By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
This year’s Light Up Madison event will be held in downtown Madison this Saturday, December 1, from 4:30-8 p.m. There will be several events including a parade, a Jingle Jog, hayrides and many other activities. Read more
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Becky’s Dance Steps Studio’s competition team attended Dance Makers, Inc.’s regional convention and competition in Mobile, Ala. The competition was held Nov. 9 -11 at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. There were 19 students in total that attended the competition ranging in age from 3-19 years old. The students were helped and encouraged by their “support team” which included many family members and friends. Read more
A group of students in Valdosta State University’s Mass Media program need your help! The group is in the late preproduction stages of putting together an exciting student film, Valentine’s Rock.
Greene Publishing’s own Kristin Finney will be producing the film. Clay Orr, John Patten and Andrew Parker are directing the film.
Valentine’s Rock will be a new twist on classic noir style. Valentine’s Rock is full of drama and suspense and will leave the audience wanting more. The story follows a private detective by the name of Frank Vincent whose partner is murdered. Frank must use his keen detective skills to unravel the case his partner was working on when he was murdered. The story only gets more complicated when red headed femme fatale aptly named Ginger hires Frank on a case. Frank gets tangled up in all kinds of trouble when he finds out that Ginger’s case ties into the case he initially set out to solve! Will Frank figure out Ginger’s case before the bad guys catch him?
The group is asking for the help of the community to make Valentine’s Rock possible. If you are interested in donating to support this film please visit their KickStarter site at: http://kck.st/SyPvMD or call Kristin Finney at (850)673-1773.
Valentine’s Rock is expected to be premiered at the VSU Film Festival this December. All donators will be sent a link to a digital copy of the film, receive their name in the credits of the movie and possibly more depending on the amount donated. All sponsorship levels can be seen on the KickStarter page. Thank you for your support!
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison County Cowboys will be celebrating their 2012 homecoming this week. The Cowboys will be playing the West Port Wolves. During the week, students done their spirit wear and get pumped up for the parade and game Friday. The theme for this year’s homecoming is Whip the Wolves.
Coronation was held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at North Florida Community College’s Van H. Priest Auditorium.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday. Each class will have a float as well as the homecoming court representatives. There will also be other local businesses and vendors represented.
The game will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Boot Hill. The homecoming court and homecoming queen will be presented during half time at the game.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The United Way of Madison will be hosting their Celebrity waiter event this month. The event will be taking place at Shelby’s on September 25. Dinner will begin being served at 5 p.m. and will last until 9 p.m.
Local celebrities will serve those who attend throughout the night. There will be a dessert auction at 7:30. There will be a lot of fellowship and plenty of laughs. The money that is raised will go towards helping the children and elderly of Madison County. Please come out and show your support for the United Way.
The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a fundraiser on Friday. They will be cooking their delicious grilled chicken leg quarters, baked beans, coleslaw, roll, dessert and tea for $6. The plates will be on sale at the Courthouse Lawn beginning at 10 a.m. This fundraiser is for the construction of a handicap ramp for the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
Greenville Public Library will be hosting the Daybreak Creative Writing Workshop for children on Thursday, June 21. The camp will begin at 2 p.m. Author Angela Y. Hodge will be a special guest and teacher. All children are invited.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Sunday, May 20, the Pinetta Volunteer Fire Department met for their annual meeting. The meeting began with all in attendance eating a delicious lunch of pork loin and other BBQ fixings. Chief Allen Shadrick also announced that during the meeting and meal there would be two candles lit in honor of two friends and family members that recently passed away, Cathy Wild and Robert Walker.
The meeting began as a standard meeting. They discussed the treasurer’s report, old business and new business. They discussed getting ID’s for the fire fighters as well as the new county insurance policy. Also at the meeting, Barry Shewchuk was nominated as an honorary member.
They also discussed having a fundraised and political rally. The fundraiser will be held on June 23 at the Pinetta Community Center. There will be a chicken and rice dinner served and an auction. All of the political candidates running this election are invited to join and will be given two minutes each to speak on their campaign.
