Madison Living Special Issue May 2020

A SPECIAL ISSUE OF

MADISON LIVING May 2020 / $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

A photographic journey of Madison’s community spirit during the COVID-19 crisis

Madison Living Special Issue 1

PREMIUM FOOD IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE. RELAX. UNWIND. WE'LL TAKE CARE OF THE DISHES.

Enjoy food prepared using only the finest ingredients, from 100% Certified Angus Beef® to seafood that is flown in fresh.

Delicious, handcrafted cocktails and craft beer are always on the menu, with weekly drink specials to inspire your adventurous side.

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

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

256.715.1283 | 8141 HWY 72 W, in Madison, next to Target | TomBrownsRestaurant.com 2 Madison Living Special Issue

For a complicated time, the simplest words are best... THANK YOU

Our community is truly amazing. We are beyond grateful for all of the love and support you have shown us. Thank you to the many individuals and businesses that have donated supplies, donated their time to making those much-needed supplies, fed our healthcare heroes with donated meals and snacks, and offered discounts to our team members.

We are all in this together. Thank you for encouraging us and lifting our spirits, so that we can continue to serve, protect, and heal our community that we love.

One Hospital Drive

•

256-429-4000

•

Madison Living Special Issue 3 CrestwoodMedCenter.com

MADISON LIVING

...

CONTRIBUTORS WELCOME TO MADISON STRONG

D

a special issue of Madison Living

Alison James, copy editor

Special Issue

EDITORIAL Rebekah Martin EDITORIAL Alison John James Few John Few

Alison James earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Auburn University, graduating in 2012. She began her career in community journalism in Alexander City During thisbefore timelanding of uncertainty, one thing has and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika in north Alabama.

She loves been very certain and hard to overlook, there sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special have beenplace. many blessings during this time.

CONTRIBUTORS Mayor Paul Finley CONTRIBUTORS Samantha Gregg Magnuson Parker MaryLabbe Grier Bob NequoyaGeorge Streeter Richard Teresa Taylor-Duncan Joshua Berry Jennifer Daniels Erin Coggins Christina Long-McCarthy Lee Marshall Kate Hall Mayor Paul Finley Selena Hughes Mary Lynne Wright Mary Anne Swanstrom Swanstrom Mary Anne Hogan Family Y John Peck MARKETING Madison City Schools Donna Counts Madison Hospital Becky Miller

ADMINISTRATIVE Sierra Jackson MARKETING FrenchCounts Salter Donna

••• ADMINISTRATIVE French Salter CONTACT US

Madison Publications, LLC 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 Huntsville, AL 35806 Phone: 256-772-6677 CONTACT US Fax: 256-772-6655 Madison Publications, LLC madisonlivingmagazine.com

•••

7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 Huntsville, 35806 Madison AL Living 256-772-6677 isPhone: published monthly Fax: 256-772-6655

by Madison Publications, LLC. madisonlivingmagazine.com A one-year subscription Madison Living to Madison Living is published monthly Madison is by $24.99 forPublications, 12 issues perLLC. year.

A one-year Single copiessubscription are availabletoat Madison Living select locations throughout is $24.99 for 12 issues per year. thecopies Madison area. at Single are available To advertise or to get select locations throughout themore Madison area. copies, To advertise or to get call 256-772-6677. more copies, call 256-772-6677.

Copyright 2020 Copyright 2020 LLC

by Madison Publications,

by Madison Publications, LLC

Madison Living 44Madison Living Special Issue

People in Madison have overwhelmingly come together to help others. From offering help to the elderly so they can stay safe to making supplies at home for the brave men and women on the John Few, contributing writer frontline, residents in Madison have for stepped John Few has been in the field of newspaper journalism and production nearly up 25 in many ways compassion to others. years. John has served as a staff writer for Theshowing Demopolis Times, the daily newspaper in West Alabama, and editor for the weekly newspaper the Black Belt Gazette. He was transferred in 2009 to begin hisThere coverage of Madison. In covering the cloud City of that Madison is undoubtably a horrible the past 10 years, John has reported on several events, such as construction the looms over our key nation with COVID-19, butofthe Hogan Family YMCA and James Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has old saying is true inmade everyMadison dark cloud is grown, John has been there to cover the news that--has home.there Together silverchildren, lining.ranging What from a great silver John and his wife, Lori, haveaseven 15-23 yearslining old. we have

in Madison!

