THE WAR EAGLE SUPPER CLUB
A TRADITION OF GOOD TIMES
CHEF DAVID
FARM TO TABLE
DR. BRAD & SUSIE LITKENHOUS COMMITTED TO LIFE AND BUSINESS
AUBURN / OPELIKA, AL NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2015
YOUR FAIRY TALE. Surround yourself with the serenity of nature, the sophistication of an upscale lodge and the amenities your guests will always remember. Our outdoor wedding pavilion offers the perfect setting for a spectacular wedding overlooking Lake Saugahatchee and Grand National’s golf courses. From bridal luncheons and groomsmen golf outings to spectacular dinners and receptions, the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel has everything needed to make your dream wedding a reality. 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.
Luxury Lives in east aLabama Connect with Auburn-Opelika’s #1 Real Estate Company: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
BHHSPreferredAuburn.com 334.826.1010
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CONTENT
VISAGE
VISAGE
town
EVENTS AROUND
ON THE TRACKS Downtown Opelika AL
22 ARICCIA UNCORKED
The Hotel at Auburn University, Auburn AL
28 FALL WINE DINNER PAIRING Irish Bred Pub, Opelika AL
30 PORK & CORK
Alabama Farmer Pavilion. Auburn AL
32 OKTOBERFEST
The Hotel at Auburn University, Auburn AL
40
8 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
The Fighter
Will O. (Trip) Walton, III 2011- 2014 Super Lawyers 334.321.3000 www.waltonlaw.net waltonlaw@waltonlaw.net
“Walton Law Firm Top Five”
$17,500,000.00 Insurance Fraud Verdict $8,000,000.00 Brain Injury Settlement $7,500,000.00 Spine Injury Settlement $6,750,000.00 Brain Injury Settlement $4,000,000.00 Wrongful Death Settlement
As an Alabama Golden Gloves Heavy Weight Boxing Champion, Trip’s motto has always been “We don’t Start the Fight - We Finish It!”
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.”
CONTENT
FEATURES
LOCAL FOCUS
LOCAL FOCUS
Smith-Kastner Wealth Management
g
48
LOCAL FOCUS Answered Prayers
55
CULINARY CORNER Chef David Bancroft
64
FEATURE STORY
DR. BRAD & SUSIE LITKENHOUS
74
LOCAL FEATURE War Eagle Supper Club
88
FASHION
Winter Collection
98
T R AV E L
WHISTLER Canada
118
10 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
Koullas Realty www.LiveLakeMartin.com
Tabitha Dumas
256-307-4399 Tabitha@LiveLakeMartin.com Each office is independently owned and operated.
SOUTHERN TAT L E R THE ESSENCE OF SOUTHERN SOCIETY
PUBLISHER Matthew Tse
C U S T O M E R R E L AT I O N S S P E C I A L I S T Danielle Sands
A D V E R T I S e M E N T & M ar k eting Matthew Tse Robert Averett
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ashley Walker Iris Saya Miller Stephen Walker
P hotographer Andrea Newman Issac Leverett Nicole Degree Tracy Young
W riters
Amy Hudson Caroline Lentz Hannah Swanson Jelani Moore 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.
Gift Certificates Available for: CosmetiC Dentistry BOTOX Juvederm Teeth Whitening
sPA serViCes Facials Massage Therapy Organic Spray Tanning Waxing Chemical Peels
UniQUe GiFts Obagi Skin Care Éminence Organics Amy Head Cosmetics Theodent Chocolate Toothpaste Handmade Organic Soaps
Dr. Brad Litkenhous
1575 Professional Parkway Auburn, Alabama 36830
w w w. A u b u r n D e n t a l S p a . c o m
334.821.2846
LETTER
the
from
PUBLISHER As we fondly remember 2015 and usher in the new year, we reflect upon the people we have met and the places we have been in the light of what has been a fantastic twelve months. We thank our readers, advertisers, and sponsors for supporting us in our endeavors, and for helping us to stay true to our vision of providing for East Alabamians a glimpse into “the essence of southern society.” In this issue we meet Executive Chef David Bancroft of Auburn’s extraordinary farm-to-table restaurant, Acre. He tells us about his unique take on modern cuisine with a certain southern flair. We also hear from Answered Prayers Home Care, an Auburn business that embodies its mission to lend individuals and their loved ones a helping hand in times of need. John Brandt, owner of The War Eagle Supper Club, reminisces on Auburn’s most famous wee-hours hotspot open since the 1950s in preparation of its closing on New Year’s Day. Read about Smith-Kastner Wealth Management, a respected financial planning firm with a desire to provide for its customers quality, comprehensive service and assistance in managing their assets in the 2016 fiscal year. In this holiday season of family, comfort, and joy, we encourage you to treasure the time you spend with relatives and friends. Be inspired by our feature of Dr. Brad Litkenhous and his wife Susie, as they show us just what it means to cherish opportunities to serve one another both at home and in the community. Take note of their recommendation to “leave a place as good as or better than you found it,” and join us in resolving to count our blessing and to touch the lives of others this January. Finally, journey with us to the beautiful Canadian skiing capital of Whistler and dream about a vacation amidst the mountains’ soft, white snow. Southern Tatler wishes you a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
-Matthew Tse
16 S OUTHERN
TAT L E R
LIFE
Cave in to Luxury
ICEHOTEL, SWEDON Now in its 26th season, the original ice hotel has grown from a modest 645 sq. ft. igloo into the world ‘s largest hotel made entirely of ice and snow- at 59,200 sq. ft. Set 200km north of the Arctic Circle and rebuilt every year, the hotel is akin to an art project, with the River Torne, the northern lights and the midnight sun acting as inspiration for artists. www.icehotel.com
PERIVOLAS, SANTORINI Slip away from the world and retreat to the restored group of 300-year-old caves that were once homes and wine cellars for local fishermen. With whitewashed walls and pared-down interiors, the 17 suites luxury inn was restored in keeping with the island’s Cycladic architecture, and let the breathtaking views over the caldera speak for themselves. The infinity pool reaches out over the cliff and seamlessly blends into the Aegean horizon. Opt for Perivolas Suites, which has its own hot tub and pool - a great private spa to watch the famous Santorini sunsets.
www.perivoloas.gr
MUSEUM HOTEL, TURKEY With history spanning thousands of years, this 30-room boutique hotel in Cappadocia doubles as a museum. Rooms offer sweeping views of the valleys, and are thoughtfully decorated with the owner’s collection of Roman and Ottoman antiques.
AMANGIRI, UTAH, US Admittedly, this isn’t exactly a cave hotel- but its canyon point location is set in a valley of colorful, stratified and wind-carved rock, and the beautiful desert scenery at Amangiri (meaning “peaceful mountain”) makes it worth a mention Guests at the sleek, sandstone sanctuary can find peace at the incredible spa. Or, make the most of the great outdoors with the resort’s full programed of guided hikes, rock climbing, biking and canyoneering.
www.museum-hotel.com
www.amanresorts.com
18 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
22
28
ON THE TRACKS
ARICCIA UNCORKED F E AT U R I N G O M E R O
SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
VISAGE
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
30
32
40
FALL WINE DINNER PAIRING FEATURING WHIPPOORWILL
PORK & CORK
OKTOBERFEST
VISAGE ON
ON THE TRACKS DOWNTOWN OPELIKA, AL
THE TRACKS
October 23rd, 2015
Annie Williams, Brooke Pierce, Jennifer Lovvorn, Lauren Acuff, Charity Edwards, Kristi Smith, Caitlin Howard, Mary Golden
Susan and Mark Barber Clay Cutler
Palina Luangkhot, Hang Ang
Hunter Whitley and Nealey Dozier
Lacy Howell
Jordan Whitley and Torrey Hall
Emily Meadows, Heather Chappell, Lori Lamb
22 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
Onlookers enjoyed live local music and curb side shopping at this years On the Tracks event. Customers were gingerly greeted with a sample of wine, while visiting the local vendors and shops in downtown Opelika. The spirit of community and supporting local business filled the air as each customer was treated to a five star shopping experience.
Ashley Hill and Eric Wittig
Allison Tjelmeland and Matt Mathis
Wade and Linda Moore
Al and Dudley Cook Ashley Gross Rodney and Holis Hawkins, Derek Findley
23 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER
2015
VISAGE ON THE TRACKS
ON THE TRACKS DOWNTOWN OPELIKA, AL
October 23rd, 2015
Wes Holderfield Tatum Andrews, George Purves, Nance Andrews Thomas Williams and Kacie Chumley
Cindy and Jeff Conway
Kerry McGinnis
Landon Forbes and Michael Harper
24 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
On The Tracks takes place twice per year, in the Fall and Spring in beautiful downtown Opelika. This event truly pays homage to both the history and development of downtown Opelika.
