Cullman, AL August 2023

Kids & Pets

Our love for kids and pets

Our love for kids and pets will shine throughout this issue. I am blessed to be called “Mom” by my three children. I have twin daughters and a son. Being a mom is my most favorite thing in the entire world. Parenting has its days, for sure, but the special moments through the years are totally worth it.

In addition to being a mom to my three children, our family has two precious pups! Lefty is our Olde English Bulldogge and Duke is our German Shorthaired Pointer. They definitely keep things interesting around here!

We want to share with you a touching story about adoption in a local family. Thank you Rebekah for allowing us to share your beautiful family.

My son and I visited the Cullman County Animal Shelter to visit all the sweet dogs and cats available for adoption. I seriously wanted to adopt every single animal!   We are featuring Boozer Eyecare and talking about the importance of children’s eye exams and checking in with Jeff Tolbert at Trident Marina. My friends and I took a little trip to celebrate my dear friend Heather’s birthday, and who doesn’t love a mom trip when the kids are back at school? This was a great trip less than an hour from Cullman, so we just had to share. And of course, some cocktail recipes to help you beat Alabama’s August heat!

As you can see, our August issue is jam packed with so many great feature articles. We hope you all have an amazing August!

Be sure to check out our City Scene and tag us in your photos - we will feature you in our next issue.

#cullmancitylifestyle

- Live Local, Love Local and Shop Local -

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Wendy Sack | wendy.sack@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bella Condo, Trident Marina

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Adam Cooner, photographer

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: A great action shot from the Hanceville Rodeo 2: JenJen caught this horse making a silly face 3: The opening ceremony at the Hanceville Rodeo 4: Thank you Addy Ballew for sending this adorable photo! 5: Wake the World 6: A fun time at Wake the World 7: Wake the WorldVaughn Sparks, Melissa Curtis and Jeff Roberts

MELISSA CURTIS - LAKE LEAGUE REAL ESTATE

MELISSA CURTIS - LAKE LEAGUE REAL ESTATE

MELISSA CURTIS - LAKE LEAGUE REAL ESTATE

JENJEN PHOTOGRAPHY

JENJEN PHOTOGRAPHY

JENJEN PHOTOGRAPHY

8: Balloons, fans and candy were crowd favorites. 9: 2nd Fridays is fun for everyone, including the First Federal Mortgage team. 10: The First Federal Mortgage team snapped a photo with Luke Day (NextHome’s orange doggy mascot). 11: First Federal Mortgage dropped off supplies for NextHome Limitless Realty for the Cullman animal shelter. 12: Yoga & Mimosas at Trident Marina was hosted by Elevate and Lake League Real Estate. 13: What a gorgeous morning and a fabulous group! Count me in next time! 14: Lacey Kilpatrick, Melissa Curtis and Melanie Hines from Lake League Real Estate

MISTI EASTER - FIRST FEDERAL MORTGAGE

MISTI EASTER - FIRST FEDERAL MORTGAGE

MISTI EASTER - FIRST FEDERAL MORTGAGE

MISTI EASTER - FIRST FEDERAL MORTGAGE

15: A morning visitor on the swim pad 16: Donna Lann, Taylor May and Rachel Eidson competing for best mimosa for a great cause. 17: The Les Dames United We Brunch - Marys vs. Mimosas event was so much fun! 18: Cullman Savings Bank was the title sponsor of the 2023 Cullman Christian School Golf Classic. 19: Team Lake League was the Bloody Mary winner! Its winnings were donated to Les Dames. 20: Congratulations Lake League Real Estate! Way to go! 21: Smith Lake Zipline Adventures is open, and what a fun time everyone had!

KATIE BROWN - EDWARD JONES

DONNA LANN

CULLMAN SAVINGS BANK

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @Cullman_CityLifestyle_

22: 2nd Fridays is always a blast with Lake League Real Estate. 23: Lake League kids had a blast with the Tally Ho Farms pets. 24: Oh my gosh! How adorable! The Bussman boys got to meet Tally Ho Farms llamas. Photography by Cyndi Robertson, Lake League Real Estate

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Russell MarineSmith Lake

Russell Marine is Alabama’s largest dealer and one of the largest in the Southeastern U.S. It offers industry-leading brands, including Godfrey, Sea Ray, Key West, Nautique, Crevalle, Supreme, Bryant, Scarab, Bass Cat, SeaArk, and BRP Sea-Doo and Can-Am. Russel Marine also has all your boating needs and accessories in store.

