February 2015 Madison Living

February 2015

Starting from

Scratch

The Zesingers build a custom home in a historic neighborhood

One-stop pet shop Pet Hospital of Madison services wide variety of animals

Checkmate

Madison City Chess League wins big support in community

Creative kitchen

Cork and Crust promises pizza, Italian and culinary adventures

A Caring Leader Jah mentors young lives at West Madison Elementary

MANAGEMENT Alan Brown President & Publisher EDITORIAL Katie McDowell Editor

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26 features

Gregg Parker Staff Writer Nick Sellers Staff Writer Jen Fouts-Detulleo Photographer MARKETING Kim Maracigan Marketing Consultant CUSTOMER SERVICE Tammy Overman Customer Service PRODUCTION Jamie Dawkins Design

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

22

ARTS & CULTURE CHECKMATE

26

HEALTH ONE-STOP PET SHOP

29

HOGAN Y LAUNCHES THE 100-MILE SWIM CLUB

30

EDUCATION A CARING LEADER

35

OUT AND ABOUT

home

Layken Gibbs Design Robyn Holm Design

4

food

Amanda Porter Design Madison Living P.O. Box 859, Madison, AL 35758 Advertising Inquires 256.772.6677 Madison Living is published monthly by Madison Publications, LLC.

HOME STARTING FROM SCRATCH

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LET’S EAT CREATIVE KITCHEN

Madison Living 3

HOME

Starting Scratch from

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The Zesingers build a custom home in a historic neighborhood WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

M

LEFT: Rusty Rogers with Open Gate Homes started construction on Mark and Janell Zesinger’s home in August 2010.

ark and Janell Zesinger enjoy their home’s casual feel and its juxtaposition of new construction, a historic neighborhood and nextdoor grandparents.

The Zesingers watch Madison parades from their house or take a stroll downtown for street festivals or to sample a treat at Whistle Stop Sweet Shop.

For their 2007 move from northern Virginia, they bought their first Madison house on Church Street “sight-unseen,” after inspection by Janell’s parents.

Although they loved their 125-year-old home, the family needed more room when daughter Natalie was born.

“We were way too low-maintenance for a highmaintenance historic home,” Janell said.

They found a lot across from Madison City

Cemetery. Simultaneously, Janell’s parents, Lee and Janet Smith, downsized and bought the Craftsman bungalow next door.

The arrangement “has been fun and convenient.

Our kids run back and forth to ‘Grams’ and ‘DadDads.’

People think we’re crazy to have grandparents next door, but we think it’s the grandparents who are the crazy ones,” Janell said.

In August 2010, Rusty Rogers with Open Gate Homes started construction with a floor plan that suited the narrow lot. “We were surprised at how much fun it was to design,” she said. “Rusty reined me in when I got a little crazy and kept us at budget.”

Pigeonholing an architectural style isn’t easy but ‘cottage style’ is their best guess. “The (white) exterior is painted brick, which drew quite a few comments from passersby during construction. Even

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The kitchen serves as a central site for meals, projects and fellowship in the Zesinger home.

Tall wainscoting in the dining room has a ledge to display decorating accessories and portraits.

Floor-to-ceiling shelves in their library hold neatly arranged books, collectibles and family keepsakes.

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though painted brick is quite common in historic homes, many people wondered why we would paint new brick” to blend in, Janell said.

The house’s 3,200 square feet has four bedrooms; 3.5 baths; dining room; library; mudroom; laundry room; large, open kitchen/living combo; and screened-in porch. In the attic, 800 square feet will handle a future bonus room and “man cave.”

Their library’s floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a window seat, perfect for wintertime napping, are attractive features. The master bedroom opens to the screen porch for a summer evening’s retreat.

All the family gravitates to the kitchen/great room.

“The mudroom is a godsend with three active kids and a crazy dog,” she said. For their first Christmas,

Santa installed a stairway pulley system to deliver the kids’ stockings and haul toys up/down stairs.

An eclectic mix of old and new, their furniture is relaxed. People “think we’re insane to have white couches, with three kids and animals, but slipcovers come off easily for washing,” Janell said, and “have survived Sharpies, hot chocolate, dirty shoes and the couches red wine.”

Mark and Janell say “scuffs and stains are inevitable with a busy family of five.”

Most furnishings entail a story. Janell’s greatgrandmother’s flour-sack quilt from the 1930s brightens the living room. The library’s Kuba Cloth Fabric reminds Janell of her recent trip to Rwanda. An Ikea-hacked bookshelf holds Janell’s grandmother’s

Madison Living 7

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A printer’s tray organizes seashells, pine cones, seeds, rocks and other treasures. Muffled colors relax this bedroom, adjacent to a screen porch.

