Madison Living Magazine - Nov 2023

MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • SHOPPING • OUT & ABOUT • SCHOOLS • DOWNTOWN

November 2023 madisonlivingmagazine.com

Holiday Magic Madison’s historic downtown to kick off the holidays with fun events

Madison Living 1

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2 Madison Living

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MADISON LIVING Sharing the stories that make Madison home!

EDITOR John Few CONTRIBUTORS Bob Labbe Gregg Parker Erin Coggins Joshua Berry Maria Rakoczy Lee Marshall John Peck Mary Lynne Wright Brandy Booth Kassidy Wilkins MARKETING Donna Counts GENERAL MANAGER French Salter

CONTACT US Madison Living Magazine The Madison Record 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 Huntsville, AL 35806 madisonlivingmagazine.com For story ideas, call John Few at 256-763-1150 or email john@themadisonrecord.com.

To advertise, call Donna Counts at 256-714-7152.

Madison Living is published monthly by Tennessee Valley Media, Inc. A one-year subscription to Madison Living is $30.79 for 12 issues per year. Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Madison area. To subscribe, call 256-772-6677.

Copyright 2023

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THE GUIDE

Chefs on Stage: An Evening with Celebrity Chefs Kev D and Alex Belew • November 9 • The Orion • theorionhuntsville.com Huntsville’s Church Street Group brings celebrity chefs to Rocket City on Thursday, November 9 for a four-course meal and elevated hospitality experience on stage at The Orion Amphitheater. Join Executive Chef/Culinary Director, Newport Mansions & Private Chef to the Stars, Chef Kevin “Kev D” Des Chenes, and Executive Chef, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen Caesars and Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 Champion, Chef Alex Belew, for an evening of great food, drinks, education and entertainment. Tickets are $125 and include amuse, appetizer, entrée, dessert and drinks.

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Madison Living 7

THE GUIDE

Roundtop Folk Festival • November 4-5 • Burritt on the Mountain www.burrittonthemountain.com Burritt on the Mountain and the Burritt Folk School are planning the third annual Round Top Folk Festival. Named for the mountain on which Burritt sits, the festival will feature traditional art and music, Nov. 4-5.

Festival organizers say dozens of local demonstrators, artisans, musicians, and more will be participating this year with unique items for sale, as well as special demonstrations representing traditional art and culture of north Alabama.

On Friday, Nov. 3, st 6 p.m., a special kickoff concert on the scenic Baron Bluff will feature the bluegrass music of Western Montana living in Nashville, Tennessee, TopHouse. Created in 2015, TopHouse is a Montana-raised Americana/folk band made up of Jesse Davis, Joe Larson, Will Cook, and Andy LaFave.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 5, from noon to 4 p.m., a wide selection of traditional musicians will play throughout the Historic Park and local demonstrators and artisans will share their crafts and skills through demonstrations with items for sale. These skills, all taught at the Burritt Folk School, preserve the traditional arts of our ancestors in the Cumberland Plateau region.

Local musicians will be performing at the Bendickson Family Pavilion and Historic Park throughout the day.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy lunch from the variety of food and drink options available during the festival for purchase throughout the day.

Tickets can be purchased at burrittonthemountain.com. All concert goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

To view the full list of artist vendors, demonstrators and local musicians, visit burrittonthemountain.com for up to date listings.

The festival itself is mostly outside throughout the museum grounds and Historic Park.

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This year marks the 17th year of the annual YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast to celebrate our Veterans. The event traditionally lifts up our military heroes in gratitude with prayer, song and an awards presentation. It will be held Friday, Nov. 3 at the Hogan Family YMCA in Madison. Registration is required. Seating is limited. Doors open at 6:45 a.m. Program will begin at 7:30 a.m. For more information, go to www. ymcahuntsville.org.

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Madison Living 11

THE GUIDE

Veterans Day Parade • November 11 • 11 a.m. • Downtown Huntsville The Veterans Day Parade will be back again in downtown Huntsville on November 11. The parade is free to the public, however, people are urged to get there early to get a good spot to see the floats. The parade route will begin at lot K on Woodson Street, it will include the Veterans Memorial on Monroe Street and end near the Lumberyard on Cleveland Ave.

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THE GUIDE

Brit Floyd: 50 Years Of Dark Side • November 24 • 8 p.m. • VBC’s Mark C. Smith • www.vonbrauncenter.com Brit Floyd returns to the stage in 2023 to perform a brand-new production celebrating 50 years of the ground-breaking and iconic musical masterpiece The Dark Side of the Moon. The show will feature classic tracks from the album such as Time, Money, Us and Them and The Great Gig in the Sky. The two and a half hours plus set list will also include other highlights from Pink Floyd’s magnificent catalogue of albums, including tracks from The Wall, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Division Bell, Medal and much more.

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THE GUIDE

Simply the Best: A Tina Turner Story • November 24 • Princes Theatre in Decatur • PrincessTheatre.org Thanks to her many years of musical experience, the Tina Turner double brings the rock diva back on stage with her energetic performance.

Huntsville native Coco Fletcher will continue to prove herself as the leading actress of “Simply The Best” on the highly competitive music market and will present all musical and Tina Turner fans with a breathtaking and musically stirring show.

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THE GUIDE

Derek Hough: Symphony of Dance featuring Haley Hough • November 17 • VBC’s Mark Smith Concert Hall • vonbrauncenter.com

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As a three-time Emmy Award winner and twelve-time nominee, Hough is the most nominated male choreographer in Television Academy history. Hough has also appeared in film, television, and stage projects as an actor. He made his feature film debut for director Duane Adler and producer Robert Cort in the feature film Make Your Move and had a recurring role on the ABC series Nashville and in High School Musical The Musical for Disney+. His stage performances include Radio City Music Hall’s Spring Spectacular costarring alongside the Tony Award winning Laura Benanti and the critically acclaimed production of Footloose in which he starred as the male lead in London’s West End. In December of 2016, Hough starred with Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Martin Short and Harvey Fierstein in NBC’s Hairspray Live!

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Madison Living 19

THE GUIDE

Paw Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure” • November 11-12 • VBC’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall • www.vonbrauncenter.com The Great Pirate Adventure” is an action-packed, music-filled production. The PAW Patrol is back and on a roll in person and LIVE on stage!

Ryder and your favorite pups have been working hard to get back on the road and they are ready to roll to Huntsville, Ala. In this production, the heroic pups from the top-rated animated preschool series PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertainment and airing on Nickelodeon, embark on a pirate-themed adventure to uncover hidden treasure.

