The Madison Record - April 5, 2023

Beloved Madison volunteer Debbie Overcash presented first Visionary of the Year Award

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - One can only dream about being recognized on a prestigious level for their work, but for Madison resident, Debbie Overcash, it has become a reality she never imagined.

Overcash received the Visionary of the Year Award from Madison Visionary Partners and was honored at their first annual award luncheon on March 30.

Melanie Thornton, Executive Director of Madison Visionary Partners, wanted to recognize MVPs that have had a meaningful impact on the city. “The Madison Visionary of the Year is a person who lives or works in the City of Madison who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and drive to fulfill the mission of Madison Visionary Partners - to enrich the quality of life for the people of Madison. This person has done this through advocacy, philanthropy and/or volunteerism.”

Overcash has been a community

servant for over 30 years and has worked tirelessly to make sure her fellow residents have the opportunity to experience the joys of small-town culture, even during Madison’s explosive growth. If

you have ever volunteered in Madison, chances are pretty high that you’ve crossed paths with or worked alongside Debbie. Her extensive depth of volunteer experi-

See MVP Page 2A

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - There are some upcoming opportunities for citizens to ask questions and get some answers before going to vote in Madison’s special election on May 9. Madison citizens will decide in the upcoming election on May 9 whether to change their form of government from a Mayor-Council form to a Council-Manager form. Go to www.themadisonrecord.com and click on “May 9 Special Election” at the top of the homepage for stories providing background information about the special election.

Q&A Meeting

A public meeting is planned at the Madison Library by the “Don’t Mess with Madison PAC”. It will be a Q&A style event, set for April 10 at the Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd. from 6-7 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Forum

The Republican Women of Madison will host a Madison City Governance Forum on April 18 at the Madison City Hall at 6:30 p.m. The moderator for the event will be WVNN talk show host Michael Yaffee.

See SPECIAL ELECTION Page 3A

MOCK TRAUMA - Students at James Clemens High School joined HEMSI ambulance and Madison Police and Fire officers on Friday in a mock trauma with crashed vehicles and multiple accident victims. The exercise allowed JC students in the Health Sciences department to practice emergency first aid skills, including injury assessments, patient stabilization, retrieval from crushed vehicles and stretcher transfers to an awaiting ambulance. Theater students were staged as accident victims, complete with faux blood and wounds, and panicky loved ones traumatized by the gory accident scene. Students from the JetsPress media class captured the action as reporters. With prom season upon us, the scene served as a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted driving.

by

Photos

Kassidy Wilkins

Debbie Overcash (right) was present the first Visionary of the Year Award from Madison Visionary Partners on Thursday. She was presented with the award by MVP Executive Director Melanie Thornton.

Madison volunteer Debbie Overcash, center, was presented the MVP’s first Visionary of the Year Award during a special ceremony at Toyota Field on Thursday. She is surrounded by her co-workers from Torch Technologies

“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” - Oprah Winfrey

Photo of the Week

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2ND CLASS POSTAGE PAID Madison Post Office Madison, AL 35758 (USPS 324-960)

ence makes her one of the most quietly influential people in the city. There are few Madison organizations she hasn’t touched or helped build and grow in some way.

You can read more about Debbie Overcash in the April issue of Madison Living Magazine. You can find it in businesses throughout Madison or at www.madisonlivingmagazine.com.

Thornton asked for nominations from the community to also select volunteers for the Community Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, and Philanthropic Business of the Year award.

“We had such a wonderful response from the community during the nomination process. We have a great group of volunteers and businesses who will be highlighted for their work in Madison,” she said.

The Youth Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Olivia Downs.

In 2022, Olivia Downs performed 275 volunteer service hours for which she received the Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award. This was the fifth year that Olivia has earned this recogni-

tion, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to volunteerism in our community.

The Community Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Elizabeth Servidio. She is a source of constant support at the Madison Senior Center off of Hughes Road in a role that requires daily and weekly attention. She is described as a loyal and faithful volunteer who gives much of her time to our community’s senior population.

Redstone Federal Credit Union was also honored with the Philanthropic Business of the Year award. They have supported such Madison-based projects and organizations such as the Kids Kingdom renovation project, the Home Place Park Pavilion, the Rotary Club of Madison, the Madison Chamber of Commerce, the Madison Baseball Association, the Madison Street Festival, the Madison Swim Association, Madison City Schools, Madison Community Orchestra, the Madison CEO program and the Madison Arts Council.

They also gifted $2.5 million to support the building of the Madison Public Library.

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presented Mr. Drake with a Quilt of Valor. “You have positively impacted so many lives through your years of service and you continue to do so today,”Senator Tuberville noted in his letter to Mr. Drake. Mr. Drake served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army and is a lifelong Madison County resident. After his service in World War II, he returned home to Harvest, where he and his wife raised their nine children. Mr. Drake is pictured above with his children and Brian Naugher. He is holding the flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of his 105th birthday.

The Madison City Council presented a proclamation to the Women’s Business Council recognizing March 30th Women Owned Business Day.

Madison City 5th graders

picked

Bojangles, community rallies around beloved Madison County principal in cancer fight

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON COUNTYNorth Alabama-area Bojangles restaurants are hosting a biscuit-themed benefit to fund a Madison County principal’s cancer treatment.

Chris Gunnels, the principal at Harvest Elementary School, was recently diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma, a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor. Per recommendations from his doctors at both Duke and Vanderbilt University Medical Centers, Chris will pursue a groundbreaking treatment currently being developed in Germany.

“Chris Gunnel is wellknown throughout the area for good reason,” said Justin Haddock, President of New Generation Foods, which operates the Bojangles restaurants in this area. “Chris has supported and changed the lives of hundreds of children in his 20-year tenure as an educator in Madison County. It’s our turn to step up and support him, his wife Kendall and his daughters Adelynne and Kensley through this journey. I’m confident that through our generous Bojangles customers, our tight-knit community will be show up for Chris when he needs it most.”

Through April 15, cus-

tomers who visit one of the 12 Bojangles locations operated by New Generation Foods LLC, in Decatur, Athens, Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Russellville or Albertville and donate a dollar toward the cause will receive a free Bo-Berry Biscuit.

Chris recently had his second brain surgery at Duke University Hospital with surgeon Dr. Allan Friedman. Although the surgery was successful at removing the tumor, the cancer was diagnosed as a Grade 4 Glioblastoma by his Neuro-Oncologist Dr. Henry Friedman.

Chris will begin radiation and chemotherapy with Dr. Merrell at Vanderbilt.

By recommendation

Special Election

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Last week’s Madison City Council meeting brought several major items before the council. One of those was the filling of a seat on the Madison City Schools Board of Education.

Councilman Greg Shaw, the council’s liaison with the school board, nominated Travis Cummings to the Madison City Board of Education. Cummings is already a sitting board member and reapplied for his seat at the expiration of his term in March. He was unanimously reappointed by the council.

Councilwoman Connie Spears shared her praise for Cummings, “I had the pleasure of serving with

Mr. Cummings, and he is one of the best school board members that we have.” She continued, “You can see how much he cares. It’s written all over his face every single day, day in, day out. He puts in the work to make sure that he is always putting what is best for students at the forefront of his decision-making. Congratu-

from Duke, Chris and Kendall are pursuing a groundbreaking Glioblastoma treatment being developed by CeGat, a company in Tubingen, Germany. This treatment will require 13 trips to Germany over a 12-month period.

The fundraising effort hopes to reach $85,000 to cover vaccine requirements for traveling internationally with a compromised immune system. A subsequent $85,000 will need to be raised to cover travel and living expenses in Germany.

For more information on the fundraiser and Chris’ journey, visit his fundraising website at www.gofundme.com/f/ chris-gunnels-glioblastoma-cancer-journey.

Continued from page 1A

Fielding questions will be speakers from both “Don’t Mess with Madison” and “Madison Forward”.

Don’t Mess with Madison supports maintaining the current mayor/city council form of government. Madison Forward promotes changing from the current mayor/city council form of government to a city council/manager form of government.

The panelists will respond to questions submitted by noon on April 15 to info@

rwmadison.org.

Debate “I Vote Madison” will host an in-person citizens’ debate on May 3 at 6 p.m. at the Madison Public Library. Details about the debate can be found at www.ivotemadison.com

I Vote Madison is also a great source for impartial information pertaining to the city manager issue and upcoming special election.

PR MISE

musician to help inspire the nex t generation of explorer s to pur sue S T E A M career s Leland holds five honorar y doctorates for his ser vice in education, the sciences, and philanthropy

In May 2017 Leland released his memoir Chasing Space: A n A stronaut ’s S tor y of Grit, Grace, and S econd Chances ” In “Chasing Space,” Leland shares his per sonal journey from the gridiron to the st ar s and examines the inter secting roles of communit y per severance and grace that align to create oppor tunities for success

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Travis Cummings

rocked down the house Friday closing out the Liberty Legacy Super Citizen program that honors a local “hero”

by their respective schools. The festivities, at Bob Jones High School, ended a 10-week Super

Citizen program teaching students the virtues of civics, character, financial literacy, citizenship - culminating the honoring of an everyday “hero” in their schools and/or community. You can read more about their Heroes at www.themadisonrecord.com.

Chris Gunnels with his wife Kendall and daughters Adelynne and Kensley.

On Friday, Huntsville Police Chief Giles and Deputy Chiefs Johnson, Brooks and Hudson visited Officer Albert Morin in the hospital. He gave two thumbs up and wants to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Huntsville continues mourn officer killed last week, other officer shot improving

HUNTSVILLE - The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) continues to mourn the loss of Officer Garrett Crumby, 36, who made the ultimate sacrifice following a shooting last Tuesday, March 28, at apartments on Governors House Drive. Officer Albert Morin, 34, was also shot and in critical condition at Huntsville Hospital, but will survive.

Crumby joined HPD in August 2020 after serving with the Tuscaloosa Police Department (TPD) for nearly seven years as a patrol and field training officer. He worked for HPD’s West Precinct and was known by fellow officers for his positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Family was important to Crumby, described by colleagues as someone who would do anything for not just those he loved, but for anyone who needed help. In 2022, Crumby joined HPD’s Bike Unit and regularly volunteered at local events to give back to his community.