Above the family’s piano, italicized letters of the alphabet add a simple yet interesting accent. Janell and Mark Zesinger sit on their home’s front steps with their children James, clockwise from left, Merritt and Natalie. A vintage quilt becomes a piece of art on this wall in Mark and Janell Zesinger’s home.

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CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: On the screened-in porch, a topiary sits on a patio table among mixed seating and a daybed. Muffled colors relax this bedroom, adjacent to a screen porch.

This dining spot adapts from serving snacks to completing homework for the Zesinger family. A nine-drawer chest serves as the vanity for this bathroom.

china and crystal.

Neutral off-white walls, along with those white slipcovers, allow frequent, inexpensive “makeovers” with pillows and accessories. “Maybe more than my husband would like,” Janell said.

Shade or sun, their Zoysia lawn grows like a thick rug, great for bare feet. The backyard slope adapts for summertime “Movies Under the Stars” projected on a 16-foot painters’ tarp.

Self-described “Air Force brats,” Mark calls northern Virginia home and Janell was reared in Texas. Mark works as a SAIC systems engineer.

Janell is merchandiser and buyer for Huntsville Museum of Art Gift Shop and a Noonday Collection ambassador.

Their children are Merritt, 11, James, 9, and Natalie, 4. Mark is president of the local Virginia Tech Alumni Association. Their church home is Messiah Lutheran.

Madison Living 11

LET’S EAT

Creative kitchen Cork and Crust promises pizza, Italian and culinary adventures WRITTEN BY CHARLES MOLINEAUX PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

ABOVE: The restaurant’s extensive wine list completes the “Cork” part of its namesake.

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F

or chef Marko Palazon, questions about the meals he’s trying to serve his customers are a treat.

“I like to talk with the customers about what the dish is before I give them a foreign name to try to pronounce,” he laughed. “I do it all the time.

It’s a teaching experience, letting you know about the

culture of the food we’re trying to bring you.”

As executive chef of Cork and Crust restaurant, Palazon said he balances between serving up the restaurant’s signature pizzas, its broader Italian offerings … and occasionally going completely outof-the-box into wild and creative cuisine.

“I did a lobster fettuccini once,” he explained. “I

processed the lobster into the pasta itself so the pasta tasted like seafood. I made a seawater seafood foam and the plate mimicked the ocean floor.”

Palazon described an introduction process that starts with a hello, and usually a pizza. And while cheese favorite Burrata, Valencian mussels or stuffed pork chops Valdostano may seem… well… foreign, Palazon declares all as opportunities for international diplomacy.

“The pizzas are the staple, the catalyst,” he granted.

“But once you realize there are 35 menu options, and no question is the wrong question, that’s when we help people experience the new.”

Cork and Crust opened in late October 2014 in the Village Shoppes of Madison on County Line Road as a pizzeria and wine bar.

TOP RIGHT: Cork and Crust’s “La Verdura” pizza, mozza rella cheese, Portobello mushrooms, oven dried tomatoes and asparagus on a pesto base. General Manager Eric To said the restaurant has already received enthusiastic endorsements for its pizzas. “We get a lot of feedback from people who’ve been to Italy who say ‘this pizza tastes like Rome.” BOTTOM RIGHT: Executive chef Marko Palazon promised “you’ll get good portions but it’s not overbearing.” Pictured is the Fettuccine Fra Diavolo, which includes fettuccine with shrimp, calamari and Prince Edward Island mussels with a spicy Catalan sauce and Parmesan cheese.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Wine became a big part of the restaurant’s experience, based on Eric To’s own background prior to moving to town.

Executive chef Marko Palazon displays a creation of his. Elegant dinnerware and glasses line the tables at Cork and Crust.

“We like to describe it as casual fine dining,” said Eric To, general manager and sommelier. With a lengthy background in restaurants, and wine in particular, To said he launched the restaurant with partner, owner Jim O’Brien, a newcomer to the sometimes brutal industry, making sure they had their eyes wide open.

“He really wanted to open a restaurant,” To recalled. “I explained it to him how hard it is. He wasn’t scared so I said, ‘Let’s do it.’”

The result was a kitchen strongly emphasizing premium components, like flour imported from Italy, but also made-from-scratch dishes and a “farm-totable” philosophy, a growing trend Palazon found is only just catching on in Madison.

