AN ISLAND STAYCATION • BRETT POTTER’S PASSION AT THE PLATE • MAURA WROBLEWSKI
MADISON LIVING August 2019 | $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com
WOVEN
TOGETHER CANEEKA MILLER CONNECTS ONE WOMAN AT A TIME
BORN FOR
BALLET
NICOLE ONUSZKANYCZ FULFILLS DESTINY IN THE ARTS
MADISON LIVING EDITORIAL Rebekah Martin Alison James John Few CONTRIBUTORS Gregg Parker Bob Labbe Daniel Whitt Joshua Berry Lee Marshall Mayor Paul Finley MARKETING Tori Waits Donna Counts ADMINISTRATIVE Sierra Jackson
••• CONTACT US Madison Publications, LLC 14 Main St., Suite C P.O. Box 859 Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-772-6677 Fax: 256-772-6655 madisonlivingmagazine.com Madison Living is published monthly by Madison Publications, LLC. A one-year subscription to Madison Living is $24.99 for 12 issues per year. Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Madison area. To advertise or to get more copies, call 256-772-6677. Copyright 2019 by Madison Publications, LLC
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CONTRIBUTORS
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Alison James, copy editor Alison James earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Auburn University, graduating in 2012. She began her career in community journalism in Alexander City 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.
John Few, contributing writer John Few has been in the field of newspaper journalism and production for nearly 25 years. John has served as a staff writer for The Demopolis Times, the daily newspaper in West Alabama, and editor for the weekly newspaper the Black Belt Gazette. He was transferred in 2009 to begin his coverage of Madison. In covering the City of Madison the past 10 years, John has reported on several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James 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.
Bob Labbe, contributing writer Bob Labbe is a lifelong resident of the Huntsville community. He has been in the local news media for 46 years, a multi-award-winning journalist in television, radio and print media. He is a member of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame and has been nominated for both the Alabama Press Association and Alabama Music halls of fame. Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ in The Years, for 28 years on WLRH-FM Public Radio. He has also been a local high school basketball referee for 27 years and was a high school football referee for 15 years. Bob is an avid sports fan and collector of 45 rpm records. He once boxed Muhammad Ali and was the reporter who asked the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Gregg Parker, contributing writer A graduate of Mississippi State University, Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Intergraph Corporation in 1990 with wife Brenda and son Andy. For 15 years Gregg wrote for Madison Spirit and Limestone Spirit sections in The Huntsville Times. His articles have been published in numerous chamber of commerce publications, Southern Family Magazine and Life on the Water. Gregg considers it a privilege 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.
Lee Judge, contributing writer Lee Judge is co-owner of Sugar Belle Cupcake Truck and Coffee Shop. Her day job is managing the office of a local Realtor. She loves her cupcake and coffee business and loves creating unique flavors and beautiful wedding cupcake displays for clients. In her spare time, she has enjoyed freelance writing and graphic designing for the Madison Living magazine and for online clients. Her passions are helping people and creating things. Lee is a wife and mother to two furbabies: a 15-pound rabbit named Bunny and a white chinchilla named Swayze. When she has a little free time to herself, Lee likes to go to the rockclimbing gym, meet a friend for coffee at one of the other local coffee places or catch up on TV shows and movies with her husband.
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.
20 14 FOOD & DRINK 14 An island staycation
24
New restaurant instantly transports diners to Caribbean
SCHOOL & SPORTS 20 Passion at the plate
Brett Potter’s devotion to baseball leads to all 30 MLB stadiums
ARTS & CULTURE 24 Born for ballet
Madison woman fulfills destiny in the arts
IN EVERY ISSUE: 7 The Guide 10 #MadisonLife 36 Chamber Connections 38 Out & About
Madison Living 5
FROM THE EDITOR
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I
In most issues of Madison Living, we try to feature a variety of stories – stories that fall under different themes. We might have an education feature, a business feature and a food and drink feature, or we might have an arts feature, a community service feature and a religion feature. One thing I think is really fun, however, is when those category lines start to blur and intersect. That’s what you’ll find in this issue. After all, we know things are so rarely black and white: Hobbies become side hustles, careers become nonprofit passions, personal dreams impact communities and community innovations give rise to individual accomplishments. It’s in seeing an element of life transform and become so much more that we realize how intricate our lives really are.
AN ISLAND STAYCATION • BRETT POTTER’S PASSION AT THE PLATE • MAURA WROBLEWSKI
MADISON LIVING August 2019 | $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com
WOVEN
TOGETHER CANEEKA MILLER CONNECTS ONE WOMAN AT A TIME
BORN FOR
BALLET
NICOLE ONUSZKANYCZ FULFILLS DESTINY IN THE ARTS
Our arts and culture feature in this issue is also influenced by faith and religion. It’s also a flourishing business. It’s about following your dreams and watching your passion take hold and become a reality in the lives of others. Nicole Onuszkanycz has been dancing since her childhood, and she now shares her passion for the arts and her love of God with others at her studio in Madison. Our school and sports story in this issue is also a story about thriving in the face of adversity. If you know Brett and his father Eric only because of his love of baseball, you don’t know his entire story. Our food and drink section features Punta Cana Caribbean Restaurant - a new establishment in Madison that is a little more than its humble facilities appear to be. You see what I mean. Madison people are talented, full of passion and ambition. Their pursuits can’t be boxed in or easily defined. We hope you enjoy this beautiful issue filled with the stories of beautiful people and what they’re up to – how they are making Madison a better place.
