Madison Living

LIFE ON MAPLE STREET • DRIP IV INFUSION BAR • GIRLS ON THE RUN

MADISON Living February 2019 | $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

Focus on

fitness:

Pure Barre provides communitybased workout

BEYOND THE SLICE Cork and Crust brings more than pizza to the table

Escape from the technical Scott Brown unleashes his creative side

WHERE EVERY PLAYER IS MOST VALUABLE

ymcamadison.org

MADISON Living Editorial Rebekah Martin Alison James Kendyl Hollingsworth Contributors Alyson Maye Bob Labbe Gregg Parker Heather Donaldson Jenny Mitschelen Joshua Berry Lee Marshall Mayor Paul Finley Robert Parker Marketing Tori Waits Administrative Sierra Jackson Daniel Holmes

••• CONTACT US Madison Publications, LLC 14 Main St., Suite C P.O. Box 859 Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-772-6677 Fax: 256-772-6655 madisonlivingmagazine.com Madison Living is published monthly

by Madison Publications, LLC. A one-year subscription to Madison Living is $24.99 for 12 issues per year.

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

To advertise or to get more copies, call 256-772-6677.

Copyright 2019

by Madison Publications, LLC

4 Madison Living

24

HOME & STYLE 11 Slice of Americana

FOOD & DRINK 24 Beyond the slice

SCHOOL & SPORTS 29 Girls on the Run

11 IN EVERY ISSUE: 6 #MadisonLife 7 The Guide 46 Chamber Connection 50 Out & About 54 Marketplace

ARTS & CULTURE

34 Escape from the technical

Wellness 2019 38 Drink or drip 40 Focus on fitness

Madison Living 5

#MadisonLife

Madison Living is on Instagram! Tag @madison_living_mag in your posts, and magazine staff will choose favorites to regram and publish.

@grierinsurance “Special visitor today @ our Madison location!”

@sidneypetersonn “We were there for the fights!”

@curtsceneit

@trashpandasbaseball

“I came! I ate! I’m stuffed! Nothing like southern raised catfish fillets.

Little Libby’s in Madison was definitely needed!”

“Camping out for our season tickets! #Trashpandasnation

6 Madison Living

the guide

Feb. 14 Pour Your Heart Out at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Everyone is invited to the fifth annual Pour Your Heart Out Celebration filled with an evening of food, drinks and live music in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration at The U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Attendees will be able to create their own Valentine keepsakes.

Couple tickets are $90, and individual tickets are $45.

Madison Living 7

the guide

Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28

$5 After 5 p.m.

at the Huntsville Museum of Art Every Thursday night, enjoy art, wine, culture and cuisine at the Huntsville Museum of Art. From 5-8 p.m., admission is reduced to $5. Gather friends and family or even plan a date night and enjoy the artwork by regional and international artists.

Feb. 1-28

Beaks & Barks Winter Festival at Huntsville Botanical Garden

For the month of February, come have fun in the Garden exploring different bird trails and take some classes on birding, and bring your favorite four-legged friend to stretch your legs and play fetch!

Admission is free for members of the Garden. For nonmembers, cost is $12 for adults and $8 for ages 3-18.

Feb. 1-28

Maria Howard Weeden Art Exhibition

at the Weeden House Museum Through the entire month of February, the Weeden House will exhibit the largest combined collection of Maria Howard Weeden, who is credited as being one of the first artists to create watercolor paintings of freed slaves who resided in Huntsville during the Reconstruction Era and the poems that captured their stories. Guests will be able to explore the very rooms and furnishings where Howard Weeden created a legacy. Admission for adults is $5, and cost for children ages 12 and younger is $3.

Feb. 8

Homeschool Group Day at Insanity Complex

From noon to 3 p.m., Insanity Complex invites all homeschool groups to come skate for $4, which includes roller skate rental and $4 concession combo.

For more information call 256-319-0000/ext.1026.

Feb. 1

Our Shared Heritage: Alabama Artists at the Huntsville Museum of Art

Our Shared Heritage will present outstanding works

by Alabama artists from the Huntsville Museum of Art’s permanent collection as part of the statewide celebration of Alabama’s bicentennial.

8 Madison Living

Feb. 8

Ultimate Date Night at Asbury Church

Married couple and come enjoy the Ultimate Date Night with Jay & Laura Laffoon at Asbury Church. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Prepare to laugh and connect like never before.

Order tickets at https://www.itickets.com/events/405400.

the guide

Feb. 14

Pour Your Heart Out

at The U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Feb. 9

Super Saturday “Underground Railroad”

Everyone is invited to the fifth annual Pour Your Heart Out Celebration filled with an evening of food, drinks and live music in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration at The U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

Attendees will be able to create their own Valentine keepsakes.

Couple tickets are $90, and individual tickets are $45.

at Burritt on the Mountain

Learn some of the exciting stories of the brave women and men who risked their lives to achieve freedom for themselves and for others with Burritt’s Super Saturday “Underground Railroad.”

Follow clues from one “safe” house to another traveling on a simulated path to freedom. Activities will start at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. It takes about 1.5 hours to complete all Underground Railroad activities.

Feb. 14

Valentine’s 2 Chefs at The View at Burritt on the Mountain

Enjoy an exclusive evening of elevated fare and beverage pairings under the stars on Valentine’s Day. 2 Chefs at The View features Chef Rick Vonk and will be celebrating local food, history and the rich heritage of the Tennessee Valley. Visit https://burrittonthemountain. com/event/valentines-2chefs-at-the-view/ for more information.

Feb. 10 and 24 Feb. 9

Yoga in the Gallery

at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment Yoga in the Gallery will be presented by Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment Feb. 9. Students are invited to come relax, refresh and refocus while surrounding themselves with beautiful artwork.

Admission is $15. For more information visit www.lowemill.net.

Poetry Slam Sundays at Flying Monkey Arts

Join Out Loud HSV for a one-hour, action-packed Poetry Slam every second and fourth Sunday at Flying Monkey Arts. This event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. For poets there is an open sign up, so please bring three poems, one for each round. The winner of each event will receive glory and celebration, along with a $10 roll of quarters provided by Karma Rags. Admission is free; however, donations are strongly encouraged!

Madison Living 9

You love financial freedom and flexibility.

Then you’ll love this bank.

You’ve worked hard to create security and freedom through sound financial decisions. Partner with Progress to take your accounts to the next level. Our private banking services give you the features found at big banks, but with the personal, connected service only found at a local bank.

Experience Progress.

Birmingham • Decatur • Destin • Florence • Huntsville Inlet Beach • Jones Valley • Madison • Vestavia

myprogressbank.com

home&style

Slice of Americana Scott and Joni Haas revitalize their Maple Street home Written BY GREGG L. PARKER photographS BY JOSHUA BERRY Madison Living 11

12 Madison Living

J

Joni and Scott F. Haas own a charming slice of Americana: the Thorson-Haas Home.

Madison’s downtown charm enticed Joni Lynch Spruiell to buy the house at 113 Maple St., in 1980. The Thorson family, who were farmers, built the dwelling in 1912, following the architectural style of Craftsman Bungalow.

“Madison has a wonderful smalltown atmosphere … so convenient to everything, I-565, the new baseball park, plenty of grocery stores and dining options. Also, downtown is quiet and always a great place to walk,” Joni said.

A plan in mind

In 1984, Joni married Scott, and they embarked on a restoration plan for the house. She had already updated the plumbing and electrical wiring, added

a laundry and enlarged the bathroom.

They converted the plain, tin roof to shingles and replaced the banister around the verandah.

The couple next converted the upstairs into a living/bedroom area with en suite and two walk-in closets. In 2005 they overhauled the kitchen; in 2009, they rejuvenated the downstairs bath.

The house is 1.5 stories, with a hipped roof that extends over the veranda.

Six Tuscan columns support the large wraparound porch.

The porch ceiling is painted in “haint blue,” which Southern folklore claims to repel malicious ghosts. “The ceiling has always been blue, and we have always kept up the tradition to ward off the evil spirits. Can’t be too safe, right?” Joni said.

Madison Living 13

14 Madison Living

A warm welcome

Two oversized front windows feature leaded glass that warms the view. The entrance to the Thorson-Haas Home has sidelights that extend upward to the transom. “We sit outside in the spring and fall mornings enjoying our coffee and watching the squirrels,” she said.

Other distinctive features are pocket doors between the living and dining room, built-in cabinet in the dining room and heartof-pine floors and walls. “The only sheetrock in the home is in the addition done in 1980,” Joni said.

Madison Living 15

Living without wallpaper

The living room is the Haas’ favorite space. “The living room and dining room had five layers of wallpaper – brown, blue, pink, felt and gauze. It didn’t take long to figure out that the layers were to keep the wood joints from showing through the wallpaper,” Joni said. “After many years of struggling to get the wallpaper to look right, we opted to remove the wallpaper permanently and go with the raw wood.”

