The Madison Record - September 6, 2023

Oktoberfest

This year’s Oktoberfest at Redstone Arsenal will take place Sept. 15-17 at the Activity Field on Aerobee Road and is open to the entire North Alabama community. It promises fun for all. Page 7A

Madison THE RECORD

Madison Police arrest suspect in PNC bank robbery

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The Madison Police Department has arrested the person allegedly responsible for the PNC bank robbery that happened last month. Madison Police have identified the suspect as 57-year-old James McQueen on Thursday. He was arrested and charged with Robbery - 1st Degree.

“The Bookends”

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - “I know most teams don’t have the luxury of having two top caliber players at defensive ends like we do,” said Nate Jennings, one of the two “Bookends” for James Clemens as he and fellow senior Jaylen Brown handle the de-

fensive end play for the Jets in 2023.

Both Jennings (6-foot-4, 260-pounds) and Brown (6-foot6, 242-pounds) have made a mark in the defensive schemes for the Jets and have been highly recruited by a parade of colleges as Jennings committed to South Alabama (USA) and will sign with the school just

prior to graduating in December while Brown recently committed to sign with the Tigers of Missouri and has yet to announce his signing date intentions. Neither of the talented student-athletes are thinking ahead as the 2023 season is just beginning and both have something to prove and want to leave

McQueen was booked into the Madison County Jail where he is being held without bond. Madison Police say the incident occurred on Aug. 25 at 4:49 p.m. Authorities say the suspect walked into the bank and slid the teller a note demanding money. Police say he also had a firearm. The teller put cash in a bag and the suspect then left the scene on foot.

The bank is located at 3735 Sullivan Street.

Police said the suspect was seen wearing a mask over his nose and mouth.

Patriot Racing gears up for new season as national champs

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Taking a lap as national champions, the Patriot Racing team is gearing for a new season of competition.

“This past May, Patriot Racing won the 2022-2023 National Championship in the F24 Advanced Modified and F24 Ad-

vanced Custom division,” Media Lead Isa Hayes said.

Patriot Racing is part of the Greenpower USA program.

“Greenpower started about 25 years ago in the United Kingdom, before coming to the United States in 2011,” Hayes said.

Bob Jones Patriot Racing has three teams:

• Red Team — Team Lead Max

McGee, Media Lead Isa Hayes, Ben Lambertson – seniors; C.J. Stratton – sophomore; Lyla Zomkowski, Bryce Benson, Delmont Goins – freshmen.

• White Team — Team Lead Tucker Magonigal – junior; John Allison, Daniel Myatt – seniors; Isaac Lockhart – sophomore.

• Blue Team — Team Lead Gabe Whitt – senior; Liam Cul-

ver, Conrado Jocson, Michael Schmauch – juniors; Nathan Gagne, Elliot Davison – sophomores; Ben Cox – freshman. School sponsor is Jessye G. Gaines. Team Mentor is Kris Kasprzak. Cars are divided into three sections. “Green Goblin is a simplified version available to ele-

In last year’s competition, the crew with Patriot Racing at Bob Jones High School won their national championship. The crew included Daniel Myatt, from left, Jackie Sullivan, Isa Hayes, Isaac Lockhart, Max McGee, Ashwin Prabhakar, John Allison, Liam Culver, Tucker McGonagal, Joshua Chen, Gabe Whitt, Kevin Lanyi, Lucas Guerra, Parx White, Micheal Schmauch, Wade Bucy, Elliot Davison and Elaine Bao.

Jaylen Brown and Nate Jennings are on their way to creating a legacy at James Clemens

The James Clemens “Bookends,” Jaylen Brown, left, and Nate Jennings are leaving what they hope is a legacy at the Class 7A school as top defensive ends in the area. Photo by Joshua Berry, Everlong Photography

James McQueen

Photo of the Week

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Racing

Continued from page 1A

mentary school students.

F24 Intermediate is for middle school students, and F24 Advanced is for high school students. We compete in F24 Advanced,” Hayes said.

Bob Jones has three cars — Red, White and Blue.

“Blue car was our first car and competes in F24 Advanced Modified division. Red car was the next addition and competed in (that) division,” Hayes said.

“These two cars keep their frame, but about every two years, we redo things, such as the body panels and wiring.”

White car debuted last year and competed in the F24 Advanced Custom division, “which means the car was completely scratch-built by our students. This past summer, we looked at our data from the original White car and completely rebuilt it,” Hayes said. For Bob Jones’ modified cars, Greenpower USA or GPUSA provides a frame, motor and two 12-volt batteries. For their custom car, students must gather all materials themselves for the frame/body, but GPUSA does supply the motor and batteries. Regulations determine what

students can and cannot put on or in cars.

“Based on the tracks we visit, we change our gear ratio so our cars can be as efficient as possible,” Hayes said. “We cannot, however, change the maximum speed while the car is running the track. (That is) we don’t have a gear shift.”

To join Patriot Racing, interested students must submit a formal application. Leaders review applications, and selected students complete the interview process, which results in final decisions for students that will join for the upcoming season.

To-date, Patriot Racing’s current schedule includes Internal Bob Jones Scrimmage, Sept. 23; EVOLV 400, Inspire Academy, Lafayette, Oct. 14; Choccolocco Green Prix, Oxford, Nov. 13 and 19; and EVOLV 400, Inspire Academy, Lafayette, March 16, 2024. Greenpower National Championship Race usually is scheduled in early to mid-May. For more information, email bobjonesgpr@gmail. com, or visit bobjonesgpr. wixsite.com/patriotracing, Instagram: @patriot_racing or YouTube Bob Jones Patriot Racing.

Member of the Alabama Press Association

Bob Jones High School played host to an outstanding college and career fair Thursday. Representatives from more than 70 organizations manned tables to hand out swag and literature, and to answer questions about their college, training program or company. The fair provided an excellent platform for students to learn about career possibilities and college/ work pathways to get there. James Clemens had its college/career fair the previous week.

Saving Officer Browne

The dramatic story of how a nurse practitioner and Mother Baby RN, along with Congressman Dale Strong, used their CPR training to save a police officer in Madison

SPECIAL TO THE RECORD Huntsville Hospital Systems

MADISON - After finishing her morning workout at Orangetheory Fitness on July 29, Elizabeth Schwarze hopped into her SUV and took what became a very fortunate shortcut through the new Clift Farm development.

Elizabeth, a pediatric orthopedic nurse practitioner at The Orthopaedic Center (TOC) in Huntsville, came upon a vehicle stopped in the middle of Jack Clift Boulevard, hazard lights flashing.

Just off the road, two bystanders stood over a male jogger who had collapsed on the sidewalk.

He wasn’t moving.

“I was on the phone with my husband and told him, ‘Something’s happened, I’ve got to stop,’” Elizabeth recalled. She hurried over to see if the man needed help.

The bystanders – another jogger and a Door Dash driver – didn’t have any medical training. Elizabeth, who has been a nurse since 2009 and previously worked in Huntsville Hospital’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, decided to take charge. She started by checking the man’s pulse.

Nothing.

Quickly, she told the bystanders she needed their help to stabilize the man’s head and roll him onto his back. They were scared, but one of them agreed.

The other bystander stayed on the phone with the 911 operator.

“You could tell he was in really bad shape, so I started CPR immediately,” Elizabeth said. “After four or five rounds, I got a very faint pulse. It wasn’t much of a pulse, but it was something.”

Nearby, Ashley Noles, a registered nurse in the Mother Baby Unit at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, was on her way to breakfast at Chick-fil-A in Madison with her husband and their four kids. Like Elizabeth, they had taken a shortcut through the Clift Farm neighborhood and happened upon the scene.

“No first responders had arrived yet, so my husband pulled over and just said, ‘Ashley, go help!’” she recalled.