In Crumby’s most recent employ-

ee evaluation, one of his supervisors described him best, “Although Officer Crumby’s tenure with HPD is young, his heart is big and his drive is pure.” Crumby aspired to become an HPD investigator with hopes of joining the department’s Financial Crimes Unit during his career.

Crumbly was laid to rest Monday after a funeral service in Huntsville. He was transported to Tuscaloosa where he was buried.

A leader among his peers

Morin, who joined HPD in August 2017, is described by officers as

CNI Solutions to host second Annual “Somebunny Loves You” event on April 6

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - CNI

Solutions of Huntsville will host it’s 2nd Annual “Somebunny Loves You”

Event on Thursday, April 6, at 11 a.m. at the Bob Harrison Wellness & Advocacy Center, located at 6156 Pulaski Pike NW, in Huntsville.

tions Co-Founder, Charles Frye. “This is always a fun time for the community as well as for the staff and volunteers. That makes it all worth it.”

someone who is dedicated to his dayto-day duties. In 2022, a supervisor said Morin was the most productive officer on his squad.

With a quiet, more reserved nature, Morin always goes the extra mile and stands out as a leader among his peers.

“Officer Morin is a shining example to the public of the quality of service that is expected to come from the Huntsville Police Department,” his supervisor said. “Officer Morin frequently responds to calls and helps junior officers in situations that are new to them.”

In 2019, HPD named Morin its West Precinct Officer of the Year. How to help HPD has received a number of requests from citizens and companies wanting to make donations. Two private funds have been established through Redstone Federal Credit Union to help support Morin and Crumby’s family.

Condolences can be sent to Crumby’s family and get-well cards can be sent to Morin c/o HPD P.O. Box 2085 Huntsville, AL 35804.

“We’re excited to return to the Bob Harrison Wellness Center to spend time with the families and remind them that they’re not forgotten and they’re loved,” says CNI Solu-

Enhancing pedestrian safety: Huntsville approves contract for new sidewalks

Invited guests will enjoy an inspirational message by Lyncohea Corn, spoken word performances by Author Dr. Latracey McDonald and Author Sandra Brazelton, entertainment by Mr. Randy Gains, and The Huntsville Humphrey Women’s Choir. There will be refreshments, games and lots of fun activities.

Partnership’s town hall meeting to identify drug treatment choices

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Partnership for a Drug-Free Community is sponsoring a Town Hall meeting in Madison to answer, “What is treatment?”

Partnership, along with its Recovery Resource Hub and area providers of substance-use treatment, will conduct the Town Hall on April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd. Individuals can find different paths to treatment and recovery, according to Partnership.

“One reason we started the Recovery Resource Hub was because people in the community were spending countless frustrating hours on the phone and Internet trying to find a place for treatment,” Partnership Executive Director Wendy Reeves said.

“This process can be very complicated, especially for someone who doesn’t understand how treatment works. There is not a ‘one size fits all approach,’” Reeves said.

Sometimes, identifying treatment sources can be easier for people with insurance . . . but only sometimes. “Then, for those with no insurance or financial resources, a clinical assessment is required for state-funded options. The Recovery Resource Hub is available to

help simplify the process and continues to provide free assessments,” Reeves said.

Fentanyl has grown to be a massive threat both locally and on a national scale. “With fentanyl hitting our community so hard, we thought it would be helpful to explain that there are many different types of treatment settings,” Reeves said.

The Town Hall meeting will provide information to help residents understand how treatment works, along with determining what type of treatment can be the right direction for individuals, friends or relatives.

The Town Hall’s audience will hear about the options for state-funded treatment, faith-based treatment, treatment for those with insurance and sober-living homes. Panel participants representing the different types of treatment options will include WellStone, New Season, His Way, Family Life Center, Bradford Health Services, Best Life Recovery, Oxford House and The Pathfinder. Brochures and information from other area treatment programs also will be available.

Another Town Hall meeting will be conducted in Huntsville at His Way Recovery, 582 Shields Road on April 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 256-539-7339.

Officer Garrett Crumby

MY LIFE AS A HOBBY

By JOE HOBBY Columnist

On a two-lane highway headed back from Smith Lake, my son spotted them. A black and white bird dog mix with a terrier as his running mate. They were dirty, stinky, skittish dogs. Not a collar between them. It was obvious they had missed a few meals. one of them had a dime sized tick below her eye.

Normally, curs like this elicit a collective sigh, and are forgotten by the next mile marker. Not today. Not when the black and white one could have been the brother of my beloved, departed bird dog Precious. Rilynne, my brash, insightful, 7-year-old granddaughter recognized this fact and issued a command. “Dad! You have to turn around! It looks just like Precious! We have to show him to Granddaddy!” A tap on the brakes, a three-point turn, and within 5 minutes, I’m getting a FaceTime message of a girl playing chase with two nasty pups. In another two hours they would be in my back yard getting all the love and hamburger meat

they can lap up. Strays no more, but members of my family.

So, it’s goodbye clean house. Hello dog fur and carpet accidents. That’s OK with me. I’m a dog person. I prefer dogs to most people. Consequently, it was no surprise to my friends how hard I took the loss of my last two dogs, Precious and Bugsy. Even though it’s been almost 2 years, the wound still hasn’t healed. On several occasions I swore I would never have dogs again, because I already had the two pet loves of my life. People told me to get over it and get two more – there are so many that needed rescuing.

So, I guess it was time. I wasn’t ready, but they were. And 24 hours ago on the side of Highway 257 between Curry and Jasper, Alabama it happened. They found me.

This morning I heard the Powerball lottery is up to $700 million. But yesterday, two dogs hit a lottery ticket worth more than that to them. And I probably did too.

Joe Hobby is a comedian from Alabama who wrote for Jay Leno for many years. Find more of Joe’s stories on his blog: mylifeasahobby.blogspot. com. Also, on Facebook at: Joe Hobby Comedian- Writer

Will Ainsworth: The right time to repeal grocery tax is now

By WILL AINSWORTH Alabama Lt.

Gov.

For all of my adult life, politicians in Montgomery have talked about the need to remove the state sales tax from groceries, but they always find excuse after excuse that prevents them from actually doing it.

The potential loss of budget revenue, the false claims that replacement taxes must be passed, and the looming threat of economic downturns are just a few of the excuses politicians have used to do nothing and continue walking in place.

The time for excuses is over.

Alabama is currently enjoying the greatest and most robust economy in its history, more people are employed with well-paying, secure jobs than ever before, and our state

budgets currently have a combined surplus of roughly $3 billion.

The conservative budgeting practices that Republicans put in place after taking control of the Legislature in 2010 allowed Alabama’s economy to weather the COVID-19 pandemic better than almost all other states, and our already impressive success in attracting economic development and industrial recruitment prospects is growing by the day.

Alabama’s business sectorranging from the largest employers to the smallest, mom-and-pop operations - remains healthy and is sending unprecedented revenues to the state.

All of these economic factors and dozens more like them have created a perfect opportunity for Montgomery to finally put action before words and begin the process of making grocery purchases taxfree.

And the best news is that we can end the sales tax on groceries without having to shift the burden or raise taxes elsewhere. If anyone claims otherwise, they are simply not shooting straight with you.

But we must take action now.

Alabama is one of only three states that taxes groceries at the full rate - South Dakota and Mississippi are the others - and we are one of only 13 states in the nation that levy any tax on groceries. Our sister southeastern states of Georgia and Florida do not tax groceries, and Tennessee taxes them at a reduced rate.

As the cost of food increases because of the Biden administration’s skyrocketing inflation, Alabama’s working families are devoting even more of their household income to the grocery tax. Eggs alone cost a third more than they did last year, and each time the price increas-

See AINSWORTH Page 8A

the editor and editorials, the opinions expressed in them do not necessarily represent the views of the The Madison Record or its staff. We welcome all letters to the editor. Email them to john@themadisonrecord.com. We do reserve the right to edit them for content and space considerations.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A city manager would not be a good move for Madison, and here is why

Dear Editor, I am a mom and small business owner here in Madison.

I would like to offer a positive vision for government, and why a city manager is not a good move for the city of Madison.

City government should protect our God-given right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. “Happiness” does not mean consumer goods and pleasure. It means we have a right to work hard, create businesses for ourselves, and form homes, families, and churches. We don’t want to “own nothing and be happy.” We want to own homes and businesses. The government’s mission should be to protect these freedoms. Our officials should work hard to protect our rights to own property, and to buy, and sell, and go places. Madison could be a place where its citizens are known for their innovation. Where there are cre-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Vote yes to adopt council-manager form of government for Madison

Dear Editor,

ative small businesses. We don’t need politicians and bureaucrats to plan that-we need them to protect our freedom to do it ourselves.

Sadly, what I see are barriers. We have centralized planning and government-run economic development, right here in Madison. The city seems to be preferring big developers and big chain businesses. Everything feels big now, and it feels like local citizens are getting smaller and smaller.

I do not see that having a city manager would increase our creative local opportunities, and it reduces our voice in local government. Here’s why. The council-manager form of government would give us an unelected city manager. The mayor would no longer run the city and would lose the power to veto the city council. So, citizens would lose a lot of say in city government.

See AGAINST CITY MANAGER Page 8B

On May 9th we have the opportunity to preserve the quality of life in our community well into the future by voting “Yes” to adopt the Council-Manager form of government.

Madison, Alabama’s premier school system and growing economic vitality have made Madison one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama where families and businesses alike come to plant their roots. By most measures, Madison has emerged as one of Alabama’s premier cities. However, the growth and development that has descended upon the city creates a significant threat to our future if we do not take action to assure greater accountability and professional management of our city government.

Under our current form of government, the mayor has no vote on the legislative matters before the city. Instead, the mayor is asked to run the day-to-day

operations of government with a budget of nearly $80 million – whether they actually have any knowledge or experience managing such an operation. As Madison continues to grow, we need a mayor and city council who work collaboratively to focus on the needs and interests of the people. And just like any sound business, we need a chief executive officer who is held accountable for achieving the goals and objectives of our elected representatives without undue political influence.

By adopting the council-manager form of government, the mayor would be elected at-large to be a voting member of the City Council with the power to set the Council agenda. The mayor would be required to work with fellow Council members to establish a vision for the city and make critical decisions on the city’s future. In turn, the mayor and council would hire a city manager based on See MADISON FORWARD Page 8B

Mr. and Mrs. Mouse - The actors who voiced Mickey and Minnie mouse got married in real life. Russi Taylor (Minnie) and Wayne Allwine (Mickey) tied the knot in 1991.

