Madison Living May 2015

May 2015

Sweet

treats Tropical Sno returns to Madison this summer

Honoring the past Alabama Historical Commission recognizes Old Madison Cemetery

Standing the test of time

Hunts build for future in a traditional and nostalgic home

2015 Summer Camp Guide Keep your kids engaged in sports, music and science fun all summer

MANAGEMENT Alan Brown President & Publisher EDITORIAL Katie McDowell Editor

4 features

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

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ARTS & CULTURE A MODERN ARTISTS’ COLONY

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT MADISON HEALTH MART PHARMACY

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SPORTS MAKING A SPLASH

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SUMMER FUN 2015 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

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SOUNDS OF SUMMER

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EDUCATION GOOD MARKS

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MADISON HERITAGE HONORING THE PAST

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OUT AND ABOUT

Layken Gibbs Design

home

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

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HOME STANDING THE TEST OF TIME

food 10

LET’S EAT SWEET TREATS Madison Living 3

HOME

4 Madison Living

Standing the test of time

Hunts build for future in a traditional yet nostalgic home WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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crutinizing the details and trusting proven professionals resulted in a house for John and Michelle Nesin Hunt that will stand the test of time.

The Sturdivant Street neighborhood attracted

them for its historical significance and diverse architecture. “We’re close enough to walk to nearby shops, bike or walk to school and still have quiet surroundings,” Michelle said.

The Hunts’ new house was completed in June 2011. Their architect, Jim Norton, has designed his own and other houses on Sturdivant Street. “It was nice to have someone (with) a personal stake in

LEFT: John and Michelle Hunt and their son Christopher moved into their new home in June 2011.

Madison Living 5

making it look good,” Michelle said. Pulaski, Tennessee created all custom Studying books on Craftsman woodwork and stairway with a black architecture, the Hunts “didn’t want walnut and maple theme. They wanted an ‘over-the-top’ style you see popping tavern-grade walnut, affordable with up in other parts of the country. more depth of color, and maple trim, Jim did a great job of combining often used in historic homes.

Craftsman with hints of Southern The Hunts gave Common Wealth architecture,” John said. “We were “free reign, and they didn’t disappoint,” looking for ... great curb appeal but Michelle said. “We wanted a house not overbearing.” that was unique without being quirky.”

Another priority was efficient space.

All hardwood floors are black Dormers eliminated walnut, bordered by unused attic space maple with occasional and gained upstairs basket- weave accents rooms.

For energy in maple. Coveyleaf, a conservation, they The amount of square Giles County, Tennessee used foam insulation, feet the house has lumber mill, produced high-efficiency air totaling in 11 rooms. finishing material. conditioning and “Trusting the artisans windows and gas appliances and to do what they thought was best furnaces. provided us with a home we love,” The exterior is covered in Hardie Michelle said. board siding with a bricked porch The main floor features an open and chimney. Tapered columns and a floor plan. The kitchen anchors tapered front porch reflect Craftsman one corner of the main living space. charm. With 3,300 square feet, the Repeating the maple/walnut theme, house has 11 rooms. custom built-ins flank the fireplace, Common Wealth Construction of which has natural-ledge slate and

3,300

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Jim Norton worked with John and Michelle Hunt on architectural plans for the Hunts’ home on Sturdivant Street. Entering the Hunt home, guests see the dramatic staircase and floors, all custom designed in maple and black walnut.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: An antique ironing board, which belonged to Michelle Hunt’s parents, serves as a sofa table. Clever planning to use dormers gave space for this upstairs bedroom. A clawfoot tub and patterned tile give their luxury bath a nostalgic atmosphere. The front door’s transom and side windows, a wood-shingled gable and natural wood ceiling combine for a striking entrance to the Hunts’ home.

8 Madison Living

soapstone border.

Their screened-in back porch is a warm-weather haven. “We love to open up the French doors and enjoy the garden view,” Michelle said. “In cooler weather, we enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace reading a book.”

Upstairs, a back room overlooks the backyard. “A huge water oak provides a fascinating backdrop on both sunny or rainy days,” Michelle said.

An active, on-the-go family, the Hunts opted for comfort over formality, with few exceptions. Their style gravitates to casual with assorted antiques.

“My grandmother and parents loved to collect antiques and passed that gene down to me,” Michelle said. She inherited her parents’ ironing board and her great aunt’s compact, 1800s French writing desk.

