Beignet Cafe • vibrant colors • Isom’s Orchard
MADISON Living November 2018 | $4.95
Christmas Tour of Homes
LET THE MUSIC PLAY ON Meet Madison’s drum majors
New Orleans Flair Southern cuisine with a twist
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www.MattCurtisRealEstate.com
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MADISON Living Editorial Rebekah Martin Alison James Kendyl Hollingsworth Contributors Ranae Bartlett Joshua Berry Mayor Paul Finley Annelise Kennedy Lee Marshall Jenny Mitschelen Gregg Parker Stephanie L. Robertson
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Marketing Ashley Davis Tori Waits Administrative Kayla Taylor Harrison Daniel Holmes
HOME & STYLE
11 Christmas Tour of Homes
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FOOD & DRINK
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26 New Orleans flair
Madison Publications, LLC 14 Main St., Suite C P.O. Box 859 Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-772-6677 Fax: 256-772-6655 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 2018 by Madison Publications, LLC 4 Madison Living
SCHOOL & SPORTS 33 Let the music play on
IN EVERY ISSUE: 6 The Question 7 The Guide 57 Out & About 62 Chamber Connection 66 Marketplace
ARTS & CULTURE 46 Vibrant color
FEATURE
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50 Cream of the crop
Madison Living 5
The question
the guide
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? It’s definitely the turkey. When I think of Thanksgiving, that’s what I think of. -Samantha Wolsifer
Sweet potatoes. My grandmother makes these candied yams. But anything – sweet potato pie, sweet potato souffle, yams – I’m all for it. -Chazmyn David
I like the perfect bite, which is turkey, cranberry sauce and green bean casserole with a little bit of mashed potatoes. That’s Thanksgiving. And then a little pumpkin pie on the side.
Mashed potatoes. We grew them from the garden.
-Hannah Ellis
My momma’s stuffing and my sister’s sweet potato casserole. Yummy!
Green bean casserole with extra fried onions on top.
-Elise Schultz
-Darlene Robinson
-Victoria Brown
Sweet potato pie. -Roswitha Moreno
My mother-in-law’s old fashioned dressing (not stuffing). It’s so good, I wait with anticipation all year! -Gina Crick
Like us on Facebook @madisonliving for your chance to answer “The Question” in our next issue! 6 Madison Living
Kris Kringle Artist Market Nov. 17 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual Christmas holiday market will be hosted by Madison Arts Council and will feature a variety of artisans and craftsmen from across North Alabama, an Olde World Santa, lantern-making workshops for children and gingerbread decorating stations, as well as food and drink options.
Madison Living 7
the guide
Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Southern Tradition at Madison Academy
The 45th Annual Southern Tradition and Fall Carnival will include a cafe, shopping and more. Admission is free. The carnival is one day only, and shoppers will experience a shopping extravaganza that is beyond the typical holiday vendor markets.
Nov. 3, noon to 5 p.m.
3D Printing Fair The community is invited to a 3D Printing Fair at the Madison Public Library. At this is a kidfriendly event, local organizations associated with 3D printers will be set up to demo and discuss all things related to
Nov. 9, 7:30-9 a.m.
YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast As the first event of Veterans Week in the Tennessee Valley, the YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast adopts the theme Courage, Sacrifice and Duty: Honoring our Military Veterans. Doors will open at 6:45 a.m. for check-in, with the program beginning promptly at 7:30 a.m. Table sponsorship and ticket sales are now available online. Advance tickets may be purchased online at ymcahuntsville.org/veterans; by emailing events@ymcahuntsville.org; or by calling 256-428-9622 x3008. Individual tickets are $25, and sponsor tables may be reserved for $300. Table sponsors are encouraged to make seats available so that veterans may dine with them.
Nov. 16, 5 p.m.
Bridge Street Tree Lighting As a kick-off to the holiday season, Bridge Street Town Centre will light up like a winter wonderland to welcome Santa and celebrate its 10-year anniversary. There will be music, Victorian carolers, fireworks display, carousel rides, train rides and crafts for the kids. 8 Madison Living
BOB JONES VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
JAMES CLEMENS VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Nov. 6 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Huntsville (Home)
Nov. 9 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. East Limestone (Home)
Nov. 8 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Decatur (Decatur) Nov. 13 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Grissom (Home) Nov. 16 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Sparkman (Home) Nov. 27 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Columbia (Home) Nov. 30 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Hartselle (Hartselle) Dec. 4 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Huntsville (Huntsville) Dec. 7 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Sparkman (Huntsville) Dec. 10 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Hartselle (Home) Dec. 14 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Grissom (Huntsville) Dec. 15 6 p.m. VB Huffman (Samford) Dec. 15 1:30 p.m. VG Lee (Huntsville)
Nov. 13 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Columbia (Huntsville) Nov. 16 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Grissom (Home) Nov. 27 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Decatur (Home) Nov. 30 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Sparkman (Huntsville) Dec. 4 7:30 p.m. VB Hazel Green (Home) Dec. 7 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Grissom (Huntsville) Dec. 10 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Columbia (Home) Dec. 14 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Sparkman (Home) Dec. 18 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Athens (Athens)
the guide
Nov. 17, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
256 Rock ‘N’ Roll Fest at 11th Frame Live
This will be To The Stage Productions’ first Rock’N’Roll festival in the area. The show is for all ages. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the show starts at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance, available from bands, the venue and online or $15 day of the show. There will be a $5 surcharge for anyone younger than 19, which can be paid at the door. No re-entry for those younger than 19. Line-up is Go Go Killers, 53 Judges, Angry Native, By All Means, Mothers Keeper, FaithHead, Never Mind the Damage, Safeword, RADIOTRON and Loki Coyote.
Nov. 23, 4 p.m.
Village of Providence Tree Lighting Visit Providence Park for the 9th Annual Tree Lighting event. Games, activities and pictures with Santa will be free with a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Village of Providence businesses will have crafts and game tents set up for attendees’ enjoyment. The event starts at 4 p.m., and Santa arrives at 4 p.m. Tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. Help bring Christmas to local children in need by dropping a new unwrapped toy off at any participating Village of Providence business before Dec. 7 or bring a toy to see Santa. Anyone who brings a toy to the event can receive a discount coupon good at participating Village businesses. No outside food or drink is permitted at this event. Visit one a local Providence restaurant for all food and beverage needs.
Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, 5:30-9 p.m.
Galaxy of Lights
at Huntsville Botanical Gardens Galaxy of Lights is a magnificent 2.5-mile holiday light extravaganza featuring largerthan-life animated light displays. Special exhibits include a holiday village, dinosaurs, wild animals, a magical twinkling icicle forest, garden scenes, animated snowmen and the 12 days of Christmas. Drive-through nights begin the day after Thanksgiving and continue nightly from 5:30-9 p.m. through Dec. 31.
Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Christmas Tour of Homes Celebrate Christmas in historic downtown Madison. Tickets are $15. The tour is presented by Madison Station Historical Preservation Society. Visit www.historicmadisonstation.com for more information. Madison Living 9
home& style You love this town, this neighborhood, this house!
