The Madison Record - March 6, 2024

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The old fire station on Sullivan Street is now up for sale. An ordinance authorizing the sale of the property that includes a former fire station and the Madison City Schools Annex office was approved at a Madison City Council meeting last week.

An appraisal shared at the Jan. 24 work session valued the property at $350,000, funds which the city indicated could go towards the new animal control facility planned for Celtic Drive.

Madison Mayor Paul Finley

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

elaborated on the sale process, “We most likely will put it up for auction. At that point, have the ability if it doesn’t meet the number we want to not take it but we have the ability to put that up. Also, when it comes to the property itself we make sure as we own it we secure enough right of way if we wanted to wide that road if we could.”

At the same meeting, the council completed appointments to the Madison City Disability Advisory Board with the placing of Holly Waite, special education personnel with the school district, to Place 5 and the reappointment of Jenny

The Von Braun Center is entering its fiftieth year and marking the anniversary with a year full of celebrations.

The VBC’s motto for the special year is ‘Your Place Through Time’, highlighting the center’s long history and the role it has played in many North Alabamians’ lives.

The VBC was built in 1975 thanks to the hard work and dedication of the founding board members.

Bob Stagg, one of those founding forces behind the VBC, said of the early years at a press conference on Friday, “We rented some office space right across from First Methodist Church on Greene Street and that became

Evers to Place 3. At the previous city council meeting, three places were filled on the board in an effort to fill long-time vacancies that have stalled the board’s productivity since 2022.

Now, Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski said, “They’re totally full now. They will have a full quorum at their meeting on March 12.”

After filling open places on MCDAB, the council established a brand new board. The Mural Advisory Board is comprised of five places, each with their own requirements, all meant to direct and advise ongoing efforts to establish mu-

See CITY COUNCIL Page 2A

our home for the next three years. Sometimes we were there three and four nights a week during the design phase.”

The VBC has seen a lot of change since Stagg and his fellow board mem-

Expansion to Wall Triana planned in preparation for Costco

WAFF

last week Madison County Commissioners approved a deal that will eventually widen Wall Triana Highway to five lanes in anticipation of the Costco that will eventually border Hwy. 72.

WAFF reported construction crews have already been working along Wall Triana preparing the lanes to be widened. There is no word yet on when the store might open, but it is expected to be located at Clift Farm, which is located just outside of Madison city limits.

Costco has four locations in Alabama, including one in Huntsville on North Memorial Parkway that opened in 2000. Residents in the area have started voicing their excitement and concerns about the anticipated increase in traffic.

“We’re excited about the Costco being close, we’re definitely concerned about the traffic it’s going to bring especially since it’s already so busy right around here,” resident Corey Salata told WAFF.

“You’re bringing in more people to go to those stores. So you may double the roads, but you’re tripling the traffic,” said Angel Little, another Madison city resident.

Salata and Little both live in different subdivisions just off Wall Triana. Both of them told me their neighborhood exits directly onto one of the busiest roads in the county.

Add a Costco to the equation and they say it only becomes more of an issue. Only time will tell if the expansion will create fewer gridlocks for its residents.

Two children killed by dogs in North Alabama last week

NEW HOPE - A 3-yearold boy was killed Friday afternoon after being attacked by a dog in the north Alabama town of New Hope. Multiple agencies responded to a call from T. R. Christian Road in New Hope just before 5:30 p.m. When they arrived, they found that a dog had attacked a child, who was pronounced dead. The agencies included the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Owens Cross Road Police Department, and the New Hope Police Dept. It was the second death

in Alabama last week of a young child killed by a dog. Four-year-old Beau Clark had been killed last Monday by a dog in the north Alabama town of Hartselle. He reportedly rode his bike to a nearby neighbor’s house. The child knew the neighbors, who were friends of his family. He had been to the home frequently and was familiar with the dog which attacked. Beau Clark was transported to Decatur-Morgan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Funeral services were Friday at Danville Baptist Church. His parents are Kevin Clark and Hailey Johnson Clark of Hartselle.

City council Continued from page 1A rals throughout the city.

“This board will oversee and again try to utilize murals, but we want content to be appropriate, and I think they’ve already got a couple in the hopper. So, we should be seeing this move forward right now,” said Mayor Finley. Place 1 of the board, designated for a city employee, was filled by Communications and External Affairs Officer Samantha Magnuson.

Place 2, designated for a Madison businessperson, was filled by Kristen

Strickland.

Places 3, 4, and 5 are all reserved for Madison artists and were filled by Cristie Clark, photographer and winner of the Big Ten Mayors photo contest, Dwayne Craft, a member of the Madison Arts Alliance, and Mason Overcash, an art teacher at James Clemens High School.

The next city council meeting will be held at City Hall, 100 Hughes Road, on Monday, March 11 at 6pm and will be preceded by a work session at 5pm.

Columbia Elementary School welcomed the state’s most famous weatherman last Tuesday. James Spann visited students at the Madison school and gave an informative presentation about meteorology. He is a television meteorologist and podcast host based in Birmingham. He currently works for WBMA-LD, Birmingham’s ABC affiliate. Spann has worked in the field since 1978. He was welcomed to the school with some very creative homemade cookies.

Madison City Schools’ 28 National Merit Finalists rank among highest for state

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The 2024 National Merit Finalists in Madison have placed both campuses in the top five for Alabama high schools.

Madison City Schools again has an outstanding number of finalists, with 15 National Merit Finalists from Bob Jones High School and 13 National Merit Finalists from James Clemens High School.

The total of 28 finalists for the district places MCS in the top tier for the state. MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said he is proud of these students for their hard work and for the teachers who prepared them from the earliest grades on up.

Nichols credited the strong foundation of MCS, set by past and present leadership that continues through the unwavering support of parents, community leaders, Madison Board of Education members, principals, administrators and dedicated teachers and staff in MCS elementary, middle and high schools.

National Merit Finalists at Bob Jones are Abram Carlson, Samantha Chan, Andrew Crocker, Rachel Ehrman, Luke Garrison, Elizabeth Haddock, Lucy Halter, Piper Larkin, Francois Le Roux, Madeline McInvale, Elizabeth Newsom, Pranav Satheeshl, Lauren Sheehy, Taylor Turpin and Zoe Widman.

National Merit Finalists at James Clemens are Angela Ai, Shivani Alapa-

National Merit Finalists at Bob Jones High School are Andrew Crocker, front row from left, Madeline McInvale, Piper Larkin, Elizabeth Haddock, Taylor Turpin, Samantha Chan, Lucy Halter, Rachel Ehrman and Bob Jones Principal Sylvia Lambert. MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols, back row from left, Elizabeth Newsom, Luke Garrison, Francois Le Roux, Lauren Sheehy and Pranav Satheesh. Not pictured are Abram Carlson and Zoe Widman.

National Merit Finalists at James Clemens High School, in random order, are Angela Ai, Shivani Alapati, Carlin Chacko, Bhavya Chalasani, Abhishek Emani, Connie Guo, Grace Hur, Lilliann Markowitz, Aasim Musani, Brock Senel, Neil Sethi, Saahil Shaik and Samuel Townsend. Principal Dr. Kerry Donaldson stands in the center.

See MERIT Page 8A

Huntsville’s residential building boom catching its breath, but still very strong

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville’s residential building boom appears to be catching its breath after years of construction at a furious pace. However, with continued growth in population and new jobs, forecasts indicate that 2024 will still be higher than the 10-year average for residential construction, a study from the City’s Long-Range Planning Division reveals.

The 2023 Huntsville Development Review showed the city’s population is continuing to grow even as the real estate market for single-family homes moderates. Data for this report was obtained from City records and the Valley Multiple Listing Service.

that allow the market to remain economically strong going forward,” Davis said.

High demand for single-family housing

The demand for single-family lots continues to be high. There were 1,284 single-family lots approved in 2023, the seventh year in a row with above-average approvals. The approvals were also the third-most in the last decade.

Certificates of occupancy for single-family homes also increased by 5.8% in 2023 with 1,242 homes receiving COs. Single-family home construction remains consistent while multi-family and townhome sectors have seen an increase in construction.

There were 14 multi-family complexes completed in 2023, the most in Huntsville since 1984. Another 43 complexes are under construction with 10,784 units approved. According to data from Axiometrics, multi-family occupancy rates remain above 90% for the Huntsville market. Although this data shows that Huntsville remains a strong development market, the new volume coming online should help moderate rent growth.

The commercial permitting continues to illustrate strong growth in both retail and hospitality sectors, with moderate growth in the office market. This commercial growth is indicative of the continued population growth trends and the arrival of new companies that continue to see Huntsville as a favorable growth market.

