Madison Living Magazine May 2021

MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • OUT & ABOUT • RICKY SHACK

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PLAY BALL! Trash Pandas bring minor league baseball back to North Alabama this month

Downtown Project Historical society, city give facelift to Roundhouse

Victoria Jones

Local musician navigates the music business her way

ALSO INSIDE Madison City Schools plan for summer learning Around Town with Lee Marshall Shopping center renovation Out & About at Hurbert Farms Upcoming events

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A TRADITION OF F QUALITY Y HOME IM MPROVEM MENTS SINCE 1972.

Alison James John Few

MADISON CONTRIBUTORS MADISON Gregg Parker LIVING LIVING Bob Labbe

EDITORIAL Richard George EDITOR Rebekah Martin Joshua Berry JohnJames Few Alison Erin Coggins John Few Lee Marshall CONTRIBUTORS Mayor Paul Finley Bob Labbe CONTRIBUTORS MaryGregg LynneParker Wright Parker MaryGregg Anne Swanstrom Erin Coggins Bob Labbe Joshua Berry Richard George Erica DeSpain MARKETING Joshua Berry MaryCounts Anne Donna Erin Coggins Swanstrom Lee Marshall Lee Marshall ADMINISTRATIVE Mayor Paul Finley Mary Lynne Wright Sierra Jackson Richard George Mary Lynne Wright French Salter Mayor Finley Mary AnnePaul Swanstrom

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CONTACT US Donna Counts Madison Publications, LLC 7734 Madison Blvd.EDITOR Suite 115 MANAGING ADMINISTRATIVE Huntsville, AL 35806 French Salter Sierra256-772-6677 Jackson Phone: Fax: 256-772-6655 French Salter madisonlivingmagazine.com

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by Madison Madison Publications, 4 Madison Living

4 Madison Living

and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.

...

CONTRIBUTORS John Few, Editor Alison James, copy editor

John Few hasearned been in thebachelor’s field of newspaper journalism at and production for over 25 Alison James her degree in journalism Auburn University, years. Johninhas served staffher writer, editor and publisher for a variety of publications graduating 2012.

She as began career in community journalism in Alexander City in Alabama and Mississippi.

He was transferred 2009 toinbegin coverage of loves and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika beforeinlanding northhis Alabama.

She Madison. covering thecorrecting City of Madison the past 10 years, John onplaces sharing theIn stories – and the grammar of those stories – ofhas the reported people and several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James that make north Alabama such a special place.

Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has grown, John has been there to cover the news that has made Madison home. Together John and his wife, Lori, have seven children, ranging from 15-23 years old.

John Few, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

Bob Labbe is abeen lifelong resident the Huntsville community.

He has beenfor innearly the local John Few has in the field ofofnewspaper journalism and production 25 news media for served 48 years, journalistTimes, in television, radio and print years.

John has as a multi-award-winning staff writer for The Demopolis the daily newspaper media. is a member of thefor Huntsville-Madison County HallGazette. of FameHe and has in West He Alabama, and editor the weekly newspaper theAthletic Black Belt was been nominated for to both the his Alabama Press Association Alabama of transferred in 2009 begin coverage of Madison.

Inand covering the Music City ofhalls Madison fame.

Bob hosted radio program, The Years,such for 29 on WLRH-FM the past 10 has years, Johna has reported onReelin’ severalinkey events, asyears construction of the Public Family Radio. He has also a local highHigh school basketball for 28 years andhas was Hogan YMCA and been James Clemens School.

Overreferee the years, as Madison a high school football 15 years.

Bob is anhas avidmade sportsMadison fan and home. collector of 45 grown, John has been referee there tofor cover the news that Together rpm records.

He once boxed Ali and was from the reporter who asked John and his wife, Lori, haveMuhammad seven children, ranging 15-23 years old. the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

A graduate Mississippi State Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Bob Labbe isof a lifelong resident ofUniversity, the Huntsville community.

He has been in the local Intergraph Corporation 1990 with wife Brenda and son For radio 15 years news media for 48 years, ainmulti-award-winning journalist in Andy. television, andGregg print wrote for Spirit” “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Times.” media.

He “Madison is a member of theand Huntsville-Madison County Athletic HallHuntsville of Fame and has His articles havefor been in numerous chamber of Alabama commerce publications, been nominated bothpublished the Alabama Press Association and Music halls of “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Gregg considers a privilege to fame.

Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ inWater.”

The Years, for 29 years onitWLRH-FM document Madison’s coming age high in hisschool hundreds of articles forfor “The Madison Public Radio.

He has also been aoflocal basketball referee 28 years and was andfootball “Madison Living” magazine.

Gregg spoiling his collector rescue dachshund, aRecord” high school referee for 15 years. Bob is an enjoys avid sports fan and of 45 rpm Francis He Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netfl series;and andwife records. once boxed Muhammad Ali and was theix reporter whovisiting asked Andy the famed Paul Saadia, bothhis physicians, in Nashville, Bear Bryant last question as coach ofTenn. the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Erin Coggins, Gregg Parker, contributing contributing writer

AErin graduate of is Mississippi University, Gregg Madison High with Coggins a scholasticState journalism adviser andParker historyrelocated teacher attoSparkman Intergraph in 1990 withand wifepublic Brenda and son Andy. ForHer 15 years Gregg School. SheCorporation is also a freelance writer relations consultant. writing muse is wrote “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone “The Huntsville Times.”

Worldfor War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle,Spirit” whom sections she fell ininlove with while a student His articles have been published in numerous chamberErin of commerce publications, studying communications at the University of Alabama. and her husband Jamie “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege reside in Madison. to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netflix series; and visiting Andy and wife Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.