Rod Moore
Rex and June Whatley
Linda Moore and Rhonda Long
Kevin Cooper Ray and Anna Curry Dillard
Stephanie Swindle and Rachel Dark Nicole Calhoun and Landry Bodie
Johnny Powell
Brad and Cameron Williams
25 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER
2015
VISAGE ON THE TRACKS
ON THE TRACKS DOWNTOWN OPELIKA, AL
October 23rd, 2015
Summer Powell and McKenzie McManus
Summer Powell and McKenzie McManus
Alex Sanders and Anna Blackledge
Summer Powell and McKenzie McManus Summer Powell and McKenzie McManus Summer Powell and McKenzie McManus
Summer Powell and McKenzie McManus
26 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
VISAGE ARICCIA
A R I C C I A U N C O R K E D F E AT U R I N G O M E R O
UNCORKED
THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL
F E AT U R I N G
November 4th, 2015
OMERO
28 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
Participants enjoyed a relaxing evening on the Ariccia patio with an exquisite pairing of wine from Omero Cellars and fine cuisine prepared by the talented Ariccia Culinary Team. Definitely an evening to remember.
29 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER
2015
VISAGE IRISH
BRED
PUB FALL WINE PA I R I N G
IRISH BRED PUB FALL WINE PAIRING I R I S H B R E D P U B, O P E L I K A A L
November 2nd, 2015
30 SOUTHERN
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.”
VISAGE PORK & CORK
PORK & CORK A L A B A M A F A R M E R S PAV I L I O N , A U B U R N A L
October 23rd, 2015
Donna and Ken Macklin
Sandy Krietemeyer, Sherri Daughtery, Kathleen Carroll, Bobbi Starr, Robin Stirling
32 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
The Auburn University Agricultural Alumni Association hosted this major event, in an on going effort to increase the scholarship fund for students in the College of Agriculture. Scholarship, food, fun and community were the highlights of the evening.
Marlee Moore, Amanda Martin, Emma Williams
Christin Bancroft, Ashley Hareill, Rachael and Joh Hyink
Laura Chambliss, Martee Moseley, Nicole Tole, Emily Robinson
Pam Hindman, Chris Massey Emma Williams, Marlee Moore
33 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER
2015
VISAGE PORK & CORK
PORK & CORK A L A B A M A F A R M E R S PAV I L I O N , A U B U R N A L
October 23rd, 2015
Chris Wilton, Monique Van Keuren
Amit Morey, Deepika Morey, Danny Johns, Amanda Esta
Natalie and John Killmaster John and Shana McGukin
Cup & Saucer
34 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
Held at the Ag Heritage Park, this new Fall event was a fun filled evening, filled with great local food, music and beverages, Top area chefs prepared taste bud tantalizing pork-based meals, made from meat provided by the Auburn University Meat labs.
Katie Lindsey, Sherri Daugherty
Dr. Wayne Green, Evelyn Brown
35 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER
2015
VISAGE PORK & CORK
PORK & CORK A L A B A M A F A R M E R S PAV I L I O N , A U B U R N A L
October 23rd, 2015
Robin and Mark Stirling
Michele Danielly, Ashley Ashton Taylor Ayres, Jesse Ruth Parrish
Kathy and Brian Hannah, Kevin and Nacny Kinsey
36 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
ENVYSALON
Walk Through Coveted Closet and update your wardrobe then step into Envy Salon to get a makeover with latest hair style trends for 2015. Located 829 S Railroad Ave #101 Opelika, AL 334.749.3366 Friend us on Facebook Envy Salon Auburn/Opelika and Coveted Closet Visit us on the Web ENVYSALONOPELIKA.COM and MYCOVETEDCLOSET.COM
PORK & CORK
VISAGE PORK
A L A B A M A F A R M E R S PAV I L I O N , A U B U R N A L
& CORK
October 23rd, 2015
Bob Hix, Jill Campbell, Ellyn Hix
Jeremy and Lauren Crowe
Amanda Martin, Charlie Owens
Jana Jager, Jeannie Karabasz, Holly Mitchell
Jessica Rush, Samantha Carpenter
38 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
The historic Halliday Cary Pick house will be one of 10 homes featured on the 9th annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes. December 12-13, 2015 Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Sunday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
OKTOBERFEST
VISAGE
THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL
OKTOBERFEST
October 10th, 2015
Chris McGuire, Martha Keene and Brian Keene Douglas Bendinger
Mark Hickson, Susan Mendel
Chris and Hailey Hancock Scott and Rachel Marshall
Jonathan and Katie Sevlaczek
Brooks Haley, Thomas Wistraf, Nolan Stevens, Connor Schorr, Andrew Bergen, Davis Byrd, Logan Summy
40 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
Held at the The Hotel at Auburn University northern parking lot, 2015 marks the sixth year of The Hotel atAuburn University’s Oktoberfest event. Local, regional, and national breweriesshowcased a small selection of beers, giving attendees an opportunity to samplea variety of great brews. Select breweries presented one-off beers, brewedspecifically for the attendees of Oktoberfest. Local home brewers proudlyshowcased their craft to festival goers in an area known as Home Brew Alley. Attendees kicked back and enjoyed the brews and laid back atmosphere that permeated the event.
Kate Marisinni, Katelyn Knaszak, Ian Kelly
Lisa Samuelson, Jim Summerell
Susan and Meg Fite
Carly Brock, Joseph Henson, Kayla Weise
Hope Goodwin
David Drescher, William Bug Glenn Johnson, Nehemia Brown, Danielle Ellis, Marcus Davidson
41 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER
2015
VISAGE OKTOBERFEST
OKTOBERFEST THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL
October 10th, 2015
Kelsey Perkins, Cassie Johnston Morgan Rigsby, Seth and Carson Pass
Hailey Moon, Julianna Cvetetic
Elliott MacIsaac, Neil Ivatt
Noehmi Esquivl, Clinton Slagle
Meghan Ferrell, Ursula Park, Kristen Ferrel
42 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
Studio 3:19 334.610.4026 124 South 8th Street Opelika, Al 36801
www.studio3-19.com
VISAGE OKTOBERFEST
OKTOBERFEST THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL
October 10th, 2015
Joey Mannuel, Sam Roberts, Hailey Moon, Julianna Cvetetic Lindsey Davis, Lizzie Felder
John and Mary Hood
Nicole Hester, Holly Jurnigan
Alexis Murtey, Savanna Gasway
Claire Sullivan, Mary Mathis
Dana Altone, Mike Stover, Vanessa Darden
44 S EP TEMBER/ OCTOBER
2015
SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
BREATH LOCAL FOCUS: Smith- Kastner Wealth Management Answered Prayer
CULINARY CORNER: Chef David Bancroft
LOCAL FOCUS SMITHKASTNER
SMITH - KASTNER
WEALTH
Wealth Management
rom hunting partners to business partners, Perry Smith and Nathan Kastner share a strong bond. Both have deep Alabama roots, and both are passionate about serving families in our community---and across this nation. Southern Tatler caught up with Smith-Kastner Wealth Management firm partner Nathan Kastner to discuss his love for Auburn, his perspective on the future of the financial world, and how his firm can serve you.
48 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
MOST OF WHAT WE DO FALLS INTO THE insurance,
estate planning, business planning, and personal financial planning. But, of course,
CATEGORIES OF
that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
A
fter Nathan Kastner graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Economics and Business Administration, he had one interview and one job offer. The year was 2004. “Perry Smith needed someone to help him develop his new independent financial planning firm,” said Kastner, “an interview was arranged, and that was that. I never interviewed with another company. We’ve now been together for slightly more than a decade.” 50 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
Both partners Perry Smith and Nathan Kastner share a passion for serving their clients’ financial goals to the fullest capacity. Before establishing Smith-Kastner Wealth Management, Perry Smith was an agent for MetLife. Smith realized, while working at MetLife, that to best serve his clients, he needed equal access to many different insurance and investment providers. Soon afterwards, Smith left MetLife and became an independent broker. This enthusiasm for providing the very best for their clients is still alive today. “No matter what a client comes in for, I always will discuss their emergency fund and life insurance,” Kastner said. “Unexpected things happen---a lot! Being prepared for those unexpected events is what keeps someone from ending up in financial ruin.” “Too often I have clients, particularly younger ones, that will have a substantial amount saved up in their retirement plan, but almost nothing in an emergency fund. If that client ends up having to dip into that retirement fund for emergency purposes, not only are they prolonging their retirement, but the taxes and penalties that are often associated with early withdrawals can quickly decimate an account.” Kastner and Smith are comprehensive financial planners. “Although it shouldn’t be, that is a rarity in our area,” Kastner said. “Most of what we do falls into the categories of insurance, investing, estate planning, business planning, and personal financial planning. But, of course, that’s only the tip of the iceberg.” Insurance planning includes life insurance, long-term care, and disability insurance. Investment planning includes 401(k)s, college 529 plans, and supplemental savings plans. Estate planning involves wills, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, Medicare/Medicaid planning, and asset protection. The firm helps businesses design retirement plans, buy-sell agreements, and succession plans. Kastner jokingly says he is also in the “fix-it” business. “We have a lot of clients that come to us because something has gone wrong, or it’s about to.
