Madison Living - December

Madison Volksmarch • Best in Business Awards • Chamber Connections

MADISON Living December 2019 | $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

Dr. Troy Layton finds

NATURAL FIT

with Trash Pandas

Wonderful Christmastime Hoover home defines wonder of holiday season

Baking biz Madison teenager brings in the dough

HERE COME THE BRIDES!

Madison Living Bridal Edition

Coming January 2020

Wedding Stories | Vendors | Engagements | Trends

For story ideas and suggestions: rebekah.martin@madisonlivingmagazine.com For advertising information: tori.waits@madisonlivingmagazine.com

MADISON Living Editorial Rebekah Martin Alison James John Few Contributors Gregg Parker Bob Labbe Robert V. Parker Joshua Berry Erin Coggins Lee Marshall Mayor Paul Finley Mary Lynne Wright Marketing Tori Waits Administrative Sierra Jackson

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Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Madison area.

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Copyright 2019

by Madison Publications, LLC

4 Madison Living

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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 46 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 28 years on WLRH-FM Public Radio. He has also been a local high school basketball referee for 27 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.

19

11 HOME & STYLE

11 Wonderful Christmastime

arts & culture

19 Bringing rich history to life

33

Hoovers deck the halls in sumptuous holiday style

Second annual Volksmarch brings focus on Madison’s 150th birthday

IN EVERY ISSUE: 7 The Guide

FOOD & DRINK

10 #MadisonLife

44 Chamber Connections

26 Baking biz

Madison teenager brings in the dough

SCHOOL & SPORTS

40 Out & About

33 A natural fit

Dr. Troy Layton joins the Trash Pandas

Madison Living 5

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From the editor

I

I can hardly believe this is the last issue of Madison Living in 2019. I never believed people when they said time flies the older you get, but they were right. My 30th year feels like it has flown by, and we’re about to start a brand new year and a new decade!

Inside this issue, you’ll find a variety of stories about Madison people and what they’ve been up to lately.

Debbie Hoover was just invited to help decorate the White House for Christmas, and she takes us on a tour of her own home so we can see her decorating prowess. Nothing puts me in the holiday spirit quite like decorating a Christmas tree, and I know I’m not alone. Turn to page 11 to see Debbie’s Winter Wonderland.

Madison VolksMarch • Best in Business awards • chaMBer connections

MADISON LIvINg December 2019 | $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

Madison Living contributors Bob Labbe and Erin Coggins also had conversations with Dr. Troy Layton and Joshua Wortham. Layton is the team doctor for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, which will play their first game on Toyota Field in just a few short months.

Joshua is a teenager who owns and operates his own bakery. Madison is full of unique people who have amazing aspirations, and we’re excited to tell their stories!

Finally, John Few brings us a story on the annual Volksmarch in Madison. The unique event is a noncompetitive walk during which attendees witnessed the history of Madison come alive. It was endorsed by the Alabama Bicentennial and Madison’s Sesquicentennial commissions and was chock-full of reenactors and activities for all ages.

Dr. Troy LayTon finDs

natural fit

wiTh Trash PanDas

Wonderful Christmastime hoover hoMe Defines wonDer of hoLiDay season

Baking Biz

MaDison Teenager brings in The Dough

Whatever your reason for picking up this issue, we thank you for reading and wish you and yours a happy holiday season.

ON THE COVER Teenager Joshua Wortham loves “baking people happy.”

Read the story of how he began his baking business with heart on page 26.

Photo by Joshua Berry

6 Madison Living

rebekah.martin@madisonlivingmagazine.com

the guide

December 14 “Polar Express” Christmas Parade City of Madison

Parade route for the “Polar Express” Christmas Parade will begin at Plaza Drive and Hughes Road and will continue to downtown Madison.

The parade begins at 5:30 p.m.

For additional information or questions, call 256-772-9300.

Madison Living 7

the guide

Dec. 1-31

Christmas Card Lane Downtown Madison Christmas Card Lane is an outdoor, life-size card exhibit located in the heart of Madison. Visitors will find whimsical, traditional and religious themes among the many designs on display. Drive along Church and Front streets, in Madison’s historic downtown neighborhood, to enjoy this visual holiday delight. The cards will be illuminated for six hours after dark each night in the month of December.

Dec. 6

Candlelight Christmas Burritt on the Mountain Burritt on the Mountain comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional holiday for Candlelight Christmas.

Cabins are decorated with historic ambiance, and the sounds of traditional music fill the air throughout the park. String cranberries and popcorn, make paper punch ornaments, create handmade cards and ice cookies to kickoff the holiday season. Don’t miss Kris Kringle in the mansion from 5-8 p.m. for that annual photograph! It is certainly an event for young and old to enjoy. Purchase tickets online or call Josie’s Gift Shop, 256-536-2882.

Dec. 6 Dec. 1-31

Christmas Magic Tree Decorating Contest Downtown Madison The annual Christmas Magic Tree Decorating Contest is a wonderful opportunity to help create a festive environment in beautiful downtown Madison. Whether using the tree to express creativity or to promote a business, it is a wonderful way to add charm to the holiday. Visitors can enjoy viewing the beautifully-decorated trees on display.

8 Madison Living

11th Annual Nutcracker Ball Von Braun Center The 11th Annual Nutcracker Ball is a festive, black tie optional event featuring dinner, silent and live auctions and dancing. This event serves as a kick-off celebration for the holiday season with a special performance by members of Huntsville Ballet Company. Proceeds from the Nutcracker Ball, set for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6, benefit the Huntsville Ballet Company and its Discover Dance outreach programs, which provide dance and movement-based educational opportunities throughout the community.

the guide

Dec. 6-8, 13-15

“A Christmas Carol” Fantasy Playhouse at the VBC

Fantasy Playhouse will offer performances of the classic “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15, with Friday night shows at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 18 and younger.

Dec. 8

Mistletoe Madness 5K Columbia High School Kick off the holiday season at the Mistletoe Madness 5K, offering something for all, starting at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Attendees can wear their holiday costumes and support their favorite runners, get photos with Santa, dance along to music by DJ Reggie Regg or jump in and do their best in the 5K.

Dec. 14

Holidays in the Valley Benefit Concert Trinity United Methodist Church

A fun music-filled event featuring local artists, the Holidays in the Valley Benefit Concert is set for 4:30-5:30 p.m at Trinity United Methodist Church. Food and drinks will be provided.

Donations will be accepted at the door, with proceeds going to The Academy of Learning and Character Development and Maitland Conservatory.

Madison Living 9

#MadisonLife Use #MadisonLife or tag Madison Living in your posts on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to publish in each issue.

@Adi.schroer

@Jaysondwalls

happy birthday 16 @veronicaportaa

Big 17

@emmakoerlin

@Bekahjane1

last pink game

We took “Crazy Sock Day” to the next level for Red Ribbon Week at school. In my household, we only know how to go big or go home. #redribbonweek #wmes#crazysockday #whattheheck

10 Madison Living

home& style

WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME

Hoover home defines wonder of holiday season STORY BY GREGG L. PARKER Photos BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 11

D

Debbie Hoover isn’t sure when she and husband Scott started decorating their home so lavishly for Christmas. “I can’t really remember how this insanity started,” she said. “We started with one tree, then two, and so on, and so on.”

Christmas decorating starts immediately after Thanksgiving and continues for two weeks in the Hoover household. Family members, including grandchildren, climb into the attic to move decorations, and anyone who helps then signs and dates an attic board.

“When we’re gone from the house, I hope whoever lives here will wonder what we were doing,” Debbie said. “When all the boxes are removed from the attic, it looks like a bomb went off. I’m up all hours of the night when I can’t sleep, so I work then.”

12 Madison Living

Every year I say, ‘This is the last year I’m doing all this,’ and every year my family says, ‘No, she will do it next year.’

– Debbie Hoover

Madison Living 13

With as many as 15 Christmas trees, the Hoovers keep one constant: the living room. Debbie’s parents handed down this tree’s colored lights and ornaments; Debbie’s father bought many decorations in Germany while serving in the military.

Each tree has its own theme. A kitchen tree has homemade cinnamon ornaments, gingerbread people and kitchen tools. A few trees are devoted to the grandchildren. “Our family tree in the den has all ornaments we’ve gathered over 41 years of marriage,” Debbie said.

This tree features Debbie’s baby shoes and their sons’ first pairs, a tradition from Debbie’s grandfather. Other trees change year to year, and Santa always hides the legendary “pickle gift” for grandchildren to find Christmas morning.

