The Madison Record - April 17, 2024

James Clemens helps 5th grader’s wish come true

Foundation

of Education’s District 8 is Shannon Williamson at Blossomwood Elementary School in Huntsville. The state board will reduce the 16 finalists to the ‘Final Four’ and announce the winner in May. “I am humbled and honored to have been nominated for the State Teacher of the Year award and to represent Madison City Schools and District 8,” Brown said. “None of this would have been possible without the collaboration and support of everyone involved.”

“Together, we’ve made a meaningful impact on the lives of our students, and, for that, I’m truly grateful,” Brown said. “I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement I’ve received

throughout my journey. First and foremost, I want to thank my husband,

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

two

ment of former city councilman Tommy Overcash to the Madison City Schools Board of Education. City Council President Renae Bartlett presented on behalf of Mayor Paul Finley two proclamations that declared April both the Fair Housing Month in conjunction with HAAR

April

The proclamation reads, “I, Paul Finley, Mayor of the City of Madison, Alabama do hereby proclaim the month of April 2024 as Fair Housing Month to establish Madison as an inclusive community committed to fair housing and to promote appropriate activities by private and public entities intended to provide or advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of Madison.”

“Realtors stand with our elected officials to defend the Fair Housing Act each and every day. At Huntsville Association of Realtors, we insist on every license realtor go over and beyond basic standards of defending home ownership, private home owner rights,” said a HAAR representative upon accepting the proclamation.

April was also proclaimed National Volunteer Month. “During this month, all over the nation, service projects will be performed and volunteers recognized for their commitment to service,” reads the proclamation.

Madison Visionary Partners did the latter last month with their Madison Visionary Awards that recognized exceptional individuals for their volunteer contributions to the city. MVP Executive Director Melanie Thornton said of the vital role of volunteers in Madison, “You know, for decades volunteers have been a driving force behind our city’s success. We commend them not only for their impactful work within Madison but also for their contributions in making our city one of the most desirable places to live in the country.”

Later in the meeting, former councilman Tommy Overcash was reappointed to Place 1 of the Board of Education. Overcash has already been serving a term to fill the position on the board vacated See

JCHS Principal Dr. Kerry Donaldson escorted Madison 5th grader Makenzie Perkins down the school’s red carpet for the surprise Make-A-Wish reveal.

said.

also acknowledged

Sharon Holcombe, “who has guided me since day one of my teaching career. I appreciate my administration and colleagues who helped bring my ideas to life through their support and volunteering, as well as the community and business sponsorships that support programs like ACES.”

Brown launched ACES for short-term academic support to struggling students. “Students regain momentum in their studies and develop effective strategies for assignment management,” she said. “ACES has evolved into a fully-funded initiative.”

Her most important acknowledgement is to students, parents and guardians who entrusted Brown with their stories and children’s education. “Each student has a unique story and purpose, and together, we’re making a difference,” Brown said.

At Bevill State Community College, Brown earned Licensed Practical Nursing Certification. At Jacksonville State University, she received a bachelor’s degree in science. Brown completed a master’s degree in secondary science from Alabama

A&M University.

At Liberty, Brown teaches seventh-grade life science and two science electives -- Environmental Explorations and a Career and Technical Education course, Energy and Environment. She is a National Board Certified Teacher.

For middle-school teachers, Brown currently is writing an instructional textbook for scientific literacy using Greek and Latin roots. She plans to make it free to everyone.

An avid indoor gardener, Brown noticed ‘green walls’ while traveling and then built one with repurposed materials for her classroom and added another section of succulents. “As the plants grow, my students propagate those plants and then take them home to grow,” she said. Her school lab is full of vegetables, herbs, fruits and wildflowers that her students have grown from seeds and will carry home to enjoy during summer. “There’s no pressure or grades attached; it’s just something we do for fun,” Brown said.

Kristen’s husband, Dawson, works as an accountant. Their older daughter, Allie, is majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in mathematics at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Kate, Caden, Tom and Dawson Jr. attend Midtown Elementary School.

Madison Visionary Partners awards Community Impact Grants

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Madison Visionary Partners or MVP has presented $10,000 in 2024 Community Impact Grants to five organizations that provide educational and health services to residents of Madison County.

A Community Impact Grant offers project-based support to nonprofit groups and other eligible organizations that work within the City of Madison. The mini-grant cycle aims to empower local initiatives that contribute to the betterment of the community, MVP Executive Director Melanie Thornton said.

“We are excited to support organizations making a positive impact within the City of Madison through our Community Impact Grant Cycle,” Thornton said. “These grants provide financial assistance to local groups working towards mak-

ing Madison a great place to live, work and play.” These groups received a grant:

• Huntsville Hospital Foundation - Madison Hospital -Awarded $2,500 in funding for more than 90 fidget blankets for Alzheimer’s patients at Madison Hospital as part of their ForgetMe-Not program for individuals living with the disease. A fidget blanket, also called sensory blankets or activity blankets, serve as a therapeutic tool to provide sensory stimulation and promote relaxation. These blankets are constructed with various textures, colors and interactive components that provide tactile and visual stimulation. The blanket’s gadgets can be zippers or buttons. (livingyourseniorlife.com)

• Madison City Schools -Awarded $2,000 to provide continued funding for the Paws for a Purpose program with funding for an additional service animal.

Paws

• Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation - Madison Public Library -- Received $1,750 to support a sensory story time for all types of listeners and learners that allows the children to engage all their senses. Children explore by sight, sound, touch and smell. This kind of play encourages parental interaction, which can naturally encourage the children with cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional and creative skills.

• Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy -- Granted $1,750 to expand arts education in Madison City

The Orion kicks off its third season with impressive lineup

HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville’s award-winning Orion Amphitheater kicked off its anticipated third concert season over the weekend with performances by Scarface & Band, Z-Ro, Lil Flip, Mike Jones, Slim Thug, Paul Wall and more. Additional shows to come this year include Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Steve Miller Band, Matt Rife, Lainey Wilson, Slash, Styx & Foreigner and Kings of Leon, with more shows still to be announced.

Additionally, The Orion will host more than 75 community-focused events this year including Pup Palooza and Camp to Amp as well as several other annual local favorites.

“On the heels of one of the most exciting musical seasons to have come to Huntsville, this year will certainly continue to keep the bar raised,” said Managing Director Ryan Murphy. “Many exciting announcements will roll-out throughout the concert season, and we continue our commitment to cultural and community events while evolving our sustainability programs and F&B offerings. Every year will get better and better here at The Orion, and that is what keeps it exciting.”

The Orion has partnered with Odette’s Chef Josh Quick to open a new brick and mortar dining option this season.

“I am so excited for this coming season and The Orion x Odette partnership,” said Chef Quick. “After doing a few pop-

ups for the guests at some really great shows last year, I couldn’t wait to get this new project going. It’s very exciting for us to share what we do in Florence with the people visiting The Orion, in what is such a special place to watch a show. The hospitality-focused team at The Orion has made us feel at home, it’s a natural fit with the Shoals being involved in this wonderful music and community venue.”

The Orion will also expand its in-seat service this year in addition to open seating areas in the concourses just steps away from Murphy’s Law and Isadora’s. The Orion will also continue to offer local activations before the upcoming shows, while Jeff & Blues will remain open postshow with additional entertainment. This season, both The Orion and Jeff & Blues will also offer a new exclusive Helles Lager, which was created by Yellowhammer Brewing and features flavor profiles inspired by European tradition and classic recipes.

