The Madison Record - May 8, 2024

Final 4 Showdown in Madison

Jets vs Patriots winner goes to state title series

Both Madison teams will face each other today in a Final 4 double-header

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The stage has been set for a baseball playoff showdown between Bob Jones and James Clemens with the winner going to the state championship series.

The James Clemens Jets (31-

11) locked themselves into the Final Four of the 7A Baseball playoffs with a 2-game road sweep of Hoover last Thursday.

A JC club that was ousted by Spain Park in the first round of the postseason a year ago is suddenly in the third round this year and facing a familiar nemesis in Bob Jones (40-7).

These bitter rivals square off today at Bob Jones High School with a double-header at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. If the schools split the games, there will be a third deciding game on Thursday at 5:30

NATIONAL CHAMPS! It was a big weekend for the Mill Creek Greenpower team! The team’s three cars competed in the Goblin Games at Talladega Superspeedway. All three cars placed in the top 15 with Car 700 coming in first place. With this win, Car 700 clenched its second consecutive title as Greenpower Goblin National Champion! This was the race that their beloved late coach, Jackie Smith, was so excited about and the kids gave it their all in her honor. She passed away earlier this year, and the team has dedicated their season to her. Bob Jones High School also had a big weekend. Patriot Racing captured the 2024 Greenpower USA national title. The Red Team was named the F24 Advanced Modified Division National Champions; the White Team was named the F24 Advanced Custom Division National Champions, and the Blue Team was named the F24 Advanced Modified Division Runner-Up National Champions. Congratulations! Look for more about these teams online at www.themadisonrecord.com and in the next issue of The Madison Record.

Trash Pandas prepped to welcome one millionth fan at Toyota Field

By MARIA RAKOCZY maria@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Rocket City Trash Pandas will reach a major milestone during the upcoming homestand against the Mississippi Braves that began Tuesday at Toyota Field in Madison. During the third homestand of just the team’s third full season, the organization will welcome its one millionth fan to the ballpark. The one millionth fan is anticipated to walk through the gates on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday’s game. Heading into the homestand, the Trash Pandas are 22,324 fans away from reaching the milestone. The lucky fan will etch their name

Madison teacher named a state finalist for “Teacher of the Year”

By STAFF REPORTS staff@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – A Madison teacher is one of four finalists for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced today. Coordinated by the Alabama State Department of Education a panel of accomplished educators selected the finalists.

“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, Dawson Brown, whose belief in me has been pivotal throughout this process, and our children, who have shown such compassion and understanding, always willing to help out in any way they can,” Brown said.

Brown launched ACES for shortterm 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 Liberty, Brown teaches sev-

See BROWN Page 8A

Bob Jones Patriots celebrate their win Friday over Thompson to advance to the Final 4. Photo courtesy of Madison City Schools

LOCAL NEWS

Lands introduces her first bill in an effort to expand maternal healthcare in state

REPORTS staff@themadisonrecord.com

MONTGOMERY - Rep.

Marilyn Lands last week introduced bipartisan legislation to expand healthcare access for pregnant women. The bill, HB494, the Maternal Healthcare Access Act, would extend presumptive Medicaid eligibility to pregnant women in Alabama.

Madison Fire and Rescue does a lot more than put out fires. They respond to medical calls, wrecks, natural disasters, provide community education opportunities, inspections and so much more. They also help rescue kittens, which is exactly the service they provided early last week. When some cute newborn kittens got stuck inside a storm drain, the A shift at Fire Station 4 responded to their rescue. Always trying to save all lives, these guys’ work is never done. Thank you! Lands

Gregg L. Parker News Writer gregg@themadisonrecord.com

Maria Rakoczy News Writer maria@themadisonrecord.com

Caleb Odom Sports Writer caleb@themadisonrecord.com

Donna Counts Advertising Sales 256-714-7152 donna@themadisonrecord.com

correct any errors which appear in the newspaper or clarify any statements which are unclear. To request a correction or clarification, call 256-7631150 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Friday, or email news@ themadisonrecord.com. COMMENTS Have a comment about

“In Alabama, many women struggle to enroll in Medicaid and are unable to access healthcare when they first discover they are pregnant. Rather than delay needed healthcare until their Medicaid application is approved, the bill extends presumptive coverage,” she said. Similar legislation was enacted in Mississippi in March.

The legislation is Rep. Lands’ first bill and is expected to have strong bipartisan support. She is the Alabama State House’s newest member, after winning a special election March 26. She represents most of Madison and parts of Huntsville. In a statement, Rep. Lands described the importance of the bill, “The Maternal Healthcare Access Act will save lives by helping women access care in the first trimester of pregnancy. This legislation is urgently needed to address Alabama’s maternal mortality crisis.” Reps. Rafferty, Ensler, Gray, Drummond, DuBose, Collins, Hulsey, Shaver, Daniels, Hollis, McClammy, Hall, Clarke, and McCampbell have also co-sponsored the legislation.

Chamber presents Best in Business Awards 2024

By MARIA RAKOCZY

MADISON - The Madison Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 Best in Business Awards last month at the Space Camp Operations Center with fourteen area businesses coming away with high honors and recognition.

Madison businesses were invited in March to submit applications for recognition in fourteen different categories, such as, Start-Up Business of the Year, Best in Art and Entertainment, Best in Healthcare, Best Non-Profit of the Year, and Retail Small Business of the Year. The top three overall were recognized as the Best Overall Award at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.

Applications were reviewed by a committee of members from other Chambers of Commerce in the Southeast who

selected the winners for each award.

In addition to these awards, the Madison Chamber debuted a new honor this year: the Spirit of Madison Award. This new award specially recognizes businesspersons who are not only good businessowners but are also involved in their community.

Founders of Signalink, Steve and Alice Lessman were the inaugural recipients of this honor.

“[Signalink] CEO Alice Lessman serves on the Madison Board of Education. President Steve Lessman served as a board member of the Madison CEO Trade Show, an event that allows high school entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses. Signalink has made donations to several Bob Jones sports teams and the JROTC program. This award is given to a business that exemplifies Madison’s spirit of community, support, education,

and volunteerism,” said Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the chamber Haley Dixon of the new award and its recipients.

The chamber also debuted

the Milestone Moment Award to recognize a business that reached major milestones last year whether it was adding a new location, product, client or other significant achievement.

James Clemens principal honored as ‘Alabama PTA Principal of the Year’

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Dr. Kerry Donaldson, Principal at James Clemens High School, has received a statewide honor with his selection as “Alabama PTA Principal of the Year.”

The honor of Alabama PTA Principal of the Year recognizes an outstanding administrator in the state who has made significant contributions to his or her school and community.

Alabama PTA recognizes educators who put forth special effort to collaborate with parents, teachers, other principals and the district’s superintendent. The award recipient has demonstrated exemplary contributions to the profession. (alabamapta.org)

Donaldson received an associ-

ate’s degree at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Athens State University.

At the University of North Ala-

bama, he completed both a master’s degree and an education specialist degree in instructional leadership. In that same study, Donaldson re-

The winner of this honor was Kids to Love,

Dr. Kerry Donaldson, center, has been honored as “Alabama PTA Principal of the Year.” Assistant principals at James Clemens High School congratulating Donaldson are Caleb Gautney, from left, Jennifer Flanagan, Allison Miller and Jason Watts.

The Madison Chamber of Commerce recently held their annual Best in Business Awards Banquet, honoring several local businesses and services. You can read more about it and see more photos on the May issue of Madison Living Magazine (www.madisonlivingmagazine.com).

SCHOOLS

James Clemens, Liberty reach finals in Science Bowl

By GREGG PARKER

MADISON – Two sec-

ondary schools in Madison City Schools qualified as finalists in regional Science Bowl competitions.

In the high school division of Science Bowl, James Clemens High School went undefeated in Round Robin and lost in the finals to Alabama School of Fine Arts or ASFA high school students.

In the middle school division of Science Bowl, Liberty Middle School went undefeated in Round Robin and lost in the finals to middle school students in ASFA.

