MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • OUT & ABOUT
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INSIDE: Crumbl Cookies Unique lavender farm in Harvest Award winning recipes at the Ricky Shack Around Town with Lee Marshall Madison Hospital Upcoming events
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Life-changing Experience How Dr. Nancy White’s experience led her to help others
Boutique wants shoppers to feel ‘Filthy Gorgeous on Main’
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Alison James John Few
MADISON CONTRIBUTORS MADISON Gregg Parker LIVING LIVING Bob Labbe
EDITORIAL Richard George EDITOR Rebekah Martin Joshua Berry JohnJames Few Alison Erin Coggins John Few Lee Marshall CONTRIBUTORS Mayor Paul Finley Bob Labbe CONTRIBUTORS MaryGregg LynneParker Wright Parker MaryGregg Anne Swanstrom Erin Coggins Bob Labbe Joshua Berry Richard George Erica DeSpain MARKETING Joshua Berry MaryCounts Anne Donna Erin Coggins Swanstrom Lee Marshall Lee Marshall ADMINISTRATIVE Mayor Paul Finley Mary Lynne Wright Sierra Jackson Richard George Mary Lynne Wright French Salter Mayor Finley Mary AnnePaul Swanstrom
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CONTACT US Donna Counts Madison Publications, LLC 7734 Madison Blvd.EDITOR Suite 115 MANAGING ADMINISTRATIVE Huntsville, AL 35806 French Salter Sierra256-772-6677 Jackson Phone: Fax: 256-772-6655 French Salter madisonlivingmagazine.com
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Madison Living Madison Publications, LLC is published monthly 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite CONTACT US 115 by Madison Publications, LLC. Huntsville, AL 35806 A one-year subscription to Madison Publications, LLC Phone: 256-772-6677 Madison Living 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 Fax: 256-772-6655 is $24.99 for 12AL issues per year. Huntsville, 35806 madisonlivingmagazine.com Single copies are available at Phone: 256-772-6677 select throughout Fax:locations 256-772-6655 Madison Living the Madison area. madisonlivingmagazine.com is published monthly by To advertise or to get Madison Living LLC. Madison Publications, more copies, is published monthly to A one-year subscription call 256-772-6677. by Madison LLC. MadisonPublications, Living is $24.99 A one-year subscription to for 12 issues per year. Copyright 2020 Madison Livingare Single copies by Madison Publications, LLC is $24.99 for 12 issues per year. available at select Single copies are available at locations throughout 4 select Madison Livingthroughout locations the Madison area. the Madison area. To getget To advertise advertiseorortoto more morecopies, copies, call256-772-6677. 256-772-6677. call Copyright 2020 Copyright 2020 by Publications,LLC LLC by Madison Madison Publications, 4 Madison Living
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and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.
...
CONTRIBUTORS John Few, Editor Alison James, copy editor
John Few hasearned been in thebachelor’s field of newspaper journalism at and production for over 25 Alison James her degree in journalism Auburn University, years. Johninhas served staffher writer, editor and publisher for a variety of publications graduating 2012. She as began career in community journalism in Alexander City in Alabama and Mississippi. He was transferred 2009 toinbegin coverage of loves and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika beforeinlanding northhis Alabama. She Madison. covering thecorrecting City of Madison the past 10 years, John onplaces sharing theIn stories – and the grammar of those stories – ofhas the reported people and several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James that make north Alabama such a special place. Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has grown, John has been there to cover the news that has made Madison home. Together John and his wife, Lori, have seven children, ranging from 15-23 years old.
John Few, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer
Bob Labbe is abeen lifelong resident the Huntsville community. He has beenfor innearly the local John Few has in the field ofofnewspaper journalism and production 25 news media for served 48 years, journalistTimes, in television, radio and print years. John has as a multi-award-winning staff writer for The Demopolis the daily newspaper media. is a member of thefor Huntsville-Madison County HallGazette. of FameHe and has in West He Alabama, and editor the weekly newspaper theAthletic Black Belt was been nominated for to both the his Alabama Press Association Alabama of transferred in 2009 begin coverage of Madison. Inand covering the Music City ofhalls Madison fame. Bob hosted radio program, The Years,such for 29 on WLRH-FM the past 10 has years, Johna has reported onReelin’ severalinkey events, asyears construction of the Public Family Radio. He has also a local highHigh school basketball for 28 years andhas was Hogan YMCA and been James Clemens School. Overreferee the years, as Madison a high school football 15 years. Bob is anhas avidmade sportsMadison fan and home. collector of 45 grown, John has been referee there tofor cover the news that Together rpm records. He once boxed Ali and was from the reporter who asked John and his wife, Lori, haveMuhammad seven children, ranging 15-23 years old. the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Gregg Parker, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer
A graduate Mississippi State Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Bob Labbe isof a lifelong resident ofUniversity, the Huntsville community. He has been in the local Intergraph Corporation 1990 with wife Brenda and son For radio 15 years news media for 48 years, ainmulti-award-winning journalist in Andy. television, andGregg print wrote for Spirit” “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Times.” media. He “Madison is a member of theand Huntsville-Madison County Athletic HallHuntsville of Fame and has His articles havefor been in numerous chamber of Alabama commerce publications, been nominated bothpublished the Alabama Press Association and Music halls of “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Gregg considers a privilege to fame. Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ inWater.” The Years, for 29 years onitWLRH-FM document Madison’s coming age high in hisschool hundreds of articles forfor “The Madison Public Radio. He has also been aoflocal basketball referee 28 years and was andfootball “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg spoiling his collector rescue dachshund, aRecord” high school referee for 15 years. Bob is an enjoys avid sports fan and of 45 rpm Francis He Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netfl series;and andwife records. once boxed Muhammad Ali and was theix reporter whovisiting asked Andy the famed Paul Saadia, bothhis physicians, in Nashville, Bear Bryant last question as coach ofTenn. the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Erin Coggins, Gregg Parker, contributing contributing writer
AErin graduate of is Mississippi University, Gregg Madison High with Coggins a scholasticState journalism adviser andParker historyrelocated teacher attoSparkman Intergraph in 1990 withand wifepublic Brenda and son Andy. ForHer 15 years Gregg School. SheCorporation is also a freelance writer relations consultant. writing muse is wrote “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone “The Huntsville Times.” Worldfor War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle,Spirit” whom sections she fell ininlove with while a student His articles have been published in numerous chamberErin of commerce publications, studying communications at the University of Alabama. and her husband Jamie “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege reside in Madison. to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netflix series; and visiting Andy and wife Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.