“Master bedroom furniture belonged to my greatgreat grandmother, as well as the folding kitchen table in the living room,” Michelle said. Famed 1920s Italian opera singer Tito Schipa signed a Mason and Hamlin grand piano, originally her aunt’s.

The Hunts bought some antiques while travelling, like Nepalese area rugs and Peruvian wall hangings.

Consulting a landscape architect for lowmaintenance specimens, they planted classic and

oak-leaf hydrangeas, native grasses and dogwoods.

Gradually, they’re adding a shade garden. When son Christopher was 3 years old, they planted perennial bulbs in front.

Their goal was a house that will remain relevant in 50 years. “We wanted it to be unique but not so much as to not have mass appeal. We think we accomplished that,” John said.

Michelle is co-owner, COO and physical therapist at Nesin Therapy Services P.C. She also teaches continuing education in physical therapy throughout the country.

John works as a sales representative for Smith Bollinger Company, which specializes in high-volume production components.

A Minnesota native, — Michelle Nesin Hunt John has lived in Madison four years.

Originally from Lansing, Michigan, Michelle’s family moved here in 1981. Their son Christopher, 7, attends Madison Elementary School. The Hunts are active with triathlons and Sorba Huntsville mountain biking.

“Trusting the artisans to

do what they thought was best provided us with a home we love.”

Special deliveries arriving daily When you’re ready to welcome a new family member, we’ll help you make wonderful memories. Talk to your obstetrician about delivering at Madison Hospital.

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Madison Living 9

LET’S EAT

Sweet treats Tropical Sno making return to Madison

artistic upgrade for 2015, complete with palm trees WRITTEN BY NICK SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO and an overall “more tropical feel,” Mike said.

Mike, who works as an accountant for a government n gearing up for the second summer contractor, said it was a family affair last summer as at its location in the parking lot of the he received heaps of help from Dani and Wes, who Madison Centre shopping plaza on is usually the main man in charge of doling out the Madison Boulevard – the one with sweet treats.

Publix – Tropical Sno owner Mike Grant and He also said maintaining the location is a 24/7 affair. his wife, Dani, and son, Wes, feel that the “We’re summer people, though, so we like it a lot,” groundwork has been laid for a successful Dani said. season.

The Grants keep the location open eight hours “It was a learning year for us,” Mike said. “One per day, from 1-9 p.m. Once school lets out for the of the challenges was to just build our customer summer, Mike explained, the business really starts base.” booming.

The portable venue, reminiscent of a food “High school and elementary school [children] truck, serves up shaved ice with around 28 really drive the business,” Mike said. syrupy flavors. The mainly blue exterior of the Mike’s work moved him and his family to the Tropical Sno location the Grants own will feature an Huntsville area eight years ago from Miami. The

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10 Madison Living

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Ebba, Benham and Berlin Detulleo taste the fares of Madison’s Tropical Sno. Benham basks in the summer sun while taking in the shaved ice’s sweet flavors.

Madison Living 11

desire to own his own business and be his own boss eventually led him to Tropical Sno, which leases locations to owners.

“Something seasonal, something small was the perfect start for that,” Mike said.

Wes is able to tend to the location in between studies at Calhoun Community College, where he started taking classes after graduating from Columbia High School in 2013. He knows the ins and outs of the trade, becoming a master at the ice-chiseling machine that produces the powder for consumption.

In addition to the 28 regular flavors, Tropical Sno also boasts sugar-free flavors that “taste the same” as the sugared ones, Mike said.

Apart from the traditional flavors, Mike said the coffee and root beer float flavors are a big hit with every age group. The younger kids, he said, enjoy mixing the flavors and sampling the concoctions they create.

Being a business on wheels, Tropical Sno can, and has, brought its icy treats to special events in the area, including festivals at Discovery Middle School and 12 Madison Living

Columbia Elementary School.

The Grants’ Tropical Sno even sold out of supplies at an area apartment complex’s Halloween event last October, where temperatures reached below freezing.

“We’re going to look at expanding into a lot of events this year,” Mike said. “It’s a whole market by itself.”

One event the Grants participated in last year was a fundraiser benefiting their daughter Haley’s classmate at who has leukemia and is being treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

Overall, Mike, Dani, Wes and Haley have high hopes for Tropical Sno’s second year at the Madison Boulevard location.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Dani said. “The news via word-of-mouth is spreading, which is exciting.”

