The Madison Record, Sept. 23,2020 by Madison Publications

WEDNESDAY SEPT 23, 2020

PUBLISHED EACH WEDNESDAY

INSIDE

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Schools hit by COVID-19

Rodney Smith takes smiles from lawns to Lay’s. Page 3A

Diamond Dig Trash Pandas to host “Diamond Dig” during their Oct. Movie Night. Page 5A

EDUCATION

MCS officials say 158 students and 12 teachers quarantined By JOHN FEW john@themadisonrecord.com

Rock Garden Community Rock Garden at Heritage Elementary adds beauty, civic pride. Page 6A

Chess Summer Knights Scholastic stands as first chess tourney in 2020-2021 school year. Page 6A

National Merit Scholarship 17 students in Madison City Schools among National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Page 6A

SPORTS

MADISON - The first week of elementary students returning to Madison City classrooms went relatively smooth two weeks ago. That was not the case last week after middle school students returned to their campuses in a phased in approach. By the end of the week, 14 students and one teacher tested positive for COVID-19, including nine Bob Jones High School football players. The presence of the virus caused the cancellation of the Patriots homecoming game against Florence on Friday, and this week’s game against Auburn. Also, high school students are being delayed by one week from

re-entering traditional classes. Students at Bob Jones and James Clemens High School were set to start back on Monday. Madison City Schools superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols Dr. Nichols said the decision to delay classes was made mostly due to a shortage in available teachers. “I know delaying the start of the high school rotation is not what any of us wanted this year. However, due to the loss of

teaching staff to quarantine and the shortage of substitute teachers, I felt the need to delay the high school rotation,” Dr. Nichols explained. “Madison is a small community and we are not sure how these positive cases at Bob Jones could affect our teaching staff in other schools.” Nichols said 37 Bob Jones and James Clemens teaching staff have accepted extra teaching assignments on their planning period to accommodate the scheduling demands of school-based and virtual classes. See COVID-19 Page 2A

Parker receives top superintendent award by state PTA By STAFF REPORTS MADISON – Former Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker was presented the 2019-2020 Outstanding Superintendent Award by the Alabama Parent Teacher Association. Discovery Middle and Columbia Elementary won two other state PTA awards. The Outstanding Superintendent Award was given the visiting former superintendent at Thursday’s Madison City

Leadership

Nine Bob Jones High School football players tested positive for COVID-19last week, causing the team to forfeit two of their games and postpone homecoming to Oct. 23.

Board of Education meeting before a smiling MCS staff, many of whom Parker had hired and worked with for years. Parker retired Feb. 28 after 31 years in Madison City Schools. “This award recognizes one school superintendent in the state of Alabama as an outstanding educator and/or administrator in their support of PTA, effective advocacy, civic and community contributions and family involvement,” the award states.

Former Madison City Schools superintendent Robby Parker expressed his love for Madison and the school district while accepting the award at Thursday’s MCS school board meeting. The award recognized Park- ately needed schools to accomer’s frequent interaction with modate growth. “He fielded countless quesPTAs and his activism throughwith patience and out the community in promot- tions ing the 12-mil property tax. thoughtfulness, held several That measure was ultimately town hall style meetings to get approved by more than 70 per- community input and made cent of the vote, positioning the himself available to the stuschool system to build desperSee PARKER Page 2A

Sparkman’s Nick Sawyer leads Senators and preps for West Point leadership. Page 1B

Limestone at “very high risk” level of COID-19

Football Friday James Clemens Jets rebound against Huntsville, 35-14. Pages 1B

We have more online at themadisonrecord.com

CLASSIFIEDS FIND JOBS INSIDE: There are plenty of jobs within today’s classifieds pages. See page 4A.

INSIDE Record ............ 2A Editorial........... 5A Education ........ 6A Sports ............. 1B

Business ......... 3B Kids................. 5B Church ............ 6B Lifestyles ......... 7B

By STAFF REPORTS

OVER THE EDGE - Madison Chamber of Commerce Interim Director Merrill Wright, Madison Mayor Paul Finley and the Rocket City Trash Pandas mascot Sprocket were just a few of the many volunteers who went “Over the Edge” to help Kids to Love on Friday and Saturday. They rappelled 160 feet from atop the Regions Center in downtown Huntsville, overcoming any fear of heights to raise money for the non-profit organization based in Madison. After watching Over the Edge fundraisers in other cities over the years, Kids to Love Founder and CEO Lee Marshall knew Huntsville would be a perfect fit for the thrilling fundraiser. She said 100 percent of the proceeds that rappellers raised will go straight to the foster children and programs that Kids to Love supports. To learn more about Kids to Love and their programs, visit kidstolove.org. Their office is located at 140 Castle Drive in Madison.

MADISON - Limestone County, is at “very high risk” of COVID-19 transmission after the ADPH moved the county up three risk levels between Sept. 11 and Friday. The west side of Madison lies within Limestone County. Limestone was identified as very high risk because its daily rate of cases had been declining for fewer than six days as of Sept. 11, the cutoff date for Friday’s risk-level evaluation. Madison County was listed Friday at a “moderate risk” level.

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Spotlight

Nine Bob Jones football players and six others test positive for COVID-19 in Madison schools

2A • THE RECORD

September 23, 2020

Columbia Elementary won the PTA Family School Partnerships award in the “Speaking Up for Every Child” (elementary) category. Columbia Principal Jamie Hill accepted the award.

Parker

dents, parents, staff, and other stakeholders to hear their concerns and ideas. Because of his leadership, the success of this campaign overall was undeniable.” Liz Boykin, vice president of programs for the Alabama PTA; and Deb Stern, treasurer, presented the award along with P.J. Batchelor, president of the Madison City Council of PTAs and Rebecca Franz with the Horizon Elementary PTA who led the nomination effort for Parker. “The dedication to students citywide in Madison has always been Superintendent Parker’s No. 1 priority during his time at Madison City Schools. He is respected and admired by staff and students alike, and his last give to the community of Madison is a product of the trust he built over years of his service.” Parker thanked the board and community for the 31-years he served Madison City Schools before retiring in late February and accepting a job as principal at Whitesburg Christian Academy. “I’m a Madison guy to the core until

the day I die,” Mr. Parker told the audience. “Madison City Schools is the best public school system in Alabama. We’ve got the best kids, the best teachers, the best moms and dads, board of education and superintendent right on down the line. I’m very proud of you all for all the things you’ve got going on right here.” Discovery Middle won the Gold Leaf Award for the largest division, recognizing Discovery PTAs creativity and efforts to increase membership the highest of any school based on a percentage of enrollment. Columbia Elementary won the PTA Family School Partnerships award in the “Speaking Up for Every Child” (elementary) category. This award is based on welcoming families into the community, communicating effectively, supporting student success, sharing power, community collaboration and speaking up for every child. Discovery Principal Kim Stewart and Columbia Principal Jamie Hill accepted the award for their schools.

“No more swollen, throbbing legs.” -Charla, vein patient

Discovery Middle won the Gold Leaf Award for the largest division. Discovery Principal Kim Stewart accepted the award.

Liz Boykin, vice president of programs for the Alabama PTA; and Deb Stern, treasurer, presented the award along with P.J. Batchelor, president of the Madison City Council of PTAs and Rebecca Franz with the Horizon Elementary PTA who led the nomination effort for Parker (pictured right with current superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols).

COVID-19

“Due to this number of extra teaching periods, we cannot easily cover teaching positions vacant due to the effects of quarantined staff. School principals have reported difficulties in acquiring substitute teachers this year. Our substitute teacher pool is very low compared to previous years.” Nichols said the Alabama Department of Public Health is currently active in the contact tracing of these cases and will update school officials as needed. “As I have stated from the beginning of the school year, we will be flexible in our schedule and our plans to meet this ever-changing issue,” he said. “If we find out that the need for quarantining is not as widespread on our teaching staff, we can adjust our school-based plans. Our goal is

to return our secondary students to everyday school-based learning like our elementary students.” Elementary students returned to school campuses on Sept. 8, followed by middle school students last Monday. “Although we have had these increases of cases this week, I want to thank our staff and teachers for doing a great job of following the procedures and protocols we set for the district,” Nichols added. “I want to make sure all of you know that this sudden spike in the BJHS football team is not because the coaching staff did not follow our procedures. All of our coaches in the district have done a great job since the summer of adhering to the AHSAA and Madison City guidelines.”

Madison Police Arrest Report Sept. 4 William Daniel West, Madison, was arrested at 100 Hardiman Place Ln, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Public Drunkenness. Javier Mendoza Mayorga, Huntsville, was arrested at 815 Wheeler Av Nw, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Bail-Jumping Second Degree. Erica Jones, Madison, was arrested at 118 Michael Av, Madison, on the charge(s) of: DV 3RD-Harassment-Family. Halee Brooklynn Mundy, Madison, was arrested at 8650 Madison Blvd, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Theft Shoplifting-4TH Degree, Controlled Substance - Possession, Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. Sept. 5 Cortnie Michelle Moyers, Madison, was arrested at Waters Edge Ln, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Public Intoxication, Obstructing Government Operations. Christopher Ladarius Colley, Huntsville, was arrested at 815 Wheeler Av Nw, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Violation Of Probation. Andrew Dewayne Lee, Huntsville, was arrested at 815 Wheeler Av Nw, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Failure To Appear Traffic. Sept. 6 Calvin Bridges, Madison, was arrested at 8324 Old Madison Pike, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Failure To Appear Traffic. Calvin Bridges, Madison, was arrested at 8324 Old Madison Pike, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Firearms License Required. Raphael Tyrik Shoulders, Huntsville, was arrested at 815 Wheeler Av Nw, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Bail-Jumping Second Degree. Robert Sean Thompson, Huntsville, was arrested at 5105 Nolen Av Se, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Violation Of Probation. Marla J Ivy, Limestone, was arrested at 23027 Hwy 20, Limestone, on the charge(s) of: Leaving The Scene Of An Accident. Sept. 7 Floyd D Houk, Huntsville, was arrested at 815 Wheeler Av Nw, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Violation Of Probation. Tamara Monique Merriweather, Limestone, was arrested at 23027 Hwy 20, Limestone, on the charge(s) of: Failure To Appear.

