RSVP Montgomery - July/August 2012 by RSVP Montgomery

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

REJUVENATE THE SENSES From hot stone massages to signature facials, the Spa at Montgomery offers a variety of services meant to relax the mind and replenish the body. This 9,000-square-foot European style spa is located in the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center in downtown. Take advantage of all the facilities included with every treatment. Quiet Rooms provide a break from the regular routine and the steam room and whirlpool are the perfect complement to any spa service. Also stop by the full salon, now offering deluxe spray tanning sessions, and movement studio to complete the experience. Reward yourself at the Spa at Montgomery. For more information or to book an appointment, please call 334.481.5210.

RENAISSANCE MONTGOMERY HOTEL & SPA AT THE CONVENTION CENTER 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery AL 36104 t:334.532.0700 renaissancemontgomery.com Part of the Resort Collection on Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

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MORE THAN 60 SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS, INCLUDING: DSW SHOES | DILLARD’S | FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS

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18 reply YES Styles and trends to consider

Details for the Entertaining Diva

22 singled OUT

The 411 on Single Life

Match.comedy

28 Socially Seen Hampstead Hop

30 Feature Story Riverfront Revitalized

40 IN motion:

28 22

Cruising the Coosa

42 the LIST A whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who of young leaders

50 Table Talk 56 Take 5 Five Advance Me

58 Friends, Trends, Odds & Ends 60 Now Hear This

Measure for Measure

62 Behind the Scenes 64 when? what? where? 80 resource DIRECTORY

ON THE COVER SandBar Photography by Jon Cook

JULY/AUG 2012 RSVP 11

from the TEAM Mary Lackey & Mallory

We can’t wait for the next concert at the amphitheater!

Josh & Ever

Heading to the splash pad for some water fun!

Kim & Aubrie

Peyton

All aboard the Harriott II!

The River Region Guide for All Things Social

Editor lindsey rodgers Creative Director carl adams Contributing Designers bryan carter summer patterson

In other sections, we share some of our favorite dives, must-have gadgets and toys, as well as bold and bright fashion ideas for summer soirees. We’re sharing the goods on what you’ll need, want and have to have, from good food to fashion and activities. I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed assembling it. We’ve dedicated ourselves to celebrating the season—and, in the process, the city itself. Stay cool,

vol. 5, Iss. 4

Contributing Photographers darren freeman high 5 productions aubrie moates josh moates Contributing Writers mark anderson ben bartley peyton dismukes mark leslie amanda morrison lindsey rodgers brad spear catherine thomas

Gameday! We love our Biscuits!

Second Saturdays are great for picnicking and watching fireworks!

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere… let’s head to SandBAR for drinks

Crystal

Bryan & Kaylee

Lindsey

ere at RSVP Montgomery, we’re often inundated with boundless information about our city. We use it all to get to know the culture, the food, the watering holes, the people and the best places to shop and pass the time, all with a mindful eye toward the finer points and how we can package them for our readers. As the summer months approach and life begins to slow to a manageable pace for discovering (or, in some cases, rediscovering) the best of Montgomery, we decided to use this issue to emphasize our beautiful Riverfront and all it offers. We put extra effort into our photo to show you the Riverfront activities we are passionate about.

publisher kim traff

Paddles up and ready to dominate the Dragon Boat Race!

RSVP Team mary lackey bailey peyton dismukes crystal strickland mallory anderson Stylist evan g. cooper IT Director productive it Advisory Board keith cousins karl dabbs ken woodard mike watson

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

Educate the mind to think, the heart to feel, the body to act.

- TROY Motto 1887

If a university would commit to this endeavor, imagine the type of graduates it would produce. They would be lifelong learners, taught to think beyond the present and prepared to see tomorrow’s answers. They would have giving, empathetic hearts. Most importantly, they would be moved to action – seeking careers that serve the greater community. They would be Troy University students and alumni. If you are called to serve a greater purpose, then Troy University is the university you’re looking for.

“Ranked Among Top Schools in the Nation” - Forbes Magazine “One of the Best in the Southeast” - Princeton Review

In class • Online • Within reach • www.troy.edu • Find us on::

reply YES

Photos: Aubrie Lemon Moates Makeup: Rebekah Edwards/ LUSH Makeup Art Hair: Patti Sams & Christina Wright/ William Mason Salon Stylist: Evan Cooper/ Evan & Co. Assistants: Lydia Wolfe, Jonny Marsh, Josh Moates Models: Chloe Bailey, Aaron Banach, LeLe Fraser, Autumn Godfrey, Janna Hall, Micah Pierce, Amy Steinkampf Homeowners: Roger and Claudia Smith 18

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Details for the Entert a i nin g By Peyton Dismukes Whether it’s a picnic, a barbecue or a simple get together, summer is never short of social gatherings. It’s tempting to throw on something easy and comfortable in this sweltering Alabama heat, but don’t surrender your flair to the weather. RSVP challenges you to attend your summer soirees in style! Whether

you’re the guest or the host, remember….it’s all in the details! The hostess with the mostess knows that every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. The lawn is manicured, the tablescape is pristine and the outfit is perfect from the hair to the pedicure.

There is no denying that pops of color are everywhere this season, so display it in your wardrobe and work it into your party-time décor. From your frock to the fruity hors d’oeuvres, be BOLD this season. We dare you!

LEFT: Be poolside pretty in this glamorous get up. Swimsuit: Anthropologie Hat: Target Shoes: GAP Sweater: Banana Republic JULY/AUG 2012 RSVP 19

1 1. This Palm Springs meets modern color look is summer loving at its finest. (On Her) Dress: Target Jacket: GAP (On Him) Pants & Shirt: GAP

2. Stripes are on trend; pair them with a bold contrasting color for a playful look. Shirt & pants: GAP

3. Polished and refined, this dress will take you far. Dress: Banana Republic 4. Incorporate color right down to your sandals and toes. Shoes: GAP

3 5. This outfit is “mint” to be! Incorporate the season’s hot new color: mint green. Shirt, shorts & scarf: GAP

6. Max out your style with this color blocked maxi dress. Dress: Target

7. Pulled together without looking like you’re trying too hard, this look is great for a casual outing. Shirt, shorts & belt: GAP

8. Colorful fruit will brighten any tablescape. Serving Tray: Target

9. Wear a pop of color and add an accessory. A headband or hat is the perfect summer staple. (on him) Hat, shirt & swimsuit: GAP (on her) shirt, pants & bag: GAP Headband & necklace: Banana Republic 10. Simple and elegant, these looks are the definition of class. (Left girl) Shirt, belts, shorts: GAP (middle girl) dress, sweater & necklace: Banana Republic (right girl) Hat: Target Bag & white v-neck: GAP Shorts & striped shirt: Banana Republic

6 8

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singled OUT

By Amanda Morrison I’m sure you’ve seen the commercial: good looking man meets attractive woman on the sidewalk, they enter a restaurant that could be in Anywhere, USA and laugh the night away. Meanwhile, the voiceover guy is throwing out stats about relationships, online dating and informs us that we are in fact witnessing this happy couple’s first date. This smart looking couple did not meet on just any site, but the premier online dating Mecca for singles that is www.Match.com. 22

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In case you’re not familiar, they claim to have more dates, more relationships and more marriages than any other site. My initial reaction to this most informative 30 seconds targeting the one third of the population who, like me, is single was full of sarcasm. I asked myself: If I sign up, will cameramen follow me to my first date? Further infiltrated by the frequency of this commercial, I later wondered: How do they know one in five relationships start online? Did my questionnaire for

edy singles get lost in the mail? Then one lonely Friday night, I asked myself the most important question: Why not give it a try? So then and there, I powered up my laptop and joined the dating site which promises more. Keith Morrison’s crooning voice narrating Dateline faded to the background as I hurriedly filled out my profile, uploaded a few pictures and anxiously began browsing for my man. Just like their commercials, the Match.com site provides its members with valuable nuggets of

information. For those of you who may not be in the loop, when you open your personal home page, you will find various statistics. This is how I know that in a six-month span, my profile was viewed 5,101 times, 24 people have “liked” my photo and 30 people have “winked” at me this week. What is even more special is to see that I’ve been selected as the favorite by a handful of guys including The_Sasquatch and Will_Rub_Feet (more on this later). The final statistic to note is that I’ve only been out on a handful of dates. CNBC.com recently posted their list of top 12 cities for online dating. Montgomery was not on that list. Let’s humorously consider why this may be… Match.com performs a magical analysis and based on my specifications, provides a list of men who are my “Daily Matches.” From this inventory of eligible bachelors, I can then rate them as a “yes, no or maybe.” Today’s list included upgradeyourself1, and we are considered a match because like me, he is a non-smoker and likes felines. Hallelujah, and never mind the fact that this guy already assumes I need upgrading! Match. com has located my soul mate based on the criteria that he doesn’t reek of cigarette smoke, and he has a cat. Perhaps the marketers of Match.com will reconsider the makings of a great couple. Next, let’s look at the actual screening process. There are key elements of the profile, and a few simple mistakes can put the brakes on a match. (Please note, we mean no one harm or shame and are simply observers of what is trending in the hopes we can all learn and improve our odds at finding love).

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The Photo

the picture, you may want to re-think your strategy.

The first rule is simple: post a photo. If your profile is minus a face, you are going to have to work really hard to garner attention because it signals a red flag. Women are wondering if you are (a.) hiding something (b.) lacking commitment (c.) have no access to a camera. So now that you’ve posted the photo, it’s important to note that holding a camera phone in front of the mirror shirtless is, unlike your phone, not smart. If you have amazing abs, most women will prefer to discover that as a bonus to your great personality when you take her to the beach. Last and most puzzling are the men who post photos with other girls posing next to them. Unless you are soliciting polygamy, this should be a no-brainer. Photoshop is your friend; however, if your ex is literally still in

The Screen name and Headline

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

Consider this the introduction and opening line. Being unique is a plus, but remember that you are painting a picture of who you are. When it comes to wanting to know more about a person, these small bits tell everything. I’m sure I’ve passed on many a great guy over this, but I question compatibility and have specific messages to following: The_Sasquatch - I can see that you are balding, which is not a deal breaker, however, any name associated with a yeti sends me to a visual of future Saturday nights spent waxing your back. Will_Rub_Feet – While that is very kind of you, I’m wondering what you

expect rubbed in return? Besides, the only strangers who rub my feet are at the nail salon, so I’ll pass. The last suggestion on a screen name is to be clever and stand out. In our region, this means staying away from RollTide, WarEagle, Bama and AU because they are a dime a dozen. After a while, you unfairly begin to group all those guys in the same category of no. Never is there going to be more pressure to craft the written one-liner, and here are a few “nevers”: “If you don’t cook, don’t start.”Great, rdytoluvagn, you are already telling me what I can/can’t do, and we haven’t even met. Actually, this offer sounds pretty fair for us girls who don’t use our kitchens! “I will love you.” – So, Jaime7541, are you psychic or looking to love everyone? Most girls want to feel special, and declaring your love

before we’ve even “winked” is probably not the best headline to reel one in. “Looking for 4 a Queen”- I’m hoping this is a typo DLM 8896, because if you are looking for four queens, you are going to have your hands full! Let’s all be sure to proof our work before putting ourselves out there.

