A Letter To Midtown Living Readers Page 2 Midtown Events Page 9 Homes for Sale Back Page National news articles and broad- casts recently reported Montgomery was ranked fifth for potential growth in the average home-sales value through 2009. This is good news, and indicates we did not have the swings that some larger cities had with inflated prices and bad mortgage loans. In addition to population growth in the entire River Region, one article sug- gested the Cloverdale/Midtown area was strong because the government was hiring new workers. While there may be a few government workers who live in Midtown, a glance at a city directory suggests most who live here are or were entrepreneurs, business executives, pro- fessionals and merchants. But there is also a mix of craftspersons, store work- ers and homemakers. Midtown is growing in value because people choose to live here. It offers a wide range of housing options at many price points. Midtowners accept diversity and respect one anoth- er. Realtors ® report that families are moving back from suburban communi- ties, or moving in from other cities. The growth of retail options also indi- cates the area’s viability. ■ INSIDE: Gifts Found in Midtown Page 3 Nov./Dec. 2007 1044 E. Fairview Avenue Montgomery, AL 36106 PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CUSTOM HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC. Custom House Publishers, 6797 N. High St., #213, Worthington, OH 43085 (334) 834-1500 www.HatTeam.com Proudly Presented by For People Who Choose to Live, Work, Shop, Worship and Play Here! MIDTOWN—MONTGOMERY ’S COMMUNIT Y OF CHOICE! For People Who Choose to Live, Work, Shop, Worship and Play Here! MIDTOWN—MONTGOMERY’S COMMUNITY OF CHOICE! TOP 300 IN THE U.S. REALTOR ® Magazine CHP #8909 Midtown’s Growth Cited in National Media ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Whether you’re celebrating the 12 days of Christmas, the eight days of Hanukah, the seven days of Kwanzaa or the beginning of a new year, giving is usu- ally associated with these holidays. Join in the festive spirit, get rid of holiday stress and celebrate the season with the Merchants of Midtown. If you’re throwing a party, looking for festive food and beverage, or decorating for holiday entertaining with family or friends, there’s probably a merchant about a mile away from your home or office that can help fill that need. You may have overlooked them; they don’t advertise much, and often the shop is not in a fancy, new space. But they are here, and this year, our holiday- shopping guide on page 3 will help you find unique, often exclusive, items that’ll get you thinking about just what is available behind the doors of those small shops and cottages. The Mulberry District has an open house the second weekend in November; Old Cloverdale has a special day on Dec. 8. To see a complete list of all Midtown Merchants by category, visit www.HatTeam.com and look for our new Midtown Merchants page. You’ll be surprised at just how many places to shop there are—more than 250 retail establishments and more are coming every month. The winter holiday season can be overwhelming with buying gifts, attending parties and getting your car serviced. But shopping in Midtown instead of driving all over the city will allow you time to relax and enjoy this most wonderful time of the year. An item may cost a few cents more, but think of the time and gas you’ll save. And likely, it won’t be mass-produced or stocked 10-high. Often, it will be one-of-a-kind, like a piece of art or ceramic from Mandy Bagwell’s Gallery on East Fairview. She offers all kinds of original mer- chandise from handmade plates to per- sonalized items for children. M.Bagwell Art can be found in 90 retail markets across the United States, but this is her only studio and gallery, a treat for Montgomery. Bagwell and her team love creating the art; she loves being just blocks from her Cloverdale home. How about some fancy wrapping papers, ribbons and custom-made cards or invitations from The Paper Store on Carter Hill owned and run by two ladies who live in Midtown? While there, you can find gifts for many occasions or accessories to enhance your home’s décor. Would you like to recreate that child- hood memory of your favorite red wagon? Surprise—you can find it at D W Moody. And its Snooty Miss Moody’s shop has treasures just right for a parent or friend. Dee Moody has stocked the store to the brim with useful gear for holiday giving. There are trees and lights, too. Speaking of trees, how about a fresh one from outside the Drop It Off Auction store on Carter Hill? Richard Talley promises