Cullman, AL February 2023

E V E N T P L A N N I N G + S E RV I C E S

LO CAL CO CK TAI L S: HAN K’ S SPO RTS BAR & RU M O RS DELI E N TE R TA I N M E NT

LO CAL ENTERTAIN M ENT: FO R KIDS’ SAKE

Love Local

LO CAL LIST: FAVO RITE B O O KS LO C A L S E RV I C E S

LO CAL GO O D DEEDS: SN ACK LE AGU E

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February 2023 PUBLISHER

Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Wendy Sack | wendy.sack@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Love local

CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Jennifer Murphree - JenJen Photography, Lake League Real Estate, Kat Willet, Georgia Myrex

Our February issue is dedicated to sharing about locals in our area. We are bringing some stories about a few of our friends who do so much for our community. We hope you are feel inspired to pursue what you love. After all, February is the month of love.

Our lives can become busy and we often can get caught up with our own schedules so please remember to take some time to enjoy the things that you love to do. Find what makes you feel happy and don’t forget to share it with us. We love hearing from each and every one of you.

Please remember to shop local, support our local artists and makers and love local!

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

M I S S Y G U R L E Y, P U B L I S H E R @CULLMAN_CITYLIFESTYLE_

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/CULLMAN |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Cullman City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cullman area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Cullman City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Local Love Issue

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F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 For Kids’ Sake

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Must See

ENT ERTA I NMENT

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Self Care

ENT ERTA I NMENT

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Culinary Creations

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Our Town

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How To

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Local Limelight

Variety show benefits local nursery and pediatric services

18 Take time to read 3 outstanding books from 2022

24 Snack League aims to help local youth ‘We can make a change and that’s what we are going to do!’

34 ‘Giving back to the local community’ Trident Marina, Lake Homes Realty come together for kids

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Melissa Gurley Beautiful red roses are the classic way to say “I love you” this Valentine’s Day.

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EV ENT PLA NNI N G + SE RV IC E S

LO CA L S ERV I C ES

ST YLE + B EAU T Y LI FE + C U LT U R E

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: Santa came to Trident Marina on Smith Lake - Sally and Hayes Williams with Santa 2: Santa with Cindy Myrex 3: Santa arrived by boat and was welcomed by many smiling faces. 4: Jessi Ellis and Georgia Myrex, owners of Smith Lake Greenscapes and Exterior Design, visiting Santa 5: Jeff Tolbert was on Santa’s Nice List! We are so excited about Trident’s upcoming events! 6: Trident Marina was decorated by Smith Lake Greenscapes and Exterior Design. 7: Cullman’s Christmas Tree Lighting has to be the prettiest event.

Photography by Jennifer Murphree (JenJen Photography)

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C I T Y SC E N E

JENNIFER MURPHREE (JENJEN PHOTOGRAPHY)

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TRIDENT MARINA MISSY GURLEY

JENNIFER MURPHREE (JENJEN PHOTOGRAPHY)

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MISSY GURLEY

8: Cullman’s Weihnachtspyramide, a traditional German Christmas pyramid, is an annual tradition. 9: The tip top of Cullman’s Weihnachtspyramide, the tallest in the U.S. at 30 feet 10: Trident Marina participated in Cullman’s Christmas Parade with a festive, decorated boat. 11: We love the amazing murals in Cullman. Does anyone know where this one is located? 12: We LOVE Cullman! 13: A cold, rainy day on Smith Lake. These three stuck together for a swim. 14: Exploring our favorite place is the best way to spend any day!

