Madison Living Magazine - April 2024

JOHN RANKIN

Local historian named MVP’s Madison Visionary of the Year Lights, Camera....Action! High school performances take center stage in April

Asbury Car & Truck Show • April 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Asbury Methodist Church, 980 Hughes Road in Madison • sburycarshow.com

Asbury’s biggest community event is getting ready to roll out on the Madison campus to celebrate the 10th year of the Car & Bike Show! Started in 2014, this year’s show is expected to draw over 200 eye-catching cars, bikes, and trucks for a spectacular day for the entire family on April 27 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. A rain date is also scheduled for May 4. With free admission and free vehicle registration for 2024, all vehicle years and classes are invited to participate, including hot rods, cruisers, pick-ups, hogs, vintage beauties, and exotic imports. Free hot dogs will also be served! Fees will be poured back into Asbury’s ministry efforts that include local partnerships with organizations that serve the vulnerable in our community such as the Downtown Rescue Mission, Asbury’s Oil Change Day Ministry, and Royal Family Kids Camp. The 2024 Asbury Car & Bike Show will take place at Asbury’s north parking lot on the Madison Campus at 980 Hughes Road. Visit asburycarshow.com for more information.

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“Wings of War” • April 23 • Madison Community Band Grace United Methodist Church • www.m-c-b.org

The Madison Community Band will present its 2024 Spring Concert on Tuesday, April 23, 7 p.m., at Grace United Methodist Church, 2113 Old Monrovia Road NW, in Huntsville. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. This year’s program, “Winds of War,” honors Americans at war for the upcoming 80th Anniversary of D-Day. While the program is centered on the commemoration of D-Day, it spans the breadth of World War II and beyond, honoring veterans of all wars fought by our nation. There will be familiar music from films such as Patton, The Longest Day, Saving Private Ryan, and We Were Soldiers, and television series such as Band of Brothers and Victory at Sea. Performances will range from stirring marches and popular wartime music to solemn meditations and sweeping symphonic themes. All of the music pays tribute to those who fought and those who fell in service to our nation. For more information, visit MCB on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MadisonALCommunityBand) or on the web at www.m-c-b.org.

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The Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair makes its return to Toyota Field from Thursday, April 25 through Sunday, May 5. It will mark the fifth consecutive year that Toyota Field has teamed up with Kissel Entertainment for the event. For the first time in team history, the first four days of the fair will align with Rocket City Trash Pandas home games. Fans who purchase a ticket to one of those games from Thursday, April 25 to Sunday, April 29 will receive free admission to the fair on the day of the game. The Fair will open at 4 p.m. on weeknights and 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair features 30 rides and numerous games and activities in and around Toyota Field plus free entertainment with admission. New for this year will be the Dominguez Circus, a 3rd and 4th generation circus family who appeared on America’s Got Talent. Alongside the circus, the sea lion splash show returns to the Fair. Parking will be $10 throughout the entirety of the event. Fans will not be allowed to enter Toyota Field with food and beverage from the Fair.

Panoply • April 26-28

Big Spring Park in Huntsville www.artshuntsville.org/event/panoply

Art and music come together the last weekend in April for a three-day celebration in downtown Huntsville. Now in its 42nd year, the annual Panoply Arts Festival takes over Big Spring Park April 26-28, offering three days of live music, shopping for original works of art, demonstrations and hands-on activities along with two nights of fireworks. Panoply kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26 and during the three-day event, over 30 local and regional musical acts. As music fills the air, festivalgoers can shop, participate in hands-on activities and watch demonstrations. The juried Art Marketplace showcases the works of more than 100 visual artists from 23 states. The Art OutLoud Stage features spoken word performances from local literary figures and poets and STEAM Street and Creativity Corner will have several special hands-on activities that all ages can partake in. New to Panoply this year is “The Big Swim” interactive art installation. Festivalgoers of all ages will immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of color as they walk through a tunnel-like art installation designed exclusively for Panoply.

Located at 1088 Hughes Road, next to Trinity Baptist Church, Madison City Farmers Market is a producer-only farmers market founded in 2007. Vendors provide a wide selection of the freshest local veggies, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats, milk, herbs, honey, jams, relishes, home-baked goods, plants and flowers. Come see creations from local artisans including handmade cards, soaps, lotions, candles, wood crafts, sewn

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Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards • April 19 • U.S. Space and Rocket Center • www.madisonalchamber.com

The new Space Camp Operations Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center will serve as the venue for the 2024 Madison Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards on April 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. The awards ceremony will include a traditional dinner. The awards “showcase excellence and innovation throughout the local business community. In addition to recognizing accomplishments, the event offers invaluable networking opportunities for businesses and leaders alike. For more information and tickets, go to www.madisonalchamber.com.

Huntsville Ballet Company to perform Swan Lake April 19-21

TThe Huntsville Ballet Company takes the stage of the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall in April with the spellbinding second act of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. One of the most iconic ballets of all times, Swan Lake entwines love, magic, and tragedy to tell the story of Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette, the swan maiden who has fallen under the enchantment of the evil Baron Von Rothbart. Only a vow of true love can break the spell. New contemporary works have also been commissioned for the spring performance.

Swan Lake will be performed April 19-21. Huntsville Ballet Company will be accompanied by a live orchestra. For times and tickets visit www.huntsvilleballet.org/tickets or call 256.539.0961.

About Huntsville Ballet

Patrons from across Alabama and the Tennessee Valley travel to Huntsville to enjoy the artistry of Huntsville Ballet’s thirteen professional dancers, complemented by the work of pre-professional and junior company members and guest artists. Audiences enjoy the art of classical ballet in performances like Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty as well as other dance genres featured in newer works such as Stage Door Canteen and The Tumbleweed Suite. Huntsville Ballet’s performances and community outreach programs are designed to appeal to a broad audience and bring the art of ballet to everyone from the art lover to those new to the experience. Huntsville Ballet Company and School operate under the umbrella of Community Ballet Association, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit member of the state and local Arts Councils.

Golden Hours

• Starting April 18

• 5 p.m. to dusk

• Huntsville Botanical Garden

• www.hsvbg.org/golden-hour/

Huntsville Botanical Garden is changing things up this year—with double the Golden Hours! From April 19 through September, Garden hours on Thursdays and Fridays are extended to dusk. Enjoy food, drink, and entertainment in the shade of the Cedar Glade, and explore the 118 acres during the golden light of evenings at the Garden. Great for decompressing after work, enjoying a lovely date night, or simply seeing the Garden in a different light. Members get in free; non-members pay $10. Start your weekend with a cold drink, some yummy food from the café, and live music from local musicians. The Cafe will be open for food and beverages and a bar area will be available at the Cedar Glade. For more information, go to hsvbg.org/golden-hour.

Kids to Love Denim & Diamonds

• April 27

• The Jackson Center

• www.kidstolove.org

The Kids to Love Foundation annual Denim & Diamonds fundraiser, the premier fundraising event for its Davidson Farms home for girls and the Whitaker Cottage Community, will take place April 27, at The Jackson Center, located at 6001 Moquin Drive NW in Huntsville. Country music star Billy Dean will be this year’s headline artist. Over the course of his 25+ year career, Billy has released 11 albums and has been recognized with several awards and nominations. In addition to Billy Dean, the evening also will feature dinner, hors d’oeuvres, and an auction. Davidson Farms, the foundation’s home for girls located near Ardmore, Ala., was established in 2017. It is a state-licensed home but is not run with any state funding — all funding to meet the needs of the girls who live there comes from private donations. For more information and tickets, go to www.kidstolove.org.

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Celtic Woman • April 23 • VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall www.vonbrauncenter.com

Celtic Woman’s is a fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary songcraft which celebrates Ireland’s history while reflecting the vibrant spirit of modern Ireland. The group’s repertoire encompasses Irish classics, contemporary songs, classical favorites and stirring originals. The lineup of performers has evolved over the years, but the signature sound of Celtic Woman has remained consistent, showcasing the members’ individual and collaborative talents.

Bamalama Backyard Concerts: Rebirth Brass Band

April 11 • The Orion Amphitheater • www.theorionhuntsville.com

Rebirth Brass Band kicks off BAMALAMA Backyard Concerts hosted in the Artist Meadow of The Orion Amphitheater starting April 11 with The Dave Anderson Project and Huntsville Community Drumline! In partnership with Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation, BAMALAMA Concerts are one-of-a-kind with support from local artists and musicians. Bring your friends + fam, a lawn chair or a blanket, and enjoy an evening of fantastic live music!

THIS WEEK

VBC PROPST ARENA

across the ocean. Join Elsa on her quest to protect Arendelle, and be inspired to swim under the sea with Ariel, explore with Belle, and sing-along with Rapunzel. Experience world-class ice skating, iconic music, and stunning costumes when Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero.

limits in Freestyle, Skills, Donut and Racing competitions. Monster Jam also features breathtaking Freestyle Motocross exhibitions.

A season filled with excitement and adventure awaits! Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (FPCTA) is continuing to bring the fun as they wrap up their 63rd season next month.

Space Monkeys! The Adventures of Baker & Able May 9-12.

Rounding out their season, FPCTA launches a new play about the two infamous primates of Alabama history that led the space race in 1959. “Space Monkeys! The Adventures of Baker & Able” will have its world premiere in partnership with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in May 2024.

3...2...1...Blastoff! It’s 1959 in Huntsville, Alabama and the space race is on! Scientists around the world were depending on all sorts of creatures to discover the great beyond. But in America, two brave monkeys led the charge for space exploration- Baker and Able! Buckle up and hold on tight as these two courageous creatures take us on an adventure through their imagination, deciphering data and preparing their human astronauts for a discovery of galactic magnitude.

A story of friendship, sacrifice, and dreaming big, this world premiere play will inspire all ages through a special Alabama story set at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

For more information, visit www.FantasyPlayhouse.org.

