MADISON – Scott Blakely appreciates the community’s support of Madison events.

He cited the large crowd at the Madison Christmas Parade and the Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show at Dublin Park every summer. “Madison Street Festival grows and grows,” he said.

After relocating from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., he discovered that Madison residents try to get to know each other. “It’s the friendliness,” he said. “It’s easy to start a conversation with someone else while checking out at Walmart.”

was born in Memphis, Tenn., graduated from Ridgeway High School and then attended Ole Miss. “My family moved to Madison 11 years ago for work in broadcast radio. That industry started fading away, thanks to the large, radio-station ownership groups,” he said. “Now, I work in international business.”

He and wife Amy have been married for 12 years. Their children are eight-year-old Nathaniel and 11-year-old Nolan, both Columbia Elementary School students, and Brennan, 16, a swim team athlete at James Clemens High School.

The Blakelys support Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen. “I volunteered to help sort donations several years ago. The homeless population was growing, and they needed help,” Scott said.

They don’t own pets, per se … but “my youngest son, Nate, has his beloved childhood blanket, named Star Blanky. That is like a beloved pet!” Scott said.

Scott works as a disc jockey for parties, weddings and corporate events. “I’ve traveled and ‘DJ-ed’ all over the world. I’m going to DJ at the Cotton Ball.” eventbrite.com/e/the-cotton-ball-tickets-39586679825

As a DJ, he loves lots of music. The style of music that he listens to changes with what he’s doing.

“I could turn up DEADMAU5 or Motley Crue while I’m driving, or Rihanna while I’m working out,” he said. “My double-secret guilty pleasure is sitting on the couch listening to smooth jazz while reading a good book. But I don’t want to talk about that anymore — it’s embarrassing!”

He also works as announcer for James Clemens Jets swim meets and Madison Swim Association at Dublin Park.

“I love to eat at Chuck Wagon BBQ. I also love eating at Venice Pizza,” Scott said. “I’m a huge fan of … I better stop. This could be a whole new article.”