Madison Living Magazine - December 2021 by Madison Publications

MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • OUT & ABOUT • SCHOOLS

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

Noble Passage in downtown Madison keeps magic of Christmas alive Christmas time with The Beasley Brothers Next Step Farm Meet Madison’s new executive director Cross-County Christmas events and attractions Madison Living 1

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Madison Living 3

Alison James John Few

MADISON CONTRIBUTORS MADISON Gregg Parker LIVING LIVING Bob Labbe

EDITORIAL Richard George EDITOR Rebekah Martin Joshua Berry JohnJames Few Alison Erin Coggins John Few Lee Marshall CONTRIBUTORS Mayor Paul Finley Bob Labbe CONTRIBUTORS MaryGregg LynneParker Wright Parker MaryGregg Anne Swanstrom Erin Coggins Bob Labbe Joshua Berry Richard George William Aycock MARKETING Joshua Berry Lee Marshall Donna Counts Erin Coggins John Peck Lee Marshall Mary Lynne Wright ADMINISTRATIVE Mayor Paul Finley Richard George Sierra Jackson Mayor PaulWright Finley Mary Lynne French Salter Mary Anne Swanstrom MARKETING ••• Donna Counts MARKETING

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ADMINISTRATIVE Huntsville, AL 35806 Sierra256-772-6677 Jackson Phone: Fax: 256-772-6655 French Salter CONTACT US

madisonlivingmagazine.com Madison••• Publications, LLC Madison Living 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 is published monthly Huntsville, AL 35806 CONTACT US by Madison Publications, LLC. Phone: 256-772-6677 A one-year subscription to Madison LLC Fax:Publications, 256-772-6655 Madison Living 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 madisonlivingmagazine.com is $24.99 for 12AL issues per year. Huntsville, 35806 Single copies are available at Phone: 256-772-6677 Madison Living select locations throughout 256-772-6655 isFax: published monthly by the Madison area. madisonlivingmagazine.com Madison Publications, LLC. To advertise or to get A one-year to Madisonsubscription Living more copies, Madison Living is $24.99 is published monthly call12 256-772-6677. for issues per year. by Madison Publications, LLC. Single copies are to A one-year subscription Copyright 2020 available at select Madison Living by Madison Publications, LLC locations throughout is $24.99 for 12 issues per year. the Madison area. Single copies are available at 4 select Madison Livingthroughout locations Totheadvertise to get Madison or area. more copies, To advertise or to get call 256-772-6677. more copies, call 256-772-6677. Copyright 2021 by Madison Publications, Copyright 2020 LLC by Madison Publications, LLC 4 Madison Living

4 Madison Living

and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.

...

CONTRIBUTORS John Few, Editor Alison James, copy editor

John Few hasearned been in thebachelor’s field of newspaper journalism at and production for over 25 Alison James her degree in journalism Auburn University, years. Johninhas served staffher writer, editor and publisher for a variety of publications graduating 2012. She as began career in community journalism in Alexander City in Alabama and Mississippi. He was transferred 2009 toinbegin coverage of loves and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika beforeinlanding northhis Alabama. She Madison. covering thecorrecting City of Madison the past 10 years, John onplaces sharing theIn stories – and the grammar of those stories – ofhas the reported people and several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James that make north Alabama such a special place. Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has grown, John has been there to cover the news that has made Madison home. Together John and his wife, Lori, have seven children, ranging from 15-23 years old.

John Few, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

Bob Labbe is abeen lifelong resident the Huntsville community. He has beenfor innearly the local John Few has in the field ofofnewspaper journalism and production 25 news media for served 48 years, journalistTimes, in television, radio and print years. John has as a multi-award-winning staff writer for The Demopolis the daily newspaper media. is a member of thefor Huntsville-Madison County HallGazette. of FameHe and has in West He Alabama, and editor the weekly newspaper theAthletic Black Belt was been nominated for to both the his Alabama Press Association Alabama of transferred in 2009 begin coverage of Madison. Inand covering the Music City ofhalls Madison fame. Bob hosted radio program, The Years,such for 29 on WLRH-FM the past 10 has years, Johna has reported onReelin’ severalinkey events, asyears construction of the Public Family Radio. He has also a local highHigh school basketball for 28 years andhas was Hogan YMCA and been James Clemens School. Overreferee the years, as Madison a high school football 15 years. Bob is anhas avidmade sportsMadison fan and home. collector of 45 grown, John has been referee there tofor cover the news that Together rpm records. He once boxed Ali and was from the reporter who asked John and his wife, Lori, haveMuhammad seven children, ranging 15-23 years old. the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

A graduate Mississippi State Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Bob Labbe isof a lifelong resident ofUniversity, the Huntsville community. He has been in the local Intergraph Corporation 1990 with wife Brenda and son For radio 15 years news media for 48 years, ainmulti-award-winning journalist in Andy. television, andGregg print wrote for Spirit” “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Times.” media. He “Madison is a member of theand Huntsville-Madison County Athletic HallHuntsville of Fame and has His articles havefor been in numerous chamber of Alabama commerce publications, been nominated bothpublished the Alabama Press Association and Music halls of “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Gregg considers a privilege to fame. Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ inWater.” The Years, for 29 years onitWLRH-FM document Madison’s coming age high in hisschool hundreds of articles forfor “The Madison Public Radio. He has also been aoflocal basketball referee 28 years and was andfootball “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg spoiling his collector rescue dachshund, aRecord” high school referee for 15 years. Bob is an enjoys avid sports fan and of 45 rpm Francis He Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netfl series;and andwife records. once boxed Muhammad Ali and was theix reporter whovisiting asked Andy the famed Paul Saadia, bothhis physicians, in Nashville, Bear Bryant last question as coach ofTenn. the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Erin Coggins, Gregg Parker, contributing contributing writer

AErin graduate of is Mississippi University, Gregg Madison High with Coggins a scholasticState journalism adviser andParker historyrelocated teacher attoSparkman Intergraph in 1990 withand wifepublic Brenda and son Andy. ForHer 15 years Gregg School. SheCorporation is also a freelance writer relations consultant. writing muse is wrote “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone “The Huntsville Times.” Worldfor War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle,Spirit” whom sections she fell ininlove with while a student His articles have been published in numerous chamberErin of commerce publications, studying communications at the University of Alabama. and her husband Jamie “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege reside in Madison. to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netflix series; and visiting Andy and wife Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.

Erin Coggins, writer Joshua Berry, contributing photographer

Erin Coggins a scholastic journalism adviser and teacher at Sparkman High Joshua Berryishas a degree in biology and works fullhistory time as an aquatic instructor for the School. She is also aHe freelance writer public relations consultant. Herdistances. writing muse is City of Huntsville. is also an avidand runner, ranging from short to long When World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom he sheenjoys fell in trying love with while a the student he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, to capture perfect studying theowner University of Alabama. Erin andhis heradvice husband Jamie momentcommunications on his camera. Asatthe of Everlong Photography, for beautiful reside in Madison. pictures is that nothing looks better than being confi dent in oneself.

Joshua Berry, photographer Joshua Berry has a degree in biology and works full time as an aquatic instructor for the City of Huntsville. He is also an avid runner, ranging from short to long distances. When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, he enjoys trying to capture the perfect moment on his camera. As the owner of Everlong Photography, his advice for beautiful pictures is that nothing looks better than being confident in oneself.

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We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up.

