The Madison Record - Oct 26, 2022

State Bound

Bob Jones and Sparkman advance to state tournament

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

HUNTSVILLE - The volley ball programs at both Bob Jones and Sparkman High Schools are alive and well. Each squad has advanced to the AHSAA State Tournament at Birmingham’s CrossPlex after finishing among the top four teams at the Class 7A North Super Regional.

For Bob Jones, the Patriots shutout both Vestavia Hills and Sparkman before winning a close match against Hoover in the re gional championship match.

“We had three tough matches for sure as we had faced Vestavia Hills a couple weeks ago and defeated them in five games, so we knew that was going to be a good fight,” said Jenny Jarrett head coach of Bob Jones. “Then we had one of our arch rivals in

Sparkman, a team we’ve been back and forth with all season long.”

In the opening round, Bob Jones defeated Vestavia Hills (29-10) 3-0 while Sparkman edged Spain Park (26-12) 3-2 to advance to the semi-finals. In the matches among round two, Bob Jones and

Madison Witches

An imaginative fundraiser with Halloween flair made its debut on Sunday at Palmer Park in Madison.

The inaugural Madison Witches Ride, Roll & Stroll featured local enchantresses in a fun-filled, two-mile bike ride or walk. Witches rode their brooms or bikes, parad ed their pets from their evil castles and strolled through the park.

Along the way they threw candy to hundreds of onlooking children along the route. Madison Vision ary Partners hosted the Madison Witches Ride as a fundraiser to benefit the renovation project for Kids Kingdom playground. To see more photos, go to page 3B or The Madison Record Facebook page. You can also find some at the Mad ison Witches Ride Facebook page.

Photo by Kassidy Wilkins.

PD: Madison man arrested for drug trafficking

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - The Madison Police Department said last week they made a significant drug bust within the city.

According to the Madison Police, mem bers of the department’s SWAT team served a search war rant off Shel ton Road on Friday at the request of the North Ala bama Drug Task Force.

The warrant service re sulted in the arrest of Chris topher L. Jefferson, 41, of Madison, who was charged with possession and distri bution of controlled sub stances and firearms related offenses.

Officers said the search warrant also resulted in the seizure of approximately two pounds of methamphet amine and various other controlled substances.

Sparkman were matched against one another with the Patriots rising to the occasion with a 3-0 blanking of the Senators.

In the championship match, Jarrett said, “This was an ab solute battle. We had split with Hoover during the regular sea

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

LIMESTONE COUNTY — Michelle Williamson, spokes woman for the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, said Friday that the office and fed eral officials are investigating a scam in which the scammer attempts to obtain funds from a victim via PayPal or other forms of wire transfer.

In the case reported, the scammer was attempting to obtain funds from a family member of an inmate, Wil liamson said. She said if any one receives a document from the district court requesting funds, do not transfer any funds and contact your local law enforcement agency.

Williamson said neither the Limestone County Sher iff’s Office nor the Limestone County Circuit Court Clerk’s office would ever ask a wit ness to make a payment via PayPal.

Similar scams have also been reported in other coun ties, including Madison Coun ty.

The Madison Police also cautioned residents recently about the increase of porch pirates this time of year.

The Bob Jones volleyball program celebrates its next trip to the AHSAA State Tournament after a championship finish at the North Super Regional held at the VBC in Huntsville.

See VOLLEYBALL

The Sparkman volleyball team celebrates after advancing to the state tournament.

Jefferson

Office cautioning people against new scam

Volleyball

From page 1A

son and we knew this was going to be a struggle. They played really well and made some adjust ments after we went up 2-0 that we struggled to adjust to. I’m so proud of our girls for sticking with it, fighting and finishing a very tough day of action.”

In the title match, Hoover (35-16) was edged by the Patriots 3-2. In the consolation battle, Spark man edged Huntsville (34-13) 3-2. All four teams advance to the state tour nament against four sim ilar teams from the South Super Regional.

“We are super excited to be headed back to the state tournament as we set goals at the first of the year with the state tour nament always being the

focus,” said Jarrett, in her first season as head coach of the Lady Patriots. “I am confident that these girls are not just happy to be there, but want to go to compete.”

The State Tournament schedule will feature Wednesday, Oct. 26 match ups at noon: Bob Jones (45-11) vs. Auburn (22-15), Sparkman (45-12) vs. St. Paul’s Episcopal (34-12) in one bracket and Hoover (35-16) vs. Enterprise (418) and Huntsville (34-13) vs. McGill-Toolen (48-8) in the second bracket. The winners of those matches advance to the semi-finals scheduled for Oct. 26 at 5:00 p.m. with the Class 7A championship match set for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27.

YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast - This year marks the 16th year of the annual YMCA Veterans Prayer Breakfast to celebrate our Veterans. The event traditionally lifts up our military heroes in gratitude with prayer, song and an awards presentation. It will be held Friday, Nov. 4 at the Hogan Family YMCA in Madison. Registration is required. Seating is limited. Doors open at 6:45 a.m. Program will begin at 7:30 a.m. For more information, go to www.ymcahuntsville.org.

ROCK ON! - Madison City Schools shared this cute photo on Monday. It’s from Friday’s Rock Your School at the Madison City PreK Center. Schools throughout the district observed the event in various fun and creative ways.

Walker Montgomery will headline Railyard Barbecue Brawl and Music Festival

will culminate with four musical performances.

City, Chamber planning huge celebration with Finley’s “State of the City” address

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – The City of Madison is plan ning a huge celebration next week. The Mad ison Chamber of Commerce will host a free, family-fun event at Toyota Field on Nov. 4.

“Our signature ‘State of the City’ event, formerly known as ‘Connect’, has been re-branded and is now called ‘Celebrate Mad ison’,” said Chamber Executive Director Mi chelle Epling. She said after two years of so cial-distancing due to COVID, the event will be a time to “get back together to celebrate all the accomplishments of the last two years of our city, with Mayor Paul Finley and City Council guiding our town through a global pandemic while staying focused on major growth in all areas of our city.”

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The celebration pro gram starts at 6 p.m. A fireworks show will be held at 7 p.m. The first 500 attendees will

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Whiffs of hickory and mesquite smoke, twangs of a guitar and the best ‘cue around will lead people to the sec ond annual Railyard Bar becue Brawl and Music Festival this weekend.

Historic downtown Mad ison will be the setting for this fall festival that opens at 11 a.m. and runs to 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 29.

