The
ESSENCE of S O U T H E R N
SOCIETY
10
JULE VERA
ALTERNATIVE MUSIC PHENOMENON
CHEF LEO
ALL ABOUT HONEST COOKING
TRIP WALTON
AUBURN / OPELIKA, AL SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015
THE FIGHTER
AN AUBURN ESCAPE. War Eagle! Cheer on the Tigers this year and experience the plains’ most luxurious accommodations near the University. The Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National is minutes from Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Auburn Arena, yet maintains a lodge-style setting. Stay in style and savor American cuisine at the Lakeview Room or unwind with a signature cocktail while sitting around our outdoor firepits. Looking for some more fun before or after the games? Play a round of golf on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National or experience the new tennis center complete with pickleball courts. Make the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center your home away from home when coming to watch the Tigers play. For information or to make reservations, call 800.593.6456 or visit MarriottGrandNational.com.
AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER AT GRAND NATIONAL 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, AL 36801 Phone 334.741.9292, MarriottGrandNational.com A part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
© 2015 Marriott International, Inc.
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CONTENT
VISAGE
VISAGE
town
EVENTS AROUND
SAUGAHATCHEE MEMBER PARTY Saugahatchee Countr y Club, Opelika AL
22 VARIATIONS CHARITY FASHION SHOW The Hotel at Auburn University, Auburn AL
30 WINE SPECTATOR AWARD Maestro 2300, Auburn AL
32 PICCOLO’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY
The Hotel at Auburn University, Auburn, AL
36
8 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
CONTENT
FEATURES
LOCAL FOCUS
FACES
Dr. Scott Sprayberr y
42 LOCAL FOCUS Oktoberfest
50 LOCAL FOCUS Jule Vera
56 CULINARY CORNER
FEATURE STORY
64
TRIP WA LT O N
Chef Leonardo Maurelli
74
LOCAL FEATURE
Auburn University Air port
84 FASHION
Pamala’s Boutique
92 HOME
Oliver Henr y
118
T R AV E L
DUBAI
United Arab Emirates
126
10 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
Show your
CONFIDENCE
in Amy head Cosmetics
ExCluSivE
BEAUTY PROVIDER
of Eminence organic Skin Care
DR. BRAD LITKENHOUS providing Cosmetic Dentistry, BoTox and Juvederm
Dare
TO TO BE BE DIFFERENT DIFFERENT Auburn Dental Spa
•
1 5 7 5 P r o f e s s i o n a l P a r k w a y, A u b u r n , A l 3 6 8 3 0
w w w. A u b u r n D e n t a l S p a . c o m
•
334.821.2846
Koullas Realty www.LiveLakeMartin.com
Tabitha Dumas
256-307-4399 Tabitha@LiveLakeMartin.com Each office is independently owned and operated.
For all your boating needs call Donnie McDaniel at Lakeside Marina. 256.825.9286
SOUTHERN TAT L E R THE ESSENCE OF SOUTHERN SOCIETY
PUBLISHER Matthew Tse
A D V E R T I S M E N T & M ar k eting Robert Averett Matthew Tse
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Iris Saya Miller Taylor Abate Mallory Vieria Todd Duren
P hotographer Nicole Degree Issac Leverett
W riters
Hannah Swanson Caroline Lentz
for questions or comments concerning advertising or general inquiries: 334.539.1780 customer.relations@southerntatler.com Southern Tatler is a bi-monthly magazine by Raw Conceptual, LLC. All material published remain the property of Raw Conceptual, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or copied without Raw Conceptual, LLC consent.
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LETTER
the
from
PUBLISHER When one embarks on a journey on a plane, it’s rarely smooth. There will be turbulence and scary moments, but in the end the plane will reach its destination. Nonetheless, life is the same. There are moments when we lose hope and sight, but with persistence and faith, we will get to where we need to be in life. In this issue, we learned what it takes to be successful in life. When the challenge gets tough, when the road gets rough, all you need to do is keep the faith, and it will surely find its own course. Trip Walton played football in college and boxed, even though there were moments when the sight of winning was lost, Walton continued and never quit, and it is those moments that define one’s character. Everyone has a dream to fly high and be a success. There are only a few who succeed and are willing to sacrifice education for a dream. Jule Vera, a band from Auburn, AL, originated in 2013 and today they launched their first music video. There were moments when they experienced shakiness through the process, but in the end they overcame, and never gave up. Travelling can be for business, pleasure or simply to relaxation. The Hotel at Auburn University is hosting Oktoberfest on October 10th, with guests coming to Auburn from all over the Southern states. This events is not about football, is about the fine moments friends share with one another, showcasing over 50+ beers. Life is never the perfect trip. It never will be. Sometimes you soar up high and sometimes you crash. With enough faith and persistence you too could end up in the pilots seat. -Matthew Tse
16 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
LIFE
PET HOTEL
THE MILESTONE HOTEL, LONDON For those jet setting pets, a tailor-made hamper with a Milestone collar tag, tasty treats and a plethora of toy await. There’s plenty to choose from on the pet menu, including bathrobes, turndown treats and custom-made bedding for fussy Fiods. If it’s time to go for a walk or a grooming session simply dial the concierge for all your pet’s needs. www.milestonehotel.com
THE MUSE, NEW YORK Upon arrival, canine companions are greeted by the hotel’s director of pet relations, whom will cater to all your pet needs. In additional to the essentials, guests and their pampered pooches can indulge in a Hers and Furs Pet-icure. The director of pet relations also has a handy list of New York’s pet-friendly places, whether it’s directions to the nearby 15,000sqft pet playground Canine Court for active pups, or a list of shops that welcome pets.
www.themusehotel.com
LE MEURICE, PARIS
When Arthur Million and Frederic Schwenter took over Le Meurice in 1905 and arranged major refurbishments the workers befriended a stray greyhound, which has since become the hotel’s mascot. With Specific dining option for pets, custom-designed bowls engraved with their names, and walks in the illustrious Tuileries Garden at the hands of the hotel grooms, your visit will place your pets snugly in the world of luxury.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MIAMI Precious pups receive a golden collar tag a plush pet bed, canine kitchenware and treats, while the pet menu include delicious grilled beef tenderloin and desserts. There are activities for pets Doggie Boot Camp Play Date or Training Date, where a certified dog trainer will get you and your dog into tip-top bikini shape.
www. lemeurice.com
www.mandarinoriental.com/miami
18 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
Where there is something for everyone .
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Will O. (Trip) Walton, III 2011- 2014 Super Lawyers 334.321.3000 www.waltonlaw.net waltonlaw@waltonlaw.net
“Walton Law Firm Top Five”
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Traumatic Brain Injury • Wrongful Death • Serious Personal Injury “The recoveries, verdicts, favorable outcomes, and testimonials described in this ad are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The evaluation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, thejurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. Furthermore, no representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater thanthe quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
VISAGE S A U G A H AT C H E E MEMBER PA RT Y
S A U G A H ATC H E E M E M B E R PA RT Y S AU G A H AT C H E E C O U N T RY C LU B, O P E L I K A A L
July 25, 2015
Saugahatchee Country Club held its annual member party on July 25th with over 400+ members in attendance for this celebration. It was an event created for the members of one of the oldest golf club in Auburn, AL, Saugahatchee Country Club opened in 1947.
VISAGE S A U G A H AT C H E E MEMBER PA RT Y
S A U G A H ATC H E E M E M B E R PA RT Y S AU G A H AT C H E E C O U N T RY C LU B, O P E L I K A A L
July 25, 2015
In 1976, the Country Club was moved to its current location. Today, Saugachtree Country Club is one of the premier private golf clubs. It cannot be what it is today without the member’s support.
VISAGE S A U G A H AT C H E E MEMBER PA RT Y
S A U G A H ATC H E E M E M B E R PA RT Y S AU G A H AT C H E E C O U N T RY C LU B, O P E L I K A A L
July 25, 2015
Comprehensive financial planning done LOCALLY
Serving the Southeast for over 37 years. 1800 Airport Road
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Opelika, AL 36801
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(334) 749-5001
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Roth IRAs Traditional IRAs Education Savings Plans Investment Accounts Employer Sponsored Plans Retirement Income Planning Medicaid Protection Special Needs Trusts Advanced Healthcare Directives Family Partnerships & LLCs Charitable Gifting Plans Insurance
VISAGE S A U G A H AT C H E E MEMBER PA RT Y
S A U G A H ATC H E E M E M B E R PA RT Y S AU G A H AT C H E E C O U N T RY C LU B, O P E L I K A A L
July 25, 2015
28 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
The Women’s Philanthropy Board and The Woman’s Club of Auburn present
Our History • Our People • Our Hearts featuring keynote speaker
Barbara Dooley at the
2015 WPB Fall Luncheon
Friday, November 13, 2015 The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center Individual Open Seating Reservations $65 Table Sponsorships (10 Reservations): Gold $800, Platinum $1,000, Diamond $1,200
Television personality, real estate professional, nonprofit volunteer, author, and wife of Vince Dooley, former head football coach at the University of Georgia
Presented by
To make reservations online, please visit: www.carycenter.auburn.edu/wpb For more information, please call the Women’s Philanthropy Board office at (334) 844-9156
A Division of the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies
The Woman’s Club Of Auburn, Alabama
Alabama Tourism Department
VISAGE VA R I AT I O N S
VA R I AT I O N S C H A R I T Y FA S H I O N S H O W
CHARITY
THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL
FASHION
August 4, 2015
SHOW
30 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
Variations dance studio presents the inaugural dance/fitness Fashion Show, featuring Betsey Johnson with her new cutting edge dance/fitness apparel designed for Capezio. Ticket proceeds from this event will be donated to a local charity, Storybook Farm, to support their mission.
31 S EP TEM BER/ OCTOBER
2015
VISAGE WINE S P E C TAT O R AWA R D
W I N E S P E C TATO R AWA R D MAESTRO 2300, AUBURN AL
July 24, 2015
Maestro 2300 was awarded the 2015 wine spectator, award of excellence. The only restaurant in Auburn, AL to be awarded 5 times consecutively. This award is given away annually to restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections that are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.
VISAGE PICCOLO’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY
PICCOLO’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL
August 21-22, 2015
36 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
Piccolo, located at The Hotel at Auburn University, celebrated its 6th anniversary on August 21- 22, with over 200+ guests in attendance for the event.
VISAGE PICCOLO’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY
PICCOLO’S 6TH ANNIVERSARY THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL
August 21-22, 2015
38 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
Huff Smith Law Protecting Your Future
We are Here to Protect Your Future. The mission of Huff Smith Law, built by the two partners Haley L. Huff and Brett A. Smith, is to protect the future of our community. Haley L. Huff
We aspire to provide exemplary legal services and counseling for a variety of legal matters:
• Criminal Brett A. Smith
• Non-Profit • Real Estate • Small Business
Brandon Poticny
Even if you don’t currently have a need for our services, we’d love to meet you and get to know you. Give us a call, or stop by our office just to say “Hi.” Our office is located in downtown Auburn, at the corner of College Street and Samford Avenue, in the historic Cullars-Conner Home.
