The Madison Record - September 20, 2023

Festival. Page 6A

Photo showcases Madison’s beautiful downtown after winning state contest

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Madison’s beautiful and historic downtown received statewide recognition last week when the Alabama Big 10 Mayors announced the winners of their 2023 city life photo competition. Taking the top prize is local photographer Cristie Clark’s photo showing a train making its way through the scenic downtown. The contest was open for residents of

Alabama’s 10 largest cities to submit photos of their cities in an attempt to win and display what makes their city unique.

“I love Madison and love to show our city off,” said Clark, who is opening a studio downtown. “It was very exciting to win. I hope it helps show others throughout the state what a beautiful city we have.”

Other winners were picked from each of the 10 cities. LaToya Kendrick of Madison won for her photo of a Madison

31 Madison students qualify as National Merit Semifinalists

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced its first set of Semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Madison City Schools has 30 students who qualified as semifinalists, with 16 from Bob Jones High School and 14 from James Clemens High School. One home-school student from Madison is on the list.

The only high schools with more Semifinalists than Bob Jones and James Clemens (separately) are Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School in Montgomery with 17 and Mountain Brook High School with 26 students.

Semifinalists from other local schools included Huntsville High School, 5 students; Grissom High School, 2; Mae Jemison, 1; and Lee High School, 1.

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The program does not measure effectiveness of education within a school, system or state.

sunset, and Mike Matthews of Huntsville won for a photo of Big Spring Park.

Winners of the competition were selected based on the number of likes each photo submission received on the Alabama Big 10 Mayors’ Facebook page. The photo with the most likes overall won the statewide competition – along with a $500 Visa gift card – while the photos with the most likes in each city won the city-specific competitions.

At James Clemens, National Merit Semifinalists and their expected major in college include these students: Angela J. Ai, biology/biological sciences; Shivani Alapati, undecided; Carlin C. Chacko, genetics; Bhavya V. Chalasani, neuroscience; Clara J. Choung, unreported; Abhishek V. Emani, unreported; Connie A. Guo, computer science; Grace Y. Hur, unreported; Lilliann D. Markowitz, biological and biomedical sciences; Aasim M. Musani,

See SEMIFINALISTS Page 4A

Bob Jones to host first Rocket City Marching Invitational

Nine area marching bands are slated to perform at Madison City Stadium starting at noon on Saturday

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – An exciting, new event will premiere in Madison with the Rocket City Marching Invitational this Saturday.

Bob Jones High School Marching Patriots are presenting the contest for bands to impress the audience and panel of judges with their

music charts, field formations, color guard pageantry and synchronized dance moves. The invitational will open at noon.

The marching bands from Huntsville, Grissom, Muscle Shoals, JPII, Madison Academy, Elkmont, Athens and Buckhorn will join Bob Jones in filling Madison City Stadium with music and visual

See INVITATIONAL Page 4A

Photographer Cristie Clark won a statewide photography contest by the Alabama Big 10 Mayors with her photo of Madison’s historic downtown. You can find more about Cristie’s photography at www.cbcmediaco.com

The Bob Jones Marching Patriots (above) will host the competition for area bands. They are

Invitational

art through their performances.

The bands will compete in numerous categories. They will perform continuously until all have marched. In the finale, judges will announce ratings and students from each band will accept their awards on the field.

Leigh Thomas is Director of Bands at Bob Jones.

Kevin Smart is Assistant Director and directs the percussion line.

From the preliminary competition, students can earn trophies for both performance and “Best in Class” in categories for drum major, color guard, dance, majorette, percussion and overall band.

The top eight over-

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all scores, regardless of class, will advance to finals. Overall scores are weighted with music at 50 percent; visual at 30 percent; and 20 percent for general effect. In the finals, awarding differs slightly. Bands will receive awards based on best overall performance by drum major; visual ensemble, which includes guard, dance and majorette; percussion; visual; music; and general effect. Bands with the top three scores overall will earn first-, second- and third-place awards. Other bands in the finals also receive awards. The audience will choose and vote for ‘fan favorite.’

Six-year-old twins Michael and Mitchell Clark had a blast at the annual Oktoberfest at Redstone Arsenal on Friday night. The festival attracts thousands of people each year. Some attend for the Ferris wheel and other carnival rides, others for the live entertainment and authentic German cuisine. This year saw huge crowds Friday through Sunday. Proceeds from the Oktoberfest are returned to the Redstone community in the form of improvements to Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities and recreational offerings. You can see more photos in the October issue of Madison Living.

Photo by Cristie Clark of Captured by Cristie Media Co.

Madison City Council reverses past action concerning public comment

By MARIA RAKOCZY

MADISON – Changes are posed to come to the Madison City Council meetings once again. On Monday, the city council heard the first reading of and then passed an ordinance to repeal and replace Code Section 2-42(4) that shifted general public comments to the very end of city council meetings.

The council briefly discussed at the August 28 work session reverting the agenda to its former order with public comments early in the meeting after the presentation of awards.

“I would like to go back to the way it was before,”

Over The Edge

Madison councilwoman Maura Wroblewski expressed in the work session. She described the current situation as “disjointed”. “It seems like it flowed a little bit better the way before,” she added.

“I think the other thing was the worry of department heads of what was happening there, and in talking with the department heads, they’re fine with the way it was,” said Mayor Paul Finley.

Councilwoman Karen Denzine also chimed in, “I like it at the beginning but if you do have something special, let them still have the second three minutes for agenda items.”

At the September 11

council meeting, Council President Ranae Bartlett presented the first reading of the ordinance as part of her presentation of reports.

According to Bartlett, “It was the consensus that this should be presented to the council to go back to the way we originally had it.”

Given the consensus to revert the agenda order, the council successfully voted to suspend the rules, skip the first reading, and immediately vote to implement the amended agenda. The ordinance passed unanimously, and the new agenda will be used at the next city council meeting on September 25.

The council went on later in the meeting to approve the appointment of Michael Harbour to Place 2 on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals from the Supernumerary 1 Position.

Infrastructure projects that received attention and funds included asphalt paving on Hughes Road as part of the Middle School Infrastructure Project, the County Line Road and Royal Drive Extension, the Sullivan Street Widening Project, the Hardiman Road and Madison Branch Boulevard roundabout, the Segers Road and Maecille Drive Intersection Improvement Project, and the Balk and Gooch Inter-

The Kids to Love Foundation held their annual “Over the Edge” fundraising event Friday and Saturday. Participants raised money to be able to rappel off Huntsville’s tallest building, the Regions Center. This is the sixth year for Over the Edge, saw a record amount of people rappel 160 feet from the top of the building to the landing zone below. One such person was 85-year-old Jannette Morrow (pictured above). With a zest for life and a heart full of compassion, she embarking on the extraordinary adventure to help children in foster care. Money raised from Over the Edge supports Kids to Love’s wide range of programs that support children in foster care, providing them with everything from school supplies to scholarships to clothing and toys for Christmas.

2023 PULLIN’ FOR PARTNERSHIP FIRE TRUCK CHALLENGE - Community teams will demonstrate that they’re ‘pulling for’ people working for sobriety by entering the “2023 Pullin’ for Partnership Fire Truck Challenge,” which will benefit Partnership for a Drug-Free Community. For the third year, Madison Fire and Rescue employees are joining forces with Partnership personnel to bring attention to substance use problems that face the local population. The event will raise funds to provide services to individuals looking for help. The fundraiser will be held Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bob Jones High School, 650 Hughes Road.

James Clemens hosted a special homecoming event Thursday night. After the Jets homecoming parade along County Line Road, the school held an unveiling and dedication ceremony for their new mascot, a retired powder blue Navy TF-9J Cougar jet. A great crowd was on hand to mark the occasion that has been a decade in the making. Picture perfect skies made the event even more enjoyable to the hundreds who were on hand. You can read more about it in the October issue of Madison Living Magazine.

