Dr. Georgina P. Nelson

Heritage Elementary School in Madison has a new principal.

The Madison City Board of Education approved Dr. Georgina P. Nelson as principal of the K-6 school.

She replaces Lydia Davenport, who is retiring.

A meet-and-greet is being planned for Dr. Nelson at Heritage sometime in July.

Dr. Nelson has been assistant principal at Madison Elementary this past school year.

Prior to that, she held a variety of education administration positions for the State Department of Education mostly for the Alabama Reading Initiative and she also worked several years as a teacher. Elementary Education Coordinator Judy Warmath, who led the interview committee, said 53 people had applied for the job. “When it came down to it, the unanimous choice was Georgina Nelson,” Warmath told the Madison City Board of Education Thursday night.

Madison City Schools is no stranger to Dr. Nelson. She worked at Discovery School from 1997-2002 as a teacher and reading coach before taking the State Department of Education job in Montgomery.

She and her husband, Pat, live in the Heritage District where their twin 2-year-old daughters will attend. Her stepson is a graduate of Bob Jones High School now attending Auburn University. Her other stepson will be a junior at James Clemens High School.

She holds her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama, a master’s degree in education from Alabama A&M University and her Ed.S. and doctorate degree in elementary education from UA with a major in Literacy Education and a minor in Education Research.

Her doctoral work at UA was cited by Florida when it was developing its Reading Initiative. She has done multiple presentations to various groups including the International Reading Association and the National Association for Secondary School principals.

She is an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and has held similar positions for UA and Athens State University. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including Elementary Teacher Of the Year for the Madison City School System.

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“I was so blessed to be able to end my coaching career at Bob Jones,” said Jeff Bell, 52, after announcing his retirement from teaching and coaching in Alabama.

Following in the footsteps of many others, including Bob Jones girl’s basketball coach Danny Petty who left Alabama to go to Tennessee only to return to Alabama, Bell will retire from Alabama only to travel to Fayetteville, Tenn. where he will become Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Lincoln County High School starting his job on July 1.

“I know Lincoln County is a great place to work and this is a great opportunity for my family,” said Bell. “I’m extremely excited about starting my new position.”

Bell completed his 28th year of teaching and coaching in Alabama including his last four years as head coach at Bob Jones where the Patriots won four straight area championships along with a school record 35 victories and a spot in the Final Eight in 2013.

Bell leaves the program at Bob Jones to work with the Falcons’ athletic program with memories that will last a lifetime.

“I will forever be indebted to all of the players I had the pleasure of coaching,” said Bell. “My coaching career is over, but relationships I have been blessed with will last forever.”

By Bob Labbe

Players will be exposed to the finer points of dribbling, passing, shooting and games. Camp Directors will be the Directors of Coaching from Huntsville FC and supported by our the club’s professional coaching staff.

Huntsville Futbol Club and Madison based Valley Futbol Club recently merged creating the largest club soccer organization in North Alabama.

When: June 25 – 27 (Tue, Wed, Thur) from 6 – 7:30 pm each day
Where: Palmer Park in Madison – “Lower Field – 3”
What to Bring: Soccer ball, shin guards, cleats and water

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FLYER

If you are not a club member of NARCA, come on out and meet our club members and learn to fly a Radio Control Airplane.

The open house will be June 15 at the club field oat 1284 Carroll Road, Harvest.

There will be NOT fees for flying. Check out their website: www.flynarca.com.

Mackenzi (left) with her friend Hailee Williams tells a neighbor about animal abuse.

Ten-year-old Mackenzi Singiser is on a mission.

After seeing various news reports about incidents of animal cruelty, the Madison Elementary student decided that she wanted to do her part to heighten awareness of animal abuse.

“I should start saving animals,” Mackenzi said.

“She just took off with it,” Mackenzi’s mother, Rebecca Maxwell, said. “She said ‘Mom, I want to bring awareness. I want to tell people about animal abuse.’ And she disappears and goes in the bedroom and types up something on Microsoft Word. She’s done some fine tuning on it.”
Mackenzi typed the following letter and has since been distributing it throughout several Madison neighborhoods:

PLEASE HELP!
Please help stop animal abuse. We all can save lives, and it is important that we try to save the lives of animals too and it’s even more important for us to save the poor beaten and abused animals. If you join the fight, we can bring the animals to a safe warm home, so help now.

