Who's Who In Madison - Feature Stories, Spring/Summer 2007

COVER STORY: OH! Bryan's Family Steak House*

Experience OH! Bryan’s Family Steak House

For a steak experience like no other, head over to OH! Bryan’s Family Steak House in Madison, where the steaks are cooked to a mouth-watering perfection and the atmosphere is from times past. Owners Bryan and Valerie Hughes’ family of restaurants is unique because of tasteful foods and décor from yesteryears.

The first location the Hughes’ opened was in 1994 in Mt. Hope, AL and quickly became a success. "Our first location was a small sit-down restaurant we renovated from an abandoned gas station that sat about 61 people," Bryan recalls. "In 1997, we opened our second location in Red Bay. The next year, we sold the restaurant to a former manager, and our franchise business started."

The Hughes’ sold the Mt. Hope location in 2002 and retired from the business. After a few years, they returned to the OH! Bryan’s Family Steak House franchise business. Bryan, Valerie, and their three children moved to Madison and opened the location at 100 Plaza Boulevard. "Our Madison location now serves as our company’s headquarters and training facility for all new OH! Bryan’s restaurants," he states.

With eight locations in Muscle Shoals, Hamilton, Red Bay, Mt. Hope, Hartselle, Jasper, Madison, and Huntsville, OH! Bryan’s Family Steak House provides an old-fashioned, family atmosphere that’s just like old times with top-quality food. The restaurant specializes in large-cut Ribeye and New York Strip steaks, the Soon To Be Famous™ 16-ounce sirloin steak, and the new 16-ounce Appalachian™ sirloin steak. These USDA steaks are cut in-house, by hand on a daily basis, and aged in a rotation system to promote tenderness.

In addition to the great steaks, catfish, and grilled chicken, OH! Bryan’s has a double-sided salad bar with 38 items that are fresh and cut by hand every morning. Another treat at OH! Bryan’s is its specialty fried cheesecake that’s wrapped in a pastry shell, deep fried, and topped with ice cream, fudge, and whipped cream.

What makes the OH! Bryan’s experience truly special is its nostalgic décor. Before entering the Madison restaurant, patrons are greeted with a variety of memorabilia and even a putting green in the waiting room! Continue on, and customers are made to feel at home in a setting from times past with the restaurant’s Sinclair gas station salad bar, vintage signs, and old fashioned cars. In addition to these priceless antiques, OH! Bryan’s is also set up as an old downtown scene with a dine-in, drive-in theater, complete with a 1955 Thunderbird and a 1958 Corvette that people can reserve to dine in while watching movies.

OH! Bryan’s also offers private dining areas for large parties and corporate functions at no charge. "Our Madison location has two private dining rooms that accommodate up to 80 people in one room, and up to 40 people in the other," Bryan says. "One is designed with 1950s diner décor, and the other is set up as an old general store."

Hughes is proud of the growing restaurant family with its 8th location being established in the Chase community of Huntsville on Highway 72 East. "We are looking to head east into Scottsboro or Arab, as well as into Southern and Middle Tennessee, such as Pulaski or Lawrenceburg," Bryan says. "More people are asking to have an OH! Bryan’s open in their area. They find us, learn about us, and want more of us."

For more information, contact OH! Bryan’s Family Steak House in Madison at (256) 325-2792 or visit www.ohbryans.com. Restaurant hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 11am to 9pm and closed on Mondays.

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Courtesy Mortgage*

Where Courtesy is Common

Owner Greg Balch of Courtesy Mortgage, Inc. founded his business on the common principle that all customers deserve courteous and respectful service. "We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and not just as a number," Balch says.

Since January 2004, Courtesy Mortgage has been providing customers with a variety of loans and programs to fit any need. Some of the programs and financing options available include 100% financing programs, loans without mortgage insurance, stated income programs, jumbo loans, and interest only loans. "In addition, Courtesy Mortgage can help customers with past credit problems, there is no application fee, and first-time homebuyers are welcome," Balch states.

Balch and his staff go the extra mile for customers and offer prompt and personal attention. "So many places you call about a mortgage have a process that is cumbersome and impersonal," Balch says. "We at Courtesy Mortgage are friendly, attentive, and professional, and we will not surprise you at the ‘closing table’."

