Madison Living Magazine - November 2022 by Madison Publications

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

November 2022 madisonlivingmagazine.com

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CONTRIBUTORS Bob Labbe Gregg Parker Erin Coggins Joshua Berry Lee Marshall John Peck Mary Lynne Wright Lindsey Boothe Kassidy Wilkins MARKETING Donna Counts GENERAL MANAGER French Salter

CONTACT US Madison Living Magazine The Madison Record 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 Huntsville, AL 35806 madisonlivingmagazine.com For story ideas, call John Few at 256-763-1150 or email john@themadisonrecord.com. To advertise, call Donna Counts at 256-714-7152. Madison Living is published monthly by Tennessee Valley Media, Inc. A one-year subscription to Madison Living is $27.99 for 12 issues per year. Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Madison area. To subscribe, call 256-772-6677. Copyright 2022

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THE GUIDE

St. John’s Craft Fair • Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. • St. John the Baptist Catholic Church • 1055 Hughes Road in Madison

Just in time to shop for Christmas gifts, the annual St. John’s Craft Fair will offer a broad selection of special presents and a venue for helping an underserved, local charity. St. John’s Craft Fair will be held on Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 1055 Hughes Road in Madison. Shoppers will have free parking and free admission. Organizers expect to have 45 vendors on-site to sell their merchandise. The inventory of sale items will include quilting supplies, Christian items, sewing materials, woodworking designs, paintings, ceramics and even more goods and products. The crafts for sale are all handmade. For more information, visit friendsinc.net.

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THE GUIDE Celebrate Madison • Nov 4 at 6 p.m.

Toyota Field • www.celebratemadison.com The City of Madison is planning a huge celebration this month. The Madison Chamber of Commerce will host a free, family-fun event at Toyota Field on Nov. 4. “Our signature ‘State of the City’ event, formerly known as ‘Connect’, has been rebranded and is now called ‘Celebrate Madison’,” said Chamber Executive Director Michelle Epling. She said after two years of social-distancing due to COVID, the event will be a time to “get back together to celebrate all the accomplishments of the last two years of our city, with Mayor Paul Finley and City Council guiding our town through a global pandemic while staying focused on major growth in all areas of our city.” Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The celebration program starts at 6 p.m. A fireworks show will be held at 7 p.m. The first 500 attendees will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda, and ice cream. The “Celebrate Madison” event is being sponsored by Meta. For more information about it, go to www.celebratemadison.com.

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THE GUIDE

Galaxy of Lights • Nov. 11-Jan. 1 • Huntsville Botanical Garden • www.hsvbg.org/galaxy. Galaxy of Lights, an annual holiday light experience at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, will return for its 27th season from Nov. 11 through Jan. 1. This year, guests will enjoy more Walking Nights, new immersive displays and innovative designs. The award-winning event will again offer both walking and driving experiences, but Galaxy will now have more Walking Nights than ever before, increasing from 17 dates in 2021 to 31 dates this year. Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights will take place Friday, Nov. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Dec. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 1, from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (time of last admission). Guests can also enjoy Dog Walking Nights on Mondays and Tuesdays during Walking Nights (Nov. 14, 15, 21, and 22; December 19, 20, 26, and 27) and the Galaxy of Lights 5K Race and 3K Fun Run on Nov. 28 and 29. Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights will take place Thursday, Dec. 1, through Friday, Dec. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (time of last admission). Tickets to Galaxy of Lights are available now at the Garden front desk during regular business hours or online at hsvbg.org/galaxy.

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THE GUIDE

BTL presents ‘Anastasia’ • Nov. 11-13 • VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall • Broadwaytheatreleague.org

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From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable exaristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. ANASTASIA features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music), and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) based on original direction by Tony Award® winner DarkoTresnjak with choreography by Peggy Hickey and tour direction by Sarah Hartmann.

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THE GUIDE

Madison City Farmers Market

Old Thyme Market

Located at 1088 Hughes Road at Trinity Baptist Church in Madison, the market is the area’s original local, producer-only farmers market, founded in 2007. Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted by local farmers and craftspeople. The vendors provide a wide selection of the freshest local veggies, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats, milk, herbs, honey, jams, relishes, home-baked goods, plants and flowers. Come see creations from local artisans including handmade cards, soaps, lotions, candles, wood crafts, sewn items and other handmade products. Go to www.madisoncityfarmersmarket.com for more information.

Old Thyme Market is the newest farmers market in Madison. The market is making its home in downtown Madison every Friday afternoon throughout the summer. Old Thyme Market includes farmers, craftsmen, artisans, and local businesses selling goods such as produce, local honey and preserves, pottery, and art. The markets also feature refreshments from Black Dog Grounds and Sounds, Suzy’s Pops, and Nanny’s Lemonade, and live music will be performed every week by local musicians. The market takes place every Friday from 3 - 7 p.m. now through September on Garner Street in downtown Madison.

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THE GUIDE

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

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It’s that time of year again! Registration for the 2022 City of Madison Christmas Parade is now open. Go to www.madisonal. gov to register. The Madison Christmas Parade will be taking place on Saturday, December 10 at 5 p.m. The parade theme this year will be “Christmas Characters”. The parade route runs along Hughes Drive between Plaza Blvd and Portal Drive.

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Nov. 4 • 7:30 a.m. • Hogan Family YMCA This year marks the 16th year of the annual YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast to celebrate our Veterans. The event traditionally lifts up our military heroes in gratitude with prayer, song and an awards presentation. It will be held Friday, Nov. 4 at the Hogan Family YMCA in Madison. Registration is required. Seating is limited. Doors open at 6:45 a.m. Program will begin at 7:30 a.m. For more information, go to www. ymcahuntsville.org.