Thank you for listening.

Go to the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty

“We watch Animal Planet so she knows all about the ASPCA,” Maxwell said.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a non-profit organization established in 1866, is based in New York City. The ASPCA rescues abused animals, promotes humane laws and provides support to shelters throughout the country.

Visitors to the site can find tips on how to recognize and respond to animal abuse situations and also make donations to ASPCA.

Last week Mackenzi began spending her evenings walking around Madison neighborhoods, talking to residents and distributing her letter. Maxwell said the experience has been positive so far.

“She’s been getting good responses,” Maxwell said. “Everybody’s been very courteous.”

Just as impressive to Maxwell has been her daughter’s outspoken approach to promoting her cause.

“Her public speaking is amazing,” Maxwell said. “She’s really shy but she does all that just for the sake of the animals.”

Mackenzi is determined to continue spreading the word about animal cruelty and encouraging others to become more involved in preventing it. Her friend Hailee Williams, 10, joined her in going door to door around Madison.

“She’s been helping me a lot,” Mackenzi said.

Mackenzi’s brother, 13-year-old Dakota, has also walked with Mackenzi.

“He’s like her little bodyguard,” Rebecca Maxwell said.

Mackenzi’s love for animals is apparent through her numerous pets and vast collection of animal videos. She lives with her mother, brother and her stepfather, Terry Maxwell and has four cats, three dogs, a hamster and a guinea pig. Three of the cats, two dogs and the guinea pig live at their home. They adopted one of the dogs Saturday from the Humane Society.

The other dog, cat and the hamster live with Mackenzi’s father, Jason Singiser, who is also a Madison resident.

As for future efforts, Mackenzi said she wants to continue reaching out to others to increase awareness and gain support in the battle against animal abuse. She added that she would like to someday have her own animal rescue center.

By R. Sirvell Carter

By Bob Labbe

The Rocket City Titans, a member of the nation wide Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL), play its home games at Discovery Middle School. This Saturday night (7:30 p.m.), the Titans will play the first of three consecutive home games. The No. 4 nationally ranked team will face the Clarksville Wolfpack of Clarksville, Tenn.
This is real football. Make no mistake about how this team performs on the field.

“The team of 50 on our roster is made up of many great players with college football experience with good knowledge of the game with the desire to play hard and win,” said Scott Peavy, who is in his second season as head coach. “Many of these guys didn’t get a chance to play collegiate football so this is a good way for them to keep playing their favorite sport and be a positive item in the Madison community.”

The GDFL is mainly a great community involvement organization using local talent to provide a high quality of sports entertainment. For some of the players, this is a good way to continue their development in football with their sights set on furthering their play in professional football.

Going into the sixth game of the 2013 season schedule, the Titans are undefeated, atop the Central South Division standings and rank No.4 of all the 25 teams from across the country.

Last season, the Titans played its home games at Madison County High School in Gurley, which is where Peavy is head football coach. The team practices twice a week at the Showers Center in Huntsville.

Tickets for Titans games are $10. Children 12 and under free.

“These are good guys to cheer for and they do lots of community service in the Madison schools,” added Peavy. “We have an exciting team as our defense is strong with big hitters. Our offense is explosive with several of the players having track back grounds. We have good speed.”
This is a good alternative for us football fans who are counting the days to fall football. The Titans will play through the month of August…just in time for college and pro football to kickoff its seasons.

Alabama Hammers

Our indoor football team remains atop the league standings and have captured the No. 1 seed for the upcoming Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) post-season playoffs.

The Hammers derailed the Richmond Raiders 45-29 in what was a superb showing for the green and yellow team at the VBC. A crowd of over 3,000 watched a hard-hitting and action packed game. The Hammers will play on the road this week and then prepare for the first round of the playoffs, which it will host for a special Monday night game on July 1st.

Monday Night Football in Huntsville. I can’t wait.

Bob Jones 7-On-7

The annual Patriots 7-On-7 Tournament is scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday. Seven teams, including Bob Jones, will tangle in what has become one of the most talked about summer events in the Madison community.

This year for the first time, the entire tournament will move from the grass practice complex and be played on the Patriots’ outstanding artificial field located behind the school. Two games will be played at once with each game utilizing half of the playing surface.