“The 2023 Development Review data is a good indicator of Huntsville’s economy. Residential and commercial sectors remain strong and well above our 10-year averages,” said Shane Davis, the City’s Director of Urban and Economic Development. “The data confirms our strategy of managing growth while maintaining a good quality of life.”

Over the past three years, Davis said the City has been very strategic with industrial growth opportunities to ensure the thousands of existing job openings can be filled from recent industrial growth. In addition, the data illustrates that public investments remain robust to handle population growth such that the Huntsville community remains a very desirable place to live and work.

“I believe if you look at the past several years of Development Review data, you will find that Huntsville continues to stay focused on making the correct investments

In 2023, the City experienced a record number of (4,693 units) housing units receiving certificates of occupancy. It’s the most residential certificates of occupancy issued by the City since record keeping began in 1983 and an increase of 26.2% from 2022. For comparison, the 10year average of residential COs is 2,289.

Multi-family and townhome product drove the record numbers in 2023, accounting for 74% of the total number of housing units.

“We’re seeing growth all over the city,” James Vandiver of the City’s planning department said. “Traditional growth areas such as West Huntsville and Hampton Cove/Big Cove areas continue to thrive, but the city is also experiencing multiple new developments in North Huntsville along with Hays Farm in south Huntsville and Lowe Mill in the middle of the city. Trailhead on Chapman Mountain is another hotspot. (Highway) 72 east has been active for both multi-family and single-family developments.”

Finally, the 2023 data shows that public and institutional investments remain robust to accommodate Huntsville’s growth. The City issued permits for 193 projects for categories such as education, places of worship, recreation, aviation, and other quality of life services.

Over the past three years, the City has issued over 760 permits for projects in these types of categories.

Other insights revealed in the 41page report:

$556 million — value of residential new construction permitted in 2023

4,415 — residential building units permitted

12,359 — housing units added since April 1, 2020

$392,725 — average home sales price, a record high

3,044 — number of homes sold

235,204 — estimated population as of July 2023

992.7— number of acres annexed into Huntsville in 2023

Huntsville Parks & Recreation’s HerPower Walk set for March 16 at Big Spring Park

“The

fostering inclusivity in our programming,” said Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett. “It’s another testament to our dedication to creating events where everyone feels welcomed and valued.” Visit the Facebook event page for more information at www.facebook.com/ huntsvilleparksandrecreation.

Photo by GTEC/Marty Sellers

Cornbread 101

By JOE HOBBY Columnist

For whatever reason, I decided today was going to be the day. Without hesitation, I walked into the bedroom with purpose, and called to my wife Carol, who was watching a movie on her iPad.

I got right to the point and said, “Hey, the time’s come. I should have done this a long time ago. Today I want you to teach me how to make cornbread.

And once you do that, show me how to make pecan pies. Then I will have no further use for your services.”

She looked over her iPad and said, “Do you know the only reason I even keep you around is for lawn maintenance and minor home repair.”

Touché. She followed me into the kitchen, which is my domain now. That’s because I enjoy cooking, and Carol, well let’s just generously say it’s more of a chore for her.

There are two exceptions to this rule. She can cook pecan pies and cornbread. I’ve seen the proof at many a church covered dish where her pecan pie vanishes early, and her plate of cornbread is always empty. So today I was going to force her to reveal one of her dark secrets, one that I’m sure that has been passed down for generations. At last, I was going to learn the secret of making proper cornbread.

She immediately opened the pantry door and pulled out a package of cornmeal mix from a secret stash. Then from the very back of the fridge, a quart of buttermilk and an egg.

After grabbing a mixing bowl, she picked up the cornmeal package, turned it over, and said, “The directions are right here on the back, and I just follow them.”

“What? That’s it?” I asked incredulously.

“No secret ingredients?

No magical incantation passed down from little old ladies in bi-focals?” I felt like a student at Hogwarts who had been told there was no such thing as magic.

I continued by saying, “The next thing you’ll tell me is the recipe for green bean casserole is on the back of a can of Camp-

bell’s Mushroom soup.”

“Joe, that recipe is on the back of a can of Campbell’s Mushroom Soup.”

This cooking lesson was becoming more traumatic with each passing minute.

Carol continued, “Now there is one secret, one thing you must have for good cornbread,” I perked up. And she produced an old cast iron skillet, brandishing it like a wizard’s wand. “This was my grandmother’s. An old seasoned cast iron skillet is what really does it. But first, you coat it with oil, swish it around, then place it in a hot oven.”

I knew there had to be some special, secret to all this. The magic skillet! Of course. I felt better - that is, until I saw the next step.

While the oven heated, my wife reached in a lower cabinet, pulled out a small tub and put it on the counter. I knew what it was and I knew what she was about to do. My face turned white. The fear of eternal damnation rose in my soul. I recoiled in horror. Carol was about to put sugar in the cornbread.

“No! You can’t do that!”, I shrieked.

“I thought you wanted to learn how to make cornbread,” she replied.

“I do, but I know enough about it to know what you’re doing is so wrong.”

I was almost pleading. “My mom would never do this! She used to say that if you put sugar in cornbread, then you’re really just making cake.”

A look of mild disgust came over her face. “Well this is the way my grandmother taught me, and this is what the recipe calls for, and this is what we’re going to do.” Then she scooped a tablespoon in the sugar tub and dusted it over the batter.

I began to feel faint as I stepped back from the counter. I just knew that any minute Paula Deen would come crashing thru our front door and arrest us for impersonating southerners. I could already see the crime scene tape being strung across our kitchen door. What’s she gonna do next, put mayonnaise in it?

My wife looked up, shook her head, and said, “Enough with the drama, Shakespeare. How many times have you eaten my cornbread?”

“Lots of times,” I replied uncertainly.

“Right. And people love

See HOBBY Page 8A

Irish Sláinte Stew

Celebrate St. Pat’s with Traditional Irish Dishes

Irish Sláinte Stew

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - If St. Patrick’s Day inspires feelings of hearth and home rather than leprechauns and green beer, you can celebrate tradition with warm, filling meals that harken back to Irish heritage. Soups and stews are certain to conjure up some nostalgia while soft, delicious cake is a perfect way to honor tradition regardless of your ancestry.

This Irish Sláinte Stew offers a warm welcome to guests with your own way of toasting to the holiday – Sláinte is “cheers” in Gaelic. This hearty meal is perfect for a crowd with traditional stew meat slow-cooked in a Dutch oven with beef broth, spices, carrots, potatoes, herbs and an Irish draught beer. Serve alongside crusty bread that’s ideal for soaking up each delicious drop.

Share a sweet way to complete the meal in style with Irish Apple Cake, a classic dessert to top off a filling celebration. This version is easy enough to prepare with a handful of everyday ingredients for the cake, a crumbly topping and homemade custard for the finishing touch.

If you’re looking for additional ways to honor tradition this St. Patrick’s Day, visit Culinary.net.

Irish Sláinte Stew

Oil, for drizzling

1 pound stew meat

1-2 pinches salt, plus additional to taste, divided 1-2 pinches pepper

3 tablespoons flour

48 ounces beef broth

and Irish Apple Cake

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced 3 cups potatoes, diced 1/2 onion, diced

2 tablespoons garlic pepper

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary

1 tablespoon dried chives

1 bottle Irish draught beer of choice crusty bread, for serving

In Dutch oven over medium heat, drizzle oil and brown stew meat with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over meat. Add beef broth, carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, garlic pepper, thyme, rosemary and chives. Add Irish draught beer. Bring to boil, stirring, 5 minutes. Simmer 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with crusty bread.

Irish Apple Cake Cake:

3 cups self-rising flour

1/2 tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1 stick butter, cubed

3/4 cup sugar

4 apples of choice, peeled and cubed

2 eggs

1 cup half-and-half

Topping: 1/2 stick butter

3/4 cup flour

1 cup brown sugar

Custard:

6 large egg yolks

6 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 cups half-and-half

2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease and flour 9-inch round springform pan.

To make cake: In large bowl,

See RECIPE Page 8A

Irish Apple Cake

Madison Chamber of Commerce’s ‘2024 Best in Business Awards’ seeking nominations

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The Madison Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for “2024 Best in Business Awards.”

The new Space Camp Operations Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center will serve as the event venue on April 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. The awards ceremony will include a traditional dinner.

The awards “showcase excellence and innovation throughout our local business community. We encourage all eligible businesses to apply and be part of this celebration,” Chamber President Michelle Epling said.

