The Madison Record - July 27, 2022

READY FOR CLASS: Check out our 2022 Back-to-School Special Section inside this issue!

M adison RECORD WEDNESDAY July 27, 2022

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Back to School

NEWS

Construction will continue at some school campuses as classes start

COVID-19 cases are increasing in Alabama, and North Alabama is experiencing a dramatic rise in patients. Page 3A

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

BUSINESS

Tea anyone?

The Madison Chamber of Commerce held their first ever Women in Business Tea last Tuesday. Check out what this new event is all about on Page 5A

LIVING

Madison’s Elizabeth Neal shares a precious moment with her two children, Owen, 4, and Hazel, 2, as she takes a break from her daily venture of hosting The Madison Mom on Instagram, Facebook and on a new website. Neal also works as the Library Media Specialist at Midtown Elementary. Photo by Beloved Imagery-Ashton Willis

The Madison Mom Staying at home during pandemic leads local mother to launch new adventure

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

Huntsville Ballet

Huntsville Ballet announced they will open the 2022-2023 season with the much anticipated HBC Unplugged, The Nutcracker, HBC Off-Stage and Cinderella. Page 6A

SPORTS

Home Run Derby A possible once-in-a-lifetime experience engraved a place in the memory banks of Madison’s Cole Spanier. Page 7A

CLASSIFIEDS

FIND JOBS INSIDE: There are plenty of jobs within today’s classifieds pages.

See page 4A.

INSIDE Say Cheese! ..... 3B Schools ............ 4B Kids .................. 5B Church.............. 6B

16 pages • 2 sections

MADISON - As with most mothers, Elizabeth Neal has a deep yearning to constantly live experiences with her two children and husband and loves to collect those experiences into everlasting memories. Tracking her children’s every move through pictures and videos has been her passionate hobby since her son, Owen, was born four years ago. Add her youngest child, Hazel, 2, to the mix along with her husband, Todd, and you have the making of The Madison Mom. The 31-year old Neal began “The Madison Mom” on Instagram and Facebook earlier in the spring of 2022 and has now added a website of www. themadisonmom.com to the venture she said came about after COVID as she mostly stayed home with her children and did not see anyone. She added, “I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to keep Owen busy.

When the world finally opened up, I wanted to get out and do things and share with others how they can make a great day with their children.”

Hazel was born during the initial part of the COVID 19 epidemic in 2020 and since that time Neal has had a whirlwind ride of providing rich experiences for her children and documenting those experiences for her children’s future. Madison and the surrounding areas have an abundant, rich opportunities with an array of things to do. For Neal, those experiences range from strawberry picking, farmers markets, tu-

lip fields, trampoline parks, baseball games, festivals or just a simple trip to the local grocery store. Neal shares these experiences on the three social media outlets.

“I read the book The Power Of Fun: How To Feel Alive Again and that changed my life as it inspired me to try new things and more experiences,” said Neal. “I have taken what I learned and incorporated into what I’m doing with The Madison Mom. Todd is very supportive of my venture and we literally share our experiences with everyone else. I plot out an entire month and publish those events through a calendar of events.”

The calendar is provided as a digital or printable calendar option. That way every mom knows what’s going on each day in the area. Neal’s currently even posting a “Peek at the Parks” series where one park is highlighted each week and those viewing the posts can see how each park is laid out and how others can enjoy a park near where they live.

An additional resource Neal recently created was a “Vacation Bible School Round Up.” She researched each church in Madison and compiled each vacation bible school into a clickable calendar for families to visiting the church site and register their children. Each Friday, she rounds up a list of her personal top picks for fun and new events into one post for easy access.

Neal said she never explored many of the places she finally experienced and having Madison Mom is a hobSee MADISON MOM Page 2A

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MADISON – New shoes, new classes and maybe a new attitude. Students and faculties in Madison City Schools will notice changes as they enter the 20222023 school year.

Students will report for the first day of classes on Aug. 3. Teachers will get an earlier start with professional development and teacher workdays on Aug. 1-2.

“Many facilities are undergoing major improvements for the 2022-2023 year. The most noticeable is a big parking lot resurfacing at Bob Jones High School, where workers are also installing high-efficiency lighting, replacing decayed trees in the tree islands and adding irrigation to better sustain those trees,” MCS Public Relations Manager John Peck said.

Workers plan to complete paving in Bob Jones’ parking lot before school starts. For information

about parking passes at Bob Jones, visit madisoncity.k12.al.us/Page/6020.

Also on campus at Bob Jones, a new electronic sign board will be installed along Hughes Road. Workers will add more lighting around campus.

At Heritage Elementary, students and teachers will find resurfacing for parking areas and access roads.

“HVAC system renovations are occurring or planned for Rainbow and Columbia elementary schools this school year, as well as in the older part of Liberty Middle,” Peck said. “Press box renovations are scheduled for Discovery Middle.”

Madison City Schools Stadium also is seeing improvements, led by all new LED stadium lighting and major renovations to restrooms.

Plans are in place to relocate the portable welding lab from the former campus for West Madison Elementary School to Discovery Middle School.

See SCHOOLS Page 2A

Series of workshops and meetings this week to focus on city’s vision

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – A series of workshops and meetings are being held this week in connection with the Madison on Track 2045 initiative.

Madison on Track 2045 involves community-based planning to shape Madison’s future by updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan. As a comprehensive plan, Madison on Track 2045 will be a policy document for use by city leaders, developers, business owners and citizens to make decisions about future growth, development, policy, and capital improvements.

A week of intensive community planning kicked off Tuesday with more being held today through Saturday. Residents can attend a community workshops, stop in at an open

house or visit at the downtown farmers’ market to share ideas, reflect on input and provide feedback on plan direction.

A Community Vision Workshop is planned for today at Insanity Skate Park, 100 Skate Park Drive in Madison, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. The interactive discussion will include a series of exercises to help the community begin to envision ways that Madison will evolve, based on existing conditions, growth trends and future projections. All ages welcome.

A Shared Progress Open House will meet in Council Chambers at City Hall, 100 Hughes Road on July 28, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Residents can stop by and visit with project team members for Madison on Track 2045 and “see what progress has been made See ON TRACK Page 2A

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2A • THE MADISON RECORD

July 27, 2022

LOCAL NEWS

Quote of the Week

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Schools

Photo of the Week

Continued from page 1A

That move will free up the West Madison property to undergo major renovations to house new classrooms for pre-kindergarten, possibly during the next school year.

Journey Middle School on Celtic Drive covers 170,000 square feet and will serve 1,200 students as Madison’s third middle school. Officials delayed Journey’s opening until fall 2023; the yearlong delay resulted when contractors ran into supply chain issues with building materials.

Work is progressing on the Special Education

On Track Twickenham, a subsaharan tortoise,is the North Alabama Zoological Society’s ambassador animal. He was present at the Society’s event recently when NALZS received a $17,000 donation (see story on page 3A). He made multiple attempts to escape, like the one pictured here, but was commandeered and returned to his home. Twickenham often makes appearances at NALZS library readings and other events. Photo by Kassidy Wilkins

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Continued from page 1A

during planning week in Madison.” (madisonontrack2045.com) A Downtown Madison Farmers’ Market pop-up event will be held in the Garner Alley between Main and Martin streets on July 29, 3 to 6 p.m. Vis-

Hot and stormy this week

By STEVE NORRIS

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MADISON - There are a lot of things you are not going to like about this week’s weather. High temperatures will be into the 90s through the week, and the heat index will hit 100 degrees. Heavy thunderstorms are going to be scattered around every day and a few could become severe.

Storms this week will contain very heavy downpours as well as straightline wind that could blow trees down and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning

strikes. I see showers and storms being likely every day through next weekend.

Did you know that to see a rainbow? Simply stand with your back to the sun when it is shining with rain in the area, and the rainbow will be directly in front of you. We are likely to see several this week with it being partly sunny and numerous showers.

The rainbow is mentioned in the Bible, Genesis 9:13.

You can reach me anytime if you need weather information or questions, weather1@charter.net.

Madison Mom by and is very rewarding.

The items on Instagram she handles herself and her friend and fellow teacher, Jessica Cantrell, who works at the Central Office of Madison County Schools, helps by bouncing ideas off one another and sharing experiences each have with their families.

Neal’s mother, Pat Posey, who died 10-years ago, is a sentimental force behind what she does as Neal indicated she has very few photos of or with her mother. “She is the main reason I long for collecting memories,” said Neal.

“I’ve always taken pictures and videos of my kids as this is nothing new for me,” stated Neal who will celebrate her sixth wedding anniversary with Todd in August. “The sharing is new for me as I

The moment everything changes.

Catch your breath. You’re going to do great, and we’re here to help.

The moment is here.

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

You are ready. And so are we.

Wing at Bob Jones. School leaders anticipate its opening later in the 2022-2023 school year.

“Madison City Schools ended the school year with approximately 12,300 students. If recent enrollment trends continue, the student count could grow a couple hundred students this school year,” Peck said.

Do you have the backto-school blues thinking about returning to the school-day routine? Not to worry, the long weekend for Labor Day will include a day off from school on Sept. 5.

from page 1A

think it’s very important for moms to get out with their kids and embrace the chaos of having children.

For me personally, having children sparked the idea of attending church more regularly with my kids.”

“I grew up in Madison, attended elementary, middle and high schools here and I have seen how fast our community has grown and continues to grow,” said Neal. “With the influx of people coming to our area I love being able to show newcomers how to ‘live like a local’ and enjoy what we have.”Contacts for the outlets are as follows: Instagram (@themadisonmoms); Facebook (The Madison Mom); Website: www.themadisonmom.com.

Neal also writes a weekly column for The Madison Record titled The Madison Mom.

it the farmers’ market to talk to project team members with Madison on Track 2045. See the progress made during planning week.

For more information, visit madisonontrack2045. com.

M adison RECORD THE

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July 27, 2022

THE MADISON RECORD • 3A

COVID-19 cases more than double throughout state

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON COUNTY – COVID-19 cases are increasing in Alabama, and North Alabama is experiencing a dramatic rise in patients.

During the past month, COVID-19 cases in Alabama hospitals have more than doubled. However, hospital officials say are dealing with fewer severe cases, compared to the start of 2022.

