No'Ala Huntsville, March/April 2013

Ruth von Saurma: Huntsville’s Countess | Creatures of Comfort | Things We Love for Spring

MAR/APR 2013 $3.95

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Thirty-Three IndividualsWho Are Making a Differencein Our Communities

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4 » March/April 2013

20Thirty-three individuals whoare making a difference inthe Valley and beyond.

PORTRAITS BYCLICK PHOTO DESIGNS

BY SARAH BREWERGLASS JAR

PHOTOGRAPHYCAROLE FORÊTDAVID HIGGINBOTHAMLESLIE ADAIR

PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

WHITE RABBIT STUDIOS

PRODUCED BY CLAIRE STEWART

ON THE COVERJewelry Designer KathyChan, photographed byDavid Higginbotham.

Instructor José Betancourtphotographed by Carole Forêt.

64From Berlin to the Rocket City,Ruth von Saurma is trulyHuntsville’s Countess.

BY LAURA ANDERS LEEPHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

12When it comes to those in need of a friendly face,Huntsville’s Therapy Partners is lending a helping paw.

BY LAURA ANDERS LEEPHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

LOVE US?If you like No’Ala,be sure to checkout our Facebookpage. We’d love tohear from you!No’Ala Huntsville

MARCH/APRIL 2013 | NOAL APRESS.COM | 5MARCH/APRIL 2013 | NOAL APRESS.COM | 5

6 » contents

GOOD DOGSTherapy Partners proves that animals andhumans are truly goodfor each other. PAGE 12.

March/April 2013Volume 2: Issue 2

• • •C. Allen Tomlinson

Editor-In-Chief

David SimsCreative Director

Contributing WritersAmy Collins, Sarah Gaede, Laura Anders Lee,

Claire Stewart, Allen Tomlinson

Contributing PhotographersClick Photo Designs by Sarah Brewer, Carole Forêt, Glass Jar Photography,David Higginbotham, Patrick Hood,

Leslie Adair Photography & Design, Danny Mitchell,White Rabbit Studios

Marketing Coordinator/Advertising SalesHeidi King

Features ManagerClaire Stewart

Business ManagerRoy Hall

Graphic DesignerRowan Finnegan

InternsMack Cornwell, Ryan Paine

• • •No’Ala is published six times annually by No’Ala Press

PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630 Phone: 800-779-4222 | Fax: 256-766-4106

Web: www.noalapress.com

Standard postage paid at Huntsville, AL.A one-year subscription is $19.95for delivery in the United States.

Signed articles reflect only the views of the authorsand do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors.

Advertisers are solely responsible forthe content of their advertisements.

© 2008-2013 No’Ala Press, All rights reserved.

Send all correspondence toAllen Tomlinson, Editor,

at the postal address above, or by e-mail [email protected].

Letters may be edited for space and style.

To advertise, contact us at:256-766-4222, or [email protected].

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Join us on Facebook: No’Ala Huntsville

H U N T S V I L L E• • • • •

N O ’A L A H U N T S V I L L EA D V I S O R Y B O A R D

Jennifer DossHuntsville Symphony Orchestra

Leslie EcklundBurritt on the Mountain

Dan HalcombHuntsville Symphony Orchestra

Jeff JohnsonTerramé Day Spa & Salon

Elizabeth JonesBurritt on the Mountain

Ginger Penney Liles

Matthew LilesAIDS Action Coalition

Patrick RobbinsAlabama Pain Center

Charles VaughnVaughn Lumber Company

Anna Baker WarrenAnna Baker Warren Interiors

8 CalendarEvents for March-April 2013

56 MarketThings We Love for SpringBY CLAIRE STEWART

74 Food for ThoughtWhy Not Make Your Own Artisan Bread?BY SARAH GAEDE

76 Back TalkWho Is The Most Inspirational Person You Know?BY CLAIRE STEWART

80 The VineChablis—Refreshing and Food-FriendlyBY AMY COLLINS

82 Parting ShotBY LESLIE ADAIR PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

PHOTO BYMARGIE WEISMAN

editor’s letter « Allen Tomlinson « 7

Editor’s Note:In our last issue,we published anengagement photoof Jenny Randolphand Josh Daily, butmisspelled thebride’s name. Weregret this error.

IN EVERY COMMUNITY, THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO TAKE A VISIBLE ROLE ANDTHOSE WHO WORK QUIETLY BEHIND THE SCENES. A VIBRANT REGION NEEDSBOTH, AND OUR AREA IS LUCKY TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO WORKHARD TO MAKE GOOD THINGS HAPPEN HERE.

In this issue, we’re spotlighting several of those people, most of whomare so passionate about what they love that they work without anythought to bringing attention to themselves. They are involved in thearts, in social services, in teaching and mentoring, and making a differ-ence. They truly are the Heart and Soul of the Valley, and we are soimpressed with them and the difference they are making, we want tointroduce you to them. With the help of six outstanding and talentedphotographers, we’re giving you a glimpse into these people’s lives andmaking a brief introduction. If you know them, you might want to thankthem for the things they do. If you don’t know them, you will want to.

One person who has made quite a difference in her long and interesting life is Ruthvon Saurma, a fascinating woman we interviewed for this issue. A gracious and warmhostess, her work for Wernher von Braun’s was just one interesting segment of asometimes challenging and exciting life. Next to that, take a look at our article aboutTherapy Partners; even if you aren’t as crazy about dogs as we are, you are going tobe impressed by the work this organization does!

This issue marks the end of our first year of publication in Huntsville, and we thankyou for making our welcome such a warm one. We’ve grown, we’re getting to knowmore and more people, and we’re about to open our Huntsville office in historic andcreative Lowe Mill. We’ve been involved in North Alabama for a long time, buthardly a day goes by without learning about more and more interesting projects andpeople that are shaping this place and making it the very best place in the world tolive. The hearts here are large, and the soul of this place is good. The energy here isjust right.

There’s an early spring in the forecast, and our next issue is all about homes and gar-dens. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and start working in the garden andchronicling your work there, too! Please take a moment to thank our advertisers fortheir support of this publication…shop locally—and enjoy the spring!

And apologies toanother bride,Nikki-Dee and herbridesmaid,Chalie, victims ofour over-zealousspell checkers. Weregret these errors.

Now through March 30The Scottsboro Boys, Outside the Protective Circleof HumanityTues-Fri 10:00am-5:00pm and Sat 10:00am-2:00pm; Free admis-sion; Carnegie Visual Arts Center; 207 Church St., Decatur; (256) 341-0562; carnegiearts.org

Now through March 31Exhibit: Lois Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant ColorTues-Sat 11:00am-4:00pm; Sun 1:00pm-4:00pm; HuntsvilleMuseum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

Now through May 5Exhibit: Sound and Vision: Monumental Rock & RollPhotographyTues-Sat 11:00am-4:00pm; Sun 1:00pm-4:00pm; HuntsvilleMuseum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

Now through August 31Special Exhibit: Black Holes: Space Warps & Time TwistsDaily from 9:00am-5:00pm; U.S. Space and Rocket Center; OneTranquility Base; $25 adults, $20 children, and free under 5 yearsold; (256) 837-3400; rocketcenter.com

March 1

Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series 6:30pm; From $25; Von Braun Center Playhouse; 700 Monroe St.;(256) 533-1953; jimparkermusic.com

Monkey Speak Open Mic Night8:00pm; $5; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; flyingmonkeyarts.org

March 1-2

Leon Sheffield Play7:30pm; $15; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave., Decatur;(256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

Merrimack Hall Presents Spencers: Theatre of Illusion7:30pm; from $22; Merrimack Hall; 3320 Triana Blvd.;(256) 534-6455; merrimackhall.com

March 2

Terraforming Children’s Program10:30am –noon; U.S. Space and Rocket Center; One TranquilityBase; $25 adults, $20 children, and free under 5 years old;(256) 837-3400; rocketcenter.com

Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents Free Family Concert:explORCHESTRA11:00am; Free; Marc C. Smith Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-4818; hso.org

Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out6:00pm-10:00pm; $20 for first child, $15 for additional childrenages 4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org

Huntsville Museum of Art Black Tie Gala7:00pm; $150; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

March 3

Joshua Bell in Concert3:00pm; $25 for students, $35 for seniors, and $40 for adults; Trinity United Methodist Church; 607 Airport Rd.; (256) 489-7415;hcmg.org

Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents Casual Classic Series:Songs of Love and Lust3:30pm; $20; Randolph School of Fine Arts; 4915 Garth Rd; (256) 539-4818; hso.org

March 8-10Broadway Theatre League Presents Monty Pythons’ SpamalotFri 8:00pm; Sat 2:00pm and 8:00pm; Sun 2:00pm and 7:30pm; from$37; Marc C. Smith Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 518-6155;broadwaytheatreleague.org