While Elizabeth continued chest compressions on the jogger, Ashley counted each push out loud to help her maintain a steady rhythm. Ashley also had the smart idea to check the man’s heart activity on his Apple Watch; it showed his last recorded heartbeat eight minutes earlier.

“That told us he hadn’t been down for too long,” said Ashley. “With CPR, time is tissue, so we knew we had gotten to him soon enough that he had a chance.”

Elizabeth was becoming exhausted from multiple rounds of CPR on her

knees in the blazing sun, so Ashley offered to take over.

Ashley has taken several advanced life support classes during her 11year nursing career and just completed a CPR refresher course earlier this summer after moving to Huntsville from Panama City, Florida.

As the two nurses continued their lifesaving efforts while waiting on paramedics to arrive, they knew they needed to find out the jogger’s name so they could alert his loved ones. He wasn’t carrying any identification, but Ashley thought to search his watch for recent calls.

One of his phone contacts said “Sgt.” She dialed the number.

“Sergeant” turned out to be the man’s boss. Through him, they learned the person they were frantically working to save was Kyle Browne, a 31-year-old

police officer from Fairfax, Virginia.

Kyle and his wife were in Alabama visiting friends who recently moved to Madison. An avid jogger, Kyle had gone out for a three-mile run that morning. He had almost made it back to his friends’ house when he suffered a cardiac event around 9:30 a.m. and

TOC pediatric nurse practitioner Elizabeth Schwarze and Mother Baby RN Ashley Noles

Historic grocery tax cut goes into effect, but more work remains

By LT. GOV. WILL AINSWORTH

MONTGOMERY - Alabamians are feeling a bit of relief at the grocery store checkout lines as a result of the tax cut on food that a coalition of conservative lawmakers and I pushed through the Legislature during the 2023 regular session.

Beginning on September 1, the state’s four percent sales tax on grocery items was reduced to three percent, and if growth in the Education Trust Fund continues at the same pace as recent years, another $150 million tax cut will automatically go into effect as soon as 2024.

My goal is to continue chipping away at the tax until it is eliminated altogether in the near future.

Alabama was one of only three states that taxed groceries at the full rate - South Dakota and Mississippi are the othersand we are one of only 13 states in the nation that levy any tax on food.

The newly-implemented tax cut applies to any food that falls under the definitions of the federal food stamp program, known as SNAP in D.C. circles, which means all groceries are covered except for pre-prepared, hot food from in-store delis.

A clause in the law that is now in effect blocks cities and counties from raising their sales taxes on groceries so Alabamians can be assured of the intended savings, but mayors, council members, and commissions do have the option of following our lead and cutting the local sales taxes on groceries if they choose.

For several decades, advo-

The “Pinta”, a Replica of a Portuguese caravel used by Columbus and many early explorers will open as a “floating museum” for dockside educational tours. The ship will be docked starting Sept. 8 at Ditto Landing Marina in Huntsville until her departure on Sept. 18. The general public is invited to step back in time and explore the Pinta for self guided tours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Check out www.ninapinta.org.

cacy groups pushed to remove the grocery tax, but their plans always required new taxes to be shifted onto the backs of the middle class in order to offset revenue losses. As a conservative Republican who believes in cutting taxes, not simply moving them around like a rigged shell game, such proposals were considered non-starters in my eyes and those of my GOP colleagues.

During my term in the Alabama House and now, as lieutenant governor, it became obvious that the commonsense budgeting practices put in place after Republicans gained control of the Legislature in 2010 were creating surpluses and comfortable fiscal cushions that did not previously exist.

The pro-business measures we enacted were also creating an economic atmosphere that attracted both new and expanding industries and encouraged employers ranging from the largest companies to the smallest mom-and-pop storefronts to create new jobs and opportunities for Alabamians who were willing to work.

Soon enough, the unprecedented revenues flowing into the state treasury meant we could afford to begin eliminating the grocery tax without burdening any Alabamians with new or offsetting levies.

I worked closely with Sen. Andrew Jones (R - Centre), House Education Budget Chair Danny Garrett (R - Trussville), and Senate Education Budget Chair Arthur Orr (R - Decatur) to create a workable plan that also offered full protection to public education funding for K-12 schools,

community colleges, and fouryear universities.

I personally met with countless experts, advisors, and associations, including the grocers who collect the tax at the point of sale, and rallied them to join us in taking action.

Once the bill was drafted, my office recruited all 35 members of the Alabama Senate and 100 of the 105 House members to sign on as sponsors, which was considered by many pundits to be a political miracle in the highly partisan and philosophically contentious times in which we live.

The legislation eventually passed both chambers with unanimous, bi-partisan support.

It is estimated that our dinner

table tax cut will save the average Alabama family the cost of two weeks of groceries, which is essential when Bidenomics is causing inflation to skyrocket along with the price of gas and other everyday essentials.

Between 2022 and 2023, the cost of food rose by an average of 7.7% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Eggs alone cost a third more than they did last year, bread and cereal are up by 25%, and meat, fish, and chicken are substantially higher.

Our success in cutting the grocery tax demonstrates what can be accomplished if we stay true to our conservative beliefs, build consensus, and have the courage to attempt to accom-

plish what many say can’t be done.

But the job is only half-complete.

We must eliminate the second half of the grocery tax, and a legislative study group we empaneled is already running the numbers, making plans, and putting together a blueprint to accomplish that goal.

In the meantime, Alabamians will find their wallets are just a bit fatter and their bank accounts are just a bit fuller as savings at the checkout continue to accrue, but rest assured that my colleagues and I are working hard to finish our mission of providing you with full relief from taxes on the groceries you purchase.

The following events are scheduled for The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville’s MidCity District. Go to www.theorionhuntsville.com for more information.

CASINO NIGHT BENEFITING

MERRIMACK HALL

September 8

theorionhuntsville.com/event/ casino-night-at-the-orion/

Madison City Farmers Market

Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon 1088 Hughes Road madisoncityfarmersmarket.com

Located at 1088 Hughes Road, next to Trinity Baptist Church, Madison City Farmers Market is a producer-only farmers market founded in 2007. For more go to madisoncityfarmersmarket.com.

Casino Night will be a fully immersive experience transporting guests into an upscale, high-energy casino setting to play and enjoy for a remarkable cause.

This event will feature various casino-style table games, where guests can donate and play for fabulous prizes. Additionally, guests can enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, themed cocktails, and drink specials. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center in Huntsville.

MAXWELL with Musiq Soulchild October 7 theorionhuntsville.com/event/ maxwell/ Maxwell comes to Huntsville on October 7 with special guest Musiq Soulchild!

LANA DEL REY September 21 /theorionhuntsville.com/event/ lana-del-rey/

Lana Del Rey will play The Orion on September 21!

The state sales tax was reduced by one percent on Sept. 1.

IN THE PARK – 5 p.m., Sept. 3, 10, 17 & 24 at Big Spring Park East: Spearheaded by the City of Huntsville’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, this annual community-driven concert series provides music-lovers across generations a free ticket to experience some of modern jazz’s biggest names live on stage. Visit the Jazz in the Park-Huntsville Facebook page for lineups and more information.

LIVING

Old theatre, old memories

By JOE HOBBY Columnist

I recently went to see singer Jackson Browne perform at the Alabama Theatre in downtown Birmingham, and a curious thing happened. After the first song, he looked around and said, “I remember this theatre. What a nice place to play music.”

It’s a nice place to do most anything. It’s old, it’s ornate, it’s beautiful. And like a lot of people, going to the Alabama brings back a wheelbarrow full of personal memories. As I looked around, the time seemed to melt away.

I came here as a kid.

My big sister frequently brought me downtown to catch a Saturday matinee.

I’ve performed standup comedy on this stage in front of a packed audience.

