The Madison Record - Nov. 2, 2022

Madison THE RECORD

Finley to give state of the city at celebration event

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – This Fri day the city of Madison and Madison Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to celebrate Madison with a free, family-fun event at Toyota Field.

“Our signature ‘State of the City’ event, former ly known as ‘Connect’, has been re-branded and is now called

‘Celebrate Madison’,” said Chamber Executive Director Michelle Epling. She said after two years of social-dis tancing due to COVID, the event will be a time to “get back together to celebrate all the accom plishments of the last two years of our city, with Mayor Paul Finley and City Council guid ing our town through a global

High School Football Playoffs

Bob Jones and Madison Academy enter playoffs

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

MADISON - The high school football playoffs are underway after the completion of the 2022 regular season schedule and two of the four local teams in the Madison area have made their way to post-season action.

In Class 7A, the Bob Jones Pa triots of Region 4 will face the Hoover Buccaneers of Region 3 in Hoover while in Class 3A, the Madison Academy Mustangs of Region 7 will host the Region 8 Phil Campbell Bobcats. Both games set for Friday with kick offs at 7:00 p.m.

Bob Jones

A carbon copy of the 2021 sea son, the Patriots completed their regular season with a 5-5 record and head into a first-round play off game against one of the top programs in the state facing Re gion 3 champions Hoover (9-1).

The Buccaneers are riding a ninegame winning streak after drop ping their season opener by out scoring their opponents 275-82.

“They’re Hoover, especially de fensively,” said Bob Jones third year head coach Kelvis White. “Their defensive line is big and good with their hands and their linebackers are very solid.” Hoover, which is 7-0 all-time versus Bob Jones, are led by head coach Wade Waldrop who was in a similar position at Mad ison’s James Clemens until two years ago.

For Bob Jones, the Pats lost their season-ending contest to Hartselle 38-31. For the season, they outscored their opposition

316-257 and could be a strong fac tor in the playoffs as White ex plained, “We’re inches from be ing 9-1 losing a few close games. This team is resilient as each player is a fighter and fought hard to make it to the playoffs with a 4-3 Region 4 record.”

The Bob Jones offense is healthy as the core of the offen sive line remains with the leader ship of both Maddox Sunderman (6-3, 290, Sr.) and Tafari Alcime (6-0, 280, Jr.). The squad is made up of mostly players who began

Voters to decide key North Alabama races Nov.

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - One of the most highly anticipated mid term elections in history is right around the corner. Voters will head back to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8, to decide a handful of races. Some were mostly decided in the May primary elections, but North Alabama has a few competitive races that Mad ison voters will help finalize next week.

For sample ballots, see page 3A. You can also go to www.madisoncountyvotes. com for information and polling locations for vot ing in Madison County, and www.votelimestone.com for information pertaining to Limestone County voters. In State Senate District 2 Democrat Kimberly Lewis is challenging GOP incumbent Sen. Tom Butler, R-Madison.

Lewis is a Madison County native, business owner and was the first Black woman elected board chair of the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

Jess Brown, a retired pro fessor of political science at Athens State University, told Alabama Daily News the boundary changes to Senate District 2 coupled with Lew is’ resume could make that race competitive.

Butler, who has served in both the Senate and House, defeated a Democrat chal

Round Top Folk Festival Burritt on the Mountain and the Burritt Folk School are planning the second annual Round Top Folk Festival. Page 7A

Sample Ballots

Check out the sample ballots for Madison County and Limestone County voters heading to the polls in the Nov. 8 general election. Page 3A

Tootsie Roll Run

Knights of Columbus are present ing the fifth annual Tootsie Roll 5K Run/Walk on Nov. 5 to benefit the Madison City Schools special educa tion program. Page 6A

Fire Truck Challenge

The second annual “Pullin’ for Partnership Fire Truck Challenge” at the Madison City Stadium parking lot will help in raising funds for a good cause next week. Page 5A

Both Bob Jones and Madison Academy made the 2022 high school football playoffs. The Class 7A Patriots will look to quarter back Rayshawn Hardy to take snaps to lead the squad against Hoover.

The Madison Academy Mustangs will open the Class 3A state playoffs at home against Phil Campbell this Friday at 7 p.m.

Mayor Finley

Voters will decide between Incum bent Tom Butler and challenger Kim Lewis for State Senate District 2.

Madison Police Arrests

The following arrests were made by the Madison Police De partment from Oct. 21-27.

Oct 21

Jordon Eugene Foster of Mad ison, Driving Under The Influ ence-Misdemeanor (Alcohol) Keith Emmanuel Kitt of Center Point, Possession of Drug Para phernalia-Misdemeanor / Posses sion of Marijuana 2nd Ndya Latrice Jones of Madison, Possession of Marijuana 2nd Christopher Wesley Cozelos, Simple Assault 3rd Ashley Carol Bailey of Hartselle Violation of Probation Billy Joe Hinton of Florence, Failure To Appear Traffic Samuel Lee Baldwin of Elk mont, Bail Jumping 2nd Brooklyn Lamar Vaughn of Mad ison, Violation of Probation

Oct 22

Tamea Raquel Walker of Ath ens, Driving Under The Influ ence-Misdemeanor (Alcohol)

Gabrielle Hermanita Gaines of Madison, Attempting To Elude A Police Officer-Misdemeanor Edker Shane Jones of Boaz, Ob structing Justice-False Identity Carrie Arlene Talley of Madison, DV 3rd-Harassment-Family

Oct 23

Andrew Wesley Gray, Driving Under The Influence-Misdemean or (Alcohol) Brittany Diamond Thomas of Decatur, Bail Jumping 2nd Maranda Ann Mosa of Madi son, Theft of Property 4th-Shoplift ing ($500 Or Less) / Giving False Identification/Name To Law En

forcement Officer Shamar Shamerio Innis of Ha zel Green, Possession of a Con cealed Weapon Without a Permit / Possession of Drug Parapherna lia-Misdemeanor

Oct 24

Steven Wesley Moore of Hunts ville, Violation of Probation / Viola tion Of Probation Daneshia Denae Williams of Vicksburg, Possession Of Marijua na 2nd Daniel Lashan Blackburn of Huntsville, Failure To Appear Traf fic / Failure To Appear Traffic Caleb Chandler Doss of Madi son, Failure To Appear/Comply/Pay Joseph Donald Koniz of Mad ison, Driving Under The Influ ence-Misdemeanor (Alcohol)

Oct 25

Herbert Grant Bowles of Hunts ville, Driving Under The Influ ence-Misdemeanor (Alcohol) John Michael Howell of Athens, Theft of Property 3rd ($501 To $1,499)

Oct 26 Monte Deon Stewart of Hunts ville, four counts of Bail Jumping 2nd

Oct 27

Jeremiah Phifer of Huntsville, five counts of Possession of Forged Instrument 2nd, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia-Misdemeanor Courtney Ashton Reid of Madi son, two counts of Possession of Methamphetamine Brandon Thomas Stewart of Limestone County two counts of Violation of Probation

“In

HALLOWEEN CHESS TOURNAMENT - Chess players masquerading in scary-but-harmless costumes, and a few historical characters haunted the turf at Madison City Stadium on Saturday for the Madison City Chess League’s 2022 Halloween Chess Tournament. Youth, dressed in costumes, played on the field turf of the stadium. Ranae Bartlett, the Executive Director of Madison City Chess League, said a unique aspect of the event is a Halloween costume contest that included categories for “Best Mask,” “Scariest Gloves,” “Best ChessThemed Costume” and “Most Creative Costume”. Another fun event held during the tournament was the “Halloween Dance-Off” set to fun Halloween music. For more information about the Madison City Chess League, check out www.madisonchess.com. You can also find them on Facebook. For more photos, go to page 4B. The photo above was taken by Scott Wilhelm

Judging “The

Editor’s note: D. Richard George has been judging barbecue competitions for several years and is widely known for his own delicious creations. A Madison resident, he has been a contributing writer for Madison Living Magazine.

