Madison Living - April

SMOKIN GOOD AT THE RICKY SHACK • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • LOGAN STENBURG

MADISON LIVING April 2020 | $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

FOLLOWING HIS CALLING ROBBY PARKER TRANSITIONS FROM SUPERINTENDENT TO NEW CHAPTER

DESIGN OF THE TIMES MADISON MOM USES E-DESIGN TO STAY IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN GAME

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MADISON LIVING EDITORIAL Rebekah Martin Alison James John Few CONTRIBUTORS Gregg Parker Bob Labbe Richard George Joshua Berry Erin Coggins Lee Marshall Mayor Paul Finley Mary Lynne Wright Mary Anne Swanstrom MARKETING Donna Counts ADMINISTRATIVE Sierra Jackson French Salter

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by Madison Publications, LLC 4 Madison Living

CONTRIBUTORS

...

Alison James, copy editor

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 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.

John Few, contributing writer John Few has been in the field of newspaper journalism and production for nearly 25 years. John has served as a staff writer for The 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 his coverage of Madison. In covering the City of Madison the past 10 years, John has reported on several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James 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.

Bob Labbe, contributing writer Bob Labbe is a lifelong resident of the Huntsville community. He has been in the local news media for 48 years, a multi-award-winning journalist in television, radio and print media. He is a member of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame and has been nominated for both the Alabama Press Association and Alabama Music halls of fame. Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ in The Years, for 29 years on WLRH-FM Public Radio. He has also been a local high school basketball referee for 28 years and was a high school football referee for 15 years. Bob is an avid sports fan and collector of 45 rpm records. He once boxed Muhammad Ali and was the reporter who asked the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer A graduate of Mississippi State University, Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Intergraph Corporation in 1990 with wife Brenda and son Andy. For 15 years Gregg wrote for “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Huntsville Times.”

His articles have been published in numerous chamber of commerce publications, “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege 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, contributing writer 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 World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom she fell in love with while a student studying communications at the University of Alabama. Erin and her husband Jamie reside in Madison.

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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10 HOME & STYLE

27

10 DESIGN OF THE TIMES Madison mom uses e-design to stay in the interior design game

20 Following his calling

FOOD&DRINK 15 BARBECUE, BARBEQUE OR BBQ?

Robby Parker transitions from MCS superintendent to new career chapter

IN EVERY ISSUE: SCHOOL & SPORTS 27 MORE THAN A GAME

Logan Stenberg preps for professional sports

7 The Guide 32 Out & About 38 Chamber Connections Madison Living 5

FROM THE EDITOR

...

N SMOKIN GOOD AT THE RICKY SHACK • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • LOGAN STENBURG

MADISON LIVING April 2020 | $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

FOLLOWING HIS CALLING ROBBY PARKER TRANSITIONS FROM SUPERINTENDENT TO NEW CHAPTER

DESIGN OF THE TIMES MADISON MOM USES E-DESIGN TO STAY IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN GAME

Not many people in Madison are more well-known or respected than Robby Parker. He’s worked tirelessly for more than three decades in various positions in the school system and most recently as the superintendent. He retired from Madison City Schools in late February and accepted a position at Whitesburg Christian Academy but will continue to live in Madison. For his legacy of excellence in education, Parker is our cover feature this month – to, on behalf of Madison and its residents, along with the thousands of students he’s influenced throughout his tenure – say thank you. Turn to page 20 to read about his 30-year career in Madison.

Keeping us hungry at the Ricky Shack, Madison barbecue expert Richard George and his wife Gayle bring us mouth-watering recipes for their backyard dishes.

On page 10, Madison Living contributor Erin Coggins shares the story of Madison mom and interior designer Sarah Rhodes. Through her company, Boxwood South, Rhodes is able to electronically design rooms and homes for her clients, some of whom are as far away as Mississippi and Texas. The beauty of her small business is that it’s run out of her own impeccably-designed home, allowing her to be a stay-at-home mom of two.

In our School and Sports section, we feature former James Clemens Jet Logan Stenberg. The offensive lineman is expected to go as high as the second round of the NFL Draft at the end of April.

Stenburg has dreamed of being a professional athlete since playing youth football at 5-years-old.

We’ve curated a great issue of Madison Living full of stories of your friends and neighbors in Madison who are doing great things. We hope you enjoy it.

ON THE COVER Robby Parker has spent the past 30 years in education in Madison City Schools. He reflects on his career and the future upon his retirement as superintendent starting on page 20.

Photo by Joshua Berry

rebekah.martin@madisonlivingmagazine.com

6 Madison Living

THE GUIDE

APRIL 15 6:30 p.m.

Opening Night for the Rocket City Trash Pandas

The Guide is sponsored by

It’s Opening Night for the Rocket City Trash Pandas home season and the first game they’ll play at Toyota Field!

You bet the community will turn out in spades to see the Trash Pandas play the Mississippi Braves, marvel at the brand new state-of-the-art stadium and be dazzled by fireworks after the game. Learn details about the upcoming season and special events and grab your tickets at www.milb.com/rocket-city.

M Madison adiisson ad adi on L Living ivin iv ing 7

THE GUIDE

APRIL 11 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

“Egg”stravaganza and Kite Festival Madison City Parks and Recreation will host the annual community egg hunts throughout Dublin Park for children ages 10 and younger April 11. There will be three different hunts for various age groups, as well as an egg hunt specifically for families with special needs.

Participants can fly a kite, enjoy children’s activities and even visit with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking and shuttle service will be available from Bob Jones High School to the park.

APRIL 11

Madison Farmers Market opens Get fresh produce, local eggs and meats, freshbaked breads, spring flowers, and handmade crafts at this city market. It’s a new season, and local farmers will gather every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon on the grounds of Trinity Baptist Church on Hughes Road.

APRIL 16-18

Roald Dahl’s “Matilda: the Musical” It’s time for Madison’s much-anticipated spring musical show. James Clemens High School Theatre presents the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. The Tony Award-winning musical features high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs that capture the story of Matilda, her cruel and ridiculous parents, her highly-lovable teacher Miss Honey, her hateful headmistress Miss Trunchbull, the children Trunchbull punishes and the library where Matilda is inspired to change her story. Tickets are $10-15 and available at the door or in advance at www. showtix4u.com.