“In addition to recognizing accomplishments, the event offers invaluable networking opportunities for businesses and leaders alike,” Epling said. “Attendees can connect with like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration and community growth.”

The Best in Business Awards cover several categories:

• Start-Up Business of the Year -

Recognizes a successful enterprise. Licensed business for one to three years.

• Best Non-Profit of the Year –Shows constant commitment for social change. 501(c) or other tax-exempt organization.

• Best Retail Small Business of the Year (under 100 employees) –Acknowledges dedication and innovation.

• Best Service Small Business of the Year (under 100 employees) – Credits high standards of professionalism and reliability.

• Best in Healthcare (doctor offices, dental offices, urgent care, etc.) -Works to deliver exceptional patient satisfaction.

• Best in Fitness & Wellness (fitness studios, spas, hair/nail salons, etc.) – Reserved for outstanding service in improving health.

• Best Large Business of the Year (over 100 employees) – Distinguishes a high-caliber, for-profit company.

• Best Minority-Owned Business of the Year – Recognizes a company with high standards.

• Best in Arts & Entertainment

• Best in Food, Beverage & Hospitality

Additionally, participants will be eligible for the Best Overall Award in Gold, Silver and Bronze categories. This year, the Start-Up Business of the Year Award will be presented in partnership with the Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship, an organization that serves entrepreneurs and small-business owners with coaching and educational programming.

“As The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship continues to expand and serve small-business owners and entrepreneurs across Alabama and the U.S., we’re thrilled to maintain the legacy of celebrating the grit and passion of our community’s small-business owners by continuing to collaborate with the Madison chamber to highlight a Start-Up Business of the Year,” Catalyst Center CEO Lisa Davis said. “Our partnership shows our commitment to providing the highest

MVP Volunteer Awards ceremony set for March 28

By STAFF REPORTS

news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Last year, Madison Visionary Partners recognized outstanding members of the community for their volunteer service with their first ever Volunteer Awards. Four volunteers were given honors for their outstanding and exemplary contributions to the city.

James Clemens High School student Olivia Downs was awarded the Youth Volunteer Award for her nearly three hundred hours of work with local veterans’ organizations. Elizabeth Servidio was named Community Volunteer of the Year for her extensive work at the Madison Senior Center, and Redstone Federal Credit Union won Philanthropic Business of the Year for their support of Madison city projects in-

cluding the Kids Kingdom and Home Place Park renovations. The highest honor of the Madison Visionary of the Year, however, was awarded to Debbie Overcash in recognition and appreciation of her thirty years of service to the city of Madison with a wide range roles and organizations.

“Madison Visionary Partners recognizes the role that volunteer service plays in building a stronger community. Volunteers are simply the glue that holds us together. It’s no surprise to anyone that lives here that the secret about Madison is officially out - more people than ever are moving into Madison to enjoy our award-winning schools, more affordable cost of living, and vibrant, active community,” said Melanie Thornton, Executive Director of MVP, on their

See MVP Page 8A

Madison Newcomers and Neighbors Club to meet March 14 at the YMCA

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The Madison Newcomers and Neighbors Club, a Women’s Social Group, will meet Thursday, March 14, at the Hogan Family YMCA, 130 Park Square Lane in Madison. Social time will begin at 9:45 a.m. with the meeting promptly starting at 10 a.m. The speaker for the March meeting is

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The Madison History Association will host an informative meeting in March about Madison’s past. The meeting which is open to the public, will be held Tuesday, March 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Madison Public Library Room #1. The topic will be: “Dining in Early

Teresa Taylor-Duncan, a detective with the Madison City Police Department. Her presentation will focus on personal safety and scams. Current residents as well as newcomers are always welcome to attend our meetings. They offer informative programs as well as a variety of fun activities which gives you a chance to meet new friends. For more, call Martha Heard (256)7729721 or Lisa Anderson (540)273-3239.

America Analyze cooking and dining traditions in the American home in the 18th and early 19th centuries”. It will be presented by Miranda Cassell with the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) Madison Rainbolt Chapter. Ms. Cassell is a DAR Museum Correspondent Docent.

All of our meetings are open and free to the public. Microphones are provided for our speakers.

Hobby Continued from page 5A

my cornbread, right?”

“Um, well…yeah.”

“Then what are you worried about? It’s just a personal preference, not a crime against humanity.”

“That depends on who you ask,” I replied.

Soon, the batter was poured in the hot cast iron skillet and placed back in the oven. Within twenty-five minutes we had a perfect pone. The top was a warm oak color, while the bottom was a rich, crisp mahogany crust because of the hot cast iron. In between was light, moist perfec-

VBC

Continued from page 1A

bers oversaw its construction. The North and South Halls, Mars Music Hall, and Rhythm on Monroe have since been added to the center, and Propst Arena, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, and Saturn Hall have undergone name changes.

“Since ’75, I will tell you that you all know if you’re from this town here that we have added on to the Von Braun Center,” stated Executive Director Steve Maples. He estimates the center has nearly doubled in size. “The city’s growing. We’re growing, and we’re creating memories,” he said.

“In 1975, it didn’t include everything but today it includes the Propst Arena, Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, the playhouse, Saturn Ballroom, South Hall, East Hall, Mars Music Hall, Rhythm on Monroe, and full-service catering and kitchen,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. The mayor presented a special

Merit

Continued from page 3A

ti, Carlin Chacko, Bhavya Chalasani, Abhishek Emani, Connie Guo, Grace Hur, Lilliann Markowitz, Aasim Musani, Brock Senel, Neil Sethi, Saahil Shaik and Samuel Townsend.

Sylvia Lambert is Principal at Bob Jones. Dr. Kerry Donaldson is James Clemens’ Principal.

Most of MCS’ National Merit Finalists attended Madison schools, starting in elementary grades forward, which is a credit to the outstanding teachers and staffs in our elementary and middle schools, along with both high schools, MCS Public Relations Manager John Peck said.

“These results once again prove that it does not matter where you live or go to

tion. My Cornbread 101 lesson was now officially complete. Carol washed her hands and began walking out of the kitchen, saying matter-of-factly, “That’s all there is to it.”

“Hey, wait! What about the pecan pie?”, I asked. She looked over her shoulder, and replied, “Joe, don’t push your luck.”

Find more of Joe’s stories on his blog: mylifeasahobby.blogspot.com. Also, follow on Facebook at: Joe Hobby Comedian-Writer

proclamation at Friday’s press conference declaring a celebratory year for the VBC.

As for the next fifty years, Maples hopes they will resemble the first fifty years and feature positive growth.

“The next fifty years or twenty-five, in my mind, it’s going to continue to do what it has over the first fifty. We’re going to grow again and again and again,” he said.

The VBC is marking its fiftieth year with celebrations scattered throughout the next year. The anniversary will be celebrated at various concerts, hockey games, a special 5k fun run, and with several open houses that will offer tours of backstage areas and an opportunity to take the stage and give your very own performance.

For more. go to www.vonbrauncenter. com.

school in Madison . . . every school is one of the nation’s best,” Nichols said.

The nationwide pool of National Merit Finalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. They include the highest scoring students in each state on PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), which they took as juniors. The finalists will compete for 7,500 National Merit scholarships worth approximately $30 million.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation has headquarters in Evanston, Ill. Its mission is to recognize and honor the United States’ academically talented students. For more information, visit nationalmerit.org.

MVP Continued from page 6A

decision to recognize those who serve our community.

“But all these things that make Madison a wonderful place to live didn’t happen by accident,” she continued. “Volunteers have been the key to the city’s success for decades. In fact, some of Madison’s greatest initiatives were volunteer-led: our nationally-ranked school system, Madison’s public library, the Hogan Family YMCA, the Madison Street Festival, and much much more.”

MVP is now getting ready to recognize even more volunteers who made outstanding efforts in 2023. The organization accepted nominations for the second annual volunteer awards throughout the month of January for the awards of Youth Volunteer of the Year, Community Volunteer of the Year, Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year, and Madison Visionary of the Year. Those selected for each award will be honored at a special event in March.

“This is a community building event that we hope will inspire more people to get involved on a local level in Madison. Whether that is through board service,

volunteer work or philanthropy, we can be a stronger community with more community engagement,” said Thornton. “I am also looking forward to recognizing some amazing people who work hard in our community.”

The finalists for the year’s awards include:

Youth Volunteer of the Year

Andrew Crocker

Savannah Gaertner

Finley Koswoski Community Volunteer of the Year

Michelle Hyams

Denise Phillips

Sandy Weisner

Philanthropic Businessperson of the Year

Cristie Clark, Captured by Cristie Matt Gibson, Gibson Orthodontics

Alice Lessmann, Signalink

The honorees for this year will be announced at the Second Annual Madison Visionary Awards on Thursday, March 28 at 8 a.m. at the Stadium Club in Toyota Field. Tickets are open to the public and are available for purchase. Go to www.mvpmadison.org.

