Madison Living August 2015

August 2015

School spirit Liberty cheerleaders eat, sleep, cheer

Of principal importance Brian Clayton rules the school

Home-grown education Parents seek custom-tailored education

Feathered fundraiser Rotary presents Parrots of the Carribean

In with the old Wellborns enjoy historic home

MANAGEMENT Alan Brown President & Publisher

30 26 features

EDITORIAL Katie McDowell Editor Gregg Parker Staff Writer Nick Sellers Staff Writer 14

ARTS & CULTURE FEATHERED FUNDRAISER

22

SPORTS SCHOOL SPIRIT

26

EDUCATION OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE

Haley Williams Marketing Consultant

30

HITTING THE BOOKS AT HOME

34

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

CUSTOMER SERVICE Tammy Overman Customer Service

36

OUT AND ABOUT

38

HEALTH HEALTH FOCUSED

Jen Fouts-Detulleo Photographer MARKETING Kim Maracigan Marketing Consultant

PRODUCTION Jamie Dawkins Design

home

Layken Gibbs Design Michele Hughes Design Robyn Holm Design

4

food

Amanda Porter Design Madison Living P.O. Box 859, Madison, AL 35758 Advertising Inquires 256.772.6677 Madison Living is published monthly by Madison Publications, LLC.

HOME IN WITH THE OLD

10

LET’S EAT WORLD-CLASS WEENIES

Madison Living 3

HOME

In with

the old

Wellborns enjoy downtown festivities in Sullivan-Wellborn house on Front Street

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CLICK PHOTO DESIGNS BY SARAH BREWER

ABOVE: Immaculately trimmed boxwoods add character on the front lawn of the Sullivan-Wellborn House on Front Street.

4 Madison Living

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hris and Suzanne Wellborn feel that historic homes have a soul. On the corner of Buttermilk Alley, they live at 23 Front Street in the Madison Station Historical District.

“Old houses are not for everyone ... drafty windows, small baths, lack of storage, smaller rooms.

But nothing compares to the warm feeling of an old home,” Suzanne said.

For Suzanne, the house says, “I’ve been here a long time, seen lots of things and now it’s your turn to make your memories here.” Suzanne “feels the house smile when we take care of it and it takes care of us.”

In 1859 Huntsville landowner James Clemens sold

While living in London, the Wellborns purchased this ornate brass chandelier that once provided lighting in an upscale London hotel.

this property to brick kiln owners John Cosby and James Bailey (killed in the Civil War). Dr. George Sullivan, namesake of Sullivan Street, bought the lot in 1868.

Built in 1889, the house had four owners from 1891 to 1910, when merchant William Binford Humphrey bought it. Rodney Whatley purchased the property in 1999 and sold it to the Wellborns in 2010, when Chris Wellborn retired as lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Air Force.

The Wellborns found the house “full of personality, great charm and potential” but needing fresh paint and “TLC” after sitting empty. The bungalow has a spacious front porch with sunburst detail on the railing. Original heart-of-pine floors were immaculate. All windows have original wavy glass.

All walls are plaster without insulation.

“Wintertime can be a little challenging. We use all the fireplaces, which makes for a cozy feeling,” Suzanne said.

They upgraded the master bath from “a frightening brown 1970s capsule tub,” heating/cooling and attic and “’gussied up’ the kitchen cabinets. I had to figure out how to turn a sow’s ear of a kitchen into a silk purse,” she said. “It’s charming now, but way too small.”

The five-bedroom house has two baths, a den,

Madison Living 5

ABOVE: The Wellborns’ front porch adds outdoor living space with wicker seating, tables and lamps, artwork and lush caladiums and ivy. BOTTOM: An inviting porch swing and bench invite guests to sit and visit on the Wellborns’ front porch.

6 Madison Living

living and dining rooms at approximately 2,900 square feet. Early American and English Country are their decor choices.

The Wellborns have custom floor-to-ceiling brown velvet draperies. Wall color is neutral wheat, except for customized terracotta in the back hall and dining room. The dining room is Suzanne’s favorite spot for “gorgeous light as the wavy glass causes dappled sunshine to glow on the terracotta walls”

and a “heavy brass chandelier that came out of a posh London hotel.”

“When our family was stationed in England, I frequented antique auctions in Diss, County of Norfolk,” Suzanne said. She acquired an English Welsh pine dresser that “would feel at home in Downton Abbey’s kitchen. A Belgian linen press of cherry nearly gave the movers a hernia.”

In the nursery, a Welsh baptismal gown was worn

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Bursts of orange and purple in fresh flowers bounce off subtle colors of furnishings in the Wellborns’ living room. Eight-month-old Benton Wellborn rests in his nursery. The Wellborn family sits on their home’s front porch at 23 Front Street. Chris Wellborn holds son Benton, who waves at passers-by. Elizabeth, 8, stands behinds her mother Suzanne. Eleven-year-old Marshall sits to his mother’s right.

