August 2017 Madison Living

August 2017

Dress

to impress

Back-to-school fashions

SPEAK promotes suicide prevention Melissa Mims leads at MES

features MANAGEMENT Randy Cox Publisher EDITORIAL Alison James Editor Gregg Parker Staff Writer Joshua Berry Photographer MARKETING Jan Bromley Ashley Davis CUSTOMER SERVICE Jessica Forshey Customer Service PRODUCTION Michael Kurov Art Director Ludmila Dyomina Marina Khomchenko Design Madison Living P.O. Box 859, Madison, AL 35758 Advertising Inquires 256.772.6677 Madison Living is published monthly by Madison Publications, LLC.

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HOME MAKING IT THEIR OWN

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LET’S EAT BACK-TO-SCHOOL BITES

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COMMUNITY FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS

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HEALTH SPEAK SUICIDE PREVENTION

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FASHION DRESS TO IMPRESS

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EDUCATION LEADING MADISON ELEMENTARY

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ART & CULTURE ARTISTIC VISION

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HOME

Nick and Elizabeth Carter are pleased with their choices to live in Mountain Brook in a house by Rachel Brown Homes.

Making it their own

Carters enjoy building with Rachel Brown Homes WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY Madison Living 5

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The front-porch swing offers a cozy spot for the Carters to relax.

For a coastal farmhouse look, Elizabeth Carter decided to use light blues, grays and whites.

To customize their kitchen, the Carters wanted a farmhouse sink, barn door for pantry, patterned backsplash and fun light fixtures.

6 Madison Living

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hen Nick and Elizabeth Carter initially considered buying a home, they wrote a list of must-have features. The Carters wanted their home to have a custom builder, large lot with lots of open space and tall trees and a Madison address in an established neighborhood.

“When we first saw this lot in Mountain Brook that Rachel Brown Homes was selling, we knew it was exactly what we were looking for,” Elizabeth said. They moved in during June 2017.

The house’s traditional architecture includes a front porch. Some lap siding is used, but the exterior primarily is “Old Chicago” brick with different color variations.

They painted the siding antique white, used bronze gutters and added charcoal shutters for a cohesive look.

Covering 2,600 square feet, the eight-room house has four bedrooms. “The house is com-

pletely open. Even the upstairs is open to the downstairs with a railing,” Elizabeth said. Still decorating, Elizabeth has discovered “a hidden talent for interior design in the homebuilding process. I’m loving every second. I know how I want each room to look, so it’s just a matter of finding all the right pieces.”

The Carters’ goal is a coastal farmhouse vibe. Elizabeth has used lots of light blues, grays and whites.

Dark hardwood floors are used everywhere except bedrooms, which have champagne-colored carpet.

ABOVE: Colors in this bedroom give a soothing feel with whites, grays, off-white and champagne-colored carpet.

RIGHT: Dark hardwood floors accentuate neutral furnishings and accessories.

The Carters said they were pleased to select all interior finishes with this Rachel Brown home. “We made it our own – from big things, like taking out walls to open up the downstairs and expanding the kitchen, to small details like picking out unique hardware for cabinets,” Elizabeth said.

Madison Living 7

ABOVE: The Carters chose this lighting for the kitchen.

Place settings in the dining room carry the home’s beach/coastal colors.

LEFT: Nick and Elizabeth Carter.

8 Madison Living

In their kitchen and dining room, they chose a wooden design on the trey ceiling, farmhouse sink, barn door for pantry, backsplash and fun light fixtures. Their great room has a casual, coastal feel.

They plan to convert the keeping room into a more formal sitting room/office space. Elizabeth will place her grandfather’s antiques, and they will refinish old furniture for their collection.

Defining a favorite room is difficult right now.

“The room we choose now might not be our favorite in a couple of weeks. The kitchen/keeping room will be a main gathering space once we find bar stools and finish everything,” Elizabeth said.

Because he enjoys outdoor work, Nick is in charge of the lawn. He asks people about their landscaping ideas, and he dreams of yard enhancements.

The Carters were convinced to build with Rachel Brown Homes “not because of location or custom builder but because of their team. When we first met with Rachel to discuss potential house plans, she immediately picked up our style,” Elizabeth said. “After just a few meetings and before we signed anything, we already felt like family at Rachel Brown Homes. It felt like Rachel, Mark and Josie truly cared about us.”

Rachel Brown’s team handled the Carters’ questions and ideas. “Months of planning and building were such a fun experience. We got individual care and attention,” Elizabeth said.