TThe 2024-2025 season Broadway Theatre League was announced recently. The new BTL season will feature three Huntsville premieres, a feel-good favorite, a family classic, and Huntsville’s all-time most requested show. For tickets or more information, go to broadwaytheatreleague.org. Shows are presented at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.

Here is a brief look at the 65th season:

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

November 22-24

An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.

CLUE: A New Comedy

January 3-5, 2025

Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, CLUE is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.

SIX The Musical

February 4-9, 2025

From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power!

Mama Mia!

March 28-30, 2025

For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show.

Peter Pan

April 22-27, 2025

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse.

Les Misérables

May 6-11, 2025

Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables.

EVENTS

LIGHTS, CAMERA....ACTION!

Various high school performances take center stage in April

STORY BY GREGG PARKER

PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

IIn their biggest, most extravagant Spring Musical todate, Bob Jones Musical Theatre will explore the jungle called ‘high school’ in their production of “Mean GirlsHigh School Version.”

Artistic Director Mary Davis said Tina Fey wrote the same messages in the original movie, Broadway show and new movie for teenagers: *Bullying is wrong. *Don’t change who you are for popularity or a boyfriend. *Be accepting of others. *Teenage parties can be disastrous. *Wearing the ‘right’ thing isn’t as important as doing the right thing!

“I love that the original movie was so popular for my generation, then the Broadway musical was a huge hit, and now the new movie musical bridges the gap to the younger generation,” Davis said.

In summary, Cady Heron grew up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for her strange new home: suburban Illinois. “How will this naive newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George,” Davis said.

“But when Cady and her friends devise a ‘Revenge Party’ to end Regina’s reign, Cady learns the hard way

that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung,” Davis said.

Cast leads are Canaan Mayo (Cady); Teagan Leo (Regina); Renae Graves (Janis); Jaxon McClanathan and Liam Robertson (Damian); Sarah Pierce (Gretchen); Cypress Bryce (Karen); Drayton Walker (Aaron); Carson Cartwright (Kevin G); Rian Edwards (Mrs. Norbury); Elizabeth Booth (Mrs. George); and Evan Willis (Mr. Duvall).

The musical will forever be a beautiful memory of hard work, dedication and new friendships for a lifetime, Canaan Mayo (Cady said. “When I stop and think about the cast, I think about the things we’ve shared: laughter, tears and songs sung from the heart.”

Teagan Leo (Regina George) said, “One thing I love about being a part of ‘Mean Girls - High School Version’ is the community I’m involved in. I’ve met so many incredible people; I feel blessed to work with them.”

Bob Jones has rented scenic projections from Broadway Media and will show projected backdrops, along with set pieces. “It’s so impressive and so much fun to work with media that we haven’t used before . . . yet it’s so prevalent in Broadway shows.”

In this area, Bob Jones is the first school to produce “Mean Girls - High School Version.” “We hope everyone will come to see just how ‘fetch’ it is!” Davis said, using The Plastics’ slang.

“Working on this show has become the highlight of my year,” Sarah Pierce (Gretchen) said.

Along with Davis, the production crew includes Technical Director Jesse Tilton, Music Director Newt Johnson, Choreographer Nolen Gunner, Costume Designer Shari Kingsford, Sound Designer Al Gilbert and Lighting Designers Rick and Tim Lighthall.

Adults mentor the student crew. By opening night, student technicians completely run the show.

Production Crew members are Student Director Marley Goree, Student Music Manager Adrian Matallana and Dance Captains Ella Cook and Harley Dauma. Student technicians manage projections, light/sound, props, costumes, set construction and scenic painting.

The show’s cast/crew has approximately 100 students.

“Jaw-dropping vocals from everyone,” Jaxon McClanathan (Damian) said. “I feel so lucky, surrounded by a cast of such talented people.”

Davis loves the entire score. “I can’t get the songs out of my head and find myself tapping my feet and hum-

ming throughout the day,” she said.

Choreographer Nolen Gunner said “‘Mean Girls –High School Musical’ is a modern show, mixing both fundamental musical theatre choreography with current hip-hop trends.”

State Senator Tom Butler gifted Bob Jones Theatre with a generous check to help offset projections and lighting costs. “He has always been so supportive of our program and the fine arts at Bob Jones,” Davis said. Sponsors include the Andy Hughes Family, Platinum; Westmoreland Company Inc., Gold; Cepeda (CSSA), Silver; and Redstone Federal Credit Union, Rocket City Mom and Ungerware Software Development, Bronze.

Content warning: This show depicts realities of teenage life in high school. Consider this show rated PG-13.

Show times are April 11-13 and 18-20 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. shows also on April 13 and 20.

For reserved seating, buy tickets at showtix4u.com (or scan the QR code). Guests also can buy tickets at the event, one hour before showtimes. Ticket prices are $20, adults; $18, senior citizens and military; and $12, students.

For more information, email BJHSTheatre@gmail. com, or visit facebook.com/bobjonestheatre, instagram. com/bobjonestheatre and TikTok bobjonesmusical24.

“Cyrano de Bergerac” at James Clemens

For its spring play, James Clemens Theatre is presenting Edmond Rostand’s “Cyrano de Bergerac,” based on an actual, 17th person known for his bold adventures . . . and unmistakable, large nose.

Despite gifts in writing, swordplay and charm, Cyrano is convinced he’ll never find love because of his enormous nose.

“Cyrano is secretly in love with childhood friend Roxane, but, before he gains courage to declare his feelings, she falls in love, at first sight, with Christian,” Director Amy Patel said. “Christian doesn’t think Roxane can ever love him, because he’s awkward and tongue-tied when trying to talk to women. Cyrano helps Christian win Roxane’s heart by allowing him to present Cyrano’s love poems, speeches and letters as his own.”

Patel has always loved “Cyrano” and its varied versions and languages: 1950 movie starring Jose Ferrer; 1980s movie musical, “Roxanne,” with Steve Martin; and a PBS episode. Patel’s students first compared “Cyrano” to Disney’s “Let it Shine!” with rappers.

“Cyrano” accommodates James Clemens’ acting pool with a 44-member cast who perform heightened language, time-period movement and stage combat. Led by Technical Director Bryan Comer, technicians solved a challenging play with a massive, permanent set and 17th-

century costumes.

Staff includes Student Directors Emmy Harrison and Lena Racelis; Student Dramaturgs Lorelei Mueller (historical, cultural), Connery Patel (French, script) and Bryan Morse (military); Student Producer Simon Tsikalas; Stage Manager Jessie Collins and assistants Emma Lakso and Darby Adams.

Student Technical Director is Caleb Dalton; assistant is Carmen Cruz. Staff includes Set Crew Chief Darby Adams; Hair/Makeup Chief Bug Chambers; CostumingDesigner McKinley Anderson, Chief Penelope May and Lead Morgan Dasher; Sound Chief Vlad Sorokin; Lighting Chief Biana Nastasie; Props Chief Olivia Nastasie; and Weapons Master Joshua Price.

Lead actors are Lorelei Mueller, Connery Patel and Micah Robinson (Cryano); Qyler Bowie and Izzy King (Christian); and Julia Sloan and Natalie Meder (Roxane).

Actors playing Cyrano handle character complexity, brash in public yet romantic. His appearance has produced a fighter . . . but a credible poet. In Scene One, “Cyrano composes a poem while sword fighting someone who insulted him. Lorelei Mueller is so dynamic in this physical, fast-paced scene,” Amy Patel said.

The second Cyrano, played by Connery Patel, is more vulnerable. Confessing his love, he writes a letter to Roxane. Before he can deliver his letter, Roxane reveals her

love for someone else. Cyrano then struggles to help Roxane and Christian but hides his pain.

The third Cyrano, played by Micah Robinson, has written hundreds of letters to Roxane, who believes Christian wrote them. Cyrano has gotten older; his secret is more difficult to keep.

Junior Simon Tsikalas (Ragueneau) said the play “is everything! Romance, comedy, drama, sword fighting, and, most importantly, panache.”

The play “really makes you laugh and then pulls at your heartstrings,” sophomore Arden Sindel (Le Bret) said. “It was exciting to realize it’s the same story as ‘Let it Shine.’”

“Everyone can relate . . . feeling like you’re missing something (and) insecure at some point,” sophomore Juliet Carr (Duenna, Mother Margaret) said.

“The audience sees a deeper look into who Cyrano is as a person, the things he’s afraid to show everyone else,” added junior Amara Hare (Intruder, Captain Carbon) said.

“A story of inner beauty versus outer beauty. We all have insecurities we try to cover up,” junior Connor McDougal (Vicomte de Guiche) said.

Junior Claire Landers (Poet, Sister Claire) believes Cyrano holds a relatable human experience and has for hundreds of years. “A story that’s palatable.”

“Even the first read-through was exciting,” Amy Patel said about students laughing, gasping and oohing/aah-ing in all the right parts. “Sometimes, teenagers aren’t as eager to do classic plays, but they immediately jumped into Cyrano.” Patel is proud that multiple ‘Cyranos,’ ‘Roxanes’ and ‘Christians’ analyze characters and workshop ideas.

A collaborative director, Patel doesn’t make every decision. “When working on a scene, I give my overall vision and discuss essentials but let students experiment and try their ideas first.”

“I perk up when a student asks, ‘What if . . .’ They usually have a great idea,” Patel said. “It’s a visually striking play. The set, costumes, lights and physical moments make the show even funnier or more poignant.”

In show support, Katie Greene, French teacher at James Clemens, has researched the era, pronunciations, culture and social interaction. “Chris Carter has been tremendous in teaching sword safety and choreography . . . and tools to make the fight their own,” Patel said. For the ‘costume-heavy’ show, Jennifer Speas has exceeded expectations in her work.

