Madison Living Magazine - September 2022

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

September 2022 madisonlivingmagazine.com

COACH BRAD JEFFERSON COVID sent this long-time Madison City Schools coach into a fight for his life Bob Labbe celebrates 50 years in broadcasting Madison Street Festival returns Lee Marshall MVP’s Melanie Thornton Madison Living 1

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INSIDE

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CONTRIBUTORS Bob Labbe Gregg Parker Erin Coggins Joshua Berry Lee Marshall John Peck Mary Lynne Wright Lindsey Boothe Kassidy Wilkins

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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 $27.99 for 12 issues per year. Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Madison area. To subscribe, call 256-772-6677.

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THE GUIDE

Madison City Farmers Market • Open Saturdays 8 a.m. - noon • Trinity Baptist Church in Madison Located at 1088 Hughes Road at Trinity Baptist Church in Madison, the market is the area’s original local, producer-only farmers market, founded in 2007. Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted by local farmers and craftspeople. The vendors provide a wide selection of the freshest local veggies, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats, milk, herbs, honey, jams, relishes, home-baked goods, plants and flowers. Come see creations from local artisans including handmade cards, soaps, lotions, candles, wood crafts, sewn items and other handmade products. Go to www.madisoncityfarmersmarket.com for more information.

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THE GUIDE

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September 16-18 • Redstone Arsenal Activity Field www.redstoneMWR.com Rocket science isn’t all Huntsville imported from Germany!

One of the year’s most anticipated events is Oktoberfest, a German tradition with an Alabaman twist, which is hosted by Redstone Arsenal Family and MWR. Enjoy authentic German cuisine like schnitzel, bratwurst and sauerkraut while sipping beer by the stein. High-energy polka music and dancing is a staple of Oktoberfest, as are a variety of carnival rides, like an iconic Ferris wheel.

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Crush Wine & Food Festival • Sept. 19-25 Big Spring Park • www.crushwinefestival.com

This annual downtown wine festival will feature over 150 wine labels, live entertainment, local restaurants, food trucks and more!

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THE GUIDE The Orion Amphitheater MidCity District • Huntsville

The Orion Amphitheater is a stunning 8,000-capacity cultural destination. It boldly dares to go places no other venue has gone, launching North Alabama’s music scene to new heights. For information about The Orion and to keep up with upcoming events at the amphitheater, go to www.theorionhuntsville.com. Here are some upcoming concerts.

Styx & REO Speedwagon • Sept. 13 • The Orion • www.theorionhuntsville.com

Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. • Presented by The City of Huntsville: Jazz in the Park with Matthew Whitaker and special guests Jeff Ryan and The Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind.

Hosted by Jonathan Slocumb.

Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. • Alabama A&M’s Shakespeare Troupe, The Bulldog Bards, present “Bard in the Yard” - a modern take on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”. It will be presented in The Orion Amphitheater’s Artist Meadow.

Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. • My Morning Jacket with special guest Joy Oladokun. Widely ranked among the greatest live bands of their generation, they have long maintained their status as one of the most vital forces in rock-and-roll.

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The Rocket City Trash Pandas rare hosting two special events at Toyota Field in September, the Military Tribute Night on Saturday, Sept. 10, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas Donut 5K Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 24. The Military Tribute Night on September 10 will be a celebration to pay tribute to our Armed Forces. The Donut 5K Challenge is a great test of endurance for fans with an appetite. For more information and registration, go to www.trashpandasbaseball.com.

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Black Jacket Symphony: Van Halen 1984 • Sept. 17 • 5 and 9 p.m. • Mark C. Smith Concert Hall • www.vonbrauncenter.com The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. A selected album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked--the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album.

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THE GUIDE

Whistlestop Weekend Festival 2022

The Monte Sano Art Festival

Come have a toe-tappin, barbeque-eatin’ good time and best of all it’s all for a good cause. All proceeds benefit EarlyWorks Children’s Museum and educational programs for area children. In addition to the KCBS pro competition, there is a Shade Tree Cookers contest, Kid’s Q contest and People’s Choice Awards in the Shade Tree area. Bands will take the stage both Friday and Saturday night.

Hosted by Arts Huntsville, the Monte Sano Art Festival has been an exciting tradition for the North Alabama community for over two decades. Featuring the best local and regional artists representing an array of disciplines and techniques, the Monte Sano Art Festival is a treasure chest full of one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

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THE GUIDE

Casual Dining in Madison’s Historic District

Opera in the Park • Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Home Place Park in Madison • www.mvpmadison.org “Opera in the Park”, hosted by Opera Huntsville, will share an entertainment genre new to Madison audiences at openair concerts. Opera in the Park will be a free, family-friendly performance at the new Home Place Park in Madison at 100 Shorter St. The concert will open at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 20. Performers will include Amanda Nelson and Dekendra Jackson, soprano; Josey Poppin, mezzo; Shane Kennedy, tenor; and Justin Colon, baritone. Accomplished pianist Christopher Powell will accompany the vocalists. Food trucks will visit Home Place Park so audience members can buy a tasty treat or dinner. Parking will be available at Madison City Schools Stadium with a short walk to Home Place Park.

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THE GUIDE

Old Thyme Market • Downtown Madison • Fridays 3-7 p.m. • .facebook.com/OldThymeMarketMadisonAL. Old Thyme Market is the newest farmers market in Madison.

The market is making its home in downtown Madison every Friday afternoon throughout the summer. Old Thyme Market includes farmers, craftsmen, artisans, and local businesses selling goods such as produce, local honey and preserves, pottery, and art. The markets also feature refreshments from Black Dog Grounds and Sounds, Suzy’s Pops, and Nanny’s Lemonade, and live music will be performed every week by local musicians. The market takes place every Friday from 3 - 7 p.m. now through September on Garner Street in downtown Madison. For more information about Old Thyme Market, go to www.facebook.com/OldThymeMarketMadisonAL.

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EVENTS

IT’S BACK!

After a two-hiatus due to COVID, the Madison Street Festival is back and ready to party in downtown Madison on Oct. 1 STORY BY GREGG PARKER

Madison Living 19

F

For two years, residents have regretted cancellations of the Madison Street Festival because of COVID-19 cases.

After the two-year hiatus, the festival will return on Oct. 1 with all the street-party spirit that makes the event so special.

