Madison Living Magazine - October 2021

MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • OUT & ABOUT • AUTHOR’S CORNER

October 2021 / $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

New Madison festival:

Railyard Barbeque Brawl Madison Mercantile Lauren Chambers

On the Road Again Bob Jones’ top pitcher Emmah Rolfe has been zigzagging the country

Madison CEO Program allowed her to turn a passion for fish into a successful business

ALSO INSIDE Around Town

by Lee Marshall Out & About Madison City Schools Madison Hospital Southern Plate Chamber News Upcoming events and much more Madison Living 1

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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 William Aycock MARKETING Joshua Berry Lee Marshall Donna Counts Erin Coggins John Peck Lee Marshall Mary Lynne Wright ADMINISTRATIVE Mayor Paul Finley Richard George Sierra Jackson Mayor PaulWright Finley Mary Lynne French Salter Mary Anne Swanstrom MARKETING ••• Donna Counts MARKETING

CONTACT US Donna Counts

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ADMINISTRATIVE Huntsville, AL 35806 Sierra256-772-6677 Jackson Phone: Fax: 256-772-6655 French Salter CONTACT US

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by Madison Publications, LLC. Single copies are to A one-year subscription Copyright 2020 available at select Madison Living

by Madison Publications, LLC locations throughout is $24.99 for 12 issues per year. the Madison area.

Single copies are available at 4 select Madison Livingthroughout locations Totheadvertise to get Madison or area. more copies, To advertise or to get call 256-772-6677. more copies, call 256-772-6677.

Copyright 2021 by Madison Publications, Copyright 2020 LLC

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

41 EVENTS

WE DO WHAT WE DO

17 A GREAT COMBINATION Railyard BBQ Brawl and Music Festival brings exciting new event and Rodney Atkins to downtown Madison

BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

PLACES

25 MADISON MERCANTILE Family preserves Madison, family history through new business

SPORTS

31 ON THE ROAD AGAIN Emmah Rolfe is one of the top pitchers in the nation, and behind her is the support of her family as they zigzagged the country this summer

17 IN EVERY ISSUE

7 The Guide 22 Shopping 30 Madison Hospital 39 Madison City Schools 46 Out & About 53 Author’s Corner 55 Southern Plate 59 Around Town 60 MCC Connections 62 In The Record

PEOPLE

41 LAUREN CHAMBERS Madison CEO Program allowed Lauren Chambers to turn her passion for fish into a successful business

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THE GUIDE

The Haunted Kingdom • October 22-23&29-30 • Dublin Park • www.GoBuildAKingdom.com Kids Kingdom has been taken over by Halloween haunts! Wear your favorite costume and walk through the haunted playground after hours, then enjoy a Fall hayride around Dublin Park with your friends and family. Spooky concessions available. $5 per person donation - all proceeds benefit the Go Build a Kingdom Playground Fund! This community event is outdoors and socially distanced. Oct. 22-23 and 29-30. 6-8:30 p.m.

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THE GUIDE

Blast off with Janet’s Planet • October 4 • 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

US Space and Rocket Center • www.rocketcenter.com

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center will join the international space community in celebrating World Space Week, Oct. 4-10. Each day will feature programming, activities and programming celebrating this year’s theme, “Women in Space.” Travel at the speed of thought with Janet’s Planet! Janet will take visitors on a journey of discovery of women, past, present and future who have shaped, are shaping and will shape the future of humans in space. Also, you will get to create a postcard and write a message to your genius self about your space and science dreams and they will be sent to SPACE with Club for the Future!.Come celebrate the genius of women in space, and then write down your goals and aspirations on a postcard, launch those dreams to the stars, and decide this World Space Week how you will be part of making space available for all humanity.

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The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is offering two new experiences in our Underwater Astronaut Trainer!

With SeaTREK, museum visitors don a specialized diving helmet for a fully guided underwater walking experience for all skill levels, ages 10 and older. DIVR+ is a virtual reality snorkeling system with sensory feedback, providing an unbelievably realistic VR experience suitable for ages 7 and up.

THE GUIDE

Haunted Mansion Dinner • October 21 • 6-8 p.m. • Burritt on the Mountain • www.burrittonthemountain.com Don’t miss this SPOOKTACULAR dinner in Dr. Burritt’s mansion. The haunted evening will begin with Happy Hallow Wine offering Ghostly White or Bone Dry Red. Nibble on appetizers while visiting the Fortune Teller. The creepy delicious sit down dinner follows with more witches brew. Costumes welcome, although not necessary. Don’t be alarmed if you hear a strange noise or have a ghostly visit. It’s all part of the creepy experience! Reservations end Tuesday, October 19, at noon unless sold out.

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food trucks • s’mores at the view • music craft beer & wine • hot chocolate traditional crafts & skills demonstrations artist & craft vendors • outdoor family fun

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THE GUIDE Unplugged • October 22-24 • Dream Theater www.huntsvilleballet.org Huntsville Ballet Company will open their new season with the “Unplugged series” featuring: Carnival of the Animals • Children and adults alike will enjoy this whimsical ballet set to the music of Camille Saint-Saens. Local favorites, Ron Roberts and Wilson Luquire will narrate the humorous verses inspired by this popular piece. Choreographers, Phillip Otto, Rachel Butler, and Cathy Curry collaborated to create stylized choreography for the different animals showcased in the work.

Moral Virtue • A new work by Artistic Director, Phillip Otto, this piece is inspired by a classical dance form demanding grace and precision and employing formalized steps and gestures set in intricate, flowing patterns to create expression through movement.

Images Unconfined • This new work by Stephanie Braly-Beutjer set to music by Karl Jenkins was inspired by the many dancers she’s taught over the past 25 years in Images Dance Ensemble at Grissom High School.

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THE GUIDE An All-Star Salute to Lee Greenwood • Von Braun Center Mark Smith Concert Hall • October 12 • www.vonbrauncenter.com Award-winning recording artist Lee Greenwood is being rightfully honored for his significant contribution to the music industry with an all-star salute celebration which will encompass his 40 years of hits. This exclusive event features special guest appearances from a few of Greenwood’s friends including well-known artists Sara Evans, Rodney Atkins, Darryl Worley, Riley Green,Michael W. Smith, Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch, Michael Ray, Jamey Johnson, Big & Rich, Randy Owen (of Alabama), Home Free, Sam Moore, Tracy Byrd, The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, Mark Wills, The Frontmen of Country, personality Paula Deen and more.