Erin Coggins, writer Joshua Berry, contributing photographer
Erin Coggins a scholastic journalism adviser and teacher at Sparkman High Joshua Berryishas a degree in biology and works fullhistory time as an aquatic instructor for the School. She is also aHe freelance writer public relations consultant. Herdistances. writing muse is City of Huntsville. is also an avidand runner, ranging from short to long When World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom he sheenjoys fell in trying love with while a the student he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, to capture perfect studying theowner University of Alabama. Erin andhis heradvice husband Jamie momentcommunications on his camera. Asatthe of Everlong Photography, for beautiful reside in Madison. pictures is that nothing looks better than being confi dent in oneself.
Joshua Berry, photographer Joshua Berry has a degree in biology and works full time as an aquatic instructor for the City of Huntsville. He is also an avid runner, ranging from short to long distances. When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, he enjoys trying to capture the perfect moment on his camera. As the owner of Everlong Photography, his advice for beautiful pictures is that nothing looks better than being confident in oneself.
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15 DOWNTOWN SHOPPING - Boutique wants shoppers to feel ‘Filthy Gorgeous on Main’
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25 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT: Local resources to help give your home a fresh look this spring
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37 IN EVERY ISSUE
7 The Guide 22 Shopping 28 Around Town 30 Madison Hospital 48 Out & About 49 The Ricky Shack 53 MCC Connections
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37 CRUMBL COOKIES: Mitchell and Michelle Hall pushes through hardships of pandemic to open state’s first Crumbl Cookies franchise in Madison
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THE GUIDE
SPROCKET’S RUN TOYOTA FIELD • APRIL 3 “Sprocket’s Sprint” takes place Saturday, April 3rd at Toyota Field and will feature a 5K race, 10K race, and kids’ fun run. In addition to the fun run, registered racers ages 12 & under can participate in an egg hunt around the ballpark. All runners who sign up by March 13th will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Finisher’s medals will be given to each participant, with additional medals awarded to top three finishers in each age and gender group. The 5K and 10K race will begin at 8 a.m., the fun run will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the egg hunt will start approximately at 10 a.m. The awards ceremony will take place at 10:45 a.m. Toyota Field concession stands will be open during the event. For more information, go to www.trashpandasbaseball.com
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THE GUIDE BIG OL’BALLPARK FAIR
TOYOTA FIELD • APRIL 8-18 Following the success of last summer’s “Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair,” the Rocket City Trash Pandas have once again teamed up with Kissel Entertainment for more exciting festivities this spring. The second edition of the “Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair” begins Thursday, April 8, and runs through Sunday, April 18. The midway will be highlighted by 30 rides, plus numerous games and activities in the Toyota Field parking lot. Admission is $8 per person Monday-Thursday, $10 Friday-Sunday, and is free for ages 5 and under. Allday, all-inclusive ride wristbands are $25 per person Monday-Thursday and $30 Friday-Sunday. The event begins at 4 p.m. each weekday and 1 p.m. on weekends. For directions and information on other upcoming non-baseball events, visit TrashPandasBaseball.com.
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Madison Living 9
THE GUIDE
DENIM AND DIAMONDS DAVIDSON FARM • APRIL 17
Exciting things are happening at Davidson Farms,including the return of Kids to Love’s signature fundraiser. Denim and Diamonds is back! The night will include a VIP concert featuring Grammy-award winning Shenandoah! Appropriate protocols will be in place for COVID. You can also buy tickets to watch virtually from the comfort of your home because we don’t want you to miss the music or message. So, brush up on the lyrics to “The Church on Cumberland Road”, choose the denim or diamonds you want to wear, and mark your calendar for April 17 to join the fun in person or online. Go to www.kidstolove.org.
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THE GUIDE
CRUISE-IN AT ASBURY ASBURY CHURCH • APRIL 24
Awesome cars, trucks, and bikes will be back on the Madison Campus at Asbury Church for the Cruise-In on Saturday, April 24, from 8am-11am. In order to keep this annual community event as safe as possible, the traditional Car Show will be re-envisioned this year as the Cruise-In to provide a more relaxed way for car enthusiasts to participate while maintaining social distancing throughout the parking lot. The Cruise-In will take place in the Asbury Church Madison north parking lot, and attendee parking will be available behind Building 3. Entrance will be from Gillespie Road. Find more information at asburycarshow.com.