Erin Coggins, writer Joshua Berry, contributing photographer

Erin Coggins a scholastic journalism adviser and teacher at Sparkman High Joshua Berryishas a degree in biology and works fullhistory time as an aquatic instructor for the School.

She is also aHe freelance writer public relations consultant.

Herdistances. writing muse is City of Huntsville. is also an avidand runner, ranging from short to long When World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom he sheenjoys fell in trying love with while a the student he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, to capture perfect studying theowner University of Alabama.

Erin andhis heradvice husband Jamie momentcommunications on his camera. Asatthe of Everlong Photography, for beautiful reside in Madison. pictures is that nothing looks better than being confi dent in oneself.

Joshua Berry, photographer Joshua Berry has a degree in biology and works full time as an aquatic instructor for the City of Huntsville. He is also an avid runner, ranging from short to long distances. When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, he enjoys trying to capture the perfect moment on his camera. As the owner of Everlong Photography, his advice for beautiful pictures is that nothing looks better than being confident in oneself.

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15 ROUNDHOUSE Historical society, city give facelift to historic replica

PEOPLE

25 VICTORIA JONES: Local musician navigates the music business her way

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THE GUIDE EVERY SATURDAY • 8 A.M. - NOON

MADISON CITY FARMERS MARKET Madison City Farmers Market is the area’s original local, producer-only farmers market, founded in 2007.

Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted by local farmers and craftspeople.

The vendors provide a wide selection of the freshest local veggies, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats, milk, herbs, honey, jams, relishes, homebaked goods, plants and flowers.

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CHRIS TOMLIN IN CONCERT TOYOTA FIELD • MAY 7 Northeast Alabama FCA’s “Message from the Mound” night returns to Toyota Field on May 7, highlighted by Grammy Awardwinning Christian music artist, Chris Tomlin. This evening of worship on Friday, May 7, will also feature music from Christian hip-hop artist “KB” and words from acclaimed leadership speaker, Dr. Jay Strack. Tickets are $20 per person, which includes parking and a $5 loaded value voucher to be used towards concessions or Trash Pandas merchandise in The Junkyard Team Store. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. and opening remarks take place at 6, followed by a performance from KB. Dr. Jay Strack will speak at 6:50 p.m., and then Chris Tomlin will take the stage after a short intermission. For more information, go to www. trashpandasbaseball.com.

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THE GUIDE TINKER BELL

HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN May 15, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

May 16, at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is partnering with Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater to bring a live, outdoor production of “Tinker Bell!”

This family-friendly show takes a fresh look at the story of Peter Pan, and the performance lasts about an hour.

Everyone thinks they know Peter Pan. But until you have heard Tinker Bell’s side of the story, you really have not heard it at all. When all the fairies in Neverland start dying, Tinker Bell comes to London to find a friend.

There she meets a young boy named Peter Pan who has just run away from his family so he can be a little boy forever and have fun.

For ticket information and directions to the Huntsville Botanical Garden, go to hsvbg.org.

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THE GUIDE

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The INTUITIVE® Planetarium at The U.S. Space and Rocket Center offers an 8K Digital Planetarium and Digital Dome Experience - the only one of its kind in the Southeast. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center has created a dynamic and exciting schedule of programming including daytime and evening planetarium shows, full dome movies and fun educational events for all ages. Check www.rocketcenter.com for shows and availability.

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The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is offering two new experiences in our Underwater Astronaut Trainer!

With SeaTREK, museum visitors don a specialized diving helmet for a fully guided underwater walking experience for all skill levels, ages 10 and older. DIVR+ is a virtual reality snorkeling system with sensory feedback, providing an unbelievably realistic VR experience suitable for ages 7 and up.

THE GUIDE

WORLD TURTLE DAY - COOK’S MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY • MAY 22 Love turtles? Celebrate World Turtle Day at the Cook Museum of Natural Science and learn all about turtles! Enjoy Q&A with Animal Care presentations, learn about how the Animal Care staff tend to the turtles at the Museum, see videos of the Museum’s diamondback terrapins, and more. Go to www.cookmuseum.org for more information.

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Madison Living 13

THE GUIDE

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS MICKEY’S SEARCH PARTY • VON BRAUN CENTER • MAY 20-23

Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration! Go to www.vonbrauncenter.com for ticket information.

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DOWNTOWN

THE ROUNDHOUSE Historical society, city give facelift to historic replica STORY BY GREGG PARKER

Madison Living 15

A

A city icon is receiving attention to restore the structure that symbolizes a town with a slower pace and a long-gone lifestyle.

The Roundhouse reminds visitors about its pivotal role in commerce and cultural norms during Madison’s early days.

Renovation work started on March 8, 2021 for the Roundhouse, standing downtown at Front Street’s eastern end on the Village Green. Repairs and improvements are scheduled for completion by mid-May. “Madison Station Historical Preservation Society in

partnership with the City of Madison undertook the renovation, applying a recently established agreement to share Roundhouse stewardship,” Charles Nola said.

A member of the historical society, Nola works as Manager of the International Space Station Projects Office with NASA - Marshall Space Flight Center.

“Funds for the renovation were raised through public and private contributions, (along with) years of society fundraising,” Nola said.

The Roundhouse was in critical need for renovation to return the structure to its postcard image for city resi-

The original Roundhouse was sold and dismantled circa 1938. It is shown here in an old photo of Madison’s downtown. Photo courtsey of John Rankin

16 Madison Living

The Roundhouse before renovation efforts started in March.

dents and visitors. “When the original Roundhouse was built in the 1890s, the unusual octagon-shaped landmark sat atop the well that supplied the town’s water. The building also served as the first City Hall of Madison,” Nola said.