More often than not, we can help. But the earlier we become involved, the more solutions that are available to the client.” Kastner is emphatic about being proactive in your financial planning. “An associate once made the comment to me that ‘everyone has a financial plan--- the only question is whether the client developed the plan themselves or they let the IRS do it for them’. That’s comical, but it is also true. Ignoring or postponing financial issues doesn’t make them go away---it just makes them harder to address when the time finally comes.” However, the firm doesn’t shy away from any difficult problem a client may have. “I find theses cases interesting! Me and Perry can spend hours in our conference room brainstorming on how we are going to get our clients out of the hot water they have found themselves in.” The financial world is daunting, but independent brokers can provide an integrated perspective of all the financial components of your life. “I think that one of the most common problems we encounter is that clients have ‘piecemealed’ their financial life. They’ve got all the stuff (they need), but there’s no integration. There’s no 30,000 feet view. No one person or team actually looking at the big picture. Their right hand has no idea what the left is doing and vice versa. But, admittedly, looking at your financial life as a whole can be complex and intricate.” At Smith-Kastner Wealth Management, they help create individualized, integrated financial plans for each client. “We ask a lot of questions. Our first meeting with a client is an interview, not a sales pitch. It’s rare that we recommend a product or solution during our first meeting, and you should be weary of someone that does. We typically don’t start presenting solutions and strategies until the second meeting, and the clients don’t often make any firm decisions until after the second meeting is concluded.” “Each client is unique, and (we need) to know a lot about the situation, their goals, and their needs,
51 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER
2015
before we give them quality, custom-tailored advice,” said Kastner. To find the right financial package for their clients, Smith and Kastner use a combination of software packages and unique processes to analyze their client’s goals and weigh the pros and cons of the client’s various options. Kastner said, “We are a big fan of options. If a ‘financial advisor’ only comes to you with one solution, you’ve got to wonder if that’s really the best thing for you, or is it the best thing for them? Or worse, is it the only product the advisor has in his arsenal. When the only tool you have is a hammer, everything tends to look like a nail.” Kastner recommends that you should always ask plenty of questions when meeting with your financial advisor. You should be aware of any alternatives, the costs of your plan, and potential drawbacks of proposed financial solutions. He said, “If a client can defend the strategy that we proposed when we aren’t around, they’ll have confidence that they made the wise choice.” “Don’t be afraid to ask a financial advisor how he/she will get paid on a certain product. A good advisor should be open and forthcoming about things like compensation. If they are truly bringing value to the client’s life, they shouldn’t be ashamed to get paid to do it.” At the firm of Smith and Kastner, their compensation is fee and commission based. The client decides their form of payment, and the cost of commission and fees depend upon each individual client.
Their firm believes in the mantra that “everyone deserves sound financial advice”. Being independent brokers frees Smith and Kastner from having an agenda to cater their clients to one certain insurance or investment provider. Instead, Smith and Kastner can work with a multitude of insurance and investment providers to find the most affordable product for their client. Their clients vary from ages 20-90. “This past week, I helped a family of five set-up three college savings plans. Like most young families, they are doing their absolute best to pay the bills and save a few hundred bucks each month. But I also spent a day working on $12 million dollars of life insurance for two 50-year-old empty nesters.” Most insurance and investment firms appeal only to the elite in society. According to Kastner, “Limiting ourselves to that demographic would be a disservice to our community.” They serve not only families in our community, but also families across the nation. “We have clients all over the country---as far west as Colorado, Utah, and Texas, and north through the Carolinas.” Another reason clients choose to work with the Smith-Kastner Wealth Management team is that they have a practicing attorney on staff, former Auburn University professor and attorney Robert Tufts. “To my knowledge, we are the only firm in the Auburn/Opelika community that has a practicing attorney on staff. Our attorney has a Masters of Taxation at Law and advises on many of our estate and trust issues.”
To my knowledge, we are the only firm in the Auburn/ Opelika community that has a practicing attorney on staff. Our attorney has a Masters of Taxation at Law and advises on many of our estate and trust issues.
52 SOUTHERN
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“To my knowledge, we are the only firm in the Auburn/Opelika community that has a practicing attorney on staff. Our attorney has a Masters of Taxation at Law and advises on many of our estate and trust issues.”
At the heart of Smith-Kastner Wealth Management, they desire to have a long-lasting relationship with their clients. There is no such thing as “Nathan’s clients” or “Perry’s clients”. Kastner said, “Our clients know if Perry is not in the office, they can talk with me and I will be up to speed on their situation.” Perry Smith and Nathan Kastner want to know their clients because they are essentially neighbors. Nathan Kastner has grown up in Opelika, and Smith has deep ties to the community as well. “Perry’s wife, Ann, who is also our office manager, grew up in Opelika. So did I. My parents live in the same house I grew up in. Perry and Ann met at Auburn in the late 60’s. I met my wife, Brooke while also at Auburn. All of us knew that this was the community we wanted to live in. It was never really a question.”
Nathan Kastner serves on the board of three different local non-profit and civic organizations. He is married to his wife, Brooke, and together they have a seven-year-old son. They love being involved with their son’s soccer and t-ball teams. Perry Smith maintains an active lifestyle outside of work at the firm as well. In 2011, when Governor Robert Bentley was elected, Bentley nominated Smith as head of the Alabama National Guard, and appointing him as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet. Of course, Smith and Kastner still try to find time to go hunting together, hunting anything from deer to quail. Thus, showing they make a good team both in and out of the office. for more information on Smith-KastnerWealth Management visit www.casadvisors.com smithkastner.aspx or call 334.749.5001
53 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER
2015
LOCAL FOCUS ANSWERED PRAYER
nswered rayer
56 SOUTHERN
TAT L E R
T r
o be able to care for people during their most needy and vulnerable moments requires a heart of gold and dedication to serving others. Starting a home care, private duty service in Auburn may not have been the first thing on the Boroff’s to-do list, but after 15 years in the nursing home industry, providing services to those in need, it has undoubtedly become the most important. Sometimes we think we can build the future, but in most cases, the future builds us. As cognitive and functional abilities decline with age, activities of daily living and safety becomes paramount to the well-being of those affected by natural illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s. In addition, falls can have a devastating psychological and physical effect on the elderly as well. Many become terrified of falling and often decline physically as a result of falling and the fear that follows. According to the CDC, each year, 2.5 million older people are treated for fall injuries, over 700,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury— most often because of a head injury or hip fracture—and one-third of Americans 65 and older fall each year. With statistics like these, coupled with the baby boomers now fitting into this age group, there is a much greater need for private duty help. But unfortunately, many people don’t even know this type of help is available. John and Jessica Boroff are the proud owners of Answered Prayer Home Care Services of Auburn. Answered Prayer is a family-owned, local business that assists the elderly with ba-
sic activities of daily living and other care needs wherever they reside. Whether in the hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, senior living, or their own house, this home care agency provides private duty services geared towards helping the elderly and disabled to live as independently as possible, within their limitations and encouraging their capabilities. “Most family members who take care of their loved ones have full-time jobs and cannot always be present,” Jessica said. “Our services allow families to have peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well cared for, that they are safe, and that they have someone to keep them company, when they are not able to.” The Boroff’s journey has been one of virtue, but like all journeys, they start at home. Jessica was born in Seoul, Korea but was adopted by an American family at two years old. She grew up in Ohio with five other siblings, two of which were also adopted. It might be fair to say that Jessica’s parents helped to inspire her passion for helping others. Through-
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out her childhood, her parents took in and raised over 50 children. Jessica began her college career at Ohio State University where she studied architecture. John was born in Columbus, Ohio. He is the son of a contract engineer, who kept him traveling from state to state throughout his childhood. After graduating from high school in Colorado, John pursued an engineering degree closer to home at Ohio State as well. It was here that the Boroffs met in 1991 and married a year later. Two weeks after the vows, they packed up and headed south to Montgomery where they both studied nursing at Auburn University Montgomery. “In college, you never really know what you want to do,” Jessica said with a smile. “But as I learned more about how the body works, it fascinated me!” Jessica graduated at the top her class, which led her to a position in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Baptist South in Montgomery. She remained on staff there for almost four years before taking a job working as a Nurse Consultant for Turenne PharmMedCo. John was later recruited to Turenne in the Sales/Customer Relations and Education Department. At Turenne, the Boroffs worked with John and Sherry White. The White’s started the first Answered Prayer Home Care Services in Montgomery. After launching the Montgomery branch, the White’s asked the Boroffs to start Answered Prayer Home Care Services in Auburn. “We began discussions in January of 2013, signed paperwork in June, began recruitment efforts in August, and started caring for our first client in October of 2013. Getting started was scary,” Jessica said. “I left a stable corporate position to venture out on my own. John was still working with Turenne so our family would maintain some income.” Jessica started and managed the business completely on her own for the first year. By 2014, the business had grown substantially, and Jessica was in dire need for a partner, so along came John. “I resigned my position at Turenne, and we jumped off a cliff with a leap of faith,” John said. “We haven’t really taken a paycheck but it’s all been worth the risk.” Today, the Boroffs are both registered nurses who’ve worked in the medical industry for close to 20 years. The couple has been married for 23 years, and the past two of them have been spent sharing an office. Most couples would never dream of working together, but for the Boroffs marriage is just one of the many partnerships they share. So what’s their secret? “John and I communicate extremely well,” Jessica said. “Our
