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J U LY ALABAMA SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE JULY 14, 2011 · 7:30 P.M.
Settle in for a night of great music and top-notch talent from three of Alabama’s own songwriters. Teddy Gentry, seasoned songwriter and member of the legendary country group Alabama, will be appearing along with Christian songwriter and artist Lenny LeBlanc and Mac McAnally, who wrote and performed “Down the Road” with good friend Kenny Chesney. With these three taking the stage, the show promises to be a night you won’t soon forget.
AUGUST BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS PINK FLOYD: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON AUGUST 5, 2011 · 8:00 P.M.
The Black Jacket Symphony uniquely recreates some of the most famous albums in history with a one-of-a-kind show. In their Montgomery debut, the group brings Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” to life with hand-picked musicians specifically chosen to fulfill each musical detail of the album. The Black Jacket Symphony performs the album in its entirety followed by a full set of Pink Floyd’s greatest hits. Come see “Dark Side of the Moon” as it was meant to be heard.
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.
definitions:
Is my insurance agent guiding or ignoring me?
in•de•pend•ent in•sur•ance a•gent
[in-de-pen-duh nt in-shoor-uh ns ey-juh nt]
noun 1. an insurance agent who has access to multiple insurance companies. 2. free to represent the client’s best interests.
cap•tive in•sur•ance a•gent
[kap-tiv in-shoor-uh ns ey-juh nt]
noun 1. an insurance agent employed by one insurance company. 2. interests are almost exclusively for the insurance company he represents.
st
ar
ke y
E D I U G
Guide. When you think about your insurance agent, what comes to mind? Is it the damage from the storm you never thought would destroy your house? What about the nightmare you faced in the following months trying to house your family? Would he lead your family through the mountain of issues if something had happened to you? Or do you have an agent you can trust to guide you when you don’t know what to do? Introducing , an independent agency that is loyal to you. Call or come see us today. We are local to the River Region. 210 Commerce St, Montgomery, AL, 36104
334.263.5535 • www.myStarke.com Some of our trusted carriers:
Shelley Woodard, CIC, CAIB 334.387.4303
Direct shelley@mystarke.com
FIND YOUR BALANCE. In downtown Montgomery, you’ll find an unexpected oasis of tranquility. Located in the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, the Spa at Montgomery offers an endless list of services that are guaranteed to relax your mind and restore balance to your life. With attention to detail and perfected service, it’s easy to see why this European-inspired spa ranked as the top Renaissance spa for guest satisfaction in North America. For more information, please call 334.481.5210 or visit www.spamontgomery.com.
RENAISSANCE MONTGOMERY HOTEL & SPA AT THE CONVENTION CENTER 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery AL 36104 t:334.532.0700 facebook.com/spaatmontgomery 6
Part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
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here,
waves
THE BIGGEST aren’t in our
LAKES.
introducing
LINDA, RESIDENT SINCE 2004
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It’s a place for people from all walks of life, where people actually walk everywhere. It’s where front porches are the favorite room, and where your neighbors are your friends. It’s where life moves at a slower pace, but everything you need— including EastChase— is a quick 10 minutes away. It’s simply a better way of life.
life r e f r e s h e d .
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Just 10 minutes from EastChase, take I-85 to Exit 16 to Marler Road JULY/AUGUST RSVP 11 Prices subject 2011 to change
M O R E T H A N 6 0 S H O P S A N D R E S TA U R A N T S , I N C L U D I N G : D I L L A R D ’ S | F R A N C E S C A’ S C O L L E C T I O N S | B U C K L E AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS | MERLE NORMAN | CLAIRE’S | KINNUCAN’S | LOFT | GAP | THE CHILDREN’S PLACE S T R A S B U R G C H I L D R E N | A N N TAY LO R | B A N A N A R E P U B L I C | V I C TO R I A’ S S E C R E T | N E W YO R K & C O. 3 2 ° A YO G U R T B A R | Z O E ’ S K I TC H E N | F I V E G U Y S B U R G E R S & F R I E S | M O E ’ S S O U T H W E S T E R N G R I L L O P E N I N G S O O N: D S W S H O E S – next to Panera Bread T H E S H O P P E S AT E A S TC H A S E A R E LO C AT E D AT E X I T 9 O F F I - 8 5 N T H E S H O P P E S AT E A S TC H A S E . C O M | FA C E B O O K . C O M / E A S TC H A S E
16 Feature Story A Day in the Life of Lauren Leonard
18 reply YES Styles and Trends to Consider
Lauren Leonard Fashion Collection
20 singled OUT Celebrity Singles and what we’re learning
30
24 Special Story Twisted
30 socially SEEN 32 two are BETTER
16
Escape in the City
34 connections Turning up the Heat
38 the LIST A Who’s Who of Young Leaders
46 IN motion: On the Fast Track
48 Applause & Appraise 52 Look, Listen, Lounge
38
Hot new music, movies, books, places
54 Take 5 Five
54
Flip Out!
56 Friends, Trends, Odds & Ends 58 Now Hear This
- a look at local sound
Hail the Titans
60 when? what? where? 70 venue 411 72 resource DIRECTORY
ON THE COVER Clothing Designer Lauren Leonard, LEONA Photo by: Aubrie Lemon Moates Hello Gorgeous Photography JULY/AUGUST 2011 RSVP 13
from the GIRLS The River Region Guide for All Things Social vol. 4, Iss. 4
A
s the temperature outside begins to rise, so does the interest for fun things to do. RSVP has already had a busy summer with our very own Crystal Luster’s (now Strickland) stunning June wedding, Corks in the Courtyard, The Hampstead Hop and The Riverwalk Pub Crawl. The good news is that participation for all of our community wide events has continued to rise, despite the sizzling heat. While many of the features in our publication are hip, trendy and informative, I would have to say “the LIST,” which recognizes local professionals and entrepreneurs setting out to make a difference, is our most popular. Occasionally, we meet someone that possesses multiple qualities that make them a perfect fit for our cover and feature story, and Lauren Leonard (featured on the cover) is definitely one of them! As fun and entertaining as we try to keep the articles in our publication, we could not avoid addressing the devastation of the recent tornados. I hope you will take the time to read “Twisted,” which contains personal testimonies from some directly affected by the catastrophe. Keep your Kleenex on hand and be ready to be moved to help those in need. To stay “in the know,” be sure to visit our website and sign up to receive our weekly newsletter full of entertainment, promotions and updates.
A day
in the life of
Lauren Leonard founder and designer of Leona What began with a passion for doodling in her sketch pad as a child and was revolutionized into a widely successful international clothing line, Lauren Leonard founded Leona, a vibrant clothing collection that infuses modern style with Southern charm. Tuscaloosa raised this Alabama Belle, and the girl that once used to play around on her mother’s sewing machine is now a household name in the ultra competitive fashion industry. Now carried in approximately 130 stores across the country, the inspiring success story of Leona began with one girl’s courage to chase her huge dream.
By: Amanda McCoy Photography by: Aubrie Lemon Moates Hello Gorgeous Photography Illustrations by: Lauren Leonard 16
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Behind the Scenes Sure, there are days when Lauren’s life sparkles in posh photo shoots, interviews with national fashion magazines, and on the set of hit TV dramas (for Gossip Girl devotees, in episode “Pretty in Pink,” she dressed Blair’s minions), but it isn’t always a Hollywood catwalk for the talented twentysomething. The beginning was a portrait of sleep deprivation fueled by pure determination. In early 2007, during Leona’s initial stages, the young designer, fresh out of college, barely had time for a meal. Upon receiving her degree in design at the end of 2006, she jetsetted to New York City to interview with reputable clothing lines. Although job offers were extended, the entrepreneur couldn’t shake her ambitious spirit. After making the bold decision to create her own chic line of clothing, Lauren returned to the South and thought of nothing else but needles, thread and colorful spring patterns. “I was waking up at 6 a.m. and going to bed at 2 a.m. My parents begged me to leave the house and have a real lunch, but I was trying to figure things out and figure them out in a hurry.” While working at The Shirt Shop in Tuscaloosa, Lauren was granted permission to sell a mini collection, including gameday attire long before it became a widely known trend. When she was greeted with a phenomenal response, the University of Alabama graduate decided it was time to branch out on her own, thus moving to Atlanta, and Leona was officially born. In an unbelievable amount of time, she released her first collection later that year – and her first big sale was right here in Montgomery. Although four years later, Lauren, now based out of Nashville, is able to grab a full night’s rest, Leona’s success doesn’t mean the madness has died. “It’s a new kind of stress,” the brunette beauty humbly admits. “Now the stress is trying to compete with the line’s success, and that’s always a constant battle. We want to continue to grow.” And true to form for any rising superstar, Lauren has not stopped dreaming. She introduced her first swimsuit line in February 2011, and has plans to release a collection of bridesmaid dresses through Bella Bridesmaid later this year. Maybe her inspiration for matrimonial apparel stemmed from her recent engagement – and she will, of course, be designing her own wedding dress! With a schedule that is bursting at the seams, including spearheading a growing clothing line, a wedding to plan, and making arrangements to open Leona boutiques, it is sheer passion that keeps Lauren’s constant drive alive. A selfadmitted entrepreneur at heart, Lauren has become a dynamic force in fashion in just a few short years, and does it all with Southern grace. JULY/AUGUST 2011 RSVP 17
reply YES
A preview of the Leona Pre-Fall and Fall Collections
The Pre-Fall Collection is releasing in stores July, while the Fall Collection will be released this August. Lauren found her inspiration for both collections after a recent excursion to England. She then studied former English movie stars – her favorite muse being the elegant Charlotte Rampling – swinging 60s and 70s music and British pop films.
Name three things that are on you at all times? “Sunglasses, chapstick, my Blackberry.” What is your biggest pet peeve? ”Inconsiderate people.” What’s your favorite food? “Green olives.” Who is your ultimate celebrity crush? “A young Richard Gere…well, he’s still great looking now!” What’s on your iPod right now? “I recently discovered Lenka, and I love her music.” What future goals have you set for yourself? “Besides opening Leona boutiques, it would be balancing a family and my career.” Besides designing fabulous clothing, what are your other hobbies? “Hobbies? What are those!? [laughs] If I had time for hobbies, I would paint. I also plan on buying a bike at some point.” Did you play any sports when you were young? “Well, I played softball from Kindergarten to the 6th grade. I was on the tennis team in high school, but I never played a single game. [laughs] I just wanted to be on the team.” If you could design an outfit for anyone, who would it be? “Kelly Ripa. I’m obsessed with her!” What advice do you have for aspiring clothing designers? “Dive in head first now! Keep your eyes, ears and heart open, and take notes along the way. Being an entrepreneur and being a designer are two very different things, I just happen to be very passionate about both.” 18
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Find Leona online – www.leonacollection.com.
Photography by Aubrie Lemon Moates
Getting to know our Cover Girl
singled OUT
Singles
and what we’re learning
By: Amanda Morrison • Illustration by Ron Shelby
We look to the famed for fashion trends, buy the products they endorse and read the books they write. So, what are we learning from our favorite celebrity singles and their dating styles?
Kim Kardashian
We were keeping up with the middle Kardashian when she lived every sister’s nightmare: one sister gets married, one sister has a baby, while you’re the one picking up the pieces after a painful breakup, attending celebrations that are not in your honor. With all her popularity and no prospect in sight, even this reality star was forced to answer that dreaded question: “When will it be your turn?” Lesson: Keeping up your chin, wait for Mr. Right and become the sister with booty-sized bling!
Oprah Winfrey
If behind every good man is a good woman, behind the most powerful woman is a man who is perfectly fine in the shadows as her lifetime fiancé. Engaged to Stedman since 1992, she has entered into thousands of contracts building her empire but is clear she has no plans to contract herself to marriage. Lesson: A mogul has no time for matrimony.
