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Love Local!

F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Love Local

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Wendy Sack | wendy.sack@citylifestyle.com

Dear friends, As we step into the enchanting month of February, love is in the crisp, chilly air here in Cullman, Alabama. Our vibrant city has a unique way of making even the coldest days feel warm and inviting. This month, we're embracing the theme of "Love Local," celebrating the remarkable stories, businesses and experiences that make our community truly special. We're focusing on four local businesses - there's so much to love about Cullman and the surrounding area! In the spirit of the season, consider exploring the local gems that add warmth to our days. Discover hidden shops, indulge in comforting dishes from our beloved eateries and find joy in the little moments that make our community thrive. As the cool breeze blows through the trees, take a stroll through our charming neighborhoods, or walk one of our many trails, where the love for our city is evident in every inch. This February, let's not just celebrate romantic love but also the love we have for the unique tapestry of our lives here in Cullman. Share your favorite local spots, stories of kindness and moments of connection with us. Our magazine is a reflection of the love we have for our city and its incredible residents. Thank you for being a part of the Cullman City Lifestyle family. We look forward to sharing this month's "Love Local" stories with you and continuing our journey together in the heart of Alabama. Wishing you warmth, love and countless moments of joy this February. Warm regards,

C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Jennifer Murphree, Jen Jen Photography Jay Betts

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Cullman City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cullman area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cullman City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

24 28 Featured

20 24 28 34 8

Mary Carter Store Local business limelight

More than dentistry

Cullman Cosmetic & Family Dentristry gives back

Local talent: Farm Shop ‘A celebration of all things Southern’

Catch a vibe

Explore The Man Cave Market

34 On the Cover

Departments

Jan Parker painted this photo of downtown Cullman, including Southern Accents Architectural Antiques and Pierce & Petal Florist, saying, “I think it’s just so cool that one family has invested so much in the community.”

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Limelight HOME + DESIGN

Our Town HEALTH + WELLNESS

Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE

Local’s Choice LOCAL SERVICES

Travel Journal TRAVEL

Events

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

Photography: Jan Parker, Farm Shop

FEBRUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

ROBERT A. JOHNSON

JENNIFER ORLANDO BY GRACE BEAUTY & WELLNESS

2 CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

7 5

MILLIGAN FARMS

BY GRACE BEAUTY & WELLNESS

SALLY WILLIAMS

1: Precious Walter loves playing ball! And we think he may like our magazine, too. 2: Biscuit of Milligan Farms is an absolute beauty! Thank you for letting us share! 3: Handmade cannoli by Rocco Orlando and some champagne! Best group of neighbors on the lake! 4: Kayra Everett and Jen Woodard of By Grace Beauty & Wellness at Singo Bingo 5: A fun night at the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Singo Bingo event 6: Abby and Larry Neal had a great time at the Cullman Christkindlmarkt! 7: Sally, Hayes, Dan and Walker Williams at Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt

C I T Y SC E N E

JAY BETTS

CULLMAN SAVINGS BANK CYNDI ROBERTSON

THE FLYING FIFTY JAY BETTS

14 JAY BETTS

INFUSION WELLNESS & SPA

8: Local artist Donald Walker painted this mural on the new Flying Fifty Hotel. 9: The Cullman Christkindlmarkt was breathtaking! 10: A friendly and fun ugly Christmas sweater competition at Cullman Savings Bank 11: A fun and festive photo with some cuties at the Cullman Christmas parade 12: The most beautiful carousel around! And the lighted trees by Alabama Outdoor Lighting were perfect. 13: The Cullman Christkindlmarkt was a huge hit for the whole region. 14: Infusion Wellness & SPA hosted a Botox party and it was a great time!