The Initial Email A plus to online dating is that you can correspond and have a sense of each other’s personality before talking or meeting face-to-face. That being said, I’ve polled several other women who date online, and we receive countless attempts of the same email that drives us nuts. It contains one word: “Hi.” Really, what kind of reply does that warrant? Most women admit they ignore those emails for lack

of effort alone. Perhaps the best reply was suggested by another woman who was just as frustrated at getting this lame email, so she sent back: “I’m assuming you can write a complete sentence? If so, feel free to prove it to me and try again.” While we can find humor in the online dating mistakes, the biggest mistake of all is taking no action and expecting our dream date to simply show up. Ten years ago, online dating was seen as the last refuge of the desperate. Ten years ago, I was married. Lucky for singles today, it’s become mainstream, and we can try it without shame. We can’t tweak our past, but we can revise our online profile if it’s not producing good results. The main thing is to balance humor with honesty, and present a message that accurately depicts who you are and what you are looking for. Don’t be discouraged

by the number of rejections. It’s not about stats, as a wise adviser reminds me, “it only takes one.” Maybe Match.com is right: it is about more. More laughter, more patience and more hope that sifting through more profiles will bring me to the one… with or without the cat or the camera crew.

Hampstead Open House Monday to Friday 12-5pm • Saturday & Sunday 1-5pm

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There’s No Stopping

When You’re Hopping Photography by Amanda Lee and Carter Photography & Design

The weather was warm and breezy, and the atmosphere was jubilant at the 3rd Annual Hampstead Hop, held Thursday, June 7. When RSVP pairs up with Hampstead, it is guaranteed to be a great time! Hampstead “Hoppers” were given a wristband that gave them access to great specials at three participating locations. At Farmhouse Kitchen, one could enjoy the Southern folk tunes of River Dan while snacking on chicken salad and cornbread muffins and sipping on sweet tea vodka and watermelon crawl cocktails. Hoppers swayed to the live jazz vibes of Jilla & Kurt as they

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

enjoyed wine and whiskey tastings at City Grill. The Tipping Point was a happening place with Zac Martin playing acoustic and several people testing seasonal beers. Hampstead made the perfect setting for this relaxed, but energetic event. Everywhere you turned live music filled the air, and each location evoked a different feel. But no matter where you turned, friends were laughing, spirits were poured, good food was devoured and great times were had. For the third year in a row, Hampstead Hop was a success, and all who attended left thinking “Can’t wait till next year!”

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

Riverfront

REVITALIZED By Catherine Thomas • Photography by High 5 Productions

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Second Saturday Riverfront Festivals

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may soon be able to add itself to that list. The downtown Riverfront area along the Alabama River is in the processLive of undergoing some changes to make onevendors, that is more home a variety of recreational entertainment, moremajor activities for the kids, moreitfood artto and craft vendors and cocktails from the hottest bar in town — SandBAR.

events and a hub for the downtown entertainment district and city tourism as well.

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The History of the Alabama River Hernando DeSoto declared himself the first European to settle around the Alabama, Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers. Until his arrival, Forriver more 334-625-2100 the area along the banks of the wasinfo: inhabited by Native or www.funontheriver.net Vendors: Dreamland, Peppertree n’ Wine, CheeziesThere Pizza, Cantina, Bruster’s Ice Cream, Americans, specifically theSteaks Creek Indians. are claims that forRoux, Awesome Dogs, GT Balloons, Nancy’s Italian Ice, and Spacewalker. centuries the Indians were treated badly by the European settlers, but it was not until the 1830s that they were forcibly removed from their homeland and sent to Indian territories. At this same time in the 19th century, the Alabama River was a driving force in the growth of the state’s economy. The easily navigable waterway allowed for water transportation between Alabama and Georgia, but more importantly, it allowed ships carrying commerce to sail back and forth to the port of Mobile. These ships carried various goods, including large portions of cotton, which were then sent from the port of Mobile to England for weaving. In 1821, the steamboat Harriott set sail and became the very first boat to land in Montgomery from Mobile.

JULY/AUG 2012 RSVP 31

Harriott II Today on the pier of the Alabama River sits Harriott II, a ship that was built in Tennessee in 1981. It originally ran in the Huntsville and Decatur areas, but was then bought and brought to Savannah to run along the river there. While in Savannah, the ship was bought a second time by Captain Jonathan Clark and continued to run along the Savannah River for several years. The city of Montgomery purchased the ship in 2008, replacing Betsy Ann, the boat that had previously been docked on the Alabama River pier for years. After the purchase, the ship was named Harriott II in honor of that first steamship that originated in Mobile and landed in Montgomery. Captain Jim Kittrell currently steers Harriott II weekly along the Alabama River. On the first Wednesday of each month, a scenic lunch cruise is offered to visitors who want to take in the sights of downtown Montgomery as well as the river. The hour-long cruise consists of 30 minutes of narration that offers a brief history of the waterway and points out specific spots along the river, such as the marina and the octagonal-shaped tower next to it. Aside from the Wednesday lunch cruise, there are dinner cruises as well on both Friday and Saturday nights during the months of June and July. The dinner cruises have been so successful and revenue has increased enough that this is the first year the city has offered the cruise two nights a week instead of just one. Dinner cruises are catered by the well-known downtown restaurant, The Olive Room. Educational cruises for schools and other organizations are offered as well, and the replicated 19th century ship can also be rented out for private parties and gatherings. On Sunday nights, a blues cruise sets sail, and special cruises are run throughout the year at times such as Valentine’s Day and Christmas.

Riverfront Developmental Phases The Riverfront you see today in Montgomery is in its second phase of development. Although the first phase of the Riverfront, which included the amphitheater, grassy area and splash pad, was built in the spring of 2004, the second phase of development began in January 2011, when Mayor Todd Strange dissolved the Riverfront Facilities group and placed all Riverfront development and activity under the direction of the Department of Parks and Recreation, headed by Scott Miller. When Miller’s department took over development, a large portion of the Riverfront was still slag, which is a type of gray rock that ran alongside the river and was definitely not 32

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

pedestrian-friendly. Because of the slag, the area in which individuals could walk was extremely limited. One of the department’s first jobs was removing the slag and resurfacing the area so that pedestrians could walk alongside the river. The extended Riverwalk includes benches and lights and is also wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Continuing in this first phase of development, in 2011, both water and power connections were put in for vendors, which helped not only with the Riverfront’s ability to grow, but also allowed for the creation of the new event known as “Second Saturdays.”

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Second Saturdays The first “Second Saturday” was held in April of 2012 and drew a crowd of more than 6,000 people down to the Riverfront. This free event, which will continue to take place on the second Saturday of each month during summer and fall, begins at 5 p.m. and culminates with the firework show at the conclusion of the Biscuits baseball game. In the hours between, there are three bands set up for live music, 10-11 food vendors (including notable Montgomery establishments such as Roux, Peppertree Steaks and Wine, Cantina, CheeZies Pizza, Mama’s Sack Lunch, The Great American Cookie Company, Dreamland and Nancy’s Italian Ice) and booths showcasing everything from pottery you can make yourself to purses and other items for purchase. Water-friendly inflatable vessels are welcome as well, and children are frequently seen splashing in the river, playing in the sand and running around at the splash pad. According to Miller, the long term goal is to make Second Saturdays a weekly rather than monthly event, but first, the department must prove that Montgomery residents are willing to go down to the Riverfront and participate. The Montgomery Biscuits are well into their 9th season downtown at Riverwalk Stadium, but it doesn’t seem that long ago when affiliated baseball had seemed to disappear forever. Through dedication, perseverance and a clear vision, the Biscuits officially arrived in Montgomery on April 16, 2004 to a sold out crowd and an 8-0 victory over the Huntsville Stars. Regaining an affiliated minor league baseball team was about much more than just baseball. It was a chance for the city of Montgomery to get a vital first piece of the puzzle in place. A quick glance around reveals an astonishing amount of downtown growth and the positive impact the Montgomery Biscuits have had on the rejuvenation of the downtown Montgomery area. Each year, more than 250,000 Biscuits fans are treated to restaurants, hotels and attractions all within walking distance of Riverwalk Stadium. “Downtown Montgomery never sits still; it’s always evolving,” said Biscuits General Manager Marla Terranova Vickers. “The Biscuits are proud to have been there at the beginning, and we’ll be along for the rest of the ride.”

Plans for Further Development If you travel south down the river, toward the Montgomery Motor Speedway, you will find River Harbor, a development with approximately 50 lots and seven or eight Riverfront homes already built. Continuing southward, the city has plans to extend the Riverwalk to the Marina and Capital Oyster Bar. Before the city begins this development, however, they are focusing first on extending the Riverfront north toward Maxwell Boulevard, immediately after you pass the downtown farm. This particular area is at street level and the first spot

that is raised from the river. In 2008, the city of Montgomery began buying property along the boulevard and continued to do so until 2011. The long term goal is to use this space as a mixed-use property. On the west side of I-65, the city expects to have mainly residential areas with a few retail sections included. The hope is that from this spot, residents can enjoy the views of the river while having excellent access to the interstate and downtown as well. What is now View Street will include two parks looking over downtown. On the east side of

I-65 there are plans for residential units and ground floor retail that will sit across from Overlook Park. The city plans on improving Overlook Park as well and is attempting to give it a more aesthetic, green space appeal. A staircase that begins at the downtown farm will help extend the Riverfront up to Overlook Park. According to Chad Emerson, director of development for the city of Montgomery, the goal is that this section of the Riverwalk will eventually extend all the way to Maxwell Air Force Base.

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1916 RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

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Current Riverfront Events Even with all the planning and development currently taking place at the Department of Parks and Recreation, there are still plenty of activities available year round to Montgomery residents on the Riverfront. The Amphitheater is frequently the venue for musical acts that come to Montgomery, as well as a location for performances by artistic groups such as the Montgomery Ballet and Montgomery Symphony. The Riverwalk itself has been used for races such as the Joy to Life Foundation Walk of Life. The Riverfront is also used for a wide variety of events, ranging from birthday parties at the splash pad to the annual Mobis corporation picnic to Crossfit Training competitions. On June 16, the Juneteenth CultureFest, which raises both awareness and money for Sickle Cell Anemia, will be held at the Union Station train shed, and there is a special fireworks cruise planned on the Harriott II for the Fourth of July. In August, residents can look forward to the Dragon Boat Festival, where different teams compete in a race down the river to raise money for the charities RTCA (Rebuilding Together Central Alabama) and Bridge Builders of Alabama. The train shed can be rented out and has been used for everything from fundraisers to wedding receptions. At night, the downtown bicycle patrol covers the Riverwalk as well as downtown, and the Riverfront officially closes for the night when Harriott II docks from its last cruise.

Scott Miller

Director of Parks and Recreation City of Montgomery

Marla Vickers

General Manager Montgomery Biscuits Baseball

Jim Kittrell

Captain Harriott II Riverboat

Chad Emerson

Director of Development City of Montgomery

Mike Watson Proprietor 2WR Architects, AlleyBAR and SandBAR

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April 2012

June 19, 2012 JULY/AUG 2012 RSVP 35

SandBAR at the Silos The newest addition to the Riverfront is the SandBAR at the Silos. The city issued RFPs (Request for Proposals) to several local architectural and building groups in an attempt to find a way to put what Scott Miller envisioned as a small â&#x20AC;&#x153;tiki hutâ&#x20AC;? on the bluff that overlooks the river. Of the RFPs received by the city, the proposal was awarded to Mike Watson, president and CEO of 2WR, an architecture/interiors/planning/landscape firm. Mike was able to bring extra insight to this project, as his architectural thesis in college was focused on taking older, historical structures and revitalizing them for use as entertainment venues. The silos that SandBAR is placed next to were first built in 1916 as the largest grain elevator between New Orleans and Nashville. Long before any idea was thought up for SandBAR, 2WR did the design and renovation of the space into an Amtrak passenger train station in the late 1980s. The city then converted it into a police station about a decade ago. Today, SandBAR overlooks the river with (you guessed it) a sandy, beach-like space with lounge chairs in front of the patio. SandBAR opens at 2 p.m. during the week and Sunday and noon on Saturday. On Thursday through Sunday afternoons, you can find local musicians giving live performances. Future plans at SandBAR include cabanas placed near the bar porch which would offer seating, cooling fans, TV power, lighting, music and a misting system.