(Photo by Click Photo Designs by Sarah Brewer). Kitchen cabinets are one component of the house that the Wellborns improved.

8 Madison Living

by Suzanne for her baptism and daughter Elizabeth at her christening. Made in the 1800s, the gown came by ship from England to Canada and eventually made it to Mississippi to her grandmother’s family, the Hughes.

The lawn has massive shade trees. A previous owner planted a boxwood garden with “a great English cottage feel,” she said. “Sadly, we had to remove a gigantic oak, dying of an irreversible disease, that was 23 feet in circumference. The middle section weighed 18,000 pounds.”

They wanted to raise their children in the South and live closer to family. Suzanne grew up in Kosciusko, Miss., where “everybody knew my family and waved as they passed. Even grocery shopping was a chance to socialize. I wanted my kids to have that experience.”

They’re flexible about living amid downtown gatherings. “We love having a front-row seat to all festivals, parades and gazebo concerts. It just feels like a big house party,” she said.

A native of Jackson, Miss., Chris works as a defense consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton. Suzanne worked as an Air Force educational counselor until her first child was born. Their children are Marshall, 11, Elizabeth, 8, and eight-month-old Benton. Their three rescue cats are Harry, Socks and Daniel.

Madison Living 9

LET’S EAT

World-class weenies

Hot Dogin serves up gourmet treats WRITTEN BY NICK SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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efore it opened its first brick-and- in downtown Huntsville every fall and consistently mortar location near Publix on Highway drew attendees that numbered into the 100,000s.

72 in Madison city limits, customers for However, Mother Nature threw a monkey wrench Steve and Jessica Middlebrooks’ hot into the plans that year. dog shop had to brave the elements – hot or cold “We had a lot of hot dogs left over,” Steve said.

– to procure offerings from the concession stand, So, with Steve’s know-how of the restaurant which the Middlebrooks industry and Jessica’s operated south of the experience with food highway and across from supplying, they set out its present location. to sell whatever was left The story behind of the supplies meant the popular food kiosk —Jessica Middlebrooks for Big Spring Jam. comes from necessity on They set up shop just the Middlebrooks’ part off of Highway 72 and and, before that, a rained-out music festival. decided to continue on with the project, gaining In 2009, while Steve was a general manager of the loyal customers and generating interest in the area.

Cracker Barrel in nearby Athens, Steve and Jessica Before long, Steve and Jessica were going steady decided to purchase thousands of dollars in hot dogs with the stand and picked up a regular gig at to sell at the music festival, which was formerly held Redstone Arsenal with Country Bucket, the name

“Our business is simple – treat

people right.”

PAGE 10: Hot Dogin is creative but stays within the guidelines for classic hot dog recipes. ABOVE: Hot Dogin’s logo was purchased as a Clip Art item from Microsoft for just $10 when the restaurant was created.

Madison Living 11

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Owners Jessica and Steve Middlebrooks. A versatile menu promises something for everyone.

Courteous and friendly staff stand at the ready at Hot Dogin. Dining options are virtually limitless at the restaurant.

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of two sandwich shops owned and operated by the couple.

Steve was able to quit his full-time job with Cracker Barrel before embarking on the Hot Dogin journey in 2010.

“It was a little risky, but it was most rewarding,” he said.

Since opening May 1, Hot Dogin has sought to continue to provide a unique cuisine outlet for the

Madison community.

“Huntsville is wide open for a good hot dog,” Steve said.

The restaurant boasts 12 different variations on the “all beef black angus” hot dog, with names like the 5-Alarm Dog, Nasty Dog and Shonuff Dog. Hot Dogin also offers a hot dog made from Vienna beef, which Steve said sets the eatery apart from other area places.

The No. 1 starts customers off with the Classic Dog, which is the typical mustard, ketchup, onions and relish dog. Regional icons, such as the Coney Dog and Chicago Dog, help round out the menu.

The Nasty Dog isn’t so disgusting after all, with mustard, chili, cheese and sauerkraut serving as toppings. The Shonuff Dog is indisputably loaded with toppings, including bacon, tomato, chili, cheese, onions, relish and sauerkraut to go along with the standard ketchup and mustard.

Apart from the 12 different hot dogs offered, the restaurant has soups and different sandwiches, in addition to a chicken salad that Steve said is highly praised.

“If you’ve got a large family, there’s something for everybody,” he said.

Steve said he and his wife, who typically handles the finance side of the business, hope to open franchises in the somewhat-near future in North Alabama.

“Our business is simple – treat people right,” Jessica said.

Hot Dogin is located at 7830 Highway 72, Suite 280 in Madison, right next to Baskin Robbins at the Promenade in Madison shopping center. More information on the restaurant can be found at hotdogin.net.

