Madison Living 1

New nibbles

Spinning a yarnComputer concentration

Serving seniors

Patriot Avery Batson takes soccer to The Plains

Hunt Club Subs N Grill opens in Madison

Spinning a yarnHook A Frog Fiber & Fun

welcomes knitters and crochetersMadison schools teach Java, C++ and more

Vickie Parker reaches out to older adults at Senior Center

Just kickin’ it

2 Madison Living

Madison Living 3

features

food

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LET’S EATWILD SIDE

homeHOMEFUN & ELEGANT

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CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

OUT AND ABOUT

MANAGEMENTAlan Brown

President & Publisher

EDITORIALAlison James

Editor

Gregg ParkerStaff Writer

Jen Fouts-DetulleoPhotographer

MARKETINGKim Maracigan

Marketing Consultant

CUSTOMER SERVICETammy OvermanCustomer Service

PRODUCTIONJamie DawkinsKeith McCoyLayken GibbsConnor Bucy

Design

Madison LivingP.O. Box 859, Madison, AL 35758

Advertising Inquiries256.772.6677

Madison Living is published monthly by Madison Publications, LLC.

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SPORTSGOAL-ORIENTED

EDUCATIONHIGH TECH

SERVING SENIORS

ARTS AND CULTUREHANDICRAFT HAVEN

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4 Madison Living

HOME

The view of Rainbow Mountain and the lakes convinced Dell and Holly McDonald to live on Huron Cove in Highland Lakes.

Highland Lake’s topography reminds Holly

of Appalachian foothills in Birmingham, her hometown. Dell is a native Huntsvillian.

“We custom built our home in 2003 with Mike Johnson Custom Homes. Mike had several lots in the neighborhood,” Holly said.

For the McDonalds’ favorite lot, Johnson had chosen a Frank Betz floor plan as a “parade home” he would build as a spec. “Dell and I liked it on

Fun & elegantMountain views, convenience attracted

McDonalds to Highland LakesWRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKERPHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

Relaxing on the patio are Sydney, Holly, Riley and Dell McDonald with Bowie and Duffy, their Malshus (Maltese Shitzus).

Madison Living 5

Fun & elegantpaper. It met all our requirements, minus some tweaks,” Holly said.

Highland Lakes is convenient to Dell’s work and, at the time, to their children’s school, Madison Academy.

The McDonalds’ traditional home has Old Savannah, engineer-sized (larger) brick and veneer stone accents. They chose four-by-four tumbled slate on a cobblestone pattern for both porches. “We pulled natural stone inside with a floor-to-

The McDonald’s traditional home has Old Savannah, engineer-sized (larger) brick and veneer stone accents.

6 Madison Living

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ceiling Oneonta, Alabama, fieldstone fireplace in the family room,” she said.

With 4,100 square feet, the house has five bedrooms, four baths, keeping and bonus rooms and separate dining and breakfast space. “I love our family room’s linen-white, built-in cabinets that flank the fireplace,” Holly said. “Our banquet is built into our breakfast room’s bay window and serves as extra storage.”

Switching from formal design, Holly used subtle blue/gray in the dining room. “It snowballed into

my kitchen, keeping room and breakfast room,” she said. At night, Dell relaxes in the keeping room with its television in a hideaway cabinet. “We’ve embraced that room as a room of change, but a good change that’s comfortable and calming,” Holly said.

They also added a custom-made barn door for the laundry. In the kitchen, they painted maple-glazed cabinets to linen white and replaced a marble back-splash with subway tile. An oak tabletop and island are now dark walnut.

TOP: Switching from formal design, Holly McDonald used subtle blue/gray in the dining room. BOTTOM: Recently updating their kitchen, the McDonalds installed subway tile for a backsplash, painted cabinets to linen white and stained an oak tabletop and island to dark walnut.

Madison Living 7

Your home’s equity is ready to inspire your dreams.

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Open a home equity line of credit at Progress and you’ll get fast decisions and the great personal service you can only find at a true local bank. Put our network and experience with your home’s equity to inspire your dreams!