Show times are April 18-20 at 7 p.m., along with a 2 p.m. show on April 20. Your phone is your ‘ticket’; adults pay $15, while students, military and senior citizens pay $10. For tickets, visit gofan.co or buy tickets at the event. (Online and credit card purchases require $1 fee.)

Opening night is here!

By Mayor Paul Finley City of Madison

OOpening day for our Rocket City Trash Pandas at Toyota Field is Tuesday, April 9th, and we are excited to usher in our new batch of minor-league baseball players for another great season. For a short time, they become our family and we become theirs. We get to see these guys before their careers launch and they get to see what real community support is about. It reminds me of players from past years like Zach Neto, the first-round pick who ended up with a big contract, or Reid Detmers, our first Trash Panda called up to the Angles. When they were here, they were loved, as great players but also part of our community family.

As we enter our fourth season of Trash Panda baseball, we continue to see our return on investment in Toyota Field grow. Revenue from baseball and non-baseball events, combined with lodging taxes, grew to over $3.6

million in 2023, $500,000 over our required bond payment for the facility. The over 500 acres which comprise Town Madison have built out quickly, and our Town Madison/565 Interchange is on budget with a scheduled opening of January 2025. With Hotel revenue bringing in nearly two million on its own, its proof that this regional venue is drawing crowds from all over North Alabama.

Toyota Field will host 69 Rocket City Trash Panda games throughout the summer including promotional giveaways, fireworks, special keepsakes, and tons of fun for all ages. Whether it is the sounds, the smells, the fun, or your favorite treats from the concession stand, Trash Panda baseball will keep you coming back all season long. Your attendance at the ball games and other events held at Toyota Field is part of The City of Madison’s ongoing success.

For individual tickets or information on group rates, go to www.milb.com/rocket-city to book your date today or scan in the QR code below.

- Madison Mayor Paul Finley

MEET ANNIE SLAUGHTER

A woman of faith, family, and hard work in Madison

STORY BY MARIA RAKOCZY

AAnnie Pearl Matthew Slaughter was born in 1936. When her mother died just two months after Slaughter’s birth, her father picked up the family and moved to be near Slaughter’s grandmother in Madison.

“My mother passed away before I was two months old. I was raised by my grandmother, my mother’s mother. She said when my mother passed away I didn’t weigh but about a pound and a half. They wrapped me in a quilt, put me in a pillowcase and in an opened wagon, they taken me from John Logan’s place to Mr. Gordon Hughes’ place over on the Garrett farm and there where I lived with my grandma and my grandfather until papa passed away in 1941,” narrated Slaughter.

The next year, Slaughter’s grandmother moved the family from a house near the corner of modern-day Sullivan Street and Huntsville-Browns Ferry Road to Stewart Street in the Pension Row area of Madison.

Slaughter recalled how different the area looked then, “But at that time, the street was not named. It was [just

gravel] streets, no blacktop, just big rocks and the road did not have a street [name]. We didn’t even have house numbers.”

Slaughter continued her education in a school with a class size of twenty to thirty students in the Pension Row area. Slaughter and the other students’ time was often split between the classroom and farm work, and after school, Slaughter tended to her grandmother’s chickens and cows.

“We had to go to the field and pick cotton when it dried, but as long as it was wet, we were in school,” recounted Slaughter. “But it was up to you to learn while you were there. We didn’t go to school every day, but when you went, you had to make up for the days you missed.”

Her grandmother lived in a three bedroom house with Slaughter’s siblings, cousins, and aunt and uncle. Mama, as Slaughter called her grandmother, cared for Slaughter and her siblings as children and throughout

Pension Row resident Frank Langford stands in front of the historic marker for the neighborhood when it was installed and dedicated in 2010.

their lives.

Before moving to the Stewart Street house, Mama provided for the family by working for Mr. Gordon Hughes on his farm. She continued to work for him until 1944, and her monthly earnings kept Slaughter and her siblings fed.

“Mr. Gordon Hughes was furnish[ing] her a check every month - a $35 check - and that’s how she fed us out of that check, and my grandma was a midwife. Sometimes she would go out and deliver babies. When she delivered babies, when she delivered a girl, it was $15 and if she delivered a boy, it was $25. But still, that wasn’t every month. You just went there when somebody was pregnant and had a baby, but she was getting $35 a check from Mr. Gordon Hughes,” explained Slaughter.

“There were two stores in Madison that would let her have food: Miss Clara Balch and Mr. Humphrey. We could go to Mr. Humphrey, you could get a dime for pinto beans, a nickel for sugar, and you could get a quarter for fatback meat, and you could get a five pound bag of flour for a dime, five pound bag of meal for a dime, and you would be fed a whole week off of that,” added Slaughter.

Not only did her grandmother financially and materially provide for the family, but she gave them the

intangible support of a mother. She taught them to cook and was later active in helping Slaughter raise her four children.

The love of family members like Mama and especially Slaughter’s faith and her hard work have carried her through life.

She has been a member of Big Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church on Maple Street for nearly 71 years, joining the church when she was 17 years old, and she has been an active member throughout those years as a leader of various choirs.

She has seen the physical structure of the church change over the years from a wooden structure with oil lamps, spittoons, and an outdoor toilet to the larger, modern brick structure that stands behind the historic Madison City Cemetery today. She has seen pastors come and go through the years and the congregation evolve. She remembers days when the church was packed full and days when the congregation dwindled.

One thing, however, has always remained the same: God’s providence.

“He sets high and he looks low - and what He did back then, He can do the same thing today. And I always tell my kids, ‘Don’t ever say what you can’t do. If you got God in your life, you can do everything

except fail.’ I always said, ‘If He brought Daniel out of the lion’s den, he’s going to take care of me,’” she said. “I thank God for everything that he has done in my life.”

As St. Augustine advised, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”

And Slaughter certainly did. She worked various jobs through the years, working hard to give her children the best life she could.

In the early years of her marriage and before blacks were able to work in the local manufacturing plants, she worked on a local farm, picking three to five hundred pounds of cotton a day -carrying it on her back a significant distance each day. She received $1 for every hundred pounds of cotton she picked, but in chopping season, when the weeds were hoe’d out, pay was reduced to $15 per week.

“During the chopping cotton time, we chopped cotton the whole week for $15 and you had to feed your family out of that $15, but with God’s help, we made it,” she said.

As a single mother, she left nursing school and took on different jobs in order to provide for her children - first at White Salon Laundry in Huntsville and then at Intergraph. From there, she became a supervisor at H.D. Lee, and when H.D. Lee closed, she became a supervisor on multiple shifts at Onan. When Onan closed in 2002, she decided to retire.

Her hard work allowed her to purchase her own property in 1973 and then a home the following year in 1974. The home was pre-built, and Slaughter purchased it for $1,200. For an additional $800, she had Don Kennedy move it on an eighteen-wheeler flatbed truck from Huntsville to Madison where it served as the setting for significant moments in Slaughter’s life and as tangible evidence of the power of God in her life and her years of hard work. Once the house arrived in Madison, Slaughter and her children underpinned the house and moved in in 1975.

Slaughter’s family, both her biological family and community of friends, are witnesses to, and were sometimes manifestations of, God’s Providence in her life.

Slaughter developed a community of friends in Madison who had a particular impact on her life and became like extended family. Her grandmother was a well-known and well-respected woman in what was just a small town at the time, and her reputation for kindness and friendliness created a kind of extended family for Slaughter in the people of Madison.

When one of Slaughter’s sons had health complications after birth, George Walter “Doc” Hughes, owner of the Hughes Drugstore in downtown Madison, aided her in getting her son the care he needed.

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She considers Hughes, his daughter, Marion, who she worked for while in school, and Marion’s children Larry and Walt Anderson extended family for how close their families were.

“I always said that Larry Anderson and Walt Anderson…they are my related. We are related because I grew up on Mr. Gordon Hughes’ place, and Mr. Gordon Hughes and Mr. Walter Hughes [were] first cousins, and I could go to them and get anything that I asked for and they never turned me down.”

Though Madison has certainly changed a lot over the years, she remains close with many of her old friends today. One of those is Sandra Whitworth, whose parents Slaughter worked for five years.

“When I have to go to the doctor, she takes me. When I need to go to the grocery store, if I don’t want to go, all I’ve got to do is call her and she’s going to go bring it to me and not going to charge me a dime,” said Slaughter. “She tells everybody that I’m her second momma.”

Her own biological family has also grown over the years with her three living children, Derrion, Joe, and Angela, the blessings of nine grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She has had the privilege of following in the footsteps of her own grandmother and playing a role in the raising of her grandchildren.

“I raised all of my grandkids,” she said. “The grandmas back then would take the grandkids and just raise them, and they didn’t want to go home with [their parents]. They didn’t want to go. My kids’ kids didn’t want to go home with them,” she joked.

Like her grandmother, Slaughter showered her grandchildren with intangible maternal love and even passed on her cooking knowledge to them.

At 88 years old, she’s lived an extraordinary life, which was recognized on her eightieth birthday with a special birthday card from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Slaughter’s life is truly a testament to both the power of God and hard work as well as a glimpse into the Madison of the past.

As she said, “Just look at God. Who wouldn’t serve a God like that? He is Almighty. He said, ‘Ask, it shall be given.’ He said, ‘Seek and you shall find.’ He said, ‘Knock and the door shall be opened.’ All you’ve got to do is have faith the size of a mustard seed and believe when you ask that God will provide for you because I know He has been providing for me all of my life and He still is.”

When asked how she would like to be remembered, she responded, “Just Annie! If you remember Annie, that’s me. You know, my name is Annie Pearl. I don’t like Pearl. I’m an Annie, and an Annie is a get-up-and-goer!”