Following the normal meeting came the election of new officers. New officers are now as follows: Landy Johnson will be the Fire Board Representative, Allen Shadrick will continue his position as Chief and Treasurer, Vicky Spires will continue as secretary, Wayne Shuchuck will be the Vice President, Doug Finney will continue as President, Daryl Spires will be the Assistant Chief, Ryan Bass will be the Fire Board Alternate and Ty Leggett was elected to the Board of Directors.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
There are several names that come to mind when you think of historic and prominent Madison residents. One of those names would be Ashley Beggs. Ashley Beggs has lived in Madison for all of his life, not including his time serving in the military. The Beggs have been in Madison for generations. Ashleys’ grandfather opened the Beggs Funeral Home in 1886 and it is has been passed down through generations. Ashley is currently the owner of the Beggs Funeral Homes in Madison and Perry and has been for many years.
Growing up in Madison was very different than it is today. “Madison is a small town, back then we used to play stick ball and baseball in the streets. Neighborhoods were friendly and things were a lot calmer back then. Back then no one locked their doors at night. Now most people lock their doors as soon as they get home. Crime has risen all over the world and Madison is no exception.”
For fun, Ashley enjoyed going fishing at Lake Rachel at his aunt’s and uncle’s house. “We called it the Hornets Nest. We would go through the woods. We would swim. We also went to Blue Springs a lot, that was one of our favorite watering holes. Another thing we did for fun was going to the public beach at Cherry Lake. Back then there weren’t any pools in Madison. Those came along later.” He also recalled some of his favorite places to eat, “I liked going to Frank’s Café, Country Kitchen and Pep’s.”
Ashley attended elementary school in Madison. The elementary school was located where CVS sits today. He recalled, “When I got in the 7th or 8th grade a lady named Mildred Bruner took us on a tour of Madison County and taught us about the history of the county.” Ever since, Ashley has been very interested in the history of the area. “There are many people in the county that deserve thanks because with their help we have found out many historical things about Madison.” He also shared some of the information they have found, “This is a very good county and it is also one of the oldest counties in Florida. Madison County originally went from the Georgia line to the Gulf of Mexico, but then Taylor County was created. There was also a shoe factory in Madison before the Civil War that made a lot of the shoes for the soldiers.”
He then went to Madison High School where he was active in many sports. He played football, baseball, basketball and he also ran track. Back then Madison was not known as the Cowboys, they were the Red Devils. While in high school, Ashley was also active in Future Farmers of America. “My project in FFA was raising chickens,” he said.
Ashley has been married to his wife Martha for 40 years. He had three sons prior to their marriage, Appie (who is deceased), Kyle and Brad. He and Martha have two children, Ansley, who is a teacher in Madison, and Justin, who helps Ashley run the funeral home. Ashley has also been active in the Masonic Lodge. He was previously a Master of Madison’s Masonic Lodge, and also the Shriners.
When asked what his favorite thing about living in Madison was, Ashley said, “My favorite thing about living in Madison is the slow pace of living here. I also love taking care of my dogs and staying at home.”
Anyone interested in being interviewed for this article can call 973-4141 and make an appointment with Kristin Finney, or may drop by Greene Publishing, Inc. any day before noon. Those interviewed must have lived in Madison for a large portion of their life, and be able to recall a few things that have changed since that time..
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
As April draws to a close, high school senior celebrate the final countdown until graduation. Madison County High School seniors will have a little more than a month until they will cross the stage, turn their tassels and toss their caps into the air. The final month of high school is filled with awards ceremonies, Baccalaureate and graduation. Below are the dates for all of these events.
Baccalaureate will be held on Tuesday, May 29. The Madison Ministerial Association will conduct the program. It will take place at the North Florida Community College Van H. Priest Auditorium. The program begins at 7 p.m. Seniors are asked to be at the auditorium at 6:30 p.m. There will not be a rehearsal. Cap and gowns are to be worn for this ceremony. Baccalaureate is not mandatory.
Directly following Baccalaureate will be the senior awards night. This will begin at approximately 8 p.m. Seniors may participate in Awards Night without participating in Baccalaureate. Seniors must be present to receive your award (not the next day). Cap and gowns must be worn.