Located at 690 Alabama Highway 69 South Hanceville - stop by and see them on your way to the lake.

Haynes Auto Detail, LLC

Haynes Auto Detail, LLC provides Cullman and the surrounding area the very best mobile detailing services. Cars, trucks, boats, SUVs, exterior, interior, paint correction - no job is too big. Nathan and his team will come to your home, work or lake home to get the job done. The mobile detailing company is fully equipped with water and power. facebook. com/HaynesAutoDetail

First Federal Mortgage

First Federal Mortgage is a local mortgage company dedicated to providing personal, professional service to its clients. Buying or refinancing a home can be stressful, but our goal is to make the mortgage process enjoyable. What? You mean getting a mortgage can be fun? With us, yes! We love making genuine connections with our clients. With First Federal Mortgage, you aren’t just a number or a dollar sign - you’re a friend for life.

Want to be featured?

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

Photography Russell Marine

Photography Haynes Auto Detail, LLC

Photography First Federal Mortgage

‘ADOPTION IS A REALLY BEAUTIFUL THING’

Rebekah Lloyd is first and foremost a mom. Having worked with the local foster care and adoption community, she shares advice here with others interested in taking the same path to parenthood.

“Individuals interested in becoming foster parents should contact their local Department of Human Resources (DHR). Becoming certified as a foster parent is a lengthy process. Following the initial inquiry are an application and background check. Additionally, each county offers classes on navigating the foster system, what to expect and even how to help children in the system – these are usually trauma-informed parenting classes,” Lloyd shared. “The latter is arguably the most valuable piece of training, as children in the foster system present unique behaviors, and they need their foster parents to help advocate for their needs. In addition to being certified as a foster parent, your house must be licensed. DHR provides guidelines and expectations of what needs to be included in a certified foster home."

Lloyd said the transition from fostering to adoption is multifaceted.

“When a child becomes eligible for adoption, meaning the parental rights of their biological parents have been terminated, they can be adopted by the foster parents they are living with, or they might be adopted by other families in the state looking to adopt,” she said.

“When I started the process, I did so with the specific intent to adopt. At the time, I did not want to be a foster parent. When I was approved to adopt, and my house was certified by DHR, my file, along with other potential adoptive parents, went before a committee on the state level. This committee comprises state representatives from DHR and nonprofits who certify pre-adoptive parents. Along with potential adoptive parents, the committee reviews files of children eligible for adoption. The committee seeks to match children needing homes with likely parent(s) who can facilitate the child(ren)'s needs.”

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK

Speaking candidly, Lloyd continued, “The transition from foster to adoption is as ugly as it is beautiful and as full of grief and pain and loss as it is hope and acceptance and love. Imagine being happy one day with your family, with everything you've experienced

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBEKAH LLOYD

WHAT DOES THE PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

Rebekah Lloyd with her two sons at the 2022 Shamrock Shuffle, a fundraising event for East Elementary School

“ADOPTION IS REALLY A BEAUTIFUL THING. BUT BEAUTY AND UGLINESS DO NOT ALWAYS HAVE TO BE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE. ACCEPTING THAT IS THE BEGINNING OF UNDERSTANDING ADOPTION.”

to that point being the normalcy you call life. And then, suddenly, that family, that life, that normality is gone. And no one tells you who, what, where or why. You are left to deal with the loss of your entire life alone among strangers.

“Now imagine experiencing that nightmare as a young child. Not only are you not equipped to mentally handle such a catastrophic event, but you also do not have the words to put to your big emotions about it. And just when you feel the storm has settled, who you thought was your family is no more, and new people are calling themselves so.  Adoption is really a beautiful thing. But beauty and ugliness do not always have to be mutually exclusive. And accepting that is the beginning of understanding adoption.”

Lloyd cautioned potential parents to be sure before committing to the process.

“Children in the foster system have already experienced a tremendous loss that many of us will never comprehend. They have had adults fail them, reject them and hurt them in more ways than we could imagine,” she said. “The last thing children in these circumstances need is to be left once more. A 5-year-old does not understand the idea of an adult not being ready. Instead, they internalize all rejection as something they did wrong and could spend a lifetime questioning their self-worth.”

“Do not go into the process blindly. Ask all the questions from all the people, experts, organizational representatives and people who have been through it. Make sure you have a complete understanding of what you are getting into. It’s OK to not be ready to make a commitment yet. If you have lingering questions or feelings of doubt, it’s OK to pause.”

