Madison Living Magazine Nov. 2020

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

October 2020 / $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

Annette Rodriguez and Bookworm Babes, the book club she started that has turned into a community

Madison Living 1

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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

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CONTACT US Donna Counts Madison Publications, LLC 7734 Madison Blvd.EDITOR Suite 115 MANAGING ADMINISTRATIVE Huntsville, AL 35806 French Salter Sierra256-772-6677 Jackson Phone: Fax: 256-772-6655 French Salter madisonlivingmagazine.com

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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.

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by Madison 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.

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23 LIFESTYLES

13 Bookworm Babes

FITNESS

23 Four local women set out on a journey in the fitness world and quickly found a lasting friendship

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37 Madison Chamber of Commerce’s Best in Business awards ceremony is going virtual this year

29 IN EVERY ISSUE

7 The Guide 12 Mayor Paul Finley 17 Why I Love Madison 18 Shopping 20 Around Town 41 YMCA 21 Out & About

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THE GUIDE

Every Saturday • 9 a.m. - noon

MADISON CITY FARMERS MARKET 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 guideilines: www.madisoncityfarmersmarket.com

Madison Living 7

THE GUIDE

FAMILY ASTRONAUT TRAINING EXPERIENCE October 10-11 • 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

WHEN WE WENT TO THE MOON

‘Apollo: When We Went To The Moon,’ chronicles the timeline from the beginning of the Space Race to the collaborative culture of the International Space Station program and beyond.

Experience the best of technology and exploration through the eyes of the engineers and in the boots of the astronauts who took us to the moon 50 years ago. Enjoy an Apollo 11 launch experience and explore artifacts and media memorabilia highlighting the turbulent nature of this pivotal era in our history.

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THE GUIDE

FESTIFALL AT THE GARDEN Huntsville Botanical Garden

It’s harvest time, and nothing says FALL quite like Festifall at the Garden! This two-month celebration of the changing seasons features pumpkins, scarecrows, campouts, nature hikes, and more. As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change color, there’s no better place to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of autumn.

Check out the full list of Festifall events: Scarecrow Trail: Thru October 5 Pumpkins: October 1-31 Mum Displays: Thru October Historic Tractor and Wagon Photo Op: Thru October Family Campout in the Garden: October 2-3 Festifall Break Camp: October 5-9

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The Huntsville Botanical Garden is located at 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue www.hsvbg.org/festifall

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THE GUIDE

BEER & WINE FEST October 17 • Begins at 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.

The newest Trash Pandas event on tap this fall will host various breweries and wineries for a full afternoon of tastings at the ballpark. The Beer & Wine Fest takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17, and will feature unlimited sampling of 40 local and national selections. This event is for guests 21 and up – no children are allowed.

Standard admission is $35 per person and VIP tickets for one-hour early access are $45. Designated driver tickets will be available for $5. VIP tastings begin at 1 p.m. standard entry is set for 2 p.m., and the festival runs until 5.

In addition to tastings, guests will be able to vote on their favorite beverages, and the staff will present “Best Beer” and “Best Wine” awards at the end of the day.

Tickets can be purchased online at TrashPandasBaseball.com/Events, in-person at the Toyota Field Ticket Office, or by calling 256325-1403 option 1.

For directions and information on other upcoming non-baseball events, visit TrashPandasBaseball.com.

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THE GUIDE

INSANE DRIVE-THRU NIGHTMARE ON SKATE STREET October 31 • 3 -5 p.m.

Decorate your car and wear your costume for a drive-thru Trick or Treat event! This a free event at Insanity Complex, located at 100 Skate Park Drive in Madison. There will be a car costume contest. Simply decorate your car as a favorite character of theme and enter to win. Go to www. insanitycomplex.com for more information.

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Madison Living 11

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Listening After the Election

F

First, I would like to thank Madison voters for their confidence in electing me as their

Mayor for four more years. It has been, and will continue to be, an honor to serve as the Mayor of the best city in the state of Alabama. As Mayor, I can assure you we will stay focused on our mission: to provide excellent services through responsible use of public

...

Paul Finley Mayor City of Madison

resources, enhancing the quality of life for our community.

I also want you to know that we listened during this election for the areas in which we

must do better. Two that seemed to bubble to the top were managing our city growth, and transparency of city decisions and operations. We welcome this opportunity to improve communication and activity in these areas, and I want to make sure you have all the resources needed to be an informed and involved citizen.