However, for me, there is one Alabama Theatre memory that burns brighter than the neon marquee out front. The Alabama was the site of my first date. (Incredibly, I looked everywhere inside the theatre and didn’t see a plaque marking the occasion.) While many of the details have faded like an old pair of jeans, others I recall quite clearly.

I didn’t start dating until my junior year of high school because I was a year younger than my classmates. I waited because I wanted to be a driver before I took on such a serious social undertaking. Once I passed the test, it was time. But who to ask out? Denise was the perfect choice. I liked her. We had some friendly banter in the hallways, and there seemed to be good chemistry between us. But, this was a date! What if she rejected me? Worse, what if she said, “I’ve got plans, but thanks for calling me.”

To an insecure teenager, an answer like that creates a lot more questions. Does she already have another date? Does “thanks for

SALE EXTENDED

calling”, mean call me another time? If so, how long do I wait? Should I ask her out again? When? Oh, the things we had to navigate when we entered the world of high school dating.

I finally conjured up the courage to make The Call, and Denise seemed glad to talk with me. When she said yes, my heart almost jumped out of my chest. Saturday was going to be D Day, that is, date day.

Now the planning began. The first order of business was to procure transportation. I called my big sister, and she agreed to let me borrow her nearly new 1970 Barracuda. I didn’t even have to beg.

Soon, my mom and sis saw the advantage of allowing me to date in their cars. The vehicle would get a complete detailing before I used it. This was one of the pre-date rituals high school boys of that era practiced. The car would be washed, waxed, and thoroughly vacuumed before the big event. We are talking showroom clean. I did everything but change the transmission fluid. If I had dates on two consecutive weekends, the car got waxed twice. It was over the top, but most guys did it.

Of course, since this is me, you can be sure there was going to be some kind of complication. On Friday, Denise told me that she had done something to get on the wrong side of her parents, and her Saturday curfew was cut back to 9:30. She was so embarrassed by this turn of events that she offered to reschedule.

No way. Instead, I picked her up at 5:00, and we headed for the earliest feature I could find - which happened to be Patton playing at the Alabama. A war flick was probably not a great choice for a first date, but honestly, time was the key factor. It could’ve been a movie about how to remove ticks from a dog for all I cared. I recall how relaxed we both were. Conversation before

See HOBBY Page 8A

Savory sandwiches for tailgate fun

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Fall marks the start of football season. Game day experiences are made even more enjoyable by hosting or attending a tailgate in the parking lot of the stadium.

Tailgate supplies must be brought to the tailgate the day of the game. That includes food, which is often prepared at home and then cooked on-site. This recipe for “Ultimate Steak & Mushroom Sandwiches” from Laurie McNamara’s “Simply Scratch” (Avery) can be prepared at home and then put together at the stadium lot. These delicious sandwiches can be easily cut into small pieces and served as slider-type appetizers.

ULTIMATE STEAK & MUSHROOM SANDWICHES

Makes 4 6-inch sandwiches

• 11/4 to 11/2 pounds rib-eye steak

• 1 cup Balsamic Herb Dressinade

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced

• 1 pint cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)

• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

• 11/2 cups grated provolone cheese

• 4 6-inch hoagie bungs, split

• Mayonnaise

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary, or 1 teaspoon dried

•1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried

• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 cup grape-seed or olive oil

In a 1-pint glass jar, combine all the ingredients. Secure the lid and shake until combined. Let stand for 30 minutes before using. Refrigerate any unused dressing. Place the steak on a small rimmed baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes so it’s firm and partially frozen. Holding a sharp knife on a slight angle, going against the grain of the meat, slice into very

thin strips.

In a large resealable bag or a medium bowl, marinate the steak in the dressinade for 30 minutes.

On a griddle or in a 12-inch castiron skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, toss and spread out in an even layer. Once the onion starts to soften, add the mushrooms. Cook until soft and slightly caramelized.

Using tongs, remove the steak from the marinade (allow excess to drip back into the bag or bowl) and place on the griddle, toss with the onions and mushrooms, then spread in an even layer. Allow the steak to sear, forming a crust, for 4 to 6 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 to 6 minutes more.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired, and sprinkle with the blue cheese and provolone. Turn off the heat on the griddle or remove the skillet from the heat and cover with a domed lid or tented foil to allow the cheese to melt quickly.

Toss one last time so the cheese is mixed throughout. Divide the steak mixture among the crusty hoagie buns. Serve immediately.

Madison Newcomers and Neighbors to meet Sept. 14 at the Hogan Family YMCA

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Madison Newcomers and Neighbors Club, a Womens Social Organization, will meet Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Hogan Family YMCA located at 130 Park Square Lane. The social time begins at 9:30am with the speaker

beginning promptly at 10 am.

September’s speaker is Hallie Porter, Development Director of the Land Trust of North Alabama. The Land Trust leads regional and community collaborations that plan, preserve and provide stewardship to all green space in North Alabama. Current residents as well as

newcomers to our community are always welcome to attend our meetings the 2nd Thursday of each month. We offer informative programs as well as a variety of fun activities which gives you a chance to meet new friends.

For further information contact either Martha Heard (256)772-9721 or Lisa Anderson (540)273-3239.

1901- Republican William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States (1897–1901), was shot this day in 1901 by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist, at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, and died eight days later.

These delicious sandwiches can be easily cut into small pieces and served as slider-type appetizers.

A Huntsville tradition, the juried art festival will present over 100 local and regional artists and welcome select local food vendors and featured musicians.

Monte Sano Art Festival welcomes over 100 area artists next weekend

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE – Breathtaking views and outdoor fun will complement one-ofa-kind artwork at this year’s Monte Sano Art Festival, presented by Damson Automotive, on Sept. 16 and 17 at Monte Sano State Park. A Huntsville tradition, the juried art festival will present over 100 local and regional artists and welcome select local food vendors and featured musicians.

Monte Sano Art Festival will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. Arts Huntsville does not charge admission to the festival; however, Monte Sano State Park will charge $10 per car for parking or $5 per walk-in festival attendee, cash only. All funds go towards supporting the state parks system.

“Monte Sano Art Festival is a great opportunity to shop from a wide array of local, regional and national artists while also enjoying Huntsville’s state park,” said Allison Dillon-Jauken, executive director of Arts Huntsville. “As a juried art show, each year we feature exceptional professional artists who were selected from all of our applicants as the best in their medium. From jewelry to clay and painting to sculpture, the festival showcases art that will appeal to both firsttime buyers and long-time collectors.”

Local food trucks will be present throughout the weekend, and attendees will be able to dine al fresco on picnic tables placed throughout the food and beverage areas. Local musicians will perform during the weekend, and there will be a special performances. A full list of food trucks and musicians can be found on the Monte Sano Art Festival page on the Arts Huntsville website.

For more information, visit the Arts Huntsville website or call (256) 519-ARTS (2787). Arts Huntsville can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @ ArtsHuntsville.

MADISON STREET FESTIVAL - The Madison Street Festival is just around the corner. The annual festival is in its 41st year and includes many fun areas including arts and crafts, exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, a variety of food vendors, a community parade, information vendors, a sponsor row, and a children’s and teen area with lots of activities. Come spend the day Madison’s historic downtown on October 7 from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, go to madisonstreetfestival.org.

Redstone Arsenal to host 26th Annual Oktoberfest Sept. 15-17

By STAFF REPORTS

HUNTSVILLE - This year’s Oktoberfest at Redstone Arsenal will take place Sept. 15-17 at the Activity Field on Aerobee Road and is open to the entire North Alabama community. It promises fun for all.

The annual Redstone festival attracts thousands of people each year. Some attend for the Ferris wheel and other carnival rides, others for the live entertainment, which this year will include The King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band, DJ Slim Robb, DJ Jammin’ Jeff, karaoke, The Pollies (a Muscle Shoals band) and Buck’d Up, a Huntsville-based eclectic band.