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Madison Living 13

ARTS & CULTURE

Feathered

fundraiser

Parrots of the Caribbean ‘move nest’ to Insanity Complex WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND NICK SELLERS

A

ABOVE: Numerous members of Rotary Club of Madison work to present Parrots of the Caribbean.

The event is the only fundraiser for the club’s local, regional and global outreach projects.

14 Madison Living

s revelers party their cares away, each guest will be helping people locally, regionally and globally when Rotary Club of Madison presents “Parrots of the Caribbean.”

In its 13th year, the Parrots event will be held Aug. 22 from 6-11 p.m. at a new venue, Insanity Complex, 100 Skate Park Drive, at the intersection of Mill and Hughes roads.

Insanity Complex “will offer greater space and more amenities. Our intent is to pick up Parrots and move it intact to the new site,” Parrots chairman Marc Jacobson said. “Parrots is an outdoor event, rain or shine, but we’ll have inside space” for inclement weather.

Parrots of the Caribbean is Rotary Club’s only fundraiser. Locally, Madison Rotarians prepare Thanksgiving baskets for individuals in need, donate

children’s backpacks and school supplies, work with Triana Boys & Girls Club, staff a booth at Madison Street Festival and give a scholarship to a senior at Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools.

In addition, the club supports Madison Public Library, Madison Senior Center, Madison Hospital and Hogan Family YMCA activities; sponsors “Madison Veteran of the Year” and “Madison City Employees of the Year” awards for fire, police and City Hall workers; and assists Wounded Warriors and Triana Career Development Center and GED program.

Parrots’ proceeds “will support work we do in the community and around the world. Madison Rotary is a responsible organization that uses about 95 percent of our funding for program expenses,” Jacobson said.

Support of Rotary International’s Polio Plus since 1979 “has helped eradicate polio now in all but three

Madison Living 15

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Madison City Councilmen Gerald Clark, at left, and Mike Potter.

Dan Wohleber and Dane Moorefield. Gene Gesele reps Jack Daniel’s with his wife Leslie and Madison City Councilman D.J. Klein. From left, Cory and Terry Sellars with Jeremy and Georgia Lawrence. From left, Amy Edwards, Emily McIntosh and Becky Ramsey. Bob and Lisa Jackson. Shawn and Karen Reece. Blaky Palmer with Lauren Sanders. From left, Karen Morris, Jennie Conlon and Freda Muncey.

16 Madison Living

countries,” Jacobson said.

In other global outreach, Madison Rotarians have worked in Honduras for nine years to install EcoStoves, which vent smoke outside for cleaner air, thus improving children’s health. In 2014, Rotarians launched a dental clinic near Choluteca, Honduras and treated 422 children, placed 1870 dental sealants, completed 95 fillings and performed 22 extractions.

Rotarians now are helping improve Hondurans’ vision with clinics to diagnose farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. They delivered approximately 1,000 pairs of glasses for better

reading and sunglasses for UV protection.

Parrots has “a loyal core group of attendees. Then, we draw new people every year who have heard about us, mostly from friends and associates,” Jacobson said.

The island/Jimmy Buffet theme draws the crowd “with classic songs from the baby-boomer generation.

Raffles are first-class” with baskets packed with gift cards, jewelry, Alabama/Auburn/Mississippi State memorabilia and the “Instant Wine Cellar” with 60 bottles of bubbly. “People bring lawn chairs and set up for the evening to enjoy food, drink and

Madison Living 17

RIGHT: Marc Jacobson is serving as the 2015 chairman of Parrots of the Caribbean. Jacobson stands on the premises of Insanity Complex, the new venue for the annual party/fundraiser.

18 Madison Living

entertainment,” he said.

For concessions, Summer Fun will offer cheeseburgers (in paradise, of course), grilled chicken or shrimp fajitas, fried oysters, popcorn shrimp and cheesecake. Beverages range from water and soft drinks to margaritas, wine, beer and a new mystery punch.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., The Zooks will spark the fun with their brand of classic rock ‘n roll, Motown and rhythm & blues. Audience members often join them on stage for a vamp on “Ride, Sally, Ride” from “Mustang Sally.” Then, Four on the Floor promises to have the crowd on the dance floor with grooving soul to disco classics.

Rotarians in key roles for Parrots are co-chairman Larry Smith and chairpersons Debbie Overcash, sponsorship; Karen Morris, publicity; and Carol Rives, raffle.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the event.

Tickets are available from any Rotarian; Iberia Bank, 53 Hughes Road, Madison; and Huntsville/ Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 500 Church St., Huntsville. For ticket details, visit madisonalrotary.org/parrots/parrots-tickets.

For more information, call 256-564-2075 or 256-337-3337, email jacobson@knology.net or visit madisonalrotary.org/parrots.

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SPORTS

School spirit

Liberty Middle cheerleaders gear up for more success WRITTEN BY NICK SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

H

igh school cheerleading in the Huntsville area is more than just cheering every Friday night in the fall at football games, with squads regularly competing in – and winning – regional competitions against other schools in Alabama.