Madison County Record is published each Wednesday by Madison Publications, LLC, P.O. Box 859 Madison, AL 35758.

Gregg L. Parker News Writer gregg.parker@madisoncountyrecord.com Bob Labbe Sports Writer bob0873@yahoo.com

Sept. 9 Laquasia Calniecya Hunter, Madison County, was arrested at Mccrary Rd / Nance Rd, Madison County, on the charge(s) of: Failure To Appear Traffic. Sept. 10 Jon Eric Pride, Madison, was arrested at 605 Marion Dr, Madison, on the charge(s) of: DV 3RD-Criminal Mischief 3RD. Briana Cheyenne Soloman, Madison, was arrested at 100 Hughes Pond Cir, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Violation Of Probation. Michael Wayne Stephenson, Madison, was arrested at 100 Hughes Rd, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Driving Under Influence (.08 Or More). Lagarrett Shoulders, Huntsville, was arrested at 815 Wheeler Av Nw, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Failure To Appear Traffic. Terry Anthony Campbell, Huntsville, was arrested at 815 Wheeler Av Nw, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Violation Of Probation. Chance Leon Oneal, Huntsville, was arrested at 815 Wheeler Av Nw, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Bail-Jumping Second Degree.

themadisonrecord.com

Staff Directory

John Few Editor 256-772-6677 john.few@madisoncountyrecord.com

Sept. 8 Tracy Lynn Cook, Huntsville, was arrested at 815 Wheeler Av Nw, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Violation Of Probation. Nevin Trei Carey, Madison, was arrested at 350 Hughes Rd, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Public Intoxication. Quintion Terrell Harlin, Madison, was arrested at 8897 Us 72, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Failure To Appear Traffic. Christavious Malik Porter, Madison, was arrested at Madison Blvd / Next Technology Dr, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Obstructing Government Operations. Brandi Ann Roy, Madison, was arrested at Madison Blvd / Next Technology Dr, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Controlled Substance - Possession, Marijuana-Possession 2.

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James Randall Bolden, Huntsville, was arrested at 815 Wheeler Av Nw, Huntsville, on the charge(s) of: Violation Of Probation. Christopher Immanuel Delatorre, Madison, was arrested at 190 Shelton Rd, Madison, on the charge(s) of: Failure To Appear Traffic.

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September 23, 2020

THE RECORD • 3A

Rodney Smith takes smiles from lawns to Lay’s By GREGG PARKER Gregg.Parker@madisoncountyrecord.com

MADISON – A Madison man is expanding his commitment to help people at home so they can take a break and smile. Rodney Smith Jr. has risen to pop-culture icon with his initiative, Raising Men Lawn Care Service, to motivate youth

to mow 50 lawns in their communities. Now, his notoriety has grown with selection as a “Smile Ambassador” on bags of Lay’s snack chips for the “Smile with Lay’s” campaign. The campaign directly benefits Operation Smile, an international medical charity that arranges for safe surgeries for individuals with cleft conditions. “Smile with Lay’s reflects the true power of how a smile can change the world, beginning with one-on-one interaction with a stranger to lifechanging surgeries that Operation Smile (can) provide,” Kristie Magee Porcaro with Operation Smile said. During the Smile with Lay’s campaign, Lay’s is converting millions of potato chip bags to feature the real smiles of 30 ‘ordinary’ people, like Rodney Smith, who are doing extraordinary actions in their communities. The new Lay’s bags continue the brand’s mission to inspire even more smiles in 2020, with up to $1 million in proceeds benefitting Operation Smile. The Lay’s Smiles packaging spotlights stories of the 30 Smile Ambassadors who help homeless, veterans, youth, elder-

Lay’s has selected Rodney Smith Jr. of Madison as one of its ‘Smile Ambassadors” to appear on bags of the company’s chips. ly and more. Hopefully, their inspiring work will bring smiles to faces of people across the country, spokesperson Ashleigh Hernandez said. COVID-19 concerns led to cancelling in-person production in Dallas, Texas for Smile Ambassadors’ VIP photo and video shoot. As an alternative, each Smile Ambassador captured self-portraits with their phones, and Lay’s professionally enhanced the amateur photos for transferring to chip bags.

“Lay’s has the power to reach millions of Americans every day,” Lay’s Marketing Vice President Sadira Furlow said. “Turning the Lay’s bag into a canvas to multiply that happiness factor is what makes the Smiles program so special.” Another reason to smile is the return of three favorite chip flavors -- Fried Pickles with Ranch, Hot Sauce (in partnership with Frank’s RedHot) and Kettle-Cooked Beer Cheese. For more information, visit Lays.com.

Two-cent gas tax increase coming Oct. 1 By CAROLINE BECK Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY — Alabamians will pay 2 cents per gallon more for gasoline starting Oct. 1 when the second installment of the state’s 10cent tax increase goes into effect. The 6-cent increase that began Sept. 1, 2019, under the Rebuild Alabama Act has raised millions for road projects, including the widening of Interstate 565 in Limestone County. However, new revenue is less than expected, at least in part because of COVID-19. The Rebuild Alabama Act tax col-

lections from October 2019 through August were about $174.5 million, an average of $15.86 million per month. That’s 2.01% below the cumulative projections, said Kirk Fulford, deputy director of the Legislative Services Agency’s Fiscal Division. Total gross collections for October 2019 through August, which include the existing gasoline and diesel fuel excise taxes and the Rebuild Alabama Act, was about $705.4 million, about 1.96% below the projections, Fulford said. “This loss is largely due to the significant reduction in gasoline

consumption for April, May, and June, presumably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Fulford said. “It should also be noted that, historically, collections of gasoline decrease in February and March, then begin to increase in the spring and summer. “Monthly sales of gasoline has since returned to within approximately 2% of historical levels for this time of year.” The state’s total gas tax will be 26 cents on Oct. 1, which will include 8 cents under the Rebuild Alabama Act, and the 18 cents assessed before the act.

Work on widening Interstate 565 began this summer. The project is being funded by the increased gas tax that went into effect last year and rises 2 cents per gallon next month.

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4A • THE RECORD

September 23, 2020

Christian Job Corps to livestream Circles event to participants’ homes By GREGG PARKER gregg.parker@ madisoncountyrecord.com

Amendment 4 on Nov. 3 ballot can streamline state constitution The 2020 Circles Virtual Event on Nov. 2 at noon will be free to participants. home,” Dickson said. Circles assembles like-minded donors that care about helping others turn their lives around. “This year, more now than ever, we need your help,” Dickson said. “Because of job layoffs and disruptions from COVID-19, more people need our program.” “By becoming a sponsor, you’re helping both women and men, who have no other place to turn, get back on their feet, gain back their confidence and help support their families,” Dickson said. This year’s featured speaker, Becca Stevens, works as a leader, priest and entrepreneur. She is president of Thistle Farms, an international nonprofit that gives sanctuary for

female survivors of prostitution, trafficking and addiction. A Circles reservation will include a link to the event and an entry to win a Thistle Farms gift basket, valued at $150. “Make sure you and your friends register today for a chance to win these phenomenal products,” Dickson said. “Local vendors will attend with a virtual marketplace unlike any shopping experience you’ve had.” “Going virtual has presented both new challenges and new opportunities, but we know it will be the best event yet,” Dickson said. For more information, email aharbarger@cwjc.net or visit cwjc. net. Individuals can donate at cwjc. net/donate/make-donation.

Snapshot Officials with Madison City Schools say students are doing remarkably well with the new COVID-19 routines like mask wearing, taking lunch to the classroom and staying socially distanced. The changes make breaks all the more refreshing, even if just to hop up and down on pavement by the car line. Our teachers deserve a lot of praise for their creativity and positivity through the COVID challenges. Elementary students wrapped up their second week on Friday and middle schools their first. High schools were delayed until Sept 28 due to some positive COVID tests that also prompted a decision to keep middle schools on a rotation until further notice.

Following the directions matters if voting absentee for Nov. 3 election By CAROLINE BECK Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY — The state will notify Alabama voters with absentee ballot applications disqualified because of missteps in the process, giving voters an opportunity to fix the issues, but there’s no notification before election day for mistakes with the actual ballot. It’s unknown how absentee ballot disqualifications have affected previous elections. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill said absentee ballot disqualifications haven’t been tracked at the state level. “Absentee ballots are tracked at the local level, and historically we have not asked counties to track that and to share it with us because we really haven’t had a need for it,” Merrill said. He encouraged voters to turn in their absentee applications and their final ballots for the Nov. 3 election as soon as possible. “We would hope that voters would follow the directions that are printed on the application and that was printed on the ballot, and if they do so and they meet all the standards that are required then it’s really just following the directions,” Merrill said. Absentee ballots became available earlier this month. In order to vote absentee in Alabama, voters have to first submit an application, either in-person or through the U.S. Postal Service. In the application, they must provide a state-approved reason why they wish to vote absentee, provide a copy of an acceptable photo ID and sign the application. Because of concerns about COVID-19, anyone can vote absentee in November by checking the

box that reads: “I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls.” Once the application is approved, voters will then be proMerrill vided a final ballot. The ballot then has to be signed by the voter and either by a notary public or two witnesses above the age of 18. A copy of the voter’s photo ID is not needed to submit the final ballot, which can be done in-person, by the U.S. Postal Service or by third-party carrier. An application or the final ballot can get rejected for these reasons: not having the appropriate witness signatures or notary signature; failing to mark the affidavit properly; not sealing the affidavit in the secrecy envelope; or if someone other than the voter, authorized delivery service or emergency designee returns the ballot to the absentee election manager’s office. Ballots could also simply go uncounted because they arrive too late. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2 and arrive by noon on election day, Nov. 3. Other states Nineteen states require that voters be notified when there is a missing signature or signature discrepancy on their absentee or mail-in ballot and are given an opportunity to correct it, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Out of those 19 states, 13 allow for some period of time after an election day for voters to fix a discrepancy in their absentee ballot.