Sanding the walls and treating them with oil gave wonderful results.

In 2017 Joni and Scott fell in love with an artist’s work in Ashville, North Carolina, and bought one of his pieces. “Then, we met him in Florida and purchased four more,” she said. “Our new living room is the perfect place to display his work, relax and visit with friends and family.”

Their decorating style blends old and new to produce an eclectic feel. “We both love the character an older home offers, but we like putting in our own comfort and convenience items,” Joni said.

16 Madison Living

Work and play

After almost 25 years on the Space Shuttle Program, Joni works as a project coordinator on a NASA contract. Scott retired from regional sales in the professional audio industry; he now works as manager of Lynch Auto Repair on Capshaw Road.

In volunteering, Joni has served as chair for Special Olympics track and field for about 20 years. Joni and Scott both participated in Special Olympics equestrian events as horse handlers and training assistants at State Games for 10 years.

“Scott’s passion has always been music … playing in bands since high school. He performs occasionally with a friend and has become a collector of autographed guitars,” Joni said.

They have a daughter and son-in-law and two granddaughters in Dallas.

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Scott moved to Huntsville in 1964 and then to Madison when they married in 1984. Joni grew up in Monrovia and moved to downtown Madison in 1978.

Madison Living 17

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

18 Madison Living

SPECIAL SECTION SPECIALADVERTISING ADVERTISING SECTION

T

Ask the experts: Two Men and a Truck

Twenty-one years ago, Joe Hollingsworth took advantage of an opening with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. “I was working as an engineer for a company in Anniston when I learned about a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK opportunity in Birmingham. I worked one summer for TMT, moving on the weekends while working my engineering job during the week,” Hollingsworth said.

“I really appreciated how the Birmingham franchisee ran his operation,” he said. Today, Hollingsworth is Franchisee for North Alabama with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK / HUNTSVILLE is a local and long-distance home, business and commercial mover. “Whether a client is moving a few miles down the road or anywhere in the country, we have the licenses and authority to service the customer,” he said.

Originally, the business actually did start with only two men and one truck, but “we’ve grown into a company that can do just about any move out there. Our office will estimate how many men are needed to get the job done in an efficient manner,” Hollingsworth said.

For each customer, workers arrive at your residence with trained, drug-free movers.

“Our movers arrive in uniform in our own logoed trucks,” he said.

“We’re seeing a trend of ‘rogue movers’ who show up in rental trucks; law enforcement officers cannot identify the movers,” Hollingsworth said. “All regulations that apply to moving companies are unable to be enforced. Buyer beware!”

“We’ve done a ton of small projects because everyone has a piece or two that they need moved. The smallest move done to-date was moving a dining room table across the room,” Hollingsworth said. “Our biggest job was for Army Corps of Engineers that involved 1,500 containers and personnel.”

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has the authority to complete local, intrastate and interstate moves. “We are fully insured and cover all belongings based on their current value. This is above what is required by law and above many of our competitors,” he said.

“Running this business right costs money. We are not willing to cut corners,” Hollingsworth said.

“Sometimes, we send two men, while other times its three and one truck,” he said. “We have had 20 men on a job.”

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK holds licenses for DOT 930909; MC 401062C; and AL Intrastate Authority C614.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK completes local moves, along with moving customers to/from all states. “We own all of our custom-built moving trucks. It’s important for us to keep our 20-truck fleet in top condition. For this reason, we do not rent our trucks to the public,” Hollingsworth said.

The Hollingsworth family moved to Madison in 1997 to start his franchise for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Away from work, Joe Hollingsworth “loves spending time with my wife Angela and our three kids. My passion is fishing, hunting and anything outdoors.”

Madison Living 19

Madison Living 19

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Making Technology Beautifully Simple

Ask the experts

Do you need help making Madison your home?

These leaders in the community, business, finance and real estate have answers to all your questions.

Smart Home/ OfďŹ ce Home Theater Whole House Music Conference Rooms Lighting Control Motorized Shades & More

Residential & Commercial

256.975.3832

www.mozaicav.com

816 Palmer Rd Ste B Madison AL 35758

CUSTOM DESIGN IMPECCABLE QUALITY SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP

Together We

Live Beautifully 256.975.5800

Mozaic Audio Video Integration 816 Plamer Rd Ste B Madison AL 35758 www.mozaicav.com 256-975-3832 Mozaic, Inc. was founded on the principle of bringing Huntsville, Madison and the Tennessee Valley areas a new approach to au-dio/video & automation installations where design, reliability and simplicity are emphasized as much as sound and image quality. This passion drives everything we do, whether we are simply mounting a flat panel TV or installing a fully automated system for your residence or business. Let Mozaic bring our meticulous attention to detail to your project!

Latreuo Homes Heather Vader Phone: 256-348-1030; email: Heather@LatreuoHomes.comMeet your builder: with decades of experience, Latreuo Homes is dedicated to providing excellent service to our homeowners. Our specialty is making the build process as easy as possible. Our comprehensive services include everything from selecting your land, to utilizing our in-house drafting services to design your dream home. We even help you select all your home finishes alongside a professional interior design team. Building your new home is one of the greatest investments you will make in a lifetime. You can now build confidently knowing you are selecting the team of experts chosen by professionals all over North Alabama to be trusted with the exclusive construction of their homes.

www.LatreuoHomes.com Jan Wells Realtor 12181 County Line Road, Suite 180, Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-337-2400; email: jan.wells@knology.net

20 20Madison MadisonLiving Living

A Madison resident since 1986, Jan has been active in the business and real estate communities as well as city government.

Whether chairing committees for the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS, serving as the first President of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, or leading the city as Madison’s Mayor from 2000-2004, Jan has enjoyed meeting the many diverse residents who call Madison home. The experience gained through that service has given her a unique insight into life in Madison. A licensed REALTOR since 1989, Jan now enjoys representing former clients as well as their sons and daughters. That continuity of service is especially gratifying.

Jan says that the trust implied by these referrals is her greatest compliment and the many new friends she continues to meet are the greatest reward.

ADVERTISING SECTION SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING Artisan Wood, Tile and Stone Jeff Roesner, Owner 256-697-0001 • Find us on Facebook.

Jeff is a Midwest native that calls the Huntsville/Madison area his home. Working as a wood and tile carpenter in people’s homes and businesses for over 20 years, he can turn your ordinary living space into one of elegance. Artisan Wood Tile & Stone does all your custom needs for any wood, tile, or stone projects. Looking to turn your house into the home of your dreams? Artisan’s custom showers are a great option! A certified ceramic tile installer trained by CTEF at Clemson University, Jeff’s high quality, quick, and dependable work will have you showing off your space to all your friends!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® 8215 Stephanie Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35802 twomenandatruckhuntsville.com 256-885-2515 Info0055@twomen.com Moving people forward - and businesses, too! Long-distance, local, home or business, we are your “Movers Who Care!”.

More than 20 years in the Tennessee Valley, serving you.

Whether you’re moving down the street, across the country, or to a new home or business building, we’re here to help ease your relocation stress through a variety of moving services.

Assisting you during your move is our top priority. We have all the information you need to assure your move exceeds your expectations.

Home & Business Moves | Local & Long-Distance Packing Services & Supplies Call or go online today for your free estimate!

Tim Barron State Farm Insurance 151 Hughes Road, Ste A Madison, AL 35758 tim@timbarroninsurance.com 256-772-0136

State Farm Insurance has been serving customers for over 95 years…and Tim Barron has been a part of State Farm for 25 of those years. Tim Barron and his team of licensed insurance professionals serve the Madison area with Auto, Fire, Life and Financial Service’s needs. Providing exceptional customer service coupled with competitive rates provides the Madison community with an opportunity to be insured with Tim Barron State Farm Insurance backed by the #1 insurer of automobiles throughout the U.S. Stop in at the office conveniently located on Hughes Road, or call the office for a quote. At Tim Barron State Farm Insurance, We Are Here to Help Make Life Go Right…..

For information on how to see your business featured in this section, please email advertising@madisonliving.com or call 256.773.6566.

Huntsville

256.399.9948

twomenandatruckhuntsville.com Each franchise is independently owned and operated. | U.S. DOT No. 930909

For every “oh no,” there’s an “oh yeah.”

Tim Barron, Agent 151 Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758 Bus: 256-772-0136 tim@timbarroninsurance.com

Good day, bad day or any day – I’m here for you in all life’s moments, backed by the #1* insurance company for auto, home and life.

CALL ME TODAY.

