Debutantes

Sep

12

2018 Symphony Ball Advisors Announced

Press Release For further information, call
From Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild Jennifer Lapidus, 256-520-6175
September 11, 2018

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild’s long-standing tradition continues in 2018, as Symphony Ball Chairwoman, Debbie Washburn, named her Ball advisors for the year and hosted them at an end-of-summer social on Sunday, August 26, 2018. A select group of the community’s distinguished men in positions of civic leadership are chosen annually to provide business and financial advice to the Ball Chair and support the event.

To show appreciation for their service to the Guild, Debbie and her Ball Committee hosted the men and their spouses at an Advisors’ Dinner party in their honor at the home of Debbie and Ben Washburn. Dinner food provided by Bruce Roy of Belle Fleur, included an outstanding menu including a Five Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin Carving station with Cocktail Croissants and Horseradish Sauce, Shrimp and Chicken Creole with Saffron Rice, Bacon wrapped Almond Dates, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, and Prosciutto wrapped Mango. The desserts were delicious Mini Cheesecake Bites with Praline and Chocolate Sauce Toppings and Embassy Key Lime Pie.

The Symphony Ball will be held on October 27th in the Von Braun Center North hall. It will be the 55th Ball held to benefit our community by supporting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild established the Symphony Ball as a major fundraiser for the orchestra in 1964.

First row…Randy Roper, Brian Scholl, George Lewis. Ben Washburn, Patrick Robbins Second row…John Wilmer, Ken Rivenbark (master of ceremonies), Norm Tew, John Johnson, Richard Clay, Carl Humphries

First row… George Lewis, Randy Roper, Brian Scholl, Debbie Washburn, Ben Washburn, Patrick Robbins 2nd row… John Wilmer, Ken Rivenbark (MoC), Norm Tew, John Johnson, Richard Clay, Carl Humphries

The 2018 Symphony Ball advisors are as follows:

Dr. Richard Lloyd Clay is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon at the Heart Center. He is married to Julie Huettel Clay. His civic interests and activities include the Huntsville Museum of Art. Professional associations are Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Diplomate of the American Board of Thoracic Surgeons. He has been honored as the physician of the year for the American Heart Association. Richard’s hobbies are golf, travel, collecting art and he is an audiophile.

Dr. Carl Arthur Humphries, is a Doctor of Medical Dentistry who established his practice in Arab, Alabama. He is married to Luanne Shivers Humphries. Carl is a member of the American Dental Association and the Alabama Dental Association. He enjoys gardening, landscaping, fitness and traveling to his favorite destination in Key West, Florida.

Dr. John Dee Johnson, Jr. is a Neurosurgeon at SportsMED and is married to Kim Floyd Johnson. His civic interests and activities include the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board Member 2005-2015, Auburn University College of Science and Mathematics Advisory Board and Von Braun Center Board of Control. John is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons. His hobbies are family travel, hiking, biking and scuba diving.

Mr. George Edson Lewis is a Colonel, US Army retired. He is married to Anne Carns Lewis. His civic interests and activities include Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville and Burritt on the Mountain volunteer. George is a member of the Military Officers Association of America. He enjoys travel and reading.

Mr. Patrick Adair Robbins is the Director of Professional Services Revenue Cycle at Huntsville Hospital. He is married to John Christopher Wesley. Patrick’s enjoys the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and has served on the Board of Trustees, Thrive Alabama former Board member and volunteer. His hobbies are music, reading and pottery.