Always a draw to Oktoberfest is the cuisine, such as grilled brats

and schnitzel plates (German potato salad, sauerkraut, dill pickle spear and Brotchen), pretzels and beer cheese and more.

This year’s event will cost $15 for general admission and $25 for admission with unlimited rides. Parking is free.

Proceeds from the Oktoberfest are returned to the Redstone community in the form of improvements to Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities and recreational offerings. Details on events can be found in future issues of the Redstone Rocket and at redstone.armymwr.com.

THE ROCKET CITY FAIR returns September 14-23 with big rides and bold moves! The 2023 Rocket City Fair will be held next month at John Hunt Park, 2195 Jaycee Way in Huntsville, AL 35801. You won’t want to miss the classic fair food (funnel cake, anyone?), thrilling rides, live music, and fun for the entire family! There will also be entertainment, such as The Tickled Pink Petting Zoo starring Larry the Llama, Lady Houdini’s World-Renowned Escape Show, and the 2023 Concert Series. For more details, go to www.rocketcityfair.com

Grants for existing educational and horticulture projects to be awarded by Master Gardeners

By SUZANNE KIRKHUFF

a legacy of being top players at their crafts.

“We both know our assignments as we feed off each other and it’s difficult for teams to keep both of us contained,” said Jennings. “For me, I have a nose for the football and I use my techniques to work my way through blockers, look for the ball and pursue at 100-percent.”

“I look at the tackle or tight end that’s in front of me and I use a variety of moves such as the swing move or swipe move along with what the coaches call the strike technique in my play,” said Brown, who has an 82-inch wingspan. “I use my long arms to my advantage.”

Having two elite players on the defensive line is something James Clemens head coach Chad McGehee doesn’t take

for granted. He said of his two “Bookends,” “Nate is as good as player I’ve coached. His ceiling is unlimited as he’s the whole package. Jaylen is a blessing to have on board, especially since he began playing football not long ago.”

Despite being always bigger than most of his friends while he grew up in both Decatur and Madison, Brown never attempted to play football until his sophomore year at James Clemens, but did not see playing time until last season when he quickly grew into an elite player. Brown said of his beginnings in the sport, “My older brother, Jaden, was a wide receiver for the team and my mother asked me to try to play football. My first days on the field I was very clumsy. I started to study football while at

Saving Officer Browne

collapsed on the sidewalk along Jack Clift Boulevard.

The story took an unexpected twist when U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) showed up at the scene. A licensed emergency medical technician and volunteer firefighter, the firstterm Congressman heard the commotion on his scanner and went to see if he could help. He had just returned home from Washington, D.C., the previous night.

As a first responder, Strong carries lifesaving tools in his vehicle including a cardiac defibrillator. He, Ashley and Elizabeth delivered two electrical shocks from the machine to try to jolt Kyle’s heart back into rhythm.

It was a Saturday morning, so Strong was dressed in shorts and a T-shirt instead of his customary suit. Ashley and Elizabeth didn’t know until after the fact that they had been performing CPR with a member of Congress.

Paramedics arrived with still more lifesaving gear and administered epinephrine, a drug that can help re-start the heart following a cardiac arrest. Kyle, who by now had regained a pulse, was loaded onto an ambulance and rushed to Huntsville Hospital, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center.

Incredibly, Kyle does not ap-

home and I watched my position during games on TV. It was not an overnight success.”

Clumsy is a good description of Brown’s first experience at football. Matter of fact, he gained the nickname of “Bambie” from one of the coaches who saw him and Jennings working out on a nearby baseball field. The coach could tell Brown was athletic, but clumsy and awkward. The coach said Brown looked like a young deer, thus nicknamed him “Bambie.”

“He has certainly outgrown his nickname with his elite skills,” said Jennings, of his fellow Bookend, and who himself began playing youth football at age five.

“I played above my age my whole life as I was always bigger than the other kids,” said

Continued from page 3A

“One of Kyle’s doctors described it as a 1 in 50 million event that can sometimes happen to a person with an otherwise healthy heart.”

Jennings, who has been an outstanding AAU basketball player until he gave up that sport after last school year and has earned the nickname of “Big Nate.” “I played almost all the positions in football and didn’t turn to defensive line until I came to James Clemens. I suffered a bad knee injury and missed my entire freshman season and had to come back from that incident.”

“I always knew he was special,” said his mother, Chrisonia Jennings. “He’s determined and dedicated to the game and his classroom studies. When he was in the fifth grade, I had a dream he was going to go all the way in football.”

“I learned a lot from Nate as I ask advice from him all the time and he never hesitates to answer my question,” said

Kyle’s amazing recovery. God is so good.”

Brown. “I joined football for fun and didn’t know much about the game and, of course, recruiting like I’ve gone through.”

Brown has been in talks with 20-plus schools such as Houston, Maryland and Arkansas State, but he chose Missouri indicating he liked their coaching staff and the campus facilities.

When the Jets line up on any given Friday night the numbers 90 and 93 can be easily seen among the colors of Carolina Blue, navy and white as each have sculpted physiques and look like elite players. Once on defense, players, coaches and fans alike look to the ends of the line and feel fortunate to have the “Bookends” ready to take it to their opponents unlike any other program in the Tennessee Valley.

pear to have suffered any permanent cardiac damage. After spending eight days at Huntsville Hospital, he flew home to northern Virginia and is scheduled to return to work at the Fairfax County Police Department on Sept. 1.

“He’ll be on light duty for a while,” says Kyle’s wife, Courtney Locke.

She said multiple cardiologists in Huntsville and Virginia have all come to the same conclusion: Kyle’s heart is healthier than most men in their early 30s, and that what happened was just a fluke.

“They have no idea how it happened or why,” Courtney said.

Courtney said their experience at Huntsville Hospital was “phenomenal” – from Kyle’s main cardiologist, Dr. Christopher Roth, to the nurses and techs in the Coronary Care and Cardiology units, to the army of behind-the-scenes staff who interacted with the family. The hospital was also the setting for an Aug. 1 prayer vigil for Kyle attended by Congressman Strong, hospital leaders and fellow first responders from Madison County and the D.C. area.

Elizabeth said she believes God put her in just the right place at just the right time for a reason. She had performed CPR on hospital patients before as part of a team, but never on a sidewalk in the scorching heat.

“I give all the glory to the Lord,” Elizabeth said. “It’s what you train for, but you don’t ever want to have to use it.”

Ashley also feels divine intervention was at work that morning: “It’s the providence of God that we were all passing by on that main road (Jack Clift Boulevard) where Kyle collapsed,” she said. “I am so thankful for everyone involved, and for

For Courtney, knowing that so many strangers stopped to help her husband is both surprising and inspiring. “We grew up in the hustle and bustle of New Jersey, outside New York City, where you rarely see peo-

ple aware of their surroundings to this degree,” she said. “Elizabeth and Ashley were off duty and had no obligation to stop, but they did.

“It’s a true testament to Southern hospitality and how people in Alabama really watch out for one another.”

Hobby Continued from page 5A

and after the show flowed freely.

Now for the big decision. I could:

a) Take her home and give her a good night kiss;

b) go parking - a term we used for making out in a car for a period of time; or

c) ignore my raging hormones and don’t do anything.

There was no doubt. Despite the time constraints, I chose option b. I knew of a nearby overlook where the lights of the city sparkled beautifully, and we spent the rest of the time we had doing what teenagers do - although a small car with bucket seats made it difficult to get comfortable. I would quickly learn that my mom’s giant Plymouth Fury was much more user-friendly for parking.