Building the Roundhouse resulted from a promise (with a hint of an ultimatum) from a Madison politician. In her book, “My Life From Wagons to Rockets,” the late Gladys True stated that Mayor John Buchanan Floyd made a promise to the town to get a water system and make road improvements if the town would build a town hall. The Roundhouse satisfied Floyd’s call for a municipal building for town meetings, elections and social activities such as weddings.

Sadly, the original Roundhouse was sold and dismantled circa 1938. Then in 1986, volunteers with the Wild Boys Land and Cattle Company Inc. furnished materials and labor to build the replica Roundhouse following the Madison Street Festival. The interior was finished later.

Plans for this replica began in 1968 when

Madison Living 17

Mayor E.O. Baston prepared to commemorate Madison’s Centennial in 1969. The basis for the plans included sketches found in City Hall by City Inspector Edgar Sandlin, an original photograph from Lucille Slaughter Cain and interviews with local citizens. Tom Gilbert, affiliated with Gilbert Engineering Company and City Engineer from 1975 to 1982, donated a professional set of building plans for the Roundhouse’s reconstruction. (waymarking.com) Describing city landmarks, native Madisonian and local historian Cindi Sanderson shares anecdotes and facts about Madison’s history to fourth-graders in Madison City Schools. She visits elementary campuses to deliver her “Madison History Talk” every spring.

“I tell them how the Roundhouse began and where it was originally located. The mayor that had it built also chartered the first public school in Madison in 1885,” Sanderson said.

“I tell them about the Roundhouse being used for the mayor’s office, a barber shop once a month (with a visiting barber) and a card-playing parlor. The students are always amazed about the part about getting haircuts there,” Sanderson said.

“Even though the Roundhouse is a replica, it gives the city and the historic district lots of character. It

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Photos of the original 1986 replica construction courtesy of the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society.

20 Madison Living

known. The updated color scheme ties into the downtown’s railroad history and is based on historic color for the Southern Railway in the late nineteenth century, which was a gold mustard color with green,” Nola said.

“This distinctive-looking scheme in bold colors reinforced the railroad’s brand identity, which was a new marketing practice at that time,” Nola said.

“The renovation was contracted to Killgore Homes LLC. Owner Scott Killgore worked closely with the society to select more economically viable and sustainable materials,” Nola said. The work included demolition and removal of siding, followed by repair of exterior walls and installation of moisture barriers.

“Lap siding and column wrap will be installed,” Madison Station Historical Preservation Society President Debbie Overcash said. “Stairwell repair and exterior painting will follow. All replacement of interior electrical plugs and light switches will be done by society volunteers.”

The central charter of Madison Station Historical Preservation Society is awareness and preservation of the city’s gives us a glimpse of the past and represents a lot of history history. “The society conducts various fundraising events pertaining to the early days of Madison and the beginning of with more popular ones being the Tour of Historical Homes our city,” Sanderson said. “I love it when I’m downtown and in downtown, Christmas Tree Trail, Christmas Capers and someone asks me about the Roundhouse building. It’s always downtown walking tours,” Nola said.

The society always welcomes new members to help with fun to talk about the history of our city.” ideas and promotion of the historic district for everyone to The Roundhouse makeover focused on exterior aesthetics enjoy.

For more information, visit historicmadisonstation. and useability, including new air conditioning, siding, paint com or madisonal.gov. and windows. “The paint color of the original structure is not

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....................... AROUND TOWN .......................

...

Lee Marshall

Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

24 Madison Living

M

May is Foster Care Awareness Month and Mother’s Day. That’s a bittersweet combination. Several weeks ago I was in Birmingham taking picture and shooting video to tell the stories about the kids in foster care we showcase to help recruit and find forever families.

Haylee, one of our girls at Davidson Farms went with us to help. On the way home I asked if she would share her story in her own words. Her story left me with tears in my eyes and so thankful for the role we get to play to provide Hope, Healing and a Home for our girls at Davidson Farms.

For more informatio go to kidstolove.org

PEOPLE

VICTORIA JONES

Local musician navigates the music business her way STORY BY ERIN COGGINS

Madison Living 25

26 Madison Living

S

She stepped up to the microphone, looking out to a packed arena at the Von Braun Center.

She paused. Took a deep breath and sang for her fellow classmates—Sparkman High School’s Class of 2014. She refers to it as her “first real-life fully packed-out arena” performance.

Seven years later, 25-year-old Victoria Jones stood in front of a COVID restricted packed audience at the VBC to sing the National Anthem at the 2021 Southeastern Conference Gymnastics Championship.

“Performing the National Anthem for the SEC Championship has definitely been one of the highlights in my musical journey,” Jones said. “I was honored when I received the news and request to sing, granted the moment I walked into the arena and saw the ESPN cameras, I definitely became nervous, but I was very excited at the same time. I felt so honored and valued. It blessed me to know that my City valued my talents as a singer enough to entrust me with such a huge moment.”

Music has been a part of Jones’ life since she was a 6-year-old girl singing in church. When she began singing at school, her teachers took notice and

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Madison Living 27

encouraged her to write her own music. She wrote her first song at 15-years-old. She says it was the first time that melody met her gift of writing and she was forever hooked.

“The first original song that I ever sang and wrote was sung before my mom and dad,” Jones said. “The song was about the love of God and was actually very corny and cringes now that I think back on it, but it came from such a pure and beautiful place. My music still does to this day, so it makes that memory special.”

Jones says she has written too many songs to count.

Her musical inspirations come from the era of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. When it comes to her writing muses, she lists Emeli Sande, Labrinth and Laura Mvula, both artists from the United Kingdom.

“I have always been inspired by artists overseas because they write from a real and raw place—storytelling various things in life while still making it marketable for audiences far and wide to listen to,” Jones said. “In contrast to America, much of our songs seek to only please for the moment and is laced with so many elements of ‘party culture’ while my music is very chill. I laugh whenever I listen to my single “Ebb and Flow” because it just sounds like you can wind down and take in the sounds with a glass of wine.”