Contact
(334) 329-5596 www.huffsmithlaw.com info@huffsmithlaw.com
• Family Law
Address
• Charitable Organization
369 S. College St. Auburn, AL 36830
“No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
BREATH
SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
FACES: Dr. Scott Sprayberry
LOCAL FOCUS: Oktoberfest Jule Vera
CULINARY CORNER: Chef Leonardo Maurelli
FACES DR.
SCOTT
SPRAYBERRY
A
True Auburn Man Most of our career goals at 6 years old were far-fetched dreams of becoming an astronaut, the president, or a movie star. Fulfilling those dreams as an adult is a rare achievement. However, Dr. Scott Sprayberry knew exactly what he wanted to be at that age, and he is doing just that.
43 S EP TEM BER/ OCTOBER
2015
“
hen Dr. Sprayberry was 6-years-old, he drew a picture of himself as a dentist. Now a practicing orthodontist, he says that being a dentist is what he wanted to do for as long as he can remember. Dr. Sprayberry is the owner and doctor at Sprayberry Orthodontics in Auburn, but he is so much more than his practice. He is a father to four beautiful children, a loving husband, a dedicated Christian, and an avid outdoorsman. He has turned his passion into a successful business, all the while remaining faithful to his family and his church. In addition, Dr. Sprayberry has continued to be actively involved with his alma mater, Auburn University and its College of Sciences and Mathematics. It is clear that Dr. Sprayberry is the epitome of an Auburn man, serving his family, his community, and his faith.
Dr. Sprayberry is an Alabama native through and through. His father was an electrical engineer for Alabama Power, and because of so, Dr. Sprayberry lived in seven different Alabama towns throughout his childhood. When his family moved to Goodwater, a small town in Coosa County, he was the fourth-generation Sprayberry to have lived there. Goodwater was also home to his grandfather’s small cattle farm, and Dr. Sprayberry spent much time here fishing and hunting while growing up. “Looking back, I realize my grandfather did a lot of work at the farm so when all the grandkids and family showed up we were able to enjoy the place and enjoy being with each other,” Dr. Sprayberry said. As his family moved around a lot while he was young, Dr. Sprayberry’s parents made sure to instill in him the strong Christian values that he still possesses today. These values taught him about hard work, being a good father and student, and about giving back to his community. Dr. Sprayberry graduated from high school in 1988. Upon his graduation, his mother decided to go back
It was a dream of mine to come back to
Auburn
”
to work as a teacher, and Dr. Sprayberry moved to his eighth Alabama town: Auburn, home of Auburn University. Dr. Sprayberry began studying at Auburn in September of 1988. Because he had known he wanted to be a dentist for most of his life, he spent his college career in the College of Sciences and Mathematics as a pre-dentistry major. His love for science and wanting to work with his hands inspired his career in dentistry. However, school was not Dr. Sprayberry’s only endeavor while at Auburn. He was an active member in his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, and a leader on campus. He served as the Student Senate President, vice president for the Student Government Association and continued to grow in his faith as a Christian. In addition, he developed relationships with his professors and other mentors, including Dr. Wayne Alderman, his
fraternity advisor, and Dr. Larry Witt, a former physiology professor. In 1992, Dr. Sprayberry finished at Auburn and moved to Birmingham to attend dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While attending UAB, Dr. Sprayberry fell in love with his wife, Beth. They met on a Sunday evening at the end of his second year of school at the Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Dr. Sprayberry immediately knew he liked Beth, but because he was such a dedicated student, he waited until exams were over to formally ask her out. “She still gives me a hard time about waiting to ask her out,” Dr. Sprayberry laughed. During Christmas break two years later, the two were married and have been happily married ever since. In the spring of 1996, Dr. Sprayberry graduated from dental school with honors, but
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2015
he stayed at UAB an additional three years to complete his orthodontic residency. After those three years were up, Dr. Sprayberry, Beth, and their oldest child, Mary Grace, who was then a baby, moved back to Auburn to start a practice. “It was a dream of mine to come back to Auburn,” Dr. Sprayberry said. Starting his own practice was not an easy task, but Dr. Sprayberry has flourished in doing so. When he first opened Sprayberry Orthodontics in Auburn, Dr. Sprayberry shared an office with a group of ophthalmologists. “It was pretty funny because we had people in for their eyes on one side of the waiting room and people in for their teeth on the other,” Dr. Sprayberry chuckled. He says that he was nervous about opening his own practice but used the advice of his former mentor from UAB, Dr. Don Speed, to guide him through the process. Although it took some time getting initial patients in and developing relationships with the community and with the local dentists, Dr. Sprayberry now is one of the best orthodontists in East Alabama. In fact, Dr. Sprayberry is a member of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, which is a status achieved by less than 40% of orthodontists in the United States. Outside of his practice, Dr. Sprayberry enjoys an array of activities. He and his wife have four children: Mary Grace, 16; Tucker, 14; Ellie 13; and Hutch, 10. As a part of his foundation of his beliefs, Dr. Sprayberry spends much of his time outside of the office with his family. The Sprayberrys are also very active in their church, Lakeview Baptist. Additionally, Dr. Sprayberry enjoys spending time hunting with his two sons and training his two Brittany Spaniels, which he uses as bird dogs. More recently, Dr. Sprayberry has started turkey hunting, which is known as one of the most challenging types of hunting among avid hunters. Although his love for the sport is clear, Dr. Sprayberry loves the time he is
able to spend with his sons. “I go deer hunting for my sons. They enjoy it, so we do it,” he said. Dr. Sprayberry is also passionate about giving back to Auburn University and to his community. At the University, he is on the board of advisors for his fraternity and is the Chairman of the College of Sciences and Mathematics Campaign Committee for the Office of Development. Dr. Sprayberry is also on the board of the East Alabama Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His practice also hosts an annual barbecue with the other dentists in the community, an event that is a favorite among his peers. When asked to define his meaning of success, Dr. Sprayberry is not concerned with his accolades as an orthodontist or accomplishments outside of work. He regards success as the impression he leaves among his peers and community members. “Success is people oriented. I want to concentrate on my family and my faith and have a positive influence on my community. Life is short. While I am here, I want to live with a heart of thankfulness because of the love and grace God has shown to me and my family through Jesus Christ,” Dr. Sprayberry said. Dr. Sprayberry believes that it is important to be good and to be dedicated to a few things, rather than trying to do it all. He is a community leader, a faithful Christian, and a dedicated father and husband. His passion for his family shines through his million dollar smile, and the Auburn-Opelika community is fortunate to have such an outstanding community member.
47 S EP TEM BER/ OCTOBER
2015
Irish Bred Pub and Whippoorwill Vineyards Wine Pairing invite you to joing them for a
WINE DINNER Featuring award winning wines
IRIsh BRED puB SunSet RoSe
Guinness Bratwurst, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Roasted Potato
HaRveSt Moon
Shrimp and Grits, Pancetta Cream
SaugaHatcHee cReek
Grilled Oysters, Roasted Garlic and Parmesan
noble – DRy
Herb Encrusted Prime Rib
Sou tHeRn gloRy
Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Goat Cheese, Blueberry Demi
ScuppeRnog
Bread Pudding, Crème Anglaise
LOCAL FOCUS OKTOBERFEST
GREAT BEER, GOOD FOOD,
and even better company.
ktoberfest 2015
This year, Oktoberfest will return for the sixth time and will feature more than 100 craft beers, traditional German food, and live music AT THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY OCTOBER 10 FROM 4-9 PM 50 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
reat beer, good food, and even better company. This must have been the idea the Germans had when they threw the first Oktoberfest in 1810. The festival is a 16-day event that takes place in the heart of Munich from late September until early October. Munich now sees an average of six million people for Oktoberfest, and the event has become an international phenomenon among beer drinkers and cultural enthusiasts. The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center decided to take part of the fun in 2009 and brought Oktoberfest (and its beer) to the heart of Auburn. The Hotel’s version of the event focuses on showcasing local, Alabama breweries and on their Homebrew Alley Competition. This year, Oktoberfest will return for the sixth time and will feature more than 100 craft beers, traditional German food, and live music played by The Little German Band of Huntsville. Per tradition, Oktoberfest will take place at The Hotel at Auburn University and will be on October 10 from 4-9 p.m.
51 S EP TEM BER/ OCTOBER
2015
Alabamians and Auburn natives alike have become enthralled with Oktoberfest since it first started. From 2009 until 2011, Oktoberfest was held in the terrace room and around the pool at The Hotel and had the capacity to hold 150 guests. The event has since been relocated outdoors to accommodate the growing number of attendees. In 2014, Oktoberfest sold almost 1,000 tickets, and this year, the event’s director, Adam Keeshan, expects to sell 1,500. Mr. Keeshan says the original idea behind the festival was to bring an event to East Alabama that had never been done before. By combining the exotic German culture with Southern traditions, The Hotel has created a unique way to support their local economy and to host a beloved event among attendees. In 2014, the Homebrew Alley Competition was added to Oktoberfest, and because it was such a success, it will take place again this year. This contest gives local home-brewers the opportunity to showcase their brewing talents to a large crowd of people and to potentially have their beer featured in The Hotel at Auburn University. Every brewer begins his career by brewing at home, and this competition gives a local home-brewer the opportunity to take his beer to the next level. The contest will take place from 4 to 7 p.m., and guests at the event will be able to walk around and sample the homebrews. The votes for the best brew will be tallied on a token system, and the winner of the competition will have their beer brewed and commercially produced by an Alabama brewer and featured at The Hotel for a limited time. Last year, the contest had a total of 12 participants, but the Hotel expects there to be anywhere from 10 to 15 home-brewers this year.