By the time you read this we will have put two new pages on our city website www. madisonal.gov. The first page is called Managing Growth in Madison and can be found at www.madisonal.gov/managinggrowth. The second page is called Transparency 101 in Madison and can be found at www.madisonal.gov/transparency101. We welcome your feedback on what we have started with and what else you would like to have more information on.

Our city website is an easy way to stay engaged and knowledgeable of city happenings through a couple of key functions. As you scroll the main page, you’ll notice a “Let Us Know” option. This is a great portal to ask questions, or alert us with any issues that our departments may be able to rectify. Also, on our main page, you can subscribe to our “Notify Me” option. Customize the alerts to your device via text or email to remain current on city news, road and traffic information, emergency reports, city council agendas, and other important communications.

Busy family life, taking kids to sports and activities, can make it difficult to attend council meetings in person. Thankfully, on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. our Council Meetings are live-streamed via YouTube. For WOW users, this content is also broadcast on our public access channel 42. Video content is updated regularly on our website, social media pages and YouTube channel.

Lastly, I encourage our community to come see me directly for one-on-one meetings.

Two hours every two weeks are dedicated to our residents for discussion. Contact the Mayor’s Office at 256-772-5603; or email mayorsoffice@madisonal.gov to schedule a meeting.

I love our city and again, thank you for another opportunity to serve you as Mayor of the wonderful City of Madison.

-Mayor Paul Finley

12 Madison Living

LIFESTYLES

ANNETTE RODRIGUEZ and Bookworm Babes, the book club she started that has turned into a community STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 13

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When Annette Rodriguez moved to Madison from Southern California two years ago, she left something behind that she knew she had to replace. It was not a piece of furniture or another trinket she could not fit on a moving van, but rather a book club that she shared with her future mother-in-law.

Knowing how Rodriguez was inspired by the book club and how books and friends were part of her happiness, her fiancé’s, Zach Briggs, encouraged her to start her own book club in her new city.

“First of all, I have an amazing mother-in-law and we bonded over my love for book,” Rodriguez said. “Zach knew I missed it and at first just told me to think about starting a book club. At my age, it is a little more difficult to make friends. He was concerned about my happiness.”

Rodriguez was a member of a couple

14 Madison Living

of Facebook groups for mothers so she posted a book club interest thread.

It was a slow build with around 40 members joining in the first couple of months. The Bookworm Babes was born.

“My fiance’ came up the name. He is so creative and one day I was thinking of potential names for my book club and I had said bookworms,” Rodriguez said. “He then turned to me and said ‘what about bookworm babes? You are a babe and you love books so it sounds good together.’ Bless him for thinking that. After that, the name just stuck with me. I have loved it ever since.”

The group has now grown to 353 members. There is not an age restriction on the women who join the group, however Rodriguez says the main demographic of women are millennials.

The club also does not pinpoint a specific genre as selections.

“Because Bookworm Babes is so diverse it means that the books that get suggested are also diverse and eclectic,” Rodriguez said. “At the end of every meeting, members who participate get to decide whether or not they would like to put a title in our suggestion hat.

I choose two titles from the hat and everyone votes from those two for the next selection.”

Usually drawn to romantic comedies, historical fiction, women’s fiction and thrillers, Rodriguez says some of the club’s choices are not the book choices that she would specifically go for, but some have surprised her and won the group over as well. A task she says is hard to do because the members all have such different taste.

“The book that comes to mind is ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’

by Gail Honeymoon and another one we loved as a group was ‘Oona Out of

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Order’ by Margarita Montimore,” Rodriguez said. “In fact, ‘Oona’ was the most popular book that has been suggested.

It was so much fun to read and it was enjoyable for everyone.”

To say Rodriguez is a bookworm is an understatement.

She has read 60 books thus far this year and credits her love for reading to her late grandfather, Larry DeVolld.

“Some of my earliest memories are of him sitting down at the breakfast table reading his daily newspapers and passing me the ‘funnies’ section,” Rodriguez said. “Even though I could not read yet, I remember loving the pictures and trying to make up stories for what was happening in the comic strip. His passion for reading transcended into my passion for reading.”

COVID has changed the way the Bookworm Babes operate. Now, they meet once a month on Zoom. There is not a set timeframe for the meetings, sometimes the meetings last an hour and sometimes Rodriguez says the fun just keeps going. Members discuss the month’s book selection, giving it a rating from 1-5 and end the meeting by voting on the next month’s selection.

Since Rodriguez set up the book club originally online with Facebook, having to meet on Zoom has not affected the club too much.

“Everyone’s schedules look so different and sometimes

Madison Living 15

life is too busy, so not all members can attend the meetings,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve gotten so many private messages from members saying that they have not attended a physical or Zoom meeting but have been following along with the books online. I think that is part of the beauty of having an online platform is that so many can continue to participate at their own pace.”