The Courtesy Mortgage team has more than 70 years of total experience in the lending industry and everyone was born and raised in North Alabama. Balch has more than 29 years of expertise in the finance arena, with the last six exclusively in mortgages. After 26 years of working for corporate America, Balch decided to start his own business and he reached his goal when he established the first office in Athens, AL.

Now, with Courtesy Mortgage serving more clients in a variety of communities across North Alabama, Balch is opening a second office in Madison to better serve customers. "We are establishing an office in Madison because we want to make it more convenient for our neighbors to use the services of Courtesy Mortgage," Balch says.

Heading up the Madison office will be Principal Loan Consultant, Kevin McAbee. McAbee, who resides in Madison, has more than 13 years of experience in the lending and financial industry and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Consumer Affairs from the University of Alabama. "I am excited to be expanding our services into my hometown of Madison," McAbee says. "Our programs, complimented by our detailed and personal attention to each client, make it a privilege to serve our neighbors. Through the relationships we have with many lenders, we can pre-qualify a client in as little as 30 minutes. At Courtesy Mortgage, we do not take our customers for granted!"

Courtesy Mortgage can also serve customers throughout the state of Alabama. "We concentrate our efforts in North Alabama, but we close loans all over the state," Balch says. "We have numerous programs available for financing second homes and/or investment property on the Alabama Gulf Coast."

For service that is honest, has integrity, and where courtesy is common, contact Courtesy Mortgage at (256) 216-0202 in Athens, (256) 464-6459 in Madison. E-mail: gbalch@courtesymortgage.biz.

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EXIT Realty First*

Maria Binkley of EXIT Realty First Truly Enjoys Helping Others!

Owner Maria Binkley of EXIT Realty First truly enjoys helping others with her work as a REALTOR, as well as her work as an inspirational teacher and leader. Binkley, who has many years of expertise in the construction and real estate industry, chose to open her own EXIT office in 2006 because of EXIT’s unique way of doing business.

What Binkley enjoys most about the EXIT Realty franchise is helping other REALTORS by providing tangible benefits, financial opportunities, and continued support and training. EXIT Realty Corporation International is a 10-year-old, Canadian business that provides REALTORS with a tremendous amount of training through online classes, workshops, conventions, and video-conferencing. This company also provides additional income and benefit sources. "I’ve never seen anything like this," Binkley states. "My agents are directed towards success with benefits from financial opportunities only offered through EXIT." EXIT offers mortgages through its own company, ALTA Financial, a residential mortgage lender. Working in this arena provides EXIT REALTORS with health benefits and retirement plans. In addition, a financial benefit is given to agents who sponsor other REALTORS into EXIT and this benefit may be passed on to the sponsoring REALTORS’ heirs.

Binkley learned about EXIT after receiving an e-mail from the EXIT Alabama franchise owners. She reviewed the information and, along with her husband of 20 years, Richard, met the franchise owners. Recognizing the potential for North Alabama, she bought a large franchise and began her own business covering the areas north of Huntsville and Madison from Limestone County to Hazel Green and over to New Market.

Before establishing EXIT Realty First, Binkley obtained her real estate and broker’s license and worked in the residential construction trades for nearly 20 years. She was one of the first women in Alabama to receive her Master Electrical Contractor’s license and a Residential Contractor’s license. She has served on the Huntsville-Madison County Homebuilders Association Board of Directors for three years and received the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Rising Star in the construction field honor two years in a row.

Establishing successful businesses runs in the family. Richard owns Binkley Electric, which provides residential home wiring in new construction. Her blended family, consisting of five children, has also experienced great success. "My family is terrific!" she exclaims. "Our children are young adults of integrity and honesty with hearts to help people." Shon Binkley is an electrical contractor, and Anthony and Matthew Manning, along with the office management assistance of their sister, Becky Sims, own Apex Flooring. Daughter Rachel Manning is also successful in her career in real estate office administration.