We both knew that 9:30 meant 9:30, not 9:31, so I made it a point to we be right on time. In be-

tween a sweet good night kiss, and reaching for the front door Denise said, “Joe, please, please don’t tell anyone that I had a 9:30 curfew.” I smiled and nodded. Nobody knew - until now. By 9:33 I was backing out the driveway, basking in the afterglow of my first date…

And as if on cue, Jackson Browne jolted me back to the present when I heard him sing these words:

“Everybody’s just waiting for the one Who can give them the answers And lead them back to that place in the warmth of the sun Where sweet childhood still dances…”

Who? Tonight, it was the Alabama Theater. Find more of Joe’s stories on his blog: www.mylifeasahobby. blogspot.com/?m=1.

2023DailyFairActivities

Alltimesaretentativeandsubjecttochangewithoutnotice.

Friday,Sept.15th

2ndAnnualLincolnCountyFairCruise-In

Hostedby:VooDooCustoms.......................................5:00PM

AdultCornholeTournament100%Payout:50/30/20 ....6:00PM

Registrationcutoff-5PMonFriday,Sept.15.NOExceptions.

Saturday,Sept.16th

GateAdmission$22

includesAdmissiontoFair,Rodeo,andArmband

ARMBANDDAY,ALLYOUCANRIDE..............................1:00PMuntilclosing

MyotonicGoatRegistryStoneBridgeMyotonicShow...9:00AM

MyotonicGoatRegistryLincolnCountyFairShow........1:00PM

Jr.MeatGoatShow.....................................................4:00PM Rodeo.........................................................................7:30PM

CallMikeRobertsontoenter:770-548-2358

Sunday,Sept.17th

GateAdmission-$8

ARMBANDDAY,ALLYOUCANRIDEFOR$20................1:00PM-5:30PM

ARMBANDDAY,ALLYOUCANRIDEFOR$25................1:00PMuntilclosing DairyGoatShow(4-H&FFA-Open)............................9:00AM

StickHorseRaces.......................................................1:00PM

Registration1:00PMinareaoutsideofFairStore

QuarterHorseRaces,PonyRaces&MuleRaces.........1:30PM Rodeo.........................................................................6:00PM

CallMikeRobertsontoenter:770-548-2358

Monday,Sept.18th

GateAdmission-$8

BlackAngusShowmanshipClassandShows..............5:00PM

MarketHogandSwineShow.......................................5:00PM

JuniorMissPageant,Ages11-13Yearsold

FayettevilleLumberStage............................................7:00PM

MissTeenPageant,Ages14-16Yearsold

FayettevilleLumberStage......................ImmediatelyfollowingJuniorMiss

FairestofFairPageant,Ages17-20Yearsold

FayettevilleLumberStage......................ImmediatelyfollowingMissTeen Non-SanctionedTruck&TractorPull............................7:00PM

Tuesday,Sept.19th

FREEGateAdmission&ParkingInsidetheFairgrounds

SponsoredbyAriensCo.

HONORINGVETERANS,ACTIVEDUTY,LAWENFORCEMENT,FIRSTRESPONDERS, STUDENTS,TEACHERS,SENIORCITIZENSANDCENTURYFARMS

ARMBANDDAY,ALLYOUCANRIDEFOR$15................5:00PM-Closing

SENIORCITIZENS&CENTURYFARMSRECOGNITIONDAY

HarnessRaces............................................................2:00PM

AntiqueTractorExhibit.................................................2:00PM

CommercialHeifer,Hereford&PolledHerefordShowmanship ClassandShows.........................................................5:00PM

TinyMissPageant,Ages2-4Yearsold

FayettevilleLumberStage............................................6:00PM

LittleMissPageant,Ages5-7Yearsold

FayettevilleLumberStage..........................Immediatelyfollowing TinyMiss-YoungMissPageant,Ages8-10Yearsold FayettevilleLumberStage..........................ImmediatelyfollowingLittleMiss HarnessRaces............................................................7:00PM

Wednesday,Sept.20th

GateAdmission-$8

HarnessRaces............................................................2:00PM

PowerWheelsDerby=CarsPlusSponsorPowerWheelsGiveaway-Power WheelsContestantsOnly!...........................................6:00PM

StockDemolitionDerby...............................................7:00PM

Pro-Wrestling-FayettevilleLumberState.....................7:30PM

Thursday,Sept.21st

GateAdmission-$10

HarnessRaces............................................................2:00PM

LCFSPONSORSCOUPONNIGHT ARMBANDDAY,ALLYOUCANRIDE, $15withcoupon-$20withoutcoupon......................5:00PMuntilclosing Simmental,Simmental%,Shorthorn,ShorthornPlus&OtherBreeds ShowmanshipClassandShows..................................5:00PM

MonsterTruckShow....................................................7:00PM

Friday,Sept.22nd

GateAdmission-$12

ARMBANDDAY,ALLYOUCANRIDEFOR$25................3:00PM

HarnessRaces............................................................2:00PM

DairyCattleShowmanshipClassandShow.................5:00PM

SanctionedTruck&TractorPull....................................7:00PM

GravelyZeroTurnMowerGiveaway...............................8:00PM DrawingduringTruck&TractorPull.MUSTbepresenttowin.

Saturday,Sept.23rd

GateAdmission-$12 ARMBANDDAY,ALLYOUCANRIDEFOR $20Armband..................................................1:00PM-5:30PM

subjecttochange.......................................................12:30PM HarnessRaces............................................................1:00PM

SheepShow(4-H,FFA&Open)..................................1:00PM

PowerWheelsDerby-CarsPlusSponsorPowerWheelsGiveawayPowerWheelsContestantsOnly!.................................6:00PM

DemolitionDerby........................................................7:00PM

UtilityTrailerGiveaway-DrawingduringDemolitionDerby. DoNOThavetobepresenttowin...............................8:00PM

NewCarGiveaway-2023ToyotaDrawingduring DemolitionDerby.MUSTbepresenttowin...................9:00PM

Virginia police officer, Kyle Browne

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

events at Toyota Field starting Monday

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Two spiritual and educational events for both middle school and high school students are scheduled to be held at Toyota Field by the Northeast Alabama chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

On Monday, Sept. 11, the “Message From Home- Ladies’ Night” will be held while one week later, Monday, Sept. 18, the “Kingdom Men’s Huddle” is set both with 5:45 p.m. start

times and special guest speakers. Cost is just $10 per person and will include a dinner with food catered by Donatos Pizza, a huge supporter of FCA. For Ladies’ Night, nine-time Grammy Award nominee and five-time GMA Dove Award Female Vocalist of the Year, Natalie Grant and her husband, singer-composer Bernie Herms, will provide entertainment and inspiration for the gathering for what promises to be an evening of comradery both physically and spiritually. Grant recently was given the

Former JC offensive lineman cut by Chicago Bears

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

honor of singing the National Anthem at the first Republican Debate held in Milwaukee, WI., a similar performance she had before the 2022 College Football National Championship Game. She has remained one of Christian music’s top-selling artists since her 2005 breakout album, Awaken. She’s an author of multiple books and is the co-founder of Hope for Justice, an international non-profit organization with offices in seven countries on five continents that works to end modern-day

James Clemens Jets cross country opens new season on a high note

By BOB LABBE bob@themadisonrecord.com

HOOVER - Nothing like starting a new season on a high note, and that’s exactly what the cross country program at James Clemens accomplished by having a great overall showing at the Spain Park Twilight Meet held in Hoover.

The boys from James Clem-

ens won the varsity division while the girls were runner-up. Both boys and girls squads from James Clemens took third place in the Junior Varsity division competition.

In varsity boys, Luke Alverson was the overall champion with a winning time of 16-minutes, seven-seconds as his performance led the Jets placing five among the top 10 runners.

Fourth place went to Cole Robinson (16:42), fifth place was grabbed by Dylan Dryer (17:03), eighth place went to Andrew Gohlich (17:35) and 10th place was taken by Ronan Barnes (17:46).

