Madison Living - November, 2020

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

November 2020 / $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

Their Happy Place Cabin defines ‘happy place’ for Overcashes

SARAH CHASE Teen uses quarantine to create media business

CAEL BAGBY: Modern Day Motocross Daredevil Madison Living 1

Giv ve the GIFT that Las sts a

LIFETIME

starting as low as

Expand with a new

$93/mo.

SUNROOM

with approved credit!

and start entertaining!

A TRADITION OF QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 1972.

At M. A. Jackson Co. we specialize in making your remodeling dreams become a reality. *Thiss coupon is not valid with other coupons, multiple same coupons or prior sales. Coupon must be presented at the time e of contract signing for discount to apply and discounts apply to standard material only. Good throug gh 12/31/20

2 Madison Living

MAJACKSONCO.COM

374578-1

Call Today! 256-739-0317

PREMIUM FOOD IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE. RELAX. UNWIND. WE’LL TAKE CARE OF THE DISHES Enjoy food prepared using only the finest ingredients, from Black Angus Prime Beef to seafood that is flown in fresh.

For a true taste of fall, try Tom’s decadent sweet potatoes with toasted marshmallow topping.

L O C A L LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D

256.715.1283

8141 HWY 72 W, in Madison, next to Target

Connect with us on social media:

TomBrownsRestaurant.com

Make a reservation:

374583-1

M A D I S O N ’ S N E W P R E M I U M C A S U A L R E S TA U R A N T & L O U N G E

Madison Living 3

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

•••

MARKETING MARKETING Donna Counts

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

CONTACT US

•••

Madison Living Madison Publications, LLC is published monthly 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite CONTACT US 115

by Madison Publications, LLC. Huntsville, AL 35806 A one-year subscription to Madison Publications, LLC Phone: 256-772-6677 Madison Living 7734 Madison Blvd.

Suite 115 Fax: 256-772-6655 is $24.99 for 12AL issues per year.

Huntsville, 35806 madisonlivingmagazine.com Single copies are available at Phone: 256-772-6677 select throughout Fax:locations 256-772-6655 Madison Living the Madison area. madisonlivingmagazine.com is published monthly by To advertise or to get Madison Living LLC. Madison Publications, more copies, is published monthly to A one-year subscription call 256-772-6677.

by Madison LLC. MadisonPublications, Living is $24.99 A one-year subscription to for 12 issues per year.

Copyright 2020 Madison Livingare Single copies

by Madison Publications, LLC is $24.99 for 12 issues per year. available at select Single copies are available at locations throughout 4 select Madison Livingthroughout locations the Madison area. the Madison area.

To getget To advertise advertiseorortoto more morecopies, copies, call256-772-6677.

256-772-6677. call Copyright 2020 Copyright 2020 by Publications,LLC LLC byMadison Madison Publications, 4 Madison Living

4 Madison Living

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.

374743-1

Madison Living 5

Imagine your home, totally organized!

Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Pantries, Laundries and Hobby Rooms

13 PEOPLE

13 SARAH CHASE: Teen uses quarantine to create media business highlighting minorities’ stories

HOME&STYLE

23 Cabin on Wheeler Lake defines ‘happy place’ for Overcashes

SPORTS

29 CAEL BAGBY: Modern Day Motocross Daredevil

40% Off

ON THE GRILL

Plus Free Installation PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA

29

33 Smokin’ Good at the Ricky Shack

15% Off

IN EVERY ISSUE

8 The Guide 12 Mayor Paul Finley 17 YMCA 18 Shopping 20 Around Town 37 Madison City Schools 39 Madison Hospital 22, 40, 42 Out & About

CONNECTIONS

40% off any order of $1000 or more. 30% off any order $700 or more. On any Closet, Garage or Home Office. Take an additional 15% off for on any complete system order.Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $500 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Expires Dec. 31, 2020. (ML)

37 Madison Chamber of Commerce presents their Best in Business awards for 2020

You can’t go wrong!

5 off

Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate

$

www.closetsbydesign.com

104 Main St., Madison, AL 35658 www.zionpopcorn.com

256-290-1098 ML

purchase of $20 or more.

Expires 12/31/20

zionpopcorn@gmail.com 2017© All Rights Reserved. Closets by Design, Inc. Licensed and Insured

6 Madison Living

374582-1

374756-1

256-631-5982

Follow us :

A Half-Century of Heating and Cooling Excellence Your home’s air quality is crucial to your well-being. You can expect quick response and affordable prices. Ask about our financing options (no credit approval required) and military discounts..

Get peace of mind as we have over 50 years of experience and have achieved Better Business Bureau’s A+ rating!

Call us for a FREE in-home estimate on a unit replacement today.

256-851-6510

OneHourHuntsville.com

AL Cert #05007

Madison Living 7

374581-1

Joe East

THE GUIDE

FAMILY ASTRONAUT TRAINING EXPERIENCE November 14-15

Get lost in space at the US Space & Rocket Center! The Center’s new weekend experience brings you the best in space exploration history and gets you ready for where we’re headed next. This guided experience includes cool challenges, astronaut training exercises and gravity-defying simulations. This weekend program allowing participants time to explore the Rocket Center at their own pace after program hours on Sunday. Museum admission is included Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is included in the program both days. This program is appropriate for families of all types – participants must be 7 years old and children must attend with an adult.

Lodging is not provided.

For more information about this experience and others at the US Space and Rocket Center, go to rocketcenter.com

you can SAVE

374747-1

SPACE CAMP

8 Madison Living

THE GUIDE

ROCKET CITY DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Toyota Field

IHundreds of thousands of lights will be on display for all to safely enjoy this holiday season. The Rocket City Christmas Spectacular comes to Toyota Field on Friday, Nov. 13 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 3. Guests can drive through the magical “Santa’s Mountain” themed light show around Toyota Field for just $25 per car. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. nightly.

Visitors will be able to simply tune into their vehicle’s radio and experience a spectacular synchronization of music and lights. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at reserve.imclutch. com/trash-pandas, or on the day of the event – credit cards and mobile pay are encouraged.