Binkley is the founder of Grace & Power Ministries, Inc., a 501(c) (3) company that supports ministries around the world and allows her to teach and help others succeed. "In my heart, I’m really a teacher," Binkley states. "Teaching is the focus of both my work and my ministry." As part of the EXIT family, Binkley also unites her franchise with the corporate charity, Habitat for Humanity. In recognition of both her vocation and avocation, Binkley has personally donated her time and money to support the building of Habitat homes here in Alabama.

Contact Maria Binkley of EXIT Realty First at 487 Capshaw Road, (256) 851-9229, maria@mariabinkley.com or maria@exitrealtyfirsthuntsville.com, or visit www.mariabinkley.com and www.exitrealtyfirsthuntsville.com.

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Madison Ballroom Dance Studio*

Where’s the newest, trendiest entertainment in town? Madison Ballroom Dance Studio! This quality, family-friendly facility provides instruction in ballroom dancing through private and group lessons, workshops, and coachings. All ages, singles and couples, beginners through advanced are welcome. Because different people dance for different reasons, Madison Ballroom Dance Studio has something for everyone. Want to wow them at the next company party? Ever dreamed of being the star of the show? Need a trophy for the mantle? Looking for exercise and tons of fun? Madison Ballroom Dance Studio offers numerous opportunities for social, performance and/or competition dancing. The Studio hosts in-house parties, outings to local events, two performance shows a year, and workshops and coachings with other professionals from outside the North Alabama area.

Madison Ballroom Dance Studio is the only women-owned instructional ballroom dance business in the area. Jennifer Covington and Traci Romine both have a passion for ballroom dancing, so are business partners as well as staff members. Steve Baker and Shawn McClelland are the two male instructors. Their different talents and backgrounds complement each other to the benefit of the Studio and students. In this well-rounded, dancer-centric studio, students are encouraged and supported in their avocation.

Jennifer Covington loves the challenge of dance. She openly admits that she started ballroom dancing to have something in which to compete. "There is nothing more gratifying than working to achieve a goal and striving to meet the highest standard of competition," states the 6-foot dance instructor. Jennifer prides herself in pushing her students to achieve their best dancing and reminds them that those interested in dancing socially and those who desire to dance competitively are, in fact, still dancing the same steps.

For Traci, ballroom dancing has been life-changing. She beams, "I met my husband while ballroom dancing. I have met wonderful friends from diverse backgrounds. I have watched my grandparents jitterbug and I value our special grandfather/granddaughter dance at my wedding. Sharing the love of dance enriches relationships and creates great memories."

Give ballroom dancing a try. There is something in it for everyone. Visit Madison Ballroom Dance Studio located in The Shops at Madison Village, 9076 Madison Boulevard, Suites C and D, visit the web site, www.madisonballroom.com, or send an e-mail to dance@madisonballroom.com. Let the dancing begin!

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Angel Food Ministries* NP

A Food Ministry with a Servant’s Heart

Angel Food Ministries is a nonprofit, non-denominational organization that is dedicated to providing grocery relief to anyone and all communities across the United States. It was first established in 1994 by the Wingo family in Monroe, GA when they distributed food to 34 families.

Today, Angel Food Ministries serves communities in 32 states and can be found at churches in the Tennessee Valley, such as Cornerstone Word of Life Church (CWOL) in Madison. Pastors Mark and Rhonda Garver decided to offer Angel Food Ministries at their church because they wanted to help others in the community and recruited Coordinators Teresa and Martin Pollock to organize and oversee this ministry. "Angel Food Ministries allows us the chance to help people save money on groceries and we have opportunity to feed them physically and spiritually," Teresa says.

Angel Food Ministries is open to anyone who wants it. Once a month the host site, such as Cornerstone, distributes the units of food during a set time. For just $25, people receive $60 worth of top-quality and name brand foods. Each month’s menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items, such as meats, cereals, eggs, and vegetables. In addition, there are specials that contain other foods and items at a very inexpensive price.

Generally, one unit of food can feed a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. There is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can purchase. Also, the host site accepts food stamps, cash, and money orders and checks made out to them.

"This ministry could not operate without the awesome volunteers who give their time on distribution day and before, behind the scenes processing orders, and praying over them," Teresa states. "Special thanks go out to all the volunteers for this ministry."