Madison City Farmers Market

Saturdays • 9 a.m. - noon • Trinity Baptist Church • 1088 Hughes Road Madison City Farmers Market, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, 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 in Madison. Check online for more information and updates: www.madisoncityfarmersmarket.com

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INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

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THE GUIDE

Trunk-Or-Treat: Halloween Movie Night • October 30 • 5 p.m. Toyota Field in Madison

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Bring your family out to Trunk or Treat & Movie Night Saturday, October 30! Make your way to Toyota Field for trick-or-treating from 5-7 p.m., followed by a screening of The Haunted Mansion at 7:15 p.m.! Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 day of event. Go to www.trashpandasbaseball.com for more information.

Madison Living 15

THE GUIDE Dead Parrots Society Bash • October 20 • 6-11 p.m.

Black Patch Distilling Co. • 500 Lanier Road in Madison

The first annual Dead Parrots Society Bash will be held at the locally owned Black Patch Distillery on October 30. It will be a night of Halloween fun with music, dancing, and the chance to dress up and be who you want to be. Food will be available from a number of locally known food trucks and adult beverages will include beer, wine, and a special event signature drink from a cashless bar. Plan your Halloween weekend to be at the first ever Dead Parrot Society Bash. The event is organized by Madison Rotary Club and the proceeds will go to support the renovation of Madison Kid’s Kingdom and other projects.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory • October 15-17

Fantasy Playhouse at the VBC • www.fantasyplayhouse.org

Fantasy Playhouse’s lineup of shows will generate an exciting return to the stage at the Playhouse of the Von Braun Center. Season tickets now are on sale for two of the most popular stories in children’s fantasy, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Alice in Wonderland,” along with the traditional favorite, “A Christmas Carol.” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” will be presented Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., Oct. 16 and Oct. 17 at 1 and 6 p.m. “Dr. Osborn’s Magical Laboratory” will reprise its excitement for two shows on Oct. 23 at 2 and 5 p.m. “A Christmas Carol” shows will be available on Dec. 3-5 and on Dec. 10-12. Fantasy Playhouse will stage “Alice in Wonderland” on Feb. 18-20.

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EVENTS

A GREAT COMBINATION Railyard BBQ Brawl and Music Festival brings exciting new event and Rodney Atkins to downtown Madison STORY BY GREGG PARKER

Madison Living 17

G

Get your appetites for good food and good music revved up for the debut of the Railyard BBQ Brawl and Music Festival on Oct. 22-23.

The brawl will be held in downtown Madison in an open field on Martin Street, one street south of Main Street, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Coming off one of the most unprecedented years in our lifetimes, families are ready to get out and start getting back to a ‘normal’ life,” organizer Eugene J. Jung said.

“Being cautiously optimistic, we believe that hosting a barbecue and music festival outdoors in the fall in downtown historic Madison with barbecue and music from Rodney Atkins, who has six chart-topping singles in his arsenal, will get people out and about.”

Live entertainment will open at 4 p.m. on Oct. 23. The three opening acts will be the Beasley Brothers with their original music, like “Here We Go Again”; Alyssa Palmer singing her new single, “All Screwed Up”; and Adam

The brawl will be held in historic downtown Madison in an open field on Martin Street, one street south of Main Street.

18 Madison Living

Hood, who has a new single, “This Opening Line.” Music headliner Rodney Atkins’ current hit is “Caught up in the Country.”

The barbecue cook-off is sanctioned by Kansas City Barbecue Society. Barbecue teams can register at railyardbbqfest.com/register. Registration fee is $250. The contest can accept 50 barbecue teams maximum – first come, first served. Competition cooking begins early on Oct. 23 with meat turn-in at 4 p.m.

Cooking spaces will be 20-feet square. Spaces will be chosen in the order of registration on Oct. 21 at 9 a.m.

Team leads must be at least 18 years old.

The festival will include the North Alabama Open Cornhole Tournament on Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. The contest will be handled for ‘winner take all.’ Competing teams can face off against the best players in the region.

Ticket price is $35 (plus fees at $3.77 and sales tax $3.49). Five-year-olds and younger will be admitted free.

Rotary Club of Madison – Sunset Group, a satellite club of Rotary Club of Madison, is sponsoring the event. Sunset Group meets monthly on first and third Tuesdays at

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Madison natives, the Beasley Brothers, will be one of the opening acts for the festival.

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For more festival information, email railyardbbqfest@gmail. com or visit railyardbbqfest.com/cooker-faq, Facebook/Railyard BBQ Festival or Twitter @RailyardBBQFestival.

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MADISON MERCANTILE Family preserves Madison, family history through new business STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY WILLIAM AYCOCK

Madison Living 25

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When Liz Warren decided to open a new business in Madison, she was not only providing the city with a unique, shopping opportunity, she was preserving her family’s history with the city of Madison.

The building, built in 1972, is now Madison Mercantile, but has housed everything from a museum to thrift stores.

“My dad, Don Shore, my brother and I built this building,” Warren said. “We were building it to be a gas station, but the gas shortage happened, and we could not get any fuel. So, we decided to open a museum to house my dad’s antiques. He was an antique dealer and had lots of old, interesting items to display.”

When the museum did not make much money, the family closed it and tried their hand at a carpet business. Shore’s Carpet Barn was a family owned and ran business so when it came time for the kids to graduate high school, join the army or move, Shore decided to close the carpet store.

The building once again sat empty until a family member needed it. That family member was Warren and her three daughters.

“I was looking for a house when my dad decided to build us an apartment in the building,” Warren said. “Wow, this was fun. We picked the wallpaper and flooring, built a Barbie room and a school room for the girls. What could be better with grandma and grandpa right next door?”

26 Madison Living

After the family moved, Shore decided to rent out the building. The first renters were Hope Church, now located on Balch Road. The Brook also started its church in the same building. The building was also rented as thrift stores and used car lots.

“The most unusual renter was a gentleman that said he was refinishing furniture, but one day the police came and had my mom open the doors because he had the building full of illegal gambling machines,” Warren said. “Ha, no one knew that they had confiscated quite a number of machines” Like the building on HWY 72, Shore himself is a big part of Madison’s history. He, his wife and four kids moved to Madison in 1965, settling in a home on Route 4 Roma Road, now Rainbow Circle. In 1970, Shore purchased four acres of Buchanan Estates which is where Madison Mercantile is located today.

“There were very few houses at the time we moved to Madison,” Warren said. “Campbell’s Grocery, Thomas Pit BBQ and Hills Beverage were the only businesses around.”

Shore started a business called Contec before eventually working as a mechanic teacher at the Huntsville Tech School. Warren said having the summers off gave her dad the time to build the building.

“He built it by hand except for the bricks on the outside,” Warren said.

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Madison Living 27

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Warren inherited the building in April 2019. At the time, it was rented to a car lot which she kept on for a year and a half. When the contract was up and she started cleaning out the building, she mentioned to her family the idea of starting their own business.

“Everybody was on board and all kinds of suggestions for businesses were suggested,” Warren said. “Finally starting a mercantile with vendors seemed like the best idea. Jenny Cleary, a family friend and manager of the store, is experienced in this field so we got together and now have Madison Mercantile.”