The upcoming season follows another landmark year for The Orion, which was recently selected as the “Top East Coast Amphitheater” on Billboard’s 2024 Top Music Venues list—one of just 26 venues across the world to be highlighted—ranked #33 on Pollstar’s 2023 Top 50 Worldwide Amphitheaters list (ranked by amount of ticket sales globally), selected as Best Venue by Huntsville Event Magazine and Huntsville Business Journal, and was nominated for Amphitheater of the Year at the 2023 IEBA Awards.

Located in Huntsville’s MidCity District, The Orion Amphitheater continues to bring top acts to the area, mixed with local events.

Madison Optimists award teacher grants, prizes to essay contest winners

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – In keeping with the organization’s giving spirit to local education, Optimist Club of Madison presented prizes to winners in its essay contest and awarded thousands in grants to teachers for 17 school causes and activities in Madison City Schools.

Optimist President Ann van Leeuwen and Grant and Essay Chairperson Scott Piro presented the awards to the Madison teachers and students at a Madison Board of Education meeting.

In the student essay contest, Justin Roh won first-place honors among 47 contestants. Andrew Crocker took second place, and Millie Hoksbergen achieved third place. They all attend Bob Jones High School.

In his essay, Roh referenced his swimming regiment: “Some people wake up to a warm, bright ray of sunlight shining through their bedroom window. Others wake up to the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove . . . Now imagine a different perspective. Imagine waking up to a dull alarm, cold and groggy, barely conscious at four in the morning. I am alone . . . This was a basic commitment I made to push myself to improve.”

The Optimists recog-

nized Nichole Murray, English/Language Arts teacher at Bob Jones, as the outstanding teacher for the student essays for encouraging students to enter.

An essay’s word count was 700 to 800 words. Retired teachers and Madison residents served as judges. Cash awards for essay winners and advocate teacher totaled $730. “Optimism: How It Connects Us” was the 2023-2024 essay theme. Optimist International sponsors the contest to allow young people to develop their own views around a central idea. Participants can win a college scholarship. (optimist.org)

In addition, Optimists awarded $3,400 in grants to 17 MCS programs across various schools. The grants were earmarked for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM; English as a Second Language or ESL; library needs; Greenpower racing; teams in math and robotics, along with others. “I want to thank the Optimist Club for its faithful support of our schools,”

MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said in his “District Update.”

In other support, Madison Optimists presented $400 to Boy Scouts. “We support two Scout packs, one in Madison and another in Monrovia,” van Leeuwen said.

Journey Math Team excels at James Clemens competition, Math-A-Palooza

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Two competitions challenged Math Team members from Journey Middle School, but, despite the odds against larger school teams, they claimed a lengthy list of honors.

Journey competed in two contests in two weeks. Sixth-graders entered Math-A-Palooza at Bob Jones High School on March 23. Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders participated on March 30 in James Clemens High School’s first competition. “This is the first time we competed against all Division 1 schools (Journey is Division 2). Since these competitions weren’t categorized based on divisions, my students had to compete against the big Division 1 schools,” sponsor and Math

Department Head Mrinal Joshi said. Journey students earned seven medals – two gold, two silver and three bronze. “We received seven out of 11 trophies,” Joshi said. “Awards are given to the top 30 percent: Gold – top 10; Silver – 10 to 20; and Bronze – 20 to 30.”

In sixth grade, Ike Farounbi and Rohan Sahoo won two Gold medals (of four possible). Rachel Hughes and Ivy Zhang claimed two of three Silver medals. Neil Dube, Caden Howard and Antonio Hughes received two Bronze medals. The seventh-grade team includes Aryana Baria, Brody Barlow, Valen Bell, Charvisri Donthala, Timothy McKee, Grace Mehta, Camden Moultrie and Austin Zhu. Sixth-grade team members are Noah Diallo, Neil Dube, IkeOluwanimi Farounbi, Devansh Goy-

al, Rachel Harris, Caden Howard, Antonio Hughes, Cooper Landrith, Michael Leaney, Marlon Ross Jr., Rohan Sahoo, Wylie Savage and Ivy Zhang.

“Math Team is a competition team class . . . fast-paced where much higher than grade-level skills are taught,” Joshi said. “We ask students to join who have a mathematically strong foundation, are self-motivated and take full responsibility for their learning.”

“I always tell my math team members that I can’t do it alone . . . we have to work together to succeed. That’s why it’s called a math TEAM,” Joshi said. Math Team’s objective is “to build a passion for math amongst students. I encourage students to become mathematical problem solvers, reason mathematically,

faculty sponsor, who guided us through various logistical steps required to successfully implement our tournament,” Neyan said. “Erik and Neyan were truly the backbone to this amazing tournament,” Hartland said. The James Clemens Math Tournament was held on March 30. “Middle-school students from emailed schools in North Alabama that were currently enrolled in their respective math team programs were all eligible to participate in this tournament,” Neyan said. About 150 students from four schools participated in the tourna-

ment. Competition levels ranged in grades 6-8.

After registration from 8:30 a.m. in James Clemens Landing, contestants waited in the cafeteria before proceeding to assigned classrooms for written tests. The team round at 11:45 a.m. ran for one hour. The tournament ended with an awards ceremony.

For question writing, Sezhian and Wu relied largely on personal experience from past mathematics tournaments, along with knowledge of competition mathematics. They wrote all questions, involving multiple revisions.

In fundraising, Sezhian and Wu

From Journey Middle School, winners in Journey Math Team from past competitions stand with Mrinal Joshi, front left, Math Department Head at Journey, and Journey Principal Dr. Treva Stewart, front right.

Optimist Club of Madison awarded grants to Madison City Schools teachers, along with recognizing winners in the Optimist Essay Contest at a recent meeting of Madison Board of Education. Surrounded by recipient teachers, Optimist President Ann van Leeuwen, front center, and Optimist Grant

The gift of creativity

Artwork by Charity Stratton on exhibit at Madison Public Library

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Artwork by Charity Stratton is now on exhibit at Madison Public Library as the featured artist for Madison Arts Alliance.

“I really love the versatility of oil paint and what it can create. I have done some watercolor and acrylics, but I prefer the rich colors you get from oil paints, as well as the way you can paint wet on wet,” Stratton said.

At the library, most of her paintings measure six-by-six inches but the largest is 36-by-36. Several paintings depict the sky, clouds and landscapes, along with children. “I’m drawn to painting any beautiful scene that resonates with me,” Stratton said.

To-date, Stratton’s largest painting, “Vulnerable,” is more conceptual than her other paintings. “Vulnerable” shows a balloon in a cacti field, representing the feeling of vulnerability.

Stratton usually titles pieces to give more insight into the subject. Also at the library, “Well Worn” is a painting of men’s shoes, eliciting the memory of shoes that her father wore to work or church and then left at their home’s front door. Even at 10 years old, Stratton had creative urges that led her to rearrange her bedroom furniture. “My paternal grandmother sent my father commemorative plates with paintings by Norman Rock-

well. I love his work,” Stratton said.

In high school, Stratton took an art class and realized her skill at drawing and painting, along with typography and designing banner/signs. By 2016, “I felt like I would burst if I didn’t find an outlet for my creativity. I could only redecorate so many rooms in my house,” Stratton said. She registered for a beginner’s class in oil painting at Huntsville Museum of Art.

However, the class disappointed her because little time was devoted to color mixing and composition. The emphasis was to copy someone else’s painting and ask the teacher what colors to mix for the desired effect.

“After each class, I wanted to make my own paintings but felt like the teacher held all the knowledge and was giving us just enough to finish one painting,” Stratton said.

Her solution was YouTube. She found a few artists sharing information. “I absorbed hours of content. I’ve learned so much from these artists – their knowledge, techniques and tips,” Stratton said. “

Stratton has completed online classes and hopes to enroll in masterclasses.

“I’ve always felt my creativity is a gift that God has given me. When I’ve used that gift to bless others, He has given me the ability to do more,” she said.