Keeping in line with her overseas muses, Jones describes her music as a blend of neo-soul, gospel and R&B. Her first self-written EP “White Butterfly” debuted in 2016 reflects this.

“My music story tells the lives of others, my personal life and experiences I have had along the way,” Jones said.

Crafting “White Butterfly” did not happen in an instant. At the beginning stages of it all, Jones was running a non-profit with her mother while quietly creating her music platform. That is when a former member of the Jones’ organization reached out with a connection to the music industry.

“She connected me to a black and women- owned recording studio in Harvest called 318 Productions,” Jones said. “It was upon that meeting that I recorded my debut project “White Butterfly” produced by a woman named Canita Rogers. Soon after that I began working with even more amazing musicians and producers, some of Emmy & Grammy nominated acclaim, and took off performing on various stages.”

Although Jones has never been signed to a label, she releases music under her own label called White Butterfly. Being an independent artist is the norm these days as labels and records no longer have as much of an effect on the success of artists that it once did due to social media and digitalized streaming platforms.

“Being an independent has given me the freedom control my image, work with whomever I want as well as release the original music that I am most proud of.

28 Madison Living

Every musical project of mine has been written or cowritten by me and has been self-published and made accessible to all digital platforms like iTunes, Spotify and more,” Jones said. “Being an independent artist has always given me a lot of responsibility and I wear a lot of different hats in PR, marketing, creative direction and more. The process mostly looks like tending to life, writing songs, taking songs to my sphere of favorite producers, self-releasing projects onto digital platforms and performing my music to drive sales or other musical services I offer.”

Not having a big record label behind her has not stopped Jones from working with some of the music industry’s big names. She has released two singles, “Insignificant” and “Ebb & Flow,” produced by Grammy nominated producer Kelvin Wooten and Johnny Owku and last year, she released a song called “Fadin”, a collaboration with Houston-based rapper, Trevor Lee. “This year makes 10 years of doing music and I’ve met greats like Michael Jackson’s former producer of “We are the World” and I have been inspired to stay the course of independent artistry and entrepreneurship,” Jones said. “At the end of the day, it’s up to the artist to grind things out and create means of success or else you will be financially, creatively and emotionally in debt.”

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Jones currently performs shows but has made music a career in other ways. She writes commissioned songs, works with clients to help build their music catalogues, creates music for original film scores and video campaigns and teaches 1:1 beginner vocal lessons online with Vocals with Victoria.

“My talents in music have afforded me opportunities to facilitate school curriculums with music, such as been with the Microwave Dave Music Foundation and the State Arts Council,” Jones said. “It has allowed me to sing before senators and state officials and has given me a platform to advocate mental health, race, faith and so much more.”

No matter where music takes Jones, she will remember those who helped her along the way, including her high school English teacher, Evan Carter. Jones says Carter is responsible for her first love—the guitar. Carter taught Jones her first five chords.

“She expressed interest in taking charge of her own musical journey by being able to accompany her own lyrics and melody with music to help give it context, and she allowed me to be a part of that by teaching her some foundational guitar lessons,” Carter said. “She took that information and ran with it in an amazing way. She already had a lovely voice and a few songs at that point. Additionally, she had an empowering message and an undeniable aura of kindness. She took a bit of knowledge on the guitar and it blossomed in ways I never could have guessed.”

Jones says her ultimate goal is to lead a life well-rounded in music. While she does not have a tentative release date of new music, she will release a full-length album one day in the future, featuring her fresh, catchy sounds that reflect her blend of neo-soul, R&B and pop. In the meantime, Jones will continue on her journey of fulfilling the adage, “music heals the soul.”

“Music means so much to me, but if I had to put it into words, then music means conveying the deep and articulated empathy and humanly expression,” Jones said. “I hope my music touches the soul of people. I hope listening to it makes them feel like living.” *Victoria Jones’ music can be found on all digital platforms, including iTunes and Spotify, as well as at www.VictoriaJones.com.

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SPORTS

PLAY BALL!

The long wait is over! The Rocket City Trash Pandas will bring Minor League Baseball back to North Alabama on May 11 STORY BY BOB LABBE / PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE TRASH PANDAS

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“They’re here.”

To borrow a famous line from the 1982 film “Poltergeist,” the Rocket City Trash Pandas will become reality as May marks the beginning of what has been a journey from dreams to disappointment to corporeality. The minor league baseball team is now in the community and anxiously want to provide the area with what they’ve been waiting for since the Huntsville Stars vacated Huntsville in 2014- baseball.

From the day former Trash Pandas President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Nelson walked the land west of Zierdt Road along I-565 and stood where he thought home plate would be, once a stadium was erected for the team and games played in what is now Toyota Field, the excitement has built to an enormous level. After a disappointing 2020 year where the COVID-19 pandemic canceled what was supposed to be the inaugural season of baseball for the new professional franchise of the Los Angeles Angels, the anticipation was a wild frenzy. Now…let the games begin.

Nelson resigned from his position with the Trash Pandas on April 22 in a surprise move. His company, BallCorps, will remain the team owner.

Double-A South League With the 2021 season Major League Baseball reconstructed its Minor League Baseball with 11 leagues in all. The Trash Pandas will play in, what was known as the Southern League, the DoubleA South League with a North Division and South Division.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held April 20 at Toyota Field to usher in the Trash Panda’s first season in Madison.

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James Clemens and Bob Jones high schools were able to play their rivalry game at Toyota Field on April 20.

