Madison Living Magazine - Dec. 2022

MADISON LIVING

December 2022 madisonlivingmagazine.com

The Magic of Christmas

Madison’s historic downtown will come to life with festive Christmas events and attractions

MADISON LIVING

EDITOR

John Few

CONTRIBUTORS

Bob Labbe

Gregg Parker

Erin Coggins

Joshua Berry

Maria Rakoczy

Lee Marshall

John Peck

Mary Lynne Wright

Brandy Booth

Kassidy Wilkins

MARKETING

Donna Counts

GENERAL MANAGER

French Salter

CONTACT US

Madison Living Magazine

The Madison Record 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 Huntsville, AL 35806 madisonlivingmagazine.com

For story ideas, call John Few at 256-763-1150 or email john@themadisonrecord.com.

To advertise, call Donna Counts at 256-714-7152.

Madison Living is published month ly by Tennessee Valley Media, Inc. A one-year subscription to Madison Living is $27.99 for 12 issues per year. Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Madison area. To subscribe, call 256-772-6677.

Copyright 2022

Galaxy of Lights, an annual holiday light experience at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, has returned for its 27th season through Jan. 1. This year, guests will enjoy more Walking Nights, new immersive displays and innovative designs. The awardwinning event will again offer both walking and driving experiences, but Galaxy will now have more Walking Nights than ever before, increasing from 17 dates in 2021 to 31 dates this year. The Garden increased the number of Walking Nights in response to their growing popularity and based on feedback from guests and the community. In addition to more Walking Nights, this year’s Galaxy experience will include several all-new features and innovative lighting designs. Combined with traditional light displays and special effects throughout the experience, there will be surprises for first-time guests and longtime visitors alike. Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights will take place Thursday, Dec. 1, through Friday, Dec. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (time of last admission). Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights Saturday, Dec. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 1, from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (time of last admission). Guests can also enjoy Dog Walking Nights on Mondays and Tuesdays during Walking Nights (December 19, 20, 26, and 27) and the Galaxy of Lights 5K Race and 3K Fun Run on Nov. 28 and 29.

Huntsville Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 9-11

TThe Huntsville Ballet’s 53rd annual production of “The Nut cracker,” accompanied by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra for the first time in two years, will be presented Dec. 9-11. Per formances will be held at the Von Braun Center’s Mark C Smith Concert Hall. The production features Huntsville Ballet’s entire roster of professional dancers, complemented by a cast of over 80 students from Huntsville Ballet School, the official school of Huntsville Ballet.

“The Nutcracker” tells the story of the Nutcracker, a gift from Clara’s mysterious godfather Drosselmeyer. As the magi cal Nutcracker comes to life, the characters are whisked away to The Land of the Sweets, where they are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and entertained by a dazzling array of colorful char acters. Highlights of the production include a magical grow ing Christmas tree, an onstage blizzard of snowflakes, dancing flowers, and Mother Ginger’s iconic skirt.

This timeless and inventive classical ballet is set to Tchai kovsky’s treasured score performed by the Huntsville Sympho ny Orchestra.

Performances are scheduled for Friday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 10, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sun day, December 11, at 1 p.m.

Huntsville Ballet’ will host Active Duty, Retired, Guard, and Reserve military members and their families at the 18th Nut cracker Military Night on Dec. 8.

Ticket Information

To purchase tickets, visit www.huntsvilleballet.org/tickets or call (256) 539-0961. Group discount rates are available.

This is the first year since the pandemic began that the Huntsville Sym phony Orchestra has been able to participate in “The Nutcracker”.

Madison Christmas Parade • Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. Hughes Drive in Madison • www.madisonal.gov.

It’s that time of year again! The Madison Christmas Parade will be taking place on Saturday, December 10 at 5 p.m. The parade theme this year will be “Christmas Characters”. The pa rade route runs along Hughes Drive between Plaza Blvd and Portal Drive.

Lessons & Carols: The Songs of Christmas • Dec 4 • Asbury Church • www.weareasbury.com/christmas.

Asbury Church will celebrate the season of Advent through two “Lessons & Carols: The Songs of Christmas” services on Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Asbury’s diverse music groups, with kids and students choirs, the men and women ensembles, and Chancel Choir, along with the orchestra, handbells, plus contemporary and Harvest Campus worship teams, will delight all who come. They will perform “The Songs of Christmas” through a collection of scripture and music, which is a much-loved annual tradi tion. Lessons & Carols will take place in the Building 2 Sanctuary on Asbury’s Madison Campus at 980 Hughes Road. Families are invited to experience this free event. KidsCare will be available for ages 3 and under only during both services. Families are also invited to participate in Asbury’s other Advent celebrations, including the “Neighborhood Caroling Night” that will take the songs of Christmas into the adjoining community on Dec. 10, and any of the nine Christmas Eve services starting on Dec. 23. More information is available at weareasbury.com/christmas.

RevolutionaryTreatments forMen andWomen

Emotional.Unpredictable.

Themostlegendarymomentshappeninthe heatofthemoment.

Butsometimes,spontaneitycanmeananxiety and self-doubtformen.Thanks to Alma Duo™thingsare lookingup. AlmaDuo™usesthegoldstandardshock wave technology –focusedlow-intensityextracorporeal shockwavetherapy(LI-ESWT) –tostimulateblood flow andrestoremorenaturalfunction.Thisquick,lunch timetreatment helpsyoutobereadyforanything.No matterthemoment, nomattertheplace.

Asweage,collagen productionslowsdowncausing ourskintolose firmness.HorizonsMedicalCareisnow offering TempSureEnvi,atreatmentthatminimizes finelinesandwrinkles,tightensskinandimprovesthe appearanceofcellulite.

Thisuniquetechnologyrevolutionizes thewomen’sintimate health and wellness categorybyproviding thosesufferingfrom incontinencewitha completelynon-invasive option.

EMSCULPTNEO isconsidered abreakthroughin non-invasivebodyshaping.Theprocedureuses RadioFrequency andHIFEM+(highintensityfocused electromagnetic field) toeliminate fat andbuildmuscle non-invasively.

“A

Fantasy Playhouse to present “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 2-11

FFor the holidays, would it seem like Christmas in Huntsville without the annual presentation of “A Christmas Carol”.

Huntsville’s most beloved family holiday tradition returns to the Fantasy Playhouse stage for the 33rd year this Decem ber. Take a trip in time through the past, present, and future with the miserly Mr. Scrooge, three Christmas Spirits, and all the whimsical characters of London town. With more theater magic than ever before, this Charles Dickens classic will delight all ages as an inspiration to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long.

The production will take place Dec. 2-4 and 9-11 at the Play house at the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville. Time are: Friday nights at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 6 p.m.

For more information about the 62nd Theater Season and their cupcoming presentation of “A Christmas Carol”, visit the Fantasy Playhouse website at www.fantasyplayhouse.org.

Huntsville’s favorite family holiday tradition,

Christmas Carol” will be presented again this year between Dec. 2-11.

Christmas Time with The Beasley Brothers

• Dec. 15 Princess Theater in Decatur • www.thebeasleybrothers.com

Christmas Time with The Beasley Brothers is back for a sev enth consecutive year! The Nashville based country/rock duo returns to their home of North Alabama every year to put on a Christmas show like none other in town. The show is familyfriendly and features Christmas classics, the Brothers’ origi nal Christmas music, and special guests from the local music scene. They will perform this year at The Princess Theater in Decatur on Dec. 15 starting at 7:00 p.m. The Beasley Brothers is a Americana/Rock music group originally from the Madison area, but now based in Nashville.

Winter Park • The Orion Amphitheater MidCity District • theorionhuntsville.com

Huntsville’s holiday season is set to be more festive than ever before with the addition of Winter Park at The Orion Am phitheater and Apollo South, opening next week, Nov. 22, and running through Jan.29. The Orion is located in Huntsville’s MidCity District. Winter Park is planned to be an immersive winter themed experi ence bringing the magic of the season to life throughout The Orion’s campus. It is free to enter with additional activities and food available for purchase. At Winter Park, guests will be able to ice skate under the stars in the amphitheater bowl, explore Santa’s Workshop for meet and greet pho to opportunities with Santa, relax with a warm (or cold!) drink and DIY s’mores kits around one of the fire pits, shop holiday markets featuring local vendors and enter tainment, and enjoy festive events, treats and crafts. Winter Park will also feature music throughout the amphitheater and Apollo South, including DJs spinning for ice skaters and local group performances.