Scott and Debbie’s parents and grandparents donated keepsakes like Nativity sets. The Hoover sons have gifted snow villages. Debbie collects vintage porcelain angels. “It’s nice looking at them and remembering all our loved ones. I hope my children will carry on the traditions once I’m too old,” Debbie said.

An all-time favorite ornament is a clear glass ball wrapped in gold garland from Debbie’s parents.

14 Madison Living

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Madison Living 15

For live greenery, Debbie relies on magnolia, pine and nandina. The wraparound porch, screened porch and front lawn’s theme changes yearly – even boasting red-and-lime Japanese hanging lanterns on year.

On Christmas Eve, Scott and Debbie place all gifts under the family tree and fill stockings.

On Christmas morning, the sons’ families open Santa’s gifts at their homes and then drive to Scott and Debbie’s around 10 a.m. for breakfast foods, mimosas, eggnog and juices.

“Opening gifts is chaotic but a lot of fun. Having all the grandchildren makes it the best,” Debbie said. “Every year I say, ‘This is the last year I’m doing all this,’ and every year my family says, ‘No, she will do it next year.’”

16 Madison Living

Scott and Debbie moved to Madison in May 1987 after he accepted a job and declined another offer in Augusta, Georgia. Debbie said she remembers originally saying, “‘I’ll go anywhere you want, but I’m not going to Alabama.’ Boy, it was the best thing that could have happened to our family; as you can tell, we love Alabama and especially Madison.”

Debbie works as a nurse with the Veterans Administration. She also does event planning, directs weddings and decorates for showers and homes for the holidays. About 25 years ago, Scott founded his own business, PMI — Predictive Maintenance Inspection. The Hoovers have three sons and seven grandchildren: David Hoover and wife Rachel of New Market are parents of Serena, 18, Kayla, 16, Ethan, 12, and Emily, 9; Ryan Hoover and wife Brittany live in Madison with children Preston, 10, and Riley, 8; and Dustin Hoover and wife Adriana of Madison are parents of 5-month-old Stevie.

Madison Living 17

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arts&culture

BRINGING RICH HISTORY TO LIFE Second annual Volksmarch brings focus on Madison’s 150th birthday Story by JOHN FEW Photos by JOHN FEW and JORDAN PHRANER Madison Living 19

S

Standing at the corner of Church Street and Arnett Street in downtown Madison, Ava DeMartino told her story to anyone who cared to listen. Well, not her story exactly, but that of Elizabeth Gooch, a woman who lived in a world 200 years away in what would one day become Madison. Dressed in period clothing from the early 1800s, DeMartino, a local Girl Scout, portrayed Elizabeth as she told the story of the Gooch family for the second annual Volksmarch of Madison, held Nov. 2.

The event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Madison, included a leisurely three-mile stroll from Madison City Stadium into the heart of downtown, meandering through streets lined with beautiful old homes that once belonged to the area’s early residents. The day was filled with stories of Madison’s past as volunteer actors, stationed at various points in front of the historic houses and landmarks, wove a fascinating tale of the town’s early days and the families that lived here.

For DeMartino, the story of Elizabeth Gooch is one that can be seen today in two distinct landmarks in Madison. She told the story from Elizabeth’s perspective of how perhaps the most significant namesake of the Gooch family in Madison never happened.

Today’s Dublin Park was a part of a land purchase by Elizabeth’s husband Roland. It passed into Dublin hands when his daughter Eleanor married James Dublin. Since Roland was the original landowner, the park could well be known as “Gooch Park;” however, it was Dublin descendants of Roland Gooch who donated the land to the city for a park, with the stipulation that it be named as it is today – something that would have likely irritated Elizabeth, since she supposedly did not like her daughter’s husband.

Keeping in character, DeMartino also told how Elizabeth and her husband donated an acre of land to the Madison United Methodist Church in 1837. It was originally located at the site where a convenience store and the Regions Bank are now located, near the junction of Hughes Road and Old Madison Pike. In 1873 that church was put on logs and pulled by mules to its present location on Church Street in Madison.

It was stories such as this and many others – like the tales of James Clemens, the founder of Madison and namesake for James Clemens High School, and that of Doc Hughes, another founding father of Madison – that brought the people of the early 1800s to life for a generation accustomed to booming construction and rapid city growth.

20 Madison Living

Learning about the development of the area, how Madison started and grew, is extremely interesting.

– Jennifer Moore

In Old Madison Cemetery, members of the Balch, Gooch, Clemens, Palmer and Sturdivant families were brought back to life as reenactors detailed the lives of the city founders buried there.

For 18-year-old Langley Polk, standing in the middle of the historic cemetery along Mill Road in a period costume her mother made, the day brought back fond memories of her childhood. She moved to Madison with her family four years ago from Virginia, where as a child she participated in living history reenactments with her father. “This is very cool. It reminds me of being in Virginia because I used to do this when I was younger, except we portrayed the 1700s,” Polk said.

A senior at Bob Jones High School, Polk portrayed James Clemens’ wife, Minerva Mills Clemens. Her father, Allen, portrayed Capt. John Buchanan Floyd,

a Civil War veteran and early mayor of Madison. She said it was her father who first got her started in re-enacting when she was 8 years old. “I really like the living history stuff, but it’s not really popular among my age group, so it’s very cool that I get to be involved in it here,” she added.

“I moved here my freshman year in high school, and I didn’t know a lot about Madison. I thought, ‘There’s no history here. It’s too new.’ People told me, ‘Oh, there is history here. You just have to find it.’ So I thankfully found it, which is cool.”

At the main downtown square, a group of Boy Scouts gave Volksmarch walkers a humorous look into an event that was not so funny in its day – the 1928 bank robbery. The old bank no longer exists, but the building still does, along with the original bank vault. It is now Noble Passage Interiors on Main Street.

In the reenactment, the robbers were carted off with much fanfare to a makeshift jail built by the Madison Historical Preservation Society at Main Street Cafe’.

Pauline Childers and Jennifer Moore watched the reenactment with amusement and keen interest in the city’s past.

“Learning about the development of the area, how Madison started and grew, is extremely interesting,” Moore said. One aspect she observed during the reenactments in the cemetery was how many of the founding families of Madison came and settled here from the same areas as many of the families who reside in Madison today. “When you hear about the histories of the people in the cemetery, they were not brought up here – they were brought here. That’s what is happening now.”

Madison Living 21

Langley Polk, 18, portrays Minerva Mills Clemens, the wife of Madison’s founder James Clemens.

Ashleigh White, a junior at James Clemens High School, portrays Emma Riddle in front of the Riddle House in downtown Madison.

Allen Polk, as Capt. John Floyd, tells of days when he was fighting in the Civil War and later served as mayor of Madison.

Maggie Pittman, 7, looks down at a small Bible while portraying an early Madison student, Josephine Pratt, in front of Madison Elementary School during Volksmarch.

“I did not know Madison had this kind of history,” Childers added. “I have never really seen the roots of Madison, mostly all of the construction and new growth.

The heart of Madison is amazingly interesting.”

They were equally impressed with the recent upgrades to the downtown area, agreeing it is “very quaint and nice to visit.”

Originally scheduled for the previous Saturday, Volksmarch was pushed to Nov. 2 to avoid the heavy rains Oct. 26.

22 Madison Living

The move meant several volunteers who had planned to reenact other historical scenes could not make it because of prior obligations, but organizers and participants alike said they were very glad Volksmarch was postponed and not completely canceled for this year.

“It was a beautiful day – not a cloud in the sky. Over 100 people came out to celebrate with us, and it was great, said Madison Historical Preservation Society president Debbie Overcash. “From the Girl

Scouts and Boy Scouts to the Rotarians and actors, we had a big time.”

Volksmarch chairwoman Bailey Erickson agreed. “Today was wonderful,” she said after the event. “So many people enjoyed learning the history of Madison, particularly the re-enactors who were in front of the homes on Church Street.

They loved the girls in the cemetery, along Buttermilk Alley. Mostly they just loved being outside on such a beautiful day and learning about Madison.”

History, agreed those who participated as walkers and volunteers, is something we should never forget. “If we do not appreciate and remember the history and enjoy it, then it could one day be turned into something else, and that history would be lost to future generations. We won’t have it anymore,” said Jennifer Moore at the end of her walk.

An act of preserving modern history for a generation 50 years from now wrapped up the day. Madison Mayor Paul Finley joined Overcash, Erickson, Rotary Club president Larry Smith and Madison historian John Rankin in burying a time capsule for the Madison residents of 2069 to unearth during the city’s 200th anniversary celebration. In it were items representing the current world of Madison, such as city coins, a program from the 2019 Madison Street Festival, a proclamation by the mayor and city council, a signed banner from the participants of Saturday’s Volksmarch and other memorabilia from the 150th celebration of the city’s founding.