CONTINUED >

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city scene CONTINUED

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE TRACI JOHNSON

INFUSTION WELLNESS & SPA

16 MELISSA CURTIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER MURPHREE WITH JEN JEN PHOTOGRAPHY

CULLMAN CITY LIFESTYLE

ALLEN BURNETTE

15: The lovely ladies of Infusion Wellness & SPA 16: Sipsey Wine Co. was a hit at the Cullman Christkindlmarkt. 17: Wursthaus served up delicious treats at the Cullman Christkindlmarkt. 18: Payton, Jeff and Traci Johnson at the Cullman Christkindlmarkt 19: Allen Burnette and his grandson, Hudson, with their 20-point deer in Greene County 20: Melissa Curtis with the one and only Santa at Trident Marina’s Christmas on Smith Lake 21: Cullman was all aglow for the Christmas season this year.

C I T Y SC E N E

28 26

22: A festive Cullman Christmas parade participant enjoying passing out candy 23: Alabama’s Taylor Hicks performs at the Christmas in Cullman tree lighting event. 24: The one and only James Spann hanging out at the Christmas in Cullman tree lighting 25: All aboard! The Christkindl Express was so much fun! 26: Picture perfect 27: Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs and Sen. Garlan Gudger at the Christmas in Cullman tree lighting 28: One of the large nutcrackers guarding the entrance of the Cullman Christkindlmarkt Photography by Jennifer Murphree with Jen Jen Photography

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

city scene CONTINUED

LAKE LEAGUE

KAYLA MITCHELL

29: Home and Lake Leaguesgiving attendees brought coats and toys to donated to The Link. 30: Kevin Rice, Home League’s managing broker and Lacey Kilpatrick, Lake League’s managing broker 31: Melissa Curtis at the Home League and Lake League Christmas event 32: Home League and Lake League pose for a photo at their Leaguesgiving event. 33: Melissa Curtis and Jason McCullar with his Walker Area Association of Realtors Rising Star Award 34: The Home League Real Estate team

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e . k l a e t h c e a Embr

@TRIDENTMARINA TRIDENTMARINAS.COM

LIVE OUT YOUR LAKE LEGACY WITH

FEBRUARY 2024

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Old 25 Pool Service Old 25 Pools is your premier destination for all pool-related needs in Cullman and the surrounding areas. Specializing in both above-ground and in-ground pools, our services range from routine maintenance and repair to expert part installation and comprehensive servicing. Trust Old 25 Pools for unparalleled professionalism and dedicated care, ensuring your pool remains a pristine oasis of relaxation and enjoyment all year round.

Scan to read more Photography by Old 25 Pool Service

Cullman Psychiatry & Wellness Welcome to Cullman Psychiatry & Wellness, we are glad you are here! At CPW our mission is to empower individuals to promote personal wellness and achieve recovery through a comprehensive, integrated and evidence-based system of mental health care. We offer services to the individuals and families of Cullman as well as the surrounding areas. Our professional, compassionate and experienced staff is ready to diagnose and treat all your behavioral health care needs.

Scan to read more Photography by Cullman Psychiatry and Wellness

Tradition Physical Therapy Extraordinary care by extraordinary physical therapists - Tradition Physical Therapy will open its doors this month. Roger Gurley, PT, DPT is a Cullman native and cannot wait to bring these services to you: • Arthritis management • Dry needling • Manual therapy • TMJ/concussion • Orthopedic rehab • Pre- and post-op rehab • Return to sport • Spine therapy • Vestibular rehab (dizziness)

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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Your Vision. Our Expertise.

Executive Coaching

Leadership Development

Organizational Consulting Our organizational development services provide a holistic approach that facilitates organizational growth and transformations.

We work with teams to create the greatest level of performance by uncovering diverse strengths and differences to build cohesion.

We work alongside executives and high potential employees to help them develop their objectives and clarify their career goals.

Tel: 256-330-6958 contact@lloydconsultingfirm.com lloydconsultingfirm.com 1414 Clearwater Dr NE Cullman

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

The Mary Carter Store is located at 104 Fourth St. SE in Cullman.

LOCAL BUSINESS LIMELIGHT

Mary Carter Store

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY CARTER STORE

Employee Brian Graves (center) and his son, employee Lawson Graves (left), show a Henry Rifle to John Young (Raymond Young’s brother).