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THE GUIDE DARE TO EXPLORE: MILESTONES TO MARS
EXHIBIT US SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER Dare to Explore: Milestones to Mars takes visitors on a six-decade journey of space exploration and the innovations and discoveries that have prepared humans to land on the moon and go beyond. Developed by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s exhibits team, Dare to Explore highlights historic artifacts and new technologies, including Lockheed Martin’s proposed lunar ascent stage for the Artemis mission to return to the moon. Designed especially for young visitors with school groups and families, Dare to Explore includes displays and activities to examine the past and demonstrate how we will live and work in space as we continue our exploration beyond earth’s orbit. This exhibit is included with museum admission. For more information, go to www. rocketcenter.com
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The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is offering two new experiences in our Underwater Astronaut Trainer! With SeaTREK, museum visitors don a specialized diving helmet for a fully guided underwater walking experience for all skill levels, ages 10 and older. DIVR+ is a virtual reality snorkeling system with sensory feedback, providing an unbelievably realistic VR experience suitable for ages 7 and up.
THE GUIDE
PANOPLY - BIG SPRING PARK - APRIL 23-25
The 2021 version of Panoply will return to the outdoors as a scaled down version. The Southeast’s premier arts weekend features multiple stages offering regional and national performers in dance, music and theater. In addition, Panoply offers STE(A) M make-and-take activities for children, an Art Marketplace featuring 100 artists, artist demonstrations, craft beer, food and fireworks. Go to www.artshuntsville.org for more information.
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Madison Living 13
THE GUIDE
ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS FIRST HOME GAME - TOYOTA FIELD • MAY 11
Rocket City Trash Pandas - The minor league baseball team in Madison will make their debut at Toyota Field starting May 11. With no bad seat in the house, a few bar areas, a lawn for sitting on the grass or run around, and a playground, the inaugural season is sure to be full of firsts and fireworks! Toyota Field is located in Town Madison at 500 Trash Panda Way. For directions and ticket information, plus to find out about other upcoming non-baseball events, visit TrashPandasBaseball.com.
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STYLE
SHOPPING DOWNTOWN Boutique wants shoppers to feel ‘Filthy Gorgeous on Main’ STORY BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY
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A new boutique in downtown Madison, Filthy Gorgeous on Main is dedicated to dressing women of all ages and sizes in clothing that pleases their specific tastes. “We are always evolving to stay trendy and committed to searching for the highest quality in clothes. Our mission is for the daughter, mom and grandma to come into the store and leave feeling ‘filthy gorgeous,’” owner Melinda Sanders said. Sizes range from 0 to 22. Multiple brands are available that fit a variety of price ranges. “We’re a full-service boutique, dressing ladies from head to toe,” Sanders said. Filthy Gorgeous on Main offers blouses, button-down shirts, sweaters, cardigans, sweatshirts, hoodies, tees, tanks and bralettes. They also carry denim jeans, pants, leggings and joggers. Shoppers can browse skirts, dresses, sets/jumpsuits, loungewear, handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories. When you go inside, you will be greeted
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A n exclusive fAshion boutique, with Filthy Gorgeous clothing for All Ages And sizes.
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18 Madison Living
with a warm smile, trendy decor, a comfortable (and sanitized) try-on area and garments in a variety of colors and sizes. “We are an exclusive store; we don’t buy in bulk and we are very selective about our merchandise. If we get a particular shirt in in green, then you probably will not see that green shirt again,” Sanders said. “We don’t want you to see everyone in Madison walking around with the same thing on.” Since the onset of the pandemic, Filthy Gorgeous on Main has increased choices in loungewear and casual business attire for customers working from home and participating in conference and video calls. “We want to sell what is unique and popular. Animal print, distressed jeans, wedge sneakers and mask chains are trending for us right now,” Sanders said. In early March 2020, Melinda Sanders and her mother, Cindy Sensenberger (who was the longtime owner of Main Street Cafe) decided to open the boutique after traveling to Indonesia and exploring the eye-catching, gorgeous boutiques everywhere. “We discussed with our husbands how neat it would be to bring some of that feel to Madison and the surrounding areas, and the decision was made,” Sanders said. “We stepped out on faith amid the pandemic, and we never looked back. I’m excited to go to work
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Madison Living 19
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Children born into all kinds of circumstances have dreams and dreams are powerful. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.
every day, and I can’t wait to meet the ladies (and some gentlemen) who come in to shop.” Visit Filthy Gorgeous on Main at 14 Main Street, Suite F in Madison. Store hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Filthy Gorgeous offers private shopping by appointment on Mondays or before/after regular store hours. For more information, call 256-325-2225, email filthygorgeousmadison@yahoo.com or visit Facebook/Filthy Gorgeous on Main and Instagram @FilthyGorgeous.
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22 Madison Living
New beautiful artwork, gorgeous leather chairs, and many other fine pieces to transform your home into a one of a kind living space at Noble Passage Interiors
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Madison Living 23
....................... AROUND TOWN .......................
Dreams do come true
...