The Office of Science with the U.S. Department of Energy manages the National Science Bowl and sponsors finals competition.

National Science Bowl uses a fast-paced, question-and-answer format to solve technical problems and answer questions on a range of science disciplines, including biology, chemistry, Earth and space sciences, physics and math.

Ashley Horne, science teacher at James Clemens, serves as coach to Science Bowl and Science Olympiad teams. Team members are Captain Erik Wu, who specializes in math; Praneel Avula, focusing on astronomy and physics; Aneesh Maruvada with expertise in astronomy and physics; Neyan Sezhian, specializing in math and chemistry; and Abdullah Shaik with expertise in life science.

James Clemens’ team advanced to finals after a stellar performance in

round robin and semifinals in beating strong ASFA teams. Even though they lost in the finals to one of the teams they beat in round robin, Captain Erik Wu is confident of coming back strong next year to make it to the nationals.

Karen Price, who teaches science at Liberty, serves as coach to Science Bowl and Science Olympiad teams. Suresh Avula is parent coach for Science Bowl at Liberty.

Liberty’s team included Captain Heidi Leonard, who specializes in life science and chemistry; Prahaas Avula with expertise in space and physics; Harstha Chander, an expert in life science and math; Joel Yang with focus in earth and space; and Eddie Wen with math expertise.

Liberty’s team practiced Wednesdays at school.

Entering the tournament as defending champions, Liberty cruised to the finals comfortably. In the finals, the team lost by a difference of one question.

Price and Avula believe that the effort these students exerted in preparing for Science Bowl will be helpful in other science competitions and also when participating in Science Bowl during high school.

Since the first competition in 1991, approximately 335,000 students have faced off in the National Science Bowl finals. Former competitors have acquired knowledge and, more importantly, collaborative skills and study habits that have led them to success in various fields.

For more information, visit energy.gov/science.

Sparkman journalism students and advisor take top state awards

Six students, along with advisor Erin Coggins, heading to national contest

By MEH’QUIRA MALONE Special to The Madison Record

HARVEST - Sparkman High School’s The Crimson Crier and Senator Yearbook recently traveled to The Club in Birmingham for the Alabama Media Professionals Award Banquet.

The Senators were presented with 21 awards, six of which were national level with those students advancing to the next round of the national competition in June at the National Federation of Press Women’s National Convention to be held in St. Louis.

Senior Vee Lewis received two first-place awards for her stories

Getting Fiscal, an article about a financial course implemented by Rep. Andy Witt and a column about her mother’s story and the grief she experienced. Lewis has been a part of the school’s journalism program for three years.

“I was honestly surprised, especially getting two first places. I’ve always felt like my writing is not enough, especially to be recognized at such a high level and to have that validation and recognition helped me reinforce my work,” Lewis said.

Sophomore Abigial Kuykendall won second place in yearbook design for her coverage of varsity volleyball in the 2024 yearbook, and first place in feature photography for her photo of the homecoming pep rally. Kuykendall has been on the yearbook staff for two years. Kuykendall says she was excited to walk down and get her award while also supporting her classmates.

“I was happy and excited know-

ing that I placed first and second place,” Kuykendall said. “It was fun going down there and receiving my award but also be there and getting to see everybody receive their awards as well.”

For some of the students, this was their final field trip as part of the journalism program. Senior Maddie McClure not only enjoyed the event and atmosphere, but also the opportunity to support her friends and share the pleasure of receiving awards with them.

“I enjoyed my experience with going to The Club. I not only loved the scenery and the atmosphere, but I also loved supporting my fellow journalism classmates and watching them get their awards for their achievements,” McClure said. “It means a lot to be able to go on these trips as a senior because you don’t really get many opportunities to go out with the people that have been with you since the beginning.”

James Clemens audio/visual students ace state SkillsUSA, head to nationals

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Mobile was the destination for students in the Arts Audio/Visual Academy at James Clemens High School to enter the 55th annual Alabama State Leadership Conference and SkillsUSA Championships.

At James Clemens, students begin their study in the Arts A/V Academy with “Introduction to TV Production.” Students then can move to film with JETSpress or to TV production with “On the Radar.”

Clay Combs teaches “Introduction to TV Production” and “Advanced TV Production” (JETSpress). Hannah Stockman works with these students and teaches English 9.

“JETSpress works mostly with short films, PSAs and music videos; however, we are currently finishing a full-length feature film this semester. ‘On the Radar’ (produces) student news, commercials and promo videos for the school and community,” Combs said.

To reach state championships, James Clemens entered district competition at Calhoun Community College and won first and second place in Digital Cinema and first and third place in TV Production.

Based on club size, Skills USA determines how many teams can participate. “Because our SkillsUSA club has nearly 30 participants,

we could send three teams for each district competition. Only first and second place from the district qualify for state,” Combs said.

After reaching second place at district, Diya Patel and Arden Sin-

del claimed first place in Digital Cinema at state. Noah Fisher and Donovan White won first-place honors at district and qualified to compete in Digital Cinema at state. In

See SPARKMAN Page 8A

Students of JETSpress and “On The Radar” from James Clemens High School eked out sightseeing time, here at the USS Alabama Battleship in Mobile, away from winning awards at the SkillsUSA state conference.

From Liberty Middle School, the science finalists include Captain Heidi Leonard, from left, Prahaas Avula, Harstha Chander, Joel Yang and Eddie Wen.

Science standouts at James Clemens High School are Captain Erik Wu, from left, Praneel Avula, Aneesh Maruvada, Neyan Sezhian and Abdullah Sheik.

Sparkman students who participate in the school’s newspaper The Crimson Crier, and Senator Yearbook recently captured several award at the Alabama Media Professionals Award Banquet.

LIVING

On This Day in History

1945 - World War II in Europe ended.

Following Germany’s unconditional surrender, World War II in Europe officially ended at midnight on this day in 1945, although the war in the Pacific continued until the Japanese surrender in September.

UNVEILING - Madison Visionary Partners or MVP will host a special unveiling to celebrate completion of two murals in downtown Madison and the start of the Madison Mural Trail. The first unveiling will be for the “March of the Monarch” mural on Shorter Street. It will be held Monday, May 13 at 9 a.m. at Honest Coffee. The second unveiling, “Madison Station”, will be held at 9:35 a.m. It is located at 14 Main Street. “The Madison Mural Trail is truly a grassroots effort that began with a group of community members who wanted to see more public art in the city,” MVP Executive Director Melanie Thornton said.

“Madison Visionary Partners was happy to lead this project, and, over the course of a year, we have worked closely with city leaders to bring this idea to reality.” Through grants and corporate donors, MVP has successfully funded two mural projects, which were completed in April. Designed by local artist Ann Moeller, the ‘March of the Monarch’ mural pays homage to the Monarch butterfly -- our state insect and a symbol of transformation and community, which represents our own city’s growth. The second mural, “Madison Station, Established 1869,” appears on the eastern side of retail stores at 14 Main St. in downtown Madison. Sonya Clemons designed the mural. To complete the mural project, MVP received funding from Huntsville Area Association of Realtors or HAAR, Toyota Alabama, Sealy Management and Bank Independent. For more information, visit mvpmadison.org. Both murals,and the Madison Mural Trail, will be featured in the June issue of Madison Living Magazine.

The public is invited to the annual Jazz Brunch at Madison Senior Center on May 11. Bob Jones High School Jazz Band will perform for the event.

Bob Jones Jazz Band to play at Jazz Brunch at Madison Senior Center

Public is invited to the annual special event on May 11

By GREGG PARKER

MADISON – On May 11, the Bob Jones High School Jazz Band will perform at Madison Senior Center, 1282 Hughes Road for the annual Jazz Brunch.

The public is welcome to attend this treat to the taste buds and enjoyment of big-band sounds. The brunch will open at 9 a.m. and run to 11 a.m.

Senior center members hope for a big turnout from the community to enjoy the talents of the young musicians.

Tickets are quite reasonable at $5 and will be sold at the event. Madison Senior Center members should register at myactivecenter.

com to allow for an accurate count for food preparation.