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HO ME + D E SIGN

Raymond Young

“

A s a l o c a l s m a l l b u s i n e s s , I t r e a t w h a t we d o a s a communit y ser v ice – both to the local communit y a n d t h e l o c a l b u s i n e s s c o m m u n i t y. If you grew up or live in or around Cullman, chances are you know the Mary Carter Store. The beloved local business was founded as Mary Carter Paint Store on July 1, 1964, by Raymond Young in its current location at 104 Fourth St. SE. Young, now 84, opened his business when he started selling paint as a Mary Carter Paint Store franchisee at 24. “The paint store began in the same section you find hardware and keys in today. In the beginning, all you could find was wall paint, floor finishes and painting supplies. Although that was initially successful, Raymond quickly found out he needed to diversify to stay profitable and maximize his potential year-round. He added wall coverings, plaster molds, art supplies and custom picture framing,” said Raymond Young’s son, Jeff Young, who works at the store with his dad (along with other family members). “As other trends arose, he ventured into those as well. He began selling fishing supplies in 1967, with hooks, lines, sinkers and a few other angling tools and accessories filling a small 4-foot display. Rifles and hunting supplies have been a staple for his business model since 1969. As soon as some trends would come, others would fade from profitability. Wall coverings, plaster molds and art supplies are some offerings that faded over time from the selection one could find at Mary Carter Store.” Today, the store has four 1,800-foot sections, said Young. The first contains homebrewing goods, wood stoves and a full-service custom picture framing shop. The next is a full fishing tackle and gun shop with a complete selection of lures and supplies for

professional and weekend anglers. “Need new line on your fishing reels? We’ll spool them up for you while you shop around,” he said. “Next to the line-filling station, you’ll find a large selection of Henry rifles along with a good variety of other rifles, shotguns and handguns. Ammunition is not in short supply, either. If fishing and hunting sound like too much fun and working is more your thing, you need to check out our paint and hardware section. We still carry paint and sundries, as well as general merchandise you would expect to find in a hardware store. Nuts, bolts, hammers, brooms and extra keys can all be picked up from this one location. We also have a large selection of pressure cookers, canners and canning supplies.” Young said the last section houses an “eclectic” collection. “You will find some overflow from the hardware section, but you’ll mostly find our Lodge cookware, bird feeders, wind chimes, kitchen appliances, electric heaters, Mason jars and Radio Flyer tricycles and wagons.” A service Mary Carter Store provides that might surprise you? “We sell and program brand new original keys and key fobs for most vehicles.” As a mainstay of the community, the Young family knows the importance of local businesses. “As a local small business, I treat what we do as a community service – both to the local community and the local business community. Every decision we make is formed upon pillars of gratitude and servitude to these communities that we are a part of,” said Young. “With an abundance mindset, community service is easily both reciprocal and perpetual as all parties are continually rewarded.”

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ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY CULLMAN COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

CULLMAN COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY GIVES BACK

Dr. Jonathan Echols, center, with staff from his office and Cullman Caring for Kids

MORE THAN DENTISTRY 24

O UR TOWN | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Cullman Cosmetic & Family Dentistry has been a part of the local business community for about 20 years. Headed by Dr. Jonathan Echols, it’s about more than dental work. The team is also dedicated to giving back. “Dr. Echols came to Cullman years

to provide dental work to underprivileged children and choose a local nonprofit to receive half the proceeds. Recipients have included The Link of Cullman County and Cullman Caring for Kids. It is also associated with the Cullman

ago because his father, Dr. Robert Echols (more lovingly known as Dr. Bob), was a physician at the local hospital. Dr. Bob had a heart for the community, and he passed that down to Dr. Echols. By giving back to the community, Dr. Echols can honor his late father's legacy,” said Abbie Harris, social media coordinator for the practice. “Recently, the staff donated to Lights of Love at Cullman Regional, where Dr. Bob worked, to honor different family members of the staff who have passed. The donations go toward advancing health care services in our community.” Cullman Cosmetic & Family Dentistry’s main charitable program is Smiles For Life, which allows staff to raise money through whitening teeth