In Alabama, the website myinfo. alabamavotes.gov/voterview will show if a voter’s absentee ballot application is rejected. It also will show if the actual absentee ballot is rejected — but only after Nov. 3 because absentee ballots are not opened and counted until election day. Merrill’s office said they expect to have over 100,000 absentee ballots successfully returned for the November election. As of last Wednesday, Merrill’s office has received 24,705 absentee ballot applications. Merrill’s press secretary, Grace Newcombe, said a decision has not been made on whether the office will record how many absentee ballots are rejected for this year’s general election. Merrill’s office said absentee election managers are encouraged to notify voters if there is a problem with their application through the mail. Pivotal to election The Associated Press reported that because of the surge in mail-in balloting and postal delays reported across the nation, the number of rejected ballots in November is projected to be significantly higher than in previous elections. The increased rejection rate could be pivotal in some battleground states like Pennsylvania this year. If voter turnout is the same as 2016 and the ballot rejection rate equals the 1.4% from this year’s primary, nearly 43,000 voters in Pennsylvania could be disenfranchised this fall, according to AP’s analysis. That’s almost the same number of votes by which Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in the state four years ago, when some 2,100 ballots were rejected.

By GREGG PARKER gregg.parker@ madisoncountyrecord.com MADISON – The ballot in the general election on Nov. 3 will include Amendment 4, which will start the process to streamline and ‘clean up’ the Alabama Constitution. Endorsing Amendment 4, Alabama Citizens of Constitutional Reform or ACCR is a group of Alabamians who are determined to see legislative change, starting with the Alabama Constitution. (constitutionalreform. org) Alabama’s Constitution is the longest in the world, but the proposed amendment being presented to voters in November is a first step toward streamlining the document. The current Alabama Constitution is packed full of 900 amendments and is riddled with redundancies that create a maze of words known to befuddle even legal scholars, according to Kathey Bradford, ACCR Treasurer and Madison resident. “Alabamians are some of the most independent, authentic and opinionated people in America,” Wayne Flynt, Professor Emeritus at Auburn University, said. “Yet they have allowed the antiquated 1901 Constitution to transfer power to run their towns, cities and counties to 140 state legislators whose record on ethics and efficiency is less than brilliant.” “Unfortunately, this amendment is not an op-

portunity to rewrite that constitution, but it will make decisions and understanding easier,” Flynt said. “It will allow removal of duplication and words that are no longer legal.” In 2019, all members of the Alabama Legislature agreed to give Alabamians the chance to vote on an amendment for constitutional reform. “Amendment 4 is a non-partisan issue that brings support from many sectors of Alabama: from educators, religious leaders, business leaders and members of all political parties,” Cathy Randall said. Randall is Director Emeritus of University of Alabama’s computer-based honors program. If approved, Amendment 4 would allow the Legislative Services Agency, with assistance from Alabama Reference Services, to propose a draft to clean up and consolidate the document. This work will arrange the document in a logical structure that citizens can easily understand. The revision will remove antiquated language and duplicative provisions but will not make substantive changes to any laws. The Legislative Services Agency is a non-partisan agency that assists the Alabama Legislature. The work will include provisions for its ultimate presentation to Alabama voters for ratification or rejection in 2022. For more information, visit constitutionalreform.org.

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Cancer Screening is Essential

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MADISON COUNTY – Christian Job Corps (note the name) has changed two points inherent to the organization. “Because of the increased need for serving both men and women, we are proud to announce our new name: Christian Job Corps of Madison County, Alabama Inc.,” Executive Director Elaine Dickson said. “Under this new name (removing the word ‘women’s’), we will provide the same quality of education and mentoring but to more people. This change allows us to drastically increase our reach,” Dickson said. Christian Job Corps helps individuals by offering internship opportunities with local businesses. Students can learn new skills, the benefits of networking and have a professional reference to include on their updated resumes. In addition, Christian Job Corps is revamping the annual Circles event, which will be online this year. Circles on Nov. 2 at noon will be free. This event funds an entire year of Christian Job Corps programs that benefit men and women. “Don’t worry. We’re committed to bringing you the same amazing Circles event you have experienced in the past. This year we’re just livestreaming it into your

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EVENTS

September 23, 2020

Trash Pandas plan â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diamond Digâ&#x20AC;? for Oct. 3 On-Field Movie Night

THE WEEKENDER

A look at some of the area events coming up this weekend

By STAFF REPORTS MADISON - Toyota Field will be hosting its sixth On-Field Movie Night of the year on Oct. 3, and this one will have a sparkling new addition. Following a showing of the romantic comedy Sweet Home Alabama, women 18 & older will have the opportunity to participate in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diamond Digâ&#x20AC;? on the infield. Somewhere hidden in the dirt will be a 1-karat solitaire diamond from Hobbs Jewelers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; valued at $5,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that one lucky attendee will get to take home. Participants for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diamond Digâ&#x20AC;? portion must register in advance after purchasing admission in order to receive a digging tool. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 & under. The gates will open at 5:30 pm. and showtime is set for 7 p.m. Concession stands will be open serving traditional ballpark fare, along with beer and wine. Guests are

COMMUNITY

welcome to sit on the outfield grass â&#x20AC;&#x201C; blankets or towels only, no chairs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or in the seating bowl. CDC guidelines and Madison County mandates will be followed at this event. All areas of the stadium will be sanitized, social distancing measures will be implemented, temperatures will be taken before any guest can enter, and masks are required. Sweet Home Alabama is a 2002

film featuring Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon, Patrick Dempsey, and Josh Lucas. Witherspoon plays a New York fashion designer who finds herself engaged to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most eligible bachelor, but must first confront her past relationship back home in Alabama. The movie is rated PG-13. For directions and information on other upcoming non-baseball events, visit TrashPandasBaseball.com.

Beer & Wine Fest coming to Madison Oct. 17 By STAFF REPORTS MADISON - The newest Trash Pandas event on tap this fall will host various breweries and wineries for a full afternoon of tastings at the ballpark. The Beer & Wine Fest takes place on Saturday, Oct 17, and will feature an unlimited sampling of 40 local and national selections. This event is for guests 21 and up ONLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no children are allowed. Standard admission is $35 per person and VIP tickets for one-hour

early access are $45. VIP tastings begin at 1p.m., standard entry is set for 2p.m., and the festival runs until 5p.m. In addition to tastings, guests will be able to vote on their favorite beverages, and the staff will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Beerâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Wineâ&#x20AC;? awards at the end of the day. The Trash Pandas will announce attending breweries and wineries in the weeks leading up to the event. Toyota Field concession stands will be open throughout the event with traditional ballpark fare and

additional full-sized beer and wine for purchase. Parking is free, and valid IDs will be checked upon entry. Tickets can be purchased online at TrashPandasBaseball.com/Events, in-person at the Toyota Field.

COCKTAILS & COSMOS: MISSION TO MARS September 25 Doors open at 6:15 p.m.; Presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. U.S. Space & Rocket Center One Tranquility Base (256) 837-3400 www.rocketcenter.com Sip a specialty, space-themed cocktail and enjoy a discussion on astronomical topics such as exoplanets, spacecraft missions, black holes, or other obscure topics appropriate for an adult audience. Science and humor included! COMMUNITY DAY CAMP Recurring weekly From: 7:30 AM to 3:30 p.m. U.S. Space & Rocket Center One Tranquility Base Admission charged www.rocketcenter.com This program offers a safe place for virtual learners and is designed to support local families with a solution for working parents in our community. In addition to study periods for work on school assignments**, reading, puzzles, or other quiet work, Day Campers enjoy fun physical education activities, science and STEM hands-on activities, movies, and every so often a visit to the INTUITIVEÂŽ Planetarium. A light breakfast and lunch are also provided. FESTIFALL AT THE GARDEN Recurring weekly Huntsville Botanical Garden 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue (256) 830-4447

www.hsvbg.org/festifall Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harvest time, and nothing says FALL quite like Festifall at the Garden! This two-month celebration of the changing seasons features pumpkins, scarecrows, campouts, nature hikes, and more. As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change color, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better place to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of autumn. Check out the full list of Festifall events: Scarecrow Trail: September 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October 5 Pumpkins: October 1-31 Mum Displays: September â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October Historic Tractor and Wagon Photo Op: September â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October Scarecrow Trail Night Hike: September 25 Family Campout in the Garden: ctober 2-3 Festifall Break Camp: October 5-9 HUNTSVILLE GHOST WALK Recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday promptly at 6 p.m.. Harrison Brothers Hardware 124 South Side Square, Downtown Huntsville (256) 509-3940 www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com/ Tours.html

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throughout the concourse along as they follow the CDC guidelines and Madison County mandates per the current pandemic. Social distancing measures will be implemented, temperatures will be taken before each guest can enter the stadium and masks are required. The SEC is planning an in-conference schedule for 2020 and the opening week of action will feature seven games. The schedule is as follows: (Times yet to be determined) Alabama at Missouri, Auburn vs. Kentucky, Tennessee at South Carolina, Georgia at Arkansas, Florida at Ole Miss, Vanderbilt at Texas A&M and defending National Champion LSU hosting Miss State. More details on the College Football Kickoff Party are available at www. trashpandasbaseball.com.

