The Madison Record, December 22, 2021

PAGE 8A: Check out the cute and heart-warming “Letters to Santa” we received this year

M adison RECORD WEDNESDAY December 22, 2021

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City council passes annexation of land in Limestone County

INSIDE

By JOHN FEW john@themadisonrecord.com

Chess Seventeen members of Madison City Chess League expanded their knowledge of the game at the National K-12 Chess Championship in Orlando, Fla. Page 3A

MADISON - Madison leaders approved the largest annexation for the city since 2016 last week. The Madison City Council voted to annex 118 acres near Segers Road and Hardiman Road, west of the intersection of Hardiman and Burgreen roads. The land is planning to be used for a new

residential development and a future elementary school for Madison City Schools.

“The strategic plan for the newly annexed land helps support controlled growth, while positively impacting our schools, Madison Utilities, and city overall,” Madison Mayor Paul Finley said.

Madison City Schools (MCS) recently purchased 16.77 acres in the now annexed portion,

citing a continuous growing school population due to an influx of new residents.

“We know from city development records that the majority of current and future residential growth of Madison is happening in Limestone County.

More households mean more families, which translates to more students,” MCS Superintendent of Education Dr. Ed Nichols said about the pur-

From STAFF REPORTS

Christmas Card Lane Visions of nostalgic traditions to comical, light-hearted cartoons are on display in Christmas Card Lane in downtown Madison. Madison Arts Council or MAC sponsors the artwork. Page 5A EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT AT MIDTOWN ELEMENTARY HAS SRO RIDING AROUND ON “TRIKE” - If you saw a police officer riding an adult-sized “trike” on Thursday at Midtown Elementary and firing an air-powered “candy cannon” for kids to scramble and grab, it’s all good. The 3-wheeler is part of a new approach to make its SRO more relatable to kids.

School Resource Officer Shane Kyker suggested one after reading how police “trikes” put officers on eye level with kids and more like one of them. The Midtown PTA and local members of the ASIS international private security group banded together for the $700 purchase. Officer Kyker made his debut before the kids today, riding the “trike” around the school’s track and stopping to fire candy into the air with a toy cannon. Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols, Assistant Principal Eric Terrell, Board of Education member Alice Lessmann, Midtown PTA officers and Principal Savannah Demeester also attended.

SCHOOLS

Christmas cheer Check out our some of the great ways schools in Madison spread some Christmas cheer last week. Page 7A

Challenge increases police presence at schools

By JOHN FEW john@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – Another crazy social media trend caused havoc for local school systems last week, including Madison.

Madison City Schools. Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols sent an email to parents Thursday evening addressing the latest challenge that encourages violence on the last day before the Christmas break.

“Many of you may have

SPORTS

HOF inductees Seven women and five men have been elected to the 2022 Class of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame, including two with Madison ties.

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chase. “MCS has been growing 300-500 students a year steadily for the past several years. If that trend continues, we will be in need of an eighth elementary school in the very near future.”

The City issued a statement after the annexation passed, saying the new addition will provide important infrastructure for residents on the west See ANNEXATION Page 2A

Planned zoo in danger of losing Madison area research property to developers

EVENTS

Records .......... 2A Events ............. 5A Education ........ 6A Sports ............. 1B

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heard of a nationwide trend circulating on social media challenging students to commit mass violence at schools on Friday,’ Nichols stated.

“Madison City Schools is aware of this and while the posts don’t appear credible, they are being taken seriously and will continue to be closely monitored.”

He said district leaders remained in close contact with state and local law enforcement regarding this trend and

was prepared to act swiftly if needed, fortunately it was a quiet day, except for Christmas celebrations.

Out of an abundance of caution, Nichols said there were an increased police presence around MCS campuses on Friday.

As a reminder, Madison City Schools has the confidential reporting tool, Text to Protect: 256-604-2345, which can be used to report any suspicious activity or threat.

MADISON – It is no secret that land in and around Madison is being gobbled up to create more subdivisions as an influx of new residents continues at a steady pace.

One particular spot, however, has not been eyed for new homes, but to be used in connection with a planned zoo for North Alabama.

Now those plans are in jeopardy.

Earlier this year the North Alabama Zoological Society announced its intent to purchase two properties, both of which require a combined $11 million to own outright. The proposed zoological park is located north of Martin Line Road and adjacent to I-65, south of Tanner. The proposed research and support property is located along Limestone Creek and is only a few miles from the proposed zoo.

According to the zoological society, this support property, the Research Campus, will be used for summer camps, public nature trails, life science STEM activities for schools, sustainable agriculture and aquaculture research (which will supplement the zoo with high quality food), and zoological research.

See ZOO Page 2A

Madison police officer, firefighters honored for life-saving actions From STAFF REPORTS MADISON – The regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution honored local law enforcement and fire protection personnel in its annual Public Safety and Heroism Awards on Monday. Three Madison personnel were honored for their life-saving activities. They include police officer Ruby Jewell and firefighters Duane Clemons and Grayson Hope.

Officer Jewell saved the life of a student while acting as a School Resource Officer in the Madison City School

System. She administered chest compressions to a student without a pulse.

Three medical professionals indicated later that Officer Jewell saved the student’s life. Officer Jewell later helped to raise money for the student’s family to defray some expenses as they traveled back and forth between Madison and special care at Vanderbilt.

The two Madison firefighters, Clemons and Hope, entered a structure with substantial fire and heavy smoke to rescue a lady screaming for help inside the structure. Although she See HONORED Page 2A

Madison Police Officer Ruby Jewell was honored for saving the life of a student while acting as a School Resource Officer in the Madison City School System.

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2A • THE RECORD

December 22, 2021

Zoo “As a result of the visibility regarding NALZS identifying these two locations, the research and support property with its location on Limestone Creek and proximity to Madison has garnered significant interest from residential developers since our announcement,” stated a press release from NALZS on Wednesday.

“While NALZS has been working extensively on securing funding for both of these properties with business leaders, through grants, and through grassroots efforts, pressure has intensified for the owner to sell the property. It has become urgent that NALZS purchase the property in the next couple of months or the old growth trees, natural springs, and nature trails will be-

spent several weeks in a burn unit at UAB, she survived.

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NALZS leaders have said they continue to enjoy a productive and patient relationship with the property owner.

“They have been very supportive of NALZS and its mission,” they stated.

“NALZS also understands the growing need for housing to support the economy in North Alabama.”

In lieu of the property being sold to another buyer, NALZS has been assessing other land options to support zoological and agricultural research here in North Alabama.

As for the primary zoo site, It’s important to note, the developer that NALZS is purchasing the site from is still very commitFour deputies of the Madison County Sheriff’s Department were also honored for their outstanding service. They are Amanda Mixon, Michael Williams, Jesse McKinney and John Blakly.

Deputy Amanda Mixon responded to and deescalated a situation with a person who was threatening to hurt himself or stage a “suicide by cop” incident. In spite of the subject wielding a gun and shouting “shoot me,” Deputy Mixon, at extreme risk to her personal safety, convinced the person to put down the gun, get into an ambulance, and seek mental health counseling. Her colleagues at the Sheriff’s Department view her actions as having “talked him off the ledge.”

ted to having the zoo and aquarium on that site.

NALZS stated building a world-class zoo is a long endeavor. “Setbacks are inevitable and the NALZS family has no intention of giving up on the goal of bringing a modern zoo to North Alabama” the release included. “Feedback from the community along with economic reports show that residents want this to become a re-

ality.”

An economic impact report from UAH shows that once the park is built, it is estimated to generate more than $100 million for the local economy with a quarter of a million visitors a year. When money for the physical zoo property is secured, NALZS anticipates development will move at a faster pace.

Visit NALZS.org for more information.