“But if you compare the rate of increase in hospitalizations now with what we saw with Omicron in January or with Delta, last fall, our rate of increase is dramatically slower,” Don Williamson said. Williamson is President of Alabama Hospital Association. (July 16, Kayla Smith, whnt.com) “Where the difference is really demonstrable is in people who have been boosted. Only 16 percent of people who are in the hospital have been boosted,” Williamson said.

Overall, booster recipi-

ents do not need hospital admission.

“While vaccines and prior disease do not guarantee that you won’t get infected, they still do a remarkable job of keeping you out of the hospital and keeping you from dying,” Williamson said.

Doctors now have medicines to treat COVID-19.

Drugs like Paxlovid, which is about 90 percent effective, are helping patients.

“Monoclonal antibodies didn’t exist two years ago. We’ve learned more about...how to turn patients and keep their lungs working as optimally as possible,” Huntsville Hospital President Tracy Doughty said. “We’ve learned more about ventilator settings and how to optimize those.” (July 15, Brian Lawson, whnt.com) On July 21, Huntsville Hospital and Women and Children’s Hospital had 59 in-patients positive for COVID-19, doubling the number from mid-June.

One COVID-19 patient is See COVID Page 8B

Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise, but most patients are experiencing less severe consequences than in 2021.

The North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS) received $17,000 from Collins Aerospace to fund the society’s education programs. The check for the donation was presented during the final NALZS summer camp of the season. Photos by Kassidy Wilkins

North Alabama Zoological Society receives $17,000 to fund education programs in area

By KASSIDY WILKINS kassidy@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – The North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS) received $17,000 from Collins Aerospace to fund the society’s education programs. The check for the donation was presented during the final NALZS summer camp of the season recently.

A large portion of the donation will be used to fund NALZS’ currently operated education programs. A smaller portion will be used to sustain NALZS as a nonprofit. None of this donation will be put toward the purchase of the zoo campuses.

NALZS put $3,000 of the funds toward the purchase of LCD microscopes for use in their educational programs in an effort to be more conducive to children with spectrum disorders and other physical disabilities. Instead of small eyepieces, these microscopes have a small screen which displays the magnified image allowing for easier viewing, especially for children with sensory disorders. “ We do a lot of work with kids that are autistic,” NALZS executive director Ethan Wodruff said, “and the traditional microscope is not a very friendly device for those kids, but this one is really good for them.”

Another portion of the donation from Collins Areospace will go toward scholarships for kids to attend their programs. This week alone,

they had five children on scholarships which covered not only the cost of camp but also came with a stipend that supplied them clothes, food, meals and money for fuel.

Some of the remaining funds will be put toward the Junior Zoological society which operates in local high schools in addition to library readings.

“It just helps us throughout the year,” Christie Wodruff NALZS Director of Education said, “in all the different ways that we can touch whatever school system, whatever kid that we need to.”

NALZS’ sponsor, Collins Areospace, a United Technologies Company, does much philanthropic work in inspiring youth and investing the workforce. Tom von Eschenbach, the Director of Program management, expressed that even though Collins Aerospace is an aviation company, they still see the value of the hands-on, biological learning that NALZS does. Collins Aerospace’s connection to NALZS is through Dave Walsh, Director, Open Systems at Collins Areospace, whose wife, Jenna is on the NALZS board. Walsh also was present as a Collins representative at the presentation.

The presentation of the donation was held at the society’s proposed research and education campus.

NALZS currently has a relationship with the owner which allows them to hold summer camps there and has plans to buy it. A 200-acre prop-

erty with the Limestone Creek running along the edge, NALZS plans to build a research center and dormitory for researchers while leaving the creek portion open to the public and conserved. While local universities have research programs, there is not currently anywhere for the researchers to say. “[Lodging is] one of the biggest costs for researchers,” Ethan Wodruff said.

The NALZS summer camps are week-long day camps that expose kids to learning about the sciences in an outdoor classroom. They also have a Youth Camp Counselor program in which 14- to 23-year-olds can be trained and get volunteer hours for serving with the kids. Christie Wodruff remarked that this was her favorite program and that they are “not just changing tomorrow’s scientists but helping to create tomorrow’s leaders.”

This donation comes soon after an announcement that the proposed property for the main zoo campus has been taken off the market.

Ethan Fitzgerald, NALZS communications manager, said that they are “still very much in conversations” with the owners and possible developers of the property. “We lead with transparency,” he said. “It’s not easy to build the first modern zoo in three decades.”

NALZS, founded in 2019, is run entirely on a volunteer basis. For more information, check out www.nalzs. org.

Around the Capitol

Recognizing disability pride month

By BETH CHAPMAN

MONTGOMERY July is Disability Pride Month. It’s been 32 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed to prohibit discrimination against people Chapman with disabilities.

Reflecting on this, I recall how my entire life has been shaped by a person with a disability. My cousin, Olin George Holley, Jr. — known in our small town of Greenville, Alabama simply as “O.G.” — was paraplegic and spent most of his life in a wheelchair.

At the age of 16, “O.G.” was in an automobile accident suffering a broken back and a severe spinal cord injury. In those days, that was like a death sentence. To say his future looked bleak was a vast understatement. He was told he would never walk again and he would have little, if any, life at all. Some of that diagnosis was correct. He never walked again, but his life was anything but bleak.

O.G. wasn’t able to complete high

school, but he continued to educate himself. We don’t know how he did it, but a former athlete and lover of sports, he became the lead sportswriter for The Greenville Advocate, the sports announcer for the high school football team, the statistician for the city baseball league and was elected as a Greenville city councilman.

How did he do all that? With great humility, a great sense of humor and a smile on his face.

Back then, there were no ADA laws or accommodations – no ramps, elevators, etc. When he would arrive at ball games, gentlemen would pick him up and carry him up the stairs to the press box for the game. They would carry him down after the game to his car, which was fitted with hand gears so he could drive.

It was riding around doing door-to-door campaigning with “O.G.” that I got my first taste of politics. I loved the campaign and election process. It was a great education watching him represent his constituents.

There was no sign of disability in the way he served, wrote, treated people or the way he expected to be treated. He was See CHAPMAN Page 8B

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4A • THE MADISON RECORD

July 27, 2022

EXTRA

What day is it?

July 27: National Creme Brûlée Day, National Scotch Day, Bagpipe Appreciation Day July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day, National Hamburger Day (one of three celebratory days in the year) July 29: Rain Day, National Chicken Wing Day, National Lasagna Day, National Lipstick Day July 30: National Support Public Education Day, National Cheesecake Day, International Day of Friendship, National Chili Dog Day, National Father-in-Law Day July 31: Talk In An Elevator Day, Harry Potter’s Birthday Day, National Avocado Day, National Mutt Day

The following story appears in the August issue of Madison Living Magazine. You can check out more great stories at www.madisonlivingmagazine.com.

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HARVEST - Having been in an athletic environment her entire life, it made sense for Makayla Tomaino to land a job at sports’ ultimate television network, ESPN. Tomaino, a 2022 graduate of The University of South Alabama, utilized the university’s internship program to land an ESPN+ internship allowing her to work as a game day camera operator filming home football games, women’s and men’s basketball, women’s soccer, volleyball softball and baseball.

“I actually found out about the internship from an Instagram ad on one of the university’s pages,” Tomaino said. “The ad included pictures of camera work and directing.

I thought it was interesting and I also thought it would be a good idea to be a part of a group that was involved with communications majors.”

As an intern, Tomaino stayed in constant contact with ESPN specialist, Lynne West. This led to Tomaino being selected to travel to Verona, New York in January to become a production assistant in the coverage of Top Rank Boxing. She set up cameras with the ops and tech crews, handled paperwork and streamed banners in locker rooms.

“I was in absolute shock, and then I was in even more shock when I found out that I was going to New York. I had never worked with boxing before, so it was very new to me but so much fun,” Tomaino said. “The night of the fights, I got the chance to sit ringside alongside ESPN Crew and I really felt like I was a part of the team. It was a truly humbling experience and I’m beyond grateful for it.”

With her first gig under her belt, after graduation, Tomaino was offered a contract to serve as a production assistant.

“I feel like having some experience with ESPN pre-graduation definitely helped me build my credibility,” Tomaino said. “The recognition that I’ve received from higher ups has been very humbling for me. They appreciate that I worked hard to get into this field/industry early on.”

ESPN’s appreciation of her work ethic sent Tomaino to the PGA Championship in May in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was the first time working with golf and she was tasked with transporting producers and announcers to different sets on the course for their segments on live television.

“When I had downtime, I got to watch the best golfers in the world compete in the sport they love and a huge takeaway for me was, the amount of people that showed up to support them,” Tomaino said. “The crowd support in golf is truly phenomenal.”

Barely home a couple of weeks and Tomaino was once again flown to a different location to cover another great sporting event. This time it was New York City and the National Hockey League finals. Again, it was an introduction to a new sport. This time, though, Tomaino worked from the ESPN press box office section which she claims is the best seat ever.

“My experience in NYC was amazing. I love hockey. The energy from the fans and just the overall passion and aggression that the sport holds make it such a fun environment to be a part of,” Tomaino said. “I immediately became a Rangers fan the moment I bought an NHL Rangers sweatshirt. It was great getting to see them compete against Tampa Bay in the Conference playoffs.”

Although Tomaino’s team did not move on to the Stanley Cup Finals, she did. Home less than 24 hours, ESPN sent her to Denver, Colorado to cover the Stanley Cup Finals. It was in Denver that she finally made her ESPN television debut.

“There is a segment on ESPN called ‘The Point’ and Jon Cooper, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s head coach and I brought out food to the announcers to review,” Tomaino said. “I was on live TV for about 15 seconds, serving chicken parm.”

Although her tasks thus far with ESPN have been varied, Tomaino feels that being a production assistant means doing a lot of little tasks that amount to really big moments.

“I’m learning how to figure out the simplest way to get things done in

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a timely manner to make my work environment much more efficient,” Tomaino said. “I’m also learning how to trust myself when it comes to my own thought processes on ideas that I might have.”

Tomaino feels this mindset will help her achieve her ultimate goal of being a full-time camera operator for the network. She is not intimidated by the responsibility that comes with being behind the camera. Neither is she shirking away from making a change in the sports world where there are not many female camera operators.

“My best advice for a female who wants to get into the sports industry would be to just ‘go for it girl.’