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EDUCATION

September 23, 2020

Community Rock Garden at Heritage Elementary adds beauty, civic pride â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is our hope that every student, whether current or alumni, their families and even our community at-large will participate in designing a rock to be placed in the Community Rock Garden,â&#x20AC;? Nelson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Together, we will make it beautiful, just like our Heritage community.â&#x20AC;? Applying their creativity, all contributors can contribute to a special component of Heritage that hopefully will inspire students for years to come, Gibbs said. The rocks have diverse messages and graphics, ranging from fun characters like Cookie Monster and Groot, to favorite toys like a Nintendo Game Boy, along with inspirational phrases like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choose joy!â&#x20AC;? The Heritage Outdoor Classroom Committee members have worked alongside students and parent volunteers to build the outdoor classroom â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;from the ground up.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Committee members are Nelson, Gibbs, Amber Merrill, Emily Boshers, Tracy Boyajian, Heather Kell, Joelle Jones, Jaime Mathison, Jennifer Tow, and Melva Tignor. Gibbs, Boyajian and Merrill have led development of the rock garden. No deadline applies for adding new rocks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to continue to grow the garden throughout the school year,â&#x20AC;? Gibbs said. For more information, visit Facebook/ Heritage Elementary School.

By GREGG PARKER Gregg.Parker@madison countyrecord.com MADISON - The Outdoor Classroom at Heritage Elementary School, already a source of pride, has an addition that allows students to exercise their imagination. The Heritage Community Rock Garden expands the beauty and sense of community to the Outdoor Classroom, according to Dr. Georgina Nelson, Principal at Heritage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heritage is so fortunate to have this wonderful outdoor classroom, a gift from the hearts of our entire Heritage community,â&#x20AC;? Nelson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So many teachers, students, staff and parents have put so much work and effort into making the garden an outstanding space,â&#x20AC;? Nelson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our students not only have the wonderful opportunity to observe plants and animals in their natural habitats, but they also have hands-on experience with building and maintaining this space.â&#x20AC;? The River of Hope at Dublin Park motivated the Outdoor Classroom Planning Committee at Heritage to add a rock garden. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our first batch of rocks was actually donated from the Dublin Park project,â&#x20AC;? gifted specialist Rachel Gibbs said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to do something similar to bring together our Heritage families and spread kindness and happiness through our school and community.â&#x20AC;?

Heritage Elementary School fifth graders show designs that they have created for the Community Rock Garden, an addition to the Heritage Outdoor Classroom.

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MADISON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; For the first time, youth will vie for bragging rights in an online format with the 2020 Summer Knights Scholastic Chess Tournament. Sponsored by CB&S Bank, Summer Knights will be played on ChessKid on Sept. 26. The Non-Rated section will start at 10 a.m. for games with 15 minutes per side. The Rated section will begin at 1 p.m. for games with 20 minutes per side. All sections will play four rounds, except Rated K-12 Open with five rounds. Madison City Chess League added two sections for Rated Under 500: K-12 and K-5. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we changed the Non-Rated sections to better align with our school grade configurations,â&#x20AC;? league executive director Ranae Bartlett said. MCCL will not issue a tournament report to U.S. Chess Federation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summer Knights is an opportunity for everyone to relax, not worry about ratings, but play in their first chess tournament early in the school year,â&#x20AC;? Bartlett said. Deadline to register online is Sept. 24. For all sections, registration fee is $10 for MCCL members or $20 for players who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t MCCL members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you have not joined MCCL or renewed your MCCL membership for 2020, do that in a separate order first at mad-

isonchess.com/join. Then, register for Summer Knights in a separate order,â&#x20AC;? Bartlett said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year, the registration fee is half of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because we are online.â&#x20AC;? With online registration, the player is added to a Summer Knights Tournament Group on ChessKid for the registered section. As a result, players can see who has registered to compete. For questions about the best section for a player, contact Bartlett. Chess.com, parent company of ChessKid, uses detection systems to help detect online cheating. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need parents and coaches to talk to our kids about the importance of fair play,â&#x20AC;? Bartlett said. To start the year, chess clubs at elementary, middle and high school are meeting virtually. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because many tournaments will be online this year, virtual practices make sense,â&#x20AC;? Bartlett said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Madison City Chess League offers kids additional opportunities to practice for online tournaments every Saturday and during Monday night chess events on ChessKid.com.â&#x20AC;? Families can join MCCL for $20 at madisonchess.com/join and save on upcoming tournament registrations and gain access to numerous online events to prepare for tournament play. For more information, visit madisonchess.com.

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THE RECORD • 7A

Healthcare professionals urge residents to take flu shot

Snapshot Madison middle schools began the transition last week to school-based learning. Elementary face-to-face students returned Sept. 8 on a one-week rotating schedule. Discovery Middle Principal Kim Stewart and Liberty Middle Principal Shannon Brown had to resort to socially distanced waves and high fives as they greeted students back. Both openings went smoothly with only a few of the minor first day glitches. School officials said it was great to have students back in schools, as evidenced by the enthusiasm and smiles detected even Discovery Middle Principal Mrs. Kim Stewart greeting students as their teacher orients them to the beneath masks. school and goes over new safety protocols.

Liberty Middle Principal Shannon Brown gives an air high five to a new 6th grader at the school.

Creative welcome sign at Discovery Middle.

Gerald Franks, assistant principal at Discovery Middle, overlooking the lunchroom where students are socially distanced.

Some students must carry their lunches back to the classroom to avoid overcrowding in the cafeteria.

Halls are one way under the new configuration at Liberty Middle School.

Liberty Middle students gather outside with their teacher for a mask break

MADISON – The 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program has announced its Semifinalists for 2021, and Madison City Schools is well represented. MCS again has excelled in the academic contest with nine students from James Clemens High School and eight students from Bob Jones High School qualifying as 2021 National Merit Semifinalists. “Madison City Schools again has among the highest number of merit semifinalists of any other school district in Alabama,” MCS Public Relations Manager John Peck said. “The nine at James Clemens and eight at Bob Jones combined to place MCS second in the state among (all) school districts.” These high school seniors can apply their academic talent to continue in the running for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million. National Merit will award the scholarships in spring 2021. Honorees from James Clemens are Caroline M. Bendickson, Elizabeth C. Congo, Logan F. Cook, Nikhita S. Mudium, Alyson Park, Samuel M. Pratt, Devika Shankar, Duke D. Yeom and Justin J. Yoon. Semifinalists from Bob Jones are William C. Bao, Nolan J. Drummond, Olivia D. Jones, Joshua H. Lin, Matthias Osadcii, Isaac L. Wang, James Yoo and John

MADISON COUNTY – Healthcare professionals with Huntsville Hospital Urgent Care have an important word of advice: “Bottom line: Get your flu shot!” Fall 2020 possibly may present the most important time ever to get a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC and infectious disease experts warn this fall may be precarious as both flu and COVID-19 will circulate. Precautions to reduce COVID-19’s spread, such as stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders, have decreased the public’s use of routine services for preventive medicine, including immunizations. “There has never been a more important year to get the flu vaccination,” Urgent Team Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matthew Browning said. “With many states continuing to show high rates of COVID-19 infection, risking contracting both the COVID-19 and flu virus this season may lead to serious medical complications.” Dual infections for flu and COVID-19 are not uncommon. If a person contracts both simultaneously, risks increase for treatment in the intensive care unit and more susceptibility to other major illnesses, like bacterial pneumonia, Browning said. Currently, a COVID-19 vaccination does not exist, but a flu vaccine has many important benefits.

“Although a flu vaccination will not protect you from COVID-19 -- and no guarantee you won’t get the flu -- the vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity if you do catch flu, thus reducing the risk of hospitalization and even death,” Browning said. “Staying healthy by getting a flu vaccination this year will also help to conserve potentially scarce healthcare resources,” Browning said. September and October are the best times for vaccinations to gain immunity throughout flu season. “However, getting the vaccine later in the season is better than not at all,” Browning said. “Also, remember that it takes two weeks after your shot to achieve full benefit, so continue to avoid those with flu symptoms until then.” The CDC recommends flu shots for six-month-olds and older for specific reasons: * Luckily, the odds are in your favor. A vaccination reduces the risk for flu by more than half. * Even if the individual catches flu, a vaccination can make symptoms milder. * Last year’s flu shot doesn’t count. The virus from 2019 might not be the same as this year’s vaccination. * Your vaccination also protects others. A vaccination slows the spread of flu virus to people around you. Huntsville Hospital Urgent Care is one of the largest independent operators of urgent and family care centers in the Southeast. For more information, visit HHUrgentCare.org.

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Yoo. Also from Madison, home-school students Joseph R. Nance and Nicole R. Stark earned the honor. Westminster Christian Academy has four Semi-finalists: Matthew E. Johnson, John B. Lange, Noah E. Murphree and Madison R. Taylor. Giancarlo D’Agostino of Madison iwas also named a semifinalist. He is a senior boarding student at McCallie, an independent all-boys school in Chattanooga, TN. To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed application that includes the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors received. The student must write an essay. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school and a school official’s endorsement. Three types of National Merit Scholarships are available: * State representation -- All finalists compete for one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarships for $2,500 each, awarded on a state-representational basis. * Corporate sponsors -- Approximately 220 corporations and businesses award 1,000 scholarships to employee’s children and local youth. * College sponsors -- About 180 colleges finance some 4,100 scholarships to prospective students. For more information, visit nationalmerit.org.