Bob Labbe, contributing To writer be a witness to the amazing caring spirit

Bob Labbe is a lifelong resident of the community. been in the localin that hasHuntsville been evident over He thehas past few weeks news media for 48 years, a multi-award-winning journalist in television, radio and print wonderful city is encouraging and inspirmedia. He is a member of thethis Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame and has been nominated for both the Alabama Association and Alabama Music halls of ing. ThePress dedication of the healthcare workers, fame. Bob has hosted a radio postal program, Reelin’ infirst The Years, for 29 years on WLRH-FM workers, responders, grocery store Public Radio. He has also been a local high school basketball referee for 28 years and was employees, food service workers, and teachers A SPECIAL ISSUE OF a high school football referee for 15 years. Bob is an avid sports fan and collector of 45 rpm connecting their young students records. He once boxed Muhammad Ali andwith was the reporter who asked theremotely famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question is as heroic. coach of the Alabama Crimsonthe Tide.

They are helping rest of us stay safe

MADISON LIVING May 2020 / $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

and healthy.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer

A graduate of Mississippi StateThis University, relocated to Madison specialGregg issueParker is a brief departure fromwith Intergraph Corporation in 1990 with wife Brenda and son Andy. For 15 years Gregg our“Limestone usual format insections an effort to document wrote for “Madison Spirit” and Spirit” in “The HuntsvilleaTimes.”

His articles have been published numerousofchamber commerce publications, smallinglimpse the bestofof Madison during this “Southern Family Magazine”challenging and “Life on time. the Water.”

Greggseveral considers it a privilege The next pages depicts to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison the positive side of our COVID-19 experience.

Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; We binge-watching ix series;toand visiting Andy and sent a call Netfl for people submit photos for wife A photographic journey Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn. this special photographic journey and were very of Madison’s community spirit during the COVID-19 crisis

pleasedwriter with the results. Of course, this doesn’t Erin Coggins, contributing even begin to scratch the surface.

Erin Coggins is a scholastic journalism adviser and history teacher at Sparkman High

School. She is also a freelance writer and public relations consultant. Her writing muse is Thank you Madison for being the kind of place World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom she fell in love with while a student people are proud to callErin home. communications at the University of Alabama. and her husband Jamie ON THEstudying COVER reside in Madison.

Jack Grier takes advantage of his time at Madison City Schools interim superintendent home to play a fun game on the sidewalk Eric Terrell summed it up very well when he in front of his home. The Griers, like many said recently, “This unprecedented phenomenon Madison families, are learning the simple has brought out the best in people. We will get blessings behind the COVID-19 crisis.

Joshua Berry, photographer through this stronger as we all continue to pull Photo submitted by Mary Grier

Joshua Berry has a degree in biology and works full time as an aquatic instructor for the together.”

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. john.few@madisoncountyrecord.com

A NEW NORMAL - Page 8

CELEBRATIONS - Page 29

ON THE FRONTLINE - Page 13

SCHOOLS - Page 23

ADAPTING TO CHANGE - Page 33

FAITH & HOPE - Page 37

Add to your life’s story at Fleming Farms.

343333-1

Soon you’ll be able to explore a variety of living choices with amenities to meet any and every need — from Independent and Assisted Living to Memory Care.

At Fleming Farms, residents will live in a purposeful, elegant way and experience a lifestyle rooted in independence and vitality. A balance of activities and special moments will let you create a life enjoyed on your terms. Here, you’ll live intentionally in a place that is social when you want it, supportive when you need it. Unlike other senior communities, Fleming Farms does not require “buy-in.” This allows you to better control your assets, so you have better control over your retirement. Discover luxury senior living in sophisticated comfort at Fleming Farms, coming this summer.

