Madison Living April 2015

April 2015

In the spotlight Bob Jones visits New York City streets for spring musical

Looking to the future New director introducing new programs to Hogan Family YMCA

Supreme wings Wing Zilla Grill bolsters Madison’s restaurant scene

East meets

West

Patel home weaves dynamics of family, cultures

Art 4 Paws

Pets and artistic air handshake at annual festival

MANAGEMENT Alan Brown President & Publisher EDITORIAL Katie McDowell Editor 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

14 30 features SPORTS & RECREATION 14

LACROSSE GOES MAINSTREAM

22

ARTS & CULTURE ART 4 PAWS

26

HEALTH LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

29

LEARNING TO LEAD

30

EDUCATION IN THE SPOTLIGHT

34

SAFETY FIRST

35

OUT AND ABOUT

home

Layken Gibbs Design Robyn Holm Design

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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 EAST MEETS WEST

food 10

LET’S EAT SUPREME WINGS

Madison Living 3

HOME

East West meets

4 Madison Living

Patel home weaves dynamics of family, cultures WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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enerations and cultures blend in Dr. Sandy and Amy Patel’s home, like an East-meets-West tapestry tightly woven with family bonds.

In northwest Madison, the Patels chose a two-story redbrick home, built as two houses – one stacked atop another. The previous owners lived in the walkout basement; their son’s family lived upstairs.

PAGE 4: The Patel family includes Kieran, from left, Ryan, Indira, Sandy, Amy and Connery. CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A vintage jukebox serves as the base for wedding photos of Sandy and Amy Patel, Sandy and Amy’s parents, along with Amy’s paternal grandparents. The silver statue of Ganesh, an Indian god with the head of an elephant, is the god of new beginnings and wisdom.

In this living area, over the old church pew are an Indian wall hanging, two Indian prayer stools, a window from Amy’s great-grandfather’s house and a piece of wood from a trip to Belize.

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The house has much more space than expected at first glance. Downstairs has a separate kitchen, sleeping and living quarters, garage and laundry or “safe room.” Combined, the house has five bedrooms, three baths, two kitchens and several living spaces.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Patels and their two sons share the home Connery Patel practices with their nephew, Sandy’s mother and 15-year-old on his drum set. This Labrador mix, Gryphon. snack area is in the home’s The décor reflects the blend of cultures and basement. Mixed textures, generations in the home. surfaces and forms vary in this collection of the “We’ve decorated with a mix of old and new, family initial, ‘P.’ A coconut Americana and Indian. The house is filled with books, placed at the front door quotations, artwork and photos,” Amy said. is a traditional Indian Amy was in first grade when her family moved from blessing. A kite hangs from Crossville, Tennessee for her father’s job at Redstone the ceiling as a decorative Arsenal. Reared in Rockville, Maryland, Sandy element.

6 Madison Living

moved to earn his doctorate degree at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Their entryway displays three generations of wedding photographs, Gina Percifull’s artwork and a Gandhi quotation. The music room houses a piano, guitars and cigar-box banjo. Their pool room has license plates from Sandy’s dad, American flag from Amy’s dad and a carrom board.

In the master bedroom, a re-purposed, salvaged door is the headboard and Amy’s hope chest is the bed’s base. Amy and her mother refinished the dresser.

Framed posters like “The Kiss” and old mirrors decorate walls.

The boys’ room is cowboy-themed. A curtain in Sandy’s childhood bedroom inspired their bathroom decor.

“It’s eclectic. It might seem cluttered, but everything reflects what’s important to us,” Amy said.

“Everything has a story. (People) might have nice expensive things, but they don’t mean anything.”

Most furnishings are contemporary, accented with cherished family antiques. A church pew, barn door and flour sacks came from Amy’s relatives. Sandy’s grandfather’s suitcase traveled from India to Kenya and is stuffed with letters and photos from India.

Their 22-year-old nephew Ryan moved in after graduating from high school in Florida. “It feels good to be here,” he told them.

Ryan works for Wayne’s Environmental Services.

He’s great friends with the Patels’ sons, 10-yearold Kieran and 8-year-old Connery. They attend Columbia Elementary School, enjoy Cub Scouts and play sports and piano.