This combination of a meal and music will be an experience that all ages will enjoy, Madison Senior Center Director Levoneia Ayers said.

In 2018, the annual event started when the president of Bob Jones Band Boosters contacted then center director Vickie Parker with the idea of a brunch. “Our center has always partnered with the city schools,” Parker said. “I saw this as an excellent way to partner with them.”

Band parents will serve a tempting array of sweet and savory foods. In past years, guests at the brunch have enjoyed biscuits, flavored coffees . . . even chocolate gravy.

The Bob Jones Jazz Brunch not only raises funds for the senior center but gives the teenagers a way to give back by showcasing their mastery of the jazz genre.

Leigh Thomas is Director of

Bands at Bob Jones. Kevin Smart is Assistant Band Director and coordinates the Indoor Drumline.

Jazz Band at Bob Jones is offered as an extracurricular activity, available only during spring semester. The group’s events and functions will vary from semester to semester and can include small concert venues, special events and fundraisers. The size of the Jazz Band can vary, depending on the number of students who join.

During fall 2023, the full membership of Bob Jones Marching Band competed in several marching festivals. Judges rated Bob Jones as Grand Champion at Stones River Classic in Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Class 7A Marching Band Championship; and the Coldwater Classic. During competition season, Bob Jones earned various awards, such as “Outstanding Music,” “Outstanding Visual,” “Outstanding General Effect” and “Most Entertaining Show.”

THE STORYTELLER

By BRUCE WALKER Columnist

I was coming home from Columbus, GA. I had spoken to a mid-week church gathering where they were encouraging families to reconnect after this COVID thing. There was an overflow crowd and tables were even set up out in the halls. I would like to think they came to hear what I had to say, but I think it was wanting to get away from the COVID-induced isolation we have all been feeling, and you can’t beat a bunch of church ladies putting out their best efforts for the potluck. After speaking, I shook hands with everybody who wanted their hands shaken and got on my way back to Huntsville. About midnight, when I had drifted off the edge of the highway, I decided I needed some drugs, so I pulled into the next Waffle House, where they had an abundant supply. Next to me in the parking lot was an old Lincoln Towncar, I glanced inside and saw a little boy and a little girl asleep in the back seat. There was a blanket covering them and a pillow for each. I looked around and there was no one in sight. Going into the Waffle House I was greeted as usual with a cheery, “Welcome to Waffle House,” perfunctory whether they meant it or not. Took a seat in a booth and started playing detective, who had left their small children unattended while they casually ate their meal?

At the counter was an old man with bags under his eyes with nicotine-stained fingers, was not him, he just did not have that grandparent look. In the booth behind me was a young couple in dress up clothes with corsages, too young to have been that busy so soon. The waitress came over with a weary smile on her face and said, “What can I get you?” Coming out of the restroom was a middle-aged woman and I thought,

“That’s the one.” She walked out the door and I watched as she walked

past my car and the Lincoln, climbed in an old Chevy pickup. Now I was getting worried, there was no one else, I thought, should I call some authorities and tell them? My order came, the coffee was hot, and the grilled cheese was perfection, if you like crispy butter served with cheese on white bread that never goes stale (it’s called miracle bread for a reason) no, they won’t decode the ingredients listed on the side of the package, just take their word, its government approved.

Then I noticed my waitress was intensely staring at that old Lincoln, so engrossed in looking that she knocked over my halffull glass spilling water on my pants. Immediately she began apologizing and said, “I’ll pay for your meal, just don’t tell my manager, he’s already told me if I screw up one more time, I’m fired.”

“Water evaporates, no harm done and no, I will pay my ticket,” I said. Tears welled up as she said, “See that brown car out there.” The only thing that keeps me together is in that back seat. My boyfriend cut out on me a month ago and left me with all the bills, and I am doing all I can to keep a roof over our heads.” I know it looks like I am a bad mother or do not love my kids, but childcare is so expensive I would have to choose homelessness or tucking them in the backseat where I can keep an eye on them. During the day, my mom keeps them, but she works the night shift at Walmart, she drops them by here around 8PM, I take a break and make sure they have food and tuck them in. I get off in a few minutes and then we all go home. Right there in front of me, a miracle happened, I did not see a reckless irresponsible human being, I saw the most noble person of all, a mom who would do anything for her children. I had a $50.00 bill but I used my credit card so I could leave an appropriate tip. 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

American Legion to honor Gold Star families on Memorial Day

MADISON – At its annual Memorial Day celebration this year, Madison American Legion, Post 229 will honor Gold Star families.

“We want to identify these families in advance,” Post 229 Vice Commander Jean Downs said. The event on Memorial Day, May 27, will start at 11 a.m. at Captain Jesse Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street in downtown Madison.

The Memorial Day ceremony will include guest speakers, patriotic music by Madison Community Band and placing of wreaths at the memorial.

A Gold Star Family has lost a loved one while serving in a time of conflict in the American Armed Forces. “The term ‘Gold Star Family’ dates back to World War I, when military families displayed service flags featuring a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces,” Downs said.

“The star’s color would be

changed to gold if the family lost a loved one in the war,” Downs said.

Throughout the year, the American Legion honors Gold Star families by presenting Gold Star flags and lapel pins, along with Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day on the last Sunday in September.

“This year Post 229 wants to do something special to ensure our Gold Star families are recognized. Having them join in placing the wreaths is just a small gesture to acknowledge their loss and sacrifice for our country,” Post 229 Commander Larry Vannoy said.

Wreaths are placed on Memorial Day to honor soldiers who died in our nations’ wars.

The tradition began when people around the country started placing flowers on graves of soldiers that had died in the Civil War.

“As we enter the month of May, we as Americans celebrate one of our country’s most important holidays, Memorial Day. For many, Memorial Day weekend is a time to kick off summer with barbecues, going

to the swimming pool and enjoying the weather, but it’s also a time to honor the men and women who died in service of the U.S. Armed Forces,” Downs said.

In the week leading up to Memorial Day, individuals will see members of Post 229 and Aux-

tmjgroupins@gmail.com

iliary Unit 229 at local stores handing out Memorial Day Poppies, Vannoy said.

“So many Americans don’t know the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” Vannoy said. “Having our members out in the community is a way to educate our citizens.”

American Legion asks Gold Star families to email Commander Larry Vannoy at commander@americanlegionpost229.org to be honored during the ceremony. Legionnaires will gather family information for Gold Star families.

Madison American Legion, Post 229 will honor Gold Star families at its Memorial Day Celebration at Captain Jesse Ollie Wikle Jr. Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street in downtown Madison. The photo shows Bob Jones Air Force Junior ROTC presenting the colors during the 2023 ceremony.

Jim

Hear the stories of the songs you’ve heard on the radio as well as some of the best songs you’ve never heard while you experience phenomenal music from the songwriters themselves.

On May 10, Jim Parker’s Songwriters Series features Brent Moyer, who has shared stages with icons like Willie Nelson and Donna Summer and appeared on Broadway in “Ring of Fire”; Tim Styles who has played some of the most iconic venues in the United States, and Bob Tobin whose songwriting is deeply influenced by his maritime experiences. Get your tickets today at the VBC or on Ticketmaster.

for more.

In the little moments and majormilestones of childhood,we are here forour patients andtheir families –helping, healing, teachingand discovering.

original score by Grammy®winner Bryan Adams and

Vallance (“Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. Go to www.vonbrauncenter.com

Baseball Continued from page 1A

p.m. back at Bob Jones. The winner of the series will play either Central - Phenix City or Auburn for the state title next week.

It took three games to decide if the Patriots were going to make it into the next round of the playoffs, but when the dust had settled between Thompson and Bob Jones, it was the Patriots who had advanced to the Final Four of the 7A Baseball playoffs.

No. 1 Bob Jones (40-7) won the first game 5-3 against the Warriors last Thursday, while Thompson took the second installment 7-6 to force a Game 3 a day later.

The third and final game was far less dramatic as the Patriots steamrolled to the 7-1 victory that was never in doubt.