11 EVENTS

WE DO WHAT WE DO

11 CHRISTMAS IN MADISON Madison’s historic downtown will come to life with festive Christmas events

BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

SHOPPING

29 CHRISTMAS MAGIC Noble Passage in downtown Madison keeps magic of Christmas alive

MUSIC

37 THE BEASLEY BROTHERS On the road with their music careers, Jackson and Lawson Beasley have not forgotten their roots back home as they prep for annual Christmas concert

51 MADISON CHAMBER 57 MICHELLE EPLING Meet the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s new executive director

IN EVERY ISSUE

7 The Guide 26 Shopping 36 Around Town 50 Madison City Schools 57 MCC Connections 59 Out & About

SPORTS

43 BREVARD CAMP Local cross-country runners experience a chance to get away from everyday life into the scenic mountains of North Carolina

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51 NEXT STEP FARM Retired teacher takes next step in career to help special needs adults

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Madison Living 7

THE GUIDE

A HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR 2021

The College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences Presents:

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Peace on Earth returns, featuring the a cappella sensation, Voctave. The trending 11-member ensemble, Voctave, will offer a holiday symphony program, showcasing their tight vocal harmonies, chart-topping style, and exciting staging. UAH music faculty and students, HCC Youth Chorale, and friends from Huntsville Symphony Orchestra will perform seasonal favorites to kick off your holiday season. Then Voctave takes the stage! Peace on Earth will take place on Thursday, December 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the Von Braun Center Concert Hall. Tickets prices start at $13. To buy tickets, go to www.uah.edu.peace

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Madison Living 9

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Discover the world’s great record holders and what it took to cement their names in the history books at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s latest traveling exhibition, The Science of Guinness World Records. From the world’s longest moustache (14 feet!), to the most drum beats in 60 seconds (over 2,100 beats … or 35 per second!), to the most consecutive pinky pull-ups (36!), the world is full of fascinating people achieving strange and incredible feats. Now, for the first time ever, discover the science of world records with a look behind the scenes, the stories of those with the talent and tenacity to break the records and discover the secrets for breaking one yourself.

EVENTS

THE GUIDE

CHRISTMAS IN MADISON Madison’s historic downtown will come to life with festive Christmas special events and attractions STORY BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOS BY JOHN FEW

Madison Living 11

Santa is due to arrive in downtown Madison on December 11 in the annual Madison Christmas Parade.

In 2021, the Grinch won’t spoil the fun as he did in 2020 with COVID-19. Some special events are planned in downtown Madison to celebrate Christmas in December. On Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., the Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail will be illuminated on Main Street. Madison City Community Orchestra will perform. Madison Public Library staff will read “The Polar Express.” After tree lighting on Dec. 2, Madison’s downtown merchants will present the first annual Wassail Fest. The public can enjoy samples of residents’ best recipes and vote for their favorite. Door prizes will be presented. Downtown stops open for business will be Old Black Bear, Noble Passage Interiors, Balch Realty, Main Street Cafe, Lemon & Lavender, Filthy Gorgeous, South & Pine, Madison Station Antiques, Hook and Frog, The House of Pilates and Pure Barre. The 2021 Madison Christmas Parade, coordinated by Madison Parks and Recreation Department, will fill the streets on Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. Parade units will line up on Plaza Drive, and proceed south on Hughes Road to Insanity Complex at 100 Skate Park Drive. The parade’s rain date will be Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

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Madison City Community Orchestra musicians will perform for the Polar Express Tree Lighting on Dec. 2

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In other activities, the city and historical society will present the third annual Madison Christmas Capers on Dec. 12 from 4 to 5 p.m. Lifelong residents will reprise the legend with ‘Doc’ Hughes tossing live chickens from his drug store’s roof to spectators below. The custom of Christmas Capers originated in 1925 when George Walton ‘Doc’ Hughes rented the HumphreyHughes property at 200 Main St. in downtown Madison. Doc Hughes opened his drug store business at that location, which he operated until 1972. During years of the Great Depression in the early 1930s, Hughes started a holiday tradition dubbed the “Christmas Chicken Capers,” according to “Madison Station, Historic Downtown Madison, 1856-2015” by Madison Station Historical Preservation Society. On Christmas Eve, ‘Doc’ Hughes threw live chickens from the roof of his business. The chickens had tags attached to their legs, and people could redeem the tags for prizes in Hughes’ store. Anyone who caught the chickens (sometimes turkeys, some people say) received the prizes and kept the chicken for Christmas dinner.

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Madison Living 15

The shop windows in downtown Madison will transport you to yesteryear when stores decorated their windows with elaborate Christmas displays.

In recent years, the Christmas Chicken Capers evolved from live chickens to rubber chickens with gift cards from local retail stores. At 4 p.m., Doc Hughes’ grandsons, Larry and Walt Anderson, will re-enact the legend by pitching rubber chickens with gift vouchers tied to their legs from Hughes Drug Store’s balcony. Gift vouchers are valued in thousands of dollars.

Decorated Christmas trees will line the area between Main Street Café and Sullivan Street in the heart of downtown Madison. They will be part of the 2021 Christmas tree decorating contest. Businesses, groups, organizations and individuals enter the contest and decorate a tree. The tree lighting ceremony will be held on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

16 Madison Living

Rotary Club of Madison will serve free hot chocolate and cookies. Madison City Community Orchestra will entertain the crowd. Christmas Capers will continue when the city and Torch Technologies present the second annual “Madison Christmas Night at the Movie.” The free film will be shown at Home Place Park at 5:30 p.m. Parking will be available at Madison City Schools Stadium.

Christmas Card Lane, an outdoor, life-size card exhibit located in the Madison’s historic district, will be held again this year. You’ll find whimsical, traditional, and religious themes among the more than thirty designs on display. Drive along Church and Front Street, in the historic downtown neighborhood, to enjoy this visual holiday delight.

Rocket City Christmas Light Show & Winter Wonderland • Through Jan. 2 • 5-9 p.m. • Toyota Field • trashpandasbaseball.com Hundreds of thousands of lights will be on display for all to enjoy this holiday season! The Rocket City Christmas Light Show and Winter Wonderland returned to Toyota Field through Sunday, Jan. 2. Following the light show, wander into the Winter Wonderland presented by CTG for a whole host of holiday activities. The Winter Wonderland will be open through Dec. 24 during all Christmas Light Show hours.

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Breakfast with Santa • Dec. 18 • Bob Jones High School

Santa will be coming to Madison for the annual “Breakfast with Santa” at Bob Jones High School on Dec. 18. Decked out in their elfin costumes, Bob Jones Cheerleaders will host a tasty breakfast of pancakes and the trimmings from 7:30 to 11 a.m. in the cafeteria. Guests will enjoy a great meal with the jolly ole’ soul himself, Santa Claus. Portraits with Santa Claus are free with each ticket purchase and will offer memories of a wonderful holiday experience. Craft activities and games also will be set up for the children. Tickets are $10 at the event. $7 per person advance, 3 years and under are free.

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The Huntsville Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker returns to the VBC Dec. 10-12 for the first time since 2019.

