Madison Living May 2016

Military family Moorehouses settle into routine following dual-parent Army service

Bob Jones Students turn up the heat in culinary program

Having a ball Hogan Family YMCA offers unique Knocker-Soccer sport

A place to call home

American Legion searches for permanent meeting spot Madison Living 1

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MANAGEMENT Alan Brown President & Publisher EDITORIAL Alison James Editor

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30 features

Gregg Parker Staff Writer Jen Fouts-Detulleo Photographer

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SPORTS KNOCKER-SOCCER

MARKETING Kim Maracigan Marketing Consultant

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VETERAN SALUTE ARMY ARDOR

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HOME BASE

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EDUCATION TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT

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CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

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OUT AND ABOUT

CUSTOMER SERVICE Tammy Overman Customer Service PRODUCTION Jamie Dawkins Keith McCoy Layken Gibbs Design Madison Living P.O. Box 859, Madison, AL 35758 Advertising Inquiries 256.772.6677 Madison Living is published monthly by Madison Publications, LLC.

home 4

HOME LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

food 10

LET’S EAT FINE FOODS

Madison Living 3

HOME

Location, location,

location

The Beech family enlarges historic home to suit lifestyle ABOVE: Geoff and Karen Beech sit on their front porch with their children – Andrew, 16, Rebecca, 13, and Colin, 8. RIGHT: Shelly, the family dog, smiles while posing in the living room.

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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

“L

ocation,” the real estate byword, led Geoff and Karen Beech to buy the house at 316 Church St., in Madison’s historic district. However, their active family needed more space.

The Beeches occupied the house in 2002.

They “saw potential of increasing the size to accommodate a growing family.”

“Arches on the front porch and inside are totally charming. We can walk our young kids to Madison Elementary – a really great school,” Karen said.

“Every house is different and has a story. People take pride in their homes here and are kind and understated. The downtown area really seems to

be developing in a good way, practical and efficient from its farming roots while incorporating newer technology reflecting our community,” Karen added.

The Beeches added another 1,500-plus square feet to the original 1,500 square feet, “by going up and back. We added a large garage,” Karen said.

Built in 1939, the custom-design house has redbrick exterior with stucco in the peaks.

Originally, the house had two bedrooms, one bath, a living and dining room, kitchen and sitting room. The Beeches added a family room and master bedroom suite on the first floor.

Upstairs, they added a loft, laundry, bathroom, two bedrooms and a study.

“The front porch is a great place to relax after a long day to watch the world go by in the shade of an old maple,” Karen said. “When we first moved, Gladys True told stories about an old camellia she had planted. We had to transplant the camellia for our addition, and the shrub looks better every year.”

The Beeches also like their fig tree that bears fruit each spring. “Naked Ladies” (surprise lilies) sometimes pop up in August.

They expanded their kitchen by removing a wall. A large kitchen island gives space for

Madison Living 5

TOP: Built in 1939, the custom-design house has redbrick exterior with stucco in the peaks.

BOTTOM: Andrew, Geoff and Colin play a game of football near the new, detached garage.

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homework and snacks at one end with room food prep at the other.

Furnishings keep a classic look to jive with the house’s historic front section. They consulted a decorator and family experts but did most decorating themselves with neutral and earth tones. The family room in back contrasts with

the more formal living room in front and accommodates their casual lifestyle.

“We used black iron on staircase balusters and end tables and incorporated stone and glass,” she said. Candlesticks from Geoff ’s father’s collection are on display.

Their son Andrew, 16, is a sophomore at James

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Their kitchen is a “command center” for snacks, food prep and homework assignments.

A large maple shades the front yard and porch at the Church Street home. Some original doorknobs remain in the house. Candlesticks from a collection by Geoff’s father are on display.

Upstairs, they added a loft, laundry, bathroom, two bedrooms and a study.

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Clemens High School. Rebecca, 13, is a seventhgrader at Liberty Middle School. Colin, 8, is in third grade at Madison Elementary School.

Skating fans, Andrew and Colin play hockey, and Rebecca is a figure skater. They have played with AYSO and basketball, swimming, baseball, softball, dance and gymnastics. Geoff and Karen feel like “professional taxi drivers,” chauffeuring their children to activities, Karen said.

The Beeches’ startup company, WagonTek,

focuses on agricultural and logistics machinery.

For 25-plus years, Geoff has worked as a NASA engineer. Karen has taught science at Challenger Middle School for about 12 years. The family attends St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.

Born in Hartford, Conn., Karen attended Sarah Lawrence College in New York City and then Ithaca College. Geoff was born in Rochester, N.Y., grew up in Florida and earned an engineering degree at Florida State University.