This year’s event is un like anything to happen in downtown Madison in its long-storied history, ac cording to organizers. The brawl promises two days of barbecue-cooking fun and entertainment, which

The headliner will be country music’s up-andcoming star Walker Mont gomery, who will rev up the crowd with his hit, “Out of Nowhere,” written by Corey Crowder, Jared Mullins, Joey Hyde and Morgan Wallen. Mont gomery’s playlist includes “Wouldn’t Be a Country Boy,” “You Heard it Here First,” “She Don’t Know” and “Bad Day To Be A Beer.”

Special guests for the brawl’s entertainment will be Dylan Marlowe with his hit single, “I’ll Keep the Country”; The Red Clay Strays band with their new single, “Good Godly Woman”; and the Falcon Punch band with their mu sic, “Tennessee Whiskey.”

These singers and in strumentalists will keep the upbeat atmosphere from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The barbecue contest will have two divisions, Shade Tree and Master Se ries competitions. For the Shade Tree con

Madison City Schools to offer workshop for coping with anxiety

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Madison City Schools is continuing its “Mental Health Mat ters” initiative on Oct. 28 with the “Helping Stu dents Cope with Anxiety” workshop.

The session is free for school parents and Mad ison residents. Parents can attend any individual workshop that interests them or attend all.

MCS and Madison City Council of PTAs are part nering to provide these workshop sessions to bring deeper understand ing about ways to support mental health of youth. Mental health profession

als are leading all ses sions.

The hour-long session dealing with anxiety will start at 9 a.m. on Oct. 28 at MCS Central Office, 211 Celtic Drive.

“Anxiety is the most common mental disor der,” according to Nation al PTA sources. “Each year, 18 percent of Amer ican adults experience anxiety, and 31 percent have had anxiety at some point in their lives.”

In addition, approxi mately eight percent of children and adolescents also experience anxiety each year, PTA sources stated.

For information, visit madisoncity.k12.al.us.

Step ha ni e Ba rn et t, CR NP completed her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she graduated with honors in 2017 She has practiced medicine as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Cullman and Decatur since that time

STEPHA NIE BARNET T, CR NP

The second annual event returns to downtown Madison this weekend

Farthest eyeball pop

Sidney de Carvalho Mesquita (Brazil), also known as Tio Chico, has set the world record title for the farthest eyeball pop (male). Sidney’s eyes made their way into Guinness World Records 2023 by popping out to a protrusion of 18.2 mm (0.71 in) beyond his eye sockets.

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Attention, all business-minded teenagers! Department personnel at the University of Alabama in Huntsville or UAH are preparing for the fifth annual be-Entrepreneurial or beE Pitch Competition for area high school teams.

beE is an entrepreneurship and idea competition open to high school students. UAH’s Innovation Center or I2C strives

to empower the next generation of high-school entrepreneurs to research, collaborate and deliver new ideas.

These student teams will have support of capable teachers and mentors and will compete in a challenge of business ideas to win cash from a $3,000 prize pool.

“We are excited to begin our annual be-Entrepreneurial pitch competition for teams in area high schools,” Rigved P. Joshi said. Joshi is I2C Director at UAH.

Any student enrolled in an Alabama high school can compete. The 2022 beE will accept applications from teams with students from different schools if all participants are enrolled in high school and if the team has a sponsor. “It’s time to up your ante y’all!” Joshi said.

This year’s beE will be conducted 100 percent online. “No more bus rides, crazy logistics and long waits. Simply apply, get shortlisted and participate online in the Grand Finale in the

Snapshot

comfort of your classroom or home,” Joshi said.

Joshi needs teachers and mentors to “get the word out and encourage your students to participate and apply. Assist student teams with the beE application.” Teachers can contact Joshi for mentoring or if questions arise. “Help your students win,” he said.

Students can submit applications with ideas by the Dec. 7 deadline. The Grand Finale date is Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Semi-finalists and finalists will receive presentation time-slots from organizers closer to the event.

Students will use Zoom for the online contest. The competition is free. To apply for the contest, a link is available at be-entrepreneurial.org/2022-bee.

Mentoring sessions are ongoing, and organizers will conduct sessions remotely until Dec. 12. For information, email rpj0001@uah.edu, or visit be-entrepreneurial.org.

inconnectionwiththecontestand/orothercontestsstagedand/orpromotedbyNewspaper,andthat suchentriesmaybesimilaroridenticalintheme,idea,formatorotherrespectstootherentriessubmittedinconnectionwiththiscontestand/orothercontestssponsoredbytheNewspaperorsubmitted forotherreasonsormaterialsdevelopedbytheNewspaper.Entrantswaiveanyandallclaimsentrant mayhavehad,mayhave,and/ormayhaveinthefuture,thatanyentryand/orotherworksaccepted, reviewedand/orusedbytheentrantmaybesimilartohis/herentry,orthatanycompensationisdue toentrantinconnectionwithsuchentryorotherworksusedbyNewspaper.

Eligibility:Legalresidentsofthe50UnitedStatesandtheDistrictofColumbia,21yearsofageorolder atthetimeofentryareeligibletoenter,exceptemployeesofNewspaperandanyotherorganizations affiliatedwiththesponsorship,fulfillment,administration,prizesupport,advertisementorpromotionofthecontestand/ortheirrespectiveagents,affiliates,subsidiariesandtheirimmediatefamily

Diverse faiths gather to form Madison Interfaith Council

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Motivated by their common goal, a group of Madison residents recently met to put aside any differences to work together for their unified intention.

The group counseled together to create a charter for the new Madison Interfaith Council. The assembled group were pastor representatives

A representative from a Cath olic church, Seventh-day Ad ventist, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lutheran church, non-denominational faith and the Baha’i faith sat together around a table to dis cuss the parameters for the new council.

“This group discussed the ben efits of gathering, learning more about each other and the poten tial to tear down walls,” Charity Stratton said. Stratton is Com

munication Director and Just Serve Specialist for the Madison Alabama Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Individuals who attended the charter meeting were Barlow Blake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Di ana Bottin, Messiah Lutheran Church; Eugene Folks Jr., Grace Covenant Worship and Outreach Center; Ruhi Hiebert, Baha’i Faith; Kenric Smith, Most Mer ciful Jesus Catholic Church; Charity Stratton, Executive Sec retary; and Ronald J. Wright, Oakwood Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“A palpable spirit of unity was present as the group openly dis cussed the benefits of working together for the good of the com munity,” Stratton said.

One general definition of the interfaith council is a collabo rative body of clergy and pastor representatives who meet regu

larly to identify, discuss and pro vide compassionate, humanitar ian service to people in Madison, regardless of religion, nationali ty, race or creed.

