Madison Living Magazine - March 2022

MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • OUT & ABOUT • SCHOOLS

March 2022 madisonlivingmagazine.com

THE FIREBIRD

Huntsville Ballet to present The Firebird, a spellbinding story of heroism and love

DYLAN DRYER James Clemens track standout pushes ahead, even against the toughest of life’s obstacles, to find a way to succeed

BLACK DOG GROUNDS & SOUNDS

Couple finds groove in sounds and grounds

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

Alexander’s Martial Arts stays in form for student progress, plans to resume in-person classes

MRS. MOLLY’S SIDEWALK LIBRARY

The pandemic leads Dr. Molly King to create a unique sidewalk library for spring break and summer reading

Madison Living 1

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Alison James John Few

MADISON CONTRIBUTORS MADISON Gregg Parker LIVING LIVING Bob Labbe

EDITORIAL Richard George EDITOR Rebekah Martin Joshua Berry JohnJames Few Alison Erin Coggins John Few Lee Marshall CONTRIBUTORS Mayor Paul Finley Bob Labbe CONTRIBUTORS MaryGregg LynneParker Wright Parker MaryGregg Anne Swanstrom Erin Coggins Bob Labbe Joshua Berry Richard George William Aycock MARKETING Joshua Berry Lee Marshall Donna Counts Erin Coggins John Peck Lee Marshall Mary Lynne Wright ADMINISTRATIVE Mayor Paul Finley Richard George Sierra Jackson Mayor PaulWright Finley Mary Lynne French Salter Mary Anne Swanstrom MARKETING ••• Donna Counts MARKETING

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by Madison Publications, LLC. Single copies are to A one-year subscription Copyright 2020 available at select Madison Living

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Single copies are available at 4 select Madison Livingthroughout locations Totheadvertise to get Madison or area. more copies, To advertise or to get call 256-772-6677. more copies, call 256-772-6677.

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by Madison Publications, LLC 4 Madison Living

4 Madison Living

and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.

...

CONTRIBUTORS John Few, Editor Alison James, copy editor

John Few hasearned been in thebachelor’s field of newspaper journalism at and production for over 25 Alison James her degree in journalism Auburn University, years. Johninhas served staffher writer, editor and publisher for a variety of publications graduating 2012.

She as began career in community journalism in Alexander City in Alabama and Mississippi.

He was transferred 2009 toinbegin coverage of loves and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika beforeinlanding northhis Alabama.

She Madison. covering thecorrecting City of Madison the past 10 years, John onplaces sharing theIn stories – and the grammar of those stories – ofhas the reported people and several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James that make north Alabama such a special place.

Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has grown, John has been there to cover the news that has made Madison home. Together John and his wife, Lori, have seven children, ranging from 15-23 years old.

John Few, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

Bob Labbe is abeen lifelong resident the Huntsville community.

He has beenfor innearly the local John Few has in the field ofofnewspaper journalism and production 25 news media for served 48 years, journalistTimes, in television, radio and print years.

John has as a multi-award-winning staff writer for The Demopolis the daily newspaper media. is a member of thefor Huntsville-Madison County HallGazette. of FameHe and has in West He Alabama, and editor the weekly newspaper theAthletic Black Belt was been nominated for to both the his Alabama Press Association Alabama of transferred in 2009 begin coverage of Madison.

Inand covering the Music City ofhalls Madison fame.

Bob hosted radio program, The Years,such for 29 on WLRH-FM the past 10 has years, Johna has reported onReelin’ severalinkey events, asyears construction of the Public Family Radio. He has also a local highHigh school basketball for 28 years andhas was Hogan YMCA and been James Clemens School.

Overreferee the years, as Madison a high school football 15 years.

Bob is anhas avidmade sportsMadison fan and home. collector of 45 grown, John has been referee there tofor cover the news that Together rpm records.

He once boxed Ali and was from the reporter who asked John and his wife, Lori, haveMuhammad seven children, ranging 15-23 years old. the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

A graduate Mississippi State Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Bob Labbe isof a lifelong resident ofUniversity, the Huntsville community.

He has been in the local Intergraph Corporation 1990 with wife Brenda and son For radio 15 years news media for 48 years, ainmulti-award-winning journalist in Andy. television, andGregg print wrote for Spirit” “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Times.” media.

He “Madison is a member of theand Huntsville-Madison County Athletic HallHuntsville of Fame and has His articles havefor been in numerous chamber of Alabama commerce publications, been nominated bothpublished the Alabama Press Association and Music halls of “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Gregg considers a privilege to fame.

Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ inWater.”

The Years, for 29 years onitWLRH-FM document Madison’s coming age high in hisschool hundreds of articles forfor “The Madison Public Radio.

He has also been aoflocal basketball referee 28 years and was andfootball “Madison Living” magazine.

Gregg spoiling his collector rescue dachshund, aRecord” high school referee for 15 years. Bob is an enjoys avid sports fan and of 45 rpm Francis He Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netfl series;and andwife records. once boxed Muhammad Ali and was theix reporter whovisiting asked Andy the famed Paul Saadia, bothhis physicians, in Nashville, Bear Bryant last question as coach ofTenn. the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Erin Coggins, Gregg Parker, contributing contributing writer

AErin graduate of is Mississippi University, Gregg Madison High with Coggins a scholasticState journalism adviser andParker historyrelocated teacher attoSparkman Intergraph in 1990 withand wifepublic Brenda and son Andy. ForHer 15 years Gregg School. SheCorporation is also a freelance writer relations consultant. writing muse is wrote “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone “The Huntsville Times.”

Worldfor War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle,Spirit” whom sections she fell ininlove with while a student His articles have been published in numerous chamberErin of commerce publications, studying communications at the University of Alabama. and her husband Jamie “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege reside in Madison. to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netflix series; and visiting Andy and wife Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.

Erin Coggins, writer Joshua Berry, contributing photographer

Erin Coggins a scholastic journalism adviser and teacher at Sparkman High Joshua Berryishas a degree in biology and works fullhistory time as an aquatic instructor for the School.

She is also aHe freelance writer public relations consultant.

Herdistances. writing muse is City of Huntsville. is also an avidand runner, ranging from short to long When World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom he sheenjoys fell in trying love with while a the student he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, to capture perfect studying theowner University of Alabama.

Erin andhis heradvice husband Jamie momentcommunications on his camera. Asatthe of Everlong Photography, for beautiful reside in Madison. pictures is that nothing looks better than being confi dent in oneself.

Joshua Berry, photographer Joshua Berry has a degree in biology and works full time as an aquatic instructor for the City of Huntsville. He is also an avid runner, ranging from short to long distances. When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, he enjoys trying to capture the perfect moment on his camera. As the owner of Everlong Photography, his advice for beautiful pictures is that nothing looks better than being confident in oneself.