She attended Brigham Young University, but her children were the top priority. “I couldn’t bear to have someone else raise my children. I chose to be a stay-at-home mom. I’m so grateful that my husband Cliff has always supported that decision,” Statton said.

Cliff Stratton is an optometrist.

Older daughter Alexandria and husband Christopher live in Athens with their children, Andelynn and Lillian. Daughter Samantha and husband Jarrod and their daughter Cecelia live in Dothan while Jarrod attends Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. Cliff and Charity’s 15-year-old son C.J. attends Bob Jones High School.

Charity serves as Communication Director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She works as Secretary for Madison Interfaith Council.

Charity’s little-known interest is music by Led Zeppelin. “I always wanted to be a ‘Fly Girl,’” she said.

Her hobbies focus on DIY projects. “I have the ‘toxic trait’ of thinking I’m competent (for) almost any home renovation project -- from building our kitchen, laying floors and repairing a deck,” Charity said. “I love having beauty around me and love to create it.”

For more information, email charitystratton@bellsouth.net, or visit her Etsy shop, Oiled Art Co., at oiledartco.etsy.com; Facebook/ Oiled Art Co; or Instagram.

By BRUCE WALKER Columnist

I am nine years old, and I am off on a big adventure on my black, thick framed twenty-six” bicycle. It was built before the Revolutionary War by a thickarmed blacksmith and weighed 420 lbs. When I inherited it, we changed out the wagon wheels for off-road mudders. I rode that bike everywhere in Montgomery, Alabama. My family and I lived on Norman Bridge Road just south of the premier shopping experience in the entire world, Norman Bridge Shopping Center, anchored by Parisians, Win Dixie, and Western Auto.

As you can tell, you could find anything you wanted and if that were not enough, there were 583 other stores in the shopping center where you could shop. (my memory may be a little rusty, but that is the way my nine-year-old brain remembers). Now the point of this story is that I had great faith that I could accomplish anything I set out to do, after all, I learned in Sunday school that faith moves mountains.

One Saturday at the bazaar I saw an invitation to enter the drawing for a gas-powered go-kart, my eyes got wide with excitement as I plotted my path to winning that musthave prize. First, I prayed and asked God to give it to me, when I opened my eyes and it was not there, I moved on to plan B-I started filling out every hand-scrawled entry card for the go-kart-drawing I could get. 4 Saturdays in a row I deposited at least a hundred entry cards in the big brown 1000000-gallon wooden barrel standing beside the glowing red Brigs and Stratton three horsepower magic carpet! For a whole month, I envisioned the journeys I could, and would take, every morning I awoke with anticipation and purpose (more cards to fill out. In school, I walked with confidence and knew that I was a winner!! The sixth graders did not intimidate me, I would swagger past them and each day I was closer to my prize.

The night before the

big drawing, I dreamed I rode it to Sunday School, see Lord, I really really need it. A large crowd gathered, drawn by an exhibition of daredevil motorcycle riders. Inside the “Wheel of Death,” the riders would fling their fire-belching and exploding engines against the wheel and let centrifugal force do its job. In a blinding fury of smoke, noise, and fire the tattooed drivers hurled toward each other as they rode in opposite directions. The crowd watched and oohed and awed as they barely averted death-defying disasters. To top it off there was a one thousand’ tall diving board from which a team of trained monkeys would jump. As they hurtled toward their certain death, just before impact with the concrete, they pulled their ripcords and floated effortlessly to the cordoned landing spot. Everyone exploded in hurrays and handclaps.

Finally, the announcer stated, “Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, it is now time for our grand prize drawing.” A Shriner in his Fez hat and clown outfit whizzed around the parking lot showing off the prize. As it screamed past me, I saw myself driving away into the sunset on my chariot. (Minus the Fez and the clown suit, after all, I was not old enough to be a Shriner.)

The first time they drew a name from the barrel was for a 10LB ham from Winn Dixie, I quietly prayed, “Please, not my name”. My prayer was answered!! Now the second place drawing for lingerie from Parisians, I fervently asked, “Not me.” I was elated that the petition was answered! Now it was time for First Place, my GO Kart was being drawn for. This time I prayed, this is the one Lord, answer this prayer too! I slicked back my hair, crammed my flopping shirttail in, and waited to hear my name. The local celebrity (Joe Rumore from Big Bam radio), paused after drawing MY NAME out of the barrel and then blurted out- Susan Skidmore- wait, wait that cannot be, I worked, prayed, envisioned, and lost! A girl, who probably did not even want it skipped up to accept. At first, I thought, that is it, I

Charity Stratton is the featured artist for Madison Arts Alliance at Madison Public Library.

Madison City Community Orchestra to present ‘Eroica’ on April 20-21

By GREGG PARKER

gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Madison City Community Orchestra or MCCO members invite residents to an evening of classical music at its 2024 Spring Concert, Beethoven’s “Eroica -Symphony #3.”

MCCO will present the concert on April 20 at 7 p.m. and April 21 at 5 p.m. at Madison United Methodist Church, 127 Church St. The concert is free and appropriate for all ages. “Eroica” means “heroic” in English. “Inspiration for a concert comes from various forms: a historical event like MCCO’s upcoming summer concert that will be a tribute to D-Day’s 80th Anniversary or our fall 2023 concert about water,” Director Sandy Weisner said.

“As a little girl, every Saturday morning my mother put on the record player famous composers’ works while my siblings

and I did our chores -- powerful works by Dvorak, Mendelsohn, Mozart and, of course, Beethoven,” Weisner said. MCCO’S capabilities have expanded significantly, and Weisner wanted to challenge the orchestra with this great masterpiece, “Eroica.” “Eroica is probably the most moving piece of music that Beethoven ever wrote - at least to that little girl,” Weisner said. MCCO’S horn section includes Allison Edgecomb, Claire Handley, Jacob Jackson, James Lake, Daniel McFall, Michael Miles and Robert Price. Other concert soloists will be Sue Kula, flute; McKynzie Perry, oboe; and George Smith, bassoon. When Beethoven started composing “Eroica,” his hearing was failing. He wrote, “I know it’ going to be really terrible . . . but I’m going to stay alive for my art.” “MCCO is happy Beethoven had the strength of spirit to continue composing, despite

his deafness,” Weisner said.

Beethoven wrote “Eroica” for Napoleon, whom Beethoven revered for anti-monarchical ideals of the French Revolution, Weisner said. When

Beethoven learned that Napolean had declared himself Emperor, he was violently angry. “Eroica” debuted in a private performance in 1804.

Madison City Community Orchestra will present its 2024 Spring Concert, “Eroica -- Symphony #3,” on two nights, April 20-21, at Madison United Methodist Church.

Make-A-Wish

Continued from page 1A

Members of the school’s JetsPress and On The Radar media organizations acted as paparazzi, while students from the senior prom court - decked in formal wear - strolled the red carpet like Hollywood celebrities. When the time came for Makenzie to make her grand entrance, she was escorted in by JCHS Principal Dr. Kerry Donaldson. Students packed the gym to add to the euphoria. The highlight came when Makenzie

City council

was informed that Make a Wish was sending her and her parents, Nicole and Eric, on her dream trip. Cheerleaders led the packed gym into chants of L and A for Los Angeles.

It was an emotion packed assembly for all for seeing this bright 11 year old who has had an internal disorder since birth light up from all the love this day. Her mother, Nicole, said the family plans to visit Disneyland, do a Hollywood tour, the beach and do a little shopping.

Continued from page 1A

by Greg Hulsey who resigned in 2022. “I would just like to add my thanks to the 15 people that applied and the 5 people that we interviewed. I selected Mr. Overcash based on his many years of experience. He has both children and grandchildren in the school system and has poured his heart and soul, blood, sweat, and tears into our city over the many years,” Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski stated.