Calibrachoa hybrids are low-maintenance plants with a continuous blooming habit, making them a good choice for adding a pop of color to the landscape.

Calibrachoa hybrids are fun garden choices

WBy Dr. Eddie Miles Louis Smith

With their tall stems that proudly display a colorful array of flowers, calibrachoa hybrid plants are some of my favorite annual plants to use in the landscape.

Their slender stems reach out gracefully, adorned with small, trumpet-shaped blooms that come in hues from fiery reds to soothing blues, and every shade in between. Each delicate flower carries its own unique pattern, adding an enchanting touch to their overall appearance.

Foliage is lush and dense, forming a backdrop to showcase the brilliance of their beautiful blossoms. Leaves are small, oval-shaped and a rich green, the perfect contrast to the vivid flowers.

Calibrachoa plants thrive in environments with plenty of sunlight, basking in its warmth to fuel growth and blooming performance. They prefer well-drained soil,

allowing roots to spread and access nutrients needed to sustain vitality.

Despite their delicate appearance, calibrachoa are surprisingly resilient. They can withstand periods of drought with relative ease, thanks to their ability to store water in their tissues. Their natural defenses prevent pests and diseases from becoming a major concern.

One of my favorites, Superbells Magic Pink Lemonade, stands out as a true marvel of nature. Its mesmerizing pink and yellow blended blooms, adorned with a sunny yellow throat, evoke the refreshing allure of pink lemonade on a warm summer day. Their delicate hues blend seamlessly and captivate admirers.

Another beloved favorite is Superbells Double Redstone, a plant that commands attention with its striking double blooms in vibrant red.

Highlighted with sunny yellow along the edges of each petal, these irresistible flowers draw onlookers with their sheer brilliance. Their high impulse appeal makes them a perfect choice for adding a bold statement to a garden or landscape design, especially when paired with complementary colors like royal purple.

Speaking of royal purple, Colibri Plum reigns supreme with regal blooms in rich shades of purple, accented by bright yellow throats. This variety adds majesty to garden settings, as blossoms stand out like jewels amid a sea of green foliage.

Perhaps one of the most delightful surprises in the world of calibrachoa hybrids is Superbells Holy Cow!

True to its name, this cultivar boasts flowers that are as fun and flirty as they are charming. With a soft yellow base adorned by playful pink splotches and a dark yellow center, each bloom is a whimsical masterpiece designed to bring a smile to the face of those who behold it.

I adore calibrachoa hybrids for their low-maintenance nature and continuous blooming habit, which make them a favorite choice for adding a pop of color to the landscape. Whether cascading gracefully from hanging baskets, spilling over the edges of containers, or forming a colorful border in garden beds, they bring beauty and charm wherever they grow.

GrowersofQualityPlantsSince1985

Calibrachoa such as this Superbells Double Redstone thrive in environments with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil.

MVP names 2024 Madison Visionary Award recipients

MMadison Visionary Partners (MVP) named their 2024 Madison Visionary Awards recipients last month after receiving nominations for their three categories, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Community Volunteer of the Year, and Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year. Nominations were narrowed down to three and the winners were selected from those three nominees.

The Madison Visionary of the Year was awarded to local historian, John Rankin.

MVP recognized these remarkable figures in the community at the second annual Madison Visionary Awards at Toyota Field on March 28.

Andrew Crocker, a senior at Bob Jones High School, was awarded with Youth Volunteer of the Year. Crocker is active in different areas within Bob Jones High School as well as serving at Manna House.

“Our winner of this category spent his high school years building connections in the community. Andrew Crocker organized meal packing events that resulted in serving over 8,000 meals to local families. He also cre-

ated the Bob Jones council of presidents, a democratic body that has brought together 40 student organizations to share funding and ideas. He is currently leading the charge to bring together students from Bob Jones and James Clemens to plan MadFest festival to bring the entire community together in service,” MVP Board Member David Bier said of Crocker’s accolades.

Crocker said he is inspired by the service of both his parents who are Boy and Girl Scout troop leaders and the service of his grandfather who founded a non-profit that provides meals to local organizations.

“When I was young, I had the opportunity to serve alongside him interacting with those that we served. Each time was an incredibly heartwarming experience and something I knew I wanted to continue as I went into high school,” said Crocker. “It’s my hope that future youth volunteers will continue to contribute to Madison with a service heart, building a better culture of service in our schools and in our city.

The Community Volunteer of the Year was awarded

to Sandy Weisner of the Madison City Community Orchestra. As founder and Director of MCCO, Weisner has fostered an outlet for music and art to flourish in Madison for nine years. In that time, she has grown the orchestra from a group of just 5 volunteers to now 75.

Through the MCCO, she has touched lives by implementing a scholarship program to high school senior and college student orchestra members and by providing free concerts throughout the year and instruments for the public to try at the Madison Street Festival. Weisner said that as they approach their tenth anniversary, a report indicated that MCCO has managed to impact 70,000 people.

“Way back when with those 5, I never dreamed that it would lead to this level of what we are doing,” said Weisner. “So, thank you so very much for supporting this and recognizing the tremendous efforts provided by our players, our board members, and our volunteers.”

The 2024 Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year was awarded to Alice Lessmann CEO of Signalink.

“Our Businessperson of the Year fosters an atmosphere that encourages her employees to give back,”said MVP Secretary Marc Jacobson of Lessmann.

Lessmann’s leadership has brought Signalink to be active in veteran’s and educational initiatives, including the Madison City Schools, Madison CEO, and American Legion. Signalink serves its community, especially underprivileged and marginalized populations, through its employee-led community support organization, Signalink Serves. They were also significant supporters of the Home Place Park renovations and the first major

donor to MVP for the new Community Center.

MVP’s highest honor, Madison Visionary of the Year, was awarded to local historian, John Rankin.

Last year’s Madison Visionary of the Year Debbie Overcash presented the award and explained its significance, “The Madison Visionary of the Year is bestowed upon an individual who works in the city of Madison and has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and drive to fulfill the mission of Madison Visionary Partners, which is to enrich the quality of life for the people of Madison. This person has done this through volunteerism, advocacy, and/or philanthropy.”

Rankin has been a member of the historical society since 1986 and has worked tirelessly as a volunteer to clean historic cemeteries throughout North Alabama. He is a long-time member of the Madison Station Historic Preservation Society, is a tour guide for cemetery and history tours, and an author of Madison history books as well as articles for The Madison Record and Madison Living. He has collected his own archive of historical records, photos, and artifacts, which he has provided to UAH and the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library and helped to digitize and preserve for future generations to access.

“The best part of volunteering for me has been the people I get to meet and work with,” said Rankin. “It’s good to meet people who value the same things you do and to do so together. That’s really what motivates me.”

Madison Living Magazine will take a look at the amazing winners and finalists over the next few pages. For more information about Madison Visionary Partners, go to www.mvpmadison.org.

Madison Visionary Partners would like to thank the following award sponsors and presenting sponsor, ValleyMLS.

JOHN RANKIN Local historian named Madison Visionary of the Year

STORY BY MARIA RAKOCZY

PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

John Rankin has used his knowledge of local history to write several books. He wrote Memories of Madison: A Connected Community and Images of America: Madison as well as contributing selections to other history books. From 2007-2012, he wrote a weekly article in the Huntsville Times for the Madison section. He currently contributes columns about Madison’s past in the Madison County Record and Madison Living Magazine, telling the stories of local historical families.

TThe 2024 Madison Visionary Partner’s Madison Visionary of the Year, the highest honor from MVP, was awarded last month to local historian John Rankin for his decades of volunteer service that include cemetery restoration, historical research, and preservation.

Rankin has dedicated nearly forty years to enriching the Madison community in a volunteer capacity. Rankin’s involvement in Madison began when he moved here in 1986, but his passion for history began long before that in his hometown in Mississippi.

Rankin grew up in the Natchez, Mississippi area whose rich blend of Indian, French, and Spanish history fascinated him as a child. His mother passed on her own passion for history and brought him with her in her own research at the Natchez archives. There, he was exposed to the French and Spanish history of Natchez, reading Spanish newspapers from the town.

“My mother inherited the history bug. Neither of my brothers got it but I did. I was close to my mother, and we did a lot of historical research together,” recalled Rankin. “While at Natchez, as a youngster, barely able to read, still in the first grade, just beginning, and later finishing, I helped my mother research because we were researching records in the archive at Natchez and the archive had the old Spanish records when the Spanish ran the French out.”

Outside of town, near a former Indian settlement, he collected Indian artifacts that would wash up in a ravine by a friend’s house, artifacts he would later bring with him to college and give to Ole Miss. He was also fascinated by the old antebellum and historic houses in the area:

“I got my root in history from curiosity about Natchez Indians, and Natchez had the most antebellum mansions

of any town in America, still does – over 450 of them.”

He has carried his passion for history throughout his life and after retiring from an engineering career, dedicated even more time to researching, recording, and preserving history for future generations.

Rankin’s job took him and his family all over the country (more than 35 places in fact), but when it came time to retire, they settled on Madison. Rankin had lived in Huntsville once before for just about a year when he was sent to the area to work on SkyLab. He returned in 1986 to work on the International Space Station, and when he retired about ten years later, decided to stay in the area. The people, weather, and proximity to family won him over as well as the trove of history left to be uncovered and recorded.

Rankin first became involved in the Madison historical community his first year back when the iconic Roundhouse in downtown Madison was under construction as a replica meant to educate the public on Madison’s history. He also joined the Madison Historical Society where he met Percy Keel, a volunteer cemetery restorer in town at the time and the first president of the Madison Historical Society, who introduced him to the need for upkeep of historic cemeteries and the

process of that upkeep.

