Madison Living December 2017

December 2017

Keeping Madison on track Megan Zingarelli leads as city attorney

Serve up something sweet Hometown hats

Client of the Month Daniel and Jennifer Burns moved to the area from Mobile, Alabama. They worked with MCRE Real Estate Agent, Christina Tidwell, to find their perfect Rocket City home. The Burns family had the task of relocating 5 hours away from where they were living and used their agent’s guidance to navigate their way through the buying process.

Our agent was “informative and honest. She thought about us as a family not just as buyers.

”

With the expertise of the MCRE team on their side, the Burns family was able to make a smooth transition into calling Huntsville home. Their new residence had the Do you need help details that they were searching for finding your in a convenient dream home? location. The Burns family was pleased that their agent paid attention to all of the details.

Call 256.333.MOVE

features MANAGEMENT Geoff Reis General Manager

CUSTOMER SERVICE Jessica Forshey Customer Service

EDITORIAL Alison James Editor Gregg Parker Staff Writer Joshua Berry Photographer MARKETING Ashley Davis Marketing Consultant

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HOME MAKING MEMORIES

Kayla Taylor Customer Service

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EDUCATION THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING TAX RENEWAL

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

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LET’S EAT DECADENT DESSERTS

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COMMUNITY LEADING LEGAL

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EDUCATION EDUCATION EFFORTS

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ARTS AND CULTURE HELPING WITH HATS

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CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

Jan Bromley Marketing Consultant

CONNECT 2018

Presented by:b

Madison State of the City Address

Madison's Premiere Gala Event of the Year!b Join us under the Saturn 5 Rocket as Mayor Paul Finley reviews our accomplishments over 2017 and shares his vision for our future.

This special event begins with cocktails at 6:30 and a formal dinner and program beginning at 7:00 PM. Cocktail attire.

Friday, January 19th 2018

US Space & Rocket Center

Visit madisonALchamber.com for seating & sponsorship or email Kim@madisonalchamber.com Madison Living 3

HOME

Making memories Christmas brings family fun to Jacklin home

4 Madison Living

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN DETULLEO AND JOSH BERRY

Patrick, Tammy and Walker Jacklin wait for the other six children and three grandchildren to arrive for Christmas celebrations.

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atrick and Tammy Jacklin fill their home with Christmas cheer for their seven children, along with three grandchildren and a large extended family.

“We enjoy having family and friends over to celebrate the holidays,” Tammy said. “The decorations help to put everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Every year, we add something new.”

Before marrying, Patrick and Tammy were longtime Madison residents. “We lived in the Madison County side of Heritage Plantation from 2000 until 2015 and moved into our current house on the Limestone County side in 2015,” she said.

The decorating process starts the day after Thanksgiving and requires about one week. The children help with trees in their rooms, while Patrick and Tammy handle the remainder.

The Jacklins’ children are Lauren Howle, husband Eric and 3-year-old Saylor; Mallory Jarrett, husband Blake and 8-year-old Lucas and 4-yearold Everett; Riley; Holly; Jake; Chandler; and Walker.

Lauren graduated from the University of Alabama, while Saylor attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Riley and Jake are Auburn University alumni, and Chandler is an Auburn senior. Holly finished at Calhoun Community Col-

Tammy Jacklin enjoys a cup of coffee before guests arrive.

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The Jacklins moved into their current house on “the Limestone County side” of Heritage Plantation in 2015.

lege. Walker is in eighth-grade at Liberty Middle School.

Walker’s room has a Christmas tree with forest animals. Chandler’s room features a glamour tree with black, glitter ornaments. For the other trees, the foyer’s Santa Claus has a mix of red, white and green; the kitchen boasts a coffee-themed tree; the family room’s tree has lights only; the library has a “beach-themed” tree; and the bonus room includes football and baseball trees.

The Jacklins’ largest Christmas tree in the kitchen/keeping room has no particular theme “but lots of big, interesting ornaments with lots of personality in green, gold and burgundy,” Tammy said.

Their “beach tree” is a clever novelty. “We’ve collected sand from 35 beaches in the United States, Caribbean and Pacific. We usually fill a water bottle with sand,” Patrick said. “Tammy came up with the idea to fill clear glass ornaments with sand and mark each ornament in gold ink with the beach’s name. It’s a white tree with aqua and coral colors.

We added nautical ornaments and picture-frame ornaments, and the beach tree was born.”

Patrick’s favorite ornament depicts Santa Claus swinging a golf club. Tammy cherishes the children’s and grandchildren’s handmade ornaments she has saved through the years; a new tree will display these treasures this year. She also loves her Starbucks ornaments and each 6 Madison Living

sand ornament, especially from their Hawaiian honeymoon.

For Christmas Eve dinner, Tammy follows her English/Irish ancestry with a standing rib roast and side of spaghetti noodles with roast drippings.

After drawing names, siblings exchange gifts. One of the children reads Luke, chapter 2:1-14, and Patrick reads “T’was the Night Before Christmas.”

“One of the most hilarious rituals is reading letters to Santa that the children wrote years ago. Everyone makes a case why they should get all of the good presents. We end up rolling with laughter,” Patrick said.