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THE GUIDE

EVENTS

ROUND TOP FOLK FESTIVAL Burritt on the Mountain to host the second annual event on Nov. 5-6 celebrating traditional art and music STORY BY JOHN FEW

Madison Living 17

Burritt on the Mountain and the Burritt Folk School are planning the second annual Round Top Folk Festival. Named for the mountain on which Burritt sits, the festival will feature traditional art and music, Nov. 5-6. Festival organizers say dozens of local demonstrators, artisans, musicians, and more will be participating this year with unique items for sale, as well as special demonstrations representing traditional art and culture of north Alabama. On Saturday, Nov. 6, a wide selection of traditional musicians will play throughout the Historic Park and local demonstrators and artisans will share their crafts and skills through demonstrations with items for sale. These skills, all taught at the Burritt Folk School, preserve the traditional arts of our ancestors in the Cumberland Plateau region. Local musicians will be performing at the Isenberg Gazebo, Bendickson Family Pavilion and Historic Park throughout the day. Fireball Mail Bluegrass Band will present a special concert on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Mike Ball and His Cronies will perform on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy lunch from the food

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trucks and a variety of craft beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the day. “Burritt has long been a place to enjoy the outdoors for both recreation and history. We preserve traditional arts, skills and handicrafts and offer opportunities for guests to experience the way things once were done. The Round Top Folk Festival is an expansion of our Folklife Festival and has combined the incredibly important traditional arts with something Burritt does remarkably well…concerts! This fits seamlessly into our mission to enhance lives and build community through educational, artistic, and recreational experiences while preserving our heritage, land, and historic structures,” said Leslie Ecklund, Burritt CEO. Tickets can be purchased at burrittonthemountain.com. All concert goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. “This is a great opportunity to enjoy the mountain air and visit with some of our Folk School instructors as they demonstrate their crafts. Our studio and workshops spaces will be open as well as the historic buildings throughout the park. I invite people to come see for themselves and be a part of our creative community,” said Jana Parris, Folk School Program Manager. To view the full list of artist vendors, demonstrators and local musicians, visit burrittonthemountain.com for up to date listings.

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The festival itself is mostly outside throughout the museum grounds and Historic Park. Why the name Round Top Folk Festival? Did you know that Burritt on the Mountain actually sits atop Round Top Mountain? Round Top Mountain, at 1,585 feet elevation, is identified as the the southwestern knub, or plateau, of Monte Sano Mountain and is listed in the Summit category in Madison County. Burritt sits within the natural beauty of Round Top Mountain, overlooking the City of Huntsville. Many don’t know there is a distinction, but Dr. Burritt made certain to identify Round Top by name in his will, leaving his house and land to the City of Huntsville to use as a museum for all to enjoy. Today, Burritt boasts over 4 miles of nature trails that circle around Round Top Mountain and connect to the Land Trust of Madison County and Monte Sano State Park. The 2 newest trails being Old Quarry Trail and Viduta Trails completed Spring 2021. Our trails are filled with history and other little known facts, as well as the natural beauty of the mountain. What is Burritt on the Mountain? When Dr. Henry Burritt left his home and 167 acres to the City of Huntsville, Burritt on the Mountain became the first museum in Huntsville and, 66 years later, Dr. Bur-

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ritt’s vision has been realized as the park welcomes thousands of visitors a year. Not only is Burritt on the Mountain one of Huntsville’s staple tourist attractions, it also is a vibrant center for historical, cultural, educational, and entertainment activities for visitors of all ages. Huntsville is unique in that the city proudly displays where it is going and, through Burritt, where it has been. Looking down from the bluff, Burritt visitors can locate evidence of the city’s high-tech economy: the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a towering Saturn V rocket, NASA buildings, and an Army research and development base. Do an about face and the view shifts to 19th- and 20th-century Alabama. Historic cabins, the Old Country Church, and living farm and folk life displays dot the park, staffed with interpreters in period dress. Whether in the Burritt Mansion, at a Folk School class, attending a children’s camp or enjoying Cocktails at The View, Burritt’s mantra is Heartfelt Hospitality. We think that Dr. Burritt would have wanted it that way!

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DOWNTOWN

CHRISTMAS MAGIC

There are many holiday events planned for Madison’s historic downtown over the next couple of months STORY BY BRANDY BOOTH

Madison Living 23

Madison City and MSHPS Christmas Capers

sion of sustainable products. LL is in the process of moving to 108 Main Street in a newly renovated space. At the time of writing this article, they are currently located at 16 Main Street, inside the Clay House. • Filthy Gorgeous on Main is a women’s boutique dedicated to providing pieces that can be a staple in every NOVEMBER 18 wardrobe. Owner Melinda Sanders wants everyone to Pink Friday #SupportSmallFirst leave feeling filthy gorgeous by offering the highest quality Pink Friday is an annual event held each November with clothing. Stop by to shop for that stunning holiday outfit as one mission: Support Small First….before Black Friday well as your next favorite weekday outfit. Filthy Gorgeous and before the big guys….this is community over competion Main is located at 14 Main Street. tion at its finest. Look for pink balloons outside participat• Holtz Leather specializes in handcrafted fine leather ing businesses. Come and shop to see what specials they wallets, journals, belts, and keyrings, offering perfect gifts have to offer for Pink Friday! for men and women; all can be personalized with initial or name. Holtz Leather is now located at 4155 Sullivan Street. NOVEMBER 26 • South & Pine and Tiny Pines offer an ever-changing vaShop Small Business Saturday riety of products to include home decor, kitchen and bath Here is a guide to all your holiday shopping downtown! products, and all-things-baby with Tiny Pines. Shop their Shop Small Saturday is a great time to come out and enjoy collection for all your holiday decorating necessities. They Main Street and support these small businesses. are located at 14 Main Street next to Filthy Gorgeous. • Lemon & Lavender is an eco-friendly kitchen, bath, • Purre Barre Madison will have a “Giving Tree” set up and home decor store. Co-owners Brandy Booth and in their lobby from Nov 21-Dec 9. Anyone is welcome to Shannon Fisher have proudly partnered with small busicome in and choose a tag from the tree. On Dec 9, when nesses, both locally and globally, who share their same viMain Street in downtown Madison is busy prepping for this holiday season. Enjoy this shopping guide and calendar of events for all things downtown Madison.

