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This and That
This & tHAT i
Naturally Artful Festival @ Jasmine Hill
Blue Yonder On March 6th and 7th, Jasmine Hill is hosting the Naturally Artful Festival to build community and allow visitors to experience the arts and connect with nature. There will be hands on art activities, a chance to dig in the dirt, presentations by artists, and a live theatre experience. We'll have art on exhibit, painters at work in the garden, live poetry writing, and live music from local artists. Our resident fairies will be delighted with activities in our Fairy Garden. On Saturday, we will unveil our brand new Healing Well and Blessing Tree. The young and young-at-heart can enjoy music and movement in the garden and hear stories about outdoor adventures, tiny home living, plastic free lifestyles, and more. For tickets and details visit www.jasminehill.org/naturally-artful-festival.html
Congressman Trey Gowdy to speak at Faulkner’s Annual Benefit Dinner
Faulkner University announced former Congressman Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, as the speaker for this year’s Faulkner Annual Benefit Dinner during a press conference held on Tuesday. President Mike Williams revealed the news on Montgomery’s campus. “Congressman Gowdy was entertained as a potential member of the President’s legal team for the impeachment proceedings, so he’ll have a lot to say that is relevant to what Montgomerians are talking about and thinking about as we think about the future of our nation,” Williams said. Since it began more than 40 years ago, Faulkner University’s Annual Benefit Dinner continues to be a longstanding tradition and a red-letter event on the social calendar for Montgomery and the River Region, selling out to nearly 2,000 guests. This year’s Benefit Dinner will be hosted at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center on October 1. Over the years, Faulkner has brought renowned politicians, journalists, athletes, coaches, comedians and astronauts to speak in Montgomery. Gowdy will bring his political experience as a member of Congress while also serving on the Judiciary Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Intelligence Committee, Education and the Workforce Committee and Ethics Committee on current issues from Capitol Hill to the River Region for what will be an exciting night. “We have hosted the Annual Benefit Dinner for years and have attracted renowned thought-leaders to speak in Montgomery to address timely and relevant topics,” Williams said. “Faulkner strives to bring provocative speakers who would not ordinarily be introduced to our citizens here to talk about these topics.” For tickets call 334.386.7257, or visit www.faulkner.edu/gowdy.
Maestra Yvonne Collins is in her 30th season as Conductor of the Montgomery Youth Orchestra. To celebrate this important milestone, the Montgomery Symphony League held a very special Valentine membership luncheon honoring Ms. Collins on February 11, at the Montgomery Country Club. The highlight of the event was a surprise performance by former Montgomery Youth Orchestra member Jessica Meuse. Ms. Meuse is a successful performer and recording artist. She performed two songs for the gathering, "Landslide" and "Rio Grande," an original composition by the artist. Ms. Meuse is an American Idol Final Four winner. Songs from her 2018 album "Half-Hearted" have reached more than eight million streams. Jessica's first instrument was a violin. The Slapout, Alabama, native auditioned for the Montgomery Youth Orchestra, got a position and, during her high school years, worked her way from the back to the front of the youth orchestra violin section. She credits Ms. Collins and the Youth Orchestra with having a huge positive influence on her life and her music. Montgomery Youth Orchestra conductor Yvonne Collins is both a violinist and a pianist and she is the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Second Violin. A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Maestra Collins attended Tennessee Tech University where she studied conducting with Robert Jager. She has performed with the Chattanooga, Albany and Auburn symphony orchestras and founded Joyeux Musique, a local string trio. She is a member of the Eastmont Baptist Church Orchestra and plays regularly with Frazer United Methodist and Woodland United Methodist churches. MYO is comprised of approximately 70 young musicians from public and private schools throughout central Alabama who have a love of classical music and a desire to improve their skills while performing in an ensemble. The Montgomery Symphony League works to promote and increase the public’s appreciation and knowledge of music by providing educational activities for youth and adults of the River Region. For more visit www.montgomerysymphony.org Montgomery Youth Orchestra Conductor Yvonne Collins and special guest Jessica Meuse
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Free to the Public The Vann Vocal Institute 2020, 13th Anniversary Season
Public Events- Thursday March 12: Celebrity Recital. This year marks the Vann Vocal Institute’s 13th Anniversary Celebration! Internationally acclaimed operatic tenor David Cangelosi, who serves as the Institute’s Artistic/Program Director, is bringing a world-renowned guest faculty of operatic artists to join him at Huntingdon College. These esteemed faculty members will perform their annual ‘Celebrity Recital’ on Thursday March 12, 2020 (7:00 p.m.) Ligon Chapel-Flowers Hall, Huntingdon College. Featuring performances by David Cangelosi, Maestro Steven Crawford, Sam Handley, Rena Harms, Yasuko Oura, Mary Phillips, and Richard Troxell. This concert is free and open-to-the-public. The Vann Vocal Institute is a program of the Montgomery Symphony Association. Visit our website at www.montgomerysymphony.org/programs/vann-vocal-institute/ or call our office at 334.240.4004 for more information.