ON THE COVER Caneeka Miller is a Madison woman, wife, mother and author. Her passion is telling stories that empower women to be the best version of themselves. Photo by Joshua Berry
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rebekah.martin@madisonlivingmagazine.com
THE GUIDE
AUG. 24 17TH ANNUAL PARROTS OF THE CARIBBEAN FUNDRAISER INSANITY ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX 6-11 P.M. Madison Living 7
THE GUIDE
WEEKLY EVENTS IN MADISON
Free GED classes Asbury Farmhouse
MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS 5:30-8:30 P.M.
Trivia Night Rocket Republic Brewing Company WEDNESDAYS 6-8 P.M. In cooperation with the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Rocket Republic Brewing Company hosts a weekly family-friendly trivia night. Food and drinks are available to purchase, but it’s free to play trivia, and all ages are welcome.
Classes include free childcare and a meal before each class.
Madison Farmers Market Trinity Baptist Church
Breastfeeding Support Group Madison Hospital MONDAYS AT 10:30 A.M. THURSDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. New moms dedicated to breastfeeding can join this weekly support group meeting that offers ongoing support from certified lactation consultants, solutions to common problems, weight checks with infant scales and more.
SATURDAYS FROM 8 A.M. UNTIL NOON Every Saturday, local farmers and artisans bring their fresh produce, meats, cheeses, coffee, flowers, herbs, eggs and handmade items to sell.
Concerts in the Park Big Spring Park 6:30-8 P.M. EVERY MONDAY THROUGH AUG. 5
Thursday Madness Insanity Complex 8 P.M. UNTIL MIDNIGHT Recurring monthly on the first Thursday
Madison City Chess League Madison Public Library MONDAYS FROM 6:15-7:45 P.M. Children in kindergarten through 12th grade who know how to play chess are welcome. 8 Madison Living
AUG. 7 Classes begin for Madison City Schools.
AUG. 8
THE GUIDE
One Small Step with Homer Hickam Von Braun Center Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with His Way and the original “Rocket Boy.� Best-selling author, master storyteller and former NASA engineer Homer Hickam will share stories from his childhood, discuss the past and future of the space program and answer questions from the audience.
AUG. 10
Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival Stovehouse
3414 GOVERNORS DRIVE, HUNTSVILLE
Briarcrest Christian versus Madison Academy The Madison Academy varsity football team has a home non-conference game versus Briarcrest Christian AT 7-9 P.M.
AUG. 16
City Lights and Stars concert series: Microwave Dave and the Nukes Gates open at 6:30 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m. Burritt on the Mountain
AUG. 24
17th annual Parrots of the Caribbean fundraiser Insanity Entertainment Complex AT 6-11 P.M. AUG. 30
James Clemens versus Clay-Chalkville AUG. 23
The James Clemens varsity football team has an away non-conference game at Clay-Chalkville in Pinson AT 7 P.M.
Bob Jones verus Christian Brothers The Bob Jones varsity football team has an away non-conference game at Christian Brothers in Memphis AT 7 P.M.
Athens versus Sparkman The Sparkman varsity football team has a home non-conference game versus Athens AT 7 P.M.
AUG. 31
India Festival Von Braun Center Madison Living 9
#MadisonLife Use #MadisonLiving or tag @madison_living_mag in your posts on Instagram and our staff will select favorites to publish in each issue.
@anewleash Maya, Wallaby, and Taz have all found their #fureverhome !
@chel_sey_ray sunny side up
@kasmommy_ tinkergarten We floated our boats in Tinkergarten today! We experimented with different items to see what would sink and what would float. We started with paper boats and then tried tin foil boats. The kids decided the foil boats worked best. #tinkergarten #floatyourboat #creekplay #hsv #madisonalabama 10 Madison Living
@peachespalmer We’re back home in Sweet (& sweaty) Alabama! Had a wonderful trip to our hometown Virginia Beach.. celebrated 12 years of marriage with the man that changed my life! #family #heartlynnpalmer #palmerparadise #virginiabeach #fitmomma #duckdonuts #daveandbusters #madisonal
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Madison Living 11
Kids to Love
Fostering careers: KTECH impacts community, foster children
K
Lee Marshall Founder/CEO Kids to Love Foundation
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Kids to Love has become synonymous with foster care over the past 15 years. Now, to the benefit of the kids we serve and our community, we are creating a reputation as a leader in workforce development. Foster care and workforce development seem an unlikely duo, but they are actually quite connected. Older youth are not likely to be adopted; they will age out of the system with no family and no marketable skills, on a path toward prison and poverty. Kids to Love is innovating a way to stop this cycle, and it’s called KTECH. KTECH is a workforce training initiative whose purpose circles back to the fact above – that many foster youth end up poor or prisoners. I created the KTECH program, modeled after a similar program in Tennessee, to instead connect these youth with productive and profitable careers. KTECH teaches mechatronics, robotics and soldering, three skills that are highly sought after in the Alabama and national advanced manufacturing industry.
