Southern Tatler issue 17: 2016 November/December

The

ESSENCE of S O U T H E R N

SOCIETY

17

THE EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION SPECIAL PLACE FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

ÉLEVÉ

RELAXATION & TRANQUILIT Y

BOBBY LAKE AUBURN / OPELIKA, AL NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

FAMILY & WORK

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For information or to make reservations, call 800.593.6456 or visit MarriottGrandNational.com.

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CONTENT

VISAGE

VISAGE

town

EVENTS AROUND

THE ÉLEVÉ GRAND OPENING é L e v é , Auburn AL

22 WPB: FALL LUNCHEON The Hotel at Auburn University, Auburn AL

28 BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH Auburn AL

30 PICCOLO’S 7TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Piccolo, Auburn AL

34 WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE Bottling Event Center, Opelika AL

36 TAILGATE FOR A CAUSE Ogletree Village, Auburn AL

38 OKTOBERFEST The Hotel at Auburn University, Auburn AL

42

8 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

CONTENT

FEATURES

LOCAL FOCUS

FACES

Dr. Charles Veale

52

LOCAL FOCUS éLevé

64

LOCAL FOCUS

Exceptional Foundation

76

FEATURE STORY

BOBBY LAKE

98

CULINARY CORNER O Town Ice Cream

88

FASHION Studio 3:19

112

T R AV E L

ANTARCTICA

126

10 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

SOUTHERN TAT L E R THE ESSENCE OF SOUTHERN SOCIETY

PUBLISHER Matthew Tse

O peratio n S

Savannah Simpson

A D V E R T I S e M E N T & M ar k eti n g Amy Jessica Kelly Greene

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amanda Jones Anisa Patel Kenneth Ngo

P hotographer Glenn McCarley Isaac Leverett Jamie Burnett Tracy Young

W riters

Amy Hudson Caroline Lentz 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.

LETTER

the

from

PUBLISHER As warm weather leaves us and chilly air moves in, we welcome the holidays with open arms. It seems like weeks ago that we were sharing with you our winter 2015 issue, yet here we are preparing to begin the year 2017!

Southern Tatler has been richly blessed over the last twelve months. When at first it seemed we couldn’t fall any deeper in love with the people of East Alabama, they gave us many more reasons to cherish home.

With Christmas approaching, we are reminded of the gift that is family.

I hope that you all consider the Auburn Family an important part of your life just as I do. My staff and I have been afforded the unique chance to meet several awesome members of that Auburn family in the last several weeks.

First, we sat down with Bobby Lake, Chief Executive Office at Kinnucan’s Incorporated. He talked at length about living on the Plains and raising a family while presiding over one of the Southeast’s most widely known and respected groups of specialty outfitters stores.

Dr. Charles Veale, a family practice physician in Auburn, shared much about his philosophy that family is more than just the people you see on a daily basis inside your home or over Christmas dinner. Dr. Veale considers the friends and patients he cares for to be honorary members of his own special family.

Chris and Angela George, owners of Opelika’s popular O Town Ice Cream showed us around their shop and told us about the fulfillment of their dream to open a family friendly venue for enjoying their sweet treats.

We talked with Dr. Brad Litkenhous and his wife, Susie, about Auburn Dental Spa’s newest addition, éLevé spa, and how they work together to offier Auburnites the ultimate in relaxation. They’re quite the dynamic duo, no doubt.

Lastly, we were excited to talk with a representative from Birmingham’s “Exceptional Foundation,” a non-profit organization where men and women with special needs can enjoy opportunities for quality time with friends and enriching recreational activities. The Exceptional Foundation is brining people together for good each and every day! This foundation is a family in itself.

Again, we hope you will enjoy hearing from these individuals and gaining new perspective by considering their own ideas of family. Spend time with the ones you love this year, and expand your horizons! Come together as friends and coworkers, and do more than just share a meal. Cherish what you have and what is to come.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

-Matthew Tse

LIFE

Outdoor Living

IVORY LODGE LION SANDS, SOUTH AFRICA www.lionsands.com For the ultimate African Bushveld experience in lavish comfort, we recommend you to stay at one of the ultraluxurious treehouses within the private Lion Sands wildlife reserve. Guests are led to the treehouse at sunset, where drinks and a sumptuous picnic dinner await them, and are then free to enjoy a night under the stars to truly experience nocturnal Africa in its rawest form.

LOISABA, KENYA

www.loisaba.com Explore Kenya’s wilderness by camel, river raft or mountain bike, and then fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars at Loisaba. Popular with honeymooners, Loisaba’s two sets of ‘star beds‘ are completely exposed to the elements, standing on an elevated, open-air platform in the middle of the 60,000-acre private wilderness reserve.

L’ALBERETA, ITALY

www.albereta.it High on a vine-lined hilltop in Lombardy, L’Albereta Relais & Chateaux is an ivy-masked villa with more classic Italian glamour than a Fellini film. Hit a switch in the Cabriolet Suite and the roof opens up to let the Brescian sun warm your king-size bed below. The suite also has a balcony facing Lake Iseo.

JADE MOUNTAIN, ST LUCIA

www.jademountain.com Exceptional infinity pool suites make Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences, especially for honeymooners. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s 29 suites (called “sanctuaries”) are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea.

18 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

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Event: Oktoberfest Venue: The Hotel at Auburn University Date: October 8th, 2016

VISAGE

22

28

30

34

THE É L E V É GRAND OPENING

W P B : FA LL LUNCHEON

BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH

PICCOLO’S 7TH B I R T H D AY BASH

SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

36

38

40

44

WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE

TA I L G AT E FOR A CAUSE

GRASSROOTS FA M I LY SUPPER

OKTOBERFEST

VISAGE THE

ÉLEVÉ

GRAND OPENING

THE ÉLEVÉ GRAND OPENING éLevé,

AUBURN AL

September 29, 2016

Mary Ann Swanson, Dianne Wages, Sarah Fair

Katie Crow, Maggoe Waters, Brook Harris, Lauren Adams Adam Keeshan, Anna Kent, Andreas Anagnostopoulosamble Brian & Karen Snyderble

Christin Bancroft, Sand Vinsonmble

Dawn Radnitz, Dinah Motleyle

22 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

Jana Bagwell, Daphne Sosebeee

Don Allen, Mark Chambers

Brady & Tiffany Dubberly

Mindy Street, Hans van der Reijden

Dr. Myles & Morgan Wiggins

Pamela Phillips, Mary Boyd, Drew Goodner, Erin Schumacher Bob Harris, Tod Fullingtone

Amy, Harold & MacKenzie Head

23 N O V EM BER/ DECM BER

2016

Lesley & Sean Foote

THE ÉLEVÉ GRAND OPENING

VISAGE THE

ÉLEVÉ

GRAND OPENING

éLevé, AUBURN AL

September 29, 2016

Susan & Rick Bolt Melanie Duffey, Lizelle Foose, Stacey Jordan, Jesse Vohler

John Story, Bill Trant

Dr. Myles Wiggins, Tim & Kendall Chambliss

Susie Litkenhous

Miriam Lane, McKenzie Shaffer

Lindy & Anthony White, Emily Finck

Susan Crain, Dianne Kroncke, Debby Thayer

24 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

Kathy Wood, Lisa Persons Emily White, Whitney Davis, Joice Milare

Dr. Brad Litkenhous, Dr. Scott Sprayberry

Jillian Martin, Brittanie Hall Dan & Kathy Wood, Stephanie Calhoun

Terri & Duida Lawrence

Lauren Acuff, Jared Jordan, Susanna Brown, Daniel Brown

Tonya Storm, Nonet Reese

25 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER

2016

VISAGE THE

ÉLEVÉ

GRAND OPENING

THE ÉLEVÉ GRAND OPENING éLevé, AUBURN AL

September 29, 2016

Brooke Harris, Lauren Adams

Mason Black, Catie Carter, Grant Fountain

Rob and Jen Slocumb

Morgan Wiggins, Mary Gail Gorden

Jason Foibus, Dr. Hank Allen, Jared Jorden, Dr. Brad Litkenhous, Don Allen

Dianne Lowe Fred Bennett

Chloe Covin, Emily Baas, Mary Dowdell, Pat Bennett

26 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

VISIT US!

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VISAGE WOMEN PHILANTHROPY BOARD

FALL

LUNCHEON

WOMEN PHILANTHROPY BOARD FALL LUNCHEON THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN,AL

September 23, 2016

Cindy Kinnebrew, Rick & Beth Stukes

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Kim Walker, Mike Reynolds, Kevin & Katie McCarley

Sheila McCartney, Judy Chase, Joanne Shrantz, Ann Williams, Barbi Townsend, Virginia McCartney

Chris Cline, Lori Rider, Amy Register, Ann Wadsworth

Jackie Sullivan and Paige Kyser

Coach Bruce Pearl

Kristy Myers, Susan Burks, Lauren Burks

28 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

Lisa Hammack, Doree Nelson Keri Monroe, Natalie Dean, Dess Feick, Christine Baker, Susan Gamble

Brandon Hughes

Louisa Wood, Ginger Whatley

Lindsay Penny, Brook Moates

29 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER

2016

VISAGE BACK

2

BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH

SCHOOL

AUBURN AL

BASH

August 19,2016

30 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

31 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER

2016

VISAGE BACK

2

BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH

SCHOOL

AUBURN AL

BASH

August 19,2016

32 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

VISAGE PICCOLO’S 7TH

B I RT H D AY

C E L E B R AT I O N

P I C C O L O ’ S 7 T H B I RT H D AY C E L E B R AT I O N THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL

August 19, 2016

34 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

35 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER

2016

VISAGE WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE

WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE BOTTLING EVENT CENTER, OPELIKA AL