People told the Carters, “Oh, you’re building your first home? Y’all must be stressed out and fighting all the time!” Not the case, Elizabeth said. “The RBH team took stress away and let us enjoy the process.

We looked forward to texts from Rachel with pictures and new ideas,” Elizabeth said. “We truly can’t say enough positive things with Rachel. We’re kind of sad now that the building process had to end.”

ABOVE: The bath has a free-standing shower center and a soaking tub.

A nurse, Elizabeth works at Huntsville Hospital.

Nick is a pharmacist for CVS. “We have a little one due in January,” she said.

Elizabeth is a Decatur native, while Nick hails from Fort Wayne, Ind. “Our jobs brought us to the Huntsville area, but, while in our apartment, we fell in love with Madison and decided we didn’t want to live anywhere but here.”

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LET’S EAT

Back to School bites

Spreading sauce on a homemade pizza are Joyce Giffin and her 11-year-old grandson Connor Giffin, a sixth-grader from West Palm Beach, Florida.

Prepare these tasty eats to satisfy teenage appetites Joyce Giffin operates It’s Thyme to Cook cooking school.

For more information call 256-527-2168, email joycegiffin@bellsouth.net or visit itsthymetocook.COM.

10 Madison Living

QUICK PIZZA DOUGH

Recipe adapted by Joyce Giffin, It’s Thyme To Cook INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups warm water (105 degrees) 1 envelope Rapid Rise Yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed 1 1/2 teaspoons salt Coarse cornmeal Sauce, cheeses and toppings of choice

PROCEDURE 1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees for ten minutes. Turn oven off.

2. Meanwhile, in bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal or plastic blade, add water and sprinkle in yeast and sugar. Pulse twice to dissolve yeast.

3. Add all remaining ingredients, except cornmeal, and process until mixture forms cohesive mass. If dough is too sticky, add 1-2 more tablespoons flour and pulse briefly, or, if too dry, add 1 tablespoon water and pulse briefly. Let rest two minutes. Process dough for another 30 seconds.

4. Remove dough from food processor and knead by hand on floured work surface for one minute or until dough is smooth and satiny.

5. Very lightly oil a medium-large bowl with vegetable oil. Place dough in bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in the oven. Let rise until double, 30-40 minutes. Remove from oven and reset oven to 500 degrees.

6. Punch down dough, remove from bowl, divide into two to four equal pieces and form into rounds. Let rest ten minutes under a damp dishtowel.

7. Stretch and shape each piece by hand into pizza rounds.

Sprinkle two large baking pans with cornmeal and place dough on pans.

8. Assemble pizzas: Spread a very small amount of olive oil on the pizza crust. Sprinkle dough with parmesan cheese. Spread sauce to within 1/2 to 3/4 inches from edge. Add toppings and cheese. Bake in 500-degree preheated oven for 5-10 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Yield: four small or two medium pizzas.

CHICKEN POT PIE

POPPY SEED DRESSING

An original recipe by Joyce Giffin, It’s Thyme To Cook INGREDIENTS: 2 refrigerated pie crusts (1 box) 2 chicken breasts, bone-in* 1 rib celery with leaves 1 washed, unpeeled medium carrot 1/4 medium onion 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables 1 can cream of celery, chicken or mushroom soup 1 soup can chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste PROCEDURE: 1. Rinse chicken, celery and carrot in cold water. Place in a large saucepan with onion and salt and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until chicken is tender (approximately 30 minutes).

2. Remove chicken from broth and cool. Strain broth and save. Pull chicken from bones and cut or tear into bite-size chunks.

3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove pie crusts from refrigerator approximately ten minutes before assembling pie. Unroll and place one pie crust in a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan.

4. Combine soup and one soup can of chicken broth in a medium mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in chicken and vegetables. Add approximately 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and stir.

An original recipe by Joyce Giffin, It’s Thyme To Cook INGREDIENTS:

5. Unroll second pie crust and place over pie. Fold under edges and crimp. Cut 4-5 slits in crust to vent pie. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake 50-60 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbling in center. Yield: 4-6 servings.

Note: *Bone-in chicken gives better flavor than boneless. You can substitute leftover roasted chicken or use raw, boneless, skinless breasts, cut in cubes and sauteed in 1 tablespoon oil for 2-3 minutes on each side on medium heat.

Variations: 1 – Add 1/4 teaspoon curry powder to soup mix. 2 – Two tablespoons of dry sherry also can be added to the soup mix in place of curry. 3 – Individual pot pies can be made by spooning chicken filling into individual one-cup ramekins sprayed with cooking spray and topped with four sheets of buttered phyllo dough rolled into tubes and placed end-to-end in a spiral on top of the filling. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until phyllo dough is golden brown.

