Madison Living January 2017 by Madison Publications

January 2017

Down the aisle Madison couples share their wedding stories The Clarks The Dahlgrens The Darracotts The Hollands The Kleins

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MANAGEMENT Randy Cox Publisher EDITORIAL Alison James Editor

features

Gregg Parker Staff Writer Jen Fouts-Detulleo Photographer MARKETING Ashley Davis Marketing Consultant CUSTOMER SERVICE Tammy Overman Customer Service PRODUCTION Michael Kurov Art Director Ludmila Dyomina Design Madison Living P.O. Box 859, Madison, AL 35758 Advertising Inquires 256.772.6677 Madison Living is published monthly by Madison Publications, LLC.

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VENUE WONDERFUL BEGINNINGS

LET’S EAT SWEET THING BAKERY

HEALTH AN UPDATE FROM MADISON HOSPITAL

MUSIC TRADITION OF MUSIC

EDUCATION IN PRAISE OF MCS

MADISON WEDDING A MOTHER’S STORY

THE CLARKS

THE DAHLGRENS

THE DARRACOTTS

THE HOLLANDS

THE KLEINS

YMCA MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS – AND KEEP THEM!

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

OUT AND ABOUT

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

VENUE

Wonderful beginnings

Chapel for Wonderful Weddings provides unique venue for Madison brides

Rev. Versey Jones and Betty Jones Batts, who are sisters, own the Chapel for Wonderful Weddings.

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ince July 1998, the Chapel for Wonderful Weddings, only a stone’s throw from Main Street, has given a venue to brides and grooms. As a hobby, sisters Betty Jones Batts and the Rev. Versey Jones had decorated churches and other wed-

pet hub

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ding venues for friends and family. “We decided to purchase the old church building built in 1912 at 4097 Sullivan St., in the heart of the City of Madison,” Jones said. Many brides and grooms had expressed the need for “something small, simple but elegant, intimate

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: The chapel has seating for up to 85 guests. The bride’s room offers a space for privacy.

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ABOVE: On one Valentine’s Day, the chapel hosted seven weddings.

yet inexpensive,” Batts said. Hoping for more than a courthouse wedding, the couples didn’t want the exorbitant expenses of many contemporary ceremonies. BELOW: Completely decorated for all wedding packages, The chapel provides the chapel provides live and silk floral arrangelive/silk flowers, ments, candelabras, a unity candle, antique goldcandelabras, unity candle, leaf accent furniture, white baby grand piano, antique gold-leaf accent brass chandeliers and seating for up to 85 guests. furniture, baby grand A bridal bouquet and a groom’s boutonniere are piano and chandeliers.

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also provided. The wedding cake table will be decorated with crystal glasses ready for champagne toasts. Couples can use the chapel’s recorded music or supply their own music/musician. The Rev. Jones is resident minister, but couples may invite their own minister to officiate. Batts serves as wedding coordinator/director. All packages include their services at no additional charge. One memorable Valentine’s Day, the chapel hosted seven weddings. Batts and Jones also have leased the chapel for numerous bridal showers, baby showers, graduation receptions, birthday parties and debutante teas. “We have had tremendous success with the business, given that we had limitations, because we both worked full-time jobs in our chosen professional careers,” Batts said. Recently, Batts retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Jones from Alabama A& M University. More than a for-profit business, the chapel serves “as an exciting and rewarding hobby when you can provide such a wonderful memory to those who might not be able to afford it otherwise,” Jones said. “We consider every wedding special and make every effort to make it a most memorable occasion. Our efforts have been rewarding because we’ve never paid for advertisement but always had many customers.” One of their most unique weddings used a “Western/cowboy” theme. The wedding party

wore western attire – cowboy boots and hats, leather vests and shoestring bow ties. Their recorded music included tunes from old-time television western shows. Another memorable ceremony involved a couple from Africa. After a traditional African service, the couple ended the ceremony by actually “jumping the broom.” “Each wedding has its own unique moments. We love what we do,” Batts said. “Each bride has her own individual desires to make her day special. Consequently, you must stay focused so everything goes according to plan.” They ask a bride to schedule her wedding at least one month in advance. “However, a wedding chapel is always ready for a wedding. We have our own minister and director. We have had couples to request their wedding one day prior,” Batts said. “At this stage of our life, our friends and family have children that are of marriage age,” Jones said. “We find it a joy to conduct a ceremony for our friends’ children, as well as younger family members.” “We’re also moved by couples that come back to tell us how we provided them the wedding of their dreams but wouldn’t have been able to afford it otherwise without the Chapel for Wonderful Weddings,” Batts added.

Rev. Versey Jones, at left, is resident minister. Betty Jones Batts serves as wedding coordinator/director.

Born and reared in Madison, Batts and Jones lived on Nolen Jones Drive, named for their father. “We both attended West Madison Elementary School. During the 1950s, West Madison went to the tenth grade. We were then bussed to Councill Training High School in Normal, Ala. Due to segregation, we could not attend Madison High School, just a few miles down the road,” Batts said. For more information, call 256-772-3772, 256-774-1776, 256-852-8340, 256-527-9853 or 256-529-5565.