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WEDNESDAY 36

SPORTS

Former Bob Jones swim coach Mike Gunner has been selected to be inducted into the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame. Gunner coached the Patriots to 10 state championships.

Athletic Hall Of Fame induction postponed

Ready for college football Former James Clemens standout LaBryan Ray says he ready reclaim his Tide starting position. Page 3B

Cross Country Bob Jones and James Clemens post great showings at Chickasaw Trails. Page 3B

COMMUNITY

Sparkman quarterback Nick Sawyer, No. 2, is leading the Senators during the 2020 season in many ways and a year from now he expects to be playing for Army as he has plans to attend West Point. Photo by Scott Lowe

Sparkman’s Nick Sawyer leads Senators and preps for West Point leadership By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

All Things Madison Local non-profit strives to build confidence and character in girls. Page 4B Kids A to Z Page Page 5B Church Directory Page 6B

LIFESTYLE

HARVEST - Nick Sawyer is one of six team captains so chosen by the coaching staff of the Sparkman Senators for the current 2020 football season. The 6-foot, 165-pound starting quarterback is a team leader and after graduating from the Class 7-A school next May will continue his leadership role as a member of West Point where he wants to play football and serve his country in the U.S. Army. “I fell in love with the idea of attending West Point and I’ll be the first member of my family to serve in the U.S. Army,” said Sawyer. “I had a lot of thoughts into this endeavor and I plan on signing on National Signing Day.” The son of Kevin and Leslie Sawyer came to the immediate area five years ago and soon joined in the athletic programs of Monrovia and then Sparkman High. Not only does he

play football, but he also participates on the school’s basketball and track teams. He’s a starting guard on the round ball squad and runs sprints among his teammates in the track program. He has engaged in athletics since a small boy after being born in the Tennessee city of Memphis. “Sports has shaped me into the person I am today, made me become more social among schoolmates, made me some great friends and has brought me a lot of joy,” said Sawyer. Like any branch of the military, being able to serve your country in an extreme disciplined setting is always a little scary and includes having to be mentally tough. For Sawyer, he feels he’s ready for the challenge similar to the ones he faces on the football field each time he puts on his football gear. His positive attitude is what makes for a great soldier. “I always look at the final outcome and look for the light of

the tunnel in everything I do,” said Sawyer. “I’m looking at the enormous benefits I’ll be getting by attending West Point. I know I’m ready for the challenge as I know you have to do what you can to get what you want.” Through four games Sawyer has hit on 57-percent of his passes (19/33, 210 yards) for 6.36-yards per completion along with two touchdowns. He’s also scored five touchdowns on 23 carries where he’s totaled 143 yards and 6.22 yards per run. To prepare his move from high school to college at West Point, Sawyer has taken several Advanced Placement classes and has spent vast number of hours of research of how the Army operates. He has spoken to several individuals, including his athletic advisor, on the complete package of his decision to sign with West Point. “I don’t want to go into this endeavor blind,” added Sawyer. The well-rounded Sawyer See SAWYER Page 3B

Former Bob Jones swim team head coach Mike Gunner included in inductees By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

HUNTSVILLE- Due to the uncertainties of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame has for the fourth time postponed the induction banquet for the class of 2020. Originally scheduled for April 13, but postponed to June, again in August and then October, the Hall of Fame board of directors voted unanimously to delay the banquet to Monday, April 12, 2021, at the North Hall of the VBC. “The safest way to protect all individuals, as well as, our organization, is to postpone the 2020 induction until April of 2021 due to the current unknown status of the Covid-19 infection,” said Van Pettaway, Hall of Fame chairman. The board’s decision means the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame will not induct a new class in 2021, but will resume the following year with the class of 2022. This year’s class includes 11 new members and one Special Achievement Award recipient. All will be officially inducted during the Hall of Fame’s 28th induction ceremony. See HALL OF FAME Page 3B

High School Football

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HISTORY

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Jets rebound against Huntsville, 35-14 By STAFF REPORTS HUNTSVILLE - Gio Lopez led the James Clemens Jets to a Class 7A, Region 4 win over Huntsville on Thursday. The sophomore quarterback rushed for three touchdowns and passed for another. The Jets (3-2, 2-1) rebounded from their loss to Austin the previous week to down the Panthers (0-4, 0-2) 35-14. Lopez scored his first touchdown in the middle of the first quarter with a four-yard run into the end zone. Aaron Rowe supplied the PAT. Lopez struck again early in the second quarter with a one-yard rushing touchdown, which was followed by a Rowe PAT. With one minute left in the half, Lopez ran the ball four yards for another

TD. Rowe’s PAT brought the Jets to a 21-0 lead going into the second half. Lopez scored his final touchdown for the night in the third quarter, this time with a 20-yard pass to Jaylin Grigsby. Conner Cantrell would add the Jets’ final score with a 27-yard pass to Tyrik Walker. Lopez ended the game with 92 yards rushing on eight carries and he passed for 28 yards and a touchdown. Walker caught five passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, and he rushed for 18 yards. Cantrell passed for 95 yards, completing 10 of 15 attempts. James Clemens collected 423 yards of total offense. The Jets will return to Madison City Stadium for a homecoming match-up against Lee High School on Friday. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.

Gio Lopez rushed for three touchdowns and passed for another.

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Southern Plate

2B • THE RECORD

September 23, 2020

367873-1

Snapshot MESSAGE FROM THE MOUND - Toyota Field transformed into a field of inspiration on Sunday for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) “Message From The Mound” fellowship rally. The rally featured inspirational speeches, spiritual testimonials, music and prayer. The keynote speaker was Devin Wyman, former NFL player for the New England Patriots. Musical entertainment was provided by Zach Williams and the Beasley Brothers. Here are some scenes from the event. Photos by Lucas Dolengowski.

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Sparkman hands Austin first loss of season in key region showdown By STAFF REPORTS HARVEST — Austin’s unbeaten streak to start the season came to an end on the road against Sparkman on Friday night in a Class 7A, Region 4 game. The Senators dominated the Black Bears, winning 21-14 for their third win of the season. Sparkman (3-2, 3-0) and Austin (4-1,2-1) looked to be heading for a shootout in the first quarter. Sparkman drove down the field in only six plays and scored on an 11-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead with 10 minutes left in the first. Austin responded with a six-play drive of its own, which ended with a 18-yard touchdown pass to tie it at 7-7 with 7:57 left. Sparkman’s next drive was equally successful, as running back

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Chance McClendon scored on a 55yard touchdown run to go up 14-7 with 5:44 left in the first. It would take Austin until the second quarter to tie it up. Wide receiver Tre Shackelford took a sweep handoff to the left 69 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-14. Sparkman would miss a field goal before the half to make it 14-14 after the end of the second. Austin’s offense then came to a standstill after it opened the half with a 14-play drive. That drive ended when the Black Bears turned it over on downs. McClendon then ripped off another big run — this time for 86 yards — to put Sparkman up 21-14 midway through the third. Austin’s offense failed to produce much life for the Black Bears after that opening drive. Sparkman’s de-

fensive line duo of Karon White (6foot-2, 275 pounds) and Tyeus Clemons (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) kept Austin from running the ball between the tackles or setting up long pass plays. Austin did have one final shot to tie the game after a Sparkman fumble with under four minutes left. They drove to Sparkman’s 23-yard line but turned the ball over on downs to give Sparkman the win. Sparkman is off net week, but will return to action Oct. 1 at Madison City Stadium against the Bob Jones Patriots. The Patriots were forced to forfeit their homecoming game Friday against Florence and another game this week against Auburn. Their next opportunity to play will be against Sparkman, unless COVID-19 causes them to forfeit that game as well.

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When the news hit that the football game between Bob Jones and Florence had been canceled and the schools’ homecoming postponed, the Patriots Marching Band turned a lemon into lemonade. Instead od going home to sit out the night, the band hosted a “friends and family exhibition” at Madison City Stadium. They performed a few of their favorite stand tunes plus the 2020 halftime show “Rainy Days,” featuring “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC, “It’s Raining Men” by the Weather Girls, and “Rock You Like A Hurricane” by Scorpions. Of course, facial coverings were required for all spectators and they were encouraged to maintain a 6-foot distance between family units when seated. “We’re so thankful for the opportunity to perform for our friends and family tonight,” the band posted on Facebook after the game. “Thank you to everyone who came and cheered. Special thanks to all our wonderful parent volunteers for making this last minute event happen without a hitch.”