“I’ve not come across too many places that work with the farmers or the purveyors of where their meats come from,” he said. “The whole concept is that it’s a limited number of hands touching the ingredients. It’s leaving the farms and coming into our kitchen.”

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A little bit of everything can be found on the restaurant’s menu. Food and wine veteran, Cork and Crust general manager and sommelier Eric To (right) came to know telecom executive Jim O’Brien (left) through To’s wife.

Cork and Crust’s newly remodeled interior seeks an air of what manager Eric To calls “casual fine dining.”

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The locally available raw materials strongly impact Cork and Crust’s cuisine, Palazon said, as in the case of Royal Red shrimp, harvested in south Alabama and in abundant supply this time of year, consequently the basis of many of his seafood sauces and dishes. “We’re cleaning and cutting our own greens, collard greens, lettuce, heirloom tomatoes. It helps sustain the smaller family farms.”

To acknowledged a bit of an identity challenge with the customers in that the Village Shoppes of Madison outparcel space now occupied by Cork and Crust was formerly a restaurant as well. And not just a restaurant but an Italian pizza restaurant at that, Famous Joe’s pizzeria.

“Definitely, it comes up all the time,” To said. “It has been a challenge, to separate ourselves. We’ve had to explain that we don’t have anything to do with the old owners.”

Part of that process has been a complete remaking of the restaurant, which was gutted and remodeled.

“What we’ve done with the building makes people completely forget about the old place,” To said.

The Madison market has proved highly successful, To declared, adding that Cork and Crust now needs to broaden its business.

“It’s been crazy on the weekends,” he said. “We’re trying to build our Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays with an aggressive happy hour. Everything by the glass is half off and you can get a glass of 12-year-old Scotch for five dollars.”

In January, the restaurant started serving lunch and its plans called for a Sunday brunch to start in late March.

Charles Molineaux is an anchor and investigative reporter with WAFF 48 News.

Business Spotlight

Warehouse Furniture Making homes beautiful

W

ith over $1,000,000 in inventory, Warehouse Furniture offers outstanding choices in home furnishings. For almost half a century, the store has helped customers select quality, affordable furniture.

Store founder Marshall ‘Ace’ Collins accumulated more than five decades of experience in the furniture industry until his death three years ago. “We’re continuing the same ethics for the store,” his wife Pam Collins said.

Instead of numerous products from a handful of manufacturers, Warehouse Furniture judges the best options from more than 65 independent companies for superior quality, price and engineering.

Customers can select a bedroom

suite in classic styling or more dramatic flair.

Many options are available in children’s bedding, waterbeds, mattresses, adjustable beds, bunk beds and futons.

Wingback and club chairs, chaise lounges and recliners provide relaxation. Formal and casual sofas and modular seating have leather and lush upholstered options. Home accents include entertainment centers, grandfather clocks, coffee tables and baker’s racks.

For dining, Warehouse Furniture can suit your lifestyle with choices in rich hardwood, glass and decorative metals.

For entertaining, bars and stools vary

from contemporary to retro appeal.

Can’t decide on which pieces to buy?

The staff can guide you to the best fit for style and budget. Warehouse Furniture has free delivery and setup in most cases.

Feel free to ask about easy financing.

Store hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. In Huntsville, the address is 2652 Jordan Lane; a second location is at 1213 West Gaines Street in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

Warehouse Furniture: Huntsville - 256-837-8822, pam@warehousefurniturehsv.com, warehousefurniturehsv.com

Madison Madison Living Living 17 17

Business Spotlight

Divine Expressions Family Dentistry Patients can feel confident

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t his practice in Madison, Rev. Dr. Laurentis Barnett at Divine Expressions Family Dentistry welcomes patients of all ages to full scope dentistry.

“We like for our patients to build relationships and trust with their dental team and try to limit having to refer them out to others they don’t know or have the relationship with,” Dr. Barnett said.

For his entire life, Dr. Barnett has wanted to enter the field of medicine. “I can remember going to work with my grandmother at the health department,” he said. “The dentist there took time to

show me around and teach me how to count teeth at the age of 5.”

Dr. Barnett can help his patients with implants, full mouth makeovers and teeth straightening. “We make beautiful smiles!” he said.

“What sets Divine Dentistry apart from other dentist offices? We pride ourselves in creating an atmosphere that is warm, relaxing, family-oriented and at the state-of-the-art level in the field,” Dr. Barnett said.

By creating this comfortable environment, “we hope to reduce the anxiety and fear that patients may have coming to the dentist,” Dr. Barnett said.