Sandy’s mother, Indiraben ‘Indira’ Patel, moved from India in 1969 when she married Sandy’s dad, Kantilal Mangaldas Patel. For 30-plus years, they lived in Rockville. About 10 years ago, Kantilal passed away; Indira conceded to move here two years ago.

“The boys don’t have memories of their grandfather,” Indira said. “I need to be with them so they know who we are, what we are. I told (Sandy) when I turned 66, he could come get me.”

Indira visits her other son, a daughter and grandchildren in Florida and North Carolina and recently spent a month in India. She attends Madison Senior Center, volunteers at Madison Hospital and teaches Gujarati words to family.

Indira and Ryan have their own space, but Kieran and Connery often go “down to Ba’s house” to sleep, Amy said. They also visit often with Amy’s parents in Madison County.

Overall, their living arrangement works well. “But we’ll admit it’s not always smooth,” Amy said. “We are four adults with four opinions, schedules and ways of doing things.”

“We’re not the first multi-generation home, nor the last. We hope our boys and spouses will welcome us into their home and let us be close to our grandchildren,” Amy said.

As James Clemens Theatre’s founding director, Amy nurtures a healthy relationship with her peers Dwayne Craft and Mary Davis at Bob Jones High School. “We’ve always helped each other whenever we could,” Amy said.

“Theatre is more collaborative than competitive” compared to sports rivalry, she said. In 2014, Bob Jones brought hundreds to “Little Shop of Horrors” at James Clemens. In April 2015, “we’ll take ours to see ‘In the Heights.’ They learn by watching each other,” Amy said.

After working as a NASA astrophysicist, 8 Madison Living

ABOVE: The decorating scheme incorporates a mix of old and new, Americana and Indian. RIGHT: Connery Patel takes aim for a game of pool.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: In the music room, a poster of the Chicago skyline pays tribute to Amy’s time in graduate school there.

The boy’s bathroom has a superheroes’ theme.

Sandy Patel’s grandfather carried this suitcase when travelling from India to Kenya.

Sandy founded Patel Technologies Corporation in 2013, which provides technical solutions, strategic planning and analysis for tough data-intensive problems.

Sandy is board member and

president-nominee with the Rotary Club of Madison and member of the Industrial Development Board and Madison Street Festival’s steering committee. Amy occasionally returns onstage for community theatre.

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Madison Living 9

LET’S EAT

Supreme wings Wing Zilla Grill bolsters Madison’s wing scene WRITTEN BY NICK SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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Traditional wings of the extra-hot variety served with fries to quell the hot temperature.

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ucked away on the very end of a shopping plaza a dozen yards from the sprawling facility of Last Resort Guns in the stillgrowing area along County Line Road lies a modestly sized eatery: Wing Zilla Grill.

What it promises inside, however, is known to make more than a few grown men cry.

Wing Zilla Grill, which has been in its present location since May 2012, is a restaurant that offers,

apart from its daunting arsenal of wing sauces, plenty of classic American food options, including seven different burgers, chicken sandwiches prepared several different ways and salads, not to mention the appetizer options.

That spectrum is only part of the full menu, which also includes plenty of options in the way of Korean food. Kal-bi – charbroiled beef short ribs – homemade kimchi, kimchi soybean stew, spicy pork and

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Wing Zilla oers beer on tap at its fullservice bar. The brick oers a hardened, rustic touch to the relaxed atmosphere.

The kimchi cheeseburger.

Owner Kwang Stophel in front of her restaurant. The menu combines cuisine from across the globe.

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TOP LEFT: Spicy pork and rice are just two offerings from the Korean menu at Wing Zilla. TOP RIGHT: Customers can have a seat at the bar, where plenty of alcohol options help douse the flames of the scorching wing flavors.

ABOVE: Wing Zilla Grill’s signature logo.

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other items make up the international gamut.

“People come up to me in here and they say, ‘This is just like eating in Korea,” owner and head cook Kwang Stophel, who goes by Roxanne, said.

The grown-men-crying aspect comes from the wing-eating challenge, a common theme among restaurants with hot wings as its flagship item. Wing Zilla’s challenge is for patrons to eat 10 wings doused in its signature Help! Sauce in seven minutes or less – after they sign a waiver.