“Congratulations! I really appreciate everything that the school board does,” commented Councilwoman Karen Den-

received direct financial sponsorships from restaurants, like John Smith’s Subs and Marco’s Pizza. “PPG offered assistance through a grant application program. Taco Mama offered to cater lunch for tournament volunteers from James Clemens,” Hartland said.

zine. “You really care about the children. You care about what’s happening in the school system. You put your heart into it, and I really appreciate that.” Overcash will serve a five year term in Place 1 on the Board of Education.

The next city council meeting will be Monday April 22 at 6pm at city hall. The cancelled April 2 work session is rescheduled for Wednesday April 17 at 5:30 pm and will cover the required improvements to Toyota Field. The council will vote on these improvements at the April 22 city council meeting.

ating answer documents, recruiting volunteers, writing numerous emails, ordering medals and trophies and more.”

who accepted Jan. 20 could not attend on March 30, resulting in 100-plus less students than anticipated.

Journey Continued from page 4A

value math’s importance, communicate mathematically and become confident in their own mathematical abilities,” Joshi said.

Each competition usually has two parts - a written test and ciphering. The required, written test has 25 multiple-choice problems. During ciphering, students must answer questions quickly; the quicker the student answers, the more points received.

In support, math team parents transport their children to competition and worked hard at home to confirm their children were practicing.

“Once again, Journey Jags rocked the competition. Today was even more remarkable because students competed against all the big Division 1 schools,” Joshi said. “Such a proud moment for my team. I’m beyond excited.”

Journey Math Team also entered the

will not pray for another thing, there is no use in trying, I give up. As I walked back home (I didn’t ride my bike to the shopping center for an obvious reason) I was defeated, crestfallen, and in a woe is me state of mind. Walking into the house I could smell fried chicken cooking (my dad was a preacher after all). A BlackBerry cobbler cooling on the windowsill over the sink and Mother was just taking cornbread out of the oven. These aromas began to drive those feelings of defeat right out. By the time I sat down with my family to eat, the bitterness had left and though I did not realize it at the

MCCO

Continued from page 6A

Journey’s seventh-grade team won first place. The top 10 students overall, per grade level, received individual awards, including these Journey students:

* Sixth grade -- Wylie Savage, first place; Rachel Harris, third; Ivy Zhang, fifth; Rohan Sahoo, ninth.

* Seventh grade (first place overall) -- Aryana Baria, first place; Austin Zhu, second; Charvisri Donthala, ninth.

* Eighth grade -- Riley Medders, eighth.

“I absolutely love the thrill of competitions and have a passion for teaching Math Team,” Joshi said. “That’s where my calling is. When you teach what you’re passionate about, the learning for students is greatly accomplished.”

time, what gives inner strength the most is the simple things, a family, a meal, and an assuredness that God is still on His throne. Does not matter if your earthly family is dysfunctional, or never had fried chicken growing up, our Heavenly Father is touched by our feelings of loss and the scripture states, “He will wipe away our tears.” (Rev. 21:4) Drat you, Susan Skidmore!!!!

Bruce Walker speaks regularly to a wide variety of groups. You may contact Bruce at bruce@brucestoryteller.com or visit his website www.BruceStoryteller. com

“As tournament sponsor, I felt that Erik and Neyan went above and beyond to ensure this tournament was a success,” Hartland said. “I was responsible for the paperwork, but Erik and Neyan did absolutely everything else including fundraising, writing grants, making copies, cre-

“The middle-school advisors were all so grateful for having the opportunity to attend a local tournament, and the kids were eager to discover the solutions to the problems after each round,” Wu said. Originally, the tournament was scheduled for Jan. 20; however, the ice storm forced Sezhian and Wu to find another available Saturday open to a majority of students, Hartland said. Unfortunately, several schools

“This ultimately did not affect the excitement of the tournament,” Hartland said.

“I’m always in awe of the many students who take on leadership roles serving our district, like Erik Wu and Neyan Sezhian,” Dr. Ed Nichols, Madison City Schools Superintendent, said. “These two juniors from James Clemens . . . ran a district math tournament for middle-schoolers . . . Their dedication was instrumental in shaping this initiative.”

Historians consider ‘Eroica’ as the first Romantic symphony. For Romanticism, grand orchestras embellished the Classical period with more expressive music, Weisner said. “MCCO will have a wonderful trio section in the third movement that features our horn section. It’s bold and loud. We can’t wait until you hear it,” Weisner said. The second movement displays great emotional range . . . misery of the funeral march to happier, major-key episodes, Weisner said. The finale features a lengthy set of variations and a fugue.

“Personally, I think God gave Beethoven such a remarkable talent that even (deafness) didn’t hinder his gift -- only enhanced it,” Weisner said. “Eroica” is Beethoven’s favorite symphony. For more information, email director@ mccorchestra.org or visit mccorchestra. org.

Tournament Continued from page 4A Storyteller Continued from page 5A Grants Continued from page 3A Schools. Fantasy Playhouse has visited Madison campuses to share the benefits of an introduction to dramatic arts. Summer camps with Fantasy Playhouse in Madison culminate with a full production of a play or other stage show. • Madison City Community Orchestra -Received $2,000 to support their free community concert series in Madison. MCCO presents a diverse range of productions that are free. The programs include light, upbeat fare in summer to theme concerts for a specific composer or season, along with more formal concerts of classical music from the great masters. For more information, call 256-3844358, email info@mvpmadison.org or visit mvpmadison.org.

James Clemens competition. For team trophies, officials used the top four scores for written tests and team scores.

Makenzie arrived in style with her friends.

Trash Pandas

Trash Pandas shine at home against Barons

record, but a minus three run differential. Hot on their heels in third place are the Tennessee Smokies (4-4) just half a game out of first while the Chattanooga Lookouts (3-5) possess fourth place spot a game and a half back. Wednesday: Rocket City 8, Birmingham 2

After the Tuesday game was washed out and moved to Saturday, the Trash Pandas were able to win the opening game at home against the Barons on Wednesday. Rocket City used small ball in

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

HARVEST- Born in the state of Maryland and making his way to Harvest by way of the United Kingdom, Alijah Vaughn has settled in with the Sparkman High track team and has made waves among the track competition across Alabama, as well as the United States.

James Clemens run-ruled the Black Bears in just five innings to take the first game of a Saturday double-header with relative ease. Austin took the lead early with two runs in the top of the Jets celebrate as they continue to roll with a sweep over the Black Bears last week.

“We have talked about it all year wanting to control our own destiny and this gets us in the playoffs,” James Clemens head

MADISON - The Jets of James Clemens swept away Austin Baseball this past weekend with three dominant victories in area play. JC first bested the Black Bears 6-1 in Game 1 last Thursday in Decatur before taking the Saturday double-header at The Jets Plex. James Clemens locked itself into the postseason with the series-clinching Game 2 victory on Saturday against Austin 12-2 while JC earned the series sweep with a 10-0 blowout in Game 3.

coach Johnny Johnson said. “This guarantees this team and this senior group another week of playing baseball.”