TESTIMONIALS: It has given me such peace of mind knowing that my mother is taking her medications properly under your supervision and that there are additional eyes evaluating how she is doing. Thanks. ---Dr Patricia Wade Williams, daughter of Mary Jones, resident at Monarch Estates As I have often said.... You have the perfect name for your service, because You have been an answered prayer to us. ---Lea Perez, daughter of Betty Botsford, resident of Azalea Place
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differences complement each other.” John is the people person, the type of guy who never meets a stranger. Jessica is the business savvy, hands-on type who prefers the walk to the talk. Together they operate with impeccable efficiency with a goal to emulate Christ’s love by caring for those in need and to build strong, long-lasting relationships within the community. In addition to a healthy marriage and a flourishing business partnership, the Boroffs have two children: Kayla and Jabe Boroff. Like their parents, Kayla and Jabe are competitive go-getters who work well on a team. Kayla plays softball and basketball and is on the cheerleading squad, and Jabe plays baseball and basketball. The Boroff’s values of ethics, selflessness, and self-responsibility are prominent in the home but also show through in the workplace. In the midst of supporting a family of their own, the Boroffs have dedicated their lives to supporting families all across east Alabama. The Boroff’s passion and desire for helping others make this task possible, but they can’t do it alone. Answered Prayer has a staff of around seventy-five certified nursing assistants who they call caregivers. “Our caregivers are amazing in what they do,” Jessica said. “They are a trusted “friend” of the family;
a helping hand when families need it the most; and because we are nurses, we can be a clinical resource to provide some guidance and answer questions during tough times when hard decisions have to be made.” The caregivers are available every day to cater to a client’s each and every need through a wide range of services that include—but are not limited to—personal care and bathing, dressing and grooming, medication assistance, safety supervision, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and so on. “I had one client who I took shopping,” Jessica laughed. “She tried on everything. She was in a wheelchair so I had to help her try on the clothes. It was a blast…we had a great day out.” The Answered Prayer caregivers have even gone so far as to give family pets medication. “We will literally do almost anything they need,” Jessica said. Just as the name lends to, John, Jessica and their family of caretakers have made it their mission to answer prayers. “I can’t tell you how many times people have told me: ‘I love the name of your company, you really are an answer to my prayer,’” Jessica said. Sherry White was responsible for coming up with the name. According to the story, Sherry was praying in her car on a road trip when she said she felt like God had
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spoken to her saying that “if you choose this name, you will have great success.” That message was most certainly an objective truth. The Boroffs have been the owners of Answered Prayer for only two years, yet they have had more success and fulfillment than they’ve had throughout the entirety of their professional career. Because of their medical background, Answered Prayer is able to help prolong independence and— in some cases—save lives – of many of their clients. The Boroffs are often on call 24/7 to ensure their clients are able to get help in emergency situations. Natural illnesses like strokes and heart attacks are very time sensitive—the faster a person can get help, the more likely they are to more fully recover. Answered Prayer’s caregivers have developed a powerful bond with their clients. They are like family and know them in a way that even the slightest changes
in their mental or physical condition are enough to trigger concern. “We had a client who had a stroke, our caregiver was there and, because the caregiver knew the client so well, she noticed immediately that something was different,” Jessica said. The caregiver was able to seek medical attention for this client immediately, which made all the difference. In addition to helping people in their homes, Answered Prayer also provides private duty services to help individuals in the hospital, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. “If a person is a fall risk, we can be there as an adjunct to facility staff to help prevent falling or wandering,” Jessica said. These services allow facilities to have extra hands on board to help provide additional security in such a highly regulated industry. Answered Prayer also works closely with Home Health and Hospice agencies in the area to provide additional care, supervision, and assistance with therapy exercises in between visits. Unlike other large corporate enterprises, Answered Prayer is able to cater to their clients based on what they need at the time. Understanding that the elderly are most often times on fixed income, there’s no minimum time commitment that they must pay for in order to get help. Answered Prayer makes it their mission to go above and beyond the corporate norm in order to see that their clients are properly taken care of, even if it’s not necessarily best for business. “We’ve had several clients who have gotten better, so they stop using our services because they no longer need help,” Jessica said. “It’s a great thing. When we have a client that gets better that may not be the best for us from a business standpoint, but from a personal standpoint that’s what we want. We want them to become independent again as much as possible.” Though they have an office space, John and Jessica are seldom seen at their desk. During the workday they are most often times out performing daily duties and caring for clients when they need it. They are both very personally involved and are hands-on in every aspect of the business. “Every client and family along with every caregiver has my personal cell phone number and can reach me anytime,” says Jessica. It is not uncommon to see Jessica wearing scrubs and working directly with clients. You can see John volunteering at the hospital or taking blood pressures at senior facilities. Moving forward, Answered Prayer hopes more people will remember their name and that their ser-
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vices are available when they need it. They have recently partnered with the EAMC SeniorPlus program and are also opening another office in Foley, Alabama. “We hope to grow to other locations in the state,” John said. “We are working with various healthcare groups in the community which enables us to provide continuity of care, which helps clients get the best possible health outcomes.” John and Jessica are actively talking with others about their services through involvement in community events, partnerships with local healthcare organizations, social media, and other forms of marketing. But at the end of the day, the Boroffs believe that old-fashioned word of mouth from one family to another is the most wholesome means of publicity. “When you get a client to refer your services to others, you know you are doing something right, something worthwhile,” John said. As far as personal plans go, the Boroffs say that their main priority now is to seek Christ, prepare their children for life by raising them in a Godly environment and providing a solid moral foundation through showing them the value of family, hard work, honesty, and to show generosity and love towards others. “Our purpose in life is to be generous and selfless towards others and to show the love of Christ to those we come
in contact with,” Jessica said. The Boroffs believe that though their services have the most direct effect on the elderly in need, they also help the families who can trust that the well-being of their loved one is in good hands. From one family to the next, the Boroffs have been very successful in forming relationships with their clients that go deep. Though the tasks at hand may waiver from standard healthcare, the everyday accomplishments often present themselves with great rewards. “If you have ever sat down and talked with an elderly person, you know they are a wealth of knowledge,” Jessica said. “I absolutely adore sitting with our clients to just learn about their lives, what they did, where they lived, about their children. It’s really fascinating.” From a World War II pilot to the son of a Cuban immigrant who fled to America to escape Castro, the Answered Prayer clientele have included seasoned individuals from all walks of life. “They call these people the greatest generation,” John said. “You can sit and listen to them for hours, and I love it.” The Boroffs pride themselves in knowing that their work is contributing to the well-being of some of this country’s greatest men and women. Prayers are truly answered when someone listens, cares, and acts to help others in need. for more information on Answered Prayer Home Care visit www.answeredprayerhomecare.com or call 334.467.0023
MY MOMENT MY CHRISTMAS
Make This Christmas Your Moment. We thank each and every one of you for making Southern Tatler one of the premier magazines in the Auburn and Opelika area, this past year. We would not have done it without your patronage and support. Thank you for believing in Southern Tatler and our vision. From November 15th 2015 to March 31st 2016, for any new two year magazine subscription, Southern Tatler will donate 50% of subscription price to the charity of your choice on your behalf.
SOUTHERN TATLER
CULINARY CORNER CHEF DAV I D BANCROFT
THE ORIGIANAL BRISKET BURGER
CHARCOAL, ONION JAM, PECAN SMOKED BACON, ARUGULA, WHITE CHEDDAR, BUTTER BRIOCHE
Chef David
E
arly on a Thursday morning, David Bancroft dons a black chef’s coat, a clean pair of blue jeans, and his signature cowboy boots. He is just beginning his day and greets each member of his staff individually with a smile and a warm hello. The tables at David’s local restaurant, Acre, at this time of day anxiously await the lunchtime rush. It’s hard to say what David will have on the menu, as he changes it every day, but its guaranteed freshness never wavers. David has been an Auburn man his entire life. It only makes sense that he applies the honesty, integrity, and sense of the community present in the Auburn Creed to the food he serves his guests. 65 S EP T EM BER/ OCTOBER
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“
“
LOCALLY AND FROM FAMILIES PRESERVES BUYING
HISTORY & CULTURE OF THE AREA.