Mr. John Randolph Roper is owner of Randy Roper Interiors. His civic interests include serving as President of the Twickenham Historic Preservation District Association, and he is a past member of Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board and the Foundation Board of the Huntsville Museum of Art. Randy’s honors include Path of Honor, Senior Center; Honoree at 1st American Diabetes Association Roast and a recipient of the Nell Oliver Award, Huntsville Museum of Art.
Dr. Brian Michael Scholl is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at The Orthopaedic Center. He is married to Catherine Ritter Scholl. His civic interests include being a member of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board. Brian is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. His hobbies are fishing, hunting, reading, astronomy and computers.
Mr. Norman Edward Tew is Vice President and General Manager, Boeing Missile and Weapon Systems. He is married to Kathi Goedert Tew. His civic interests and activities include Greengate School for Dyslexia Board President, Auburn University Research Advisory Board, and Hudson Alpha Ambassador. Norm’s honors include Aviation Week’s Defense Grand Laureate Award (2015, 2018), National Space Club’s Nelson P. Jackson Award (2018), National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Leadership Excellence (2017), Auburn University Electrical Engineering Alumni of the Year (2018), Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Norm’s hobbies are jet skiing, coin collecting, gardening and golf.
Dr. Thomas Benton Washburn, Jr. is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon at the Heart Center. He is married to Deborah Glover Washburn. His civic interests include the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees. Ben’s professional associations include Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Member of Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Diplomate of the American Board of Thoracic Surgeons. He was honored to be the American Heart Association’s Physician of the Year 2017. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, knife and firearm collecting.
Mr. John Anthony Wilmer is a Shareholder at Wilmer and Lee, P.A. He is married to Sylvia Tucker Wilmer. His civic interests include the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce: Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI). John’s professional associations are the Alabama State Bar; Huntsville-Madison County Bar; Pennsylvania Bar Association; Huntsville Industrial Group (HIG), Executive Director, 2014 – present. His honors include Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2016; Lawyer of the Year, 2014 and 2015 in Huntsville and Madison County; Best Lawyers in America, 2007 – present; Alabama Super Lawyers, 2010 – present; AV rated for Preeminent Lawyers, 36 continuous years. John and Sylvia enjoy traveling.
Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Kenneth Ray Rivenbark is owner of Rivenbark & Roper Antiques. Ken is a 20-year veteran educator who has served as a national education consultant with an emphasis on training educators in the teaching of writing and was listed in “Who’s Who Among Top Teachers“ in 1998, 2005 and 2007. In 2006, he authored “Poetry and Prose Prompts: A Quick Guide to Teaching Writing Style.” He created and hosted the cable television show “Southern Heirlooms with Ken Rivenbark” from 2014-2017. Ken is a graduate of Leadership Huntsville/Madison County, Class 22. He serves as an Ambassador for Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology and a member of Downtown Huntsville, Incorporated. Ken has served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Governor’s Mansion in Montgomery, the Huntsville/Madison County Library Foundation Board of Directors, and the Advisory Board of the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees and the Huntsville Museum of Art Foundation Board of Directors. Ken is a member of Church of the Nativity in Huntsville.

Jun

21

Painting With Debs

The Debutantes of 2018 kicked off their season with a “Painting with Debs”
party on Saturday, May 19, 2018 hosted by the parents of the Honorees, Mary
Elliott Aderholt, Kate Brown, Elizabeth Giles Calvert, Abbie Childs, Betsy
Hamm, Rachel Junen, Bradley Plott, Raquel Scherlis, Julia Shoemake, Cayla
Whitehurst and Ana Worthington.

As they arrived, the Debs were greeted by the Honorees and their Mothers at
the Commons at Randolph School. The girls wore a variety of casual outfits
ranging from rompers and shorts to light sundresses.

The morning began with a light lunch featuring Chick-Fil-A nuggets with
Chick-Fil-A sauce, chips, fruit, water and Milo’s Tea and was polished off
by a dessert of brownies and the traditional Debutante Dress cookies
accented with pearl and sparkle candies. The table featured a tablecloth of
turquoise, lime green and navy blue medallions with the center of the table
anchored by a gorgeous flower arrangement created by Glenn’s Florist using a
container provided by Judy Worthington. It contained a spring mix of white
and blue Hydrangeas, blush Roses, pink Peonies, orange Tiger Lilies and
other sundry mixes.

After lunch, special guest, Leslie Lockhart, lent her artistic talents to
guide and instruct the girls in painting their very own Debutantes. They
were given boards on which to paint and a lovely array of colors to mix as
they pleased. Leslie encouraged and assisted each of the girls in creating
their own unique designs. Along with the painting itself, each of the
girls received a purple and white gingham smock with their initials
monogrammed in white on the pocket.

It was a beautiful day and fun was had by all. The girls not only created a
forever keepsake from their Debutante party, but also lasting memories to
take with them always.

May

23

2018 Symphony Ball Debutantes Begin Social Season with Afternoon Tea

Press Release For further information, call
From Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild Jennifer Lapidus, 256-520-6175
For Release May 22, 2018

2018 Symphony Ball Debutantes Begin Social Season with Afternoon Tea

2018 Symphony Ball debutantes and their mothers enjoyed a lovely afternoon Tea, Wednesday, May 16th at the beautiful home of Guild member, Pamela Gann. The previous year’s Ball Chairman hosts the annual event and this year, Patti Thornton continued the tradition. The Debutante Tea marks the official start of the Debutante social season.