Both Bob Jones and James Clemens performed CLOCKWISE FROM TOP well at the Universal Cheerleaders Association LEFT: Liberty Middle (UCA) national championships in February.

School cheerleaders show Before high school, though, the cheerleaders off their moves. Lions must be taught fundamentals and self-discipline, cheerleaders in their natural state at the football and that starts at the middle-school level. Being field. Cheer coaches Natalie the school that feeds into James Clemens, Liberty Lane, at right, with assistant cheer sponsor Natalie Lane is responsible for coach Michelle Breeden. preparing her girls to become Jets cheerleaders.

Liberty cheerleaders “We really try to teach them discipline and partake in “a huge responsibility,” Lane said. commitment,” Lane says.

22 Madison Living

Lane, who is also a special education teacher for Liberty, teaches the team and organizes practices, camps and other development programs for the cheerleaders to further their skills. Michelle Breeden is the assistant cheer sponsor.

Starting in the summer, the girls practice 2.5 hours a day on weekdays and spend nights every week at ACE Cheer Company of Huntsville, where they get professional instruction.

“It’s a huge commitment to make, and most of them love it,” Lane said.

Being a school with only two grades – seventh and eighth – half the team comes in extremely raw every year, Lane said, which presents unique challenges.

“It’s kind of like starting over every year with a new group,” Lane said.

Toward the end of summer, the squad attends the UCA Ironman Camp in Tuscaloosa, which is by invitation only, to gain instruction from nationally-renowned figures.

After that, the team gets two weeks off before school starts and the team starts preparing for cheering under the lights at football games.

After the season, the team prepares for the regional competition in November, which qualifies the Lions for state.

“After that, we practice, practice, practice for nationals (in Orlando),” Lane said.

As much time as the team spends together, it’s inevitable that other aspects of the girls’ lives run together.

The team, Lane said, regularly completes homework assignments together before football games.

“Grades come first on this squad,” Breeden said.

The team also donates time and money to local charities. Pink out the Panthers, an annual tradition, raises money for breast cancer research. The girls have also spent time at Manna House distributing food to families in need.

Liberty hosts an annual dance

for students with special needs at the school’s Exceptional Learning Center, and the team assists every year. The charitable drives the Lions’ cheer team is responsible for are nearly too numerous to recount, Lane said.

“Pretty much any time the school is doing something, we’re participating as well,” she said.

By most accounts, the seventh and eighth grade cheerleaders are involved year-round with the squad, which adds structure and accountability at critical times in the girls’ lives, Lane explained.

“Middle school – it can be a rough age,” she said. “I love working with these girls and helping them mature.”

Madison Living 23

Fitness fix

HEALTH

Partnership provides exercise options for cancer patients WRITTEN BY MARY ANNE SWANSTROM

I

ndividuals undergoing therapy to fight cancer have another weapon in their arsenal to promote healing of the spirit, mind and body.

Once told to rest and reduce physical activity while undergoing treatment, patients have been shown through newer research to benefit from exercise. A physical fitness routine is not only safe and possible during cancer treatment; it can improve functional ability and quality of life. Cancer patients can now take advantage of “Get Active, Achieve Success,” a free personal fitness program at the Hogan Family YMCA in

partnership with the Russel Hill Cancer Foundation of Clearview Cancer Institute.

“The Hogan YMCA is excited to serve 100 participants in a 12-week program designed for adult cancer survivors who have recently become deconditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and the disease itself,” said Daniel Kasambira, Hogan YMCA Executive Director.

Program participants will

receive a three-month Y membership, orientation with a Personal Fitness Coach, three personal training sessions and incentives for 100 percent attendance at workouts, a value of more than $300.

“Participants will develop a physical fitness program in conjunction with YMCA Personal Fitness Coaches so they can continue to build a healthy lifestyle, build muscle mass and

strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability,” Kasambira said.

Additional goals include reducing the severity of side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels and self-esteem.

Space is still available for those who wish to participate. For more information, call Colby Flack at 256-705-9622, ext. 327, or email Colby.Flack@ymcahuntsville.org.

Madison Living 25

EDUCATION

Of

principal

EDUCATION

importance

Clayton jets to respect in leading James Clemens’ population WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

LEFT: As charter principal, Dr. Brian Clayton has helped to establish the campus culture at James Clemens High School.

O

n the James Clemens High School campus, Principal Dr. Brian Clayton usually is seen wearing his signature bow tie. Always, he wears a broad smile, symbolic of a man who truly enjoys his life’s work.

Madison Board of Education placed Clayton in the position of James Clemens principal in June 2012.

Expectations ran high for the opening of Madison’s

new high school, and Clayton weathered the pressure with polish as he and his staff established protocols and procedures.