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APRIL 18 AND 25

Historic Madison Walking Tours Enjoy a free, guided historic walking tour through historic downtown Madison this spring. Hear stories about the area’s history, people and architectural styles from knowledgeable guides, Walt Anderson and Councilman Gerald Clark. No tickets are needed – just meet at the Gazebo downtown at 10 a.m. to participate.

THE GUIDE

APRIL 16-18 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Huntsville Botanical Garden Spring Plant Sale Join the Huntsville Botanical Garden and the Garden Guild for the 33rd annual Spring Plant Sale and Earth Day 50th Anniversary Celebration. Visitors will find a huge selection of plants, including hard-to-find native and new horticulture species, as well as enjoy a great opportunity to learn from on-hand plant professionals.

These dedicated individuals are passionate about sharing their knowledge so growers can make their own gardens thrive.

APRIL 18 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Rocket City Hot Wheelers 2020 Spring Diecast Show This huge diecast show features lots of fun, food and prizes as well as dealers to get that diecast fix. There will be Downhill Hot Wheels Racing with prizes for children on the large 50-foot track and raffles throughout the day. This is a great family event with more than 90 vendors, where people can buy, sell and trade diecasts of all types, including vintage and modern Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Greenlight, Johnny Lightning, M2, Corgi and more.

APRIL 24-26 Friday, 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Panoply Arts Festival Panoply is the Southeast’s premier arts weekend, where Huntsville’s innovative spark shines through a festival of art, music and more in downtown’s Big Spring Park.

Spend the day creating with the children, hopping stages to listen to live music with a craft beer in hand or shopping for a piece of art that inspires. Find more details at www.artshuntsville.org.

Madison Living 9

HOME & STYLE

DESIGN OF THE TIMES Madison mom uses e-design to stay in the interior design game WRITTEN BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY 10 Madison Living

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When Madison resident Sarah Rhodes decided to become a stay-at-home mom, she knew she had to find a way to continue doing what she loved – interior design.

Rhodes majored in business management at Troy University and went to work for a furniture store following college. She fell in love with paint colors and began to look at spaces a little differently. This newfound passion eventually led to a nine-year career – until Rhodes gave birth to her first daughter, Brooke.

“We were watching Fixer Upper one night on television, and I loved how Joanna did the 3-D renderings,” Rhodes said. “I thought to myself that I could do that and still be able to stay at home with my girls.”

With encouragement from her husband Matt, Rhodes chose a digital program and trained herself how to use it.

Now her online business, Boxwood South, has allowed her to serve more than 40 clients, including some in Texas and Mississippi.

“The e-design process allows me to give my clients options,” Rhodes said. “They get to see the finished product before we even start it. Purchasing a digital room design allows the client to go at their own pace as well as manage a budget.”

Rhodes’ services include digital room design with two

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Madison Living 11

Greenery is one thing I see clients leave out the most, and I think adding plants really completes the look of the space.

– Sarah Rhodes

design options and a 2D room layout and design board. Space planning allows the client to visualize the best layout of furniture and accessories for the room and includes a 3D black-and-white view.

“The first thing I need from a client is their personal style preference,” Rhodes said. “I want to know how the space will be used, what they want to feel and what colors they like. I request clients take photos and measurements to enter on the website, and we go from there. We can also play around with the placement of furniture, which is way easier than having to move furniture around.”

12 Madison Living

For local clients, Rhodes offers personal shopping and an installation package, but for non-locals, she suggests certain pieces and links to purchase those pieces online. This, she said, can help her clients save time and money.

“Shopping does take some treasure hunting,” she said. “This process allows me to suggest certain stores. Clients can visit these stores locally or they can use the links to order online. It also helps with their budgets because they can easily search for the best price.”

Although Rhodes gives her clients a room they will love to live in, she prefers a simplified traditional style that is easy to keep clean lines, easy to organize and void of trends. To her, a room is not complete unless it has some type of greenery, live or faux. “Greenery is one thing I see clients leave out the most, and I think adding plants really completes the look of the space,” Rhodes said.

Artwork is also important to a space, Rhodes added – a perfect way to capture one’s personality and style. “I love to use local artists in my work,” Rhodes said. “Lately watercolors have been big. Using local artists also is good for e-commerce.”

Not only does Rhodes care about providing local artists with business, she believes in giving back. A portion of her profits are

tithed to Summit Crossing Community Church to be donated to the charity NeverThirst, an international non-profit Christian organization dedicated to bringing clean and living water to the poor.

“The church offers an Advent Market every year to raise money for NeverThirst. I’ve had a booth for my decorating business in the past and was never able to raise the kind of donation I desired,” Rhodes said. “This option will raise money for the cause over the course of a year as opposed to one day.”

Because a lot of her clients come by word of mouth, Rhodes offers an incentive to repeat customers and those who refer her. This can be a discount package rate for clients who book more rooms or do multiple room at a time. “I enjoy a discount,” Rhodes said. “I think it’s great to be rewarded for loyalty.”

Despite doing the designing herself, Rhodes said Boxwood South is a family business. Matt serves as her business manager, helping her set prices and watching the girls, Brooke and 2-year-old Mila, when she is consumed with her work. Rhodes’ work does not go unnoticed by Brooke, who has been caught making floor plans with her building blocks.

“It’s in the genes,” Rhodes said. “I have someone to keep Boxwood South going.”

Madison Living 13

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

If you build it, they will come

T Paul Finley Mayor City of Madison

The famous movie Field of Dreams was right.

We have built it, and now our community will come! Baseball season starts this month, and the excitement around the Rocket City Trash Pandas is palpable. April 15 at Toyota Field, our Trash Pandas will take on the Mississippi Braves.

Baseball has a reputation of bringing the family together, and I’m sure our regional family at large will be out in droves to be part of opening day. Every view – from fan seating at the Rock Porch and Berm to specialty box seats – will give you an experience you won’t soon forget. Your family can look forward to eating gourmet ballpark food, and the kids can play on the themed playground while everyone cheers on our team.