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THE GUIDE

BrickUniverse LEGO® Fan Expo • Nov. 18-19 • Von Braun Center • www.vonbrauncenter.com Join thousands of fellow LEGO® fans at the Von Braun Center for the ultimate LEGO® Fan experience and celebrate the endless possibilities of LEGO® bricks during the BrickUniverse 2023 Inspire Tour. Guests will meet Professional artists from around the country, explore incredible LEGO® exhibits and creations, have a chance to build their own LEGO® masterpiece, find rare and new LEGO® sets and so much more!

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THE GUIDE

Cirque Dreams Holidaze • November 22 at 7 p.m. • Von Braun Center • www.vonbrauncenter.com Set in a multi-million-dollar wonderland of elaborate scenes and dozens of original holiday production numbers, audiences nationwide will celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as they experience over 300 spectacular costumes and 20 of the world’s most astonishing acts.

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THE GUIDE

The Nutcrakcer • December 8-10 VBC’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall www.huntsvilleballet.org

The Huntsville Ballet’s 55th annual production of “The Nutcracker,” accompanied by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra will be presented Dec. 8-10. Performances will be held at the Von Braun Center’s Mark C Smith Concert Hall. The production features Huntsville Ballet’s entire roster of professional dancers, complemented by a cast of over 80 students from Huntsville Ballet School, the official school of Huntsville Ballet.

“The Nutcracker” tells the story of the Nutcracker, a gift from Clara’s mysterious godfather Drosselmeyer. As the magical Nutcracker comes to life, the characters are whisked away to The Land of the Sweets, where they are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and entertained by a dazzling array of colorful characters. Highlights of the production include a magical growing Christmas tree, an onstage blizzard of snowflakes, dancing flowers, and Mother Ginger’s iconic skirt.

This timeless and inventive classical ballet is set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured score performed by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

To purchase tickets, visit www.huntsvilleballet.org/tickets or call (256) 539-0961. Group discount rates are available.

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THE GUIDE

Galaxy of Lights • Walking Nights: November 17- 26, 29, 30 & December 1-3, 16-24 / Driving Nights: December 4-15 & 26-31 Closed November 23, 27, & 28 and December 25 • Huntsville Botanical Garden • www.hsvbg.org/galaxy Galaxy of Lights is a regional holiday tradition that takes place every November and December at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. For over 25 years, they have welcomed guests from near and far to explore the magnificent lights and enjoy the Garden when it’s decked for the holiday season. With both walking and driving experiences, Galaxy offers guests of all ages the chance to experience the magic, share in the tradition, and make memories together.

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THE GUIDE

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Needlework, ceramics, flower arrangements, jewelry, decorated and hand-woven baskets, pottery, stained glass, clothes, toys, woodwork and other items are featured at the NEACA Christmas Craft Show on Dec. 1-3 at the VBC. For more information, go to www. neaca.org.

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A Christmas Carol December 1-3 and 7-10 • VBC Playhouse www.fantasyplayhouse.org.

Following this wild adventure, FPCTA presents a new adaptation of the Huntsville holiday staple, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” -- adapted and directed by Cherie Evans. Huntsville’s most beloved family holiday tradition returns to the Fantasy Playhouse stage for the 33rd year this December. Take a trip in time through the past, present, and future with the miserly Mr. Scrooge, three Christmas Spirits, and all the whimsical characters of London town.

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THE GUIDE

Star of Bethlehem • November 24 • 7 p.m. • U.S. Space & Rocket Center • www.rocketcenter.com Experience the wonders of the season as we explore the Star of Bethlehem in an astronomical context. Balancing both science and religion, we’ll explore theories on what celestial phenomenon may have led the Magi to the Nativity more than 2,000 years ago.

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DOWNTOWN

CHRISTMAS MAGIC

There are many holiday events planned for Madison’s historic downtown over the next couple of months STORY BY GREGG PARKER

Madison Living 29

Madison Polar Express Christmas on Main Tree Trail

R

Reminiscent of a scene from Charles Dickens, Madison dresses up in its Christmastime finery for the season.

Visiting downtown takes you back to nostalgic times for decorated storefronts with silver bells, red holly and . . . if you’re lucky . . . big sprigs of the dark green leaves and opaque berries of mistletoe. (Quick! No one is looking.)

The scenic storefronts decked out in Christmas decor are reminiscent of yesteryear. Plus, take as long as you need to review the decorate tree in the Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail. On Holiday Card Lane, you can reflect on the message that local artists are convening with the cards, which may be traditional, whimsical or a religious view of the Nativity.

Downtown Madison offers outstanding options that toddlers through senior citizens will enjoy: • Holiday Card Lane – Starting Nov. 25, the lane has oversized, wooden cards painted by local artists that convey a timely message for the Christmas season.

Hosted by Madison Arts Alliance, Holiday Card Lane will have a card in front lawns of historic homes on Front

30 Madison Living

and Church streets. A spotlight will illuminate the card’s design until 9 p.m. each evening in December. The Top Three cards will receive a cash prize.

• Madison Polar Express Christmas Trees on Main Street – Dozens of traditional and themed trees will be on exhibit. Businesses, municipal groups, students, churches and agencies use over-the-top decorations for their respective tree.

The City of Madison and the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society are sponsors for the Polar Express.

This exhibit will open for viewing on Dec. 1.

Several groups are presenting other amusements at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 1: • Madison Arts Alliance will assist spectators in decorating Christmas ornaments.

• Madison Chamber of Commerce will work with the Children’s Glowstick Parade and Letters to Santa.

• Children’s Madison Visionary Partners has arranged for Snowflake Alley on Garner Street at 5:30 p.m.

• Madison City Community Orchestra will perform

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Madison Living 31

The City of Madison 2023 Christmas Events Madison Christmas Card Lane The evening of Saturday, November 25th Sponsored by Madison Arts Alliance Church and Front Streets Madison Polar Express Christmas Trees on Main Street Friday, December 1 Sponsored by the City of Madison and the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society 5:30 Christmas Ornament Decorating by Madison Arts Alliance 5:30 Children’s Glowstick Parade & Letters to Santa by Madison Chamber of Commerce 5:30 Snowflake Alley on Garner by Madison Visionary Partners 5:30 Christmas Music by Madison City Community Orchestra 5:30 Hot Chocolate and Cookies by The Rotary Club of Madison 6:00 Reading of The Polar Express by The Madison Public Library 6:15 2023 Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail, lit by Mayor Paul Finley 6:30 Visit Santa in the Silver Ornament by the City of Madison 3rd Annual Madison Wassail Fest Friday, December 1st Main, Martin and Church Streets Sponsored by the Shoppes of Historic Downtown Madison Immediately following the Polar Express Tree Lighting Come enjoy samples of our Merchants’ best wassail recipes, vote for the best, register for door prizes and shop!