24 Madison Living

all gifts are due, they will host free Barre classes, a hot chocolate bar, and Christmas goodies. Anyone who donates will be entered to win a swag bag (1-month unlimited membership, t-shirt, water bottle, and grip socks.) • Main Street Cafe has been the heartbeat of downtown Madison for over 20 years! MSC features Southern cuisine and whether you come for lunch or dinner, you can choose from menu favorites or try one of their daily specials. • Zion Gourmet Popcorn, 104 Main Street, features gourmet popcorn, fudge, chocolate candy, candy apples, and caramel apples. They strive to offer all their customers the best natural ingredients. • Humphrey Bros. Cigar Bar - Whether you are a cigar aficionado or not, you will want to stop by to enjoy some brick-oven pizza and jazz music and admire the architectural reconstruction of this building. Located at 112 Main Street. • Madison Station Antiques - Long time Madison County resident Ron Williams has accumulated an impressive collection of antiques over the past 30 years. MSA has gifts for everyone, or you can find that piece of history for your own home. In addition to their location at 110 Main Street, visit their Annex on Martin Street. • Noble Passage Interiors is a full-service interior design shop. With their newly renovated addition, they have more decor to offer to get your home ready for holi-

You do not need a special event to enjoy Madison’s downtown during the holidays. Starting with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 2, the historic downtown area will be aglow each night with thousands of twinkling lights along Main Street and beautiful window displays. Add the Christmas Card Lane, and you have a scene straight out of your favorite holiday movie.

drink wassail & be merry! Shoppes of Downtown Madison present our 2nd Annual Wassail Festival Friday, December 2nd

Christmas Tree Lighting 6:00 Wassail Fest following Downtown Merchants will be open with samples of their best wassail recipes, along with door prize. Come sample, shop, and be festive! 1-869015

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite wassail! Madison Living 25

day hosting. Located at 204 Main Street. • Old Black Bear - Located at 212 Main Street, boasts “Hard Work has its reward.” OBB has both indoor and outdoor dining. Plan to visit on a weekend evening to frequently enjoy live music. OBB is also well-loved for their Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas. • Hook a Frog Fiber & Fun - Located at 105 D Church Street, shop for all your knitting needs. This is a great place for all those experienced as well as those looking to learn a new hobby. • Animal Traxx is an exotic pet store. Another great store to guide and educate their customers in being an exotic pet owner. Located at 100 Church Street. DECEMBER 2 at 5:30 p.m. MSHPS’s 9th Annual Polar Express Christmas on Main Tree Lighting & Wassailfest One of downtown Madison’s largest holiday events, the Annual Polar Express Christmas on Main tree lighting, got even better last year with the first annual Wassailfest. Main Street Cafe owner, Tammy Hall, launched the idea as an added way for those attending the tree lightings to visit all the downtown businesses. For the event, many downtown businesses will have samples of their own wassail recipes. Guests can pick up a downtown map to see participating businesses to sample different recipes and vote for their

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favorite. Completed forms can be returned for door prize drawings. This is also a great time to do some holiday shopping and support our downtown Madison businesses! As you are sampling all the wassail recipes, enjoy the lighted trees and stop by for the reading of The Polar Express hosted by Madison Public Library. The Madison Community Orchestra launches the event along with the children’s lantern parade. DECEMBER 4 from 2 TO 4 p.m. The Christmas Roundhouse Open House 4 p.m. - Orchestra Holiday Concert at Madison Methodist Church - 127 Church Street Join MSHPS as they host an Open House at the Madison Roundhouse on Front Street. Enjoy hearing about the history of Madison from historian John Rankin and stay for the Madison City Community Orchestra Christmas concert. December 6 - 26 Christmas Card Lane Enjoying all downtown Madison has to offer for the holiday season is not complete without a visit to Christmas Card Lane. Hosted by the Madison Arts Council, historic homes on Front and Church Street are lined with more than 15 larger-than-life Christmas cards designed by local artists. The trail is illuminated each night till 9 pm and is worth viewing both during the day and night. Fortunately, these two streets are not high-traffic areas, so on a warmer day, take a stroll and enjoy the cards in the daylight. Then, make plans on an evening to drive through to see them lit up with all the historic homes illuminated as a backdrop.

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

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A crowd gathers in downtown Madison for the Christmas Capers in the mid 1930s. The custom originated in 1925 when George Walton ‘Doc’ Hughes rented the Humphrey-Hughes property at 200 Main St. in downtown Madison for a drug store. During years of the Great Depression in the early 1930s, Hughes started a holiday tradition dubbed the “Christmas Chicken Capers.” On Christmas Eve, he threw live chickens from the roof of his business. The chickens had tags attached to their legs, and people could redeem the tags for prizes in Hughes’ store. Anyone who caught the chickens received the prizes and kept the chicken for Christmas dinner.

DECEMBER 17 - 4 p.m. Madison City and MSHPS Christmas Capers The origins of the Christmas Capers date back to 1925 when George Walton ‘Doc” Hughes had a drug store at the Humphrey-Hughes property at 200 Main Street. During the Great Depression, Hughes started a tradition called the “Christmas Chicken Capers”. On Christmas Eve, ‘Doc’ Hughes would toss live chickens with tags attached to their legs from the drugstore roof. People could redeem the tags for prizes in Hughes’ store. The added gift was

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they could keep the chicken for their dinner. Fast forward to now, MSHPS recreates the Christmas Capers as ‘Doc’ Hughes’ grandsons, Walt and Larry Anderson, toss tagged rubber chickens from the roof that can be redeemed for prizes from many downtown businesses with prizes totalling over $3000. Music is performed by the Madison Community Orchestra with the Madison Rotary Club serving hot chocolate. For all up-to-date info, follow Shoppes of Downtown Madison on Instagram and Facebook.

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28 Madison Living

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In HBC’s 54th annual production, “The Nutcracker” will include special guests from Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. In this enduring Huntsville tradition, Clara’s enchanting story comes to life at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, masterful choreography, enchanting scenic designs, brilliant lighting and stunning costumes. “The Nutcracker” showtimes will be Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 10, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 11, 1 p.m. Tickets cost $45, orchestra; $40, loge; $35, balcony; and $150, ‘Sweet Seat Tickets.’ All student performers are registered HBC students. For more information, visit huntsvilleballet.org.

Madison Living 29

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SHOPPING

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COMMUNITY

HONORING OUR VETERANS American Legion family encourages veterans, helps community BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOS BY ERIN ELISE AND CONTRIBUTED

Madison Living 35

Jean Downs serves as President of Auxiliary Unit 229 and Vice Commander of Post 229. Larry Vannoy serves as American Legion Commander for Madison County and for Post 229 in Madison.