As a new high school’s first principal, Clayton faced a professional and personal challenge of “developing the culture of the school that was based on leadership and learning. We had to make sure that all stakeholders were on the same page.”

“When you have zero traditions, you have to start

Madison Living 27

While at Liberty, Clayton earned state recognition for the instructor partner program and promoted the internationally-acclaimed, student-produced “I Am Human” video. “We were selected as a Blue Ribbon School at Liberty in 2012,” he said.

Among accomplishments in James Clemens’ brief history, Clayton prioritized the 10 career academies, 26 advanced-placement courses, 14 sports’ offerings, theatre program and band options. “We have also been a part of the Instructional Partner Pilot for the first three years of the school,” Clayton said. “We have developed a counselor program that secured $20 million for our seniors with 57 percent with a scholarship.”

Clayton takes much pride in James Clemens’ Class of 2015. Twenty-five percent of seniors scored 30 or above on the American College Test (ACT).

“Additionally, we’ve been working on placing a jet in front of the school” as a community-wide project with students taking the lead.

“The biggest needs in the state are school funding and equal access to technology,” Clayton said.

“Students need a supportive infrastructure between family, community and school and high quality teachers. Teachers need a supportive administration and the resources to teach ... whether that be money or equipment.”

From his years in school, Clayton best remembers Ms. Obie Lee. “She was inspirational. When you were in her class, she made you feel there was nothing you couldn’t do. She taught us from the fifth to the 12th grade, so we felt empowered for a long time.”

At the University of Alabama, Clayton earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in secondary math.

He also earned education specialist and doctorate somewhere. We had to build what the atmosphere degrees in administration in Tuscaloosa. He received was going to be like at school, as well as all other the Walter Kimbrough Scholarship from the Alabama venues,” Clayton said.

Association of Secondary School Principals.

His career in education has involved Alabama He is a native of Eutaw, and his wife Karen schools solely. Clayton Clayton grew up in Phil started at Greensboro Campbell. She works as West High School as a counselor at Liberty. math teacher for grades Their sons are Battle, a 7-12 and assistant rising freshman at James football coach for five Clemens, and Landers, years. He then worked as who will enter seventh assistant principal, head grade at Liberty. girls’ basketball coach The Claytons enjoy and math teacher at Hale — Principal Dr. Brian Clayton camping in different sites County High School in across the Southeast – Moundville for six years. “from the mountains to For one year, Clayton was principal at Thomasville the beach. We also enjoy watching Alabama football High School. He spent four years as principal of and attending events of James Clemens. I enjoy Tuscaloosa and Rock Quarry middle schools. In 2011 reading professionally and recreationally,” he said.

Clayton joined Madison City Schools as principal of The Claytons are members at First Presbyterian Liberty Middle School.

Church in Huntsville. Karen serves as a deacon.

“Students need a supportive

infrastructure between family, community and school and high quality teachers.”

ABOVE: Dr. Brian and Karen Clayton both work for Madison City Schools.

Their sons are Battle, a rising freshman at James Clemens High School, and Landers, who will enter seventh grade at Liberty Middle School.

28 Madison Living

Meet the board

Superintendent introduces Madison City Board of Education WRITTEN BY DR. DEE FOWLER | PHOTOGRAPH CONTRIBUTED Throughout our 17 years as a school district, we have been blessed with outstanding Madison City Board of Education members.

Board members are appointed by the Madison City Council and receive no compensation. They approve the budget, hire the superintendent and help set the vision and tone for our school system. They are the eyes and ears of the community.

Tim Holtcamp is our newest board member.

I am certain that this board will continue to demand a level of quality in schools that mirrors the expectations of the community.

Allow me to briefly introduce our Board.

Dr. Terri Johnson (2007 appointee and now BOE president) has a mathematics degree from Rhodes College and a master›s degree and PhD in Applied Mathematics from UAHuntsville. She works for the Department of Mathematical Sciences at UAHuntsville.

Dr. Johnson and her husband, Greg, moved

to Madison in 1986 and have three sons: one an Auburn University graduate, one attending AU and a son at Bob Jones High School.

Connie Cox Spears (2009) has a business administration degree from AU. She and her husband, Richard, moved to Madison in 1984. Their oldest son is a BJHS and an AU graduate; the other son attends James Clemens High School.

Ranae Bartlett (2011) moved to Madison in 2003 with her husband, Todd. Their son attends Discovery Middle. She has a law degree from the University of Arkansas and undergraduate degrees in math and political science from the University of Central Arkansas.

David Hergenroeder (2013) is a West Point graduate with advanced degrees from universities in Seattle and Washington, D.C. He is a program manager at Redstone Arsenal. David and his wife, Melanie, came

Pictured are (front row) Dr. Terri Johnson, president of the board, with Dr. Fowler, and (back row) David Hergenroeder, Ranae Bartlett, Connie Cox Spears and Tim Holtcamp.

to Madison in 2004. They have two sons and a daughter – all graduates of Madison City schools.