Madison Roundhouse Christmas Open House and Madison Christmas Concert Sunday, December 10 Sponsored by the MSHPS and the Madison City Community Orchestra 3:00 – 4:30 Christmas Roundhouse Open House on Front Street Sponsored by the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society 5:00 Holiday Concert at Madison United Methodist Church Sponsored by the Madison City Community Orchestra The Madison Christmas Parade “Santa’s Workshop” Saturday, December 9th at 5:00 PM Sponsored by the City of Madison 2023 Madison Christmas Capers Saturday, December 16 at 4:00 PM Sponsored by the City of Madison and the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society Main Street in front of Hughes Drugstore Music by the Madison Community Orchestra Hot Chocolate and Cookies by the Rotary Club of Madison The Madison Downtown Merchants will be open regular hours

32 Madison Living

3RD ANNUAL WASSAIL FEST

Presented by

Several storefront window displays in Madison’s historic downtown will be decorated and aglow each night, creating a scene straight out of your favorite holiday movie. The storefront window of Noble Passage Interiors is pictured above.

Madison Station Historic Preservation

Christmas music.

• Rotary Club of Madison will serve hot chocolate and cookies in the Gazebo.

• At 6 p.m., staff from Madison Public Library will read “The Polar Express.”

• At 6:15 p.m., Mayor Paul Finley will light the 2023 Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail.

• At 6:30 p.m., the City of Madison has scheduled “A Visit from Santa” in the large Silver Ornament.

• The third annual Madison Wassail Fest will immediately follow the lighting of Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail on Dec. 1. Shoppes of Historic Downtown Madison are event sponsors for the fest at sites along Main, Martin and Church streets.

Residents can enjoy samples of our downtown merchants’ best wassail recipes, vote for the best tasting blend, register for door prizes and support the downtown businesses by shopping for Christmas gifts.

• Madison Roundhouse Open House and MCCO’s Madison Christmas Concert on Dec. 10 – Madison Station Historic Preservation Society will host the Christmas Roundhouse Open House from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Village Green on Front Street. Guests can enjoy hearing about the history of Madison from historian John Rankin and stay for the Madison City Community Orchestra Christmas Concert.

The MCCO Concert will start at 4 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Madison Methodist Church, 127 Church Street in downtown Madison.

• 2023 Madison Christmas Parade – City-sanctioned and coordinated by Madison Parks and Recre-

Society & Madison Downtown Merchants

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Madison Living 33

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ation Department. The parade will start at 5 p.m. on Dec. 9. from Plaza Boulevard down Hughes Road.

The 2023 theme is “Santa’s Workshop.”

• 2023 Madison Christmas Capers – Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. on Main Street at the former Hughes Drugstore. The City of Madison and Madison Station Historic Preservation Society are sponsors. Madison City Community Orchestra will entertain. Rotary Club of Madison will serve hot chocolate and cookies. Downtown merchants will be open during regular business hours.

The Christmas Capers reprise the legend of ‘Doc’ Hughes tossing live chickens from his drug store’s roof to spectators below during the Great Depression. The chickens had tags attached to their legs, and residents could redeem the tags for prizes in Hughes’ store...and cook the chicken for Christmas dinner.

The custom of Christmas Capers originated in 1925 when George Walton ‘Doc’ Hughes rented the Humphrey-Hughes property at 200 Main St. in downtown Madison. Doc Hughes opened his drug store business at that location, which he operated until 1972.

During years of the Great Depression in the early 1930s, Hughes started a holiday tradition dubbed the “Christmas Chicken Capers,” according to “Madison Station, Historic Downtown Madison, 1856-2015”

by Madison Station Historical Preservation Society.

On Christmas Eve, ‘Doc’ Hughes threw live chickens from the roof of his business. The chickens had tags attached to their legs, and people could redeem the tags for prizes in Hughes’ store. Anyone who caught the chickens (sometimes turkeys, some people say) received the prizes and kept the chicken for Christmas dinner.

In recent years, the Christmas Chicken Capers evolved from live chickens to rubber chickens with gift cards from local retail stores. Doc Hughes’ grandsons, Larry and Walt Anderson, will re-enact the legend from the old Hughes Drug Store’s rooftop.

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Samantha Magnusson, Communications Director for the city of Madison; Michelle Eppling, Executive Director for the Madison Chamber of Commerce, and Shari Burnum, local business owner and Madison Chamber of Commerce board member.

Madison Chamber of Commerce highlights local holiday shopping with fun new event

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The holiday season is here, and the Madison Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to join the city’s first-ever Hot Cocoa Stroll. Presented by Investor’s Resource, the Hot Cocoa Stroll starts on Friday, November 3, and continues throughout the entire month of November.

Shoppers who spend more than $25 at participating retail locations will be entered to win not one but two prizes - the “Staycation Prize” (Trash Pandas Holiday Light Show tickets and more) and the “Getaway Prize”

($500 Breeze Airways airline voucher).

“This premier holiday shopping event brings together Madison Chamber retail members and the Madison community for a great reason to keep your dollars local.

The Madison Chamber of Commerce is excited about this exciting initiative to help promote local shopping this holiday season,” said Madison Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Epling.

Investor’s Resource Owner Shari Burnum added, “As a local business owner in the city of Madison, we

Madison Living 37

are proud to support this community-wide event which supports keeping our dollars local this holiday season! Shopping local and giving our residents a chance to win some wonderful holiday getaway packages is the best way to go shopping this holiday season.”

Registration for the “Staycation Prize” and “Getaway Prize” ends on November 30th. Entries will be drawn during the 1st week of December and announced on the Madison Chamber’s social media.

And, if you are wondering, hot cocoa is involved. Each participating business has plenty of hot chocolate on hand for customer.

Madison Chamber of Commerce The Madison Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 30 years of supporting businesses and the community in and around the city of Madison. Their mission is to “Create Community Conversations and Grow Businesses.”

For more about the Madison Chamber, visit www.madisonalchamber.com.