“Percy and I became close buddies, and his passion in life was exploring the old cemeteries. He had been a career mail carrier for rural routes around Madison,” explained Rankin. “I became his understudy and inherited all the stuff he had collected all his life. And he knew where every cemetery was including the ones that were overgrown because he knew everybody that lived everywhere. Old rural carriers got to know their customers along the route. So, this got infused into me.”

When Keel passed away, Rankin acquired Keel’s historical records and continued his work of maintaining local cemeteries. Rankin has often braved overgrown foliage, snakes, and vermin to reach cemeteries, clear them, and record the names on headstones. His work has led to the recovery of otherwise forgotten and neglected cemeteries, which in turn has preserved the life stories of the individuals buried there and important pieces of local history.

He has touched individuals from around the country and around the globe. He’s had individuals come from as far as Australia to Madison to visit cemeteries he’s cleared, and his work has allowed people to connect with their roots, learn their family history, and reach a

better understanding of their family members.

“I’ve had people from all over the world come to see the cemeteries I’ve cleaned,” said Rankin. “I’ve had guys from Australia. I’ve had people from every state just about come because this is their roots and they didn’t know where the cemeteries were. “

Rankin’s cemetery work made him then-County Commissioner Dale Strong’s appointee to the new Madison County Cemetery Rehabilitation Committee, and his work in Redstone Arsenal’s cemetery restoration efforts earned him the Redstone Arsenal Environmental Preservationist plaque, the first honor of its kind.

He doesn’t stop at cemetery restoration, however. Rankin meticulously records his findings at cemeteries, including names on headstones, dates, and location. He also photographs the cemeteries and adds the photos to his large database of historical research. He sifts through historical records, uncovers old photographs, and interviews Madison citizens with memories of the city’s past, all of which, contribute to his growing personal archive of Madison history.

Rankin doesn’t keep his findings to himself though. He works to share Madison’s history, especially little known and forgotten parts, with the greater public in

various ways. He has worked with UAH archives and the Madison County Archives at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library to digitize records and make his database available for both public and academic use.

Rankin has recorded and made his research widely available through several publications, including, “The People Who Lived on the Land that is Now Redstone Arsenal”, an official report compiling findings from his cemetery restoration work on Redstone Arsenal, and three books, “Memories of Madison “A Connected Community””, “Images of America “Madison,”” and “The Heritage of Madison County, Alabama.” He also publishes a weekly history column in The Madison Record and has contributed to Madison Living.

What’s even more remarkable is Rankin’s research is all-encapsulating. He has not focused on a single, narrow time period or topic in Madison history, but has covered a broad range of time periods, subjects, and area families. He has worked on cemeteries of all ages and researches Madison history from the time of the first settlers to the twentieth-century.

Though Rankin has achieved a great deal on his own, he has also partnered with other organizations to maintain local cemeteries and teach cemetery restoration

processes. In fact, he prefers to work with other volunteers.

“That’s how I teach people to do it when I’m gone. I’m preparing the next generation to carry on doing the same things I’ve learned to do by how I’ve learned to do them,” said Rankin. “You learn from the people you work with, and you meet the nicest people that way. You meet the people that care about the things you care about. It’s a wonderful way to live!”

He has collaborated on many occasions with the Sons of the American Revolution as well as Boy Scout troops for cemetery clean up. He has email lists of regular volunteers ready to help with cemetery clean up, research, and digitizing. In his research work, he collaborated with respected UAH history professor, Dr. Frances C. Roberts, calling her a friend, before her death in 2000 and has tapped the resources of senior members of the Madison community.

Some of his most recent work includes restoration of the Gray cemetery off of Balch Road. The city is in the process of building a road and parking lot allowing for easier access to the cemetery. Still, much work needs to be done to restore the cemetery itself, and Rankin is recruiting volunteers to help him restore

damaged headstone, recover buried headstones, and build a footbridge over a ravine to help access the cemetery. In another ongoing project, Rankin along with some of his regular volunteers are helping library staff organize and digitize records at the Madison County Archives.

Rankin’s hope in his work is always to preserve our history and pass it on to the next generations, and he is always looking to pass on his knowledge and keep his work alive through other volunteers who share his passion for history. The years he has dedicated to this mission amount to a lifetime and have truly been a labor of love for his community.

Madison Visionary of the Year may be the most recent but it’s not the only accolade to Rankin’s name. He had an accomplished engineering career where he earned numerous awards and honors, prevented world crises, and saved lives with his troubleshooting and safety expertise. Still, his latest award of Madison Visionary of the Year stands out to him from his other accolades and demonstrates the genuine love and joy he pours into his volunteer work.

“This one is what I really am passionate about,” said Rankin.

Andrew

Crocker

Senior at Bob Jones High School Youth Volunteer of the Year Winner

Andrew Crocker’s grandfather taught him early that service is about more than just meeting a need; it also requires compassion and love.

“I’ve noticed that many individuals don’t truly understand what service looks like. Students believe service is defined as purchasing items at a grocery store for a donation drive or donating used clothes,” he said. “While serving in leadership positions, I’ve dedicated myself to exemplifying the pillars of authentic service and providing others the opportunity to do the same. I’ve had the opportunity to serve with servant leadership by helping others make a meaningful difference and understand the true definition of service.”

Andrew has spent his high school years serving everywhere from the Dominican Republic to multiple places right here in Madison. “Although every aspect of these experiences is exciting, one is by far my favorite: building connections. Serving has enabled me to meet some truly remarkable individuals and build impactful

relationships that still exist today.”

As a junior, he organized a food-packing drive at Bob Jones High School that resulted in over 50,000 meals packed for local families. He then organized another event at First Baptist that resulted in an additional 30,000 meals packed.

Through his service, Andrew has recognized the importance of unity. He helped create the Freshman Orientation at BJHS, which gives freshmen a chance to connect with upperclassmen mentors. At the end of his junior year, he approached Bob Jones High School administration with an idea: create an organization to connect all student organizations to ensure they all have access to resources rather than competing for them. The Council of Presidents was born from this idea, and under Andrew’s leadership as Executive Board Chairman, has brought together 40 student organizations. This democratic body meets monthly to work on collaborative school and community projects, share ideas,

distribute funding, and learn about the efforts and activities of the different student clubs at Bob Jones.

Andrew partnered with the Bob Jones PTSA to fundraise, resulting in $15,000 raised for COP use. He led the effort to put on a school-wide field day in October, featuring a motivational speaker and community-building outdoor field day activities. He is currently leading a team of students from both Bob Jones and James Clemens to put on a community event in Madison called MadFest. This event seeks to bring together the entire Madison community for both volunteering and fun.

“I strongly believe that Madison’s future holds extraordinary synergy, especially in our school system. The two high schools will collaborate to accomplish things that have never been dreamed of before and transform our community in unimaginable ways.”

For anyone interested in becoming involved in volunteering, Andrew has some advice. “I encourage looking upon service as an opportunity rather than an obligation. Service is about collaborating with others to unify our community and spread compassion to those who desperately need it. Every opportunity to serve is an opportunity to spread joy, and I advise future volunteers to approach service with this mindset.”

Finley Koswoski

Senior at James Clemens High School Youth Volunteer of the Year Finalist

Finley Koswoski performed over 400 hours of documented community service while in high school. Her service qualified her for the Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) during each of those years. Her 136.5 hours of service in 2023 qualified her for the Silver Level PVSA.

“Once you grow to love volunteering it will come naturally and you will never fail to lend a helping hand whenever you see someone who needs help or when help is asked of you. I also recommend setting a goal for how many volunteer hours you want to complete a year to keep you motivated to give back to the community.”

As a member of American Legion Post 229 and Auxiliary Unit 229, Finley has participated in veteran’s grave flag placement and cleaning on Memorial Day and Veteran’s day, as well as placing wreaths for Christmas and participating in annual gravestone cleaning. Much of her volunteer service hours are spent on behind the scenes work to help prepare for events and projects for the Madison American Le-

gion. Finley’s work with veterans has made a significant impact in Madison’s senior living facilities by remembering them and honoring them for their service.

Finley has been a Girl Scout in Madison for 13 years. A member of Service Unit 212, she has volunteered to assist with younger girl programs for Girl Scouts troops across the state and City of Madison by leading badge workshops for younger girls and local camporees. She participated in six Flag Retirement Ceremonies between 2020-2024, during which hundreds of damaged US flags collected in the City of Madison were retired. In 2022 she was the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Scout of the Year for American Legion Post 5162.

She completed her Girl Scout Gold Award with 180 service hours on a project to create a Historic Downtown Walking Tour App for the City of Madison. She collaborated with Rotary Club of Madison, Madison Visionary Partners, and the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society to research and create a guided tour of downtown to preserve history and make it accessible to residents and visitors alike. The app has been used by thousands of people and serves as a lasting resource that can be used for fun and educational purposes.

Volunteering in her community has helped Finley experience different perspectives as she interacts with a diverse population. “Whether it’s a small act like collecting donations, or leading a large project, you are impacting someone’s life for the better. For me, knowing that I am contributing and helping others is very rewarding. I have gained so many new skills and knowledge from volunteering in my school, doing community service projects, and being a leader to other volunteers.”

Finley sees Madison’s diversity and growth as a strength. “We have a lot of volunteers, organizations, schools, families and more that stay involved to make our community a welcoming place. By being involved in the community I am positive the future for Madison is bright and will continue to thrive.”

Savannah Gaertner

Senior at Bob Jones High School

Youth

Volunteer of the Year Finalist

For Savannah Gaertner, the best part of volunteering is seeing the impact it makes on others. “ I like being able to see the spark it brings to the people you help and seeing how it makes your community grow. I want to make sure everyone knows they are loved and supported by the community.”

