November 2014
More than
Luxury Madison School of Massage Therapy offers pampering and therapeutic treatment
A Life Well Lived WWII veteran Sherwin Callander savors good times but recalls atrocities of war
River Rock Stables The best in equestrian boarding, training and arena events
A Place of Refuge Inside-Out Ministries offers comfort, help and guidance to struggling families
Math Appeal Mathnasium seeks to ready kids for big numbers in their future
Madison Living 1
2 Madison Living
MANAGEMENT Alan Brown President & Publisher
23 31 features
EDITORIAL Katie McDowell Editor Gregg Parker Staff Writer Nick Sellers Staff Writer
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ARTS & CULTURE A LIFE WELL LIVED
23
IN THE BIZ RIVER ROCK STABLES
27
HEALTH PAUSING FOR PRAYER
28
MORE THAN A LUXURY
CUSTOMER SERVICE Tammy Overman Customer Service
31
EDUCATION MATH APPEAL
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SUCCESS STARTS EARLY
PRODUCTION Jamie Dawkins Design
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OUT AND ABOUT
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HOME TRADITIONAL ELEGANCE
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Madison Living P.O. Box 859, Madison, AL 35758 Advertising Inquires 256.772.6677 Madison Living is published monthly by Madison Publications, LLC.
giving back 11
GIVING BACK A PLACE OF REFUGE
Madison Living 3
HOME
HOME
Traditional
elegance
The Pettigrews personalized their Heritage Plantation home with jewel tones and animal prints 4 Madison Living
WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETUELLO
A LEFT: Woody and Judy Pettigrew have lived in Heritage Plantation since 2007. ABOVE: Judy Pettigrew’s favorite room, the den has an oversized sofa. This novel piece of furniture has extensive bullion fringe, velvet upholstery and large, feather pillows.
fter 10 years, Woody and Judy Pettigrew returned to Heritage Plantation to find the home that satisfied all the details on their “want list.” In 1997, they looked at properties in Heritage Plantation when the development was new, but they wanted a more established neighborhood. By late 2006, they started looking for a larger home but still in the Madison vicinity. By then, Heritage Plantation was well established with homes, landscaping and trees. “It provided the environment we were looking for,” Woody said. The house also answered their want list for a separate den and living room with fireplaces, large study and formal dining. The Pettigrews purchased the 10-year-old house in 2007. Built by Rusty Rogers, the home provided
Madison Living 5
both the exterior look and interior floor that the Pettigrews wanted. The two-story, red-brick traditional house using Colonial architecture was the answer. Realtor Pat Glenn guided the Pettigrews to the house in Heritage Plantation. The covered back porch and its vistas of the back lawn attracted their attention. Ceilings soar two stories in the foyer and living room. “The den also has these fabulous ceilings that add interest to the rooms,” Judy said. Magnificent, custom walnut bookcases accentuate the den and study. “A seasonal room upstairs provides ample shelving -- a plus for storing items for decorating purposes,” Judy said. The home has 4,360 square feet with four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. “By far, the den is our favorite room because of its coziness,” Judy said. “Dark and warm colors, high ceiling, bookcases and fireplace’s warmth give CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Woody Pettigrew’s office contains many reminders of his career in the U.S. Army. A sofa and loveseat in pearl tones contrast with a rug in Old World motif. A staircase gives a backdrop for wall paintings, an impeccable chest anchoring a family portrait and a tasteful armchair. A pair of tropical birds is the centerpiece of several fine art pieces in the Pettigrew home.
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it top billing.” The Pettigrews also enjoy the large living room, open to the kitchen and conducive for entertaining and hosting parties. Touches of black and red dramatize the earthy tones in the decorating scheme. The home’s furnishings emphasize elegant, traditional styling with a dramatic twist of casual richness. Throughout the home, Judy’s love of animal prints in rugs, pillows and throws gives a chic, dramatic look. A favorite spot to relax, the den’s oversized sofa is a novel piece of furniture with extensive bullion fringe, velvet upholstery and large, feather pillows. Judy’s favorite antique is a mahogany sideboard that she purchased in Madison. The sideboard showcases her family’s silver tea service. Lush landscaping includes azaleas hugging the house’s front and back views. “They’re gorgeous in spring,” Judy said. Dogwood trees flank the driveway. The back yard has handsome Knockout roses and striking perennials. Yellow jasmine vines drape gracefully along the wrought iron fence, and a large fountain serves as a flower stand. “Jolly Green Giant trees around the back provide both privacy and a backdrop for other RIGHT: A zebra rug adds contrasting interest in Woody Pettigrew’s office.