Hospital celebrates growth

HEALTH

WRITTEN BY MARY LYNNE WRIGHT, MADISON HOSPITAL PRESIDENT

W

e are excited the City of Madison is working on a long-term framework and growth plan. The city has six Key Development Areas, and Madison Hospital is located in one of them called the Highway 72 Corridor. In cooperation with elected and appointed officials, residents and developers, our city leaders are keenly aware of opportunities in each of these six KDAs. Of course, the economic impact of Madison Hospital along the Highway 72 Corridor can be measured by the number of new commercial enterprises

from Highway 72 west Something new we of Wall-Triana to the are bringing to families Madison County line. is our specialized care The increase in traffic on for new mothers and this stretch of Highway their newborns. Our 72 is a challenge. We nurses and physicians have asked officials at have implemented the state and city for education and services Wright a traffic light at the based on identified, hospital entrance on Highway best practices for mothers and 72 to make this intersection newborns. This effort will safe. Please contact our elected be recognized by the Baby officials to voice your opinion. Friendly USA organization.

Like our city, Madison Madison Hospital is on track Hospital is also experiencing to become the fourth hospital growing pains but in a different in Alabama – and one of about sense. We’re helping young 300 worldwide – to achieve couples bring newborns into Baby Friendly status. our wonderful communities.

The Baby Friendly USA We are proud of our family- designation is a global centered care. initiative of the World Health

Organization and UNICEF to recognize birthing centers and hospitals that offer optimal care for infant feeding and mother/ baby bonding.

Madison Hospital was accepted into the first phase of the program in December 2014.

Recently, the Madison Hospital’s well-baby nursery was reclassified as a Level 2 nursery. This allows our staff to care for babies who need close monitoring or IV antibiotics after birth. Level 2 nurseries can treat premature babies with moderate health problems such as jaundice and trouble eating or staying warm.

Wonderful changes are all around us in Madison.

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LET’S EAT

Fine foods Student chefs create delectable dishes in Bob Jones Culinary Department

ABOVE: Chef Julie Bone teaches aspiring chefs in the Culinary Department at Bob Jones High School.

RIGHT: Evan Shelton dredges chicken filets in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED

S

tudents of the culinary arts are learning skills that can open venues to possible careers.

“We have approximately 130-150 students each year in our culinary program,” culinary instructor Chef Julie Bone said. “Boys account for approximately 55 percent and girls 45 percent.”

As shown by those percentages, teenagers of today are interested in learning culinary skills. “So many of our students today truly have a passion for cooking. They love to get into our industrial kitchen and see what creations they are capable of,” Bone said.

“Hospitality and Tourism is a great course that gives the students a broad view of all the different career opportunities in the Hospitality and Tourism industry with a focus on the food production sector,” Bone said.

Students learn safety and sanitation skills, knife skills and basic cooking techniques. In addition, they gain experience working in a professional kitchen.

In Culinary Arts 1, students take their cooking skills to the next level. “They learn more advanced techniques, develop plating skills, work at catering large events, use front-of-the-house skills and learn more about farm-to-table trends,” Bone said.

Some of the students’ favorite creations are country apple dumplings, Italian breaded chicken, garden-fresh lasagna with ricotta that they have freshly made.

During Culinary Arts 2, students are “kitchen managers in training. Our students work on their own to take their skills to the next level as a chef but work side by side with the instructor to develop their management skills,” Bone said. These students earn experience of working as assistants to the instructor in the Hospitality and Tourism classes.

Culinary students have prepared, cooked and served food to governors of Alabama, civic groups, school boards, musical artist Lee Greenwood, college presidents, professional organizations that work with Madison schools and many other local groups.

“Our culinary competition team competed at

Madison Living 11

Oven-Baked Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Bacon Recipe adapted from otasteandseeblog.com

Strawberry Pretzel Jell-O Salad Recipe adapted from Chefintraining.com

1 (6 oz.) box Strawberry Jell-O 2 cups boiling water 2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels (preferably checkered shaped pretzels) 14 T. butter, melted 4 Tbsp. sugar 12 oz. cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup sugar 12 oz. Cool Whip, thawed to room temperature 3 cups strawberries, sliced Bring two cups of water to a boil. Remove from stove and add Jell-O. Stir until Jell-O is dissolved. Allow Jell-O to cool to room temperature.

Combine melted butter and sugar. Stir in the crushed pretzels. Press evenly on the bottom of a non-flexible (no silicone or disposable aluminum) 9x13-inch pan. Bake at 375 degrees for eight minutes. Let cool completely.

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and Cool Whip. Beat until smooth. Spread over pretzel crust. Make sure to get the cream mixture tight against the edges of the pan to prevent the Jell-O mixture from seeping through.

Arrange sliced strawberries over the top of cream mixture.

Pour cooled Jell-O over cream layer and put in the fridge for at least four hours.

This recipe is better eaten the same day. The pretzels will begin to get soggy after a day or two in refrigerator.

ABOVE: Kasha Lacy and Lasabria Walsh like the challenge of creating fine foods. RIGHT: Plated for serving, this meal features oven-baked Parmesancrusted chicken with bacon, steamed broccoli flowerets and honey-roasted carrots.

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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 4-5 oz. each 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/2 tsp. salt 1-1 1/2 cups shredded Asiago cheese 3-4 slices bacon – cooked and crumbed (can leave slightly under-done; it will finish cooking under broiler) 1 egg beaten 1 tablespoon water Preheat broiler. In a small shallow bowl, mix egg and water. In another shallow bowl, mix Parmesan cheese bread crumbs, cayenne and black pepper, salt and garlic.