With his parents, Anthony and Atiya Vaughn and an older sister, the 16-year-old sophomore made his way to Harvest in December 2020. He grew up playing multiple sports including basketball, baseball, soccer and rugby and even earned a red belt in karate. Going into the eighth grade of his education his parents urged him to find a sport to get into and possess a passion for. He heard of the track program at Sparkman and soon made his way to the sport under the guidance of Sparkman track head coach Jeff McNealey, who said of his shining sophomore star, “He really showed signs of being someone special the day he arrived in our program. Once he started with success, he began to set goals. He’s coachable, will listen, you can challenge him and he’s really driven.” Vaughn sets a goal to win each time he steps into the starting block by mentally seeing how he is going to get out of the block quickly and smoothly. Once the starting gun fires, Vaughn burst quickly with full extension of his entire body, and he fires his arm up and out in full effort to receive the maximum thrust on his way into each race. “Once I begin, I follow through with my arms and legs and set my sights on the finish line where I follow through all the way past the line. I execute my start the way I was taught. I pump my arms as fast as I can as your legs will follow. I try

The Rocket City Trash Pandas opened the first home series of the 2024 season with a strong opening, winning four out of six games before large crowds at Toyota Field in Madison. Photo by Trash Pandas

Sparkman sophomore wrestling sensation Kalea Loving can now lay claim to an even bigger title than she won during the high school wrestling season.

Sparkman High sophomore sensation Alijah Vaughn is making vibes among the state track circles by posting marvelous times after only in his second full season of competing.

Vaughn Continued from page 1B

and reach my maximum velocity after 30 meters.”

The Olympics. That’s his final goal as a sprinter. He wants to set world record marks in both the 100 and 200 events. He has yet to think about college, but he knows if he continues to excel, schools will be knocking at his door in efforts to obtain his extraordinary talents, which include indoor and outdoor track. He recently won the indoor track state championship in the 60-meter dash with a personal best time of 6.84 seconds, which ranks his No. 3 in the country among his sophomore class. His times in the outdoor track season are just as impressive. In the 100meter, his best is 10.6 seconds which is No. 1 in Alabama among all classes and No. 30 in the U.S. amongst the sophomore class. In the 200meter, Vaughn has a best time of 21.40 seconds, which is second in Alabama and puts him No. 14 in his sophomore class in the country.

For all his amazing feats so far

into his sophomore school year, it’s astonishing to know he missed nearly his entire eighth grade season of track. While still very early in the season action, Vaughn suffered a torn muscle in his left hip leaving him no choice to just sit out the season and rest his hip/leg. He finally made his way back from the injury as a freshman and has yet to cease in his record setting efforts.

“I think about track every day and I even dream of it, but the sport doesn’t consume me,” added Vaughn, who knows how to play the piano and clarinet after several years of taking lessons, which came to an end almost four years ago. He also has a natural talent of being able to draw. Each day prior to practice, Vaughn asks his friends what he should draw on Coach McNealey’s white board as McNealey is asked to identify what the figure is. Vaughn has drawn a variety of figures including Shrek, a dinosaur and others. One day, McNealey was asked is the figure drawn was a

chicken or parrot.

High

Vaughn continues to post times in both the 100 and 200-meter outdoor races along with indoor track events putting him among the country’s best.

Vaughn is a team athlete as he also runs for the school record setting relays squads in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400meter events. McNealey added, “He has lots of friends on the team and he gives 100-percent at every practice. His parents are also very supportive. He’s an excellent student (3.75 grade point average). As far as his track talents, he just realized what he can do. I’m looking forward to seeing how this turns out.”

“If I don’t do well in a race I try to be better as I use my competitiveness in everything I do in my life,” said Vaughn, who competes for the summer track club of Huntsville, which utilizes the track facilities at Madison Academy High. “For good luck I wear the same red/gray/blue socks at each meet.”

As just a sophomore, his raw talents are not related to luck. Those natural talents come from his soul as he reaches maximum velocity in every aspect of his life.

first innings as the Black Bears went after JC starting pitcher Cade McComb and put pressure on the James Clemens defense. The Jets came soaring back in the bottom of the second inning to tie the game at 2-2 when first baseman Satchel Wheeler drove in Ben Graves with a sacrifice bunt that was followed by an RBI single by David Sharp.

James Clemens continued to pile the runs on in the bottom of the third inning with two more runs to lead the game at 4-2.

McComb settled down after his tough first inning to give the Jets two scoreless innings before he was replaced by Luke Davenport who carried the torch the rest of the way. By the bottom of the fourth inning, the JC offense was humming like a well-oiled machine with four more runs to lead 8-2.

The writing was on the wall in the bottom of the fifth inning as

Trash Pandas

the Jets continued to punish Austin with aggressive base-running and timely hitting.

Four runs in the bottom of the fifth would be all James Clemens needed to put this game on ice.

The final batter for the Jets, Graves came up to the plate with a great deal of confidence.

“Bases loaded, one run, I was just trying to hit the ball as far as possible,” Graves said.

“Because I figured if I don’t, it’s a sacrifice fly and I just missed it. The game was over, sac fly and the job was done.”

The mentality around this team is one of playing hard and with a bit of a chip on their shoulder.

“This group has bought in to what we have been trying to sell them about being a gritty baseball team,” Johnson said.

“It’s a white-collar community, but we can be a blue collar team. I’ve been preaching that since I got here and there has not really been a

Continued from page 1B

the middle innings to erase a 2-run advantage that Birmingham had since the top of the second.

Three runs in the fifth and sixth innings followed by two more Rocket City runs in the bottom of the seventh inning helped bury the Barons.

Thursday:

Rocket City 5, Birmingham 2 (6 Innings)

The Trash Pandas claimed the water-logged victory on Thursday as the game was cut short due to rain.

Birmingham was up 2-1 in the sixth inning when the Trash Pandas mounted an attack that was capped by Mac McCroskey’s 2-run single to right that scored Gustavo Campero and Caleb Hamilton for the 5-2 score with the raindrops all around.

Friday: Birmingham 6, Rocket City 2

The Barons were able to get the best of the Trash Pandas on Friday with the long ball.

Birmingham would have all the offense it would need by the top of the third inning with an RBI single by Brooks Baldwin followed by a 2-run home run by Edgar Quero for an early 3-0 edge that would hold up.

Saturday Game 1: Rocket City 3, Birmingham 2 (7 Innings)

The Trash Pandas collected two solo home runs by Tucker Flint and Gustavo Campero to help hold off the Barons in the first game of the Saturday double-header.

Saturday Game 2: Birmingham 9, Rocket City 3 (7 Innings)

group that has bought into that like this one.”

Game 1: James Clemens 6, Austin 1

The Jets hit the ground running in the series opener against the Black Bears with three early runs to set the tone and eventually secure the win.

Game 3: James Clemens 10, Austin 0 (5 Innings)

The James Clemens pitching was on full display in the series finale on Saturday as Matthew Drinkwater and Mason Busch combined to shut out the Black Bears while allowing just one hit and one walk in a game that was run-ruled. This week is a big one for James Clemens as the Jets face their bitter rival Bob Jones with three area games to close out the regular season.

Game 1 is on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Bob Jones, while James Clemens will host a Saturday double-header at with Game 2 at 1 p.m. and Game 3 at 3:30 p.m.

There was a second game on Saturday because the Tuesday matchup was moved due to rain. Rocket City was held to just two hits in a game that the Barons ran away with it.

Sunday: Rocket City 5, Birmingham 3

Alan Rangel was stellar on the mound for the Trash Pandas in the final fixture of the series with his six innings where he allowed two runs with four hits and nine strikeouts in the victory.

The Trash Pandas are back on the road this week for a clash against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (4-5) with games Wednesday through Saturday starting at 6:05 p.m.

The final game of the series with Pensacola is set to start at 4:05 p.m.

Sparkman

sprinter Alijah

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - For most recreational centers and many homes across the area which have playing tables the featured sport that is fun and offers good exercise is ping-pong. The official name of the sport is table tennis, but most weekend players continue to call the sport pingpong. For Daniel Grecu, table tennis is his sport and strives to play as often as he can. “I began playing as a kid growing up in Romania and now I play every chance I get and after moving to this area I was surprised so many play the sport, especially as part of the North Alabama Tennis Club,” said the 64-year old Grecu, who moved to the area five years ago as he and his wife of 28 years, Dorina, both retired from the Department of Corrections two years ago. “I have a table at home and practice when I can with Dorina who helps me practice.”