Madison Living 23

We always recognize that we stand on the shoulders of others, and we want to continue to build a positive community, and this brings it all home.

– Mayor Paul Finley

“If you think about it, 50 years ago, the city buried a time capsule, and we got to open it a couple of weeks ago,” Finley said. “We always recognize that we stand on the shoulders of others, and we want to continue to build a positive community, and this brings it all home. As we bury this one today, to be opened 50 years from now, our goal is to make it better for this generation and hopefully for the 24 Madison Living

next generation that opens this one up. As elected leaders, that’s what your goal is: to improve quality of life that makes your community better.”

One aspect that hit home to Finley was that the same atmosphere and mindset that propelled Madison to become a town 150 years ago still exists today. “Every city starts off as a small town,” he said. “The great thing about Madison is we continue

to have that small-town feel as we now have grown into a medium-sized city. It is managed differently, but yet it is managed the same – focused on the people.”

Erickson said the Volksmarch of Madison is an event that is here to stay.

Organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s walk through time. All the proceeds from the event will benefit the Rotarians’ local projects.

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Madison reflects on 2019 accomplishments

W

Paul Finley Mayor City of Madison

What a year! 2019 has been full of fun memories, hard work and a list of accomplishments our city can take pride in. Together with our Madison City Council, our Madison Chamber of Commerce and our fantastic city employees, we continue to stay focused on actionable and measurable quality-of-life improvements for our residents and community.

Throughout the year we have highlighted the major success of our AA baseball Trash Pandas, the naming of Toyota Field, The Avenue Madison complex in historic downtown, the five-laning of sections of Sullivan Street and Hughes Road and many others. Sidewalks are being connected, greenways are being expanded, and both Dublin and Palmer Park are being improved. The passing of the property tax vote allows us to build our needed schools, and our growth policy continues to help us control growth at a manageable level.

2019 New Year’s Eve

Inside City Hall we have been busy, too. Multiple adult recreation programs have been added; our building department has improved its permitting and inspection processes; and our revenue department is collecting more than 90 percent of sales tax via internet filing. We added a full-time EMS squad at Fire Station 3; our Madison Police received CALEA certification; and IT continues to work diligently to keep our city safe from cyber intrusions.

Each day our team stays focused on our mission statement, “Providing excellent services through the use of public resources, enhancing the quality of life for our community.” As we navigate through the Christmas holidays, I continue to be thankful for our City of Madison team.

To stay engaged with your community, visit our website at www.madisonal.gov or call 256-772-5600.

rs a M

Tuesday, December 31, 8 p.m.

Live Entertainment | Heavy hors d’oeuvres | Cash Bars Ring in the New Year at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration. This festive evening includes a champagne toast at midnight.

Tickets and more information at

ROCKETCENTER.COM/NEWYEARS Madison Living 25

food&drink

BAKING BIZ Madison teen brings in the dough Story by Erin Coggins Photos by Joshua Berry 26 Madison Living

A

A baker. An entrepreneur. A teenager. Meet Joshua Wortham.

When he was 10 years old, Wortham faced a dilemma. He wanted to attend the Peacebuilders Camp in Georgia for a week in the summer, but he did not have the funds. His family, struggling financially because of his younger brother being in Children’s Hospital, suggested he start a business to raise the money. Wortham was clueless about how to start his own business, but he was not clueless about baking.

“Not only did I make enough money to attend the camp, but I also got to help another boy from Huntsville attend the following year,” Wortham said. “I got to return to Plains, Georgia, and meet and bake cookies for President Jimmy Carter the next year.”

Now 15 years old and a freshman at James Clemens High School, Wortham is the sole proprietor of Peaceful Pastries and Sweets, a bakery he runs out of his home in Madison. “I wanted the name to contain the word peace to connect to Peacebuilders Camp. My parents and I sat around the kitchen table and threw out names, and I came up with Peaceful Pastries,” he said. “We decided to add ‘and Sweets’ to the name because we did not want to limit ourselves to pastries.”

Baking has always been a part of Wortham’s life.

He said his family made cookies for all of his and his eight brothers’ teachers, and his dad taught him how to make cheesecake and pie. The family has a tradition of making sweets for every family night.

“I enjoy baking because it makes me feel calm and relaxed. I love preparing cookies because it is soothing to knead and roll out dough,” Wortham said. “I love the way the kitchen and our home smells when I bake.”

His first paid order was from his grandmother, who ordered Rice Krispie treats and two dozen snickerdoodle cookies. He soon snagged a corporate client, who ordered five dozen decorated airplane cookies for FlyQuest, an organization that promotes aviation for girls. He said he spent an entire weekend decorating the cookies.

“I thought they looked okay, but now when I look at pictures of them, I am horrified,” he said. “Miss Ramona loved them, though, and she took photos of the girls devouring them.”

Although Wortham bakes wedding cakes, birthday cakes and pastries, cookies are his speciality.

To perfect his decorating skills, Wortham watched YouTube videos, took art lessons and participated in decorating classes at Williams Sonoma and Lynelle’s. He also sought out advice from two mentor chefs, Michael Girard and Stephanie Thomas.

I enjoy baking because it makes me feel calm and relaxed. I love preparing cookies because it is soothing to knead and roll out dough.

– Joshua Wortham

Madison Living 27

“The decorating part is where I get to be creative. It’s exciting to explore different designs and blend different colors and textures,” he said. “Baking is the perfect art because I get to pass along my creations to other people. It is also a humbling art because everything I spend so much time creating gets eaten, so it keeps me grounded.”

Wortham said he loves sharing his passion for baking with others. That’s why he decided to offer classes to the community. His Peaceful Prodigy classes are open to children, and he conducts classes to promote team building, girl nights, bachelorette parties, church parties and birthday parties. He supplies everything for the classes, including boxes to carry finished “masterpieces” home.

Customers can also book private classes at select locations.

“I give out prizes or certificates and put a chef hat on the most kind or talented Peaceful Prodigy of the class,” Wortham said. “We laugh a lot, and I get to know my customers better. They ask me a lot about my life, and I ask them about theirs. It is important for me to form relationships with my customers or at least learn a little about them and share a little about myself.”

Wortham’s parents, William and Rebecca, have always supported their son’s love of baking. When he was 4 years old, he asked for a pretend kitchen for Christmas. Despite some of his parents’ friends’ opinions that boys should not play with a kitchen, they fulfilled his wish. That support has not waned as he has gotten older. “When I wanted to move on from my pretend kitchen and use real appliances and knives, my parents were not afraid to let me explore,” he said. “When I mess up, they’re there, and when I do well, they’re there. It’s reassuring to know they’ll always believe in me.”

The business is now a family affair.

William helps with cakes and the business end, and Rebecca helps with cookies, weddings and classes. A couple of Wortham’s brothers get in on the business as well. His 13-year-old brother Caleb uses a 3D printer to create the custom cookie cutters and runs the “chocolate division.” His 11-year-old brother Ben is in charge of the “comfort cookie division,” including chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodle, peanut butter, no-bake and sugar.

28 Madison Living

I already have a commercial mixer, bun rack, dedicated freezer and 10 commercial utensil carts. Now I’m saving for a dual convection oven.

– Joshua Wortham

“Benny has special needs and sometimes gets told everything he can’t do. So it’s good to have him help in the bakery so people can focus on everything he can do,” Wortham said. “He’s our official taste tester, and he is basically a genius, just like Caleb.”

Wortham backs his business with a Cottage Food Industry License and also has Madison County and Madison City business licenses and an LLC. He said his goal is to get into a brick-and-mortar bakery in Madison and to eventually sell online.

“A brick-and-mortar building will allow me to expand and to hire people to work for me,” he said. “I already have a commercial mixer, bun rack, dedicated freezer and 10 commercial utensil carts. Now I’m saving for a dual convection oven.”

The young baker posts photos of his baked goods on Facebook and Instagram Business pages. He has 4,800 followers on Facebook and a five-star rating. He has garnered invitations to pop-up events and bridal fairs. “I need to get better at Instagram because that’s what teenagers use, but I really like Facebook better. I guess I’m an old soul,” Wortham said.

“Most of my business, though, comes through word of mouth.”

Madison Living 29

When I make mistakes or over-book and run a little behind, my customers are gracious. I think they realize I am still a teenager who is learning, and their patience with me makes me want to learn even more so I can get better. I just love baking people happy.

– Joshua Wortham 30 Madison Living

“Old-soul” marketing must be working because Wortham has clients from all over north and central Alabama and southern Tennessee.