KTECH works! KTECH graduates have moved directly into career opportunities with premiere companies. One of our graduates, Lexi, was the top candidate for Toyota’s prestigious FAME program. She’s enrolled this summer in the advanced manufacturing technician program. Two other KTECH graduates, Michael and Scott, earned paid internships with Polaris. KTECH set these students up for success. A representative for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama described KTECH as “world class” at a recent event honoring our graduates. That’s our standard of excellence: world class. KTECH is branding us beyond foster care and establishing us as a leader among workforce training in Alabama’s burgeoning automotive industry. College is not always the bridge between high school and a career. The demand for elite employees in the manufacturing industry is high and rising. We’ve made it easy to find out if it’s right for you. Visit www.goktech. org and you, too, can see KTECH works.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Ask the experts Do you need help making Madison your home? These leaders in the community, business, finance and real estate have answers to all your questions. IS BUYING A FORECLOSED HOME ALWAYS A GOOD DEAL? The operative word here is “ALWAYS,” as there are certainly wide-ranging circumstances to review when buying any property – and even more and different considerations in buying a foreclosed home. Most folks think a foreclosure purchase must be a good deal, but remember that the mortgage company conducting the foreclosure has a bottom-line number in mind to recover what they need. Several important things to weigh against that number are: the condition of the property; the real “as is” market value of the home; and the fact that a foreclosure purchase is usually an all-cash purchase, so financing terms are not available. Also, be aware that a foreclosure has “redemption rights” that are normally outstanding for up to six to 12 months; knowing the ramifications of that law is important. Finally, additional unique procedures are involved in this type of purchase. A foreclosure can be a good deal, but not necessarily, and that is why an experienced Realtor should be consulted. Rosenblum Realty has decades of experience and would be glad to advise you on such investments. Contact us at 256-539-9501 or at www.rosenblumrealty.com. Let an agent from the Rosenblum Realty team provide you with one-to-one personal service – to find the “right home” for you! Jan Wells Realtor 12181 County Line Road, Suite 180, Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-337-2400; email: jan.wells@knology.net A Madison resident since 1986, Jan has been active in the business and real estate communities as well as city government. Whether chairing committees for the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS, serving as the first President of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, or leading the city as Madison’s Mayor from 2000-2004, Janhas enjoyed meeting the many diverse residents who call Madison home. The experience gained through that service has given her a unique insight into life in Madison. A licensed REALTOR since 1989, Jan now enjoys representing former clients as well as their sons and daughters. That continuity of service is especially gratifying.Jan says that the trust implied by these referrals is her greatest compliment and the many new friends she continues to meet are the greatest reward. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® 8215 Stephanie Dr SW, Huntsv ille, AL 35802 twomenandatruckhuntsville.com 256-885-2515 Injooo55@twomen.com Moving people forward – and businesses, too! Long-distance or local, home or business, we are your “Movers Who Care®!” With more than 20 years in the Tennessee Valley, we’re here to serve you. Whether you’re moving down the street, across the country, or to a new home or business building, we’re here to help ease your relocation stress through a variety of moving services. We have packing, unpacking, load-only, unload-only and rearrange services. Our movers are trained to disassemble and reassemble normal household furniture as well as stretch-wrap and pad for no extra charge! Assisting you during your move is our top priority. We have all the information you need to assure your move exceeds your expectations. Give us a call to book your next moving service!
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Huntsville
256.399.9948 twomenandatruckhuntsville.com Each franchise is independently owned and operated. | U.S. DOT No. 930909
Madison Living 13
FOOD& DRINK
AN ISLAND STAYCATION New restaurant instantly transports diners to Caribbean WRITTEN BY LEE JUDGE PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY 14 Madison Living
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Punta Cana has a Carribbean vibe that is palpable from the moment of arrival. Anthony “Tony” Moreno recalls a customer once described walking into the restaurant area as being immediately transported from Alabama to the Carribbean. It’s hard not to feel that way, with the breeze from the highway, open air seating, merengue and bachata music and palm leaves decorating the top of the remodeled bus that is used for indoor climate-controlled seating. Punta Cana Carribbean Restaurant is reminiscent of finding a gem of a restaurant tucked away on the backside of an island. Moreno and his family said they want the atmosphere to be felt, and they will continue to build that atmosphere through adding more decor and live music. Punta Cana is a family-run Carribbean/Dominican Republic-themed mobile restaurant. The indoor seating is in a converted school bus, where the inside is decorated with a timeline-style history of the Dominican Republic and “driver,” who welcomes all who visit. The goal is to eventually open a full restaurant, but “we didn’t want to go into debt … It all came out of pocket,” said Moreno in describing his family’s choice to start a mobile food business as opposed to a brick-andmortar restaurant. They will start expanding as soon as possible with a food truck, followed by a brickand-mortar restaurant, before finally franchising out. Moreno said they want to serve both types of customers: those who love the food truck vibe and those who want to have a sit-down restaurant experience. Moreno runs the restaurant with his aunts, uncles, father and sister. The restaurant is the brain-child of his father Antonio, who, after the family moved here from the south region of the Dominican Republic in 2010, noticed there wasn’t enough
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representation of the Hispanic/ Carribbean food culture. The idea might have started with Antonio, but it wouldn’t be a reality without the team effort from the whole family; everyone plays a special part
in making sure the restaurant runs like clockwork. Tony, his father and his sister are all engineers and work in the background of the business, while his aunts and uncles run the kitchen and created all the recipes,
We don’t get tired of our own food. I eat our food at least five times a week. – Anthony “Tony” Moreno
which are based on old family recipes. “The secret ingredient,” Tony says, “is love.” The food of the Dominican Republic is steeped in many different cultures: from the original Taíno, the indigenous peoples of the Carribbean, to the Spanish and African elements brought over during the colonization periods. This is also true of the food at Punta Cana Caribbean Restaurant. The menu consists of a blend of traditional dishes, family specific items and Spanish influences.