THE RICH
-CHEF DAVID
avid Bancroft originates from Lower Alabama. He was born in Mobile, but his family relocated to San Antonio, Texas in 1987— he was just four years old. As a kid, he met all the requirements of a good South Texan: he loved country music, played football, joined the 4-H Club, and learned the ins and outs of farm life. David’s grandfather was a catfish farmer, and he and his brothers grew up with the understanding that the animals on their farm were for consumption and were not merely pets. “Farm raising animals for consumption came naturally,” David said. “We were raising something to sustain a family.” Throughout his childhood, David learned how to raise pigs, rabbits, and an assortment of other animals. This intense agricultural background gave David the tools he needed to be knowledgeable about local farming and to be able to run a restaurant featuring local products. Both of David’s parents graduated from Auburn, so he grew up with a passion for everything tiger striped and orange and blue. Although he grew up some 13 hours away, he never struggled to love everything Auburn. Eventually, he was able to follow in his parents’ and brothers’ footsteps and came to Auburn for school in 2001. David majored in business all four years, but serving as the kitchen steward for his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, really showed him how much he loved cooking. “I really enjoyed the satisfaction of cooking for a large group,” David said. He knew he always liked cooking, but college gave him a new perspective of being in the kitchen. He grew up cooking traditional Texan food: ribs, barbecue, and brisket. But when he came to Auburn, he discovered the phenomenon of barbecue pork. “I didn’t know about pork barbecue,” David said. “In Texas, everything was beef.” David didn’t only learn about pork when he came to Auburn. He was involved in several leadership organizations and volunteered at the local Boys and Girls Club. During his sophomore year, he asked his dad if he
could leave Auburn to attend culinary school. But his dad stood his ground and told David he had to receive his degree. “The whole time I was at Auburn I really just wanted to cook,” he said. A year later, he applied for a job at Amsterdam Café. For the longest time, no one called David back about his application, but finally, he was hired at the lowest position in the kitchen. A year later, he became the head chef. “Every single thing I learned, I learned it because I was given the opportunity at Amsterdam,” David said. While at Amsterdam, David revamped the restaurant’s inventory systems and marketing strategy, using the knowledge he gained while at Auburn University to make it one of the best restaurants in Auburn. While at Auburn, David met his wife, Christin. The two were both at a party at his fraternity house when David saw one of his fraternity brothers talking to Christin. “I just thought, ‘I have to talk to that girl,’” he said. His friend introduced him, and for the next hour and a half, David and Christin stood talking. He says he can’t remember the things they talked about, but he suddenly felt like she was the only other person in the room. After their conversation, Christin gave David her phone number, but he waited a week to call her because he was scared. “I think now she would say she was glad I called,” he laughed. Now, David and Christin have two children: Walker, 4, and Kennedy, 2. Their children’s names, as in good Southern fashion, are Christin’s maiden name and David’s mother’s maiden name, respectively. “My biggest challenge is making time and space to be there for my children,” David said. “I have to set a boundary so that I am home in time to put the little one to bed.” David usually aims to leave Acre by 7:45 p.m. Owning a small business is not an easy task. Taking notes from his father, David hopes to operate his business in the same way that his father did. His father was the chief financial officer for a hospital in San Antonio and ran his businesses with the utmost integrity. “Figuring out the balance of being a creative chef and finding time to run a small business is challenging,” David said. The daily maintenance of the restaurant and finding time to train new employees when the restaurant is always open is one of the biggest obstacles David continues to face. In his spare time, David is usually not in the kitchen. He enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid outdoorsman. “At one point, I worked as a deck
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hand in New Orleans,” David said. He loved bass fishing in the spring and summer and bow hunting in the cooler months. David also enjoys working closely with various groups at the University, including the Auburn Fisheries, the College of Agriculture, the meat lab, and the Office of Sustainability. “I was actually out at the fisheries the other day and got to go wade fishing in one of their ponds, so that was a really cool experience,” he said. Although David is known for his world-class food, his favorite go-to comfort food is pepperoni pizza. “Just a big ole greasy slice of pepperoni pizza,” he laughed. One of the most unique characteristics of David’s restaurant is his freezer. For a long time, Acre didn’t have a freezer at all, but David broke down and bought one so that they could store animal parts and actually take advantage of more of the parts that they would not be able to do otherwise. He also did not neglect to point out that the homemade ice cream Acre serves on occasion is made fresh for the night and then stored in the freezer. The principle thought behind Acre is that everything is locally sourced and goes straight from the kitchen to the guests. They are not cutting corners by any means. “Buying locally and from families preserves the rich history and culture of the area,” David said. He buys his meats, produce, and any other necessities from farmers
located from South Carolina to Texas. He spends the majority of his day communicating with farmers to learn about what’s fresh for that week and what he can expect from their products. David’s number one concern in his restaurant are his customers. His staff has fondly began to call him the “Yes Man” because of David’s inability, or rather refusal, to tell a customer no. “Customer satisfaction is my number one goal,” David said. At 4 p.m. each evening, David and his kitchen staff line up and go through each table and note who has dietary restrictions, who’s having a birthday, or who’s in for a big anniversary. Whatever it is, David and his team are up to the task. In the next five years, David’s goal is to possibly open a second restaurant. He has maxed out the space in Acre but wants to continue to serve the Auburn community in a big way. “My next restaurant will be more casual but with the same quality and attention to detail as Acre,” he said. Of course, he did not fail to mention that everything would continue to be locally sourced. David’s hard work and passion for his community is evident in his words. He embodies a true Auburn man and will continue to do so as he further expands his business and his family.
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for more information on Chef David Bancroft or Acre Restaurant, visit www.acreauburn.com TAT L E R
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FEATURE 74
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DR. BRAD & SUSIE LITKENHOUS
88
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WAR EAGLE SUPPER CLUB
FEATURE DR. &
BRAD SUSIE
LITKENHOUS
r.
BraD &
Susie
Litkenhous Dr. Brad Litkenhous and his wife Susie wake up every day and get dressed for work. Susie kisses the couple’s two oldest girls goodbye, and Brad drops them off at school on his way to work. Brad and Susie do not have to bid one another farewell, however, because they will meet again in just a few short minutes. 75 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER
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here are some husbands and wives who say that working together would be some kind of terrifying nightmare, but for Brad and Susie, it is a dream come true. The duo has married dentistry and esthetic services in a thriving business they call Auburn Dental Spa. Not only has the practice brought them thousands of satisfied clients, but it has also afforded them the opportunity to live a life in which quality time together is never lacking. Both Brad and Susie grew up in Mississippi and attended the well-respected Millsaps College in Jackson. The pair met at a fraternity party and had numerous mutual friends, but didn’t hit it off until more than a year later, when Susie asked Brad to her sorority formal. “On our first real date, I told Susie I would marry her one day,” Brad laughed. “She told me I was crazy.” In June of 2000, they became Mr. and Mrs. Litkenhous in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Today, fifteen years later, they have never looked back. 77 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER
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“We always have a great time together, whether it’s joking around in the office or having our daily lunch together,” - Susie Litkenhous
The couple moved to Birmingham after they married, where Brad attended the UAB School of Dentistry to receive his Doctorate of Dental Medicine. Not long after, they relocated to Auburn where Brad began working at Auburn Dental Associates. Brad and Susie bought the practice in 2007 and piloted the revolutionary business plan they had spent so much time designing in 2011, adding a number of day spa amenities and services to their offerings, then changed the name of the practice to Auburn Dental Spa. The Auburn community attracted Brad and Susie because of its size, its charm, and its potential for great growth. “Auburn is great because it is growing and attracting wonderful businesses, shopping, and restaurants. Even better, it is a very charitable and generous community. There is always something going on that we
are blessed to be a part of. The bank knows my children and gives them lollipops. You don’t get that lucky in just any town,” they said. The Litkenhouses live only a few miles from their practice, so they are able to experience a broad clientele without the traffic and business of life in a big city. They say they could not be happier with the way the dental spa has taken off. “In dental school they don’t always teach you how not to be scary,” Susie chuckled. “With my marketing and business background, I knew we had to differentiate ourselves from the forty to fifty dentists practicing in the area and cater to our customers. The dentist is not just the guy that works on your teeth. He is a doctor of the head, face, and neck; so why not offer clients a broader variety of services?” The spa caters to patients with a menu of complimentary relaxation offerings like hot towels and chair massage.