• home remodeling

• dream vacation

• consolidate debt

• potential tax savings

myprogressbank.com

8337 Highway 72, Madison AL • 256.319.4920

*The introductory rate of 2.49% APR (annual percentage rate) is fixed for 12 months. At the end of 12 months, the interest rate and APR is variable based on Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Prime Rate plus a margin of 1% or WSJ Prime Rate plus a margin of 0.5% with a floor rate of 4.00%. WSJ Prime is a variable rate; as it changes the APR on your account will also change. WSJ Prime as of 02.23.16 is 3.50%. APR based on 4.50% interest rate is 4.56%. APR maximum is 18.25%. Closing cost may range from $300 to $1,500. Bank pays closing costs for new HELOCs up to $250,000, subject to initial draw of $10,000 and maintaining outstanding balance of not less than $10,000 for first 180 days. Primary or sec-ondary personal residences only. Monthly automatic payment debit to a Progress account OR Progress Online Banking with one bill payment per month is required. Offer subject to credit approval. Consult a tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest. Offer expires 9.30.16.

Equal housing lender. Member FDIC.

2 449 05fixed APR for 12 months

Intro rate as low as After intro period,as low as

variable APR based on current rates as of 02.23.16

% %

8 Madison Living

“I love my Restoration Hardware dining table and china cabinet,” Holly said. The Greenery provided her favorite lamp.

“I’ve always used a decorator’s guidance for final decisions and to pull a look together,” Holly said. To effectively mix fabrics in upholstery, pillows and window treatments, “a sweet lady in Arab, Janet Wright, knows what I like. I completely trust her.”

Art by Laurel Tanner Browning, Holly’s high school friend, gives “calming neutral abstracts” of crosses, birds’ nests, cotton, hydrangeas and peonies. The family room’s oversized Lazy Boy

accommodates Holly and her daughters or Holly and Dell. “It’s covered in a fun, turquoise ikat material,” she said.

Holly bought the guest room’s bed and the landing’s bench at Madison Academy’s Southern Tradition.

Their daughters, Sydney, 12, and Riley, 8, attend Rainbow Elementary School and cheer with ACE Cheer Company. Dell’s 27-year old son Shelby is a salon owner in Birmingham. Dell’s daughter Courtney, 24, and husband Jason of Athens recently became parents of daughter Kyle Rae.

Bowie and Duffy, the McDonalds’ two white

Madison Living 9

Malshus (Maltese Shitzus), are part of the family. The McDonalds are members of Mt. Zion

Baptist and teach on rotation. Holly, Sydney and Riley volunteer for Team Hope to feed homeless individuals. Holly recently lost her father to chronic leukemia that transformed into lymphoma; she serves on the executive board for LLS Light the Night.

Longtime member of Alabama Associated General Contractors, Dell has served as president three times, board member 10-plus years and currently as Alabama state president. A third-generation contractor, Dell started

working as a teenager for his father at McDonald Brothers Construction, heavy equipment general contractor.

“Dell’s father, S.O., will retire this year. Dell is launching a new heavy equipment company, Dell McDonald Construction Inc., and will continue his skills in site prep, heavy utility and demo work,” Holly said. Holly, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in Madison, has specialized in residential sales for 12 years.

Dell and Holly met after she relocated in 1998 with Nextel Communications. “We’ve been inseparable ever since,” she said.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Sydney McDonald’s bedroom explodes with color and patterns, but the room has a unified look. Sydney and Riley’s playroom/den uses pink and black for a fun yet sophisticated feel. Riley McDonald’s bedroom combines soft pinks and turquoise/teals in bedding, window treatments and rugs.

10 Madison Living

Hunt Club Subs N Grill offers unique flavors

Wild sideWRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

LET’SEAT

The Lawrences have taken the “burger concept” to a higher level.

Madison Living 11

Wild side

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Madison foodies can forage for new tastes, like elk, wild boar, bison and other wild game, at Hunt Club Subs N Grill – and don’t overlook

their antelope, venison and alligator. Hunt Club, at 10871 County Line Road, has received favorable buzz from diners.

Owner Violet Lawrence and husband Bo settled

on Madison as a compromise for her hometown of Chicago and his north Florida roots. “A place somewhere in the middle,” Violet said. “In a business aspect, Madison is a great opportunity because of its growth and diversity, while still keeping its local community, hometown feel.”

“Madison is a beautiful city with great outdoor activities. Hunting, fishing, farming and the great

A crowd favorite, the “Bama Buck” is a marinated elk burger with cherrywood bacon and a fried quail egg.

12 Madison Living

outdoors is what we’re all about,” she said. “And schools were certainly an important factor.”

A seasoned veteran, Bo has 20-plus years in the restaurant industry and has owned and developed multiple, national franchises. Violet’s creative background involves photography, film, design and special events. “We each have our niche in developing Hunt Club,” she said.