Guests can also park their car after driving through the lights and enter the winter wonderland within the stadium at no additional cost.

Inside the ballpark will feature numerous holiday activities for all ages, including hot chocolate stations, cookie decorating, s’mores making, character visits, shopping, and more! The winter

wonderland will be open through December 24th during all Christmas Spectacular hours, and additionally will open at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

374755-1

Madison Living 9

THE GUIDE

GALAXY OF LIGHTS Begins November 13

Celebrate the 25-year tradition that is Galaxy of Lights. Explore 2.5 miles of magnificent light displays weaving together holiday themes, classic characters, and scenes from our natural world.

Walking Nights: Nov. 13 – Nov. 25 5:15 – 8:30 p.m. (last admission) New this year: Tickets for Walking Nights must be pre-purchased for a designated date and entry time.

Dog Walking Nights: Nov. 16, 17, and 23 Driving Nights: Nov. 27 – Jan. 2 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. (last admission) Please note that there will be no Galaxy of Lights Bike the Lights, 5k, or 3k this year. www.hsvbg.org/galaxy

374748-1

#BuildByBreland

Feel Better. Enjoy Life.

Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Head and Neck HEARING • BALANCE • ALLERGY

BrelandHomes.com

1218 13th Avenue SE Decatur • 256-355-6200 decaturent.com 374750-1

10 Madison Living

THE GUIDE

MADISON CITY FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday • 9 a.m. - noon

Madison City Farmers Market is the area’s original local, producer-only farmers market, founded in 2007.

Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted by local farmers and craftspeople.

The vendors provide a wide selection of the freshest local veggies, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats, milk, herbs, honey, jams, relishes, home-baked goods, plants and flowers.

The Madison City Farmers Market is Located at 1088 Hughes Road, Madison at Trinity Baptist Church.

Check online for social distancing guidelines: www.madisoncityfarmersmarket.com

Home & Business Moves | Local & Long-Distance moves Packing Services & Supplies Call or go online today for your free estimate!

Huntsville

256.399.9948

twomenandatruckhuntsville.com 374752-1

Each franchise is independently owned and operated. | U.S. DOT No. 930909

Madison Living 11

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

FY2021 Budget Breakdown

T

The 2020 fiscal year wrapped at the end of September, and with it marked Council

passing the 2021 budget. As your City leaders, it’s our mission to provide excellent services through responsible use of public resources, enhancing the quality of life for our community. That mission drives fiscal decisions, putting your tax dollars to work and

...

Paul Finley Mayor City of Madison

keeping Madison a great place to live along the way. I want to take this opportunity to highlight four areas of interest in the FY2021 budget.

Step Increase for Employees Madison employees always manage to do more with less. They work hard each any

every day to uphold Madison’s mission. Ultimately, they are the gears that keep our city going. We are very proud to include step increases for our employees in this year’s budget, especially considering how many families are facing financial burdens through the pandemic. Ensuring merit increases also helps us retain valuable employees for the long term.

Sales Tax and Revenues While FY2020 ended with a 13% sales tax revenue increase, this fiscal year is expected to be flat due to less spending during continued COVID times as well as the loss of revenue from Publix and Chick Fil A on Hwy 72 that has now moved to Clift Farms. Also, the revenue to receive from internet sales tax has flattened after major pandemic spending.

With that said we are still in solid position for a “rainy day” as our general fund balance is budgeted to be at 45% of revenues.

Managed Expenses Knowing revenues will be flat we tightened our belts on expenses, adding only $350,000, or less than 1%. Over $600,000 of that increase was Engineering’s, most of which went towards resurfacing and road projects. These included the Balch/Gillespie round-about, Lime Quarry/Graphics Drive intersection, Browns Ferry culvert replacement, Oakland Springs greenway completion, and several other improvements to move traffic.

Other major Improvement Projects Capital improvements including Hughes Road and Sullivan Street widening, sidewalk and greenway extensions from FY2020 are still underway and on budget. Our FY2021 budget also includes money for the Phase 1 renovation of our Three Springs Community Center, Infrastructure support for our new Middle School on Celtic Drive, completion of Homeplace Park downtown, and our continued field expansion at Palmer Park.

Overall, Council was conservative this year considering the global pandemic, but Madison remains fiscally strong. The full FY2021 budget can be found at www.madisonal. gov/2021budget.

-Mayor Paul Finley

12 Madison Living

PEOPLE

SARAH CHASE

Teen uses quarantine to create media business highlighting minorities’ stories STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 13

S

Some people used the quarantine to get healthy, spend more time with family or conduct repairs on their homes, but Sparkman High School senior, Sarah Chase, utilized her extra time to create a media empire.

Courageous Curls Media was born.

The site focuses on the stories and issues of minorities. Chase intends for the site to raise awareness on these issues and to start conversations needed to bring about change.

“As a minority in America, I feel like part of the racism issue comes from the fact that people do not know how amazing every person of color is,” Chase said. “We are entrepreneurs, writers, artists and so much more. I want Courageous Curls Media to be the place to prove that.”

The idea of Courageous Curls Media came to Chase about a year ago, but then COVID-19 hit and she found her-

14 Madison Living

self with time to develop her idea. As a member of The Crimson Crier student newspaper staff, Chase missed writing. Bored one evening, she took to the computer to create a website and Instagram.

“I created both in one night. I did not go to bed until 3 a.m.,” Chase said. “I was super excited and kept texting one of my close friends about it.”

The name of the media company has special meaning to Chase. She went through a “natural hair journey” during her freshman year which she says was not easy. The curls were hard to accept and even more difficult for Chase to love. Now, she embodies those curls, even loves them.

“There is so much history involving our ancestors behind black hair and that is what makes it beautiful--even though there is still a fight for it to be seen as such by society still today,”

Chase said “The name Courageous Curls Media is a tribute to my ancestors and to any black woman who decides to rock their natural hair. There is bravery behind wearing your curls as a black woman.”