For more information about the Angel Food Ministries at CWOL, contact the church at (256) 461-7055, ext. 123 or www.cornerstone-wol.org.

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Madison Chapel Funeral Home*

Our Priority is Serving Our Families

As the general manager of Madison Chapel Funeral Home, Ben Matthews, Certified Funeral Service Practioner (CFSP), brings experience, training, and a commitment to excellence when serving families that have lost a loved one.

Matthews’s invaluable skills come from his formal training across the Southeast and around the world. And, since high school and through college, he has held general manager and director positions in funeral homes in Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama, allowing him to gain the experience necessary to be a leader.

What also sets Matthews apart is his dedication to helping others in times of need. He is a founding member of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team for Homeland Security. In addition, he is a member of Keynon International Disaster Company. Through this organization, Matthews has served in disaster recovery operations from tsunami-stricken Phuket, Thailand, to the World Trade Center in New York following 9/11, and recently at the Georgia Crematory incident.

Matthews brings his extensive training and expertise to the locally-owned Madison Chapel at 8521 Hwy. 72 West in Madison. Madison Chapel is dedicated to supporting the community, spending funds locally, and to meeting the specific needs of each family they serve. To accommodate families of all denominations and backgrounds, Madison Chapel offers several tastefully appointed visitation rooms, a chapel that seats 200 people, a large and well-stocked showroom, state-of-the-art hearses and family vehicles, and a large parking lot. "I can provide any and every type of service a family could want," Matthews says. "My desire is to provide more options for families so they can appropriately memorialize and personalize their loved one’s life. At Madison Chapel, we are seeking to build a reputation that, when a death occurs, people will immediately and distinctly think of our facilities and services." In the near future, Madison Chapel will increase its personalized service with video tributes that it produces and displays, as well as offering a high-tech showroom with computerized selection and ordering.

For more information, contact Madison Chapel Funeral Home at (256) 895-9900 or visit their web site at www.madisonchapel.com.

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Madison Chamber of Commerce*

The Voice of Businesses in Madison

As the voice for Madison businesses and residents, the Madison Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate its 15^th anniversary of serving the community. Managing Director Sallie Wagner, who has been with the Chamber since January 1993, reflects back on the Chamber’s history and accomplishments. "In October 1992, there wasn’t a voice for the business community and the Madison Business Association was established with around 125 members," Sallie recalls.

The association began as a volunteer group with Tim Crowson as the founding president. Shortly thereafter, Sallie, volunteers such as her husband Bob and daughter Brittany, and a great team of board members began establishing programs and events to support the Madison community. Then in 1998, the Madison Business Association became the Madison Chamber of Commerce.

Currently with more than 400 members, four staff members, and countless volunteers, the Chamber continues to concentrate its focus upon which the organization was founded…a progressive vision to foster, promote, and improve the commercial and civic interests of the businesses and residents of the city of Madison. "The Chamber is unique," Sallie states. "The community has shaped us and we strive to serve anyone who comes to us for help. That is our PLUS!"

Throughout its 15-year history, the Chamber has been instrumental in establishing events and programs, some unique to Madison, with each city administration. Some of these projects include "Shop Madison First", supporting the 11-mill property tax to create the Madison City school system, getting Madison on the map, Sunday liquor sales for city restaurants and package stores to stay competitive with sister cities, and recreational facilities, among many others.

What Sallie is most proud of is the "Shop Madison First" campaign. "Shop Madison First" focuses on keeping and spending tax dollars in the city of Madison to contribute to the community’s success. "Madison is a great place, not only to visit, but also to live and work," Sallie explains. "We encourage you to ‘Shop Madison First’ so that our community will maintain the quality of life that we have established."

With all that the Chamber has accomplished in the last 15 years, it is preparing to take on new challenges. Sallie and staff are ready to help keep local tax dollars in Madison, improve the local infrastructure…specifically roads, extend the city boundaries west to allow for commercial growth, and for the Chamber to become monetarily self-sufficient.

