Madison Living Magazine - August 2024 by Madison Publications

GRIDIRON WARRIORS 2024

Bob Jones High School • James Clemens High School • Sparkman High School • Madison Academy

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MADISON LIVING

EDITOR

John Few

CONTRIBUTORS

Bob Labbe

Gregg Parker

Erin Coggins

Joshua Berry

Maria Rakoczy

Lee Marshall

John Peck

MARKETING

Donna Counts

GENERAL MANAGER

French Salter

Madison Living Magazine 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 Huntsville, AL 35806 madisonlivingmagazine.com

For story ideas, call John Few at 256-763-1150 or email john@themadisonrecord.com.

To advertise, call Donna Counts at 256-714-7152.

Photo by Cristie Clark

Glass in Flight • Through October • Huntsville Botanical Garden • www.hsvbg.org/glass-in-flight

Huntsville Botanical Garden is hosting a whimsical journey through an mesmerizing exhibit, Glass in Flight. Wander among 21 breathtaking, larger-than-life glass sculptures that capture the delicate beauty and intricate details of nature’s most fascinating pollinators – from the vibrant wings of butterflies to the iridescent shimmer of dragonflies, the meticulous craftsmanship of beetles, and the gentle buzz of bees. This exhibit is more than a display; it’s an invitation to see the Garden and its inhabitants in an enchanting light. Each piece, crafted with exceptional artistry by artist Alex Heveri, tells a story of flight, transformation, and the delicate balance of nature. For more information, go to hsvbg.org/glass-in-flight.

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Madison City Farmers Market • Every Saturday 8 a.m. to noon 1088 Hughes Road • www.madisoncityfarmersmarket.com

Located at 1088 Hughes Road, next to Trinity Baptist Church, Madison City Farmers Market is a producer-only farmers market founded in 2007. Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted by local farmers and craftspeople. It is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Oakwood Friday Farms Market • Every Friday 12 noon to 4 p.m. 5001 Adventist Blvd, NW, Huntsville • youroakwoodfarms.com

This weekly event takes place in Oakwood Farms Market’s spacious outdoor pavilion from April through November, every Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped venue located at 5001 Adventist Blvd, NW in Huntsville. Come out and support Oakwood Farms Market and other local vendors.

Roots & Shoots Farmer’s Market • Every fourth Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Huntsville Botanical Garden • hsvbg.org

Discover the freshest bounty from our region’s finest growers, artisans, and makers, as they come together to showcase their passion and craftsmanship at the Roots and Shoots Farmer’s Market. Setting up in the Pavilion, our market is free to attend. Delight in fresh produce, artisanal goods, and community vibes.

Midcity Market • Sundays • Noon to 4 p.m. • The Camp www.explorethecamp.com/market

Each Sunday MidCity hosts a wide range of vendors, from food to goodies. The Market will be held each week from 12-4 p.m. It is located at The Camp, 5909 University Drive in Huntsville. All products are grown, created, baked, or produced within 150 miles of MidCity.

Village Of Providence Farmers Market •Recurring weekly on Saturday • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. • 7 Towne Center Dr., Suite 102, Huntsville

The Providence Market is situated in The Village of Providence within Town Center. This event provides a regular opportunity for the community to engage with local artisans and farmers. At the market, a diverse array of handmade items, homemade goodies and homegrown produce are showcased, offering visitors the chance to support and connect with these talented individuals.

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Arts Huntsville’s Art Tour of Homes Western Edition • August 24 • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • www.artshuntsville.org

Art Tour of Homes is a unique and inspiring event showcasing the artistic talents and creative spaces within our vibrant community. The August Art Tour, sponsored by Pei Ling Charitable Trust, is Arts Huntsville’s bi-annual art adventure and features homes in west Huntsville and Madison. Once again, area homeowners and art enthusiasts will open their homes to the public to inspire visitors to start or grow their own collection of art. Tickets are $20, available in advance online and the day of, at each home, with exact cash or through TicketSpice. Arts Huntsville’s Art Tour of Homes offers a glimpse into the private residences of passionate art collectors and provides insight into how art seamlessly integrates into the fabric of their everyday lives. More information may be found at www.artshuntsville.org/event/art-tour-ofhomes/ or by calling (256) 519-2787.

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Greater Huntsville Humane Society’s Rock Your Paws Sept. 7• 4-10 p.m. • Orion Amphitheater • theorionhuntsville.com

This family-friendly AND dog-friendly event features food trucks, local vendors, and donate-to-win prizes – with special performances from Tres Locos, Angry Native, and ‘90s alt-rock band Sponge! Sponge is celebrating their 30th Anniversary of the platinum-selling, critically acclaimed debut album, “Rotting Pinata.” Sponge will perform songs from this seminal album as well as other alternative rock classics from their favorite bands released in 1994!

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The 2nd Annual RnBlues & BBQ Fest is the perfect combination of amazing food, music, and community! Celebrate this perfect blend of tasty southern BBQ & live R&B and southern blues music in Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 2- 8 p.m. This outdoor festival highlights local BBQ restaurants and food trucks, Rocket City’s best bands, recording artists, and DJs, and local businesses across the Tennessee Valley. This one-of-a-kind experience will not disappoint your taste buds! Vendor applications and tickets are available now at theorionhuntsville.com.

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Summer Sunset Concert Series • August 13 • Starting at 6 p.m. Ditto Landing in South Huntsville • www.dittolanding.org

Ditto Landing, the Huntsville Music Office and Artemis Music Productions are presenting the Summer Sunset Concert Series every second Tuesday June through September from 6 to 8 p.m. Join the fun at the Ditto Landing Pavilion and enjoy local music along the Tennessee River. It’s open to the public with free admission. August 13 - Josh Allison, September 10 - Dawn Osborne and Jason Humphress.

Styx & Foreigner • August 17 at 6:45 p.m. • The Orion Amphitheater in MidCity Huntsville • www.theorionhuntsville.com

With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, FOREIGNER is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 80 million. Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems including “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Say You Will,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Long, Long Way From Home” and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” FOREIGNER still rocks the charts more than 40 years into the game with massive airplay and continued Billboard Top 200 album success. Never known for resting on their laurels, STYX have now added a triumphant new chapter to their never-ending story of success: namely, The Mission, the band’s sonically sweet 16th studio album and most ambitious, most challenging, and most rewarding release to date.

City Lights & Stars featuring Calypso Vision

August 30 • 7:30 p.m. • Burritt on the Mountain burrittonthemountain.com

The motto for Calypso Vision, the featured group at Burritt on the Mountain’s City Lights & Stars Concert Series on Aug. 30, reveals their music’s genre and the band’s outlook. “A Better Attitude from Another Latitude.” Their motto shows devotion to light-hearted good times, seasoned with a heavy dose of Parrot-head style. Much of their music pays homage to the late Jimmy Buffett. This edition of the popular concert series starts at 7:30 p.m. on the Isenberg Gazebo stage. Guests can enjoy being entertained under the Alabama stars with the breathtaking view of the city of Huntsville only Burritt can provide. A casual atmosphere encourages attendees to bring chairs, blankets and picnic food to enjoy a relaxed musical experience. Food trucks will be onsite and wine, beer and other drinks are sold at every concert. Formed a decade ago, Calypso Vision brings an audience the relaxed beachfront spirit, and a “gumbo mix” of Buffett-style tropical tunes and classic rock. The beach party will be ready to go with plenty of fun and surprises. Calypso Vision’s full band has a huge sound, rooted in a love for the music dear to many hearts, and that song that you just won’t hear anywhere else. The ‘calypso vision’ is simple and easy to see, as it focuses on great music offering an escape from the mundane, according to the band. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www. burrittonthemountain.com

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A Journey into Imagimation • Through September 29 • Huntsville Museum of Art • www.hsvmuseum.org

A Journey into Imagimation celebrates the ongoing history of animation production since the creation of this magical art form. The exhibition presents 140 rare and recognizable objects, including original cels, drawings, and models that feature a full range of animation techniques from the groundbreaking traditional animation of Gertie the Dinosaur, created by Winsor McCay in 1914, to many of today’s digitally supported animations. This unique exhibition explores the elaborate and demanding creative processes of many of the groundbreaking animators. It also highlights the incredible amount of work and talent that went into animated productions for over a century. The exhibition includes well-recognized animations from such movies and cartoons as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Mighty Mouse, Tom & Jerry, Woody Woodpecker, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Jetsons, Mary Poppins, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, The Simpsons, The Lion King, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Toy Story.