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Christmas Tour of Homes
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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER ︱ PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY
Visitors can view turn-of-the century charm, opulent furnishings and beautiful holiday decorations during the Christmas Tour of Homes in downtown Madison. Madison Station Historical Preservation Society is sponsoring the tour Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour homes are located on Martin, Front, Maple and Church streets in the downtown historical district. “The Christmas Tour of Homes is the kickoff of a full year of celebration for Alabama’s 200th Anniversary and Madison’s 150th Anniversary,” historical society member Joni Haas said. “There will be an event each month to celebrate.” To view monthly activities during 2019, visit www.madisonal.gov/Madison150 or Madison150AL200 on Facebook. The 2018 Christmas Tour of Homes showcases five houses with distinct and varying construction trends of their era:
1. Anderson-Sensenberger Home, 17 Front St., Tony and Cindy Sensenberger. 2. Lewis-Wann-Powell Home, 302 Church St., Teddy and Rikki Powell. 3. Pride-Bashore Home, 320 Martin St., Charles and Jennifer Bashore. 4. Thorson-Haas Home, 113 Maple St., Joni and Scott Haas. 5. Thomas-Wheeler-Vaughn Home, 307 Church St., Thomas and Laura Vaughn. Tour coordinators are Debbie Hoover, Debbie Overcash, Cindy Sensenberger and Marsha Willis. “The time of construction for these houses is close, but the architectural style of each house varies. You won’t see the same thing twice,” Haas said. In addition, visitors can enjoy the charm of historic churches. Carolers, dressed in period costumes, will sing at the Madison
Gazebo and “will surely put everyone in the Christmas spirit,” Haas said. “Madison is fortunate to have so many beautiful historic homes and even more fortunate that these wonderful homeowners are so generously sharing them with us all on Dec. 1,” historical society president Debbie Overcash said. “Dec. 1 promises to be a wonderful day in Madison.” Tickets cost $15 each and are available at Main Street Cafe, 101 Main St.; Noble Passage Interiors, 202204 Main St.; and Madison Station Antiques, 100 Main St. Dec. 1, society members will sell tickets at The Roundhouse on Front Street. “We hope all of our downtown merchants will join in the Christmas spirit and hold open house Dec. 1,” Haas added. The historical society sponsors the Tour of Homes every other year. For more information, visit historicmadisonstation.com or Madison Station Historical Preservation Society on Facebook. Madison Living 11
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Matthew Harvey Anderson, a Madison banker and merchant, built this house in 1897. Dr. James Allen Kyser bought the property in 1926. By mid-century, Billy J. and Nancy Jane Jones of Huntsville bought the house. The structure later deteriorated to near collapse by the 1990s. In 1997, Tony and Cindy Sensenberger bought the property at auction. The house’s Victorian architecture uses Tuscan columns and a porch that curves eastward. The multi-gabled, high-pitched roof has a central peak. The home retains original leaded-glass windows, two corner fireplaces and an iron fence. In massive restoration, the Sensenbergers replaced the house’s rear with a two-story addition, including kitchen and upstairs family area, playroom and bedrooms.
Anderson-Sensenberger Home 12 Madison Living
17 Front Street, Madison Tony and Cindy Sensenberger
Madison Living 13
D
During Reconstruction, Arthur Holding Lewis built this house in 1873, while courting Mattie Cartwright. Lewis owned a general store at Main and Wise streets. Lewis’ father, Meriwether A. Lewis, was a Triana plantation owner and second cousin to explorer Meriwether Lewis. In the house, builders used beams and boards from M.A. Meriwether’s salvaged steamboats for floor beams and clapboards. Fred and Ora B. Wann eventually bought the house. He worked as a clerk, while Ora was Madison Post Master from 1915-1948. In 2012, Teddy and Rikki Powell purchased the Victorian farmhouse and completed extensive restoration, added rooms and a two-story, two-car garage with upstairs playroom/study. The house is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. 14 Madison Living
Lewis-Wann-Powell Home 302 Church Street, Madison Teddy and Rikki Powell
Madison Living 15
home& style
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In 1911, Dr. William Thomas Pride and his wife, Mary Fletcher Pride, built this house on downtown’s eastern edge. Pride served as the second physician to treat Madison citizens. The Pride-Bashore Home has a large verandah, with an extension of a hipped roof covering the area. The house was constructed in bungalow style, very popular in the early 20th century. The peaceful setting of this home on a knoll is accentuated by the wooded, winding lane that accesses the property. This layout is quite different from the houses in the central part of town. Charles and Jennifer Bashore now own the home. 16 Madison Living
home&style
Pride-Bashore Home 320 Martin Street, Madison Charles and Jennifer Bashore
Madison Living 17
T
The turn-of-the-century Thorson-Haas Home was the longtime residence of Roy W. Thorson’s family, who were farmers. The 1.5-story house’s hipped roof extends over the veranda, supported by six Tuscan columns. Sidelights extend to a transom. Large front windows feature leaded glass. In 1980 Joan Lynch Spruiell purchased the home, updated plumbing/ electrical, added a laundry and enlarged the bathroom. After Joan married Scott F. Haas in 1984, they replaced the tin roof with shingles and the verandah’s banister. They also converted the upstairs into a living/bedroom area with en suite and two walk-in closets and renovated the kitchen and downstairs bath. For two years, Joan and Scott have been remodeling the downstairs, preserving original architectural niceties. Other distinctions are pocket doors and heart-of-pine floors.
Thorson-Haas Home 18 Madison Living
113 Maple Street, Madison Joni and Scott Haas
Madison Living 19
T
Thomas and Laura Vaughn own this Queen Anne Victorian home, which Dea T. Thomas built in 1910. The two-story “T” style features an unusual central entry with a split staircase and a balcony or “open hall.” The home has a full front porch and a second-story sleeping porch in the rear. Subsequent owners added rooms. In the 1950s, the house was divided into three apartments but later restored to a single-family residence. Ceilings extend 11 feet downstairs and 9 feet upstairs. The house retains original wide baseboards, bulls-eye window, door trim and three fireplaces.
Thomas-Wheeler-Vaughn Home 20 Madison Living
307 Church Street, Madison Thomas and Laura Vaughn
Madison Living 21
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Local audio-video company receives national recognition
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A Madison-based business that specializes in audio-video design and installation has earned national attention for excellence in smarthome integration. Mozaic Audio Video Integration, a custom audio-video firm, recently was named a Home of the Year winner by “Electronic House Magazine.” “The award ceremony took place during the CEDIA technology expo in San Diego in September, which the Mozaic team attends annually,” Mozaic CEO Michael Johnson said. The “Electronic House Awards” are one of the most prestigious honors in the AV industry for the top products and installations nationwide. Mozaic is the first company from Alabama to take home an award in the 17-year history of the ceremony.
Ask the Experts:
Mozaic Audio Video Integration
22 Madison Living
“I know it’s cliche, but we were just honored to be nominated,” Johnson said. “To have one of our projects recognized as one of the finest smart home installations in the country last year really validated our core principle of putting design first in everything we do.” The installation, located in Muscle Shoals, consisted of a fully automated home with intuitive controls for everything from music, lights and home theater to window treatments, garage doors, temperature control, security and more. The entire home could be controlled easily from wall mounted keypads or the homeowner’s iPads and iPhones.