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Lessons & Carols

Asbury Church to present this annual Madison tradition

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Lessons & Carols will mark the beginning of the Manifest Advent season at Asbury Church on Sunday, December 3, with services at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. This free annual tradition for the Madison community is a delightful celebration of the biblical narrative starting at creation and spanning the centuries until God was made manifest to humanity through the birth of His son Jesus. Rich scripture readings are beautifully paired with songs of rejoicing to remind listening ears and hearts of the joy of the season. And at the core is a heartfelt invitation to the community to experience the wonder of it all.

“Our hope is for Lessons & Carols to serve as a marked moment of celebration for families and friends in our community during this special time of year as we begin the Advent journey leading up to Christmas,” said Lori Bailey, Director of Traditional Worship at Asbury Church. “It’s a way we can come

Madison Living 41

together to embrace the presence of the Light of the world who came down among us to shine bright with His hope, peace, joy, and love.”

The 3 pm and 6 pm services will highlight the wide array of the largely volunteer-based music groups at Asbury, including the Asbury Orchestra and Asbury Handbells, along with adult, student, and kids’ choirs.

Special soloists and ensembles will also be featured as traditional and contemporary pieces combine into a timeless celebration for all. Families are invited to experience the services together, and KidsCare will be avail-

42 Madison Living

able for ages 3 and under. To learn more about music groups at Asbury and how you can share your own voice or instrument in upcoming services, visit weareasbury. com/music.

Lessons & Carols will take place in the Building 2 Sanctuary on Asbury’s Madison Campus at 980 Hughes Road. Families are also invited to participate in Sunday worship services throughout Advent as well as in any of the nine Christmas Eve services starting on Thursday, December 21. Additional information will be available starting in November at weareasbury.com/christmas.

AUTHOR

PIPER & LEAF TEA COMPANY

The amazing family-run tea company celebrates 10th anniversary STORY BY MARIA RAKOCZY PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 43

44 Madison Living

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What started as just a happy accident at a farmer’s market, Piper & Leaf Tea Company, North Alabama’s very own tea company, is now celebrating ten years of business!

When Brigitte and Caleb Christopher along with Brigitte’s brother Connor Knapp began selling compost at local farmers markets, they also sold Caleb’s special blends of tea, made simply as a hobby on the side, but when tea became a bigger hit than compost, the trio shifted their approach. They went from primarily selling compost to expanding their offerings of unique, fresh tea blends. Little did they know that what started as just a hobby would turn into a full-time business and grow to become a staple in a burgeoning culture of locally-made, artisan goods and small businesses in North Alabama.

Ten years later, they have four locations across North Alabama and have wholesale partnerships with several hundred other small businesses across the country. The road to the present day was not always smooth for the Piper & Leaf team, though. Every small business encounters its own challenges and requires sacrifices and risks, and

Piper & Leaf has certainly not been immune to that. From legal threats over their original name, Samovar Gardens, shortly after their market debut to unexpected roadblocks of various kinds when opening their second location, the Piper & Leaf team has weathered many storms, and when times were tough, the company’s emphasis on relationships saw them through.

“We appreciate lifestyle more than anything else and the quality that we can bring to the world and bringing people together, and it’s just been really humbling to see other people be a part of that, support that, over the years because there are opportunities through the years where the business could have failed but is literally because of the community that we didn’t, and that’s why we were able to survive these ten years and keep moving forward,” Knapp said of Piper & Leaf making community a priority from the outset. “Those relationships pay back tenfold because we have people to support us not just a checkbook.”

Even recently, after a supply chain issue caused a setback in production, the Piper & Leaf family received an

Madison Living 45

outpouring of support from community members willing to lend a hand.

As a family-owned and operated company, run

by Knapp, his two sisters Brigitte and MaryClaire Thomas, and his brother-in-law Caleb, relationships are quite literally the basis of Piper & Leaf. The relationships they formed with customers at their first farmers markets, then at their first location in Lowe Mill, and continue to form with North Alabama newcomers and other local businesses form the foundation of their business model, making them much more than just a tea company.

As they write on their website, “First and foremost, we are a family who loves working together and sharing the talents, joy, and love with which God has blessed us. We love being a part of creating community, growing local, working as family and friends, and serving delicious tea. Our goal is to learn and grow as a company while we work together to improve and brighten the culture, health, and education of those who come in contact with our tea.”

Their commitment to quality and relationships extends to their teas, themselves, which are crafted

46 Madison Living

Celebrating 10 Years of

TEA & COMMUNITY

Visit us at any of our four locations: P&L x STRONG STATION- 7504 Hwy 72 W A4, Madison P&L x CONSTITUTION PARK- 109 Gates Ave SE, Huntsville P&L x LOWE MILL- 2211 Seminole Dr SW Ste 121, Huntsville P&L x LACEY’S SPRING- 997 Highway 231, Lacey’s Spring 568279-1

Madison Living 47

Caleb Christopher

Brigette Christopher

MaryClaire Thomas

Connor Knapp

48 Madison Living

largely from locally sourced, fresh ingredients from local farms.

“Where we’re unique is we impart additional ingredients and flavors, similar to a coffee roaster where they get a partially finished product and then they roast the coffee to a certain extent to bring out different flavors. So, in some ways we are more like a coffee roaster and that’s where we are very unique -- bringing in local produce to create things, as well as, using natural ingredients,” Knapp said.

The production of their teas and sourcing of ingredients makes them stand out from mainstream tea companies, which Knapp explains typically use lower quality herbs and fruits in addition to artificial flavorings and preservatives.

“Most, especially large tea companies, get produce that grows really fast so it’s not grown for flavor and a lot of that comes from other countries.

Then they spray on additional flavorings afterward to make it taste like it,” he explained. On the other hand, “[Piper & Leaf] uses essential oils, which are technically considered organic natural flavorings.

That’s the only difference. Organic natural flavorings is not an organic certification like you see on a fruit or vegetable. It means it’s derived from an

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organic source, a real source.”

“In everything we do, nothing is artificial. Everything is very real, very edible,” he emphasized.

Production happens at Piper & Leaf’s headquarters nestled across the Tennessee River from Ditto Landing in Lacey’s Spring, Alabama. The headquarters is not only the hub of production for Piper & Leaf but is also a hub of culture and fellowship for the community. Thanks to a grant from Morgan County, Piper & Leaf hosts regular family-friendly events, such as the Fun Farm Friday barn dances, and the recent pumpkin fest and Holiday Market, at the headquarters.

