< Previous10 November 2018 256magazine.comNASAI grew up on a farm in Eastern Ohio, just outside of Martins Ferry. In addition to working on the farm throughout high school and college, I drove a taxi cab 500,000 miles over a seven year period, and worked four years in college radio, earning bachelor’s degrees in Physics, Mathematics, and English. I accidentally landed a job in television engineering and acquired a 1st Class FCC License. After a few months, was drafted into the Army, assigned to White Sands and served in Range Communications. I loved that work – the Southwestern climate, landscapes, and Mexican food! I applied for work with five aerospace firms who had activities at WSMR, accepting the most interesting offer from Douglas Aircraft Co. (later to become McDonnell Douglas).This work included testing and launching military rockets, and evolved to include Flight Test Planning and Evaluation of the Nike series: Ajax, Hercules, and Zeus. The Nike Zeus evolved and contributed much data to later rocket systems that successfully used kinetic energy intercepts to “kill” the target without a warhead. After five years at WSMR, I was transferred to the west coast to work on the Apollo Lunar Landing Systems. Initially, my job involved S-IV testing and then, as Chief Test Conductor, to lead Factory Acceptance Testing of the S-IVB and, later, the Skylab. I also served as a member of the “Flight Readiness Certification Team” for the S-IVB missions. This team performed a detailed review of all “as run” test procedures, failures and fixes, review of any accidents/incidents, if any, briefing in-house management, NASA MSFC management, and Wernher von Braun. I moved to Huntsville to lead McDonnell Douglas real-time mission support in the HOSC for all of the Skylab missions. Major problems-magnificent saves by NASA and supporters!Thirty-five years of interesting and challenging Aerospace work!!! Now retired!!!!ROY LOGSTON, DOCENT AT SPACE & ROCKET CENTERWith 40 years and a distinguished career with NASA and the Von Braun Team in Huntsville, Harry Craft, started as a co-op at Auburn University in 1958. He had the opportunity of working on a long list of NASA’s rocketry and science missions with Redstone, Saturn, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle, Spacelab and Spacelab Payloads. During his early career working in the Marshall Labs as a discipline electrical engineer in Telemetry and Measurement systems and moving up in responsibility, he became Project Engineer of a major subsystem and eventually Program/Project management. Notable in his management assignments were Skylab Life Science, Spacelab and Spacelab Payloads integration planning, and Manager of the First Spacelab Mission, a joint NASA and ESA Space Shuttle flight in 1983.Following the successful completion of the First Spacelab Mission, he was appointed as Deputy Spacelab Payload Mission Management Office and later Manager of the combined Spacelab/Missions Office, flying approximately twenty Shuttle/Spacelab missions successfully.NASA then appointed him Manager of the Technology Transfer Office. After retiring from NASA in 1998, he had a career supporting the National Missile Defense System. Afterwards, he returned to his love of the space challenge, supporting test and development of the SLS heavy lift vehicle -- finally retiring in 2017 with 60 years of support to our nation’s space endeavors.A native of Huntsville, Alabama, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University and a Master’s in Administrative Science from the University of Alabama Huntsville. He has received numerous awards from Management Organizations, was awarded a Senior Executive Service Appointment in 1984, the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive and NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal along with NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal.He and his wife Nell live in Huntsville. They have two children and five grandchildren.HARRY CRAFT, JR., SENIOR SYSTEM ENGINEERHarry Craft Jr.Harry Craft Jr.256 IN THE KNOW256magazine.com November 2018 11256 IN THE KNOWMadison BusinessCan you get free online training by industry experts from any device, at any time?Our members can ... Join us!www.madisonalchamber.com (256) 325-8317 BLUE PANTS BREWERY: QUALITY IS ALWAYS ON TAPMike Spratley, Aerospace Engineer by day, had always felt that he homebrewed a pretty mean beer in his spare time. In 2010, he and his wife Allison, decided to take the plunge and bring their brew to the public. They set up shop in a 400 sq. ft. space, repurposing old wine making equipment to bring their product to life. They sold their first beer to a local pub, The Nook, in October of 2010. “It was rough going at first,” shares Allison. “We realized pretty quickly that we needed to quit or move to a larger space.” But Allison and Mike persevered and were able to move into their current 10,000 square foot facility on Lanier Rd in Madison in December of 2011.Mike