What's going on around Madison this week: a new aquatic center, QR code scams and fall color planning

Thanks for reading The Madison Memo. Hope you have an awesome week.

The Madison Memo

Sep 13, 2026

September 13, 2026

Trivia Question❓

Madison's newly announced aquatic center at Dublin Park is being developed through a partnership between the City of Madison and which organization?

A) Madison County Commission
B) Madison City Schools
C) Huntsville Hospital
D) Madison Chamber of Commerce

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

This Weeks Newsletter Presented By...

Huntsville airport nominated for Best Small Airport in national contest

North Alabama Airfest

Huntsville Air Force Officer reflects on 9/11

Taste of Huntsville Returns with a Garden Stroll Twist

A Huntsville classic is getting a fresh makeover. The 47th Annual Taste of Huntsville returns on Thursday, October 1, 2026, reimagined as an open-air evening stroll through the scenic trails of the Huntsville Botanical Garden

Presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union and hosted by the Huntsville-Madison County Hospitality Association, the event features unlimited tastings from dozens of local restaurants, live acoustic music, and a complimentary welcome cocktail.

New aquatics center excites Madison

September is National Recovery Month

Your Money: Preparing for unexpected death, the small things that commonly get missed

New teaching pathway for military veterans begins October 1

A new Alabama law creates a temporary teaching-certificate pathway for qualifying military veterans. Among the requirements are at least 60 college credit hours, a minimum 2.5 GPA and a passing score on the applicable Praxis assessment. Because the Madison-Huntsville area has a large military and defense workforce, this could create a practical second-career option for some local veterans while expanding the teacher pipeline.

[Read More]

Be careful with QR codes on parking meters and signs

The FTC is warning about scammers placing fake QR-code stickers over legitimate parking-payment codes. Scanning one can send you to a convincing-looking site designed to steal payment or personal information. Madison and Huntsville residents who use app-based or QR parking should inspect the code for stickers or tampering and, when possible, open the parking operator’s official app or website directly instead. [Read More]

Commercial-driver requirements tighten in Alabama October 1

Another state law taking effect October 1 requires foreign commercial-driver’s-license holders operating in Alabama to have valid U.S. work authorization and requires CDL holders to demonstrate English proficiency. The changes are most directly relevant to trucking companies and professional drivers, but North Alabama’s manufacturing, defense and logistics economy depends heavily on commercial freight, so local employers and carriers should make sure affected drivers are prepared. [Read More]

Here’s a look at the 7-day weather forecast for Madison, AL:

What do you call it when a Chameleon can't change colors?

It has a reptile dysfunction.

Common Grass Types in North Alabama Lawns

North Alabama lawns can be confusing because our area sits in a transition zone. Summers are hot. Winters can still get cold. One yard may bake in full sun while the next one has shade from...

La Finka Mexican Restaurant

La Finka is now in Madison at 8994 Madison Blvd, giving the west side another full sit-down Mexican option with a bigger menu than a quick taco stop. The restaurant says the name means "The Villa" and describes the food as Mexican dishes built around fresh ingredients, scratch-made recipes and a place where people can slow down over a meal.

La Finka has range. You can go in for a quick lunch, bring the family for dinner or meet friends over margaritas. They have lunch specials Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so this could be a useful weekday lunch spot too.

The menu covers the staples: nachos, quesadillas, dips, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, salads and combination plates. A few items stand out for a first visit. Quesa birria tacos come with melted cheese, cilantro, onions and consomme for dipping. The chicken soup sounds like a good cold-day order with chicken, rice, vegetables, tortillas, onions, jalapeno and cilantro on the side. Seafood is on the menu too, including fried tilapia, oysters and ceviche tostadas.

If you are going for the first time, start with queso fundido or fresh guacamole, then pick fajitas, birria tacos or a combination plate if you want the safe route. If your table likes to share, order a couple different plates and pass things around. That is usually the best way to find your repeat order at a Mexican restaurant with this many choices.

Expect a casual sit-down meal, patio seating, on-site parking and a menu that's great for kids, lunch breaks and group dinners. They are open daily, with later hours on Friday and Saturday.

Monday to Thursday 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Friday and Saturday 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM

Sunday 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM

🌐 Website

8994 Madison Blvd

Madison, AL 35758

📍Google Maps

(256) 542-3113

Fall Colors Near Madison: Trees, Timing and Easy Drives

North Alabama does not usually flip from green to fall color overnight. The first changes can start showing up in October, especially in trees that are stressed, exposed to sun or...

Doggie Chews

Our pups is getting a little older and she was always a little anxious on nights where we'd have them thunderstorms come through. I've tried some other chews and meds, but this one has been working for us. I'll be honest... it calms her down but there are times where I need to put a vest on her to help her feel secure.

Check Availability

If you missed last weeks counter top appliance to help you create your own dried fruits and meats without the added preservatives...

Here you go...

We Want to Spotlight Your Business

If you have a local business and would love to be featured in our newsletter, you can connect with us here.

Want more visibility to your business, add your business to our directory... FOR FREE!

Download Your Wallet Size Madison Memo Quick Contact Card

Madison County | Limestone County

Do you remember where you were on 911?

Thank you for being a valued subscriber and neighbor in our community!

Don't forget to share our newsletter link with your neighbors at

https://themadisonmemo.com

We truly do appreciate ALL of your suggestions or recommendations, so please REPLY with your feedback.

If you have read this far, you may wonder why there isn't any news about tragic events, hate and terrible crimes and it's because there is just too much of that everywhere else. We want this newsletter to bring you kind awareness and also to help spread joy and information on your Sunday!

Thank you for your support 🙏

- Robert

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

B) Madison City Schools