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In the North Division, Trash Pandas are what was left of the Mobile Bay Bears who basically moved here still under the flag of the L.A. Angels. The remainder of the division teams and their Major League affiliations include: Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox), Chattanooga Lookouts (Cincinnati Reds), and Tennessee Smokies (Chicago Cubs).

The South Division is made up of the Biloxi Shuckers (Milwaukee Brewers), which was derived from the move of the Huntsville Stars in 2015, Mississippi Braves (Atlanta Braves), Montgomery Biscuits (Tampa Bay Rays) and Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Miami Marlins).

Trash Pandas Schedule What the entire Tennessee Valley has been waiting for is the action on the baseball diamond. Major League Baseball has set a schedule on minor league teams playing Tuesday-Sunday with Mondays an off day. The 120game season will feature 60 home games with the Trash Pandas to host its first home outing on Tuesday, May 11, after a week-long road schedule in Chattanooga. A complete schedule is located elsewhere in this publication and on the Trash Pandas website: www.traspandasbaseball. com. Promotions will be held each home game including every Tuesday during the 2021 season that have been designated Ladies Night, presented by Reeds Jewelers of Huntsville. Every game during this promotion women will have chances to win great prizes.

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Trash Pandas manager Jay Bell with Sprocket and former Trash Pandas president Ralph Nelson.

Toyota Field Home of the Trash Pandas will operate as a 100-percent “cashless stadium.” Eliminating the physical transfer of cash and coins will significantly cut down on contact between guests and employees providing a more sanitary overall experience at Toyota Field.

Credit and debit cards will be accepted at locales around Toyota Field. Mobile tap-to-pay will be available in all areas, excluding the ticket office. Trash Cash Cards, Toyota Field’s in-house form of payment are available and can be purchased in advance or at the stadium with the balance of the cards able to roll over from game to game.

Parking at Toyota Field has also migrated to new tech-

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nology as visitors can purchase through the “Clutch!” app and when doing so receive a discounted rate of $6 per vehicle. Pay as you arrive is set at $10 per vehicle.

A security reminder- clear-bag policy will be enforced.

Toyota Field Layout What is being recognized as one of the newest first-class and fan-friendly stadiums in America, Toyota Field and the Trash Pandas welcome everyone with open arms, smiling faces and plenty of options for a positive experience. As a homage to the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s, “a splendid time is guaranteed for all.”

One of the most significant aspects of the new stadium is

the fact there is a 360-degree concourse. Once you enter the locale, you can maneuver completely around the stadium without leaving the facility. Besides the private concourse suites and other private areas within the confines of Toyota Field, there are numerous locations that are open, free and utterly fantastic places for the experience of attending a Trash Pandas game.

The Lee Company Home Plate Patio is located directly behind home plate on the concourse level and is open on a first-come, firstserve basis. Standing tables are available in this section. The Party Deck is located on the suite level where up to 105 fans can join the high-top tables and seats along with “Big Ass” ceiling fans there to keep a constant breeze blowing. Kirkland’s Pest Control Picnic Patio is available for rent with openings set for small groups or up to 312 seats. This area can be catered with a covered tent and buffet.

The Kid’s Zone is nearby with several pieces of playground equipment on hand with interactive items for the young kids as well.

Moving to the left field section of the facility the home and visitor bullpens are both located

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there. Around and between those players’ areas is the Toyota Outfield Experience where $8 tickets get you general admission standing area with concessions. There is also an entrance gate located in that portion of the perimeter. On the right field side of the “Batter’s Eye” green wall is another open area that will feature a swimming pool in the near future and video screen/scoreboard before coming to the Inline Lighting Rock Porch. The general admission ticket area will feature a full-service bar along with a drink rail that actually hangs over the outfield wall of the playing surface. The Rock Porch is a good 15-feet above the playing surface.

Next to the Rock Porch is the Budweiser Berm featuring $8 general admission ticket lawn seating where frolicking is encouraged. The Bill Penney Plaza is expected to be a fun open area where the newest lines of Toyotas will be on display. Along the first base section is the main Pepsi Entrance, Junkyard Team Store and batting cages where many of the players will be warming up just prior to taking to their time at the plate during the game.

The largest inside/outside area of Toyota Field is the SportsMED Stadium Club. The large event center is open to all with a special suite ticket needed for the inside area and the 185 seats located just outside the Stadium Club. A full-service bar and food bar is available. Representatives of SportsMED, which is home of the team’s physician Dr. Troy Layton, have indicated the stadium club seats are sold out for three years. The event center locale is available for rent-

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ing for special occasions when games are not being held.

On the concourse level behind sections 01, 02 and 13 are the 4 Tops half-moon tables with four chairs facing the field of play. The open areas have also been sold out for three years. The Legacy Seats areas are three rows of seats directly behind home plate of sections 07, 08 and 09. The individual high chairs area also includes drink rails.

As for concessions, four different concessions stands are available- Champy’s Friend Chicken, the Dumpster Dive, Gravity Grill and All-Stars featuring all of the usual baseball game type food and many other extras. The Trash Pandas will provide 13 portable carts throughout Toyota Field with drinks and the standard “Hawkers” offering your favorite foods walking through the ballpark. Trash Pandas management has also setup a special food app for several of the specialty areas.

Some of the individual suites above sections 04, 05, 11 and 12 can handle up to 25 patrons and catered for $1,300 per game. The outdoor suites have lawn furniture designed seating within the walled off areas.

Trash Pandas Radio While those who cannot attend a game in person can still keep up with every pitch of the contest by listening to the play-by-play broadcast over 730AM and 103.9FM, The Ump (WUMP). All 120 season games can be heard with vivid game calls by Josh Caray.