Madison firefighters Duane Clemons and Grayson Hope were honored for their life-saving actions.

Deputy Williams’ quick response and life-saving efforts at the scene of an automobile accident on U.S. Hwy 72 saved the life of a person until HEMSI arrived.

Another deputy, Jesse McKinney, has over 14 years in law enforcement and has made more than 60 arrests in drug and alcohol-related cases. He

has also served his community for many years as a Sergeant First Class in the National Guard.

Deputy Blakly was honored for his effective work as a School Resource Officer and his highly effective rapport with school students, teachers, and staff. He is currently assigned to the Moores Mill Intermediate School.

Annexation side of Madison City limits with another east/west connection. “The development will host 200 homes that attract a mix of families and retirees with green space and walking paths.”

That development, being led by Enfinger Development, LLC, will encompass nearly 102 acres. It will be constructed over two phases, with construction of the first phase to begin in 2022, and construction on the second phase to begin no earlier than 2025.

The Development is expected to contain approximately 201 residential lots.

It will also include publicly accessible green space, according to a development agreement submitted to the city council last week.

Mayor Finley said the funding sources for the school will come from the half-

MONDAY STEAK NIGHT $10.50

cent sales tax used to help build James Clemens High School ten years ago, Madison County property taxes, Limestone County property and sales taxes, as well as Madison County TVA in luau of tax distribution. He said no further taxes are required of residents for this project.

When will the new elementary school be built? Dr. Nichols indicated that it could still be a while before anything is done on the new site.

“School boards in fast growing areas like Madison must be proactive in securing land before it is developed,” he said. “The 17-acre tract where Midtown Elementary is now and the 80 acres at James Clemens High School were purchased by MCS several years before board approval as school sites.”

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December 22, 2021

THE RECORD • 3A

Madison chess players enter national chess championship in Orlando, Fla. MADISON – Seventeen members of Madison City Chess League expanded their knowledge of the game at the National K-12 Chess Championship in Orlando, Fla. during the first weekend of December.

Rainbow Elementary School teachers Maria Adams and Rebecca McDaniel, Coach Jonathan Rasberry, MCCL Executive Director Ranae Bartlett and parents accompanied and encouraged the students in playing seven rounds during three days of competition.

“Playing in a national tournament can be exhausting, but it’s also a tremendous learning opportunity akin to an intensive chess camp when instructors help our students learn from their games after each round,” Bartlett said. “One benefit of MCCL membership is having support of coaches at state and national tournaments. We thank Alabama Chess Federation President Jonathan Rasberry for coaching our kids.”

Discovery Middle

School’s sixth-grade team with Cooper Meyer, Kate Meyer and Jack Meyer and seventh-grader Xavier Bruni showed outstanding tournament play. “Some of the longest games were played

by Xavier Bruni, who reached a personal best, placing fourth in the nation in his grade level,” Bartlett said.

Bruni scored higher than other MCCL members and ended with 5.5 pts and a clear fourthplace finish with the firstplace winner in his section rated above 2,300.

In other performances, Jimmy Hughes took 15th place in first grade. “Jimmy’s impressive score of five points in his first national tournament placed him in a tie for sixth place,” Bartlett said. “On tie-breaks, he placed 15th.”

The Blitz tournament preceded the three-day main event. Esteban Jerez won a first-place class prize among students rated 800-999.

For other Class prize winners, Alice Zou scored four points and claimed third place among those rated 600-799 points. Jack Meyer scored three points and won first place among

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Triplets Cooper Meyer, from left, Kate Meyer and Jack Meyer won fifth place overall as the sixth-grade team from Discovery Middle School at the National K-12 Chess Championship in Orlando, Fla. players rated below 600.

Isaac Kreusser scored four points and ranked in third place among those rated 600-799.

In team competition, Rainbow’s second-grade team with Annabelle Hsu, Asher Allison and Dennis Lenski ranked sixth in the nation.

M adison RECORD THE

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Reaching tenth place, Horizon Elementary School’s third-grade team included Kylie Zou and Esteban Jerez. Discovery’s sixth-grade team reached fifth place overall with triplets Cooper Meyer, Kate Meyer and Jack Meyer. “They pulled out a nailbiter,” Bartlett said.

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The Columbia Elementary School Carline Crew had their own unique way of wishing everyone a very merry Christmas last week -- by dressing up in Christmas costumes, of course. The carline crew and their various costumes will be featured in the January issue of Madison Living Magazine.

You can look for it soon in businesses throughout Madison and at www.madisonlivingmagazine.com

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4A • THE RECORD

December 22, 2021

We wish you a very

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EVENTS

5A

December 22, 2021

Christmas family fun opportunities Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail Through December 31 Downtown Madison Walk among an enchanting display of Christmas trees day or night.

Rocket City Christmas Light Show Through January 2 Starting: 5 p.m. nightly Toyota Field 500 Trash Panda Way, Madison www.milb.com/rocket-city Skating In The Park Through January 17 Huntsville Museum of Art www.hsvmuseum.org A family-friendly tradition will return just in time for the

holidays this season. Join the Huntsville Museum of Art in their 10th annual Skating in the Park.

Skate on the outdoor rink in Big Spring Park and enjoy special events throughout the season. Follow Skating in the Park on social media for the latest updates on special events and hours.

Tinsel Trail Through January 2 Nightly from dusk until midnight Big Spring International Park, Huntsville www.tinseltrail.com Big Spring Park takes on a holiday glow with over 300 elaborately decorated trees. Enjoy a festive stroll through the park. Stop to watch the ice skaters. Enjoy a hot beverage or purple cup drink along the way. Create a full experience by adding dinner at one of downtown Huntsville’s many restaurants.

Images that resemble a Christmas card’s artwork are enlarged to bigger-than-life scenes on Christmas Card Lane in downtown Madison.

There is still time to tour Christmas Card Lane in downtown Madison MADISON – Visions of nostalgic traditions to comical, light-hearted cartoons are on display in Christmas Card Lane in downtown Madison. Madison Arts Council or MAC sponsors the artwork.

In its seventh year, Christmas Card Lane is a collection of original designs that local artists have painted on wooden flats or ‘canvases.’ Homeowners in the historic district along Church and Front streets have agreed for volunteers to place the large cards in their front lawns.

Christmas Card Lane is illuminated nightly for four hours after sundown.

The cards will remain on display through Dec. 26. “You will find whimsical, traditional and religious themes among the many designs,” MAC President Tina Clark said.

Residents had a chance to vote on their favorite card through Dec. 17. Only new cards were eligible for voting. Additional cards have appeared in years past on Christmas Card Lane.

Individuals voted for one of these new cards: “Ice Skate” - By Gerald Clark. The card wishes “Merry Christmas” to all. In the scene, a young woman in a red velvet dress trimmed in white fur glides across the ice.

“The Grinch” – That dastardly chief of mischief, “The Grinch” takes a turnabout stance for the holiday as he states

“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little more.” The Grinch is carving a “rare roast beast,” as his dog Max and Cindy Lou Who patiently wait for a taste of the feast. Artist Sandra Kellum.

“Trash Panda Christmas” – Created

by Ava Kennedy and Walker Hallman.

This comical card shows ‘Santa Panda’ arriving in Alabama in his sleigh pulled by red-nosed Rudolph. Snowmen and drifts of snow on the ground resemble Alabama’s snow-white cotton fields. A group of candy canes spell out “Merry Christmas.” In the background, the Saturn V rocket is draped in bright lights and a holly wreath.