Chamber Continued from page 6A

level of training to our business community and community partners.”

New this year, the Milestone Moment Award honors businesses that have achieved significant milestones in the past year, including a new location, major client, service, company-culture enhancement, community commitment, product, non-profit initiative and productivity.

“The Best in Business Awards not only acknowledge outstanding achievement but also create a platform for businesses

Recipe Continued from page 5A

sift flour with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger. Using fork, cut butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Add sugar and apples; mix well. Stir in eggs and half-and-half until mixture reaches thick, dough-like batter. Pour batter into prepared pan. To make topping: In bowl, mix butter, flour and sugar to create crumbled mixture. Sprinkle on top of batter in pan. Bake 1 hour. Check with toothpick to

to connect, share experiences and inspire one another towards further success,” Chamber Board Chairman DeWayne Howell said.

Application deadline is March 22 at 5 p.m. To apply, visit madisonalchamber. com and click the “BUSINESS” dropdown menu. Click “2024 BEST IN BUSINESS AWARDS APPLICATION.”

Sponsorship opportunities range from $100 to $4,000. For more information, visit madisonalchamber.com/sponsorship-opportunities.

make sure middle is completely done. If not, bake 5-10 minutes. Let cool on rack.

To make custard: Whisk egg yolks and sugar. In saucepan, bring half-and-half to boil. Add one spoonful half-and-half at a time to egg mixture, whisking while adding. Once whisked together, return to saucepan and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla. Serve custard over cake.

Carr was excited to see how well her 11-player roster of

Sparkman bowlers capture top post-season awards

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Sparkman bowling team earned two top post-season awards in the 2024 All-State Teams. The Senators earned Coach of the Year for departing head coach Lisa Ivey while senior bowler Jenna Webber was named Bowler of the Year.

“Jenna Webber is a great young lady,” said Ivey of her senior star bowler. “She is not only a great bowler, but a great person. She is going to do great things and I can’t wait to see them.”

Webber averaged 176 per game during the just completed season where the Lady Senators finished runner-up to Stanhope Elmore in the Class 6A/7A championship match. The 751-622 loss was just the

second on the season for Sparkman (22-2). In 2023, Webber was a First-Team All-State selection alongside her older sister, Angela, who graduated last year.

Joining Webber on the FirstTeam All-State Team was Rebekah Wagner of James Cle-

mens. The Lady Jets lost in the opening round at the State Tournament while Wagner finished fourth in the individual competition rolling a 574 series.

Three members of the Sparkman team were chosen among

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Bob Jones Patriots rocketed past four out-of-state baseball programs this past weekend in a tournament in Hoover.

The highlight of the fourgame stretch had to be Bob Jones obliteration of the Georgia program Peachtree Ridge last Thursday by a score of 10-0. There were some staggering numbers in this game that make you do a double-take.

Bob Jones senior pitcher Braden Booth tossed another no-hitter in a game that was run-ruled after five innings.

Mississippi State commit Booth pitched a no-hitter against Hazel Green back on Feb. 22 as well.

In the game against Peachtree Ridge, Booth walked three and struck out nine in a strong outing for the Patriots.

If it wasn’t enough for Bob Jones to get the no hitter by Booth, all of the Patriots offense also did not record a single hit in the game.

The Patriots bats might not have gotten a hit, but it didn’t matter because they walked 11 times in the game and scored a ridiculous 10 runs in the bottom of the third inning without a hit.

Friday Game: Bob Jones 4, Cartersville 3 Bob Jones took down another team from Georgia in the Friday game with a narrow defeat of the Hurricanes from Cartersville.

James Clemens’ Cade McComb no-hits East Limestone

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - James Clemens had a special day of baseball last Saturday with a double-header sweep that was highlighted by a no-hitter tossed by senior pitcher Cade McComb at Toyota Field.

The Jets shut down East Limestone 9-1 in the early game as McComb and the JC defense kept the Indians hitless.

In the afternoon contest, James Clemens outdueled Shelby County 7-5 in a back-andforth game that came down to the bats in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The man of hour was McComb who has overcome a torn labrum last season and even a slow start in the Saturday game to shine on the mound with his teammates right there to support him throughout the game.

The Jets hurler gave his team seven hitless innings while

The Jets shut down East Limestone 9-1 in the early game as McComb and the JC defense kept the Indians hitless.

walking two and allowing one run with eight strikeouts.

“This is actually my first time playing here,” McComb reflected on competing at the Trash Pandas’ home.

“I sat in the dugout the whole last time because I was hurt last year. Coming out here, it’s

fun man. I’m an Angels fan and I know this is an organization run by the Angels and it’s just fun to play here being on the big stage where the big dogs are.” The sun was beginning to heat up and the fans scattered around the larger than normal

venue for a high school baseball game.

McComb was just trying to get locked into the game after a bit of a rocky start.

“Command wasn’t really there,” McComb said.

“I was trying to do too much.

See JETS BASEBALL Page 2B

Lisa Ivey, far left, stands with her girls bowling team after finishing runner-up at the 2024 State Tournament.

Ivey, who has since retired from her position as head coach, was named the Class 6A/7A Coach of the Year.

Sparkman senior bowler Jenna Webber was named Bowler of the Year as part of the All-State Bowling Team for 2024.

Jets come out on top in Early Bird Invitational

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Having a home track advantage certainly came to the forefront for the James Clemens track program while hosting and winning its annual Early Bird Invitational. The 2024 outdoor track season officially opened with the event with more than 10 schools from across the Tennessee Valley taking part in boys’ and girls’ competitions.

The day-long event concluded with the host James Clemens winning the championship trophy in girls scoring 167 points and a similar trophy in boys tallying 204 points.

Johnson claimed three medals each in the competitive girls division. In girls, Bob Jones was runner-up (147.5) while Bob Jones was third (129) in the boys competition. Topping the individual performances for the Patriots were Alivia Urrutia and Jolissa Coe both of whom took home three medals.

Here are the medal-winning efforts for the meet:

Clemens 4:34.87, 3. Dylan Dryer, 12, James Clemens 4:35.36; 4x400m relay- 1. James Clemens 3:29.75, 3. James Clemens 3:37.53; high jump-

In all, the host Jets earned 36 medal performances as senior multievent athlete Benjamin Thomason captured four medals while both sprinters Zaria Parker and Erihana

Bob Jones

Boys: 100m- 1. Zathian Webster, 11, Bob Jones 11.07, 3. Benjamin Thomason, 12, James Clemens 11.38; 110m hurdles- 1. Benjamin Thomason, 12, James Clemens 14.65; 200m- 1. Zathian Webster, 11, Bob Jones 22.54, 2. Elijah Wells, 10, Bob Jones; 300m hurdles- 1. Isaac Pollard, 12, James Clemens 40.26; 800m- 1. Dylan Dryer, 12, James Clemens 2:01.16; 1 mile- 1. Luke Alverson, 11, James Clemens 4:26.29, 2. Cole Robinson, 12, James

Continued from page 1B

The Canes jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, but the Patriots bounced back with a run in the bottom of the first and two more in the bottom of the third to even the contest at 3-3.

The game stayed that way until the bottom of the seventh when Bob Jones was able to score a run to walkoff 4-3.

The Patriot catcher Zach Johnson was 2 for 3 with an RBI in the game.

Saturday Game 1: Bob Jones 8, Wesleyan Christian 5

The road Patriots continued to roll into Saturday with a first game victory against the Trojans from North Carolina with a late explosion of offense.

Wesleyan Christian blitzed Bob Jones early with five runs in the first two innings to lead 5-1.

The Patriots fought back to score two in the bottom of the third and another run in the bottom of the fifth to trail 5-4. A 4-run bottom of the sixth inning swung the game in Bob Jones’ favor.

Second baseman Jacob Pearl was 2 for 3 with an RBI along with three runs scored and a walk in the victory.

Saturday Game 2: Bob Jones 11, IMG Academy 6

The final game of the weekend was a big one as the Patriots got to lock horns with that infamous private school from Florida.

IMG Academy has been referred to as going to college before actual college and Bob Jones soundly beat the boarding school “best of the best” that money can buy 11-6.

Jets baseball Continued from page 1B

Really just pounding the strike zone wins ballgames.”

James Clemens had scored a run in the bottom of the first inning to lead 1-0, but a run by East Limestone in the top of the second inning tied the game back up at 1-1.