Having worked in this industry for so long and with so many successful projects in the city, we asked Mike what he thought was needed to keep the Riverfront development growing and successful. Ideas such as shops and restaurants to draw more people down to the Riverfront would help, he says, as would floating docks and fueling stations for boats. His hope for the Riverfront in five to 10 years is an area with “boating activity that rivals Lakes Martin and Jordan and a totally developed recreational complex and family campground on the peninsula across the river from downtown.” While Mike agrees there are factors that will make it more difficult to build up the Riverfront, such as adequate parking, changes in the river level and financing, he is confident that Montgomery will rise to the task and continue to see growth in the Riverfront and overcome any issues that may appear. When asked how the Riverfront benefits the city of Montgomery as a whole, Mike perhaps put it best with his answer of “through reflection, relaxation and recreation.” Anyone who has lived in Montgomery for at least a decade is able to see the changes and revitalization not only in downtown, but certainly on the Riverfront as well. With resident participation, our Riverfront has the potential to become much more than it is now, and with every new event or place thought up by the Department of Parks and Recreation, we come closer to realizing that potential. With continued support, Montgomery has the opportunity to be on that “list” of cities famous for their Riverfronts, and perhaps one day, in other areas of the country, when someone mentions the “Montgomery Riverwalk,” it will be as well-known and received as cities such as San Antonio, New Orleans, Memphis and Savannah.

Home is where the heart is By Lindsey Rodgers • Photography by High 5 Productions

“Home is where the heart is.” I’ve always loved this quote, but until recently, I never thought about it in the literal sense. Most of us in the River Region have a place we call home—it’s where we laugh over dinner with friends or family, crawl into bed after a bad day or snuggle up on the couch to watch the latest TV show you just can’t seem to get enough of. But what if you didn’t have a place to call home? What if, after a long, tiring day, you didn’t know where you would sleep or if you would have the luxury of dinner that night? Although it seems hard to imagine, there are an estimated 300 homeless women and children right here in the Montgomery area. This is where Mary Ellen’s Hearth has stepped in. Mary Ellen’s Hearth is a new ministry serving homeless women and children in the River Region. The ministry, which will open on Aug. 1 at the Nellie Burge Community Center, will be the only facility in the River Region providing transitional assistance for homeless women and their children together as a family. “Mary Ellen’s Hearth works to provide hope, help and healing to homeless women and their children through Christian love and values,” said Debbie Dobbins, executive director of Mary Ellen’s Hearth. “Their mission is to

Photo by Big Dreamz Creative 38

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provide a home for homeless women and their children and to teach the mothers how to live independently. Our goal is for the women to leave us within two years or less, prepared for a life of independence with their dignity and self-respect restored.” Mary Ellen’s Hearth will provide a home for up to 10 families initially, and they hope to expand to serve more than 20 families in the future. Mary Ellen’s Hearth will begin officially taking referrals for potential families on July 23, but the organization has already started to get referrals, and they have also had women drive up to the facility saying the needed a place to live. The help and healing process at Mary Ellen’s Hearth consists of giving the family a place to live, helping them set goals and providing them with basic training—teaching skills like nutrition, safety, budgeting, making resumes, interviewing skills, parenting skills, etc. The organization also assists the women with obtaining their GED diplomas, getting jobs or developing job skills. The children are provided with tutoring and training on how to choose prosocial behaviors. “The executive director and program Manager will work with the women to support and help them reach their goals,” Dobbins said. “There will also be several part-time workers who will support and assist the mothers. Many women have told us that they want to volunteer at the agency, and we want women to support the mothers. Our Board of Directors (for the Nellie Burge Community Center) will also be a support to the mothers – our board is very active.” Mary Ellen’s Hearth at the Nellie Burge Community Center has been lucky to have a number of volunteers step up already. Dobbins said volunteers have donated items to the center, donated supplies to keep the center stocked with essentials and many have volunteered to train and

Photo by Big Dreamz Creative

mentor the mothers. Mary Ellen’s Hearth even had about 40 volunteers who came to help paint the downstairs of the center. While Mary Ellen’s Hearth has a great community support system forming already, they are still looking for volunteers to tutor the children after school, volunteers to help babysit the children on special occasions and more volunteers to mentor the mothers. Assistance in the form of supplies and money is greatly appreciated as well. The program at Mary Ellen’s Hearth, modeled after two programs that have been in existence for a long period of time, has a very high success rate, with 80 percent of women staying independent when they finish their program. I encourage the River Region to step out and help this wonderful cause. Without a home of their own, these women and children have truly had to embrace the saying, “Home is where the heart is.” Together as a community, we can help them get back on their feet and truly have a place to come home to every night. For more information about Mary Ellen’s Hearth and the Nellie Burge Community Center, or for those interested in volunteering or making a financial contribution, please visit www.nellieburge.org or contact Debbie Dobbins, executive director of Mary Ellen’s Hearth, at (334) 264-4108 or at Debbie@nellieburge.org.

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IN motion

Cruising Coosa the

By Mark Anderson

By Brad Spear Photography by Bryan Carter

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Paddling the Coosa is one of my favorite outdoor activities. Whether it’s a canoe cruise with the kiddos, a big float trip with friends or soloing through some of the river’s white water rapids, the Coosa has something for everyone.

“Twenty-seven years ago the Coosa River Whitewater Festival began introducing Central Alabamians to whitewater canoeing and kayaking on the Coosa River in Wetumpka, Ala. Since that time, thousands of people from all around the Southeast have come to enjoy the fun and excitement the Coosa has to offer. On the Coosa River, you may be rubbing elbows with the server at a local Montgomery eatery or the CEO of a multimillion dollar company,” said Michael Strickland, president of the Coosa River Paddling Club. Residents of the River Region are a bit spoiled by the fact that we live just a short drive away from both the beach and the lake. Nevertheless, we need to remember that it is the River Region and that we live even closer to one of Alabama’s gems: the Coosa River. The scenery on the Coosa is outstanding. One often has the opportunity to see osprey, eagles, blue herons and chase several species of game fish. The Coosa is also the home of the magnificent Tulotoma snail, which is an endangered species. The Coosa is perfect for an afternoon or day-long adventure. Several businesses operate on the Coosa, leasing both canoes and sit-on-top kayaks. They also provide life jackets. Morgan Bell and Cedric Beumer, of Tulotoma Outfitters, have just opened a new livery service originating in a historic building in downtown Wetumpka. Tulotoma Outfitters has long-term plans to develop shorter, family-friendly paddles avoiding the Coosa’s larger rapids, and they hope to eventually open a restaurant at the take-out. These businesses will transport you to the put-in on the river just below the Lake Jordan Dam. The first mile of the Coosa is a wide expanse of flat water that allows you to become accustomed to your boat. Along the way, there are several rocks to jump from as well as a rope swing. River Falls, the first mild rapids on the Coosa, consists of several rapids interspaced with flat water scattered around several islands. This allows you to choose your route as the river splits around these islands. This area is abundant with wildlife, Cahaba lilies and 100-year-old Cyprus trees. It also has some excellent fishing on the eastern branches. River Falls is followed by another area of flat water with dozens of large rocks that are ideal stops for swimming or picnicking. As you paddle through this area, you begin to hear the roar of water

from the Coosa’s most notable feature, Moccasin Gap. The river right of “the Gap” is a set of Class III rapids. The river left of the Gap is a Class II. For the inexperienced, you can simply portage over the rocks or paddle far to the left to avoid the larger rapids. The Gap is a great kayaking spot and is frequented by all of the Coosa’s serious kayakers. It is also a well-known location for witnessing some of Central Alabama’s most epically bad tattoo decisions. The River Center Rock at Moccasin Gap is a great place to swim, get some sun and picnic with your family. There is also a nice swimming hole on the south side of the island! This is a great spot to watch both the serious kayakers surf their boats in the Gap and the fools go swimming after they flip their boats. There are few funnier sights than an old fashioned Coosa “yard sale.” Just a few tips for the Gap. It is best not paddle the Gap backwards— intentionally or otherwise. It is not at all advisable to stand up and surf your canoe through the center of the Class III side of the Gap. And finally, it is an absolutely terrible idea to leave your boat and swim through the center of the Gap “commando” in your personal flotation device. Unfortunately, I can personally attest to the inadvisability of each of these acts. There are numerous rapids following Moccasin Gap, with the last rapid being Corn Creek Rapid. Corn Creek has numerous channels with varying levels of difficulty. You can pick a line and test your paddling ability or look for calmer waters and simply enjoy the scenery. If you are paddling with Coosa Outdoor Center, your take-out is to the left after this last major series of rapids. If you are paddling with Tulotoma Outfitters or Coosa River Adventures, you will continue paddling through the flat water stretch until the river starts moving again as it reaches historic downtown Wetumpka. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, young or more mature, you’ll have a great time “cruising” the Coosa. Get out there and experience one of our area’s natural wonders.

For more information on paddling the Coosa, visit coosariverwhitewaterfestival.com.

By RSVP Brad Spear • Photography by Josh Moates JULY/AUG 2012

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REBEKAH GENTRY EDWARDS If you think it’s time to change yourself up, you may want to give Rebekah a call. She knows a lot about the proper timing for change. After graduating from Prattville High School, she obtained an Alabama Cosmetology License from Shelton State Community College. She then spent nine years in the hairstyling industry. However, Rebekah decided it was time to leave and do what really made her happy— makeup. She became a freelance makeup artist for LUSH Makeup Art and a staff makeup artist at Doug’s 2 Salon-Spa. Rebekah now has five years of experience in makeup. However, she said making that change was one of the hardest things she ever did. At first, it frightened her to leave her comfort zone, but her husband, Dave, encouraged her to do so. His encouragement, coupled with the right environment at Doug’s 2 Salon-Spa, made it happen for Rebekah. She says that her favorite part is “the confidence I see (people) gain.” There’s nothing better to her than meeting a new person and helping them feel more confident. Her sister, Rachel, and the rest of her family have been her support. Rebekah also enjoys being able to help others. Recently, she helped out at the Marie Claire Front Row College Challenge runway show that benefited the Tuscaloosa tornado victims.When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband Dave and their cat, Miss Sassy Sophia.

LEKISHA LEONARD Lekisha “Tish” Leonard worked for the state of Alabama as a computer programmer/analyst from 2002-2009. That job suited her education well. She graduated in 2001 from Auburn University with a degree in Management Information Systems. In 2009, she decided to leave her programming days behind her and become a stay-at-home mom. She really enjoyed the extra time with her family. However, she couldn’t do just that. Lekisha is now the owner and executive pastry chef of Cupcakes by Tish. It’s easy to tell that “Tish” enjoys what she’s doing. “I just love it when my customers make me aware of how much they really like my cupcakes or how one of my cupcakes helped them de-stress after a long day,” explains Lekisha. Creating something special for someone else can be very rewarding, especially when they really enjoy it. She credits her parents and grandmother as the most influential people in her life. After all, they instilled educational values and hard work ethic in her, and her grandmother taught her how to cook and bake. Of course, Lekisha’s biggest cheerleader has always been Quincy, her husband and co-owner of Cupcakes by Tish. They have three children: Ahlias, Lauryn and London.They enjoy Montgomery, specifically the historic Cloverdale area. Locating their business in the Mulberry Shopping District has provided a lot of loyal customers who help spread the good word for Cupcakes by Tish. She attends St. Paul AME Church, and she gives back to the community by donating to non-profit organizations, specifically the American Cancer Society.