Here comes Peter Cotton Tail...

Madison to host annual Easter egg hunts Saturday

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - A springtime tradition in Madison, the Easter “Egg”-stravaganza is scheduled for April 8 at Dublin Park, 8324 Old Madison Pike. Sponsors for the event are Madison Parks and Recreation Department and Rocket City Martial Arts.

The egg hunt for one- through five-year-olds will start at 9 a.m. The hunt for six- to 10-year-olds will be-

gin at 10:30 a.m.

On Dublin soccer fields, youngsters can enjoy face painting and playing on inflatable amusements.

Organizers said that the children might even catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny hanging around the park.

During the hunts, the Easter Bunny will be available for photographs with the youngsters.

To attend the Egg-stravaganza, free shuttle service will run from

Bob Jones High School to Dublin Park. Motorists with handicap parking permits can park at Dublin Park.

Looking for a photo opportunity, The Cabela’s near Bridge Street is offering free photos with the Easter Bunny at all retail locations. Families are encouraged to make a free advanced reservation online to receive a free, studio-quality 4x6 color photo. Cabela’s is located at 7090 Cabela Dr, Huntsville You can go to, www.cabelas.com for information.

It was a picture-perfect day when the Eater Bunny visited the egg hunt at the Town of Triana. The Triana Parks and Recreation Department hosted their Community Easter Egg Hunt and Senior Brunch on Saturday, April 1. “Thanks to all of our partners. You have made this event possible year after year,” town officials said. “And we can’t forget our Easter Bunny!”

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The Huntsville Ballet

Company takes the stage of the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the Von Braun Center on April 14-16 with an enchanting production of Cinderella. One of the most famous and beautiful ballets of all time, Cinderella tells the timeless story of Cinderella, a servant to her evil stepsisters until her fairy godmother helps her win the love of Prince Charming at a magnificent ball.

The cast of characters and the beloved story will delight audiences both young and old. Principal dancers Abby Callahan and Phillip Nathaniel Otto will dance the role of Cinderella and Prince Charming, roles that demand high levels of technical and artistic skill.

Huntsville Ballet’s production features over 80 dancers and is choreographed by company Artistic Director, Phillip Otto, who celebrates 14 years as artistic Director this year. Otto chose Cinderella as the ballet’s final program of the 2022-2023 because of its enchanting and romantic story. It is also a personal favorite, as he and his wife, Huntsville Ballet School Director Rachel Butler, have both danced in Cinderella throughout their professional ballet careers. Mr. Otto, who began dance at an early age, started his history with Cinderella as a child in performances with the Bolshoi Ballet and the Royal Ballet.

Celebrate with Cinderella

Children and parents are welcome on Saturday, April 15 at 12:30 p.m, in the lobby of the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall of the Von Braun Center to join the Huntsville Ballet for a celebration with Cinderella.

The event begins with a Prince and Princess Parade to the stage, where children will join to meet Cinderella and members of the cast. A reception will follow with light refreshments. The event, which is $35 per ticket for one child accompanied by one parent, precedes this matinee performance of Cinderella.

Tickets for this event are sold separately from performance tickets. Proceeds from this event support Huntsville Ballet’s educational outreach programs. For ticket information, call 256-539-0961 or go to huntsvilleballet.org/tickets.

news@themadisonrecord.com

Cinderella will be performed by the Huntsville Ballet at the VBC next week.

Plan an evening out with historic downtown Madison - food trucks, a Jeep show, live entertainment, Easter egg “hunting” for the kids, late night shopping, and goodies for kids. Oh and the Easter bunny will be hopping around for pictures.

Job Networking Club connects job seekers to employment for nearly 14 years

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – For nearly fourteen years, the St. Joseph the Worker Job Networking Club has been helping unemployed individuals find jobs through weekly meetings. The club was founded in September of 2009 during the recession that left many laid off and out of work.

Founding volunteer, Maureen Chemsak, felt compelled to use her experience in career coaching at University of Alabama in Huntsville and Athens State to help those affected by the recession.

She recalled, “My background is in career services at UAH and at Athens State, and I was retired but kept getting these, ‘Why don’t you start something to help people?’”

Other volunteers have felt similarly compelled over the years to use their talents and past professional experience to

help others. Now, the club is sustained by more than twenty volunteers who lend their time and expertise to coach job seekers on resume building, cover letter writing, interviewing, and other skills.

Chemsak describes the volunteers as having “big hearts” and “generous with their time.”

The club is a rich resource for job seekers as it both develops hard and soft skills and connects members directly with hiring employers. It emphasizes the impact of networking in linking individuals with jobs before they are posted online and making meaningful, personal connections with employers.

The club meets every Tuesday at 12:30 in the basement of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Hughes Road. The club is non-denominational and open to all job seekers of any background and any career interest.

The meetings comprise of

three parts that introduce the club, its volunteers, and its members, facilitate a presentation by a guest speaker, and offer time for individual networking. A special session, ExperiencePlus, follows the main session and is tailored specifically to job seekers over the age of fifty.

The club brings in guest speakers with valuable career experience and coaching. The March 14 meeting brought McKinley Curtis III, a military official and motivational speaker, to present on hard and soft skills in job hunting.

One recent member, Paige Barber, a cybersecurity expert looking to enter business analysis, appreciates this aspect of the club, “Every week is a rotation of different speakers.” Barber says she finds the weekly speakers and coaching from volunteers enriching and productive in her job search.

The meetings also bring in

Madison Newcomers and Neighbors to meet April 13, to discuss efforts to reunite lost pets with their families

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Madison Newcomers and Neighbors club will meet Thursday, April 13, at the Hogan Family YMCA. The social time begins at 9:30 a.m. with the speaker beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m.

A representative from the Athens Limestone Animal Shelter will be the speaker discussing how every effort is made to

F

reunite lost animals with their families and to find loving forever homes for every adoptable dog and cat.

Current residents as well as newcomers are always welcome to attend our meetings the 2nd Thursday of each month. We offer informative programs as well as a variety of fun activities which gives you a chance to meet new friends.

For further information contact Martha Heard at (256) 772-9721.

DAY f

April 13, 2023 • 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.

BG Br ad Nichols on

URINETOWN - THE MUSICAL - For their spring musical, James Clemens Theatre will present a hilarious study in satire, “Urinetown - The Musical” next week. Showtimes for “Urinetown” are April 6 and 7 at 7 p.m.; April 8 at 2 and 7 p.m.; April 13 and 14 at 7 p.m.; and April 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. in James Clemens Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, military and senior citizens. For more information, visit Facebook/James Clemens Theatre and Instagram.

C ommanding General of the U.S. Army S ecurity Assistance C ommand (USASAC)

R E G I S T E R AT N A I TA .O RG

Volunteer Ed Snow opens a Job Club meeting with introductions.

See JOB CLUB Page 8B

Advocates say that the city manager would run the city like a business. But the city is not a business that has to attract customers—it is a government. It can acquire property under eminent domain. It has the right to use force against us if we fail to pay fees and taxes. That is not a business model! Small business can’t compete with that. Insulating the city manager from voters so we have less of a voice in that power structure

their professional experience running a city government who would serve as the chief executive officer and manage the daily operations.

Just as our school board appoints a superintendent to run the daily operations of the schools, so too would our city council appoint a city manager to run the daily operations of government. The city manager would be responsible for hiring department heads based on their professional experience rather than political influence. The city manager would be hired for an indefinite term and can be fired at any time with a simple majority vote of the city council if the manager fails to serve all people and businesses effectively and efficiently in accordance with the council’s policies. This high level of accountability and professionalism in the administration of government provides the assurance that our government will be more innovative and effective in addressing the growing needs of our community. Independent academic research on the benefits of council-manager government over mayor-council is overwhelming. Council-manager governments have been shown to have less bureaucratic ad-

will not help us. We need to keep the gov-

ernment accountable, and make sure it guards our rights. I believe that keeping our current form of government will enable us to guard our rights better than we could if we changed to the council-manager form. I will be voting NO on the city manager on May 9.

Sincerely, Elizabeth Nemati Citizen of Madison

ministrations than mayor-council cities. They are more likely than mayor-council governments to utilize sophisticated revenue forecasting and expenditure analysis techniques. They are more likely to prepare multi-year budgets. They are 57% less likely to have corruption convictions. They have better financial outcomes, increased bond ratings, and stronger budget solvency than mayor-council cities. Voting “yes” on May 9th for a council-manager form of government will increase the likelihood that our government will meet the demands of the residents of Madison.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to adopt the council-manager form of government comes down to whether we believe the people are best served by a government where a chief executive officer is accountable to the people on a daily basis or only to the voters on election day. Our current mayor and council have served us well. But we need to look forward to the future and make certain our form of government provides for a prosperous future under the growing complexity of our city.

James Ross Co-Chair Madison Forward

It ’s YOUR money, access it when you need it.

$0 ONE-TIME EARLY WITHDRAWAL PENALTY

City council Continued from page 3A

lations, Travis.”

Madison Mayor Paul Finley was absent from the meeting while representing the city at a nationwide meeting in Washington, D.C., but council president Renae Bartlett presented the mayor’s proclamation of ‘Women Owned Business Day’ on his behalf. The proclamation is in collaboration with Women’s Business Council and designates March 30, 2023 as ‘Women Owned Business Day’ “to celebrate growth in business ownership among women in the community”. According to the proclamation, “Alabama has an estimated 153,000 women owned firms, employing just over 111,000 people with combined sales of $19 billion; and City of Madison had 1,399 women owned firms as of 2012”.

President of the Women’s Business Council, Vicki Morris, stated, “On behalf of the Women’s Business Council with the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, we graciously accept this proclamation because women owned businesses are a part of the small business economy, and if you know anything about business, small businesses drive the local, regional, and national economy. So, if you know a woman owned business, especially in the city of Madison please give them your patronage.”

CITY MANAGER ISSUE AND THE MAY 9 SPECIAL ELECTION

Debates over the city manager proposal again occupied much of the public comments and prompted heated responses from council members. Co-chair of Madison Forward, the organization that submitted the petition to place the city manager proposal on the May 9 special election ballot, Jim Ross, spoke in an effort to disperse information about the city manager system.