Living Christmas Tree • Dec. 15-18 First Baptist Church Huntsville • www.fbchsv.org/lct

A spectacle of sight and sound, over 150 singers, a 50 piece orchestra and thousands of lights bring a 39-foot Christmas tree to life. It will be held December 15-18. It will feature spe cial guest artist Steve Amerson. For more information on this year’s Living Christmas Tree and to reserve your free tickets, go to www.fbchsv.org/lct

Winter Solstice

Market • Dec. 17 from: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lowe Mill A&E • lowemill.art/winter-solstice-market

The Winter Solstice Artist Market is the last and largest art ist market of the year! The Winter Solstice Market is the per fect place to bring your out-of-town family members to show them the best local artist and makers North Alabama has to offer. Stroll through the artist market throughout the grounds and take a step inside to shop the fantastic studio artists.

Ourcompanion animals developmanyof thesamediseasesthatwedoand undergo many of thesametreatment s. Duetothe shor terlifespanofour companion animals, tispossibletof ully evaluate theprogression of such diseases. Thek nowledge gained couldpotentially improve thetreatment for otherpet saswellashumanswho suffer from thesameillnesses.

Many ow ners maynot be able to afford prolonged treatments fortheir pets.Your donationswould make availablethis opportunit yfor research when we can prolong apet slifew ithout suffer ing. Pleasev isit ourwebsite,email us,orcallto lear nmore.

Christmas at Burritt on the Mountain

BBurritt on the Mountain is a fascinating place to visit regard less of the season, but there is just something extra special about Christmas on the mountain.

Burritt on the Mountain is a very festive place to visit during the holidays. From the beautiful mansion decorated with a va riety of Christmas trees, to the grounds, cabins and old church that are decked out for the holidays, this is a must-see during the Christmas season.

Burritt also hosts several special events during the holidays, and one of their favorite traditional holiday events is back. The Burritt on the Mountain Candlelight Christmas 2022 will be held Dec. 2 and 3, 5-9 p.m.

Burritt comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of a tra ditional Christmas. Cabins are decorated with historic ambiance and the sounds of traditional music fill the air throughout the park. String cranberries and popcorn, make paper punch orna ments, create handmade cards and ice cookies to kickoff the holi day season.

The Holiday Magic Dinners will be held Dec 6-11. This is one of Burritt’s most important and magical fundraisers. Guest enjoy a holiday dinner in the upscale atmosphere of the Burritt Mansion

or the family style warmth of the cabins in the historic Park.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas at Burritt on the Mountain with the Sanders Family Christmas, Dec. 14-18.

Southern Rogue Theatre Company and Burritt on the Moun tain pair together to bring this traditional favorite to the com munity. Conceived by Alan Bailey and penned by Connie Ray, this famous sequel of Smoke on the Mountain returns to the Old Country Church at Burritt on the Mountain.

You’ll return to Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, on Christmas Eve of 1941. Reverend Oglethorpe has invited the Sanders to the Baptist Church to sing and witness, thereby getting the congre gation into the down-home holiday spirit before the boys, includ ing one of the Sanders’ own, ship off to World War II.

The congregation will hear more than two-dozen Christmas carols, many of them vintage hymns, and hilarious yuletide sto ries from the more or less devout Sanders family members.

The play is set in a church which makes the Old Country Church the perfect venue.

Performances: Dec. 14 – 17 at 7 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 18.

For more information, go to burrittonthemountain.com.

Burritt on the Mountain’s Candlelight Christmas will be held Dec. 2-3.

The Holiday Magic Dinners will be held Dec 6-11 in the Burritt Mansion.

Sanders Family Christmas will be held Dec. 14-18.

Rocket City Christmas Light Show and Winter Wonderland • Toyota Field in Madison • trashpandaschristmas.com

One of the biggest holiday celebration in North Alabama returns for its third year. The Rocket City Christmas Light Show and Winter Wonderland are back at Toyota Field until Sunday, January 1. Guests can drive through the enchanted North Polethemed mile and a half show that features hundreds of thousands of lights. The festivities last from 5-9 p.m. each night, rain or shine. While driving through the light show, guests can tune in to 95.5 FM for a Christmas soundtrack to accompany the light show. The admission price also includes access inside Toyota Field for the Winter Wonderland. The Winter Wonderland includes huts for hot chocolate, cookies and ornament decorating, fire pits to make s’mores, and so much more. The Winter Wonderland will also be open from 5-9 p.m. each night through December 24. Children can also write letters to Santa Claus at the Winter Wonderland. In addition, a Breakfast with Santa event is planned for Dec. 10 at 9 a.m.

DOWNTOWN

CHRISTMAS MAGIC

Madison Station Historical Preservation Society helping bring Christmas magic to the city’s historic downtown

STORY BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOS BY JOHN FEW

MMadison’s history reads like a good novel, spiced with twists and turns leading to present-day unimaginable growth. One community group, Madison Station Histori cal Preservation Society or MSHPS, is guaranteeing that present-day residents read the book cover-to-cover.

MSHPS was established and incorporated on March 22, 1984. The group was organized to promote preservation of architecturally and historically significant buildings and sites within the city. The society also strives to further the knowledge of its members and other residents of Madi son’s historical values.

Among its early accomplishments, the society defined the local historic district of the old downtown area and adjacent residences, along with resurrecting the original Roundhouse City Hall. “The society is proud to work handin-hand with the City of Madison to bring events that spot light our beautiful, historic downtown,” Acting President Debbie Overcash said.

“MSHPS was not idle during the COVID-19 years. We launched a capital campaign that raised over $50,000 for exterior upkeep and renovations of Madison’s iconic

Roundhouse on Front Street. The Roundhouse now has sustainable siding, along with new windows, HVAC and landscaping,” Overcash said.

Along with Overcash, the historical society’s officers are Vice President Doug Smith; Secretary Charlie Nola; and Treasurer Cindy Sensenberger.

MSHPS believes in involving as many partners as pos sible in activities. “Those partnerships enhance the events. We value all our partners,” Overcash said.

Christmas activities prove MSHPS’ partnership. Mem bers work with the city to launch the holiday season with the Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail. Lighting this year is on December 2 at 5:30 p.m., and the Madison Station Christmas Capers on December 17 at 4 p.m.

“The Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail is a wonderful example of organizations working together! The society coordinates with Madison Parks and Recreation Depart ment and City Clerk’s Office to deliver the trees,” Overcash said. “Councilman Greg Shaw helps secure the Christmas trees every year. The trail would not be possible without his help.”

MSHPS officers include Vice President Doug Smith, President Debbie Overcash, Treasurer Cindy Sensenberger, and Secretary Charlie Nola (not pictured).

Also on December 2, Madison Arts Council will co ordinate the Children’s Lantern Parade at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street’s eastern end. Then, Madison Public Library’s Children’s Librarian will energetically read “Polar Express’ at 14 Main St.

Throughout that evening, Rotary Club of Madison will serve tasty hot chocolate and cookies at Main Street’s western end. Madison City Community Or chestra will impress everyone with beautiful Christmas music.

“Mayor Paul Finley flips the switch, and Main Street is brightly lit for December,” Overcash said. Rounding out the evening, the Downtown Madison Merchants will sponsor the Wassail Trail. Downtown merchants will be open for shoppers.

In another partnership, the society will present the reenactment of the 1920s’ Christmas Capers from the roof of the former Hughes Drug Store on Main Street. Area businesses, including Huntsville International Airport (for a flight voucher), donate thousands of dol lars in prizes which people can win by catching one of

The Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail consists of rows of beautifully decorated Christmas trees along Madison downtown’s Main Street. Mayor Paul Finley (below) will lead a special lighting ceremony for the Trail on Dec. 2

20 rubber chickens thrown from atop the store by Doc Hughes’ grandsons, Larry and Walt Anderson.

“Partnerships are key to success of this much antici pated event. The caper couldn’t happen without busi nesses’ continued generosity. Madison City Community Orchestra makes the event so festive with their holiday tunes,” Overcash said. “Rotary Club of Madison keeps us warm with (refreshments). Madison Police Department attends, and we greatly appreciate their support.”

In 2021, the city added an excellent photo opt on Main Street with a giant, lighted Christmas ornament in which families, couples or solos can pose for photos.

“A first for the society in 2022 is a collaboration with Madison City Community Orchestra on December 4 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. MSHPS will host a Christmas Open House and Tour of the Roundhouse with Madison Histo rian John Rankin. Then at 4 p.m., the orchestra will per form its Holiday Concert at Madison United Methodist Church,” Overcash said.

“Our mission remains the same as our founding mem bers,” Overcash said. “We’re proud to continue the vision and mission they started almost 40 years ago.

A love of historic homes and areas spurred Overcash

A crowd of people are pictured trying to catch some treats and rubber chickens during the 2021 Christmas Capers event (above and below). The event will be held Dec. 17 this year in front of the old Hughes Drug Co. building in downtown Madison.