Rebekah Lloyd poses for a photo with her sons at a cookie decorating party.

Rebekah Lloyd takes a selfie with her kids at 2nd Fridays in Cullman.

VISION CARE FOR KIDS

Back-to-school time is a great time for an eye exam

Back-to-school time is a great time to schedule annual eye exams for students of any age.

Vision greatly impacts success in school. I speak from experience. When I was in second grade, Dr. Veal and Kent Cherry (I’m dating myself, I know; let’s just say it was the early 1980s) changed my world when the former gave me my first comprehensive eye exam and the latter put my new glasses on my nose. Things became clearer, and I no longer had trouble reading the chalkboard.

Now, years later, I asked Dr. Spencer Boozer, of Cullman’s Boozer Eyecare, his thoughts on the importance of vision care for kids.

Q: AT WHAT AGE SHOULD CHILDREN BEGIN HAVING REGULAR EYE EXAMS?

Comprehensive eye exams can be performed at any age – even infants! We recommend having a child’s first examination with dilation drops before age 2 and a second exam before starting preschool unless problems are suspected.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF VISION PROBLEMS THAT PARENTS/EDUCATORS SHOULD LOOK FOR?

Vision problems are not always obvious and apparent to parents or teachers. Some observations that may be linked to a vision problem may include little interest in doing near activities or short durations of near work, excessive eye rubbing, squinting or subtle eye turns. Vision tests performed at pediatric well exams and vision screenings at schools will not always detect the underlying problems. Children are resilient and can manage surprisingly well despite certain vision issues. When in doubt, have your child checked out!

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOOZER EYECARE

Dr. Spencer Boozer with Claire Mickle

Dr. Spencer Boozer with Carson Easterwood

Q: HOW CAN VISION PROBLEMS AFFECT KIDS IN SCHOOL?

Proper eye alignment is critical for those learning to read and write. Children often have a refractive error that can be compensated for with their natural ability to focus their eyes. Undiagnosed, these vision problems could lead to excessive eye strain and eye tracking difficulties when reading. Vision screenings provided at local school systems are valuable in identifying potential problems but should not substitute a comprehensive eye examination by a trained optometrist.

Q: WHAT ARE

THE COOL TRENDS IN EYEWEAR FOR KIDS NOW?

Eyewear for younger patients has evolved to meet many different needs and activities. We offer many frames that are virtually indestructible and often come with a warranty for two years for any damage. Children’s spectacle lenses are mandated to be polycarbonate material – a safety material – just in case! We have a wide selection of styles and colors for your child to choose from so they can express themselves with optical fashion. It’s also important not to forget that people of any age need good, polarized sunglasses when outdoors!

boozereyecare.com

“Children are resilient and can manage surprisingly well despite certain vision issues.

When in doubt, have your child checked out!”

- Dr. Spencer Boozer

Boozer Eyecare has been serving Cullman since 1984.

Dr. Spencer Boozer with Ella Sims

A visionary pioneer

ARTICLE BY BELLA CONDO PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRIDENT MARINA

JEFF TOLBERT SR.

BRINGS EXCELLENCE TO SMITH LAKE

In the scenic region of Smith Lake, one name stands out as a beacon of change and progress - Jeff Tolbert Sr. As the founder of AirMed, a renowned air medical transportation company, Tolbert’s entrepreneurial journey began with a mission to help provide access to health care and save lives. However, his passion for making a positive impact didn't end there. Let’s dive into Tolbert’s transformative journey after he sold AirMed to pursue his vision of making Smith Lake and Trident Marina a better place.

Nine years ago, Tolbert embarked on a new adventure and acquired what was formerly known as Ryan Creek Marina, now Trident Marina. With unwavering determination and an unyielding love for Smith Lake, he set out to create a haven where people can make unforgettable memories. His ultimate goal is to enhance the overall experience for everyone who boats on Smith Lake and visits Trident Marina.

At the heart of Tolbert's endeavors is his genuine care for people. Alongside his family, he invests considerable time, effort and consideration into making Trident Marina an exceptional facility for all things lake life. Their unwavering dedication to excellence resonates throughout every aspect of the marina.

Tolbert's deep-rooted commitment to the community manifests through his desire to give back. In addition to his role at Trident Marina, he actively works as chairman of the newly formed Cullman County Tourism Bureau and has given several years of service to the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce. Tolbert’s passion stems from his firm belief that bringing people together creates a stronger, more vibrant community.