“The number one objective for Madison Forward is to ensure that all Madison residents are education and informed about the ballot initiative and to provide as much accurate information as possible and allow them to make an informed decision and an informed vote. Information is available on the Madison city website as well as madisonforwardal.org,” Ross stated.

Former Mayor Sandi Kirkendall brought questions about the city manager system before the council at the previous meeting and came with additional questions on Monday on the function and designation of the city manager position and the change in role for the mayor should the system be implemented.

“The transition committee presentation on the city website stated that the mayor would retain CEO capacity. This does not square with 11-43A-16, which says, ‘The mayor will preside over the council and be recognized as head of the city government for ceremonial purposes but shall have no other administrative duties,’” Kirkendall stated. “Now, much of the transition committee information that is presented is opinion as in

Summer camps

‘city manager will provide continuity’. However, if the statement about CEO capacity being retained by the mayor is incorrect, as I believe it is, then the information should be removed from the city website or an appropriate disclaimer placed on it.”

He then reiterated an unanswered question from the previous council meeting regarding the content of the contract for a city manager, “The basic question is: will the city manager be offered a contract agreement, such as, appointment may be for an indefinite term, however, if the incumbent is removed in a period of less than three years, there will be some type of buy-out?”

Council president Bartlett responded to Kirkendall’s latter question by declining to explore details of a potential contract for a city manager.

“This city council can’t be placed in a situation where we’re negotiating against ourselves and putting out terms of a contract before the voters have even voted and before we have hired an executive. If you’ve ever engaged in negotiations for an executive contract, you negotiate terms and then, you put it to paper, and of course, as in any contract that is entered into, at the school board level or at the city council level, that would be made public when the time is appropriate, but we’re not going to put terms out there that we’re willing to negotiate and agree to this far in advance before we’ve even interviewed candidates,” she stated.

The council addressed the following additional items:

• Annual appropriation agreement with the Madison Animal Rescue Foundation for $15,000

• The disposition of personal property from the Parks & Recreation Department

• Payments to S&ME, Inc. for $10,223.80 for work on the Hughes Road Widening Project, to Barge Design Solutions, Inc. for $7,915.01 for services on Wall Triana and I-565 Intersection Improvements, to McGinnis Construction LLC/Miller & Miller Inc for $669,817.09 for construction of the flyovers, and to HydroCAD Software Solutions, LLC for $627 for annual software support services

• Acceptance of donation from Y. Deweese for $25 towards the Senior Center

• Requests from RZ creations, Inc., SRH Group, Inc., and Circle K Stores, Inc. for Off-Premise Beer & Wine Licenses for Madison IGA 1, Madison IGA 2, and the Madison Boulevard Circle K Store, respectively,

• Professional Services Agreements with S&ME, Inc. for topographical survey along Balch Road for $12,800, Sain Associates for legal description preparation and surveying services on the Browns Ferry box culvert replacement for $4,755, and TTL, Inc. to evaluate sidewalk installation along Mill Road from Bradford Creek Trailhead to County Line Road for $40,700

Continued from page 6A

is the official school of the Huntsville Ballet Company and provides the finest classical ballet training in Alabama. The school’s curriculum is targeted to develop strong, flexible, and versatile dancers that can adapt to a variety of dance forms.

Below are the offerings HBS is presenting this summer.

In Once Upon a Ballet Camp, 3-6 year olds will take a magical adventure through dance while exploring ballet tales including The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, The Nutcracker and more Each day of camp includes creative dance movement, artistic activities, and a snack.

The “Once Upon a Ballet Camp” runs June 20-22 and July 18-20.

HBS is also offering week long Intensives for all levels. “Beginner Intensive”

Job Club

17 MONTH CD

July 24-28, “Jr. Intermediate Intensive” and “Intermediate/Advanced Intensive” programs June 5-9 and July 24-28. Recurring weekly classes also available in their evening sessions. Evening Sessions begin June 12 and run through July. Jazz and Pointe classes are also offered. The “Open Program” is designed for teens and adults. HBS has something for everyone!

For a complete breakdown of summer camps and programs, go to huntsvilleballet.org/summer or call (256) 539-0961 for registration information and guidance with leveling and class selections. The Huntsville Ballet Company and Huntsville Ballet School are under the umbrella of Community Ballet Association, Inc., a non-profit member of the state and local Arts Councils.

Continued from page 7A

representatives from career placement and guidance organizations like North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence (NACEE), Alabama Career Center (ACC), and Calhoun Community College.

In addition to the weekly meetings, the club sends out a regular newsletter to its

members via email with job opportunities and updates, and they are planning to hold a job fair in the fall.

Those interested in volunteering with the job club and joining as a member can find more information online at sjwjobclub.org and via Linkedin.

Ainsworth Continued from page 5A

es, the amount of sales taxes you pay on them rises in proportion.

Take a moment to add up the total sales tax you pay on groceries each year, and you will find it equates to roughly one month’s worth of groceries.

Now contrast those statistics with the fact that revenues in the Education Trust Fund, which is where sales taxes are earmarked, have grown steadily for almost a decade.

Estimated total receipts for the ETF in the upcoming fiscal year amount to almost $11 billion alone. In addition, we began the year with a $3 billion carry forward, and we have billions of dollars in savings accounts.

Given those figures, claiming we cannot sustain the loss in revenues that would result from a grocery tax repeal defies simple arithmetic, violates basic common sense, and opposes the conservative beliefs and values that guide the vast major-

ity of Alabamians.

Over the past few weeks, I have met with various groups, including tax experts, legislative leaders, and even the grocers who collect the tax at the point of sale, and I am working with allies to begin the repeal of the grocery tax once and for all.

In my opinion, the grocery tax repeal must be fiscally responsible, include safeguards to ensure classroom education dollars are protected, and incorporate roadblocks to prevent cities and counties from nullifying the effort by raising local taxes on groceries.

By seizing the moment and stopping the politicians from making more excuses, Alabama can provide historic tax relief to today’s working families and the generations of working families that will follow. If we do not take action now when the stars are aligned in our favor, when will we ever take action?

Check out these

Trash Pandas

UAH drubs Delta State to complete series sweep

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

CLEVELAND, Miss. - The No. 5 University of Alabama in Huntsville softball team completed the three-game sweep at Delta State with a 19-4 win on Sunday in Gulf South Conference action. UAH improves to 28-5 (15-2 GSC), while DSU slides to 11-25 (5-13 GSC).

Jets dominate invitational

The Arabian Knights track program of Arab High hosted its annual Friday “Knight” Lights Invitational with 19 schools attending the track meet which featured James Clemens amongst the assortment of schools from across North Alabama. Page 4B

PLAY BALL! The third installment of the Rocket City Trash Pandas is set to get underway tomorrow. Opening Night for the 2023 season of Minor League Baseball in North Alabama is scheduled for Thursday, April 6 with the first pitch thrown at 6:35 p.m. inside Toyota Field. “We have three consecutive nights of fireworks planned to open the season,” said Garrett Fahrmann, general manger of the Trash Pandas. “We had the best home record in all Minor League Baseball last season with the combination of great energy and lots of great fans at every game. We’re really excited about picking up where we left off with this team from a season ago.” The 2022 version of the Trash Pandas had a spectacular year after winning the first and second half standings battle in the division and took the overall Southern League regular season title as well with an 81-57 record including 49-20 at Toyota Field. The Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels has already provided Minor League Baseball with enormous talents with several of the Trash Pandas players already making it to the Big Show with several more expected to make the jump to Major League Baseball. The 2023 roster for the Trash Pandas is expected to be filled with outstanding talent to be showcased at Toyota Field. For schedule and ticket information, go to www.thrashpandasbaseball.com. Pictured above: Over 6,500 fans packed Toyota Field, the home of the Trash Pandas, last Tuesday to watch the University of Alabama take on Middle Tennessee. It was the first time the Alabama baseball team has played at Toyota Field. They scored a win and gave fans a great night of college baseball.

Sparkman upends Patriots in rivalry matchup, both down Muscle Shoals

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON --- It was a Carter Wells pitch that ran up high and smacked Bob Jones batter Braden Booth in the shoulder with a loud thud.

Booth lifted his bat high over his head and closed his eyes before throwing it down in frustration.

It was one of those days for Booth and Bob Jones.

A day that Sparkman hung a dozen runs on the Patriots who

battled, but eventually fell 12-8 to their old rivals.

The Senators walked out on the field and made a statement from the beginning of this game.

A Nick Causey leadoff walk was followed by a 2-run homer to left field by Jacob Haley who sent his teammates into hysterics.

“I was expecting a little something soft to begin with,” Haley said.

“And he came soft early to miss with the fastball. So, I just came back for it and put a good

swing on it and did some damage.”

The damage came off of Booth who was starting the game on the mound for the Patriots, and it became apparent quickly that he was a little off.

“I didn’t have my best stuff out there today,” Booth said.

“I was just trying to figure out ways to get outs.”

Sparkman attacked Booth with two in the first and then four more in the second.

The normally effective pitcher

The Chargers powered their way to the rout of the Statesmen on Sunday with a season-high five home runs, as the squad also rallied for three or more runs in three innings.

UAH’s 19 runs, 19 hits, 19 RBI, and eight extra-base hits are also the most by the team in a single game this season.

Sadie Thompson drove in a team-high six RBI in a 3-for4 performance at the plate, as she hit a grand slam and a two-RBI single as part of a 10-run top of the seventh inning. Along with Thompson’s home run in the seventh, Kaylee Vaught notched a tworun blast and Sydney Harris smacked a solo homer in the 10-run rally.

Maddie Cartron and Laura Harbin hit back-to-back home runs to highlight the five-run rally in the second, with Harbin hitting a three-run shot and Catron notching a solo shot. Harbin and Cartron are now tied for the team lead with five round-trippers in 2023.

Overall on Sunday, UAH recorded 19 base hits led by Lawren Hayes with a 4-for-6 performance out of the leadoff spot with three runs, three doubles and two RBI.

A total of four Chargers had multi-hit performances, while six UAH players drove in two runs or more.

Grace O’Berry came out of the bullpen to toss 6.2 innings with two runs allowed, zero walks and two strikeouts to earn the win. She improves to 4-2 on the season.