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LET’S EAT

Sweet T hing

PAGE 11: Sweet Thing owner Aubri MacQuinn, at left, welcomes help from her mother, Tammie Woodard as business manager and bakery partner.

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

ith her business Sweet Thing, Aubri MacQuinn blends her artistic flair with culinary training to deliver spectacular and decadent cakes and desserts. After college, MacQuinn graduated from Culinard in Birmingham. She interned at Gia’s in Birmingham and Shea’s Express in Huntsville. Currently, Sweet Thing offers several signature cakes, including lemon, red velvet, black forest, Swiss chocolate and Classic White Wedding Cake. “We’re also offering a few new flavors for the holiday season and will change them out according to season. Currently for Christmas, we offer gingerbread spice and Holiday Chocolate Mint,” MacQuinn said.

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Sweet Thing offers several signature cakes, including Lemon, Red Velvet, Black Forest, Swiss Chocolate and Classic White Wedding Cake.

“The most unusual cake I’ve made for the wedding cake was a replica of the Mad Hatter’s hat from the newest ‘Alice in Wonderland,’” MacQuinn said. “It had two tiers. The top tier was the Mad Hatter’s hat. The bottom tier was a dark forest scene, in keeping with the feel of the movie, showing a few signature ‘Alice in Wonderland’ elements, like flower faces and different mushrooms.” For a groom’s cake, MacQuinn’s creativity worked overtime for a stack of four books: the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit” with special, miniaturized elements from the books. She included the Ring, Shards of Narsil sword, Smaug

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the Dragon and Hobbit Leaf Brooches from Lothlorien. “This cake was extra fun for me to design and create, since I’m a huge fan of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit,’” MacQuinn said. What has been MacQuinn’s most difficult order? A four-tier cake with a dragon scaling up all tiers to rest his head on top. “I usually transport my cakes in the individual tiers and finish the stacking process onsite, if possible,” she said. “With this cake and dragon, it had to go already assembled to the wedding venue at the Lodge on Monte Sano … We ordered a special cake support system to build the cake and make sure it arrived up the mountain safely. It did. It was a stressful drive, but everything went smoothly and the bride was SO excited.” A three-tiered flower basket has been Sweet Thing’s most colorful cake. Each tier resembled a wooden basket with brilliant flowers cascading from the sides. “We crumbled dark chocolate cookies in the tiers’ tops to resemble dirt to complete the flower pot effect,” MacQuinn said. “It was very different from the usual, mostly white, classic bride’s cakes.” With all the made-from-scratch options, identifying her favorite flavors/layers is difficult. “I love it all, but for a classic wedding cake, I absolutely love my white amaretto wedding cake, filled with a raspberry filling and frosted in my specialty, white chocolate amaretto Swiss buttercream,” MacQuinn said. While still classic white, the cake features the raspberry, white chocolate and amaretto that “just takes it to that next level without being way over the top,” she added. Sweet Thing’s commercial kitchen and consultation room is located at 121 Larkspur Lane in Madison (by appointment). “During a consultation, we put out some of our tastes for the bride to sample,” Tammie Woodard said. Woodard, who is MacQuinn’s mother, serves as business manager and bakery partner. Woodard suggests booking wedding cakes at least six months before the “big day;” some couples schedule one year ahead. “If the bride contacts us last minute (one to two months out), we can fit them in if we have that date open,” Woodard said. For more information, call MacQuinn at 256-652-5029 or Woodard at 256-837-2164; email sweetthinginfo@gmail.com; or visit sweetthingpastry.com or Facebook/Sweet Thing.

FROM TOP: Sweet Thing’s address is 121 Larkspur Lane in Madison. On this cake, a string of pearls drapes near a perfect rose blossom. The bride can choose her favorite flavors/layers from made-from-scratch options.

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Hospital prepares to celebrate fifth anniversary in 2017

s we enter a new year, there is so much to be excited about at Madison

Hospital. Our recent designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital says a lot to new moms. We support and promote safe feeding and mother-baby bonding by adopting the ten evidence-based best practices. In February, we will celebrate our 5th anniversary as a hospital taking care of friends and neighbors. What began

as a small urgent Review Board in Montcare facility was gomery. transformed into In the coming a 60-bed hospital months, we also plan that opened Feb. to add two more Emer28, 2012. gency Department exam Our patient volrooms and improve our umes have out-per- Mary Lynne imaging services by inWright, formed initial exstalling a second MRI pectations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so machine and nuclear President much so that we medicine camera. Madison have submitted an Our Madison HospiHospital application with the tal team considers it a state to build out our top floor privilege to care for you and to make more patient rooms. your family. We are thankful I hope for an approval soon to have a diverse collection from the Certificate of Need of medical specialists in our

HEALTH

community from obstetricians to orthopedic surgeons, as well as a committed group of hospital employees who work at the bedside or behind the scenes to make our operations run. In addition, we have a loyal group of hospital volunteers and a community advisory board that help make a positive impact on our hospital. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited to see what significant events 2017 will bring as Madison Hospital embarks on another year of caring for our community.