Grecu is one of several from the area who recently competed in the Alabama Senior Olympics Table Tennis Tournament held in Tuscaloosa. The former physical education teacher and wrestling coach finished third in the 65-69 age group and finished among the top five in doubles with his playing partner former Madison Resident Chip Patton who took the championship title in individual play in the 50-plus

age category. Grecu lost in the semi-finals to a player who finished second in the U.S. last year. “I put up a good fight against him as I feel I played well and I’m happy,” added Grecu, who plays the sport wearing a brace on his left knee from injuries suffered during his many years in wrestling.

“I love the sport of table tennis as I get a lot of satisfaction and exercise from doing so,” said Grecu. “The needed skills to play table tennis keeps you sharp. This wouldn’t be my choice of exercise if I didn’t like it.”

A member of the North Alabama Tennis Club, Grecu and others from the club play on Thursdays at Brahan Spring Recreation Center in Huntsville. Many of them travel to Decatur on Fridays and Sundays to play and gets into action on Fridays and Saturdays at Fern Bell Park in Huntsville.

Many of these players are gearing up for the Alabama State Championships scheduled for May in Oxford. A World Table Tennis Youth Contender Tournament will be played June 26-29 at the Athletic Club of Alabama on Leeman Ferry Road in Huntsville. All these events are a prelude to the USATT’s National Championships set to be played at the Von Braun Center July 3-7. This will be the first time in the 90-year history of the event the action will be played in Alabama.

Sports has always been

a big part of Grecu’s life and table tennis has been there all along, except for a 17-year period in which he stopped playing and soon saw an advertisement for a table tennis tournament in Montgomery where he was calling home. “I found some paddles that had sandpaper as a surface and entered the tourney and I did very well,” said Grecu. “I made the semi-finals and I soon began to play again.”

\“I just love the exercise I receive from playing table tennis. I’m soaking wet from sweat when I finish as I play hard,” added Grecu. “I played at least eight matches at the Senior Olympics Tournament just in the individual division.”

Grecu makes time for his four children and five grandchildren and takes to the table tennis table with them every chance he gets. His children even bought a specially made robot device that serves him table tennis balls so he can practice when he’s having to practice alone.

UAH welcomes new leader of women’s basketball program

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The University of Alabama in Huntsville Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of veteran collegiate coach Allen Sharpe to be the leader of the UAH women’s basketball program.

“It is a great day for Charger Basketball, and we are thrilled to welcome Coach Sharpe as the next leader of our women’s basketball program,” said UAH Director of Athletics Dr. Cade Smith. “Coach Sharpe quickly emerged as someone who has a great passion for the game and young people. He has been a

Daniel Grecu, far right, finished in third place at the just completed Alabama Senior Olympics Table Tennis Tournament held in Tuscaloosa. Photo by Alabama Table Tennis

Area

wrestling

sensation Kalea Loving among the best in national competition

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

HARVEST - Sparkman sophomore wrestling sensation Kalea Loving can now lay claim to an even bigger title than she won during the high school wrestling season for the Lady Senators. The 165-pound Alabama High School Athletic Association state champ is now an All-American and earned that honor by partaking in the High School Nationals Wrestling Championships where she finished sixth in the nation.

“It was a good experience against great competition and helped me open my mind to wrestling for the future,” said Loving.

The 17-year-old Loving wrestled in seven matches in the 35th annual event held at the Virginia Beach Sport Center in Virginia Beach, Va., winning four and losing three over a three-day tournament placement. The intensity was high, and the caliber of competition was stiff as Loving held her own in the 165-pound division. “I feel like I could have won a couple more of my matches, but I did find out I need a stronger foundation physically and stronger legs will help. My technique and aggression are good, but once I get on this level of competition, I’ll have to do more than what I did.”

Loving made the trip with her mother, Kimberly, and other family members all awhile having some doubt if she would be able to compete. The day before leaving for the 12-hour trek, Loving sprained a knee during practice and her mother rushed her to a chiropractor for adjustments in an attempt to get Loving physically ready for her attempt at the nationals. Packing into their car and leaving the confines of their home at 4:00 a.m., Loving and her entourage made it to the Virginia Beach area just in time for competition weigh-ins.

Her matches began on Friday where she posted two victories by fall. In match one: Fall, 8-2, 3:35 vs. Harley Hunter (WY). In match two: Fall, 7-7, 5:28 vs. Alexia Mangual (NY). On day two, Loving had four matches. In match one: Lost by Fall, 2-0, 0:52 vs. Ugochi Anunobi (MD). Match two: Won by Fall, 1-0, 2:51 vs. Alexa Calidonio (FL). Match three: Won by Decision 7-0 vs. Emily Riopel (SC). Match four: Lost by Decision 2-1 vs. Meghan Wiebe (MA). On day three, one match: Lost by Decision 8-4 vs. Alyssa Guzman (CA). “I want to get better and grow in this sport,” said Loving, who is also a member of the Sparkman ROTC program. “My love for the sport has grown significantly and I see myself wrestling in college and if I

New coach

Continued from page 3B

program history after leading both the Wallace State men’s and women’s teams most recently in 2023-24.

“Thank you to UAH President Dr. Chuck Karr and Dr. Smith for giving my family this opportunity,” Sharpe said. “This is a position that I had my eye on for quite some time and a responsibility that I will not take lightly. Our family loves Wallace State and Dr. Vicki Karolweics, hiring me not once but twice and our family will be forever grateful.”

“The time is now for UAH women’s basketball to thrive in the Gulf South Conference and the South Region. Go Chargers.”

can find a school with scholarships for wrestling, I will certainly go there. I feel I have a good size bag of wrestling moves. I just need to use them in preparation for possibly making it back to nationals next year.”

Loving is the first All-American wrestler from Sparkman High, and with her future already looking to include even more success, the 5-foot-4 athlete who carries a 4.0 grade point average and began wrestling in the eighth grade, can carry her All-American status proudly against any top competition who is willing to step onto the wrestling mat and face a true down-home winner.

22 years, Sharpe owns a record of 496-210 following a 25-6 record with Wallace State’s women’s squad this season to go along with a 26-9 mark on the men’s side.

Prior to returning to Wallace State in 2020 where he was previously head coach from 2005-10, Sharpe led NCAA Division II men’s programs

Arkansas-Monticello from 2010-14 and West Alabama from 2014-20 with a career record of 178-114 between the two stints. He achieved 20 or more wins in four seasons at the Division II level, while reaching the NCAA tournament twice with West Alabama. At UAM, Sharpe was the first-ever coach to achieve four consecutive winning seasons in program history.

His teams at Wallace State combined for three All-ACCC honorees this season, as the men’s team won the ACCC Division I tournament and the women’s squad were runners-up. His men’s squad also made it to the second round of the 2024 NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. In a career that spans

Overall, Sharpe has guided his teams to 13 seasons with 20 wins or more. He began his coach-

ing career as an assistant coach at Piedmont College, following a collegiate playing career at Lipscomb under legendary head coach Don Meyer from 1995-2000. Sharpe scored 1,431 career points for one of the most successful basketball programs in the nation during the 1990s. Sharpe and his wife, Susan, who also played basketball at Lipscomb, are the parents of three children – Garrison, Ally and Anderson.

Coach Sharpe

Sparkman sophomore Kalea Loving, second from right, stands on the podium of winners earning sixth place and being named All-American at the High School National Wrestling Tournament held in Virginia Beach, Va.