UAH returned home for two midweek doubleheaders tyhis week, beginning with a topfive showdown against No. 1 North Georgia on Tuesday at 12 p.m. at Charger Park. They will travel to Memphis for a three game series starting with a doubleheader on Friday against Christian Brothers. They will wrap it up on Saturday.

Former Bob Jones standout Megan Shurtz was credited with the win for the Chargers’s 9-1win on Saturday.

Jets come out on top over Westbrook

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Nine games in nine days can really show what a team is made of and for James Clemens baseball this gauntlet of games left the Jets wore out, but still victorious.

James Clemens wrapped up a long stretch of games with a 4-3 defeat of Westbrook Christian on Thursday, March 30 at home.

It was a contest that Luke Davenport called the most challenging game he has pitched all season.

The Jets were plagued with a rash of errors that gave the Warriors life and a 3-0 lead through four innings.

The pivotal inning proved to be the top of the fifth as James Clemens was facing some real danger as the Warriors had loaded the bases with one out.

“Really we were just trying to work together to try to stay away from barrels,” Jets catcher Colten Payton said.

“Staying away from soft contact and just strike them out. Luke has overpowering stuff.”

Another adjustment that James Clemens made was the use of the curveball as the batters saw Davenport for the third time in the game.

“The slider really hadn’t been getting the swing and misses that I wanted,” Davenport said.

“So we decided to switch it up more and go majority 12-6 (curveball) and those last two batters I was able to generate a bunch of swing and misses and takes.”

Despite battling adversity all game long, Davenport and his catcher Payton dug deep in the fifth inning and got two massive strikeouts to end the inning and hold the score at 3-0 Westbrook.

Davenport ended up with nine strikeouts and one walk with five

hits over five innings.

The Jets bats had been mostly silent the whole game, but after Davenport escaped the fifth inning jam the James Clemens offense was suddenly jolted to life.

The rally started when shortstop Andrew Lawrence led off the bottom of the fifth with a double deep into left center that rolled all of the way to the wall.

Lawrence’s double was like a match that lit the team on fire.

“I just kind of made an adjustment in the box really was what it was,” Lawrence said.

“We were all out front. Just not making adjustments so we talked before that double right there. I just made an adjustment and stroked it right there.”

Suddenly Ramirez, Payton and Guyse had all walked and Satchel Wheeler knocked in another run with an RBI single.

Westbrook was wilting and James Clemens took full advantage to tie the game and eventually grabbed the lead 4-3.

Davenport was replaced on the mound in the top of the sixth inning by Lawrence of all people and the shortstop was ready for the moment.

“He is one of the most competitive people we’ve got,” James Clemens head coach Johnny Johnson said.

“And you can tell when he takes the mound. He is very competitive and wants the ball so we trust him when he gets there late in the game.”

Covered in sweat and taking deep breaths to calm himself, Lawrence knew what needed to be done.

“Just come in and close the door really,” Lawrence said.

“I needed to step in right there and pick up some guys because I knew they were struggling mental-

win

ly and physically in the field. I knew I had to come in and be the guy and shut it down.”

Lawrence struck out two in the sixth inning and fanned a third in the top of the seventh to record a 2-inning save.

More importantly, the Jets shortstop helped his team earn a grueling one-run victory in a game that appeared in jeopardy of becoming an embarrassing loss.

“I came out and gave my best,” Davenport said after the game with a look of relief on his face.

“We had some defensive lapses and mental errors in this game. We had trouble hitting. Despite all of that, we able to put together a few runs at the end of the game.”

Wednesday, March 29:

James Clemens 8, Springville 2

The Jets used the strong pitching of Satchel Wheeler and the sterling defense behind him to take down the Tigers 8-2 at home.

James Clemens third baseman Nate Guyse had a dominant day at the plate with two singles and an RBI double.

“Today, I really told myself to lower the effort level,” Guyse said.

“Just see the ball up and just do damage and that’s what I did all day.”

The lefty Wheeler gave the Jets six innings and allowed only a pair of runs and two hits in the game.

Another player who stood out for James Clemens was the defensive prowess of Jets’ second baseman Francisco Ramirez who had a busy day in the field.

Wheeler was pitching to contact and several of the ground balls were finding Ramirez.

The second baseman had six chances hit his way and he made the play each time vacuuming up the potential threat like he was bored

Jets wrapped up a long stretch of games by hosting Westbrook Christian on Thursday.

The Jets win over Westbrook Christian left the team worn out, but still victorious.

Bob Jones’ Jordan And Alivua Urrutia among best in the state

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The brother-sister tandem of Jordan and Alivia Urrutia is one of love and admiration of each other. “I haven’t seen anything like her,” said Jordan, while Alivia said, “I want to be like him.” The Bob Jones track athletes are easily setting the local high school track season on fire with each setting new standards and bringing home hardware from track meets from across the South.

Jordan, a junior, has had incredible races so far in the 2023 season including a 10.77-second sprint in the 100-meter which ranks him third in Alabama. His time in the 200m (21.86) is second best in the state and his 400m time (48.84) is ranked fifth among the elite runners in high schools across Alabama. He also has a superb time of 7.04 in the 60m indoor sprint and part of the Patriots’ 4x100m relay squad with a time of 42.9 as well as the 4x400m with a superb time of 3:23.3.

For Alivia, the now eighth grader at Discovery Middle School, was ranked the No. 1 seventh grade runner in Alabama in the 400m race in both indoor and outdoor track along with a No. 5 national ranking for the indoor season and a No. 3 ranking national wide for the outdoor track season a year ago. Now, a year older, the 5-foot-7, 124-pound sprinter is setting aglow the current outdoor season. Her 57.1-second time in the 400m ranks her fifth overall in Alabama and third among Class 7A athletes. Her best personal best times in her other events include 200m (25.2), 100m (12.5) and 60m (8.1).

“My starts in both the 100 and 200 need some improvements, but my long stride helps me catch up quickly,” said the 6-2, 165-pound Jordan, who also is a starting cornerback for the Patriots’ football team. “In the 400, I like to get out front and have others see nothing but my back.”

Besides being tremendous athletes, both are excellent students as Jordan has a 3.9 grade point average

UAH excels in conference win over Shorter

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

ROME, Ga. - The University of Alabama in Huntsville men’s lacrosse team won its first Peach Belt Conference contest of the 2023 campaign on the road at Shorter on Saturday afternoon by a 23-9 score. UAH improves to 8-4 (1-1 PBC) while the Hawks slide to 2-8 (0-2 PBC).

Four-goal outings for both Pete Fabrizio and Brody Phillips led the Chargers offense on the afternoon and Phillips added an assist for a roster-best five points for Huntsville’s Team.

Collin Galiniski, Ian

Arnt, Jacob Thomas, and Paul Johnson each scored twice in the contest and seven additional Chargers would also score to make it 13 different goal scorers on the day.

The 23 goals scored by the Chargers in the victory matches a team record that was set back in 2017 in a contest also against Shorter.

The Chargers featured three goalies on the day with Max Keller starting and logging 30 minutes of game action making seven saves in the contest.

The Chargers return home to host Montevallo at Charger Park this Saturday at 1 p.m.

and Alivia earns straight A marks in the classroom.

The children of Vanessa Walker and their stepdad Adriel Walker, who acts a volunteer coach for the Bob Jones track team, are more than tremendous student-athletes. Their also best friends.

“He’s a very special brother as he consoles me when things go wrong and having someone who understands how I feel is very special,” said Alivia of her brother. “He calms me down and talks me through everything I do, especially in track. He’s very much my inspiration.”

Jordan said he’s always attempting to assist his sister, but in return

Easter’s

she helps him in a different way.

“She pushes me to be better as I see her early success and that drives me to do my best,” said Jordan.

After moving here from Louisville, Ky., Jordan was in the seventh grade when a coach urged him to join the track team. The young lad wasn’t completely sure what he wanted to do in athletics as he played soccer for 10 years and also tried his hand in both basketball and baseball prior to this point in his life. He followed his coach’s suggestion and was soon at the starting block in his first track competition.

“I was in the 400m and finished second in the heat I was selected to run

See URRUTIA Page 4B

The siblings Jordan and Alivia Urrutia of Bob Jones line up on track events for the Patriots and are setting new heights among the state. Photo by Brad Jefferson, Bob Jones High

Jordan and Alivia Urrutia are not only brother and sister but are extremely good performers for the Bob Jones track team with setting statewide marks on the track.

The UAH men’s lacrosse team is now 8-4 for the season after last week’s win.

Tramani Osley, center, celebrates with her James Clemens teammates at the recent Friday Knight Lights Invitational where the senior was named Most Valuable Player for her outstanding performances.

Photo by Drew Bell, James Clemens High

Jets dominate “Friday Knight Invitational” track meet in Arab

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

ARAB - The Arabian Knights track program of Arab High hosted its annual Friday “Knight” Lights Invitational with 19 schools attending the track meet which featured James Clemens amongst the assortment of schools from across North Alabama.

The visiting Jets dominated the meet setting seven venue meet records, claiming 31 medals while the boys took home the first place championship trophy and the Lady Jets earning runner-up honors. Individual honors were also grabbed by James Clemens as Jets won both the boys and girls Most Valuable Player awards. In girls, senior team captain Tramani Osley scored 24.5 points by winning the long jump (16-11) and triple jump (35-5) and was seventh in the 100meter (13.82)

Jets Continued from page 2B

“Obviously, give our pitcher a chance,” Ramirez said.

“We have just got to stay behind him. He was pitching his butt off obviously. You know just getting your reads on the balls and doing what I do.”

Ramirez has an elegance to playing second base, gliding around the field with ease and purpose.

The Jets got the scoring going with three runs in the second inning that was powered by the bottom of the batting order.

James Clemens outfielders Brooks

Urrutia

was lifted after not recording an out in the second inning for Nate Mayfield.

Just like that, the Senators were firmly in control of the game 6-1. But Bob Jones wasn’t going out like that as the Patriots answered with a run in the bottom of the first and three more in the second inning to make the score 6-4.

Mayfield helped give Bob Jones some breathing room with back-to-back clean innings in the third and fourth.

Meanwhile the Patriots offense got to work with a rally in the bottom of the fourth inning that started with a one-out single by catcher Zach Johnson and a walk by Aidan Doyle.