Attending the event were the 37 young women who will make their debut at the 55th Symphony Ball, October 27, together with their mothers, and the members of the 2018 Ball Committee, past Guild Presidents and officers, past Ball Chairmen, and the wives of the Ball advisors.

Guests were greeted by Pamela, along with 2018 Ball Chairman, Debbie Washburn, and Symphony Guild President, Marie Newberry. A silver wine cooler filled with beautiful spring flowers graced the dining room table. The silver container was given in 1993 by past Ball Chairman, in memory of Robin Lanier Stewart, 1988 Ball Chairman. It has been used every year at the Debutante Tea since 1993.

The young women enjoyed catching up after their freshman year of college as they savored the delicious tea menu selected by Patti. The Tea was catered by Carlton’s Catering and included a variety of delicacies including country ham and biscuits, chicken salad in pastry shells, cheese ring with fresh fruit, tomato and cucumber sandwiches, and variety of sweets that included strawberry and chocolate bites and iced lemon shortbread cookies. The centerpiece in the dining room, as well as the flowers in the den, was towering arrangements by In Bloom Floral Design Studio, with beautiful spring flowers of white and pink roses, pink peonies, snapdragons, lilies and orchids. The den flowers were arranged in a beautiful, gold, footed container and were the first peek at the containers that are going to be used at the 2018 Symphony Ball. Punch and sparkling grape juice were served by past Ball Chairmen and past Presidents Suzanne O’Conner, Penny Bashore, Betty Tomlin, Rosalie Smith, Nancy Colin and Margaret Vann.

The young ladies shared plans for the summer season parties and looked forward to the community service projects and their own celebrations.

The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefiting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

May

29

2017 Symphony Ball to Present 42 Debutantes

Huntsville Country Club provided a scenic setting for photographs of the 42 young women who will make their debut at the 2017 Symphony Ball October 28th. The young women enjoyed their first week of the season with three activities: the Debutante Tea at the home of Mrs. Ernest Wayne Bonner, a special Debutantes and Presenters event at Huntsville Country Club, and two service projects: one for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and the other for Huntsville Hospital. They continue the time-honored Huntsville tradition, which begins anew this summer.

The Symphony Ball, held since 1964, is an annual major fundraising event for the Huntsville’s own professional Symphony Orchestra. It entails many hours of work by the event sponsor, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild. Patti Thornton is chairwoman of the 2017 Ball, and this year will be the 54th Ball.

The 2017 debutantes, having completed their freshman year at college, look forward to an exciting season of social activities with their families and friends. The Symphony Ball season will culminate with their debuts at a gala event on October 28th in the Von Braun Center North Hall.

Following is a list of the 2017 debutantes, their parents, their high schools, and colleges:

Peyton Leigh Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Todd Brown, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama

Callie McGinn Campbell, daughter of Ms. Jenifer Campbell and Dr. Allen Campbell, Huntsville High school, Auburn University

Catherine Mae Cape, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Lee Cape, Whitesburg Christian Academy, Mississippi College

Hannah Page Clayton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Clayton, Randolph School, Furman University

Sydney Grace Cole, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy John Cole, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama

Sarah Grace Copeland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Graham Copeland, Randolph School, University of Alabama

Molly Kathryn Cornelius, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stephen Cornelius, Huntsville High School, Birmingham Southern College

Lillian Grace Couvillon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hanson Lawrence Couvillon, junior, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama

Hayley Cynthia Dent, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Vaden Dent, junior, Covenant Christian Academy, University of Alabama, Huntsville

Melissa Meaghan Dillard, daughter of Mrs. David Wade Skidmore and Mr. William Hale Dillard, Randolph School, Samford University

Victoria Prescott Fennell, daughter of Dr. Angela Saint Fennell and Mr. Raymond Prescott Fennell, Randolph School, Southern Methodist University

Polly Elizabeth Gartrell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Conant Gartrell, junior, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama

Elizabeth Montague Gold, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Joseph Gold, Randolph School, Villanova University

Carol Frances Graffeo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Anthony Graffeo, Huntsville High School, Samford University

Jordan Patricia Hanks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William James Hanks, Huntsville High School, Auburn University

Mary Grace Hash, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Lee Hash II, Randolph School, Wake Forest University

Windham Elizabeth Hunter, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Vernon Ross Hunter, junior, Randolph School, Vanderbilt University

Alexa Anne Janssen, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Eric Wilfred Janssen, Randolph School, University of Alabama

