Old Black Bear off ers popular brewery experience

launches brewery, Tap Room

Drink to that

Blue Pants Brewery draws crowds with special events

Brews blast offlbTT

Rocket Rocket RepublicRepublic

Foodie haven

Old Black Bear introduces full menu of tasty eats

Mancuso family adds rich touches to Madison

home

MancusoMan

Decorating Decorating finesse finesse

Raise your glass

Madison Living 3

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10LET’S EATPUB GRUB

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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

PRODUCTIONwww.design2pro.com

Michael KurovArt director

Lyudmila DyominaDesign

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

Advertising Inquires256.772.6677

Madison Living is published monthly by Madison Publications, LLC.

HEALTHBUNDLES OF ENERGY

EDUCATION

MONEY MATTERS

TALE AS OLD AS TIME

DRINK TO THAT

HONING THEIR CRAFT

ROCKET REPUBLIC

ON TAP

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4 Madison Living

HOME

ImpeccableSTYLE

Madison Living 5

Tony and Dr. Dawn Mancuso continu-ally refresh and revitalize their home in Heritage Plantation with impeccable style and beauty.

The Mancusos have lived in the home since 1997. “It was one of the first houses in the neighborhood. We loved the location, curb appeal and the magnificent foyer and curved staircase as you walk in,” Dawn said. “The overall floor plan worked for us at the time.” In addition, they were pleased with the large backyard.

The home’s architectural style follows tradition-al lines. The exterior construction uses red brick. Statuesque Roman Ionic columns stand guard at the front entrance. Interior space covers 5,000 square feet with five bedrooms and 4.5 baths.

“We added a room to be used as a sunroom but use it for our breakfast room as it overlooks the pool and backyard landscaping,” Dawn said. “We also re-modeled our master bath a few years ago and love the copper soaking tub.”

Decorating fi nesse is hallmark of Mancuso home

LEFT: Dr. Dawn and Tony Mancuso have lived in their home in Heritage Plantation since 1997.

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKERPHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

6 Madison Living

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The magnifi cent foyer was defi nitely a selling point for the Mancusos. Subdued khaki tones for walls allow painted furnishings to “pop” with color. This fi replace mantle features heavily-carved supports to add architectural appeal. A baby grand piano serves as focal point in this room.

“Currently, we’re leaning toward a less formal de-cor yet more tailored than bulky,” Dawn said. “Our favorite piece, however, is our heavy mahogany carved bed we bought when we got married.”

The Mancusos have redecorated a number of rooms with assistance of Janet South and Tim Tolbert of Townhouse Galleries in Decatur. “Janet and Tim can come in and (decorate a room) in a flash,” Dawn said.

For flow throughout the house, the home’s preva-lent color scheme consists of various shades of khaki with coordinating ceiling colors. “We have a number of unusual pieces but overall stay with a traditional look,” she said.

The Mancuso home has a number of original art pieces by several local artists. “We love especially those

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ABOVE FROM LEFT: The master bath’s copper soaking tub is perched between corner windows. The Mancusos’ kitchen accommodates a quick snack after work.For decorating advice, Dr. Dawn Mancuso calls on Janet South and Tim Tolbert with Townhouse Galleries in Decatur.Custom artwork adds ambiance in the Mancuso dining room.A large mirror anchors this bedroom.An exceptional table holds a container of fresh tulips.

RIGHT: The Mancuso home has a number of original art pieces by several local artists, including their friend Carole Foret of Athens.

from longtime friend Carole Foret,” Dawn said. “We collect art from areas we travel and have several beau-tiful pieces from Greece and Italy.” They are especially fond of a vase from Venice and a mask from Greece.

In landscaping, the Mancusos have developed the backyard “into our small paradise with a Koi pond, pool with balustrade and entertaining area with curved stone seating area and fire pit ... perfect for lots of outdoor parties.” Dawn said.

She is a family physician at Heritage Family Medicine and recently started a concierge practice in the same building. She serves as medical direc-

tor at Gentiva Hospice of Huntsville and recently retired as medical director at Senior Health and Rehab in Athens. Tony is manager at the medical practice and owner/manager of West Madison Pro-fessional Plaza.