the area’s freshest trees. All will have been cut within a day of his bringing them in, unlike the massive chain-store lots, which offer trees cut months earlier and shipped across coun- ty. By buying there, you’re also helping a neighbor. Looking for a special gift or collec- tion? Try Linda Jones’ In the Mood shop on Mulberry. It’s the region’s only purveyor for the Italian-made Fontanini figures, and it’s a showcase store for Heritage Lace. Most stores located in Midtown are family owned and run. Typically, the owners also live nearby. Neighbors are like good friends—they help each other out. Residents trade with them because they’re working toward a common goal, building a better community. You’ve probably met them at your child’s school, on the ball field or at a special fund-raising event. Besides having great merchandise, you’re contributing to the enhance- ment of Midtown store merchants and their employees. Midtown merchants say locals anchor their business, but they draw customers from throughout the River Region and beyond because they often offer exclusive lines not found elsewhere. Some even have customers who come from Atlanta. Many say their customers are like family. Teri Owen, owner of Apropos, a women’s boutique, is celebrating her 20th year on Cloverdale Road, said some families span three generations. Those who’ve moved away return whenever they’re in the city and say, “You just don’t get the ambience and personal attention in stores elsewhere, like you do in Midtown,” she said. Her other success secret: Offer unique gift items at reasonable prices. ■ Shopping Inside the Bypass Helps You, Your Neighborhood Coloring Contest Just for Kids Holiday Insert
Transcript
A Letter ToMidtown LivingReadersPage 2
Midtown EventsPage 9
Homes for SaleBack Page
National news articles and broad-casts recently reported Montgomerywas ranked fifth for potential growth inthe average home-sales value through2009. This is good news, and indicateswe did not have the swings that somelarger cities had with inflated pricesand bad mortgage loans.
In addition to population growth inthe entire River Region, one article sug-
gested the Cloverdale/Midtown areawas strong because the government washiring new workers. While there may bea few government workers who live inMidtown, a glance at a city directorysuggests most who live here are or wereentrepreneurs, business executives, pro-fessionals and merchants. But there isalso a mix of craftspersons, store work-ers and homemakers.
Midtown is growing in valuebecause people choose to live here. Itoffers a wide range of housing optionsat many price points. Midtownersaccept diversity and respect one anoth-er. Realtors® report that families aremoving back from suburban communi-ties, or moving in from other cities.The growth of retail options also indi-cates the area’s viability. ■
INSIDE:
Gifts Foundin MidtownPage 3
Nov./Dec. 2007
1044 E. Fairview AvenueMontgomery, AL 36106
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For People Who Choose to Live, Work, Shop, Worship and Play Here!
M I D T O W N — M O N T G O M E R Y ’ S C O M M U N I T Y O F C H O I C E !
For People Who Choose to Live, Work, Shop, Worship and Play Here!
M I D T O W N — M O N T G O M E R Y ’ S C O M M U N I T Y O F C H O I C E !
TOP 300 IN THE U.S.REALTOR® Magazine
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909
Midtown’s Growth Cited in National Media
‘Tis the season to be jolly. Whetheryou’re celebrating the 12 days ofChristmas, the eight days of Hanukah,the seven days of Kwanzaa or thebeginning of a new year, giving is usu-ally associated with these holidays.
Join in the festive spirit, get rid ofholiday stress and celebrate the seasonwith the Merchants of Midtown.
If you’re throwing a party, looking forfestive food and beverage, or decoratingfor holiday entertaining with family orfriends, there’s probably a merchantabout a mile away from your home oroffice that can help fill that need.
You may have overlooked them; theydon’t advertise much, and often theshop is not in a fancy, new space. Butthey are here, and this year, our holiday-shopping guide on page 3 will help youfind unique, often exclusive, itemsthat’ll get you thinking about just whatis available behind the doors of thosesmall shops and cottages.
The Mulberry District has an openhouse the second weekend inNovember; Old Cloverdale has a specialday on Dec. 8.
To see a complete list of all MidtownMerchants by category, visitwww.HatTeam.com and look for ournew Midtown Merchants page. You’llbe surprised at just how many places toshop there are—more than 250 retailestablishments and more are comingevery month.