“These representatives (for Madison Interfaith Council)

plan to use their unique perspec tives to identify and discuss the needs of not only the people that they serve in their church, but the community. The goal of this group of faith representatives is to collaborate to find ways to

provide compassionate, humani tarian service to Madison Coun ty and the surrounding areas,” Stratton said.

Madison artist’s designs featured in Wiregrass Museum of Art exhibition

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan will open new exhibi tions in October, and Heather Baum bach of Madison will be among the artists showing their work.

This exhibit will be shown during the Art After Hours event on view un til Dec. 31.

A second exhibition set to open at Art After Hours will feature Baum bach’s “seam/seem” that includes large-scale sculpture, fiber arts and weaving. This solo exhibition at Wire grass was awarded to Baumbach as part of the museum’s partnership with ArtFields for a Partner Award.

This award resulted from ArtFields Collective competition, a Lake City, S.C. organization. ArtFields honors artists of the Southeast with a week’s worth of celebration and competition in the heart of a traditional Southern small town.

“The quality of the pastors and clergy in our community

Catholic church, Seventh-day Adventist, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lutheran church, non-denominational faith and the Baha’i faith sat together around a table to discuss the parameters for the new council.

“My work explores the fertile seam of representation and abstraction where the body intersects with the exterior environment, combining op posing registers of both the physical ly attractive and evocatively disturb

Artwork by Heather Baumbach of Madison is in exhibition at Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan through Dec. 31.

Heather Baumbach of Madison is shown work ing on her art exhibition at Wiregrass Museum of Art.

See BAUMBACH

MADISON CITY FARMERS MARKET • Trinity Baptist Church in Madison • Open Saturdays 9 a.m. - noon

Located at 1088 Hughes Road at Trinity Baptist Church in Madi son, the market is the area’s original local, producer-only farmers market, founded in 2007. Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted by local farmers and craftspeople. The vendors provide a wide selection of the freshest local veggies, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats, milk, herbs, honey, jams, relishes, home-baked goods, plants and flowers. Come see creations from local artisans including handmade cards, soaps, lotions, candles, wood crafts, sewn items and other handmade products. Go to www.madisoncityfarmersmar ket.com for more information.

OLD THYME MARKET • Downtown Madison • Fridays 3-7 p.m. facebook.com/OldThymeMarketMadisonAL

Old Thyme Market is the newest farmers market in Madison. The market is making its home in downtown Madison every Friday af ternoon throughout the summer. Old Thyme Market includes farm ers, craftsmen, artisans, and local businesses selling goods such as produce, local honey and preserves, pottery, and art. The markets also feature refreshments from Black Dog Grounds and Sounds, Su zy’s Pops, and Nanny’s Lemonade, and live music will be performed every week by local musicians. The market takes place every Friday from 3 - 7 p.m. now through September on Garner Street in down town Madison.

GALAXY OF LIGHTS • Nov. 11-Jan. 1 • Huntsville Botanical Garden • www.hsvbg.org/galaxy. Galaxy of Lights, an annual holiday light experience at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, will return for its 27th season from Nov. 11 through Jan. 1. This year, guests will enjoy more Walking Nights, new immer sive displays and innovative designs. The award-winning event will again offer both walking and driving experiences, but Galaxy will now have more Walking Nights than ever before, increasing from 17 dates in 2021 to 31 dates this year. Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights will take place Friday, Nov. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Dec. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 1, from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (time of last admission). Guests can also enjoy Dog Walking Nights on Mondays and Tuesdays during Walking Nights (Nov. 14, 15, 21, and 22; December 19, 20, 26, and 27) and the Galaxy of Lights 5K Race and 3K Fun Run on Nov. 28 and 29. Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights will take place Thursday, Dec. 1, through Friday, Dec. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (time of last admission). Tickets to Galaxy of Lights are available now at the Garden front desk during regular business hours or online at hsvbg.org/galaxy.

The Madison Mom A Halloween tradition

By ELIZABETH NEAL The Madison Mom

MADISON – Have you ever heard of “booing” a neighbor or friend? No tricks, just a surprise treat left on the porch of someone close by. Collect Hal loween themed trinkets, coloring books, puzzles, bubbles, snacks, books, etc. and present them in a basket. Some other neat gift ideas include shrink-a-dinks, pencils, glow necklaces, or fruit. Try and steer clear of candy, as they are sure to have plenty of that in the next few weeks. Even a themed movie bas ket could be a hit! Once your basket is ready, leave your gift on the porch, but be sneaky–the hardest part for my littles! Ring the doorbell and run away quickly. Don’t forget about the parents either! We like to include a bottle of wine or a thoughtful something tailored to the adults in the family.

Now, it’s their turn to spread the spirit! Include a note with instructions on how to pass it on. If you want this to catch on throughout your own neighborhood, families that have been “booed” place the “I’ve been booed ghost” in their win dow so that everyone knows who is left to be “booed.” The “booing’ continues until the last family has been delivered a surprise basket.

I love this little tradition so much. The idea that someone knows you are think ing about them, and they get a sweet

surprise on their doorstep is just the best. My kids were begging me to “boo” our other neighbors, even though they don’t have kids. So much fun, and who doesn’t like spreading a little joy?

This weekly column by Elizabeth Neal compliments her growing blog, The Mad ison Mom, a daily journey of her life with her children. In it, she shares stories and information for families in the Madison area.

Scouts, Legionnaires and firefighters join together for joint blood drive

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Three groups in Madison who are well known for their outreach to help residents have banded together for an event that will “give the gift of life.”

Post 229 of Madison American Legion, Boy Scouts of Troop 201 and firefighters with Madison Fire and Rescue Depart ment have collaborated to sponsor a joint blood drive.

The blood drive will be held on Nov. 12 at Madison Fire Station, no. 1 at 101 Mill Road (adjacent to City Hall). The drive will start at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

The only prerequisite to give blood is good health, according to LifeSouth

Community Blood Centers. LifeSouth employees will complete screenings to confirm that a donor has no health prob lems. To schedule an appointment in ad vance, visit donors.lifesouth.org/donor/ schedules/drive_schedule/770861.

“The American Legion Post is sup porting the drive as the charter organi zation (sponsor) to the Scouts. The Mad ison Fire Department is participating in support of the Scouts and community, as well,” Larry Vannoy said. Vannoy serves as American Legion Commander for Madison County and for Post 229 in Madison.