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Available for purchase (to patients or non-patients) is massage therapy, spray tanning, a beautiful makeup line by Amy Head Cosmetics, facials, chemical peels, and other services. Whether Auburn Dental Spa customers are visiting Dr. Litkenhous to have their teeth cleaned, or if they are receiving a facial massage for bothersome TMJ, they are sure to receive top notch treatment. It is the perfect marriage of talents. The practice is the only one of its kind, and truly makes going to the dentist an uncharacteristically relaxing experience. Where else can one go for a dental procedure and partake of a calming (and complimentary) paraffin wax hand treatment, cool eye pillow, or herbal neck wrap all in the same afternoon? Auburn Dental Spa also offers a fabulous dental assisting program, licensed by the State of Alabama’s De-
partment of Postsecondary Education. Sessions are held three or four times per year and each can accommodate twenty eager students. Alongside their team, Brad and Susie fully train each student so that he or she may become a qualified dental assistant. It is a great way for the Litkenhouses to make a difference in the lives of young people excited to take on challenges within the field of dentistry that they know and love so well. Their program is the only one all inclusive of state-of-the-art methodology instruction, customer service skills, and dental radiology. Students also gain valuable knowledge of and exposure to esthetic services offered in the spa. Working together seems to be easy and fun for Brad and Susie. They say the office is busy every day, so there is always a “to-do list� that needs attention. Each of them brings their best to the table- they do what they
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“Family life is just what you would expect with three girls- a lot of drama, lots of clothes, and lots of shoes. But it’s so fun.” - Dr. Brad Litkenhous
know and they do it very well. Susie told us their dynamic is perfect because they realize each other’s strengths and avoid micromanaging each other. By speaking with Brad and Susie, it became evident to us that the love filling their marriage and family home spills over into the workplace to foster an outstandingly positive work environment. “You can ask any of our employees about how we interact at work and they would probably tell you it is something like the way we act at home. We always have a great time together, whether it’s joking around in the office or having our daily lunch together,” Susie smiled. It is a business model that just works- there is no lack of respect in the workplace they share, and it brings the talents of both Brad and Susie to the table in a fun and unique way. Susie serves as both office manager and operations director at the dental spa. Her jobs vary on a daily basis. From keeping up with the demands of an evolving health and beauty industry, to directing the dental assisting program and making contact with clients, she enjoys working alongside her husband to keep their practice the most impressive and well-respected in the area. Although the couple has individual interest that differ greatly, the common ground they share is time with each other. They call themselves foodies- whether that means going out to enjoy a delicious meal and partaking of fine wine, or cooking at home with their girls. They also love to travel when given the opportunity. Brad is the only man in a household full of females, and at that a happy man, but he enjoys fly-fishing and hunting with his friends when time allows. Still, he says, his favorite thing is to spend time with his girls. The Litkenhous family is active at Auburn First United Methodist Church where they serve the Lord together. Because giving back to the Auburn (and surrounding) communities is near and dear to their hearts, Brad and Susie often attend social events for good causes. Brad has served as a “shoe guy” for several years at the annual Wine, Women, and Shoes Event benefitting East Alabama Medical Center and its effort to fight breast cancer. They were also a hit at the Lee County Child Advocacy Center’s annual Dancing Stars of East Alabama competition for two years. Both won in the dancing category and worked hard to raise funds for the organization. Especially
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important to Brad and Susie are groups that support women and children, like the Hudson Family Foundation, which supports boys and girls with significant physical, emotional, or financial needs. They also take an active part in working with the Christian Women’s Job Corp, a group teaching women basic skills like how to balance a checkbook, or how to dress for an interview. Dr. Litkenhous has donated pro bono dental work for these women who might need an extra boost of confidence. His time and attention is also valuable to the Auburn City Schools Dental Clinic partnered with United Way, Red Cross of Lee County, Boy Scouts of America, and the Rotary Club of Auburn. Beyond work and community, Brad and Susie know that time around the family table with their chil-
dren is most rewarding. It is often the only time of day in which they are all together in conversation, so they value it greatly. Susie’s mom lives with the Litkenhouses, too, and has become an awesome part of the family dynamic. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease several years ago, she has shown her grandchildren immeasurable love. Brad and Susie support their girls in all of their endeavors, instilling in them the values of generosity, community, and hard work. They told us that their busy life is something they would never take for granted. “Family life is just what you would expect with three girls- a lot of drama, lots of clothes, and lots of shoes. But it’s so fun.” Isabel, 11 years old, enjoys riding horseback and running cross country. Chaney, 9, is a fantastic dancer and cheerleader. Finally, Eva,
age five, is a diva, a princess, and a spy. Susie joked that it seems she is a glorified chauffer some days. It is a job she would not trade for the world, though. If you ever have a chance to meet the Litkenhouses, you will witness firsthand the love and warmth they have to share, with each other and with friends, clients, and their community. For them life is something they enjoy to the fullest together. It is not a life about material things or even success in the workplace, but about the giving of their hearts and their time. What you see in Brad and Susie is what you get. They are honestly and fully invested in their family, their faith, and the future of Auburn, Alabama. We asked Brad and Susie to sum up their philosophy about how one can touch the places and people he meets. They told us simply, “Leave a place
as good as or better than you found it.” If you would like to experience all of what Auburn Dental Spa has to offer, or if you would like to meet Brad and Susie for yourself, give their office a call at 334-821-2846, or visit them at 1575 Professional Parkway in Auburn. From the moment you meet them you will know in your heart of hearts that the love they share has blessed not only the friends and family members they cherish and every customer they take care of, but also every individual they encounter. It is one thing, and a beautiful thing, to show kindness and care in one’s place of business. It is another wonderful thing all together to create a positive and profound impact on one’s community by living charitably and compassionately as Brad and Susie do every day.
“It is one thing, and a beautiful thing, to show kindness and care in one’s place of business. It is another wonderful thing all together to create a positive and profound impact on one’s community by living charitably and compassionately as Brad and Susie do every day.”
LOCAL FOCUS WAR
EAGLE
SUPPER CLUB
R A
W
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E
G A
r e p b p u u l S C t’s 1988, and the sun shines brightly on a crisp, cool Sunday morning. A young Auburn University student struts up the stairs just in time for the 11 o’clock Auburn United Methodist Church service to begin. The greeter says, “Good morning,” to the student, but the student could quiet make out what he said. His ears were still ringing from rocking to the Georgia Satellites at the classic War Eagle Supper Club the night before. “As Cam from the Velcro Pygmies always said, ‘Y’all stay until the end, and we’ll get you home before church starts,’” Supper Club owner John Brandt laughed. Since 1957, the Supper Club has honored that promise to Auburn students, community members, and alumni alike.
he official opening date of Supper Club remains a mystery, but its first phone book listing was in 1957. Before that, it is said to have been a brothel and gambling house in the 1940s. The club was converted into a steakhouse by H.H. Lambert the following decade, and seven years later, it became the War Eagle Supper Club. “One of the biggest complaints I get is that the club is far away from campus, but when it first opened, no one could sell alcohol within one mile of campus,” Brandt said. He also said Tiger Cub, a former convenience store, sold beer just outside of the mile marker from campus, and the Supper Club was just a few yards from that. In those days, this was the only pizza joint in the Auburn city limits. “I can remember when my family moved here in 1968, one of our family friends had a membership card and would come and buy pizza,” Brandt said. “I was a kid, so of course I wasn’t allowed in.” The Supper Club made the best pizza in town: the sauce and the crust were homemade. However, in the late 1980s, the club stopped selling pizza because it couldn’t compete with the large chains that came to Auburn.
Since its earliest days, the Supper Club has served as a haven for all types of people. It became a private club during the days of Jim Crow laws. Membership cards were available for a nominal fee and still are only $2. For a brief time, the cards were issued to deny access to blacks but then stuck around so they could serve alcohol on Sundays. The owners of the club really didn’t care who came through their doors, as long as they were there to have a good time, so shortly after 1961, the club became one of the first in the area to allow African Americans. Still today, the owners of the Supper Club welcome those of all types: no matter your race, financial status, or background. They love all of their customers. Women were also looked down upon for going to bars or clubs during these days, but the Supper Club let them in. “Hard Rock. Cold Beer. Expect No Mercy,” is the War Eagle Supper Club slogan. If you were to walk down any beach on the Gulf with that slogan on a koozie, it wouldn’t take long for someone to recognize just where you got it. Hank Gilmer, who bought the club in 1977, recruited a few Auburn University art students to come paint the walls. One
of the girls he solicited painted the “Hard Rock. Cold Beer,” portion of the slogan. A few years later, a man named “Mad Dog” added on “Expect No Mercy.” “The Supper Club served as a rite of passage when kids turned 21,” Brandt said. Students who attended the club separated themselves from the underclassmen who were stuck at the lesser bars closer to campus or drinking in their dorm rooms. To help their dedicated patrons survive the mile back to campus, Hank Gilmer introduced the “slush bus” in 1984. This bus is now out of commission but serves as a bar and is fondly called the “shot bus.” “I remember when Chris Fowler was here some years back with the College Gameday crew, he went out to the shot bus with a bunch of students, and the students said, ‘You have to take a shot! It’s tradition,’ and Chris replied with, ‘Well I can’t mess with tradition,’” Brandt laughed. These classic moments make the War Eagle Supper Club an institution. In its prime, you would not have wanted to spend your Friday and Saturday nights anywhere else. Although the “slush bus” is now known as simply “the Supper Club bus,” it still serves its initial
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The War Eagle Supper Club represents an experience unlike any other and a
treasured icon among ALL who have darkened its doorway.
purpose. Then and now, you can call the bus number from your location in Auburn, and the bus will come pick you up within the next 30 minutes. And when it’s time to go home, you get back on and kindly tell the driver where you would like to be dropped off. Without the bus, the club may not have survived as long as it has, but for students and alumni dying to go, it is the best way to get out there. In the 1990s, Kenny Chesney toured the country on his “Keg in the Closet” tour. According to Brandt, the crew travelling with Kenny had never experienced playing in hole-in-the-wall places that Kenny grew up in. So on their off days, the band would travel to different college towns to play in dive bars and would sell tickets to students who couldn’t afford to come to the big show. Kenny was scheduled to come to the Supper Club on a Thursday. Brandt was going to start selling the tickets at midnight the night before. When Kenny arrived in Oxford, Mississippi for his Wednesday night
show, he discovered the owner of the bar sold all of the tickets to his friends and University hot shots, leaving only a dozen or so for the students to purchase. Kenny and his band turned their bus back around and came to Auburn a night early. “The first night he just showed up just as everyone was getting in line to buy tickets,” Brandt said. “He played all of the classic bar tunes, like Jimmy Buffet, and the next night he just did his regular show.” A story as classic as this one was guaranteed to go down in the record books. The Supper Club not only hosts rock bands, but they have put on a variety of charity events throughout the years. In November 2006, the club was forced to take down their iconic t-shirt ceiling because it violated fire code. Brandt and the other owners decided to auction much of its memorabilia as a fundraiser for the Lymphoma Society. This event hit home in more ways than one: the club’s first female bartender, Susan Enkeboll, died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma a few
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months before. The club raised more than $6,000 that night. Every Christmas, the Supper Club hosts an benefit called “Noise for Toys,” which donates toys to the Marine’s charity Toys for Tots. Most recently, the club hosted Strummin’ for Strays—a concert to benefit the Macon County Humane Society. The War Eagle Supper Club has encountered many changes and obstacles over the years, but many traditions have remained standard over the past few decades: the band never starts playing before 12 a.m., it’s a home for everyone, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time. As many long-time patrons are aware, the Supper Club will be closing its doors on New Year’s Eve 2015. Although the original establishment will no longer exist, the owners of the Supper Club hope to relocate in the Auburn area. “We hope to keep the shot bus going,” Brandt said. “We will definitely still have live music, but we will probably start the music earlier.” The new location will be a change of pace for the owners and pa-
trons alike, but it provides the opportunity for rebirth and a new chapter for the club. Telluride, the first band to play on the club’s main stage, will headline the New Year’s Eve bash. Tickets are on sale and are going quickly. A bar does not become legendary by hosting average bands. Bands like Drivin’ and Cryin’, David Allan Coe, and Sister Hazel have graced the War Eagle Supper Club’s stage, making it one of the most well-known college bars in the country. If the walls of the Supper Club could tell secrets, some politician would have had the place torn down a long time ago. The phrase “nothing good happens after midnight,” falls short when it comes to the Supper Club. Good memories preserved in photographs, t-shirts, and koozies can never do an institution like this one justice. The War Eagle Supper Club represents an experience unlike any other and a treasured icon among all who have darkened its doorway. for more information onWar Eagle Supper Club visitwww.wareaglesupperclub.com
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This wingback chair is a classic. We offer it in several fabric choices but is shown here in a pebble herringbone pattern with silver nail heads. It measures 30.5 W x 32.5 D x 41.25H. It is a great size and can be used in pairs or stand alone as an accent chair.