The Grants’ Tropical Sno is located at 8000 Madison Boulevard in the parking lot of Madison Centre at the northwest intersection of Shelton Road and Madison Boulevard. That location will remain open until midOctober.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Wes Grant, son of owners Mike and Dani Grant, serves up a concoction. Wes is a master of the shaved ice machine. Careful touch and precision give the treats their distinct rainbow looks.

Kids unplugged

HEALTH

YMCA summer camps offers arts, crafts and outdoor fun WRITTEN BY MARY ANNE SWANSTROM | PHOTOGRAPH CONTRIBUTED

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rading stories and sharing a favorite song with a new friend. Being greeted with high-fives from teammates after scoring. Always fitting in, just for being you. This is what the YMCA’s summer camps are all about—ensuring kids get more out of their summer break: More friendships, more accomplishments and more belonging.

For parents and caregivers who enjoy seeing their child’s face glow when retelling a camp story and want to see their children accomplish new life skills, the Y encourages you to enroll them in YMCA Summer Day Camp at the Hogan Family YMCA or in day camp at YMCA Camp Cha-La-Kee on Lake Guntersville.

Activities typically offered at both camps include swimming, sports, games, outdoor

play, arts and crafts and supervision by experienced, trained counselors. The Hogan Y offers the convenience of being close to home and incorporating enrichment field trips, while Cha-La-Kee offers additional outdoor fun such as archery, hiking, riflery, climbing, canoeing, kayaking and water sports. Transportation service to Guntersville is provided by licensed school bus drivers.

Working with SEER Analytics, independent impact measurement experts, to find out how camp benefits kids, the Y surveyed 40,000 parents with kids enrolled in camp programs. Ninety-one percent agreed the Y’s day camp helped kids make new friends; 81 percent agreed that camp helped their kids discover what they can achieve; and 86 percent agreed their child felt a sense of belonging at their Y camp.

Canoeing provides cool fun at YMCA Camp Cha-La-Kee during Summer Day Camp.

Shuttle service to the camp on Lake Guntersville is available from the Hogan Y Monday through Friday.

To learn more about YMCA Summer Day Camps, visit ymcahuntsville.org/ CAMPS or call 256.705.9622.

Madison Living 13

ARTS & CULTURE

A modern

artists’ colony SOCA Galleria offers hub for artistic viewings, learning and parties WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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OCA Galleria has breathed an artistic flair into the atmosphere of historic downtown Madison.

SOCA, or Studio of Creative Arts, proves the vision of owner Diana Christenson to open a working studio that welcomes clients to create in a comfortable, cozy environment. She conceptualized a business based in art that welcomed young or not-soyoung, novice or experienced.

“We relocated our locally owned business from Bridge Street Town Centre to downtown Madison because we appreciate the small town atmosphere and adore the historic property at 20 Martin Street,” Christenson said.

Even as a kindergartner, Christenson was nurturing her creative inclinations. “I sculpted a lump of clay and was thrilled when ‘kangaroo’ was my mom’s first guess,” she said. On scholarship, she graduated from Columbus College of Art and Design.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: SOCA is an acronym for ‘Studio of Creative Arts.’ Tara Christenson and Diana Christenson help clients plan parties, choose artwork and order supplies at SOCA Galleria.

SOCA isn’t limited to visual arts but also musical artists, writers, fashion designers, craftsmen and philanthropic and social causes.

“We love creating,” Christenson said. SOCA has sponsored gallery openings, fashion shows, concerts, book signings, receptions, parties, workshops, student information nights and college previews, private and group sessions, teambuilding events, parties and special events.

“Paint Your Poochies” is one of SOCA’s favorite philanthropic events. With guidance, guests paint portraits of their pets, while volunteers with animal shelters host pet adoptions and receive proceeds.

SOCA represents artists in varied genres across the country and some local talents. The galleria emphasizes quality and craftsmanship. Some artists are classically trained, some self-taught.

Open to private students and groups for all ages, classes and sessions are an educational experience, stressing elements of art and principles of design, whether the medium is pencil, charcoal, paint, clay or a camera. Along with learning to manage materials, “learning why things work” is important, she said.

Lessons are age-appropriate. “We sneak a little art history when applicable and offer workshops to illustrate different methods,” Christenson said. Portfolio development classes help high school students competing for art school Madison Living 15

scholarships.

Parties at SOCA are memorable events, whether for birthday, bride, baby, bachelorette, team-building or fundraising. A child’s birthday party can transform into a paint session with a custom-designed theme for a favorite hobby, pet or toy. Adults can devote a party to the guest of honor’s special interest.