City of Madison 2022 Christmas Events

Madison Christmas Card Lane

The evening of Saturday, Nov. 26

Sponsored by Madison Arts Council Church and Front Streets

Madison Polar Express Christmas Trees on Main

Friday, Dec. 2 on Main Street, times below

Sponsored by the City of Madison and the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society Friday, Dec. 2 on Main Street in Madison

5:30 Children’s Lantern Parade sponsored by Madison Arts Council

5:30 Christmas Music sponsored by Madison City Community Orchestra

5:30 Hot Chocolate and Cookies sponsored by The Rotary Club of Madison

6:00 Reading of The Polar Express sponsored by The Madison Public Library

6:15 2022 Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail lighting by Mayor Paul Finley

6:30 V isit Santa in the Madison Silver Ornament sponsored by Madison Visionary Partners

2nd Annual Wassail Fest

Friday, Dec. 2 on Main, Martin and Church Streets Sponsored by Madison Downtown Merchants Immediately following the Polar Express Tree Lighting Come enjoy samples of our merchant’s best Wassail recipes, vote for the best, register for door prizes and shop!

Madison Roundhouse Open House and Madison Christmas Concert

Sunday, Dec. 4

Sponsored by the MSHPS and the Madison City Community Orchestra

2-3:30 Christmas Roundhouse Open HOuse on Front Street Sponsored by the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society

4:00 Holiday Concert at Madison United Methodist Church Sponsored by the Madison City Community Orchestra

The Madison Christmas Parade “Christmas Characters”

Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. Sponsored by the City of Madison Route - Plaza Drive to Portal Lane (Skate Park)

2022 Madison Christmas Capers

Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m.

Sponsored by the City of Madison and the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society Main Street in front of Hughes Drugstore Music by the Madison Community Orchestra Hot Chocolate and Cookies by The Rotary Club of Madison The Madison downtown merchants will be open regular hours for holiday shopping!

to join MSHPS. “While never living in an historic home, I appreciate the architecture . . . and stories these homes have seen. MSHPS is a wonderful group of friends, making sure those buildings and stories live on. I’m proud beyond measure to be a member of this organization. We’re look ing forward to planning our 40th Birthday Celebration in 2024!” she said.

In other endeavors, the society has a major presence at Madison Street Festival with Roundhouse tours. “It’s always remarkable when residents say, ‘We didn’t even know there was a downtown Madison; this is great,” Over cash said.

Because of those ‘we-didn’t-know-downtown-was-here” comments, MSHPS will reach out in 2023 to groups to of fer Open House Guided Tours of the Roundhouse. Groups can contact MSHPS to schedule a tour.

MSHPS’ founding members included Eleanor Absher, Reggie Acuff, Brice and Lucille Alsup, Gene and Marion Anderson, Chuck and Penny Bayshore, Betty Benson, Gary and Pat Brown, James and Lou Carter, James and Lillian Clift, Nancy Cooper, Loxie and Linda Doud, Billy

and Dot Drake, Sallie Dublin, T. Pickens Gates, Laura Gil lespie, Stephen and Brenda Hopkins, Percy and Helen Keel, Randy and Annette Nix, Mary Sides, Don and Bar bara Spencer, Alda ‘Tiny’ Sturdivant, Robert and Gladys True, Dennis and Joyce Vaughn, Phil and Ann Whatley, Thomas and Sara Whitworth, Kathleen Williams and James and Pat Zurasky.

Honorary founding members were James Monroe Bibb and James and Tyer Dyer. “Dennis Vaughn remains an ac tive and very involved society member, even hosting the annual picnic in his beautiful, shaded front yard on Front Street,” Overcash said.

To join MSHPS, a person only needs an interest in Mad ison’s history. Dues are $20 for individuals and $25 for families.

The society meets monthly on fourth Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Madison City Hall, upstairs conference room. MSHPS does not meet in months with special events, like Madison Street Festival in October. For more information, call 256-772-0307, email debbie.overcash@gmail.com or visit historicmadisonstation.com or Facebook.

MSHPS will host a Christmas Open House and Tour of the Roundhouse (pictured right) with Madison Historian John Rankin (above).

Hand crafted bowl holders are a game changing product in our home. So many patterns to choose from. They make great gifts from Madison Mercantile.

Monochromatic outfits all season. The “star” top is so so cute at Indigo’s.

From moody moon dye to inky prints and flirty ruffles, Marie Oliver delivers holiday glam at its best! at Carriage House

can have anything you want in life if you dress for it. You will look so chic in the Blackwell jean, geometric high neck top and chelse sunglasses from Indigo’s.

When you are out shopping this month or attending one of the many downtown Madison events, check out this amazing mu ral inside Main Street Cafe on Main Street. Created by Raegan Hall, the daughter of Main Street Cafe owners Tammy and John Hall, the mural depicts the city’s historic downtown. It is located inside one of the unique dining rooms within the Cafe. Housed inside Madison’s third city hall (circa 1955), patrons at Main Street Cafe can even eat inside one of the old jail cells. It’s in one of these rooms that Raegan created her mural. We have a story about her artwork in an upcoming issue of Madison Living and The Madison Record, but we wanted to share this photo now and encourage you to check it out for yourself. Raegan is currently studying art in Florence, Italy.

NEIGHBORS

MOORESVILLE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Just a short drive from Madison, Mooresville seems like a festive step back in time during the Christmas season

STORY BY ERIN COGGINS

DDuring the holidays, the city of Mooresville mimics the lyrics of the famous holiday song “Sleigh Ride” in that it does “nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives.”

For the first time since COVID, Mooresville is hosting an annual Christmas event--Holiday Traditions Concert and Tours, returning to a celebration steeped in history. The event, set for Dec. 11, will feature the Maple Hill Band and a tour of two decorated homes, town buildings, a cottage as well as a tour around the town.

“Mooresville has long enjoyed decorating our homes, town buildings and street signs,” chairman MargaretAnne Crumlish said. “It’s like stepping back in time as you walk through the streets enjoying the Della Robia wreaths

and greenery. Events have changed throughout the years, but we love having neighbors come visit us during the holi days.”

The concert will be held in the Brick Church, circa 1839, one of the town owned building maintained through pro ceeds from fundraisers like the Holiday Concert and Tour. Ticket holders will meet at the circa 1800s Stagecoach Inn and Tavern.

“While gathering at another one of our town-owned buildings, guests will enjoy seeing the original post office site for mail delivery between Decatur to Huntsville by horse and rider,” Crumlish said.

Crumlish says Mooresville is a town where ”history

For the first time since the pandemic began, the historic town of Mooresville will once again host a holiday tour on Dec. 11.

lives and that they try to honor that history with authentic decorating. Besides lots of greenery, residents utilize fruit, dried flowers, berries; and some use feathers and antlers, in their décor.

“While we stay true to history, we are also unique,” Crumlish said. “Each home has a different take or style for decoration. Nothing is cookie cutter here. And every space feels like home.”

The Mooresville community began hosting a Christmas event in 1992 with “Christmas in Mooresville.” The pro ceeds from that event benefitted the Stagecoach Tavern Restoration, a building acquired by the town in 1991. The chairperson of the first event was Vene Sneed who was

quoted in the Decatur Daily saying “our streets will be our living room. We want everyone to come and enjoy a peace ful, old-fashioned Christmas.”

Mayor Nikki Sprader says what the town accomplished in 1992 still exists today.

“Our Town is committed to protecting and preserving our history but we also understand the importance in sharing this history not just in words but providing oppor tunities for our guests to actively immerse,” Strader said. “And that’s why we take such great pride in exemplary historical preservation and residents graciously open their homes year after year.”

Because the tours are led by residents, guests get to go

behind the picket fences and hear the intimate, real-life sto ries of the people that lived here in the early 1800’s, today and anytime in between.

“Those stories have become the “Story of Mooresville” - the traditions that we love to tell,” Strader said. “If you asked me to define Mooresville’s Holiday Tradition--it’s that for over 200 years and through truly understanding community spirit, the Town has never lost its small-town Southern culture and charm.”

Mooresville also offers guests a chance to do some holi day shopping at three local businesses. Lyla’s Little House is stocked with a unique assortment of antique housewares, but is known mostly for Lyla’s rendition of the southern classic: the cheese straw. The Southern Carnage Bike Shop rents bikes for a ride around the town or patrons can build a bike using the shop’s wide selection of bike frames. And for those with a sweet tooth, a stop at the Dogwood and Magnolia Bakery offers a sweet treat or browse through the curated collection of unique gift items.

“Both Dogwood and Magnolia Bakery and Lyla’s Little House sell 1818 Farms products which represents another Mooresville treasure,” Crumlish said.