Looking at today’s matchup at Bob Jones,

the recent head-to-head numbers are not good for No. 10 James Clemens against their rival at 20-4 in favor of Bob Jones.

The Patriots also have seven series wins against the Jets and the last three series results are sweeps for Bob Jones.

But all hope is not lost for James Clemens that is playing some good baseball at the right time.

These Jets are in the Final Four for a reason with playoff defeats of Grissom in two games and Hoover in two as well.

This a club that might have found the confidence to slay the dragon this time.

You can read more about both teams and how they fared last week on page 1B. Also look for an online preview of the Final 4 matchup by Bob Labbe at www.themadisonrecord.com.

Trash Pandas

into an iconic beginning to the Trash Pandas franchise.

“This is a great milestone for everyone who’s been a part of these first 3+ seasons,” Trash Pandas Executive Vice President and General Manager Garrett Fahrmann said. “We couldn’t be more grateful to the local communities who support our team, and we hope each and every night we have reciprocated that support both on and

Brown

Continued from page 1A

off the field.”

The Trash Pandas led the Southern League in attendance during each of the club’s first three seasons. This season, the Trash Pandas have already welcomed 53,326 fans over 12 home contests.

The club kicked off a sixgame homestand on Tuesday against the Mississippi Braves.

For more information or tickets, go to www.trashpandasbaseball.com.

Continued from page 1A

enth-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.

Alabama.

“Kids to Love championed legislation in Montgomery to amend Alabama’s Safe Haven Law, allowing for baby boxes to be installed at fire stations across the state. The first boxes have already been installed in Madison and Prattville with at least a dozen more set to be installed in the coming months. Two babies have already been safely surrendered at Madison’s Baby Box,” said Dixon. Kids to Love joined these other

award winners at the 2024 Best in Business Awards:

Start-Up Business of the Year: Capture by Cristie, LLC Best Non-Profit of the Year: Madison Street Festival

Principal Continued from page 3A

ceived a doctorate’s degree at Samford University. His career as an educator began at Athens Middle School as a health and physical education teacher; he coached basketball for eight years and football for four years. Donaldson served as an adjunct instructor at Athens State for six years.

During the 2018-2019 school year, Donaldson accepted employment with Madison City Schools at James Clemens High School. He was prin-

Sparkman

cipal for RISE Academy (RISE represents “Restore, Inspire, Support, Encourage.”) at James Clemens. He later worked as Assistant Principal at James Clemens.

When the principalship opened at James Clemens, Donaldson worked as Interim Principal. The search for a new principal ultimately led to Donaldson’s hiring.

When Donaldson was named principal at James Clemens, Dr. Ed Nichols, Superintendent of Mad-

Continued from page 4A

Not only did the staff members take home awards, so did their adviser Erin Coggins. Besides advising, Coggins writes for Madison Living Magazine, a partner publication of the Madison County Record

“This was my first, 1st place win in the Alabama Media Professionals contest and I was surprised to say the least. I am fortunate to be able to freelance write for Madison Living Magazine. The editor, John, is always supportive of my ideas for stories that capture the essence of the

JETPress

people and things of Madison,” Coggins said. “I placed first and second in feature writing for two articles published in Madison Living Magazine. The first place was awarded for an article I did on a little girl who received a heart transplant. I also placed second in arts and entertainment writing for an article I did on Panoply for Huntsville Magazine and second in arts and entertainment writing in food for an article on Chef James Boyce also for Huntsville Magazine.”

Continued from page 4A

TV Production, Laura Brown and Errius Horrison earned first place at district and advanced to state.

“We won first place in the state in the Digital Cinema category and have now qualified for nationals held in June in Atlanta,” Combs said.

“For our first experience competing with SkillsUSA, I could not be more proud of our student’s hard work and determination throughout the school year,” Combs said. “Their preparation paid off with our first state championship banner with Skills.”

“Every group that traveled to Mo-

bile showed excellence in creativity, talent and perseverance. On top of that, they networked with other schools across the state and made true connections with other students going into the TV production or film industries,” Combs said.

“For district, digital cinema teams had to make a short film, while TV production teams created a commercial for a fictional politician,” Combs said. “For state, digital cinema was tasked with another short film but also had four hours in the editing room to cut a movie trailer from their film. TV production students

Best

ison City Schools, told Madison Board of Education members that Donaldson “did a tremendous job serving as interim principal, as administrator of RISE Academy and assistant principal. He is enthusiastic and he brings vibrancy but he also is as humble as they come.”

A native of Nashville, Tenn., Donaldson played college basketball at Chattanooga State and Athens State. He and wife Jacquelynn live in Athens.

Coggins says that winning her awards in front of students made the recognition even more special and she hopes that it motivates to keep them writing and telling stories.

“My students are amazing and deserve all the recognition they receive for their hard work. They never cease to amaze me in what they accomplish in the journalism world. They may not be professional journalists, but they are journalists, and we need more of those in this world today,” Coggins said.

had to film before state, and then turn that B-roll (secondary footage) into a PSA in four hours.”

In other work, James Clemens is finalizing their feature film titled, “Tomatoes and Marigolds,” to release in late May or early June. The film will premiere in local theaters. In addition, JETSpress Filmmaking Summer Camp will be conducted June 3-7. Cost is $75 and includes a camp shirt, daily snacks, lunch on Friday with a screening of all camp films and a link to their movie. For more information, visit Facebook or Instagram.

YouProvide theWhere…

Final 4 showdown in Madison

Jets sweep Hoover to setup Final 4 showdown with Pats

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The James Clemens Jets (31-11) locked themselves into the Final Four of the 7A Baseball playoffs with a 2-game road sweep of Hoover last Thursday.

A JC club that was ousted by Spain Park in the first round of the postseason a year ago is suddenly in the third round this year and facing a familiar nemesis in Bob Jones (40-7).

These bitter rivals square off today at Bob Jones High School

with a double-header at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

If the schools split the games, there will be a third deciding game on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. back at Bob Jones.

The recent head-to-head numbers are not good for No. 10 James Clemens against No. 1 Patriots at 20-4 in favor of Bob Jones.

The Patriots also have seven series wins against the Jets and the last three series results are sweeps for Bob Jones.

But all hope is not lost for James Clemens that is playing

some good baseball at the right time.

These Jets are in the Final Four for a reason with playoff defeats of Grissom in two games and Hoover in two as well. This a club that might have found the confidence to slay the dragon this time.

Game 1: James Clemens 10, Hoover 8

The Jets took the lead 3-0 in the top of the first only to have it sliced to just one run in the bottom of the first when Hoover

Bob Jones gets past Thompson this year to reach Final Four

By CALEB ODOM caleb@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – It took three games to decide who was moving on, but when the dust had settled between Thompson and Bob Jones, it was the Patriots who had advanced to the Final Four of the 7A Baseball playoffs. No. 1 Bob Jones (40-7) won the first game 5-3 against the

By BOB LABBE

Warriors last Thursday, while Thompson took the second installment 7-6 to force a Game 3 a day later. The third and final game was far less dramatic as the Patriots steamrolled to the 7-1 victory that was never in doubt. This series win creates a rivalry rematch in the semifinals between No. 10 James Clemens (31-11) and Bob Jones with a

double-header today at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Bob Jones. If a third game is needed, it will be slated for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. also at Bob Jones High School.