Just as people travel from all over the globe to visit Oktoberfest in Munich, people are traveling from far and wide to attend Auburn’s very own German festival. Unlike many other cultural festivals that take place throughout the year, Oktoberfest is completely unique to the East Alabama area. Craft-beer connoisseurs and foodies alike will find Oktoberfest at The Hotel at Auburn University to be an enticing cultural experience. According to Mr. Keeshan, Oktoberfest is a great way to bring outside business to the City of Auburn. Mr. Keeshan encourages guests to shop downtown in Auburn’s local boutiques, stores, and restaurants while visiting for Oktoberfest and says The Hotel hopes to expand the event to the downtown area in the future. Tickets for Oktoberfest are now on sale for $40 in advance or $50 at the door. The ticket includes unlimited samples of beer and traditional German wines and a souvenir glass. There is also an “Eat, Drink & Be German” package available for $60 that includes a ticket, two food tickets to use at the event, and an Oktoberfest T-shirt. The Hotel is offering an Oktoberfest package, as well, and it includes overnight accommodations on Saturday night, one “Eat, Drink & Be German” package, and breakfast the following morning in Ariccia Trattoria and Bar, the Hotel’s restaurant. The menu on Saturday night will be prepared by Ariccia’s souschef, Brandon Burrelson, and will feature an array of German cuisine. In addition, the Hotel will be providing designated drivers so that guests are able to enjoy the event without having to worry about getting home. Traveling to Munich to experience the original Oktoberfest may not be feasible, but Oktoberfest at The Hotel at Auburn University is an exclusive event that you won’t have to break out your Lederhosen for. The Hotel invented a truly unique way to economically benefit the local Auburn and Alabama community, while engaging attendees in a culture that many may be unfamiliar with. Whether you’re looking to have a unique date night or just want to have a fun night out with friends, Oktoberfest is the perfect way to enjoy great beer, good company, and local businesses. for more information on Oktoberfest 2015 visit www.auhcc.com/auktoberfest
53 S EP TEM BER/ OCTOBER
2015
LOCAL FOCUS JULE VERA
hese musicians—who are barely the age of the average college graduate—have international fans and are well on their way to fulfilling their dreams and
becoming an alternative music phenomenon
magine, just weeks after your high school graduation, going out on one of the biggest alternative music tours in the United States and Canada and playing music with three of your best friends. This summer, that’s exactly what the Auburn-native and lead singer of Jule Vera, Ansley Newman, did. Ansley Newman, 18; Kyle Horvath, 22; Will Stacey, 21; and Jake Roland, 19; left the four walls of Roland’s basement this summer and launched themselves into a 50-day tour across North America with no prior touring experience. These musicians—who are barely the age of the average college graduate—have international fans and are well on their way to fulfilling their dreams and becoming an alternative-music phenomenon. As the members of Jule Vera walk into Overall Company in Opelika, the guys’ shaggy hair, Newman’s funky style, and looks of teenage angst resemble all the basic characteristics of a good punk rock band. But once they start talking, it is easy to see the group is far beyond a stereotypical band. The show real passion about their music and a maturity that is only a result of their hard work anddedication to their fans. While growing up in Auburn, Roland and Stacey became friends and music companions. They tried to have their own band, with Roland on guitar and Stacey on bass, but neither of them could sing. In 2010, they attended Spicer’s Garage Band Camp, a local camp that teaches kids to write songs and play instruments, and this is where they met Newman. They then recruited Newman to be their lead singer and formed a three-member band. Over the course of the next three years, the band mostly played cover songs and practiced playing their instruments on a professional level with producer Mitch Parks. In 2013, Roland, Stacey, and Newman decided their band needed a name. After weeks of trying out names, they finally resorted to scouring a baby-naming website and discovered the name “Jule Vera.” In Latin, the name means ‘young truth’ and seemed like a perfect fit for the teenage band. Throughout the next year, they uploaded their original songs and
58
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covers to a website called SoundCloud—a site that allows musicians to upload, record, and promote their original music—and started playing shows as Jule Vera. “We’ve played [at Overall Company] a couple of times, and Kyle actually played his first show with us here, so it’s cool that we’re meeting here,” Stacey said. Because Roland and Newman were still in high school, they played at mostly local venues and did all of their marketing, booking, and recording themselves. Wanting to become more widely known, Jule Vera sent out a few of their songs to 200 people in the music industry in 2014, hoping at least one person would be interested in them. “Of those 200 people we emailed, we maybe got three or four responses,” Roland said. However, one of those people, Senior Vice President at A&R Rich Christina, heard the band, and signed them onto their publishing company in 2014. “[Christina] asked, ‘Who is your lawyer?’ and we said we didn’t have one so we just picked the first guy we could think of,” Roland laughed. At the time they signed the deal, he would have only been 18. In that same year, Jule Vera gained a drummer: Kyle Horvath. Tampa, FL native Horvath was 21 at the time and had previously lived in Nashville, TN while working as a bar tender at a local bar called Gray’s. Here, he discovered a love for makTAT L E R
ing high-quality drinks while playing music as well. He met the band while they were in Nashville song writing and recording with other established artists. Although Horvath is the band’s newest member, he fits like a perfect puzzle piece into the group. On January 15, 2015, Jule Vera signed with Pure Noise Records in Berkley, CA. Four months later, in May, Newman graduated from Auburn High School, and then the band took off on Van’s Warped Tour, traveling across North America. They were immediately thrusted into 43 shows over a course of 50 days, and with no previous
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touring experience, they learned everything as they went. “We didn’t really get to see any of the cities because we were playing during the day and driving at night,” Horvath said. Although the band has a manager, tour manager, business manager, and lawyer, they, with the help of their merchandise girl, had to figure out Warped Tour themselves. Jule Vera had only been seriously recording for about a year, but they had several fans come see them play in multiple cities on Warped Tour. “Warped Tour is really cool because all of the bands, no matter how small or how successful, just hang out together. We got to hang out
with a lot of bands who inspired us to start playing music,” Stacey said. In order for many bands to be successful on large tours like these, they must learn how to connect with their fan base: a task that is made easy with social media. “Ansley can remember who fans are if they come up to us at shows and tell her their Instagram username,” Roland said. The appreciation Jule Vera has for each and every one of their fans is evident in the way that they respond to them via social media and recognize them at shows. “We’re just trying to get our music out there for people to hear,” Roland said. According to Stacey, Warped Tour is one of the hardest tours for a band to go on, but the group was extremely grateful for the experience. In October of 2015, they are going on the Gravity Tour--another US and Canada show—with the band, Against the Current. This tour has 23 shows in 35 days. When the band is writing new songs, they say it’s mostly a collaborative effort. “One of us will have an idea or will come up with a chorus, and the rest of us will help to write the rest of the song,” Horvath said. The band spends the majority of their practice time in Roland’s basement, but they also travel to Atlanta and write with their producer, Mitch Parks, as well. “Just being able to make music full time is our long-term goal,” Stacey said. Because the band is financially supporting themselves, they are not able to devote all of their down time to making music. However, when they go on long tours, they are able to devote all of their time and energy to playing music. “Now, we make music to escape the work side of things, which are the business aspects,” Stacey said. When they’re not making music, the band members are like most other teenagers. “We just got back from a shark fishing trip, but we didn’t catch anything,” Roland laughed. “I like to think I’m as fisherman, but I never really catch anything,” Horvath said. When they were on Warped Tour, Newman and their merchandise girl were the only girls on the bus. “I’ve been with them for so long that it’s just me and my friends on a bus,” Newman says. The band dreams of eventually playing at festivals like Bonnaroo, the Hangout Festival, and Rockin’ Rio—a festival that takes place in the heart of Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil. “I really want to play at Rockin’ Rio because I lived there for two years for my dad’s engineering job,” Stacey said. Making music is the band’s biggest dream, and when asked what they would do if they couldn’t make music, each member struggled for an answer. “Music would have to not exist for me to not be a musician,” Horvath said. He eventually settled on being a bar tender if he really had to do something else. Newman said she would be a cosmetologist, Stacey would write film scores, and Roland would want to be a pilot of some sort. “We love making music because it’s an escape for people and it encourages them when they need it most,” Roland said. Each member of Jule Vera found their original inspiration to play music from a variety of outlets. Newman says she was first inspired by Britney Spears, before her mental breakdown, of course, but Roland’s dad would quiz him on classic rock artists every time they listened to the radio. Horvath’s dad always played in bands, and he got his first paper drum set at age three. “I quit playing music for a long time, but in middle school, I heard a song by Reliant K and said, ‘I need to start playing drums again,’” Horvath said. Stacey’s inspiration came from a heavy metal band called Underoath. “I heard an Underoath song at 14 and knew I wanted to make music,” he said. Although each member of Jule Vera is totally unique, their sound is cohesive and their ability to work well together is evident in their success. They bring a unique perspective to the alternative scene, especially to come from a traditionally country-music town like Auburn.
for more information on Jule Vera visit www.julevera.com or download their biggest single, “One Little String,” from iTunes.
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CULINARY CORNER CHEF LEONARDO MAURELLI
Photographer: Heather Carson from Carson Studios
Chef Leo is all about honest cooking. Raised in Panama by both a Panamanian and an Italian parent, he was brought up in a culture where the family table was a sacred place.
CHEF LEO
f you asked Chef Leonardo (“Leo”) Maurelli, “where is your favorite place to be?”, he would probably tell you he would like to be sitting at his mother’s table, enjoying a plate piled high with her homemade meatballs. “That ’s my favorite meal,” he said. “It’s all about how Mom sets the table for the meatballs that day-in the traditional Italian way with pasta, or with rice, beans, and legumes the Panamanian way.” Chef Leo
is all about honest cooking.
Raised in Panama by both a Panamanian and an Italian parent, he was brought up in a culture where the family table was a sacred place. Growing up around delicious food meant that he did not think of cooking as a potential career path- just something you did for the people you love. In fact, Chef Leo was determined that he would go to art school right after his high school graduation in Daphne, AL (his family immigrated to Alabama in 1991), but with his father’s discouragement, he changed his mind and set out to pursue a degree in architecture. That did not last long, however, for as a soon as he heard about a major offered in Restaurant and Hotel Management at Auburn University,
he knew he had found the right fit. Lots of hands on experience meant he could not have been better prepared to cook great food. Chef Leo graduated in 2003 and served in the kitchens of several area restaurants before arriving as Executive Chef at The Hotel at Auburn University in 2015. These included Hamilton’s, Zazu Gastropub, Amsterdam, Railyard Brewing Company in Montgomery, and Central in Montgomery until 2014. He held several other positions at the Auburn Hotel as well over the years, including that of Sous Chef, Banquet Chef, and Chef de Cuisine. When we asked him to try to define his style of cooking, Chef Leo emphatically told us he was not
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one for labeling his food. He did tell us, however, that his cultural heritage certainly plays a huge role in the way he crafts a meal: “All chefs come from a place of trying to recreate joyful feelings they felt from their moms or grandmas cooking- but for me, no one is reinventing the wheel- creating this new food thing that no one has ever seen before. My uniqueness stems from the perspective of being raised in an Italian and Latino family, and right here in Alabama. All the comfort food I cook is very much interconnected, and from at least three ingredient perspectives. It’s all about a perception of comfort. I’m not trying to marry Latin American and Italian food- it’s just the ingredients that are around me. I process food based on my experiences- what I know and where I am from. I don’t like to go crazy and do a bunch of things that don’t feel natural. It has to feel organic.” He also explained to us that seasonality plays a key role in what he prepares in his kitchen. Chef
Photographer: Heather Carson from Carson Studios
Leo told us that it does not make much sense to cook with ingredients not in the height of their seasons. “This summer we have some beautiful heirloom tomatoes,” he said. “What should I do with them beside add a little salt and pepper, maybe some extra virgin olive oil? That to that me is the essence of cooking- trying not to dilute something so that it is so far away from what it really is.” He explained that a good dish requires a pretty strong building block so that it does not have to be considerably manipulated. “Everyone has a different approach. It’s the little things that matter. Most people would figure olive oil is olive oil, and salt is salt, and pepper is pepper. The approaches differ because ingredient profiles vary.”