Johnson and Doyle moved up with stolen bases against the Senator pitcher Wells.

Things got really interesting for Bob Jones when a pass ball and a bad throw allowed Johnson and Doyle to dart home for two runs that tied the game at 6-6.

some time announcing from the press box.

Through the mumble of a larger crowd, Bob Jones pitcher Ben Arn was dealing.

The Patriot lefty had the Trojan batters waving like their bats were on fire and they were trying to put them out.

The swings and misses came in bunches as Arn tossed six scoreless innings that included 11 strikeouts and two walks with just four hits.

“Mainly just fastball, changeup and slider,” Arn said.

“Working a lot backwards in the count. I obviously don’t throw as hard as Sam (Mitchell) or Braden (Booth), but I get it done differently.”

With Arn getting it done on the mound, the Patriot offense peppered the scoreboard with runs starting with a pair in the bottom of the second inning.

along with being among the relay team which won the 4x100m (49.18). In boys, Benjamin Thomason totaled 32.5 points for his MVP award.

Kulavich and Carson Loosier both went to work with clutch hitting.

First it was Kulavich with an RBI double that scored Guyse followed by Loosier’s 2-run single that sent Grant Gage and Kulavich all the way home for a 3-0 lead.

Wheeler was cruising until the top of the fourth inning when Springville was able to score a couple of runs starting with a leadoff single and a walk.

The Jets still had the lead at 3-2, but they needed retake control of the game.

“I just kind of had to come back

Continued from page 3B

in. I had terrible form and wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue running track,” said Jordan. “I wasn’t hooked on the sport, but it did jump-start my love of track.”

Alivia’s love for sports began with volleyball playing for both Discovery and the Rocket City Volleyball Club and its 13-U National Team. She also participated in dance, gymnastics and soccer, but none of those sports early on seem to hit home for her and she began to suffer health issues and

became inactive. Her parents jumped in to try and keep Alivia’s weight gain under control and introduced her to track where she is now a dynamo of talent.

“Jordan is always there at track meets somewhere in the infield at the start and finish lines encouraging me all the way,” said Alivia. “When he runs in a race, I usually record him on my phone, and he reviews the videos in a way of training to be better.”

For Alivia, she has natural talents that are rare,

He was first in the long jump (21-4), 110m hurdles (15.88) and 300m hurdles (40.49) and part of the 4x400m

and refocus,” Wheeler said. “I can’t be throwing as many balls. I can’t be walking as many guys. Make sure my communication is good with my catcher. And pretty much come back and stay focused on what the goal is and that is getting outs.”

Wheeler settled back in and he kept Springville quiet for two more innings before he was taken out for Gage.

James Clemens added five more insurance runs in the final two innings to close out the game on a high note.

but she also works extremely hard at training for her events. Not all her efforts have been successful. She added, “I’ve cried to him after not doing well and Jordan consoles me and tells me what I’m doing wrong and that helps as he doesn’t tell me excuses.”

Their individual bedrooms at their home are decorated with medals each have won at track meets. Jordan has 75-plus medals for his efforts in his room and said he’s most proud of the one he captured in the summer track regionals held in Knoxville, Tenn. where he set his personal best time in the 200m running for the Parker Track Club.

His play on the gridiron began in his freshman year for Jordan. His days as a football player became a huge question mark after his freshman season when he broke his left leg during a practice requiring him to undergo two surgeries. His recovery has been nothing

short of remarkable and he claims to be 100-percent recovered and most would agree with that assessment watching him race across the football field for the Patriots or hitting the track at record speeds. To complete high school and soon attend college to play football and or track are his main goals. He would love to venture into computer science during his education.

Alivia has of yet to think far off in the future about college or course of study.

“Alivia is once in a generation type talent and I’m very proud of her,” said Jordan.

“Jordan is really the person I look up to and he’s very much my inspiration,” added Alivia.

Their last name is of Mexican descent, and most have a difficult time pronouncing, but those fortunate enough to see the two student-athletes perform at their best, names are not important as extraordinary talent is what will be remembered.

It was almost storybook for the comeback-minded Patriots until Sparkman ripped their hearts out again in the top of the fifth as Brandon Wilbanks went yard with a 2-run jack to right that handed the Senators an 8-6 advantage.

Continued from page 1B out there.

“I kind of just swung and it went. It kind of just ran into my barrel,” Wilbanks said “The rest was history.”

Down the stretch, Bob Jones would score a run in the bottom of the fifth to creep closer, but Sparkman answered with three more for an 11-7 lead.

The same thing happened in the bottom of the sixth as the Patriots scored a run for a glimmer of hope only to have Sparkman slam the door with a run of its own in the top of the seventh.

By the time Bob Jones was facing its final three outs, Haley was in to pitch for the Senators, and he had vengeance on his mind.

The Sparkman dugout was booming with cheers as the right-hander hit 93 mph and struck out three straight Patriot batters to secure the victory.

“They put us out of the playoffs last year,” Haley said.

“I had Tommy John, so I wasn’t able to throw against them. So just being out there on the mound and being able to face them and close it out meant a lot to us.”

Game 1: Bob Jones 9, Muscle Shoals 4

The Patriots opened the Saturday, April 1 action with a dominant 9-4 defeat of Muscle Shoals.

The sun was out, and the wind was whipping as parents and young kids flooded the stands for Bob Jones’ Youth Day game.

This 10 a.m. game offered youngsters opportunities like meeting the Patriot players, serving as bat boys and even sharing

The Bob Jones five-, sixand seven-hole hitters: Reece Cato, Jacob Pearl and Aidan Doyle were lethal in this game.

Mitchell and Cato would get on base and Pearl and Doyle were there to knock them in.

“I think I’m swinging it pretty good,” Pearl said.

“I’ve just had a hard time trying to get it to fall right now. I think the wind has to do with it. I was just trying to go up there and grind and attack the ball as much as I can.”

Mitchell racked up three hits that included a 2-run triple in the sixth inning while Cato walked three times and collected a double in the fourth.

Despite not recording a hit in the game, Pearl ended up with three RBIs because of two productive outs and reaching on an error in the fifth.

Doyle was no slouch either with back-to-back innings that included an RBI double in the fourth followed by an RBI single in the fifth.

The wind was wreaking havoc defensively, but it helped out Braden Booth in the fifth inning when the Bob Jones third basemen turned on a pitch and crushed it over the fence in the right field.

The ball skipped over a van parked beyond the wall as the Patriots cheered for Booth who couldn’t help but smile.

Bob Jones added two more runs in the fourth, three in the fifth and two more in the bottom of the six to nearly run-rule Muscle Shoals at 9-0.

The Trojans jumped all over Bob Jones reliever Bryan Roop who came in the top of the seventh inning for four runs.

Gage Wilson eventually came in and put the game away for the Patriots.

Game 2: Sparkman 11, Muscle Shoals 0 (6 Innings)

The gap game wasn’t much of one as the Senators jumped all over the Trojans in a contest that was run-ruled in the sixth inning.

Sparkman starting pitcher Ryan Everly stole the show with his complete game two-hitter that included 10 strikeouts and just two walks.

“I was just worried about throwing strikes, that’s about it,” Everly said. “I was pretty confident going into the game.”

The Senators exploded with a 7-run third inning that essentially buried Muscle Shoals.

See TRACK Page 8B

The James Clemens 4x800 relay squad won their event in record style at the Friday Knight Lights Invitational in Arab. The winning squad featured John Luke Stovall, Luke Alverson, Cole Robinson and Dylan Dryer. Photo by Drew Bell, James Clemens High

Sparkman batters Jacob Haley (Left) celebrates hitting a home run with teammate Ryan Strachan during the game against Bob Jones

Liberty heading to Science Bowl national finals

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – After a victory in regional competition in Mobile on March 11, a team from Liberty Middle School will compete this spring in the National Finals for the 2023 National Science Bowl.

The Office of Science with the U.S. Department of Energy or DOE manages the National Science Bowl and sponsors finals competition.

“The National Science Bowl is an extraordinary competition that brings together young minds across America through science and technology,” Asmeret Asefaw Berhe said. Berhe is Director of DOE’s Office of Science. “I congratulate the Liberty Middle School team. Good luck to you — our future scientists, visionaries and leaders.”

National Science Bowl uses a fastpaced, question-and-answer format to solve technical problems and

answer questions on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth and space sciences, physics and math.

As winners in their qualifying regional competition, Liberty is eligible for National Finals in Washington D.C. from April 27 to May 1, all expenses paid. Students will pursue science activities, sightseeing and contests.

At nationals, the top two middle and high school teams will win $5,000 for their schools. Other schools in the top 16 will receive $1,000.

Dr Lori Shrode, who teaches science at Liberty, serves as the Science Bowl’s teacher coach. Suresh Avula is the parent coach.

Avula works as a Design Engineer at ADTRAN Inc., a Huntsville-based telecom company, which he thanked for allowing him to volunteer. “I would like to thank Dr. Shrode for restarting Science Bowl and Science Bee at Liberty and giving these

kids an opportunity to compete and achieve their dreams,” Avula said.

“Dr. Shrode’s passion is now to instill curiosity and love of science in the next generation. She’s a firm believer that engaging in real-world learning is the key to building knowledge and helping students grow as scientists,” Avula said.

“I believed in these kids’ abilities. They are doing great in science and math competitions for the last three years. Some kids also qualified for the National Science Olympiad in 2021 and are aiming to repeat it in 2023,” Avula said.

Since the first competition in 1991, approximately 335,000 students have faced off in the National Science Bowl Finals. Former competitors have acquired knowledge and, more importantly, collaborative skills and study habits that have led them to success in various fields.

For more information, visit energy.gov/science.

Science Challenge instills young students’ STEM respect

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – STEM is alive and well in the minds of Madison children.

Close to 100 students tested their aptitude for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at the Bob Jones Science Challenge on March 26. Bob Jones seniors Neha Chopade and Puja Chopade coordinated the event.

Contestants represented all elementary schools in the Madison City Schools district. The children participated in several fun, STEM-related events to accelerate their interest in physics, biology, chemistry and science arts.

Hosts were Bob Jones Science Academy and student volunteers from Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools.