Beyond baseball, however, we want you to know about other opportunities to use the space at Toyota Field. With the largest event venue in

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14 Madison Living

Madison, our community now has a versatile space to host corporate functions, banquets, wedding receptions, fundraisers, social events and more. The Stadium Club touts more than 5,000 square feet, accommodating up to 400 guests. Moreover, the Trash Pandas catering team makes mouthwatering menus to suit your event needs. Sprocket the Mascot is also in high demand to make appearances and enhance your celebration. Audio and visual equipment and production is available at an additional cost. So, whether a school sports team is hosting an awards banquet, a couple is celebrating their wedding day or a company is entertaining a corporate lunch, Toyota Field has you covered!

To inquire about your special event, visit www. milb.com/rocket-city/ballpark/special-events.

We hope you enjoy everything this incredible venue offers our community!

FOOD& DRINK

BARBECUE, BARBEQUE OR BBQ? WRITTEN BY RICHARD GEORGE PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY 15 Madison Living

Madison Living 15

W

What is the difference between barbecue, Just remember that plagiarism is copying one barbeque and BBQ? Is it a food, a cooking method person’s recipe, while research is mixing several or simply a social event? people’s recipes to create your own.

Pulled pork will be the top seller in every BBQ A great cooking school I attended several joint; it is most everyone’s favorite sandwich, and years ago was ‘Que University in Atlanta. Pete pulled pork is the easiest to cook. Pulled pork Warner, president and member of the Grand comes from pork butts. This cut of meat is fatty Champion Southern Thunder BBQ team, and fairly tender to start with – forgiving but taught the following easy Pulled Pork Recipe. somewhat flavorless.

This school provided a very enlightening, There are so many ways to cook. There’s no hands-on experience of cooking with the pros. right or wrong way, as everyone has different Let’s begin here: taste preferences, availability and equipment differences. I have enjoyed cooking for more than 50 years. I began my cooking experience with Richard George my Boy Scout troop, grilling hot dogs on a stick Start with a bone-in Boston Butt. There is @ricky_shack then advancing to hamburgers wrapped in tin foil, no reason to allow the butt to warm to room to coal covered Dutch Ovens. Moving up to family temperature to begin prepping to cook. Remove the fat cap backyard cookouts and then to supper club was a little more covering the bottom of the butt and any other fat on the surface. challenging and fun.

It is better to remove any silverskin now.

A good friend and Certified Kansas City Barbeque Society Injection ingredients: Master Judge, Mike Mathews, said if I wanted to really learn to ¾ cup brown sugar cook that I should join the KCBS, the world’s largest society of 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce barbecue enthusiasts and learn to judge barbecue. The initial ¾ cup water training class was conducted in Decatur, and the cooks were ¾ cup apple juice none other than Chris Lilly and Ken Hess of the Big Bob Gibson salt BBQ family and fame. ¼ cup real maple syrup Many hours of talking with judges about judging barbecue, Mix and warm the above ingredients. Do not boil. Inject in talking with cooks about cooking barbecue and actually all areas (checkerboard pattern) until you have used the entire judging chicken, ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket has been amount. You cannot over inject. quite beneficial. To become a Master Judge, one must judge Pork dry rub ingredients: 30 sanctioned contests, cook with a professional team in a 4 tablespoons brown sugar sanctioned contest and successfully complete a comprehensive 1 tablespoon black pepper written examination. I earned my Master Judge certification in 1 tablespoon onion powder 2019.

2 tablespoons sugar However, each contest makes me more critical of my own 1 tablespoon white pepper cooking. I want to share some of my experiences with readers.

1 tablespoon chile powder

‘QUE UNIVERSITY OF BARBEQUE RECIPE

16 Madison Living

3 tablespoons salt 1 tablespoon paprika Mix well. Use a shaker to apply this rub evenly to all sides.

Cake it on!

Preheat your smoker to 225-250 degrees. If you have a meat probe, insert it into the center of the butt, being careful not to get too near the bone. Add several chunks of applewood per hour for the first three hours to the fire. After approximately four hours, check the color and temperature every 30 minutes.

When the internal temperature reaches about 170 degrees and the outside bark begins turning red-orange, you are close.

Continue cooking until bark darkens, but don’t let it turn black.

Make a boat of a double thickness of aluminum foil and add 1/4 cup of apple juice. Replace meat and wrap tightly. Insert the temperature probe through the foil and return the butt to your 225-250-degree smoker. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 185 degrees, then check for doneness every 15 minutes. Your temperature probe should go in with little resistance. When you can wiggle the bone loose, it is done.

Remove from the smoker when it reaches 205 degrees and open the foil to release any steam to stop the cooking process.

Let it rest at least 30 minutes so the meat can reabsorb the juices. When the pork has cooled, shred into thumb size or smaller pieces. Discard any fat. Enjoy this smoked goodness.

RICKY SHACK RECIPE I wanted to make a simple recipe for any first-time cook or someone looking for simplicity. Consider the following readily available retail products:

• bone-in Boston Butt, approximately 7 pounds • Gourmet Warehouse Apple Wood Smoke Marinade • Mott’s Apple Juice box • Bad Byron’s Butt Rub • Local honey Inject 3-4 oz. of the marinade throughout the butt, very generously apply Bad Byron’s dry rub, wrap tightly in cling wrap and then refrigerate for 6-12 hours or overnight.

Remove the butt from the refrigerator to allow it to begin warming and start your indirect charcoal fire with adequate charcoal – no lighter fluid. Add three chunks of pecan wood and stabilize fire at 250-270 degrees. I am using a Large Big Green Egg, convEGGtor (feet up) for convection cooking and Kick-Ash Basket full of natural lump charcoal. I expect the cook to last seven to 10 hours; you should normally expect 1.5 hours per pound.