Tickets for the Holiday Concert and Tour are $50 and may be purchased online at www.mooresvilleal.com. Tours will be held at 1p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and the concert is at 2:30.

SHOPPING

MADISON STATION ANTIQUES

Downtown Madison antique store brings the past to Main Street

BY MARIA RAKOCZY PHOTOS BY KASSIDY WILKINS

SSharon Dinkel and Ronnie Williams are the brother and sister team behind Madison Station Antiques. The antique store is part of the small, and growing, community of busi nesses on quaint Main Street Madison. The store is a lov ing expansion of a passion and, in a way, a manifestation of the siblings’ family history.

Madison Station Antiques was the idea of owner, Ron nie Williams. When asked why they decided to open a store, both store manager Dinkel and Williams joked to keep Din kel, who had just retired as an elementary school teacher, off the streets, but the store is also the realization of a longheld dream of Williams to own a store on Main Street.

“I always wanted to own a store in downtown. That was the main thing. We ended up buying the oldest store in downtown and put an antique store in it,” Williams ex plained.

When the building Madison Station Antiques currently resides in happened to open up, they knew they had to take it. The building that houses the main store is, itself, a functioning piece of history, and family history at that. It originates from 1859 when it housed a general store. It lat er served as a saloon and eventually, in more recent years as a real estate agency. It is downtown Madison’s oldest

commercial building and is part of the Alabama Histori cal Register. After acquiring and renovating the building, Williams and Dinkel discovered that the building once be longed to Robert P. Cain, a relation of their great-grand mother.

The building was certainly a fixer upper that the siblings revived with lots of love and hard work.

Dinkel and Williams began renovations in the fall of 2009. Restoration work included repairing some of the cracked brick work, laying a foundation, and redoing the façade to its current look with the R.P. Cain Mercantile sign that pays homage to their ancestor and one of the building’s previous owners. Dinkel and Williams made sure to retain some of the original features of the building, including original brickwork that can be seen exposed on a wall on the first floor, original floors on the upstairs level, and the original counter. They even retained a piece of his tory through the Madison Station Antiques name that pays homage to Madison’s first name: Madison Station.

After a year of renovations, Madison Station Antiques officially opened to customers on August 9, 2010. Since then, the store has attracted a steady and diverse customer base, who are attracted to timeless, quality pieces and the

nostalgia of antiques.

“There’s nothing built like what we have in here. Noth ing’s built like that anymore. People looking for expertise on that come here before they go to a furniture store,” Dinkel said.

She further commented on the wide variety of people the store attracts, “We really truly have all ages. The ones who purchase are the ones starting out. We have a lot of people who move here and look for pieces to put in their new homes. We have a lot of young people raised on an tiques wanting to start their own collections.”

Owning an antique store was a no-brainer for Dinkel’s brother, Williams, who has been collecting antiques for sixty years. He says his interest in antiques began when he was young when he would crawl under the buildings downtown to collect bottles. His interest was encouraged and solidified when his grandmother gifted him a piece of furniture.

“That’s how I got started. I think I was about eighteen. My grandmother gave me a piece of furniture that I fixed and that kind of got me hooked,” he stated.

Today Williams primarily collects southern antiques that are distinct with their simple style. He especially looks for pieces local to North Alabama and boasts a few rare pieces of Sand Mountain pottery in his personal col lection. He has however, travelled far and wide outside

of the southeast to places like Oregon to source antiques, and the store occasionally offers some European pieces.

Williams values antiques for the same reasons his customers value them: their unique, handmade crafts manship. He shares his sister’s sentiment, too, that these pieces tout a rare longevity and high-standard of quality.

Much like the items they sell, Williams and Dinkel’s family can be traced back through history. The brother and sister come from a Madison pedigree, whose roots reach back to the early 1800s.

The pair’s family goes back at least two generations in Madison through their mother’s family, and their rela tives’ names are ones you might recognize on historical marker signs as you drive through downtown Madison, including Cain, Humphrey, and Apperson. When the siblings were growing up, the Williams family lived in the downtown Madison area within bicycle range of the beloved Main Street. Dinkel recounted her fond memo ries of childhood excursions onto Main Street.

“Growing up, I remember True’s Grocery Store. Our cousin ran a general store, and we would ride our bikes down to Main Street to get a fountain drink,” Dinkel re called.

Now, they are part of that community of businesses on Main Street. Dinkel has seen many evolutions of the area over the areas and is thankful to be part of a thriving group of businesses there.

She says, “[Main Street] is making strides to come back…It helps to have other businesses that are doing well down here. No one’s going out of their way for just one spot.”

In 2020, Madison Station Antiques, itself, expanded to the Annex, located off of Martin Road. The Annex is an extension of the main store and serves as a functioning warehouse for the surplus collection of goods. The Annex is open to customers just as the Main Street location is and customers on the hunt for antiques are encouraged to visit both locations for the unique collections in both stores.

Madison Station Antiques is proud to be part of the Alabama Antique Trail, which encourages antique shop ping and showcases different antique stores around the state. Madison Station Antiques is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and can be found at www. madisonstationantiques.net and on Facebook @Madi sonStationAntiques.

At Noble Passage Interiors, Deborah McDaniel and her employees revel in the Christmas season. They even claim to serve as ‘Santa’s help ers.’ “Everybody who works in here loves Christmas,” McDaniel said. “One of my employees has Christmas music on her playlist; when she walks at the beach, she listens to it. We could do Christmas all year long.” Noble Passage at 204 and 202 Main St. in downtown Madison transforms into a showcase of everything Christmas . . . a place of fantasy with unique ornaments, figures of the season, lighting and acces sories of impeccable quality. During the Christmas holidays as a child, McDaniel enjoyed visits with her grandfather in Chicago. The family rode the train into the city to see Michigan Avenue’s storefronts -- stores like Macy’s with elaborate displays. “My grandfather was an artist. He attended the Art Institute in Chicago,” McDaniel said. “His home was always decorated beautifully. We would get roasted chestnuts, hot cocoa and walk down Michigan Avenue. It was magic.” That Christmas magic . . . the aromas, sights and aura of Christmas are what McDan iel captures in her store. “I want to capture that on a small scale. We do not have large stores like Macy’s downtown, but we can still make children’s eyes twinkle,” McDaniel said. “My shop feels magical and feels like childhood.”

LLike you, we are preparing to ring in the New Year at Madison Hospital.

One of my resolutions for 2023 is taking our well-regarded surgery program to the next level by offering robotic surgery. I am happy to report that we are on track to make that a reality by this spring.

of robotic procedures at other hospitals, to be at the con trols for our very first robotic surgery.

Down the road, we intend to add robot-assisted general surgery, urologic and colorectal procedures.

It has long been a dream of mine to offer robotic sur gery at Madison Hospital. I saw the power and promise of this exciting technology up close during my time as Huntsville Hospital’s Vice President of Surgical Services. Like us, Huntsville Hospital waded into robotic surgery carefully by starting with a single procedure – prostate removal.

... Mary Lynne Wright President Madison Hospital

Our brand new, state-of-theart da Vinci Xi surgical system was delivered a few weeks ago, and select members of our sur gical team who will work with it are going through special train ing. Initially, we will focus on robot-assisted gynecologic sur geries like hysterectomies that have a long and successful track record.

Our program will be led by Madison Hospital Director of Surgery Kate Marquez, and we expect Dr. Mark Purvis from OB-GYN Associates, who has performed a number

That was in 2007. With the benefits of robotic surgery now well established (smaller incisions, less risk of com plications, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery) and a growing roster of surgeons trained to use the da Vinci sys tem, Huntsville Hospital’s program has blossomed. Last year, more than 1,500 patients opted for robot-assisted surgeries at HH’s downtown campus.

I am thrilled that Madison Hospital will now provide a closer-to-home robotic surgery option for people in west ern Madison County.

That’s something worth raising your glass to as we toast the arrival of 2023.

Looking forward to the new year Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

KENNEDY LANGHAM

Sparkman High School standout shooting to be Alabama’s Ms. Basketball

STORY BY BOB LABBE PHOTOS BY SCOTT LOWE / SHUTTERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

While in the eighth grade attending Monrovia Middle School, Kennedy Langham would quickly change from her school clothes and make the two-mile trek north on Jeff Road in Harvest to Sparkman High School where she would join workouts and on-court practices with the Senators’ varsity girls basketball squad. Her prowess on the court began while she was in fifth grade and has pro gressed to where she’s what many consider to be in the running for Alabama’s Ms. Basketball award handed out to the top player in the state among all classifications.

“Winning that award is one of the five goals I have set for myself in my senior year at Sparkman,” said Langham, a four-year starter for the Lady Senators.