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46th Annual River Region Volunteer of the Year Awards
Nominees for the Volunteer of the Year awards run the gamut from high school students who read to children at Common Ground Montgomery to seniors answering phones at Jackson Hospital. None of them seeks the spotlight, but all of them are contributing to their community through time given to others. HandsOn River Region is accepting nominations for the 2020 Volunteer of the Year through March 12. All nominees will be recognized and receive a certificate and gift during the ceremony on April 23 at Trinity Presbyterian Church. For more than 40 years, this ceremony has become the region's largest volunteer recognition event, honoring individuals and groups who give their time and talent to improve their community and the overall quality of life. HandsOn River Region and the Junior League of Montgomery host the awards celebration each year during National Volunteer Week in April. Awards are presented to outstanding individuals and groups whose efforts have made a positive impact on the River Region. Thanks to event sponsors, a $300 cash contribution will be made on behalf of each recipient to the nominating nonprofit agency. To nominate your outstanding volunteer visit www.handsonriverregion.org/voy-nomination-form
HCA Caregiver of the Month Valerie Davenport
Mrs. Valerie Davenport has been a member of our company for a year or so now. During this time, she has gone over and beyond in the role that she holds. She has shown kindness, compassion, empathy, professionalism and teamwork. She pays very close attention to details and makes her client her top priority. Her details are relayed in a precise, to-the-point manner and she communicates them to both the staff and other caregivers that she works with. She not only treats her client as a client but gives him the same love and respect that she would
give to her own family member. Valerie’s love for what she does shows on the inside and out. She radiates a ray of sunshine in her appearance and is always upbeat and bubbly. Thank you Valerie for all that you do and all that you have done in making this journey a success!! For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com
On December 21, 2019 the 70th Annual Blue and Gray Colonels Ball presented twenty-five lovely freshmen collegians to Montgomery society with a dazzling presentation showcasing the artistic talents of many. Over the past 10 years the ball has supported an Artist-inResidence program, selecting a local artist to paint “live” throughout the evening. This year Montgomery artist Julia Wallace, known for her exquisite depictions of female figures in her paintings, was given the honor and wowed spectators with her lovely work though out the evening. To the delight of all in attendance, talented dancers from the Alabama Dance Theatre Ballet beautifully performed “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Juliet’s Variation from Romeo and Juliet.” Also, under the direction of ADT’s Artistic Director, Kate Seale Smith, debutantes with their escorts were taught and executed the Presentation Dance perfectly. Each lovely debutante wore beautifully unique white formal ball gowns, long white gloves, glistening tiaras and carried bouquets created by the talented Jerry Thrash of Rosemont Gardens. Owner of Mobile’s I Do Bridal Boutique, Bonnie Carter, repeatedly consulted with this year’s queen Roma Million Pirnie before unveiling an immaculate gown that reflects the sweet nature of the queen while encapsulating the grandeur that royalty commands. The gown blurred the lines between vintage and modern, combining the elegance of a traditional ball gown as envisioned by a young Roma years ago, with the whimsical and fashion forward side of this year’s Queen. In addition to her exquisite ivory gown, white Italian leather gloves and the majestic Blue Gray Colonels Queens crown, Roma wore lovely floating pearl and white gold earrings and necklace given to her by her grandparents Bruce and Cathy Maddox to commemorate her reign as the 70th Queen of Blue and Gray Colonels Ball. Her Majesty Roma Million Pirnie with grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Maddox and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mitchel Pirnie III (not pictured Grandmother Mrs. Karen Worley Funk)
