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UCP's 14th annual “An Irish Evening” event, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, is Friday, March 16, at the Jackson Conference Center in Research Park. WHNT News Anchor Jerry Hayes will serve as emcee for the evening's festivities.
All proceeds from this annual fundraiser directly benefit UCP client services for more than 1,000 North Alabama families. Social hour and silent auction begin at 6 p.m., a buffet of Irish cuisine will be served at 7 p.m., and live entertainment and games take place throughout the evening.
UCP is excited to welcome back Huntsville's own Bourbon & Shamrocks to share live Irish folk music, as well as the talents of the Fitness Arts Center Irish step dancers. After the show, guests can continue to dance the night away with dance tunes by America’s Party Pros. UCP’s is also pleased to welcome back the Irish Society of North Alabama, who will host a variety of fun Irish games and activities from 6-9 p.m.
One of Huntsville’s best silent auctions will take place, including vacation packages, fine dining, entertainment, jewelry, UCP client art and much more and for your bidding enjoyment.
Looking for a pot of gold? Buy keys for your chance to win two fabulous Pot o' Gold prizes (details TBA)!
Need a little bling? Buy a Bling-Bling Ring for your chance to win beautiful jewelry from Sabghi’s Jewelers, Your Exclusive Diamond Merchant!
Reserved seating is $75 per person or $600 per table of eight. Reservations deadline is March 5. For additional information for the 2012 event, contact Tracy Cieniewicz at 256-859-4900 or email tracyc@ucphuntsville.org.
Tags: Irish Evening UCP
Alabama Gives Day TO HELP UCP of Huntsville & Tennessee Valley, Inc. Birmingham, Ala. – On February 2, 2012 the Alabama Association of Nonprofits, in partnership with the Alabama Broadcasters Association, is taking one day to harness the power of individual contributions statewide. Never before in our state have Alabamians had the opportunity to come together in such a unique and synergized way to support hundreds of nonprofits like ours during a dedicated day of giving. Alabama Gives Day is supported by the Razoo Foundation, the Alabama Press Association, Alabama Giving, Intermark Group and hundreds of nonprofits in our state. Alabama Gives Day aims to make history by connecting new and existing donors with hundreds of Alabama nonprofits in just 24 hours. UCP of Huntsville & Tennessee Valley, Inc. needs your support to ensure that the citizens of our community are aware of this day of giving. Only through your support can we together make history and raise much needed funding to support numerous nonprofits located in our community! Will you please help raise awareness of Alabama Gives Day on February 2nd? What could be an historic event is with one primary goal in mind: to help charitable organizations continue to provide a broad spectrum of aid across the state. “The Alabama Broadcasters Association is excited to participate in what will be an historic event for philanthropy in our state and possibly across the nation. Alabama radio and TV stations will join together in an effort to raise record amounts in gifts for charities across the state in a 24-hour period,” said Sharon Tinsley, President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association. The History of the Gives Day Movement: The Gives Day movement began three years ago in Minnesota as a means to increase philanthropy and help grow the individual donor base of nonprofits. In 2011, Minnesota’s Give to the Max day saw 47,538 donations totaling $13.4 million. Colorado Gives Day recently had 52,000 donations totaling $12 million. Residents in other communities that have organized a Gives Day have overwhelmingly shown their support through donations, and while the immediate benefit is huge, the ripple effects of giving have helped spur other philanthropic endeavors in these communities. According to organizers in Minnesota, Colorado, North Texas, Pittsburgh, Seattle and other communities with a Gives Day, a key ingredient to their success has been through the support of the local media. “Rarely do local TV, Radio and Newspaper groups have an opportunity to make such a large impact on behalf of dozens of nonprofits in their local communities in just one day,” said Russell A. Jackson, Gives Day Manager for Alabama. “Alabama Gives Day certainly makes for an interesting news story, but it’s more than that. This is a day to help fuel the nonprofits that make our state such a great place to live and to help jumpstart their 2012 efforts.” How does Alabama Gives Day work? On February 2nd, from midnight to 11:59pm, Alabamians will be driven to a dedicated online giving portal powered by Razoo at www.alabamagivesday.orgwhere they will choose to make a gift to one or more of the hundreds of participating nonprofits. “Donors will choose the nonprofit(s) they want to support from a list of 12 areas of interest, i.e. Children and Youth, Animals, Health, Environment, etc.,” said Jackson. “It’s all about connecting them to the missions they are most passionate about, and hopefully to a nonprofit they’ve never supported.” “Connecting individual donors to nonprofits, while also promoting the safety and ease of online giving, is critical to helping our nonprofits be sustainable,” said John Stone, President and CEO for the Alabama Association of Nonprofits. “Never before has an event of this magnitude taken place in our state. This will be a defining moment for Alabama nonprofits participating in the event and the impact will be felt far and wide. We’ve seen what Minnesota, Colorado and other Gives Days have done, and with Alabama’s strong tradition of giving we believe that history can be made on February 2nd.” To learn more visit www.alabamagivesday.org About Us UCP’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and promote their independence, self-sufficiency and full citizenship in the community through direct services, community education, family support and advocacy. United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Huntsville and Tennessee Valley, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating two regional centers in Huntsville for individuals with cerebral palsy and those representing approximately 156 additional diagnoses. UCP of Huntsville & Tennessee Valley, Inc. provides thousands of hours of service annually to clients ages birth through adulthood at little or no cost to individuals, their families or the educational professionals who work alongside them. To learn more about all UCP programs, services and events, visit us at our centers in person or online at www.ucphuntsville.org, at facebook.com/ucp.huntsville, or by calling 256-852-5600 and 256-859-4900. The UCP Therapy Center offers services to families in Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties. The UCP Technology & Training Centers offersn services statewide.