Salads, rice, stewed chicken and pork and plantains – a fruit similar to a banana – are just a few of the many delicious dishes people will find on the menu. Tony said the most popular meal combo is the sample platter, which comes with pork, steak, chicken, rice choices, mangu – boiled and mashed plantains, similar to mashed potatoes in taste and texture – beans and salad. Tony said this menu item was a customer’s suggestion, and it is perfect for those who are unsure of the Domin-
can cuisine. He said, with pride, that those who are new to the cuisine and get this meal combo almost always clean their plate. Tony and his family laugh over their still-changing menu. Tony and his uncle, Leandro, share a love for Locrio de Cerdo, a traditional Dominican pork rice mix served with ripe fried plantain. Aunt Theresa loves everything but the Locio de Cerdo, and Aunt Ive can’t pick a favorite because she loves everything on the menu. Unlike with most restaurants where the cooks
Through Nov. 21 (No event on Sept. 12)
Join Us! STEIN & DINE Mar. through Nov. Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket k Center C Saturn V Hall on Thursdays from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., for the German Biergarten, featuring authentic German cuisine. Events run through November 21. (No Biergarten on Sept. 12.) Enjoy the festive atmosphere, local craft beers, imported and domestic beers and delicious wines from the German region. Family-friendly, rain or shine! Dog are welcome outside on the Apollo Terrace and courtyard! We are proud to feature and share a portion of the proceeds with a selected local charity each week!
RocketCenterUSA Madison Living 17
and owners get tired of their foods quickly, Tony and his family still love their food. “We don’t get tired of our own food. I eat our food at least five times a week,” Tony said. Diversity is one of the greatest strengths in Madison and the Tennessee Valley and one on which Tony and his family rely. “We’ve been getting a lot of diversity from around – all kinds of people, even people 18 Madison Living
from our own country,” Tony said. “We’ve been living here for almost 10 years, and we see people that we’ve never seen before.” Without this diversity and support, Punta Cana restaurant wouldn’t exist. The location, in addition to business support and advice, came from the owner of Mi Casa in the Publix shopping center in Toney, who is also from the Domincan Republic.
Because of her help, the Morenos were able to contact the owner of the lot they use for their mobile restaurant. So travel to the far side of the island of Madison and find the tucked-away gem of a restaurant, Punta Cana Carribbean Res-taurant. Diners can also find Punta Cana online at www.puntacana-restaurant.com or on Facebook, @PuntaCana.Res.
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SCHOOL&SPORTS
PASSION AT THE PLATE Brett Potter’s devotion to baseball leads to all 30 MLB stadiums WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY AND CONTRIBUTED 20 Madison Living
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An in-depth knowledge of the game he loves led Brett Potter and his father Eric to visit all 30 stadiums for Major League Baseball teams. Brett was born with dwarfism but, like many other young boys, dreams of playing Major League Baseball. “Taking Brett to baseball games is a small thing I can do to help him realize that dream. Brett has proven he’ll work harder than anyone else on the field,” Eric said. Parents tell Eric that Brett understands the game better than any other player. “I’ll never tell
Brett he can’t make it,” Eric added. “Brett has proven he can do whatever he puts his mind to. He just might have to do it differently than everyone else.” Brett won 11 medals – three gold, two silver and six bronze – in the World Dwarf Games at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, in 2017. He competed against hundreds of athletes with dwarfism from 22 countries. The 13-yearold is an eighth-grader at Liberty Middle School. His mother Annette is a nurse practitioner at The HEALS Clinic, and
Eric works as an engineer at The Boeing Company. Brett also has a younger sister, Hannah. Devoted Kansas City Royals fans, the Potters even named Brett after Hall of Famer George Brett. “In 2014 we decided to watch the Royals play their first postseason game; they won, so we kept going,” Eric said. In Anaheim, California, the Potters waited to enter the stadium when Brett asked if they could play catch. They continued pitching that ball at every game,
Madison Living 21
every stadium. “When we made it to 15, I decided we were doing something special. It has been a five-year journey,” Eric said. They took side trips to locations like the “Field of Dreams” movie site and Negro Leagues Museum. Eric said they hope to visit the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Ohio, before retiring their baseball to their personal Hall of Fame. Their visits continued at Safeco Field, now T-Mobile, in Seattle. The Potters took road trips to Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Milwaukee, and they flew to the Little People of America Conference in San Francisco and went to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on the Fourth of July 2019 to finish their quest. Brett’s favorite field is Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, with its “fountains and cool things in the outfield for kids. I also liked the Minnesota Twins because Target Field was built like a cupcake. The Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field is also cool with a stingray tank in the outfield where you can feed them.” Brett and Eric said they always had fun relating with other fans. “We always find friends.” Their favorite fans are the Indians, Twins and Nationals. The Royals are Brett and Eric’s favorite team, followed by Wilmington. “I’ve gotten to know most of the players. When they see me in different cities, they