Dip each chicken breast first in egg mixture, then in cheese. Place chicken on sheet pan. Place pan under broiler to brown Parmesan cheese crust and begin the cooking process of the chicken.

Prepare a baking pan by covering with foil and placing wire rack on top. Place chicken on rack and bake in oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Time will depend on thickness of chicken. Be sure to check the thickest part of chicken.

Remove from oven and turn oven to broil. Top each piece of chicken with bacon and then Asiago cheese.

Place under broiler to melt cheese.

Honey Roasted Carrots

Recipe adapted from cookingclassy.com 3 lbs. carrots, peeled and sliced on a bias to 1 1/2inch long pieces. Slice thicker portions into halves.

3 Tbsp. olive oil Salt and freshly-ground black pepper 3 Tbsp. honey 1 1/2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 2 1/2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves Parboil carrots for approximately two to three minutes. Remove from water and place in a bowl resting over another bowl of ice until ready to proceed with recipe.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place carrots in a mound on a 17x12-inch rimmed baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper and toss to evenly coat. Spread into an even layer.

Roast in preheated oven 15 minutes; then remove from oven.

In a small bowl, stir together honey and apple cider vinegar. Drizzle carrots with honey mixture and toss well to evenly coat. Return to oven and roast about 10-20 minutes longer. Remove from oven, toss again and sprinkle with fresh parsley and thyme. Serve warm.

the Culinard in Birmingham on March 5, 2016.

Joe Penley, Jane Newberry, Anthony Lawrence and Austin Martin competed against 17 other teams in the state of Alabama and received a bronze medal for their accomplishments,� Bone said.

These student chefs created a meal with Steak Diane, Garden-Fresh Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette, Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes, Green Bean and Mushrooms and Classic French Crepe with Berries and Cream.

ABOVE: Bob Jones Culinary Team with Anthony Lawrence, Austin Martin, Joe Penley and Jane Newberry won the bronze medal in state competition at the Culinard in Birmingham in March 2016.

Madison Living 13

r e c c o S r e k c o

SPORTS

Kn

Hit me with your best shot LEFT: A Knocker-Soccer player takes a tumble during a match at Hogan Family YMCA. RIGHT: The Knocker balls are 1.2 and 1.5 meters.

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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED

A

new sports program at Hogan Family YMCA definitely breaks the bubble of typical games.

Players in the high-action game of Knocker-Soccer encase themselves in oversized,

inflatable spheres and bounce around the field and ram into opponents.

“We decided to offer a new and exciting sport for adults of all ages and skill sets,” said Ray Segura, youth and adult sports program director at Hogan Family YMCA. “We’re the first YMCA in the state of Alabama to offer Knocker-Soccer.”

Hogan Family YMCA has partnered with

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Madison Living 15

PAGE 16 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP : During a planning session, Ray Segura with Hogan Family YMCA, standing left, and interested players listen to KnockerBall Huntsville owner Jeremy Gleason.

Knocker-Soccer is open to everyone who is at least 16 years old. KnockerSoccer is a team sport with the objective of scoring as many goals as possible. PAGE 17 Knockerball Huntsville owns 40 “bubble balls.�

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Knockerball Huntsville to introduce KnockerSoccer to the Madison community. Knockerball Huntsville owns 40 “bubble balls.”

The sport of Knocker-Soccer was invented in 2011 in Norway “as just a joke by Henrik Elvestad and Johan Golden,” Segura said. “In April 2014, a video from a Bubble Football (what it’s called in Italy) operator in Algund, Italy, set the Internet on fire.”

Knocker-Soccer is open to everyone who is at least 16 years old. YMCA membership is not required for participants. “We currently have three teams registered and five individuals,” Segura said.

In the rules of the game, Knocker-Soccer is a team sport with the objective of scoring as many goals as possible. All games will be played at Soccer Field No. 2 at Hogan Family YMCA. At kickoff, the referee places the ball in the center of the field. Teams line up along their goal line. When the whistle blows, teams run to the ball for possession. This setup will occur every time a goal is scored.

Each team can field six players maximum (five male, one female) at any one time. While no more than five males can be on the field at any time, the number of females has no limit.

Madison Living 17

While no more than five males can be on the field at any time, the number of females has no limit.

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Players compete in two seven-minute halves, separated by a two-minute break. A referee will monitor a running clock and advise both teams when one minute is remaining in each half. The clock will stop during injury timeouts only.

Each team will have two timeouts per game.

Any delay tactics, such as kicking the ball far out-of-bounds, will allow the referee to stop the clock.

The Knocker balls are 1.2 and 1.5 meters.

Segura and his staff inflate/deflate the balls with a shop-vac vacuum.

Jeremy Gleason, a Knocker-Soccer player, said,

“It really is as much fun as it looks. Get your friends ready. We can’t wait to kick off our first Knocker-Soccer Spring League.”