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WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

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19 EVENTS

19 THE FIREBIRD Huntsville Ballet to present The Firebird, a spellbinding story of heroism, magic, and love

PLACES

PEOPLE

47 MRS. MOLLY’S SIDEWALK LIBRARY The pandemic leads Dr. Molly King to create a unique sidewalk library for spring break and summer reading

27 BLACK DOG GROUNDS & SOUNDS Couple finds groove in sounds and grounds

FOOD&DRINK

SPORTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

35 DYLAN DRYER James Clemens track standout pushes ahead, even against the toughest of life’s obstacles, to find a way to succeed

53 GRILLING TIME! Warmer weather means time to break out the grill 7 The Guide 23 Shopping 26 Around Town 39 Madison City Schools 60 Out & About 64 Chamber Connections

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41 GETTING BACK TO NORMAL Alexander’s Martial Arts stays in form for student progress, plans to resume in-person classes in March

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THE GUIDE

Impressions Chamber Music Concert • March 20 • 4 p.m. • Asbury Church • www.weareasbury.com/music The community is invited to kick off the 2022 music season at Asbury with Impressions, a relaxing chamber music concert on Sunday, March 20, ushering in a spirit of beauty and hope in what continues to be a challenging season for many. The free afternoon concert will be held in the Building 2 Sanctuary on Asbury’s Madison Campus. It will highlight a collection of pieces from French Impressionists including the Piano Trio and Reflets dans l’eau by Debussy, and others by Ravel, Faure, and Tailleferre.

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THE GUIDE

An Innocent Man: The Music of Billy Joel • March 19 • 7:30 p.m. • Von Braun Center Concert Hall • www.hso.org “Sing us a song tonight!” The musicians of the HSO are joined by our friends from Jeans ‘n Classics to present An Innocent Man, an evening of hits by the legendary Billy Joel. Known for his candid lyricism and his mastery of styles ranging from doo-wop and rhythm and blues, Joel has sold more than 150 million albums around the world. We’re delighted to pay tribute to one of America’s leading tunesmiths: “The Piano Man.”

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THE GUIDE

Monster Jam • March 25-27 • VBC Propst Arena • www.vonbrauncenter.com Monster Jam® is an action-packed motorsport with world-class athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill. Witness heated rivalries, high-flying stunts, and fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship. Engineered to perfection, these 12,000-pound monster trucks, including the legendary Grave Digger®, Megalodon®, El Toro Loco® and more push all limits in Freestyle, Skills, and Racing competitions. The Series Champion receives an automatic bid to the prestigious Monster Jam World Finals® to compete for the title of World Champion. This is full-throttle family fun. The Official Monster Truck SeriesTM only at Monster Jam. cookmuseum.org

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THE GUIDE

“25 Years of Experience”

WE POUR CONCRETE TOO Rocket City’s Got Talent • April 1 • Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment • www.fantasyplayhouse.org Rescheduled from Sept. 2021, Rocket City’s Got Talent is Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy’s (FPCTA) annual fund-raiser. People are invite to join a passionate group of supporters, including arts and theatre lovers, community leaders, and business professionals for an evening of live entertainment at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. Performers will showcase the abounding talent this area has to offer and the evening will also include heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction of high-quality items to include unique experiences, private dinners, overnight trips, artwork, jewelry, and more. New this year is the “Kids Experience!” Parents can drop their kids off at the FPCTA Building on Long Avenue for their own night of activities and fun with FPCTA’s professional educators!.

FPCTA provides theatre arts access through production, education, and outreach, reaching more than 31,000 residents annually, including 21,000 children and youth.

They enrich the lives of children and families through theatre and arts education. Recognizing the transformative power theatre arts can have in the life of a child, FPCTA prioritizes theatre arts access for all by providing free and reduced-fee access to its programs for low-moderate income students.

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THE GUIDE

Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty • Opens March 4 • Huntsville Botanical Garden • hsvbg.org

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Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty has captivated audiences around the world with its whimsical architecture and immersive designs made entirely from natural materials. Now, this novel art form is coming to the Huntsville Botanical Garden with a brand new installation of massive scale. Tucked away in the Garden and built from locally sourced sapling branches, the giant sculpture will twist and turn to create an interactive installation for visitors to explore freely. Like a portal to another world, Stickwork will offer guests of all ages a chance to play, imagine, and find inspiration in nature.

CONTACT LAURA ADAMSKY 256-355-5827

Madison Living 15

THE GUIDE

Fire On The Mountain 2022 • Burritt on the Mountain • March 5 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • www.burrittonthemountain.com

A day of Open Hearth Cooking, Blacksmithing and Fires Burning throughout the Historic Park! Always a favorite with our visitors, you won’t want to miss Burritt’s Fire on the Mountain on Saturday, March 5th, from 10 am – 3 pm. Our historic cooks will transport you back to the 1800s as you see, hear, and smell their work as they prepare historic recipes over our open fires and cast-iron cook stove. In addition, our blacksmiths will be firing up the forges throughout the historic park to demonstrate this fascinating skill. Please join us for this memorable day in the historic park! Included with regular admission.

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THE GUIDE • Looking Ahead

BTL presents ‘HAIRSPRAY’ • April 1-3 • Von Braun Center Playhouse • www.broadwaytheatreleague.org Broadway’s Tony Award-Winning Musical Is Back! You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon that inspired the blockbuster film and live television event, is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” “It Takes Two,” and incorporating “Ladies Choice” from the musical film adaption.

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The Mousetrap • March 18-20, 24-26 • Theatre Huntsville Von Braun Center Playhouse • www.THtix.com

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EVENTS

THE FIREBIRD

Huntsville Ballet to present The Firebird, a spellbinding story of heroism, magic, and love STORY BY MONICA YOTHER

Madison Living 19

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Following a near sold-out season of The Nutcracker, Huntsville Ballet presents The Firebird, April 8-10 at the Von Braun Center’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall.

The Firebird is a spellbinding story of heroism, magic, and love to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

“Huntsville Ballet is thrilled to bring this important work to the stage. George Balanchine’s 1949 recreation of The Firebird brought a young New York City Ballet to international attention and set the course for ballet in America,” said Phillip Otto, acclaimed Artistic Director for Huntsville Ballet who himself worked and trained with Balanchine.

“Balanchine heavily influenced my own creative work.

Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes premiered The Firebird in Paris in 1910. However, it was George Balanchine’s production in 1949 in collaboration with lifelong friend and composer, Igor Stravinsky that placed The Firebird firmly at the foundation of American ballet repertoire. It featured scenery, sets, and costumes by artist, Marc Chagall and America’s first prima ballerina, Maria Tallchief as the firebird. Huntsville Ballet’s production gives center stage to principal company dancer, Abby Callahan as the firebird.

“Abby was born to dance this role,” Otto said of her performance.

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Based on Russian folklore, the ballet tells the story of Prince Ivan who enters an enchanted forest to hunt. He comes upon the firebird and is so mesmerized by her beauty, he spares her life. In return, the firebird gives him one of her magical feathers. Prince Ivan uses the feather to break the spell that has kept the thirteen princesses imprisoned in the forest by the evil sorcerer, Kostcheï.

Along with Callahan, the production will feature the Company’s entire roster of professional dancers, complemented by a cast comprised of over 40 pre-professionals and students from Huntsville Ballet School.