October 4th, 2016

36 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

Dr. Charles Veale Local Family Physician PERSONALIZED MEDICINE

Over

35 YEARS experience Former Auburn University Team Physician

2160 Moores Mill Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 | 334-826-1704

VISAGE TA I L G AT E FOR A CAUSE

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August 27, 2016

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38 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

Robyn Thornburg, Kennedi Thornburg-Brock, Sheri Brock

Blair, Tiffany, & Lane Myrick

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39 N O V EM BER/ DECEM BER

2016

VISAGE GRASSROOTS FA M I LY SUPPER

G R A S S R O O T S FA M I LY S U P P E R ACRE, AUBURN AL

August 21,2016

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Beth & Kirby Hoven

Jefferson Coreno, Rachele Phillips

Anna Kent, Joice Milare Eric Fish, Lenore Bacek

Casey & Melissa Merriman, Justin Fussell, Chris Allen

40 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

General, Family, and Cosmetic Dentistry

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Bone Grafting

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Removable Dentures

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Oral Cancer Screenings

Root Canal Treatment

Crowns & Bridgework

Orthodontic Treatment

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Fillings

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Dental Implants

Porcelain Veneers

Tooth Extractions

Gum Recontouring

Professional Teeth Cleanings

Emergency Dental Treatment

WWW.OBRIENDENTAL.COM 836 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830, (334) 821-8800

OKTOBEFEST

VISAGE

THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL

OKTOBERFEST

October 8th, 2016

Brooke Harris, Lauren Adams

Maddie and Austin Browning Brooke Clark, Jared Turnage

Julie Collette, Haley Hancock

Brooks Sandlin, Kelsey Williams

Dan and Ashley Long

42 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

Christian Shanna Brodbeck

Beth Whitt, John Hyink

Beth Keeshan, Erin Redden

Ann Thombley, Debbie Wade Lindsey and Travis Austin

Shelby Foote, Ellyn Shults

Torey Taunton, Christina Kluttz, Ashley Daniels, Katie Stell, Alyssa Barger

43 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER

2016

VISAGE OKTOBERFEST

OKTOBERFEST THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL

October 8th, 2016

Dan Thrasher, Trina and Dan Crowdus Adam Keeshan, Michele Schroll, Todd Scholl

Jake and Karen Burton

Calyn Reynolds, Blake Raularson

Danielle Hayes, Jan Burkhalter

Cindy and Barry Anderson

44 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

Jackie and Patrick Jones Jill and Ray Porterfield Katherine Kehrt, Ross Lambert

Joy Branch, Kristi Hickman Ginny Jones, Brandon Counts, Martha Gentry

Taylor Holt, Lauren Brewer, McKenzie Brewer, Robin Feiss, Blair Wulterkens

45 N O V EM BER/ DECEM BER

2016

VISAGE OKTOBERFEST

OKTOBERFEST THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL

October 8th, 2016

Laura Oudenaarden Ariana Parsons, Rich and Christine Hughey

Kenny McCambridge, Donna Johnson, Cary Karkoska Larry and Justin Gray Rachel Kenser, Bethany Kenser

46 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

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VISAGE OKTOBERFEST

OKTOBERFEST THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL

October 8th, 2016

Taylor Slowinski, CC Wiseman, Amanda Pope, Mary Mitcham, Zack Parker, Wykle Green

Yenni Hinojos, Mandy Figueroa

Amanda Pope, Mary Mitcham

Ann Tombley, George Nunn, Sharon Gray

48 S OUTHERN

TAT L E R

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SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

BREATH FACES: Dr. Charles Veale

LOCAL FOCUS: éLevé The Exceptional Foundation

CULINARY CORNER: O Town Ice Cream

FACES Dr. Charles Veale

practices family medicine out of his office on Moore’s Mill Road in Auburn, but it is safe to say that he does far more than offer his professional opinion and treat medical conditions Monday through Friday.

52 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

not the

“burned out �

He is

doctor who plants one foot in the exam room door and one on the other side of the threshold.

f course, it is true he is an experienced and wellrespected physician. Dr. Veale spent three years at Auburn University and acquired his undergraduate degree in Pre-Med, Chemistry and Biology at Birmingham Southern in 1970, then went on to work toward his Master’s degree in Medical Studies at Florida State University. He completed his four year medical degree at Creighton Medical School in Omaha, Nebraska and subsequently, a three year Family Practice residency program at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

our faith

My wife and I experienced roadblocks in raising our children,

always got us through it.

For more than forty years, Dr. Veale has been taking care of people and fulfilling what he believes to be his life’s purpose, not only through a commitment to the well-being of his patients, but also through the relationships he fosters with them. He is not the “burned out” doctor who plants one foot in the exam room door and one on the other side of the threshold.

He is also not the guy who sees 40 patients a day, forgetting several before it is time go home for the evening. Because Dr. Veale is assured that he is doing what he is meant to do, he is excited to open the office each day. He looks forward to befriending new patients, catching up with old ones, and comforting those who need the tailored and personal care he can provide.

Dr. Veale was eager to share with Southern Tatler a little about himself, his beautiful family, and his practice. Before we knew it, we had talked for almost two hours with an individual who we believe to be one of Auburn’s most genuine gentlemen. We met with Dr. Veale on a Friday morning, a day he reserves for catching up on work and checking in on patients he may have cared for throughout the week. We asked him to start from the beginning- to tell us about his hometown, growing up, and how he chose the field of medicine.

The story starts in upstate New York, but he was raised in Dothan, Alabama. Dr. Veale reminisced about his joyful childhood, how his parents loved and guided him, how he cultivated a passion for medicine even as a young person, and how his work ethic was formed by being raised in southern Alabama and working with his dad on the family farm. Dr. Veale remembered his formative years with fondness, but it seemed to us that his world must really have started turning when he was 17-years-old. His eyes lit up when he talked about meeting “the prettiest blonde” he had ever seen on the beach that year while on

55 N O V E M BER/ DECEM BER

2016

vacation in Panama City, Florida. “I saw my Nancy on the beach and I knew I had to meet her. She was 16 at the time. She’s still the prettiest blonde I’ve ever seen.” There is no question that Mrs. Nancy is Dr. Veale’s greatest blessing, a sweet lady he says he has been lucky to have grown in faith and love alongside for 47 years of marriage.

They were married six years later in 1969. By 1972, the couple was living in Omaha, Nebraska and welcoming their first baby boy, Charlie. “Because I was in the middle of residency when we had Charlie, it was tough at times to juggle everything as brand new parents,” Dr. Veale told us, “but Nancy and I worked together, and we could not possibly have been happier.” Two baby girls, Martha and Michelle, followed the first little Veale in 1974 and 1977.

Dr. Veale entered the United States Air Force in 1979 and proudly served for three years as a physician out of Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. Immediately following, he accepted a position as an Emergency Medicine Physician at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Anniston, Alabama, where he stayed for three years. The Veales moved back to Auburn in 1985. “It was like coming ‘home’ for us,” Dr. Veale explained. “I think that hap-

pens a lot for people who spend their college years at Auburn. We absolutely felt drawn back.” Dr. Veale opened the first walk-in-clinic in town that same year. Until 1996, he was Head Physician at the clinic, called Auburn Family Care, and introduced people on The Plains to the convenience of urgent care. Auburn Family Care filled a niche that was important to residents and University students alike and renewed Dr. Veale’s passion for generalized family practice.

Dr. Veale was Auburn University’s “team physician” for five years between 1985 and 1990, staying on call for the remedy of minor injuries and illnesses experienced by the football, basketball, gymnastics, and track teams, as well as other sportsmen and sportswomen. The doctor met and cared for countless notable Auburn athletes during that time and still maintains contact with many of those special patients.

“That was an absolute blast,” Dr. Veal told us. “A few years ago when we played LSU at Jordan-Hare and scored a big win, Bo Jackson invited me to stand on the sidelines with him. I had forgotten what it felt like to be right there on the field in the middle of that huge stadium. Even better, Bo turned to Coach Malzahn and told him I was Auburn’s good luck charm!”

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2016

Eager for change, Dr. Veale joined an independent family practice in 1996 and became Auburn’s first doctor to begin using a hospitalist for his patients admitted at East Alabama Medical Center.

This allowed him to devote more time to individuals with daytime appointments and offer more comprehensive care. While he did enjoy this chapter in his career, the number of patients he was seeing grew to be very large, and he found that devoting the necessary time to each one was a challenge. Dr. Veale desired something different, but more directly impacting the men and women he cared for seemed to be a less than obtainable goal. That is, until a friend and fellow physician in Maryland piqued Dr. Veale’s interest in MDVIP, a network of 800 physicians practicing preventive medicine and personalized primary care throughout the United States. After much study and contemplation, Dr. Veale made the leap and revolutionized his practice by joining MDVIP. Today he is convinced it is the best professional decision he has ever made.

Several visionary physicians dreamt of the MDVIP program in the late 1990s. The company took off in 2000 and has evolved since then to be a pioneer in concierge medicine. These doctors never have more than a few hundred individuals in their care, so diagnostics and treatment is extremely focused and specialized. Patients seeing doctors within the MDVIP network receive an annual wellness exam which is inclusive of a general “checkup,” Electrocardiogram, Pulmonary Function Test, Hearing Exam, and Vision Test. While patients do pay $1,650 to enroll each year (usually in quarterly installments), these tests are not typically covered by patients’ insurance providers and have the potential to diagnose serious medical conditions before they manifest themselves in a negative way, so enrollment in the program is a great idea for those concerned with routinely monitoring wellness and preventing illness.

Patients also do not have to endure long wait times, so every moment spent in the office is a productive and quality one. Dr. Veale cannot sing the program’s praises enough:

“MDVIP is a great option for patients who are looking for something better. Adapting my practice to accommodate the needs of patients young and old has helped both my mindset and theirs. I only see between 8 and 12 people each day, and their appointments last between thirty minutes and an hour and a half. They never feel rushed, and I know every one of my patients well as a result.”