Warren knew she could not let the building go. It had too much family history. While tearing down the walls to prepare for opening Madison Mercantile, Warren says she remembered the building’s original size of 900 sq. ft. After all the renovations over the years, the building has expanded to 6,000 sq. ft. They discovered the remnants of the building’s history as well.

“The old original was painted green which we found the original block walls. There are remnants of the museum behind the sheetrock walls, like old tools still hanging,” Warren said. “We found speakers marked ‘pastor’s room and nursery as we pulled down wires and scripture written on the walls remain in the back. A step-up is still there where the churches created a platform.”

Warren was taken back to the time she spent in the building with her children as well.

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“We found wallpaper that reminded me of our playroom and bedrooms,” Warren said. “The vinyl floor was difficult to scrape up, but when we got it up, there was the concreate floor underneath. The girls used to skate on that concrete floor.”

After a year of remodeling, Madison Mercantile is open for business. Warren feels the vendor business, offering everything from antiques to crafts to furniture, is perfect for Madison, not only because it offers things a small town community wants and needs, but because the history of the building represents Madison’s growth and challenges of small business.

“We moved to Madison in the late ‘60s when Madison was really small. The museum was small, but over the years like Madison the building has grown and changed with the times,” Warren said. “The businesses struggled like Madison did to stay afloat. We look for this small business to grow into a booming business like the city of Madison has.”

Warren says the building has purpose now. With family and friends having spent so much time and work into it, it is no longer a building, but a project that continues a family’s legacy.

“My dad was a hard worker and taught me to do the same.

It has been lots and lots of work physically and mentally for me and my family, but in the long run, we are all excited and know it will be successful,” Warren said. “My dad would never believe how successful this kind of business is doing. He would be proud of his building because it has stood strong for 49 years.”

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Madison Living 29

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

Carmeleita Winburn’s insightful guidance helps keep Madison Hospital strong

F

For the past few issues, I’ve used this space to introduce you to the public-minded community members who volunteer on our Madison Hospital Board.

Today I want to highlight the contributions of Carmeleita Winburn. Long before Madison Hospital opened in 2012, Carmeleita helped guide the development of the campus by serving on our very first community advisory council.

Her insights as a parent, educaMary Lynne tor and tireless community volunWright teer have been crucial to helping me understand the health care President needs of Madison families.

Madison Hospital Carmeleita has a fascinating personal history. As the child of Alabama A&M University faculty members, she was raised in a house on the A&M campus. Her late father, William Johnson, oversaw the campus’ physical plant and was the first African-American to serve on the Huntsville Utilities Board. Her late mother, Doris Johnson, taught education courses in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

When it came time to choose her own college path, Carmeleita picked another well-known historically Black university, Tennessee State in Nashville.

...

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Like her mother, Carmeleita became an educator – first working with special-needs students in Florence and later serving as a guidance counselor for Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan. Along the way, she earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Eastern Michigan University Luckily for us, Carmeleita and her late husband decided to retire in North Alabama and chose Madison as their home.

While her son Mario was still in elementary school, Carmeleita began offering her time and talents as a Madison City Schools volunteer. A few years later, she had one of the biggest volunteer jobs in town – Bob Jones High PTA president. That’s when we invited her to join our advisory board.

In addition to her board duties, Carmeleita is an active member of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., and contributes to an annual winter coat drive for needy children organized by Second Chance Deliverance and Restoration Ministries Inc. She also enjoys spending time with family including her son Noah Winburn and his wife, Brandi.

Having now lived here for 22 years, Carmeleita has a natural feel for what Madison families need and want from their community hospital. And she believes we are hitting the mark.

“I talk to a lot of parents and senior citizens,” she told me, “and they are so thankful to have a quality hospital with an experienced staff in such close proximity. Madison is really growing, and we’re going to continue to do our best to accommodate everyone.”

SPORTS

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Emmah Rolfe is one of the top pitchers in the nation, and behind her is the support of her family as they zigzagged the country STORY BY BOB LABBE PHOTOS BY WILLIAM AYCOCK

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T

The Rolfe family of Madison could possibly be the subject of a reality TV show on the Travel Channel. The threemember family consisting of Bob Jones senior Emmah Rolfe and her parents, Tim and Stacie, spent most of the summer months zigzagging the country as Emmah played travel softball.

“Since age eight I’ve been playing travel ball as I’ve wanted to play among the best of the best and travel the country at the same time,” said Emmah.

Travel they did.

With stops in locales such as Newberry, Fla., Irvine, Calif., Montgomery, Ala., Oklahoma City, Okla., Denver Colo., Huntington Beach, Calif., and Atlanta Ga., the Rolfes traveled an estimated 12,752 miles. Of that mileage, over 4,000 were by road in cars and 8,700 miles by air.

“It was an absolutely amazing summer packed with softball along with some vacationing,” said Tim, a government employee based on Redstone Arsenal where he manages the Family Advocacy Program.

“This summer was much more than softball,” said Stacie, who is a traumatic brain injury specialist working for the Department of Rehabilitation of Alabama. “I was the planner for our summer making hotel, rental car and flight ac-

“

God has provided a special calling for Emmah, which is a primary part of our lives.

”

- Tim Rolfe

commodations. Plus, I can’t stand to be late so I made sure we were on schedule. Through it all, I loved it and enjoyed being there.”

Emmah is regarded as one of the top pitchers in the United States currently ranked as high as the No. 6 pitcher and No. 15 player overall among the class of 2022. She will play her senior season at Bob Jones. She is already a fourtime First Team All-State selection and a member of the Alabama Sportswriters Association Super All-State Team

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“

I liked the aspects of working with others to accomplish a goal...

My feeling is we don’t lose, we learn.

”

- Emmah Rolfe

for her play in her junior season. Last season she had a .098 ERA and batted .437 while leading the Lady Patriots with 13 homeruns.

The 5-foot-11 athlete plays for the highly elite 18U Georgia Impact Premier Lewis travel team. She’s expected to sign a full athletic scholarship in November with the Auburn Tigers where one of her current Impact teammates will be her roommate.

She began the sport at age four using a Whiffle ball in a field new her home in Anniston. She did so well she

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Madison Living 35

soon joined a T-Ball team at five years of age. While she also had her attempts at other sports such as taekwondo, cross country running, gymnastics, cheerleading and even playing the piano, softball became her passion. She developed quickly and soon blossomed into a riveting pitcher and was chosen All-State as a pitcher when she played for Class 5A Alexandria in the seventh grade and a year later was selected All-State as a first baseman.

“I was blessed with a good stature and I liked the aspects of working with others to accomplish a goal,” said Emmah.