Find out more by calling 866-959-3044 or visit FlemingFarms.com.

Madison Living Special Issue 5

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

I

It has felt as though we are living in a science fiction novel. The world at large is practicing quarantine, social distancing, wearing masks and gloves. None of us truly knew what to expect before COVID-19 hit home. This process has not been easy for anyone. We are navigating strange territory, and our new normal will look far different than what we were used to. Yet, through all the change and fear our community rallied together.

Paul Finley

Mayor City of Madison

Madison Hospital has supported our residents with supreme healthcare, not only COVID-19 related. Prayer vigils and community support rallies from inside their cars were held in the parking lot of our Hospital, showing gratitude for the healthcare workers on the front lines.

Our regional officials came together as one team with a daily unified message. Madison along with the City of Huntsville, Madison County, the Emergency Management Agency, Redstone Arsenal, HEMSI, and the Alabama Department of Public Health kept our community knowledgeable. We were able to deliver accurate information on risk, rates, proper separation and sanitation practices, City services and more. Overall, regional messaging was successful at curbing the expected spike.

Through it all, we must always gravitate towards the happy. A day will come when we will look back on this time and smile at the dusty board games played while getting creative to keep our family entertained. We will have a new appreciation for our previously innocent handshakes, hugs and closeness. Businesses will bounce back, and we will be able to break bread with our friends and families once again. There will be a moment when we can breathe a sigh of relief. It may not be today, but this marathon gets closer to a finish line with continued social distancing and sanitation efforts.

For the most verified sources and latest information keep following madisonal.gov / huntsvilleal.gov / madisoncountyal.gov.

-Mayor Paul Finley

6 Madison Living Special Issue

343337-1

Madison Living Special Issue 7

A NEW NORMAL

B

Jack Grier and neighborhood friend, Drake Christy wave at a sanitation worker passing through their Madison neighborhood.

Brad Grier working from home, a normal experience for many in Alabama during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order.

8 Madison Living Special Issue

Before COVID-19 struck Alabama, very few people could have possibly imagined we would be talking about a new normal, adopting new ways to carry on life in a coronavirus world. Concerts, sporting events, and public gatherings have all been canceled. Weddings, graduations, celebrations, and vacations have been put on hold.

Many workers have been furloughed or laid off. Children are home from school. The economy seems to be crashing. Families are sequestered in their homes, and people are anxious.

What good can come out of this? The good is all around us. In many ways we are getting back to the basics of what is most important in our lives. People are reconnecting with their families in ways they may have been too busy to do before. Many have looked beyond themselves and focused on helping their neighbors in a variety of ways, and utilizing their talents to make needed supplies like masks and face shields.

The new normal means taking time to smell the flowers and thinking before we act. The new normal, while born from a horrible situation, can bring to our lives something wonderful we have somehow taken for granted in all the hustle and bustle of life before COVID-19.

Let’s never let these blessings slip through our fingers again. It’s time to embrace a new normal.

Madison photographer Jennifer Daniels shared this photo of her children playing. The new normal has many families discovering the joys of life at home, the blessings of family. Memorable moments are being created, many that will be cherished for a lifetime.

204 Main St., Madison al 35758 256.325.1919 Tues - fri 10-5 Sat 10-4

343338-1

Your local expert in: Fine Furniture Design Accessories Unique Clothing Jewelry & More

Madison Living Special Issue 9

The new normal has pushed many families outdoors to experience all the beauty the world around us has to offer. Christina LongMcCarthy submitted this photo of her children exploring a waterfall.

The Daigle family enjoys exploring one of Madison’s greenways.

343341-1

10 Madison Living Special Issue

Taking time to closely examine a baby turtle is the focus of this photo submitted by Kate Hall.