“Our planning for the 2022 festival is in full swing,” MSF President Crystal McBrayer said.

“The MSF Steering Committee is excited to be back and to host this free-to-the-public festival with a little something for everyone,” McBrayer added. “Come and celebrate being back for our 40th festival in historic downtown Madison on Oct. 1, starting with our parade kickoff at 9 a.m.”

The festival has numerous components with volunteers coordinating the areas: * Artist Alley -- Juried art exhibit of high-quality, award-winning original works of art. Artists will present pottery, raku, photography, glass, woodworking, literature, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and metalsmithing.

20 Madison Living

* Business Showcase -- Businesses and organizations, for-profit and non-profit, explaining and demonstrating their work. On Front Street, Business Showcase will inform residents on a wide variety of products and services. * Children’s Area – In new location on Maple Street in MSF’s Interact Zone. Youngsters can enjoy free arts, crafts, games and entertainment. The Animal Discovery Zone will delight 12-year-olds and younger. “From magic and animal balloons, to face painting and making crafts, you’ll find it all in the Children’s Area,” McBrayer said. * Crafters Cove – Showcases unique handmade items that embody the craftsperson’s creativity and skill. Possible merchandise includes hair bows; clothing for children and women, along with dolls; wreaths; jewelry; wooden pallet creations; yard art; ceramics; cigar box guitars; dog clothing and collars; candles; wooden toys; up-cycled items; knitted and crocheted items. * Community Showcase – Gives a stage for performing art groups on Main Street. A perennial crowd favorite. * Entertainment Stage – “This stage is all about the mu-

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sicians and will be located on Church Street beside Madison Methodist,” McBrayer said. * Exhibits – Features displays that are both visual and hands-on. The Exhibits area is kid-friendly and will be set up in the Village Green on Front Street. * Food – Various vendors, food trucks and new area for Cottage Law Vendors. Main Street and Wise Street will have most food choices; other vendors will be positioned throughout the festival. * MidTown Madison – New area staffed with Madison Mayor; Madison City Council; employees in Public Works, Engineering, Police and Fire departments; Madison Police Citizens Advisory Committee; and Madison Chamber of Commerce. This site is adjacent to North Alabama Gas near Church and Front streets’ intersection (former site of Children’s Area). * Parade – Using “CELEBRATE” as 2022 theme. Kicking off the festival, MSF Parade starts at Insanity Complex and proceeds to Mill Road; Church, Front and Sullivan streets; and disperses at First Baptist Church of Madison.

The parade concludes with opening ceremony on Church Street’s Entertainment Stage. * Car Show – Hosted by Vets with Vettes. Car enthu-

siasts will revel at sedan, trucks and other vehicles. The show site will be in Garner Street’s parking lot. * Sponsorship Row – “Meet all our wonderful sponsors who have supported MSF for 2022. Booths will be located down Church Street,” McBrayer said. * Student Art Tent – Spotlights artwork of students in Madison City Schools and private schools. These brilliant young artists create superior designs. The Art Tent will be in the Interact Zone, off Maple Street. * Teen Area – Targets youth from 12 to 18 years old. Interactive demos will cover how to play chess, introducing robotics, STEM activities and more. * Volunteers – Sign-in spot for festival volunteers, who make the event possible. The Just Serve organization recruits volunteers for set up, any needs during the festival and tear down.

“Many committee members work behind the scenes to make the festival successful -- from logistics, planning, publicity to hospitality – for all areas to work together,” McBrayer said.

For more information, visit madisonstreetfestival.org, Facebook/Madison Street Festival or instagram.com/ madisonstreetfestival.

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The Madison Street Festival opens with the annual parade, featuring many entries including the local high school bands.

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COMMUNITY

MADISON’S MVP

Melanie Thornton, Madison Visionary Partners’ new executive director, says they are “just getting started” STORY BY KASSIDY WILKINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 25

P

Projects don’t just “happen” in and around communities, although sometimes it seems that way. But somewhere behind the scenes, there are groups of people working hard to achieve community projects, increase the quality of life, and bring the community together.

One such group that you may or may not have heard of is Madison Visionary Partners (MVP).

One member of the Madison community, a certain Melanie Thornton, the recently appointed Director of MVP, didn’t know what Madison Visionary Partners was until well into the COVID-19 pandemic. Working at the Madison Public Library, Thornton was told that they had received a sum of money from a group called Madison Visionary Partners. She had no idea who they were or what they did.

But she was to soon find out. And hopefully, if you are reading this article, you too will learn something about MVP and what they can and have done to improve the community we share.

As their name suggests, MVP thrives on partnerships. As a non-profit with a board and current staff of one, MVP has partnered with the city, the school system, and individual groups of citizens to do everything from fundraising to polling the community for input on projects. When partnering with the city for a project like Home Place Park in Down-

26 Madison Living

town Madison (which we’ll talk about a little later), MVP takes on a project that the city already knows it wants to do.

The city officials knew they wanted to renovate the park but needed some help raising the funds to do it. That’s where MVP steps in.

MVP also functions as a fiscal agent for citizens that want to bring a project to the community. But from a tax and legality standpoint they need a 501C3; MVP serves as that fiscal agent for them to help with fundraising.

Heading up the activities of MVP is Melanie Thornton, who much like the rest of us, had not heard of MVP until one of their projects touched her life. A native of Louisiana who moved here within the last five years, Thornton has a background in communications and worked at the Madison Public Library as the Director of Public Relations until May 2022. But when she saw the opportunity open to be the Executive Director of MVP, she jumped at the chance.

“I was looking for a position where I could directly impact the community where I live,” Thornton said. “I see Madison as a city that has a lot of potential. It still has that small-town charm, and we’re also growing. I wanted to be directly involved in the community’s progress.”

She certainly has done that even during the short time she has been the Executive Director of MVP. With several

projects either recently completed or in the works, Thornton says that her vision for where she wants to take MVP is to “become a community resource…I look at us as a community non-profit that really impacts the direction of our community in a positive way, and we do that through working with our non-profit partners… That’s our vision: taking what this community wants and moving it forward.”

This is part of what makes MVP such a special organization: they focus on really listening to what the community wants. On a listening tour that MVP conducted in 2019 in which the MVP board asked the public what they wanted more of in their community, they heard that the citizens of Madison want more quality-of-life amenities: bigger and upgraded parks, public art projects, and cultural programming.