36 Madison Living

The American Legion Honor Guard

The American Legion believes “a veteran is a veteran.” A Legionnaire understands that the organization embraces all current and former military members and helps during transition into their communities. Legionnaires constantly remind communities that freedom and prosperity come with a price . . . a price often paid in blood. As Madison’s only veterans’ organization, American Legion, Post 229 and Auxiliary Unit 229, are engaged in year-round activities. “American Legion is 100-percent committed to helping our veterans and recognizing their sacrifices. However, we too continuously engage fellow citizens, particularly youth and younger adults, in loving our country,” Larry Vannoy said. Vannoy serves as American Legion Commander for Madison County and for Post 229 in Madison. In 1919, the U.S. Congress chartered and incorporated American Legion as a patriotic veterans’ organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. “American Legion, the nation’s largest service organization for wartime veterans, is committed to mentoring youth, sponsoring wholesome programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security and continuing devotion to fellow servicemembers,” Van-

noy said. Post 229 in Madison was chartered in 1969; its Auxiliary Unit was chartered in 2018. Currently, the post has approximately 380 members. The Auxiliary and Jr. Auxiliary have 34 members, Jean Downs said. Downs serves as President of Auxiliary Unit 229 and Vice Commander of Post 229. American Legion organizes activities to endorse four pillars: Veterans; National Security; Children and Youth; and Americanism. Veterans – The Post and Auxiliary’s primary focus, with outreach to veterans and spouses in assisted-living facilities, Hospice Pinning ceremonies and Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville. With Post support, the Auxiliary Unit has established relationships with all assisted-living and memory-care facilities in Madison. “Through this partnership, we can honor our local veterans throughout the year,” Downs said. In the past year, the Auxiliary gifted veteran families at Christmas, Valentine’s and Easter. In addition, the Auxiliary helped Air Force veteran Jim Justus celebrate his 100th birthday and coordinate presentation of the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal and

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The American Legion Post 229 and Auxiliary serves the community in many ways through their sponsorships of several local organizations

38 Madison Living

Madison Living 39

Post Honor Guard escorting WWII Veteran and recently deceased Post Member Sherwin Callendar during a Pearl Harbor Day remembrance. Members of the JCHS and BJHS JROTC programs also participated.

a Quilt of Valor. The Post and Auxiliary recognize special occasions, conduct “Visits with Veterans” and host Bingo/ game nights at Tut Fann. American Legion’s work has been instrumental in providing benefits, such as healthcare, long-term care and educational benefits. Post 229’s two Veteran Service Officers help veterans access benefits from Veteran Administration’s or VA healthcare. “Our disabled (members) earned and deserve full receipt of DoD benefits. We want to provide a local resource to navigate the system. The VSOs are invaluable for our veteran families who often find the VA system overwhelming,” Vannoy said. • Honor Guard – Established in 2019. The guard has performed at hundreds of funerals across Madison and surrounding counties. Citizens can request the Honor Guard for funerals with American Flag presentation, rifle salute and playing “Taps” (Contact the Post.). The Honor Guard, now with 13 active members, also supports Memorial Day ceremonies and yearly special events. • National Security – A deeply held value to individuals who have sworn with their lives to protect the United States against enemies, foreign and domestic. “Terror-

40 Madison Living

ist attacks of September 11, 2001, magnified this value’s importance, not only for military veterans but all Americans, and highlighted police and firefighters’ importance,” Downs said. Post 229 and Auxiliary honors first responders with Police and Firefighter of the Year Awards. In 2022, the groups conducted Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. “We felt it was important to acknowledge our police force and staff,” Vannoy said. The Post received an outpouring of support from local businesses, including food, gift cards, door prizes and tokens of appreciation for gift bags. • Children and Youth – Involves major commitment. Post and Auxiliary sponsor American Legion baseball; Oratorical Scholarship Contest; Junior Shooting Sports; Boys and Girls State; Auxiliary scholarships; Girl Scout Troop 926; Scout Troop 201; Bob Jones, James Clemens and Sparkman high schools’ JROTC programs and annual awards; and Veterans Day activities. Many people don’t realize that American Legion offers leadership and scholarship opportunities to youth. Veterans’ eligible female descendants may qualify as Junior Auxiliary Unit members to vie for local and national

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The Madison Veterans Memorial in downtown Madison is maintained by the American Legion Post 229. It bears the names of individuals from Madison who perished in World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and subsequent Wars Against Terror (including Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom). It serves as the site for many of the Post’s ceremonies, including Memorial Day observances. Periodically, the Post holds flag retirements. Flag disposal boxes are available at fire stations, thanks to a Post-229-sponsored project for the Girl Scout Gold Award. Similarly, the flag burn pit in Veterans Park downtown was a Boy Scout’s Eagle project.

scholarships. “Girls can become ‘Jr.’ members at any age,” Downs said. High school juniors have fantastic opportunities for citizenship training at Boys State and Girls State. Delegates learn about responsibilities of American citizenship; universities recognize these programs and offer scholarships. Recently, the Post established a Sons of the American Legion or SAL Detachment that honors Legionnaires’ sacrifices. SAL members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Many Legionnaires hold dual membership in SAL. Detachment 229 SAL will engage in their own civic projects (Contact Post 229). A little-known program is the National American Legion Oratorical Contest, held annually since 1938. The contest helps students grow in leadership ability, capacity to think and speak clearly and intelligently and in understanding rights, responsibilities, obligations and privileges of U.S. citizens. The contest culminates in late April at the national con-

42 Madison Living

vention, this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. Young orators earn generous college scholarships valued at $203,500plus. In January, competition opens for Madison students who are citizens or lawful U.S. permanent residents. Contestants must be younger than 20 years old by the national contest’s date in April 2023. The oratorical contest teaches high school students about important leadership skills, history of U.S. laws, thinking/speaking clearly and understanding of duties of American citizenship, Downs said. Founded in 1925, American Legion Baseball is America’s oldest, largest and most recognized national baseball program with more than 10 million players. “Legion ball is more than just a baseball program. American Legion’s goals are team discipline, character and leadership qualities in our teenage boys. We also (confirm that) a veteran throws the first pitch of every Legion game and gives players the opportunity to thank them for their service,” Post 229 Baseball Chair and Coach Bobby Lee said.

Madison Living 43

Here are some photos showing just a few of the activities the American Legion and Auxiliary participates in throughout the year.

Jr. Auxiliary members Olivia Downs and Finley Koswoski visit with a veteran at Tut Fann during Game Night.

Girl Scouts from Troop 21210 placing flags for Memorial Day

Auxiliary Pres. Downs presenting flag cases to the veterans at Heritage Assisted Living for Veterans Day.