The Mancusos keep involved with Alabama Crim-son Tide football because their daughters are enrolled at the University of Alabama. Allyson, 20, is enrolled in pre-law studies in the Honors College. Also a UA student, Camille, 18, earned a scholarship to study art.

Tony is active in barbeque competition with Kansas City Barbeque Society. He has assisted

Madison Living 9

with coaching girls’ lacrosse in Huntsville and Madison.

Dawn participates with local chambers of commerce and leukemia and lymphoma societies. Recently, she was nominated for “Woman of the Year” in fund-raising competition. She serves on Madison County

Medical Society’s Board of Trustees and has worked with local schools. In her spare time, she enjoys plan-ning the next interior design project for their home.

Dawn is a native of Athens. Tony grew up in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. They met in Birming-ham and moved to Madison in 1997.

LET’SEAT

WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKERPHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

new dining experience

Pubgrub Old Black Bear

off ers

PAGE 11 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Shawncey Smith is sous chef at Old Black Bear. Marci Mays is txecutive chef at Old Black Bear. Guests can order from a list of savory appetizers.

ABOVE: Local foodies are buzzing about Chicken and Waffl es at Old Black Bear.

Madison Living 11

LANDSCAPE NURSERY AND GARDEN CENTER

Along with introducing its own spin on craft beer, Old Black Bear Brewing Company has opened another option for dining in Madison’s historic district.

Co-owners Todd and Dawn Seaton have devised a tempting but not-run-of-the-mill menu for dining in downtown at 212 Main St. To whet your appetite, Dawn Seaton suggests starting with grilled artichoke hearts, spiked to taste with sriracha aioli, a seasoned sauce similar to mayonnaise. Cave City Beer Cheese with pretzel bites is a good taste on a chilly day.

The Potato Tornado with beer cheese takes the lowly spud to new heights. For an unusual sampling that’s the rage for “food-ies,” order the pork belly, which is smoked and tossed in bacon vinaigrette.

Guests are giving rave reviews to the restaurant’s Smokey Pimento Cheese with baguette slices. This classic staple in Southern snacking goes to a new level at Old Black Bear with a creamy cheese highlight-ed with fresh pimento peppers and green onion tidbits. And speaking of pimento and cheese, Todd Seaton’s personal first-choice order on the menu is the Pimento Cheeseburger. “I don’t get to eat it nearly enough because I have to counteract it with at least three days of salm-on and broccoli,” he said jokingly.

Salmon plank, grilled on a cedar slab, is one of Old Black Bear’s entrees.

“We sell twice as many burgers as anything else on the menu. Our beef comes from Deer Valley Farms, just across the Tennessee

12 Madison Living

border, and is one the highest quality beef that you can buy in the United States,” Seaton said. “We are quickly becoming known for having the best burger in town.”

“And to have the best burger, you have to get the best beef,” he said.

Other sandwich options are the Taproom Burger with cer-tified Angus beef topped with a farm-fresh egg; turkey sour-dough, dressed with cheddar, bacon, tomato and ranch dress-ing; and a tribute to Tupelo’s King, the “Elvis Impersonator” consists of peanut butter, banana, honey and bacon.

Entrees include Adult Mac and Cheese with chef ’s choice of vegetable. Wings by the pound are available in various levels of heat or flavor and served with piping-hot seasoned fries. A 10-inch all-beef corndog is another menu item.

The chicken and waffles dish is another crowd favorite. This order “combines the best of two worlds – spicy fried chick-en and sweet Belgian waffles,” Seaton said. “To top off both of these great food entrees, you pair it with any of our quality beers, and you’ll come back every time.”

If a crisp, fresh salad is more to your liking, the restaurant prepares a house salad, classic wedge with bleu cheese dressing or the Caesar with a speckled trout dressing.

The Seatons didn’t forget about their youngest diners. Chil-dren can enjoy a grilled cheese on sourdough, a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a Little Turkey with lettuce and tomato, also on sourdough.