Christmas morning’s rituals have changed, depending on the youngest child’s age. Everybody must get up before Santa’s presents are opened.

Tammy prepares brunch, and the grandparents arrive to enjoy the festivities.

With such a large family, Tammy Jacklin is accustomed to preparing bountiful meals.

Patrick Jacklin is president/owner of Triad Packaging Inc., in Athens.

Walker Jacklin is in eighth grade at Liberty Middle School.

After working for Delta Airlines, Tammy now is “domestic goddess and chef extraordinaire/household CEO,” Patrick said. He is president/owner of Triad Packaging Inc. in Athens.

Patrick grew up in Washington D.C. suburbs in Maryland but graduated from Bob Jones High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and procurement at UAH. Tammy moved to Huntsville from San Antonio, Texas, when she was 7 years old; she graduated from Lee High School.

She attended the University of North Alabama.

Madison Living 7

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8 Madison Living

Thank you for supporting tax renewal

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et me begin by saying the three school funding measures Madison voters approved in Alabama’s Dec. 12 U.S. Senate election are not new taxes. They are renewals. We are so thankful for your vote to continue this funding for our schools.

Voting for each renewal has simply continued funding that supports our outstanding schools.

So, what does Madison City Schools get for the $6.5 million it receives from those taxes? More precisely, what’s the return on investment for what equates to $95 in property taxes per $100,000 value in home?

You get a school district that consistently ranks in the top three in almost every major academic category among Alabama’s 137 school districts. This is impressive on its own, but note we’ve done that while ranking 61st out of 137 in per-pupil expenditures –

other endeavor our stu$9,305 per student verdents pursue. sus the state average of Consider also: $9,389. So there’s very Fifty-five percent of good value.

Madison City graduIn addition: ates in the last four years - Children get a topearned scholarships tonotch education at modtaling $66 million for an est cost to taxpayers.

Robby Parker Superintendent average of $36,000 each.

- Local employers get Both Bob Jones and a skilled workforce that Madison City Schools is adaptable to the ever-changing James Clemens high schools consistently land on Best High needs of this global society.

- The community gets model Schools in America lists of The citizens who will one day be our Washington Post andNewsweek.

The Post’s latest ranking listed BJ leaders.

- Everyone benefits through and JC among the top five high schools in Alabama. higher property values.

U.S. News and World Report’s These accolades wouldn’t have been possible without the invest- annual rankings of the 22,000 ments our citizens have made since public high schools nationwide Madison formed its own school just placed BJ and JC in the top district. In just 20 short years, proof 10 in Alabama out of 127 that of our performance can be found were ranked. The national eduin almost any measure whether in cation research group Niche just academics, the arts, athletics, or any ranked Madison the third best

2017 New 2017 New Y Year’s ear’s E Eve ve

EDUCATION

school district in Alabama and the 159th best in the nation out of 10,574 that even made the list.

I can brag all day about how we typically produce more national merit scholars than any other school district in Alabama and that our theater, bands and athletic teams consistently shine in regional, state and national competitions.

I can also brag about how our elementary schools, led by outstanding teachers, provide Spanish instruction and clubs like chess, robotics, math, and goblin cars, to help feed young students’ hungry minds. We are fortunate to be teaching the future of Madison.

I’m fired up every time I get to talk about our students and our schools.

Thank you for continuing that funding that has helped make our students so successful.

rs a M

Sunday, D Sunday, December ecember 3 31, 1, 8 p p.m. .m.

Live Entertainment | Heavy hors d’oeuvres | C 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 9

LET’S EAT

Decadent desserts

RECIPES BY JOYCE GIFFIN , IT’S THYME TO COOK itsthymetocook.com

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oyce Giffin with It’s Thyme to Cook has fashioned an indulgent dessert buffet for the Christmas season. Her representation of cakes, pies, cookies and candies are perfect for a dessert buffet to host a get-together with friends, an open house for neighbors, a tree trimming party or other holiday soiree.

“I love a big, beautiful, decadent cake for the holidays, and this Ina Garten chocolate with the addition of ganache is over the top and one of my current favorites,” Giffin said. “Red Red velvet cupcakes say Southern in the purest form and, of course, pecan pie as well.”

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Tartlets with a hint of bourbon flavor amp up the Southern pallet. “Snickerdoodles are an old-fashioned favorite, and the chocolate candies are our family’s favorite. My mom made these, along with other goodies, by the batches every year, starting in early November. She stored them in tin boxes in the freezer and shared them at her doctor’s office, beauty shop and around town,” Giffin said.

Giffin is continuing a family tradition with these candies for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jan’s Red Velvet Cake

Makes three-layer cake or 30 cupcakes

S’mores on a Stick

Makes two dozen

SUPPLIES: 1 (14 oz.) bag dark chocolate candy melts 1 bag large marshmallows 1 package lollipop sticks 1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed 3-inch by 4-inch treat bags Twist ties or ribbons PROCEDURE: 1. Melt candy melts according to package directions.