The winter holiday season can beoverwhelming with buying gifts,attending parties and getting your carserviced. But shopping in Midtowninstead of driving all over the city willallow you time to relax and enjoy thismost wonderful time of the year. Anitem may cost a few cents more, butthink of the time and gas you’ll save.And likely, it won’t be mass-producedor stocked 10-high.
Often, it will be one-of-a-kind, like a
piece of art or ceramic from MandyBagwell’s Gallery on East Fairview.She offers all kinds of original mer-chandise from handmade plates to per-sonalized items for children. M.BagwellArt can be found in 90 retail marketsacross the United States, but this is heronly studio and gallery, a treat forMontgomery. Bagwell and her teamlove creating the art; she loves beingjust blocks from her Cloverdale home.
How about some fancy wrappingpapers, ribbons and custom-made cardsor invitations from The Paper Store onCarter Hill owned and run by twoladies who live in Midtown? Whilethere, you can find gifts for manyoccasions or accessories to enhanceyour home’s décor.
Would you like to recreate that child-hood memory of your favorite redwagon? Surprise—you can find it at DW Moody. And its Snooty MissMoody’s shop has treasures just rightfor a parent or friend. Dee Moody hasstocked the store to the brim with usefulgear for holiday giving. There are treesand lights, too.
Speaking of trees, how about a freshone from outside the Drop It OffAuction store on Carter Hill? RichardTalley promises the area’s freshest trees.All will have been cut within a day ofhis bringing them in, unlike the massivechain-store lots, which offer trees cutmonths earlier and shipped across coun-ty. By buying there, you’re also helpinga neighbor.
Looking for a special gift or collec-tion? Try Linda Jones’ In the Moodshop on Mulberry. It’s the region’s onlypurveyor for the Italian-made Fontaninifigures, and it’s a showcase store forHeritage Lace.
Most stores located in Midtown arefamily owned and run. Typically, theowners also live nearby. Neighbors arelike good friends—they help each other
out. Residents trade with them becausethey’re working toward a common goal,building a better community. You’veprobably met them at your child’sschool, on the ball field or at a specialfund-raising event.
Besides having great merchandise,you’re contributing to the enhance-ment of Midtown store merchants andtheir employees.
Midtown merchants say locals anchortheir business, but they draw customersfrom throughout the River Region andbeyond because they often offer exclusivelines not found elsewhere. Some evenhave customers who come from Atlanta.
Many say their customers are likefamily. Teri Owen, owner of Apropos, awomen’s boutique, is celebrating her20th year on Cloverdale Road, saidsome families span three generations.Those who’ve moved away returnwhenever they’re in the city and say,“You just don’t get the ambience andpersonal attention in stores elsewhere,like you do in Midtown,” she said. Herother success secret: Offer unique giftitems at reasonable prices. ■
Shopping Inside the Bypass Helps You, Your Neighborhood
Midtown Housing Demand Hot,Despite National Slowdown
by Sandra Nickel
If you’ve watched network news or readprint media, you’d think the real estate mar-ket is all gloom and doom. It may be truefor some overvalued markets, principallylocated on the coasts and in some big cities.It may be true for the top 1 percent of themarket the media often only portrays, and itmay be true in some states that allow poorloan practices. However, it is not true for alot of places across the United States, espe-cially in Montgomery.
The Fact is: This is a GoodTime to Buy or Sell a Homein Montgomery.
In fact, a recent CNN/Money Magazinefeature placed Montgomery as one of the top10 cities that expect growth in average homesales prices through 2009. The article sug-gested an average growth rate of 5.5 percent.
While that’s very believable forMidtown, that figure may be entirely tooconservative, given some homes havechanged hands multiple times in recentyears, each time at a premium. Simple sup-ply and demand is causing the older neigh-borhoods to fare far better than the city as awhole. And the growth in Midtown housevalues is sustainable because it’s the resultof increasing demand for in-town living, notsome frenzy or hype.
There is no mortgage meltdown, norhousing cooldown in Midtown. Interestrates are low. Reasonable sellers and buyersare still making deals.
The bottom line: If a home is priced rightand shows well, it will still sell—even inthis perceived slower market.
Why is This Happening?First, people are moving here. With an
average 3.5 percent unemployment rate, andseveral thousand skilled workers needed tofill announced jobs, the need for housingwill increase.