One label Chef Leo is comfortable with is being locally responsible. Because he runs food service for the entire Hotel at Auburn University, he oversees Arricia Italian Trattoria (the hotel’s fabulous restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), an enormous banquet space, all room-service, and a number of other amenities. In doing this, he must place ingredients orders on the regular. He told us that while not everything he cooks with can be obtained right here in Auburn, Alabama, he always works his way outward from the nucleus that is home: “Start local. We have some local purveyors who we source from. I have established relationships with men and women who can promise me a quality product every time. If you can’t find what you need at the local level, you go to the state level, then regional,
and beyond.” He also explained that it is a mistake to assume that obtaining ingredients from overseas is always a bad idea. “Sure, you limit what comes from overseas, but take Monkfish for example- it is a fantastic fish that cannot come from the Gulf of Mexico. It comes from another country. So it’s okay to source from other places for quality products. If you don’t it’s counterproductive.” We learned that Chef Leo will go to any length to serve hotel guests a mouthwatering feast. He certainly has loyalties close to home, but will not sacrifice new flavor for a “farm to table” label. We asked him, “in your opinion, what defines an excellent meal?” “A perfect meal for me to eat, or a perfect meal for me to cook?”, he replied. We requested he give us both. His favorite meal to eat is his mother’s homemade meatballs. “It’s perfect when I sit down and eat her food because I don’t analyze
it. Eating Mom’s meatballs doesn’t become work. As a chef, your mind begins to process food technically, and it becomes work. It isn’t about criticizing the food, but understanding the food. I want to be able to enjoy a meal, so I love sitting down to dinner at my mom’s table.” Chef Leo gave us a mouth full when it came time to tell us about his favorite meal to cook. He could not narrow down to just one dish. He did tell us that petit plates are not his style: “I like to eat! The whole idea of me putting three peas, an eighth inch of meat, fifteen different sauces, and some kind of powder on a platter is completely unattractive to me. Even when I do prepare courses for a tasting, it’s hard not to overproduce. I want to sit down and eat.” For Leo Maurelli, big and bold is the way to go. “Of course it’s important to achieve balance- to translate the vision from my brain onto the plate. I probably shouldn’t have to give you a thirty minute rant about what I want you to coax out of a dish I prepare. You should get out of the dish what I was aiming for when you eat it.” Chef Leo says he has no overall favorite dish at Ariccia (it is too hard to choose), but he does have seasonal favorites. This summer he is enjoying really great Grouper and Red Snapper, fresh gulf shrimp, and
oysters, because they are what taste best in these warm months. He aims to get the impressive Lionfish on the menu- a venomous fish with needle-like fins. “Of course I also love pork anytime of year,” Chef Leo said. “Snout to tail I love everything about it.” Serving his staff is his pride and joy. Chef Leo knows that he is providing the men and women working with him opportunities and knowledgethe chance to become more than what they are and what they have. “The higher you get up the more responsibility you have to provide for your staff,” he told us. When his workers and assistants bring good food and good product to the table, he shows them the ropes. They are better because of it. What is the self-serving reward for Chef Leo Maurelli? It is that moment when everyone is preparing for evening service, all are operating at their highest stress levels, and they look at their executive chef and know everything is all right. He smiled, “In that moment, you feel like it’s a dance. Everyone has a specific place in the kitchen, and it seems like it’s crazy. We’ve got a huge team of cooks and chefs in the areas of pastry, breakfast, and banquet. There are many different moving parts, and it takes a lot of people to get things working in a timely an efficient
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manner. In the end you’re making some kind of concierto happen.” He may work long hours, and his wheels may always be turning, but every minute is worth it for the hotel’s executive chef. Last year, he was given the opportunity serve more than three hundred people at the United Nations for Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences International Quality of Life Awards. The award is given to an Auburn graduate who has done something locally and globally phenomenal with concern for the human condition. Chef Leo was assisted by then Executive Chef of the Hotel at Auburn University, Fernando Cruz. He looks back on the experience as one of the best in his lifetime. When we asked him to tell us about his mentors, Chef Leo first named his mother, his grandmothers, and his mother’s sisters, reaffirming for us just how dear he holds his family. He also named Chef Andrew Litherland, former Executive Chef at the hotel and now Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge Reynolds Plantation in Georgia. “I worked for chef Litherland when I was a banquet chef for The Hotel at Auburn University many years ago. He is probably the most influential chef I have
ever worked for. I largely credit him for a sharp turn in my career pursuits and my desire to cook.” Chef Leo knows that there is always someone younger, faster, and better coming on the scene in the world’s best kitchens and restaurants (and hotels). For now, he wants to be that fresh face. “Being a chef is all about being the best where you are. It’s about having a bigger vision. It ‘s a lot of work, and it’s a constantly evolving profession.” He hopes to take Ariccia and the Hotel at Auburn University a slightly different route than it has been so far. He does not want to be another come and go chef doing the “same old thing.” He plans to lead a radical departure of the routine while leaving his own Leo Maurelli stamp. for more information on Chef Leonardo (“Leo”) Maurelli or The Hotel at Auburn University, visit www.auhcc.com
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Bring your lawn chair and your imag ination!
Sunday, October 18, 2015 1- 6pm, Town Creek Park 1150 S Gay Street, Auburn, Alabama
Local and regional authors, exhibitors, vendors, original local music, readings and books, books, books!
Free and open to the public. Sponsored by The Gnu’s Room
F : w w w. Th e G n u s R o o m . co m
SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
FEATURES PAGE 74
_________________________
TRIP WALTON
purebred southern boy and practicing law is in his DNA.
PAGE 84
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AUBURN UNIVERSITY AIRPORT
The Auburn University Regional Airport has been serving the Lee County Area and has been educating pilots for more than 80 years
FEATURE TRIP WALTON
RIP Walton THE
FIGHTER
TRIP WALTON HAS DEVELOPED A REPUTATION FOR SETTLING L A R G E P E R S O N A L I N J U R Y A N D W R O N G F U L D E AT H C A S E S . BUT IT IS HIS LAIDBACK STYLE AND CHARISMATIC LAUGH THAT REVEAL THE TRUE DEMEANOR OF HIS INFECTIOUS PERSONALITY.
HERE ARE FEW PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SAY THEY’VE MASTERED THE ART OF WEARING FLIP FLOPS TO WORK, but for Will O. (Trip) Walton, III, these summertime staples are a fundamental part of his wardrobe. Known as The Fighter across East Alabama, Trip Walton has developed a reputation for settling large personal injury and wrongful death cases, but it is his laidback style and charismatic laugh that reveal the true demeanor of his infectious personality. Trip was born and raised in LaFayette, AL, just 30 minutes north of Auburn. HE IS
A PUREBRED SOUTHERN BOY AND PRACTICING LAW IS IN HIS DNA.
His father, Billy, was a well-known lawyer for 50 years, and his grandfather was a lawyer and a circuit judge. Everyone in Trip’s family practiced law, so he naturally didn’t know anything else. Unlike many lawyers’ nicknames, Trip comes by being
KNOWN AS THE FIGHTER HONESTLY, AS HE HAD A
For more than 30 years, Trip has been knocking out big cases and has become one of the most successful lawyers in Alabama. BRIEF CAREER AS A BOXER.