It’s these kinds of projects that MVP is bringing to the city of Madison. But what projects have they actually done?

Let me tell you.

Madison Visionary Partners was founded in 2012 but was revamped in 2019. Needless to say, the COVID-19 pandemic was not friendly to non-profits hoping to bolster community connection and quality of life, but MVP was still able to do a major project during that time: The River of Hope.

Near the entrance of Dublin Park, there lies a “river” of rocks painted by community members and organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone could purchase a rock to paint, and once decorated or painted they were laid

out for others in the community to see. MVP spearheaded this project and distributed the funds— over $10,000— to other non-profits in the community as COVID relief. It was this project that originally introduced Thornton to MVP when some of the funds were given to the Madison Public Library.

If you keep up with the local news, you probably have also heard about the opening of the newly renovated Home Place Park in Downtown Madison which has hosted concerts in the park every third Thursday of the summer months. MVP played a large role alongside other non-profits in raising the funds to renovate the park from a lot of empty ground to the beautiful amphitheater rising out of the grass surrounded by trees. The park has also increased the walkability of the downtown area along with providing a place for community-held events. Thornton also mentioned an opera that will be held in Home Place Park in late September as part of the promise to bring events to the newly improved space.

Perhaps the biggest project that MVP is in the throes of working on is Kid’s Kingdom in Dublin Park. The beloved playground, which recently turned 24 years old, was long overdue for an update.

“The upkeep [on Kid’s Kingdom] became unmanageable,” Thornton said. “A lot of the wood was rotting; it needed to be replaced. The ongoing maintenance was really high.”

But when the idea for renovating the part was brought

Members of the original Kids Kingdom presented the Go Build a Kingdom committee and Madison Visionary Partners with a $65,000 donation for the new, inclusive playground. Pictured here are (left to right): Tami Grant (Kids Kingdom Committee), Melanie Thornton, MVP Executive Director, Marc Jacobson, Madison Visionary Partners board member, Jane Dow, chair of the Kids Kingdom committee, Matt McLellan, chair of the Go Build a Kingdom committee, Maura Wroblewski (Go Build a Kingdom council representative) and Minerva Rodriguez (Kids Kingdom committee).

Madison Living 27

up, a group of private citizens made a suggestion: making it an inclusive playground. Thornton explained that this means children of all ability levels would be able to play, including those with physical and/or mental disabilities. They plan to accomplish this by providing more play options and designing the grounds to encourage parallel play.

Partnering with both the city and the Madison City Disability Advocacy Board, MVP has pledged to raise $750,000 and at the time of writing has raised about $500,000. The park will be closed for construction in early September with an anticipated opening date in the spring of 2023. Make sure to get out there to Dublin Park to play on the playground one last time before they close it for renovations in the colder months, but it will certainly be exciting to see what it becomes and how it will be different when it opens next spring.

One last project that MVP currently has on the radar is the renovation of the Old Three Springs Center. This center for detained juveniles was closed a few years ago and has been vacant ever since, and the city has decided to turn it into a

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community center. Thornton says that not only is it going to be a community center but also “a collaborative space for non-profits and community organizations.” This project is in the early stages of planning and MVP is not officially involved… yet. But Thornton seemed sure that at some point MVP would get involved in such a large community project.

For her first year as Executive Director of MVP, Thornton wants to focus on community awareness. “I want to let Madison know who we are, why we’re here, and how we can help.” MVP can certainly be a huge asset to this community if community members like you will take advantage of what it offers.

“We’re still a new organization in a lot of ways,” Thornton says. “We’re really starting to show the community what we can do and what our potential is. Even though we’ve… done projects like Home Place Park and Kid’s Kingdom, we’re just getting started.”

For more information about Madison Visionary Partner, visit www.mvpmadison.org or look them up on Facebook.

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SPORTS

COACH BRAD JEFFERSON COVID sends long-time Madison City Schools coach into the fight for his life STORY BY BOB LABBE PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 33

34 Madison Living

B

Brad Jefferson is a COVID survivor. “My body may be weak, but my soul is stronger,” said the 47-year old during a breakdown of tears and recollection of his ordeal of prevailing a near-death bout with COVID, which began in November, 2020.

“I still have the effects of the virus and most likely will have for the rest of my life, but I’m determined not to let that stop me in my career and enjoying my family and friends,” added Jefferson.

The 18-year veteran coach in the Madison City Schools is currently the head coach of the Bob Jones track program and assistant cheer coach. He teaches career prep at the school and is for the first time in the local media willing to share his near fatal fight with COVID as he spent 28 days in Madison Hospital strictly isolated from the outside world including his family- his wife of 18 years, Stephanie, and their three children, Bailey, 17, Briley, 16 and Savannah, 11.

“My biggest fear was I would die alone in the hospital not being able to say goodbye to my entire family including my mother and brother,” said Jefferson. “I had this empty feeling in my gut I would die alone as there was nobody around except for the hospital workers. I told them I wanted to go home to die, and I asked God not to let this be my time to

go as I knew I had so much more to give. I sent messages asking for others to pray for me as I’ve always been a man of faith and taught my children to say prayers twice a day. My prayers were answered as I’m alive, but still battle the virus every moment of each day.”

Jefferson attended Alabama A&M on a football scholarship and after his college participation he played three years with the Tennessee Valley Vipers and then coached for another three seasons for the Tennessee Valley Hammers, both teams of the indoor football league that played its games in the arena of the Von Braun Center. He has been a teacher/coach for 21 years is now back at work fulltime and is looking forward to his normal coaching schedule in 2022.

His ordeal with the virus began in mid-November, 2020 when he didn’t feel well and was tested for COVID-19. His results were negative, but he still did not feel up to par. Two days later he was tested again and this time the test came back positive. Just over 24 hours later his condition worsened to where he had difficulty breathing so he took himself to Madison Hospital where he was quickly admitted and was told by doctors to possibly expect to remain there for at least a month. Four days after arriving at the medical facility on Highway 72 when he developed a fever he was moved

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to ICU, which had only one bed space remaining. He would remain there for five days undergoing treatments of plasma and medications. He was struggling to breath and his health continued to deteriorate.