(Advance booking required.) Clients can bring any food or beverages for guests.

SOCA is a member of the National Art Education Association, and all SOCA instructors have reputable credentials. “Learning is lifelong,” she said.

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“We strive to make each visit to SOCA a great experience for our clients,” Christenson said. To guarantee good results, SOCA uses quality materials and tools in lessons and sessions. “One of the funniest things I overheard was a lady attending a paint session who exclaimed, ‘I think I’ll actually keep this painting!’”

SOCA carries an assortment of art supplies and can special order hard-to-find items. In addition to artwork hanging in the gallery, SOCA arranges for commissioned artworks with very talented artists and accepts orders for custom-designed stationery and

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The historic setting, artwork and upscale furnishings give an excellent atmosphere for classes and parties. A pitcher of brushes takes on an aesthetic appeal at SOCA. Painters’ aprons are lined up and ready for a party. Diana Christenson strives to make each visit to SOCA a great experience for her clients.

invitations.

SOCA is an authorized dealer for Earth Grace jewelry, handcrafted from quality metals featuring Swarovski crystals and other semi-precious stones.

Shoppers can browse Capri Blue candles, Snow and Graham wrapping paper, greeting cards and stationery, Wyne Chyme wind chimes, tea-light candleholders, ScatterBrained Collars and Bowties.

“We have an everchanging supply of SOCA Galleria is open handcrafted gift items. Tuesday-Saturday Prints and stationary sets from noon to 6 p.m. by the artists represented Studio hours are by appointment. SOCA in the gallery are is located at 20 Martin available,” Christenson Street in historic said. downtown Madison.

Christenson’s family has lived in Madison since 1990. Her daughter Tara recently graduated from Birmingham-Southern College. Her son Daniel is a junior at Bob Jones High School.

SOCA Galleria is open Tuesday-Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Studio hours are by appointment.

For more information, call 256-325-SOCA (7622), email to info@socagalleria.com or visit socagalleria.com, Facebook/SOCA Galleria or Twitter @socagalleria.

Madison Living 17

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Madison Health Mart Pharmacy:

One-on-one attentive care

WRITTEN BY GREGG PARKER

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wner and pharmacist Kyle A. Dean strives to give patients the most individualized care possible at Madison Health Mart Pharmacy, 8498 Madison Boulevard, Suite A. “I also want patients to feel welcomed and enjoy the atmosphere my staff and I provide,” Dean said. Their brand of customer service promises one-on-one attention, medication counseling and education ... always.

“We take as much time as needed with each customer,” Dean said. “I try very hard to know each customer by name, their children’s’ and pets’ names and not just prescriptions.”

Dean realized Madison’s need for a pharmacy with maintenance medications, like blood pressure prescriptions; vaccines

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Madison Health Mart Pharmacy owner Kyle Dean is ready to serve you.

for flu or travel for foreign mission trips; and compounding service.

“Compounding involves customized medications and delivery systems. If a particular drug is not commercially available,

we can often create that drug or strength,” Dean said. For example, he can convert a child’s (or pet’s) antibiotic tablet to liquid.

“Hormone replacement therapies (HRT) are common medications that need to be compounded,” Dean said. “Each HRT patient needs individualized care; that’s where compounding comes in.”

For his pharmacy, Dean has adopted strengths from working at two large chains.

“I want our customers to be shocked at how inviting ours is,” Dean said.

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Madison Health Mart Pharmacy: 8498 Madison Blvd., Suite A. 256-3251139, madisonhealthmartpharmacy.com, Facebook/Madison Health Mart Pharmacy.

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a splash

Dublin Park’s outdoor pool, aquatics program ready for summer 2015 22 Madison Living

he weather is warmer, school is almost out and Dublin Park’s outdoor pool is gearing up for yet another Memorial Day opener for the summer pool

season.

The summer months will continue the yearlong programs offered by the Madison Parks and Recreation department and add a few activities with the availability of the outdoor swimming facility, which will open, pending cooperation with regards to weather, on Memorial Day. One of the programs unique to the summer is swim lessons, which are offered starting for the nonswimmer, at level one, through level five. Registration for swim lessons is Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at Dublin Park. The cost is $30 for a two-week

course that meets three days per week.

“Level one is just getting that fear away, getting the kids’ face in the water,” said Chelsea Haraway, the aquatics director at Dublin.