Bob Magnuson, Jeff Little, Ellen Little, Molly Magnuson have fun practicing social distancing in this photo submitted by Samantha Magnuson.

#BuildByBreland

BrelandHomes.com While not in a school classroom, these Madison children have added the joy of planting to their new “normal� in this photo submitted by Selena Hughes.

343332-1

Madison Living Special Issue 11

ENCOURAGING AND FUN SIDEWALK CHALK ART - During the COVID-19 crises, staying positive and encouraged has been vital to getting through this period. In place of the person-to-person interaction most people have been used to before this began, some people have found creative ways to keep each other encouraged and lift spirits. Becky Miller, who writes the column in The Madison Record, God’s Lemonade Stand, sent the left photo of some sidewalk art along Brenda Drive in Madison. The photo on the right captures a fun moment submitted by Nequoya Streeter of her kids having fun with a creative sidewalk chalk drawing.

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

Huntsville

256.399.9948

twomenandatruckhuntsville.com 343344-1

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

12 Madison Living Special Issue

ON THE FRONTLINE Bob Magnuson, Madison resident, is one of the area healthcare workers on the frontline of our fight against COVID-19.

Madison Living Special Issue 13

343342-1

Despite the hardships and health risks, millions of essential frontline workers continue to do their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. These hardworking heroes are keeping Americans fed, picking up their trash, providing them life-saving medicine, delivering their groceries and packages, preparing their food, cleaning their hospitals, caring for those who are most vulnerable and keeping us safe. The hospital workers, postal workers, first responders, grocery store employees, teachers connecting with their young students remotely — they are helping the rest of us stay safe and healthy. Pictured above are some of these heroes at Madison Hospital.

14 Madison Living Special Issue

343340-1

Healthcare workers at Madison Hospital having a moment of meditation and prayer in the hospital’s healing garden.

Madison Living Special Issue 15

TESTING - Huntsville Hospital opened a flu and fever clinic and a drive-thru clinic early to begin testing people for COVID-19 .

Other locations soon began offering tests in the Madison-Huntsville area. As more tests were able to be conducted, the number of cases of coronavirus in Madison County began to rise. Thousands of healthcare workers in North Alabama quickly became those on the frontline in a desperate fight against a virus that seemed unstoppable. Many went to work not knowing if they would end up with COVID-19 or accidently bring it home to their families. Their dedication and sacrifice has been heroic and inspiring.

16 Madison Living Special Issue

There have been many healthcare workers from Madison who have been serving on the frontline - even in places hundreds of miles away. A James Clemens graduate has served on the USNS Comfort hospital ship. Navy Ensign Megan Arnett, a 2015 graduate of JCHS was dispatched to New York Harbor to assist in the COVID-19 crisis. As a member of the patient transport team, Arnett was responsible for testing patients of unknown COVID-19 status to determine correct unit placement.

SIGNS OF APPRECIATION - Madison residents have been very appreciative of the dedication of healthcare workers. Madison Hospital shared these examples of the many drawings and letters they have received from local families expressing their thanks.

Madison Living Special Issue 17

LIGHT IT UP MADISON - It was a spectacular scene March 31 at Madison Hospital. Madison first responders and citizens gathered in the parking lot of the hospital to show their appreciation and respect for the men and women who are on the front lines of our fight against COVID-19. People filled the parking lots to flash their lights and honk their horns to thank the healthcare workers. Madison Fire and Rescue stretched their ladder to the sky and lit it blue. Everyone found a way to express their gratitude while keeping a safe distance from each other. Several people also gathered in the parking lot of Madison Hospital on Sunday, April 5, to pray for the healthcare workers and those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

18 Madison Living Special Issue

EXPRESSING THANKS - The healthcare workers showed their gratitude for the demonstrations of support from the community during the Light It Up Madison events.