He said his customers include U.S. presidents and senators, Nobel Peace Prize recipients, teachers, veterans, pastors, doctors, janitors, welders and all sorts of people. “I try to reach as many diverse populations as I can because learning about them opens space in my mind and my heart,” Wortham said.

When Wortham uses words like mind and heart, he means it. The teen started the Coexist with Cookies and Shared Sweets campaigns to help spotlight and unite diverse or marginalized people over the love of cookies. He donates a dozen cookies per month to a business or individual who is making a positive difference in the community. After donating cakes and cookies to children with cancer and other illnesses through the Icing Smiles Corporation, he was chosen to be a “Sugar Angel.”

“I ask my customers to tag people they feel deserve sweets, and people get to read the comments and learn about others,” Wortham said.

Wortham has been honored for his entrepreneurial spirit, including being named Entrepreneur of the Year for North Alabama three consecutive years and Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for North Alabama. Most recently he won a Hero Award for the Best Social Enterprise Act of 2019 and was one of 12 – from 13 million nominees worldwide – to be named to the 2019 World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. He accepted the award in Merida, Mexico.

“Mrs. Marilyn McGinnis from the Peacebuilders Camp nominated me,” Wortham said. “I was happy to represent Alabama and meet so many world leaders and peace builders at this summit. I got to share the stage with six Nobel Peace Prize recipients. It was a lifechanging event.”

If all the accolades those accolades are not enough, Wortham is an A student and a member of the James Clemens competition band and jazz band, and he uses his musical talent to teach classes. Participating in these things might take away from his baking during the week, but he does not let it get in the way of satisfying his customers.

“My main goal with the bakery is to connect with my customers and bake them happy,” Wortham said. “When I make mistakes or overbook and run a little behind, my customers are gracious. I think they realize I am still a teenager who is learning, and their patience with me makes me want to learn even more so I can get better. I just love baking people happy.”

EDUCATION

A salute to the arts in Madison City Schools

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Robert V. Parker Superintendent Madison City Schools

You often hear about the strong academics and athletics in Madison City Schools. Today I’d like to highlight a third pillar of educational excellence: the arts.

Whether we are talking about performing arts, visual arts or fine arts, we have among the best in America. I am so proud of what these programs have to offer. The teachers and instructional teams do an outstanding job, and it shows in the talents of our students.

Keith Anderson, band director at James Clemens, came to a recent board meeting to highlight the arts throughout the school district and to thank the board for its support. His report left me speechless, which you all know is rare. Here are some of the points Mr. Anderson touched on: • Collectively, Madison City fine arts teachers serve more than 5,000 students. Because of strong board and community support, MCS fine arts programs and classes are known locally, regionally and nationally for their exemplary quality in both individual and ensemble performance.

• Our visual arts students have won local, regional and national level awards and have a 100 percent pass rate on AP Art portfolios.

MCS journalism and film students have been nationally recognized as well, including JetsPress teacher Clay Combs being awarded Film Teacher of the Year at the All American High School Film Festival earlier this month.

• One or both of our high school theatre programs have earned Best in Show at state Trumbauer events every year since 2012. In 2015 the top two one-acts from Alabama were BJ and JC, and both went on to represent the state at the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

BJ is the only school in the 10-state region to win SETC Best in Show three times.

• Our middle and high school choir programs consistently earn superior ratings at adjudicated events and Best in Class awards at competitive events. They send multiple students to college honor choirs, and last year, BJ and JC choirs tied for the most students in the Alabama All-State Choir.

The JC choir recently performed at Carnegie Hall, and the BJ choir recently performed in the Vatican.

• Our middle school and high school band programs also consistently receive superior ratings and are regularly awarded with multiple Best in Class awards at competitive events. Our middle school band programs compete in and win national level competitions in Orlando and place multiple students in college honor bands and Alabama All-State bands.

• Our high school band programs also feature multiple quality ensembles, including marching band, two concert bands, jazz band, indoor drumline, percussion ensemble, dance team and winter guard. Our ensembles have been selected for many state level events, including both high school wind ensembles being featured performers at the University of Alabama Honor Band. In January of 2020, at the Alabama Music Educators Association convention, a Madison City ensemble will perform for the fifth straight year.

I am so pleased we have been able to commit more resources to this important area of our curriculum.

The increased staffing of arts and music in our elementary schools now means more exposure to the arts at a vital developmental age. This is especially impactful, with the emphasis on teaching the whole student.

Each of our middle schools now has two fulltime band directors and one full-time choir director. At Liberty, our theatre students are served by one full-time and one half-time teacher, and at Discovery we have two full-time theatre teachers. Liberty has two full-time visual art teachers, with Discovery having one full-time and one half-time visual art teacher. Several are National Board Certified Teachers.

Our high school fine arts students are served by two full-time band directors, two full-time visual art teachers, two full-time theatre teachers and one fulltime choir director. Of those 14, five are NBCTs. Our students in these areas are amazing.

I can’t wait to see more of what they can do.

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school& sports

A NATURAL FIT Dr. Troy Layton joins the Trash Pandas STORY BY BOB LABBE PHOTOS BY Joshua Berry Madison Living 33

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“This is all I’ve wanted to do.”

Those were the words of Dr. Troy Layton upon being named the team physician for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, the professional baseball team that will begin play in April 2020 at the newly Toyota Field.

As one of the founding physicians of SportsMED Orthopaedic Surgery & Spine Center in 1994 with Dr. Eric Janssen, Layton has specialized in sports injuries, especially the areas of knees and shoulders. He and Janssen had a vision of what they wanted to do in the Huntsville area: first, educate the city and surrounding communities on sports medicine, and second, assist most of the high schools in the area by providing expert care alongside an athletic program’s athletic trainer.

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I love having a personal connection with a team like the Trash Pandas and being a personal physician to so many people.

– Troy Layton

Layton’s first exposure to professional sports teams was when he was named team physician for the Huntsville Channel Cats professional hockey team, which is now known as the Huntsville Havoc. In 1994 he was chosen as team physician for the Huntsville Stars professional baseball team, and he remained with the parent club organization of the Milwaukee Brewers until the Stars’ closure in 2014.

“There were several doctors in the Birmingham area that I have worked with that recommended me for the position with the Brewers’ organization,” said Layton. “Once the Trash Pandas came to be, their parent club, the Los Angeles Angels, contacted me. They had asked the Brewers who they used while their organization was thriving in Huntsville.”

That was almost two years ago, and now Layton is officially on staff with the Angels. He will receive a small stipend for his general care of the players, their families and anyone associated with the team. “I love having a personal connection with a team like the Trash Pandas and being a personal physician to so many people,” said Layton, “not only for the athletes but their families. This is a bigtime commitment, as I’ll be responsible for non-orthopaedic care as well. I’ll use Crestwood Medical Center in conjunction with what SportsMED will provide the Trash Pandas.”

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For me, this is a great relationship, as the Trash Pandas are a first-class operation, and I’ve had nothing but a positive experience with the local organization and the Angels.

– Troy Layton

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Becoming a highly-trained orthopaedic surgeon began while Layton was attending Tarrant High School in Birmingham. He was a three-sport athlete, but as a junior he suffered a broken femur bone and had a rod inserted in his leg during a special surgical procedure. The experience gave him the inspiration and drive to become a surgeon and specialize in athletics. “Right after that surgery, I knew I wanted to work in the field of sports medicine,” said Layton. “The decision happened almost overnight. I’m the only person in my immediate family involved in the medical field.”

Layton is a 1989 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, and he completed his sports medicine fellowship at the University of Oklahoma after his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1994. He has been a surgeon consultant for numerous athletic programs, including the University of Florida and Oklahoma

State University. He’s also been a course instructor for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and clinical instructor at UAB. SportsMED is heavily involved in the Trash Pandas, as it will host the SportsMED Founders Club on the first base side of the new Toyota Field.

Layton said he performs 700-800 surgeries a year, mostly on knees and shoulders. With any patient, he explained, the quality of care is important, especially with professional athletes, as they have career goals that could depend on how he treats them.

“For me, this is a great relationship, as the Trash Pandas are a first-class operation, and I’ve had nothing but a positive experience with the local organization and the Angels,” said Layton.

He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 27 years and have two children.

“I can’t get away from being a team physician – it’s in my blood,” added Layton. “This is a natural fit.”

Around Town

What a year for our kids

W Lee Marshall Founder / CEO Kids to Love

We blinked, and 2019 is almost over! It has been a rewarding year at Kids to Love, as we have celebrated our 15th year of changing the lives of foster children.

This month, of course, we are busy working in Santa’s north Alabama workshop to make Christmas merry for local foster children. I invite you to visit us at our Bridge Street storefront, across from Cinemark, where we can make your Christmas a little less hectic by wrapping gifts for your friends and family. Donations for wrapping is one of the ways we support our Christmas program.