2. Crush graham crackers and place in a small bowl.

3. Dip one end of a lollipop stick in the chocolate and insert lollipop stick into flat side of a marshmallow. Repeat for a total of 24.

4. Dip each marshmallow into chocolate, turning to coat up the sides. Pull bottom of marshmallow across edge of chocolate container to remove excess, then roll marshmallow in graham cracker crumbs.

5. Set upright on a tray or counter lined with waxed paper until chocolate sets.

6. Package in individual treat bags if desired.

White Chocolate Peppermints on a Stick Makes two dozen SUPPLIES: 1 (14 oz.) bag white chocolate candy melts 1 bag large marshmallows 1 small bag soft peppermint candy, crushed 1 package lollipop sticks Twist ties or ribbons 3-inch by 4-inch treat bags PROCEDURE: 1. Melt candy melts according to package directions.

2. Pulse peppermint candies in a food processor fitted with a metal blade until crushed; place in a small bowl.

3. Dip one end of a lollipop stick in the chocolate, and insert a lollipop stick into the flat side of a marshmallow. Repeat for a total of 24.

4. Dip each marshmallow into white chocolate, turning to coat up the sides.

Pull bottom of marshmallow across edge of chocolate container to remove excess, then roll marshmallow in candy crumbs.

5. Set upright on a tray or counter lined with waxed paper until chocolate sets.

6. Package in individual treat bags if desired.

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 cups Wesson oil 2 eggs at room temperature 2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 (1 oz.) bottles red food coloring 2 teaspoons cocoa powder 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon vanilla PROCEDURE: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil and flour three 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, cream sugar and oil.

Add eggs and beat well.

3. In a separate bowl or on a sheet of waxed paper, sift flour, salt, soda and cocoa. Set aside.

4. Add vinegar and food coloring to sugar mixture; beat well. Add flour to sugar mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Add vanilla and beat well.

5. Evenly divide batter into pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cake shrinks from sides of pan. If making cupcakes, bake 15-18 minutes. Do not over-bake. Cool in cake pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove to wire racks and cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING INGREDIENTS: 1 stick softened butter or margarine 1 (8 oz.) package softened cream cheese 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 (16 oz.) package 10X powdered sugar 1 cup toasted pecan pieces PROCEDURE: Mix together butter, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing until frosting is smooth. Toast pecan pieces in a small pan at 350 degrees for five minutes. Cool. Frost cooled cake, adding pecan pieces on each layer and on top.

Source: Jan Bethea, Loxahatchee, Fla.

Original recipes by Joyce Giffin, It’s Thyme to Cook

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Makes 12-16 servings

Triple Chocolate Cake

PROCEDURE: 1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate at high power in 30-second intervals, stirring, until most of the chocolate is melted. Stir until completely melted, then set aside to cool.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle, beat the butter at medium speed until pale and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat for one minute, scraping down the side of the bowl.

3. At low speed, slowly beat in the confectioners’ sugar, about one minute.

4. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee in 2 teaspoons of hot water.

Slowly beat the coffee and the cooled chocolate into the butter mixture until just combined.

5. Set a cake layer on a plate with the flat side facing up. Evenly spread one-third of the frosting over the cake to the edge. Top with the second cake layer, rounded side up. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and side of the cake. Refrigerate for one hour.

Meanwhile, make chocolate ganache.

CAKE INGREDIENTS: 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract PROCEDURE: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment or waxed paper; butter the paper.

Dust the pans with flour, tapping out any excess.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle, mix the flour with the sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt at low speed. In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the oil, eggs and vanilla. Slowly beat the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients until just incorporated, then slowly beat in the hot coffee until fully incorporated.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 30 minutes; then invert the cakes onto a rack to cool.

Peel off the parchment.

FROSTING INGREDIENTS: 6 oz. semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 large egg yolk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

Makes four dozen

CHOCOLATE GANACHE INGREDIENTS: 4 oz. bittersweet or semisweet (plain) chocolate, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup (2 oz.) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1/4 cup whole milk 1 teaspoon espresso powder PROCEDURE: 1. Combine chopped chocolate and butter pieces in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the milk to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in espresso; immediately pour over the chocolate and butter. Stir with a wire whisk until the chocolate and butter melt and are smooth. Cool slightly but still of pouring consistency.

2. Pour ganache over the frosted cake, smoothing top with an offset spatula and allowing chocolate to drip and run over the sides. Refrigerate cake. Remove from refrigerator and let set approximately 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Sources: Cake, “Food and Wine Magazine,” March 2013, p. 80. Ganache, “Essentials of Baking,” Williams-Sonoma, Oxmoor House.

Snickerdood les

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup soft shortening 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 3 teaspoons cinnamon 2 3/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda

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PROCEDURE: 1. Cream together the shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a mixing bowl. Add eggs and mix well.

2. In a separate medium mixing bowl or on waxed paper, sift together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until well combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and 3 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll dough into balls size of

walnuts. Roll each dough ball in cinnamon sugar to coat. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes until cookies are cracked and spread but centers still look wet.

Remove from oven and let sit on cookie sheet one or two minutes until cookies set up, then remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

Source: Joyce Giffin, It’s Thyme to Cook.