Huntsville Ballet will also present the world premieres of works by local contemporary choreographers, Gina Guerrera and Jere Hunt. Guerrera said her new work, Ti Voglio Bene “expresses raw moving images of the heart’s greatest desire and joy.“ Hunt’s Danse à la Bell Musique is a playful, abstract piece in five movements inspired by the music of accomplished violinist, Joshua Bell.

To purchase tickets visit www.huntsvilleballet.org/tickets or call 256-970-0917.

Showtimes are as follows: Opening Night: Friday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 9 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 10 at 1:00 p.m.

Madison Living 21

About Huntsville Ballet Patrons from across Alabama and the Tennessee Valley travel to Huntsville to enjoy the artistry of Huntsville Ballet’s 10 professional dancers, complemented by the work of pre-professional and junior company members and guest artists. Audiences enjoy the art of classical ballet in performances like Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty as well as other dance genres featured in newer works like Stage Door Canteen and The Tumbleweed Symphony. The Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker affords students from Huntsville Ballet School the opportunity to audition and perform alongside the professional company.

Huntsville Ballet’s performances and community outreach programs are designed to appeal to a broad audience and bring the art of ballet to everyone from the art lover to those new to the experience. Huntsville Ballet Company and School operate under the umbrella of Community Ballet Association, Inc., a non-profit member of the state and local Arts Councils, incorporated in 1964.

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....................... AROUND TOWN .......................

...

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Since Davidson Farms opened in 2017 it has been our intention to make it a home for our girls. It’s in our promise: Hope, Heal, Home.

The next phase of life at the Farm – our Cottage Community – will be finished this spring and our promise for these tiny houses is the same as the main house: Make it a Home.

Davidson Farms has resonated with our community in so many ways; we get phone calls and emails almost daily from people asking how they can help our girls. Now, you can

“Make it a Home” for our girls by helping us furnish the cottages with all the things they will need.

On our website at kidstolove.org you will see a link to click to shop for our girls. There is everything from dishes and towels to welcome mats and coffee makers. It’s as simple as click, ship and give. The gifts will ship directly to us.

Thank you for helping us change the lives of young ladies in foster care! We are grateful to share their journey with you.

PLACES

BLACK DOG GROUNDS & SOUNDS Couple finds groove in sounds and grounds STORY BY ERIN COGGINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 27

T

The aroma of coffee and the pleasant, vivid sounds of music amplify the senses as one enters Madison’s new and only vinyl record shop.

Cliff and Leslie Patterson opened Black Dog Vinyl and HiFi Sounds in April in the Miller Plaza at Beacon Hill on Old Madison Pike. They added the coffee shop in September, adding a tag to the name-Sounds and Grounds.

“The rented space already had a kitchen area,” Leslie said.

“We asked ourselves, what do you with music? Our answer was linger. Then it was what goes with lingering. Cliff suggested coffee.”

The couple designed a space where customers can relax with a cup of coffee, a special blend created for them from Northside Coffee, sit on a couch or at a table and just take in the quality sound of vinyl music.

“We want to extend hospitality,” Leslie said. “We want to make people feel comfortable. We want people who do not understand the Hifi portion to feel like they can ask us anything.”

Cliff’s love affair with music is rooted in family. He grew up listening to vinyl with his uncles, acquiring a taste in mu-

28 Madison Living

sic older than he. They gave him their record collection and music equipment when they grew older and moved on. Leslie’s love for music is also rooted in family.

She says as a child of the ‘90s, she was accustomed to cassette tapes and CDs. If she did not like a song on an album, she just hit the fast forward button. Then Cliff sat her down in what she calls the “sweet spot” and really made her listen to a Norah Jones album.

“He wanted me to hear it all,” Leslie said. “I discovered a sound so warm and full. A sound quality that I did not know was there. I had been missing out. As the fast forward person, I learned that when you drop the needle on a vinyl, you cannot fast forward. You have to sit down and enjoy.”

The Patterson’s stock the bins with eclectic artists from a variety of genres. Leslie says most of the stock comes from what people bring in after cleaning out and they pay what they can for the items.

“We say if you are going to the dumpster, come here instead,” Leslie said. “We do not want to see the old things that people enjoyed or that are meaningful go to waste.”

The duplicates or those albums not so classic are placed in

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a bargain bin. Cliff says there are some gems that can be found in those bins.

“We have a bootlegged album from Japan that came in,” Cliff said. “On the outside, it looks like a Fleetwood Mac album, but on the inside cover there are other bands written In Japanese. It is rare and I have it sitting behind the counter.”

The Pattersons are seeing business pickup. They have regulars and then there are the “off the street” clientele.

“There has been an uptick of customers coming in, smelling the coffee and staying awhile,” Leslie said.

“They are looking for something they haven’t heard before. Not popular music, but deep cuts.”

The younger generation is also taking notice of the vinyl store. Leslie says it is a quest to make a connection.

“There is a novelty to vinyl. There is a whole piece of a generation looking for the same experience with music as Cliff had,” Leslie said. “They want something tangible, physical and something that they can feel, touch and that pulls on all senses. They want to listen to music as the artist intended. We also see parents come in with their children, trying to get them into it.”

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32 Madison Living

Both Cliff and Leslie feel that this need for connection in vintage vinyl stems from today’s world of streaming.

Streaming allows for listeners to get pigeon-holed into whatever the digital format predicts for their tastes. To Cliff, not only does vinyl music tantalize the sense of sound, but the liner notes of an album can also spawn a whole new experience.

“Reading the liner notes of one album can branch out to three,” Cliff said. “For example, Frank Zappa started his own label different from his music. If you read the liner notes, you may see that someone who played on Zappa’s album played on someone else’s album. If you like that song, then you may want to listen to more of that artist and so on.”

Black Dog’s open-mic comedy night is on Thursdays, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Madison Living 33

Besides selling vinyl and coffee, Black Dog sells turntables, speakers, receivers, amplifiers. Cliff offers sound room design and set up as well. Leslie said they have found that some people do not understand the Hi-Fi part of their business.

“Some people think Hi-Fi and they think that may be too cool for me,” Leslie said. “We are accessible to educate them on Hi-Fi and music in general. If you do not know a single thing or are just starting out or just want to upgrade or are simply curious about music in general, just ask. We are here to help you.”

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SPORTS

DYLAN DRYER

James Clemens track standout pushes ahead, even against the toughest of obstacles, to find a way to succeed STORY BY BOB LABBE PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

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D

Dylan Dryer is the athlete every coach dreams of having on his or her squad. He demonstrates great sportsmanship and work ethic. He pushes ahead even against the toughest of obstacles and finds ways to succeed.

The 16-year old sophomore track athlete at James Clemens High has quickly established himself as one of the elite prep runners in Alabama in the 800-meter distance event and is also part of the Jets’ 4x800 relay squad. His abilities on the track have been ongoing since he was in the sixth grade at Heritage Elementary School where he joined the school’s running club. His move was one he never thought of attempting as he played soccer, football and basketball.