The site is divided into a typical news site menu, including a news, opinion, feature and arts and entertainment section. The site also includes a column called Hangin WIth Hannah, written by the website editor as a big sister advice column. To keep the site interactive, Chase added a From the Public Section.

“This section allows our readers to send in any submissions they would like to see published on our site, including poems, columns or anything else written they want to share,” Chase said.

The site has been a success. Recently, Chase decided to add video and has released CCM’s first magazine in October.

Including herself, 16 members current-

374746-1

ly write for Chase’s media group. The group is diverse, consisting of people of color and non-people of color.

“A few of the writers are friends I go to school with, but others I found either on Facebook groups or on the GroupMe chat I use to follow another media group called Afro Puff Chronicles,” Chase said. “When posting that I am looking for writers, I always give CCM’s initiative. I think being a part of our goal is what makes them want to join the team, especially right now.”

Chase laments on a story written by fellow classmate, Grace Moore, that featured Brianna Sipp who owns a crochet clothing business.

“Brianna is super talented. Not many teens have that talent, so I think it is unique that she has turned it into a business,” Chase said. “It fits our goal of sharing stories of minority women, whether they are older than I am or around my age.”

Like Sipp, Chase herself is a young entrepreneur who accepts the responsibility. In fact, knowing that the media site was her responsibility, and not her parents, Chase used money from her savings to purchase a professional domain. Her parents, Frank and Teresa Chase, have been supportive of her endeavors.

“They are always there to encourage me, ask me how everything is going and to make sure that I am focusing on school as well,” Chase said. “My family has supported me in everything I have done and I am extremely blessed to have them in my corner.”

Chase admits that she has not always felt that she could have a voice or even that she had an interest in current events however, the March 2018 March for our Lives protest inspired her to become involved in current issues and in sharing her voice with

374745-1

Madison Living 15

others.

“I watched the protest at home and it was inspiring seeing all those young voices lighting and caring about issues that were affecting Americans,” Chase said. “I realized then that I can make a change in this world no matter how big or how small.”

Creating the Courageous Curls Media platform, which currently boasts 884 followers on the group’s social media accounts, has taught Chase more than journalism and entrepreneurship skills. It has allowed her to understand a variety of minority groups.

“I have learned how unique each group of people are and also how each group faces different struggles when it comes to representation and racism. I think that CCM has allowed me to educate myself on issues outside of my own race,” Chase said.

Journalism is not a passing fancy for Chase. She hopes to work at the Los Angeles Times one day to continue having her voice heard, yet, she also intends to still be running Courageous Curls Media--an expanded version.

“I have always wanted to live in California and I admire the Times’ work,” Chase said. “I’m just taking my plans day by day right now, focusing on graduating, what college I want to attend and passing my classes. I do, though, want to turn CCM into a living and have it reach its full potential.”

Whether or not Chase makes it to California remains to be seen, but her idea of creating a media company to celebrate minorities has been fulfilled.

“I think Courageous Curls Media has provided this space in journalism that shared minority voices,” Chase said.

“When I think about the success of CCM, I think about a piece I wrote on Laila, who attended a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest.Peaceful protests are not highlighted as much as they should be in the media. Her responses were very visual and I placed the photos in the story so the reader could be taken on the journey as well. I think that more stories like Laila should be shared because it was a beautiful and much needed one.”

374753-1

16 Madison Living

....................... YMCA .......................

What’s going on at the YMCA these days?

...

Mary Anne Swanstrom Director of Communications Hogan Family YMCA

A

As our community struggles to find normalcy during the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA is creatively adapting to increase ways that members can safely exercise, recreate, and thrive.

Basketball free play is just one of the latest amenities to open back up to Y members, and the early morning regulars couldn’t be happier. The opportunity to safely enjoy social time with friends on the basketball court has been sorely missed for most of this year. As the Y staff continue to follow strict practices in facility hygiene and cleanliness, wearing of masks and social distancing, we rely on members to care for each other by staying home if they are feeling unwell or have been exposed to the coronavirus and masking up when not otherwise engaged in physical exercise.

Swim lessons and swim team are back, too!

Because swimming is one of the safest forms of exercise that individuals can enjoy right now, the YMCA is following extra health protocols to ensure that all ages can enjoy our pools with peace of mind. Drowning prevention is an important part of a child’s education any time of year, and the cooler months are a perfect time

to introduce or reinforce swim safety. Swim lessons are available for children starting at 6 months of age for child and parent classes scheduled one or two times per week. Swim knowledge isn’t just for kids, and lessons are available for adults, too. Online registration is open to both YMCA members and the community.

The YMCA is offering American Red Cross certification in CPR, First Aid and AED (automated external defibrillator) as a community class, because lifesaving is a perennial skill. Individuals will learn basic techniques in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, AED usage, barrier device skills and emergency choking measures for adult and pediatric victims. The course is blended learning with an online component (allow two hours) and a three-hour in-person skills test. Certification is provided upon completion of the course, which is highly recommended for babysitters and required for many occupations including lifeguarding and childcare workers.

Want to register for or learn more about YMCA programs? Visit ymcahuntsville.org or call the Hogan Family YMCA - (256) 705-9622.

Madison Living 17

Holiday Gift Ideas

SHOPPING

Check out these great gift ideas

Tis the season to be shopping for these gift ideas at Indigo’s

The color of this Citrine reminds me of the leaves changing this time of year Meyer and Lee

Be your best you.

Holiday Dresses New Jewlery Line Accessories Handbags

Indigo’s

2314 Memorial Parkway S, Huntsville • 256-536-3321

✤

374754-1

18 Madison Living

at the avenue

201 Jefferson St N Downtown Huntsville 209B 2nd Ave SE Downtown Decatur

MYINDIGOS.COM

374751-1

in-store jewelry and watch repairs and appraisals

Beautiful Christmas decor at Noble Passage Interiors

The hue of these Peachy-Pink Sapphires is so unique, and brings some sunshine into this rainy, dreary day - Meyer and Lee

Make sure you have all the essentials! Including this 18k Gold bracelet with Blue enamel and Diamonds - Meyer and Lee It’s starting to feel like Christmas!