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Madison Living 9
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ABOVE: This bedroom’s opulence results from rich colors, subtle lighting and contrasting textures, including a snow-white, faux-fur throw. RIGHT: This casual seating offers a comfortable spot for a quick snack.
landscaping,� he said. Native Tennesseans, Woody hails from Brownsville and Judy from Columbia. They moved to Madison in 1997 when he retired from the U.S. Army. Woody now works as senior program analyst with INTUITIVE and supports an Army office on Redstone Arsenal. The Pettigrews have two sons and two grandchildren. Woody serves on boards of directors for the Huntsville Air Defense Artillery Association and Columbia Military Academy Alumni Association.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the United States. Huntsville Hospital offers a lung cancer screening CT, which can lead to early detection. If you currently smoke or are a former smoker and are older than the age of 50, talk with your physician about scheduling a lung cancer screening CT at Huntsville Hospital. For more information call (256) 265-8236.
huntsvillehospital.org
10 Madison Living
GIVING BACK
refuge
A place of
Inside-Out Ministries offers comfort, help and guidance to struggling families WRITTEN BY CHARLES MOLINEAUX PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO
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ABOVE: Inside-Out Ministries Director of Operations Deborah Ward (left) with her husband Larry, President and Lead Minister.
n her work to help the needy, Deborah Ward said she discovered a downside to being in Madison. “Most people think Madison is so affluent, so well off, they think people don’t need basic life services here,” she said. “But there are so many that live day to day and dollar to dollar.” “There are those things we don’t see,” agreed her husband Larry, “because what you see the most and hear about in the news is the big jobs, the big companies, the affluence.” It was to help those living “day to day” that the Wards established Inside-Out Ministries, now on Gin Oaks Court, its third location since 2008
as a steady increase in business has forced them to repeatedly seek bigger quarters. Inside-Out sought to lift those staggered by life’s setbacks and surprises with food and financial aid, help with rent and utilities, as well as coaching, counseling and guidance on managing their money. “They’re just stressed and stretched,” said Deborah. “They might be single parents, both male and female. We have a lot of middle class people who’ve been out of work for a while and even they are now in search of help at this point.” Staffed entirely by volunteers, Inside-Out has solicited and received the aid of area charities, civic organizations, the state, and 27 partner churches, all Madison Living 11
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The ministry stocks diapers of all sizes for children of mothers and fathers in need. Inside-Out Ministries maintains a full community food pantry. “It was heartbreaking to find out there are that many people here in Madison, Alabama,” said Deborah Ward, “struggling just to have enough food for the families.” Career and finances instructor Don Groves meets with the Christian Women’s Job Corps. Reggie Johnson with the Community Action Partnership, a state-funded group that also works with Inside Out Ministries, provides utility assistance to families with children under 5, senior adults and the disabled. The ministry preaches Christian values. The pantry stays well stocked through generous donors. Donations include baked goods.
in Madison. Counselors from the Christian Women’s Job Corps also step in and offer guidance, as does the state-funded Community Action Partnership which provides utility assistance to families with children under 5, senior adults and the disabled. Many of Inside-Out’s Madison clients have been dangerously overlooked, the Wards said. “When you look at the last census,” Larry pointed out, “it says the number of people below the poverty line is 5 percent, which is not a lot people. But it’s the people right above the poverty line, between the 5 percent and 20 percent mark who’ve been struggling through the economic downturn since 2009.” “They’ve exhausted their savings, their 401(k)s and just need a little help to get by,” he added. “They look defeated,” said Deborah Ward. “Most of them don’t lift their heads. They don’t look you in the eye. It’s very difficult for them. That’s why the volunteers make them feel welcome. We have coffee and Gigi’s cupcakes, something to make them feel comfortable while we ask difficult 12 Madison Living
questions.” Those questions, she noted, can lead in helpful, if challenging, directions. “They may come in for help with a utility bill,” she said. “As our volunteers look, they may find somewhere that we can help with their spending plan.” “That’s ‘spending plan,’” she repeated. “You say the word ‘budget’ and people write you off. But you do have to look at the money you’re spending and what’s coming in.” The process is a painfully familiar one for Inside-Out Ministries. “Month to month, we make it,” Deborah chuckled. “We always say we’re not here to have a lot of money in the bank. We don’t pay any salaries. The funds go out to the people who need it.” Heading into the winter months, the Wards anticipated the possibility of greater demand on their budgets. “Sometimes it’s huge,” Deborah grated. “Utility bills may
triple and we put out a plea, ‘if you can help us…” and usually people do. Individuals make contributions. We’re also part of the Combined Federal Campaign where federal workers can make contributions.” Deborah called it “heartbreaking” to realize how many families need her help but said she saw a striking change after working with many of them. “It’s definitely different,” she said. “There may be some who still have a heavy heart but they —Deborah Ward can still smile and they have hope. It’s difficult but know there are ways out and we can guide you through. That’s the best part.” For more information about Inside-Out Ministries or how to help, visit insideoutministries.org or call 256-325-5193.