March 9

Hello Sunshine Children’s Program10:30am–noon; $25 adults, $20 children, and free under 5 yearsold; U.S. Space and Rocket Center; One Tranquility Base;(256) 837-3400; rocketcenter.com

Artist Market Noon-4:00pm; Free; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

World Conspiracy Zombie Prom8:00pm; Admission charged; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.;(256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

March 14Beloved Book Club7:30pm; Free; Beloved Books and Gallery at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

March 15Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out6:00pm-10:00pm; $20 for first child, $15 for additional childrenages 4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org

March 15-16NEACA Spring Craft ShowFri and Sat 9:00am-7:00pm, Sun noon-5:00pm; Free; Von Braun Center; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 533-1953

March 15-17Play: Our TownFri and Sat 7:30pm and Sun 2:00pm; $15-$17; Von Braun CenterPlayhouse; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 536-0807; yourseatiswaiting.org

March 16

Junior League of Morgan County’s American Girl Fashion Show10:00am and 2:00pm; Admission charged; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave., Decatur; (256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

Huntsville Museum of Art Family Program11:00am-1:00pm; Free; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

8 » calendar

MARCH/APRIL 2013 | NOALAPRESS.COM | 9

Continued page 10


Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents Enigmatic Voices7:30pm; From $25; Marc C. Smith Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.;(256) 539-4818 hso.org

Old City Buskers / Huntsville Swing Dance Society8:00pm; $7 students and $10 adults; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill;2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

March 16 Through AugustThe Whimsical Woods Tues-Sat 9:00am-5:00pm; Sun noon-5:00pm; $8 adults, $7 seniorsand military, $5 students, $4 children; 3101 Burritt Dr.; (256) 536-2882; thewhimsicalwoods.com

March 17St. Patrick’s Day

Pajanimals Live4:30pm; $39.50; Marc C. Smith Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com

March 18 Harlem Globetrotters7:00pm; from $22; Von Braun Center; 700 Monroe St.; (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com

March 21Botanical Gardens Presents An Affair of the Hat11:00am; Admission charged; 4747 Bob Wallace Ave.; (256) 830-4447; hsvbg.org

March 21-23Theatre Huntsville Presents Our TownFri and Sat 7:30pm and Sun 2:00pm; $15-$17; Von Braun CenterPlayhouse; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 536-0807; yourseatiswaiting.org

March 22 Rod Carrington the Comedian7:00pm; from $43.75; Marc C. Smith Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.;(800) 745-3000; vonbrauncenter.com

Trace Atkins in Concert7:30pm; From $32.50; Von Braun Center; 700 Monroe St.; (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com

Squidlings Brothers Circus Sideshow8:00pm; Admission charged; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

March 22-23Merrimack Hall Presents The Marvelous WonderettesFri 7:30pm and Sat 2:00pm and 7:30pm; From $32; Merrimack Hall;3320 Triana Blvd.; (256) 534-6455; merrimackhall.com

March 23Artist Market Noon-4:00pm; Free; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

Huntsville Museum of Art White Elephant Sale8:00am-3:00pm; Free; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

March 24 Broadway Theatre League Presents Garrison Keillor3:00pm; Marc C. Smith Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; from $37;(256) 518-6155; broadwaytheatreleague.org

March 27Art Critique6:00pm; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399;lowemill.net

Epic Comedy8:00pm; $7; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399;lowemill.net

March 30Peter Cottontail Express11:00am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm; Admission charged; North Alabama Railroad Museum; 694 Chase Rd.; (256) 851-6276;northalabamarailroadmuseum.com

Humpty Dumpty’s “Eggstra” Special Celebration11:00am-3:00pm; $8 adults, $7 seniors and military, $5 students, $4 children; 3101 Burritt Dr.; (256) 536-2882;burrittonthemountain.com


March 31Easter Sunday

April 5-6The Bank Street Players Present The King and ITime TBD; Admission charged; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave.,Decatur; (256) 340-1778; princesstheatre.org

April 5A&M Black Tie Gala5:30pm; Admission charged; Von Braun Center; 700 Monroe St.;(256) 372-8344; aamu.edu

Concert on the Docks with Kush Reggae Band6:00pm; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399;lowemill.net

Huntsville Community Chorus Chamber ChoraleSpring Concert7:30pm; Admission charged; Location TBD; (256) 533-6606; thechorus.org

April 5-7Youth Ballet Theatre Presents Sleeping BeautyFri 7:30pm, Sat 2:00pm and 7:30pm, and Sun 2:00pm; $16 adults and $12 students, seniors, and military; Von Braun Cen-ter Playhouse; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 881-5930; fairytaleballet.org

10 » calendar Broadway Theatre League Presents ChicagoFri 8:00pm, Sat 2:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sun 2:00pm and 7:30pm;from $37; Marc C. Smith Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 518-6155; broadwaytheatreleague.org

April 6Artist Market Noon-4:00pm; Free; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out6:00pm-10:00pm; $20 for first child, $15 for additional childrenages 4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org

April 6-7McGregor’s Spring Farm DaysSat 10:00am-4:00pm and Sun noon-4:00pm; $8 adults, $7 seniors and military, $5 students, $4 children; 3101 Burritt Dr.;(256) 536-2882; burrittonthemountain.com

April 9-May 11Exclamations! Artwork by the students of Jackie BriscoeTues-Fri 10:00am-5:00pm and Sat 10:00am-2:00pm; Free admis-sion; Carnegie Visual Arts Center; 207 Church St., Decatur; (256) 341-0562; carnegiearts.org

April 9Big Band Bash 7:00pm; $10; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave., Decatur; (256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

April 11Calhoun Writer’s Conference Featuring Judith Ortiz Cofer7:00pm; $10 for adults and $5 for children; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave., Decatur; (256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

Beloved Book Club7:30pm; Free; Beloved Books and Gallery at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

April 12-13Princess Theatre Presents Petals for the PrincessFri noon, $30 Albany Bistro with guest speaker; 6:00pm Jazz Pre-view Party, $20; Sat 1:30pm; free; Eating Alabama by Andrew BeckGrace; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave., Decatur; (256) 350-1745;petalsfortheprincess.com

April 12Concert on the Docks with St. Paul and the Broken Bones6:00pm; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399;lowemill.net

Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series 6:30pm; From $25; Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe St.;(256) 533-1953; jimparkermusic.com

April 12-13Community Ballet Presents Billy the KidFri 7:15pm; Sat 1:45pm and 7:15pm; From $16; Marc C. Smith Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.; communityballet.org

April 13Artist Market Noon-4:00pm; Free; Flying Monkey at Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

April 19Sci-Quest Parents’ Night Out6:00pm-10:00pm; $20 for first child, $15 for additional childrenages 4-12; 102 D Wynn Dr.; (256) 837-0606; sci-quest.org

MARCH/APRIL 2013 | NOAL APRESS.COM | 11

Bank Street Players Presents Eight, The PlayTime TBD; Admission charged; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave.,Decatur; (256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

April 19-21Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater Presents Stuart LittleFri 7:00pm; Sat and Sun 1:30pm and 5:00pm; $14; Von Braun Center Playhouse; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-6829;www.letthemagicbegin.org

April 20

Huntsville Museum of Art Family Program11:00am-1:00pm; Free; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org


Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents Ode To Joy7:30pm; From $25; Marc C. Smith Concert Hall; 700 Monroe St.;hso.org

April Mae and the June Bugs by the Huntsville Swing Society8:00pm; $7 students and $10 adults; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.;(256) 533-0399; lowemill.net

April 22-26Huntsville Museum of Art Master Artist Workshop 9:30am; Admission charged; Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St.; (256) 535-4350; hsvmuseum.org

April 24Art Critique6:00pm; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399;lowemill.net

April 25- 27The 20th annual NASA Great Moonbuggy RaceDaily from 9:00am-5:00pm; $25 adults, $20 children, and freeunder 5 years old; U.S. Space and Rocket Center; One TranquilityBase; (256) 837-3400; rocketcenter.com

April 26Concert on the Docks with Unknown Lyric6:00pm; Free; Lowe Mill; 2211 Seminole Dr.; (256) 533-0399;lowemill.net

Huntsville Chamber Music Guild Presents Yakov Kasman 7:30pm; $15 for students, $20 for seniors, and $25 for adults; Trinity United Methodist Church; 607 Airport Rd.; (256) 489-7415;hcmg.org

April 26-27River City Film FestivalVarious screening times; $5; Princess Theatre; 112 Second Ave.,Decatur; (256) 350-1745; princesstheatre.org

April 26-28

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater Presents Stuart LittleFri 7:00pm; Sat and Sun 1:30pm and 5:00pm; $14; Von Braun Cen-ter Playhouse; 700 Monroe St.; (256) 539-6829;www.letthemagicbegin.org

Panoply Arts FestivalDaily; $5 per day or $10 weekend pass; Big Spring Park; (256) 519-2787; artshuntsville.org

12 | NOAL APRESS.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2013

12 » everybody’s business

THERE ARE DOGS INSHELTERS TODAY WHOCOULD BE THERAPYDOGS. AS TIME GOES ON, WE WILL BETTERUNDERSTAND ANDAPPRECIATE THESE ANIMALS AND WHATTHEY CAN DO.”