Glen Norris volunteers with Boy Scouts Troop 201 in Madison and is

See BLOOD DRIVE

Burritt on the Mountain to host the second annual Round Top Folk Festival next weekend

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - Burritt on the Moun tain and the Burritt Folk School are planning the second annual Round Top Folk Festival. Named for the mountain on which Burritt sits, the festival will feature traditional art and music, Nov. 5-6.

Festival organizers say dozens of local demonstrators, artisans, musicians, and more will be participating this year with unique items for sale, as well as special demonstrations representing traditional art and culture of north Alabama.

On Saturday, Nov. 6, a wide selection of traditional musicians will play through out the Historic Park and local demon strators and artisans will share their crafts and skills through demonstra tions with items for sale. These skills, all taught at the Burritt Folk School, pre serve the traditional arts of our ances tors in the Cumberland Plateau region.

Local musicians will be performing at the Isenberg Gazebo, Bendickson Family Pavilion and Historic Park throughout the day.

Fireball Mail Bluegrass Band will present a special concert on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Mike Ball and His Cronies will perform on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy lunch from the food trucks and a variety of craft beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the day.

“Burritt has long been a place to enjoy the outdoors for both recreation and his tory. We preserve traditional arts, skills and handicrafts and offer opportunities for guests to experience the way things once were done. The Round Top Folk Fes tival is an expansion of our Folklife Festi val and has combined the incredibly im portant traditional arts with something Burritt does remarkably well…concerts! This fits seamlessly into our mission to enhance lives and build community through educational, artistic, and recre ational experiences while preserving our heritage, land, and historic structures,” said Leslie Ecklund, Burritt CEO.

Tickets can be purchased at burritton themountain.com. All concert goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blan kets.

“This is a great opportunity to enjoy the mountain air and visit with some of our Folk School instructors as they demonstrate their crafts. Our studio and workshops spaces will be open as well as the historic buildings through out the park. I invite people to come see for themselves and be a part of our cre ative community,” said Jana Parris, Folk School Program Manager.

To view the full list of artist vendors, demonstrators and local musicians, visit burrittonthemountain.com for up to date listings.

The festival itself is mostly outside throughout the museum grounds and Historic Park.

a

test, teams must cook two types of meat, chicken and pork ribs. The cooking source must be wood, wood pellets or charcoal. Rules and regu lations from Kansas City Barbecue Society or KCBS apply.

A Master Series Sanctioned Con test requires the teams to cook four types of meat — chicken, pork ribs, pork butt and brisket. The cooking source must be wood, wood pellets or charcoal. KCBS rules and regula tions apply.

Competition cooking will begin the morning of Oct. 29.

of Madison American Legion, Post 229.

Scouts who are pursu

that we can unify

the

to

that can be done in

community,” Stratton said.

Meat turn-in will be at noon for the Master Series professional teams and at 2 p.m. for the Shade Tree groups.

General admission tickets to the Railyard Barbecue Brawl and Music Festival are $20, plus a $2.85 fee and $2.06 sales tax (total $24.91). For tick ets, visit eventbrite.com/e/railyardbbq-brawl-2022-tickets-401380769687.

Children who are 10 years old and younger will be admitted free.

New this year, a complimentary shuttle will pick up and return guests at Madison City School Sta

ing the Health Care Pro fessionals Merit Badge can complete one of the key requirements by sup porting the blood drive. “The hope is to make this a recurring event, which provides a much need ed resource to our local community while provid ing an avenue for Scouts throughout the area to work towards a Merit Badge,” Vannoy said.

“Under the American Legion’s pillar of Amer icanism, our organiza

Baumbach

ing,” Baumbach said.

“By employing sculpt ed fiber as a surrogate for the body, the skin and clothing, my practice ex amines both the physical and social space the body holds, including themes of adornment, protection and exposure,” Baumbach said.

Baumbach is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts de gree from Lesley Univer sity in Boston. She grad uated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a Bache lor of Fine Arts degree in

To organize the September meet ing, individuals mailed invitations to 85 churches in the City of Madison. Council participants will continue to mail invitations as the group grows.

more information, email char itystratton@bellsouth.net.

dium at 211 Celtic Drive. Guests also can park at the stadium and walk to the nearby festival.

Organizers encourage everyone to arrive early, claim your spot in the field on Martin Street and let the children play in the outdoors on the inflatable amusements. Festivalgo ers can eat at four barbecue tents, and enjoy the smells coming from 50 cooking teams, all vying for this KCBS-sanctioned BBQ brawl.

For more information, email rail yardbbqfest@gmail.com or visit rai lyardbbqbrawl.com.

tion builds enthusiasm for public service among young people through such programs as the Scouts of America,” Van noy said. “This blood drive also supports an Ameri can Legion initiative that dates back to Pearl Har bor and World War II.”

During 1942, Ameri can Legion posts world wide collected blood for the American Red Cross to cover growing needs for plasma in war fronts and home fronts. The

costume design.

Baumbach has lived in Madison since 2004. She has a home studio and a public studio at Hunts ville’s Lowe Mill.

At Wiregrass, visi tors can learn about Ba umbach’s process and techniques during two openings on Nov. 19. One session will be the “Impro vised Fiber Sculptures” workshop. To register, vis it wiregrassmuseum.org/ visiting-artist-series.

Wiregrass Museum of Art provides innovative educational programs

American Legion Nation al Blood Donor Program emerged in the 1940s and is as relevant today as during World War II.

“Hosting blood drives is in the fabric of the Ameri can Legion’s mission, and we look forward to sup porting this joint effort for many years,” Vannoy said.

For more information, visit Facebook/American Legion Post 229, Ameri canLegionPost229.org or lifesouth.org.

for diverse audiences by exhibition of quality works. Founded in 1987, the museum has offered educational programs, na tionally-acclaimed art ex hibitions and community events.

Museum galleries are open Wednesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Satur days, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Mondays - Tuesdays by appointment. General ad mission is free.

For more information, visit heatherbaumbacha rt.com or Twitter @heath erbaumbachart.

Madison’s YDA selected award winner by USTA of Alabama

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

MADISON - For over 30 years the Youth Development Associ ation (YDA) has been serving North Alabama by broadening students’ experiences in life through tennis and encour ages those students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. The YDA has re ceived numerous accolades for its work with the youth of the area and the awards continue to roll in.