This was a cold and windy day, and my grate temperatures fluctuated between 270-290 degrees. Lots of people cook at an even higher temperature, and therefore it takes them less time to complete a cook. I generally like to cook in the 225-250-degree range and expect approximately 1.5 hours per pound to reach safe internal temperatures.

For many years, I have followed Meathead Goldwyn from Amazingribs.com, who espouses the philosophy “If you are lookin’, you ain’t cookin’!” However, at this slightly elevated temperature, I spritzed the butt each hour with apple juice to keep the exterior moist and prevent a burned look. It also allowed me to drop the temperature several degrees.

A digital temperature device with a meat probe works great, but an instant read thermapen will give you accurate temperatures. After approximately five hours, the internal temperature “stalled” at 170 degrees.

Now it is time to place the butt in a double-layered, heavyduty aluminum foil boat. Then I added approximately 4 oz. apple juice and a generous coating of honey, sealed the foil tightly and returned to the Big Green Egg. It took another two hours before the recommended internal temperature of 200 degrees was reached. I carefully removed the foil-wrapped butt from the smoker, slightly opened the foil and allowed it to rest at least 30 minutes, for the juices to be redistributed throughout the butt. If you have several hours before you plan to eat, keep the Boston Butt tightly sealed in the aluminum foil, wrap a couple of towels around the foil packs and store in an empty cooler/ice chest/cambro. I keep an old Igloo chest for this purpose. This process will keep the meat warm and safe for several hours. When you are ready to eat, remove from the aluminum foil and shred the meat with Bear Claws or serving forks or tear apart with insulated cooking gloves. You can add your favorite BBQ sauce if desired. Serve and enjoy.

Was this simple method with retail products sufficient to win a barbecue contest? Not likely, but several of our neighbors enjoyed it.

JIGGY PIGGY BBQ TEAM RECIPE The championship team, JIGGY PIGGY, graciously allowed me to cook with them as a part of my Master Certification program, at Huntsville’s WhistleStop Festival and Rocket City Madison Living 17

BBQ Cook-Off. Pit Masters Bob Fite and Steve Blake, ably assisted by wives Sherry and Claudia, have been cooking with their families and competing for more than 15 years. They have 27 Grand Championship awards and numerous other awards and trophies. They have agreed to share some secrets but not all. For your ready reference, several retail barbecue rubs and sauces are substituted in place of their special rubs and sauces – for which they requested and deserve confidentiality!

Start with quality pork. Bob and Steve prefer an 8-9-pound, Compart Farms Duroc Competition grade Boston Butt. It will have a bone, which adds some flavor. Generally, a Boston Butt will have a fat cap on top and no fat on the bottom. Trim down the fat on the top of the Boston Butt to 1/4 inch and be sure to remove any hard fat.

Inject the Boston Butt, in a checkerboard pattern, with a shoulder injection marinade. Bob suggests using Butcher BBQ Original Pork Injection for giving natural flavor. Sprinkle the entire butt with a dry rub. Steve was quick to mention Bad Byron’s Butt Rub. Build your fire and stabilize at 180 degrees. If you have a remote thermometer like ThermoPro, insert it into the center of the meat, being careful not to touch the bone. Set the internal temperature alarm to 165 degrees. If you do not utilize a remote temperature thermometer, you will need to check internal temperatures periodically during second time slot with your instant read thermometer. JIGGY PIGGY utilizes a Cookshack fe100, sometimes known as Fast Eddy, and they prefer hickory pellets for their smoky flavor.

Add the Boston Butt to the grill/smoker with the fat side up and close the lid. After four hours, rotate the meat; do not flip it over. Then increase your pit temperature to 250 degrees for another four or five hours.

When your meat reaches approximately 165 degrees, you might experience a “stall.” This is the most frustrating stage of backyard barbecuing, although Bob and Steve have cooked enough that it doesn’t really bother them – patience makes 18 Madison Living

perfect. The stall is evaporative cooling. The meat is sweating, and the moisture evaporates and cools the meat. The stall can last several hours.

When your meat reaches the 165-degree stall period, remove the Boston Butt from the grill/smoker and place on a piece of double thickness, heavy duty aluminum foil, large enough to wrap easily. Cover the meat with a mixture of equal parts of brown sugar, honey, mustard and water and seal tightly. There is no need to flip the Boston Butt over.

Replace the foiled pack on the grill/smoker until it reaches 200 degrees.

Remove the meat from the fire and allow it to rest for approximately 45 minutes under a tented sheet of aluminum foil. This allows the natural juices to be redistributed throughout the Boston Butt.

When you are ready to shred the Boston Butt, be careful, as it could easily be 140 degrees. Insulated gloves are recommended. Remove the bone – it should slide out very easily – and discard it along with any remaining fat. Add a small amount of your favorite BBQ sauce and serve with additional sauce on the side. Bob and Steve use their special rib sauce to add moisture. For a delicious red and sweet sauce, consider Blues Hogg Smokey Mountain and Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce. If you prefer a vinegar-based sauce rather than sweet, you cannot beat Ollie’s Original Worlds Best BarB-Q Sauce. It is a delicious spicy, vinegar-based sauce that originated in Birmingham in 1926 and has not changed. Some cooks prefer just the natural flavors of wood and pork.

Now these guys can really cook and make it look easy! Don’t kid yourself; anything worthwhile is worth the effort!

There are numerous barbecue competitions, many with professional and backyard cooks, around the Tennessee Valley.

In the KCBS contests, the food prepared by the professional cooks and backyard cooks entered into the competition is not for sale to the general public. However, there are many cooking teams that participate in a People’s Choice category, for which you can taste and vote for your favorite barbecue.

Come out and support many worthy causes and enjoy some very tasty meat.

I have been fortunate enough to judge both backyard and professional competitions from Florida to Georgia to Tennessee to Mississippi and throughout Alabama. I am hoping I can judge in South Carolina, North Carolina and Arkansas this summer. My goal is to be selected to judge at the Jack Daniels’ World Championship Invitational BBQ in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

The better cook in our house is my wife Gayle. She is a “W” girl, a graduate of the Mississippi State College for Women, later renamed the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. Gayle was educated as a speech therapist but left that field to start a family. She has done an outstanding job of raising our daughter and son to become self-sufficient and productive members of society. Now she is enjoying being a doting grandmother. She is always a wonderful cook and happy to share her recipes; here is one of my favorites!