County Bosom Buddies Foundation Little Pink Dress Benefit to raise funds for local residents undergoing cancer treatments. “They help support anyone regardless of the type of cancer, although we represent a few of our employees who are warriors and survivors of breast cancer,” said Harris. “Local business is the heart of our country; without it, there is no warmth and communities lack function,” she continued. “We believe in shopping and staying local. Supporting fun events put on by the Cullman Chamber of Commerce, like the Cookie Crawl in 2023, was a wonderful way to connect with residents and spread the word about the wonderful services Cullman has to offer. We have a small town with a big heart.”

“OUR GOAL IS TO HELP PEOPLE REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.”

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aw al k

nery gree gh

A beautiful paint i ng

ou thr ay

L oc a l t a lent : Far m Shop ‘A celebration of all things Southern’

D RT A E PA IST RT’S M EPA N LE T T| TCATEGO E | ARTS RY + CU LT U RE

brains behind the whole operation, so he should have an executive position…I think he landed on VP of product development,” she smiled. So Farm Shop was born, said Parker, from the idea of a 10-year-old and pocket change. “We purchased the appropriate business licenses and created an Instagram page and went to work. You may have noticed we all have nicknames. Hang around long enough and we will give you one as well!” said Parker, who also noted she has five grandsons: Greer, Beckham, Will, Jack and Miles. Farm Shop creates handcrafted charcuterie boards and other custom woodworking items, as well as original art in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. “Except for a few prints, all our work is original and handcrafted,” Parker said. “I’d say probably 98% is commissioned. We try to keep a few pieces on hand for our customers who need something last

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FARM SHOP

There’s nothing better than happening upon a talented local artist. Here, get to know Jan Parker, artist and partner of Farm Shop, and hear the charming story of how her business came to be. “Farm Shop was created around our dinner table on Sunday night in January 2020, in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, just as we were heading into the pandemic. It was the brainchild of my oldest grandson, Greer Lovell, (aka Rooster). He was 10 years old at the time and was insistent we start a family business. He would not let the idea go,” laughed Parker. Parker’s grandson said the family should start a company and call it Farm Shop. “He said his dad Jon Mark Lovell would create custom wooden items and charcuterie boards, I (aka Gris-Gris) could do paintings and artwork. His grandfather “Big” (my husband, Benny Parker) could manage the money and he would tell all of us what to do! He reasoned he was the

Jon Mark Lovell

Colorful Cullman landscapes

“

“ I r e a l l y l ove i t w h e n I can recreate a memory f o r s o m e o n e .” J a n P a r ke r

Painting of Sacred Heart Church in Cullman

Commissioned paintings of family homes are one of Jan Parker's specialities. Many customers request paintings of their beloved pets.

Custom, handcrafted wooden pieces

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

Artist Jan Parker, center, with her husband Benny and their five grandsons

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

“

I ’ m a l way s h u m b l e d by t h e t a l e n t i n t h e a r t i s t c o m m u n i t y a n d g r a t e f u l fo r t h e i r w illing ness to share their ex per t ise and collaborate. minute, but by far, most of our work is made specifically for our clients. In a time where everything is mass-produced, there is just something so special about taking the time to talk to an artisan whose sole focus is to create something that is uniquely yours. Everyone should have a few custom items in their home.” Parker believes that everyone is an artist in their own way. “We all have a creative side. The most creative ideas I’ve ever heard come from people who say, ‘I’m just not creative!’ Some of us are just more willing to share our work in public. My son-in-law and I both have always enjoyed anything creative but neither of us has any formal training in art. But if you are asking if this is our full-time job the answer to that is no. I am a manager for an aerospace and defense contractor, and my son-in-law is a pharmaceutical rep and coach.” When asked to talk about her favorite/most memorable creation, Parker exclaimed, “Oh my goodness! We have created so many special things! Jon Mark has taken reclaimed wood from family farmhouses that were being torn down and created unique family heirlooms that will be passed down from generation to generation along with their story. He’s created beautiful items from reclaimed wood from schools and other historic buildings. It’s such a special way to keep these places alive in our memory and retell their stories. One of his most memorable creations was a 3’ x 3’(yes, that is feet) walnut and rainbow poplar cutting board with a juice groove custom fit to cover an entire kitchen island!