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September 23, 2020

THE RECORD • 3B

Alabama at Missouri - Saturday, 6 p.m. kickoff on ESPN

LaBryan Ray is ready for some football The former James Clemens standout says he’s 100-percent ready for his change of number and regaining his starting slot on the Tide’s defensive line By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com TUSCALOOSA - Like all fans of college football, LaBryan Ray is ready for some football. The former James Clemens standout and current redshirt junior for the Alabama Crimson Tide is excited about the delayed start of the 2020 season for the Southeastern Conference this weekend. Alabama will visit the Tigers of Missouri for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff Saturday on ESPN. The game is one of seven scheduled within the SEC in week one of the 2020 campaign. Ray, who changed his number from No. 89 to No. 18 for this season, is looking at the newest schedule of games as a restart in another way. The 6-foot-5, 295-pound defensive end had his 2019 season cut short after suffering an injury in a game against South Carolina and surgery soon afterwards. He says he’s 100-percent ready for his change of number and regaining his starting slot on the Tide’s defensive line. “I’m definitely feeling better and it feels good to be back,” said Ray in a recent interview. “At the time of my injury I didn’t really know how bad it was. It was a big learning experience for me as I learned from and I grew, I got better and made me stronger.” In his abbreviated season, Ray played in three games and had nine tackles, including one sack for 11 yards. In his parttime position in 2018, he played in all 15 games where he had 30 tackles. He came to Tuscaloosa as one of six five-star recruits in the 2017 class. He’s been expect-

ed to live up to his billing as the No. 1 player in Alabama coming out of high school at James Clemens and this season he has a marvelous chance to earn that high expectations. “We definitely have to be better this season as we only had 32 quarterback sacks last season,” said Ray. “That’s what we strive for just to get the best out of each other, just to be the best version of ourselves. I think if we get to that point, everything else will take care of itself.” Ray will among several on the D-front that will give Alabama a sure-fire chance of having a tremendous defensive unit. He, along with Byron Young (6-3, 292, So.), Justin Eboigbe (6-5, 285, So.) and Christian Barmore (6-5, 310, So.), had for the most part a successful season a year ago, but Ray wants better play from the entire defensive squad. He understands it all begins with his position coach Freddie Roach who has been on the staff of Ole Miss the last three years. “He demands the best of us and this has been a great experience for everybody,” added Ray. “He’s the guy who’s going to push us and tell us why. I think he’s doing an outstanding job.” The Crimson Tide finished eighth in the national polls after last season’s 11-2 season, but go into the Missouri game ranked No. 2 behind top-ranked Clemson. Some experts feel this may be one of Nick Saban’s most talented teams. Missouri heads into the battle from a 6-6 season. Alabama leads the all-time series between the two programs 4-2 including a 39-10 victory over the Tigers in 2018.

LaBryan Ray, now wearing no. 18, is ready for the 2020 season opener as starting defensive end for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The former James Clemens Jet is returning to his position after an early-season ending injury in 2019. Photo by Alabama Athletics

Sawyer

The Chickasaw Trails Invitational featured 80 schools from three states and was highlighted by both the Bob Jones and James Clemens cross country teams. Photo by Drew Bell

Bob Jones and James Clemens post great showings at Chickasaw Trails

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cluded stops in nearby Decatur, Austin and Athens High Schools before arriving at Bob Jones in 2000. As an athlete, Gunner was offered a swim scholarship while attending Austin High of Decatur, but instead chose music. His work as a teacher and administrator has been fulltime while his love for music as led him to be one of the most sought after keyboard players and saxophonists in the area and for years has played with The Flashbacks, a local band that has been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. “The Hall of Fame induction is a great way to cap off a coaching career,” said Gunner.

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Included among the 11 newest inductees is onetime Bob Jones swim team head coach Mike Gunner. He led the Patriots’ swim program where the boys won nine AHSAA State Championships and the girls squad won one state title. In 2007, the Patriots won both the boys and girls state championship trophies. He was selected the National High School Boy’s Swimming Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Coaches Association. He retired from coaching after the 2017 swim season and is currently in his position of Coordinator of Operations for the Madison City Schools. His work in athletics in-

spot (1:20:31.45) 77 points. In the girls 3380-M middle school B division, Bob Jones eighth grade teammates and twin sisters Sarah and Rachel Pennell finished four-five. Sarah was fourth (15:37.91) while Rachel was fifth (15:50.98). Team scores showed Mountain Brook at No. 1 (1:19:09.88) with 24 points and Bob Jones second (1:28:17.75) and 51 points.

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ville was the team winner (1:02:34.09) 25 points while James Clemens was fifth. In the girls 3380-M middle school race through the Indian Mounds complex, Ella Carter, 7, of James Clemens took second place (14:11.06) while teammate Andie Howard, 8, was sixth (15:08.47). Team scores had Mt. Brook on top (1:13:19.37) 24 points and James Clemens in the runner-up

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DANVILLE - Bob Jones senior Hannah Thuss won the 5K- B Team division and helped the Lady Patriots to a third place finish in the Chickasaw Trails Invitational held in Danville at the Oakville Indian Mounds. The Patriots finished third in the team scoring having three runners among the top 10. The Patriots also claimed a second place trophy in the girls 3380-M middle school race. James Clemens had a banner event taking the overall third place trophy in the boys 5k B Team race and second place in the girls 3380-M middle school event. In the Thuss winning race, the talented senior ran a time of 20-minutes, 45.49 seconds. Teammates Marjorie Baumbach, 10, was fifth (22:52.54) and Lorin Carter, 12, was sixth (22:53.37). Ria Sethi, 11, of James Clemens finished fourth (23:18.34). In the team standings, Franklin was the winner with a combined time of 1:58:43. 27 gathering 43 points. Bob Jones was runner-up at 1:57:45.55, 60 points and James Clemens fourth with a time of 2:05:58.21 for 102 points. In the boys 5K- B team event, freshman John Luke Stovall of James Clemens finished fifth

(18:20.15) and Jets’ teammate Nicholas Rushton, 10, was tenth (18:38.21). Brentwood took home the championship trophy (1:32:21.06) with 37 points while James Clemens was third (1:35:34.23), 85 points and Bob Jones tenth (1:44:54.87) with 28 points. Meanwhile in middle school races, Jacob Velcz, 8, of James Clemens took ninth (12:50.62) in the boys 3380-M as Hunts-

“I’m very passionate about everything I do and I’m very vocal and not afraid to speak out,” said Sawyer. “As team captain, I keep this team positive. As a player, I use both my passing arm and legs at leading my team against all opponents. I feel I’m good at feeling pressure and handling that adversity and I’m very comfortable using my legs on the field.” Nicknamed “Nick The Quick,” Sawyer is making a mark on the history of the halls of Sparkman High, the football fields, basketball courts and tracks of his athletic undertakings, and, with his future challenges, will make his own marks among the rich history of the United States.

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By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

carries a 3.8 grade point average and wants to study business management. He sings in the church choir at Eagles Nest Church and also plays drums and piano. He plans on finishing college and spend his required two years of military service before entering the world of real estate and operate his own business. He fully comprehends the fact of having a degree from West Point and his military service on his resume will pay multi-levels of dividends in his life. Leading the Senators as starting signal caller brings on new dimensions of responsibilities for the Sparkman senior. He feels he’s ready to face his future. Who can doubt his courage?

COMMUNITY

September 23, 2020

MADISON WEATHER By Steve Norris MADISON - After enjoying some beautiful weather for the beginning of autumn, clouds will increase and temperatures will slowly warm back up as the week goes along with highs rising up through the 70s to the low 80s by the weekend. A chance of showers will return later in the week but September rainfall has been sparse across the county. There is no weather above 85 degrees coming through Oct. 4 and while temperatures are likely to hit the low to mid 80s in Oct. it is likely that we have put the lid on the summer heat. Last week we found out there is a long way to go with the National Hurricane Center forecasting the path of a storm once it

makes landfall. On Sept. 13 Hurricane Sally was forecast by the center to move across Tennessee on the 16th bringing heavy rainfall to our area . Actually Sally took a path across Central Alabama and Georgia into the Carolinas and we were lucky in this area. On Oct. 1 we have the Harvest Moon coming and a Blue Moon because it will be one of two full moons to come in Oct. That is where the expression once in a blue moon comes from because it refers to something rare which two full moons in the same month is. It only happens every two or three years. The closest full moon to the autumn equinox is the Harvest Moon. So this years Harvest Moon comes on Oct. 1. You can reach me anytime at weather1@charter.net.

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MADISON - As a parent of three young girls, it’s safe to say that my listening ears were turned on and as alert as they could be during my recent conversation with Christina Zelgar, the executive director of Girls on the Run of North Alabama. Girls on the Run is a non-profit after-school program for girls in grades 3-8 where participants build confidence and character while using running and exercise as a tool. Girls on the Run is going virtual this semester, but Zeglar says that the lessons will be just as important, interactive, and enjoyable as ever. The semester will be broken into 20 lessons over the course of 10 weeks with each session lasting just 45 minutes. “The lesson may be about stopping to take a breath in a hard situation or about teaching girls how to be responsive instead of reactive,” shared Zeglar. “We talk about how to be a good friend as well as how to find good friends.” During past semesters of Girls on the Run, participants have met at various elementary schools throughout Madison, include Heritage, Mill Creek, and Columbia. Zeglar says they are working hard to get their foot into more schools’ doors to impact as many girls as they can. Though the program has the word “run” in its title, Zelgar says that “it’s really focused on just moving and about teaching these girls about exercise and movement and how much it helps them process and learn through life.” She added that one of the program’s key components is the “star program”, where each participant works to find something they love about themselves that makes them unique. “We want them to find something about themselves that they love and

to teach them to remember that and focus on that when the days get tough.” Normally participants are split into teams of 12 girls, and the virtual program will function similarly where 12 girls will meet on Zoom or Google Classroom to talk through a lesson. Then the coaches will lead the girls in a warm-up activity. “If the weather is bad or the girls do not have a safe place outside to do the workout, we’ll always have an alternative workout,” emphasized Zelgar. “The coaches will make sure the girls all know what to do and then release them to do the exercises.” When the girls meet online at the next meeting, they’ll have a big group discussion about the lesson and activity from the previous session as far as what they learned and potential ways that it was applied. In addition to the 20 lessons and guided exercises, each participant will receive a shirt, activity journal, water bottle, shoes (based on need), and an entry into the end-of-season 5k. Though this Fall 2020 season is virtual, Zeglar has high hopes that the Spring 2021 season will be back to normal and meeting together in-person at area schools and community centers, such as potentially the YMCA. This semester’s season starts on Monday, September 21st, but registration ends this Friday, September

18th. Registration information and an application can be found here. Zeglar says that anyone who needs financial assistance is welcome to reach out to her via email.