*Based on written premium as reported by SNL Financial 2014.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Dallas, TX 1606042

Madison Living Living 21 Madison 21

THE SUITE LIFE

Valentine Vibrancy

Jenny Mitschelen Full-service interior designer jenny@jennymitschelen.com

256.617.4741

I

It’s February! We’ve recovered from the holidays and dug into our New Year goals, and spring is just around the corner. Romance is in the air, along with the desire to revitalize after the dim days of winter. Let’s bring that spirit into our homes.

Start fresh. Welcome yourself home by decluttering your closet, drawers and all the little nooks that collect the things that no longer serve you. Explore an organizing blog or two for guidelines to help you achieve a clean slate in your home. There is no one-size-fits-all method, but the general rule is that if you don’t love it or use it, get rid of it.

Give your grays some glow.

Chances are you have painted your walls a shade of gray in recent years or purchased gray furnishings. If your space is feeling a little overcast, there is no need to start over. Get inspired by the 2019 Colors of the Year: Cavern Clay from Sherwin Williams and Living Coral from Pantone. Start with bright throw pillows on your bed or sofa. Paint your powder room or find one warm, vibrant object to brighten your somber, smoky sea. A little bit goes a long way.

22 Madison Living

No chemistry with Clay or Coral? Allow me to play Cupid and fix you up with other flirty hues to romance your residence. Try Velvet Cloak or Head Over Heels by Benjamin Moore; Castellina or Smokin Hot from Behr Marquee; Stolen Kiss or Intimate White from Sherwin Williams; or Double Chocolate or Soft Candlelight by Valspar.

Warm up your walls. Make a statement without saying a word – no, really. The love affair with wall quotes is over. It’s also break-up time for collaged gallery walls. Pursue timeless art work that lends sophistication and true individuality to your space. Don’t be afraid to go for the oversized pieces that inject life into a room.

Can’t commit to art? Consider a mirror with a roughhewn or gilded frame. Mirrors are sculptural and bounce light around your room. Get seduced by a great mirror, and you are likely to love it forever.

As always, rendezvous with me on Instagram @jennymitschelen_suitelife for endless inspiration to bring radiance to your home and your heart.

Madison Living 23

food& drink

BEYOND THE SLICE Cork and Crust thrives on dedication to quality Written BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH photographs BY JOSHUA BERRY 24 Madison Living

A

At first glance, some might find Cork and Crust Pizzeria and Wine Bar to be a little deceiving.

The restaurant, tucked in front of the Village Shoppes of Madison, has become a neighborhood staple and favorite dining spot among many Madison residents. It isn’t necessarily the pizza, however, that draws in so many hungry guests.

“We have ‘pizzeria wine bar’ in our name, so everybody thinks we’re pizza,” said Eric To, owner of Cork and Crust.

“Pizza is only (a small portion) of our menu.”

The real surprise, To said, is the wide selection of mouthwatering Italian dishes house-made with fresh ingredients. “We bring in fresh fish from the gulf, we make our own mozzarella, we grind our own meat … We’re fabricating tenderloins, we’re pickling lots of vegetables,” To explained. “We’re doing so many housemade things back there, but we don’t sit and brag about it because the food tells you. If it were easy to do, everybody would do it.”

Serving quality food impeccably with great service in a comfortable atmosphere has been Cork and Crust’s goal since its grand opening in October 2014.

The restaurant boasts a main dining room that seats about 100 guests, a bar that seats about 15 and two private dining rooms to accommodate anything from corporate functions to rehearsal dinners. Once the sun sets, a full outdoor patio illuminated by string lights makes for a cozy and inviting dining space.

Cork and Crust is far from To’s first round in the restaurant industry. A Minnesota native, To grew up helping his father at their Vietnamese restaurant.

While many of To’s friends played football in the field next to the restaurant, he would help his father peel shrimp and pea pods for various dishes.

“I used to take the bus from home to school, and then I’d take the bus from school to his restaurant,” To said.

Not only did To become familiar with the restaurant business from helping his father, but his grandfather used to own restaurants as well. “I think it’s just in our blood,” To added.

After attending college in Denver, Colorado, To ended up staying in that area for two decades, working in the restaurant business while enjoying a life of snowboarding and skiing in the great outdoors. After a certain point, however, he said he knew it was time for

something new. Since his wife’s family lived down south, To said he decided to see what life held for him and his wife in the area – and he hasn’t looked back.

Now with a 4-year-old son, a thriving restaurant and a house nearby, To said he loves living in Madison.

“I couldn’t have what I have in Denver,” he said. “The people here are amazing, and Cork and Crust has kind of become that neighborhood community center restaurant. They’re good to us – they want us here, they support us, and we support them, so it’s just been like the business became more than just me and my ideas. Now we’re representing the people. It’s been really cool.”

One way To said he looks to give back to the community is by opening up his restaurant for spirit nights with the schools. He has also found a number of employees from among regular guests.

Since Cork and Crust’s inception, the restaurant has expanded to include lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus. “We do 200 people for brunch every Sunday,” To said. “It’s a mad, mad, madhouse in here.” To added there are plans in the works to start offering a Sunday supper special, served family-style.

Madison Living 25

An important part of the development of the menus and special events, To said, is to plan ahead. Just after Christmas, To and the team were already thinking about the next seasonal menu and planning for Valentine’s Day. To also studies the menu and watches for any trends that come up with guests. In Cork and Crust’s hearty beginning-middle winter menu, the beef stroganoff gnocchi emerged as a customer favorite. The dish became so popular, in fact, To said he was considering keeping it on the menu for middle winter-early spring.

“We make the gnocchi in house,” he explained. “It’s like a potato dumpling. We make the dough, and we make it every single day.”

Continuing the stroganoff trend, Cork and Crust server Haley Callaway said one of her favorite items on the menu is the stroganoff pizza, which consists of a garlic cream base topped with an Italian cheese blend, braised short rib, caramelized onions and mushrooms. To finish it off, the pizza is drizzled with a demi-glace.

26 Madison Living

To said Cork and Crust also tries to incorporate unique menu items, like the Sicilian BLT panini. This sandwich incorporates a house-made pesto, roasted garlic mayo, shredded mozzarella, prosciutto and a fried green tomato. “It’s a pretty good sandwich,” he said. “You can’t go wrong with that … You’re not going to see that sandwich on too many menus.”

Out of all the options on his mouthwatering menu, To said he doesn’t have any specific favorites. Instead, he loves when he tries a dish and cannot tell who in the kitchen prepared it.

“That’s when I’m just like, ‘Oh man, these guys are so synced in,’” he raved. “It’s just consistent and beautiful, and I have no idea because they’re all dialed in. It doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, it’s a beautiful thing.”

In addition to seasonal menu changes, the restaurant’s wine list also receives regular updates. As a certified sommelier, To said he aims to bring in a number of boutique wines for guests to try.

In this case, “boutique” indicates that

less than 3,000 cases of that particular wine were produced. The list is broken up into three categories: sparkling and rosé, white and red.

“I try to do the best expression of the grape for the region in that area so you can get a fair representation of what that winemaker intended that wine to taste like,” To explained. “I just think it’s educated but not pretentious … It’s there for everybody to try. We’ll tell you all about it if you want to know, and if you don’t, we’ll get you exactly what you need.”

Cork and Crust also hosts “fun and interactive” themed wine dinners on occasion. This might entail a “tour around the world,” which consists of four courses with wine pairings from countries like Italy and Argentina.

Another popular wine dinner Cork and Crust has held is “Napa vs. the world.”

“I took Napa wines and took a wine from each different country that was the same varietal … and I put Napa up against the wines of the world, and we voted on them at the end,” To said. “I think Napa won.”

The dinners usually consist of up to 50 people, and To said the spots tend to fill up in three or four days.

Considering Cork and Crust’s reputation in the community, it’s perhaps no surprise the restaurant has gained some national attention as well. In addition to earning some recognition from the James Beard Foundation, Cork and Crust can now add “filmed by a TV crew” to the list. A crew from filmmaker Brad Leo Lyon’s TV series “American Road Trip,” which is set to stream on Netflix in 2019, recently came to film the restaurant for an episode. The show seeks to highlight some of America’s best restaurants, bars, nightlife and attractions on a unique, behind-the-scenes tour which Lyon hosts. To said many customers came in that day to help with the filming.

The show’s Facebook page indicates a soft premiere date for “American Road Trip” is slated for July 2, while a hard date is set for Aug. 27.

Aside from the food and drink, many regulars cite the overall experience as a big draw. To achieve this, To said Cork and Crust places a heavy emphasis on building relationships with guests and owning any mistakes they might make. This contributes heavily to the kind of culture To and the rest of the crew at Cork and Crust strive each day to create, which includes investing in people as opposed to processes and helping employees to develop a deep sense of care for both the restaurant and its guests.

“We don’t cut corners,” To asserted. “We don’t compromise quality for anything, and I think our guests appreciate that.