Langham is a self-motivator. In her room at her home, she shares with her parents, Courtney and Kendra Lang ham, and older sister, Haley, she has her goals written out on her closet door. Number one on the list is to win a state championship followed by her desire to be named Ms. Basketball, to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game, to help Sparkman have the best defensive team in Alabama and to pray every day. “I feel I’m goal oriented and having those goals pushes me to be my best,” said Langham.

W“Kennedy is very competitive and hard-working stu dent-athlete that wants to be the best,” said Sparkman head coach Jarvis Wilson. “Her strong work ethic and desire to be a better teammate are her strong traits. She works on the small things all players need to keep sharp to compete at a high level night in and night out. There’s no doubt in my mind she will be a finalist for Ms. Basketball for the 2022-2023 season.”

Colleges have taken a gander at the talents that abound from the Harvest school gymnasium, but Langham has al ready verbally committed to attend Samford University in nearby Birmingham where she wants to earn a degree in exercise science. She has the necessary intelligence with a 3.4 grade point average and has her sights set on having a career in some area of health care.

During her sophomore season at Sparkman she was named third-team All-State. After her junior campaign, Langham was named first-team All-State. Her play last season was certainly outstanding as she averaged 16.1 points and 7 rebounds per game. In the 2021-2022 sea son, she scored 424 points and made 43 three-point field goals. She also grabbed 167 rebounds and had 75 steals. The 5-foot-9, 145-pound is the complete package.

Holidayspending is madeeasierwith myTrustmark® onlineandmobile banking,which allows youtomonitor your purchases, as wellas paybills, deposit checks andmorethewholeyearround. It’s banking that fits youtoaT Visittrustmark.com/mytrustmarktolearn more.

Make theholiday season Joyful with abankthat fits youto o a

“I’m a player that gets after the ball and I can score at all three levels,” said Langham. “I feel you get a little bit of everything from me on the court. On defense, I feel I’m strong and very quick and I take pride usually guarding the opponents’ best players.”

Langham has always been tall. While in the fifth grade she would play basketball against boys in PE classes and was noticed by a coach of a recreation team who encour aged Langham to sign up for play. She did as was request ed and in her first season in competition basketball, she was chosen as an All-Star player. “From that year, it went from there,” added Langham.

Playing for the Monrovia Hawks she was easily chosen as All-County as she led the Hawks to two consecutive Madison County Championships.

The 17-year-old Langham has attended numerous col lege summer camps including stops at Alabama, Auburn and UAB. She has also been playing AAU during the offseason for the Alabama Stars. She has helped lead her AAU squads to places among the Final Four of the NIKE Nationals.

As a young girl growing up in Harvest, she was a girly girl as she loved to dress up in her mother’s clothes. She would make her way into her mother’s closet and come out

performing fashion shows for her family. At age six, she was entered in a local beauty pageant and, already hav ing that girly-girl attitude, Langham won the contest. That was the beginning of her being a standout in everything she attempts.

“I grew up watching my older sister play basketball and when I finally tried playing on a team I fell in love with the sport,” added Langham. “My dad spent many hours training me at the top of the driveway where we have a basketball goal setup. Getting coaching from a parent can be nerve raking as it’s many times a love-hate relationship. He made me a better player. He taught me to have an open mind about the game and to learn from others. I used to love to come outside and shoot on our goal. I now see my hard work paid off.”

Langham is known to be in top physical condition as others have made comments about her well-defined muscles as she has a very athletic body. She does not lift weights on a regular basis. Her natural body build seems to be enough. She added, “I don’t enjoy the weight train ing, but I know those workouts will take my game to the next level.” She does a lot of road workouts being known to strap into her running shoes and hit her neighborhood for long runs. As part of the team physical conditioning,

Langham said she and her teammates run the artificial track at the school and the stadium steps.

Away from the hardwood, scoreboard and lights of the basketball court, Langham lends many of her hours with the SSO Club at Sparkman, which special izes in many projects as volunteers within the school. She has spent countless hours volunteering as part of the lunch buddies’ program where she will sit and eat lunch with special needs students, and those special events like Trunk-or-Treat at local churches.

Langham is sort of an old soul as she loves “old school” R&B music and remembers fondly her youth in the Harvest area where she played soccer and took dance lessons for eight years. She also remembers how she broke her arm while skating at age four. She relives those moments but understands her future is now. She has set those goals and those are first and utmost in her sights.

She can be seen driving to and from school every day in her gray color Toyota Corolla. It’s easy to spot as her car tag matches her given nickname: “Love Joy.” With her determination, hard work and a little bit of luck, at the end of the current season she may be able to change that car tag to read “Ms. Bball.”

OUT&ABOUT

HONORING OUR VETERANS - Veterans Day tributes were on full display last month throughout Madison City Schools. Parades, honor walls, poster-lined car lines, packed gymnasium programs, and special breakfasts and lunches were among the observances saluting our veterans. Every campus paid tributes in some form or fashion. Parents and grandparents who are veterans attended many of the ceremonies, often walking or being driven through a lineup of cheering students. Liberty Middle gave a reception to a bus load of veterans from the Tut Fann Veterans Nursing Home, who then joined other veteran family members of LMS students in an assembly in the gym. During that program, World War II-veteran Walt Siffringer was presented a special quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation. MCS employees who served were honored in special recognitions at schools. The transportation depart ment paid tribute to bus drivers and support staff who served. Madison City Schools said they extend a heartfelt gratitude to all veterans, past and present, for their service. Below are some photos from those events.

Lee Marshall Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

What a year!

AAs the calendar closes on 2022, I’m reflecting on the ways Kids to Love has been privileged to serve this year. Right now we are creating magi cal holiday memories through our Christmas for the Kids gift-giving program. It’s still one of the simplest and sweetest ways we meet the needs of foster children.

Our service has grown in ways we couldn’t have imagined this year. After two years, the labor of love we call The Whitaker Cottage Community opened two months ago! Our first 5 cottages at Davidson Farms are ready for young women to call home as they move into independence and young adulthood.

The Kids to Love Child Placing Agency has li censed families for foster care and placed children in homes where they are thriving! Our TIPS train

ing has started dozens of families along the foster care journey. We will begin new classes soon!

And speaking of class, KTECH continues to lead the way in the workforce training industry, changing lives and launching careers for our stu dents. One of the facets we are most proud of this year is the introduction of our immersive Virtual Reality (VR) curriculum.

There is so much more to share from 2022, and you can read all about it on our brand new web site at kidstolove.org. It’s exciting to see! I hope you’ll check it out because you are the reason we are able to make an impact on the lives of foster children.

We’ve got new adventures to share with you in 2023! Until then, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. www.kidstolove.org.

WOMEN

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN

Women are making decisions that will impact the city of Madison for years to come, impacting future leaders and the direction of our medical community

STORY BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOS BY WILLIAM AYCOCK AND JOSHUA BERRY

CCirca 1972 . . . a mere 50 years ago, Bill Withers released “Lean on Me.” The anthem has a timeless message of sup port of friends and of hope.

Since the 1970s, women have learned to lean on friends for moral support in navigating the business world. Career women in Madison often advise women starting in busi ness or influence younger colleagues by their own behav ior.

In Madison, there is no shortage of influential women who are making a huge difference in the lives of others. The Madison City Council made history in 2020 when vot ers placed three women on the council to join Maura Wro blewski, who was elected to her second term, creating the first women-majority council in the city’s history. Ranae Bartlett, Connie Spears and Karen Denzine were elected to a five-year term. . Bartlett and Spears had also previously

served on the Madison City Schools Board of Education..

This month we will take a look at these influential de cision-makers for Madison, and two other women who are also making life-long positive impacts on others, Bob Jones HIgh School principal Sylvia Lambert and Madison Hospital President Mary Lynne Wright.

RANAE BARTLETT manages a busy schedule in rep resenting District 5 on Madison City Council and serving as Education Director for ChessKid.com, Executive Direc tor for Madison City Chess League, along with numerous civic commitments.

Bartlett was born in Chuncheon, South Korea and grew up in a small town in Arkansas. She received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and political science at the Univer sity of Central Arkansas and a juris doctorate at University

Maura Wroblewski, Ranae Bartlett, Connie Spears and Karen Denzine made history in 2020 by creating the first women-majority council in the city’s history. They are joined above with fellow council-members Greg Shaw and Teddy Powell, along with Mayor Paul Finley. Together, they have a huge role in shaping the future of Madison.

of Arkansas School of Law.

“When I was a young attorney, many of my mentors were male because there were very few women who were federal judges, partners in law firms or general counsel of corpora tions,” Bartlett said. “Today, more women in positions of lead ership and women’s organizations help support and connect women in the workforce.”