Noble Passage Interiors

374744-1

Your Local Expert in Fine Furniture Design Accessories, Unique Clothing, Jewelry, & More

INTERIORS 204 Main Street • Madison, AL 35758 • 256-325-1919 Tuesday - Friday 10-5; Saturday 10-4

Madison Living 19

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

...

Lee Marshall

Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

20 Madison Living

M

Much like Santa Claus, the Kids to Love team is making our list and checking it twice! Christmas starts early in our warehouse, or as we like to call it, “Santa’s North Alabama Workshop.”

We anticipate filling more lists than ever before this year – 1,900 – and we cannot create Christmas smiles for children in foster care without your help.

Even as stores resume normal operating hours, we understand COVID concerns are lingering for many. With that in mind, we will have an online option for anyone who wants to buy Christmas gifts for one of our kids in care.

Our “Click, Ship & Give” campaign will connect you to our Amazon store, which includes a long list of the most requested items on wish lists.

Click to place an item in your cart, Amazon will

ship it to us, and you will give a foster child a wonderful gift on Christmas morning.

We will still have traditional opportunities to sponsor a child’s entire wish list or select an ornament from one of several local businesses.

You can find all that information on our website at kidstsolove.org.

Madison Living 21

OUT&ABOUT OVER THE EDGE - Madison Chamber of Commerce Interim Director Merrill Wright, Madison Mayor Paul Finley and the Rocket City Trash Pandas mascot Sprocket were just a few of the many volunteers who went “Over the Edge” to help Kids to Love in September. They rappelled 160 feet from atop the Regions Center in downtown Huntsville, overcoming any fear of heights to raise money for the non-profit organization based in Madison. “Our 3rd Annual Over the Edge was our biggest one yet!” said Kids to Love CEO and Founder Lee Marshall (pictured above). “101 brave souls rappelled to support our kids!” She said this year they celebrated “essentials”: healthcare, law enforcement, social workers, foster parents and Kids to Love scholars and alumni.

Madison Mayor Paul Finley

Merrill Wright

Sprocket

Ricky Fernandez

22 Madison Living

THEIR HAPPY PLACE Cabin on Wheeler Lake defines ‘happy place’ for Overcashes STORY BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 23

P

People often spend their lives looking for ‘The Happy Place’ to enjoy contentment and relaxation.

Tommy and Debbie Overcash found ‘The Happy Place’ on a beautiful point along Wheeler Lake, just 29 miles from their home in Madison. Tommy and Debbie purchased the cabin days before the Fourth of July in 2000.

“Since then, there have been many Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day parties and football Saturdays at the Happy Place,” Debbie said. “Not to mention birthdays, reunions, Christmas and Thanksgiving family gatherings.”

Their sons -- Cameron, Chandler and Mason -- were still in high school when Debbie and Tommy purchased the cabin. “Many of Madison’s youth have spent quality time at the cabin as well. The boys, all now grown, enjoy returning to the cabin with their families and friends for boating, swimming, canoeing, fishing, grilling, watching football and making smores,” Debbie said.

Sixty-four years old, the cabin has been a labor of love to transform into the Overcash family retreat. The cabin’s wooded lot sits on the point of a peninsula jutting into Wheeler Lake, approximately 2.5 miles wide at the site.

The view is unmatched.

The body of the cabin is painted Nantucket Grey (a pale

24 Madison Living

green). Cypress on the water side is stained a darker green.

The trim is cream, and the roof is a brown metal.

Covering 1,200 square feet, the cabin has many unique features of an older home. The downstairs den/dining/ kitchen are all one large room with oversized windows spanning the entire front of the house for breathtaking views of the lake.

The vaulted walls are 14-inch weathered cypress. Several years ago, Tommy installed the 18-inch Mexican tile floors.

Windows aside, the focal point of the den is the oversized masonry fireplace with its antique mantle and built-in shelving surround.

The ‘canvas’ for a painting of a fish head above the fireplace is an old shovel blade found on the acreage soon after the Overcashes purchased the property. Mason, an art teacher at James Clemens High School, painted the fish head as a birthday present for his Mom. Directed by Debbie’s innate sense of style, the Overcashes carefully ‘selected’ furnishings from thrift stores in Madison and North Alabama. They reupholstered furniture in handsome earth tone colors of deep red, camel and cream.

The dining table seats eight guests comfortably for a family dinner, while the grandchildren have plenty of

Madison Living 25

26 Madison Living

room at the expansive dining bar. The kitchen offers all the comforts of home except a dishwasher, which Debbie insists she doesn’t miss.

Walls of the downstairs area are filled with family memories, including fishing poles that belonged to Debbie’s maternal grandfather. Cherished photographs are found everywhere in the cabin.

Up rounded, old-brick steps, the open landing leads to three bedrooms, a bathroom and combination laundry room and half-bath. Debbie has decorated each room with loving care and an eye for comfort and flair.

Cameron’s room uses a nautical theme of red, white and blue with an old headboard that is painted bright cherry-red and mounted to the wall. For Chandler and Mason, the ‘twins’ room features nautical blue, white and yellow and has navy blue shutters doing duty as the king-sized headboard.

In Debbie and Tommy’s room, the palette is a study in tan and white. Antique shutters from an old home in Savannah, Georgia serve as the oversized headboard.

The back patio, dock and firepit provide year-round, favorite hangout places for all the Overcash generations. From the swing, strategically placed at water’s edge, you can enjoy amazing views of sunrises, sunsets and approaching storms across the water.

The cabin’s yard is heavily landscaped with shrub-

Madison Living 27

bery and trees, although Debbie had promised Tommy when they bought the property that the lot would always be low maintenance.