“First-timers who might be afraid of the ‘Hunt Club’ name, picturing a certain stereotype, are pleasantly surprised when they do venture in, almost always by word of mouth. We hear time and again how much our restaurant has a comfortable neighborhood feel,” Violet said.

The Lawrences guarantee quality and portions that satisfy everyone. “Our customer base is really diverse – construction workers, military, firemen and policemen to corporate executives from Boeing, STI, Remington and Harley Davidson,” Violet said.

Date nights, family meals, anniversary parties, students and sports teams also frequent Hunt Club, as do regulars from Muscle Shoals and Tennessee towns.

Hunt Club’s menu satisfies with Angus burgers, wings, barbecue, specialty sandwiches, salads and appetizers. However, standout selections usually are wild game, especially elk.

Without a doubt, the crowd favorite is the “Bama Buck.” They marinate an elk burger in special wild-game sauce, caramelize on an open charred grill and top with Pepper Jack cheese, sauteed mushrooms and onion, lettuce, smoked cherrywood bacon and a fried, fresh bobwhite quail egg. It’s all piled on a roasted

garlic, black sesame-seed bun. Guests can customize with selected cheeses,

numerous condiments and “redneck” anything with Hunt Club’s kicking seasonings. Most meals have thick fries or homemade chips. They use peanut oil for all fried foods.

“Our portions do not let you leave hungry,” Violet said.

With the recent “burger craze,” the Lawrences have taken the concept to a higher level. “We carry a higher quality meat with the wild game. Nutritional value is far superior -- all-natural, high protein, low calorie and much leaner. Most hunters have always known this. We’re sharing it with our non-hunters,” Violet said.

Jumbo wings are tossed in a choice of 10 sauces. “Fresh-fried gator is a huge hit as an appetizer or sandwich,” she said. “And you can’t come for a meal without trying the Redneck Fries.”

Customers can order from a large selection of bottled beer, along with local and other craft beer and wine.

Hunt Club partners with their neighbors at The Last Resort for “BBB Night” (Bullets, Burgers, Beers). “Couples/friends compete in shooting against the clock at the range and then come over for a burger and beer awaiting the groups’ results,” Violet said.

Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 256-542-3266 or visit Facebook/huntclubsubsngrill (huntclubsubsngrill.com is under construction).

LEFT: Bo Lawrence has 20-plus years in the restaurant industry. RIGHT: Customers at Hunt Club like the comfortable, neighborhood feel.

Madison Living 13

More than a century ago, Sonora Dodd aspired to create a holiday to honor fathers. Dodd,

the daughter of a single father and Civil War veteran, was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon and wondered why there was no holiday for fathers. After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Wash., her idea came to fruition with the first Father’s Day celebration at the Spokane YMCA June 19, 1910.

The Hogan Family YMCA joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact fathers make in children’s lives. One out of three children lives in a home without a biological father, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Y remains dedicated to providing opportunities for fathers to involve themselves in the well-being and development of their children.

“One way to improve child well-being is to increase the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible and committed fathers and adult male role models,” said Daniel Kasambira, Hogan Y executive director and father of four. “Father’s Day reminds us why it’s important to provide fathers with the support they need to be the best parents and caregivers they can be.”

Studies show that children with close relationships with their fathers have more self-confidence and exhibit less depression, perform better academically and engage in significantly less drug and alcohol use.

Hogan YMCA offers programs that foster understanding and companionship between children and fathers such as parent/child swim lessons, family fun events and youth sports. Call 256-705-9622 or visit ymcahuntsville.org for more.

YMCA

STORY AND PHOTO BY HOGAN FAMILY YMCA

YMCA celebrates fathers

James Edwards IV boats with his son Miles Edwards at the YMCA Employee Appreciation Picnic held at YMCA Camp Cha-La-Kee in October 2015.

14 Madison Living

SPORTS

Stellar soccer stats lead Avery Batson to The Plains

Goal-oriented

Avery Batson earned a four-year scholarship with women’s soccer at Auburn University.

Madison Living 15

On-fi eld talent in soccer, along with a never-give-up attitude, led Avery Batson to a four-year scholarship with women’s

soccer at Auburn University. Batson is a member of the Class of 2016 at

Bob Jones High School. After starting the game as a 6-year-old,

Batson has “loved the competitiveness and team atmosphere that soccer provided. Early in my soccer career, my coaches always pushed me to compete but also to have fun and express my individuality in the game.”