Pecan Pie Tartlets Makes 40 mini tartlets

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups pecan halves 1 cup granulated sugar 3 eggs 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup dark corn syrup 4 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 tablespoons bourbon 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 packages refrigerated pie dough PROCEDURE: 1. Cut 40 rounds from the pie dough using a 3-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter. Spray mini muffin pans (3 pans plus four wells of a fourth pan) with cooking spray. Carefully fit a dough circle in each well of the muffin pan, making sure to shape it to the bottom and pressing to the sides, just to the top edge. Avoid making any tears in the dough as the filling will leak out and make removal from the pan difficult. Refrigerate pans while the filling is prepared.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pecans in a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse until coarsely chopped.

3. Beat eggs in a medium mixing bowl with a wire whisk.

Mix in sugar, syrups, butter, vanilla, bourbon and salt until well blended. Stir in pecans.

4. Using a 1/8-cup measure, spoon filling into each mini crust.

Place muffin pans on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until crusts are lightly brown and filling is set. Cool muffin pans on a wire rack. Carefully remove tartlets from pans.

Note: Use frozen, unbaked tart shells to make 20 tarts, adding 1/4 cup filling per shell and baking for 25-30 minutes.

Source: Adapted from allrecipes.com.

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls Makes: 60-70 pieces

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter or margarine, softened (two sticks) 2 cups finely-crushed graham cracker crumbs 1 teaspoon real vanilla 1 cup finely shredded coconut 1 (16 oz.) package powdered sugar 1 cup chunk-style peanut butter 1 (12 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 tablespoons shortening PROCEDURE: 1. Beat the butter in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Beat in peanut butter until combined.

2. Add crumbs, vanilla, coconut and powdered sugar and mix thoroughly.

3. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on a waxed paper lined tray or baking sheet. Place in freezer 15 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, place chocolate and shortening in a large microwave safe bowl and heat on high for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until just melted and smooth.

5. Remove balls from freezer. Insert a wooden pick in a ball, dip in chocolate to coat and place on waxed paper until set. After balls are dipped, fill the toothpick holes with a drop of chocolate from the pick.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Note: Balls can also be dipped using a fork.

Source: Joyce Giffin, It’s Thyme to Cook.

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Madison Living 13

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY

COMMUNITY

Leading legal

Megan Zingarelli serves as Madison’s city attorney

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s Madison's city attorney, Megan Zingarelli learns new lessons every day from the volume and diversity of her assignments – from helping the police department to researching economic development projects.

After taking the bar exam, Zingarelli started working as an intern for Madison in August 2014.

She was promoted to assistant city attorney the next spring. In 2016, the mayor asked her to step up as city attorney.

"I accepted this job because I get to work with a great team that is working hard every day to make the city the best it can be," Zingarelli said.

As city attorney, Zingarelli works directly with, and learns from, elected officials and members of the legal, nonprofit and business communities.

"We've really shifted into a higher gear to accomplish some big projects," she said.

Her daily tasks involve working with the mayor, city council and department heads in city hall "to keep city business on track and give them general legal advice on many issues that we face. I work on contracts and procurement projects, research and attend City Council and other meetings," Zingarelli said.

Other legal department employees are city prosecutor Becky Grimes, a career prosecutor who has worked in Morgan, Limestone and Marshall counties; administrative assistant Alicia Walden; and paralegal Mary Desai.

"We have a great legal team in our office," Zingarelli said. "They're good at what they do. I couldn’t do this job without them."

“We have a great legal team in our office. They’re good at what they do.

I couldn’t do this job without them.”

Megan Zingarelli started working as an intern for Madison in 2014, was promoted to assistant city attorney in 2015 and accepted the role of city attorney in 2016.

M Madison aad dis ison on L Living iivvin vin ng 115 5

Zingarelli said she believes Madison's major needs relate to quality of life. "Madison needs its own civic center, central parkk or location for sports and social events," she said. The city would also benefit, she added, from more unique, local restaurants, retail and living options in downtown.

Born in Pensacola, Fla., she grew up in Hartselle and returned to North Alabama after law school to live near relatives. "I live in downtown Huntsville. I wanted to workk in Madison because it's a great city full off interesting and smart people. It's exciting to be a part of the city’s life as it grows."

Zingarelli earned a bachelor's degree in journalism at Washington & Lee University and a master's degree in international affairs from Georgetown University. She completed law school at Vanderbilt University for a juris doctorate degree.

From 2005-2009, Zingarelli worked as a video assistant for CNN’s Washington Bureau. She also handled producing assignments on weekends and worked stakeouts, along with writing and producing news pieces for broadcast and online. Locally, she worked as a freelance writer for "Huntsville EVENT Magazine."

Zingarelli participates in Junior League of Huntsville, Team Rocket Tri Club and Madison Hospital Women’s Council and attends St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

"I'm fortunate to have many awesome role models in my family," Zingarelli said. "My grandad was a World War II and D-Day vet and ran a printing shop in Florida. He made it through many tough experiences and then raised an awesome family and always had the best sense of fun and humor."