Emory Brennis Johnson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Dee Johnson, junior, Randolph School, Pepperdine University

Macey Ann Johnson, daughter of Ms. Mary Margaret Batson Johnson and Mr. Harold Gregory Johnson, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama

Caroline Olivia Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Gresham Jones, Randolph School, University of Alabama

Megan Cecelia Kesting, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lawrence Kesting, Huntsville High School, Auburn University

Bonnie Nichole Lioce, daughter of Dr. Lori Lioce and Mr. Nick Lioce, Randolph School, Birmingham Southern College

Anne Dillon Loflin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Phifer Loflin, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama

Jordan Elizabeth Loftin, daughter of Ms. Roney Loftin and Mr. Gordon Bartley Loftin III, Randolph School, Birmingham Southern College

Claudia Grace Lynn, daughter of Dr. Susanne Lynn and Mr. Jeffrey Leonard Lynn, Randolph School, Auburn University

Lillian Grace Markwalter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eugene Markwalter, junior, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama

Sarah Alexandra Miner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy James Miner, Independence High School, University of Alabama

Lauren Elle Noller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Christ Noller, junior, Randolph School, Mississippi State University

Elizabeth Chason Norris, daughter of Mrs. Van Valkenburgh Norris and Mr. John Edward Norris, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama

Megan Danielle Pollard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Kirk Pollard, Huntsville High School, Auburn University

Emily Anne Reiney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Keenan Reiney, senior, Randolph School, American University

Hannah Elizabeth Schrimsher, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Lee Schrimsher, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama

Alysa Trotter Sexton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Britt Sexton, Randolph School, University of Alabama

RileyAnne Harrington Sharpe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Bruce Sharpe, Huntsville High School, Centre College

Sally Frances Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Franklin Smith, Huntsville High School, University of Alabama

Evelyn Claire Sutton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stanley Sutton, Huntsville High School, University of North Alabama

Sally Louise Swing, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Anthony Swing, Huntsville High School, Auburn University

Allison Frances Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Leigh Taylor, Huntsville High School, Samford University

Emily Allison Tucker, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Scott Tucker, Huntsville High School, Washington and Lee

Meredith Jane Walker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Winston Clay Walker, Randolph School, Auburn University

Taylor Grace Willis, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Albert Edward Willis II, Huntsville High school, Auburn University

May

22

Symphony Ball to present 42 debutantes

Forty-two young women will make their debut at the Huntsville Symphony
Orchestra Guild 54th Symphony Ball on October 28, 2017. The young women enjoyed their first week of the season with the Debutante Tea at the home of Mrs. Earnest Wayne Bonner, a “Debutantes and Presenters” event at the Huntsville Country Club, and two service projects. They continue the time-honored Huntsville tradition, which begins anew this summer.

 

Front (L to R):
Peyton Brown, Cacky Cape, Melissa Dillard, Sydney Cole, Sarah Grace
Copeland, Molly Kathryn Cornelius, Lily Grace Couvillon
Back (L to R):
Hayley Dent, Callie Campbell, Hannah Page Clayton, Victoria Fennell,
Polly Gartrell, Libby Gold, Carol Graffeo

Front (L to R):
Jordan Hanks, Mary Grace Hash, Windham Hunter, Alexa Janssen, Emory
Johnson, Macey Johnson, Caroline Jones
Back (L to R):
Megan Kesting, Bonnie Lioce, Anne Dillon Loflin, Jordan Loftin,
Claudia Lynn, Lillie Markwalter, Sarah Miner

Front (L to R):
Elle Noller, Lizzy Norris, Megan Pollard, Annie Reiney, Hannah
Schrimsher, Aly Sexton, RileyAnne Sharpe
Back (L to R):
Sally Frances Smith, Evie Sutton, Sally Swing, Allison Taylor,
Meredith Walker, Taylor Willis Not pictured: Emily Tucker

May

19

Huntsville Symphony Ball debutantes participate in two service projects

 

Each year, the Symphony Ball debutantes participate in a community service project and seminar as part of the beginning of the debutante season. Proceeds from the Symphony Ball benefit the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. To highlight music and community service, this year the event joined efforts with two local organizations: the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. The Service Project and Seminar, which was held Friday, the 19th of May, 2017, started with the debutantes gathering at the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra office.

Sharon Hicks, Director of Education of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra (HSO), led the debutantes in their first service project of the day, as they cleaned the violins for the Huntsville Symphony School’s third grade violin program. Ms. Hicks provided a history lesson to the group on the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony School and provided an impromptu violin lesson. While the debutantes were busy cleaning violins, they were entertained by the music of two young members of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra.