Chelsea Handler
While rising to fame on her E! Network talk show, she dated the CEO and President of Comcast, Ted Harbert, who just happened to be her boss. Once she had a few New York Times Best Sellers and a successful comedy tour under her belt, she broke things off with the ‘Silver Fox.’ Lesson: Date your way to the top but don’t get too attached. Once you make bank, declare your independence, get your own place and possibly land your own show on NBC!
George Clooney
He’s been named People’s Sexiest Man Alive more than once. After a brief marriage that ended in the early 90s, this blockbuster bachelor has had a string of relationships that have yet to share the same success and longevity as his acting career. Lesson: The timeless hunk forgoes the permanent beauty.
timeless Davis Theatre Where elegance brings Historic Landmark in Downtown Montgomery
your event alive. Give your event the splendor and grace of this beautifully restored 1930s treasure.
Hugh Hefner
This Playboy founder had a lifestyle to match until Crystal Harris came along. Sixty years her senior, Hef was ready to settle down and marry the beauty until just five days before the wedding, she called it off. He responded like any broken-hearted man, inviting his ex-girlfriends and playmates over for a “Movie Night” to watch Runaway Bride. Lesson: Find someone who loves you for your personality now. When you’re 85, not even money can buy you love.
• Impressive facility to rent at reasonable and competitive rates for special events • Amazing sound and specialized lighting • Large stage and dressing rooms • Great for theatrical presentations, concerts, dance troupes, commencements and guest speakers expecting large audiences Learn more at 334-241-9567 or e-mail davistheatre@troy.edu
troy.edu (click on Montgomery Campus, then go to Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts)
6790-1-MONT-RSVP MAG-DavisTheatre 4.95 X 4.9 4C.indd 1
A future of opportunities
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11/18/08 9:14:28 AM
6790-1 - Davis Theatre Ad - 4.95 x 4.9 - 4c
Town building, design, & construction are an evolving process. The Hampstead master plan, features, floor plans, & pricing may change without notice due to a variety of considerations. Any illustrations are artist’s depictions only & may differ from completed improvements. This is not an offer to sell real estate property. Information is correct but not warranted. Void where prohibited by law. Equal Housing Opportunity. Š 2 0 11
April 27, 2011
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The movement of nature defies our human plan. Amidst the supernatural, human instinct takes hold and restores faith. Humanity is generous and our spirit, through life or memory, is infallible. As Alabamians, we all have our own story surrounding the events of April 27, 2011. Be changed as you read very different experiences, a violent tornado the common thread: leaving a legacy, living to tell and lending a hand. By: Amanda Morrison Photography by: Amanda Chapman
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“Live life to its fullest, it’s not the years in your life but the life in your years.”
Loryn Brown, a 21-year-old college senior from Wetumpka, worked and lived in Tuscaloosa and was especially anxious to complete her degree at the University of Alabama, the same institution where her father played football as part of the 1992 National Championship team. “Easter Sunday when she left to go back to Tuscaloosa, she hugged me and said I love you mama,” said Loryn’s mother, Ashley Mims. She sadly continued, “If anyone had told me on that day, three days before, that the next time I would see Loryn would be to identify her body… I would have told them I would not survive.” As the dark clouds approached, Loryn placed a final, poignant call to Ashley. “I knew when the phone cut out she was gone,” continued the grief-torn mother. “She was my best friend, and we would talk several times a day. I still find myself picking up the phone to dial her number, only to remember she’s gone.” The home Loryn shared with two roommates was no match for the sinister storm, killing them all. This young mother now finds comfort sorting through the floodsoaked possessions that were once neatly kept
by Amanda Morrison
by her daughter. “We gathered everything in boxes and coolers and keep them in the garage. I go through them at night and once when I was especially low, I came across a favorite book where a leaf and stick had naturally marked a poem about angels watching us in our time of despair,” Ashley told. She continued to share, “I found a sketch pad that I’m not even sure why I kept because the water had washed away Loryn’s pencil drawings. One night while having a pity party for myself, going through her stuff, I was about to toss it and flipped through only to find a drawing preserved on the center page. It was an angel floating on a cloud.” In these moments, Ashley finds strength and feels the presence of Loryn’s spirit. The same Faith that grounded her daughter’s life now comforts her mother and family in her death. Eerily, Loryn’s quote as a senior at Edgewood Academy was: “Live life to its fullest, it’s not the years in your life but the life in your years.” Of her legacy, Ashley says, “Loryn was fair, found the good in everyone, honored her friendships, stood up for her beliefs and always listened to her heart and emotions.
She found good in every second of her life and loved every second of her life. I will always cherish every memory I shared with her. They are priceless.” Her legacy will continue through a scholarship awarded to those who show the same kind of promise. Tax deductible donations can be made payable to the Loryn Alexandria Brown Memorial: National Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Program P O Box 861928 Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-0017 Attn: Paula Jeter 205-348-1556 pjeter@alumni.ua.edu
Living to Tell It was 4 p.m. Randy Robbins, from Homewood, Alabama, was sitting in a senior level finance class when the severe weather alarms went off and the University canceled classes. He recounts, “I knew we were in for a storm when the wind knocked my backpack off my shoulders half-way [to my truck].” While driving to his Alberta apartment, he received several texts from concerned family members, discounting them all as unwarranted paranoia. Apathetic to Mother Nature, he made it home and popped a frozen pizza in the oven and prepared for an evening of homework. The experience as narrated in his written account: “The power in my apartment went out at roughly 5 p.m., and so I opened the shades on my window to read and look outside. I noticed the trees behind my apartment swaying at a steep angle. Then I decided I should probably close all windows and doors. I did so. Just then my buddy texted me that I should find cover. I was coming up with a clever retort about how paranoid he was being when my ears popped really hard, and I heard what sounded like a train outside my window. I had watched enough news to know this meant a tornado. I jumped into my closet and slammed the door shut. I felt the whole building shaking so I grabbed the door knob and held it shut with all my strength. Then I heard tearing and ripping noises, which had to be my back wall tearing away. At this point, I want to point out that if any of these events had occurred slightly differently or in a different order, I would have been buried. Anyway, the back wall tore away from the building and the door to my closet began shaking open, and I kept pulling it back closed. After a couple seconds of this struggle, the door and I were sucked out of the closet and through the back wall. I never rose more than a couple feet off the ground but, judging from memories of where things were, I flew about 40 feet total. The winds flung me from the back wall into the chain link fence 10-15 feet behind my apartment with enough force to leave bruises of the chain links in my side. It then flung me back into some piles of rubble where I was then rolled around on the ground for about 15 seconds before it subsided slightly. I looked up from my prone position and I was lying on tile floor, and I could see my neighbor lying on top of her baby trying to shield her. I also
heard myself screaming and realized I had been screaming the entire time but hadn’t noticed. The winds were beginning to pick up again so I ran over to my neighbor and threw myself on top of them to try and shield them. Somewhere along the way I stepped on a piece of wood with enough force to shove a 3-inch piece through the bottom of my foot. Please take note; this was not an act of heroism, but desperation. As far as my concussed mind could think, I truly believed during that split second that we three were the only beings left in a world that had dissolved around us. I acted to try and preserve the only other people left in this Hell so I wouldn’t be alone if I survived. I laid on top of her and immediately the winds picked up again. I was bombarded with (judging from wounds and what is still imbedded in my back at the time of this writing) glass, roofing shingles, pieces of wood and a Bic pen. LOL. I know this for sure because I pulled it out of my side when I stood up. The storm finally dissipated after roughly 10-20 seconds, and I slowly stood up. Due to adrenaline and shock, I did not notice any of the injuries I suffered. However, I did notice that I could barely hear anything and my ears were bleeding from the pressure of the storm (the earlier popping that alerted me of the tornado). Everyone’s ears were. The poor baby’s ears were pouring blood. At this point, I
surveyed my body. My jeans, watch, glasses and shirt had been ripped from my body. Somehow, I was still holding my iPhone in my right hand. Just then a call came through. It was my older sister, Christina. I could only stare at it in disbelief before answering.” After a brief dialogue with his sister, he quickly ended the call and acting on his senses, began to help those shouting from the rubble. This high-stress situation gave him no time to consider his personal injuries until a while later when he felt a burning sensation and a friend smartly told him he “had a few cuts.” In fact, Robbins could have bled to death were it not for the concern of a female stranger who found a police officer and brought to his aid. His self-penned account concludes: “I am just one person among hundreds, possibly thousands of people hurt in a city where neighbors and strangers alike risked their own lives to save each other…. And, of course, thank you GOD. Even as the clothes and material possessions were ripped from my body, your symbol stayed firmly around my neck and in my heart.”
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Lending a Hand Neighborly love has never been more apparent as Alabama grieves after this historical tragedy and strives to rebuild. Economic, political and football allegiance no longer divisive, we are simply grouped into the class of victim, volunteer or perhaps both. Melissa Lolley of Montgomery grew up off of Highway 9 in Elmore County where her parents still live. She could not reach them by phone after the storm. Worried, she made the drive to find them home safely but discovered others not so fortunate. As this single mother retreated home, she considered how she could help and a thought came to mind, “I decided I could feed people but was not sure how I could do it all by myself.” Her restricted budget as a single mother did not slow her down. She began to make a few calls that resulted in locating someone willing to donate a commercial-sized grill and hundreds of hotdogs. She took this as a sign and organized more volunteers through Facebook to join her the following day, efforts that fed around 400 volunteers and Elmore County residents while sorting through the wreckage. “That was one of the biggest blessings I have ever received, going up there and cooking for those people,” said Melissa.
Photographer Amanda Chapman of Tuscumbia, Alabama, drove to Phil Campbell the day after to drop off donations and discovered a purpose that will forever preserve the force of the storm. As written in her blog (www.amandachapmanphotography.com): “I found a drop off location for my donations and like many others, I began just walking down the streets of the neighborhood. I wanted to find someone that I could help. I had my camera with me as I always do. I was hesitant to even take it out of the case. Who was I to walk around taking pictures of these poor devastated tornado victims with my big fancy camera when they had lost everything? I knew these people had a story to be told but was it my place to document it? My questions were all answered when I met Jimmy Adams and his daughter, Alexis. He began telling me his story. He pointed to the only door left standing of his house and said, "You see that door, it leads to the hallway. That's where we were when the tornado hit our home." Jimmy began telling me in detail what his family experienced. In the house was Jimmy along with his wife and Alexis plus his eightyear- old son and 14-month-old baby. They all survived, and he was just happy to be alive.
It brought me to tears! A journalist approached with a television camera and asked to interview him. He agreed. He wanted to tell the people of the world what he went through. When the interview was over, it was at that point I asked him if I could take a photo of him and his daughter. Again he agreed. My heart then told me at that moment that this was what I was there to do.” Whether providing food, pictorial lens or lifted prayer, we encourage all readers to not forget those neighbors who lost everything and still need our help.
Donate to general disaster relief at www.redcross.org 28
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caters
A Montgomery dining legend that to your every need. The c it y ’s great steakhouse now of fers pr ivate dining and catering for special events like rehearsal dinners, corporate functions and holiday parties. Book now for customized events catered to your needs.