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Renegade Players presents “The Play That Goes Wrong” • Aug. 16-25 • VBC Playhouse • vonbrauncenter.com

From Mischief, Broadway masters of comedy, comes the smash hit farce. Welcome to the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. This 1920s whodunit has everything you never wanted in a show - an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences! Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Homles, this Olivier Award-winning comedy is a global phenomenon that’s guaranteed to leave your aching with laughter!

The time is right for a senior group trip to the Cook Museum of Natural Science

YYou are never too old to go on a field trip! Looking for a fun day trip idea, during the months of August and September may be the perfect time to take daytrip to Decatur and experience the Cook Museum of National Science. While area kids go back to school and adjust to the new school year, the museum is focused on seniors with special discounts just for them.

“During these months we will offer special discounted field trip pricing to groups of 15 or more seniors,” said Joy Harris with Cook Museum. “This is a wonderful time for people to visit since school is just getting back in session and we have less field trip groups in the exhibits.”

More than a decade ago, a plan to replace Cook’s Pest Control’s small bug museum gradually blossomed into a vision that became tangible five years ago with the opening of the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur.

Since then, almost 410,000 visitors have seen a chuckwalla, an eastern indigo snake, a Mexican alligator lizard and many other live animals and other exhibits at the museum on Fourth Avenue Northeast.

The nonprofit Cook Museum of Natural Science, which opened June 7, 2019, celebrated its fifth anniver-

sary last month.

The Cook Museum of Natural Science is a state-ofthe-art natural science museum. It provides a handson, immersive experience where kids and adults can explore, interact with, and learn about nature. “Families leave the Cook Museum feeling fulfilled by their time together and inspired by the things they saw and learned,” Harris said. “It truly is an amazing experience for families and children of all ages!”

Cook Museum Executive Director Scott Mayo said the museum features North American species and gives visitors a chance to get close to the bugs, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

“I grew up in the panhandle of Florida where if it rains a baby alligator will be found in a mud puddle,” Mayo said. “We have two alligators here, and it amazes me how many people here have never seen a live alligator.”

The groups will need to register for their visit at least one week in advance. Box lunches or catering options from Nature’s Table are available when ordered in advance. Bringing in sack lunches? No problem! Either way a designated area to eat lunch may be reserved when you book your group reservation pending availability.

Niña and Pinta coming to Ditto Landing SHIPS OF DISCOVERY

LLater this month, families across the Tennessee Valley will have the opportunity to tour historically-accurate replicas of the Niña and Pinta ships. On Aug. 23, the ships will open for tours in Huntsville. They will be docked at Ditto Landing Marina, 293 Ditto Landing Road, through Sept. 8.

In 1986, the Columbus Foundation had the idea to build the caravel ships. Two years later, the foundation hired John Patrick Stansfield to design the Niña. In his research, he found master ship-builders in Valenca, Brazil, who used the Mediterranean Whole Moulding ship-building process. This power-tool-free approach to ship-building meant that the ship was built by hand the same way caravels were built in the fifteenth century.

By 1991, the Niña was ready for its first voyage. It left its Brazilian port to be filmed for the Ridley Scott film, 1492: Conquest of Paradise. The over 4,000-mile voyage marked the first time a replica ship made a longdistance passage unescorted over open ocean. Unfortunately, Stansfield never had the opportunity to see the ship’s maiden voyage as he died in an automobile accident in 1990.

The Pinta was completed in 2005. Soon it joined the Niña to tour the United States as a floating museum. The Santa Maria was never replicated as it was a considerably larger ship that was historically-known to be difficult to maneuver. Christopher Columbus even

noted his dislike for the Santa Maria’s lack of maneuverability in his journals.

Sanger Ships LLC received no government funding for their mission to educate the public about caravel ships.. The company was supported solely by fees paid to tour the ships.

The public is invited to tour the ships. The ships will be open for self-guided tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No reservations will be necessary. The cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (60+) and $8 for children (5-18) and military. Children four and under can enter free.

Teachers and organizations can schedule guided tours during open weekdays by going to Niñapinta. org/tour/html. Group tours require a minimum of 15 people.

For more information about the tours, email Niñapintatour@gmail.com.

Playhouse

Season and individual tickets recently went on sale for the exciting 64th season of Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (FPCTA) presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union.

Created in 1961 by local parents wanting to provide a theater experience for their children, FPCTA has grown into the leading theater arts education organization in North Alabama. Today FPCTA continues operating as a community theater in an area of the state where the professional theater is limited to touring and presenting houses, FPCTA attracts the area’s highest caliber of volunteer artists, technicians, and performers to execute a production slate for thousands of families each year at the Von Braun Center Playhouse.

FPCTA kicks off this all-new season Oct. 18-27 with “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” adapted by Fantasy’s artistic director Stephen Tyler Davis. It is based on the work of L. Frank Baum and will be directed by Nikkia Dollar and Stephen Tyler Davis. Kansas is far from adventurous, but just over the

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rainbow is a glittery green land of infinite possibilities paved with yellow bricks! With the Wicked Witch of the West on her ruby red heels, Dorothy will need all the brains, heart, courage, and wonder she can find from her new friends along the way. This fresh adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s original will take audiences back to the technicolor of the 1939 film with a contemporary twist about bravery, wonder, chosen family, and learning to be present in the moment. A timeless American classic that feels like home— and there’s no place like home!

Following this “over the rainbow” adventure, a new version of the holiday staple Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will return Dec. 6-15, written and directed by Huntsville native Cherie Evans.

Huntsville’s most beloved family holiday tradition returns to the Fantasy Playhouse stage for the 34th year. Take a trip in time through the past, present, and future with the miserly Mr. Scrooge, the haunting

Christmas Spirits, and all the whimsical characters of London town. This fresh adaptation returns by popular demand, penned by Huntsville local and Fantasy Kid herself, Cherie Evans. With more theater magic than ever before, this annual Charles Dickens holiday tale is an inspiration to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long.

On Feb. 21-23, get ready for “Sleeping Beauty and the BIG Green Pea”, an original work by Stephen Tyler Davis, directed by Jenni & Michael Wood.

From the same fairytale forest as past season’s Rapunzel and Snow White, Nysland’s very own Sleeping Beauty is in serious trouble. Her fairy godmothers aren’t exactly sleep doctors, but they may have the wake-up call she needs to beat the infamous mattress test. Will her curse be broken in time and why do 12 dancing princesses keep disappearing after curfew? Could Rumplestiltskin be up to no good in this sleepy little town? Spinning wheels, silly tricksters, alluring mystery, and mystifying adventures will ensue in the latest twisted fairytale from Fantasy Playhouse’s very own fairytale forest.

To close out the season on May 9-11, FPCTA will present “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle, Adapted by James Sie. It will be directed by Fathia Hardy and Stephen Tyler Davis.

Thirteen-year-old Meg Murry struggles to adjust to school and home life after her father, a renowned scientist, mysteriously disappears. But when she and her brother are visited by three ethereal creatures - Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which - who claim to know where their father is, they must join forces to rescue him. Walk through the vortex of this fantastical adventure traveling through time and space as Fantasy Playhouse presents the popular kids’ sci-fi novel by Madeleine L’Engle live on stage.

To purchas season passes or individual tickets, go to www.fantasyplayhouse.org. You can also email boxoffice@fantasyplayhouse.com or call the office at 256539-6829 Monday-Friday during business hours. The office for FPCTA is located at 3312 Long Ave., Huntsville, AL 35805.

City and school district works together to protect health and safety of students

By Mayor Paul Finley City of Madison

WWhen it comes to your quality of life in the City of Madison, health and safety sit at the top of priorities. As summer wraps and our kids return to school, I want to share how your municipality and school system works handin-hand to protect the health and safety of our most precious citizens. The City of Madison and Madison City Schools have established resources and programs that foster understanding and build relationships between our student population and our public safety servants.

Beginning with our Police Department, our School Resource Officers build trust in every school within City limits, elementary through high school. Madison Police Department is proudly the first police department in the State of Alabama to implement the “Handle with Care” program, designed to identify and help students in crisis. Every fifth grader also participates in the “Truth About Drugs and Alcohol Abuse” course, led by SROs. Furthermore, the “Text to Protect” program also provides a resource for students and parents to let us know about any potential safety threats. The texts are confidential, simply text or email details to 256-604-2345 or texttoprotect@

madisonal.gov.

The Madison Fire Department delivers valuable fire safety lessons every year through interactive instruction to kindergarten through third grade students. Third grade students are taught advanced fire safety, drawing up a fire exit plan for their homes and discussing proper smoke detectors. Our middle and high school students participate in “Stop the bleed, Triage, and CPR” training lead by MFD. The department also coordinates a mock-trauma exercise twice a year with the James Clemons High School Medical Academy and theater students. MFD also installs car seats in busses for the Pre-K center’s annual field trip.