The young ladies then boarded the 1920s vintage-inspired downtown Huntsville trolley for a ride to the campus of UAB Health Clinic. The Debutantes assembled packets for their “Coloring Book Project.” The special coloring books depict exciting places from the City of Huntsville and highlight the orchestra and music. The coloring cooks were illustrated by the late Bill May, father of former Debutante Hughston May. The coloring book packets will be given to Huntsville Hospital patients visiting the Pediatric Emergency Room and those in both the Pediatric Unit and the Pediatric ICU.

While the debutantes enjoyed lunch, Candy Burnett, President of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, kicked off the workshop with a “baker’s dozen tips for success” presentation. Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild member Lori Gregory also presented “Polish your Professionalism” reviewing business etiquette to aide in their career development. The event concluded with a Career Planning Workshop where the young Huntsville Hospital professionals conducted round robin sessions highlighting their careers. The ladies learned about the many different career paths within the Hospital from various departments including Business, Nursing, Radiology and more. Many of the speakers were former Debutantes.

Huntsville Hospital employee, Jordan McMullan, who coordinated the hospital visit, is also a former debutante. Debutante Service Project coordinators from the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild were Lori Gregory, Bobsy Ingram, Joanna May and Dana Lusk. The young ladies will be formally introduced to the community during the 54th Symphony Ball on October 28, 2017.

The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

For further information, call Jennifer Lapidus, 256-520-6175

 

May

17

2017 Symphony Ball Debutantes begin social season with afternoon tea

2017 Symphony Ball debutantes and their mothers enjoyed a lovely afternoon Tea, Wednesday, May 17th at the beautiful home of Guild member, Charlie Bonner. The previous year’s Ball Chairman hosts the annual event and this year, Linda Akenhead continued the tradition. The Debutante Tea marks the official start of the Debutante social season.

Attending the event were the 42 young women who will make their debut at the 54th Symphony Ball, October 28, together with their mothers, and the members of the 2017 Ball Committee, past Guild Presidents and officers, past Ball Chairmen, and the wives of the Ball advisors.

Guests were greeted by Charlie, along with 2017 Ball Chairman, Patti Thornton, and Symphony Guild President, Pam Gann. A silver wine cooler filled with beautiful spring flowers graced the entryway as guests arrived. The silver container was given in 1993 by past Ball Chairman, in memory of Robin Lanier Stewart, 1988 Ball Chairman. It has been used every year at the Debutante Tea since 1993.

The young women enjoyed catching up after their freshman year of college as they enjoyed the delicious tea menu selected by Linda. The Tea was catered by Carlton’s Catering and included a variety of delicacies including country ham and biscuits, chicken salad in pastry shells, cheese ring with fresh fruit, tomato and cucumber sandwiches, and variety of sweets that included strawberry and chocolate bites and iced lemon shortbread cookies. The centerpiece, as well as the flowers in the foyer, was towering arrangements by In Bloom Floral Design Studio, with beautiful spring flowers of white and pink roses, pink peonies, snapdragons, lilies and orchids. Punch and sparkling grape juice were served by past Ball Chairmen and past Presidents Marie Newberry, Suzanne O’Conner, Betty Tomlin, Rosalie Smith, Nancy Colin and Margaret Vann.

The Symphony Ball, sponsored by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild since 1964, is an annual fundraiser benefiting the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

Nov

04

2016 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild 53rd Debutante Ball

Front Row: (left to right) Bailey Elizabeth Gardner, Carolanne Sterling Spearman, Julianna Ellen Kendall, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Shoemake, Abby Elaine Knowling, Caroline Emily Wilson

Front Row: (left to right) Bailey Elizabeth Gardner, Carolanne Sterling Spearman, Julianna Ellen Kendall, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Shoemake, Abby Elaine Knowling, Caroline Emily Wilson | Second Row: (left to right) Sarah Margaret Averbuch, Millicent Leigh Steed, Olivia Brenda Costanza, Maria Catherine Caprio, Sarah Abbott Martinson, Caroline Pollard Curran, Madeline Beatty Kofskey | Third Row: (left to right) Mary McClure Hardin, Megan Ann Smith, Elizabeth Anne Jones, Mary Charles Stewart

