Madison Living Magazine - June 2021

MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • OUT & ABOUT • RICKY SHACK

June 2021 / $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

Save the Monarch Rotary Club of Madison spearheads effort to create Monarch Butterfly Habitat

Old Rooster Ride of a lifetime for the man who faces challenges while challenging himself

Making “Sweet” History Homeschoolers based in Madison make state history

ALSO INSIDE The exceptional Class of 2021 Around Town with Lee Marshall Out & About with Madison at the Range Opening Day at Toyota Field Upcoming events

and much more

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A TRADITION OF F QUALITY Y HOME IM MPROVEM MENTS SINCE 1972.

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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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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27 15 SAVE THE MONARCH Rotary Club of Madison spearheads effort to create Monarch Butterfly Habitat at Dublin Park

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33 OLD ROOSTER Ride of a lifetime for the man who faces challenges while challenging himself

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7 The Guide 20 Madison City Schools 24 Shopping 38 Around Town 39 Out & About 46 Madison Hospital 47 The Ricky Shack 50 MCC Connections

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THE GUIDE

The Huntsville Museum of Art’s 30th Anniversary GALA

JUNE 8 – 12 Considered one of Huntsville’s premiere events, the Huntsville Museum of Art’s Annual Gala consists of three separate events which each offer unique cultural activities to attract a variety of patrons, both young and old. These three events are tied together by the month-long Gala Art Exhibition. This year’s featured artist is Millie Gosch (right). Leading up to the 30th Anniversary Gala, the silent auction art, trips, parties and treasures will be on display in the galleries and available for immediate purchase. You can secure your favorite item before the Gala and take it home after the event to enjoy forever! Go to hsvmuseum.org/events/gala for more information.

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Drones: Is The Sky The Limit? features real drones, in-depth label paneling and rich audio-visual content.

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THE GUIDE

Rocket City Fit Day • Toyota Field • June 12 Join the Trash Pandas for their inaugural Rocket City Fit Day. This health & wellness event is free to attend and family-friendly.

It will feature dozens of local businesses with a workout on Toyota Field led by F45 Training West Huntsville. The workout is from 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. and is for all levels of fitness. At 1:00 p.m., they will host a Beer Squat Challenge for those who want a little friendly competition. The man and woman who can maintain a perfect squat while holding a beer the longest will win a prize.

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Butterflies & Friends Fun Day - Cook’s Museum Of Natural History • June 12 • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Come fly into the world of pollinators: bats, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, bees, and more! Explore the exhibits, while filling out your Pollinator Passport. Take part in a variety of hands-on activity and craft stations. Enjoy the helpful “Honey Bees! Science on the Spot” presentations and the “Behind Beekeeping” video. Go to www.cookmuseum.org for more information.

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Family Fun Day • Oxford Subdivision • Madison • June 5 • 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Oxford Subdivision, located on County Line Road, will host a FREE Summer Celebration and Grand Opening of a Sidewalk Library. The community is invited. The events will take place in the center of the neighborhood, in the 3rd block of Lena Cain Blvd. All activities, except the food truck, are free. Meltdown Ice Cream will be on site selling cool, refreshing treats. Sarah Ragan with Keller Williams Realty Madison is sponsoring a trackless train, and David Perkins State Farm Insurance will host a bouncy house. The family-friendly event includes games and activities such as making bookmarks, story time, bubble fun, hula hoops, building kits from Home Depot, space-related activities conducted by the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center, and more. See story at www.themadisonrecord.com for more information.

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Madison Chamber of Commerce Business Expo & Kids Day Insanity Skate Park • June 26 The Madison Chamber of Commerce proudly presents Business Expo & Kids Day, Saturday, June 26th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.at Insanity Complex, 100 Skate Park Drive, Madison. This year’s theme will be Baseball. This family fun filled event will have 60+ vendors showcasing their products and services. Kids will enjoy FREE activities like inflatables, face painting, giant Jenga, Connect 4, baseball Cornhole, photo ops with SPROCKET and balloon art from Dr. Osborne. For more information, go to www. madisonalchamber.com.

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2021 Trash Pandas Day Camp • Toyota Field • June 21-25

Have fun this summer at Toyota Field during the 2021 Trash Pandas Day Camp. This is an all-day activities camp with lunch and a snack provided. Activities will include arts and crafts, kickball on the field, reading time, batting cages with hitting instruction, movie time and more. Kids will get to see and experience the brand-new facility at Toyota Field. Go to www.trashpandasbaseball. com/camp for more information.

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SAVE THE MONARCH Rotary Club of Madison spearheads effort to create Monarch Butterfly Habitat at Dublin Park STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 15

W

When Rotary Clubs up North sent out a call to save the Monarch butterfly, Madison Rotary member Bailey Erikson could not ignore it.

With a 90% decline in the Monarch, Erikson realized the Madison community could play a small role in saving the state’s insect. She quickly contacted her friend, master gardener Kathy Gardner, for advice in planning a butterfly habitat.

“Kathy grows butterfly bushes in her backyard and I knew she would be one to help,” Erikson said. “In fact, we could not have done it without her.”