3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup cider vinegar 1 tablespoon chopped green onion 1 cup vegetable/canola oil 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds PROCEDURE: 1. In a blender, combine sugar, mustard, salt, vinegar and onion.

Pulse until onion is minced fine.

2. Gradually add oil into blender container in a fine stream until mixture is thick and smooth.

3. Pour into a small container and stir in poppy seeds. Cover and refrigerate. Will keep up to one week; shake or stir to serve. Yield: 1 3/4 cups.

Madison Living 11

GRANNY SMITH APPLE SALAD

SPICY GLAZED PECANS

An original recipe by Joyce Giffin, It’s Thyme To Cook

An original recipe by Joyce Giffin, It’s Thyme To Cook

INGREDIENTS: 4 cups spring mix salad greens 1 Granny Smith apple, quartered and thinly sliced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 cups water 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese 3/4 cup toasted or candied pecans 1 recipe Poppy Seed Dressing PROCEDURE: 1. Divide salad greens among four salad plates.

2. Combine lemon juice and water in a small bowl.

Dip apple slices in lemon juice water and drain well.

3. Divide cranberries, gorgonzola cheese and pecans and scatter over salad greens on each of the four salad plates.

4. Arrange overlapped apples slices to one side of the salad. Drizzle salad with Poppy Seed Dressing or serve dressing on the side. Yield: 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons water 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 2 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted PROCEDURE: 1. Spread pecans on a large baking sheet and heat for five to eight minutes in a 350-degree oven, stirring halfway through cooking time. Set aside.

2. Melt butter over medium heat in a large saute pan. Add remaining ingredients, except pecans and cook, stirring constantly, for one to two minutes or until sugar is melted and caramel thickens slightly.

3. Add pecans and stir to coat. Turn pecans onto a silicone mat or aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spread into a single layer and separate nuts; cool. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 2 1/2 cups.

12-INCH CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE An original recipe by Joyce Giffin, It’s Thyme To Cook INGREDIENTS: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 stick butter or margarine, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 1/2 cup miniature or regular chocolate chips PROCEDURE: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12-inch pizza pan carefully to fit with foil or use a disposable pizza pan.

Spray with cooking spray.

2. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl or on a piece of waxed or parchment paper.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

4. Add egg and beat well. Gradually beat in the flour mixture.

5. Hand stir in the chocolate chips.

6. Spread cookie dough evenly onto pizza pan. Bake for 1013 minutes or until light golden brown and set up.

7. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into pie-shaped wedges. Yield: 12+ cookie slices, depending on size of wedges.The cookie can be decorated with frosting and sprinkles, or it can be served a la mode with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

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CHOCOLATE SAUCE An original recipe

by Joyce Giffin, It’s Thyme To Cook INGREDIENTS: 2 (1-ounce) squares semi-sweet chocolate 1/2 cup whipping cream 2 tablespoons butter 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional) PROCEDURE: 1. Cook, stirring constantly, chocolate, cream, sugar, butter and espresso powder over medium-low heat until thickened.

2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

3. Serve warm sauce over ice cream, filled cream puffs or other desserts of choice. Yield: 1 cup.

1/4 psge Jan Wells

Madison Living 13

COMMUNITY

Focus on solutions Seifert concentrates on ways to better the city

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long time ago, John Seifert learned many people complain about problems, yet only a few want to step up and be part of a solution. He decided to join that minority and successfully entered the election for District 7 councilman on Madison City Council.

“Our city needs leadership dedicated to serving others, above all, and being part of a team,” Seifert said. “I want to put our city first and make it better for our families, and most importantly, our children.”

Seifert said he believed he could make a difference based on his life experiences, a drive to succeed and help others, his current service within the community and his work ethic.

“We must leave things better for our future generations,” he said.

For District 7, Seifert said he believes the top three needs are “sidewalks for walkability, infrastructure improvements and greater economic development with aesthetic improvements along U.S. 72.” For the City of Madison as a whole, the priorities include “maintaining a top-notch school system, quality of life via economic development and infrastructure improvement, (along with) facility improvements to parks and recreation.”

In 2004 Seifert and his family moved to the area with his job. “Specifically, we moved to Madison due to the school system to start and raise our family,” he said.

At Auburn University, Seifert majored in mechanical engineering and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2000 and a master’s degree in 2002. He works at Science Applications International Corporation as a senior program manager. Previously, he was employed by Miltec Corporation.