Don’t be afraid to pitch your ideas, network yourself and get your name out there,” Tomaino said. “If you are passionate about something, then stick with that passion and don’t let anyone take that away from you. We need more women in sports.”

Tomaino sees herself as a long way from the student who took journalism at Sparkman High School as a sophomore, junior and senior. She credits that experience as helping her make a career choice that combines her personality and love for sports.

“I majored in communications and got my concentration in TV Production. I wanted to choose a major that had a broad spectrum of choices to choose from. There are many career paths to take within the communications field,” Tomaino said.

“It was great to have the support and knowledge from my high school journalism program at an early age because that definitely led me in the right direction.”

Tomaino is not certain about her next assignment. It could be any sport; anywhere. Her dream is to cover any sport in an overseas location. But in the meantime, she is still pinching herself over working for ESPN. “I honestly never thought I’d be working for ESPN,” Tomaino said.

“I love what I do and I’m living my best life. This is quite the journey I’ve embarked on and I’m only looking forward to more opportunities.”

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July 27, 2022

THE MADISON RECORD • 5A

BUSINESS

“Just say no to H2O”

Did you Know?

In 2000, Coca-Cola launched a stealth campaign against water called “Just say no to H2O.” The purposed was to dissuade consumers from ordering tap water drinks at restaurants, and to instead order more profitable soft drinks, non-carbonated beverages, or bottled water.

New business PJ’s Coffee to open new location in Madison Aug. 1

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – PJ’s Coffee is getting ready to open its highly anticipated Madison location next week.

Located at 243 Browns Ferry Road, Ste. 101, the new 1,800-square-foot coffeehouse is slated to open on Aug. 1. Madison’s first PJ’s Coffee will serve a wide variety of hot, iced and frozen coffee beverages, as well as organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries, including its hot and billowy, house-made beignets.

In preparation for its soft opening next month, PJ’s Coffee is seeking up to 15 local baristas to help serve its superior roasts with genuine hospitali-

ty. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at pjscoffee.com/ careers.

“We’re excited to find new team members to join the PJ’s Coffee family and help us serve delicious roasts inspired by the French Quarter to the Madison community,” said Franchisee Vishwa Parikh, who co-owns the local coffeehouse with her husband Bijal Parikh and business partners Khushbu and Jay Patel.

“PJ’s prides itself in the warmth and craftsmanship that goes into each drink, and we need talented, dedicated baristas to help us achieve that. We can’t wait to get our team ready to open our doors in August!”

Eggs Up Grill opens their first Alabama restaurant in Madison

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – The newest Eggs Up Grill began serving the most important meal of the day last week.

Its new location in Madison is the first restaurant in Alabama for the brand.

Eggs Up Grill is located at 300 Hughes Road in Madison Commons Shopping Center. This is the first Eggs Up Grill for franchise partners Alex and Kristen McLellan.

“Alex and I are excited to introduce Eggs Up Grill in Alabama. We value relationships and we love breakfast! We think nothing says, ‘I love you’ like making a stack of pancakes, bacon and eggs for someone,” says McLellan.

The McLellans moved to Madison in 2019 for business and quickly recognized the city as a popular and rapidly-growing area.

The family is thrilled to be a part of the community, serving great food and smiles from sunup to lunch. They plan to part-

ner with local organizations in the community, including the Madison library.

“The brand is about neighbors serving neighbors and being a home to the whole neighborhood.

This community we’ve fallen in love with complements the Eggs Up Grill mission of great food, community service, family and hospitality,” said McLellan The 2,400 square-foot restaurant includes indoor seating for 86 plus an outdoor patio for 24. The Madison restaurant will serve guests seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., with dine-in, online ordering, takeout, catering and dThe restaurant is actively hiring. Those interested can apply at eggsupgrill.com or www.eggsupmadison. easyapply.co. For more information, follow @eugmadison on Instagram and Facebook.

Eggs Up Grill has other locations in Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, Virginia and Tennessee.

BUSINESS MIXER - The Rocket City Trash Pandas held a business mixer on Thursday to help connect many of the local businesses who provide services in the Madison and Huntsville area.

You can find more opportunities for businesses at Toyota Field at www.trashpandasbaseball.com

From left to right, Paige Hutto, Lindesy Knuppp and Nancy Dollar, Marybeth Broeren, and Ranae Bartlett.

Madison Chamber holds its first “Women in Business Tea”

with hats encouraged

By KASSIDY WILKINS kassidy@themadisonrecord.com MADISON - The Madison Chamber of Commerce held their first ever Women in Business Tea last Tuesday.

The main purpose of the tea was to provide networking opportunities for women in the community and to enjoy tea and refreshments.

The event was held at the Main Street Cafe in downtown Madison and hats were encouraged.

Michelle Epling, Executive Director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, organized the event, gave a short presentation which included introductions of special guests, special thank yous, and a raffle.

Special guests included presenting sponsors Edward Jones financial advisor Miranda Yount, Madison Chamber board members Lindsey Knupp and Nancy Dollar, city of Madison councilwoman Ranae Bartlett, city of Madison

Director of Economic Development Department Marybeth Broeren, and Madison City Schools board member Alice Lessmann.

Of special note, Paige Hutto, president of chamber council association of Alabama traveled from Montgomery to attend the event.

Upon being asked to say a few words, presenting sponsor Miranda Yount said, “I want you do three things: Enjoy the event, enjoy the tea, and meet somebody you want to do business with.”

Special thanks went to Katiya McKinney, VP and Sales and Marketing Director; Tammy Hall, the owner of Main Street Cafe; and the Chamber’s numerous ambassadors. Thank you were also given to those who donated to the swag bags which every lady received: Bank Independent, Elegance on Main, T-Mobile, Candy’s Candles, Lemon and Lavender, Wind and Design, and Zion Popcorn.

Various teas and refreshments

were served through the afternoon event. About 50 women attended.

Attendee Megan Niven-Tannett, CEO and Founder of Flourish Consulting Services commented that Michelle Epling has definitely “breathed the life into (the Chamber of Commerce) that the city deserves.”

For information about more upcoming events hosted by the Madison Chamber of Commerce, go to www.madisonalchamber.com or look them up on Facebook.

Several women attended the first Women in Business Tea last Tuesday at Main Street Cafe in downtown Madison. You can see more photos from the event at www.facebook.com/themadisonrecord and in the September issue of Madison Living Magazine.

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LIVING

Fun Facts

Heinz 57 There actually aren’t “57 varieties” of Heinz ketchup, and never were. Company founder H.J. Heinz thought his product should have a number, and he liked 57.

Five was his lucky number, and seven was his wife’s.

The Madison Mom

Huntsville Ballet announces 2022-23 season, to perform Cinderella in April

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com HUNTSVILLE - Huntsville Ballet announced they will open the 20222023 season with the much anticipated HBC Unplugged, The Nutcracker, HBC Off-Stage and Cinderella.

Unplugged and Off-Stage will be held at the Dream Theater in Huntsville, while the Nutcracker and Cinderella will be held at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the VBC. The Dream Theater is located on the campus of the Rock Family Worship Center, 3401 Holmes Ave in Huntsville.

HBC UNPLUGGED October 21 - 23, 2022 Dream Theater Includes the world premiere of the Tumbleweed Suite, choreographed by Artistic Director, Phillip Otto. Inspired by George Balanchine, this energetic new piece of choreography captures the spirit of the old west infusing classical ballet with traditional western themes and American folk dancing.

A question-and-answer session with the dancers and director will follow each performance. Additional works to be announced.

THE NUTCRACKER December 9-11, 2022 Mark C. Smith Concert Hall The Huntsville Ballet Company celebrates the season with their 54th annual production of The Nutcracker with special guests, The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

This holiday classic has

become an enduring Huntsville tradition.

Clara’s enchanting story comes to life at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, masterful choreography, enchanting scenic designs, brilliant lighting, and stunningly crafted costumes.

All students performing are registered students at the Huntsville Ballet School.

HBC OFF-STAGE February 17-19, 2023 Dream Theater The Best of Huntsville Ballet Company will feature Pas de Deux, Variations, and sections of popular works such as Stage Door Canteen, Romeo and Juliet, and more. A new work will also be presented. A question-and-answer session with the dancers and director will follow each performance.

CINDERELLA April 14-16, 2023 Mark C. Smith Concert Hall The Huntsville Ballet Company takes the stage of the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall in April 2023 with a performance of Cinderella. One of the most famous and beautiful ballets of all time, Huntsville Ballet Company tells the timeless story of Cinderella with majestic beauty and magical sets and costumes. Cinderella is a servant to her evil stepsisters until her fairy godmother helps her win the love of a prince. Cinderella will transport you to a land where dreams are made.

For tickets and more information, go to huntsvilleballet.org.

Events FARMERS MARKETS Madison City Farmers Market Saturdays 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Trinity Baptist Church 1088 Hughes Rd, Madison madisoncityfarmersmarket.com Located at 1088 Hughes Road at Trinity Baptist Church in Madison, the market is the area’s original local, producer-only farmers market -- founded in 2007.

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

Old Thyme Market Recurring weekly on Friday

Back to school books Editor’s note: The following is a new weekly column for The Madison Record by Elizabeth Neal. It compliments her growing blog, The Madison Mom, a daily journey of her life with her children. In it, she shares stories and informative information for families in Madison.

By ELIZABETH NEAL The Madison Mom MADISON – With the approaching back to school craziness, it is completely normal to be experiencing all of the big emotions.

We’ve spent a lot of extra time with our babies this summer and now it’s time to send them off on a new adventure! Our littles are stepping into new territory: new classrooms, new grade levels, new teachers, new classmates. That’s a lot for an adult to process, let alone our children. As I think about setting the tone for the school year and easing the mind of my tiny new prek’er I immediately think of books (being a librarian probably has a little something to do with it too). Not only are books and reading aloud good for bonding, developing fluency, increasing comprehension, and creating a love of literacy, they also teach us about empathy and awareness.

3-7 p.m.

Downtown Madison Old Thyme Market is the newest farmers market in Madison. The market is making its home in downtown Madison every Friday afternoon throughout the summer. Old Thyme Market includes farmers, craftsmen, artisans, and local businesses selling goods such as produce, local honey and preserves, pottery, and art. The markets also feature refreshments, and live music will be performed every week by local musicians.