Dr. Veale gives patients his personal cell phone number so that they may reach him at any time.

“I think some of them are afraid to call me late at night,” he laughed, “but there’s a reason I give them my telephone number. We become such great friends I feel like they might worry about interrupting me when I am away from work, but I want them to know they can call me anytime.”

Dr. Veale considers himself an integrative doctor, that is, he practices both allopathic and homeopathic medicine. While he recognizes the incredible power of Western medicine and appreciates the resources at his disposal in the pharmaceutical and surgical industries, he is also conscious of of all that Earth has to offer for healing. If someone visits Dr. Veale and is suffering from asthma, for example, he may prescribe them aromatherapies before prescribing medication that may yield unpleasant side-effects.

He has also closely studied the thyroid gland and how it can affect various areas of health. Dr. Veale provides natural bio-identical hormone therapies for symptoms related to hormone imbalances. He believes that balancing hormones using bio-identical hormone therapies is imperative in men and women.

Balanced hormones affect energy, bone mass, sleep, and a sense of well-being. He has seen a remarkable improvement in his patients through a combination of bio-identical hormone therapies, supplements, and diet.

Most importantly, Dr. Veale promises always to guide his 350 or so patients in the best way he knows how, with a combination of the methodology he learned in studying Western medicine for many years and the alternative, natural medicines he has been intentional in exposing himself to over the past 40 years.

“I’m a people person,” he said. “Why did I decide as a young physician that I wanted to be in family medicine? I completed several rotations in medical school, and I loved pediatrics, obstetrics, orthopedics, and a few other specialties. The way I could marry all of those was to enter family medicine. I can honestly say that I look forward to opening the office each day. Back when I worked in an Emergency Room, there were times that I dreaded it. I reached a breaking point. I feel like I am making a daily difference now, and I have the unique opportunity to do more than the average doctor can do when faced with a time constraint or a stressful patient load.”

“So, is it hard to balance work and time with your family? we asked. “No, you make time for the ones you love,” Dr. Veale replied emphatically. Nancy is a retired teacher and now works in this office on a part time basis. “She makes sure everything happens seamlessly. I don’t know what I would do without her,” the doctor smiled.

Personal faith is also important to this couple.

“My wife and I experienced roadblocks in raising our children, but our faith always got us through it. I grew up going to church, but my faith did not develop fully until I was well into my forties and we were taking care of my son and daughters. I would have described myself as a ‘lukewarm’ Christian up until that point, but I remember that turning point when I truly felt God’s love for me personally. It changed me in both my personal and professional life, and it has been wonderful for my marriage.”

Dr. Veale and Nancy invest their time at Auburn United Methodist Church and treasure their church family. In the early 1990s, Dr. Veale helped in establishing Auburn United Methodist’s contemporary worship service. Many of his patients do not know that he plays the guitar, banjo, and the mandolin. He loves to sing, too.

Dr. Veale has traveled with his church to Panama, Mexico, and California in order to share his love for Christ with the people there.

Dr. Dale Crosby started Mercy Medical Clinic, located just off University Drive in Auburn, several years ago. For several years Dr. Veale saw patients that could not afford insurance and

were not receiving Medicare, Medicaid, or VA benefits at that clinic, and he considered it a privilege. Mercy Medical Clinic’s mission is “to share the love of Jesus Christ and His good news of hope by providing quality, compassionate medical care to the medically underserved of Lee County, Alabama.”

The Veales like to travel when they are able. “I hate to say it, but I might be somewhat of a wine snob,” the doctor snickered. “We love to visit the wineries and we would love to find the time to visit Italy and France.” The couple makes a concerted effort to stay healthy together by working out daily and consuming no processed foods.

“I wouldn’t want to model anything but responsible living for my patients. If I expect them to make healthy choices, I should, too.”

Naturally, the Veales most enjoy spending time with their three children and seven grandchildren when possible. Michelle lives in California with her husband, Joe, while Charlie, his wife Kerry, and Martha and her husband Leighton live in Atlanta with their little ones. Between Charlie, Martha, and Michelle, the Veales have been blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren, all between the ages of 4 and 11.

Dr. Veale does take advantage of his “me” time, whether that be gardening, reading, or photography. In fact, exam rooms in the office are decorated with photos taken by the doctor during his travels to Canada, North Carolina, and other scenic locations. A few are snapshots of special places right here in gorgeous Auburn, Alabama. A large china cabinet sits in one hallway of the office, full of what looks like fifty or so vintage cameras, all gifted to him by kind patients. Listening to and playing music, mostly the guitar, is also therapeutic for Dr. Veale. He finds it to be quite the relaxing and healing habit.

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.”

LOCAL FOCUS éLevé

rowing up in the Mississippi Delta, the luxury of a day at the spa was a far-fetched dream, much less establishing one of the best spas in her community. Susie Litkenhous is a small-town girl with an impeccable style and business acumen that has led her to create Auburn’s newest luxury getaway,

LevĂŠ.

itkenhous said, “We wanted Southern classic meets exquisite French. We want our guests to feel like they are getting away from Auburn for the day.” The spa’s name is French for “elevated”, which is what Susie hopes her guests feel after leaving her spa. She wants her guests to have a spa experience that will enrich their day with a heightened sense of relaxation. ÉLevé is a striking distinction amongst the other medical offices on Professional Parkway. With its artistic architectural design and beautiful white brick, éLevé and the adjacent Auburn Dental Spa resemble a miniature castle. However, it is far more than aesthetics that set éLevé apart---it is a philosophy that is embodied in the products éLevé carries, the services the spa provides, and the owner herself.

The spa’s name is French for “ ”, which is what Susie Litkenhous hopes her guests feel after leaving her spa.

elevated

While growing up in Thornton, Mississippi, Susie pleaded with her mother to go to the spa, but it was not until college when she visited her first one. Susie graduated from Millsaps College with a bachelor’s degree in business, having an emphasis in marketing. Throughout college, she interned with large corporations and the experience taught her how to interact with other business professionals, a vital skill she utilizes today.

During these internships, the corporations would sometimes reward their interns with gift certificates, including trips to spas. After visiting her first spa, Susie was in love. This love would eventually lead her to open éLevé.

While attending Millsaps College, she also met the love of her life and future husband, Brad Litkenhous. Brad and Susie married, and Brad went on to attend dental school at UAB. They eventually settled in Auburn after having their first child. The Litkenhous family has been in Auburn for the past twelve years.

Brad Litkenhous bought their dental office in 2007 and Susie served as, and is still, the operations director. Susie noticed the trend of providing spa services with dental visits. She playfully said, “People don’t like going to the dentist.” Their

office began providing spa services three years later and became the first dental office in Auburn to offer a relaxing atmosphere and spa amenities.

Following this decision, a massage therapist and an esthetician joined their practice to provide skincare, cosmetic and spray tanning services.

In 2011, Auburn Dental Associates was renamed Auburn Dental Spa. Susie said, “[When we began to provide spa services], some people thought we had lost our minds.” The Litkenhouses noticed their patient numbers were expanding after spa services were added, and six months later they began receiving calls from other dental offices about how to model their practice.

Yet, Susie knew she wanted her dream of a spa to extend beyond a room in the dental office.

In 2016, that dream became a possibility. The practice needed to expand and the office had some unfinished space that could become home to the future spa. Susie planned diligently and efficiently.

Susie collaborated with designer Lisa Van der Reijden to conceive the plan for éLevé. Susie loves to travel and she would often visit spas during her trips. Through these trips, she formulated her vision for éLevé.

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Susie and Lisa would text each other late into the night discussing what they admired about different spas. The Old Edwards Inn and Spa, a European style resort in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Highlands, North Carolina, served as a model for Litkenhous and Van der Reijden. It has been named as one of the premier hotels in the country, according to TripAdvisor. Susie appreciated the Southern elegance of Old Edwards Inn as well as the European flare, and she knew she wanted her spa to incorporate a French luxury element into its style.

Along with style and design, Susie wanted the services provided at éLevé to be exceptional beauty and relaxation treatments. Litkenhous said, “Even before construction, I had pow-wows with my therapist.” Through these meetings and working with a spa consultant, Litkenhous refined éLevé’s menu of facials, massages, and other beauty treatments.

To begin their spa experience, guests enter éLevé through a stone courtyard that features an herb garden. As spa guests continue inside, they enter through wide French doors and walk up a beautiful spiral staircase to

éLevé, which is located on the second floor of the building. éLevé is true to its name; guests are quite literally elevated!

Guests are greeted with soft music, promoting a state of relaxation and tranquility throughout the entire spa. After checking in with the friendly staff of éLevé, guests sit in comfortable French reproduction chairs upholstered with hot pink fabric until their appointment begins.

In the lobby, guests can peruse the premier cosmetics and skincare products éLevé carries. ÉLevé features products from brands such as Éminence, Obagi, and Amy Head Cosmetics. Éminence is the top brand of professional organic skincare products. Éminence uses fresh ingredients to create products that have healing and beautifying properties. It is environmentally friendly, with no pesticides or harsh chemicals added and products are made from all-natural ingredients.

Obagi is a professional medical skincare company with products available to purchase at éLevé. These products can help alleviate dermatological issues such as correcting skin tone, wrinkles, and acne blemishes.

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Amy Head is the cosmetic line sold by éLevé. It is a Southern cosmetic and skincare brand, with its roots in Mississippi. ÉLevé features a cosmetologist on staff that can apply makeup and eyelash extensions.