—MARGIE WEISMAN


Cheerful greeters, patient listeners, soft snugglers…a few dozendogs, a cat, and a bunny have been offering a little comfort topeople just like these in a program called Therapy Partners.

The program comprises 29 owner-and-pet teams who meet theemotional, psychological, and educational needs of children and adults. In the pastyear, Therapy Partners has had 10,000 interactions with around two dozen organi-zations in the community, from Huntsville Hospital Pediatrics to the public schoolsystem to Hospice Family Care. At home with their owners they are regular dogs, butat work, they are counselors, friends, and a listening ear.

“The effect the animals have on people is scientifically based,” says Margie Weismanwho serves as the program’s volunteer executive director. “Their heart rate and bloodpressure go down. They release pheromones.”

Therapy Partners was founded 18 years ago by Connie Gates and Mimi Bynum,counselors who met at an obedience training class for their dogs. While Mimi’s fatherwas sick at the hospital, he kept asking for his dog but wasn’t permitted to see him.The two decided to start a program where dogs could spread joy to people goingthrough a difficult time.

Today, the handlers and their pet partners spend time in various organizations eachweek as well as being on call with the Red Cross and United Way in emergency sit-uations.

“When the shootings occurred at UAH, we took the dogs for two and a half weeksto the Shelby Building in the lobby where it occurred,” says Margie.

CARSON STRUGGLED TO READ, AND HIS CLASSMATES OFTEN ERUPTED INLAUGHTER AT ONE WRONG WORD; KAREN CRIED INCONSOLABLY FORMONTHS AFTER HER PARENTS DIED IN A CAR ACCIDENT; STEVE JUST LEARNEDHIS CANCER WAS UNAFFECTED BY THE SECOND ROUND OF CHEMO; SUSANSPENT ANOTHER LONG, LONELY DAY AT THE NURSING HOME WHERE SHE HAD-N’T HAD A VISITOR IN YEARS…

Enter man’s best friend.

TEXT BY LAURA ANDERS LEEPHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

14 | NOAL APRESS.COM | MARCH/APRIL 201314 | NOAL APRESS.COM | MARCH/APRIL 2013

THE EFFECT THE ANIMALS HAVEON PEOPLE IS SCIENTIFICALLY BASED.THEIR HEART RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE GO DOWN. THEY RELEASEPHEROMONES.” —MARGIE WEISMAN


The college students were wary of openingup to the counselors who were on duty,but it was a different story with the dogs.

“The students came to us,” Margierecalls. “Like a fire, the dogs drew themin. They started talking about the dogs,and the dogs became a bridge for themto talk about the event and the kind ofthings they were dealing with. Soon thecounselors joined in the conversation. Itwas easy for the students to see them aspeople then and not just professionals.”

Therapy Partners also visited Sparkman9 after a student was killed in a tornadolast year.

“Students had never expressed emotionon what happened but something aboutputting their arms around a fluffy dogmade them loosen tensions and openup,” Margie says.

Stephanie Sherman and her All Ameri-can Husky Abby have volunteered forfour years at Redstone Village forpatients with Alzheimer’s.

“I do a lot of volunteering but doing itwith my dog is a bonus,” Stephanie says.“The patients think she’s the best thingthis side of the Mississippi. They will tellme about their dogs when they wereyounger and start bringing up thesewonderful memories.”

Patricia Haag got her Snoopy-like beagleMadison for her husband who suffers fromdepression, and now she visits others whoare feeling down. “Madison will go right upto people and put her face on them—shehas an innate sense,” Patricia says.

Another handler, Anne Sentell, also talksabout the animals’ extraordinaryinstincts. She and her goldendoodle Weezy volunteer at HealthSouth RehabilitationHospital and Nova Academy for Youth and Family at the Madison County MentalHealth Center. “Weezy has a calming effect, a softer approach when dealing withpeople in need,” she says. “She knows they are sad or depressed and gets so quietshe’s almost not breathing.”

Other dogs love working with children. Vicki Kokoskie and her golden retrieverMurray participate at the PAL program for second graders who have trouble read-ing. The students get individual reading time with Murray and Vicki three times a

Above: MariBeth Cline-Morgan works with her dog Koda. Facing page, clockwise, from bottom left to bottomright: Judy Smith and Autumn, VickiKokoskie and Murray, Anne Sentell andWeezy, MariBeth Cline-Morgan andKoda, Patricia Haag and Madison, and Margie Weisman (center).

month. Vicki reads to the children, andthen they read to Murray. The studentspractice their skills, getting a confidenceboost.

“It’s a trusting environment,” says Margie.“The dogs don’t judge them or correctthem.”

Judy Smith admits her Shih Tzu MissAutumn is in it for the attention. “She’s asocial butterfly and especially lovesattention from kids.” The two volunteerwith The Caring House, a bereavementprogram for children who have lost aloved one.

Many of the interactions seem more likeplaytime than therapy. MariBeth Cline-Morgan’s All American Tibetan Mastiffloves to show off his tricks. When Mari-Beth asks Koda ‘Are you pretty?’ hecrosses his front legs in response. It’s abig hit with everyone.

Koda and his volunteer buddies areextremely well trained. In fact, beforethey can participate in the program, theyhave to complete a rigorous screeningprocess and three levels of training. Andtheir handlers must complete a six-month training as well. Then each teammust complete the Pet Partners® interna-tional registration process.

Remarkably, the program is run almostentirely by volunteers with one, part-time administrator. Margie typicallyvolunteers more than 50 hours per week,helping to train the handlers and theirpartners and often accompanying themon community visits. The program isfunded by revenues from the affiliatedobedience school, Kind Hearts BehaviorCenter, as well as from individual contri-butions, grants, and fund-raisers.Therapy Partners invites everyone toattend the upcoming Dog Trot 5K and

fun run on March 16, and they also encourage people to adopt pets.

“There are dogs in shelters today who could be therapy dogs,” Margie says. “As timegoes on, we will better understand and appreciate these animals and what they can do.”

Adoption could mean not just saving a dog’s life, but saving a person’s life. That’sgoodness unleashed.

AT HOME WITH THEIROWNERS THEY ARE REGULAR DOGS, BUTAT WORK, THEY ARECOUNSELORS, FRIENDS,AND A LISTENING EAR.

Stephanie Sherman works with her dog Abby.



Baron Bluff at Burritt on the Mountain is the perfectspot for a corporate meeting, business retreat...or a romantic wedding. But Baron Bluff is no ordinary eventcenter: in addition to being the newest and best facilityin the region, the views from the mountain are simplyspectacular. Come look us over and let us show youhow we can help you have an event of a lifetime with afabulous view—at Burritt.

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18 » scene

Above: 45th Annual Silver TeaDECEMBER 6, 2012 HOME OF KEVIN AND MARGARETANNE CRUMLISH, MOORESVILLE

Linda Akenhead, Margaret-Anne Crumlish, Susan Todd, Deborah Brown, and Joseph Lee

Susan Todd, Linda Akenhead, and Nancy Colin

Margaret-Anne Crumlish

Deborah Brown andJoseph Lee

Frances Schwemmerand Jill Martin

Ginney McDonald, Susan Todd, and Linda Akenhead

The May/June issue of No’Ala is all about the beautiful homes and gardens that our region is knownfor. This is an issue you won’t want to miss - so visit noalapress.com to subscribe or advertise!


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Thirty-Three IndividualsWho Are Making a Differencein Our Communities

PORTRAITS BYCLICK PHOTO DESIGNS BY SARAH BREWERGLASS JAR PHOTOGRAPHYCAROLE FORÊTDAVID HIGGINBOTHAMLESLIE ADAIR PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGNWHITE RABBIT STUDIOS

PRODUCED BY CLAIRE STEWART


In every community, there are people who work to makethings better, with little thought to personal gain. They do it becausethey are passionate about their causes or because they have the timeand energy; they do it, sometimes, simply because they can. There arehundreds—maybe even thousands—of these people all across NorthAlabama. We wish we could bring attention to each and every one.

Last Fall, No’Ala asked a panel of community leaders to give us theirtop picks for people they considered the Heart and Soul of the Ten-nessee Valley. Of the hundred-plus names presented, we narrowedthe list to the 33 people featured in this issue. They include youngand old, artists and businesspeople, men and women. Some you havecertainly heard of; all you will want to know. Without the contribu-tions of these people, our region would be a different place; becauseof their work, we are all richer.