We always strive to deliver a user experience that is simple to operate and enhances the homeowner’s lifestyle. We live and breathe design.
Michael Johnson, Mozaic CEO
and enhances the homeowner’s lifestyle. We live and breathe design. “To quote Steve Jobs, ‘Good design is not just how it looks, but how it works.’ We take that concept to heart with every system, large or small.” In the ever-expanding world of smart technology, Johnson said this approach and the passion of his staff have helped set them apart. “I always say it’s easy for AV companies to fall into the trap of designing systems for themselves rather than their customer,” he said. “I see so many systems that are focused on features instead of function, which can make the user experience confusing. My team and I spend countless hours researching the latest technology and how we can leverage it to improve the lives of the home and business owners we are working for. We want to use technology to enhance and simplify our customers’ lives – not make it more complicated.
For example, a single press of a button, such as “Good night,” would trigger the lights and AV to turn off, the temperature to adjust, security to arm and garage doors to close.
“With the Huntsville and Madison areas nationally known for engineering and advancements in technology, it’s nice to contribute to that reputation. We look forward to competing again next year!” Johnson said.
“Regardless of the size of the project we are working on,” Johnson said, “we always strive to deliver a user experience that is simple to operate
Mozaic’s office address is 816 Palmer Road, Suite B, in Madison. For more information, call 256-975-3832 or visit mozaicav.com.
Madison Madison Living Living 19 23
SPECIALADVERTISING ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL SECTION Making Technology Beautifully Simple
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.
Residential & Commercial www.mozaicav.com
Smart Home/ Office Home Theater Whole House Music Conference Rooms Lighting Control Motorized Shades & More
256.975.3832
816 Palmer Rd Ste B Madison AL 35758
Mozaic Audio Video Integration 816 Plamer Rd Ste B Madison AL 35758 www.mozaicav.com 256-975-3832 Mozaic, Inc. was founded on the principle of bringing Huntsville, Madison and the Tennessee Valley areas a new approach to au-dio/video & automation installations where design, reliability and simplicity are emphasized as much as sound and image quality. This passion drives everything we do, whether we are simply mounting a flat panel TV or installing a fully automated system for your residence or business. Let Mozaic bring our meticulous attention to detail to your project!
Ronnie Colvin, M.S. ColeFP Financial Planner 250 Sun Temple Drive, Suite C-3, Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-617-7189; email: ronnie@colefp.com Ronnie was born and raised in Huntsville and has lived in Madison since 2000. He spent 30 years working in technology before changing careers to financial planning, with the goal of helping the high-tech workforce in North Alabama take control of their financial lives. Ronnie takes great pride in the fact that his firm is a strict fee-only advisory, meaning that they sell no investments, insurance, or other financial products, so their client can be sure that the advice they receive is as objective and free from conflict of interest as possible.
BUYING OR SELLING IN MADISON? Jan Wells
256-337-2400 jan.wells@knology.net janwellsrealestate.com
Put my experience and knowledge of our community to work for you! 24Madison MadisonLiving Living 20
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, Jan has 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.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SECTION SECTION SPECIAL
Artisan Wood, Tile and Stone Jeff Roesner, Owner 256-697-0001 • Find us on Facebook. Jeff is a Midwest native that calls the Huntsville/Madison area his home. Working as a wood and tile carpenter in people’s homes and businesses for over 20 years, he can turn your ordinary living space into one of elegance. Artisan Wood Tile & Stone does all your custom needs for any wood, tile, or stone projects. Looking to turn your house into the home of your dreams? Artisan’s custom showers are a great option! A certified ceramic tile installer trained by CTEF at Clemson University, Jeff’s high quality, quick, and dependable work will have you showing off your space to all your friends!
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® 8215 Stephanie Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35802 twomenandatruckhuntsville.com 256-885-2515 Info0055@twomen.com Moving people forward - and businesses, too! Long-distance, local, home or business, we are your “Movers Who Care!”. More than 20 years in the Tennessee Valley, serving 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. Assisting you during your move is our top priority. We have all the information you need to assure your move exceeds your expectations.
Home & Business Moves | Local & Long-Distance Packing Services & Supplies Call or go online today for your free estimate!
Huntsville
Tim Barron State Farm Insurance 151 Hughes Road, Ste A Madison, AL 35758 tim@timbarroninsurance.com 256-772-0136
State Farm Insurance has been serving customers for over 95 years…and Tim Barron has been a part of State Farm for 25 of those years. Tim Barron and his team of licensed insurance professionals serve the Madison area with Auto, Fire, Life and Financial Service’s needs. Providing exceptional customer service coupled with competitive rates provides the Madison community with an opportunity to be insured with Tim Barron State Farm Insurance backed by the #1 insurer of automobiles throughout the U.S. Stop in at the office conveniently located on Hughes Road, or call the office for a quote. At Tim Barron State Farm Insurance, We Are Here to Help Make Life Go Right…..
For more information on how to see your business featured in this section, please email advertising@madisonliving.com or call 256.773.6566.
256.399.9948
twomenandatruckhuntsville.com Each franchise is independently owned and operated. | U.S. DOT No. 930909
For every “oh no,” there’s an “oh yeah.” Tim Barron, Agent 151 Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758 Bus: 256-772-0136 tim@timbarroninsurance.com
Good day, bad day or any day – I’m here for you in all life’s moments, backed by the #1* insurance company for auto, home and life. CALL ME TODAY.
*Based on written premium as reported by SNL Financial 2014. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Dallas, TX 1606042
Madison Living Living 21 Madison 25
food& drink
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What is a beignet? According to the official New Orleans Tourism website, “Beignets were first introduced to the city by the French-Creole colonists in the 18th century.” The square fritter – deep-fried and covered with a generous blanket of confectioners’ sugar – is New Orleans’s official “doughnut.” One could journey to the Big Easy to satisfy a craving for the piping hot powdered confection or simply swing over to Madison’s own Beignet Café at 1591 A Hughes Road. Whether someone is looking for a place to bring the whole gang, have a date night or just meet for coffee and dessert with friends, Beignet Café might be the perfect alternative to chain restaurants. The café is the concept of restauranteurs Denise and Drew Tyriver. Drew started his career in the Red Lobster test kitchen. The restaurant sent him to culinary school, and afterward he worked in culinary development for the famous chain for about 13 years. Meanwhile, Denise worked in operations for the restaurant until becoming a stay-at-home mom. Later, Drew took a job with Tago’s out of San Jose, California. For years he commuted between Los Angeles and their home in Massachusetts. “We wanted to get back to the Southeast,” said Denise. “We had family who had moved here to Huntsville, so we thought, ‘Well, let’s go check out Alabama.’” The couple purchased Ole Hickory BBQ in New Market but also had their eyes on opening something new – something different.