“Every single one cries,” Stophel said. “Every single one.”

Stophel promises a free t-shirt and dessert for those who complete the challenge, but the payoff is questionable when the competitors are forced to miss two days of work to recuperate – as has been told to Stophel.

For those seeking more manageable fares in the wings department, the standard mild, hot, extra hot, barbecue and jerk flavors are available. Stophel boasts an original recipe for a teriyaki sauce, as well as a Korean yangnyeom day sauce, which comes in mild or sweet and sour.

Stophel gleaned much of her business experience from owning Cricket’s, a Madison establishment recognized for its wings, from 1999 to 2001. It wasn’t until she sold the business and traveled the country

with her family that she recognized the necessity and opportunity there is in operating a restaurant.

“It was during the Great Recession,” Stophel said.

“I realized that restaurants are one of the only good things to do [in an economic downturn].”

So, Stophel took classes at culinary institutes in Korea and Texas, her home state, and found out that “cooking is my art.”

One of the things Stophel prides her food preparation on is the separate, fresh oil used to deepfry the french fries and wings.

“I use soybean oil; it’s supposed to be better for your heart,” Stophel said, adding that she aims to not add any MSGs into the oils. “We have one fryer for wings, one for the french fries.”

Overall, Stophel said, she aims to please the customer, which sometimes includes preparing things off-the-menu.

“If the customer asks, I can make it for them,” she said.

Wing Zilla Grill’s address is 10871 County Line Road in Madison. The lunch hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday – Friday, and the dinner hours are 5 – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday and 5 – 9 p.m. on Fridays. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and is not open on Monday night. For more information, call 256-772-7393.

LEFT: The football experience — team pennants and big-screen televisions for watching the games — go hand-in-hand with the wing-eating experience.

BELOW: Wing Zilla does boneless wings, too.

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rocketcenter.com/movies Madison Living 13

SPORTS & RECREATION

Lacrosse goes

mainstream

Upstart sport finds a home with young athletes in Madison WRITTEN BY NICK SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED

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The Patriots lacrosse team sizes up its opponent before a game.

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n the United States, lacrosse exists as a premier sport mainly in the northeast and, at the very least, above the Mason–Dixon Line.

Given the transient nature of many of Madison’s residents, however, it was only a matter of time before the area’s youth caught on to the fast-growing sport.

This spring, an emerging lacrosse team for boys began at James Clemens High School. Not officially affiliated with the school, the team name is “Jets lacrosse” and practices with Bob Jones’ unofficial lacrosse team – Patriots lacrosse.

“Dr. Brian Clayton, Eric Terrell — they were very

supportive of lacrosse,” Theresa Wesson, director of girls programs for Huntsville Lacrosse Association (HLA), said of James Clemens’ principal and athletic director. “[They were] just as supportive as [Bob Jones principal] Robby Parker was with Bob Jones. It just gives kids an avenue, another activity.”

Since 2012, Wesson has been the director of girls’ programs for HLA, which was created in 2007 to address the growing desire for the sport in the Madison–Huntsville area.

Wesson and her family moved to Madison in 2004 after her husband, who works for the government, was transferred to the area. Theresa became familiar with lacrosse herself after her daughter got a visit from some lacrosse specialists when she attended Mill Creek Elementary School. Theresa’s daughter

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has been playing the sport competitively since 2010 and is a member of the Jets’ lacrosse team.

The Huntsville Lacrosse Association not only manages the Patriots and Jets lacrosse teams, but also funnels area children into other teams such as boys’ Under-15, Under-13, Under-11, Under-9 and girls’ youth division.

The Jets’ girls team actually plays with students from Bob Jones, making up one of the two girls’ teams of the HLA. The Jets’ girls welcome any high school student willing to make the drive to the James Clemens campus for practice.

“We kind of divide up the teams based on where they live relative to Research Park,” Wesson said.

“Anyone who lives east of it plays with the Huntsville girls, while everyone west [of Research Park] plays with the Jets.”

Girls from Madison Academy, Sparkman and even Hartselle travel to practice and play with the Jets’ girls lacrosse team.