Semifinalists

pre-medicine/pre-medical studies; Brock J. Senel, pre-medicine/pre-medical studies; Neil Sethi, unreported; Saahil Shaik, unreported; and Samuel E. Townsend, environmental health engineering.

Gabriel T. Gordon, a home-school student, qualified as a Semifinalist.

These Bob Jones students rank as National Merit Semifinalists and stated their college major: Abram C. Carlson, undecided; Samantha S. Chan, pre-medicine/pre-medical studies; Andrew D. Crocker, computer engineering; Gianna Dieselberg, interior design; Rachael

A. Ehrman, mechanical engineering; Luke M. Garrison, computer engineering; Elizabeth V. Haddock, unreported; Lucy L. Halter, civil engineering; Piper S. Larkin, chemistry; Francois S. le Roux,

Continued from page 1A

computer science; Madeline G. McInvale, unreported; Elizabeth K. Newsom, physics; Pranaav Satheesh, biology/biological sciences; Lauren N. Sheehy, aerospace, aeronautical and space engineering; Taylor L. Turpin, biochemistry; and 161 Zoe

A. Widman, biology/biological sciences.

A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, have endorsement by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the qualifying test. National Merit Scholarship winners for 2024 will be announced in four news releases, issued in April 2024 through July 2024, with $28 million at stake.

For more information, visit nationalmerit.org.

JAMES CLEMENS HOMECOMING - Here are some fun photos from the James Clemens High School homecoming game on Friday by photographer Andrew Noles (Noles Nest Photography). The Jets scored a victory over Huntsville to cap their celebration. See related story on page 1B.

LIVING

1870

leading to the eventual incorporation of Rome into the Kingdom of Italy and the limiting of papal governing authority to the Vatican itself and a small district around it.

Pocket before you lock it

By JOE HOBBY Columnist

It’s been a while, but I’ve done it again. I locked my keys in my car. I thought that by now in our 21st century world, where we have more high-tech gadgets than anyone in the 1950’s could’ve imagined, every automobile on Earth would have a foolproof method to keep this from happening. It’s true that lots of new cars have features that make it impossible. But not all of them.

My truck is a prime example. And I’m living proof that if you take the right kind of moron, put him in the right kind of car, throw in a dash of ADD, you can indeed still lock your keys in your car. Bless my little heart.

I was at a shopping center when it occurred. I still can’t believe I did it. What’s worse, I’ll swear while I was closing the car door, I heard the little idiot bell going off. More on that shortly.

And it happens so fast. I think the smallest measurable increment of time known to man is the time between that car door closing and discovering your keys are still in the ignition.

Sometimes you actually realize that you’re locking your keys in the car while you’re in the act of doing it, but that doesn’t stop you. I can imagine what the conversation between your brain and hand would sound like. Right in the middle of the door shutting, your brain’s going “No, no, no. Stop!” But your hand says,” No problem. I got this.”

However, within a nanosecond, the hand realizes it’s made a big mistake, and yells, “Uh oh! You screwed up! What have you done?”

“What I have I done?”, the brain responds indignantly. “You’re the stupid hand that shut the door. I

told you to stop! Now just look at the trouble you have made for both of us!”

And it’s too late now - the keys are locked inside. It’s the ultimate frustration. They’re so close, and you can see them right there in front of you, but you can’t get your hands on them. It’s the same way most guys feel when they’re at Hooters.

At this point, you have to avoid the natural inclination to scream cuss words so loud that they are heard by children nine miles away, kick the tires until you break your big toe, and shoot the engine block if you are armed. No. Instead, you must follow that time-honored tradition that began when cars first had keys and locks. You must somehow find a coat hanger, straighten out the wire, and try to open the door. But believe me, this is not without its drawbacks. Because when you lock your keys in the car, that coat hanger in your hand becomes a lightning rod that attracts idiots from a 20-mile radius. Yes, you have become a true moron magnet.

I’m sure these people mean well, and do want to offer some assistance. However, hearing how they once locked their keys in a 1971 Chevy Nova doesn’t help me at all. And personally, I believe that deep down inside, getting keys out of a locked vehicle is a game that a certain type of people want to play. It should be on Tic Tok: The Idiot’s Car Key Challenge.

Within ninety seconds of hearing my car door slam, one guy pulled up to me in a beat-up Ford Truck and declared confidently in his best Southern accent, “Haaay. I kin get ‘em out - no problem!”

I politely said, “No thanks.” But what I was thinking was, “Oh, you can get ‘em out? Is that why your driver-side window is made out of dry-cleaning bags and duct tape?”

For the next 15 minutes,

See

Page 5B

Fire up fellow football fans with smoked wings

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – This month we have been looking at popular recipe ideas for your weekend football parties. No football feast is complete without wings, and party hosts can satisfy their guests’ needs for this beloved bar snack with the following recipe for “Virgil’s Smoked Chicken Wings With Blue Cheese Dip” from Neal Corman’s “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook” (St. Martin’s Press).

Virgil’s Smoked Chicken

Wings with Blue Cheese Dip

Serves 4

Blue Cheese Dip

• 2 cups blue cheese crumbles, divided

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 2 teaspoons hot sauce

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions

• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery

Marinade

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup hot sauce

• 4 tablespoons Virgil’s Dry Rub (see below)

• 4 tablespoons granulated garlic

• 4 tablespoons granulated onion

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Wings

• 8 large chicken wings

• 1/2 cup Virgil’s Dry Rub (see below)

Sauce

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 4 tablespoons white vinegar

• 3/4 cup hot sauce

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. To make the dip, combine 1 cup of the blue cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and blend on low until smooth.

2. Remove to a medium mixing bowl and fold in the rest of the blue cheese, scallions and celery, being sure to break up the large blue cheese crumbles. Place in a covered container and refrigerate overnight.

3. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Place the wings in a large container with a lid and pour the mixture over the wings. Toss until the wings are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 days.

4. Preheat the grill or smoker to 245 F.

5. Spread out the wings on a sheet pan and wipe away any excess marinade. Sprinkle liberally with the dry rub, coating the wings all over.

6. Position the wings on the grill away from the direct heat of the coals or burners, and add hickory to the smoker, or place hickory chips on the coals or gas burners.

7. Cook the wings for about 3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes (their internal temperature should be about 165 F when cooked).

8. While the wings are cooking, cut the butter for the sauce into 1-inch cubes and refrigerate. Whisk the cornstarch into the white vinegar in a small bowl.

9. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, bring the hot sauce to a simmer and whisk in the thickened vinegar. Return to a simmer, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the heat.

10. Add the cayenne and slowly whisk in the cold butter. Keep warm until serving.

11. Remove the wings from the smoker or grill and put half of them into a bowl, cover with the sauce, and toss. Repeat with the remaining wings and serve on a platter, with the blue cheese dip on the side.

Virgil’s Dry Rub

Makes 5 to 51/2 cups

• 21/2 cups sweet paprika

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup Texas-style chili powder

• 1/2 cup minced onion

• 1/2 cup granulated garlic

• 1/4 cup dried parsley flakes

• 6 tablespoons kosher salt

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together until completely incorporated. Transfer to a covered bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dry place.

Grants for existing educational and horticulture projects

By SUZANNE KIRKHUFF Master Gardener

MADISON COUNTY - If your nonprofit group or institution has an existing project of this nature and you are needing funding assistance,

(such as outdoor classrooms, educational landscapes, crop education, etc.) we would like for you to apply. The grant awards are from $100 to $1000. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15.