Huntsville Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to the VBC Dec. 10-12 It’s back! Tickets are now available for Huntsville Ballet’s 52nd annual production of The Nutcracker to be performed December 10-12 at the Von Braun Center’s Mark C Smith Concert Hall. Sorely missed in 2020, the production features the Company’s entire roster of professional dancers, complemented by a young cast comprised of over 80 students from Huntsville Ballet School, the official school of Huntsville Ballet. Huntsville Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition in the Rocket City. With the exception of the 2020 season, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of performances, Huntsville Ballet’s production is enjoyed by thousands of loyal patrons annually. “We’re extraordinarily grateful to be back on the stage for the 2021 holiday season and excited to present a classical portrayal of the characters that Huntsville, as well as the entire ballet world have grown to love,” said Phillip Otto, Artistic Director for Huntsville Ballet. “2020 wasn’t the same without Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the land of Sweets.” Set to Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky’s iconic score, Huntsville Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker features the Balanchine-inspired choreography of Phillip Otto, digital set design by UAH, costumes by Lisa Ordway and lighting by Cynthia Meyers and Marilyn West. Highlights of the production include a magical growing Christmas tree, an onstage blizzard of white snowflakes, dancing flowers and Mother Ginger’s famous skirt. To purchase tickets visit www.huntsvilleballet.org/ tickets or call 256-970-0917. Showtimes are Friday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 11 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. 445495-1

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A Christmas Carol • Dec. 3-5 & 10-12 • VBC Playhouse • www.fantasyplayhouse.org

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On Christmas Eve, solitary businessman Ebenezer Scrooge receives a haunting visit from the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, in this classic Dickens’ tale. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future take Scrooge on a supernatural journey to show him what truly matters. Enjoy one of the greatest ghost stories of all time with your family this Christmas season! Presented by Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater. Suitable for ages 6 and up.

20 Madison Living

Galaxy of Lights • Through Jan. 1 • Huntsville Botanical Garden • www.hsvbg.org/galaxy.

Galaxy of Lights, an annual holiday light experience at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, is back for its 26th season. Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights will take place Thursday, Dec. 2, through Saturday, Jan. 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20 to $35 per vehicle (limit of 10 passengers) with a $5 discount available at the gate on Mondays for active and retired military personnel with valid ID. Tickets for Galaxy of Lights tickets are available front desk during business hours or at hsvbg.org/galaxy.

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Madison Living 21

Skating in the Park • Through Jan. 17. • Big Spring Park behind the Huntsville Museum of Art

Skating in the Park returns for its tenth season! Join in the fun at the Huntsville Museum of Art. The rink will remain open until Monday, Jan. 17. Find Skating in the Park on social media for the latest event updates and weather-related closings or delays.

Holiday Light Show

Dec. 3 - 18 10 minute shows at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Bridge Street Town Centre www.bridgestreethuntsville.com Bigger and better this holiday season, the open-air shopping center will be spreading cheer through a holiday themed light show at the Christmas tree near Cinemark.

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Christmas at Burritt on the Mountain • burrittonthemountain.com Candlelight Christmas 2021 • December 3-4 Burritt comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional Christmas. Cabins are decorated with historic ambiance and the sounds of traditional music fill the air throughout the park. Burritt’s Holiday Magic Dinners • December 9-11 Enjoy a holiday dinner in the upscale atmosphere of the Burritt Mansion or the family style warmth of the cabins. Sanders Family Christmas • December 15-19 Southern Rogue Theatre Company and Burritt on the Mountain pair together to bring this traditional favorite to the community. This famous sequel of Smoke on the Mountain returns to the Old Country Church at Burritt on the Mountain.

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Christmas parties are coming and wouldn’t these diamond and emerald chandelier earrings be the perfect accent to your holiday outfit? These let you be the star that you are with so much sparkle and shine. Check these out and so much more at Meyer and Lee Fine Jewelry.

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CHRISTMAS MAGIC Noble Passage in downtown Madison keeps magic of Christmas alive STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY SARAH BREWER

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M Magic.

That is what Deborah McDaniel feels when she thinks back on the time, she visited her grandfather in Chicago during the Christmas holidays. The family would take the train into the city to see the storefronts on Michigan Avenue—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 smells, the sights, and the feeling, is what McDaniel captures in her downtown shop, Noble Passage Interiors. “I want to capture that on a small scale. We do not have the large stores like Macy’s downtown, but we can still make children’s eyes twinkle,” McDaniel said. “I feel my shop feels magical and feels like childhood.” The storefront windows may not be as large as downtown Chicago, but McDaniel and her employees have represented a variety of holiday décor options in their windows. One is decorated in the traditional red and green with Santa and his reindeer while the other represents the more spiritual side of the holiday with golds and Nativity scenes. “Decorating is so individual,” McDaniel said. “We like to

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cater to all tastes.” McDaniel says nativity scenes are big this season and her shop offers a plethora of them. From elaborate to a simple white porcelain, nativity scenes are in every room in the shop. Customers can even purchase a miniature one with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus in a manager that comes in the perfect box for gifting or a “paint your own” nativity scene for children. “I think because of COVID and other things, people need a reminder that they are not alone,” McDaniel said. “A few years ago, it was tough to find nativity scenes and religious items. I told my vendors that if they make it, I will buy it. We actually offer them year-round.” One room in the store is dedicated to Mark Roberts elves and fairies, a brand unique to Noble Passage. Most are limited edition pieces that come with a collector’s certificate for registering the piece. The bright colored, detailed, whimsical fairies and elves are posable and can hang from chandeliers, candlesticks and lamp shades. “Mark Roberts is a California artist that I have known for years and years. I even have his number in my phone contacts,” McDaniel said. “He offers unique items. Some of the nativity scenes and other items are elaborate and expensive, and others are affordable. We try to offer a variety of affordable pieces.” McDaniel says customers often purchase the Mark Rob-

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erts pieces as family heirlooms or to begin a collection for a daughter or granddaughter. Sometimes they purchase eight to 10 pieces at a time. The ones that do not sell during the current season are packed away and brought back the next year. “Some of the pieces we bring back out are retired. These make a great find,” McDaniel said. “We also keep the prices the same for these items even if they were brought in from years back.” Mark Roberts is a draw for customers, but Noble Passage is packed from floor to ceiling with merchandise. A couch in one of the rooms offers a great vantage point for taking it all in. In fact, McDaniel says a recent visitor did just that. “The lady was visiting family from Germany. She kept walking around the store a little bit and then would go sit on the couch. Walk and then rest,” McDaniel said. “When we asked if she was doing okay, she responded that she had to sit so she could look from top to bottom.” There is a reason customers come from as far away as Atlanta to purchase décor at the shop. McDaniel strives to make her store “feel like home.” The shop which has been open for 11 years has become a family tradition for some customers. “During the holidays, we see a lot of our clients bring in their families that are visiting,” McDaniel said. “Then

those family members become repeat customers.” Inventory is also a draw for customers. Despite the shipping crisis currently affecting the nation, McDaniel has been able to provide a vast amount of merchandise for her customers this season. She purchases her holiday merchandise right after Christmas, something she is fortunate she does with the supply issues this year. “The majority of our Christmas merchandise is warehoused by June or July,” McDaniel said. “For the most part, it is all here. Items are also still trickling in. I spoke to one of my friends who owns a florist in Nashville, and they are unable to get inventory. It’s sad.” The silver lining is that McDaniel’s customers are aware of the shipping shortage and have started their Christmas shopping early. This has made the store unusually busy earlier in the season. “We have been late getting some of our decorations out because it has been like December around here,” McDaniel said. That is okay with McDaniel and her employees who claim to be “Santa’s helpers.” “Everybody who works in here loves Christmas,” McDaniel said. “One of my employees has Christmas music on her playlist and when she walks at the beach, she takes her walks listening to it. We could do Christmas all year long.”