“I told the attending physicians I did not want to be placed on a ventilator and refused their offer to place me on the device,” said Jefferson. “I told them if it was my time to die, so be it. I was placed on a feeding tube and wore a mask 24 hours a day as pneumonia set into my lungs.”

His condition soon became stabilized enough to where he was moved to a special COVID section of the hospital in a regular room where he remained for 19 days. His only communication with his family was through his phone, which made his ordeal even more stressful. Tending physicians told him he had a 35-percent chance of survival from COVID. After 28 days in the hospital he was finally allowed to return to his home with a specially designed hospital bed equipped with oxygen where his recovery began at a slow pace, but there was more Jefferson was yet to face in his return. Due to high levels of steroids to fight the virus and insulin to balance his blood sugar level during treatment for COVID as doctors were attempting to save his life, he suffered a detached retina of his left eye. He was deemed legally blind and had to undergo surgery to reattach the retina.

While recovering from the eye situation Jefferson also noticed his neck was giving him difficulty so he visited a doctor who found through X-rays and a MRI he had a cervical disc issue where the cushion in between the vertebrae had deteriorated to where he needed surgery to replace the spacer.

“I was told that while in the hospital and at home having to constantly turn my head may have increased the issue with my neck that may have been there for a while,” added Jefferson. “I suffered a pinched nerve and for a while my right arm was smaller than my left due to the lengthy stay in bed.

I was in terrible condition.”

Today, recovery continues for this one-time elite athlete.

He has amassed over 40 pounds of fluid, which remain in his body as his legs and stomach are enlarged and his skin on both his chest and back feel as though its on fire. He also suffers from asthma and has an asthma medication pump with him at all times. When he left the hospital he was prescribed 16 pills a day. Today he has cut that medication intake to just six. He has lost 40 pounds and said his face looks different than it did prior to the illness. In his coaching world he knows he’s more laid back than before and nothing small or minor bothers him. He said life was too precious to worry about the small things in life and some days are tougher than others depending on how his breathing is in a particular day as COVID ate away about 15-per-

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cent of his lung capacity.

While recovering at home his youngest child, Savannah, did want to leave his side. She was scared her father would die. He struggled through the down time, but family and friends helped with his doctor’s appointments as his wife, Stephanie, continued her job as a teacher at James Clemens High. Jefferson noticed some people he called friends ran from his situation, but he knows his true friends came to his aid. They helped with food for his family and handling the yard work at his home.

One of the family members who never wavered in the support was his older brother, Archie. The 50-year old was there the entire time doing whatever he could to assist and give moral support and spiritual guidance.

Jefferson recalled how his brother was his communication line to the outside world. “He got on-line everyday and gave an update on me. His reaction to what was happening was unbelievable and, thanks to him, others were able to keep up with my progress and say prayers through Archie’s communication line.”

Jefferson attends Union Chapel Church off Winchester Road. For 15 years he helped run the summer program where he would read bible scripture verses to the children in attendance. He never guessed his faith would be one of the things that helped him through the

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battle with COVID. “I noticed today my prayers are totally different than before. My experience was eye-opening and now I pray for others as families as your family is so important. Also, I never pray for myself. I always pray for others.”

While in the hospital and fearing the grim reaper was just around the corner, Jefferson made notations in his phone for his family and friends. The message was rather lengthy, but he had to say what he could before what he thought would soon be his death. He wrote the message and sent it to his brother. Some of the message read as follows: “If you’re reading this, I’m sorry I lost my battle, not to COVID, but the battle to be among the living.

I won the battle for my soul and I’m with the King of Kings. Please raise my kids as I would raise them. To all of those I coached, none of us gets out alive from this thing called life. Remember, someone has to win, why not you. Work for those things and moments you want for yourself. To my mom, I’ll sure be there to open the gates for you. To my brother, Archie, the plans we made please continue to do them. I’ll be looking down and checking on you. To Poofie (wife), our girls have the best mother ever. Sorry I can’t complete the journey.”

Archie never shared the lengthy message with the rest of the family until mid-July of this year at a family gathering. Jefferson thought it was time to share his thoughts of what he thought was the end of his life. “The reaction from everyone was the same. They were crying. I told them I really thought I was going to die, and I wanted my family to know I never gave up.”

Each day Jefferson takes a step back on his venture to a new day and thinks of what he learned from his neardeath experience. He said, “I found out I get my strength from my mom as I watched her raise kids and as a parent myself, I know it takes everything you got to raise a family. My quality of life is not what I thought it would be at this stage in my life. It’s a struggle every day. I’m still paying my share of the hospital bills. My platform today is to tell others, especially the young students I coach, make right decision in your life. As a father you think your kids know you love them but tell your kids every day you love them.”

Jefferson has faced death. He won the current battle and looks for more life experiences in the years to come with his own family and the student-athletes he feels are like his family. Whatever becomes the final outcome of his skirmish with the virus he will know part of his body was taken from him, but his soul is intact.

WOMEN

LEE MARSHALL The founder and CEO of Kids to Love is on a mission, and just like the non-profit’s name implies -- it’s one of love STORY BY KASSIDY WILKINS PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

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Editor’s note: The Madison area has many influential, trail-blazing women leaders who are making a huge impact within our community. Over the next few months, we will spotlight several of these remarkable women and why we consider them some of our area’s most influential people. This month we will look at a remarkable example of leadership. Lee Marshall is perhaps one of the dynamic and interesting women you will ever meet. She is the founder and CEO of Kids to Love, a tremendous non-profit organization based in Madison. Since 2004, the Kids to Love Foundation has directly impacted the lives of more than 290,000 foster children.

O

Our community of Madison is a special place where people can accomplish things they never could elsewhere — at least that’s what Lee Marshall, Founder and CEO of the well-known non-profit Kids to Love, believes about her work here in our community.

Many of us have probably heard of this organization either on the radio or in adds asking for school supplies or volunteers. It’s difficult to know which organizations to give your money or time to, but just a single conversation with Lee Marshall will convince you that Kids to Love should be on your list.

Kids to Love as an idea was born in Marshall’s mind back in 1998, and it was born on television. Working as a news anchor, Marshall became involved with a program that put kids who were living in foster care and needed to find a home on TV once a week. Born into foster care her-

42 Madison Living

self and adopted at the age of 2, Marshall was touched by the children that she got to meet.