“I like to win. My feeling is we don’t lose…we learn.”

Travel means luggage, especially while traveling by plane.

For Emmah, she carries a 50-pound suitcase, a travel bag, including her headphones and books, and a team required carry-on, which includes her four team uniforms and four different pairs of shoes.

“One thing I learned while attending camp was how to do laundry as I had a teammate teach me how to do so,” added Emmah, who carries a 3.8 grade point average and would like nothing better than study physical therapy while attending Auburn.

Tim said one of the favorite stops in their travels was in Colorado as the family took to four-wheelers to seek out

36 Madison Living

the beautiful nature surroundings. The three of them also took to some mountain climbing, which is always a dream of anyone who visits the Rocky Mountains in the Centennial State. From state to state, city to city and field to field, the travels were enormous experiences which will forever be theirs to cherish. Tim spoke of how the family attended the Oklahoma City Bombing Museum and how riveting the moment was when standing before the story of death and destruction, which occured on that April morning, 1995 where 168 people were killed. “We visited the home of the Hollywood stars when we took a tour of Beverly Hills,” added Emmah, who has seemed to have had many of her recent June birthdays on the road during softball travels.

“God has provided a special calling for Emmah, which is a primary part of our lives,” added Tim. “With God’s given talents for Emmah God has provided a great platform for her to inspire a next generation as she also gives pitching lessons to girls eight to 10 years of age. She and I have worked for years pitching together and attending lessons and camps. She had to learn and we are very proud of what she has accomplished.”

Emmah indicated her pitching success is partly responsible due to Gary Thomas who is a pitching instructor and

With stops in locales such as Newberry, Fla., Irvine, Calif., Montgomery, Ala., Oklahoma City, Okla., Denver Colo., Huntington Beach, Calif., and Atlanta Ga., the Rolfes traveled an estimated 12,752 miles, and have made plenty of great memories along the way.

Madison Living 37

has taken Emmah under his coaching wings for the last two years. He’s recognized for helping raise her pitching talent level to the elite.

One of the most interesting facets of travels across the country came in Colorado as their flight to the mountainous state was cancelled causing the Rolfes to make the trip by car.

They arrived early to have Emmah adjust to the higher elevation and thin air.

“Our travels have been much more than softball,” said Stacie. “Others we traveled with became our family. We did things together and developed relationships with the girls and their families. We have a dog named Hershey who is eight years old and we had him boarded during our trips. I missed him.”

Emmah was never alone during any game as her parents were there for support at each and every outing. Tim and Stacie would wear Impact or Auburn merchandise at each game. Tim would also Facebook live each game and handle the play-byplay commentating for those at home watching. On the side, Tim has a music publishing company and sings and plays with a band whenever possible.

Total expenses for the travel season is difficult to assess, but the family said more than $20-thousand was spent, not to mention some of the expenses that were covered by the Impact team. All of the money needed to successfully make the 2021 summer a time of remembrance was well worth the effort for all involved.

But, the travels are not complete.

Emmah is expected to participate in fall travel softball during the months of October and November, which could add an episode to the already possible travel reality program.

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

Special Education Director, Dr. Susan Zinkil, (left) and Jerome Villarreal, president of Knights of Columbus Council 10232 in Madison, (right of poster) with other members of the Knights of Columbus, display a poster promoting the run. The Knights of Columbus will host their Tootsie Roll 5K run on Nov. 6 to benefit the special education programs at Madison City Schools.

Tootsie Roll 5K will benefit an extra sweet cause - special education

W

When runners take off in the Tootsie Roll 5K in Madison next month, they will be doing so for a special cause. What makes this annual candy-themed run extra sweet is that it benefits special education programs in Madison City Schools.

Support for special education in Madison continues to grow, thanks to generous support from donors like John Peck Knights of Columbus and unwaverMadison City Schools ing commitment from MCS and the Public Relations community to help students with disManager abilities achieve to the best of their abilities.

“There is an old African proverb that it takes a village to

...

raise a child. I believe it also takes a village to educate our children as well. A great educational system, like Madison City Schools, is stronger and educates our students better because of our partnerships and support from our community. The Knights of Columbus is a great example of that support,” offered Special Education Director, Dr. Susan Zinkil.

Prime race sponsor KOC has been a longtime supporter of the Special Education Department in Madison City Schools.

The run became the primary SPED fundraiser when traditional Tootsie Roll campaigns at area storefronts began disappearing due to COVID and other concerns. “This has been part of the national campaign of Knights of Columbus for over 50 years. We have done it in Madison for 30 years,” said Jerome Villarreal, president of Knights of Columbus Council 10232 in Madison. KOC chapters from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (#10232) in Madison and Council #17519

Madison Living 39

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

A Lifeskills class at James Clemens High School where students are participating in their weekly Friday Cafe activity. Students are Rylie Edwards, Narkeez Killan, Sarah Churchill and Jacob Martin. Teachers (center) are Stephanie Rhodes (Occupational Therapist) Holly Waite (Physical Therapist) Katie Beth McCay (Lifeskills SPED teacher). from Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Church are jointly putting on the Tootsie Roll 5K. The run is Nov. 6 and will start and end at Madison City Stadium. Villarreal said Knights of Columbus has always been a strong supporter of programs for those with intellectual disabilities. “Special Education is in keeping with KOC’s pillars to support causes related to Life, Community, Faith and Family, to celebrate the worth and dignity of every human being,” he said.

For Tootsie Roll Run information, stop by any Fleet Feet location in Huntsville or Madison or visit the following website: https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Madison/KofCTootsieRoll5K The Special Education Department at Madison City Schools provides services for more than 1,400 students with disabilities. SPED services are provided to students with disabilities ages 3 – 21 or until they earn a high school diploma. Students who receive SPED services range from ones with more common disabilities such as speech impairments, learning disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional handicaps, to those with lower incidences of disabilities such as hearing or visually impaired students and those with orthopedic or physical impairments.

The services schools provide include education and ac-

40 Madison Living

cess to education so that they can receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education. For example, students may have physical therapy or orientation or mobility support at school. Providing special education is an unfunded mandate; meaning that it is much more costly to provide special education services to our 1,400 students than what the federal and state funds provide us. That is why we rely so heavily on our community partnerships. We hope to see everyone at the Tootsie Roll Race on November 6th.

Dr. Zinkil with some of her staff holding examples of sensory items bought with donations to SPED.

PEOPLE

LAUREN CHAMBERS

Madison CEO Program allowed Lauren Chambers to turn her passion for fish into a successful business STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 41

A

After learning how much abuse exists in the fish industry, Lauren Chambers knew she wanted to make a difference in the life of these aquatic animals. Completing the Madison City Schools CEO Program as a senior at James Clemens last year, allowed Chambers to turn her passion for fish into a successful business.