Early risers can enjoy the OBB Coffee Shop on weekday mornings from 7-11 a.m. In the near future, Old Black Bear will open for breakfast/brunch hours on weekends.

For a complete look at the menu, visit oldblackbear.com/tap-room. For more information, call 256-226-1032 or visit Face-book/Old Black Bear.

CLOCKWISEFROM TOP:A spear of pickled okra tops the Pimento Cheese Burger. Salmon on a cedar plank is accompanied by broccoli and rice pilaf.The Turkey on sourdough with cheddar, bacon, tomato and ranch dressing goes great with a pale ale.

Madison Living 13

Call (256) 837-3400 or visit rocketcenter.comfor more information.

This exhibition is created by Scitech Discovery Centre,Perth, Australia, and produced by Imagine Exhibitions Inc.

RocketCenterUSA

“Science Fiction, Science Future” is an interactive adventure that demonstrates such future technologies as robotics, holograms, augmented reality and invisibility.

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This popular exhibit has been extended through early May!

The Board and I strive to be good stewards of your hard-earned money.

That requires careful scrutiny of expenditures while keeping close tabs on revenues. If there are cost efficiencies to be found, we want to implement them to maximize the resources needed for instructional programs.

One major cost control is through wise energy management. Direc-tor of operations Patrick Conner and his team have been busy since summer overseeing the installation of energy efficient lighting in our buildings, parking lots and stadium. The bulbs are in addition to mo-

tion-sensor light switch-es in several schools that trip lights off when not needed.

Thermostat settings are also being better managed through in-house training, and plans are in the works for ener-gy efficient chiller pumps on heating and air conditioning systems. The school district recent-ly hired an energy manager to help monitor and control utility usage.

The $461,369 lighting re-placement involved the purchase of 29,580 bulbs. The bulbs were bought under a TVA energy rebate program called Energy

Right Solutions for Business and Industry.

Only months into opera-tion, the expenditure is already paying off. The Tennessee Valley Authority recently re-bated Madison City Schools $98,678 from the purchase.

A look at just two of our elementary schools in Sep-

tember, October and November shows substantial drops in kilo-watt hours compared to the same months a year ago. Those two schools alone reduced their light bill by nearly $10,000 just over those three months. Those sav-ings appear consistent with other schools as well.

So simply switching from a stan-dard 32-watt to a 12-watt ener-gy-efficient bulb is driving down utility bills on a pace that could shave $250,000 from the district’s overall $2.7 million yearly utility expense. All without sacrificing lighting quality.

The retrofit wasn’t necessary at Bob Jones and Madison Ele-mentary because the lightbulb re-placement was done during exten-sive renovations to those schools. The project will also reduce costs through less maintenance and re-placement costs.

The more we spend on utility bills, the less we are able to spend in our classrooms. That’s never a bright idea.

Money matters EDUCATION

DR. DEE O. FOWLER SUPERINTENDENT MADISON CITY SCHOOLS

School system accounts for expenditures

Dr. Dee Fowler

14 Madison Living

Tale as old as time

‘A tale as old as time’ will be told when James Clemens Theatre presents “Beauty and the Beast” as the 2016 spring musical.

Director Amy Patel said James Clemens The-atre is proud of the diverse variety in their shows. “Each year, we look at kinds of shows we haven’t

done (and) balance comedy with drama, or fami-ly-friendly with edgy,” Patel said.

Student Director Emma Waldron said the show will “showcase our work to families with younger children, exciting them to possibly join theatre and bolster our program. Our technical program has quite a challenge in set building, elaborateness of

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

James Clemens’ ‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’ entices with sets, costumes

EDUCATION

Madison Living 15

ABOVE: Kayla Braxton portrays Belle, an innocent maiden who befriends the Beast.

“Each year, we look at kinds of shows we haven’t done (and) balance comedy with drama, or family-friendly with edgy.”

— Amy Patel

LEFT: James Clemens Theatre will present “Beauty and the Best” on April 7-9.