“You can chose from two different registrations options,” Segura said. “You can register as a team with a flat rate of $320 for up to eight players, or you can register as an individual, for members $40 and community $50. The individual registration is limited to eight spots.”

For more information, call 256-705-9622, ext.

311, email ray.segura@ymcahuntsville.org or visit Facebook/KnockerBall Huntsville - Bubble Soccer.

Just keep swimming

YMCA

STORY AND PHOTO BY HEART OF THE VALLEY YMCA

T

here’s a list of basic life skills all parents know they must teach their children to keep them safe and healthy. It includes habits like looking both ways before crossing the street and washing hands before eating.

For too many parents, safety around water is not on the list. Fatal drowning is the second leading cause of death for U.S. children 1-14 years old. In Alabama in 2013, the latest year in which statistics are available, 69 people died by drowning.

Sadly, children in minority communities are three times more likely to drown than white children. The disparity is partly because of the lack of swimming experience among these children.

Hogan Family YMCA is committed to reducing water-related injuries and

drowning in this community. Every year, the Hogan Y offers SPLASH free to Madison City Schools third-graders.

In 2015 the Hogan Y provided 674 Madison children with water safety education. SPLASH focuses on safety at the pool, when boating and when visiting water parks. Swim instruction requires more individualized attention, so the Y offers indoor swim lessons year-round.

The Y provides scholarships to children from low-income families to participate in swim/water safety lessons. The lessons teach young people valuable skills like what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly – a situation every and enjoyment.

To learn more about swim lessons, child should be equipped to handle.

Children can also discover a skill that visit ymcahuntsville.org/SWIM or call provides a lifetime of healthy exercise 256-705-9622.

Madison Living 19

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VETERAN SALUTE

Army ardor Dwayne and Leila Moorehouse cope with being dual-military family

LEFT: Captain (Promotable) Leila Moorehouse served in Army Medical Service Corps from 2002 to 2011. RIGHT: Dwayne Moorehouse now serves as Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) in Army Reserve.

PAGE 23, TOP: The families gather for Dwayne Moorehouse’s graduation from Texas A&M University in Killeen/Fort Hood, Texas. BOTTOM: Lillian, Liane, Brian, Leila and Braulio Pedroso Jr. attended Liane’s Change of Command ceremony in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED

H

e is a Chief Warrant Officer 3.

She served in the Medical Service Corps. After active service in the U.S. Army, Dwayne and Leila Moorehouse finally have settled into a family routine with their two daughters.

The Moorehouses encountered numerous hardships as a dual-military family. “However, we both feel very proud to have served our country.

We are both disabled due to our military service,” Dwayne said.

They actually meet in 2007 in South Korea.

“My sister Liane J. Pedroso was in the same unit as Dwayne,” Leila said. “We were married Fourth of July 2009.”

Dwayne and Leila never deployed together but were in Korea at the same time before their daughters were born. “Being assigned to the same place before we were actually married was tough,” she said. “It was hard to get a joint domicile assignment until we actually had a marriage certificate once we both left South Korea.”

Capt. (Promotable) Leila Moorehouse served in Army Medical Service Corps from 2002-2011.

She started as Battalion Medical Operations Officer and Medical Planner at Fort Stewart in Hinesville, Ga. In 2003-2004, Leila’s work as medical planner

led her to Olympic Stadium in Baghdad, Iraq. “I was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 and 3,” Leila said.

Returning after five months to Fort Stewart, she then deployed to Forward Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq, as Brigade Medical Planner and Medical Operations Officer.

After six months back at Fort Stewart, she served as Alpha Company Commander, 16th Medical Logistics Battalion at Camp Carroll in South Korea. For about two years, she was instructor at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Leila served as Chief of Materiel, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Fort Hood, Texas.

“We moved back to Madison in 2012 to raise our kids in Madison City Schools,” Leila said.

They wanted to live near Leila’s family – parents Braulio and Lillian Pedroso Jr.; brother Brian and sons Bryson Reid, 9, and Alexander Walker, 6; and sister Liane.

Leila earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a minor in military science (ROTC) from Alabama A&M University.

“I was unemployed, and her parents took us in,” Dwayne said. “I looked for employment for six months with no luck.” Dwayne then completed

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The Moorehouse family: Dwayne, Leila, Leilani Grace, 4, and Lily Adeline, 3

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his master’s degree in information technology from Colorado Technical University. He works for Wyle, CAS Group, at Missile Defense Agency.

Dwayne served in the U.S. Army from 19932009. He was promoted to sergeant first class (E-7) in 2002 and attended Warrant Officers Candidate School. He left active duty as Chief Warrant Officer 2.

After basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., Dwayne attended Advanced Individual Training at Fort Bliss, Texas. He was deployed to Kunsan, South Korea, returned to Fort Bliss and was deployed to Taszar, Hungary, in 1996.

Dwayne returned to Fort Bliss in 1997 and moved to Ansbach, Germany, in 1998 for three years. He was deployed to Incirlik, Turkey; Israel; and Doha, Kuwait.