The CEO Program gave students the opportunity to take a baseline of seed money and turn it into the funding for a personal business. Chambers chose baking cookies to grow her seed money, selling them door to door as well as applied for a $150 grant through the program to earn the start-up money for her business, Pacifish Aquatics.

“I already knew what type of business I wanted to create before signing up for the CEO program,” Chambers said.

“I wanted to breed Beta fish and then I realized how few people respect fish. I mean they are intelligent. They feel.

I thought ‘why isn’t anyone doing something about it?’”

Chambers learned some aspects of obtaining a business license through the CEO program but sought out how to secure a permit for importing and exporting fish on her own.

“Thailand is the best place to get Beta fish,” Chambers said. “The permit is a really cool thing to have. I go to cus-

42 Madison Living

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Madison Living 43

Lauren at the Madison Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and Kids Day in June.

toms and approve the shipments.”

The idea for Pacifish Aquatics was born while Chambers was a junior in Mrs. Gretta McDaniel’s marine biology class. McDaniel allowed her to set up a fish tank in the classroom, featuring the first Beta fish the class called Firework.

“Mrs. McDaniel was the kind of teacher who was not afraid to establish a friendship with her students and that helps make a difference,” Chambers said. “The first tank contained some Beta fish and a couple of other fish that are known to get along with Beta fish. She eventually allowed me to set up a second tank in the classroom.”

It was after the second tank was set up that Chambers realized that some fish were going missing from day to day. She soon found out that a classmate was flushing the fish down the toilet.

“This really fueled me to take care of fish,” Chambers said.

“People need to know that flushing fish down the toilet while they are alive is animal abuse.”

Pacifish Aquatics is Chambers’ way of giving fish a voice. The business offers a fish rescue and rehoming service. Chambers currently has 27 fish tanks set up in her home with 110-gallon tanks to house rescued fish.

“I have developed a good relationship with Petco. They call me when they see fish with swim bladder issues,” Chambers said. “They let me have those fish and I have saved some fish that way.”

Chambers also sets up fish tanks, including services like cycling the tank. She offers “aquascaping” as well, creating creative and cool landscapes for tanks. The last part of her business is the importing and exporting of fish.

44 Madison Living

“I would eventually like to open a fish store to import fish to sell,” Chambers said. “It would also cater to people who would want to custom order fish.”

Chambers is also interested in breeding fish, specifically her favorite, the Beta fish.

“There are different specifies of Beta fish. The ones sold in stores usually have horrible genetics. These stores do not have a passion for fish; instead, they have a passion for money,” Chambers said. “I went online and found a site on how to sell and breed natural splendids, the usual Beta specifies sold in pet stores. I hope to bring back good genetic fish and to expand their life span.”

Having graduated in May, Chambers will take a gap year to work on developing her business. She plans to obtain a degree in fish biology to become even more knowledgeable in her passion.

“I want to see if I am doing well enough to expand,” Chambers said. “There is a demand for what I am doing, and I hope to fulfill that demand. I am currently developing a website and I can be found on Instagram.”

In developing her business, Chambers is still dedicated to being a voice for fish. She is currently developing care sheets for a variety of fish to better educate consumers on how to take care of the fish they buy for their personal fish tanks.

“I want people to see what I see in these animals,” Chambers said. “They are able to recognize faces. They like to play.

I’m committed to helping any fish live.”

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Madison Living 45

OUT&ABOUT

9-11 CEREMONY AND ACTIVITIES - The 20th anniversary of 9-11 was marked in Madison with remembrance, appreciation and some fun. The day opened with a 9/11 Memorial Service at Toyota Field. Madison fire and police departments hosted the memorial service (above) in honor of all of those who perished on September 11, 2001. The ceremony is a free event with free parking. Later that evening, the Trash Pandas hosted their annual Tribute Night filled with reflection, competition, and fellowship. The USA Amputee Patriots and BeArded WARRIORS held a softball game.

It was followed by a postgame concert from Brandon Elder and a special swearing-in ceremony for 20 new Marines. See pages 62-66 for related stories and photos. Photos by William Aycock and the Trash Pandas

46 Madison Living

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OUT&ABOUT

THE MADISON BOWL - The Madison Bowl, the annual cross-city rivalry football game between the Bob Jones Patriots and James Clemens Jets, was held Sept. 3. The game always provides plenty of excitement and this year’s match-up provided a hefty dose of nail-biting thrills. The Jets narrowly came out on top after going into overtime. Here are some fun photos from the game at Madison City Stadium by photographer William Aycock. You can see more football photos each week in The Madison Record (www.themadisonrecord.com).

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OUT&ABOUT

SCHOOL FUN - Who said learning has to be boring work and no fun? The educators within Madison City Schools would certainly disagree that you can not have fun at school. Here are some fun photos shared by Madison City Schools showing activities at area schools last month to prove it. Above: kindergarten students at Rainbow Elementary were treated to Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols reading the childrens’ classic, “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type” in the school’s media center.

Students at Bob Jones High School enjoying some of the mid week Patriot Path offerings.

50 Madison Living

Cross-city rivalries are so much fun at the Madison City First Class Pre-K Center.

This is so cool! In honor of Dot Day, students at Rainbow Elementary decorated a dot. They used the free Quiver app to transform their dots into 3D spheres.

The Midtown Elementary gym in a kaleidoscope of colors. The parachute activity is always a favorite in schools.

The song “We are Family” filled the air in the Mill Creek Elementary gym as excited students learned their “House” family last month. The kids celebrated each time the chosen student learned their new family and got a beaded necklace aligned with their House color.

Fun with sensory bottles for “Science Friday” at the Madison City First Class Pre-K Center.

Fun times at the Madison Elementary School EXPANDED very first paint party. Looks like there may be a few artists among the school’s aftercare hornets.

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PAINTING WITH THE PRINCIPAL - Speaking of fun activities at Madison schools, one of our favorite principals recent held a fun event in Triana for students and their families. Rodney Richardson, the principal at Horizon Elementary School, hosted a “Paint with the Principal” workshop at the Triana Public Library recently. Everyone who attended had fun painting rocks in the beautiful outdoors. Mr. Richardson’s special talent is painting the Horizon Eagle, of course. He is an artist!

52 Madison Living

....................... Author’s Corner .......................

A new monthly series highlighting local authors in North Alabama

“Unbroken Bonds” by Dawn Hogan

I

By GREGG PARKER

For book detail: goodreads.com/dawnhogan Launch date: October 5, 2021 About the publisher: Published by Woodhall Press Unbroken Bonds -- woodhallpress.com Pre-order: Amazon.com, Unbroken bonds dw hogan; barnesandnoble.com Author’s vitals: Email -- dwhogan@comcast.net Website -- DWHogan.com Facebook -- D.W. Hogan Author Instagram -- dawnhoganauthor Phone -- 256-655-7376 Address -- 2508 Quail Ridge Lane, Huntsville, AL 35803 Book events: Dawn Hogan is partnering with Snail On The Wall Book Store to hold an in-person book launch on October 19, 5-7 p.m. at the Historic Lowry House, 1205 Kildare Street in Huntsville.