Madison Christmas Parade

Wreath laying on the graves of local veterans.

Memorial Day Ceremony

MLB Pitch, Hit and Run

Grave marker cleaning day

44 Madison Living

The American Legion Honor Guard at a past Memorial Day Ceremony

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The Post also supports Madison Parks and Recreation Department by hosting the annual regional MLB Pitch, Hit and Run, along with Home Run Derby. • Americanism -- Foundation of Post 229’s community outreach. Legionnaires recruit residents to lay flags on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day and Veterans Day and to place wreaths at Christmastime. “These events not only instill patriotism but give our youth groups the opportunity to serve,” Vannoy said. Supporting this observance are Girl Scouts, Madison Service Unit 212; Boy Scouts, Troop 201; JROTC; high school sports teams; and clubs. “It’s so important for our youth to know the true meaning of Memorial Day and Veterans Day --- it’s more than just a long weekend,” Downs said. Periodically, the Post holds flag retirements. Flag disposal boxes are available at fire stations, thanks to a Post229-sponsored project for the Girl Scout Gold Award. Similarly, the flag burn pit in Veterans Park downtown was a Boy Scout’s Eagle project. Before Veterans Day, the Auxiliary conducts a cleaning day for veterans’ gravestones. Cleaning not only improves appearance but prevents future decay. “This year, we’ll clean Civil War era and older markers in Old Madison Cemetery,” Downs said.

Madison Living 45

Design Center

For Memorial Day, poppy distribution to residents represents Americanism. The poppy symbolizes remembrance for casualties in U.S. wars. “It’s important for our children to learn Memorial Day’s true meaning. It’s more than a three-day weekend to kick off summer . . . it’s a time for honor and remembrance,” Vannoy said. Donations from poppies fund most of Auxiliary and Post’s annual income. “We can continue to serve our veterans, sponsor Boys and Girls State and promote citizenship and patriotism amongst our citizens,” Downs said. The Post and Auxiliary donate to JROTC programs and present awards for citizenship and leadership to cadets. “The Post and JROTC units have a very good relationship -- cadets support Post events and anything else we ask. We’re really excited to have such strong JROTC programs in our city with outstanding leadership from their cadre,” Vannoy said. Veterans were willing to sacrifice their lives to defend America’s freedoms. This sacrifice extends to wives, husbands, children and even parents. For more information, email LVannoy06@gmail.com or visit Facebook/American Legion Post 229 or AmericanLegionPost229.org.

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SHOPPING

REFUGE INTERIORS

Kim Aaron says her new business in Madison is an answer to prayers STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 47

48 Madison Living

Kim Aaron is not a certified interior designer. She is not a connoisseur of coffee. Yet, she recently opened Refuge Interiors and will open LUX BRU in November. The two businesses, located on Madison Blvd, were truly inspired by God. They were the answers to prayers. They were born out of Aaron’s reconnection with her Lord. In December 2014, Aaron and her husband, Dr. Ryan Aaron, adopted a child from China. Along with the stress of her new daughter’s medical issues, Aaron was battling another personal issue. She did not lose her faith, but she did begin to question it. “I started to dig deep. I asked myself, ‘who is God, really’ and ‘what is the Bible really saying.’ I know it says you will have trouble in this world, but like when trouble hit me, it was just too much,” Aaron said. Her brother is a Methodist pastor in Birmingham and at the time his church was experiencing a revival. He and his wife would go to places where other revivals were happening and told Aaron that it might be where she could find the answers. Aaron accompanied her brother and sister-in-law to the North Georgia Revival Christ Fellowship in Dawsonville, Georgia. She describes the event as a revival baptism.

“Stuff you can’t explain were happening there,” Aaron said. “I was baptized as a child and was a little skeptical about it, but I felt strongly that the Lord was telling me to do it. So, I go into the water and my brother is there with this pastor. The pastor told me that the Lord was not mad at me.” Aaron said that she had really believed the Lord was mad at her for how she handled the pain she was experiencing. She said the minister told her before she went under the water that she was going to be marked with extravagant love and that she was going to be healed. “I had been trying to heal my heart for three years, so when the pastor told me that, I thought ‘well, I hope so.’ And so, I go under that water, and I come up and I felt something,” Aaron said. “The depression or sadness that I had felt for the past three years, but I felt it leave and I could breathe.” The doubts that still lingered were conquered when a lady sat down beside her and old her that she had seen my pain and what had happened to me, and the Lord wanted her to know that the images running through her head would be replaced with happier ones.

Madison Living 49

“I had been trying this on my own. I would go two steps forward and then take five steps back,” Aaron said. “And so, for her to sit there and tell me, that was miraculous to me. “ Her husband noticed the positive change and Aaron says he wanted what she was experiencing. The family began driving to Birmingham every Sunday for worship at her brother’s church and soon her husband had the idea for them to move to Africa to be missionaries. “I was like, no, we are not moving to Africa,” Aaron said. “He then went for a seven-mile run and when he returned, he agreed that we were not moving to Africa, but that the way we have been living, which is how much can we attain and how much can we get for ourselves was going to change. We prayed about it and kind of wrote the Lord a blank check and sat back and waited for our answer.” One day, the couple was traveling through Dalton, Georgia and stopped at a local boutique to shop. The boutique was faith-based. Aaron left her husband in the store to pay for some purchases. When he returned to the car, he told her that he knew what he wanted her to do—open a faith-based business. “My first thought was that I didn’t have the skills to run a shop,” Aaron said. Things began to fall in place. Aaron says the Lord kept placing people in her life that fulfilled the idea of opening a faithbased shop. The first occurred when she met Julie Broadway at a ladies’ prayer meeting. Broadway’s husband is a commercial contractor and she led Aaron to Mark and Charla Johnson, owners of Terrame’ Salon on Madison Boulevard. “Julie told them about me and my vision. She relayed to me that they wanted to meet me about considering some space they had available,” Aaron said. “I went in and was honest with them. I told them about the Lord. You know a lot of times you say that the Lord spoke to me, and people look at you like you are nuts. But they did offer me the space next door to their salon.” Aaron revealed her vision of the shop, including making a Keurig available to the shoppers. The Johnsons asked her if she would be open to opening a coffee shop as well. Now, the idea of one business evolved into two. The coffee shop, Fresh Bru, will partner with the salon for spa lunches. “I felt like I was supposed to build the coffee shop, but I didn’t have anyone to run it,” Aaron said. “I was like Lord, you know that I am a wife, I’m a mom with three kids. My husband and I prayed and stepped out on faith to add the coffee shop.” The next thing to fall in place was the partnership between Aaron and her good friend, Wendy Howard, a home interior professional. Howard revealed to Aaron that she had a “God dream” and she wanted to know what it meant. Aaron knew exactly what it meant so Howard joined in to help Aaron chose merchandise for the shop as well as sit up shop. “I really did not care what was sold in the shop. I just knew I was going to have a shop, so Wendy helped me settle on home