In addition to these upcoming challenges, Sallie looks forward to accomplishing more goals and seeing her dreams fulfilled. Her goals include the Chamber owning its own building, developing a retail incubator, increasing membership, improving and adding more benefits and services, establishing a broader retail base for Madison to become self sufficient within the commercial industry, and keeping its uniqueness. "While we continue our work through the progressiveness of the city, our goal is to keep the Chamber’s uniqueness," she says. "We are a professional organization that focuses on improving the community’s business needs, but we’re also a place where folks can come by and we’ll greet them warmly by first name."

Sallie continues, "I am very excited about the bright future of Madison. I believe that a lot of my dreams will come to fruition sooner than we think!"

For more information on spending a day, a week, or a lifetime in Madison, contact the Madison Chamber of Commerce at (256) 461-0518, madisonalchamber@aol.com, or online at www.madisonalchamber.com. The office is located at 204 Main Street in downtown Madison.

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Madison Station Historical and Preservation Society*

Celebrating 150 Years of Madison History!

The Madison Station Historic and Preservation Society is proud to be celebrating 150 years of Madison history! President Jeanne Steadman and members of the Society join together to preserve the genealogy, history of people, and Madison’s historic homes and structures.

Madison’s history as an actual city dates back to February 13, 1857 when landowner James Clemens of Huntsville sold the first lot to George Martin. Clemens originally purchased this land in 1854 and intended to establish a town and depot for the new railroad between Huntsville and Decatur, AL. It was also his intent that the town be named Clemens Depot, but the railroad labeled it Madison Station on their maps, and the name stuck.

Martin, who had a store in the riverport town of Triana, AL, moved his mercantile business to his new storefront lot on the south side of the railroad tracks. A month later, Thomas Clay opened another store on the opposite side of the tracks. As Madison Station attracted businesses from Triana, the citizens petitioned to the County Commissioners for the depot to become the area polling place, which was implemented on the first Monday in August 1857. The thriving town was incorporated and the name shortened to Madison in 1869.

The town grew and prospered until the Civil War. After the Civil War, tough times hindered the growth up through the Great Depression. With the World Wars, the growth around the community increased with Redstone Arsenal, and then Madison hit another growth spurt in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

To honor Madison’s Sesquicentennial, many events will be held throughout the year, such as a pioneer festival, antique home tour, garden tour, gravesite stories, costumed reenactments, and spirit strolls. In addition to these festivities, Author and Madison Station Historic and Preservation Society’s Historian John Rankin wrote a book, Memories of Madison - A Connected Community, 1857-2007 that illustrates and enlightens readers about the 150 years of the city. To finalize the celebration, a time capsule full of items from Madison and today’s world will be buried on February 13, 2008.

The Society meets at 7pm on the 4th Thursday of every month, except in November and December. Meetings are held in the RoundHouse Replica Museum in downtown Madison. Membership is open to local citizens interested in helping to preserve the history, flavor, and character of Madison.

For more information on the Madison Station Historic and Preservation Society, as well as the 150^th birthday celebration of Madison, contact the Society at PO Box 711, Madison, AL 35758, (256) 461-8938, www.knology.net/~madisonhistoricalsociety/, and www.madisonis150.com.

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First Impression Interiors*

Before

After

Make the First Impression of Your Home a Lasting One

Make the first impression of your home a lasting one with professional design and decorating services by First Impression Interiors. Owners Karen Singley and Vilera Mills focus on providing a variety of services for every room of your home.

Karen and Vilera each bring unique talents to First Impression Interiors. While Karen specializes in interior decorating, Vilera specializes in custom-made window treatments, bedding, and pillows. "Our different specialties offer clients a wide range of decorating and design services," Vilera says. "When Karen enters a home she sees the walls, floors, lamps…and I see windows and colors."

In addition to its custom-made products, the company also provides color and fabric coordination, shopping for home accessories, and fluffing services. To give a room or the entire house a new look and feel on any sized budget, First Impression Interiors focuses on listening to the client and understanding their styles. "Everything we do in the client’s home is what they want and we want clients to voice their opinions if they do or do not like something we’ve selected," Karen says. "It’s not what we want, it’s what the client wants."