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Lee Marshall

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The holiday hustle is real at the Kids to Love warehouse this month! December is our busiest time and in many ways it’s also the most rewarding. We are entirely focused on our kids – on giving them what they want for Christmas – even if it’s as simple as their favorite candy or a pair of shoes they would love to wear. We know the best gift we can give a child is a family and a home and our Child Placing Agency is allowing us to do just that! This month we licensed our first families so that more children in foster care can fall asleep on Christmas Eve

feeling safe, loved and cared for. Home is also going to be a big part of 2022! It won’t be long before our Cottage Community is ready; next year the first girls will move in to their own place! We are so thankful for everyone who has been a part of breathing life into this vision. In this season of goodwill toward men it just means a little more. From the Kids to Love family to your family – we wish you blessings this holiday season filled with family, friends, and making memories that will last a lifetime!

MUSIC

THE BEASLEY BROTHERS On the road with their music careers, Jackson and Lawson Beasley have not forgotten their roots back home as they prep for annual Christmas concert STORY BY GREGG PARKER

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Christmas Time with The Beasley Brothers is back! The show is family-friendly and will feature Christmas classics, modern Christmas hits, and even a few Christmas originals this year. They will perform this year at The Princess Theater in Decatur on December 18 starting at 7:30 p.m. On the road . . . around the Southeast, in California on the West Coast or in Boston on the Eastern Seaboard. Jackson Beasley and Lawson Beasley, known professionally and in real life as The Beasley Brothers, have found their niche. Jackson and Lawson have grown their innate appreciation of music to reach beyond their hometown in Madison to concert bookings across the United States, yet they haven’t forgotten their roots in music, back home in North Alabama. Jackson and Lawson share an inclination for music with their mother, sister and both sets of grandparents. “Our dad likes to say he ‘plays the radio,’” Jackson said jokingly. The brothers’ major influence in music has been their grandfather; while primarily a singer, he knew enough basics to teach his grandsons a few songs on guitar and piano. An instructor in barbershop quartet, their grandfather encouraged the boys to harmonize when very young. When they were eight years old, the brothers enrolled in

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basic guitar lessons. “Since then, everything has been selftaught and, of course, YouTube,” Lawson said. “In high school, we did perform some as ‘The Beasley Brothers’ but we also were very involved in leading worship for our youth ministry every Wednesday -- where we really learned to play with other people.” The brothers graduated from Westminster Christian Academy and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Lawson earned a degree in business/supply chain management. Jackson majored in physics, minored in business, for his degree. Shortly after graduating, they moved to Nashville to pursue their music careers. In 2015, The Beasley Brothers hit the list, “15 North Alabama Musicians To Watch,” and first place in the “Que the Music” contest at the WhistleStop festival, where they opened for iconic rock band, Kansas. Lawson is primarily a tenor and Jackson more of a baritone. “Our ranges do vary some, and we’ve been told our voices are very different,” Jackson said. “We both sing and split the vocals pretty evenly.” Lawson fronts playing bass, while Jackson is on guitar. Depending on the specific show, their musician lineup will vary. However, two instrumentalists at most shows are

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drummer Michael Plahm from Chicago, compiling three-plus years with the brothers, and keyboardist Wes Weirich from Decatur, logging about five years with them. After a concert, the brothers critique themselves with little mercy. “We think about it a lot in the sense that, if we attended the show, would we have thought it was a great show or not?” Jackson said. “Both of us are harder on ourselves than we should be. We always want people to get what they paid for and a little more at our shows.” “If people tell us it was a good show, that always helps, but I think we are constantly chasing the approval of ourselves and also approval of the other brother,” Jackson said. In a year, The Beasley Brothers perform an astounding number of shows – 200-plus. Most gigs are in Nashville; however, they recently returned from a run in Kentucky, passing through Louisville and Lexington. “We have also been to Iowa several times and performed up in Boston in the last few months,” Lawson said. “In 2022, we have shows booked in Florida, the Carolinas and California. We love

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being on the road because we’re always meeting new people and performing in new places.” For the Christmas season they will present “Christmas Time with The Beasley Brothers” on December 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the nostalgic Princess Theatre in Decatur. “We started the show five years ago on campus at UAH while we were still students. The show has continually grown every year and become a tradition for many families in the North Alabama area,” Jackson said. “We perform several Christmas classics, in addition to modern Christmas hits and even a few Christmas originals,” Lawson said. “The show also features other local performers as special guests.” Tickets cost $19.99, with a VIP option at $29.99 that includes a meet-and-greet with the band, a private acoustic performance before the show and a special gift from the brothers. For tickets, visit Princess Theatre’s website at princesstheatre.org or thebeasleybrothers.com. Currently, The Beasley Brothers have produced three EP’s: “The First One,” “Here We Go Again” and “I Can’t Believe It’s Christmas Time,” along with four singles, are available at any digital music provider.

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SPORTS

BREVARD RUNNING CAMP

Local cross-country runners experience a chance to get away from everyday life into the scenic mountains of North Carolina STORY BY BOB LABBE PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

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Coach Drew Bell

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Snapshots of the trip by Coach Drew Bell

The experience of standing atop mountain rises and looking out upon the rolls of hillsides and mountainous terrane with the chance to get away from everyday life and the trials and tribulations of being a high school studentathlete is what 29 members and three coaches of the James Clemens and Liberty Middle School cross country program were exposed to in July as the squad attended the Brevard Distance Running Camp in the small mountain town of Brevard, N.C. The camp is more or less a retreat into the pristine wilderness of the 450,000 acres of the Pisgah National Forest in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “It is a special place,” said Drew Bell head coach of the James Clemens team. “The five-day camp teaches our youngsters to grow and learn to take care of themselves on the road without mom and dad. Each of our studentathletes learn to become a leader and face challenges they are not familiar with.” Familiarity of the camp is Bell’s forte as this was the 27th time he has attended either as a runner or coach. He said of his annual trek to nature where you can actually breathe the mountain air, “It’s like going back home as the camp is a part of my life. I love going back to see others I’ve known for years through the camp. A sort of family reunion and

something I want that same experience for my athletes.” As many as 400 people from all over the country made the odyssey to the camp hosted at Brevard College, a 120acre campus located in Transylvania County of the Tar Heel State. Campers stayed in college dorms, which do not have air-conditioning. Meals were all-you-can-eat served cafeteria style in the college dining hall. The overall experience is more than a training camp where athletes take to the numerous running trails among the beautiful surroundings of nature. “I loved it as it was a great way to spend time with teammates and utilize the team building exercises that were provided for us in classroom settings,” said senior and boys’ team captain Tyler Gohlich, who attended his second trip to the mountains of North Carolina. “The camp helped me with my leadership roles and gave me knowledge in that area to help me with my teammates.” Sydney Freeman, a senior co-captain of the girls squad for the Jets, experienced her first Brevard Camp and said the camp was super fun for her and was a special building time for her both physically and mentally. “This took us out of our comfort zones and the running trails were nothing like we have in Alabama. When you finished a run, you feel