The Overcash clan truly has found The Happy Place at their cabin on the lake. Now that Tommy has retired from public office as a representative on Madison City Council, he and Debbie have the opportunity to spend more time at the cabin and on their boat aptly named “Over and Out.�

28 Madison Living

SPORTS

CAEL BAGBY

Modern Day Motocross Daredevil STORY BY BOB LABBE PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 29

30 Madison Living

I

In some variances, Cael Bagby is your 21st century version of a daredevil. The 16-year old from Madison puts his life and limb on the line each time he dwells into his passion- Motocross.

His flair for the sport began as a four year old following in the bike tracks of his father who was a prominent racer in his own right. Bagby was given his first motocross 500cc minibike and he soon conjoined with the fierce and competitive world of motocross, and, matching his personality, racing in motocross events is just an extension of how the teenager is in everyday life.

“I’m competitive in everything I do, even off the race course,” said Bagby.

“During the summer I cut grass for others and I always take the attitude of wanting the lawns to look the best I can make them. I have four lawns I cut weekly and one of those is very large and it takes me four hours to complete.

I always make my work the best it can be. With my bikes, I clean them a lot and make those look their best.”

Bagby is the son of Steve and Kris Barnes and has two sisters, Rylie, who is a cheerleader, and Kenley, who has a love for horses. The treks to practice sessions and races is more of a family event than just a day on the tracks for the Bob Jones High sophomore. He is a multi-race winner, has won the Ala-

bama State Championships and qualified for the prestigious Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships. His success is not only supported by his entire family, but by numerous big-name motocross sponsors, which see the great potential in the teenage daredevil.

“I have the need to know what I have to do to compete and will do whatever it takes to compete and be successful,” said Bagby, who has aspirations to become a full-fledge motocross professional.

He’s well aware of the history of 1970’s superstar daredevil Evel Knievel and what he did during his heyday.

Madison Living 31

Knievel had over 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps as a stunt performer and was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. He died in 2007.

Bagby is not trying to be the next Knievel, although his sport requires racers to put everything they have on the line just to be able to compete. The riders encounter physical and mental challenges that each racer has to face up close and personal. Quick turns and hellacious jumps are incorporated in the races that challenge even the most experienced racing athletes.

For Bagby, the sport has been nothing short of spectacular, but also humbling. He has suffered numerous serious injuries and undergoing several surgeries, including knee reconstruction and insertion of a steel rod in his leg after breaking his left femur during crashes on the race course.

He was forced to stay off his bikes from his leg injury and underwent extensive physical therapy sessions, which assisted him in healing properly where he could not only ride again, but to walk again. He said he remembered the crash that broke his leg. “I went with my feet in the air while my hands were on the bike, but I became unbalanced and both of my legs were on the right side of the bike. After I hit the ground I looked at my leg and it was bent sideways and you could see my bones just below the surface of my skin.”

“Getting back on my bike for the first time after that in-

32 Madison Living

jury made me super happy as I went through some wild emotions,” said Bagby. “I wasn’t scared. You can’t be scared and race.”

While at the start line of any race, which can feature the top competitors in his division of racing, Bagby settles into his emotional mode of concentration. His thoughts quickly turn to make sure the bike is running properly, his mental images of getting a good start and the race course up ahead are clear and his competitive edge is sharp and ready to face the physical pounding his mind and body will endure.

“Once the gate drops at the start, all of that goes away and I try and obtain a great start to the race and quickly focus on racing and not being afraid,” said Bagby, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 140 pounds.

Now with a driver’s license of his own, Bagby is certainly not forceful in his driving habits. He knows his limits and is very cautious once behind the wheel. He said his parents trust him and he trusts himself.

The A-B student at Madison’s oldest high school, Bagby said he feels fine now and understands his injuries will affect him when he grows into an adult as he’ll feel the past injuries and surgeries in ways only you experience in age.

He added, “I’ll look back and know I’ve done my best in my daredevil type sport…and in my life.”

ON THE GRILL

SMOKIN’ GOOD AT THE RICKY SHACK Thanksgiving and Turkey STORY BY RICHARD GEORGE PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 33

A

As our country becomes more urban and vy and all the trimmings. It was baked in the family members begin to live farther apart, oven all morning until golden brown and then Thanksgiving becomes a time to gather togethproudly displayed on the dining room table. er. It is a holiday to symbolize intercultural I think my Dad enjoyed the ceremony of the peace, America’s opportunity for newcomers knife sharpening and carving. Unfortunately, and the sanctity of home and family. Many it had no flavor and was usually dry. Thankpeople enjoy the parades, football games and fully, the gravy helped solve this problem.

Turkey.

Now, let’s explore three options of cooking At The Ricky Shack, we enjoy the Thanksturkey that we enjoy at The Ricky Shack, and giving Week with all three. The Covid-19 we hope you will too.

Pandemic might minimize socializing with extended families and friends, but luckily our 1. Tenderloin Turkey Filet Richard George immediate family lives in Madison. You might The first option and one of my favorites is @ricky_shack expect to hear screams about “miss-called” a Kroger Cracked Pepper Marinated Turkey penalties and the clanging of MSU Cowbells Breast, approximately 24 oz. Prepare your grill during The Egg Bowl. for indirect heat, 325-350 degrees. Remove the tenderloin Turkeys are one of the most difficult animals to hunt in from the package and place directly on the hot grill, there Alabama. They are a crafty bird with very sharp eyesight. is no need to wash the marinade off, but be careful not to As a youngster, I remember using “Mr. Tom” and “Miss cross contaminate other foods. It only takes about 10 minJennie” as live decoys at Circle M Ranch near Macon, Mis- utes per side to cook a tenderloin. Sprinkle liberally with sissippi. We mostly watched their strutting and listening Kosher Salt. If using a non-marinated tenderloin, consider to their gobbles, yelps and clucks. It is illegal to hunt in Al- a liberal sprinkling of Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning abama with live decoys. I cannot use a turkey call or even for a little pop. Another great seasoning is the Hardin’s sit still long enough to see a turkey in the woods, so I’ll Poultry & Seafood Seasoning. confine my hunting to Costco, Kroger and Publix.