The market takes place every Friday from 3pm-7pm now through September on Garner Street in downtown Madison.

For more information about Old Thyme Market, go to www.facebook.com/Old-

ThymeMarketMadisonAL. Oakwood Farmers Market Recurring weekly on Friday 12 noon - 4 p.m.

5001 Adventist Boulevard NW youroakwoodfarms.com The Market at Leigh Acres Recurring weekly on Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Leigh Acres, 5655 Maysville Road www.leighacres.com The Market at MidCity Recurring weekly on Sunday 1-5 p.m.

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That’s why I have decided to round up a few of my favorite first weeks of school picture book reads for you! Choose a few to read each night after the school day. I hope they spark conversations that lend to positive emotions, a great first week of school, and a fabulous 2223 school year.

The Night Before Kindergarten: Do you have a little one attending the “big” school for the first time? Read a story that follows children through the process of packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and saying goodbye to mom and dad.

What Should Danny Do?: Your child gets to make the decisions for Danny as you read with 9 different stories wrapped up in one.

This book teaches our children that every single choice matters.

The Invisible Boy: A heartfelt story about friendship, kindness, and showing compassion to everyone.

First Day Jitters: The main character in this story is nervous about the first day of school and worries about making new friends. Follow along with Sarah Jane as she conquers her fears– everyone gets jittery sometimes.

Ruby Finds a Worry: The more Ruby thinks about her worry, the bigger it gets. She finally realizes

5909 University Drive www.explorethecamp.com Latham Market: Farmers & Food Trucks Recurring weekly on Tuesday Latham UMC 109 Weatherly Road SE lathamumc.org ONGOING Cocktails at the View Recurring weekly on Wednesday 5-8 p.m.

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that everyone has worries! The key to getting rid of them? Sharing your thoughts with others.

Eraser: The story of an eraser who learns that her purpose is to erase, nothing else. Follow along as she figures out who she is and learns to appreciate everyone else along the way.

I am Enough: A New York Times best seller about loving yourself and being kind. “We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.”

Dear Girl: An empowering book that reinforces the fact that girls hold a powerful place in the world. Also find the companion story, Dear Boy! The Whatifs: Children learn to overcome anxiety by following the story of a girl who thinks of all the things that could go wrong before her upcoming piano recital.

All of these books are linked in my Amazon storefront, which you can find on my brand new website: www.themadisonmom.com.

I have also placed a few of these picture books around Madison in several Little Free Libraries!! Can you find one?!

Elizabeth Neal The Madison Mom @themadisonmoms themadisonmom.com

burrittonthemountain.com Experience the most spectacular view of the city and watch the sunset from the cantilevered overlook. Enjoy cocktails from a full service bar and purchase food items from the gourmet market.

In Full Swing Huntsville Botanical Garden 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue The Huntsville Botanical Garden newest exhibit, “In Full Swing,” features over 40 swings of all shapes and sizes spread throughout the Garden. The exhibit invites guests to slow down and spend time in nature in a fun, playful way.

The exhibits features 10 different types of swings.

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College Football

Dylan Ray

Toyota Field will host the longtime football rivals of North Alabama and Jacksonville State on Oct. 15. Tickets for the first collegiate football game ever held in Madison are now on sale. Photo- Jacksonville State Athletics

Tickets on sale for UNA vs. JSU game Former Bob Jones standout at Toyota Field selected in MLB 2022 draft Alabama redshirt freshman Dylan Ray was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft. The former Bob Jones star was taken in the second round. Photo by Alabama Athletics

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com TUSCALOOSA - Dylan Ray once stated, “I’ve always believed let the light shine in you be brighter than the light shining on you.” Now after his first season of play for the Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team, almost like floodlights are shining on his incredible skills as a baseball player after being chosen as part of Major League Baseball’s 2022 Draft.

The reliable reliever in his freshman season for the Crimson Tide, Ray was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth round as the 108th overall player chosen in the MLB Draft. He was the Crimson Tide’s second selection in this year’s draft joining Connor Prielipp, who

was a second-round pick by the Minnesota Twins as a pitcher.

Ray played a key role as the Tide’s closer during the 2022 season finishing the campaign with a 1-4 record, 4.60 ERA, 18 appearances, 49 strikeouts and posting eight saves, which was fourth best in the Southeastern Conference. He earned Freshman All-American honors and was named to the Freshman AllSEC Team for his outstanding performance on the mound.

His turnabout was a remarkable one as he missed his actual freshman season in 2021 due to an injury. He took a redshirt year and came back in highly expected form this year.

Ray came out of Bob Jones in 2020 as the No. 1 high school baseball player in Al-

abama and selected Alabama as his college of choice after being highly recruited by other schools including Mississippi State, West Virginia and Auburn.

Dreaming of playing collegiate and professional baseball has always been the way of life for Ray as he and his family moved to Madison while in the sixth grade.

He watched You Tube videos on both how to hit and pitch and always thought of playing big-time baseball while having incredible games of backyard Whiffle Ball with his friends.

He’s still contemplating the decision of signing a professional contract or return for another season with the Crimson Tide. Either way his choice goes, Ray will certainly be under the spotlight.

Baseball

Madison’s Cole Spanier takes to Los Angeles for Jr. Home Run Derby

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com LOS ANGELES, Calif.- A possible once-ina-lifetime experience engraved a place in the memory banks of Madison’s Cole Spanier. The rising Bob Jones freshman stepped up to the plate at famed Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and belted homeruns as a finalist in the Major League Baseball Jr. Home Run Derby.

“This was certainly an experience of a lifetime and I recommend to others who may want to try their best at a home run derby,” said Spanier, who made the trip to Los Angeles with his father, Jim. A near perfect day, which featured a beautiful clear California sky, greeted the finalist of the national competition as each stepped onto the field at Dodger Stadium and hit as many homeruns over the 200-foot fence set from home plate with 25 swings within a three-minute time limit. The 14-year Spanier qualified for the national event by winning the Regional near Atlanta.

In the finals of the Regional he belted 17 homers to earn his way to be among the eight finalist from across the country.

See HOME RUN DERBY Page 8A

Cole Spanier is packed and ready to compete in the nationals of the Jr. Home Run Derby as he enters Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Bob Jones freshman was among the top eight in the country to compete for the title.

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MADISON - The 50th meeting of the football teams of North Alabama and Jacksonville State will be a memorable battle as the two football powerhouses will play their 2022 game at Toyota Field in Madison on Oct. 15. Tickets for the highly anticipated contest are now on sale at trashpandasbaseball.com.

Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. for the first collegiate football game to be played in Madison with Toyota Field reconfigured to have a seating capacity of 10,000.

“We look forward to welcoming UNA and JSU to Toyota Field for a top-notch experience that we offer all of our fans every night during baseball season,” said Garrett Fahrmann, General Manager of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. “While this event has some unique characteristics to it, our focus is on keeping the same mindset we have for Trash Pandas games- to create a special fan experience that will want them to come back for another event at Toyota Field.”

The uniqueness of the battle between two longtime rivals is the fact the field will be laid out to run East and West. At Toyota Field, the layout will be first baseline to left field fence.

Due to space limitations at the end of each endzone, the game will be a “one-directional” contest, which means all offensive plays for both teams will be run to the west end zone (first base side). The east end of the field can still be used on defensive touchdowns and punt returns, as well as, defensive safeties.

The move to the one-directional game required an NCAA waiver before the contest could be approved. In addition, both teams will have their full contingent of band members in attendance, which will surely add a traditional college football feel to the special Toyota Field environment.

Food and beverage options will be available throughout the ballpark, which features a 360-degree concourse so that fans can always have an eye on the game. The matchup will be presented by MartinFed, one

of the nation’s leading federal contractors headquartered in Huntsville. “MartinFed is proud to be the presenting sponsor of a great event that showcases such amazing teams and organizations. Investing in our communities is part of our corporate culture and we couldn’t be more excited for this event,” said Matthew Schmitz, a UNA Alumnus and Chief Growth Officer for MartinFed. North Alabama and Jacksonville State first played on the gridiron in 1949. The two teams played every year through the 1992 season and have played five teams since JSU’s move the FCS. Last season, Jax State squeezed out a 27-24 victory over the Lions. The Gamecocks own an overall 28-18-3 edge in the series and won 11 out of the last 12 meetings. The two in-state football programs had some of its most memorable games in the 1980’s with both teams playing at a high level of competition and drew capacity crowds at both school locations.

This will be the first meeting between the two schools as members of the ASUN Conference as the 2022 season marks North Alabama’s first ride as a full Div. 1 member where the Lions can compete for both the ASUN Championship and a NCAA FCS Playoff bid.

“I’m a guy that likes change sometimes and doing different things,” said UNA head coach Chris Willis. “That’s the kind of what we’re about right now while going through this transition to Div. 1. I think it’s going to be exciting. It’s a neutral site and not an advantage to either team.”

The pre-season roster for North Alabama features five players from the local Madison high schools: Montrell Campbell (Madison Academy), DB, 6-0, 172, Sr.; Keenan Hill (James Clemens), DB, 6-0, 180, Fr.; Slate Rucker (Madison Academy), WR, 6-0, 160, R-Fr.; Edgerrin Watson (James Clemens), OL, 6-3, 290, Fr.; Kaden Young (Madison Academy) OL, 6-4, 290, Fr. Jacksonville State has two local players on its pre-season roster: Zack Cangelosi (Sparkman), OL, 6-3, 300, R-Sr.; Jaleel Birdsong (Sparkman), LB, 6-2, 220, Fr.

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July 27, 2022

Ray

www.themadisonrecord.com

continued from page 7A

Just walking into Dodger Stadium is enough to make anyone a little nervous and almost awestruck. Spanier was chosen to be the first to step into the batter’s box and face a pitching machine throwing the baseball at 60-miles per hour. The competition just completed the 12-under age division and the 6-foot, 180-pound right handed hitter took to the plate.

“I wasn’t very comfortable at the beginning as I had to figure out the pitching machine,” added Spanier. “I tried to hit the ball out of the stadium, but chose some bad pitches to do so.”

Spanier hit eight dingers to place in sixth place.

The competition went through a first round before taking the top two who advanced to the finals. Logan Huegel of Plainfield, Ill. crashed 15 balls over the fence to win the 14-under title while

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Madison’s Cole Spanier stands among the sunset falling upon Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles while making the trip to the Jr. Home Run Derby. He was one of eight finalists in the finals.

