Madison Living

Color, style & kindness • Celebrating Madison • Around Town

MADISON Living January 2019 | $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

Great Ride George Bennett retires from coaching

Decadent dessert artistry

Dessert Fork RESTAURANT OPENS

2018 Weddings

Meet 8 Madison couples

3 Easy Ways to Sell Tr a d i t i o n a l S a l e Guaranteed Sale In stant O ffe r

256.333.MOVE

www.MattCurtisRealEstate.com

...

From the editor

J

January is always a month of new beginnings. The year has just begun, and the challenge of New Year’s resolutions is at the forefront of our minds. With wedding season quickly approaching, it is also the start of something new for many couples in Madison and Madison County.

In this issue of Madison Living we will be sharing the wedding days of several local newlyweds. Each couple will share their new beginning and the details that made their big day special.

In addition to the bridal section, the pages of Madison Living January feature the home of Tony and Cindy Sensenberger on Front Street, the nearly 50-year career of Madison Academy’s Coach George Bennett and Madison’s newest artisan bakery, The Dessert Fork.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Madison Living and you are inspired to continue in your own fresh starts in the new year.

ON THE COVER

Ashlyn and Tommy Lombard were married May 12, 2018, at The Ledges.

Photography – David Phillips Photography

4 Madison Living

MADISON Living Editorial Rebekah Martin Alison James Kendyl Hollingsworth Contributors Bill Aycock Joshua Berry Mayor Paul Finley Bob Labbe Lee Marshall Gregg Parker Joanna Thompson Robert Parker Stephanie Robertson 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 2018

by Madison Publications, LLC

41 Madison Living 5

46

HOME & STYLE 12 Restoration Project

SCHOOL & SPORTS 22 A great ride

ARTS & CULTURE

26 Color, style and kindness

FOOD & DRINK

30 Decadent dessert artistry

FEATURE S

36 Celebrating Madison 41 Madison Weddings

6 Madison Living

IN EVERY ISSUE: 7 The Guide 10 #MadisonLife 60 Chamber Connection 62 Out & About 69 Marketplace

the guide

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade Jan. 19. Noon to 3 p.m.

Downtown Huntsville The Delta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is pleased to present the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration parade. Everyone is invited to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Madison Living 7

the guide

Jan. 2-4

Winter Karate Day Camps at Alexander’s Martial Arts

Alexander’s Martial Arts will offer karate day camps for children from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 2-4. Children will enjoy learning life skills through martial arts.

For more information, visit alexandersmartialarts.net.

Jan. 11

Homeschool Group Day at Insanity Complex

All homeschoolers and homeschool groups are welcome to come skate with other homeschool groups at Insanity Complex, starting at noon. There is a skate and concession special: skates are $4 a person, and concessions are $4 a person.

For more information, call 256-319-0000.

Jan. 11

The Retrovales

at Rocket City Craft Beer The Retrovales, a folk/pop duo based out of Huntsville and fronted by SarahJayne and Corey Travis, will perform at Rocket City Craft Beer from 7-10 p.m. The event will be the first for The Retrovales at Rocket City Craft Beer.

Jan. 11

Modeca Bridal Trunk Show

at Madison Town & Country Bridal Shop The Modeca Bridal Trunk Show will showcase the entire 2019 Modeca collection from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visits are by appointments only. For more information or to make an appointment call 256-772-8938.

Jan. 13

Steve Martin and Martin Short: Now You See Them, Soon You Won’t at the Von Braun Center

Steve Martin and Martin Short: Now You See Them, Soon You Won’t tour will include a stop at the VBC in Huntsville Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The comedy legends present new material in a variety of musical sketches and conversations about their iconic careers, most memorable encounters and, of course, their legendary lives in show business. Grammy Award-winning bluegrass band The Steep Canyon Rangers will join the duo on stage. The tour also features renowned pianist and Jimmy Kimmel Live band member Jeff Babko.

8 Madison Living

BOB JONES VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Jan. 8 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Florence (Home) Jan. 11 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Austin (Home) Jan. 15 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

James Clemens (JC) Jan. 18 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Florence (Florence) Jan. 25 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

James Clemens (Home) Jan. 29 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Austin (Decatur) Jan. 31 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Columbia (Huntsville)

JAMES CLEMENS VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Jan. 8 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Austin (Home) Jan. 11 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Florence (Florence) Jan. 15 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Bob Jones (Home) Jan. 18 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Austin (Huntsville) Jan. 22 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Athens (Home)

the guide

Jan. 18-26

Theatre Huntsville’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”

at the Von Braun Center Playhouse Based on Harper Lee’s 1961 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this classic coming-of-age story is set against the backdrop of 1930s Alabama. Tickets are $20 for adults or $18 for students, active military and seniors 65 and older. Jan. 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 shows are at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. shows Jan. 20 and 26. For more information visit http://theatrehsv.org.

Jan. 18-19

3rd Annual Huntsville Comic Con at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment

Come see the annual Huntsville Comic Convention at the astounding Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment in Huntsville.

Attendees will enjoy the Southeast’s most unique geek convention, with dozens of great guests – including film and TV actors, comic-book artists, writers and many more – as well as children’s events, talks, panels and two nights of cosplay shows.

The con will offer exciting new comics, gaming and pop culture merchandise throughout the Mill, and attendees can also visit the many working artists’ studios, consisting of 200-plus artists, makers and unique eateries. For more information visit huntsvillecomiccon.com.

Jan. 25 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Bob Jones (BJ)

Jan. 19

Jan. 29 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Florence (Home)

Ben Luthy, singer/songwriter/musician from Madison, will perform at Blue Pants Brewery Jan. 19 from 6-9 p.m., playing music from the ’50s through today, including motown, blues, rock, pop, heavy acoustic metal and much more.

Jan. 31 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

East Limestone (Athens) Feb. 1 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Decatur (Decatur)

Ben Luthy

at Blue Pants Brewery

Jan. 25

Connect 2019

at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Connect 2019, Madison’s premiere gala event of the year, will be held Jan. 25 from 6-9 p.m. This special evening of networking opportunities and connections will include a cocktail reception, formal dinner and special guests and will feature Madison’s own Mayor Paul Finley giving a speech about his vision for Madison in 2019. Connect 2019 is hosted by the Madison Chamber of Commerce. Tickets range from $95-200, and sponsorships and tables are also available. For more information call 256-325-8317.

Madison Living 9

#MadisonLife

Tag @madison_living_mag in your Madison photos on Instagram, and Madison Living staff will select four favorites to regram and publish in each issue.

@carrieekho So much to do and so little time.

@katherine_cushen My favorite stocking stuffer and the greatest gift.

I’ve been told I don’t share enough pictures of Jackson, but I don’t wanna share him. I’m still amazed I made him, and I’m so proud he’s so perfect and sweet and adorable.

@brooke_plott Pierce and I feel every Christmas party should have mandatory pajamas, decorating cookies, Christmas movies and lots of laughs + memories. And we are doing just that with our friends tonight

@tannerj96 Shoutout to @trashpandasbaseball for having the best team mascot name and for also being, by default, the best sports team in the whole state of Alabama #govols but also #trashpandas

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home& style

Restoration Project Sensenbergers invest in community, downtown life Written BY GREGG L. PARKER photographS BY JOSHUA BERRY 12 Madison Living

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Tony and Cindy Sensenberger’s work to restore their property at 17 Front Street resulted in much more than a showplace house. Restoration of the AndersonSensenberger Home was a major catalyst in revitalizing the personality and business climate of downtown Madison.

The house was built in 1897 by Matthew Harvey Anderson, a Madison banker and merchant. Subsequent owners were Dr. James Allen Kyser in 1926, followed

by Billy J. and Nancy Jane Jones of Huntsville in the 1950s.

Madison Living 13

In dismal condition

By the 1990s, the dwelling was in drastic disrepair. The front porch had separated from the house and literally was falling apart. The large lawn had declined into a wasteland of weeds and invasive brush.