50 Madison Living

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Madison Living 51

interiors,” Aaron said. “As I was driving back and forth to Birmingham with my daughter, I prayed about the shop. I kept hearing the word refuge. I was also reminded of a passage from Psalms that I read daily during the COVID lockdown. It was about refuge. Refuge was it. And, women look to their home as a refuge. Home is the safe place for your family and Jesus is our refuge. It was perfect.” Besides offering quality home interior merchandise and gifts, the idea is for employees to listen to the patrons and be open to sharing a ministry. The shop has a prayer room in the back painted in calming colors, offering a peaceful respite for prayer. “The purpose is to just create an atmosphere of peace and love,” Aaron said. “So, if somebody comes in and they start telling you about their husband that has cancer, which has happened, it is just as simple as asking ‘can we pray for you.’” LUX BRU will operate on the same mission. Once again, through what Aaron calls supernatural happenings, she found the perfect fit in Brit Silcox to brand the coffee shop as well as the perfect chef. The coffee shop will offer sandwiches, salads and a variety of coffee drinks. “There are riches in Jesus. So, we want the coffee shop to be a luxurious experience where a woman comes in and feels lavished over and cared for,” Aaron said. “The coffee shop is beautiful, and you come in and want to stay and the food is going to be amazing.”

52 Madison Living

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From the beginning, the Aarons have agreed strongly that they will not going to take a penny of any proceeds that come from Refuge Interiors or Fresh Bru. Instead, once they become profitable, they want the proceeds to go ministries in the community. She has other ideas as well for giving back to the community. “We would like to partner with as many vendors as we can that have a meaning,” Aaron said. “I have always felt like art is somebody’s God-given passion. I would love for the Lord to connect me with people in Huntsville that have art to sell. We don’t have many of those vendors, but we will see.” Since the grand opening on Sept. 13, Aaron has settled her new business. She is learning how to balance being a mom to Sydney, Michael and Gabriela with operating two businesses. She and her employees are planning for their first Christmas Open House for Nov. 4-5. Fresh Bru is expected to open that weekend as well. It has been a lot, but Aaron is not worried. “I heard a sermon not too long ago that said you have to agree with grace on your life. You really do,” Aaron said. “There have been so many times where I come out of agreement with grace and say I can’t do this. It’s too much. I’m not smart enough. It’s not going to last. The Lord called me to do this. He is not going to leave me. He is going to give me everything that I need and that’s all I need.”

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Madison Living 53

54 Madison Living

SPORTS

AUSTIN TROXELL The former Madison Academy standout and six-year senior at Auburn, looks ahead to what the future holds STORY BY BOB LABBE

Madison Living 55

As a teen, the usual toils of going through puberty was the norm for Austin Troxell who grew up in the small community of Gurley in eastern Madison County. In the seventh grade he began attending Madison Academy the private school located on the dividing line of Huntsville and Madison on Slaughter Road. Once arriving on the magnificent campus, he became a two-sport athlete participating in both football and basketball where the coaches of both sports were anxious to see Troxell’s huge size, that would eventually increase to 6-foot-7, 285-pounds, could be a huge benefit to their programs. Quickly adapting to the school, athletics and the fact his life would soon change in a big way, Troxell became a hot commodity within college football recruiters. Just about every major college football program had its claws ready to grab the young lad who became regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the country. His popularity grew to where he used a plastic bin he kept in his bedroom to store hundreds of pieces of mail from colleges from across

56 Madison Living

the U.S. Many of the big programs from the Southeastern Conference would reach out to him on a daily basis. The recruiting experience was priceless, and Troxell chose Auburn University early in the process, despite being a lifelong fan of Auburn’s biggest rival the Alabama Crimson Tide. Throughout the entire process they really recruited me hard and were so good to me and always there 100-percent behind me,” said Troxell of Auburn recruiting coaches. Now a six-year senior for the Tigers, the 6-7, 309-pound starting right tackle is nearing what possibly could be the end of his playing the sport he has excelled in despite undergoing three knee surgeries, which could spell little interest for his talents from the pro ranks in the 2023 NFL Draft. “If the NFL doesn’t work out, I want to move back to the Huntsville area and obtain a job as Huntsville is a great place to live,” said Troxell. The former All-State player at Madison Academy, where

Madison Living 57

he was one of the top-rated linemen in the country, has played a big part in the Auburn program since arriving on the Plains in 2017. He was a starter last season under new head coach Brian Harsin. The squad finished 6-7 overall and 3-5 in the SEC where it finished tied for last place in the SEC West Division. Auburn lost its last five games on the season including a classic to Alabama and a 17-13 loss to Houston in the Birmingham Bowl. At Auburn, last season the offensive line was inconsistent and Troxell knew this area would be one the team needed to get better and Troxell said with the new season came a new life among the entire team well into the 2022 season. “I’ve been here a while and I have seen just about everything and the chemistry among this team is the best I’ve seen,” added Troxell. “We have good relationships all across the team and going into the 2022 season I expected all of this to carry onto the field this fall.” The 23-year old Troxell graduated in Dec. 2020 with a degree in supply chain management and added a second degree last year in business administration. He also was married in May of 2021 to the former Sydney Chandler who works as a registered nurse in Montgomery. As a small boy growing up in nearby Gurley, the youngest of three sons to Matt and Christy Troxell was afraid of

“

I learned the more mentally strong you are the more physically strong you’ll be.