The encore cards were on display in previous years and not eligible for voting: “Let it Snow,” “Merry and Bright,” Stephanie Thompson; “Lights”; “Merry Christmas, Madison”; “Let it Snow,” Discovery Middle School; “Deck the Halls,” Lori Connors; “Alabama Cotton Christmas,” Emily Barkley; “Super Hero Christmas,” Miranda Hite; “The First Noel,” Beth Paul; “Frosty Snowmen,” “Country Christmas,” Gerald Clark; “Poinsettia,” Carolyn Dodson-Grimm; “Believe,” St. John Paul II Catholic High School; “Sweet Home Alabama,” Rotary Club of Madison; “Believe,” Denise Onwere; “Christmas Carolers,” “See You Next Year,” Sandy Sparks; “Joy to the World,” Laura Lusk; “The Nutcracker Toys,” Ella-Lisa Waddell.

For more information, visit artsmadison.org.

GALAXY OF LIGHTS • Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights at Huntsville Botanical Garden will continue through Saturday, Jan. 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are available at the front desk during business hours or at hsvbg.org/galaxy.

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SCHOOLS

6A

December 22, 2021

School board approves new principal, five assistant principals

BY STAFF REPORTS MADISON - The new year will also bring leadership changes at several Madison Schools.

The Madison City Board of Education last week approved a new principal for Columbia Elementary and assistant principals for Columbia, Rainbow, Heritage, Madison and Horizon elementary schools.

The promotions are new for the position but not new to Madison City Schools.

All come from within the district and are mostly transferring schools.

Mid-year retirements of several principals began the domino-like effect of changes.

In the special called meeting of the Board, Miranda Bolden was named principal of Columbia Elementary.

Bolden began her teaching at Columbia so has come full circle in becoming principal there. She comes from Assistant Principal at Rainbow Elementary where she had also been in the Madison Aspiring Administrators Program (MAAP) assigned to Rainbow.

The following assistant principals

were approved by the Board: Nedjra Russell, Rainbow Elementary - Russell was MAAP at Rainbow and taught before last week’s promotion to RES assistant principal to replace Bolden.

Kimberly Massey, Columbia Elementary, was selected to replace Laura Minor, who just retired. Massey is currently the MAAP at Columbia.

Kristen Kolenich, Heritage Elementary - She replaces Nathan Wilson, who recently was promoted to principal at Mill Creek Elementary. Kolenich is currently reading coach at Heritage.

Tammy Jones, Madison Elementary Jones was assistant principal at Horizon and transfers to MES to replace Demetria Freeman, who was recently named principal at Horizon.

Wendy Pharo, Horizon Elementary - Pharo is the elementary instruction specialist at the Central Office. She will fill the AP job left by Tammy Jones who is transferring to assistant principal at Madison Elementary. Pharo taught and was a reading coach at Heritage prior to moving to the district elementary instruction specialist position.

Miranda Bolden (center right) is the new principal at Rainbow Elementary. She is pictured with new Assistant Principa Kimberly Massey and Assistant Supt. Eric Terrell and Supt. Dr. Ed Nichols.

Here are the new assistant principals at Madison City Schools, flanked by Schools Supt. Dr. Ed Nichols (right) and Assistant Supt. Eric Terrell (L-R): Nedjra Russell, Rainbow Elementary, Kimberly Massey, Columbia Elementary, Wendy Pharo, Horizon Elementary, Kristin Kolenich, Heritage Elementary and Tammy Jones, Madison Elementary.

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Students in the Engineering Internship class at Bob Jones High School have completed internships at local businesses.

In the photo from a previous year, a student explains his experience.

Students in Bob Jones Engineering Academy gain experience as interns at local companies

By GREGG PARKER Gregg@themadisonrecord.com MADISON – While still in high school, students enrolled in an Engineering Academy course at Bob Jones High School have experienced first-hand about the office environment for jobs in their career path.

The course is “Engineering Internship: Research and Design with Senior Career Pathway Project.” With Jessye Gaines as teacher, this class is the final level of Bob Jones Engineering Academy and combines all skills that students acquired in prerequisite courses.

Engineering Internship students delivered their final presentations about their experiences on Dec. 14-15 at Bob Jones in Patriot Hall. Gaines invited participating business leaders and residents to hear the students’ final presentations.

“The students have just completed their 12 weeks with local engineering companies, and we could not be more proud” (of their accomplishments),”

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Gaines said. “This has been our first semester for students to complete a full semester of in-person internships since fall 2019,” Gaines said.

Students Larry Adams, Cameron Cummings, Zachary Floyd and Yashas Gentela completed internships with KTECH - Virtual Reality Beta Class.

KTECH is a workforce training initiative from Kids to Love Foundation. Bob Jones students worked with the KTECH staff for its Beta class in virtual reality.

Jonathan Gunasekaran discussed his internship with STI Electronics Inc. in Madison. STI develops products for industries with soldering and electronics assembly.

Diane Pham explained her time with SAIC/Davis Strategic Innovations Inc. in Madison. This company provides technology and management solutions to aerospace, defense, medical and environmental companies, along with homeland security.

James Garrison completed his internship with Huntsville’s Penta Research See INTERNS Page 8A

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December 22, 2021

THE RECORD • 7A

Snapshot In the last week before the Christmas break, all the schools in Madison found assorted ways to spread the Christmas cheer before the end of the semester. Here are some of the many ways students and staff had fun last week before the break.

MILL CREEK SURPRISE - Students at Mill Creek Elementary enjoyed the jolly man himself in the bus drop-off last Thursday. Driver Tim Preeo greeted arriving students with fist bumps, hugs, and an occasional private word shared by an admirer. The kids seemed extra good today and not just because of Santa. Assistant principal Kiley Rikard and school staff member Kevin Long were there also assisting.

JOLLY ST. “NICHOLS” - Jolly St. “Nichols” made the rounds in several Madison City schools last Wednesday, visiting classrooms with his “elf” helper and ringing in cheer for students and staff. Here, Santa drops in classrooms at Horizon Elementary. Incoming Principal Demetria Freeman had the opportunity earlier to introduce herself through a reading of “Santa’s New Suit,” which may have foreshadowed today’s Santa visit. Any resemblance to MCS Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols is strictly coincidence.

SNOWMEN - The staff at Rainbow Elementary got into the holiday spirit recently by holding a snowman costume contest. The winning costume went to Dixie Paschal. Here are few of the snowmen.

CAROLING TIME! - Last week was not only a time of learning, but one of celebration and spreading Christmas cheer through Madison City Schools.

Here are some great examples of the types of musical gifts students and staff gave each other and their communities for Christmas. These are just a few examples of how Madison City Schools is sharing its talents to lighten moods and brighten spirits.

Madam Perry’s French class at Discovery Middle singing carols in French.

Liberty Middle choir members performing at Midtown Elementary.

Dozens of staffers and kids from Heritage Elementary caroling in nearby neighborhoods.

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8A • THE RECORD

December 22, 2021

LETTERS TO SANTA - We sent out an invitation for families in the Madison City Pre-K Center to submit their “Letters to Santa” this year.

Here are the very cute and heart-warming letters we received this year. Thank you to the families who participated. We wish them and everyone a very merry Christmas!

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Natalie Bowen (age 4)

(age 3) Hannah Bowen

continued from page 6A

Inc., which supplies customers with timely analysis products that support milestones for major program decisions.

Joshua Cagle and Camden Grant interned with Additive

Manufacturing & Engineering Inc. The company helps its customers in manufacturing to produce its parts faster.

Owen Long and Trush Patel gained experience at Craft De-

signs Inc. in Huntsville. The company specializes in software engineering for defense, aerospace, industrial automation and medical fields.

Anthony Ramos discussed

his intern time with Nextek Inc. in Madison. Nextek is an Electronics Manufacturing Services or EMS company for electronic assembly, prototyping and lab services.

Boone Ramsey worked at CFD Research Corporation in Huntsville. This company specializes in engineering simulations for aerospace, biomedical, defense and other industries.