405 Cloverdale Road | Reser vations d i n i n g
d r i n k s
264. 8 4 63
c a t e r i n g
e h t n i s k r Co d Courtyar
Photography by Darren Freeman
W
hen the A&P holds an event in Cloverdale, it is always a cause for celebration. When you add RSVP, Derk’s Filet & Vine and the grand opening of Roux, Creole Southern cuisine, it turns into a lovely Montgomery afternoon mix and mingle that no one will forget. A $5 admission was your ticket in the door for this great evening, pairing friends with the perfect wine. With sweet, oaky, dry, buttery and light selections, wine vendors were committed to helping patrons find something suitable for all. Participating vendors included Johnson Brothers, Global Wines, International Wines, Alabama Crown Distributing, Grass Roots, MBC-United Distributing, Pinnacle Wines, Rush Wines and Bodega Mendoza. For those who found something to suit their taste, Derk’s Filet & Vine offered discounts on all wines sampled. Our favorite musician Henry Pugh sang melodies throughout the tasting. Although the temperatures were high, the Corks in the Courtyard attendees refused to let the night to end. Pine Bar and Roux were the hot spots with hundreds until almost midnight. 30
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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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two are BETTER
ESCAPE in the City W
By: Lindsey Henig
hen you become parents, those few moments that you actually get to spend together (without those precious little ones that is) somehow seem to get thrown out in the Diaper Genie. Gone are the days of kicking up your feet before bed and pouring one more glass of wine together. Forget sitting on your back porch watching your dogs run around and talking about your day at work. Your new duties await you in the form of “the three B’s”—Bath, Bottle, Bedtime. Since we parents are all hard at work caring for the smallest members of the family, it’s hard to find any time to do what your heart truly desires—get the heck out of town. But you’re in luck! Montgomery holds a few alternative options right in your own backyard for a one-night getaway that would only mean driving a few miles out of your driveway. Here are a few local romantic destinations that might help your sanity come back. 1) Hampstead: When I think of the one place in this town that makes me feel like I’ve gone out of the city limits, it has to be Hampstead. From the plush landscape to the great food, this England-inspired mini town serves as an ideal setting to get a little R&R. Make a reservation at Ham and High, and then walk over to the Tipping Point for one more cocktail and live music on weekends. If you’re in the mood for some Southern style home cooking, eat at Farmhouse Kitchen and then pick up one of Millie Ray’s famous sweet rolls. Any way you experience it, Hampstead is a great place for the two of you to enjoy some much needed time together. Visit www. hampsteadliving.com for all the details or find Hampstead on Facebook. 32
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2) MPAC and Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa: The
Montgomery Performing Arts Centre and the Renaissance Hotel are an all-in-one place to say goodbye dirty dishes and hello relaxation. You can have a cocktail and appetizer at The Exchange, and then head over to MPAC to laugh ‘till it hurts with Ron White or other headliners. Not in the mood for mildly offensive comedy? Just book a day at the spa and then use your spa pass to hit up the great amenities for the entire day! After your massage you can use the fitness center and the luxurious rooftop pool area all day together. Talk about a great way to recharge your batteries! Find out about upcoming shows at www.mpaconline.org 3) BBQ and the Biscuits: You can’t let the summer pass you by without going to a Biscuits game. Grab two tickets and have the babysitter come a little early so you can get a traditional summer treat at Dreamland Bar-B-Que. It doesn’t matter if you get the Big Daddy Sandwich or a slab of ribs “fresh from the pit,” you know it’s gonna be good. Top that off with an ice cold beer and you’re ready to walk across the street and cheer the Biscuits to a victory! Let’s face it – parents deserve an all expenses paid trip to Mexico just for doing what we do on a daily basis. Parenthood is not for sissies. But since real life is rearing its head (and we sure would miss those babies!), it’s nice to know we’ve got some options right here in the capital city to help us get away when we need it the most. Take a night to yourselves and see how refreshed you feel the next day. Enjoy your outing!
connections
Turning up the Heat By: Amanda McCoy
Photography by: The Studio at Eastchase
The crackling of burgers sizzling on fiery charcoal, the refreshing burst of tangy lemonade, and the laughter of good friends providing the backdrop – it all adds up to a perfect summer afternoon. The season might provide us with searing temperatures and irritating mosquitoes, but it also sets the scene for a griller’s paradise. This summer, turn your backyard into the ideal BBQ destination.
The Gear Before you invite the gang over for fresh burgers, ensure you’ve got the grilling goods to make the get-together a success. The pinnacle of a barbecue is the grill itself. Since there is a wide variety of grills on the market, your selection can be narrowed by a number of factors, including what type of meat you will cook, how often you will use the grill, the desired size, your budget, etc. In terms of a chef’s ultimate grill, you can’t get much better than The Big Green Egg, found at Hughes Pools & Spas. The large ceramic cooker is a triple threat – a grill, smoker and oven wrapped in one. An entire full-course meal can be whipped up on the Egg, from a loaf of garlic bread as an appetizer, steak and vegetables for the main dish and even a peanut butter pie for dessert. The secret lies in the flexible temperature control and moisture retention. Unlike a typical grill, you have complete control of the temperature, giving you the ability to smoke a lamb at 200° or sear a pork chop all the way up to 650°. When the meal is ready to be feasted upon, there is no need to waste time on clean-up; the Egg operates much like a self-cleaning oven and burns off any leftover grease. And since the Egg is very forgiving and easy to maneuver, it is perfect for those that are not yet a grilling pro. Available in a variety of sizes, stop by Hughes Pools & Spas to purchase “The World’s Best Smoker and Grill.”
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Quick Grilling Tips Before anyone becomes a master of the grill, there are a few tips of the trade he or she should know… • Press your thumb into the middle of an uncooked burger patty, as burgers bulge in the middle when cooked. • Never press down on a burger while on the grill to speed up the cooking process; it loses juices and dries out. • Strive to only turn your meat once while grilling to avoid it from drying out. • After marinating, bring your meat back to room temperature before grilling. Try to never cook meat cold. • Since they tend to burn easily, sugar-based marinades should be basted on meats five minutes prior to finish.
The EGGcessories Compliment your Big Green Egg with the following: Big Green Egg Cook Book Corn Holders Grill Wok Stone Scrubber Pizza Peel Green Pecan Seasoning
Photography by Bill Ingalls
Art and wine enthusiasts alike came together to satisfy their senses at the Grape Expectations Wine and Art Festival at The Waters. The weather was as beautiful as the setting provided by The Waters charming community. With several local artists, a large variety of specially selected wines, and hors d’oeuvres provided by Wishbone Café and Peppertree Steaks N’ Wines, there was an array of items to satisfy everyone’s taste. Upon arrival, guests were given an etched commemorative wine glass and a brochure containing the list of vendors and wine specials. Guests were then encouraged to enter a sweepstakes for a relaxing weekend stay in Destin, Florida.
Grape Expectations provided kids activities that included a bounce ride, face painting and a craft table where they took delight in snacks and formed sand art creations. The EastChase Teen Team was present to help make the Kids Corner a fun place for the children to play! Guests enjoyed dancing and listening to live entertainment by Henry Pugh and Coleman Woodson Jr. EarthFare graciously provided grapes to be filled in whiskey barrels for the famous stomping of the grapes. Soon the grapes were turned to juice as people wildly stomped in the barrels. Guests needing a relaxing break had the option of a complimentary massage from a talented masseuse from Olivia Salon, who set up a massage chair under a shady tent and provided a cool getaway. Proceeds from the event were donated to the March of Dimes, whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Grape Expectations raised $6,240 for the local March of Dimes.
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By Blue Sullivan • JUL Photography by Josh Moates Y/AUGUST 2011 RSVP 39
Something Old
BEN EASTERLING
Photos by Jon Cook
something new
For Ben Easterling, Vice President of Investments for Stifel Nicolaus and Company, investing is a family affair. Working with his father in the venerable company, Ben has been able to draw on decades of experience. “He has been a great resource for me to draw on his 35 years plus in this business,” Ben says of his father. “He has certainly shown me the work ethic it takes to be successful in this business.” Ben’s own road to creating financial security for his clients began with an undergraduate degree in business administration from Auburn University. His major in finance proved helpful as the ensuing 18 years have seen him work for such respected financial institutions as Dun and Bradstreet and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney before joining Stifel Nicolaus last year. Asked about the biggest challenge he faces, Ben notes that, “Being able to adapt and change is a necessity on a daily basis. I take the responsibility of handling others money very seriously.” At home, the recreational golfer enjoys quality time with his wife Catherine and three children – Mary Margaret, Caroline and Ben IV. In addition to coaching his kids’ sports teams, Ben currently serves on the YMCA Camp Chandler Board of Directors and as Trustee and Deacon at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church.
JESSICA ROBERTS
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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For Jessica Roberts, CPA and Financial Officer for the Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF), the travails of many in this difficult economy hit close to home. Possessor of an MBA from Troy, she experienced hard times herself in 2008. “When the economy took a downturn, I lost my job,” she notes. “I didn’t know what my next move would be.” Yet crisis breeds opportunity, and it was from this crisis that she was able to find her dream job. “I love working for an organization that does so many wonderful things for the community. We give out millions of dollars each year in grants and scholarships. On top of all that, I work with amazing people that make my job fun.” Through the CACF, Jessica is able to also get involved with the Bridge Builders Alabama program, the Montgomery Education Foundation and the Montgomery Dragon Boat Festival – yet her charitable work doesn’t end there. She is also highly involved with Junior League, Big Brothers Big Sisters, River Region Young Professionals, the Junior Executive Board of the American Cancer Society and more. In addition to her enriching job and humanitarian work, Jessica and husband Matt are expecting their first child in October.
LARRY GOLSTON For Larry Golston, practicing law represents more than winning and losing cases – it represents an opportunity to give back to the community. About his employer, Beasley Allen Law Firm, he says, “The overwhelming majority of my co-workers not only live in the River Region, but they also were raised in this area.” Larry explains, “I am motivated to be the best lawyer and person I can be by working and fellowshipping with individuals like these.” Larry received his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from the University of Alabama, and then returned for his Juris Doctorate, which he completed in 1998. He describes this period as the most difficult he has experienced. “The biggest obstacle I overcame was initially not having the finances to afford college.” Asked who his greatest supporter has been, he quickly responds, “God has had the biggest impact on my success.” He also credits the prayers and support of his family – wife Danielle, two children Lauren and Larry Kyle, and parents Larry and Brenda – for his success. Outside the home, Larry routinely coaches youth sports and also speaks to high school students in the area about the importance of getting an education.
the LIST
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the LIST
ANGIE BRADSHER Angie Bradsher intimately understands the work that goes into maintaining a thriving residential community. Working in sales and development for The Waters, Angie is able to assist incoming families in creating their dream home. “I absolutely love being part of the process as family’s dreams come true as they build or purchase their custom home,” she enthuses. With a bachelor’s degree in social work from Troy University, she is especially understanding of the complex needs of the modern family. Asked who her biggest influences are, Angie credits the women in her family. “I come from a strong line of women. Both my grandmothers and my mother have always been successful, while still putting their family first. They have always encouraged me to be independent and take life instead of it taking me.” In her own family, the proud mother enjoys her loving husband Michael and their two beautiful children, Sophie and Tristan. By also serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes and the Sales and Marketing Committee for the Greater Montgomery Homebuilder Association, Angie is kept busy, but never misses an opportunity to travel the world.
BRIAN ARRIGHI For Brian Arrighi, Sales Consultant for Berney Office Solutions, Montgomery is a place where you are never a stranger. “I love the fact that no matter where I go, I can find familiar faces all around me,” he says. Perhaps it’s his connection to local sports that makes Brian such a wellknown person in the River Region. A lifelong athlete, he was a pitcher for the Auburn University at Montgomery baseball team throughout his college years, where he received his undergraduate degree in 2007. Taking a job with Berney fresh out of college, Brian has found just the right work environment. “The people I work with, they make it great.” When he isn’t working, the sports and exercise enthusiast remains constantly active. He is deeply involved with a ministry which works with inner city children called Inner City Evangelism, and he gives pitching lessons to local youth baseball players and teams. Also a humanitarian at heart, the avid traveler recently returned from a voyage to Nicaragua for a mission trip.
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HANNAH CHADEE With her impressive resume, you might expect Hannah Chadee, Business Development Coordinator for Baptist Health’s Institute for Patient Safety and Medical Simulation, to be somewhat naturally prideful. But for this humble beauty, her academic, employment and personal life have taught her a valuable lesson. “My family, friends and the people I’ve met in school and at work have taught me to be patient, humble and ultimately a servant leader,” she explains. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Hannah moved to Gainesville, Florida, after high school, where she earned both her bachelor’s degree in health science and master’s degree in public health from the University of Florida. Upon graduation, the diehard Gator fan moved to Montgomery to accept a position with Baptist Health. Though she knew no one at first, the city quickly opened its arms to her through the EMERGE Torchbearers leadership class. Now a member of the Torchbearers Alumni and the Holiday Market Silent Auction Committee for Junior League, Hannah is also excited to be the chair for both the 2012 Young Professional of the Year Award committee and the 2011-2012 One Place Family Justice Center Placement for Junior League. With her go-getter personality, Hannah is continuing to create her own legacy in the River Region.