New Orleans flair Beignet Cafe serves up Southern cuisine with a Creole twist Written BY STEPHANIE L. ROBERTSON photographs BY JOSHUA BERRY 26 Madison Living
Madison Living 27
The dish melds creamy down-home, Southern grits with blackened chicken and andouille. “My favorite thing is when guests become regulars,” said Denise. “We know who they are, we know what they like, and we know what they want to drink before they even sit down. The best part is the very kind people we’ve met on our journey.” Of course, guests to Beignet Café should understand they aren’t ordering fast food. “Sometimes there
may be a little bit of a wait because everything is made fresh and to order,” explained Denise. “Your beignets are not sitting there under a heat lamp. Your French fries are not pre-cooked. Because our food truly is fresh and made-to-order, sometimes it takes a little longer.” Customers can order by phone and pick up their meals at Beignet Café’s window, or they can enjoy their meals on the front patio or relax in the dining area.
French toast with strawberry sauce
“When Drew was working in Massachusetts, he traveled to New Orleans a lot for chefs’ symposiums and conferences,” Denise said. “There’s not a bad meal in New Orleans. There’s just not. We love New Orleans, and we thought, ‘You know, nobody’s really doing beignets. Let’s kind of look at that.’” The couple opened the first Beignet Café in Huntsville. Because of its great success, they later opened the one in Madison about seven months ago.
Not just beignets
Country fried steak po’boy with a side of red beans and rice 28 Madison Living
Denise will be the first to say they are not trying to replicate the beignets in New Orleans. “We have our own little spin on them. We’re not trying to duplicate anybody – and then, we have a full-blown menu.” The menu’s extensive list of Southern favorites includes options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beignet Café offers sandwiches, po’ boys, salads, jambalaya, Louisiana gumbo, sides, desserts, glutenfree options and a children’s menu. For people who are seeking breakfast food such as finger-licking French toast with strawberry sauce, Beignet Café is the right place. “Dirty grits are the most popular item on the menu,” added Denise. Madison Living 29
WHERE EVERY PLAYER IS MOST VALUABLE All but one piece of artwork in the dining area “is original art by local artist Elizabeth Audenaert of Ten Six Studios,” said Denise. “She’s an amazing artist. These are all her ideas, her concepts.” Denise and Drew said they put a lot of thought and sweat equity into the design and function of their restaurant.
Giving back to Madison
Beignet Café is also committed to giving back to the Madison community. The restaurant sponsors school events by hosting spirit nights, buying ad space and more. “There’s a men’s Bible study group that meets here every Friday,” said Denise. “We recently catered WDRM’s listener lounge. We hosted a coffee and connections networking group for 80 people and catered breakfast for Madison Street Festival volunteers.” Beignet Café provides ample space for special events such as networking groups, reunions, wedding brunches, office parties and more. Call 256-325-3820 to reserve Beignet Café for an after-hours event, or for more information, visit www.beignetcafe.org or find the restaurant on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Beignet Café Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
ymcamadison.org
Sunday, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 30 Madison Living
Madison Living 31
THE SUITE LIFE
Enhance your private space for self care
Jenny Mitschelen Full-service interior designer jenny@jennymitschelen.com
256.617.4741
I
In my job I have met many hard-working couples and individuals. As I tour their homes and listen to their wish lists, the master suite is almost always an afterthought. The spaces that are seen and used by kids and guests are at the top of the list. Why is it so easy to forget to create space for ourselves as adults? We get overwhelmed with the responsibilities of parenting, career-building and serving others. We know we need a retreat but don’t know how to create that within our daily lives. Our boundaries blur – and often disappear. Need for retreat becomes a desire to escape. That can be a dangerous place to hang out, and here’s what it might look like: • Resentment • Envying the vacation pics of others – or envying others in general • Self sabotaging habits, like eating too much, drinking too much or Netflix bingeing too often • Purposely spending too much time away from home • Staying in shallow friendships that do not encourage us to be our best selves • Not taking responsibility for our own personal growth How can we guard ourselves from falling into this pit?
32 Madison Living
school&sports
Set your intention
Time and space to check in with yourself and your partner are not a given. In fact, you must ruthlessly plan and protect both. Protect your time when you design your schedule. Protect your space when you design your master bedroom. Learn to say no. Learn to close the door. Wake up and fall asleep in a space that nurtures you. You should feel instantly at ease when you enter this personal sanctuary. Design it to reflect your style and support your self care rituals. This is the space that restores you; where you maintain your glow and vitality; where you love yourself, your partner and the skin you are in.
Check in with yourself
It’s difficult to continuously evaluate what is working in our lives and what is not when we don’t have a place that reminds us to get still and contemplate the bigger picture. It is my sincere belief that adults must have a physical space in their daily lives that facilitates contemplation, prayer, journaling, setting new goals and planning good habits. This time and place of being still is also where we remind ourselves to continue growing. So, what’s really on your wish list? For your master suite? For your life? Let’s make it happen.
Let the music play on Jet, Patriot drum majors lead by example Written BY GREGG L. PARKER photographs BY JOSHUA BERRY Madison Living 33
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Walker White, Madison Emmons and Sarah Mays 34 Madison Living
Six Madison teenagers lead hundreds of students as they entertain and compete for thousands of spectators. Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools each have three drum majors who command their bands. Drum majors for Bob Jones are Madison Emmons, Sarah Mays and Walker White. Leigh Thomas is band director, and Kevin Smart is assistant director. Emmons, a clarinetist, said she plans to major in music at the University of Alabama. “Being in band means that I’m a part of something. For most of my life, I’ve struggled with feeling alone … like there’s nowhere to feel safe. But band became a safe haven for me,” Emmons said. Her parents are Neil and Rebecca Emmons. Mays plays clarinet and bass clarinet. As a band member, Mays said she knows she’s a component of “a wonderful program that has inspired thousands over the years.” Her parents are Steve Mays and Amy Mays. White plays trombone and euphonium and is self-taught for piano. In band, White is “in a tight-knit family that has one similar goal: to get better,” White said. His parents are Jonathan White and Jessica White. Drum majors at James Clemens are Katie Daughtry, Jadon Sweat and Avery Williams. Keith Anderson is director, and Brian Sims serves as assistant. Daughtry plays mellophone and French horn. She said she’s considering Auburn University to study education. To Daughtry, “’Being in the band’ means combining musical ability and athleticism … and working together with my peers to create a memorable marching show and lasting friendships.” Her parents are Brandon and Shannon Daughtry. Williams can play both woodwind and brass instruments – clarinet and mellophone. Tentatively, she said she plans to major in genetics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Madison Living 35
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Katie Daughtry, Avery Williams and Jadon Sweat Madison Living 37
“I’ve always liked to invest myself in other people’s success,” Williams said, “and becoming drum major allowed me to improve the band.” Her parents are Scott Williams and Tiffany McDaniel. The drum majors all are seniors except Mays, who’s a junior. Madison’s drum majors agreed that “being the example” is their primary responsibility. “The band follows us. We have to set a good example constantly, while also being down to earth and real,” Mays said. Leadership skills are prerequisite, Williams said, with “passion to push the program to its best, maintaining our core values of excellence, integrity and unity. While we can be considered the ‘boss,’ I define drum majors as the servants of the band.” Drum majors chalk-line practice fields, conduct halftime shows and warm-ups, lead workout exercises and follow football games to start and stop music in the stands. Responsibilities can vary, however, from person to person. White, for example, also plays a euphonium solo for the Jets’ competition show. For training, Madison’s drum majors completed leadership camps at the University of Alabama and other sessions. They also learn tips from relatives, friends and local directors. Their shared challenge involves conducting techniques; they practice often to improve. Fatigue also can be a factor. However, their shared strengths are empathy for fellow band members and the drive to improve constantly. 38 Madison Living
For 2018, James Clemens’ halftime/competition show, “Days of Blue,” is set in the 1920-1930s during the Great Depression. In homage to George Gershwin, the timeless music features “I Got Rhythm,” “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Summertime.” “The story arc is portrayed through a grandfather’s eyes, recounting to his grandson his story of the fall into the Great Depression, hustle to make a living, extravagance of the few upper-class in a jazz club setting and a renewal of hope that we can overcome as long as we do it together,” Williams said. James Clemens Band has competed in the Trussville Marching Invitational, Hewitt-Trussville Husky Stadium; Peach State Marching Festival, Barron Stadium, Rome, Georgia; and Alabama State Marching Championships, Muscle Shoals High School. A crowd pleaser, Bob Jones Band’s football show features a mashup of “Thriller” and “Uptown Funk,” followed by “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and “Dirty Pop.” The band’s competition show, “The Divide,” represents controversy and arguments related to current events and the global attitude, Emmons said. “The show’s storyline goes through the arguing, exasperation and exhaustion – then overcoming and becoming united even through our differences.” Bob Jones Band’s contests have included Stones River Championship, Siegel High School, Murfreesboro, Tennessee; City Invitational, McGavock High School, Nashville, Tennessee; and Alabama State Championship. Madison Living 39
EDUCATION
What is the value of a good public school system?