Grant details and application

form are online at www.mginfo.org/ grants. MGNA is a nonprofit organization comprising of Certified Master Gardeners who are committed to community education of horticulture in the greater Huntsville/Madison area.

- On this day in 1870, Italian troops occupied Rome,

Dead Parrots Society Bash is a fun-filled fundraiser that helps the community in many ways

Tickets are on sale now for the October event

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - It’s just a little more than a month away, the Madison Rotary Club’s annual Dead Parrots Society Halloween Bash is planned for Oct. 28, but tickets are on sale now and organizers stress now is the time to scoop them up. The Bash is a fun-filled fundraiser that benefits the organization’s multitude of community outreach programs.

The Bash will be held at NOW Soccer Academy, 147 Winchester Road in Madison, from 6-11 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance at www.eventbrite.com. The price goes up to $30 if purchased that night at the door.

The Madison Rotary Club is a driving force behind many city projects that strive to improve the quality of life around Madison. The club is the local chapter of the national and international Rotary Club organization that was founded in 1905 to improve communities through charitable initiatives. The Madison chapter has been active for over twenty years and in that time has endeavored several youth outreach programs and has supported numerous city improvement projects. While the chapter has a variety of outreach areas, it has a special focus on helping lo-

cal youth. The Madison Rotary Club works closely with the Madison City School District to supply school supplies and graduation regalia to underprivileged students, to support the summer lunch program, and to back the high school equivalent of the Rotary Club,

Interact Clubs, at James Clemens and Bob Jones High Schools. One of the club’s larger programs for youth and veterans, as well, is their annual Thanksgiving Day basket program that provides full-fledged Thanksgiving

What have you heard in the check out line?

By BRUCE WALKER Columnist

It all begins with the annual Madison Street Festival parade through the downtown streets starting at 9 .m.

Madison Street Festival is almost here! Check out what is planned

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - It’s an al fresco classroom. It’s a marketplace. It’s a gathering of artisans with collector-worthy artwork or homespun Americana. But most proudly, it’s a homecoming for anyone lucky enough to be a Madisonian. It’s the Madison Street Festival.

2023 marks the 41st festival when Madison’s downtown streets suddenly convert to a party for a day.

However, this ‘party’ doesn’t happen overnight. “For the last eight months, over 40 volunteers that make up the Madison Street Festival 501(c)3 organization have been working diligently and passionately behind the scenes to create another magical festival FREE to the community on October 7, opening at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.,” MSF President Crystal McBrayer said.

“Each area has more participants than in years past, with a variety that will make every festivalgoer happy. Thank you to The Shoppes of Downtown Madison and the amazing homeowners who share this space with us on the first Saturday in October every year,” McBrayer said.

To kick off the festival, the MSF PARADE will start on Skate Park Drive at 9 a.m. and proceed down Mill Road to Church Street, Front Street, Sullivan Street and disband at Madison Elementary School. “Make sure to head to the Entertainment Stage on Church Street for Opening Ceremonies, which begin when the parade ends,” McBrayer said. Coordinator: Debbie Hoover.

On SPONSOR ROW, festivalgoers can say, “Hello,” to businessowners who have helped fund MSF and can learn about their businesses. Financial sponsors for 2023 will set up on Church Street; these sponsors allow MSF to host a free festival. Coordina-

tors: Keegan Mumaw, Casey Mosbarger, Emily Garay. Off Church Street, ARTIST ALLEY is a juried art exhibit that showcases some of the Tennessee Valley’s best artists, specializing in fine arts. Stroll through an amazing display of high-quality, award-winning original works. Artists enjoy explaining their techniques as shoppers find that perfect design to take home. Also in Artist Alley, Madison Arts Alliance will offer a fun interactive art exhibit. Coordinators: Amber Keyes, Debbie Overcash.

The STUDENT ART AREA highlights creations by students from community schools. Also staged in Artist Alley’s area, the work of these brilliant young artists promises to impress the viewing audience. Coordinator: Deborah Burke.

CRAFTERS COVE, located on the corner of Church and Maple streets, features unique, handmade items that embody the craftsperson’s creativity and skill. Here visitors will find everything from hair bows, children’s clothing, dolls, wreaths, jewelry, wooden pallet See MSF Page 8A

Humans are instinctively hardwired to tell and listen to other people’s stories. (Think People Magazine, Dear Abby, social media) The best stories I have heard have been while standing in the check-out line. In a long check-out line at a big box store, a lady bumped into me with a large bouquet of flowers. I turned and she quickly apologized- “no harm done”-I said. With a tremble in her voice, slowly enunciating each word, she said, “Today would have been my son’s 16th birthday”, I replied, “I am truly sorry”; that interaction triggered a flood of words. Softly she spoke, “Yeah, he had a terminal diagnosis of cancer when he was thirteen. We had him for 3 years after that and every one of those days was a blessing. When he would get chills, I would snuggle beside him.” She continued, “He awoke from a fitful nap one afternoon toward the end of his struggle and said, “Momma, I had the most amazing dream; you know that rug at the foot of the bed that Mee-Maw made me?

I dreamed it was a huge circus tent, crowded with people and I was one of them. I looked up and all I saw was gnarled strings, a matted mess, a confusion of shapes and colors, it was hideous. Next thing I knew, I was lifted into the sky, hovering above it, I looked down, and there it was; the rug meemaw had made me, the most beautiful blend of colors and designs I had ever seen;” By then, the check-out line had halted—everyone was listening. She continued, “My son said,” “Down here it has been gnarly and confusing, not very pretty;

but I have seen the other side and it is beautiful! Do not worry about me…I will be watching for you... on the other side.” All around you could see and hear the responses- sniffles, tears, and smiles. You never know what burdens, surprises or secrets others are carrying, it does not hurt one bit to be tolerant and kind to those we meet during the day.

Here are a few more stories I have heard in the checkout line.

My wife and I enjoy attending the Monte Sano Art Fair in our hometown of Huntsville, Al. Every year we make sure to stop by a certain artisan’s pottery booth. We were standing there admiring her work when a couple about our age walked up and immediately the man began explaining to his companion, as if she did not have a clue, how perfect the pottery dish he was holding would be for making biscuits. She stood there and dutifully listened as he explained the different ingredients needed for making biscuits. They walked off and, in a few moments, she returned by herself and said to us, “I do not want you to have the wrong impression, this is my second marriage, and I have not told him yet, I can cook!

My wife and I were eating at our favorite seafood restaurant in Orange Beach, Al. A sweet and attentive server was taking our order- I asked how long she had been a waiter…. This is her story.

“Until the economic meltdown of 2008, the “Great Recession”, we now call it, I worked in loss prevention at a big box store. In the food section. I saw a man walking toward me wearing a large floppy hat; blood was streaming down both sides. New at the job, I rushed up to him to

See STORYTELLER Page 5B

The Dead Parrots Society Bash is a popular event filled with music, costumes, food and fun!

The Madison Street Festival has something for everyone. It will be held Oct. 7 in downtown Madison.

UPCOMING CONCERTS AND EVENTS AT THE ORION AMPHITHEATER

MidCity District in Huntsville • theorionhuntsville.com

Check out the many concerts and events scheduled for this month at the Orion Amphitheater. Go to their website for more details.

Thursday, September 21

Lana Del Rey with Zella Day

Saturday, September 23

Brandi Carlile with Tanya Tucker

Thursday, September 28

Movies in the Meadow Presents ‘Jason Isbell

UPCOMING CONCERTS AND EVENTS AT THE VON BRAUN CENTER

Downtown Huntsville • www.vonbrauncenter.com

Check out the many events scheduled for this month at the Von Braun Center. Go to their website for more details.