Son of the late Atlanta Braves award winning broadcaster

Skip Caray and whose half-brother, Chip Caray, is current Braves’ TV broadcaster, Caray comes to the Trash Pandas with numerous years of experience in an array of sports arenas. He will bring each game to your ears in splendid, colorful detail.

Caray will host a 15-minute pregame segment, along with a post-game recap at the conclusion of each Trash Pandas outing. Games can be streamed through the team’s website, the Minor League Baseball site (milb.com/rocket-city) and TuneIn (tunein.com/radio/The-Ump1039-s11656). Sponsors will be included throughout the season with special guests.

Let the games begin. Rocket City Trash Pandas are here.

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....................... Madison City Schools .......................

Closing learning gaps from COVID a multi-prong effort

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Madison City Schools is ramping up summer teaching programs to offset learning loss associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Interruptions to traditional school learning have some students struggling this academic year.

The school district, aided by $2.3 million in federal COVID relief education funds, recently rolled out a multiprong approach to help struggling John Peck students that includes in-person and Madison City Schools asynchronous summer school, and an Public Relations after-school tutoring program starting Manager in the 2021-22 school year.

These are in addition to traditional summer programs like ESY (Extended School Year), EL Summer Camp for English Learners, a K-3 Literacy Camp and traditional high school summer school. Transportation to and

...

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from the K-8 summer schools is being provided, as well as free breakfasts and lunches.

Dr. Heather Donaldson, Chief Academic Officer for Madison City Schools, said the main purpose of these summer learning programs is to address the critical standards that are outlined by the State Department and “make sure our students don’t have any gaps in learning or loss in learning” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been monitoring our students’ data all school year through formative benchmark assessments and through classroom assessment data to basically find students with the highest academic need,” she said.

Those identified with the highest academic need received offers to enroll.

The first prong of the plan is in-person summer learning for all grades, starting June 7 and ending July 2, with varying degrees of focus depending on elementary, middle or high school. There is also an asynchronous summer learning plat-

File photos form for Elementary K-5 and for middle and high school students. Elementary runs from June 7 through July 16, while the secondary program runs from June 7 to July 2.

A sustained after-school tutoring program next school year is structured as follows: For elementary K-5, the focus is on reading and math offered two days a week, one hour a day, including a snack and bus transportation. For middle and high school (grades 6-12) there is homework support and tutoring with the focus on gaps in learning on courses students are already taking. This will be through two hour virtual sessions two nights per week.

“We do hope our students are excited about this oppor-

tunity and that our parents encourage their children to attend. Our goal is to close gaps that have resulted from the interruptions in learning due to the pandemic. We realize we cannot close all of the gaps in one month, which is the reason we have a three pronged approach. The after school tutoring next school year will be an important part of that.”

Planning the learning programs took a lot of collaboration by the district academic team with school administrators, reading coaches and teachers. Dr. Donaldson said teachers have done a phenomenal job through all the school disruptions caused by COVID-19. “They have been the real heroes through this pandemic,” she said.

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OUT&ABOUT

HUBERT FAMILY FARMS A day at the Hubert Family Farms’ tulip field PHOTOS BY JOHN FEW

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If you have not visited Hubert Family Farms’ tulip experience yet, you will have to wait until next season to see what all the talk is about. The last day for the unique farm was Easter Sunday.

However, there are more attractions planned, including a sunflower patch.

North Alabama’s first “pick-your-own” tulip experience has attracted thousands of visitors since opening a few weeks ago.

With over 200,000 tulips, in 60 different varieties, visitors were invited to bring friends and family to enjoy fresh cut flowers and the beautiful scenery of a family farm.

The idea to create the tulip experience came from the playfulness of a little child. As Seth Hubert, of Hubert Family Farms, sat in his front yard watching his daughter happily picking flowers one day, he was reminded of the beautiful tulip fields in Washington and Oregon.

“My daughter has loved picking flowers since she was able to walk,” Seth said. “And as I was looking at my sweet little girl picking anything that resembled a flower in the front yard, the idea hit me.” What if his daughter’s joy could be shared, simply by bringing the beauty of tulip fields to Northern Alabama?

Seth and his wife, Kaylee, dove right in, consulting with tulip farmers in the Northwestern US, gleaning as much information as possible. They brought over 200,000 tulip bulbs directly from Holland, ensuring the quality of each stem. After nearly three months of waiting, the tulips brought Holland to Madison County for a few weeks.

“Our goal was to not only share a beautiful place for fun, food, and flowers,” said Kaylee. “We also wanted to bring something unique to the area that showcases our rich agricultural heritage.”

The Farm opened for visitors every day through the short blooming season. Special activities and food trucks were added on the weekends.

The response was more than what the Hubert’s could have envisioned when they started.

“Wow, we are absolutely blown away by the support we have

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received for our very first tulip season,” Seth said. “We hope everyone enjoyed their visits to our farm.”

Seth and Kaylee say they want to share the family farm with the community with year-round activities. They also want to provide an experience to reconnect people to the land, while also offering a space to enjoy, relax, and escape.

The Hubert family is already planning a sunflower field for the summer.

‘We can’t wait to see everyone back in a few months for a walk through the sunflowers,” Seth added. “And don’t worry, we will have more tulips for everyone to enjoy next spring.”

He also said they hope to plan even more events in the coming months, utilizing the farm’s scenic landscape.

Hubert Family Farms is located at 432 Narrow Lane in New Market. Visit www.hubertfamilyfarms.com.

The Hurbert Family

Carsyn Swink enjoying the old Hurbert Family Farm tractor

Haley Steele of Pulaski gathering some tulips at the Farm.