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MUSIC

Jake Walker learned to play primarily by watching and looking up to older local musicians.

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Tradition of music

Jake Walker draws on musical role models WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

ake Walker made sound decisions in his arrangements to orchestrate an understanding of music. A guitarist, Walker plays the electric, acoustic and bass varieties. He also handles percussion/ drums, knows the piano keyboard and sings.

A Madison native, Walker played at Asbury United Methodist Church, particularly as drummer for an Asbury band, throughout high school and assisted at the Downtown Rescue Mission. He has also used his â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mary Beth Broeren music to entertain at weddings.

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“My grandmother’s brothers and sisters all live in

McComb, Mississippi. My great-uncle Glen has a big building on his property where, every week, people in the town come and listen to old gospel and country music.”

— Jake Walker

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Although he did take piano lessons as a child, Walker said he learned to play primarily by “watching and looking up to older local musicians.” His father, Bryan Walker, is a consummate pianist who can deliver a classical sonata and immediately break into an improvised rendition of “Linus and Lucy” dance music from “Peanuts.” In addition, Jake Walker listened and watched Marcus Pope and J.D. Blair on drums and John Knox, Jim Hawkins, Bobby Miller and Ross Kirk on guitar. “My two biggest musical role models are Jeff Williams and my middle school band director Mr. Johnny Nash,” he said. “However, I mainly learned to play by spending countless hours in my room practicing and listening to the radio or watching my dad’s band perform and practice.” Growing up, he watched his father’s band, the Purple Ravens, which made an incredible impact on his music and life. “Each of those guys has been a musical role model to me, as well as another father figure … One of the biggest blessings in my life has been the fact that my dad has such great friends like the Purple Ravens, who have helped me grow up and helped me grow into a better musician.” In his music resume, the young performer has toured all over Costa Rica with a local band named Connexion. “I’m also currently playing in a band of fraternity brothers in Tuscaloosa,” he said. One performance he will always remember was his first time on stage with great-uncle Glen Sterling and his full country band. “My grandmother’s brothers and sisters all

Jake has toured all over Costa Rica with a local band named Connexion.

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live in McComb, Mississippi. My great-uncle Glen has a big building on his property where, every week, people in the town come and listen to old gospel and country music,” he said. Invoking very different feelings, a performance in Costa Rica both scared Walker and made him laugh. A speaker completely broke, so Jake’s band learned during setup that they would not have monitors. “We were playing in a massive concrete gymnasium with a very bad echo,” he said. “This was probably the worse thing that could’ve possibly happened to me -- the band’s drummer. My main purpose is to keep everyone on tempo.” Compounding the dilemma, everyone around him was speaking Spanish. “Last minute, some random guy showed up with a truck full of amplifiers. We used that to replace the broken speakers. Thank God, we had monitors to play that night. “Also, I accidentally left all my shirts in the first hotel in Costa Rica; for the remainder of the tour, I had to borrow shirts from the other guys.” Currently, Walker is a full-time sophomore at the University of Alabama and is pursuing a degree in criminal justice and psychology. He served on his fraternity’s executive board as director of recruitment and initiated 31 new members in 2015.

Walker’s major musical role models are Jeff Williams and Johnny Nash.

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In praise of everything

EDUCATION

that MCS has to offer in Madison

t was once stated, “The road of life twists and turns, and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.” Little did I know that my journey would include the great opportunity to serve the children, teachers and parents of this wonderful community as interim superintendent. In these past weeks, I’ve truly seen the dedication of the Madison City Schools team to deliver on the high expectations of this community as it prepares its students to be “globally successful.” The ACT Aspire scores

released in Novemtrict has raised more than ber placed Madison $300,000 in the past 15 City Schools in the years for the life-saving top 5 of 137 school research and family supdistricts in nearly all port that St. Jude progrades and subject vides. The campaign is areas tested. The disjust part of a long list of trict’s 23.5 average Ed Nichols, causes Madison schools ACT by 2016 graduso generously support. MCS ates placed Madison January ushers in a reInterim nearly best in state. ally awesome milestone In December, every Superintendent for James Clemens High School. The Jets band single school fielded was invited to march in Lona team for the Run for St. Jude don’s New Year’s Day Parade in Memphis. Principals raised (www.lnydp.com). As a former some $40,000 in donations. band director, I am very proud Every school has had a student of the students, parents and treated by St. Jude Children’s the greater school community. Research Hospital. The dis-

LaunchYour Next GiantLeap

To develop a program that is offered this opportunity, with all the organization it takes, is truly a sign of the strong dedication to the arts in this community. Finally, Madison City’s successes would not be possible without the past leadership of Dr. Dee Fowler. His dedication to the school district is truly an inspiration to all of public education. I am very excited about the role he will play in Montgomery to shape the future of Alabama’s education for our students. I know we all wish him the best on his new journey.