Residents of Madison have also directly shown support for safe schools through the 2019 tax referendum. Voters in both Madison and Triana approved a property tax increase to the millage rate of 12 mills by a whopping 7129 margin in support of our schools. With the revenue, 1 mill was established from those tax dollars to be invested in schools’ safety, specifically. These dollars have helped fund the aforementioned programs and SROs.

Our mission in the City of Madison is to provide excellent services through the responsible use of public resources, enhancing the quality of life for our community. Supporting our schools for the best interest of our students follows this mission precisely. I hope you and your children have a happy and safe start to the 2025-2026 school year!

Madison school leaders met with area first responders recently to strengthen relationships as the new school year is about to begin.

FOOTBALL 2024

BOB JONES PATRIOTS

That best word that characterizes this team’s 70-plus player roster: E-X-P-E-R-I-E-N-C-E

STORY BY BOB LABBE

PHOTOS BY ANDREW NOLES

Pictured: Samuel Allen

TThe best way to describe the 2024 Bob Jones football team is to spell out the one word that best characterizes the 70-plus player roster: E-X-P-E-R-I-E-N-C-E.

With five starters on offense and eight on defense and one kicker returning, the Patriots look to be in good shape to make a run at a Region 4 title and a solid spot in the post season playoffs. Kelvis White, entering his fifth season as head coach, believes this team has the makings of being a squad that will stand and fight all the way to the end.

“This is a close-knit roster and all are hard workers as we’re senior heavy this year with many of our players having lots of experience having lots of snaps behind them,” said White. “We have some really good core players who love football, and for me, are fun to coach.”

OFFENSE

Losing their starting quarterback to graduation, the

Patriots are fortunate enough to have Johnny Jackson (QB, 6-1, 200, Sr.) step into the role as he played at Giles County, Tennessee last season where he was an All-Conference performer. He brings experience and leadership to Bob Jones and is more of a drop-backstyle passer and has had looks from many colleges. He has taken the position as field general with a high football IQ.

“Johnny is no stranger to our program,” added White. “He was with us in his freshman and sophomore seasons before he transferred to Giles County, but he’s back with us and brings a wealth of experience and talent upon his return.”

Jackson’s backup will be Malachi Foster (WR, 5-9, 170, Sr.) who is also a four-year starter at wide receiver, but has played quarterback when needed. He led the team in 2023 with 33 receptions for 334 yards and four touchdowns and had two additional scores running the

The Patriots are fortunate enough to have Johnny Jackson (QB, 6-1, 200, Sr.) step into the QB role.

Samuel Monroe (RB, 5-11, 190, Sr.) who was the No. 2 back a year ago with 118 yards on 20 carries, is a strong leader.

ball. “He has a ton of experience, has a good football IQ, runs good routes and is explosive after a catch,” said White.

Additional play makers include Samuel Monroe (RB, 5-11, 190, Sr.) who was the No. 2 back a year ago with 118 yards on 20 carries, is a leader and the Pats’ big back, Caleb Sanders (WR/RB, 5-9, 165, Sr.) who is a track athlete and has blazing speed with 524 yards a season ago, Rhys Dorsey (WR, 6-1, 175, Jr.) who was a starter at Decatur High before transferring to Bob Jones and has several Div. I offers and is expected to be an elite player, Christopher Caterina (WR, 5-9, 180, Jr.) is very reliable with good hands, Kolton Wood (WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.) who grabbed 15 receptions for 143 yards last season, Eric Morrow (WR, 6-3, 190, Sr.), a Bob Jones basketball player who is expected to be a defensematchup nightmare this season, and Donald Baker (TE, 6-0, 230, Sr.) who was on the offensive line last season, but will start at tight end, who can move to the offensive line should he be needed.

The offensive line, “One of the best I’ve ever coached as our top six players on the O-line are seniors,” said White. The group is led by three-year starter at left tackle David Alexander (OL, 6-1, 250, Sr.) who had 30 knowkdowns, center Sam Allen (OL, 6-0, 245, Sr.),

right guard Samuel Grimes (OL, 6-2, 275, Sr.) who scored a 33 on his ACT and carries a very high grade point average, Drake Jackson (OL, 6-4, 345, Sr.) at left guard who is a huge specimen of high school talent who can move extremely well for his size, and Aaron Young (OL, 6-6, 275, Sr.) another basketball player who White said, “Has turned into a top prospect.”

DEFENSE

“This group will fly all over the place as they have been working to do better at tackling,” added White on his defensive squad which has eight starters returning. Leading the tackling squad is three-year starter Chandler Vaughn (DL, 6-2, 250, Sr.) who doubles up as a starter for the Patriots’ basketball team. He comes off the end with a vengeance and is expected to have a superior senior season. At nose guard is Jontez Washington (DL, 6-1, 300, Sr.) who is known as the “Anchor” of the defense as he had 39 tackles last season. Two returning starting linebackers are a huge plus for White as both have great range and power to hit opposing ball carriers. Romeo Washington (LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.) and Will Aldridge (LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.) who combined for over 100 tackles in 2023. The defensive backfield is filled with experience and is led by two returning starting safeties.

Calvin Senwo, Samuel Allen, Johnny Jackson and Samuel Monroe.

Calvin Senwo (S, 6-0, 175, Sr.) had 63 tackles including four for loss a season ago and is very athletic crossing over as a receiver at times on offense, and Christen Rice (S, 5-10, 180, Sr.) who runs well and covers a lot of ground in defensive mode who collected 20 solo tackles last season. White said, “Our corners are special players.” They include returning starters and juniors A.J. Mitchell (DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.) and B.J. Carter (DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.) who had 22 solo tackles in 2023. Mitchell had four interceptions a year ago and White knows he’s really talented on the corner. Carter has experience and plays like an upperclassman.

Additional Pats to suit up on defense include Christian Rice’s twin brother Tristen Rice (DL, 6-10, 210, Sr.) who had a good summer and will start at defensive end, Tyler Karl (DL, 6-2, 200, Jr.) who brings a lot of experience into his junior season, Josh Williams (NG, 5-10, 300, So.) a huge sophomore in the middle, three linebackers who can hit are Jaden Gilbert (LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.), Nakobi Weatherspoon (LB, 6-1, 170, Jr.), and Mason Johnson (LB, 5-11, 190, So.). White indicated several underclassmen will see a lot of playing time as they rotate in and out of the overall squad in the defensive backfield. Those include Savion Pue (DB, 5-8, 165, Jr.),

Aden Preyear (DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.), Rome Malbreaux (DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.) and Jason Kirkman (DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.).

SPECIAL TEAMS

Junior Josh Stewart (K/P, 5-9, 150, Jr.) returns as kicker and punter as he hit on 31 of 34 extra points on the 2023 season. He’ll get some competition from fellow junior kicker Nolan Whigham (K/P, 5-9, 150, Jr.) who is the starting holder on place kicks. Long snapper is Brayson Albin (S, 6-1, 195, So.).

“We have some weapons with senior leadership and I feel we can truly run the ball with our new offensive coordinator,” said White. “The kids are picking up the schemes and performing well.”

Like last season, the team motto is EAT (effort, attitude, toughness) and again in 2024 and the squad is looking to build off that identity for the team after going 5-6, 5-2 a season ago with a third place finish in Region 4. The Patriots have had three consecutive 5-6 seasons and White thinks he has the team to certainly play much better as the squad has 23 seniors and juniors and 28 sophomores.

“We want more. We feel we have the talent to go deep into the playoffs,” added White.

Kelvis White is entering his fifth season as head coach.

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Varsity Football Coaches and Staff

Kelvis White - Head Coach

Chase Parker - Assistant Coach

Cyrus Swearingen - Assistant Coach

David Green - Assistant Coach

Derrick Whittington - Assistant Coach

Jacob Borden - Assistant Coach

La’Maz Ray - Assistant Coach

Michael Pendergrast - Assistant Coach Seth

Tevoris

FOOTBALL 2024

JAMES CLEMENS JETS

The Jets are the team to chase as they defend their Class 7A Region 4 title and get ready to go all the way

STORY BY BOB LABBE

PHOTOS BY ANDREW NOLES

TThe James Clemens Jets are being chased, but they’re not running. They are standing firm to face all those pursuing a Class 7A Region 4 championship, which the Jets are defending headed into the 2024 football season.

“I believe our players have a good grasp of what they need to do as they face the pursuers,” said Chad McGehee, entering his fourth season as head coach of James Clemens. “Our group of seniors are in their fourth and final year within our program and I like this group of seniors and it’s good to see them know the routines and understand the standards of expectations we have set in place.”