Thursday Game 1: Bob Jones 5, Thompson 3

The Bob Jones Patriots took down Thompson 5-3 in the first

MADISON - Returning home with a glee in his eyes was the experience for Jordan Urrutia of Bob Jones after capturing three individual gold medals in the Sectional Track Meet and qualifying for the AHSAA State Meet. Urrutia, a senior, also posted the state’s fastest 200-meter time of the season at 21.20 seconds at the Class 7A Section 4 meet held in Scottsboro. An Ole Miss signee, Urrutia also took first place in the boy’s 100 (10.69) and 400 (47.65). The Alabama High School Athletic Association Track and Field State Meets will be held in Gulf Shores for Class 7A while Class 3A, featuring Madison Academy, will see action in Cullman’s Oliver Woodard Stadium as more than 2,00 student-athletes from around the state will compete for titles in outdoor running and field events. For the three Class 7A schools in the immediate area, all three posted outstanding performances in the Sectional with James Clemens qualifying 30 athletes for the State Meet while setting 41 personal best team marks during the competition and broke two school records in the process. Bob Jones captured 13 first medals at Sectional while James Clemens posted eight first place finishers and Sparkman four. The Mustangs of Madison Academy won posted seven gold medal performances in the Class 3A Section 4 meet. Several athletes won two Sectional championships including Samual Johnson (Bob Jones), Zaria Parker (James Clemens), Jolissa Coe (Bob Jones), Charity Collier (Sparkman) and Reese Baker (Madison Academy). Here is a list of the top three finishes of the four local schools: Boys Class 7A: 100m- 1. Jordan Urrutia, 12, Bob Jones, 10.69, 2. Zathian Webster, 11, Bob Jones, 10.82; 200m- 1. Jordan Urrutia, 12, Bob Jones, 21.20, 2. Joe Quez Keith, 11, Sparkman, 21.60, Elijah Wells, 10, Bob Jones, 22.22; 400m- 1.

The Jets will return to Bob Jones today to take on their cross-city rival. The winner of the series will compete for the state crown next week.

The Patriots took down Thompson before a home crowd to host a Final 4 rematch with James Clemens today.

Jordan Urrutia of Bob Jones

tallied a pair of runs to make it 3-2

JC. The Bucs tacked on a run in the second and another in the third to lead 4-3 by the end of the third inning.

That was until a defensively ugly top of the fourth inning by Hoover that allowed James Clemens to score six runs with the help of some errors to retake the lead at 9-4.

The Bucs tried to climb back into the game with three runs in the bottom of the sixth and one in the seventh after JC scored its tenth run, but Hoover had dug too deep of a hole to overcome the deficit.

It’s worth noting that Hoover collected five errors in the first game while James Clemens had four of its own.

Game 2: James Clemens 8, Hoover 5 In the second contest, the Bucs

Bob Jones

had four errors and the Jets had none.

Offensive firecracker Carson Loosier carried the torch for James Clemens with his 2 for 3 evening that included a walk, an RBI and three runs scored.

Jets starting pitcher Luke Davenport gave his school six innings where he allowed four runs with five hits, four walks and eight strikeouts.

Hoover took the lead 2-0 in the top of the first inning only to see it sliced in half by JC with a run in the bottom of the first to make it 2-1

Bucs. A run in the second and one more in the third inning by James Clemens tied the game at 3-3 after the Bucs had scored a third run in the top of the third via a home run by Adams.

Hoover grabbed the 4-3 lead briefly with a second home run in the top

Continued from page 1B

game of a best of three series on Thursday afternoon.

It was a hot day that felt more like July than May as scores of baseball fans converged on the Bob Jones campus for this pivotal playoff matchup in the second round of the postseason.

There was a different energy around the ballpark with radio broadcasters behind home plate and extra radar guns in hand for the proceedings.

of the fifth from Howard.

The Jets stormed back in the fifth inning to score two runs off of errors when Hayden Markfort and Francisco Ramirez both reached home plate to hand JC the 5-4 lead. James Clemens scored three more runs to expand that advantage over the Bucs to 8-4 in the bottom of the sixth inning when Loosier drove in Matthew Drinkwater.

David Sharp, who had reached with a single, came in to score on a balk by the Hoover pitcher while Loosier scored on a sacrifice fly by the JC second baseman Jesse Isensee.

The Bucs were able to score a fifth and final run in the top of the seventh inning off of relief pitcher Cade McComb, but James Clemens got the final three outs needed with infield putouts by Ramirez at short and Ty Marsh at third.

through the early innings with no real trouble.

It wouldn’t be until the top of the fourth inning that Thompson was able to generate some offense with two runs to trim significantly into the Patriot lead at 3-2.

A leadoff walk by D’Marion Terrell and a single by Ethan Crook would be driven by Ma’Kale Holden with his 2 RBI double for the Warriors in the fourth.

A key moment in the game was when Booth was able to pitch out of some serious trouble in the top of the fifth inning.

The crowd for the 4:30 p.m. game was so big that many fans just ended up standing around once the contest began.

The Patriots grabbed the lead quickly in the bottom of the first inning with three runs off of Thompson’s starting pitcher Wyatt Williams.

Bob Jones hitters Jacob Pearl, Braden Booth and Gresham Baker all reached home in the first to start the game off on a high note.

With a 3-0 advantage, Booth got to work on the mound, mostly cruising

Continued from page 1B

The Warriors had bases loaded with just one out and Booth struck out the final two batters to escape the fifth unscathed.

The game of baseball can be funny like how Booth pitches out of a jam and then in the bottom of the fifth comes up to the plate to lead off the inning.

The bottom of the fifth started with a home run by Booth that was crushed over the fence in center.

Baker followed that homer up with a double down the third base line and he would be plated by the catcher Zach Johnson’s clutch bat that came through for a second RBI in the game to make it 5-2 Patriots. Thompson tried to mount a comeback in the top of the sixth with a solo run when Peryn Bland drove in Holden to make it 5-3, but that was all the Warriors would be able to add as Bob Jones closed out the seventh with Dylan Adkins and eventually Jack Shaw.

Thursday Game 2: Thompson 7, Bob Jones 6 Thompson’s five runs scored in the bottom of the fourth inning doomed the Patriots whose 3-run rally in the top of the seventh fell one run short.

Friday Game 3: Bob Jones 7, Thompson 1 With the season on the line, Bob Jones stepped up to eliminate the Warriors with a massive 6-run bottom of the second inning that punched the Patriots’ ticket to third round of the playoffs.

Jordan Urrutia, 12, Bob Jones, 47.65, 2. Joe Quez Keith, 11, Sparkman, 48.50, 3. Zathian Webster, 11, Bob Jones, 49.01; 800m2. Luke Alverson, 11, James Clemens, 1:54.41, 3. Dylan Dryer, 12, James Clemens, 1:54.53; 1,600m2. Luke Alverson, 11,

James Clemens, 4:18.06, 3. Cole Robinson, 12, James Clemens, 4:20.76; 3,200m1. Luke Alverson, 11, James Clemens, 9:14.05, 3. Cole Robinson, 12, James Clemens, 9:27.19; 110m hurdles- 1. Ben Thomason, 12, James Clemens, 14.53, 3. Isaac Pollard, 12, James Clemens, 15.03; 300m hurdles- 2. Joe Quez Keith, 11, Sparkman, 38.46; 4x100m- 1. Bob Jones, 41.60, 3. James Clemens, 42.77; 4x400m1. Bob Jones, 3:15.45, 3. James Clemens, 3:20.34; 4x800m- 1. James Clemens, 7:55.84; high jump3. Jacob Parks, 10, Bob Jones, 5-10; long jump- 1. Samuel Johnson, 9, Bob Jones, 22-02.50, 2. Caleb Sanders, 11, Bob Jones, 22-01.75; triple jump- 1. Samuel Johnson, 9, Bob Jones, 48-00.25, 2. Dylan Horton, 11, James Clemens, 43-11.50; pole vault- 1. Austin Abney, 12, James Clemens, 1206.00, 2. Brandon Fisher, 12, James Clemens, 1200.00, 3. Gavin Steely, 12, Sparkman, 11-06.00; discus- 2. Micah Douglas, 11, James Clemens, 141-02.00; javelin- 1. Will Griffin, 12, Sparkman, 175-04.00; shot put- 2. Samuel Monroe, 11, Bob Jones, 48-00.50. Girls Class 7A: 100m- 1.