It should be noted that the members of the panel who made thesedecisions, each and every one, could have been featured on thesepages. Perhaps next time, when we assemble a new panel, you’ll seesome of them. The nice thing about the people who make up theheart and soul of the Valley is that the list is very wide—and theirsouls are very deep.


SLOANE BIBBCreative Director and Artist

Is there any cause or nonprofit important to you?“I would have to say the need to build more support for the artsin our public schools. The ability to think creatively is critical to achild’s education, and the arts provide a platform where norestrictions are placed on a child's imagination.”

Portrait by David Higginbotham


KATHY CHANJewelry Designer

What are you most passionate about?“I am very passionate about my workand making people happy.”



JOSÉ BETANCOURTPhotography Professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville

What or who is the biggest motivator in your life?“I think my parents instilled in mybrother and me an incredible sense forachievement. There is also a sense ofpride that is a part of everything we setout to accomplish. As immigrants, I always knew we were in the country tofind opportunity and success. So, I guessit’s mainly self-motivation, but I knowthat every day I want to make my entirefamily proud.”

Portrait by Carole Forêt


DONALD LEWTERLewter Hardware Company

What are your favorite wordsto live by?“Choose your life mate carefully.From this one decision will come ninetypercent of your happiness or misery!”



CAMILLIA KINGContract Specialist

Is there any cause or nonprofitimportant to you?“I am so passionate about the AIDSAction Coalition. This organizationserves a diverse population of NorthAlabama and as such, has an extremelydiverse database of volunteers. The AAChas been able to develop and sustainseveral streams of revenue whichenables us to increase education andawareness. Serving this organizationhas enabled me to grow and mature inmany ways, and I couldn’t be morehumbled to serve alongside a greatstaff and dedicated volunteers.”

Portrait by Leslie Adair Photography& Design

BOBBY BRADLEYCo-Founder of Village of Promise, Inc.

What are you most passionate about?“I am most passionate about my workwith the Village of Promise. We havemade a long-term commitment thatevery child in our pipeline will graduatefrom college. This means a commitmentto each student, parent, and to theneighborhood in which they live. I am most excited when I see studentsexcel in a particular area, experiencesomething new, or identify a new dream that excites them.”




CHRIS WESLEYSoftware Developer

What is your favorite thing aboutNorth Alabama?“My inner-geek and inner-artist haverespectively fallen in love with NorthAlabama’s mix of technology and creative outlets, information, educationinstitutions and continued focus towardmusic and the arts. However, what I’vereally been impressed by, what I’ve cometo see as being one of the biggest assets,is the number of amazing people whoare willing to give of their time,resources and ideas, to help others. I’ve worked with a few charities and amcontinually impressed by the quality ofpeople involved.”

Portrait by White Rabbit Studios


BUTCH DAMSONMother, Grandmother, Wife, Volunteer, and Consultant

Is there any cause or nonprofit important to you?Butch: ”I admire all nonprofits.And each nonprofit needs volunteers. I am not sure what I would have done for 45+ years without the ones that keptme focused and working. You don’t havetime to think about yourself if you stay involved.”

SUSAN DAMSON PARKHomemaker

What is your favorite thingabout North Alabama?Susan: ”I love the people, the food, theSouthern drawl, Southern hospitality,and historic homes.”

DANIELLE DAMSONMother, Artist

What are you most passionate about?Danielle: ”Art feeds the soul. Man hasneeded it since the caves. When I look atthis world through an artist’s eyes I seehow amazing our maker surely is. Life isart—there is no division.”

Portrait by Click Photo Designsby Sarah Brewer


ANA BYRNEClinical Psychologist and ownerof The Little Green Store

What is your favorite thing about North Alabama?“The people! Our community is friendly,open-minded, innovative, and striving tomake a difference in the world.”



ZACK PENNEYGeneral Manager/ Vice President,Bill Penney Toyota

What or who is your biggest motivator in your life?“I feel so blessed to have the opportu-nity to manage our family business. It’s a motivator knowing that I go towork to serve my family as well as 150other employees and their families. It feels good knowing that our businesscan be used as a positive influence toserve our employees, our customers, and the community we live in.”

Portrait by Glass Jar Photography


KATHLEEN DOTTSEnglish Teacher, Huntsville High School

Who is the most inspirational person you have ever met?“I am inspired by everyday people who endure great grief with grace, great joy with celebration and who live and loveevery day resistant to despair, accepting the vicissitudes of the economy, politicians, and the perils of life. They makehomes, go to their jobs, raise children, volunteer, and worshipwith no fanfare and yet they are what makes this nation andworld worthwhile.”



CAROLE FORÊTPainter and Photographer

Is there any cause or nonprofit important to you?“I support the arts here in Athens and in Huntsville. I believe the arts are important in enriching our lives in waysthat other aspects of life cannot. That isthe motivation I have for teaching art.”



DIANNE REYNOLDSRetired Educator and Civic Volunteer

What are you most passionate about?“I am most passionate about education. Itaught school for many years and tookpleasure from watching the children’seyes light up when they ‘got it’ or theirexcitement when they would get myattention to say, ‘Mrs. Reynolds, I’ve beenthinking.’ What magical moments thosewere.”



TASIA MALAKASISCheesemaker and Cook at Fromagerie Belle Chevre

What are your favorite wordsto live by?“Fat is flavor, and salt is love.”



HARVEY COTTENCOO at Huntsville Botanical Garden

What or who is the biggest motivator in your life?“My parents, because they were always supportive of whatever I wanted to do—never pushing me but encouraging me to dowhat I wanted and enjoyed while always telling me to do thebest that I can in any job that I undertake.”


SHIRLEY MCCRARYCommunity Volunteer

What is your favorite thing about North Alabama?“My favorite thing about North Alabama is the interestingmix of people from all over the world who have brought their ideas and traditions to Huntsville and blended with ourSouthern culture to create a vibrant, progressive, yet still very Southern city.”

Portrait by Leslie Adair Photography & Design


CARLOS AND ASHTON COLONYouth Leader and Logistics Coordinator atThe Enrichment Center Group

What is your favorite thing about North Alabama?Carlos: “It’s a great, safe place to raise a family. I also met my wifehere so I have to give North Alabama some credit there!”

What or who is the biggest motivator in your life?Ashton: “The biggest motivator for growth would be followingJesus Christ and striving to become more like Him. My sweethusband personally motivates me to dig deeper more than anyother individual, and he does it by his actions.”



JENNIFER SHRADER SWOBODABusiness Development Manager for Hagerman & Co.and President of Junior League of Huntsville

What or who is the biggest motivator in your life?“To lead by example and show my daughter the importance of giving back to the world around you the way my mother didwhen I was a child. Volunteering and sharing both your time andtalents was the norm in our household. She led by example andwas very involved in many aspects of our community. To truly bepart of a community you can’t just reside there. You have to getinvolved.”



TYRONE HARRISClinical Exercise Specialist

Is there any cause or nonprofit important to you?“One cause that is important to me is childhood obesity. Kids are not asactive today as they were in previousgenerations. With video games andInternet popularity among kids, exerciseand physical activity have become lessimportant. Childhood obesity is a causethat’s important to me and I look forward to getting more involved in the future.”



ALAN AND DEBRA JENKINSCo-Founders of Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center

What or who is the biggest motivator in your life?“Since starting our own nonprofit organization in 2007, we are motivated by the students in our arts education classesfor people with special needs—The Johnny Stallings Arts Program. We are committed to doing anything we can to opendoors for people of all ages with special needs.”

Portrait by Leslie Adair Photography & Design

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HEATHER CARLTONGeneral Sales Manager, WHNT News 19

What are you most passionate about?“Life! My mom died at age 43. When Iturned 43, I asked myself, ‘If this was mylast year to live, am I truly living the life I want?’ I am passionate about living thebest life I can and making every singlemoment count. Being the best wife I canbe, or the best daughter, or sister, or friend.”



DONNA CORBETTVice President of Communication andIntegration, SAIC (Science ApplicationsInternational Corporation)Mergers & Acquisitions

What are your favorite wordsto live by?“Abraham Lincoln said, ‘Whatever youare, be a good one.’ I try to apply that tomy life and believe anything worthdoing is worth doing well, whether thatis being a good listener, friend, sister,writer, volunteer, or leader. These arewords I aspire to live by. We are each awork in progress!”



DORRIE NUTTMusician

What are you most passionate about?“Introducing young people to their gifts, showing them how they can fulfill their infinite potential. I really enjoy teaching French horn to all levels, from middle schoolers, to college students, to adults. I love to fan that spark of curiosity into passion!”