Locating the ideal place was the first step in creating the habitat. After talking to Korey Alfred at Dublin Park, it was decided to build the 10 ft. by 100 ft. long garden between the two soccer fields. The second step took place in early December with the planting of milkweed.

“Milkweed seeds are cold stratified so they do well in winter months,” Erikson said.

By the end of April, twenty-eight volunteers hailing from the North Alabama Zoological Society, the Conservation Department, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts and the Madison Visionary Partners were on hand to finish up the planting of pollination plants like lantana and butterfly bushes. Erikson was happy with the turnout.

“The turnout was wonderful. In fact, one man that

16 Madison Living

Master Gardener Kathy Gardner and Madison Rotary member Bailey Erikson

came out said he did so because you have to teach community to your children because they will not learn it on their own,” Erikson said. “It just showed me that Madison is a special place to live and there are those in the community that want to make it a better place.”

Erikson hopes that by August, the Monarchs migrating through North Alabama will stop and have something to eat in the habitat.

“The Scouts will continue to weed until all plants take root and are strong and then the plants are free to grow.

We have already had a report that we have our first caterpillar,” Erikson said.

On May 1, the group created another butterfly habitat in the Healing Garden at Madison Hospital and there are plans for every school in Madison City to have their own habitats to maintain.

“Students will be responsible for the habitats and take ownership of it,” Erikson said. “For instance, at James Clemens, the JRTOC and Conservation Club will work it.”

Erikson has plans to make the Dublin Butterfly Garden a certified Monarch Watch Waystation. Guidelines for becoming a certified waystation include, size of the habitat, exposure to the sun, source of shelter, milkweed plants, nectar plants and habitat management.

“Being certified says that the Monarchs are protected,”

The project’s first caterpillar.

Madison Living 17

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do.

Erikson said. “We will get a certificate and metal sign that will be posted in the habitat. I plan to have the Mayor come out and do a ceremony.”

Plants for the gardens were all donated from members and organizations in the community. Erikson says that any 4-H Club or Scout troop can get free supplies to create a habitat from the Save Our Monarch non-profit, making it easy to establish a sanctuary for the Monarch.

Erikson learned a lot about butterflies and gardens through this process, but most of all she learned that one does not have do too much to help make something better.

“I planted two butterfly bushes and a lilac plant in my yard,” Erikson said. “If everyone in Madison or in the Tennessee Valley planted just one flowering plant, then we will have more Monarchs move through here.”

For more information, email madisonrotary@ gmail.com or visit Facebook/Madison Rotary Monarch Butterfly Project or Facebook/Rotary Sunset Club Madison Alabama.

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Workers at Madison Rotary’s Monarch Butterfly Habitat at Dublin Park struggled with muddy clay to plant milkweed seed during the winter. The volunteers included Alexis Nichols, from left, Cheryl Byers, Lisa Hendrix, Bailey Erickson, Trace Hackler, Mayra Pangborn, Donna Phillips and Kathy Gardner.

Several groups gathered in April for a work-day at the Monarch Butterfly Habitat. Volunteers pitched in from the North Alabama Zoological Society, the Girl Scouts, the Master Gardeners of North Alabama, the Boy Scouts, the National Honor Society, Madison Visionary Partners, Rotarians, and others.

Madison Living 19

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

Faced with great challenges, the Class of 2021 excelled

T

This year I had the honor as your superintendent of taking part in my first graduation for Madison City Schools.

As I greeted each student on stage, I could not help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. As a parent of a student in the Class of 2021, I know that it is natural for parents to worry about what the future holds for our children. In one moment, we see Dr. Ed Nichols them still as helpless kids that require Madison City Schools our undivided attention. In the next Superintendent moment, we are in awe of their matuof Education rity and vision.

As I listened to the speeches by our student leaders, I was inspired at their personal journey during

...

20 Madison Living

these past challenging months. I heard each of them express the joy and love they received from their family, friends and teachers. Our Board President, Tim Holtcamp, said it best in describing the 2021 graduating class as the most adaptive in MCS history. Truly, they have been faced with great challenges and they have persevered through it all.

At 966 graduates (525 from James Clemens and 441 from Bob Jones) this was our largest senior class ever as a school district. In just 23 years, Madison’s senior class grew from 333 in 1998-99 to just under 1,000 this year.

The Board and I remain optimistic about the future with the young ladies and men who received their diplomas last month to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Surveys by each high school indicate 65 percent of our graduates will embark to a four-year university and 18 percent to a two-year college. Some will enter the military (three percent)

and some will go directly into the workforce (eight percent), hopefully aided by one of our outstanding career tech academies. The six percent who are undecided will no doubt find their purpose and pursue it. Our 2021 graduates finished strong and are destined for promising futures.

I’m very proud to report that 58 percent (560) were offered $45 million in scholarships. Approximately $20 million-worth of scholarships has been accepted so far, an average of just under $38,000 each.