To help younger women, “first, it’s important to represent, enter the arena, accept positions of leadership and run for of fice,” Bartlett said. “Second, it’s important to do your job well. You can’t help those that follow if you are not setting a good example yourself.”

“Finally, give the gift of time and be a connector for those who seek your guidance or advice,” Bartlett said.

She is married to Todd Guthrie. Their son, Michael Bartlett Guthrie, is a University of Alabama junior.

KAREN DENZINE grew up in Atlanta’s suburbs. “I devel oped a sense of community growing up that remains today,” she said.

At the University of Georgia, she received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in real estate, with emphasis in investment analysis.

On City Council for District 6, Denzine is liaison for police and fire departments, Madison Senior Center, board of educa tion, beautification board, Madison Street Festival and Madison City Disability Advocacy Board.

During college, women significantly guided Denzine’s career path. Women realtors in Georgia offered opportunities for jobs. “My first executive position was at NAI, one of the first nation wide commercial real estate company. I went from Assistant Property Director to managing three departments within three years,” Denzine said.

In Madison, Denzine has witnessed many scenarios of women supporting women. She cited Madison schools where capable women in senior roles collaborate to create a supportive envi ronment. At Madison Senior Center, women work tirelessly to help each other succeed.

Denzine’s advice is “go after your chosen career with deter mination and enthusiasm. Let no one else dictate how far you can go. Be respectful always.”

Karen and husband Dave have five sons. Four live in Madison County.

SYLVIA LAMBERT, Principal of Bob Jones High School, gained confidence by growing up in a small town. She lived in Winchester, Tennessee.

“I was extremely involved with many athletic teams, clubs and youth groups. I did take on many leadership roles,” Lam bert said.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in special education at the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in administra

Bob Jones High School principal Sylvia Lambert

tion/supervision of special education at the University of Ala bama in Montgomery. Lambert holds an education specialist degree in collaborative study for secondary/administration from Alabama A&M University.

“In my eighth year as principal, I strive to manage and mo tivate people as we provide excellent opportunities for our stu dents so they can succeed in the world,” Lambert said.

Throughout the years, Lambert has seen a shift for women. “Currently, there are many opportunities for women to interact with other women as role models, for resources and as motiva tors in business and leadership positions,” Lambert said.

“Forming supportive and healthy relationships is critical (for) mentorship,” Lambert said. “Younger women and more seasoned women can learn so much from each other concern ing leadership, interpersonal skills and business ideas, as well as understanding generational differences and commonalities.”

Husband Mark Lambert teaches at Monrovia Middle School. Their son Daniel is completing his doctorate and currently in restaurant management in Madison. Daughter Shelby of Vestavia Hills works in auditing at Costco.

Previously, Lambert was assistant principal for two years at Bob Jones and Liberty Middle School. She taught students in special education in Madison, Montgomery and Memphis, Ten nessee. “I also took the opportunity to run our own business for 10 years -- a staffing/recruiting service in Huntsville,” Lambert said.

CONNIE SPEARS, a self-confessed “Army brat. I was born in Texas and grew up all over. My background has taught me adaptability and the value of others with varied cultural and so cioeconomic backgrounds.”

Spears graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in business (management).

Today’s business climate has more women in positions of power than when Spears first entered the job market. “I also think the culture among women has shifted to one of helping and encouraging each other,” she said.

In advice to younger businesswomen, Spears said the most important action is “encouraging them to dream big and not self-limit.”

Spears serves as Councilperson for District 2. Her husband Richard is Director of Programs for Leonardo DRS Land Elec tronics, a local defense contractor. The Spears’ sons are Ross, software engineer at SAIC, and Riley, a student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Ross and Riley live in Madison.

MARY LYNNE WRIGHT’s nature extends as empathetic supervisor of employees and advocate for patients as President of Madison Hospital.

Growing up in Huntsville, Wright lived in a middle-class fam ily and close to her schools -- Terry Heights Elementary, Stone Middle and Butler High School. “My background helped me in my life’s path. I did grow up as a tomboy and learned to hold my

Madison Hospital

President Mary Lynne Wright

own with my two big brothers.”

Wright admired her mother, working outside the home but still managing to cook dinner nightly. “She carted us all over North Alabama. My dad was always coaching Lit tle League. To say we were an active family is an under statement.”

“A ninth-grade teacher said I would be a leader one day,” Wright said. “Luckily for me, we reconnected a few years ago and reminisced. She passed away not long ago. I’ll always thank her for encouraging me.”

Wright’s earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Samford University, a bachelor’s degree in business from Athens State University and a master’s degree in manage ment from Florida Institute of Technology.

Wright’s role as Madison Hospital President involves three divisions:

• Part One, The Future – To focus on future growth of services, new physicians to recruit to campus and how and when do we add on to physical space. Timing is everything.

• Part Two, Interaction – “By participating in communi ty activities, taking direction from the board and listening to patients, (the hospital will) continue to meet commu nity needs,” Wright said.

• Part Three, Morale/Career Boosting – As president, Wright must support employees. “From listening, to ob

taining needed equipment, to supporting career aspira tions.”

“This facility is great, but that’s just bricks and mortar. People working here -- day in and day out – make the dif ference,” Wright said.

Early in her career, Wright had an outstanding mentor who demonstrated working hard, learning everything pos sible and pushing to the destination (“Even though I had no idea where that was,” Wright said).

During the early 1980s, far more men held leadership positions than females. That scenario “caused women to not support each other as much, because there weren’t many opportunities to advance and everyone wanted them,” Wright said.

Hospitals then did have female nursing leaders; howev

er, if a woman wanted a job in hospital management/lead ership arena, far more males claimed those positions. She learned a tremendous amount from several male VPs. “It was business to them. I watched them interact with other men in day-to-day operations,” Wright said.

“Be an open book” for other women, Wright said. “Be honest about the good and the bad. Help them chart a path to get where they’re going, realizing the path may change.

. . be willing to let it change.”

“Volunteer for everything, even if you have no idea what you’re getting into. Support your community and give back to the next generation. Find a mentor that you can talk to -- your sounding board,” Wright said.

“Always remember your family is the most important thing,” Wright said. “My last tip -- learn to play golf.”

Mary Lynne’s husband, Merrill D. Wright, is retired. “We have two daughters and five grand-dogs,” Wright said. A real estate agent, Savannah Tyler lives in Nashville.

Merrill Elizabeth lives near Madison and works for Donor Drive.

MAURA WROBLEWSKI’s father was a Naval Offi cer, so she lived around the world until high school in Gulf Breeze, Florida. “Mobility I had in my childhood helped shape the woman I am today,” Wroblewski said.

Wroblewski graduated from the University of West

Florida in Pensacola with a bachelor’s degree in market ing. She has worked as a Consumer Products Representa tive for Kraft Foods, Kimberly Clark and Nabisco.

Since entering the workforce in 1983, Wroblewski has seen much greater acceptance of women. “I started in sales, largely a male career field. My Mom has been my role model in seeing projects through to the best of my ability. She helped instill my strong work ethic,” Wroblewski said.

When elected to City Council in 2016, Wroblewski was the only woman in the seven-member council. In the 2020 election, four women were elected. “The four of us have been very supportive of each other” and councilmen also have, she said. “The seven of us, along with Mayor Finley, have a team mentality.”

Encouragement rates as the most important factor in mentoring. “And time spent encouraging,” Wroblewski said.

A self-described ‘fixer,’ Wroblewski tries to make every thing right. “Sometimes, it’s more important to just listen. Offer advice if it’s asked, but listen more than you speak. Occasionally, peers just need a sounding board and valida tion they are on the right path.”

Her husband Ron oversees Asbury Church’s Food Service Ministry. Their son Zach is a teacher in Atlanta. Daughter Sarah is an Air Force Staff Sergeant at Joint Air Base Charleston.

PEOPLE

ROCKY TOP

Now the superintendent of Madison City Schools, Dr. Ed Nichols once spent five years as the drum major for the Pride of the Southland Band at UT STORY BY ERIN COGGINS

PPerhaps it is fate. Maybe it is just merely coincidental. Whatever it is, the University of Tennessee’s football pro gram is performing its best since 2016 and doing it for the 50th anniversary of the school’s famous fight song, “Rocky Top.” No one gets more joy out of this coincidence than Madison City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Ed Nichols.

Nichols was a member of the Pride of the Southland Band for seven years, five of which he served as the drum major. The alumni band recently gathered once again to play the fight song.

“The great arranger Barry McDonald did a lot of arrang ing in Nashville. He found the song and put it in this med ley. It was played for the first time in 1972,” Nichols said. “And it was such a hit that they kept playing it and it became the fight song.”