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&nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; UCP of Huntsville & Tennessee Valley &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; Tracy Cieniewicz, Development Director &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; 256-859-4900 &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; tracyc@ucphuntsville.org &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; For Information on Gives Day, contact: &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; Russell A. Jackson &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; &nb sp; Alabama Gives Day Manager russell@alabamagivesday.org
Tags: Alabama Gives UCP
Our very own Eric Collier with Cronus Health & Fitness held a ribbon cutting at the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce last week. We were lucky enough to be able to join him for the event. Eric has been wonderful about sharing with our Grapevine community. We wish him huge success in his business.  
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Tags: Health Fitness Cronus Fittness
Stella & Dot is growing their line of accessories. They've added handbags and recently a soy candle. The goal is "to offer things we love to people we love". Lauren started her Stella & Dot business in November 2011. Lauren loved all of the fabulous jewelry and wanted a flexible income to contribute towards her home, a way to meet great people and get some much needed girl time. With Stella & Dot, she sets up a personal boutique in a lucky hostess' home. The hostess invites all of her friends to share in the fun (styling, gift ideas and girl time) and then she gets to shop for free (based on the sales from the show). Lauren is actively growing her team and looking to hire women who want to be their own boss too. Our business is unique from our competition. The products are irresistible and you can choose your own hours to operate on your terms and at your own pace. It is so fun to share such a fabulous product line, but I have even more enjoyed the relationships that I have developed with people I have met through my business. Stella & Dot is constantly changing and growing their product line to keep things new and exciting. With 2 major line launches and 2 mini launches throughout the year, there is always something new to share and talk about. One of the most rewarding moment's for Lauren has been when her kids have recognized and wanted to help her with her business. Her son and daughter spread the word. Her son told her for Christmas he was going to "give her a skyscraper full of jewelry so she can be the best Stella & Dot-ter ever". These things make Lauren feel accomplished. She also love's seeing her team be successful! Stella & Dot gives back through their Foundation (bracelets and charms that benefits Girls, Inc and Build On). They supported Breast Cancer Awareness month by donating profits of the special Tribute bracelet to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Christmas they gave even more to the girls associated with Girls, Inc by donating gifts. Lauren feels blessed in being a small part that helps them write big checks to these worthy causes. Stella & Dot Spring line is launching 1/8/12. Extra an $50 in FREE product for the month of January for hosting a show. Extra $100 in FREE product in January for joining her team Men if you're looking for the perfect gift for Valentine's Day, Lauren enjoys helping men shop for the special ladies in their With an easy-to-show product and a $25 billion market opportunity, becoming a Stylist will allow you to reach your financial goals right from the start. Stella & Dot is so much more than a fashion brand - we're a company inspired by, and created for, strong, savvy women from all walks of life. When you join them, they will be standing by with all the training tools and support you need to create a thriving businesses of your very own. AS A STELLA & DOT STYLIST, YOU'LL BE IN BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF, NOT BY YOURSELF. Lauren Marsh,