Talan Wilson, age 7, of Madison picking flowers for his mother

Lori Few picking tulips at the Farm

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OUT&ABOUT MCS STADIUM FLAG POLE DEDICATION CEREMONY - Madison City Schools held a flag dedication ceremony last month for a new towering flagpole at Madison City Stadium. The 60-foot flagpole and 15-ft by 25-ft American flag come compliments of local defense NOW company Sigmatech, which gifted it to Madison City Schools. The school system partnered with American Legion Post 229 and Madison County Commissioner Steve Haraway to install it. JROTC units from Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools lead the flag rollout and hoisting of the banner after patriotic music by a band ensemble and a solo of the National Anthem by Bob Jones students.

Main speakers were Sir Knight Joe McCarty of Knights of Columbus, Col. (retired) Larry Vannoy, commander of American Legion Post 229, Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols, and Sigmatech senior vice president John Jones. Photos by John Peck

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W W W. FAC E B O O K . CO M / M A D I S O N C H A M B E R

ON THE GRILL

MIKE’S SOUTHERN FISH FRY

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Spring is here and that means fish fry time!

When you hear the word fish, what is the next word most associated with it? Fish fry, fish smell, fish hook? Or, maybe you only use fish as a verb!

As a cook and one who seldom turns down food, I enjoy a fun, fish fry. My family has a standing request for Cedar Plank Smoked Salmon (January, 2020 MLM edition.) Hopefully you find a recipe here that you can enjoy.

Well, when I want fried catfish and hushpuppies, I go to my brother-in-law Mike Strain. He is an avid fisherman, hunter and great cook.

Mike’s Southern Fish Fry recipe is for 5-6 people, but when he cooks at the deer camp or at the Ricky Shack, there are always more mouths to feed! He is always happy to share an idea and eager to show off his cooking skills.

termilk.

• Place catfish in this bowl and make sure all fish are covered in the buttermilk.

• Let soak for 1 to 2 hours.

BATTER PREPARATION In a large sealable plastic container or gallon storage bag mix the following: • 1 ½ cups corn meal (ration of corn meal to flour is 3:1) • ½ cups all-purpose flour • 2 tbsp. Hardin’s Seafood - Poultry Seasoning

By Richard George (or 1 tbsp salt and 1 tbsp pepper) @ricky_shack • 1 tbsp garlic salt • 1 tbsp old bay seasoning • 2 tbsp lemon pepper In a shallow pie plate/pan/bowl, whisk up 3 eggs…

FISH PREPARATION • Dredge your fish thru the egg and place in the resealable • Thaw and rinse approximately 5 pounds of catfish filets ... plastic container or gallon storage bag with the corn meal/ (this should be approximately 9 to 12 filets @ 5 - 7 oz aver- flour mixture. The egg mixture should help hold the batter age wt. per filet) coating on the fish.

• In a large mixing bowl, place approximately 2 to 3 cups but• Shake until all fish are covered in this batter.

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• Set aside (preferably in fridge) for 15 minutes… while grease is being preheated.

FRYER PREPARATION -- PRE-HEAT • Place your oil (canola or peanut oil… depending on food allergies) in your King Kooker fryer 4 to 5 inches deep.

• Preheat grease to a range of 350 - 375 degrees. This temperature is high enough to help ensure that the fish is not too greasy. It also is low enough to help the oil keep from breaking down.

• Fry in batches… each piece should be cooked approximately 3 to 5 minutes. The filets normally rise to the top when they are cooked properly. You can check the internal temperature and remove from grease at 145 degrees.

• Place in container lined with paper towels to soak any excess oil away. I use a Hefty aluminum foil pan with a plastic lid.

HUSH PUPPY PREPARATION (14 to 18 hush puppies) In a large mixing bowl, mix the following items: • 1 ½ cups cornmeal (self-rising) • ½ cup all-purpose flour • 1 tbsp Hardin’s Seafood-Poultry Seasoning • 1 tbsp salt • 1 tbsp black pepper • 1 tbsp lemon pepper • 1 small yellow onion chopped very fine • 1 large egg • 1 cup buttermilk Fry in batches … consider alternating batches with fish if you do not want to fry separately. I use an ice cream scoop to form… about the size of a golf ball. Place in a covered pan/dish to keep warm… or add to the filet pan to help keep warm.

You must have cole slaw with fish. In the event you don’t want to drive through KFC, pick up a 16 oz. bag of cole slaw mix from the grocery store. Blend 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar with ¾ cup Duke’s Mayonnaise and 3 Tbsp sugar, until the sugar is dissolved. Pour your cole slaw mix into a large bowl and then add the dressing mix. Stir well and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Remove from the refrigerator, stir again, sprinkle generously with Hardin’s Seafood-Poultry Seasoning and serve.

What about tartar sauce? Another easy recipe: Mix 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise, ¼ cup dill pickle relish, 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 Tsp onion flakes and ¼ Tsp Worcestershire sauce together well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

I’m not really a catsup/ketchup fan, but I find the white sauce that Alabama is famous for, to be a terrific substitute. Dunk your hushpuppies in a white sauce like Big Bob Gibson’s Original White Sauce. When I am near the Old Greenbrier Restaurant on Old Hwy 20, I go in and purchase a cup of Jerry Evans’ White sauce...and have been known to order their hushpuppies to go!

For those of you who don’t like fried food, consider Cajun Catfish. Small catfish filets are easy and quick to cook. If fish are previously frozen, thaw overnight in refrigerator, rinse well and pat dry. Prepare your fire for medium to high heat, approximately 400-425 degrees. A gas grill will work fine, I simply prefer charcoal.

In a hot black cast iron skillet, place a slice of butter for each

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filet you plan to cook and carefully place the catfish filets into the skillet. Sprinkle with Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning or Emeril’s Original Essence Seasoning, to taste. Cook for 3-5 minutes, brush top with butter, flip and sprinkle with seasoning again. Cook until flaky, approximately 3-5 minutes. Just before serving, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on the Cajun Catfish.