Once guests are ready, they are escorted down a warmly lit hallway where they enter a locker room to transition into a cozy white robe and slippers. The locker room features individual lockers, bathrooms, showers, and a tranquil sitting area lit by a beautiful chandelier. Each guest receives his or her own locker with a robe, slippers, and towel inside of it. While enjoying the luxury showers, guests can enjoy éLevé’s signature line of body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

Susie takes pride in the development of éLevé’s signature bath products. The signature scent is uplifting, light, and earthy, with hints of lavender and citrus herbs. These products also pay unique homage to Susie’s three daughters, exemplifying her immaculate attention to detail. The names of éLevé’s signature line are Invigorating Shampoo, Captivating Conditioner, and Enriching Bath Gel. Each of these names shares the initials of her three daughters, Isabel, Chaney and Eva. Litkenhous wittingly said, “And éLevé is my fourth child.”

After showering and donning a white robe, guests can lounge in the relaxation room where light snacks and beverages are served. After a time of relaxation, an esthetician or massage therapist will greet and escort the guest to one of the five treatment rooms. ÉLevé has on staff a master spray tan technician, three massage therapists, two estheticians, and a cosmetologist.

The estheticians of éLevé offer a variety of facials for guests to enjoy. The most popular facial is the éLevé Signature, which features an exfoliation, gentle steam, and a personalized seasonal mask. This 90-minute facial also includes a facial/neck/shoulder massage, éLevé’s Knees to Toes massage and an aromatherapy scalp massage.

Other facials have been developed to address specific guests’ needs. The Crown Facial is a deep cleansing facial that rejuvenates skin complexion and restores skin’s natural glow. The Timeless Facial reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through microdermabrasion. The Monsieur is a facial developed

for men that includes a cleansing facial, neck-shoulder massage, and finishes with a brow and ear trim or wax. The Blissful Teen Facial corrects acne breakouts, blemishes, and sun damages. Facial enhancements such as specialty peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and collagen masks can be added to any of the facials.

The estheticians of éLevé also provide waxing services, spray tanning and body treatments. Spray tans at éLevé are organic and give a youthfully radiant, sun kissed glow. The two body treatments at éLevé enhance relaxation through light massage while cleansing and exfoliating the skin with specialized scrubs and masks.

ÉLevé provides massages with a medical approach to promote healing and relaxation. Sand, an éLevé massage therapist, chose to pursue a career in massage therapy after working as a nurse because the career provided a natural, holistic approach to health.

The most luxurious massages are the éLevé Signature and Lemonade Thyme massage. The éLevé Signature massage is a full body massage that combines Swedish massage techniques and stress releasing hot stones, along with essential oils to create a soothing experience. The Lemonade Thyme massage blends the French countryside with Auburn’s beloved Toomer’s Corner. Fresh thyme grown in the courtyard herb garden alleviates muscle tension and prepares the skin for massage, while lemon and lavender essential oils promote relaxation during the massage. The experience would not be complete without a refreshing glass of ice-cold lemonade.

ÉLevé provides Swedish and deep tissue/sports massages along with other specialty massages.

A hot stone massage can reduce stress and improves

circulation. The lymphatic massage can relieve swelling and helps with pain management. A prenatal massage can reduce an expectant mother’s aches, pains and fatigue. ÉLevé has developed massages specifically to provide relief for TMJ and sinus pains.

ÉLevé also offers couples massages. Susie gushes the couples massage suite is her favorite room in the spa. It is a spacious majestic room with sliding doors and beautiful chandeliers. Couples massages at éLevé have been popular among best friends and mother-daughter duos as well as couples.

The most luxurious beauty treatments are the éLevé Journeys: Solstice and Pinnacle. Either would be the perfect anniversary or holiday gift. The Solstice

package is a two-hour spa experience that includes the Crown Facial, Knees to Toes massage, an organic spray tan, and a $25 retail card to spend on any of the products featured at éLevé. The Pinnacle package is an indulgent four-hour experience, featuring the Signature massage and facial, Body Polish with Spray Tan, and a $50 retail gift card to éLevé.

ÉLevé had its open house on September 29, where the spa received a warm welcome from the community. Susie said, “We have been overjoyed with the response from the community. Many people have said, ‘We needed this here.’ I’m glad we can invest in the community this way.”

caters towards tourists and AuburnOpelika locals by offering memberships. ÉLevé Elite and Signature memberships a r e available to purchase. So far, over two dozen have been sold. Guests can also rent out éLevé for private bridal and birthday parties.

As business expands, Susie hopes to host wine-tastings and cocktail parties in the courtyard at sunset. She dreams of opening éLevé café; a café spa guests can order from during their spa retreat

Exquisite customer service is important to Susie. She said, “Every detail is important. We want to cater to guests like a hotel. It’s more than just a massage---it’s the scents and products you use [that make the experience].”

These subtle intentions permeate throughout éLevé, beginning with the spa’s namesake. The “L” of éLevé is capitalized to represent Litkenhous. Two of

the massage and facial treatment rooms are named Lily and Meadow because Susan means “lily” and her husband Brad’s name means “meadow”.

Incorporating her family into the spa reveals Susie’s devotion to both her career and family. She said, “I want to be a role model for my girls. I want them to know it takes hard work to achieve your dreams.”

Susie also encourages her employees to take ownership of éLevé in their own unique way.

Litkenhous said, “I encourage the employees to ask, ‘how can we make éLevé grow?’ ‘How can we make it a stellar business model?’” This firm belief in building upon her dreams will ensure éLevé’s continued growth and success in the Auburn community. for more information on éLevé visit: www.spaeleve.com or 1575 Professional Parkway, Auburn, AL 36830 or 334.521.7728

Exquisite

customer service is important to Susie Litkenhous. She said, “Every detail is important.”

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 2016 to March 31st 2017, 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

LOCAL FOCUS THE EXCEPTIONAL F O U N D AT I O N

is a fitting name in many ways. The staff and volunteers are excellent, along with the outstanding people who attend the Exceptional Foundation.

This non-profit organization has made groundbreaking strides on meeting a need in the state of Alabama that has too often gone unmet. Now, a group of women has collaborated to establish an Exceptional Foundation chapter in the Auburn community.

uburn locals Samantha Bradshaw, Penny Foster, Ouida Lawrence, and Ashley Benson seemed to meet each other serendipitously through acquaintances. The four women became fast friends because they had one strong similarity.

As Samantha Bradshaw said, “When you have a child with Down Syndrome, you have an immediate connection.”

The women began meeting together regularly, forming an informal support group where they would discuss their children and what was going on in their lives. Although their children are currently in elementary school, Ouida said, “We ended every meeting with, ‘what is the plan for our kids? What’s gonna happen [when they grow up]?’”

These four families are not alone; many American families are asking those same questions. According to recent statistics by the CDC, almost one in six children have a developmental disability. When children with developmental disabilities are in school, a plethora of social and recreational activities are available to enjoy, either in school or through children’s organizations. However, when children reach the age of 21 and age out of the public school system, social and recreational activities for adults with special needs become increasingly difficult to find. Samantha, Ashley, Ouida, and Penny wanted to change that.

In 2012, these courageous women formed the

non-profit organization, Blessings on the Plains. Their mission was to create a stimulating environment that would provide social and recreational activities for adults with developmental disabilities. Their dream was that Blessings on the Plains would give adults with special needs a sense of independence and selfreliance.

While forming Blessings on the Plains, these “mothers on a mission” crisscrossed the Southeast, visiting non-profit organizations that shared their goal. Through these visits, they were able to refine their foundation’s mission while learning from other organizations. They visited the Exceptional Foundation on a trip to Birmingham and were inspired by the program’s success.

The women ultimately decided to partner with The Exceptional Foundation, and changed the name of their organization, Blessings on the Plains, to The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama (EFEA).

This will be the seventh campus of the Exceptional Foundation.

The Exceptional Foundation began in 1993 as a small group of people with developmental disabilities that met daily at Homewood

Their dream was that Blessings on the Plains would give adults with special needs a sense of

independence self-reliance

Park and Recreation in the Greater Birmingham area.

In 1999, the Exceptional Foundation built a 12,000 square foot facility near Homewood Park. The program provides daily social and recreation activities for adults with special needs. The Exceptional Foundation takes field trips twice a week to places such as the McWane Science Center. The program provides opportunities for participants to learn life skills and improve their communication skills. They also have a lot of fun, with exciting activities like karaoke, cooking, swimming, bowling, and playing basketball.

As word about the program spread, enrollment numbers increased, causing the foundation to build onto its existing facility. The Exceptional Foundation also began receiving calls from other groups in towns across the nation, asking how they could create a similar program. One of those groups was Auburn’s own Samantha, Ashley, Ouida, and Penny.

Partnering with The Exceptional Foundation provided help with creating policies and procedures.

Samantha said, “Because we are working with The Exceptional Foundation, the criteria is already set. It is a well-made model.”

The East Alabama campus of The Exceptional Foundation has been the fastest startup of all of their affiliates with plans to open in September 2017.

They hope to be able to accommodate a total of 50 students in the program while serving 30 students a

day. Bradshaw said they are very close to securing a location for the foundation.

To introduce The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama (EFEA) to the Auburn-Opelika community, they are hosting a kick-off dinner with guest speaker, former University of Alabama head coach, Gene Stallings, on November 4th. They hope the dinner will serve as both a fundraiser and “friend raiser.”

The Exceptional Foundation is supported through grants, tuition paid by students and private donations. The dinner will not only help raise money for EFEA but also will also spread the word about this newly available resource for families with special needs living in East Alabama. It will also hopefully recruit potential volunteers. The women said, “It is going to take help from the Auburn-Opelika community for the program to succeed.” Their hope is that volunteers will come to share their talents and walk away blessed by the experience.

The EFEA founders are looking forward to the influence future volunteers will have on the development of this organization. Penny said, “We

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don’t know what EFEA will become. The volunteers will determine what they can give.”

All of the founders of EFEA ---Samantha Bradshaw, Ouida Lawrence, Ashley Benson, and Penny Foster---hope to play an active role in volunteering. As a former home economics teacher, Samantha would like to teach life skills, like her love of cooking, with the students. Ouida looks forward to playing games with the participants. Ashley and Penny want to take time to love and encourage each student they meet.