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ELEMENT CHRISTOPHER RADKO
The Christopher Radko Company produces the most exquisite European glass ornaments. The company has a wide variety of ornaments to choose from, making this a great gift to give loved ones. These gifts become cherished heirlooms that will be displayed each and every holiday season for years to come. A Christopher Radko ornament is a wonderful way to commemorate a milestone, such as a child’s first Christmas or wedding engagement. The Christopher Radko Company also sells holiday home dÊcor, including snow globes, nutcrackers, cookie jars, and ornament stands. Spread Christmas spirit this holiday with a gift from Christopher Radko. www.christopherradko.com
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ELEMENT FUGOO SPEAKER
Fugoo Bluetooth Speakers are the best speakers for outdoor use. It has a battery life of over forty hours. The speakers are water-proof, snow-proof, and wind-proof. These portable speakers can bring the party wherever you find yourself---at the beach, on the slopes, or around the campfire. You will never have to worry about dropping your speaker again. These durable speakers can withstand a six feet drop! The speaker provides 360째 of sound. It has a built-in microphone, along with Siri and Google Now capability. Make every moment fun---whether you are skiing or entertaining with friends---without ever having to stop the music! www.fugoo.com
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ELEMENT TRAPP CANDLES
The classic aromas of this time of year----pumpkin spices, Frasier Fir, baked cookies, gingerbread, and autumn leaves---makes you reminiscence of past holidays and the excitement this season will bring. Trapp Fragrances produces some of the best candles, and each year they sell signature scents for the holiday season. This year, Trapp has created two new holiday candles, Fireside Pumpkin and Golden Cypress. Fireside Pumpkin is infused with scents of smoking white birch logs and New England Pumpkin. Golden Cypress creates a holiday aura with its cypress and citrus scent. Lighting one of these candles will create the perfect ambience for holiday entertaining. www.trappcandles.com
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334.246.3582 oliver-henry.com 2272 Moores Mill Road Suite 210 Auburn, AL 36830
Furniture
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ELEMENT FUJIFILM MODERN POLAROID
When Taylor Swift released her 1989 album, she included five different packs of polaroids with her CD. Ever since, Polaroids have made a comeback from the 1970s. Fujifilm’s Modern Polaroid Camera is your classic Polaroid camera with a modern twist. It has an automatic flash and automatic adjustment that helps to create quality photos even in low-light conditions. The camera is easy and fun to use. The Fujifilm Modern Polaroid Camera could be the perfect gift for your teenager. This will be a necessity for your family this holiday season. Sometimes, you want to create something tangible to hold onto for years to come. Capture the timeless memories and fun moments in a Polaroid picture. www.fujifilm.com
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801 COLUMBUS PARKWAY OPELIKA, AL 3347498113 WWW.OPELIKAFORDCHRYSLER.COM
ELEMENT FLEX FITBIT
The Flex is FitBit’s newest model and according to CNET magazine, this is the best fitness tracker on the market. The FitBit Flex is a lightweight, water-resistant wristband that tracks your steps, distance walked, and calories burned. You can set a goal for calories burned or steps taken and LED lights on the band will light up as you accomplish your daily goal. Aside from calories and physical activity, the Flex monitors how long and how well you sleep. The Flex has a long battery life---it can go five days without needing to recharge. Your statistics from each day can be synced wirelessly to your smartphone and computer. www.fitbit.com
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TRAVEL WHISTLER CANADA
t i s i V e , m l o u f C auti e B
ave you ever found yourself lost in an urban landscape of a Christmas card? A small town where all the roads and rooftops are dusted with snow, and every street lamp emits a golden halo that bounces from the storefront parade of icicles. The people, dressed from head to toe in their winter attire, dance merrily across a frozen pond, wearing a smile stuffed between a pair of blushed cheeks. This winter, why not find yourself among them? Book a flight to Vancouver, and make a seventy-five mile drive north to the wintery wonderland that is Whistler. Though it might seem a bit out of the way compared to your usual winter destinations, we’ve come to learn that the best things in life are worth leaving the country for.
, r e l t
s i h W da a n a
C
he Whistler valley is situated between the headwaters of the Green and Cheakamus Rivers. The town itself lies between two glaciated mountains: the Garibaldi ranges and another group of ranges that have no specific name, but are a part of the larger Pacific range. For centuries, the Whistler area was home to the Coast Salish First Nations who hunted and gathered the lands long before the European settlers arrived. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the area was settled by fur trappers and prospectors. At that time, Whistler was most commonly known as Alta Lake. However, the settlers began calling it Whistler after hearing the whistling sound of the western Hoary Marmots that dwelled in the rocks. Whistler was without basic infrastructure until the 1960s. In 1960, a group of four businessmen from Vancouver launched an exploration with intent of opening a ski resort and bidding on the 1968 Winter Olympics. Later, Garibaldi Lifts Limited was established and Whistler Mountain became a public attraction. The town would later be asked to host the 1976 Winter Games after the offer was declined by Denver due to financial complications. Unfortunately, Whistler would too decline the offer due to a local government that was indifferent about the games, and so, the Austrian’s won it. A few decades later, Whistler was chosen as the mountain resort for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olym-
pics and Paralympic Games. Whistler would host all of the Paralympic events—save the opening ceremonies— the Alpine Technical and speed events, sledge hockey and wheelchair curling, the sliding events at Fitzsimmons Creek, and the Nordic events in Callaghan Valley. It was at this time that Alexandre Bilodeau took home Canada’s first gold medal on home soil. Due to the tremendous impact of the Olympics, Whistler saw an influx of financial and infrastructural growth. Additions to the Whistler community included a new and improved highway, The Athletes’ Village Housing complex (Which was used to house over 2,300 athletes during the Winter Games), The Whistler Olympic Plaza, and a number of competition venues—not to mention
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a wave of new faces eager to undergo the Whistler experience. In Whistler, your day will be booked full of activities from dusk till dawn. An ill designed itinerary can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t take the time to set priorities. To start off the morning, you might want to grab your ski boots. Any seasoned skier would most certainly come prepared, but for beginners, Whistler has a variety of outdoor sports stores located throughout the village. Voted #1 ski resort in North America (Ski Magazine 2015), the Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains boast over 8,000 acres of snow-covered slopes ranging from beginner to expert, so we recommend this activity for the whole family. Guests can get lift access at Peak 2 Peak Gondola located about a half mile east of the village square. We do, however, understand that skiing and snowboarding requires a certain amount of skill, so if that’s a disqualifier you can always try zip lining. This year marks Ziptrek’s grand opening of The Sasquatch, the largest line in Canada and the U.S. The Squatch is set to stretch 7,000 feet from the Peak of Blackcomb Mountain flying over jaw-dropping aerial scenes of snowy mountain terrain, frozen lakes and cavernous gorges to a mid-way landing on Whistler Mountain. Fortunately, zip lining is not the only means of getting a priceless birds eye view of the landscape. Guests who desire a more luxurious excursion can take a helicopter tour. Starting at $170 a person, you can enjoy a relaxing flight over the glacial frontiers of the Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains. Trips range from 12 minutes to 7 hours. For guests who want to do the most with their time, we recommend the Ultimate BC Experience. For $360 per passenger, guests can experience a 30-minute tour with a 15-minute glacier landing. During those 15 minutes, guests will have the opportunity to exit the helicopter and walk along the 12,000 year old Rainbow Glacier. The elevation on the glacier is about 8,000 feet. Don’t forget your camera. Other winter activities that Whistler has to offer are: Dog sledding, ice-skating, snowmobile treks, ice climbing and sleigh rides. Aside from outdoor adventure sports, Whistler is also home to a flourishing art community. The Plaza, Whistler’s largest fine art gallery, hosts a wide selection of masterpieces from A-list artists such as