”

Santa Claus and team mascots. He chose to play football at age six where he was a running back who was tall, but not overly big and fast on his feet. At Madison Academy his was not only a big-time athlete he was only one of the most likeable student-athletes on campus. His popularity became so strong he was named Homecoming King his senior year. The road down the life of playing football hasn’t always been easy. He had two knee injuries requiring surgeries in high school and missed the entire 2019 season on

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Madison Living 59

the Plains with a third knee injury he suffered during spring practices, which included yet another surgery. He knows his injuries have been major in severity, but has kept his head up in his rehabilitation. “I haven’t felt this good since high school as coming back the way I did in 2020 is a lot of mental effort,” said Troxell. “It’s tough to get over that hurdle, but I learned the more mentally strong you are the more physically strong you’ll be.” Wearing No. 68 of the Auburn orange and blue is an honor according to Troxell. He said he loves the dayto-day routine with teammates in the locker room. He loves those moments where the Tigers win a game, and two games in particular stand out in his memory- the 2019 Iron Bowl victory over Alabama and last season’s huge win over LSU that snapped a losing streak to the Bengal Tigers on its home turf dating back to 1999. “I feel Auburn was the best fit me when I chose the program in high school,” said Troxell. “I’d like to thank my family for being my biggest fans.”

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

The inaugural school board consisted of Sheila Nash Stevenson, Donald Hughes Spencer, Sue A. Helms, Stephen Bryan Brooks (and soon John Walters when Brooks resigned), and Edward Anthony Zompa. The first superintendent was Dr. Henry Clark.

Celebrating BOE’s 25th anniversary

...

John Peck

Madison City Schools Communications Director

Maya Angelou once said “You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been.” As Madison City Schools marks its 25th year as a school system, a lookback at its origins seems in order. Twenty-five years ago, on October 16, 1997, some bold and visionary members of the Madison City Council took a big step in approving Resolution 97-133 which created a City Board of Education. Madison was part of the Madison County School District at the time and its residents had grown frustrated over curriculum limitations, facility shortfalls, overcrowding of classrooms and buses, a lack of voice in district decisions and other concerns. Resolution 97-133 was signed by City

Council President Marc Jacobson and Mayor Charles Yancura. Other council members at that time were Cynthia McCollum, Greg Curtis, Sally Warden, Chris Watson. Jim Reagan and Ray Stubblefield. The action set in motion the huge challenge of building a school system apart from the countywide school district that Madison and Triana had been under. The vote to become an independent school district came after several years of studies, PTA discussions and citizen town halls exploring the idea of breaking from the county. Talks led to more complex discussions and even passage of a property tax to support a separate school system. The 1997 council resolution established the MCS Board of Education, but the real

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

The Madison City Council and leaders who created the first Madison City Schools school board.

Ribbon cutting held to celebrate the creation of the first school board.

complexity was reaching the split agreement over buildings, tax allocations, division of assets, building a workforce and other matters before the Board was ready to assume responsibility for schools. Councilmembers Warden and Jacobson along with City Attorney Woody Sanderson met with State Superintendent Ed Richardson just a few days after that vote to discuss all the logistics to open schools for the Fall of 1998. The challenge was daunting, more so after Richardson laid out the requirements under an ambitious timetable. The inaugural school board consisted of Sheila Nash Stevenson, Donald Hughes Spencer, Sue A. Helms, Stephen Bryan Brooks (and soon John Walters when Brooks resigned), and Edward Anthony Zompa. The first superintendent was Dr. Henry Clark from Hoover who had to build a workforce from scratch. After many organizational meetings (sometimes two or three per week), the successful negotiation of a separation agreement, and approval of the federal district court, the Board commenced operations July 1, 1998 and opened its schools for students of Madison and neighboring Triana in August 1998. Triana was key to winning separation approval by the federal district court with jurisdiction over Madison County’s desegregation case. The rest, as they say, is history. Madison City Schools has grown from 5,638 students and six schools in 1998, to over 12,400 students today spread across 11 campuses - 12 when the new Journey Middle School that is under construction opens in August. The system is consistently recognized as among the best in the state, region and nation by almost any measure. Dr. Clark resigned as Madison City’s first schools superintendent in 2007. He was replaced by Dr. Dee Fowler (2007 to November 2016), Robby Parker, 2017 to February 2020, Interim Superintendent Eric Terrell (Feb. 2020 - July 2020) and Dr. Ed Nichols (July 2020 to present). Numerous board members have also served over the years, all with no compensation.

Dr. Dee Folwer at the groundbreaking for James Clemens High School.

Robby Parker celebrates the historic tax increase vote in 2019.

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Dr. Ed Nichols and the BOE at the Midtown Elementary ribbon cutting.

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

Here are some photos from the 25th Anniversary Celebration that was held Oct. 16 at the MCS central office.

Then-Madison City council members who voted to form an independent city school system: Cynthia McCollum, Greg Curtis, Marc Jacobson, Sally Warden.

Reception for the 25th anniversary observance of the creation of a Madison City Board of Education.

Current MCS Board of Education members Tommy Overcash, Travis Cummings (vice president), Tim Holtcamp (president). Alice Lessmann, Scott Newberry and Supt. Dr. Ed Nichols.

Vic Van Leeuwen and former Madison Mayor Ann van Leeuwen, former Madison Councilmember Sally Warden. Also, Ruth Galloway, member of the original pre-MCS Madison Education Committee.

State Sen. Arthur Orr, former BOE members and now Madison City Council representatives Ranae Bartlett and Conniee Spears with Mr. Richard Spears.

Greg Curtis, Cynthia McCollum, Woody Sanderson, Sally Warden, Marc Jacobson. Early trailblazers in the MCS move to independence.

State Sen. Arthur Orr presenting a commendation resolution to Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols

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....................... AROUND TOWN .......................