your Stella & Dot Stylist #115598
256-990-1696
stelladot.com/laurenmarsh
3 Fabulous Ways to enjoy Stella & Dot:
1. SHOP from our affordable line at the website above! 50% of our line is under $50 and the website is totally secure!
2. Love more than you can buy? HOST your own Trunk Show and shop for free and at 1/2 off.
3. Love it all? Ask me about becoming a STYLIST! The opportunities are endless!
Tags: Jewelry Stella & Dot Home Business
I sat down at my computer this morning and wondered why the screen was so blurry. I have one very bad eye and one very good one. Over the years, the bad one got lazier and lazier letting the good one do all the work "OK fine, you focus, I'll just rest over here and look pretty". Over the years, it's taken it's toll. The good eye has gotten weaker and weaker. First there was reading glasses, then stronger reading glasses, then contacts, then contacts AND reading glasses... sigh. Since a lot of my business is done at the computer, I began to worry, what would happen if something happened to the one good eye. With the other one, I could pretty much tell there was something bright sitting in front of me and that was about it. No, losing the one good eye wouldn't be pretty. I thought about lasik, but what if something went wrong? Then a client, Dr Chris Techmiller, told me about Gentle Molding. Think retainers for the eyes. Gentle Molding consist of special contact lenses that you wear at night to reshape your eye, improving your vision so that you don't need glasses or contacts during the day. You wear them every night for a while, then switch to wearing them occasionally for maintenance. So back to my story. I've been wearing the special lenses for about 2 weeks now. The first day, I could see without my contact. I was amazed. I thought it would take a couple of weeks to see any difference. The next couple of days my eyes seemed to reverse back to their original setting. Things were blurry again. I thought "Oh well, it was nice while it lasted". But I kept wearing the lenses at night. After all, they had worked the first day. Maybe they would again. And they DID!! Every day since, my vision has gotten better and better. The first few days, I could read clearly with only my reading glasses, then with weaker readers. So why couldn't I see my computer screen this morning? Because the readers were too STRONG!! I took them off and believe it or not, without contacts or glasses, the words in front of me were as clear as a bell. That's wonderful and I expected that Gentle Molding might help my good eye get stronger. What I didn't expect was that the bad eye is also learning to focus. Can I read with it? Not yet, but not only can I see the light in front of me now, I can actually see that there are words on the screen. I had given up on that eye ever functioning, long ago. I can't tell you how amazed I am with the results or how thankful I am that Dr Techmiller introduced me to Gentle Molding. Imagine, getting the gift of sight, without the surgery. Whether you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, Gentle Molding is the ideal alternative to LASIK. If you're interested in learning more about Gentle Molding. Contact Dr Techmiller at Innovative Eyecare in Decatur. He is only one of only 9 doctors in the country who is listed on the Gentle Molding site as qualified to administer the treatment.
Tags: Vision Eye Care Gentle Molding Lasik
Not just kids play!! Kids Club Alabama offers discounts for the whole family! And right now, even membership is discounted. Just tell them you Heard it On the Grapevine!! Many more discounts are already in place and will be added to the club over the next few days, so check back often. Visit KidsClubAlabama.com to join the club and enter GRAPE for a discount on your membership. Be the Coolest Family on the Block! Get your Kids Club Alabama card.Show it when you shop, eat & play.Have fun & save. Know what's happening everyday, everywhere. What is Kids Club Alabama? KCA is a group of families with kids who want to have more fun, more time together, do more things and go more places for less money. Our members get discounts, specials and buy one get one free, to many places All the places you want to be: UAH Charger Hockey, Madison Bowling Center, Plamor Lanes, AMF Pin Palace, Jump To It, Spoiled Rockin Kidz, Tiger Rock Martial Arts, Skate Castle, Empire Fitness, Doodle Bug Arts, Big A Inflatables, Carousel Skate Center, Richland Golf Center, Pump It Up, Doodles Gifts, and Things for Mom, Things for Dad, Things for the Grandparents . The whole family saves with Kids Club Alabama.
Tags: Discount Coupon Family Time
It's amazing what God can do with willing hands.
This family took the hardships that life gave them and turned them into something amazing to help others. You can get involved and make a difference. Contact info is pasted at the bottom.
--------- PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ.I have a big favor to ask each and ever one of my famil...y
members and friends to help me with, The 2nd Annual People Helping People Event.
Let me explain to the people that don't know what this is. Last year my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Shortly after that she lost her job, then a few weeks later I lost my job. We didn't know what we were going to do. My wife's close college friends(now my friends), old friends and our family members got together and helped support us thru these hard times. I thought since people helped us in a time of need, I was going to pass it along ever year that God allows me to. I called this People Help People. I thought, what could we do to help others out in a time of need. so I decided that I wanted to make a home cooked meal for people that are in need of one. We took food from the freezer, got food from family members and started cooking. I said that it would make me happy if at Christmas time we could feed at least 25 people. People that didn't know us. I prayed that God would bless this little project and make this event possible. I have to let you know as my family and I were serving up the plates to be delivered, we noticed that we had more food than we had expected. In fact, when all of the food was served up, We had 60+ plates to hand out to total strangers. Praise God!!! Now let me tell you that I was one happy camper. It really makes you feel good when you can do something so little as to cook a good homemade meal and hand deliver it to total strangers and they look at you in shock that someone thought enough about them to take time and help them out in a time in need. It was truly a blessing from God. We used this time to share God's word and our story with them. See, that's the reason I wanted to call this People Helping People. Now its that time again. Time to roll up our sleeves, bring what little food we have together and ask God's blessing upon it.