“It’s difficult but know
there are ways out and we can guide you through. That’s the best part.”
Charles Molineaux is an anchor and investigative reporter with WAFF 48 News.
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ARTS & CULTURE
A life
well lived
WWII veteran Sherwin Callander savors good times but recalls atrocities of war WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED Madison Living 15
PREVIOUS PAGE: Callander visited this vintage ‘landing ship tank,’ like those that transported troops and cargo during World War II. The ship docked in Decatur, Alabama in the summer of 2014. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Sherwin Callander received an official invitation from U.S. President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande to attend the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy. Callander poses at the Charming Cross Hotel, where he lodged with granddaughter Elaine Oakes during their stay in France. Sherwin Callander, at far right, joins his fellow World War II veterans in a salute while in France. After receiving his World War II service medal, Sherwin Callander embraces the president of the French National Assembly.
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fter a few minutes with 94-year-old Sherwin Callander, anyone is sure to catch a smile or laugh aloud. This World War II veteran’s infectious optimism and needle-sharp humor perseveres after surviving one of America’s most haunting chapters. “When you’re my age, you have to be sharp, or they’ll walk all over you,” Callander said. His health is good, even with a pacemaker and a walker to steady himself. When he meets someone, Callander always has his business card ready. Next to his contact information, the card states Callander’s title – “Chick Magnet.” Born in Canada in 1920, Callander was 3 years old when his family moved to the United States. During the Great Depression, he returned to Canada to live with his grandparents when he was 12. At 15 years old, Callander returned to the United States and worked in a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in California. “I made $30 a month – $25 went home,” he said.
Military recruiters visited the camp. “The Navy said, ‘We have a girl in every port.’ That’s what I went for,” Callander said about enlisting in 1939. “I wasn’t drafted. I enlisted before the war. I just got caught in it. I was proud of everything I did,” he said. He saw this country from San Diego on the West Coast to the Eastern Seaboard and foreign ports of call, including the Panama Canal and Morocco. In 1942, he especially liked Australia, which had “plenty of girls and no young men.” In December 1941, Callander was stationed at Wake Island and repaired airplanes. “We were coming back from Pearl one beautiful moonlit night, and a Japanese carrier passed us ... on its way to Pearl Harbor.” Then the world stood still. After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Callander and his shipmates sailed to Hawaii for the recovery effort. “We helped with cleanup. Bodies were in the water,” he said. “When you lifted a head out of the water, you didn’t know if a body would be attached.” After the war, he and his first wife Madison Living 17
raised three children in Norfolk, Virginia. He enjoyed fishing on Chesapeake Bay, where ocean spray froze on his boat. “I just took a nip of vodka to stay warm,” Callander said. After ‘snow-birding’ from Washington to the Gulf of Mexico, Callender and his second wife settled in Middleberg, Florida. After his wife died, he eventually decided in 2009 to move near family in Madison. In June 2014, Callander and fellow WWII veterans visited Normandy. The veterans had to pay for airline tickets to Paris; however, the country of France paid for their expenses after arrival. “My granddaughter Elaine Oakes said, ‘Let me work on it, Poppa.’ She contacted a TV station and said I needed $5,000. In three days, we had $10,000,” Callander said. Oakes escorted her grandfather in France. “All of the people (in France) respected us so much. That was an
awesome trip,” Callander said. “Air France treated me like a prince.” On Callander’s birthday in a Paris restaurant, 15 high school girls from Poland recognized his WWII cap. “They sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to me in Polish, French and English,” he said. One man approached Callander and said he had been imprisoned in Holland. “He dropped down on his knee and thanked me. I couldn’t believe that he felt that indebted to another human,” he recalled. Callander’s daughter Betty Little lives in Harvest. His great-grandchildren are Brenner, 15; Graham, 13; and Layton, 10. Callander still owns his mint-condition 1978 Volvo, which he drove from Florida to Madison. Great-grandson Brenner has his driving permit and his eyes on that car. “Brenner can have it when I can’t drive any more or when I die,” he said. “He’s tickled about that.”