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MADISON ARTS AND WEDDING CULTURE

Mother

of the bride – & groom!

Often, the wedding day of a child is as special to the mother as it is to the blushing bride or groom. For Tam Dahlgren, Summer 2016 brought a double dose of pride and joy as she experienced not one but both of her children tying the knot with their true loves. Tam Dahlgren shares her story of a whirlwind summer of wedded bliss. WRITTEN BY TAM DAHLGREN

hinking back, the past year seems almost surreal! Welcoming both a son-in-law and a daughter-inlaw to our family certainly makes it a summer to remember! While the year began deep in wedding plans for both our daughter, Taylor, who married Ryan (Mac) Clark on May 28 and our son, Nicholas, who married Hannah Ward on July 16, it ended with two more Christmas stockings hung with care! I will admit, there were a few times that it was difficult to keep the plans and pre-wedding activities straight, but preparing for the weddings filled me with exhilaration. The months leading up to the weddings were so busy and had to be carefully scheduled. There was always something to be thankful for and look forward to – at the same time! Every event seemed so special because it was planned specifically for each couple. Feelings of joy and excitement continued building! I feel that because the weddings were planned at essentially the same time, it was important to both couples to keep the spirit of the wedding as their center. As the plans unfolded, each wedding took on a distinct feel and story of its own. The unique touches and special focus of each wedding reflected Mac and Taylor’s and Nic and Hannah’s relationship completely. Beautiful and touching moments filled both wedding days. While this year can be described as a whirlwind, I hope sharing this experience will always be a bond for our family. We will remember Wedding Year with extraordinary feelings. Watching my husband walk our daughter down the aisle, seeing him standing next to our son as his best man and witnessing the marriage celebrations of both our children are memories I will forever cherish. We feel so blessed – our family is now complete! 22 Madison Living

Ryan &Taylor THE PROPOSAL

Clark

Ryan proposed a couple days before Christmas 2014 on the top of Rainbow Mountain with a city full of shining Christmas lights below and a sky full of twinkling stars above us. It was a fun engagement season to share with my brother and his now wife, who were also engaged shortly after us and married within six weeks of our wedding!

THE “I DO”

We chose to have our ceremony and reception at Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman. The amazing staff helped us design a rustic yet elegant feel that allowed for a fun and comfortable wedding environment. We began our wedding festivities the Wednesday before our wedding with various bachelor/bachelorette parties planned by an awesome wedding party; an “I Do BBQ” hosted by my parents at their farm; a bridesmaids’ luncheon organized by my brother’s thoughtful now-mother-in-law; the rehearsal led by our pastor, Ryan’s dad; and a wonderful groom’s dinner put on by Ryan’s parents. At each of these events, I had a different white dress to wear. By Saturday morning I could not wait to put on my last white dress and walk down the aisle to my Prince Charming! The moment finally came, and I was thrilled to walk (Ryan says it sounded like I was running) down a path to tap him on the shoulder for our first look picture. We then had a fun time with our photographers, Josh and Shelly from Smith Squared Photography, as we took pictures with the wedding party and our family. Ryan and many of his groomsmen wore uniforms as newly-commissioned officers from West Point the previous weekend.

ABOVE: Left to right back row: James Dahlgren (my cousin & usher), Laura Ann Holland (Bridesmaid), Pieter Clark (Ryan’s brother & groomsman), Austin Clark (Ryan’s brother), Dan Fullmer (Usher), Zach Clark (Ryan’s brother & groomsman), Kacey Clark (Ryan’s brother and groomsman), Rachel Fox (Maid of Honor), Tucker Van Dyke (Groomsman), [Ryan and me], Christopher Bonner (Usher), Matthew Fox (Best Man), Olivia Snyder (Bridesmaid), Creighton Monson (Usher), Hannah Dahlgren (at that time Hannah Ward-Bridesmaid), Nic Dahlgren (My brother and groomsman), Michael Lami (Groomsman), Mike Evans (Usher), Max Schmidt (Usher). Left to right front row: Nicholas Murano (Groomsman), Abigail Imelio (Welcomer), Camryn Stokes (Bridesmaid), Shigé Clark (Ryan’s sister and bridesmaid), Elizabeth Snyder (Bridesmaid), Amy-Katherine Ahrberg (Bridesmaid), Spencer Cast (Bridesmaid), Laura Bean (Bridesmaid), Ryan Meyer (Groomsman).

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For the reception, everyone in uniform changed into suits/ dresses to allow for a night of energetic dance moves! Specifically, Ryan got to fulfill a lifelong bet and donned a stellar red suit, complete with a vest and all.

THE HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER

We left the following week for our honeymoon cruise in the Southern Caribbean. Afterwards, it was special to attend another wedding so soon after ours for my big brother, who I look up to, and his beautiful bride.