By D. RICHARD GEORGE KCBS Master Certified Judge

MADISON - Jack is an easily and well recognized name. Many people immediately think of Jack Daniel’s Black Label No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, the world’s best-selling spirit. However, this time of year, many turn their thoughts, noses, and tastes to The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, The Jack, one of the world’s most prestigious bbq competitions. The Jack is sponsored by Jack Daniel’s, a Brown-Forman company.

The Jack Daniel’s distillery, established in the 1830’s, is in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Tours are available and include visits to a barrelhouse holding more than 20,000 barrels of aging whiskey, each weighing approximately five hundred pounds and holding fifty gallons of whiskey. [Quick math: 20,000 barrels X 50 gallons each = 1,000,000 gallons or five million fifths of whiskey! On a tour, you can also view the whiskey stills, the fermenting tanks and the charcoal-mellowing vats, and taste or purchase this famous whiskey. Despite the operational distillery, which is a major employer and tourist attraction, Lynchburg’s home county of Moore is a dry county. More than 300,000 visitors tour the distillery each year.

On this recent beautiful fall weekend, the Jack Daniel’s Hollow was filled with eighty-three professional barbecue teams, representing thirty-seven states and seventeen foreign countries for the 33rd Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue. The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), the world’s largest association of certified/ trained barbecue judges, sanctions this event. Numerous celebrities are specially trained to judge along with Certified Master Judges in accordance with long established KCBS rules. A special thanks to Tim Evans (Thin Blue Swine), Shanon and Kristy Graham (Dang Good BBQ), and Travis Prince (Slingin’ Pig Meat) for grilling/smoking the four meats for the

with certified judge Richard George

certification process of celebrities and several new members. These three North Alabama teams provided wonderful barbecue so that the new judges could understand the “Presentation, Taste & Tenderness” standards.

This year’s event began with tours of the distillery and exhibits, and an exclusive cocktail hour hosted by Jack Daniel’s US Ambassador Eric Tecosky. Master Distiller Chris Fletcher introduced two new rye whiskies, the Distillery Series #8, a toasted Maple Barrell Rye selected by Assistant Distiller and Taster Josh Phillips. Also introduced was Distillery Series #9, a Toasted Barrell Finished Rye, selected by Assistant Distiller and Taster Lexie Phillips. Chris then offered a toast to an exciting weekend.

Hungrily, we were shuttled off to the famous Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House, circa 1867, for a unique dining experience. Six-time World Champion Chef Tuffy Stone prepared his famous Ribs and Charred Tri-Tip. Miss Mary Bobo’s Executive Chef Chris Dickey prepared the alltime favorite Miss Mary’s Fried Chicken and Crisp Fried Okra plus more delicious sides than you could count. This Jack Daniel’s World Champion’s Dinner was concluded with Old Fashioned Banana Pudding and Chocolate Fudge Pie with Jack Daniel’s Whipped Cream.

To qualify for The Jack, teams must win a State Championship with a minimum of twenty-five competing teams or any other contest with at least fifty teams competing, or by winning one of the several premier barbecue competitions, e. g. Memphis in May, The American Royal, Houston Livestock, or comparable international events. Teams are competing for “Braggin’ Rights” as well as over $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Each cook team painstakingly seasons the four meats before grilling/smoking over a wood, pellet, or charcoal fire. The four entries are presented to six certified judges, each at a preset time. Each judge will score all the samples for the appearance of the meat (we eat with our eyes), then taste (flavor or no flavor- sweet, sour, salty, bitter, hot, unrecognizable?), and tenderness (how perfectly it is cookedgood texture by being moist not mushy or tough.) A minimum of six pieces of chicken (generally boneless thighs, drumsticks

or wings) is served first. After tasting and scoring each bite, a small cracker and a sip of water is used to cleanse the palate. Thirty minutes after the chicken is presented, a bone-in Pork Rib is served and judged the same way. Thirty minutes later, Pork Shoulder or Boston Butt is served, sliced and/or pulled, and it may include the money muscle. If presented in multiple ways, the judges are encouraged to sample each entry. Finally, thirty minutes later, Beef Brisket is presented, normally sliced, and may include Burnt Ends. After 6 chicken bites + 6 rib bites + 6 pork bites, possibly 6 additional bites if served two ways, + 6 brisket bites, possibly 6 additional bites add up to 24-36 bites of the most wonderful BBQ. Plus, add to the barbecue samples, the crackers and water between each bite!

Each meat is scored by a trained judge, using a double-blind judging process-the cook is not identified to the judge nor is the judge identified to the cook. This is the most respected form of judging and scoring barbecue. Also, no individual judge scores two meats from the same team. Each judge scores six different team’s chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket, i. e. twenty-four different cooks.

You might imagine that this event requires many volunteers. With eightythree teams competing this year at The Jack, there are eighty-three different judges, plus two table captains to serve at each table of judges, and many volunteers to track the teams’ meats, ensure compliance and reporting of scores to KCBS for final tabulations and awards.

I enjoyed a nice visit with several BBQ

Cook Teams from around the country. I had a nice visit with old friend Chris Lilly and Tuffy Stone, both six times World Champion Cooks and BBQ Hall of Fame winners. My favorite Chris Lilly cookbooks are Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ Book and Fire & Smoke. I enjoy Tuffy Stone’s Cool Smoke, The Art of Great Barbecue. Hall of Fame winner, Ray Lampe (Dr. BBQ) is the author of another of my favorite cookbooks, The Big Green Egg Cookbook. Ray was judging at a table next to mine and had fans and friends coming over to visit throughout the day. The legendary Ardie Davis (Remus Powers, Ph. B.) was in his distinct bowler hat and apron. Ardie is one author of The Kansas City Barbeque Society Cookbook, and Hall of Fame Judge. There were other larger than life BBQ Judges, Cooks, Jack Daniel’s representatives and ever important volunteers. However, when Meteorologist Jim Cantore was recognized, everyone quickly looked outside for a storm. In reality, he is a gracious BBQ Judge and a good sport.

The International Teams represented were Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

So, what is more fun on a fall weekend in the Tennessee Valley: Smelling/Tasting whiskey or Smelling/Tasting barbecue? Do not get me wrong, I enjoy sipping, but judging world class barbecue wins hands down! There are too many names and teams to recognize, but I will be back in 2023 to help, to renew friendships, to enjoy wonderful barbecue and meet more

cooks and judges. This event should be on everyone’s Bucket List. It was truly an honor to be selected as one of the Certified Master KCBS Judges for The Jack.

Congratulations to Grand Champion Heavy Smoke BBQ (O’Fallion, Missouri) and Reserve Champion Good Googly Goo BBQ (Mitchellville, Maryland.) Congratulations also to Maxine and Fred Kilgore on receiving the Fred Gould Volunteer of the Year award.

Smoke Me Silly BBQ Team from Madison is made up of husband-and-wife team Robert Vanderipe ad Lex Vanegas. Smoke Me Silly represented Alabama at The Jack and placed 6th in Chicken, 5th in Ribs and 7th overall out of the 83 professional teams. They are always a top contender, and will no doubt be at Noccalula Falls in Gadsden for the Kansas City Barbeque Society World Championship in November.

So, when someone asks me how you judge barbecue, or how can you eat that much barbecue…. I reply: “With a passion!” When someone asks which entry you liked the best.... I reply, “All of them!”

It helps to be retired so that my wife, Gayle, can travel to the various contests around America with me.