RIGHT: Callander, at right, visits with Bill Watson, a fellow World War II and D-Day veteran. FAR RIGHT: During a bus tour in France, Sherwin Callander waves with the Hard Rock cafe in the background. Fittingly, the upbeat eatery matches Callander’s lively spirit.
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“When you’re my age, you have to be sharp, or they’ll walk all over you.” —Sherwin Callander
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IN THE BIZ
River Rock
Stables
Madison Living 23
The best in equestrian boarding, training and arena events WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO
PREVIOUS PAGE: Ciera Foley rides Kennedy in the ring. ABOVE: River Rock Stables can board 24 horses, each with its own stall.
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S
teve and Lisa Foley took “raw” pastureland and planned, configured and built an equestrian showplace with River Rock Stables LLC. The new horse boarding and training facility is situated at Madison’s northern edge. Their motto is “It’s about you and your horse.” Among its services, River Rock Stables provides boarding, training, sales and leases. “For the horse, that includes a stall, pasture and feed,” Steve Foley said. Horses that are privately owned can be boarded at the stable for a monthly fee. Owners also ‘trailer’ their horses to River Rock Stables for lessons, clinics or other events, Foley said. “We have an in-house Hunter-Jumper trainer, a top-10 finalist that ranked sixth in the nation, Marshall & Sterling League in 2013, as well as other trainers for dressage, equitation (a rider’s position and control) and other riding disciplines,” Foley said. “Most of our clients live in the greater Madison and Huntsville areas,” Lisa Foley said. “Several of our clients are relocating to our stables from other states.” Several years ago, the Foleys bought the land for the stables because of its ideal location adjacent to the North Alabama Equine Hospital, proximity to Madison and other conveniences. “When we bought the land, it was in cotton with a wooded perimeter,” Steve Foley said. The property’s address is 29146 Capshaw Road. “The property was raw land when we purchased it. Power, water, roads, pastures, fencing, arenas and, of course, the stable and round pen are the primary capital improvements,” he added. River Rock Stables are built in an architectural style that combines classic Kentucky lines with a European flair. “The colors, raised center aisle, stall design and cupolas are all classic Kentucky,” Lisa Foley said. By incorporating a courtyard and
central breezeway, they borrowed from many European designs. The stable has a total of 12,672 square feet. Its construction uses a steel wall system that is kickproof and chew-proof. It also has a zero-percent, fire-spread rating and is very easy to clean. Horses can make use of 24 stalls and four wash stalls. The two large tack rooms have kitchenettes. In addition, the stable has two bathrooms, two feed rooms, two storage rooms and an automatic fly spray system. “We specified the layout and selected from a variety of available features,” Lisa Foley said. “The manufacturer, MDBarnmaster, provided architectural support.” “A total of 24 horses can be boarded with their own stall,” Steve Foley said. Stalls have automatic waterers, 100-percent rubber mats and distinctive
fronts, some as Dutch doors. The property offers access to Limestone Creek and has acres for trail riding. River Rock Stables’ two arenas will accommodate horse shows and other equestrian events. The Foleys are pleased especially with the central courtyard with “V” yoke windows from which the horses can peer out. They take pride in the overall construction layout, and they like the bright and airy feel of the stable. During spring and summer 2014, they extensively landscaped the central courtyard with perennials, shrubs and flowers. For the future, they plan to add a fountain that converts to an outdoor gas fireplace in winter. For more information, call 256-216-5999 or email contact@riverrockstables.com.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Signage for the stables. Ciera Foley takes the reins with Kennedy at River Rock Stables. Ciera Foley rides Kennedy in the ring. This beauty, Autumn Breeze, takes a look from its private stall.
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Pausing for prayer
HEALTH
YMCA plans ninth annual prayer breakfast for veterans WRITTEN BY MARY ANNE SWANSTROM PHOTOGRAPH CONTRIBUTED
V
eterans Week in the Tennessee Valley begins with biscuits and gravy, prayer and musical celebration at the Hogan Family YMCA. The ninth annual YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast is a free gift to U.S. Military veterans in our community as well as an opportunity to pray together for our nation and those currently serving in the military. Patriotic music by the Army Materiel Command Band and Blue Notes 5 a capella group will lift the spirits as we lift up our military in gratitude and prayer on Nov. 7 at the Hogan Y. Doors will open at 7 a.m. for a coffee social with the program beginning promptly at 7:30 a.m. Lt. Gen. Patricia McQuistion, Deputy Commanding General of the Army Materiel Command, is featured speaker. The Hon. Troy Trulock, Madison Mayor and U.S. Army veteran,
will offer welcome. Richard Reyes, President of the North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organizations Coalition, will emcee. “The purpose of the YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast is to let our military heroes, both those who have served previously and those currently serving, know how much they are cherished,” said Brig. Gen. (Ret) Bob Drolet, chairman of the YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast. Advance tickets may be purchased online at ymcahuntsville.org/VETERANS, by emailing events@ymcahuntsville.org or calling 256.428.9622 x3008. Tickets are $20, with tables for $225. Veterans Week recognition at the Y includes free admission for veterans and those with valid Military I.D. including families from November 4-11. For more information on Heart of the Valley YMCA Military Outreach, visit ymcahuntsville.org.