Madison Living Special Issue 19

SUPPORT - Madison Hospital officials said the generous contributions of food and other needed essentials by several businesses, organizations and individuals have been a tremendous source of encouragement for the healthcare workers on the frontline. Donations of meals and snacks, like those above, are just a small part of the many ways the Madison community has shown support. The staff at the hospital have expressed their gratitude, such as with the poster being signed below by a Madison Hospital staff member..

20 Madison Living Special Issue

FEED THE FRONTLINE - The staff at the Madison Chamber of Commerce wanted to do something special to help those on the frontline of the current COVID-19 crisis. So, they created a fundraiser to feed healthcare professionals, police department, fire department and HEMSI staff in the Madison community. According to Chamber Member Relations Manager Merrill Wright, the call for help was met with overwhelming success. “Our original goal was $600 and we passed that within the first couple of days, and then we have raised it to $1,500,” she said. The total for the campaign ended up being $3,000 raised. For every $15 someone contributed they received a #madisonalstrong shirt. “We thought this would be a great way for the community to help feed the frontline from the comfort of their own homes,” she said. On Friday, April 24, Wright delivered the gift cards to the Madison Police, Madison Fire and Rescue and HEMSI. She said they will also be providing meals to the staff at Madison Hospital.

Madison Living Special Issue 21

STRIVING TO KEEP RESIDENTS SAFE WHILE AT HOME - Madison Fire and Rescue Michael Sedlacek teamed up with the Madison Police Department during the COVID-19 crisis to present informational public service messages on social media.

Captain Sedlacek and MPD Patrol Sgt. Katie Gordan showed the importance of social distancing in a Facebook post in March (above). The Madison Fire and Rescue has also created an ongoing Facebook Live series providing an informative look at the fire department and sharing safety tips.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES - Tammy Hall, the owner of Main Street Cafe in downtown Madison, hands a take-out order to a customer. She is one of thousands of people in the Madison area going to work everyday to maintain services we once took for granted.

22 Madison Living Special Issue

STAYING CONNECTED

At his home during the school shutdown, Chris Woodward built a ‘Godzilla Fort’ for the “Reading Fort Challenge” at Rainbow Elementary School. Chris is reading “Let’s Get Invisible” by R.L. Stine.

Madison Living Special Issue 23

MCS Interim Superintendent Eric Terrell in a planning meeting with school administrators in the early days of the pandemic.

NAVIGATING THROUGH SCHOOL CLOSURE - When Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency on March 13 and State Superintendent Eric Mackey announced all k-12 public schools would close until April 6, Madison City Schools made a quick transition and took action immediately to get parents and students the devices they needed to keep in contact with educators, they disinfected the school campuses and devised a system to get meals to the students throughout the district. Interim Superintendent Eric Terrell had previously reported the school district’s education instruction team had prepared for e-learning classes, so they were better prepared for what would come next -- the closure of all school campuses through the end of the semester and a shirt toward online classes.

Left - Principal Carmen Buchanan, at front, and assistant principals Demetria Patterson and Karl Fernandez helped with scrubbing and disinfecting building surfaces at Mill Creek Elementary School during the pandemic shutdown.

24 Madison Living Special Issue

The Madison City school district quickly organized a series of device checkouts to help students stay connected during the closure. Those would especially come in useful later when Gov. Kay Ivey ordered schools to start teaching online through the rest of the semester. Pictured above is a device checkout at James Clemens High School by a Heritage Elementary parent and daughter.

With the sudden closing of schools, Madison City Schools hastily put together a food delivery plan, using buses to get meals to students. The food assistance then changed by utilizing a combination of drive-through grab-n-go lunches at several schools, and food box pickups at designated churches and in Triana. When e-learning began on April 6, the school district again utilized buses to help deliver meals.

Madison Living Special Issue 25

Madison City Schools spokesperson John Peck said the Child Nutrition Program made and handed out approximately 3,000 grabn-go meals at schools during the first week of closure. This was in addition to food distribution sites for families at local churches (below) and in Triana. School leaders say the churches really stepped up with food and volunteers. “They were a big help.�

26 Madison Living Special Issue

Molly Magnuson gives a thumbs up as she connects with her school family online. E-learning became a reality April 6 after the state ordered all schools to remain closed and transition to online courses through the rest of the school year.