ANDREW J. SZYMANSKI Any time you start a new job, you have some learning to do. For Andrew, that meant learning about a sport he didn’t even know existed. He is the executive director of the Montgomery Dragon Boat Race and Festival, one of Montgomery’s newest and largest summer events.“I love seeing the public enjoy a sport that even I hadn’t heard of three years ago,” says Andrew.After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2008 with a degree in Speech Communication, Andrew went on to work with AmeriCorps VISTA for Bridge Builders Alabama. He is really proud of what that organization does, and he was proud to enter his position with Montgomery Dragon Boat. It makes sense that Andrew attributes his success to the community around him and the wonderful support it gives to what he does. However, it is also a little ironic. The hardest thing he had to overcome was leaving his home in Massachusetts to come down South. His parents always encouraged him to do new things, and this time it paid off. He fell in love with UGA and the South. He enjoys volunteering at many city events, and he serves as the secretary for the American Cancer Society’s Junior Exec Board. He loves the friendly people in Montgomery and the tight-knit community. Mr. Smudge, his five-year old dog is truly his best friend. While Montgomery has won Andrew’s favor, he still says there’s nothing better than drinking a cold beer at his parents’ place while day-of lobsters boil on the stove. 44

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the LIST

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the LIST

LOUIS MICHAEL CALLIGAS Although he grew up in Shreveport, La., Louis has been familiar with Montgomery his entire life. His mother was originally from Montgomery, so growing up he regularly visited his relatives here.After finishing his bachelor’s degree in Corporate Journalism at Auburn University, Louis went to law school at Tulane in New Orleans. After graduating in 2003, he moved to Montgomery and is now an attorney with Balch & Bingham LLP. Louis is the president of the Montgomery County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and on the Alabama State Bar Young Lawyer Section Executive Committee. Louis stays involved in the non-legal community as well. He is a member of the local AHEPA chapter, president of the local AHEPA charity organization and a member of the YMCA Boys Work Committee. Louis is engaged to Catherine Thomas, and they will marry in Jekyll Island, Ga. in late July. Louis enjoys living in the Cloverdale area, attending Auburn football games (having never missed a home game since moving to Montgomery), cooking at home and dining out at restaurants. Louis believes he inherited his love for cooking and restaurants from his grandparents; in fact, his great-grandfather and grandfather owned restaurants in downtown Montgomery in the past, and old photos of each restaurant hang in his office.

AUBRIE LEMON MOATES “I love making women feel glamorous and realize their beauty,” explains Aubrie Lemon Moates. That’s her favorite thing about owning Hello Gorgeous Photography. There’s no questioning that Aubrie knows a lot about what she does. After all, she was a professional model for eight years before she decided to start Hello Gorgeous. She attributes her courage to move behind the camera to her husband, Josh. After looking at some of her work, it is surprising to hear that cameras intimidated Aubrie at one point in her life, but that all changed when Josh came along. He is the person who “taught (her) to take a beautiful picture,” as she puts it. The two of them have a 2-year-old son named Ever, and they can all be found together every week at the Montgomery Zoo. Aubrie grew up as an only child in Flagler Beach, Fla., but she also lived in Los Angeles for some time. After that experience, she finds the nice people and Southern hospitality of Montgomery very refreshing. Aubrie feared that Montgomery might not be ready for boudoir photography, but she has been surprised and even inspired by the number of men and women who support her. She hopes Hello Gorgeous will inspire others as well, and she has used the platform to put on events and fundraisers, typically for women’s issues such as breast cancer.

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MARCUS SHONE ROBINSON After being laid off, most people would be terrified, but not Marcus. His faith in God gave him the footing he needed to quickly move on. “Stepping out on faith and leaving my comfort zone to further my political career has blessed my life tremendously,” explains Marcus. He is now supervisor of Bills and Duplicating for the Alabama Senate. After graduating from Greenville High School, he continued his education at Troy University. Marcus then spent the next 10 years in retail management with Limited Corporation and Ann Taylor Loft. That work came pretty naturally to Marcus, as he has never met a stranger or someone he could not talk to. However, he was later laid off due to the downturn in the economy. As mentioned above, Marcus saw this as an opportunity to follow in his late father’s footsteps. Daniel Robinson was a councilman in Greenville, Ala. for many years, and he was also his son’s hero. Marcus heads to work grateful and happy every day. He works with a wonderful group of people that he affectionately calls a “Senate family.” That being said, Marcus’ real family is the most important thing to him. He and his wife, Deidre, have four outstanding children: Jonathan, Angel, Amber and Ava. Marcus says that wherever they are is where you will find him. They often spend time together downtown at the Riverfront, where they enjoy Montgomery’s growth and cultural diversity.

CASIE SCOTT What does it take to work hard and be successful? Just ask Casie Scott, personal trainer and owner of NShape Bootcamps. This Biloxi, Miss. native brings her own style and enthusiasm to each camp, keeping them unpredictable and exciting. Being one of eight children, she says that witnessing her parents work as hard as they did to provide for the family is what influenced her success the most. They made her realize that you can not only do whatever you want, but you can actually do what you love. She and her husband, Derek, have one daughter named Emma and will be welcoming a new baby girl into their family this October. Her favorite part of Montgomery is that it is family-oriented and that everyone seems to give back to the community in some form or fashion. It’s obvious that Casie wants to have a positive impact in the community, and that all goes back to her passion for fitness and healthy lifestyles. “The River Region has been good to me. Each and every one of my clients make me push myself and work harder,” explains Casie. She has lived in Montgomery for 10 years, and she is a NETA-certified personal trainer.

the LIST

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LEDRICK S. CRENSHAW “There is nothing better than receiving a letter from a patient that tells the story of how we, as a company, made their day better,” says Ledrick S. Crenshaw, director of operations for All Med Physicians. Although he is responsible for many tasks, his real joy comes from his work to influence both customer care and employee satisfaction. Those concepts too often come at a cost to each other. Ledrick focuses his efforts on making teamwork and collaboration translate naturally into excellent customer care. Some might call it unconventional, but Ledrick’s educational path has worked well for him. After graduating from Auburn University at Montgomery with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Biology, he went on to obtain a master’s degree in Human Resource Management. That education and his work experience have given him what he needs to really do his job well. Of course, he attributes much of his success to his family. He has two daughters, Mia and Kiersten, who drive his desire to succeed. However, he credits his mother, Carolyn, as the initiator of that desire. Also, Ledrick’s daughters have to endure a lot of hugs like Ledrick got from his father Willie. When not with his family, Ledrick classifies himself a gym junkie because he loves to work out. He is also an avid Alabama football fan and a sci-fi fanatic. Apparently, he has been to a Comic-Con convention, but he promises that the reason for the trip was the Alabama/Virginia Tech Chick-Fil-A kick-off game in Atlanta.

ARPI SEKERYAN Arpi Sekeryan works as a Master Nail Technician, and she says, “I love what I do because I’m a people person.” Born in Montreal, Quebec, Arpi started out on a completely different career path. She graduated from Vanier College in Office Systems Technology. She then worked as a customer service manager, an assistant merchandiser and assistant to the designer Arnold Brant for about 15 years. When she had her boys, Alec and Ardo, she decided to make a change. After graduating from Edith Serei in Montreal, she started her new career in 2000. Arpi came to Montgomery in 2008, when her husband Arthur was offered a position as Master Furrier by Henig Furs. After Arthur saw Montgomery’s sunny weather, he fell in love with it. Arpi likes Montgomery too. She loves the sunny days and the friendly people. She also likes how close Montgomery is to the beaches. Plus, after a lot of hard work and wonderful client referrals, she has built a steady client base here. Arpi is also an educator with Dashing Diva. She gets to travel doing shows, demos and classes. She enjoys the traveling, but she also really likes her cycle class at Metro Fitness. Arpi loves reading suspense and listening to music, especially dance music

JOSHUA PAUL DAVIS Josh Davis has always had a love for fashion. In fact, after graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Psychology, he began working at Saks Fifth Avenue’s Corporate Office in Birmingham, Ala. However, he was stuck behind a computer all day, and that did not work for Josh. As he puts it, he needed a lot more “people time.” So, Josh left and pursued such a career. After a few years of planning special events in the hospitality industry, he found his home. Josh was invited to join the team at The Locker Room as a professional clothier. He speaks of it fondly: “The work atmosphere is so pleasant here; we are like a family, and all of our clients are good friends.” Josh even credits his boss, George Wilder, as his professional and personal mentor. It is evident that Josh loves his job and the Montgomery community. He says the people of Montgomery are great about supporting hometown businesses – something very important for a store like The Locker Room. Although he’s a Selma native, Josh has been able to build a support system of friends that now make him proud to call Montgomery home. Josh is not married, but he has a dog named Edie. He says he enjoys cheering for his nephews in sporting events, playing with Edie and spending time with his family at Lake Jordan. JULY/AUG 2012 RSVP 49

Table Talk a look at Dives

by Mark Leslie Photography by Josh Moates

It’s summer. It’s hot. And the last thing you want is something formal and uptight. It’s the perfect time for a dive. Oh, I’m not talking about a dive into a pool, though that would be a great idea right about now. I’m talking about a “joint,” a “hangout,” a “hole-in-thewall,” someplace where the atmosphere is relaxed, the dress code casual, the food familiar and—great!

think? And here the vibes vary between kitsch, beach and south of the border. Now, don’t get all snobby on me and judge too soon, remember you aren’t going to these “joints” for the white tablecloths, atmospheric lighting or a Michelin-starred chef in the back. You’re going because—well, let me tell you why I went, and maybe you’ll be inspired to “dive in” after me!

I visited three Montgomery dives, each with its own particular vibe—a dive has to have a vibe, dontchya

Capital Oyster Bar (at the Marina) 617 Shady Street • 334.239.8958

Located at the Marina on downtown Montgomery’s north side, this dive might actually get you wet being so close to the water. Weaving your way through the old streets of the warehouse district could make you think you have lost your way, but once you see the painted fishing schooner at the corner of Shady Street, you’ll know you are in for a treat. And, you don’t have to get there by car; you can also get there by boat, docking at the Marina itself! Inside, blues music, often times live, means the vibe here is all seafood and beach. Kick back, relax, grab a beer or cocktail and you’ll think you’re at the Gulf.

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Whether fried, grilled or steamed, there is plenty to choose from between the shrimp, crab, oysters and fresh fish. Why, you’ll even find steak here if you like a little “surf and turf!” I ordered the steamed Red Royal Shrimp for an appetizer, and when these big beauties came to the table, I was thrilled to see them whole, heads and all! For me, that is a sign of freshness. Perfectly cooked, these Red Royals were sweet and tender—as any good shrimp should be. I always judge a Southern seafood restaurant by how full the Po-Boy roll is—I hate a skimpy Po-Boy! Here, the

Scallop Po-Boy came nicely stuffed with sea scallops, served alongside fries and coleslaw. Sadly, I went for lunch and couldn’t really order a cocktail—or two—before going back to work, but this is definitely the place to go when you want the vibe and flavor of the beach without the three-hour drive. I’ll be back for dinner, drinks and live music soon—hope to see you there!

facebook.com/mpactheater

JULY FAB FOUR JULY 28, 2012 · 8:00 PM Relive the excitement of the greatest and the original boy band, The Beatles! The Fab Four is not just a tribute band. They recreate the vocal performances, style and personalities of each member so perfectly that they make you feel like you are seeing the real thing!

AUGUST CLAY WALKER AUGUST 18, 2012 · 8:00 PM Country stay Clay Walker is no stranger to chart-topping hits. He ﬁrst topped the Billboard country singles chart in 1993 with “What’s It to You” and followed with others like “Live Until I Die,” “Dreaming with My Eyes Open,” and “If I Could Make a Living.” He’s set to play all the favorites on the MPAC stage.

BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS AC/DC “BACK IN BLACK” AUGUST 24, 2012 · 8:00 PM Black Jacket Symphony once again returns to the MPAC stage, this time recreating one of the very best albums of all time, “Back in Black” by the AC/DC. The Black Jacket Symphony uses the best musicians to recreate an entire album, ensuring that each note is executed perfectly. This is truly a one-of-a-kind show.