An impressive 371 students (more than a third of the entire senior class at both high schools) graduated with a 4.00 or higher Grade Point Average, with 29 ending above a 5.00 G.P.A. Eighteen percent (18) scored a 30 or higher on their ACT. Madison City Schools produced 16 National Merit Finalists, 8 U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates (four each from BJ and JC) and both schools racked up countless awards in academics, athletics and the arts.

While many of our college bound graduates will stay in-state, others are fanning out to universities across the country and globe. James Clemens reports acceptance to 79 colleges across 23 states and three countries outside the United States. Bob Jones has students

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enrolling in 70 colleges across 26 states.

I congratulate our graduates and the families who helped prepare them. I want to also commend the administrators, teachers and support staff, not only in our high schools but the middle and elementary schools who help lay the foundation of their learning.

The performance of the Class of 2021 gives me assurance of a bright future for all of us.

Dr. Ed Nichols is superintendent of Madison City Schools

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MAKING “SWEET” HISTORY Local home-school students learn first hand how state government works while getting sweet potatoes named as the state vegetable STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 27

A

A state bird. A state flower. And even a state insect. Those are simple facts that Kristin Smith’s homeschool students discovered while researching a dinner party to celebrate Alabama’s bicentennial celebration in 2019. What they did not discover however, was an official state vegetable.

“When we did not find an official state vegetable, we were like what is more prominent in the state of Alabama than agriculture,” Kristin said. “So, we sent an email to the archives and within a couple of days they wrote back and could not find one, either. They said that we had them all in chuckles down there.”

This led to a class discussion of what vegetable should represent the state. From collard greens to squash, the students brainstormed an idea for the state’s official vegetable.

“We took out corn because it is too common and squash is basically a fruit,” senior Kiley Ray said.

“We all got on our phones and sweet potato kept coming up so we researched it further.”

With their research now focused on the sweet potato, the class discovered that Alabama is fifth in the country in sweet potato production and that the vegetable raises 9 million in state revenue.

28 Madison Living

Madison Living 29

“Each student was then given an assignment about sweet potatoes, focusing on subjects like health, culture, money,” Kristin said. “We even contacted the Alabama Sweet Potato Association out of Cullman to discuss the sweet potato. They told us that Alabama’s sandy loam soil allows for the sweet potato to grow in a tubular shape.”

The students of the Learning Exchange found a problem. Now, they wanted to solve it. They wrote letters to state representatives and state senators, not expecting much out of it. Within two weeks, they received a letter from Sen. Arthur Orr. “Sen. Orr sent a letter dated Nov. 18 stating that he talked with Sen. Tom Butler and that Butler could not agree with us more on the matter,” Kristin said. “We were told that Sen. Butler had a joint resolution ready on his desk to put forth.”

Being a former paralegal, Kristin knew that Title 1, Chapter 2 referring to state symbols and honors stated that this type of idea needed to be introduced as a bill.

And she wanted that bill. Smith emailed Butler about the discrepancy and on Feb. 4, 2020, he introduced a bill to name the sweet potato the official state vegetable.

Then COVID. No ratification of the bill.

During this time, the students continued to research the sweet potato, discovering that the majority of the

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The students were honored at a celebration in Cullman with State Senator Garlan Grudger and State Representative Randall Shedd. state’s production of the vegetable is in Cullman and Baldwin counties.

“Those two are like twin brothers,” Ray said.

Doug Davenport, the Director of Parks and Recreation in Cullman, heard about the students’ project and contacted them. The students learned that Cullman hosts an annual Sweet Potato Festival in September. Davenport introduced the students to Sen. Garlan Grudger of Cullman.

“Sen. Grudger loved the idea. He called Sen. Butler to take the bill over since it affected his constituents directly. Butler said yes,” Smith said. “He live streamed readings of the bill, committee meetings and even recognized the students so they could wave. He texted throughout the process and just elevated it all because it was so important to his community” The project became a full circle learning experience, now including legal and political lessons. The students watched as the senate passed the bill unanimously and as the house debated the bill for 10 minutes.

“It was not really a debate per se,” junior Kyra Smith said. “It was more about the peanut supporters wanting to be heard. I learned that the filibuster can be an annoying thing.”

The bill passed the house, 94-4. Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill on April 16, making the sweet potato the official

“

We made Alabama history! We took a break from learning Alabama history to actually making it.

”

Madison Living 31

Sen. Grudger arranged for the students to visit the Cullman Agricultural Complex (above and below). They were treated to a sweet potato feast, featuring sweet potato cornbread, dumplings, cupcakes and casseroles.

vegetable of the state of Alabama.

“We would have loved to have been there when Gov. Ivey signed it,” Kristin said. “It was such a big thing for us. We tried to get it through for two years.”

The students are basically royalty in Cullman. After the signing, Grudger arranged for the students to visit the Cullman Agricultural Complex for a celebration. They were treated to a sweet potato feast, featuring sweet potato cornbread, dumplings, cupcakes and casseroles. They even got to plant a few of the orange vegetable plants. They have already been invited to the 2021 Sweet Potato Festival to continue their reign as Cullman royalty.