Ashley said, “We want it to be successful in the long-term. We want to see [adults with special needs] thrive and live with purpose. This is our way to give back to the community.”

So far, The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama has received an enormously positive response from the Auburn-Opelika community. Within ten days of the November 4th kickoff dinner being announced, all of the sponsor tables were sold out.

They have also started a “white elephant herd” fundraiser in the community. It is a friendly prank

where a herd of cutout white elephants are placed in a person’s yard and, if they choose to do so, they can write a check to EFEA to have the elephants removed.

According to Bradshaw, the elephant is the perfect symbol for an EFEA fundraiser. They are confronting the “elephant in the room no one wants to talk about”--the prevalence of developmental disabilities and our need to provide more opportunities for Americans with developmental disabilities.

Ashley’s mailman was curious about the white elephant fundraiser. Once Benson explained the purpose behind the herd of white elephants, he immediately brought out his checkbook and generously wrote out a check to The Exceptional Foundation. The sweet kindness of the Auburn-Opelika community will help ensure successful growth of EFEA. The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama plans to grow with the need in the community.

Samantha Bradshaw said, “People are moving into Auburn because of the school system. [For the families that have children with special needs], after 21, there is nothing.” The women dream that someday

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creative they have no inhibition These kids are so

The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama can expand into a residential community for adults with special needs, where they can gain independence with some assistance if needed.

They also hope in five to ten years to serve over 100-200 people, including providing services to children who are five years old and older.

As for right now, Samantha, Ouida, Penny, and Ashley speak about the importance of emulating a similar atmosphere to the Birmingham campus of The Exceptional Foundation. They want EFEA to be a place where adults with special needs are celebrated.

They hope to create a positive space for adults with special needs to be treated with the love and respect they deserve. The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama will be a place of fellowship, and students will be able to pick and choose which activities they want to take part in.

The activities at The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama will be meaningful and give students a sense of purpose. Many of these students will have seen their siblings go off to college. This could be an opportunity for many adults with special needs in the Auburn-Opelika community to take steps toward independence.

Samantha said, “These kids are so stimulated at school. We don’t want to see these adults regress and become sedentary. We want it to be a positive place and it to be fun for the students.”

The founders of EFEA hope this organization will strengthen the special needs community in Auburn-Opelika. They want to bring out more awareness and acceptance within the community, which will lead more families to come out and become involved.

Penny points out that adults with special needs have so much to give. She cites Justin Murphy (featured in the September/October 2016 issue of Southern Tatler) as an example of how adults with special needs can impact the lives of others. She said, “My five-yearold does not call Publix by its name. She calls it ‘Justin’s store’. “ Foster continued, “Thank God we are growing up in this generation. We want our kids to be involved in the community, and we are so glad the Auburn schools have embraced our kids.”

Parenting children with special needs has shaped each woman uniquely. Ashley said, “I have learned we are much more alike than we are different.” Samantha added, “Even though my son does not talk a lot, he speaks volumes. He speaks loud and clear with his heart. He has made us all better.”

Penny said, “These kids are so creative, and they have no inhibition.” At Miracle League baseball games, Auburn University

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alum and former Major League Baseball pitcher, Tim Hudson, throws pitches, but not many Miracle League players become star struck.

Bradshaw playfully said, “They treat him like everybody else. They are just like, ‘throw the ball!’”

Ouida radiates pride for her daughter. She said, “Ava is the model for love. She is so good at it. She doesn’t try to figure out who you are before she decides to love you.”

The love they shared for their children motivated them to take action. Bradshaw said, “We could sit around and talk about what we were going to do for our kids, or we could do something about it.”

The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama has chosen a strong group of Auburn men and

women to serve as board members. The board includes Ron Anders, Katherine Porter, Kim Hudson, Ouida Lawrence, Beth Stuart, Bill Scott, Bill Dyas, Penny Foster, John Lawrence, Ashley Benson, Samantha Bradshaw, Riley Williamson and Kelley Mossburg. They hope even more people will become involved with the efforts of The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama, including Auburn University students.

Ashley loves to share a story she learned from Tricia Kirk, the Executive Director of The Exceptional Foundation. A girl who attends The Exceptional Foundation in Homewood rushed into the main office and said, “I always knew I had friends, I just did not know where to find them.”

The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama wants all of their participants to have this epiphany, creating a community of happy individuals who will overcome some of the challenges they face in their daily lives. This organization will not only serve adults with special needs but also their families. Many families experience financial hardships as they try to care for their adult children. After their children become involved in The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama, these families can gain peace and a support system within their local community.

The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama will begin to take applications for participants and employees in January 2017. If you wish to

donate to this remarkable organization, go to their Facebook page or the Exceptional Foundation website (www.exceptionalfoundationea.org) for more information. Please follow the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to be updated with the latest announcements from this organization.

for more information on The Exceptional Foundation visit: www.exceptionalfoundation.org

CULINARY CORNER

O TOWN ICE CREAM

We dare say most adults remember the magic of their favorite childhood ice cream shops. Some ice cream outlets belonged to a chain, like Baskin Robbins, Ben and Jerry’s, or perhaps one of the frozen custard greats. Some shops were located discreetly in a neighborhood market or the local mall. There were no gems more brilliant, however, than the hometown, downtown, local ice cream parlor. Kiddos could spot them from a mile away, their windows painted in eyecatching color: “1, 2, or 3 Scoop Waffle Cones, Milkshakes, Sundaes, Banana Splits.” One could stand outside and take advantage of an unmistakable sweet cream aroma wafting from the freezers. Upon entry, an eager child was enamored with the decision before him.

Even wearing his heaviest coat in the coolness of winter, he was warmed by the toothsome flavors of the coveted ice cream cone.

There were no gems more brilliant, however, than the hometown, downtown, local ice cream parlor.

ecently I drove to Railroad Avenue in Downtown Opelika and stopped in at what I had heard was the town’s only true throwback ice cream shop. O Town Ice Cream, the brainchild of Chris and Angela George, has only been around since 2015, but it is already a railroad town treasure. Angela’s roots lie in Rhode Island and Chris grew up in Atlanta, but the couple has always had a special place in their hearts for Opelika and Auburn. Chris helped found a local company several years ago and fell in love with the charm of East Alabama, and Angela worked as a massage therapist at several area day spas.

The Georges moved to Chris’s home city of Atlanta for a short time in 2013, but they did not feel at home. “We knew this area was where we wanted to be, “Angela said. “We wanted to do something that would make us both happy, something that we could do together.

We knew that selling ice cream would fulfill that dream.” The Georges also have three children, 12-year-old Sophie, 10-year-old Stella, and 5-year-old Samuel. After the loss of Angela’s mom in 2012, there were times when ice cream was what brought the George family together.

“Who doesn’t love ice cream?” Angela laughed. “When we were feeling lost and away from home, it’s what made us happy.”

The Georges made their initial investment in a mobile ice cream cart. Angela looked back on their humble beginnings with a smile: “After we bought the cart and our first batches of ice cream, we only had a couple hundred dollars left in our checking account. We were committed.” The couple set up outside Red Clay Brewery for the first time in early June of 2015. The whole town turned out. With flavors like Chunky Monkey Park, an homage to O Town itself, Chris and Angela gave Opelikans and Auburnites a unique opportunity to reminisce over their sweet treats.

After experiencing instant success with the O Town Ice Cream Cart, Chris and Angela realized that the sooner they opened a downtown store, the better. They acquired a long forgotten insurance office on Railroad Avenue and renovated it completely, transforming it into an ice cream connoisseur’s dream.

Foremost, it smells like heaven. Secondly, it is alive with the brightest of colors and the most delightful of decorations. Happy devourers sit inside over sundaes dripping with hot caramel and house-made waffle cones. It is evident everyone is in the best of moods.

On the day I visited O Town, Chris and Angela

Let me tell you, nothing looked like it would short

taste of perfection.

themselves were behind the counter filling orders.

They epitomize southern hospitality.

As it turns out, Angela is writing a children’s book entitled Monkey Tales: An Adventure in O Town. The story is about three monkeys who escape Monkey Park late one night and travel around Opelika, meeting various creatures throughout the town.

A storm comes and the monkeys cannot find their way back to Monkey Park, so they find refuge in a tree named for Angela’s mother in front of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A quick study of the mural on the walls inside O Town Ice Cream will reflect that same story. It helps the store come alive in the minds of the children who visit and will be even more meaningful when the book is released next Spring. “Honestly, I never imagined we would be here,” Angela said. “I wanted to sell ice cream out of a cart and write a children’s story for my kids. Today I am thankful that we have been embraced the community and that we can do what we set out to do in such a special way.”

A one-scoop cone or cup starts at $3.50, a small price for a huge dose of happy. O Town Ice Cream boats about 40 flavors, all named after local faces and places, but keeps around 16 out for serving each day. People figure out which days Chris and Angela are scooping up their favorites and they make sure to come in for a visit. While The Georges do not make their own ice cream, they plan on becoming an independent operation by the end of next year. In the meantime, a creamery out of Atlanta creates their custom flavors, working closely with the Georges to mix premium frozen treats made with the high butterfat content that makes all the difference in taste and texture. “We were lucky to get connected with our creamery,” Angela told us. “When we reached out to them they loved that we wanted to name all of our flavors after local places and people. They can make just about anything we ask for, and our customers love it.” That being said, Chris and Angela are excited about the prospect of making their ice creams inhouse.