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THE LOVE STORY

Nic and I met in the Atlanta Airport during the summer of 2010. I was on my way home from my senior trip in Cancun, and he was on his way home from a mission trip in Honduras. We were both at the gate to catch a flight back to Huntsville. He caught my eye immediately, so I decided to walk over and join the conversation my mom started with his group. We talked everyday after that and instantly became best friends. At the end of the summer, I was heading to Tuscaloosa to start my freshman year. Nic and I decided to stay best friends to keep things less complicated. That entire year we continued to talk, staying confident and faithful in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timing. The way our souls instantly connected, we knew that God made us for each other and that we would end up together. We started dating my sophomore year at Alabama and Nicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freshman year at Auburn. We had a long distance relationship all through college. When I graduated, I got my first job at WHNT News 19 in Huntsville. After Nic graduated, he took a year off before medical school to join me in Huntsville.

Nic & Dahlgren Hannah

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THE PROPOSAL

July 20, 2015, Nic set up a fake commercial shoot at the Huntsville Airport and had a family friend ask my sister and me to be in it. At the end of the commercial Nic snuck up behind me and proposed.

THE “I DO”

We got married in my hometown of Athens in the First United Methodist Church where I grew up. Nic’s favorite pastor growing up was John Ryberg, and he married us. The inspirations for the decorations for our wedding were traditional, classy and timeless. My dress was designed by Heidi Elnora. It was made of fabric from my mother’s and grandmother’s wedding dress, which was incredibly special to me. Our colors were gold, white and off white. Amy Frye, a makeup artist from Florence, did my makeup and was probably my favorite person to work with. The wedding was so much fun. Nic and I danced all night long at the reception and had the best time with family and friends.

THE HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER

We honeymooned in St. Lucia. Nic and I now live in Birmingham. He is in medical school at UAB and I am a reporter at FOX 6. We love married life and are looking forward to God’s plans for us as a married couple.

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Ryan & Darracott Caroline

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THE LOVE STORY AND PROPOSAL

Ryan and I met in September 2013 after his University of North Alabama fishing team tournament. I tried to impress him with bits of fishing terminology I had learned from my dad. Aug. 1, 2015, Ryan proposed in Destin, Florida, with the Rogers and Darracotts by the ocean.

THE “I DO”

Our wedding would be a year later, on Aug. 13, 2016. We wanted a traditional Southern wedding and chose Huntsville First United Methodist Church with the reception nearby at The Early Works Museum. We incorporated vintage elements into the wedding. Ryan’s brother, Russ, shined up his red 1964 Buick Wildcat. I carried my Grandmother’s lace handkerchief. Ryan wore an ivory dinner jacket. My mom searched for antique rhinestone brooches and made me a brooch bouquet – it will be our family heirloom. We served punch from our family cut glass

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punch bowl. For the wedding cake topper, we found a 1950s ceramic bride and groom with an ivory dinner jacket. Our wedding day arrived and with it predictions of rain from Hurricane Earl. The ceremony was beautiful, the organ music grand. Groomsmen surprised us with a UNA colored fishing rod arch as we left. “Sweet Caroline” played as we entered the reception, and everyone sang along. We had a Southern dinner buffet featuring fried turkey. Ryan’s mom fixed the cutest fishing-themed groom’s table. My dad surprised everyone as the smoothest emcee. Bubbles were blown as we left the big red doors and drove away. Twenty seconds later, the rain poured, but it had held off for us all day. With umbrella in hand, we took more pictures in perfect light. Those are my favorite.

THE HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER

While on our honeymoon in Orange Beach, I reflected on how everything in our wedding was done with love and how happy I am to be Ryan’s wife.

& Jamie

Anna

Holland

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THE LOVE STORY

We met through a mutual friend in 2010. After a few months of hanging out, Jamie decided to ask me on a date. We went on our first date to Oktoberfest and had a great time and continued dating.

THE PROPOSAL

In August 2015, we went to Los Angeles to visit some friends. While in California, Jamie staged a very romantic proposal in Malibu on the beach at sunset. After getting engaged, we began planning the wedding.

THE â&#x20AC;&#x153;I DOâ&#x20AC;?

With wedding planning begun, I quickly became overwhelmed, as we both have very hectic work schedules. I needed a simple option for the wedding venue and toured many beautiful places. After some convincing on my part, my parents agreed to have the wedding in their backyard. Although I refused to come up with an official theme for the wedding, I went for a classic and 30 Madison Living

simple event with family and a few close friends. I made many of the decorations, with the help of family and friends, including signs and all the flower arrangements. We spent months planning the layout of the yard, and my dad even built the arbor out of bamboo that he grew in the yard. It was very special for me to get married in the yard I grew up in, where I have so many great memories. For the ceremony, one of our best friends got ordained and was the officiant. We also had family friends perform music during the ceremony. These touches made it very personal and perfect for us. The wedding went very well. As always, there were some stressful moments, but everyone had a great time. Our families worked hard to make everything successful, including stepping in to help when we were overwhelmed with all the planning.