However, COVID has hindered the extras Rodriguez implemented to make the club even more special. Prior to the pandemic, she put together monthly events, including Girls Night Out. Now, she has had to be more creative in her approach to events. This month, the group will be doing a Secret Sister Book Exchange, all contact-less.

“I have had to adapt,” Rodriguez said. “But I am looking forward to the day where we can get back together as a group again and continue with our normal events.”

In two short years, Rodriguez’s fiancé’s goal of establishing the book club as a way for her to make friends and get to know her new community has come to fruition. She sees the club as changing her life by allowing her to meet new people.

“The club enabled me to step out of my comfort zone and meet so many incredible women. Women who have become great friends. It gave me a sense of belonging,” Rodriguez said. “Thankfully, these Babes have turned into some of the best friends I could have asked for. I think that’s what makes this group so special—that it has turned into more than a book club.”

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.......................

Why I Love Madison .......................

Erica DeSpain

E

Erica DeSpain is the founder and creator of All Things Madison

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve been married to my husband Jamie for almost 10 years. He’s a project manager at KBR and an Intelligence officer in the Army Reserve. We have three daughters: Hadley (6), Sadie (4), and Jillian (1).

How long have you lived in the Madison area?

I attended Madison City Schools from 2nd-12 grade. I moved back to Madison after my husband left active duty in 2018.

What is your job title, and what does your work entail?

I am the founder and editor of AllThingsMadison.com, which is a website that strives to be the #1 resource for those who live in, work in, or visit our community. I launched All Things Madison in May 2020 because I wanted to create a “one stop shop” resource to serve our city as it continues to grow by leaps and bounds. I enjoy meeting inspiring and hardworking business owners from around the city and telling their stories. I also love hearing from readers about how they discovered somewhere new to shop or eat after following my site or social channels.

What made you choose your job? What do you enjoy about your job, or what about it is meaningful?

What makes writing this website so meaningful is that is truly serves both the business owners and those who are looking to learn more about their community.

What is your favorite place to visit in Madison?

I love having picnics with my children at the Gazebo downtown and watching the train go by.

What are your favorite Madison restaurants, and what do you like about each of them?

My favorite restaurants are Goodland’s Pour House (give me that Notorious P.I.E pizza!), Tom Brown’s (the kindest owners and prettiest patio), and Main Street Café (I just love their entire menu and vibe).

Why do you love Madison?

I love Madison for so many reasons. I love that our schools are all exceptional, so no matter where you call home, your kids go to an amazing school. I love that our cost of living is low. I enjoy getting anywhere I want around town in less than 15 minutes. We have low crime, good weather, and plenty to do in and around our city.

FAST FOUR

Tell us about your education background.

I graduated from Bob Jones in 2006 and The University of Alabama in 2010 with a bachelors degrees in Secondary Education. I taught for one year at St. John the Baptist Catholic School before getting married and moving around the country with the Military.

I have experience teaching 7th-12th grade students as well as public speaking experience working for a non-profit named Rachel’s Challenge.

Favorite hobby: Writing my lifestyle blog Favorite food: Pizza Goal or ambition: To travel out of the country once a year Something people might not know about me is: That I’m actually pretty introverted and relish in a nice, quiet, “boring” weekend night at home.

Madison Living 17

SHOPPING

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Madison Living 19

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

Cottage Community at Davidson Farms

...

Lee Marshall

Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

20 Madison Living

O

One of the most moving moments I have experienced in my 20 years of advocating for foster children came last fall, when one of our girls at Davidson Farms said this: “…It also shows I have not only Kids to Love but a community behind me.”

Takia was speaking at the VIP party for our annual Over the Edge fundraising event where she experienced something not every foster child gets to be a part of, and that’s community.

Kids to Love is literally building community for our girls at Davidson Farms. It’s called our Cottage Community. This group of homes will be a bridge to independence for girls who live

at Davidson Farms.The main house is licensed for girls ages 10-19. When one of our girls turns 20, she must move but now she won’t have to move very far.

We recently broke ground on our Cottage Community, which will consist of five singledwelling homes to be built on our Davidson Farms property. The intention is to keep our girls connected to the family they have established at the Farm, while pursuing independence through education and/ or a career.

No one should walk through life alone.

Thanks to our community, our girls at Davidson Farms will never have to.