Zaria Parker, 11, James Clemens, 12.08, 2. Nicola Peters, 12, Sparkman, 12.27, 3. Erihana Johnson, 9, James Clemens, 12.44; 200m- 1. Zaria Parker, 11, James Clemens, 24.36, 2. Nicola Peters, 12, Sparkman, 24.84; 400m- 1. Alivia Urrutia, 9, Bob Jones, 56.18, 3. Jolissa Coe, 12, Bob Jones, 58.93; 800m- 1. Jolissa Coe, 12, Bob Jones, 2:18.49, 3. Claire, Colo, 10, James Clemens, 2:24.05; 1,600m- 3. Samantha Menikheim, 12, Sparkman, 5:21.99; 3,200m- 3. Kylie Gero, 11, James Clemens, 11:39.65; 300m hurdles- 1. Jolissa Coe, 12, Bob Jones, 45.76, 2. Kalah Christopher, 10, Bob Jones, 45.96, 3. Zoey Harris, 11, Bob Jones, 47.02; 4x100m- 1. James Clemens, 48.04, 2. Sparkman, 48.58; 4x400m1. Bob Jones, 3:56.87, 3. Sparkman, 4:05.45; 4x800m- 2. James Clemens, 9:51.43, 3. Sparkman, 10:10.94; high jump- 1. Jasmyne Rochelle, 9, Bob Jones, 5-02.00, 2. Madison Ciszczon, 9, James Clemens, 5-00.00, 3. Olivia Bozeman, 10, Sparkman, 5-00.00; long jump- 1. Kalah Christopher, 10, Bob Jones, 18-00.00, 2. Trinity Milligan, 8, James Clemens, 16-10.25, 3. Orianna Powe-Helton, 10,

Sparkman, 16-08.75; triple jump- 1. Trinity Milligan, 8, James Clemens, 3602.00; pole vault- 1. Sara Zollinger, 10, Sparkman, 8-06.00; discus- 1. Charity Collier, 10, Sparkman, 10403.00; shot put- 1. Charity Collier, 10, Sparkman, 3801.75, 3. Mya Arthur, 12, Bob Jones, 32-01.25. Boys Class 3A: 200m- 1. Kenyon Cherry, 12, Madison Academy, 22.68, 2. Joshua Williams, 12, Madison Academy, 22.76, 3. Selano Thomas, 12, Madison Academy, 22.81; 400m- 1. Jackson Reece, 12, Madison Academy, 51.49, 2. Jr. Howard, 11, Madison Academy; 1,600m- 2. Sam Hall, 12, Madison Academy, 4:45.24; 4x800m1. Madison Academy, 8:42.71; discus- 3. Khamoni Merrill, 12, Madison Academy, 115-00.00; javelin- 1. Reese Baker, 12, Madison Academy, 18001.00; shot put- 1. Reese Baker, 12, Madison Academy, 44-04.25, 2. Khamoni Merrill, 12, Madison Academy, 41-05.50; 100m1. Selano Thomas, 12, Madison Academy, 11.06, 3. Kenyon

Cherry, 12, Madison Academy, 11.40; 4x100m- 1. Madison Academy (M.J. Drake, Kenyon Cherry, Joshua Williams, Selano Thomas), 44.25.

The James Clemens 4x100 relay team of Reynna Mayers, Erihana Johnson, London Hall and Zaria Parker took first place in the Sectional Meet and advanced to the AHSAA Track and Field State Championships. Photo by Drew Bell, James Clemens High

James Clemens sprinters Zaria Parker, left, and Crishawn Willingham qualified for the AHSAA Track and Field State Championships with marvelous performances in the Sectional Meet.

Photo by Drew Bell, James Clemens High

Steve Keller

Meet Fleet Feet’s “Tri 101” head coach

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Once a decorated high school swimmer, collegiate athlete and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Steve Keller is now a certified personal trainer and has enthusiastically jumped into the position of head coach of the Fleet Feet “Tri 101” training program for those wishing to participate in a triathlon.

“I enjoy helping others achieve their goals, and with experience as a coach, personal trainer and competitive athlete, I’m ready to help Team Fleet Feet reach their goals in 2024,” said Keller. “The biggest challenge for beginners who join in the training is hold yourself back, set a pace as there should always be a level of pacing.”

Tri 101 is one of three levels of Fleet Feet Training Groups for triathlons with 201 an Olympic distance program for the triathlete ready to tackle open water swimming and 70.3 training a specialized program for the endurance triathlete looking to complete a Half Ironman. Tri 101 is a 12-week program with the goal of participating in the Huntsville Spring Triathlon scheduled for Aug. 3.

Keller’s enormous experience is a huge plus for anyone willing to undergo his leadership and coaching. He’s competed in four Ironman distance races, along with many half-Ironman and triathlon distance races. He’s also completed 17 marathons and at least 40 half-marathon and shorter distance races. His credentials are staggering and all began as a young boy where he was a state participant swimmer in high school and a four-year swimmer in a NCAA Div. I program at Ball State where he earned a degree in computer science and later a MBA.

“I joined running as that workout was part of training for swimming,” said Keller. “I can run, I’m good at it and I’ve done it a lot. While in my years with the Air Force, there were always running events. It was just a way to stay in shape. It was the Air Force lifestyle.”

The triathlon is made up of a swim, bike ride and a run. There are three stages of athleticism needed to participate and the proper training to incorporate the three is a must. Each race begins with a swim as the distance depends on the race. For Keller, the swim portion of a triathlon is like second nature as in 1986 he won a National Championship at age 24 in the 50-meter butterfly event swimming for a YMCA adult swim team. In 1993, he won an Alaska State Championship in the 200-yard freestyle event with a time of 1:48.00 which

is a record time that remains today.

Keller was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska from 1990-1994.

Keller, 62, and his wife, Denise, have been married for 38 years and have two grown children, one of which lives in the Madison area and gave the Keller’s a grandchild, which in turn led them to move to the area from Nashville three years ago. Once arriving, they began they own franchise travel agency called Dream Vacations. His lifestyle of retirement as a Lt. Col. has been one of freedom, but filled with exercise and helping others.

At times, Keller was a swim coach in his younger days and in 2007 while living in Illinois he was asked by a local triathlon group to train them how to prepare for a triathlon.

“That parlayed to what I do today,” added Keller, who became a certi-

fied personal trainer eight years ago. “Once arriving in this area I began to work for Fleet Feet and for the last two years I’ve been a part of their triathlon training. This year, I’m the head coach.”

Keller was born with what is known as being “pigeon-toed.”

Throughout his life he has had to adapt to his physical condition and even laughed about it when remembering playing football, he once intercepted a pass and was on his way to scoring a touchdown when he tripped over his own feet and fell to the ground at the five-yard line.

Unusual occurrences have followed him into the realm of being a triathlete, though not related to his physical condition. While partaking in the swim portion of a triathlon in Louisville, Ky. he was

the in the South Super Regional to determine the South’s representative at the 2024 NCAA Division II Softball National Championship.

Fleet Feet Triathlon coach Steve Keller is no stranger to the three-sport event as he’s participated in triathlons and other sporting events since high school. In his coaching, he helps others face big challenges.

See KELLER Page 8B

Weird Facts COMMUNITY

Madison Chamber earns prestigious accreditation from State Chamber of Commerce Assoc.

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Mad-

ison Chamber of Commerce proudly announces its official accreditation by the Alabama Chamber of Commerce Association for the 2024-2028 term.

This esteemed recognition solidifies the Chamber’s commitment to excellence and dedication to serving its members and the local business community.

The Alabama Accredited Chamber of Commerce (AACC) designation signifies that the Madison Chamber of Commerce has met rigorous standards of organizational effectiveness, professional conduct, and community impact. The accreditation process, which includes a comprehensive application and evaluation, highlights the Chamber’s efforts to enhance its services and uphold the highest standards of excellence.

“We are honored to receive this accreditation from the Alabama Chamber of Commerce Association,” said DeWayne Howell, Chairman of the Board of the Madison Chamber of Commerce.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the continued support of our members and community partners.”

The accreditation was officially presented to the Madison Chamber of Commerce during the Night of Champions on Tuesday, April 23, as part of the Alabama Chamber of Commerce Association’s Executive Leadership Conference in Florence, Ala. The event brought together chamber executives, business leaders, and community stakeholders to celebrate achievements and discuss strategies for advancing economic development across the state.