Richard George with many of the cook teams he visited during “The Jack”

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Partner ship for a Drug-Free Com munity held its Law En forcement and Educator Awards luncheon at its annual board meeting on Oct. 20.

The event was staged at Redstone Federal Credit Union’s location in down

town Huntsville. The awards honor individuals who excel in drug preven tion, related education, drug investigations and arrests.

A peacekeeper from lo cal departments received the Outstanding Law En forcement Officer of the Year Award: Officer Daniel Hutchison, Huntsville Po lice Department; Officer

Blake Bell, Madison Police Department; Deputy Jes se Geer, Madison County Sheriff’s Office; and Offi cer Mark Zivat, Triana Po lice Department.

Officer Benjamin John son in Huntsville was honored with the Daniel Golden Memorial Law En forcement Award.

The Billy Clardy III

8B

‘Fire Truck Challenge’ to help Partnership’s recovery efforts

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Partner ship for a Drug-Free Com munity and Madison Fire and Rescue Department are joining forces in a unique way to bring atten tion to substance use prob lems that our community faces.

The second annual “Pul lin’ for Partnership Fire Truck Challenge” will help in raising funds to provide services to indi viduals who are looking for help and want to start a program of recovery.

The event will be held on Nov. 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Madison City Schools Sta dium, 211 Celtic Drive.

The 2022 Pullin’ for Part nership Fire Truck Chal lenge will involve teams of 10 competing for brag ging rights, trophies and a chance to prove they have the strength and stami na to pull a 46,000-pound

fire truck with a rope for a length of 100 feet. This community event will in clude youth activities and a couple of food trucks.

Brandy Williams, Mad ison Fire and Rescue Dep uty Chief, said the depart ment is supporting the “Pullin’ for Partnership” event because, as first re sponders, they see the im pact of the opioid and fen tanyl crises almost daily.

“I think most people are very aware that we have a serious substance use cri sis, and too many are dy ing, so anything we can do to bring awareness to pro grams that help address it, from trying to prevent it to helping those who have an addiction, it is a positive for our city and communi ty,” Williams said.

“Plus, this event is a rare opportunity for people to be able to say they pulled a fire truck with a rope,” Williams said. The depart

CHALLENGE

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.

The “Pullin’ for Partnership Fire Truck Challenge” will serve as a fund raiser for Partnership for a Drug-Free Community. The event on Nov. 10 will be held at Madison City Schools Stadium.

Partnership for a Drug-Free Community has released its annual Law Enforcement and Educator Awards. Winners from Madison (left to right) are Officer Blake Bell and counselor Carol Torello and from Triana is Officer Mark Zivat.

LIVING

On

History

Tootsie Roll 5K Run/Walk to benefit MCS special ed Nov. 5

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – A foot race through Madison’s downtown streets will benefit children with special needs.

Knights of Columbus (Coun cils 10232 and 17519) at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church are presenting the fifth annual Tootsie Roll 5K Run/Walk on Nov. 5.

The event will benefit stu dents with special learning needs in Madison City Schools. MCS will receive 100 percent of event proceeds.

This Madison event is part of a nationwide campaign that

Knights of Columbus sponsor.

The fundraiser’s name refers to Knights of Columbus mem bers giving a piece of candy to individuals who donate to collection drives. The project’s official name is “Campaign for People with Intellectual Dis abilities.”

USA Track and Field has cer tified the 5K’s new course. Toot sie Roll Run/Walk organizers thank city officials for approv ing the route that meanders through city streets.

“Know that by participating, you are contributing to your local community. We especially want to give a shoutout to those who have participated in the

past, and we hope that you will continue to support our race and the students of the MCS Special Education Program,” organizers said.

Potential donors who can’t attend the event can still donate to the cause.

The starting and finish lines will be at Madison City Schools Stadium, 211 Celtic Drive. Runners will merge onto Celt ic Drive and continue north to Lanier Road and meander through downtown to reach Church Street. The course then will turn east (right) on Mill Road and continue to Hughes Road, where runners will go

Snapshot

ANDOPENING

In the photo, runners and walkers start the Tootsie Roll 5K Run/Walk in 2021. All proceeds will go to classes in special education in Madison City Schools.

The Railyard BBQ Brawl brought plenty of good food and music to Downtown Madison with a Kansas City style barbecue competition for the second year in a row. The competition and music festival was held in an open field off Martin Street. The headliner will be country music’s up-and-coming star Walker Mont gomery. Special guests for the brawl’s entertainment was Dylan Marlowe, The Red Clay Strays band, and the Falcon Punch band. Local band Calypso Vision also performed. The barbecue cook-off welcomed both professionals and amateurs with a professional tier in the official Kansas City Barbecue Society system and a backyard division for those looking for a lighthearted competition. There were plenty of samples to go around. Visit railyardbbqfest.com for more information.

Photos by Kassidy Wilkins

ROUND TOP FOLK FESTIVAL - Burritt on the Mountain will host the second annual Round Top Folk Festival this weekend.

Named for the mountain on which Burritt sits, the festival will feature traditional art and music, Nov. 5-6. 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. A wide selection of traditional musicians will play throughout the Historic Park and local demonstrators and artisans will share their crafts and skills through demon strations with items for sale. 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. visit burritton themountain.com for more information.

Theatre Huntsville to present “A Christmas Story” starting Nov. 11

By STAFF REPORTS news@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON - Halloween is over, which means the Christmas season is officially here. To help herald in the festive sea son, Theatre Huntsville is presenting “A Christmas Story” starting next week.

Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store.

The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, in cluding the family’s temperamental ex ploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Or phan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more.

The show will run two weekends: No vember 11-13 and 17-20 at the Von Braun Center (VBC) Playhouse. Tickets may be purchased online at THTix.com, at the Theatre Huntsville box office at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment (Wednesday through Saturday, 12-6 p.m.), or by call ing (256) 536-0807.

Theatre Huntsville is a nonprofit com munity theatre, connecting you to excel lent and entertaining storytelling and creative artistic opportunities. It pres ents a robust season that now includes two venues: the Main Stage at the VBC Playhouse and the Studio Theatre at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. Showtimes

Friday, November 11, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 18, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2 p.m.

Tickets available at www.THTix.com

HELP NEEDED WITH GRAVESTONE CLEANING BY AMER

ICAN LEGION AUXILIARY - The American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 229 will host the fourth annual Veterans Gravestone Cleaning event on Nov. 5. The work will start at 11:00 a.m. “This year, we will be cleaning the stones in the Civil War era cemetery, south of Mill Road at the intersection of Mill Road and Maple Street, in Old Madison Cemetery,” Jean Downs said. Downs serves as President of Auxiliary Unit 229 and Vice Commander of Post 229. This year, 2022 marks the fourth time that American Legion members and volunteers have worked to clean the headstones for veterans’ graves. “Each year, we clean the gravestones after the flags have been placed for Veterans Day. By completing the work this way, it is easy for participants to identify the proper stones to clean,” Downs said. “Families, civic groups and clubs are all welcome to join us. Bring a bucket and a soft brush if you have one, but supplies will be available,” Downs said. For more information, email AlAux229@yahoo.com or visit Facebook/American Legion Post 229, Madison, Alabama or alamadison229.org.

SYMPHONY IN THE CITY

There are some great chanc es to catch members of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra performing live music Thursday throughout the community.

The HSO’s Symphony in the City program will offer the free musical experiences in Madison at the Madison Public Library and Madison Hospital. They will also be at other area locations, like Lowe Mill, Hudson Alpha, The Westin at Bride Street and the Huntsville Botanical Garden. For more information about the Huntsville Symphony Orches tra, go to www.hso.org.

Memorial Award went to ACT Officer Stuart Hart ley, Huntsville police and North Alabama Drug Task Force.