September 22

CONCERTS ON THE DOCK • Friday 6 to 9 p.m. • Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment •lowemill.art

Get ready for an electrifying musical journey that feeds the soul! Lowe Mill A&E’s signature concert series, Concerts on the Dock, is back and better than ever, bringing you an unforgettable lineup of live music curated by the renowned Marcus Pope. From September 8 to October 6, immerse yourself in the heart of Huntsville’s music scene as local and regional musicians take the stage under the iconic water tower. Marcus Pope, a musical maestro with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education/Performance, is the creative force behind this year’s concert series. As the founder of Pope’s School of Percussion and a percussion instructor at Randolph School, Marcus brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the event. The lineup is as follows: Sept. 22- Kim Coffey and Friends; Sept. 29- Emily Joseph Band, and Oct. 6Marcus Pope & Friends.

CITY LIGHTS & STARS CONCERT SERIES

September 22 at 7:30 p.m. Burritt on the Mountain burrittonthemountain.com

Pack a picnic, dress casually, bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a spectacular view of the city while listening to great music.

September 22 In the Mood Swing Band Calling Huntsville “Hometown”, Huntsville’s In the Mood is an exciting 21 piece big band. Specializing in swing and jazz making every occasion an exciting event. Influences include Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Henry Mancini, Cole Porter Bobby Darrin, Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie.

Expires 9/30/23

29-30

designs, yard art, ceramics, cigar-box guitars, dog clothing and collars, candles, wooden toys, hand-painted objects and knitted/crocheted pieces. Coordinators: Susan and Dave Bailey, Brenda Parker.

The BUSINESS SHOWCASE down Front Street assembles companies and organizations (for-profit and non-profit) to show what they’re all about, McBrayer said. This area helps businesses and organizations explain their diverse products and services. From health and wellness, insurance, pet services, performing arts, civic and community groups, nature and wildlife . . . to name a few. Coordinator: Megan Moore.

An impressive 31 FOOD vendors will serve some of the South’s best choices. Barbecue, Greek, hot dogs, hamburgers, comfort food, tamales, tacos, funnel cakes, ice cream, shaved ice, Philly cheese steak, vegan options, popcorn, cookies and cakes, specialty coffee and lemonade . . . MSF has your taste buds covered. On Main Street and throughout the festival, vendors and food trucks will be cooking up tasty treats for the whole family. We promise every tummy will leave happy, McBrayer said. Coordinators: Re-

Bash

Continued from page 6A

meals to those in need.

“I’m really proud of this,” Melissa Gibson, the former president of the Rotary Club and coordinator of the Dead Parrots Society Bash, shared. “We also, for one of our community service activities that we do, we provide usually, depending on the need, thirty-five Thanksgiving Day baskets for students at Madison City Schools and also, we partner with Still Serving Veterans”.

Gibson credits the Rotary Club’s Youth Director, Fire Chief David Bailey, for the chapter’s thriving focus on uplifting the youth of Madison.

“Our youth director, Chief Bailey, he just has such a passion for youth,” Gibson said. “He just exudes all that, just loves young people and pouring into them, and he’s really taken a lot of time to meet with the schools and find out ex-

becca Franz and Kathy Morris.

INTERACT ZONE features everything for children and teens. Off Maple Street by Fellowship of Faith Church, the zone is crammed full of interactive booths. The Children’s Area provides free arts, crafts, games and entertainment.The Teen Area hosts interactive stations visual and hands-on, ‘easy’ exhibits to learn to play chess, check out robotics, try STEM activities and more. Coordinators: Hallie Kenny -Children’s Area. Melissa Cain, Ashley Sewell, Melissa Patch – Teen Area.

MIDTOWN MADISON will be the destination to visit with Madison’s Mayor, council members, public works employees or city engineers, along with police officers and firefighters. Don’t miss their booths at Church and Front streets’ intersection. Ask questions, and check out their materials. Coordinators: Gina Romine, Jenny Spain.

LifeSouth will attend for the second annual ELBERT BALCH MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE. Balch was a longtime MSF supporter, and blood donations will respect his memory. Bloodmobiles will park at Animal Trax on Church Street.

COMMUNITY SHOWCASE

actly where their needs are. So, this year we want to really focus a lot of our funds to go to those kids that need some extra help.”

Additionally, as part of its vocational training initiatives, the chapter partners with KTECH to sponsor a scholarship for a recent high school graduate from Madison city to enter trade school there.

“We also teach an ethics class there once a semester to their students, using the Rotary Four Way Tests and just teaching them what are good ethical ways to act once they do get that job. Sometimes that’s overlooked,” Gibson explained. “It’s just a good way to get to talk with a variety of different professionals from the community.”

The Madison Rotary Club further supports youth enrichment by contributing to hosting the yearly

STAGE on Main Street hosts performing art groups. The audience can enjoy many types of entertainment from martial arts, belly dancers, baton twirlers, quartets and much more.

Coordinator: Cheri Volkin.

At the ENTERTAINMENT STAGE off Church Street, “Come here to put your hands together, stomp your feet, dance or just sit back and hum along to the live music,” McBrayer said. “This stage will bring some of the best local talents to please crowds throughout the day.” The Entertainment Stage also is Opening Ceremonies’ venue.

Coordinator: Beth Heflin.

Stop by the MSF INFORMATION trailer in the parking lot for Animal Trax/The Glass Company. An MSF volunteer can answer questions about the festival, charge a cell phone or find a location within the festival. Coordinator: Erica DeSpain.

At Captain Jesse Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, a special flag raising will launch the festival after MSF Opening Ceremonies. Madison American Legion, Post 229 will decorate the park in patriotic colors, and Legionnaires will host a fun, interactive exhibit. Stop by the park at the corner of Church

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards in North Alabama, a three-day youth leadership conference. The Madison chapter sponsors ten local students to attend the conference.

The Rotary Club’s fingerprints can be found on local schools and beyond as one of the key fundraisers and donors for city projects, such as, the Madison Library’s children’s garden, Home Place Park renovations, and most recently, the new community center and Kid’s Kingdom refurbishment.

“We helped build the new amphitheater in Madison. We had a $50,000 donation to help with that. We were able to give a portable ventilator to Madison Hospital during COVID. All of this that we do come from proceeds from our one annual fundraising event,” Gibson said. Its influence can even be found

and Front streets.

At the Round House, Madison Station Quilters will demonstrate their skills and show their works of art. Visit them in the Village Green off Front Street to learn about quilting and admire their beautiful creations.

For the 2023 festival, Madison City Community Orchestra will fill the Madison Gazebo with classical music and pop sounds for the crowds to enjoy.

“If you see youth walking around with a press pass taking action shots, give them a High Five and tell them ‘great job,’” McBrayer said. “In 2022, we implemented a program with local high schools’ photography students. They help Madison Street Festival capture magical moments of the day!”

Visitors can ride to the festival in free SHUTTLE SERVICE buses from CrossPointe Church and Madison City Schools Stadium. Assisted-ride buses also will run. Another option is for visitors to park at the stadium and walk a short distance to MSF’s entrance on Wise Street.

NOTE: The CrossPointe Church shuttle will reroute to a different drop-off location at the festival from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m. Visitors should go to the

beyond the confines of the United States in a Honduras community the chapter adopted and, for which, the Madison Rotary Club sends doctors to provide medical care.

The Dead Parrots Society Halloween bash is both the party and fundraiser of the year that makes all of these initiatives possible. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event benefit all the club’s charitable initiatives but this year will especially benefit its youth outreach programs. Gibson says the fundraising is especially important this year in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re really kind of just now seeing the effects of the pandemic throughout the community, and a lot of the funds that were given at the beginning of the pandemic are drying up. Then they’re gone and

Maple Street Shuttle stop to return to CrossPointe Church, if you ride this shuttle during this time. Transportation Coordinator: Spencer Mahoney.