She has played for American Youth Soccer Organization and clubs in Huntsville, Birmingham and Atlanta, along with the Olympic Development Program and Youth National Team.

At Bob Jones, she won the title of Most Valuable Player in soccer. She also was named MVP for her international trip to Costa Rica with the Olympic Development Region

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKERPHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED

16 Madison Living

LEFT: Avery Batson talks with Olympic soccer star Brandi Chastain at the National Training Center Session in Atlanta. MIDDLE: Avery Batson trained with the Olympic Development Program and Youth National Team.

Madison Living 17

III Team. Batson was selected to the Alabama All-State Team in 2013 and 2015. She served as captain of Bob Jones women’s soccer and her Olympic Development Program team.

“I play left outside back and attacking midfield. I personally like to play outside back the best,”

Batson said. “Playing left back gives me a perfect position to aid in the attack, but it also allows me to use my aggression to stop my opponent from scoring.”

To become the player she is today, Batson developed a competitive drive and eagerness to

Batson was named MVP for her international trip to Costa Rica with the Olympic Development Region III Team.

18 Madison Living

succeed. She uses aggressive plays and applies her technique to make game changes. Mature enough to know weaknesses, too, Batson wants to improve her shooting tactics and capabilities to go forward as a defender.

Well-rounded, Batson has excelled also in the fine arts by placing second for comedic monologue at the state-level Walter J. Trumbauer Drama Festival in 2014. She is a member of the track team, Spanish National Honor Society, National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta at Bob Jones.

Volunteer work has been another commitment for Batson. “I’ve frequently taken trips to Columbia Elementary to participate in Breakfast Buddies. I love talking to the kids about their passions. It’s great to find out how many are starting to play soccer, as well,” she said.

In addition, she served as a peer helper at Bob

Jones in 2015. “This allowed me to interact with students new to the Madison area,” Batson said.

When she finds free time, Batson listens to music, goes hiking and hangs out with friends.

Her parents are Paul and Jo Batson. He works as an engineering manager for Mentor Graphics. She is chief financial officer of The Arc of Madison County. “I am very proud of Avery’s achievements and happy that she is pursuing something she truly loves,” Jo Batson said.

“Avery has worked extremely hard for everything she has achieved, both on and off the soccer field. I can’t be more proud of her,” Paul Batson added.

At Auburn, Batson will major in kinesiology and further her studies to become a physical therapist. “My biggest dream is to become a physical therapist with a professional team and be able to interact with some of the world’s greatest athletes,” she said.

Avery Batson, second from left, and her classmates hug during Senior Night at Bob Jones.

Madison Living 19

Summer is already upon us.It seems like only a month or

so ago we were welcoming new and returning students.

The 2015-16 school year completed Madison City’s 18th year since separating from the Madison County School System in 1998. Every year gets better and better. I look forward to all the exciting things 2016-17 will bring.

Summer break might have brought an end to the traditional school day, but don’t think our school campuses are sitting empty. They are anything but devoid of activity.

Sports camps are in full swing

at our high schools. Discovery Middle School, Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools are bustling this month with summer school. Liberty Middle is again featuring its popular Summer @ The Den programs. Rainbow Elementary is providing the Summer Knights Chess Camp, while West Madison Elementary is putting on its always-exciting Camp Invention.

Columbia and Heritage elementary schools are hosting extended day programs, while James Clemens High and Mill

Creek Elementary are offering extended school year programs for students with disabilities.

Heritage Elementary is returning the English Language Learners

program to help students who are new to the English language and our culture. Did you know more than 400 of our 10,000-plus students represent approximately 50 languages spoken at home? Talk about diversity in our school population!

Madison City Schools also has a large number of students

with special needs. Students from pre-school through the late teens are served by the ESY programs to continue critical skills and avoid learning loss, which is more prevalent in that population.

These are just some of the activities that our Board of Education provides the community through its schools.

Summer is also a time when we do a lot of painting, repairs and other improvements. It’s what I call a time of retooling and refurbishment.

I hope our families enjoy a safe, relaxing, fun-filled summer break.

Schools stay in session for summerWRITTEN BY DR. DEE O. FOWLER, SUPERINTENDENT, MADISON CITY SCHOOLS

Fowler

EDUCATION

20 Madison Living

As a home design and remodeling

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Madison Living 21

As a home design and remodeling

showroom, we have focused on

creating a great customer experience

for over thirteen years. Our customers

love our high level of detail and use

of technology to make the remodeling

process effi cient and accurate. With

our turnkey program we make it easy

and effortless.