Over on the boys’ side, the Jets team is officially designated as junior varsity due in part to it being a first-year establishment. The Patriot boys are a varsity team. Paul Burke is the HLA’s director for the boys programs.

All teams based in Madison play a standard 12-game season, with opponents coming from around Birmingham and out-of-state, in Nashville,

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Patriots boys team.

The Jets girls team in action against Hoover.

The signature net, ornate in its design. An intense moment in a game. A Jet rears up for a potential goal against Vestavia.

The Patriot boys warm up before a match.

Madison Living 17

ABOVE: A lacrosse stick sits waiting for action.

RIGHT: The Patriot boys gather during a timeout.

FAR RIGHT: The Jet girls battle in the air against Hoover.

Chattanooga and other Tennessee cities.

The HLA is a member of the Alabama-Mississippi chapter of U.S. Lacrosse, which is the governing body of youth lacrosse leagues across the country.

The HLA has received extra attention from its presiding Chapter, Wesson said.

“They have identified our area, the Huntsville area, as one for growth,” Wesson said.

The growth has been evident. The 18 Madison Living

University of Alabama-Huntsville is fielding men’s and women’s lacrosse teams in spring 2016 for the first time, and the first woman to sign a scholarship with the Lady Chargers was Elizabeth Brown, a current senior at Bob Jones.

As it stands now, though, the opportunities for area youth to get plugged into a lacrosse team are numerous.

“We do have recreational level teams,” Wesson said. “We pretty much take people at any level. ‘No experience required,’ is our motto.”

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ARTS & CULTURE

Art 4Paws

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Pets and artistic flair handshake at annual festival WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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LEFT: This blonde beauty chose to wear a turquoise scarf for the gathering on Front Street.

rom Afghans to Airedales. To beagles and bullies. Varying from mixed-mutt perfection to show-class pedigrees, dogs will have their day at the Art 4 Paws festival on April 18.

Owners will proudly promenade their pups along Front Street in Madison’s downtown historic district.

“Madison Arts Council started Art 4 Paws because we found two things we loved and wanted to share them with the community. Two things that always put a smile on my face are animals and art,” MAC President Beth Ridgeway said.

Art 4 Paws will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

Each year, MAC volunteers work to make Art 4 Paws “as fun for the guests as it is for us to put together.

It’s like a party in beautiful historic downtown Madison where all of your friends who love animals can bring their whole family – dogs included – and have a great

time,” Ridgeway said.

People (and pet) watching is an intriguing aspect of Art 4 Paws. Owners proudly walk their dogs, many dressed in over-the-top costumes and tongue-in-cheek attire.

Art 4 Paws will entertain youngsters, mom and dad, singles, retirees and young couples. “From seeing great arts and crafts to the food trucks, to finding new items for your four-legged friend or even expanding your family with a new animal, we have something that everyone will enjoy,” Ridgeway said.

For 2015, the Children’s Area is expanding.

Chairperson Debbie Overcash has visualized engaging activities for the youngsters, as well as parents, to play.

A menagerie of vendors will offer artwork, jewelry, pet accessories and gourmet snacks for the four-legged friends. Professional photographers and painters will capture your pet’s unique personality.

Father Joseph Lubrano of St. Joseph’s Catholic

Madison Living 23

Church will open Art 4 Paws with a “Blessing of the Pets” at 10 a.m. Animal rescue groups will have all types of breeds of dogs and cats for adoption. Visitors can take time and meet the animals to decide on a good match for the pace and lifestyle of the adoptive family.

To-date, animal groups scheduled are Alabama Boston Terrier Rescue Inc., Peaceful Pit Bull Humane Society Alabama, SARTEC (Search & Rescue Technicians) K-9 Unit, Petlinker Inc., Greater Huntsville Humane Society, Madison Animal Rescue Foundation (MARF), Rescue-A-Bull Pit Bull Rescue, Helping Animals Without Shelter (HAWS), Rehoming Unsettled Animals, Peace Love & Animals and Decatur Animal Services.

“Each year, we have amazing artists along with vendors specifically for pets,” Ridgeway said. “We’ll have photographers on hand so your dog can walk the red carpet. Plus, a pet pedicure station” will pamper paws.