The Award of Excel lence In Education recog nized Carol Torello, Guid ance Counselor, Madison City Schools and Jana Ma son, Health Services Co ordinator, Huntsville City Schools.

Lavell Everett, Buck horn High School Princi pal with Madison Coun ty Schools, received the Gayle Owen Memorial Award of Excellence in Education. The Prosecu tor Award went to Jon Hubbert, Assistant Dis trict Attorney with Madi son County District Attor ney’s Office.

The Juvenile Justice Award was presented to Bobby J. Tanner Jr., Ju venile Probation Officer with Neaves-Davis Center for Children. Paramed ic Walter Daugherty re ceived the First Respond er Award; he works with Huntsville Emergency Medical Services Inc. or HEMSI.

A Madison resident and counselor with Madison City Schools, Carol Torel lo was recognized with the education award for her passionate work during 33 years. Torello is dedicated, upbeat and has a big heart for students, staff and the community, according to Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols’ office.

Torello, along with the Restore, Inspire, Support & Engage or RISE Acade my staff, was the driving force for the highest num ber of graduated seniors in academy history.

Torello’s nomination form described her as “an amazing educator . . . She has witnessed an increase in MCS students assigned to the alternative school because of vaping offenses over the past three years. She connected with Part nership to educate stu dents on the dangers of vaping.”

In addition to coordi nating education efforts on vaping’s dangers, To rello implemented “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective

Continued from page 5A

ment will have strict safety protocols to ensure a fun event for everyone.

“The fire truck pull can be a great team-building ex ercise and a fun stress-bust er,” Wendy Reeves said. Reeves is Executive Direc tor of Partnership for a Drug-Free Community.

“But it’s the reason we’re doing it that’s so important. As tough as our current substance use challenge is, we see this as a great way to show those who may be struggling with addiction and main taining their sobriety that there are many people ‘pulling’ for them to get better and lead healthier lives,” Reeves said.

The truck pull also is a reminder that Partner ship’s Recovery Resource Hub is a key way to get

help, even for those with no resources at all, be cause all the services are free, Reeves said.

Registration fee for a team is $250. All proceeds will support Partnership for a Drug-Free Communi ty’s programs, which are in high demand with the opioid, fentanyl and vap ing epidemics.

“Partnership appre ciates the support from the City of Madison and Madison City Schools to create this event,” Reeves said. Other event spon sors include the City of Huntsville, Adtran, Colsa Corporation, Geraldine Gibbs, Huntsville Housing Authority and The Havoc.

For event rules and reg istration forms, visit part nershipforadrug-freecom munity.org.

Teens” book study, part ners with local restaurants to feed in-need students, helps student families find employment opportuni ties, conducts home visits to support students and counsels students on an array of issues.

Torello’s professional resume includes class room teacher; speech and language pathologist for Decatur, Madison County and Madison City schools; and guidance counselor in Huntsville schools. “It’s easy to see that Mrs. Torel lo has a heart of gold and always goes above and be yond for her students and families,” according to her nomination.

Blake Bell

Officer Blake Bell joined Madison Police Depart ment in June 2018. His su pervisors said Bell always has shown an interest in street-level narcotics and has reached out to senior police personnel for men torship. In 2021, he became a Field Training Officer and began to assist with training recruits, includ ing policing street-level

Tootsie Roll

south (right). The course turns west (right) at Will Halsey Way and contin ues to Celtic Drive to re turn to the stadium.

Hogan Brown will serve as 2022 Race Am bassador. Brown, a senior at James Clemens High School, has served as Top Gun Mascot for basket ball and football games from 2020-2022.

Brown participated in the 2020 Special Olympics Basketball Team that won gold for their division. This year, Hogan began running in summer and joined James Clemens Cross Country Team to continue his healthy life style.

When he was five years old, Brown was diagnosed with PDD-NOS/autism/ MMR/juvenile seizure

narcotics.

Police Chief Johnny Gandy’s office cited a recent foot patrol with one of Bell’s recruits in a high crime area. Bell and his partner passed by an apartment with a strong odor of marijuana. Through his investigation and subsequent cooper ation with the occupant, Bell recovered 1.1 pounds of marijuana, 6.7 grams of methamphetamine and 1.2 grams of fentanyl.

During a traffic stop, Bell developed probable cause for a search warrant and located 4.21 grams of fentanyl, which is traf ficking under Alabama law. Bell also was involved heavily in a search war rant yielding 4 pounds of meth, 3.5 ounces of fen tanyl and several ounces of ‘Ecstasy.’ He recov ered a stolen firearm and $112,000.

“Bell has shown deter mination and daily desire to attack illegal narcotic activity in Madison,” ac cording to his nomination.

Mark Zivit

In Triana, Officer Mark

Continued from page 6A

disorder. Since then, he has endured countless hours of therapies, such as speech/language ther apy, occupational thera py and applied behavioral therapy.

Brown has outgrown juvenile seizure disorder. He has changed his path into a regular high school diploma. Brown now is focused on post-graduate plans.

Three options are avail able for packet pick-up: Fleet Feet, 181 Hughes Road, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Black Patch Dis tilling, 500 Lanier Road, Suite 3C, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and race day, MCS Stadium, 211 Celtic Drive, 7 a.m.

Race registration fee is $30, plus sign-up fee of $2.74.

Zivit has an instinct to keep an area safe. He has been in law enforcement for 15 years.

“Zivit has demonstrat ed, by virtue of his deeds, that he can meet and ex ceed any law enforcement challenge presented to him,” Police Chief Gary Powell said. “He has a unique talent for smelling out a criminal element or a crime in progress and truly has what those in law enforcement often re fer to as ‘the cop instinct’ that has affected several arrests for myriad crimes because of his personal drive and initiative.”

On several occasions, Officer Zivit has taken it upon himself to set up traffic control points and conduct vehicle identifi cation checks. Invariably, he can identify violations of the law and make an arrest. This scenario has motivated his fellow offi cers in Triana.

Zivit’s attitude is that “somewhere out there, a criminal act is being committed, and I’m going to find it or find someone

Celebrate

pandemic while staying focused on major growth in all areas of our city.”

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

The celebration program starts at 6 p.m. A fire works show will be held at 7 p.m. The first 500 attend ees will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and ice cream.

“The City of Madison is thrilled to highlight all of the amazing progress our community is making!

The Celebrate Madison event will shine a bright spotlight on our achieve ments while bringing to gether the network of peo ple who make Madison so wonderful,” Mayor Finley stated.

“We are grateful for our sponsors and Board of the Madison Chamber of Commerce who have

who needs help.” A firm believer in com munity policing, Zivit always stops driving and leaves his vehicle at school bus stops. He talks to youth about dangerous drugs, alcohol and tobac co, especially vapes. He has responded to nu merous drug overdoses.

Zivit uses his training and expertise to assess situ ations. Several times, he has revived victims with his medical knowledge and by using CPR.

One special occasion that touched Zivit and the community involved a three-month-old girl. She had been born ad dicted to amphetamines. When an emergency call was issued, the infant was not breathing and had no pulse.

Zivit’s quick thinking and knowledge to clear the baby’s airway, along with CPR, helped revive the baby before medical personnel arrived. He con tinues to make monthly checks on this young girl, who is now his unofficial Godchild.

from page 1A

helped put this event together. Our goal is to unite the community with our local businesses to promote all of the incred ible aspects of the City of Madison,” Epling added.

Mayor Paul Finley’s State of the City, address will recognize the City’s accomplishments and educating citizens on up coming projects.

Food trucks and per formances by the James Clemons Choir, Jazz Band and more will entertain the evening. The event will also feature activi ties along the concourse and wrap with a fireworks show.