Lee Marshall
Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation
24 Madison Living
W
When hard work meets opportunity, dreams come true. We see it all the time at Kids to Love, most recently through one of our KTECH graduates. Kayla Ledbetter, who graduated top of her KTECH class in December, recently realized a career goal when she signed to work for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Kayla says KTECH, our workforce training initiative, helped pave the way. “Almost everything I’ve been through here at KTECH has helped me throughout this process just in general,” Kayla said. “I feel like with the hands-on training I was prepared.” Toyota is one of many companies that sees the value KTECH offers the advanced manufacturing industry. General Manager Larry
Deutscher has seen the KTECH quality firsthand and is ready to put Kayla to work. “Really impressed, really impressed,” Deutscher said. “You can tell by the systems and the things you have in place that you’re here to help people and you’re here to get them ready for the workforce so it’s great to see.” We can help you get ready for the workforce, too! KTECH offers certifications in Mechatronics, Robotics, Soldering, Solid Edge and we’re now integrating Virtual Reality into our curriculum! Check out goktech.org for more information or to schedule a tour. KTECH is changing lives one skill at a time, and we’d love to help you on your journey to success.
HOME
SPRING MAKEOVER
Resources to help give your home a fresh look this spring STORY BY JOHN FEW Closets by Design
Madison Living 25
S
Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and that spirit of renewal can take hold at home. Let’s face it. After a year of mostly staying cooped up within our homes, socially distancing, being in quarantine, or having no place to go while waiting on venues to reopen, we have no doubt looked at the same walls, the same furniture and same back yard a million times by now. It’s time for a new look, and spring is the perfect time for a home improvement project or two...or maybe three. A refreshing home improvement project is becoming a popular way to shake off the old and look forward to better days ahead. In fact, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives, but perhaps none more so than home life. With people spending more time indoors in the past year, trends in 2021 have focused on changing up the scenery inside while incorporating outdoor environments as much as possible. Warm weather and longer hours of daylight make spring a perfect time to imagine a home’s interior design in a new light. The following are a handful of decor ideas that may inspire homeowners to give their homes an entirely new look this spring.
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Cabinet Express
To help get you started, we have organized a list of some of our favorite businesses that can help with any home improvement project. One of the top priorities of any spring home improvement project is to ultimately declutter. Clutter is often conquered during spring cleaning sessions, but homeowners who want to create more freeflowing interior spaces can look for multipurpose features that make it hard for clutter to take over a room. Making the most of existing storage spaces or renovating that space to be more organized and efficient is a huge goal. We just happen to know of a business that can help. The Closets by Design team works directly with customers to design, manufacture and install the organizational spaces of their dreams. Doesn’t matter if it’s a walk-in closet, mudroom, a garage, a Murphy bed, a pantry or something else you’ve got in mind—they do it all. Their team expertly takes the customer from custom tailored designs, through high quality production, and professional installation. To learn more about Closets by Design, go to www. closetsbydesign.com or call 256-290-1098. Designing spaces so they are more efficient and easier to use affects how people feel. We happen to know of another company that can do just that through custom cabinets. Whether it is custom
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cabinetry, or just custom-to-you cabinets, Cabinet Express of North Alabama handles everything, from traditional, framed cabinets to more modern, frameless cabinets. They have countless styles and options to suit any new inspiration and ideas. Customer service is a top priority as they help the customer through the process and breathe new life into the heart of their home. They have successfully worked with homeowners, home builders and commercial properties with stunning results. For more information about Cabinet Express, go to ww.cabinetexpressonline.com or call 256-298-7878. Sometimes the smallest changes to an interior space make the biggest impression. Replace dated accents like vases and table lamps with newer items that reflect the latest styles and trends. Such adjustments won’t break the
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bank, and they can give rooms a whole new feel. Want to really shake things up? Who does not love the difference new furniture makes? Being able to offer customers advice or simply help them find that perfect new piece, the expects at The Furniture Source can help. The Furniture Source offers a wide variety of both stationary and reclining furniture at prices that will not leave your bank account crying. You can find then on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ TheFurnitureSourcesDecatur or call them at (256) 4456818. A popular trend that has grown substantially over the years is decorative concrete. You have probably seen decorative concrete in many places but not realized what material it was. Concrete has traveled a long way from gray sidewalks and driveways. Just a few examples of what concrete can be used for are: sleek and durable concrete countertops, innovative concrete walls resembling any material, and high end polished concrete floors of any color. Decorative concrete can also give you a custom look for a driveway, pool, or patio area. In short, concrete can be stained any color, designed to imitate almost any surface, and can be used virtually anywhere. A leader in decorative concrete throughout North Alabama is Decorative Concrete in Huntsville. Through experience, Decorative Concrete has crafted the excellent craftsmanship which is essential to a good-looking finish that lasts for many years. For more information about Decorative Concrete, go to decorativeconcretehsv.com or call 256-883-1394. COVID has certainly pushed people to consider renovating their own backyards. Between playgrounds and parks becoming overcrowded, many are turning to their balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means investing more in outdoor spaces. M.A. Jackson Co., another area expert dealing with home renovation projects, specializes in patio enclosures, sunrooms, screen rooms, bathrooms, kitchen counter tops, replacement windows and decks. To start the remodeling process, their design team will come to your home and help you design the project that will fit right for you. They can work with your ideas, to incorporate them into our design. Once the design meets your specifications (or HOA) they then begin the work on your home. For more about MA Jackson Co., go to www.majacksonco.com. or call 256-739-0317.
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....................... MADISON HOSPITAL .......................