Trident Marina, seen from Smith Lake

Jeff Tolbert Sr. with a beautiful boat at Trident Marina on Smith Lake

He seeks to establish Trident Marina as not just a recreational facility, but also a hub where families can connect and form lasting relationships and memories on the lake.

Tolbert’s vision for Smith Lake extends beyond the boundaries of Trident Marina. With his civic involvement, he aims to expand opportunities for local businesses while fostering an environment that encourages growth and prosperity. By promoting collaboration and unity, he envisions a future where Smith Lake becomes synonymous with community, passion and progress.

Tolbert, the visionary pioneer behind Trident Marina, has dedicated his life to making Smith Lake a better place. Through hard work, love for people and a desire to give back, he has transformed Trident Marina into a premier place for families and friends to gather on the lake. His continuous efforts to merge communities, amplify opportunities and foster unity have made him an integral figure in Smith Lake's growth. As we look ahead, the legacy of Jeff Tolbert Sr. and Trident Marina will undoubtedly inspire others to follow their dream of making the world a better place, one community at a time.

"We don't have customers; we have over a thousand friends and more," said Tolbert. "We don't sell boats; we sell memories."

Trident Marina is an authorized Avalon and Tahoe dealership serving the Smith Lake and Lay Lake Alabama areas. It is located at 21680 County Road 222, Crane Hill, AL 35053. Summer hours (through Sept. 30) are Tuesday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. More than a dealership, Trident is a place where lake lovers can dock their boats, dine at The Grille (come by boat or car!) while enjoying a cocktail and a spectacular sunset and take in live music with family and friends.  tridentmarinas.com tridentgrille.com

“We don’t have customers; we have over a thousand friends and more,” said Tolbert. “We don’t sell boats; we sell memories.”

Jeff Tolbert Sr.

Trident Marina

ARTICLE BY MISSY GURLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

A fun trip 2 NORTH ALABAMA wineries

Did you know that less than an hour from Cullman are two great spots to spend the day? Jules J. Berta Vineyards and Wills Creek are perfect spots for a day trip with the girls.

Heather, Lora and I were celebrating Heather’s birthday and we knew Jules J. Berta was going to be our first stop. Upon arrival, we headed in to place our orders - a flight of wine slushies is a MUST!  Jules J. Berta is Alabama’s first producer of vitis vinifera wine grapes. It grows Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Petit Syrah, Blaufrankisch and Sylvaner. After enjoying our meal of wood fired pizzas, charcuterie board and wine, we walked the vineyard and shopped in the gift shop. Shirts and wine were great finds! The blueberry wine slushie was our favorite!

Just a few miles down the road is Wills Creek Winery. We tasted various types of wine and took a bottle outdoors to sip and enjoy the view. The Screamer wine was our favorite.

It was a great day with the greatest ladies! Be sure to check out both spots!

Jules J. Berta Vineyards, 1409 Darden Ave., Albertville, AL, 256-891-5115

Wills Creek Winery, 10522 Duck Springs Road, Attalla, AL, 256-538-5424

A perfect day outing for friends!

was delicious!

Wills

Winery has a variety of wines.

Wills Creek has the most picturesque view.

The charcuterie board at Jules J. Berta

Creek

Wood fired pizza at Jules J. Berta

Wills Creek is absolutely stunning.

The Jules J. Berta wine selection is so vast and colorful.

Jules J. Berta has perfect seating for any event.

Cheers at Wills Creek

A flight of wine slushies for the win at Jules J. Berta!

DO

Franchising with us means making money and time for your life.

August cocktail creations

BEAUTIFUL, DELICIOUS AND REFRESHING

Beating the Alabama heat on an August afternoon or evening is never easy, but here are a couple of solutions. These icy, refreshing cocktails, made with alcohol or without, are easy to make and sure to go down cold.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

Watermelon Margarita

Watermelon Margarita

This fruity, delicious concoction is perfect for poolside or sitting on the dock!

ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. tequila

• 1 oz. watermelon purée (you can also use watermelon juice)

• 1 fresh squeezed lime

• 1 oz. agave nectar

• Crushed ice

• Fresh lime wedge and watermelon pieces

• Sugar (optional)

directions:

1. Purée watermelon in a blender (be sure to remove all the seeds).

2. Add tequila, purée, lime juice and agave nectar to a cocktail shaker with ice.

3. Shake, shake, shake!

4. Strain and pour over ice.

5. Top with a lime wedge and a watermelon piece.

6. Enjoy!

The Matador

This pineappley-sweet drink is great for relaxing on the deck or patio!

ingredients:

• 1 3/4 oz. silver tequila

• 1 oz. fresh lime juice

• 1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice

• 1/2 oz. simple syrup

• 1 tsp. light agave

• 1 lime wheel

directions:

1. Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.