“My career has prepared me through learning how to communicate effectively, build teams, manage expectations and serve others,” Seifert said. “Program management is all about serving others to enable their successes through leading them to a common vision within budget and schedule constraints” – a job description that 14 Madison Living

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY

John Seifert represents District 7 on Madison City Council.

The Seifert family: John Seifert, John Drew Seifert III and Heather Hulsey Seifert.

Madison Living 15

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ABOVE FROM LEFT: Heather Seifert teaches second-graders at Rainbow Elementary School.

Drew Seifert is a third-grader at Rainbow elementary.

mirrors his responsibility as a city councilman, in which he is tasked with “improving the quality of life of our citizens through working with council and mayor to develop a vision and leading our city there within our budget and schedule constraints.”

His wife, Heather Hulsey Seifert, has worked for Madison City Schools since 2003 and currently teaches second-graders at Rainbow Elementary School. Their son, John “Drew” Seifert III, is a third-grader at Rainbow and previously attended Columbia Elementary School. The Seiferts are members of Asbury United Methodist Church.

In civic involvement, John coaches youth baseball, volunteers in Asbury’s Children’s ministry, participates in Columbia’s Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) and serves as an assistant Den Leader for Den 8 in Cub Scout Pack 351.

“Most people don’t know that, while in high school, I played two instruments in band, clarinet and saxophone, and played baseball. I still have the instruments but don’t play much anymore, but my love for music and baseball is still there today,’ John said.

Away from work, John enjoys golfing, listening to music, working on baseball with his son and taking family vacations at the beach.

Busy summer wraps up, school is back in session

I

saw a clever quote the other day: “Summer should get a speeding ticket.”

Can you believe schools are starting back already? Where has the time gone?

When school is over at the end of May, the kids are tired, teachers are tired, the superintendent is tired, the principals, the parents – everyone is tired and ready to get away from it.

After about two weeks, I can’t wait to get back in the classrooms to see all the exciting things the students are learning.

Summer is busy for the 12-month employees. We’ve been immersed in staff planning, interviews, hiring, re-enrollment, sum-

mer programs, budMs. Kim Stewart is get and curriculum the new principal at Dismeetings, profescovery Middle. She was sional development, assistant principal under reconfiguring our Eric Terrell, who is now special needs promy right-hand man as grams and a host of assistant superintendent. other preparations.

Ms. Stewart was assisRobert V. Three of our schools tant principal at Horizon Parker will open with new Elementary and a DMS Superintendent principals. Brian Givteacher for many years beens becomes principal Madison City fore that. at Rainbow ElemenShannon Brown replaces Schools tary, replacing Dorinda Nelson Brown as princiWhite, who has taken an admin- pal at Liberty Middle. Shannon istrative post in the Central Office. coached and taught at Bob Jones Brian was assistant principal at Bob High School from 2004-2009 Jones High School and at Colum- before serving in teaching and adbia Elementary after coming to us ministrative positions in Ardmore from Madison County Schools. and Huntsville City Schools. He

EDUCATION

most recently was assistant principal over the Freshman Academy at Huntsville High School.

Enrollment this year is expected to grow by 200-300 students to a total of 10,500 students. New assistant principals will be at BJHS, LMS, DMS and Rainbow Elementary. Jana Gray is our new chief financial officer, and Michael Gunner is the new coordinator of operations, replacing employees who retired.

Language sticklers will get on to me for saying it like this, but we have the best dad-gum school district anywhere.

I’m ready to get started to make it even better.

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Madison Living 17

HEALTH

SPEAK

Local initiative encourages suicide prevention WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPH CONTRIBUTED

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n January 2017, collaborating groups and institutions launched the SPEAK initiative, which represents “Suicide Prevention Empowerment Awareness Knowledge.”

SPEAK will confront startling statistics: in Alabama, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children 10-14 years old. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 15-24.

“Yet 90 percent of youth who made a suicide attempt have a treatable psychiatric disorder,” foundation spokesperson Lindsey Wilson said.

“Our role at Madison Hospital is to make sure when we have patients come in with 18 Madison Living

suicidal ideations that we have excellent resources to provide them,” Madison Hospital President Mary Lynne Wright said. “SPEAK certainly will play a beneficial role with its tools. So many people that are struggling with thoughts of suicide have nowhere to turn. We want to make sure we can help them and their families.”

The key players for SPEAK include Huntsville Hospital, Madison City Schools, Madison County Schools, Huntsville City Schools and Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

Their objective is to increase suicide awareness in North Alabama.