Graduation will be on Friday, June 1 at 8 p.m. on the football field. Rehearsal will be held at 9 a.m. on June 1. This is mandatory for all seniors who wish to participate in the graduation ceremony. Attendance will be taken and seats will be assigned at this time. No practice=No participation in graduation. A class picture will be taken at practice. Be there! Students will meet in the cafeteria at 7 p.m. before graduation begins. They will be able to pick up their diplomas following the ceremony.
Graduation attire is as follows: Do not bring purses or any valuables to the cafeteria. This is a formal ceremony. Girls will wear nice dresses or dress pants, under their gowns. They must wear high heels, dress shoes or sandals with a heel. Absolutely no jeans, shorts, boots, flip-flops, or tennis shoes will be permitted. Boys will wear dress slacks (khaki dress pants are permitted), dress shirt, dress shoes and a tie. Absolutely no jeans, shorts, flip-flops, or tennis shoes will be permitted. All students are asked to not bring any devices that make noise. Cell phones are to be in the off mode.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Karla Hanners has been in Madison for the majority of her life. She came to Madison at the age of three from Perry. According to Hanners, growing up in Madison back then was very different than it is now. There were many more activities for the youth of the city back then.
Hanners attended elementary school at Madison Primary School then went to the Madison Middle School. She then went to Madison High School. Once the new high school opened, Hanners went to Madison County High School for one year also.
For fun, Hanners and her friends spent a lot of time at the walk-in theater. After the walk-in theatre closed, the building became a game room where Hanners spent a lot of time as well. Then the building finally became, and remains today, the Court House Annex. She also remembers when Winn Dixie was in the building that Farmer’s Furniture now resides in. After Winn Dixie moved from that building, it became a skating rink. “I enjoyed going there in my later teens,” said Hanners. After the skating rink closed, Farmers Furniture moved in and has remained there ever since.
Other memories that Hanners has include when Pic-n-Save was located where CVS currently sits. “My younger sister, Sherry, worked at Pic-n-Save as her first job,” she recalled. Hanners remembers when Pantry Pride was the only grocery store in town. She also recalls that before the pawn shop, that burned down a couple of years ago, was a pawn shop, it was an IGA.
“On of my favorite memories from growing up was lunch time in high school. When I was going to the old high school still, we got to leave for lunch. So a group of my friends and I would leave and walk to the Winn Dixie parking lot and one of us would go to the bakery next door and buy all sorts of bakery stuff, and another would go into Winn Dixie and buy a bag of Funyons. That was what we had for lunch every day. I miss that,” said Hanners. “Back then there were a lot of bakeries in Madison. I loved having all of those bakeries here. There was one next to Winn Dixie and one across from the First United Methodist Church.
Hanners stated, “When I was growing up here we had a lot of things for the youth to do. There were a lot of activities in town to keep them busy. Now there is nothing here for the youth to do. People wonder why kids keep getting into trouble, and that is why.”
Karla Hanners is married to Keith Hanners. They have two daughters, Felicia (Marc) McCrary and Chelsea Hanners. They also have two grandchildren, Haeden and Jacen McCrary.
Anyone interested in being interviewed for this article can call 973-4141 and make an appointment with Kristin Finney, or may drop by Greene Publishing, Inc. any day before noon. Those interviewed must have lived in Madison for a large portion of their life, and be able to recall a few things that have changed since that time.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Jimmy Lyons spent a large portion of his life in the Madison area before moving to Lake City. He was born in 1951 in the Madison Hospital. Lyons lived in the same house for the entirety of his life in Lee. The house was located across from the Lee City Hall. That is where he called home until 1978 when he moved to Lake City. Growing up Lyon’s attended Lee Junior High School. He then went to Madison High School.
He remembers a time back in 1958 when an old bearded man came through Lee. Lyons was only seven years old at the time. Everyone in town called the bearded man “the goat man.” That name came from the fact that he had about a dozen goats with him while he was traveling. Lyons remembers that where the lee mini market is there used to be a billboard and the Goat Man stopped there and tied his goats up to that billboard. The Goat Man spent the weekend there in Lee a Friday through a Monday. The Goat Man told everyone in Lee that he was going to run for president in 1960 and that he had a lawyer working to get him on the ballot. He also said he was a preacher as well and would read scriptures during the day. Lyon’s said, “It was very exciting that a man was there with a heard of goats that was saying he was running for president.” He also recalled that the man had a covered wagon.