and Allison are both passionate about the business, each in their own way. “Mike is most passionate about the beer,” confides Allison. “I focus on the people. I like the tap room, our events, and giving back to the community.” Mike and Allison feel strongly that the number one pillar that their beer stands on is quality. They even sent their former Brew Master to Germany to learn more about beer from local craftsmen. They were also the first craft brewery to build in-house quality assurance with an internal quality lab. Blue Pants stands ready to help you fill stockings or show appreciation to your local customers and suppliers this holiday season. With gift cards, pint glasses, tee-shirts and more, you are sure to find something to please everyone on your list. Learn more at www.bluepantsbrew.com.12 November 2018 256magazine.comFilled with music, holiday joy, and family fun—the annual Florence Christmas parade, coordinated by Florence Main Street and presented by Bank Independent, will be held on Friday, November 30th, 2018 at 7:00 pm. The parade will begin at the intersection of East Irvine Ave. and North Court St., between the University of North Alabama and downtown Florence. Florence Main Street is a non-profit organization, comprised of over 100 business, community leaders, and residents, with a goal of shining a light on the valuable and unique historical commercial district of the Shoals and keep downtown Florence a success.According to the organization website, the parade will be filled with bright, decorated floats, live performance and music groups, and festive holiday costumes accompanied by the familiar sounds of holiday tunes—the perfect evening out with the entire family.Over 100 local non-profit organizations, community groups, and businesses from the Shoals are expected to participate in the parade.A “Best Float” competition will take place during the night of the event where judges from the Florence Main Street committee will choose their favorite presentations among the non-profits, performance groups, and local businesses.The parade does much more than bring in the Christmas spirit—Florence Main Street uses the annual celebration to show off all the Shoals has to offer. Float presentation shows the hard work, pride, and creativity that radiates within the Shoals.With a mission to rejuvenate downtown Florence both culturally and economically, the Florence Main Street organization encourages parade attendees to explore the food, music, and boutiques that downtown has to offer. Visitors are encouraged to help support the many local businesses of the Shoals in the days following Small Business Saturday (November 24, 2017).For more information concerning the event, visit the organization’s website at Florencemainstreet.org.256 IN THE KNOWHayden, 9 months oldI am cherished.As the region’s only Baby Friendly hospital, you’ll find our services are designed for mom and baby. Making your birth experience as unique as you.(256) 265-2012 | madisonALhospital.org256 West“CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”: FLORENCE CHRISTMAS PARADEBY QADIRAH MONROE256magazine.com November 2018 13Autumn weekends in Chattanooga, TN, charm visitors with fall color, history and plenty of themed events to fit every taste and budget. With so much to do, it’s not surprising the New York Times recently named Chattanooga “one of the top destinations in the South,” and Lonely Planet ranked the city among the top 10 best U.S. travel destinations in 2018. Less than a two-hour drive from most of north Alabama, it’s easy to play in Chattanooga for the day or a weekend. Plan your visit around some of these exciting autumn events for a trip you’ll remember long after the fall colors have faded!Color Cruise – Chattanooga’s location near the River Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of the South, presents one of the most stunning displays of fall color anywhere. A three-hour cruise aboard the Southern Belle leisurely travels to the Gorge while visitors enjoy a buffet lunch, live entertainment and knowledgeable tour narrators who describe historical sites along the way. Cruises depart and return from docks on Riverfront Parkway in downtown Chattanooga. Reservations required. (https://chattanoogariverboat.com; 423-266-4488)Shopping – The Chattanooga Market takes place on Sun., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Nov. 18, at the outdoor First Tennessee Pavilion. It’s free and like a farmer’s market with local food trucks and vendors.The housing market is hot, so now may be a great time to buy or sell a home. With the threat of rising interest rates and rising prices, people are deciding now is the time to buy their dream home. According to Owners.com, one third of home buyers are exceeding their home budgets by an average of $16,500. When asked the main reason for the hot market--price, price, price! With the surge in activity, many homes are receiving multiple offers bringing the price even higher