PULL-APART CAKE Some people like to have this pull-apart cake with a sit-down breakfast, but some of us – especially me! – like to munch throughout the day. This pull-apart cake is a holiday favorite with our family and sometimes as a random weekend experience. We also enjoy it for a dessert. You will enjoy this delight anytime of the day.

Ingredients: 3 cans of biscuits (10 count) 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped ¾ cup sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ¾ cup brown sugar, packed 1 1/2 sticks butter, melted Lightly spray Pam into a 12-cup Bundt cake pan.

Melt the butter and pour approximately 1/4 cup of butter into the bottom of the Bundt pan. Mix together both sugars and cinnamon in a zip-top bag or a large bowl, whichever you prefer. Sprinkle some chopped pecans and cinnamon sugar mixture into the bottom of the Bundt pan with the melted butter.

With kitchen shears, cut the separated biscuits in half and then cut again into thirds. Drop a few pieces at a time into the bag containing the cinnamon sugar mixture. Shake these well to coat evenly on all sides with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Fill the Bundt pan approximately 1/4 full with biscuit pieces, sprinkle 1/4 of the remaining pecans, drizzle a little amount of butter and a sprinkle of the sugar cinnamon mixture.

Remove from the bag or bowl with a slotted spoon. Continue coating the biscuit pieces and fill the Bundt pan until half full.

Repeat pecan, butter and sugar routine. Continue layering of biscuits and sprinkling of the cinnamon sugar mixture, chopped pecans and butter until 3/4 full. Layer remaining biscuits. Mix remaining butter, cinnamon sugar and pecans together and pour over top of biscuits.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes or until golden brown and inner pieces are cooked. Cool for approximately five minutes, then invert onto a cake plate. Serve warm.

Caution: Once you try this, you will want another one. Also, never, never slice it while warm and serve it covered with vanilla ice cream for a dessert!

Madison Living 19

FOLLOWING HIS CALLING Robby Parker transitions from MCS superintendent to new career chapter WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY AND CONTRIBUTED

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A literal icon for education in Madison has opened a new chapter in his career. Robert V. Parker, whose largerthan-life personality and unquenchable optimism boosted Madison students for more than three decades, has retired as superintendent of Madison City Schools.

Parker now is working as Upper School principal at Whitesburg Christian Academy in Huntsville. His last day in a three-year span as MCS superintendent was Feb. 28.

During his 31 years in education, Parker worked solely in Madison – his first years with Madison County Schools before Madison established its own district.

At Bob Jones High School, he taught history and coached baseball for 11 years. He then served as principal at Discovery Middle School for three years. He later returned to Bob Jones as assistant principal for two years. After Sam Rombokas retired, Parker accepted the position of principal, which he held for 10 years. In June 2015, he was promoted to MCS assistant superintendent, and Madison Board of Education named him superintendent in January 2017.

“I remember all of my kids. Since 1988, there are thousands.

I remember something about all of them,” 56-year-old Parker said.

Looking back, Parker said he feels his overriding accomplishments are “the friendships and lifelong Madison Living 21

As superintendent, I’m glad our ranking is still continuing to rise ...

We’re ranked No. 2 out of 137 school districts in Alabama.

– Robby Parker

22 Madison Living

relationships with thousands of kids and adults … lifetime friendships when we would help each other.” He said he is also proud of his time as Bob Jones baseball coach, helping improve field facilities and advance the team eventually to national rankings. Parker also was integral in starting Discovery’s baseball program.

Bob Jones stands on its superior legacy, but Parker saw the school recognized as one of country’s best by “U.S. News & World Report” and “Newsweek.” “Sports Illustrated” praised the athletic program.

Young Writers Alliance recognized the arts program. “Advanced Placement classes increased by 457 percent while I was principal,” Parker said.

“As superintendent, I’m glad our ranking is still continuing to rise,” he added. “We’re ranked No. 2 out of 137 school districts in Alabama. Madison City Schools is ranked the 44th best district in America. All secondary schools in Madison are ranked in top 2.5 percent of secondary schools (including magnet schools) in America.

“Liberty and Discovery are in the top four of 355 middle schools in Alabama.

Both high schools are in the top six of

383 high schools in Alabama (and one of the schools in front is a magnet school, so both are top 5),” Parker said. “All elementary schools are in the top 1 percent in America and in the top 14 of 713 schools in Alabama.

“I’m proud we have kept every school strong – through rezoning and passing a property tax,” Parker said. He cited the new Midtown Elementary School now

under construction, a new middle school that will soon start moving dirt and an upcoming building addition to Bob Jones.

“We have been a champion for all kids.”

In addition, 59 percent of Madison’s 2019 graduates walked across the stage with a scholarship averaging $37,551.

Parker said he hopes the district will continue to offer more options for teens who are not college-bound. While 88

Madison Living 23

24 Madison Living

percent of Madison seniors do enroll in college, the other 12 percent needs options.

A veteran triathlete, Parker broke his hip in a 2014 bicycle accident after a 35-mile ride; fortunately, he completely recovered. “No limitations.

The Lord sustained me through injury.

I can run, bike and swim again,” he said at the time.

He earned a bachelor’s degree at Samford University and master’s degree at the University of North Alabama and graduated from the University of Alabama’s Superintendent’s Academy.

Awards during his career include 2014 recipient of the Making A Difference award from the Alabama High School Athletic Association and Outstanding School Administrator of the Year by the Alabama PTA Association.

His wife Anita Parker works as a clerical aid at Discovery and was named Staff Member of the Year in 2012. The Parkers married in 1987. They have attended Madison Freewill Baptist Church for 30 years. He and Anita will

not be moving from Madison.

Their son Seth, who is 24 years old, teaches history and coaches football and baseball at Bob Jones. His wife Sutton works as an accountant with Anglin.