As we reflect on the ways we have served our kids and our community this year, a few highlights come to mind: • KTECH, our workforce training initiative, shared a national stage with Ivanka Trump as she promoted workforce development.

Additionally, KTECH expanded to add robotics and soldering classes. You can learn more, and even apply, by visiting www.goketch.org.

• One of our Kids to Love college scholars, Sacred B. Huff, realized her dream of completing law school at George Washington University and passed the bar exam this fall.

• Over the Edge–Huntsville, our premiere rappelling fundraiser, sold out as participants embraced their adventurous alter-egos and rappelled the Regions Center downtown.

• And we cannot forget the meaningful moments that unfold daily at Davidson Farms, where our girls are thriving. Among their accomplishments are making the cheerleading squad and earning a driver’s license – opportunities other youth so often take for granted.

If you’ve followed Kids to Love for any length of time, you know we are already planning what’s next!

Big things are coming in 2020 as we celebrate our Sweet 16. Stay tuned!

STRATFORD ACCOUNTING

With the knowledge and experience to help you better understand your coverage options:

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Madison Hospital

Expanding EEG helps Madison Hospital serve

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Mary Lynne Wright CEO Madison Hospital

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As a community hospital, we are continually striving to better meet the healthcare needs of the Madison community. One new way we’re doing that is by making EEG – electroencephalogram – tests more accessible to both children and adults.

Madison Hospital recently expanded its outpatient EEG program from one day a week to Monday through Friday. The tests are now offered every weekday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in a dedicated room on the fifth floor.

EEGs can be scheduled for any patient age 4 and older with a physician referral. Parents should be comforted knowing their child’s EEG results will be reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Limbo, the area’s only pediatric neurologist. Huntsville Hospital’s boardcertified neurologists review the results of EEG tests on adults.

If you live in or around Madison, there are several advantages to having an EEG done at Madison

Hospital: We are close by and can schedule your test with minimal wait time, plus, finding your way around our hospital campus is easy, and parking is free.

The EEG test is a popular way to detect and record electrical activity in the brain. EEGs are used to help diagnose a wide range of health issues, including epilepsy and other seizure disorders, brain damage, brain tumors, stroke, sleep disorders and inflammation of the brain. During the test, a technician attaches several electrodes to the patient’s scalp to amplify and record brain waves.

The test is painless and typically takes less than an hour.

If you or your child need an EEG, we’re ready to help. Have your physician call our EEG scheduling office at 256-801-6282 to book your appointment. If you have questions or want more information about our EEG services, call us at 256-817-5150.

Would you like your summer camp to be included in our 2020 Summer Camp Guide?

For more information Call: 256.340.2382 Email: tori.waits @madisonlivingmagazine.com Madison Living 39

out & about Best In Business Awards The Madison Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards were held Oct. 19 at Insanity Complex in Madison. Chamber director Pam Honeycutt said more than 100 businesses were nominated for awards in several categories. The dinner was catered by the Bob Jones High School culinary department.

Photos BY John Few 1. Clayton Hinchman and Gary Cooper 2. Stephanie and Michael Johnson 3. Dell Watkins 4. Daniel Kasambira

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5. Jim Pride and Mary Lynne Wright 6. Cassie Watson Scott and Pam Honeycutt 7. Steve and Alice Lessman 8. Michelle Linville and Deborah Ward 9. Janine Nesin 10. Joe Knoch 11. Theresa Tampinco-Croley and Tina Buis

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out & about Madison Street Festival

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The streets of Madison’s historic downtown were filled with excitement and crowds of people taking in all the Madison Street Festival had to offer Oct 5, all starting with the annual parade. The festival was filled annual attractions like Artist Alley, Crafters Cove, Student Art Tent, two entertainment stages, a community showcase stage, an antique car show and more, as well as the fifth-grade history class from Horizon Elementary representing founding members of the Madison community at the historic Mill Road Cemetery.

Photos BY John Few

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1. Paetyn and Craecyn Klein-Prichard 2. Paul with his children Elliot, Henry, Rose and George Zomkowski 3. Kevin, Kayle with Chandler and Christian Johnson 4. Nick Morrow 5. Zero Sugerfoot 6. Vivian Men, Lisa Xu and Beth Bero 7. Danielle Roberts 8. Lyla Zomkowski 9. Peyton Webber 10. Matthew Kokan 11. Amelia and Lillian Merrill 12. Shruti Kadam, Swetha Jakka, Ranae Bartlett and Caroline Wang

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13. Cara Fuller

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Madison Chamber of Commerce connections

Congratulations to the winners of the 2019 Madison Chamber Best in Business Awards!

The Madison Chamber salutes these outstanding local businesses:

Best Small Business of the Year: Mozaic Audio/Video Integration

Start-Up Business of the Year: Capital Management Services

Excellence in Leadership & Service: Janine Nesin, Nesin Therapy Services

Community Servant of the Year: Daniel Kasambira, Hogan Family YMCA

Best Non-Profit of the Year: Union Chapel Christian Academy Arts, Entertainment & Hospitality Business of the Year: iHeartMedia

Health & Wellness Business of the Year: Hot Yoga DeLux & Cryotherapy

Professional Service Business of the Year: Signalink, Inc.

Culinary Business of the Year: The Dessert Fork

Essential Service Business of the Year: Conditioned Air Solutions

Medical Practice of the Year: Compass Physical Therapy

Best Business of the Year: Signalink, Inc.

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for MCC member Firestone Complete Auto Care Madison.

(256) 325-3820

Ribbon Cutting && Meet and Greet for MCC Member Office Pride of Madison.

Custom catering orders for any event

1591 A Hughes Rd, Madison, AL, 35758

103 Spenryn Dr., Madison, AL 35758 44 Madison Living

MADISON, ALABAMA 35758

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Madison Chamber of Commerce connections

2019 Best in Business Awards at Insanity Complex.

Open House Ribbon Cutting for MCC member Edward Jones financial adviser John Butterfield.

2019 Best in Business featured speaker Clayton Hinchman.

2019 Best in Business Culinary Sponsor Dr. Mark Hagood.

Ribbon Cutting && Meet and Greet for MCC Member BBVA-Sullivan Street Madison.

Ribbon Cutting && Meet and Greet for MCC Member CK Mann Realty.

256-325-8317

www.madisonalchamber.com

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A curated guide to Madison dining

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Madison Living magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service to its readers. Broken down alphabetically, this directory does not list every restaurant in town. The guide is updated regularly, but we recommend you call ahead to check hours, prices and other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome; please contact us at dining@madisonlivingmagazine.com.

Another Broken Egg Cafe Casual chain featuring egg dishes & other breakfast items plus brunch sandwiches & a specials board.

7504 Hwy. 72 W. 256-430-5476 Sat - Sun 7am-2pm Apple Lane Farms Apple Lane, a restaurant known for their honey glazed hams and overstuffed sandwiches, has locations in Tanner (Decatur) and Madison, Alabama.

8580 Madison Boulevard 256-774-8181 Mon - Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-4pm; Closed Sunday Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

302 Hughes Road 256-772-3441 Mon - Thurs 11am-12am; Fri- Sat 11am-1pm; Sun 11am-11pm Arby’s Fast-food chain, known for its roast beef, serving up hot & cold sandwiches, fries & shakes.

7785 Highway 72 W 8817 Madison Blvd 256-772-7465 Sun - Thurs 10am-12am; Fri - Sat 10am-1am Baskin-Robbins 31 Ice Cream Colorful ice cream parlor chain known for its many flavors plus sorbet & yogurt.

7830 Highway 72 W 256-722-5755 Sun - Thurs 11am-9:30pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm Beignet Cafe At Beignet Cafe we serve up some of your favorite New Orleans dishes with a Southern flair. Indulge in fresh beignets, Po’ Boys, jambalaya, gumbo and more!

1591 A Hughes Road 256-325-3820 Sun, Tues - Thurs 7am-2pm; Fri - Sat 7am-8pm; Closed Monday Bishop’s Westside Pub & Grill Local pub featuring live music and bar food.

12110 County Line Road 256-325-1069 Sat - Sun 10am-2am

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Bruegger’s Cafe/bakery chain preparing small-batch, New York-style bagels, plus breakfast & lunch sandwiches.

347 Hughes Road 256-258-0880 Mon - Fri 5:30am-3pm; Sat 6am-3pm; Sun 7am - 3pm Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Counter-serve chain where all of the ice cream selections are made fresh on-site every day.