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MADISON L IVING

WEDNESDAY

Check out these two great special publications online!

INSIDE SPORTS

Post-season honors The Madison Academy Mustangs had one of the most spectacular seasons in school history in 2021 and post-season honors reflect the outstanding football campaign of the just completed historical season.

Page 2B

Among the 12 new inductees this year to the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame are former Bob Jones and Vanderbilt University basketball star Candice Storey Lee and Jamie Hill, former three-sport athlete, coach and current principal of Discovery Middle School.

Candice Storey Lee and Jamie Hill inducted into Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

Signings Several local high school student-athletes signed for college scholarships last week.

Page 3B

COMMUNITY

Veteran of the Year

Retired Major Jean Downs has been honored as “Veteran of the Year”. Page 4B

KIDS & CHURCH

MADISON - Seven women and five men have been elected to the 2022 Class of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame, ranging from a ground-breaking publicist to an NFL standout to a Southeastern Conference director of athletics, and representing nine different sports.

In addition, the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors decided by unanimous vote that the record-breaking Butler High School girls basketball team of the 1990’s, coached

by Linda Holt, will be presented with the Special Achievement Award, bringing the total number of honorees to 13.

The 29th class of the Hall of Fame will be enshrined the evening of Monday, April 11, 2022 in the North Hall of the Von Braun Center.

Among the 12 new inductees are former Bob Jones and Vanderbilt University basketball star Candice Storey Lee and Jamie Hill, former three-sport athlete, coach and current principal of Discovery Middle School.

In 2020, Storey Lee was named Vanderbilt’s Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director making history at her alma mater as the first woman to serve in those capacities in the Southeastern Conference.

A 1996 graduate of Bob Jones, Storey Lee was named All-State and class 5-A Player of the Year after a stellar senior

Candice Storey Lee

Jamie Hill

season for the Lady Patriots averaging 23 points and 21 rebounds per game. She was also named the Gatorade Alabama Girl’s Basketball Player of the Year. At Vandy, she helped lead the Lady Commodores as team captain to the 2002 SEC Tournament Championship. During her time on the squad Vanderbilt advanced to the NCAA Tournament every year. She played six years at Vandy after receiving a medical redshirt after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL. It was her second such surgery as she went down to a similar injury while

at Bob Jones. As an adult, she has had two surgeries including a knee replacement in 2019. She used a walking cane during her recuperation.

Storey Lee is easily recognizable wearing her glasses that she has worn since age 18 months. She was born with an eye defect that required undergoing surgery at just six months of age.

Hill is a 1995 graduate of Hazel Green High School where he played football, soccer and baseball. His exploits on the baseSee HALL OF FAME Page 2B

“Big E” places in national home run derby Special Weekly Pages Check our weekly Kids and Church pages with games and activities for kids, and area church listings.

Pages 5B and 6B

HISTORY

History with John Rankin Check out this week’s history column from Madison’s historian John Rankin and discover the city’s interesting past.

Page 7B

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com MADISON - Though just 14 years of age, the “Big E” as he’s nicknamed, Ethan Hopkins has proven he is a power hitter and should continue to bolster his place among local baseball as a player with a bright future.

The eighth grade two-sport athlete at Discovery Middle School recently participated in the 14th annual World Power Showcase Home Run Derby and All-American Classic held at Loan Depot Park in Miami. The event featured some of the top amateur players from around the country and provided each player the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of baseball’s top evaluators.

“In the Classic game I played right field and batted twice, striking out the first time and hitting a RBI single my second trip at the plate,” said Hopkins, whose American team defeated the National team 14-2. “In the Home Run Derby, I was the first to bat and hit seven homers out of 15 outs.”

The 6-foot, 185-pound slugger finished See BIG E Page 2B

Madison’s Ethan Hopkins keeps his eye on the oncoming baseball while at bat in the Power Showcase Home Run Derby held in Miami.

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2B • THE RECORD

December 22, 2021

Mustangs own Region 7 post-season football awards

448059-1

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com MADISON- The Madison Academy Mustangs had one of the most spectacular seasons in school history in 2021 and post-season honors reflect the outstanding football campaign of the just completed historical season.

Among the Class 4-A, Region 7 All-Region selections include three player MVP awards and the Coach of the Year honor for head coach Bob Godsey. Named the Most Valuable Player was Will Stokes. The Defensive Player of the Year was Tim Spurlock while Special Team Player of the Year was Ian Vachon. The team also had 10 All-Region selections and seven Honorable Mention picks.

Madison Academy finished the season at 12-2 overall and 7-0 in Region 7.

The horses fell in the season opener to Briarwood and then posted 12 consecutive victories before losing to Oneonta 28-24 in the Class 4-A semi-final game of the playoffs. The team statistics were phenomenal as the Mustangs put up 549 points on the scoreboard while allowing just 195 in their 14 games.

For Stokes, the 5-foot-9,

170-pound scamper was easily the most productive player in the region, as well as, the entire state. He carried the ball 257 times for 2,691 yards, which came to 10.47 per attempt.

He averaged 192 yards per game and scored 46 touchdowns. As a receiver, he had 21 receptions for 233 yards and two scores. As a kick returner, Stokes had nine kickoff returns for 139 yards and 16 punt returns for a total of 174 yards and one touchdown.

Godsey said earlier in the season of Stokes, “He is a very good player and even better person. He is quick, strong and has great vision. He has put in a lot of work to have the season he had.”

Spurlock, Defensive Player of the Year and recent signee with the Michigan Wolverines, was second on the team in total tackles (144) and solo tackles (81), but was tops on tackles for a loss (10). Nicknamed “Deuce,” he is set to play linebacker for the Wolverines and chose the school over others such as Clemson, Auburn, Florida and Grambling.

Specialist honor went to Vachon who made seven of 12 field goal attempts on the season and hit on 62 of 68 extra points giving him

The Madison Academy Mustangs simply owned Region 7 during the 2021 football season and post-season honors have poured in including three player MVP awards and Coach of the Year honor.

83 points on the year. He also handled the punting duties for the Mustangs averaging 33 yards per kick.

For Godsey, this was his third season as head coach and led the squad to a No. 1 state ranking up until the post-season playoffs.

The remainder of the Mustangs selected as All Region included Kaden

Young, Kanen Hamlett, Jailen Holmes, Chuck Moore, Holden Blake, K.J. Rogers, Mario Brewer, William Burgreen, Daniel Scott and John English.

Honorable Mentions selected included K.D. Cherry, Carson Creehan, J.P. White, Jaylen Arnold, Cooper Lovett, Justin Parker and Daylan Johnson.

451708-1

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Discovery Middle School’s Ethan Hopkins holds his bat for finishing fifth in the Power Showcase Home Run Derby in Miami. The 14-year old Hopkins stands alongside event representative at Loan Depot Park.

Big E fifth in the Derby with the seven dingers with a top distance of 395 feet. His power skills were showcased by his wining the HitTrax Award for the top exit velocity of 107 miles per hour. Hopkins father, John, said of his second of three sons, “He’s growing into his own as he’s having fun and enjoys playing the game.”

John works for NASA, while his wife, Misti, works as a book keeper at Bob Jones High. They have three sons including J.W., a senior at Bob Jones, who recently signed a scholarship to play baseball at Wallace State and Jake, a seventh grader who also plays baseball.

Hopkins has excelled in his baseball skills the last three years while also playing football where at Discovery he has played defensive end

and offensive line, but it’s been baseball that he began playing as a young boy at Palmer Park. He mainly plays first base, but also helps out at third base and in the outfield. “My first memory of baseball was we had a hitting net in our garage and I was there with my older brother. I decided to try and hit. When I connected with the ball I instantly fell in love with the sport,” added Hopkins.