While making his way to seventh grade at Liberty Middle School, Dryer was running in the 1600-meter race where he soon became No. 1 ranked in the U.S. and his elite athleticism became widely known. His laced up running shoes have taken him to even newer heights as a member of the high school ranks.

“I grew up in Mississippi and participated in a one mile run at my father’s place of employment and I took second place when I just seven years old and that sort of gave me a taste of what I needed to do,” said Dryer. “Once moving to Madison in the fifth grade I soon became entrenched in the sport and I began to compare myself to others and noticed how good I

was as I was able to carry my own weight and have worked hard to where I am today.”

The son of Michael and Nakeetsha Dryer, he once suffered from migraine headaches, which many times were severe enough to cause him to vomit and easily cause a major disruption of his day. He began to eat “cleaner” and drink more water. Though like most teens, he loves sweets and the junk foods that are a part of his surroundings, he choose not to partake in many of them such as baked goods. “I can always be seen carrying a bottle of water,” added Dryer.

As an athlete, Dryer has the near perfect body for a sprinter.

He’s 6-foot tall and weighs just over 155 pounds. His muscles are lean and long and shows sculpting similar to those Olympic athletes that have stood tall on the medal podium.

“I live in a house within walking distance of James Clemens and I occasionally walk to school,” said Dryer. “During the summer months off from school I work out daily. I set an alarm on my phone and wake up at the crack of dawn where I scurry to prepare for my day and start the morning off eating a dry waffle.”

“He is driven to be the best, but still has time to laugh and enjoy life as he help his teammates and classmates to become better,” said Drew Bell head coach of the James Clemens track program. “His parents are very supportive as his father was

Madison Living 37

once one of the best distance runners in Alabama.”

“My father was a very good runner while attending high school in Fort Payne and in college and ran the same races as I do today and when I started track I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” said Dryer. “My father and Coach Bell are the two who listen to the most on coaching my running techniques. I’ve also watched videos of Olympic runners to watch their strides and arm movements.”

His father is a plant manager while his mother is a nurse practioner with her own business. Dryer has two sisters, ages 17 and 26 as his youngest sister is a competition cheerleader. His girlfriend, Ebba Detulleo, is also a sophomore sprinter running the 800-meter and the 4x400 relay- the only issue is she runs for Dryer’s crosstown rival Bob Jones.

His natural abilities as a sprinter was evident as far back as Dryer can remember. He would always play tag on the playground at school and his fellow students never wanted him chosen to lead the outing as he was always fast. Matter of fact, he was known as the fastest in his school. “I began running the 800-meter and did a few road races,” said Dryer. “I remember running in Randolph Run events, the Cookie Dash and the Red Bull Run. I liked to run.”

Not all was dandy within the psyche of Dryer, especially early on in track. He was lacking the belief in himself he needed to excel at a high level. His lack of confidence was his inner-demon he faced each time he lined up on the track. With help from both his father and Bell, he finally began to believe in how well he could perform and gained confidence each time the starting gun would fire.

“I feel I have the drive and that’s the reason I feel I have done well as I want people to be proud of me each time I race,” said Dryer. “I use a home gym to work on my core muscle strength and flexibility, which is needed to run the type of races I do partake in.”

Away from the track Dryer is a 4.0 student in the classroom and occasionally volunteers at the Madison Downtown Rescue Mission where he and his family have been seen serving meals to those in need. He loves to eat spaghetti, as that’s his favorite food, and plays lots of video sports games where he claims he’s very good at the game controls.

With his family, Dryer attends The Rock as their choice of worship. He serves in the children’s ministry and on Wednesday evenings holds bible study in their home.

He seems to have his life together and has goals he hopes to achieve. He wants to run in college by earning a scholarship and obtain a degree in cyber security. From there, he wants to run in the Olympics and run for a big shoe company where maybe someday some young runner will watch video of his talents as an inspiration.

“I love running, to win and show what I can do on the track,” said Dryer. “I feel my natural gifts of being able to run are from God.”

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....................... Madison City Schools .......................

NBCT Honor wall at the MCS Central Office with Cindy Davis, the school district’s NBCT Program Facilitator.

Madison City Schools reaches for the stars with NBCT teacher credentialing

O

Our teachers are all stars in Madison City Schools. Some have earned extra star status.

They are the National Board Certified Teachers, or NBCTs. Madison City Schools has 92 NBCTs who are all honored on star-shaped placards at their Dr. Heather schools and on the lobby wall at the MCS Central Office.

Donaldson The number of MCS teachers Madison City Schools earning Board Certification conChief Academic Officer tinues to grow and we are very excited that 10 were added last month and that over 40

...

teachers are currently in the process of pursuing National Board Certification. Only two other public school districts out of 138 in Alabama have more NBCTs than MCS, which says a lot with MCS ranking 13th largest in enrollment.

So what is National Board Certification? In short, it is a voluntary advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure. It is the most respected professional certification available in education that was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools. Teachers who are National Board Certified receive an extra $5,000 in pay annually by the state. They are up for recertification every 10 years.

More than a decade of research from across the country

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Latest batch of MCS teachers earning NBCT and recognized at a recent Board of Education meeting.

demonstrates the positive impact that National Board Certified Teachers have on student achievement. Studies show that students taught by Board-Certified teachers gain an extra 1-2 months of learning each school year, and the positive impact of having a Board-Certified teacher is even greater for minority and low-income students.

Why is that? Because the National Board Certification process propels teachers to move through rigorous professional analysis, reflection, and intentionality with regard to their instructional practices.

As a district, Madison City Schools recognizes the value of National Board Certification, and in the spring of 2015, we committed to providing more support to help teachers through this process. At that time, our records showed that we had around 21 National Board Certified teachers. Since the spring of 2015, we have been blessed to contract with retired Madison City educators, Jeanne Welt and Cindy Davis, who bring tremendous knowledge of the process with Board-Certification. The numbers have been growing

40 Madison Living

steadily since.

When we started in 2015, we were unable to provide monetary support to these teachers, but we were able to provide mentors and a support network. We are pleased that over the past few years, we have been able to provide monetary support through grants and the Committee of 100. We are continuing our partnership with the Committee of 100 and The Schools Foundation as they work tirelessly to secure funding for us to financially support teachers pursuing Board-Certification.

The latest NBCTs for Madison City Schools are Savannah Lyles, Sophia Hall, Dr. Lori Shrode, Judy Bagwell, Dr. Stephanie Bostick, Beth Woodard, Lauren Cecil, Susan VestRader, Peggy Dupree, and Lory Schieler.

I am very excited to see our NBCT program grow and what that means from a teacher development and student achievement perspective. Thank you to our teachers who embark on this journey of renewed professional growth and dedication to our students in their classrooms.

BUSINESS

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL Alexander’s Martial Arts stays in form for student progress, plans to resume in-person classes in March STORY BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 41

I

In Joe Alexander’s life, his commitment to a sport and unexpected scenarios within his circle led him to transition to owner of Alexander’s Martial Arts.

Alexander earned a bachelor’s degree in physics at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he began training in karate and earned his Black Belt. Alexander was active on the competition circuit.