We spend a lot of time training our staff and hiring the right people to be more personable and to create relationships. You wouldn’t believe the number of cards my servers got – Christmas cards with money in them. Like, what? That’s awesome.”

The core goal, To added, is to simply work hard and have a good time. “That’s the thing: We work so hard,” he said. “Hard work is not uncommon around here. I have a lot of hardworking people, but in return, we all have a great time because we’ve worked so hard, and we didn’t leave anything on the table.”

As the owner, To also works to set the pace for the rest of the crew. This includes committing to showing newcomers what needs to be done. Callaway said working with her bosses is one of her favorite parts of the job. “They work with you, and they help you learn,” she said. “I wasn’t a server before I worked here. I’d never served before, and everyone here has been really helpful in helping me grow in what I want to do.”

With a cohesive team committed to working hard together and enjoying what they do each day, achieving the main goal of providing a top-notch dining experience becomes that much more attainable, To said. “I think you just do the right thing every day – come in every day with the goal to serve a quality product with great service in an atmosphere that’s easy to eat in, and treat people like people,” To said. “I guess that’s what it is.

That’s what it’s been for us. It’s been good.”

For more on Cork and Crust Pizzeria and Wine Bar, visit corkandcrustpizzeria.com.

The restaurant is located at 12120 County Line Road in Madison.

Madison Living 27

EMERGENCY CARE WITH

LESS WAITING

E.R. In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, at Crestwood Medical Center, you’ll find faster care in the emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional with the shortest wait time possible.* And, as a full service community hospital, we can provide a lot more care if you need it.

For less waiting and faster care, count on the E.R. at Crestwood Medical Center.

One Hospital Drive • Huntsville 256-429-4000 • CrestwoodMedCenter.com *E.R. wait time, which is defined as the time it takes from check-in at the E.R. desk until a patient is initially seen by a provider, can change quickly.

This time is dependent on the severity of the illness and other patients also in the E.R.

28 Madison Living

school& sports

Girls on the Run Written BY BOB LABBE PHOTOGRAPHS CONTRIBUTED Madison Living 29

B

Being a runner and enthusiast for complete health and fitness drew Tonya Hardy to the Girls On The Run organization as a volunteer just more than a year ago. Her enthusiasm to assist the non-profit alliance for young girls led the 39-yearold Madison resident to her current position as executive director for the North Alabama council of the national organization.

“Ten years ago as a new mom, I happened on Girls On The Run while on the internet, and over the years I learned more,” said Hardy. “The work the organization does with young girls tugged at my heart.”

Having a rich background as an athlete and being a devotee to good health, Hardy contacted the Girls On The Run headquarters about having a local council in Madison County. While working at Fleet Feet Huntsville, she became dedicated to making her quest reality.

Over a period of a year, her diligent work for a local council application finally became approved in February 2017.

30 Madison Living

Girls On The Run of North Alabama covers Madison, Lauderdale and Colbert counties, with plans to expand to neighboring communities. With Hardy the lone paid staff member, the local council has about 30 volunteers, who are regarded as coaches for the program.

Girls On The Run teaches life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and games. Twice a year the program hosts a 5K run on the campus of UAH. Running events are used to inspire and motivate the girls, ages 9-11, to grow mentally and physically and to learn to accept who they are and accept others.

“We want to inspire girls to go after their dreams and embrace their unique qualities and equip them to possess the necessary life skills,” said Hardy. “Those abilities are be friends, deal with bullying and handle life experiences.”

The program meets twice a week during the spring season, February-April, and fall season, September-November, at local schools and community centers. Girls are broken into teams of 8-15 members each. There are currently three teams in Madison.

Madison Living 31

We focus on each girl’s emotions and being herself; learning to make relationships and be friends; and to make an impact on the community through a variety of projects.

– Tonya Hardy

A curriculum includes teaching the girls important social, psychological and physical skills and abilities to achieve each girl’s life goals. Each season concludes with a 5K run, when each girl is encouraged to dress up, color her hair or do whatever makes her feel like her best self. All girls finish the run, as crossing the finish line is a huge accomplishment for each one of the young girls.

Hardy, who has two girls of her own, ages 7 and 10, said she understands the need for a program that inspires a girl to be joyful, healthy and confident. Many times a young girl lacks the confidence to pursue whatever it is she wants to do.

“We focus on each girl’s emotions and being herself; learning to make relationships and be friends; and to make an impact on the community through a variety of projects,” added Hardy. “Those

32 Madison Living

projects have included making greeting cards for children who are in the hospital, making hygiene packs for homeless shelters and … making homemade dog toys given to local animal shelters.”

In between seasons, Hardy recruits sponsorships and volunteers and finds proper shoes for running for the girls who cannot afford to purchase suitable running gear. For the 10-week season, a fee of $150 is due for each girl, which includes snacks, T-shirt and entry to the season-ending 5K. Each girl is encouraged to include a running buddy to have with them during the season celebration.

“We try and meet the girls where they are, such as their after-school areas and centers near their homes,” said Hardy.

“I remember one girl in particular who thought she couldn’t accomplish any type of big project, but through Girls On The

Run, she ran the 5K and quickly found out she could do those things she was afraid to try. She found strength and confidence in the program.”

Girls On The Run was established in 1996 in Charlotte, N.C., with 13 girls. The efforts have grown into every state, serving more than 200,000 girls each season.

The organization has even launched a new middle school program, Heart and Sole, which is dedicated to the unique needs of adolescent girls.

“The finish line is more the start for the girls,” said Hardy.

To find out more details, visit the council’s website, www.gotrnorthal.org.

Hardy is available by phone at 256-479-9782 or by e-mail, tonyameierhardy@girlsontherun.org.

EDUCATION

Fast track to student success Dr. Heather Donaldson Chief Academic Officer Madison City Schools

M

There’s no question we are increasingly becoming a global economy. Communication barriers are lifting because of technology, and more people becoming bi-lingual and tri-lingual. Demand for bilingual workers in the United States more than doubled over a five-year period from 2010 for both low and high-skilled jobs, according to a 2017 report by the “New American Economy,” a bi-partisan research and advocacy organization.

Madison City Schools, keenly aware of these trends, is adding a Seal of Biliteracy to recognize the accomplishments of graduating seniors who demonstrate proficiency in

two or more languages. The initiative was shared with the Board of Education by the Instruction Committee.

A Seal of Biliteracy taskforce was assembled at the end of the 2017-2018 school year as a result of Superintendent Robby Parker’s goal focused specifically on students becoming proficient in a second language: “The Superintendent will empower students for global success by developing a plan to achieve a goal of proficiency in a second language for 100% of our graduates.”

At the Nov. 29 instruction meeting, the taskforce co-chairs – Peggy Boynton, German teacher and World Languages content lead at James Clemens High School and Angela Mooney, French teacher and World Languages Department chair at Bob Jones High School – shared the recommendation to add the Seal of Biliteracy.

The taskforce’s rationale for recommending the Seal of Biliteracy is as follows. To: 1. validate proficiency in two or more languages.

2. motivate growth beyond the novice level.

3. evaluate use of the language.

4. develop readiness for college and career opportunities.

5. model global citizenship.

The Seal of Biliteracy has already been adopted by 35 states and Washington D.C., with several other states in the process. Not only does the Seal of Biliteracy demonstrate a student’s accomplishment in becoming proficient in a second language, it also supports workforce development needs.

Requirements for MCS students seeking to earn the proposed Seal of Biliteracy include the following: 1. successful completion of all high school graduation requirements 2. English proficiency through successful completion of the Alabama state requirements 3. proficiency in a second language through a benchmark score on an approved assessment, like the AAPPL, ALIRA or AP Exam The excitement we have seen from students and teachers supports our desire as a school system to continue expanding language opportunities in Pre-K through 12th grades.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center® presents its fifth annual

POUR FEB 14

THURSDAY

YOUR HEART

OUT

US Space

POUR YOUR OWN VALENTINE Join the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Sloss Furnaces from Birmingham for a Valentine’s evening of science and art!

WHEN: Thursday, February 14, 2019 6 to 10 p.m.

Live Entertainment

Smithsonian Affiliate

For more information or to order tickets, visit www.rocketcenter.com/heart or call 256-721-7218.

Madison Living 33

arts&culture

Escape from the technical

Scott Brown finds artistic passion in watercolor Written BY ALYSON MAYE photographS BY JOSHUA BERRY 34 Madison Living

S

Scott Brown is not only the owner and president of Ryan Creek Technology; he is also a selftaught watercolorist.

Brown’s works feature calm, serene landscapes, with an emphasis on Smith Lake.

Some might wonder: How did a tech genius become interested in art – in particular, watercolor?