“I have anxiety and am not one to talk a lot, but I grew during this project,” Ray said. “Hearing from the farmers on how the sweet potato affects them and how important it is to them, pushed me to grow out of my comfort level. It was not just our project. We did it for them.”

Senior Junior Matthew Riley said what started as students describing a “lame” idea, turned into a much bigger lesson on the political process, state history and even on the act of writing formal letters. It was much more than a project.

“We made Alabama history,” Kyra said. “We took a break from learning Alabama history to actually making it.”

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SPORTS

“OLD ROOSTER”

Ride of a lifetime for the man who faces challenges while challenging himself STORY BY BOB LABBE / PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

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34 Madison Living

I

In November of 2020, David Webb visited a powerlifting competition in Decatur to show support for a friend who he came to know through workouts at Powerhouse Gym. He watched the precision of the event, and with the passionate competitiveness he witnessed he simply became enthralled with the sport.

Thus, the beginnings of the ride of a lifetime for the man who faces challenges while challenging himself.

Since that eye-opening day in the River City, the 63year old Webb has made a name for himself on the local, state and national levels by attacking the sport of powerlifting with a competitive drive rarely seen. In just over six months Webb now holds four Alabama state records, which he set twice, and one national mark in the sub master 165-181-pound, 60-64 age division of the United States Powerlifting Association. The national mark has since been beaten by a lifter in California and Webb has his sights on setting new marks of his own.

Among his drug tested lifts he currently holds state records are squat (248-pounds), deadlift (352.7), bench press (242.5) and total of the three (843.3).

Growing up in Louisville, Ky., Webb didn’t partake in athletics until his four-year stint in the U.S. Army where

he played racquetball, softball, bowling and martial arts.

Once moving to Alabama in 1983 and taking up residence in the area of Monrovia-Madison, he became an Alabama state champion racquetball player and disc golfer. He also earned his teaching certificate for U.S. Kids Golf.

Webb grew up among a poor family consisting of his single mother and four siblings. His father left when Webb was a mere four years old. The two bedroom house they lived in included an attic they converted into a bedroom for him and his three brothers. There was no air condition and his mother earned $55 weekly take home pay working in a daycare at their church. Although he wasn’t aware at the time, the family also received help from the U.S. Government and many of their meals were made up of Spam, Velveeta Cheese, Charles Chips and milk.

The four boys in the family even shared one bicycle to ride in their neighborhood, while their sister had a bicycle of her own, “Of course we wouldn’t ride that bike, it was a girl’s bike,” said Webb with a chuckle.

His mother stood a tiny 4-foot-8 and at times the family had no electricity, occasionally had hot dogs and hamburgers for meals and many times all they had to eat was potatoes and a salt shaker to give the vegetable some robust fla-

Madison Living 35

vor. Times were tough and those experiences helped shape him who he is today. He said of his upbringing, “I wouldn’t change one moment as those years brought me challenges I was forced to face head-on.”

At age 19 he joined the U.S. Army standing a mere 5-foot-8 and weighing a soaking wet 124 pounds.

“For me, something new I jump all-in,” said Webb.

“I’m all in or none. I’ve always enjoyed working out in the gym. Me and my buddy, Bobby Brown, workout together and under his guidance and watching You Tube videos I learned how to work out properly.”

Webb is now dropping in weight class to Masters 60-64

36 Madison Living

(165.2-pounds) and will enter competitions to qualify for the nationals set for October in Orange Beach, Ala. He’s already qualified in the 181.7-pound division, but is shooting to break the existing national records in both the squat (286.6 pounds) and bench press (253.5 pounds).

“My goal is to drop weight, but not lose power,” said Webb.

Webb and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 26 years. He has worked on Redstone Arsenal for 27 years the last 22 as a research scientist contractor working for the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH).

The 5-foot-8, 171-pound athlete, nicknamed “Old Roost-

“

I like setting goals or expectations and exceeding them. I love the journey.”

”

er,” is always competing in some type of endeavor. He added, “I like setting goals or expectations and exceeding them.

I love the journey.”

His travels through life have been challenges he eagerly accepts and never backs down. There’s a plaque above the doorway in his home kitchen that describes Webb and his no-holes barred efforts in life. The last line on the plaque is a perfect metaphor of how he lives his life. It reads: “Wow! What a ride.”

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

Thank you Dr. Dorothy Davidson for a life well lived

...

Lee Marshall

Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

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W

We lost a legend -- but oh, what a legacy.

Dr. Dorothy Davidson left us quietly, surrounded by family just like she wanted.

She lived her life as a trailblazer. “The first woman to…” was attached to many of her roles. Those of us who knew her learned a lot from her stories and understood the pioneer she was in business and in philanthropy.

You can’t live in Huntsville and not know Dorothy Davidson.

In April 2015, KTECH was the first of our visions I asked her to believe in. She read the proposal, listened to the plan and said “Ok!” That began a level of friendship and mentorship with Mrs. D that I value greatly.

Later that year, we had the opportunity to purchase the land and the house that now bears her name, Davidson Farms. She asked “How much?” and when I told her she responded, “Let’s go get the farm.”