Again at Fort Bliss, he awaited WOCS at Fort Rucker. He eventually deployed to Camp Carroll, South Korea, and returned to Fort Hood, Texas.

Most recently, he completed Warrant Officers Advanced Course at Fort Gordon, Ga. “I joined the Reserves immediately following my transition from active duty to get my bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University. I am now Chief Warrant Officer 3 in Army Reserve. I will retire July 20, 2016, with 23 years of service,” he said.

The Moorehouses’ daughters are Leilani Grace, 4, and Lily Adeline, 3. The girls are involved with preschool at Madison United Methodist Church.

“Both girls love to draw and play with our dogs, Hunter and Teddy,” Leila said. Leila enjoys arts and crafts, embroidery and sewing. “We love to travel to different places and be outside together,” she said.

The Moorehouses attend First Baptist Church of Madison, where Leila’s family has attended since her childhood. “We were married there,” Dwayne said.

“We enjoy family dinners on Thursdays with Leila’s parents and siblings. I go fishing with my father-in-law every chance I get. We enjoy teaching the girls how to be good, honest people that love God,” Dwayne said.

“We enjoy family dinners on Thursdays with Leila’s parents and siblings. I go fishing with my father-in-law every chance I get. ” - Dwayne Moorehouse

Madison Living 25

VETERAN SALUTE

Home base

American Legion members search for a permanent location

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED

J

erry Tepper and Carlos Woods are among a group of men on a mission.

In years past, they completed real-life military missions to defend the United States. Now Legionnaire Tepper, Commander Woods and other members of American Legion Post 229 in Madison are on a mission to locate and secure a “home base” for their organization.

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Currently, Post 229 meets at Madison Senior Center monthly on second Thursdays from 7-8 p.m.

Approximately 220 people are on the membership roster. About 50 “active” legionnaires attend meetings and work at events.

“Our presence at the senior center is tenuous at best. Our meeting place can disappear at a moment’s notice,” Tepper said. “The one hour the senior center provides us is only enough to transact our business.

However, this does not allow us time to have

any kind of a program, such as a guest speaker or demonstration.”

Storage space is another issue. They now store supplies in two rundown sheds behind a member’s house.

Veterans don’t have “a decent place” to store flags, chairs, tables and numerous other items. “We have no place for a kitchen, nor enough space for a game night or potluck dinner,” Tepper said. They must meet at a local restaurant when they invite spouses and friends

LEFT: Members of American Legion Post 229 gather in in Jessie Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street. ABOVE: American Legion members sold concessions at Madison Street Festival.

Madison Living 27

TOP: American Legion Post 229 awarded “Madison Outstanding Police Officer of the Year” to Detective Christy Grover, at center. BOTTOM: Past Commander Carl Dow admires the Wall of Heroes monument in the veterans’ park.

28 Madison Living

to a dinner meeting. “A larger facility of our own could attract new members, provide a stimulus for more activity and foster more camaraderie amongst all members.”

American Legion Post 229 needs 5,000 square feet minimum for meeting/program space, storage, a small kitchen and bathrooms. They need about six rooms, including their meeting space.

With adequate space, they could invite program speakers from American Red Cross, Salvation Army, homeless shelters and “other entities we can interface with to help us locate and work with veterans in need,” Tepper said.

The legion would allot available space for veterans to meet daily to play cards, chess and pool; conduct training courses; and open auxiliary programs, like Sons of American Legion and Women’s Auxiliary.

Among their projects, the Wall of Heroes Monument in Jessie Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street was built by legionnaires in 2008.

The park honors Madison servicemen who died serving during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Middle East conflicts. The site also honors Congressional Medal of Honor recipients during these conflicts.

To raise funds, American Legion members sold

tacos at Madison Street Festival. For Veterans Day, they accept donations for poppies at Walmart.

Members also pay dues.

“We place American flags on veterans’ graves. At Christmas, we place wreaths,” he said.

Legion expenditures involve numerous donations, like presenting ROTC scholarship awards for Bob Jones, James Clemens and Sparkman high schools; supporting local oratorical contests; naming the Madison police officer and firefighter of the year; supporting local veterans financially in times of need; and sponsoring youth to attend Boys State.

Each year, the legionnaires welcome troops arriving home from deployment, attend the return of fallen servicemen to North Alabama and support Veterans Day parades.

“As our membership grows, we plan to get involved in regional activities, such as working with Boy Scouts of America, voter participation at polling places, forming an American Legion Auxiliary for wives and daughters, providing assistance during national disasters and providing national defense assistance,” Tepper said.

In addition, legionnaires will teach courses for first aid and lifesaving techniques, host official functions to enhance camaraderie among young and old veterans, schedule monthly veterans’ breakfasts and engage speakers for programs that perpetuate “100-percent Americanism,” he said.

“At present, we’re searching for businesses to provide donations, such as land, buildings or lots. We are a 501(C)3 fraternal organization. Any donations would qualify for a tax deduction,” Tepper said. “Properties must be located within the Madison area, which includes the City of Madison and counties adjacent to the City of Madison that have a Madison address.”