The SPEAK program will use several approaches: • Training for school teachers, counselors, social workers, nurses and school resource officers or SROs in public and private schools. In early 2017, 225 school health professionals attended the first suicide prevention/awareness conference.

• Classroom instruction for eighth- and tenth-grade students in Huntsville and Madison County schools and for seventh- and tenth-grade students in Madison City Schools.

• Awareness and education sessions for parents, especially at PTA meetings and community events.

• Continuing-education seminars for physicians.

• A suicide awareness/prevention app that anyone in the community can use.

With this shared goal, the task force has launched a use it. Our hope is that raising awareness among whole groups comprehensive, age-appropriate awareness and education like this may catch some students who are not vocal about their program that deals with not only suicide but also self-esteem, depression or suicidal thoughts. bullying, depression, anxiety and social media, Wilson said.

“We know that an app alone can’t tackle this problem, but we The SPEAK task force has pledged to provide free training believe it will be another catalyst to have real conversations and to all teachers in Madison County. to form real connections that could This commitment coincides with prevent even one suicide.” the Jason Flatt Act, passed by the John A. Jones Jr., MCS coordinator Alabama State Legislature in May of personnel, worked with Leadership 2016, which requires all Alabama Huntsville-Madison County, teachers to receive annual training in Leadership Class 30 to assist with the youth suicide awareness/prevention SPEAK app. “My leadership small to maintain certification. group, Boxmasters, spoke with several Brenda Albritton, MCS Behavior nonprofits before deciding to work Specialist, said the district is “so with SPEAK. We realized suicide had appreciative of Huntsville Hospital touched all of our lives in some way.

Foundation for providing funding (Working on) the suicide app was a and training for our faculty and great opportunity to give back to the students. This was an unfunded state community,” he said. mandate. The SPEAK Committee “Our desire was to help create an app worked very hard in 2016 to put that could be used by students, parents, everything in place for the training teachers, veterans and the community — John A. Jones Jr. this past school year. as a whole. Knowing the struggles that “Crisis Services provided training youth of today face, it is a resource for for our teachers and administrators on what to look for and them to seek help for themselves, friends and family,” he added. how to address potential issues,” Albritton added. Seventh- and “Suicide is one of the leading causes of death. We’re proud to ninth-graders received information on risk factors, actions to have been a part of developing this app to hopefully give our take if they feel suicidal and steps if they are concerned about youth an alternative.” friends.

In summer 2017, SPEAK leaders encouraged teenagers to Daniel Whitt, coordinator of instructional technology for apply as student ambassadors, who were selected by academic Madison City Schools, facilitated a contest for students to and leadership potential. These high school students will assist design an app, “another way to purposefully reach out and at sessions and act as SPEAK promoters. provide students with tools to find help.” Students at Bob Jones Huntsville Hospital Foundation provided initial funding for and James Clemens high schools were eligible for the contest. SPEAK with proceeds from the 29th annual Huntsville Classic “Though all the artists did a great job, Kaitlin Runnels at James Dinner/Concert and Golf Tournament in May 2017. The Clemens was ultimately named the winner,” Whitt said. foundation also is seeking grant funding and private donations As a first step, Whitt is requesting “all teachers at middle to sustain the SPEAK program long term. and high schools to spend a block of time during their weekly advisory periods to push awareness for the app. If all students For more information about SPEAK, visit know about the app and most download it, some students will huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org/get-involved/speak-program.

“Suicide is one of the leading causes of death. We’re proud to have been a part of developing this app to hopefully give our youth an alternative.”

Madison Living 19

FASHION

DRESS to impress Choose an outfit for the first day of school PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY

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ith the first day of school on the horizon, local Madison girls are modeling some potential back-to-school outfits to nail that all-important first impression. Items modeled are from Mill Clothing Company in Madison. Emma Amara, Anna Grace Davis, Grace Hampel, Hannah Hampel, Sarah Grissim and Autumn Letson served as models for this fashion shoot.

20 Madison Living

Madison Living 21

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Back to School Deals

Madison Living 23

Melissa Mims serves as principal at Madison Elementary School.

EDUCATION

LEADING MADISON ELEMENTARY 24 Madison Living

Melissa Mims promotes students’ academic, personal growth WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY

A

n educator is never finished learning.

“I continue to learn from others every day and appreciate each person who leaves a lasting impression on my life,” Melissa Mims said. She has served as principal of Madison Elementary School for three years.

“I joined the MES family in June 2014 and have enjoyed building relationships and working with students, teachers, parents and community members,” Mims said.