Other reasons include: people are movingup to larger or down to smaller homes, arebecoming homeowners and are wanting to livein the heart of the city—especially Midtown.
Another reason is because seasonedRealtors®, like those who are a part of theHat Team, have made a difference in not
only promoting Midtown, but by also livinghere, serving their clients and doing whatmatters to enhance the community.
I’m particularly humbled by a letter sentrecently by Craig Cornwell, who wrote: “Ireally enjoy seeing your enthusiasm for the‘Midtown’ of Montgomery ... a geographicarea identity that you have single handedlycreated. It seems ironic (that) the lady whomade her name wearing big hats and push-ing older houses is the most progressive andinnovative presence in the Realtor® commu-nity. There was never a great city without agreat city center, and Montgomery is poisedfor greatness. The potential for increasedland values in Montgomery’s core is greatlyunderestimated.”
The truth is that I can’t take full credit forrepositioning Midtown—a lot of other profes-sionals on the Hat Team contributed to themarketing concepts that have been generated.And all community members are benefitingfrom those actions, both professionally andpersonally. But, I do admit that I take pride inhaving made a sizeable investment in market-ing Midtown, including this publication.
It’s exciting to see the millions of dollars incommercial and residential developments thathave come about since the beginning of theHat Team’s efforts. Recently, Herb Scheuer,managing member for Lockwood Place,thanked me for helping people see the impor-tance and convenience of the area through theMidtown Living publication, which is mailedto every home in 14 key neighborhoods.
City leaders and organizations are alsojoining the crusade to bring Midtown backto life with the result of their investments,such as Retirement Systems Chief DavidBronner makes repeated investments thatchange the state’s external perception. Lastmonth’s LPGA golf tournament exposed theRiver Region to millions worldwide. Andthe State Development Office continuallyinvests in the industry that comes toAlabama and creates jobs.
And, neighborhood associations acrossthe city are investing in the creation andupgrades of entrances, keeping streets clean,homes maintained, yards spruced up andaddressing abandoned or derelict property.
These investments may be small in com-parison, but the lasting value to the commu-nity is invaluable. It preserves property val-ues and makes the neighborhoods andhomes desirable.
Now’s the Time to Becomea Midtown Resident
Unlike most Realtors® who essentiallywork for themselves under a name-brandumbrella, the specialized team members ofthe Hat Team work full time.
The Hat Team members concentrate onyour needs, which mean you get more andbetter service from top professionals. Eachmember has a role during the real estatetransaction, whether buying or selling, and ishighly trained in his or her position, guaran-teeing that all of the behind-the-scenes tasksare completed to get you to the closing table.
With the Certified Realtor® Specialist des-ignation, Hat Team members have the cre-dentials to serve you with the utmost inindustry knowledge, and all regularly receiveadvanced training. Members keep abreast ofthe national trends, they understand theregional dynamics and, most of all, theyknow the local neighborhoods better thananyone. They’ve got the contacts, the marketpulse and the results to prove it.
By becoming a Hat Team client, you’llget full attention, gain a trusted advisor andhear what you need to know—not what youwant to hear. You’ll never get a promise thatthe Hat Team can’t deliver. You will getservice at a level likely not experiencedbefore. And, the Hat Team doesn’t get paiduntil you buy your dream home or receivepayment for selling.
It’s not about just putting a sign in a yardor an ad in the paper. You can do that! TheHat Team offers you a different approach tobuying and selling houses.
All the Hat Team asks is for your consid-eration when you, or someone you know,are buying or selling a home. You’ll findcompetitive rates, the highest personal serv-ice, ethical standards above reproach andpast clients as raving fans.
The Hat Team does more for Midtown,more for the city and the River Regionand will do more for you. Call the HatTeam at (334) 834-1500 or visit www.hat-team.com today. ■
midtown l iv ing
We are the Champions of Midtown and want to prove it toyou first-hand. Give us a chance—You’ll be glad you did!