For more information, visit americanlegionpost229. org or send mail to American Legion Post 229, P.O. Box 194, Madison, AL 35758.

Digitally remastered

EDUCATION

Superintendent learns a thing or two about online portfolios WRITTEN BY BY DR. DEE O. FOWLER, SUPERINTENDENT, MADISON CITY SCHOOLS I recently took part in some in-house training on how to create a digital portfolio.

I came away with heightened awareness and a renewed perspective on technology teaching in our schools.

Digital portfolios are essentially a web-based individualized portfolio (website) developed in resumelike fashion. Our instructional technology team launched it in our high schools and expanded into our elementary and middle schools.

The hope is that every student will produce a digital portfolio that outlines their interests, accomplishments, goals – and

continue to update it in The Digital Portfolio pursuit of college and Initiative teaches lifelong career. skills about web design In building my digital and how to present one’s portfolio, I had to get past self with confidence and my concept of the old honesty. It strengthens linear, black-and-white teacher-student Fowler style resume focused mentoring, and it teaches largely on job experience and good digital citizenship and the educational background. necessity of pushing a positive The new model required digital footprint. much more introspection for a Madison City Schools has multi-dimensional expression of detailed plans for all k-12 my abilities, experiences, drive, students to tackle digital and persona. portfolios. While a kindergarten Digital portfolios stir self- student may be using an app reflection. They help students like Seesaw to show and reflect think creatively about their between himself, his parents passions, ambitions and and his teacher, a high school academic interests. senior may be developing her

Specializing in Orthodontics for Adults Teens and Children

own compelling website using Wix to market herself for the workforce.

Meanwhile, a middle school student may use Weebly to explore web design, self-reflection and digital citizenship.

Open-world digital portfolios that are real and not just relevant motivate students to explore and elevate their passions into a successful future. Adults are no different. We should all try to reflect, improve and share our best ideas with the world.

I’m excited a digital portfolio is something our students will take with them into adulthood, something they’ll own.

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Madison Living 29

EDUCATION

Take it to the limit Champion, Meskunas help teens find college homes

ABOVE: Under university pennants, College/ Career Counselor Kathryn Champion meets with college-bound students at Bob Jones High School.

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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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electing a college has evolved into a multiyear, daunting process – one that college/ career counselors Kathryn Champion and Lana Meskunas simplify for students at Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools, respectively.

Bob Jones Class of 2015 received $25,086,697 in

scholarship offers. At James Clemens, seniors were offered more than $20 million. Many prestigious schools recruited Madison seniors, including Princeton and Yale universities; Boston, Baylor and Duke universities; and Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Columbia universities.

Originally, Champion prepared for a career in medical social work. However, she accepted a job as admissions recruiter at the University of Alabama and “built relationships with school counselors

throughout the state. I interacted with high school students preparing to make such a monumental decision in their lives.”

Coming from a long line of educators, Meskunas taught for nine years before becoming a counselor, a position she has held 18 years. She planned to pursue private practice but “just couldn’t leave my students.”

“While about 90 percent of our students

matriculate to college, we do have students who select a different path,” Champion said. “We make every effort to educate students about various trades they can begin after completing short certification programs. Our office has a responsibility to assist each student.”

Champion and Meskunas visit with freshmen through seniors to emphasize grades, courses,

LEFT: Bob Jones students compare notes about the colleges to which they will apply. RIGHT: Lana Meskunas, College/ Career Counselor at James Clemens High School, has worked as a counselor for 18 years.

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LEFT: Lana Meskunas advises James Clemens students that it’s never too early to start college visits. RIGHT: Kathryn Champion gives a college publication to a Bob Jones senior.

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transcripts and applications, career assessments, four-year plans and early decision/early action.

“We bring in professionals and hold seminars about particular careers,” Meskunas said.

For college-bound students, the counselors encourage starting early with applications and identifying best-fit schools. “Communication with colleges often begins when students take standardized tests,” Champion said. Some schools actually track a student’s interest over the years for admission decision.

Meskunas said it’s never too early to start college visits, where students can participate in activities like sitting in some classes and talk to an admissions counselor/dean, spending the night in a dorm and asking about extracurricular/athletic activities and social life.

Students have important choices to make when trying to choose a college, like considering commuting versus living on campus, deciding between urban or small-town college life and selecting a college that is the right size, with the right faculty-to-student ratio, for them.

Juniors are allowed two college visits during the year; seniors get three. “Just stepping foot on campus can sometimes be the biggest influence on a student,” Meskunas said.

Applications open in August/September of a student’s senior year. Deciding on how many applications doesn’t involve a “magic formula,” Champion said. Based on personal preference, each student may apply to several or focus on only one.

Always apply to a “‘safety school’ or have a back-

up plan. Work hard and dream big,” Champion said.

For scholarship applications, the advice again is to start early and apply for many, regardless of amounts.

Students rewarded the most scholarship money are those who aggressively applied in numerous channels.

