ALMetro360 July 2018

10 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com EDITOR’S NOTE.................................................................................................................... or more than 20 years River Region Living Magazine has been capturing the essence of the River Region with well-written stories and eye-catching photography each month. In acknowledge that our “home-base” of Montgomery is surrounded in all directions by vibrant, thriving neighborhoods we have decided to change our name, update our look and embrace even more communities within arms’ reach! But, don’t worry! You can expect the same great, quality coverage that you’ve come to love. Historically, each July we celebrate the finest our region has to offer — including businesses, health-care professionals and facilities, educational institutions, restaurants, arts and entertainment venues and more. We will continue our longstanding tradition of recognizing the “Best,” not just of the River Region, but of what we have affectionately designated “The Heart of Alabama.” You will find this special section beginning on page 26. We were also excited to chat with new Montgomery Zoo Director, Marcia Woodard. Her passion is as contagious as much as it is admired. Flip over to page 70 for our special Q&A department. Also, staff writer extraordinaire, Henrietta MacGuire was lucky enough to sit down with the new executive director of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Todd Schmidt. See what great things he has in store for ASF this season. Article on page 67. Need a fun trip? We’ve got two. If the beach is your thing, consider Fort Morgan in Gulf Shores. This laid- back area just might be what the doctor ordered (page 78). If you love water, but hiking and camping is more up your alley, then a short drive to Chewacla Park in Auburn is the perfect backdrop (page 24). With the heat of summer in full swing - nothing quenches your thirst like a tall glass of something cold and delicious. Local author, (of three cookbooks) Stacy Lyn Harris, shares three yummy recipes - a peach tea, a watermelon lemonade and my personal favorite, a blueberry lemonade. Find the fruity concoctions on page 14. Also, be sure to check out “Here & There” on page 86. It is full of lively events for you to explore and enjoy. With all the these changes, also comes a new email and a new updated website. Be sure to visit www.almetro360.com for expanded coverage, our digital issues, subscription information and a link to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter. If you have any questions or events you’d like to share… send them my way to editor@almetro360.com . We hope you like the new look and new name. Reach out and let us hear from you. Enjoy! Jodi Hatley F Access ALMetro360, Any Time… Any Place… AL METRO 360 JULY 2018 VOLUME 23, NUMBER 5 CHARLIE SHAMBURGER Publisher JON SHAMBURGER Associate Publisher HELEN SHAMBURGER HERNDON Associate Publisher Marketing & Sales, helen@almetro360.com JODI HATLEY Editor, editor@almetro360.com ANITA CAPOUANO Director of Marketing & Sales, anita@almetro360.com DAWN STEPHENS Sales & Marketing, dawn@almetro360.com HELEN SHAMBURGER HERNDON Director of Social Media, helen@almetro360.com GEORGE PUDZIS Art Director BARRY CHRIETZBURG, DARREN FREEMAN, DIANNA PAULK, PAUL ROBERTSON, JR., MARIAWIGGINS Contributing Pthotographers HENRIETTA MACGUIRE Staff Writer BECKY BEALL, BRENDA ROBERTSON DENNIS, KRISTI GATES, JENNIFER S. KORNEGAY, SANDRA LONG ELEANOR HENDRICKS MCDANIEL, MARYANN NEELEY, LORI QUILLER, PATSY ROBERTSON Contributing Writers TRACY SHAMBURGER Business Manager WILLIAM C. HONEY , HENRIETTA MACGUIRE Founders THE MAGAZINE OF MONTGOMERY LIVING, LLC 1430 I-85 Parkway, Suite 224 , Montgomery, AL 36106, Telephone: (334) 265-0066 , Facsimile: (334) 386-3813