Their 30-year-old son Tyson works as an analyst for Torch Technologies. Tyson’s wife, Elizabeth Cook Parker, teaches kindergartners at Heritage Elementary School. Their daughter, Lucy Mae, was born Oct. 31, 2019.

“Being a grandfather makes my day every day,” Parker said. “I don’t get to see her as much as I want. Lucy Mae is the prettiest child in the history of world.”

As Parker transitions to Whitesburg, he emphasized, “I love Madison City Schools – the kids and the parents. If there were Madison City Schools socks, I would wear them. I will be the No. 1 fan of MCS forever.

“The Lord called me to be a school teacher 31 years ago. Now, the Lord has called me in a different way,” he said.

“If anyone ever needs help, I am just a phone call away.”

I love Madison City Schools – the kids and the parents. If there were Madison City Schools socks, I would wear them. I will be the No. 1 fan of MCS forever.

– Robby Parker

Madison Living 25

MADISON HOSPITAL

The beat goes on at Madison Hospital

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Mary Lynne Wright President Madison Hospital

It’s exciting to witness the vibrant growth in our Madison community and how your Madison Hospital continually keeps pace with the healthcare needs of local families. One of the ways we do that is through a robust cardiology services program.

We offer the latest cardiac imaging and monitoring services performed by our speciallytrained staff, including cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans; cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans; multigated acquisition (MUGA) cardiac scans; ultrasoundbased echocardiogram tests; 24/7 Holter monitoring; and implantable loop recorders. We’ll be adding more cardiac testing options in 2020, so stay tuned.

We are also fortunate to have three boardcertified cardiologists – Dr. Patricia Gurczak, Dr. James McGraw and Dr. Josh Valtos – seeing patients on our campus at Huntsville Hospital Heart Center’s Madison office. All three are members of our hospital medical staff.

Along with being triple-board certified in cardiology, nuclear cardiology and internal medicine, Dr. Valtos is a major in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps. He is a graduate of the prestigious Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and completed his cardiology fellowship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he also served as an assistant professor. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Valtos and his family to Madison.

Now through November

Join Us! STEIN & DINE

Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket k Center C Saturn V Hall on Thursdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for the German Biergarten, featuring authentic German cuisine.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere, local craft beers, imported and domestic beers and delicious wines from the German region.

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Family-friendly, rain or shine! Dog are welcome outside on the Apollo Terrace and courtyard!

We are proud to feature and share a portion of the proceeds with a selected local charity each week!

RocketCenterUSA 26 Madison Living

SCHOOL& SPORTS

MORE THAN A GAME Logan Stenberg preps for professional sports WRITTEN BY BOB LABBE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Madison Living 27

T

The everyday life for Logan Stenberg is about to change – forever. The dreams he had growing up as a young athlete continue to come true, as he will soon become a professional football player.

He’s expected to go as high as the second round of the 85th annual NFL Draft scheduled for April 23-25.

The behemoth 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive lineman completed his five years for the Kentucky Wildcats, and the former All-State lineman for the James Clemens Jets has been preparing for the transition from an amateur athlete to the real world of a professional athlete.

His preparations come in an array of areas, including physical and mental conditioning, finding the best agent and choosing a wiz of a financial adviser. The move to the ranks of the NFL is much more complex than the average football fan understands: The NFL is a business and is a job for those involved.

His trek to playing in the National Football League began at age 5 in youth football. Because of his unusual size, he usually played up in weight divisions, and he now knows playing with older boys actually prepared him for the next level. He played his freshman season at Bob Jones but transferred to James Clemens when the newest Madison school first opened.

28 Madison Living

In the early stages of high school football, Stenberg said he was not sure of his place in the sport and felt he was not good enough to play at that level. In stepped assistant coach Cyrus Swearingen and head coach Wade Waldrop, both of whom knew they had a special player in Stenberg. Their guidance led Stenberg to form excellent skills on the offensive line, and by the time he was a junior, offers from colleges began to pour in. He was still under the radar for many colleges but was soon approached by Kentucky about signing with the SEC program. The recruiting coaches watched film of their soon-to-bestar, came to visit him at the school and convinced Stenberg the Bluegrass State of Kentucky was where he needed to be.

He committed to the Wildcats and signed with the SEC program. “The coaches resonated with me that they wanted me for more than just a football player. They wanted me to be a better person,” Stenberg said. “I stayed committed, and soon my dream of playing in the Southeastern Conference came true.”

At Kentucky, it wasn’t until his junior season that he realized he could possibly fulfill another dream: of playing in the NFL. Stenberg was part of a group of seniors that played in four bowl games and, with 32 victories in a four-year span, gave the program the most victories since the early 1950s. The 2019 team broke the single-season record for rushing yards behind the play of the 22-year-old Stenberg, son of Kim and David Stenberg.

Upon completing his years at Kentucky, he was invited to play in the 2020 Senior Bowl, where he improved his stock in the upcoming NFL Draft.

“Playing in the SEC, I made the best of it, and I’m proud of where I am,” said Stenberg.

He hired long-time agent Joe Linta of JL Sports. Selecting an agent was an overwhelming process, and Stenberg received more than 200 calls from more than 50 agents. “I met with Joe early in the process and liked him. He has lots of success with current NFL players, as he has big-name clients,” said Stenberg.

Linta will receive 3 percent of Stenberg’s earnings once he signs a contract with the Madison Living 29

The coaches resonated with me that they wanted me for more than just a football player.

They wanted me to be a better person.

– Logan Stenburg

30 Madison Living

team that drafts him. Leading up to that signing moment, Stenberg is being paid by Linta as the young player makes his way through numerous combines and training sessions. It’s an investment on Linta’s part.

Stenberg also hired a financial expert, as he is conservative in his plans for his future paydays. He’s expected to receive a signing bonus up to $1.5 million dollars and then have his playing contract negotiated with his agent. The annual league minimum is $495,000, but with his enormous talents, he’s expected to earn much more.

“My body is my business, and I will always have modest activities in my life, as I understand my career as a professional athlete will be much shorter than most people’s careers,” said Stenberg. “At the Senior Bowl, I certainly showed I could be a physical force in the league.”