In 1997 on Thanksgiving weekend, the Sensenbergers visited Madison and stumbled upon an auction on Front Street. Planning to look at furniture, they stopped, but Tony soon negotiated with an auctioneer to buy the house with all of the land. They began the laborious process to reclaim, repair and restore the house to its former caliber and create a comfortable home for their family. “It was uninhabitable,� Cindy said. They filled four commercial dumpsters with garbage and trash and hauled away 30 truckloads of overgrown honeysuckle and privet. Tony gutted the house down to the frame and demolished the lean-to kitchen.

Huntsville architect Harvey Jones served as consultant.

14 Madison Living

Redefined living spaces

Situated on three acres, the house now has 5,000-plus square feet with five rooms downstairs, eight upstairs.

The Sensenbergers replaced the house’s rear with a two-story addition, including kitchen and upstairs family area, playroom and bedrooms, for a total of four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Upstairs, Cindy has an office, and the family enjoys a television/ recreation room.

One of the most prominent features in the house’s Victorian architecture is the high-pitched roof with multiple gables that reach a central peak. The house features Tuscan columns, like many of Madison’s turn-of-the-century homes.

At the driveway, Tony installed an authentic cannon and a station bell that once alerted passengers to board the Norfolk-Southern Railroad. At the home’s entrance, a gracious, spacious semicircular veranda curves to the east. The Sensenbergers retained original leadedglass windows, two corner fireplaces and an iron fence from Stewart Iron Works of Cincinnati.

Madison Living 15

in dishes at their restaurant, Main Street Cafe. A vanilla/strawberry hydrangea tree is one out-of-the-ordinary shrub.

Rarely grown in the South, an olive tree bears brownish fruit when ripe.

Tony planted rows of white and pink crape myrtles parallel to Sullivan and Front streets. The lawn has four magnolias, two pecans and two oaks, along with cherry, hackberry, holly, pine and maple trees and Rose of Sharon althea and blueberry and blackberry bushes.

Downtown’s rising phoenix

Peach and mint green define the color scheme. The living room’s French provincial chairs, marble-top table and a formal settee of tufted gold velvet follow Victorian decor. Four-poster and sleigh beds and a chaise fainting couch carry the theme upstairs.

Respecting nature

Most recently, the Sensenbergers enclosed the back porch to create a sun-

16 Madison Living

room to display Cindy’s extensive collection of houseplants and flowers. Sunlight cascades through walls of windows and warms the bamboo flooring, creating a home for angel-winged begonias, Christmas cactus, rosemary, bird’s nest and asparagus ferns, schefflera, African violets and crown-of-thorns cactus.

In their backyard garden, they grow tomatoes, yellow squash, green peppers, cilantro, mint and basil that Cindy uses

In other downtown projects, the Sensenbergers revamped the old City Hall building, which officials had condemned, into Main Street Cafe, one of north Alabama’s most popular restaurants.

They have shaped today’s downtown profile on Main Street with Shoppes on Main office suites; 16 Main Street, which is occupied by a hair and nail salon; and construction of Murphy Homes Showroom.

Madison Living 17

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

18 Madison Living

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Ask the experts:

Tim Barron State Farm Insurance

S

State Farm Insurance has been serving customers for more than 95 years – and Tim Barron has been a part of State Farm for 25 of those years.

Birmingham Southern College; Nathan, 19, is a student at the University of Alabama and has not yet declared a major; and Sarah, 15, is a high school student.

Tim Barron and his team of licensed insurance professionals serve the Madison area with auto, fire, life and financial services needs. The agency provides exceptional customer service, coupled with competitive rates, to give the Madison community an opportunity to be insured through Tim Barron State Farm Insurance – backed by the #1 insurer of automobiles throughout the United States.

The Barrons attend Rivertree Church in Hampton Cove.

“Outside of work, I spend most of my time on the soccer field as a referee,” he said. “I am a United States Soccer Federation Grade 6 state referee and also do high school, some college, amateur and semi-pro games.”

Tim serves as vice president of Huntsville Adult Soccer League, which consists of more than During his 25-year tenure with 40 teams and 1,000 registered State Farm, Barron has served in players. In addition, he is a USSF several different capacities. “I have referee instructor. worked twice as an agent, agency “Stop in at the office, conveniently manager, corporate employee and located at 151 Hughes Road, or call underwriter,” he said. the office for a quote,” he said.

A native of Atlanta, Barron earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of At Tim Barron State Farm North Carolina in Charlotte.

Insurance, ‘We Are Here to He is married to Heidi Barron, Help Make Life Go Right.’ who works as a homemaker. Tim and Heidi have three children: Rachel, 21, is studying pre-law at

Madison Living 19

Madison Living 19

SPECIALADVERTISING ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL SECTION Making Technology Beautifully Simple

Ask the experts

Do you need help making Madison your home?

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Residential & Commercial

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It is our mission to positively influence others by introducing a new approach to custom home building, where the customer IS the focus. We remove ourselves from the age-old business practices of self-service and lack of honesty. Latreuo Homes stands on principles of serving others with integrity and leadership, reaching into the lives of our customers, trade partners, suppliers, team members, and community to enhance their lives.

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

20 20Madison MadisonLiving Living

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SECTION 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!

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MadisonLiving Living 21 Madison 21

school& sports

A great ride Madison Academy’s George Bennett retires from coaching Written BY BOB LABBE photographS BY JOSHUA BERRY 22 Madison Living

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The 2018-2019 school year is the 48th for George Bennett as an educator. The teacher and athletic coach will close out his career as a coach when the school bell sounds on the last day of school, after spending 27 of those years at Madison Academy.

The 73-year-old Bennett has announced his plans to retire from coaching when the school year is complete. He said he knows deep in his soul he has had a wonderful career, rich with success as a mentor to young people – especially the thousands of athletes who have looked to him not only for guidance in sports but also in making the transition from students to adults.

“The best part of being a coach is the relationships I’ve had with the players and the camaraderie with the other coaches – some of whom I coached against in very competitive games,” said Bennett. “It’s been a great ride.”

His career in education began in 1971 after graduating from Florence University – what is now the University of North Alabama. He began at Madison Academy, spending seven years there as a head coach. He then moved to Lee High School

in Huntsville for six years, including four years as head coach, taking over when Max Burleson died on the practice field in 1984. Bennett moved to Hazel Green for four years before returning to Madison Academy, where he served as head coach from 1992-2004. He is now an assistant coach for the Mustangs’ football team, in charge of the wide receivers.

“I knew definitely when I was a junior in high school at Butler High of Huntsville – I wanted to be a coach. I knew I wasn’t going to make much money, but other types of work did not interest me,” said Bennett.

“After high school, I put off college, got married in January 1966 and two months later joined the Alabama National Guard.

I was with them for six years.”

Bennett worked various jobs with a real estate company and the post office and even had a stint selling women’s shoes.

He said he knew he had to make a living to support his wife, Terri, and their family. He didn’t have enough money to attend college full time until he packed his bags with Terri and moved to Florence to complete his college degree. Upon earning his diploma, he immediately pursued his passion.

Madison Living 23

Upon his retirement, Bennett said he might just get in his car and drive with no particular destination in mind. Terri will only be there in spirit; in February 2016 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and June 10, 2016, she passed away of a stroke. “She was the greatest coach’s wife. Her support of my career was never ending, and she helped convince me I could be a coach – and a good one, too,” Bennett said.

Bennett returned to the football field less than two months after her passing, driven by his love of coaching.

He planned to retire after the 20172018 school year, but those at Madison Academy somehow convinced him to stay one additional year.

Those who coached with Bennett or played for him know he is a humble man without an ego. He said he’s actually intimidated by other coaches and their knowledge of the game he’s been around since starting as a youth player growing up in West Huntsville.

Bennett said he would like his epitaph to read that he was a good man who was a good coach, father and husband

who, without his wife, would have never coached.

“I lost more games than I won as a head coach, but I feel I’ve been a winner as a coach, and when my former players make the efforts to return to say hello,

that proves that point,” said Bennett.

“I’ve had fantastic experiences. I have three children and four grandchildren …

I coached my son, and the grandkids see me on the sidelines.”

JAN. 26, 2019

Where geek is chic!

Live music, themed cuisine and test beaker-inspired libations: It’s all for a great cause---the children’s programs and exhibits at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

24 Madison Living

WHERE EVERY PLAYER IS MOST VALUABLE

ymcamadison.org Madison Living 25

arts&culture

Color, style and kindness CJ’s Hair and Art Studio seeks to serve Written BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH photographS BY Rebekah Martin 26 Madison Living

H

Hearty laughter and sparkling conversation fill the room as CJ Denison works her magic on one of her afternoon clients. A snip here, a snip there and a few minutes of brushing and drying begin to reveal new life in the head of hair in front of her. As both an artist and a hair stylist, Denison has an eye for color and style.

“I can look at any picture and cut the hair – if your hair will do it – and I can basically look at any picture and paint it,” she said. “It’s just a gift from God. I don’t know how I know.”

As she continues to focus her attention on the finishing touches to her client’s hair, a ray of sunlight streams in through the front window, highlighting an array of colorful, detailed paintings that line the walls at the front of the shop – Denison’s paintings.

Denison said she enjoys painting different scenes using her gift, whether they come from her mind, a photograph or another famous work of art. Whatever she chooses to paint, though, she puts her own creative spin on it.

In the corner, next to a small side table with photographs and an open Bible, sit several of her painting projects. “There’s very few unfinished paintings,” Denison noted. “They’re mostly all finished.” One of her big projects this year will be to finish her own version of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”

“It was all just drapes (in the background), so I just colored it up,” said Denison, motioning to the bright, sunny scene she painted through the back and side windows of an old brick building. Her theme of bright colors works to give life to the painting beyond Jesus Christ and his Twelve Apostles at the table. “I got intimidated on the people, but I’ll go back to it.”

It’s been a long road for Denison to get where she is today. After overcoming many of her own adversities, Denison said she decided to set any doubts or fears she had aside and dedicate her life to doing what she loves. For her, that meant doing hair, making art and helping anyone and everyone with whom she crosses paths in any way she can.

Denison’s art, in whichever form it takes, is more than just art to her. She said she finds painting therapeutic. When it comes to hair, she is able to use her artistic skills to help give people a boost to their self-esteem.

“A good haircut can go a long way,” she said. “They feel better about themselves, and they look better, and the TLC – everybody needs a little TLC.” Over the years, Denison has worked with a wide variety of styles, textures and colors. She has used Madison Living 27

her skills for everything from a run-of-themill cut and color to elegant and chic updos for weddings and proms. She is also known for being meticulous with both men’s and women’s haircuts. “I’ve done it all,” she said. “If you can name it, I’ve done it for years.”

For Denison, seeing a customer leave her studio feeling “like a million bucks” gives her a sense of pride and joy that she was able to play a small part in their happiness.

“I do hair because I care,” she added.

She also loves to share her paintings with others. Last year, she worked hard for many months to paint a dazzling Italian scene as a “thank you” to a kind nurse. Many of the paintings hanging on the walls of her studio recreate charming beach scenes, adding to the laid-back vibe brought about by her beauty decor.

One powerful painting stands out with its stormy, purple sky and its spectacular display of bright strikes of lightning.

Coming from Denver, Colorado, Denison has been in Madison for the past 21 years.

She opened her own salon and studio, CJ’s Hair and Art Studio, in 2005 and has built up a loyal base of customers in the years since. Her passion for what she does combined with a little word-of-mouth advertising from her happy customers has contributed to the steadfastness of her business, even through the Great Recession about a decade ago.

28 Madison Living

Meshing her passions together into one business gave Denison a means to focus on doing what she loves. She said she credits her grandfather, who was also an artist, for inspiring her to hone her art skills. She still holds onto one of his watercolor paintings.

“I like the watercolor because you can just let things go,” she said. Despite the greater ease of touching up the details of a painting that uses acrylics or oils, the beauty of a watercolor painting’s pastel colors captures Denison’s heart.

Growing up, Denison said she was intimidated by her grandfather’s art skills, but as she got older and developed her own skills, she realized she could be on the same level as her grandfather – or even a higher level. From there, she “started painting and painting and painting,” and her confidence grew until she became comfortable showing and sharing her art. Denison even taught her own painting classes at CJ’s Hair and Art Studio for several years before deciding to dedicate more time to her own paintings.

When she was 17 years old, Denison took a job painting an entire hair salon in Texas.

That job would prove to be a significant turning point in her life.

“I realized the coolest people I had ever met was these hair stylists, and I just decided then that I was going to go to beauty school and be a hair stylist,” she said. “I was going to be an RN or

a massage therapist, but I decided my calling was that.”

After working in several hair salons and developing her skills as a hairdresser, it was time for something a little different.

That’s when she had the idea for CJ’s Hair and Art Studio.

With the opening of her Madison business, Denison has been able to continue doing what she loves and meeting more people to help, whether it be through her business or otherwise. Over the years, she has held about 40 or more fundraisers for various causes, including childhood cancer, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and more.

“I just feel like our time here on Earth is a short time,” she said. “You want to make the best of your time (and) do right by people … There’s so much going on, and that’s the way the world is. It’s so negative.

But if I can give a shred of hope and pray for them and wish the best for everybody, that’s where I’m at.”

Denison said her own experiences in life have taught her to never give up, no matter what. She said she is thankful to be alive another day to help another person in need.

“I always stand up, and I rise above, and I’m always better and always stronger,” she said. “You just don’t give up.”

CJ’s Hair and Art Studio is located at 105 E Church St. in downtown Madison.

EDUCATION

Carrying the MCS vision forward

Robert V. Parker Superintendent Madison City Schools

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Madison City Schools was built on a vision. Its founders set their sights high and rallied a community to turn their vision into reality.

In the 20 years since Madison City Schools was formed, it has evolved into one of the top-performing school systems in the state and nation, boasting outstanding schools with top-notch academics, arts and athletics – all because the citizens of Madison were willing

to invest their time and money to form an independent school district with a focus on excellence. As we begin a new year, let us be mindful that it is our turn to carry the MCS vision forward. It’s our time to be the torchbearers to lead us through the tremendous growth challenges that threaten all that we have become.

It seems 2019 is going to be a pinnacle year for Madison City Schools. It will take all of us working together – parents, teachers, businesses and the greater Madison Community – to keep our school system thriving.

The Board and I have laid out a strategic plan to lead us into the next decade. That plan calls for new schools, additional safety and security measures and a host of academic goals that include more advanced math, world language and

STEM offerings, an expanded Pre-K program, broader career tech offerings and more.

New schools are absolutely vital. We are running out of space.

We have added more than 430 students this year alone, pushing capacity to well over 90 percent. That growth is unsustainable, and we have to have more ability to borrow and build.

I am proposing a 12-mil property tax increase to pay for construction of a new elementary and middle school; expansion of both high schools; and renovation of West Madison Elementary into a Pre-K school.

That would add $120 annually in property tax per $100,000 value of home. That’s $10 a month – or $20 per month on a $200,000 home and $30 a month on a $300,000 home.

It’s actually less than that because property taxes are deductible on income taxes.

The city councils of Madison and Triana unanimously passed resolutions asking the legislature for the 12-mil property tax increase. It will be up to state lawmakers to put that issue before voters this fall.

You’ll likely hear some antitax sentiments as the 12-mil moves forward. I simply ask you to study the proposal and consider our stewardship over our funding so far. Visit the MCS home page, www.madisoncity.k12.al.us, for news links with FAQs, presentations and supporting documents, and I am convinced you will agree to the need.

Twenty years ago, our courageous community leaders and citizens took a leap of faith to form a better school system for the children of Madison. It’s up to us to protect that investment and the legacy that resulted from it.

WE HAVE TAKEN OFF! NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH

visit us madisonlivingmagazine.com

ML Madison Living 29

food& drink

Decadent dessert artistry The Dessert Fork opens in Madison Written BY STEPHANIE L. ROBERTSON photographs BY JOSHUA BERRY AND CONTRIBUTED 30 Madison Living

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Despite a day of heavy rainfall, a large crowd joined the Madison Chamber of Commerce and chamber ambassadors for the grand opening of Madison’s new eat-in cake boutique, The Dessert Fork, Nov. 7.

The Dessert Fork specializes in elaborate, customized, made-from-scratch cakes and desserts for weddings, birthday parties and all other special occasions. To complete the treats, the eatery offers a variety of hot and cold beverages. “I think this area is ready for a place like this,” said Pauline McFarlin, The Dessert Fork owner and cake artist.

Depending on the time of year, McFarlin will serve seasonal desserts: pumpkin and pecan pies in the fall, red velvet cake around the holidays and key lime and lemon meringue pies closer to summer. The business is certain to be busy around the bridal season, and McFarlin encourages brides to order their cakes as soon as possible. “It’s never too early to book your bakery for your wedding cake,” said McFarlin, who is offering brides one of her fabulous, made-from-scratch wedding cakes with free delivery if brides pre-order in the month of January.

“All of my desserts are something to admire and look at,” said McFarlin, whose business began as a hobby. “Many people who see my cakes tell me they are too pretty to cut.” She said she first began baking just for fun, but it soon became a passion – one steeped in family history. “My mother used to bake for us. It’s one of my fondest memories. She would say, ‘Keep your fork,’ and I knew dessert was coming.”

Madison Living 31

When McFarlin first moved to Huntsville in 2008, she worked as a real estate agent. At the same time, she baked for family and friends, using artistic techniques she first learned in the formal art classes she took during high school.

McFarlin soon grew more serious about her venture, baking desserts under Alabama’s cottage law. She attended a cake conference in Florida that “opened up a whole new world for me,” said McFarlin.

“There is a science behind baking that gives me better and more consistent results.”

McFarlin has studied under several world-renowned cake artists, including Food Network chefs Ron Ben-Israel, Jorg Amsler and Peggy Tucker. She completed several cake decorating classes at the Wilton School and The America’s Cake and Sugarcraft Fair, as well.

By 2014 McFarlin’s business outgrew the parameters of the cottage law. She decided to make the next move and open a retail space. She said her husband of 10 years, Alphonso, has been a constant source of encouragement for her venture.

32 Madison Living

Madison Living 33

McFarlin designs her cakes with each individual customer in mind. “By the time I’ve done a cake, I want it to be like it has found its home,” she said. Moreover, she’s not afraid of trying something new. “I challenge myself. Sometimes The Dessert Fork might promote a special, based on a place I visited. I went somewhere and had green tea ice cream; that gave me the idea of baking a green tea velvet cake.

“I like to play around with different flavors; I’m pretty adventurous!” she added. “The person who is looking for something different will find it here, but you’ll also find traditional favorites.”

Regular customers aren’t the only ones to benefit from McFarlin’s artistry. One of her friends told her about a 5-year-old foster child who never had a birthday cake, and McFarlin said to herself, “Everyone should have a birthday cake!” Thereafter, she partnered with the Madison County Foster and Adoptive Parent Group to bring every foster child a special cake.

“The foster community can get a onetime elaborate cake at a discount for their birthday,” said McFarlin, who said she wants to “reach as many foster children as possible for their birthday or to celebrate their adoption.”

34 Madison Living

In her support of the foster family community, McFarlin recently helped out with occupational therapy during a DHR parents’ night. She read Marcus Pfister’s best-selling children’s book, “The Rainbow Fish,” and then helped the children make Rainbow Fish cupcakes.

These children would probably agree with The Dessert Fork motto, which hangs over a display shelf in the eatery: Life is short … Eat dessert first!

For more information about The Dessert Fork, visit www.thedessertforkhuntsville.com.

Visitors to the site will find a gallery of elegant treats, such as McFarlin’s decadent Star Wars wedding cake and Death Star Pops.

The Dessert Fork is located at 107 Brookridge Drive off Highway 72 in Madison.

Around Town

Happy birthday, Kids to Love

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Kids to Love turns 15 years old this month. It’s hard to believe in that time, our organization has made an impact on the lives of more than 250,000 children living in foster care. How do we do it? One child at a time.

One of the young ladies we are privileged to serve is Sacred Huff. Sacred is in her final year at George Washington University Law School. She graduates May 19, so you know where I’ll be that day!

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Our paths crossed when Sacred was only 12 years old and entered foster care in Madison County. School was about to start, and Sacred remembers her social worker giving her a brand new backpack full of school supplies from Kids to Love. That backpack created confidence in Sacred. She had the same things her classmates did, and she could focus on her education – instead of what they had that she didn’t.

Sacred knew early on she wanted to be a lawyer. So many people told her she would never make it, but they didn’t know Sacred’s drive and tenacity as I do.

Sacred entered Calhoun Community College, where she finished her paralegal certification, then transferred to the University of Alabama at Huntsville to earn her bachelor’s degree in sociology. In the midst of her studies and taking care of herself, Sacred has given her time to mentor other young people through Kids to Love. If that’s not enough to impress you, let me share that she also took custody of her younger sister to keep her out of foster care.

Sacred is one of more than 500 youth Kids to Love has invested in through our Scholarship Program. Many of our scholars are first-time college students and graduates. We know education is one thing no one can take away, and when you don’t have a family to take care of you, education is critical to a happy and contented future.

In 15 years our mission has grown, but our purpose is the same: to impact foster youth and change their lives – one child at a time.

Madison Living 35

36 Madison Living

Celebrating Madison Madison enters double-decker party with city and state’s anniversaries

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Written BY GREGG L. PARKER photograph BY JOSHUA BERRY

The gears of time will click in synchronization during 2019, as the City of Madison turns 150 years old and the State of Alabama reaches its 200th anniversary.

One year ago in January 2018, the Madison150AL200 volunteer group began planning activities for each month in 2019 for Madison’s sesquicentennial and Alabama’s bicentennial. Mayor Paul Finley appointed Debbie Overcash and John Rankin to co-chair the Madison Bicentennial Committee, as requested by Julian Butler, coordinator of the Madison County AL 200 Committee.

“We’re extremely grateful to Mayor Finley, the city council, Gayle Milam, Samantha Magnuson and the public

works, police and fire departments for their encouragement and support as this committee prepares to celebrate Madison in 2019,” Overcash said. “The committee hopes we successfully bring citizens the opportunity to know their hometown, community at large and state more intimately … to grasp all she has to offer, to take advantage of opportunities ‘in our own back yard’ and to take great pride in being from Madison.”

Rankin said the sesquicentennial celebration commemo-rates the city’s incorporation, not its actual birth.

“The city was founded in 1857, but its incorporation did not occur until 1869.

Madison is one of the very few early Madison County communities that

JANUARY: In January 2019, organizers will conduct the first service rally for Madison150AL200. Madison Public Library will exhibit a historical display of local interest, and at Connect 2019, Finley will deliver his State of the City address.

FEBRUARY: February will include the Black History Month Film Festival. Madison Senior Center members will enjoy a Mardi Gras party, and at an Arbor Day workshop, participants will plant a Heritage Tree and receive 150 tree saplings.

MARCH: Madison Author Book Market will be held in March. For children, The Downtown Kids will perform.

APRIL: During April, visitors can experience Taste of Madison, featuring Alabama’s State Fruit, the blueberry.

Walking tours will explore downtown streets, with a guide describing the properties. Madison’s librarians will exhibit historical material during National Library Week, and athletes can try to Conquer the Hill 5K and 10K. MAY: In May, historical re-enactors will animate the past with Memorial Day Remembrance on the Village Green.

Nature lovers will learn about horticulture in a tour of Madison gardens. Madison City Schools will host an outdoor classroom tour, followed by a reception at Madison Public Library.

JUNE: Vendors at Madison City Farmers Market will present the Good Old Days program in June. A scavenger hunt of Madison historical markers will test participants, and the library will host its annual Read Around the Block party.

survived and prospered through the years, while many others disappeared as ‘ghost towns,’” he said. “I am reminded of the old saying, ‘Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.’

However, that is to me an unappealing and ominous thought associated with gloom and doom seen in failures of the past. Rather, I choose to focus my love of history on learning of the great things done by people of the past.”

To launch Madison’s sesquicentennial, the first official event was the Christmas Tour of Homes Dec. 1. Sponsored by Madison Station Historical Preservation Society, the tour showcased five houses in Christmas finery in Madison Station Historic District.

JULY: Another Madison150AL200 service rally will occur in July. Additionally, Dublin Park will host the Fourth of July celebration; Madison City Community Orchestra will perform its Apollo Mission Concert; and the Madison Chamber of Commerce will conduct the annual Business Expo and Kids’ Day. AUGUST: In August, questions related to Madison150AL200 will test competitors in “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader?”

SEPTEMBER: Residents can tour Madison’s historic cemeteries and rally for James Clemens and Bob Jones high schools’ homecoming parades.

OCTOBER: In October, Madison Street Festival will recognize the sesquicentennial/bicentennial. The second annual Volksmarch Madison will invite people to stroll downtown streets.

NOVEMBER: During November, a military re-enactment and prayer breakfast will honor Madison’s veterans. Rocket Republic will host Madison150AL200 Trivia Night.

DECEMBER: In December 2019, the Kris Kringle Market will offer nuances of Christmas past. Christmas Card Lane and Madison Christmas Parade with return, and Madison150AL200 volunteers will unveil their signature event, “Christmas Capers.”

As a finale, in January 2020, Madison Hospital will feature Sesquicentennial Babies of 2019m and Madison150AL200 organizers will offer a commemorative quilt.

Madison150AL200: www.Madisonal.gov/Madison150, Madison150@Madisonal.gov Instagram Madison150AL200 Madison150Al200 on Facebook #Madison150AL200 Madison Living 37

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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!

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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.

38 Madison Living

ymca

Reclaim your best health at the Y

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The New Year is such a popular time to recommit to a healthy lifestyle for so many, but the path forward isn’t always a clear one for those struggling with health issues. Hogan Family YMCA is here in Madison to help you start 2019 on the right foot.

This year, the Y is expanding health and wellness initiatives to address pre-diabetes, arthritis and exercise during cancer treatment, as well as adding new classes to help the healthseeker engage in low-impact fitness.

The Diabetes Prevention Program helps overweight adults who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes reduce their risk for developing the disease by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. Over 12 months, participants will attend classes educating them about exercise and nutrition. They will increase their physical activity by working out at the Y in low-impact classes such as the new VIPr MOVE30. Participants are encouraged to support one another as they strive for common healthy goals.

VIPr MOVE30 is a 30-minute movement class for anybody looking to increase their functional fitness to move with ease, less restriction and less discomfort using specialized, lightweight equipment. It’s the perfect entry into an exercise program when a chair class isn’t quite enough but other classes might be a bit too challenging.

EnhanceFitness proves fun never retires! Mature adults, especially those dealing with arthritis, will find increased strength, flexibility and balance in the program. Low-impact classes meet for 60 minutes three times per week and focus on maintaining a comfortable level of exertion for participants.

Fit to Fight is a 12-week exercise program designed to help the cancer patient maximize quality of life and minimize the side effects that cancer treatments can have on their bodies.

The personal wellness program includes sessions with a cancer exercise trainer, Walk and Tone group classes and an educational seminar, along with low-impact exercise classes.

To learn more about YMCA wellness initiatives, contact Terri Keller, Heart of the Valley YMCA health initiatives coordinator, at terri.keller@ymcahuntsville.org; visit ymcahuntsville.org on the web; or call the Hogan Y at 256-705-9622.

Madison Living 39

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Taking pride in Madison’s accomplishments

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Paul Finley Mayor City of Madison

Like many of you, I will find pockets of time throughout my weekend to get caught up on work. Reading and answering emails, forwarding information and creating Monday’s to-do list are just a few of the activities I try to accomplish if I can.

One of my weekend emails recently was to ask our communication specialist Samantha Magnuson to create a slide for each of the projects our department heads had defined as their top three 2018 accomplishments for our upcoming employee lunch.

Amazingly, that list contained 30 examples of successful accomplishments by the team at city hall, achieved for our citizens – the new Madison Library, Margaritaville, Rocket City Trash Pandas, kept our AA+ and Aa2

bond ratings, Dublin Pool Air Supported Structure, downtown Sealy Project, Home Place Park, updated madisonal.gov website, downtown Martin Street project, added four traffic signals, MPD CALEA Assessment success, new Public Works facility, online sales tax filing, updated Huntsville Utilities Franchise Agreement – and 16 more!

So, by the time you read this, we will have enjoyed our lunch celebration, and I will have been able to tell our employees “thank you.” Along with our Madison City Council, I am so proud of our team and the accomplishments they are responsible for making happen. As mayor I can define where we are headed, and the council can agree and fund it, but it is this great Madison

team that is then responsible for making it happen. Without question, this is the strongest team we have had in Madison, and we will continue to focus on our mission of providing excellent services through the responsible use of our resources.

If you have read this far, thank you! Take one more step: Please find 10 minutes in the next week and go to www.madisonal. gov/2018accomplishments. We have created a detailed slide show documenting what is being done and when you can expect it to be completed. As always, our goal is to transfer information to you, keeping you as updated as possible on all that is happening in Madison.

Wishing you and your family a happy new year!

Madison's Premier Gala Event of the Year!

Featuring

Friday, January 25, 2019 US Space & Rocket Center

Mayor Paul Finley's State of the City Address

Cocktails at 6:30 PM Dinner & Program at 7:00 PM Cocktail Attire For ticket information, call (256) 325-8317 or visit www.madisonalchamber.com 40 Madison Living

Madison

WEDDINGS All things white, bright & beautiful Photo by Letty Weeks Photography

Madison Living 41

Evan

Callie

Fowler

October 21, 2018 42 Madison Living

How we met: We were 16 or 17 when we first met. Evan went to East Limestone High School, and I went to Bob Jones High School. A friend of mine from math class introduced us. She was dating one of Evan’s friends at the time, and one day we went over to her boyfriend’s house. We had been there a few minutes before Evan and her boyfriend got there. When they walked in, I remember thinking, “Evan is really cute!” We hung out a few times after that and talked occasionally, but that was it.

Three years later, we reconnected, and eight months after, that we moved in together.

The proposal: He proposed Feb. 15.

I had just gotten home from work, and I had just started to cook dinner. I turned around, and there he was, down on one knee. Then I looked over and our dog, Georgia, was walking into the kitchen with the ring tied to her. It was so sweet and very us!

Favorite moment: My mom had a private table upstairs for us on the balcony of the bridal suite. She really wanted us to be able to eat and take it all in after the ceremony, and we are so glad she did that. It gave us the chance to do exactly that and get ready to go have fun with our friends and family!

Favorite details: The flowers and the grazing table were the best! Petals

by Ali made all the flower arrangements, especially the mantle, look perfect. Every single arrangement was exactly how I had imagined it to be. The grazing table was like a giant Pinterest-worthy charcuterie board. Everyone loved it! And of course, the photo booth we all loved. Our favorite part about it is that no one knows we can look back and see everyone’s hilarious videos, boomerangs and photos.

Meet the team: Venue – Harvest Hollow Venue and Farm Florist – Petals by Ali

Bride’s hair – Emily Bradley (reception)

Caterer – His & Hers Catering

Bridesmaid and mother of the bride hair and makeup – Emily Bradley and Perfect Looks by Paige

Rentals – The Dusty Daisy Cakes – Batter Up Cakes

Decorations – Millidine’s Salon & Family

Invitations – Zazzle and Minted

Photobooth – Sigh Photobooth

Wedding dress – Kathleen’s Bridal

Music – DJ Brad Minor

Bridesmaid dress – Kathleen’s Bridal

Photographer – Shannon Jackson Photography

Men’s attire – Kathleen’s Bridal

Madison Living 43

Chris

Hannah

Wylie May 29, 2018

44 Madison Living

How we met: On a rare, cool evening in the late summer of 2016, both Hannah and Chris found each other on a park bench at Bridgestreet Town Centre in Huntsville.

It was as simple as that. Two people who had never met began a conversation, and the rest was history. Within a few hours, they had walked to a restaurant for an impromptu dinner, shared stories – including all the embarrassing childhood ones – shared their hopes and dreams for their lives and talked of English class, real estate, football and even Kelly Clarkson! They just knew they had each found “the one.” They even joked that first night they should just walk over to the jewelry store and get engaged.

The proposal: Even though they met and essentially had their first date on that park bench, they had never been back

since that night. On a Friday night after Hannah got home from work, Chris was insistent on taking her out to dinner. He let Hannah decide where to go, and luckily, she picked the very spot he had planned!

After dinner, they walked back to that park bench where they met a year before and sat and talked. Hannah then made a joke that the night was going so well they should just walk over to the jewelry store together and get engaged. That’s when Chris said, “Maybe I already did!” Hannah was so surprised she yelled, “What did you do?”

He then dropped to one knee and asked, “Marry Me?” Hannah, of course, said yes.

Favorite details: The ceremony was very personal. Hannah’s college roommate officiated the ceremony, and a sweet friend was the prayer minister.

Hannah’s mom played “Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” during the ceremony, and the bridesmaids put together a Unity Cross while Chris and Hannah prayed together and asked those who attended the wedding to support their new life as a family. Instead of having traditional flower girls, they opted to have Hannah’s aunts and a family friend serve as the flower girls, and they gave them the title of “The Flower Fairy and the Blooming Aunts.” They also had five different kinds of cakes and three types of pies!

Favorite moment: The favorite moment of the day for us was just after the ceremony, when we were able to wrap our arms around our newly-formed family.

It was very emotional. We took our last pictures of the night on the park bench where we met.

Meet the team: Venue – Burritt on the Mountain Photography – Ashlee Kay Photography Florist – Willough Garden Caterer, cakes and desserts – Mason Dixon Videographer – Seth Weaver Invitations – Vistaprint Calligraphy – Carlie’s Calligraphy

Bridal gown – Kathleen’s Bridal, Calla Blanche Bridesmaid dresses – Kathleen’s Bridal Hair and makeup – The Glamming Bellas Men’s attire – Kathleen’s Bridal Music – Carl Thomas Ceremony and reception décor – Reba Bolton and Scott Lindsey

Madison Living 45

Haley

Jason

Furno May 19, 2018 46 Madison Living

How we met: Haley and Jason grew up in the same church in Madison but did not really know each other well until the summer of 2014, when friends began encouraging their friendship. As time continued, the friendship grew and blossomed into a sweet romance. Shortly after they began dating, Haley left for Auburn University, but the story doesn’t end there. Jason continued to pursue Haley, and together they endured the season of long distance, which lasted a long nine months until Jason joined Haley in Auburn.

The proposal: Sept. 1, 2017, Jason proposed to Haley at Children’s Harbor at Lake Martin. Jason had Haley’s friends tell her they were helping a mutual friend start

a photography website. The friend was going to take pictures of the girls near the lake.

When they got to Children’s Harbor, they started the photo shoot and asked Haley to walk around the white chapel. It was there Haley found Jason standing at the bottom of the hill next to the lighthouse. He had a table with flowers and photos of them set up looking out over the lake. Jason got down on one knee and asked the awaited question.

Afterward they joined their families to celebrate over dinner then later joined friends for a surprise engagement party.

The wedding: A sweet remembrance told to the bride and groom was of how many friends, family and church family members showed up very early on the morning of the

wedding to decorate – all to make the day exactly as it was dreamed of. It was like an army of love! The ceremony took place in the same sanctuary where Haley’s parents exchanged their vows 27 years earlier. The decorations were simple, with portions of scripture from I Corinthians 13 written on slates marking pew ends. On the altar were Bibles from four generations, along with the Bible Jason gave Haley on the day of their engagement.

Favorite moment: Haley and Jason’s most treasured moment of the wedding was the worship time during their ceremony. The worship song “You’re Beautiful” by Shane and Shane was sung.

They truly enjoyed slowing down and sharing this moment together.

Meet the team: Venue – Asbury Church

Photographer – Lauren Tomasella

Caterer – Hartley’s Catering

Videographer – Tyler Lovelady

Rentals – All Needz Rental

Florist – Parker’s Florist/Costco

Wedding Dress Attire – Something Blue, Hartselle; Kathleen’s Bridal, Madison

Invitations – Shutterfly

Cakes – Marsha Blocker

Men’s Attire – Men’s Warehouse

Hair – Lacey Black, Elements Salon

Bridesmaid Dresses – David’s Bridal

Makeup – Amanda Davies

DJ – Greg Thompson

Madison Living 47

Katie

Caleb

Byrd May 6, 2018 48 Madison Living

How we met: The first time we met it was love at first … “meh.” We were truly not interested in each other at all. I was training with the military, and Katie had just gotten out of a relationship.

A few months later, after I returned home, Katie and I met again at church through family members and actually started talking. Almost on a whim, we went on three dates in one weekend and immediately knew we had finally found what we were looking for.

How we fell in love: We fell in love long before the feelings hit. After

the first weekend, we knew we were going to get married. We each had everything the other was looking for in a spouse. We instantly knew our search was over. But the love – that came later. The love came after months of prayer and pursuing God’s will together. I guess you could call it, “head over feels.”

The proposal: Our proposal was straight out of a Lifetime move: PJs and a Rental House. Because of an opportunity with the Army, I had to move to North Carolina right before Christmas. Our jeweler was able to ship the ring to North

Carolina in time for Katie to come up for New Year’s. The day we exchanged gifts, I was still waiting on the ring to arrive and had convinced Katie that I bought her perfume. When the mail carrier arrived, I was standing at the driveway waiting. I hurried in, quickly wrapped the ring, and gave it to Katie as a Christmas present.

Sure, probably not the ideal engagement in a wintry field of gentle snowfalls. But, ever since we started dating, Katie and I refused to live a life for Instagram. Our engagement was free from noise and photographers. It was ours.

Favorite detail from the wedding day: Our wedding day was hectic. Our families did most of the wedding themselves. No one tells you that on the day of your wedding you spend most of the day anxious, hungry and in a hurry. The one thing I adamantly stood by for our wedding was not seeing Katie before she walked down the aisle.

We are finally there: Katie comes walking down the aisle in all her beauty, and her father hands her to me. Finally, we felt like we could breathe. The pastor started praying, and both of us just instinctively rested our foreheads together. That was the moment. Those few seconds felt like it was just us, together at last.

Meet the team: Jeweler – Kelly’s Jewelry in Decatur Photographer – Letty Weeks Photography Venue – Harvest Hollow Venue and Farm Wedding Dress – Something Blue Caterer – Rolo’s Cafe Flowers – Judi Thornton, Rolo’s Cafe Hair and Make Up – Suzanne Kantmann Bride and groom cakes: Jan Byrd

Madison Living 49

Ashlyn

Tommy

Lombard May 12, 2018 50 Madison Living

How we met: In the summer of 2015, Taylor Sommers was hired as Ashlyn’s colleague and officemate. It did not take long for the two to become great friends, and a few short months later, Taylor suggested Ashlyn meet Tommy.

It was a classic matchup by a mutual friend. After a few weeks of phone calls and texts, Ashlyn and Tommy scheduled a day-date at a local gun range.

Everything following that was a dream come true.

The proposal: We spent our second trip to Boston, Mass., with another couple – primarily to attend a Red Sox/Cubs baseball game – and Tommy decided to pop the question at the edge of the Boston Harbor before we left to go on a guided boat tour. There were several bystanders/ tourists in the area, which made for a large audience and loud applause. It was a magical moment, all caught on camera!

Favorite details: The wedding itself was a great representation of us, but sharing our special day with our closest friends and family was the absolute best part. We enjoyed our 30-minute getaway directly following the ceremony. We sat down in the quiet, secluded room and said to one another “Wow! We just got married!” Once the reception got going, we were able to sneak off with our photographers for a private sunset photo shoot with breathtaking mountain views.

Meet the team: Venue – The Ledges

Makeup – Leslie Ware Cosmetics

Photography – David Phillips Photography

Wedding Dress – Kathleen’s Bridal

Coordinator – Mallory McCormack

Alterations – Alison Anne Bridal

Cake – Karen McCutcheon

Invitations/Stationary – Ledgewood Fine Stationary

Florist – Petals

DJ – DJ Keeks

Hair – Bridal Hair Huntsville

Rings – Osborne’s Jewelers

Madison Living 51

Drew

Amanda

Stutts June 16, 2018 52 Madison Living

How we met: It was the first day of spring semester of our sophomore year at the University of North Alabama. Traditionally, the instructor calls on someone to introduce themselves to the class, and that person then chooses the next to introduce themselves.

This “icebreaker” proceeded to me (Amanda). Naturally, I call on the cute boy a few seats in front of me by saying “Braves hat boy.” That friendship after a few years eventually turned into us making the leap to a

relationship. From falling in love, to getting engaged on the campus of the university that started it all, now, six years after I learned the name of that cute boy wearing a Braves hat, he changed my last name.

The proposal: Drew proposed after surprising me with picking out a tiny baby Golden Retriever puppy, a month prior. June 5, 2016, was the day we got to bring our new fur baby home.

Naturally, we planned on showing Drew’s family our new addition.

UNA’s fountain was a perfect place,

since the lion habitat sits right next to the fountain. Drew told me his family would be there, letting his nephew see the lions. We walked to the fountain to meet Drew’s mom, sister and nephew.

As I let Drew’s nephew play with our puppy, Drew grabbed my hand, got on one knee and asked me to spend forever with him. My first words were “NO…WAY,” out of complete shock.

Little did I know my entire family and friends were hiding in bushes just a few feet away, and they think I just rejected him. Thankfully, I managed to squeak out a “Yes!” So everyone

could take a breath – Drew included – and come out and surprise me for a second time.

Favorite moment: One moment that stands out was the end of our vows. Being avid and passionate sports fans, we come from two very different fan bases. Drew is an Alabama fan, and Amanda is a Tennessee fan.

This rivalry runs so deep that we each ended our vows with “…I promise all these things … EXCEPT on the third Saturday in October – Go Vols!/Roll Tide!” It was a funny, memorable moment everyone enjoyed.

Meet the team: Venue – Creekside Plantation, Mooresville Wedding Planner – Janet Waggoner Florist – Weddings by Jeannie Caterer – Jill’s Sweet Memories Cake – Lauren Thomas Photographer – Leah Grace Photography Videographer – Awaken Films Sound/Music – Sweet Tree Productions Hair – Whitney Weeks, Parlor 217 Makeup – Makeup By Corey Wedding Dress – Kathleen’s Bridal

Madison Living 53

Rebecca

Jason

Davis Dec. 9, 2017

54 Madison Living

How We Met: Jason and I met in July 2013 when he began working at the same company I did. In late spring of 2014 he caught my eye, and coworkers began commenting on how many times he came in my office for “phone issues” that no one else seemed to have. By mid-summer, there was no denying the chemistry between us. We went on our first date August 16, 2014, to the American Cancer Society Summer Lights Celebration and have been inseparable ever since.

The Proposal: Oct. 4, 2016, Jason picked up the ring from the jeweler after work and proceeded to go to my parents’ house to ask their permission to propose.

From what my parents said, he was terrified the whole time. Meanwhile, I was attending an ABC North Alabama networking event at Liquor Express, anxiously waiting on him to get there. When he arrived, several friends and business associates wanted to

see the ring, so after they finished passing it around, I looked at him and held my hand out to see it myself. He grinned and said, “Will you?” to which I said “Of course,” and he put the ring on my finger. My friends were upset they missed the big moment, even though it was about as mundane as a proposal can be.

Favorite Moment: The day before our wedding, a cold front had come through, which made outdoor pictures a bit challenging. The entire wedding party was loaded onto golf carts – one provided by the venue and two others we had come up with from friends – to venture out into the gardens for pictures. The low 40s for temperature and 15-20 mile per hour winds, with higher gusts, had all of us turning blue as we rushed to get various shots.

Our flower girl was a real trooper; the photographer tried to get all the pictures with her at the same time so she could run

back to the golf cart and warm up under my heavy coat. It seemed like every time she’d start to warm up, she would be called for another few pictures. The last time the photographer called her for a picture, she snapped her head around to him and gave him a harsh look with a very sarcastic “Really???” We all died laughing.

Favorite Details: I can’t decide which is my favorite detail: the groom’s cake or my dress.

I am not a girly girl at all, so I knew my wedding dress would have to match my vision perfectly or I wouldn’t be happy.

After two months of searching designers online, I finally found the perfect dress.

After trying on similar dresses at other local salons and not finding one I loved, I went to The Something Blue Shoppe, which carried the designer, and tried on various dresses to no avail. I finally asked if they had “the” dress in stock, so I could at least see it, even

if it was the wrong size. Luckily, they did, and we had my niece (who happened to be my maid of honor) try it on so we could get the full picture with veil and all. It was exactly what I wanted.

My husband is an Auburn fan, and my whole family and I are huge Alabama fans, so we knew we’d have obstacles being in a mixed marriage. Since my husband and I planned all the details, we had an extra surprise for my parents and godparents.

Since Jason wears more Alabama shirts than Auburn, a lot of people think he has been converted to a Bama fan, although he still bleeds orange and blue. We had Jason’s groom’s cake made in crimson and houndstooth, but when you cut into it, the cake was orange and blue. We shocked everyone when we cut into it at the reception. I wouldn’t let him feed me the orange and blue cake; I would only eat the houndstooth fondant.

Meet the team: Planner – Details Events & Designs Photographer – Collin Richie Photography Calligrapher – The Cardinal Collective Hair – Salon 8 Makeup – Leslie Ware Catering – The Chef Next Door Cakes – Just Crumbs Baklava – Holy Cross-Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Floral/Décor – Dana’s Floral Design Linens – BBJ Linen Rentals – Mullins Special Occasions Lighting, Draping and Entertainment – Metropolitan Disc Jockey Service Bridal Gown – The Something Blue Shoppe Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Attire – Kathleen’s Bridal Transportation – Coat’s Classic Cars

Madison Living 55

Will

Sienna

Lamon November 19, 2017 56 Madison Living

How we met: Will and I attended the same school from kindergarten until he graduated in 2010. It wasn’t until Christmas break of 2012 that our story begins. We were at a New Year’s party and were each other’s New Year’s kiss. The rest of the break we were inseparable until it was time for him to go back to school. We kept in touch, tagging each other in funny Vines, and would occasionally visit each other, picking up right where we left off. Once we settled into jobs after college graduation, we moved in together and became more serious than ever before.

The proposal: Getting married to each other was common knowledge for the both of us. I told Will I found the church I wanted to get married in someday. He told me after work he wanted me to take him to see it. I told him it would be locked/closed by that time, but we could peek through the windows and see the outside of it. We get to the church, and I hop out of the car without shoes because all the lights were off and I figured we weren’t staying long. After looking around, I told him it was even more beautiful on the inside. He went to turn the door handle, and the door opened.

I was so excited it wasn’t locked that I flipped on the lights and started walking him through the church, imagining and describing every detail. I’m pretending to walk down the aisle while he’s at the altar grinning ear to ear, and that’s when he started to get down on one knee. From that moment on, I knew I’d marry that man, with that ring, in that church.

Favorite moment: Our favorite moments are when we did our “first look” and the real moment I walked down the aisle. Will says he’ll never forget the look I gave him when he saw me for the first time, and I’ll never forget the way he looked at me. There is nothing like the feeling of making a lifelong commitment

to each other in front of God and surrounded by all the people you love.

Favorite details: My favorite part of our wedding was how all the small details came together so perfectly – the time of the year, the wooden chairs, the bistro lights, my veil, the cakes and all the arrangements. We wanted our wedding to be very small, intimate and all about us, without getting caught up in the stressful planning aspects of a big wedding. We didn’t have a bridal party – only three flower girls and a ring bearer – and only invited family and close family friends. All of our vendors were amazing and easy to work with, which made the whole day run so smoothly.

Meet the team: Invitations – Salt & Paperie Lighting – Metropolitan Disc Jockey Service Band – Free Range Tent rental – All Needz Chair rental – Mullins Special Occasions Hair – Betsy Lamon Makeup – Mckenna Porter Photography – Carla Lawrence Videographer – Awaken Films Dress – Kathleen’s Bridal Suit: Men’s Warehouse Venue – Mooresville Brick Church Cakes: Debbie Hardaway Wedding Planner: Meighan Winton Flowers: Jeannie Pirtle/ Nip and Tuck Florist Caterer: JW Steakhouse

Madison Living 57

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Madison Living 59

Madison Chamber of Commerce connections

Connect 2019 is coming in January!

Don’t miss Madison’s premier gala event of the year!

Connect 2019, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, is coming to the Davidson Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center on January 25, 2019. This annual event, featuring Mayor Paul Finley’s State of the City Address, celebrates connections between the City of Madison, regional local governments, area businesses and residents. With so much going on in Madison, you won’t want to miss this event!

Business After Hours hosted by MCC Member BB&T – Hwy 72.

Connect also serves to raise awareness of the importance of education, its relationship to a thriving community, and its critical role in Madison. We are pleased to share that Lockheed Martin will continue to serve as our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Sponsor for Connect 2019. In this role, Lockheed will sponsor the Mayor’s Scholarship Fund, which focuses on encouraging our local youth to study and pursue STEM careers.

Join us under the Saturn 5 Rocket as Mayor Finley reviews our achievements in 2018 and shares his plans for the upcoming year. The evening begins with cocktails at 6:30 PM, with a formal dinner and the program beginning at 7:00 PM. Dress for this event is Cocktail Attire, black tie optional.

Converting Networking into Sales Seminar, featuring speaker Joe Copp

Help us support our Mayor, our City, and our future by participating in this one-of-a-kind event.

Life insurance is for those you leave behind

For ticket or sponsorship information, call the Madison Chamber of Commerce at 256.325.8317 or email kim@ madisonalchamber.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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

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

20th Anniversary Celebration and Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Lowe’s of Madison

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®

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

60 Madison Living

k Berryman LUTCF

MADISON, ALABAMA 35758

Madison Chamber of Commerce connections

MCC Quarterly Luncheon featuring speaker Madison Fire Chief David Bailey

Welcoming Wounded Warriors at Huntsville International Airport for Heroes Week

Ribbon Cutting & Meet and Greet for MCC Member Shiloh P. B. Church

One Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting for MCC member Alcova Mortgage

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Bank Independent – Highway 72

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

Hogan Family YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for MCC member The Dessert Fork

Consigned & New

Huntsville & Madison

Interiorsbyconsign.net

8506 Whitesburg Dr, Huntsville 181 Hughes Rd, Madison

256-325-8317

www.madisonalchamber.com

Madison Living 61

out & about Kris Kringle Artist Market

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The Madison Arts Council and Madison Parks and Recreation teamed up to create a Kris Kringle Market Nov. 21 at Dublin Park.

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Alura Garrison Bob Amerman Sharon and Leon Edwards Nole Mihalko Devan and Lila Workman Georgia Dunnavant and Annette Cannon “Santa� Johnny Thrasher Caitlin Turner and Regina Turner Nancy Everdyke and Janice Vick Tina Swindell

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11. Charles and Virginia Letson 12. Kamilah Torres, Rashida Torres, Xia Singh and Indara Singh 13. Ellen Clem and Carolyn Hamilton 14. Johnny Hamilton, Robison Hamilton and Elliott Hamilton 15. Jenna Salvetti 16. Terry Jones and Zach and David Jones 17. Alicia Bell and Amaya Bell

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out & about Mid-term Watch Parties Photos by KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH

Madison County Republican and Democrat groups hold watch parties after the midterm elections Nov. 5.

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Carol and Wayne Arthur

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Kim and Jabari Ferguson

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Carol Arthur and Vicki Adams

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Meghan Nester and Tony Moriarty

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Craig Grabowsky, Greg O’Bryant and Ann O’Bryant

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Ella Grace Grigsby, Jo Anne Grigsby and Nan Stuart

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Jane McBride and Amy Ballard

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Kaleb Nelson, Tyler Wiley, Anders Thoman, Matt Steiger, Jacob Ginn, Austin Turner and Will Hampson

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10. Sandra Steele and Carol Arthur 12. Sue Glover and Mary League 13. Sylvia and Stella Darwin 14. Tahj Christian and Steffi Coleman 15. Timothy Jackson and Amber Turner

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out & about Veterans Day Prayer Breakfast PHOTOGRAPHS BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH

The Hogan Family YMCA holds its annual Veterans Day Prayer breakfast Nov. 9.

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Billy Neal and Amy Miller BJ and April King Bob Brown and Rob Brown Charles Mayo, Teri Mayo and Michael Conniff Daniel Underwood, Jack Clift and Les Stamps David and Meg McLawhorn David Cook, Stephen Glasier and Ron Volkin Dianne Hoffmann, Rick Ashley and LaShay White Jonathan Cochran, Cameron Kramer and David Cook Lt. Col. Youlanda Walker and Sgt. Maj. Willene Orr Sam Scruggs and Carlos Woods Sam Scruggs, retired Lt. Gen. USMC Willie Williams and Clif Miller Walter and Enid Bowers and Rodney and Beth Richardson Walter Ford and Everett Carter

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out & about Tree lighting

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Nichole and Sheriden Jones

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Sir Tinman and Lady Garland

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Timothy and Jameson Russel

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Toby Dixon, Kylie Henderson, Elissa Miler and Darin Windham

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Madison Living 67

Why I love Madison

Peggie Rowell Madison attorney Peggie Rowell is a familiar face, having moved here with her family in 1974 at the age 5. The Bob Jones High School alumnus has been married to Bob Rowell, an airline pilot, for 11 years, and the couple recently purchased a lot on Rainbow Mountain, where they will soon be building their dream home. Their fur baby is tuxedo cat Oreo.

Rowell holds her paralegal degree from Calhoun College, business degree from Faulkner University and law degree from Jones School of Law.

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

I am attorney/president of Peggie Hulebak Rowell, PC, Attorney at Law. I currently focus on real estate law, business entity law and simple estate planning. I love being able to serve Madison residents, and the surrounding communities, as their hometown attorney.

What do you enjoy about serving as an attorney?

A very short time into my first paralegal job, I decided I wanted to further my education in the field and go to law school. I have a sense of accomplishment running a successful business where I can help people and put them at ease with their legal concerns and needs.

What is your favorite place to visit in Madison?

Rainbow Mountain Trail is beautiful!

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

Tazikis because it is always fresh; Smokies BBQ – the white sauce is awesome; and Cracker Barrel for a good plate of comfort food by the fire. They have great service at all three restaurants.

Why do you love Madison?

There are so many reasons! There are lots of things to do; we have great schools; it is a very clean and pretty city; the low crime rate; and it is still very affordable to live here.

68 Madison Living

Fast Five 1. Favorite hobbies: Travel and travel photography 2. Favorite food: Mediterranean and Italian 3. Goal or ambition: My husband and I would like to increase our ability to be philanthropic to help those in need in our community in what calls to our heart.

4. Church: Charter member at Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison 5. Something people might not know about me is: I twirled baton and took lessons from fifth grade through 12th grade. I was a majorette in high school at Bob Jones. We twirled single batons, double batons, fire batons, fire knives and hoop batons.

Marketplace Madison Living • 256.772.6677

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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 Church Transportation and Logistics, Inc Now Hiring Birmingham, AL based Transportation Company looking for Class-A CDLDrivers •Average 22,500/mileswk•Must be at least 23yrsold•Starting pay at

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Contact recruiting Now Hiring at 1-800-634Heavy Equipment 7315 or come Operators and CDL by HTL office at Drivers Competitive 1700 Boone Blvd, pay and benefits.

Northport. EOE Pre-employment drug test required Come work Equal Employment with us as a Opportunity Caregiver or CNA! Employer Call: Competitive wages, 205-298-6799 or Shift premium for email us at: jtate@ weekends, Flexible forestryenv.com Schedules, Friendly Staff, Endless G&G STEEL, Inc. Opportunities, is currently seeking Apply today at qualified Welders www.homeinstead. & Machinists Apply com/250 or call 256in person or at 883-3080 www.ggsteel.com Competitivepay M&D Mechanical and benefits.

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

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

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Crestwood

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. Madison Living 71

CONGRATULATIONS to the physicians and our hospital staff who earned these recognitions.

• Top 5% for Spine Surgery • Five-Star distinction in Total Knee Replacement

72 Madison Living madisonalhospital.org