Previously, she worked as assistant principal at Chelsea Park Elementary School in Shelby County for six years; as a third-grade teacher three years; and as a second-grade teacher at Loachapoka Elementary School, Lee County, and Chestatee Elementary School, Forsyth County, Ga. “My education philosophy is to teach in a way that excites students by creating an engaging, safe environment where collaboration is encouraged and mistakes are understood,” Mims said. Educators, she said, should develop relationships by understanding each student personally and academically “to challenge and motivate students in different ways.”

ABOVE: The building that now houses Madison Elementary School was built in 1936. The Class of 1941 at Madison High School constructed this sign, which stands on the front lawn.

LEFT: At Madison Elementary School, Principal Melissa Mims stands by an art piece, donated by the sculptor who designed the piece for the SPACES Sculpture Trial.

Madison Living 25

LEFT: Built in 1936, the school building at 19 College Street is in the heart of the Madison Station Historical District.

“All students can learn – they just learn in different ways and different paces. I have high expectations for all and expect all to do their very best, knowing that the ‘best’ might not look the same for everyone,” Mims said.

Mims defined three major needs for Madison City Schools, including “maintaining buildings to accommodate growth this wonderful city experiences daily,” as well as “maintaining faculty/staff with educational experiences that students deserve daily” and “increasing funding to accomplish these needs and continue the high level of instruction and opportunities Madison students are so fortunate to have.”

One educator who left a lasting impression on Mims’ life was her former principal, Dr. Jeanette Campisi-Snider. “As her assistant principal, she guided me professionally and personally for six years,” Mims said. “She provided opportunities to succeed and fail while encouraging me along the way. Dr. Campisi-Snider mentored me and challenged my thinking only to help me improve my craft. I’m grateful for her love and care to further develop my teaching and administrative skills. I’ve taken what she instilled in me and continue to build upon it.”

Mims lived in Harvest until enrolling at Auburn University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Auburn

26 Madison Living

and continued living and working on the plains to obtain a master’s degree. She earned master’s certification in educational leadership at University of Montevallo.

Her husband Wesley “Wes” Mims is a project manager in the construction industry in the Huntsville and Birmingham areas.

In her first year as principal, the Mimses built a new home in Madison “to continue to engrain ourselves in all that Madison and surrounding areas offer.”

The couple welcomed daughter Lillian in October 2016. “She is now 8 months old and has been a tremendous blessing to both of us,” Melissa said. “Lillian is growing up quickly and is such fun to be around. Wes and I certainly stay busy.”

Lillian has her mother’s “undivided attention during my spare time. We enjoy playing and reading,” Melissa said. “I also cherish time spent with family and friends.” Melissa reads educational literature as a leisure activity. “Education is truly my passion. I feel so blessed to work in a field I love.”

She runs the Memphis marathon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and supports March of Dimes campaigns at Madison Elementary. The family attends Harvest Baptist Church.

One little known fact about Melissa is that she worked as a U.S. Senate Page for Sen. Howell Heflin for six weeks. “It was a wonderful learning and personal experience I’ll always cherish,” she said.

RIGHT: Mims has been principal of Madison Elementary for three years.

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Madison Living 27

ARTS AND CULTURE

Artistic WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY

vision

Madison Street Festival crafters exhibit diverse talent and motivation 28 Madison Living

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hen Madison Street Festival returns Oct. 7, many visitors will head directly to Crafters Cove, home of handmade arts and crafts. Approximately 70 crafters will put their works of art on display – including Heather Welch, Mary Beth Jernigan and Pat Modica.

Welch designs custom-made clocks – for a loftier reason than just to make a profit. About two years ago, Welch saw a vintage farmhouse clock in a magazine. “I fell in love with it, but it was out of my budget and too small for where I wanted to put it.”

Meanwhile, her husband Derrick was invited to join a mission trip to Africa. “The trip was going to cost a good chunk of change,” Heather said. “I wanted to start a fundraiser for his trip.” Numerous people requested Heather’s clocks, so she launched her business, The Craft House.

Heather constructs her shabby chic clocks with used/recycled wood. She personalizes each clock with the buyer’s last name and usually their wedding year. Every clock is unique. Available in three sizes, Welch’s clocks are designed to blend in any decorating motif.

What’s the most difficult step in her clock-making? “I can’t tell you all my secrets,” Heather joked.

Along with marketing at MSF, Heather sells clocks at The Funky Monkey, Boutique Warehouse, her home and Facebook/thecrafthouseheatherwelch.

Originally from Central Florida, the Welches moved to Madison in 2008. “We love it here,” Heather said. They are members of Movement Church in Madison.