KELLY SCHRIMSHERDirector of Communications, Office of the Mayor, City of Huntsville

What are your favorite wordsto live by?“No one ever rose to low expectations.”



RACHEL LACKEYOwner/Manager of Green Pea Press—a Printmaker’s Collective at Lowe Mill

Is there any cause or nonprofit important to you?“The Women’s Economic DevelopmentCouncil (WEDC) Foundation supportswomen in our community on the path toeconomic independence by providingmentors, workshops, and scholarships.Unlike traditional scholarships, the fundscan be used for textbooks, childcare, orother needs that may interfere with thescholar’s ability to obtain her degree. Asa former WEDC Foundation Scholarmyself, I’m excited to be serving on theboard of directors this year!”



BUDDY AND MAGGIE LITTLERetired Circuit Judge and Artist

What or who is the biggest motivator in your life?Buddy: “That would be my wife. She’s very good at starting conversations by saying, ‘You know what we oughta do?’”

Who is the most inspirational person you have ever met?Maggie: “I think the most inspirational person I ever met was Garrison Keillor. I have had the chance to be around him a little and I’m just stunned at the creative energy that pours out of him, for writing, storytelling, music production—you name it. He is a national treasure and I think will be remembered the way Mark Twain is.”



LINDA AKENHEADHousewife and Community Volunteer

Who is the most inspirational personyou have ever met?“I have two inspirational people—myparents. During WWII, my mother was aprisoner of war in the Philippines. Myfather was in the Army in the Pacific Theater and his unit was sent to liberatethe POW camp. They met each other inthe camp and my father brought her tothe United States. My parents did nothave the opportunity to go to college.My father had a GED. Both of thembelieved in hard work, discipline, andopportunities. They made sure that theirfour children would graduate from notonly high school but also college. Threeout of the four siblings have advanceddegrees. They sacrificed so much, neveronce complaining, to make sure theirchildren had a better life.”



ASHLEY DINGESExecutive Director, Merrimack Performing Arts Center

Who is the most inspirational personyou have ever met?“Working at Merrimack Hall in 2009, I volunteered with Dance Your Dreams!,a program that provides free weeklydance education classes for childrenwith special needs. On my first day, I meta student named Darby. At that time, she had just started her third round ofchemotherapy treatment for leukemia,and her hair had recently fallen out.Darby also has Down Syndrome. Fouryears later, she is living cancer-free afterthree separate battles with leukemia.When asked what she wanted to bewhen she grew up, she replied that shewanted to work with sick children. Darby is definitely the most inspirationalperson I have ever met.”



56 » market » Claire Stewart » Photos by Danny Mitchell

Hickam Large Platter and Small Dish ($60, $25)

Little Green Store(256) 539-9699

Govino Glasses($12.99/set of four Flutes

or wineglasses)—Shatterproof,Reusable, and Recyclable!

The Wine Cellar(256) 489-9463

Okab FlipFlops ($40)Terramé

(256) 319-3003

Things we love for Spring

Plum Pretty Sugar Tunic ($70)Finery Bridal Boutique

(256) 429-3429

Beaded Necklace andEarring Set ($27.50)

Mint Dress ($52)Uptown Girl

(256) 340-7360

Judith March Dress ($99.95)Market House(256) 606-7888


Beth Solomon Necklace ($700)Beth Soloman Earrings ($550)

Little Green Store(256) 539-9699

Aztec Print Pouf ($245)Brooks and Collier

(256) 534-2781

Jonathan AdleriPhone Covers ($26 each)

The Paper Chase(256) 355-8993

Kendra Scott StatementEarrings ($80)

Loletta’s(256) 489-8889

58 » market

L’Epicurien Confitand Spreads ($7.99-$11.99)

Faux Wood Chargers($8.99 each)

Josie’s at Burritton the Mountain(256) 536-2882

Grow Your Own MushroomGarden Kit ($15)Josie’s at Burritton the Mountain(256) 536-2882

Tile Pillow ($59)Giraffe Pillow ($85)

Lattice Overlay Pillow ($85)Glee Interiors

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Crystal SorrelliCuff Bracelet ($105)

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MARCH/APRIL 2013 | NOAL APRESS.COM | 59MARCH/APRIL 2013 | NOAL APRESS.COM | 59

Assorted Popcorn Varieties(Ranging from $2.50-3.35per bag)—flavors such as

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corn grown in Huntsville!What’s Popp’N(256) 489-9812

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Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9

April 20, 2013, 7:30 p.m., Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, VBCTickets: 256-539-4818 or hso.org

All Needz Rentals will provide linens, chairs,and tables for the day of the wedding.

Awaken Productions will provide a photo boothfor the wedding reception.

Burritt On the Mountain will provide thebeautiful location, set atop Monte Sano Mountain.

Their newest addition, Baron Bluff,will be the site of the reception.

Decorous Dishes is giving the couple 200 sets ofvintage china to use during the reception.

Huntsville Symphony Orchestra willfurnish a professional quartet for the ceremony.

Jordyn Dean is our wedding stylist and planner.She will help guide the couple during all of their

appointments and decisions, and style theirengagement shots and wedding day details.

No’Ala is publicizing the event and the wonderfulpartners who have made it all possible.

Look for complete details of the wedding in theJuly/August 2013 issue of No’Ala.

Artz Studios will be hosting a complimentarywine and painting class for Chelsea

and her bridesmaids.

Betty Lankford Catering Events is known fordelicious wedding catering, and will also provide

food for the bridal reception.

Belle Fleur and Chef Bruce Roy will provide aselection of delicious food for the reception; their

specialty is bridal catering.

Chefs To Go’s private chefs will also contrinbuteto the food at the reception; their specialty is

gourmet cuisine.

What’s for Supper? is providing a selectionof fresh, home made items for the reception; they

specialize in good Southern cuisine.

Grogan Jewelers will provide beautifulwedding bands for the couple.

Jerry Damson is furnishing a getaway carfor the couple after the ceremony.

Natalie Faggioni will design the bride’s andbridesmaid’s makeup the day of the wedding.

In Bloom will supply all flowers and floral designfor the wedding day.

Maggie Crisler will design and print thesave-the-date cards and will

design the invitations.

Tastebuds is providing a custom-designedcake for the groom.

Signature Smile will supply the KöR WhiteningSystem for the bride and groom as well as Sheer

White kits for every bridesmaid and groomsman.

Terramé Salon will provide hairstylingfor the bride and her bridesmaids.

Finery will provide $500 off the bridal gown,$25 off any bridal trim/veil/headpiece,

and 15% off any lingerie. They will also give thegroom one complimentary Forage bow tie.

Armosa Studios is giving our lucky coupleengagement photos, bridal photos, and

complete wedding day coverage.

LOOKING FOR IDEAS FOR YOUR PERFECT WEDDING?Our winning couple will be blogging about their experience as they planthe perfect wedding. Follow them at alabamaperfectwedding.com and

get ideas for your wedding, too!

RUTH VON SAURMAHUNTSVILLE’S COUNTESS



legant and sharp as ever after all these years, Ruth sits in the liv-ing room of her Huntsville home and shares her life’s journeys.Her story is like a thrilling novel, her character complex in itsmany roles: student, countess, military and POW wife, refugee,mother, immigrant, NASA translator, international relations spe-cialist, widow, grandmother, community volunteer,great-grandmother. She has experienced the darkness of war andthe blaze of man’s launch to the moon; the chill of isolation in her

homeland and the warmth from strangers in a new country; the turbulence of anuncertain future and the peace of a life well-lived. Her story begins in 1921.

“I was born in Frankfurt and mostly grew up in Berlin,” Ruth began, with a gentlevoice and soft European accent. “Berlin was in an exciting time. I was part of theopening Olympic games in Berlin in 1936. They selected a number of students toparticipate. It was not as elaborate as the opening ceremonies are today, but it wasan awesome sight I must say.”

Ruth had a love for music and languages early on, which were encouraged by herparents who took her along to operas and symphonies. Ruth even attended college,rare for women at the time, where she studied languages. But because it was war-time, classes were abbreviated, and she was required to work.

“I was restricted to join a German company that serviced the military and aircraftindustry,” Ruth explained. “If you were not married and did not have any children,everyone had to work during the war, so I had to join the company.”

In time, Ruth was transferred to the company’s French subsidiary and lived in Pariswith a girlfriend.

“Paris had been occupied by German troops, but life for everyone was still very fas-cinating,” Ruth recalled. “Paris was such a charming city; it really was not scary. Infact, we had a very interesting and charming life over there. It was an amusing timeand a happy time. I met my husband there in Paris.”