OUT&ABOUT PATRIOTIC PARADE IN DOWNTOWN MADISON - The Madison United Methodist Church Preschool held their annual Patriotic Parade in honor of 9/11 last month. The students, teachers, staff and parents have kept the tradition alive for 18 years. It started in 2002, on the one-year anniversary 9/11. “All our kiddos dress up in their best red, white, and blue, and march around the church grounds,” said Madison United Methodist Church Preschool Director Krista Robey. “Families and friends stand by to watch our preschool friends wave their flags celebrating this great nation.”

Photos by zinamollphotography.com.

Madison Living 21

22 Madison Living

FITNESS

THE “FIT FOUR” Four local women set out on a journey in the fitness world and quickly found a lasting friendship STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 23

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The “Fit Four”: Tiffany Webster, Bonnie Beddingfield, Erin Hopkins and Amber Solan

When the four characters of the Wizard of Oz set off on a journey to find a home, a heart, courage and a brain, they also found a friendship. Yet, finding friendship in a journey is not something just seen in the movies. Like Dorothy, the lion, the tin-man and the scarecrow, four local women set out on a journey in the fitness world and quickly found a lasting friendship.

Fitness instructors Bonnie Beddingfield, Amber Solan, Tiffany Webster and Erin Hopkins met at Beddingfield’s former Rivera Fitness for Women at different times in their life. Solan entered first in 2005, followed by Webster in 2006 and Hopkins in 2008.

“I had moved back to the area from Utah and was looking for a gym to join,” Solan said. “I joined Rivera and saw where they offered a program that I had taught for five years, so I asked Bonnie could I teach it. We have worked together since.”

Webster and Hopkins have similar stories of moving to the area and finding a fitness home at Riviera. They, too, had experience in teaching group fitness and finding a gym with childcare also played a role.

“I moved from North Carolina to the area in 2008. I had never been to Alabama,” Hopkins said. “Part of our apartment lease was a free membership to Riviera. I had three

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children ages three and younger and the free childcare offered by the gym was a life saver.”

Despite having different stories as to how they landed in Madison, the ladies all agree on one thing—their friendship is unique. In fact, three of the four ladies have January birthdays.

“We are like different chapters, but all in the same book,” Solan said. “Everyone is on the same page and that is what has made us work.”

Beddingfield, the number link in the friendship, opened Riviera Fitness for Women in Madison in January 2002.

Having experience with the Riviera brand as a personal trainer and a manager in Pensacola, Florida, she knew she wanted her gym to focus encouragement—not only in fitness, but in day to day life.

“I wanted the ladies only environment because it fostered an atmosphere of community,” Beddingfield said. “We took classes together, our kids became best friends playing together in the playroom, and we started doing life together.

We met for lunch after class, gave birthday parties for each other and were there for weddings, baby showers and even divorces and funerals. I wanted to provide a place where they could relieve stress, have a support system and be lifted up.”

“We may all be different, but the common thread is love and respect for one another and for what we do for the community.”

That is exactly what Beddingfield did at Riviera, offering promotional weekends when a new season of Les Mills’ group fitness routines were launched. The crew provided food and door prizes and took to the stage to team teach together.

“We had a few times with over 100 people in one class.

The energy was amazing,” Beddingfield said. We would schedule five or six hour long classes back to back and give away gifts for those who did all of them. Those are definitely some of my favorite memories.”

Like all good things, the fun times at Riviera came to an end. Beddingfield closed her gym in September 2017.

She might have left behind an old building, but she did not leave behind her friendship with Solan, Webster and Hopkins.

Solan had started working with Orange Theory Fitness in Huntsville as a coach. Beddingfield joined the Madison location on Oct. 1, 2017 to sign on as the new studio manager. When the Madison location opened in January 2018, Webster and Hopkins joined their friends.

“Over the years, the fitness industry has evolved from the big box gyms to more studio experiences, “Beddingfield said. “I wanted to move forward with the trend and started looking at niche studios. Since Amber was already teaching there, I took a class and loved it. I have always been passionate about group training, and this was the ultimate group training experience. So, after 15 years, I closed the doors of Riviera. Of course, Tiffany and Erin joined us. It was incredible how God orchestrated all the details perfectly for this new opportunity.”

Orange Theory Fitness is a perfect match for the “fit four.” Their passion, and one reason they work so well together, is group fitness and training. All four admit that they enjoy seeing their students succeed and meet goals in class.

“I want everyone that I get an opportunity to move with to feel successful,” Solan said. “I don’t care if you are the fastest person in the room or life the heaviest weight, I want you to give it your all and feel like you accomplished something really hard every time we train together.”