Again, in their community-centered fashion, Piper & Leaf has opened their tenth-anniversary celebrations to the public. Celebrations kicked off in August 2023 when the company celebrated ten years since making the business official in August 2013. They welcomed the community over the summer to a Decade Dinner party and to a tea-themed festival in October, but the party is not over yet! Festivities will continue for the whole year until next August with drink specials and even more still to come.

As for the next ten years, they are looking to grow their online store and local fanbase as the North Ala-

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bama area continues to grow while staying community-minded and keeping their commitment to fresh, simple ingredients.

As Knapp states, “It’s just experimenting and playing and trying to do things but keep our core values of community and quality together as we move forward.”

Piper & Leaf products can be found at their four North Alabama locations at Lowe Mill, Constitution Hall, Strong Station, and Lacey’s Spring, as well as online, and as a taste of North Alabama in coffee shops, boutiques, and more around the country, including, notably, the Boston Tea Party Museum and the Biltmore Estate. More information and updates on Piper & Leaf can be found on social media @ piperandleaf and online at piperandleaf.com.

Madison Living 51

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

November is Adoption Awareness Month

...

Lee Marshall

Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation Kidstolove.org

52 Madison Living

I

I was 2-years-old when I was adopted out of foster care in Tennessee, too young to recognize the gift of an adoptive home or to grasp how my adoption would chart the direction of my life. But I know now, and I want the nearly 6,000 children in foster care in Alabama to feel the joy and belonging a family brings.

November is Adoption Awareness Month. It is more than a ribbon to wear or a statement of recognition. At Kids to Love, it is about advocacy.

The very first act Kids to Love initiated on behalf of foster children was to find them adoptive homes. The need is as great today

as it was 20 years ago when our efforts began.

Now, Kids to Love is a private adoption agency which gives us another avenue to place children with parents who will love them.

Kids to Love knows the need for adoption beyond the month of November. It’s our goal year-round to recruit for families and to meet the needs of children while they wait in foster care.

If you are compelled to journey with us, especially if your heart is tugging you towards adoption, we would love to talk with you!

Reach out to us today through our website at kidstolove.org

ART

THE AGE OF ARMOR

Huntsville Museum of Art’s new exhibit features amazing treasures from the Higgins Armory Collection Madison Living 53

F

From the warriors of ancient Greek legends, to the knights of the Middle Ages, to the superheroes of today’s popular culture, the idea of personal body armor has an enduring hold on the human imagination. Armor is as old as human civilization, and has been used in various forms in societies around the globe, but full suits of articulated steel plates were made only in Europe, and only for a brief time in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. A new exhibit opening at the Huntsville Museum of Art on Nov. 10 explores the story of armor in its golden age.

Suits of armor are among the most popular objects with museumgoers, but there are few significant collections of armor in the Americas. In 2014, the Worcester Art Museum acquired the Higgins Armory Collection.

While most of this rare collection is in storage awaiting the creation of a dedicated arms and armor gallery, there is a unique opportunity to share these objects with a national and international public.

This exhibition was organized by the Worcester Art

54 Madison Living

Museum. Dr. Jeffrey L. Forgeng, the Higgins Curator of Arms & Armor and Medieval Art at the Worcester Art Museum, has been responsible for the Higgins Collection since 1999 and is the author of over a dozen books.

“The John Woodman Higgins Collection is one of the last major arms and armor collections to be assembled in the United States and one of the very few major collections in American museums,” Dr. Forgeng said.

“Currently, most of the 1500-plus objects are in storage while the Worcester Art Museum prepares a permanent arms and armor gallery to display them. This has created an opportunity to share highlights of this rare and coveted collection with a national audience, and I’m delighted to be able to share them in person with visitors to the Huntsville Museum of Art.” During a lecture and preview party of The Age of Armor: Treasures from the Higgins Armory Collection on Nov. 9, guest speaker Dr. Jeffrey L. Forgeng will take guests on a personal journey through highlights of the exhibition and the centuries of human stories forged

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into the steel of these objects. It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Museum of Art. Guests at the preview party will enjoy a selection of fine wines and delicious passed hors d’oeuvres by Chef Narvell and music by members of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. To purchase tickets to the lecture and preview party, visit hsvmuseum.org The exhibit will be open to the public Nov. 10 through Jan. 14. Visitors will discover the diverse and often surprising stories embedded in these powerful objects. Far from the ungainly exoskeleton we often imagine today, the suit of armor was made to be sleek and stylish—painstakingly engineered, elegantly designed, and treasured as the expression of its owner’s taste, sophistication, and prowess.

“The Age of Armor: Treasures from the Higgins Armory Collection showcases the extraordinary evolution of armor through the centuries,” said Christopher J. Madkour, HMA’s Executive Director. “The Huntsville Museum of Art invites the public to immerse themselves in history’s most remarkable treasures.”

Arms and armor has a perennial draw on the human imagination. It was mythologized by the cultures that produced it, and it remains a vibrant part of modern mythologies through stories, cinema, and digital games. But what about the realities behind the myth? Who made the armor, who wore it, how well did it work—and how did it come to be in Huntsville half a millennium later? The exhibit will explore the centuries of human stories forged into the steel of these objects.

This exhibition explores armor’s global relevance and connection to fashion from the European Middle Ages (about 500-1500) through the Renaissance (about 1500-1600) and into the present day.

By the late Middle Ages, plate armor emerged in Europe in response to changes in weaponry and battlefield tactics, eventually replacing shirts of mail, which were created from tens of thousands of interlocking rings. Plate armor was more customizable and provided more protection from crushing weapons like maces and the steel-tipped bolts of a crossbow, examples of which are seen at the start

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of the exhibition.

Moving through the galleries, “Age of Armor” next explores armor as fashion. The suit of armor became increasingly elaborate during the 1500s to imitate civilian clothing. As an example, the fluted “’Maximilian’ Field Armor” from the Worcester Art Museum, while having some protective qualities, was mostly meant to mimic the pleated fabric of a man’s civilian clothing, and the smooth armor on the lower leg imitated his silk stockings.

Another part looks at the various uses of armor.

Made of thick steel, battlefield armor could weigh up to 60 pounds, for example. Armor worn by knights during jousting competitions was often substantially reinforced on the left side, which was threatened by the opponent’s lance, while tournaments on foot would include a reinforced helmet.

By the late 1500s, it became apparent armor couldn’t compete with battlefield changes, like gunpowder weapons, so foot soldiers began to focus only on thicker head and torso protection. However, armor retained its ceremonial and symbolic functions.