The “Celebrate Madi son” event is being spon sored by Meta. For more information about it, go to celebratemadison.com.

Carol Torello

Bob Jones finishes incredible season as state 7A runner-up

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

MADISON - Simply put- Mc Gill-Toolen has Bob Jones’ number.

For the fourth time in the last five years, the Lady Patriots of Bob Jones fell to the Yellow jackets of McGill-Toolen in the AHSAA State Tournament. The Yellowjackets nailed the Patri ots in a five-game thriller in the State Semi-Finals in 2019 and edged Bob Jones for the state championship in both 2017 and 2018. This season, it happened again.

In the finals of the Class 7A tournament held at Birming ham’s CrossPlex, top-ranked McGill Toolen of Mobile defeat

ed fourth-ranked Bob Jones 3-1 for the coveted State Blue Tro phy as State Champs. The final scores were 25-18, 27-13, 20-26 and 25-18.

“There were moments when McGill-Toolen could have just run away with the match, but my girls dug in and fought back being very competitive,” said Jenney Jarrett head coach of Bob Jones. “We took that third set and I was so extremely proud of them for fighting as they did.”

In the opening game, Bob Jones opened a 7-2 lead only to see the Yellowjackets power their way back to take the lead 13-12 before finishing the game at 25-18 in favor of McGill-Tool en. In game two, McGill-Toolen

took a quick lead and Bob Jones never got closer than two points in a breeze of a game of 27-13 fi nal score.

Bob Jones used it’s “never say never” attitude and took the third game 25-20 and seemed to turn the tide in their favor, but McGill-Toolen had other thoughts. In game four, the Pa triots actually took a 17-13 lead, but the Yellowjackets used nu merous kills to battle back for a 25-18 win and earned their 22nd program state title.

For Bob Jones, sophomore Kennedy Vaughn led the squad with 13 kills while Rachel Meck enburg (Jr.) had nine and fel low junior Eliza Tyrrell added eight. Med Jarrett (Jr.) had 24

Sunderman picked for Ala-Miss All-Star Football Classic

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

MADISON - Two-sport ath lete Maddox Sunderman has received numerous honors as a football player and heavy weight wrestler at Bob Jones. He’s earned two consecutive All-State honors in football and All-American status in wrestling. Now, the senior Pa triot has earned an additional honor by being named to the Alabama roster for the 36th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic to be held Dec. 10 in Mobile at the University of South Ala bama’s Hancock Whitney Sta dium.

The 40 seniors selected to represent Alabama were chosen on behalf of their onfield talents and high charac ter representatives of their schools and communities.

“The selection came as a big surprise to me and is a great honor,” said Sunderman.

“Playing with other great tal ents from across Alabama most of whom are college lev el players will be a great expe rience.”

Bob Jones swimmer Constance Wang looking at National Merit scholarship

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

MADISON - The National Merit Scholarship Program was created to identify and honor scholastically talented Ameri can youth and to encourage each of them to develop their abilities to the fullest. One such remark able student who easily fits into the qualifications for the Merit Scholarship is Constance Wang of Bob Jones High.

Wang, a multi-event swimmer for the Bob Jones swim team, heads into her last half of her senior year with a 5.34 grade point average, which ranks her third in her senior class. She is looking to enter college next year at the University of Ala bama where she wants to earn a degree in engineering.

“I attribute much of my aca demic success to the fact I read a lot of books growing up and con tinue to do that even today,” said

Wang. “I feel like I’m self-moti vated including in the pool.”

As one of five senior girls on the Lady Patriots swim team, Wang strokes her way through the waters in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events and joins the re lay teams in the 200 IM and 200 freestyle races. At last year’s AHSAA State Meet, Wang was a member of both relay teams which won medals. The 200 free style squad took first place in

The 6-foot-3, 290-pound of fensive lineman is a two-time All-State selection and is rated the No. 8 player in Alabama. Colleges have reached out to Sunderman for what they consider are superb strength, speed and high football IQ, but Sunderman is also one of the top wrestlers in the state and the country after earning All-American status at the High School Nationals Wres tling Tournament. At one time, wrestling may have been a big factor on where he would attend college as he carried a 3.2 grade point average into his senior year. Sunderman finally decided to stick with football and has committed to

The Bob Jones volleyball team stand tall after finishing runner-up in the AHSAA Volleyball State Tournament held in Birming ham. The Patriots finished the season 51-7 after falling to McGill-Toolen in the state finals.

Bob Jones’ Constance Wang, middle, preps to dive into the pool for one of her many events for the Lady Patriots.

Bob Jones offensive lineman Maddox Sunderman, No. 78, anchors the line for the Patriots and is a two-time AllState selection. The senior Patriot has been chosen to represent Alabama in the 36th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic in December.

Photo by Bob Jones Athletics

Jets finish runner-up in Class 7A Section 4 championships; state championship Nov. 5

By BOB LABBE bob0873@yahoo.com

MADISON - As expected, Hunts ville High dominated the Class 7A Section 4 cross country champi onships leading the results in both and girls divisions and waltzing to the AHSAA State Championship set for Nov. 5 in Moulton. The Panthers took top honors in both divisions while host school James Clemens was runner-up in the meet which featured 47 schools and 850 athletes in several different classifications and was the largest cross country meet ever hosted by a Madison City School.

In boys, senior Panther Jackson Harris set the pace with a winning time of 15-minutes, 35.82-seconds nearly 20 seconds in front of run ner-up Luke Alverson of James Cle mens. Alverson, a sophomore, post ed a time of 15:53.63. The remainder of the top 15 were named All-Section and qualify for the State Meet along with the top four teams. Three ad ditional runners making their way among the All-Section were 4. Dylan Dryer, 11, James Clemens, 16:11.63, 10. Garrett Gallagher, 12, James

Volleyball

Clemens, 16:31.18 and 11. John Luke Stovall, 11, James Clemens, 16:40.74.

Team scores in boys were 1. Huntsville, 25, 2. James Clemens, 41, 3. Grissom, 111, 4. Bob Jones, 119, 6. Sparkman, 140.

In girls, Huntsville’s Ava McIn tosh was tops. The senior ran the race held at Palmer Park in 17:59.17. The remainder of the top 15 among local schools included: 2. Kylie Gero, 10, James Clemens, 19:13.52, 3. Samantha Menikheim, 11, Spark man, 19:19.81, 4. Emma Bothern, 11, James Clemens, 19:33.88, 11. Kayla

from Page 1B

digs to lead the Patriots while soph omore Riley Lovell had 21. Lovell also had 31 assists in the match.

Overall, McGill-Toolen finished with 49 kills to 37 for Bob Jones and had only five serve errors to eight for the Patriots.

It was the first state title for Mc Gill-Toolen (51-8) since 2018 while Bob Jones earned titles in both 2008 and 2013.

The All-Tournament Team, which was selected at the conclu sion of the tournament included Jarrett, Lovell and Vaughn of Bob Jones.

“I told our players they accom plished such great things this year,” added Jarrett. “To finish 51-7 and second in the state…as they left everything they had on the court. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Willett, 11, James Clemens, 20:39.75, 12. Makenzie Parker, 11, James Cle mens, 20:47.60 and 13. Molly Halter, 10, Bob Jones, 21:05.10.

Team scores in girls were 1. Huntsville 27, 2. James Clemens 46, 3. Sparkman 109, 4. Florence 113, 5. Bob Jones 118.

James Clemens qualified both its boys and girls teams for the State Meet for the fifth consecutive year and finished the sectional with four runners in each of the boys and girls divisions making the All-Sec tion Team.

Bob Jones earned its way to the Class 7A finals with 3-0 victories over both Auburn and St. Paul’s.