(334) 834-1500 • www.HatTeam.com| p a g e 2 |
11|07 | p a g e 3 |
Gift Ideas for Those Who Need to OrganizeTheir Close-to-Home Shopping
Fontanini 5”CollectiblesIn The Mood
1940 Mulberry Street
Cut-glass OrnamentSACs Gallery
2001 Mulberry Street
Mexican Pewter TraySarah’s Gifts & Linens2000 Mulberry Street
Jim Shore CollectibleThe Hen Pen
1720 Mulberry Street
Holiday StemwareThe Paper Store
2061 Carter Hill Road
Child’s PajamasBarb’s on Mulberry1923 Mulberry Street
Le Creuset and MoreGigi’s NY Kitchen Co.4697C Vaughn Road
Fine WinesTed, the Wine Guy & Co.
3062 Zelda Road
Silver and Gold withDiamonds Bracelet
Harold’s Fine Jewelry3058 Zelda Road
Lambswool SweatersJos. A Banks, Clothier
2960 Zelda Road
George Taylor OilCAS Gallery
2960F Zelda Road
Seda France CandlesBarganier Interiors2960E Zelda Road
Clark Walker OilStonehenge Gallery1041 East Fairview
Lucca Sweater DressThe Look Boutique1048 East Fairview
Appetizer SpreadersM. Bagwell Gallery1038 East Fairview
A Best SellerCapitol Book & News
1140 East Fairview
Designer JewelryApropos
411 Cloverdale Road
Home LuxuriesChristine’s Feathered Nest
501 Cloverdale Road
Radio Flyer WagonMoody True Value Hardware
3030 McGehee Road
Vera Bradley HandbagRosemont Garden’s Gift Shop
2210 Rosemont Place
Art Deco Platinum RingYesteryear Antique &
Estate Jewelry2908 McGehee Road
Aveda Gift SetDoug’s 2 Spa & Salon
4697 Vaughn Road
Fresh PastriesLouisa’s Bakery
1039 Woodley Road
Byers Choice CarolersRichardson’s
1069 Woodley Road
Thank goodness these merchants didn’t leave Midtown! They must live here, too.
Well, guess I wouldn’t have thought of that, but thanks for reminding me I can.
You mean I really don’t have to drive all around town to do my holiday shopping?
Yes, Virginia, Santa can find plenty of great gifts without traveling outside the bypass.
Photo by Russ Baxley
| p a g e 4 | 11|07
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Unlike days of old, these merchants don’t live abovethe store, but they do live near it. And for Midtowners,that’s a lot better than an owner who lives in Arkansas,Georgia, Illinois or any of a hundred other places solelylooking at the bottom line and only taking money out ofthe community. Most Midtown merchants are businessmen and women who care about our neighborhoods andcontribute back to the community and their customers.
By shopping locally, the money is used to keep thebusiness open as a convenience to those who live andwork in Midtown. The employees get paid, and theycan keep up their homes, which might be close toyours. So everyone wins when we shop, dine andpatronize businesses with our neighbors in the place wecall Midtown Montgomery.
In this first of a series, let’s look at a few Midtownmerchants who live here, too.
Super Foods Robert Renfroe, owner of Super Foods on McGehee
Road since 1997, says business remains strong, in spiteof the entry of larger, publicly owned supermarkets.Following an earlier upgrade of for the 30-year-oldstore, he plans to begin replacing its produce-depart-ment equipment in November. Many customers like thestore’s easy-to-get-in-and-get-out size, he says.
Renfroe, whose son, Rob, a recent Ole Miss marketinggrad, says his customer base remains the Midtown neigh-borhoods, but includes people from Lowndesboro,Wetumpka, Prattville and east Montgomery. They oncelived nearby, but shop with him when they are in the city.
Renfroe and his wife, who has been at theMontgomery Academy for 30 years, live in VaughnMeadows—less than five minutes from the store. He’sinvolved in coaching and supporting community sportsand has made many friends who shop at Super Foods.
“We strive to be the friendliest market in the city.We speak to everyone, keep what our customers wantin stock and carry out their groceries,” says Renfroe.
Over the years, he’s hired many Midtown students,who grew up and became his customers. An averagemonthly payroll covers 50 full-or part-time employees.
