The Rutherford family yard is pictured with Kim, Reese (front) and Rhett Rutherford.

They are eagerly awaiting spring's arrival, which will host a variety of colorful flora, including azaleas, redbuds, lilies, dogwoods and roses. The Rutherford's spend many hours working in the yard to keep and improve the beauty of the landscape.

The Rutherford's stated they feel honored to have been chosen as the yard of the month by the Madison Garden Club.

The Madison County Republican Executive Committee held a celebration dinner in honor of James Madison, fourth President of the United States and the Father of the Constitution, on Thursday evening, March 4, at Divine Events in Madison. The keynote speaker for the evening was J. Robert McClure III, President and CEO of the James Madison Institute.

Guests were received from 6-6:30 .m. and then Mark Branham, treasurer of the Madison County Republican Executive Committee came through the doors and introduced James Madison (portrayed by Bob Wieland) to the guests present. Wieland then rendered a speech, which James Madison gave at the convention in Philadelphia, in which the Constitution was passed.

J.P. Maultsby welcomed everyone to the dinner and then asked Mike Williams to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Rev. Lee FerDon said the prayer for the dinner and the meeting.

Following the delicious dinner of roast beef, beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, iced tea and a dessert, Maultsby introduced McClure, who spoke on James Madison and the work of the James Madison Institute. The James Madison Institute is a non-profit think tank and research center, based in Tallahassee. It has members across the United States.

McClure is descended from a family, which had two lawyers whose offices were in downtown Madison. The metal front office building, which housed them was donated to the Treasures of Madison County and currently houses its museum.

Video of Wieland portrayed James Madison may be viewed online at www.greenepublishing.com.