We offer everything from custom

cabinets, granite and solid surface

countertops, backsplashes, along with a

great selection of carpet, hardwood, tile,

stone, and a whole lot more. You will

fi nd all of this and more at our spacious,

state-of-the-art showroom.

Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen,

bath, basement or your entire home,

contact us fi rst. We are the remodeling

experts! We offer interest free fi nancing

every day.

For a free quote call(256) 325-8453

Or visit WoldeFlooring.com

TRUST BUILT, CUSTOMER

DRIVEN!

Customer Satisfaction Is Not Everything! It’s The ONLY Thing!

Kitchen Remodeling Bathroom Remodeling

7559 HWY. 72 W. SUITE B • MADISON(256) 325-8453 • WOLDEFLOORING.COM

AN DEALER

Welcome Home to

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22 Madison Living

EDUCATION

Not so many years ago, students had to wait for college to learn the concepts and skills Kayla Grantham and Jennifer Rountree are teaching.

In computer science classes, Grantham at James Clemens High School and Rountree at Bob Jones High School teach C, C++ and Java programming; computer science principles, including block-

based programming of Snap; advanced-placement computer science; and senior pathways projects.

Liberty and Discovery middle school students are exploring Python.

The Senior Pathways course guides students to work with local companies. “Currently I have four students who are interning,” Rountree said. “I’m always looking for more companies who can use interns with strong programming backgrounds.”

Grantham pursued teaching for the reward of working with students and her interest in computer programming. “I get the best of both worlds,

High techGrantham, Rountree drive

students in computer scienceWRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKERPHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED

EDUCATION

ABOVE: Madison students can enroll in C, C++ and Java programming; computer science principles, including block-based programming of Snap; advanced-placement computer science; and senior pathways projects. RIGHT: Jennifer Rountree troubleshoots a line of code with her students at Bob Jones High School.

Madison Living 23

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Grace. Dignity. Respect.

especially with computer science’s upcoming marketable job opportunities for graduates,” she said.

In contrast, Rountree followed her father’s advice and worked in private industry about 10 years. When she started as a programmer in the 1980s, most new graduates “sat in a cubicle and programmed all day long. So dull!” Rountree said.

Eventually, Rountree earned her teaching certifi cate for “a roller-coaster ride but very much worth it. My day is fi lled with teaching technology to students who really want to learn and never a dull moment.” She has declined offers from companies to leave education because “I love the kids too much.”

Compared to peers a decade ago, students in 2016 “are defi nitely more tech savvy” and quite knowledgeable about programming upon entering a class, Grantham said. “However, on more diffi cult abstract concepts, students seem the same. I give students engaging projects to keep their attention spans.”

Grantham and Rountree encourage students to bring their own laptops to class. Madison teenagers are creating apps for android devices and testing with an emulator, along with creating websites.

24 Madison Living

In outreach, James Clemens and Bob Jones students have visited elementary schools to introduce coding and computer science. James Clemens participated in Mill Creek Elementary School’s STEM Fair with interactive and hands-on presentations. “We brought robots that showed how coding impacts what the robots can do,” Grantham said.

For the “Hour of Code” initiative, both schools helped grade-school youngsters actually write their own programs and fun apps. “Younger students love this,” Grantham said. Their interest encourages Rountree that more students will consider a career, especially girls who are reluctant to pursue computer science.

In competition, both schools enter Alabama Council for Technology in Education contests. James Clemens placed first at regional and state contests in team programming. Several students

earned first- and second-place honors in individual and group projects. In 2017 Jets plan to enter the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s High School Competition.

Bob Jones earned first-place honors at ACTE. The Patriots also vie for titles at UAB, American Computer Science League regular season and the all-star contest (international).

“We qualified for ACSL all-star competition for 12 consecutive years. It’s very difficult to make the cut,” Rountree said. “We’re competing against 30 teams from around the country and world.”

Fortunately, students have many career angles. “You don’t need to be a coder. You could design websites, analyze trends in big data, create a gaming app – possibilities are limitless,” Rountree said. “It’s important for students to get just a taste of computer science to decide if they’re interested. Every field needs a computer science person.”

LEFT: Xander Voigt from Bob Jones explains a point to a student at Rainbow Elementary School. MIDDLE: Sarah Han and Raj Patel are enrolled in a computer science class at James Clemens. RIGHT: Kayla Grantham, computer science teacher at James Clemens, works with her students.

