2018 Tribune Tastemakers (contributed)
In his creative weekly series, “10 Things from a Tribune Tastemaker,” local author, artist and all-around entertaining and eccentric (not to mention classy!) Southern gentleman Ben Johnson South introduced Cullman Tribune readers to some creative thinkers and doers in the Cullman community.
This week, just in time for Christmas, we hear from those Tastemakers again.
“Goodgawdamighty, It’s Christmas Again?” is the title of one of the songs I co-wrote for a musical being produced in 2019, but it’s also that frantic question many of us have with just three days until the annual giftapalooza. So, I reached into The Tribune archives and found gift ideas from the 12 2018 Tribune TASTEMAKERS
- JOCK LEONARD, Cullman starchitect, reminded us a Frank Lloyd Wright work, The Rosenbaum House, in nearby Florence, is an inspiring half-day trip for every would-be builder; the price is just $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. www.wrightinalabama.com
- CHRISTINE NISHIMURA, the head bartender at 412 Public House and unofficial ambassadress of Cullman, is on her feet all day, running back and forth being mixologist and den mother to the lively crowd at her popular watering hole; someone should give her a gift certificate for a mani-pedi at Salon Luxe.
- JENNA NELSON CULPEPPER, hair/beauty expert at Salon Luxe, truly deserves the original, refreshing-yet-calming Bunny Melon Cocktail created by her fellow Tastemaker, Christine Nishimura, at 412 Public House; Christine generously shared her Bunny Melon Cocktail recipe with Tribune readers and I’m here to testify it’s great at home, but it’s really better when Christine adds her holiday magic; call ahead for a seat at the bar.
- WILL JUSTICE DRAKE, future Alabama Poet Laureate and first year English faculty at St. Bernard Prep, has a new, week-old baby boy at home. How’s that for the joy of Christmas? My gift suggestion for Will Justice is an egg timer, a set of earplugs and a book of poetry from Deb’s Bookstore, 256-736-2622; for other bookish locals, consider a Members Club card at Books-A-Million, 256-734-7135.
- CONCETTA LOVOY KREPS, Cullman’s textile guru and top-notch home baker/hostess; Concetta’s “go-to” local suggestion for gourmands is a handmade, “paper” basket by Joyce Hyde, 256-734-3153—near the Cullman Civic Center—filled with CULLMAN GROWN jams and jellies like those from Steele Orchard 256-734-5249.
- JARROD SMITHERMAN, wood-turning artisan, suggests a writing pen handmade from Alabama wood; often Jarrod’s exquisite creations are from fallen trees he has repurposed; for works from this skilled craftsman, email woodchuckturningstudio@gmail.com or call 256-620-1359.
- MARIA RICHTER, “The Countess Of Cullman Colors,” for Tribune readers, selected 10 colors inspired by iconic Cullman things like the Strawberry Festival, All-Steak orange rolls and Oktoberfest; for Christmas gifting Maria suggests Monks Bread made locally at St. Bernard Monastery and for sale in the Ave Maria Grotto gift shop, 256-734-4110.
- ADRIAN SCOTT, Wallace State graphic arts head and fine artist—Adrian is one of the quickest thinkers and movers (former track star) in Alabama; my gift suggestion for him and every super-energized friend is a lovely pot of calming lavender from Sandy Waters at The Mustard Seed Nursery, 256-737-7333
- CINDY PHILLIPS, the only yotter (certified yoga instructor and potter) around; her gift suggestions are a “go try it out” health and wellness gift certificate at Gentle Rain Yoga which you can arrange via Facebook/Gentle Rain Yoga; for a fun gift for art lovers, Cindy suggests a whimsical calendar or notecards by Cullman artist Laura Walker; check these out at Facebook/Laura Walker Art With A Soul.
- LACI SCHUMAN, chief cook and bottle-washer/owner of Southern Eats – Meals to Go; Laci buys lots of locally farmed and produced goods for her original, delicious creations, but someone should give her a “Power Of Produce” gift certificate at the Festhalle just for her own energetic family; the Festhalle farmers are already busy getting ready for bumper crops for spring 2019—by the way, please join me soon at the new location of Southern Eats, Southern Eats Cafe at Mae’s Food Hall, in the Warehouse District; soul-warming soups and fresh sandwiches made-from-scratch, perfect for a mid-winter uplift.
- KATHRYN CALLAWAY JONES, professional home organizer/owner of Simplified Spaces, suggests supporting local artists who exhibit at the Bloomin’ Festival; for those who want to organize their holiday clutter and make decluttering a New Year’s resolution, the number for Simplified Spaces is 256-347-7717.
- PAT SHARPTON, president Cullman County Master Gardeners- Do you know someone with a green thumb who likes to dig in the dirt? Pat encourages you to consider a gift certificate for the local Master Gardeners classes starting in late-January 2019; classes meet every Wednesday for 12 weeks and cost $150, which includes lunch; Early Bird registration before Dec. 31 is $125; call the Alabama Cooperative Extension office at 256-737-9386.
Read more about the Tribune Tastemakers at www.cullmantribune.com/keyword/tribune-tastemaker.
THANK YOU, 2018 TASTEMAKERS, and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!
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