THE HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER

We left the next day for our honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico!

& Jaclyn

Klein THE LOVE STORY

Susie Masotti, the previous executive director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, introduced DJ and me at the Madison Street Festival in 2013. I was volunteering at a booth blowing up balloons for kids, and DJ was representing the city at his booth. We had dinner together at the Old Bandito Burrito after we met and stayed together until around midnight. He took me out again the next day for dinner, and the rest was history.

THE PROPOSAL

We both love to fish. DJ woke me up before sunrise one morning with some fresh coffee in a carafe. He took me out on a boat on Smith Lake. I was in a hoodie and still hadn’t brushed my hair. I was fishing, and when I turned around he had the ring – on a flotation device, in case I accidently threw it in the water from excitement – and asked me to marry him. He proposed as the sun was rising. His parents had champagne for mimosas back at the house when we arrived!

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THE “I DO”

We had our wedding at Madison United Methodist Church in Downtown Madison. The reception followed at Old Black Bear right down the road on Main Street. It was special to us to have the reception at Old Black Bear because it’s where we met for conversation for the very first time when it was previously Bandito Burrito. Our wedding was a traditional ceremony with a rustic reception. We were on a budget for our wedding, and the owners of Old Black Bear kindly allowed me to wait tables there in order to save up money for the reception. They even brewed us our own batch of beer called the “Honey I do” Brown Ale. They even let us help them brew the beer! We both love craft beer, so we made koozies for our guests that said “Thank you for ‘bearing’ with us” for guests to use that evening for their beverages and to take home as souvenirs. 32 Madison Living

THE HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER

We went to Destin, Florida, for our honeymoon. It was really low-key. We ate lots of crab legs, went to several different beaches and went deep sea fishing. Our first night on our way down, we meant to stay in Montgomery; we were so excited, we drove all the way to Destin and the hotels were booked. So, we resided in a scary motel our first night and watched the movie Anaconda on a 20-inch television screen. It seemed to be the only movie playing. We departed the motel as soon as the sun rose!

Make your New Year’s resolutions – and keep them!

YMCA

STORY AND PHOTO BY HEART OF THE VALLEY YMCA

long with singing “Auld Lang Syne” at the start of the New Year, making resolutions is a tradition for many Americans. Choosing a resolution is easy; sticking to it can be tough. A 2014 YMCA survey found that less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolutions, while 40 percent confessed that they gave up within the first few months of the New Year! The Hogan Family YMCA is encouraging community members to give their New Year’s resolutions a boost by creating manageable goals that can lead to success of a larger one.

Here are four tips the Y recommends to help your 2017 resolutions stick: • Start small. Break resolutions into small, achievable goals. Instead of cutting chocolate out of your diet, vow to only have it twice a week.

• Take it one step at a time. Instead of a New Year’s resolution, make a new month resolution. Focus on that change all month and add another small change the following month. • Choose a gym that focuses on a holistic approach to health.

Determined to make your workout a priority? Tour area gyms first and try before you buy. Look for friendly and supportive staff, clean facilities and well-maintained equipment. • Talk it out. Having a friend working toward similar goals helps both with accountability. Team up with someone to set your 2017 goals and help each other establish a game plan to achieve them. Want to save 25 percent on Y membership in 2017? Visit ymcahuntsville.org/myhouse to join online or call the Hogan YMCA at 256-705-9622.

Madison Living 33

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

STORY & PHOTOS BY MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Madison Chamber of COmmerce has been on the move celebrating Grand Opening, Anniversaries, Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, Luncheons, Groundbreaking Ceremonies, Trains on Main participants and much more. Thank you to all of our Board Members, Ambassadors, Volunteers, and Chamber Members who always go the extra mile with a smile to help make the chamber great. For information on chamber events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, visit madisonALchamber.com or call 256-325-8317. Visit the Chamber on Facebook at Madison Chamber of Commerce (MCC) to help keep up to date with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in our city. PHOTOGRAPHS BY

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 34 Madison Living

Groundbreaking Ceremony for City of Madison Public Library.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for MCC Member Shepherd Living at the Range.

Business After Hours hosted by MCC Member BB&T.

Ambassador Luncheon hosted by Ability Plus, Inc.

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member Madison Orthodontics.

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member Sola Salon Studios.

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member Pathway Healthcare.

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member Pediatric Dentistry of Madison.

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member North Alabama Family Psychiatry & Counseling.

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member Ngenius.

Trains on Main Participants.

November MCC Monthly Luncheon sponsored by Landers McLarty CJD Huntsville with guest speaker Mayor Paul Finley with the City of Madison, Alabama City Hall.

Inauguration Day for City of Madison.