Savannah was instrumental in starting the first middle school chapter of Best Buddies in Alabama. Now known as Madison City Friends, the organization is dedicated to creating friendship opportunities for people of all ages and intellectual/developmental abilities, focused on forming life-long relationships. She has served as President of the Bob Jones High School chapter of Madison City Friends for 3 years, during which time she organized events, managed publicity and recruitment, developed a leadership team, and managed fundraising opportunities.

“Most of my volunteer work involves helping others feel included. Inclusion and acceptance of all citizens is important, regardless of their ability level. Inclusion builds community and strengthens Madison.”

She has been a member of Student2Student, a Military Child Education Coalition program aimed at helping new students become acquainted with the school and school system, since 4th grade. Leadership roles in

S2S include Historian and President. As a BJHS Peer Helper, Savannah assisted other students by providing emotional support, academic guidance, conflict resolution, and promoting positive well-being, as well as helping develop school-wide activities and campaigns. She was selected by BJHS administration to serve as a Freshman Mentor, where she prepared weekly meeting activities, discussion topics, and crafts related to issues faced by freshmen.

Savannah’s advice to future community volunteers is to get involved early in a cause dear to your heart. “It’s never too early to start volunteering,” she says, “and no matter what type of volunteering you do, make sure you do it for the right reasons.”

She serves her religious community at Faith Lutheran Church through service as a nursery attendant and Vacation Bible School worker, where she adapted activities to meet all ability levels. Savannah’s other activities include Bob Jones Color Guard and Winter Guard; National Honor Society; Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America; Future Teachers of Alabama; and National Athletic Honor Society, among others.

Savannah has a sunny outlook on the future of volunteering in her community. “I believe Madison’s future looks bright and positive. We have tons of new volunteers coming out as well as younger community members starting to volunteer.”

Savannah plans to attend the University of North Alabama and pursue a dual degree in Elementary Education and Special Education.

Sandy Weisner

Founder and Director, Madison City Community Orchestra Community Volunteer of the Year Winner

Sandy Weisner had a childhood dream of directing an orchestra. Though she grew up and took a completely different direction for her career, the opportunity would present itself years later.

In 2015, Weisner created the Madison City Community Orchestra (MCCO) to fill a gap in the community for string and other musicians that may not have had another opportunity to continue their craft. The organization started with five members but has grown to around 75 members.

MCCO is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to bring music to life. Through outreach initiatives and performances, the MCCO believes that music has the power to inspire, create shared experiences and connections, and increase the quality of life in Madison. The all-volunteer orchestra performs four free, family-friendly concerts each year as well as participating

in Madison events like the Madison Street Festival, Christmas Tree Lighting, and concerts at the Madison Public Library.

The group is one of only a few in the area that offers amateur string players an opportunity to continue playing in a large ensemble after high school or college. Sandy sees the value in giving area musicians an outlet, as well as connecting with the community. “We provide music and education in the forms of our various concerts to those that may not have had the opportunity in the past to be part of an orchestral organization. Additionally, our scholarship program allows students that participate in the orchestra to get a little something extra to help offset the costs of their continuing education.”

For Sandy, serving in this volunteer role is rewarding because it gives her a sense of purpose and happiness

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outside of family and work life. “Being a volunteer means to selflessly give back to the community that you live in. Take advantage of every opportunity you have to be present within your community and do good for others. It will enrich your life tenfold when you see the rewards and your example may just mean that someone else will take the steps to volunteer as well. Our world will be better for it.”

Sandy sees Madison as a city with a bright future, providing opportunities to grow in exciting and different ways. She hopes that one day Madison will be home to a venue that could house the orchestra, as well as all of the other arts activities like fine arts and dance. “We are rich in that area,” she says. “We desperately need a place that would accommodate events and lessons, classes and more.”

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Michelle Hyams

Madison City Friends House of the Harvest Community Volunteer of the Year Finalist

From a young age, Michelle Hyams cherished the time spent volunteering with family in Jackson, Mississippi. The experience volunteering at a local soup kitchen gave her the opportunity to connect with people from different circumstances and walks of life and impressed on her the need to feel comfortable and included. To this day, she loves to help others achieve their goals and help them meet their needs.

Michelle chose to work in Special Education, and has spent 29 years helping students grow into successful adults. She takes pride in helping students develop friendships, contribute to their community, and gain crucial independent living, employment, and job skills, and helping each student discover their next step.

“I want each student to realize that they are all created uniquely and perfectly and all of their skills make up an amazing individual that is destined for a career that helps them experience happiness, job satisfaction, and be a great community member.”

Michelle started the Madison City Schools Best

Buddies, which has since evolved into the districtwide Madison City Friends program. The program’s purpose is to help students and adults with and without disabilities develop lifelong friendships, become leaders, give to others, and live and work as independently as possible.

As a volunteer with House of the Harvest, she spends every Saturday morning serving a hot breakfast and assisting individuals and families as they select groceries, produce, meat, and personal items. At the end of each shift, she delivers food boxes to the homes of several students with disabilities.

Michelle is currently working with other community members to fundraise for the creation of a coffee shop that would help train and employ students and individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. “The dream of A Perfect Blend is to create a place where we all blend perfectly...a place that changes the way we include, value, honor, and love one another in a way that everyone can be seen, respected, accepted and blessed by one another.”

Michelle believes that volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge commitment and that small acts can make a big difference. “Every small simple thing that you do can change someone’s day and even their future. Step out of your comfort zone and ask a friend to go with you even if you feel like you don’t have the skills. Be generous with your time. Amazing things come to all those around us when we share a small piece of ourselves.”

Michelle believes moving to Madison was one of the best decisions her family has made. “Our kids had opportunities to flourish and grow in sports, academics, volunteering, serving, and making a difference in the lives of others. I have been so blessed to watch so many people move to Madison from all over the world. The opportunities to volunteer in Madison are numerous from helping people with their English skills to serving meals and learning about the things that we have in common and not focusing on the differences that could divide us.”

Denise Phillips

A New Leash on Life Community Volunteer of the Year Finalist

Years ago, Denise Phillips offered to help a friend by fostering puppies that were abandoned at a shelter. That experience completely changed her life and led to her work with A New Leash on Life (ANLOL). As Animal Rescue Coordinator and Adoption Center Manager she is involved in treating animals coming into the shelter.

“We take these furbabies in from high kill shelters and provide them with anything they need physically, emotionally, and mentally until they find what we call their hopeful ‘furever homes.’ Being strong for those that need the extra help is more of a reward than can be described.”

In 2018, ANLOL purchased land on Slaughter Road with the intent of opening the Madison Lifesaving Center and Thrift Store. Though COVID delayed the work, they were able to first open up the thrift store, with the lifesaving center opening in November 2023. The center is home to 30-40 rescue animals at a time.

Denise knows the organization wouldn’t exist without volunteers, and she provides support to the volunteers by ensuring they have what they need to succeed with their foster animals. “Animal rescue is unique in that it not only changes the lives of animals, but the lives of people too. It is truly an honor to work alongside such selfless people who give of their time and money…and endure almost every emotion you can imagine. It is a tough realm, but it only works through the efforts of

people coming together, from all different walks of life, for a lifesaving mission.”

Denise believes animals can have huge impacts on the community. “Animals change the lives of their new human families, and it is amazing to witness the positive impact. Whether being an adopter or a foster home, one can learn so much about compassion, patience, responsibility, and love through the adventure.”

Animal rescue work is often difficult, but Denise’s positive attitude is an example to other volunteers. “Sometimes in animal rescue it feels like putting a bandaid on floodgates. We never have enough people on board. The current volunteers work to rescue as many animals as possible while also trying to flank from the other end. A New Lease on Life sponsors spaying and neutering and also works with city shelters on support and education. We are attempting to climb into the territory of changing some laws that will help keep animals from ending up in dire situations.”

Denise wants to encourage all Madison residents to help in any way they can. If you can’t foster an animal, you can volunteer at adoption events or shop at the thrift store to help the cause.

Denise has big plans for ANLOL’s continued presence in Madison. “Our goals are to work with Madison City Schools, businesses, and other local groups to help continue to create an animal lifesaving atmosphere in the city of Madison and beyond. This city is amazing, and the potential for positive change and growth is limitless!”

Alice Lessmann

CEO, Signalink Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year Winner

Alice Lessmann, along with her husband Steve, founded Madison-based Signalink in 2005. She hopes to influence the culture at Signalink by fostering an atmosphere of heart and authenticity and encourage employees to give back to their communities.

“Volunteering offers many benefits to individuals and the community. It allows people to make a positive impact on the lives of others, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Volunteers are exposed to new challenges and opportunities which helps develop new skills, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of the local community. Additionally, volunteering fosters a sense of connection and community by providing opportunities to meet new people, build strong relationships, and feel a sense of ownership.”

Alice currently serves on the Madison City School Board and is the Alabama Association of School Boards District 9 director, representing Madison City and surrounding local areas. Previously, she has served on the Madison City Rezoning Committee, Capital Planning Committee, and PTA President.

Signalink has also supported several Bob Jones High School sports teams, as well as JROTC. The company also sponsors the annual Bob Jones Hackathon. A founding member of the Madison CEO program, Signalink has hosted the Madison CEO Trade Show, an event that gives high school entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their businesses.

Alice’s interest in veteran support has also led Signalink to support the Madison YMCA’s Veterans Prayer Breakfast and Veterans Day events at the local schools. She also works with Madison American Legion Post 229, Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation, and Still Serving Veterans to honor and recognize veterans.

Alice’s list of community support is long, having sponsored or participated in multiple community events, including the Madison Witches Ride, the Madison City Schools Tootsie Roll 5K, and the Madison Polar Express Christmas Tree Trail. They have also contributed to community projects such as Homeplace Park and the River of Hope at Dublin Park, which raised over $10,000 in pandemic relief funds for nonprofits in

Madison City.