go out of their way to say hi,” Brett said. Wes Hopper, Liberty head baseball coach and social science teacher, coached Brett this year. “I quickly learned about Brett’s love for the game of baseball,” Hopper said. “Brett has a passion to learn his craft and doesn’t allow any excuses to stand in his way of becoming a better ball player.” Before 2018 baseball tryouts, Eric asked Hopper’s opinion on Brett’s best role with Liberty baseball. “Little did I know the impact Brett would have on his teammates and myself,” Hopper said. During conditioning, Brett struggled occasionally, “yet he never quit,” Hopper said. “When it would be easy to cut corners on reps in the weight room, he never did.” Brett’s teammates quickly noticed his character traits and viewed him as a leader. “Where Brett struggles physically, he more than overcomes mentally. I’m a better person and hopefully coach because of Brett Potter,” Hopper said. “His future is so bright, and I look forward to seeing him shine.” What does Brett see for his future? “I want to play at the highest level I can get in baseball and be involved when I can’t play anymore,” he said. And as for the near future, “I’m looking forward to 2021 when I’ll go to Germany for the World Dwarf Games.” 22 Madison Living
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ARTS& CULTURE
BORN FOR BALLET Nicole Onuszkanycz fulfills destiny in the arts WRITTEN BY REBEKAH MARTIN PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY AND CONTRIBUTED 24 Madison Living
T
The art of dance is something Nicole Onuszkanycz said she was born into – and even as a child she preferred her pink pointe shoes to sneakers. Onuszkanycz owns and operates the Adonai School of Ballet in Madison. It’s her passion for the arts that drives her business and her faith in God that sustains her. The school of ballet – which also features pointe, modern, jazz, tap classes and worship ballet classes – just finished its fifth year and its third at its current location. “I come from a family of dancers,” Onuszkanycz said. “My mom and aunt danced; I’ve danced my whole life … When I was growing up there were not very many options beyond ballet and modern and jazz. Now there’s so many different styles.” Onuszkanycz said her faith in God pushes her in both her business and personal life. The wife and mother of two left the arts for a brief time when she attended the Brownsville Revival
School of Ministry in Pensacola, Fla. Never pursuing a career in the ministry, however, Onuszkanycz returned to her first love and found a way to make her living while doing so. “I think always, in the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to own my own dance studio,” she said. During summer 2014, while Onuszkanycz was teaching at a friend’s studio, an opportunity arose to go into business for herself. Her friend decided to close up shop, and Onuszkanycz essentially took over under her own brand. “She had a small student base there, and I didn’t have to start from scratch … There were dozens of kids there who I had known and taught for several years, so it was perfect,” she explained. “The way it fell into my lap, my husband and I really felt like it was from the Lord. It was so easy – the whole process of getting the business stuff going.” At the time, Onuszkanycz had just committed to homeschooling her daughters, Amelia, 8, and Violet, 5, and she said do-
Madison Living 25
ing that while opening a business was certainly challenging. “Even though the timing was hard, it was right,” she said. “When you’re starting a business, you have to be 150 percent in, and you always have to be that way as a mother and wife. I felt like I wasn’t doing either job very well, but we got through it.” Now a seasoned pro at running her business and managing the ins and outs of family life, Onuszkanycz and her nine teachers on staff have students who range in age from 3-73. Onuszkanycz’s mother takes classes at Adonai, too.
FAITH AS HER GUIDE Onuszkanycz said when deciding on a name for her studio, she wanted to avoid having any personal credit attributed to her. “We really prayed hard about the name,” she said. “Adonai is the Hebrew name for God, 26 Madison Living
and we really wanted the studio to be a place where He is given all the glory, so we wanted His name on it.” She said she lives her life and runs her business with her faith at the forefront, noting one verse that impacts her is Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” “Everything we do – everything we say, every move we make, every song we play, everywhere we go and every performance that we do – is not about us but about Him,” the veteran dancer said. “There’s a neat movement happening in the arts, and north Alabama is becoming quite saturated with more and more faithbased studios. People are recognizing a need for that because of what the arts have become – just to bring them back to their purpose. God gave us the arts and music and dance as instruments for worship and to praise Him – not for what they’ve become.”
Everything we do – everything we say, every move we make, every song we play, everywhere we go and every performance that we do – is not about us but about Him. – Nicole Onuszkanycz
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COMMUNITY AND FAMILY Students at Onuszkanycz’s studio just finished their season, having performed their rendition of “Snow White” recently. The studio uses the auditorium at James Clemens High School for shows that are open to the public. Students also visit area nursing homes around the holiday season to share their art with the community. “I think what sets us apart is where our heart is,” Onuszkanycz said. “All of our teachers have the same heart for the arts and ballet: to use them for their original purpose to worship, celebrate and honor Him.” Students who are interested in joining the school can email adonaischoolofballet@gmail.com or stop by the studio on Palmer Road in Madison.