Kalea Loving of Sparkman High proudly displays her certificate and medal for placing sixth and earning All-American status at the High School Nationals Wrestling Tournament held in Virginia.

HISTORY with John

Rankin

1928 Madison bank robbery

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

The building at 204 Main Street that now houses Noble Passage Interiors in Madison has hosted a variety of businesses throughout its years. In the 1980s it was the office of the Madison County Record newspaper, and later it housed the Madison Chamber of Commerce. It also was the office of Madison’s Water Department for a period. However, the interior features still include the old safe of Madison’s first bank, incorporated in 1905. The safe is actually more like a multi-level large closet-sized vault room that included smaller compartments similar to safe deposit boxes of later times. The entrance into the small room was through a heavy and thick steel door supported on eight points of thick steel bar pins with access controlled by a Mosler lock. Annual inspector’s stickers from the 1920s and later verify the lock’s integrity through many years. The stickers were still attached inside the vault at the time of my own last visit a few years back. Behind the first vault door was a lockable double panel steel door to be opened before entering the final room, which contained two safes encased in concrete. These two safes had small doors with Victor combination locks. One Victor metal plate shows the latest patent date of the lock as December 1, 1908. The bank placed newspaper ads claiming that it was “unrobbable” and protected not only by the latest technology in time locks but also by the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency. However, in the draft of an unpublished book entitled “Reflections of Madison, 1869-1999”, Gladys True wrote in her memoirs that the bank was in fact robbed (or at least burglarized) in 1928. In describing significant events in the town for the decade of 1924-1934, Gladys used the heading “Crispy Bills” for the story. In her own words, Gladys wrote “The first bank robbery occurred in 1928 at the Bank of Madison, which was run by a Mr. Riddle. Actually, what the robbers did was to break into the bank vault using a torch. Some of the money showed up later, and everyone knew it was stolen since it bore scorch marks in various places.” Additional accounts have stated that the robbers actually did not cut through the access doors with an acetylene cutting torch. Rather, they broke through the building’s bricked back wall at the point where the safes were located and then used the torch to cut into the safes. That would explain the “crispy bills” of Gladys’ account. Gladys continued writing that “Walton Hughes and Tommy Christianson had heard a rumor from Huntsville that a robbery was planned, so they posted themselves on the drugstore rooftop the night it was supposed to occur, hoping to surprise the robbers. They stayed there until morning, when they were convinced that the robbers had decided not to follow through with their plans. What a surprise they had when the robbers came on another night while they were at home relaxing.”

Gladys’ account came from her notes of recollections of “Senior Citizens of Madison”, per the introduction of her book. Gladys herself came to live in Madison as a young bride in 1933, so her knowledge was not first-hand regarding this event. Besides, stories retold over the years often get embellished or even distorted as memories fade with respect to details. The Bank of Madison is depicted in several old photos, going back to a time when Matthew Harvey Anderson was its first president and George Washington Wise was its vice-president. A 1909 picture postcard shows John Mullins Burton (the town pharmacist) standing in front of the bank beside Harvey Anderson. Cashiers Si Hager and his wife Lula are shown in the doorway.

The December 17, 1913 Special Issue of The Weekly Mercury newspaper of Huntsville was dedicated to the history of Madison. It stated that the bank was considered to have “absolute protection against damage by fire, dynamite, or burglary....” It was also reported that the bank carried “insurance against burglary, hold-up, and damage”. The 1913 article listed the officers of the bank as G. W. Wise, president; C. C. Green, vice-president; and cashiers Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Hager. It further listed the bank’s directors as M. H. Anderson, G. W. Wise, Herman Humphrey, T. G. Riddle, F. G. Hertzler, C. C. Green, and L. S. Hager. Hertzler was Anderson’s brother-in-law.

Thomas G. Riddle was the Madison school principal from 1902 through at least 1914. He also sold real estate, bug-

gies, and harnesses. He was a teacher in Hazel Green before 1900, but he was firmly established in Madison by the time of the 1910 census, having moved here in 1901. This was a few years before the time when the bank was incorporated. By 1920 he was listed as a farmer in that census, while his son Harry Riddle was listed as a banker, with both men living in Madison. In 1930 Harry was enumerated on 13th Avenue in Birmingham, with his occupation given as collections manager for an investment corporation. Thomas G. Riddle was found in the 1930 census in the same Birmingham precinct as Harry, but several blocks away. Thomas’ occupation was then given as a salesman for a shirt factory. In that year the census listed him as age 60, married, but living without his wife as a lodger in the home of Herbert and Gladys Slie. There has been no connection found between the Slie family and the Riddles. While there were some rumors that the Riddle family left Madison under a cloud of suspicion, other accounts certainly tell a different story of Thomas G. Riddle, describing him as a character of highest integrity, involved extensively in community support and enterprises.

Professor Thomas G. Riddle was said to be a man in tune with transitions. In 1913 he was a partner in Madison with David N. Teague operating a buggy and harness dealership. They sold the “Banner” model of buggies, and the 1913 Special Issue of the Weekly Mercury newspaper included an article claiming that their harness was “the best available for man and beast (the horse), using only the highest-grade leathers.” Furthermore, the article stated that “You are harness safe while driving over rough roads if your harness was purchased from this reliable firm of Riddle & Teague in Madison, and your horse will look good and stylish too.”

While stylish horses were no doubt a good selling point, Riddle understood the need to change with the times. He concurrently ran a real estate and development business in Madison. As part of that enterprise, he purchased a “horseless buggy” and offered to take those who were shopping for “real estate, farms, and town sites” on tours of the area at no charge in his automobile. That was done in partnership with A. L. Smith. Additionally, in June of 1913 Riddle alone platted the College Park Addition of Madison. That development of six blocks of lots, each lot measuring an average of 25 feet by 140 feet, is located south of Mill Road and on the west side of Sullivan Street. It included streets named then as High, Riddle, Oak, Pine, and Walnut. Today Pine Street has disappeared, and Walnut Street is named Pension Row, lying on the west side of the Riddle College Park development. Yet, there was much more to this venturesome man. He has already been stated as one of seven directors of the Bank of Madison in 1913. He was also a state-level official in both the Woodmen of the World society and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. The former society was noted primarily as an insurance society with social functions, whereas the latter organization was (and is) a group promoting “virtue, liberty, and patriotism” – especially involved in the education of young students. Their emphasis in the early 1900s was also on protectionism of American jobs from immigrants, as well as promoting teaching the Bible in public schools.

Riddle was born in Tennessee in 1870 and graduated from Winchester Normal College in Winchester, Tennessee. He lived with his wife and three-year-old son Harry in Hazel Green at the time of the 1900 census, where his occupation was listed as a teacher. Having moved to Madison in 1901, he was still listed as a teacher in the 1910 census. The 1920 census gave his occupation as a farmer, but his son Harry, who lived next door at 303 Church Street, was listed as a cashier in the bank. Thomas lived at 301 Church Street, and he built the adjacent house at 303 Church Street for Harry and Harry’s new bride in 1920. Harry graduated in 1913 from Madison Training School (where Thomas was the Principal from 1902), and he married Mary Steele in October 1919.

The 1913 newspaper further described Riddle’s impact on what later became Madison Elementary and High School. It stated that when he came to Madison, the school was a two-room building with two teachers and a two-month school term for only 30 pupils and little school spirit. Riddle soon elevated school spirit and increased enrollment to about 200 pupils, with a nine-month term taught by five teachers. The article credited the school’s success to his ability and untiring energy plus getting the town and people to supplement the public funds.

Vault door of the old Ban of Madison, which is still located inside Noble Passage.