The four-day Showcase event included workouts in front of evaluators. Hopkins said his outfield skills he demonstrated seemed to go well.

His four throws from the outfield to assigned bases were, in his words, “decent,” he ran the 60-yard dash in 7.9-seconds and hitting was his personal highlight as he showed he could be as good as any of the other players in attendance.

“He’s always been around the game since he was old enough to swing the bat,” said John. “He’s always had a good swing and the last three years he has grown tremendously in his skills. We weren’t really sure how he would follow in his brother’s footsteps, but he’s doing well.”

Hopkins is known as a team leader who many times shows very little emotion. He helps his teammates and has a great attitude towards the game and his own play on the field.

“As for my swing, I always swing through and never stop,” added Hopkins.

As long as he continues to follow through on his swing, the Big E will have the baseballs screaming out of the park with a velocity only a few can match.

Hall of Fame ball diamond was his forte being named the MVP and Player of the Year in Madison County as a junior. The hard-throwing left-handed pitcher was 10-0 as a senior with a 0.95 ERA winning Madison County MVP for a second consecutive year. He played college baseball at both Middle Tennessee State University and UAH and professional baseball for two years in the Texas Rangers organization.

Advancing into the world of education where he became a coach, Hill soon took the steps to move into school administration and in Novem-

Join online at ymcahuntsville.org or in person at one of our Madison or Huntsville locations.

New & renewing members only.

451701-1

451707-1

ber was named principal at Discovery Middle School. He took his new position after being the principal at Madison’s Columbia Elementary.

The remainder of the inductees for the 2022 class include Tanya Broadway (volleyball), Melanie Donahoo (volleyball), Nancy Griffith (tennis), Marlon Gurley (basketball), Elmore “Scoop” Hudgins (publicist), Gwen Humphrey (basketball), Cynthia Jordan-Clopton (athletic administration), Rashad Moore (football), Cynthia Rhodes Peters (swimming) and Jeff Wilson (wrestling).

December 22, 2021

THE RECORD • 3B

COMMUNITY

KENNY HALL AND LUKE SCHOMBURG SIGN - Two Sparkman football players have signed scholarships to continue playing their favorite sport in college. Luke Schomburg, left, and Kenny Hall, right, chose their place of destiny alongside Sparkman head coach Laron White. Schomburg signed with University of Tennessee-Chattanooga as a quarterback, while Hall agreed to attend the Naval Academy as a defensive back. Photo by Steven Matthew Rogers, Sparkman High School

Retired Major Jean Downs is recipient of the “Veteran of the Year” award from the North Alabama Veterans & Fraternal Organizations Coalition or NAVFOC.

Downtown Rescue Mission works diligently for individuals, families during Christmas

By STAFF REPORTS MADISON – Staff and volunteers at the Downtown Rescue Mission in Huntsville are reminding residents of the importance of giving to help individuals and families in need.

“This time of year is filled with joyful anticipation as we await the birth of Jesus. But for many hurting and hungry friends in the Tennessee Valley, it is also filled with worry and fear,” Keith Overholt said. He is President/CEO of Downtown Rescue Mission.

“Thousands of children, women and men in our community don’t know when they can count on their next meal. That’s why we’re asking faithful supporters to help us reach

our goal of providing 57,000 holiday meals this year,” Overholt said.

A donor can provide a meal and help lift spirits this Christmas season for only $2.04. “Together, we can share the joy and renewed hope that Christ’s birth brings with those who need it most,” Overholt said. “Please give generously and help make sure everyone in our community can access the meals and spiritual support they need this holiday season.”

With planning and scheduling for food distribution, the mission staff can expand a small donation to feed a surprisingly large number of meals.

For example, with a donation of $24.48, the gift will help 12 people; $51, 25 people; $102, 50 individuals; $248.88, See RESCUE MISSION Page 8B

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MADISON – Retired Major Jean Downs has been honored as “Veteran of the Year” by the North Alabama Veterans & Fraternal Organizations Coalition or NAVFOC. The coalition presented the award at a Veterans Day ceremony at Redstone Arsenal’s Summit last month.

NAVFOC is an alliance of 35 organizations in North Alabama.

For the past two years, Downs has served as Vice Commander of Madison American Legion, Post 229 and activated the American Legion, Post 229 Auxiliary unit. She was elected and re-elected twice as Auxiliary President.

Downs actively participates with Post 229 Honor Guard with involvement at more than 100 funerals. As Historian 229, she drafts articles in local newspapers and publishes on social media.

Her service continues with headstone cleaning of veterans’ graves, and, for Girl Scouts, was Troop Leader, Camp Trico caretaker, recruiter for help with American Legion projects and mentor for Gold Award candidates.

Downs managed a softball competition, led Girls State delegates, coordinated cadet awards for JROTC units and organized social events to foster comradery between veterans.

“Jean embodies American Legion’s pillar of Americanism in her devotion to law and order, raising wholesome youth, an educated and law-abiding citizenship and respectful observance of patriotic holidays

and remembrances,” Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy said.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jean thought outside the box. As poppy sales lead, she solicited and secured corporate sponsorship in lieu of our usual collection of donations while handing out poppies,” Vannoy said.

For the Auxiliary, “she stood up the inactive unit and continues to grow membership,” Vannoy said.

“She also started a Junior Auxiliary unit.”

Downs has been associated with Girl Scouts troops for 10-plus years.

She served as mentor/facilitator for 10 projects for Girl Scouts to qualify for the Gold Award. Two projects were veteran-centric in 2021 -- Madison Veterans Park revitalization and drop-off boxes for flag retirement.

During 20 years of U.S. Army service, Downs was stationed across the United States and Central America and completed combat tours in Iraq and Saudi Arabia with 1st Calvary Division.

“Jean has taken her passion for today’s youth and fellow veterans and combined them in a way that has impacted many in our community,” Vannoy said. “American Legion is dedicated to God and country, with a membership of military veterans who take deep pride in the U.S. flag and all that it means. She continues to devote countless hours each week to help veterans in our community, youth education and honoring military service.”

“There is no one more deserving of the ‘Veteran of the Year’ than retired Major Jean Downs,” Vannoy said.

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TIM SPURLOCK SIGNS - Regarded as one of the best players ever to wear the maroon and gold colors of the Madison Academy Mustangs, Tim “Deuce” Spurlock (6-3, 220) has signed a scholarship to a major football power program. Spurlock put his name on a grant to attend Michigan and play for the Wolverines who have made the NCAA Playoffs this season. Recruited mainly as a linebacker, Spurlock was second on the team in tackles in 2021 with 144, including 81 solo. As a receiver on offense he had 13 receptions for 252 yards and three TDs. For the 2021 season, Spurlock was named Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year. He chose Michigan over Clemson, Auburn, Florida and Grambling. “I feel Michigan is a place where I can thrive both educationally and as an athlete,” said Spurlock, son of Timothy and LaTerra Spurlock. “Their education is top notch along with the bond that I’ve developed with the coaching staff and the team were among the reasons I chose Michigan. Their coaching staff is among the best there is and I feel will help develop me on and off the field.”

KANEN HAMLETT SIGNS - Madison Academy senior football player Kanen Hamlett (6-5, 225) has signed a Div. I football scholarship with the Mountaineers of Appalachian State located in Boone, N.C. A two-way starter for the Class 4-A Mustangs, Hamlett was recruited mainly as a tight end. In his senior season at Madison Academy, he had nine catches for 70 yards and one touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball where he played linebacker, he posted 85 total tackles with four interceptions and one touchdown. “I chose Appalachian State because of how hard I was recruited,” said Hamlett. “The coaches proved to me they wanted me and showed me how special of a place Boone is and how they really do take care of their players.” The All-Region selection is the son of Shanetha Sampson and chose the Mountaineers over the likes of UAB, Western Kentucky, North Alabama and Alabama A&M among others.