The United States Tennis Association of Alabama has selected YDA as the 2022 recipi ent of the USTA Alabama Com munity Tennis Association Award of the Year. The award

HUNTSVILLE METRO CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPSparkman’s Samantha Menikheim, a junior, clocked a person al-best 19-minutes, 19.54-seconds to win the Huntsville Metro Cross Country Championship held at Madison’s Palmer Park. The remainder of the top 15 T-shirt winners included 3. Kylie Gero, 10, James Clemens, 19:46.63, 7. Emma Bothern, 11, James Clemens, 20:27.94, 11. Jenna Duncan, 11, Sparkman, 20:51.42, 12. Ami Marks, 8, Bob Jones, 20:54.06. In boys, sophomore Luke Alverson ran fourth with a time of 16:01.94 to lead four James Clemens athletes to finish among the top 10 at the Metro. Other Jets among the top finishers included 5. Dylan Dryer, 11, James Clemens, 16:04.97, 6. Cole Robinson, 11, James Clemens, 16:05.23, 10. Garrett Gallagher, 12, James Clemens, 16:46.51. Photo- Geary Howell, Sparkman High School

recognizes YDA for its signifi cant contribution to the game of tennis through promoting USTA programs and the pro motion of the growth of tennis by being diverse and inclusive.

“I have a growing under standing and knowledge in awareness of the many great contributions being made in the Alabama Tennis Associ ation, so we don’t take lightly this award,” said Al Garrett, Executive Director of YDA.

The YDA is a 501C (3) non-profit organization and is led by its inception by Garrett who is also a tennis coach, or dained minister, husband and mentor. The YDA is one of 294 United States Tennis As sociation Foundation Nation

al Junior Tennis & Learning Chapters in the country and the only chapter in the Mad ison area. Through its tennis program, YDA offers academ ics, character building and life skills, along with health and nutrition curricula to low-in come students who may be struggling academically and behaviorally. Garrett began his journey with YDA in 1991.

“The USTA Alabama Awards Committee wishes to extend our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honor as the organization has given outstanding service to ten nis and the USTA Alabama is vey proud to recognize your achievements,” said Barbara

YDA Page 2B

Auburn baseball to return to Madison’s Toyota Field in 2023

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

MADISON - College base ball will return to Toyota Field.

The home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas will give way to college baseball as the Southeastern Conference re turns next spring as the Au burn Tigers will play host to the North Alabama Lions on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The Tigers defeated Tennessee Tech 4-3 in the first SEC game played at Toyota Field earlier this year.

“We’re looking forward to playing at Toyota Field again this season, said Butch Thompson head coach of Au burn. “The Trash Pandas were a great host and the Au burn fans in the Huntsville area were engaged in the game from start to finish. We have no doubt it’ll be more of the same, come February.”

Auburn enters the 2023 sea son after an incredible run to the College World Series in 2022 finishing the season with an overall record of 43-22 in cluding 16-13 in SEC play. Un der the direction of Thomp son, the Tigers have reached the College World Series two of the last three years.

North Alabama is now a D-1 program playing in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Jad Prachniak will be in his first season as head coach of the Lions’ program after longtime baseball coach Mike Keehn re tired in May. Keehn spent 34 years with the UNA program, last 14 as head coach, but de cided to hang up his coaching cleats.

Last season, the Lions were 12-41 overall and 5-15 in con ference play. One statistic of note from the 2022 season is the fact the Lions were 1-28 in away games.

First pitch for the Feb. 21 game is set for 6:00 p.m. with gates at Toyota Field opening at 4:30 p.m. Full ticket infor mation will be released soon.

Trash Pandas season ticket holders will have the first pri ority to purchase their own seats for the game. Auburn season ticket holders will then have an opportunity to pur chase tickets before the gener al public. Fans interested in a general public pre-sale oppor tunity can fill out a form to re ceive early access to purchase tickets at www.trashpandas baseball.com/Auburn.

Parking is available through Clutch! For $6.75 in advance.

Parking increases to $10 on

Redstone

The Youth Development Association (YDA) based in Madison has been a huge force in the local community by assisting low-income students better their lives through tennis. The YDA has been selected an award winner by the United States Tennis Association of Alabama.

Chargers wrap up regular season in UAH Invitational, eyes postseason

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The University of Alabama in Huntsville men’s and women’s cross country teams wrapped up the 2022 regular sea son at the UAH Invitational at John Hunt Park on Saturday morning in a field of 40-plus competing pro grams.

The UAH men finished fifth out of 48 in the standings, while the Chargers women’s squad placed ninth in a field of 44 competing teams.

Sophomore Sam Wilhelm led the Chargers in the 8k race on Sat urday morning with an eight-place

time of 23:48.0. He was joined in the top 50 by a pair of teammates, with Gabe Henneberger finishing 42nd at 24:25.2 and Allan Anderson plac ing 48th at 24:29.30.

Wilhelm’s performance is the fastest 8k performance in program history, topping the previous re cord of 24:12.21 set by Jay Day at the 2021 edition of the UAH Invita tional.

The Chargers had five more run ners place in the top 100 on Satur day, including Nathan Knox (61st, 24:42.7), Caleb Boys (63rd, 24:43.3), Will Thompson (76th, 24:52.0), Nate Pohlsander (77th, 24:52.3), and Jack Elliott (87th, 24:59.40).

On the women’s side, junior

Emily McMurry guided UAH with a team-leading time of 17:47.6 for 19th overall in the race. McMurry’s time on Saturday is the eight-fast est 5k performance in program his tory.

McMurry was joined in the top 100 of the race by Taylor Engram (53rd, 18:20.8), Tatiana Padgett (71st, 18:35.5), Claudia Dassow (90th, 18:42.80) and Abby Weist (91st, 18:43.3).

The Chargers men’s and wom en’s squads now look ahead to the beginning of the postseason at the 2022 Gulf South Conference Cross Country Championships on Sat urday, Nov. 5 in Montevallo, Ala bama.

UAH outlasts West Georgia in five-set road win

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

HUNTSVILLE - The University of Alabama in Huntsville volley ball team topped West Georgia by a score of 3-2 (20-25, 25-22, 25-20, 1525, 15-11) on the road on Saturday afternoon in a Gulf South Confer ence matchup. UAH improves to 11-14 (5-6 GSC), while UWG dips to 9-18 (2-10 GSC).

Junior Gracie McGee had a dy namic performance against the Wolves with a team-high 14 kills to go along with the second-most digs by the squad with 19 scoops to re cord a double-double. She addition ally notched three assists and two service aces in the win.

Three Chargers had 18 digs or more to guide the team defen

Auburn

sively, led by Hailey Holshouser’s career-best 20. Tatiana Bonilla notched 18 digs to rate third on the squad.

Savannah Rutledge helped lead the Chargers offense with a teamhigh 37 assists to go along with nine digs and six kills in a strong all-around performance.