STEPHANIE BROWN For Stephanie Brown, owner of Hue Studio, life is always bursting forth in vibrant color. The website for her business describes her shop as, “A visual extravaganza overflowing with items for everyday life,” and the look reinforces this description, offering brightly decorative items for sale to suit all walks of life. Stephanie herself began her journey to entrepreneurship with an undergraduate degree in business administration from Auburn University. After school, she began her career in the business sector before shifting to a vocation in fashion with a New York based company that hosted local shows before she opened Hue Studio in 2006. Even as tough economic times beckoned, the Southern Belle remained a success in this venture. “We had to quickly adjust our buying strategy and adapt to an economic environment that was much more frugal than when we opened our doors,” she explains. The key to her shop’s continued success: customers who come back again and again. “Hue Studio’s customers are loyal customers,” she notes. “We appreciate that this community would rather support Hue Studio than shop in other cities or online.” Outside of her shop, Stephanie is happily busy with her family—husband Curt and children Anna Belle and Wyn.
the LIST
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JENNIFER PRATT SUMNER Jennifer Pratt Sumner is a person of diverse skills and interests. Not only is she the Social Media Coordinator at the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), but Jennie (as her friends call her) is the owner and a fitness trainer at CrossFit Montgomery. In school, she had an impressive academic record, graduating Magna Cum Laude in psychology from Huntingdon College before attaining her master’s degree in applied management from Troy. “I am a student for life,” Jennie explains. “I always desire to learn more about people and the world.” A world traveler since childhood, Jennie even spent time teaching English to students in China. Today, she is proud to help provide timely health information through the ADPH’s website (ADPH.org). Before and after her work with the ADPH, Jennie offers group strength and conditioning sessions, specializing in bodyweight, endurance and kettlebell training. “As a personal trainer/coach, it is so uplifting to be a part of someone’s life journey to wellness.” Recently, CrossFit Montgomery hosted a two-day fitness competition and held two fundraisers where they were named the fundraising champions by the Sportsgrants Foundation for raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project, LIVESTRONG, the CrossFit Foundation. At home and work, Jennie shares a partnership with her husband (and high school sweetheart), David.
MELISSA JOHNSON Melissa Johnson, reporter for WSFA 12 News, is a “one man band.” At least that’s what her co-workers in the newsroom call her, because she writes, edits and shoots all of her own stories. In fact, Melissa is about as close to an overnight success as one gets in the business. In January 2008, she joined WSFA as an intern. Soon after, she was hired as a part-time producer, working on weekends and going to school during the week. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in radio, television and film in May 2009, and upon graduation, the former War Eagle Girl was hired as a full-time reporter. However, it wasn’t easy for Melissa to get where she is today. “The biggest obstacle for breaking into the news business was my youth,” she explains. “I had to work twice as hard to prove that, despite my age, I had what it took!” For Melissa, working with WSFA has been a little slice of heaven. “My job encompasses everything I love,” she explains. “I love that I am able to be a voice for people who otherwise, couldn’t get their story out there.” Outside of the newsroom, the fitness enthusiast runs competitively and is preparing to marry her high school sweetheart, Adam Warnke.
WINFRED HAWKINS For Winfred Hawkins, Junior Graphic Designer at Auburn University at Montgomery, every corner of life is a potential locale for art. “Sometimes I will just go out to some random place and paint, play music or write,” he explains. “Many times the arts are ignored, because no one really sees it in their daily life, except on TV or the radio.” A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2007, Winfred drew the ten roundels that are hanging on the outside wall of the Rosa Parks Museum, a project that he started in high school and which has allowed him to meet the famed civil rights activist. In addition to being inspired by creating, he says it is actually criticism that has most inspired him. “If it weren’t for all the people that told me that I was no good or that I should try to get a real job, I would have never developed the drive to keep going forward.” In addition to his work as an artist, Winfred is a self-taught musician who plays bass for the popular local band, Hellakopta of Love. He is also a passionate contributor to Helicity, a local non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating positive change in Montgomery. JULY/AUGUST 2011 RSVP 45
IN motion
On the Fast Track I By JT Thompson
have a lot of respect for those that can work with their spouse and achieve success simultaneously in a fast-paced environment – it’s a challenge! I would know as my wife Leanne and I have been working together on the radio (Mix 103.3) for five years now here in Montgomery. And albeit a challenge, the woman I’m about to tell you about thrives on the word challenge, and she’s definitely no stranger to the phrase “fast-paced environment” – is 180 mph fast enough for you? That’s the kind of speed that Robin Bonanno and her crew chief/husband Carl Lunderstadt are used to thriving in. Robin has transformed a childhood love of racing and restoring cars to a full-time profession as a female pro stock car driver in the ARCA series, which is a ladder series to Nascar. At 48, Robin says she and her husband work great together and that he can read her mind on the track. In a recent conversation I had with the couple, Carl said, “No comment, I know when to keep my mouth shut!” Smart guy. All jokes aside, the team has already racked up five SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Central Florida racing championships in the past decade and now as part of the ARCA series, it’s literally full speed ahead! When speaking to Robin and Carl, I noticed something different. Both had great personalities, were excited to be interviewed and very upbeat as they talked to me on the phone on their way back from Panama City. They are great spokespeople for their sport and their sponsors, which is a rare find in the racing world usually dominated by dry personalities and mega male egos. That attitude was formed early as competition and compassion were both part of Robin’s early years. At 11, she won outstanding camper of the year out of 1,000 campers! One of the attributes that led to winning was her love for teaching and helping other kids, especially those nobody wanted to play with. Robin told me that ever since her childhood, where she enjoyed trips to the junk yard with her dad looking for that perfect part to restore a vehicle or her many rides in the latest Barbie doll cars that she just had to have, racing has been in her DNA. “If it had wheels, flew or moved, I wanted it!” she keenly says. That’s only the beginning – she’s also studied and received a pilot’s license flying small planes all
10 over the country, been a ski instructor in the Poconos, hiked volcanic mountains in some of our country’s outstanding National Parks, and has been an instructor for the Richard Petty Driving Experience Mercedes Challenge. With all this experience and an ARCA series debut already in her rearview mirror, Robin’s career is truly on a fast track for success. ARCA is a national series and Robin recently raced in the ModSpace 150 on May 22 at the New Jersey Motorsports Park, where remarkably there were other women behind the wheel. She climbed out of the #30 start position to finish 24th – not too bad for a first race in the series! The road tracks of the ARCA series are where Robin feels more comfortable and performs best as opposed to the oval racing tracks of the Nascar series. “It isn’t always about speed – most people can drive fast; it’s the car control, the comfort level you reach in your sport, hobby or life that makes it feel right,” she says. When it comes to sponsorships, Robin and her crew (including her husband) are looking for more than just putting a logo on a car, which is great for media exposure; however, in addition they want to truly become an endorser for their sponsors and bring the stock car to events and speaking engagements and become a face for the company’s product line. With a great attitude and a winning track record like Robin’s, success will surely translate to her sponsors as well. Gentlemen (and ladies) start your engines…and keep your eyes on Robin’s #10 stock car coming up on your rear bumper! For more info, you can contact Robin Bonanno Racing at Robinbonannoracing.com or via email at robinbonanno@gmail.com
Julius Caesar By: Sophia Priolo William Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar can be a daunting task to make appealing to the masses. With themes of death, jealously, despair and the struggle for power, how does one create an atmosphere enjoyable for all types of audience members? Geoffrey Sherman (Artistic Director at ASF) knows exactly how. His version of Julius Caesar, in ASF’s 25th anniversary season’s repertoire, is a wonderfully engaging and insightful production that brings to view intricate variations of the more subtle themes woven throughout the play of love, devotion and honesty. Caesar himself is played with truthful authenticity and remarkable power by veteran ASF actor Rodney Clark. Rodney breathes life and passion into the lines of this great historical figure. Marcus Brutus, a member of the senate of Rome (played expressively by Stephen Paul Johnson), is persuaded by fellow members of the senate, namely his brother-in-law, Caius Cassius (Thom Rivera), to kill Caesar and prevent an unwanted dictatorship. Fears that
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Caesar is becoming too powerful seize the majority of the senate and ignite a plot for his death. Caesar proudly disregards the warnings of the soothsayer (ingeniously and movingly portrayed by veteran ASF actor Greta Lambert). The inevitable ensues, and Caesar is murdered in the senate house by a bloody barrage of stabbings. Caesar’s faithful and loyal friend, Marcus Antonius (Peter Simon Hilton), steps into the bloody scene overcome with grief and the incited Roman mob demands an explanation. Thus, after a few persuasive words from Brutus, Antonius delivers his eloquent “Friends, Romans, Countrymen” speech, subtlety turning the mob back against the assassins and stirring a deep remorse for the death of Caesar. This funeral oration is one of the highlights of the show and is delivered with honest emotion and a moving sense of loss by Peter Hilton. Great tensions arise, and a heated quarrel breaks out between Brutus and Caius Cassius around the questionable details of Caesar’s death. The action continues throughout and after four more tragic deaths and another stirring speech by Antonius (declaring Brutus “noblest Roman of them all”) this beloved play by the Bard leaves one thoroughly inspired and feeling that he/she has been a pivotal part of world history. Another performance worth noting is that of Jenny Mercein’s portrayal of Portia (wife of Brutus). It is in this intimate, domestic scene that the audience can be refreshed by a beautiful depiction of love between a husband and wife. Portia entreats her husband to share his troubling thoughts with her and let her, as his soulmate and equal, help bear his burden. The skillful use of dim candle lighting is used to illustrate the sense of intimacy the two share in their relationship. It is a beautiful scene. Designer Peter Hicks brings the remarkably simple set realistically to life without stealing attention from the actors. The elegant yet practical costumes by master costume designer Elizabeth Novak are another asset to the show. ASF, and Geoffrey Sherman’s, Julius Caesar is a well conceived production that, while markedly a tragedy, will engage even the hardest to please theater patron and impress even the toughest theater critic.
downtown
cious!
Montgomery’s Best Sandwiches, Salads, Soups, Coffee & Ice Cream. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. And we cater! Yummy from 6:00 am til 9:00 pm 130 Commerce Street In the Alley across from the Renaissance Hotel 334-263-2922 phone | 334-263-2988 fax | AlleyStationDeli.com
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You nailed it! By: Amanda McCoy Photography by: Darren Freeman
Nail maintenance is of utmost importance in these smoldering summer months. And while the classic French tip is always elegant, turn up the volume and splash your toes with funky colors and designs this season. Make an appointment with Master Nail Specialist Arpi Sekeryan at Nails Ô Naturel, where metallic is not just for Rock n Roll, and New Year’s Eve no longer gets sole custody of glitter. A native of Montreal, Canada, Arpi left her fur coat behind and relocated to Montgomery three years ago with her husband and two sons. Before she ventured to the South, Arpi perfected her craft as a nail technician and educator, and subsequent upon her move to the River Region, it didn’t take Arpi long to discover her inner entrepreneur. “I knew it would be a challenge to start all over again in a new country, especially without having exposure (in a spa/ salon), and I didn't want to give it up. And as I've always worked for myself, I didn't want to give that up either.” Even though she was working out of her home at first, Arpi was receiving countless calls for her services, and her husband encouraged her to rent a space of her own. She did, and in less than two years has seen an amazing response. In addition to offering full service mani/pedi’s, including Shellac (a no chip manicure), Arpi was the first
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nail technician to introduce Minx in Alabama. If you’re unfamiliar with the hot new trend in nails, Minx essentially puts fashion on your fingertips. It is a thin strip of the design of your choice – animal print, metallic artwork, brightly colored flowers, etc. – firmly pressed to your nail, where it stays on the toes for six weeks and causes no damage to the nail. That’s right, for six weeks you don’t need to even think about reaching for acetone or polish, nor will you experience the harsh side effects received from acrylic or gel. With a dedication to impeccable cleanliness and detail, Arpi only performs dry pedicures as it is the most effective method for achieving a glossy smooth finish. Although your feet will never touch water, they will be immersed in either warm wax or a silky mask – rendering the pedicure a truly luxurious experience. It is with sparkling pale pink nails that look as freshly polished as they did when I got the manicure a week ago that I tell you, her “No Chips, No Smudges for Two Weeks” policy holds true. Don’t believe it? Make an appointment today and let Arpi prove it to you! Nails Ô Naturel is by appointment only, call Arpi at 334.782.4137.