North Alabama veterans coalition selects Downs as ‘Veteran of the Year’

4B • THE RECORD

December 22, 2021

Wake up your family on Christmas morning with the inviting aroma of...

Overnight Stuffed French Toast From SOUTHERNPLATE.COM

Your family will love this great breakfast idea for Christmas morning! Instead of spending your morning in the kitchen, make this great breakfast and enjoy time with your family while you munch on something delicious. Simply make it the night before, store in the fridge, and turn the oven on in the morning and toss it in to bake.

Simple and easy, the perfect accompaniment for Christmas morning!

The recipe is also the perfect indulgent weekend brunch, when you try it once you’re guaranteed to never go back to a basic French toast recipe. I mean, who can resist not spending your morning by the stove?

Just grab some pantry staples and French bread and you can easily assemble this stuffed French toast casserole the night before.

So, what’s in the sweet stuffing?

A melt-in-your-mouth strawberry preserves and cream cheese mixture. But don’t worry, you can use your favorite preserves if you like! Then it’s topped with an egg and milk combo, which it soaks up overnight to resemble a custard similar to a bread pudding. After you bake your breakfast casserole dish, you’re rewarded with overnight French toast that’s golden brown and crunchy on the outside and sweetly melty on the inside. To take it one step further, I top mine with delicious strawberry syrup.

Ingredients include eggs, strawberry preserves, cream cheese, vanilla, milk, and a loaf of French bread.

Make sure your cream cheese is good and soft and place it in a mixing bowl with about three tablespoons of strawberry preserves. Mix that up with your electric mixer until good and blended.

Now, take your loaf of French bread and cut some big old honking slices out of it. We want our slices to be anywhere from an inch and a half to two inches thick.

Using a knife, cut a little pocket into each bread slice. Make sure you don’t cut all the way through to the bottom or all the way through to the sides. We just want a little pocket in the very center that we can stuff our cream cheese mixture into.

Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Place the bread slices all on their sides in the baking dish.

In a separate bowl mix egg, milk, and add vanilla to egg and milk mixture. Mix up the wet ingredients. Slowly pour the liquid over the bread slices. I pour a little over the top of each one until I run out. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.

When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown.

To prepare your strawberry syrup, simply take some strawberry preserves and place them in a microwave-safe cup or small pitcher and follow the instructions in the recipe below.

This makes a delicious and super easy syrup!

Sprinkle powdered sugar or

confectioners’ sugar over the top if you like.

And enjoy this delicious cream cheese-stuffed French toast!

STORAGE If you want to freeze this baked stuffed French toast, do every step up to assembling the egg mixture. When ready to cook, pull the casserole out of the freezer to thaw at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Then pour the egg, milk, and vanilla mixture on them and bake.

To reheat leftover French toast, bake on a greased baking sheet at 350 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Watch it to make sure it doesn’t burn and flip after about 5 to 7 minutes. I also sometimes put them in a buttered skillet over medium heat and cook until golden (kinda like a grilled cheese sandwich) but just until it’s cooked through.

Recipe Notes If you aren’t crazy about strawberry preserves just get your favorite. Raspberry or blueberry French toast is a treat as well!

You can also serve your overnight French toast casserole with maple syrup, whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or some fresh fruit and fresh berries.

To take this recipe to the next level, top your casserole with a cinnamon streusel topping before baking. Visit this apple pies muffin recipe for instructions on how to make an easy cinnamon streusel topping.

Ingredients • 1 loaf French bread • 8 ounce cream cheese one package, softened • 3 tbsp strawberry preserves plus more for syrup • 4 eggs • 1 cup milk • 1 tsp vanilla extract Instructions To make the cream cheese filling, place softened cream cheese and 3 tablespoons of strawberry preserves in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until well combined and creamy. Set aside.

Cut French bread into six 1 1/2 inch to 2-inch slices. Reserve end pieces for another use. Cut a pocket into the side of each slice, being careful not to go all the way to the bottom.

Stuff each pocket with cream cheese mixture.

Spray a 9 x 13 dish with cooking spray. Arrange slices flat in the dish.

In a bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and vanilla until well blended.

Pour the egg mixture over the top of the bread in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Remove cover and bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve with strawberry syrup To make syrup Place 1 cup of strawberry preserves in a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted and pourable consistency. Serve warm over warm stuffed french toast.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas!

December 22, 2021

THE RECORD • 5B

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MADISON HISTORY with John Rankin

The True House - 318 Church Street. Gladys McFarlen True is pictured below in 1998.

7B

December 22, 2021

1969 Centennial Celebration of the Incorporation of Madison – Beverly True at right, front.

Gladys True – A Daughter’s Perspective

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

MADISON - Madison’s foremost historians of the 1970s through the 1990s were Gladys Naomi McFarlen True and Percy Brooks {“Tootsie”} Keel, who were related as cousins through marriage. They were founding members of the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society and have left a great compilation of records about the town’s history. This article is the beginning of a series that focuses upon the life and times of Gladys True, including times before 1933, when she moved to Madison from the Trenton and Gurley areas after her marriage. The story of Gladys’ life as remembered by her daughter Beverly Ruth True Young begins the series with a summary of her own perspectives and memories of Gladys. Later articles will focus specifically upon Gladys’ life story, as written by Gladys herself in two books about Madison that she authored in her last decade of age.

Gladys married Robert Edgar “Pud” True of Gurley on December 28, 1931. She was born in Trenton on August 28, 1913, and she passed away on June 18, 2004. She and her husband are buried in the Madison City Cemetery’s new section on the north side of Mill Road. For over 30 years they owned and operated a grocery store at 208 Main Street in Madison. However, before that time, they also had rented the store at 210 Main, but they came to Madison initially because “Pud” had taken a job with George Walton “Doc” Hughes in his pharmacy. Subsequent articles in the Madison RECORD newspaper, to be extracted from Gladys’ books, will cover more details of their move to Madison and life therein. For now, a summary of her mother’s life, as written this year by Beverly True Young, is the subject. Additional clarifications will be inserted within brackets, where needed in the summary of Beverly’s account, which follows: Mom was born out in the country, called “Up the Valley,” and had to board in Gurley to go to High School. She was very proud of her high school education because then most girls didn’t finish high school, they just prepared to be homemakers. Pop was “a city boy” from Gurley. He was a great athlete and student, good-looking, always had some cash and a good car, according to Mom. He was always called “Pud,” a nickname given by his Daddy.

After Mom and Pop married and worked in Gurley for a while, Pop decided he wasn’t making enough money and got a job at the Drug Store in Madison. After a few months, Mom joined him on Valentine’s Day 1933. She went to the Methodist Church the next day and sat in the same pew until she got too sick to go in her last days. She joined the Missionary Society and among their projects was to pay off the Church debt. She often said her house wouldn’t hold all the pies she had made for Fund-raisers. Pop said if he could get the Methodist Women to work for him for a few years, he could retire a millionaire.

Mom always lived out her Christian beliefs in so many ways.

Sissie {Eleanor Ann, firstborn child of Gladys & “Pud”} came first {born in 1936} and was quite a “handful” Mom always said. She got some spankings, I was told.

