Volunteers contribute time, resources
for Anaiah and her family

Printed in the July 21, 2011 edition

Story and photo by
Judy A. Maxwell

Story and photos by Christina Santee

Community gathers at Town Park for concert, silent auction and neighborly fellowship.

Excited Madisonians and Morgan County folk piled into Madison’s Town Square Friday evening for another contributing event in support of Madison’s own Anaiah Rucker — local hero and recipient of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” expense-free house and Disney vacation.

 There are many things I do well. Spending hours with my toes fidgeting in the sand as I stare out at the ocean. Spending the day with white knuckles wrapped around metal riding rollercoasters with my children. Or spending a fall Saturday screaming at a bunch of 19 year olds wearing the colors of my favorite college football team to “Git tuff, darn it!” Yes, although I do many things well, saying goodbye isn’t one of them.
            But there are times in life when you get that nudge in your gut that it’s best to scoop up your notebook paper, drop your pencils in their little zippered pouch, give that three-ring binder one last click and move from algebra to analytical geometry -- although you really are comfortable with your seat in algebra, your teacher’s voice, how her shoes always pick up a shade of her blouse and most of all, her forgiving grading curve.
            Now I’m not really going anywhere, I’m just vacating this space the Citizen has been so gracious to let me occupy for the last five years. It’s been a joy and a privilege to sit down for a few hours each week and share a glimpse of my view on life with you.
            Three children will be relieved. They won’t have to worry their latest trauma will be laid out for all to read -- especially my daughter who has discovered boys are not as gross as she was led to believe the first 10 years of life. Who worries about such things as lip gloss and if it's cool to admit you love Justin Bieber. But I’ll still need fodder to fill blog posts. I can hold that over their heads.

 Printed in July 7, 2011 edition

Photos By Angelina Bellebuono

What started as a family project has grown to one of the largest agricultural–based festivals in the state. The annual Sunflower Festival continues to draw thousands every year with its unique blend of country and class. This year was no different. Folks from all walks of life enjoyed the three–day affair with the same gusto that goes into planning the event.