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The Walton name has a long standing history in East Alabama. His father was the attorney for the City of LaFayette, and his mother, Beatrice, was an elementary school teacher and principal at East Side Elementary. Trip and his older sister, Marianne, attended Lee Academy, now known as Lee-Scott Academy, where Trip was a star athlete but a below-average student. In fact, Trip’s parents had moved him and his sister out of public school and into the private academy in hopes that Trip’s grades would rise. Despite his parents’ earlier concerns, Trip graduated from Lee Academy in 1976 and immediately began school at Auburn University where he majored in Public Administration. Trip had dreams of becoming a football star, and he joined the team as a tight end. “I would have gone to Alabama, but Bear Bryant was on a bird hunting trip during my visit, so I could see I wasn’t one of the big dogs there,” Trip laughed about his decision to attend Auburn. Trip’s football career at Auburn, however, was short lived. He decided he was too slow to be successful at football, so he moved on to the sport that would ultimately define his career as a lawyer. While at Auburn, Trip was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity and of the Auburn University Debate Team. Thanks to some of his friends in KA, Trip was introduced to boxing. He quickly discovered he had a “knack” for the sport and began traveling to Bibb City in Columbus three to four times a week to train. Unlike in football, Trip did not have any trainers or coaches in boxing. He did it all himself. In 1978, Trip won the on-campus intramural A Club Heavy Weight Boxing Tournament. That same year he was named the Southeastern Regional Intercollegiate Boxing Champion. In 1980, Trip enrolled in law school at the University of Alabama after graduating from Auburn, but he did not let his pursuit of becoming a lawyer hold him back from boxing. A year later Trip won the Alabama AAU Heavy Weight Boxing Championship. Trip’s family was less than pleased about his continuation of his boxing career, so he cut a deal with them: he would quit boxing after he lost his first match. The dean and the school board at Alabama also thought Trip was more focused on his boxing career than his studies, and after averaging a C-minus two semesters in a row, the school placed him on a one year suspension. As a result, Trip made boxing a full-time career. In 1982, he traveled to Mobile to win the Alabama Heavy Weight Golden Gloves Championship. That fight was special because not only did he knock out a 1980 Olympic Heavy Weight Champion, but he knocked him out of the ring in just 30 seconds. It was the highlight of his career, and he was sure he was going to be a big-time boxer. However, every high has its low, and soon after winning his biggest fight, he lost his first in Fort Payne at the Alabama Golden Gloves Regionals. Trip remained true to his word and hung up his boxing gloves after losing that fight. Throughout
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his career as a boxer, his record was 20-1, and 18 of those 20 fights were 1st-round knockouts. Trip’s suspension from the University of Alabama was supposed to be for a year, but because of his relentless personality and strategic fighting tactics learned in the boxing ring, he scheduled a meeting with the dean and the school board and convinced them to let him start back a semester early. Their only requirement was that Trip quit boxing, and he agreed. Throughout the rest of his time in law school, Trip made A’s and graduated in 1984. He passed the Bar exam on his first try, and he began his career as a lawyer in Montgomery County, serving as the Deputy District Attorney. This year of experience allowed Trip to develop a background in criminal cases, knowledge that he still uses in his law firm today. In 1985, Trip moved back to Auburn and joined Harper & Meadows, which later became Meadows & Walton. Two years later, he and Bob Meadows merged their firm with the Walker Hill Law Firm. Trip was a partner at Walker Hill for 18 years, but in 2001, the firm started branching off in different directions. Consequently, Trip started Walton Law Firm, P.C., and Mr. Hoyt Hill from Walker Hill came with him. “Mr. Hill is my brain. He has done all of my writing and research for 25 years. He truly set the standard for research and legal writing,” Trip beamed about Mr. Hill. Mr. Hill has been Trip’s right-hand man for a quarter of a century, and Trip credits much of his success to him. Besides the mentorship Mr. Hill has provided Trip with throughout the years, he has also received guidance from other lawyers and previous professors. “I had a professor, Bill Kelly, and he truly went above and beyond the call of duty by writing me extensive letters of recommendation to various law schools,” Trip said. He also said he used to go and speak to Mr. Kelly’s students as a ‘thank-you’ for helping launch Trip’s career. Trip also has sought after advice from Bob Meadows, who is also his personal lawyer. Mr. Meadows and Trip worked together for many years, and Trip still looks to him for legal and personal consultations. In addition, he calls Mr. Phil Adams a “top-notch mediator” and says he learned a lot of what he knows today from him. For much of his life, Trip remained a single bachelor. He resided in Auburn and took up with a lot of the young
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“It is easy to see that Trip has instilled in his family and in in his firm the same ideals he learned as a young man about helping others.” single girls in the happening college town. When he was 40, Trip decided to move to Montgomery to find a more age-suitable group of women. He met his wife, Jacki, through a group of mutual friends, who often raved of this beautiful, charming woman Trip had never met. Ironically enough, she lived across the street from him. At 50-years-old, Trip finally married, and with Jacki, came raising her three children, who he now loves as his own. Forrest, 21, attends school in Auburn, Coleman, 18, started his freshman year at the University of Alabama in August, and Reilly, 9, attends the St. James School in Montgomery. Trip is an involved parent, sitting on the school board at St. James and working hard so that he can give his children the world. Trip is extremely dedicated to his work and is always on call. He is different from many lawyers in that he gives out his cell phone number on his business card. No matter what time of day it is, Trip is always ready to work. However, he is avid about working out and exercising—a way for him to blow off steam and relieve stress. Jacki Walton is also very active and is an amateur tennis player. In her spare time, she teaches boot camp, barre classes, aerobics, and other fitness classes in Montgomery. The Walton’s also enjoy spending time around the water and has a summer home in Point Clear, AL and a house on Lake Martin. “My family and I do a lot of traveling in our spare time,” Trip said. “We were just down at my sister’s house in Mobile, and this weekend we’re traveling to a little bed and breakfast in North Alabama.” In all of Trip’s endeavors, his family is his number one priority. On Sundays, the Walton’s split their time between the Saint James United Methodist Church and the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Montgomery. Jacki was Catholic when she married Trip, so the two decided to divide their time between churches rather than to convert to one or the other.
A servant’s heart is also a core part of Trip’s foundation. He gives to almost 40 charitable organizations, including the YMCA of Montgomery, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Boy Scouts of America. In fact, one of Trip’s most treasured accolades is that he is an Eagle Scout, an honor that is achieved by few men. With his family, Trip donated a well to a tribal community in Zambia, Africa, giving the community 25-30 years of fresh water. It is easy to see that Trip has instilled in his family and in his firm the same ideals he learned as a young man about helping others. In addition to helping charitable organizations, Trip also dedicates time to speaking to his former fraternity and to other Greek organizations on Auburn’s campus. He also frequently hosts the Auburn University Tennis Team in his home when they travel to Montgomery for tournaments. Trip is not shy about his dedication to his community, as he adamantly gives back to Auburn and to Montgomery each year. Since opening Walton Law Firm, P.C. in 2001, Trip has handled primarily personal injury and wrongful death cases. His biggest verdict was for $17.5 million, and he has recovered over $100 million in verdicts and settlements throughout his career. Today, his firm has 10 staff members, including four lawyers and a fifth coming in at the end of the month. “My favorite part about being a lawyer is helping people put their lives back together. In the beginning, I didn’t make a lot of money. I just genuinely enjoyed helping people, and I still do,” Trip said about being a lawyer. He added on by saying, “If you help people the money will come.” Trip is not aiming to become a giant firm. He is proud of the well-known reputation he has developed as a lawyer in Alabama and appreciates how his firm has grown in the last almost 15 years. Walton Law Firm, P.C. currently has 205 open cases. Of those, 158 are personal injury or wrongful death cases, and 47 are criminal cases. “I’m still look-
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ing for success,” Trip said. “Success is being like The Rolling Stones. They haven’t written any new songs since their early days, but Mick Jagger still goes out there and plays ‘Satisfaction’ with as much enthusiasm as he did the first time.” In Alabama, Trip Walton is the Mick Jagger of lawyers. Most of his clients have been referred by former satisfied clients, something Trip is extremely proud of. He attributes his clients’ satisfaction to the education he and his staff provide them with about their case. Although several of his cases have won millions of dollars, every case is different, making it impossible to ensure a client their case will have the same outcome. When Trip decided to make the move back to Auburn in 1985, he had big dreams of becoming
the governor of Alabama and knew the name recognition his father and grandfather had established would immediately launch his career. Although he quickly abandoned his ideas of becoming a politician, he made the right choice in establishing himself in Auburn. Since 2011, Trip has been named as one of the Top Attorneys in Alabama and as an Alabama Super Lawyer. He is has been a Top 100 National Trial Lawyer since 2011 as well. In 2015, he was named by the American Institute of Legal Counsel as one of the 10 Best Attorneys in Alabama. Because he has won so many accolades and is so well known throughout the Southeast, Trip often travels out of state to speak to other lawyers. Trip’s list of honors and awards is not going to stop growing anytime soon. When asked
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about retirement, he says he will never quit working unless he absolutely has to. Since 1984, The Fighter has been striving to get East Alabamians the money they deserve from accidents and other cases. His reputation is known throughout Alabama and beyond as one of the toughest and most relentless personal injury lawyers, characteristics that he was mostly born with but developed inside the boxing ring. His values are centered on his family, his firm, and his clients, and because he is on-call 24-7, there is rarely a time you cannot reach him. Trip says, “Success really means doing the same thing over and over and doing it better than anyone else,� and he certainly is.
The recoveries, verdicts, and favorable outcomes stated in this article, are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on fact, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. Furthermore, no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
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LOCAL FEATURE AUBURN UNIVERSITY AIRPORT
“THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY REGIONAL AIRPORT HAS BEEN SERVING THE LEE COUNTY AREA AND HAS BEEN EDUCATING PILOTS FOR MORE THAN 80 YEARS.”
It’s 5 o’clock in the evening, and a father has just picked his 4-yearold son up from daycare. “Daddy,” the son says, “Can we go watch the airplanes? Just for a minute?” The father soon makes the turn down Mike Hubbard Boulevard, and the two sit and watch in awe as the airplanes take off until it’s time to go home for dinner. Since 1930, The Auburn University Regional Airport has been serving the Lee County area and aiding the University’s aviation education program for more than 80 years. Originally owned and operated by the Auburn-Opelika Airport Corporation, the airport has been a privately owned facility, a flight-training base for World War II, and even has served as a mail-carrying facility. The Auburn University Regional Airport is an integral part of the Auburn-Opelika and Lee County Community, as well home to one of the best and oldest public university flight schools in the country. From educating students to serving corporations on a day-to-day basis to bringing in dozens of planes on any given Saturday in the fall, the Auburn University Airport is supporting the community economically, educationally, and culturally.
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The original Auburn Regional Airport was constructed in 1930 by the Auburn-Opelika Airport Corporation. The Auburn-Opelika Airport Corporation was a private organization, but in 1931, the airport was leased by the Civil Aeronautics Administration as Site No. 33 on the New Orleans to Atlanta Mail Route. According to Mr. William Hutto, the airport’s current director, the airport was given piece of mail from this period at the dedication of the new terminal building in 2010. The letter was originally mailed from the Auburn-Opelika Airport to Chicago in 1932 and is now proudly on display in one of the airport terminal’s meeting rooms. In 1932, the airport shifted to become a public-use facility and was commissioned to serve Auburn, Opelika, and the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API), which, of course, is now known as Auburn University. Seven years later, in 1939, most of the stock in the Auburn-Opelika Airport Corporation was donated to the API so that the airport could qualify for federal funding to upgrade the facility. These upgrades were necessary so that the airport could qualify for the Civil Pilot Training Program. When the CPTP started at the Auburn Airport, Mr. Robert G. Pitts, one of the first directors of the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, and Mr. B. M. Cornell, another former director for the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, taught 20 students as a part of the ground school portion of the course. The Alabama Air Service was in charge of the flight instruction at this time. In this same year, the airport served as a pilot-training site for the War Training Service Program, as World War II was taking place at this time. Mr. Pitts played an integral role in the growth and expansion of the Auburn University Regional Airport and of the flight programs at the University. In 1980, the Auburn-Opelika Airport changed its name to the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport, but because of the support provided by the University, the airport’s name changed again in 2009 to become
the Auburn University Regional Airport with the Robert G. Pitts Field. In the same year that the airport opened its doors, API launched its Aeronautical Engineering program. Courses such as aerial navigation and meteorology were offered, and API was one of 12 schools in the United States to have such a program. However, it wasn’t until 1941 that the Institute launched its first flight school, and a year later, they had their first graduating class. Throughout the next several years, more than 1,400 pilots were trained by API, and that training took place at the Auburn-Opelika Airport. The Auburn University aviation program has advanced tremendously in the past 74 years. When it first began at API, it was a part of the Aerospace Engineering program, but it has since been divided between the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. The degrees currently offered are in professional flight management, aviation management, and aerospace engineering. According to Mr. Hutto, the number of students taking flight training at the University is up by 20 percent from the summer of 2014 to the summer of 2015. On July 1, 2014, the University launched the Aviation Center. The center is also directed by Mr. Hutto, and through it, the Auburn University Regional Airport is able to serve Auburn students, the state of Alabama, and the aviation industry as a whole. “The Auburn Aviation Center strengthens aviation education programs, expands aviation outreach programs, provides aviation industry training, and fosters aviation-oriented economic development,” explained Mr. Hutto. Although the Aviation Center itself is quite new, Auburn University awarded its first pilot certificate in 1942 and has been providing flight training for more than 70 years. Training pilots is something Auburn University does well and is very proud of. They are a Federal Aviation Association-approved flight school and are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board
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International. This center is not only serving the Auburn community, but it is also working with other aviation programs across the country. The Aviation Center at the Auburn University Airport can make your dreams of becoming a pilot and flying on your own come true. Courses are available for the general public to learn how to fly—it’s not just for University students. The flight school at the airport has been around since 1941, so you will receive some of the best training available while participating in the course. “Our flight school is one of the longest-standing public university flight schools to date,” Mr. Hutto said. He also encourages community members who are interested in flying to contact the airport to learn about the different programs available. By participating in community outreach through the Aviation Center, the staff at the airport hopes that more people in the community will be eager to become involved with aviation. In regards to community outreach, the Auburn University Regional Airport and the Aviation Center is doing much more than many citizens most likely know. “This year we had our first summer camp at the Aviation Center. We had 20 spots available and actually had 23 young boys and girls sign up,” Mr. Hutto said. The program was so intriguing that they even had children from New York and California
register for it. Fostering aviation in young children is an integral part to ensuring that it is a program which continues to grow with the University. In addition to private citizen participation and K-12 outreach, the airport is also bringing an immense amount of corporate activity to the Auburn-Opelika and Lee County community. The day-to-day traffic in the terminal is mostly from corporate jets and cargo operations. Aircraft seen on a typical day includes jets, small and large propeller planes, and cargo planes. “Some weeks, we may see eight to 10 cargo operations in one day,” Mr. Hutto said. Through its fuel sales, rental income, and the like, the airport is largely self-supportive. The income it draws in from out-of-towners eating at local restaurants, staying at local hotels, and bringing their businesses to the Auburn-Opelika and Lee County area is an additional way the airport supports the community. The current Auburn University Airport Terminal is approximately 26,000 square-feet, and the entire campus of the airport is located on 423 acres of land. However, the airport and the terminal, especially, were not always of such magnitude. In 1981, the Airport Advisory Board was created to provide community input into the growth and development of the airport. The Airport Advisory Board original-
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ly consisted of six members representing the University and the cities, but today, the board seats nine members to represent Auburn, Opelika, Auburn University, Lee County, and the State of Alabama. The board votes on recommendations to make to the Auburn University Board of Trustees, who ultimately approve any expansions and projects the airport undergoes. For more than 30 years, Auburn, Opelika, and Lee County have been matching the local share of the airport’s federal grants, which is greatly appreciated and is a sign of their important partnership with the airport. In fact, Mr. Hutto largely credits the airports expansions to the advisory board and to the Auburn University Board of Trustees. “I don’t take any credit for the terminal expansion or any of the other projects. We have a great team,” Mr. Hutto said. The Airport Advisory Board meets quarterly at the airport and welcomes the public to their meetings to provide input.