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Aleksandra Savina, Kal Gajoum and Pablo Picasso. The Plaza also exhibits the works of Whistler natives influenced by the untamed essence of the frozen mountains. Whistler keeps its guests happy with various activities and events year round, but if planned accordingly, you just might get to drop in on one of the town’s annual signature events. Mark your calendars, because you aren’t going to want to miss the Cornucopia Whistler. This ten day (Nov. 5—15, 2015) food and beverage extravaganza gives guests the opportunity to try the best British Columbia has to offer. Whether you’re just looking to wet your throat at a wine tasting, or crave a more hands-on experience at one of the seminars and workshops, Cornucopia Whistler has it all. However, for this event we suggest you leave the kids at home. For more information visit their website at whistlercornucopia.com. For film enthusiasts, you’ll want to book a room in December to catch the Whistler Film Festival. This year mark’s the 15th anniversary of one of Canada’s leading film festivals. Last year’s festival featured 87 films from 18 different countries, including 22 world premiers. The festival has over ten different award categories open to filmmakers across the globe. In addition to screenings, moviegoers can also enjoy Q&A’s with the filmmakers, workshops and after parties. (By the time this article is published it’ll probably be too late for filmmakers to enter submissions for this year’s festival. However, if you’re interested in entering an original film or want to reserve tickets for next year, check out the Whistler Film Festival’s website at whistlerfilmfestival.com)
Come January, we’d love to see you start off the New Year with the annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival during Whistler’s LGBTQ Pride Week. From January 23 – 31, visitors can enjoy eight days of events and activities (skiing, snowboarding, parties and other social rendezvous) at the largest gay and lesbian ski festival in all of North America. The Village is exceptionally busy at this time of year, so if you’re interested grab your tickets at ticketzone.com or search for more information at whistler.com. When you get hungry, consider heading back into town for an exquisite regional cuisine. We understand that choosing a dining destination can prove to be a fairly difficult task, so you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve narrowed down the list. If your fancy is fine dining, do not hesitate to reserve a table at the Bearfoot Bistro. For starters, stretch your sea legs with the West Coast Oysters: served on the half shell with mignonette and fresh horseradish. For the main course, we highly recommend the Canada Prime Beef Striploin: a tender striploin served with roasted bone marrow, oyster mushrooms, juicy asparagus and purple mustard topped with a steamy smoked potato purée. You might also be pleased to know that the vast majority of the Bistro’s ingredients are bought in season from local farmers and prepared daily in their kitchen. This is why Executive chef Malissa Craig ensures the highest quality meal in town. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, order the bistro’s Milk Chocolate & Apricot. This lemon thyme bavarois mousse with milk chocolate cremeux, pistachio financier and apricot curd will leave you speechless—no
matter, a sizeable tip will send the message just fine. After your senses have been stimulated by a delicious five star dinner, you can lose them in the Bistro’s Ketel One Ice Room. The Ketel One features a colorful selection of vodka from across the globe. The room itself is maintained at a chilling -25°F (-32°C) making it the coldest vodka tasting room in the world. And best of all, they provide the parkas. For those who want more for less, we think you might enjoy The Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill. The Lift Company is located just above the village gondola in view of the ski slopes and bike trails, so while dining guests can observe the commoners at play. The Lift Company’s menu hits closer to home with tasty entrees like their Pulled Pork Sandwich. This dish is topped with apple coleslaw and crispy onions served on a brioche bun with a side of mixed greens, or their famous golden waffle fries. For under $20, guests can enjoy a satisfying meal and still have enough left over for a few craft brews at the bar. At the Lift Company, something—or someone—big is always bound to show up. The Lift Company’s stage has hosted local stars like Hot Hot Heat and Skii Tour, to internationally renowned voices like Julian Marley.
In the event that you’re looking for something more grab-n-go, The Raven’s Nest will certainly do the trick. The Raven’s Nest keeps you close to the action at its convenient location on Whistler Mountain near the top of the Creekside Gondola. The Nest is a one-of-a-kind establishment being that it is Whistler’s first ever all vegetarian restaurant. For most southerners, that may be a deal breaker, but for the record, their Grilled Mushroom and Swiss sandwich will satisfy even the most carnivorous of meat lovers. We recommend the Raven’s Nest for all ages; this family friendly eatery provides good food and a great view for a considerably inexpensive price. As the sun sets beyond the ridge, and the town finds its second life among the index of Christmas lights, you may do well to save your energy for another exciting day. So where is the best place to rest a weary head? To put it simply: anywhere. Every Whistler lodge offers a spectacular view along with all the comforts of home. Take Blue Berry Hill for instance. Located just a mile from the village, this private Whistler home offers four bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with marble countertops, a spacious dining area for entertaining guests, and an outdoor hot tub. Other features include a state of the art media center, cedar-sid-
“As the SUN sets beyond the ridge, and the town finds its second life among the index of Christmas lights, you may do well to save your e n e r g y for another exciting day.”
ed dry sauna, a wood burning rock-faced fireplace, and a deck in view of Arnold Palmer’s Whistler Golf Club. We recommend this lodge for families or small groups that desire a more secluded location away from the bustle of the village, but close enough to make a quick run to the market. If you’re looking to lodge a bit closer to town, make your reservations for the Four Seasons Resort, Whistler. Located in the upper region of the Whistler village just east of Blackcomb highway, Four Seasons is Canada’s only AAA five-diamond property offering 24-hour service, spacious accommodations and an impeccable view of the Whistler-Blackcomb landscape. Amenities provided by the resort include convenient walk ways to the ski lifts, an award-winning spa, live local music at the in-
house restaurant & bar, indoor/outdoor pools, shuttles to ski lifts, hi speed Internet, fitness room, and a state of the art sauna & steam room. That’s just a few of the luxuries that guests of Four Seasons can enjoy. Granted, you’ll pay a pretty penny for a suite at this establishment, but we guarantee it’s worth every cent. For guests who value convenience over luxury, you will find the best of both at the Sundial Boutique. Apart from its unique name, the Sundial offers a comfortable stay in the heart of the Whistler village, and only a stone’s throw from the Whistler-Blackcomb Gondola. All forty-nine suites come equipped with a full kitchen and gas fireplace. Guest suites include heated slate flooring in each bathroom, master bedrooms with Serta Presidential Suite King mattresses, and a separate living
area with queen sized pullout sofas. Suites also feature granite counter tops, complementary hi speed wireless Internet and four on-site restaurants: Sushi Village, Mexican Corner, Black’s Original Ristorante and Black’s pub. When you check in, be sure to take a gander at the Village through your window after nightfall. The endless streams of golden lights against the snow-covered streets look like a scene from a Kinkade painting. From slopes to spirits, Whistler is home to some of British Columbia’s most lavish wintertime attractions. If you do ever decide to make the trip, keep in mind that
Whistler has been known to keep visitors for longer than their expected stay. It’s no surprise to come across a local that started off as a tourist but found themselves in residence for several years. Enter at your own risk, and if you arrive in the winter and stay till summer, you know there’s no turning back.
C O N C I E R G E
EMIRATES PALACE CHRISTMAS TREE
Charlie Brown’s sad sapling is a Christmas staple, but in the 21st century, Christmas trees have been taken to a new level. In 2010, Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace, the self-proclaimed “seven-star” hotel, unveiled the world’s most expensive Christmas tree. But just how lovely are thy branches? The tree stands exactly 13-meters high, and, while it may not be a real evergreen, it still costs around $11 million. The tree itself is only worth about $10,000--it’s the décor that pumps up the price tag. Draped with more than 180 precious jewels ranging from diamonds and pearls, to sapphires and emeralds, this tree puts Tiffany’s to shame. But fancy trees aren’t the only things that set this hotel apart from most. The Emirates Palace also owns the world’s first ATM machine that dispenses gold bars. If you’re really feeling the Christmas spirit, you might make a trip to the Emirates Palace hotel, but leave the mittens at home; in Abu Dhabi, there’s no such thing as a white Christmas. value: $ 11 million
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Tis the Season to
Jingle & Mingle
The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, Ariccia Trattoria, & Piccolo host a variety of Holiday events for families, children, & adults. Additional information on holiday events can be found online at www.auhcc.com/holidays. THANKSGIVING BRUNCH BUFFET Thursday, November 26 | 10:30am • 1:00pm THANKSGIVING DINNER Thursday, November 26 | 5:00pm-10:00pm HOLLY JOLLY MIXOLOGY CLASS December 16, 21, 22, & 23 | 5:30pm-6:30pm GINGERBREAD UNVEILING Thursday, December 10 | 6:00pm
S’MORE’S AND MORE Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday in December (except for December 12) | 5:00pm-6:00pm CHILDREN’S GINGERBREAD CLASS Saturday, December 19 thru Tuesday, December 22 | 2:00pm-4:00pm CHRISTMAS DINNER December 24 & 25 | 5:00pm-9:00pm NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION December 31 | 5:30pm-1:00am
241 S. College Street | Auburn, AL | 35630 | (334)821-8200 | www.auhcc.com/holidays
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