More about Girls on the Run of North Alabama Zeglar, a former Army Intelligence officer, has lived in Madison for just over two years and couldn’t wait to get involved when they moved here. “I saw the job opening and thought it was a great fit.” Zeglar, a current member of the National Guard and a stay-at-home mom with young children, desired to plant roots here in Madison and serve our community in any way she could. “We love this community and are always looking for ways to get more plugged in.” Zeglar says that she really believes in Girls on the Run and its potential to impact lives in big ways. She is hopeful for another successful season, and though it may look different from semesters in the past, she knows that the lessons and exercises can still be just as fun and beneficial for girls across our community. For more information about Girls on the Run of North Alabama, you can visit their website at www. gotrnorthal.org or check out their Facebook page.

All Things Madison - Created by Erica DeSpain, All Things Madison is a new blog that captures what is best in Madison. Content is added throughout the week. You can find it at www.allthingsmadison.com or you can follow All Things Madison on Facebook.

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Kevin D. May cited as ‘Sailor of the Day’ on USS Carl Vinson BREMERTON, Wash. – Logistics Specialist Seaman Kevin D. May, a native of Huntsville, recently received special commendation aboard the USS Carl Vinson or CVN 70. May was recognized as the Vinson’s “Sailor of the Day” in a ceremony on the ship’s bridge on Aug. 18. May was selected for this honor from among more than 3,000 sailors in the ship’s crew for the Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier. May works as an accounting clerk in the aviation intermediate maintenance department aboard the USS

Logistics Specialist Seaman Kevin D. May of Huntsville was recognized as “Sailor of the Day” aboard the USS Carl Vinson.

Vinson. He is responsible for the inventory management and issuance of equipment, repair parts, tools, consumable items and hazardous material. May graduated from Huntsville High School in 2014 and enlisted in the Navy in 2017. As May continues to serve aboard Vinson, May wants to thank his loved ones in Huntsville for always having his back. “I am so proud to serve my country and especially thankful for the support I receive from my friends and family back home,” May said. USS Carl Vinson is en route to San Diego, Calif. She is named for Carl Vinson, a Congressman from Georgia, in recognition of his con-

tributions to the U.S. Navy. The ship was launched in 1980, undertook her maiden voyage in 1983 and underwent refueling and overhaul between 2005 and 2009.

“In The Service” is a weekly series spotlighting area men and women who serve our nation in the are in the U.S. Armed Forces or who have served. Through this series, The Madison Record honors these brave men and women and the contributions they are making, or have made, to keep America free. Sponsored by the

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FIRST BAPTIST MADISON 4257 SULLIVAN ST. MADISON, ALA. 35758 256-772-9712 SUNDAY 9 A.M. AND 11:30 A.M. THE REV. BERT BRELAND GRACE BAPTIST DEAN OLIVE 122 WALNUT ST. MADISON, ALA. 35758 256-837-8821 SUNDAY 9:30 A.M./6 P.M. WEDNESDAY 7 P.M.

PHILLIP TABERNACLE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST PASTOR MANUEL 930 BALCH ROAD MADISON, ALA. 35758 256-830-5398 SUNDAY 11 A.M. WEDNESDAY 6:30 P.M. (BIBLE STUDY) SKYLINE ABA BAPTIST RON MALLARD 586 SLAUGHTER ROAD MADISON, ALA. 256-971-0420 ST. ANDREW PRIMITIVE BAPTIST MICHAEL HARWELL 1393 SWANCOTT ROAD MADISON, ALA. 35756 256-353-9708 SUNDAY 10:45 A.M. WEDNESDAY 6 P.M.

GREENBRIER BAPTIST RICKY LOWERY 7939 GREENBRIER ROAD MADISON, ALA. 35758 256-355-8032 SUNDAY 10 A.M. WEDNESDAY 7 P.M.

THE BROOK 8573 HIGHWAY 72 W, ALA. SUN. 9 AM & 10:45 AM 256-837-6633 WWW.THEBROOKCHURCH.COM

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TRINITY BAPTIST DR. MICHAEL OLIVER 1088 HUGHES ROAD MADISON, ALA. 35758 256-837-9737 SUNDAY 8:30 A.M. AND 10:30 A.M. WEDNESDAY 6 P.M.

INTERNATIONAL BAPTIST HOWARD LOCKWOOD 1025 SHELTON ROAD MADISON, ALA. 35758 256-464-7000 SUNDAY 11 A.M./3 P.M. WEDNESDAY 7 P.M.

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KOREAN FIRST BAPTIST JANG YOUNG KIM 4257 SULLIVAN ST. MADISON, ALA. 35758 256-772-9489 SUNDAY 12:15 P.M. WEDNESDAY 7 P.M. LINDSAY LANE BAPTIST CHURCH EAST CAMPUS ANDY JOHN KING, PASTOR 1659 NICK DAVIS ROAD WWW.LINDSAYLANEEAST.ORG 256.232.0020 SUNDAY 9 A.M. AND 10:45 A.M. WEDNESDAY GROUPS 6:30 P.M. LITTLE SHILOH PB REGINALD JOHNSON 229 MAPLE ST. MADISON, ALA. 35757 256-461-4275 SUNDAY 11 A.M. WEDNESDAY 6:30 P.M. MADISON BAPTIST MICHAEL ALLISON 840 BALCH ROAD MADISON, ALA. 35758 256-830-6224 SUNDAY 10:45/6 P.M. WEDNESDAY 11 A.M./7 P.M. MADISON FREE WILL BAPTIST 5295 WALL TRIANA HWY MADISON, ALA. 35757 256-430-3087 MOSES CHAPEL PRIMITIVE BAPTIST JOE HERFORD 372 MOSES CHAPEL ROAD MADISON, ALA. 35757 256-461-0083 SUNDAY (SCHOOL/WORSHIP) 9 A.M./10 A.M. WEDNESDAY 6:30 P.M./7 P.M. MT. ZION BAPTIST PASTOR DR. KEVIN MOORE 228 MOUNT ZION ROAD HUNTSVILLE, ALA. 35806 256-837-2665 SUNDAY SCHOOL/BIBLE STUDY

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CATHOLIC ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC 1057 HUGHES ROAD MADISON, ALA. 256-722-0130 SUNDAY: 7 A.M./8:30 A.M./11:30 A.M./5:30 P.M. M-F/W&TH:8:30 A.M./6:30 P.M.

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SWANCOTT CHURCH OF CHRIST PHILIP DOUD SWANCOTT ROAD MADISON, ALA. 35756 256-355-2217 SUNDAY 11 A.M./5 P.M. WEDNESDAY (BIBLE STUDY) 7 P.M. WALL TRIANA CHURCH OF CHRIST 7535 WALL TRIANA HIGHWAY MADISON, ALA. 35758 256-716-1817

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September 23, 2020

THE RECORD • 7B

Individual spiritual journey By BECKY MILLER God’s Lemonade Stand

You’ll need: 1-2 pounds top sirloin, 1 bottle Moore’s or Dale’s Marinade, wooden kabob skewers and some vegetables of your choice.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 Have you ever caught yourself comparing your spiritual walk or gifts to another? Maybe you wonder why sister Suzy Q has so much zeal and seems so spiritual when you maybe feel lethargic and washed up. All of us have good days and bad days and indeed the devil will try to get you when you are in a spiritual slump. Even when you are feeling defeated, guess what!? God is still there and He understands. There is no magic formula to having a quiet time.

Your skewering station.

Oven Steak Kabobs

Oven Steak Kabobs A special meal on a budget By CHRISTY JORDAN Southernplate.com

If you are looking for a simple meal to make you look like a chef, oven steak kabobs is what

we’ll be having! You know, every time we sit down with our family to enjoy a meal together it is an occasion to be grateful for. Sometimes, though, extra special occasions take place. Birthdays, celebrations, anniversaries, milestones, or holidays. On these occasions, we might want to cook something a little extra special and this meal of Oven Steak Kabobs is one of those favorites for me. The great thing about this meal is that it is something that you might order in a restaurant, but you can easily feed 6-8 people with this meal for under $25.00 – or feed a family of four twice. This is how I make my Oven Steak Kabobs. This recipe works just as well for chicken kabobs recipe, too. Just substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts and follow all the instructions just as they are written. Ready for some good food? Let’s get cooking! For Oven Steak Kabobs: you’ll need: 1-2 pounds top sirloin, 1 bottle Moore’s or Dale’s Marinade, wooden kabob skewers and some vegetables of your choice. Top Sirloin, when prepared this way, is tender and full of flavor. Have your cherry tomatoes and onions ready. I really like to use cherry tomatoes and onions because the tomatoes get so very sweet when cooked this way and the onions add a lot of flavor to the meat. Feel free to use whatever veg-

etables you have on hand or your favorites. I’m also using a bell pepper and some mushrooms for these oven steak kabobs. Using kitchen shears, cut the top sirloin into bite size pieces. I generally cut mine into about one inch cubes. You don’t have to be precise here though. Just make sure it is a small hunk of meat. Place the meat in a zipper seal bag and add 1 cup of marinade. Seal well and put in the refrigerator for at least an hour. You can marinate this the night before if you like. Thirty minutes before you’re going to cook your kabobs, place some skewers in a dish filled with water to soak. Cut your veggies into bite sized chunks and set up a skewering station. Imagine if someone were to call while you were doing this and ask what you were up to. “I’m setting up a skewering station.” They may not call back for some time. Using whatever pattern you’re in the mood for, skewer veggies and meat onto your kabobs. For instance, I like to start and end with cherry tomatoes, but sometimes I don’t. I also like to place onion slices next to the meat, but sometimes I don’t. There does not need to be a rhyme or reason to this so just do it however you want to. Place all of these steak kabobs on a rimmed baking sheet to catch the juices. Bake at 350 for thirty minutes, turning every ten minutes, until meat is cooked through and veggies are lightly browned around the edges. Enjoy your delicious Oven Steak Kabobs!!! f you end up with a lot of extra veggies, make the kabobs with only vegetables. These are wonderful to serve on the side for instance with