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The team has built such repertoire with their students, that many of those Riviera members followed them to Orange Theory. In fact, the ladies joke that Solan has the most groupies.

“It’s kind of like Maya Angelou said ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,’” Webster said. “And the feeling is mutual. We are better together.”

In order to stay healthy and hang out as friends, the four women often workout together. Solan and Webster run an annual 200 mile relay race. Webster has also introduced Beddingfield to Crossfit. And most recently, the four of them did workout routines in their driveways to stay healthy during the quarantine.

“Most of our workouts now are taking each other’s Orange Theory classes, but when the four of us get together as a team, we love to do so many different forms of fitness, including aerial yoga and Pure Barre,” Beddingfield said. “We all got together for a heated competition of ultimate Frisbee as well.”

Although all four have a passion for the physical, they each bring something different to the weight room. Solan describes herself as the loud singer who wants to have fun when they work out, Webster is the honest one and will not let anyone get away with anything, Beddingfield is the biggest encourager with a smile on her face at all times and Hopkins has an infectious laugh and great fashion sense.

“We may all be different, but the common thread is love and respect for one another and for what we do for the community,” Webster said. “Also, we are hilarious.”

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

Madison has a strong giving spirit

K

Kylie Dunkerley was discussing mission work with some church friends when their focus shifted to needs right here in Madison. “Our small group was talking about how going on mission always seems to mean out of country. Being on mission can be here in neighborhoods.

There are needs right in our back yards.”

John Peck Dunkerley, a 3rd grade teacher at Columbia Elementary, thought Public Relations Manager about the angel trees her school does Madison City Schools for students each Christmas. She immediately began thinking, why not start an angel tree concept for students in need of school supplies?

She was unsure how a school supplies drive would go with a virtual school start.

The response, however, was overwhelming.

Donations poured in from individuals and businesses alike.

Volunteers sorted supplies into backpacks. School social workers engaged with counselors to spread awareness. Still more volunteers managed the distributions in car lines.

“We prayed hard to fill 70 backpacks with school supplies and, lo and behold, it turned out to be nearly 500,” Ms. Dunkerley said.

The backpack drive is just one example of the outpouring of help that has come from the community during the COVID-19

...

pandemic. That giving spirit was particularly evident through the food assistance. When schools were abruptly closed in March, school cafeteria’s had plenty of food stock on hand but no way to serve it to students who were now suddenly at home.

MCS activated school buses to deliver meals into neighborhoods. Volunteers joined employees on the bus drop-offs in neighborhoods.

Area churches took over the feeding when the school year ended, using donated food from their pantries and distributing it to families.

When the Farmers to Families food box program came to Madison under the $4 billion federal Cares Act, volunteers led

by Daystar Church swarmed to Horizon Elementary – and later to Madison City Stadium – to work in the giveaway of thousands of food boxes to families.

Lee Shaw sees the giving spirit in Madison every day in her role as Development Office Coordinator for Madison City Schools. Ms. Shaw (lshaw@madisoncity.k12.al.us) helps match school and family needs to resources, whether it be in the form of monetary contributions, material donations or volunteer help.

In this time of so much uncertainty, it is comforting to live among citizens with so much compassion for those in need. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?”

The answer to that for many here in Madison is embodied in this witticism from Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

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OUT&ABOUT TRIBUTE NIGHT AT TOYOTA FIELD - The Rocket City Trash Pandas, USA Patriots, and Huntsville’s own BeArded WARRIORs organization banded together for an evening of softball, fireworks, and military appreciation on Friday, Sept. 11. “Tribute Night” at Toyota Field honored local first responders and featured an exhibition game between the USA Patriot and BeArded Warriors softball teams.

The USA Patriots is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring athletic and veteran amputees together to promote the benefits of inclusive sport and therapeutic recreational activities. The BeArded Warriors is a Veteran suicide prevention and resource awareness non-profit based in Huntsville, but whose work extends nationwide. Photos by Lucas Dolengowski.

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PEOPLE

JECK BARDOS

A man filled with desire and dedication while addressing his dreams for success STORY BY BOB LABBE PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

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After working 40-60 hour weeks at sometimes two jobs, Jeck Bardos would many nights make his way to his family kitchen table to toil for hours more at his hobby which combined his love for handguns and his already defined talents as an artist. After months of working in the crowded area of the kitchen he soon chose to move his extra work to a 9x12-foot shed in the backyard of his home in Toney, complete with necessary comforts of air conditioning and heat.

“That’s where the magic happens,” said Bardos of his work with his hands utilizing a few specialized tools in what is now his fulltime work as owner of Rocket City Stippling.