His physical workouts include five days a week with the training staff. His preparations with the NFL included an extensive psychological testing and rounds of reflex-based computer games

to see how quickly he learned and easily he adapted to the game concepts. NFL teams need to know as much as they can on their investments.

Stenberg’s parents still live in Madison, though they purchased a 150-acre cattle farm in the hills of Tennessee. David is retired and works the farm, while Kim continues to work in accounting for the U.S. Army on Redstone Arsenal, with plans to soon retire. Stenberg’s three older brothers are all married, and the plan is to all visit the farm for family gatherings, many times with hopes of watching Stenberg play on Sunday afternoons.

Stenberg and his girlfriend, LeahMabry Mims, who will be an elementary school teacher, have plans to be married.

Both have made plans for the future together and to follow wherever the NFL takes them.

Stenberg said his advice to up-andcoming young people is to “find something you’re passionate about and work at becoming the best you can be. Make your dreams become reality.”

KIDS TO LOVE

Cottage Community comes to Davidson Farms

S

Lee Marshall Founder Kids to Love

Spring is a season we associate with “new”: life, growth and possibilities. Those words perfectly describe what is happening at Davidson Farms, and we could not be more excited!

Davidson Farms is licensed to provide a home for girls ages 10-19. What happens when one of our girls turns 20? It’s something we have already faced, and now we have a solution that can keep our girls home a little longer if they need or want to stay.

We call it our Cottage Community: five singledwelling homes to be built on our Davidson Farms property. Now, when the girls age out of the main house, they will have the option to remain close by to continue their education or begin a career.

This community will open in June.

The first phase is made possible with a visionary grant from the Alpha Foundation. We are hopeful more in our community will come alongside us to truly give our girls a home.

You can choose to become a Promise Partner with a $25 monthly gift. Another way to make a difference is to mark your calendar for our annual Denim and Diamonds event, a fun evening on the Farm that helps us raise money to meet the needs. This year, Denim and Diamonds will be held April 25.

All of the information about Davidson Farms, including Promise Partners and Denim and Diamonds, is on our website, www.kidstolove. org.

We hope to see you there!

ML-JMSPETSERVICE

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Madison Living 31

OUT & ABOUT

1

KINDNESS WEEK AT MES Madison Elementary School hosted Kindness Week in January.

The week included several fun ways for students to display acts of kindness toward other students. Some activities included dressing in school spirit shirts, leaving encouraging and kind messages on the playground written with sidewalk chalk for the next recess group and eating lunch or sharing a snack with someone new.

PHOTOS BY JOHN FEW 1. Chloe Henderson and Amelia Merrill

4. Gianna Pelt and Ella Akins

2. Tylia Lowe, Amelia Haga and Charli Cook

5. Jordan Freeman and William Mott

3. Ingrid Sims and Romi Saha

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6. Collin Gifford, Wyatt Lilienthal and Casey Cotton

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OUT & ABOUT

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CELEBRATING 100 DAYS Horizon Elementary School celebrated the 100th day of school in a fun way. The first-grade teachers and students kicked off the day with a parade through the school’s halls. They were dressed in shirts or costumes using the theme 100.

PHOTOS BY JOHN FEW 1.

Naomi Jones

2. Ella Grace Thompson 3. Cale Cortez and Tom Holly 4. Aubrey Boatwright 5. Mary Susan Baerlin 6. Pamela Weaver

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Madison Living 33

OUT & ABOUT

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MADISON READYFEST 2020 Madison ReadyFest was held Feb. 22 at Discovery Middle School.

The annual community-preparedness fair featured city officials, local professionals and business owners presenting demonstrations and exhibits. The City of Madison supported the event, which also featured presentations from Madison Police Department, Madison Fire and Rescue Department and HEMSI. Community vendors and subject experts focused on ways for individuals to prepare and be equipped better for the future.

PHOTOS BY JOHN FEW 1. Gary Chynoweth, Vickie Parker, Michelle Dunson, Mike Gentle and Maura Wroblewski 2. Andrew Harless and Mike Howard 3. Joel Shepherd with his sons Beckham and Tucker Shepherd and Donna Phillips 4. Colby Flack 5. Ingrid Pomeroy and Madison Huff 6. Pam Sparks 7. Christina Corales

8. Heather Waye, Greg Chandler and Stephen Cooke 9. Rhonda Williams 10. Cathy Miller 11. Jessica Rasche and Becky Cecil 12. MPD community relations officer Teresa Taylor-Duncan

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13. Connie and Richard Spears and Emily and John Peck 14. Donna Phillips, Tom Simpson and Sue Khoury

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Madison Living 35

OUT & ABOUT

1

PARTY IN THE PARK Comedian Andy Hendrickson wowed the audience at the annual Party in the Park Feb. 27. Hosted by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, the fundraising event included a buffet dinner, silent auction and the performance by Hendrickson. It was held at Hexagon in Madison. Event proceeds will enable the Foundation to purchase 25 new Nära cribs for Madison Hospital.

PHOTOS BY JOHN FEW

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1. 1John and Janice Walters, Eddie and Annida Littrell 2. Evie and Joyce Liles 3. Jeff and Kelly Smith 4. Bryan and Kelly Fourroux 5. Jon Stone, Taylor Maye, Carly Weaver and Hannah Ungerecht 6. Mary Lynne Wright, Sheryl Thomason, Ashley Lawson and Phil Schmidt

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YMCA

YMCA loves healthy kids

Mary Anne Swanstrom Director of Communications Hogan Family YMCA

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Summer’s coming, and what’s a kid to do? There’s a summer full of enriching, active, healthy programs at the Hogan Family YMCA, and you can learn all about them at a free family event, Healthy Kids Day, April 18 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Kids can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including a scavenger hunt, inflatables and games. Indoors, families can visit vendors, sample healthy snacks and find out about summer camps, sports and swim activities, including lessons and swim team, plus monthly family events at the Y. The first 50 children will receive Healthy Kids Day bags to keep.

Ty Harris is the Hogan Family YMCA director of youth and

family services and will continue to add to the list of vendors and activities available.