“Not only does MSF create a free-to-the-community event with the help of our amazing financial sponsors, but our heart as an organization is giving money back to the community after the event with our GRANTS to educational programs,” McBrayer said. MSF encourages anyone involved with schooling to apply for a grant. The grant period runs from September 1 through October 31. To apply, visit madisonstreetfestival.org/ grant. Coordinators Keegan Mumaw, Stephanie Cravens, Alicia Winkle.

MSF always needs volunteers to help with set up, tear down and throughout the day. Anyone interested in helping to create the magic that day can register at madisonstreetfestival. org/volunteers.

Coordinators: Cathy Larsen, Sarah Potter, Charity Stratton.

“The MSF organization is beyond grateful for the support that our community has shown for our 41st festival. We cannot wait to see everyone enjoying all that we have planned for the day,” McBrayer said.

so, a lot of families are feeling the effect, and of course with inflation cost, gas and groceries and all of that, there’s a lot of families that are definitely struggling,” Gibson said.

This year, the fundraiser is expected to be bigger and better than ever. Originally named the Parrots of the Caribbean, the fundraiser was revamped in 2021 as a Halloween party and given a new name for the new theme, the Dead Parrots Society Bash. The night will be brought alive by a costume party, live music by local band JUICE, a dance floor, haunted house area, online auction, bar with a signature cocktail, and food trucks.

Mark your calendar for the party on Saturday, October 28. Tickets for the bash are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Visit parrots.madisonal.rotary.org for more.

CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON --- The chant this past week from the James Clemens student section was a little different than the one they had for Bob Jones the game before.

Clad in all black, the students bounced up and down making the end zone stands shake.

“I believe that we just won! I believe that we just won…” The Jets faithful echoed from a breezy Madison City Stadium after James Clemens (3-1) took down Huntsville (1-2) on Friday 45-31 in a tightly contested battle.

Jets quarterback Ty Marsh ended up with three touchdown passes in the victory with one interception.

Junior wide receiver Ty Doughty was a problem that Huntsville struggled to deal with as the James Clemens speedster racked up two TD grabs and a 68-yard touchdown carry in the fourth quarter that put the game out of reach.

While the big offensive plays seem like the obvious choice for why the Jets were victorious, it was the James Clemens defense that made the biggest play of this back-and-forth game.

A massive stop on fourth down and two from the JC 35 with 2:16 to play was what this contest was really hinging on. Huntsville had the ball and was trailing

CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The Bob Jones Patriots (1-3) were able to win their first game of the season with a road victory over Grissom (1-3) by a score of 28-10 on Friday.

The contest was scoreless after one quarter of play, but Bob Jones took the 7-0 lead with a 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sheldon Graham to receiver Kolton Wood in the second quarter.

Grissom converted on a field goal in the second quarter to make the score 7-3 Patriots at the half.

Bob Jones collected a rushing touchdown in the third quarter when running back Tyren Washington carried the ball 20 yards from wildcat formation to push the Patriot advantage to 14-3.

A touchdown on the ground for the Patriots made it 21-3 in favor of Bob Jones in the third quarter.

The Tigers found the end zone in the fourth quarter on a rushing touchdown to make it 21-10 Patriots.

Bob Jones scored a final touchdown on a 60-yard carry by Washington to go up 2810 in the fourth quarter for a quality win.

The road Patriots finished with 240 yards on the ground and 81 yards in the air.

Bob Jones next has a road test against the Huntsville Panthers (1-2) this Friday.

Sparkman 58, Albertville 0

The still-perfect Sparkman Senators (4-0) dismantled a winless Albertville team (0-4) on the road Friday 58-0.

This is Sparkman’s third shutout of the season as the Senators have outscored their opponents 175-18 through four games.

Sparkman next plays host to Grissom (1-3) on Friday.

Season Builder making a difference in lives of local athletes

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Making a difference, define direction and ignite potential. These are the core values of the Season Builder Foundation, a non-profit organization with a primary focus of one-on-one mentoring and character development for high school and college students.

Season Builder also provides programs for athletic teams, which can equip coaches, players and staff with core values and the type of culture they are trying to create for the program.

Whether for teams or individuals, Season Builder helps realize and ignite the potential of those looking for an edge on the competition. The idea is to build character and purpose, a season at a time.

“I help define direction and purpose as some people sort of drift along and Season Builder combines friendship and mentorship and sets a framework to help those to follow,” said Taylor Edge, CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) for the Season Builder Foundation.

Edge has assisted players,

See SEASON BUILDING Page 3B

James Clemens retook the lead 17-14 when Cam Berry found the end zone from six yards out with 7:11 to play before the half. Photo by Andrew Noles (Noles Nest Photography)

The Madison Academy volleyball team attends the Season Builder Foundation character development sessions led by Taylor Edge.

Junior wide receiver Ty Doughty was a problem that Huntsville struggled to deal with as the James Clemens speedster racked up two TD grabs and a 68-yard touchdown carry in the fourth quarter that put the game out of reach. Photo by Andrew Noles (Noles Nest Photography)

the Jets 38-31 late in the game but had an opportunity to possibly take the lead if the Panthers could pick up two critical yards against the James Clemens defense.

Instead, the Huntsville offense was shut down by the Jets causing a turnover on downs and Doughty’s ensuing rushing touchdown put the Panthers to bed.

Huntsville opened the game with a meandering scoring drive in the rain that culminated with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Marlin Jones to hand the Panthers the early 7-0 advantage with 7:44 remaining in the first quarter.

James Clemens would respond on the following drive when Marsh linked up with Doughty for a 51yard touchdown grab on a screen play that knotted the game up at 7-7 at 6:41 with the rain continuing to come down.

Marsh would throw an interception to Huntsville defender Ramon White with 3:22 left in the opening quarter, but the Panthers would instantly hand the pigskin right back a play later when JC’s Mason Rose intercepted Huntsville quarterback Jacks McClung.

After the dust had settled in the first quarter, the teams remained deadlocked at 7-7.

The Jets would take a narrow lead at 10-7 at the 11:46 mark of the second quarter when James Clemens kicker Anthony Ortiz drilled a 35yard field goal.

Huntsville took its first lead of the game on the next drive when the running back Jones broke free for a 58-yard score to make at 14-10 Panthers at 8:48.

James Clemens retook the lead 1714 when Cam Berry found the end zone from six yards out with 7:11 to play before the half.

With just 21.4 on the clock, Marsh was able to connect with his receiver Devon Cooper for a 31-yard touchdown to push the James Clemens edge to 24-14 at halftime.

The Jets came out smoking hot in the third quarter with a drive that ended with Marsh’s 80-yard scoring pass to Doughty to make it 31-14 JC at the 11:25 mark of the third quarter.

The Panthers looked essentially buried, but that didn’t stop McClung from hooking up with his receiver Ashton Caldwell down the sideline for a 54-yard scoring grab that made it a 10-point game again at 31-21 Jets with 9:02 to play in the third quarter.

This was the point of the game where things started to come unraveled for James Clemens.

It started at 8:53 in the third quarter when Jets running back DJ Williams fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Huntsville’s Tyce Moody.

The Panthers took the turnover and used it to cash in with a 14-yard Marlin Jones touchdown that pulled Huntsville within just three points of James Clemens at 31-28 at 7:29 in the third quarter.

With 4:38 remaining in a wild third quarter, the Jets had the ball when Doughy coughed it up and Huntsville fell on it to take over.

The Panthers were unable to capitalize on the Doughty fumble, but two James Clemens second-half turnovers in such a tight matchup had seemly started to shift the energy of the game.

James Clemens was able to stifle some of the hope that Huntsville was attempting to utilize when Berry found the end zone a second time for the Jets with his 58-yard touchdown run that made the score 38-28 JC at the 10:26 mark of the fourth quarter. Down the stretch, the Panthers were still trying to climb back into the game.