ABOVE: Rev. John Ryberg of Asbury United Methodist Church leads the invocation at the 2012 YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast. This year’s breakfast is set for Nov. 7 at the Hogan YMCA.
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HEALTH
More than a
luxury
Madison School of Massage Therapy offers pampering and therapeutic treatment WRITTEN BY NICK SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO
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ena Rawdon, owner of Madison School of Massage Therapy, saw everything go to plan when she started teaching at the facility in 2012. She “honestly didn’t think,” though, that she would CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: become sole owner in less than two years’ time. One of the treatment “I was originally going to buy out half of the rooms with a specialized ownership here,” Rawdon said. Eventually, though, bed at Madison School of both owners decided to retire, and she took over Massage Therapy. A client with a ribbon-cutting event in June. receives a massage in a treatment room. Cleansing Rawdon began her training at the school in 2009 oils, pictured, are among after working at several companies and dabbling therapeutic options in different fields. She most recently worked at a offered at the clinic. Gena library software company in Huntsville before her Rawdon sits at the head of the class during a course’s “transition” in 2007. “I think my work experience prepared me session. 28 Madison Living
for this,” she said. “I worked for a lot of great companies and had some great mentors along the way.” Rawdon and Mario Matsos are the two instructors at the school. The school has both licensed therapists and students who practice at the clinic. The student rates, however, are discounted. Massage as an industry, Rawdon asserted, is in a metamorphosis concerning the public’s perception towards the craft. “We’re going from a stage from, ‘It’s a luxury,’ to it being preventive medicine,” Rawdon said. Services offered at the school include Swedish massage therapy, moderate pressure massage and hot stones massage. Rawdon also mentioned her frequent touting of the essential oils treatment.
Madison Living 29
One cornerstone of Rawdon’s business – and what she said makes the clinic unique – is the diversity of the clientele. “We have a lot of different types of needs and issues with our clients,” she said. “We have age ranges from about 12 or 13 to people well into their retirement years.” A significant chunk of the therapeutic center’s business comes from what Rawdon described as people whose jobs cause repetitive motion injuries – “what we call ‘walking wounded,’” she said. It’s Rawdon’s own medical struggles and triumphs that have helped prepare her for owning a massage clinic: she is a two-time cancer survivor, overcoming a rare soft tissue cancer in her early 20s and thyroid cancer several years later. “It’s the best thing that ever happened to me, and I know that sounds strange,” she said. “It taught me to respect what my body is telling me; it showed me how strong it was.” It’s one of the many reasons why Rawdon described what the massage clinic does as promoting a “quality of life.” Madison School of Massage Therapy is located at the business complex at 1634 Slaughter Road and can be reached at 256-430-9756. RIGHT: Owner Gena Rawdon at the clinic’s entrance.
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EDUCATION
Math Appeal Mathnasium seeks to ready kids for big numbers in their future WRITTEN BY CHARLES MOLINEAUX PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO
I
ABOVE: Mathnasium’s 7 instructors work with 130 students from around the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) fixated area of Madison County.
n a community packed with engineers and rocket-scientists, as well as schools debating the merits of Common Core math curricula or battling to become masters of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), Steven Frazier wrestled with a difficult reality: For some of us, math can be a daunting, intimidating challenge. “A lot of high school students don’t understand fractions at all,” he sighed. “It’s an evil word in the high school community. It’s a thing that they fear.” As a math teacher and owner at his Mathnasium math-tutoring center on Nance Road, Frazier sought to confront overt, or more often subtle, cases of arithmophobia and bolster mathematical skills to ready students for a mathematics-focused world. “It’s designed to take the confusion, the frustration, the misery out of math,” he explained. Mathnasium provides one-on-one or small group
lessons to students struggling with math. “Everything from kindergarten up to calculus III,” Frazier said. Frazier himself and six other instructors try to bring them up to speed, sometimes by focusing on their current challenges, often by reverse engineering the students’ travels through math and finding weak spots somewhere in their pasts. “A lot of the time, in the tutoring programs, you spend so much time on the current issue; you spend no time looking for why there’s a problem,” he lamented. “It’s almost never what they’re currently doing. It’s almost always something from back where they were learning before.” Paradoxically, Frazier said, it’s the smart ones who may have the deepest challenges. “Even a strong student will have some of those foundational weaknesses,” he said. “A really strong student can mask those things so they can overcome their Madison Living 31
ABOVE: Parents come to Mathnasium seeking to spruce up young students’ report cards, said Mathnaisum owner Steven Frazier. RIGHT: Students come to Mathnasium a “couple of hours each week and changing their skills by as much as a letter grade,” Frazier said.