Tim Holtcamp was raised in this area and graduated from AU. He is a senior engineer and intelligence analyst at Parsons Government Services, Inc. A resident of Madison since 1997, he and his wife, Misty, have a daughter at JCHS and a son at Liberty Middle.

Dr. Dee O. Fowler is Superintendent of Education for Madison City Schools.

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Hitting the books

at home

Home school: Families like custom-tailored learning

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Lou Ellen Todd and Kimber Riggle rest after creating life-size artwork of the human anatomy. Luke Chapman plays a catchy tune on recorder during music study. Students direct their classmantes in a classroom exercise.

PAGE 31: Classical Conversations students learn about music theory with an oversized measure of music in treble clef that uses black plates as notes.

30 Madison Living

C

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY CONTRIBUTED

rystal Dickerson, a former public school teacher, has changed lanes and is home schooling her two children.

Dickerson said her children, 10-year-old Ella and 7-year-old Eli, had wonderful teachers in Madison City Schools and positive experiences. She formerly taught in the Madison district “before kids and before Common Core,” she said.

However, home schooling attracted them for “custom-tailored learning experiences, more family time and religious reasons. The advent of Common Core, following on the heels of the failed No Child Left Behind dictates, left me seeking what a great

education looks like,” Dickerson said.

They finished their first year of home schooling in June 2015. (classicalconversations.com) “Exiting the public school system, my children and I desperately wanted to belong to a community of like-minded people. Our Classical Conversations - Madison West campus offered so much more,” Dickerson said. Paid tutors modeled Classical’s instruction with a Biblical worldview, followed by science experiments, fine arts, presentations, reviews, lunch and recess.

“Essentials,” the afternoon session for students in grades 9-12, offers “a dialectic-flavored grammar, math and writing time. The curriculum is a

Madison Living 31

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Budding artists try their hand with an art project.

Students in Classical Conversations home school conduct a science experiment on density and buoyancy with an orange floating in water. With hands raised, students are anxious to share the answer to the teacher’s question.

32 Madison Living

backbone to which parents add standalone math and language arts curricula,” she said.

At capacity with a wait list, Classical Conversations has moved to The Brook church, 8573 U.S. 72 West in Madison. Class rosters are filling, but spaces are available.

Nationwide, Classical Conversations has more than 80,000 students. Thirteen campuses operate in the Tennessee Valley.

“Emphasis is shifting more from the familial unit to government-run schools and is unsettling to my

traditional values,” she said. “(Traditional) schools have so many things ‘right,’ but so do families.”

She cites home-schooling advantages as closer familial relationships, focus on an individual child’s strengths/weaknesses and freedom from a school calendar to allow more time for extracurricular activities and travel without burnout.

Obstacles that home-schooling families must face are time management, motivation at difficult times and possible isolation, she said.

If parents are considering home school, they

Sisters Ansley Kate Chapman and Sophie Chapman proudly display their designs in human anatomy.

should familiarize themselves with current state laws, determine the home-school style that best fits, discover the child’s learning style and shop for curricula, Dickerson said.

She shops for materials online at christianbook.com and amazon.com.

Creative Learning Center, 8006 Old Madison Pike, Suite 11-A, is a local option.

Field trips or “learning experiences” are vital. The Dickersons used a Florida tour to absorb stories about Ponce de Leon and St. Augustine and local ecology, biology and geography.

“Parents shouldn’t feel like they must travel to have great experiences. Local field trip opportunities abound right here in Madison County,” Dickerson said. She listed the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center, Huntsville Botanical Garden, Burritt on the Mountain and Early Works/Constitution Village.

Classical Conversations students’ favorite field trip was Huntsville Museum of Art to view Grandma

Moses’ exhibit after they had studied her life.

“The parent is the ultimate authority for assessing student success,” Dickerson said. Children master skills at their own pace. “Some secondgraders I know are still chipping away at kindergarten-level reading but on a third-grade level in math.”

“We all (as adults) remember studying for a test; our students study for the love of learning,” she said.

“The number of home schools is limited only by the number of homes with school-aged children. Every home can be a school for children,” Dickerson said. “Alabama State Department of Education requires that home-schoolers report attendance under the authority of a ‘cover school’ or ‘church school.’”

Any Alabama home-schooler feasibly can align with any willing cover school, even one far away.

For a list of Alabama home schools, visit leapingfromthebox.com/hs/ alhschurchcover.html.

Subscribe today to May 201 4

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Craftsman exterior, slee contrast in k interior Mill Road home

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Pizzeria

Enjoy pizz a, stay for gelato close to hom e

Up Beat

Vigorous and rigorous, Zum class at the ba YMCA lure s an enthusiastic following

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Rolling Stones!

Spartan Ston es business rock finds solid but competi tive after expansion into Madison

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Madison Living 33

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Taste the Spirit of Madison June 13 at Insanity Complex brought thousands to the now-opened facility.