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CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

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15: Lake League’s Jingle and Mingle 2022 was so fun! Pictured: Melissa Curtis and Jeff Tolbert 16: Joseph Fisher and Melissa Curtis 17: Melissa Curtis, owner of Lake League Real Estate 18: Matt Lyle did a great job again this year providing the event with great music 19: The event saw many giveaways. We love these Lake League swag bags. 20: Delicious appetizers were provided by Dreher’s. 21: Morgan Duncan, Danny Akins and agent Jan King Photography by Kat Willet

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C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @Cullman_Citylifestyle_

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22: Heidi and Julius Bloomston 23: Jill Lambert, Braden Walton, Melissa Curtis, Charlotte Hess and Chivonne Smith 24: Everyone donated a gift, toy or coat for various local charities. Pictured is Robin Early. 25: Mike Hoover and Cathy Skala 26: Chris and Megan Orazine, Boone and Deanna Stone and Lake League’s Thomas Joiner 27: A fun and festive time with Lake League Photography by Kat Willet

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Sweets by T Nothing says “I love you” more than chocolate right?

Tabitha Reid, owner of Sweets by T has the perfect treat for your valentine! This new business is a great new addition to Cullman.

Lori Pearson said, “I have had the pleasure of sampling all of Tabitha’s treats and the word AMAZING is an understatement!!”

Be sure to check out Sweets

by T on Facebook for photos and ordering options or you can always call 256-735-9121 Photography Tabitha Reid - Sweets by T

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Cullman

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Dancers perform at the 2019 For Kids' Sake Variety Show.

Variety show benefits local nursery and pediatric services

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M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

Ballerinas perform during the 2019 For Kids' Sake Variety Show.

FOR KIDS’ SAKE ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY CULLMAN REGIONAL FOUNDATION

A special treat will soon be served up, thanks to the talents of dozens of local children. The 2023 Bownes Memorial For Kids' Sake Variety Show will take place Sunday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m. at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre on the campus of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville.

The exciting event, organized by the Cullman Regional Foundation, will see students from the Cullman community showcasing their talents to benefit nursery and pediatric services at Cullman Regional.

For Kids’ Sake celebrates the variety of talent among the youth in the Cullman area and will feature musical and theatrical performances from more than 80 students.

For Kids' Sake, which began in 1993, honors the memory of one of Cullman's most beloved pediatricians, Dr. Eugene Bownes.

Funds raised allow the Cullman Regional Foundation to purchase equipment for infants and pediatric patients at Cullman Regional.

Proceeds from the event have purchased a variety of patient care items over the years.

"Engaging the students in the show allows them to be exposed to a philanthropic event at a young age.

Through their participation they will give back to help advance health care services. The participants make donations at the time of their auditions, sell tickets and sell sponsorships for the show," said a statement from the Foundation.

“We are excited to once again host the variety show giving students the opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Cullman Regional Foundation Executive Director Maria Stanford. “We encourage the community to take part and show your support for this cause benefiting the nursery and pediatric care at Cullman Regional.”

The 2023 Bownes Memorial For Kids’ Sake Variety Show will showcase solo and ensemble dance, vocal and instrumental performances. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 at the Foundation office or on the day of the program for $15 at the door.

Find out more about the Cullman Regional Foundation and its activities at cullmanregional.com/foundation.

Performers on stage to close the 2019 For Kids' Sake Variety Show FEB R UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

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Take time to read 3 outstanding books from 2022 ARTICLE BY WE NDY SACK | PHOTOG R APHY BY WE NDY SACK , GOODRE ADS.COM

Last year was a phenomenal year for book lovers. Here are three books you should read if haven’t already.

“To Where You Are: Love, Loss, and Finding the Path Home”

by Jason Fisher Consumed by heartache following his wife’s unexpected death after just five years of marriage, Jason Fisher navigates a tumultuous journey as he adapts to a world he never imagined facing. He must now learn to balance the loss of his soulmate with his new life as a young, single, widowed father of a daughter with a rare disability. Jason’s trauma causes setbacks and he experiences moments of painful loneliness while raising a nonverbal child. Fisher perseveres through years of grieving … (Amazon/non-fiction)

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S ELF CA R E | ENTERTA INME NT

“This Time Tomorrow”

by Emma Straub On the eve of her 40th birthday, Alice’s life isn’t terrible. She likes her job, even if it isn’t exactly the one she expected. She’s happy with her apartment, her romantic status, her independence, and she adores her lifelong best friend. But her father is ailing, and it feels to her as if something is missing. When she wakes up the next morning she finds herself back in 1996, reliving her 16th birthday. But it isn’t just her adolescent body that shocks her, or seeing her high school crush, it’s her dad: the vital, charming, 40-something version of her father with whom she is reunited. Now armed with a new perspective on her own life and his, some past events take on new meaning. Is there anything that she would change if she could? (GoodReads/fiction)

“Remarkably Bright Creatures”

by Shelby Van Pelt After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up.

Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her 18-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over 30 years ago.

Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors--until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. (GoodReads/fiction)

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Local cocktails HANK’S SPORTS BAR SERVES UP DELICIOUS SIGNATURE DRINKS

Hank’s Sports Bar & Rumors Deli on Cullman’s southwest side serves up true, local flavor daily, with special day and night menus and Sunday brunch.

Here are two of our favorite cocktails.

Hanky Panky I N G R E D IE N T S • • • • • • • •

Ice Limes and mint sprigs 1 oz. Tito’s vodka 1 oz. Malibu rum 1 oz. simple syrup 0.5 oz. strawberry puree 4 oz. lemonade Lime and mint (for garnish

DIRECTIONS 1. Place 1 mint sprig in the bottom of the glass. Fill glass with ice.

2. In shaker, add lime and 2 mint sprigs.

Muddle together. Add Tito’s, Malibu, simple syrup, strawberry puree and lemonade.

3. Shake and strain into a high ball glass.

4. Garnish with lime and 1 mint sprig.

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | E VE NT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

Hankover Bloody Mary INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

Bacon salt Ice 2 oz. Tito’s vodka 0.5 oz. Worcestershire sauce 3 oz. Zing Zang Tony’s seasoning Hot sauce Lemon, lime, bacon slice, okra and olives (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS 1. Rim pint glass with bacon salt and fill with ice.

2. In the shaker, add Tito’s, Worcestershire, Zing Zang, a few dashes of Tony’s and a dash of hot sauce.

3. Shake and pour into a pint glass.

4. Garnish with lemon, lime, bacon slice and sword of 1 okra and 2 olives.

Recipes provided by Hank's Owner Aaron Coombs. Hank's is located at 601 Fourth St. SW in Cullman. Connect on Facebook at facebook.com/rumorsdeli.

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISSY GURLEY

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ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAKE LEAGUE REAL ESTATE

Snack League

AIMS TO HELP local youth

Many people might not be aware of the food insecurity that is a reality for some residents of north Alabama.

Fortunately, the Good Samaritans among us are working to combat it. One such person is Lake League Real Estate's Melissa Curtis, who recently announced the launch of her effort: Snack League.

"This all started when I was visiting with my sister, who is a school teacher in Double Springs," Curtis said. "She was knitting an unusually large amount of winter hats. When I asked her why, she told me that a lot of her students couldn’t afford winter clothes, and to help out, she was making hats for every single one of them. I was astonished at how many of her students were in need, and she said 'Melissa, most of these kids don’t even have food at home, and can’t afford extra things like school snacks or winter gear.'

"That absolutely broke my heart. No child should go hungry or be deprived of the most basic necessities. The thought of them going without food, winter clothes or even a bed to call their own inspired me to set up regular donations to schools in Winston County.

But I quickly realized that my independent donations

‘We can make a change and that’s what we are going to do!’

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O UR TOWN | LOCAL SERVI CE S

weren’t going to be enough. My company, Lake League, has created a better solution: Snack League."

Launched in January, Snack League is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing funds and food to children in need.

"These kids will need a lifeline, and we intend on being that lifeline," Curtis said. "Lake League has always been devoted to giving back whenever possible, and Snack League is an extension of that devotion."

She continued, "Until my sister told me about kids being hungry, no power, no beds... I had no clue!

Growing up, we didn't have much, but my parents made sure we had the necessities of life. It crushed my heart, and I know as a community we can do better! We can make a change and that's what we are going to do!"