Toward the end of the exhibition, visitors will learn about armor’s form and function in more modern days.

While it fell out of widespread military use more than 300 years ago, armor was revived during World War I in the form of the steel helmet. It also can be seen in pop-culture characters, like the fictional armor on display from Hollywood films, like “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and “Black Panther.”

The Huntsville Museum of Art is located at 300 Church Street South in downtown Huntsville. You can find more information at www.hsvmuseum.org or by calling 256.535.4350

58 Madison Living

RECIPES

THANKFUL FOR PIE

The holidays are upon us with Thanksgiving kicking off the eating festivities. What would a gathering be without delicious pies?

STORY BY JOHN FEW

Madison Living 59

Delicious Thanksgiving pies

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Thanksgiving is here, the wonderful holiday filled with delicious ways to express our thanks for everything good. Of course, what would a Thanksgiving gathering be without homemade pies - or any holiday gathering where food is involved? Over the next few days, we are bringing you recipes to help make your holiday feast even more festive.

Here’s a selection of trusted Thanksgiving pie recipes including pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie, peanut butter pie, and even possum pie - yes, that’s right, possum pie. Don’t worry, no possums were harmed or used in this recipe.

Have you ever heard the saying that you should never go grocery shopping while hungry because you will end up with a lot more than you intended? That’s how this feature on pies was born. I thought it would be nice to share a simple Thanksgiving recipe in this issue. Once I conducted a search for the right recipe, hunger took over and I found myself enthralled in photos of the most scrumptious-looking pies. How could I choose just one, so we are bringing you five mouth-watering pie recipes to help bring a little extra cheer to your holiday table this year. I hope you enjoy them, and I wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. - John

Happy Thanksgiving 60 Madison Living

M

Pumpkin pie

11/2 cups pumpkin purée, homemade (see below) Millions of people insist no holiday meal is complete 1 tablespoon rum without some pie for dessert. Pie served with coffee cer1 teaspoon ground cinnamon tainly makes for a fitting end to a holiday meal, and hosts 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger can serve any type of pie and still end up with some satis1/2 teaspoon salt fied guests.

1 prebaked 91/2-inch pie crust Though pie afficionados typically have their own go-to 1 recipe chantilly cream (see below) pie, pumpkin pie is especially popular at the holiday dinner table. Hosts who want to cater to the masses can serve Preheat the oven to 350 F. up the following recipe for “Pumpkin Pie” courtesy of EmIn a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar ily Luchetti’s “Classic Stars Desserts” (Chronicle Books).

Featuring homemade pumpkin purée and cream, this until blended. Add the corn syrup and whisk until smooth.

Whisk in the cream, pumpkin purée, rum, cinnamon, ginrecipe is sure to make guests happy this holiday season. ger, and salt until well mixed. Pour into the prebaked pie crust.

Pumpkin Pie Bake until the filling is set, about 30 minutes. Let cool to Serves 8 room temperature. Serve with the chantilly cream.

3 large eggs Chef’s Tip: The pie may be made a day in advance, cov1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar ered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before 1/2 cup dark corn syrup serving.

11/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Madison Living 61

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Pumpkin Purée Makes 21/2 cups 21/2 pounds sugar pumpkins 1/4 cup water Preheat the oven to 325 F. Cut each pumpkin into sixths. Scrape out the seeds and any stringy pulp. Put the pumpkin pieces, cut-side up, and the water in a baking pan and cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake until soft when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and, when cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh with a spoon and purée in a food mill or food processor. If the purée is watery, place it in a large sauté pan and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thick. The timing will depend on how watery the purée is.

Let cool, cover and refrigerate until using.

Chantilly Cream Makes about 21/4 cups 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Put the cream, vanilla and sugar in a bowl and whip by hand with a whisk or with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. The cream should hold its shape but still be very smooth.

Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Chef’s tip: You can whip the cream an hour or two in advance, cover and refrigerate it. If it sits longer than that, it will start to thin out and you will need to rewhip it lightly before using. A few quick stirs with a whisk will do the trick.

The perfect southern pecan pie

I

If you want a perfect pecan pie every time, you need this recipe from Southern Plate in your life. It has the traditional Southern pecan pie taste of rich and nutty caramelized filling in a flaky buttery pie crust, but the best part is that it never misses.

As kids, one of our favorite Sunday desserts was pecan pie. It seemed like Mama made one almost every Sunday and coincidentally, that was the day when we always had even more dinner guests than usual. Unfortunately, it was often a hit-or-miss recipe until a friend gave her this perfect pecan pie recipe when I was a young teen and our lives were changed forever! Seriously, ever since then, this pecan pie has turned out perfectly every single time. It’s like magic!

Fortunately, this traditional Southern pecan pie recipe

is so easy to make. All you need is six ingredients: eggs, sugar, white corn syrup, butter, chopped pecans, and a store-bought pie crust. The instructions are as simple as mixing the ingredients together one by one in a mixing bowl. The pie will be ready to bake in under 10 minutes.

The secret to this pecan pie recipe is that we place the unbaked pie in a cold oven and then bake it for 1 hour.

Trust me, this little trick results in a perfect pecan pie every time.

Pecan pie has been a favorite Southern dessert for decades. While many people reserve it for the holidays and the Thanksgiving table, my family loved to celebrate with pecan pie year-round. Enjoy every bite of this pecan pie, with its rich caramel nutty flavor and flaky buttery crust.

It’s a match made in heaven, that’s for sure!

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Ingredients 3 eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup white corn syrup 3/4 stick melted butter 1 cup chopped pecans 1 unbaked pie shell Instructions In a medium bowl, beat eggs, then blend in the sugar. Stir in the remaining ingredients, mixing well.

Pour pecan pie filling into the unbaked pie crust.

Place pecan pie in a cold oven. Turn to 300 degrees and bake for 1 hour.

You can find more recipes at www.southernplate.com

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A twist on a classic apple pie

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While apple pie is a traditional seasonal dish, you can add unique flavor with this skillet version. Simply toss Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice then spoon between two pie crusts simmering in a thin layer of brown sugar and cinnamon then drizzle with caramel sauce for a deliciously gooey evening treat.

You can find this recipe and more at Culinary.net.

Skillet Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce 4 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon, divided 1 tablespoon lemon juice 6 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup, plus 2 teaspoons, brown sugar

2 refrigerated pie crusts 2 teaspoons whipping cream caramel sauce Heat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, combine apples, sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon and lemon juice until apples are covered. Set aside.