“That weekly segment gave me a unique perspective to be able to meet these kids and see [that] their basic needs that weren’t being met.” Marshall said, “…that was really what weighed on me to do more because I saw that they needed basic things like school supplies, Christmas gifts, somebody to believe in them.”

So she began to look for resources to help these kids… but found nothing. Despite reaching out to non-profits in the community, Marshall was unable to find an organization that was targeting these kids as part of their work.

“We have an amazing group of non-profits in this community, and they all do amazing work,” Marshall said, “but they were all staying true to their mission and that was the clients that they were challenged to serve, and children in

Lee created the a highly anticipated annual event to raise money for Kids to Love called “Over the Edge”. Sponsored participants rappel 160 feet down the Regions Center in downtown Huntsville. It will be held Sept. 16-17. Pictured left: Kids to Love recently created “The Cottage Community” consisting of five homes. They will be a bridge to independence as the young ladies continue their education or begin a career while remaining under the guidance of the Kids to Love team of mentors. Lee is pictured in one of the cottages.

foster care didn’t fit that.”

With that, Kids to Love was begun out of necessity.

Aptly named, Kids to Love exists to serve and met the needs of the 6,000 children living in foster care in the state of Alabama. Through a variety of programs and services, this organization does more than meet the basic needs of these children.

The foster care system, run by the Department of Human Resources (DHR), is tasked with keeping children safe from adverse situations that are outside their control.

But children need more to live healthy and happy lives than being removed from a traumatic situation. That’s where Kids to Love comes in. “DHR has done the job necessary to run foster care,” Marshall said, “but the government shouldn’t be raising children. I don’t fault them for that; they do what they are employed to do.” And Kids to Love was started to do something more than that.

Kids to Love is licensed through the DHR as child placement agency which gives them access to children to place in foster homes or in their group home at Davidson Farms as well as the ability to license families to become foster families. However, they don’t take funding from the state

for any of their programs. Marshall explained that not being under contracts to DHR allows them to act upon immediate needs instead of waiting for money or for permission to be granted by the state. “For us to serve kids the way that we feel they need to be served,” Marshall said, “we don’t need to have any limitations or restrictions. If one of our girls at Davidson farms needs something, we met that need.”

This is made possible by private donors from this community. “There has not be a need that child has had… that I’ve ever had to say no,” Marshall said. “I don’t believe that I could do what I do from a philanthropy standpoint in any other community…We are very thankful that we have donors that see the value of how we serve and support us.”

How they serve is truly what sets Kids to Love apart.

The organization runs numerous programs that help kids in foster care with basic needs as well as more subtle, complex needs that are often overlooked.

More Than a Backpack is probably a Kids to Love program that you’ve heard of if you listen to local radio. This program gives kids schools supplies such as pencils, paper, binders, and calculators. This allows kids to feel confident

Madison Living 43

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and prepared at school instead of standing out having to ask for supplies. Every Kids to Love program has an education component in it. “Poverty is the number one reason children come into foster care,” Marshall said.

“Education is the way we get them out of poverty.”

Other programs such as Christmas for the Kids and Bibles for Kids focus on giving children happiness and hope. Kids to Love has distributed over 20,000 Bibles to children in foster care in Alabama and Tennessee with the hope that they will come to know that their heavenly Father has not abandoned them, even if their earthly parents have.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable programs that Kids to Love runs is called KTech, a workforce training initiative that teaches students the skills they need to go straight into the workforce. With 70 to 80 percent of those in the juvenile justice system or the prison system being former foster care children, Marshall called foster care “A pipeline to prison.” Education is how children can escape this slippery slope. Launched in January of 2016, KTech has since award 280 certifications to both foster care children and others in the community who do not wish or are not able to go on to higher education.

Another touching program that Kids to Love runs is Camp Hope which reunites siblings that have been separated in foster care. For many of the children whose parental rights have been terminated, their siblings are the only family they have. Marshall recalled a time when they brought together a sibling group of 7— who had not all been in the same room together for four or five years— to a cabin in the mountains for the weekend. They had activities planned for them, but all they wanted was to be together.

But perhaps Kids the Love’s most unique program is the upcoming coming Cottage Community. Children age out of foster care when they turn 19. These young adults are at risk of becoming immediately homeless if they are not in a position to get their own apartment (a position that many high school seniors who had normal childhoods and stable homes cannot reach). Statistics show that many foster youth are homeless, in prison, or dead within two years of aging out of the system.

Kids to Love is hoping to help alleviate this crisis with the Cottage Community. On the property of their home for girls Davidson Farms (which we will come back to), Kids to Love has built cottages. These cottages are for the girls who have aged out of the children’s home to live in from ages 19-25 to finish school, learn about resumes, budgets, and professional behavior, and/or build financial stability for their own homes. “We are hoping that out cottages become a model for children aging out of foster care around the country,” Marshall

Lee in front of Kids to Love’s Davidson Farms, a home to girls ages 10-19.

said. “We don’t know of anyone else doing a program like this.”

On the same property as the Cottage Community is Kids to Love’s group home for girls, Davidson Farms. As different as you can imagine from the Oliver Twist children’s home image, Davidson Farms resembles a mix between an old southern mansion and a sprawling ranch house. Set back from the road on a large property blanketed in tall grass, the two story, red brick house is literally a haven of hope to the girls that live there.

Licensed the house ten girls ages 10-19, the Kid to Love team prefers only 7 girls so that they each can have their own room. Davidson Farms has live in house parents and a team of mentors that help nurture and care for the girls that live there; “It’s ran just like any other home, Marshall said. “And that’s what’s makes our group home different is it truly is a family and a home.”

Unlike most group homes that focus on providing food and shelter, the focus of Davidson Farms is creating a family. Opportunities to be normal teenagers who play sports, learn to swim and drive, and have chances to volunteer abound at this group home, something that can’t be said for many other facilities.

The biggest need for foster homes and for adoptions are

teenagers. Marshall said that “if every child in foster care was a 6 year old little girl, I would not have any problems placing that child anywhere.” And yet, Davidson Farms has had three girls, ages 17, 18, and 19 adopted within the last 6 months of writing. While some of the girls don’t have interest in being adopted, others do and the team at Kids to Love does their best to find families for these girls.