In 2001, the airport completed an extension of the north-south runway. The project began in the early 1990s and took several years to complete all of the necessary projects associated with this major improvement. Four years later, the Advisory Board and the Auburn University Board of Trustees elected to undergo an expansion and renovation project for the airport. The main part of this project was building the new terminal, which had not been previously updated since its construction in 1950. “The new terminal building was an important project because it gives a favorable impression of the community and of the University,” said Mr. Hutto. In addition to building the new terminal, the airport also installed a new glide slope and approach lighting system, extended and reconstructed two taxiways, and developed several other projects. From 2005 to 2014, almost $25 million has been spent at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The FAA took
The Aviation Center at the Auburn University Airport can make your dreams of becoming a pilot and flying on your own come true.
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on approximately 90 percent of this financial burden, the state paid for five percent, and the remaining five percent the City of Auburn, the City of Opelika, and Lee County. Whilst the terminal project was taking place, the airport fortunately did not encounter any major obstacles. Mr. Hutto largely credits this to the outstanding cooperation from the local governments. “I do not want to take any credit for the success of the terminal project. It is the cooperation between the Airport Advisory Board and the Auburn University Board of Trustees that makes it so successful,” he said. The airport is also not complete with its expansions. They currently have a $2 million budget to build another set of T-hangars to accommodate the more than 40 people on their waiting-list, who would like to store their planes at the Auburn Airport. Although the airport will not be able to accommodate all 40 people in this current expansion, they will eventually be an addition to the current 60 to 65 aircrafts that are based at the airport. They are on track to build three additional T-hangars, and then, as time and money permit, they will continue to build more. The holding capacity of the T-hangars vary based on the size of the aircraft and the size of the site, but a typical structure can hold seven to 10 aircrafts at a time. The airport also has plans to expand its parking apron, to relocate the taxiway as to move it farther away from the runway, and to build a new aviation education facility. These projects will not take place until a few years down the road, but there is a project already an electrical project planned out for the next fiscal year. Although athletics (men’s and women’s basketball, teams with smaller traveling parties, and visiting teams) are certainly not the primary focus of the Auburn University Airport, there is no question that
football season is their busiest time of year. Based on an image Mr. Hutto had, the airport tarmac
resembles a grocery store parking lot on a Sunday
afternoon: packed to the gills. The airport even has a team of air traffic controllers come in from the FAA
on major SEC game days. The airport parking apron becomes so crowded that the airport is looking to
expand it, as well, so they do not have to park planes on the east/west runway. According to Mr. Hutto, the University currently owns or leases 17 aircraft. Fifteen of these are used for flight training, and
the other two are used by the Air Transportation
Department. The Auburn University planes are open for use for their faculty and staff, who are flying on University business, and can be reserved by calling the Air Transportation Department.
The Auburn University Regional Airport is
much more than an airport or even an aviation
center. It facilitates growth in the Lee County area financially by creating jobs, bringing in outside
revenue, and by receiving its own revenue from its jet fuel sales. The airport has also allowed the University to create a reputable name for its flight school
and aviation programs. For 85 years, the airport has been serving the Auburn-Opelika area, the State of
Alabama, and national aviation programs. Mr. Hutto beams with pride as he reflects on the history of
the airport and how it plans to grow in the future.
He has been leading the airport since 2001 and has
brought tremendous growth to the University and to the community.
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FASHION Pamala’s Boutique
FASHION PA M A L A’ S BOUTIQUE
PAMALA’S BOU TIQUE
T
ake one step into Pamala’s Boutique in Montgomery and you’ll immediately be greeted with a hello and a smile. It’s this old-fashioned, hometown customer service that brings droves of women (and their eager to please husbands) into Pam Jordan’s store. The ladies at Pamala’s call themselves a family, and it’s easy to see the reason why; they work in more than just a store that sells clothes and home décor. They work in an environment warm with love and friendship. Pamala’s is a premier clothing and gifts boutique with styles for even the most fashion-conscious woman. On any given day you’ll find outfits appropriate for a number of outings like a birthday or anniversary party, date night, work, school, or vacation, and the best part is Pam and her team will take the time to help you dress your best. You might recognize brands like Miss Me, Vince Camuto, Flying Tomato, Corral Boots, and Dooney and Bourke. The boutique also carries a large line of game day attire for the most avid of Auburn and Alabama fans. Beyond clothing, shoes, and accessories, you can expect to find many gift items and home accents at Pamala’s. In fact, just five years ago when the store was opened up in its original location, that’s all it carried. Pam was a real estate agent in Montgomery with no plan to open a boutique of her own. She was selling gifts out of her home, occasionally posting photos of merchandise on Facebook to get the word out, and “just having fun with it.” Her plans changed, however, when she felt God tapping on her shoulder, telling her she ought to open a store. Pam began to cry when she told us about how things fell right into place: “I asked my daughter if she might be interested in helping me run with the idea. I told her to pray about it because she all ready had a career. She said yes!” Pam and her daughter, Whittney, put their lives on hold and put one hundred percent of their efforts into a business plan. From day one their endeavor was a success.
After just over a year, business was booming, and people loved the beautifully wrapped gifts and home decorations Pamala’s boutique sold, but customers often swung open the doors and asked, “where are your clothes?” Pam didn’t love the idea of dealing with returns or making room for a dressing room, but as she told us, “you can never say never- you never know how God will change your plans when you’re presented with a situation.” Pam and Whittney attended a show in Birmingham and purchased a sampling of apparel for Pamala’s. They modeled it, posted it on the social networks, and sold out in no time. Little by little more inventory was added. Shoes, jewelry, and handbags came later. Today the boutique has a loyal fan base. Customers appreciate that Pamala’s offers a wardrobe for every age and size, like their new “curvy” line that has been tremendously popular. Shoppers can also shop at www.pamalasboutique.com and have their clothing shipped to a home address (or pick their clothes up at Pamala’s). “We have people drive in from far and wide to shop our collegiate line,” Pam told us. “I invited Coach Gus Malzahn’s wife, Kristi, to come and shop with us last fall. The next thing I knew she and every Auburn football coach’s wife pulled up in a greyhound bus. They spent a Sunday shopping with us and just made a day out of it.” Customers have enjoyed the Auburn and Alabama wear so much that Pam now keeps it stocked year round. When we asked Pam and Whittney if the two ever imagined a business they built would grow so quickly, they were emphatic that every step of the journey has been a blessing. “We attribute all of our success to two things: one being God is always number one, and two being our love for SEC football,” Pam laughed. “We opened the store on Christian values and home town customer service. You just don’t get that much anymore in retail. Besides that, football is a way of life around here. Ladies want to wear their colors not just to the stadium, but to work, school, and church, too.”
Pam didn’t hesitate to say that her favorite part of owning and operating Pamala’s Boutique is the relationships she and her daughter have established: “The women that shop in our store are people we would never have met. A lot of them become family to us.” One of Pam’s regular customer’s house burned to the ground a couple of years ago. “Her family lost everything. She loves our store, and she tells everyone about it, so all of her friends were flocking in buying her gift certificates,” she said. “I love so much the opportunities I have to help people by having the store.” Pamala’s Boutique has something for everyone. Whittney smiled, “our customers are our focus all the time. We ask for their honest opinions, and we even involve them when we are shopping for new merchandise to carry in the store. We’ll snap a picture and post it on Instagram and ask what our ladies think.” Pam and Whittney are known to help women put entire outfits together head to toe. Ladies in need of a little extra help approach them for their “expert” advice. For male shoppers, the duo goes the extra mile. “We love giving a little extra attention to guys buying for their wives, girlfriends, or daughters. We help them pick out clothes and gift wrap them for free, and they love the service! They’re in and out quickly so everyone is happy.” Pam is a proud Montgomery native. She will quickly tell you that she attributes her success largely to her loving and supportive family, including her husband of 32 years. Pam and her husband also have one daughter (Whittney), two sons, one grandson, and one brand new granddaughter. “My family is my world. I love them very much. They are my greatest accomplishments, and I’m very proud of who they have become and the Christian values they possess. My husband, children, and grandchildren are everything to me,” Pam told us. for more information on Pamala’s Boutique visit 7742Vaughn Road in Montgomery or visit www.pamalasboutique.com
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ELEMENT LG TWIN
WASH
SYSTEM
LG has solved everyone’s groans and moans about separating our whites from colors. They have invented the Twin Wash System, which looks like a standard washing machine with a pedestal drawer underneath. However, in that drawer is where the magic happens. This washing machine lets you wash a big load in the main drum and a smaller load in the pedestal simultaneously. Gone are your days of spending hours washing clothes, as this machine also has LG’s Turbo Wash 2.0 and Turbo Steam features that minimize time spent in the laundry room. The Twin Wash System will literally cut your time washing clothes in half, and because the machine can connect to LG’s Home Chat system, you may actually enjoy washing clothes. We are just hoping this product is available on the market sooner rather than later.