In 1956, the worst thing a teenage girl could do was to become pregnant, according to Dawn Hogan in her debut novel, “Unbroken Bonds.”

The book follows the lifelong friendship of Joanna, Prissy, Jessie and Mary, who met during incarceration in Frances Weston Home for Unwed Mothers in Knoxville, Tennessee. “Together, they endure the culture of shame and soul-crushing tactics dispensed by the Catholic nuns who coerce the teenagers into relinquishing their illegitimate babies,” author Dawn. Hogan writes.

Upholding their vow of friendship bonds, the young women rebuild their lives in the Deep South during the turbulent 1960s. In subsequent decades after their children’s births, roles of women and single mothers eventually evolve.

When tragedy strikes, they face a decision: guard their past secrets or discover the fates of the children they were forced to give away.

Hogan’s book research started after her close friend’s request to search for her birth mother who gave her up for adoption. Hogan discovered the hush-hush topic of sealed adoptions. Both fascinated and appalled, Hogan studied degrading tactics that the institutions perpetrated to garner unscrupulously profits -- under the guise of benevolence.

“During this time in history, basic rights of the unfortunate girls were not presented. They were told to go on with their lives as if nothing had happened,” Hogan said. Unable to shelve nagging emotions of these women and their rehomed children, Hogan constructed a fictional account of the disturbingly true circumstances that caused one of the United States’ most disgraceful and hidden secrets.

Colleagues in the publishing industry have endorsed Hogan’s “Unbroken Bonds”: • “’Unbroken Bonds’ vividly captures the terrible vulnerability of young white women in the United States in the decades before ‘reproductive rights’ became available to any but the wealthiest of us. Dawn Hogan richly portrays the dozens of ways that sexuality and its consequences endangered the safety and dignity of girls and women when their only source of strength was each other.” -- Rickie Solinger, author of “Wake

Author Dawn Hogan Up, Little Susie: Single Pregnancy” and “Race before Roe v. Wade” • “As a birth mother myself, I know the pain and confusion surrounding the relinquishment of one’s child. Dawn Hogan has done meticulous research into the feelings, psychology and aftermath of this experience. This book . . . (can help) first mothers heal the wounds created by the loss of their children.” -- Fran Gruss Levin, “The Story of Molly and Me” and “CUB Board Member” • “As an adoptee coming to a place of acceptance, I’ve had to put myself in the shoes of my first mother at the time of my conception to gain a better understanding of what life was like back then. . . Although times have changed in some regard, we must be awakened in the truths that separation trauma for the adoptee and first mother lasts a lifetime.” – Pamela Karanova, Adoptees Connect Inc. Hogan majored in English at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The mother of four adult children, she has two grandchildren. She now works as a full-time author and lives in southeast Huntsville, Alabama with her husband Ralph Hogan, who works for Future Electronics.

Married for 30 years, the Hogans formerly owned a photography business for 15 years.

They photographed 400-plus weddings, along with humane society assignments and portraits.

Dawn also worked several years as an administrative assistant in the tech arena.

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54 Madison Living

SOUTHERN PLATE

Chocolate Caramel Apples Oh so sweet and delicious, these chocolate caramel apples make the perfect treat for you or a loved one

I

By Christy Jordan @ southernplate.com

I’m going to show you how to make Chocolate caramel apples that will make your sweet tooth jump for joy! But before we get started with the apples, I’m gonna chat with you a little bit about what to do when you find yourself bobbing along in water that is obviously over your head.

Have You Ever Felt Overwhelmed?

If you are the sort of individual who breathes oxygen, you have likely found yourself overwhelmed at some point in your life. If you are like me, this happens on a regular basis.

Like when the sun shines or the sky is blue.

Between the technical ins and outs of running a website,

photographing and writing new posts, working on a book, trying to answer comments on SouthernPlate and Facebook, business calls and emails, speaking requests and appointments, I also am trying to be a Mama – which is most important. In addition to that like you I am trying to keep up with the house, cooking, cleaning and making sure whatever handyman or work person is needed that day arrives on time, it is safe to say that I can feel pretty overwhelmed at times.

I am likely just like you. I have no staff. There is no housekeeper. Supper at the end of the day is cooked by me or not

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cooked at all.

I often find myself feeling as if I’m running on empty and can’t go another step.

That’s when I step back and, rather than look at how ill equipped I am to handle everything, I look at the tools that I do have.

This is a list I made last night in my journal…

I have: The ability to love people Family Laughter Sleep (sometimes) Peace Inner joy God’s grace. and when it comes down to it what else could I possibly need?

What DO you have?

And after making out a list of what I do have, I see that I have all I need to do what I am called to do. And if I do not have what I need to fulfill my calling, then I know that God will give it to me as long as I am open to receiving it and make some room for it to appear.

So I encourage you to step back today and make a list.

Rather than focus on what you don’t have, list what you do.

How are you equipped? Be honest, be open minded.

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When you feel yourself sinking, if you step back and look at the big picture, you’ll realize that for every body of water you must cross, there is a bridge.

Now, for the chocolate caramel apples!

Let me first admit that these chocolate caramel apples will be easy as can be for you to make if you follow this tutorial, because I have made every mistake I could possibly make with them in advance so that you don’t have to! Seriously though, these are as easy as melting some stuff in the microwave, dipping some apples, and letting them get cold. Sound good?

These gourmet caramel apples make for a fun addition to your next party or prepare a batch to give to friends or family. No one can say no to a crunchy apple drizzled in caramel or chocolate.

The best part about this recipe for chocolate caramel apples is you can let your imagination run wild. Be traditional and stick with caramel, or dip them in chocolate, candy, crushed Oreo cookies, cinnamon, mini marshmallows, or chopped nuts. The choice is yours!

Recipe Ingredients • 5-7 small to medium apples washed, dried and refrigerated • popsicle sticks • 12 ounce bag of dark or milk chocolate chips about a cup and a half

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or more is even better.

Now we need to melt our chocolate.

You can use any type of chocolate chips you like for this. I prefer dark chocolate for these apples, even though I am normally a milk chocolate person. The dark chocolate complements the apple really well.

Fill a 2-cup measuring cup 3/4 of the way with chocolate chips. Microwave this at 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted.

Set up a station with some toppings and sprinkles you might want to add. Make sure those apples are cold and then dip apples in chocolate! Let it drip off a bit before dipping the bottoms in toppings and then returning to greased waxed paper. Refrigerate apples until chocolate has hardened.