Ally Kennis was UAH’s most efficient attacker with a team-best .310 hitting percentage while rating second on the team with 13 kills. Kiara Hill and Caroline Moyer both also went into double-digit kill totals with 10 apiece to rank tied for third on the squad.

The Chargers recorded 13 ser vice aces as a team, which the fourth time the squad has posted 12 aces or more in a match in 2022. Kaila Sisk led the way for UAH on

Saturday with three service aces. West Georgia pulled ahead in the early going with a 25-20 win in the first, but the Chargers rebound ed to take the second set late by a score of 25-22.

UAH generated rallies of three points or more on four occasions in the third set to take the lead off a 25-20 win in the stanza, prior to West Georgia forcing a fifth set with a 25-15 win in the fourth.

The Blue & White pulled away in the fifth set with the score tied 9-9, as the squad outpaced the Wolves 6-1 to finish off the 15-10 win in the fifth and seal the victory.

The Chargers are back in action with the final three home matches of the regular season, which in cludes Montevallo on Friday and Shorter on Saturday.

Continued from Page 1B

the day of the game and is available upon entry to the Toyota Field parking lot.

All concessions at Toy ota Field will be open for the game and alcohol beverages will be avail able as well. Toyota Field is a cashless venue and a clear-bag policy will be in effect. Full game informa tion will be available at

the listed website.

During the contest between the Tigers and Lions, exciting contests and promotions between innings will occur similar to what are held during Trash Pandas’ games.

In the event of inclem ent weather on Feb. 21, the game will be post poned to the next eve ning, February 22.

Ernest, USTA Southern Awards Committee Chair.

Based in Madison, the 68-year old Garrett began his love of tennis in 1975 and soon became a trail blazer in the local sport

scene by his being a topnotch player who began the tennis programs in Madison in 1992 with the help of the Madison Rec reation Department. His role continues today as

executive director and tennis instructor.

“You can’t imagine the excitement and spirit of gratitude we are all feel ing and expressing re ceiving this award,” add

ed Garrett. “I thank our (YDA) board chair, board members, staff, volun teers, players and fami lies. We can’t achieve our success without all of us working together.”

Photos by Kassidy

Redstone FCU president awarded AUSA’s John W. Dixon Award

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

WASHINGTON D.C. - The Association of the U.S. Army awarded the recipients of its 2022 National Awards recent ly, which honor individuals for their selfless service and dedi cation to the Army and its sol diers.

Joe Newberry, president of Redstone Federal Credit Union, received the John W. Dixon Award for outstanding contri butions to national defense at the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C.

Oct. 10-12.

“This is an amazing recogni tion for Redstone Federal Cred it Union,’’ Newberry said in a

press release. “Knowing that our roots began on Redstone Arsenal, we are proud of our legacy of commitment and ser vice to our military and civilian communities.’’

When Newberry became CEO in 2008, the credit union had $2 billion in assets, about 300,000 members, 19 branches and 729 employees. Today, it has as sets of $8 billion, nearly 700,000 members, 28 branches and 1,200 employees.

The credit union, formed on Redstone Arsenal in 1951, is Al abama’s largest member-owned financial institution. Since 2004, it has been a strong commu nity partner of AUSA’s Red stone-Huntsville chapter, and more recently has become the

association’s largest contribut ing Association Partner, said re tired Lt. Gen. Patricia McQuis tion, a former vice president of Membership and Meetings for AUSA.

Ribbon Cuttings

In a letter recommending Newberry for the award, Mc Quistion wrote that Newberry approached AUSA with a pro posal to offer AUSA member ship to new Redstone Federal Credit Union members.

“AUSA has benefitted enor mously from the relationship, both financially and by expand ing membership by more than 110,000 individuals in the three years the agreement has been in effect,” McQuistion wrote. “Im portantly, many of these people would likely never have heard of AUSA without RFCU’s assis tance.”

Locally, Newberry maintains his close ties with AUSA’s Red stone-Huntsville chapter. The credit union regularly sponsors

chapter events, including its lo cal Veteran Day celebrations, athletic events for wounded warriors and an ROTC lun cheon.

The credit union also donated $50,000 to the National Museum of the United States Army and supports veterans and military groups such as the Veterans Museum and Archives in Ala bama, the local American Le gion post and the Legacy 4 Ko rean War Veterans Foundation.

“Redstone’s partnership with AUSA has been extremely ben eficial and has prompted the ad dition of new members to both organizations,” Rhonda Sutton, the chapter president, wrote when nominating Newberry for the award.

Chamber

at www.madisonalchamber.com

Joe Newberry

Enable Madison County, which used to be named CASA. The organization hosted a ribbon cutting at the United Way building to celebrate its relaunch.

Ribbon cutting for Super Duck Car Wash,

Hwy 72 west in Madison.

Holtz leather Co. on Main Street in downtown Madison.

Wood & Cloth Interiors one year anniversary, 107 Brookridge Dr Suite E1.

Congratulations to YKTA Y-tec Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama, Inc. on winning the 2022 Emerging Manufacturer of the Year for the Alabama Technology Network Manufacturer of the Year awards with Business Council of Alabama.

JS Solutions recently cut the ribbon on their new corporate Headquarters.

Pure Barre 10th anniversary in downtown Madison, 14 Main St Suite A.

Midtown Elementary Principal Savannah Demeester and Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols welcomed representatives of Family Security Credit Union into the Partners in Education program. Family Security gave a generous donation to Midtown as part of an ongoing partnership of support for the school. Partners in Education is a program with Madison City Schools, the Madison Chamber of Commerce, PTA, and local businesses and families to create a bridge between our community and schools.

It’s trick or treat time again!

Every year on October 31, children of all ages en joy Halloween. This fun holiday occurs each year in the United States and is a fun day for many people. Adults and kids dress up in costumes, and children often go door-to-door in their neighborhoods in the evenings to receive candies and treats after saying “Trick or Treat!” Today, the most important thing to remember when “Trick or Treating” is safety. Many kids no longer go door-to-door. Instead, they attend “Trick or Treating” events at places such as malls, churches, and community centers. When going out, be sure to always have a large group of people with you at all times, and remember to include an adult. Wear costumes that are bright in color, and use a reflector if you are walking in the dark. After the fun and before you enjoy your treats, have a trusted adult verify that your candy is safe to eat. Be cour teous to other “Trick or Treaters” and to those who hand out candy. Don’t forget to say “Thank you!”