People Helping People isn't some organization, isn't some private club. Were just everyday People Helping People. For every person that donates food, drinks, bibles or their time, Memoriesbytate Photography will put their name in a box for a Special Family Portrait Package Giveaway. Valued at $150.00 and will be good for six months. The drawing will be held the week after Christmas while we are serving up the food. Winner doesn't have to be present at the time of drawing. You can message me for more details on this event.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS. Thank You and May God Bless each and everyone of you. People who want to help can email at memoriesbytate@gmail.com. we can meet people or pickup
Tags: Volunteer People Help People Memoriesbytate
Huntsville Grapevine is the Madison drop off location for Southern Plate's Santa for Seniors. Posted below is Christy Jordan's blog about the program. For a very low cost, you can make someone's Christmas brighter. Our offices are located at 126 Castle Dr, Madison, inside the TN Valley Barter Exchange offices. If no-one is in, leave gifts at Shepard's Signs offices next door.
-------------- There are many wonderful causes the whole year through, but so many come closer to home around Christmas time. With an abundance of charities that do amazing work and provide much needed services to those who need them, there is never a shortage of ways and areas in which we can make a difference. Each of us has certain things laid upon our hearts and I feel strongly that they are laid upon our hearts for a reason. If we follow our hearts and give where we are led to give, we can make a huge difference. Due to my upbringing, my abundance of wonderful grandparents, and my experience in Nursing Homes, I feel led to think of our elderly around Christmas time and have noticed a deficit in this area. Senior Citizens are one of our greatest treasures! This is why I started adopting a nursing home a few years back and I'm hoping to branch out this year and adopt more than one nursing home, with a lofty goal of eventually being able to adopt every one in my area, making sure each resident has a wrapped gift on Christmas. Here is how I do it followed by how you can help me: How I adopt Nursing Homes 1. I contact a nursing home, ask to speak to the activities director, and let them know what I'd like to do. 2. Find out how many residents are in the home to make sure I have a gift for each and every one. 3. Buy Suave Body Wash Start buying early because the stores need time to restock. Sometimes I have to go to several Wal Marts to get enough. Note: It generally costs me around $3.00 per person but that includes the body wash, wrapping, and cards if I include them. 4. Wrap each body wash individually in Christmas paper. 5. Deliver the body wash to the nursing home in time for Christmas(My favorite time is Christmas Eve) and leave it with the activities director (see notes as to why I leave it rather than pass it out) Notes and further explanation: Contacting the Nursing Home It is very important to choose a nursing home ahead of time and contact the Activities Director. Let them know what you plan on doing and make sure it is welcome there (I've always had wonderful reception to the idea). Then, find out what the maximum capacity of their home is and how many patients they currently have. You want to make sure you have enough body wash to provide one to every single resident and if they are ten or so under capacity, go ahead and buy for the full capacity as they may have more residents by the time you deliver the gifts. If the nursing home has a great many residents and you are afraid you may not be able to afford to buy for each one, see if you have friends who would like to help. Why I buy Suave Body Wash 
There are so many different things nursing home residents can't have for various reasons. So I called up a few nursing homes a couple of years back and spoke with the directors and found that body wash was a universal need and every resident needed it. Not only that, at the time the directors told me it was also something they always needed. I chose Suave because it is generally affordable, easy to find, and having all of the bottles be a uniform size really helps when you're wrapping two or three hundred of them. I usually wait until my Mother in Law comes to visit for Christmas and then she and I wrap them together. One person can cut rectangles of wrapping paper while the other puts them around the bottle and tapes it closed. Doing this with a group of people is a great idea! Note: Bottles of body wash are bad about opening up on ya, especially when you buy a hundred or so at a time. As you put them in your buggy, I recommend pushing down hard on each and every cap and if you are going to be transporting them more than once, you might want to place a single piece of tape over it to help the cap stay closed. If anyone from Suave reads this, please feel free to send me a few cases (or a truck load) of body wash and I'll be happy to wrap it up and adopt more nursing homes! Is wrapping every one of them necessary? For me, this is one of the absolute most important steps. Remember the wonder of receiving a gift wrapped in pretty Christmas paper and wondering what it is? I want every resident of the nursing homes I adopt to have at least one wrapped Christmas gift. Dropping off Gifts versus Handing Them Out This is another important step. When I was a teenager I used to volunteer in a nursing home. I'd go visit, talk with the residents, and just spend time with them. When Christmas rolled around I would have loved to have been able to give a gift to each one of them but at the time there just wasn't any way I could afford to. As I went to delver my gifts the first Christmas I adopted a nursing home, I had planned on handing them out myself. Upon walking in and seeing the sweet nurses and staff with their patients it just didn't feel right for me, a stranger, to have the joy of giving a gift to these people that the staff cares for and loves every other day of the year. That is when I decided to double the gift, and let someone else have the joy of giving it. In doing this we are also taking away the glory of being thanked because we don't do it for that purpose. We do it out of love for the people who need to be loved. Period. As far as I know, the nursing home I've adopted the past few Christmases still has no idea who is responsible for the gifts. They see me each year as I come in and hand off the gifts but I've never given my name. Why this cause? I believe we all have certain things laid on our hearts and this is something that has been laid on mine. You may feel led to support another cause or section of our little world and that is wonderful. If we each follow the cause that has been laid upon us, imagine the difference we could make! *** I'd LOVE Your Help! *** What Groups Can Participate? ANYONE can participate. Even one bottle helps! This project is also great for: - School Groups
- College Clubs
- Sewing Groups
- Quilting and Sewing Guilds of all kinds
- Scrapbooking Groups
- Mom's Groups
- Prayer or Church Groups
- Any other group, no matter how big or small
To participate if you are in the North Alabama area, simply gather your bottles of body wash together and drop them off at one of the drop off points below. Be sure you contact the locations ahead of time to make sure you're coming during their business hours. Where can I drop off my bottles to help? - Christy Jordan's Holiday Cooking Show in Muscle Shoals, Alabama If you are attending my Holiday Cooking Show in Muscle Shoals on November 10th, please visit the Southern Plate table to drop off your bottles of body wash - and make sure you come up on stage after the show so I can personally thank you and hug your neck!