By: Blue Sullivan
PINE BAR over 100 Beers Draft Craft imports Wines & Drinks 334-239-9061
501 Cloverdale Rd thepinebar.com
CB ConstruCtion Repairs Maintenance Handyman Work
Cedric Beumer 334.799.0404
Bell &
Corwin R e a lt o R s
So how was your holiday, kids? Did you spend it at the lake or the beach? If so, did you remember your sunscreen? With the kind of summer we’re already having, you can never have too much SPF 45. Over the weekend, I saw a guy at the beach in Destin who insisted on going without sunscreen. By 1 p.m., he was redder than a lobster, and by 2 he had passed out from the heat. His friends seemed to understand the importance of a little suntan lotion, however. As I was leaving, they were writing a word on his back in Coppertone that cannot be reprinted in a family magazine like this one. I hope your holiday was a much safer one, and as a reward for your responsible enjoyment of the holiday, we at RSVP offer the following cultural morsels to enrich your post-holiday lives.
LOOK: Horrible Bosses Film, Opens July 8th in Theaters Anyone who has ever logged 40 hours a week at a terrible office job should be able to relate to this new comedy. Jason Bateman (Juno), Jason Sudeikis (Hall Pass, Saturday Night Live) and Charlie Day (It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia) play three desk jockeys forced to suffer at the hands of three inhuman bosses. When the lousy economy and career uncertainty make quitting impossible, the guys devise a plan, with the help of a shady ex-con played by Jamie Foxx, to get rid of their awful employers—permanently. Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell and Kevin Spacey lead an all-star cast as the evil administrators.
LISTEN:
Conner Youngblood – “A Summer Song” As a celebration of everything that summer love can encompass, you can’t do much better than this gorgeous new track by a bright new talent from Dallas, Texas. Describing his sound as a mix of bluegrass, club sounds and indie, Connor brings a touch of them all, along with a healthy dollop of lush folk, to “A Summer Song.” Acoustic guitars sweep over skipping beats and Youngblood’s lilting falsetto to create a summer mood that is both sensuous and melancholy. “Summertime is swimming through our blood stream,” he sings, and the listener can’t help but be swept up in the feeling too. Check it out for free on Youngblood’s official site: http://www.myspace.com/dirtypopin.
SURF: CoolWorks
Morgan Bell
334.207.8988
bellandcorwin.com For Those Who Value Excellence 52
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www.coolworks.com If you’re off for the summer or between jobs, this great site is the first step to employment with a panoramic view. With a home office located just outside Yellowstone National Park, this small but dedicated company specializes in finding careers or seasonal employment in places like national parks, ski resorts, camps, ranches and jobs on the water. In addition, they help people find volunteer opportunities all over the world. Can you imagine a better way to spend your work day?
WHAT’S ON
TAP?
24 DRAFTS, 10 FLAT SCREEN TVS & THE SOUTH’S
BEST BBQ!
p ! i l T F OU After being smashed into stilettos, jammed into high heels and forced into platforms, give your toes a breather this summer. Forget the heel and slide your feet into some stylish – yet comfortable – flats.
1 . Show off your summer pedicure in simple Antonio Melani flats. Color featured: Blue Lapis
2 Splash yourself with bright color with Gianni Bini sandals. Color featured: mojito
3 . Keep it simple with these woven flats by Jessica Simpson. Color featured: Birds of Paradise
4 . You will sparkle in eyecatching Vince Camuto flats, sure to spice up any outfit. Color featured: Leopard
By: Amanda McCoy Photography by: The Studio at EastChase
5 . In these casual yet girly Clarks flip flops, your style will never fall flat. Color featured: Pearl White
You are invited to
Preview Night At our new location
Your Center for Lifelong Learning
August
25 2011
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. 75 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117
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 and a discount for classes. Register to attend our information sessions on certificate programs.
Register at www.aum.edu/coned or call 244-3804
Information Sessions On our Certificate Program
Big Tom Whether you’re looking for a spicy cocktail or warm, satisfying soup, stop by Buckalew’s Clothing for Men for Big Tom spiced tomato juice. Commonly referred to as the “best tomato juice ever,” Big Tom is made with 21 spices, and is the lowest sodium Bloody Mary mix on the market. “It’s bloody different!”
DID YOU KNOW? the Montgomery Biscuits have sold merchandise in all 50 states and in 16 countries!
Montessori School at Hampstead –
EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it:
A new private, non-profit school is set to open this August in the Hampstead community. Opening to a limited number of students 18 months to 12 years of age, the new Montessori School at Hampstead follows the curriculum established by famed educator Maria Montessori characterized by an emphasis on independence and discovery, freedom within limits and respect for a child’s natural psychological development.
Montgomery is getting an awesome DOG PARK! Even better, Montgomery is one of the cities in the running for a grant that will help us pay for the Dog Park. For more info and to learn how to vote, go to facebook and like "puppies for parks montgomery alabama" Because Puppies have big dreams, too!
Monte Carlo
Held on April 28 in the Swan Ballroom of the Wynlakes Golf and Country Club, more than 600 guests gathered for the 17th annual Monte Carlo. Lynn Ramsey of DJ Music and Karaoke provided entertainment throughout the evening, and the event culminated in an exciting live auction featuring paintings created by artists during the evening and Davidoff scotch and wine tastings. The event proved to be a smashing success, raising the greatest funds to date to benefit Hospice of Montgomery.
‘Cause you never know what you might run into.
Breck Honea, Agent 61 Market Place - Atlanta Hwy Montgomery, AL 36117 Bus: 334-272-8423 www.breckhonea.com
I’m your agent for that. Having me as your agent means having a real person there to help you when you need it. So when accidents happen, you have someone you can trust to get the job done right, and right away. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7. ®
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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company • Bloomington, IL
JULY/AUGUST 2011 RSVP 57
- a look at local sound
HAIL THE TITANS By: Blue Sullivan
Hail the Titans are a four piece band that is unlike anything you are likely to hear within the usually safe musical confines of the River Region. They play instrumental music that is intricate, passionate and wonderfully loud, all with the precision of a seasoned band. The fact that they are still months away from their one year anniversary marks them as a unique talent, the kind for whom greater success is more than just an aspiration. It’s the natural destination that results from the skill, vision, perseverance and kinship of a group of friends committed to a common cause. RSVP spoke to three of those friends and bandmates – Trey Baldwin, Josh Carples and Adam Davila – about their origins, their upcoming album, “Hymns of Mare Nostrum” and their unique fundraising efforts in advance of its release.
RSVP: How did you guys come together? Josh: Trey and I were in a few bands together already. We met through friends initially a long time ago. We knew everyone else through the music scene, really. Through my old band is how I met Wes [Andrews, bassist for Hail the Titans]. Trey: I met Wes when we were little, and I met Adam when we were teenagers. I met Josh when we were in school together. RSVP: How long have you guys been playing together? Adam: We started playing together around the first of September. Our first show together was Halloween of last year. So less than a year. RSVP: Tell us about your first live experience. Adam: That Halloween show sort of came about on the fly. We didn’t even have a name at that point. But because some people had come to see us practice, there was already a little hype building. It was great, and we knew that first night this was something special for all of us. RSVP: You guys have already recorded a demo and a finished album in less than a year. How did those sessions come about? Josh: The demo stuff was recorded in our practice shed, but most of the actual album itself was done with Chris Lantrip at Headless Dinosaur Recording. The first stuff we actually recorded were drums in an office building off Zelda Road. RSVP: What was your aim in the recording? Josh: The goal has always been to capture the energy that we portray live. So what you hear is just us in the room rocking out the best take we can do and then layering on top of that after.
RSVP: Who does the songwriting? Josh: We all write together, and we all have to like something for it go forward. There’s no primary songwriter. Once we all four agree, that’s when we go with it. Adam: That’s when the magic happens. [Laughs] RSVP: How was your experience in the studio? Adam: The studio is great because you can add so much texture. I remember at one point we were recording one of the guitar parts, and we set up two cell phones right next to the amp. It gave it this strange, almost underwater kind of sound. Josh: We layered so much stuff in the studio. One song has 55 recorded tracks on it. There’s a lot of interesting stuff on the album. At one point, Trey got a shopping cart, and we recorded him hitting it. We recorded the birds outside our practice shed. We recorded slide whistles, velcro, a shower. Adam even played wine glasses for it. RSVP: You’ve been raising money to press CDs of the new album. You guys are even selling an instrument to help raise money. It’s a didgeridoo, right? Josh: Yeah. Whoever makes it to that price level, Adam will actually hand-make one for them, and then we will decorate it. It will be an instrument and a custom art piece. RSVP: Since this won’t come out until after the deadline for your promotion, is there anything else we can help you raise money for? Josh: We could use some money to help with our van. [Laughs] We’ve been traveling all over the South playing shows in an old van with no AC. It actually broke down on
us while we were on the way to a show in Florida, and we ended up sitting out on the side of the road until we found someone who agreed to tow us the rest of the way. RSVP: So you recently played a show with Maserati in Atlanta, and you had a chance to meet one of your biggest influences, [Scottish indie band] Mogwai. What other bands influence your work? Josh: We’re all into Mars Volta, and we get that comparison a lot. We’ve been called a vocal-less Mars Volta, and a more aggressive Explosions in the Sky. Any band that does mostly instrumental stuff, we get compared to, really. RSVP: So I have to ask: why the name, Hail the Titans? Adam: We had pages of band names – ridiculous names – but we didn’t really like any of them. Then we were sitting at Starbucks one night and pretty much our brains were fried. We had been sitting around for hours, brainstorming. And then one of us just came up with it, Hail the Titans. Josh: We were so sick of thinking about it by that point that we were all like “cool, fine, done!” We went through the same thing coming up with song titles for the album. Online, they are just numbers, because when we write a new song, we just give it a number in the order we wrote them. But we came up with titles for the album. RSVP: What are some of the song titles? Josh: You’ll just have to buy it and find out. [Laughs] For more information on Hail the Titans, visit http://www.facebook.com/HailtheTitans
RSVP: Who played what on the album? Josh: I played guitar, keyboard, percussion, theremin. Trey: I played drums. Adam: I played guitar, synthesizer, percussion, various effects and whatnot. Josh: Wes played bass among other stuff. He’s the one who manned the Whamola.
For tickets to upcoming shows and booking information, please email: Hellakopta@gmail.com.
JULY/AUGUST 2011 RSVP 59
when? what? where?