The office is open on Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (lunch at 1 p.m.); Tuesdays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch at noon); Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch at noon); and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (lunch at 1 p.m.).

Divine Expressions Family Dentistry: Madison - 7185 U.S. 72 West, Suite C in Madison. 256-837-1200, info@divineexpressionsdentistry.com, www.divineexpressionsdentistry.com

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Business Spotlight

Wolde Flooring Remodeling experts

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long with supplying top-of-the-line materials for new construction, Wolde Flooring can handle remodeling projects for a kitchen, bathroom or other space in your home or business.

“Remodeling looks exciting,” Wolde spokesman Leon Wink said. “If you have ever watched one of the many remodeling television shows, you will get motivated to update your home – or purchase an older home that needs work.”

However, the process requires many decisions that can be crucial to the finished project.

Locally, the Lee family in Madison has completed a remodeling project with Wolde Flooring. Terrance and Vicky Lee recently purchased a home that had been on the market for an extended period of time.

“The house had many things going for it: perfect location in the middle of the City of Madison — convenient to schools and shopping. The fully treed lot provides lots of shade,” Mr. Terrance Lee said.

In addition, the four-bedroom house has a converted attic space that is a perfect playroom when the Lees’ grandchildren come to visit. A storm shelter provides safety from dangerous weather.

However, the house was built in the late 1980s, and “the colors were glaringly out-of-date. This situation probably contributed to the long time on the market without a buyer who was daring enough to tackle the remodel,” Wink said.

Wolde Flooring consulted with the Lee family and developed their vision. Wolde Flooring supplied all of the flooring

and countertop materials and installation services, while recommending local/licensed tradesmen to assist with miscellaneous work, such as plumbing, trim and painting.

The original cabinets had been stained a medium ‘oak’ color.

The Lees decided to have their cabinets painted a light shade of gray, with the kitchen island a darker shade of gray. The laminate countertops were replaced with honed black granite and polished white Carrara marble.

The original brass cabinet hardware and lighting were replaced throughout with stainless and nickel.

Downstairs carpet was replaced with unfinished red oak hardwood flooring. Then, Wolde Flooring sanded and stained both the existing hardwood and new hardwood — to blend old and new together. The result is a seamless hardwood that appears to be brand new.

The master and powder bathrooms were completely remodeled. In the master bathroom, Wolde Flooring installed a radiant-heated floor system controlled by a digital programmable thermostat. A custom glass backsplash added a ‘finishing touch’ to the powder bathroom.

“The transformation was incredible,” Wink Said. “With 45 days into the project, the house was brought forward 30 years.

The home furnishings appear to be new and trendy.”

The Lees now take pride in a residence that looks like a new home ... or the dream home like you see on reality remodeling shows on television networks.

Now settled into their ‘new’ home, the Lees recently celebrated their first Christmas in the updated environment with their children and grandchildren.

To review Wolde Flooring’s portfolio with projects similar to the Lees’ remodeling, visit houzz.com/pro/Wolde-Flooring.

Showroom hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wolde Flooring: Madsion - 7559-B U.S. 72 West, Madison. 256-325-8453, info@woldeflooring.com, woldeflooring.com, www.facebook.com/ Wolde-Flooring

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ARTS & CULTURE

Checkmate Madison City Chess League sees phenomenal growth, future potential

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND SCOTT WILHELM 22 Madison Living

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small board and 32 little statuettes have stirred a phenomenon in Madison.

Interest in chess by Madison’s youth shows no sign of subsiding. ‘Chess fever’ doesn’t surprise Ranae Bartlett, who first volunteered with Rainbow Elementary School Chess Team and co-founded and directs Madison City Chess League.

“We live in an amazing city with a world-class school system. What sets us apart is that our school system is committed to ensuring every single school –elementary, middle and high – is equally outstanding (with) equal educational opportunities,” Bartlett said.

“When that groundwork exists, once one school

develops a strong program, it does not surprise me that others will follow,” she said.

Chess isn’t new to town, with school teams dating back to the early 2000s. The game always has had strong interest at Horizon Elementary School, due to groundbreaking work by coach Corbin Holland and sponsor/enrichment specialist Beth Bero.

Bero’s records show Horizon and Heritage first had a monthly rotating “meet.” Horizon won the state championship in 2007.

“Rainbow started playing chess matches with Horizon to learn and improve and found its own competition coach,” Bartlett said. “Within a couple

LEFT: Several enrichment specialists are offering chess to elementary students – classroom teachers as early as kindergarten.