The final three-match statistics in cluded: Kennedy Vaughn- 37 kills, 17 digs, 6 blocks; Riley Lovell- 10 kills, 5 aces, 85 assists, 50 digs, 4 blocks; Meg Jarrett- 52 digs, 4 aces, 8 assists; Rachel Mecklenburg- 24 kills, 6 aces; Eliza Tyrrell- 19 kills, 7 blocks; Kali Beigh- 24 digs.

Constance Wang, second from right, poses with her Bob Jones teammates on the Patriots swim team. Those joining Wang include, left to right, Jessica Nguyen, Regan Baker, Chaela Davis, and Kristina Meade.

the state while the 200 IM was runner-up. As for her individual events, Wang has a personal best time of 24.71-seconds in the 50 and 56.01 in the 100.

The daughter of Tom and Ann Wang and sis ter to Caroline Wang, the 5-foot-6, 17-year old Wang participated in a wide va riety of sports early in her life and began competitive swimming while in the third grade swimming for the Madison Dolphins and later with the Madison Swim Association recre ational swim teams. This was after taking several

swim lessons at the direc tion of her parents. Wang added, “I was taking swim lessons and I seemed to be good at swimming, so I soon took to competitive swimming with the Dol phins.”

The year-round work outs quickly caused a “burnout” of sorts as Wang took a break from the sport from fifth to sev enth grades. By the time she reached the eighth

grade at Discovery Mid dle School she decided to rejoin her laps in the pool and casually decided to tryout for the Bob Jones swim team. “I did so and here I am,” said Wang, with a laugh.

Wang has other tal ents she has showcased at certain times of her life. She’s a member of the Bob Jones chess team and was at one time a member of the Huntsville

Youth Orchestra where she played the violin. She began violin lessons in the first grade. She volun teers with the Chess Club, acts as a volunteer coach for the Madison Dolphins and assists with the Cod ing Academy.

Every sophomore is re quired to take the nation wide “PSAT” test, which is similar to the SAT. As a junior, Wang took the test for the Merit require ments where she scored a 226 out of a 228 perfect score. The score cutoff in Alabama is 212, so she easily qualified for the next level of Merit consid eration. As a finalist she will be required to fill out a Merit application to be submitted for review. As for another system to gage intelligence, Wang scored a 35 on her ACT with 36 being a perfect score.

“I studied for the PSAT, and I did well and hope to earn a scholarship of $2,500 in the Merit Pro gram,” said Wang. “I’ll also be applying for addi tional scholarship money along the way.”

In the meantime, the stellar student will

Luke Alverson of James Clemens leads the pack at the Class 7A Sectional cross country meet held at Palmer Park. The sophomore finished second in the boys race. Photo by Drew Bell, James Clemens High

The All-Section runners pose after their performances at the Class 7A Sectional hosted by James Clemens High at Palmer Park. Four athletes from James Clemens made the top 15 sectional times. Photo by Drew Bell, James Clemens High

James Clemens Band attracts highest praise at marching competitions

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – 2022 definitely has been ‘the’ year for James Clemens High School Competition Marching Band. The band and its auxiliary units have ranked consistently high in the ratings . . . even claiming the top spot in scoring for all bands.

Like most bands in the region, James Clemens Band produced two different shows for marching season – one for halftime at football games and one for marching competitions with a panel of judges.

At the Tennessee Valley Invitational Marching Competition in Muscle Shoals. James Clemens earned superior ratings in all categories. Drum majors Aiyana Milligan, Bryan Preer and Logan Thom ason were rated as “Best in Class,” and the percussion line and overall band also

took that award.

A soloist at the Tennessee Valley In vitational, Kate Owen on flute earned “Best in Class Soloist.”

James Clemens Band also received the “Challenge Cup” and the overall title of “Grand Champions,” which acknowledg es the highest average from all judges’ scores. Subordinate to Grand Champion, the “Charles Stratford Challenge Cup” goes to the band with the highest average of scores from three judges.

Keith Anderson, James Clemens Di rector of Bands, said he could not be prouder of this students’ performance in Muscle Shoals. “They have all been working extremely hard and being re warded in such a big way is definitely encouraging,” Anderson said. Muscle Shoals High School is Anderson’s alma mater so his bands’ wins were particu larly ‘sweet’ for him.

Bob Jones Band marches to awards with ‘The Flame’

By GREGG PARKER gregg@themadisonrecord.com

MADISON – Bob Jones High School

Bands won crowd appeal at football games and highest awards at contests with their rhythmic pop music and hom age to witches in “Hocus Pocus.”

The ‘football band,’ which performs a halftime show and in-stands music at football games, has 175 members this year, including 13 dancers, 26 color guard members, 29 percussionists and 100-plus winds (brass and woodwinds).

“Our competition band has 121 mem bers this year. We have 13 color guard, 29 percussion and around 80 winds,” Leigh Thomas said. Thomas is Bob Jones Direc tor of Bands. Kevin Smart is Assistant Di rector at Bob Jones.

Drum majors for 2022 are Emma Cook, Taylor Cunningham, Anaya Parker and Putri Wasistho. Charlie Grimes serves as Band Captain.

Section leaders, usually a member with seniority and superior musicality, assist directors in confirming that members fol low on-field direction:

• Flutes — Katerina Fedoseyev and Bethany Stoots.

• Clarinets — Rylie Boynton, Kayla Orso and Hayden Purser.

• Alto saxophone — Andrea Hansen and Aidan Reyes.

• Tenor saxophone — Colby Sheehan

and Sydney Truesdail.

• Trumpet — Shelby Ball, Anna Digges and Lauren Geary.

• Mellophone — Paige Hughes.

• Trombone — Audrey Groger and Gib son Purser.

• Euphonium — Andrew Huh.

• Contra — Connor Bailey and Josh Rig by.

• Percussion — Josh Boyd, Ariana Ful da, Max Hamlett, Ryan Shurtz and Daniel Wright.

• Color Guard — Olyvia English, Evie King and Nona Sellers.

• Dance Team – Nora Adams and Lillian Martin.

The 2022 football show, “Game On,” fea tures “Eye of the Tiger,” “Jump,” “Final Countdown,” “We Are the Champions” and “All I Do Is Win,” along with video game themes from PacMan, Super Mario Brothers, Tetris and Zelda.

“We took inspiration from Mrs. Sylvia Lambert, Bob Jones Principal, saying ‘Game On’ and paired popular sports an thems with popular video game music,” Thomas said. “We have a game console at the front of the field with TVs that ani mate a Bob Jones band member through various video games. One of our band parents worked on writing the program with his team that does a similar task for the Army (animation and simulation),” Thomas said.

James Clemens High School Competition Marching Band surpassed all bands in its class to earn “Grand Champion” at the Peach State Marching Festival on Oct. 22 in Rome, Ga. The Jets earned several other awards.

Bob Jones High School Competition Band claimed the 2022 Alabama State Marching Band Championship on Oct. 22.

CAR SHOW - The Bob Jones High School Marching Band will host a day of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and food trucks on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 2-5 p.m. It will be held at the Madison City Stadium on Celtic Drive beside the Madison City Schools Central Office. It cost $20 per vehicle to enter the competition. All makes and models are welcome! This event is free to the public. You will also get to see the Class 7A Alabama State Champions: Bob Jones Marching Band play in exhibition at the conclusion of the event!

SNAPSHOT -Here are some fun photos taken at Madison City Stadium on Saturday of the Madison City Chess League’s 2022 Halloween Chess Tournament. Youth, dressed in costumes, played on the field turf of the stadium. Ranae Bartlett, the Executive Director of Madison City Chess League, said a unique aspect of the event is a Halloween costume contest that included categories for “Best Mask,” “Scariest Gloves,” “Best Chess-Themed Costume” and “Most Creative Costume”. Another fun event held during the tournament was the “Halloween Dance-Off” set to fun Halloween music (above). For more informa tion about the Madison City Chess League, check out www.madisonchess.com.