The Jets offense went back to work in the second inning with four runs to take the 5-1 advantage.

One of the guys who got in on the hit parade was JC second baseman Kaleb Wilson who drove in a run with an RBI single and it turned into two runs due to an Indian error.

“I just got up there looking for a first-pitch strike and I was swinging regardless,” Wilson said.

Another guy who was causing damage with the bat was James Clemens left fielder Carson Loosier who had a 2 for 3 day at the plate with an RBI and two runs scored.

This run support allowed McComb to relax a little and settle into the game from a pitching standpoint.

After his rough top of the second where he allowed two walks and the lone run to East Limestone, McComb got on a roll and started dealing.

The Jets pitcher even had a team manager come

up to him in the dugout and say, “Hey man, you have a no-hitter going.”

That was the moment that it hit McComb, the gravity of what was happening, but the senior refocused and went back to work.

There was a moment in the game where it almost fell apart. A ball cracked into the ground by the East Limestone centerfielder Brodie Coker looked to be a problem as it rattled in the direction of James Clemens shortstop Francisco Ramirez.

“I was just trying to make a play behind [McComb] to help him out,” Ramirez said.

The Jets talented shortstop backhanded the ball and zipped it at first base.

The ball screamed toward the first base bag, but it was taking a sickening drop which would make it very difficult to make for the first baseman.

As Coker scrambled down the line toward the bag, the ball took one skip off of the dirt before it was scooped by the always-reliable Jets first baseman Satchel Wheeler who made it look like he had done it a thousand times.

1. Jacob Parks, 10, Bob Jones 5-10, 2. Samuel Johnson, 9, Bob Jones 5-10; pole vault- 1. Austin Abney, 12, James Clemens 13-6, 2. Brandon Fisher, 12, James Clemens 12-0; 3. Hatch Lombardy, 9, Bob Jones 9-0; long jump- 1. Samuel Johnson, 9, Bob Jones 21-6, 2. Benjamin Thomason, 12, James Clemens 21-2.25, 3. Austin Abney, 12, James Clemens 19-3; triple jump- 1. Samuel Johnson, 9, Bob Jones 43-3, 2. Dylan Horton, 11, James Clemens 39-10; 400m1. Elijah Wells, 10, Bob Jones 51.20, 2. Crishawn Willingham, 11, James Clemens 51.22; 2 mile- 1. Luke Alverson, 11, James Clemens 9:43.75, 2. Cole Robinson, 12, James Clemens

See TRACK Page 8B

The Ascenders were leading 5-1 early just like the game before, but back-to-back 4-run innings in the third and fourth innings put the Patriots out front 9-5.

IMG would manage just one more run in the bottom of the fifth and Bob Jones answered that with two more runs in the top of the sixth to close the game out convincingly with 11 runs and nine walks.

Shortstop Braden Booth had a strong game at the plate going 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs and a run scored.

The Patriots return home this weekend with Friday and Saturday double-headers.

On Friday, Bob Jones plays host to Westminster at 4:30 followed by their old rival Sparkman at 7 p.m.

The Saturday double-dip is twice as nice against Hazel Green at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

co is a special defender. That is the reason he is getting the chance to play in college.”

It was indeed the play of the game, and it came in the bottom of the sixth for the first out.

McComb was still on the beam thanks to his team around him making plays keep the no-hitter alive.

The Jets had added a run in the bottom of the fourth and three more in the bottom of the fifth to nearly run rule the game at 9-1, but McComb and company would have to go the full distance to claim the win and the goose egg glory.

To a team who gets nohit it is easy to just say that is just one game, but for the teams that accomplish this feat especially at a minor league ballpark, it is quite meaningful.

“What an accomplishment for him,” Johnson said.

late-inning offense to get it done.

James Clemens pitching ace Luke Davenport only made it two innings in this game before he was lifted for Matthew Drinkwater who took JC the rest of the way.

Davenport allowed three runs, three hits and a pair of walks with three strikeouts in his shorter than usual outing at the Trash Pandas stadium.

Shelby County jumped out to a 2-0 advantage in the top of the first inning and the Wildcats added a third run in the top of the second to lead 3-0 before James Clemens came storming back with four runs in the bottom of the second to go up 4-3.

A guy who terrorized the Wildcats was that pesky JC left fielder Carson Loosier who was a perfect 2 for 2 batting with 2 RBIs and a pair of runs scored with a walk.

The Jets scored another run in the bottom of the fourth to lead 5-3 before Shelby County fought back with two runs in the top of the fifth to square the game at 5-5. With the game deadlocked at 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Loosier led off the inning and was hit by a pitch.

“A guy that missed a lot of last year with some shoulder issues. For him to come in, not really start out sharp, settle in and throw well later in the game and be so efficient where we could let him go back out in the seventh. That’s my biggest thing.”

Saturday Game 2: James Clemens 7, Shelby County 5

A clutch RBI triple by the third baseman Ty Marsh put James Clemens up 6-5 with no one out.

“Backhand, I thought ‘There is no way he makes it,’” James Clemens head coach Johnny Johnson said. “He got rid of it like that and Satchel on the back end to make that really tough in-between pick. That was the play we’ll talk about saving the no-hitter. Francis-

the Second-Team All-State selections. They included Taylor Enfinger (170 avg.), Sr., Kirsten Stokesberry (178 avg.), So. and Natalie Alsup (170 avg.), Sr. In boys, Sparkman rollers Zacary Swaim (208 avg.)

The late game at Toyota Field for the Jets was a different story as the local team was locked in a battle with the Wildcats that came down to some

An RBI sacrifice fly by Hayden Markfort scored Marsh who was standing at third base and gave the Jets a two-run advantage over Shelby County.

Sr., who finished second at the State Tournament,

A recap of the Lady Patriots’ dynamic basketball season

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Prior to the 2023-2024 high school girls basketball season Bob Jones head coach Jazmine Carr was excited to see how well her 11-player roster of players would play as a unit and grow as athletes and excel to perform at their highest level possible. With a schedule regarded as one of the most challenging in Alabama, which included stops at the Hoops 4 Hunger Showcase in Atlanta and the Nike TOC National Showcase in Arizona, the Lady Patriots used the tough schedule to their advantage to where the squad was ranked No. 1 in the state.

With the power and finesse of the lineup which featured four seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and two eighth graders, Carr formulated a season-long game plan to maximize the individual talents of her team which featured newcomers to the program along with a strong senior class with all four upperclassmen earning college scholarships.

“Overall, this team accomplished a lot this year and I think the girls have a lot to be proud of,” said Carr after her fifth season as head coach.

All the Patriots accomplished was finish with a remarkable 29-4 record. The marvelous showing that included winning the Area for the third year in-a-row and advance to the Elite 8 for the third consecutive season. Their season was shaping up to where the squad was a favorite to make it to the Final Four in Birmingham. The anticipation of needing just one more victory to make it to the Magic City came to an end as Bob Jones

fell to Hoover (26-7) 58-55 in the Northwest Regional final.

“We had a great game plan for Hoover and played extremely well for three quarters, but we struggled in the fourth quarter which really cost us the game,” said Carr.

Senior Alana Obianozie (G, 5-9, Sr.) had 9-points, 4-rebounds and 2-steals per game while fellow senior Janiyah Bone (G, 5-8, Sr.) had 9-points and 3-rebounds per outing, led the Patriots and each have signed with Shelton State. Both Jordyn Fields (G, 5-3, Sr.) and Zamyra Goode (G, 5-6, Sr.) are in the process of sifting through offers to play college basketball and will soon make their decisions.

Both Obianozie and Bone will have an additional chance to showoff their individual talents and display how well the basketball talent in Madison really is as both were chosen to play in the 34th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. Carr said of her All-Stars, “They both had great high school careers here at Bob Jones.”

Bob Jones began the season with unknowns, but during its journey made its way to Arizona where it well represented the State of Alabama and posted a perfect 4-0 record winning the bracket and bringing home a championship plaque from the National Nike Tournament. The move through the season concluded with a loss and no advancement to the Final Four. The season was magical…a season to remember.

“It definitely hurts that we didn’t make it to the Final Four in hopes of competing in a State Championship game, but again, there is still so much to be proud of,” added Carr.

The annual Cotton Row Run in Huntsville has become more than just elite runners racing to the finish line. The 10K race is a great way to stay healthy and for others who want to attempt the exciting race and become a part of the community event.