Ranae Bartlett President Madison City Schools Board of Education
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What is the value of a good public school system? Ask people who have moved to Madison just so their children can attend school in one of Alabama’s top school systems. In Mountain Brook, the average homeowner pays more than $3,000 in property taxes dedicated to support education. In Homewood, Hoover or Vestavia Hills, education property taxes are between $1,200-1,800. But in Madison, the average homeowner pays less than $600 in property taxes to support public education. That support translates into property values that have increased since we formed a separate school system, making purchasing a home in Madison one of the best investments one can make, whether one has school-aged children or not.
During the school system’s 20th Anniversary Celebration in September, Superintendent Robby Parker explained the challenges we face as we run out of space in our existing schools. He has proposed a property tax increase of 12 mills as part of his strategic plan to build a new elementary and middle school, a Pre-K center and additions to our two high schools, as long as the population of Madison stays under 65,000 residents. The Board of Education held community meetings in October for public feedback on this proposed plan, and the Board will vote to adopt or modify it in November based on the feedback it has received. Reaction thus far has been thoughtful and positive. One of the shared concerns revolves around the fact that Madison is located within two different counties.
Due to the prior dispute with Limestone County regarding county taxes enacted to support public education, many residents want to be sure Madison/Limestone County residents shoulder the same support for education. We share that concern. That is why the city-wide property tax increase proposed by Mr. Parker is the best way to ensure that those living on either the Limestone or Madison County side of the City of Madison pay exactly the same to support the growth that is impacting our schools. Twenty years ago, courageous citizens and community leaders took a leap of faith to form a better school system for the children of Madison. Now it’s our turn to be courageous and protect the investment we have made.
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Good Samaritan Hospice compassionately provides unequaled hospice services for patients and their families. “We serve patients wherever they call home,” Director of Operations Jim Pride said. That location can be “their own home, a relative’s home, assisted-living facilities and skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes).” Hospice providers must have an “order to evaluate” from a physician to determine if a possible patient meets criteria for hospice services. The order is similar to a prescription from a doctor. “However, anyone can request a hospice consultation. The patient, a family member or a friend can contact the hospice provider of their choice to inquire about services without actually being evaluated,” Pride said. Generally speaking, a patient may be eligible for hospice services when their physician certifies that “without further treatment, the patient would most likely pass away within six months.” One important factor involves timing. A patient is well advised to enroll in hospice services as soon as they have reached the decision to suspend treatments or their physician has indicated that further treatments will not be beneficial. This action gives the patient and family adequate time to bond with their hospice team. “Most hospice patients and families tell us that they wished they had chosen to utilize their hospice benefit sooner … rather than later,” Pride said. “If you are covered under Medicare, hospice services are a benefit to which you are entitled.” Good Samaritan Hospice bills for Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. “At no time do we bill patients or their families,” he said.
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Volunteers provide a wide range of services to Good Samaritan Hospice and its patients. Examples include helping around the office and participating in community events under the Good Samaritan Hospice banner, along with visiting with patients to give the patient’s caregiver a short respite.
Volunteers complete hospice orientation and training at Good Samaritan Hospice’s office. All volunteers are subject to background and drug testing. Good Samaritan Hospice’s office address is 540 Hughes Road, Suite 12, in Madison. For more information, call 256-772-8108 or visit gshospice.com or Good Samaritan Hospice on Facebook.
We serve patients wherever they call home. That location can be their own home, a relative’s home, assisted-living facilities and skilled nursing facilities. Jim Pride, Director of Operations
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Health
SPECIALADVERTISING ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL SECTION
Integrity Family Care 1041 Balch Road Madison, AL 35758 integrityfamilycare.com 256-325-1540 Integrity Family Care is a state-of-the-art primary care facility located off Balch Road and Highway 72 in the heart of Madison. Whether you need a physical exam, treatment for an acute or chronic illness or anything in between, our primary care providers team of experienced doctors, physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners is here to help. We offer same-day appointments, average one hour in and out, on-site laboratory and radiology services and after-hours access for established patients. Let us help you live life well! Compass Physical Therapy 3825 Sullivan Street Suite 4 Madison, AL 35758 256-325-5400 CompassPTinc.com Compass Physical Therapy is an outpatient developmental physical therapy clinic specializing in the treatment of infants, tots, tweens and teens from 0-18 years old for a variety of diagnoses, including sports-related injuries; neck, back and joint pain; developmental delay; sensory integration; cerebral palsy; torticollis; and plagiocephaly. It is our mission to provide exceptional customer service and a patient-centered approach to ensure the highest quality of care throughout your physical therapy experience. As direct access providers, you do not need a prescription for a physical therapy evaluation. We communicate closely with our patients’ doctors to keep them up-to-date on the care received. If you have a physical therapy need, call today to set up an appointment. We are happy to help you! Good Samaritan Hospice 540 Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-772-8108 gshospice.com
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Good Samaritan Hospice is a locally-owned and operated hospice provider serving terminally ill patients and their families all across North Alabama. Owned since 2009 by registered nurse Janet Melton and Kevin Heard, Good Samaritan Hospice strives to serve our patients with the dignity and compassion they deserve. Janet manages the day-today operations with the heart of a nurse, always keeping the patient’s needs first. We offer support to the families with chaplains, social workers and volunteers who, among other services, can help give a patient’s caregiver short respite. Most people don’t know that hospice is a Medicare benefit you are entitled to. Most private insurances also cover hospice services. Hospice provides all medications related to the hospice diagnosis, all needed medical equipment in the home, all medical supplies needed – including nutritional supplements – and much, much more. If you think you or a loved one might be eligible for hospice, call Jim Pride at 256-772-8108 for a no-obligation consultation.