12143 County Line Road 256-325-6690 Sun - Sat 12pm-9pm Buenavista Mexican Cantina Madison Mexican street food & Tex Mex favorites served in a convivial atmosphere with tequila drinks.

8217 Highway 72 W 256-837-8226 Sun - Thurs 11-9; Fri - Sat 11-10 Burger King Well-known fast-food chain serving grilled burgers, fries & shakes, plus breakfast.

8895 Madison Boulevard 256-772-3735 375 Hughes Road 256-461-4080 Mon - Thurs 5:30am-12am; Fri - Sat 5:30am2am; Sun 6am-12am Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen Fast, casual seafood restaurant chain serving fish & seafood dishes, plus sides & desserts.

9088 Madison Boulevard 256-461-0397 Sun - Thurs 10:30am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10:3011pm Casa Blanca Local Mexican chain offering a menu of classic dishes & a full bar in a casual, traditional space.

7830 Highway 72 W 256-864-0360 Sun - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm CD’s Pub and Grille Local pub featuring live music and bar food.

107 Arlington Drive 256-772-9133 Sun - Sat 11am-2am

Chapala Authentic Mexican Local Mexican chain offering a menu of classic dishes & a full bar.

12090 County Line Road 256-232-4026 Sun - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm Chicken Salad Chick At Chicken Salad Chick, our food is made fresh and served from the heart. Come in or order online to discover our delicious variety of fresh, craveable flavors!

7709 Highway 72 256-325-1041 Mon - Sat 10am-8pm; Closed Sunday China Buffet Spacious, no-frills venue offering all-you-can-eat Chinese dishes, sushi & hibachi grill fare.

9016 Madison Boulevard 256-461-7766 Mon - Thurs 11am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm; Sun 11:30am-9:30pm China Star Chinese food to take out & eat in.

7950 Highway 72 W, Suite J 256-430-0834 Mon - Tues 3pm-10pm; Wed - Sun 10am-10pm Clyde’s BBQ BBQ from Alabama with a personal twist.

12181 County Line Road 256-715-7823 Mon - Thurs 11-8; Fri - Sat 11-9 Cork & Crust Pizzeria + Wine Bar Allow the only certified Sommelier in Madison assist you with finding the perfect drink to ...

Cork & Crust will be your favorite spot to bring the family or a date.

12120 County Line Road 256-801-9463 Lunch: Tues - Sun 11am-2pm; Dinner: Tues - Thurs, Sat 4pm-9pm; Fri 4pm-8pm Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.

120 Cleghorn Boulevard 256-461-7670 Sun - Thurs 6am-10pm; Fri - Sat 6am-11pm

THE MADISON LIVING RESTAURANT GUIDE Cricket’s Popular sports bar with outdoor seating is a groupfriendly draw for burgers, wings & cheese fries.

3810-L Sullivan Street 256-464-3777 Lunch: Mon - Fri 11am-2pm; Dinner: Mon - Sat 5pm-9pm; Closed Sunday Cuban Cafe Family owned and operated, made from scratch, authentic cuban cuisine.

Promenade Point Parkway #195 256-970-4877 Lunch: 11-3 Tues - Sun; Dinner: Tues - Thurs 5-8:30, Fri-Sat 5-9:30, Sun 5-8 Dairy Queen Soft-serve ice cream & signature shakes top the menu at this classic burger & fries fast-food chain.

7584 Highway 72 W 256-890-0802 Sun - Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10am-11pm 11128 County Line Rd (256) 325-2740 Sun - Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10am-11pm Daylight Donuts Counter-serve chain serving donuts & its own brand of coffee for sit-down or takeout.

3810 Sullivan Street 256-542-3211 Mon - Sat 5am-4pm; Sun 6:30am-1pm Domino’s Pizza Delivery/carryout chain offering a wide range of pizza, plus chicken & other sides.

437 Hughes Road 256-772-9000 Sun - Thurs 9:30am-12pm; Fri - Sat 9:30am-1am 8800 Hwy 72 W 256-830-8333 Sun - Thurs 10am-12pm; Fri - Sat 10am-1am Donatos Pizza Chain selling crispy pizzas featuring provolone cheese & lots of toppings, plus oven-baked subs. “Every piece is important.”

8000 Madison Boulevard 256-772-6789 Sun - Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10am-11pm Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza Warehouselike pizzeria with wood-fired ovens turning out a variety of pies, plus patio seating.

107 Brookridge Drive 256-830-8358 Mon - Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm Edo Japanese Restaurant Casual Japanese restaurant serving sushi, udon & nabemono with a full bar & optional tatami seating.

104 Intercom Drive 256-772-0360 Lunch: Mon - Fri 11am-1:30pm; Dinner: Mon - Sat 5pm-9:30pm Firehouse Subs The best sub sandwiches - steaming hot subs, cold subs. We offer a variety of subs and salads under 500 calories, plus catering. For lunch or dinner.

8572 Madison Boulevard, Suite S 256-774-8028 1079 Balch Road, Suite A 256-325-0231 Sun - Sat 10:30am-9pm Fresh Start Cafe Organic, non gmo all natural brunch health conscious and coffee, gluten free and vegan friendly.

7559 US-72 Suite #111 256-325-3944 Mon - Fri 7am-3pm; Sat - Sun 9am-5pm

Fresh Traditions at Port of Madison Continental cuisine with a Southern flair and an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.

9035 Madison Boulevard 256-772-7170 Breakfast: Mon - Fri 6am-10am; Sat - Sun 7am-10am; Dinner: Sun - Sat 5pm-10pm Fulin’s Asian Cuisine At Fulin’s Asian Cuisine you’ll discover a fabulous menu inspired by our culture and brought to life by people from all across the world.

Shoppes of Madison 256-721-7005 Sun - Thurs 11am-9:30pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10:30pm Grounded Coffee Local coffee house serving hand crafted third wave coffee. Community center with events, music, games, art, and more.

12120 County Line Road 256-258-9637 Mon - Fri 6am-6pm; Sat 7am-5pm; Closed Sun Guadaljara Jalisco Mexican Restaurant Quesadillas, margaritas & other classic fare offered in an unpretentious cantina.

8572 Madison Boulevard 256-774-1401 Sun - Tues 10:30am-9pm; Wed - Thurs 10:30am-9:30pm; Fri - Sat 10:30am-10pm Gyro Uno Enjoy an authentic Greek salad at Gyro Uno in Madison, where classic regional fare is featured throughout the menu.

8498 Madison Boulevard 256-325-0346 Mon - Sat 10:30-8pm; Closed Sunday Hardee’s/Red Burrito of Madison Fast-food chain serving fried chicken, big burgers & made-from-scratch breakfast biscuits.

8827 Madison Boulevard 256-772-3270 5870 Wall Triana Highway 256-722-0220 Mon - Thurs 4am-10pm; Fri - Sat 4am-11pm; Sun 5am-10pm Haru Korean & Sushi This family-owned restaurant serves Korean food that is fresh, flavorful and authentic.

8760 Madison Boulevard 256-270-9677 Lunch: 11-2 Mon - Sat; Dinner: Mon - Sat 4:30-8 Hunt Club Burgers N Grill The Hunt Club serves up burgers, including wild game, hot dogs and sandwiches in a friendly atmosphere. Dine in or on the patio. Kids are welcome.

10871 County Line Road 256-542-3266 10:30-9 Mon-Wed; Closed Thurs I Love Sushi I LOVE SUSHI has something for everyone from our extensive Japanese Cuisine menu with unique, exciting and creative sushi rolls, sashimi and daily specials.

8429 Highway 72 W 256-325-8818 Lunch: Mon - Fri 11am-2pm, Sat - Sun 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner: Mon - Thurs 5pm-9:30pm, Fri - Sat 5pm-10:30pm; Sun 5pm-9pm

Jack’s Fast-food chain serving standard American eats such as burgers, fries & milkshakes.

145 Hughes Road 256-461-4114 7845 Hwy 72 W 256-964-9754 Mon - Sat 5am-10pm; Sun 6am-10pm Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.

7690 U.S. Highway 72 W 256-864-9997 Sun - Sat 11am-10pm Joe Moes Ba-Ba-Que Local barbeque restaurant.

9076 Madison Blvd Suite A 256-325-1211 Tues - Sat 11am-7pm KFC Fast-food chain known for its buckets of fried chicken, plus wings & sides.

8966 Madison Boulevard 256-772-7010 7874 Highway 72 W 256-830-1964 Sun - Sat 10am-10pm Krystal Longtime fast-food chain serving square burgers on steamed buns, plus breakfast items & kids’ meals.