Having Fun With Fall Foods!

Candy Apple Slices

Candied Apples are a Fall must, but they are so messy. Follow these steps to make a much neater treat!

1. Take one apple and have an adult cut it up into slices. (An apple corer will work.) Clean any seeds that have remained in the middle.

2. Using a squeeze bottle of caramel or chocolate ice cream topping, pour some caramel onto each slice. Add sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips.

3. Place in freezer for 20 minutes to harden caramel.

4. (Optional) Take a popsicle stick and push it into the end of the apple slice.

Fall is a time when the leaves change colors; kids go back to school; and peo ple begin to spend more time indoors due to the cooling weather. Many peo ple enjoy this time in the kitchen cook ing recipes for cooler weather with foods that are in season, like pumpkin, squash, and apples. A good recipe tells you what ingredients you need, what tools you will need to prepare and cook it, and how long each step should take. Always read the entire recipe first to make sure that you have all the neces sary tools and ingredients before you begin. It is also absolutely necessary to always have an adult’s permission be fore using the kitchen. Ask an adult for any help that you may need when using kitchen tools, knives, and appliances. Safety first is the most important rule of all! Have a great time cooking!

Cooking Tools Word Find

Hidden Words: Bowl, Flour, Fork, Glass, Knife, Measuring Cups, Microwave, Milk, Oven, Pan, Pepper, Plate, Pot, Rolling Pin, Salt, Spatula, Spoon, Stove, Sugar, Timer

Easy Apple Cider

Follow the directions below to make tasty, Autumn apple cider. You will need: 8 cups of apple juice, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of ground cloves, and 1 cup orange juice.

Step One: Mix all the ingredients together in a large saucepan.

Step Two: Have an adult warm the mixture up to a slight boil, then simmer on low for one hour.

Step Three: Pour into a glass container and allow it to cool enough before you drink it. Enjoy!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Everyone loves to carve pumpkins in the Fall. Don’t throw away your pumpkin seeds when you carve! Follow these steps below instead.

1. Line a baking sheet with tin foil and spray it down with cooking spray or lightly oil it.

2. Remove seeds from pumpkin and rinse them clean. A colander would work well.

3. Spread clean, almostdry seeds on the sheet in a single layer. Spread them around a little first to add some oil to them. Add a pinch of salt.

4. Bake at 350o for 25 minutes, or until toasted. Allow to cool and enjoy!

“We’re extremely proud of the students’ hard work this semester. The ‘football band’ has done a great job supporting our team with the cheerleaders and per forming with a ton of en ergy every Friday night,” Thomas said.

“The Flame,” Bob Jones’ 2022 Competition Show, “is loosely based on the Dis ney classic ‘Hocus Pocus’ in honor of the second in stallment that came out at the end of September,” Thomas said.

Musical selections in clude “One Way or Anoth er” by Blondie (featured in the second movie), “Sym phonie Fantastique: Move ment 5” by Hector Berlioz, “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey and “I Put a Spell on You” by Scream in’ Jay Hawkins, made famous by Bette Midler in the first movie.

“This show has a ton of effects to surprise the au dience, including a giant cauldron with smoke, the spell book from the mov ie and other hidden fea tures. It is fast-paced and fun, just like the movie,” Thomas said.

Soloists for the field show are Hayden Purser, flute; John Baumbach, tenor saxophone; quartet with Colby Sheehan, alto saxophone, John Baum

bach, tenor saxophone; Anna Digges, trumpet; and Gibson Purser, trombone.

Featured dancers por traying the Sanderson Sis ters from “Hocus Pocus” are Nona Seller, Evie King and Katherine Williams/ Lillian Martin.

“The competition band has taken a major step for ward this year. This show is the most difficult show we’ve done in my 11 years at Bob Jones,” Thomas said. “Our students have risen to the challenge. The demand on them musical ly and visually is simply amazing.”

Also this year, Bob Jones had a separate com petition uniform without a shako (band hat). This change stretched band members to use their faces to tell the drama, come dy and high-energy story, Thomas said.

The staff includes Mike Miller, wind/electronic arranger; Jason Palmer, percussion arranger and drill designer; Kevin Tran, front ensemble arrang er; Ian Bowie and Frank James, band staff; Tori Lewis and Taylor Gilbert, Color Guard Directors; Yunona Shkolnikov, Color Guard Staff; and Dani Oli ver, percussion staff.

On Sept. 24, Bob Jones competed in Stones River

James Clemens Band

“It has been incredible what these students have been able to accomplish so far. We took a step for ward this year with the demand placed upon each student, and they are re sponding really well,”

James Clemens Assistant Director Brian Sims said. (whnt.com)

“The Subjects of Time,” the 2022 competition show, contains charts from re cording artists Van Halen, Jim Croce, Christina Per

Championship at Siegel High School and ranked fourth place overall. At Stones River Classic at Riverdale High School, the Patriots earned first place, Grand Champion; Best Overall for guard, music, visual and effect with 10 bands total com peting on Oct. 15.

Bob Jones competed in Alabama State Marching Championship at Tuscalo osa County High School on Oct. 22 and achieved first place, Class 7A Band; Best Overall for music, visual and effect; and reached the highest overall score of all competing bands in Classes 1A through 7A.

On Nov. 5, the Patriots will enter the USBands Southern States Champi onship at Alabama A&M University against 12 oth er bands from the south eastern United States.

“We’re so glad the stu dents have been rewarded for their hard work and perseverance at our last two competitions and look forward to representing not only our hometown but our entire state at the upcoming USBands Southern States Champi onship. We are the only Alabama band out of 13, so we hope to have a great performance!” Thomas said.

Continued from page 3B

ri, Cyndi Lauper and Da vid Maslanka.

Awards continued to rain down to James Cle mens at the Peach State Marching Festival on Oct. 22 in Rome, Ga.

In Rome, James Cle mens Competition Band received all Superior rat ings, along with “Best in Class” Dance Line and “Best in Class Band.” The coveted “Outstanding Mu sical Performance Award” went to the Jets. In addi

tion, James Clemens Band was named “Grand Cham pion” with the highest score among all 24 groups.

James Clemens’ next competition event will be Bands of America Region al at Jacksonville State University on Oct. 29.

This season, James Cle mens Competition Band has 175 members from grades 9-12. The band con ducts auditions in May for the upcoming field shows in the fall.

Election

lenger in 2018 with 54.3% of the vote. In May, he held off a challenge by Re publican Bill Holtzclaw, who previously held the seat, with 59% of the vote.

Butler served in the Al abama Legislature from 1982 through 1994 and in the State Senate during two runs, from 1994 through 2010, and 2018 to now.

Lewis is the founder of PROJECTXYZ, a business that provides services in technology, manufac turing, engineering to commercial and govern mental customers. She and her husband, Larry, own and operate multiple businesses across North Alabama.

Another closely watched race is House District 10. That south west Madison County district is open because of the retirement of Rep.

Football

Mike Ball, R-Madison.

Democrat Marilyn Lands is running against David Cole, who is the Republi can nominee. Elijah Boyd is running for the position as a Libertarian. Ball has stated that he said he feels good about his decision not to run again after five terms be cause either Lands or Cole will do a great job repre senting House District 10.

Another open seat is House District 25, strad dling the Madison and Limestone county line and long held by retiring Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, R-Monro via. Republican Phillip Rigsby and Democrat Mallory Hagan are vying for that seat.

On the ballot in this election are several amendments to the state constitution. They will also vote to decide if the

Continued from Page 1A

the season as starters.