The seniors, 31 in all, are a unique class in itself as many of them received enormous playing when they were sophomores. The close-knit group will suit up with the remainder of the team and walk onto the football field with a lot of experience and having won Region 4 two of the last three years.

“We could be really, really good and I’m happy where we are,” added McGehee.

Last year’s team was 7-4 with a 6-1 region record and featured “The Bookends” of defensive linemen Nate Jennings and Jaylen Brown, both of whom signed Div. I scholarships. McGehee feels he has a great nucleus of talent coming back to contend for the region and race deep into the state playoffs. After all, he has nine returning starters on offense and an additional four on defense with two in the kicking game.

OFFENSE

One of the main weapons for the Jets is two-time AllState selection as ‘Athlete’ is Ty Doughty (WR/RB, 5-9, 170, Sr.) who handles several positions and carries with him superior talents. This season, Doughty will get the ball from new quarterback Gakobey Gill (QB, 6-0, 2025, Jr.) a transfer from Class 6A Athens High. He has a strong arm and will dictate the offensive direction as the offense will be more of a drop-back style passing game. Running backs will be led by M.J. Gideon (RB, 5-10, 200, So.) who had his freshman season ended short

Ty Doughty, DJ Davis, Tim Coleman, Jayden Young and Cam Berry.

Cam Berry (RB, 5-9,178, Sr.) will complete his play as a Jet as one of the key members of the offense at running back.

The special teams unit is led by long snapper Tim Coleman (C/SNAPPER, 5-11, 211, Sr.)

due to an injury. “He’s back this season and we know he will be special as he has all the tools,” said McGehee.

Cam Berry (RB, 5-9,178, Sr.) will complete his play as a Jet as one of the key members of the offense at running back. Berry and Gill will split reps. Receivers will include Doughty, who has received numerous college offers and with two other Jets is leaning towards signing with Air Force. One of those looking at the Academy is fellow wide receiver A.J. Little (WR, 6-0, 182, Sr.) who sets at the line with good experience. Alex Lively (WR, 5-8, 157, Jr.) will be more of a slot receiver and has speed to get open. At tight end is the third of those possibly bound for the Air Force Academy Isaac Achenbach (TE, 6-5, 223, Sr.) who McGehee said “Has been working hard and will be a factor for us.” Also to see time at tight end is A.J. Kelley (TE, 5-10, 207, Sr.). “He has worked into a player for us. I coached his older brother while I was at Hoover a few years ago,” said McGehee.

The offensive line is where this team will make or break in 2023. “This group will have to be the heart and soul of our offense. We will go as they go,” said McGehee

of his offensive line.

Tim Coleman (C/SNAPPER, 5-11, 211, Sr.) will anchor the O-line and again handle the long snapping duties for the Jets’ special teams. At right guard is Ryan Bland (OL, 6-1, 233, Sr.), right tackle, Derrick Thomas (OL, 6-2, 305, Sr.), left guard, Malakai Cooper (OL, So.) and at left tackle, Micah Douglas (OL, 6-1, 243, Sr.). All returning starters for McGehee.

DEFENSE

Depth looks to be the big plus for the defensive Jets and will be led by linebacker D.J. Davis (LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.) who plays like a “Monster of the Midway.” A returning starter, Davis has speed and the radar mentality to find the ball carrier. He will be looked at as a squad leader of a great group of linebackers. Those additional big hitters include Hayes Harrison (LB, 5-10, 192, Sr.) and Jocq Dennis (LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.).

The defensive line has a group of excellent athletes led by nose guard Travis Ezell (DL, 5-17, 219, Jr.) who McGehee indicated had a great spring and summer and

The Jets have a very enthusiastic student section to cheer them on during games. A Madison Police SRO is pictured doing pushups after a James Clemens touchdown last season.

Chad McGehee is entering his fourth season as head coach of James Clemens.

will be one to be reckoned with. Also propelling the DL will be Reshaad Freeman (DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.) who can also drop back to linebacker, and brothers Ethan (DL, Jr.) and Jacob (DL, So.) Hopkins. Headed into the 2024 campaign, McGehee expressed the biggest surprise for the defensive group comes from Jayden Young (DL/LB, 6-0, 183, Sr.) who has come into his own and will make a play at being a big-play player for the Jets. “He has moved around at different positions and his development has been great at defensive line and linebacker,” said McGehee. “He has a fantastic opportunity this season to be special.”

In the backfield are two returning starters in Brycen Dowdell (CB, 6-1, 158, Sr.) and Mason Rose (CB, 5-7, 165, Jr.) who will have support from a vast amount of additional talents within the group of cornerbacks and safeties. Those on board to receive snaps are William Richards (DB, 5-10, 157, Sr.), Jeremiah Pritchett (DB, 5-19, 155, Sr.), Christian Wyatt (DB, 5-9, 163, Jr.) and Myles Taylor (DB, 5-10, 166, Sr.), who is getting caught up with preparations after having some injuries that have kept from full speed.

SPECIAL TEAMS

McGehee knows he has gems coming back on his special teams unit. They are led by long snapper Tim Coleman (C/SNAPPER, 5-11, 211, Sr.) who is being highly sought after as long snapper. Handling the place kicking and punting duties is Anthony Ortiz (K/P, 5-10, 150, Sr.). Both players are looked at as solid and never wavering from excellent performers.

“We bring back a lot of experience and these players will play hard as each have great character,” added McGehee. “I don’t know what other teams will bring to the new season, but I know we will have to compete and get better every day to stay in contention in this region.”

Varsity Football Coaches and Staff

Chad McGehee - Head Coach

Anthony Gideon - Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers

Ethan Truitt - Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line

Nathan King - Defensive Line

Kyle Evans - Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties

Henry Freeman - Cornerbacks

Lanny Rich - Nickels

Austin Marsh - Wide Receivers

Cade McGuire - Offensive Line

Riley Adcock - QB’s

Patrick McAbee - Running Backs

Jody Dodd - Tight Ends

Dylan Lauglin 2

MJ Gideon 3

DJ Davis 4

William Richards 5

Brycen Dowdell 6

Reed Wilson 7

Gage Olander 8

Miles Major 9

Matthew Evers 10 QB

Ty Doughty 11 WR/RB

Braydon Pointer 12 QB

Hayes Jones 13 QB 11

Kaleb Pryor 14 OLB 10

Myles Taylor 15 DB

Reshaad Freeman 16 DE 12

Gakobey Gill 17 QB 11

Bryce Brazelton 18

Corban Johnson 19 CB

Jeremiah Pritchett 20

Alex Lively 21

Mason Rose 22

Wyatt 23

Sullivan 24

Cal Pasho 25

AJ Snodgrass 26

Konnor Erskine 33

FOOTBALL 2024

SPARKMAN SENATORS

Senators have sights on making school history this football season

STORY BY MIKE EASTERLING

PHOTOS BY ANDREW NOLES

TThe current players on the football roster at Sparkman High School weren’t even born the last time the program won a playoff game in 2006.

The victory was memorable to be sure, and not just because it took the Senators two overtimes to subdue Tuscaloosa County 38-31 in one of the most scintillating games in Madison County postseason history. That night at Senator Stadium also marked the only playoff win in Sparkman history.

To be fair, since the Alabama High School Athletic Association moved from six to seven classifications in 2014-15 the Senators have reached the playoffs four times. All four appearances, coming under former head coach Laron White from 2017-21, were in the first round and against state bully Hoover. The Senators lost each time.

But current head coach Ronnie Watson, who took over from White prior to last season, said his predecessor “completely changed the paradigm’’ of the program. Meanwhile, preseason practice for 2024 is about to start and offers a new beginning for a team that bolted

to a 5-0 overall and 3-0 Class 7A, Region 4 start in 2023 before finishing 5-5 and missing the postseason.

The question for Sparkman still remains: Is this team capable of taking things farther, not just making the playoffs but advancing?

“Our attitude, our main thing is competition,” said senior quarterback Jaiden Scott, who will start behind center full-time for the first time this season. “We’ve been competing hard every day. We’re really hungry right now. I feel like that’s our attitude and our mindset right now – just to work for everything and put our head down and work. 7A is tough. Nobody from up here has won a playoff game since like 2017.’’

Factually, two teams (James Clemens and Florence in 2019) have won a playoff game since 2017, but only Austinn from Region 7 moved beyond Round 1. Scott’s contention is understood.

“7A is tough,” he added. “It’s competition and that’s all I know.’’

Class 7A has fewer schools and just four regions as opposed to the eight regions in the other six. Watson

Waylon Marbury

says it makes for a slugfest as the eight teams in each region battle for four playoff berths.