Thankful for Carole Jones
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Mary Lynne Wright President Madison Hospital
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For the past few months, I have been using this space to highlight the important contributions of our Madison Hospital Board members. Today, I am excited to introduce you to Carole Jones. A former journalist, Carole was lifestyles editor of The Huntsville News from 1990-96. Since retiring, she has devoted her time to volunteer service. In addition to being a founding member of our hospital board, Carole chairs both the Huntsville Museum of Art Board of Directors and the board of the National Panhellenic Conference – an organization that works to improve the sorority experience on college campuses nationwide. (Carole is an alumnae of the Alpha Omicron Pi chapter at the University of Alabama). Carole’s roots in our community run deep. Her late father, John Jurenko, was a co-founder of Adtran, one of Huntsville’s biggest high-tech firms. Carole and her husband, Buddy Jones,
have lived in Madison since 1984. They are the proud parents of daughter Laura Plummer, who is married to Tommy Plummer, and the proud grandparents of Sadie and Kennedy Plummer. I rely on Carole and the other Madison Hospital Board volunteers to help keep me focused on the big picture – to make sure that our plans for the future match up with the community’s changing needs. “Serving on the board is my way of giving back to Madison Hospital – to ensure the health needs of our community are met through quality services and facilities,” Carole says. “It gives me great joy to hear the positive experiences and individualized care that patients receive from the Madison Hospital staff.” I am truly thankful for the guidance of Carole and the rest of our Madison Hospital Board members. Their commitment of time, energy and expertise helps make your community hospital the best it can be.
PEOPLE
DR. NANCY WHITE
How her life-changing experience led her to help others through the creation of Sereno Ridge Recovery STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY
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There are coincidences and then there are “God-incidences” or at least that is what Dr. Nancy White calls the string of happenings that led to her opening Sereno Ridge Recovery Center. White began her medical career as a family physician in Decatur in 1993 while living in Madison. The amount of paperwork and the lack of knowledge on how to run a business compounded White’s stress. To manage the feelings of being overwhelmed, she turned to what was available— drugs and alcohol. “I was better trained on how to take care of patients in ICU, rather than the common cold,” White said. “I was trained to be a doctor, but not trained to run a business. One night I stayed late to catch up on paperwork, which I hated doing, and I found some cough syrup in the cabinet. I took it and then
I felt great. I enjoyed it. I rationalized taking it.” Over the next seven years, White’s addiction progressed. She knew she was not handling things well so she began to see a therapist. Again, at that time, she credited her addiction to stress. Take the stress away, she thought, and it would all be okay. So, White took a hiatus from her medical practice. “I quit work, thinking I would see my therapist twice a week, watch my diet and exercise, and read self-help books, but things got worse. I had more time to use,” White said. “I knew I had to be accountable, but was not sure how to be.” White eventually revealed to her therapist that she needed help—she could not get the addiction under control. She asked that her therapist hold her accountable by monitoring her.”
“When I made that announcement, he jumped up and hugged me. He told me that I took step one in the 12 step program,” White said. “As he explained the program to me, I realized ‘that’s me’.” She knew she needed to take these steps, but she was ashamed. She was a doctor who was addicted. Admitting her problem, she thought could hurt her career. Her therapist introduced her to another doctor who had been in recovery for 20+ years in order to encourage White to go to rehab. “He was someone like me,” White said. “He told me that it would be a roller coaster and that there would be extreme ups and downs, but to just hang on; it was worth it.” Knowing rehab was what she needed, White entered a program at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She found more than addiction
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recovery help, she found a new line of work. “I loved treatment. It was an eye-opener for me. To learn why I did what I did was fascinating,” White said. “I wanted to train in the field to help others so I took a position at Bradford from 2005-2015.” While at Bradford, White met another physician who was very like-minded about how to treat addiction in a more intimate setting. He told her if she ever wanted to do something like that, to just let him know. According to White, that was the beginning of the string of “Godincidences.” The second one occurred at a conference where White met a consultant from Los Angeles that operated treatment centers for teens. “He helps people set up these types of treatment centers as a side business,” White said. “He helped us set up an electronic medical records system and a website. We kind of handed over our idea to him.” Now, she only needed the right property. She was shown a beautiful home on 176 acres in rural Morgan County. The home includes eight bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, an indoor pool, lush gardens and all the necessities for entertaining. The log home was built with hand hewn logs by Alpine Log Homes.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, call Sereno Ridge Recovery today. 402441-1
Where hope & healing begin. 833-300-0101 • SerenoRidgeRecovery.com Madison Living 35
With the help of a small business loan, her husband, and her physician partner, she was able to purchase the property. “The house seems to have been built for us,” White said. “The house was called Angelwalk and there are angels all over the place. It’s a very healing place. So peaceful.” White had to jump a few more hurdles before opening the facility in January. They had to install the fire sprinkler system and of course find the perfect name for the recovery center. “I would Google names and all the cool ones were taken,” White said. “My daughter jokingly came up with the name ‘Camp Wannakickahabit.’ We have retained this as our nickname. My husband finally came up with the perfect name-Sereno. We looked it up and it means serene in both Italian and Spanish. Since the lodge sits on a ridge, we thought Sereno Ridge was the perfect name.” The final hurdle came when White was notified that she was misinformed on the services she could offer at the lodge. Because of state laws regarding Certificate of Need, White cannot perform any medical or clinical procedures, like detoxing or rehab. She can, however, assist people though the 12-Step Immersion Program and offer them extra time needed after stepping down from a traditional treatment facility. They partner with UAB for intensive