As a member of Huntsville Women in Technology, the Huntsville Committee of 100, Women’s Business Council, and Women’s Economic Development Council, Alice demonstrates her dedication to economic development, women’s empowerment, and overall community well-being.

Alice’s advice for those looking to get involved is simple: “Identify your passion, find your skill, embrace continuous learning, build connections, and be persistent and patient. Volunteering offers a platform to connect with our community. Build meaningful relationships, collaborate on projects, and learn from each other’s experiences.”

Alice recognizes exciting possibilities for growth and development in Madison, along with a continued commitment to education. “The growth of our city and its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship could pave the way for new businesses and industries, diversifying the local economy and creating job opportunities. The strong community spirit will ensure continued focus on improving the quality of life for all residents through initiatives such as parks, recreation centers, and senior centers. I see a bright future for Madison!”

Cristie

Clark Owner, CBC Media Co. Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year Finalist

Cristie Clark is always looking for opportunities to serve the community she loves.

“The best part of volunteering for me is the ability to give back to my community and make a positive impact. I also find it rewarding to work with others and form meaningful connections with people.”

Cristie uses her time, talents, passions, resources, and finances as much as she can.

“As a photographer, I am able to directly contribute my knowledge and skills to community projects and nonprofits. The results of my contributions are typically felt for years to come, as the images I produce not only capture the story of their events, but they can be used over and over, saving these organizations time and funds.”

Cristie has dedicated her time and talents to many local organizations, such as the Madison Street Festival, the AUM Foundation, Huntsville Good Samaritans Ministry, Redstone MWR, Madison Chamber of Commerce, Rocket City Mom, North Alabama War Dawgs, and Freedom Cowboys. An adoptive mother of two, Cristie is deeply passionate about foster care and works with Kids to Love.

Cristie was recently presented with a City Coin for capturing the winning entry in the Alabama Big 10 Mayor’s Photo Contest. Her winning photo of a train in downtown Madison is on display in City Hall.

Cristie suggests potential volunteers work hard at their chosen positions: “I would advise future volunteers to be willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of the project. They should also strive to be a team player, be open to learning new skills, and finally, they should remember that their efforts are making a difference in the lives of those around them.”

Cristie is dedicated to helping the community and sees great things in Madison’s future. “I think it is safe to say that Madison’s future looks bright. The city has great leadership along with a very strong sense of community and a healthy economy to boot. From nature trails to shopping, dining, and a multitude of parks, we have a wonderful quality of life here in Madison.”

Matt Gibson

Gibson Orthodontics

Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year Finalist

Matt Gibson is a Madison native that believes in giving back to the community that helped shape him into the person he is today. “The best part of being involved in the Madison community in any capacity for me is the hope of passing on some of that encouragement and example to others that was so freely given to me.”

Much of Matt’s volunteer work focuses on youth in Madison, hoping that he can pass on to them his pride in his hometown. “I want my personal and professional impact on our community to enrich the lives of our young people and give them that same pride to have had a chance to grow up in a community where people care so deeply about each other and about giving our young people opportunities to excel.”

An alumnus of Madison City Schools, Matt consistently volunteers his time and provides financial donations to support local schools by sponsoring breakfasts, gift cards, or other treats for teachers. He has volunteered to run game booths at Horizon Elementary’s Harvest Fest and served at Journey Middle School’s first faculty tailgate, to name a few.

Matt also believes in the power of community sponsorships, supporting multiple sports teams, as well as the Madison Police Department’s Kids Camp. He regularly participates in community events such as Athens Market Day and the Madison Street Festival to further connect with the community.

For Matt, people are the reason he volunteers. “We have a community of such wonderful people. The op-

portunity to enrich the lives of others is very special, but especially so when those people are our neighbors, co-workers, and friends. Madison is special because of the people that live here - the people are 100% what makes it such a high quality community and a wonderful place to grow up and live.”

Matt has seen and experienced a lot of changes in Madison. He sees the focus on families, high community standards, and forward-thinking leadership as a particular strength for Madison. “We can’t be passive and expect to maintain the community we love, though. Over time, standards and expectations change-the bar raises. If we can stay ahead of that with a focus on being the ones who are raising the bar and continuously elevating our community standards, Madison will always remain a special place and have a bright future. We each have a part to play in making sure that happens.”

Matt encourages every community member to serve in some capacity. “Whether it seems that your service is big or small, we all have an ability to give back and enrich our community. The greatest thing we can do is just take that first step to being involved, even if it is in a seemingly small way. Be genuine about your desire to serve and do it out of love for others and a heart of service. Don’t look for anything in return. Simply give of your time, energy, and talents to those around you. Find a particular type of activity or demographic as the focus for your involvement and just dive in. Good things will happen.”

SHOPPING

Check out this true antique ring from the Art Nouveau era (1895-1910) that is set with splendid old mine cut diamonds at Meyer & Lee

Early walnut sewing cabinet w/ carved top and corners. ca. 18601880 at Madison Station Antiques

Check out the spring collection at Queen Bee of Beverly Hills

Check out the furniture pieces and decorating accents at Noble Passage

Looking for the perfect piece to compliment your spring decor?

Check out these beautiful garnet pieces at Meyer & Lee

your home ready for spring and summer with ideas from Noble Passage

Morganite at its best! 18kt white gold and diamonds at Sprays Jewelers. See page 16

page 3

Nothing else says luxury like Queen

Double pedestal mahogany dining table with six Chippendale chairs. Comes with two leaves at Madison Station Antiques

Elevate your style with A.JAFFE’s new fashion jewelry line, featuring their signature quilted pattern in radiant yellow gold at Hobbs Jewelers. See

Bee of Beverly Hills

COACH DEAN CLARK

His story of dreams and personal tragedy set up his extraordinary career in private business and as a softball coach at Madison Academy

STORY BY BOB LABBE

PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

DDean Clark has loved sports his entire life. As a youngster, he dreamed of playing shortstop for the Chicago Cubs in a similar fashion as Baseball Hall of Fame player Ernie Banks, regarded as the best shortstop in Cubs’ history from 1953 to 1971. Born and raised in Chicago, Clark moved with his father to Huntsville not long after his mother was killed by a drunk driver on an Interstate in the Windy City when Clark was five years old.

Upon arriving in North Alabama, Clark kept his dream alive by playing youth baseball and basketball at the old McCormick Branch of the YMCA in West Huntsville. All his dreams came tumbling down in New Market on Labor Day, 1975 while in the ninth grade when he was involved in a motorcycle accident that crushed his hip and caused a knee injury. Although he was lucky not to suffer a head injury, he spent two months recuperating in a hospital and was on crutches for nearly a year. Doctors told him and his father he would suffer from a lifelong limp, but to this day, he does not. “I could not get a doctor’s release for me to play school baseball at

Butler High, so I continued playing youth baseball instead,” said Clark.

Clark was set to attend the University of Alabama but suffered a blown ACL knee injury while playing 17-under division baseball. He chose to attend Calhoun College and in 1983 earned a business degree from UAH.

His story of dreams and personal tragedy set up his extraordinary career in private business and his second working career as a softball coach at Madison Academy. The current 2024 season marks his 25th year at the private school and 10th as head coach of the varsity softball program for the Lady Mustangs. His outing on the Mustangs’ sidelines began three years after he was an assistant coach of his daughter’s team while she played in the Patriot League. He first attended practices and watched his daughter, Heather, and finally spoke with the head coach about being an assistant. She soon moved to attend school at Madison Academy and Clark was right alongside.

“I was asked by school administration to assist the

middle school team which I did for two years,” said Clark. “In my third season, I was again approached by the school to take over the reins as the squad’s head coach. I agreed to do so and remained in that position for 13 years. I even assisted the varsity team. I really enjoyed working with the girls as I was then asked to be the varsity head coach. I hesitated at first, but I loved the development of middle school-age players as I taught the fundamentals of the sport. We even won several County Championships.”

Now 10 years later, Clark still leads the Mustangs as his squad went 35-10 last year while winning the Area Championship for the fourth year in a row.

“The girls are enjoyable and I love to see them grow within the sport, the competition and relationships,” said Clark, now 62.

Clark currently works for Wilkinson Insurance Services. At one time he thought of becoming a Huntsville Police Officer, but began working for local Burger King Restaurants while in college. He was serving burgers before moving into the management spectrum of the John Wessell Company, which was the principal owner of the local Burger King franchise. He remained with the company until his move to his current position.

Clark’s normal day begins when he arrives at his job at 7:00 a.m. and then heads to Madison Academy at 3:00 p.m. just in time for his student-athletes to take to the beautifully manicured field on the school campus. “Yes, having these two jobs makes for many late nights, but I have superb assistants to work with in Phil Snell for many years and Jon Liddie along with Alyssa Walker and Jeremy Schreiber,” added Clark. “I involve my assistants more than I used to. I utilize them more aggressively and I’m very trusting of them and that gives me more of a chance to better oversee the entire program.”

Believing in his players to know and understand the game of softball is a major point of his coaching style. Clark puts his team through situations and plays and teaches them to understand the whys of the game. He knows little things win games and he is a stickler for working on all aspects of the game especially base running. “Absolutely, as every player should know how to run bases,” he said.

Through the years of coaching the sport he loves, Clark has noticed changes in the players and parents, especially in the area of the players approaching the program already well-versed in the game with a load of experience. “That comes from the emergence of travel

ball as the kids receive more reps at the game and the competition level is much higher. Many of the players have hired individual coaches,” said Clark.

Clark is quick to point out the school has always been very supportive of athletics. He gives credit to Nicky Faught who was the school principal when he first arrived on campus. Faught is now a part-time member of the school. Clark said longtime coach and school athletic director Mark Mincher is always a huge help in assisting his team’s needs. “We have a Christian atmosphere and that reality is a huge help to our program. We gather for prayer at the end of each practice and game. I also know there’s no way I can do this on my own. This is Madison Academy. The people here make it a great environment and that remains the biggest draw about the school. Our parents are always there as their commitment to what we are doing is a huge factor in our success.”