2. Add ice to shaker.

3. Shake, shake, shake!

4. Strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice.

5. Garnish with a lime wheel.

6. Enjoy!

Both drinks can be made without alcohol if you prefer. What's your favorite go-to cocktail for this time of year?

Let us know on Instagram @cullman_citylifestyle_

The Matador

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

AUGUST 8TH

Military Veteran and Beginning Farmers: Farming for Profit and Agritourism

NORTH ALABAMA AGRIPLEX

| 6:00 PM

Learn how to turn a farm business or hobby into agritourism. The Cullman County Extension Office and local farmers will share their experiences. Contact Tony Glover to register at gloveta@aces.edu or 205-568-0005.

AUGUST 11TH

2nd Fridays

DOWNTOWN CULLMAN WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

| 5:00 PM

Enjoy live entertainment, local food and vendors, kids' activities, a cruise-in car show and more at 2nd Fridays in and around downtown Cullman's Warehouse District along First Avenue Southeast. Area retailers will also have special hours. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 10.

AUGUST 26TH

Cornhole Tournament to Benefit Victim Services of Cullman

CULLMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

GYMNASIUM | 10:30 AM

Presented by the Cullman County Cornhole Club. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m., and bags fly at noon! Concessions will be available. Come throw with us!

• SOCIAL DIVISION: $30/teamBring your own partner. House bags only. Double elimination.

• COMPETITIVE DIVISION: $40/team

- Bring your own partner. Bring your own bags. Double elimination.

• BLIND DRAW: $10/person - Following BYOB tournaments.

AUGUST 29TH

Living Landscapes: Attracting Monarch Butterflies

NORTH ALABAMA AGRIPLEX | 6:00 PM

Sandy Smith will teach participants how to start a garden for monarchs with milkweed and other fall nectar sources. Seeds and plants will be given to participants. Visit www.agriplex.org to register and pay $10/person.

AUGUST 30TH

The Doobie Brothers 50th Anniversary Tour

THE ORION AMPHITHEATER IN HUNTSVILLE | 7:30 PM

An Evening with The Doobie Brothers. Wendesday, Aug. 30, at The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville (701 Amphitheater Drive NW, Huntsville, AL 35806). Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7. theorionhuntsville. com/event/the-doobie-brothers

SEPTEMBER 3RD-4TH

27th Annual Sweet Tater Festival

SMITH LAKE PARK | 9:00 AM

Come out to Smith Lake Park Sunday, Sept. 3, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors and sweet taters! On Monday will be the Labor Day Sweet Tater Festival Car Show from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is $5 per person; armband allows entry both days. facebook.com/ SmithLakePark

Want to be featured?

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

‘These animals deserve a second chance’

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISSY GURLEY

"Our shelter stays full," said Cullman County Animal Shelter Manager Andrea Hudson when asked about her facility's capacity. "We have 33 kennels and they pretty much stay occupied, and we always have an abundance of cats for adoption."

Hudson said most of the dogs that end up in the shelter do so after being picked up as strays.

"The majority of dogs we adopt out are strays that were never claimed," she said. "These animals deserve a second chance, and our no. 1 goal is to place them in loving homes. We have a great team here at the shelter; we work with each animal individually to get them ready for their new life. We even have a shelter dog named Reba who helps with timid dogs, getting them to come out of their shell."

Hudson praised the community for its support, saying, "We are blessed to live in a community that supports their local shelter with donations, Facebook shares, comments and likes. The Facebook interaction is truly very much appreciated. God has truly blessed us with adoptions, and we couldn’t do what we do without East Point Veterinary Hospital."

She continued, "Adopting a shelter animal is rewarding in itself. Not only are you giving that animal a much deserved home, but they truly make the best family pets. They are so appreciative and humble. We get updates from our adopters through Facebook, and we even have them come back for visits. Seeing how happy they are and thriving in their new life is  what makes all this worthwhile."

The shelter can always use donations of dye-free cat food and dog food (value pack from Chambers Farm and Garden Supply), bleach, paper towels, plain Milk Bones and cat treats and non-clumping cat litter.

facebook.com/cullmancountyanimalshelter

You can visit with each animal to find the pet that fits your family the best.

Precious kittens are available for adoption

Puppies are available!