Lyons also remembers that around 1964, behind Cherry’s Feed Store, there was an old voting house. That was where the town council met. Also, there was an old two-room brick jail beside the voting house. Lyons recalled that Lee used to have a town “Night Watchman” named Arthur Williams. Williams was just like a police officer but he was very incognito. If anyone had to be locked up he was the one to take them in. The people would be locked up in the two-room city jail until they could get them to Madison. “I would play there a lot when I was little and I have been in there many times and remember seeing holes in the walls from the prisoners trying to escape,” shared Lyons.
Another memory occurred in the early 1960s where Archie’s restaurant sits today. Back then Roy Smith opened what most people believe to be was Lee’s first hamburger place. It was called Roy’s Snack Bar.
“Traffic was so heavy in Lee at Hwy 90 that I remember times when I thought I would never be able to cross the road. Also, there was an S curve in Lee. That curve was called second worst curve in the State of Florida for accidents. When it would rain, my brother and I would ride out there and watch for wrecks and there would almost always be one,” remembered Lyons.
In 1964, Tommy and Mary Ellen Greene opened the Carrier in downtown Madison. In 1968, Lyons started writing the Lee news for the Madison County Carrier. He would take a lot of pictures of wrecks and write up stories about what was happening in Lee. That was from 1969 until 1970. His column was called the Lee News.
In 1972, Lyons was the Lee fire chief. “We had no members back then though. We had a fire truck with a half tank on it. Money was so tight that when I would get called for a fire I would have to pull my truck up and jump the fire truck off. I know it is hard to imagine. But that is how it was. I am so proud of where the Lee Fire Department is now.”
Some other memories that Lyons has include, “There was an old cotton gin back beside Cherry’s Feed Store. I don’t remember much about it, but I remember it being there. Also, In 1973, there was a large flood that flooded the river. Water was all over Lee. Behind Lee School looked like an ocean. It was very scary.“
Lyons married his wife, Sharon, in 1986 and they currently have a farm in Lake City. Lyons retired from law enforcement in 2006 from the Columbia County Sheriffs Office. “But I still own the house I grew up in in Lee. To this day I go over there and sit on the porch and reminisce.“
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
James Cressley came to Madison at the age of 11 with his family. At the time he came to here, Madison was a booming place with many thriving businesses, restaurants and places for children to have fun. The Madison that Cressley knew back then is a very different one than most people see today.
He remembers that where CVS is currently located, started off as a school. It then became Seter’s grocery story. Next it became a bowling alley. Then it became Pick & Save. He recalls when Farmer’s Furniture was at Winn Dixie.
Cressley remembers riding with his dad to get gas from up town and his dad being able to get five gallons of gas for $1.00. He also remembers there being a beer joint at the intersection of State Road 6 and Highway 90. Back then Harveys was a junkyard for Ragans.
He remembers there being a rest area, motel and bar across from the dumb station on Hwy. 90 in Madison. He remembers going to Selman’s Drug Store to get a sundae. He remembers there being a hotel at the second light in town. There were two walk-in movie theatres and a drive in theatre. At the drive in theatre you could spend $1 a night for a carload of people to get in.
In Lee, he remembers there being three grocery stores on the intersection of Hwy. 90 and 255. Back then he used to get a haircut for $1.00. He remembers going to Whitty’s ice cream and getting an ice cream cone for 5 cents. He also remembers that one time they had a drive-in movie behind Cherry’s.
James Cressley is married to Sharon (McFalls) Cressley. He had four children from a previous marriage. He has one daughter, Joyce Taylor, who lives in Arizona. He also had three sons, Bubba, Randall and James Jr., but sadly all of his sons are deceased.