Karen, who has a variety of design and decorating experience over the last 28 years, uses her skills to provide a mood—an ambiance of welcome. She sets clients’ minds at ease by rearranging existing furniture and suggests colors, floral arrangements, pictures, wall hangings, and many other accent pieces. In addition, Karen can also decorate or design outdoor areas, such as sunrooms, decks, and spa rooms. "Home is where people spend most of their time and we want to create an atmosphere that’s unique to the client, as well as warm and inviting," she explains.

Both Karen and Vilera love the creativity of the job and enjoy working with people to produce a room with a lasting impression. As a self-proclaimed fabric artist, Vilera’s gift for sewing speaks for itself in beautifully crafted window treatments, bedding sets, and pillows. Since the age of 10, Vilera’s passion has been fabric and she enjoys creating masterpieces. She provides clients with custom-made pieces for windows, such as Roman shades or drapes, custom duvets, bed skirts, euro pillows and shams, as well as baby nursery bedding sets with adjustable dust ruffles. An added touch that sets Vilera’s work apart is the hidden zippers on all of her duvets, shams, and pillows that make it easier for dry cleaning of all of the bedding. "After creating the nursery for my first child, I knew I had found my niche," Vilera says. "I can take someone’s dream of a baby nursery and make it happen."

Vilera works closely with clients to give rooms a lasting impression. She can create window treatments and bedding from pictures or patterns supplied by clients and carries a portfolio of her work for clients to review. "Our goal is to always have a satisfied client and help them see their vision with window treatments, pillows, décor, and much more," she states.

First Impression Interiors can make your home’s first impression a lasting one. Contact Karen at (256) 617-0486 or ksingley@bellsouth.net and Vilera at (256) 417-2456 or vilera@knology.net.

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Mears Real Estate Services*

"Setting New Standards"

Mears Real Estate Services is "Setting New Standards" by helping you reach your homeowner dreams. Specializing in new construction, residential, relocation and mortgage financing, Debra Mears brings years of professionalism and experience as a REALTOR and broker to the clients she serves. Debra has drawn from her own diverse and often trying background to provide a purpose and direction in her life and her work.

Mears, who has nearly 20 years of experience, is a licensed REALTOR in Alabama, Texas, and California. Her specialty in luxury home sales and years of new construction experience offers clients top-notch service. In addition, Mears is a certified home stager, an important skill in today’s aggressive selling market, and has experience in mortgage banking to help clients get the best financing available. Coming from a military family background, Debra has lived all over the world as a child, moving every two to three years. She has a keen understanding of relocation and all that it involves. Debra Mears is a member of the Huntsville Board Association of REALTORS, City of Madison Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, The Huntsville-Madison County Home Builders Association, and the National Association of Homebuilders.

The company is continuing to "Set New Standards" with its new state-of-the-art office opening in Madison. As a one-stop shop, clients who want to build a custom home will be able to find a variety of information about the builders, and see virtual tours of homes and neighborhoods without having to drive all over the Tennessee Valley. You can meet with an agent on site to share your dreams in buying, building, or selling your existing home, as well as getting the best deal available in mortgage financing. Stop in and see how fast Debra can make your dreams a reality.

Please visit Mears Real Estate Services at 8498 Madison Blvd in Madison and please visit Debra’s web site for more information at www.debramears.com. Contact Debra Mears directly at (256) 658-8886, fax (256) 325-1225, or you may e-mail her at debra@debramears.com.

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The Craig and Stephen Hogan Family Center YMCA* (NP)

For nearly 100 years, the YMCA has served the "Heart of the Valley" through programs and services that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Soon, Madison area residents will be able to enjoy all the Y has to offer through a new, state-of-the-art facility.

The Craig and Steven Hogan Family Center YMCA will be built on Hughes Road, just south of the railroad tracks. The family and community focused center will include a fitness center, racquetball courts, teen center, outdoor lake, gymnasium, aquatic center, and more. The YMCA will serve kids, families, and seniors in Madison, Monrovia, Harvest, Triana, East Limestone, and West Huntsville.