Some people like to add barbeque sauce during the last My parents preferred a large whole turkey, giblet gra- couple of minutes of cook time and then serve more sauce

34 Madison Living

on the side. If your choice is red sauce, try Blues Hog; white sauce try Big Bob Gibson’s Original White Sauce or; yellow sauce, try Sweet Baby Ray’s Sweet Golden Mustard Sauce.

The suggested and safe minimum internal temperature for turkey is 165 degrees. Tent the turkey with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes to redistribute the natural juices and finish cooking. Slice and serve warm.

Note: June is Turkey Lovers month, so try this anytime, not just at Thanksgiving. We enjoy smoking these at Deercamp on an Ugly Drum Smoker and at The Ricky Shack on the Big Green Egg for a quick & easy meal.

2. Bacon wrapped Turkey Breast Our second option of cooking a turkey is to wrap a turkey breast in bacon.

This option calls for a 4-pound thawed turkey breast, bone in or boneless.

Brine for 6 hours in Jake Jacob’s Poultry Brine: 1 Gal warm water, ¾ cup Kosher Salt, 2/3 cup sugar, ¾ cup soy sauce and ¼ cup olive oil. Brine 4-6 hours or best overnight!

Remove from the brine, place on a small baking rack and inject with Tony Chachere’s or Zatarain’s Creole Cajun Butter. Liberally sprinkle all sides of turkey breast with Hardin’s Poultry & Seafood Seasoning.

Prepare your fire for indirect cooking using lump charcoal and pecan wood. I prefer using a Big Green Egg with the ConvEGGtor plate’s legs up. Stabilize at 300 degrees.

Prepare a bacon weave using thin bacon, on parchment paper.

You can find great instructions on bacon weaving at heygrillhey. com with Susie Bullock. Place the bacon weave over the turkey, carefully remove the parchment paper from the weave and tuck the bacon ends under the turkey to help retain its shape. By using a small baking rack, you can tuck the bacon, carry the turkey to the grill, cook on it and remove the turkey from the grill without worrying about the bacon falling away.

The bacon should begin to brown and tighten up after approximately 30 minutes. When the bacon is the brown color you like, lay a piece of foil over the turkey to keep the bacon from browning any further. When the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, remove the turkey from the grill and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice and enjoy.

3. Cajun Fried Turkey Caution: Boiling oil - extremely hot!

Our third option is a Cajun fried turkey. A 12-15-pound whole turkey is a good size for frying and should be easy to obtain.

Peanut Oil is the oil of choice for frying a turkey. An easy way to determine the amount of oil needed to fry your turkey is to place the turkey in the frying pot, legs up and add water until the turkey is covered. Pour all of the water from the pot into a large measuring container and this will tell you how much oil is needed? Consider a 3-gallon container.

Completely thaw your turkey and remove the bag of giblets from the turkey cavity. Some people put the giblets in their gravy.

Be sure to allow sufficient time to thaw your turkey in the refrigerator. The USDA recommends that for every 4 pounds of turkey, you allot 24 hours for defrosting. After the turkey is fully thawed,

you will need to brine the turkey in a large plastic or glass container. Do not use an aluminum pan.

My go-to brine recipe is one a friend, Jake Jacobs from Florence, AL shared with me. It is the same brine recipe used in the above-mentioned Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast option. After brining for at least 6 hours, discard the brine and wash any residue off the turkey.

Inject the Turkey with Tony Chachere’s Injectable Creole Style Butter Marinade or similar marinade from Zatarain’s. Both come with handy syringe for injecting the turkey. If you prefer a lighter and fruity flavor, try Apple flavor from Gourmet Warehouse at Publix.

Coat the entire turkey with a dry rub and sprinkle a little extra into the cavity. My favorites are Hardin’s Poultry & Seafood Seasoning, Bad Byron’s Butt Rub, or Everglades Original All-Purpose

Madison Living 35

Topping: 1 cup brown sugar, packed ½ cup flour 1/3 cup melted butter 1 cup chopped nuts Mix well in a medium size bowl and pour on top of yams. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Any wise man would complement his wife’s cooking and share her recipes! The following are two favorites at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE 2 large cans pineapple tidbits, drain but retain juice.

1 cup sugar 6 T. plain flour 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 1 ½ large rolls of Ritz Crackers 1 stick butter, melted Placed drained pineapple in 9 X 13 greased casserole dish, add back 6 T pineapple juice.

Mix together the sugar, flour and grated cheese, and pour on top of pineapple. Crush the Ritz Crackers by hand and sprinkle on top of the pineapple mixture.

Melt the butter and pour over the crackers.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes.

Seasoning. Then either wrap the turkey in cling wrap or place in an extra-large zip lock bag and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Add peanut oil to the marked line in your boiling pot, or add the amount needed from above measurement and heat to 275300 degrees. Unwrap the turkey and pat it dry, being careful not to wipe the dry rub completely off. Place the turkey on the hanger and SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY lower the turkey into the oil.

Wearing heavy gloves is important. Insert the temperature probe into oil, close the lid and allow the oil to reach 325 degrees. The expected cooking time is 3-4 minutes per pound. Cook until internal temperatures reach 165 degrees in breast and 180 degrees in thighs. SLOWLY lift the hot turkey from the boiling oil and allow the oil to drain back into the boiling pot. Remove the turkey to a serving platter and allow it to rest. It should be a golden brown. After allowing the turkey to cool a little, you can slice the sweet, dark meat from the thighs and slice the delicious white meat from the breast. Enjoy!

Sides and desserts.

Old family recipes are our favorites. We are somewhat creatures of habit and rely on family favorites. Our old recipe cards are covered with food smudges and notes in the margins.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE (from my Mother-in-law, Connie Mason) 1 can Bruce’s Yams 29 oz., mashed ½ cup milk 1 cup sugar ½ cup butter 2 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla Combine and mix the above ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Pour the mixture into a greased 9 X 13 baking dish.