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outpatient treatment when additional clinical or medical care is needed. “We just adjusted,” White said. “I think of us as water. We flow. We go around obstacles like rapids and waterfalls. Getting UAB in the loop is like coming full circle since that is where I received my treatment.” Sereno Ridge has seen their first graduate since opening in January. A friend of White’s found the perfect way to blend the home and the success of the graduates by carving a bowl from some of the wood used in the home. “When a graduate leaves, they burn their initials into the bowl. We will display the bowl to show their success,” White said. “He made several bowls for us.” Although White could not see it at the time, her addiction was a “God-incidence”. “Because I went through it, I can help someone else through the shame of addiction,” White said. “The 12 steps give us the tools to be okay on the inside regardless with what’s happening on the outside. Because I was addicted, I learned what I learned that led to a much, happier, joyful life.” For more information about Sereno Ridge, check out www.serenoridgerecovery.com
FOOD&DRINK
CRUMBL COOKIES
Mitchell and Michelle Hall pushes through hardships of pandemic to open state’s first Crumbl Cookies franchise in Madison STORY BY ERIN COGGINS
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The smell of freshly baked cookies and the low hum of a mixer can trigger memories of sitting in grandmother’s kitchen awaiting the deliciousness of a homemade treat. That’s exactly what the owners of Crumbl intended for their customers to feel as they enter the doors under the pink business sign. Mitchell and Michelle Hall are one of three couples who own the first Alabama Crumbl franchise. Their partners, Brett and Morgan Oltremari reside in Birmingham and Jed and Andrea Palmer live in Utah, leaving the Hall’s as the primary day-to-day operators of the Madison location. The three couples met in Logan, Utah where Crumbl is a mainstay. “We went to Crumbl quite often to get a treat,” Mitchell said. “The Oltremari’s are from Alabama and they always said when they returned to the state that they were going to open a Cumbl.” With experience in the food industry and human resources as well as an entrepreneurial spirit, Mitchell jumped at the chance to invest in the cookie franchise even if it meant moving his family across the country to do so. “Jed had spent two years here in the Madison area with Brett and Morgan being from here, we knew this
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was a great area,” Mitchell said. “It’s a growing city, it’s clean and it has a great educational system. It’s got all the foundations for a good community. Plus, Crumbl had not yet been established here in Alabama.” Mitchell and Michelle left Utah in February with their two daughters, Emma, aged five and Madison, aged three. What would usually be a 26 hour drive, turned into a 30 hour drive due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Hotels were shut down. Parks were shut down,” Mitchell said. “We basically ate fast food in our car.” Despite a few sleepless nights of wondering whether or not opening a new business during a global pandemic was the right thing to do, the Hall’s pushed on, opening Crumbl on June 26. “COVID has brought certain challenges and opportunities, alike,” Mitchell said. “The Crumbl business is already set up for contactless delivery so that helped. In fact, delivery is up 200% corporate wide.” Delivery is one thing Mitchell says makes Crumbl stand out from other
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sweet shops in the area. Customers who live within a 5-mile radius can have cookies delivered to their doorstep. On Friday and Saturday, delivery lasts until midnight. “We keep our cookies hot and fresh and deliver them warm,” Mitchell said. “We also deliver milk and we have six flavors of ice cream that can also be delivered.” The rotating menu of cookie flavors is also a draw. Crumbl offers 135 flavors and offers four new flavors each Monday to accompany the permanent chocolate chip and chilled sugar cookie. “Our chocolate chip cookie is always a favorite,” Mitchell said. “The lemon flavors are popular in Madison. We are always being asked when lemon is going to rotate in again.” The cookies are made fresh daily, starting at 5 a.m. when employees come in to start the dough. Currently, 25 employees, both full and part time, keep the Madison location running. “We want our customers to walk into Crumbl and smell the cookies baking, seeing the dough being made and taste something excellent that uses top ingredients and made scratch daily,” Mitchell said. Mitchell says the community has responded well to the cookie franchise. The business has been busy with wedding orders and has delivered cookies to essential service employees, including the police, EMT professionals and nurses at Madison Hospital. He
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says the Building Church ordered 400 a week to give to teachers as they returned to school. “We are fortunate as cookies are a great gifting product,” Mitchell said. “They work for birthdays, anniversaries or to take to someone who is in the hospital. It’s just a great product to buy for others.” Crumbl Cookies is located at 8141 Hwy 72 W, Suite D, in Madison. For more information, check out www.crumblcookies.com/Madison
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PLACES
LAVENDER WYNDE FARM Unique farm in Harvest lets you pick your own lavender STORY BY ERIN COGGINS
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The Porter family never thought the subject of lavender would be a nightly dinner time discussion, much less the focus for a family business, but in 2016 the Porters secured a business license to open Lavender Wynde Farms in their own front yard. “We had always grown lavender in our garden. One day Mike came in after a day of mowing and he said we need to do something in the front,” Lora said. The couple, originally from Indiana, had looked at growing several plants and herbs in that particular area of their land. They started with bittersweet, a plant that grows well in the Midwest and even sold the plant at the Fiddler’s Convention. Unfortunately, the plant just did not do well in the Southern soil. Entered lavender. The couple stud-
ied the lavender plant for two years before they even purchased a plant. “We came across lavender and discussed whether or not it would grow in Alabama,” Lora said. “Washington state is the area in the country where lavender grows best. We planted 350 plants at first and lost them to both disease and the hot weather. Through trial and error, we eventually found a grower in Tennessee that could provide us with healthy plants.” The trial and error to make lavender work was more than finding the perfect plant to grow on their property; it was for their daughter, Loran. “Our daughter will always live with us. We wanted something for her to do, a job,” Lora said. “We decided to go full-blown. We just get up everyday to do what we need to do because we are building a retirement for three.”