“We had a tragic accident in 1993. Mr. Berry Grizzard, my teacher and coach, passed in the wreck,” Alexander said. He and a few fellow students kept teaching for continuity in students’ programs. “Over time, the others moved on. I ended up buying out other owners.”

“We grew to as many as four locations and had about 1,000 people training (around) Huntsville and Madison,” Alexander said.

Alexander praises his current senior staff: • Robert Barefield -- Staff member with most seniority.

Started training in April 1995 and has reached rank of Rokudan (6th degree) in karate and Nidan (2nd degree) in Okinawan Weapons. Teaching since 1996, Barefield has won a national title, ranked seventh in the world as Heavyweight Black Belt and won a Bronze Medal in Kickboxing.

• Julie Haralson -- School manager in Madison. Handles customer support, teaching and administrative needs. Started

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training April 2009. Earned rank of Sandan (3rd degree) in Karate. Started teaching and developed Jujitsu program while training. Earned current rank of Nidan (2nd degree) in Jujitsu and Shodan (1st degree) in weapons.

• Jeff Roe – Trained from childhood through Marine Corps.

Current ranks are Hwa Rang Do (Brown Belt), Tae Kwon Do (Shodan – 1st degree), Karate Sandan (3rd degree) and Okinawan Weapons Shodan (1st degree). Working on 4th degree in Karate, 2nd in weapons and Kenjutsu (Japanese sword).

• Kristen Alexander – Joe and Kristen are married. She is his business partner, amazing home-school parent and the brains of ‘personal development through martial arts’ approach that sets the studio apart. Kristen’s work was crucial in shifting to an online program and blended (online/in person) learning environment. “Kristen is my best friend. Her optimism and resourcefulness are invaluable,” Joe said.

Alexander complimented others on the primary staff, including Alecia Walker, Justin Williamson and Joshua Artman.

Senior members include Nathan Allen, Heather Artman and Cynthia Schrimsher. “All have been instrumental in holding the crew together. We’re grateful for their support,” he said.

“It would be impossible to overstate how this team has been able to innovate, pivot to meet customer needs and make time to do the one-on-one teaching required to get our members to

proficiency in karate,” Alexander said. “The team is really giving 110 percent every day to positively impact students.”

Alexander earned his black belt in 1992 from Berry Grizzard. He also trained with Ken Baker of Leavenworth, Kan. In the 1990s, Alexander actively competed; he reached the North American Middleweight Title in 1993 and 1995.

In addition, Alexander was active on two World teams and trained with 12-plus North American Title holders in North American Sport Karate Association.

“The bulk of my time and attention nowadays (I’m 51) is spent growing staff and students,” Alexander said.

In the early 2000s, Kristen helped in pivoting from sport karate/competition to martial arts’ personal development.

“As the first female board member for United Professionals (martial arts teaching and consulting company), Kristen led on teaching personal development. United Professionals’ basic teaching paradigm: Every physical skill in martial arts has a correlating mental benefit, if properly presented,” Joe Alexander said.

“Our leadership training program is very much designed to teach students and staff how to convey those correlating mental benefits to serve our mission of ‘Making a positive difference in our community – One Black Belt at a time!’”

In each class, students recite a “Student Creed”:

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• “I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that could reduce my mental growth or physical health.”

• “I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.”

• “I will use my common sense before self-defense and never be abusive or offensive.”

• “This is a Black Belt School. We are dedicated, we are motivated, we are on a quest to be our best!”

“The creed is our foundation. It influences every decision,” Alexander said.

And then the ravages of COVID-19 filtered in, causing most businesses to close. “We did not so much ‘close’ as go online,” Alexander said. Initially, they thought the virus could cause six weeks of online training. “Almost two years later, we’re finally comfortable re-opening for in-person classes.”

“Our goal has always been to provide a consistent environment rather than opening/closing on a week-by-week basis,” Alexander said.

Numerous legacy members are training online, with limited in-person training. About 60 people never have trained in person. “It has been a real joy to see how hard people will work for a goal. It’s also cool to see how they ‘MacGyver’ pads

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and targets,” Alexander said.

Martial arts’ philosophy opened out-of-box solutions. Alexander and his staff devised a 12-week training regimen for Black Belt candidates. They substituted heavy bag work, mitt work and calisthenics for sparring. “We didn’t need to sacrifice quality; we just built a different and still meaningful experience,” Alexander said.

COVID-19’s impact has led to an online product for students with health concerns. “It has broadened the services we can offer,” he said. “We’re still observing COVID protocols as we add in-person classes.”

Alexander’s Martial Arts endorses unique approaches: • Rosters – Two are available: Vaccinated Only and Open Roster.

• Vaccinations – ‘Vaccinated Only’ days reserved for fully vaccinated individuals who want to train with other vaccinated students.

• Open days -- Open regardless of vaccine status. The entire staff is fully vaccinated but won’t ask about vaccinations on open days.

• New members -- Can register for appropriate rosters and starter classes.

Alexander believes the approach to self-defense relies on

awareness, avoidance and resistance. For awareness, prepare for trips by charging your cell phone and go with people you know. In avoidance, diffuse the situation. For resistance, try to escape when physical confrontation threatens.

Joe and Kristen’s daughters are training. Their older daughter is one of their first Black Belts to test online. Their other daughter tested for Brown Belt in February.

In self-defense, you have to not consider the obvious threat, like an attacker, but also the other looming threats, like unknown attackers, and your assets to protect, like family, Alexander said. In his case, the virus was the obvious threat, and transmissibility was not known.

“Masks and social distancing weren’t enough to ensure safety. Threats were like an attacker in the wings,” he said.

“Martial arts training has adapted over the centuries. The arts have never disappeared . . .the artists have adapted.

That’s what we’ve done.”

Alexander intends “to resume a ‘more or less normal schedule’ on March 7 -- the first full week of March. We’re planning to resume in-person classes in Madison.”

“We’ll kick off with group introductory lessons for new members the week before,” he said. Students will have two options: Classes with everyone voluntarily sharing full vac-

Madison Living 45

cine status, or open schedules with unknown status (except for staff).

“People can decide the level of risk at which they’re comfortable. They’ll experience EXACTLY how we teach personal development and correlating mental benefits through martial arts. Simply doing what we do best!” Alexander said.

For more information, call 256-837-8624, email info@ alexandersmartialarts.net or visit alexandersmartialarts. net or Facebook/Alexander’s Martial Arts.

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PEOPLE

MRS. MOLLY’S SIDEWALK LIBRARY The pandemic leads Dr. Molly King to create a unique sidewalk library in her neighborhood for spring break and summer reading STORY BY GREGG PARKER PHOTOS BY WILLIAM AYCOCK

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Rick and Molly King with proclamation from Mayor Finley proclaiming June 5, 2021, to be Sidewalk Library Day in the city of Madison.

O

Over the past couple of years, Madison’s creative thinkers squashed the sometimes smothering aura of the COVID-19 pandemic with simple projects that foster an attitude of giving and learning.