The day started with a 45-minute, multiple-choice science test, followed by fun labs and activities:

• Stethoscope Lab — Listened to a heartbeat with a stethoscope/doppler. Taking blood pressure.

• Microscope Lab — Adjusted objective lenses with coarse and fine focus while viewing various specimens from the human body, pigs, mice, cats, frogs and carcinogenic human cells.

• HudsonAlpha Lab — Extracted strawberry DNA using 50 kits from HudsonAlpha Educational Outreach.

• Element Egg Hunt — Hunted for Easter eggs and identified the element corresponding to atomic number in the egg.

• Chemistry Cake Walk – Walked around an element circle until Pe-

riodic Table song stopped. Students landing on their element won a cupcake.

• CPR Lab – Learned CPR steps for unconscious victim (adult and infant).

• Miscellaneous – Included poster contests, cartoons and Science Bingo.

“The entire event was free for all participants and generously sponsored by i3 Cares, a community outreach and charitable organization of i3 Corps,” Puja Chopade said.

i3 Cares’ vision is to invest, inspire and integrate with the community by volunteering, education and community development, while improving quality of life. Jamie King is i3 Cares President.

i3 Cares volunteers “were awestruck that fourth-graders could correctly answer questions on ribosome function, along with converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit correctly,” Neha Chopade said.

Kathryn Teare, Bob Jones Faculty Sponsor, helped with logistics throughout the event. “She was very generous to offer her microscopes and stethoscopes for use in the labs,” Neha Chopade said.

The Bob Jones Science Challenge attracted almost 100 students who attend elementary schools in the Madison City Schools district. Bob Jones Seniors Neha Chopade and Puja Chopade coordinated the event.

Top-placing students in grades 3-5 won plushies, trophies, T-shirts, medals, certificates and candy. The top 15 students in grades 3-4 were invited into the Science Academy program for 2023-2024 school year,” Puja Chopade said.

Neha and Puja Chopade thanked i3 Cares team for their generous sponsorship, along with their “happy and motivated” volunteer support.

At the awards, Chris Lindsey of i3 Cares inspired the student audience. “You need to fail to learn. If you’re awesome at everything, great! But you aren’t learning if you don’t fail,” Lindsey said. “We need to foster this next generation of STEM/STEAM lovers.

Lindsey acknowledged parents’ roles in nurturing an interest in science while their children are young.

“Parents were thankful for the opportunity to have their students experience such a trailblazing and free science event right here in Madison,” a volunteer said. “The challenge . . . all organized and conducted by high school students passionate about extending their love for science to younger students in the community.”

The Liberty Middle School Latin students earned several awards in February.

Liberty Middle School earns multiple awards at the Alabama Junior Classical League Convention

Special to The Record

MADISON - Liberty

Middle School made its first in–person appearance at the Alabama Junior Classical League’s Latin Convention held at Camp McDowell on February 23 -24. The Alabama Classical Association, an organization of teachers of Classics at all levels, along with state officers of AJCL, arranged this much awaited annual event.

Latin students from fourteen schools across the state came together for two days of academic and athletic competition. Latin Convention affords students the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of classical subjects including mythology, culture, geography, Latin mottos and abbreviations, grammar, vocabulary, and Latin reading comprehension.

“When students have the chance to demonstrate what they know outside of the classroom, they become more invested in their own learning and they develop a deeper sense of accomplishment,” teacher/sponsor and Vice-President of the Alabama Classical Association Jennifer Joy said.

Of special note was 8th-grader Chandana Suru’s 3rd place finish during the Mythology Bee. Serving as gladiatrix for Liberty Middle School, Suru fought valiantly against the legions of high schoolers who were vying for the title of Mythology Bee State Champion. She defeated every high schooler there with the exception of two students from Trinity Christian.

Her performance caught the attention of Dr. Doug-

lass Clapp, Associate Professor in the Department of Classics and Philosophy at Samford University.

About AJCL

Alabama Junior Classical League (AJCL) is a state organization promoting appreciation and enthusiasm for studying Latin and the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. The parent organization is the National Junior Classical League which is currently the largest classical organization in the world with over 50,000 members in approximately 1,200 chapters.

The study of Classics is at the core of the humanities, and Mrs. Joy has spent the greater part of twenty years encouraging students to dig deeper into the stories that the Romans continue to tell us 2,000 years later. She feels extremely fortunate to teach in a district that offers a Latin curriculum at each of its middle and high-school campuses.

Level I Awards

• Chandana Suru, 2nd Place History, 2nd Place Roman Mythology, and 3rd Place Mythology Bee

• Phillip Hester, 3rd Place Roman Geography

Introductory Level Awards

• Daniel Tkach, 2nd Place Mythology

• Eleri Sanders, 2nd Place Pentathlon (vocabulary, reading comprehension, history, mythology, and culture)

• Marcy Walliser, 2nd Place Latin Reading Comprehension

Athletic Olympiad Awards

• Tom Mackey and Daniel Tkach, 2nd Place Orpheus Obstacle Course.

These teams from Liberty Middle School achieved high ranks in regional competition of the 2023 National Science Bowl. Dr. Lori Shrode, at left, serves as the teams’ teacher coach, and Suresh Avula, far right, is the parent coach.

Hoppy Easter!

Easter is a holiday that is celebrated by many families all over the World. This year Easter falls on Sunday, April 9. In 325 A.D., the Council of Nicaea declared that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon that followed the Spring Equinox (the first day of Spring). This means that Easter can occur on any Sunday between the first day of Spring (which usually falls on March 21 except during a leap year when it falls on March 20) and April 25. That is why Easter sometimes comes earlier in some years than others. It is believed that the term Easter which we use today is derived from the Old High German word eostarum which, in turn, was derived from Latin and means “dawn.” Easter is the most popular of all the Spring holidays because it represents the new life and warm weather that are so often associated with it. Many people dress up in their finest clothes and go to Church on Easter Sunday, while many others have picnics and participate in community events like Easter egg hunts.

Children love Easter for the fun that it brings. Kids are visited by the Easter Bunny who brings a basket of goodies each year. Eggs are dyed to look bright and colorful. Adults hide plastic eggs filled with goodies to see who can find the most.

All About Easter Word Find Game

Find the words hidden in the puzzle below. All of the letters in the puzzle will be used. The words can move in any direction.

How To Draw A Bunny

Mini Easter Memorization Game

Cut out each of the kids and glue each to a solid piece of construction paper. Allow to dry and then cut out each individual tile. Place the 12 squares face down on the table. Each player gets a turn flipping over 2 cards. If you find a match, you keep it. Person with the most pairs, wins.

Fear of the dentist

By DAWN REED

Resurrection Sunday!

By BECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 “King

James Version (KJV)

More people go to church on Easter and Christmas than other Sundays primarily as some feel it is their ‘religious duty’ or want family time followed by brunch.

Whatever the reason The Holy Spirit is working.

Today’s verse indicates that God’s word does not return empty or void and if you are in a service that is anointed you are hearing God’s infallible word

there those occasional visitors to churches also hear it.

My prayer is you are in church today and that it is meaningful, and spirit filled. I pray you are excited that Jesus came back to set us free. I pray for those you may know with hard cold hearts to have a breakthrough and get hungry for the Word.

Blessings this Resurrection Sunday.

PRAYER: Easter is a time I always look forward to not because of fancy new clothes, candy, and egg hunts but because Jesus is the reason for this season. Open hearts of many today who need a revival in their life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Lemonade Stand is written by former Madison resident Becky Miller. Her daily devotions appear on Facebook or at godslemonadestand.blogspot. com.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Fear is a Goliath we all face on a daily basis.

Life is full of hard things. Just today, you will face uncertain, unknown situations. You have the choice of trusting God in scary circumstances. Being afraid is ok. A while back I heard when you are scared and your heart is racing, that means you are getting ready to do something very brave. I like that. Plus, it’s true.

I work for a pediatric dentist. Every evening, when I head home after work, I evaluate the day. I review the patients and procedures in my head and thank the Lord for what He helped us do.

Today, as usual, I went down the list in my head remembering the girls, boys, fillings, and teeth that were wiggled out. And as usual, I thanked the Lord. He’d worked overtime. We got good stuff done, but my heart was heavy. Most everyone is scared or even terrified of having to have their

The Tribute Quartet will be singing at Berea Baptist Church in Athens, AL on Sunday evening Apr 16 at 6PM. Admission is free. A love offering will be received. Berea Baptist is located at 16779 Lucas Ferry Rd, Athens, AL 35611. For more information, call Gary Wilson at 256-497-9763.

teeth worked on. That was especially true this day. It took extra time to say calming, encouraging, and persuasive words to get going and get through. My heart was heavy because I wish I could take the fear away. For one girl, a boy in her class had told terrible stories about what we would do. A 4th grader who has never been to dental school doesn’t really know the full process, so he was just trying to scare her. And he did. So many words, and prayers-silent and spoken-finally persuaded her to give the laughing gas a try. PtL! As worried as she had been, she was able to power through it all and get the work done. Afterward, she agreed that he hadn’t known what he was talking about and it wasn’t that bad. (I told her I just might swing by her school to see that feller. Wouldn’t he be surprised!) Ultimately, she faced her fear and came out victorious on the other side.

We all have a Kryptonite. Going to the dentist ranks pretty high. You know how it is with dental work. We focus on the discomfort, the pain-even if it is slight-and it

makes us sick with worry. The fear grows in our heads until it spreads to our bellies. We are great at making a mountain out of a molehill in our minds. Parents and grandparents are often quick to say: “I hate the dentist.” They don’t really. The dentist is a community helper. He doesn’t CAUSE cavities, he FIXES them.

I found myself on the drive home wishing people were as afraid of going to hell as they are of going to the dentist. Hell will be many terrible things, but especially separation from God. Men and women of all ages talk openly that they live in fear of having work done on their teeth. But are they even a little fearful of spending eternity in a horrifying place?

There are things we can do to keep from having dental problems: brushing two times a day, flossing, not eating too much sugary foods or drinking too many sugary drinks. There is only one thing to avoid going to hell: accepting the gift of God’s One and Only Son (John 3:16). Dentist. Go there when needed. Hell. Don’t EVER, EVER go there.