36 Madison Living

SOUTHERN PECAN PRALINE POUND CAKE Bring all ingredients to room temperature.

3 ½ cups sugar 3 sticks butter 3 cups cake flour 6 eggs 8-10 oz. Heavy whipping cream 1 t vanilla 1/3 t salt ½ t baking powder Cream the butter and sugar together at medium speed using an electric mixer. Add 1 egg at a time and beat after adding each egg until all 6 are mixed with butter and sugar.

Add 1/3 of flour and whipping cream, beating until barely mixed, add next third of flour and whipping cream, mix and add the remaining third of flour and whipping cream, mix. Add baking powder and vanilla then mix well.

Pour into a greased and floured Bundt Cake pan. Put in a cold oven, on middle rack. Turn on oven to 350 degrees and bake for 1 hour, or until done. Remove. DO NOT let it cool in the Bundt Cake pan as it will stick!

Praline Sauce: 2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar ½ cup butter 2 T. vanilla 1/3 cup Evaporated Milk 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter and stir in brown sugar and Evaporated Milk. Cook over moderate heat for approximately 5 minutes or until the mixture comes to a full boil. Boil for 3 minutes then remove from heat. Stir in confectioners’ sugar, pecans and vanilla. Immediately drizzle over pound cake. (Gayle likes to add pecan halves to the top of the cake, after drizzling the sauce.)

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

As Madison City Board of Education President Ranae Bartlett had the unique experience in June of having a speaking slot in graduation ceremonies along with her son, Michael Guthrie, who was salutatorian of Bob Jones High School. Photo by John Few

An open letter from Ranae Bartlett Madison Board of Education – 2011-2020

I

It has been my honor to serve on the Madison City Board of Education for almost ten years. Since my appointment in 2011, I have worked with three outstanding superintendents, experienced the opening of James Clemens High School, and saw our community come together to pass a 12-mil property tax increase to support building new schools in an era of unprecedented Ranae Bartlett growth. My family moved to Madison in 2003 because of the high quality of Board of Education its school system, and last spring I had Member the privilege of addressing the Class of Madison City Schools 2020 as President of the Board while watching my son deliver the Salutatorian address for Bob Jones High School. I am so grateful to the teachers and administrators who prepared him and all of our students.

...

I feel fortunate to have been selected to serve in 2011. At that time, our Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler, and Board members Ray White, Terri Johnson, Phil Schmidt and Connie Spears not only welcomed me, but taught me so much about how school boards are supposed to function and help a school system succeed. As Board President, Ray modeled professionalism and always cautioned us to never be complacent because of our past success. Terri Johnson followed as President and whenever we faced difficult decisions, she always kept our focus on our students. As long as we made decisions based on what was in the best interests of our students, we were doing the right thing. I learned from the best and am so grateful for their example.

Each Board member is touched by his or her experience in different ways. Watching our students perform, whether on stage, in a parade, on a field or in a gym continues to bring tears to my eyes. Seeing their artwork on display puts me in awe. The sheer range of academic opportuni-

Madison Living 37

In February 2020, Ranae Bartlett joined then Superintendent of Education Robby Parker in unveiling the name of the district’s new middle school.

ties from accelerated math to world languages to career tech and everything in between is remarkable in that it is offered in every school. What makes Madison exceptional is that it does not matter where one chooses to live because your child will attend an outstanding school regardless of location. Our school leadership has been committed to that principle since the system was created.

We find ourselves facing unique challenges during this pandemic, but I have special admiration for our teachers and support staff who are keeping our students and our school system afloat. For those who are wondering if you are accomplishing anything this year—you are! You may not always hear or see how thankful people are, but I hear it every day from parents who know you are doing the best you can and are so grateful you are there for their kids.

Some of the parents who go out of their way to make us all feel appreciated are our PTA members. What would Madison be without our PTA? It was a PTA VP of Volunteers who asked a fairly new parent at Rainbow Elementary, “Ranae, do you know how to play chess? The gifted teacher needs a parent volunteer for chess club.” Who could have foreseen how that one question inspired a course of action that would lead to thousands of Madison kids playing chess? But our PTA members inspire us every day to do more for our kids.

38 Madison Living

They were instrumental in campaigning for vital tax support for our school system, and they help us raise funds every day for our schools.

Education funding is a topic in which all school board members receive training, but our Board has always been vigilant in monitoring our finances, attending monthly finance meetings where expenditures, revenue, and debt are reviewed. Madison is among a handful of systems that is constantly growing, and this offers additional challenges when the State funds school systems in arrears. That means Madison receives funding from Alabama’s Education Trust Fund based on the student count the previous year. Yet we still have to find ways to hire teachers and provide educational programs and services in the current school year for new students. Growing at the unprecedented rates we have experienced recently is not sustainable if we want to maintain a high-quality education system.

This community has worked hard to build the finest school system in the State. It is the primary reason new residents move to Madison, and we need to protect this asset. I hope to continue to do that in my new role on our City Council.

Thank you to everyone who helped me during my time on the Board of Education, and thank you to everyone who helped me find a way to continue serving our community.

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

Thankful for Krishna Srikakolapu

...

Mary Lynne Wright President Madison Hospital

T

This is the time of year we give thanks for our many blessings.

I’m thankful to be part of a community that genuinely supports its local hospital. For some Madison residents, that means allowing us to deliver their precious baby or perform a needed surgery.

For Krishna Srikakolapu, supporting Madison Hospital means serving on our volunteer hospital board.

Like many in Madison, the Srikakolapus are an engineering family. Krishna works at Huntsville Utilities as Director of Information Technology and has three degrees – in electrical engineering, industrial engineering and business administration-finance. His lovely wife, Sudha, is also an engineer.

Their sons Harsha and Siddhu are both Eagle Scouts. Harsha works for Huntsville Hospital; Siddhu is a medical student at UAB.

Despite his busy work schedule, Krishna makes the time to volunteer. In addition to the Madison Hospital Board, he serves on the nonprofit boards of Huntsville Hospital Foundation, the Madison Industrial Development Board and Huntsville India Association.