16 Madison Living

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: All members of the cast dance in this musical. Technical director Clint Merritt said his tech crew is doing college-level work. Production staff from James Clemens faculty includes, from left, Clint Merritt, technical director; Amy Patel, director; and Harris Gessner, who is music director along with Stuart Tankesley (not pictured). Lead actors are Kayla Braxton (Belle) and Alex Walbom (Beast).

costumes and makeup and transformation of var-ious characters.”

Set in 18th-century France, the show tells about a selfish prince, cursed to become a hideous beast for his ugly actions. Belle, a sweet maiden, be-comes his friend, Waldron said. The beast’s two transformations require strategic, logistical work. “We’re working with a makeup designer to create the Beast’s mask and extensive makeup,” similar to a Hollywood experience, technical director Clint Merritt said.

The production involves 100-plus students with three student directors, two student choreogra-phers, more than 60 actors and dancers, 30 techs and about ten student musicians performing with professionals in the pit.

Madison Living 17

Music directors are Harris Gessner, who directs James Clemens Choir, and Stuart Tankesley, assis-tant band director. Kyle McCormick, Jessica Russ and Waldron are student directors. Carrie Gormley and Anna White are student choreographers. Newt Johnson is contracted for his piano and directing skills.

Lead actors are Alex Walbom (Beast) and Kayla Braxton (Belle).

Cast members include Tad Hutt (Gaston), An-drew Pharo (Lefou), Marcus Patton (Maurice), Hannah Rice (Lumiere), Ethan Brown (Cog-sworth), Abigayle Williams (Mrs. Potts), Tucker Pearson (Chip), Becky Protos (Babette), Abbi Lay-man (Madame La Bouche), Matthew Bao (Mon-sieur D’Arque) and Amanda Jackson (Enchantress).

All cast members dance. Nine additional danc-ers, trained in ballet and lyrical dance, are featured.

Patel was surprised at the number of students who had never seen the movie/play. “It actually tackles mature concepts: value we place on outer beauty; societal rejection of things ‘different’; wom-an’s role in society; and the way hatred can create a hardness.”

The musical “has to look ‘Disney,’ which is a challenge from the start,” Merritt said. With many

ABOVE: Director Amy Patel, center, gives notes to the cast during rehearsal.

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scenes and locations, the cast/crew must manage numerous props, lighting and costume changes. “Our students are the designers. We’re also bring-ing in a professional de-signer to guide them and unify their ideas into real concrete plans,” Merritt said. “They design with professional-level soft-ware used in the industry.

“Makeup and costumes are ‘a beast’ themselves with so many actors. But we have a fantastic crew doing college-level work. I have no doubt in them,” Merritt said.

“Madison City pro-duces one fantastic mu-sical. One year, it’s at James Clemens, and one year it’s at Bob Jones,” Patel said. “Talent in this city is staggering. Truly staggering. Over and over, I hear people say, ‘I forgot I was watching a high school show.’”

Patel points to evidence of that talent by both James Clemens and Bob Jones winning with their one-act plays at state Trumbauer competition.

“Theatre is not a com-petitive sport. In theatre, we are #onecity,” Patel said. When James Cle-mens students attend Bob Jones’ shows, “our students become better artists,” Merritt said. “I think Bob Jones students learn from ours, too. It’s a win-win. When we look good, they look good – all of Madison City looks good.”

Elementary students can attend “field trip” shows April 6-7 at 9 a.m. To reserve seats, email

schoolshow.jamesclemenstheatre@gmail.com.Performances are April 7-9 at 7 p.m. and a mati-

nee April 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at show-tix4u.com and at the door.

ABOVE: Director Amy Patel, at right, said James Clemens Theatre is proud of the diverse variety in its shows.

“Our students are the designers. We’re also bringing in a professional designer to guide them and unify their ideas into real concrete plans.”

— Emma Waldron

Madison Living 19

Kids today live in a wired world, and it’s no exaggeration that youngsters spend an aver-age of seven hours on the

screens of electronic devices every day, ac-cording to the American Academy of Pe-diatrics. Studies show that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders and obesity. Our kids crave connectivity, and there’s a better way to help them develop positive relationships with their peers and appropriate adult role models – send them to summer camp!