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own weaknesses, without ever correcting those weaknesses.” In his program, Frazier sought to uncover such long festering gaps with a “pre-test” for students on their way into Mathnasium. With weak spots uncovered, he pointed out, “We’re not just teaching them a few pieces without shoring it all up.” One common situation is the student frightened by fractions. “Their relation with fractions is to figure out ‘How can I plug this into my calculator?’” Frazier laughed. “We try to pull back and defuse that so that, as soon as they see a fraction in a problem, they don’t start second guessing themselves and freak out.” The issue can become a question for students’ entire lives as they move on to confront, not numbers but some very big letters, ACT, SAT, PSAT… “We’ve had multiple students who are longterm with us. They’re on a maintenance plan. They’ve done the PSAT SAT and ACT prep all within a matter of a couple of years,” Frazier said. Frazier’s involvement in Mathnasium, which he bought in 2011, —Steven Frazier represented something of a homecoming to the world of teaching after a lengthy detour into the corporate world. After starting his own education specializing in education, he moved into business and helped start a service contracting company. “We built it up and it ended up being very large and successful,” he recalled. “But that was not my really my passion. What I liked doing was building and nurturing a business.” As a father, Frazier also became less fond of the lengthy travel involved and seized on the chance to move in small business ownership – and teaching – close to home. “The reviews have been great,” he said. “The most telling thing we hear is that the students actually like to come. “In one case, we had a second-grade student come in for the pre-test. We talked with her mom. She was crying and asking if she really had to come. The second time she was here she cried because it was time to leave. That’s the best testimonial we can have. The students actually want to be there.”
“The most
telling thing we hear is that the students actually like to come.”
FROM TOP RIGHT: Mathnasium’s sign as seen from the parking lot. Students study with the help of tutors. The program claims a wide spread of students from kindergartners on up through college students. “We do everything from kindergarten up to calculus three,” exclaimed Frazier.
Charles Molineaux is an anchor and investigative reporter with WAFF 48 News. Madison Living 33
EDUCATION
Success starts early Elementary and middle schools prepare students for future achievement
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ur high schools draw a level that you, our community and our lot of media attention for schools possess made all the difference. the many fine ways they Below are our Aspire results for are preparing students Madison City Schools. I am very for college and careers. Madison City proud to share them with Madison elementary and middle schools are an Living for those who have not seen integral part of their success. the data. The national average is Dr. Dee Recently released data from the represented by the 50 percentile. Fowler ACT Aspire tests affirm what an The Aspire replaced the ARMToutstanding job our elementary and Plus and serves as an important middle schools are doing. The scores far assessment for instruction and teaching exceeded the national average in all grades practices. It is essentially the elementary and tested. This is really exciting news for our middle school equivalent of the ACT test district. that high school students take. Many had warned that since the state Each child that took the test is given an of Alabama was going to a nationally individual score sheet. This score sheet normed test that our scores Percentile Scores 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th would falter. Not so in Madison. 82 80 80 83 81 Reading The high expectations and 76 85 82 86 82 commitment to perform at a high Math
shows how he or she scored compared to the national average. A readiness score is also given that shows how well prepared the child is for further education and career training. On many occasions we celebrate the accomplishments of our high schools for making America’s best high schools list, the impressive number of merit scholars they produce and having our seniors earn so much scholarship money. We all know that their success begins at the earlier grades. Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of our elementary and middle schools. As we do so, may we identify areas to improve and continue to move to higher levels of achievement. 8th 82 84
Dr. Dee Fowler is Superintendent of Education for Madison City Schools.