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arts&culture
Vibrant color Timothy Joe lives life of an artist WRITTEN BY ANNELISE KENNEDY PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY 46 Madison Living
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Timothy Joe is a mechanical engineer with a wife and children. After work and family time, however, after tucking his children into bed, Joe works hours into the night on what he said is his true passion: soft pastels and acrylic and oil paints. Joe often uses nostalgia to bring meaning to his artwork. He creates images of places and objects that remind him of his and others’ childhoods and special moments. An example of such a place is a small area in his parents’ backyard, where he spent a great deal of his childhood playing. Objects he uses as a focus are often old, like weathered buildings and forgotten, rusted items – things many would overlook. He uses objects that have meaning if he can, like a rose from his mother’s garden. “I want people to see this ordinary thing that they probably walk past all the time, and I want them to stop and take another look at it – the more ordinary the better,” Joe said. One of his greatest accomplishments was when someone who knew his artistic process showed a picture of and described their grandmother’s porch: what they did, what they ate, what they felt. The vivid description fueled inspiration, and the result was an emotional one. The grandmother whose porch he recreated cried at the sight of it. She was given the ability to hang her memory on the wall to forever be reminded. Many of the people who buy Joe’s work buy it for the personal connections they make with the pieces. “The ones that sell the fastest are those ones that people have that strange connection to, where somebody is like, ‘I remember something like this from my youth’ – and that’s what makes it amazing,” he explained. Joe said it is difficult for him to let go of many of his personally-inspired pieces. “I feel sad because I kind of want to keep my work, but I know I need to sell it, too, because that’s what keeps it going. There are times when I’m like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to sell this,’ but they want it so bad. The ones that are really special to me, the ones I hope don’t sell, those are the ones that go,” he said with a laugh. Some artists amend giving away personalized art by duplicating the same piece. Joe said he did this at first but soon stopped. “All artwork is unique,” he said. “Once you make something, you can’t recreate it. It’s like lighting hitting the same place twice. Your mindset is different, too. You might run into the pitfall of needing to make it exactly like the first one and not letting the new have its own personality and its own voice. You’re too busy trying to clone it, and I think art doesn’t like to be cloned, in my opinion. It likes to be Madison Living 47
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what it is. It makes it original, and you can say, ‘Hey, I made this special for you, and there’s nothing like it on the planet.’ It feels good to say that.” The connections people make with Joe’s artwork surface in other ways, as well. Not only do they connect with the scenes or focal objects, they also connect to his process of creating the artwork. “I do plein air painting, which is painting outdoors, and it’s fun to see people’s reactions. I’m just painting something, and older people come by, little kids come by, just to see what I’m doing. I think art draws people like that,” Joe said. “I was at a family vacation in Gulf Shores and on a beach doing a pastel painting, and people were just in awe, like, ‘This guy is painting on the beach!’ And they just came around like, ‘Sir, I don’t mean to bother you. I just want to see what you’re doing.’” He invited his onlookers to watch him create his pieces and openly answered questions about his mediums and his life as an artist. Joe spent his earlier years as an artist using paint but eventually transitioned to soft pastels as his primary medium. Switching between the mediums is not just about his preference of the day. Each medium is used with purpose, Joe explained. 48 Madison Living
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“It depends on the subject matter,” he said. “There are some things I think look better if I make them into oil paintings instead of pastels, but when something needs to be colorful, and I want it to really scream light at you… It’s also a touching thing. It’s not just color only. It’s the feeling you get when you open (pastels) up, and you just pick out the ones you want. “I have to be more careful with the oil paintings. It’s almost like brain surgery. If I don’t put this brush in the right place at the right time, it’s over. You’re going to lose your patience. But with pastels, it is like having fun, like opening up a box of crayons. There’s very little stress in it.” Joe said the stress he feels using paints can, at least partially, be attributed to his engineer brain. “I’ve learned that my style with oil paints, I get too technical. I love doing it, but it’s still nerve-wracking.” Joe is proof that being an engineer does not mean an incapacity for creativity. While his technical tendencies might sometimes get in the way of becoming absorbed in the work, he has found a way around it. For him, it was a specific medium. Painting strikes something deep in Joe. While he values his career as an engineer, his soul is in his artwork. Madison Living 49
F Cream of the crop Isom’s Orchard: family-owned and grown with care WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY 50 Madison Living
From luscious peaches in spring to plump pumpkins in fall, Isom’s Orchard has been growing and selling fresh fruit and vegetables to Tennessee Valley residents for many generations. Ancestors in both Wes and Marlene Isom’s families settled in Limestone County circa 1819, near the date Alabama claimed statehood. “The Craft family was the first large landowner on my father’s side,” Marlene said. “The Isoms came here from Virginia, and we have a direct descendant from the Revolutionary War.” Five generations of the family have farmed this land. “Our children involved with the farm make the sixth generation,” Marlene said. “My husband’s grandfather, Edison Kent Isom, bought a portion of this farm from his father Jerry Isom in 1911.” For many years, both sides of her father’s family have raised peaches. “Our children have become a big part of our farm, diversifying in other directions that have been very beneficial to our farm,” Marlene said. “One son and his family now have a summer ‘U-Pic’ zinnia and sunflower flower patch. Another son supplies us with beautiful fall mums to go along with our pumpkins, and our daughter and her husband keep us in jams and jellies all through the season. They also bag all the pruned wood from our apple and peach trees for your smokers and barbecues. We work together as a family.”
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Marlene manages The Peach Stand, the nickname for their building on U.S. Highway 72. “For many years, peaches were all that we grew and sold,” she said. Peaches continue as the first yield of the year. Early summer squash soon follows, with cabbage and “the most beautiful sweet onions,” she said. In summer, vegetables range from green beans, peas and tomatoes to squash and peppers. Workers then harvest two acres of grapes, with Isom’s offering you-pick-them grape gatherings around mid-July. In addition, sunflowers stretch to the sky in summer.
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Fall ushers a season of bountiful colors and tastes. “Fall is as big as peach season,” Marlene said. Chrysanthemums are in full bloom, and for fall and Halloween decorating, cornstalks, hay bales and a gigantic assortment of gourds are available. Isom’s grows more than a dozen types of pumpkins, in contrasting sizes, shapes and colors – even white. Growing pumpkins in the South can be difficult, but Wes has experimented to find varieties resistant to humidity and heat. The Isoms offer wholesale deals on pumpkins – the only produce sold in that manner.