A 32-yard field goal attempt that doinked off of the upright didn’t do anything to help Huntsville draw any closer though.

With 4:24 left in the game, the Panthers were able to pick up three important points with a 45-yard field goal to make it 38-31 Jets.

Huntsville went for the onside attempt at 3:26 and the ball skipped high into the air and rotated downward into a mass of humanity.

The Panthers sideline erupted in celebration as Huntsville’s Alex Moore emerged from the pile with the football.

The road team appeared to be set up with a storybook comeback that would lead to the game-winning touchdown.

The problem was James Clemens hadn’t read that book.

The Jets slammed the door in Huntsville’s face with the fourth down stop ripping the football and the Panthers’ comeback hopes from their clutches as the clock ticked down.

Doughty’s 68-yard scoring scamper with 1:06 remaining made up for the earlier fumble and got Huntsville school buses warmed up. James Clemens next travels to Florence to take on the Falcons (2-2) on Friday.

Jets quarterback Ty Marsh ended up with three touchdown passes in the victory. Photo by Andrew Noles (Noles Nest Photography)

The Jets defense perhaps had the biggest play of the game, stopping a potential Huntsville comeback. Brycen Dowdell is pictured above stopping a Panther run.

Photo by Andrew Noles (Noles Nest Photography)

Jets Continued from page 1B

Trash Pandas wrap up third season in Tennessee series

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Rocket City Trash Pandas closed out their season with a road series against the Tennessee Smokies this past week.

The Trash Pandas (2742) finished the second half of the season 12 games behind the Southern League North leader Tennessee Smokies (3930).

The Chattanooga Lookouts (32-37) finished seven games back while the Birmingham Barons (26-43) ended up 13 games out of first.

September 12: Tennessee 8, Rocket City 7

Pablo Aliendo’s walkoff single in the bottom of ninth inning gave the Smokies the victory on Tuesday night.

September 13: Rocket City 8, Tennessee 5

The Trash Pandas’ 4-run top of the ninth

ensured that they would take the second installment of the series.

September 14: Tennessee 8, Rocket City 7 Rocket City’s 3-run rally in the top of the ninth inning fell one run short as the Smokies held off the Trash Pandas on Thursday.

September 15: Tennessee 8, Rocket City 5

For the fourth consecutive day, the magic number to win between the Trash Pandas and the Smokies was eight runs.

September 16: Tennessee 9, Rocket City 8 (11 innings)

BJ Murray Jr’s walkoff single in the bottom of the eleventh inning gave the Smokies the Saturday win.

September 17: Tennessee 3, Rocket City 1

The Smokies 2-run bottom of the third inning would be all they needed to take the final game of the series from the Trash Pandas.

Season Builder Continued from

coaches and teams all across North Alabama including those in the immediate Madison area. The former City Administrator for the City of Madison and 1995 graduate of Jacksonville State where he was Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Computer Information Systems along with two years on the Gamecocks’ baseball team is a fabulous public speaker and a great listener for those willing to open their minds to what the Foundation’s purpose of assisting young people find their purpose in life and strive to have high character.

One of his most recent stops was with the volleyball team at Madison Academy. The Lady Mustangs were gathered for a workshop where each student-athlete was allowed to voice their feelings of whatever they were wanting to discuss. Edge spent time trying to establish and point out to each attendee their purpose in life. He also stressed the need to define the core values of the team with head coach Nikki Knot.

“His meeting with us gave us things that we needed, defined of what our focus should be and narrowed down things which should be standard,” said Knott, in her fifth season as head coach. “I needed to define our culture and, now that is defined in words, as he laid the groundwork and put us on the path that is a daily focus. The nice thing about having in words is if any issue comes up with parents or players this gives me something to fall back on. All of these culture facts are something our players can control.”

Knott went on to explain the three facets of being a team and what those focus points are: ACE- Attitude, Commitment, Effort. “We also added a fourth fact of focus with another E, Energy. I met with Taylor several times about what our culture should be. Because of the groundwork we set this year already feels different than last year. These girls now know what is expected of them in our culture.”

The benefits of Season Builder Teams are multi-faceted, but the message is simple. Create a practical plan of values in-

page 1B

MARCHING BAND COMPETITION - Congratulations to the Bob Jones High School Competition Band. They competed in their first marching band competition of the season in Rockvale, TN on Saturday. They placed 4th overall (above) and won best overall percussion and color guard (below). Be sure to catch their show along with other area marching bands on Saturday when Bob Jones hosts the inaugural Rocket City Marching Invitational at Madison City Stadium. See page 1A for details.

cluding character development and help players and coaches grow in and live out their culture and values each have set.

“The umbrella of our culture at Madison Academy is faith and family and that stands above ACE as we have our players understanding their off-court actions are just as important as their on-court actions,” added Knott.

One of the best benefits of the Season Builder Teams program is it allows coaches to shape their player’s habits and character not only on the playing surface, but at home, with their friends and in the classroom. The efforts create a simple, practical plan for character development that coaches can implement.

For Edge, his passion for helping young people began many years ago. He added, “For years I would meet with young people and what I was doing made them feel better in the moment, but not in life. I realized I needed to help build structure to change their life. The current program teaches respect, how to give yourself to the team effort, be responsible for your own efforts and focus 100-percent to mentally, physically and emotionally to the values.”

The 50-year old Edge is marred to his wife, Mindy, and through their 27 years of marriage have two boys, both of whom are in college. Stuart is 21 while Austin is 18. Edge began the unofficial process of helping student-athletes for the Bob Jones High football team a decade ago. His meeting with young people soon became more of a passion while he toiled at several jobs. He recently became connected to both the men’s and women’s soccer teams at UAH where he’s mentoring the young athletes. The players call him “Life Coach.” His help with schools across the Tennessee Valley ranges from Russellville to Section and others in between.

For Edge and his wife, believing came front and center on June 16, 2001. The two had tried to have children without success. “We did everything practical to have children and came to the point of almost desperation, but I left it up to

God,” said Edge. “A month later we got pregnant. That June day I said to myself, there must be something to this Jesus thing.” The Foundation’s work of defining direction for young people came full-circle when Spencer Palmer was involved in a horrific traffic accident in November of 2019. Edge had been building a friendship with Palmer who seemed to have his life together in a positive way, but the accident involved Palmer being charged with DWI. The young Palmer was living with a lot of hidden challenges. Several months passed and one day, “Just out of the blue, he called me,” said Edge of how Palmer reached out to him.

“He was desperate. He was tired of living his old life. I led him through Season Builder and the experience change his life. We reestablished our relationship

with trust as I was his friend and Spencer saw that fact. His faith and our time walking through Season Builder radically transformed his life. The months we worked together changed both of us. The experience galvanized my calling. I’ve even helped some young people who have had thoughts of suicide. Spencer now works for me. It’s a moment I won’t forget.”

Edge was what he called a “Character Coach” for the UAH men’s basketball team 2018-2020 and feels having his own experiences with student-athletes has allowed him to perfect his teachings to where he has the confidence and based faith direction to change the lives and make a difference to young people everywhere.

To contact the Foundation, visit www. seasonbuilder.org.

Close-knit breakout sessions were included in the Season Builder workshop at Madison Academy High as the volleyball team looked how to define its core values.

Honoring our Veterans: A spotlight on Madison’s local veterans and their invaluable service to our country

Sponsored by the American Legion Post #229 in Madison (www.AmericanLegionPost229.org)

Michael Kinney confirms veterans’ wellbeing with ‘buddy checks’

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Michael

Kinney may be ‘retired,’ but he isn’t idle. Kinney believes it’s extremely important to do buddy-checks for his fellow Legionnaires in Madison American Legion, Post 229.