Also offered at Dublin are water aerobics classes, which occur year-round. Deep-water and shallowwater aerobics are offered, with deep-water being the more strenuous of the two classifications. The shallow-water aerobics are taught Monday and Wednesday mornings, while the deep-water classes, formally called “aqua jogger aerobics,” meet Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“You are toning your body in water aerobics, so it’s good therapy-wise,” Haraway said, adding the classes can have benefits for people with high blood pressure or arthritis. “Deep-water is more intense.”

Manning the lifeguard posts and keeping

swimmers safe are the “30–35” seasonal lifeguards who are employed by Dublin, many of whom are students at Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools.

Patrons who use Dublin Park’s outdoor pool pay $3 per child 11 years old or younger, while children 3 years old or younger get in free. Memberships to the outdoor pool can also be bought. Hours are typically 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

In addition to the Swimming — Chelsea Haraway Madison Association, a swim league that meets year-round, the Madison Dolphins, another rec swim league, participate in meets during the summer, some of which are held at Dublin Park.

As the Parks and Recreation staff and aquatics employees prepare for another summer, many who

“If I can do half the job that

he did, I’ll be satisfied.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Swimmers with the Madison Swimming Association (MSA) cut through the water with the backstroke. The year-round MSA offers opportunities for all ages to improve their skills. The outdoor pool will open Memorial Day weekend.

Madison Living 23

have worked at the facility for more than a year will remember the work done by Kyle Parker, the former aquatics director who lost his life in a single-car accident last December.

“It’s going to be very different without him here,” Haraway said.

Since that time, the Parks and Recreation department has started the Joshua Kyle Parker Aquatic Memorial Fund, which has raised over $1,500 for aquatic scholarships and pool improvements in celebration of his life.

“Aquatics director was a title Kyle worked very hard for from the age of 15,” Paula Parker, Kyle’s 24 Madison Living

mother, said. “It wasn’t just a position to him, Kyle’s heart and soul was put into his position as director.

His dad and I never imagined Kyle had touched so many lives in his 30 years on this earth.”

The Madison Swim Association also hosted the inaugural Kyle Parker Invitational on Feb. 7 and 8.

“If I can do half the job that he did,” Haraway said, “I’ll be satisfied.”

Dublin Park is located at 8324 Old Madison Pike in Madison. It can be reached at 256-772-9300.

Please note: This article is dedicated to the memory of Kyle Parker.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: MSA athletes compete in the Southeastern Swimming chapter of USA Swimming.

The indoor pool offers year-round competition.

An MSA swimmer at practice. Kyle Parker, former aquatics director at Dublin Park, with nephew, Joshua.

STROKE

Every second counts

Know the symptoms. Act F.A.S.T. Face droops on one side Arm drifts downward when raised Speech is slurred Time – Call 9-1-1 immediately

Huntsville Hospital is Madison County’s only Primary Stroke Center and has earned the American Stroke Association’s Gold Plus Award for quality in stroke care.

Madison Living 25

SUMMER FUN

2015 Summer Camp Guide Keep your kids engaged in sports, music and science fun

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED

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ummertime and the living is ... packed with fun, adventure, sports and fine arts at scores of camps across Madison.

Heritage Elementary School Summer Camp, open May 26 through July 24, merges the season’s fun times with creativity and academic lessons. Campers even planted a garden, principal Dr. Georgina Nelson said.

Along with physical exercise, campers’ minds get a workout in the computer lab using SuccessMaker software. Art, drama, music and dance tap their creative inclinations. They take field trips to Monaco Pictures, Dublin Park’s swimming pool, Carousel Skate Center and Madison Bowling Center. Onsite, they have visits from a taekwondo instructor, meteorologist and magician.

At West Madison Elementary School, Camp Invention participants in grades 1-6 master scientific concepts. The annual event explores survival in the Sahara Desert, spelunking in Mexico and ice-digging in the Antarctic.

MindGear Labs’ camps, 8331 Madison Blvd., Suite 200B, emphasize STEAM topics (Science, Technology,

Engineering, The Arts and Mathematics). Sessions include LEGO Robotics, storybook art, animation lab and Minecraft exercises. Camps cost $150/week.

At Dublin Memorial Park, Summer Day Camp meets from May 26 through July 31. Boys and girls in grades K-6 are eligible, program director Kelly Johnson said.

Dublin’s camp offers kickball, soccer, basketball, disc golf and scavenger hunts. Children swim, play tennis and learn dance moves. Campers enjoy arts and crafts sessions and field trips. Registration fee is $125. Weekly fees start at $110.