Krishna has lived in Madison since 1998 and understands why it’s so important for a growing community like Madison to have a top-notch hospital.

“Having a well-equipped hospital in close proximity can make the difference between life and death during a medical emergency,” he told me. “Madison Hospital is not only a crowning jewel for our city but is a blessing to this community.”

I lean heavily on the wisdom and experience of Krishna and our 12 other board members.

They provide crucial guidance as we work to meet Madison’s ever-evolving health care needs.

Madison Living 39

OUT&ABOUT COWBOY DAY AT MILL CREEK ELEMENTARY - Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said when schools started he believed this would be a great school year - just different. It’s different all right. But no less fun or engaging. MCS teachers are going above and beyond to keep learning interesting for all students - both virtual and face-to-face learners. Dr. Nichols entered their world on Sept. 30, dressing up for cowboy day at Mill Creek Elementary. First grade virtual teachers Hannah Lingerfelt, Rebecca Pride and Markeshia Carter used cowboy themes to teach phonics and promote reading. “Cowboy Ed” talked about the importance of learning at the ranch and urged the live virtual classrooms to read books. Over at Horizon Elementary, Principal Rodney Richardson got on the floor with a pair of 5th graders in Lara Baswell’s class to learn strategies in a game of math bingo.

Teacher Markeshia Carter, Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Markeshia Carter, 1st grade teacher, invited Madison City Schools SuperNichols, and teachers Hannah Lingerfelt and Rebecca Pride. intendent Dr. Ed Nichols to visit her virtual class.

First grade teacher Hannah Lingerfelt teaching virtual learners from Mill Horizon Elementary Principal Rodney Richardson with 5th grade stuCreek. dents in Lara Baswell’s class engaged in a game of math bingo.

40 Madison Living

Madison Living 41

OUT&ABOUT DIAMOND DIG AT TOYOTA FIELD - Following a showing of the romantic comedy Sweet Home Alabama at Toyota Field on Oct. 3, women had the opportunity to participate in a “Diamond Dig” on the infield. Hidden in the dirt was a 1-karat solitaire diamond from Hobbs Jewelers – valued at $5,000 – that the lucky attendee got to take home.

Alysia Miles found the 1ct round solitaire. She is pictured with Steve Participants were able to dig in the dirt at Toyota Field using small woodHobbs. en craft sticks.

In addition to the “Diamond Dig”, participants enjoyed watching the movie, “Sweet Home Alabama” on Toyota Field’s giant screen.

42 Madison Living

CONNECTIONS

MADISON CHAMBER The 2020 Madison Chamber of Commerce Best in Business awards ceremony went virtual this year. The winners are...

Madison Living 43

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

CONGRATULATIONS!

2020 BEST BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

CONDITIONED AIR SOLUTIONS

T

The annual Madison Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards went virtual this year. On Oct. 20, the Chamber announced this year’s winners through a Facebook Live presentation.

Madison Chamber Marketing Director Felecia Rodgers said the 2020 Best in Business Awards celebrates businesses in 12 categories that reflect the Chamber’s diverse and growing membership.

“From Start-Up Business if the Year to Best Business of the Year, we honor the businesses that serve as the engine of

our economy,” she said. “We also recognize our Ambassador of the Year for their dedication and service to the Madison Chamber of Commerce.”

Taking the top award was Conditioned Air Solutions. They were named the 2020 Best Business of the Year winner. Carlos Mendoza with Edward Jones was named the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year.

The following are the winners for the various awards presented this year.

Congratulations!

The MCC reserves the right, in its sole reasonable discretion, to remove a nominee from the selection process.

103 SPENRYN DR., MADISON, ALABAMA 35758

44 Madison Living

•

PHONE 256-325-8317

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONGRATULATIONS! CONNEC

T I O N CONGRATULATIONS! S

2020 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

2020 EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

CARLOS MENDOZA EDWARD JONES CONGRATULATIONS!

ALICE LESSMANN SIGNALINK, INC. CONGRATULATIONS!

2020 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

2020 MEDICAL PRACTICE OF THE YEAR

ANGLIN REICHMANN ARMSTRONG CONGRATULATIONS!

THRIVE ALABAMA CONGRATULATIONS!

2020 COMMUNITY SERVANT OF THE YEAR

2020 HEALTH & WELLNESS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

CATHY MILLER UNITED WAY

W W W. M A D I S O N A LC H A M B E R . CO M

FIT4MOM - MADISON

•

W W W. FAC E B O O K . CO M / M A D I S O N C H A M B E R

Madison Living 45

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNEC CONGRATULATIONS!

2020 ESSENTIAL SERVICE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

TIONS

CONGRATULATIONS!

2020 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

HAWTHORNE AT THE RIDGE CONGRATULATIONS!

HUNTSVILLE BALLET

2020 CULINARY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

2020 BEST NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

INSANITY COMPLEX CONGRATULATIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS!

MADISON VISIONARY PARTNERS CONGRATULATIONS! (MVP)

2020 BEST SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

2020 START-UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

U-LOCK-IT STORAGE

Virtuous Realty Group

46 Madison Living

Your Connection to Community The Y is here for you, and

for all. Always!

Hogan Family YMCA 130 Park Square Lane Madison, Alabama 35758 256.705.9622

www.ymcahuntsville.org

BACK TO SCHOOL Aft fter t School Care Out of School Day Camp for Virtual Learners School Holiday Camp MEMBERSHIP Safe & Healthy Protocols in Fitness Centers Socially Distanced Group Exercise Small Group Training & Nutrition Classes MISSION Impacting our Community for Good Financial Assistance Available 374749-1

Madison Living 47

Hip, hip, hooray! y When degenerative osteoarthritis made walking diffi fficult, fi Yolanda Davis turned to the surgery team at Madison Hospital for help. After having her right hip replaced by Dr. Christopher Parks, she is pain-free and living life to the fullest.

Comprehensive ort rthopedic t care, close by.

48 Madison Living

376597-1