Her husband, Count Friedrich von Saurma, was born of nobility to a prominent fam-ily and with a love for flying became Lieutenant Colonel in the German Air Force. In1944, Ruth and Friedrich married in Paris, and Ruth joined him on the northern Ger-man coast in Peenemünde, one of the world’s most modern technological facilities,

If you’ve ever had the chance to sit down with a 90 year old, you know they have a lifetime of stories to tell. But you’d be hard-pressed to find another 90 year old with a story as remarkable as Ruth Gräfin von Saurma’s.

E

“WHENEVER YOU START WITH PRACTICALLY NOTHING, EACH IMPROVEMENT,AS MODEST AS IT MAY BE, GIVES YOU AN EXHILARATING FEELING OF SUCCESS.”

RUTH VON SAURMA

TEXT BY LAURA ANDERS LEE » PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD

Facing page:Ruth von Saurmalooks through ascrapbook, filledwith photos andpersonal notes ofadventures.


where he was stationed. Thiswould be the first of around adozen times they would be forcedto move over the coming years.

Friedrich, with experience inrocket development, was put incharge of testing and develop-ment for the V1 ballistic missile.Also stationed at Peenemündewas Wernher von Braun, but the two would not work togetheruntil nine years later.

The couple spent a happy summer together on Friedrich’s sail-boat on the Baltic Sea, and Ruth soon became pregnant. Butwith the Soviets advancing steadily through eastern Germany,it was evident the area would not be safe for a new baby. Eightmonths pregnant, Ruth went to stay with her roommate from

Paris, who was now living in the Province of Thuringia in cen-tral Germany.

“Not knowing if, when, and where we could see each otheragain, we said a brave, brief farewell to each other,” Ruthrecalled. “Accompanied by my husband’s orderly, I boarded anovercrowded train, which already carried a throng of refugeesfrom the eastern provinces of Germany to the west. After end-less hours on and off the train with unscheduled stops in themidst of nowhere and exasperating waiting times, we finallyreached what I had expected to be a safe abode.”

Ruth’s friend, who lived on her mother-in-law’s farm with hersix-month-old boy, gladly welcomed her, despite the fact thatstiff rations would make having another mouth to feed chal-lenging. Ruth delivered baby Lily 10 days early at a nearbyclinic, but with the strain of childbirth and lack of supplies, shedeveloped a severe cold and infection and couldn’t return to

the countryside for three weeks.And soon, even Thuringiabecame too dangerous.

“My husband had orders to leavethe Peenemünde area to avoidfalling into the hands of the fast-approaching Soviet troops,” saidRuth. “He was assigned to an AirForce installation further west.Aware of the danger that Soviettroops would also occupyThuringia, he made a very hurriedand difficult detour to get babyLily and me. Avoiding exposure tolow-flying enemy fighter planes,we eventually reached our newdestination the following day.”

They joined Friedrich’s brother,his wife, and their three childrenat a Protestant Ladies Home.The two families had adjoiningrooms, so small that Lily, thensix weeks old, slept on a pillowin one of their suitcases. Thefamilies made the most of theirsituation, sharing meals together

and even an occasional bottle of wine or liquor, when theywere lucky enough to attain one.

“It was like living on a volcano that is about to erupt, living onthe edge and sometimes even forgetting that this strange inter-lude would soon come to a bitter end,” Ruth said.

Ruth’s premonition was correct. A few weeks later, Friedrichalong with the other officers and troops received orders to sur-

Von Saurma today, and as ayoung child (inset, right)with her family.

RUTH VON SAURMA: HUNTSVILLE’S COUNTESS


render to the Americans. The German Air Force installationwas taken over as a prisoner of war camp. Ruth and her sister-in-law were assigned to live in a farmhouse in a desolate areaof the country.

“One day, I don’t remember exactly when, communicationsfrom my husband in the camp came to a complete halt,” Ruthsaid. “I found out that the British officers had arrived and takenhim, his brother, and three members of his staff to an undis-closed location for interrogation. I was terribly worried thatthe British might impose harsh punishment on all who hadbeen involved in the development of the V1. I was deeply wor-ried and very lonely. The days and weeks passed, I hardlyremember how.”

On May 9, 1945, Germany signed a peace treaty with AlliedForces, ending the fighting and the bomber attacks. But con-ditions were still harsh with Stalin’s control over much ofGermany. Friedrich remained a prisoner of war but was trans-ferred to another camp, where he was able to contact Ruth. Heand his brother were granted permission to work at a nearby

radio and electrical appliances shop, and they were even ableto rent a room in a house and reunite with their families.

“Weeks and months passed, and my husband and his brotherstarted to make great plans to open a radio shop in nearby Eck-ernföerde, a beautiful small city on the coast of the Baltic Sea.There was no possibility to return to their native Silesia in east-ern Germany, nor for us to return to ravaged Berlin, fromwhich my parents had fled after their home had been bombed.Amazingly enough, my husband’s and his brother’s petition tolive in the local economy was granted. They simply had toreport to the camp once a week.”

But while life in Eckernföerde was somewhat better, there werehundreds of unemployed engineers in the area with fiercecompetition for work. When Friedrich was released as a pris-oner of war, they moved again to Frankfurt. The family wasseparated once again as Lily went to live with Ruth’s parentsuntil Ruth and Friedrich secured jobs, saved money, and founda suitable apartment.

“ACTUALLY I DO NOT DWELL OFTEN ON THE PAST, WHICH HAS ITS GOOD POINTSBUT RATHER DISMAL MEMORIES. I PREFER MAKING PLANS FOR THE COMING WEEKS ANDMONTHS AND FOCUSING ON WHAT IS GOING ON TODAY OR TOMORROW.” —RUTH VON SAURMA

“Whenever you start with practically nothing, each improve-ment, as modest as it may be, gives you an exhilarating feelingof success,” said Ruth. “There were about 13 million other Ger-man refugees like us in the eastern zone who had lostpractically everything and had arrived with suitcases like wehad. Of course, we realized that it had been our own countryand our own people under Hitler’s ruthless dictatorship whichwere responsible for the innumerable tragedies and awesomecruelties of the war.”

For the next few years, they made ends meet. But the econ-omy was bleak. “The chances in Germany were pretty dismal.There was no longer an aircraft industry, and my husband wasan enthusiastic pilot. In 1953, when my husband receivedanother job offer from the U.S. Department of Defense, witha chance to live and work under more promising circum-stances, we decided to give it a good try.”

So the couple boldly moved across the Atlantic Ocean to NewYork in November of 1953 with their daughter Lily, who waseight years old. When Wernher von Braun learned his old

Von Saurma with Wernher von Braun


acquaintance had moved to America, he asked Friedrich tocome to Huntsville where von Braun had been working withthe U.S. Army to develop ballistic missiles and rockets at Red-stone Arsenal.

“We met them when we were in New York,” recalled Ruth. “Wehad dinner with him and his charming wife, Maria. My hus-band decided then to jointhe Huntsville team, due tothe very contagious enthu-siasm von Braun had forrockets for space flight. Hisbrilliant, cheerful, andhumorous personalitymade us decide to go toHuntsville.”

The von Saurmas hadnever heard of Huntsville,much less Alabama, butthey felt that if a man likevon Braun could live there,they could, too. (Although it

is interesting to note that at

the 1936 Olympics in Berlin

where Ruth attended, the

star athlete was North Alabama native Jesse Owens.)

“Of course everything was new for us,” Ruth said. “We movedinto a small cottage on Monte Sano Boulevard, where many ofthe German colleagues lived, and later in one of those primi-tive cottages at the state park. What was great was the feelingthat this was a vast country with many opportunities, and thatwe were able to buy a piece of property and were very soonable to make plans to build a house. We moved into our housein November of 1954. I had tremendous help from Americanneighbors who were very cordial and welcoming.”

Ruth immediately became involved in the Huntsville commu-nity. She joined the Garden Club, the German Club, andbecame board member of the international visitors counsel,arranging visits for foreign travelers. Friedrich loved his workwith von Braun, and the whole town was abuzz in conversa-tion regarding rocketry and space flight.

“The assignment my husband enjoyed most was being theproject engineer for the Dinosaur,” Ruth recalled. “Dinosaurwas the precursor, so-to-speak, of the space shuttle. It was notjust a rocket but a piloted space plane that you could steeryourself. As a former pilot, he didn’t like the idea of just sittingon a rocket. He liked the idea you could control the descentfrom space.”

Friedrich then joined theteam of the Saturn ApolloLunar Program, whichreplaced the Dinosaur.

In January 1958, Explorer1, the first U.S. satellite,launched into space usingthe Jupiter C rocket thatvon Braun’s Jet PropulsionLaboratory developed as aresponse to the SovietUnion’s Sputnik just threemonths before. With thatsuccess, von Braunreceived an avalanche ofmail, including congratula-tory notes and requests

from visitors and journalists. In February, he hired Ruth as apart-time translator and secretary to help answer mail.

