ALMetro360 April 18

8 RIVER REGION LIVING { from the editor } APRIL 2018 VOLUME 23, NUMBER 3 PUBLISHER CHARLIE SHAMBURGER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER JON SHAMBURGER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MARKETING & SALES HELEN SHAMBURGER HERNDON helen@riverregionliving.com EDITOR JODI HATLEY editor@riverregionliving.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SALES ANITA CAPOUANO anita@riverregionliving.com SALES & MARKETING DAWN STEPHENS dawn@riverregionliving.com DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA HELEN SHAMBURGER HERNDON helen@riverregionliving.com ART DIRECTOR GEORGE PUDZIS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS BARRY CHRIETZBURG MARK DAUBER, DARREN FREEMAN KIM NELSON, DIANNA PAULK PAUL ROBERTSON, JR. MARIA WIGGINS STAFF WRITERS HENRIETTA MACGUIRE LIZ VINSON SOCIALLY SPEAKING LIZ VINSON lizsociallyspeaking@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BECKY BEALL RACHEL BURCHFIELD BRENDA ROBERTSON DENNIS KRISTI GATES JENNIFER S. KORNEGAY SANDRA LONG ELEANOR HENDRICKS MCDANIEL MARY ANN NEELEY, LORI QUILLER PATSY ROBERTSON BUSINESS MANAGER TRACY SHAMBURGER FOUNDERS WILLIAM C. HONEY HENRIETTA MACGUIRE THE MAGAZINE OF MONTGOMERY LIVING, LLC 1430 I-85 Parkway, Suite 224 Montgomery, AL 36106 Telephone: (334) 265-0066 Facsimile: (334) 386-3813 www.riverregionliving.com PUBLISHED TWELVE TIMES A YEAR 00.3$ 8102LIRPA ON THE COVER The River Region’s Women of Achievement: Tay Knight, Jennifer Atkins, Valerie Lawson, Julie Greene and Dr. Laurie Dill. Everyone has at least one woman in their life who has served as a role model or inspiration. Most have a few. Mine, for example, include a range of brilliant women, from Oprah to Mother Theresa. And then there are the women in my personal life, like my mother, dear friend, Virginia Whitfield whom from the moment we met we had a deep connection and bond, and co-founder of River Region Living magazine, Henrietta MacGuire, who continues to be my inspiration, my sidekick (OK! She’s Batman and I’m Robin) and my mentor. We all need people to look up to and seek advice from. And with that in mind, we have chosen five women who inspire us to be our best selves. Our “Women of Achievement” issue is a favorite among our many loyal readers. This is our third annual issue focusing on the talented women in the River Region and we have some amazing ladies on the following pages. This month’s cover story explores the lives of five local women who are wonder women in their chosen professions. They work hard and have persevered through obstacles along the way. They have taken risks, and some have found themselves in places they never expected to be. These are women who are unapologetically step- ping into the spotlight, creating businesses from the ground up and, perhaps most importantly, setting examples for other women and girls. As always, the qualities that define the women we are celebrating — creativity, strength, warmth, intelligence, thoughtfulness, sophistication, passion and dedica- tion. Which also describes the women featured in our special section of Women in Businesses. We’re honored to profile these women. Also, in this issue we take you to Orlando for a “Girlfriend’s Getaway” written by one of my favorite writers, Eleanor McDaniel. Plus, you may not be aware but starting next month the Mont- gomery Regional Airport will be offering direct flights to Orlando — making your travel plans easier than ever. “Living Well” features contributing writer Stacy Lyn Harris’ tips on raising backyard chickens. Is there anything she can’t do? I’m thinking…no! Finally, out and about has numerous events in and around the River Region that you don’t want to miss… find the full calendar of events beginning on page 56. Then there’s our “Artbeat” department showcasing the Alabama Book Festival, which is back for another great event for the entire family — it happens later in the month. And, don’t forget “On the Table” found on page 10. We provide some tips to help cut down on waste — something we all should be mindful of when tossing away food. And on a final note, be sure to like us on Facebook as well as follow us on Twit- ter and Instagram. Plus, visit our website at riverregionliving.com to sign up for our e-newsletter which will automatically enter you for the chance to win prizes featured throughout the year. Enjoy! Jodi Jodi Hatley Editor