This is a passing only tournament, but a good look at what each of the teams will carry, offensively, into fall practice and the 2013 season.

Meanwhile, James Clemens chose not to play in the Bob Jones tournament, but instead will play in two 7-On-7 Tournaments in Birmingham next month.

It’s Miller Time

To the shock of many of us, Tim Miller, the former head coach of the girls basketball program at Bob Jones, has left his position as assistant coach for the University of Alabama women’s team and will become the head coach of the girl’s team at Hazel Green High here in Madison County.

The four-time (three at Bob Jones and one at Jefferson Davis) Alabama state champion coach has 16 seasons under his belt in the high school ranks and has compiled a marvelous 371-57 record. He is a five-time Alabama Sports Writers coach of the year.

I can’t wait until the game pitting Bob Jones and Hazel Green as the competition will be fierce and will feature Miller going up against Bob Jones legendary head coach Danny Petty. Be looking forward to the game on the schedule, which has not been released.

Huntsville Stars

Don’t forget, the Huntsville Stars are at home through Monday (17th). Always something special going on at The Joe. Support our team…if you want it to stay here in Huntsville.

By Bob Labbe

The 2012-1013 school year was another banner one for the athletes at both Bob Jones and James Clemens High Schools. Almost two dozen student-athletes representing both schools signed athletic scholarships upon their completion of high school in preparation of a higher education.
James Clemens Athletes

At James Clemens, the school’s first year of service featured its first athletic scholarship signees. Three members of the Jets’ athletic program moved on to college with assistance from athletic scholarships.

The first from James Clemens to ink with a college or university was China Leary. The super-talented starting guard for the Jets’ girl’s basketball team decided to sign early in her senior year by agreeing to a scholarship in the first semester of the school year with Faulkner University.

Soon afterwards, two of the five senior players on the school’s baseball team put their signatures on scholarships. Multi-position player Scotty Adkins signed with Tennessee Tech. Though fighting through a rotator cuff strain most of his high school years, Adkins admitted his search of a college to attend he left up to his religious beliefs. He thought he would be able to contribute to the program at the Division-One school. He will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Teammate Adam Brown chose another school located in Tennessee by signing with Volunteer State located in Gallatin, Tenn. Growing up in Madison’s youth baseball program at Palmer Park, the infielder chose the Pioneers over two other schools where he will pursue a business degree.

Bob Jones Scholarships

The Patriots’ athletic program produced 16 signees representing eight sports this school year.

Five football players led the way for the Patriots. Leading the football scholarships was All-State linebacker Drew Davis and Brandon Ray, who head coach Kevin Rose called the best offensive lineman he has coached in his career. Both players signed with Western Kentucky a Division-One school with newly hired head coach Bobby Petrino.

Davis, who began playing football in the fifth grade, had advice for future high school athletes looking for a college education. He said, “Attend camps during the summer months and try and be noticed prior to the season. Don’t get over looked. Tell the camp coaches you’re serious about wanting to play in college.”

Ray gave similar advice when he said, “Don’t commit to a school unless you believe in that school. Wait out the recruiting process and see what all schools offer in assistance for an education.”

Three additional football players signed scholarships: Dustin Haraway, Jordan Shelton and Kevin Wright. Both Haraway and Wright chose Georgetown College of Kentucky while Shelton will play for Alabama A&M.

Haraway put together 150 highlight videos in his search for an athletic scholarship. He chose Georgetown College and was thrilled about the schools who showed interest in his athletic and academic talents when he said, “The process was great and it’s nice to know someone out there wants you.”

Wright not only signed an athletic scholarship and posted a 3.1 GPA, he also became a father on Jan. 10, 2012. He and his girlfriend, Porscha Hambrick, became the teenage parents of their son, Kaden. Wright had to juggle many things in his life since the birth of his child, but he always had the goal of earning an earning his high school diploma, athletic scholarship, college degree and then raising a family. Wright is now three-fourths of the way to fulfilling that goal.

“I know my life is nearly full right now, but I do understand what my future is and I plan on completing my goal I set years ago,” said Wright, who will play wide receiver and kick returner for the Tigers.