“Each year,’’ he said,’’ it comes down to tiebreaker after tiebreaker.’’

The Senators lost four straight region games then finished with a setback to highly regarded Muscle Shoals in the final week to finish 0-5 a year ago. Watson said there were underlying circumstances to that streak, namely three failed plays that could’ve made the difference and provide impetus for 2024.

“When we go into any game we’re facing it’s ‘us vs. us.’ ’’ Watson said. “We preach a whole bunch about expectations being privileged. You’ve got to give everybody a reason to have expectations of yourself, you know, no different than last year when we started 5-0. We beat the teams we were supposed to beat, then we went into region play and then the backside.

“There were a lot of things that went into that. There were some dominoes that didn’t go the right way. Three plays, we’re in the playoffs. We make three plays, we’re in the playoffs and I tell those guys that, you know, you gotta get there if you want people to have expectations. So that’s a privilege. It’s out there, you gotta take hold of it and go.’’

Watson contends that while young, the Senators have enough ability to put last season’s forgettable finish in the rearview mirror.

“I think every person that came up to me during Media Days asked about last year and I told them at the end of it, hopefully it hurts, hopefully it hurts a lot,” he said. “You feel it every day. But, you know, at this point, you gotta go to the next game, the whole team’s gotta be like a defensive back that misses a coverage and there’s six points. You gotta go to the next play.’’

Sparkman returns just four starters on both offense and defense along with specialist Parker Kemp (Sr., 6-2, 220), who also plays offensive line.

Other returning starters include Scott (Sr., 6-0, 185), RB Jabari Davis (Sr., 5-7, 200), WR Jonathan Rozier (Sr., 6-0, 175), OL Justin Rainey (Sr., 6-1, 345), OLB Josh Murphy (Sr., 6-1, 200), DL Jamarion Matthews (Jr., 6-3, 245), DB Anthony Seaton (Sr., 6-2, 175), OLB/ DL Jayden Chambers (Jr., 6-1, 225) and DL James Cangelosi (Sr., 6-2, 180).

WR Kam Reynolds (Jr., 6-0, 175), WR Zayden Bodner (Jr., 6-0 180), RB Braylon Lawson (Soph., 5-11, 170), LB Kyle Beach (Jr., 5-10, 170), LB Carter Lindsey (Jr, 5-10, 170) and DB Jordan Garner (Sr, 6-0, 165) are expected

Jamarion Matthews

to fill key roles.

“We’ve got a feisty group but, you know, a lot’s gonna show on August 5th when we put those pads on,’’ Watkins said. “We’ve got some guys doing some great things, but when you gotta start worrying about all the fundamentals, some guys are gonna step up, some guys are gonna step back.’’

The Senators are short on returning starters, but Watson said they’re long on potential.

“Everything always begins and ends with the offensive line and the defensive line,” he said. “We’ve got the right guys to be physical. We’ve got a whole bunch of puzzle pieces. We just gotta make sure that as a coaching staff, we put the right puzzle pieces in place.

“Again, there’s a lot of talent. We’ve got a lot of young receivers that haven’t had that Friday night. They’ve had a lot of (junior varsity games) Monday nights but they had too much Friday night experience. They had a great seven-on-seven season, which that’s not real football. We know we’ve got guys out there, but can you go out there and make the catches? Can you go out there and it goes back to that word – execution?’’

The Senators open 2024 against two Birminghamarea foes in formidable non-conference foes 6A Spain Park in Week Zero Aug. 23 and 7A Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa the following week. Sparkman then wades into region play Sept. 6 against Austin in Decatur.

The second-year head coach says success all hinges on the time-honored “execution,’’ saying “You can have all the Xs and the Os and all of that, but if you don’t go out there and execute none of that stuff matters.’’

This year, the 7A playoffs are applying a “pod’ system of playoffs. In short, the pod system won’t necessarily pit Region 7 winners against nemesis Region 3 from the Birmingham area. For whatever reasons it was adapted, it provides Region 7 teams with an opportunity to play others than the likes of Hoover in the first round. That alone leaves Scott unabashed in his confidence that the 2024 football Senators will reverse recent playoff history at the school.

“I feel like I’m the guy that can change it,’’ he said. “My first year starting, I’m just ready to showcase what I can do.’’

Benjamin Battle

Ronnie Watson - Head Coach

Spencer Smith - Asst Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

Dylan Livingston - Dir of Football Operations/Defensive Coordinator

Chase Crowson - Dir of Player Development/Co-Defensive Coordinator

Walter Jones - Wide Receivers/Special Team Personnel

Adam Smith - Special Teams Coordinator/Offensive Line

Jeffrey McNealey - Cornerbacks/Player Development/Passing Game

Greg Campbell - Asst Coach/Offensive Line

Christopher Brazell - Asst Coach/Defensive Line

Alonte Harvey - Asst Coach/Wide Receivers/Special Team Personnel

Greg Wallace - Asst Coach/Safeties

Lee Bowden - Asst Coach/Linebackers/Special Team Personnel

Rod Byrd - Asst Coach/Running Backs

Varsity Football Coaches and Staff

MADISON ACADEMY MUSTANGS

Mustangs are moving back to Class 4A after dominating 3A last year. MA’s resolve is still the same.

STORY BY MIKE EASTERLING

PHOTOS BY ANDREW NOLES

Pictured: Charleston Owens

MMadison Academy is on the move again. Not from the dirt-fights-grass days of yore on the old campus practice and playing field. The Mustangs are going back to Class 4A.

A 14-1 record and a berth in the 3A state championship game, coupled with the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s student multiplier and Competitive Balance Factor, sent the program back to 4A after two years. Madison Academy also played as a 5A member from 2018-19.

What’s not moving is the Mustangs’ resolve.

“The standard doesn’t change,’’ head coach Bob Godsey said as he prepared to enter his sixth season. “The faces, the names, those kind of things, that’s gonna change from year to year but the standard is not gonna change.’’

Madison Academy, once upon a time simply plowing along as a 1A school but with a passion for sports, has built a strong foundation of athletics this century after moving up to 3A following the state’s adoption of

the multiplier rule for private schools, particularly since 2010. In football alone, the Mustangs won three straight state championships from 2012-14 and finished as runner-up three times, including during a 14-1 2023 season.

Now it’s back to 4A for the third time since 2016. Madison Academy went 22-3 overall and 14-0 in region play during its last two years in that division from 2020-21. Madison Academy went 12-0 in region action the past two years in 3A and hasn’t lost a region game since Godsey’s first season when the team was in 5A.

“We actually feel like 4A fits our team better,’’ said Rice, who also revealed his commitment to Mississippi State is firm. “The whole team is excited about going back up to 4A.’’

Rice, who as a freshman played the last time Madison Academy was 4A, was referring to logistics mostly. But, he might well have been talking about the program’s stature. The Mustangs went 10-2, 7-0 in its first of two seasons in 5A before a hiccup of 5-6, 4-3 in Godsey’s first season. Things have returned to normal under the coach

The Mustangs are planning on a return trip to the state championship game (above), but this time in Class 4A.

Josh Williams

Donavin DuBose

with a Hall of Fame resume.

Moving up “really doesn’t change much,’’ said senior quarterback Josh Crider, who is taking over as starter following two seasons as the backup. “We just gotta play how we play.’’

Graduation hit the Mustangs hard, including two-time All-State running back Ken Cherry.

Among the 10 returning starters include RB Josh Williams (Sr. 5-9, 185, All-Region, over 1,600 yards and 25 rushing touchdowns), WR Jaiden Etienne (Sr., 6-3, 160, 26 catches, 465 yards, 4 TDs), OG Ajay Seaton Jr., 6-0, 325) and Rice (Sr., 6-3, 240), whose role at tight end is expected to increase.

Defensively, there’s Rice (All-State, All-Region, 134 Tackles), DB Keaton Watson (Sr., 6-0, 190, All-Region, 33 tackles, 3 TFL, 6 QB pressures, 2 INTS, 7 PBU; DB Williams (70 tackles, 9 pressures, 3 INTS), DB Maurice Scott (Sr., 5-0, 165, 28 tackles, 3 INTS, 7 PBU) and DB Michael Wiggins (Sr., 6-4, 182, 36 tackles, 1 INT, 6 PBU) who missed five games last year due to injury.

The kicking game looks to upgrade with the return of Neal Radak (Sr., 6-2, 180), who missed last season with

an injury. As a sophomore, he made 53-of-56 extra points and was 1-of-2 on field goal attempts. He’ll also punt.