She was so proud to be able to provide a

home for girls who otherwise wouldn’t have one. We opened Davidson Farms in August of 2017 and she joined us for our first Thanksgiving at the farm. She loved being with the girls. They listened as she shared her wisdom.

I always listened as she shared her wisdom.

I remember our last visit, her health was declining. I shared about the Cottage Community and our plans to provide housing for our girls on the road to independence. She was so excited! She loved building things and had a lot of guidance for me as we took on a building project.

I am thankful Dorothy Davidson sowed amazing seeds to bring our vision of service to life. Because of her, we are changing lives.

Our community is a better place because Dorothy Davidson lived her and gave here.

My life is better because she invested in me, in us. And I will make sure I always pay it forward because she would expect no less.

OUT&ABOUT

SENIOR PROM

at Madison at the Range Senior Community PHOTOS BY JOHN FEW

Madison Living 39

John and Sara Thomas, king and queen of the prom, look at a photo of themselves from 1956 when they went to their high school prom together.

R

Residents, their family and friends at Madison at the Range got to relive their high school days on May 14. The senior living community on County Line Road in Madison hosted a special senior prom. The community’s designated prom king and queen also celebrated the 65th anniversary of their high school prom at the event.

For John and Sara Thomas, both residents, being crowned prom king and queen brought them right back to their senior prom together in May of 1956 at Butler High School.

The residents had their dancing shoes ready and celebrated

with each other, the staff at Madison at the Range, and their family and friends. It was the first time the residents had an event where they got to celebrate with visitors since the pandemic began.

“Our Senior Prom was a way for our residents and staff to celebrate each other and how unified we are as a retirement community,” said Jennifer Finlay, the Madison at the Range Director of Sales & Marketing. “Madison at the Range is a family and there’s no better way to celebrate family than with food, dancing, laughs, and a whole lot of fun.”

Darlena Thomas, Tara Johnson and Felecia Harris.

Ranita Peterson and Manfred Schumacher.

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Ranita Peterson, Manfred Schumacher, Megan Laupart and Foy Smith.

A guest dances with resident Linda Hillis.

Mike Martin and Linda White

Lifestyles Coordinator Cindy Gooch dances with resident Dony Gapasin.

Patsy Chesser and Carl Randolph

Anne Wright

Cindy Gooch and Ethel Meredith

Tara Johnson and Felecia Harris with Linda White and Mike Martin watching.

Madison Living 41

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OUT&ABOUT

OPENING DAY AT TOYOTA FIELD Thousands celebrate Rocket City Trash Pandas’ first home game PHOTOS BY BOB LABBE & ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS

Madison Living 43

D

Despite losing the game in extra innings to the visiting Tennessee Smokies, the long-awaited home opener of the Rocket City Trash Pandas was a winner on May 11.

The packed house, although many were stuck in long traffic lines and did not arrive to well after the first pitch, were part of the history making night where smiling faces of the Trash Pandas’ staff greeted all who made their way into Toyota Field. Simply put- the night was electric.

The evening began with special welcoming speeches, a fly-over by a military plane and the singing of the National Anthem by music superstar Lee Greenwood. After introduction of the entire team and coaching staff, the game got underway with the first pitch in the history of professional baseball at Toyota Field a ball from Trash Pandas’ pitcher Reid Detmers to Zach Davis of the Smokies. The game would go on to extra innings where the good guys lost to the bad guys 4-3, but for most in attendance, the winning was attending a game after four years of preparation.

The first dinger hit at Toyota Field for the pro ranks came from

44 Madison Living

the Smokies’ Levi Jordan that baptized the grounds beyond the outfield fence in the second inning. The first home hit by the Trash Pandas came in the fourth inning when Izzy Wilson hit a shot over the right field wall. He also became the first foreignborn player to do the honors at Toyota Field as the 23-year old was born on Saint Maarten, Antilles.

In between inning contests were held with the most memorable being “Are You Smarter Than A Trash Panada.” A selected member of the crowd was asked to name three items from the 1990’s from photographs compared to the answers given by a member of the Trash Pandas. The crowd was certainly into the contest and the fun surrounding the entire atmosphere of the evening that lasted just over three hours of game running time.

In all, the Trash Pandas will play 60 home games. Kinks within the chain will be worked out at each outing by the front office staff and the entertainment value of the team and its surroundings at Town Madison. The efforts are well worth the time as “The Boys Of Summer” are here. - www.trashpandasbaseball.com

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....................... MADISON HOSPITAL .......................

Thankful for Clarence Tidwell

...

Mary Lynne Wright President Madison Hospital

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For the past few issues, I’ve been using this space to introduce you to the volunteer members of our Madison Hospital Board.

Today, I want to highlight the remarkable contributions of Clarence Tidwell. Long before we opened our doors, Mr. Tidwell was a vocal supporter of Huntsville Hospital’s pursuit of a state Certificate of Need to build a new not-for-profit hospital in Madison.

At the time, Mr. Tidwell was president of one of the area’s best known defense contractors, COLSA Corp.