Two camp opportunities are available to children through the YMCA this summer, and the great news is, the Y makes camp affordable to any family via scholarships.

This summer at the Hogan YMCA in Madison, children in kindergarten through sixth grade can swim, participate in sports and games and take field trips to local attractions, express themselves through creative arts and stay active and happy without ever missing their TV or tablet screens.

Because they also crave variety, kids can shuttle to YMCA Camp Cha-La-Kee from the Y for outdoor day camp. Cha-La-Kee sits on the waterfront at Lake Guntersville, and kids can stay cool playing water sports including swim-ming, kayaking, canoeing, banana boating and “blobbing.” On land, they can enjoy zip lining, archery, rifles, pony rides and games under a shaded pavilion. Cha-La-Kee offers overnight camp, too.

Summer camp begins May 29 and is offered Monday through Friday through July 30 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children may attend three or five days per week. To register, visit ymcahuntsville.org/CAMPS or call 256-705-9622.

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Blue Pants Brewery off ers special events

DRINK TO THAT

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

Honing their craft

Michael Spratley, co-owner of Blue Pants Brewery, draws a craft beer.

A passion for craft beer and the craft brewing community led to the found-ing of Blue Pants Brewery.

“Having traveled to other locations where there is a thriving craft brewing scene, I wanted to bring that to our home town of Madison,” Michael Spratley said.

Madison Living 23

Owners Michael and Allison Spratley got hooked on craft beer while living in Seattle. “When we moved back to the Southeast, there was a dearth of craft beer, so Mike started brew-ing,” Allison said. “It’s our first bar/restaurant business experience.”

Customers at Blue Pants relish the friendly at-mosphere “that is all about the beer and the edu-

cation. Our regulars come back because they know they’re getting some really unreasonably good beer, and they’ll have the opportunity to have a conver-sation about it,” Allison said.

What are the Spratley’s favorite tastes? Michael is a big fan of the hop bursted IPA, or India Pale Ale. Allison prefers the Amber brew. The most popular beer with customers is “probably Weedy’s Double

ABOVE FROM LEFT: Blue Pants’ facility formerly served as warehouses for cotton.The most popular beer with customers is likely Weedy’s Double IPA.

24 Madison Living

IPA, though our seasonals are always really popular, like our Oktoberfest and our upcoming Pilsener,” Allison said.

On Tuesday nights, Blue Pants customers can relax at some happy hours with half-priced pints. On Friday, some cocktail specials are available.

As far as the typical crowd at Blue Pants, Allison said they have a diverse mix. “Typically after work, we see business professionals, and later in the eve-ning see a wide range of people for the live music and food trucks,” she said.

Food trucks at Blue Pants have a following all their own. The Spratleys try to rotate through the

ABOVE: Seasonals are always popular at Blue Pants.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The brewery frequently hosts special events. Michael Spratley and wife Allison fi rst appreciated craft beer while living in Seattle. Sausage Fest is one of Blue Pants’ annual special events. Customers can learn about the brewing process at Blue Pants.

Madison Living 25

In past years, Madison Chamber of Commerce has nominated Blue Pants for Small Business of the Year.

Blue Pants’ address is 500 Lanier Road in Madison. The brewery opens on Monday through Saturday at 3 p.m. For more information, visit bluepantsbrew.com, Facebook/Blue Pants Brewery or Twitter @bluepants-brew.

trucks to offer guests a range of food choices and flavors. Fire and Spice, Belly and Neon Lilly visit Blue Pants often.

The brewery frequently hosts special events. On Fridays, guests can listen to live music, take numer-ous classes or show up just for fun.

One major annual event, Sausage Fest has local teams vying for bragging rights for the best-tasting grilled recipe. A judges’ panel awards cash prizes to the most popular tastes, and the partygoers can vote for People’s Choice.