A few ‘pop-up projects’ have taken hold throughout Madison. Most are free of charge, especially to neighbors.

One such good will jester led to the creation of a permanent sidewalk library. During the climax of the pandemic, Dr. Molly King placed books, boardgames, craft supplies and educational materials at the end of her driveway. She invited children to stop by and take one.

However, her overwhelming wish was free access to books. King established “Mrs. Molly’s Sidewalk Library” at her home in the Oxford neighborhood. To further cheer up the children, she planned an opening celebration for the library.

To promote the opening, “The Madison Record” newspaper and website advertised for free. Volunteers placed fliers on mailbox poles in King’s neighborhood. Several people posted details on social media.

The library’s grand opening in June served as an introduction to the community, but moreover the event also

was a fun, free get-together for families to welcome the end of a challenging school year, King said.

Families interacted at about 20 activity stations, including bubble blowing, sidewalk chalk, musical instruments, hula hoops and designing bookmarks. Children dug in a sand-filled swimming pool for prizes, played hopscotch, tackled jigsaw puzzles and built toys with Home Depot kits.

Other contributors included David Perkins - State Farm, bouncy house; Sarah Ragan - Keller Williams Realty, obstacle course; Madison Church of Christ, bracelet making; U.S. Space & Rocket Center, stomp rockets; Madison police and fire departments, vehicles; “Madison Living,” subscriptions; Texas Roadhouse, kid’s meal; Chuck-e-Cheese, calendars; and Huntsville - Madison County Public Library, numerous books. Meltdown Ice Cream sold treats.

Students could register with Paws for Reading to read to animals at the Humane Society. “The activity benefits animals (with) human attention; children benefit from practicing reading out loud in a non-judgmental environment,” King said. “As an educator, I’m a firm believer in children being pleasure readers (for) success in school.”

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“It makes me so happy to see the library being used,” King said. In a typical day, King may see a boy walking to get a book, two girls bicycling there, one lone girl and a car pulling up with five children who hopped out. People often leave donated books on King’s front porch.

“Reading is one of the most important skills for a person to be successful in life. Reading is a part of almost every subject in school. It’s difficult to succeed in life if you cannot read well,” King said.

King believes that a good reader must enjoy reading.

“A sidewalk library promotes pleasure reading . . . out-

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side a school environment. They read because they want to,” she said. During summer vacation, youth can avoid the ‘summer slide’ by reading – even just three hours weekly. Sidewalk libraries can help in significantly reducing brain drain and retain more school material during summer.

“I cannot thank all the businesses, organizations and volunteers that have made Mrs. Molly’s Sidewalk Library a success. It was really a community effort and just one more example of what makes Madison a great place to live,” King said.

....................... City of Madison .......................

The city held an initial series of public outreach meetings on Feb. 1-3. More meetings are planned this summer.

Residents, committee developing Madison Comprehensive Plan for ‘Madison on Track 2045’ In the next 20-something years, how does Madison need to change? What locations, services and entertainment options does the city need?

To answer these questions, residents are working on Madison on Track 2045 and creating the Madison Comprehensive Plan.

The comprehensive plan for Madison on Track 2045 will be a policy document for use by city leaders, developers, business owners and citizens to decide future growth, development, policy and capital improvements.

The document will serve as a vision for the city that residents developed, based on community-wide values and inputs, Mary Beth Broeren said. Broeren, affiliated with American Institute of Certified Planners or AICP, works as Director of Development Services for the City of Madison.

The plan’s primary objective focuses on engaging the public to create an updated vision for growth, development and ‘re-development’ in Madison. The project will define needed technical information, along with an evaluation and update of goals, policies and objectives.

In addition, the plan will define ways that the City of Madison can position better in anticipating and responding to future needs for public facilities. The project will include

preparation of growth projections and an update of parks and open space.

For decades, decision-makers involved with building and maintaining cities have relied on comprehensive plans. Madison on Track 2045 will help city leaders plan strategically for both short- and long-term growth scenarios, with decisions based on sound information, core values and agreed-upon goals, strategies and priorities.

An Alabama statute enabled use of comprehensive plans.

Madison’s prospectus will keep perspective as the city envisions 2045, Broeren said.

Defining the Madison Comprehensive Plan will involve an 18-month process. In Phase 1, residents selected their favorite sites in the City of Madison, along with community assets.

Individuals suggested new venues and services that would improve the community. For example, a new community center in west Madison was one idea.

“The city held an initial series of public outreach meetings on Feb. 1-3. This included 14 stakeholder group meetings on various topics, such as land use, mobility, parks/open space and other areas,” Broeren said.

In a public workshop, the city unveiled an interactive map that allowed participants to identify assets and opportuni-

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ties. This workshop served as the first meeting of the Advisory Committee.

“The interactive map was also available via the project website through Feb. 18,” Broeren said. “The primary purpose of these meetings was to introduce the project and take comments from the community.”

Madison on Track 2045 will come together in three district phases: • “Discovery,” Phase 1 -- Includes stakeholder and public engagement, research and diagnostic reports, along with preparation of a community profile, Broeren said.

• “Direction,” Phase 2-- Serves as primary opportunity for the community to solidify the vision and select a future growth scenario that best fits that vision and community values.

• “Development,” Phase 3 -- Drafting and adopting the plan itself to bring the plan from concept to reality.

City staff and elected officials selected advisory committee members. Selection criteria included knowledge, expertise, geographic representation and board/committee representation. Members will help guide the plan’s direction, give feedback on draft materials and promote and publicize the plan for public participation and representation.

The advisory committee will convene in the intervening

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months, along with providing guidance on various aspects of the project, Broeren said.

The next series of public meetings will convene this summer, tentatively July, when the committee hosts Planning Week. Before that session, the consultant team will tackle action items: • Complete a community profile. Release date will be late spring.

• Launch an online survey.

• Finish background research and analysis for the Madison Comprehensive Plan itself.

Advisory committee members for Madison on Track 2045 represent a cross-section of the town, with city employees, nonprofit leads, educators, engineers and community activists: Bonnie Ayers, Dr. Yeqing Bao, Curtis Cook, Jennessa Crosswy, Michelle Eppling, Jenny Evers, Brian Goodwin, Dr. Terri Johnson, Dr. Melissa Lacey, Paul Lambertson, Karen Lawler, Michael McKay, Charles Nola, Tommy Overcash, Mike Potter, Kerry Straub, Terris Tatum, Eric Terrell and Taron Thorpe.

For more information, call Broeren at 256-772-2885, email MaryBeth.Broeren@madisonal.gov or visit madisonontrack2045.com.

FOOD&DRINK

GRILLING TIME!

Warmer weather means a lot of things to a lot of people, for me it means that it is time to break out the grill STORY BY JOHN FEW

Madison Living 53

A

As I am putting this issue of Madison Living together, the temps have once again dropped into the 20s at night, but we did have a taste of warmer spring-time highs in the 60s before the latest infernal cold front hit. This has, of course, awaken my instinctive desire to grill and to savor that flame-kissed goodness. So, to console myself

Herb Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Burgers

While it’s fun to expand your culinary horizons over the open flame of a grill, it’s important that you never forget the basics, especially when entertaining crowds who are no doubt looking forward to grilled burgers. Giving the masses what they want is good hosting, but you can still try your hand at a little experimentation when serving burgers at your next backyard barbecue.