Local and regional artists will be selling unique, one-of-a-kind wares. You’ll find whimsical garden art, jewelry and paintings, plus fun pet toys.

A definite highlight at Art 4 Paws is the Amateur Dog Show. As many as 70 dogs can strut their stuff in judging starting at 2 p.m.

Dogs will vie for prizes as “Smallest,” “Largest,” “Best Personality,” “Best Trick,” “Best Dressed” and “Best in Show.” A special category, “Top Dog,” will feature dogs available for adoption from animal rescue groups that will be on-site.

Art 4 Paws sponsors are Hollywood Feed, Happy Tails Ranch, Redstone Federal Credit Union, JC Lock and Key, Invisible Fence of Huntsville, The Comforts of Home Pet Sitting and Madison Animal Veterinary Care.

“All Madison Arts Council and Art 4 Paws committee members are unbelievably dedicated to making this event better than years past,” Ridgeway said. “Our volunteers continue to amaze me at their commitment to making this city better.”

For more information, visit artsmadison.org.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Pieces of art reflect a springtime mosaic that represents the Art 4 Paws festival. This black beauty takes a break from festival fun. A black-and-white bunny rabbit nibbles on parsley at the 2014 Art 4 Paws. What’s cuter than twin puppies in matching dog-bone outfits? In a springtime sundress, this pretty girl is enjoying people and pooch watching at Art 4 Paws.

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HEALTH

Looking to the future

New director introducing new programs to Hogan Family YMCA WRITTEN BY NICK SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

26 Madison Living

F

ollowing recent changes in leadership Brothers/Big Sisters of North Alabama, of which he with the Hogan Family YMCA and is currently the board president.

Huntsville’s Heart of the Valley YMCA, As the Hogan Family YMCA just opened in the local branch is set to offer the same November 2010, Kasambira admitted the branch is summer programs and activities from years’ past, not as established as other branches in the Heart of along with a few new ones. the Valley network, which includes two in the City Jerry Courtney was introduced as the president of Huntsville. and CEO of Heart of the Valley YMCA last Nov. 10, “It really is new as far as association. It’s definitely while Daniel Kasambira was tapped a month later an untapped market here,” Kasambira said, adding on Dec. 11 to be the Madison YMCA’s executive that customer loyalty is an asset the branch is aiming director. for currently.

Kasambira, who was Already, Kasambira has previously the director of lined up an addition to the Alabama A&M’s student facility. Groups of teens from health and wellness center, said Bob Jones and James Clemens he has hit the ground running high schools as well as Grissom in his new position.

High School in Huntsville and “I like [the Hogan Family —Daniel Kasambira other area high schools will be YMCA] a lot,” Kasambira said. invited to present their ideas “It’s really been great so far. The staff members have for an improved “teen center” in the Hogan Family really been great.”

YMCA. The teams will submit their upgrades, and Kasambira has extensive experience in the field, the winning concept will soon become reality, as with stints as director of three different YMCAs Kasambira already secured funds in the budget for during his career, including in Chicago and New the teen center.

Jersey, along with experience in various non-profits “We want this to become like a fifth quarter in the state of Alabama such as the United Ways after high school football games, stuff like that,” of Central Alabama and Madison County and Big Kasambira, a father of four children, said. “We want

“We just want to serve

the community the best that we can.”

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Daniel Kasambira, the new executive director of the Hogan Family YMCA. The branch’s sign from Hughes Road. The facility’s indoor pool.

Kasambira touted the branch’s new exercise equipment.

Madison Living 27

ABOVE: Kasambira holds tightly his five C’s: character, customer service, cleanliness, community outreach and commitment, which comprise his “culture of excellence.” RIGHT: A running track encircles the vast array of workout equipment offered at the Hogan Family Y.

28 Madison Living

to be the premier organization for youth and teen development.”

With summer approaching, there will come a plethora of activities available to the area’s youth.

Four-day summer day camps for children ages 5–12 are available during the summer; Kasambira said around 350 children attended last year’s camps.

The outdoor waterpark will also be back open for business in May after opening last June. Teeball and coach-pitch options for summer baseball are available, with lower prices for members of the YMCA branch.