Her family, Zingarelli said “is very athletic. I love to run and compete in local races and triathlons. They are my training partners.”

She said she loves to hang out with her family and friends and “go to fun events around town.” Whenever possible, she heads to Santa Rosa Beach and Apalachicola, Fla., for paddle boarding, swimming, shopping and visiting seafood restaurants.

Zingarelli works daily with the mayor, city council and city department heads to help keep the city running smoothly.

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Luis and Zoraida Ferrer.

EDUCATION

Education efforts Luis Ferrer helps Board of Education deal with district’s growth WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSHUA BERRY 18 Madison Living

The Ferrer family includes Luis, Luis, Zoraida and Greishka.

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uis Ferrer wanted to serve on Madison Board of Education to promote Madison City Schools' vision of empowering students for global success. By providing solid academics at every school, the playing field is leveled for every student.

Ferrer was sworn in on June 2, 2017, to the school board. He filled the slot Dr. Terri Jonhson previously held.

Ferrer said he believes the top two challenges for MCS are related to the impact of rapid growth. "The first is fiscal. We have reached the point where rapid growth is negatively impacting our ability to educate our children," he said. “We worked hard for a settlement to the Limestone County tax issue, and we'll see that money in our school year 2018-2019 budget. But this alone is not enough to continue the high-quality education we provide today."

In the December 12 referendum, renewal of the expiring city- and county-wide property taxes ensured $6.5 million per year for MCS. "Without this renewal, we could not continue to provide the high-quality programs and education experience our citizens expect and our students deserve," he said.

Luis Ferrer joined the Madison Board of Education in June.

Luis Ferrer attends Heritage Elementary School.

Greishka Ferrer attends James Clemens High School.

Madison Living 19

With Luis and Greishka enrolled in Madison City Schools, Luis and Zoraida Ferrer hold a huge stake in continued success for the school district.

The second and related challenge for MCS is "we cannot continue to add students without impacting or sacrificing the quality of education our current students receive unless we slow growth and find new revenue streams for education," Ferrer said. "MCS and the City of Madison must continue to work jointly to study the impact that rapid growth has on the city and school district services and infrastructure.”

Madison growth, Ferrer added, is inevitable. “Future success of Madison City Schools will be tied to the willingness of our city's elected officials to work together with the school superintendent and board of education to develop a strategic, long-range solution to the growth challenges."

Ferrer said he firmly believes the most significant gift the community can give to future generations is “an opportunity to shape their destiny by empowering them with a sound academic foundation." This foundation "will foster not only individual growth but also provide them with the essential educational tools

20 Madison Living

“If I can summarize in three words the reason we moved back to Alabama after 15 years: Madison City Schools.”

— Luis Ferrer necessary to achieve career and personal goals," Ferrer said.

Before joining the school board, Ferrer served as town councilman for the Town of Triana until October 2017. "I served on multiple Triana Council committees. The most rewarding experience was representing Triana as council liaison to Madison City Schools," he said.

In Puerto Rico, Ferrer earned a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting and graduated with honors from Inter-American University. Currently on Redstone Arsenal, he works as a contracting officer for Army Contracting Command in support of Corpus Christy Army Depot.

Ferrer first moved to the Huntsville/ Madison area in 1995 as an enlisted soldier to attend Avenger Missile System School at Redstone Arsenal. He returned in 2011.

"If I can summarize in three words the reason we moved back to Alabama after 15 years: Madison City Schools," Ferrer said.

As part of Madison Board of Education, Ferrer pledges to work as "part of the solution to these challenges to ensure that the quality of education in Madison continues to improve."

Luis and his wife Zoraida have one son, Luis, who attends Heritage Elementary School, and one daughter, Greishka, who attends James Clemens High School.

Greishka is a member of the Color Guard team with James Clemens Band.

Away from work, Luis Ferrer said he enjoys volunteering as mentor at Survivor Outreach Services events, sponsored by Space and Missile Defense Command.

Luis Ferrer first moved to this area in 1995 as an enlisted soldier to attend Avenger Missile System School at Redstone Arsenal.

Madison Living 21

ARTS AND CULTURE

Helping with hats

Nate Montgomery’s (code)word hats support children’s hospitals The trademark slogan for (code)word hats is “The Hat That Gives Back.”

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WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY CONTRIBUTED

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tragic car accident motivated Nate Montgomery to found (code)word hats, which aims for style and translates into help for children's hospitals.

Montgomery and co-founder Sean Pace launched their business idea in September 2016.

Their goal was to make high-quality, yet unique, hats that represented hometowns.

Montgomery said he realized people like to represent their hometowns but not necessarily with "HUNTSVILLE" or “BIRMINGHAM" plastered across their chest. People wanted a "conversation starter or an 'under-the-radar way' of repping their home," he said. "Hence, we chose area codes. Everyone has one.”

However, the enterprising duo wanted to do more.

"Making caps with three-digit area codes didn’t seem like enough. We wanted them to also give

the customer a way to invest back into the area that the hat represents," Montgomery said.