Once your chocolate caramel apples are hardened fully, you can wrap them in plastic for gift giving. If you are going to keep them for more than a few hours, I recommend storing them in the fridge.

Enjoy!

Tips Store your caramel apples in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days. Any longer and your apple will probably brown.

If your caramel apple coating is too thin, it’s probably too hot. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool before dip• 14 ounce bag Kraft caramels unwrapped ping your apple. On the other hand, if your coating isn’t stick• sprinkles chopped nuts or candies of your choice (optional) ing to your apple, it’s probably too cool, so heat it further.

If you don’t want to dig into a large apple on a stick, wait • Waxed paper and cooking spray The night before, wash apples, remove any stickers, and until they’re set and cut your apple into slices. Alternatively, place them in a bowl in the refrigerator to get cold. Make sure buy some smaller apples to make “lollipops”.

Make sure you wash your apples properly to remove any your COLD apples are clean and dry, then put a popsicle stick waxy residue. The easiest way to do this is to mix 1 cup of in each one.

Unwrap enough caramel candy to fill up a 2-cup measur- boiling water with 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar. Briefly dip each apple in the mixture and then dry them thoroughly. ing cup 3/4 of the way. Add one tablespoon of water.

Another topping option is to add melted white chocolate Microwave for one minute. Stir. Microwave for one more streamers to the top of your apples. Place white chocolate minute and then stir again until smooth.

Please note: I am hesitant to post recipes involving the chips in a measuring cup and microwave at 30-second inmicrowave because they vary so widely in how they heat. If tervals, stirring after each, until melted. Allow to cool for a your microwave tends to be hot or higher-powered, check minute or two, then spoon into a zipper seal plastic bag. Poke your caramels after 30-45 seconds and stir them. If, after a toothpick in the end corner and go to town. two minutes, the caramels are not melted fully, cook them in What are the best apples for caramel apples?

30-second intervals until they are.

I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith, Fiji, or HonNow, baptize the apple in the melted caramel!

Note: You can skip the caramel and just dip them in choco- eycrisp apples. They balance out the sweet caramel and chocolate flavors. late if you like. My kids prefer these without the caramel.

Place all of those on a waxed paper-lined tray and MAKE SURE you spray that baking sheet with cooking spray BEFORE you put your apples on it. Otherwise, they will absolutely not separate from it when you pull them off and you’ll end up with caramel apples bonded to waxed paper on the bottom.

At this point, you need to place these apples in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, until they are good and cold. An hour

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What is the best caramel for caramel apples?

I recommend melting caramel candies for this caramel apple recipe, as the consistency of homemade caramel sauce is typically too thin.

For more about Southern Plate, check out their website at www.southernplate.com and follow them on social media.

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

Bob Jones students in the VR Academy.

KTECH receives private school license

...

Lee Marshall

Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

F

For five years KTECH has been what you might call a hidden gem here in Madison, training students for breakthrough careers in Mechatronics, Soldering, Robotics and Solid Edge.

True to our commitment to education and innovation, we are celebrating two significant accomplishments that further prove the investment KTECH is making in our community.

First, KTECH is now a private school licensed by the Alabama Community College System. We are so excited for this distinction because it amplifies the credibility KTECH carries as we equip our students for jobs in the advanced manufacturing industry.

The other headline coming from KTECH is

the launch of our Virtual Reality (VR) Academy! Five students selected by the Bob Jones Engineering Academy make up our VR Academy Beta class. The class is exploring and testing curriculum developed by KTECH instructors as we plan to implement VR into our schedule. Registration for the VR Academy will open to the general public in 2022.

With more than 222 certifications awarded, there has never been a better time to consider KTECH, whether you are starting or re-starting a career. It is hands-on, interactive learning with a lot of one-on-one instruction. To check out all that KTECH has to offer visit our website at goktech.org

Madison Living 59

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

Congratulations to the following businesses for their ribbon cuttings, grand openings and ground-breakings last month.

You can follow the Madison Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to see more photos.

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Twice Daily White Bison Clift Farm located at 8426 Hwy 72 W Madison

Twice Daily White Bison Clift Farm gives back to the community with a $1500 donation to The Salvation Army

Twice Daily White Bison Clift Farm makes a $1500 donation to the City of Madison Parks and Recreation Department

www.madisonalchamber.com

60 Madison Living

•

PHONE 256-325-8317

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

Twice Daily and White Bison at Clift Farm employees

Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Tower Community Bank located at 8097 Madison Blvd, Suite 106 Madison

Ribbon Cutting for Tower Community Bank

www.madisonalchamber.com

•

PHONE 256-325-8317

Madison Living 61

Madison Police Assistant Chief Major John Stringer, MPD Chief Johnny Gandy, Madison Fire Chief David Bailey and Deputy Fire Chief Brandy Williams. Photo by Joshua Berry

62 Madison Living

Here is a sample of the stories you can find every week in...

M adison RECORD THE

You can find The Madison Record in newsstands across Madison or online at www.themadisonrecord.com

Madison Fire and Rescue Chief David Bailey (second from left), Deputy Fire Chief Brandy Williams (right) and Captain Ryan Gentry (left) with Captain Brandon Burgess, Firefighter Parker Hill, Driver/Engineer Jeff Bass, Driver/Engineer Bryant Smith, and Driver/Engineer Jonathan Martin. Photo by Joshua Berry

20th anniversary of 9-11: A time of reflection and appreciation; a time to renew our resolve to never forget

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, marked the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The attacks on September 11, 2001 remain the deadliest terror attacks in world history.

The 20th anniversary of 9/11 evoked responses that span the emotional spectrum. Sadness surely dominated such responses, but the anniversary of 9/11 was also a great time to reflect on the efforts of first responders. First responders played a vital role on 9/11,

and many lost their lives and/or suffered long-term health consequences resulting from their selfless efforts to save innocent victims of the attacks.

In the years since the attacks, first responders have continued to make countless sacrifices to ensure their communities are safe and peaceful places to call home. Madison has enjoyed those benefits because of the brave men and women who go to work each day and put their lives on the line for us.

The Madison Record recognized the efforts of first responders and honored them for all they do in the Record’s Sept. 8 issue, and made it clear we must never take for granted for one day the call they answer to protect and serve us all on a daily basis. You can find that special issue at www.themadisonrecord.com..

Thank you from the staff of The Madison Record and Madison Living Magazine

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Marcus Adams, left, and the late Wayne Kamus, right, relieved Anna Marie with New York Police Department for a day at the United Nations Headquarters.

Twenty years after 9/11, ‘Chicken Soup’ author again thanks Madison police

By GREGG PARKER Gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – In retrospect of destruction by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001, Dr. Steve Gorelick also remembers the resiliency of the American spirit.