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ELEMENT MOXIE SHOWERHEAD
Take your private concerts in the shower to a whole new level with the Moxie Showerhead with Wireless Speaker. The Moxie head has a wireless Bluetooth speaker that can connect to your phone or computer and allows you to stream whatever music, radio, or talk show you want into your shower. This showerhead is made by Kohler, and with an 8 inch diameter and water pressure of 2.5 gallons per minute, your mornings will become forever enhanced. Whether you want to sing your favorite pop song or kill two birds with one stone by listening to the radio while you’re bathing, the Moxie showerhead is a must-have. The speaker also easily pops in and out of the showerhead so that charging it is a breeze. Make your mornings fun by investing in this showerhead, and the rest of your days will be better.
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From picnic b as ke t s to b l o c k p ar t i e s
Always a Special Occasion Take a break from the kitchen this summer!
Enjoy the premium taste and ready-to-serve convenience of HoneyBaked, so you can savor more summertime! Featuring BBQ Ribs & Roasts–slow cooked and tender! Just heat and serve. And new Wild Blueberry Pie, for a limited time only! Amazing homemade taste, ready in less than an hour.
Opelika • 1451 Gateway Drive, Suite C • (334) 741-8411
Yes, We Cater! Yes, We Deliver! Order Catering online at: MyHoneyBakedStore.com/opelika/1525
ELEMENT BLUE
APRON
MEAL
Whether you have a large family or living alone, cooking large meals for dinner after work and school usually is a dreaded task. And then, of course, you never have all of the ingredients you need, so you must make a dreaded trip to the store. Blue Apron Meals changes all of that for you. This company will send you fresh ingredients and recipes once a week to make cooking dinner a breeze. You can choose the family size, which is enough food for four meals, or the two-person size, and Blue Apron will send you three different, tasty meals each week. In addition, you are able to select which kind of meats you like or don’t to accommodate every picky eater. They even have a vegetarian option. For less than going to the grocery store, you can cook yourself and your family three delicious meals a week that take about an hour from prep to cook time. Gone forever are the dreaded days of cereal for dinner.
ELEMENT CROCK-POT SLOW WITH
COOKER WEMO
Preparing dinner after a long work day is never a fun or an easy task. Most people know that a Crock-Pot is a huge time-saver and can make cooking pot roasts, soups, or even breads a breeze. The Crock-Pot Slow Cooker with WeMo simplifies the process even further. This slow cooker can connect to an app on your smart phone, so you can turn it on, turn up the temperature, and even turn it off from wherever you are. The app will also send you notifications when your delicious meal is finished cooking. Most modern CrockPots have timers that will turn your slow cooker off when it’s done, but this app simplifies the entire process and ensures that you do not forget about your dinner.
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ELEMENT BARTESIAN: HOME COCKTAIL
Have you ever wanted to make a cocktail at home but can’t figure out how much of the ingredients to use? The Bartesian Cocktail Machine solves that. Designed like a Keurig, this at-home cocktail machine combines the convenience and ease of making a one-step cocktail with the deliciousness of an artisan drink. To begin, decide which drink you would like to enjoy and select the corresponding capsule, which contains actual liquids and not powder like a coffee capsule. Then, place the capsule into the machine like you would making coffee and select the desired strength of your drink. The machine allows you to choose drinks from virgin to strong. With capsules from margaritas to cosmopolitans to their own signature cocktails, the sky is the limit for your next soiree. All you have to do is bring the liquor and press a button.
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801 COLUMBUS PARKWAY OPELIKA, AL 3347498113 WWW.OPELIKAFORDCHRYSLER.COM
Visit Us O N L I N E & Like Us On FA C E B O O K
S O U T H E R N TAT L E R . C O M Your C I T Y Your M A G A Z I N E
Beautiful LIVING
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TATLER
Oliver Henry
HOME OLIVER HENRY
liver HENRY
FOSTERS MORE DIVERSITY & CREATIVITY IN OUR AREA A visit to Stacy Jordan’s home furnishings boutique in Ogletree Village on Auburn’s Moores Mill Road is a must for any curator of a beautiful household. Building on her Interior Design business, IE Designs, which was established in 2001, Stacey launched Oliver Henry in June of 2014 after years of thinking she would never open a retail space of her own. After more than a decade of consultations with a loyal clientele through IE designs, she made the decision to expand her horizons and create a place where these customers and others could shop for home adornments and decorative elements. Stacey told us that she “just didn’t think she was taking a
chance” by opening the store- “it just felt like the right time.” From the Monday morning when the idea of Oliver Henry was conceived to the Monday morning the store opened its doors, only twelve weeks had elapsed. Business began in June of 2014, and by December it was a great success. In June of 2015, just one year after Oliver Henry’s opening, the second half of the store was added to allow for double the retail space. The interiors boutique brings a lot of exposure to IE designs- a business that used to thrive only off word of mouth (because that was the only advertising needed). Today Stacey has homeowners come
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in the store on a weekly basis who are seeking to employ her gifts in interior design. Shoppers come from far and wide to discover the space’s finest in furniture, fixtures, wall coverings, fabric, rugs, accessories, art, and gifts, but it isn’t only because Stacey carries the latest and greatest in home design and décor. Shoppers know that Oliver Henry supports the East Alabama Community in a number of impactful ways. “Of course supporting my local economy will help my community grow,” Stacey said. She wants people to realize that they don’t need to make the drive to Birmingham to purchase gorgeous and functional furniture, and they don’t have to travel to Atlanta to procure the works of talented artists. “Shopping local fosters more diversity and creativity in our area,” she explained. She said that buying items created by local artisans, and not just products that have been mass-produced, is a great move to make, because the result is a distinctly unique and intimate home. Stacey knows that it is important to showcase the work of local artisans in her shop, and in doing so she has been gifted by several fabulous relationships with talented members of the East Alabama and Georgia communities. Stacey has known carpenter Hank Moreman, owner of Roxana Wood Company in Auburn, for
more than nine years. He has worked alongside IE designs on a number of projects, but has also contributed his craftsmanship to Stacey’s personal home. Hank creates lovely custom built furniture as well as specialty beams, corbel, trim, and other wooden items for the well-designed house. Hank’s work may be custom ordered at Oliver Henry. Perhaps one of Stacey’s favorite pieces in her entire showroom is a Roxana Wood Company dining room table, but most people don’t buy such large furnishings right off the floor- instead they ask Hank to make items to their own specifications. Oliver Henry may be one of the only outlets from which to order quality custom furniture in the area, and any work by Hank is an excellent choice. When Auburn student Mollie Jenkins approached Stacey to see if she might like to sell her handmade pottery, there was no question this was a great decision for Oliver Henry customers. Mollie creates beautiful service pieces in several lovely colors- perfect gifts for any occasion. Stacey discovered another potter, Rebekah Fowler, on accident. While attending a fundraising dinner featuring Chef David Bancroft as the cooking instructor, Stacey took notice of the beautiful service ware he was using. He told her that one of his employees, Rebekah, had created the art for his food presentations. Stacey
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asked if she might like to have her pottery sold in Oliver Henry. Rebekah was delighted, and thrilled to have been given the opportunity for a retail presence. You might see the masterpieces of southern artist Adrian Alsobrook at Oliver Henry as well. Upon attending the shop’s holiday open house last year, and after having a number of other encounters with Stacey and her employees, Alsobrook realized his artwork would coordinate well with the store’s inventory and asked her if she would like to carry his paintings. His abstracts created in various mediums and vibrant colors satisfy Oliver Henry’s need for a traditional brush to canvas artist, and the response has been fabulous. Alsobrook’s work is featured in many local art galleries, private residences, and businesses. Stacey met Auburn graduate Edith Anne Hunt, owner of Vintage Green Jewelry, at a trade show in Atlanta and knew that her one-of-a-kind jewelry was something she wanted to sell on the floor. Hunt combines vintage jewelry inspired by her grandmother’s glitzy style with more contemporary pieces to create timeless, unique accents for every wardrobe. Vintage Green Jewelry utilizes old brooches,
chains, buckles, and other special treasures. Not only can Oliver Henry’s shoppers sport Vintage Green necklaces, earrings, and bracelets and be assured no one else is wearing the same items, but they can pay homage to their Auburn roots by purchasing the stylish accessories. Stacey is always keeping an eye out for the work of area artisans to showcase within the walls of Oliver Henry. “New art and new creativity is really helpful because it keeps things moving,” she told us. She explained that new items pique the interest of the store’s loyal customers and keep them coming back again and again. There’s plenty of room for new merchandise with Oliver Henry’s recent expansion, so Stacey will continue to serve her community by housing local artists. She also plans to open an online store in the near future, as soon as she is able to build up the complex infrastructure of an Internet store. It is an endeavor that might take a while, but it will be worth it to see the beautiful merchandise at Oliver Henry available for purchase online. When we asked Stacey what her favorite part of owning the store might be, she didn’t hesitate to say that the best aspect of being an interior designer with a retail boutique is actively listening
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to her community. “Through my involvement in a number of community organizations and women’s clubs I am able to hear about what people want to see in the store, and how they would like to make their homes more their own.” She told us she feels rewarded by the opportunity to provide a fun shopping experience for the excited new homeowner, the husband selecting an anniversary or birthday gift for his wife, or the couple revamping their outdated bedroom. Several university students in interior design work as interns and assistants at Oliver Henry and IE Designs. Stacey told us, “Owning my own business in general is great, but it’s even better when I get to work with students. When I was where they are in school, I worked under a designer, and I learned so much. I hope I can do the same for the girls who come to work with me.” The students working with IE Designs and in the Oliver Henry store learn to interact with clients and sharpen their eyes for design while staying within the Auburn area. It’s a great opportunity for those aspiring interior designers who want to take advantage of Stacey Jordan’s more than decade and a half of experience. “I thought Oliver Henry might take a little
bit of time to really get moving- to truly be successful, but I was surprised. Keeping my ears open for ways that I can serve local artists and students is helping me grow so quickly. I am so thankful for how quickly things have moved along,” Stacey said. It’s people like her that keep creativity alive in East Alabama, and with the rapid growth our community will experience in the coming years, and with new homes and neighborhoods emerging on a daily basis, there will certainly be a demand for talented interior designers. It’s great that she can offer hands on training for other ambitious artists in her field. for more information on Oliver Henry visit www.oliver-henry.com or call 334.246.3582
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A new start at Southern Tatler means newer and better online content and to prove our point, we provide all of our past issues, and behind the scenes of each of our past cover feature.