Montgomery and Pace decided to help children's hospitals. "My significant other's mother, Carla Steinbuchel, of Madison, was a pediatric nurse for years at Huntsville Hospital. She was in a tragic car accident and unfortunately lost the ability to keep serving the children of North Alabama,” Montgomery said. "Carla is an amazing woman and inspired us to use this platform we had created to give back to pediatric hospitals.” (code)word hats launched with five area codes.

One area was Nashville, Tenn., and Children’s Miracle Network noticed their mission and reached out to offer guidance. "With their help, we’ve created partnerships with 50-plus hospitals to bring our cap to their market," Montgomery said. "We give 20 percent of proceeds of each purchase to the hospital serving children in that area code."

Nate Montgomery realized people like to represent their hometowns. The area code is a more subtle message without stating a city’s name.

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The (code)word hats company gives 20 percent of purchase proceeds to a hospital serving children in that area code.

Most customers are teenagers to early 40s. Women wear (code)word hats at the gym during workouts and as “brunch hats.” "Did you have a little too much fun on a Saturday night, want to roll out of bed and go eat with friends the next morning without spending time on your hair? Throw on one of our trendy hats and go," Montgomery said.

Their trademark slogan is "The Hat That Gives Back." Montgomery said he has noticed shoppers trending to buy (code)word hats as gifts. Along with their uniqueness, the hats are personalized and carry a degree of thoughtfulness.

Recently, a customer was wearing her "205 BHAM" cap in the Dallas airport. During a layover, a man approached and said, "Birmingham! I have family from there." The two conversed casually about her hometown. A few weeks later, they started dating.

"She told us if she weren’t wearing one of our caps, she would have never met him. Stories like that drive us to make (code)word a success story," Montgomery said.

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The caps are available in “trucker mesh/snap-back” and cotton fabmesh/snap-b ric. Area-code d digits are made of felt and individually hand-sewn. Each cap comes with a (code)w (code)word drawstring bag of natural cotton.

Before (code)word hats, Montgomery toured with Nashville musical artists, like Eric Church, Alan Jackson and Craig Morgan, and sold their merchandise. He started a company, Merch Tent Revival, to produce merchandise sold at concert venues.

Montgomery is a native of Harvest and attended Sparkman High School. He moved to Nashville in 2009 to attend Belmont University.

"I became a songwriter and, to this day, still write for a few artists out of Nashville. My most successful songs last year were 'Closer' by Kane and 'Brown & Two Black Xs' by Dylan Schneider. Combined, those songs reached 20 million streams on Spotify," Montgomery said.

His girlfriend Haley Steinbuchel works for the Country Music Association and coordinates events, like CMA Awards and CMA Fest. (code)word hats are sold online and in select retail stores throughout each community. For information, email contact@codewordhats.com or visit codewordhats.com or Instagram @codewordhats.

LEFT: A native of Harvest, Nate Montgomery is co-founder of (code) word hats.

BELOW: (code)word hats are sold online and in select retail stores throughout each community.

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Clothing Company Madison Living 25

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

STORY & PHOTOS BY MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Madison Chamber of Commerce has been on the move celebrating Grand Openings, Anniversaries, Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, Luncheons and much more. Thank you to all of our Board Members, Ambassadors, Volunteers and Chamber Members who always go the extra mile with a smile to help make the chamber great. For information on chamber events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, visit madisonALchamber.com or call 256-325-8317. Visit the Chamber on Facebook at Madison Chamber of Commerce (MCC) to help keep up to date with what’s happening in our city.

Business After Hours with MCC member Body Creations Sports & Performance Fitness

Ribbon Cutting and Meet and Greet for MCC member Mathnasium

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Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Ribbon Cutting and Meet and Greet for MCC member Urgent Care of Madison

Mayor Paul Finley and members of the Madison Chamber of Commerce help celebrate a Ribbon Cutting and Meet and Greet for MCC member Urgent Care of Madison.

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2018 Must-Not-Miss Madison Attractions SPONSORED BY ROCKET CITY LOCAL WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE ROBERTSON

Creekwood Park is located at 360A Harvestwood Court in Madison.

APRIL – MADISON CITY FARMERS MARKET

Time to get out your calendar! We’ve compiled a great list of fun things to do in Madison for each month in 2018. These events and venues are perhaps off the beaten path but wellworth your time.

JANUARY – LIMESTONE FLEA MARKET The Limestone Flea Market is located on the left after crossing County Line/Old Railroad Bed Road. It might not look like much from the outside – the sign isn’t that fancy, and all that is visible is a low, tin building. But this flea market packs quite a flea market punch. It is huge! The Limestone Flea Market has a little bit of everything: Avon, homeschool books, rugs, glassware, classic arcade games, toys and more. Free admission. Open Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 30030 Highway 72 in Madison. (256) 233-5183.

FEBRUARY – ALABAMA WAR MUSEUM While it’s cold outside, take the family to the Alabama War Museum, located right beside the Limestone Flea Market. The museum is housed in an authentic log

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Between April and November, local producers bring out their vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, honey and baked goods to the Madison City Farmers Market. You’ll find handmade soaps, plants, jams, cheese, candles, lotions and flowers, to name a few products. Their goal is to provide the best quality producer-only goods from local farmers and artisans while promoting community spirit and keeping money and energy within the community.”