“As we celebrate this

milestone, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our members, volunteers, and sponsors who have contributed to the success of the Madison Chamber,” said Michelle Epling, President of the Madison Chamber of Commerce.

“This accreditation reaffirms our commitment to our city and inspires us to continue our work as the catalyst for economic growth and prosperity in our community.”

In addition to the Madison Chamber earning its accreditation, Michelle Epling was awarded the 2024 Chamber Champion Award which recognizes the commendable performance and leadership of an emerging Alabama chamber professional with under 5 years experience in the industry.

“I am thrilled to see our Madison Chamber of Commerce receive this well-deserved accreditation,” said Mayor of Madison Paul Finley. “The Chamber’s dedication to fostering connections, supporting our growing business landscape, and actively building our city’s future reflects the spirit of Madison. This accreditation not only recognizes their exceptional work but also solidifies their pivotal role in helping shape Madison’s success for years to come.”

The Madison Chamber of Commerce remains dedicated to its mission of “Creating Community Connections and Growing Businesses.” Through community events, member networking opportunities, organizational excellence, and collaboration, the Madison Chamber aims to empower businesses and drive economic progress throughout the region.

For more information about the Madison Chamber of Commerce and the news of this release, contact its Marketing Director Haley Dixon at haley@ madisonalchamber.com.

Madison Newcomers and Neighbors Club to meet May 9 at Y

MADISON - The Madison Newcomers and Neighbors Club, a Women’s Social Group, will meet Thursday May 9, at the Hogan Family YMCA, 130 Park Square Lane in Madison. Social time will begin at 9:45 a.m., the meeting at 10 a.m.

The club will present its yearly donations to various charities in the area. They will also be voting on board members of the August through June membership year. The new Board will be announced at the end of the meeting.

The public is invited to

Madison Lions’ air filtration helps Village of Promise, Second Mile

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Madison Area Lions Club’s work has provided a healthier environment for learning at two local schools.

Lions members helped to improve air quality in classrooms at Village of Promise family advancement center and Second Mile Preschool in Huntsville. The club built and installed two Corsi-Rosenthal air filtration boxes.

“The primary purpose of these air filters is to improve air quality and eliminate some upper respiratory concerns, like allergies and some viral infections,” Lions Club President Cheryl Emich said.

“These air filtration boxes are built with Merc-13 filters, which can filter particles down to .1 microns,” Emich said. “Both of these schools are in older buildings, and we hope this will help the children.”

Madison Lions hope to expand the use of these filters during the next school year.

The Corsi-Rosenthal DIY air filtra-

tion box can assist in decreasing respiratory aerosol particles, like certain viruses, pollens and dust. These boxes do not replace HVAC system filters but supplement air quality in classrooms. The filtration system includes a simple box fan that is oriented up, four MERC-13 filters and a bottom to seal the box. (corsirosenthalfoundation.org)

To create the filtration system, all items are taped together. The manufacturer recommends that the fan runs on medium or lowest setting to reduce noise.

“We were surprised how quiet the system is when running,” Second Mile Director Cate DeFiore said. “We hope these systems help improve air quality as we are in an older building. It was very proper that the Madison Area Lions Club members delivered our two Corsi-Rosenthal filters on Earth Day.”

The air filtration project is one example of the Lions’ “Vision for Learning” program, which focuses on improving learning environments for children of all ages, Lions Club Vice President Tony Villamil

said. “Under this program, the club also conducts eye screenings in daycares and local schools and provides eye exams and eyeglasses for children without the resources to obtain these services,” Villamil said.

“We would like to thank our partners who donated supplies to help make these filtration systems very affordable for the club,” Lions Club Director John Emich said.

Home Depot donated lumber for the boxes’ tops and bottoms. Harbor Feight donated dollies to make the filtration boxes portable in the schools. Rural King donated box fans for the filtration systems. “We appreciate the support from these businesses in helping us improve the air quality in the classrooms,” John Emich said.

To get involved with Madison Area Lions Club, email Villamil at madisonlionsclub@gmail.com.

Some of the other members who worked on the project include Jaci Hammer, Pam Howard, Luke Hunter, Paul Orton, David Newsome, Susan Parsons, Buford Shipley and Gine Shipley.

join and learn about the club and make connections with new friends. The club plans to be active throughout the summer months of June and August.

Current residents and newcomers are always welcome to attend the meetings for informative programs and a variety of fun activities. It gives everyone a chance to meet new friends. For further information contact Martha Heard (256) 772-9721 or Lisa Anderson (540)2733239. You can also visit the Facebook page “Madison Newcomers and Neighbors Madison, Alabama”

To advertise in The Madison Record call Donna at 256-714-7152

Madison City Chess League to host Summer Camp on June 10-14

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Madison City Chess League or MCCL will offer the 2024 MCCL Summer Chess Camp in June. Registration for the camp is now open, for both members and players who are not MCCL members. The camp will open on June 10 and have sessions through June 14 at Journey Middle School, 217 Celtic Drive. These half-day camps will have some sections in the morning, some in the afternoon:

* Learn to Play Camp -- For students who will enter kindergarten through fifth grade in the fall. The camp will help anyone who wants to learn to play chess, basic rules, point values of pieces, checkmate patterns and strategy. The camper will receive a workbook. Joel Friedman will be instructor.

“The Learn to Play section is perfect for kids who are completely new to the game,” MCCL Executive Director Todd Guthrie said. Camp

hours will be Monday-Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

* Introduction to Competition Camp – Open to two sections, a section for grades K-5 and a section for grades 6-12. This section is suited for the student who has been playing chess less than one year or has not played in a tournament rated by U.S. Chess Federation and wants to get ready to compete in tournaments in the fall, Guthrie said. Instructors will be Will Stevenson and Jonathan Rasberry.

“The Introduction to Competition section is great for kids who want to move past the basics to playing in a tournament,” Guthrie said.

The camp will meet Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

* Beginning Competition Camp -- For K-5 students who are rated under 500. The sessions focus on tactics, endgames and tournament rules and notation. This camp is intended for younger students who have competed in rated tournaments and have a USCF rating under 500.

Instructor will be Will Stevenson. The camp will meet Monday-Friday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

* Intermediate Competition Camp – Focuses for students in grades K-12 who have a USCF rating of 500 to 1,000. The instructor will be Joel Friedman. This camp will meet Monday-Friday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. * Advanced Competition Camp –These sessions will accommodate students in grades K-12 who have a USCF rating above 1,000. Jonathan Rasberry will serve as instructor. This camp will assemble Monday-Friday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The fee for all camps is $150 per student. “Don’t wait until the last minute to register. Some sections will fill up,” Guthrie said. MCCL members will receive priority in securing registration slots.

To register, visit madisonchess. com, and click the “Events” menu and then click “Upcoming Events.” On the next page, click “2024 MCCL Summer Chess Camp.” For more information, email mccl. director@gmail.com.

Madison Area Lions Club built and installed two air filtration boxes for the Village of Promise and Second Mile schools. Lion

members Cheryl Emich, from left, and John Emich discuss the units with Director Dr. Denise Mose and Registrar Zalika Leverock with Village of Promise and Lion Tony Villamil.

Madison City Chess League has scheduled the 2024 MCCL Summer Chess Camp on June 10-14.

HISTORY with John Rankin

History of the “Ice House”

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

About 1914, the “ice house” that still sits on the south side (railroad side) of today’s Front Street was built by Alda Florence (“Tiny”) Gormley Sturdivant’s father, James C. Gormley about two years before she was born. After her marriage, Tiny lived in the house at 308 Church Street that is listed in the tax records as having been built in 1910. Her father James was the city clerk and railroad depot agent at the time that he built the ice house. The ice house is the name commonly used for the drab, plain-looking, small concrete structure beside the Roundhouse Replica that sits on the site of the old railroad passenger and freight depot on Front Street. At the time of the construction of the ice house, the original Roundhouse was still standing (until 1936) over the city’s cistern on Main Street, immediately east of the outdoor seating patio of the Main Street Cafe. The old cistern is also still there. It is underneath the original concrete pad with a mounting block on top, where the hand-operated water pump was located. The cistern had been allowed by the railroad company to be dug on their property in order to have a water supply to fight fires in the town along Main Street, which for a time up to 1890 was called Broad Street. Similarly, at that time Front Street was called Railroad Street, after the third set of tracks for loading freight cars behind the depot was removed. The railroad depot was then sitting on the location of the Roundhouse Replica.