- Terra Bacio SalonSpa in Huntsville, Alabama is also serving as a drop off point. They are owned but the great folks who own Dan Tera and we so appreciate their support! Click here to visit their Facebook Page.
Tags: Senior Citizens Christmas Santa For Seniors
Local ties for RealStreaMedia CEO, Justin Daly.
Coming to nationwide theaters in mid 2012, MC252 is a production of RealStreaMedia. One of the production company's co-founders, Justin Daly has family in the north Alabama area. Although he grew up in Montgomery, his father is a native of Athens and most of his family still lives there. We'll keep you updated as to the release of this insightful documentary. For now, read the overview and bios below and watch the trailer.
Grapevine
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MC252 is a mind blowing and thrilling new documentary from film maker Matt Smith, Justin Daly and RealStreaMedia Films. MC252 follows a year and a half of investigative film journalism in 2010 and 2011, during and after the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Upon arriving in the Gulf to help clean oiled birds and beaches, Smith discovers that there is a much darker and more sinister situation occurring in the Gulf from the oil spill. Soon, Smith joins forces with local residents, fishermen, activists, BP insiders, and locals Lamar Billups and Justin Daly to uncover a secret operation being carried out by BP, the government, and the U.S. Military kept secret from the public...until now. The MC252 team realized after the gushing oil was "capped" that the real story began to unfold - with residents being blocked from speaking the truth by the mainstream media, local government enforcement, and BP itself.
Justin Daly joined the team in November of 2010, participating in all aspects of creating and producing the film. Daly became a valuable asset to insuring the truth was carried out, helping to seek out residents having health complications, participating in all aspects of filming, and organizing a walk from New Orleans to Washington DC in protest of the information block relating to the spill. Witnessing many horrors during their time covering the story, many will be shocked with the true story of what happened when the oil started spillng. With hundreds of thousands of residents soon getting sick, and in some cases even dying from the spill, Smith, Daly, Billups and crew soon went to action to stop the sinister and unexplainable acts being committed on American soil by a foreign company. The film is produced by RealStreaMedia Films, Lamar Billups, Justin Daly, and Matt Smith. It is directed and co-written by Matt Smith. MC252 will be in theaters nationwide in mid 2012. "MC252 - Some Secrets Are Too Big To Hide".
MATT SMITH Founder and CEO Matt Smith is a popular actor, speaker, and activist. Appearing in numerous professional theater productions since the age of nine in and around the Broadway circuit, then moving on to film and television in Hollywood, Matt has seen all sides of the power of media and communications. Smith's passion for acting came from a deep desire to connect with people worldwide and reach people from all corners of the globe. Smith took Hollywood by storm in early 2005 and has appeared in some of the highest rated television shows in the past ten years. He is best known for his appearances on The Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. He has appeared on television shows such as Drake and Josh, Zoey 101, Kamen Rider, and had a popular stint on Wizards of Waverly Place on the Disney Channel. He has been featured on NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC, and many cable outlets. He has appeared in many independent films and commercials. Matt is an avid advocate for human rights issues, channeling his energy into helping people look forward with our future in mind, utilizing media and on the ground connections to create a true global network to encourage people to help their neighbors. He is an award-winning speaker, and has spoken in front of thousands, encouraging people to see the power of connecting together. He was the keynote speaker, along with his non- profit organization Project Gulf Impact, at Netroots Nation 2010 in Las Vegas, and has spent much of 2010 and 2011 traveling the country to speak. Matt's passion has led him to develop the vision for the public benefit Project Gulf Impact documentary film and non-profit, aiming to give the people of the Gulf of Mexico a voice both during and after the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe. He is the co-founder of RealStreaMedia, a new wave production company based out of Los Angeles. He executive produced the film MC252, which will appear in movie theaters nationwide in early 2012. 