Loran does not work outside with the lavender, but she is responsible for placing labels on the products the Porters’ sell in their store. Presently, that store is located in a front room in their home. The bath bombs, lotions, teas, salve and other products are made with some of the by-products grown on the farm. “Because Mike and I have full time jobs, we make products in the evenings and on the weekends,” Lora said. “During the winter months, we stock up for the summer and then again in July and August for the fall and winter season. Our lavender is picked, dried and used in various ways. Mike will distill the lavender when it is fresh and make hydrosol for me to use in lotions and other products.” As a nurse, Lora has always been
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interested in the healing power of herbs. Peppermint was a constant in the Porter’s garden way before she had the thought of making teas, salves and lotions. She now grows patches of herbs to blend with teas. “We have three tea trees and are looking to expand this area,” Lora said. “They bloom in the fall and provide the last nectar before winter. They are good for the bees and we like to keep the bees happy.” Besides the store, the Porters offer candle making and wreath making workshops where they use dried lavender, flowers and herbs grown on the farm. The holiday wreath classes this past year sold out in minutes. “Both classes are popular with mothers and daughters,” Lora said. “We tend to see repeaters to these workshops so that is promising.” The farm’s biggest event however, occurs in June when the lavender is in bloom. The public is invited to visit, pick lavender bundles, picnic amongst the blooms and take photographs in the field. The Porters sell
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home-made lavender lemonade and lavender ice cream. “When we opened two years ago for the “you pick” weekends, we were nervous about people being in our plants--our front yard,” Lora said. “About 400 people visited that first weekend and they were very respectful. It was so much fun watching families have fun. Even with COVID this year, we still saw over 1,000 visitors over the two weekends.” The Porters love their return customers. It assures them that they have a good product and that they are providing good customer service. “We are using some of our female customers as guinea pigs,” Mike said. “In other words, we give them some of our new products, have them try it and give us a review.” Expansion is on the horizon for the farm. Currently the farm has 1,200 plants, but the Porters are looking to use another six acres of the farm to cultivate even more plants. They also plan to build a barn to house their store and to host various workshops. Lora is also becoming certified in aromatherapy. “I have studied aromatherapy and plan to take the national test,” Lora said. “I want to be able to talk intelligently about it. Safety is a priority. Lavender isn’t lavender isn’t lavender.” In fact, there are over 30 types of lavender plants. The Porters grow seven types at the moment on their farm, including culinary lavender. The couple currently promotes on social media and have been asked to give talks around the community, including at the Botanical Gardens. “It really is an amazing little plant,” Mike said. “We enjoy talking about it to groups and showing them how to grow it and enjoy it.” For more about Lavender Wynde Farm, check out www.Lavenderwynde.farm
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OUT&ABOUT LAND TRUST AT MADISON ELEMENTARY - Representatives of the North Alabama Land Trust visited Madison Elementary last month for a hands-on lesson on tree and plant life. They talked about photosynthesis and the role of plants in the ecosystem, and much more. Magnifiers helped give them a more up close look at plant and limb structures. Great learning for the kids. The classes were held - fittingly - in the school’s outdoor classroom and garden.
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ON THE GRILL
NORTH ALABAMA BBQ CHAMPS and some chicken recipes that are sure to be winners in your home BY RICHARD GEORGE
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Those who follow these Food & Drink articompetitors, very graciously agreed to share a cles might recognize the KCBS World Champiwinning recipe on their favorite cut of chicken. onship as a bucket list item of mine. A couple Which cut do you prefer? of months ago, I reported the champions and featured Hickory Hangover of Madison. Did COMPETITION THIGHS you try their rib recipe yet? David Puckett--Puck Daddy’s Killer Q This month, I wanted to recognize two more Start with 4-packs of chicken thighs, rangchampions from North Alabama. In the yearing in 2.3 - 2.5 pounds, depending on how long 2020 “Team of the Year” points chase, many thighs you plan to cook. You need at Red Bones BBQ (Russ Allen) of Florence, AL least 6 for a contest. Square each thigh by cutwas named victor. In the World Invitational ting the knuckle off the leg side of the thigh. Championship contest, Puck Daddy’s Killer Leave the skin attached to one side of the thigh Richard George Q (David Puckett) of Athens, AL captured the and lay the skin back to scrape the fat from @ricky_shack Reserve Grand Champion title. Also, in this the underside of the skin. Also remove any cook-off, Red Bones BBQ (Russ Allen) was fat from the top of the thigh. Trim the skin to named as the Chicken World Champion. leave approximately ½ inch of skin extending all around Normally, there is a bevy of curious onlookers, want- the thigh. Wrap the skin back around the thigh so that to-be pitmasters, cooks and judges, but Covid restric- it looks like a chicken pillow or burrito. Vacuum seal the tions greatly reduced the crowds. The Prairie Band In- thighs and refrigerate overnight. dian Nation allowed the competition to be held on their The morning of the competition, inject each thigh with Indian Reservation so that proper safety standards could Butcher’s BBQ Bird Booster, mixed according to the direcbe maintained. Gratefully, this did not dampen the spir- tions on the container. Inject twice on each side of the its or the creativity of the competition. That cold Kansas thigh and place the skin-wrapped thigh upside down in weather brought out the heaters, but it did not affect the an aluminum pan. Lightly dust the back of the thigh with wonderful smells associated with a BBQ contest. Meat Church Honey Hog BBQ rub and EAT Zero to Hero With ribs featured last time, chicken is the choice for rub. Turn the thighs over and dust the tops. Let the thighs this month. Thighs and legs are the most popular cuts of sit for at least 30 minutes so the rub will “sweat” in. chicken BBQ pitmasters prefer. David and Russ, seasoned While the rub is “sweating” in, heat your smoker to 280