Actually, James Gormley built the “ice house” with 14-inch-thick concrete walls as a “produce stand” to be used to sell vegetables and other garden products through the large window on its south side. Tiny told that her father’s initial plan was to make money from the train passengers who disembarked for a stroll around the town during the short station stops here. The thickness of the ice house walls would keep the interior cooler during hot months, similar to the way that caves are known to do. However, soon the structure was used to store even more ice brought to town by the railroad for local Madison residents in the summer. The large blocks of ice were initially intended to more effectively “refrigerate” the Gormley vegetables, but eventually the ice was likely in demand more so than were the vegetables. Naturally, in winter months the demand for ice was reduced, so the “ice house” also became used to store coal delivered by the railroad for sale to area residents. Coal was a cheap, readily-available heating fuel, and it was certainly easier to collect a winter supply at about $7 per ton rather than to chop trees into firewood for heating houses and stores along the railroad. Besides, stacks of firewood often become the home and breeding ground for roaches and other insects, whereas coal does not. Most of the old homes and stores close to the railroad used coal heat in winter, and some still have a chute into a basement level where the coal was stored. This is the case also for the large old Lanford-Slaughter-Camper house at 7400 Old Madison Pike, about a mile north of the railroad’s tracks. That magnificent house sits on the east bank of Indian Creek, just a bit north of today’s crossing bridge. The house was built in the 1850s, about the time that the railroad was completed through the area, and the early families in it may well have obtained their coal from the Elko Switch depot, near today’s Gate 9 into the Redstone Arsenal properties at the south end of the Lanford plantation property. Both railroad station stops were about the same distance from the house, but Elko presented no necessity to cross the creek with wagonloads of coal being hauled back to the house. It must have been challenging in the early years to keep the coal dust off the ice as the seasons changed. In more recent years, the city has stored dry chemicals and obsolete paper records plus various discarded mechanical components in the structure, so it is kept locked now. Lately it has been the residence of many spiders that have made huge webs inside. The roof was not long ago collapsing in one large area, but the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society last year paid for a professional repair of the roof, so it may last many more years. There have also been some considerations in past years about painting the ice house different colors, or even adding murals of historical scenes typical of the town. The recent emplacement of two such

murals on other structures in the town may lead to further consideration about the ice house as a suitable canvass in the future.

The history of the ice house is obviously linked very closely to the James Gormley family and more specifically to his daughter “Tiny” Gormley Sturdivant. Before her marriage, Tiny Gormley sold vegetables, ice, coal, and tickets to train travelers at the depot while her father was depot agent. Tiny’s grandmother Mary Sullivan was the wife of Madison resident William Moody Gormley and a sister of Dr. George Richard Sullivan, an early physician of Madison who became the namesake of Sullivan Street. Moreover, today’s more recently-developed Sturdivant Street in Madison was named after Tiny’s father-in-law, Robert Lee Sturdivant. Tiny’s grandfather William Gormley owned the lot and house at 205 Church Street for a time and sold it in 1874. After many different owners through the years, that property came back into ownership by Tiny’s Gormley Sturdivant’s descendants, as further mentioned below.

In 2006 Tiny’s life memories were digitally recorded for the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society. Copies were also made of some photos of her family and old Madison scenes that she had collected during her lifetime. In 1937 Tiny married Claude Lester Sturdivant, who died in 1964. They had sons James G. and Claude Lester, Jr. The Sturdivant house at 308 Church Street is still in the family, as James G. Sturdivant still lives there. Tiny’s husband Claude was a son of Madison Mayor Robert L. Sturdivant, who served several terms, 1929-1931 and 1934-1940. Robert (1875-1954) was a son of John J. Sturdivant, who owned the land where today’s Mill Creek Elementary School is located. In fact, James G. (“Jim”) Sturdivant, John Sturdivant’s great-grandson, named that school, and he served as a City Councilman over 35 years ago.

Additionally, from 1996 Charles and Kim Sturdivant owned the property at 205 Church Street. The lot size is listed as 203.9 ft. by 52 ft., with the 2121 sq. ft. house shown as having been built in 1930, but that is debatable. Since 2014 Charles has been married to Amy Catherine Bell, and the house at 205 Church Street is still in Sturdivant ownership. Charles is a grandson of Alda Florence (“Tiny”) Gormley and Claude Lester Sturdivant. Tiny sold the 205 property to Charles in 1996 for $10, as a nominal legal amount. Tiny’s husband Claude had died in 1964, and Tiny remained in their house at 308 Church Street until she had to spend the last days of her life in the Madison Manor Nursing Home. Her son Jim Sturdivant, father of Jimmy Jr. and Charles, was also a Madison school board member. Jimmy Jr. likewise became co-owner with Charles L. Sturdivant of 308 Church Street in 2014, as Tiny had provided well for her family in her own widowhood.

The 205 Church Street lot history extends back through ownership by Tiny Gormley Sturdivant’s paternal grandfather William M. Gormley in 1874, but it passed through at least 14 more changes of ownership to get back into “the Gormley family” of Tiny Gormley Sturdivant. These changes of ownership included the December 4, 1916, acquisition by Douglas Broyles from William S. Russell (son of Madison Constable William A. Russell, murdered in 1903). Broyles held the property until January 4, 1919, when he sold it to Madison banker Lee Samuel Hager, who sold it on April 21, 1920, to Louie G. Collier before it eventually passed to the Sturdivant family, probably after passing through ownership by Pride and Fletcher families. While the house has been called the Broyles-Sturdivant home in the past, Broyles’ own-

ership was short, just barely over two years, from late 1916 to early 1919. The conclusion is that only the Gormley-Sturdivant family has held this property for any long duration, even though it been stated in other publications that they have held the 205 Church Street property since the 1950s. No matter what may be the case, it is certain that both 308 and 205 Church Street houses have been closely connected to the history of the ice house.

Original Roundhouse location at right, south side of RR tracks.

Claude Lester and Alda Florence (“Tiny”) Gormley Sturdivant family (1957 photo posted to Family Search by Traci Gormley, May, 2020.)

so focused on his technique he passed the exit point out of the water and had to swim back to that location against the current. The bike portion of the sport has also presented Keller with some humorous and memorable moments like the time in Grand Rapids, Mich. the chain kept coming off his bike. By the time he was finished, his hands were disgusting by being full of grease. As for the run, this time

in Illinois, he failed to see the turn-around spot and kept running and a quarter-mile later a policeman stopped him and told him he was no longer on the course.

“My style of coaching is simple as I show the students the skills needed to participate and I let them do that skill even if they fail,” said Keller. “I show them again and help them succeed. I also teach the athletes

the correct ways to handle the transitions between the sports as those are very important.”

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound Keller understands most beginners can become overwhelmed with the process of training, though most can swim, have ridden a bike and have ran of some sort during their years. He said of one local woman who had issues with being overweight and lack of athletic skills.

Keller kept working with her over a two-year timeframe, but she finally participated in an Olympic distance triathlon of a 1,500meter swim, 40K bike ride and a 10K run. The race was the local Rocketman Triathlon.

“She completed the event. I was so proud of her,” said Keller. “For me, swimming is my favorite part of a triathlon while I have to be better on the bike portion since I had no experi-

ence in bike rides prior to my starting being a triathlete,” said Keller. “As age catches up with me, running has become tougher to navigate. The knowledge I gained through the years is fabulous as growing up on the Southside of Chicago made me face challenges.”

For Keller, helping others face challenges is a gift the immediate Madison area can’t do without.