Kasambira also outlined recent improvements, such as adding 12 pieces of new cardio equipment and performing an update to the spin room.

It all ties in to Kasambira’s “culture of excellence,” as well as his five C’s: character, customer service, cleanliness, community outreach and commitment.

“We just want to serve the community the best that we can,” he said.

For more information, visit Ymcahuntsville.org/ Hogan.

Learning to lead

HEALTH

Hogan Family YMCA offers two teen leadership programs WRITTEN BY MARY ANNE SWANSTROM | PHOTOGRAPH CONTRIBUTED

H

igh school students have a short window of time to beef up resumes for college applications, but they want activities to which they commit precious free hours to be meaningful, fulfilling and, well, fun!

The Hogan Family YMCA has two fantastic Teen Leadership Programs that focus on personal growth, service opportunities, cultural exchange, arts and adventure.

the Yellowstone River or studying the animals of the remote Lamar Valley, teens will develop lifelong friendships, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.

Acceptance into the program is selective, and eligibility includes completion of 20 hours of volunteer service through the YMCA. The Yellowstone Adventure and Service program is scheduled for July 21-Aug. 2, 2015.

For more information, contact Joey Barnard, YMCA Camp Director, at joey.barnard@ Yellowstone Adventure & Service ymcahuntsville.org or 256-705-9622 ext. 329, The Y is seeking a select group of or visit chalakee.org. outstanding teens to participate in the Yellowstone Adventure and Service Teen Interfaith Multicultural Youth Coalition Leadership Development program in High school students interested in sharing summer 2015. Whether exploring the Grand and exploring other cultures and beliefs while Canyon of Yellowstone, hiking to the summit sharing their own are invited to participate in of Mount Washburn, whitewater rafting on the formation of the Interfaith Multicultural

Bison photographed during a Yellowstone Adventure and Service program.

Youth Coalition.

Teens will develop a community of peers that is welcoming and respectful and that provides a safe venue for them to explore interfaith and cultural understanding through dialogue, the arts and service project opportunities.

For more information, send an e-mail to IMYC@ymcahuntsville.org.

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Madison Living 29

EDUCATION

spotlight In the

Bob Jones visits New York City streets for spring musical, ‘In the Heights’ WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Genesis Phillips (Vanessa) gets disturbing news during “In the Heights.”

Emily McDowell shows Nina’s complicated feelings toward family, community and Benny, played by Samuel Jackson.

Chris Gunner, a senior, has performed in numerous productions by Bob Jones Musical Theatre.

30 Madison Living

I

n its most ambitious undertaking ever, Bob Jones Musical Theatre is presenting “In the Heights,” its 2015 spring musical.

Artistic Director Mary B. Davis trusts the community will attend and be familiar with a show that isn’t a “classic musical.” In 2013, Broadway Theatre League brought the show to Huntsville.

“In the Heights” garnered numerous nominations and won Tony Awards in 2008 for “Best New Musical,” “Best Orchestration,” “Best Choreography.”

The musical is set in Washington Heights on Manhattan’s northern fringe. Leads are seniors Chris Gunner as bodega owner Usnavi who dreams of returning to the Dominican Republic and Emily McDowell as college student Nina Rosario who returns home with surprising news.

The cast is exploring an unfamiliar culture “while acting, singing and dancing to upbeat and modernized music,” Gunner said. “Usnavi deals with problems I’ve yet to face; as an orphan, he has more troubles than I could even imagine.”

Nina’s feelings toward family, community and lover Benny require McDowell “to interact on many levels.”

Nina reminds McDowell of her own friends – “driven, intelligent, talented, kind.”

Other lead actors are Samuel Jackson (Benny), Genesis Phillips (Vanessa), Samantha Stratton (Abuela), James Mercier (Kevin Rosario), Basia Marotta (Camila Rosario), Erin Shockey (Daniela), Naomi Liriano (Carla), Guerin Tidwell (Sonny), Chance Novalis (Graffiti Pete) and Nathan Rodes (Piraguero).

The show’s message is timely: “Where is home?