Madison Living 25

“You don’t need to be a coder. You could design websites, analyze trends in big data, create a gaming app – possibilities are limitless.”

- Jennifer Rountree

26 Madison Living

Madison Senior Center Director Vickie Parker,

at left, works on a crafts project with Elsie Hendrix.

GIVING BACK

Madison Living 27

Service to seniors

Granted, Vickie Parker works many hours as an administrator. But she also is a comforter. A mentor. And especially a friend.

Parker works as director of Madison Senior Center.

Sixteen years ago, she started working as an activity coordinator for the center. She transitioned to director in 2012 and “oversees center operations. I have an amazing staff that helps me keep things running smoothly. We work together as a team, and there isn’t anything that we can’t accomplish.”

Visit the center, and the positive relationships between Parker and members are obvious. “The seniors often tell me how much they appreciate what I do, and it makes me go the ‘extra mile’ for

each of them. I truly have a genuine interest in each of them and their well-being at the center and away from the center,” she said.

In recent months, Parker took special pride in the 100th birthday celebration for Iris Reed. Reed’s immediate family attended the party, complete with a receiving line for Reed and cake, punch and party treats.

“It is just incredible that someone who is 100 years old is attending our center two days a week,” Parker said. “Her mind is sharp as a tack.”

Her job is especially rewarding when Parker hears “a senior tell me that, if it were not for the senior center, they would sit at home all day with nothing to do. It lets me know that our center is really vital to the well-being of the seniors in the Madison area.”

Even in sad times, Parker said she feels “honored to have been asked by families to speak at memorial services for many of our seniors.

Parker directs senior center with confidence, composure and compassion

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKERPHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

Ellen O’Brian, at left, discusses current events on the patio with Vickie Parker.

28 Madison Living

Sharing memories of our time spent together at the senior center seems to help comfort their family members. That is gratifying to me.”

In 2011 the center was expanded with three additional rooms, which are used for art classes, card games, sewing and craft activities. “We have a lot of creative seniors who like to participate in art classes, including drawing and watercolor,”

Parker said. Another popular class is a weekly “make-

it-and-take-it craft class. We recently began a sewing group that meets weekly. We also have a ceramics program. The seniors create masterpieces beginning with pouring their own molds and then painting their creations,” Parker said.

Within the past year, center members and

Madison Living 29

rocketcenter.com/SmartPlay

Now through July 25

Featured Exhibition

RocketCenterUSA

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center presents its newest featured exhibition, Summer Smart Play, on display May 14 through July 25. Explore the forces of energy and nature through a variety of activities, including feeling the vibrations and sounds of an earthquake! The exhibit also includes a working storm shelter and the Rocket Center’s new Magic Planet® interactive, spherical display where guests can see hurricanes in motion, airplanes navigating the globe and the Earth’s climate at work. Summer Smart Play is a preview of a brand new science and engineering gallery coming in 2018 to the main museum!

Parker’s staff have redecorated with an abundance of wall art. “We also refurbished the pool room and computer lab with new carpet and added an additional pool table. We now have three pool tables that get a lot of use each day,” Parker said.

Parker is originally from Alexander City. She and husband Michael moved to North Alabama when he accepted a job with MICOM in 1984.

He now is retired from AMCOM. They’re fond of their “very spoiled four-legged son, Hoppy, a rescued miniature schnauzer.”

Madison Senior Center’s address is 1282 Hughes Road, next door to Discovery Middle School. For the center’s newsletter and more information, visit www.madisonal.gov or call 256-772-6258.

LEFT: Billiards games in the pool room are popular with men at Madison Senior Center. RIGHT: Vickie Parker, center, referees a lively but friendly game of dominoes at Madison Senior Center.

30 Madison Living

ARTS & CULTURE

Six years ago, Teresa Harris started an online business for knitters and crocheters.

Madison Living 31

Six years ago, Teresa Harris started an online business to give knitters and crocheters an additional resource for needles and notions.

In 2014 Amanda Ohlman joined Harris to found Hook A Frog Fiber & Fun. “We began having weekly open house meetings,” Harris said. “As our available products change, we stay true to our original vision: A purchase from us still gives back in some way.”

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKERPHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEOHook A Frog Fiber

& Fun provides refuge for knitting,

crocheting

Handicraft haven

32 Madison Living

Harris and Ohlman are excited about opening Hook A Frog Fiber & Fun. “When we first discussed opening a store, our dream was to be in historic downtown. We wanted to part of the exciting growth of the city here,” Ohlman said.