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FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Greetings from City Hall This month we are focusing on accessibility. Your city council, city employees and I are working diligently to make sure our citizens have access to our local government. Many things are happening in and there Paul Finley Madison, are numerous ways Mayor for you to stay enCity of Madison gaged and knowledgeable in our city. We have expanded all of our digital platforms, reaching you in a convenient way. Our YouTube channel streams live throughout the day with updates on projects, activities and other city information, and every second and fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m., our
Juicy, crisp apples are one of Isom’s most delectable crops. Apple varieties include Enterprise, Granny Smith, Jonagold and Early Fuji, along with Red and Yellow Delicious. Pressed from apples grown on-site, “slushies have been a super hit,” Marlene said. Returning shoppers “look forward to the slushies all year. We make slushies only from the cider with our apples that we grow. Each batch is different for the apples that we pick that week.” “My husband Wes is the most knowledgeable man I know,” Marlene added. “Wes does not allow a lapse without something to sell. He has fall squash and greens ready as soon as apple and pumpkin season begin. He’s a genius at time management.” Wes learned his agricultural techniques from “his granddaddies, daddy and uncles. He learned firsthand.”
The Isoms follow the Integrated Pest Management program in using pesticides. Universities across the country – North Carolina, Mississippi and Georgia, for example – have approved these practices. Wes “scouts and traps” and then applies as needed. Marlene said he also rotates crops to prevent buildup of pests and disease. He knows the land and handles it with the utmost care and respect. “We’re on the cusp of a whole new generation of chemical products that very friendly to our earth,” Wes said. Isom’s Orchard Peach Stand is open from May through November.
Isom’s Orchard 24012 U.S. Highway 72 East, Athens Isom’s Orchard on Facebook 256-497-3786
council meetings are live streamed as well. All video content is updated regularly, so subscribe and see for yourself the wonderful things Madison is working towards. For our WOW users, this content is also broadcast on our public access channel 42. Last year our website was completely overhauled for a modern look and ease of navigation. As you scroll the main page, you’ll notice a Let Us Know option. This is a great portal to ask questions or alert us with any issues that our departments might be able to rectify. Also on our main page, you can subscribe to our Notify Me option. Customize the alerts to your device via text or email to remain current on city news, road and traffic information, emergency updates and other communications. Stay tuned as we build a Major Projects page on our website to keep you up to date on the status of new enterprises.
2018 New Year’s Eve
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Monday, December 31, 8 p.m. Live Entertainment | Heavy hors d’oeuvres | Cash Bars Ring in the New Year at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration. This festive evening includes a champagne toast at midnight.
Tickets and more information at 54 Madison Living
This year’s recently passed budget can be found at www.madisonal.gov/budget2019. For our social media users, many of our news items and notifications are published to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Our police department also utilizes Next Door and Nixle. Whichever platform you use, we will meet you there with engaging and original content to keep our citizens well-informed. And there’s nothing quite as good as an old-fashioned handshake. I offer two hours every two weeks with our residents for a face-to-face conversation, discussing your needs or concerns for our city. Call 256-772-5603 to set up a time that works for you. Visit www.madisonal.gov or give us a call. Our top-notch team will continue working to make Madison better and brighter for you!
ROCKETCENTER.COM/NEWYEARS Madison Living 55
out & about
Around Town
Kids to Love: working to meet the needs of children
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We moved to Huntsville 20 years ago, like many with a job transfer. Our plan was to be here two years and move on to further my career in television news – but we fell in love with the Tennessee Valley. Kids to Love is a nonprofit we started in 2004. We meet the immediate needs of kids in foster care and have made a direct impact on the lives of more than 240,000 foster children. It’s surreal to think about how Founder/CEO Kids to Love Foundation our service has grown. The first year that we provided school supplies and backpacks to children in foster care, my dad and I filled them in our garage. This year, we provided close to 6,000 backpacks through our More Than a Backpack program to every foster child across the state of Alabama, 60-plus counties in Tennessee and into Mississippi and Georgia. Every backpack was filled at our Madison location by local volunteers. After I retired from television in 2015, we moved to Madison to be closer to the Kids to Love Center and Davidson Farms. We moved for location; what we didn’t expect was how quickly we would fall in love with this part of Madison County. Madison is truly a gem. Kids to Love moved operations to Madison through the amazing gift of our Center, located on Castle Drive. Louis and Patti Breland donated the building, allowing us to combine office, warehouse and classroom space under one roof. Their generosity and the move have made a substantial difference for our organization. Kids to Love operates 10 programs. Davidson Farms is a home in Madison County serving girls in foster care ages 10-19. Our KTECH program is a workforce training initiative teaching advanced manufacturing to not only young adults aging out of foster care but to anyone who needs a skill set to go to work in our rich manufacturing community. Our warehouse is busy these days as we get ready to fill 2,000 Christmas wish lists for children in foster care. Madison is an affluent community, but we don’t have to look far to find children in need. Kids to Love works every day to meet those needs, and we’d love to have you serve with us! Connect with us at www.kidstolove.org.
Bob Jones Football
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1. Brandi Nance, Danielle Westrope and Alice Lessmann 2. Elissa Mitchell, Chrissy Neill, Maddie McBride and Aaliyah Washington 3. Brian Fritz, Rachel Lewis, Melinda Lawson and Megan Danh 4. Greg Edwards and Mike Edwards 5. Jill and Britt Hefferman 6. Rebecca Humpal and Sue White 7. Sara and Ally Lambert 8. Principal Sylvia Lambert
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out & about Chamber of Commerce’s Tee up Fore Business 1. Fire Chief David Bailey, Russ Kennington, Ryan Gentry and Michael Sedlacek 2. Ashleigh Heinz and Sharon Heinz 3. Drew Hartt and Heather George 4. Kanesha Richardson
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5. Maura Wroblewski and Kim Backer
2. Autumn Edwards and Zachary Henderson
6. Roseanna Cox and Pam Honeycutt
3. Brooke Rickard, Blake, Rhonda, Brandon and David Russell and Addison Tart
7. Tenisha Billups and Savannah Taggert
4. Easton Moreno 5. Pablo Cruz and Leon Perry
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out & about Mustard Seed Ribbon Cutting
out & about Bob Jones Homecoming Parade
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1. Abby and Nicky Willson 2. Awyana Barker and the Chick-Fil-A Cow
1. Officer Adam Lawson, Lisa Smith and Liz Power
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3. Rachael Young and Aaron Moll 4. Taylor Townsend, Sarah Ivey, Joselynn Sanchez and Shaniya Lanier
2. Kimberly Belcher and DeeDee McGee
5. Zoey Sue, Lola and Macy Barnes
3. Felecia Rodgers and Doreen Grannis
6. Christy Niel and Peyton Ward
4. Sandrea Tibbs and Jenny Mayers
7. Samantha Arn, Olivia Yarborough and Jenna Hwang 8. Mackenzie S., Morgan B., Ella S.,Macy L., Rianne S., Braeden S. and Sophia K.