While Davidson Farms usually keeps a waiting list of girls, Marshall recognizes that their program is not suited for every child. If, based on previous behavior, a child needs a more structured, lock down facility, they cannot take that particular child. “We’re usually able to tell in [an initial] meeting if we’re gonna be a good fit for them and if they’re gonna be a good fit for us.”

Marshall remarked that this was one of the hardest parts of her job; “having to accept the fact that I’m not going to be able to help every child,” she said. “You can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.”

The children that do chose to drink, however, are able to drink deeply from the well provided by Kids to Love.

“It’s a very hard line of work,” Marshall said, understandably so. “Some days you have amazing highs where you reach milestones with these kids and help them set goals and they reach them. And then other days, you just

Madison Living 45

want to crawl in a fetal position in the corner because it’s emotionally draining.”

Like so much in life however, what is emotionally draining in other ways is emotionally fulfilling.

Marshall and her husband have two girls of their own, but she gets many more texts on Mother’s Day than just from her two girls. “I get a ton text messages from all my kids, ‘Happy Mother’s Day. Love you.’”

Marshall and other members of the Kids to Love team show up at birthday parties, graduations, weddings, baby showers, and everything in between to support their kids even long after they have aged out and started their lives on their own.

“Our kids are normal kids” Marshall said. “For reasons out of their control, they’ve been thrust into the foster care system and they many times are just lost and struggling.” And while Marshall says they are not exactly like Amazon, she “can pretty much get you a child.”

For anyone who is interested in volunteering, becoming a foster parent, providing respite for foster parents, or wants more information, please visit www.kidstolove.org.

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Finding Forever Families has been the hallmark of Kids to Love since 1998 when I first began sharing the stories of children waiting to be adopted. Nearly 25 years later, we are meeting the need through our Child Placing Agency. Here are a couple of stories that illustrate the difference we can make when a foster family says “Yes!” One of our licensed families is caring for sisters, ages 1 and 4 years old. Siblings are often separated when they are pulled into care so we are grateful this family was willing to foster both girls! We want to keep siblings together whenever possible.

We have also changed the life of a teenage

boy who has lived the past 2 years in a facility.

Now, he has a family and a home instead of a staff and a facility.

An influx in children coming in to care has opened up a dire need for families willing to foster babies and toddlers. As always, there are families needed to care for teen-agers too!

No matter what age you are called to help, we can connect you with a child who needs you.

Kids to Love offers foster parent training classes in person and virtually.

If you’ve felt a nudge to care for foster children let us know! You can request more information through our website at kidstolove.org.

Madison Living 47

....................... MADISON HOSPITAL .......................

Lead Echo Tech Kimberly Van Pamel facilitated the accreditation process for Madison Hospital’s Echocardiography Lab.

High-quality, evidence-based care

H

High-quality, evidence-based care.

That’s what we strive to provide for every patient who comes through the doors of Madison Hospital. One way to ensure that we are on the right track is by asking an independent accrediting organization to scrutinize our care.

Recently, the nonprofit Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) took a close look at our Mary Lynne Echocardiography Lab and the Wright team that runs it.

I am pleased to report that our President Echo Lab passed with flying colMadison Hospital ors and is now nationally accredited by the IAC through the end of 2023.

To become accredited, an Echo Lab must meet certain national standards and quality improvement measures for echocardiogram procedures, as well as laboratory and per-

...

48 Madison Living

sonnel guidelines.

Located on the first floor of Madison Hospital, our lab performs approximately 450 outpatient and inpatient echocardiographic studies each month. An echocardiogram uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce detailed images of the heart’s size, structure and function, as well as detailed images of the heart’s valves. We also perform tests on the surface of the chest (transthoracic echocardiogram) and by using an ultrasound camera inserted into the esophagus (transesophageal echocardiogram).

While our Echo Lab has provided great care all along, becoming nationally accredited tells patients they can rest assured that our team is well trained and always follows best practices for quality and safety.

Speaking of our team, I am grateful for the Echo Lab staff who helped make this recognition possible – especially Manager of Cardiopulmonary Services Lavonia Dickerson, Lead Echo Tech Kimberly Van Pamel, and Medical Director Dr. James McGraw.

We are fortunate to have so many hard-working health care heroes making sure that your community hospital is always striving to excel.

PEOPLE

BOB LABBE

Well-known sports writer and radio DJ is celebrating his 50th year in broadcasting this month STORY BY AVA MALONE PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 49

T

Traveling down the road in Huntsville in 1958, four-year old Bobby, as his mother called him, asked his dad to turn up the radio. Perry Como was singing “Catch a Falling Star.”

That moment is one of the first memories Bob Labbe has which started his lifelong love of music and eventually led to one of the most distinguished careers in Huntsville’s broadcasting history as September 2022 marks his 50th anniversary in the medium of radio and television.

By 1960, Santa was leaving a stack of 45’s under the Christmas tree every year. With a small collection of records, his bedroom became a makeshift radio station. A flashlight on a stand became a microphone. He created a playlist and announced the song and artist before playing the record on his turntable. Playing disc jockey is one thing but dreaming of being a DJ is another. The dream of becoming a DJ came a few years later when at nine years old, he scanned the dial and heard WLS broadcasting out of Chicago. WLS was regarded as one of the top radio stations in the country and listening to that live broadcast started Labbe’s lifelong dream.

In the years to follow, Labbe was your typical little boy

50 Madison Living

riding bikes and playing baseball and football with the neighborhood boys. He was competitive in sports and became an elite All-Star baseball player, but one of the highlights of his young life was going to Pizitz Department Store, located at what is now Parkway Place, with his mother where DJ Jim Kell of WAAY radio was broadcasting live from inside the store. An avid lover of vinyl, he remembers asking the crowd to stay back from Kell’s equipment so the records wouldn’t get scratched. The relationship between Labbe and Kell grew into a lifelong friendship.

By the time Labbe was 18, Kell was working across town at WVOV and knew Labbe wanted a job in broadcasting. He called program director Art Wikle at “easy listening” WAHR radio and told him that he knows a young boy who wants to be in radio and added, “He has the desire to make it.” Labbe started his broadcasting career on the top floor of the Times building in downtown Huntsville as a DJ at WAHR playing jazz music every Saturday night.

In the Summer of 1973, after going to the station numerous times and “bugging” WAAY General Manager Wayne Johnson, Labbe made a career move and worked the grave-

Madison Living 51

Bob at WAAY 31 in 1983.