Marley Holguin of Montebello, Calif. finished runner-up with 14 homers.

While at the stadium Spanier and the other participants walked around the facility, which is home to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and visited the Major League Baseball dugouts. They were also able to attend and watch the 2022 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game played at Dodger Stadium. The game featured minor league players in a contest with the American League versus the National League. The AL roster featured Ky Bush of the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Throwing for the American League the lefthander (6-foot-6, 240) pitched one inning, gave up one hit, one base on balls and no runs while striking one in his 15 pitches on the mound. The AL defeated the NL 6-4 in the game. Also included in the day’s activities was a Celebrity Softball Game.

They were also among the 56,000 who packed Dodger Stadium for the Major League Home Run Derby which was won by Juan

Bob Jones baseball player Cole Spanier and his father Jim visited Los Angeles for the nationals of the Jr. Home Run Derby. This look out their window of the Hotel Indigo shows the night lights of the City of Angels.

Soto of the Washington Nationals.

Spanier and his father stayed at the Hotel Indigo in downtown Los Angeles and at night presented the Spaniers a splendid view of the city and the lights that shine within the City of Angels.

“The experience was great and hitting at Dodger Stadium just enhanced the experience even

more,” added Spanier.

The summer travels of Spanier will soon continue as he qualified for the Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run competition. He won the local competition at Palmer Park and will now travel to Tampa, Fla. for the Team Championship of the event with the Nationals held during game four of the 2022 World Series.

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C oming Soon to Madison!

A special section of news you can use from before sending your kids back to school

The Madison Record • July 27, 2022

James Clemens High School opened for students on August 20, 2012, becoming Madison’s second high school.

James Clemens High School celebrates 10th anniversary

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – In January 2011, a large tract of land sat fallow on County Line Road, just north of Mill Road. The brick-hard, red-clay soil lie undisturbed, as if the dirt refused to have estate homes built, like ones that stood proudly all around.

That dormancy abruptly changed that month when construction started on James Clemens High School. Madison’s new high school progressed quickly as the winding entrance road took visitors and workers in hardhats to the massive structure.

Dr. Brian Clayton watched the walls rise for what would be his new work home. He and the faculty welcomed 1,087 students on opening day – Aug. 20, 2012. The teacher count was 67 and the school had 30 people in support positions.

Now in 2022, James Clemens

has 2,152 students in grades 9-12.

The number of teachers has almost doubled with 130. The support staff now includes 52 people.

When his school first opened, Clayton admits that he was very excited and nervous. “I knew we had tremendous potential and we had the students, faculty, staff and administration that could make it happen,” he said.

“We also had tremendous support from our parents, Central Office, Board of Education and community . . . that is always a constant in Madison,” Clayton said.

His favorite memories involved all ‘the firsts’: first day of school, homecoming, first theatre play, first games in each sport, first prom and first graduation. “Also, how great our kids are and continue to be,” Clayton said.

During the past 10 years, James Clemens’ population has climbed to many honors and

achievements, but one stands foremost to Clayton. “My favorite has been the culture of excellence that we have, because I believe all the accomplishments have come from that.”

Conversely, the major challenge to Clayton was developing that culture of excellence . . . a level “that measured up to the great schools that we have in Madison. I knew that our expectations were very high.”

Deservedly, Clayton takes immense pride in awards and honors that the students and teachers at James Clemens have achieved. “We have had many.

I remember the first Advanced Placement or AP report for those scores on AP tests; first wins in every sport; the first football win over Bob Jones; seeing the first musical done by theatre and their Trumbauer performances; the band playing in the London New Year’s Parade and the Class of 2013 graduation,” he said.

Clayton humbly failed to men-

tion another set of honors – accolades that he has reached, such as 2018-2019 “Alabama Principal of the Year” by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals.

Before moving to Madison, Clayton’s “opinion of Madison was really good. After the last 11 years, I love this school and community. I could not ask for better support for a school. We have support from our parents and all other stakeholders that is second to none.”

“I can’t say I have a disappointment (as principal). Some things have not gone as planned but it typically worked out for the best,” he said.

A charter teacher at James Clemens, Keith Anderson founded the band program and works as Director of Bands. Some organizational responsibilities involved recruiting students, selecting appropriate level/ difficulty of music, planning/ implementing field shows for

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Dec. 2010 to start construction of James Clemens High School.

From left to right: then school board member Phil Schmidt, Mayor Paul Finley, school board member Dr. Terri Johnson, school board member Sue Helms, school board member Ray White, city council member Tommy Overcash, school board member Connie Spears, city council member Steve Harraway, city council member Jerry Jennings, state senators Arthur Orr and Bill Holtzclaw.

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marching, along with rehearsing different levels of concert music.

“I remember specifically thinking about ways for the future James Clemens Band families to picture themselves as members of a full-fledged band program from year one,” Anderson said. “Many thought there might be limitations given that we were starting from scratch, but making a plan to be everything a band was supposed to be, from day one, was very important.”

As Anderson started his tasks, he wondered if he “was the right person to make the James Clemens Band program everything it could be. I was excited and humbled for the opportunity, but the ‘blank slate’ was daunting at times.”

In August 2012 when Anderson founded the band, 87 students joined. “We are now constantly at 200 members. We’ve See JAMES CLEMENS Page 4B

Since its opening in Aug. 2012, thousands of students have joined the growing ranks of James Clemens graduates.

2B • THE MADISON RECORD

July 27, 2022 Below are the administrators for each Madison City school this year

Some new faces

MCS filling administrative, support staff for new year

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – For the 2022-2023 school year, the staff of Madison City Schools has filled key openings in the district.

At Midtown Elementary School, Quentin Turner has been hired as assistant principal. He is filling the vacancy left by Kathie Miller’s retirement and will work with Principal Savannah Demeester.

Turner had worked as Reading Specialist for New Hope Elementary School since August 2019. In Tuscaloosa, he also has worked as instructional coach at Eastwood Middle School and a teacher at Central Elementary School.

At Stillman College, he earned an education specialist degree in elementary education. He received a master’s degree from the University of West Alabama and Certification in Instructional Leadership from Jacksonville State University. Turner and wife Erica are parents of 11-year-old Landon and 10-year-old Locklin.

Two MCS teachers have entered MAAP, an acronym for “Madison Aspiring Administrator’s Program.” In simplistic terms, MAAP is a training program that Madison City Schools uses to help a classroom teacher advance to serve as assistant principal of a school.

Members of Madison Board of Education have said that MAAP has proved to be an excellent training program for future MCS leaders. “It’s great that Madison City Schools has such a deep bench of talent,” board member Travis Cummings said in a previous interview. Several current assistant principals advanced to that

position from the MAAP requirements.

At Rainbow Elementary School, Tammy Brunton is pursuing MAAP after working as a classroom teacher since July 2008. She has taught third- and fifth-graders previously for five years and students in special education for four years. At Rainbow, Brunton will work with Principal Karl Fernandez and Assistant Principal Nedjra Russell.

Brunton graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in December 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in collaborative education. She and husband Chris married in 2011. Their daughter Millie was born in 2018. The Bruntons also own Cecil the cat.

During her downtime, Tammy Brunton likes to run, read and visit with her family and friends.

Jessica Pinegar now is in MAAP at Columbia Elementary School, serving with Principal Miranda Bolden and Assistant Principal Kimberly Massey. Since 2006, Pinegar has taught second and third grades, along with students in special education.

Pinegar earned a bachelor’s degree in special education and general education at UAH and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in curriculum and instruction. She is a National Board Certified teacher, certified in exceptional needs birth-21+.

Jessica and her husband Trey met at UAH. Trey works as an agent with MetLife. The Pinegars are Madison residents and have three children.

In addition, Columbia has a new counselor, Sarah Sturdivant.

James Clemens HS: Principal Dr. Brian Clayton (center).

Assistant principals L-R Jason Watts, Jennifer Flanagan, Allison Miller, Eric McCants.

Bob Jones HS: Principal Sylvia Lambert (center). Assistant principals L-R Andre Reynolds, Amy Thaxton, Courtney Horton, Tom Runnion.

Discovery Middle: Principal Jamie Hill (2nd from left).

Assistant principals left to right: Kurt Yancy, Kate Wade, Gerald Franks.

Liberty Middle: Principal Shannon Brown (Back right) Assistant principals L-R Ryan Foy, Tabitha Odom, Dr. Ambra Stewart

Columbia Elementary standing: Principal Miranda Bolden (center). Assistant Principal, Kimberly Massey. MAAP Jessica Pinegar

Heritage Elementary: Principal Dr. Georgina Nelson (left) Kristen Kolenich, Assistant Principal (right)

Horizon Elementary: Principal Demetria Freeman (right) Assistant Principal Wendy Pharo (left)

Madison Elementary: Jamie Golliver (principal).

Assistant Principal Tammy Jones.

Midtown Elementary: Principal Savannah Demeester Assistant Principal Quentin L. Turner

Mill Creek Elementary: Nathan Wilson, center. Kiley Rikard, assistant principal (right). MAAP Demetria Patterson (left).

Some staffing shortages remain

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – In terms of employment statistics, Madison City Schools will start the new school year for 2022-2023 in much the same position as previous years.

Teachers and other certified positions have mostly been filled, but shortages remain in classified (or support) worker ranks, according to the MCS Personnel Department.

For this year, the Personnel Department reports MCS experienced 92 res-

ignations (54 certified positions and 38 classified positions) and 25 retirements (17 certified, 8 classified).

Those stats compare to 145 resignations and 31 retirements in 2021, 94 resignations and 42 retirements in 2020 and 78 resignations and 22 retirements in 2019.

Personnel records as of mid-July show Madison Board of Education’s approval of 139 employments, including 93 certified and 46 classified positions.

The Madison district continues with challenges to fill some specialized teachSee STAFFING Page 3B

Rainbow Elementary: Principal Karl Fernandez (center).

Assistant Principal Nedjra Russell (right). MAAP Tammy Brunton, left.

Rise Academy: Dr. Kerry Donaldson, administrator

MCS 1st Class PreK Center - Nichole Phillips, administrator

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July 27, 2022

THE MADISON RECORD • 3B

COVID-19 waiver expires; MCS students must qualify for free, reduced-price meals

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

All Madison City Schools will hold open houses between Aug. 1-11.