In oven-safe, 10-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter. Add 1/4 cup brown sugar and remaining cinnamon; mix until combined. Boil 5-8 minutes.

In same skillet, place one pie crust over brown sugar mixture. Pour apples over pie crust. Cover apples with second pie crust. Cut slits in top to release steam. Brush whipping cream over crust. Sprinkle with remaining brown sugar.

Bake 35-45 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Drizzle with caramel sauce.

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Arkansas Possum Pie

The star of your next spread can be hidden away in the refrigerator for a surprise delight for your guests. It’s topped with chocolate syrup and chopped pecans, and your loved ones just may vote it to be their favorite dish.

It’s an Arkansas Possum Pie, made with three delicious layers and crunchy toppings for a show-stopping dessert.

This pie is a perfect conversation starter at your holiday gathering. It’s sweet, crunchy and filled with creamy, delight-

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ful layers of goodness.

You can find it an more unique dessert recipes at Culinary. net.

Arkansas Possum Pie Servings: 8 Crust: 3/4 cup butter 1 1/2 cups flour

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1/2 cup brown sugar 1 1/2 cups pecans, crushed Cream Cheese Layer: 12 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 4 tablespoons heavy cream Pudding Layer: 3 egg yolks 2 cups whole milk 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup cocoa powder 3 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Whipped Cream Topping: 1 cup heavy whipping cream 4 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract chocolate syrup 1/2 cup chopped pecans Heat oven to 350 F. To make crust: In saucepan, melt butter; add flour, brown sugar and crushed pecans. Stir until combined.

Press into 9 1/2-inch deep pie plate.

Bake 15-20 minutes until crust begins to brown. Cool completely.

To make cream cheese layer: In medium bowl, mix cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream; mix until smooth. Spread over cooled pecan crust. Refrigerate.

To make pudding layer: In medium bowl, whisk egg yolks. Add milk; whisk until combined. Set aside.

In separate medium bowl, whisk sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, flour and salt until combined.

In saucepan over medium heat, add egg yolk mixture and flour mixture. Whisk constantly until pudding begins to thicken and bubble. Add butter and vanilla extract, stirring until butter is melted. Pour chocolate pudding in shallow bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching pudding to keep it from forming skin. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Pour pudding over cream cheese layer. Cover pie with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.

To make whipped cream topping: In stand mixer bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over pudding layer. Drizzle pie with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

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Fluffy peanut butter pie

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If you’ve ever taken a bite of something and the only word that came to mind was “yum,” you know what it’s like to experience this dessert. It’s fluffy, sweet, perfectly crumbly and tastes delicious. It’s rich but light. It’s a dessert that will likely never go out of style.

You can stop guessing what it may be: this treat is a scrumptious bite of Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie drizzled with chocolate syrup. You will understand the craze once you sink your fork into the chilled triangle resting on your plate. With a chocolate cookie crust and a thick, delicious peanut butter filling, this pie is everything many people want in a dessert.

Although it tastes like you have been in the kitchen all day, it’s a simple-to-make, delightful treat with luscious peanut butter flavor that melts in your mouth.

To make this pie, remove the filling from 20 chocolate cookies and crush them with a rolling pin until they are just crumbs. Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and mold into

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a pie dish to create the crust.

Next, in a mixer, combine cream cheese and reserved cookie filling. Then add sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, lemon juice and vanilla extract while you continue mixing.

In a mixing bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold peanut butter mixture in with the whipping cream.

Layer the peanut butter and whipping cream mixture on top of the crust in the pie pan. Chill for about 4 hours then drizzle with chocolate syrup just before serving.

This dessert is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. House guests, birthday parties or even just a simple treat after a meal; it’s an any-occasion kind of pie.

Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie Servings: 6-8 20 chocolate cream-filled cookies 1/4 cup butter, melted

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 cup smooth peanut butter 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup whipping cream chocolate syrup Remove cream filling from chocolate cookies; set aside. With rolling pin, finely crush chocolate cookies.

In medium bowl, combine finely crushed cookies with melted butter.

Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate; chill while preparing filling.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add reserved cookie cream filling, peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk; beat until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract.

In medium bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture. Mix until combined.

Pour into crust. Chill 4 hours, or until set. Drizzle chocolate syrup over pie before serving.

Cover leftovers and store in refrigerator.

Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

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SHOPPING

Check out this beautiful Omega De Ville women’s watch at Meyer & Lee

Add a pop of decor to your kitchen with these hand towels at Madison Mercantile

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Get ready for Christmas with some help from Noble Passage

Oak kitchen cabinet w/dry sink and cutting board at Madison Station Antiques

The beanies are back at Holtz Leather Co.

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Looking for the perfet Christmas gift for the man in your life? Check out Holtz Leather Co.

Check out the little treasures you will find at Noble Passage.

Beautiful antique enamel ruby and diamond ring at Meyer & Lee

Large selection of crystal, crocks, pottery, antique toys and tools, lamps, linens, clocks, furniture and more at Madison Station Antiques

The subtle sparkle of these JC Cheri Satchel Bags keep catching my eye at Queen Bee of Beverly Hills

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....................... DOWNTOWN MADISON .......................

Downtown Madison’s Wassailfest will be held Dec. 1.

The Downtown Top Ten

from the Shoppes of Historic Downtown Madison

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By Brandy Booth

As the days get cooler and the holiday season is arriving in full force, we want to take a moment and share ten not-to-miss highlights downtown in November! We always have so much to offer and feature downtown; these are just a sampling to highlight.

No. 1 - WASSAILFEST - December 1 - go ahead and mark your calendar for this year’s Wassailfest. With it being at the beginning of December, we wanted to go ahead and feature it here. In collaboration with the Historic Society’s Polar Express Tree Lighting, it is one of the largest events in downtown Madison. Trees, decorated by businesses and organizations, line the green space on the north side of Main Street. Multiple Madison organizations come out to host family events that evening, and downtown businesses break out their own wassail recipes for everyone to sample and enjoy while shopping and supporting these small businesses.

No. 2 - PINK FRIDAY - November 17th - is an annual event held each November with one mission: support small businesses first before Black Friday and the big box stores. Many businesses downtown will be partici-

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pating with specials. Look for the pink balloons to see participating stores. A downtown thank you to Melinda Sanders with Filthy Gorgeous for being the initiating host of this event.