Madison educators and the local PTA organizations have been a very positive influence in the lives of students during the COVID-19 crisis through Facebook. Many have held daily live sessions to read their favorite children’s books to the kids. Columbia Elementary PTA has an ongoing series of the school family’s pets reading stories, which is very entertaining. Mrs. C. Johnson’s dog Big Mac was a recent guest reader (above). Big Mac read “Pout Pout Fish” by Alyssa Deborah Diesen. Pictured above right is Madison Elementary principal Jamie Golliver preparing to read “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”.

Madison Living Special Issue 27

Mill Creek Elementary 5th grade teacher Mary Beth Davenport was one of several staff members at the school to send students encouraging messages through social media. All of the schools found creative and very interesting ways to connect with their students and send inspiring thoughts during such an uncertain time. Several teachers at Bob Jones High School created a very amusing rock video (below) to tell their students they miss them.

28 Madison Living Special Issue

CREATIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE Five-year-old Zoey Freda was surprised with a drive-by birthday parade, including the Madison Fire and Rescue. The COVID-19 crisis has forced people to find creative ways to celebrate, in very memorable ways.

Madison Living Special Issue 29

EASTER PARADE – The residents at Madison at the Range Retirement & Assisted Living Facility were treated to a special Easter parade on Good Friday, April 10. Consisting of family and friends, the parade participants drove by with decorated cars while cheering and saying hello to the residents. Madison at the Range is located on County Line Road in Madison.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOCIAL DISTANCING STYLE - Sarah Vineski, a fourth grader at Rainbow Elementary, has a big heart.

“She likes to make cards and do special things for her neighbors,” said her mother Julie. So, to celebrate her 10th birthday, her mother had the perfect idea since hosting a birthday party was out of the question. “I asked a few neighbors if they could have their kids draw a picture or something and put it in their window for Sarah to see,” Julie said. “Some of the empty nesters also participated. Sarah was really surprised by all the attention!”

30 Madison Living Special Issue

CORONA QUARANTINE BIRTHDAY - Zoey Freda celebrated her fifth birthday with a drive by party. Madison Fire and Rescue were awesome to drive by and make her Corona Quarantine Birthday one to remember.

CONGRATULATIONS - The Sparkman High School Lady Senators, their families and coaches, celebrated five Seniors with a drive by parade. “What a blast!” a Lady Senators Facebook post stated. “We hope our seniors will always remember how much their Sparkman family loves and cares for them.” Other local teams and groups have planned similar celebrations.

Madison Living Special Issue 31

EASTER AT THE HOGAN FAMILY Y - During the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Heart of the YMCA adapted to help area residents. One way the Hogan Family Y in Madison has made a positive impact is by utilizing their facility to offer childcare for essential workers.

First responders, health care workers and other essential employees are receiving vital services for childcare from the YMCA. Essential workers “are selflessly serving our family members, relatives, friends and neighbors,� said Jerry Courtney, President/CEO of Heart of the Valley YMCA. The week before Easter the Hogan Family Y celebrated the holiday with an Easter egg hunt for the kids in the essential childcare program.

Of course, social distancing was practiced during the fun activity.

32 Madison Living Special Issue

ADAPTING TO CHANGE Old Black Bear Brewery in Madison is one example of businesses throughout North Alabama who quickly adapted to meeting the needs of our fight against COVID-19. As hand sanitizer became scarce, they converted to making sanitizer for companies wanting to keep their employees healthy during the pandemic, medical centers and the general public.

They supplied Ace Hardware on Hughes Road with hundreds of 6 oz bottles for area residents to purchase.