Champion and Meskunas said students are prone to these common mistakes: ` Failing to research the school. ` Missing deadlines. ` Failing to apply to “safety schools” as backup for first choice. ` Applying based on low cost. Expensive colleges may offer better financial aid. ` Filing messy applications with spelling, grammatical errors. ` Thinking one essay will fit all schools. ` Applying Early Decision when they’re not 100 percent sure. ` Applying only because friends attend that college. ` Not showing enough interest to college staff and professors.

Attending the University of Alabama, Champion earned a bachelor’s degree in human environmental sciences and a master’s degree in social work.

Meskunas earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics at Texas Tech University in Lubbock and a master’s degree in counseling at the University of Texas in Odessa.

In 2012, the Meskunas family moved to Huntsville from Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Lana and retired Maj. Michael Meskunas’ children are

Alexi Whitaker, 24, and Garrett Whitaker, 21, who both are students at Texas State University.

Champion and Meskunas are perpetuating work by Sheila Roberts, longtime career/college counselor, who retired in December 2015. “Mrs. Roberts was responsible for highlighting students’

accomplishments and raising awareness in our community,” Champion said.

“Sheila has been such a wonderful mentor. She has a wealth of knowledge and has been instrumental in building the college/career program for Madison,” Meskunas said.

Grace. Dignity. Respect.

QUALITIES WE PROVIDE...

WORDS WE LIVE BY.

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HOME

8521 Highway 72 West (Lee Highway) • 256-895-9900 • madisonchapel.com

Madison Living 33

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

The Madison Chamber of Commerce has been on the move celebrating Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, the Monthly Luncheon, Flash Mob Fridays and the Ambassador Lunch. Thank you to our ambassadors who always go the extra mile with a smile. For information on chamber events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, visit madisonALchamber.com or call 256-325-8317. Visit the chamber on Facebook at Madison Chamber of Commerce (MCC) or on Twitter, @MadisonALcc.

Ribbon Cutting for Betty Boyd with Boyd Consulting at the Mad Vegas Business Showcase.

Chamber Ambassadors flash mobbed Platinum Mortgage.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Business partner and chamber member BB&T Bank welcomed us “popping in” for Flash Mob Friday.

Chamber visit to Last Resort Guns.

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Madison Chamber Member Marco’s Pizza was surprised to be flash mobbed.

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Madison Chamber Ambassadors are enjoying delicious wild game at Hunt Club Subs & Grill.

Merrill Gardens at Madison Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting celebration.

The Chamber held its monthly luncheon at Old Black Bear Brewery. Pictured from left to right are Merrill Gardens at Madison Community Relations Director Michelle Anderson, Vice President of the MCC Board of Directors Jim Pride and Diane Korb with Home Mortgage of America.

Meet the Merrill Gardens at Madison Team.

Economic Planning Coordinator for the City of Madison Lance Gilbreath was the featured speaker at the Madison Chamber monthly luncheon.

Merrill Gardens at Madison Grand Opening celebration featured their extraordinary team of chefs.

Meet your trusted banking advisors from Redstone Federal Credit Union in Madison.

Madison Chamber Team is “Over the Rainbow� for the North Alabama Apartment Association.

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Daystar Church holds Easter Egg Hunt March 26, Daystar Church held an Easter Egg Hunt for the residents of Madison at Dublin Park.

The church had many well-known characters there for children to take pictures with, bouncy houses, a huge Easter Egg Hunt, food and many other activities for the whole family to enjoy.

1. Debbie Madis, Jessica Nash, Bethany Nash and Chuck Preston

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2. Nick Amber and Ellie Savage 3. Andrea, Leseth and Samantha

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4. Elizabeth Vance and Melinda Lynch 5. Imani and Tanaysha 6. Meghan McKeever and Kaly Bishop

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEXIE TUBELL

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7. Paul and Owen Ethrage

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8. Sausha Houk 9. Jonathan Ong, Lake Gilbert and Timaya Flythe 10. Alexis Davis and Marcia McCoy 11. Celina and Blue Monkey 12. Jarrod Schneider and Dominique Johnson 13. Michael Mathis and JD Armstrong

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEXIE TUBELL

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Daystar Church holds Easter Egg Hunt

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14. The Watson family 15. Susan and Lilli Darsey 16. Marrlys and Jonyle 17. Dustin Veal James 18. Mary and Lee 19. Mason Overcash and Laith 20. Ashley and Adan Nelson

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEXIE TUBELL

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Marketplace Madison Living • 256.772.6677

JOBS IN ALABAMA!!

AIDT assists employers throughout AL by identifying qualified applicants by recruitment, screening & training services. Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs for latest jobs & training!

AFFORDABLE CONCRETE • Driveways & Sidewalks • Patios, Porch’s & Garages • Pea Gravel • Decorative Concrete • Concrete Stamping & Staining • Pressure Washing & Sealing • Repairs & Restoration References & Photos upon request 256-244-6192 $25 OFF SPRING TUNEUP with this ad! $59 Service Calls FREE 1st & 2nd Opinions Military/Senior Discounts Alabama Comfort Experts, LLC Call 256-469-2415 www.al-ace.com MIXER TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED Now hiring full-time CDL-qualified mixer truck drivers. Must have good driving record and pass drug-screening.