“I have been a computer nerd since I was 18, and I am 57 now. Computers are all that I have ever done,” Brown said. “There was a time not that many years ago when I decided I needed to stop being a computer guy during the day and night as well. I wanted to do something, and I tend to collect hobbies. I started painting about 15 years ago, and it was just an escape from the technical spot.”

In the past six years Brown and his wife purchased a home on Smith Lake, and he found himself with a little extra free time. “My wife and I make it a point to go to the lake every weekend, and that is my time to paint.

Over the past five years I have painted pretty consistently,” Brown said.

Oils and acrylics are often top choices among artists because they are able to take time with their works, and these mediums are also easier to correct if a mistake is made. Brown’s choice of medium, however, is watercolors – a painting method in which the paints are made of pigments suspended in a water-based solution.

“I took up watercolors because I am not a patient man,” he explained. “I did not find until many years later that watercolors are actually far more difficult than oils or acrylics. With oil paints and acrylics, if you make a mistake, you can paint over it. In watercolor, you will have a series of failed paintings, like I do in my desk.”

Several steps are usually part of the creative process of an artist. For Scott, his journey from observation to inspiration to creation is often nearly instantaneous.

“When I see something that I know that I want to paint, I know, and I need to do it right then. Once I am inspired, the painting is very enjoyable,” Brown said. “There is a concept called ‘lost time,’ and there is a book called ‘Drawing On The Right Side of the Brain,’ by Betty Edwards, and she talks about being in the zone – that time you lose when you are focused on that thing, and you don’t notice the clock. You don’t think of anything that is going on except for what you are doing. You don’t think about the brush strokes or color choice because you are in the zone.”

Madison Living 35

You don’t think of anything that is going on except for what you are doing.

– Scott Brown

Over the past few years Brown has had the opportunity to exhibit his pieces at Huntsville Art League. He also published a book that showcases his paintings of Smith Lake, and he has created commissioned pieces for customers who want to get their hands on his artwork.

“My favorite experience as an artist is that I have had the opportunity to meet … nice people who have been excited about my work,” he said.

A new door recently opened for Brown, who was looking for an opportunity to get more involved with his community and to participate in civic-minded activities.

Brown joined the Rotary Club of Madison – and as a result, got the chance to design the posters for the Rotary’s Volksmarch, a 3.1-mile walk through historic Madison.

“I was asked to put a flyer together,” Brown explained. “I was looking for a header image for this flyer, but I was unable to find anything. So, I took out my notebook and began to sketch a very quick placeholder, and that then became an icon for this march. It was put on signs on the side of the road, websites and flyers.

I intended for it to be a placeholder until I found something appropriate to go in there, but the response I got back from it was fairly remarkable. Those are the surprising moments because it resonates with people.”

Art-lovers can find Brown’s work at the Huntsville Art League and in his Lewis Smith Lake coffee table book. He can also be found online at scottercolors.com and @scottercolors on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

36 Madison Living

Wellness 2019

Madison Living 37

Drink or drip

Madison’s IV infusion bar finds a new way to hydrate

M

Written BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH photographS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison residents looking to stay healthy and hydrated have a new way to do so with the arrival of Drip – north Alabama’s first IV infusion bar of its kind.

After opening ApproXie Urgent Care in late 2017 with her husband, Dr. Nemil Shah, nurse practitioner Heather Howard said she was inspired to offer something new.

With the rise of IV vitamin therapy in big cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Denver and Houston, as well as its appearances in reality television shows like “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” the practice has been steadily growing across the United States. Nemil had his first infusion experience to treat a hangover during his bachelor party trip to Las Vegas.

“He and some of his friends went to an IV infusion bar and he had received, like, two liters of saline, and he was like, ‘You

38 Madison Living

wouldn’t believe how much better I felt,’” Heather said.

From there, she began looking into the practice and realized Alabama did not yet have a place that specifically offered wellness infusions like these.

After extensive research, Heather said she decided to see if the Huntsville area was ready for it.

The dream became a reality in July with the establishment of Drip. There, patients can choose from a range of IV infusions to treat common ailments and maintain healthy levels of vitamins and nutrients.

Patients can step into the designated Drip room and feel at home in cushy blue or brown recliners and enjoy the low-light ambiance. If they desire, patients can even enjoy their favorite music and video streaming services on the large flatscreen TV while receiving their drip.

So far, Drip offers five specialized concoctions: Thirst, Bounce Back, Immunity, Nuisance and Flex.

Thirst is a basic infusion of saline designed to refresh and revive. Bounce Back adds more vitamins into the mix to help the body rehydrate after a hangover.

So far, Heather said the Immunity infusion has been Drip’s most popular.

“I thought originally it would be younger people coming in for the hangover cure because I just think that’s an awesome one, but it actually has been a lot of people ranging from 30s to 50s coming in for the Immunity,” Heather said.

Nemil agreed. “People are using it more for immunity vitamin therapy in the more boutique aspects here in north Alabama than the athletes or the hangovers, which is what has been spread rampantly throughout the United States, so Madison has a little bit different clientele,” he said.

The Immunity drip, which Heather describes as an “intravenous multivitamin,” uses a variety of vitamins and nutrients to boost immunity and protect the body from cold and flu viruses. It consists of vitamins A, D, E, C, K1 and various B vitamins, in addition to biotin and folic acid, to name a few. B vitamins are one of Drip’s most commonly used vitamin complexes. “All your B’s give you energy,” Heather said.

“So, we definitely give that in our infusions for sure.” Biotin, also called vitamin B7, benefits skin, hair and nails.

For people who suffer from migraines, the Nuisance drip aims to treat those.

“It’s just thiamine and B vitamins, but we give a little push of Toradol, which is a non-narcotic pain medicine,” Heather explained. “It’s like your ibuprofen but on steroids.” If a patient is also experiencing nausea, Heather can add Zofran to target that symptom.

As someone who personally loves to work out and stay healthy, Heather said Flex was one of the first concoctions she thought of with Huntsville area residents in mind. She said this drip was made to aid active folks before or after strenuous workouts.

“Huntsville is a really healthy, active area,” Heather said. “You have all these different gym memberships, whether it’s kickboxing or Iron Tribe or things that are

really extensive on our bodies, and so …

(Flex is) for our athletes.”

In addition to the saline, Flex includes various B vitamins and glutathione – an antioxidant that helps fatigued muscles recover faster – and works to replace electrolytes lost in a tough workout.

For now, Drip is only one room in an urgent care facility. However, Heather said she has bigger plans.

“My big goal for Drip is to be on wheels – to have a little bus – and we can make custom house calls,” Heather said. “We did travel for a wedding, and so that does come with a travel fee, but I think, why wouldn’t you want someone to come to your home if you’re going to pay for a special treatment like that?”

Heather also said she would love to open a location downtown and be available to people enjoying the nightlife.

As with any relatively new or less understood medical practice, Nemil said there are protagonists and antagonists. While some are concerned about IV infusion bars being unregulated or encouraging a more reckless lifestyle, Nemil said it’s not what people think.

“We only incorporate products that we believe in,” Nemil said. “You have to have

a medical director for any IV infusion or wellness boutique. Every place that does these IV infusions has somebody looking over the regulatory aspect of it.”

Both Heather and Nemil stressed they will not administer IV drips to anyone who would be at risk because of a health condition, and that includes chronic alcoholism. After signing a waiver, it’s the patient’s responsibility to let them know of any conditions they have that might be a cause for concern with IV infusion therapy.

Some of these include pregnancy, heart disease, high blood pressure, renal problems and confusion at baseline.

On the other hand, Heather said Drip can tailor IVs to the patient if they have a vitamin deficiency, or – like in the case of migraine patients – if they are experiencing an extra symptom like nausea.

Though vitamin deficiencies are not uncommon, Nemil said he has a theory that patients have more of a problem with the activation of a vitamin rather than a deficiency.

“I think in order to reach your physiological potential, whether it’s converting active metabolites or taking away waste, you need to have proper lubrication of your system,” Nemil said. “That lubrication is fluid for us because our body is 70 percent water.”

Heather and Nemil also explained most people are in a constant state of dehydration, which contributes to all kinds of health issues. Receiving the fluids needed in a short amount of time provides a “quick fix” to help.

“I think everyone that’s been here comes back because they can tell there’s a difference after the infusion,” Heather said. “You just feel better. You have more energy.”

Overall, Heather said she wants to help people feel comfortable while they receive treatment for their symptoms.

“My whole vibe that I wanted for this place is for you to be taken care of, for you to come here and just take a load off, and we just make this experience what you want it to be,” Heather said. “Whether that’s us leaving you alone, taking a nap, listening to some classical music or having your best friend beside you watching ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,’ we want you to feel special and taken care of.”