Also at Dublin, American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) conducts its summer camp on June 22-26.

Three levels are open: “First Kicks,” three- and fouryear-olds, $78; “Mini-Soccer,” four- and five-year-olds, $93; “Half-Day Camp,” six- to nine-year-olds, $117; and “Full-Day Camp,” eight to 18-year-olds, $173 (ayso498.org).

Madison Youth Football and Cheer, associated with Madison Parks and Recreation, provides organized, adult-supervised training consistent with North Alabama American Youth Football Inc. and American Youth Football (MadisonYFC.org).

Liberty Middle School hosts a baseball camp at Palmer Park (256-772-9300). At Madison Golf Center, 401 Lime Quarry Road, golf pro Billy Eastip helps

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Kids Camp, sponsored by Madison Police Foundation, is held during three weekly sessions in June. Aspiring cheerleaders can enroll in several different summer camps in Madison. During summer camps, sessions for soccer are open to many age groups for both boys and girls. Even during summer, soccer fields usually are busy at Dublin Park. Youth can play basketball during Summer Day Camp at Dublin Memorial Park.

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Madison Living 27

youth with their swing (256-772-5840).

Sponsored by Madison Police Foundation, Kids Camp “is the greatest community outreach program that our department offers,” Madison Police Chief Larry Muncey said. “Rising sixth-graders and Madison officers build relationships that will last a lifetime.”

Mud Day, dodge ball, SWAT team’s visit and swimming rank as favorites. Kids Camp 2015 meets June 8-12, June 15-19 and June 22-26.

Hogan Family YMCA offers shuttle service directly to Camp Cha-La-Kee on Lake Guntersville, director of YMCA camping services Joey Barnard said. Starter camp meets two nights, June 14-16 or June 17-19. Fivenight traditional and day camps meet throughout July.

YMCA campers enjoy archery, hiking, riflery, climbing, swimming, canoeing, tubing and The Blob (ymcahuntsville.org/hogan).

Madison City Chess League hosts Summer Knights Chess Camp on July 22-24 in two sessions at Rainbow Elementary School. Levels range from beginner to advanced competition for grades K-12.

Both Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools host numerous sports camps. All campers receive T-shirts.

Jets Soccer Camp is open to fourth-graders through seniors. Cheer Camp is available from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Two softball camps are divided for grades 1-5 and grades 6-12, principal Dr. Brian Clayton said.

28 Madison Living

Jets Baseball Camp is open to kindergartners through eighth-graders. Both boys and girls can attend basketball camp. James Clemens also offers sessions for football, volleyball, track and wrestling.

Camps vary from two-hour to weeklong sessions (jchs.madisoncity.k12.al.us).

James Clemens also hosts Madison Music Camp on June 8 -12, band directors Keith Anderson and Stuart Tankesley said. Instrumental and vocal musicians can enroll in beginning or advanced band camp and choir camp. Local music directors work with the young musicians. Cost is $150, including lunch and T-shirt (jcjetsband.com).

At Bob Jones, Patriot Softball Camp is divided for grades 2-5 and grades 6-9. Baseball players in grades 1-6 can enroll, principal Robby Parker said.

Lady Patriot and Patriot Boys Basketball Camp accommodates first- through ninth-graders. Soccer camps are open for boys in grades 4-12, girls in grades 1-12.

Patriot Football Camp is free to boys in grades K-6.

Track camp at Bob Jones meets for two hours for grades 1-9. Volleyball players can get net time if they’re in grades 4-8.

For band members in color guard, Bob Jones directors work with fourth- through ninth-graders. Patriot Cheerleader Camp is open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade (bjhs.madisoncity.k12.al.us).

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Liberty middle, Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools offer baseball camps.

James Clemens hosts Madison Music Camp for young instrumentalists and vocalists on June 8-12, 2015. Soccer camps during summer stress game fundamentals and strategy. Madison City Chess League hosts Summer Knights Chess Camp on July 22-24 in two sessions at Rainbow Elementary School.

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Enjoy the festive atmosphere, imported and domestic beers and delicious wines from the German region.

Family-friendly and dogs are welcome, rain or shine!

256-837-3400

ROCKETCENTER.COM Madison Living 29

SUMMER FUN

Sounds of

summer

Madison music lovers gather at the gazebo WRITTEN BY NICK SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS AND HEARTSTRINGS PHOTOGRAPHY

30 Madison Living

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owntown Madison will again be the host of the Madison Gazebo Concert Series, a weekly event on Thursday evenings at the green space between Main Street and Front Street adjacent to the railroad tracks.