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FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Paying it forward
A Paul Finley Mayor City of Madison
As August rolls in, the pace in the City of Madison picks up dramatically. Schools are back in session, and football Fridays and Homecoming Parades are on the horizon. This year one other event focused on our schools is on the horizon: a decision on adding funding for our Madison City Schools. I have lived in Madison since 1996. My three boys have grown up here and graduated from our Madison City Schools. Looking back, I realize I owe a huge debt of gratitude to those of you who were here in 1993 and had the vision and courage to vote yes to the 11mil property tax increase that allowed us to build two schools – Bob Jones High School and Horizon Elementary – and start our own Madison School system. Thank you to all of you who believed enough in Madison to see what we could become; you can be proud and take ownership of what we are today. I don’t know if any of our city leaders in 1993 could have foreseen the incredible growth that would follow this decision. Our town of about 15,000 in 1993 has now blossomed into just more than 50,000 as parents have flocked to Madison to enjoy our incredible quality of life centered around the
outstanding education they know their children will receive. Our school board has managed this growth year after year, using the designated 11 mils to add facility after facility to keep up and keep education strong, as the graph shows in more detail. They have taken this investment as far as it can go, and as I write this today, our Madison City Schools rank second out of 137 Alabama school districts. Sept. 10 our community will vote on adding revenue for our school system to use to meet the needs of our continued growth. I am asking you to thoughtfully consider voting yes for the proposed 12-mil property tax increase. For many of you, this is an easy decision because it is an investment in your young children. Others will vote yes because they understand strong schools keep property values increasing. I will vote yes to “pay it forward,” supporting the next generation of parents who want the same thing for their children that my three boys were able to experience. Please visit www.madisonal.gov/voterinformation for facts and information on the vote, including the ballot language, where to vote, absentee ballot information and other voter material.
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CONNECTING WOMEN ONE STORY AT A TIME WRITTEN BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH PHOTOS BY JOSH BERRY AND CONTRIBUTED 30 Madison Living
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Some days she wears the cape; other days she’s hiding under it. While Caneeka Miller might flash her pearly smile as she juggles the roles of woman, wife and mother, she’s also the first to admit she has wounds – and sometimes, those wounds stink. It’s that kind of honesty and vulnerability that pervades every page of Miller’s “Woven,” a book she said she was inspired to write to encourage women to find empowerment in their stories. “There’s something for everybody. That’s been the most surprising but also the most exciting,” Miller said of her book. “If an opportunity presents itself, I’m encouraged to share my story, and I’m encouraged to no longer look at things happening to me as this negative thing but an opportunity to grow through something that someone else will need.” By sharing her story and the nuggets of wisdom she’s mined along the way, Miller said she hopes women will develop the confidence to share their own stories and wisdom – because no matter what, there is always a larger purpose in the struggle. Of course, it can take time to develop that perspective. As a young woman, Miller would never have dreamed she would be standing where she is today at 35. She said she learned many attributes from her strong mother, but growing up in a fatherless household took its toll on her self-esteem. “I always wanted a picturesque family, and I always kind of felt slighted from it,” she admitted. “When I discovered poetry, it was my opportunity to really express myself in a healthy manner.” Poetry became Miller’s brand of selfhelp therapy, and the words she put to the pages in her journal took on new life when she discovered spoken word in college. Though powerful, it was a large step outside her comfort zone; nevertheless, she took that step. As her confidence gradually grew, it led to her first book: a collection of poems she released in 2009. “It was one thing to get up in front of people and share things in my journal,” she said. “It’s a whole other thing to have it on the internet and in people’s homes.” Poetry not only helped her release some of the pain she accumulated from childhood, but she said it also became a tool to help her through her confusing college years as a self-professed “hardcore party Madison Living 31
girl.” Through all of this, Miller felt “lost.” She had grown up going to church, but still she lacked a personal relationship with her God. Marriage was certainly not in her plans, either. Enter: Scott Miller. It all started with a Facebook message. Now her husband of more than a decade, with whom she shares two young sons, it was Scott – a young man strong in his faith – who helped her begin developing that relationship with God that became the foundation upon which she has built her life. Graduation, marriage, moving ¬– it was a whirlwind of a weekend, and the transitions weren’t always easy. Miller confessed she was still a “bag lady,” holding onto her baggage, and still in the midst of some major spiritual growth. “The devotional that I wrote started out of a place of hurt with the church and just kind of processing that, and it really allowed me to dig into a different part of writing,” she said. That devotional – which became 32 Madison Living
her second book – helped Miller process some of her struggles and also brought her closer to God as she continued to search for her divine purpose. By choosing to be honest in her own struggles, Miller said she became a listening ear for others who were paddling up the same stream. As the song goes: “We all need somebody to lean on.” “I think sometimes that vulnerability and transparency – it’s important for our interconnections and our relationships with one another,” she said. “It makes us more human.” Miller said she became acutely aware that opening up not only heals but also connects – something she would have to revisit after experiencing a miscarriage. All of these things, and more, brought her to “Woven.” Inspired partially by Colossians 2:2, “Woven” seeks to encourage readers to turn their negative experiences into positive growth as they discover that their stories are woven together. “When I began to write this
book, it was when I discovered that my whole life has comprised people’s stories – even the stories of people in the books that I read, and how I loved them so much – and the stories of the people in college when they shared theirs, and how it connected me with just different groups of people,” Miller explained. Two of Miller’s close friends describe her as a sister, and they said they admire her transparency and determination to love and uplift others. Since Tyhisha Dupree connected with Miller about a decade ago, she said Miller has certainly become woven into her life as a friend, sister, “sister-inlove” to her husband and “auntie” to her son. “She is an accountability partner when I need one and a breath of fresh air during the moments when I feel like I need a breather,” Dupree added. “Over the years I’ve learned so much about the woman God has called me to be simply by watching her mature into the woman God called her to be.”