SEPTEMBER ROBERT EARL KEEN SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 · 7:30 PM As one of the nation’s ﬁnest musical storytellers, singer songwriter Robert Earl Keen connects with the audience through his music, insight and humor, revealing new meaning and perspective in each song. The biggest artists in country music, including George Strait and Willie Nelson, continue to record his songs. Hear them live at the MPAC stage.

TOMMY EMMANUEL SEPTEMBER 26, 2012 · 7:30 PM Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel once again graces the MPAC stage with his legendary music and unique “ﬁnger style” guitar playing. Instead of using an entire band, Emmanuel manages to play every sound from his own guitar including melody, rhythm, bass and drums. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind show.

Tickets for all events can be purchased at the MPAC box office on a walk-up basis or by calling 334.481.5100, or online through Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.mpaconline.org or www.facebook.com/mpactheater.

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Table Talk a look at Dives

Chris’ Hot Dogs 138 Dexter Avenue • 334.265.6850

Having just celebrated their 95th year in business, this downtown Montgomery dive has seen a lot of change outside its doors. But once inside, you will step back to a time reminiscent of counter service, when your name on the door proudly meant something, and where the décor is mostly family knick-knacks and memorabilia. After grabbing one of the small booths for two (the dining room was added in the ‘40s), I ordered the “Hot Dog, Hamburger, Fries & Drink Combo”—again, nothing fancy here, just a straight name for straight up food served on Styrofoam plates with plastic utensils and Styrofoam cups, too. The hamburger patty was “seasoned FRESH GROUND BEEF,” just as the menu declares—remember the “name on the

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door pride,” well that’s part of this dive’s charm. They want you to know that they prepare your food fresh, daily. Their dog is topped with slaw and their “famous Chris’ Chili Sauce,” making it an original and not the same old wiener shoved in a bun that you might expect to find at a fast food chain. Round it all out with hot fries and a cold sweet tea and shoot—that’s some good eatin.’ The other part of this dive’s charm is the staff. The people who prepare the food and wait on you add that extra bit of flavor to the experience. Quick, friendly and ready to get you served fast, there is an energy inside Chris’ that makes you wish all of downtown Montgomery was as vibrant!

at Bellinger Park

ts men h s s re Ref for dogans um &h

, Tuesday 7th August 6:30pm

with special guest

4th Annual

As part of National Night Out, Montgomeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDPA takes to the streets for the

Pups On Parade

& Parade Grand Marshall

Louis Vuitton Join us in the Historic Garden District for (wait, you knew it was coming...)

A Dog-Gone Good Time!

Table Talk a look at Dives

Taqueria El Cantaro Grill 1130 Ann Street • 334.356.7361

One of fun things about working in theatre is that I get to travel across the country—which means I get exposed to a lot of regional foods. Having worked out west in Denver, Tucson and San Francisco, I have been spoiled by real Mexican food: handmade tortillas, chile made using Abuelita’s (Grandma’s) recipe, authentic mole with bittersweet chocolate and, one of my favorites— tacos.

Authentic tacos are served with simple condiments and a slice of lime. El Cantaro brings to your table a choice of two homemade salsas: a red (made from ancho chiles) and a green (made from jalapeños), a container of minced white onions and a container of freshly chopped cilantro. And that’s it, you are in Mexico!

Here they do tacos right—a soft corn tortilla (you can order flour, but I suggest you keep it authentic by going with corn) filled with your choice of meat.

Open the taco, squeeze some lime over your choice of meat, add a little salsa, some cilantro and chopped onion, fold it back in half and enjoy.

“Si, si, si!” That is it. The way a taco (which means “a plug”—Mexican

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My four favorite tacos at El Cantaro are (1) Grilled Pork, (2) Beef Tongue, (3) Tripe and (4) Campechanos (grilled beef and Spanish sausage). I know #2 and #3 might scare some people, but I can definitely recommend that you try #2—my favorite by far.

Coming back home to Montgomery used to mean that I had to suffer through the traditional AmericanMexican restaurant taco—a tortilla filled with meat, beans, shredded lettuce and cheese, chopped tomatoes and sour cream. But now that has all changed, thanks to Taqueria El Cantaro Grill.

“Wait Mark, that’s it—a shell and meat?”

miners named this dish because it looked like gunpowder wrapped in explosive paper) is supposed to be.

At some point I am going to have to try this taqueria’s other entrees, but for now, I am too busy enjoying my fill of real tacos here in Montgomery—muchas gracias!

T:7.5”

Reengineered to reinvigorate.

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Jack Ingram Motors, Inc. 227 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL (334) 274-4900 *MSRP for a 2012 C 250 Sport Sedan excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, transportation charge and dealer prep. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. 2012 C 250 Sport Sedan shown at $37,850 with optional Palladium Silver metallic paint, Lighting Package and 18" AMG wheels. See dealer for details. ©2012 Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers For more information, call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES, or visit MBUSA.com.

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Th: aalbino:Users:aalbino:Desktop:P12433_10320.24_MJAMO8008

ECS S: None OC SIZE: 7.5” x 4.9” None None

AGES

TEAM Creative: Christopher Cino Blake Solomon

Acct: Rebecca Chesler Prod/Traf: Lauren Pernick Lynn Mathis Studio: bd

MEDIA / PRINT INFO Pubs: None Media: Magazine Line Screen: None Printed: 6-8-2012 1:26 PM @ None

COLORS Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

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B_Gradient_18x4_4C_600.tif (CMYK; 81.55%, -57.37%; 735 ppi, -1046 ppi; SuperStudio:ART:MNH:MERCEDES:2008:_Standard Gradients:4 Color Gradients:MB_Gradient_18x4_4C_600.tif) B-a_claim00_M_p_4C.eps (11%; SuperStudio:Logos:Mercedes:2010 Mercedes-Benz Brand Marks:Print:No Tag:Horizontal:Medium:MB-a_claim00_M_p_4C.eps) B_C_Reengineered_C_300.tif (CMYK; 59.71%; 502 ppi; SuperStudio:ART:MNH:MERCEDES:2011:2011 RDA:C-Class Print:MB_C_Reengineered_C_300.tif)

JULY/AUG 2012 RSVP 55

The easiest way to measure the usefulness of a new technology is selfishly. What exactly does this do for me? The following five snippets explain exactly that.

Nike + Fuelband Weighing not much more than an ounce, this little wristband might change your life. It measures the activities you do throughout the day and keeps up with exercise times, steps taken, calories burned and NikeFuel (read more about this at Nike.com). It’s small, waterproof and can hold a charge for four days. Set healthy goals and actually achieve them. It will alert you daily when you do!

FitBit This clip-on device operates similarly to the wristband depicted above, but it has several unique qualities. In addition to tracking your steps, the FitBit has an altimeter that keeps up with how many stairs you go up or how high you hike. It tracks your calories burned and distance traveled. Personally, my favorite is what I call the Santa Claus feature - if it’s with you when you’re sleeping, it knows when you’re awake. This thing records details about your sleeping patterns.

PivotHead Everybody has sunglasses these days. But, do yours take photos? How about high-definition videos? PivotHead has several different styles of shades that do both. We are talking about 8MP pictures and 1080P HD video complete with audio. Also, they come with 8 GB of memory. Sure, you have a camera on your Smartphone, but how easy is it to aim? Your sunglasses aim wherever you look. If you pick up some from PivotHead, you will be able to capture whatever scenes you see.

Pebble Watch Ever been lying in bed and hear a text message come to your phone while it’s charging across the room? With Pebble Watch, that message would also show up on your wrist. This watch syncs with your iPhone or Android and acts as a medium for some of your phone’s functionality. With its GPS capability, you can monitor the distance of your daily run or see how much you have left to the pin on your next round of golf. It works with many apps now, but users will soon be writing their own. What do you want your watch to do?

Smart TVs

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The Smart TV has really been around for some time. Various set-top boxes by TiVo, Sling Media, etc. brought us the functionality in the past. However, Samsung, Sony, LG and many others are packaging the all-in-one solution. So, it looks like your typical slim and sleek flatpanel television, but you can surf the web, access your cloud or find your favorite television show online and settle in to watch some past seasons. The really nice part: if you look for the right deal, the extra technology is only about $200 more.

Thomas O. Patterson, REALTOR速 Residential Sales | Aronov Realty (334) Office: 277-2700 | Direct: 399-0454 thomas@thomasopatterson.com Member Montgomery Area Association of Realtors速

7027 Halcyon Park Drive | Montgomery, AL 36117

JULY/AUG 2012 RSVP 57

La Jolla’s Annual Summer Blowout Party La Jolla’s 10th anniversary Summer Blowout Party will be a jammin’ good time! On Aug. 9, visit this popular restaurant, located in The Shoppes at EastChase, and enjoy a reggaestyle Jamaican cookout that is free to the public. Take advantage of Red Stripe and rum specials, and spend the night swaying to the tunes of the Bullet Proof Marshmallows as they kick it live all night long.

Barra Hookah Lounge This summer is the perfect time to check out Montgomery’s newest hangout hotspot, Barra. The Egyptian-inspired hookah bar, which opened in late April, is Montgomery’s first full-service hookah bar. In addition to their impressive selection of flavored tobaccos (flavors include mango, chocolate and passion fruit), Barra also offers a wine bar and entertains customers with everything from electronic and reggae music to indie rock and rap.

Rolling Luggage by cinda b Start your vacation off right this summer with the help of our friends from Hue Studio. The popular American-made, stain resistant and washable line of totes, handbags and travel bags by cinda b will soon be offering rolling luggage. Available at Hue Studio starting in mid-July, this fabulous new addition will help you travel in style and comfort.

Barra is located at 1408 Madison Ave. in Montgomery, Ala., and their hours are from Monday – Thursday, Sunday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday – Saturday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information on Barra, call 334.834.7980.

Looking to unwind after work? Check out Barra’s solar jet hydro massage table while sipping on a glass of wine. At Barra, your hardest choice will be which fruity flavor of hookah to indulge in. Montgomery locals love Barra because of its laid back feel and its unique, multicultural vibe. So, if you’re looking for something different to do on your next night out, come out to Barra, and experience the newest addition to Montgomery’s nightlife scene.

The Montgomery Zoo Sky Lift The Montgomery Zoo contains more than 500 animals from five different continents, all housed in natural, barrier-free habitats. The Zoo spans over 40 beautifully landscaped acres, offering you a magnificent view of exotic wildlife and endangered species. We are excited to announce that the sky lift is opening this summer! Check out all of the Montgomery Zoo’s events and announcements at www.montgomeryzoo.com.

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JULY/AUG 2012 RSVP 59

MEASURE

for

MEASURE By Ben Bartley • Photography by High 5 Productions Montgomery, meet Measure for Measure. No need for reciprocal introductions. The four members of perhaps Montgomery’s only pop punk band— Paul Boley, Steve Bell, Derek Vance and Timmy Lawless— are somewhere between partly and mostly Montgomery natives. Paul, Steve and Derek all played together and apart in Montgomery ska band Shut Up Travis, Arjuna, Angry Banana, Big Red Bear and Red Foxes over the last several years. All those abandoned, the three united, snagging 19-year-old bass player Timmy— thanks to Paul’s fiancée Stephanie. Their first album, “The Welcome EP,” which they recorded earlier this year, is “honest, straightforward pop punk.” RSVP walked down Dexter, past the fountain and into The Alley with bandleader, songwriter and lead vocalist Paul Boley to talk about pop punk, his musical influences and why Measure for Measure ain’t no amateurs.