The Pinstripe Fest is “a celebration of all things stout at the taproom,” Michael said. One past Pin-stripe Fest featured variations of Blue Pants’ export stout, including Brown Sugar, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Chai, Dark and Stormy, Dry Hop, Banana Pepper, Samoa, Peanut Butter and Jelly and Andes Mint.

“People are impressed with the amount of fla-vor we pull out of all our beers. Everything that we brew is rich and complex but balanced and incred-ibly smooth,” Michael said.

The Spratleys believe Madison “is a great town and has a lot of potential. Our site in Madison is exceptional ... old cotton warehouses that speak to the way Madison used to be but are still relevant,” Allison said.

ABOVE FROM LEFT: Allison and Michael Spratley are co-ownersof Blue Pants. The amount of fl avorin the brews impresses Blue Pants’ customers.

26 Madison Living

After searching almost a year, Rocket Republic owners landed in Madison with a building that has infrastruc-ture required for a production brew-

ery and suitable zoning. John and Lynn Troy and Eric and Tatum Crig-

ger own Rocket Republic Brewing Company Inc.

“We incorporated in March 2013 and launched in September 2013 as a contract brewery,” Eric Crig-ger said. “In March 2015, we opened our Madison production facility at 289 Production Avenue near FedEx and the airport.”

More than a decade ago, Crigger started brew-ing beer with a Mr. Beer Kit and then progressed

Catering to customer tastes in everything from brews to music

Rocket Republic

DRINK TO THAT

Madison Living 27

to larger batches and more complex methods. He completed a course at The Siebel Institute in Chi-cago – beer school – and worked at Olde Towne Brewing Company in Huntsville.

“I learned a lot about business operations and amount of work that goes into a production brewery,” Crigger said. He then “formulated a business plan to eventually open a brewery of my own, well before the boom the craft beer industry is experiencing now.”

Rocket Republic’s building with 10,000 square feet is entirely open. The manufacturing area is integrated directly into the Tap Room, allowing customers a close view of production. People have

an immense curiosity about brewing beer. “Having access to where and how it’s made is a great expe-rience,” Crigger said.

That sprawling space, rocket motif and steam-punk theme draw many customers, along with the beer. “Steampunk speaks the language of the people as Rocket Republic’s beer inventions do,” Crigger said. “People don’t really know what ste-ampunk is until they see it but immediately iden-tify with it. Our area is all about reinventing the past to create a more forward-thinking future.”

What is Crigger’s favorite brew? That’s a fre-quent question, he said. “My preference depends

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

ABOVE: Eric Crigger, shown here, and wife Tatum, along with John and Lynn Troy, own Rocket Republic Brewing Company Inc.

28 Madison Living

on lots of factors. Right now, I’m drinking our seasonal scotch ale, Scotch Rocket. As far as year-round, I’ll generally gravitate to our award winning IPA, Mach 1.” IPA abbreviates India Pale Ale.

“There’s a beer style for every occasion. My fa-vorite is largely dependent on where and why I’m having a beer,” Crigger said.

Vapor Trail Cream Ale, their “gateway beer,” was launched into craft beer from mass-produced pale lagers. Also in September 2013, they launched AstroNut Brown Ale, a dark and malty beer.

“From there, we introduced our hoppy Mach1 IPA and then our Belgian Tripel, Terrestri-Ale,”

Crigger said. Mach 1 IPA, their best-selling beer, won Beer of the Year at Rocket City Brewfest 2015.

“If you visit our Tap Room today, you’ll find over a dozen different beers on tap, including one experimental batch,” along with Coffee Cream Ale and Peanut Butter Astronut. (rocketrepublic-brewing.com/beers)

On Sunday through Wednesday, guests get $2 off a flagship year-round beer. For the Tap Room schedule, visit rocketrepublicbrewing.com/tap-room.

“Craft beer is blind to stereotypes,” Crigger said. “Our customers range in age, race, gender and

BELOW FROM LEFT: Rocket Republic’s address is 289 Production Ave, which is in the vicinity of FedEx and Huntsville International Airport. The Madison location of Rocket Republic opened in March 2015.