WR Zyan Williams (Jr., 5-9, 150), LB Barrett Canerday (Jr., 6-0, 180), LB Jack Doyle (Sr., 6-1, 210), WR/ DB Kahleel Green Sr., 6-3, 175), OL/DL Donivan Dubose (Sr., 6-0, 335), DL Cam Wilson (Jr., 6-1, 240) and DB Daniel McCauley (Jr., 5-10, 170) are expected to play key roles.

“Defensively, we have a chance to be pretty good,’’ Godsey said. “We will be much improved in the secondary, with some bigger, more experienced players. We will be solid at outside linebacker, the front will be by committee and will need to improve as the season progresses.’’

Rice, undoubtedly the team figurehead, claims a return to the championship game is the team’s goal.

“We’re gonna try to win this time,’’ he said. “We also have a young team and stuff like that, but I think we definitely have got a good shot of going back to the championship game and actually win this year.’’

To reach that goal the Mustangs will have to do it with an offense under the direction of first-year starter Crider.

Charleston Owens, Donavin DuBose, Josh Williams, and Keaton Watson

Though he’s mostly played in “blowouts,” he said, he also entered against J.B. Pennington late in the game last season and threw the winning touchdown pass.

“He has earned that right (to start),’’ Godsey said. “He’s been the backup over two years and he’s earned the right to be the starter. He’s checked all the boxes up to this point.

“But,’’ the coach cautions, “this is where it really starts getting real. We have a lot of confidence in him. And we have a freshman in Charleston Owens as well. There’ll be a role for him in our offense as well.’’

Rice has the signal caller’s back.

“Alex Crider is gonna step up,” Rice said. “Coach G, who is also the offensive coordinator, has pushed him hard. As a leader on the team, we just try to build his confidence up and let him know that he can do it. He has more than enough ability to lead us to a championship. I think he’s gonna be a good player for us this season.’’

Crider himself follows the lead of Godsey and the rest of the team in believing in the program and its winning tradition.

“Expectations? They’re always the same, especially with the coach we’ve got,’’ Crider said. “They’re always high.’’

Tom Tom’s Old Fashioned

Keaton

Varsity Football Coaches and Staff

Bob Godsey - Head Coach

Dan Styles - Defensive Coordinator

Rod Lovett - Defensive Line

Ethan Crawford - Offensive Line/Performance Asst

Keondre Swoopes - Safeties

Don Hill - WRs/Logistics

Chris Butler - Offensive Asst/Logistics

Malik Miller - Running Backs

Dre Bailey - Defensive Assistant

Jerraud Powers - Corners

Cody Hughes - Performance Director

Jack Moore - Team Doctor

Shane Harris - Athletic Trainer

Matthew Clark - Videographer

Jeremiah Williams - Videographer

Jonathan Williams - Touchdown Club President

SHOPPING

Check out this stunning pair at Meyer & Lee

The Irwin Auger Bit Co. patented 1884 at Madison Station Antiques

Check out the furniture pieces and decorating accents at Noble Passage

Check out these gorgeous bracelets at Hobbs Jewelers. See page 3

& Lee

Complete antique Mah-Jongg by Parker Bros. 1920’s. Comes with rule book at Madison Station Antiques

Feminine and whimsical, these Romance designs shimmer in yellow gold with round diamonds dancing along the band at Hobbs Jewelers. See page 3

LAWN&GARDEN

Silver plants can add interest to landscapes

By Bonnie A. Coblentz, MSU Extension Service

I have always admired plants with silver color, as this unusual shade can bring some variety to garden spaces.

IDusty Miller is a traditional landscape plant and one of my favorite hardy perennials, but it is also admired for its striking silver-gray foliage. Its finely lobed leaves are covered with a dense, silvery-white, felt-like coating that gives the plant a velvety texture and a frosty appearance.

Botanically known as Senecio cineraria, Dusty Miller belongs to the Asteraceae family. It can reach up to 1218 inches tall and spreads 10-12 inches, forming a compact and bushy growth habit.

One of the reasons I love Dusty Miller is its ability to thrive in various growing conditions.

It does well in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile addition to different parts of the garden. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions, which is ideal for low-maintenance gardening.

Dusty Miller is also drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering once established.

The plant’s foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, adding a continuous silver accent to garden beds, borders and containers.

Although grown as a perennial in warm climates, Dusty Miller is often treated as an annual in cooler regions. When grown as a perennial, it may produce small yellow flowers in the second year. Some gardeners prefer to remove these flower stalks to maintain the plant’s neat and compact appearance.

Dusty Miller pairs beautifully with a wide range of plants, offering a striking contrast to brightly colored flowers and green foliage. Its silver-gray leaves create a stunning backdrop for blooms like marigolds, petunias and geraniums. It also works well in monochromatic gardens, adding texture and interest alongside other silver and white plants.

Sea Holly has stiff, serrated leaves with a distinctive silver metallic sheen. Its spherical, thistle-like flowers add an unusual element to gardens.

Sea Holly is another striking perennial that I prize for its unique, architectural appearance and silver color. Its stiff, serrated leaves with a greenish hue and a distinctive silver metallic sheen add bold texture to gardens.

Sea Holly produces thistle-like flowers of blue, purple and silver which sit atop tall, branching stems. These flowers have a spiky, spherical form that adds an unusual and eye-catching element to gardens.

This plant also draws bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms.

Like Dusty Miller, Sea Holly prefers well-drained soil and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. It is drought -tolerant and deer -resistant, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.

Licorice Plant Icicles is another popular ornamental I adore for its striking silver foliage. I appreciate how this plant adds a delicate and frosty element to a garden.

Its unique, silvery-white leaves are elongated, narrow, pointed and covered with fine hairs that resemble icicles. The foliage is soft to the touch and very aromatic when crushed.

The Icicles plant is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9-11. In cooler climates, it is often grown as an annual or used in containers that can be brought indoors during winter.

If you’re looking to add some variety to your landscape, consider the dynamic shape and color of these silver plants.

COME GROW WITH US. Mums & Fall Annuals

Dusty Miller is a traditional landscape plant that is admired for its striking silver-gray foliage.

Licorice Plant Icicles is a unique, silvery-white plant grown as an annual in cooler climates.

LIVING

THE ROBERT MADISON

Luxury apartments open in Town Madison, inviting new residents to experience the perfect place to call home

OOne of the most anticipated luxury apartment complexes is now leasing and now celebrating its grand opening in Town Madison with grand opening specials. The Robert Madison is a 284-unit luxury rental community developed by the Rohdie Group.

Located at 515 Dunlop Blvd SW, The Robert is named in memory of The Rohdie Group’s founder and chief visionary, Robert C. Rohdie. He built over 40,000 apartments in his lifetime and strived to make every apartment home an exceptional place to live. According to property manager Ronni Tillery, that goal has certainly been achieved in Madison.

“The Robert includes the amenities and features that our residents desire most,” Tillery said.

Amenities include architecturally interesting exteriors, comfortable and contemporary living environments, and spacious, well-planned floor plans.

“Our residences feature luxurious amenities such as chef-inspired kitchens with islands, custom modern cabinets, and hardwood-inspired flooring. Framed bathroom mirrors and elevators are just a few of the many features that make our apartments the perfect place to

call home,” Tillery added.

The Robert features six, four-story, elevatored buildings with one, two, and three bedroom apartments in several gracious layouts with such modern finishes as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, full size washer and dryers with large laundry rooms, spacious patios with ceiling fans, and open floor plans with lots of windows. The 4th floor apartments feature two and three bedroom units with 15-foot ceilings.

Included in the resident amenities are a private clubhouse with a resident kitchen and coffee bar, a resortstyle pool with outdoor grilling area, a state-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton bikes, game room, multiple dog play areas, plenty of green space, garages and storage units, and a pickleball court...yes pickleball.

They also offer three bedroom, two bath town homes with direct access garages.

In addition, there are frequent resident activities and popular resident programs, including pet events. They also offer preferred employer programs.

One of the best features of The Robert is the customer service. “We pride ourselves on our customer service-ori-

ented staff,” Tillery said. “Our residents really do come first. We also offer 24-hour maintenance and provide an on-site courtesy officer.”

The Robert Madison community is purposefully designed to be effortlessly intertwined with its surroundings, making it the ideal destination for those who seek a balance between luxury and convenience.

The greater Huntsville area is one of the best places to live in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report’s rankings. Madison boasts the charm of a small town with the convenience of a suburban, contemporary lifestyle. Just minutes from Athens, Decatur and Huntsville, this charming town provides the comforts of home with the convenience of living a stone’s throw from entertainment, schools, dining and restaurants. Home to Minor League Baseball’s Rocket City Trash Pandas, multi-use greenways, the Town Madison was designed to incorporate living, work and play all in one amazing community.

