Teresa Batchelor is talented in visual arts, singing, baking and as a pet lover. CONTRIBUTED

Why I Love This Town

MADISON – In the past 30 years, Teresa Batchelor has witnessed many young couples and families moving to Madison … and staying.

“It’s an interesting mix of people from all over, still with some native Madisonians,” she said. “I love the close-knit, small-town feel with city conveniences,” schools’ accomplishments and constant growth, Teresa said.

Growing up in New Market with two older brothers, Teresa graduated from Buckhorn High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art and marketing at Jacksonville State University.

After graduation, Teresa designed Bob Wallace Appliance’s logo, still used today. She worked in a printshop, at Intergraph Corporation and SCI but didn’t return to work after her son’s birth in 1988.

Teresa and husband Jack have been married 33 years. He has worked many years for Hewlett Packard in federal sales. Daughter Emma works at Northrop Grumman and will graduate from the University of Alabama in Huntsville next May.

Their son Jack III and wife Kristen of Madison are expecting a daughter this month. Jack III works at Adtran; Kristen works at Ascend Performance Materials.

Teresa paints in acrylics and draws in graphite, color pencil and ink. She posts her designs to http://tbatchelorartwork.wix.com/gallery, Facebook/Teresa Batchelor Artwork and at University Pickers in Huntsville. She creates many faith-themed pieces and personalized art for clients.

Also a vocalist, Teresa first auditioned for Asbury Dinner Theatre. “I have fond memories of playing Appassionata, Meemaw and singing/dancing with Todd Shelton and Scott Thackerson to ‘Man of Constant Sorrow’ … Many friends made during DT years.”

She had the most fun roles with Madison Community Chorus’ “Nunsense” and Huntsville Community Chorus’ “Magnolia.” Her musical tastes vary from rap, contemporary Christian to country.

Eating out, Teresa likes I Love Sushi, Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria and Sady’s.

Teresa designs elaborate cakes, usually for nephews’ and nieces’ birthdays. She also dabbles in furniture ‘re-purposing’ and refinishing.

She’s again participating in Christmas Card Lane. “An awesome experience. It has really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It’s neat that Madison Arts Council started the event,” Teresa said.

The Batchelors’ “rag doll cat, Dudley” is 15. Nine-year-old English Bulldog Apollo “is treated royally.” In 2014, Teresa paid homage to their late golden retriever, Bubba, in her Christmas Card Lane painting.