Sexton Tire & Service Center Another local entrepreneur, who many Midtowners
do business with when getting their vehicles ready forholiday, winter driving or at other times of the year, isRon Sexton, who lives in Ridgefield, just blocks fromhis auto service center on Zelda.
Sexton’s family owns Sexton Tires & Service Center.The work-together family business includes his wife,brother, sister, father-in-law and son, Ryan, who recentlygraduated with a degree in finance from Auburn.
The store has a staff of 11, most of whom have beenwith him for the 17 years he’s been on Zelda.
DW Moody’s Hardware Dee Moody, another second-generation store owner,
runs DW Moody True Value stores on McGehee Roadand Decatur Street. Moody and his family live inAllendale, less than five minutes from the Midtownstores. Moody, who is active in community civicaffairs, follows in his father’s footsteps, running thestores he began in 1947.
One key to Moody’s success is service. Nobodycomes in who isn’t immediately serviced by an expertto find the item needed and an explanation of how touse it. Not only do you get personal service, but youcan also be in and out faster than finding a parkingspace at some big-box stores. Plus, by shopping there,you contribute to the livelihood of two-dozen families,some of whom live in Midtown, too.
Cloverdale Oriental Rug Market Another Midtown merchant success story is Travis
and Laura Bear, owners of Cloverdale Oriental RugMarket on Mulberry. Beginning by selling rugs forTravis’ mom at road shows, they’ve operated their busi-ness of higher-end, primarily handmade, quality rugssince 2003.
Since this a family-run business, the couple bringstheir small son to work, less than a mile from theirEdgewood home. Both grew up in McGehee Estatesand went to different schools, but met on a ski trip, andthey’ve been in love ever since. Their secret to beingtogether 24/7? Have fun.
Their showroom is set up much like a parlor, andcustomers are treated with special care. Because theywork with so many designers and architects, their rugsare found in fine homes from Monroe to Macon.
Stonehenge Frames, Lighting, Gallery Since 1970, Rusty Fuller has expanded from one to
three shops with 10 employees. He and a now retiredpartner started Stonehenge on Cloverdale Road,expanded with a lighting shop nearby, and then movedStonehenge Gallery to larger quarters on East Fairview,where all types of fine art are exhibited.
Stonehenge Lighting carries a large selection ofquality lamps, shades and lighting accessories for thediscerning consumer.
Stonehenge Framing is recognized for creatingmuseum-quality framing for a customer’s art, but alsocarriers a large selection of unique and vintage prints.
Customers come to his Midtown shops from all overCentral Alabama. Fuller grew up in Normandale, but heand his wife live in Hillwood, only a short distance away.
In the Mood, The Lilly Pad Linda Bechtel Jones, was born in Alabama, grew up
an army brat, went to Auburn and then to Connecticutfor her internship, but wound up staying to work as aspeech pathologist. Although she retains her accent,she returned “home” in 2000, where she started In theMood, which has gifts and home decor. The next year,she bought The Lilly Pad, which focused on the gar-den. Bechtel Jones, who lives just blocks away inForest Park, even uses a couple of rooms in her houseto store merchandise.
Although shoppers include students from nearbyHuntingdon College, customers come from Atlanta andBirmingham, since she is a showplace for HeritageLace and Fontanini Italian art collectibles. She enjoysmeeting people from Maxwell AFB, and even has somewho help out part time in her shops. A strong supporterof the historical parts of Montgomery, she’s serving herfifth term as president of the Mulberry BusinessDistrict Association. ■
The Merchants of Midtownaroundmidtown
11|07 | p a g e 5 |
Montgomery’s Only Climate-controlledFine Wine Room
Wine Tastings & Classes
Accessories & Books
395-9911www.tedthewineguy.com3062 Zelda Rd. (between Publix and Starbucks)
This holiday season there’s no need to travel toAtlanta or Birmingham for a fine wine shop.
Shop here!At Ted, the Wine Guy & Co., you’ll find an amazingarray of wines, and a staff that can guide you throughhundreds of choices to that special bottle you’relooking for. You’ll save enough gas money to buyextra bubbles for the holidays.
Remember The Wine Guy for Holiday givingand entertainment, too.