The Robert Madison is zoned for Madison City Schools’ Heritage Elementary School, Discovery Middle School, and Bob Jones High School.

To schedule a tour or for more information about The Robert Madison, go to www.therobertmadison.com or call 256.325.4000. See ad on page 9.

THE TIME IS NOW

Near-death COVID scare prompts local educator to realize his dream of becoming an author

STORY BY BOB LABBE

PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

AAs a youngster growing up in Williamsburg, Va., which is part of the “Historic Triangle” with nearby Jamestown and Yorktown, Brad Jefferson loved to read. His diving into books that filled his house allowed him to visit many places around the world without leaving his home. His mother always stressed the importance of reading and writing and even his older brother, Archie, made Jefferson read out loud as a way to learn how to read and not be embarrassed should he be called upon to read in front of others.

“My dream of a child was to be an author as that would be a way for me to give something to my family and the world when I am gone,” said Jefferson, now 49 and headed into his 22nd year of education and 12th at Bob Jones as a teacher and coach of numerous sports teams including the head coach of the Patriots’ track and field program. “So, four years ago, during the CO-

VID year, I figured out I didn’t know how much longer I would be on this earth, so I better write while I can.”

Nearly killed by the COVID-19 virus, where he spent 28 days in Madison Hospital strictly isolated from the outside world including his family, Jefferson stills suffers major side effects from his bout with the killer infectious microbe, including needing kidney dialysis three days a week for four hours each time when he visits the dialysis center each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. His kidneys have failed and his search for a kidney donor is ongoing as he’s been placed on the exchange program and is looking to have a kidney transplant at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

While battling for his life not knowing he would live another day, Jefferson thought back to his childhood in Virginia and spoke with Archie, now 53, about the possibility of writing children books about their life expe-

riences. His brother is already an author of self-help books and several children’s books, which are available on Amazon. “He told me to give it a try. After all, I have the stories to tell, so write them down,” said Jefferson.

Fast forward four years and Jefferson is a now a proud author of a series of books titled “Archie and Brad Adventures.” The fun and lively children’s books, with editing and illustrations by Dawn Ghostwriting Publishing, follows the two brothers through numerous life lessons they experienced, each with a message of how to overcome fear and anxiety and conquer those inner demons of growing up no matter where you lived.

“Life is different for everyone, and I wanted others to understand and experience the joys of reading about people’s lives as all of us had experiences like I did,” said Jefferson.

The former multi-sport athlete, including professional football player, has been married to his wife, Stephanie, for 20 years. They have three daughters, ages 19, 18 and 12. Stephanie has worked as special education teacher at James Clemens High and will enter her eighth school year this fall in that position.

But Jefferson kept secret his work as an author of his books from his family and friends until his first

publication. “Yes, I surprised everyone. They were shocked,” he said.

In every step of his life, Jefferson has made the best of every situation, and his unique journey is clearly expressed in his books. His current book of thirty-seven pages is about him and his brother wanting a dog and how their mother took them to see exactly what it takes to own and properly care for a pet. The book is available on Amazon and Kindle with an electronic form available as well. He has hopes of having them placed in both Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million. The book was within 200 copies sold of making the New York Times Best Seller List with the publisher looking to guarantee 20-thousand copies each.

“The remaining nine books are written and edited. We are just waiting on the illustrations as those usually take some time to be completed,” he added.

The remaining nine books each have a different theme/subject. Those include: visit to the dentisttrust, visit to a zoo- importance of humanity, a trip to Busch Gardens- mental math/word play/fun, Christmas- being a gift to others, school- being a friend, sports- understanding winning and losing, visiting family- love and fun, Army- duty and honor, and being a brother- unconditional love.

With all of the health issues Jefferson has endured since his battle with COVID, he decided to share his life experiences in a way where others could learn from what he and his family went through as his father was not part of his life from ages two to 18, although his father now is among his life and lives just a few miles away of the Madison area.

“I’m trying to be unselfish with my God-given talents, so I wrote these books during the toughest time in my life,” said Jefferson, who also suffers from lung damage and, on occasions, his skin going through a sensation of burning, both due to COVID. “With everything going on in my life, including kidney transplant, I cannot help but think of my children, family and students. I’ve had many people ask me what keeps me motivated. I tell them God wrote my name down the night before and added me to the awake list. As long as He keeps doing that, I’ll keep doing His work.”

Jefferson and his family attend Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church off Winchester Road in Huntsville. He and his oldest daughter, Bailey, read bible scriptures every day and have a spiritual connection beyond more than parent-child. Briley is his youngest daughter with Savannah his middle child.

In many ways, Jefferson is an old soul as he hopes to

foster a love for reading books knowing in today’s world most children spend the majority of their time on their phones, tablets, computers and computer games. He wants to help change the fact that the youth of today are missing a wonderful experience of reading a book in their hands. “I want to change that through my books and my work with young people.”

In October 2023, Jefferson underwent a procedure of having two access ports inserted into his chest as he currently has two tubes attached to those ports that are used for his dialysis treatments which he began a month later. He exercises by riding a bike but is limited on physical exertion and is always guarded of coming into contact with germs that could cause an infection around the ports, which in turn, could cause death.

“When I receive my kidney I’ll most likely retire from my job in education as I can either do that or take a leave of absence for at least two years,” said Jefferson. “No matter what happens, the storage shelf God put my gifts of life on I want to be empty when I die. I want to share all I can. Through my books is one of the best gifts I was given, and I hope to make a difference in others as each story embodies a theme, creating a rich tapestry of values and lessons that reflect different aspects of life and personal growth.”

Mental health and trauma therapy

Lee Marshall Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation Kidstolove.org ...

NNobody likes to wait. We become impatient at restaurants and traffic lights waiting mere minutes for a table or a green light. Imagine having to wait weeks, or even months, for critical life-changing care. Such is the state of mental health and trauma therapy in Alabama. We can do better.

I am proud to share with you this month that Kids to Love is a licensed practice by the Alabama Department of Mental Health. Our licensure invites a wider avenue to offer trauma therapy for children and families across our state.

The American Academy of Pediatrics acknowledges that mental and behavioral health is the greatest unmet health need for children and teens in foster care. Still,

many have to wait an unreasonable amount of time to get the help they need. Our Smith Family Wellness Center, home of the Grant Hill Trauma Team, is changing that statistic We have four expert therapists, licensed in a variety of modalities, so kids can receive therapy not only to help their trauma but to heal their trauma. We have already served more than 100 clients and as construction moves forward on the Smith Family Wellness Center we will be able to welcome more.

Children can’t heal if they don’t have the right help, and they shouldn’t have to wait for it. You can learn more about the services we offer, and apply as a new client with our mental wellness team, at kidstolove.org

Kids to Love therapy room

A LOVE FOR ART

Sandra Lester uses her amazing talents to create vibrant, one-of-a-kind abstract art

STORY BY MARIA RAKOCZY

PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

SSandra Lester is our very own Van Gogh. A skilled artist, a member of the Huntsville Art League, and a Madison resident, Lester creates eye-catching and thought-provoking art that invokes the color and movement of Vincent Van Gogh’s art.

Lester’s artwork is the culmination of a life-long passion and career in art.

Raised by a single mother in Brooklyn and the Bronx in New York, she discovered her talent and passion for art at a very young age. In kindergarten, she received her first commissions.

“I remember drawing a farmer with the overalls. This was in kindergarten, and as soon as I finished drawing it, the other kids in the kindergarten class asked me to draw one for them too,” recalled Lester. “I think I had an eye on the world at an early age, a visual idea of things that are around me, and even though I came up in a very, very poor neighborhood and poor family, somehow the teacher recognized that and I was skipped

in kindergarten and went right to the first grade.”

Her mother later moved Lester and her siblings to the Bronx, where Lester attended John Philip Sousa Junior High School, which had thriving music and arts programs. There, Lester got to further experience the arts. One teacher, in particular, was especially encouraging of her artistic talents.

“She was just wonderful in terms of not only doing drawings and paintings but also encouraging sculptures. I remember these paper mâché puppets that we made, and it was just something that really interested me a lot. And I participated in plays that happened in the school for the junior high school students and we would help paint the backdrops. So, that was something that also encouraged me and inspired me,” said Lester.

Her high school years were absent of art classes, but her eye was always on pursuing it in college. Lester was determined to become the first in her family to go to college, and she devoted her high school years to earning

her academic diploma.

With the academic diploma secured, she left New York for Massachusetts and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Atlantic Union College. While at Atlantic Union College, she fell in love with art history.