Madison Living 39

Focus on fitness: Pure Barre provides community-based workout Written BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH photographS BY JOSHUA BERRY 40 Madison Living

W

With health and fitness on the rise in north Alabama, Huntsville and Madison are home to a plethora of options for every type of individual to live a healthy life. Whether someone is a workout pro or just starting out, Madison’s Pure Barre studio aims to help everyone reach their fitness goals.

Natalie Hasley, owner and instructor at Pure Barre studio in Madison, said she is a big believer in the Colorado-based franchise, based on her own experience with it. Focusing on barre techniques and a person’s own body weight helps instructors tailor classes to each client. Because of this, Hasley said Pure Barre’s workouts are her go-to to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How did you get involved with Pure Barre?

One of my best friends from college was an instructor, and I had just had my first child.

I went back when he was 3 months old, and I said, “I’ve got to do something.” That was kind of when I got started. She was an instructor, and she encouraged me to give it a shot. I had tried other things – they just weren’t my style. I just needed something different. I could see the changes really quick. I could feel it was working.

What do you love most about Pure Barre?

There’s a lot of things I love about it.

From the actual workout side, I love that it is for all bodies – all body types. Any age range we can really work with. Every single class is different and challenging, and it

never gets old. The big thing I love about it, beyond the benefits, is the community.

That’s really why I started taking the classes; that’s why I started teaching; and that’s why I became an owner – because of the community between the clients and our team.

I love that it’s all women. Men are welcome, but we are focusing on women, and to me, it feels like a safe place to go work out without knowing I’m either going to be looked at or hit on or both.

There’s so many things that encompass what makes it so amazing.

How do you promote a healthy lifestyle?

What we do is a total-body workout.

When we focus on ourselves and getting into the routine of working out, we feel like it spills over into other parts of our lives.

When you’re working out, you make better decisions with what you eat, and when you’re working out, you’re setting a good example for your kids that shows them, “I care about myself. I care about staying healthy.” So goes into more of the abstract when I think about it.

I think to me, it is more about how it affects other people you’re around. I just think you make better eating decisions, and I think your kids see you work out … and for them to know I take time for myself is important. I’m working on being a healthier mom so I can live longer and be there as my kids grow up. So it’s a kind of big picture, healthy lifestyle thing.

Madison Living 41

What types of classes does Pure Barre offer?

We have three different kinds.

We have Pure Barre Classic, which is just our original class. It is what we started with – that’s the bread-and-butter of what we do. It is barre-based, isometric movements, 50 minutes long. We say it’s ballet-inspired, but it’s not dance. We use a ballet stance, but we are working little, tiny muscle groups – isometric movements.

Then, we have Pure Empower. It is our cardio. It is our higher intensity, low- to medium-impact class, depending on what people choose. You can modify, so if someone wants to stay low-impact, they can stay low-impact. If someone wants to step it up, and they want to jump it out, they can jump and go higher impact. It’s 45 minutes, and the heart rate is up almost the entire time. It is your true equivalent of a spin class or running, so you’re just constantly moving. It’s a few minutes shorter, and it’s a bigger dynamic movement.

In September, we launched a third class called Pure Reform. It’s our form of resistance training using weighted tubes and sliders. We are using our own body weight as our tool to create resistance in each movement. We have longer, extended motions that take the full length of an eight-count, then we come back in slowly, so it’s just a different technique.

Every single class, we work every single body part. From top to bottom, the class 42 Madison Living

is designed to hit every body part. Along the way, though, we might not just hit it once. We might hit arms in our warm-up, but we come back and, depending on what stance we’re doing, we’ll work our arms again just holding our own body weight while we’re working a different part of our bodies. So we really do call it a totalbody workout. From beginning to end, it’s usually doing two movements at the same time but hitting two different body parts, so when you’re getting 50 minutes, you’re maximizing those 50 minutes. That, to me, is what makes it unique.

What about people who have injuries or conditions that might prevent them from working out?

We can modify anything we do. We get a lot of dancers, and they’re in shape. They know what they’re doing, but they need to be challenged. There are ways we can get their heels up higher. With the most perfect form, we can challenge them to go lower. As the instructor, we come by, and we know when they can go more in that position. Our goal is to get the muscle to shake because that means it’s changing.

But then, we can modify it when there’s injuries or when someone’s pregnant or when someone’s coming back from being pregnant and they’ve had a C-section. They can do the push-ups on their knees, and we can put a ball behind their back when they’re doing their abs. I have a good client

who broke her ankle, and she had to have surgery. She just came back to the class, and instead of doing it all up on her tiptoes, she did everything flat-foot.

Every single ailment, there’s usually a way it can be modified, and because you’re using your own body weight, you can control it. You can physically feel when your body is at its limit or needs to be pushed, but when it’s hitting its limit, it needs to be adjusted. That’s what we’re trained on. There’s a balance.

What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?

To me, it’s for sure that balance. I feel like I work hard on myself, I work hard on trying to make good decisions – eating right so that I can educate my kids on why it’s important to stay active, to eat right – but then I’m also like, “I’m going to sit down and have some cookies with my kids.” To me, it’s both. I feel like you can’t really stay on track if you don’t give yourself some grace and just have some pizza, you know? But overall, I feel like it’s getting my “me time” in. It’s important that I do this for me because I burn off some steam; I burn off that food I’ve just eaten to feel better afterward; and I’m better when I come home, as a mom.

That’s why I became so passionate about this – because I fell in love with it. It was easy for me to want to go work out. I didn’t have to drag myself.

How does fitness factor into a healthy lifestyle?

I don’t think you can have one without the other. It’s a balance of both. I feel like if you’re going to eat clean, and you work out, then you get the best of both worlds.

Whether that’s doing this or hiking or however you get your heart rate up, you kind of have to have both. If you really focus just in one area, you’re missing the whole thing. You cannot just work out and not eat right and expect to get results. You have to work for both.

What is one myth about working out that you often hear?

The one thing that people say to me all the time is, “Let me get in shape, and then I’ll come work out with you.” That is just backwards thinking, right? It’s a contradiction. People feel like they have to be in shape to come work out.

All my instructors are in shape, but we work hard for it. We’re teaching classes, and this is our job, so I feel like I have to make really good decisions. I have to be an example to my clients. If they were to actually come in, see our clients and talk to them about where their journey started, everyone starts at the same place. Everyone has that feeling of intimidation, but those who actually come in and do it, they realize they’re not out of place.

Every class is going to be hard for every client, and everyone starts at one class.

Everyone feels like they have to come in and be so good at it, and they have to be in shape, and they have to be able to do the class without having to stop and take a break. I stop and take breaks every time – because it’s hard.

This is what our classes are for: to help you get in shape and reach your goal, whatever that goal is. Whether it’s to tone, to lose weight, to get in shape for your wedding dress, to get prepared for childbirth, to recover from childbirth – this is what our classes are for.

People don’t come because they think it’s beyond their reach. I started where you are.

I had a baby, and I was trying to get back in shape because I couldn’t do a crunch.

What can people do at home to stay in shape?

With my kids, we walk a lot or bike a lot, but when I can’t get out because it’s cold, I can do a lot of our workouts at home, holding my countertop instead of the barre. When I had my second son and I just could not leave the house because he was too young, I just started with what I knew. I did push-ups when they watched TV. I did crunches just to start getting my body back into the mindset of, “This is what these muscles are supposed to be

doing.” In almost all the things we do, there’s a way you could do them either holding onto your countertop or holding onto a chair, and I’ve used canned food for arm weights. We even have Pure Barre on demand.

However, the studio atmosphere is what pushes people to see change. People don’t see change as much at home because there is no accountability, and we have equipment that, unless they bought it, they’re not going to have it at home.

We are coaching you through it, so the whole class you’re being pushed through it in a challenging way, and we’re giving cues. We’re doing hands-on corrections.

You also don’t get the community, and half of what I think people stay involved for is the community. If they feel connected, if they feel like they have an accountability partner, they’re more likely to keep coming back, and that’s the reason I don’t work out at home. I feel like no one’s going to know if I’m not working out at home. It’s great if someone can’t physically get to the studio ever, but it’s just not the same. It’s good; it’s just not as effective.

Pure Barre holds classes seven days a week. To find out more about Hasley or Pure Barre, or to view a class schedule and sign up, visit purebarre.com/al-madison.

The studio is located in downtown Madison at 14 Main St., Suite A. Madison Living 43

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

256 Health Integrity Family Care 1041 Balch Road Madison, AL 35758 integrityfamilycare.com 256-325-1540 Integrity Family Care is a state-of-the-art primary care facility located off Balch Road and Highway 72 in the heart of Madison.

Whether you need a physical exam, treatment for an acute or chronic illness or anything in between, our primary care providers team of experienced doctors, physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners is here to help. We offer same-day appointments, average one hour in and out, on-site laboratory and radiology services and after-hours access for established patients. Let us help you live life well!