“No veteran should feel alone. We should all call another veteran at various times to check on them,” Kinney said.

“Every veteran is important and should know they have a friend and can always call ‘988’ and press ‘1’ for help and assistance,” Kinney said. “If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, you can call that number 24 hours per day/7 days per week.”

Kinney entered the U.S. Air Force on July 2, 1973.

After completing Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, his first assignment was Chanute AFB, Illinois. He completed Basic Meteorological training.

“At Patrick AFB, Florida, I worked at both Patrick and Cape Canaveral.

In 1975, I went to Scott AFB, Illinois. I worked on Flight Line providing weather observations,” Kinney said.

Next, he provided weather observations at Zweibrucken AFB, Germany, then was assigned to Scott AFB for one year and returned to Germany with 2nd Armored Division at Merrill Barracks in Nuremburg. During that time, he attended a specialized forecasting school at Chanute AFB for six months and completed his assignment at Merrill Barracks.

At Air Force Global Weather Center in Omaha, Neb., he worked in the Tropical Forecasting Section. In 1985, he was selected for joint-service relief force in Honduras to forecast weather for planes in missions.

His next assignments were Kunsan AFB, South Korea; Scott AFB at Environmental Tactical Applications Center; and Camp Humphries, South Korea. His final assignment before retirement in 1993 was Fort Benning, Georgia.

“I retired from the U.S. Air Force, holding the rank of Technical Sargent (E-6) on March 31, 1994, from Maxwell AFB, having served 20 years, eight months,” Kinney said.

He earned medals for Air Force and Army Commendation; Air Force

ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS MILITARY TRIBUTE NIGHT - Here are some fun photos from the fourth consecutive Rocket City Trash Pandas Military Tribute Night at Toyota Field on Saturday. The 2023 Military Tribute Night included a tribute to our armed forces along with a softball game. Team USA Patriots took on Team AUSA, which included Madison Mayor Paul Finley, in a softball game as a fundraiser for the USA Patriots before the evening concluded with a patriotic fireworks display. The USA Patriots are a non-profit whose mission is to bring athletic and veteran amputees together to promote the benefits of inclusive sport and therapeutic recreational activities. Photos by Andrew Noles (Noles Nest Photography)

Achievement (two oak-leaf clusters); Korea Medal; and Defense Service with Bronze Star.

After retiring from the Air Force, Kinney used the GI Bill and Illinois Veterans’ Grant to obtain two master’s degrees and a teaching certificate. After graduation, he visited Air Force friends in Madison, who suggested that Kinney interview at the new high school, Bob Jones.

“Sue Hall interviewed me. I got the job two days later,” Kinney said.

Michael’s wife, Michele Kinney, volunteers as Membership Chairperson, Madison American Legion Auxiliary Unit; First Vice President, American Legion Auxiliary, District 12; Veteran Service Chairperson, Hunt Springs Daughters of the American Revolution; and other veteran outreach.

Michael and Michele met and were married in Madison by a military priest from Redstone Arsenal. “Madison is home to us, and we love it here,” Michael said.

Kinney earned an associate degree in applied science from the Community College of the Air Force; a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maryland Global College; two master’s degrees in political development and Asian history from Illinois State University; and teaching certificate, doctorate’s degree in history, from Illinois State.

“After teaching advanced-placement history at Bob Jones for four years, I worked for Calhoun Community College for 17.5 years,” he said.

Currently, Kinney participates with North Alabama Veteran Fraternal Organizations Coalition; Fraternal Order of the Eagles 3263; American Legion, Post 229 in Madison with Oratorical Contest and Alabama Boys State; Sons of the American Legion; and serves as American Legion, District 12 Commander.

The Kinneys’ son, Anders, graduated from Bob Jones and the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Currently, Anders is pursuing graduate school.

Michael grew up in Iuka, Ill., “a beautiful, small farming community in southern Illinois.” “I relax by watching cooking shows, reading and traveling,” Michael said.

Storyteller

Continued from page 6A

help, “I said sir, what happened? Please sit down over here, I have called an ambulance and help is on the way”—he kept walking- I was afraid he was in shock from such a traumatic injury. I repeated, “I have called the EMTs and police, they are in route”. He stopped, sighed, and lifted his hat- a big ole sirloin steak was sitting on his bald head!!!”

A few days later, she continued, “I was working in the home goods section- I met this ample girthed lady, duck walking down the aisle

Hobby

in a long skirt. I walked up to her and asked if she needed assistance: it looked as if she was going to give birth any moment- I told her I had called the EMT and help would arrive shortly-she walked a few more feet, then squatted-raised up her dress and she gave birth to a Keurig coffee machine.”

“When the economy took a turn, I did too- here I am still in loss prevention- would you care for a double chocolate, twice dipped, slice of Italian crème cake?” She said with a smile on her face.

Continued from page 5A

about a half dozen people tried to help me. Finally, the mall police arrived and wisely talked me out of the coat hanger option. They told me that if done improperly, it could damage the car’s electric locking

system. The best option is to take the ego bruise, pay the stupid tax, and call the locksmith. That is exactly what I did.

Of course, I had to borrow the mall cop’s phone - because mine was in-

Bruce Walker chooses to see the humor in life’s events. In addition to writing a weekly column, he speaks regularly to a wide variety of groups. You may contact Bruce at bruce@brucestoryteller.com or visit his website www.BruceStoryteller.com

Bruce Walker chooses to see the humor in life’s events. In addition to writing a weekly column, He speaks regularly to a wide variety of groups. You may contact Bruce at bruce@ brucestoryteller.com or visit his website www.BruceStoryteller.com

side the car with my keys. Find more of Joe’s stories on his blog: www.mylifeasahobby.blogspot. com/?m=1.

Also, follow on Facebook at: Joe Hobby Comedian-Writer

Michael Kinney

SCHOOLS

Liberty S2S receives national awards from military coalition

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The diplomatic work of Student 2 Student or S2S at Liberty Middle School has been so impressive that the Military Child Education Coalition or MCEC presented two national awards.

S2S members accepted their awards in Washington, D.C. this summer. Sponsors accompanying the students were School

Nurse Benita Tunstill, language teacher

Anne ‘Kitty’ Mingus and Liberty Principal Shannon Brown.

S2S focuses on children in transferred military families and assists their adjustment to their new school’s environment.

S2S’s work has qualified Madison City Schools for education grants with the statewide Purple Star program.

MCS qualified for state recognition as a Purple Star school district by having active S2S chapters in all schools in the district. Founded in 2021, the Purple Star School program supports military-connected children as they relocate to new

schools because a parent in the military has a change in duty station. The Military Child Education Coalition is a national advocate for Purple Star schools.

Liberty S2S members include Gunnar Anacker, Aryana Baria, Makayla Byrd, Sawyer Carlson, Khloe Castillo, Izzy Clouod, Averell D’Ambrogio, Owen Davenport, Amaya Famadou, Thomas Freeman, Caden Frost, Adriana Gadomski, Aniyah Garcia, Lucy Herndon, Maryann Herndon, Jack House, John Allen Howard, Oliver Howard, Daniel Hwang, Grant Jauken, Braxton Johnson, Gabriella Johnson, Leah Jump, Matthew Korty, Addisyn Langford, Heidi Leonard, Georgia McInnis, Kate Miller, Savanna Nichols, Charlotte O’Donnell, Brendan Philpott, Chloe Powell, Dillon Raby, Antonella Rojas, Sophie Savant, Rebecca Simons, Zemirah Sprayberry, Savannah Valez, Garrett Walter, Abriella Weaver, Anna White, Eric Young and Natalia Zesinger.