Adult Candy Church Community Costume Dress-Up Ghosts

Haunted House Make-Up Mall

October Pumpkin Safety Spooky Thank

Trick

Time to register for the Madison Station Polar Express Christmas on Main event

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Although pumpkins still have their jack-o-lantern smiles, vol unteers already have been planning for Christmas events in downtown Mad ison.

Members of Madison Station Historic Preser vation Society and city employees are working together to launch the 2022 holiday season. These volunteers are inviting organizations, business es, clubs and individuals to participate in the ninth annual Madison Station Polar Express Christmas on Main.

This first event on the 2022 holiday schedule in volves decorating and maintaining a Christmas tree along Main Street in downtown Madison. Trees will remain in place from Dec. 2 through Jan. 1, 2023.

Registration deadline is close-of-business on Nov. 11. All trees will be sold on a first come/first served basis.

Registration forms (which are the same as this flier) are available online at the city website.

To access the form, visit “www.madisonal.gov” and hover the cursor at “Com munity”; click “SPECIAL EVENTS.” Scroll down to the section, “2022 Polar Ex press Christmas on Main Tree Decorating Contest” and click “Tree Decorating Registration Form.” Com plete the registration near the bottom of the form.

Next, email the com pleted form to debbie. overcash@gmail.com. For the registration fee, postal mail checks payable to the City of Madison to: Madi son City Hall, 100 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758, Attention: City Clerk Lisa

Thomas. On the check’s memo line, write “Polar Express.”

Entry fee for profit or ganizations is $100, while non-profit organizations will pay $50. When the con tact person has received the registration form and payment, the participant will receive a Hold Harm less Agreement; the par ticipant must sign the agreement and email it im mediately to debbie.over cash@gmail.com or postal mail it to Debbie Overcash, 110 Sanoma Drive, Mad ison, AL 35758 to receive registration confirmation.

Participants can start to decorate trees on Nov. 25 and must complete decora tions by close-of-business on Dec. 1.

A ceremony to official ly light all trees is sched uled for Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Madison City Community Orchestra will entertain. Madison Public Library staff will coordinate the reading of “The Polar Ex press.” Members of Rota ry Club of Madison will serve hot chocolate and cookies. Madison Arts Council will present the Children’s Lantern Pa rade.

A select panel of judg es will evaluate the trees for awards and decide on “Mayor’s Choice,” “Most Creative” and “Honorable Mention.” Winners will receive awards at the City Council meeting at City Hall on Jan. 9, 2023, at 6 p.m.

The number of trees is limited so reserve a tree early. Participants must remove all decorations by Jan. 4, 2023.

All proceeds will benefit Madison Station Historic Preservation Society. For more information, call 256772-0307 or email Debbie. overcash@gmail.com.

HISTORY “Memories of Mom & Pop” Part 3

The following starts a series of ex cerpts from Beverly True Young’s “Memories of Mom & Pop”. It is fol low up to the last series by her moth er, Gladys McFarlen True. It chroni cles her life while living in Madison.

By JOHN P. RANKIN Madison Historian

MADISON - During retirement Mom and Pop tried many things. Pop even retired twice, once buy ing the store back for a few years. They tried craft shows – Pop said he would rather work making reg ular money. He ordered a kit, built a grandfather clock, and said it would be the last one. He never was much of a workman, yard man, or mechanic. They visited around and went fishing, taking Jennifer lots of times. They helped with our hors es although neither of them could see the attraction. Mom went to all the girls’ activities, programs, and events and always enjoyed them. Mom had always loved learning new things. She often said, “If you don’t keep up with things, then you get left behind, and I don’t intend to get left behind!” She and Pop kept their minds all their lives.

We had a big party at church for their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1981 and lots of people came. They even had a champagne toast. That was notable because they were tee-totalers all my life. Mom always said that Pop wasn’t a big talker, but he “could write a sweet letter.” He always wanted her to look nice and made sure to have a good depend able car. Several times he bought a new car and just left her a note to go by and get it while she was out shopping. During their retirement, Mom gave him a gift certificate for Christmas one year. He endorsed it and gave it back to her for their an niversary on the 28th. So she said, “Let’s just quit exchanging gifts,” and they did. They were married 56 years.

Pop kept a daily journal for many years, only writing about the weath er. But when he was so sick at the end, he wrote saying things like “I don’t think I can last much longer.” He wrote Mom pages, giving direc tions about all things financial and saying over and over to watch out because people can take advantage of widow women. He had tended to be more pessimistic or cautious during his life, while Mom was un failingly optimistic. “You might as well laugh as cry”, she would say. Pop was hard of hearing all my life that I remember, and seeing how that became isolating for him caused me to get and use my hear ing aids when I developed that prob lem. Pop didn’t go to church in my lifetime because of his hearing loss.

Mom outlived Pop by 17 years and pretty much took care of things herself. Tootsie Keel helped out a lot and came to all our family events. Tootsie was my Daddy’s first cousin. Their mothers were sisters, although many years apart in age. Tootsie’s mom, we called her Aunt Vidy, lived with her much older sister, Pop’s mother Cora, Grandmother True, while growing up. Their mother had died, and the stepmother wasn’t very good to Aunt Vidy, even letting her thumb become so infected that it had to be amputated. Pop was born in 1910, Tootsie (Percy) was born in 1925. Mom always called Tootsie the lit tle brother she never had; he was 10 when she first knew him. Mom’s lit tle brother and sister had both died young, and I think she was a lonely only child. Pop helped Aunt Vidy and her boys by buying the Madison Telephone Company and moving them to Madison so she could have a job after her divorce. Divorce was rare then.

Mom and Tootsie were always extremely close and shared the same interest in history. Mom and Tootsie had done a great deal of family genealogy together as well as Madison History. Together they helped found the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society. Tootsie always called it the “Hys terical Society” in jest, but they did accomplish many things for Mad ison. Mom almost single-handedly sold all the Historical plaques many homes in downtown still have. Pop was supportive but never really that interested in history. Mom vol unteered at the elementary schools by dressing in older period clothing and taking old things to show the students.

Mom and Tootsie helped start the Madison Street Festival. Tootsie helped Mom with Ashley and the great-grands however he could. He became her chauffeur. He and Mom shared an optimistic and happy nature. It was wonderful that they had each other as friends when they were both widowed. Tootsie was my second cousin, but the family relationship was much closer than that.

At one of the first Street Festivals, Mom entered a raffle and was noti fied that she had won a car! She was so excited and was thinking of what grandchild could use the car or the money from it. Pop came driving it up from downtown, smoke coming out everywhere. He was sitting on an apple crate because there was no seat and driving with a wheel from a riding lawnmower. We all had a good laugh and a lesson in “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” Pop put that junker out on the corner and sold it for $75. He would put many things out on that busy corner over the years, and they always sold, but Mom never liked it.