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degrees. Use a mixture of hickory and cherry wood pellets for your smoky flavor but go lightly on the hickory as chicken will take on the smoke quickly and easily. Melt a stick of salted butter in an aluminum half pan. Carefully place your thighs in the pan right side up with the skin wrapped tightly around the thigh and placed exactly as you want them to cook. Cook for 45-50 minutes at 280 degrees, then cover with aluminum foil and cook an additional 1520 minutes. Remove the pan from the smoker and uncover. Mix equal amounts of Blues Hog Original sauce with Blues Hog Tennessee Red sauce. Take each thigh and dunk into this mixture, then return to a baking rack. Place the baking rack on the smoker for 10-15 minutes to set the sauce, then remove from your smoker. In a competition, pick your best six thighs, box them nicely and hope the judges enjoy the look, taste, and tenderness. COMPETITION LEGS Russ Allen-- Red Bones BBQ Legs are quicker to prepare but more difficult to cook. Begin by removing any leftover feathers or dried skin, brine in University of Que Chicken Brine for 4 hours. Season with a combination of Tennessippi Thunder, University of Que The Quad and Hardin’s Poultry Seasoning. This triple threat of flavors is awesome! Lay the legs in a half-pan of melted butter in the same orientation as you would present the legs for judging. Set your smoker to 270 degrees, cook for 45-60 minutes, then cover with aluminum foil for a good steam bath for 30-45 minutes. When the chicken reaches 170 degrees, remove it from the butter bath and allow it to drain for 5 minutes. Cover the legs with University of Que G. P. A. sauce and place back on the smoker to set the sauce. Remove and box your best 6 legs for the judging of appearance, taste, and tenderness. As a KCBS Master Judge, I look forward to the upcoming BBQ season, Covid permitting. Because of a double-blind judging process, judges do not know which team cooks and the cooks do not know who judges their BBQ. However, there is always great food and fellowship. Our congratulations go out to David and Russ. Thanks for sharing these recipes. Try your hand at BBQing—remembering that old adage “practice makes perfect.” These pitmasters devote many, many hours honing their skills. That hard work has paid off. SIDE Along with these delights, you might want to consider an Easy and Simple Cole Slaw: • 14 oz. Cole Slaw mix (Pre-packaged) • ½ Cup Mayonnaise • 2 Tbl. White sugar • 1 ½ Tbl. Lemon juice • 1 Tbl. White vinegar • ¼ Tsp. Kosher salt • ½ Tsp. freshly ground Black Pepper Combine the Mayo, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Add the Cole Slaw and stir well. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours and toss again before serving.
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Heather Blizzard George’s Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Black Cast Iron Skillet • 1 stick salted butter (softened) • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) • 1 cup sugar • 1 egg • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips Heat your smoker to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine egg, both sugars, butter and vanilla. Blend well. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Beat on low speed until combined, then fold in milk chocolate chips and white chocolate chips. Evenly spread this dough mixture into an 8–9-inch black cast iron skillet. If desired, add more chocolate chips and/ or pecans. Smoke 25-30 minutes, until the edges brown and the cookie is done in the center. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. Cut and serve. (Topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream will be heavenly!) Classic Old Fashioned • Store your Old-Fashioned glasses in the freezer, • Use ice spheres or large squares of ice, • Use a good Bourbon, e.g., Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig, Blade and Bow, or a good Rye, e.g., Bulleit, Sazerac, Michter’s, • Use Luxardo Cherries • Fresh orange With a vegetable peeler, slice a medium piece of the orange rind and rim the glass. Toss the rind into the glass. Partially fill a shaker with cracked ice. For each drink you plan to serve, add to the shaker: 4 oz. of your favorite bourbon or rye, plus 4 dashes of Angostura bitters, plus 1 oz. Simple syrup and shake well. Place the ice sphere or square into a chilled glass, add 2 Luxardo cherries and drizzle cherry syrup over the ice. Shake the shaker again and pour your Old Fashioned into glass. Serve and enjoy. Cheers! There is a rumor that Rye has 5 amazing benefits: 1) Improves diabetes, 2) Aids in digestion, 3) Minimizes risk of cancer, 4) Promotes weight loss, and 5) Heart healthy.
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MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS
The following Madison Chamber members held ribbon cuttings last month. CONGRATULATIONS!
James Clemens High School new artificial turf baseball field.
The MCC reserves the right, in its sole reasonable discretion, to remove a nominee from the selection process. 103 SPENRYN DR., MADISON, ALABAMA 35758
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PHONE 256-325-8317
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MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS
Ribbon Cutting avid Hotels Madison-Huntsville West
Ribbon Cutting for NAVP Paradise Animal Hospital
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See why more Moms deliver at our hospitals than any other hospital in Alabama. Visit oHHbaby.org to learn more about our dedicated maternity services.