The following recipe for “Herb Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Burgers” from Andrew Schloss’ and David Joachim’s “Mastering the Grill” (Chronicle Books) provides the best of both worlds.

Herb Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Burgers Makes 6 servings • 2 pounds ground beef chuck, 85 percent lean • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper • 3 tablespoons herbed garlic cream cheese, such as Boursin • 6 hamburger buns, split • Oil for coating grill grate The Grill Gas: Direct heat, medium-high 425 F to 450 F; clean, oiled grate

54 Madison Living

in the fact that winter has not yet departed and to look forward to the warmer days of spring, I have compiled a few backyard recipes for you to enjoy. If you have a favorite recipe for the grill to share with our readers send it john@themadisonrecord.com and we will feature all the reader submissions in a future issue of Madison Living.

Charcoal: Direct heat, light ash; 12-by-12-inch charcoal bed (about 3 dozen coals); clean, oiled grate on lowest setting Wood: Direct heat, light ash; 12-by-12-inch bed, 3 to 4 inches deep; clean, oiled grate set 2 inches above the fire 1. Heat the grill as directed.

2. Using your hands, mix the beef, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well blended; do not overmix. Using a light touch, form into 12 patties no more than 1/2-inch thick.

3. Put a portion (about 11/2 teaspoons) of cream cheese in the center of each of the 6 patties; top with the remaining patties and press together, taking care to seal the edges well. Refrigerate the burgers until the grill is ready.

4. Brush the grill grate and coat it with oil. Put the burgers on the grill, cover and cook for 9 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes, for medium-done (150 F, slightly pink). Add a minute per side for well-done (160 F).

5. To toast the buns, put them cut-sides down directly over the fire for the last minute of cooking.

6. If serving the burgers directly from the grill, serve on the buns. If the burgers will sit, even for a few minutes, keep the buns and burgers separate until just before eating.

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Grilled Garlic Shrimp with a Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce Shrimp lovers accustomed to shrimp cocktail or other popular shrimp dishes may find that few ways to prepare shrimp can be as flavorful as grilling.

Grilled seafood can be a perfect light alternative to grilled meats, which can be filling. The following recipe for “Grilled Garlic Shrimp with a Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce” from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey Publishing) provides a less filling but delicious alternative to more traditional backyard barbecue fare.

Grilled Garlic Shrimp with a Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce Serves 6 For the marinated shrimp • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 36 large shrimp, peeled and deveined • 12 6-inch wooden skewers For the tomato sauce • 3 pounds assorted large heirloom tomatoes • 1 small sweet onion, minced • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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• 1 tablespoon honey, preferably sourwood honey • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips, plus more for garnish • Sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper 1. To marinate the shrimp, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar and garlic in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Add the shrimp and allow to sit, covered, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally.

2. Prepare a medium fire in a charcoal or gas grill. Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

3. To make the tomato sauce, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Place one or two tomatoes at a time into the boiling water.

Watch them and, as you see the skin split, remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of cool water. At this point, it will be very easy to slip off the skins.

4. Cut the peeled tomatoes into a small dice. Put the cut tomatoes into a large bowl. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey. Stir gently to combine.

5. Skewer the shrimp, 3 per skewer. Grill the skewered shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and a couple grinds of fresh pepper.

6. Just before serving, add the basil leaves to the tomato sauce.

Taste and add more salt if necessary.

7. Ladle the tomato sauce onto a serving platter and arrange the skewers on top of the sauce. Garnish with more basil leaves and enjoy!

Spiedini of Chicken and Zucchini with Almond Salsa Verde Grilling chicken is an easy way to transform this versatile food into something even more delicious. Various cultures serve chicken in kebab form after grilling it over an open flame, and taste is a big reason this particular method of cooking chicken is so beloved.

While you might not expect to see kebabs on the menu at your favorite Italian restaurant, “spiedini” is Italian for “little skewers,” proving that Italian chefs recognize how delicious chicken can be when served in kebab form. In this recipe for “Spiedini of Chicken and Zucchini with Almond Salsa Verde” from “Cooking Light: Dinner’s Ready” (Oxmoor House) by The Cooking Light Editors, skewers are paired with a zesty salsa full of nuts, herbs and citrus, which makes for the perfect complement to the smoky grilled flavor.

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme • 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 garlic clove, minced

Spiedini of Chicken and Zucchini with Almond Salsa Verde Makes 6 servings

Soak 12 (10-inch) wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Bring the grill to medium-high heat.

To prepare the salsa, combine the first 12 ingredients; set aside.

To prepare the spiedini, thread the chicken and zucchini alternately on each of the 12 skewers. Coat the spiedini with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Place on a grill rack; grill 6 minutes or until done, turning once. Serve with salsa.

Tip: Prepare the salsa up to a day ahead, and assemble the skewers earlier in the day. Coat with the seasonings just before grilling.

Salsa: • 1 cup chopped flat parsley • 2 tablespoons chopped almonds, toasted • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives • 3 tablespoons capers, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Spiedini: • 11/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces • 6 small zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices (about 11/4 pounds) • Cooking spray • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Virgil’s Smoked Chicken Wings With Blue Cheese Dip Who doesn’t love chicken wings...right? Try this recipe for “Virgil’s Smoked Chicken Wings With Blue Cheese Dip” from Neal Corman’s “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook”. It is sure to please.

Virgil’s Smoked Chicken Wings With Blue Cheese Dip Serves 4 Blue Cheese Dip • 2 cups blue cheese crumbles, divided • 1 cup mayonnaise • 1/2 cup buttermilk • 2 teaspoons hot sauce • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery Marinade • 1/2 cup vegetable oil • 1/2 cup hot sauce • 4 tablespoons Virgil’s Dry Rub (see below) • 4 tablespoons granulated garlic • 4 tablespoons granulated onion • Juice of 1/2 lemon

the coals or burners, and add hickory to the smoker or hickory chips on the coals or gas burners.

7. Cook the wings for about 3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes Wings (their internal temperature should be about 165 F when cooked).

• 8 large chicken wings 8. While the wings are cooking, cut the butter for the sauce into •1/2 cup Virgil’s Dry Rub (at the end of this recipe) 1-inch cubes and refrigerate. Whisk the cornstarch into the white vinegar, in a small bowl.

Sauce 9. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, bring the hot • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter sauce to a simmer and whisk in the thickened vinegar. Return to • 1 teaspoon cornstarch a simmer, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the heat.

• 4 tablespoons white vinegar 10. Add the cayenne and slowly whisk in the cold butter. Keep • 3/4 cup hot sauce warm until serving.

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 11. Remove the wings from the smoker or grill and put half of them into a bowl, cover with the sauce, and toss. Repeat with the 1. To make the dip, combine 1 cup of the blue cheese, mayon- remaining wings and serve on a platter, with the blue cheese dip naise, buttermilk, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in the on the side. bowl of a food processor and blend on low until smooth.