The magic he referred to is called “stippling,” which is a creation of patterns or shading by using small dots in converting pistols’ (hand guns) original factory texture into a more aggressive composition combining art and

functionality to create the perfect grip for any shooter.

Today, the 34-year-old immigrant from the Philippines, along with wife, Christina, of 12 years, and their three children, ages 10, 3 and 1, receives orders from all over the country. Gun owners are looking for that perfect customized grip for their weapon, which in turn makes for a better grip, better recoil control and better shot placement. The work of stippling is an art form to which Bardos is accustomed to.

Born in the Philippines where he lived until age 20, Bardos loved art and music and became an accomplished artist using sketching and painting. He knew he wanted to come to the United States and become a citizen of the land of the red, white and blue. One of the best ways to make it to the states was to become a nurse, so he attended college in an effort to earn a degree in

nursing, but after three years of his efforts in medical studies he realized he didn’t need a degree for that ticket across the Pacific Ocean.

Bardos had some family members living here and they petitioned for his move to the United States. He made the trip and made his first home close to Madison in nearby Hartselle. He worked numerous jobs in the restaurant business and met his future wife just three days after beginning his work in a Mexican restaurant. Christina is from the Limestone community of Elkmont and a dozen years ago agreed to marry Bardos.

After a couple years of making his way through Huntsville, Bardos made a stop at Jason’s Deli where he would earn a management position and remained with the company for over a decade. He also knew there was something calling him to make a change.

With Christina helping until the two

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youngest children were born, Bardos began churning out orders through use of the Rocket City Stippling website. He soon knew he had to stop his work at Jason’s Deli and make the move to stippling full-time. Early in 2020 he was commissioned by two major companies to build four different pistols, which were shipped to Las Vegas for the 2020 Shot Show. With the special request, his work was now on the national scene.

“Four years ago I began competition shooting and really began to know the real deal of how important a good, comfortable grip is to the shooter behind the weapon,” said Bardos. “I love my guns and did lots of research on stippling and how the correct grip makes a huge difference. I actually ordered a pistol with stippling from another company. I waited six months before my pistol arrived. When I got it and saw what was done with the grip, I told myself I can do this.”

Bardos went to work and today uses an array of techniques in making custom made grips. He said of his work in the small confines of his work area behind his Toney home, “I use a Dremel tool, a wood burner and soldering gun, but mostly use my hands. I don’t use computers or lasers. I use a hand tool and my natural ability of my artist background.”

Bardos will texture the pistol’s grip by sanding and sometimes melting the surface to different patterns. His tedious work creates a grip, a different surface and custom grips can take double-digit number of hours to perfect. Requests range from logos to a simple pattern.

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“I’ve built a good reputation as I offer specific designs or custom make to customers’ requirements,” said Bardos. “For those requesting painted grips I have a mutual partnership with a local gun painter of Arsenal Engraving and Coating located in Lacy’s Spring.”

Most individuals don’t understand stippling is basically changing the gun frame to make a custom grip. The work is slow and exact. There is no room for errors.

“I have a very steady hand and artistic background,” added Bardos. “I started practicing on pistol magazines, pistols of friends and other ways. After lots of trial and error, I finally perfected my work and now have my Federal Firearms License and officially started my business in early 2018.” Today, Bardos has one employee who is in an apprentice position and incoming orders come from near and far.

Bardos said giving your firearm a different finish look, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance and hardness makes all the difference in the world of competition shooting. His work in the restaurant business, particularly at Jason’s Deli, taught him how to operate a business. The official website is www.rocketcitystippling.com. He can be contacted via e-mail at rocketcitystippling@ gmail.com.

Bardos is a remarkable example of desire, dedication and addressing his dreams for success. He is scheduled to officially become a U.S. citizen in 2020 and is clearly a marvelous illustration of being an immigrant to success.

ON THE GRILL

SMOKIN’ GOOD AT THE RICKY SHACK Social Distancing You can talk and smell but not taste while wearing your N95.

STORY BY RICHARD GEORGE PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

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T

Kent State. Former cheerleaders will argue The CDC and the ADPH unequivocally state about the mental and physical strength rethat social distancing is necessary. Many peoquired to perform while the soldiers will laugh. ple feel that social interaction is just as critical It seems as though the Ohio State and even Auto survival. Where is the balance? burn fans are noticeably quiet.

Madison is full of friendly people and a wonNow, can you imagine eating BBQ with a derful place to live. Our neighborhood is no mask on? I say turn it into a bib, stay 6 feet different. It is full of families--retired military away from each other, and Be Safe. officers, nurses, defense contractors, engineers, We have heard about “Wine Down Wednesan artist, former college football and baseball day” and “Throw Back Thursday “.....why not a players, and a couple of cheerleaders.