Hanukkah Books Make the Festival of Lights Even Brighterby Nancy Churnin
There’s nothing like a fewgood books to quickly get you inthe mood for Hanukkah, theFestival of Lights. Here are somenew ones that explore the richvariety of ways to honor and cel-ebrate the holiday:
This lighthearted lift-the-flapbook gives us a puppy’s-eyeview of the holiday. LittleBiscuit, eager to spendHanukkah at big dog Sam’shouse, can’t help getting into allkinds of trouble, poking his nosein the jelly doughnuts, scamper-ing off with the chocolate gelt
(coins), licking at the grape juiceand spilling the apples for theapplesauce.
But everyone is proud ofBiscuit after the candles arelighted and he remembers to giveSam the special gift he brought.Pat Schories’ bright, perky illus-trations capture the fun.
“The Menorah Story,” by writ-ten and illustrated by MarkPodwal (HarperCollinsChildren's Books, $5.99).
It’s inevitable that duringHanukkah, at some point, somechild will turn to you and ask,“Where did this menorah comefrom, anyway?” With “TheMenorah Story,” you’ll knowwhat to say.
Podwal begins with the mysti-cal story of the original seven-
armed menorah and explains thesymbolism and the history of itin simple, easy prose. Then hetells the familiar Hanukkah storyof the scant oil in the temple thatmiraculously lasted for eightdays and why we now use amenorah with nine lights.
Podwal also illustrated his book,keeping the drawings impression-istic, with an irresistible mix offire, magic and mystery.
“Alexandra’s Scroll: The Storyof the First Hanukkah,” byMiriam Chaikin, illustrated byStephen Fieser (Henry HoltBooks for Young Readers,$18.95).
Historical fiction offers aunique way for young readers tounderstand the past from the per-spective of someone their age.
“Alexandra’s Scroll” tells aboutthe first Hanukkah using thestory of Alexandra, a Jewish girlwho lives in Judea when KingAntiochus did not allow her peo-ple to worship in their temple.
In this chapter book,Alexandra learns to find hervoice as a writer and her innerstrength as she matures into afriend, a daughter and a resilientyoung woman in difficult times.
Fieser’s richly colored draw-ings make Chaikin’s vibrantlywritten characters all the morevivid.
“Invisible Kingdoms: JewishTales of Angels, Spirits, andDemons,” retold by HowardSchwartz, illustrated by StephenFieser (HarperCollinsPublishers, $16.99).
While this is not a collectionof Hanukkah tales, “InvisibleKingdoms” summons a hauntingworld of nine Jewish mysticaltales, many retold from ancientoral traditions. There is theinfant who sits up and speaks,for he was a storyteller in hisformer life and must finish hislast story before he starts his life.There’s also the rabbi who out-wits the Angel of Death to findhis way into the Garden of Eden.
While anything can happen—and does in these miraculoustales—the common threads arethe power of faith and gooddeeds and the overwhelminglove of God. ■
Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.
| p a g e A |Holiday|07
Three prizes awarded for food, fun on Dec. 8 at the Capri Theater.
Winners will also be announced in the next edition of Midtown Living DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 12/4/07
Bring In or MailContest to:
Sandra NickelHat Team Realtors®
1044 E. Fairview Ave.Montgomery, AL
36106
(334) 834-1500 •
www.H
atTeam.com
11|07 | p a g e 9 |
aroundmidtown
As the air chills, many of uspull our old blankets out of stor-age. Some we are tired of, othersdon’t match our new décor andsome are simply worn orstained. For those who don’teven have access to a bed, ashelter creates palates on thefloors during many cold nights.For some, that blanket in anycondition can help the homelesswarm themselves in the place oftheir choosing.
The Hat Team is joiningother Realtors® and area banksin the annual Blanket Drive forthe Homeless and for use atshelters. The need for blanketsis never ending.
Another need that is neverending is the need for blood. Infact, Montgomery’s blood supplyhas repeatedly dropped to dan-gerous lows. Area residentsshould contact their personalbank to learn of specific blood-drive dates.
Most real estate offices,including The Hat Team’s at1044 E. Fairview, are accepting
the blankets, used or new. Towelsand washcloths are accepted, too.Area banks are joining the cause,so drop off your blankets, quilts,comforters, new and used, beforethe end of November.