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Madison Chamber of Commerce connections
Madison Chamber of Commerce connections
First Ever Golf Tournament Scores Big! The Chamber’s first ever Tee Up Fore Business Golf Tournament was a huge hit earlier this Fall at Sunset Landing Golf Course! 100 golfers shared a wonderful breakfast by Four Points Sheraton as the day began, Open House & Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Capital Mgmt Services then enjoyed perfect weather and lots of contest and prize opportunities as they wound through the course. Several participants came SO CLOSE to winning a new Polaris Slingshot or $10,000 at our two hole-in-one prize holes! All received top notch swag in their goodie bags and many coupled that with one of our generously donated raffle prizes. Whether they took home the Grand Prize of a $500 MCC Presents a $500 Check to the Madison City Schools Culinary Program airline voucher from Port of Huntsville or the memory of that near perfect shot, all enjoyed the day. Thanks again to presenting Sponsor Polaris, $10K Sponsor Peggie Hulebak Rowell, P.C. and all of our sponsors, donors and players for helping to make this first tournament a huge success! September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Let’s get together to make sure you have a plan for today, and for tomorrow.
MCC September Quarterly Luncheon featuring Speaker Robby Parker
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member ACE Hardware
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Mustard Seed Consignment, LLC
Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member Orangetheory Fitness Center
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Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member Zion Popcorn
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Why I love Madison Mike Potter Mike Potter and his wife of 47 years, Patricia, have two daughters, Amy Bock and Leigh Tarr, and two grandsons, Harrison and Logan, who all live in Madison. Potter, a Madison native of nearly two decades, has served in a wide variety of positions throughout his life, from Army lieutenant colonel, to Engineering Fellow at the Raytheon Company, to Pastoral Council at the Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Church. He holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and a master’s degree in electrical engineering and is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Guided Missile Engineering and USAF Air Command and Staff College.
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How long have you lived in Madison? Since May of 2003. I had lived in southeast Huntsville for the 20 years prior to building a house in Madison.
What are your favorite Madison restaurants, and what do you like about each of them? Love Main Street, Fulin’s, El Palacio and Cork & Crust.
What is your job title, and what does your work entail? I’m currently retired. I’m a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel (1970-1990); retired Engineering Fellow, Raytheon Company (1990-2008); former Madison City councilman, District 4 (20122016); Madison planning commissioner (2012-present); co-chair of the Madison City Schools Growth Committee (2017); Pastoral Council, Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Church (2016-present); and president of Taylor’s Crossing HOA (2007-present).
Why do you love Madison? Madison is unique in its character – a growing city that retains a small-town attitude. Our neighborhoods are diverse, and education is valued. Parents are involved in our school system, citizens are involved in community, and the Madison City Schools system and city employees are dedicated and set high standards of service. Our city leadership is open-minded in dealing with our growth challenges. We have felt connected to community ever since we first moved to Madison.
What made you choose your job, and what about it was meaningful? I entered the U.S. Army from ROTC in 1990 and ended up doing 20 years, as we enjoyed the work, educational opportunities and travel. We spent seven of our 20 years in the Army at Redstone and loved north Alabama. We remained here, and I continued being a systems engineer with the Raytheon Company until we retired in 2008. Work’s biggest reward was having worked in the development of the Patriot Missile System, seeing it fielded and deployed and actually used in combat. We still enjoy being a member of the “Patriot” family and have many lasting friendships. What is your favorite place to visit in Madison? I love the Madison Street Festival and seeing how our city always turns out to celebrate our community.
Fast Five 1. Favorite hobby: Working math problems with one grandson and finding trains with the other one. 2. Favorite food: Whatever is cooked whenever the family is together. 3. Goal or ambition: To be remembered in life as a contributor to family, community and country. 4. Church: Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Church. 5. Something people might not know about me is: I actually had hair at one point in my life. Madison Living 65
Marketplace Madison Living • 256.772.6677
Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. Call for more information 256-5391400 www.alwaysthereinc. com B&B LAWN CARE FULLY LICENSED Full lawn care service to meet your needs. Upand-coming business. Willing to beat the prices of competitors. Give me a call or text! Free Estimates!!! (256)668-4533 Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Overthe-road positions Available. Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year overthe-road experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package. Good home time. Call 800633-9710 ext. 2 Lenders’ New 1st Time Homebuyer’s Plan at Clayton Homes, Cullman. You can be APPROVED! 256-734-1930 Now Hiring Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL Drivers Competitive pay and benefits. Pre-employment drug test required Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Call: 205298-6799 or email us at: jtate@forestryenv. com 66 Madison Living
Round Hay 5x5 (in shed, under cover) Mixed hay. $45/ roll. Square bale. Mixed Hay. $5/roll or $4.50/100. Located in West Point ALABAMA 256-734-4202 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 White Oak Transportation is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! Excellent Benefits! Visit our website www. whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOE-M/F/D/V Now Booking! Spring, Summer, and Fall. Estate, Antique, Farm Equipment and Real Estate Auctions. Call Auctioneer Chris McNatt • ASL#1474 • TSL#5074 • Firm 2652 • 256-874-3786 Soon the Mark of the Beast Will Be Enforced. Free Book & Bible Study. PO Box 171 • Samantha, AL 35482 205-339-4837
Lake and Pond Fish Stocking: Bass, Bluegill, Shell Cracker, Grass Carp, Catfish, Minnows & more! Aerators & Fountains. CALL FOR PRICES! WE DELIVER! 615-9770752 Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256350-9938 Lot #2 256350-9937 smithmotors autosales.com NOW-HIRING!!! •Finish BulldozerOperator w/TOPCON GPS experience •Tractor/ScraperOperator •TrackhoeOperator w/utility experience •6x6 Truck Driver •Utility Installation Laborers •Class-A and B CDLDrivers Information Call: 256-837-6850 Email Resume/ Work Experience: astanley@stanleyhsv.com Stanley Construction is a Equal Opportunity Employer Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedental assisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 & get your career started! WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL
Immediate need for experienced: •Underground Miners •Electricians •Maintenance Foreman •Supervisors Apply online: www.warriormetcoal. com
driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements. Contact recruiting at 1-800-634-7315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE
WCA • Roll Off Drivers needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or B CDL is required along with one (1) year of verifiable equivalent commercial truck driving experience. Must have a valid and safe driving record. We offer competitive wages & a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Paid Holidays and PTO. Please apply through our website at www. wcawaste.com EOE M/F/D/V
Need appliance or air conditioner parts? How about a water filter for your refrigerator?We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts! Call 1-800841-0312 www.A1Appliance.com
DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year. 100% Outbounds loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers. Home weekends. Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL
G&G STEEL, Inc. is currently seeking qualified Welders & Machinists Apply in person or at www.ggsteel.com Competitivepay and benefits. EOE-Minorities/ Females/Vets/Disabled M&D Mechanical Contractors, Inc. NOW HIRING: Plumbers, Helpers, Pipe Fitters, Pipe Welders. MondayFriday. Lauderdale, Morgan & Madison Counties. Apply now: www.mdmechanical. com/careers Competitive Pay! Robust Benefits! PreEmployment Drug Screen Required. 256350-3568
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“I
don’t have to hide my legs and that’s a great feeling!” - Jennifer, age 27
Using minimally-invasive techniques, our vein specialists can treat: – Varicose and Spider veins – Restless legs – Ankle swelling – Leg pain, aching, cramping or fatigue – Burning or itching on the legs – Leg ulcers, open wounds or sores Call to schedule your evaluation (256) 265-VEIN or visit madisonalhospital.org for more info.
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