Three basketball scholarships were earned by the Patriots. Lindsey Jennings (Northwest Florida State), JeMarcus Jones (Martin Methodist) and Chelsea Smith (Birmingham Southern) each agreed to play their sport in college.

Jennings was considered one of the best defensive players on the Lady Patriots’ team, but also averaged over 11 points and six rebounds per game. Smith transferred to Bob Jones from Sparkman High for her senior year. She earned the Coaches Award from head coach Danny Petty for her outstanding leadership and unselfish play on the court. Jones average 13 points a game in his senior season and worked equally as hard in the classroom.

Additional Sports Scholarships

Track athletes Chris Cazer (Troy University) and Kourtney Lacey (UAH) signed assistance for their college education. Heather Gillenwaters, from the Patriots’ golf program, signed with West Alabama. Amy Carden, a three-year starter for head coach Kent Chambers and the school’s softball team, signed with the North Alabama Lions. Darby Rasch (Spring Hill College) and Ellen Bruno (Northern State of South Dakota) represented the sport of soccer in signings.

Bruno chose the high plains school mainly because her older brother and college wrestler, Anthony, also attends the school located in Aberdeen. “I plan on earning my degree in biology and nursing and look to attend medical school,” said Bruno. Her coaches described her as a player who understands the sport of soccer and is determined to succeed.

The lone baseball player to grasp college assistance was shortstop Matt Bolger. He completed Bob Jones with a 4.47 GPA and will study Biomedical Sciences at South Alabama (USA). He described his play in baseball as “A player who will get his uniform dirty as I play harder than anyone else on the field.” A starter since his sophomore year, Bolger batted .326 in leading the Patriots to unprecedented success in his stay at Bob Jones.

• Thursday, June 20^th – saxophonist Reginald Jackson, the Rocket City Jugglers, street magician Dr. Osborn, ukulele singer/songwriter Wanda June, acoustic musician Scott Morgan, and the flute/guitar duo Toot & Twang on the square, and the Huntsville Drumline in Big Spring Park East.
• Friday, June 21^st – Performances by Gavin Boost and Geoff & Bryan Acoustic Duo on the square; saxophonist Alex Banks, II, followed by Live By Satellite in concert in Big Spring Park East.
• Thursday, June 27^th – ArtsAlive Block Party on the square featuring the 2013 Homegrown Talent Final Round, performances by The 911 Reporters, the North Alabama Flute Choir, and Josh & Judy Allison, and live art demonstrations by the North Alabama Wood Crafters.
• Friday, June 28^th – Performances by Winslow Davis and Audio Radiance on the square and additional programming in Big Spring Park East.
• Thursday, July 4^th – No programming due to Independence Day.
• Friday, July 5^th – Performances by Wanda June and Chris Wade on the square and additional programming in Big Spring Park East.

Huntsville’s collaborative community programming for the district is also designed to lay the groundwork for organic, self-sustaining street performances and arts entertainment in the future. “We wanted to get the Arts & Entertainment Districts off to a good start by showcasing the types of cultural activities that could naturally occur downtown,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Thanks to our many community organizations, we have a stellar line-up of activities and programming for the summer, and we anticipate seeing even more activity as the districts develop.”

The new arts programming is a natural fit with events already happening regularly in downtown Huntsville during the summer months. The Greene Street Market, hosted each Thursday on the corner of Eustis and Greene streets, welcomes the public to visit downtown and purchase fresh products from local farms, bakers, gardens and more. The Sidewalk Arts Stroll features area artists in its new home for 2013 in Constitution Village; produced once a month in June, July, and August, the Stroll offers the opportunity to shop for art while enjoying Constitution Village free of charge.

Working with the producers of Greene Street Market and the Sidewalk Arts Stroll, and with input from area artists and the City of Huntsville, The Arts Council has developed a template for outdoor street performances that is designed to further enliven and energize downtown on Thursday and Friday evenings. The Arts Council has received financial support from downtown organizations to sponsor the new street entertainment, including Big Spring Partners, Committee of 100, The Downtown Forty-Seven, and the Huntsville Historic Foundation. “The Downtown Forty-Seven is a strong supporter of the arts in Huntsville, and we are delighted to partner with The Arts Council. The addition of Arts and Entertainment Districts in the city center will help to strengthen Huntsville’s economic engine while we continue to grow downtown as an entertainment destination for Huntsville and the region,” explained Downtown Forty-Seven President Olly Orton.