All of the top 15 finishers were named All-Elite in the event held on what could be called a hilly course through

See CROSS COUNTRY Page 2B

CHICAGO, ILL.- He had only been with the team for about a month, but Logan Stenberg did not make the 53-player roster limit and thus cut by the NFL’s Chicago Bears. The former James Clemens star offensive lineman and who played at Kentucky, came to the Bears from the Detroit Lions via waivers after the Lions chose to part ways with the 6-foot-6, 325-pound tackle earlier this year. Stenberg was a fourth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Lions, subsequently signing him to a four-year deal. During his stay with the Lions, Stenberg, who was once called by a Lions scout, “Meanest pick in the draft,” played in 25 games with four starts to his credit, all of which came in the 2022 season.

Stenberg was plagued by a variety of injuries in his first two seasons with Detroit. He was a three-year starter at Kentucky where he earned the nickname “Mr. Nasty” for his stern play on the line and playing through each play until the end. He was noted as one of the most physical offensive linemen in college football. His path to the NFL began at age five when he joined a local youth football league. Due to his large size, he was always forced to play up in weight divisions with usually older boys. Stenberg stated playing with the older players actually prepared him for what became an elite future.

Stenberg was once quoted, “My body is my business and I will always have modest activities in my life as I understand my career as a professional athlete will be much shorter than most people’s careers.” He was always a lover of the outdoors hunting and fishing on his parents’ 150-acre farm located just over the border in Tennessee within a short drive from Madison.

He’s currently attempting to a secure a spot on another team’s player roster for the 2023 NFL season.

The James Clemens boys team won the recent Spain Park Twilight Meet held in Hoover placing five among the top 10. Photo by Drew Bell, James Clemens High

Logan Stenberg of Madison was formerly a standout offensive lineman at James Clemens.

EDITOR’S NOTE: All coverage on last Friday’s local high school football games can be found online this week at www.themadisonrecord.com due to our early print deadline for Labor Day.

Bob Jones’ Kennedy Vaughn sparks Patriots to first Boddie tourney title

By DAVID HOLTSFORD AHSAA News

MONTGOMERY – Bob Jones High School junior Kennedy Vaughn sparked the Lady Patriots to their first-ever Juanita Boddie Classic volleyball tournament championship recently as tourney opened the AHSAA volleyball season for the 41st year.

Vaughn’s all-around play vaulted her into the AHSAA Prep Volleyball Spotlight as a result.

She led the Class 7A Patriots of Coach Jenny Jarrett with 94 kills, nine blocks, 15 digs and six aces. Bob Jones (10-0) beat defending Class 6A state champion Bayside Academy in

FCA

Continued from page 1B

slavery. She and Herms live in Nashville with their three daughters.

Some of Herms recent projects include working with the likes of Hillary Scott, Josh Groban, Danny Gokey, Barbra Streisand and Grant. Many of his works are award winning. He and Grant were married in 1999. Their first daughters are twins. He and his wife were separately nominated for the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance or Song in 2017. Herms won the award.

The Kingdom Men’s Huddle’s keynote speaker is not a stranger to athletics and the spotlight. David Pollack, a three-time All-American linebacker, including twice consensus first-team honoree, for the Georgia Bulldogs went on to play two seasons in the NFL after being a first-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He suffered a career-ending neck injury in the second game of his second season with the Bengals and since 2011 has been a college football analyst for ESPN. He was recently laid off by ESPN and is currently an assistant coach at North Oconee High located in Bogart, Ga. where his son, Nicholas, is a freshman.

the finals.

Vaughn had plenty of help from teammates Meg Jarrett, Eliza Tyrrell, Riley Lovell, and Rachel Mecklenburg. Jarrett had 77 digs, nine aces and 21 assists, Tyrrell added 46 kills, nine aces and 17 blocks, Lovell contributed 111 assists, 37 digs and 10 aces, and Mecklenburg had 84 assists, 29 kills and 34 digs.

Bob Jones, which also reached the finals of the prestigious tourney once before – losing to rival Huntsville in 2009 -- dropped only one set in the best-of-3 tournament play competition.

Bob Jones won 10 straight matches to start the AHSAA volleyball season, including regular-season

victories over rivals Huntsville and Grissom.

The team’s play at the Juanita Boddie Classic was more than impressive. It was dominating. The Patriots beat Class 6A powerhouse Mountain Brook in the semifinals. Bob Jones also defeated defending Class 7A state champion McGill-Toolen Catholic and Class 5A power Montgomery Academy on the way to the title.

Vaughn and her teammates grabbed the AHSAA Spotlight other two other strong individual efforts. Class 2A Cornerstone School (6-1) of Birmingham won the Jemison Panther Classic as Kem Roscoe had a season-leading 47 blocks in seven matches. She also had 43 kills.

The 41-year-old Pollack is a 2011 inductee of the College Football Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Lindsey, created the Pollack Family Foundation, which serves families

in numerous ways to enhance the quality of life.

Cross Country

Continued from page 1B

To purchase tickets, visit the FCA website at www.northalabamafca. org or call 256-509-3692. woods and around a pond. The meet was held under the lights to try and beat the recent heatwave that was ahold of the area. Special LED portable lights were set up throughout the course.

The final team standings included 1. James Clemens 28 (17:00 avg.), 2. Oak Mt. 47 (17:32 avg.).

In girls, James Clemens scored 46 points with a 21:40 average to finish runner-up to Oak Mountain which had 35 points and a 21:38 average. The Lady Jets had six girls finish among the top 15 making the AllElite squad. Those Jets were led by overall runner-up Kylie Gero (19:54) along with 5. Emma Bothern (21:12), 12. Makenzie Parker (22:18), 13. Ella Carter (22:27), 14. Brooke Bogardus (22:29), 15. Ashlyn Diehl (22:36).

The JV competition for James Clemens featured Kaley Gilman in fourth (24:25) while the boys were led by Dillon Tremblay (20:49) who finished 17th. In James Clemens’ Middle School efforts, fourth place in girls went to Adriana Gadomski (14:59) and Thomas Freeman in sixth place (12:36).

Kennedy Vaughn led the Class 7A Patriots with 94 kills, nine blocks, 15 digs and six aces.

Kaley Gilliam, No. 181, was the top runner for the James Clemens Middle School

cross country team at the Spain Park Twilight Meet held in Hoover.

Photo by Drew Bell, James Clemens High

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Only six home games remain for the Rocket City Trash Pandas in 2023. The team returns home this week for the last homestand of the 2023 season featuring a Sonny DiChiara bobblehead giveaway, the final education day game of the season, a pair of fireworks shows, Huntsville Stars Tribute Night, and Fan Appreciation Day.

The six-game series from Tuesday, September 5 through Sunday, September 10 will see the Trash Pandas battle the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The Blue Wahoos are the defending Southern League Champions and currently hold the best record in the league this season.

Josh Caray will be on the call for all home games for 103.9 FM THE UMP and 730 AM SportsRadio. The games will also be televised locally on WAAY-31.6, This TV. Check listings for additional cable carriers.

Tuesday, September 5 – Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos – Sonny DiChiara Bobblehead Giveaway

Wednesday, September 6 – Trash Pan-

das vs. Blue Wahoos – Education Day Game. Gates Open: All gates will open at 10 a.m. Trustmark VIP Gates open at 9:30 a.m. First pitch is set for 11:05 a.m.

Wednesday’s game begins at 11:05 a.m., with many local schoolchildren scheduled to attend the game as part of a field trip. The UAH Severe Weather Institute will have weather vehicles in the Toyota Outfield Experience for fans to learn more about severe weather at the game.

Thursday, September 7 – Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos – Oktoberfest.

Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:00 p.m. Trustmark VIP Gates open at 4:30. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.

The Trash Pandas will be offering a special Oktoberfest special for fans attending Thursday’s game. For $30, fans can participate in a German Crawl that includes six 8oz German Beers. This special will be available for purchase at the Bullpen Bar, and all drinks can be redeemed there as well. A Polka Band will also be performing from 5-7:30 p.m.