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

RSVP: When did Measure for Measure start? PB: We actually got started writing songs and getting ready to record in July 2011, and then we set a date for recording in November. We went and recorded our album, and then we wanted to wait until we got all of our stuff together. We were in a band called Shut Up Travis before this, Steve and I, so we knew what to do as far as being in a band—having merchandise, having something recorded and actually presenting yourself like you’re legitimate in the first place. We wanted to have at least the albums and we had some posters. [We wanted these] so that when we go to play shows, we’ve got something to sell. I don’t want to say we’re trying to dupe people, but basically we’re trying to let people know we’re not amateurs. We’ve done it before, so we’re trying to start here rather than at the very beginning playing rinky-dink shows like we don’t know what we’re doing. RSVP: So you and Steve were in Shut Up Travis together. How did Measure for Measure form? PB: Shut Up Travis broke up in 2009, and then Derek and Steve were in two other bands before we started Measure for Measure. I was still friends with Steve, even though I wasn’t playing with him, and then he and Derek quit their last band and sat around for like six months. I kind of got the bug again, and I mentioned to Steve that I kind of wanted to try something else. We’ve all had the same interests as far as music goes, and we all used to be really into pop punk. So we started a pop punk band. RSVP: Why pop punk? What are your influences? My dad used to listen to a lot of Motown and then hippie stuff. I got a bunch of Temptations, like legitimate

Motown stuff. And then I’ve got a bunch of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Jefferson Airplane and stuff like that. I moved into classic rock I guess. I don’t really come from a family of musicians, so it was kind of limited to what was popular at some point. When I actually really started listening to music it was pop punk at first, bands like Green Day and Blink-182. RSVP: So that stuff was your gateway? Pretty much, which is weird that that’s the gateway, because then it led me into ska, which is usually the gateway to other stuff for other people. But I started listening to pop-punk and ska, so I was real into Reel Big Fish, Streetlight Manifesto and Catch 22. Then we got into pop-punk bands like The Movielife from the Drive-Thru Record days, New Found Glory, The Starting Line. Consequently, Derek was pretty much the exact same way. So it all

pretty much came from that. RSVP: What band comparison would flatter you most? How about The Wonder Years. If someone was like, ‘You guys kind of remind me of The Wonder Years, that’d be great. Because our stuff is honest, not that we have anything against bar bands or bands that do it for fun or something like that, but we all like music that you can tell whoever is writing the music isn’t trying to make something popular or make something with some tricky beat or something like that. RSVP: Do you draw a line between art and music made solely for profit? It’s not so much art, but expression. I write the lyrics for the songs, and I use it as an outlet to say what I want to say.

JULY/AUG 2012 RSVP 61

BEHIND THE SCENES... Pub Crawl

“Damsels In Distress” With ASF actors at release party with Carrie MacLemore

Hampstead Hop

Capital Cool Campaign

Southern Bridal Faire

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

the RSVP team in action!

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when? what? where?

July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29- Blues Cruise 5:30-8 P.M. Harriott II Riverboat. Live entertainment, a cash bar and concessions will be available when you cruise aboard the Harriott II. $20 per adult, $15 per child. To purchase tickets, visit the box office at 200 Coosa Street, call 334.625.2100 or visit www.funontheriver.net. July 4- Fourth at the Wharf with Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band 7:45-10:45 P.M. The Amphitheater at the Wharf. Get your tickets now to see Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band, and afterward, enjoy the Wharf’s famous Fourth of July fireworks display. Ticket prices vary. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.amphitheateratthewharf.com.

July 4- Fourth of July Blast: Concert and Fireworks 5 P.M. Lake Martin Amphitheater. Russell Lands on Lake Martin is proud to present its 12th annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show. Gates open at 5 p.m. with live entertainment featuring Nationwide Coverage and special guest Eat a Peach, beginning at 7 p.m. Then, the skies will light up at 9 p.m. for one of the Southeast’s largest fireworks shows. Tickets are $15, children 6 and under are free. For more information, visit www.lmat.org. July 4- Blackberry Smoke in Concert 6 P.M. Riverwalk Amphitheater. Don’t miss this Southern rock band who has shared the stage with ZZ Top, Montgomery Gentry and the Marshall Tucker Band. Tickets are on sale now for $10 per person. Rain or shine event. To purchase tickets, visit the box office at 200 Coosa Street, call 334.625.2100 or visit www.funontheriver.net. July 4- Fireworks Cruise 8:15 P.M. Harriott II Riverboat. Come celebrate our nation’s independence with a fireworks cruise aboard the Harriott II. Musical entertainment, concessions and a cash bar will be available. Adult tickets are $25 and tickets for children (ages 3-12) are $15. To purchase tickets, stop by the box office at 200 Coosa Street, call 334.625.2100 or visit www. funontheriver.net. July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, & 28- Harriott II Dinner Cruise 6:30-9 P.M. Harriott II Riverboat. Enjoy a full meal provided by the Olive Room, live entertainment, cash bar and concessions as you take a cruise down the Alabama River. Ticket prices vary. To get more cruise information or to purchase tickets, call 334.625.2100, visit the box office at 200 Coosa Street or visit www.funontheriver.net. 64

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when? what? where? July 9-13, 23-27, 30 and 31,Aug 1-3- MMFA Summer Art Camp 8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. These fun-filled camps offer small group lessons in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking. Each camp offers different themes, art activities and techniques, so students are encouraged to sign up for more than one week. Camp fees include snacks and all materials used in the art making. The camps are designed with working parents in mind, so extended hours are offered. Camps are limited to 20 students and fill up quickly, so enroll today! Call 334.24.4333 or visit www.mmfa.org for more information. July 9, 16, 23, & 30- MAX Movie Mondays Sunset. Riverwalk Amphitheater. MAX movie Mondays are back! Bring the whole family to the Amphitheater to see a different movie each week. Admission is free, movies begin at sunset and coolers are allowed, but no outside alcohol. This event is brought to you in part by MAX Credit Union, WSFA 12 News and Cumulus Broadcasting. For more information and to see what movies are playing each week, visit www.funontheriver.net. July 11- Summer Movie Night at The Tipping Point: The Little Mermaid Sundown. The Tipping Point in Hampstead. Bring the family and enjoy a night out for all ages. Bring your own blanket and enjoy garden seating. Kids and adult menus available, but please no outside food or drink. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/thetippingpoint. July 11- Crosby, Stills, and Nash 7:30 P.M. Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. For ticket information, visit www.ticketmaster.com. July 11- 60 Minute Coffee 8-9 A.M. Taylor Center, AUM Campus. This monthly member event is the perfect way to begin your day! Meet potential clients, make important contacts and network with chamber executives and community leaders. For more information, contact Deborah Pope at 334.240.9426 or at dpope@ montgomerychamber.com. July 11- Scenic Lunch Cruise 11 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Harriott II Riverboat. Ticket prices vary. For more cruise information, call 334.625.2100, visit the box office at 200 Coosa Street or visit www.funontheriver.net. July 11-15- Nanta Cooking Show Times Vary. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. This amazing, theatrical spectacular is the Iron Chef meets Stomp. Featuring five fabulous chefs who drum and juggle with knives and literally cook their way through a fast-paced evening of culinary delight. Ticket prices vary. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 1.800.841.4273 or visit www.asf.net. July 11, Aug. 15, Sept. 12- Tales for Tots 10:30-11 A.M. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Special stories are presented to help young children connect with art in the Museum in this monthly, free program. Take-home art activities are also included. Visit www.mmfa.org. JULY/AUG 2012

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when? what? where? July 13-AUM Summer Concert Series: Beach Party 6-8 P.M.The AUM quad. Relax on an inland beach and let the cool reggae jams of The Good Doctor wash over you. As part of the AUM and Montgomery Area Food Bank Summer Concert Series, this event is free to the public. Outdoor games and activities will be offered as well as hamburgers, hotdogs, BBQ sandwiches, nachos and drinks from Boomer T’s BBQ. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. For more information about the concert series, visit www.aum.edu or www.montgomeryareafoodbank.org. July 13 & 14- The Sleeping Beauty TBA. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. See Sleeping Beauty in a new way as it has been restaged by The Montgomery Ballet’s new artistic director, Darren McIntyre. Visit www.montgomeryballet.org for more information.

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July 14- Second Saturday at the Riverfront 5 P.M.- End of Biscuits game. Riverfront Park. This free event will be perfect for the entire family! Enjoy live entertainment from the Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Ziggy and the Zigtones and The John Bull Band, interactive activities for all ages, a variety of food vendors and cocktails from SandBAR.Vendors include Cantina, Dreamland, Peppertree Steaks and Wines, CheeZies Pizza, Nancy’s Italian Ice, Spacewalker and Bruster’s Ice Cream. For more information, contact the Riverfront box office at 334.625.2100 or visit www.funontheriver.net. July 14- Miranda Lambert: On Fire Tour 7:30 P.M. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Birmingham. Visit www. ticketmaster.com for more information or to purchase tickets. July 16-20- 3rd Annual Emerald Coast Golf Tour

Summer Championship

Times vary. Arrowhead Country Club. This 54-hole event will include a Pro-am course and a local charity benefit program, among other family activities. On July 20 at 2 P.M.,The Emerald Coast Golf Tournament staff will announce this PGA qualifier’s economic impact on the city of Montgomery. For more event details, contact Geno Celano at 850.650.4319 or the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitor Bureau at 334.261.1100. www.visitingmontgomery.com.

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July 17-Bingo and Barbecue on Family Dinner Night 5:30-7:30 P.M.Capital City Club.Win $200 in F&B Credit at this event. The jackpot continues to grow as no one has won blackout bingo yet! In the final round of bingo, if no one gets blackout bingo after 50 calls, the jackpot increases to $250. 15 games, 15 winners. For members and guests of members only.For membership information, contact Phyllis Fenn at Phyllis.fenn@ourclub.com or 334.834.8920. www.capitalmontgomery.com. July 17-22- Women in Ministry International: Empowerment Training

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

5:30-9 P.M. Weekdays, 9-4 P.M. Saturday. Fresh Anointing House of Worship, 4870 Woodley Road. For women who know that they are called to God to impact this generation and have questions and concerns or feel restricted in some way.This is the training that will assist them by providing the necessary tools, resources, encouragement and support. For more information, contact Paula Stallworth at 334.613.3364, forwomenintl@ gmail.com or visit www.womenintl.net.

when? what? where? July 19- Business After Hours 5-7 P.M. River Bank and Trust. This popular, two-hour after work networking event is the perfect place to exchange business cards and meet potential customers. People do business with people they know. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and build your customer base. For more information, contact Lynn Norton at 334.240.9431 or at lnorton@montgomerychamber.com. July 21- Animal Enrichment Day 10 A.M.- 2 P.M. Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. During Animal Enrichment Day, animals will be given new toys, new foods and puzzles to figure out with treats as rewards. There will also be an animal art sale where you can see unique, one-of-a-kind art pieces created by some of the animals right here at the Montgomery Zoo. Admission charged. For more information, call 334.240.4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com. July 21, & 28- Summer Saturdays at La Jolla Times vary. La Jolla. For dining guests, come enjoy Saturday night specials featuring discounts on appetizers and entrees with great deals on wine. For Saturday music and menu updates, check out www.lajollamontgomery.com.

MIRRORS? NO WAY. At Jim ‘N Nick’s our trick to serving the most authentic Southern food is to avoid the tricks altogether. Everything is made fresh. Nothing is frozen. Ever. So from the slow-smoked ribs to the garden fresh vegetables you can taste the deep respect for Southern tradition in every bite.