July 6 & Aug 17- Tales for Tots 10:30-11 A.M. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. This FREE program offers young children and their families special stories in the galleries, related to works of art in temporary exhibitions or in the Museum’s Permanent Collection. www.mmfa.org July 7- Ladies Night at the Biscuits Stadium 6:30 P.M. Price includes the ticket, a private buffet with ballpark cuisine, a private bartender, ultimate seats on the 3rd base line and non-alcoholic beverages. This game will be jam packed with promotions all about the ladies, including free mini massages and exclusive drink specials as well as the traditional Thirsty Thursday featuring $2 beers. Register online or call the Club to make your reservations. Members and guests of members only.Tickets are $26. For information please contact Phyllis Fenn at phyllis.fenn@ourclub.com or 334-834-8920. www.capitalmontgomery.com July 8- Animal Adventures 10 A.M. Landmark Park, Dothan, Alabama. One-hour educational programs for children ages five and older. Reservations required. Free with park admission. 334.794.3452 www.landmarkpark.com July 8- Jeff Dunham 8 P.M.Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Come out and see the popular comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham for a hilarious show. Ticket prices vary. www.amphitheatertuscaloosa.com July 8-24- Menopause: The Musical Times vary. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss and chocolate binges have never been as funny as in this long-running smash hit. Menopause is a hilarious celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of or have survived The Change. By Jeanie Linders. www.asf.net July 9 & 23- Jam Session 9 A.M.-12 P.M. Old Alabama Town. Join us for a toe slapping, knee tapping good time at a blue grass jam session held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at Old Alabama Town’s Rose House. Musicians are welcome to bring their acoustic instruments and join the fun. Admission to the Jam Session is free, while tickets to tour Old Alabama Town are available for purchase in the Reception Center. 334.240.4500 www. oldalabamatown.com
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when? what? where? July 9- State Farmers Market Day 8 A.M.-3 P.M. Montgomery State Farmers Market Day. Free to the public. 333.242.5350 July 9- Organic Gardening 101 at the Hampstead
Institute Downtown Farm
10-11:30 A.M. Adults and teens are invited to join us Saturday, July 9, for a hands-on organic gardening session with Farmers Anne and Jetson at the Hampstead Institute Downtown Farm. This month’s topic: “Seed Saving – Taking the Next Step in Sustainable Gardening.” Cost is $5 per session and sign up begins at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, July 9. For details or to pre-register email Farmer Anne at anne@hampsteadinstitute.org. www.hampsteadinstitute.org July 9 & 10-Taylor Swift 7 P.M. Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia. www.ticketsnow.com July 9- Motley Crue with Special Guests New York Dolls 7:30 P.M. Verizon Wireless Music Center, Pelham, Alabama. www.ticketmaster.com July 11- Movie Mondays Movie starts at sundown. Riverfront Amphitheater. FREE. www.montgomeryal.gov July 11-15, 18-22, Aug 1-6 - 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, print making, ceramics and sculpture. Each week incorporates different themes, art activities and techniques so students are encouraged to sign up for more than one. Camp fees include snacks and materials. Ages 6-13. Extended hours are offered with working parents in mind. Sessions fill quickly, so enroll today. Contact Laura Lewis at 334.240.4337 www.mmfa.org July 12-Wiz Khalifa 6 P.M. Masguerade, Atlanta, Georgia. www.ticketsnow.com July 12-Rhianna with Cee Lo Green 7:30 P.M. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Atlanta, Georgia. www.ticketsnow.com July 12-Speed Bingo 6-8:15 P.M. Capital City Club. Enjoy a themed Bingo Night every 2nd Tuesday of every other month. Enjoy a delicious three course meal, and win some fun prizes while playing 15 games of bingo! $12.50 per person. www.capitalmontgomery.com July 13-MACC 60 Minute Coffee 8-9 A.M. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. 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 Lynn Norton at lnorton@montgomerychamber.com or 240.9431. www.montgomerychamber.com
reaching
SAINT JAMES SCHOOL
higher since1955
for pre k3-12th grade admissions info call
334.273.3000
6010 Vaughn Road, Montgomery
■
stjweb.org
English as a second language (ESL) tutoring provided. Saint James School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
JULY/AUGUST 2011
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when? what? where? July 13-Garden Alphabet by Laurie Parker 12 P.M. Capital City Club. Meet the author of Garden Alphabet which is an A to Z look at everything garden and is for both children AND adults who are gardeners. Join us for lunch and learn book presentation on Laurie Parker’s 12th published book. Members and guests of members only. Price is $20. For membership information please contact Phyllis Fenn at phyllis.fenn@ourclub.com or 334-834-8920. www.capitalmontgomery.com July 14- Jason Aldean & Chris Young 8 P.M. The Wharf Amphitheatre, Orange Beach, Alabama. www.amphitheateratthewharf.com July 14- Alabama Songwriters Showcase 7:30 P.M. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Concert featuring Teddy Gentry, Lenny LeBlanc and Mac McAnally. Tickets are $30. www.mpaconline.org and www.ticketmaster.com July 15–Quintessa Wine and White House Chef Dinner 6:30-9 P.M. Join us for an evening of fine wines paired with world-class cuisine as you experience what it is like to attend a White House State Dinner. ClubCorp teamed with former White House Chef, Walter Scheib, and Huneeus Vintners for this special event. Register online or call the Club to make your reservations. Members and guests of members only. $100 per person. For membership information please contact Phyllis Fenn at phyllis.fenn@ ourclub.com or 334-834-8920. www.capitalmontgomery.com July 15- Yes & Styx 8 P.M. The Wharf Amphitheatre, Orange Beach, Alabama. www.amphitheateratthewharf.com July 15-16-Montgomery Ballet’s 36th Annual Performance on the Green
8 P.M. Blount Cultural Park. Come enjoy a lovely evening of dance in the park! This is a free performance with the professional members of the Montgomery Ballet performing on Friday, July 15, and students of the International Summer Intensive performing on Saturday, July 16. 334.409.0522. www.montgomeryballet.org July 16- Animal Enrichment 2011 10 A.M.-2 P.M. Montgomery Zoo. Visit and watch how the zookeepers introduce a variety of different enrichment items to the animals to watch their reaction and enjoyment. Admission fees charged. 334.240.4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com July 16- Lions Club Lake Martin Charity Poker Run 8 A.M.-5 P.M. Join teams from across the area as they boat to different marinas in search of the best and worst hands of poker. Cash prizes will be given in several categories including best dressed crew. For more information call Terri Blackmon at 256.212.1479 www.russellmarine.net July 17-Britney Spears with Nicki Minaj 7:30 P.M. Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia. www.ticketsnow.com
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when? what? where? July 17- O.A.R. Concert 6:30 P.M. Sloss Furnace, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com July 18- Movie Mondays Movie starts at sundown. FREE. www.montgomeryal.gov July 18-Aug 23-Dog Obedience School 7-8 P.M. Doster Center, Prattville. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Basic household obedience for dogs five months and up. Class is six weeks. $80 per dog ($40 for repeat dog). Instructor is Janice Plessner. 334.361.3640. www.prattvilleal.gov July 20-Outdoor Movie Night at The Tipping Point
Featuring “Despicable Me”
7:30 P.M. The Tipping Point’s Outdoor Summer Movie Series returns Wednesday, July 20 with the premiere of “Despicable Me” on the giant inflatable screen. Bring your friends, kids, blankets and low back chairs and join us at The Tipping Point in Hampstead to enjoy a free, family-friendly summer movie series under the stars. Showtime starts at Sundown. Call 334.260.9110 for details. July 21-Peter Frampton 8 P.M. Chastain Park Amphitheatre Live Nation, Atlanta, Georgia. www.ticketsnow.com July 21-24 & 28-30 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South
Pacific
Times vary. Millbrook Theatre. Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Directed by A. John Collier. 334.782.7317. www.millbrooktheatre.com July 22- Miranda Lambert 7:30 P.M. Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre. www.amphitheatertuscaloosa.com July 23-2011 American Cancer Society Charity Clays Classic 4:00 P.M. Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club. Set your sights on the fight against cancer at the Second Annual Charity Clays Classic. Participants are encouraged to form teams of four or may participate individually. Following the shoot, the American Cancer Society will be hosting a dinner followed by awards and entertainment by a local band. Registration prices vary. For more information please contact Suzanna Wasserman at 334.612.8177 July 23- Miranda Lambert 8 P.M. The Wharf Amphitheater, Orange Beach, Alabama. www.amphitheateratthewharf.com July 23- Aquapalooza 2011 12:30-6 P.M. Lake Martin. Although it’s not the big National Signature Event it was in 2009, Russell Marine is proud to present Aquapalooza 2011 on Lake Martin. Still billed as The World’s Largest Boating Party, hundreds of boats and thousands of revelers are expected to spend the day enjoying the sunshine and live music. Entertainment by Sawyer Brown with Rhett Akins. www.russellmarine.net JULY/AUGUST 2011
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when? what? where? July 25- Movie Mondays Movie starts at sundown. FREE. www.montgomeryal.gov July 25-29-Montgomery Zoo Summer Camp Times vary. Montgomery Zoo. This week’s camp is for 5-6 year olds. Your child will experience a fun and educational week here at the Montgomery Zoo. There will be scavenger hunts, games, crafts and other exciting activities. All campers will receive a summer camp T-Shirt. Register online www.montgomeryzoo.com July 26- Kings of Leon 8 P.M. The Wharf Amphitheater, Orange Beach, Alabama. www.amphitheateratthewharf.com July 26-Charity Spaghetti Feed 5-7 P.M. Capital City Club. Benefiting the Alabama Kidney Foundation. Get a salad, all-you-can-eat spaghetti, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage for only $4 per person. July 28- Business After Hours 5-7 P.M. Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. This popular twohour informal networking after work 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 lnorton@montgomerychamber.com or 334.240.9431 www.montgomerychamber.com July 28-Rascall Flatts 7 P.M. Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood, Atlanta, Georgia. www.ticketsnow.com July 30- AUM Graduation Ceremony 10 A.M. Physical Education Complex (Gym). www.aum.edu AUGUST Aug 2- 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 13 weeks (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! Deadline to register is July 19. $200 per person. Contact Heidi Ellis at hellis@montgomerychamber.com or 334.240.6863. www.montgomerychamber.com. Aug 4 & 5-Keith Urban 7:30 P.M. The Arena at Gwinnett Center, Duluth, Georgia. www.ticketsnow.com
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FILET & VINE
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when? what? where? Aug 5- Lil Wayne Time TBA.Verizon Wireless Music Center, Pelham, Alabama. www.ticketsnow.com Aug 5-6- Montgomery Alabama Dance Theatre’s
“Starts on the Riverfront”
7:30 P.M. Riverwalk Amphitheater. Two free public performances. Picnic dinners are welcome. 334.241.2590 www.alabamadancetheatre.com Aug 9–Burgers and Floats 5-7 P.M. Capital City Club. Enjoy delicious homemade burgers cooked fresh on the grill and a variety of custommade floats. Register online or call the Club to make your reservations. Members and guests of members only. For membership information please contact Phyllis Fenn at phyllis.fenn@ourclub.com or 334-834-8920. www.capitalmontgomery.com Aug 9- Martinis and Manuscripts 6-8 P.M. Capital City Club. Currently, the Martinis and Manuscripts Book Group is full. However, The Capital City Club Book Group would like to create a new book group if enough members have interest. www.capitalmontgomery.com Aug 10- MACC 60 Minute Coffee 8-9 A.M. Fine Line Engravers & Gifts. 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 Lynn Norton at lnorton@montgomerychamber. com or 240.9431. www.montgomerychamber.com Aug 10- Outdoor Movie Night at The Tipping Point
Featuring “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”
See your future through.
7:30 P.M. The Tipping Point’s Outdoor Summer Movie Series returns Wednesday, August 10 with the premiere of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” on the giant inflatable screen. Bring your friends, kids, blankets and low back chairs and join us at The Tipping Point in Hampstead to enjoy a free, family-friendly summer movie series under the stars. Showtime starts at Sundown. Call 334.260.9110 for details.
Your future is what you make of it; and making the right decision in choosing a university to continue your education is paramount in bringing that future to fruition. Troy University’s Montgomery
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RSVP JULY/AUGUST 2011
26.1-ALA-Mont-Print-3.68X9.875-4c.indd 1
9/29/10 5:14:51 PM
Aug 13- Organic Gardening 101 at Hampstead Farms 10-11:30 A.M. Adults and teens are invited to join us Saturday, August 13 for a hands-on organic gardening session with Farmers Anne and Jetson at the Hampstead Farms in East Montgomery.This month’s topic:“Composting – Simple Composting at Home.” Cost is $5 per session and sign up begins at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 13. For details or to pre-register email Farmer Anne at anne@hampsteadinstitute.org. www.hampsteadinstitute.org
WALK AS IFWALK YOUR LIFE
DEPENDS ON IT.