JUSTIN DALY Founder and CEO Justin Daly was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, having a strong love for the arts and all things creative since he was a young child. Daly began working for his father's car company in his early teens, but soon found a passion for marketing, home design, and creative consulting. Daly soon after attended the prestigious Auburn University with a focus on marketing. Immediately after college, he started his own extremely successful real estate investment company, and soon became a highly sought after house flipper in the southeast. While volunteering on Extreme Home Makeover, Daly found a passion for production. He soon joined the Project Gulf Impact production team, and worked on the feature film of the same name. He also began work on a second feature, as well as a reality pilot based on The Road To Washington walk from New Orleans to Washington, DC. Daly finally relocated to Los Angeles, and co-founded the cutting edge production company, RealStreaMedia, where he utilizes all of his skills in film and television production. His first feature, "MC252", will be released early 2012.
Tags: Oil Spill Gulf Bp Documentary
A ROAST for Thanksgiving?? That's just wrong!! It's funny how traditions are started. Sometimes, like many major inventions and discoveries, they're by accident. Two years ago, two months before Thanksgiving, my son survived a major accident. As he was healing, I tried hard to provide things I knew he liked to encourage him to eat and regain strength. That Thanksgiving, his request was for a standing roast instead of Turkey. So for the last two Thanksgivings that's been our traditional meal. A few days ago, he asked Mom, you know what you're cooking for Thanksgiving, right?. I said Yes buddy, roast. We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season. I still have my son with me, of course I'm going to cook him roast instead of turkey. There are many traditions associated with Thanksgiving. Most of them have developed over the years. Thanksgiving wasn't celebrated annually until Abraham Lincoln set a national holiday to honor it in 1863. He designated the last Thursday of the month and even that has been changed. Although we now celebrate it on the 3rd Thursday in November, the first Thanksgiving feast was probably held in October. Many think that Lincoln actually set it to honor the date that the Mayflower (which one of my ancestors fell over the side of, but that's another story) landed, not the date of the actual first Thanksgiving. Moral of the story. Thanksgiving isn't a day, it's not a particular meal, it's not a set tradition. Although we should treat every day with thanksgiving, it's a special day to stop, remember the blessings we have, make new memories with the ones we love and thank God for all we have.
Tags: Thanksgiving Tradition Thanksgiving Meal
Spirit of Athens is dedicated to perserving downtown Athens. Their mission is to promote downtown Athens, offer design assistance, recruit new business and host events. In fact, the Grapevine was lucky enough to be able attend one of those events. The Spirit of Athens held a business open house promoting holiday shopping with local businesses. If you'd like more information about how you can become involved with the Spirit of Athens, check out their website at spiritofathens.com
Tags: Spirit Of Athens Downtown Renovation Athens AL
Start a new Christmas tradition this year. Take the family to cut your own live tree at Schwerman Christmas Tree Plantation in Lacy Springs. A visit to the farm is more than just picking the perfect tree to decorate your home this year. Its a chance to build memories with your family and to learn about some memories that the plantation itself holds. While you're there, the owners, Roger and Pat will be happy to share stories about the farm's history. Stories about the Tavern that used to be lively with music and people where the store now exists, about the graveyard on the farm and the 50 souls who found their final resting place there. Take a walk around the farm and visit with Marshal Dillon and all of the other animals that call the Plantation home.
Tags: Christmas Christmas Tree Tradition
Jennifer Middleton has always been fascinated by interactive media. In July of 2011 she landed her dream job. That's when she started as Interactive Media Director at Rocket City Broadcasting. That dream job has her managing creative development for three radio station web sites and RocketCityNews.com. Those radio stations are Rocket 95.1, Star 99.1 and Sunny 98.1fm/1550am. She also creates advertising and promotional campaigns for businesses and organizations which incorporate web, radio or both.
Jennifer loves working with anyone who is willing to try new things and wants to shake things up to build and grow their business. I like to work with people to create advertising solutions that meet their needs and offer them a good return on their investment. I'd really like to work with DOD Contractors and Corporations that have money to spend on community service to help non-profits. I'm especially interested in finding some companies that are willing to help save Big Brothers Big Sisters because I think that is such a worthwhile organization that helps at risk children in our community.
In her previous job, she earned the 2010 Director of Sales of the Year Award of Merit for the Homewood Suites by Hilton - Huntsville at the National Conference in Las Vegas. The hotel also received several other awards. Her most rewarding moment was at the Homewood Suites when they received the 2009 Homewood Suites by Hilton Stewardship Award and the 2010 LBA Cares Award for outstanding community service. While there, she came up with the Homewood Suites Essay Contest, "Why my teacher deserves a weekend getaway to the Homewood Suites-Huntsville". The first year they received over 1000 essays. In her new position, she's been busy putting together several successful campaigns for her clients.