RIGHT: This team of Madison chess players participated in the global match with Chinese students.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Playing chess games increases a child’s perseverance and sportsmanship.

Members of the 2014 State Elementary Club Champion Team from Madison City Chess League are Joshua Lin, from left, Om Badhe, Aubteen Pour-Biazar and Vishay Ram. The team won at the 2014 Alabama State Chess Championship at the University of Montevallo in March 2014. Players in Madison City Chess League meet on Monday at Hogan Family YMCA. Starting January 2015, both Liberty and Discovery middle schools are offering a nine-week elective for chess. Members of the 2014 State Elementary School Champion Team from Rainbow Elementary School are Mercedes Zich, from left, Jenson Wilhelm, Michael Guthrie, Boone Ramsey and coach Ranae Bartlett.

of years, Rainbow became elementary state chess champions in 2014.” That success inspired other competition teams.

Chess teaches analysis, logic and problem-solving skills; improves memory and concentration; improves planning and foresight; and grows perseverance and sportsmanship, she said.

Bartlett’s only experience with chess had been a casual game and teaching her son when he was 4 years old. When he was a third-grader, they attended their first chess tournament in Huntsville. She quickly realized the key to winning was “team,” because individual scores comprise the team score. Plus, it helps build morale.

Developing that prerequisite, Bartlett collaborated with Rainbow Principal Dorinda White to build a strong program. “It doesn’t happen overnight,” Bartlett said. To share the know-how, the idea for a league materialized.

In July 2013, Bartlett and Rainbow coaches Bill Nash and Noel Newquist formed Madison City Chess League as a citywide venue for more youth players. The league with 40 to 50 children meets at Hogan Family YMCA on Monday evenings and hosts tournaments, camps and SIMULS (simultaneous matches between a chess master and students).

In October 2014 with SKYPE technology, Madison children played in their first international, competitive chess match 8,000 miles away with Ocean Chess School students in Xiamen, China.

“In Madison, our parents, teachers and leaders

have high expectations. That’s reflected in the accomplishments of the best kids one will ever have the opportunity to meet,” Bartlett said.

Volunteer coaches generate an exciting environment for chess. Competition coaches at Madison elementaries are Russ Freeman, Columbia; Newquist, Heritage; Corbin Holland, Horizon; Paul Mulqueen, Madison and West Madison; Chris Moore, Mill Creek; and Nash and Bartlett, Rainbow. Don Maddox and Bradley Denton coach teams for Discovery and Liberty middle schools, which train together.

Several enrichment specialists are offering chess to elementary students – classroom teachers as early as kindergarten. Some first-grade teachers use chess games as incentive to complete math and SuccessMaker assignments.

Starting January 2015, both middle schools are offering a nine-week general elective for chess. Also, every elementary student, elective enrollees and team members can have supervised training online for one year with ChessKid.com, another growth catalyst.

What does the future hold for chess in Madison?

“I have to admit it. I have a big dream,” Bartlett said.

Spurred by visiting Nashville Chess Center housed in an historic home that a patron donated, Bartlett “would love to see Madison have a similar chess center.” She envisions a home in downtown Madison converted for chess ... with upstairs housing for resident chess masters who visit and teach.

“Everybody has to dream,” Bartlett said. “This is mine.”

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HEALTH

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One-stop pet shop Pet Hospital of Madison services wide variety of animals WRITTEN BY NICK SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO PAGE 26, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Drs. Angelique Lawrence, left, and Erin Brown stand in front of their new practice.

Two canines frolic out back. Dr. Lawrence cares for a rabbit. All manner of clients can be found at the clinic. A cat is consoled.

ABOVE: The Pet Hospital of Madison welcomes a wide variety of pets.

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ith a population as diverse as Madison, so go certain other populations in the City – animals, for example.

That’s exactly the business of The Pet Hospital of Madison, a veterinary care clinic that cut its ceremonial ribbon in August 2014.

The clinic, located on County Line Road across from the Publix Shopping Center, is led by doctors of veterinary medicine Angelique Lawrence and Erin Brown. The clinic also employs several

veterinary technicians and an office manager to make up an 8-person staff.

To boot, another doctor of veterinary medicine, Erin Chamorro, joined the staff in last December.

The Pet Hospital’s website boasts animals such as dogs, cats, gerbils, mice, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters and sugar gliders – a small marsupial that can glide through the air – in its care regimen, among others.

“We do care for a ton of exotics,” Brown said.