Front Row: (left to right) Ann Christian Brown, Sarah Elizabeth Moshier, Elise Marie Greco, Susan Michelle Caudle, Bailey Alexandra Bentley, Emily Adair Evans Second Row: (left to right) Kathryn Diane Griffin, Susanne Hames McCrary, Kate Noble Wheeler Hall, Karen Tindall Morring, Lauren Alexandra Neighbors, Amanda Katherine Malone, Hannah Caroline Martz Third Row: (left to right) Patton Lee Park, Harriet Rhett Crosby, Lily Madeleine Hendrix, Peyton Ann Mickle, Hannah Leigh Splawn

Front Row: (left to right) Ann Christian Brown, Sarah Elizabeth Moshier, Elise Marie Greco, Susan Michelle Caudle, Bailey Alexandra Bentley, Emily Adair Evans | Second Row: (left to right) Kathryn Diane Griffin, Susanne Hames McCrary, Kate Noble Wheeler Hall, Karen Tindall Morring, Lauren Alexandra Neighbors, Amanda Katherine Malone, Hannah Caroline Martz | Third Row: (left to right) Patton Lee Park, Harriet Rhett Crosby, Lily Madeleine Hendrix, Peyton Ann Mickle, Hannah Leigh Splawn

 

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild had the honor of presenting 35 young women on Saturday, October 29, in the Von Braun Center North Hall at the 53rd Symphony Ball. Over 920 patrons, guests, friends and family attended the formal presentation and enjoyed “An Evening to Remember.” This year’s Ball was chaired by Linda Akenhead.

The Von Braun Center North Hall was transformed into a colorful vision of shades of lavenders, purples, and greens.  Guests entered the North Hall through curtains of white with purple fabric accents.  Two Greek urns flanked the entrance into the North Hall, and they were filled with large trees and hanging luminaries.  Silver roses surrounded the base of each tree.

Inside the North Hall, the walls were draped with white curtains with panels of slate accents.  Tables were covered with both tablecloths of lavender with white lattice and eggplant.  The containers on each table were either a silver love cup or crystal compote bowl.  Beautiful arrangements of pink lilies, purple stock, eggplant calla lilies, hydrangeas, and roses of Ocean Song Lavender, Nautical Lavender, Moody Blues and Cool Water Purple filled each container.

A canopy surrounded with aubergine velvet framed the stage.  Soft sheer curtains hung from the canopy.  Two large Grecian urns flanked the stage and were filled with large trees from which pink orchids hung from the branches.   The room was awash with a blush glow of light.  As they were presented, Debutantes carried bouquets of the debutante rose, Queen of the Night.  Floral designer was Carl Casiday of Lola’s, Sheffield Alabama.

An invocation was delivered by Richard Van Valkenburgh, Jr.; and Jerry Nutt, Emeritus Member of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Association Board of Trustees and current Director of Development for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, served as Announcer for the Ball.  The Symphony Orchestra strings and trumpets provided the perfect music during the cocktail hour, followed by the debutante presentation and a waltz with the debutantes and their fathers. The Craig Duncan Orchestra from Nashville never sounded better as everyone danced the night away.

Guests enjoyed a formal dinner of sliced pear salad with mixed greens, fig balsamic marinated grilled peaches, feta cheese, and fig dressing; chili rubbed filet of beef served with Chimichurri; chicken breast stuffed with asparagus, roasted red pepper, Gouda with Béchamel Sauce; Dauphinoise potatoes; roasted zucchini; yellow squash; broccoli; and red velvet cheesecake.

Following are the 2016 Symphony Ball Debutantes, their parents, presenters and escorts:

Sarah Margaret Averbuch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Owen Averbuch, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Michael James Holmes.

Bailey Alexandra Bentley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Thomson Bentley, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Steven Ross Owens.

Ann Christian Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Damian Brown, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Duane Scot Augustson II.

Maria Catherine Caprio, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mark Caprio, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Joshua Michael Crumbley.

Susan Michelle Caudle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Dale Caudle, junior, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Griffin Patterson Peek.

Olivia Brenda Costanza, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Russell Costanza, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Andrew Thompson Dendy.

Harriet Rhett Crosby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Edward Crosby, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Fisher Vance Lucas.

Caroline Pollard Curran, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Francis Curran, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Andrew Reames Sullivan.

Emily Adair Evans, daughter of Mrs. Robert Hess Campbell, junior, and Mr. John Sadler Evans, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Hall Blake Bryant IV.

Bailey Elizabeth Gardner, daughter of The Doctors Gardner, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Andrew Seth Ferrara.