ABOVE: Rocket Republic’s name pays homage to the area’s history in space technology.

Madison Living 29

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marital status. It’s refreshing to see older couples enjoying craft beer and fun to see groups of young-er people socializing or playing cornhole, darts or other games.”

“There’s a strong social and community aspect to the experience,” he said. “There’s no typical cus-tomer.”

Several different food trucks offer concessions. Each staff member has a favorite. Customer feed-back guides the schedule for “trucks of the month” and gives varying food tastes at each visit.

On Friday and Saturdays, bands and solo artists perform – usually smaller groups or acoustic shows. “Our intent is to provide entertainment but also allow guests to talk and socialize without having to yell over music,” Crigger said.

For a Toys for Tots fundraiser, customers dressed in “Star Wars” costumes and previewed movies. Their entertainment lineup is available online.

“We’re proud to be in the City of Madison. Lots of our customers work outside Madison but live in Madison. Our Tap Room gives them a place to have fun without having to travel out of their city,” Crigger said.

Rocket Republic is adjacent to I-565. “From our parking lot, we’re less than 15 minutes from

downtown Huntsville and even closer to Redstone Arsenal,” Crigger said.

Rocket Republic’s hours are Sunday, 3-8 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday, 4-9 p.m.; Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4-11 p.m.; and Saturday, 2-11 p.m.

For more information, visit Rocketrepublicbrew-ing.com, Facebook/RocketRepublicBrewing, Twitter/RRBeer, Instagram/rocketrepublicbrewing or Google Pages/RdIwa3.

30 Madison Living

Downtown taps a winner with Old Black Bear

On

PAGE 31: Old Black Bear has a large patio area, which faces Martin Street. Regulars pack the bar at Old Black Bear.

tapWRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKERPHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO

DRINK TO THAT

Madison Living 31

Yet another new chapter in down-town Madison’s story unfolded when Old Black Bear Brewing Company opened at 212 Main St.

“Madison is a great tight-knit community. We’ve had a ton of support so far, and it doesn’t show signs of stopping,” Old Black Bear President Todd Seaton said. His wife Dawn Seaton is vice president of finance.

“We also wanted to be on the front end of the revitalization of downtown Madison. There are big plans for downtown, and we want to help shape those plans to make downtown a destina-tion,” Todd Seaton said.

The taproom, coffee shop and kitchen occupy the former site of Bandito Burrito. The adjacent storefront, formerly the site of Western Auto hardware, houses the brewing equipment.

For the Seatons, brewing beer started as a hob-by, “much like all the other brewers in town. As we’ve grown the business, my focus has turned to being more of a manager, which is why we hired

MATHNASIUMCELLAR DOOR

MUSICOLOGYORECK

WHICH WICHSTATE FARM

32 Madison Living

two well-schooled brewers,” Todd said. “I had no previous experience in the restaurant/bar industry, but we’ve put a team together that makes up for any shortfalls we may have.”

Like on “Cheers” where everybody knows your name, customers have a sense of home when they visit. “We achieve that through hospitality, seeing your favorite waiter or waitress, bartender or chef. We’re all a family. That vibe gets passed on to our guests through the food and the atmosphere,” Todd said.

For most customers, Cave City Lager is the most popular beer. The new 256 Extra Pale Ale is quickly gaining popularity. “Just released are Old Black Bear’s Delight, a nine-percent Coffee Stout and our Whoop-ing Crane Red Ale that benefits the International Crane Foundation to help its conservation,” he said.

Demographics are varied for Old Black Bear’s crowd. Most diners are families with young chil-dren. “Young professionals from nearby contractors dominate lunch,” Todd said. “We’re pleased with the diversity that we see so far.”

ABOVE FROM LEFT:The staff at Old Black Bear. Todd and Dawn Seaton own Old Black Bear.

For most customers, Cave City Lager isthe most popular beer.

Madison Living 33

RIGHT: Sales of Whooping Crane Red Ale benefi ts the International Crane Foundation. Distressed, wooden letters spell out the brewery’s name.