“We do sugar gliders, snakes, rodents, reptiles, Madison Living 27

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: View of the clinic from County Line Road.

Angelique Lawrence, at left, with Erin Brown, both doctors of veterinary medicine. A furry client enjoys some recreation time.

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guinea pigs.”

“There are actually lot of sugar gliders in this area,” Lawrence said.

Brown and Lawrence’s professional relationship goes back longer than last August, though – before the inception of the Pet Hospital.

“Angelique has been my mentor since I was about 16 or 17 years old,” Brown said. “I started as a receptionist, and I wanted to become a veterinarian, and she’s been very supportive ever since.”

Lawrence completed her undergraduate and doctorate degrees at Mississippi State University, earning her Bachelor’s of Science and Biology in 1996 and graduated from the University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000.

Brown graduated from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.

“We were really aware of just the development of Madison and how much it’s progressing out this way [near County Line Road],” Brown said.

“We just knew it was an awesome location.”

The array of services offered at the Pet Hospital

are as numerous and diverse as its clients. Pet wellness care — including blood work to identify health problems — and veterinary surgery uses “state-of-the-art technology,” according the to the clinic’s website.

Other veterinary care services offered are dental care, chiropractic care and orthopedic care.

“We just kind of offer the full spectrum of care,” Brown said. “We just want it to be a one-stop shop for everything your pet needs.”

Folks who are away on vacation or visiting family and friends out of town may also utilize the Pet Hospital for pet lodging, as the facility offers boarding and grooming services.

“I think one thing is we really love our jobs and what we do,” Brown said. “We really enjoy talking to the clients throughout the duration of the care.”

The Pet Hospital of Madison is located at 12225 County Line Road in Madison and is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday from 4 – 5 p.m. The clinic can be reached by phone at 256–232–2289 or by email at info@thepethospitalofmadison.com.

Hogan Y launches the 100-Mile Swim Club

HEALTH

WRITTEN BY MARY ANNE SWANSTROM PHOTOGRAPH CONTRIBUTED

Y

ou might think that swimming 100 miles is over your head, but what if you had a year to do it? The 100-Mile Swim Club is rolling out at the Hogan Y in 2015, and whether you crawl, butterfly or snorkel, you can swim a century and earn your fins.

“Any level of athleticism is welcome,” said Ginger Upshaw, Hogan Y Aquatics Director. “That’s why we have incentive prizes for completing milestones. Even if you are unable to finish the entire 100 miles, you can still score some pretty amazing prizes!”

Prize incentives include a Y gym bag just for signing up, a Y water bottle at mile 25, an antimicrobial towel at mile 50, a waterproof drawstring tote at mile

75 and a commemorative 100-Mile Swim Club T-shirt upon completion of the swim challenge. Names of those completing the challenge will be added to the 100-Mile Swim Club plaque.

A little healthy competition also provides an intangible yet satisfying incentive.

“Leader boards will be online and displayed in-house,” Upshaw said. “We have spaces for the top 10 competitors to be listed. These will be updated on a weekly basis so participants can see where they stand next to other swimmers.”

Laps must be completed at the Hogan Y, and snorkels, fins, paddles and kickboards ABOVE: Ginger Upshaw, Aquatics Director are acceptable swim aids.

The 100-Mile Swim Club is open only YMCA at 256-705-9622 or stop by the to Y members, so call the Hogan Family branch to sign up for the challenge or join.

Discover. Play. Create.

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The Experience has been created by Grande Exhibitions

Madison Living 29

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A caring

EDUCATION

leader

Jah mentors young lives at West Madison Elementary WRITTEN BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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xcellent communicator. Caring mentor.

Innovative thinker. Dr. Daphne Jah leads faculty and students at West Madison Elementary School.

Since 2003, Jah has served as West Madison principal.

Previously, she was West Madison’s assistant principal and a first-grade teacher. She moved to Madison from Birmingham City Schools as a first-grade and Title 1 teacher.

In 2010, Jah and staff analyzed test scores to discover a trend with “boys at upper levels not achieving at the rate expected.” Many boys were in single-parent families, with few positive male influences, Jah said.

Inspired by Stephen Peters’ book, “Teaching to Capture and Inspire All Learners,” and his community’s “Gentlemen’s Club,” Jah organized West Madison’s Student Leadership Team to “positively influence these young men’s lives.”

Team members experience “increased student engagement and motivation through relationship and career building, role models, mentors and community service,” Jah said. On Wednesdays, members dress in white shirts, ties, pants and belts.