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as you’ve accomplished something as we had morning and afternoon trail runs.” Along with the athletes and Bell, assistant coaches Beth Mattingly and Joshua Johnson also packed their bags for the experience of a lifetime. The camp included a structured scheduled morning runs or exercise drills followed by breakfast, challenge courses, lunch, free-time recreation, additional challenge courses, an afternoon run along the trails and forest, dinner, and evening guest speakers and group sessions before mandatory lights out at 10:30 p.m. Each camper is encourage to stay away from their personal phones. “The team building exercises were great as each helped build mental preparation and most of the camp counselors are college runners and they spoke on running in general, college recruiting and just overall college experiences,” said Gohlich who carries a 4.56 grade point average and has applied for West Point where he wants to establish a career in the military after both of his parents who are retired military. “I really liked the discussions on mental imagery.” The trails utilized by the camp are simply spectacular in natural beauty and challenging to all levels of runners. Bell’s experiences at the camp have helped him lead his squad to special places within the area 446080-1

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that feature magnificent waterfalls. There are two in particular Bell has found to cause attendees to be awestruck by their beauty and complete nature. “One is Turtleback that is about 30 feet tall and allows individuals to slide off of,” said Bell. “The other is called Looking Glass. There’s about a 20-minute hike before you are confronted with an area that is beyond description. We climb the cliff and jump off into an awaiting pool below where you can swim.” Within the Brevard town, local residents teach square dancing as they block off the street for a fun-filled event. Campers visited an old fashioned toy store where they got a homemade milk shake. Bell added, “The beautiful trails are some of the best in the United States and the entire experience has a lasting influence on every one of the athletes. I certainly recommend this trip for other programs.” “We had fun together and more than just running the trails,” added Freeman who has a 3.75 grade point average and looks to run in college where she will pursue a degree in business. “We went through exercise classes, played dodgeball and basketball, listened to special guest speakers and attended an ice cream social.” The Brevard Distance Runners Camp is about training, learning and experiences within a motherlode of natural resources.

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....................... Madison City Schools .......................

Melissa Hawthorne (left) and Janet Dennis of the MCS technology department processing 1000s of Chromebooks that we have received in shipments this year.

Chromebooks and Textbooks: Teaching across the technology divide

The young teen peered intently off the national park overlook, taking in the magnificence of the lake below. “Wow. It looks like a Google Image,” he remarked while capturing the moment with his iPhone. Back in my day with film cameras and hardcopy-only spreads in John Peck National Geographic, such scenes Madison City Schools were known as a Kodak moment. Public Relations Manager Youth today are immersed in an online environment, with the world literally at their fingertips.

...

Schools are adapting with that ever changing technology to - as the Madison City Schools mission statement proclaims - Empower Students for Global Success. That was the premise of the MCS 1:1 Initiative Taskforce meeting last month. The gathering was timely with Madison City Schools having acquired enough electronic devices to issue one to every student across the district. The task force involved teachers, instruction specialists, principals, library media aides and others from both elementary and secondary education. They are working on developing a shared mission statement and a blueprint for use of technology in teaching. “Having a 1:1 program will not make our system better. Developing the best professional development and creat-

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Tommy Paone, Director of Technology for MCS, addressing the new 1:1 Initiative Task Force developing plans for use of technology in instruction. ing an atmosphere where our 1:1 expands the opportunity for our students’ educational experience will make us better,” said Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols. “Developing a highly interactive curriculum will prepare our students for career skills, address different learning styles, and transform learning in today’s global environment. I am thankful we live in a community that values education and allows us to provide our students these necessary resources to meet our district mission.” Some takeaways from the first instructional Taskforce session: • Technology allows educators and students to transform teaching and learning and to develop crucial skills for communicating, creating and interacting with each other in a global society. Although technology is not a panacea for all instructional challenges, it equips students with tools that have not existed in the past. • Technology allows students to transition from being simply consumers of information and media to being producers as well. Attaining digital and computational literacy strengthens life skills such as problem solving, thinking critically, and collaborating in teams. Since technology is at the center of almost every aspect of life, the digitally literate person is more likely to push through challenges with confidence. A question mulled by the task force is how to know when the use of technology is amplifying or transforming

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traditional practice, instead of just replacing it. Task force members agreed technology in teaching must enhance student skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. The collaboration element is essential because students must learn to work together, discussing and handling disagreements, to work toward a goal. Madison City Schools over the past year has acquired 12,500 Chromebooks for distribution to students. Supply chain issues slowed its ability to distribute them before the start of school but MCS technical staff pressed through to complete the rollout in early December. Tommy Paone, Director of Technology for Madison City Schools, said the devices come equipped with a case and a four-year warranty. “We expect that at the end of the warranty period, they will need to be replaced so we are preparing a budget for replacements. As a district, we realize that we have a growing student population and we will continue to purchase devices as our needs continue to increase.” Mr. Paone said the district purchased software for teachers to monitor classroom activities to ensure that students stay on task. “This software also allows us the ability to filter web content for these devices on and offcampus. Our technology and safety teams are working to provide our students with a safe and secure experience while using the school-issued Chromebooks.”

PEOPLE

NEXT STEP FARM

Retired teacher takes next step in career to help special needs adults STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

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After 25 years in education, Harvest resident Robin Kramer moved on to the next step, literally. While teaching special education at Monrovia Middle School in February 2019, Kramer and a colleague, Joshua Goodwin, meet with a group of parents of former students who were concerned about what would happen to their soon to be aged out young adult children. The parents were looking for help. “I asked Josh to hang around for this meeting. In the middle of the meeting, simultaneously, they looked at one another and said ‘you are looking for the next step,’” Kramer said. “From there, the what ifs and hows fell into place. In a way Josh helped push me into the next step of my life of teaching.” Kramer is now the founder of Next Step Farm, a nonprofit that will provide a day program for adults ages 18 and up with an IQ below 70. The farm is set to be open for business no later than January 2023. Presently, the farm is scheduled to open in a temporary location in March 2022. The farm is a direct link to Kramer’s teaching career. “Midway through my teaching career, I accepted a job as itinerant Adaptive PE teacher. With that position, I

was able to see the full educational cycle of below average functioning individual,” Kramer said. “These wonderful individuals are able to remain in public school until age 21, but after that life ceased. They didn’t move on new places, contacts or resources. They lost their purpose. Parents were struggling to remain in “normal mode” and still enjoy this season of their not so normal life. It broke my heart.” During this time in Kramer’s teaching career, the curriculum was being adjusted within the state. Each special education teacher were given the freedom to teach identified skills plus incorporate functional living skills. This is where Kramer utilized the skill of thinking outside the box. She and her colleagues started a café, planted a garden and incorporated chickens into their lessons. “I went to Dog Days in Ardmore and used my Southern belle charm to get several chickens donated,” Kramer said. “We built a chicken coop and saw those students understand perimeter. They began to grasp volume handling the chicken feeders. We saw children who could not control being spastic, sit still because they knew they had to in order to hold a chicken. I saw things click that had never clicked before. It was real and tangible. These were

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A ground-breaking and shovel ceremony will be held for Next Step Farm on December 18

middle school students. We knew adults could benefit from it, too.” Farm animals will be a large portion of the Next Step Farm. The concept is farm based and will involve chickens and garden space. The goal is to produce eggs and produce that can be sold to the local community in a farmer’s market venue and even donate to local soup kitchens. “Of course, we plan to add additional livestock such as goats and donkeys and maybe even ducks and a cow or two,” Kramer said. To make her dream of serving special needs adults, Kramer sought counsel from a family friend, Wade Patterson. He helped her develop a business plan, apply for a business name and non-profit status. After establishing an active board of directors, Kramer had to take the next step—finding and purchasing land. Again, she turned to friends. “I shared my vision with my friends, Valerie and Joe Miles. Just that week, Joe had listed a piece of property in Harvest. We went over to see it and I knew he understood what I was envisioning,” Kramer said. “To be sure I was choosing correctly, he sent me to three other locations, but nothing spoke as loudly to me as the 14.46 acres at 465 Smith Vassar Road.” The land was terribly overgrown and locals from the area, including Limestone County had been using the abandoned property as a county dump. Still, the land

Robin Kramer has held several work days (above and lower right) where volunteers help clear land and prepare Next Step Farm.