Derrick works as a government contractor and helps Heather cut out clocks. Their children are Paxton, 5.5 years old and entering kindergarten, and Porter, 3.5 years old. “We’re expecting our third boy in October,” Heather said.

After MSF, the Welches will use some of this year’s profits for Derrick’s mission trip in 2018.

Another vendor in Crafter’s Cove will be Jernigan with Cavendish Creations.

“I hand-paint signs on old wood and repurposed material from pallets, fences, barns, floors, cabinet doors – pretty much anything I find,” she said. “I also make crosses, trays and other home decor items.

I give new life to small furniture pieces and items with chalk paint.”

Jernigan said she has always enjoyed doing creative things. “Four years ago, I stocked up on inventory and participated in MSF to see what happened. Well, I had a great day, so I decided to continue to do local crafts shows or markets,” she said.

ABOVE: Heather Welch creates numerous decorating accessories. A lapboard mantle holds a cross, candle and wreath.

A rustic clock sits near a rustic tray on a tin tub.

LEFT: Vintage clocks in rough wood, with Roman numerals and personalized (usually with a family name and wedding year) are one of Heather Welch’s most popular creations.

PAGE 28: The Welch family: Heather, 3.5-yearold Porter, Derrick and 5.5-year-old Paxton.

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ABOVE FROM LEFT: Twisted bundles of rope form the ‘o’ in this Love plaque.

Framed wall pictures are another accessory that Heather Welch creates.

Heather Welch starts most of her craft work with discarded wood and lumber.

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HGTV episodes fueled her interest in repurposing and sign painting. With few options in stores, she realized she could make most of those accessories. “A lot of what’s available now is mass-produced. I really like something that is handmade,” she said. “Imperfections of old wood and hand-painting something make it unique. I love how an old piece of wood becomes something treasured when painted with words, made into a cross or tray and then finished with stain or wax. Its true beauty comes out.”

This year will be her fifth at MSF. “I just love it. I meet lots of great people and see many friends and neighbors. Crafters and artists have unique items,” Jernigan

said. Cavendish Creations also participates in Madison Arts Council’s Kris Kringle Market and Asbury United Methodist Church’s Taste of the Holidays, and Jernigan sells through her Facebook and Etsy pages.

She is married to Dave Jernigan, Madison chief of police. “Dave enjoys going with me to flea markets and yard sales and looking for old wood. He helps me set up at shows,” she said.

The Jernigans’ daughters are 29-year-old Katelyn of Nashville, a school librarian, and 26-year-old Sarah, a social worker in Mobile.

Another MSF artisan, Modica has created birdhouses for about eight years. He started with simple structures for his backyard, primarily constructed from scrap wood and deadfall from his neighborhood.

Heather Welch “I gradually added ‘comfort’ features like lawn chairs, started selling barbecue grills, flower pots and what-nots and devel- her crafts to oped themes, such as flower shops, mountain cabins or help husband general stores,” he said.

Derrick travel No two houses are identical. “Although functional as a on a mission full-fledged outdoor birdhouse, mine will weather better trip to Africa. in a covered patio or a fireplace mantle,” Modica added.

Each birdhouse requires one week to build. MSF is the only festival he attends because of time constraints in building an inventory.

In years past, he has built shelving, cabinets and even a bunk bed for his four Yorkshire terriers. He dabbled in oil painting, and his love for old barns and rustic scenes His wife Jade is his best critic and an “essential soundinfluenced birdhouse designs. ing board for every birdhouse. We came to Huntsville “I enjoy my birdhouse hobby because I can be creative in from California 26 years ago and started a new life. woodworking without worry of close dimensions – sort of We’re retired and enjoy traveling occasionally,” he said. a freedom. It gets me out of my recliner,” he said. Money is not his object. “I just do it for enjoyment,” he said. “The best RIGHT: On this wall plaque, Heather part of MSF is talking about the details – what wood I used, Welch decided to include a Bible verse. how I constructed the roof or any other details.”

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Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

STORY & PHOTOS BY MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Madison Chamber of Commerce has been on the move celebrating Grand Openings, Anniversaries, Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, Luncheons, Trains on Main participants and much more. Thank you to all of our Board Members, Ambassadors, Volunteers, and Chamber Members who always go the extra mile with a smile to help make the chamber great. For information on chamber events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, visit madisonALchamber. com or call 256-3258317. Visit the Chamber on Facebook at Madison Chamber of Commerce (MCC) to help keep up to date with what’s happening in our city.