O Town’s flavors are incredible, with Big Swamp Turtle, Chunky Monkey Park, and Cup-Kate holding tight to their bestseller status. I walked up to the ice cream freezer in what felt like a magic moment and read each flavor’s description, but I couldn’t make a

decision in any reasonable amount of time. Angela let me sample three, but that didn’t help me choose, either, so I quickly asked for a waffle cone of Big Swamp Turtle before my indecisiveness could take hold again. A decadent caramel swirl and too many caramel turtles to count were swimming in a butter caramel ice cream that was to die for (no exaggeration, here). Trust me, it is good stuff. In case you were tantalized by that enchanting description, here are a few more yummy mixes you can choose from: Chunky Monkey Park: vanilla wafers swirled in better-than-your-grandma’s banana pudding ice cream Cup-Kate: yellow cake ice cream packed with miniature M&Ms Jeter Jam: vanilla ice cream with a sweet strawberry ripple Big House Bubble Gum: bubble gum flavored ice cream Cowboy Coffee Toffee: a coffee and toffee flavored ice cream (I promise I could replace my morning brew with Cowboy Coffee Toffee without a moment’s hesitation) Revel’s Reeses: vanilla ice cream and Reese’s Pieces Windle’s Favorite: O Town’s take on the classic Cookies ‘n Cream Bennie’s Purple Honor: a tasty black cherry Rocky Brook Road: rich chocolate ice cream, marshmallows, and almonds Courthouse Coffee Crunch: coffee flavored ice cream loaded with chocolate almonds and fudge Agee Apple Pie: good old southern, apple pie ice cream Floral Park Pistachio: pistachios and almonds in pistachio ice cream Pepperell Pralines: vanilla ice cream with caramel swirl and candied pralines Shady Park Spumoni: cherries, pineapple, candied citrus peel, pecans, and almonds stirred into a unique almond, cherry, and rum ice cream Spring Villa Vanilla: the timeless original Mrs. Patton’s Peppermint: a Christmas-y concoction of peppermint candy ice cream and miniature chocolate chips

Heritage House Holiday: a tribute to the beloved German chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream with sweetened coconut, caramel, and pecans Let me tell you, nothing looked like it would taste short of perfection. Even better, every O Town Flavor is sold for charity. For every tub of ice cream sold, the Georges donate fifty cents to a charity or nonprofit chosen by the flavor’s namesake. Take, for example, Jeter Jam. This kiddy favorite benefits the little ones at Jeter Elementary. Or Big House Bubble Gum, a sweet treat that raises money for the BigHouse Foundation, a nonprofit that is dedicated to helping children in foster care. Now, are you convinced? O Town Ice Cream has it going on.

O Town sells shakes, too, and they are hit.

You can also order a steaming cup of hot tea or rich hot chocolate. Chris and Angela always have a fresh caraffe of their favorite Mama Mocha’s Coffee ready for the pour as well. While desert is the main draw at O Town (they did win “best ice cream” in

OA News’s Reader’s Choice Awards, after all), that is not all that one can enjoy in the shop. Staying true to the small town stop feel, Chris and Angela also serve southern chicken salad and pimento cheese scoops and sandwiches. For $5.50, you can get a toasted sandwich or a scoop, a bag of chips, and a coke. Pay $1.50 more and get a scoop of ice cream. O Town has become a popular lunch spot for downtown district shoppers and sellers alike. Angela explained, “We keep it simple. I think people appreciate that. Plus we can have lunch ready for them in five minutes or less. They know what they are going to get every time they stop in.” This no frills philosophy has served the Georges well. O Town will begin serving breakfast this month. Pimento cheese and bacon croissants and dressed up waffles (featuring chocolate, bananas, nuts, and a number of other unfathomably delicious toppings) will be two of the menu’s shining stars. I’ll be there, no doubt.

Youth groups, other church groups, and friends are always welcome to come have a seat in the shop. Chris and Angela have been thrilled to see several of these groups make a habit of coming through their doors in the past several months. “We love the atmosphere it creates,” they said. “We would love to see more of that!” Before December, Chris and Angela hope to have their stage set up and ready for performances. They plan on hosting live musicians, poets, and other performers. They also look forward to announcing a story time for preschoolers. “We’d love for them to be able to sit in front of the stage and enjoy their ice cream while being read a great story,” the Georges smiled. O Town has a party room in the back for those customers who would like to host a party or luncheon in the store. The space costs just $60.00 to reserve, plus the cost of ice cream. Chris works as an emcee and DJ for Coca-Cola at many Nascar Racing events and also does work at private functions in the area, so his services can be requested at any O Town

event, too. A live DJ and great ice cream? What could be better?

Chris and Angela will bring the O Town Ice Cream Cart to ay off-site location as long as customers commit to a $200 minimum. They’ll bring along a character dressed to the nines, like a princess or a superhero, for just $50 more. Your child could have two awesome folks show up at his party with a huge cart of his friends’ favorite ice cream flavors AND his favorite superhero. It is sure to be a hit.

Sure, it is getting a little cold in Alabama, but ice cream retains its magical quality year-round.

We are confident it will make you all warm and fuzzy regardless of the temperature outside. Visit O Town for a homemade waffle cone and a triple scoop of Big Swamp Turtle or Chunky Monkey Park, and be sure to bring a friend.

for more information on O Town Ice Cream, visit: 815 S Railroad Ave. Opelika, AL 36801

SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

FEATURE 98 _________________________ Bobby Lake

FEATURE BOBBY LAKE

To some, it may seem like Mr. Bobby Lake has a lot on his plate. Despite this, he lives a life of balance alongside his precious family, making a point to always put them first. Bobby presides over Kinnucan Enterprises, Inc., a company with several of the most well-respected lifestyle outfitter retail stores in the Southeast. Kinnucan’s roots reside right here in Auburn in what used to be a humble storefront on Gay Street downtown.

he late Charlie Kinnucan’s vision for the stores was a great one, and by 2009, Kinnucan Enterprises served customers in seven locations across Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. When Charlie Kinnucan exited the business in February 2009 due to illness, he entrusted the future of his company to the Kinnucan’s Chief Financial Officer, Bobby Lake, a man Charlie had fostered friendship with in the years leading up to this time of transition. It was not something that Bobby envisioned happening when he signed on with Kinnucan’s as the Controller just a couple of years earlier, but he was well prepared for and excited about his new responsibility when he accepted the torch and became company president.

“Though I worked for Charlie, I still considered him and friend and I think he felt the same about me. When he got sick, I was so honored that he asked me to help him oversee what he had worked hard for. We had faced several challenges in the years immediately prior, including the 2008 recession that was hard on everyone. I was fortunate to have the two years working for Charlie as I learned a lot about retail from him in that time.,” Bobby smiled.

Today, there are 18 Kinnucan’s Specialty Outfitters in six states. A nineteenth store is scheduled to open in Destin, Florida this Spring. “I’m so thankful!” Bobby said. “I am certainly busy but everything is going right.” There’s more to Bobby, though, than navigating the retail market and forecasting next year’s sales. “We all have many distractions in our lives, and work is usually the biggest,” Bobby said. When we need support, we don’t seek help from our jobs. We seek help in our families and our faith. Those things come first.” Southern Tatler was eager to sit down with the man himself to talk about “the real Bobby Lake” in October.

Bobby was raised in Montgomery, so he is familiar with East Alabama’s special flair. He was fortunate to have been brought up by two supportive parents, a registered nurse and a college professor, who modeled for him hard work and love for their children. Bobby graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1987 and stayed at home in Montgomery to attend Auburn University at Montgomery.

He considered a major in engineering, but decided that a career in public accounting was a more logical choice. Both his father and uncle were CPAs, and his own talents were concentrated in the areas of math and and science. A few years after he graduated from AUM, Bobby’s mother called and told him about a neighbor of hers who had recently moved in next door. “You’ve got to come meet her,” she said.

Although Bobby said “no,” Ms. Lake was, of course, telling her sweet new neighbor the very same thing. “You have to meet my son!” she begged. Finally, both son and neighbor gave in. “The first time I met Connie, our parents were there. It may have been awkward, but let’s just say I enjoyed the encounter. I really hoped our conversation would continue,” Bobby laughed. “I gave her my number, you know, since she was new in town, just in case she needed anything.” Bobby and Connie dated for two years.

Bobby still remembers the way he felt on the day asked Connie to be his wife. With equal parts nervousness and excitement, he began envisioning a meaningful proposal some months before.

“I was optimistic she would say yes, but because I was a little nervous I couldn’t convince myself of her answer 100%. We were getting ready to take a trip to Chicago and I wanted to propose while we were there, so I called her dad to ask for his blessing just before we headed out.”

Bobby was relieved when Connie’s Dad, Mr. Stokes, gave him the blessing he had hoped for. “He said he would let me marry her if I promised to always take care of her. I’m still doing my best,” Bobby assured us.

He put the ring in his pocket upon their arrival in Chicago with intentions of asking Connie for her hand while they strolled through the downtown area. While walking on the Wabash Bridge, Bobby asked a passerby to take a casual photo of the couple. Thankfully, she was happy to snap the picture. After that initial kindness, Bobby told Connie he was going to ask the young woman to take another, then quickly whispered in the lady’s ear that he was going to propose and

...captured memories foreshadowed

sixteen happy years of

marriage, and Bobby and Connie in love! are

STILL

that he would appreciate it if she took just a few more pictures. She quickly agreed, and amazingly, showed no inkling of surprise at Bobby’s request.

“I don’t really even remember asking Connie because I was so nervous,” Bobby laughed, “but I do remember thanking that lady and her handing back my camera. She told me ‘you’re welcome’ and walked off like that happened to her every day!” After having the film from their $10 disposable camera developed, they were pleasantly surprised to discover that their impromptu photographer had given them not one but nine beautiful mementos of the occasion, all perfectly centered and taken from perfect angles. “Keep in mind,

this was a manually winding, disposable camera,” Bobby clarified. “We framed all nine photos and have them hanging up in our home in the same order they were taken.” Those captured memories foreshadowed sixteen happy years of marriage, and Bobby and Connie are still in love!