The first day of school is Aug. 3.

Schools’ open houses to start next week

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON - The Madison City Schools elementary open houses for the 2022-2023 school year will be on August 1, middle schools on August 9, and high schools on August 11 - all from 5-7 p.m.

Elementary Open houses on Aug. 1 will be held in stages based on the beginning letter of the student’s last name .

COLUMBIA: A-H: 5-6 p.m.

I-Z: 6-7 p.m.

HERITAGE: A-G: 5:00-5:40 H-O: 5:40-6:20 P-Z: 6:20-7:00 HORIZON:

A-L: 5-6 p.m.

M-Z: 6-7 p.m.

MADISON: A-K: 5-6 p.m. l-Z: 6-7 p.m.

MIDTOWN: A-L: 5-6 p.m.

M-Z: 6-7 p.m.

MILL CREEK: A-G: 5:00-5:40 p.m.

H-O: 5:40-6:20 p.m.

P-Z: 6:20-7 p.m.

RAINBOW: A-L: 5-6 p.m.

M-Z: 6-7 p.m.

FIRST CLASS PRE-K: Limited number of families per class each hour from 4-7 p.m. Email Ms. Nichole Phillips (snphillips@madisoncity.k12. al.us) for link if enrolled to attend the program for the 2022-23 school year.

VACCINATIONS - The Madison County Health Department is offering back-to-school vaccines. The vaccines will be administered daily until Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, at the County Health Department office, 301 Max Luther Drive, Huntsville. No insurance is required. New Alabama residents need a copy of vaccine records. For a list of shots that are required for school, go to https://tinyurl.com/yr3dkjeu.Optional Covid vaccines (ages 5 and up) are also available.

MADISON – When school resumes session for the 2022-2023 school year, all students will not be eligible for free breakfast and lunch.

“The USDA COVID-19 waiver that enabled school systems to provide free breakfast and lunch to everyone is expiring,” Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols announced in his District Update posts. “When school resumes in fall, MCS will return to a pay system.”

“Free and reduced meals will still be available upon completion of an application based on household income,” Nichols said. “The Free and Reduced applications will be available starting in July for the upcoming school year.”

The National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program provides funding for free and reduced-price meals for children.

To qualify for the service, all student families must complete a new

application each school year. A student’s eligibility status carries over from the previous year for the first 30 schooldays.

This procedure allows parents enough time to reapply for the new school year. Each household should submit only one application; the application must include everyone living in the house.

To access an application, visit paypams.com/OnlineApp.aspx or ask for an application at MCS Central Office, 211 Celtic Drive in Madison.

Families should allow 10 working days to process the application.

They will receive a notification letter about eligibility status from the Child Nutrition office at the Central Office.

School officials may check a family’s eligibility at any time during the school year. Officials may ask parents or guardians to provide documentation to verify income.

A foster child living in a family’s home qualifies for free meals,

regardless of the family’s income.

Include all foster children on same application with other children in the household.

New students should bring money for meals until their application is processed and approved. If a student transfers from the Madison County School System, eligibility also transfers; a new application is not necessary.

All submitted income information is confidential. Computer accounts for the student look identical to cash-paying students; no one can determine any student’s status.

Nelson will update school families in his District Updates about the meal program.

In addition, individuals can visit the Child Nutrition web page. Visit madisoncity.k12.al.us. Click “Departments” in the listed menus, and then click “Child Nutrition.”

From the list to the left, click “Free and Reduced Meals.” The link to this page is madisoncity.k12.al.us/ Page/4199.

Greengate School at Randolph continues to train teachers to help dyslexic children

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON - When faced with trying to get the best instruction for a dyslexic child, a great comfort is knowing teachers in area school districts have been specially trained for dyslexia.

Greengate School at Randolph has been dedicated to helping children with learning differences across North Alabama for twenty years. One in five children in our community are dyslexic or have reading difficulties.

As the state’s only school accredited by the Orton-Gillingham Academy for children with dyslexia, Greengate School at Randolph has the resources and expert staff to help every child succeed in de-

veloping reading and language skills.

Since its founding, Greengate School has been a resource for the community and that mission continues with the partnership with Huntsville City Schools, Madison City Schools, and Madison County Schools to provide specialized training for 90 teachers, 30 from each district. The Orton-Gillingham Method is scientifically proven to improve the struggling reader’s ability to read, write, spell, and comprehend.

Last fall, a grant established a partnership between Greengate School and the area public schools in the service of children.

The grant from the Community Foundation

of Greater Huntsville’s Women’s Philanthropy Society provides the teacher training, which will allow more than 2,700 students to receive the Orton-Gillingham method in their classroom.

In 2018, Greengate School and Randolph School merged. Greengate School at Randolph serves students in grades 1-8. Greengate is one of 18 schools in the nation

Staffing

accredited by the Orton-Gillingham Academy.

Greengate has educated children with dyslexia and related language-learning differences since 2002.

Greengate Services are open to the public and include screenings, testing, tutoring, training for teachers, and summer reading programs.

For more information, go to www.randolphschool.net.

Continued from page 2B

ing positions. Many classified or non-certified positions remain open, such as bus drivers, CNP (cafeteria) workers, aides and other paraprofessionals, the Personnel Department said.

Certified positions also

include administrators, counselors and others requiring state-sanctioned certifications. The Personnel Department will continue its outreach to fill positions through job fairs and recruiting drives.

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4B • THE MADISON RECORD

July 27, 2022

Serve Day

Several Madison City schools got some sprucing up July 16 thanks to a collective volunteer outreach to campuses! Area groups including Building Church, Church of the Highlands, JustServe, Church of Later Day Saints, and community members dispatched volunteers to help Heritage, Horizon, Discovery, and Bob Jones with projects like painting, outdoor gardens, and general clean ups. Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols also joined in the cleanup efforts.

James Clemens

Continued from page 1B

grown from one concert band to three, added two winter guards, a jazz band and a competition marching band,” Anderson said.

Accolades didn’t hesitate to notice the James Clemens Band.

“We’ve been blessed to perform in the New Year’s Day Parade in London, as well as have two different ensembles (Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble) perform at our state music educators’ conference,” Anderson said.

“I have been immensely blessed to be the director at James Clemens High School. It is an honor that I appreciate more every day,” Anderson said. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is to never take that for granted.”

Another charter teacher, Patrice O’Donnell “was excited to build a new school culture that would rival Bob Jones. Madison City has high expectations for their schools, and I wanted to be a part of that opportunity to bring a new high school to life.”

O’Donnell’s home turf, the Social Studies Department, has grown in the last 10 years with many new faces. “All of us faced challenges together. We met at lunchtime most days and talked about our triumphs and our problems. We were all in the same boat so it was a very tight knit group; we relied on each other,” O’Donnell said.

When an issue arose, O’Donnell consulted her teacher colleagues or administration. “Although they always tried to help -- sometimes the answer was, ‘It is what it is’ . . . which, interestingly enough, made us problem solve and create workarounds.”

During her 10 years as a ‘Jet,’ O’Donnell has learned you have to be willing to try new things.

“Step out of your comfort zone and experiment,” she said. “I have never regretted coming to James Clemens, and I’m proud to say I helped build the school.”

One of her favorite memories is the first pep rally. “Seeing all of the cheerleaders, band and color guard in Carolina blue and navy; the band playing our fight song; smiles on the football team as they were announced and entered the gym . . . was an awesome moment,” O’Donnell said.

Another impressive memory for O’Donnell occurred when one of her students in Advanced-Placement U.S. History earned a perfect score on the AP exam. “One of only six students in the world 2021,” she said.

O’Donnell helped the Interact Club, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society and Wildlife Club bury a time capsule on campus.

She anticipates the capsule’s opening in 20 years.

Amy Patel, Founder and Director of James Clemens Theatre, said her challenges “were tuning in to students and parents’ myriad of expectations and goals. I knew what kind of theatre program I was hoping to build, but that didn’t always align with what students and parents were expecting to build.”

Defining a JCTheatre Mission Statement was one early task. Patel asked students, “What does JCTheatre do (our product)? How (our process)?

Why (our purpose)? What three words are essential in describing JCTheatre?”

Students then wrote mission statements. Gleaning the best snippets, they agreed on a statement: “To be or not to be . . . Unex-

pected. Dedicated. Inspired and inspiring. To train our bodies, minds and voices to perform multiple productions -- from original and modern material to classic plays and musicals, to empower young artists and engage the audience and to engineer imagination and build our community. We choose to be. -James Clemens Theatre” Patel’s new job was “incredibly exciting, and, of course, I was nervous, too. We were building a staircase by standing on each new step, and we weren’t even sure where the steps would take us. We had a blank page to write on, which can feel overwhelming, but it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come along very often.”

Since JCTheatre was established, the program has more than doubled. The first year, Patel was the only drama teacher for both performance and technical theatre classes.

“Within two years, the department needed another teacher.

Clint Merritt is Technical Director and teaches technical theatre courses,” Patel said.

JCTheatre, a thriving program, welcomes several guest artists annually. The students perform six shows each year (sometimes more), host the Summer Spotlight Camp for elementary and middle schoolers, and attend several theatre festivals yearly.

In its first year, JCTheatre won its first major award. When the school opened, the auditorium still was under construction, so they rehearsed their one-act play, “Alabama Rain,” in the hallway.

“We walked into the auditorium for the first time on Oct. 1 and performed the one-act on

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James Clemens principal Dr. Brian Clayton speaking at the first James Clemens High School commencement ceremony in May 2013.

Nov. 1! We took it to district and State Trumbauer Festival and won ‘Best Technical Production’ both times,” Patel, a National Board Certified Teacher, said.

Since then, several students have placed in the Top Three actors every year at State Trumbauer and Alabama Thespian Festival. Their one-act play has won “Best of Show” six times.

The cast/crew has attended Southeastern Theatre Conference three times. James Clemens consistently has brought home “Best Acting,” “Best Costumes,” “Best Makeup” and “Best Set” awards at all levels.

During the past 10 years, Patel has “learned to embrace collaboration and student leadership.

At James Clemens, we’ve collaborated with JETSpress, Health Science Internship, Art and Music Departments, French and German classes, and Engineering. I don’t think most schools encourage collaboration and trying new things the way that James Clemens does.”