West Madison’s leadership team originated Monday Morning Assemblies, primarily student-led. After the “Pledge of Allegiance” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” students give weekly announcements and presentations, like the sixth-graders’ drum routine. Enrichment specialist Wendy Tibbs assists student speakers.

Another initiative, Back-to-School Community Outreach gives families a fun, late-summer event.

Teachers distribute school supplies that residents donate. “It’s a wonderful event every year ... a special time for students and teachers to catch up with each other,” Jah said. New families meet West Madison’s

“I decided at that point to know my students and help them as much as I can. I don’t know what they go through at night, but if I can make their school world a little better, I will do everything I can.”

—Dr. Daphne Jah population in an energized atmosphere.

For Jah, communication is key. Her weekly blog keeps parents up-to-date about West Madison’s activities, informing parents who can’t visit campus because of work or other obligations.

Jah’s blog features photographs “to capture excitement from students first-hand about a (new) activity. We have many talented students who can sing, dance and act.”

The blog shows Jah’s writing skills. Growing up, “I felt I expressed myself better in writing than verbally. When

LEFT: After starting her career in Birmingham, Dr. Daphne Jah has served as principal at West Madison Elementary School since 2003.

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LEFT: Dr. Daphne Jah’s sons are, at left, Ashton, 13, who attends Discovery Middle School, and 15-year-old Ja, a student at Bob Jones High School.

RIGHT: Dr. Daphne Jah has made a commitment to know her students at West Madison Elementary School and make their “school world” a positive environment.

explaining something, it’s important to be as detailed as possible ... from as many sides as you can.”

In recent months, Jah has appreciated West Madison’s test scores. “Students and teachers worked extremely hard in small groups, assessing students and then adjusting instruction.”

Colleagues have named her Teacher of the Year at West Madison and in Madison County Schools. She received Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity’s humanitarian award. Jah also has earned numerous grants.

Jah said she will always remember a Birmingham first-grader, the youngest of six children. Starved for attention, the girl always wanted hugs. She struggled with reading so Jah mentored her daily.

“One day, the light bulb of learning came on. Any teacher will know exactly what I am talking about,” Jah said. “She was so excited. I was, too.”

One Monday, the girl didn’t come to school, and was out several days.

Eventually, the girl’s mother called the principal. An acquaintance had stabbed

and almost killed the mother, with her children in the house.

The children were all sent to live with a relative because the person threatened the entire family. “I never saw (the girl) again. I didn’t get to say bye,” Jah said.

Sometimes now, Jah wonders ... Where is she? How is she doing?

“I decided at that point to know my students and help them as much as I can,” Jah said. “I don’t know what they go through at night, but if I can make their school world a little better, I will do everything I can.”

Jan earned a bachelor’s degree at Birmingham-Southern College and a master’s degree at Alabama A&M University, both in early childhood education, and a doctorate’s degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Her children are Ja, 15, at Bob Jones High School, and Ashton, 13, at Discovery Middle School.

Away from work, Dr. Jah enjoys singing, reading and knitting. She serves as worship leader at New Hope Outreach Ministries.

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EDUCATION

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Stakeholder input helps Madison City Schools achieve, improve

his spring, we will again schedule in middle schools, the seek input from our amount of extracurricular choices, and stakeholders regardthe college and career support from ing our service to them counselors. The student advisory panel as a school district and as individual voiced a desire for more computer schools. The query will cover all areas: programming options (which the technology, governance, safety, teachBoard is studying), more tutoring Dr. Dee ing, financial stewardship, and opporopportunities ( James Clemens Fowler tunities for each individual student. launched a successful after-school The online parent and teacher tutoring program this year, including surveys are just one way Madison City transportation home), and collaboration Schools reaches out for public input. The among teachers to distribute class workloads responses help us affirm what we are doing more evenly. Students were overwhelmingly right and identify areas for improvement. in favor of a bring-your-own electronic device Our dialogue starts with students. I have policy versus having the district provide them. a student advisory council that I meet There are other ways we collaborate with with regularly along with Dennis James, the public. Our career tech program has an our director of student services. It is a advisory board made up of parents and local representative body from our middle and business leaders who offer guidance on courshigh schools. In our most recent roundtable es based on workforce development data. discussion, students were complimentary An advisory committee helped our of the new rotating and expanded block instructional team in improving the middle

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school experience. The resulting expanded block schedule increased the number of electives students could take. Rotating those blocks aids students who perform better in different parts of the day.

We use Facebook, Twitter, a district blog and local media to inform and prompt input.