Madison Living 35

OUT & ABOUT

Madison welcomes the season with Kris Kringle Market The Madison Arts Council and Madison Parks and Recreation teamed up for the return of the Kris Kringle Market Nov. 19. The cherished German and European tradition brought international flair and local charm to Madison. The Kris Kringle Market featured artisans and craftsmen from across North Alabama, an Olde World Santa, lantern-making workshops for children and various food and drink options at Dublin Park, 8324 Madison Pike.

36 Madison Living

1. Kerry Komai and Raecheal Murrill 2. Nicole Brookus 3. Deanna Barbra 4. Kim Parker and Aaron Shard 5. Dann Sparks 6. Susan Fox 7. Leonda Whetstone and Vickie Price 8. Dawn Harman 9. Deanna Barbra 10. Kerisma Henzie and Dan Henzie 11. Melissa Brantly Webster and her son

PHOTOS BY NOELLE HENDRICKSON

Madison Living 37

Calendar BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP

DROP-IN & CREATE: POP-ART PIZZAS

Everyone is invited to participate in a Breastfeeding Support Group, held weekly at Madison Hospital Wellness Center, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breastfeeding support impacts breastfeeding success. Expectant or new moms dedicated to breastfeeding will benefit from the following: ongoing support from Certified Lactation Consultants, answers to questions and solutions to common problems, weight checks with infant scales and the chance to celebrate with other new moms who are also meeting their goals. For more information, call 256-508-9009 or 256-457-0403. The group meets in the Madison Hospital Wellness Center classroom.

Join the Huntsville Museum of Art for the free Drop-in & Create event Jan. 14 where children will be creating “Pop-art Pizzas!” They will be making deliciously-themed collages using different shapes and colors. After they create their pizza masterpieces, explore the Pop Art in our Stender Family Interactive Education Galleries – “A Walk Through Time.” Drop-in & Create will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the HMA.

Weekly

HOME DEPOT KIDS’ WORKSHOP Jan. 7 / first Saturdays monthly

Build. Learn. Create. Have fun with Kids Workshops at the Home Depot. These free hands-on workshops are designed for children ages 5-12 and are offered the first Saturday of every month at all Home Depot stores from 9 a.m. to noon. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All children get to keep their craft and receive a free Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement. 38 Madison Living

Jan. 14

VOICES OF OUR TIMES: LEIGH GALLAGHER Jan. 21

The Huntsville Museum of Art is thrilled to welcome assistant managing editor for Fortune Magazine, Leigh Gallagher, for a talk Jan. 21, as part of the Annual Voices of Our Times Series. The talk will begin at 7 p.m. in Loretta Spencer Hall. Member tickets are $25; non-member tickets are $45. Gallagher’s provocative book “The End of the Suburbs” sparked a national debate on the future of how and where we live. The celebrated journalist and business news correspondent expertly discusses the future of the way we live, the revitalization of our cities and the changing American Dream at economic conferences, real estate summits, and corporate events. She also discusses women in leadership, lessons from the best young innovators in business and the bright spots and challenges facing the economy.

WHAT’S UP DOC? THE ANIMATION ART OF CHUCK JONES Jan. 22

The Huntsville Museum of Art will host a public, docent-led tour of “What’s Up, Doc? The Animation Art of Chuck Jones,” where our docents will further explore this exhibition during its final day on display at HMA, from 2-3 p.m. Jan 22. Docent-led tours are included with the cost of admission for non-members and are free to members of the museum. Animation director and artist Charles Martin “Chuck” Jones brought an unparalleled talent for comic invention and a flair for creating distinct, memorable characters to the art of film animation. “What’s Up, Doc? The Animation Art of Chuck Jones” is a new Smithsonian traveling exhibition that reveals the creative genius behind some of the most enduringly popular cartoons and animated films of all time. The exhibition is a partnership between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity and the Museum of the Moving Image. Explore the creative genius, influences and legacy of animation director and artist Chuck Jones through 23 animated films and more than 125 original sketches and drawings, storyboards, production backgrounds, animation cels and photographs.

Marketplace Madison Living • 256.772.6677

Aldridge Brothers Maintenance Specializing in • Plumbing Repair • Lawn Sprinkler Repair • General Home Maintenance • Sewer & Drain Unclogged Owner: Chris Aldridge 256-436-8507 Lic. 2016-1216 ANN’S ALTERATIONS 600 Limestone Street, Suite #6 Hartselle, AL 256-773-4213 Welder Training Coming Soon! Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Tired of high cable prices? NO MONEY DOWN! 50 channels-$39.99 190 channels-$49.99 290 channels $64.99 Alabama Dish 256-438-4039 From around the house clean-up to large scale waste service. We provide a complete range of waste services at competitive rates. Pace Industries, Inc. Call & compare 205-893-7223 HUGHES NET • Gen4 High-Speed Satellite Internet Is Available Where You Live! FREE Standard Installation Limited Time Offer! Ask about FREE router! Call 800-266-4409 www.pbsinternet.com Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-350-9938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales.com

For Rent, All Sizes. Russellville, AL. We Accept Credit Cards. Call Jerry 256-332-9253 or 256-412-5392 Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 8am-12pm

Meyers Zoysia • $2.50 sq.yd. Empire Zoysia • $3.00 sq. yd. DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com

Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

Need A Job? Need A Better Job? AIDT recruits, screens and trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you! Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs today to view your opportunities!