WALK WALK WALK AS IF YOURBECAUSE LIFE WALK DEPENDS ON IT. WALK WALK SOmEONE’S BECAUSE BECAUSE WALK WALK LIFE DOES. WALK SOmEONE’S SOmEONE’S BECAUSE LIFE DOES.
when? what? where?
AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. DEPENDS ON IT.
Aug 13-14- Elvis: The Early Years Times vary. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Pack up your Blue Suede Shoes and leave Heartbreak Hotel behind, because The King is coming back to Montgomery! The Alabama Shakespeare Festival will shake, rattle and roll once again with the return of Scot Bruce, star of Idols of the King, and his band for a benefit concert. www.asf.net
AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.
AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. Aug 19-Back to School Breakfast 8-9:30 A.M. RSA Activity Center. This is an opportunity to AS IF YOUR LIFE BECAUSE engage in the Chamber’s commitment to public education and development of a strong workforce.At this annual event, more SOmEONE’S DEPENDS ON IT. than 100 Montgomery Public School principals and leaders LIFE DOES. attend, as well as anotherSOmEONE’S 100 plus community and business LIFE DOES. leaders. The importance of preparing today’s students to be BECAUSE the future workforce is presented Montgomery Public AS IF YOUR LIFE LIFEto theDOES. School attendees. The cost is $25 for chamber members SOmEONE’S DEPENDS ON IT. and $35 for nonmembers. For more information contact BECAUSE Michael C. Hall Bonnie Evans at bevans@montgomerychamber.com or Michael C. Hall LIFE DOES. 334.240.9299. www.montgomerychamber.com SOmEONE’S Michael C. Hall Aug 19–Ladies Lunch and Seminar – Wine Pairings LIFE DOES. and Etiquette BECAUSE Michael C. Hall
WALK WALK WALK WALK Michael C. Hall
11:30 A.M.-1 P.M. The Capital City Club’s very own Homer Horton will be demonstrating proper wine pairings and etiquette while you and your guests are served a delicious lunch. Mr. Horton, Food and Beverage Director at the Club, is a wine connoisseur so you are in for a treat! Members and guests of members only. $30 includes lunch. For membership information please contact Phyllis Fenn at phyllis.fenn@ ourclub.com or 334.834.8920. www.capitalmontgomery.com
SOmEONE’S Michael C. Hall LIFE DOES.
Photograph by Jesse Dylan
Photograph
Register at lightthenight.org Photograph by Je Register at lightthenigh to help in the fight against to help in the fight agai blood cancers.
Michael C. Hall Photograph by Jesse Dylan
Photograph by Jesse blood cancers.
Register at lightthenight.o The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Photograph by Jesse Dylan Michael C. Hall Aug 19-21- Buckmasters Expo to help in fight agains Alabama/Gulf Coast Chapter Register at lightthenight.org Register atthe lightthenight.org The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Times vary. Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa at to help in the fight against blood toCoast help inChapter the fight against Alabama/Gulf Register atcancers. lightthenight.org the Convention Center. Admission is a canned food item blood cancers. to help in the fight Montgomery Walk - Thursday, September 2011 -against Union blood22, cancers. Photograph by Jesse Dylan benefiting the Montgomery Chapter of The Salvation Army. blood cancers. Station Train Shed More than 30,000 consumers and hunters from around the Montgomery Thursday, September 22, 2011 - Un country attend the expo. Stock up on hunting and check & Lymphoma Thegear Leukemia Society Walk Register at lightthenight.org The Leukemia &-Lymphoma Society 877.LTN.WALK •Station lightthenight.org/al Train Shed out new products. Activities include Buckmasters Trophy to help in the fight against Alabama/Gulf Coast Chapter The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society The Leukemia Lymphoma Society Alabama/Gulf Coast Chapter Records Scoring and Display, Buckmasters Top Bow Indoor blood cancers. Alabama/Gulf Coast Chapter Register at lightthenight.org Alabama/Gulf Local Sponsors: Coast Chapter World Championship, and kids activities, including archery in the fight against 877.LTN.WALKto • help lightthenight.org/al shooting and laser shot hunting and target simulating. blood cancers. Montgomery Walk - Thursday, September 22, Leukemia 2011 - Union The The Leukemia & Lymphoma is the world’s largest voluntary &Society® Lymphoma Society Also includes free members only-country music concert. health agency dedicated fighting bloodSeptember cancers. Learn more at www.LLS.org. Montgomery Walk - to Thursday, 22, 2011 - Union Station Train Shed Alabama/Gulf Coast Chapter Local Sponsors: www.buckmasters.com Montgomery Walk Thursday, September 22,2011 2011- Union - Union Station Train Shed The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society22, Montgomery Walk - Thursday, September Alabama/Gulf Coast Chapter Station Train Shed Station TrainSociety® Shedis the world’s largest voluntary Aug 20- School Clean-Up The Leukemia & Lymphoma 877.LTN.WALK • lightthenight.org/al 877.LTN.WALK • lightthenight.org/al Montgomery Walk Thursday, September 22, 2011 - Union health agency dedicated to fighting blood cancers. Learn more at www.LLS.o www.emergemontgomery.com Photograph by Jesse Dylan
Train Shed Montgomery Walk -Station Thursday, September 22, 2011 - Union
Local Sponsors: Station Train Shed Local Sponsors: 877.LTN.WALK lightthenight.org/al Aug 20- Ben Folds 877.LTN.WALK • •lightthenight.org/al 8 P.M. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, 877.LTN.WALK • lightthenight.org/al largest voluntary The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® is the world’s largest voluntary 877.LTN.WALK • lightthenight.org/al Birmingham. www.ticketsmore.com The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® is the world’s
health agency dedicated to fighting blood cancers. Learn more at www.LLS.org. health agency dedicated to fighting blood cancers. Learn more at www.LLS.org. Local Sponsors: LocalLocal Sponsors: Sponsors:
Local Sponsors: Aug 21- MMFA: Family Art Affair 1-3 P.M. Montgomery Museum of Art. Bring the entire The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® is the world’s largest voluntary The Leukemia The Leukemia&&Lymphoma LymphomaSociety® Society®isisthe theworld’s world’s largest largest voluntary voluntary family to this FREE new Museum program. Families will The Leukemia & dedicated Lymphoma Society® iscancers. the world’s health agency blood cancers. Learn more www.LLS.org. health agency dedicated totofighting blood Learn more at voluntary www.LLS.org. health agency dedicated tofighting fighting blood cancers. Learn more at atlargest www.LLS.org. work as a team in the studios to create fun “make and health agency dedicated to fighting blood cancers. Learn more at www.LLS.org. take” art projects related to temporary exhibitions in the galleries or to works in the Museum’s Permanent Collection. www.mmfa.org
JULY/AUGUST 2011
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when? what? where? Aug 23- LifeSouth Blood Drive 9 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Auburn University at Montgomery. For more information contact Paige Zukowski at pzukowski@ outreach.aum.edu or 334.244.3924 www.aum.edu Aug 25- Business After Hours 5-7 P.M. Allstate Beverage Company. This popular twohour informal networking after-work 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 lnorton@montgomerychamber.com or 334.240.9431 www.montgomerychamber.com Aug 27-2nd Annual Montgomery Dragon Boat Race & Festival
8 A.M.-3:30 P.M. Riverwalk Park. Come out for the race and fun festival including Taekwondo demos, dance parties and live entertainment. After party begins at 3:45 P.M. All proceeds benefit Rebuilding Together Central Alabama and Bridge Builders Alabama. www.montgomerydragonboat.org Aug 27-Biscuits Outing – Auburn/Alabama Night 7:05 P.M. Price includes the ticket, a private buffet with ballpark cuisine, a private bartender, ultimate seats on the 3rd base line and non-alcoholic beverages. Showcase your school spirit by wearing your Auburn Orange or Alabama Crimson and help your school with a cash donation. Collegiate decor, special VIP appearances by former athletes and university mascots highlight the game, plus fans battle it out in on-field promotions to score points for each university. Tickets are $26 per person. Members and guests of members only. For membership information please contact Phyllis Fenn at phyllis.fenn@ourclub.com or 334.834.8920. www.capitalmontgomery.com Aug 27-Benefit Concert: Selah 7-10 P.M. Heritage Baptist Church. Christian group Selah and author/singer Angie Smith will have a benefit concert for the Footprints Ministry. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Heritage Baptist Church or www.nicufootprints.com. Aug 27-ABCs of BATS 10 A.M.-12 P.M. Montgomery Zoo. Learn more about animals through the Zoo Education Department and selected programs. Limited number accepted, advanced reservations required. Call the Zoo for availability. Admission charged. www.montgomeryzoo.com
Aug 31-Final Outdoor Movie Night of the Summer at The Tipping Point
7:30 P.M. The final Outdoor Movie Night of the Summer premieres Wednesday, August 31 at The Tipping Point featuring “Toy Story 3” on the giant inflatable screen. Bring your friends, kids, blankets and low back chairs and join us at The Tipping Point in Hampstead to enjoy the final family-friendly summer movie series under the stars. Showtime starts at Sundown. Call 334.260.9110 for details.
(205) 914-4527
www.chefdavecarvesice.com chefdavecarvesice@hotmail.com
Located in the heart of Downtown Montgomery along the Alabama River, the Hampstead Institute Downtown Farm opened spring 2011 as an all-natural, community farm that grows, harvests and sells fresh, locally grown produce. Like its well-established predecessor, Hampstead Farms in East Montgomery, the new urban farm is operated by the Hampstead Institute non-profit organization to promote education, sustainable agriculture, tourism and economic development for the community.
Education- The Hampstead Institute Downtown Farm offers hands-on educational classes for schools, community groups and visitors alike. Full-time farmer Jetson Brown and executive director Edwin Marty are available full time to teach topics ranging from sustainable food production to nutrition and healthy living. Curious visitors of all ages are also able to observe different stages of planting and harvesting in the Children's Learning Beds or tour through the farm's repurposed red train caboose.
Sustainability - The Hampstead Institute places the highest importance on sustainability and sustainable agriculture. One of the key elements is natural ingredients produced locally for neighborhood restaurants, farmers markets and individuals, promoting healthy foods and less waste in resources, transportation and fuel costs from farm-to-table. To learn more, drop by the farm and chat with farmer Jetson about the signature windmill, water cistern and red train caboose – there's more than meets the eye!
Tourism- The urban farm serves as the newest stop on the Lightening Route as visitors explore Montgomery's revitalized downtown scene. Educators from across the River Region and beyond are invited to bring students to visit the unique working farm, helping to make Montgomery a leading proponent of sustainable agriculture and development nationwide. Events - The Hampstead Institute Downtown Farm offers an all-natural, one-of-a-kind gathering place in the heart of Downtown Montgomery. To inquire about private events of all sizes on the community lawn, email events@townofhampstead.com.
Thomas O. Patterson, REALTOR® Residential Sales | Aronov Realty (334) Office: 277-2700 | Direct: 399-0454 thomas@thomasopatterson.com Member Montgomery Area Association of Realtors®
7027 Halcyon Park Drive | Montgomery, AL 36117
Get Involved -We invite you to support the community's non-profit farm by becoming a volunteer. No experience is required, with needs on the farm ranging from planting and weeding to sponsorships or event volunteers. If you'd like to be contacted for upcoming volunteer opportunities or learn more about how you can become involved, please email Edwin Marty at edwin@hampsteadinstitute.org. www.hampsteadinstitute.org
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Eve’s Studio Located in the Mulberry Business District, Eve’s Studio could be one of the best kept secrets in the River Region area. Owned and operated by Eve Moseley, this “Little GreenInvitation House on Clubview” all of the Special For Newoffers Clients! following services to assist you with your personal If you are interested in the Keratin Hair pampering:
Treatment then Eve’s Studio is the place for YOU!