Benefits: • Highly-competitive pay • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance • Matched 401K • Paid Vacation/Life Insurance Apply: 4200 Stringfield Road Huntsville, AL 35806 Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE INHOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. Call for more information 256-539-1400 www. alwaysthereinc.com

ANN’S ALTERATIONS 600 Limestone Street, Suite #6 Hartselle, AL 256-773-4213 Now Hiring Drivers Carry Transit • Decatur, AL Good Pay • Excellent Benefits & Home Time Must Have 18mos OTR Experience & Class A-CDL w/Tanker Endorsement Apply: www.CarryTransit. com HOMES FOR SALE Financing Available (wac) Low Down Payments Sheffield, Hackleburg, Town Creek, Courtland, Moulton & Falkville Call Matt 1-855-847-6808 EDWARD E. BLAIR, ATTORNEY DIVORCE, CUSTODY, CRIMINAL DEFENSE, PERSONAL INJURY Serving Hartselle, Madison, Decatur and most of North Alabama.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY (256)534-9995 blairinjuryattorney.com Welder Training Coming Soon! Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool. com First South Farm Credit Poultry House Financing for: • New Construction • Refinancing farms • Expansion • Updating facilities Muscle Shoals 256-381-0721, Moulton 256-974-1124 firstsouthpoultry.com Equal Housing Lender E 5’ Rhino Finish Mower: $800 New 4’ Deep-V Bush Hog: $750 6’ Big Bee Bush Hog:

$900 New 5’ Sunburst Box Blade: $450 256-565-8695 (no text) Educator Discounts on Home-Auto-Life Insurance Active & Retired school employees save money. Also offering retirement plans.

Greg Privett Agency of Horace Mann greg.privett@ horacemann.com 256-301-3199 • Mixed hay $5.00 per bale • $4.50 per bale for 100+bales Located In West Point Call 256-734-4202 We repair any appliance! We Pick up Used Appliances & Riding Lawn Mowers!

Hallmark Appliance Repair 256-773-1192 Hello Beautiful • Hey Handsome Beauty Salon Now Open!!

In Hartselle, AL 410 Main St. W Suite D 256-778-3244 Check us out on Facebook!

Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256-332-2960 Caregivers & CNAs: Want a job you Love?

• Competitive Wages • Flexible Schedules • Friendly Staff • Endless Opportunities Ask About out CNA Signing Bonus!

Apply today at: www. homeinstead.com/250 or call 256-883-3080.

KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499 We Buy ATVs Motorcycles & Utility Vehicles Motorsports Superstore 888-880-2277 Hamilton, AL Glass Installers & Construction Laborers Experience Preferred but Not Required Pay w/o Experience $10.oo Per Hour Higher Rates for Experienced Installers (256)353-9181 (Decatur, AL) Love Pets? Love People?

How would you like to educate pet parents about customized pet nutrition and other fun pet products? We are looking for positive and motivated people who love pets to open up the Alabama area! No experience necessary.

Full or Part-Time! Own your own businesswhile making profit with a purpose. For more information, email healthypetpro@gmail. com Burger King Hiring General, Assistant & Shift Managers Top Pay/Monthly Bonus/ Vacation/ Medical Benefits. 3yrs fast food experience required. Fax resume: 334-649-1112 or apply at: www.joinbkalabama.com HUGHES NET • Gen4 High-Speed Satellite Internet Is Available Where You Live!

FREE Standard Installation Limited Time Offer!

Ask about FREE router!

Call 800-266-4409 www.pbsinternet.com Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-350-9938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales. com SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY STORAGE BUILDINGS For Rent, All Sizes. Russellville, AL. We Accept Credit Cards. Call Jerry 256-332-9253 or 256-412-5392 Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-12pm NOW HIRING! • Cooks • Servers • General Manager Apply in person: The Gridiron 103 2nd Ave. SE, Downtown Decatur Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

Full Time & PRN Positions Available for LPNs & RNs, 12 hour shifts with every other weekend off! Rewarding career. Excellent Healthcare Benefits.

401K. EOE. Apply in person!

Woodland Village Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center 1900 Olive St. SW, Cullman, AL 35056 256-739-1430

Madison Living 39

Special moment.

Special care.

Featuring

– Golden Hour Skin-to-Skin for vaginal and c-section deliveries – Continued breastfeeding support after discharge – New Labor and Delivery suites

Babies and their families are our passion. Before you even check into your room, we are preparing to make your birth experience the best it can be. Your nurses, obstetrician and pediatrician carefully plan for all of your needs and wishes. Your motherbaby team at Madison Hospital delivers special care for your special moment.

– Hugs security system

Call for a tour (256) 265-7296 Visit madisonALhospital.org/services/maternity for more information on how we make birth days special.

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Proud Partners with Madison OB Associates and Madison Clinic for Women