Anyone interested in being interviewed for this article can call 973-4141 and make an appointment with Kristin Finney, or may drop by Greene Publishing, Inc. any day before noon. Those interviewed must have lived in Madison for a large portion of their life, and be able to recall a few things that have changed since that time.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The United Way of the Big Bend in Madison celebrated the end of this seasons campaign. This season was hugely successful and much of the thanks can go to the local individuals and businesses that donated. To celebrate the end of the campaign, the United Way team held a Celebration Breakfast on March 27 at Madison County Community Bank. During the breakfast, plaques were awarded to businesses who donated $1,000 or more to the campaign. Those businesses were:
Bronze (campaign between $1,000 and $2,499)
Birdsong Peanuts— $1,000
Greenville Timber Corporation— $1,000
Madison County Employees & Commissioners— $1,016
Madison Dental Associates— $1,336
North Florida Community College—$2,532
Progress Energy Services— $1,445
Timber Harvesters— $1,000
Silver (campaign between $2,500 and $4,999)
Corporate Graphics International— $3,276
Madison County Memorial Hospital— $3,403
Tri-County Electric Cooperative—$2,660
Gold (campaign between $5,000 and $9,000
Johnson & Johnson— $6,000
President’s Award (campaign between $10,000 and $24,999)
Madison County Community Bank—$10,623
Madison County Schools— $11,521
Chairman’s Award (campaign between $25,000 and $49,999)
Nestle Waters— $48,442
Nestle Waters was also recognized as Outstanding Neighboring County Leadership Giving Campaign.
Madison team members were also recognized during the breakfast. Madison team members are: Cathy Bass (Chair)—Corporate Graphics,Adrienne Chaplin—Nestle Waters, Alfred Martin—Madison County Commissioner, Madison Fire Rescue, Allen Cherry—Madison County Coordinator, Carole Russo—Nestle Waters, Deanna Samaha—Nestle Waters, Edward Meggs—Madison County Community Bank, Emerald Greene—Greene Publishing, Ethel Barefoot—Community Member, Gina Rutherford—North Florida Community College, Howard Phillips—Madison County Community Bank, Iris Wynn—Madison County Schools, Jackie Johnson—Johnson & Johnson Inc, Jan McHargue—Madison County Schools, Janet Maier—Madison County Community Bank, Jim Catron—City of Madison, Julius Hackett—Tri-County Electric Cooperative Inc, Keith Ruff—Tri-County Electric Cooperative Inc., Kim Halfhill—North Florida Community College, Kristin Finney—Greene Publishing, Mark Buescher—Buescher & Ruff LLC, Matt Webb—Greenville Timber Corporation, Mike Hyman—Nestle Waters, Rosa Richardson—Madison County Senior Citizens Council, Spence Richardson—Nestle Waters, Stephanie Carroll—Tri-County Electric Cooperative Inc, Tamara Ashley—Tri-County Electric Cooperative Inc, Vicki Howerton—Madison County Memorial Hospital, Wanda Violet—Community Member and Willy Gamalero—Madison County Community Bank.
This years final total was revealed during the breakfast as well. The final total was…$115,461. Congrats on a great campaign! A special thanks to all of the businesses and individuals in Madison whom donated to the United Way.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Betty Thomas has been in the Madison, Lee area all of her life. This is where she was born and raised. She grew up south of the interstate in the Midway community. She went to elementary school at Lee and then later she graduated from Madison High.
While she was in high school, Betty worked for the Van. H. Priest Dime Store. Betty said of working at the Dime Store, “I enjoyed working there very much. It was working there that got me through high school.”
Not long after graduating from high school, Betty married her husband, Elvoye. Elvoye had worked as a farmer with his dad growing up. After they got married, the two then moved to Madison. Elvoye worked for Winn Dixie for a short while after they were married. He then went to work for W.C. Copeland Gas Company. He worked there for 41 years. He later retired from Suburban Propane.
After getting married, Betty took a job in Madison working for Larry and Emma Pinson at Madison Cleaners. She worked in the front of Madison Cleaners and did check in for laundry and dry cleaning and check out. After working at Madison Cleaners, Betty went to work for Cohens Store. Cohens was a variety store that came to Madison for a while. She worked there and became manager for a while.
Then she decided to stay at home and start her family. She and Elvoye had two children: a son, Keith, who currently lives in Lakeland, and a daughter, Revonda Frith, who lives in Madison. Elvoye, Betty, Revonda and her husband Glen, are now all co-owners of Studstill Hardware and Lumber.