Training kicks off in March for 2024 Cotton Row Run

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The sounds of “pitter-patter” of feet will soon be heard throughout areas of Madison as local residents will be going through training for their attempts to participate in the 2024 Cotton Row Run (CRR) set for Memorial Day, May 27 in Huntsville. Since 1980, the Cotton Row Run has been the premiere Memorial Day running event in the South that honors fallen military members who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we all richly enjoy in the country.

Through the years, the event held in downtown Huntsville has grown from the long standing 10K race to now include

the 5K and one-mile fun run. Conducted by the Huntsville Track Club, the CRR is a road race event that is viewed by many to be an event where beginners can enjoy as much as the elite participants. Again, this year, Fleet Feet of both Madison and Huntsville has put together a 12-week training program for those wishing to properly prepare for the Memorial Day extravaganza. Heading up the training program this year is Paul Moeller, who said, “The program is designed for new runners to the 10K distance, and also for experienced runners desiring to better their current 10K fitness. The program progressively builds up to the 10K distance and features

See TRAINING Page 8B

The Bob Jones girls basketball team just completed a fabulous season with no regrets as their play was a trek across the country coming to an abrupt end at the Northwest Regional.

EBBA DETULLEO SIGNS - Bob Jones soccer player Ebba Detulleo signed a scholarship to play for Union University located in Jackson, Tenn. She played outside forward for the Lady Patriots and posted 42 goals and 21 assists during her career at Bob Jones. She also plays for United Soccer Club. Detulleo has a 4.06 grade point average and will study Business Management with a sports emphasis while playing for the Lady Bulldogs a member of the Gulf South Conference.

Eleven more MCS educators reach ‘star’ level as NBCT

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Celebrities know they ‘have arrived’ by receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In Madison City Schools, a lobby wall at Central Office is reserved for ‘stars’ of the classroom who are award winners as National Board Certified Teachers or NBCT.

The Central Office wall recently received 11 new stars for the Madison educators who have achieved the distinction of NBCT. In addition, 16 teachers attained NBCT renewal, required every five years for teachers to retain the qualification.

The latest installment of ‘stars’ raises the total of NBCTs in MCS to 105 individuals. This level of NBCTs is among the highest in the state, regardless of the school district’s size, according to MCS Public Relations Manager John Peck.

At its meeting on Feb. 8, Madison Board of Education recognized educators who attained a ‘star’ in NBCT ranks:

• Jeremiah Brand -- Science

teacher at Journey Middle School.

• Jennifer Chandler -- Pre-advanced-placement geometry and algebra at Bob Jones High School.

• Amy Harbison -- English at Journey.

• Nancy M. Hartfield -- AP Calculus BC at James Clemens High School.

• Lauren Hillis -- English Language Learners at Rainbow Elementary School.

• Bethany Kachelman -- English Language Learners at Midtown Elementary School.

• Shemeaka King -- Second grade at Mill Creek Elementary School.

• Hanna Napier -- Sixth-grade math and accelerated math 6 at Discovery Middle School.

• Laura Phillips -- Pre-AP chemistry and biomedical science at James Clemens.

• Dr. Sarah Prevallet -- Science grades 6-8 at Discovery.

• Leslie Tignor-Hughes -- Honors English 8 and public speaking at Discovery.

MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols congratulated the new NBCTs. He said they represent

Madison Pre-K, Early Beginnings pre-registration open until March 15

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – For consideration in initial selection, families must pre-register for Madison City Schools’ First Class Pre-Kindergarten and Early Beginnings programs by March 15.

Staff will add pre-registration requests received after March 15 to a waiting list. Pre-registration must include birth certificate and

Acceptance into pre-kindergarten is handled strictly by random drawing, scheduled for March 27, 2024, at 9 a.m. during Madison Board of Education’s meeting, available by livestream. To view Limestream, visit madisoncity.k12al.us, and click the “Our District” dropdown menu and “Board of Education.” Then, click “Board Meeting Livestream.”

The staff will email notices (or mail letters) of acceptance by April 18. The child must be four years old by Sept. 1, 2024. Tuition is income-based on a sliding scale.

Pre-kindergarten students report to West Madison Pre-K Center at 4976 Wall Triana. Their school day covers 7:50 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Bus transportation is not available.

After check-in for the day, pre-kindergartners have a morning meeting, read-aloud session, music and movement and time in a learning center until dismissing for recess from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Another time for read-aloud starts at 10:40 a.m., followed by 15 minutes in small groups.

The students clean up for lunch at 11:15 a.m. and have recess from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. After a bathroom break and cooldown time, the children take naps from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.

We

After napping, they have a snack. Their closing activity and last round of read-aloud lasts from 2:05 to 2:15 p.m. Students in after-school care are dismissed at 2:15 p.m., followed by car riders at 2:20 p.m.

In a learning center, children realize the concept of ‘safe place’ to feel and handle big emotions. Their play, or “work of childhood,” can involve building blocks, dramatic play, art, math, shapes/ colors, alphabet, science, writing and the sensory table for experimenting (Dr. Jean’s Website, modified for MCS PreK).

For more information, email snphillips@madisoncity.k12.al.us or melissa.mims@madisconcity. k12.al.us. Visit madisoncity.k12.al.us, and click the “Academics” dropdown menu. Then, click “Preschool.” In the list to the left, click “First Class Pre-K.”

Another classroom program, Early Beginnings Preschool accommodates students with and without disabilities. Three-yearolds are eligible if the child qualifies for a disability and for special education services; otherwise, the child must be four years old by Sept. 1. The child must live in Madison.

Students in Early Beginnings attend Mill Creek and Rainbow elementary schools from 7:40 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. The staff will notify parents about acceptance by April 18. For more information, email jndrake@madisoncity. k12.al.us.

Pre-registration for the HIPPY program, or Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, is open until May 31. HIPPY promotes home-based, parental involvement for preschool students with and without disabilities. For an application form, visit madisoncity.k12. al.us. For more information, email snwilliams@ madisoncity.k12.al.us.

the ‘best of the best’ in Madison City Schools. He likened the group to the top-notch status of pilots in the Tom Cruise movie, “Top Gun.”

“You have truly soared where few people have gone,” Nichols said.

MCS teachers who recently re-

newed NBCT certifications are Kelsey Cooper, Jane Herndon, Heather Kell, Megan Kerstiens, Adrienne King, Kara Lawrence, Beth Massey, Nichole Murray, Julia Nagle, Sharon Rowland, Kerri Scroggins, Sarah Stewart, Wendy Tibbs, Kate Wade, Katie Weir and Micky Worley.

Studies show that students taught by board-certified teachers gain an extra one to two months of learning each school year, with the positive impact even greater for low-income students, MCS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Heather Donaldson said.

Bob Jones’ Model United Nations team named ‘Best Delegation’

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Politics, policies and resolutions set the tone at a recent conference for the Model United Nations team from Bob Jones High School.

The Alabama Model UN Conference XVI convened at the University of Alabama on Feb. 14-16.

“We had a very good showing at the UN Conference (ALMUN). Our team also won ‘Best Delegation,’ which is the same as winning first place for the conference. We finished second the previous year, and this group of 29 students was determined to go in and come out with the top prize this time around,” history teacher and advisor Michael Hoyle said.

Bob Jones won numerous individual awards:

• “Best Position Paper” -- Kalison Beigh.

• “Verbal Commendation” category – Fourth place. Julia Ehrman, Ol-

ivia MendezMorales, Katie Nguyen and Karsten Wallace.

• Honorable Mention – Third Place. Kalison Beigh, Swetha Jakka and Ben Mitchell.

• “Outstanding Delegate” – Second place. Simon Adkins, Molly Halter, Ian Harbour, Millie Hoksbergen and Eric Joy.

“Best Delegate” – First place, Committee’s Gavel. Candace Bardwell, Caleb Johnson, Veronica Layne, Natalie LeCompte and Gwendolyn Sexton.

“We had a wide range of countries that we represented: the United States, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, China, Afghanistan, UAE, Chad and Denmark,” Hoyle said. “In these committees, students dealt with issues such as debt restructuring, food security, global poverty, and vaccine hesitancy.”

In crisis committees, students portrayed characters (instead of countries) related to Nineveh, “The Hunger Games” and a possible World War III.

“Our students went to great lengths to research their topics, country positions and characters in preparation for this conference. They held work sessions and a mock committee session to help each other develop skills and to further prepare to compete,” Hoyle said.

“In all of the years that I have been sponsoring Model UN, this group has, by far, been the most passionate and dedicated team that I have ever had,” Hoyle said. “They want to excel and succeed at Model UN and are willing to put in the time and effort.

I foresee many of them continuing with Model UN at the collegiate level.”