8790 Madison Boulevard W 256-772-8993 Sun - Sat: Open 24 hours!

La Placita Mexican Grill Brightly painted cantina doles out familiar Mexican grub, plus lunch specials & a children’s menu.

401 Hughes Road 256-464-3994 Tues - Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm; Closed Monday Las Trojas Cantina Colorful Mexican outpost for fajitas, tacos & ample margaritas & beers in a casual cantina.

7840 Highway 72 W 256-430-1551 Mon - Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri - Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-9pm Lawlers Barbecue Cooked slow... Served fast! Local BBQ chain serving St. Louis-style ribs, sandwiches & comfort sides in a casual setting.

544 Hughes Road 256-772-0590 1079 Balch Road Suite 256-217-1767 Mon - Sat 10:30am-8pm; Closed Sunday Liberated Specialty Foods Let us help you take your diet Beyond Paleo@.

Liberated® Specialty Foods sells quality, homemade products for your dietary needs.

9048 Segers Road 256-226-0726 Mon - Fri 7am-2pm Little Libby’s Catfish & Diner Old-fashioned restaurant cooking up countrystyle Southern eats, with a focus on fried seafood.

234 Lime Quarry Road 256-772-0191 Mon 10am-3pm; Tues - Wed 10am-8pm; Thurs - Sat 10am-8:30pm; Sun 10am-3:30pm Madison House of Pizza New York style pizzeria plus calzones, sandwiches, pasta, and more!

8644 Madison Boulevard 256-542-3311 Mon - Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri - Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-8pm

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THE MADISON LIVING RESTAURANT GUIDE Madison Station Bar & Grill Featuring Live Music, Karaoke, Billiards, Sportz Zone Projection HD’s, Great Food, Patio Bar, Cold Beer, Drinks + All Adult.

8694 Madison Boulevard, Suite J 256-325-1333 Mon - Sat 4pm-2am; Sun 4pm-12am Madison Taproom Madison Taproom features craft beers & ciders on 28 taps. We also offer packaged beer, cider, mead, wine, and craft soda. Our selection features options both locally and globally.

7407 Highway 72 W, Ste G 256-384-0662 Mon - Thurs 10am-9pm; Fri - Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 12pm-6pm Main Street Cafe Main Street Cafe is located in Madison Historic District in the former city hall/jail serving southern gourmet food at its finest.

Local favorites include Meatloaf, Poulet de Normandie, Georgia Chicken, Bourbon Glazed Pork Medallions, Blackened or Grilled Salmon Salad along with daily lunch and dinner.

Mainstreetcafemadison.com 101 Main Street 256-461-8096 Lunch: Mon - Sat 11am-2pm; Dinner: Wed - Thurs 5pm-8pm, Fri - Sat 5pm-9pm; Closed Sunday Mangia Italian Restaurant Warm, family-friendly eatery offering Italian grub such as pies, salads, sandwiches & calzones.

2007 Hughes Road 256-721-7462 Sun - Sat 10am-9pm Marco’s Pizza Enjoy authentic Italian quality pizza. Dough made fresh every day. Sauce from the original Giammarco recipe. Order online for delivery or carry-out.

7559 US 72 West 256-864-2019 Sun - Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri - Sat 11am-11pm 11156 County Line Rd (256) 325-1054 Sun - Thurs 10:30am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10:30am-11pm McDonald’s Classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers, fries & shakes.

8005 Highway 72 W 256-772-9584 Sun - Sat 5am-12pm 8841 Madison Boulevard 256-772-0099 Mon - Thurs 5am-1am; Fri 5am-12am; Sat 24 hours; Sun 4am-1am 11178 County Line Rd (256) 772-7766 Sun - Sat 5am-12pm Metro Diner Metro Diner is the kind of place you’re proud to take out-of-towners. Once you walk in, you feel like a local. We serve comfort food with flair.

Serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.

7620 US Highway 72 Suite A 256-929-6541 Mon - Sat 7am-9pm; Sun 7am-8pm Mia’s Cafe At Mia’s Cafe in Madison, AL we offer homemade breakfast, daily specials and warm and friendly customer service.

30694 Hwy 72 W B 256-233-4223 Mon - Fri 7am-8pm; Sat 6am-2pm; Sun 7am-2pm

48 Madison Living

Old Black Bear Brewing Company Brewing is our life, beer is our water so don’t waste time drinking other things.

212 Main Street 256-850-4639 Mon - Thurs 4pm-11pm; Fri - Sat 11-11; Sun 10-4 Old Greenbrier Restaurant Homey BBQ spot for chicken fingers, hushpuppies & fried catfish on an open, farm-adjacent property.

27028 Old Hwy 20 256-351-1800 Sun - Sat 10am-8:30pm Old Mexico Casual Mexican restaurant in Madison.

140 Browns Ferry Rd (256) 464-6044 Sun - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm Outback Steakhouse The home of juicy steaks, spirited drinks and Aussie hospitality. Enjoy steak, chicken, ribs, fresh seafood & our famous Bloomin’ Onion.

7640 Highway 72 W 256-895-0257 Mon - Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri - Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-9pm Panda Express From our world famous Orange Chicken to our health-minded Wok Smart™ selections, Panda Express defines American Chinese cuisine with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Freshly prepared. Every day.

8598 Hwy 72 West 256-890-8873 Sun - Thurs 10:30am-9:30pm; Fri - Sat 10:30am-10pm Panera Bread Food served in our warm, welcoming fast-casual bakery-cafe, by people who care. At Panera Bread Madison, that’s good eating and that’s why we’re serving clean food without artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors or colors from artificial sources.

8179 Highway 72 West 256-721-7831 Mon - Thurs 6am-9pm; Fri 6am-9:30pm; Sat - Sun 6:30am-9:30pm Papa John’s Pizza Take-out/delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, wings & breadsticks, plus desserts.

12100 County Line Road Ste B 256-772-3111 Mon - Thurs 10am-11pm; Fri - Sat 10am-12pm; Sun 11am-11pm Papa Murphy’s Pizza Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake pizza is the best pizza because we make our dough from scratch, grate our mozzarella, and hand slice our veggies, every day.

7830 U.S. Highway 72 West 256-830-4441 4577 Wall Triana Hwy A102 256-464-3600 Sun - Sat 11am-9pm Pizza Hut Family-friendly chain known for its made-toorder pizzas.

8830 Madison Boulevard 256-772-8897 7950 Hwy 72 W (256) 721-5640 Sun - Thurs 11am-11pm; Fri - Sat 11am-12pm Piper & Leaf x Strong Station “This is a Family Run Tea Company” A4, 7504 Hwy 72 W 256-929-8887 Mon - Sat 9am-9pm; Closed Sunday

Rick’s BBQ Regional BBQ restaurant.

7929 Highway 72 256-325-5907 Mon - Sat 10:30am-9pm; Closed Sun Rita’s Italian Ice Italian ices & frozen custards star at this counter-serve chain with a range of other cold treats.

8046 Highway 72 West 256-970-4848 Mon - Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 12pm-10pm Rocket City Craft Beer Offers a rotating selection of craft beers on draft, as well as a huge selection of cans and bottles to take home.

1079 Balch Rd. Suite F 256-489-0807 Mon - Thurs 12pm-10pm; Fri - Sat 12pm-12am; Sun 12pm-8pm Rocket Republic Brewing “One small sip for man, one giant taste for mankind.”

289 Production Avenue 256-325-4677 Sun - Thurs 3pm-9pm; Fri - Sat 3pm-12pm Rome2Greece Freshly Made Mediterranean 1591 Hughes Road 256-325-0925 Tues - Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-3pm; Closed Monday Saffron Indian Restaurant Laid-back, halal eatery offering North & South Indian staples, plus an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

12090 County Line Rd., Suite J 256-233-1085 Lunch: Tues - Fri 11am-2pm; Sat - Sun 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner: Tues - Thurs 5pm-9pm, Fri - Sat 5pm-9:30pm, Sun 5pm-9pm; Closed Monday Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant Saigon restaurant offers authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in the warm friendly atmosphere.

8760 Madison Boulevard (P&Q) 256-772-0202 Sun - Sat 11am-9pm Sakura Japanese Steak House Sakura japanese steakhouse & sushi bar, located in Madison, AL serves the highest quality in steaks, seafood, sushi and poultry.

12090-P County Line Road 256-233-6955 Lunch: Mon - Fri 11am-2pm; Dinner: Mon - Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm, Fri 4:30pm-10pm; Sat 12pm-10pm; Sun 12pm-9:30pm Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria Gelateria Relaxed, two-level eatery offering pies, sandwiches & other fare alongside Italian ice cream.