After marrying his dream girl in 2000, Bobby continued working for a large accounting firm. After several years, he left public accounting to become the controller for a client’s small business, but it was not a great fit. Eager to look in a different direction, he responded to a small ad in the local newspaper about an accounting position at Kinnucan’s. After an

It’s really simple. I keep my priorities in this order:

faith, family, and career.

initial interview with Charlie Kinnucan, Bobby knew he had found a place where he could best utilize his gifts. Throughout those years in which Bobby’s career evolved and came to flourish, he and Connie were also building their family. Today, 14-year-old Joshua, 11-year-old Emily, and 5-year-old Charlie attend Lee Scott Academy in Auburn and keep them busy with soccer, cheerleading, and band practice. Bobby would not choose to live his every day in any other way: “Honestly, I try not to miss much. My family always comes first. With a few rare exceptions, I make an effort to attend

every event my kids are a part of, and it is not because I

have to. By no means am I ‘super dad,’ but I know that it is

important to my wife and to my children that I take part in what they do. It’s important to me, too.”

Bobby’s day starts about 4 a.m. He replies to emails as soon as the alarm clock rings. Then, nine times out of ten, he hits the gym for a work out. He heads to the office shortly after, and his day is never the same as the one before it. “Part of the reason I love my job is that it never gets boring, and I’m fortunate to work with a very talented team. There is always something to be done, and I’m not sitting at my desk all day being the guy no one else in the building talks to,” he said. But what is the most important part of Bobby’s schedule? It is the moment he pulls in the driveway after a day at the office. Bobby aims to be home by six o’clock each evening so that the family of five can spend time together.

“Let me be the first to say that my wife does most of the heavy lifting for Joshua, Emily, and Charlie while I am at work

Monday through Friday- she is the one who picks them up

from school and organizes their afternoons. I am beyond thankful for her support and for the wonderful mother she

is to our children. Spending time together each night just makes me that much more thankful.”

The Lakes enjoy traversing the Southeast. At some point in the days Between Christmas Day and New Years Day each year, they take a road trip. Last year, they took a trip in their new RV to the Florida Keys to escape the cold. They’ve also visited Charleston, Asheville, Chattanooga, and other southern cities in recent years.

New Orleans is a regular destination as much of Bobby’s family lives there. “I can’t say I love the airport,” Bobby laughed. “we love to take day trips and do our version of ‘camping’ trips in the RV.” We asked Bobby, “what challenges do you face on a daily basis, and how do you meet those challenges?” He was quick to give the example that his career requires him to think critically and creatively solve problems, but we do not think that is something Bobby minds.

“Taking on my position as President and as an owner at Kinnucan’s after my boss and friend passed away entailed a risk, but it also presented opportunity,” he said. “It was a

sad time for all of us, and there was a period of time about two years long when my being held accountable for so much more was really stressful for my wife and family. That being said, my goal was always to assume more responsibility and

I believe you always finish what you have started. I told Charlie I would stay the course, and I intended to.”

Bobby told Southern Tatler that staying positive truly sets the tone for both personal and company successes.

He believes that conveying anger or frustration- really anything other than positivity- causes others to adopt a bad attitude: “Feelings like that work their way down the line. My

philosophy is that there is nothing worse than working somewhere you don’t want to be, and there is nothing better

thank waking up and being excited about your day. You

have to be pleasant and kind to those you work with and for.

It makes for a comfortable culture and more productivity.”

Basically every bit of free time Bobby can spare is As Kinnucan’s fought to withstand its sudden spent with his family, and that is okay with him. restructuring and a recovering economic climate just “It’s really simple. I keep my priorities in this order: faith, over seven years ago, Bobby jumped right in and and family, and career. I know that if I keep coming up with helped out “from the bottom to the top,”driving delivery reasons why I need to be working, that order will get out of trucks to the company’s seven locations, reaching out balance. Most things can wait until tomorrow. I hope my to new hires and implementing new company policies, employees know that too.” and making crucial company decisions that could make

or break its future. “. I really don’t like asking someone to do something that I haven’t done, are am not willing to do. Obviously my responsibilities have changed greatly over the years, but I’m still prepared to do whatever job needs to be done. That is my mentality.”

Bobby’s greatest personal success is not his degree, his career, or the money he has earnedhis greatest sense of accomplishment stems from his happy marriage to Connie. Bobby explained, “these days you see so many marriages fail. It takes work on the part of both spouses to make it work.

I’m just lucky that my wife still wants to be married to me after supporting me despite changes in my career and the times when I have been stretched.

Connie is understanding and has always shown our family love. You can’t replace 18 years of that kind of support. I owe my success first to God and next to my best friend.”

Bobby says he does not consider himself to be the kind of guy that everyone inherently desires to follow.

People follow his lead because he has persevered and achieved a quality track record, but meeting him might convince you otherwise. Bobby is “real,” and he is honest, and we believe that is something that is hard to come by. “I’m pretty much an open book. What you see is what you get. When I make a decision I run with it,” he laughed. Bobby is confident that all good things come from above. “I just keep reminding myself that I’m not in charge- He is. It’s easy to forget that from time to time.

But if I do everything according to his will, everything falls into place.

Bobby does enjoy a few hobbies when he has time for himself. Even still, he prefers to be with his wife and children if he is not working. His “me” time is a morning workout in his home gym. “I try not to miss that time in my day, because you can tell when I do,” he laughed.

As we talked at length with Bobby, we turned around to face the back wall of his office and noticed a framed article from Men’s Fitness Magazine featuring a younger Bobby Lake. “Yeah, I lost about 130 pounds when I was

in my early twenties,” he casually told us. “My boss at the time promised me a dollar for every pound lost. When I surpassed eighty pounds he quit paying me!” Thousands of people read Bobby’s story in Men’s Fitness. Since losing the weight, Bobby has been conscientious in his efforts to live a healthier lifestyle.

Bobby also spoke at length about how being a father has changed him for the better. He promised that although it may not seem to get any easier as time passes, it does get just a little bit less scary as each new child is born, providing a once worried dad with new experiences and pride that is irrevocable.

“Becoming a better father is a regular discussion point in my men’s group, and while there is still plenty I need to

learn, I think I’ve finally figured out a way to explain how

a dad evolves as things change and the family grows. On

Emily, our second, I ran the yellow lights without fear and

visited the McDonald’s drive-thru. When Connie and our third child, Charlie, were discharged from the hospital, we

stopped to have Mexican food on the way home. We put the carrier right on top of the table next to the chips and salsa.”

Bobby’s anecdotes made us chuckle, but he surely

showed us that he is the “real thing.” He doesn’t claim to be perfect, and he doesn’t sugarcoat parenthood, but he certainly rolls with the punches, and he is beyond thankful for his family of five: “Like I said before, it’ doesn’t get any

easier, but you just start to understand that parenting is going to be what it’s going to be.”

Bobby primarily attends Auburn United Methodist

Church with his family but visits other churches on occasion as well. He enjoys a weekly men’s bible study on

the way home from the hospital with Joshua, our first, I was Friday mornings. Bobby takes an active part in Kinnucan’s driving fifteen miles under the speed limit, arms violently waving out the window, screaming for everyone to back

community outreach initiatives as well, including

its company philanthropy supporting the Muscular

away. There was a new baby on board! Driving home with Dystrophy Association. Finally, Bobby enjoys daily living

in Auburn and loves to yell, “War Eagle!” on football Saturdays.

“Auburn is an easy place to call home. If you’re not interested in

busyness and distractions, and if you appreciate good restaurants, beautiful parks, football, and an easy going environment, this is the place for you. I’m happy our family is here.”

Bobby and Connie surround themselves with good people on

The Plains, like Connie’s parents, Glen and Carolyn Stokes.” I think it’s a stereotype that people complain about their in-laws, but I’m

lucky, because I like mine very much,” Bobby bragged. Anytime we ask for their help they provide it without any hesitation. Connie’s

dad was 52 when she was born. He’s 94 now, and he still mows

his own lawn... and he has more hair than I do.” Mr. Stokes is a veteran of World War II and served in both the European and

Pacific theatres. “They just don’t make men like that anymore,” Bobby noted.

As for the future, Bobby Lake believes the future of Kinnucan

Enterprises, Inc. is bright. He has been richly blessed by a company that holds a firm foundation in the Southeast and embodies

a mission that he holds dear. Most of all, however, Bobby looks forward to the years ahead with his wife and three children. “As long as they are okay, I am too. Right now we are happy where we are, and I am excited to see where life takes us.”

108 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

As long as they are okay,

I am too.

Right now we are happy where we are, and I am excited to see where life takes us.

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116 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

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118 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

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120 SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

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122 SOUTHERN

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SOUTHERN TATLER SOUTHERNTATLER.COM

THE ONLINE GUIDE TO SOUTHERN SOCIETY

SOUTHERNTATLER

DINING

SOUTHERNTATLERDINING.COM

IN THE WORK

LATEST ISSUE

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.

STAY UPDATED

Southern Tatler will constant update our online visage section. Bringing you the latest parties pictures around town

>>MORE ONLINE SOUTHERNTATLER.COM -Online Version of Southern Tatler -Weekly Pictures of Local Events -Newest Business Additions to Local Area & MORE

124 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

TRAVEL ANTARCTICA

DESPITE THE DIVERSITY IN OCCUPATIONS ACROSS THE NATION, WE ALL PUT FORTH A CONSIDERABLE EFFORT TO MAKE A LIVING. THAT HARD WORK DESERVES A REWARD THAT DOES MORE THAN FATTEN YOUR WALLET. IT IS NECESSARY THAT WE REPLENISH OURSELVES— MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY—FROM TIME TO TIME.