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spoke to Kramer. John and Claudette Tibbs purchased the land in 2009 to build a homestead. John became ill shortly after purchasing and the couple never had the chance to fulfill their dream. The land was hit by the April 27, 2011 tornado and laid abandoned until Kramer purchased it on Feb. 28, 2021. “Mr. Tibbs passed away in 2018 and a year later Mrs. Tibbs listed the property to sell. She was passionate about seeing her husband’s dream being put to good use and because of that, she turned down higher offers from contractors who wanted to build a subdivision and accepted our much lower offer,” Kramer said. Kramer and her army of volunteers went to work on March 1, clearing the land. By June, they had cleared nine of the 14.46 acres. Now, Kramer is ready to begin building a 60x40 pole barn style facility where they can teach daily living skills. “Besides the farm skills, we will teach skills like basic finance, money management, meal planning and meal preparation,” Kramer said. “We want to give our participants a purpose. We all need purpose. We all need a support system. We all want to be valued, even on our hard days. IQ and functioning level does not change that.” Once completed, potential families will complete an application and an interview process to be accepted on the farm. Kramer says that because of the nature of the program, it is important to have the right clients who under-

Robin Kramer organized and held a successful 4-man golf scramble this fall as a fund-raiser for the farm.

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Next Step Farms is planning to host “A Christmas at the Farm” on Dec. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is described as a Christmas experience for the entire family with a “slei-hay” ride, cookie and hot chocolate with Mrs. Claus, crafts with the elves and pictures with Santa. For more information, go to their website at www.nextstepfarm.org.

Next Step Farm is getting noticed. They were recently the fourth quarter recipient of the Intrepid Ideal Community Fund. Robin accepted the check at their annual Thanksgiving luncheon.

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stand what will be taught while on the farm. “Safety is of great importance, too,” Kramer said. “A client that struggles with elopement might not be the best candidate for a 14 plus acre program. There will be a daily fee to attend the program, but Kramer says the non-profit is in the process of becoming a waiver program. “Becoming a waiver program means that once we are approved, caregivers of our clients who have been approved by the state can receive designated funding to send their loves ones to us,” Kramer said. “The daily fee we charge will cover salaries of personnel and day-to-day operational needs.” Volunteers have been vital in helping Kramer get Next Step Farm closer to opening. They have held several fundraisers and have a couple of fundraisers planned, including a Christmas on the Farm event to be held on Dec. 4. “We have an impressive team of people doing all kinds of things,” Kramer said. “I have had this dream and vision in my heart for so long. To see others embrace it and help make it come to life, it is awe inspiring. I receive random email messages or Facebook posts or calls, saying ‘I just heard about NSF and I want to be apart of it.’ It is extremely humbling.” For those who do not want to physically volunteer, Kramer has a variety of other ideas for help, including sponsoring a blueberry bush, a wall in the bathroom or even a goat. “Families who have loved ones with disabilities are constantly having to pay for day to day needs,” Kramer said. “I do not believe we should pass the cost of our vision on to the parents.” Kramer cannot think about how her vision will affect families with shedding some tears. The same is true when she hears what she calls the Farm’s theme song, “A Million Dreams” by Pink. “Not just for me but for the clients and especially the families of our clients. To have a place that is safe and balanced, that provides a purpose for their loved one, that includes the community, that sees everyone as equal and of value,” Kramer said. “Oh my, tears fill my eyes. I do lie awake at night and dream of a place that accepts everyone, loves everyone and gives a purpose.

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

MICHELLE EPLING Meet the new executive director for the Madison Chamber of Commerce STORY BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

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Hair and makeup by Terrame Day Spa Madison

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As Executive Director of Madison Chamber of Commerce, Michelle Epling respects the solid foundation that the previous leadership of the board of directors and ambassadors have built. “I am looking forward to working with each of them to continue to grow and enhance the great work that was done before me,” Epling said. Epling pursued the job opening with the chamber because “I truly love our town. It’s the best city in Alabama, and I have loved living and working here since 2007.” “We have amazing community partners who have supported us and continued to support us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I am looking forward to continuing to work with them to showcase their businesses through fun chamber events throughout the year,” Epling said. Looking at the personality of Madison and her attraction to newcomers, Epling appreciates Madison’s quality of life “where you can put down your roots with your family, work and community.” In addition, Madison City Schools stands as a shining example to other districts and “is ranked the second best in the state of Alabama,” she said. As Madison experiences tremendous growth, the job market and new families also are expanding. “I am looking forward to continuing to promote that to all our visitors, shoppers and families who live and work in and around Madison,” Epling said. “This will only continue to enhance our different industry businesses and continue to drive economic growth in our region.” Epling’s professional resume includes Director of Capital Giving, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy in Huntsville; Account Executive, Huntsville “EVENT” magazine and “Huntsville Business Journal”; and sales and marketing for Newberry Pecans in Ardmore. In jobs with remote/travel focus, she worked as Lending Development Specialist with CUNA Mutual and as Client Development Manager for Allied Solutions. “I have spent my career as a corporate sales trainer in the classroom, and my experience in direct sales and entrepreneurship has given me the skills to be able to use all these skills to help grow the chamber,” Epling said. A Huntsville native, Epling earned a bachelor’s de-

gree in marketing at Auburn University. She also holds licenses for Life and Health Insurance, along with Property and Casualty Insurance. Since 2007, she has been a Madison resident. After securing her first job after college, Epling wanted to live near where she grew up “but in a new environment so I could expand my horizons.” She started out in an apartment next to Dublin Park and has lived in her current home for 10-plus years. “I love that we (Madison residents) have the best opportunities to truly live that work/life balance through various community events that happen each week in our hometown,” Epling said. Her husband, Adam Epling, works as a software consultant at Hexagon. Their twin daughters, Abby and Charlotte, are first-graders. For more information, email Michelle@madisonalchamber.com or visit madisonalchamber.com, facebook. com/madisonalchamber or instagram.com/madisonalchamber.