After starting their family, Betty went to work at several different places in town. It was then that she began working at Madison Primary School. “I was one of the first aides that they hired to be an aid to a teacher. I worked with a teacher for two years, then became secretary and bookkeeper for the school,” said Betty. She retired from that position after 35 years.
Betty remembers a Madison quite different from the one we know today. “The town was booming back then. All of the stores were full. Up and down the streets was filled with people. Even though country folks didn’t go to town but about once a week, I always looked forward to getting to do that. The streets are so bare in Madison now compared to what they used to be.” She then added, “I love Madison County with all of my heart.”
Anyone interested in being interviewed for this article can call 973-4141 and make an appointment with Kristin Finney, or may drop by Greene Publishing, Inc. any day before noon. Those interviewed must have lived in Madison for a large portion of their life, and be able to recall a few things that have changed since that time.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
As FCAT approaches, many students and teachers are preparing to face the test. This year’s FCAT schedule is as follows:
Monday, April 16 – Grades 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 will take Session 1 of the reading test. Grade 6 will take session 1 and 2 of mathematics.
Tuesday, April 17 – Grades 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 will take Session 2 of the reading test. Grade 6 will take Session 1 of the reading.
Wednesday, April 18 – Grades 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 will take Session 1 of mathematics. Grade 6 will take Session 2 of reading.
Thursday, April 19 – Grades 3,4 and 5 will take Session 2 of mathematics.
Tuesday, April 24 – Grade 5 will take Session 1 of science.
Wednesday, April 25 – Grade 5 will take Session 2 of science.
Make up testing will be offered for all grades on April 17, 18, 19 and 20. Make up testing will be offered for grade 3-8 on April 23. Make up testing will be offered for grades 4-8 on April 25, 26 and 27.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
When it comes to electrical contracting, Townsend Electrical Services is the business for the job. Owner and electrician, Kevin Townsend has been in the electrical business for 16 years. He graduated from Madison County High School and North Florida Community College. He then attended Valdosta Technical College (now Wiregrass Technical College) were he received an Industrial Electrical Degree.
After graduating from Val. Tech., Townsend worked for several small contractors. He then got a job at ACE Electric in Valdosta, where he became a job superintendent. He worked there for more than 10 years. Working for ACE had Townsend out of town occasionally for different jobs, then his next position had him out of town a lot, so Townsend decided to open his own business because he was ready to be at home.
Townsend Electrical Services offers services in electrical, residential and industrial. They also offer 24/7 service calls, remodeling work, new construction and pretty much anything electrical. There is no job too big or too small for Townsend Electrical Services.
Townsend’s message to the community of Madison is, “I look forward to serving the citizens of Madison County with any of their electrical needs.” Townsend has already completed one electrical job with his new business. He had an electrical contract on the new Progress Energy Building located on Highway 90.
Kevin is married to Jacqueline Townsend, owner of The Mane Attraction. They have three daughters: Brittany, Megan and Mattie. He is the son of Larry and Barbara Townsend.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison Academy Sports Banquet was held on February 24 at Lee First Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. The banquet was a great success with all of the coaches, parents and close loved ones of the athletes in attendance. Of the many in attendance, the young men and women athletes were the honorary guests. The night was in their honor.
Volleyball team members were recognized during the banquet. They were Summer Blair, Aubrey Day, Caroline Jennings, Claire Maultsby, Anna Collins, Shellby Cooke, Kali Lancaster, Katelyn Scott, Kaylie Rogers, Alexis Bowen, Katelyn McCamman, Meghan Tobin, Natalie Vasquez and Teagan Dunn. The Head Coach was Cathy Rogers, assisted by Julie Townsend.
“It was a pleasure to be able to coach such hard working and dedicating young ladies. I was very impressed by the improvement of not only their skills but their love for the game as well. I appreciate all the support from their parents, teachers, family and friends throughout the season,” said Coach Kathy Rodgers.