With the promise of spring, guests soon will en-joy bands on the back patio for outdoor music.

Old Black Bear is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The kitchen closes daily from 2-4 p.m. to prepare for dinner service. Currently, Coffee Shop hours are 7-11 a.m. on weekdays, with plans to open on weekends soon.

Old Black Bear originally opened at 201 East Side Square, Suite 11, in Huntsville. Their com-pany slogan is “Hard work has its reward.”

For more information, call 256-850-4639 or visit oldblackbear.com, Facebook/drinkmorebear, Twitter @oldblackbear and Instagram/oldblack-bearbrewing.

“We also wanted to be on the front end of the revitalization of downtown Madison.”

— Todd Seaton

Madison Chamber of Commerce NewsletterCity

Connect 2016, Mayor Troy Trulock’s Madison State of the City Address presented by Frank Williams Landers McLarty, took place Jan. 29. “We would like to be the Key to Connecting the Community” was the theme for the evening. Mayor Troy Trulock delivered his State of the City Address at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in front of a crowd of 600 people that included business leaders, dignitaries and residents of Madison. Connect 2016 was a celebration of the city, the residents, area businesses, local government and Madison City School students. Scholarships were raised for students who display commitment to education and serving the community. Connect 2016 gave everyone a look into the promising future that lies ahead.

Mayor Troy Trulock gives his State of the City Address under the Saturn 5 Rocket.

Mayor Troy Trulock highlights growth in the City of Madison.

The Frank Williams Landers McLarty Team stands next to an Alfa Romeo.

34 Madison Living

PHOTOGRAPHS BYMADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Madison Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

(From left to right) Connect 2016 emcee Jerry Hayes from WHNT News 19, Dana Trulock and Mayor Troy Trulock.

James Clemens Army JROTC.

Twilight Sponsor Port of Huntsville speaker Jana Kuner with other Connect 2016 attendees.

Attendees celebrate connections.

A Madison Belle welcomes guests to Connect 2016.

Mr. Jon Randel, senior manager, Army Missile Defense Programs at Lockheed Martin, introducing Mayor Troy Trulock during the Mayor’s Reception sponsored by Lockheed Martin.

Bob Jones Ambassadors helping with coat check at Connect 2016.

Connect 2016 presenting

sponsor Frank Williams Landers

McLarty, along with his wife Mary

Williams.

Madison Living 35

36 Madison Living

86

2

4

1Citizens of Madison gather for State of the City

Jan. 29, the Davidson Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center was filled with inviteesto Madison City’s State of the City Address.

1. Phil Bentley, Betty Bentley and John Richard

2. Carol Madry Bell and Tim Holcombe

3. Stuart and Lillie Whitaker

4. Ed Semmes and Carlton Brewer

5. Margrit and Robert Moore and Crickett Lemasters

6. Pam Williams and Garrett Coker

7. Hanu and Vidya Karlapalem

8. Rick and Denice Sullivan

3

5

7

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEXIE TUBELLAND TUCKER PEARSON

Madison Living 37

14

16

12 13

15

9

11

9. Camillia and Al Stanley

10. Tim and Stacy Stone

11. John and Tammy Wright and Marie Arighi

12. Kay Deal and Danny Justin

13. Vickie Fields and Maryanne Andrews

14. Matt and Becky Ramsey

15. Johnand Terri Bryson

16. Taron Thrope and Sgt. Maj. Samuel McCray

10

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEXIE TUBELLAND TUCKER PEARSON

38 Madison Living

5

17. Brain Weems and Grace and John Lo

18. Nick Hanson, Janet Hanson

and Paul Agarwal

19. Mark and Ronda Garver

20. Lindsey Wilson and DJ Jennings

21. Vicki Morris and Tammy Thrope

22. Del and Andrea Beilstein

23. Jewel Loper and Natalie S. Curier

24. Erich Brukner and Sherry Brukner

20

22 23 24

19

17

18

21

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEXIE TUBELLAND TUCKER PEARSON

Madison Living 1

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