and a shortage of inventory and thriving job market creates demand.The same Owners.com survey revealed that in January, prices were up by a national average of 6.2%. According to statistics of the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors, the month of September looks like this locally: HOMES SOLD 1,187, AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET 58, AVERAGE SALES PRICE $198,552, and inventory is down from 5,191(September 2017) to 4,224 (September 2018). Another major factor in the current housing market is millennials. They are more likely to spend more than their budget, due to a lack of being able to set reasonable expectations and sticking to them; and they show more urgency to buy now, because many are still living with their parents.Many factors can and do affect the housing market. Don’t let this hot market pass you by. If you have been thinking about buying or selling a home, now is the time!256 TRAVELSOUTHERN GETAWAYS: AUTUMN WEEKEND IN CHATTANOOGASTORY BY SARAH J. SCHMIDTTravelHOT HOUSING MARKETReal EstateELAINE ABSTON Crye-Leike Realtors,256-694-3566256 LIVINGFall is always an exciting time for OLLI Members as we look forward to starting classes and reacquainting with our friends. This year will be especially exciting as it makes our 25th year as a lifelong learning program on the campus of UAH.Founded August 3, 1993 by Dr. Mike Oliver, Director of Continuing Education, and under the direction of Jean Herron, a study program was instituted called The Academy for Lifetime Learning, Inc. Popular courses were offered and the Academy grew rapidly as it attracted the attention of seniors anxious to exercise their minds and participate in class offerings.OLLI CELEBRATES 25 YEARS!BY GRATIA MAHONYThen in 2005 application was made to The Bernard Osher Foundation to become an affiliate of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The application was approved, a grant to the university from the foundation was made, and the Academy of Lifetime Learning officially became an OLLI. Since that time OLLI at UAH has grown to well over 1,000 members and offers 75 courses in each of the three terms.To celebrate our 25 years a lecture series (which began in October), is being offered with a special topic and presenter, through November and December. The lectures are free and open to the public and offered as an opportunity for folks to come and discover the great lifelong learning program that we have here at OLLI. The lecture schedule featured Dr. Wayne Flynt in October and Huntsville Museum of Art curator Peter Baldiai in November and Bob Labbe in December. Gratia Mahony, President, OLLI at UAH25th Anniversary Co-Chairmen: Janet Reville, Sue ChathamReception Committee Chair: Linda McAllister14 November 2018 256magazine.com256 LIVINGTREASURED TREASURESInteriorTAXES DOWN? SAVINGS UP!Recent tax cuts may mean more money in your paycheck that you can use to save for retirement.More take-home pay?Tax laws change from time to time. So, you may want to keep up with how new developments could affect your income, investments and estate. Also, as today’s assets increase in value, they may trigger future tax exposure.Boost your savings.Getting a tax cut is like finding money. You didn’t have it before, so why not keep your spending the same and direct that extra money to your retirement plan? You may not even miss it.Tax cut money may buy a few more specialty coffees or a new TV now, but think about what it could do for you in the future. Even a small increase in your savings can make a big impact over time. Just $20 a week could add up to more than $87,000 over 30 years!* Assumes a $20 per week contribution and a 6% rate of return compounded weekly in a tax-deferred account. This is a hypothetical example. It is not indicative of any product or performance and does not reflect any expense associated with investing. Taxes will be due upon distribution of the tax-deferred amount and, if shown, results would be lower. It is possible to lose money by investing in securities.Check your withholding.Because tax brackets and withholding amounts have changed, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) encourages everyone to check if the new tax withholding is accurate. Use the calculator on their website https://apps.irs.gov/app/withholdingcalculator/ and update your W-4, if necessary.Take action!Take advantage of this easy way to save more for retirement. Increase your contributions today!256$Roger Barnes is a registered representative and investment advisor representative with Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor offering insurance through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a legal or tax advisor regarding this material as it relates to your personal circumstances. CRN-1425327-022216 Roger.Barnes@LFG.com • www.firstfinancialgroupinc.comROGER BARNESAs the holidays approach, so does our time spent with loved ones. We hear stories of our families, friends and how