Healthy Kids Day is celebrated at more than 1,200 YMCAs across the nation by more than one million participants. The annual event encourages families to keep kids moving and learning all summer long.

In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits this summer that can have benefits for a lifetime: • Try to eat at least five servings of fruits and veggies each day and drink water instead of soda.

• Dedicate 30 minutes or more a day to read. Try visiting the library, joining a book club or seeking out a story time.

• Make a playdate to move and be physically active with some old-fashioned games like hide and seek or kickball.

• Enjoy sleeping in. Doctors recommend 10-13 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 years old and 7-9 hours per night for adults.

Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory and learning.

To learn more about Healthy Kids Day, visit ymcahuntsville. org/healthy-kids-day or call 256705-9622.

Madison Living 37

M ADISON CHAMBER OF C OMMERCE CONNECTIONS

GET READY FOR ‘TASTE’ THE SPIRIT OF MADISON, APRIL 7!

Madison’s largest food tasting event is April 7 from 6-9 p.m. at Insanity Complex. Last year was a record-breaking moment for this event as families from literally all over Madison and the surrounding area came out to enjoy delicious samples from 25-plus restaurants, craft breweries and a local distillery.

Local band Groove will perform iconic music everyone can enjoy.

Insanity Complex will run discounts on skating, rock climbing and arcade games so even the kids will enjoy. To add to the fun, a silent auction will take place, with attendees bidding on cool and unique items. A portion of the proceeds will go to our Madison City Schools system.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, so get yours now!

Children ages 5 and younger free; ages 6-12, $10.

For more info on booths contact felecia@madisonalchamber.com or call 256-325-8317.



Leap of Kindness Appreciation for Madison Fire Department – Hughes Road, Station 2

Leap of Kindness Appreciation for Madison Fire Department – Hughes Road

Ribbon Cutting for Madison Public Works

Meet More Members Ribbon Cutting Event – Vacations 256

103 SPENRYN DR., MADISON, AL 35758 38 Madison Living

MADISON, ALABAMA 35758

M ADISON C HAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

Leap of Kindness Appreciation for Madison’s Finest

February Quarterly Luncheon Sponsored by Lee Company Featuring Josh Caray, Director of Broadcasting & Baseball Infomation-Rocket City Trash Pand

Meet More Members Ribbon Cutting – G3-Greater Guidance Group

Leap of Kindness Appreciation for HEMSI – Station 11

Meet More Members Ribbon Cutting Event – Pink Lady Walk

Meet More Members Ribbon Cutting – JM’s Pet Service

256-325-8317

Leap of Kindness Appreciation for Madison Fire Department – County Line Road

Meet More Members Ribbon Cutting Event – The Pearl Lady

Meet More Members Ribbon Cutting Event – Agape Consulting LLC

Meet More Members Ribbon Cutting Event – Florida Institute Technology-Huntsville

WWW.MADISONALCHAMBER.COM Madison Living 39

SO MUCH MORE ...than a gym ...than a pool ...than you know!

Our Y is made up of you, our community. We believe that all of our kids deserve the chance to grow into their full potential, that families should have a wholesome place to play together, and that when we help each other, we are all stronger for it.

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Learn more at ymcahuntsville.org Heart of the Valley YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization.

40 Madison Living

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Madison Living 41

Why I Love Madison

Alice Lessmann

A

Alice Lessmann grew up in the Madison area but has lived in the city since 2006 with her husband Steve and two children.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m married to Steve, and he’s the president and founder of Signalink. We have two children: Leah Lessmann, 10th-grader at Bob Jones High School, and Ben Lessmann, eighth-grader at Discovery Middle School.

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

I am the chief executive officer and facility security officer of Signalink. As the CEO, my primary responsibility being the face of Signalink to the community. I interact with other business leaders to promote not only Signalink but the small business community as a whole. Huntsville and Madison County have such a deep, virtually untapped pool of talented small businesses; one of my major focuses is getting the word out about the great things we are all doing here. The small business community is very close and tight knit, and we are always looking out for each other to make sure we are all successful. Additionally, I serve as the head of our charitable organization – Signalink Serves. Signalink Serves is responsible for employee morale and welfare as well as the charitable activities we perform as a company. As the company’s primary facility security officer I am responsible for maintaining all our staff’s security clearances and the facility’s Top Secret Facility clearance and addressing all security-related issues that come along with government contracting.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I started my career in a completely different field, but life circumstances, opportunities and faith, led me to the one I am in today. We could not start Signalink without a facility clearance and a facility security officer. That is where I came into becoming the FSO at the inception of our company. Then, in 2016, my husband 42 Madison Living

and I reassessed our company’s long-term strategy. We made the decision for me to assume the role as CEO. Our decision has worked well for our business and our family as it has positioned us to support other opportunities, help people and make an impact.

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

My husband and I love to eat at Main Street Café. I love their Poulet de Normandy dish and the rustic atmosphere. My daughter loves to eat at Chick-Fil-A all the time; she loves their chicken nuggets and chicken sandwiches. My son loves Panera Bread’s salads, and a family favorite restaurant is Fulin’s.

Why do you love Madison?

Madison is just a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

It has a small-town feel while still having many social events, restaurants, shopping, a growing job market and outstanding public schools.

FAST FOUR

Tell us about your education background.

Veterans Institute of Procurement graduate DSS Academy FSO Program Management graduate University of Alabama in Huntsville, acute care nurse practitioner University of Alabama in Huntsville, Bachelor of Science in nursing Community College of Southern Nevada, Registered Nurse First Assist Trauma Nurse Care Course

1. Favorite hobby: Running 2. Favorite food: Ice cream 3. Church: Asbury United Methodist 4. Something people might not know about me is: I was a UAH Charger cheerleader during both years their hockey team won the NCAA Division II hockey championship.

FREE VEIN SCREENINGS Spider veins, varicose veins, restless legs, leg pain and swelling all put a damper on daily activities. The physicians at Madison Hospital Vein Center can help.

Call (256) 265-VEIN to schedule a free screening today.