“COLSA had a large number of employees in the Madison area who would benefit from the city having its own hospital,” he recalled. “And if a hospital was going to be built, I felt patients would be better served if it was controlled by local people who know the community.”

When Huntsville Hospital won state approval for the Madison Hospital project in 2008, Mr. Tidwell was naturally one of the first people we asked to serve on the hospital board. Luckily for

us, he said yes.

And he has graciously continued to volunteer even though he is now long retired from COLSA. “I’m going to stay on the board as long as they’ll have me,” Mr. Tidwell said.

Trained as a mechanical engineer, Mr. Tidwell, an Auburn grad, spent the early part of his career working for the Army Missile Command on Redstone Arsenal. He and his late wife, Joyce, raised a son and daughter at their home on Old Monrovia Road and later enjoyed six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Several family members work in the medical field including son-in-law Dr. Joe Sharp, a well-known family physician in Huntsville.

Now 88 years old, Mr. Tidwell has had a few occasions to visit Madison Hospital as a patient.

He’s come away impressed each time.

“The building is in incredible shape – it looks just like it did on opening day back in 2012,” he said. “And the care I received was as good as I would have gotten at any hospital, anywhere.”

ON THE GRILL

NOTHING SILLY ABOUT THIS

T

Tips for cooking an excellent brisket from “Smoke Me Silly”

The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) is the number one organization of BBQ and grilling enthusiasts globally and is the top sanctioning body for BBQ food sport competitions. It sanctions approximately 500 contests annually and has approximately 20,000 members in 41 countries.

The KCBS method of scoring points is one (disqualified) to nine (excellent) on chicken, ribs, pork butt and beef brisket. A perfect score in competition is 180 points (appearance, taste and tenderness points are each weighted differently) for each meat. A perfect score of 180 for

By Richard George @ricky_shack

all four meats is 720. KCBS states that it takes a truly exceptional team to earn a score of 700.

Two of the prestigious “best of the best” clubs are the 180 club and the 700 club. The third “best of the best” club is for judges reaching the 100+ club (number of sanctioned events judged.) I am striving to hit the 50 mark before July 4th.

In North Alabama, you might see many funny names of streets, restaurants and certainly businesses. You might also hear of some funny or odd sounding names of competition BBQ teams. Over the past year and a half, I have fea-

Madison Living 47

tured several North Alabama pitmasters and barbeque teams, for example, “Jiggy Piggy”, “Thin Blue Swine”, “Redbones Competition BBQ”, “Hickory Hangover”, “PuckDaddy’s Killer Q” and “Cluck & Swine”. They have all graciously shared award-winning recipes and some secrets.

This month I want to highlight another Madison, Alabama champion, “Smoke Me Silly”, the husband-and-wife team of Robert Vanderipe and Lex Vanegas.

Smoke Me Silly started competing professionally only 10 years ago. Don’t let this name fool you, there is nothing “silly” about their BBQ skills. They have now competed in 253 contests; winning 41 grand championships, 39 reserve grand championships, 186 top 10 finishes and were the Alabama State Champions for five years in a row. Robert and Lex have racked up thirty-four perfect 180 scores and achieved the 700-score distinction forty times. AWESOME! I first met Robert and Lex in Hattiesburg, Mississippi at the Praise the Lard BBQ contest and have admired their 4T Champion Smoker & Grill from afar. It is one terrific piece of equipment. Following the Smoke on the Shores contest in Lebanon, TN in March, we sat down and visited. Robert and Lex agreed to share their thoughts on the most difficult meat to cook competitively.

Robert Vanderipe and Lex Vanegas

48 Madison Living

BEEF BRISKET BY SMOKE ME SILLY Brisket is one of those cuts of meat that many are usually afraid to try and cook, or just don’t have a lot of success when cooking it. The following brisket recipe is very close to what we use for competition, but somewhat simplified for the backyard cook.

Method of cooking: Over the years competing in BBQ competitions, we have cooked brisket low-n-slow (230 degrees) and hot-n-fast (300-375 degrees). Both methods have resulted in great brisket. We have cooked brisket on a drum smoker directly over the heat source, but our normal method is to cook indirectly on an offset cooker or a cooker where the meat is not directly open to the heat source.

Fuel: We use a combination of wood (Hickory) and charcoal to get our smoker going, but there is nothing wrong with just using a good charcoal.

How to select a good brisket: I recommend you start with the best meat that you can afford. Even though a Select or Choice grade brisket may be cheaper, a good Prime grade brisket is usually the way to go. A Prime grade brisket will usually have more fat marbling and result in a juicy brisket. I also recommend you cook a full packer brisket which will include both the flat and point muscle. The point muscle is what BBQ competitors make burnt ends out of. Because of more fat content, the point is much more moist and more flavorful.

Brisket Preparation: It is best to prepare your brisket the day before you plan to cook it if you can. Start by removing the membrane and exterior fat from the meat side of the Flat muscle. The do the same to the exterior of the point. I usually like to keep about an eighth of an inch of fat on the fatty side of the flat. Then try and remove some of the large pocket of fat that is usually on one side of the brisket between the point and flat. It is ok to keep the thinner layer of fat between the

two muscles, as that will render during the cooking process.