The series is hosted by the Madison Arts Council (MAC) and will kick off Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m.

The first band up to the plate will be The Zooks, a longtime staple of the Gazebo Concert Series who

specialize in dance music from the 1960s, 70s and 80s with a good amount of Motown mixed in. It will be the first installment of a wide variety of musical acts, including the Madison City Youth Orchestra and an Army musical band from Redstone Arsenal. “We try to find local bands that all ages will love,�

Arts Council president Beth Ridgeway said.

Although the music is certainly the main act, there are plenty of options for the restless audience, mainly the children. In the past, Madison library and the Madison Arts Council have set up craft stations, and

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Faces in the crowd who attended the Madison Gazebo Concert Series in the summer of 2014.

Madison Living 31

fares from places such as Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea Co. and Sady’s Bistro.

Although the concerts are in the dog days of summer, the shows begin just as the sun is setting and twilight winks its eye as the bands wrap up their final encores.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP “{Attendees] often don’t know that we have nice LEFT: Lawrence Zhang.

Jennifer Fourroux and Jack big shade trees and usually there is a little breeze that Patrick. Maurita Hughs and blows through the Village Green,” Madison Arts Steve Hall. MAC members Council entertainment director Laura Pope said. “It Brenda Parker, Liz Cuneo, is quite pleasant most evenings.”

Shrail Heinrich and Laura The last concert will be on July 30, just before the Pope. Holden and Braden school year starts.

Fielder.

32 Madison Living

Sponsors lined up for this year’s series are Madison Hospital and Jerry Damson Honda. Ridgeway encouraged area groups to volunteer to organize activities for the kids.

With the music, refreshments, activities and scenery, all the elements are set to come together for an enchanting evening of entertainment every Thursday in downtown Madison.

“One of the things that I love about what our Madison Arts Council Gazebo Concerts provide is a sense of community,” Ridgeway said. “It’s a free event that is held downtown and brings a sense of nostalgia to the area.”

Good marks

EDUCATION

Madison City Schools exceeds global averages in accreditation review

S

tudents get report cards exceeded global averages in all rated that show their strengths categories and earned accreditation and areas for improvement. for a five-year-period ending June 30, School districts are the 2020. same. They are graded in a number The accreditation review was led of categories that tell them how they

by AdvancED, a global leader in are doing. school accreditations with more than Dr. Dee 32,000 education systems throughout It is an accreditation review, and it Fowler looks at everything from instructional the U.S. and 70 nations. The review quality to support services to how team included three educators from efficiently a school district manages its Alabama and three from out-of-state. resources. I can assure you the Board and We scored higher than global averages in I always look to this evaluation as a way to the four major categories of Overall Score, affirm what we feel is working, and improve Teaching and Learning Impact, Leadership what isn’t.

Capacity, and Resources Utilization. And After nearly a year of preparation to ensure I might add, not just by a point or two. that Madison City Schools is meeting the We aced it. Some of the areas cited for rigorous AdvancED standards, the MCS improvement were ones our self-evaluations Board of Education welcomed an External found and were being worked on.

Review team to put us under its scrutiny.

What makes accreditation so important?

I am happy to report that Madison City Accreditation means the school district

meets national standards and is following “best practices” in policies, governance, use of resources, teaching, stakeholder engagement and other aspects of schools operations.

Being accredited is a criteria by most college admissions requirements.

Accreditation upholds home values.

Researchers have also found a connection between a district’s performance in accreditation reviews and its bond credit rating.

I am very proud of our district not just for the recent accreditation findings, but every day. It is indeed cause to celebrate but always in the spirit of striving to do better. We all know that the number one barrier to great is good. We must continue to make our district stronger and better.

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

Madison Living 33

MADSION HERITAGE

Honoring the past

Alabama Historical Commission recognizes Old Madison Cemetery WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

T

owering hardwoods and evergreen conifers shade 3.5 acres of pastoral landscape in the heart of the city on the south side of Mill Road and east of Maple Road.

Old Madison Cemetery resembles a community park but is the resting place of many Madison founders. Thanks to residents’ efforts, the Alabama Historical Commission has granted historic status to the cemetery.

“The historic designation is an honor and distinction for our cemetery,” Jeanne Steadman said.

Steadman spearheaded the designation and serves as president of Madison Municipal Cemeteries Committee. Old Madison Cemetery will be listed on the commission website and is eligible for a historical marker, for which Steadman hopes to secure funding.