“As for student leadership, I’ve learned to truly welcome student ideas, because they’re often SO much better than mine!

I used to treat Student Directors like assistants, but now I really

let them direct WITH me -- block scenes, give notes, guide the production,” Patel said.

Their entire rehearsal process involves testing innovations and taking ideas from actors and techs. “Clint doesn’t hand technicians the designs for the show; the students design it, and then they build it together,” she said.

“I’m always impressed by our student leaders. They learn by doing, and they do it well,” Patel said.

Looking forward to recognizing James Clemens’ 10-year ‘birthday,’ Clayton and staff are excited to welcome the Class of 2013 for homecoming. “We plan on having a big celebration, and we hope to have a ceremony for the placement of our jet,” the school ‘mascot,’ he said.

When the Class of 2013 leaves homecoming, “I hope they see that mark of excellence they started and how much of an impact they had. If you remember they had a choice to stay at Bob Jones and they didn’t. I know they are as proud of James Clemens as I am,” Clayton said.

“The starting of James Clemens has been a hallmark of my experience as an educator,” Clayton said.

July 27, 2022

THE MADISON RECORD • 5B

B2S Word Search

It’s Back to School Time! In the next few weeks, lots of kids will once again begin school following their Summer break. Some students will be returning to the same school they attended last year, and some will be starting at new schools. Many people are excited to begin a new school year, but oftentimes some people can be very nervous about going back. Whether you are in Elementary School, Middle School, High School, or even College, remember to be kind to those who seem a little bit anxious. There are many types of school settings and classrooms that are used for learning. Some of us go to traditional classrooms in school buildings. Others may be taught at home by a parent or family member. This is called homeschool. Others attend school online, or virtually, where their lessons are taught by their teachers on the computer. No matter which type of classroom you will be attending this fall, there are a few things that can help you be successful in your studies. Set an alarm IRU VFKRRO DQG ZDNH XS ZLWK SOHQW\ RI WLPH WR JHW UHDG\ *HW \RXU IDYRULWH RXW¿W UHDG\ WKH night before. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to eat a healthy breakfast before beginning school. During school, never participate in bullying; be kind; and listen to your teachers. p It is important to remember that all the people with whom we attend school deserve respect!

Have a great school year!

Math Practice!

<RX ZLOO QHHG WZR GLႇHUHQW colored pencils for this activity.

Read the equations below.

On a separate sheet of paper, calculate what the answer would be for each sign given. Color the sign and then the correct answer with the same color. Use the other color for the second sign given.

1.

3 = 27

2.

Art, Band, College, Computers, Digital Classroom, Elementary, Gym, High (School), Homeschool, Homework, Language Arts, Mathematics, Middle (School), Music, Online, School, Science, Social Studies, Students, Teachers

4 +

5

10 3.

9

x

12

3

9 2

+ 1

15

24

2

5 =

8

7

8

=

17

72

Math Ans:1.(s)24(d)9, 2.(a)7(m)10, 3.(s)1(a)17

13

Find 6 Differences

School Crossword

Crossword Ans:Across: 2)Pupil 3)Globe 4)Paints 6)Pointer 7)Schoolbag 9)Laptop 11)School Bus 12)Calculator 13)Chalkboard 14)Ruler Down:1) Ball 2)Pencil 4)Pen 5) School 8)Book 10)Pencil Case 15)Teacher

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6B • THE MADISON RECORD

July 27, 2022

FAITH

Verse of the Week

Church Events

Be generous and lend freely Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Psalm 112:5

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

CrossPointe to host world banana pudding eating championship

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com MADISON - Major League Eaters will make the pilgrimage to Madison, Alabama, to compete in Fight Night: The 2022 Major League Eating World Banana Pudding Championship. The event will take place at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, August 5, at CrossPointe Church, 78 Hughes Rd, in Madison.

Competitors will have eight minutes to consume as much banana pudding as they can. The champion will establish a new world record in the banana pudding-eating discipline.

“Banana pudding is widely regarded as one of the American South’s most prominent comfort foods,” said Major League Eating Emcee Sam Barclay. “But, if they are to succeed, eaters must stay focused on quantity, and refrain from enjoying the quality of Apple Lane Farm’s award-winning banana pudding.”

Top eating talent will include #2-ranked Geoffrey Esper of Oxford, MA; #4-ranked Nick Wehry of Tampa, FL; #11-ranked Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago, IL; #17-ranked George Chiger of Pocono Pines, PA; #30-ranked Greg Wilson of Austin, TX; #31-ranked Crazy Legs Conti of New York, NY; Matthew Cohen of Maryville, TN; Andy Krawczyk of Raleigh, NC; and Steven Farlow of Browns Summit, NC. About Major League Eating Major League Eating (MLE), the world governing body of all stomach-centric sports, conducts more than 80 events annually, including the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest in Coney Island, N.Y. For more information, visit www.

MajorLeagueEating.com.

Church Directory BAPTIST Big Shiloh Baptist 133 Maple St. Crosspointe 78 Hughes Road First Baptist Madison 4257 Sullivan St. Grace Baptist 122 Walnut St.

The fellowship of Christian Athletes of North Alabama is hosting the Power Leadership Training Conference Aug. 5-6 with special musical guest the Casting Crowns (above).

FCA to host leadership conference with special guest Casting Crowns

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com HUNTSVILLE- The party of the year is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 5 at the Concert Hall of the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. In conjunction with the twoday Power Leadership Training Conference (PLT) Aug. 5 and 6, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is hosting a party gathering to kick off what is known as one of the highlights of the year for FCA members and students in grades 6-12.

Little Shiloh PB 229 Maple St.

The Brook 8573 Highway 72

Madison Baptist 840 Balch Road

Trinity Baptist 1088 Hughes Road

Madison Free Will Baptist 5295 Wall Triana Hwy

Wall Highway Baptist 6597 Wall Triana BIBLE First Bible Church James Clemens High School Auditorium

Korean First Baptist 4257 Sullivan St. Lindsay Lane Baptist East Campus 1659 Nick Davis Road

Skyline ABA Baptist 586 Slaughter Road

CHURCH OF CHRIST Central Valley 9580 Maison Blvd.

St. Andrew Primitive Baptist 1393 Swancott Road

Church of Christ Hughes Road

5167 Wall Triana Hwy

1418 Old Railroad Bed

620 6th Street

Church of Christ of Madison 556 Hughes Road

JEWISH SYNAGOGUES Temple B’nai Sholom 103 Lincoln St. S.E.

Grace United Methodist Church 2113 Old Monrovia Rd.

St. Peter UMC 107 Stewart St.

Monrovia Church of Christ 595 Nance Road

Journey Church 13902 Bradford Road

Grady-Madison AME 129 Gooch Lane

LUTHERAN Faith Lutheran 660 Gillespie Rd

Harvest Pointe Methodist Church 103 Gin Oaks Court

Lamb Of God Lutheran 11716 County Line

Madison United Methodist Church 127 Church Street Parker Chapel United Methodist Church 28670 Powell Road

Wall Triana Church of Christ 7535 Wall Triana

CATHOLIC St. John’s Catholic 1057 Hughes Road

Phillip Tabernacle Primitive Baptist 930 Balch Road

International Baptist 1025 Shelton Road

at Gooch Lane

Swancott Church of Christ Swancott Road

Madison Bible Church 1520 Hughes Road

Mt. Zion Baptist 228 Mount Zion Road Huntsville

Haven Baptist 1840 Slaughter Rd.

developed in 1999 near Daytona Beach, Fla. Youth pastor and lead singer Mark Hall established the Christian music group with band members who also work in the Christian based programs. Most of the band now resides in Georgia.

The group’s biggest hit song, Voice Of Truth, sat atop the Christian Music Charts for 14 consecutive weeks earning several Dove Awards. The group’s music has been described as “ministry of discipleship” and has sold over 10-million copies.

See CASTING CROWNS Page 7B

To add a church or request a change in the directory, please email john@themadisonrecord.com

Moses Chapel Primitive Baptist 372 Moses Chapel

Greenbrier Baptist 7939 Greenbrier Road

The PLT will feature guest speaker Tom Richter and musical entertainment by the Casting Crowns on Aug. 5 and conference special guest speaker Andy Mineo on Aug. 6. Also on hand will be the North Point Worship leaders.

The event begins with a gathering and dinner at the VBC East Hall. After an hour-long huddles session with the students and FCA leaders, the action goes to the Concert Hall for the evening’s highlight performance of Richter and the Casting Crowns.

The Casting Crowns were originally

Messiah Lutheran 7740 Highway 72 W

CHURCH OF GOD First Church Of God 1547 Capshaw Road St. Matthew’s Episcopal 786 Hughes Road GOSPEL Bright Star Full Gospel

METHODIST Asbury Church 980 Hughes Road Asbury - Harvest 8089 Wall Triana Hwy

Springhill United Methodist Church 1605 Zierdt Rd. Madison, Ala. 35756

Good Shepherd United Methodist

St. Paul United Methodist Church

MORMON The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints 1297 Slaughter Road NAZARENE Madison First Church 8234 Madison Pike NONDENOMINATIONAL Center Of Hope Church 5167 Wall Triana Hwy. Cornerstone Word Of Life 3783 Sullivan Street Fellowship Of Faith Church 132 Maple Street Grace Fellowship 11900 Mooresville Road Continued on PAGE 7B

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July 27, 2022

THE MADISON RECORD • 7B

HISTORY

Albert Einstein could’ve been the president of Israel

The Israeli government offered Einstein a spot as president on November 17, 1952 after the death of the former President, Chaim Weizman. However, Einstein declined, saying that he lacked the natural aptitude and the ability to deal properly with people.

with John Rankin

Take Route 66

By BECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

-2 Timothy 2:15 I am not suggesting you go on a coast-to-coast road trip on the infamous Mother Road Route 66 but to dive into God’s word, the Bible, which contains 66 books. The ‘route’ to knowing God. Many, including myself, have not read through the entire Bible but it has so much within its’ pages. It is a book filled with parables, promises, prayers, and a guidebook for life. It is the same for the ages as

God’s word never changes.

The Bible is not scary, and everyone should have a version they can understand. If your church offers Bible studies sign up for one. Satan wants you to be fearful and feel unqualified that is only so he can defeat you, for without the word you lack power.