364 Hughes Road 256-772-9888 Mon - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11-10; Sun 11-8 Schlotzsky’s Deli A menu with something for everyone as long as they like sandwiches, soups, flatbreads, salads, macs, and more.

8969 Madison Boulevard 256-464-5300 Sun - Sat 10:30am-9pm

THE MADISON LIVING RESTAURANT GUIDE Smashburger Counter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.

8135 Highway 72 W, Suite C 256-726-0031 Sun - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm Smokey’s BBQ Counter-serve eatery offering generous BBQ plates & classic sides in a casual, woodsy setting.

8071 Highway 72 W 256-721-0300 Mon - Sat 11am-8pm; Sun 10:30am-3pm Sonic Drive In Fast-food burger & fries joint with an old-school feel, including retro drive-in service.

3763 Sullivan Street 256-464-3138 Mon - Fri 6am-12am; Sat 7am-12am; Sun 8am-12am 11396 County Line Rd 256-777-6639 Mon - Sat 6am-12am; Sun 7am-12am 7871 Highway 72 W 256-895-0063 Mon - Sat 7am-12am; Sun 8am-12am Starbucks Seattle-based coffeehouse chain known for its signature roasts, light bites and WiFi availability.

7779 Highway 72 W 256-430-2393 Sun - Sat 5am-10pm Steak Out (Highway 72 W) Delivery-only chain offering grilled steak, chicken & shrimp plus sandwiches, salads & lunch deals.

7143-D Highway 72 W 256-721-1515 23-A Shelton Road 256-772-3030 Mon - Thurs 10:30am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10:30am-11pm Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet Festive, kid-centric chain offering build-your-own pizza, a buffet & a game room.

5510 Promenade Point Parkway NW 256-325-9009 Sun - Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri - Sat 11am-10pm Subway Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

7950 Highway 72 W, Suite B 256-430-3426 Sun - Sat 9am-10pm 347-B Hughes Road 256-461-1021 Mon - Fri 7am-10pm; Sat - 8am-10pm; Sun - 9am-10pm 10971 County Line Road, Suite A 256-461-4191 Mon - Fri 7am-9:30pm; Sat - 8am-9:30pm; Sun - 9am-9pm 25025 Chase Farm Boulevard 256-584-8100 Mon - Fri 7am-9:30pm; Sat - 8am-9:30pm; Sun 9am-9pm Sunny Street Cafe Casual regional chain serving hearty American fare for breakfast & lunch, with gluten-free options.

7143 Highway 72 W 256-213-7120 Sun - Sat 6:30am-2pm

Sweet Charlie’s Gourmet rolled ice cream.

7626 Highway 72 W (256) 325-0616 Sun - Thurs 12pm-10pm; Fri - Sat 12pm-11pm Taco Bell Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

7940 Highway 72 256-721-1312 Sun - Thurs 6:30am-2pm; Sat - Sun 6:30am-4am 8860 Madison Boulevard 256-772-8055 Sun - Thurs 7am-2am; Fri - Sat 7am-3am Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe Comfy chain eatery providing made-to-order gyros & other Mediterranean dishes plus beer & wine.

105 Brookridge Drive 256-724-6554 Sun - Sat 10:30am-9pm Ted’s Bar-B-Q Smoked All Night Bar B Q offered at three locations in North Alabama, Five Points, Madison Blvd. and University Drive.

8780 Madison Boulevard 256-772-6500 Mon - Sat 6:30am-8pm; Closed Sunday Tenders Chicken tenders, smoked wings and fries have made this restaurant a local favorite.

101 Intercom Drive 256-464-7811 Mon - Thurs 10:30am-9pm The Dessert Fork The Dessert Fork is a dessert café that provides a variety of made-from-scratch desserts for your personal enjoyment. You can dine-in and enjoy our free Wi-Fi or take your confections to go.

107 Brookridge Drive Ste E2 256-970-4979 Mon - Sat 8am-7pm; Closed Sunday The Juicery Drink Healthy... Feel Awesome 7504 Hwy 72 W Unit A5 256-584-2348 Mon - Fri 7am-7:30pm; Sat 9:30am-7:30pm; Sun 9:30am-2:30pm The Stem & Stein Relaxed hangout featuring a sizable wine & craft beer selection, plus weekly tastings & live music.

10871 County Line Road, Suite B 256-325-3779 Mon - Thurs 3pm-10pm; Fri - Sat 3pm-11pm Tropical Smoothie Cafe Casual, health-conscious chain cafe featuring custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.

1079 Balch Road 256-970-4330 Mon - Fri 7am-8pm; Sat 8am-8pm; Sun 10am-8pm Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Customers can build their own pizzas & salads, assembly-line style, at this familyfriendly chain.

8048 Highway 72 W. 256-430-2388 Sun - Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri - Sat 11am-9pm

Waffle House Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

8979 Madison Boulevard 256-772-9540 1635 Hughes Road 256-890-1276 Open 24 hours!

Wendy’s Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.

8814 Madison Boulevard W 256-772-0502 Sun - Thurs 10am-1pm; Fri - Sat 10am-2pm 7782 Highway 72 W 256-890-0310 Sun - Sat 10am-1pm 11300 County Line Road 256-772-1345 Sun - Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri - Sat 10am-11pm Which Which? Superior Sandwiches Which Wich® Superior Sandwiches serves custom-crafted sandwiches, wraps and salads with over 60 toppings to create a masterpiece.

Get your wich on!

8064 Madison Pike 256-464-3628 Mon - Sat 6am-10pm; Sun 6am-9pm Wings to Go No-frills chain offering Buffalo wings with many different sauces, plus salads & sandwiches.

8572 Madison Boulevard, Suite U 256-461-0358 Mon - Thurs 10:30am-9:30pm; Fri - Sat 10:30am-10pm; Sun 11am-9:30pm Wish You Were Beer “Beer Don’t Drink Itself” 7407 Hwy 72 W. 256-325-9992 Mon - Thurs 2pm-10pm; Fri - Sat 12pm-12am; Closed Sunday Zaxby’s Absolutely craveable, daringly zesty, made-to-order chicken fingers, wings and more.

This is gonna be good.

100 Ivory Place 256-461-0026 8586 Hwy 72 W 256-722-5565 Sun - Sat 10:30am-10pm Zion Gourmet Popcorn Zion Gourmet Popcorn is a gourmet popcorn business. We sell popcorn, fudge, chocolate candy, candy apple and caramel apples.

104 Main Street 256-631-5982 Mon - Fri & Sunday 10am-6pm

Madison Living 49

Why I love Madison

T

Tim Holcombe

Tim Holcombe has lived in Madison for coming up on two decades. He and his wife Sharon have two children and a grandchild on the way.

Where did you go to school?

Banks High School-Birmingham and the University of Montevallo-Delta Chi Fraternity.

How did you choose your job?

I have been in the beverage business since 1977. I started with the Dr. Pepper Company then went to A&W Brands. I was an employee during the buyout by Cadbury, then I moved to the Snapple Beverage Group. I traveled the Southeast for these companies, working with bottlers and distributors. I was offered the opportunity to relocate from Birmingham to Madison in 2003 and work for a small independent bottler organization.

What is your favorite place to visit in Madison?

Downtown Madison. We have many fond memories of Madison Street Festivals, installations of art works and other events. I was involved in downtown revitalization efforts while on the Madison City Council.

What is your favorite Madison restaurant, and what do you like to order?

Main Street Café – the spaghetti never fails!

Why do you love Madison?

I love the people in Madison who are down to earth. I also love the involved citizenry.

50 Madison Living

1. Favorite hobby: scuba diving

Fast Five

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

I work as a marketing manager for SunDrop Bottling Company.

I’m also the company’s primary key account representative, where I’m responsible for sales reporting and trade relations.

2. Favorite food: Zaxby’s Zalads 3. Goal or ambition: To retire comfortably and be happy 4. Church: Asbury UMC 5. Something people might not know about me is: Everyone in my family – my wife, three sisters and three brothers-in-law were educators: teachers, coaches and principals.

TIME TO

EXPLORE LET’S GO!

AWESOME EXPLORATION IN PROGRESS!

• STEM • ARTS • ACTIVE PLAY • HOMEWORK HELP • PICK-UP FROM SCHOOL INCLUDED Afterschool Care Program HOGAN FAMILY YMCA 130 Park Square Ln, Madison • 256.705.9622

Meet 19-month-old Avery Nelson.

When he is sick, his parents take him to where they work as nurse practitioners. Just like the Nelsons, Madison parents can have peace of mind knowing a full medical team of experts from nursing, lab and imaging services is ready anytime to take care of their child.

The Emergency Department — the right place for kids’ minor injuries and illnesses anytime, day or night.

We really do treat you like family.