Scott McNelley, of AdmiralMovers, will pick up and deliverthe blankets to where they can bedistributed to the more than two-
dozen agencies, which providetemporary shelter for the 700documented homeless, men,women and children.
First lady Patsy Riley is alsocollecting blankets during theGovernor Mansion’s AnnualHoliday Candlelight Tours onthe first three Mondays inDecember. ■
Professional People DeliveringQuality Service at a Reasonable Price!
RESOURCE GUIDEThank you to the following Midtown Living Partners for their participation and investment in this publication.When you patronize these companies, please tell them you saw their ad in Midtown Living.
Family Owned Company ServicingMontgomery Since 1946
Visit our new Midtown Service Centerat 1756 Carter Hill Rd. • 262-1874
-or-1306 Air Base Blvd. • 269-1211870 Plantation Way • 271-5454
FREE OIL CHANGEwith a purchase of 4 tires
HELPING MIDTOWN THINK HEALTHYYour most complete, quality
selection of vitamins and minerals.Sports & Nutrition
Diet & EnergyHealth & Beauty
Fitness & Wellness
269-4462
In the heart of MidtownCarter Hill Rd. in the Country Club Center
Real EstateTitle LawLandlord-tenant RelationsCorporate LawBusiness FormationWills and Estates
No representation is made that the quality of the legalservices to be performed is greater than the qualityof legal services performed by other lawyers.
Leaving your dog in the lap of luxury
215-2272 • www.BarkingBistro.biz2034 Clubview in the Mulberry District
DaycareMon. – Fri., 7 – 6Closed Sat. and Sun.
Barking BistroHome of delectable
dog pastries
Sign up today and get a FREE day at Bark & Lounge!Valid with a 5-day pass and verification of dog’s shot records. Expires 12/21/07
AlabamaAt Home
213-1188
Angela McSwain, RN
Great, In-home Care for
Your Loved Ones
Private Duty Sitters
Live Ins
Companion Care
Respite Care
24-hour Service and Supervision
Call to discuss how we can keepyour loved ones at home.
Fresh-cut Frazer Firs from North CarolinaFrom $69 and worth every dollar!
2911 Carter Hill Road
265-9243
Outside
Hurry! Last year, we sold out!
MTL
SENIOR Discount Day (5% OFF Every Tuesday)
Bring in this coupon to save $1on any purchase greater than $20
on any day before 12/15/07.
SUPER FOODSMcGehee Rd.
Midtown’s Friendliest Market
✁
11|07 | p a g e 1 1 |
Tuesday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Operatic Tenor David Cangelosi in ConertClassical and contemporary music
Ligon Chapel, Flowers Hall at Huntingdon CollegeFREE and open to the public
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2:30 p.m.
Alabama Dance Theatre MistletoeFeaturing “A Christmas Carol” and
Favorite Dances of ChristmasTU’s Davis Theatre, Tickets: $12 – $25. 241-2800
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.
A Salute to Our Nation’s VeteransTroy University Symphony Band
An evening of patriotic musicTU’s Davis Theatre, Tickets: 241-9567
Monday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Van Cliburn Silver Medalist Yakov KasmanMontgomery Symphony Orchestra
TU’s Davis Theatre, Tickets: $12 – $25. 240-4004
Monday, Nov. 26, 7 p.m.
Paul Saik in Concert (Tenor/Pianist)Classical and contemporary music
Ligon Chapel, Huntingdon’s Flowers HallFREE and open to the public.
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m.
Celtic LegendsIrish Music and Dance
TU’s Davis Theatre, Tickets: 241-9567
Thursday, Nov. 29
Annual Christmas Celebration6:30 p.m. Arrival of St. Nicholas
7 p.m. Lighting of the Trees7:30 p.m. Service of Lessons and CarolsFeaturing performances by Huntingdon
music groups and Concert ChoirLigon Chapel, Huntingdon’s Flowers Hall
FREE and open to the public.
Saturday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m.
26th Annual Glenn Miller Holiday ConcertTU’s Davis Theatre