Clark and his wife, Sandra, have been married for 40 years and have two children, Heather, 36, and Matthew,

20. Sandra works as a Pre-K teacher at NASA.

Facilities at Madison Academy are first-rate and include an indoor hitting facility that is temperaturecontrolled with lockers and has four lanes with pitching machines. New foul ball screens have been installed along with a new scoreboard. New dugouts are the type like most upper-scale facilities have that are a couple of feet lower than the playing field and feature railings. Clark and his staff are responsible for the upkeep of the grass and crushed-brick infield. Being a head coach is more than making the starting lineup, making in-game decisions and accepting wins and losses on behalf of the team. Through years of experience, Clark is aware the coaching behind the scenes is many times more timeconsuming than the time spent on the softball field with team members. He said he loves every bit of his efforts for the softball program through his 25 years.

“It’s funny how this was originally only going to be a one-year activity for me,” said Clark.

Madison City Schools

Good health is a key part of student learning

John Peck Madison City Schools Public Relations Manager

FFor families with inadequate or no private health and/or dental insurance, student learning can be impaired. Logistical challenges can also be a barrier to getting health and dental care.

That’s where HEALS Inc. comes in. HEALS is Health Establishments At Local Schools.

HEALS runs a mobile health clinic van that makes weekly stops at schools in the Madison City, Huntsville City and Madison County school districts.

It is a non-profit offering a mobile health clinic for services such as wellness exams, immunizations, lab work, dental cleanings and X-rays, prescriptions, sports physicals, diabetes and asthma management, and treatment of minor injuries and common illnesses.

Becky Tucker, Nurse Supervisor for Madison City Schools, said the HEALS mobile clinic provides a valuable community service by administering medical and dental care to students who are underinsured or have no coverage whatsoever.

She encourages Madison City Schools families who lack access to medical or dental care to check out the Health Services section of the MCS website ( www.madisoncity.kl12. al.us) on how the team at HEALS Inc., can assist.

“Access to healthcare shouldn’t be a barrier for our students or a burden to their families. The medical professionals at HEALS Inc., are dedicated to keeping our students healthy so that they can continue to obtain

the education they deserve,” Tucker said.

The HEALS Inc. mobile clinic makes weekly visits to the campuses of Midtown, Horizon and Mill Creek elementary schools, as well as Bob Jones High School to provide healthcare services.

The HEALS van will start its April rotations April 4-5 at Mill Creek, April 11-12 at Bob Jones, April 18-19 at Midtown, and April 25-26 at Horizon.

Parents may initiate the health services from HEALS, or student referrals may come from a school nurse, teacher or school staff member, subject to parent authorization.

The program got a big boost this year from a James Clemens student who developed a HEALS promo as a service project for her Girl Scout Gold Award. “I was asking around what projects I could do for my Gold Award and that one seemed perfect,” said Lexi Regensburger, a senior at JCHS. “I’m going into the medical profession and it aligned perfectly with what I’m going to do.” Lexi said she familiarized herself with the mobile service and spoke to the the Madison Council of PTAs to set up donations of health/hygiene supplies for stu-

dents. She did walk-through videos of the HEALS van, interviewing clinic staff about its services and student “patients” about their experience using it. She posted the videos and flyers on YouTube and also established collection boxes at James Clemens and Liberty Middle for hand-outs such as shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

“I didn’t really know that HEALS existed. I think it’s a really great resource giving students access to these services,” Lexi said. Since her awareness campaign was launched, service went from only a handful of patients to nearly 60 in only a matter of weeks.

Parents seeking healthcare services for their child must complete a form provided by HEALS. They can call the clinical coordinator at 256-428-7560 or 256808-9123, or email www.healsinc.org (Students will not be seen without prior permission from a parent/ guardian).

If your child attends a Madison City School not on the regular stop list named above, arrangements can still be made through the contact methods listed to get treatment in the mobile van at one of the listed schools.

“TODAY WAS FOR YOU, MS. SMITH!” That was the title of a post by Mill Creek Elementary School on Thursday, March 21. The Green Power Racing Team honored their coach and had an amazing race day. Car 700 placed 1st Place, Car 750 placed 2nd, and Car 775 placed 10th. Jackie Smith, the beloved teacher at Mill Creek and Green Power Team sponsor, passed away March 17 at Huntsville Hospital. “We know she is so proud of your hard work and dedication,” the post stated. Ms. Smith significantly influenced the future of thousands of her students. She taught Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM classes at Mill Creek Elementary School. At the Greenpower Splash race, Mill Creek’s Green Power Racing Team devoted their efforts to Jackie Smith and celebrated “Team Jackie” Day. At their tent, her oversized photograph included the message “Love you, Ms. Smith.” On one race car, students painted “Team Jackie – Never Fight Alone” and autographed the car with their hand/palm prints and signatures. The car crew wore T-shirts reading “Smith’s Pit Crew.”

ALUMNI SUPPORT

When Ben Stevenson became the new head Sparkman baseball coach, one thing was certain -- he would have plenty of support

STORY BY BOB LABBE

AAfter 11 years as an assistant coach for the Sparkman High baseball program, Ben Stevenson was tagged to be the new head coach of the Senators and stepped onto the baseball diamond as a head coach this year. His experience as an assistant is a natural fit for his new position, but he knows the new job will be a challenge and, luckily, knows he won’t go at it alone.

Numerous members of the Sparkman alumni have stepped forward to assist Stevenson in his new endeavor. Many of those assisting the new head coach are former teammates of Stevenson, a 2007 graduate of Sparkman and member of the school’s baseball team, who went on to play college baseball at North Alabama.

“This is cool that many of the people are still around here in the Harvest area and who show support for their school,” said Brad Hill, graduate of Sparkman in 2008. “This is the appropriate thing to do as not only does the alumni support help the baseball program, but the entire community.”

Hill did not play baseball while at Sparkman. Instead, he was a football player, played as an offensive lineman and currently owns a small business HillPro, which is a

subcontractor for the U.S. Government engaging in the distribution of several items including nuts and bolts and other similar pieces of hardware. Hill’s wife, Paige, is also a Sparkman graduate in the class of 2009 and was a cheerleader for the Senators. They have provided monetary assistance for the baseball team and have also helped with the football program as well.

“Ben and I have been friends since age 10 and I told him long time ago I would like to help when I could,” added Hill, now 32.

Stevenson heads up a program that totals 55 studentathletes from the freshman squad through varsity. Upon taking over the head coach position, he wanted to make sure the school’s alumni was part of the program. He added, “Our players feel ‘big league’ and certainly recognize the efforts former players are putting into helping the current team. These efforts are leaving a big impression on these current players.”

Nate Montgomery walked the halls of Sparkman and was among the graduating class of 2008. He was a starting pitcher for the Senators during his playing days and went on to attend Belmont University located in Nash-

Jacob Westerhouse, member of the Sparkman baseball alumni, stands center with the Senators baseball squad. He has supplied a protein drink for Sparkman’s baseball program headed up by Ben Stevenson.

Nate Montgomery, left, provides assistance to Sparkman baseball head coach Ben Stevenson as a member of the school’s alumni. The newest designs in baseball caps, provided by Nate, has helped as a fundraiser for the Sparkman High baseball team.

ville, Tenn. where he still calls the Music City home and for years was a songwriter since arriving in the thriving metropolis. Four years ago, he stopped pounding the streets of Nashville with his 300-plus songs attempting to get them out to some of country music biggest stars, although he did have a few tunes which were eventually cut by several Nashville-based artists. Today, he operates a business Codeword Hats, a large manufacturer of apparel and produced 13 different hats for Sparkman High as a fundraiser for the baseball program. From the funds accumulated from the hats, Stevenson was able to purchase new equipment for the team.

Montgomery, 34, added, “I saw where he was named the head coach and I congratulated him on his new position. He saw a link from my business and noticed what I could do for him and his program. He saw a need. That’s really smart of him.”

Jacob Westerhouse, class of 2011, of Edge Fitness Performance, joined in the program support in a big way, according to Stevenson. “Yes, he provided a protein supplement and shakers for our players at cost and that was big for our program. Garrett Dennis, class of 2007, now a local attorney, purchased signage from us and provided a generous donation to the program to help us

buy some much needed equipment including new baseballs.”

Matt Reid, who graduated from the school in 2006 provided a 15-foot tall “Senator Guy” figure and will be installed on each foul poll at the Sparkman home field located immediately behind the building located on Jeff Road in Harvest.

“This work by the alumni is a testament to Ben and what an awesome person he is,” said Hill, who has a nine-year old son who plays travel baseball, and a daughter, 13. “Ben is very religious and leads by example. He’s been a spiritual force in my life.”

“So many have reached out to help its’ difficult to name all of them and I’m looking forward to the alumni coming out to our games next season,” said Stevenson, 34. “Yes, we’re planning on the alumni attending a game this year. It should be fun,” said Montgomery, 34.

Stevenson is a native of Madison County and is proud of his school and baseball program, but even prouder of the fact so many former student-athletes from the school have stepped up to help.

“I have some of my former classmates and teammates I haven’t talked to in years,” said Stevenson. “Honestly, I didn’t expect this much reaction from the alumni.”

With help from the alumni of the Sparkman baseball team, the well manicured baseball field is ready for the 2024 edition of the Sparkman baseball team.

FRIENDS BOWL - Madison City Schools held its second annual Friends Bowl at James Clemens High School recently for MCS Special Ed students. Student volunteers from JC and Bob Jones high schools assisted SPED staff and parents in staging the events. It was difficult to tell who enjoyed the day most. It was a special day indeed. Here are some fun scenes from the day.