“Monday Mixer!” We recently tried the followIt is no wonder that Madison has been named ing foods at The Ricky Shack: as “A Best City to Live” in Alabama.

You might fully expect that college rivalries Richard George SMOKY PORK SLIDERS still exist and more space is needed to safely @ricky_shack Start your fire of lump charcoal and stabilize distance, especially in the fall. However, I might argue that the wafting smoke and wonderful smells at 225-250 degrees. Add a pecan chunk or two for a smooth arising from a BBQ pit will reign in any flaring tempers and smoky flavor. While waiting for the smoke to turn to a thin light blue color, season a pork tenderloin. Some people preeven build great relationships.

This Mississippi State grad (and wife Gayle, a “W” girl) fer to buy them already seasoned, but I prefer to coat them have become better acquainted with a former Ole Miss foot- with olive oil and liberally coat with Bad Byron’s Butt Rub ball player neighbor (and wife, UNA) during this pandemic. and kosher salt. Place your tenderloin on the grill and close We all enjoy visiting, talking about families and extolling the cover for 10-15 minutes and allow the tenderloin to absorb that smoky flavor. Roll the meat over every 10 minutes our alma maters.

We don’t know if the Egg Bowl will even be played in to cook all sides and capture more smoke. Spritz or drizzle 2020, but if it is played on 11/28 you will hear the cowbells! olive oil on it to maintain a soft and moist exterior. At apAlso, our Kent State friend will quickly remind our Ala- proximately 125 degrees, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce.

A friend recently made a trip through the Mississippi bama friends that Nick Saban learned to play football at

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Delta and came upon a BBQ Restaurant that had been established in 1924. Abe’s Bar-B-Q produces a vinegar-based sauce that really enhances the flavor. Remove the pork tenderloin at 145 degrees (minimum internal temperature) and allow to rest under a loosely tented sheet of aluminum foil. Allow to cool slightly as it will slice more easily. Many friends like a bun, some just eat the slices. For a knockout Smoky Pork Slider, slice Gayle’s homemade sourdough starter bread (furnished by a banker friend), butter well and toast to a crispy slice, add Abe’s Bar-B-Q Sauce and top with pork tenderloin. Delicious!

CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS Take a pound of ground chuck and divide into 8 (2oz) balls. Heat a cast iron skillet or a Blackstone Griddle to a medium to high heat. Toss a piece of bacon onto your hot surface to produce oil (or use a few drops of vegetable oil) to prevent the burgers from sticking. Add some finely chopped onions and/or mushrooms for added flavors. Press the balls flat, to a size slightly larger than the size bun you plan to use), add salt and pepper to taste. After the burger edges begin to brown, flip it over, smash it to keep from contracting. Cook it to a golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes, then add a slice of cheese. Toasted or plain buns, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, etc. Double stack the Cheeseburger Sliders if you wish. You can use the same process for larger 6+oz burgers as well. No doubt you will reflect back on those greasy spoons or small-town cafes from yesteryear. Enjoy.

BRIE BITES Cut Brie cheese into 1 inch pieces. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place phillo cups on parchment paper on • 1/2 cup sour cream, a baking sheet. Drop 1 piece of Brie cheese • 1/4 tsp minced garlic, in each phillo cup and top with 1/2 tsp of • 1 tsp dehydrated, chopped onions, pepper jelly, strawberry preserves or any • Salt and Pepper to taste, topping you like. Try Captain Rodney’s • Athens Mini Fillo Dough Shells (15/ sauce for a sweet spicy pop. Heat until Brie is melted. Remove and transfer to a wire box) For those who like the smoky flavor of rack so the shells do not get soggy. Enjoy. chicken, simply prepare your grill for indirect cooking. Big Green Egg-ConvEGGtor CHICKEN SPAGHETTI legs up. Stabilize your lump charcoal at Ingredients: 250 degrees, add pecan or cherry chunks • 2-3 skinless chicken breasts, • 1/2 - 3/4 pound thin spaghetti noodles, and allow the smoke to turn a light, thin blue. Season chicken breasts with olive • 1 pound Velveeta Cheese, oil, kosher salt and freshly ground black • 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup, pepper. Place chicken breasts on grill or • 1 can Cream of Chicken soup, smoker and close the lid to help infuse the • 1 can Chicken broth, chicken with that smoke for 15 minutes.