Celebrating National Adoption Month with Kids to Love

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Lee Marshall

Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

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November is National Adoption month, we are so excited to share a milestone with our organization! Kids to Love is a licensed Child Placing Agency, placing children with foster families. Now, we are also a Foster-toAdopt agency which means we can help foster parents legally adopt children placed in their care. Finding homes has been our priority from the very beginning and we are incredibly excited about the possibility of permanency for our kids. Our commitment to connect families has not slowed our work for the children who re-

main in care. Right now we are busy elves in our warehouse – or should I say workshop? – readying Christmas gifts for hundreds of foster children. New toys and clothes are magical for our kids who don’t always experience the joy of Christmas the same way we do. You can help us make this Christmas the best ever: sponsor a wish list, pick up an ornament at a local business, or Click, Ship & Give through our Amazon store. Whether you want to foster a child or buy a Christmas gift, you’ll find all the information you need on our website kidstolove.org

FOOD

FALL CIDER STORY BY LINDSEY BOOTHE

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Every fall our family goes apple picking. Back home, the orchards are nothing fancy. What they lack in modern entertainment, they make up for with flavor and variety. We pick several pecks of all different kinds. If you know anything about apples, you know that some are better for one thing while a different variety is better another way. For example, a Granny Smith apple really holds up when baked, making a terrific pie. On the other hand, a Jonagold softens greatly, so that is always my pick for making apple sauce. One apple product that can be made from any variety is cider. In fact, it’s oftentimes best to mix it up and add several different varieties to a single batch. In this way, you can control the sweetness (the WV favorite Golden Delicious is a start here) or tartness (try adding a couple McIntosh) and make it exactly to your liking. We used to purchase it by the grolwer from a local farmer’s market. It was freshly pressed, unfiltered, and unpasteurized. They stored it in big oak barrels and by the time it made its way to us, it was lightly effervescent with a little snap to it. Now when we need a large amount, we purchase our cider from a local orchard. It’s in nice gallon jugs and it’s very good, but, as with most “old world” things, there’s just something about making your own. We’ve been doing it for years now, so I guess you could call it a family tradition. To press your own cider, no fancy equipment is needed. We just wash and roughly chop the whole apples and throw them into the blender to create a mash of sorts. Then we put that into a large square of cheese cloth and squeeze the cider into a big bowl or crock. When we make our small batches of cider, we enjoy some of the fruit (juices) of our labor immediately. The rest, we

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freeze for the Christmas season. If you come to our house during the holidays, we likely have a large tureen out of piping hot apple cider. I hope you get a chance to try this one out and, more importantly, share it with someone special. As with most good beverages, they taste best when shared with loved ones. Fall Cider Ingredients • 1 gallon unsweetened apple cider, preferably local • 6 cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving • 1 nutmeg kernel • 1 star anise • 1 teaspoon whole cloves • 1 teaspoon orange zest, packed • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries Combine ingredients in large dutch oven set over high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Let simmer for 2 hours, or until desired level of spice is achieved. Remove from heat and allow to cool and settle. Discard sediment and heat remaining wassail. Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve hot. This recipe was submitted by Lindsey Boothe, owner of Alabama Treenware. Lindsey hand carves wooden kitchen utensils, including the one pictured here, in her Madison, Alabama, wood shop using all local hardwoods. Alabama Treenware regularly posts stories and recipes such as this one online at www.facebook.com/alabamatreenware and on Instagram @Alabamatreenware. Visit www.alabamatreenware.com to learn more.

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS SAVE THE DATE! Join us for Mayor Paul Finley’s “State of the City” address and help us “Celebrate Madison” with your entire family! The Madison Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to seeing everyone at Toyota Field on Friday, November 4th at 5:30 pm!

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

Noble Passage Interiors held a ribbon cutting or their new design center and renovated PJ’s Coffee Of New Orleans recently held a ribbon cutting. They are located at 243 Browns Ferry Road near the Kroger Shopping Center. store. They are located at 202 and 204 Main Street in downtown Madison.

JS Solutions recently cut the ribbon on their new corporate Headquarters.

Pure Barre 10th anniversary in downtown Madison, 14 Main St Suite A.

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

Enable Madison County, which used to be named CASA. The organization hosted a HealthSource of Madison Hughes Road recently held a ribbon cutting. They are located at 525 Hughes Road, Suite G. ribbon cutting at the United Way building to celebrate its relaunch.

Ribbon cutting for Super Ducks Car Wash, 8392 Hwy 72 west in Madison.

Holtz leather Co. on Main Street in downtown Madison.

Congratulations to YKTA Y-tec Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama, Inc. on winning the 2022 Emerging Manufacturer of the Year for the Alabama Technology Network Manufacturer of the Year awards with Business Council of Alabama.

Wood & Cloth Interiors one year anniversary, 107 Brookridge Dr Suite E1.

Check out more events and services through the Madison Chamber of Commerce at www.madisonalchamber.com and follow them on Facebook

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

The city of Madison’s first ever “One Madison” meeting. Mayor Paul Finley and Madison Chamber Executive Director Michelle Epling brought together local leaders to share ideas and community events to promote cross collaboration. They plan to meet quarterly.

Midtown Elementary Principal Savannah Demeester and Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols welcomed representatives of Family Security Credit Union into the Partners in Education program. Family Security gave a generous donation to Midtown as part of an ongoing partnership of support for the school. Partners in Education is a program with Madison City Schools, the Madison Chamber of Commerce, PTA, and local businesses and families to create a bridge between our community and schools.

Redstone Federal Credit Union President and CEO, Joe Newberry, has received the John W. Dixon Award for outstanding contributions to national defense from the Association of The United States Army. RFCU has been a proud partner of AUSA since 2004 supporting each other financially and by expanding memberships through sponsored events. Congratulations to Joe Newberry for his amazing work and receiving this award.

Madison Visionary Partners and the Madison Chamber of Commerce presented the Madison City Schools with a check for $2080 to go towards their snack fund. Thank you to all who donated to our campaign!

Check out more events and services through the Madison Chamber of Commerce at www.madisonalchamber.com and follow them on Facebook

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OUT&ABOUT

MADISON STREET FESTIVAL 40TH ANNIVERSARY - The Madison Street Festival roared back on Oct. 1 with a huge celebration after taking two years off due to COVID. The return of the annual festival in downtown Madison marked the event’s 40th anniversary. A team of volunteers led by MSF President Crystal McBrayer set their sights on making this comeback year event one of the festival’s best, and they succeeded. Thousands enjoyed the beautiful weather and the many attractions within the festival. It featured entertainment stages, an impressive showcase of local businesses, community artwork, a crafters area, fun sections for children and teens, food galore, a car show and even a kick-off morning parade. An all-volunteer team of two-dozen-plus people run the festival and “gather year-round to ensure that every inch and element of the festival have been considered to provide an optimal, seamless, immensely enjoyable experience for all attendees,” McBrayer said. “This festival is Madison’s largest event and brings neighbors together for a day of celebration and fun.” For photos from this years festival, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/themadisonrecord. Photos by John Few and Amy Few

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L I V E Y O U R L U X U R Y . ™️

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The moment your eyes meet. You and your baby’s bond is nine months in the making and we’re here for you every step of the way. 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.

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