Lake League is encouraging residents and businesses to join in the effort by getting involved with Snack League and its efforts to assist all local schools.

"Let’s work together, as a community, to ensure that these kids never go hungry again," said Curtis.

For more information, or if you want to participate in Snack League, contact Melissa Curtis at 205-3003663 or melissa@lakeleague.com.

Melissa Curtis

According to the Food Bank of North Alabama, 1 in 6 children in Colbert, Cullman, De Kalb, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties face hunger. Lake League Real Estate's Snack League hopes to help.

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ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

8 WAYS T O O R G A N I Z E A N D I N J E C T S T Y L E I N T O YO U R S PAC E

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our eight tips for transforming and elevating your closet as you Spring clean and declutter for a more peaceful, inspired space you absolutely love.

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H OW TO | STY L E + BEAU TY

A sneak peek inside the closet of active mom and entrepreneur Keri Tarantino of Leawood, KS reveals a dressing room that rivals celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. But it didn’t come easily. Keri painstakingly planned, designed and curated the space with care.

When we first stepped inside, we gasped as our eyes beheld the glory.

No detail went unnoticed in this dreamy dressing room. Here are some guiding principles that can be drawn from her exquisite taste and vision.

How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying the guidelines Keri used in her space will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

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Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet.

Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. The large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

USE R EAL ESTATE WISELY

ORGA NIZE BY KIND A ND COLOR

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Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed.

Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, longsleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau).

Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

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NEGATIVE SPACE

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Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

FACE CLOTHES THE SA ME DIR ECTION

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It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

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The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner! Here’s a few of our favorite elevated hangers:

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H OW TO | STY L E + BEAU TY

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BAG & SHOE STOR AGE

Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.

Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own.

Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

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HIDDEN STOR AGE Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose.

The floor-to-ceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for outof-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

LIGHTING Lighting is everything in a closet. Gone are the days of dim recessed lighting being sufficient. Consider adding a statement lighting fixture like a chandelier or pendant that provides ample bright lighting to your space, no matter how big or small.

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‘Giving back to the local community’ ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER MURPHREE & GEORGIA MYREX

Jessi Ellis, Georgia Myrex and Jeff Tolbert pose for a photo with Santa.

The Christmas tree at Trident Marina all aglow

Santa with Cindy Myrex

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

TRIDENT MARINA, LAKE H O M E S R E A LT Y C O M E TO G E T H E R F O R K I D S

If you were anywhere near Trident Marina on Smith Lake back on Dec. 4, you probably saw something a little out of the ordinary: Santa Claus arriving by boat! The big man himself was a highlight of an inaugural Christmas event organizers hope becomes an annual tradition.

Trident Marina and Lake Homes Realty came together to host the event, which was for fun and merriment, but also to raise money and collect donations for local children in need. “We had 106 children that had their photo made with Santa,” said Trident Marine Group Owner and CFO Jeff Tolbert.

“We had well in excess of 200 people, and we raised approximately $3,000 in cash charitable donations that were given to needy children in the Cullman County schools. That was just cash donations, no including the toys we collected.”

The Christmas fun was organized by Tolbert, along with Lake Homes Realty’s Cindy Myrex and Justin Dyar. Once on shore, Santa (David Bunn) took time to meet with children (and adults) and sit for photos.

“The whole focus of it was giving back to the local community,” said Tolbert, “and giving children an opportunity to have a chance to come see Santa Claus and write a letter to Santa Claus.”

He continued, “There were hayrides for the children, and I think the adults even enjoyed the hayrides!”

A tree lighting capped off the night, and local favorite The Grille at Trident Marina provided finger foods while guests enjoyed bingo games and hot chocolate.

“We're already working on next year to make it considerably bigger,” said Tolbert.

Trident Marina is located at 21680 County Road 222 in Crane Hill. facebook.com/tridentmarinas tridentmarinas.com realestateatsmithlake.com justindyar.com