The song was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant who owned a hotel in Gatlinburg called Rocky Top Inn. The two tucked the song away, but five years later the bluegrass group, the Osborn Brothers needed a song and the Bryants supplied.

“When I was the drum major in 1982, the song was named the state song,” Nichols said. “We had a big celebra

tion on the legislative floor and the Osborne Brothers came and played it.”

Nichols says the Bryant family continued its ties to the University when their son, Dale, a long-time head of BMI music, established the Rocky Top Foundation. Every year a group of business majors at UT market “Rocky Top” with the percentage of sales going back to the University.

“The Bryant family has always been kind to the university and are very dedicated to the band program,” Nichols said.

Both the UT football program and the Pride of the South land Band are steeped in tradition. Some of these are inter twined like the band’s formation of the infamous T.

Nichols says the T started in the ‘60s when then head coach Doug Dickey had a little problem getting his players out of the locker room on the east side of Neyland Stadium.

“The east side was where the visitors’ side was and one game both teams got meshed up, so Coach asked Dr. Julian, who was the band director, if he could develop something to get the team out without interfacing with the opposing team,” Nichols said. “So, the came up with the T and from the mid-sixties until today, it is still used.”

When Nichols was the drum major, the team moved the

Dr. Ed Nichols sits back in his office at Madison City Schools where he is the Superintendent of Education. A reminder of his days at the University of Tennessee is proudly displayed.

locker room to the north endzone and a new locker room was built. Once again the band had to figure out how to turn the T a different way.

“That was a big, big deal,” Nichols said. “I don’t think it was as big of a deal as people made it, but it was a change.”

Dickey’s relationship with the band as well as with Julian instilled something in Nichols, who went on to become a high school band director. He says that Dickey made sure the band was part of it all, even staying in nice places like the team when they all travelled for an away game.

“When I was a band director, I always had a great relation ship with my football coaches. To me, that is what teaches our kids about camaraderie and support,” Nichols said. “When I was directing in Tullahoma, we went to a competition down the road in Lynchburg and the football coach brought the foot ball team to the contest. Now, I’m gonna tell you, when we walked out on the field and there was the team in their uni form jerseys, that was a night I’ll remember.”

A graduate of Maryville High School in East Tennessee, Nichols was one of five Maryville alumni drum majors in 14 years to lead the Pride of the Southland Band. He was the last of the five.

“We were all together a few weeks ago at homecoming,” Nichols said. “They call us the Maryville Five.”

Nichols credits his time in the band and his tutelage under his band director, Dr. Julian for the lessons he learned about

hard work and not giving up. He describes Julian as an old school band director known to be a little gruff.

“I feared him. He passed away a few years ago and I’m still afraid of him, “Nichols said. “When he called on me, I broke out in a sweat. You just wanted to please him. His motto was ‘if you’re early, you are on time. If you are on time, you’re late. And if you’re late, you don’t need to be there.’ And boy, you did not want to be late. He also said ‘the view from the top of the ladder was pretty clear because most people were too lazy to climb.’”

Despite the lessons he learned from Julian and the fond memories of suiting up for pre-game and halftime perfor mances, Nichols’s memories also tie into the Volunteer wins. The one that stands out the most was Nichols’ last game as drum major, pitting the Vols against the Miami Hurricanes in the 1986 Sugar Bowl. The Hurricanes were ranked No.1 in the nation.

“When we marched out onto the field in the Super Dome, it was at least seven to one Tennessee fans. Miami didn’t bring near what he had,” Nichols said. “I don’t even think I realized it then how many people were there from Tennessee. I just remember when we marched out on the field and turned to start the pregame, the roar was just overpowering. It makes my hair stand up now to think about it.”

The Vols won in a rout, 35-7.

The victory of course stands out in a memory, but Nichols

has a watch given to him by legendary coach Johnny Majors to commemorate that victory. It’s something he keeps in a box at home and wears once in a while.

“We were doing our final majors and Coach Majors came out to speak to the band and then all of sudden he said ‘I’ve got something to give somebody.’ And he gave me that watch,” Nichols said. “And then we won the game. And at halftime, Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the U.S.A. with us and I thought this is the final moment, it’s time to gradu ate.”

Nichols is still active with the Pride of the Southland Alumni Band and was named a Pride of Life member a few years ago.

“They surprised me with that honor,” Nichols said. “And that’s very important because the band meant so much to me.”

Although he calculates, that while in the band, he played “Rocky Top” around 2,000 times. The melody and lyrics never get old. Nichols is able to catch a game or two and has thoroughly enjoyed watching the Vols win, especially over Bama, this season.

“I think the biggest difference this year is the enthusiasm of the fans, and I think a lot of that has to do with Coach Huepel,” Nichols said. “It’s a lot more fun to go watch that. It’s been some struggles through the years.”

Although, Nichols is a Tennessee graduate, he does hold a

doctorate degree from the University of Alabama. His father was a Bama fan. His mom bled orange. And he admits that sometimes he cheers for the Crimson Tide, but not this year. This year is all about the Vols. It is the year for celebration.

“I’ve always felt like that if one team seemed to be better than the other and might have a shot at a national champi onship, I would hate for one team to derail the other. Which for a while has not been a problem,” Nichols said. “When I was in school in 1982, we broke the 10-year losing streak to Coach Bryant. That was a big night in Neyland Stadium. And it was exciting to see it again this year.”

Dr. Ed Nichols (above) directs the band at Liberty Middle School during a concert last year.

Shining stars of the Madison Chamber

TThe Madison Chamber of Commerce has had a phenomenal year with incredible membership growth, new programming and events. All, accompanied by a huge surge in the energy and love for our community and business owners around the city of Madison.

Michelle Epling Executive Director Madison Chamber of Commerce

One of the shining stars of the Madison Cham ber is the community of volunteers called the “Madison Chamber Ambassadors” who have truly worked so hard to help fulfill the mission of “Creating Community Conversations and Growing Businesses.”

We had the hardest working community

volunteers in 2022 who continue to shine through excelling in their business fields and also supporting and encouraging all of our new business owners throughout the year. Our Ambassadors have supported all of the 2022 Chamber ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, Madison Chamber member events, and helped launch “Celebrate Madison” at Toyota Field.

On behalf of the Madison Chamber of Com merce Board of Directors and the Madison Chamber staff we wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to these incredible individuals. We wanted the Madison community to hear from

...

Madison Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Epling with the Chamber’s team of Ambassadors.

our Ambassadors and let them continue to be the voice for what being part of the Madison Chamber of Commerce has meant to them in 2022!

“Being an Ambassador in 2022 meant relationship, collaboration and community building.”

Pamela Bass/Owner|Broker/Virtuous Realty Group

“A top notch organization, the Madison Chamber of Commerce has helped me link with new and existing businesses within their footprint to foster genuine and positive relationships for the importance of financial excellence. Can’t say it enough, ‘THE BEST’ for sound business relationships!”

LeJuan George/ Senior Business Development Officer Redstone Federal Credit Union

“Being an Ambassador for the Madison Chamber of Commerce in 2022 has provided me with amazing op portunities to form meaningful relationships, make new friendships, support new and existing businesses, and participate in wonderful community events.”

Kat Frisby/VP Banking Center Manager First Horizon Bank

“To be a part of the chamber as an ambassador is nothing but amazing to work with such enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who understands the assignment of our role that we signed up as individuals that we would do. Meeting the community and different activities is amazing beyond amazing.”

Karen Ruffin/Associate Broker Coldwell Banker of the Valley

“2022 has been a rebuilding year in many ways for us as a society as we emerge from the previous two years of isolation. Being part of the Madison Chamber as an Ambassador has afforded a reconnection with the business community where familiar relationships have been strengthened and new relationships formed. The reunion of the vital social aspect of business has flourished in 2022 through the Chamber!”

Stephanie Johnson/CFO/MozaicAV

“Being involved with and taking advantage of oppor

tunities with the Madison Chamber in 2022 has opened the door to building authentic relationships with dozens of business owners right here in our community.”

Erica DeSpain/Founder and CEO/All Things Madison

“Being an ambassador for the local chamber is an honor. I’ve enjoyed being able to work so closely with the amazing people of the Madison Chamber of Com merce in 2022! So much has happened in such a short period of time & many changes occurred but the leaders have handled it with grace & skill! I look forward to the future endeavors through the chamber in 2023!”

Stephanie Mills/Marketing Director

Two Men and a Truck Huntsville

“Being a Madison Chamber Ambassador is such an honor. Getting to build relationships with other busi nesses in our community. Welcoming the new ones and helping them grow. Being part of the Chamber is very rewarding to our business. Working on community events is another part I love helping with.”