Meet and Greet for MCC Member Inside-Out Ministries.

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member One Love Hearing.

Meet and Greet for MCC Member Restoration Foursquare Church.

June MCC Ambassador Luncheon.

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Business After Hours at Merrill Gardens.

Trains on Main Participants.

June MCC Ambassador Luncheon.

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Business After Hours at Merrill Gardens.

Meet and Greet for MCC Member Restoration Foursquare Church.

Another group of Happy train Scavenger Hunters!

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member CinePlanet 15 Cinema.

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member CinePlanet 15 Cinema.

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member Fyzical Balance and Fall Prevention Center.

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member Fyzical Balance and Fall Prevention Center.

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member The Dance Shoppe Madison.

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Marketplace Madison Living • 256.772.6677

Great Jobs ARE Out There...

If You Know Where to Look!

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Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs today to view your opportunities!

MIXER TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED Now hiring full-time CDLqualified mixer truck drivers. Must have good driving record and pass drugscreening.

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MUST BE professional, organized, posses great communication skills.

Send resume to: P.O. Box 5601 Decatur, AL 35601

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CAGLE SOD FARM 419 Hybrid Bermuda • $1.35 sq.yd.

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DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Over-the-road positions Available. Dry vans. No hazmat.

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Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2 Now Hiring Drivers Carry Transit • Decatur, AL Good Pay • Excellent Benefits & Home Time Must Have 18mos OTR Experience & Class A-CDL w/Tanker Endorsement Apply: www.CarryTransit.com Lenders’ New 1st Time Homebuyer’s Plan at Clayton Homes, Cullman.

You can be APPROVED! 256-734-1930 NOW HIRING North AL Excavating Company Seeking experienced Operators, Laborers, and Paving Crew Professionals Drug Test Required Please email resume to ctsoffice@scottsboro.org No phone calls please.

EOE Dixon Storage 911 5th St., Red Bay Open 24/7 Under New Management 256-412-2812 or 256-702-1552

Welder Training Coming Soon!

Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Kubota Tractor BX2200D HST 4x4 54in mower deck 582 hours $5500 New JBar Bushhogs: 6ft-$900, 5ft-$750, 4ft$675 New JBar Rock Rake: 6ft-$525, 5ft-$475 256-565-8695 Call-No texts!

Now Leasing HALLMARK CRESTMOOR APARTMENTS 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Units Available W/D Hookups•Pest Control Water/Garbage/Sewer Included 1060 Mountain View Road, Hartselle (256)773-7072 Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256-3322960 KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499 Box Trucks Needed A growing company needs independent contractors with vehicles to deliver office and Medical supplies all over N AL. Clean BG/MVR/drug test.

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Call Shasta @ LSO Final Mile 256-461-0069 or email Shasta.Lanford@ lsofinalmile.com

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Spring, Summer, and Fall Estate, Antique, Farm Equipment and Real Estate Auctions.

Call Auctioneer Chris McNatt ASL#1474 TSL#5074 Firm 2652 256-874-3786 Glass Installers & Construction Laborers Experience preferred but not required. Starting pay between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience.

(256)353-9181 HUGHES NET • Gen4 High-Speed Satellite Internet Is Available Where You Live!

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Ask about FREE router!

Call 800-266-4409 www.pbsinternet.com Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-350-9938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales. com SERVICE TECH Accepting applications for service tech position.

Experience, References, Clean MVR Required.

Sunshine Homes, Inc. Call 256-356-4427, ext. #33 Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928

Valley Heating & Cooling HVAC Installers & Service Techs Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer competitive pay, insurance, employer matched 401K, guaranteed 40+ hours/ week. Overtime available!

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Pneumatic tank equipment.

Dry bulk hauling. $500 SIGN ON BONUS Home every other weekend. Apply online: Vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993 Vine ripe tomatoes, squash and all kinds of peppers.

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Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803

Madison Living 1

Madison Living 35

Shop local

Get fresh produce, tea and more at the weekly farmers’ market at Madison hospital.

Wednesdays · 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Madison hospital campus Near the flagpole VeNdorS iNclude Campbell Farms, S&J Produce Farms, Chupper Time, Piper & Leaf, Iron City Trading, Cathy’s Garden, Bitty Buttercup and Layers Desserts

madisonALhospital.org

Enjoy a free afternoon of family fun designed to promote a healthy lifestyle to the youth in our community.

Thursday, Sept. 21 (rain date: Sept. 28)

Jaycee’s Building 2180 Airport Road Annual one mile fun run for kids preschool through 8th grade Register online at huntsvillehospital.org/funrun