Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010

Staff Reports
Madison Magazine

Started 1996, the family of the year was created to highlight the diversity and richness of family life in Madison.

The goal of the program is to recognize families in our community that maintain wholesome family values and live their lives in a way to promote the qualities of family life that make the city of Madison a desirable place to live.

The 2009 Madison Family of the Year was the David Abell Family.

Family of the Year Nomination Procedure:

• Any adult person may nominate any family that resides in the city of Madison and meets the eligibility criteria.
• Online nomination form is available at the city of Madison website at www.madisonal.gov/FOTY
• Deadline: Nominations must be submitted by March 31.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The family must have been residents of the city of Madison for the entire period January through December of the previous year.
• All family members must be U.S. citizens or legal aliens.
• Elected officials of the city of Madison or members of the Family of the Year Selection Committee are not eligible and cannot nominate families.
• Spouses must be legally married as recognized by Alabama law.
• A single parent must be a widow or widower, or legally divorced or separated as recognized by Alabama law.
• No family member may be the subject of any criminal indictment or be delinquent in compliance with any outstanding civil action.
• The family selected should be able to fulfill their obligations to the city for the coming year.