Roseanna Cox/Marketing and Catering Director Taziki’s

“Being an ambassador for The Madison Chamber of Commerce this past year has allowed me to experience new business excitement and see firsthand the familyoriented community that is Madison City. Seeing the big heart Michelle and the other Ambassadors at Madi son City Chamber have and the drive for excellence to make Madison better than ever makes me ever so grate ful to be a part of such a successful organization.”

Victoria Willmon/Key Account Coordinator Huntsville Utilities

“Being a Madison Chamber Ambassador is rewarding on so many levels! From all of the community events, having the opportunity to be a part of the ribbon cut tings for new business openings, to the extremely fun networking events are just some of my favorite! Most of all, nothing compares to the amazing relationships made with other ambassadors. My belief is that team building among ambassadors is a major key and asset to a growing Madison community!”

Candice Hayes/Owner/Candy’s Candles

Congratulations to the following business on their recent ribbon cuttings and achievements.

Ground-breaking for Sunbelt Rentals at 9774 Madison Blvd.

The Furniture Source at 8059 Hwy 72 West. Shoot 360 at 115 Field View Lane.

The Madison Village expansion at 6078 Wall Triana Hwy.

Urban Home Market, 7830 Hwy 72 in the old Publix Shopping Center next to Staples.

CELEBRATE MADISON - Celebrating the city of Madison was the focus of the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s biggest fundraising event - “Celebrate Madison.” Presented by Meta, Celebrate Madison (previously known as “Connect”) took a new shape this year, and it was free to the community at Toyota Field last month. Madison Chamber Executive Director Michelle Epling (top left on facing page) said after two years of social-distancing due to COVID, the event was planned as a time to “get back together to celebrate all the accomplishments of the last two years of our city.” “The City of Madison is thrilled to highlight all of the amazing progress our com munity is making! The Celebrate Madison event shined a bright spotlight on our achievements while bringing together the network of people who make Madison so wonderful,” Madison Mayor Finley said (above). The event featured Finley’s “State of the City” address. Performances by the James Clemons drumline and jazz band, along with fun activities highlighting the Madison City Schools enter tained during the evening. The event wrapped up with a fireworks show. The National Anthem was performed by Ariana DeThomas, with the James Clemens JROTC Color Guard presenting the Colors.

Downtown Madison: From the Past to the Present

Taking a look at some new renovations to downtown Madison

By Brandy Booth

I“I have great respect for the past. If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going. I have respect for the past, but I’m a person of the moment. I’m here, and I do my best to be completely cen tered at the place I’m at, then I go forward to the next place.” - Maya Angelou

One of the most common statements we business own ers in downtown hear from first-time shoppers is, “I had no idea Madison had a downtown!” With Madison grow ing at such a rapid rate and so many new residents, our small downtown area is a hidden gem. But though we may be small, there’s such rich history to everything down town. So this month we’d like to feature not only the new updates to three downtown businesses but also to feature the history as well.

Lemon & Lavender, owned by Brandy Booth and Shan

non Fisher, opened in February 2021 inside the Clay House at 16 Main Street. Over the past year, the Ander son brothers have been renovating 108 Main for Lemon & Lavender to expand from their original 250 sq ft to an 1800 sq ft space.

When Booth and Fisher first opened their all-nat ural, eco-friendly store featuring kitchen, bath, and home decor, they knew downtown Madison had to be the home for their store as it’s the heartbeat of Madi son. Their vision for Lemon & Lavender moving into 2023 is to continue to grow and give North Alabama a place to shop that allows them to move from the “convenient to conscious” as that’s part of the vision they have had from the beginning. Both Booth and Fisher hope to have a positive impact on the business community in the coming year by “encouraging other businesses to join

1920s scene of Main Street in downtown Madison. Photo courtesy of John Rankin

our cause of being aware of what impact our choices have on not only us but also the environment,” Fisher affirms.

And the history of 108 Main Street is also what they also wanted to preserve. Building owners Walt and Larry An derson grew up in this building as their parents owned a furniture store for about a decade. So when the renova tions of the 100-year-old building began in late January of this year, the two 70-year-old brothers took on much of the job themselves, deconstructing the inside of a building that built them into the men they are today. But as Booth and Fisher watched the inside of the building being reno vated down to the dirt, they had an idea. They asked the Andersons to keep some of the original floor joists. They had plans to repurpose the flooring into the wall behind the fireplace as a way to treasure the history of the build ing. The Anderson brothers were touched by this idea as an appreciative “nod to the past” as Lemon & Lavender moves Madison forward with its eco-conscious mindset.

Humphrey Bros. Cigar Bar, owned by Joe Santor, is lo cated at 112 Main inside the Humphrey Bros. building. As many of the buildings were in the early days, 112 Main was once a dry good mercantile store. But the building itself has a historical significance to not only Madison but also Madison County. On the outside of the building, one can see “Humphrey Bros” and a faint “D.S. Brandon” under neath. D.S. Brandon is none other than Daniel S. Brandon,

who was a trailblazer for the African-American business owners in the late 1800 - early 1900s. He owned a success ful brick making and construction firm. It is thought that 112 Main may be his last known construction still stand ing. Originally built in 1919, we have a continued building legacy of Brandon’s that is being given new life by Santor.

Santor first acquired the Humphrey Bros. building in 2018 to begin renovations. His inspiration to open Hum phrey Bros. Cigar Bar, which he describes as a Jazz Club/ Cigar Bar that serves Italian food, started from the age of 14 living in Albany, New York, and working at a jazz club. He picked up a love for cigars during his military service in the Air Force. And with his studies in Hotel Technology, after all the years of building for others, he decided to take on the renovations of 112 Main all by himself.

His vision for Humphrey Bros. Cigar Bar in 2023 is to fill the niche for mature professionals who want a peace ful, relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a good cigar and cocktail, listen to some Jazz music, and enjoy some good Italian food (his favorite recommendations are the spaghetti and meatballs or chicken parmesan). He plans to have live mu sic Thursdays - Saturdays with a featured Sunday brunch.

Santor is currently finishing up renovations at 112 Main, but keep an eye out for the Grand Opening because it will definitely be worth the wait!

Noble Passage, owned by Deborah McDaniel, has been

Main Street in downtown Madison today. Photo by John Few

in downtown Madison for twelve years. As a certified in terior designer, what makes Noble Passage stand out is the personal touch McDaniel gives to each project. Her clients become friends and even almost like family as she’s worked with many long-term. So that’s why when McDaniel was told last year that she was going to need open-heart surgery, she immediately thought of her cus tomers and business and how it would be impacted. That is when she realized it was the prime opportunity to com pletely renovate the left building of the store. It gave her the opportunity to condense all inventory and close off the left side and get to work.

Constructed in 1900, 204 Main, the home of Noble Passade, has had multiple businesses over the past cen tury. But the most notable was the Bank of Madison. Early newspapers boasted that the new safe was “unrob bable” because it was considered state of the art (three safes - one inside the other). However, in 1928, they were proven wrong when robbers broke into the vault using a torch.

Over the years and as other businesses “modernized” the building, they included dropped ceilings, commercial carpet, and partitions for offices. But when Noble Pas sage moved in, with a goal of opening within a month, major changes would have to wait. So twelve years later with McDaniel facing heart surgery, she determined that was the opportune time to return it to some of its for mer glory. Two major renovations included removing the drop ceiling to expose the beautiful original beams as well as removing the commercial carpet to reveal the

original hardwood flooring. They also chose to expose more of the original plaster walls. But one thing remains - and always will - the safe, which is currently used as storage and dressing rooms, with the original inspection stickers from the early 1900s.

As we move quickly into 2023, McDaniel acknowl edges how the market is constantly changing. But when asked where she sees Noble Passage in the coming year, she sees her store as a constant. She describes the store as “old school” with their hand-written tickets, avoiding moving to tech-based. Customers love the nostalgia and personal experience they receive that comes from Noble Passage’s downtown presence.

Speaking of nostalgia, make sure to visit Main Street during the holidays. Noble Passage is also a staple lead ing the way with the tradition of decorating store win dows for the holiday season. McDaniel recalls, as a child, fondly visiting store windows, like Macy’s, in downtown Chicago with her father and seeing the window decora tions. Now with her store, one of her favorite things to see each day during the holidays is little handprints on the front windows, knowing a family had visited downtown the night before and enjoyed the decorations. “With more online shopping, more [people] appreciate [moments] like this, “McDaniel believes.

So as we close the book on 2022, the Shoppes of His toric Downtown Madison would like to thank Madison for its continued support and look forward to a new year and new things happening downtown. Happy Holidays and a Blessed New Year!