“I was delighted when I finally got the opportunity to workwith von Braun,” Ruth said. “It really was a challenge to workfor von Braun and everyone on his team. We were so inspiredby the idea that he was doing something that was never donebefore: getting beyond the atmosphere. Those were the thingsthat kept us enthralled. It really was fascinating.”

Besides working together, Ruth and Friedrich spent time withthe von Brauns socially. Both men being pilots, the couplesoften traveled together. In fact, Ruth and Maria even took fly-ing lessons at the request of their husbands, in case they wereneeded in the air.

“One of our favorite flying excursions was down to Fort Mor-gan and New Orleans, and I remember going to Calloway

“IT WAS A VERY EXCITING TIME. AT THE LAUNCH PAD, THE HUGE SATURN VWAS ILLUMINATED BY A SERIES OF SEARCHLIGHTS FORMING A BRILLIANT STAR

AGAINST THE SKY. TO BE ABLE TO LAUNCH SOMETHING TO THE MOON…YOU REALLY CANNOT DESCRIBE THE EXCITEMENT THAT WE HAD. AND THE RELIEF

WHEN THE HUGE SATURN V TOOK OFF…IT WAS MIND BOGGLING.” —RUTH VON SAURMA

The von Saurma family: Friedrich, Lily, and Ruth


MARCH/APRIL 2013 | NOALAPRESS.COM | 69

Gardens with my husband,” Ruth recalled. “He always said themost dangerous part of flying was driving to the airport.”

In 1960 when Lily began attending boarding school in Missis-sippi, Ruth started working full-time for von Braun. She andher husband even rode together to work.

“Von Braun’s mother was intelligent,” said Ruth. “And I alwayssay that a man with an intelligent mother appreciates womenwho are intelligent.”

One day before work, Friedrich wasn’t feeling well and Ruthwent on without him. When she called him that morning andhe didn’t answer, she drove home at lunch to check on him,and he had died, at the age of 53. Ruth never remarried.

“He was just too unusual and unique,” said Ruth. “He’s incom-parable.”

Ruth continued to work for von Braun, who had become thedirector of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and chiefarchitect for the Saturn V. Over the years, her job evolved tointernational relations and public information specialist.

“On my job, I got a unique insight into the complexity of rockettechnology and in particular the vast array of public relationsbehind the U.S. rocket and space program,” Ruth said.

The highlight of Ruth’s career came on July 16, 1969 when theSaturn V propelled Apollo 11 to the moon. Still pitch dark at5:00 a.m., Ruth climbed onto a helicopter with von Braun andwriter Cornelius Ryan to meet a French jet which included U.S.


Ambassador Sergeant Shriver and French VIPs. The group hadbreakfast at the airport, where von Braun welcomed the guestswith remarks Ruth had prepared for him in French. Then, Ruthescorted the European group to the viewing site.

“It was a very exciting time,” she said. “At the launch pad, thehuge Saturn V was illuminated by a series of searchlights form-ing a brilliant star against the sky. To be able to launchsomething to the moon…you really cannot describe the excite-ment that we had. And the relief when the huge Saturn V tookoff…it was mind boggling.”

Ruth stayed at the Marshall Space Flight Center and contin-ued to work for von Braun even after he transferred toAlexandria, Virginia. She retired in 1982. “The space shuttlehad already flown, and there was no longer the excitement ofthe Apollo launches and the Skylab launch.”

In 1988, Ruth received a Cross of Merit from the Republic ofGermany, an honor equivalent to the United Kingdom’sknighthood or France’s Legion of Honor. The General Consulof Germany came to Huntsville to present the award to Ruth.

But still she did not slow down. Ruth took classes at the Uni-versity of Alabama Huntsville to learn more about Alabamahistory. She bought a Federal-style house in Twickenham,which reminded her of her childhood home in Berlin.

After attending Georgetown, Ruth’s daughter Lily moved toGermany, but Ruth decided to stay in Huntsville. Today, she vis-its her daughter, her granddaughter, and great-grandson twice ayear in Munich, and Lily comes to Huntsville twice a year. Ruthhas visited Berlin a few times, but it does not feel the same.

“Actually I do not dwell often on the past, which has its goodpoints but rather dismal memories,” said Ruth. “I prefer mak-ing plans for the coming weeks and months and focusing onwhat is going on today or tomorrow. I am deeply grateful formy family, friends, and neighbors who have been enriching mylife in so many ways.”

Ruth is a member of a study circle, antiquarian society, theHuntsville Historic Foundation, and Burritt on the Mountain.Ruth plays bridge every week, attends the Church of the Nativ-ity, and continues to love and support the arts, especiallymusic. She is involved with both the Chamber Music Guildand the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. And she continuesto be in touch with Maria von Braun.

Ruth also plans to write down her life story, at the request ofher granddaughter. And what a good read that will be. Whilesome have a lifetime of stories, Ruth has the story of a lifetime.People like Ruth von Saurma only come along once in a bluemoon.


72 » scene

Above: Huntsville Junior League Heritage Cookbook Release Party

DECEMBER 7, 2012 LAWREN’S, HUNTSVILLE

Below: Painted Violin Society Unveiling PartyFEBRUARY 7, 2013 SERVIS1ST BANK, HUNTSVILLE

Alisha Daniels, Alison Cannon, Mrs. Culver and Courtney Green

Nicole Schroerand Barbie Peek

Jennifer Swobodaand Nicole Schroer

Junior League of HuntsvilleMembers

Emily Stone and Jennifer Swoboda

Cara Greco and Talitha Yokley

Kay Eastin and Andy Kattos

Jennifer Doss andAllen Tomlinson

Susan Todd and Frances Huffman

Lu Downey and Jean Wessel TempletonPaula Renfroe, Beth Wise,

and Samantha Bentley

Paula Renfroe and Joanna Hutchens

Mrs. David H. Culver

Violin donatedby:

Artist Patrick CulpepperPEPPERCOTTON

Painted Violin Society and the FREE Family Concert are proudly sponsored by

CrescenDough Auction Presenting Sponsor:


Luckily for those of us who are challenged in the patience andmath departments, as well as those who are new to bread bak-

ing of any kind, my old cooking teacher, Nathalie Dupree, and her friend,Cynthia Graubert, have come up with a method that is much quicker andproduces very good results. The recipe can be found in their new book,Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking, which I was honored to help proof-

read, and which I highly recommend. (I also recommend theirbook Southern Biscuits, if for no other recipe than the yogurt-cream biscuits.) If you mix up the bread dough after breakfast,you will be set for dinner. I promise this recipe is as foolproof asanything can be and is so rustic and yummy, especially spreadwith European-style higher-fat butter. (My motto for life: Youhave to die of something, and at least I’ll be happy. Butter is mybest friend.)

Some tips: I use organic Gold Medal or King Arthur all-purposeflour, both of which are available locally. You can substitute one

cup of white whole wheat flour for one cup of all-purpose if you are feel-ing virtuous, but I admit I like the all-white flour version better. I buy SAFinstant yeast in a 16-ounce bag from kingarthur.com, since yeast keeps inthe refrigerator for a couple of years, and I make a lot of pizza dough. Ihave had good results baking this bread in a Le Creuset pot and in a pot-tery casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid. You could even use your mama’s

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, A BAKER IN NEW YORK, JIM LAHEY, CAME UPWITH AN INNOVATIVE WAY TO PRODUCE EUROPEAN-STYLE BREADAT HOME, using very little yeast, a wet dough, long rising time, and bak-ing in a closed, preheated pot. With the first bite, you are transported to aplace where good bread truly is the staff of life. It’s well worth experi-menting with—just Google “Jim Lahey no-knead bread.” The drawback to

this method is the need to plan 24 hours ahead, including count-ing backwards for when to begin the various stages (on yourfingers, in my case) in order to have the bread appear in all itsglory at the exact right moment to dazzle your friends.

74 » food for thought » Sarah Gaede

I promise this recipe is as foolproofas anything can be, and is so rusticand yummy, especially spread withEuropean-style, higher-fat butter.

Why Not Bake Your Own Artisan Bread?

Mix

Wrap

Wait

Bake

© SA

RAH

GA

EDE


No-Knead Artisan Bread

• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour • 1 package (2-1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt• 1-1/2 cups room-temperature water• No-stick cooking spray

Spray the inside of a gallon-size plastic zip bag with cook-ing spray. Whisk flour, yeast, and salt together in a bowl.Stir in water to barely combine the ingredients. It’s okayif some flour is left behind. Do not knead. Dump the con-tents of the bowl into the plastic bag, seal the bag, and letsit for about four to eight hours in a warm room (at least70 degrees) until it looks bubbly.