Bob with the famous San Diego Chicken.

Bob with Vince Gill at a golf tournament.

52 Madison Living

yard shift, playing America’s top 40 hits with the onair name “Big Jim O’Brien” from midnight to six in the morning. Johnson told Labbe, “I gave you a job because you kept bugging me. I can either hire you or kill you, but today I don’t feel like being a murderer.”

A year later Labbe accepted a daytime shift at upand-coming WVOV radio, which also played the top 40 hits, and the position came with an increased audience. An unexpected change in management resulted in a complete turnover of all on air personalities in late 1974. Now married and a new dad, “Times were hard, and it wasn’t easy knocking on Johnson’s door to ask for a position back at WAAY radio but, being the friend, he was he offered all he had available at the time which was a part-time fill in position. I was humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue to do the work I so loved,” said Labbe. “Broadcasting was my passion, but limited hours didn’t pay the bills. I had to work radio, a full-time job at the Jetport along with occasional football referee assignments in order to get by.”

In the following years Labbe became well acquainted with Rick Davis at WAAY-TV Channel 31 who told him the TV station was needing a weekend sports anchor.

Davis suggested they consider Labbe for the job and after an audition Labbe went to work for the TV station as weekend sports anchor. The career change came about in early 1979 and would soon make Labbe the top-rated sports personality in the Huntsville market.

Five years later, Labbe was promoted to the weekday sports anchor and Sports Director position which he held until he departed from the station in 1991.

During his stint in television, Labbe became known for his extensive coverage of local sports including numerous entertaining segments such as the Sports Challenge, which pitted Labbe against various weekend athletes in their sport of choice. Viewers from across the Tennessee Valley challenged him to take on those more skilled. In addition to amateur athletes, Labbe also personally interviewed some of the biggest names in sports. Those included Paul “Bear” Bryant and Muhammad Ali. Labbe was the reporter who asked Bryant the last question of Bryant’s career at the Liberty Bowl game in Memphis. The question and answer were used by all the major networks. One of his most famous “skits” was the segment where he boxed Ali. Within the action, Ali knocked out Labbe and in typical Ali style proclaimed his latest victim “The Great White Dope.”

Prior to exiting television in early 1991, Labbe started a live, Friday night weekly radio program with WLRH-FM, Public Radio in Huntsville. The program began in November 1990, taking Labbe back to his original dream of being a DJ. By the time he returned to radio, the industry had changed to a more recorded format, but Labbe was determined to have his program live and reminiscent of the way radio once was. “The

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idea was to take listeners back to a time when radio was about the art of music and the personalities that produced the sounds of yesteryear,” said Labbe. In essence, he was reeling in the years gone by thus, the name of his program, “Reelin’ in The Years.”

The small collection of vinyl records started during childhood with the help of his mother has turned into a collection of more than 20-thousand 45’s, which he spins on two turntables located in the studio of WLRH. “The warm sound of the original 45 rpm records, which sometimes include a crackle, is music to my ears and my listeners tell me they have the same feeling,” said Labbe. “There’s nothing like dusting off an old record, dropping the needle on the disc and reliving memories of years gone by.”

In November 2022, Reelin’ in The Years will celebrate its 32nd anniversary. More than 1,600 live episodes and more than 7,000 hours of live on-air broadcasts have enriched the audience while Labbe has provided his time and efforts as a volunteer for Public Radio. Labbe has personally interviewed hundreds of the biggest names in pop music history and plays these interviews along with their music and some of the artists’ history for his listeners every Friday night from 9:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m.

Over the years, Labbe has won high praise from his peers including being inducted into the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame and has been nominated

for both the Alabama Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. His writing talents for numerous publications across the Tennessee Valley for almost 30 years have also earned him numerous awards from the Alabama Press Association.

“I have had a fabulous career in broadcasting, and I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon,” said Labbe.

“Broadcasting has been my passion since I was a small boy pretending to be a bigtime disc jockey and as long as I can continue filling the local airwaves, I’ll be there.”

With 50 years of broadcasting under his belt, Labbe has had a long journey, made many friends, interviewed many legends and loved the road that has brought him full circle.

It’s possible to say, like the song he heard as a little boy, he did “Catch a Falling Star.”

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FOOD

RUNZAS STORY BY LINDSEY BOOTHE

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In high school and college I nannied for a family with three young kids. The relationship with them was a natural one where they nearly adopted me into their family and took me on all of their adventures. They were as exotic as it got in West Virginia—she, a physician, had traveled the world and was one of the most laid back people I’ve ever known. He owned a business that took him, and oftentimes all of us, all over the East Coast. More so, they were kind.

Their combined life experiences and travels made them some of the most savvy foodies I’d ever known. I largely owe my appreciation for a wide variety of ethnic foods to them.

They introduced me to fresh sushi, ordering tray after tray and telling me about it as we sampled the different types.

They knew of the little old fire station turn Indian restaurant and taught me how to read the menu. Every time we would go out, they would order for the table, oftentimes several entrees and appetizers to share. It was there, around the table with them, that I started to learn flavor and texture pairings.

My greatest learnings, however, came when they invited me into their kitchen to cook with them. To watch them cook together was like watching two people waltz around a dance floor. With three young kids 18 months apart from one another, the house was total (pleasant) chaos. The kitchen, though, was the exception. I can still see them there in the kitchen, Norah Jones playing softly in the background and a glass of red wine on the center island. Their kitchen had been completely designed by him, and it flowed with great ease.

My favorite thing about it though? Their salt well. They had a little blue vessel by the stove with the tiniest wooden spoon in it—a perfect ¼ teaspoon. The final step to every dish was seasoning it with the kosher salt in that little dish. When my husband and I got married, the gift they brought to our wedding was my favorite one we received—it was that very salt dish, spoon, and a box of Morton’s kosher salt. I still have it beside my stove today and use it daily.

This recipe for runzas was created by them based upon years of travel and tweaking. If I think back to the Calloways, and all the food shared, I think of these. They taught me how to make them and I am just delighted to share them with you.