Injection: In the BBQ competition world, most if not all competitors inject their brisket for assist in ensuring better moisture and flavor. We usually use a product called Butchers Brisket Injection mixed with water and/or beef broth or stock (Butchers Brisket Injection can be found online at www.atlantabbqstore. com). We inject our brisket the night before going on the cooker. We use a grid pattern and inject with the grain every inch or so to get good coverage throughout the meat. Then we store in a large plastic bag in the refrigerator until the next morning.

Rub(s): For brisket, we use a rub that is more salt, pepper and garlic powder based.

We try and use a rub that contains little or no sugar. We apply rub to both sides of the brisket at least one hour before going on the cooker. This will give the rub time to sweat into the meat. After applying the rub, just let it sit out and come up closer to room temp.

The Cook: When you are ready to cook, put your brisket on the cooker fat cap down with the point facing the fire source or hotter part of your cooker. I recommend running your cooker in the 275-300 range.

As a BBQ competitor, I choose to wrap my brisket tight with foil to speed up the cooking process. This will result in some loss of bark due to the steaming effect. You could also wrap with butcher paper to limit the loss of your bark. I wrap as soon as the brisket gets the color and bark texture that I like, which is usually about 4-5 hours after the brisket went on the cooker (about 150-160 degrees in the flat).

Once wrapped, I put a temperature probe in the flat part of the brisket and let it go to about 205 degrees (at about the 7–8-hour mark). The higher the temperature that you cook, the higher the internal temperature that the brisket will finish at.

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when cooking brisket, is to take it off too early resulting in a tough chewing brisket. ALWAYS let the feel of the brisket be your guide in determining when it is done.

When inserting a probe or metal skewer, you should feel very little resistance. Some equate it to the feel of room temperature butter or warm peanut butter. When you think it might be done, wrap it back up and put in a cooler for an hour to rest.

This is what championship beef brisket looks like when presented to KCBS Judges. Presentation, taste and tenderness, all in a box awaiting six certified judges scoring it.

After the hour, go ahead and slice against the grain and enjoy.

As a beginner, one of the first things that I learned about brisket was that it is unique and does not cook like other cuts of beef. It comes from the chest muscles and therefore gets more physical work than other muscles. You will find it almost impossible to cook to a strict timeline. However, I included a Traeger aid (pictured left). Each cut of meat, each grill or smoker and even the weather affect the time to properly cook a brisket.

Also, note that there are two cuts of bris-

ket commonly sold: flats and packers. The flat gets its name from its appearance and this is the cut you will find in a regular grocery store. Competitive cooks or pitmasters prefer the packer because you get the flat and the point (deckle.) There is more fat on the point and therefore more flavor.

One of the biggest mistakes I made years ago was cutting “with the grain” rather than perpendicular (against) the grain.

Caution: the point and the flat have muscular fibers that run in different directions.

Make friends with a good butcher, be patient with your cook, experiment, and enjoy.

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MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

Business Expo and Kids Day returns June 26

...

Felecia Rodgers

T

The Madison Chamber of Commerce proudly presents Business Expo & Kids Day, Saturday, June 26th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.at Insanity Complex, 100 Skate Park Drive, Madison. This year’s theme will be Baseball. This family fun filled event will have 60+ vendors showcasing their products and services.

Kids will enjoy FREE activities like inflatables, face painting, giant Jenga, Connect 4, baseball Cornhole, photo ops with SPROCKET and balloon art from Dr. Osborne.

Attendees can bring their blankets and/or lawn chairs to sit and enjoy great music from the band GROOVE as well as purchase lunch from

Madison Cgamber Events & Marketing Coordinator www.madisonalchamber.com

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•

their favorite food trucks.

For those performing arts enthusiats, Huntsville Ballet will perform. Free health screenings will be offered by the Madison Hospital Medical Mobile unit and the Lifesouth Bloodmobile unit will be there to take blood donations.

There will be tours of the HEMSI ambulance and Madison Fire truck. Polaris will also be there to show off their Slingshot and Off Road units. So come out and enjoy this family fun filled event.

The first 500 people will receive a Grand Slam bag from the Madison Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, go to www.madisonalchamber.com.

PHONE 256-325-8317

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

Ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings held last month. Congratulations!

Toyota Field Ribbon Cutting

Groundbreaking for the new Downtown Rescue Mission Thrift Store in Madison. It will be completed in early 2022.

www.madisonalchamber.com

•

PHONE 256-325-8317

Madison Living 51

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

Ribbon Cutting for the 565 ramp to Toyota Field.

Grand Opening ribbon cutting for MCC Member The Yard Milkshake Bar.

www.madisonalchamber.com

52 Madison Living

•

PHONE 256-325-8317

Couple’s passion for running and business brings Fleet Feet to Madison

Y

BY BOB LABBE • PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

You can go anywhere to purchase shoes, but only Fleet Feet provides products and services that are about a better quality of life and designed to help each person achieve their goals.