Compass Physical Therapy 3825 Sullivan Street Suite 4 Madison, AL 35758 256-325-5400 CompassPTinc.com

New Location

New Focus

3825 Sullivan Street Ste 4 Madison AL 35758

Dedicated Pediatric Clinic

256-325-5400 www.CompassPTinc.com

Highly Skilled Pediatric Physical Therapists Patient Centered Care

Compass Physical Therapy is an outpatient developmental physical therapy clinic specializing in the treatment of infants, tots, tweens and teens from 0-18 years old for a variety of diagnoses, including sports-related injuries; neck, back and joint pain; developmental delay; sensory integration; cerebral palsy; torticollis; and plagiocephaly. It is our mission to provide exceptional customer service and a patient-centered approach to ensure the highest quality of care throughout your physical therapy experience. As direct access providers, you do not need a prescription for a physical therapy evaluation. We communicate closely with our patients’ doctors to keep them up-to-date on the care received. If you have a physical therapy need, call today to set up an appointment. We are happy to help you!

Good Samaritan Hospice 540 Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-772-8108 gshospice.com Good Samaritan Hospice is a locally-owned and operated hospice provider serving terminally ill patients and their families all across North Alabama. Owned since 2009 by registered nurse Janet Melton and Kevin Heard, Good Samaritan Hospice strives to serve our patients with the dignity and compassion they deserve.

Janet manages the day-today operations with the heart of a nurse, always keeping the patient’s needs first. We offer support to the families with chaplains, social workers and volunteers who, among other services, can help give a patient’s caregiver short respite.

Most people don’t know that hospice is a Medicare benefit you are entitled to. Most private insurances also cover hospice services.

Hospice provides all medications related to the hospice diagnosis, all needed medical equipment in the home, all medical supplies needed – including nutritional supplements – and much, much more. If you think you or a loved one might be eligible for hospice, call Jim Pride at 256-772-8108 for a no-obligation consultation.

44 Madison Living

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Wishing you safe and efficient travels

L

Paul Finley Mayor City of Madison

Let’s discuss something that impacts us all as Madison residents: traffic.

It is no secret that Madison has grown exponentially in recent years. As Madison develops, our job as the city council and mayor is to look ahead at the needs of our residents while following our city’s Mission Statement along the way: providing excellent services through responsible use of public resources, enhancing the quality of life for our community.

The approach taken toward roads and major capital improvement projects adheres to that mission statement. It starts with a team. Our team of the council, mayor and department heads works cohesively to make Madison better for you. Our goal is to make smart decisions through research and professional planning then establish a strategy to create actionable results.

Research began with the Transportation Study. The council approved funds for experts to analyze and deliver a comprehensive blueprint of our roadways, and their study showed traffic volume, as well as projected numbers through the year 2040. This information helped the council make the most informed decisions when considering where money would be best spent on infrastructure.

From there, three major thoroughfares in Madison have been approved for widening: Hughes Road from Plaza Drive to Highway 72; Sullivan Street from Palmer Road to Madison Boulevard; and Huntsville Brownsferry from County Line Road to Burgreen Road.

Construction will be staggered to allow for less traffic interruption, and public meetings were held to hear directly from our

citizens in regards to these major projects.

In addition, four new traffic lights are now operational, allowing for better traffic flow in all directions at Hughes/Plaza Boulevard, Hughes/Bradford Farms, Hughes/Gooch Lane and County Line/Hardiman Road.

The Transportation Master Plan also identified the network of bicycle/pedestrian facilities available throughout the city.

The council approved the Wall Triana multi-use path as well as improvements to the Bradford Creek greenway, adding more walkability and recreation opportunities in Madison.

If you are interested in more detailed information, you can read the full Transportation Master Plan on our website, www.madisonal.gov/ transportationmasterplan.

(RE)INTRODUCING HUNTSVILLE’S PREMIER PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE

covenant classical schools & daycare ®

FORMERLY:

While we transition to this new name, we guarantee that the heart of who we are will stay the same! We are excited to continue providing parents and their children with the same trusted and award-winning care that we are known for!

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE

WWW.ARDENTPRESCHOOL.COM E X C H A N G E P L A C E | J O N E S VA L L E Y

Madison Living 45 New Name Ad HSV 3.5x4.75.indd 1

1/3/2019 5:39:17 PM

Madison Chamber of Commerce conn e ctions

The Madison Chamber is on the move – literally!

The Madison Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our move to a new facility! With the incredible growth of the Hogan Family YMCA and the Madison Chamber in recent years, this move will allow both organizations to continue to grow and serve Madison most effectively.

Our new office is located inside The Offices at Spenryn, an upscale co-working office space in the heart of Madison. Dedicated to helping launch local entrepreneurs, The Offices at Spenryn’s mission to provide business owners an opportunity to succeed in a professional environment is highly compatible with the Madison Chamber’s philosophy, vision and values.

Together, we hope to enable more Madison businesses to thrive and grow in our incredible, flourishing community.

Towel Drive for Ability Plus. Thanks MCC Ambassadors and Leadership Greater. Huntsville Group L32 and Two Men and a Truck

The Offices at Spenryn are located just off Sullivan Drive, directly behind Sullivan Square North. Our new address is: Madison Chamber of Commerce. Our new address is 103 Spenryn Dr., Ste 100.

Life insurance is for those Stop by and say hello anytime! We look forward leave behind toyou serving Madison from this new location.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Let’s get together to make  sure you have a plan for today, and for tomorrow.

Ribbon Cutting and Meet and Greet for MCC member Eye Care Associates

Mark Berryman LUTCF Mark Berryman LUTCF Financial Representative Financial Representative 1874 Slaughter Road Suite R 1874 Slaughter Madison, AL 35758 Road Suite R Madison, AL. 35758 www.countryfinancial.com/mark.berryman (256) 325-1242 mark.berryman@countryfinancial.com www.countryfinancial.com/mark.berryman (256)325-1242

surance is for those ave behind

Life insurance is for those you leave behind Let’s get together to make sure you have a plan for today, and for tomorrow.

Auto, home home and insurance policies issued

by COUNTRY Mutual Mutual Insurance Company Company, , COUNTRY COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company andCompany COUNTRYand Casualty Insurance Company . Life insurance Auto, andbusiness business insurance policies issued

by COUNTRY Insurance Preferred Insurance COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company. Life Insurance policies policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company, Bloomington, IL 0415-556HC-19170®

®

®

0415-556HC-19170-

nsurance Awareness Month. Let’s get together to PARK SQUARE LANE e a plan for today, and for130 tomorrow.

46 Madison Living

k Berryman LUTCF

MADISON, ALABAMA 35758

Madison Chamber of Commerce conn e ctions

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Duluth Trading Company in Town Madison

Madison Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Christmas Party

Ribbon Cutting and Meet and Greet for Dr. Sheela Parrish

Consigned & New

Huntsville & Madison

Interiorsbyconsign.net

8506 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville 181 Hughes Rd, Madison

256-325-8317

www.madisonalchamber.com

Madison Living 47

Around Town

Kids to Love provides a family

KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING PAINTING • INTERIOR • EXTERIOR PRESSURE WASHING – HOMES & DRIVEWAYS

WHITE W HITE SOCK K PAINTING P AINTING LLC LLC L

“Neat & Affordable”

Michael W. Freeman

Licensed

256-683-0326

Insured

Located at 3313 Hwy 53 • Huntsville, AL 35806

48 Madison Living

L

Let’s put some absolutes on the table.

Foster care is broken but necessary. The government should not be raising kids, but parents make mistakes, break the law and hurt children, and someone has to step in to protect the child.

I first met Eric eight years ago at the McWane Center in Birmingham, where we interviewed children waiting to be adopted. Eric was quiet, artistic and untrusting. You couldn’t blame him; Lee Marshall everyone in his life had failed him. We Founder/CEO talked about his hobbies and hopes. He Kids to Love Foundation wanted to be adopted more than anything.

We recruited to no avail.

Five years later Eric walked into our Camp Hope Leadership Camp. I remembered him instantly, which surprised him. We talked about his future and the possibility of college. He wanted to go, but he needed a mentor. Eric told me, “I want one person in my life that’s not paid to be here.” That hit me in the gut. Growing up in foster care, everyone in his life – social workers, case managers, group home staff – was paid to be there.

Eric attended college for a semester, but it wasn’t the right fit.

We reconnected a year ago when he interviewed for our KTECH program. He moved to Huntsville in July and started KTECH classes. He completed our soldering course during the day while studying mechatronics in the evening. Once he completed soldering, he was employed within two weeks, working full time and going to KTECH at night.

In December Eric graduated from KTECH with three industryrecognized credentials, and he passed the international Siemens exam. Eric continues to work full time while continuing his education at Calhoun. He’s moving into his own apartment soon, and with the support of the Kids to Love/KTECH team, he’s learning how to live independently.