He specifically recalls the courage of eight law enforcement professionals with Madison Police Department who volunteered to work on the streets of New York City after the devastation of that sunny September morning.

The Madison law enforcers who volunteered to work in New York City were Marcus Adams, Jim Cooke, Jason Fox, Clayton Jordan, the late Wayne Kamus, Trey Street, the late Adam Vaughn and Steve Wilkerson.

Gorelick served as Distinguished Lecturer (retired) at Hunter College with City University of New York. His expertise focused on areas of specialization in criminology, research methods and statistics, genocide and human rights.

On Sept. 10, 2021, Gorelick wrote the following personal letter to Madison Mayor Paul Finley: “I know that this is probably a distant memory, if remembered at all, but in the aftermath of 9/11, as all of us in New

64 Madison Living

York struggled to make sense of the destruction, I met a team of police officers who had made their way from Madison to help our wounded city.”

“I was inspired by their selflessness and how they conducted themselves, and that is what I tried to express in a piece I wrote that appeared in many newspapers across the country and was eventually included in the anthology, ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul of America: Stories to Heal the Heart of Our Nation.’”

“Over the years, I have received a number of emails from Madison residents asking if I was the author of that essay.

Each contact has meant so very much to me, and I have often heard from teachers who have shared it with their students.”

“Your wonderful mayor at the time, Jan Wells, and I became internet pals, and over the years I’ve enjoyed keeping up with the latest developments in a wonderful place I have never visited.”

“On 9/11, I was serving as the Vice President of one of the midtown campuses of the City University of New York. We were located across from the Empire State Building, and, throughout that first day, we watched thousands of stunned, ash-covered survivors make their way uptown from the ru-

The Madison Record recently caught up with four of the officers who answered the call for help and went to New York City after 9-11.

Jason Fox, Marcus Adams, Clayton Jordan and Trey Street gathered again for a special photo to mark the 20th anniversary of 9-11. It was featured in the Sept. 8 issue. You can read more about their stories at www.themadisonrecord.com. Photos by Joshua Berry

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Clayton Jordan in New York after 9-11 ins.”

“Those images are seared in my mind, and, as I watched from my office on 5th Avenue as they moved through the canyon of skyscrapers, I remember thinking: ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’”

“All sorts of people from across America made their way to New York in the days after the tragedy, but the ‘rod and staff’ that I found just happened to be the officers from Madison.”

“Like many of you, my life has changed in many ways since that day. I retired in 2018 as a professor of criminology after having spent a decade immersed in teaching and research about the effect of sudden catastrophic violence on communities.”

“A confession: My message to you and your wonderful citizens comes so late because I was reluctant to remember those days. When I came home late that night, my neighbor’s house was ringed with candles. He had been lost. But with the 20th anniversary looming tomorrow, I realized that I had forgotten my own vow 20 years ago to never forget what compassion and selflessness look like.”

“Truly selfless acts are stubborn and persistent, aren’t they? The world may change, our lives may be filled with blessings and challenges that can both grace and upend our lives.”

“But even with all of the moving back and forth these days between compassion and division, no one can ever undo the truth of what happens, what we permanently create, in moments when we are guided by ‘our better angels.’”

With profound gratitude, Steven M. Gorelick, Ph.D. Distinguished Lecturer (retired)

Following up on the former reference to his writing, Gorelick authored the following article, “The Cops from Madison, Alabama,” for “Chicken Soup for the Soul of America: Stories to Heal the Heart of Our Nation” in October 2001:October 3, 2001 – “I wondered when I would finally feel the sadness. I wondered why other New Yorkers I passed in the streets of Manhattan looked so pained while I felt so numb. I really began to wonder if I was human. I felt nothing at all. Nothing.”

“It started several days after the sky fell on September 11th when I looked out my living room window in Westfield, New Jersey, and saw friends and family visiting the pregnant wife of a 31-year-old man who was missing in the rubble. I tried hard to cry, but — as much I would like to say I felt courage and resolve — what I really felt was an almost paralyzing

66 Madison Living

fear brought on by the sheer audacity of the acts.”

“At work in Manhattan, I found it even harder to feel pain and sadness: I work across from the Empire State Building, and that building’s new status as New York City’s tallest skyscraper gave all of us in the surrounding neighborhood a case of the jitters. It’s hard to feel sad when you keep looking up at the sky waiting for something to come crashing down.”

“Several days later, my wife and I attended an interfaith service. I passed a sign with the names of a number of those from my hometown who had been lost. So many were parents of young children. I could feel a little lump forming in my throat. But I still could not cry.”

“The pent-up emotions finally hit like a ton of bricks when I least expected it. I was out walking in front of the Empire State Building. I wanted to simply be in the presence of the New York City police officers now guarding that building.

And as I got closer, I saw that the building’s entrance was being protected by police officers from Madison, Alabama.

And I lost it.”

“I ran upstairs to my office and finally shed the tears that had eluded me for three weeks. You have to understand.

Most New Yorkers are hopelessly provincial, still living with the illusion that they live at the center of the universe, as if this wonderful complex, diverse universe could even have a center!”

“Some are even still fighting the Civil War, with a view of the South that is as up-to-date as a Matthew Brady photograph. I know people who never even leave Manhattan, as if — having found paradise — they have no reason to go anywhere else.”

“Yet, there they were out in front of the Empire State Building, a group of wisecracking, cynical New Yorkers who had surrounded these officers and were looking at them with the reverence usually reserved for members of the clergy. And these big, strong, confident, reassuring police officers from a place that no one had ever heard of were actually calming the nerves of people who had seen things that no one should see and felt things that no one should feel.”

“I don’t know where Madison, Alabama is. I don’t know how many people live there. I don’t know what petty disputes are currently being fought out in its City Council, but I bet some group of citizens has been making a lot of noise lately about the lack of a stoplight at some especially congested corner.”

“I don’t know if there is a peaceful river that runs through town or a lake where you can fish and swim. I don’t know where in town you can taste the best barbecue, and I certainly don’t know a soul who lives there. But I do know that on a fine sunny day in my hometown, three weeks after it seemed as if the world were collapsing around us, a bunch of courageous and compassionate cops from Madison, Alabama, were just what we needed at precisely the moment we needed it.”

“To the good and decent people of Madison: Thank you for sending us your bravest and finest. Just the sight of their Madison shoulder patch and the decency and confidence they demonstrated gave me an incredible dose of hope that — whatever comes along — our almost instinctive compassion as a nation will overcome any adversary.”

“And do me a favor: Promise that someone from Madison — wherever it is — will get in touch with me the next time a river overflows (is there a river nearby?), the next time a fire leaves some people homeless, the next time — God forbid — that a place of such obvious kindness and decency has its reckoning with pain and loss. I’d love to help.”

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