Samantha Hathorn, owner of Sam & Greg’s Pizzeria & Gelateria downtown, is optimistic about the summer of downtown events. “We are so happy when new ideas bring folks to our area, making them glad to stay and play downtown. The new entertainment districts will allow people to move around, enjoying the different downtown venues. Our outdoor dining is very popular in the summer, and the new district will encourage people to be out and about even more.” Many of the downtown restaurants and bars are planning drink specials for the opening of the Quigley Arts & Entertainment District, including Papou’s Greek Restaurant, Cotton Row, Commerce Kitchen, Sam & Greg’s, Amendment XXI, and 3Skillets.

As the district continues its 90-day rollout, additional performance schedules will be released on The Arts Council’s website. For more information on this and other Arts Council programs, visit www.artshuntsville.org.

If this amendment passes, the sales tax in Madison would be 9%.

“Where does it stop?” exclaimed one citizen.

Members of council assured the audience that these increases will directly improve the city’s ability to keep up with the radical growth it has experienced over the last several years, as well as the projected growth in the coming years.

Cameron Grounds, Revenue Director stated that a .5% increase would increase the annual tax income by over $2 million, which would enable to city to borrow another $20 million for captial improvement projects – money the city needs to grow the infrastructure that feeds local business.

Councilman Mike Potter offered a simple example of why these funds are important for attracting new business and revenue.

“New retail establishments won’t come in unless we have the infrastructure (roadways) in place,” said Potter.

Still, citizens would like to see another option that does not include raising the sales tax rate. If you have an opinion and would like to speak to council, call your district representative and attend the next city council meeting on June 24 at 6:00 p.m.

By Jeffrey Abbott

City leaders went ahead and approved an annual $50,000 appropriation for the Hogan Family YMCA Monday night even though some city council members questioned whether it was the right thing to do.

The Hogan Family YMCA in Madison opened nearly three years ago and is thriving – from their opening day memberships have exceeded their expectations.

The YMCA offers numerous programs for the community, Drew Freeman, the director of the Hogan Family YMCA, told city council members. He summarized several ways the taxpayer funded appropriation from Madison benefits directly, such as the SPLASH swimming program for 3rd graders, and hosting local group meetings, such as the Rotary Club of Madison, the Young Marines of Madison, and an after-prom event this year (coordinated with Asbury Church). The Madison newcomers meetings also take place at the Hogan YMCA.

“We wouldn’t be able to do as much good without the appropriation from the city of Madison,” said Freeman. “We’re out there reaching out to the community trying to find ways to benefit them.

Freeman also described a successful fall festival event that attracted over 350 families to the center as an alternative to trick-or-treating this past fall.
“You do some great things for the city and we’re proud to have you,” Mayor Troy Trulock said in reply.

Trulock also reiterated a concern about an Olympic sized 50-meter pool that has been on the table for several years.

The issue over the pool first took shape on May 26, 2009 when Heart of the Valley YMCA CEO and President Scott Mounts told Madison city council members that plans to build an outdoor 50-meter pool would be pulled from the initial construction of the new Y facility in 2010 and included in a “Phase 2” project. He said phase two would begin when the Hogan Family YMCA achieved a membership of 2,500.

According to market surveys the Y had at the time, it would take 24 to 36 months to reach that point. Instead, it reached it in only a few weeks. Almost three years after the Y opened, residents are still asking ‘what happened to the pool?’

Some Madison council members also expressed concern over the fact that city continually appropriates large amounts of money to the organization, while they do not provide the same appropriations for other organizations.

“I have to question the city’s place in appropriating money to [the YMCA] on a yearly basis,” said council member Steve Smith. “There’s lots of organizations in Madison that provide services to our citizens and we don’t give them money.”

Council member Gerald Clark agreed with Smith’s comments on the appropriation of city funds to this organization.

“We’ve been giving [the YMCA] money, but we probably need to look at putting this money elsewhere in the future,” Trulock added.

There was a general consensus that the current appropriation to the YMCA was beneficial, but that future funds should be reduced.

The appropriation for $50,000 for the Hogan YMCA passed, although two council members voted against it.

By Jeffrey Abbott