Harris and Ohlman both have retail experience and can knit and crochet. Their vendors must be American companies.

The business’ name has an interesting story. When Harris visits yarn stores, she rarely find patterns, samples or tools for crocheters, so she wanted to include a crochet-related term. Crocheters and most knitters use a “hook.” Also, “frog” is a term for both crafts. “’To frog’ means to rip out a project,” Harris said.

In addition, “fiber” feeds drop spindles and spinning wheels. “Fun” shows “we cross several demographics with elegant yarns, black-light reactive yarns and fibers, along with yarns, kits and project bags. Thus, the name is a play on words,” Harris said.

Their inventory includes cotton, silk, linen, wool, alpaca, llama, angora, milk, soy, sugar cane, cashmere, acrylic, bamboo and various blends of yarns and spinning fibers. They sell knitting and darning needles; crochet hooks; notions, like stitch markers, measuring tapes, yarn cozies and needle gauges; project bags; drop spindles; and patterns, like leaflets, magazines and books.

Crafters come in for yarn and supplies for making socks, sweaters, shawls, scarves and wedding shawls and centerpieces. “We keep a supply of yarns for prayer shawls and chemo hats, along with cottons for prosthetics,” Ohlman said.

Hook A Frog Fiber & Fun conducts several classes on crochet and knitting subjects. Harris and Ohlman help with customers’ projects during business hours or schedule appointments for private classes.

They encourage children and adults to learn. “We have beginner kits for knitting and crochet and have beginner spindles for drop spinning,”

LEFT: In 2014, Amanda Ohlman joined Harris to found Hook A Frog Fiber & Fun. RIGHT: Teresa Harris and Amanda Ohlman host regular special events at Hook A Frog Fiber & Fun.

Madison Living 33

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

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

Up Beat

Craftsman exterior, sleek interior contrast in Mill Road home

Spartan Stones fi nds business rock solid but competitive after expansion into Madison

Rolling Stones!

Rachel Brown Homes

Ohlman said. Upcoming classes include toe up socks and

chart reading for crochet and knitting. They plan to have monthly learn-to-knit and learn-to-crochet classes.

Demographics for knitting and crocheting have changed “from what was once the stereotypical ‘grandmother’ to anyone from children, men and women of all ages,” Harris said. They credit diversity of designs and fibers with the shift in demographics.

With products in various price points, the merchandise “appeals to all levels of crafters at all ages. We keep fun sock kits in stock, based on retro video games. We have kits for scarves and shawls, based on a few popular shows. We have yarns that have a connection to our area either by name or fiber content,” Ohlman said.

Both Harris and Ohlman relocated to the area because of their husbands’ jobs. Harris has lived in Madison seven years and Ohlman for five.

Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 256-325-0572, email hookafrog@gmail.com or visit hookafrog.net, Facebook/Hook a Frog and ravelry.com/groups/fans-of-hook-a-frog.

34 Madison Living

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

The Madison Chamber of Commerce has been on the move celebrating Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings, Anniversaries and the Monthly Luncheon. Taste the Spirit of Madison is the theme for June, so we are featuring some of the best places to dine! For more information on chamber events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, visit madisonALchamber.com or call 256-325-8317. Visit the Chamber on Facebook at Madison Chamber of Commerce or on Twitter, @MadisonALcc.

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHS BY MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

34 Madison Living

Congratulations to Eagle Rehab on their Ribbon Cutting & 10 Year Anniversary Celebration!

Rodrigo Torrez from Taziki’s Mediterranean Café showcases their fresh, wholesome dishes.

Tropical Smoothie Café customers celebrate at the Ribbon Cutting.Tropical Smoothie Café is a great addition to Madison.

Tropical Smoothie Café Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration!

Madison Living 35

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Madison Living 35

Sallie Walker from Sallie’s Whistle Stop Sweet Shop proudly displays her delicious fudge. Whistle Stop is located in Historic Downtown Madison at 104 Main St.

Madison-based business Hunt Club Subs n Grill owner Bo Lawrence speaks about the delicious wild game that is featured on their menu.

A Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration was held at Hunt Club Subs n Grill.

Cork & Crust Pizzeria & Wine Bar showcase their quality house-made cuisine.

Congratulations to Rocket City HR on their Ribbon Cutting & Five Year Anniversary Celebration!