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MADISON CHAMBER BEST IN BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY - The Madison Chamber of Commerce presented the 2021 Best in Business Awards in a surprise visit to each winning business to deliver the news. The 2021 winning businesses received their awards at the Champagne Toast celebration hosted at the Stadium Club at Toyota Field on November 3. This year’s Best in Business Awards were sponsored by: Polaris Industries, Inc, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Madison Hospital, and Progress Bank. Thank you to all of them. Without their generous support this event would not have been possible. The Chamber thanks all of the nominated businesses and congratulate all of the winning businesses for continuing to provide products and services to our great community. The winners are (photos by William Aycock):

Culinary Business of the Year Forever Grateful, LLC

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Ambassador of the Year Medical Practice of the Year Pamela Bass – Owner of Virtuous Realty Group Nesin Therapy Services

Start-Up Business of the Year Filthy Gorgeous on Main

Community Servant: Claudia Bucher United Way of Madison County

Excellence in Leadership and Service: Michael Johnson (accepted by Stephanie Johnson) Mozaic Audio Visual Integration

Best Small Business and Arts, Entertainment & Hospitality: Wine and Design of Madison

Health & Wellness Business of the Year Living Life Counseling Center

Professional Service Business of the Year Edward Jones – Carlos Mendoza

Best Non-Profit of the Year Big Brothers Big Sisters of the TN Valley

Essential Service Business of the Year AVO Communications

Best Business of the Year Rocket City HR Consulting

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OUT&ABOUT

THE WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC MADISON SMARTPHONE APP UNVEILING - A local Girl Scout and a group of volunteer organizations teamed up to ensure tales of how Madison came to be, and the people who shaped it into a place once known as Madison Station, are preserved and easily accessible. Finley Koswoski, a member of the Girl Scouts of North Alabama, worked hard to complete an app allowing visitors to the city’s historic downtown district to take a self-guided walking tour while reading or listening to the interesting tales from the past that are ties to specific locations along the walk. “The Walking Tour of Historic Madison Smartphone App is a joint project with the Rotary Club of MadisonSunset Group, the Madison Visionary Partners, the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society, and the Girl Scouts of North Alabama,” stated Bailey Erickson, who inspired Finley to take on the project for her Girl Scout Gold Award. A special unveiling event was held Nov. 13 in downtown Madison. Girl Scouts and other volunteers were dressed in historic costume at approximately 25 of the historic locations along the route. The app is available tat www.facebook.com/WalkingTourofHistoricMadison. Pictured above: Finley is pictured with her mother, Stephanie, and brother, Tucker Koswoski. Photos by William Aycock

Debbie Overcash, John Rankin, Michelle Eperling, Jean Downs, Bailey Erickson, Dave Junghans, Finley Koswoski and Liz Brinton

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Janice Schuckman, Janet Cross and Lisa Hendrix

Terri Regensburger

Kahlan Jolly, Necia Jolly

Maria Tischenko

Emily Jolly, Jaci Jolly

Finley Koswoski, Mary Downs

Gracie Champion

Dave Junghans and Melissa Gibson (4th grade Madison Elementary)

Lexi Regensburger

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OUT&ABOUT

DEAD PARROTS SOCIETY BASH - The Dead Parrots Society Bash was held on Oct. 30 as a fun-filled evening while raising funds for renovation of Kids Kingdom in Dublin Park. The first annual Dead Parrots Society at Black Patch Distilling Co. included musical entertainment, dancing and a costume contest to masquerade in a getup, gimmick or, conveniently, wearing a mask in style. Rotary Club of Madison sponsored the event to support renovation of Kids Kingdom and other charitable projects throughout the year. Pictured above: Kris (President-Rotary Club of MadisonSunrise) and Marc McBride, Bailey Erickson (Chair-Sunset) and Dave Junghans. Photos by William Aycock

Jennifer McDougal Sandy Patel Kris McDougal

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Doug Ehrle and Tammy Womble

Catherine Beitel, Kate Robbins

Reggie and Deborah Bell

Monica and Larry Smith

Melissa Gibson

Cynthia Curtis

Wendy and Mike Good

Cheryl and Earnest Davis

Holly Trawick, Dennis Sanders

Manuel and Mary Curry

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OUT&ABOUT

VETERANS DAY - Madison City Schools celebrated veterans last week in a variety of ways: in car lines, parades across school campuses, wall of heroes tributes and more. Here is a sampling of observances from various schools.

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INVESTOR’S RESOURCE 20TH ANNIVERSARY - COVID may have delayed their celebration, but it sure could not cancel it. The team at Investor’s Resource in Madison celebrated their 20th anniversary recently at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Created by Shari Burnum in 2000, Investor’s Resource is actually 21 years old this year, but plans for the celebration were put on hold as the COVID pandemic spread. Fortunately, Shari and her team were able to host the celebration in September as a way of thanking their many clients and friends. Shari said her team takes pride in their independent investing advice. They say they rarely have a ‘client’. “Our clients become family to us and so we want nothing but the best for them — today and moving forward,” Shari commented. To learn more about Investor’s Resource, go to www.invresource.com. Shown above: Shari, seated, is pictured with her team (left to right): Dale Hubbert, Matt Leahy, Sarah Griffith and Martha Gilpin. Investor’s Resource is located at 100 Essex Court, Suite C, in Madison. Photos by William Aycock

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OUT&ABOUT

HONORING OUR VETERANS - The American Legion Post 229 in Madison hosted their annual flag laying ceremony at Madison cemeteries for Veterans Day on Saturday, Nov. 6. The Post had some help from the Bob Jones and James Clemens JROTC units, Girl Scouts of Madison and Scout Troop 201. The Auxiliary unit held a Veterans Gravestone Cleaning event in conjunction with the flag laying. Here are some photos from the events.

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What it takes to be a successful student at Mill Creek Elementary Students in Mrs. Eichelkraut’s three ELA classes at Mill Creek Elementary School practiced the writing process as they wrote opinion essays on what it takes to be a successful student at Mill Creek. The essays were so good, Mrs. Eichelkraut contacted us and asked if we would be interested in sharing them. The following students were chosen to be published and offer sage advice to fellow students. To be successful, students should be kind because people in younger grades might look up to them. This is because they are respectful, helpful, kind, and pay attention to instructions. The students in younger grades might start to be more responsible and helpful. When they get older, other people will look up to them, causing them to respect others, pay attention in class, help, ect. Students should also be able to listen to directions and follow rules. If you have a substitute you should respect them. A substitute might do things differently than your teacher or the substitute could forget something your teacher does not. Continue to be respectful. In addition, students need to be studious and study for a test or quiz. Studying is important because you can fix your mistakes and understand the material better. You can also get help when you study, but on a test you are on your own. Lastly, students have to be safe from Covid-19. They can do this by wearing a mask. They should also stay three feet apart with a mask and six feet apart when eating. Students can be safe from Covid-19 by sneezing or coughing away from people. Students and teachers both need to do all these things and wash their hands to be safe from Covid. To be successful students need to be kind, which will spread to others. Students should also respect everyone including teachers. Students need to be studious so they can do better on a test. The last thing that students have to do to be successful in school is to be safe from Covid-19. You can do this by masking and washing your hands. By Charlotte Hardy

I was and am a Mill Creek student, so I know many ways to be a successful student. But, I wrote three ways to be an advanced student. Some of the ways are ways that I actually used, and some of them I didn’t. But, I would like to share them in this paper. First, pay attention. Don’t get distracted by other things because the teacher will be very disappointed if nobody pays attention. You also need to follow directions or rules that need to be followed. If you follow directions, you will be a magnificent and excellent student. You also have to remember not to talk with your friends whenever the teachers are talking because you might get silent recess if you don’t behave well. Second, you have to be safe. Don’t take off your mask. Even though the others did it, doesn’t mean you should too. You should also give people private space, and have a private space. Sometimes people might not give you enough private space, so just kindly decline and say that you need some space, I am sure they will understand. Using sanitizer and washing your hands are other things to be safe. Washing your hands with soap is the best way. But, you might not have the time to wash. So, you can use a sanitizer. Sanitizer is quicker than washing your hands, but I will rather prefer actually washing away the germs with a clean soap. The third thing is to stay organized. Purchase a planner to keep on track. Using the planner will help you keep track of all of your assignments. Also don’t forget to clean your backpack at least once a week. Cleaning your backpack might help you find things easily and might also make the bag lighter. Plus, it would seem less messier than before. You would also need to get yourself ready for the day in the morning because you might get tired of finding things if you don’t get ready in the morning. For good organization and good grades, make sure you did all of your homework. If you went to a class and the teacher was checking everyone’s homework. If you are the only one who didn’t do it, then that will be embarrassing! So, make sure you check your homework every single day. As you can see, there are many ways to be successful, “Paying attention” and “Being Safe” are two important ways. All the things are important so don’t forget to follow all of these habits. Then you will be a successful Fifth Grader at Mill Creek Elementary. By Stella Lee