Madison Living Special Issue 33

BUSINESSES ADAPTING TO HELP OTHERS - Like area resturants, many essential services have developed a drive-thru service to keep their customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 crisis. John Carter was all smiles when he received his hearing aid batteries through Beltone’s drive-thru service in Madison. The locations in Huntsville, Scottsboro and Madison, which are owned by Zack and Robin Watson of Madison, developed the drive-thru service to provide seniors with free hearing aid batteries during this time.

The Madison Chamber of Commerce has been helping essential businesses in Madison stay connected to potential customers and other businesses in various ways. They have incorporated social media and video conference technology to host virtual “eat and meet” sessions and “Family Fun Night”. They have also led several fundraising and donation drives to help others in Madison (see page 21). Through a partnership with the Pet Supplies Plus and a New Leash on Life Madison, the Chamber launched a pet food drive to help those in need at this time. Some of the initial donations during the drive is pictured.

34 Madison Living Special Issue

HOME WITH THE TRASH PANDAS - With the status of the 2020 inaugural season currently on hold, the Rocket City Trash Pandas have started up multiple digital campaigns to stay in communication with fans of all ages around the country. The Trash Pandas, along with numerous other Minor League organizations, have taken advantage of the full library of MiLB teams and rosters in the ‘MLB The Show 20’ video game. The first simulated game against the Mississippi Braves was called by broadcaster Josh Caray, featured a six-run comeback victory ending in a walk-off, and totaled nearly 700 viewers. The Trash Pandas are also hosting a Frday night concert series featuring local entertainers performing live on Facebook.

The voice of the Rocket City Trash Pandas Josh Caray has been providing play-by-play calls of simulated virtual Trash Pandas games for fans to enjoy during the COVID-19 crisis.

Rocket City Trash Pandas Special Events Coordinator Gayle Milam reads one of her favorite children’s boooks for an online series for the younger audience called Trash Panda Tales. Presented by WOW!, it features front office staff members reading aloud children’s books.

Madison Living Special Issue 35

HELPING IN AMAZING WAYS - Evan Meier, the son of Thomas and Katherine Meier, and 6th grade student at Discovery Middle School used his 3D printer to create face masks and face shields for local hospital workers. Inspired by his aunt and YouTube program, “Smarter Every Day,” the youth joined forces with 235 other Madison and Huntsville area volunteers to make over 3,800 shields for area health care and first responders treating COVID-19 patients.

HELPING TO STAY CONNECTED - Karen Stephens, RN, helped one of the Crestwood Medical Center patients who has COVID-19 facetime her husband, who also has COVID-19 and was a patient at another hospital. They exchanged smiles, tears, and “I love yous.” It was possible through a donation of iPads for that purpose from Madison-based Inside-Out Ministries and Adtran. The iPads allow patients to have contact with their family members during this difficult time.

ANSWERING THE CALL FOR HELP - When CD’s Bar and Grill closed due to the state order shutting down businesses that are not considered essential, the owners and employees used their time to make masks for healthcare works, the elderly and anyone who needs one. There are countless examples of people in Madison answering the call for help in various ways. The Madison Public Library utilized their 3D printer to make face shields for healthcare workers (below).

36 Madison Living Special Issue

FAITH & HOPE

GOD BLESS YOU - Rev. Scott Peterson with Messiah Lutheran Church was on Hwy 72 in Madison spreading a positive message to passing motorists. His church, like many others in Madison, have been holding services through a variety of online options.

Some have opted to host drive-in services, like Madison Baptist Church did on Easter (below), where the congregation stays in their cars at the church parking lot and turns into a FM radio broadcast of the pastor delivering his sermon, who is usually standing outside.

Madison Living Special Issue 37

The US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville had been closed since Gov. Kay Ivey’s stayat-home order early in April, but their presence has certainly been felt. Like many attractions, businesses and services, the Space and Rocket Center has created a series of education and fun campaigns through social media. They have also clothed the Saturn V rocket in front of the Center in red, white and blue in support of the fight against COVID-19 and appreciation for those on the frontline.

38 Madison Living Special Issue

343343-1

Madison Living Special Issue 39

40 Madison Living Special Issue