Cheerleaders were honored during the ceremony. Cheerleaders for the Academy were Cali Dyal, Gracie Galbraith, Jadyn Gore, Mikenzi Plain, Aubrey Day, Caroline Jennings, Olivia Graham, Reese Rutherford and Kylie Andrews. The Head Coach was Rhonda Gore, assisted by Jamie Andrews.
“We are excited for the opportunity to work with such a great group of girls. We are very proud of the progress that they made throughout the season,” said Coach Rhonda Gore and Jamie Andrews.
Basketball players were also given recognition during the sports banquet. Basketball players for the Panthers were: Bailey Browning, Michael Downing, Skyler Dunn, Ross Bass, Jim Flournoy, John Flournoy, Michael Goley, Jacob Hanners, Stephen Miller, Dorian Alberti and Michael McCamman.
The Head Coach was Zach Iott, assisted by Robert Goley.
“We recognize these young men and women, not only for playing a sport, but for going above and beyond the call of duty by representing not only themselves, but Madison Academy and the community of Madison County,” said Coach Zach Iott.
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Teaching is not a job to be taken lightly. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication. If any teacher personifies those qualities, it is Janine Bertolotti. After applying for the position two years ago, Bertolotti began working at Madison County High School in the Fall of 2010.
Bertolotti received her undergraduate degree from Wesleyan College in Macon, Ga. She majored in Psychology, with a double minor in Biology and Neuroscience. She then got her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Central Florida. She is currently working towards her doctorate at the University of Florida.
Previously, she had been employed for three years at a school in Miami. Her husband, Joshua, was then moved to Moody Air Force Base and they had to relocate. Janine chose to apply at Madison so that she could continue working towards her Florida retirement. A position was available in the science department at MCHS, and Bertolotti was hired as a Biology teacher.
As a teacher, her goal is not to become the students friends, but to simply be their teacher. “They know I have high expectations. I have a very disciplined classroom. I provided them with background and assistance. We do a lot of labs. We read a lot of outside articles from reputable science sources. That way, the students are able to see real world applications of what they are learning. We watch videos too, to get conceptual thinking,” she added.
“My goal as a teacher is to increase science literacy and to get them to think critically about what they hear. I also hope to increase interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers.”
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
At the age of 88, Ezell Moore has seen Madison grow and change in ways that many people could only imagine. Moore has lived in Madison all of her life since the day she was born. She grew up on a farm in Bethlehem and later moved to a farm in Greenville. “I was on a farm then, and I am still on a farm,” said Moore.
Growing up, Moore attended school in Bethlehem. School there went through the eighth grade. For fun, she and her friends would play ball, jump rope and play hide and seek. She recalled, “We would go to lunch at around noon, and after we got done eating we would shoot marbles until it was time to go back to work.” After eighth grade, Moore went to Madison Training School through the eleventh grade.
Back then, everyone who lived in the same community got water from the same well. Everyone knew everyone and helped one another out when they could. “We had to carry tubs to get water in. When daddy called us, he would blow on his fingers [whistling] for us,” said Moore. As one of 10 siblings, Moore had plenty to do around the house to stay busy. “We had to make our beds, clean the house and help cook.”
Church was a big part of life back then. “We went to church every first and third Sunday, and Sunday School on the second and fourth. We didn’t have church every Sunday back then. I remember asking my daddy for a penny to put in at Sunday School and he would say to me ‘money bit right now.” Which meant that money was tight.
Things have changed a lot in Madison since those days. Moore recalled that back then they did not eat out much at all. “We ate at home. There weren’t many places to go eat back then. Also, girls couldn’t wear pants back then. We had to wear skirts. Even if we were working and worked in pants, we had to have a skirt on over our pants.”
Ezell married Charlie Moore Jr. in 1949. They would have been married for 60 years, but he passed away in June and their anniversary was in July. They had five children: Wanda Moore Williams, Charles Herbert Moore, Ronnie Ladell Moore, Francis Moore Phillips and Kenneth Wayne Moore.
Anyone interested in being interviewed for this article can call 973-4141 and make an appointment with Kristin Finney, or may drop by Greene Publishing, Inc. any day before noon. Those interviewed must have lived in Madison for a large portion of their life, and be able to recall a few things that have changed since that time.