Pinot’s Palette offers an upscale experience, exceptional quality and care as well as an entertaining, fun and social night out for everyone. Pictured are owners Adam and Amber Rohrer.

Introducing: Hunt Club Subs n Grill.

Pictured at the April Madison Chamber of Commerce Luncheon are Progress Bank Market Manager President Beth Richardson and guest speaker Alabama Tourism Department Public Relations Director Brian Jones.

36 Madison Living

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Bob Jones holds prom at VBC

Students from Bob Jones High School spent several weeks coming up with clever ways to ask someone out and finding dresses that fit just right. April 16, they all came together to share a night they would never forget – prom night.

1. Montrell and Breaisha

2. Lydia Wagner and Derian Johnson

3. Emory Heffernan and Grace Barr

4. Sydni and Joseph

5. Immanuel Wilder and Meaghan Tholstrup

6. Caleb Caple and Ashley King

7. Josh Rogers and Nicole Buccieri

8. Avery McCutcheon and Cole Hill

9. Brad Anderson and Angelita Ranaldson

10. Emily Hargrove, Akash Patel and Eileen Brethen

11. Nirah Burwell and Milkyle Stewart

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TUCKER PEARSON

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Madison Living 37

James Clemens High School Prom

James Clemens High School Prom was held April 2 at the Space and Rocket Center.

1. Omar Maldonado and Skyler Laney

2. Heyden Pearson and Kyle McCormick

3. Casey Celuch and Tony Kahle

4. Noah Sandstrom and Kiersten Thorum

5. Anna O’Donell and Justin Dunavant

6. Amy Haddock, Abigayle Williams, and Mary Elizabeth Haddock

7. Victoria Bolin and Jeremy Garth

8. Nigel Miller and Tia Fuller

9. Dene Turner and James Edmonds

10. Levi Freeman and Madison Gault

11. Matthew Meyers and Payton Sims

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTIAN ARNSPARGER

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38 Madison Living

North Alabama HomeCare gives elderly at-home, personal care

North Alabama HomeCare (NAHC) is a primary-

care medical group practice of physicians and nurse practitioners who provide onsite, medical care to homebound residents and those in senior-living communities throughout North Alabama.

NAHC’s staff has specialists in geriatrics, internal medicine and family medicine. Patients who suffer from cognitive impairments benefit from in-home care by remaining in their own familiar environment.

NAHC Medical Director Dr. Marilyn Salda-Ligon specializes in family medicine

and completed residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She is board certified with American Board of Family Medicine.

Experienced, board-certified clinicians have gained special expertise in caring for patients with cognitive impairment. “On every patient visit, they spend as much time needed to diagnose and treat medical problems, support the patient’s family and preserve quality of life – for patient and caregivers,” Dr. Ligon said.

The physician and/or clinician’s direct line of communication with families, and vice versa, eliminates miscommunications.

North Alabama HomeCare offers comprehensive in-home exams:

fAcute care visits. fAnnual physical exam. fReview of medications and refills. fHome Health referrals. fFlu, pneumonia and shingles vaccines. fCoordination of ancillary services, including labs, X-rays and specialist referrals.

In addition, NAHC offers optometry care by a board-certified optometrist with clinics for regular eye examinations for patients at senior-living communities. “The elderly are prone to suffer

from low vision, dry eyes, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts and other problems,” Ligon said.

NAHC serves as medical director for Merrill Gardens of Madison and backup physician at Morningside of Madison. Ligon’s private clinic, North Alabama Family Medicine, is located in Madison.

NAHC accepts Medicare and all Medicare advantage plans, private insurance, and directly billing by Medicare and all supplemental insurance. A fee is associated with home visits.

For new patient packets, call 256-348-5147 or visit northalabamahomecare.com

Madison Living 39

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40 Madison Living

Special moment.

Proud Partners with Madison OB Associates and Madison Clinic for Women

Call for a tour (256) 265-7296Visit madisonALhospital.org/services/maternity for more information on how we make birth days special.

Featuring – Golden Hour Skin-to-Skin for vaginal and c-section deliveries

– Continued breastfeeding support after discharge

– New Labor and Delivery suites

– Hugs security system

Special care.

Babies and their families are our passion. Before you even check into your room, we are preparing to make your birth experience the best it can be. Your nurses, obstetrician and pediatrician carefully plan for all of your needs and wishes. Your mother-baby team at Madison Hospital delivers special care for your special moment.