2. Remove to a medium mixing bowl and fold in the rest of the Virgil’s Dry Rub blue cheese, scallions and celery, being sure to break up the larger Makes 5 to 5-1/2 cups blue cheese crumbles. Place in a covered container and refriger- • 2-1/2 cups sweet paprika ate overnight.

• 1 cup granulated sugar 3. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl. • 1/2 cup Texas-style chili powder Place the wings in a large container with a lid and pour the mix- • 1/2 cup minced onion ture over the wings. Toss until the wings are thoroughly coated. • 1/2 cup granulated garlic Cover and refrigerate for 2 days.

• 1/4 cup dried parsley flakes 4. Preheat the grill or smoker to 245 F. • 6 tablespoons kosher salt 5. Spread out the wings on a sheet pan and wipe away any excess marinade. Sprinkle liberally with the dry rub, coating the Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk towings all over. gether until completely incorporated. Transfer to a covered bowl 6. Position the wings on the grill away from the direct heat of with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dry place.

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OUT&ABOUT

100 DAYS - Elementary schools in Madison went all out to celebrate the 100th day of school recently. Madison City Schools shared these scenes from some of the fun at the schools as the marked their 100th day on Jan, 27. Some celebrated with special activities using the number 100. Others dressed up as if they are 100 years old. It all made for some very cute photos. We just couldn’t help sharing these fun photos too. The photo above is of students dressed up for the 100th day of school at Madison Elementary.

“Granny” Curry certainly played the part teaching her kindergarten students at Mill Creek Elementary. Also, principal Nathan Wilson poses in the hallway with two students in costume.

The 100th day of school each year is reason enough to celebrate and tie lessons around. Classrooms at Heritage Elementary observed the 101st day in these photos supplied by Principal Dr. Georgina Nelson. But who is really counting anyway?

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How cute! - Madison Elementary School (above and below)

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Madison’s newest school, Midtown Elementary, celebrated their first ever 100 days. Congrats! Pictured above and below

Rainbow Elementary

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Horizon Elementary

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS Congratulations to the following business on their recent ribbon cuttings and grand openings.

A grand opening and ribbon cutting was held for MCC member Moe’s Original BBQ in Town Madison.

Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Womb Space Healing Center at 540 Hughes Road in Madison.

On January 28, MCC Executive Director Michelle Epling, Melinda Sanders of Filthy Gorgeous on Main, and Samantha Magnuson with the city of Madison got to help show off Madison’s great city to this sweet couple from “The Golden Road”.

Matt and Grace are spending 30 days in all 50 states during a cross-country tour promoting non-profits. They were able to enjoy a delicious lunch at Main Street Cafe Madison. Thank you Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau for setting this up!

Check out more events and services through the Madison Chamber of Commerce at www.madisonalchamber.com and follow them on Facebook

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CHAMBER CONNECTIONS The Madison Chamber of Commerce came together and launched their very first “Madison Chamber Cares” initiative on Jan. 25! Each box of donuts was sponsored by a board member, staff, and city leaders!. A total of 18 boxes of donuts were distributed across the city to urgent care offices, pediatrician offices and our Madison ER department! Each of these businesses have worked tirelessly to keep our family and friends healthy and safe during this latest Covid-19 surge. The Chamber wanted to make sure they know how much we appreciate all of them for being our healthcare heroes!

Check out more events and services through the Madison Chamber of Commerce at www.madisonalchamber.com and follow them on Facebook

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Here is a sample of the stories you can find every week in...

M adison RECORD THE

You can find The Madison Record in newsstands across Madison or online at www.themadisonrecord.com

Junior Leaders Club members at Mill Creek Elementary School created custom-made Valentine’s Day cards and bags for families with a baby in the NICU at Huntsville Hospital.

Junior Leaders make cards, collect candy for families with a baby in NICU

By GREGG PARKER Gregg@themadisonrecord.com

Currently, the club has 25 members. Third-grade teacher Cara Marsico and Tosha Swearingen cosponsor the club.

MADISON – Junior Leaders Club members at Mill Swearingen, Reading Specialist for K-3, experiCreek Elementary School want to brighten Valen- enced the NICU personally. “My son Riley, now a tine’s Day for parents and siblings of infants in the fourth-grader and Junior Leaders Club member, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or NICU at Huntsville spent time in the NICU after birth. He had a birth deHospital. fect known as malrotation of the intestines,” SwearTheir service project, “Sweet Treat for Sweet ingen said.

Hearts,” hopes to bring a little bit of joy to NICU fam“Riley had to undergo a major surgery before we ilies with 50 bags stuffed with handmade Valentine could bring him home. I remember how difficult it cards and plenty of chocolate treats. was to see my baby so sick and not be able to hold

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him,” Swearingen said.

“One day, someone left us a gift basket with the most heartfelt cards. Reading the cards at Riley’s bedside brought me joy and hope! That is the goal -- to bring joy and hope to families in the NICU,” she said.

For their project, Junior Leaders distributed a flier to collect candy. People responded with lots of ‘sweetheart conversation’ hearts, Reece’s Hearts and Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses. Club members made cards.

Members sent a survey to identify NICU alumni at Mill Creek. Thus far, 21 have responded. Swearingen plans to photograph them holding a NICU baby photo of themselves. Junior Leaders will share their project with doctors and nurses to thank them and show progress of former NICU babies.

In addition, the club asked the school for help. In 2021, they read aloud the book, ‘Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch’ by Eileen Spinelli, which teaches about showing kindness. Classes made cards using a template (stating) “Somebody at Mill Creek loves you!”

The members’ heartfelt messages always amaze Swearingen, like this one: “I hope you are okay and wish for the best.

Your baby boy or girl will be okay. There’s nothing to worry about. This is only one step in life. Life has a lot of steps. Don’t stress and enjoy what has and what is happening right now and what could happen in the future.

Life is a rollercoaster, there are ups and downs. Sending Love.”

Junior Leaders have a good understanding about a NICU. They will realize much more on Feb. 11 when, “the NICU will come to us. Heather Green, NICU’s Family Support Specialist, will visit. She will meet with club members and show photos, videos and tiny baby diapers, heart rate monitors and other tools. For fun, the students will race to dress like a doctor and care for a stuffed NICU baby,” Swearingen said.

Junior Leaders Club accepts applications and teacher recommendations from fourthand fifth-graders. Candidates must write an essay.

In the past, Junior Leaders have volunteered at Manna House, made dog chew-toys and beds for an animal shelter and stuffed toiletry bags for a church. Students will suggest ideas and vote for their next project.

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2009 Groundbreaking

2012 Community Leadership

2018 Always about the people

2016 Baby Friendly

2021 Giving back

2017 Our 5th Anniversary

2022 Our 10 year portrait

You can help Madison Hospital prepare for the future by contributing to our Level II special care nursery expansion project. For details, scan the QR code or visit huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org/MyHospital

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2021 Thank you to our nurses