Queen Roma and her father, Commander Robert Mitchel Pirnie IV mesmerized the audience with a beautifully touching Italian style waltz, choreographed and taught by Alabama Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director, Kate Seale Smith. Looking eye to eye, the father daughter duo confidently executed an elegant and flowing Italian waltz to the music La Valse Champagne by Patrick Doyle, Roma’s favorite composer. Roma’s love of Doyle’s music stems from his pieces featured in her favorite movie Much Ado About Nothing (1993), which was filmed in Italy. The audience’s applause was notable as Commander Pirnie twirled and dipped his daughter. Dancing to her favorite composer made the waltz with her father especially meaningful. The duo’s Italian waltz was a creative selection subtly complimenting this year’s Italian theme – The Splendor of Venice. In recognition of Blue and Gray Colonels support of the arts in Alabama as well as Queen Roma's appreciation of and continued participation in the arts while attending Rhodes College, this year preceding and immediately following the presentation in the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, all guests of the ball enjoyed musical pieces selected by Queen Roma, showcasing works by Patrick Doyle. The festive celebration continued in Alabama Ballroom of the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel with music performed by the New York based Peter Duchin Orchestra, which has been the tradition at the Blue and Gray Colonels Ball each year since 1979. The Debutantes of the Blue and Gray Colonels Ball
Chicago in Concert
Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era,” the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in at #4, the highest charting American band in the chart’s history, in Billboard Magazine’s recent Top Bands And Duos. And Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades.
Chicago have toured every year since the beginning – they’ve never missed a year. The original four band members are Robert Lamm on keyboards and vocals, Lee Loughnane on trumpet and vocals, James Pankow on trombone and Walt Parazaider on woodwinds. The band line-up also includes Wally Reyes, Jr. on drums, Keith Howland on guitar and vocals, Lou Pardini on keyboards and vocals, Ray Herrmann on sax and flute, Neil Donell on vocals, Brett Simons on bass and Ramon “Ray” Yslas on percussion. Chicago will be performing at Jemison Concert Hall at the Alys Stephens Center in Birmingham April 18, 6pm. For tickets and info visit www.alysstephens.org/events/chicago/
Pike Road Community Yard Sale Benefiting the Pike Road Lions Club
Spring-like temperatures are already sweeping through Central Alabama, and it’s time for spring cleaning, too. All are invited to participate in the Pike Road Community Yard Sale – whether as sellers or shoppers – which will be held at Pike Road Town Hall (9575 Vaughn Rd) from 7 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28. The 2020 Community Yard Sale will be the 10th annual event, a community favorite that brings a great crowd and nearly 80 vendors to Town Hall each spring. In addition to shopping and selling, the Pike Road Lions Club will provide breakfast and snacks for purchase and music from a local DJ. Vendor spaces may be reserved beginning on March 2, and each $25 reservation fee goes to the Pike Road Lions Club to benefit their service initiatives and charities. More info at www.pikeroad.us
This spring, the Archives is offering half-day genealogy workshops on third Saturdays in March and April. Individual workshops are $30 for the public and $20 for Friends members. Saturday, March 21 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Tracing Your African American Ancestors. This workshop features guidance for navigating potential research roadblocks and will address challenges specific to African American genealogical research. Saturday, April 18 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm To the Census and Beyond This workshop will reveal everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the census and then some, including creative search strategies that will add new dimensions to your family tree. For more info call or email, 334.353.4712, sarah.mcqueen@archives.alabama.gov Alabama Department of Archives and History Offers Genealogy Workshops
Someone’s Grandchild Needs Your Support
Capital City Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 1st Wednesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Downtown Montgomery. Mark your calendars, March 4th, Landscape Design, Renee Thompson, ACES and April 1st, Shade Gardening, Mary McCroan, Advanced Master Gardener. Autauga County Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 1st Thursday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 610 Fairview Avenue, Prattville 36066. Mark your calendars, March 5th, Let’s Learn about Hostas, Bionca Lindsey, Master Gardener and April 2nd, Backyard Tomatoes, Mallory Kelley, Horticulturist, ACES. Elmore County Master Gardener Association presents Lunch & Learn 2019 the 2nd Tuesday of Every Month from 12-1 pm. They meet at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka 36092. Mark your calendars, March 10th, Gardening With Climate Change, Lee & Amanda Borden, Adv. MGs and April 14th, Invasive Plants, Nancy Lowenstein, Professor, AU. For information, please contact the Montgomery County Extension Office 334.270.4133. Also visit www. capcitymga.org.