I never did. They wanted more children, and once Mom and Sissie went to Atlanta on the train to get Pop’s nephew and bring him home, but his mother changed her mind after they got there. I was born 11 years after Sissie and had every opportunity to be spoiled. Mom said there were only 2 babies in town, and everyone loved to see how I was doing. Sissie would stroll me around town and play with me like a doll. She was a loving big sister and always enjoyed having me around. I was a “tom boy” as a child, but she and Mom tried. Sissie stayed a loving big sister and would always give me advice when I needed it. {Sissie died in 2010. She had married Donnie Raney in 1956 and produced 3 grandchildren for Gladys.} Mom and Pop rented various houses in Madison until Mom decided they needed to own a home. Pop said they couldn’t afford it but shortly made the mistake of buying a new car. Mom said he was being trashy, owning a car but not a house.

That made him mad, so he told her if she could get some property, they would build

a house. Mom got busy on that. Some of their friends {Caudice & Ozelle Tribble} who owned a big lot at the north end of Church Street gave them half of their lot with no payment, saying they knew Mom and Pop would be good neighbors. Ozelle and Mom were lifelong friends. Ozelle helped take care of me and Sissie when Mom was taking care of her mother who was dying of cancer. Sissie was 12, I was 9 months, Mom was 35 and her mother only 54. That’s the kind of thing Mom and Ozelle did for each other over the years – whatever was needed. Mom and Pop paid for the lot in a year like they had promised.

They started on the house at 318 Church Street on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941. Sissie was 5. Pop was making $100 a month and their house payment became $25.

It was a small house, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath.

Years later, when Sissie started having boyfriends visit, Pop, Mom and I were stuck in the back bedroom.

Pop soon had enough of just sitting on the bed, saying he couldn’t even go to the bathroom without somebody hearing.

I was 5 and still sleeping in a baby bed in their room. The addition of another bedroom, tiny bathroom, and den came soon and stayed that way until they died. Mom never let a small house keep her from entertaining though. She hosted lots of parties and always gave a baby shower for the girls who “got in trouble.” She said the baby couldn’t help it.

Pop had been working at the Drug Store for Doc Hughes but branched out to buy his own store. Mom and Pop owned and operated True’s Food Store for 35 years. Mom liked the job because she just loved people. Also, because she could get off when she needed to. She went home during the less busy times mid-morning and after lunch and was able to keep her activities going. The young mothers learned that Mom would love to hold and entertain their babies while they shopped if she wasn’t too busy and they came at the right time. Mom always loved babies and children. Mom said she had to adjust to grocery shopping after they retired because she had always just brought home a sack full every day.

Mom sewed for people who needed things, costumes for various events, Easter dresses, etc. In her last few weeks {before passing}, I asked her what she wished she could do. She said many things about the family, of course, but then said she had wanted to see the Grand Canyon, she would like to see the square in Murfreesboro again, and she wished she could thread up her machine and sew something. She did love to sew. She particularly gave her time and energy to young girls who didn’t have a mother. Mom welcomed all my friends, Linda Acuff and Kathy Keel especially.

She drove to all the ball games I played in, was a Room Mother, supportive of Brownies, Girl Scouts, 4-H, a PTA member and officer and whatever else she could join or help with. She said “GO” was her middle name. “Don’t ask me to go unless you mean it” she always said, and she meant that.

She always played in “The Tuesday Bridge Club” without fail. Those ladies were all such women of character and were each others’ best friends and support system. They gave showers, teas, dinners, just anything needed. Many of their events were quite fancy with silver tea services, long dresses, extensive decorations and much fun. There was even a saying that one husband said something like, “When I die, if they happen to have the funeral on a Tuesday, you don’t have to come.” These ladies did without many of the conveniences we now have, but they always had their neighbors and friends nearby. The Club once gave me a vase that I have looked at every day since to remind me of those strong women. Mom was active in the Garden Club and enjoyed her yard work. She liked to always find flowers in her yard for any special occasion. She loved to win Yard of

the Month.

Mom always valued education and said that education is one thing you can give your children that they can’t get rid of.

She substituted after she retired, and she was especially proud that Sissie, myself, and my daughters Jennifer and Robbyn were teachers. Really, she was, and she would be proud of everyone who was working at something they loved. Mom loved Auburn football {where both of her daughters attended}. She would fly her Auburn flag every Saturday and then on Sunday to let everyone know that win or lose, she hadn’t changed her mind.

One of the {special} trips that Mom took with Sissie was to Chicago, and one of the highlights of Mom’s life was meeting Harry Caray there. She talked about that in her last days. She said, “I know he hugs all the old ladies, but it meant the world to me.” Mom had loved the Cubs from the time she visited the 1933-4 World’s Fair in Chicago. As a child she had often taken the train to Birmingham to visit her aunt during summers, and they went to see the Birmingham Barons.

Because of those trips she early learned to love baseball. Pop had played softball until he was 42. They both loved baseball and watched the Braves or Cubs most every afternoon after they retired.

After Mom lost most of her eyesight {to macular degeneration}, she would watch sports from about a foot away from the TV, but really, she couldn’t see, only listen.

Mom and Pop were so excited in 1985 about the birth of my last daughter, Ashley {Mays, by my 2nd husband, Rodney Mays}. Mom said not everyone gets to be a grandmother again at 72. They kept Ashley after I went back to school until Ashley went to kindergarten. It was good for them all. Pop would get out of bed to “let the baby in” and we all thought she gave him happiness on days he didn’t feel well. He died when Ashley was 2. Mom started Ashley in dance classes when she was 3, saying she didn’t just need to be around old people all the time. Ashley was a finicky eater so Mom fried her a chicken leg every day. She had always made me special meals too, and I usually ate pie or some such thing for breakfast. Mom always made friends with the young mothers at Ashley’s dance classes.

She said you needed to have friends of all ages, or else they would all die on you at about the same time. Mom had a lot of funny sayings and wise ones for every occasion.

When I went back to school and Mom and Pop started keeping Ashley, Mom said to me, “I’ll try to live long enough to get her to kindergarten for you.” Mom died after Ashley graduated from high school. She had not only gotten Ashley to kindergarten, but also to Auburn.

Actually, we think of Mom at every significant milestone in the family. She loved us all so much. We had a big party at Church for their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1981, and lots of people came.

They even had a champagne toast. That was notable because they were teetotalers all my life. Mom always said that Pop wasn’t a big talker but “could write a sweet letter.” He always wanted her to look nice and made sure to have a good dependable car. Several times he bought a new car and just left her a note to go by and get it while she was out shopping.

During their retirement, Mom gave him a Gift Certificate for Christmas one year, but he endorsed it and gave it back to her for their Anniversary on the 28th.

So, she said let’s just quit exchanging gifts, and they did. They were married 56 years {before he died in 1987.} Mom outlived Pop by 17 years and pretty much took care of things herself. {Percy Books} “Tootsie” Keel helped out a lot and came to all our family events. Tootsie was my Daddy’s first cousin. Their mothers were sisters, although many years apart in age. Tootsie’s mom, we called her Aunt Vidy, lived with her much older sister, Pop’s mother Cora, Grandmother

True, while growing up. Their mother had died, and the step-mother wasn’t very good to Aunt Vidy, even letting her thumb become so infected that it had to be amputated. Pop was born in 1910. Tootise (Percy) was born in 1925. Mom always called Tootsie the little brother she never had. He was 10 when she first knew him.

Mom’s little brother and sister had both died young, and I think she was a lonely only child. Pop helped Aunt Vidy and her boys by buying the Madison Telephone Company and moving them to Madison so that she could have a job after her divorce. Divorce was rare then.

Mom and Tootsie were always extremely close and shared the same interest in history. Mom and Tootsie had done a great deal of family genealogy together, as well as Madison History. Together they helped found the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society. Tootsie always called it the “Hysterical Society” in jest, but they did accomplish many things for Madison. Mom and Tootsie also helped start the Madison Street Festival. Mom almost single-handedly sold all the historical plaques many homes in downtown still have. Pop was supportive, but he never was really that interested in history. Mom even volunteered at the elementary schools, dressing up and taking old things to show the students. Tootsie helped Mom with Ashley and the greatgrands however he could. He became her chauffeur. He and Mom shared an optimistic and happy nature. It was wonderful that they had each other as friends when they were both widowed. Tootsie was my second cousin, but the family relationship was much closer than that.