I think sometimes that vulnerability and transparency – it’s important for our interconnections and our relationships with one another. It makes us more human. – Caneeka Miller
Just as her husband took a leap of faith and left his corporate job to open II XCL Strength and Conditioning in Madison, a supportive nudge from her boss eliminated any excuse for Miller to avoid taking a similar leap later when God gave her a prompting: to leave her job at NASA to spend time with her sons and write her first chapter book. “It was so emotional for me and just the release that I needed because I knew I would have time to figure out this chapter book situation,” she said. The chapter titles in “Woven” were the first thing Miller wrote. Little did she know she’d soon be walking through new trials that would build the content of her book. “I just engulfed myself in listening and reading,” she explained. “That was kind of my process. Everything that I experienced and walked through became chapters … It started as one thing and just became a thing for me to walk out some of the things that I’d be sharing.” Watching Miller experience some of these trials was tough for her friends, but those close to her understood the good it would bring. “To watch her face the discomfort and her most hurtful personal moment was disheartening and enlightening simultaneously, as I knew the other side offered greatness for her if she would see it through,” said Marie Feagins, another “sister” of Miller’s.
“From a college student to a mother, wife and author, I have witnessed in my sister a beautiful transformation to a bold, ambitious creative who desires to assist women along a journey that can be overwhelming without guidance that speaks to your story.” One tough lesson, which came as a surprise to Miller, was on pride and judgment – particularly, her judgment of stay-at-home moms. “I had this very skewed perception of stay-at-home moms, and God was just checking my pride at every corner … My little one gave me a run for my money to make sure I learned that lesson very well,” she said with a laugh. This lesson and others, such as her struggle to scrub out the emotional residue of her past in the chapter titled “Empty Bucket,” not only helped Miller develop a more intimate understanding of what it takes to balance the roles of woman, wife and mother, but it also allowed her to find the words other
women needed to hear as they worked to find their own balance. Although Miller released the book with minimal fanfare, she said she’s confident it will make its way into the hands of those who need it. “Releasing this has taken on a life of its own because I wrote it in hopes that it would encourage other women to not be ashamed of the things they walk through because I dealt with a lot of shame for so long,” Miller said. “Woven” has already been serving its purpose as an inspiration to those who read it. For Dupree, the book has helped her to appreciate community, fellowship and sisterhood on “a totally different level.” “Caneeka’s journey depicted how we as women need each other to survive,” Dupree said. “As cliché as it sounds, she put things in perspective and helped me appreciate the women God has chosen to surround me with. ‘Woven’ allowed me to appreciate my journey; it allowed me to truly see how God has used every Madison Living 33
I realized that we all have a story, and regardless of the amount of pages in our book, we can all learn from and inspire each other. – Caneeka Miller
ounce of my past to speak to women I’m connected with in my present. I’ve been able to share my experiences – the good, the bad and the ugly – because I no longer feel guilt or shame due to hardships that I experienced. “I realized that we all have a story, and regardless of the amount of pages in our book, we can all learn from and inspire each other.” These days, Miller said the stories of others always find her. Those encounters allow her to build connections as she encourages, ministers and loves the people who open up to her. “I think that is the magic in being a storyteller and really dedicating your heart to caring for those
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gentle and sacred moments in people’s lives when they feel like they can’t really share anything,” she added. Miller said she continues to learn and grow through her daily experiences. Whether it’s through her Bible studies, attending small group through The Rock Family Worship Center or an old sorority sister sending her some extra help, Miller said she is constantly being reminded of God’s presence in her life. “The whole theme of the book is that I discovered God so many different seasons in my life where I didn’t deserve to be discovered,” she said. “When I feel discouraged and I feel unseen, I’m reminded of those moments.”
Though she can’t be Superwoman every day, Miller said she has chosen to adopt the word “capable” as her inspiration for 2019. With this, she has vowed to stop renegotiating with God and “just go for it” when she feels a tug on her spirit. She said she hopes her readers will be inspired to do the same: to let go of their doubts and fears, to live and love more fully. “If we let down our walls and preconceived notions about people who are different or don’t live in the same area or don’t speak the same language,” she said, “we can move beyond all that to realize that our stories are woven – for men, for women, anybody.” To learn more about Miller or follow her blog, visit caneekaelleanor.com.
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MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS
BE A TRAIN SPOTTER THIS SUMMER! Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Take them on the Trains on Main Scavenger Hunt! Trains on Main is a permanent outdoor attraction in downtown Madison, available to train-spotters 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Participants will hunt for eight bronze trains permanently placed in various locations in historic downtown Madison. Clue cards are available at the Madison Chamber of Commerce and via download at www.madisonalchamber.com/ trains-on-main.
Business After Hours hosted by MCC Member Topgolf, located at 6100 Topgolf Drive, Huntsville.
The clues, provided by the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society, will educate and inform participants as they search for the trains. At the end of the scavenger hunt, participants should bring their completed clue cards to the Madison Chamber at 103 Spenryn Drive to receive a prize. The Madison Chamber of Commerce, working in conjunction with the City of Madison and the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, has created this fun, free and educational way for tourists and residents alike to learn more about the colorful history of downtown Madison. Train spotters can have their photo taken and posted on the Chamber site after they complete the hunt. So come on out, Madison, and start spotting!
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Sweet Charlie’s Hand Rolled Ice Cream located at 7626 Hwy 72, Suite 102, Madison.
Mark Berryman LUTCF Financial Representative 1874 Slaughter Road Suite R Madison, AL. 35758 (256) 325-1242 www.countryfinancial.com/mark.berryman
Life insurance is for those you leave behind Let’s get together to make sure you have a plan for today, and for tomorrow.