Senior quarterback Rayshawn Hardy (6-2, 200, Sr.) has been the main offen sive weapon for the Patriots throwing for 1,637 yards and 10 touchdowns on 125 completions. The dual talent also has 16 touchdowns and 1,378 yards on 181 rush ing attempts. The First-Team All-State selection a year ago has amassed over 3,000 yards total and accounted for 26 TDs for the Patriots.

Running back Tyren Washington (5-10, 230, Jr.) has 853 yards and 10 scores. The multi-talented receiving corps are led by K.J. Fields (6-0, 185, Sr.) who has 51 recep tions for 683 yards and four touchdowns, Quenton Hubbard (5-11, 155, Sr.) with 42 catches for 634 yards and three scores, Malachi Foster (5-7, 160, So.) who has 25 receptions for 442 yards and six touch downs and Brody Cooper (6-4, 200, Sr.) at tight end who has 17 catches for 168 yards and one score. Overall, the offense has scampered to 4,235 yards on the season.

On defense, the squad lost two of its main starters due to season-ending inju ries. Rowan Jones (5-10, 195, Sr.) fell vic tim to a knee injury and Ronin Amsler (6-3, 195, Sr.) also had an injury that put him on the sidelines. Backups have stood tall in their season work and White is confident they can make the necessary plays against Hoover.

“We have to execute and minimize mis takes to face the challenge ahead of us,” said White. “It’s a big challenge, but with this team and its great character, the challenge is doable.”

MADISON ACADEMY

Falling in last year’s Class 4A semi-fi nals, the Mustangs lost 17 seniors off that squad and returned just three start ers on offense and two on defense as they moved to Class 3A in 2022.

“We’re young, especially on defense as we start four sophomores and have nine first-year starters,” said Bob Godsey head coach of Madison Academy. “Our kicking game is completely new as it’s been a rebuilding process throughout our program.”

Madison Academy lost its two season opening games and have run off eight straight victories posting three shutouts giving up just 55 points over the last eight games. A perfect 6-0 record in Region 7,

Sunderman

sign with the Gamecocks of Jacksonville State.

“This season has been a good one for as I’ve had no injuries and I’ve played well,” added Sunderman. “I hope to make All-State

current state constitution needs to be reorganized.

Alabama’s current con stitution has been in ef fect since 1901. It contains outdated language and has been amended nearly 1,000 times. If approved, the reorganized state con stitution will be titled the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Earlier this year, the Legislature agreed to this proposed reorganized constitution and put it on the ballot for voters to consider.

Statewide, Secretary of State John Merrill said he expects voter turnout on Nov. 8 to be 45% to 50% of registered voters — about 1.65 to 1.84 million Ala bamians.

For more information about voting in Alabama and the proposed amend ments, go to www.sos.ala bama.gov.

the Mustangs have been led offensively by senior quarterback Carson Creehan who has passed for 2,221 yards on 119 completions from 184 attempts. He has 21 touchdown strikes and three intercep tions. He’s carried the ball 55 times for 526 yards and seven TDs.

Running backs Ken Cherry (Sr.), 116/1,289 yards/24 TDs, and John Wil liams (So.), 77/582/10, have the bulk of the action on the ground. At receiver, Mario Brewer (Sr.) has 37 receptions for 670 yards and eight TDs while Jackson Reece (Jr.) has 30 catches for 541 yards and three scores. Brewer also has 30 kick returns for 312 yards and two touch downs.

“Our team has matured as the season went on as each player has been able to work and stay focused,” said Godsey, in his fourth season at Madison Acad emy. “They never doubted. They nev er blinked. They found the confidence through their hard work.”

Meanwhile, the defense has been stout.

Linebacker A.J. Rice (So.) has been a workhorse with 99 tackles and five sacks to lead the team. Jack Doyle (LB, So.) has posted 55 tackles while Josh Williams (LB, So.) and Brandon Tanner have 50 tackles each. Ken Cherry (LB, Jr.) has posted four interceptions, two of which for a pick-six, and Williams has added three swipes of his own.

Madison Academy will host the Re gion 8 representative Bobcats (7-3, 3-3) who have scored 30 points and allowed 22 points per outing. This will be the first ever meeting of the two schools. Madi son Academy is putting up 47 points per game while allowing 14 to each opponent.

“Phil Campbell appears to be bigger and more physical as they set up a lot of looks on offense with lots of sets and schemes,” said Godsey of his opponent.

“They are very sound and physical on the defensive side of the ball.”

Over the past three seasons, the Mus tangs are 35-11 under Godsey’s leader ship and have made the playoffs each year winning two Region championships.

“It’s been a blast with this team and to watch this 10-member senior class to become leaders,” said Godsey. “All the different parts of this team have come together. It’s been fun.”

Continued from Page 1B

for my efforts this sea son as we head into the post-season playoffs.”

The All-Star Football Classic pits the top 40 se nior players from both states in a head-to-head

matchup which began in 1988. Alabama holds a 24-11 overall lead in the series including win ning the last meetings by scores of 19-7 and 20-0. For the Alabama squad, the roster features 16 players who have com mitted to play at a SEC school with 24 committed to Power 5 schools.

“I took up wrestling to remain in shape for football and it certainly has helped,” said Sun derman. “I’ll continue to workout in both sports up until the All-Star game as coach (Matthew) Sweat man is giving me total support in my All-Star Game efforts.”

As a heavyweight wrestler for the Patriots, he was 12-3 during his COVID-shortened sopho more season and 31-7 as a junior.

“Maddox is one of the best kids I’ve had the priv ilege to coach on the mats and as a football coach,” said Matthew Sweatman head coach of the wres tling team and assistant coach in football. “He will serve as one of my two team captains this wres tling season.”

College Football Picks of the Week

Alabama at LSU Arkansas vs Liberty Auburn at Miss State Texas AM vs Florida Georgia vs Tennessee Kentucky at Missouri S. Carolina at Vandy Ohio St at Northwestern Texas at Kansas St TCU vs Texas Tech Clemson at Notre Dame Michigan St at Illinois N. Carolina St vs Wake Forest Army vs Air Force Oklahoma St at Kansas

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CONTRIBUTORS

Alison James, copy editor

John Few, contributing writer

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

John Few, contributing writer

Bob Labbe, 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.

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 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.

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.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer

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.”

Alabama Liberty Miss State Florida Tennessee Kentucky S. Carolina Ohio State Kansas State TCU Clemson Illinois Wake Forest Air Force Oklahoma State

LSU Arkansas Miss State Florida Tennessee Missouri S. Carolina Ohio State Kansas State Texas Tech Clemson Michigan State North Carolina St Army Oklahoma State

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

Alabama Arkansas Miss State Texas A&M Georgia Kentucky S. Carolina Ohio State Texas TCU Clemson Illinois North Carolina St Air Force Oklahoma State

Joshua Berry, photographer

Joshua Berry, photographer

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.

Alabama Arkansas Miss State Texas A&M Georgia Kentucky S. Carolina Ohio State Texas TCU Clemson Illinois Wake Forest Air Force Oklahoma State

Alabama Arkansas Miss State Florida Tennessee Kentucky S. Carolina Ohio State Texas TCU Clemson Michigan State Wake Forest Army Oklahoma State

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 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.

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.

Alabama Arkansas Miss State Florida Tennessee Kentucky S. Carolina Ohio State Kansas State TCU Clemson Illinois N. Carolina Air Force Oklahoma State

4 Madison Living

Martin

James John Few

Parker Bob Labbe

George Joshua Berry

Coggins

Marshall

Paul Finley

Lynne Wright

Gregg Parker, contributing writer

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 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, 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 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

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Chris Sims Aqua Systems

Amy Noel Madison Record Reader

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