When dough is ready, put a four- to six-quart heavy cov-ered oven-safe pot or casserole in the oven. (The lid is onthe pot when you are heating it up.) Turn the oven to 450degrees. Lightly flour the counter; slide the dough out ofthe bag onto the floured surface. Gently fold dough inhalf, and return to the bag. Let dough rest for 30 minuteswhile the oven is heating.

After 30 minutes, armed with oven mitts or heavypotholders and moving quickly and carefully, remove thevery hot pot from the oven, set it on the stove top (to pro-tect the counter) and close the oven door. Remove the lidand set it aside. Quickly and gently take the dough out ofthe bag and set it in the hot pot. Jiggle the pot to centerthe dough (don’t forget oven mitts!), cover with the lid,and return to the hot oven. Bake 30 minutes; remove lidand bake uncovered another 15 to 30 minutes, untilbread is browned and crisp on the outside. If it appears tobe browning too quickly, turn the oven down to 400degrees. The bread is done when the internal temperaturereaches 195 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, or itsounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pan and coolon a rack. Lather on butter and enjoy.

Bread lasts up to four days at room temperature, or maybe frozen for up to three months. It makes great toast—with butter and jam! To recrisp crust, heat in a 400 degreeoven for 10-15 minutes.

cornflower Corning Ware casserole. Lodge makes a 6 1/2-enameled cast-iron Dutch oven for a fraction of the cost of anequivalent Le Creuset pot. Target sells them for under $55. Youcan also find good deals on enameled cast-iron pots at TJMaxx. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you need to run out andbuy one right now, even if you don’t use it for bread. It’s mygo-to pot for soups, stews, and pasta sauce. A good one willlast you for the rest of your life.

Serve this bread with something simple and rustic, like a heartysoup or stew. It’s great for sopping up gravy. I confess I havebeen known to spread butter on top, and then sop, for a dou-ble portion of deliciousness. After all, the bread itself is fat-free.

Jayla

“Mr. Harvey. He is a police officer that passed awayfive years ago today. I look up to him for his bravery.”

—Jayla Corbin

76 » back talk » Claire Stewart

Who is the mostinspirational person you have

ever met, and why?

Adam

“Nick Saban. When I met him, he had such ademanding presence. He seems to have an amazing

way with engaging people when he speaks.”—Adam Brooks

Jacqueline

“My husband and son. Every day they give meunconditional love that I can never thank them

enough for.” —Jacqueline Pettus

Dannielle

“Dr. Leslie Barrilleaux, my boss. She makes measpire to be the best I can be at my job and pushes

me beyond what I think I can do.” —Dannielle Martin

Mercedes

“Michelle Obama. She is inspirational in the wayshe carries herself and the way she supports her

husband through thick and thin.” —Mercedes Palmer

Fred

“My six-year-old daughter. Her words and statementsin her few years constantly amaze me and I only have

to assume that they are from God.” —Fred Hankey

Seth

“My Father. He has always been there for meand made me work to be an amazing husband

and father like he is.” —Seth Selvage


Jeremy

“A college professor of mine named Tim Hardy.He always cared for his students and made class

enjoyable.” —Jeremy Batey

Tim

“Ben Blacknall, my college football coach atAlabama A&M. He was the first person to offer me

a scholarship and has always believed in me andpushed me to do my best.” —Tim Tillman

Kim

“My preacher David Jones. He was theultimate peacemaker—the most calm and level-

headed person I have ever met.” —Kim Brewer

Kendra

“My Grandmother. She is a strong and brave womanand I don’t think I have ever heard her complain.”

—Kendra Selvage

Travis

“David Cunningham. He is was a great teacher andperson to look up to, who always made sure his stu-dents had a good foundation when they left school.”

—Travis Batey


78 » back talk » Who is the most inspirational person you have ever met, and why?

Lynda

“My husband. He keeps our whole familygrounded and always keeps us motivated even

through hard times.” —Lynda Hankey


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80 » the vine » Amy Collins

CHABLIS IS ALWAYS CHARDONNAY, BUT CHARDONNAY IS NOT ALWAYS CHABLIS.

We’re not talking about the ubiquitous cheap white jug wine out of California thatcalls itself Chablis (which some of us shamelessly guzzled back in college). Chablis,the original and only, is a region in France, and considered part of Burgundy. Likewhite Burgundy, Chablis is made from 100% Chardonnay grape. Surprised?

Many times over the years I’ve heard customers in restaurants, retail stores andfriends in casual conversation declare, “I hate Chardonnay.” And I love to ask, “Doyou like Chablis?” The answer has always been yes. Most wine drinkers associateChardonnay with a California wine, high in alcohol, rich and buttery with vanillaand tropical fruit aromas and a slick, oily taste on the tongue. This is of course ageneralization of American Chardonnay, most of which would fall in the inexpen-sive category. There are several reasons for that flavor profile, primarily involvinghow the wine is treated in the winery. The story of Chablis, however, is far less tech-nically manipulated, with a focus on what happens in the vineyard, not in the winery.The dry, flinty, fresh style of Chablis is driven by the region’s climate, its soil and thegrape itself. This is what we talk about when we talk about terroir.

You might argue that Chablis is the truestexpression of Chardonnay. With long,

cold winters and short, hot sum-mers, the area naturally raisesgrapes with high acidity and loweralcohol levels than the standardCalifornia version. The grapes are

typically fermented very simply,often without significant manipu-lation in the winemaking process,

including no new oak barrels(though not always) and made instead

in stainless steel tanks, which do not affect theflavor of the wine. Chablis is always dry. Growers battle every year with the

threat of spring frost, which can kill off new shoots and reduce a crop to lit-tle or nothing. Nature’s rule of grape-growing dictates the colder a winter and spring,the higher the acidity of the grapes. Acidity makes a wine feel leaner, more welcom-ing of food and easier to drink. Acidity gives a wine freshness, which Chablis loverschampion.

The other major factor that makes Chablis such an interesting wine is the soil inwhich it is grown. The Oxford Companion to Wine by Jancis Robinson, M.W., tellsus the rock basin under the vineyards is roughly 180 million years old, layered withlimestone, clay, and ancient tiny fossilized oyster shells, from way back when Europewas under water and dinosaurs roamed our small earth. Geologists have named thisparticular soil combination ‘Kimmeridgien.’ Chablis producers and wine expertsbelieve it is the unique elements of the Kimmeridgien which gives Chablis its steely,mineral quality (often called ‘flinty’ or ‘gun flint’), setting it apart from all otherChardonnays.

Chablis—Refreshing and Food-Friendly

If you’re a cheeselover with an

extra 25 bucks inpocket, try

Burgundy’sfamous pungent,

gooey, eat-it-with-a-spoon

Époisses.


Beginner’s Sipper (under $20)Jean-Marc Brocard Bourgogne Chardonnay ‘Kim-meridgien’ 2010—easy on the wallet, easy on thepalate, a good introduction to the dry, flinty quali-ties of Chablis.

Knows Just Enough to Make Trouble ($20-$35)Roland Lavantureux Petit Chablis 2009—this pro-ducer’s Petit Chablis often outshines his Chablis,depending on vintage, and especially for themoney.

High Roller’s Cuveé ($50+)Vincent Dauvissat Grand Cru ‘Les Preuses’ or ‘LesClos’ 2009—considered among the best Chablismoney can buy, rare gems, hard to find, and totallyworth it.

So now you know why you like Chablis, or why you should tryit—great lean acidity that refreshes and makes you want to drinkmore, an appealing fruit profile of tart green apples that makesyou want to eat more, and a dry, mineral touch that doesn’twhack you over the head and make you feel 25 and stupid again(because really, who wants to be 25 again?)

Pairing Chablis and food is relatively easy. Because it has greatacidity, it welcomes food, and with its tart fruit flavors, it workswell alongside creamy dishes with butter or cream-basedsauces, like a delicate white fish or sea scallops in beurre blanc,an omelet with fresh herbs and goat cheese, butter braisedcucumbers (see Fanny Farmer) with fish, or a simple roastchicken and green vegetable, well buttered, of course.

If you’re a cheese lover with an extra 25 bucks in pocket, tryBurgundy’s famous pungent, gooey, eat-it-with-a-spoonÉpoisses. Allow the cheese to warm to near room tempera-ture, carefully chase one spoonful—forget the bread—with aswallow of Chablis, allow total peace and satisfaction to washover your body, and repeat.

When selecting a bottle of Chablis, keep in mind the four basicqualifying tiers: Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Chablis, and Petit-Chablis, the latter coming from vineyards on the very lowestpart of the slope and Grand Cru wines from the highest andbest producing part of the area’s sloping vineyards.

82 » parting shot » Leslie Adair Photography & Design

Debra Jenkins and kids from her many children’s programs

No'Ala Huntsville, March/April 2013

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