It is easy to interchange the cajun catfish with blackened tilapia. Prepare and cook this fish as described above for cajun catfish. Certainly, you can use the same spices, but consider Emeril’s Blackened Seasoning or Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning, to taste. Just before serving, squeeze some fresh lime juice on the Blackened Tilapia. It is fun to experiment with different fish and spices, just be careful not to over-season your dish.

If you prefer whole catfish, try Smoked Catfish.

Fresh is best, but you can sometimes find farm raised whole fish at a grocery market.

Thaw and rinse well. Marinate catfish for 1-2 hours in a zesty Italian dressing. Prepare an indirect charcoal fire. With a Big Green Egg, use the convEGGtor plate with legs up and stabilize your fire to approximately 225-250 degrees. Add Apple or Peach wood chunks to the fire and allow the smoke to turn from blue to light grey or clear. Cut a fresh lemon into thin slices. Place the fish on top of several slices on the grill and close the lid to absorb that light sweet smoke. After approximately ¾ - 1 hour, flip the fish over and close the lid.

Smoke until flaky, with an internal temperature of 145 degrees. If you want a smokier flavor, substitute hickory or cherry wood chunks, or try Jack Daniel’s Wood Smoking chips. Note: Catfish filets work fine for this recipe.

Don’t overlook Shrimp Kabobs.

Fresh Shrimp is readily available, easy to cook, nutritious and can be combined with other foods in a variety of ways. If you are interested in a low-country boil, add potatoes, corn and sausage to your shrimp kabobs. If you want a Hawaiian flair, just add pineapple chunks. In the summer, add squash, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers and onion wedges. My favorite is to combine Conecuh Sausage (made in Evergreen, Alabama since 1947) with shrimp.

Many times, I just skewer the shrimp by themselves. I prefer the extra-large, 26/30 shrimp per pound, approximately 6-7

shrimp/serving.

Peel and devein jumbo or extra-large shrimp, but leave the tail intact. Wash well in cold water. Marinate for 3-5 hours, but not overnight, as the shrimp will get mushy.

Choose your vegetables and slice ¾ inch strips.

Thread shrimp and vegetable in an alternating pattern onto a metal skewer or “soaked” wooden skewer. Sprinkle liberally with Hardin’s Seafood-Poultry Seasoning, or your favorite seasoning, i. e., Lemon Pepper, Tony Chachere’s, Cavender’s Greek Seasoning or McCormack Roasted Garlic and Herbs. Heat grill to medium temperature, approximately 300 degrees. Grill the shrimp kababs for approximately 3-5 minutes per side. The Shrimp is done when its outside turns pink. For a little extra flavor, brush the shrimp kabobs with Blues Hog Original BBQ Sauce just before removing

from grill. Serve on the skewer!

If you don’t want the hassle of skewers, only have smaller shrimp or do not have sufficient time to prepare the shrimp as above, consider a perforated grill wok. Using a gas grill or charcoal fire at approximately 300-degrees will quickly cook this dish. In a zip-lock bag, simply drizzle some olive oil on the shrimp, shake them around to completely cover each shrimp and toss them into the wok. Sprinkle liberally with Hardin’s Seafood-Poultry Seasoning and stir occasionally until done. When the shrimp becomes opaque, squeeze some fresh lemon or lime on the shrimp and remove from the wok. Enjoy with rice, grits or pasta. (Note: larger shrimp and lower temperatures generally mean tastier and more tender shrimp.)

Hope you enjoy!

Follow me on Twitter @ricky_shack

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MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

The following Madison Chamber members held ribbon cuttings last month.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Ground-breaking ceremony for the new Journey Middle School in Madison. It will be completed in 2022.

www.madisonalchamber.com

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PHONE 256-325-8317

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Fleet Feet Madison on Hughes Road

Ribbon Cutting for Exit Realty North

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for new Lifesouth Pop-Up Blood Donation Center on County LIne Road

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting for Hotworx at Clift Farm

www.madisonalchamber.com

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PHONE 256-325-8317

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MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

HEALTHY KIDS DAY - The Madison Chamber of Commerce joined the Hogan Family YMCA in presenting Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 17th at the Y. Here are some photos of businesses and services that participated. They were able to serve over 200 children and families.

Avalon Family Care

The Enrichment Center

www.madisonalchamber.com

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PHONE 256-325-8317

Buckner Chiropractic

Fleet Feet Madison

Club Pilates

Alzheimer’s Assn.

Living Life Counseling Center

The Exercise Coach

Phoenix Senior Living

Avalon Family Care

www.madisonalchamber.com

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PHONE 256-325-8317

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OUT&ABOUT CHAMBER COLOR RUN - The first ever Madison Chamber Color Run was finally held in downtown Madison. The run, which was originally scheduled for last year, was forced to postpone due to COVID-19. One year later, and the long wait was worth it as teams NOW and individuals celebrated. The threat of storms almost derailed the certified 5K run, but the weather cooperated. Madison Chamber of Commerce Events and Marketing Coordinator Felecia Rodgers said she was excited about the turnout and excitement. A health fair was also planned but was postponed due to the possible severe weather. Rodgers said it will be held later. Below are some fun photos of the event. For more information about upcoming events by the Madison Chamber of Commerce, go to www.madisonalchamber.com.

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W W W. FAC E B O O K . CO M / M A D I S O N C H A M B E R

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The moment is here.

It’s time to trust that all of your preparation was worth it.

You are ready. And so are we. From pregnancy to birt rth t and all the moments in between, we have everything you need.

See why more Moms deliver at our hospitals than any other hospital in Alabama. Visit oHHbaby.org to learn more about our dedicated maternity services.

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