Elise Marie Greco, daughter of The Doctors Greco, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. William Webster Brown.

Kathryn Diane Griffin, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. William Joseph Griffin, junior, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. James Lucian Batson IV.

Kate Noble Wheeler Hall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Darius Hall, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Grant Bernard Ginsburg.

Mary McClure Hardin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Gray Hardin, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Jackson Franklin Harbarger.

Lily Madeleine Hendrix, daughter of Ms. Ashley Reese Wells and Mr. Jerry Alan Hendrix, presented by her uncle, Mr. James Carter Wells, and escorted by Mr. James Michael Wall.

Elizabeth Anne Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Jefferson Jones, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Kyle Marshall Haulenbeek.

Julianna Ellen Kendall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Kendall, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Christopher Gregg Wright.

Abby Elaine Knowling, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert John Knowling, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John Martens Boerner.

Madeline Beatty Kofskey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Kofskey, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Hunter Franklin Beck.

Amanda Katherine Malone, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas Malone III, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. George Sage Lyons III.

Sarah Abbott Martinson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abbott McWhorter Martinson, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. William Austin Scoggins.

Hannah Caroline Martz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Garrett Martz, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Samuel Lee Andrew Marshall.

Susanne Hames McCrary, daughter of Ms. Myra Ponder McCrary and Mr. Roy Thorson McCrary, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Jeffery Charles McKinney.

Peyton Ann Mickle, daughter of Ms. Kayla Bradford Mickle and Mr. Patrick Dodd Mickle, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Colton Anthony Green.

Karen Tindall Morring, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymon Huston Morring, junior, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Andrew Neill Luther.

Sarah Elizabeth Moshier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Warren Moshier, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Owen Louis Averbuch.

Lauren Alexandra Neighbors, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James William Neighbors, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Charles Joseph Flynn.

Patton Lee Park, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce McEachin Park, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John Reed McMullan.

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Shoemake, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kyle Shoemake, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Robert Wallace Murray.

Megan Ann Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bart Karter Smith, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Ethan Frederick Abston.

Carolanne Sterling Spearman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bryson Spearman, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Luke Carlton Beasley.

Hannah Leigh Splawn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Helton Splawn, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Daniel Joseph Perez.

Millicent Leigh Steed, daughter of Ms. Cobb Steed and Mr. Jacob Chad Steed, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Chase Justin Lovell.

Mary Charles Stewart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Palmer Stewart, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. John Nichols Webb.

Caroline Emily Wilson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Strautins Wilson, presented by her father and escorted by Mr. Bryan Parker Laue.

Serving as marshals were Dane William Block; Jacob Dukes Bourland; Shelby Bragg Christian; William Harris Christian; Chad Nathan Caudle; Seth Thomas Couch; Robert Carter Lockwood, junior; Eli Andrew Reynolds; John Ryan Scoggins; Ian Matthew Taylor; Justin Michael Teets; Ryan Franklin Trimble; and Robert Harland Walker,  junior.

The 2016 Ball Advisors were Dr. John Byron Cox, Daniel Glenn Halcomb, Warne Stahler Heath, Byrd Roy Latham, Dr. Douglas Leonard Patz, John Randolph Roper, Dr. Steven Patrick Decland Smith, John Bowman Switzer, Michael Kenan Timberlake, and Larry Allen Thomas.

Committee members included Nancy Colin, Advisor and 2015 Ball Chairman; Ivy Albert, Guild President; Sarah Gessler, Debutante Presentation; Amelia Summerville and Theresa Taylor, Coordinators (VBC); Marie Newberry, Ball Secretary; Josie Craig and Pam Gann, Debutante Dance Coordinators; Lori Gregory, Bobsy Ingram, Elaine Pollard, and Joanna May, Debutante Project; Cheryl Bence, Dana Town, and Joyce Griffin, Debutante Tables; Anne Compton Burke and Debbie Washburn, Decorations; Beth Wise, Finance; Donna Rush, Sarah Hereford, and Susan Fredrickson, Food and Beverage; Jane Hill and Alison Junen, Debutante Honor Fund; Susan Anderson, Margaret Vann, Linda Maccubbin, and Heather Baumbach, Invitations; Karen Morris and Jamie Saunders, Marshals and Escorts; Rosemary Latham, Ann Myers, and Ashley Walker, Photography; Brenda Milberger and Karen Kimbrough, Programs; Pennie Keene, Karen Higgins, and Lisa Cole, Properties and Take Down; Sharon Gartrell, Jennifer Lapidus, and Janet Skidmore, Publicity; Paige Prozan, Susan Todd, and Wendy Tucker, Reservations; Karen Ferguson, Scrapbook.