Jennifer has served on the committee and board for several organizations and was an Ambassador for the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce. She's also been involved in Hospitality Sales and Marketing Executives, Hospitality Association, Public Relations Council, Women's Council of Realtors. I've been very fortunate to meet a lot of great people who I network with regularly, refer business to, and they return the favor. Some of them have become my very best friends. She continues to grow her expertise by networking, continuing her education, completing online tutorials and sharing ideas with others.
Jennifer's key to success is to not being afraid to try new things, shake things up, living by the golden rule and not being afraid to share ideas and positive energy with everyone she meets.
Tags: Radio Marketing Advertising Interactive Media
Two ways to win: 1) Like us on Facebook AND like or reply to any thread. 2) Join our newsletter list (go to our homepage to register) Come enjoy a night of fun and some of the best food in the Tennessee Valley, all while supporting area non-profits!! Win one of two tickets to: 37th Annual Taste of Huntsville October 20th 5:30-8:30 Tickets are $30 each or $35 at the door. Click to Purchase Online This fun annual event brings the best restaurants in Madison County together under one roof for one night only. The 37th Annual Taste of Huntsville is going to be a fabulous event, with lots of food, entertainment and fun!What makes the night even more special is that proceeds to go two local charities, CASA of Madison County and HEALS, Inc... Come one, Come all! While the food is definitely a large part of the event, the reason the Huntsville-Madison County Hospitality Association hoste this night of fun is to raise money for the charities. So get ready to Eat, Drink and Be Charitable!
Tags: Taste Of Huntsville Charity Food Casa Heals
Emmanuel Kelly and his brother were just babies in an Iraq war zone. They were found in a box in a park, each with no arms and unknown birth dates. A few years later, a missionary from Australia came to escort them to Australia for surgery. She ended up adopting them. Now, as a young adult, Emmanuel tries out for X-Factor (Australia's version of American Idol.) Check It Out
Tags: X-factor Triumph
Maple Hill DAR Chapter Hosts Flag Dedication Huntsville The Maple Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted a flag dedication ceremony during their September 12 meeting.
The flag dedication featured Athens DAR Chapter member Doris Estes. Estes wore Revolutionary War-era attire and delivered a program to initiate the chapter's flag.
The dedication was done to mark the Maple Hill Chapter adopting its ceremonial flag, which is commonly known as the Betsy Ross flag. The flag features 13 stars, commemorating the original 13 colonies.
Maple Hill is Huntsville's newest chapter, having just received its charter over the summer. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 165,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.
Tags: Maple Hill DAR Flag American Rovolution
Local First, a Grand Rapids. Michigan based organization that encourages sustainable, locally-based economies has made a simple but effective illustration of how money flows if it's spent at a locally owned business versus a non-local business. They explain their top ten reasons to shop local first: 1. Significantly More Money Re-circulates in North Alabama. When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the area's tax base. 2. Non Profits Receive Greater Support. Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners. 3. Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity The unique character of North Alabama is what brought most of us here and keeps us here. Our tourism businesses also benefit. 4. Environmental Impact Is Reduced. Local businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation and usually set up shop in town centers rather than on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution. 5. Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses. Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally. 6. Customer Service Is Better. Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. 7. Local Business Owners Invest In Community. Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community's future. 8. Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs. Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores. 9. Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices. A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. 10. Investment In North Alabama Is Encouraged. A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.
Tags: Buy Local Support Local Business Huntsville North Alabama
When you think of a complete spa experience, thoughts of peace, tranquility and total pampering come to mind. Blue Med Spa in the Westin in Bridgestreet delivers all of that and more. Soon, they will be offering much more. We were excited to attend the ribbon cutting for newly expanded facilities this evening.
BLUE Med Spa was chosen as one of the top 55 spas in the world by Conde Nast Traveler and provides guests with expert results focused care. BLUE Med Spa offers the latest in clinical medical esthetics, traditional spa service and a lifestyle based wellness program.
Tags: Spa Blue Med Spa Huntsville Ribbon Cutting Plastic Surgery
Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend? Take the them to see Twiggy, the Waterskiing Squirrel. Twiggy will be visiting Huntsville and preforming at the Tennessee Valley Hunting & Fishing Show. The expo will feature over 500 vendors, including outfitters, guides, retailers, demonstration tanks and activities for the kids. Admission will be $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13-17 and children 12 and under free. High school and collegiate anglers wearing a fishing jersey will get in free. Bass University will also hold a two day seminar teaching proven tactics and techniques. For more information, go to northalabama.org
Tags: Hunting Fishing Expo Huntsville Tennessee Valley
The 176 foot long US Navy airship landed in Huntsville today. The helium filled machine is used mainly for research.