Auto, home and business insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company, COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company and COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company. Life Insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company, Bloomington, IL 0415-556HC-19170-
103 SPENRYN DR., MADISON, AL 35758 36 Madison Living
MADISON, ALABAMA 35758
MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS
Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member The Wallace Group with agent Jason Wallace, located at 11156 County Line Road, Suite D, Madison.
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Fetch Me Delivery, located at 103 Spenryn Drive, Madison.
Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Allied Digital Printing, located at 1821 University Drive, Huntsville.
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Duluth Trading Co., located at 100 Angry Beaver Way, Madison.
256-325-8317
WWW.MADISONALCHAMBER.COM Madison Living 37
OUT & ABOUT STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION
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Despite a temporary rain delay in the Stars and Stripes Forever July Fourth Celebration in Madison, the grand finale fireworks show went off without a hitch. The display was much larger this year, filling the sky over Dublin Park with brilliant colors in an assortment of designs. Crowds still turned out for the annual tradition. Visitors to the celebration enjoyed a large selection of inflatables for children, live music from the classic rock band Cruze, food vendors, games and a cornhole tournament. PHOTOS BY JOHN FEW
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1. Trever Smith and Lauryn Wright 2. Mike and Tina Gentle with Gracie Holt 3. Jonathon Taylor and Savannah Banner 4. Kristi and Rainyn Nelson 5. Eric Peterson and Ashley Modaff 6. Shatiyya, Jhaliyya and Jhamiyya Lateef 7. Holly, Lexi and Walker Reynolds 8. Brittany Stoner, Ozzy Jimenez and Summer Sergeant 9. Sam, Preston, Ashley and Emily Benson with Rose Willett 10. Elisa Centeno, Christian Pinto and Jaeli Pinto 11. Mathew Barlowe and Diana Matasewas 12. Kyle and Brooklyn Marneault 13. Shana Jarrett and Daryl Patton
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OUT & ABOUT MADISON ROTARY CLUB 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
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Members of the Rotary Club of Madison celebrated the civic organization’s 20th anniversary June 28 at Rocket City Tavern. PHOTOS BY DENNIS SANDERS 1. Cynthia Curtis, Denise Jacobson and Mark McBride 2. Peter Alvarez, Ron Klein and Sandra Klein, Amy Patel 3. Cynthia Achorn and John Allen 4. Tricia Keenan, Mike Keenan, Emily McIntosh and Paul McIntosh 5. Tori Waits, Karen Morris and Sandy Morris 6. Larry Smith and Tim Stone 7. Dawn Seaton and Harsha Rayapati
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THE MADISON LIVING RESTAURANT GUIDE
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Why I Love Madison
Maura Wroblewski
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What do you enjoy about your job? I have always enjoyed serving in the community. From PTA officer at West Madison, Liberty and Bob Jones to coaching Zach and Sarah in multiple sports, I have always loved being engaged and involved. My favorite part of my current job is meeting the community. Whether at an HOA event, council event or just shopping, I love to be able to talk with folks and hear their concerns. I also love communicating through Facebook and my website. I would say the most meaningful part is just being able to help our residents. Whether it’s a question or helping with an issue, it’s a sense of fulfillment, just being able to assist. What is your favorite place to visit in Madison? Our new public library. I host a book club there every month and am often there in between. I love the bookstore at the library, both donating and buying the latest selections. What is your favorite Madison restaurant? Main Street Café. My family and I have loved eating there since we moved to Madison. So much history, and the food and staff are fabulous! Why do you love Madison? Madison has been a wonderful place for Ron and me to raise our children and now retire here. It has offered everything we ever looked for in a community: the best education for our children and a variety of restaurants, shopping and events. I believe the best is yet to come with offering an even greater variety of amenities for our residents and visitors in the future.
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FAST FIVE
Maura Wroblewski has lived in and loved the City of Madison since the late 90s and serves as the District 1 representative on the Madison City Council. Maura is married to Ron, who is retired from civil service. The couple has two children: Zach, an AP/IB high school teacher in Roswell, Ga., and Sarah, an Airman in the United States Air Force.
1. Favorite hobby: Golf and reading 2. Favorite food: I make a good seafood soup with shrimp and crab. I could eat it year-round. 3. Goal or ambition: To serve the community to the very best of my ability and, at the end of that service, to be able to look back and say, “You made a difference.” 4. Church: Asbury 5. Something people might not know about me is: I was extremely introverted as a child and young adult. My father was active duty Navy, so we moved a lot. It wasn’t until after college when I started working at Kraft Foods that I found my voice.
TIME TO
EXPLORE LET’S GO!
AWESOME EXPLORATION IN PROGRESS!
• STEM • ARTS • ACTIVE PLAY • HOMEWORK HELP • PICK-UP FROM SCHOOL INCLUDED Afterschool Care Program HOGAN FAMILY YMCA 130 Park Square Ln, Madison • 256.705.9622 Madison Living 43
The moment is here. It’s time to trust that all of your preparation was worth it. You are ready. And so are we. From pregnancy to birth and all the moments in between, we have everything you need.
See why more Moms deliver at our hospitals than any other hospital in Alabama. Visit oHHbaby.org to schedule a tour or to learn more about our dedicated maternity services.