“Old Madison Cemetery is a beautiful, peaceful, green spot in the heart of Madison with large cedars

and pines. This area was referred to as ‘The Pines’ in days gone by,” Steadman said. “The headstones vary greatly from simple to ornate. Many early pioneers of Madison and surrounding area rest here.”

The cemetery has graves of veterans from the Spanish American War, Civil War (Confederate only), World War I, World War II and Vietnam War. The total of headstones is 476, but more people are buried there. “Many (burials) would have been marked with simple wooden markers, if marked at all, that wouldn’t have withstood the test of time,” Steadman said.

The oldest gravesites are dated in 1811 – Boyl P. Humphrey and Samuel Wise. The most recent is 2002.

Old Madison Cemetery’s two largest monuments and graves, for Amelia W. Holding and Richard Holding, were moved from a cemetery on a former plantation when the Jet Port was built (now Huntsville International Airport). The massive carved stones resemble obelisks that graduate to larger slabs at the base.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Old Madison Cemetery is located on the south side of Mill Road between Hughes and Maple roads.

Headstones of contrasting sizes and shapes stand along the cemetery’s terraces.

Madison Living 35

“Long ago, the cemetery was segregated ... whites on the north side and blacks on the south side,” Steadman said. “I believe long ago there was a fence running down the middle, but no trace of it remains now.”

Years ago, Jeanne Steadman was instrumental in acquiring National Register of Historic Places status for the city’s Madison Station Historical District.

At the time, Steadman spoke with a representative from the Alabama Historical Commission about steps to list Old Madison Cemetery. However, the work for the national register precluded her pursuing the state listing.

While securing Madison’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places, Steadman worked with the Alabama Historical Commission and a consultant to extensively survey all structures in the area for any historic significance. The commission approved the survey and sent it to Washington D.C. for final approval. The two-year process was approved in March 2006.

Later, Steadman worked to include the cemetery within the historic district boundaries when the city’s preservation ordinance was modified. “I 36 Madison Living

jumped at the chance to get historic designation for our cemetery and honor the folks who came before us,” she said.

Steadman completed a lengthy application required by the Alabama Historical Commission. “I wrote a brief history of the cemetery. We compiled facts, photos and required information, such as number of graves, types of markers, oldest known grave and types of symbols found on markers,” she said.

All cemetery board members supported the effort. Board vice president Cindi Sanderson photographed numerous monuments and headstones. Shawn Hardy with Madison Public Works Department compiled needed facts about gravesites and burials. Public Works Manager Steve Abbott, City Councilman Gerald Clark and City Clerk Melanie Williard also assisted.

In early 2015, two iron arches with the cemetery’s name were installed to define entrances. The arch on cemetery’s western edge at Maple Road stands 16 feet tall. The other arch, about midway on Mill Road, is eight feet tall. Steadman, Sanderson, Abbott and Clark also collaborated for the arches.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Madison Cemetery Board members are vice president Cindi Sanderson (front, from left), president Jeanne Steadman and Steve Abbott, (back, from left) Gerald Clark and Shawn Hardy. Old Madison Cemetery is the resting place of many Madison founders. Inscriptions on headstones read like a history book of Madison families.

St. Patrick’s Day Walk

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Venture Crew 007 put on a local St. Patrick’s Day walk to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul food bank and The Ark animal shelter on March 15.

1. Maureen Knoll with Sam Black 2. Elisabeth and Carl-Peter Flaschberger with Zoro 3. Yalanda and Jordan Leach 4. From left, Jennifer, Jessica and Michael Shandrew

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5. Lucia Bradfield, left, and Juliana Merchan 6. Serena and Don Shook 7. Donna and Trenton Black, at left, with Keegan Knoll

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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Madison Living 37

St. Patrick’s Day Walk

1

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Venture Crew 007 put on a local St. Patrick’s Day walk to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul food bank and The Ark animal shelter on March 15.

1. Michelle and Roderick Malone, left, and Laura Richerson 2. Sheri Gant and Laura Neveu 3. Lorna Lindeman with Tony Lindeman, who started the event with an Irish blessing 4. Dave and Jordan Parker 5. Jessica and Hunter Hovis with Evelyn 6. Brian and Ryan Self, with Logan 7. Eli Walker, left, and Finn Walker 8. Tyler and Leah Stueheit with pets Alfy and Katie

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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38 Madison Living

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