FROM THE GM
Spring 2022
GENERAL MANAGER Katherine Miller
PROJECT MANAGER Amanda Shavers
ADVERTISING TEAM Sarah King
Debbie Miller
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Asia Ashley
Benjamin Bullard Tyler Hanes
Amy Henderson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Benjamin Bullard
Tyler Hanes Amanda Shavers
DESIGNER Kayla Harrison
Cullman Magazine is a quarterly publication of
The Cullman Times 300 Fourth Avenue , S . E .
Cullman , AL 35055 Phone : 256.734.2131
Comments , letters or editorial content , including photos , should be sent to the address above or emailed to editorial @ cullmantimes . com .
Cullman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions .
Reproduction or use of editorial content in any manner without permission is prohibited .
Cullman Magazine can be found online at cullmantimes . com
A time of rebirth
Growing up in the Midwest , spring took a little longer to make its appearance than it does in Alabama . This has taken some getting used to , but the idea that I can go on hikes sooner , open my windows to fresh air sooner , and yes , put away the sweaters sooner is always delightful .
Spring is the epitome of new birth or rebirth . It ’ s the chance for all things to start anew ( including me ). I know everyone thinks of New Years Day as the time to start the new year resolutions , but if I am honest with myself , I don ’ t make any real attempts until the air grows warmer earlier and the sight of green begins to peek out from its hiding . That is my sign that it is time to get serious on the resolutions and turn over a new leaf as they say .
That sense of rebirth is a sign of hope . No matter how cold or bleak it gets in the winter , there will be budding trees and blooming flowers in the spring . It ’ s a signal to us that there is always hope , there is always time to start again , to take stock of our lives and decide what to carry forward with us , and what to leave behind .
That spirit of hope , rebirth and change is captured this month in the feature on Blakelee Ortega , who has transformed into a competitive bodybuilder . That wasn ’ t her goal when she began working out , but with encouragement from her nowhusband , she is preparing to make her professional debut in 2023 .
In the story and photos about the Legacy Museum , we see the
By Katherine Miller
important story of slavery in the United States and the struggle for freedom and equality . There is a lot to be learned from the Legacy Museum , and uncomfortable history to confront , but , it also shows the persistence of the human spirit and hope .
The story about the Tiny Home Village is also a story of hope . Dr . Travis Sharpe and Unsheltered are giving hope to homeless individuals and families through this village of tiny homes . Sharpe says it best , “ When hope is present , anything is possible .”
And it wouldn ’ t be spring if we didn ’ t bring you the bounties of the season — in this case , the beautiful flowers grown by the local Young Family Flower Farm . With a budding wedding industry , they are making locally sourced weddings and events a growing business . And a beautiful one at that !
Finally , as the weather gets warmer , people are going to be enjoying brunch and getting outdoors more . We have some great brunch items from Dreher ’ s Cocktail Bar & Restaurant that will certainly tempt your New Year ’ s — or spring — resolutions ! But you can always work it off by going on a walk with your well-behaved dog , thanks to training tips from dog trainer Elena Caudle , or for something really new this spring , give skate boarding a try with the help of the folks at Riderz ! On the other hand , best leave that to the young people ; we ’ re not all spring chickens , after all . C
4 Cullman magazine | SPRING 2022