This is a view of it coming over Hwy 72 in Madison. 
Tags: Navy Airship Huntsville
Father of a dear Grapevine friend, WWII Veteran Bill Shields, in an unrehearsed moment, is asked what he would tell our youth if he had the chance to address the nation
Tags: WWII Veteran Huntsville Alabama
As I listen to the fireworks exploding outside (don't worry, we live in the county and will be outside with our own in a little while), I can't help but think of the bounty and blessings we enjoy as Americans. Our country isn't perfect, far from it, we could spend days listing it's faults. BUT, stop and think for a minute about what we DO have. The freedom to worship as we choose, the freedom to make our own choices, good or bad (as long as we don't hurt others in the process), the freedom to come and go. Many in the world don't have those luxuries. I know that growing up here, it's hard to imagine life any other way. We tend to take it for granted and get upset when small things go wrong. We forget that not everyone has the same protection to set our own course .
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--"
We also forget the men and women who have sacrificed everything to ensure we keep those rights. Countless servicemen and women and many civilians have given their life, their health, time with their families and so much more. The next time you see someone in uniform, do what my son does, walk up, thank them for their service and shake their hand.
Tags: 4th Of July Independence Freedom Holiday Fireworks Huntsville
Growing up in Athens, you definitely got that Mayberry feel. Kid’s out in the yard playing, neighbor looking out for neighbor. Sunday’s spent with the grandparents involved fried chicken, homemade cakes and playing outdoors with all the cousins. In my case that meant a LOT of cousins, around 30 1st cousins on each side. Flag football, shucking corn, shelling peas, rook, making mimosa pies (and no you DID’T eat them, they were just less messy than making mud pies) all are part of those memories. It was a simpler time. No cell phones (and yes, I know I grew up in the dark ages), computers or video games, we used our imaginations and kept ourselves busy. There was a feeling of security. Most of our neighbors didn’t even feel the need to lock their doors.
Our culture has changed. Many of those changes are wonderful. The stretch the realm of possibility, make life easier and chores are done faster. But something has also been lost. I think back to the stories of old fashion barn raisings when everyone pitched in to help each other and the sense of community everyone felt. You know, of being connected and that everyone working together was the way to survive and thrive. Today, our world has become so fast paced that much of that sense of community has been lost, especially in our area. Many have moved here from other areas and in true Southern Hospitality, we welcome them and are happy for their contribution to North Alabama. But because times have changed and so many are new here, that sense of community can be hard to find. The Grapevine’s mission is to bring that back, connect people across the valley.
Whether you’re a native or new here, we welcome you to our community. If you have anything that would bring a smile to someone’s face, know where to send someone in a time of need whether it’s an accident, illness or disaster, have an area of expertise, an insight on something’s that’s happening in our community, a hobby you want to share with someone or a concern about something going on in our area, please contribute to the Grapevine. Post a blog, reply to a forum, start a group or upload pictures, videos and music. You never know when it will be JUST what someone out there needs to see.
We welcome you to the Huntsville Grapevine and with your help, we look forward to growing our community.
Tags: Community Huntsville Alabama Huntsville Alabama Tennessee Valley Tn Va
Come join the Grapevine in helping in a very worthy cause. This Sunday the 17th, from 12pm til 8:30pm, a benefit for Liza Blue will be held at Ditto Landing. The Huntsville Grapevine will be there with some giveaways and to show community support. Enjoy a day of fun, celebrating life and help a very brave young lady who is facing a hard battle right now. Live music featuring Angry Native, Peculiar Mental Twist, Young At Heart & Cymbr. Characters, face painting, egg hunting, food. Come join us!! The fundraiser for Liza Blue who was diagnosed with Stage IV Fibro Lamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma. This is a rare form of Cancer that doctors do not know much about and only appears in young people. This cancer shows no Cancer Markers and most people do not find out they have it until it is in severe stages due to the fact that the only way to identify it is through a CAT scan.
Zazzy's will have characters there for photos to be taken with for a donation to the Liza Blue Foundation as well as facepainting for donations. Other businesses are offering a variety of things for donations as well for giveaways and auction.......pass it on..... and make a difference in YOUR community!! 
Tags: Benefit Community Characters Easter Ditto Landing Cancer
Christmas is getting closer and I can't help but think back to some of my earliest Christmas memories. I remember my older brother waking me up in the middle of the night, swearing that he'd heard Santa on the roof. I popped out of bed. Looking back, I'm not sure why. If Santa was on the roof, I'm pretty sure he would have had a bag of coal with my name on it. Memories of decorating the tree, getting together with cousins, caroling, of special times with family no longer with us and of ones who I still have the chance to enjoy and spend time with. Tomorrow is the time we've set aside for extended family this year. Time to make new memories. What is your favorite Christmas memory?
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