I believe there is something of Mom’s in every house in our family to remind us of her. She handmade everyone in the family a marriage quilt, some of which must have a thousand stitches. She had a baby quilt for every grandbaby. She never stopped doing something for others. Later in life if you expressed an interest in anything of hers, she would probably give it to you, saying she would rather see you enjoy it while she was alive than leave it to you. She had a handwritten will with a page for everyone telling what she thought that person would want and why.

But she also wrote, “If you don’t want what I have for you, then give it away -just don’t put my things in a yard sale.” {That attitude about a yard sale possibly resulted from an experience that Beverly related about her mom as follows:} At one of the first Street Festivals, Mom entered a raffle and was notified that she had won a car! She was so excited and was thinking of what grandchild could use the car or the money from it.

Pop came driving it up from downtown, smoke coming out everywhere. He was sitting on an apple crate because there was no seat and driving with a wheel from a riding lawnmower. We all had a good laugh and a lesson in “Don’t count your chickens before they Hatch.” Pop put that junker out on the corner and sold it for $75. He would put many things out on that busy corner over the years, and they always sold, but Mom never liked it.

Our family was even more proud of Mom, if possible, after she lost most of her vision to macular degeneration. She did the yard work she had always enjoyed as much as possible. She enjoyed her little dog Rags. She was happy when dog food came in different size cans so she wouldn’t open it by mistake. She quit driving and many times said you had to learn to stay home. But she never stayed home from church, just wore hats. At Mom’s funeral, the preacher said, “Now the hat lady has exchanged her hats for a crown of gold.”

In her lifetime Mom and Pop had gone through many historical time periods and events as shown by the title Mom chose for her 1998 book. I think the Depression, with its total lack of money in her area, affected her greatly. The same for World War II, with its rationing, couponing, and the loss of young men she knew and the pain for their families. I think living through those lengthy trials successfully made the other things easier to bear. I think Mom and Pop had a happy life and did their best to make it so for their community, school, church, children, and grandchildren. They were amazing examples for all of us, and we were fortunate to have them. I still miss them.

8B • THE RECORD

December 22, 2021

Yes, Jesus Is THE Reason For The Season

By BECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 NIV Bible Gateway The day is fast approaching where we celebrate the birth of the Christ child.

People seem to ask “Are you ready for Christmas” seemingly placing it in a category of heavy laborious chores.

Little by little plans take shape. Decorations, baking, cards, gifts, gatherings I guess that is much to squeeze into 24 days prior. But today so many start on November 1 almost forgetting Thanksgiving.

The real question is, is your heart ready? Are you ready to say “Happy Birthday Jesus” and celebrate the real reason behind all the gifts and such?

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for being the reason for this season and really every other season too. I pray for those who don’t really have a true relationship with you to find you this Christmas season. Help me to bring brightness to another who is downcast this season. 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.

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Eleventh annual “Toy Share” drive delivers for local children

By STAFF REPORTS MADISON – Over 4,108 toys and $1,981.29 in cash were donated in the eleventh annual Bank Independent Toy Share drive between Nov. 12 and Dec. 3. All donations were distributed to local children in need through partner organizations across North Alabama in time for the holidays.

Bank Independent, which operates a branch in Madison, donated an additional $11,000 to Toy Share partner organizations to match the $11,000 seven customers won during the Seven Weeks of Winning and Giving sweepstakes.

“I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Macke Mauldin, President and CEO of BancIndependent. “The 2021 Toy Share drive was our best year yet thanks to the outpouring of generosity from our friends and neighbors.

Your support will help bring joy to so many local children in need this Christmas.

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This was the eleventh year for the Bank Independent Toy Share drive.

Your kindness sets a great example for how we can make a positive difference as a community.”

In 2020, the Bank’s Toy Share drive provided over 3,276 toys and more than $1,729 in cash donations to partner organizations in time for distribution to local families for Christmas. Bank Independent donated an additional $11,000 to Toy Share partner organizations to match the $11,000 seven customers won during the Seven Weeks of Winning and Giving sweepstakes.

This year, the Bank accepted donations on site and continued to offer the low and no-contact donation options implemented

The Alabama Press Association proudly salutes our newspapers for their commitment to community journalism.

in response to COVID-19 precautions.

Patrons were able to drop off donations at all 29 Bank Independent locations and at participating Dollar Generals across North Alabama.

Additionally, the Bank established an Amazon Wish List for online shoppers and accepted monetary donations through PayPal. “Our community partners are on the ground every day and best positioned to help people in need,” continued Mauldin. “The decision to match ‘Seven Weeks of Winning’ funds with ‘Seven Weeks of Giving’ gave us the opportunity to make an even bigger impact. Thanks to our partners, we know the additional $11,000 will go to support families right here in the local community.”

The Seven Weeks of Winning debit card sweepstakes kicked off on November 1 and will run through December 19th.

Customers are encouraged their debit card to have their name automatically entered into a week-

ly drawing for $1,000 and the grand prize of $5,000.

Over the seven weeks, the Bank donates a matching $11,000 to the winners’ local Toy Share partners.

The Bank partners with charitable organizations across their 7-county footprint to distribute Toy Share donations.

The list of charitable partners includes the Angel Tree Program in partnership with Lexington High School, Christmas Charities Year Round of Madison County, Committee on Church Cooperation in Morgan County, Cornerstone Church in Lawrence County, Department of Human Resources in Franklin and Limestone Counties, Lauderdale County Christian Children’s Home, Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department, Shoals CASA, Safeplace of the Shoals and William Porter Foundation of the Shoals.

Toy Share is the last of four annual Share drives hosted by Bank Independent to give back to the community as part of Bank Independent’s Helping Hands initiative.

Rescue Mission Continued from page 3B 122 people.

Last year, the Rescue Mission averaged 275 nightly guests; served 326,662 meals, produced program graduates for 53 people; distributed 52,420 articles of clothing; and logged 26,471 volunteer hours from benevolent residents.

A Downtown Rescue Mission Thrift Store also generates revenue. Thrift stores sell donated items, with all proceeds going directly back to the mission to provide food, clothing, shelter and Christian education to anyone who needs it.

The thrift stores carry a wide selection of brandname clothing, household items, furniture, electronics, major appliances, computers and bedding. A

Newspapers, such as this one, are the cornerstone of an open and transparent government, and the #1 source of local news and information.* We wish you continued success

mission can pick up donations.

Currently, Madison Thrift Store is located at 8006 Old Madison Pike, Suite 10. However, a new facility is under construction near the intersection of Hughes Road and Browns Ferry Road.

Other stores operate in Albertville, Athens, Decatur, Meridianville and in Huntsville on Winchester Road and at 1407-A N. Memorial Parkway. Call tollfree at 1-855-DRM-SAVE (1-855-376-7283).

Donations can be dropped off at any location Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The mission address is 1400 Evangel Drive NW in Huntsville.

For more information, call 256-536-2441 or visit downtownrescuemission.org.

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December 2021 / $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

in the coming year.

The Magic of Christmas

Madison’s historic downtown will come to life with festive Christmas events and attractions

Noble Passage in downtown Madison keeps magic of Christmas alive Christmas time with The Beasley Brothers Next Step Farm Meet Madison’s new executive director Cross-County Christmas events and attractions

* Pulse Research, October 2019 451697-1

Madison Living 1

Look for the December issue of Madison Living Magazine. You can find it in Madison businesses or go to madisonlivingmagazine.com