• 1 can Original Rotel Tomatoes,

Raise lid and flip the chicken. Continue this process several times and rotate the chicken so that it evenly cooks. If it begins to dry out, spritz or drizzle olive oil to maintain the moisture and tenderness.

Cook until the minimum internal temperature is 165 degrees. Remove and lightly tent with aluminum foil. This allows the natural juices to be redistributed and the chicken to cool off slightly.

While the chicken is cooling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Boil spaghetti noodles in a 5-quart pan, stirring frequently. When done, drain and set aside.

Melt the Velveeta chunks until smooth.

Mix all remaining ingredients together

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and then combine this liquid mixture with the cheese. Mix well.

Add the noodles and mix well.

Finally cut the chicken into bite sized (1/2 inch) cubes.

Mix well with the cheesy noodles.

Pour the chicken spaghetti into a 9 X 13-inch casserole dish and cook at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, or until bubbling.

Three options: 1) Serve and enjoy, 2) Freeze for later, or 3) Spoon into Mini Fillo Shells and slightly brown the shells in the oven.

This is great for tailgating (is that allowed this year?) or maybe a “Monday Mixer!” type of family and friend safely distanced, social get-together.

SIMPLE & REFRESHING COCKTAILS. A “Monday Mixer” favorite at the Ricky Shack is CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka, infused with apple or mango. Just pour it over ice and top with a drop of water. Add several drops to lighten the drink. This drink is fresh, crisp and delightful. It seems to help cool the late summer sunset.

A very popular tailgate (or post dove hunt) drink is the Bloody Mary.

Pour 3 oz. Tomato juice and the juice of 1/2 lemon over ice in a highball glass. Add 1-1/2 oz. Vodka and a couple of dashes of Worcestershire Sauce, and stir well with a celery stalk. Garnish with ground black pepper, to taste.

If you don’t have vodka, substitute your favorite brand of gin.

Please note that there has been no monetary compensation provided by any of the suppliers or products for this article. Follow me on Twitter @ricky_shack

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CONNECTIONS

MADISON CHAMBER The 2020 Madison Chamber of Commerce Best in Business awards ceremony is going virtual this year.

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MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

C

Congratulations to the nominees for the Madison Chamber of Commerce 2020 Best in Business Awards!

The virtual 2020 Best in Business Awards will be on Tuesday, October 20th, 2:30 – 3:30p. The nominations were made, and the nominees have been notified. Now they are working on their nomination packets to be submitted to the Madison Chamber of Commerce by the deadline date.

The packets will then be submitted to an affiliate Chamber of Commerce for judging the nominees in the following 12 categories: Start-up Business of the Year, Community Servant of the Year, Excellence in Leadership & Service, Arts, En-

tertainment & Hospitality Business of the Year, Medical Practice of the Year, Professional Business of the Year, Essential Business of the Year, Health & Wellness Business of the Year, Culinary Business of the Year, Best Non-Profit of the Year, Best Small Business of the Year and Best Business of the Year.

We also recognize our Ambassador of the Year for his or her dedication and hard work on behalf of the Madison Chamber of Commerce.

Join us as we celebrate the best businesses in our community!

Madison Chamber Staff

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

103 SPENRYN DR., MADISON, ALABAMA 35758

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•

PHONE 256-325-8317

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

TOM BROWN’S RIBBON CUTTING - A ribbon cutting was held last month for one of Madison’s newest and most unique dining experiences, Tom Brown’s Restaurant. Madison Mayor Paul Finley and Madison Chamber of Commerce Interim Director Merrill Wright helped owners Tom Brown and his wife Ashley cut the ribbon on their new business. Located at 8141 Highway 72 W in the Shoppes of Madison, near Target, the restaurant features Tom Brown’s unique twist on Southern food in a “premium casual” atmosphere.

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

•

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

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MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

For information about how you can join future quarterly meetings, go to www.madisonalchamber.com or www.Facebook.com/madisonchamber.

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OUT&ABOUT WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL - Elementary and middle school campuses were the first to reopen to students in Madison last month since

COVID-19 closed schools in March. Grades pre-k through 5th grade began the district phase-in of returning students to school last Sept. 8. Middle schools reopened in stages on Sept. 14. There were lots of smiles detected behind the masks among both teachers and students. “All of our teachers, administrators and staffs have worked very hard on all the new procedures and protocols that must now be part of the school day,� Dr. Nichols said. He thanked them for all their efforts in returning students to school in a safe environment.

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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 369352-1

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The evaluation also includes data from Madison Hospital and Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children.

369337-1

BEST Regional Hospital and #2 in Alabama