a little sauce of your choice or roasted all by themselves. This makes a LOT of steak kabobs, so normally I freeze half of the meat in the marinade to make them for another meal but I wanted to make them all to show you how many came out of this. You can add some variety to kabob recipes every time you make them. In addition, chicken makes a great substitution in this recipe to make chicken kabobs. Now go ye forth and haveth ye a wonderful day! Ingredients • 2 pounds top sirloin • 1 recipe All-Purpose Marinade or 1 bottle of Dale’s or Moore’s Marinade • 2 large onions peeled and cut into wedges • 1 pound cherry tomatoes bell peppers (cored, seeded, and cut into 1 inch pieces), and/or small mushrooms, or other vegetables of your choice Instructions Using kitchen shears, cut the beef into bite-size cubes. Place the beef in a gallon-size ziplock bag and add 1 cup of the marinade. Let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to eight hours. Thirty minutes before you plan to cook the kabobs, preheat the oven to 350 and place 8 to 12 wooden skewers in a bowl and cover them with water to soak. Remove the skewers from the bowl and thread the beef and vegetables onto them, placing a vegetable between each piece of beef. Place the beef kabobs on an ungreased, rimmed baking sheet and bake the kabobs, turning them every 10 minutes, until the beef is lightly browned on the outside and just lightly pink in the very center, about 30 minutes.

Muffin Tin Omelets These little muffin tin omelets are my new heart-song. They are low carb, protein rich, filling, and delicious. I’ve been making a pan a week for myself, one of the kids, and one for my husband. They cook up so quick and easy, completely hands off, and just pop right out of the muffin tin once cooled a bit. I then let these muffin omelets cool completely and place in a zipper seal bag in the fridge for quick and easy heat up breakfasts. Thirty to forty-five seconds in the microwave and they taste like they were just made! I find that having things like this handy helps me stay on track because I have a “good” snack to grab rather than a bad one, so I am far more likely to make that “good” choice. These muffin omelets keep me from cravin’ sweets during the day. Some of my friends mix up just the egg mixture and put that in the muffin tins, then allow their family

Every day get up and just say a big thank you to the Lord for allowing you another day of life. Ask Him to use you today and show you what you need to know through scripture. Ask Him to give you His love for those you encounter today. Everyone has a different purpose in God’s kingdom. A person can be humanly famous but that doesn’t mean your gift is less important than theirs. Walk boldly knowing God has a distinct plan and He will use you to bring it to fruition. Tell Satan to take a hike and leave you alone. PRAYER: Each and every brother and sister in Christ has off days where they feel not very special and maybe are in a slump and can’t get going. Father empower me daily with strength I need for the battles I will encounter during my day. Help me to turn on praise music when I am starting to cave to discouragement. In Jesus’ name. Amen. God’s Lemonade Stand is written by former Madison resident Becky Miller. Her daily devotions appear on a Facebook page entitled God’s Lemonade Stand or at www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com. She can be contacted at writemiller2002@yahoo. com.

MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • RICKY SHACK • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • OUT & ABOUT

September 2020 / $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

Surprise wedding at Toyota Field

Discovery Coach Richard McKinnon

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Bowler Hat Brewing Co. Fraternity connection leads to new Madison brewery’s Bowler hat name Madison Living 1

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to add in their own toppings to each individual little omelet – an eggcellent idea! Is This a Muffin Omelet or a Mini Fritatta? You say potato and I say potato. I took a poll at our house and we are going with muffin tin omelet. Keep in mind they can be frozen and reheated as well. Some might even venture to eat cold, but I like mine nice and toasty warm. Ingredients • 8-12 eggs • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese • 1 cup chopped meat of your choice we like cooked crumbled turkey sausage • 3 green onions chopped • salt and pepper to taste Instructions In large bowl, beat together eggs and cream until well blended. Stir

in all other ingredients. Spoon into well-greased muffin tin, dividing evenly among the cups. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or until set in the center. Allow to cool slightly before removing from muffin tin. Allow to cool fully before placing in zipper seal bag and storing in the fridge. Eat within 5 days. This is my favorite combination. Feel free to sub cooked crumbled sausage, bacon, or such for the ham. You may omit the onions entirely if you like, etc.

Christy Jordan is a food blogger, bestselling cookbook author, tv personality, former editor at large for Southern Living Magazine, former contributing editor to Taste of the South magazine, and someone who loves to feed people. She holds a B.S. in Home Economics with a concentration in Foods and Nutrition. A ninth generation Alabamian, Christy lives just minutes from where she was born with her husband of 20 years, their two children, various cats, dogs, and a small flock of chickens. Her website, SouthernPlate, has been twice named one of the top 25 food websites in the country, and draws millions of visitors each month.

367875-1

8B • THE RECORD

September 23, 2020

Part Two

The history of 301 Church Street: The Riddle-Hughes-Spencer House By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian When the Riddles left Madison, the property was acquired by Mrs. Merts of Huntsville. he rented the place to various families for several years until the sale to Etta Mae Abernathy Lewis. Etta Mae was married to Herman Arthur Lewis, a son of Arthur Holding Lewis. She passed the 301 Church Street property to her daughter Mattye Belle Lewis and Mattye Belle’s husband Gordon Pelham Hughes. As a widow, Etta was living in the house at 301 Church Street with Gordon and Mattye Belle in the census records of 1930 and 1940. She died in 1954 and is buried in the Lewis family plot of the old section of the Madison City Cemetery. The 1930 census shows that Maria L. Stovall lived in the 301 house as a boarder with Gordon, Matty Belle, and Etta. Maria was age 21, from Mississippi and a teacher in public school (no doubt Madison’s school) in the 1930 census, but in the census of 1940 she is back in her father’s house in Florence, Alabama. There is strong circumstantial evidence that this same Maria in 1941 married Walter Hezekiah Johnson of nearby Shoalford of Limestone County. Her father was very likely George F. Stovall, a pharmacist of Florence in Lauderdale County in 1920 and 1930, where Maria was also listed in the 1930 census as a public school teacher during the school session. The 1930 census in Florence was taken on April 2. Maria of course also appeared in the 1930 census in Madison, taken on May 12, indicating that Maria was possibly enumerated in two counties that year, moving between counties and schools between the local census dates. Gordon Hughes was a son of Robert Lee Hughes and a grandson of Edmund James Hughes. Gordon Hughes was also a first cousin of George Walton (“Doc”) Hughes, who lived next door at 303 Church Street. One of the brothers of Gordon Hughes, Howard Hughes, lived

Gordon Hughes

Donald Spencer

across the street at 208 Church. Gordon lived from 1896 to 1983, a farmer all of his life, but he served on the Madison City Council from 1957 to 1969. Also he was a Commissioner for the 1969 Centennial celebration of the change of Madison’s name from “Madison Station” to simply Madison. Gordon’s wife Mattye Belle lived from 1897 to 1982. She was the organist of the United Methodist Church on Church Street for 67 years, active in many community services and programs. Gordon and Mattye Belle are buried together in the new section of the Madison City Cemetery on the north side of Mill Road. Gordon and Mattye Bell produced Barbara Ann Hughes, born in 1923 and died in 2008, buried in the Madison City Cemetery’s new section. In 1941 Barbara married Donald Spencer, a son of Frank Jackson Spencer and his wife Ada Brogan of Huntsville. Their Spencer lineage on Family Search is documented back to the early 1300s, including several knights and barons. One maternal branch of Lincoln from the Spencer line goes back to the early 1200s. Don was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army Air Corps. However, in the 1944 Telephone Listing for Madison, his phone number was #31. He was also a cotton farmer and a member of the American Legion Post 229. Don was a fireman in Madison, and he also served on the City Council, the School Board, and the Planning Board. In additon he served on the

Airport Planning Commission and the Industrial Board. He was active in the Methodist Church, where Barbara sang in the choir for many years. Barbara Hughes Spencer owned and operated Barbara’s Dress Shop at 108 Main Street in Madison for years before expiring after 67 years of marriage to Don Spencer, who outlived her by only the few months between April and November. Upon their deaths the house remained in the Spencer family, passing to their son Donald Hughes Spencer, who also served on the Madison City Council from 1988 to 1992. Their daughter Patricia (“Patsy”) Ann Spencer was first licensed in Madison County to marry Donald Sonford Smith (age 23) in 1964 when she was 18 years old. In 1973 Patsy was licensed at age 27 to marry Michael Frank Ryan, a 25 year-old son of Theodore Frank Ryan and his wife Rachel Ruth Phieffer. Patsy’s brother Donald Hughes Spencer was only age 17 when he was licensed to marry Judy Ann Hord (also age 17), a daughter of Asa Hord and his wife Carol Converse. At age 44 in 1988 Donald Hughes Spencer was licensed to marry Katherine Lynn Warvi, who was age 26 then. Katherine’s parents were Martin Matthew Warvi and his wife Virginia Mae Matthew. Altogether, the house at 301 Church Street has hosted generations of civic leaders and folks that have not only lived Madison town history, but actually made it.

Left to right: city councilmen Jack Clift, E.O. Batson and Gordon Hughes.

Mattye Belle (Lewis) Hughes at the organ in the Madison United Methodist Church, where she played for 67 years..

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