“(Congratulations) to our Liberty Middle S2S group for its national award for

Gigantic bovine breaks moognificent record for tallest living steer Standing over 1.87 m (6 ft 1 in) tall, Tommy isn’t your average steer. In fact, the handsome 13-year-old bovine from Cheshire, Massachusetts, is the tallest living steer.

Doctors, nurses critique Bob Jones students’ ER designs

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – What layout for a hospital’s Emergency Room or ER would be most comfortable and safe for patients? Students in the Biomedical Innovations Internship class at Bob Jones High School presented their ER designs for critique by hospital professionals.

After concentrating on biomedical study, 18 students qualified for this internship project. Working in four-person groups with minimal instruction, students researched ER designs and proposed their construction for patients’ optimum care.

“This Capstone Class of four courses is in Project Lead the Way or PLTW biomedical curriculum within the Medical Academy at Bob Jones,” teacher Kara Koler said. “These seniors have worked very hard to earn the privilege of entering the PLTW Internship class.”

A natural to instruct this class, Kara Koler worked as a registered nurse for 21 years, primarily in Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center ERs. She also serves as HOSA advisor.

For the ER assignment, students first learned about triage and assigning a patient acuity level, based on symptoms. Each group had to set goals and timelines for completing their project within approximately three weeks.

“Students researched and explored online for different types and levels of Emergency Departments,” Koler said. “They were challenged to use their critical-thinking skills to design an Emergency Department (ED) where patients receive timely, quality care.”

Other requirements included the trauma center’s level, ER location, hospital name and mission statement “to guide them as they develop their ED and philosophy of care,” Koler said.

Students also had to create a floor plan. “Some do it digitally, and some

draw them out by hand. The focus was on the ED’s interior,” Koler said. ED design required all equipment for running an effective department, depending on the trauma level.

Students had to staff ED with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, along with technicians, housekeeping and security. To confirm their ED runs efficiently, students defined an innovation, such as fingerprint scanning to register patients efficiently, trackers on patient armbands to monitor status and updated tracker boards.

“Students followed two patients through their ED to research each patient’s condition to determine (progress) through the department, along with treatment plans,” Koler said.

To critique student designs, local hospital personnel attending presentations were ED Medical Director/Chief of Emergency Medicine Dr. Ric Koler and Vice Chief of Emergency Medicine Dr. Jeremy Johnson from Crestwood Medical Center; and Nurse Manager Bobby Scott and Clinical Education Specialist Scott Throneberry, both Registered Nurses, from Madison Hospital ED.

The healthcare workers “were impressed with student designs of the ED’s and their innovations. They each gave positive feedback on how the flow of their design could be improved, if needed,” Kara Koler said.

Overall, the hospital personnel were impressed with the students’ presentations. Koler and her students “were grateful to each of them for taking time out of their busy schedules to give students support and feedback from their vast knowledge of the ED,” she said.

“As a former Emergency Department RN, I am extremely proud of my students’ teamwork and their innovative designs,” Koler said. “The students came up with some innovative ideas that could be used in the real world.”

Madison Board of Education members recognized the Student 2 Student or S2S group from Liberty Middle School for their two national awards from the Military Child Education Coalition.

School Nurse Benita Tunstil, language teacher Anne Mingus and Liberty Principal Shannon Brown accompanied S2S to Washington D.C. to accept their awards. advocacy to military families and other newcomers to the school,” MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said. “It was an honor to recognize these outstanding students at the Aug. 24 meeting of Madison Board of Education.” Nichols reminded the S2S students that their interaction with student newcomers can have a lifetime positive effect.

make a determined effort to sit with new students at lunch, approach them in class and find other ways to engender acceptance. Sponsors say this interaction is important particularly in schools if transferred students experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. For more information, email bjtunstill@madisoncity.k12.al.us or acmingus@madisoncity.k12.al.us.

In their commitment, S2S students

Snapshot

LEARNING FUN

Schools in Madison shared some fun ways their students have been learning last week

a day to connect, collaborate, and create. It’s also a great day to foster self-expression. Participate by writing, drawing, painting, taking photos, videography, dancing, and making music.

INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY - Multiple schools in Madison celebrated International Dot Day on Friday, like the students at Midtown Elementary School pictured above. Dot Day is

DOCTORS OF THE DISTRIBUTIVE PROPERTY - Third graders at Heritage Elementary dressed up as surgeons last week to learn some mathematical skills. While Learning the distributive property of multiplication, students went into surgery to “break apart” arrays.

Evan Stout, from left, Alina Vu and Allee Lyons, students in the Medical Academy at Bob Jones High School, presented their proposals for constructing and equipping an emergency room to doctors and nurses from Madison Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center.

ALPHABET PARADE - Kindergartners and their teachers at Horizon Elementary started Alphabet Boot Camp in August. Last week they celebrated with an “Alphabet Parade”. They were all so excited!

One of the four seasons that we experience here in the United States is Autumn. This season is commonly referred to as Fall. Autumn is a beautiful time of the year when the hot Summer weather begins to fade into cooler, crisp days. The leaves on the trees change from green to beautiful shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown. Fun events like pumpkin carving, hayrides, corn mazes, fall festivals, and Fall sports, such as Football, are all happening in communities across the Country. Popular Fall holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving occur in October and November. Many people enjoy baking with pumpkins that are harvested in September and October. The first day of Autumn always occurs in late September and lasts about three months; this year the first official day of Fall is September 23, 2023. The first day of Fall is always determined by the Autumnal Equinox--the day when the Sun is directly over the Equator in the Northern Hemisphere. The farther away we are from the Sun, the cooler and shorter the days will become. Because Autumn is the transition to cold weather, it is also a time when many people prepare their homes for the Winter. Animals begin to gather food in the Fall and prepare for the Winter months, while birds begin to migrate south for the Winter. Enjoy this beautiful season!

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Madison Living

Alison James earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Auburn University, graduating in 2012. She began her career in community journalism in Alexander City and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.

John Few, contributing writer

John Few has been in the field of newspaper journalism and production for nearly 25 years. John has served as a staff writer for The Demopolis Times, the daily newspaper in West Alabama, and editor for the weekly newspaper the Black Belt Gazette. He was transferred in 2009 to begin his coverage of Madison. In covering the City of Madison the past 10 years, John has reported on several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has grown, John has been there to cover the news that has made Madison home. Together John and his wife, Lori, have seven children, ranging from 15-23 years old.

Bob Labbe, contributing writer

Bob Labbe is a lifelong resident of the Huntsville community. He has been in the local news media for 48 years, a multi-award-winning journalist in television, radio and print media. He is a member of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame and has been nominated for both the Alabama Press Association and Alabama Music halls of fame. Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ in The Years, for 29 years on WLRH-FM Public Radio. He has also been a local high school basketball referee for 28 years and was a high school football referee for 15 years. Bob is an avid sports fan and collector of 45 rpm records. He once boxed Muhammad Ali and was the reporter who asked the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer

A graduate of Mississippi State University, Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Intergraph Corporation in 1990 with wife Brenda and son Andy. For 15 years Gregg wrote for “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Huntsville Times.” His articles have been published in numerous chamber of commerce publications, “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netflix series; and visiting Andy and wife Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.

Erin Coggins, contributing writer

Erin Coggins is a scholastic journalism adviser and history teacher at Sparkman High School. She is also a freelance writer and public relations consultant. Her writing muse is World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom she fell in love with while a student studying communications at the University of Alabama. Erin and her husband Jamie reside in Madison.

Joshua Berry, photographer

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

Wouldyouliketolivebetterwith betterwaterinyourhomeor business?Ifyouareinterestedin cuttingdownonthecostoffiltered waterandhavinganinstalled waterdrinkingsystem,our experienced teamcanassistyou.

Alison James, copy editor