Friday, September 8 – Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos – Huntsville Stars Tribute Night. Gates Open: All gates will See TRASH PANDAS Page 8B

HURRYINWHILE QUANTITIESLAST! After

MohawkRevwood

Team USA Patriots will take on Team AUSA in a softball game as a fundraiser for the USA Patriots.

Trash Pandas to pay tribute to local military

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - For the fourth consecutive year, the Rocket City Trash Pandas will be hosting a Military Tribute Night at Toyota Field. The 2023 Military Tribute Night is scheduled for Saturday, September 16 and will be a tribute to our armed forces along with a softball game.

Team USA Patriots will take on Team AUSA in a softball game as a fundraiser for the USA Patriots before the evening concludes with a patriotic fireworks display.

“With our area’s connection to the military, the Trash Pandas are honored to bring the Military Tribute Night back to Toyota Field,” Trash Pandas Executive Vice President and General Manager Garrett Fahrmann said. “This night has become an annual tradition as a way to honor those who have served and who are currently serving in the armed forces.”

Tickets cost $10 in advance with the price increasing to $15 on September 16. Gates will open at 5 p.m. The USA Patriots will be hosting a pre-game meet and greet with an autograph signing on the concourse from 5:15-5:45 p.m. Following a patriotic pre-game display, the game

will begin at 6:35 and last seven innings.

In partnership with AUSA, the evening will feature festivities such as a large flag presentation, color guard, the singing of God Bless America during the game, and more. Following the game, new members of the military will be sworn in during a special on-field ceremony.

This will be the last opportunity for fans to see postgame fireworks at Toyota Field in 2023. Toyota Field concession stands will be open throughout the night with a selection of ballpark favorites, as well as beer, cocktails, and other specialty beverages.

The USA Patriots are a non-profit whose mission is to bring athletic and veteran amputees together to promote the benefits of inclusive sport and therapeutic recreational activities. America’s Amputee Softball Team travels around the country playing able-bodied teams in competitive and exhibition softball games, bringing a unique brand of softball, courage, and inspiration to communities nationwide. The team is composed of competitive, athletic veterans who have lost limbs in combat and non-combat related injuries.

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

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Living

Alison James earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Auburn University, graduating in 2012. She began her career in community journalism in Alexander City and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.

John

John Few has been in the field of newspaper journalism and production for nearly 25 years. John has served as a staff writer for The Demopolis Times, the daily newspaper in West Alabama, and editor for the weekly newspaper the Black Belt Gazette. He was transferred in 2009 to begin his coverage of Madison. In covering the City of Madison the past 10 years, John has reported on several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has grown, John has been there to cover the news that has made Madison home. Together John and his wife, Lori, have seven children, ranging from 15-23 years old.

Bob Labbe is a lifelong resident of the Huntsville community. He has been in the local news media for 48 years, a multi-award-winning journalist in television, radio and print media. He is a member of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame and has been nominated for both the Alabama Press Association and Alabama Music halls of fame. Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ in The Years, for 29 years on WLRH-FM Public Radio. He has also been a local high school basketball referee for 28 years and was a high school football referee for 15 years. Bob is an avid sports fan and collector of 45 rpm records. He once boxed Muhammad Ali and was the reporter who asked the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer

A graduate of Mississippi State University, Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Intergraph Corporation in 1990 with wife Brenda and son Andy. For 15 years Gregg wrote for “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Huntsville Times.” His articles have been published in numerous chamber of commerce publications, “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netflix series; and visiting Andy and wife Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.

Erin Coggins, contributing writer

Erin Coggins is a scholastic journalism adviser and history teacher at Sparkman High School. She is also a freelance writer and public relations consultant. Her writing muse is World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom she fell in love with while a student studying communications at the University of Alabama. Erin and her husband Jamie reside in Madison.

Joshua Berry, photographer

Joshua Berry has a degree in biology and works full time as an aquatic instructor for the City of Huntsville. He is also an avid runner, ranging from short to long distances. When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, he enjoys trying to capture the perfect moment on his camera. As the owner of Everlong Photography, his advice for beautiful pictures is that nothing looks better than being confident in oneself.

Few, contributing writer

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SCHOOLS

ALSDE changes college ready requirements

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The Alabama State Department of Education or ALSDE has added a requirement for graduating seniors, which will apply to students who are currently sophomores in high school.

The new requirement for Alabama students concerns College and Career Ready or CCR compliance. ALSDE has ruled that CCR is now a graduation requirement.

“The state passed HB109 (House Bill 109), which says that starting with the graduating Class of 2026, students must earn CCR status in order to graduate,” Dr. Ed Nichols said. Nichols is Superintendent of Madison City Schools.

“Starting with current tenth-graders, if students are not College and Career Ready, then they will not graduate,” Nichols said. For more information, visit madisoncity. k12.al.us/domain/2770 (or visit madisoncity.k12. al.us, click “Academics” and click “College and Career Readiness.”

To be College and Career Ready, a student must earn a “credential” in at least one of eight “indicators,” per ALSDE. The following paragraphs define each credential and its associated indicator:

* Benchmark score on any ACT section – Students must have “ACT College Readiness Benchmark Score” on at least one of these subtests: English (18), Reading (22), Math (22), Science (23).

* Qualifying score on

Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam — AP score must be 3 or higher.

IB score of 4 or higher.

* College or post-secondary credit – Minimum of 1.0 college / post-secondary credit on student’s transcript while in high school. Minimum final grade of “D” required for student’s college transcript.

* At least a Silver Certificate (a score of 4 on each of the three subtests) – Subtests are Applied Math; Graphic Literacy; Workplace and Documents.

* Enlist in branch of military before highschool graduation – Requirement is official letter from recruiter stating the student has enlisted in the military.

* Earn Industry Recognized Credential through a CTE Academy – MCS offers 15-plus industry credentials through CTE Academies.

* Earn 3.0 or more credits in one CTE Academy. Must earn a “C” or higher in each course — Maximum 1.0 Foundational Course Credit. Minimum 1.0 Concentrator Course Credit. Maximum 1.0 CTE Lab, Work-Based Learning or Pathway Project Course Credit.

* Completion of the requirements for In-School Youth Apprenticeship — As defined by Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. Nichols said additional details will be available in upcoming weeks. For more information, visit madisoncity.k12.al.us/domain/2770.

Madison City Schools: Grit, support, community! This is AVID

By SHARRON POWELL MCS Secondary Instruction Coordinator

MADISON - AVID, or Ad-

vancement Via Individual Determination, is in its’ third year in Madison City Schools, and has really started to grow in a way that will touch every student who chooses to take the elective or who is taught by an AVID-trained teacher. In the words of one Discovery Middle School AVID student, “this class makes good students great students.”

The class is designed to support student learning in reading, organization, questioning, critical thinking, and writing.

In addition, it provides students with opportunities to learn about different career pathways and it shows them what college looks like. Finally, it fosters a sense of community and safety so that students can practice thinking out loud or presenting their ideas to the group. This practice will help students develop confidence in their ability

to communicate with others.

For all these reasons, Madison City Schools have partnered with AVID and Mazda to provide this opportunity to our students.

When one walks into an AVID elective classroom, they will not notice a difference between it and any other classroom. The elective classes’ demographics and size mirror our other classes. However, it is the direct instruction of studying, note-taking, and collaboration that tends to set the class apart from others. The creator of AVID knew something that we should all be familiar with, the notion that no one explicitly teaches how to take notes or how to organize study materials. Most assume that students know how to do this, and some students naturally figure these things out on their own. However, many bright students do not and need to be taught these life skills. The class teaches these things so that students can take what they have learned and ap-

ply it in all of their classes, thus becoming a stronger student.