We need a breather, we need a moment to slow down and catch up, we need a vacation. The average vacation can usually be narrowed down into a few key concepts such as relaxing near a body of water (either man made or not), eating good food, hanging out with friends in new and exciting environments, and— ultimately—doing absolutely nothing and not feeling bad about it. But after a certain point, even five star hotels and Carnival cruises can get repetitive and cliché for someone who likes to think outside the box. This year take a journey that will not only refresh you, but reinvent you. Take a breathtaking expedition to the world’s most remote land mass and find out just how amazing it feels to be submerged in the vast unknown. In the states, we hail our own Alaska as the “last frontier”. But its sub-arctic cousin makes Alaska look like a snowflake in a blizzard.

Come to a place that is truly beyond your reality, a place that has virtually remained untouched for millenniums, come to Antarctica.

Discovered in 1821, Antarctica—by European exploration standards—is the 7th and youngest continent in the world. Antarctica covers 4 million square feet of land that is blanketed in 2.5 miles of ice. If numbers don’t quite put size into perspective, the Ross Ice Shelf (Antarctica’s largest ice shelf ) is about the size of France.

The continent is home to five different species of penguins (Gentoo, Emperor, King, Adélie, and Chinstrap) and the blue-black waters that surround it are frequented by eight different species of whales including blue whales and Orcas. Other wildlife includes various species of seals, rare fowl and fishes (if you were expecting Polar Bears you might be on the wrong side of the world).

Though Antarctica is a continent, it neither is nor has, any countries. No one owns Antarctica, there

“

“

WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS ISN’T THE PALM-LINED OASIS YOU’D EXPECT OUT OF YOUR USUAL VACATION DESTINATION, BUT ANTARCTICA HAS IT’S OWN UNIQUE PERSONALITY THAT IS SURE TO PLEASE.

are no systems of government or law enforcement on the land—save those that preserve it’s natural state.

In fact, the entire continent is classified as a National Reserve—even though there are no nations that have authority over it.

We understand that this isn’t the palm-lined oasis you’d expect out of your usual vacation destination, but Antarctica has it’s own unique personality that is sure to please. Antarctica’s only industries are science and tourism, so unless you’re planning on doing research on glacial movements or penguin family dynamics, it’s

safe to assume you’ll be coming here for the Kodak moments. Since Antarctica is not inhabited by any permanent human settlement, visitors must travel via ship from a nearby country. The most popular is Ushuaia, Argentina, however, there are ships that depart from New Zealand as well. Some cruise ships can carry passengers at numbers reaching 500 and up, however, tourists on these ships will only experience the frozen fortress from a distance. These large sea vessels are not built to navigate through the massive ice sheets and the International Association of Antarctica Tour

Operators (IAATO) only allow a specific number of tourists to step foot on land every year. However, some IAATO affiliate cruise lines offer smaller expeditions that transport passengers—in limited numbers— Into the heart of the wild.

The most popular cruise ships are Silversea Expedition’s Silver Explorer and National Georgraphic’s Orion. Both options have similar price ranges and activities. Visitors can find 10-day expeditions on these vessels for under $15,000. Despite an unforgiving block of ice being your destination, you can enjoy the

luxury of a five star resort on the cruise ship all while experiencing the sub-arctic wilderness that lies just outside your suite. Life onboard is intimate but spacious. Passengers are offered butler service, fine dining, spas, daily lectures and recaps of the day’s adventures, fitness rooms and much more. The passenger capacity ranges from 102-140 so making friends should not be an issue. Because of limited passenger numbers these cruise lines are able to take tourists on land to get up close and personal with some of Antarctica’s vast landscapes and wildlife.

While on these expeditions you’ll be able to travel through the ice plates to the mainland of the continent via Zodiac. From there you have the options of hiking tours, kayaking, history tours or even simply hanging out on the shore with about 2 million penguins. The guides will more than likely tell you to keep about a five-meter distance from wildlife, but penguins are curious and sociable creatures that have no regard for manmade laws. Some of the most popular attractions are the abandoned settlements of past explorers who first set foot in the snow some centuries ago.

When news of Antarctica’s discovery had gone mainstream, it was also made known to the world just how plentiful and diverse the region’s native species were. This soon attracted the attention of whalers, trappers, explorers and scientists from across the globe. Though these bold pioneers are long gone, their living and research quarters still stand to this day. Everything from their beds to a few sled dogs was left as they were and have remained undisturbed to this day. Tourists can experience the harsh life of the Antarctic explorers by taking tours through the huts. These excursions are accompanied by polite and knowledgeable guides that make the rooms come alive with historic accounts of the time.

Many of the structures have been damaged or destroyed by the harsh winter storms, but some have survived. Both shocking and fascinating, the continents of these buildings (give or take some rust and dust) looks as though they had only been vacant for a few weeks.

After a long day’s trek across icy hills and valleys, you’ll more than likely be extremely exhausted and perhaps even a bit cold. So, what better way to end the day than a “polar plunge”?

You might infer the details of this activity by the name, but before talking yourself out of it you should just go ahead and break out the swimsuit.

Though this type of behavior might be defined as suicidal to some, we promise it’s a risk worth taking. Participants will have the opportunity to go for a dip in the sub-freezing sea before climbing to safety aboard the cruise ship and settling in for a few warm beats in the sauna—then repeat.

Dunkers are attached to a harness in order for the conductors to pull them to safety should they not be able to themselves. It sounds terrifying but it feels amazing.

Once your limbs have thawed, you can catch up on blogging, writing, or a favorite read in one of the lounges onboard. Though the Silver Explorer and the Orion have much in common, dining is where they meet their differences.

The Explorer is a much more open atmosphere where guests can dine at anytime they please, while the Orion is much more strict with their dining itinerary but beverages and hors d’oeuvres are available throughout the day. As the evening wares on, recap the day and reminisce with friends at the bar, relax in a hot tub with a panoramic view of the sights, and afterwards slip into bed with your partner for a warm night’s sleep. In certain regions of the continent during the summer months (November – March) daylight is a 24-hour occasion. Whale watching adventures take place in the early morning hours, so keep track of the time and bring a sleep mask.

In spite of the lack of civilization and modern technology we assure our readers that a trip to Antarctica will not disappoint. However, this is not your average summer hide away.

Antarctica, though mystic and beautiful, can be a very dangerous place to visit should travelers come ill prepared. As always, when it’s cold, dress in layers. We recommend a good pair of waterproof boots, thick, water-resistant socks, plenty of head covering, scarves, warm gloves, underwear, jackets, coats, etc. (but don’t forget your swim suit). Most of your time will be spent out in nature where southern hospitality is non-existent; so do not expect the rules of stranger kindness to apply.

However, life on board is as socially active as it gets, so don’t come without your best dress either.

Antarctica is most certainly one of this planet’s greatest accomplishments. The spectacle and splendor of it all transcends the ability of words.

The integrated experience of untamed

nature against high luxury is one of the many that this continent has to offer. In addition to physical pleasure you might also find peace of mind in the humility one gains after standing amidst an eternal steppe of white.

Come be a part of a world that you would only imagine could exist in a dream. Indulge yourself in the magnificence of nature and all her treasures for the price of a mid-sized sedan. Come experience Antarctica and find that while you may be submerged in an environment void of all the pleasures of modern society, you’ll never feel more at home.

C O N C I E R G E

Exquisite Snow White A symbol of beauty, a rare treasure and one of-a-kind creation by MOUAWAD, the Snow White Princess Diamond Watch, with a total of 106.93 carats. The Snow White Princess is another extraordinary example of Mouawad’s exquisite attention to detail and absolute artistry. value: $ 6.8 Million

134 SOUTHERN

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Holiday Events S’MORES N’ MORE | 5:00-8:00PM Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday in December (except for December 10th) Gather around the fire pit on the A•T Patio to sip on hot chocolate while building your own gourmet s’more with a smorgasbord of toppings! S’mores n’ More is $10 per person, $5 for A•T Diners, and Complimentary for Hotel Guests.

HOLIDAY CHEF‘S TABLE IN A•T Experience A•T’s new Chef’s Table where guests can enjoy a special family style dinner crafted by the culinary team.

Dinner is $39 per person for 6 to 10 people. Reservations are required and subject to availability. Please contact A•T at (334) 844-5140 to make your reservation.

GINGERBREAD VILLAGE UNVEILING | 6:00PM Thursday, December 8th Join us for the unveiling of the largest Gingerbread Village in East Alabama the conference center of the hotel.

After watching the Auburn Christmas Parade come enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate while admiring the 2016 village. The Gingerbread Village will be on display in the pre-function foyer until the start of the new year.

CHILDREN’S GINGERBREAD CLASS | 2:00-4:00PM December 17th, 19th, & 20th Experience the magic of the holiday season by creating your very own Gingerbread House. Our chefs will assist your child in assembling and decorating a Gingerbread house to take home with them. The class is $35 per child and reservations can be made by contacting Anna Kent at (334) 321-3175 or email anna.kent@auhcc.com.

CHRISTMAS DINNER | 5:30-9:00PM December 24th & 25th Let our culinary team do the holiday cooking and enjoy a delicious four course dinner in A•T. Start the meal with a brussels radicchio salad followed by squash soup with toasted pecans and pesto. For the main course, enjoy pork tenderloin with blue grits, collard greens, and truck stop honey demi. Finally indulge in dessert featuring local pears that have been cooked in a cinnamon pinot noir reduction and served with triple vanilla bean ice cream. The Christmas menu is available for $39 per person in addition to the a la carte menu. For reservations, please contact A•T at (334) 844-5140.

NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION | 5:30-1:00AM Saturday, December 31th Ring in 2017 with a five course sharing menu in A•T, a champagne toast at midnight, and live jazz in Piccolo.

Reservations are required and can be made by contacting A•T at (334) 844-5140.

All pricing is per person and does not include taxes & gratuity.

241 S. College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 | www.auhcc.com/holidays