“I need to thank the other two faculty advisors who went on this trip, Mrs. Leah Faris and Mrs. Amy Thompson. Not only did they help me organize and facilitate the trip, they were also available for our team when they had questions or needed advice on how to proceed with research and debate. I could not have done this without them,” Hoyle said.

Eleven educators in Madison City Schools recently achieved the status of National Board Certified Teacher or NBCT.

The Model UN Team at Bob Jones High School earned distinction as “Best Large UN Delegation” at the Alabama Model UN Conference XVI at the University of Alabama on Feb. 14-16.

HISTORY with John Rankin

A look at American Revolutionary War soldier Bartholomew Jordan

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

MADISON - The Madison Station Historical Preservation Society is in possession of a 7th grade “graduation” certificate made out to Sue Jordan in 1917. From the census records of Madison County, it appears that Sue was likely a daughter of William and Willie Jordan, both born in Tennessee (as was Sue), but living in the town of Madison in 1910.

The connection, if any, of this Jordan family from Tennessee that lived in Madison to the early 1800s pioneer and Revolutionary War soldier Bartholomew Jordan is unknown at this time. However, many members of the pioneer Bartholomew Jordan family remained in the area, some for a period in the town of Madison, while others of them moved into Mississippi in the mid-1800s. Now we are left with only the name Jordan Lane on the road that runs to the north and northwest as the Ardmore Highway (AL Hwy 53) from Batholomew’s land on the northeastern part of today’s arsenal. Jordan Lane was long ago in land deeds referred to as “Jordan’s Lane”. That name also appeared when newspapers announced upcoming events such as the several religious “brush arbor meetings” held on Bartholomew’s land.

The time of Bartholomew Jordan’s arrival in northern Alabama was mentioned in a letter from Dr. J. W. Jordan (a direct descendant) of Lexington, Mississippi, published in the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper in 1929. In this letter, information was given that “… Bartholomew Jordan settled in what is now Richmond, NC, about 1777-80”. The letter further stated that Bartholomew Jordan was “…married to Charlotte Gregory, and about 1810 he moved to Huntsville, Alabama, and settled … a few miles from Huntsville.” What was “a few miles from Huntsville” in the family traditions of 1929 is today well within the Huntsville city limits, but it also actually included a significant portion of the north part of Redstone Arsenal. In fact, the Botanical Gardens and the Space & Rocket Center are likewise located on Bartholomew Jordan’s old lands.

From old land records, it is known that Bartholomew Jordan purchased and patented parcels of land along what today is Bob Wallace Avenue. His neighbor to the east along that road was Isham J. Fennell, Sr. The road now known as Bob Wallace Avenue was originally the eastern portion of what is called Brown’s Ferry Road. It began on the old Whitesburg Pike south of Huntsville’s historic district, and it ran westward from the Whitesburg road all the way through Limestone County to the ferry site near Brown’s Island in the Tennessee River. Brown’s ferry’s northern landing point was located just a few miles east of the Tennessee River’s confluence with the Elk River on the south side of U. S. Highway 72. Another portion of Brown’s Ferry Road later came to be known as Old Madison Pike (well after Madison became a significant town after the Civil War). Furthermore, the part now known as Bob Wallace Avenue did not get that name until the 1950’s as Huntsville grew toward the south of downtown.

When the arsenal was created, what had been Bartholomew’s land covered much of the northern portion of the government reservation. Portions of his holdings are still part of the arsenal, while other portions host Morris Elementary School, where his old family cemetery was located near the northeastern part of the school grounds until recently.

Bartholomew’s influence on the area that became the town of Madison began soon after he moved to this part of the county. The Jordan family became charter members of a new Methodist Episcopal Church that began to hold camp meetings on Jordan’s land around 1819. The church first met on a sometimes-swampy area of the land of Robert Lanford, just to the south and east of the Jordan family holdings. Robert Lanford was the father of William Lanford, who in the 1850s constructed his home at today’s 7400 Old Madison Pike, known as the Lanford-Slaughter House, where Dr. Slaughter and later Madison merchant James H. Cain found their brides.

The original site of the Methodist Episcopal Church on Robert Lanford’s property was abandoned after only a year in order to hold “brush arbor” meetings at

“Batt Jordan’s place” per early newspaper notices of the time. The Jordan site was elevated and more dry, meaning less of a problem with mosquitos. It also had clean spring water readily available in two different locations, and both locations were close enough to the brush arbor site that men and women could be separated for bathing during camp meetings that lasted for days. In fact, brush arbor meetings brought together crowds where single people might encounter and get to know their future marriage partners. Eventual construction of a roofed meeting house occurred on an acre donated by Bartholomew in 1826. It was between 1820 and 1826 that the members of the church met in week-long “brush arbors” on Jordan’s land, before the church building was constructed very near today’s route of Interstate 565.

The church building became known as Jordan’s Chapel, established near where the Department of Transportation sheds are located today along Governor’s House Drive on the south side of Interstate 565 and east of where the Landry’s Seafood House operated before the structure’s conversion for other purposes. A few hundred yards to the south of the church was the small cemetery where Bartholomew and other unknown church members were buried on the Jordan land, but there were no inscribed tombstones or other markers at the seven or eight grave depressions that are now underneath several feet of new dirt.

That cemetery was located immediately adjacent on the west side of the boundary between Morris Elementary and the Botanical Gardens. Today the cemetery is underneath several feet of fill dirt that was pushed over the cemetery when the elementary school was recently expanded and the campus grounds were leveled. Old maps plainly show the location, as well as the old cemetery to the west, on the current grounds of the Space & Rocket Center. That cemetery is thought to have been where the Jordan family slaves were buried, but no tombstones are there now.

In the Jordan family cemetery near the Jordan’s Chapel, location, there was one remaining very large obelisk-like rock (with no inscriptions) in the 1990s that had a base buried deeply in the ground before the fill dirt was added. It is likely that the rock was a monument for Bartholomew’s grave, and some mentions have been made that perhaps the rock was pulled up and stowed behind the developments of features in the Botanical Gardens. The church itself endured only until the mid-1850s, when the railroad was constructed close to the area. However, it is known that several pioneers who were later to become residents of the town of Madison attended or preached at services there before the church disbanded due to the noise and proximity of the coming of the Memphis & Charleston Rail Road, which also eliminated access for bathing in the spring water that flowed from today’s UAH campus. Bartholomew had a daughter named Temperance who married their neighbor, Isham J. Fennell, Senior. The Fennells lived on the northeast side of the Jordan holdings, along what today is Jordan Lane. Their daughter, Charlotte Fennell, married William Lanford as his second wife, after his first wife, Emily DuArmond, died. William was a son of the Robert Lanford who had first deeded the swampy and mosquito-infested land for the church that became Jordan’s Chapel. William Lanford constructed near the east bank of Indian Creek the magnificent Lanford-Slaughter house on Old Madison Pike in 1855-6. His house overlooked the gentle slope down to the south where the Elko Switch station of the railroad was located just north of today’s Gate 9 entrance into Redstone Arsenal The house is just a couple of hundreds of yards north of today’s Old Madison Pike bridge over Indian Creek, but it is up on the high ground of the east side of Indian Creek. It is now hidden from street view by trees. An older section of Old Madison Pike leads to the house’s original wooded lane to the front door from today’s route where it makes a sharp curve to the east after going a bit north of the creek crossing.

William and his wife Charlotte Fennell Lanford (granddaughter of Bartholomew Jordan) had a daughter (Mary) who married Dr. John Robert Slaughter, for

whom today’s Slaughter Road is named. Dr. Slaughter built a small brick office in front of the mansion on its south side for his medical practice. The office building is gone now, but the brick-paved patio from the front door to the office remains.

Mary Lanford and Dr. Slaughter had a daughter, Charlotte (“Lottie”) Slaughter, who married Madison merchant James H. Cain. The James H. Cain store still bears his name over the doors and windows at 202 Main Street in the City of Madison. Today that building is part of the Noble Passage Interiors & Gifts store.

Bartholomew Jordan’s granddaughter Charlotte Fennell Lanford had a brother, Isham Jordan Fennell, Junior, who in the 1860 census was enumerated as living in the Madison town precinct. His grave monument in Maple Hill Cemetery is one

of the tallest in Huntsville. It is a very high obelisk topped by the statue of an angel holding a sword.

Isham J. Fennell and his father of the same name, along with his Jordan maternal grandfather, obviously were some of the wealthiest men of their times here. Yet, the grave of this man’s maternal grandfather, American Revolutionary War patriot Bartholomew Jordan, is today totally covered over with dirt and unmarked. It has been hidden away from future generations as he lies deeply under the ground at Morris Elementary School. A similar fate is apparently rapidly approaching for a number of old, neglected, and very historic cemeteries in the Madison and Triana area during these continuing times of rapid growth and development in the area.

