of parchment paper slightly larger than your square of dough.
3. Remove the sausage from the wrapper and place between the two pieces of parchment paper that have been lightly sprayed with non-stick spray. Using a rolling pin, roll the sausage out into a sheet that’s slightly smaller than your sheet of dough. Remove the top sheet of parchment and place the sausage onto the dough, then remove the remaining sheet of parchment.
4. Starting with the edge of the dough closest to you, roll the dough and sausage, forming a log. Trim the edges off the log, then cut in half. Wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or freeze for up to 2 days.
5. For cooking, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice the log into ½-inch round pinwheels and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees until the bottoms start to brown, about 15 minutes, then turn over to brown the other side 5–10 more minutes.
I like to enjoy with yellow mustard or favorite preserves.
Courtesy of Rob McDaniel of Helen
Photo by Elise Ferrer
Holiday Ham
From Life of Fire: Mastering the Arts of Pit-Cooked Barbecue, the Grill, and the Smokehouse by Pat Martin of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Makes about 15 pounds of meat (about 50 servings)
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 skin-on ham (23 to 25 pounds)
• ¹/3 cup Diamond Crystal kosher salt or Big Hoss Rub
• Vegetable oil, for grates
RECIPE:
1. If possible, season the ham 1 to 2 days before you plan to cook it. Season it all over with a good, even coating of the salt. Transfer the ham to a wire rack set inside a sheet pan and refrigerate, uncovered, until ready to cook.
2. Build a pit, prepare a feeder fire, and fire the pit. If you don’t have a custom grate for your pit, lay a regular grill grate across 3 or 4 bars placed close together and let it heat up as well. Wipe the grate down with vegetable oil. Place the ham on the grate, skin-side up. Close the cover and fire the pit as needed to maintain a temperature of 250°F.
3. After 6 hours, open the pit to flip the ham. Using heatproof gloves, carefully loosen the skin or any stuck parts from the grate as needed. Flip the ham in one smooth motion.
4. Cover the pit and continue cooking the ham, maintaining a pit temperature of about 220°F. The ham should take 20 to 22 hours to cook (or about 1 hour per pound).
5. Your ham is finished cooking when you can push your thumb into the meat and it doesn’t spring back. Texture is a better indicator of doneness than temperature, but you can insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham; the meat is ready when it’s between 180° and 185°F— lower and it will be tough, higher and it will start to dry out.
6. Transfer the ham to a cutting board or clean work surface. Let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour before removing the skin and cutting against the grain into slices. If the ham is tender and delicious, slice it the width of a pencil to show it off. If it’s a little tough or dry, you can slice it a little thinner to help it along.
7. As you work through the ham, you’ll hit the femur bone; either carve around the bone or pull it out. You can also separate the ham into its large muscles, then slice those individually (always against the grain).
Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee
Maw-Maw Martin’s Pecan Pie
From Life of Fire: Mastering the Arts of Pit-Cooked Barbecue, the Grill, and the Smokehouse by Pat Martin of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Makes 8 to 10 servings
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 3 extra-large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped pecans
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• Pie crust (unbaked)
RECIPE:
1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 300°F.
2. In a saucepan, warm the butter over medium-high heat until just melted. Remove from the heat and mix in the sugar until thoroughly combined. Let cool slightly.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla to combine. Slowly add the melted butter-sugar mixture, whisking constantly. Add the pecans and stir to combine.
4. Make the pie dough, roll it out, and line a standard 9-inch pie pan as directed. Pour the mixture into the pie shell.
5. Bake until the center of the pie reaches 200°F on an instant-read thermometer and a skewer inserted into the center of the pie comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes.
6. Let cool completely (about 3 hours) before slicing and serving.
Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee
