Madison Living May 2014

May 2014

Rachel Brown Homes

Craftsman exterior, sleek interior contrast in Mill Road home

Sam & Greg’s

Pizzeria

Enjoy pizza, stay for gelato close to home

Up Beat Vigorous and rigorous, Zumba class at the YMCA lures an enthusiastic following

Rolling Stones!

Spartan Stones finds business rock solid but competitive after expansion into Madison

Reflecting half a century of excellence in neurosurgery.

A lot has changed since we started in 1964, but our commitment as the regional leader is stronger than ever. From the latest minimally-invasive neck and back treatments to 24/7 trauma care, Spine & Neuro Center combines confident care with a convenient, patient-focused facility. Fifty years is more than a nice round number — it’s experience you can feel good about.

NeuroSpine Surgeons:

Rhett B. Murray, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Joel D. Pickett, M.D., F.A.C.S.

John D. Johnson, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S.

Jason T. Banks, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Cheng W. Tao, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Bryan A. Gaspard, M.D.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation:

Keith C. Anderson, D.O.

Hayley Campbell, M.D.

Ryan C. Aaron, M.D.

Huntsville • Decatur | 201 Governors Drive • Huntsville, AL 35801 Toll Free: 1-888-736-1762 • 256-533-1600 • www.spineandneuro.com

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MANAGEMENT Alan Brown President & Publisher EDITORIAL Jan Griffey Editor

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14 features

Gregg Parker Staff Writer Charles Molineaux Staff Writer Sarah Brewer Photographer

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ARTS & CULTURE ‘SIGN’ IS THE WORD

Jen Fouts-Detulleo Photographer

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HEALTH UP BEAT

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CULTIVATING RESPONSIBILITY

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IN THE BIZ ROLLING STONES!

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OUT AND ABOUT

MARKETING Cora Cloud Marketing Consultant Melanie McClure Marketing Consultant CUSTOMER SERVICE Tammy Overman Customer Service

home

PRODUCTION Jamie Dawkins Design Amanda Porter Design

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

HOME CRAFTSMAN EXTERIOR, SLEEK INTERIOR CONTRAST IN MILL ROAD HOME

food 10

LET’S EAT SAM & GREG’S PIZZERIA

Madison Living 3

HOME

Craftsman exterior, sleek interior contrast in Mill Road home ABOVE: Rachel Brown takes great pride in showing the house at 265 Mill Road.

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARAH BREWER

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he new house at 265 Mill Road satisfies the mantra of Rachel Brown Homes: accessible sophistication, effortless living and purposeful building.

The home has both feminine and masculine design details. “You feel clean and energized ... like staying in a beach house or beautiful hotel,” she said.

“I wanted to keep the central focus on accommodating women’s desires for an 4 Madison Living

aesthetically pleasing, functional home with lots of storage and amenities that make living effortless,” Brown said.

Eliminating ‘dead space,’ Brown placed storage between studs and dormers. The master shower has footrests for shaving, and the laundry has a fold-down ironing board. The garage’s ‘pet spa’ is waist-high with a mop faucet for easy bathing.

“Women love to cook and entertain in proximity to their families. The floor

plan is wide open for kitchen, breakfast and living areas,” Brown said. The craft room allows space for gift-wrapping and crafts projects.

A Huntsville native, Brown worked all her life for her father’s business, Richard Brown Homes and Land Inc. After graduating from Auburn University in 2003, she returned home and started her first home building company.

“I took over my father’s company in

Madison Living 5

ABOVE LEFT: Rachel Brown applied the needs of today’s lifestyles to design the house at 265 Mill Road. OPPOSITE PAGE: The home at 265 Mill Road epitomizes open-concept living.

2006 when he passed away suddenly,” she said. She founded Rachel Brown Homes in 2012 and earned her homebuilder’s license in 2013.

“Growing up in my father’s company exposed me to the excitement of running your own company and providing homes for people,” Brown said. “I’m passionate about giving clients amenities they desire.”

The Mill Road house is surrounded by similar historic homes and ideal for 6 Madison Living

a craftsman-inspired bungalow amid towering trees and sidewalks in the heart of the city. “This home gives you both an excellent location and a cozy atmosphere,” she said.

“What I love most about the home’s design elements is that the exterior is a beautiful blue-gray and brown bungalow,” Brown said. The Louisiana-Pacific (LP) Smartside lap and trim board contrasts well with a coffee-brown, craftsman-style front door and windows. “Gray brick

complements the exterior’s cool colors.”

However, entering the home, walls and kitchen cabinets are white and light grays. Coffee-colored, five-inch handscraped wood floors dramatically contrast to subdued walls.

“I designed this home to have the look and feel of a historic bungalow on the exterior but a wide open transitional interior,” she said. “Deep eight-foot front and back porches are perfect for having tea or wine on a sleepy Saturday

IT’S BACK...

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Enjoy the festive atmosphere with imported and domestic beers and delicious wines from the German region.

Family Friendly! Dogs Welcome! Rain or Shine!

256-837-3400

ROCKETCENTER.COM Madison Living 7

ABOVE LEFT: Each vanity has cabinets with handy storage nooks.

ABOVE RIGHT: The master closet can accommodate anyone’s expansive wardrobe and shoe collection.

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BELOW: Taking a break, Rachel Brown sits in the cozy window seat of the home.

afternoon.”

The three-bedroom home has 2,813 square footage, plus 912 in the garage and 2.5 baths. Carrera marble countertops, floors in marble and hardwood and the kitchen’s subway tile backsplash refine the interior.

Brown builds for effortless living with conveniences like USB drives in key locations, microwave drawer, pop-up electrical plugs and a hidden security safe in the slab. A built-in plumbed coffeemaker saves time for morning brews.

Electronics fit easily on the deeper fireplace mantel. For storage, Brown

built under-stair drawers and pullout compartments for cookware.

“The kitchen mesmerizes me,” Brown said. “It’s brilliantly cozy and chic ... all at once.” Industrial lighting, a kitchenfarm sink, stainless steel appliances and brushed nickel fixtures ‘pop’ against a white background.

“The openness to the living and breakfast room makes me want to entertain there,” Brown said.

To stage the home, Brown purchased several pieces at Noble Passage in downtown Madison. She will enjoy the furniture in her personal home, now under

construction.

Her fiancé, Nate Matthews; also is a homebuilder, works for a real estate developer and owns Eagle Insulation.

Brown’s son Hudson is 3-and-a-half years old.

In civic pursuits, Brown is a member of Madison and Huntsville chambers of commerce and local and national homebuilders associations.

Rachel Brown Homes won the 2012 the Better Business Bureau’s 2012 Torch Award for marketplace ethics.

For more information, visit rachelbrownhomes.com.

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BELOW: Sam & Greg’s pizzas are made fresh to order with crisp, chopped garlic, spices and veggies. OPPOSITE PAGE: Gelato choices color a contrasting palette at Sam & Greg’s.

LET’S EAT

Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria Enjoy pizza, stay for gelato close to home

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARAH BREWER

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opular tastes from Courthouse Square have headed west to 364 Hughes Road in Madison with Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria.

Greg and Samantha “Sam” Hathorn own the restaurants. “Reformed software folks, we always longed for a great restaurant near home where we could sit outside and enjoy some great food,” Greg said. “We tried to create something like that with Sam & Greg’s.”

When the “For Rent” sign appeared at the Huntsville storefront at 119 North Side Square, “we began our foray into the pizza business. We were very green to start,” Sam said. Greg manned the kitchen, while Sam and two others worked the front of the house.

Unable to meet demand, the Hathorns realized they must expand their staff. “The restaurant grew organically even through the recent recession. In the last six years, (the Huntsville) location has grown beyond our dreams,” Greg said.

About two years ago, the Hathorns set their sights on Madison. With crowds since opening day, “folks in Madison feel the same way we did about having somewhere near home to go for good food and fun,” Sam said.

Sam and Greg grew up in Huntsville. “Since we’re home grown, we love using locally sourced

Madison Living 11

ingredients for pizza and gelato,” Sam said. “Now, we can provide locally brewed beer, too.”

Sam & Greg’s pizzas are made fresh to order with crisp, chopped garlic, spices and veggies, “giving pizzas a perfectly homemade taste. Our ovens cook the crust to perfection,” Greg said.

One signature pizza, The Cajun, pays homage to Greg’s home state of Louisiana with shrimp, crawfish and andouille sausage. Customers thoroughly enjoy The Deluxe.

“A couple of customers come expressly for the bratwurst wrapped in pizza dough,” Sam said. Sam’s choice is The Southwestern, spicy with pepperoncini and cilantro.

Made-on-premises gelato attracts other guests. This Italian ice cream has about 6 to 8 percent fat, compared to premium ice cream at 20. Fruit in their gelato is grown at Scott’s Orchard, local farms and by Green Street Market vendors.

Gelato artist, Holly, blends out-of-this-world comfort flavors, like Spicy Hot Chocolate, Lavender, Honey Ginger, Chai, Coconut and Avocado.

However, Sam & Greg’s is more than pizza. The interior’s serpentine bar, loft and balcony seating use New Orleans inspired decor. On weekends, live music flows in the beautiful

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ABOVE: The patio and balcony are popular during spring and summer at Sam & Greg’s. OPPOSITE PAGE: Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria has a relaxed jibe to enjoy pizza, sandwiches or gelato.

outdoor patio.

“You can eat with family and friends in an environment that encourages you to relax and have fun,” Greg said.

The restaurant’s demographic is diverse.

For families, children can sketch with colored chalk on the patio. Teenagers grab a quick snack after school. “Young professionals come in for locally brewed beer, sit at the bar to eat and watch a game on the televisions,” Sam said.

Local and regional handcrafted beer flows from 24 taps. Other potables are an extensive bottled beer collection and fine wines.

The Hathorns are proud of the Hughes Road location in Madison’s geographic center. “We feel a part of the community,” Sam said. With ample room for retail growth, they’re “excited at what the future holds.”

Sam & Greg’s opens daily at 11 a.m.

Closing on Monday through Thursday is 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. and Sunday at 8 p.m.

For more information, call 256-772-9888 in Madison or 256-533-9030 in Huntsville or visit samandgregs.com or Facebook/ samandgregspizza.

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ARTS & CULTURE

BELOW: Rebecca Doom leads the signing class. She works as a youth service librarian at Madison Public Library.

‘Sign’ is the word Infants learn new language at Madison Public Library WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARAH BREWER

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hey barely can speak English, certainly not in complete sentences.

Yet, the youngest patrons at Madison Public Library already have begun to learn a ‘second language.’

The “Baby Sign Lap Sit” sessions materialized from parents’ requests. Youth services librarians Rebecca Doom and Maggie Allen slowly have introduced the use of American Sign Language in toddler and preschool story times, and parents wanted further exposure.

“Studies have shown that using baby sign can bridge the communication gap between pre-verbal infants and verbal adults, leading to fewer tantrums and greater understanding between parents and offspring,” Doom said.

Branch manager Sarah Sledge has seen enthusiasm and excellent attendance for the class. “Mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, grandfathers and other caregivers of infants are always welcome with their child,” Sledge said.

Thus far, most participants have been mother and child, but both mom and dad attend occasionally.

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ABOVE: Elliott Womack smiles as he practices a sign with his mother, Cortnee Wells Womack. BELOW: Lauren Porter and her 16-month-old son Barrett are having fun while learning to sign at Madison Public Library. OPPOSITE PAGE: Mothers sit crosslegged with their children and guide them through signing gestures.

During a lesson, Doom focuses on signs associated with colors, emotions and bedtime rituals.

Rhythmic songs also are part of the curriculum.

“Most babies have learned signs for common concepts like ‘happiness’ and ‘love’ and most definitely the sign for ‘more,’” Doom said.

Repetition is key. The children repeat concepts so signs can “settle in and take root,” Doom said. “We focus on one signing concept for multiple weeks.”

Hopefully when that timeframe ends, babies and parents can communicate more easily. “Older infants, closer to toddler age, can pick up on these signs and concepts rather quickly. With other children, the learning process is much more prolonged. Most infants understand,” Doom said.

For Doom, the major challenge 16 Madison Living

is maintaining her own personal knowledge of baby sign. For parents, she must reinforce signs from past sessions and introduce new “vocabulary.”

“Another major challenge is encouraging continued and consistent attendance, always a challenge when exposing infants to the elements and the different illnesses each season brings,” Doom said.

Parents give constructive feedback and want helpful reminders of signs from class to use one-on-one at home. “Most parents enjoy the class and find it fun and informative,” Doom said. “Many have indicated their children are using signs outside sessions at play and mealtimes.

That’s always encouraging to hear.”

Any parent/caregiver and child are welcome to Baby Sign Lap Sit. The library staff no longer requires

an RSVP for individual sessions. “Should attendance begin to exceed the amount of the supplies or space available, we will begin to offer more sessions at different times,” Doom said.

Community outreach is a primary goal of Madison Public Library, and the Baby Sign class epitomizes efforts in that direction, Sledge said. “We are all about enriching

the educational and cultural life of our community.”

Sledge and her staff strive to maintain relevance, innovation and progressiveness in library services. “We do this by having a talented team focused on the requests and feedback received from our customers,” Sledge said.

“Madison is a community dedicated to

learning with a large number of families with young children,” Sledge said. “It’s up to us to keep up with them!”

For more information, visit babysignlanguage.com, which Madison parents are using for flashcards, a dictionary and videos of commonly used words in baby sign settings.

Madison Living 17

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Prior to working at Wolde DANNY Flooring, Danny worked in construction as a flooring installer. Danny is responsible for managing Danny Wolde all job sites. Danny works with home owners and construction managers to ensure that all projects are completed according to specifications and on time.

Celebrating 12 Years

In Business Supporting Our Local Customers Madison Living 19

HEALTH

ABOVE: Zumba instructor Rod Smith routinely draws more than 100 people to his 6 p.m. class on Wednesdays at the Hogan YMCA in Madison.

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Up Beat Vigorous and rigorous, Zumba class at the YMCA lures an enthusiastic following

WRITTEN BY CHARLES MOLINEAUX PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

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or Rod Smith, Wednesday nights are party time.

“It’s exactly like a party,” Smith exclaimed.

Smith’s 6 p.m. Zumba classes at Madison’s Hogan Family YMCA have turned into a frenetic fiesta of motion and perspiration as crowds that can exceed 150 exuberantly get their groove on, and their heart rate up. “It can get packed sometimes,” Smith laughed.

Developed in the 1990s, Zumba incorporates a mix of international musical styles, dance moves and aerobic exercise into a high intensity cardiovascular workout accompanied by a pounding soundtrack that draws from generations of crowd pleasing favorites. “Seventy percent of it is Latin and international,” Smith said. “The rest, 30

Madison Living 21

ABOVE: Rod Smith poses with some of his class participants.

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percent, you can do any type of music, pop or hip hop or whatever.”

That’s how the crowd in the YMCA’s gym can end up wriggling into “Esos Jeans”

by Oro Solido, getting hot with Get Cool doing “Shawty Got Moves” or firing up their evening with “Hello Good Morning”

by P Diddy.

“You’ll hear those every week,” said Smith. “We definitely have our favorites. It’s fun, especially when we all know it. It’s just amazing to see everyone catch on.”

A native of Stafford, Va., Smith serves as a PFC in the Army National Guard, alternating between his classes and his stints on duty at Fort McClellan in Anniston and Camp Shelby in Mississippi. He started out working at the YMCA’s front desk but that Zumba beat came calling. “Other instructors got me involved,” he recalled. “I would take some of the Zumba instructors’ classes and they liked how I danced. So I went and got certified.”

The result was an urban, jazz, Latin, rap incarnation of the Pied Piper. “I can’t say what attracted them to my class,” Smith marveled. “When I started teaching, people

“It doesn’t feel like a workout. You’re just going to have fun.”

— Sara Barker just started coming.”

The class quickly became one of the Y’s most popular, fueled by zeal and passion, Smith said. “I put a lot of energy into it. I think people like the energy. They feed off what the instructor is doing.”

It’s a formula that makes the sessions demanding for the teacher. “If you come in dragging,” Smith warned, “chances are they won’t enjoy it if you seem uninterested. I put 100 percent of my effort into it.”

“It doesn’t feel like a workout,” exclaimed regular class member Sara Barker. “You’re just going to have fun.”

Now a three year veteran of the class, Barker said she and some friends were intrigued to see “Zumba” on the Y schedule and were quickly smitten. “We loved it a lot more than I thought we would,” she

recalled. “It’s definitely made it a lot easier to stay fit. It doesn’t feel like a burden. It’s something I want to go do. I make sure I make time to do it.”

Smith is grateful for his corps of such regulars who help him get through each class as, even with his voice amplified by his headset, he works to keep everyone else in the line… in line.

“There are so many people, it’s hard to see me in the front,” Smith chuckled. “But we have a few people that I can count on to be there every week. I depend on the regulars because they know the dances.

People behind them can see them and keep up. Truly they are my biggest help.”

His friendliest critics too, as Smith indulges his musical whims to craft ever fresher playlists to perspire by. “They’ll definitely let you know if they didn’t agree with a song or dance that you did,” he chuckled.

And, yes, he takes requests, making class favorites part of the routine. “If someone hears a song and thinks ‘this would be good for Zumba,’ it’s exciting to hear one of your songs worked in,” said Barker.

Day and Sleepaway Camps Ages 5 to 14 Boating, Zipline, Archery Horseback riding Crafts, Sports & More!

Madison Living 23

Cultivating responsibility

Sleepaway camp helps provide kids with life skills WRITTEN BY MARY ANNE SWANSTROM/YMCA PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARY ANNE SWANSTROM Imagine that you wake up one morning to find your child has straightened his room, brushed his teeth and cleaned up his dishes after breakfast.

Think you’re still dreaming?

Joey Barnard, new director of YMCA Camp Cha-La-Kee, wants you to know that cultivating personal responsibility is just one of many benefits of sleepaway camp for kids.

“Overnight camp gives children an experience that they will take with them for the rest of their lives,” Joey said. “They will make lasting friendships and learn new skills, but most importantly, they will learn life skills like group decision-making, communication, giving support to others and teamwork.”

That’s because cabin clean-up, personal hygiene and “K.P” (kitchen party) are a huge part of the experience they’ll receive at YMCA Camp.

Although Cha-La-Kee is located on the shores of Lake Guntersville, Joey’s office is in the Hogan YMCA. Joey and his fiancée, Whitney Skiritch, are enjoying the Southern hospitality they’ve found in their new hometown.

“We love living in Madison, and we immediately felt welcome in our neighborhood,” Joey said.

Before moving his family to Madison, Joey learned his craft at YMCA Camp Piomingo in Kentucky serving more than 14,000 campers over 10 years. His favorite part of directing YMCA camps is helping youth build friendships, self-confidence and a love for the outdoors.

Proximity between work, home and recreation is something the couple has come to love about Madison. Joey divides time between his office and Guntersville getting camp ready to receive guests at Open House Sundays in May. Cha-La-Kee has hosted thousands of children over its 57-year history, but because the camp had been leased out for a decade, it fell off the radar of local parents. Joey is working to get the word out that Cha-La-Kee is ready to welcome a new generation of campers.

“I want campers to trust that ‘they belong’ at Camp Cha-LaKee,” Joey said. “Our focus is safety, fun and friendships, and our counselors are the most caring, nurturing, fun young adults around.

Camp will create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, guaranteed.”

For more, visit ymcahuntsville.org/cha-la-kee 24 Madison Living

TOP: Sign announces entrance of YMCA summer camp.

BOTTOM: Whitney Skiritch and Joey Barnard.

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IN THE BIZ

Rolling Stones!

Spartan Stones finds business rock solid but competitive after expansion into Madison.

WRITTEN BY CHARLES MOLINEAUX PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO 26 Madison Living

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he suburbs in and around Madison may be a short drive from Tuscumbia but they’re a different and more challenging world for Mandy Kennedy, a fast growing but also tougher and more competitive market for selling stone.

“There are so many great companies in the Huntsville area that are in the stone fabrication business,” Kennedy pointed out. “We have so much competition now. It keeps you guessing.”

Long established in the Muscle Shoals area, Spartan Stones opened up shop in Madison in 2011 as the city and surrounding areas saw rapid development and a wave of homebuilding still ongoing today.

“We just wanted to break into the Madison county market. There’s a lot going on in Madison in particular,” she said, “a lot of new construction, and in Limestone County too.”

Older neighborhoods have also brought out new rock fans as homeowners redesigned and redecorated in established areas of Huntsville.

“The older, more high-end homes, that is,” she noted. “A lot of people in Hampton Cove are remodeling and we’re seeing lots of remodels in Huntsville.”

And frequently those remodeling jobs, especially kitchen updates, involve replacing vintage Formica or 1980s era Corian type surfaces with the latest in stone.

Once a luxury level boutique flourish, granite and other stone countertops and architectural features have gone mainstream and volume has picked up dramatically.

“The price of stone has dropped so much,” explained Kennedy. “You didn’t really see it much about 10 years ago because of the prices but quarry prices have dropped.

It has dropped so much it’s almost as affordable as laminate is. A lot of people will tell me ‘I bought this same material a few years ago and it’s 30 dollars a square foot cheaper now.’”

Kennedy also reported finding support from a shrewd generation of homeowners with an eye on the real estate market, not just the look of their kitchens.

“These days stone counters are pretty much expected for resale, especially in homes $80,000 and up, which is most of

OPPOSITE PAGE: Spartan Stones Manager Mandy Kennedy. ABOVE: A comfortable showroom awaits shoppers at Spartan Stones.

Madison Living 27

ABOVE: Granite and other stone countertops and architectural features have gone mainstream.

28 Madison Living

the homes in Madison,” she said.

By Kennedy’s estimate, the move to Madison has brought a sharp increase in business, from about three projects a week to three a day, as well as a change in the types of customers, from retirees in Muscle Shoals to professionals and families looking for new, frequently custom, creations.

“We’ve done a lot of furniture pieces,” she ticked off, “dining tables, fireplaces where we actually carve pieces of granite to make a fireplace. We have one in our showroom that’s really pretty. We’ve done floors out of slab weathered it to give it a textured look.”

Customers’ requests have become more exotic, too.

“You see a lot of people doing things kind of different and they bring us the pieces and we help them picece it together,” she said. “People bring in pictures they saw in Pinterest or (home design site) Houzz and tell us ‘this is kind of what I like.’ We can always help them from there and pick things out.”

The customer base also stood out, Kennedy said, with about half of the projects coming through professional contractors and half through DIY stoneworkers trying projects on their own homes.

As Madison moved into springtime, the great migration from inside the house onto the back patio brought a new flurry of activity, she continued.

“We’re seeing a lot more of that. People are trying to get their pool areas and backyard areas ready for summer. The next few months will be the busiest of the year,” she said.

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Arts 4 Paws Madison’s Arts 4 Paws Festival, held April 5, drew an impressive crowd of people and their four-legged family members, meshing two great passions — arts and pets. For more information about the event, visit artsmadison.org.

1. Ann Percle with Dot 2. Tag Griffin, 10, with Hank 3. Kim Lewis and Mary Caudle 4. A skeptical Logan Hankins, 2, gives a cautious eye to Buddy

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5. Sarah Savage, Artist 6. Justin Davis and Erica Robinson show off rescued dogs Toby and Jojo for adoption.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHARLES MOLINEAUX

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7. Karmen Romero, 9, and Breanna Henson, 10, with Abby 8. Tom Kelly shows off tight and tidy haircut for Shilo 9. Jenny Stott and Kaila Stott serve wieners, Mac, Chillee and Frito

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10. Cherie Blocker shows off designer gourmet dog biscuits from Something to Bark About Bakery 11. Tiffany Thompson with the Madison Animal Rescue Foundation meets Mickey 12. Montie Gonterman, stained glass artist

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Ability Plus

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Ability Plus of Madison launched celebration of its 10th anniversary with a gala at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, which included an appearance for former Alabama football coach Gene Stallings.

1. (from left) David Cantrell Abigail Cantrell Janice Stefaniw Roman Stefaniw 2. Dancers (from left) Anna Chilton, Cami Hladky, Carolyn Snoddy and Anna Giardini from Merrimac Performing Arts Center’s “Project Up” program for dancers with disabilities, performed at the Ability Plus gala

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHARLES MOLINEAUX

Madison Living 33

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3. Ability Plus customer Jamie Sims (left), with his sister Angela Sims (right)

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4. Kelly Falter (left) with Amy Falter, Ability Plus Senior Director of Opportunity Services 5. LaDonna Cook (left) with James Cook, Ability Plus VP of Residential Services 6. Donna McAnnally (left), sister of an Ability Plus consumer, with husband Bob McAnnally (right) 7. Steve Neyman (left) Kathy Neyman 8. Mary Fields (left) John Fields 9. Ability Plus staffers Louise Williams (left), and Genet Sylvester

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10. Robin Stewart (left) who performed a singing tribute to Coach Gene Stallings’ son John Mark, with Lawrence Stewart, George Wells and Ken Dupree

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11. Ability Plus Chief Operating Officer Karockas Watkins (left) with Chief Executive officer Keith Bedsole (right) 12. Coach Gene Stallings with Ability Plus Customer Jamie Sims 13. Lona Hladky (left) and John Hladky, parents of Cami Hladky, student at the Merrimac Performing Arts Center for dancers with disabilities

Madison Living 35

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Chamber After Hours Madison Chamber After Hours held at Madison Chapel Funeral Home on April 4.

1. Kelly Russell - Madison Chapel Funeral Home, Anthony Hooten - Madison Chapel Funeral Home, Kristen Strickland - BB&T, and Susie Masotti- Chamber of Commerce.

2. Candace Matthews - Winsett Financial, Tony Gordon - Winsett Financial 3. Jessi Brewer - Bill Penney Toyota and Lou Galipeau - What Women Want LLC

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY MELANIE MCCLURE

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Standing strong after a stroke U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Stephen Schneider is living proof that stroke can affect anyone. In top physical condition, he experienced a stroke at age 30. Because he knew the symptoms, Sergeant Schneider acted FAST — so did the Stroke Team at Huntsville Hospital.

May is Stroke Awareness Month.

Know the symptoms. Act F.A.S.T. Face droops on one side Arm drifts downward when raised Speech is slurred Time – Call 9-1-1 immediately About 1.9 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated.

huntsvillehospital.org facebook.com/HuntsvilleHospitalFan Twitter: @HSVHospital

Madison Living 37

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4. Kimberely Hardee - Iberia Bank, Clif Miller Rise Real Estate, Donna Behr - Crafty Behr 5. Ron Russell - Madison Chapel Funeral Home and Al Spratley - Blue Pants Brewery 6. Cynthia Pellerin - KFC Catering, Cheryl Webb - Visiting Angels, and Zelda Lanza - Crye-Leike

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Classifieds To place an ad in Madison Living, call 256.772.6677 Drivers: Don’t get hypnotized by the highway, come to a place where there’s a higher standard!

Up to $2K sign on, Avg $65K/yr + bonuses! CDL-A, 1 yr exp.

A&R Transport 888-202-0004

Floors Weak or Sagging Sheetrock cracking? We can help with our Concrete Floor Supports. We can adjust existing supports. Free Estimates. Licn/Ins. Best Rates! 256-297-0317

Caregivers & Nurses Male & Female ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Seeks compassionate Employees Now Branch Offices in Pell City & Huntsville. Apply in person: M-F 10-3; 3021 Lorna Rd Suite 100, Hoover 824-0224

CREEKSTONE SPACIOUS LUXURY APARTMENTS 1570 Lawrence St. East, located .5 miles South from Hwy 43.

All ground floor, All appliances, ceramic tile, ceiling fans, Individual Alarm Systems & more.

Temporary phone 256-275-0427

Clinic Openings American Family Care has full time openings. Apply now at www.americanfamilycare.com.

AFC is a smoke free, drug free, EOE

Soon the mark of the beast will be enforced. Free Book & Bible Study 205-339-4837

American Proteins, Inc. Hiring Drivers Home Daily, Great benefits package (including: health/dental/ vision insurance), paid vacation and holidays, quarterly safety bonus, 401K retirement plan. Need Class A CDL with tanker endorsement, one year verifiable driving experience. Contact Jamie Sewell at 256-352-9821 Ext 133 or Ronnie Demonia Ext 109 EOE ANN’S ALTERATIONS 600 Limestone Street, Suite #6 Hartselle, AL 256-773-4213 Sanitary Sewer Construction Project beginning soon in Phil Campbell, AL. Labor and CDL Driver needed with proper credentials. Email resumes to deann@bamautility.com CAP AUTO SALES Our lot is 1 mile east of the traffic light in Rogersville, 17400 Hwy 72.

No pressure selling. We don’t sell cars, we let you buy! Cars, trucks, SUVs 888-823-8359 www.capautosales.com CARRY TRANSIT Decatur, Alabama Now hiring DRIVERS * Good Pay * Excellent Benefits & Home Time * 18 Months OTR exp. * Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement. Apply on Line@ CarryTransit.com

Looking for a great home?

Call Davidson Realty 811 Village Wood Drive Russellville, AL 256-332-5236 Looking for a home? Need help with financing? Call your neighbors down the street at Davis Realty. We can help you get a great rate!

Call Willodean 256-762-5671 Davis Realty & Assoc. Inc. 115 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL 256-332-9920 DEPENDABLE DOZER & DIRT 256-332-4854 F/T Family Practice CRNP position available. Please fax resumes to 256-331-2096.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY! I am looking for a particular type of person to work locally. One who will take personal interest in my business. If you are willing to work, follow instructions and can live on $3,000 a month until your skills improve. I will train you and train you well, pay you and pay you well, and provide advancement limited only by your ability. Call Monday only 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ask for Will Black.

256-458-9900 DRIVERS WANTED! Falkville to Birmingham Shuttle Drivers Req: 21+ yo, Class A CDL, 1

yr exp, pass DOT physical/drug screen. www.flashtrucking.com Call 920-294-0430

At home senior care, have 11 years of references in Madison.

Licensed in Alabama 256-2336234

House For Sale!

1002 Aspen Drive SW, Bellemead area. Approx. 1800 sq ft, 3BR/2BA, large kitchen and den, laundry room, garage, nice deck, pool and pool shed. Large front porch. $149,500.

Call 256-339-1268.

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

ALL POSITIONS NEEDED Increased Production • Receiving • Production • Maintenance Exp. a plus. Apply in person Franklin Homes 10655 Hwy 43, Russellville Wanted Junk Cars & Trucks call 205-275-4213 All New Happy Jack Kennel Dip II: kills fleas, ticks, & MANGE mites without steroids. Do NOT use on cats!!! Thompson Way Farm & Garden 851-4200 www.happyjackinc.com PAYING TOP DOLLAR I Buy Junk Vehicles & Catalytic Converters Call Greg at 256-394-6340 Hartselle Villas 907 Lane Road ~ Hartselle, AL 35640 NOW LEASING 1 & 2 BR Apartments (256)773-5298 TDD/TTY 800-548-2546 JACKSON TOWNHOUSES 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath All appliances included, Convenient Location.

Jackson Ave North.

256-332-2960 CNA’s and CARE Givers Not getting the hours or money you need? Then ask yourself this: does your employer match our credentials? * Largest in North Alabama * Competitive Pay with Paid Vacation Time * Immediate Bonus Opportunities * Ongoing Training Available That’s what we thought. Home Instead Senior Care has work available! Call today and start this week! 256-883-3080

Lightfoot Construction Russellville, Al area.

Call Rodney256-275-8689 Español Disponibles We are now seeking Jobs! Http://Lightfoot.Construction AVON Make up to 50% Commission plus other bonuses!

256-349-4845 We Buy ATVs Motorcycles & Utility Vehicles Motorsports Superstore 888-880-2277 Hamilton, AL Mattress Sets 100% New w/ Warranty. We Deliver!

TWIN Sets From $99 FULL Sets From $129 QUEEN Sets From $149 KING Sets From $295 Finance! (205)912-7177 MyUltimateMattress.com SPRING CLEAN-UP Need a Dumpster?

Call 205-893-7223 RUSSELL DEVILLA Accepting Applications Mon & Wed Only 9-3. 1BR-2 BR Apts. Rent based on Income. 256-332-7873 Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-350-9938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales.com WE WANT TO HIRE YOU TO RETIRE YOU! Work for a strong stable company. Southern Haulers LLC is hiring CDL-A Drivers for new accounts. Must have clean CDL-A, Hazmat pref. Exc pay and

benefits. Contact Mike 800.537.4621 EOE southernhaulersllc.com SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY STORAGE BUILDINGS For Rent, All Sizes. Russellville, AL. We Accept Credit Cards. Call Jerry 256-332-9253 or 256-4125392 Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-12pm Steel Building Bargains Allocated Discounts We do deals 30x40, 50x60, 100x100 and more Total Construction and Blueprints Available gosteelbuildings.com Source #18X 251-241-4250 TED MILLS Heating & A/C Service & Change out $65 Fall Service Free Estimates 256-412-5408 Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 GUN & KNIFE EXPO Events in Central and North Alabama.

Check www.vpigunshows.com/ Valley Productions for shows near you! 256-335-8474 MANUFACTURED HOMES MOBILE HOMES with land. Ready to move in. Owner financing with approved credit. 3 bdrm., 2 bath. No renters. 1-205-2898899 LandHomesExpress.com Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

Village Green Apartments 111 Village Green Circle, Red Bay 256-356-8761 Equal Housing Opportunity Handicap Accessible ELECTRICIANS needed, drug test req. Woody’s Electric Call 256-331-2775

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Around the corner is a location.

And a state of mind.

At BB&T, we believe a local approach to banking should never go out of style. For more than 140 years, we’ve been sharing the knowledge our clients need to move in a brighter financial direction. Supporting our schools, arts and sports programs. Helping businesses grow and families become homeowners. And seeing our connection to this community grow stronger by the year. BBT.com

Kristen Strickland Market Leader & Small Business Consultant 8441 Hwy 72 Madison AL 35758 O: 256-690-5590 C: 256-960-1267 KStrickland@BBandT.com

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Branch Banking and Trust Company is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

Loans are subject to credit approval. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. Š 2014, Branch Banking and Trust Company. All rights reserved.