No. 3 - SHOP SMALL SATURDAY - November 25th is another annual event always hosted the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This is a great day to come out and shop all downtown for Christmas gifts and enjoy lunch and dinner! Stores will be showcasing new items, sales, special events, and samplings!

No. 4 - MAIN STREET CAFE - 6-7 oz Filet - As the holiday season approaches in full force, if you are looking for an evening out with friends, Main Street Cafe is definitely what you are looking for. No other restaurant offers the history of Madison as well as their fully delicious menu. This filet is definitely our #1 current recommendation. Their 6–7-ounce filet is accompanied with mashed potatoes, broccoli, and balsamic syrup. Cooked medium was the perfect tenderness. Add the house cabernet for a full-flavor experience. Main Street Cafe is open for dinner on Wednesday and Thursday 5-8 and

....................... DOWNTOWN MADISON .......................

Friday and Saturday 5-9). And lunch hours are Monday - Saturday 11-2.

No. 5 - OLD BLACK BEAR - Tripel Bogey & Apple Cider Moscow Mule - After dinner meander down to Old Black Beer to enjoy their fall menu of beers and drinks.

Todd’s November recommendation is Tripel Bogey, which is a Belgian-Style Pale Ale. Another trending mixed drink is their Apple Cider Moscow Mule. Sit back and enjoy a drink while listening to live music happening on weekends.

No. 6 - LEMON & LAVENDER - New Location, 108 Main Street - Downtown has been thrilled to see the wood facade come down and the doors open on Lemon & Lavender’s newly renovated location at 108 Main Street.

Featuring all-natural, organic, sustainable kitchen, bath, baby, pet, and home decor, they have also launched the first refillery in North Alabama. Customers can either bring their own containers or purchase in store to refill everyday bath and kitchen items (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, etc.).

No. 7 - FILTHY GORGEOUS - Holiday Collection With the holiday season comes parties, pictures, and fun social events. Filthy Gorgeous has launched her holiday collection. Without a doubt, FG is THE boutique to shop for any party attire you will need this holiday season!

No. 8 - LANIER HOUSE - November Menu - Every month the Lanier House Tea Room has a new menu.

What a wonderful way to meet up with all your girlfriends and to catch up over three courses of afternoon tea, scones, and English treats. Guests are welcome to fully embrace the tea experience and dress up or cutecasual if you have other plans surrounding your time.

Either way, you will fit right in. Reservations are recommended and fill quickly, so I suggest texting your friends now and setting a date and reservations now.

No. 9 - ZION POPCORN - Gift Baskets - Looking for a quick gift basket for a friend or neighbor? Zion Popcorn has some great options. With so many flavors, it is hard to choose, but three not-to-miss flavors to try are guadalajara hot sauce, cajun, and jubilee. I am planning to pick up some for all the guys in my family for holiday treats.

No. 10 - ELEGANCE ON MAIN - Hair Color Specialists - As the holidays approach, it is also generally the time to go extra glam with a hair appointment. The stylists at Elegance on Main are definitely showing off their skills; check out their social media @eleganceonmain938. Stop by to meet the stylists and book your appointment today. Located at 206 Main Street, next to Old Black Bear.

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

There was plenty to cheer about at the North Alabama Special Olympics

S

John Peck

Madison City Schools Public Relations Manager

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Smiles, determination and celebration were the order of the day at the North Alabama Special Olympics held recently at Milton Frank Stadium.

Madison City Schools that fielded participants gave their SPED students a hero’s sendoff by lining the halls and waving spirited posters as they made their way to buses.

This year’s event marked a welcome return to Huntsville’s Milton Frank Stadium.

The area’s districtwide Special Olympics had been grounded since the COVID outbreak.

More than 700 kids from Madison City, Huntsville and Madison County Schools

participated.

MCS schools sending SPED kids include Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools, Liberty and Discovery middle schools, and Rainbow and Columbia elementary schools.

Madison City Schools was the designated host this year, giving MCS students lead roles in the opening ceremonies like lighting the torch and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

School teams had plenty of assistance from MCS groups like cheerleaders, HOSA and ROTC programs. football players, Key Club, teachers, administrators and others.

A great time was had by all.

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

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OUT&ABOUT

MADISON STREET FESTIVAL - If you were in downtown Madison on Saturday, October 7, and expected to have a wonderful time in an amazing atmosphere, then you were not disappointed. This year’s Madison Street Festival was one of the best in the 41 years of the festival. What started as a fun way for the city of Madison to celebrate our nation’s 200th birthday in 1976, has exploded into a day-long event engulfing the city’s historic downtown area and drawing nearly 40,000 visitors. This year’s festival offered thrills, laughter, local musicians, visual artists, craftsmanship, family activities and food galore. There was something for everyone. It was all wrapped around a beautiful day with fall temps that were perfect for spending the day outside. Madison Street Festival Committee President Crystal McBrayer said it took a lot of work from an army of volunteers and supporters to pull it off. “The entire Madison Street Festival planning committee would like to thank everyone for coming out to help us enjoy a beautiful fall day together.” Here are some fun photos of the festival, starting with the annual Madison Street Festival parade. You can check out more photos on The Madison Record’s Facebook page. Photos by Andrew Noles, Captured By Cristie LLC, Madison Few and John Few

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NEIGHBORS

THE GRANT FUNK RAILROAD This amazing garden model train railway is well worth the short drive to Owens Cross Roads.

STORY BY JOHN FEW

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A trip to Grant and Jenny Sweer’s home in the Hampton Cove area of Owens Cross Roads is worth the drive.

From the front, their home looks like most others, but once inside the backyard you will be transported to a wonderland world of model garden railroading called Grant Funk Railroad.

Grant and Jenny have worked countless hours to create a variety of magical scenes for their garden-scale trains to travel. Miniature homes, unique and fun businesses like Hotel California, hobo hangouts, gnome houses and more line the tracks that host a number of trains passing along. For each season, the Sweer family adds their own brand of decor to make the layout even more exciting. They open their backyard for the public on special occasions, especially weekends through the holidays, for anyone to enjoy -- weather permitting. If you want to check out the grand station yourself, follow along with Grant Funk Railroad on Facebook for all the details.

This is a free attraction, though donations are appreciated. Handicap parking is only in the driveway. Others can park along the curb, but please be respectful of the neighbors. They are located in a subdivision with an HOA and they want to keep them happy.

The Grant Funk Railroad is located at 4502 Clyde Circle, Owens Crossroads, AL 35763 Check out the photos and go to www.themadisonrecord.com to read more about the Grant Funk Railroad.

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