Where do you belong? Who do you love? Family ... that’s where love is ... that’s where you belong,” Davis said.

Usnavi opens by introducing his neighbors.

“Gossiping hairstylists, boy next door, girl rising above hardships for college, nurturing grandmother, girl who

just wants out of a hard life, parents who sacrifice all for their child’s chance to live the American Dream, the funny friend,” Davis said.

Then, someone in Washington Heights wins the Dance sequences play an lottery. How will that windfall affect personalities and important role for “In the the neighborhood?

Heights.”

Madison Living 31

More than 100 students auditioned. Davis and student director Kristin Alley evaluated acting, singing and dancing to cast 50 students.

The show requires about 15 “techies,” or technical crew, with student tech director Sierra Anderson.

Professional pit musicians will tackle difficult Latin rhythms.

Teaching staff includes Technical Director Dwayne Craft and Music Directors Randall Fields and Newt Johnson.

Because no one could salsa dance, the cast and Davis trained during four 2.5-hour sessions with Carlos Colon and Gabriela Gonzalez at Madison Ballroom.

“Incredibly fun and a great bonding for the cast,” Davis said. Colon then assisted during rehearsals at Bob Jones in March.

A 13-minute dance number runs non-stop. In the “Club/Blackout” scene, the cast unites as one “creating stage magic. Layering of melodies, piercing sound of trumpets and high intensity of combined numbers create a whole new dynamic for the show,” McDowell said.

Dancing is new to many. However, soloists, like Gunner, have years of studio training. Davis grew up in a dance studio and previously choreographed her shows with students. Stephanie Friend with Heidi Knight School of Dance coached for hip-hop in scenes with a funkier feel.

“While Stephanie and Carlos are doing the lion’s share, it’s been awesome to use my own dance experience ... to come up with interesting ‘visual pictures,’” Davis said.

The cast learns “home is where your heart is, teaching them that using grit and perseverance can yield a much bigger payout than any lottery,” Davis said. For Davis, a line by Abuela is a favorite: “Paciencia y fe” (patience and faith). “Something we all need a little more of in our lives,” Davis said.

Musicals at Madison’s high schools encompass the school year and cost $20,000 to $30,000 to produce -$10,000 average just for rights/rental, Davis said. “The kids pour so much talent, time and love into the show.”

Because of costs, Bob Jones and James Clemens alternate years for musicals. “Our city has always supported our musicals. However, we’ve never made $60,000 (cost of two shows) in ticket sales,” Davis said.

Two shows would divide the audience.

“We keep the #onecity mentality ... supporting each other during our musical years,” Davis said. In 2014, Bob Jones loaned costumes, props and expertise to Amy Patel and Clint Merritt for James Clemens’ “Little Shop of Horrors.” They’ll reciprocate for “In the Heights.”

“Madison always has a wonderful musical every year and the quality of show that audiences adore and expect from our talented students,” Davis said.

32 Madison Living

Buy tickets!

What: “In the Heights” musical Location: Zompa Auditorium, Bob Jones High School Date: April 23-25 at 7 p.m., April 25 at 2 p.m.

Admission cost: $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors Tickets: Showtix4u.com or Zompa Auditorium box office

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Chris Gunner (Usnavi) breaks into a hip-hop move and impresses his Heights neighbors. The show music borrows from several genres of urban sounds. Student Director Kristin Alley and Artistic Director Mary Davis stand center-stage with the cast of “In the Heights.” Genesis Phillips (Vanessa) answers a volley from the women’s chorus.

Madison Living 33

EDUCATION

M

Safety first School Resource Officers are integral part of Madison City Schools

adison City Schools ‘What makes you feel safe?’ They values wonderful always list our SROs number one. partnership with Students feel comfortable going our PTAs, local to them with their concerns. That businesses, city government and allows our SROs to be proactive others to help us provide a very in preventing problems. They are positive school environment. tremendous role models, and our Dr. Dee kids love them,” School Resources Officers (SROs) Fowler are a vital part of that. Under a joint Our SROs are an integral part of agreement with the City of Madison, every school campus. They stroll the SROs –all duly sworn officers of Madison halls, interact with teachers and students, PD – are assigned to schools throughout and lead good behavior and characterthe school year. building programs. The SRO works closely The SROs help keep schools safe not only with school officials to identify and correct by their presence but through the positive student behavioral issues before they relationships they build with students. become a serious problem.