Our clients come up with the most unique ideas. I’ve done paintings I would have never dreamed of doing if my clients hadn’t requested them. I was once commissioned to paint a squirrel eating a potato! I do lots of portraits – weddings, pets, houses – and those are always so special, and all have such lovely stories. But I really love it when I can recreate a memory for someone. I had a client that built a new home on the site of her family’s farm. She commissioned a painting of her grandparent’s original farmhouse that once stood there. The problem was she had one photo, and it only had a portion of the farmhouse and none of the surrounding landscape. We worked together for a few months to capture everything she remembered about her grandparent’s home as a child. The porch swing where her grandfather would smoke his pipe in the afternoons, the oak tree that held her wooden swing, and the clothesline where her grandmother would hang out the clothes. We were able to get all these memories into her painting. It now hangs in her dining room overlooking the original site of her grandparents’ home, and she tells the story of her grandparents to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I’m hopeful they will pass this family history down to their children as well.” Parker also gave a nod to the others in the local artist community, saying, “I’m always humbled by the talent in the artist community and grateful for their willingness to share their expertise and collaborate.” Find Farm Shop on Instagram at www. instagram.com/farmshop.usa or call 256-652-4319 for more information.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

Explore The Man Cave Market

CATCH A Vibe ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE MAN CAVE MARKET

LOCA L’S CH OICE | LO CAL SE RVICE S

Twin brothers Chris and Pat Thompson have disrupted the local business community – in a good way. The brothers, who were wholesale plant distributors for more than 20 years before the pandemic caused them to reconsider their options, in April 2020 opened The Man Cave Market in Vinemont. Yes, they still sell plants, but over the last almost four years, The Man Cave Market has become a destination shopping experience for the region. If you’ve ever visited the market, you know what I mean. Shoppers can peruse a wide variety of plants – from traditional to exotic – while enjoying the atmosphere, soaking in the music and even playing free video games. “Our customers enjoy the relaxing ambiance they feel walking through, listening to classic rock and roll and the tropical jungle sounds in the tropical room for a feel-good vibe,” said the brothers, who shared they often have customers just hang out and chat for a while – which they love! The Man Cave Market’s inventory is unique and eclectic, a nod to the brothers’ extensive travels. Besides plants, you can find a wide array of pottery and special gift items, even coffee and grooming products. “We add to our inventory every week,” they said. Springtime will be here in the South in just a couple of months, and a special service The Man Cave Market offers is its on-premises landscape garden. Customers can see what their landscapes would look like with their chosen trees and plants. CONTINUED >

Novel home and garden items are added weekly.

You can find unique items like this metal pink flamingo.

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

As the warmer weather returns, look for an extensive inventory of plants outside.

Find exotics like this tropical pitcher plant.

There is a large inventory of planters and hanging baskets.

You can find The Man Cave Market at 17897 U.S. Highway 31 North in Vinemont. Check it out online at www.facebook.com/themancavemarket and www.themancavemarket.net. It’s open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from noon-3 p.m.

LOCA L’S CH OICE | LO CAL SE RVICE S

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Finding a life partner just might be easier than finding someone you can travel with. When the stars align, both partners have an affinity for generally the same kind of vacation, or are willing to compromise. Here are a few ideas for fabulously romantic getaways. Bon Voyage!

Reservations For Two Dreamy destinations for couples looking to get away.

The Willows

Four Seasons Bora Bora FourSeasons.com/BoraBora

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, overwater bungalows line a glassy lagoon, inviting early-morning swims off your own private dock with a bright breakfast table set on your patio overlooking Mount Otemanu. Meander down the paths of the resort to the Te Mahana Spa. With breathtaking lagoon and Pacific Ocean views from twin infinity pools, the treatment begins with a foot massage and then continues with rebalancing rituals starring indigenous ingredients.