If you are fortunate enough to visit an AVID Elective classroom when they are having tutorials, you will see everything that AVID focuses on at work and you will see students supporting other students and asking them questions to help them solve points of confusion that they may have. Students identify a point of confusion from another class. It is something that the student is struggling with. The student must present his or her point of confusion to the class for their feedback. Once the student has presented, their peers will begin to ask clarifying questions to guide the student to finding the solution themselves. Through this activity, you can see how both presenter and listener must think critically about the problem at hand in order to come to an answer. Students who take the AVID elective are invited to participate every year; this builds a

sense of family, of community, in the classroom. Students move through their academic experience with the support of the AVID network behind them.

As they choose to take advanced classes, they will not be alone. This is just another way that AVID supports our students,

through giving them a sense of belonging in class.

As you can see, our teachers are doing amazing things in their AVID classes with the resources provided by AVID. We hope to continue to see growth in this very successful program.

$30.79

Students in Mr. La’Maz Ray’s Design & Modeling class at Discovery Middle School do a hands-on lesson involving coding and robotics. The course helps hone skills such as programing, teamwork, problem solving, and coding and is among the Career Tech Education options offered by Madison City Schools.

Awesome new learning opportunities with the additional STEM teachers at Madison Elementary School.

Anger, get it toned down

By BECKY MILLER God’s

Lemonade Stand

For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. - James

1:20

What gets you angry?

Neighbors’ dogs barking. Clerks who are rude to you. Speeding tailgating drivers. Cancelled flights. An opinionated person who shuts everyone else out of conversation. Maybe you have even made people angry as it is naive to think you don’t.

When some people get angry, they unfriend you. Others get angry and write letters, make phone calls or text. Anger causes broken marriages and broken

homes. Extreme anger can end in killing someone. It is necessary to learn how to let go of your right to be angry. Forgive people even if they have not asked for it. Stay cool instead of popping a cork over noise that keeps you awake at night coming from outside your home. Talk to God and ask Him to give you His perfect peace.

PRAYER: I need you every minute of every day. When I am tempted to get mad help me reign in my emotions. Use me for the kingdom of Heaven, not the devils. 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.

Church Directory

By DAWN REED

“Set the small cooler out on the front porch,” my beloved called to say on his way out of the hollow.

“And put the ice packs from the freezer in it, too.” I had no clue what was going on but did as instructed. With my own errands to run, I wouldn’t be home for a bit either. Apparently, someone was dropping off something that needed to be kept cold. My curiosity began to stir. Returning two hours later, I checked the cooler. Sure enough, it was no longer empty. Mr. Meadows, our favorite fisherman, had dropped off baggies of crappie fish, already cleaned and filleted. What a treat! He wanted to bless us. All we had to do was put our cooler out to receive it.

David wrote Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want,” from his personal experience. So, do I.

When my beloved surrendered to full-time ministry, we had no idea exactly what that meant. We prayed at the altar of our home church one Sunday night in late 1997. Though it wasn’t much, we laid down everything we had right there. Would it be foreign missions? Would we stay in the US? We didn’t know. What we did know was that it was real and it was time.

We had lived in a house we couldn’t afford, in financial bondage. Our kids thought it was great eating so

often at the BP station. In reality, we were so broke we were charging groceries on our gas card. What could God do with a trainwreck like us?

We dragged our hot mess to the altar. God picked us-and our baggage-right up. He had been waiting for us to let go of it all.

My family, finally surrendered to the LORD, went from financial bondage to living below the poverty line. It was amazing! God’s math is completely different. Returning to work after years at home raising kids, I contacted the payroll department because taxes had not been taken out of my first check. The lady told me I didn’t make enough. And yet, it WAS enough.

Over the years we have lived out Psalm 23:1. Our gracious Heavenly Father has met our every need. He has rained down manna from heaven (Exodus 16), poured water from the rock (Exodus 17), provided the coin in the fish’s mouth (Matthew 17), has multiplied the bread and fish (Luke 9), and put fish in the cooler.

Surrendered to God, no mess is too messy, no burden too great. He’s famous for His work with dirt and clay. The Bible doesn’t mention coolers, but David spoke of a “cup.” In Psalm 23:5 he shared about the abundance of blessings because the LORD was his shepherd: “You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.” Other translations say, “My cup is full and spilling over,” and “My cup runneth over.”

Today, I’m thinking, “My cooler runneth

from my Heavenly Father and Mr. Meadows.

Thank you to the following Faith Section sponsors

over,” with fish

Katie Crocker adds to church decor for Scouts’ Silver Award

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – To earn the Silver Award in Girl Scouts, Katie Crocker pursued a two-phase project to benefit her church.

When she graduates from high school, Katie wants to confirm that she left creative pieces of herself at First Baptist Church of Huntsville.

“Church has been a big part of my life, and I wanted to be one of the people who helped make a fun environment for the First Kids group in grades K-6 and the First Students section in grades 7-12,”

Katie said.

Katie is a member of Troop 10708. Beth Crocker and Heather Mackrell are Troop Leaders. While Katie worked by herself on the project, her family was very helpful.

Katie chose a two-part project. First, she paint-

ed a large, empty wall in the sixth-graders’ Sunday School classroom. Secondly, she built a ‘carpetball table’ for the church’s student center.

“Our church uses mosaics in the signature design because of the ‘Eggbeater Jesus’ mosaic on the building’s front. I incorporated this design in both projects because I wanted to stay true to the theme that makes our church a Huntsville landmark,”

Katie said.

Katie’s project required 50 hours: planning, 20 hours; shopping for supplies, 10 hours; and painting and building, 20 hours.

To complete the project, Katie needed lumber, power tools, painter’s tape, paint brushes and paint/stain. “We had generous donors. Haley’s donated the carpet for the table. Home Depot donated all the wood,” Katie said.

“I was able to use mon-

ey from selling cookies, and the church offered to

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help as well. My grandfather, David Crocker, came to visit from Knoxville and helped me build the table. He’s a really good carpenter,” Katie said.

SViewing her completed project, Katie believes it “creates a happier, warmer environment that will hopefully help keep families at our church after they visit. I love carpetball very much and first played it at church camp.”

“Carpetball or gutter-

ball is an easy way to participate without having to be social,” Katie said.

“That’s great for kids just trying to fit in.”

Katie needed to complete the Silver Award requirements to proceed to the ultimate goal, the Gold Award.

An eighth-grader at Discovery Middle School, Katie participates in National Junior Honor Society.

“I’ve received a handful of awards for various pieces

Trash Pandas

Continued from page 3B

open at 5:30 p.m. Trustmark VIP Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.

Over 30 former Huntsville Stars players, coaches, and front office members will return to town as the Trash Pandas honor the Stars of North Alabama’s past. They will be recognized in a ceremony before the game, sign free autographs on the concourse for fans, and the Trash Pandas will wear specialty jerseys and hats for the game.

Saturday, September 9 – Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos – Havoc Night & Saturday Night Fireworks. Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Trustmark VIP Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at

of artwork I have created while at Discovery,” she said.

In addition to Girl Scouts, Katie takes voice lessons for singing and attends youth events at church. She has started her own business of painting people’s pets on Christmas ornaments.

Katie’s parents are Andy and Beth Crocker. Andy works as an engineer at Dynetics, and Beth is a stay-at-home mom.

6:35 p.m.

The Trash Pandas will celebrate our local hockey team, the Huntsville Havoc, before the game with appearances from Havoc mascots Chaos and Ruckus, inflatable hockey games, and more.

Sunday, September 10 – Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos – Fan Appreciation Day.

Gates Open: All gates will open at 1:30 p.m. Trustmark VIP Gates open at 1 p.m. First pitch is at 2:35 p.m. 1,500 adults ages 18 and up will receive a limited-edition red Trash Pandas bucket cap as they enter Sunday’s game, presented by Dermatology Specialists of Alabama.

Katie Crocker has earned the Silver Award in Girl Scouts. Her service project benefitted First Baptist Church of Huntsville.