Lenders Need 20 Families for Special Financing Program. New SW from $19,900! 1904 sqft 4BR, $49,900! Clayton Homes, Cullman 256-734-1213 All Apps Accepted Trade In and Repo Sale!!! 28x52 3BR NADA 20119 Sale $14,900 16x80 3BR NADA 17614 Sale $10,900 Lenders have Financing Available 256-734-6284 Lenders’ New 1st Time Homebuyer’s Plan at Clayton Homes, Cullman. You can be APPROVED! 256-734-1930 HOMES FOR SALE Financing Available (wac) Low Down Payments Sheffield, Hackleburg, Town Creek, Courtland, Moulton & Falkville Call Matt 1-855-847-6808 Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256-332-2960 KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499

MIXER TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED Now hiring full-time CDL-qualified mixer truck drivers. Must have good driving record and pass drug-screening. Benefits: •Highly-competitive pay •Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance •Matched 401K •Paid Vacation/Life Insurance Apply: 4200 Stringfield Road Huntsville, AL 35806 Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. Call for more information 256-539-1400 www.alwaysthereinc.com Now Hiring Drivers Carry Transit • Decatur, AL Good Pay • Excellent Benefits & Home Time Must Have 18mos OTR Experience & Class A-CDL w/Tanker Endorsement Apply: www.CarryTransit.com

Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928

We Buy ATVs Motorcycles & Utility Vehicles Motorsports Superstore 888-880-2277 Hamilton, AL

NOW HIRING Elder Care Of North Alabama is in need of caregivers in the Hartselle and Decatur area. (256)351-6565 or apply online: www. eldercareofnorthalabama. com

SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY STORAGE BUILDINGS

CAGLE SOD FARM 419 Hybrid Bermuda • $1.35 sq.yd.

Want a job you Love? Come work with us as a Caregiver or CNA!

• Competitive Wages • Shift premium for Weekends • Flexible Schedules • Friendly Staff • Endless Opportunities Apply today at: www. homeinstead.com/250 or call 256-883-3080. DRIVERS WANTED •Experienced Class-A CDL Drivers •Safe & Clean Driving Record Required •Competitive Salary Package Call 205-935-8668 Burger King Hiring General, Assistant & Shift Managers Top Pay/Monthly Bonus/Vacation/ Medical Benefits. 3yrs fast food experience required. Fax resume: 334-649-1112 or apply at: www.joinbkalabama.com NOW HIRING HVAC & Electrical technicians. Competitive pay and great benefits. Experience required. Email resume to wendy@shoalsmpe.com or stop by to fill out an application. 15891 Hwy 43, Russellville, AL 35653 SERVICE TECH Accepting applications for service tech positions. Experience, References, Clean MVR Required. Call 256-356-4427 Ext. #33 Sunshine Homes OTR DRIVERS WANTED 24 years or older. Hazmat preferred but not required. Full benefit package available. Pneumatic tank equipment. Dry bulk hauling. $500 SIGN-ON BONUS HOME EVERY OTHER WEEKEND Apply Online: vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993 Fundraisers/Greeters Needed for Charity Greeting customers

OUTSIDE of Grocery, Department Stores and Special Events. Travel involved ... Must have car, driver’s license and be willing to travel! Comp/Exp paid...P/T WORK. Seniors welcomed! 866.212.5592 or Email resume to: jely@veteransoutreach.com Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGN-ON-BONUS Longevity-Bonus. Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package. PAID Orientation. NEW Fleet of Trucks. Call 1-855-777-9785 & ask for Dale or Brandy. Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803 A New Career Starts Today RN & LPN Positions Available Full Time or PRN, 12 hour shifts with every other weekend off, Excellent Benefits. EOE. Apply in person! Woodland Village Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, 1900 Olive St. SW, Cullman, AL 35056 256-739-1430 Now Leasing HALLMARK CRESTMOOR APARTMENTS 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Units Available W/D Hookups•Pest Control Water/Garbage/Sewer Included 1060 Mountain View Road, Hartselle (256)773-7072 Box Trucks Needed A growing company needs independent contractors with vehicles to deliver office and Medical supplies all over N AL. Clean BG/MVR/drug test. Must be customer friendly!! Weekly settlements! Call Shasta @ LSO Final Mile 256-461-0069 or email Shasta.Lanford@ lsofinalmile.com

Madison Living 1

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why our certification as a Baby-Friendly USA hospital shows we care. This is our commitment to teach and support safe feeding for breast-fed and formula-fed babies.

Madison Hospital. Your hospital for life.

(256) 265-2012 | madisonALhospital.org

babyfriendlyusa.org