certain pieces of crystal, china and serve wear came to be part of our traditions. Often, these discussons lead to the mention of handing down these items, which can be met with joy or or not as joyful as hoped. The thought of trying to incorporate an item (or lots of items) that are not and will probably will never be your taste or lifestyle can be a bit stressful. Never fear receiving these heirlooms, just think in terms of making them your own. Items can be used as intended or reinvented to suit your style. Hanging silver trays on the wall make a lovely display that will work with many decors. Silver water pitchers in any shape and style can be used alone or in groups for simple greenery arrangments. Crystal vases or compotes (especially the footed ones) can be used alone or stacked together will a simple amount of flowers or oranaments make a smashing centerpiece with minimal effort. I have seen crystal decanters converted to light fixtures for a one of a kind conversation fixture. Coupled together, the fixtures make a stunning and useful source of light. Antique pieces can be painted in a multitude of ways to bring a totally different look and use to a room. Sites like Pinterest are loaded with options and ideas for reworking treasured finds or gifts. The Huntsville Museum of Art Guild is hosting a luncheon on January 9th to showcase repurposing your handed down treasures. Speaker details will be out soon and tickets will be avaible on the Museum Website, under events. www.hsvmuseum.org Let the holiday shine and sparkle with your repurposed treasures to create new traditions!Suzanne Richard Barnes ASID RID, owns Richard & Company Interior Design, established 1991. 909 A Franklin Street • Huntsville, AL 35801 • 256-534-7050 • RichCoHsv@aol.com • www.RichCoInteriors.com SUZANNE BARNES 256magazine.com November 2018 15RETIRING WITH A PENSION? DON’T MAKE THIS MISTAKEIf you’re retiring with a pension, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is if to take a higher life-only annuity or a joint and survivor benefit that offers a lower payout but would continue until the death of the survivor.You may have heard at a seminar or from friends or coworkers about a strategy known as “PensionMax”. The idea of pension maximization is that by taking the higher life-only benefit and using the extra income to buy life insurance, the survivor can use the life insurance to provide at least the same income they would have received from the joint and survivor pension.Caution! This strategy doesn’t work for everyone. Considerations to make before you irreversibly sign your pension away: What funds will pay the life insurance premiums? Pension payments are taxable, so the funds you will have to pay for life insurance are less than the difference in the two payout amounts.What term of life insurance? Many choose 20-year term because of the lower cost and the idea they will not outlive it. But many people do, and it may be too expensive to replace it then. How much life insurance is needed? Most calculators show that it Finance256 LIVINGLAURA MICKELSLaura Mickels has spent more than 30 years working for investors with both Wall Street and independent firms. CochranMickels Retirement Specialists provides personalized planning and investment services to individuals approaching and in retirement.These are the opinions of Laura Mickels and not necessarily those of Cambridge, are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed or acted upon as individualized investment advice.Laura Mickels • 256-417-4870www.cochranmickels.comRetirement SpecialistsYour Trusted Financial Partner, TAKE TWO.Before the credits roll, we must give credit where credit is due. And that goes to our loyal customers, who inspire us to provide award-winning service year after year. People you trust. Advice that works.“Highest Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the South Central Region 2 out of 3 Years in a Row.”Trustmark National Bank received the highest score in the South Central region in the J.D. Power 2016 and 2018 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Studies of customers’ satisfaction with their retail bank. Visit jdpower.com/awards.Member FDICtrustmark.comtakes about $600,000 to generate a monthly payment of $2,500. Can you qualify for life insurance? Don’t believe you’ll get insurance at a low rate you’ve heard advertised. If you’ve had an illness, take medications, or are a smoker, you’re not likely to get insurance at a rate that makes this a good strategy for you.I encourage you to get assistance with this very important decision. Whatever you do, don’t sign away a pension until you have sufficient life insurance with a policy issued and in your hands!16 November 2018 256magazine.com256 Magazine Presents2018 Finest Quality Home Furnishings Professional Decorating Advice Free Local Delivery All at Guaranteed Low Prices!BraggFurniture.com306 Governors DriveHuntsville256-539-0614Shop our Storewide FALL SALEGet your home