Earth Day is a special day when many of us recognize the importance of caring for the Earth and its natural resources for the generations of people who will come after us. The holiday is celebrated every year on April 22 and has grown in popularity. Many people will plant trees (much like they do on Arbor Day); some have community cleanup events. Others may take the time to educate people on how to leave a smaller carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is a term used to describe how much damage one person does to the Earth in their lifetime. A couple of examples would be how much trash you produce, or how much fresh water you use up. Earth Day was created in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson. He also helped to establish the government agency called the Environmental Protection Agency (or EPA for short). Nelson saw a need for people to stop polluting the Earth. “Going Green” is a term used to describe the act of trying to create less pollution. One way to “Go Green” is to recycle old-school papers, instead of throwing them away. Remember the Earth every day, and it will be healthy for centuries to come.

Recycling Bin Maze

Recycle Word Search

Aluminum, Batteries, Books, Cardboard, Cars, Cell Phones, Christmas Trees, Clothes, Electronics, Eyeglasses, Glass, Grass Clippings, Leaves, Magazines, Mattresses, Newspaper, Paint, Plastic Bags, Televisions, Tires

Everyday is Earth Day, and recycling is one of the easiest ways to help Mother Nature! Help the kids get their recyclable materials to the sorting bins at the bottom of the maze. Then identify what the different recycling categories are and discuss what goes in them with your family or your classmates.

Spend one week writing down everything that you and your family throw in the garbage. At the end of the week, discuss with your class and family ways that you

Finding joy when you don’t want to

Okay so a few days ago my dear longtime Arizo-

friend Elaine lost her short battle to gall blad-

and liver cancer after many were praying deep heartfelt prayers for a miracle. She didn’t want whamsy pamsy prayers as she put it but prayers of warriors. My heart breaks for her husband and sons. She has a beautiful family and legacy. But does God want us to crawl into the fetal position and bemoan her passing mad He did not give that miracle healing? The answer is a resounding no, absolutely not. She is healed in Heaven of course her loving spouse of nearly 50 years and her sons wanted her whole and living an active pain free life again. So did I. You have to move on from hurt, pain, and grief. It comes in stages but anger at God is not a stage. The Bible says “in all things give thanks” so does this mean for the untimely passing of a beloved friend? Yes, I think it does. God knows the big picture and earth is only a temporary home for us and while here you are to serve and honor Him. It is never too late to get right with the Lord. PRAYER: When we all get to Heaven what a joy it will be. I know that, Lord. I also know satan tries hard to get grieving people down in the dumps. Lift the spirits of anyone grieving and give them happy remembrances. 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.

The darkest time

By DAWN REED

It was my turn to teach at the jail on Sunday. I shared one of my favorite Resurrection stories…

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb while it was still dark. “Dark” was an understatement.

Jesus had released her from seven demons (Mark 16:9), and this Mary had begun a new life with Him. Where He went, she followed. She had put all of her heart into serving Him. She believed, no, knew that He truly was the Son of God. She was there when Jesus had healed the lame, the sick, and the lepers. He had fed thousands with a little boy’s lunch, and given a man sight using His spit and some mud. He had changed countless lives, including hers! And then, the unthinkable happened.

Not only had the religious leaders treated Jesus horribly, but Roman soldiers had brutalized Him. Finally, Pilate, the governor, had handed Him over to be crucified. She had seen it all.

Mary Mag heard Jesus’ last words and saw breath leave His body. She watched as He was taken down from the cross. Saw a man named Joseph from Arimathea take His body, wrap it in clean linen, and place it in a tomb (Matthew 27:57-61). A stone was rolled against the entrance.

Devastated and confused, Mary Mag would have gone home to prepare for the Sabbath, which was quickly approaching. How terrifyingly dark that Sabbath would have been! Jesus had been her hope. Her strength. Her friend. To whom could she turn now?

But. Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Mag went to the tomb. The stone had been rolled away. She ran to tell Peter and John. They raced back to the tomb. Mary stood outside it crying. Sidebar: John reported that she was “crying.” Considering all that she had been through, I’d say it was a bit more than that. Realistically she would have been wailing, sobbing, or blubbering. It was a LOT. She was crying so hard she hadn’t realized Jesus was there right beside her.

Jesus spoke her name and she KNEW. She KNEW it was Him! And He was very much alive!

The takeaway is that Jesus is with us during dark times, life shattering, gut-wrenching times. We may not realize it or recognize Him because of our tears, grief, or despair, yet He. Is. There. I love that He told Mary not to hold on to Him, but to go and tell the disciples. I told the girls many years ago-before the internet-people said there were three ways to get information out: telephone, television, and tell-a-woman. We all laughed.

That’s what Jesus did. He told a woman to go and tell. So, she did.

The girls at the jail know what dark times are like.

We’ve known Lorraine (name changed) for a while. We’ve seen her numerous times over the years. Turning 59 this week, she has had a life of struggle. On Sunday, as we talked about how Jesus can help us through dark times, one of her cellmates whispered to her and pointed to her hand. I noticed it was wrapped in white material.

At the end of our study, I had the opportunity to pray with Lorraine. “I’ve been having a hard time,” she told me in a quiet voice. I saw stitches sticking out from the thin bandage. She had gotten hard news while in jail about her grand-daughter’s health, and a family member had stolen all of her money. It’s fair to say it was the darkest time of her life. She found the sharpest thing available and slit her wrist. Though still alive-ptL-she had done some damage.

We finished the Bible study with “There was Jesus,” by Zack Williams and Dolly Parton. The words say it all. I ugly cried through the whole thing.

If you are experiencing a dark time, Jesus wants to help you through it. He can bring light into your situation. Like Mary Mag, Jesus is my strength, my hope, my friend. I want that for you, too.

some of music’s biggest names such as Lana Del Rey, Brandi Carlile, Snoop Dogg, James Taylor, Phish, Billy Strings, Widespread Panic, Ja Rule and Ashanti, Turnpike Troubadours, Weezer and many more. With these shows, The Orion sold over 187,800 tickets, with nearly half being sold outside the state of Alabama. The 2024 season is made possible by partnerships with Covanta, Huntsville Hospital Health System, Woody Anderson Ford, Bank Independent, Dogtown West, University of Alabama Huntsville, Master Gardeners of Alabama, North Alabama Zoological Society, Huntsville Botanical Garden, the Land Trust of North Alabama, Patagonia, REI, Earth Touch and more. ORION AMPHITHEATER 2024 SCHEDULE TO DATE

April 21—Out Loud HSV 10th Anniversary Showcase

April 28—Saint Heels: Spring Dance Class

May 5—Neil Young & Crazy Horse

May 6—Huntsville Yoga Week with Light on Yoga Fitness

May 8—Greta Van Fleet with special guest Geese

May 11—Camp To Amp Festival

May 18—Steve Miller Band – 2024 Huntsville Classic Benefiting Huntsville Hospital Foundation

May 19—Saint Heels: Spring Dance Class

May 24—NEEDTOBREATHE with special guest Judah and The Lion

May 29—Inbound: Immersive Yoga Series

June 14—Matt Rife

July 12—Totally Tubular Festival

August 8—Lainey Wilson with special guests Ian Munsick and Zach Top

August 13—Slash with special guests Larkin Poe, ZZ Ward and Robert Randolph

August 17—Styx & Foreigner with special guest John Waite

September 13—Kings of Leon with special guest Phantogram

September 20—Koe Wetzel with special guests Dylan Wheeler and Kolby Cooper For more information, go to www.theorionhuntsville.com

Snapshot

Several students in Madison City schools received a treat last week when they were able to look at the partial solar eclipse on Tuesday with the help of special glasses. They glasses were donated to the schools for students who wanted to see the solar event. Here are a few fun photos shared by the schools.