Mom loved antiques, and so did Sissie. I was slow to catch on, but I love them now. Mom loved them not for their monetary value, but because someone in the family had treasured and used them before. Most of the finer things came from the Trues. Mom’s mother had let her paint hers or cut the legs down on the beds or whatever suited Mom. Mrs. True did none of that. It seems Mrs. True was not as easy-going as Mom’s mother. Mom always said that if someone invited her mother to go anywhere or do anything she would go, saying something like, “This house and housework will be here when I’m dead and gone.” Mom was always glad her mother had that attitude, since she died so young. Mom didn’t go to Church on Mother’s Day, saying it was just too sad for anyone without a mother. I believe there is something of Mom’s in every house in our family to remind us of her. She handmade everyone in the family a marriage quilt, some of which must have a thousand stitches. She had a baby quilt for every grandbaby. She nev er stopped doing something for oth ers. Later in life if you expressed an interest in anything of hers, she would probably give it to you, say ing she would rather see you enjoy it while she was alive than leave it to you after her death. She had a handwritten will with a page for

everyone telling what she thought that person would want and why.

But, “If you don’t want what I have for you, then give it away, just don’t put my things in a yard sale.” She remembered about Daddy and their corner.

Our family was even more proud of Mom, if possible, after she lost most of her vision to Macular De generation. Even something as small as a grocery list became quite a challenge because she would write things down as she thought of it. Sometimes the pen wouldn’t be working, or she would write over something else, or all sorts of things could happen. If we couldn’t decipher it on shopping day she would say, “Oh, just surprise me.”

She was happy when dog food came in different sized cans so that she wouldn’t open it by mistake for our food. She did the yard work that she had always enjoyed as much as possible. She enjoyed her little dog Rags. She quit driving and many times said you had to learn to stay home. But she never stayed home from church, she just wore hats. At Mom’s funeral, the preacher said, “Now the hat lady has exchanged her hats for a crown of gold.”

Mom also had breast cancer and a mastectomy. She went back to substitute teaching only 2 weeks after that surgery. Afterwards, she reached out to other women she knew who had that surgery to offer encouragement. Later she had a broken hip that caused painful pres sure sores, and she had congestive heart failure, both requiring lots of rehabs. We got her a talking scale after the heart trouble so she could quickly recognize if fluid building up. The first time she got on it and the mechanical voice told her the weight, she said, “I don’t think she’s from around here.” We laughed, and we laughed.

Mom’s favorite interests re mained her family and friends, and she carried on as best she could. Sis sie stayed a few days every month when she came to Huntsville with her work. Sissie also helped out as much as she could from Montgom ery. After Mom quit driving, Sissie and I would often meet at the Gal leria in Birmingham so that Mom could go visit in Montgomery with them. She had been taking turns spending holidays with Sissie’s family and with mine for years.

Mom and Pop always missed Don nie and were sad that Sissie had be come a widow and that the kids had lost their dad so young.

Participants can register now for Madison Station Polar Express Christmas on Main, which is the city’s annual Christmas tree deco rating contest. Registration deadline is Nov. 11.

Alison James, copy editor

Martin

Parker

Labbe

Berry

Coggins

Marshall

College Football Picks of the Week

John Few, contributing writer

Bob Labbe, contributing writer

Madison Publications, LLC 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite 115 Huntsville, AL 35806

Phone: 256-772-6677

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.

Fax: 256-772-6655

Madison Publications, LLC

Madison Blvd. Suite

35806

256-772-6677

256-772-6655

published monthly

Madison Publications, LLC.

one-year subscription to Madison Living is $24.99 for 12 issues per year.

Auburn vs Arkansas Ole Miss at Texas AM Fla vs Georgia Tenn vs Kentucky Missouri at S.Carolina USC at Arizona Ohio St at Penn St Michigan vs Michigan St UCLA vs Stanford Notre Dame at Syracuse Oregon at California Oklahoma at Iowa St Oklahoma St at Kansas St TCU at West Virginia Louisville vs Wake Forest

copies are available at select locations throughout the Madison area.

advertise or to get more copies, call 256-772-6677.

Auburn Ole Miss Georgia Tennessee S. Carolina USC Ohio State Michigan UCLA Notre Dame Oregon Oklahoma Oklahoma State TCU Wake Forest

Madison

is published monthly by Madison Publications, LLC.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer

one-year subscription to Madison Living is $24.99 for 12 issues per year.

copies are available at

locations throughout the Madison area.

advertise or to get

Madison

call 256-772-6677.

Copyright 2020

Arkansas Ole Miss Georgia Tennessee S. Carolina USC Ohio State Michigan UCLA Notre Dame Oregon Oklahoma Kansas State TCU Wake Forest

Erin Coggins, 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

Madison Living

Auburn Ole Miss Georgia Tennessee S. Carolina USC Ohio State Michigan UCLA Notre Dame Oregon Oklahoma Oklahoma State TCU Wake Forest

Arkansas Ole Miss Georgia Tennesse S. Carolina USC Ohio State Michigan UCLA Syracuse Oregon Oklahoma Oklahoma St TCU Wake Forrest

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.

Judy East Joe East One Hour HVAC Arkansas Ole Miss Georgia Tennessee Missouri USC Ohio State Michigan UCLA Syracuse Oregon Iowa State Oklahoma State TCU Wake Forest

Auburn Ole Miss Georgia Tennessee S. Carolina USC Ohio State Michigan UCLA Notre Dame California Iowa State Kansas State TCU Wake Forest

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 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 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.

Arkansas Ole Miss Georgia Tennessee S. Carolina USC Ohio State Michigan State UCLA Notre Dame Oregon Oklahoma Kansas State TCU Wake Forest

John Few, contributing writer

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.

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.

Alison James, copy editor

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.

George

Paul Finley

Lynne Wright

Anne Swanstrom

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 Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.

John Few has been in the field of newspaper journalism and production for nearly 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 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 Hogan Family YMCA and James Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison 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, contributing writer

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 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 a high school football referee for 15 years. Bob is an avid sports fan and collector of 45 records. He once boxed Muhammad Ali and was the reporter who asked the famed Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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 sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and that make north Alabama such a special place.

Bob Labbe John Few Gregg Parker

Eric Janssen, M.D. SportsMED

Chris Sims Aqua Systems

Susan Nicole Madison Record Reader

GUEST PICKER