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Madison Street Festival Thousands shut down downtown Madison for the 34th Madison Street Festival on Oct. 4. 1. From left, Nick Morrow, Alain Alonzo and Brittany Hoover 2. Rod Smith with sleeping puppy Marley 3. Lynn Knott and Julia Holler enjoy the fares 4. Bill and Judi McGee 5. Melinda Knierim, at left, with Heather Stevens
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6. From left, Lia Keidner, Mike Keidner and sons Dylan and David Keidner 7. From left, Ann Cornelius and Sandy Parsons, both Starlight Dancers
PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS
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Madison Street Festival Thousands shut down downtown Madison for the 34th Madison Street Festival on Oct. 4. 1. From left, Lana Graves with Dee Voelkel 2. Holly Morningstar of Archaic Smiles 3. Stephanie Lynch with Mike Myerson 4. Back row from left, Sandy Patel, Abby Stone and Steve Croomes of Rotary Club of Madison; front row, Jake Watson with Pam Blackwell
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6. Shrail and Steve Heinrich 7. From left, Chris Fairchild and John Fairchild
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Madison Street Festival
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Thousands shut down downtown Madison for the 34th Madison Street Festival on Oct. 4. 1. From left, Alexa Fort and Lorin Bales 2. Thao Hoang and Cole Morris, member of United Way of Madison County youth leadership council 3. Ann and Paul Cornelius
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PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS
Accepting new patients Huntsville Hospital Physician Care has several locations in Madison to serve you. We’re excited to welcome Charlene Cole-Suttlar, MD, to our newest Family Medicine practice at 3810 Sullivan Street, Suite B. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cole-Suttlar or for more information about our offices at Madison Hospital and on Hughes Road, call (256) 265-5970.
madisonALhospital.org
Charlene Cole-Suttlar, MD
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Classifieds To place an ad in Madison Living, call 256.772.6677 Drivers: OTR Needed. Home Weekends, Great Pay & Qualitiy Equpiment. Class A CDL, Clean MVR. 1yr Exp Req. Health, Dental, RX, 401k. Jay: 256-432-3944 Mon-Fr 8a-5p JOBS IN ALABAMA!! AIDT assists employers throughout AL by identifying qualified applicants by recruitment, screening & training services. Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs for latest jobs & training! Need MIG Welders and Machine Operators! Must pass criminal and drug screen. 256-751-5092. Apply at 1901 John D Long Dr, Hartselle. Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. Call for more information 256-539-1400 www.alwaysthereinc.com ANN’S ALTERATIONS 600 Limestone Street, Suite #6 Hartselle, AL 256-773-4213 102 Gin Oak Ct. Madison Formally Target Automotive 3,841 SFB2 Community Commercial District 2.30 acres Call Bonnie Rawlinson 256-348-4520 CARRY TRANSIT Decatur, Alabama Now hiring DRIVERS * Good Pay * Excellent Benefits & Home Time * 18 Months OTR exp. * Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement. Apply on Line@ CarryTransit.com Qualify by Phone! Mobile/Modular Homes Lenders Offering 2nd Chance Financing! 256-350-6058 Looking for a home? Need help with financing? Call your neighbors down the street at Davis Realty. We can help you get a great rate! Call Willodean 256-762-5671 Davis Realty & Assoc. Inc. 115 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL 256-332-9920
CREEKSTONE SPACIOUS LUXURY APARTMENTS 1570 Lawrence St. East, located .5 miles South from Hwy 43. All ground floor, All appliances, ceramic tile, ceiling fans, Individual Alarm Systems & more. Temporary phone 256-275-0427 JONES OUTDOOR SERVICES Tree Care Specialist since 1987 Call 256-773-4013 Kubota L3940 HST 4x4 w/ 871 hrs, 41HP, QA Kubota Loader & Bucket: $18,500. New BigB Bush Hogs starting at $690. New Box Blades starting at $390. 256-565-8695 (no txt)
Hiring Experienced Electricians Commercial jobs. Pays up to $20hr depending on exp. Must be willing to travel. Fax resume to 256-766-3874 or email to ironsec@bellsouth.net. DEPENDABLE DOZER & DIRT 256-332-4854 Lawn Service! Reasonable Rates! Mowing, trimming, bush hogging, and tractor work. Call Jerry at 256-565-4340 Hickory Heights Lots .4 - 1.2 acres $32,00-$52,000 Call 256-773-9554
Gann’s Discount Siding and Roofing, Inc. 26 Gauge snaplock panel. Made on site. Standard and architectural roofing. Member BBB (256) 446-9767
Johnson Painting & Remodel Big or Small Jobs! Drywall Service. Tile. Electrical. Plumbing. Home Repair. Pressure Washing. Lic Ins 256-604-6529
HOME FOR SALE Financing Available (wac)Low Down Payments Russellville, Falkville,& Belle Mina Call Matt 1-855-847-6808
KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499
Hartselle Villas NOW LEASING 1 & 2 BR Apartments • Onsite Laundry • Playgr ound • Handicap Units • (256) 773-5298 800-548-2546 TDD/TTY 20% off marked items. Helen K. Furniture Floor model sale 13480 Hwy 43, Russellville Al, 35653. Mon-Sat 9am- 6pm. Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256-332-2960 Are you a people person? Put your cheerful, encouraging demeanor to work as a Home Instead CAREGiver. Our non-medical companionship and homehelper service supports seniors to live safely and independently in their homes. Join our team! Home Instead Senior Care Call Today 256-883-3080
Full or part time Family Practice CRNP position available. Please fax resumes to 256-331-2096 or e-mail to zandysam@aol.com. HOME WEEKENDS $1,000 sign on bonus. Regional flatbed. Exc. pay & benefits. Owner/ operators welcome. 800-554-5661 Ext 331 tlxtransport.jobs DRIVERS…DO YOU HAVE Flat Bed experience, a CDL-A, positive attitude, & a desire to earn a good living? DO YOU WANT 2010 or newer equip, Weekly pay w/Per Diem, Low cost med insurance, 401K w/company match, Paid vacations/holidays, Home on Weekends? We are Grand Rapids based – Terminal in Trinity, AL - regional overthe-road carrier looking for team players. Call Magic Transportation, 877-588-1333 (1255)
AUTOBODY TECH Must have experience in bumper to bumper repairs. (256) 837-7466 We Buy ATVs Motorcycles & Utility Vehicles Motorsports Superstore 888-880-2277 Hamilton, AL SPRING CLEAN-UP Need a Dumpster? Call 205-893-7223 LIVING ESTATE SALE 217 Mainsail Way, Madison. Oct 3rd-5th Fri/Sat: 8-4, Sun: 1-4 Home & contents must go! Modern, quality furniture & decor, art, rugs, wicker, kit items, seasonal, costume jewelry & clip-on earrings, vintage paper dolls still in books,records & record player. Cash only! No early sales! 256-457-7162 or 256-797-0196. Rise and Smartt Realty agents present days of sale. Industrial Electricians for installing equip, conduit & wire. Wiring PLC & Drives. Startup proc. in heavy industrial environment. Wanting people looking for a Home! 256-892-8882 johnny@pgwells.com Premium Painting Inc Residential, Commercial, Interior/Exterior Pressure Washing, Staining, Sealing, Sheet rock, and more Call Chuck 256-590-0185 RUSSELL DEVILLA Accepting Applications Tues, Thurs & Fri. 8-4 1BR-2 BR Apts. Rent based on Income 256-332-7873 Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-350-9938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales.com SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY STORAGE BUILDINGS For Rent, All Sizes. Russellville, AL. We Accept Credit Cards. Call Jerry 256-332-9253 or 256-412-5392 Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-12pm
Steel Building Bargains Allocated Discounts We do deals 30x40, 50x60, 100x100 and more Total Construction and Blueprints Available gosteelbuildings.com Source #18X 251-241-4250 Supreme Beverage Co is looking for delivery drivers with valid Class A driver’s license, clear MVR, DOT cert, ability to repetitively lift, pull and push 50+ lbs. Apply @ supremebeverage.com TED MILLS Heating & A/C Service & Change out. $65 Spring Service. Free Estimates 256-412-5408 Sycamore Bargain Center inside The Caring Place 1410 State Street NW Hartselle 256-773-7922 Regional Recycling Svc ** We Come To You ** “FREE” - October 1 – 31 Host: T M Witherspoon Recycling Computers & Related Equipment, Ink, Software, Printers, etc Visit tmwitherspoon.com Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units. Vacancies. All Sizes. 256-332-9928 High quality painting int & ext, sheet rock repair & installation, siding repair & installation, carpentry incl. No height too steep!! FREE Pressure Washing. For details call 256-746-0646 MANUFACTURED HOMES MOBILE HOMES with land. Ready to move in. Owner financing with approved credit. 3 bdrm., 2 bath. No renters. 1-205-289-8899 VMFhomes.com Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started! Village Green Apartments 111 Village Green Circle, Red Bay 256-356-8761 Equal Housing Opportunity Handicap Accessible
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Financial health for you. For life. You’re dedicating your life to helping others live better, longer, fuller lives. Earning their trust with in-depth knowledge and carefully planned treatment strategies. You need and deserve that same trusted support in your financial life. At BB&T Wealth, we share more than 140 years of financial knowledge and objective advice to help you make the best decisions. All tailored to your goals. Your life. Your journey. To find a BB&T Wealth advisor in your area, visit BBT.com/Wealth
James Lancaster Private Advisor 256.551.4711 JLancaster@BBandT.com
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