Lauren Daigle will be at The Orion April 14. For information, go to theorionhuntsville.com

Boat Learning Double HitterKnots and Weather

The America’s Boating Club would like to invite the public to a boating lunch and learn class from 10 until 3 on Saturday, April 15, at the Lake Guntersville Yacht Club.

The cost is $10 to cover the cost of lunch, drinks and snacks. Please call or email Chuck Wills to reserve your spot at 256 506 7773 or willscharles@ gmail.com.

Knots and Line Handling:

The Knots You

Need to Know

10 a.m. - noon

Do you know which knots to use in every situation? Learn to securely attach your boat and other useful applications. Learn how to secure your boat to docks, piers, and other boats; handle rescue and repair situations; manage running rigging; anchor securely; and tow other vessels or people. This seminar has been designed to help you to know which lines and knots to use in each situation. You’ll gain knowledge and hands-on experience selecting the appropriate line and tying the 10 most useful knots, bends, and hitches; and you’ll learn how to care for the lines on your boat and on the dock.

Basic Weather and Forecasting

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The safety and comfort of those who venture outon-the-water have always been weather dependent. This seminar is a must for boaters who have never taken a weather course.

The complex subject of weather is presented in a way that is both understandable and useful to help boaters be safer on the water.

Egg hunts

Continued from page 7A

HISTORY with John Rankin

Boeing Company connections to Madison

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

MADISON - There are today many Madison residents with connections of the past or present to the Boeing Company. Some are current employees, and others are former employees, mostly involved with the NASA space projects and local Army systems. A few of us, including the author, have also worked in the aircraft production factories of Seattle. However, the author’s time in Seattle was only from 19651968, before coming to this area temporarily, as a Boeing employee living in Houston to work on all of the Apollo missions. My career here included 1970-2 work on Skylab, and in 198696 on Space Station. Likewise, Boeing kept me in Houston (1973-83) for the Space Shuttle, but in1983-86 my work was at NASA’s Ames Research Center, still as a Boeing employee. This Boeing career spanned 31 years. The recent retirement of the production line of the 747 after 50 years of fulfilling orders from the various airlines has brought to mind memories of working in Seattle on that airplane design and also on the production of 727’s and 737’s. The retirement of the 747 production line also brought back memories of some other little-known connections of this area to Boeing’s phenominal success in aircraft production.

From the author’s personal experience as a Boeing employee from 1965 until 1996, it was a pleasure to discover many years ago that Bill Boeing, who founded the company, had been influenced by an early aircraft experimenter and developer of Madison County. According to the book “VISION: The Story of Boeing” by Harold Mansfield, published in 1966 for the 50th anniversary of the Boeing Company, Seattle timberman and boatbuilder William Boeing unsuccessfully tried several times in 1910 to get a ride in a biplane on exhibition flights in Los Angeles. He returned to Seattle, where on July 4, 1914, Bill Boeing and his friend Navy Lieutenant Conrad Westervelt finally got several rides over Puget Sound with pioneer aircraft builder and pilot Terah Maroney. Afterward, Bill told Conrad that he thought they could build a better flying machine. Thus, the Boeing Aircraft Company was started, becoming incorporated on July 15, 1916, as the B&W Seaplane Company.

Terah Maroney was born in Tennessee in 1880. In 1900 he and his wife and mother were living in Huntsville beside the family of Wil-

liam LaFayette Quick, whose wife Lucy Anne was Terah’s sister. Both men were listed in the census record as cotton mill mechanics. However, their interests were not limited to the cotton industry. William Quick and Terah Maroney collaborated to build the first operable bat-winged monoplane with tricycle landing gear in America on the Quick farm near New Market, where the family had a gristmill, blacksmith shop, cabinet shop, sawmill, and a cotton gin. Quick’s son William Massey Quick first flew the aircraft on April 7, 1908, just over four years after the Wright brothers’ initial powered flight. The Quick airplane was in recent years kept on display in the Jetplex lobby and in the Space and Rocket Center as a memorial to Madison County’s first aviation pioneer. Terah Mahoney, Will Quick’s brother-inlaw, meanwhile constructed his own bi-wing seaplane in Great Falls, Montana, by 1911. He based its features upon what he and Will had built in Madison County, and by 1914 he was doing exhibitions of its utility, including flights offered to the public from Lake Washington in Seattle. That was when and where Bill Boeing and his friend Conrad Westervelt finally took to the air for their first ever flights over Puget Sound.

William Quick and his wife Lucy Anne had seven sons and three girls. Their son Joe Quick worked 44 years for Madison County, including 1936-1960 as County Commissioner of District One, covering Hazel Green, Meridianville, Plevna, and New Market. Joe became a pilot, with flying as one of his great loves in life. As such, he was a passionate backer of the Huntsville-Madison County Airport. Evelyn Quick Clark wrote the story of William LaFayette Quick and his airplane in the book “Heritage of Madison County, Alabama” (1998). She noted that some of the sons were early barnstorming pilots, some were early crop dusters, one was a test pilot, and the youngest daughter became the first female pilot to solo in Alabama. Even Lucy Anne herself learned to fly. Three of the seven sons had numerous patents in connection with aviation.

The Quick family connections extended through the years even to the town of Madison. The marriage license records of Madison County show that in 1933 Lorraine V. Quick was licensed to marry Loice W. Wicks. In recent years, Ron Wicks and his wife, before moving to Jones Valley, lived on Sturdivant Street in Madison, where their house was adorned with framed sketches of the Quick Airplane and of the shop where the initial airplane was constructed.

Bill Boeing probably never knew that Terah Maroney had roots and connections in Alabama’s Madison

Track Continued from page 4B

County when they flew together over Puget Sound and Seattle. Likewise, he may not have realized in 1916 that the company that he founded would someday have major operations back in Terah and William Quick’s area of residence. However, there are some (including myself) who built airplanes in Boeing’s Seattle-area facilities and who now live here that are thankful for the ties that brought them to this place in the circle of history. Of course, since the 1960s Boeing has had a continuous presence in Madison and Morgan Counties of northern Alabama as a major element in space and defense industries. While the Boeing name has a strong legacy in the national and international aerospace domain, the Madison County aviation pioneers of the Quick family and its descendants should not be overlooked. Just as the Quick family history grew in widespread associations with airplanes, Boeing has grown far and wide with the times.

In this respect, the world-wide fame of the Boeing Company is even today strongly linked to Madison and north Alabama. Boeing in the World War II timeframe became recognized for its B-17 and B-29 bomber production and durability in warfare. That reputation was followed with the B-52 and now the B-1B and the B-2. The company also has built the last few generations of the U. S. Presidential aircraft as adjuncts to it commercial airliners. It has been involved in business jets, high-speed commercial and military jet boats that “fly” just above the surface of water as transports of people and goods. The company likewise has produced helicopters, such as the Chinook, the largest and most powerful of such craft for commercial and military use. Other notable military products include a variety of missiles and weapon systems, as well as integration of such things when components are produced by other corporations. In fact, Boeing before the national 1934 Anti-trust legislation owned as subsidiaries such various large corporations such as United Airlines, Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, Avion (which became Northrup), Stearman, Chance-Vaught (which became Ling-Temco-Vaught), and others who have continued under various names through the years. Boeing even bought up the production businesses of McDonnell Aircraft and the space business of North American Rockwell. Even the latest fighter jets, such as the F-22 have been part of Boeing’s business, along with others too numerous to mention and most of which have been lost from my memory by advancing age. Additionally, there has been an enormous amount of commercial industrial business performed by the company in many areas – even in my own experience with more than a few hundred projects during my 31 years with the company. Through this and the products of other companies and engineering contracts, Madison and Madison County have had direct connection into the vast variety of world-wide products and projects produced by the local population during their careers.

relay team which finished second (3:27.29).

In all, James Clemens took home an astounding amount of hardware with 31 medals including 16 gold, nine silver and six bronze medals. The victory was the boys fourth first place trophy of the young season while the girls now have two runner-up finishes and two meet championships for the 2023 outdoor track season.

VON BRAUN CENTER PROPST ARENA

The venue meet records for James Clemens included: Crishawn Willingham who won the gold in the 400m (49.07) while being listed No. 12 in the nation among sophomores; the boys 4x800m with a first place finish (8:02.96) which is the best in Alabama among all classifications and No. 25 in the U.S. The relay squad consisted of John Luke Stovall, Luke Alverson, Cole Robinson and Dylan Dryer; Jaylan Drake was tops in the shot put (52-03) with a toss that broke the previous record by over three feet; Zaria Parker with a gold performance in both the 100m (12.79) and the 200m (26.29); the girls 4x100m relay earned gold (49.79). The squad included Alexa Moore, Ayana Lee, Tramani Osley and Zaria Parker.

The list of the medal winners for James

Clemens included:

1st GOLD MEDAL-

139-

Pole Vault 12-06 Austin Abney, Discus

07 Micah Douglas, Shot Put 52-3 Jaylen Drake, Long Jump 16-11 and Triple Jump

35-5 Tramani Osley, 3200m 9:47.38 Cole Robinson, Long Jump 21-4 Ben Thomason, High Jump 5-2 Reese Yarbrough, 4X100m GIRLS 49.79 (Alexa Moore; Ayana Lee; Tramani Osley; Zaria Parker), 4X800m Boys 8:02.96 (John Luke Stovall; Luke Alverson; Cole Robinson; Dylan Dryer).

2nd SILVER MEDAL- 1600m Luke Alverson 4:18.89 SCHOOL RECORD, High Jump 6-0 Lucas Downing, Pole Vault 11-6 Brandon Fisher, Shot Put 33-8 Jazmin Grigsby, Discus 80-6 Alayna Langston, 400m 1:00.77 Alexa Moore, Triple Jump 40-5 Jonny Ross, GIRLS 4X400m 4:13.91 (Alexa Moore; Emma Bothern; Kayla Willett; Ayana Lee), BOYS 4X400m 3:27.29 (Crishawn Willingham; Ben Thomason; Ezion Rolingson; Dylan Dryer).

3rd BRONZE MEDAL- Shot Put 31-3

Kassidy Anderson, Long Jump 19-10 Dylan Horton, 110m Hurdles 16.96 and 300m Hurdles 41.50 Ezion Rolingson, High Jump 6-0 Keenan Walker, 200m 23.22 Crishawn Willingham.

Quick airplane at Huntsville Airport with a Boeing pilot at the controls.