That’s how Fleet Feet co-owner Suzanne Taylor feels on how the store, she and her husband, Dink, opened 17 years ago in Huntsville and now have a new location in Madison, serves the large customer base of any age. With over $4-million in sales per year in the Huntsville location and an expected $1.5-million sales for the first year for the Madison store, Fleet Feet of Huntsville was named the Top 50 running store in America and looks to become even more involved in the Madison community.

Dink and Suzanne Taylor are no strangers to the running community of North Alabama. For 14 years the couple took on the enormous responsibilities of race directors of both the Cotton Row Run and Rocket City Marathon, Huntsville’s top community running events. Married 20 years ago this August, they met one another at a 50-mile trail run in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was from Texas and he was liv-

ing in Huntsville where he worked for the local Coca-Cola plant. They exchanged contact information and soon were on the trek to where they are now.

“I saw her at that race and I could tell she would be a perfect mate,” said Dink, who attended high school in Huntsville and attended both Calhoun College and UAH before making the decision to stop school and concentrate on working. “I soon asked her to move to Huntsville.”

“I was 100-percent into the move to North Alabama as we seem to have that mutual connection with running,” added Suzanne, who earned an economics degree from Stephen F. Austin University, a master’s degree in business and a third degree in psychology as she was working with the Houston Marathon.

The Taylors’ first experience with the Fleet Feet brand came when they attended a race in Cool, California and visited a Fleet Feet location. The idea of opening a store in Huntsville quickly consumed the couple and after contacting Fleet Feet and a local banker who just happened to be a running buddy who offered to give the Taylors a loan, Fleet

Madison Living 53

Feet of Huntsville opened five years after the trip to California where the idea all began.

“The first three years we barely paid ourselves and I worked the store seven days a week after quitting my job with Coca-Cola,” said Dink, 55. “Through the years we have seen a great staff evolve to where we have close to 65 employees total within our Fleet Feet family. We look to have 20 employees for the Madison location.”

“The idea of opening a store in Madison came about two years ago as we’ve always wanted to open a store in Madison as many of our current customers are from this Madison area,” said Suzanne, 52. “This was a huge financial investment and very risky right now with the pandemic still in place. We divide our time between the stores as we remain very active in our business with our employees and customers.”

Prior to opening the new locale, business representatives pursued the Taylors about making the move. Their family physician, Dr. Jonathan Krichev, who is an avid runner and triathlete, bought the Hughes Plaza, which first opened in 1965. With encouragement from the running community to open the new store and doing extensive business research, Dink and Suzanne chose to make the investment of the 6,200 square foot facility and serve the Madison and surrounding areas. Just the numbers of an average higher income of people in Madison was appetizing enough to help make the decision.

Dink has been on the board of directors for the Huntsville Track Club for over 20 years and still runs races whenever possible. As a couple, the days of running together have become far and in between as running the business, having their 19-year old son, Skylar, and a 32-year old son, Alan, from Dink’s previous marriage, both of whom work the family owned store, have sort of taken over the timeline of their everyday schedules.

“Suzanne and I don’t get to run together much anymore as Fleet Feet is what we do,” said Dink. “I handle much of the

54 Madison Living

sales end of the business especially the on-line sales. Matter of fact, our on-line business is big for us, but the in-store traffic still does very well.”

Located in the Hughes Plaza on Hughes Road across the street from Madison City Hall, the newly renovated locale is fully stocked with a wide range of goods designed not just for runners. The nature of the Fleet Feet business model is to personalize the shopping experience as they offer custom fitting and personal care as soon as a customer walks through the doors. One-on-one service is provided with every customer and time is spent to make sure each customer has what they need.

Many people, especially those trying to have a more quality life through exercise, it’s difficult to advance to a program alone, so Fleet Feet offers an array of running programs and awards for every type of person no matter the age. Like the Taylors, Fleet Feet is part of each community in the more than 180 stores across the country with the idea to serve people- not customers. Each person who comes into Fleet Feet obviously is a potential customer, but the ideology of Fleet Feet is to serve people in attempt to create value with every action.

“I started running in my 20’s and I fell in love with the sport,” said Suzanne, who posted her best marathon time of 3-hours, 20-minutes at age 27. “Dink and I believe a good healthy lifestyle goes in with what we do at Fleet Feet. It’s all about the quality of life and how we can assist people achieve whatever their goals are.”

“My dad raised me to work hard and impressed on me high level work ethics,” said Dink. “I love being on the floor of the store as I need interaction with people. In some ways I’m the face of Fleet Feet in Madison and Huntsville.”

The store is new and open, but the same outstanding customer service and community involvement is there as well.

“We opened Fleet Feet 17 years ago this past January and it’s been a great life for us,” said Suzanne. “I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

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Madison Living 55

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Joe East

The moment your eyes meet.

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

See why more Moms deliver at our hospitals than any other hospital in Alabama. Visit oHHbaby.org to learn more about our dedicated maternity services and read the latest blogs written by our experts.

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