Dennis James is Director of Student “SROs often go the extra mile to help Services for MCS. Mr. James said regular students who are struggling. They offer outside reviews of the program find SROs counseling and act as mentors. They will at the top of the list of what students say is even do home visits to make sure students working. “Each year we ask our students, are safe,” Mr. James said.

ABOVE: Dr. Dee Fowler gives the State of the Schools 2015 address.

The positive relationships create a trust for students to confide a concern. “We want to be proactive rather than reactive. It is much better to prevent an incident rather than respond to it,” he said.

The Madison Police Department puts on an annual summer kids camp - another relationship-building tool with students It also provides its “text-to-protect” program to the schools free of charge. Our SROs truly make a positive difference in Madison City Schools.

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

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34 Madison Living

Maslenitsa Festival Madison-area residents of all nationalities and cultures turned out for the area’s fourth Maslenitsa Festival on Feb. 21 celebrating Russian and Eastern European cultures.

1. From left, Mariam Mohamed, Aniki Tabassum Sardar (Neela), Anastasiya Ulakina, Khapiya Minaydarova, Anna-Grace Murray andIzabela Manchkhashuili. All, except Murray, are foreign exchange students from various countries who currently attend high schools across north and central Alabama.

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2. Beth Thomas, creator of hats and cards that celebrate Maslenitsa and Eastern European culture 3. Anya Chubur with Gabe Kuklis 4. Elena and Timofey Sandrell 5. Magdalena Widemann, left, with Janice Uselton 6. Tim and Svetlana Kalcote, with boys Emil and Kirill 7. Juan and Minerva Rivera 8. From left, Aleksandra Kasman, Daniel Norwood and Tatiana Kasman

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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Madison Living 35

Maslenitsa Festival

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Madison-area residents of all nationalities and cultures turned out for the area’s fourth Maslenitsa Festival on Feb. 21 celebrating Russian and Eastern European cultures.

1. David Queener, left, with Father Gregory Schultz of St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church of Huntsville 2. Inna and Charles Teasley 3. From left, Elena Ekstrom and Ibrat Tohirov 4. Rebecca Kime, left, and Rita Feldman 5. From left, Svetlana Hansen and Elena Breault

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6. Paul Lee, at left, with Matt Osadcii, at right, and Alex Lee, middle 7. Inna Ryzhkova, at left, and Heather Bell take in the sights and sounds from the festival 8. Bindu Ankam, left, and Latha Gentela

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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Mustangs win state title

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Fans traveled to Birmingham’s BJCC Legacy Arena on Feb. 27 to watch their Madison Academy Mustangs beat Piedmont for the basketball team’s second state title in three years.

1. From left, Selena White, star running back Kerryon Johnson, Kristi Smith, Karen Meredith, Frances Counselman, and Kathy and Gary Musselman 2. John and Kristy Knight

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3. Mark and Paulette Berryman 4. From left, Dan and Sue Passon, Charles and Hilda Musselman 5. Alex and Diean Hairston 6. Back row, Andrew, Morgan and Sandy Holland, with Mallorie Holland 7. From left, Eddie Golladay, Brian Minor, Lawson Minor (front), Angie and Kyle Minor

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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Madison Living 37

Mustangs win state title

2

Fans traveled to Birmingham’s BJCC Legacy Arena on Feb. 27 to watch their Madison Academy Mustangs beat Piedmont for the basketball team’s second state title in three years.

1. Michael Watson and Annie Eisenhart 2. Alex Pederson, left, with Matthew Clark 3. Marshea and Dale Welsh 4. Wendy Folck, left, and Freddy Bundy 5. From left, Bronson Schad with grandparents Connie and George Schad. Bronson plays on the Mustang football team, and Connie and George traveled from Indiana to see the basketball title game.

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6. Wendy Owens and Leah Geis 7. Leah and Becky, back row, with Sarah, Cole and Cade 8. Andy and Sheila Eady

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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38 Madison Living

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Madison Living 39