While Mom and Dad shop, kids can sample everything from home-grown tomatoes to Piper & Leaf tea. Free admission. 1088 Hughes Road in Madison (at Trinity Baptist Church). 8 a.m. to noon from April to September and 9 a.m. to noon from October to November.

cabin with a gift shop on the first floor and exhibits on the second. Exhibits include medieval crosses, guns, pre-Columbian pottery, coins and other relics as old as 3000 BC. Group and school field trips are available. Admission charged for ages 11 and up.

Open Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. 30030 Highway 72 West in Madison.

MAY – HIKE THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PRESERVE

MARCH – DOG PARKS Let the dogs out! – and let your kids out with them. Pick one of those sunny March days to take your dogs and children to a fun park. They can all run around in the large fenced-in area, which provides water as well as poop bags for the pets. The parks feature a large enclosure for large dogs and another for small dogs. Madison has two conveniently-located parks: Mill Creek Dog Park (1.43 acres) and the Dog Spot at Creekwood Park. Free admission. For Mill

Creek Dog Park, park at the Mill Creek Greenway at the corner of Balch and Mill Road in Madison.

The Rainbow Mountain Preserve is maintained by the Land Trust of North Alabama.

People can hike this trail any month of the year, actually.

The trail never stays the same.

Spring brings on new growth of trees, summer is ripe for a hike, the fall leaves are exquisite, and you can see all the way into Huntsville when the trees shed their leaves for the winter.

You might even try your hand at geocaching. A playground is also available. Free admission. Open during daylight hours. |-230 Stoneway Trail.

JUNE – INSANITY SKATE PARK By mid-June, parents are tired of hearing their kids say, “I’m so bored!” Insanity Skate Park has the cure! Besides their skate park, this entertainment center features laser tag, batting cages, an arcade, roller skating, rock-climbing and miniature golf. It’s 28 acres of fun for the whole family. Admission charged.

100 Skate Park Drive in Madison.

JULY - PLAY IN THE CREEK Take the walking trail at Creekwood Park down to the creek. They even have a rope where families can swing from the creek bank and into the cool water. Classic summer fun!

Free admission. Creekwood Park | 360A Harvestwood Ct. in Madison

AUGUST - MAIN STREET CAFÉ Have you ever eaten in a jail cell?

Thanks to Main Street Café, I can say I have, but it’s not what you think! The two private dining areas in the Main Street Café used to be jail cells when the building served as Madison’s third city hall. The café opened its doors in 2000. Now, in-

The restaurant is located on Main Street right beside the railroad tracks. Every time I’ve eaten there (which is a lot) the train comes by, which adds to the charm of this quintessential southern eatery. Private dining parties and outside dining available. Open Monday-Saturday 11 am - 2 pm, 101 Main Street in Madison | (256) 461-8096

ison for the Madison Street Festival. The fire truck leads the way as local bands, cheerleaders, and many others form a parade route from Insanity Skate Park to the Gazebo on Main Street. The festival features dozens of information and craft booths, food trucks, live entertainment and activities for kids. This is one of Madison’s biggest events of the year and is fun for all ages. Free admission. First Saturday in October from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SEPTEMBER – KID’S KINGDOM

NOVEMBER - SHOPPING IN DOWNTOWN

stead of serving its inmates bread and water, the restaurant serves delicious southern cuisine.

Just because older brothers and sisters have gone back to school, the fun need not end for Rocket City littles. They can meet all sorts of new friends at this colorful playground. Don’t wait for September to take your kids to this fun factory!

Kid’s Kingdom is open during daylight hours year-round. Free admission. Dublin Memorial Park, 8324 Madison Pike in Madison.

Historic Downtown Madison offers a unique holiday shopping experience. The downtown area has several local shopping venues, and money goes back into the local economy. These small shops have a quaint vibe along with sales associates with time

and energy to help you with your purchases. You’ll find antiques, collectibles, toys, clothes, pets, photographers and specialty stores.

DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS CARD LANE Walk or drive past the historical homes in Madison, and you’ll get big Christmas wishes on Christmas Card Lane. The exhibits are illuminated every night until 9 p.m., so you can enjoy the vibrant colors during the day or night.

The exhibit is coordinated by the Madison Arts Council. Free admission. Park on Main Street and use the sidewalks for the walking tour; drive by Front Street and Church Street to see the exhibit by car. Exhibit runs Dec. 1-31 on Front and Church streets in Madison.

OCTOBER – MADISON STREET FESTIVAL One weekend a year, the whole town shows up in downtown Mad-

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Marketplace Madison Living • 256.772.6677

Great Jobs ARE Out There... If You Know Where to Look! AIDT recruits, screens and trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you! Visit www.aidt. edu/jobs today to view your opportunities!

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 256-7734213 MEDIA TRANSFER SERVICE VHS, C-VHS, 8mm, SD Card, Phones transferred to DVD Records, Cassettes, 8 Track, Reel to Reel transferred to CD BAKER PRODUCTIONS STUDIOS IN CULLMAN 256-7390388 Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Over-the-road positions Available. Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year over-theroad experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package.