Bites and Brews event sponsor Country Financial.

The Madison Hospital Vein Center.

Back Yard BBQ Band Falcon Punch.

Grogan Jewelers participating at Taste the Spirit of Madison with Madison Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Adriana Hoover and Mary Ann Huscher.

The judges for the Back Yard BBQ competition (from left to right): KCB Judge, Dewayne Balleu, Christopher Morris, Mayor Troy Trulock, Tom Butler and Shannon Miller

The Hogan Family YMCA participating as a Bazaar Booth Vendor at Taste the Spirit of Madison.

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Bites and Brews participants lining up to sample some delicious food.

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Insanity complex with owner and entrepreneur Frank Pitts cutting the Ribbon.

Big Daddy Kingfish playing Bites and Brews.

Bites and Brews patrons enjoying delicious food and live music.

Mayor Troy Trulock and Frank Pitts presenting Pit Row BBQ with the 1st place Grand Prize trophy at Bites and Brews.

Mayor Troy Trulock and Frank Pitts presenting Alan Osmer of Chill’n N Grillin BBQ the 1st place trophy in best of chicken during Bites and Brews.

Blue Pants Brewery at Bites and Brews.

Bites and Brews.

Madison Living 35

Party in the Park

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The Huntsville Hospital Foundation hosted Party in the Park June 5 to benefit Madison Hospital.

1. Amy and Jonathan McDowell 2. Matthew Vincent and Namibia Pearson help dole out the drinks 3. Kory Alfred, left, with Marty Alfred 4. Katie Rose Norman, left, with Pamela Sparks 5. Cynthia and Greg Curtis 6. Anthony and Melissa Freeman

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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Party in the Park

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1. From left, Amy Giles, Paula Cushman and Taron Thorpe 2. Tom and Linda Sieja 3. Beth Washington, left, and Melissa Slaten 4. Kelly Hatley and Brenda Stout 5. Richard and Connie Spears 6. Dave and Deanne Johnson 7. Brittany Higgins and Wardell Pearson 8. LuAnn Lusk, left, with Sonja Greene

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK SELLERS

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Health focused

HEALTH

Hospital continues to grow, expand WRITTEN BY MARY LYNNE WRIGHT

T

hese are exciting times in our community with growth and change in every direction. The same is true at Madison Hospital from the standpoint of more facilities, new physicians and enhanced services. We hit the ground running about 3.5 years ago, and – thanks to your support – we have much to celebrate.

To accommodate the extraordinary number of patients seeking treatment in our Emergency Department, the number of treatment rooms has nearly doubled – from 12 rooms when the hospital

opened to 20 rooms. This Heart Center’s Madison year, the ED is on track location in Madison to treat about 42,500 Medical I. This enables patients. one cardiologist Our first baby was born to provide care for June 6, 2012. Since then, hospitalized patients the number of infant while the other physician deliveries has increased Mary Lynne treats patients in clinic. To Wright by 94 percent. Huntsville accommodate increasing Hospital Foundation and Cardiology patient our Women’s Council recently volume, Imaging Department hosted “Party in the Park” to shell space is being converted help fund the construction of into echocardiogram and stress a new labor/delivery/recovery testing rooms. Six individual room. Safety, comfort and treatment areas are also being privacy are the hallmarks of our added to prepare patients for maternity program. cardiac imaging procedures.

We recently welcomed a Our Breast Center in the second cardiologist to the Progress Bank Building

averages more than 500 mammograms monthly and recently added the only clinically superior 3D mammography technology approved by the FDA. We are grateful for generous sponsors and more than 6,600 runners in Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s Liz Hurley Ribbon Run, who helped provide funds to purchase what our Breast Radiologists feel is the best technology available.

Should we have the opportunity to care for you, I expect that you will have an outstanding patient care experience.

3D mammograms are here Using the first and only clinically superior 3D technology approved by the FDA Madison Hospital Breast Center 2nd floor, Progress Bank Building 8337 Hwy. 72 W.

Huntsville Hospital Breast Center Women’s Pavilion 910 Adams St.

Call (256) 265-9999 to schedule an appointment.

38 Madison Living

Marketplace Madison Living • 256.772.6677

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Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME 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 COME RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS Big M-Transportation $500 Orientation Pay. $1500 Sign On Bonus.

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Contact Jacob at: 877-553-2448 www.bigmtransport.com CARRY TRANSIT Decatur, Alabama Now hiring DRIVERS * Good Pay * Excellent Benefits & Home Time * 18 Months OTR exp. * Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement.

Apply on Line@ CarryTransit.com THE MEADOWS Luxury Apartments Ground floor patio apts., Upgraded Appliances, Ceramic Tile, Ceiling Fans, Individual Alarm Systems & More.