“At that time, I took a variety of wonderful art courses, including art appreciation and art history, and although I enjoyed painting and drawing and sculpting, I really was fascinated with the wonderful story of art, art history. They did not offer a degree in that, but when I finished at Atlantic Union College, I applied for and got accepted at Howard University, and I got into their art history program, and there I received a Masters of Art degree in Art History,” Lester said.

Lester put her degrees in Art Education and Art History to use in a forty-year teaching career.

She was hired fresh out of AUC by the D.C. school system in 1968 as an art teacher.

“At that time, there was a real emphasis on trying to introduce the arts back into the schools. So, Washington, D.C. public schools had an art program, and I got hired into their art program in 1968,” recalled Lester.

She remained there until her son was born in 1974. Her teaching days were far from over though.

While home with her children, she operated a family daycare center out of her home for local children for ten years until 1985 when she returned to teaching art in Anne Arundel County Maryland. She continued teaching in Anne Arundel County and then Howard County for another twenty years. She officially retired in 2005 after sustaining a school-related injury to her hand. Even so, Lester was undeterred from the teaching she so loved, and she continued to substitute teach even after retirement. Life also came full circle for her when she began caring for her grandchildren as well as the children of the original children she cared for in her home daycare two decades prior.

In 2016, Lester arrived in North Alabama. She followed her children, who had attended Oakwood College, to the area, and in turn, some of her friends followed her to North Alabama.

It’s been here, in North Alabama that she’s experienced a kind of creative renaissance, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When COVID came, it really jumpstarted me again to do some art because I was not really into a lot of art. I just was home decorating the house because I was always interested in design and decorating and whatnot, but during those two years of COVID, I really started sitting down and imagining why

not use your skills?” she remembered.

She started out creating watercolor paintings.

“At first I was painting and drawing flowers and still-lifes and landscapes, things that ordinarily artists know a lot about,” Lester recounted. “But it wasn’t much of a challenge for me. The challenge was what can I do differently? And I decided to do abstracts but using lines and shapes and colors and composition and come up with some interesting compositions with lots of color and movement.”

To take on this challenge, she shifted to permanent inks, which are now her main medium of choice. The shape of the markers is easier for her to work with due to the injury in her hand, and their vibrant colors are perfect for the bright, colorful art she creates.

Using the permanent inks, she has created several series of abstract pieces. One of her first series was autobiographical with each piece depicting a building that was pivotal in her life including the hospital where she was born, her childhood home in Brooklyn, and the schools and churches she’s attended.

For her most recent series, she adopted a musical theme. After discussing the music program at Oakwood University with a friend, she was inspired to incorporate music into her art. Thus, she began a new series of abstracts on musical instruments.

“Music is a universal language, and anyone looking at any piece of artwork they’re either going to see something that they can recognize or if it’s something that they don’t recognize they can either imagine or they can find out more information about it. With my artworks, you can definitely see the different musical instruments, and I wanted to create the movement so that you’re not just seeing a stationary instrument. You’re seeing the flow of the movement and the notes,” she explained.

Lester’s art incorporates her brushes with a multitude of cultures and styles in her world travels. The art and architecture of Egypt has been some of the most striking in her travels, and their geometric style still influences her work today. She also cites Vincent Van Gogh as a major influence on her work.

“Van Gogh really inspired me in terms of freshness of color and also movement. I believe that he really inspired because in his beautiful artwork, first of all, I was interested in his life and I would always teach about Van Gogh because he was one of those artists who wanted to be something else and eventually became an artist, but his paintings always reflected a type of movement like the Starry Night, and I wanted to kind of get that flow and feeling and also the freshness of art so that it didn’t look old and stale,” she said.

Lester promotes her artwork and the entire local arts community with the Huntsville Art League.

Since 1957, HAL has promoted the creation and purchasing of original local art, a mission, of course, important to Lester. She especially encourages art consumers to purchase the original, handmade pieces rather than prints.

“A number of people to decorate their homes, sometimes, what they do is they go and they buy a print from a store and it could be a framed print, but the thing is, I want to encourage people to buy original art because I just think it’s an appreciation of that artist’s handiwork and it’s something that they can pass down to a relative or a friend,” said Lester.

HAL’s mission assists with Lester’s mission, but her initial involvement with HAL happened almost by accident after she happened to stumble upon an advertisement for the non-profit in the Huntsville Airport. She soon juried into the league and has had her artwork displayed in exhibits in their headquarters at Lowe Mill and has proceeds of her artwork support HAL’s mission.

“I was so glad that I could have a place that I could display my art and let others see and enjoy it as well and met some new friends too that were really, really nice people,” she said.

Though Lester’s role in the art world has changed over the years, one thing has remained the same throughout

her teaching career and artist career. She always seeks to foster and inspire the artistic talents and creativity of every individual who encounters her personally or through her artwork:

“I believe that each of us are gifted with a skill or skills and particularly skills that bring enjoyment or relaxation, calmness, beauty, and those skills that we are inspired by, I think, that we should try to engage in them, and as we engage in them, I believe we are to inspire others.”

The Huntsville Art League Gallery is in Studio 2013 in Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment in Huntsville, Alabama. Open 11 am to 7 pm, Wed - Sat. You can find more about HAL at www.huntsvilleartleague.org.

OUT&ABOUT

FIRST RESPONDERS BBQ AND FAMILY PICNIC - The Madison Chamber of Commerce, along with several sponsoring businesses, hosted the First Responders BBQ and Family Picnic at Sunshine Oaks in Madison recently. The event was a special way to say thank you to all the men, women and their families who contribute so much for our safety and quality of life. The presenting sponsor was Meta. BBQ was provided by Lawyers Barbecue. The event included music, a kids zone, VR demonstrations, games and lots of fun. Photos by Samantha Magnuson and Chamber President Michelle Epling.

MADISON CITY SCHOOLS

Building a Stronger Community: The Madison City Council of PTAs

By Sarita Edwards

MMadison City Schools thrives largely because of partnerships with its PTAs. Our PTAs are an important liaison between our schools and the community.

The Madison City Council of PTAs (MCPTA) serves as a unifying body, connecting the individual PTAs from all the schools across Madison City.

Its mission is to support, empower, and advocate for the children and families in our community through a collaborative environment where parents, teachers and students work together to help students and schools thrive.

Our PTAs are a diverse group of parents, educators, and community members who share a common goal: to ensure that every child has access to quality education and a nurturing environment.

Support for Local Unit PTAs

The MCPTA provides resources, training, and guidance to local unit PTAs. Whether it is organizing leadership workshops or offering best practices for fundraising, MCCPTA wants to ensure the local PTA units have the tools and knowledge to succeed. Having an umbrella network enables PTAs to share their successes, challenges, and

innovative ideas. This collective wisdom helps each PTA grow stronger and more effective in its mission.

The Importance of Community Involvement

The MCPTA is not just about supporting individual PTAs. It’s about building a better future for our children and community.

When parents and teachers come together, they create a powerful voice that advocates for needed changes in our schools. From improved facilities and curricula support to learning fun like the PTA Reflections Arts Contest, our collaborative efforts lead to tangible benefits for all students.

Research shows that when parents are involved in their children’s education, students are more likely to excel academically, have better social skills, and exhibit positive behavior. By supporting the MCCPTA, you are investing in the well-being and future success of every child in Madison.

The Benefits of Becoming a PTA Member

With a new school year beginning, we encourage everyone to consider joining a PTA. Membership is not limited to only parents and teachers of their zoned school. It’s open to anyone: grandparents, young professionals, educators and business people. Having a child in the system is not a requirement. We are all stakeholders in the future of MCS students in this district.

President of the Madison City Council of PTAs

A PTA meeting at one of the local elementary schools.

Joining a PTA is more than just attending meetings. It is an opportunity to make a difference in our students’ education and this community. As a PTA member, you gain a platform to voice your concerns, share your ideas, and work collaboratively with other parents, teachers, and students. Membership in the PTA also provides numerous benefits, including access to valuable resources, discounts, and exclusive events. Your participation can shape the future of our schools and create a lasting impact. Join all the schools in Madison City by signing up for the MCPTA Mega Membership! Visit https://mcspta. square.site/ to join today!

The Madison City Council of PTAs encourages every parent, teacher, high school student, and community member to join us in this journey. Let’s make Madison a place where every child can succeed, and every voice is heard. Join the PTA today and be a part of something fantastic!

The individual PTA organizations host and sponsor several school functions throughout the year, like this event at Mill Creek Elementary (above) and at Liberty Middle School (below).

GET BACK TOWHAT YOU LOVE

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