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As a fifth-grade student at Mill Creek Elementary, I can be successful in many ways. I aim to get into either an engineering college or a medical school after high school. I can set a good example for younger students too. I should have perfect attendance, be engaged, and pay attention. At school, I can be successful by having perfect attendance, so I won’t miss classwork. I can also get my work done and get excellent grades. Also, I can be successful by getting my brain powered up for the day by getting a good night’s rest and relaxing my body. I can get hydrated and stay healthy. Another thing is staying engaged, having the perfect mindset, and start learning. My perfect mindset only includes thinking about classwork and questions asked by the teacher. My perfect mindset at school doesn’t include bracelet making, TV, or anything I do at home. Having the perfect mindset at school is great, so I won’t fail. Also, getting good grades is great. Paying attention is also good so I won’t get in trouble. Getting in trouble is not ideal, so I pay attention in class. Paying attention can result in me getting good grades. Getting good grades will eventually result in the teachers noticing how well I am doing in school. With the teachers noticing how well I am doing; my grades could probably end up in me getting a scholarship. Getting a scholarship means I won’t have to worry about paying for college. As I mentioned earlier, I hope to get into an engineering college or a medical school. I follow these goals because I excel in math and I want to find cures for people. Doing all of these things are the keys to me being successful. By Averi Fletcher There are many diverse ways to identify as a successful student. Being well-rounded as a student has to do with being very intellectual and a likable person as well. It is good to be successful in school but many other factors of life as well. Having self-control as a student is spectacular because you will know how to handle yourself. To have self-control, you need to set your priorities and goals such as doing sports after school work. You also need to treat others the way you want to be treated. Sometimes, I myself need to have self-control to calm myself down after an argument. If you are able to work with others well, you will have no problem working on a team when you are much older. If you focus on what you have in common with someone instead of focusing on your differences, you will find a way to get along. To get along with someone, you need to listen to their opinion so they feel like what they have today is important. Also, if you accept help you can take in knowledge, but if you give help you can pass on your knowledge as well. If you know your capabilities, you will be able to complete tasks at a steady rate. If you know your limits, you will find an outside-the-box way of thinking. To know your capabilities, you need to focus on all the things that could go right, instead of all the things that could go wrong. To sum it up, if you work well with others, have self-control, and know your capabilities you probably can identify as a successful student. Successful people have great grades and friends. No matter what happens, we should always strive to be our best, successful students or not. By Tristan Blalock

As a fifth-grade student at Mill Creek, how do you become a successful student? In my opinion, I think that you should study a lot to get better grades. I think that you should stay focused instead of watching TV or playing video games. To be a successful student you have to get good sleep for the next day so you aren’t tired for the next school day. To be a successful student you have to do your homework and study it. To be successful as a student you have to be respectful to everyone you meet. Don’t get into any fights. If you get in fights, that will be on your personal record. If you have a bad record, you possibly won’t get into a good college. To be a successful student during the pandemic that is all over the world right now, you have to stay safe. What I mean by safe is to be three feet from people all the time. In my opinion, I think that you should pay attention to the teacher so you learn as much as every other student does. If you need to, you should ask a question, but you have to be respectful to the teacher while doing it. You have to raise your hand. It would be rude if you interrupted the teacher. To be a successful student, you also can’t fall asleep. First, it would be uncomfortable if you sleep on your desk. You could sleep when you get home. Second, if you snore, you probably will get caught easily. That is how you become a successful student at Mill Creek. By Cole Bruder

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To be a successful student at Mill Creek Elementary you have to be responsible. Students should also have a good relationship with their teachers and peers. Another way to be a successful student is by being intrapersonal. Intrapersonal means things that happen within one’s mind. Read on to learn more about these three tips on how to be a successful student at Mill Creek. My first tip is that students should be responsible. One way students can be responsible is by setting goals. Setting goals can play a big part in being responsible because it keeps students organized. Another way to be responsible is by listening to important conversations. Listening to important conversations shows responsibility because it expresses that you listen. It expresses that you listen because it sets a good thought to whoever you are talking to that you listen and care about their ideas and don’t just talk. Second, students should have a good relationship with their teachers and peers. To have a good relationship with your teachers and peers, you have to be kind. For example, if you see somebody who dropped their books, help them out! Having a good relationship with others makes people happy. Being happy is contagious and spreads a positive attitude. My saying is “P.A.C.E” (Positive Attitude Changes Everything)! Lastly, to be a successful student you have to be intrapersonal. Intrapersonal means things that happen within one’s mind. One way to be intrapersonal is by accepting yourself. One way to accept yourself is by knowing you may not be able to do something yet. For example, when I was five I didn’t know how to ride a bike. I practiced, and over the years I learned how to ride. Another way to be intrapersonal is by thinking positively. For example, if you fail a test, take it as an opportunity to learn. Thinking positively can make you a joyful and a happy person in life. If you always think positively, then some of your worst situations can be easy to get through. To conclude, being a successful student means being responsible by staying organized; having good relationships with teachers and peers; and by helping others. Lastly, being a successful student means being intrapersonal by accepting yourself. To be honest, being a successful student doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, it means try your best! By Eiliyah Hafiez

Successful students have great habits. Those great habits can be something like always working hard or listening carefully to other people. But we all know that successful students weren’t successful at first. They practiced. If you ask me, I’ll say that they practiced great habits hundreds and hundreds of times. Being successful as a student isn’t easy, but once you get the hang of it, it’s going to be easy and, poof! You’re a successful student. The first step of being a successful student is ‘setting priorities.’ In order to be a successful student, you must set priorities such as: working hard, studying, or being independent. By setting priorities, you can always think about them and make them into a habit. Habits can change your actions, thoughts, and even personalities! Setting good priorities is the first step of being a successful student. The second step of being a successful student is ‘being self-reflective.’ You must know yourself first. By knowing yourself, you can always think positively, be respectful to others, and do metacognition (Metacognition is the act of thinking about what you’re thinking). For example, you’re not being a successful student if you’re always beating people up. You must have a good attitude. Being self-reflective is another way you can be a successful student. The last step of being a successful student is ‘having good relationships’ with each other. You wouldn’t be a successful student if you’re always fighting with your friends, would you? Expand friendships, and you’ll be happy. Help others and one day, others will help you. Having good relationships with your friends is the last step of being a successful student. Those are good habits to practice to be a successful student. Follow the steps and one day, you’ll be a successful student. By Joseph Lee

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Madison Living Magazine - December 2021

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Out & About

BREVARD CAMP Local cross-country runners experience a chance to get away from everyday life into the scenic mountains of North Carolina

THE BEASLEY BROTHERS On the road with their music careers, Jackson and Lawson Beasley have not forgotten their roots back home as they prep for annual Christmas concert

NEXT STEP FARM Retired teacher takes next step in career to help special needs adults

Madison City Schools

CHRISTMAS MAGIC Noble Passage in downtown Madison keeps magic of Christmas alive

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