Coming soon, Southern Tatler Dining will be the new dining guide for local citizens, as well as those visiting, the East Alabama area.
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>>MORE ONLINE SOUTHERNTATLER.COM -Online Version of Southern Tatler -Weekly Pictures of Local Events -Newest Business Additions to Local Area & MORE
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TRAVEL DUBAI
DUBAI
A city of wonder, of magic, and of growing possibility.
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Formerly an uninhabited desert, Dubai was constructed literally from the ground up and is now a vibrant and energetic city that has something for everyone. The people of Dubai come from many different backgrounds from all over the world. Europeans, Southeast Asians, Middle Easterners, and Americans all create a beautiful mosaic of culture, food, and entertainment. The architecture in the city is modern and unique with clean lines and sleek glass, modeling a desert paradise in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is unique because it merges nightclub entertainment, a large and modern shopping district, and the scale of a large city with local culture and traditional Middle Eastern fare. When choosing your next vacation, consider traveling to Dubai for an adventure, cultural immersion, and nightlife scene you’re sure not to forget.
uilt on the barren desert sand, the city of Dubai is situated on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates and is the 22nd most expensive city in the world. Although it is costly to live in Dubai, it was rated as one of the best residential cities in the Middle East because it is a hub for business and for transportation in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The city is young, rich, and beautiful and emits an unforgettable atmosphere that will leave you celebrating the joys of life until the wee hours of the morning. Delicious food, incredible architecture, and sightseeing unlike any other is reason enough to make a trip to Dubai. Built on the barren desert sand, the city of Dubai is situated on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates and is the 22nd most expensive city in the world. Although it is costly to live in Dubai, it was rated as one of the best residential cities in the Middle East because it is a hub for business and for transportation in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The city is young, rich, and beautiful and emits
an unforgettable atmosphere that will leave you celebrating the joys of life until the wee hours of the morning. Delicious food, incredible architecture, and sightseeing unlike any other is reason enough to make a trip to Dubai. When visiting Dubai, you won’t want to miss the view ‘at the top’ to gaze in awe at the bustling city below. Standing 2,716.5 feet tall and occupying 160 stories, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is the tallest building
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“IF YOU Are craving an
Exciting and Magical travel experience
that will leave you s p e e c h l e s s , a trip to Dubai will only leave you wanting more.”
in the world. To get to the view, you must take the narrow and rickety elevator from the ground floor of the building to the 124th floor observation deck. The ride up may seem a little risky, but the view from the deck is definitely worth it. Here, you can look over all of Dubai and can see all of the winding roads, skyscrapers, and the rest of the magical city on the sand. The view is best at night, as the twinkling lights down below look like a starry, pulsing ocean of excitement. Tickets to the observation deck range from $35-$55, making this is an affordable adventure you won’t want to miss out on. When the people of Dubai say their city has everything to offer, they are not exaggerating. Off the coast of the city are two man-made islands known as the Palm Islands. Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali are shaped into the form of palm trees and host a substantial number of residential, commercial, and leisure centers. The islands also add a large area of private beaches to the city of Dubai. With sand soft
as silk and crystal clear Middle Eastern waters, the beaches at the Palm Jumeirah are unlike any others you have visited. Not surprisingly, the Palm Jumeirah is the largest artificial island in the world, adding another record to the city of Dubai’s list of accolades. While on your visit to the islands, make a stop along Jumeirah Beach road; here you will find a large district of small, local Indie boutiques that you won’t want to miss. They offer tourists the experience of local taste, culture, and shopping that is largely unavailable in Dubai because of its modern stage. Continuing your cultural tour through Dubai, take a visit to the Salsali Private Museum. Founded in November 2011 by Ramin Salsali, the museum showcases the finest collection of art from artists throughout the Middle Eastern region and beyond. The museum is located in the Al Quoz district of Dubai and is founded on the belief that all businesses and citizens of a community should contribute to the growth and creativity of the culture and of the people.
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The Salsali hosts a permanent collection in addition to other exhibitions that rotate in and out throughout the year. It is a renowned creative hub for new and established artists, as Salsali has a discerning eye for what is beautiful and will be sure to excite art lovers and creative aficionados alike. While you’re in the Al Quoz district, you’ll want to stop for a delicious lunch at the Tom and Serg Café. Named after its Spanish and Australian owners, the Tom and Serg Café is looking to diversify the way Dubai does lunch and coffee. The restaurant owners change their menu every couple of weeks to ensure they are always serving their guests the freshest ingredients. With an overall goal of bringing ‘coffee culture’ and the café scene that is so popular in Europe to Dubai, the restaurant serves up delicious salads, burgers, and eclectic quinoa bowls that are sure to satisfy every customer’s craving. Tom and Serg is unique because it is a local spot with local ingredients that cater to the restaurant design people from other parts of the world are familiar with. In Dubai’s backyard is the world-renowned city, Abu Dhabi. Also a part of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is home to the Ferrari World Theme Park, one of the fastest and most exhilarating theme parks in the world. Take a day trip to Ferrari World on your visit to Dubai to learn about the history of Ferrari, to take on some of the most challenging race courses in the world, and to ride roller coasters more thrilling than you could ever imagine. Ferrari prides itself on its adrenaline-rushing attractions and allows guests to experience 240 kilometer per hour winds in their hair. In the Galleria Ferrari, guests are able to get an up-close view of Ferrari’s classic cars from 1947 to the present. Ferrari is centered on the most exciting and innovative ideas and design, so making the day trip over to Abu Dhabi will definitely be worth your time. When you return from your adventures to Dubai, you’ll want to make sure you’re staying in a comfortable resort that has everything you could need, and since you’ll be in Dubai, this should not be a problem. Dubai is a land of luxury, and it is one of the only places in the world that has six and seven star hotels. Located on the Palm Jumeirah Island, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel is known among travelers as one of the nicest hotels in the world, making it a dream resort on your trip to Dubai. The hotel is
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made up of 202 lavish duplex suites, and each room is adorned with the finest furnishings and materials a hotel connoisseur could ever imagine. Select a suite with a panoramic view so that you and your travel companions can look over the Jumeirah Island and over the city of Dubai during your stay. The Burj Al Arab also has nine world-class restaurants, four swimming pools and a private beach, and a luxurious spa to soothe all of your stresses. The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is sure to leave you feeling well rested, relaxed, and like royalty during your trip to Dubai. If you would prefer to stay closer to downtown Dubai, the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai is also an excellent choice for any traveler. Notorious for their plush accommodations, staying at a Ritz-Carlton is a treat no matter where you are but especially so in Dubai. This hotel and resort is surrounded by some of Dubai’s best shopping, most incredible dining, and private beaches. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai is made up of 294 luxury rooms and suites, four tennis courts, a fullservice spa, and a private pool. Customer service is a top priority at any Ritz-Carlton resort, so their concierge would be happy to schedule any adventures you would like to take during your stay in Dubai.
From sand skiing, local tours, to desert tours, the options are endless. The staff and the amenities at the Ritz-Carlton will make you feel at home and comfortable during your visit to Dubai and will make you never want to leave The nightlife in Dubai is an essential part of the experience that you won’t want to skip. The electric and exciting atmosphere that is present during the day is only amplified at night, creating the perfect scene for millennial visitors to older guests. MusicHall is one of the most notorious spots on the club scene in Dubai. Every night the club hosts anywhere from 10 to 12 different artists and bands, allowing each band to play for only 10 to 15 minutes. The bands are an typically an eclectic mix of music, ranging from Spanish to Middle Eastern to rock to pop and offering something for every taste. The atmosphere at MusicHall is unparalleled and is complete with delicious drinks and dancing every night. Dance the night away at MusicHall and soak in all of the excitement Dubai has to offer. If you want to listen to music but also enjoy live entertainment, you will certainly want to visit a club called Pacha Ibiza. Pacha Ibiza is an international
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brand of nightclubs that is looking to redesign the way people view entertainment. In their Dubai location, the main floor of the venue is a restaurant, serving the finest cuisine, with live entertainment seven days a week. In the later hours, it transforms into a nightclub with music from the world’s most renowned DJs. The Pacha rooftop is a much more low-key affair with views that overlook the Dubai skyline and slower sounds from a house band. This lounge is the perfect place to take in the sights of Dubai at night and to relax with a delicious drink after a long day of exploring the city. Whether you visit the main floor or the rooftop of the Pacha Ibiza, you will find the experience of a lifetime from the incredible music and entertainment to the fresh and enticing food. Pacha Ibiza is a sensory extravaganza that will have you wanting to come back on every night of your trip. Whether you’re just passing through Dubai on an international globe trotting adventure or if you’re coming to delve into the culture, it is one of the most unique cities in the world. Dubai has set a standard for cities around the globe by creating a unique, intoxicating international experience. Spend your days in Dubai shopping in the world’s finest malls, relaxing in the Middle East’s most luxurious beaches, and let loose at night at some of the most exciting clubs across the globe. Because of its melting-pot population, this is a city that offers more culture and fun than any country throughout the world. It is a city of plush and overwhelming luxury and is a favorite among some of the wealthiest people in the world. If you are craving an exciting and magical travel experience that will leave you speechless, a trip to Dubai will only leave you wanting more.
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C O N C I E R G E
“Adele Blach-Bour I” The “Adele Blach-Bour I” painting was commissioned by Mr. Ferdinand Blach-Bour and was painted in 1907 by Gustav Klimt. Far from a traditional canvas painting, the portrait of Mr. BlachBour’s wife, Adele, is of oil, silver, and gold. It is a prize valued at $135 million, but it is a painting with a much larger story than its price tag. In her will, Adele asked that her husband leave the painting to the Austrian State Gallery, but in 1938, Austria was annexed by the Nazis. Adele’s beloved painting was subsequently seized. It wasn’t until 2000 after an extensive court-battle with the Austrian Government that Ferdinand’s niece, Maria Altmann, was able to reclaim the piece for the family. Although the piece itself is priceless, the story it has is of even greater interest. value: $ 135 million
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Auburn’s Annual Craft Beer Festival
10.10.15 featuring
+
craft
100 beers
regional & national breweries, Homebrew Alley, German food, live music, contests & more!
tickets, packages, & Discounted rooms are available online
www.auhcc.com/oktoberfest
SINCE 1946
111 South College Street, Auburn • 334.821.7375 The Shoppes at EastChase, Montgomery • 334.386.9273 Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort • 251.338.9273