1540 Lawrence St. East, Russellville 256-398-8818 Soon the mark of the beast will be enforced!

• Free Book & Bible Study • PO Box 171 Samantha, Al 35482 205-339-4837

Looking for a home?

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Call Willodean 256-762-5671 Davis Realty & Assoc. Inc. 115 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL 256-332-9920 DEPENDABLE DOZER & DIRT 256-332-4854 Full Time Receptionist needed for medical office.

Experience in the medical field is a plus. Please fax resumes to 256-331-2096 or e-mail to hwr8480@gmail.com Dunn Building Company has immediate openings in the Decatur area for Trackhoe and Backhoe Operators, Form Carpenters, Concrete Finishers, Rodbusters and Laborers. Must have minimum 3 years experience and be able to pass a drug test.

Benefits included BCBS insurance, Aetna Life and Disability insurances, Vacation, Holidays and 401k. Download an application from: www.dunnbuildingcompany.com and fax to 205-510-0301 or email to sprice@dunnbuildingcompany. com EOE M/F/Disabled/Veterans HUGHES NET • Gen4 High-Speed Satellite Internet Is Available Where You Live!

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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

Kioti CK30 HST 4x4, 156 hours, R4 tires, w/ Kioti loader and quick-attach bucket: $13,900 John Deere 4300 12x12 Shuttle Shift, R4 tires w/ John Deere loader bucket: $12,900 256-565-8695 (no txt) HOMES FOR SALE Financing Available (wac) Low Down Payments Sheffield, Hackleburg, Town Creek, Courtland, Moulton & Falkville Call Matt 1-855-847-6808 Use Happy Jack Kennel Dip II as area spray for stable flies, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

Do NOT use on cats! Morgan Farmer’s Co-op 256-773-6832 www.kennelvax.com • Mixed hay 5.00/bale, 4.50/100+bales, 4.00/bale if picked up in field • Bermuda hay coming late July, 6.00/bale, 5.50/100+bales 5.00/if pick up in field. Located In West Point • Call 256-734-4202 Gypsum Express LTD. Class A CDL Drivers needed! Bridgeport, AL Terminal Opening Soon! Top pay and benefits, plus bonuses! Call Melissa @1-866-317-6556 ext. 3 Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256-332-2960 ATTENTION CAREGIVERS & CNAs: Hiring 100+ Caregivers Immediately! Competitive Wages, Flexible Schedules, Friendly Staff, Endless Opportunities. Onsite Interviews Mon-Fri! Call now to schedule an appointment!

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We Buy ATVs Motorcycles & Utility Vehicles Motorsports Superstore 888-880-2277 Hamilton, AL SPRING CLEAN-UP Need a Dumpster?

Call 205-893-7223 DRIVERS WANTED • Experienced Class A CDL Drivers • Safe & Clean Driving Record Required • Competitive Salary Package Call (205) 935-8668 HUGHES NET • Gen4 High-Speed Satellite Internet Is Available Where You Live!

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For more information and to apply, please visit http://qchcweb.applicantpro.com.

NOW HIRING - Direct Caregivers, LPNs, Admin Team Members & Drivers. Free CPR, 1st Aid & TB screen with 2 forms of ID & HS Diploma/GED. Restore Care • restorecareinc.com Salvation Army Bi-Weekly Auction • 1401 FL Shuttlesworth Dr, Bham. Used electronics, furniture, equipment, bric-a-brac. Fee $4-$5. Public welcome! Call for details: (205)252-8151

KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499

RV LOTS FOR SALE! Oversized RV Lots with many amenities.

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20 IMMEDIATE OPENINGS IN HARTSELLE! Hiring for 10wk Grocery Merchandising Project Call Now! Tracy Edison at (615)210-4142 or tracy.edison@kroger.com • www.apply2jobs.com/plmarketing • Search for Requisition number 1398

Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-350-9938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales.com

Now Hiring Night Shift LPN’s • Apply online at: www. southernhealthpartners.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 TED MILLS Heating & A/C Service & Change out $65 Summer Service Free Estimates 256-412-5408 Thompson Industrial Services COME JOIN OUR TEAM! Immediate openings for TECHNICIANS/OPERATORS Operates extremely high pressured waterblast units and industrial vacuum units. We work in paper/pulpmills, steel mills, refineries, nuclear plants, etc.

Must have valid driver license (CDL a plus); work flexible hours (on call 24/7), travel, lift 50 lbs hoses; pass drug tests.

Complete application online at www.thompsonindustrialservices. com. EOE Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 MANUFACTURED HOMES MOBILE HOMES with land. Ready to move in. Owner financing with approved credit. 3 bdrm., 2 bath.

No renters.

1-205-289-8899 VMFhomes.com VEST U-PICK IT Fresh Seasonal Fruits & Veggies U-Pick or We Pick Eva, AL 256-796-2070 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 Pharmacy Technician needed at Southern Care Pharmacy • Experience required. Please call 256-502-8550 for details.

Madison Living 39