Danny Windham, CEO, Digium, is Chairman of the Steering Committee that’s heading up the project’s capital campaign. Volunteers are working to raise $7.9 million of the $12 million project. So far, they’ve raised more than 35 percent, including $1 million from the Hogan family and business partners of Craig and Steven Hogan, two brothers who were killed in a plane crash in 2005. Other gifts include a portion of the YMCA site, which was partially donated by Enfinger Steele Development.

The project has been going strong since 2004. That’s when the association conducted a market study, in which the community expressed an overwhelming need for a YMCA. The YMCA hopes to break ground this fall.

"The people in this area are ready for the YMCA," says Scott Mounts, YMCA President/CEO. "With thousands of BRAC-related jobs headed this way, the timing couldn’t be better. This project will definitely improve the quality of life for this community."

The YMCA, a Christian-based nonprofit organization, welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and abilities. The association provides scholarships to ensure that no one is turned away from YMCA programs and services, regardless of an inability to pay a fee.

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Dublin Village* (NP)

If you are looking for a place to call home, you can find it at Dublin Village, an independent living apartment complex for seniors, age 62 and older, located in safe and peaceful surroundings in the City of Madison. Dublin Village is convenient to shopping, banks, medical care, and many other needed services. With fifty-six units on three floors, this newly remodeled building offers seniors compact, easy-to-maintain apartments within a community of peers.

Dublin Village is a Department of Housing and Urban Development property managed by Volunteers of America. The rent is subsidized by HUD, allowing qualified persons, ages 62 and older and on a fixed income, to pay thirty percent (30%) of their adjusted income for rent.

Some amenities available are transportation to and from the Senior Center Monday through Friday, transportation to local stores and medical appointments, laundry facilities, a large community room, on-site management, and wall-to-wall carpeting, to name a few. For safety purposes, each apartment is equipped with a sprinkler head, smoke detector, and emergency call system.

Also available to residents is a Professional Service Coordinator, who can facilitate the provision of supportive services and assist them in maximizing their independence. This service not only entails assessments of individual needs, but also community needs. Offered are educational programs, a Wellness Clinic, monthly Food Share, connection to community-based services, social activities, fellowship, and an opportunity to form close ties through a network of support and friendship with their peers.

Come to the best address for seniors in Madison. Stop by and visit Dublin Village at 106 W. Dublin Dr. or call (256) 772-0220 or (256) 772-2084 for more information.

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Grace and Power Ministries, Inc.* (NP)

Even as a child, Maria Binkley would gather her younger brother and sisters into a make believe classroom setting and assume the role of their teacher. From that early age, teaching has always been close to her heart. At one time, she thought about a teaching degree but went into the professional field of dentistry instead. After beginning a family, she stayed home to be able to train the children while they were small. When her children were in elementary school, she became a substitute teacher, enabling her to be close and involved in their early years of school. Now those children are grown and successful business leaders in their own right.

She later began to teach Sunday school and Women’s Bible Studies forming her own ministry named Grace And Power Ministries, Inc., a 501- C3 tax exempt corporation. Her teachings included practical, inspirational, and spiritual exhortation and encouragement. The topics she chose were those pertinent to every day living. From blended families to credit, debt, and time management and on to emotional and spiritual well being, her teachings were always welcomed and life-changing. Nearly fifteen years after her first Bible study, she still sees women who tell her that they are still listening to the tapes of her studies and they continue to share them with others. That training has been a blessing that has remained an influence in people’s lives over the years. Maria will be the first to tell you that all the glory goes to God, who leads her and inspires her.

Her teaching has not only been in classroom settings, but also in conferences both here and abroad, which she still does, in spite of her busy schedule. Her radio and television teaching programs have been both taped and live. She has plans to continue teaching not only in her business, EXIT Realty First, where her heart is to train real estate agents to be both a success and asset to their community, but to also continue her teaching ministry in Mexico, Italy and India. Maria, who is a member of Oasis Christian Center, currently sponsors seventeen churches throughout the world.

For more information, contact Maria Binkley of EXIT Realty First at 487 Capshaw Road, (256) 851-9229, maria@mariabinkley.com or visit www.mariabinkley.com.

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