James H. Cain Store, 202 Main Street, Noble Passage, Madison.

Found in The Alabama Republican - Friday, Sept. 1, 1820.

Love is the key

By BECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand

So, we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. - 1 John 4:16

Love has become the buzzword these days to approve of sin. “Love is love” is the slogan referring to marriage for all.

God does want us to love and treat all people with kindness and respect. In this love, you are not to sin. If you speak up and say

something is wrong, you are called a hater. Satan is the prince of the power of the air, and he has confused and lied to many. He is a manipulator. Do love one another but that isn’t a license to sin.

PRAYER: Father you are love. You love all people warts and all and likewise, I am to do the same. Break the stronghold of love in our culture and help the confused find the truth and be born again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

By DAWN REED

Brody won almost $6,000 last week in Sunday School. Cash was the next top winner with $5,800. The money was flowing freely. Caleb made $3,107, Gavan: $1,638, Sky: $1,156, and on and on. Poor Hannah ended up with only $707, but it was more than she had walked in with. I told them “It PAYS to go to Sunday School.”

OK. The money wasn’t real and they had to give it all back, but it was fun while it lasted.

On Sunday mornings, our youth class has been studying the life of Joseph in Genesis 37. What a mess. Talk about dysfunction! Explaining Joseph’s family tree sounded like a reality show. His father, Jacob, loved the beautiful Rachel and worked for seven years to have her as his wife. But he was tricked into marrying the wrong woman (Rachel’s sister, Leah) and didn’t find out until the morning after the wedding. Try telling that to a bunch of middle and high schoolers. And then there’s the part where Rachel couldn’t have children and told Ja-

cob to sleep with her handmaid, Bilhah, so she could build a family through her. Leah matched her sister’s move. She also had a handmaid, Zilpah, and gave her to Jacob to have more children. With a serious face but big eyes, I listed all the women and children on a white board.

Many boys by many mothers caused life to be tense at Jacob’s tent but he seemed clueless. The richly ornamented robe he made Joseph (the longed-for son of the much-loved Rachel) served as a flashing, neon sign of favoritism. “I love Joseph most!” it blared. Everyone saw it.

Last week’s lesson revealed Joseph’s dreams, which stoked the flame of his brother’s jealousy. Jealousy turned to resentment, then to anger, and finally action. We ended with Joseph in the cistern as the brothers sat down to eat.

This past Sunday Joseph was brought out of the pit and sold into slavery for 20 shekels of silver. The kids were shocked that the brothers killed a goat, dipped Joseph’s coat in it, and deceived their father. One sin begat another. Instead of getting rid of Joseph, they made him

a martyr. Jacob declared he would go to his grave mourning his treasured son. Joseph (still very much alive) went from the favorite to a slave, a sheltered life to a pagan city, ending up at Potiphar’s house. Most of our class have no idea what lies ahead.

After applying all the Bible drama to our lives today, we used key words of the story to play Bible-O. It’s a favorite. With every four-ina-row, guys and girls drew different dollar amounts from the fake money bag. They counted it up at the end and were rich for a few moments. Then they gave it all back for us to use another day.

I have so many hopes and prayers for these 6th-12th graders. Studies show many youth stop going to church after high school graduation. The weight is heavy for their teachers and leaders. Oh, how we want them all to always love and walk with Jesus!

At the beginning of class I had reminded them of Hebrews 4:12: “God’s Word is alive and active.” It truly is…for EVERY day. I hope they will remember that.

Next Sunday they will learn about Potiphar’s wife. Mercy!

Continued from page 2B

9:58.35; 4x100m relay- 1. Bob Jones

42.91, 3. James Clemens 44.08; discus- 1. Micah Douglas, 11, James Clemens 150-9.

Girls: 100m- 1. Zaria Parker, 11, James Clemens 12.25, 2. Erihana Johnson, 9, James Clemens 12.40, 3. Alivia Urrutia, 9, Bob Jones 12.82; 100m hurdles- 2. Reynna Mayers, 12, James Clemens 17.75; 200m- 1. Zaria Parker, 11, James Clemens 25.18, 2. Alivia Urrutia, 9, Bob Jones 25.29, 3. Erihana Johnson, 9, James Clemens 25.72; 300m hurdles- 1. Zoey Harris, 11, Bob Jones 50.09, 2. Jolissa Coe, 12, Bob Jones 50.57; 400m- 1. Alivia Urrutia, 9, Bob Jones 57.75, 2. Jolissa Coe, 12, Bob Jones 1:00.78, 3. Ella Carter, 10, James Clemens 1:00.79; 800m- 1. Jolissa Coe, 12, Bob Jones 2:28.20, 2. Claire Colo, 10, James Clemens 2:31.01, 3. Emma Bothern,

Training

12, James Clemens 2:31.13; 1 mile-

2. Ami Marks, 9, Bob Jones 5:44.97, 3. Claire Colo, 10, James Clemens 5:47.12; 2 mile- 3. Ami Marks, 9, Bob Jones 12:28.57; 4x400m relay- 2. James Clemens 4:21.38; high jump1. Jasmyne Rochelle, 9, Bob Jones, 5-0, 2. Madison Ciszczon, 9, James Clemens 4-10; pole vault- 2. Ashlyn Diehl, 12, James Clemens 8-6, 3. Joanna Crawford, 11, Bob Jones 8-0; long jump- 1. Ritsuko Kezuka, 10, Bob Jones 15-10.25, 2. Myah Draper, 12, Bob Jones 15-7.75, 3. Trinity Milligan, 8, James Clemens 15-6; discus-

3. Chloe Wells, 10, James Clemens 81-3; 4x100m relay- 1. James Clemens 48.45, 2. Bob Jones 51.18; triple jump- 1. Reynna Mayers, 12,

Continued from page 3B

a daily activity plan that is highlighted by group runs three times-aweek.”

Daniel Pham of Madison is joining the challenge of making race day in the CRR as he’s looking to the training program to help him get across the finish line. The 24-year old will be running his first CRR and only his second 10K distance race. “Through the training program I want to be able to run consistently as my goal for the race is to finish under an hour. With expert coaches on hand I hope to improve my running form.”

Pham, a software engineer for deciBel Research and who has called Huntsville home since age five, wanted to join the Fleet Feet training program for the sake of his health, plus he wanted to challenge himself in an attempt for his first Memorial Day race. He added, “My mother told me about the training program as both she and my father are runners. After I found out of potential health issues I thought getting back into running would be good. I wanted to challenge myself as I want to get back into the saddle of running 5K and 10K races.” Pham has already got underway in his training running two miles on any given day he hits the roads for a workout.”

Kickoff for the training will be

held in Madison on March 13 at 6:00 p.m. and in Huntsville on March 14 also at 6:00 p.m. Training program fee is $125.

The training program includes

• Two coached training sessions each week (long run and speed work)

• Experienced coaches and mentors to support you along the way

• Daily training schedule for 12 weeks

• Education on proper running form, pacing, fueling, stretching and more

• Tech training shirt- Exclusive Fleet Feet discounts

• Weekly newsletter from the coach with tips, advice and motivational encouragement

“Participants may be surprised that the most effective and strongly emphasized part of the program relies on “easy” and “conversation” paced running,” added Moeller. “The first half of the program will focus heavily on base-building while the last half of the program will incorporate more quality types of workouts to focus on preparing you for the 10K race.”

“Fleet Feet believes in every runner. We love to help people reach their personal goals,” said Suzanne Swift owner of Fleet Feet. “Often, those goals start with the first steps

in a running group like our Cotton Row Run training program.”

In Madison, the training on Mondays and Wednesdays meets at 6:00 p.m., then the group meets on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. along the route of the Cotton Row Run. Participants don’t need to be fast runners nor a gifted runner to be successful in their goal for the Memorial Day event.

The training runs are conducted at a conversational pace which is easy on the body and actually extremely beneficial to overall health.

Though the training program is designed to assist those wishing to participate in the 10K race (6.2-miles), the annual event also includes a 5K run and 1-mile Fun Run.

The expert coaches of the program can also gear your training to one or more of the events in May.

“I’m excited about the challenge in front of me and I look forward to the training program and running the Cotton Row Run,” said Pham.

“Your coach will be actively involved with the weekly group runs and will also help establish your pacing goals for the easy and quality runs,” said Moeller. “The workouts are fun and will include mentors who have been in your shoes when they first began running and know how to help you get to the finish line.”