Runzas 2 boxes Pillsbury hot roll mix, made as directed 2 lbs. ground lamb 3 tablespoons cumin 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce ~9 oz. bag fresh baby spinach 1 lb. sauerkraut 7 oz. Manchego cheese 1 jar banana pepper rings Olive oil Kosher salt

Directions: Make bread dough and during the first rise, make the filling as follows: Brown lamb with cumin and Tabasco sauce and drain. Sauté spinach in olive oil and salt with a good-quality salt until it is greatly reduced. Remove from pan and press between paper towels to drain entirely.

Chop sautéed spinach well. Drain sauerkraut thoroughly.

Mix chopped spinach, lamb mixture, and kraut and let cool slightly. After first rise of bread, roll onto floured board into a large rectangle, at least 12x18”. Cut into 3” squares, I use a pizza cutter and quilting square to stay straight. You should get 24-30 squares. Place a generous scoop of filling in the center of each square—the dough to filling ratio should work out with nothing leftover of each. Top each mound of filling with a bit of thinly-sliced manchego cheese. Add 2-3 banana pepper rings on top of the cheese, bring the corners of the dough to the center, and pinch. Bake at 350° until browned, about 20 minutes.

This recipe was submitted by Lindsey Boothe, owner of Alabama Treenware. Lindsey hand carves wooden kitchen utensils, including the one pictured here, in her Madison, Alabama, wood shop using all local hardwoods. Alabama Treenware regularly posts stories and recipes such as this one online at www.facebook.com/alabamatreenware and on Instagram @Alabamatreenware. Visit www.alabamatreenware.com to learn more.

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

Scene from the latest podcast session with Dr. Nichols, center. Podcast guests include Madison Elementary library-media specialist Bonnie Howard, and Bob Jones ROTC Command Sgt. Ellis Clark. They are the Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year for MCS. Far left is Rachel Gibbs, Elementary Instructional Technology Specialist for Madison City Schools. Far RIght is Russel Johnson, Secondary Instructional Technology Specialist for MCS,

Technology push transforming education in myriad ways

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Dr. Ed Nichols Madison City Schools Superintendent of Education

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The districtwide 1:1 technology initiative for Madison City Schools launched in the 2021-2022 school year to get chromebooks in the hands of all K-12 students.

It’s been a colossal undertaking equipping all students with devices at an investment of over $3 million for hardware. Additional software was also purchased for learning programs and security.

This is not only a financial investment but an investment to

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

Rachel Gibbs, Elementary Instructional Technology Specialist for Madison City Schools, visiting an elementary classroom to teach coding.

better prepare our students to become global citizens.

To help support this, the district hired two instructional technology specialists to train teachers on using these devices to support learning.

The shared vision of the Elementary and Secondary Instructional Technology Specialists is to empower students and teachers in transformative digital experiences, focusing on critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.

As we embark further into the information age in our evolving technological world, the ability to solve problems creatively is an important and necessary skill, and

technology is a natural way for students to develop that.

Rachel Gibbs and Russel Johnson, the two specialists, work with teachers, media specialists, administrators, and even the superintendent to help support that vision.

As teachers feel more confident and equipped in teaching with technology, one never knows what transformative experiences they may see when walking into a Madison City school. You might find a Kindergarten class learning to code, see a high school student designing a website, or even encounter a middle schooler collaborating with a student from another state or country.

The potentials are limitless.

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OUT&ABOUT

ART TOUR OF HOMES WESTERN EDITION - Inspiration was just around the corner at Arts Huntsville’s Art Tour of Homes Western Edition on last month. The August 20 art tour was Arts Huntsville’s first bi-annual art adventure and the first art tour to feature homes in west Huntsville, Madison and Mooresville. Five area homeowners and art enthusiasts opened their homes to the public to inspire visitors to start or grow their own collection of art, including the Madison homes of Joe and Sallie Estes and Tommy and Debbie Overcash. Before the tour, a preview party was held at the Madison home of Joe and Marie Newberry on August 18 (pictured above in front of one of their art pieces on display). Marie Newberry is known for her eclectic collection of local and regional art. Here are some photos from the preview party. You can read more about Marie’s love for art and the art community in the October issue of Madison Living. You can also find more information and photos through the Arts Huntsville Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages at @ArtsHuntsville. Photos by Kassidy Wilkins

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OUT&ABOUT

Players from the Rocket City Trash Pandas visited Madison’s Rainbow Elementary last month to read to second graders. After posing for a group pic in the library, the players farmed out to individual classrooms where they briefly introduced themselves and read a book from the library-media center. The kids seemed mesmerized as much by the story as with the celebrity status of their guests. Comments overheard ranged from “You are my favorite player” to an autograph request to “where’s Sprocket?” - the team’s beloved Trash Panda mascot.

It was a great day for the kids, and the players as well. Players who visited included Ky Bush, Sonny DiChiara, Coleman Crow and Sam Bachman.

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OUT&ABOUT

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOLDS THEIR FIRST WOMEN IN BUSINESS TEA- HATS ENCOURAGED - The Madison Chamber of Commerce recenty held their first ever Women in Business Tea at the Main Street Cafe in downtown Madison. The main purpose of the tea was to provide networking opportunities for women in the community and to enjoy tea and refreshments. The event was held at the Main Street Cafe in downtown Madison and hats were encouraged. Michelle Epling, Executive Director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, organized the event, gave a short presentation which included introductions of special guests, special thank yous, and a raffle. Special guests included presenting sponsors Edward Jones Advisor Miranda Yount, Madison Chamber board members Lindsey Knupp and Nancy Dollar, Madison councilwoman Ranae Bartlett, Madison Director of Economic Development Marybeth Broeren, and Madison City Schools board member Alice Lessmann. Of special note, Paige Hutto, president of chamber council association of Alabama traveled from Birmingham to attend the event. Various teas and refreshments were served through the afternoon event. About 50 women attended. Attendee Megan Niven-Tannett, CEO and Founder of Flourish Consulting Services commented that Michelle Epling has definitely “breathed the life into (the Chamber of Commerce) that the city deserves.” Here are some fun photos by Kassidy Wilkins of the event.

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

Alabama Credit Union partners with Madison Chamber of Commerce for Back to School Back to Work Event

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Jeremiah Italian Ice

Open House Ribbon Cutting for MCC Member Edward Jones-Miranda Yount

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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The moment everything changes.

Catch your breath. You’re going to do great, and we’re here to help. From pregnancy to birth and all the moments in between, we have everything you need.

Visit oHHbaby.org to learn more about our dedicated maternity services.

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