holiday ready!256magazine.com November 2018 17Harrison BrothersHardwareEnjoy 10% off yourholiday purchase*good throughDecember 31, 2018 124 Southside Sq.Huntsville, AL 35801*excludes consignment and sale merchandisefrom820 Monte Sano Blvd 100 Jefferson Street N (enter on Clinton Street Side) Visit Our New Store Downtown At Clinton RowSat., Nov 24 Two locations to shopwww.thelittlegreenstore.netBig Day to Shop Small Shop for unique gifts of Jewelry, Pottery,Glass, and Art. Receive a gift certificate withyour purchase of $50 or more. (Nov. 24 only, details in store)820 Monte Sano BlvdTwo locations to shop100 Jefferson St N (Enter On Clinton Street Side)18 November 2018 256magazine.comAn Artistic AffairRailroad AntiquesNovember 2nd & 3rd315 Jefferson, St Huntsville, ALOriginal Oil Paintings for Saleby Barbara FaulknerUnique Holiday GiftsOil Painting classes available. You CAN learn to paint, any age,any style, find your inner artist!For information: 256-828-2073Rocket Around The Christmas Tree long sleeve t-shirt is the perfect gift idea for the HSV native, space nerd, or Wagoneer lovin’ someone. Fow Wow Designs brings hometown freshness to shirtless souls.www.fowwowdesigns.com256magazine.com November 2018 19256 LOOKING GOOD, FEELING FITDid you know the food choices made each day will benefit or impair your health? We select foods based on a variety of reasons, among them personal preference, habit, or tradition, to name a few. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I want you to think “nutrition” when making food choices.A fad diet that is popular now is the keto diet. The keto diet is very low carbohydrates, high fat and moderate protein. The diet has been used since the 1920s to treat children with drug resistant epilepsy. Without carbs to burn for fuel, the body breaks down fat into ketones that can be burned for fuel instead of carbohydrates. With more than two thirds of all foods being carbohydrates, it isn’t an easy diet to follow for a lengthy time period. Most studies show comparable amounts of weight loss between the keto diet and low fat diets. The keto diet can cause fatigue, bad breath, bloating and constipation. I do not think the keto diet is synonymous with long term health. I encourage individuals to replenish the energy and nutrients needed from food. The 13 different vitamins needed by the body each have a different role to play. One vitamin enables the eyes to see in dim light, another protects the lungs from air pollution and still another helps make sex hormones. Some 16 minerals are known to be essential in human nutrition. Lastly, recent research reveals that thousands of phytochemicals found in plants (fruits and vegetables) have various antioxidant and disease prevention properties. Consider a nutrition consult with an RDN to help assess your daily choices and learn to substitute healthier foods to reach your health goals. NutritionDO YOUR DAILY FOOD CHOICES REFLECT GOOD HEALTH? BY LAURA WATSONLet me help you with a healthy eating game plan. Call or text 256-603-1232 or email fitnessrd1@bellsouth.net for a copy of these recipes. Laura Watson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and Certified Diabetes Educator.Fall is the perfect time of year to take your workouts outside. There is a small window of awesome weather in Huntsville, when it is not miserably hot or freezing cold. Who knows, it might be over by the time you read this.There are so many physical, mental, and emotional benefits to exercising outdoors. Research has shown that you only need 5 minutes of walking in a green space to reduce stress. If you want to get your creative juices flowing, spend 10 minutes exercising outdoors and see how much it helps. People who exercise outdoors tend to stick to it longer, are able to run further, lose more weight, and have higher self-esteem. We spend the majority of our days indoors at home, at work, or in a car. That is not how your body is designed to work!What should you do in an outdoor workout? Nearly anything you want! That is the beauty of it. There’s so much room for activities! You can run, cycle, garden, play kickball, kayak, climb a mountain, walk a dog, or anything that gets your body moving. Where should you go? The Land Trust of North Alabama has several awesome options for trails to look into. Our city has several playgrounds, parks and greenways to explore and create workouts for. Ditto Landing and the Flint River are great areas for water based activities like kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Make this the year that you give the great outdoors a shot. The magical combination of sunshine and movement is truly life changing. Do you need help getting in shape? Please call 256.468.7146 or e-mail HuntsvilleBootCamp@gmail.com and I would be honored to help you.Joe Martin Fitness LLCHuntsville, Harvest, andMadison Adventure Boot CampVoted Huntsville’s Healthiest Place to Exercisewww.HuntsvilleBootCamp.comBY JOE MARTINFitnessOUTDOOR EXERCISENext >