Good home time. Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2 Now Hiring Drivers. Carry Transit. Decatur, AL Good Pay • Excellent Benefits & Home Time.

Must Have 18mos OTR Experience & Class A-CDL w/Tanker Endorsement.

Apply: www.CarryTransit. com

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Lenders’ New 1st Time Homebuyer’s Plan at Clayton Homes, Cullman.

You can be APPROVED! 256-734-1930 CRAWLSPACE SOLUTIONS- YOU CALL, WE CRAWL! If you have •mold •mildew •cracked brick •standing water •rotten wood --- We install •floor supports •french drains •encapsulations •moisture barriers.

Licensed & Insured.

Call Chris Simmons 256.436.0014 NOW HIRING: North AL Excavating Company Seeking experienced Operators, Laborers, and Paving Crew Professionals. Drug Test Required. Please email resume to ctsoffice@ scottsboro.org No phone calls please. EOE Dixon Storage 911 5th St., Red Bay Open 24/7 Under New Management 256-412-2812 or 256-702-1552 Welder Training. Short Term Licensing. Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Yanmar Tractor 900+ hours $2500. New Big Bee Bushhogs: 6ft-$950; 5ft-$800; 4ft-$750. New JBar Rock Rake: 6ft-$525; 5ft-$475. (256)565-8695 Call-No texts!

Fuller Construction We Do It All Custom building, repairs, garage additions, decks, vinyl siding, BBB Member FreeEstimates Licensed and Insured Call Us NOW!!

256-685-9110 2563035582

Round Hay 5x5 (in shed, under cover) Mixed hay. $45/roll. Square bale.

Mixed Hay. $5/roll or $4.50/100. Located in West Point ALABAMA 256-734-4202 Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256-3322960 KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499 Box Trucks Needed A growing company needs independent contractors with vehicles to deliver office and medical supplies all over N AL. Clean BG/MVR/drug test. Must be customer friendly!! Weekly settlements! Call Shasta @ LSO Final Mile. 256-4610069 or email Shasta.

Lanford@lsofinalmile.com Voted Best of the Best in the Tennessee Valley Lyons HR is here to help you find a new career.

Please visit one of our 3 TN Valley locations and start work today or visit us online and apply at: www.lyonshr. com •Decatur 2022 6th Ave S •Huntsville 1541 Sparkman Dr •Florence 600 E Tennessee St Now Booking! Spring, Summer, and Fall. Estate, Antique, Farm Equipment and Real Estate Auctions.

Call Auctioneer Chris McNatt • ASL#1474 • TSL#5074 • Firm 2652 • 256-874-3786 Glass Installers & Construction Laborers.

Experience preferred but

not required. Starting pay between $12 and $15 per hour, or higher, depending on experience.

(256)353-9181 Platinum Paving - Paving Contractors 251-5839499 or 1-844-728-4644 Save money when our men & equipment are in the area! Don’t DelayCall Today! •Driveways •Parking Lots •Roads •Patchwork •Resurfacing •Sealcoating •New Installations - 30+ years Experience, FREE ESTIMATES, Licensed • Insured NOW LEASING! Plantation Garden Apartments 55 and Older Community 1 & 2 bedroom apartments Income based limits, extra storage, open floor plans, carpeted, beautiful settings, fully furnished kitchens Call 256-6166408 Safe Haven Senior Family Home Provides Senior Loving Care in a Family Environment For information call: 256-8598041 Or visit our website: www.safehavensenior familyhome.com Lake and Pond Fish Stocking: Bass, Bluegill, Shell Cracker, Grass Carp, Catfish, Minnows & more!

Aerators & Fountains.

CALL FOR PRICES! WE DELIVER! 615-977-0752 Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-3509938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales. com SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY STORAGE BUILDINGS For Rent, All Sizes

Russellville, AL Call Jerry 256-332-9253 256-4125392 Mon-Fri. 9am-4pm NOW LEASING Spanish Trace Apartments •1BR ($350) •2BR ($430) Apartments •2BR ($460) •3BR ($520) Townhomes Central air, appliances, carpet, water included laundry room and swimming pool 603 Longhorn Pass NW, Hartselle 256-773-4945 Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 TRANSPORT LOCAL DRIVER $2,000 SIGN-ON. STC has openings for transport drivers. Must have CDL, HazMat and Tanker. Excellent pay, benefits and coworkers.

Best job you will ever have-Home nearly every night! Please call Gary at (270)3311165 or (270)450-4122 or (800)941-2209 or stcdispatch@upgas.com for details.

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstone dentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 & get your career started!

Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGNON-BONUS DRIVER PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE JUNE 2017!! Longevity-Bonus.

Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package. PAID Orientation. NEW Fleet of Trucks. Call 1-855-7779785 & ask for Dale or Brandy. Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803

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I am cherished.

As the region’s only Baby Friendly hospital, you’ll find our services are designed for mom and baby. Making your birth experience as unique as you.

Hayden, 9 months old

(256) 265-2012 | madisonALhospital.org 32 Madison Living