The Willows TheWillowsPalmSprings.com

The Pendry

Palm Springs, California

Originally a millionaire’s private luxury hideaway, the Italianate style mansions were built side-by-side. Rooms include oversized tiled showers, priceless antique pieces and a turndown service to make you feel like the royalty you are. Situated at the base of rugged Mt. San Jacinto with views of the Coachella Valley, The Willows is a perfect base for exploring the Palm Springs or hiking the Andreas or Big Morongo Canyons or nearby Joshua Tree. Open September through May.

The Pendry Pendry.com

Park City, Utah Pendry Park City is a contemporary mountain enclave bringing the mastery of Utah’s awe-inspiring landscape to new heights. The resort is nestled in the center of Canyons Village, with slopeside modernist design, luxury service and thoughtful amenities, ideal for a couple’s escape. Rejuvenate the body with Spa Pendry for a couples massage and enjoy the herbal steam room, relaxation spaces, complimentary refreshments, fitness center and access to the hotel rooftop pool and whirlpool, with stunning views of the mountains.

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FEBRUARY 2024

events A SELECTION OF U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S JANUARY 3 0 TH

Medicare Event with Fidelity and Edward Jones All Steak Restaurant | 6:00 PM Health Care and Your Retirement. We’ll discuss Medicare coverage and traditional medical expenses, longterm medical care expenses and strategies for addressing out-of-pocket expenses. Hosted by Brian Campbell with Fidelity with Edward Jones Advisors Katie E. Jones, Chris Campbell and Chris Mann. A meal will be served. Please RSVP at 256-739-0111. FEBR UARY 15TH

Butterfly in the Sky Bailey Center Auditorium at Wallace State Community College | 5:30 PM Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers: “Butterfly in the Sky” tells the story of beloved PBS children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” its iconic host LeVar Burton and the challenges creators faced in cultivating a love of reading through television. Co-director and editor Bradford Thomason is scheduled to attend. See a clip from the movie at https://vimeo.com/724991207. FEBR UARY 21ST

Native Trees for Me? North Alabama Agriplex | 12:00 PM Cullman County Extension Office Coordinator Kira Sims will prepare you to select which trees and shrubs will be best for your yard from the Feb. 24 Tree Sale at the Agriplex. Cost is $10 per person, including a light lunch and the program. Space is limited, so register early.

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EVE N TS

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C UL L M A N

Valentine’s Day recipe ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA LANN

Pasta with Butter-Roasted Tomato Sauce

ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

8 cloves garlic 1/4 cup butter 1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes 2 anchovy fillets packed in oil Pinch of red pepper flakes Salt Freshly ground pepper 12 oz. pasta of choice Finely grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

directions: 1. Preheat oven to 425. 2. Crush 8 garlic cloves. 3. Cut butter into small pieces. 4. Empty tomatoes into 9 x 13 dish and crush lightly. 5. Scatter garlic, butter, anchovies, red pepper, salt and pepper over tomatoes. 6. Roast tomatoes, tossing halfway through, until garlic is soft and mixture is thick and jammy, 35-40 minutes. 7. While tomatoes are roasting, boil salted water for pasta. 8. Remove pan from oven and let cool slightly. Using a potato masher or fork, break up roasted garlic and tomatoes until mixture looks like course apple sauce. 9. Cook pasta and drain, saving 1/2 cup water. 10. Return pasta to pot, add tomato mixture and water. Cook over medium-high heat, tossing until sauce coats pasta. 11. Top with Parmesan.

Serve this yummy pasta with a side of crusty Italian bread and a salad for a complete meal.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

CULLMAN COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY

We are here to provide you with the highest quality of dental care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We are committed to excellence in our field and will utilize the latest technological advances to ensure you receive the absolute finest care possible. 256-734-7151 www.cullmandentist.com

311 6TH AVE SE CULLMAN, AL 35055