We might not be the family he pictured at the McWane Center, but we are his family. And we’re a family that supports all of our kids along their journey because we want to be there – not because we have to be.

Why I love Madison

J

Joey Duckworth

Joey Duckworth and his wife Jessica have called Madison home since moving to town in 2012. He is employed as an Alfa Insurance and operates his business on Hughes Road in Madison, while Jessica is employed with Teledyne Brown Engineering and works for NASA as a payload communications manager, communicating with the astronauts on board the International Space Station. Their family also includes 12-year-old Labrador Drake and cat Leo.

What is your educational background?

I graduated high school from a small county school named T.M. Rogers in Greenhill. From there I went on to attend The University of North Alabama in Florence, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in business marketing in 2009. While attending UNA, I was fortunate to be able to play football. Roar UNA Lions!

What do you like about Madison?

Madison is a great growing community. It has the “small town” feel that I am accustomed to, but it offers the excitement and entertainment that you would expect from a larger metropolitan area. I am extremely excited to see what comes our way within the next few years.

Fast Five

What does your work as an ALFA insurance agent entail?

My job is to help clients rebuild after the “unthinkable” occurs.

It is my duty to make sure you and your family are restored financially after your loss.

the strawberry butter for the waffles. Lucia’s Cocina Mexicana fulfills our cravings for Mexican food. They always have great service with large portions.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I have always been passionate for helping someone in need. Life can be hard at times, and a helping hand can change someone’s life.

I enjoy knowing I work for a company that will back my promise of comfort to my clients after they lose someone or something special.

What is your favorite place to visit in Madison?

I am a big kid, so I find enjoyment in playing games and sports.

I like to visit Insanity Skate Complex and play the arcade games, climb the rock wall and hit up the batting cages. I also enjoy bowling at Madison Bowling Center. I am looking forward to opening day for the Rocket City Trash Pandas.

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

I often eat at Ted’s BBQ for lunch. The barbecue sandwiches are great, but the wings are phenomenal! Metro Diner has a great menu with the best chicken and waffles in town. You need to try

1. Favorite hobby: Being active – exercising, golfing, fishing and basketball 2. Favorite food: Pasta 3. Goal or ambition: To always put others before myself 4. Church: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 5. Something people might not know about me is: I am absolutely obsessed with the hit TV show, “The Office.”

Madison Living 49

out & about GALA FOR GIVING BACK The Energy Huntsville Initiative, together with Girls Inc., held the inaugural Gala for Giving Back Dec. 6 at the U.S. Spa ce and Rocket Center.

1

Photos by KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH 1.

Chris and Stacy Cantrell

2.

Robin Stewart and Pam McGee

3.

Heather Pierce and Chandler Reed

10. Linda, Joseph and Charles King

4.

Marshall Chimwedzi

5.

Lisa Harris and Africa Welch-Castle

11. Scott and Faith Williams and John Wrightson

6.

Willie and Sheila McFadden and Ted and Pamela Briggs

7.

Frank McCrary and Donley Ferguson

8.

Karen Carleton and Becky Gordon

2

5

50 Madison Living

9.

Kiliaen Anderson, Kaitlyn Walker and Stephanie Malone

12. Scott Clark and Ashley Walker 13. Victor and Vona Keeling 14. Donna Jones, Cecil Jones and Jennifer Guice

3

4

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Madison Living 51

out & about STATE OF THE CITY The Huntsville State of the City Address wa s held Dec. 4.

Photos by KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH 1.

Dena Yell and Kim Keith

2.

Audra Watkins

3.

Molly Mitchell and Stephanie Kilfin

1

10. Jay Dickson, David West and David Webber

4.

Rick Tate and Kate Messervy

11. Jeff Gronberg, Linda Akenhead, Tracy Doughty and Charlie Wilson

5.

Barbara Cunningham and Michelle Goddard

12. John Hickey, Susannah Torres and Jim Torres

6.

Ted Martin and Robert Holt

7.

Lisa Willett, Garry Dilmore, Jonathan Hodges and Kim Wallace

13. Katie Eyers, Becky Merrill, Meredith Hardwick, Michelle Duncan, Megan Stroud and Chad Wozniak

8.

Chris McNeese, Mark Russell and Shane Davis

9.

14. Patti Weaver, Michael Rosenblum, Dave Knowles, Granville Logan, Jason Stanford, Paul Hill and Lou Wood Carey Rosenblum and Leann Cole

2

5

52 Madison Living

3

4

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Madison Living 53

Marketplace Madison Living • 256.772.6677

Need appliance or air conditioner parts? How about a water filter for your refrigerator?We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts!

Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A-1Appliance. com

.43/mile increase to .45 in 6-months•18months driving exp. Call:205-9251977 Ext:2309 or Email: recruiting@ churchtransportation.net

loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers. Home weekends. Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Lenders’ New 1st Matching 401K. Time Homebuyer’s Qualifications: Plan at Clayton 18 months Class Caregivers & Homes, Cullman.

A CDL driving Nurses ALWAYS You can be experience with THERE IN-HOME APPROVED! 6 months flatbed; CARE Immediate 256-734-1930 Applicants must need, Flexible meet all D.O.T. hours, Benefits Now Hiring requirements. available. Call for Heavy Equipment Contact recruiting more information Operators and CDL at 1-800-634256-539-1400 Drivers Competitive 7315 or come www. pay and benefits.

by HTL office at alwaysthereinc.com Pre-employment 1700 Boone Blvd, drug test required Northport. EOE Carroll Fulmer Equal Employment Now Hiring Class-A Opportunity Come work CDL Drivers. OverEmployer Call: with us as a the-road positions 205-298-6799 or Caregiver or CNA! Available. Dry email us at: jtate@ Competitive wages, vans. No hazmat. forestryenv.com Shift premium for Must have one weekends, Flexible year over-theG&G STEEL, Inc. Schedules, Friendly road experience is currently seeking Staff, Endless and a clean MVR. qualified Welders Opportunities, Competitive & Machinists Apply Apply today at pay and bonus in person or at www.homeinstead. package. Good www.ggsteel.com com/250 or call home time. Call Competitive pay 256-883-3080 800-633-9710 ext. 2 and benefits.

EOE-Minorities/ M&D Mechanical Church Females/Vets/ Contractors, Inc. Transportation Disabled NOW HIRING: and Logistics, Plumbers, Helpers, Inc Now Hiring DRIVERS Pipe Fitters, Pipe Birmingham, Hanna Truck Welders. MondayAL based Lines is seeking Friday. Lauderdale, Transportation Professional Morgan & Madison Company looking Flatbed Drivers. 53 Counties. Apply for Class-A CDLcpm No surprises: now: www.

Drivers •Average Starting pay (all mdmechanical.com/ 22,500/milesmiles): 51 cpm, 52 careers Competitive wk•Must be cpm at 6 months, Pay! Robust at least 23yrs53 cpm at 1 year.

Benefits! Preold•Starting pay at 100% Outbounds Employment Drug 54 Madison Living

Screen Required.

256-350-3568 Now Booking!

Spring, Summer, and Fall. Estate, Antique, Farm Equipment and Real Estate Auctions. Call Auctioneer Chris McNatt • ASL#1474 • TSL#5074 • Firm 2652 • 256-8743786

experienced: •Underground Miners •Electricians •Maintenance Foreman •Supervisors Apply online: www. warriormetcoal. com

WCA • Roll Off Drivers needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or Soon the Mark B CDL is required of the Beast along with one (1) Will Be Enforced. year of verifiable Free Book & Bible equivalent Study. PO Box 171 commercial truck • Samantha, AL driving experience.

35482 205-339-4837 Must have a valid and safe driving Smith Motors Two record. We offer locations on Hwy competitive wages 31, Decatur Lot #1 & a comprehensive 256-350-9938 Lot benefits package #2 256-350-9937 which includes: smithmotorsauto Medical, Dental, sales.com Vision, 401k, Life Town Hill Mini Insurance, Short Storage 160 Units & Long Term Vacancies All Sizes Disability, Paid 256-332-9928 Holidays and PTO. Please apply Become a Dental through our Assistant in ONLY website at www.

8 WEEKS! Please wcawaste.com EOE visit our website M/F/D/V capstonedental assisting.com or White Oak call (205) 561-8118 Transportation & get your career is hiring CDL-A started! drivers in your area. Great WARRIOR MET Pay! Excellent COAL Benefits! Visit our NOW HIRING website www.

Located in whiteoaktrans.

Brookwood, AL com for more Immediate need information EOEfor M/F/D/V

Madison Living 55

NOW OPEN

Outpatient Endoscopy Center 2nd floor • Suite 200 Four suites Nine pre-op bays Eight recovery bays

Improving lives.