PRAYER: I stand on your promises daily Lord found in the word. My heart aches for those people who are churches but no nothing about how to use the Bible. Bring revival to our land and a huge hunger for the word. In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

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

Church Directory

1969 Madison Centennial Belles in costume.

From page 6B

The Harbor Family Worship Center 1469 Browns Ferry Road

Spirit Life Family Worship Center 1469 Browns Ferry Road

Hope Church 1661 Balch Road

PRESBYTERIAN Grace Presbyterian USA 5555 Wall Triana Highway

Lifesong Community Home Church Light of Christ Center 4208 Holmes Avenue NW Living Word Fellowship 1477 Slaughter Road, Ala. Jesus Ministries 331 Landess Circle, Ala. Madison Mission Economic 183 Shelton Road Madison Worship Center 5290 Wall Triana Highway New Creation Christian Center 8006 Madison Pike Oasis Tabernacle - Faith & Love 8006 Madison Pike Ray Of Hope Ministries 9580 Putnam Plaza Real Ministries 8006 Madison Pike Restoration Foursquare 5810 Wall Triana Highway

Madison Monrovia Presbyterian Westminster Christian Academy Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian 3726 Pryor Road New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Providence Presbyterian 7745 Highway 72 W Redeemer Presbyterian 9580 Madison Blvd.

St. Elizabeth Cumberland Presbyterian, 104 Perry St. Triana Cumberland Presbyterian 263 Stone St. Sw Valley Presbyterian Church 719 Hughes Rd, Madison, Ala. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Madison Mission SDA 183 Shelton Road Triana Seventh Day Adventist 251 Ervin Lane

The Madison Record is currently in the process of updating the church directory. Please take a moment to look it over. If your church is not listed or a listing needs to be updates, please email that to us at john@themadisonrecord.com or call 256-763-1150.

Thank you.

FCA

Continued from page 6B

Once all conference attendees get settled in their rooms at the Embassy Suites for a good night’s sleep, each will rise and shine Saturday morning for a quick exercise program and breakfast before heading back to the East Hall for the day’s extended team huddles of leadership worship and comradery throughout the day which will include lunch.

Once the gatherings are

complete, dinner will be served prior to the walk to the Mars Music Hall at the VBC for an inspirational meeting with Mineo, team huddles and the event-ending “concert of prayer.”

Attendees must register and purchase tickets for the two-day event by visiting the FCA at www. northalabamafca.org.

Current registration cost is $150. Tickets and spaces are limited.

To advertise in The Madison Record, call Donna Counts at 256-714-7152

“True Tales” of Gladys True - Part 26 The following is a continuation of excerpts from the book, “My Life from Wagons to Rockets” by Gladys McFarlen True. It chronicles her life while living in Madison.

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian When we came to Madison, we had a mayor and I think three councilmen. Then things heated up, and we had an election. We voted to make the city limits nine square miles.

I do not know how much it is now.

That was when we changed the form of government to a mayor and five councilmen. We have had some very nice mayors.

The first mayor that I remember was Mr. R. L. Sturdivant. He lived where Sarah Whitworth lives now.

Mr. Sturdivant came along and raked our leaves out in a ditch, and burned them. We did not have paved roads. We did not have running water, but that old gentleman raked our leaves. Of course, if you had a yard as big as mine, he did not get around to the back, but he kept the front looking good.

We had what we called the Village Green. Mr. Sturdivant set out all those maple trees in one afternoon all by himself. When he finished, he came by the store and Pud said, “Let me give you a coke.” Those trees are beautiful and have been for many, many years. The dogwood trees that are on the Village Green now were planted by the Garden Club. They are all pink. They have been here a good thirty something years, and they are very pretty. The trees over in the Round House part have not gotten big enough to be very exciting, but they are coming along. The people are very careful about them when we have concerts.

We appreciated the new Round House replica. That was built one Sunday when we had the Street Fair.

We had a man come here with 50 million dollars. He was going to build a subdivision. He wanted to do something for the town. Mr. John Hathaway had found the plans to the original Round House. He and his Wild Boys (he called them the Wild Boys) built the Round House on a Sunday while we were having the Street Fair. It was not complete inside, but they got the outside of that house up that day. Mr. Hathaway and the Wild Boys came back later and finished the inside upstairs. We have done a lot of work on it since. You know how pretty it is at Christmas time when we decorate it.

Now when I say “we,” I am talking about the Garden Club. One fall we made $350 with our flower arrangements and the things we did at the County Fair. We spent that money for decorations at the Round House and downtown. We still decorate the Round House and the gazebo, but we have not bought anything new in a long time.

One of our friends who made the lights for the dogwood trees in the Village Green was an electrician.

He made a cord with a socket by every tree. He and his wife divorced, and he took the cord with him. We have not lit the trees now for the last ten years. We are planning to light them again this Christmas when

Dr. Bibb, Mr. Robert L. Sturdivant and Mr. Massey.

Robert L. Sturdivant in Spanish-American War uniform.

The Madison Street Festival parade. we light the trees up and down the street. Thanks to you, Sissie, for taking me around and showing me what the old Montgomery Garden Club did. The people cooperated, and we have these small lighted Christmas trees in the yards in the Historical District.

The Village Green was beautiful when we had it lit before. It was like a fairyland, but we never have been able to get that cord or get another one made. Maybe we have not worked hard enough, but we are going to this time. I doubt we ever light the trees over in the Round House part because there are too many of them. We really will not need them, because we do light the gazebo and the Round House.

When we started the Street Festival, it was what I think it should be now. To me, it is now a big flea market. This is one person’s opinion. I seem to be one of the few. When we started this, we had nothing but old crafts, and we had a person demonstrate those crafts. For instance, we had somebody who made soap. We had somebody who made dolls. We had somebody who dried fruit. We had somebody who strung chinaberries into necklaces. Somebody caned chairs. The man who lives here that makes violins worked on a fiddle that day. We had buggy rides. The Sheriff’s posse from the county came and rode their horses up and down the street. It was like going back in time.

We all wore our long dresses and bonnets that we had worn when Huntsville was one hundred and fifty years old. Madison took a big part in helping Huntsville celebrate their 150th birthday. Everybody had on long dresses, and it was very effective. Everybody in Madison helped us celebrate our 100th birthday {of the incorporation of the town under the name “Madison” rather than the original name of “Madison Station”} in 1969. Jennifer wore Pop’s sixty-year-old baby dress, and we all had costumes.

Several little towns in the county celebrated their 100th birthday about that time. My dress has been taken up and let out until it is threadbare around the waist. But I still wear it on special occasions,

and get out the bonnet and put it on. I have the purse and all this good stuff. I wear it all when I visit schools to explain “the good old days.”

I have had the thrill of winning a car. When the Street Fair first started, they sold chances for a lottery.

To have a proper lottery, there has to be a prize -- in this case it was a fishing car. I did not look at it, or I would not have taken a chance on winning it, but it was a car, and it did run. Pud drove it home while I walked. It puttered along no faster than my walking pace. It had only one seat box for the driver and a lawnmower steering wheel. The steering wheel had no height to it at all. Pud looked like a little monkey driving it, hunched down over the steering wheel. A bedspread hung in the back of the car. It smoked very badly. The next day we put a sign in the yard and sold it for seventy-five dollars.

Now we have this Street Festival.

I believe they call it the Festival.

We called it a Fair. For the first three or four years, it was like I just described.

Now they have home demonstration clubs that come from all around. People make their crafts, and they pay for the space, so the committee makes money. That is where they received the money to build the gazebo. I wanted the gazebo, but I wanted the Street Fair to stay like it was.

The Historical Society reserves the Round House. We sold homemade ice cream for a long time.

The health department will not let us make homemade ice cream to sell anymore because of the eggs.

We just sell regular ice cream now and note cards with some of the old homes. This year we are going to have a few new items.

Madison had a newspaper published about Madison in 1913. Since then, we had a newspaper in the 1960’s called the Madison Journal that lasted a little while. Two years ago, we had the Madison Globe, which lasted about two years. The Madison County Record has been here a long time. It has become a real nice newspaper. We also have a Madison Spirit section in the Huntsville Times.

8B • THE MADISON RECORD

Chapman

Snapshot

Continued from page 3A

as normal as one could be.

He taught me to campaign, to keep baseball books and to umpire Little League and girls’ softball games for extra money during summers. There is no doubt that a large part of why I have committed much of my life to public service has been because of “O.G.” Holley, though it was unbeknownst to me at the time.

What he taught me most of all is there is great ability in disability. I never once heard him complain.

He never once hinted of giving in or giving up. He lived his life to the fullest and poured himself into others and into the com-

COVID

July 27, 2022

munity in a way that was honorable and good. He used his disability to help teach others and show others that life can be better because someone with a disability was in it.

Truly there is pride in people with disabilities, and the fact that there are laws to protect and assist them, and make their lives easier and more productive, is something we can all take pride in.

The Madison Chamber of Commerce held their first ever Women in Business Tea last Tuesday. The main purpose of the tea was to provide networking opportunities for women in the community and to enjoy tea and refreshments. The event was held at the Main Street Cafe in downtown Madison and hats were encouraged. Here are some fun photos from the event. For related story, see page 5A. For more events hosted by the Madison Chamber of Commerce, go to www.madisonchamberal.com. Photos by Kassidy Wilkins

Beth Chapman is Alabama’s former State Auditor and Secretary of State.

She now owns and operates Beth Chapman & Associates. This is her weekly column “Around the Capitol”.

Continued from page 3A

on a ventilator, four COVID-19 ICU patients and 55 patients under investigation.

On Monday, Madison Hospital had 12 in-patients positive for COVID-19, no ventilator or ICU patients and 6 patients under investigation for the virus.

State and local hospital officials are seeing favorable signs about the severity of illness. They do not expect a huge surge for summer, like the scenario in 2021.

Last week, 628 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in Alabama. In 2021, that number was 371.

Hospital administrators

know that the increase in patients is taxing the resilience of hospital workers.

“Between last summer and now, there was this mass exodus of people who left healthcare,” Williamson said. “We’ve filled some of that with traveling staff, but that’s a temporary solution.”

Doughty said local hospitals may have to ask staff to work extra shifts if the caseload increases.

“Our staff is great,” Doughty said. “They are community advocates and they will step up and work extra shifts if that’s what it takes to protect our community.”

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