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Opelika Songwriters Festival
First and foremost, the OSF has confirmed many of the best touring singer songwriters on the national circuit – all distinctive, unique and compelling including The War & Treaty, Shawn Mullins, Dark Water (Kristian Bush from Sugarland), Mindy Smith, Sarah Lee Guthrie (yes, Woody’s granddaughter, Arlo’s daughter). Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer), Dan Navarro, Chris Stills, Steve Poltz, Kim Richey, Sugarcane Jane, Charlie Mars, Jeff Black and many more. For a full listing of confirmed artists, go to www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com. If you have never dropped into downtown Opelika, you now have a great reason to do so. Ten venues have been turbocharged with great sound systems to create intimate listening rooms with true character. The entire downtown has been organically and beautifully restored. Original cotton warehouses are now a small batch distillery, breweries, boutiques, galleries, a vinyl record store, one of the top ten wine bars perhaps in the world, excellent restaurants…. I could go on. Come March 27th-29th and experience it first hand.
Titus New Home Baptist Church to Host Road to Redemption
This Easter season travel the road through Jerusalem as if you were in ancient Israel when the greatest man who ever lived walked the earth. New Home Baptist Church will once again host Road to Redemption on Sunday, April 5, 2020 from 3–5 p.m. at the corner of Sewell and Spigener Roads in Titus, Alabama.This family event takes travelers on a mini tour, featuring reenactments of the final days of Jesus’ life on earth through to His resurrection. Walk the road that Jesus travelled beginning with Palm Sunday and meet characters who take you inside the scriptures as you experience the Triumphal Entry. Travelers will also learn about the Last Supper, pass by the garden at Gethsemane, visit Barabbas in his jail cell, meet a Roman guard who was part of Jesus’ crucifixion detail, and finally, experience the power of the empty tomb and Jesus’ resurrection. Upon arrival, travelers will join others to form small groups and along with their travel guide, journey through six destinations. At each destination, travelers will experience powerful moments that surrounded the death and resurrection of Jesus. These Bible experiences are sure to stir the emotions in travelers of all ages. Groups will begin their journey every 20 minutes starting at 3 p.m., with the last group beginning at 4 p.m. It will take each group approximately one hour to journey through all destinations. This free event is open to one and all. So please plan to join us—and invite your family, friends, and neighbors—to experience the power of the Road to Redemption and enjoy the refreshments and other fun planned. If you would like to request a specific tour time in advance, please email your name, preferred time, and number in your party to newhometitus@yahoo.com, or by phone at 334.567.0923. On-site registration the day of the event will also be available.
The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum held its annual
Volunteer Appreciation Day on Saturday, February 22, 2020. “Volunteers are crucial to the success of our facility. We are able to accomplish major projects in
just a few hours thanks to the thousands of people who give their time each year whether helping to clean the museum, landscaping projects, painting or helping
with our many events throughout the year,” Melanie Golson, APR, Marketing and Public Relations Manager explained. The program included the presentation of
several awards to those who have dedicated their time and talent to support the Zoo’s mission of educating the public about conservation, protecting our wildlife
and the importance of zoological facilities. Bill Brounstein, Sally Jenkins, Walt McNeely and Robert Turner were each presented a Certificate of Appreciation
for their countless hours of service during 2019. The Zoo presented a new award, the Volunteer of the Year award. This award will be given to a volunteer who
has served the Zoo consistently for five years or more. The 2019 Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Ms. Mary Davis. Ms. Mary, as she is known around the Zoo, has volunteered for events like ZooBoo and Zoo Weekend for the past four decades. When asked why she started volunteering at the Zoo and why she continues to do so long, Ms. Davis said, “I Mary Davis (left) receiving Montgomery Zoo Volunteer of the Year Award with Melanie Golson, Montgomery Zoo's Marketing and Public Relations Manager
started because I was new to Montgomery and wanted to find a way to meet people. I continued because the Zoo became my family and family supports each other.” The Zoo announced to attendees that the award would be perpetually known as the ‘Mary Davis Volunteer of the Year’ award. Due to health reasons, Ms. Mary has had to retired from her volunteer career but her impact on the Zoo, its staff and animals will go on for generations to come. To sign up to volunteer for either event contact the Zoo at 334.625.4930 or email zooinfo@montgomeryal.gov.