The Symphony Guild sponsors the debutante program annually as a fundraiser for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

Young women invited to debut at the Symphony Ball are college sophomores with a history of community involvement.

Over 2.8 million dollars from all the past Balls have gone to the Symphony Orchestra.

For more information, email hsogcommunications@gmail.com

Symphony Ball Advisors: Row 1 (seated left to right) Dr. Steven Smith, Linda Akenhead (Ball Chair), Randy Roper, Dr. Doug Patz, | Row 2 (standing left to right) Warne Heath, Dr. John Cox, Dan Halcomb, John Switzer, Larry Thomas, Byrd Latham, Michael Timberlake

Symphony Ball Advisors: Row 1 (seated left to right) Dr. Steven Smith, Linda Akenhead (Ball Chair), Randy Roper, Dr. Doug Patz, | Row 2 (standing left to right) Warne Heath, Dr. John Cox, Dan Halcomb, John Switzer, Larry Thomas, Byrd Latham, Michael Timberlake

Symphony Guild Ball Committee: Row 1 (seated left to right) Sharon Gartrell, Nancy Colin, Patti Thornton, Amelia Summerville, Marie Newberry, Linda Akenhead (Ball Chair), Ivy Albert (Guild President), Pam Gann, Rosemary Latham, Debbie Washburn | Row 2 (standing left to right) Donna Rush, Jennifer Lapidus, Brenda Milberger, Ann Myers, Sarah Hereford, Susan Anderson, Karen Morris, Jamie Saunders, Theresa Taylor, Wendy Tucker, Anne Compton Burke, Karen Kimbrough

Symphony Guild Ball Committee: Row 1 (seated left to right) Sharon Gartrell, Nancy Colin, Patti Thornton, Amelia Summerville, Marie Newberry, Linda Akenhead (Ball Chair), Ivy Albert (Guild President), Pam Gann, Rosemary Latham, Debbie Washburn | Row 2 (standing left to right) Donna Rush, Jennifer Lapidus, Brenda Milberger, Ann Myers, Sarah Hereford, Susan Anderson, Karen Morris, Jamie Saunders, Theresa Taylor, Wendy Tucker, Anne Compton Burke, Karen Kimbrough

Front Row (left to right): Seth Couch, Ryan Trimble, Justin Teets, Dane Block, John Scoggins, Shelby Christian, William Christian | Back Row (left to right): Jacob Bourland, Eli Reynolds, Chad Caudle, Robert Walker, Carter Lockwood, Ian Taylor

Symphony Ball Marshals: Front Row (left to right) Seth Couch, Ryan Trimble, Justin Teets, Dane Block, John Scoggins, Shelby Christian, William Christian | Back Row (left to right) Jacob Bourland, Eli Reynolds, Chad Caudle, Robert Walker, Carter Lockwood, Ian Taylor

See more photos

Oct

28

Debutante honored at “Eve of the Ball” party

 

 

Sydna and Bill Johnson honored their granddaughter, Lily Madeleine Hendrix, with an “Eve of the Ball” cocktail buffet at their McClung Avenue home. Lily was selected by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild to be one of the 2016 debutantes. For this occasion, she wore a forest green dress with a delicate lace overlay.

Tamara Olive arranged the flowers with hydrangeas in a large silver vase, which adorned the entry table of the Johnson’s 1908 home. Roses, lilies, snapdragons, and hydrangeas in a silver wine cooler served as the dining room table centerpiece. Vases of delphiniums were placed in front of the stained glass windows in the dining room. In the more informal spaces, seasonal gourds, fall, and Halloween arrangements decorated the home.

Ashley Carlton catered the cocktail buffet and Justin Ennis tended bar for the guests. The buffet menu’s features consisted of beef tenderloin with homemade rolls and sauce, grilled chicken, shrimp and grits bites, bacon bleu cheese savory cheesecake with fruit and crackers, and mini twice-baked potatoes. In addition, vegetables and dip, assorted pick-up sweets, toasted pecans, and cheese straws were served.

Jimmy Wall and Joanne Wall, grandparents of Lily’s escort to the ball, Michael Wall, were special guests. Her great-aunts, Delia Scott and Gwen Belle-Isle, were special out-of-town guests. Family and friends of Lily’s spanning three generations joined the party to celebrate her presentation as a debutante.