July 23-Aug. 6- ADT’s Summer Dance Seminar Times vary. Alabama Dance Theatre. Intermediate and advanced dancers are eligible for this two-week intensive seminar which features classical ballet, modern and jazz classes taught by a nationally-recognized guest faculty featuring former American Ballet Theatre Soloist, Shawn Black and former Artistic Director of Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, Lisa Sheppard Robson. Admission is free. Performances are Sunday, Aug. 5 and Monday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. For more information call 334-2412590 or visit www.alabamadancetheatre.com. July 25- Summer Movie Night at The Tipping Point: Yo Gabba Gabba

MONTGOMERY 334.213.0046

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Sundown. The Tipping Point in Hampstead. Bring the family, and enjoy a night out for all ages. Bring your own blanket and enjoy garden seating. Kids and adult menus available, but no outside food or drink please. For more details, visit www. facebook.com/thetippingpoint. July 27- Fish Fry in the Sky 5-9 P.M. Capital City Club. Join the Capital City Club for its first fish fry in the sky on the terrace of the newly renovated Terrace Ballroom. Check out the Terrace Lounge and Bar, enjoy live entertainment and a good All-American feast. Come casual and relax! $20 per person. Members and guests of members only. For membership information, contact Phyllis Fenn at Phyllis.fenn@ourclub.com or 334.834.8920. www. capitalmontgomery.com.

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when? what? where? uly 28-AMPalooza TBA. Lake Martin Amphitheater. Headlining this year’s AMPalooza, formerly known as AquaPalooza, will be the Charlie Daniels Band with guests The Vegabonds, Rexton Lee and Brent Cobb. Spend the day on Lake Martin, and then hook up with friends at the Amphitheater for a night of great music. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 the day of. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.lmat.org. July 28- The Fab Four- The Ultimate Tribute with Ed Sullivan

8 P.M. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Don’t miss this California-based tribute band as they pay homage to The Beatles right here in Montgomery. $36 for floor seats, $26 for balcony. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.mpaconline.org. July 30-Aug. 5- Shoptimum Rewards and Essay

Contest

Times vary. The Shoppes at EastChase. During Shoptimum Rewards, customers will receive a free $25 gift card when they spend $250 or more across five qualifying stores and restaurants at The Shoppes. For each shoptimum rewards redemption, a selected teacher’s classroom will receive a $5 donation. The Shopppes at EastChase will contribute up to $1,000 to one Montgomery area public school teacher. Teachers are asked to write an essay explaining why their classroom deserves $1,000. For more info on shoptimum, the essay contest and how to submit an essay, visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com. July 31-The Tour 2012: Kiss and Motley Crue 7 P.M. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Visit www.ticketmaster. com for more information or to purchase tickets.

August Aug. 1- Harriott II Scenic Lunch Cruise 11 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Harriott II Riverboat. Ticket prices vary. For more cruise information, call 334.625.2100, visit the box office at 200 Coosa Street or visit www.funontheriver.net. Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31- Harriott II Dinner Cruise 6:30-9 P.M. Harriott II Riverboat. Ticket prices vary. Live entertainment, cash bar and concessions will be available. For more cruise information, call 334.625.2100, visit the box office at 200 Coosa Street or visit www.funontheriver.net. Aug. 4- 2nd Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Dillard’s in EastChase. The Shoppes at EastChase is teaming up with EMERGE Montgomery, Touch of Class Limousine, Clear Channel and Costco to host its second annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive. The Montgomery County School Board will distribute supplies to needy schools and children in Montgomery County. www. theshoppesateastchase.com www.facebook.com/eastchase.

JULY/AUG 2012

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You are invited to attend Preview Night Computer Training

Youth College

Join us for a free preview of the courses and certificate programs offered by Continuing Education at Auburn Montgomery. You will have an opportunity to meet our instructors and staff, as well as receive information about specific courses. Also, you will receive a $10 discount on classes for attending.

Date: August 23, 2012 Time: 5-7 p.m. Place: Center for Lifelong Learning 75 TechnaCenter Drive Event Planning

To register for preview night, visit www.aum.edu/coned or call 334-244-3804 English as a Second Language

Professional Training

“A big hit! Spectacular!” - Newsweek “One of the best shows you’ll ever see!” -the Scotsman

Iron Chef Meets Stomp!

July 11–15

“the funniest thing in seven consonants” -the Washington post “it’s spelled W-O-N-D-e-r-F-U-l!” -the Wall Street Journal

Book by Rachel Sheinkin | Music and lyrics by William Finn | Conceived by Rebecca Feldman

August 10–September 2

AlAbAmA ShAkeSpeAre FeStivAl montgomery, Alabama 1.800.841.4273 www.ASF.net 70

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when? what? where? Aug. 4- Obsessed- A Christian Music and Ministry

Festival

TBA. Lake Martin Amphitheater. A privately organized event held at the Amphitheater, Obsessed is a Christian music and ministry festival to benefit a worthy cause. Artists will be announced closer to the festival. Tickets and t-shirts can be purchased in advance by contacting Mt. Olive Church in Tallassee at 334.415.9086. For more event information, contact Katelyn Hamilton at 334.283.4810, 334.799.3797 or by email at bamakatie74@aol.com. Aug. 4, 11, 18, & 25- Harriott II Getaway Cruise 4:30-7 P.M. Harriott II Riverboat. $20 per adult, $15 per child. Live entertainment, cash bar and concessions will be available. For more about the Getaway Cruise, call 334.625.2100, visit the box office at 200 Coosa Street or visit www.funontheriver.net. Aug. 5, 12, 19, & 26- Harriott II Blues Cruise 5:30-8 P.M. Harriott II Riverboat. $20 per adult, $15 per child. Live entertainment, cash bar and concessions will be available. For more cruise information, call 334.625.2100, visit the box office at 200 Coosa Street or visit www.funontheriver.net. Aug. 6- Kelly Clarkson and The Fray with Special Guest Carolina Liar

7-11 P.M. The Amphitheater at The Wharf. Ticket prices vary. Visit www.amphitheateratthewarf.com for more information. Aug. 6- Military Open House 5:30-7:30 P.M. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. All active, reserve and retired military personnel and their families are invited to the Museum for an evening of family fun dedicated to the military communities. Guests will enjoy art-making activities in the studios, a light dinner in the Rotunda and exhibitions in the temporary and permanent galleries. This event is free and open to all military families. For more information, call the Museum at 334.240.4333 Aug. 7- Entrepreneurial University 6-8 P.M. Small Business Resource Center. Entrepreneurial University (EU) will help you build a solid foundation as you start your own small business or grow an existing one. You will spend a 12-week course, plus a graduation ceremony, with certified instructors in NxLevel, a nationally-recognized curriculum developed by the University of Colorado. Register today to begin your path to business success! Contact Heidi Ellis at hellis@montgomerychamber.com, call 334.240.6863 or visit www.montgomerychamber.com for more information. Aug. 7-4th Annual GDPA Dog Parade TBA. Bellinger Hill Park in the Garden District. Participants of this parade can stroll through the neighborhoods, enjoying a chance to meet their neighbors and explore their surroundings. This annual event is part of National Night Out, a nationwide community event geared to strengthen neighborhood spirit and promote police and community partnerships. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/GDPAMontgomery. JULY/AUG 2012

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when? what? where?

Something Old Newly Engaged? Book now!

Photos by J. Messer

something new

Aug. 8- 60 Minute Coffee 8-9 A.M. Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. This monthly member event is the perfect way to begin your day! Meet potential clients, make important contacts and network with chamber executives and community leaders. For more information, contact Deborah Pope at 334.240.9426 or at dpope@ montgomerychamber.com. Aug. 9-La Jolla’s Reggae Style Summer Blowout 5:30 P.M. La Jolla. Join La Jolla for its 10th anniversary summer blowout party. Enjoy a free Jamaican cookout, Red Stripe and rum specials for all and entertainment by the Bullet Proof Marshmallows. Visit www.lajollamontgomery.com for more information. Aug. 9- There’s an App for That! 6-8 P.M. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The iPad has become a great device for sharing photos with friends and family. Join the Museum for a two-hour workshop and learn how to edit and modify your photos using various tools. $15 for members, $25 for non-members.Visit www.mmfa.org for more information. Aug. 10- Black Out Cancer Party 7-11 P.M. AlleyBAR. Dress up, dress down, just wear all black! This event, benefiting the American Cancer Society, will include a silent auction, two drink tickets and complimentary appetizers. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door and are available at www.jebmontgomery.org or the American Cancer Society office at 334.612.8177.

Alley Station has it all. Chic, modern décor in a beautifully restored historical building. Downtown old Montgomery on the brand-new Alley. Old-fashioned service with state-of-the-art technology and fresh approaches to style. Traditional yet progressive. Beautiful Rooftop Terrace (Seats up to 350)

Stunning Ballroom (Seats up to 350) Freedom in choosing your own vendors Expert help throughout planning process

334 277 1077

a l l e y s tat i o n . c o m

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Aug. 10- Sept. 2- Putnam County Spelling Bee Times Vary. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. This Tony Award winning musical comedy follows six hilarious and quirky prepubescent bookworms and their adult counterparts as they journey through the torments of teen life. Ticket prices vary. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 1.800.841.4273 or visit www.asf.net. Aug. 11- Second Saturday at the Riverfront 5 P.M.- End of Biscuits game. Riverfront Park. This free event will be perfect for the entire family! Enjoy live entertainment from Redfield and Shades of Gray, interactive activities for all ages, various food vendors and cocktails at the SandBAR. Vendors include Cantina, Dreamland, Peppertree Steaks and Wines, CheeZies Pizza, Nancy’s Italian Ice, Spacewalker and Bruster’s Ice Cream. For more information, contact the Riverfront box office at 334.625.2100 or visit www. funontheriver.net. Aug. 16- Wine 101 Informational 5:30-7:30 P.M. Capital City Club. Don’t miss this fantastic event where there will be a variety of wine selections to sample as well as delicious hors d’oeuvres. $15 for non-wine 101 members, complimentary for members. Call Courtney Pettway at 334.834.8920 for reservations.

GREAT ESCAPE. LITTLE TRAVEL. Whether planning a large-scale event or simply a relaxing weekend, you can ﬁnd a luxurious option right down the road. The Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill has 95 elegant guest rooms including a 10,000 square-foot Presidential Cottage and enough golf to please even the most avid players. Three championship Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail courses surround the secluded hotel, while attentive service and attention to detail add a signature touch. For more information, call 334.290.1235 or visit marriottcapitolhill.com.

MONTGOMERY MARRIOTT PRATTVILLE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER AT CAPITOL HILL 2500 Legends Circle, Prattville, AL 36006 Phone 334.290.1235, marriottcapitolhill.com Part of Alabama’s Resort Collection on The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

PCH1163MarriottPrattville_RSVP.indd 1

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when? what? where?

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Aug. 17- AUM Concert Series: Get Inspired 6-8 P.M. AUM Quad. Musical inspiration from Clint Darby, with a prelude by the BTW Magnet High School Chorus. As part of the AUM and Montgomery Area Food Bank Summer Concert Series, this event is free to the public. Outdoor games and activities will be offered as well as hamburgers, hotdogs, BBQ sandwiches, nachos and drinks from Boomer T’s BBQ. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. For more information about the concert series, visit www.aum.edu or www.montgomeryareafoodbank.org. Aug. 17- Gourmet Tailgating with Chef Michael 5-9 P.M. Capital City Club. Preparing the right food for your next tailgating event can be difficult. Let Chef Michael show you how to make perfect tailgate fare with great presentation and still be cost effective! $20 per person. Members and guests of members only. For membership information, contact Phyllis Fenn at Phyllis.fenn@ourclub.com or 334.834.8920. www. capitalmontgomery.com Aug. 17- Jason Mraz with Special Guest Christina Perri 7-9 P.M. The Amphitheater at the Wharf. Ticket prices vary. Check out www.amphitheateratthewarf.com for more information. Aug. 18- “Make a Difference, One Step at a Time”

Walk-A-Thon

TBA. Baptist Health’s DeBoer Building. The Alabama Kidney Foundation,Alabama’s only state-based organization dedicated to serving kidney patients, is hosting its annual walk-a-thon. This family friendly event offers something for everyone— food, fun and fabulous prizes. Contact Amy at 334.241.0003 or amy@alkidney.org for more information or to register a team today. Aug. 18- “Come Together” 6:30 P.M. Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. “Come Together,” is the theme of the Dr. Dave Welch Foundation’s 12th Annual Charity Gala, an event which will bring together three community organizations with a focus on giving back to local children, critically ill patients and families in desperate need of support. This fun-filled night will include live entertainment from The Return, a world-renowned Beatles tribute band, along with a $10,000 prize and silent auction. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be offered at the event. For more information, contact Vickie Corneilson at 904.699.5079. Aug. 18- Clay Walker 8 P.M. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are $20 and $30. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.mpaconline.org.