Hair, nails, waxing, makeup, skin care and gift boutique. Keratin Express Plus, when your pampering time is over, you can pick up aHair casserole for the night’s Some may call this Straighteningdinner. Treatment “one stop shopping.”
$100 Value for Only $50*
Only a few brands have earned places among *Extraselect for longer hair | One coupon per person the Eve’s Studio prestigious collection of products. World-class brands such as Kitoko, Onesta, Simply Smooth Extend and Coppola are stocked to assist you in taking the best care of your hair. As a master stylist, Eve searches far and wide to bring you the very best in hair accessories to decorate your locks for any occasion. Eve also stocks the best values in the makeup industry, including Repêchage® and Lady Burd. In the boutique, Eve has decided to not try and be all things to all people and to not place volume and margins ahead of quality and value. That’s why she only stocks the most unique gifts from manufacturers such as Liza Kim, PurseN, Anthony Alexander, Linda CALL TODAY For Your Richards, Rocco Originals and more. Consultation Appointment! If you feelClubview like you need make a changeAL in your life 2026 St. -toMontgomery, or your appearance, visit Eve’s Studio. We would love www.evesstudiollc.com - 334.262.8888 to have the opportunity to help you feel special!
2026 Clubview St. Montgomery, AL www.evestudiollc.com 334.262.8888
JULY/AUGUST 2011 RSVP 71
resource directory 129 Coosa Street, p. 57 129 Coosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.262.8859 www.129coosa.com
Alabama Shakespeare Festival, p. 68
1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334.271.5353 www.asf.net
DCVI Studios, p. 47 Prattville, AL 36066 334.358.5606 www.dcvistudios.com
Alfa-Billy Bradford, p. 69 4331 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334.277.5785
Deli at Alley Station, p. 49 130A Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.263.2922 www.alleystationdeli.com
AlleyBAR, p. 3
166 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.387.3333 www.alleybarmontgomery.com
Alley Station, p. 40 130 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.277.1077 www.alleystation.com Arbors on Taylor, p. 65
485 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL 36117 334.386.2655 www.thearborsontaylor.com
Arrow Rents & Party Professionals, p. 21 5600 Calmar Drive Montgomery, AL 36116 334.277.0460 www.arrowrents.net
AUM, p. 55 7440 East Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334.244.3000 www.aum.edu
4697 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334.396.7120 www.dougs2.com
Dragon Boat Racing, p. 64 www.montgomerydragonboat.org Dreamland BBQ, p. 53 101 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.273.7427 www.dreamlandbbq.com EastChase, p. 12
7274 Eastchase Lane Montgomery, AL 36117 334.279.6046 www.theshoppesateastchase.com
Emerge Montgomery, p. 62 600 South Court Street, Suite 544 Montgomery, AL 36104 334.262.2261 www.emergemontgomery.com
Bassmaster Elite Series p. 2
Baumhower’s, p. 37 201 South Union Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.263.8800
5345 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109 334.386.7210 www.faulkner.edu
Bill Ingalls, p. 57
Filet and Vine, p. 65
1043 Woodley Rd Montgomery, AL 36106-2429 334.264.3333
Brendle Rentals, p. 73 485 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36117 334.279.7368 www.brendlerentals.com Cantina, p. 45
130 Commerce Street, Suite 103 Montgomery, AL 36104 334.262.2339
Capital City Club, p. 63 201 Monroe Street, Suite 2100 Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.8920 www.capitalmontgomery.com Charlottes Jewelry, p. 8 8161 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334.396.1919
Clint Darby Band, p. 31
334.201.1976 www.clintdarby.com
Darren Freeman Photography, p. 31, 60, 69
P.O. Box 240404 Montgomery, AL 36124 334.215.7827 www.darrenphotography.com
RSVP JULY/AUGUST 2011
Doug’s 2 Salon-Spa, p. 33
Eve’s Studio, p. 65 2026 Clubview Street Montgomery, AL 36106 334.262.888 8 www.evesstudiollc.com
334.241.2100 or funontheriver.net
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Davis Theatre- Troy University,
p. 21 251 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.241.9567 www.montgomery.troy.edu/davis
Faulkner University, p. 72
431 Cloverdale Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334.262.8888 www.filetandvine.com
Fine Line Engravers & Gifts, p. 55 1651 Perry Hill Rd. Montgomery, AL 334.281.7577 www.finelineengravers.com
Footprints Ministry, p. 53 1849 Perry Hill Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334.391.1594 www.nicufootprints.org
Hampstead, p. 22-23
5272 Hampstead High Street Montgomery, AL 36116 334.270.6730 www.townofhampstead.com
Hello Gorgeous Photography, p. 15 www.hellogorgeousphotography.com hue Studio, p. 53 8155 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334.239.8884 www.huestudioinc.com Hughes Pools & Spa, p.35 658 North Eastern Bypass Montgomery, AL 36117 334.270.5800 www.hughespools.com
Ice Sculptures by David Bromley, p. 69
P.O. Box 130681 Birmingham, AL 35213 205.914.4527 www.chefdavecarvesice.com
Jim N’ Nicks, p. 47
6415 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36117 334.213.0046 2250 Cobbs Ford Road Prattville, AL 36066 334.290.1000 www.jimnnicks.com
Kim Box Photography, p. 9
West Main Street Prattville, AL 36067 334.491.0409 www.kimboxphotography.com
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, p. 49
100 Case Park South, Suite 220 Birmingham, AL 35244 205.989.0098
Light the Night Walk, p. 67
www.lightthenight.org
Lingerie by Hob Nob, p. 55 1609 South Decatur Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.230.9886 Look Boutique, p. 60 1048 East Fairview Montgomery ,AL 36106 334.239.7537 2469 Pinnacle Way Prattville, AL 36066 334.290.0928 LULU’s Attic to Antiques,
p. 51 946 Plantation Way Montgomery, AL 36117 334.657.3639
Lush Makeup Art, p. 47 334.315.2863 www.lushmakeupart.com MANE, p. 7
3699 Wallahatchie Road Pike Road, AL 36064 334.213.0909 www.maneweb.org
Marriott-Legends at Capitol Hill, p. 31
2500 Legends Circle Prattville, AL 36066 334.290.1235 www.marriottcapitolhill.com
Midtown Pizza Kitchen,
Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, p. 4 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.481.5100 www.mpaconline.org
Montgomery Zoo, p. 35 2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery, AL 36110-3250 334.240.4900 myStarke, p. 5
210 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.263.5535 www.mystarke.com
p. 70 2940 Zelda Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334.395.0080 www.midtownpizzakitchen. com
Nails O Naturel, p. 51
Momma Goldberg’s Deli,
1609 South Decatur Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.230.9886
p. 35 7960 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334.517.1071 www.mommagoldbergdeli.com
Montgomery Ballet, p. 73
2101 Eastern Boulevard, Ste. 223 Montgomery, AL 36117 334.409.0522 www.montgomeryballet.org
Montgomery Humane
Society, p. 71 1150 John Overton Drive Montgomery, AL 36110 334.409.0622 www.montgomeryhumane.com Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, p. 49
1 Museum Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334.240.4369 www.mmfa.org
334.271.6328 www.steaksnwines.com
www.stiversfordlm. dealerconnection.com/
Pickwick Antiques, p. 29
Stream Cosmetics p.37
3851 Interstate Court Montgomery, AL 36109 334.279.1481 www.pickwickantiques.com
Pine Bar, p. 52
501 Cloverdale Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334.239.9061 www.thepinebar.com
Saint James School, p. 61
8448 Crossland Loop, Ste. 163 Montgomery, AL 36117 334.782.4137 www.nailsonaturel.com
New Hob Nob, p. 51
6010 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116 334.277.8033 www.stjweb.org
SaZa Pizza, p. 10
138 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.495.7292 www.sazapizza.com
Spa at Renaissance
Montgomery, p. 6 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.481.5210 www.spaatmontgomery.com
New Park Living, p. 74 9430 New Park Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334.215.9215 www.newparkliving.com
334.201.3661 jsgrdn@aol.com
Taylor Crossing, p. 33 100 Taylor Road North Montgomery, AL 3 6117-6723 334.270.9225 www.taylorcrossingvet. vetsuite.com The Chop House
at The Vintage Year, p. 29 405 Cloverdale Road Montgomery, AL 36106 334.264.8463 Thomas Patterson, p. 70 7027 Halcyon Park Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 334.277.2700 Thomas@ thomaspatterson.com The Waters, p. 11
2239 Marler Road Pike Road, AL 36064 334.561.1801 www.thewatersal.com
NShape, p. 62
Starke Agency, p. 5
101 Walker Street Prattville, AL 36066 334.233.8675 nshapefitness@live.com
210 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.263.5535 www.starkeagency.com
Trip Walton, lll, p. 76 334.321.3000 www. waltonlaw.net
Obelisk Healthcare, p. 17
State Farm Insurance, p. 57
231 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.1400 www.montgomery.troy.edu
4705 Woodmere Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36106 334.558.0262 www.obeliskhealthcare.com
Peppertree Steaks N’ Wines, p. 37 8101 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36116
Breck Honea 61 Market Place Montgomery, AL 36117 334.272.8423 www.breckhonea.com
Stivers Ford, p.75 4000 Eastern Boulevard Montgomery, AL 36111 334.613.5024
Troy University, p. 66
Zink Chiropractic, p. 29
2117 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL 36117 334.270.3333 www.zinkchiropractic.com
e Montgomery Ballet
Performance on the Green at the Blount Cultural Park
Fr i d a y, Ju l y 1 5 t h a t 8 : 0 0 p m e Montgomery Ballet Company in C l a s s i c a l & C o n t e m p o r a r y Wo r k s by Artistic Director Elie Lazar
S a t u r d a y, Ju l y 1 6 t h a t 8 : 0 0 p m
BRENDLE RENTA LS 485 Eastern Blvd • Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 279-7368 • brendlerentals.com
Featuring students from the Montgomery Ballet 2011 International Summer Intensive Fr i d a y, Ju l y 1 5 t h a t 7 : 0 0 p m Picnic on the Green 409-0522 for more information
Homes from
199,000
$
NEW PRICES!
At New Park, you’ll find Montgomery’s only complete family neighborhood with a collection of homes with over 100 plans to choose from. Plus, New Park is the city’s only neighborhood that is home to Montgomery’s newest elementary school and YMCA, and adjacent to the city’s newest middle school. All just a sidewalk away. Homes from the high $100s. Convenience from another time. Enjoy life from a simpler point of view at New Park.
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S a l e s C e n t e r New Park Drive, off Ray Thorington Road 334.215.9215 | newparkliving.com T h e n e w n e i g h b o r h o o d f r o m J i m Wi l s o n & A s s o c i a t e s , L L C 74
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JULY/AUGUST 2011 RSVP 75
The Fighter
Will O. (Trip) Walton, III 2011 Alabama Super Lawyer Ph: 334-321-3000 www.waltonlaw.net
The values of a fighter are honor, dignity, pride and sportsmanship. Trip embodies all of these, and more. As a Golden Gloves Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Trip learned that hard work, persistence and diligence pay off - in the ring and the courtroom. Trip has always compared the boxing ring to a courtroom, where the referee is the judge and the judges at ringside are the jurors. Trip’s team always fights for the rights of victims who have been harmed by others. Walton Law Firm primarily handles motor vehicle collisions resulting in minor to catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Trip’s entire team works on each case with a sincere interest in the individual. Trip’s motto has always been “We don’t start the fight - we finish it!”.
Traumatic Brain Injury • Wrongful Death • Serious Personal Injury No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal 76 RSVPperformed JULY/AUGUST services by2011 other lawyers. This is for general information only. For legal advice, contact a lawyer.