Whenever our school calendar is being designed, for example, we publicize the proposal from the Board of Education and ask for public comment.

Improving our school system is truly a collaborative effort among all stakeholders.

Students, teachers, staff, parents, community leaders and business partners work collectively to make MCS a leader beyond our boundaries. With your continued participation, I am confident we will continue to grow into a global leader in education.

Dr. Dee O. Fowler is Superintendent of Education for Madison City Schools.

Basketball Fans Fans of Bob Jones and James Clemens alike spent part of their holiday season at the Huntsville Times Classic tournament at Huntsville High School Dec. 26, 27 and 29.

1. Willie Love and Edward Reedus 2. Johnson’s head coach, Jack Doss, with his wife, Lorri 3. Marci Jones with Zeke Park

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4. From left, James Clemens Athletic Director Eric Terrell, Madison City Schools employees John Jones and Justin Brown, and James Clemens Principal Brian Clayton

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5. Dr. Brian Clayton, left, with Allen Love 6. Stephanie Malone and Reginald Epps 7. Dexter Williams, at left, with Gus James

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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Apex Dental Ribbon Cutting

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Apex Dental cuts the ribbon on its location on Highway 72 in Madison on Jan. 7.

1. From left, Doris Copeland, Bill Delong and Brett Schaffer 2. Kevin Wright with Debbie Roberson 3. Dr. Phillip English, owner of Apex Dental, speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony 4. Jeff Robertson, left, and Jim English 5. Brothers Phillip and Patrick English, back, and parents Ann and Jim English

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6. Donna Robertson, left, with Christian Gillman 7. Larissa Moore, left, with Kimberly Hardee 8. Cathy Schneider and Keith Page

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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Madison Chamber of Commerce After Hours

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Alabama Credit Union on Highway 72 hosted the Madison Chamber of Commerce After Hours Jan. 8.

1. From left, Ray Pfeiffer, Steve Swofford and Russ Harton 2. Brady Wakefield and Kelley Porter 3. Christy Stephens, left, with Ashley Polesak 4. Debra Mears, left, with Dee Dee McGee

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5. From left, Meredith Bailey, Travis Lee, J.R. Ludwig and Sandra Slater

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6. Stacie Lewis and Steve Rousseau 7. Colby Robinson and Kristy McCann 8. Renee Collins and Kewana McDonald, back rown, with Esther and Eden

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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Who will YOU honor by wearing RED? Heart disease is the number one killer of women and more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. It affects more than 43 million women in the United States alone.

Join us in supporting all those with heart disease by wearing red each Friday in February.

Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following risk factors: • H igh blood pressure • Smo king • H igh cholesterol • Physi cal inactivity • Di abetes • Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption • Ove rweight

Marketplace Madison Living • 256.772.6677

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800-338-2717 JOBS IN ALABAMA!! AIDT assists employers throughout AL by identifying qualified applicants by recruitment, screening & training services. Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs for latest jobs & training!

Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. Call for more information 256-539-1400 www.alwaysthereinc.com ANN’S ALTERATIONS 600 Limestone Street, Suite #6 Hartselle, AL 256-773-4213 Piano Tuning / Repair, Refinishing, Moving & Storage Trained by The School for the Blind. Buddy Gray Music.

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Insurance Agency in Haleyville seeking full time sales rep.

No experience req’d. Salary + Commission. Email resume to ccolvard@allstate.com.

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We install Floor Supports, French Drains, Encapsulations, Moisture Barriers. We do Mold Remediation! Crawlspace Solutions 256-436-0014 Looking for a home? Need help with financing?

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Please apply in person at 10655 Hwy 43 Russellville Alabama or send your resume to pjohnson@franklinhomesusa. com.

Kubota L3940 HST 4x4 w/ 871 hrs, 41HP, QA Kubota Loader & Bucket: $17,700.

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IMMEDIATE WORK AVAILABLE for dependable Caregivers & CNAs in Decatur, Hartselle, and Athens. For details, call 256-355-0024!

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ATI 45 compact $449; ATI subcompact w/ hi-capacity mag $469; Gift Certificates Available JC’s Guns & Tackle Shop, 1650 Jordan Ln, Huntsville 256-830-0761

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For application or more info call Nicole Johns 334-687-6000 X 18 Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 High quality painting int & ext, sheet rock repair & installation, siding repair & installation, carpentry incl. No height too steep!! FREE Pressure Washing For details call 256-746-0646 MANUFACTURED HOMES MOBILE HOMES with land.

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