(205) 914-4527

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

www.chefdavecarvesice.com chefdavecarvesice@hotmail.com

Aug. 20- Elvis-The Early Years 7:30 P.M. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Scot Bruce and his band are back! “Elvis- A Tribute to the Early Years” will take you back to the days when the King of Rock n’ Roll topped the charts with hits like “Love Me Tender,” “Jail House Rock,” “Hound Dog” and many, many more. Tickets are $45/person. Visit www.asf.net or call the box office at 1.800.841.4273 to purchase tickets.

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They JusT WanT To Go where everybody knows their name Providing high quality pet health and wellness services to assist your pet in living a longer, happier,and healthier life. 24-Hour Hospital Care Daycare & Boarding Digital Radiography Orthopedics

Ultrasound Dental Care Laser Surgery On-Site Dog Pool Grooming

6897 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery, AL 36117

(334) 260-8787 | www.taylorcrossingvet.com

when? what? where? Aug. 23- Business After Hours 5-7 P.M. Regions Bank-201 Monroe St. This popular, two hour after work networking event is the perfect place to exchange business cards and meet potential customers. People do business with people they know. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and build your customer base. For more information, contact Lynn Norton at 334.240.9431 or at lnorton@montgomerychamber.com. Aug. 23-AUM Course Preview 5-7 P.M. Center for Lifelong Learning-75 TechnaCenter Drive. Join AUM for a preview of the courses and certificate programs offered by Continuing Education at Auburn Montgomery. You will have an opportunity to meet instructors and staff, as well as receive information about specific courses.You will also receive a $10 discount on classes for attending. Visit www.aum.edu for more information. Aug. 24- Black Jacket Symphony presents AC/DC â&#x20AC;&#x153;Back in Blackâ&#x20AC;?

8 P.M. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. Tickets are $34 and $29. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.mpaconline.org.

Aug 25- 3rd Annual Montgomery Dragon Boat Race and Festival

8:30 A.M.-4 P.M. Riverwalk Park. Come out to one of the most successful dragon boat festivals in the Southeast. This wonderful community event is free, and everyone is invited to see fellow Montgomery residents compete on the Alabama River. Proceeds will benefit two local charities: Bridge Builders Alabama and Rebuilding Together Central Alabama. To see a full schedule of events, activities and entertainment, visit www.montgomerydragonboat.org.

Aug. 25- Lynyrd Skynyrd with Special Guests Kenny Wayne Shepard and Drake White

7-10 P.M. The Amphitheater at the Wharf. Ticket prices vary. Visit www.amphitheateratthewharf.com for more information. Aug. 26- The Art of Flower Arranging 6-8 P.M. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. In connection with the exhibition Fabulous Flatware: Non-traditional Tools for the Table, participants in this unusual workshop will learn to use native, indigenous plants from their gardens to create dramatic centerpieces for any occasion. $35 for members, $80 for non-members. For more information and other workshops offered, visit www.mmfa.org. Sept. 2- Labor Day Weekend Concert 4:30 P.M. Lake Martin Amphitheater. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the last big blowout of the summer! Artists TBA. For more information, visit www.lmat.org.

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resource directory Academy Events, p. 23 Coosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.318.3047 academychefs@cs.com

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, p. 70 One Festival Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334.271.5353 asf.net

AlleyBAR, p. 3 166 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.387.3333 alleybarmontgomery.com Alley Station, p. 72 130 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.277.1077 alleystation.com

Alfa-Billy Bradford, p. 74 4331 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334.277.5785

All Med/Pri-Med, p. 37 4305 Atlanta Highway 334.271.7051 34 Taylor Road North 334.272.7639 2815 East Boulevard 334.271.4545 1595 East Main Street, Prattville 334.361.3171 4452 US Highway 231, Wetumpka 334.567.8400 goallmed.com American Cancer Society, p. 69 3054 McGehee Road Montgomery, AL 36111 334.612.8177 cancer.org

Arbors on Taylor, p. 57 485 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL 36117 334.386.2655 thearborsontaylor.com AUM, p. 70 7440 East Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334.244.3000 aum.edu

Baker’s Framing & Art Supplies, p.64 405 Coliseum Boulevard 80

RSVP JULY/AUG 2012

334.277.5023 Bakersframingandartsupplies. com

Barbara Bonds, p. 77 7051 Fain Park Dr. Suite 200 Montgomery, AL 36117 334.215.4492 Baumhowers, p. 63 201 South Union Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.263.8800 2465 Eastern Blvd Montgomery, AL 36117 334.271.1831 baumhowers.com

Cantina, p. 49 130 Commerce Street, Suite 103 Montgomery, AL 36104 334.262.2339 cantinatortillagrill.com Capital City Club, p. 65 201 Monroe Street, Suite 2100 Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.8920 capitalmontgomery.com Chantilly Veterinarian Clinic, p. 80 11123 Chantilly Parkway, Unit G Montgomery, AL 36064 334.277.2110 Chantillyvetclinic.vetsuite.com

Charlottes Jewelry, p. 2 8161 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334.396.1919 charlottesdiamondjewelers.com City Grill, p. 59 5251 Hampstead High Street Montgomery, AL 36116 334.244.0960

Cohen’s Electronics & Appliances p. 10

David Bromley Ice Sculpture, p. 74 P.O. Box 130681 Birmingham, AL 35213 205.914.4527 chefdavecarvesice.com

Davis Theatre at Troy University, p. 23 251 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.241.9567 montgomery.troy.edu/davis

DJ Oz, p. 77 919 Felder Ave #B Montgomery, AL 36106 334.669.8801 Oz-entertainment.com Dreamland BBQ, p. 63 101 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.273.7427 dreamlandbbq.com

Emerge Montgomery, p. 39 600 South Court Street, Suite 544 Montgomery, AL 36104 334.262.2261 emergemontgomery.com Eve’s Studio, p. 59 2026 Clubview Street Montgomery, AL 36106 334.262.8888 Evesstudiollc.com GDPA National Night Out, p. 53

Gigi’s Cupcakes, p.53 7918 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334.356.3737 gigiscupcakesusa.com Hampstead, p. 26-27 5251 Hampstead High Street Montgomery, AL 36116 334.270.6730 hampsteadliving.com

2515 Eastern Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36117 334.277.8890 www.thinkcohens.com

Harriott II, p. 33

Corner on Dentistry, p. 24

334.625.2100 funontheriver.net

Dr. Camille Phillips-DMD 2415 Central Parkway Montgomery, AL 36106 334.277.2424 thecornerondentistry.com

Darren Freeman Photography, p. 75 334.215.7827 darrenfreemanphotography.com

Hello Gorgeous Photography, p. 4 hellogorgeousphotography.com

High 5 Productions, p. 7 2872 Zelda Road Montgomery, AL 36106 high5productions.com

hue Studio, p. 44 8155 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334.239.8884 huestudioinc.com

Jack Ingram Mercedes-Jordan Horn p. 55 217 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36117 334.233.2853 Jackingrammercedes.com jhorn@jackingram.com

Jim N’ Nicks, p. 68 6415 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36117 334.213.0046 2250 Cobbs Ford Road Prattville, AL 36066 334.290.1000 jimnnicks.com

Josh Carter, p. 25 334.322.6015 josh@riverregioncrossit. com

Kim Box Photography, p.12 West Main Street Prattville, AL 36067 334.491.0409 kimboxphotography.com

La Jolla, p. 57 6854 Eastchase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334.356.2600 Lajollamontgomery.com Laser Wellness, p. 67 370 St. Lukes Drive Montgomery, AL 36029 334.213.0700 alabamalaserwellness.com Look Boutique, p.55 1048 East Fairview Montgomery, AL 36106 334.239.7537 2469 Pinnacle Way Prattville, AL 36066 334.290.0928

LULU’s Attic to Antiques, p.73 946 Plantation Way Montgomery, AL 36117 334.593.7852

Mandy Baker, p. 25 334.462.2228 Mandybaker10@gmail. com

Marriott-Legends at Capitol Hill, p. 73 2500 Legends Circle Prattville, AL 36066

334.290.1235 marriottcapitolhill.com

Montgomery Humane Society, p. 71 1150 John Overton Drive Montgomery, AL 36110 334.409.0622 montgomeryhumane. com

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, p. 76 One Museum Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334.240.4369 mmfa.org

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, p. 51 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.481.5100 mpaconline.org

Montgomery Zoo, p. 67 2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery, AL 361103250 334.240.4900 montgomeryzoo.com Nails O Naturel, p.39 8448 Crossland Loop, Suite 163 Montgomery, AL 36117 334.782.4137 nailsonaturel.com

New Park Living, p.82 9430 New Park Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334.215.9215 newparkliving.com

NShape, p.76 334.233.8675 nshapefitness@live.com

Olivia A Salon, p. 66 2101 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL 36117 334.396.4567 oliviaasalon.com Pamala’s Boutique, p. 53 7853 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334.239.8650 Pearl River Resort, p. 84 1.866.447.3275 pearlriverresort.com

Peppertree Steaks N’ Wines, p. 53 8101 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334.271.6328 www.steaksnwine.com

Pine Bar, p. 55 501 Cloverdale Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334.239.9061 thepinebar.com

Pro Fitness 3D, p. 78 3251 Malcolm Drive Montgomery, AL 36116 334.356.0992 www.profitness3d.com

Regions Mortgage, p.81 8301 Crossland Loop Montgomery, AL 36117 334.213.1340 regionsmortgage.com Riverfront Facilities, p. 83 334.625.2100 funontheriver.net

River Region Facial Plastics, p. 16 Chantilly Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334.270.2003

River Region Media, p. 79

334.380.1951 www.riverregion.tv

334.260-8787 taylorcrossingvet.com

SandBAR, p. 9

Thomas Patterson, p. 57 Aronov Realty 334.399.0454 Thomas@ ThomasOPatterson.com

Riverwalk Amphitheatre 334.387.3333

SaZa Pizza, p. 5 138 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.495.7292 sazapizza.com Shoppes at Eastchase, p 8 7274 Eastchase Parkway Montgomery, AL 36117 334.279.6064 www.theshoppesateastchase. com

Spa at Renaissance Montgomery, p. 6 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.481.5210 spaatmontgomery.com

Troy University at Montgomery, p. 17 231 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.1400 montgomery.troy.edu

The Waters, p. 13 334.272-3200 watersal.com

Tucker Pecan, p. 33 350 North McDonough St. Montgomery, AL 36104 334.262.4470 tuckerpecan.com

Ware Jewelers, p. 15 State Farm Insurance, p. 63 7268 Eastchase Pkwy. Breck Honea 61 Market Place Montgomery, AL 36117 334.272.8423 breckhonea.com

Taylor Crossing, p. 76 6897 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36117

Montgomery, AL 36117 334.386.9273 www.warejewelers.com

Wesley Hodges, p 25 334.462.6923 wbhodges88@yahoo.com

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For more info: 334-625-2100 or www.funontheriver.net Vendors: Dreamland, Peppertree Steaks n’ Wine, Cheezies Pizza, Cantina, Bruster’s Ice Cream, Roux, Awesome Dogs, GT Balloons, Nancy’s Italian Ice, and Spacewalker.

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Pearl River Resort • Choctaw, MS • 1.866.44PEARL (1.866.447.3275) • www.pearlriverresort.com A development of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians