Elmore County
Living M A G A Z I N E
WINTER 2012 • COMPLIMENTARY
Join us in the City of Wetumpka for Christmas on the Coosa's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" December 8 7:45 a.m.
Children’s Character Breakfast Wetumpka Civic Center. Breakfast will be served beginning at 7:45 a.m. and ending at 8:30 a.m. Characters will mingle with attendees starting at about 8:30 until about 9:30 a.m. Attendees must have purchased tickets in advance.
9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Shuttle Buses Free transportation between Softball Complex parking lot and downtown
9 a.m.
12Ks of Christmas and 5K Fun Run Start at City Administrative Building parking lot.
9 a.m., 11:15 a.m., The Holiday Bug Puppet Show, Wetumpka Depot Theatre. Admission $6. 1 p.m., & 3:45 p.m. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Art Guild Show - Wetumpka Depot Theatre lobby. Guild members will also have items on sale outside the theatre.
10 a.m.-
Entertainment. A variety of local performers 12:30 p.m will be featured.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Classic/Antique Car Show, Wetumpka Depot Theatre parking lot.
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Quilt Exhibit, Old Elmore County Courthouse.
10 a.m.
Children’s Entertainment, Crommelin Landing (Gold Star Park boat landing)
10 a.m-6 p.m.
Arts and Crafts Vendors and Food Concessions, Courthouse Plaza and Gold Star Park
2 p.m.
Street Parade, from west end of bridge to Wetumpka Civic Center
4 p.m.
Wetumpka Pops Band Concert, Gold Star Park Stage
5 p.m.
Santa Ski-In, Boat Parade and Fireworks Grand Finale, Coosa River near Gold Star Park. Approximate time for start of fireworks 6 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from a spot south of the west bank boat ramp.
Christmas on the Coosa 2012 Events
December 14 5 p.m. - Luminaria Night and Downtown Open House December 15 7 to 11 p.m. Wetumpka Civic Center Christmas on the Coosa Ball December 16 Wetumpka Police Deptartment Christmas Party for Needy Children December 31 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wetumpka New Year’s Eve Celebration Courthouse Plaza, Downtown Wetumpka
1
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
editor’s
note A
A time to cherish your memories
nother Christmas season is upon us, so this seems an appropriate time to share a story I heard only recently. I grew up in Wetumpka on the west side of the river, and I suppose that’s why I never knew of the excitement that was going on in the Meadowbrook subdivision just off U.S. Highway 231. According to those who lived there as children, the holiday season brought with it surprises from the sky. Each year when a plane flew over inspecting the natural gas line near the neighborhood, Christmas stockings would float down as the plane passed overhead. Those who remember that time said the stockings were filled with candy and toys and had little parachutes attached. They recalled eagerly watching for the plane and even scrambling up trees to retrieve the
stockings that were dropped. No one seems to remember exactly when the tradition began or ended, but the best guess is the practice went on through the late 1960s or early 1970s. What a great memory for those who grew up that area. Most of us have our own happy memories and traditions involving this time of year. I encourage each of you to spend a little time both remembering the special joys of the past as well as creating new customs to cherish. And, as always, we hope you enjoy this issue of Elmore County Living and the people and places it brings to you. Peggy Blackburn is managing editor of Elmore County Living. Her email address is Peggy.Blackburn@ TheWetumpkaHerald.com.
3
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Inside RC Aces 14
22 Holiday Starter
Local hobbyists buzz Wetumpka’s skies with remote control airplanes.
4
Fun on the Range 11
Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm offers the symbol of the season.
26 Making History
Cattlemen’s trail ride draws hundreds on horseback.
Stubbs keeps traditional syrup-making methods alive.
15 River Monster 15 29 29 Seasonal Treats
Giant snapping turtle hooked on Tallapoosa.
Recipes perfect for Christmas parties, or for snuggling up on a cold winter day.
Classic Steel 22 Tallassee Cruise-In draws car lovers from all over.
32 Calendar
Online Ideas 27 Pinterest a great resource for folksy craft ideas.
22
A guide to local events that will take place in December and January.
Elmore County Living magazine is published by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. in conjunction with The Wetumpka Herald, The Eclectic Observer and The Tallassee Tribune. Copyright 2012 by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc., all rights reserved. Any reproduction of this publication is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher. Kenneth S. Boone - President/Publisher Kevin Taylor - Copy Editor Jay Goodwin - Operations Manager Cheryll Fochtmann - Ad Sales Cyndi Martin - Classified Sales
Shannon Elliott - General Manager Peggy Blackburn -Managing Editor Griffin Pritchard - Sports Editor David Goodwin - Political Editor Porsche Ferrell - Bookkeeper
Ashley Vice - Managing Editor Willie Moseley - News Editor Lauren Newman - Staff Writer WendyWilson - Ad Sales Danny Watkins - Ad Sales
P.O. Box 99 • 300 Green Street • Wetumpka, AL 36092 • 334-567-7811
WINGS OVER WETUMPKA
Local hobby pilots buzz across sky in RC planes
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
5
Members of Wings Over Wetumpka’s radio control airmen, above, keep eyes toward the skies of Wetumpka during an early morning flying session at the Wetumpka Softball Complex. Mike Sorrell, below, watches his aircraft sprint down the makeshift runway. PHOTO BY GRIFFIN PRITCHARD
The hum of a World War I biplane breaks the early morning silence as it soars majestically through the Elmore County sky. Suddenly, an enemy plane breaks through the cloud covering and a dogfight ensues. The two aircrafts engage in battle: Climbing and falling. The hero, the World War I fighter, barrel-rolls inches from the roof of an approaching SUV. By “The ones with the smaller Griffin wingspans are harder to control,” Pritchard said Mike Sorrell, founder of Wings Over Wetumpka. “And, I’ve found, that flying is not always the hard part. It’s sticking the landing. If you do it right, it’s a controlled crash. If you do it wrong, it’s catastrophic and pieces go flying everywhere.” Scenes like this play out every Saturday morning at the Wetumpka Softball Complex as it proved to be the perfect venue for remote controlled airplanes and helicopters and gliders to take flight. “It’s a great stress reliever,” said Sorrell. “I’ve never had a hobby like this before. I tried playing golf and fishing — I did all the traditional hobbies. But I never enjoyed any of them the way I do flying.” Sorrell originally flew with a group at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery. After the new
6
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Remote control aircraft of all shapes sizes and horsepower are typically on display during the Saturday-morning flyovers at the Wetumpka Softball Complex. PHOTO BY GRIFFIN PRITCHARD
softball complex was completed, he went solo in Wetumpka. His maverick flying soon turned tandem as he picked a wingman, Ernie Ellis. “We were friends,” said Ellis. “We both were interested in flying and Mike taught me how.”
Four lessons and zero catastrophic crashes later, Ellis and Sorrell were vicariously soaring through the Wetumpka skies. Their numbers grew and Wings over Wetumpka has expanded to an eight-man roster. “We have had as many as 12 out there flying with us,” said Sorrell. “But we have a lot of
people come over to watch. At some point, everyone has been fascinated by airplanes and flying. But most people can’t afford to buy their own airplane. This is the next best thing.” Skill-sets range from experienced pilots to beginners. “I guess Jamie Strong got
me started when I was in Prattville,” said Bob Owens, who at one point was president of Prattville’s Radio Controlled Flying Club. “We’d have retired pilots and active duty pilots. One thing I would try to do was to get more young people involved. It’s a lot easier to get them to
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
7
8 participate when their parents are involved.” The age set in Wings Over Wetumpka ranges from flyers in their 70s to 12-yearold Dawson Parker. Parker, with his parents, was manuevering a Super Cub through the skies over Wetumpka’s Softball Complex. “There are a lot of people getting into this,” said Ellis. “Young and old. They can buy the models ready to fly.” Dean Mack had registered six months as a radio controlled flyer. “I always loved flying,” said Mack. “I came out here and started with a Super Cub. When I got comfortable with it, I moved up to something a little more complicated. It’s very inexpensive to get started, about $200-300. And this group, if you crash - which we all do - you won’t hear any cussing or bad language. You’ll hear an ‘oops’ maybe a laugh and then it’s back to flying.” The model airplanes, like their real-life countenances, have to be tended. For instance a glider doesn’t need as much attention as a biplane. “But, you have to keep your eye on it at times,” joked Deb Garst. “Bob had one that got in the wind and headed toward Demopolis. We haven’t seen it since.” Garst’s husband Steve got involved in flying as a way to blow off steam. “My dad was a pilot and I was his unwilling passenger,” said Steve Garst. “I really think he took me flying with him because he didn’t want to die alone. But I got involved with this and I love it. It’s a great way to relax.” His wife Deb chimed in: “And I had just had an accident and was injured. He was my nurse, so he had a lot of steam to blow off.” “I got a radio-controlled airplan simulator on my computer about a year ago,” said Steve Garst. “I finally convinced (Deb) to let me do this. I came out here and nobody was around, just the two of us. I took off and started flying around and then I realized: I’ve got to land this thing. When it gets close to the ground, it looks like it’s going a lot faster. I never crashed it though. I gave it to Bob and he crashed it.” Strong, who has competed in precision aerobatics competitions, brings a different caliber of aircraft to the sunny Saturday morning meetings.
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Steve Garst (left) and Tom Rankin (right) have a brief conversation before letting fly their respective aircrafts. PHOTO BY GRIFFIN PRITCHARD
Flying anything from a graphite glider that’s launched with a toss similar to a paper airplane to a higher powered trickplane. “It’s hard to say which is my favorite,” said Strong. “I’ve got a small one with a 19-inch wingspan that goes 161 mph. I’ve got planes that cruise along at 18, 19 mph. And I’ve got $5,000 pattern airplanes with motors on the front that I do aerobatics with. It just depends on your mood that day. It’s like bass fishing. You don’t need the best equipment to enjoy what
you’re doing.” He showed a picture of an aircraft built by some of his friends stationed in Germany. “They spent $21,000 making this,” Strong said. “It carries eight gallons of jet fuel in it and has four $4,500 turbines in it. It’s amazing what you can get, what you can do. But, the simple stuff is just as fun.” When he’s not flying, he finds himself teaching some of the newbies. “On a day like this, a glider like that, to-
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
tally flies itself,” said Strong. “But you can sit back and relax, drink on a glass of tea and let the plane do the work. You can feel there’s some wind up there. But if you make a racetrack in the sky and keep an eye on it. You’ll be fine.” The glider he was eyeing was circling the sky about 275 feet off the ground. “They’ve got all kinds of things you can put on the planes and on the controls,” said Strong. “Some have telemetry cameras that tell you how far you are off the ground and some people are putting little GoPro cameras on them and taking aerial photos. It’s all really neat.” The group laughed and joked and spent the morning praising each fliers efforts. “My dad used to do it, but it was a lot different than what I do now,” said Tom Rankin, before launching a radio-controlled jet into blue October sky. “I get a kick out of watching what I build fly. I’ve been doing this five years maybe. Only destroyed maybe five planes.” On any given Saturday morning, the grounds nearest the dirt runway looks like the model airplane equivalent of a classic car show as each flyer has their vehicles on display. “You see the cuts in the tailfin of that biplane,” said Steve Garst, pointing to a red World War I era flyer. “Those are propellor marks from an actual dogfight. That’s how close we got while flying, well playing, one morning. I’m going to leave that, it’s a war wound.”
9
Rankin’s PC-21 flier, top and left, comes in hot on the landing, but then kisses the ground, separating the cockpit from the body of the the plane. The group, below, ranges in ages from middle-age adults to eager youngsters. PHOTOS BY GRIFFIN PRITCHARD
11
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Ava and Olivia Larkin sit on a horse for the first time during the Elmore County Cattlemen’s fall trail ride near Tallassee.
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY VICE
Fun on the range J
ust as the weather starts to cool and the leaves begin to turn vivid oranges and reds, more than 100 riders from around Alabama pour into the area for the Elmore County Cattleman’s Association Fall Trail Ride. The association hosts four trail rides each year, two in the spring and two in the fall. The rides started just over six years ago, when former extension agent Wayne Davis presided over the as-
By Ashley Vice sociation. Dan Kaylor and Dr. Robert Parker were approached about using their land for the trail rides. Kaylor and Parker are now honorary members of the Cattleman’s association and 180 riders spent a late October day enjoying their scenic views and quiet trails through treasured forest land outside Tallassee. The trees from various
types of oak and pine to black walnut and eastern red cedar are labeled and hills open up to views that stretch as far as Montgomery and Tuskegee. Turnout for October ride was the highest in the association’s history and funds raised from that ride and the three other 2012 rides will go to fund activities for the cattlemen and local youth. Last year; the association sent an FFA leader from Wetumpka to national conference with funds raised by
Trail ride draws record crowd for Cattlemen
12
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
How to make Cowboy Cobbler Load a 14-inch dutch oven with a half gallon of peaches, a box of dry yellow cake mix, a hand full (1/2 cup) of sugar and a stick of butter. Sprinkle cinnamon on top and put the dutch oven on top of hot coals. Put the lid on the dutch oven and cover it with 1214 hot coals. Let cook for 45 mins, adding hot coals as needed to replace ones that have cooled down in order to maintain a temperature of approximately 350 degrees. Chet Matthews checks on a cowboy cobbler as the Cattlemen prepare for lunch at the October trail ride.
the trail rides. Other causes supported by the association include the 4-H program and scholarships for local students. “It all goes to a good cause,” said Joe Jeffcoat, a Tallassee resident and member of the Cattlemen’s association. About halfway through the ride, participants stop to water the horses and enjoy lunch at an old cabin. The cattlemen, with the help of their wives and friends in the cattlewomen’s association, grill ribeyes, hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch and cowboy cobbler for desert. Chet Matthews and Bob Gantt, who jokingly refer to each other as the Cast Iron King and the Cobbler Cowboy, made 15 cobblers for the October ride. Matthews said the recipe seems simple, but the way it’s cooked, over hot coals in a cast iron dutch oven, makes all the difference. “This in’t your average cobbler, but the recipe would work in a regular oven as well,” Gantt said. To make it cowboy-style, Matthews said the hot coals need to go straight from the fire to the dutch oven. Keeping the ovens at 350 degrees to cook the cobbler takes about 14 coals underneath the oven and approximately 12 on top. While riders file in for lunch other members of the association find ways to stay busy. Robert Parker is a member of the association and an accomplished wood carver. The Coosada resident makes bowls, platters and other
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
13
Robert Parker works on a platter from a piece of spalted Sycamore.
dishes from local woods. At the October ride he was working on a platter from a piece of sycamore. The wood was filled with an intricate pattern of black lines, created by a fungus. The process that creates the wood design is called spalting and is a very desireable trait for wood carvers like Parker.
As he worked on the platter, riders gathered to watch and Parker explained that a medium-sized piece can take 10 to 15 hours to complete. Riders filed through for lunch for several hours and got back out on the trail to see more of the beautiful Elmore County countryside.
The rides last all day, and even longer for those who come early to camp out beforehand. The cattlemen are proud to host Elmore County’s most relaxing fundraiser and excited that its success leads to benefits for not just their organization, but the acitivities and groups they support.
Monster from the deep Giant turtle makes return appearance on Tallapoosa
D
uring a late October evening, Woody Bozeman was fishing along the Tallapoosa River just south of Wetumpka. Bozeman felt a tug on his line and then an even stronger tug. Bozeman pulled up on his rod and reel, hoping to snag what he dreamed was a trophy fish. The hook was set and the fight began. Bozeman had a doozy on the end of his line, he thought.
And it wasn’t going to get in his boat without a fight. The duel between the two lasted, what seemed to Bozeman as an eternity. Finally the Montgomery By firefighter made some headway. He was on his way to Kevin Taylor winning the battle. Until, to his surprise, he discovered it wasn’t a fat catfish thrashing at the end of his line. Instead, it was an 80-pound alligator
snapping turtle. “I didn’t know what to think when it came to the surface,” Bozeman said. While the turtle had relented and surfaced, the battle ensued. Bozeman had to get the hook out of the 80-year-old female turtle’s mouth and that wasn’t going to happen with just a simple wiggle from a pair of needle-nose pliers. Bozeman reached down into the dark waters of the Tallapoosa to bring the turtle into the boat.
16
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
17
18
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Jim Godwin of Auburn University carries an 80-pound alligator snapping turtle back to the banks of the Tallapoosa River. It was the biologist’s second encounter with the old girl, as demonstrated by the metal tag fisherman Woody Bozeman found in her shell, which Godwin planted there eight years ago. PHOTOS BY KEVIN TAYLOR
It took another few minutes to get the oversized turtle into the boat. “She kept grabbing the side of my boat with those long claws to keep from getting out of the water,” Bozeman said. Eventually, after removing the hook from the monstrous snapper’s mouth, Bozeman noticed another odd decoration to the turtle’s shell. On top of its shell, near its neck, was the head of a screw. It was a tag placed on the shell more than eight years ago by Auburn University biologist Dr. Jim Godwin. A group of biologists from the university had been out to the Tallapoosa River to conduct research on alligator snapping turtles, which are a protected species in the state. Bozeman contacted the Alabama Department of Conservation and National Resources’ nongame wildlife section for advice about the turtle. “When I told them it had a tag on it, they got hold
E
Woody Bozeman of Wetumpka stands with the 80-pound alligator snapping turtle he caught on the Tallapoosa River, using only a regular rod and reel. He later learned the female, a member of a protected species, had been caught and tagged by Auburn biologists eight years earlier near the same place.
20 of Auburn and told me to hold on to her until they got to see her,” Bozeman said. A few days later Godwin and Mark Sasser, nongame wildlife coordinator for the wildlife and freshwater fisheries division of ADCNR, visited with Bozeman to gather more information on the turtle before returning it to the Tallapoosa River. Godwin estimated the turtle to be about 80 years old and weighing 80 pounds. The length of the shell was 55 centimeters, which is 21.6 inches. The head, alone, of this massive turtle was the size of a football. The alligator snapping turtle can live up to 100 years, according to Godwin. And a turtle the size of which Bozeman landed had a bite force of more than 1,000 pounds, according to Sasser. In comparison, a typical adult alligator has the bite force of 2,500 pounds per square inch. “With over 900 nongame species, approximately 90 nongame species have received state protection and are on this list are a number of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals,” Sasser said. “Some examples include several species of bats, manatees, several
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012 Jim Godwin displays the surprisingly small hook on which Woody Bozeman caught a huge alligator snapping turtle on the Tallapoosa River not long ago. Bozeman said he inititally thought it was a giant-sized catfish, until the turtle’s shell first broke the water’s surface. PHOTO BY KEVIN TAYLOR
species of turtles including Alabama red-bellied turtles and alligator snapping turtles, gopher tortoise, Eastern indigo snake, red hills salamander, a number of darters and shiners.” As a protected species, the alligator snapping turtle is not allowed to be harvested or kept as a simple pet, Sasser said. “The turtle population was taking a hit because they were being harvested and shipped to China for consumption,” he
said. “Now that they are a protected species, they are rebounding and the population is increasing.” This particular turtle obviously doesn’t stray far from its habitat. Godwin said the turtle was found eight years ago, not more than a 100 yards away from where Bozeman hooked the turtle. After it posed for a number of photographs on Oct. 17, the turtle was released back into the Tallapoosa River.
22
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Collectors
CRUISE IN
for chrome and classics
T
o some observers, the monthly “Cruise-In” meeting of classic car lovers in the parking lot of a Tallassee shopping center is another example of “the only difference in men and boys is the price of their toys.” However, the condition of those collectible vehicles on display demonstrates the dedication of their owners to the task of restoring and maintaining iconic four-wheel veterans of the American road system. The collective effort of cruise-ins is informally organized, with such events happening at numerous locations across the country every Saturday night. The Tallassee
By Willie G. Moseley event is held on the third Saturday of each month, and is sponsored by the Tallassee Cruisers automobile club. The current president of that organization is Dale Funderburk, who described his club’s guidelines as “very loose.” “We formed about 10 years ago,” he said. “We have about 13 members, and membership is free. About the only rule is ‘Behave while you’re here.’” “When we first started, we were helping local organizations, like the Southside (Middle School) cheerleaders, but now they’re all grown up and
married!” Classic car owners don’t have to reside in Elmore County to participate, and attendees have come from other towns in Alabama and even other states. The record distance for a participant was an owner from California who was hauling an automobile across the country, and read about the Tallassee Cruise-In online. He arrived at the appropriate time, pulled into a parking space and unloaded his vehicle, displayed it for a few hours and then continued east to complete his journey. Elmore County resident Jim Copen has a two-tone 1961 Studebaker Lark station
wagon that has been extensively restored, utilizing modern day replacement parts, including the entire engine. “The only thing that’s original is the steel body, the seats, and three-fourths of the frame,” Copen said. “The engine is a brand new Crate/Chevrolet 350 (model). Restoring cars has been a hobby for me all of my life, and it took me about two years to restore this one.” Copen also owns a 1966 Ford Fairlane two-door coupe, and alternates between vehicles when he attends cruiseins.
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Jim Copen makes a minor adjustment on his 1961 Studebaker Lark station wagon, above. At top left, An immaculate 1946 Ford with a Chevrolet engine was displayed by Alexander City’s Wood Gaston. Below, Walter Davis shows off his PHOTOS BY WILLIE G. MOSELEY 1966 Ford Fairlane.
23
Walter Davis of Wetumpka said he has been attending the organization’s cruise-ins “ever since it started.” Like Copen, Davis owns a 1966 Ford Fairlane. His has a 390 engine under the hood, a four-speed transmission, and a yellow gold finish. He said the restoration made the car look “just like it came off of the showroom floor.” “My younger brother painted it; we did it all,” Davis said. “I haven’t paid a penny to anyone to do anything to it. I’d bought a ‘67 model back then that I loved. I went to (Viet) Nam, and sold it when I got back.” A 1946 Super Deluxe Ford is the pride and joy of Wood Gaston of Alexander City, but it now has a Chevrolet engine in it. He purchased the vehicle out of North Carolina. He also owns a 1965 Ford Mustang. “I’m ‘classic’ myself; I’m 74 years old,” he said with a chuckle. “I’ve owned all kinds of automobiles, including a ‘50 Mercury, a ‘40 Ford, and a ‘55 Mercury.”
24
Gaston said that maintenance of his meticulously restored cars usually “just amounts to very minor stuff. “I keep a spare belt in the trunk,” he said. “I had to replace one of the side mirrors a while back.” One modern-day category for classic automobiles is somewhat unique. “Rat rods” are basically “parts cars” — vehicles that are built with a minimal amount of parts to get them “street legal.” Such creations are rarely painted. Eddie Howard of Shorter brought his no-frills hotrod to a recent Tallassee Cruise-In. “The engine came out of a ‘78 Chevrolet truck, and the rear end came from a Chevrolet car,” he said. “The body is a ‘32 Ford cabriolet, the frame is homemade, and the front axle is from a ‘52
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Eddie Howard, above, shows off his “rat rod.” The close-up, at top left, shows Howard’s unique coolant recovery container, fashioned from an empty beverage container.
Chevy truck. It’s even got boat parts, motorcycle parts, and a helicopter part on it. It’s made from whatever you can get together to make it work. I was raised in a junkyard, so I’ve always liked old cars.” Howard said that he is currently gathering parts to make another rat rod. Huge national events with thousands of classic automobiles are held in locations such as Louisville, Biloxi, and Panama City. Many of the participants in the Tal-
lassee Cruise-In attend those events as well. Funderburk confirmed the nostalgic attraction of acquiring and restoring old automobiles. “A lot of the owners of these vehicles are retired, and they’re buying cars they had during their youth,” the club president said. “It’s a way for them to re-live a little bit of the past, and this event is just a good chance for simple fellowship.”
26
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
27
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Inspiration I
ONLINE
n the last year, one website has taken the Internet (and craft tables) by storm. Pinterest. From recipes, to home decor, to chic outfits, to do-it-yourself projects, Pinterest is popping up everywhere. Pinterest serves as a virtual bulletin board with images linked to other websites. For example, if someone
clicked an image (called a “pin”) of a shirt, they would be directed to the website that shirt may be purchased. It’s inspired many people to tap into their creative side. With the holiday season upon us, there’s no better time to try a few of these projects and use them for gatherings or give them as gifts. As a bonus — all of these are inexpensive.
Customized vase Upcycle an unused vase quick and easy with a few tricks. What you’ll need: a vase (plastic or glass), rubber bands of varying widths, a can of spray paint (you pick the color). Instructions: • Be sure vase is clean (any dust will cause the paint to clump). • Place rubber bands around the vase. Any pattern is fine. The rubber bands in the photos overlap at different angles for a spiral look. • Spray paint over the rubber bands. Two or three thin coats works best to avoid drips. • Once vase is dry, remove rubber bands. One easy way to do this is to stand over a trash can and carefully snip each band with scissors. • Once rubber bands are removed, wipe vase with damp cloth. Place a candle inside or continue to use for bouquets.
By Lauren Newman
28
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Personalized Dinnerware What you’ll need: a cheap plain piece of ceramic dinnerware (it could be a set a plates or a serving platter like what’s pictured here), a permanent marker, an oven. Anything can be drawn onto the piece; a design, a message, or the ever-popular monogram are the three most common. Instructions: • Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. • Be sure ceramic is clean. • Draw your design with a permanent marker on the ceramic. *Tip: Practice drawing your design on a scrap sheet of paper before committing to the ceramic. • Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Plate is ready for regular use once cooled. It is recommended this piece be hand-washed only.
“I love how it turned out. I love Pinterest and have done many of the projects.” • Michelle Knox, Reeltown
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
29
30
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Photo portrait
What you’ll need: a piece of stretched canvas, a printed photo, Mod Podge (a water-based sealer, glue and finish product), a sponge brush, ribbon, super glue. Instructions: • Brush Mod Podge to the back of the photo and press onto the canvas surface. Let dry. • To seal the photo, brush another coat of Mod Podge over the photo. (It will look milky-white when
applying, but it will dry clear.) • Once photo canvas is completely dry, turn canvas over. Cut desired length of ribbon to hang photo. *Tip: I cut two equal lengths of ribbon long enough to tie a bow in the middle. • Super-glue
ends of ribbon to the back of the canvas to hang. (Alternative: ends of the ribbon could be stapled to the canvas.)
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
31
Cultivating the C hristmas Spirit
For 30 farm h holida
Many varieties of Christmas tree are grown each year at Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm, and the annual pre-Christmas trip to pick out the perfect tree is a joy for area children. PHOTOS BY PEGGY BLACKBURN
O
ne local business is open for only By about four weeks each year, but Peggy the work involved in the enterprise Blackburn is ongoing. Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm, loclose Dec. 19. But owner Frank cated in Wallsboro just north of WeWadsworth said that with 10,000 trees to tumpka, opened its gates Nov. 23 and will tend, the process never ends.
“We plant new seedlings every year,” he said. “Then there’s a lot of mowing and we have to apply herbicide and fungicide, and the trees have to be pruned twice a year.” The tree farm, now in its 33rd year, is open each day of the season from 9 a.m.
30 years, Wadsworth’s m has been source of the day’s beloved symbol
to 5 p.m. Wadsworth said about 1,200 trees are sold annually. His first customer this year chose two trees the week before Thanksgiving – one
for the Capitol rotunda and the other for the Governor’s Mansion. “People from the governor’s office came out to choose,” said Wadsworth.
“They had measurements for the spaces the trees will go in and knew just what they wanted.” The 12-acre farm, one of only 14 operations in Alabama, has thousands of trees for customers to choose from. A number of varieties are farm grown – Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Arizona Cypress, Eastern Red Cedar and Virginia Pine. Pre-cut Fraser Firs and Black Hill Spruce are also available.Trees range in size from about give to 13 feet tall. In addition to choose-and-cut trees, the farm offers live trees in containers, wagon rides, a bonfire, tree stands, fresh wreaths, tree food, disposal bags, coloring books for children and hot chocolate. The operation includes tree shaking and baling. “We feel we have touched many lives and added smiles and memories to many families during their annual Christmas tradition of selecting the perfect tree at our farm,” said Wadsworth. “After being in operation this long, people who came here as children now bring their own children.” Wadsworth said the National Christmas Tree Association officially recognizes the year 1510 as the first recorded instance of a decorated real Christmas tree – marking more than 500 years of the tradition born in Riga, Latvia. He noted that there are a number of positive results in choosing a real Christmas tree. In addition to supporting agriculture and the local economy, farmgrown trees are environmentally friendly. “Our product has always been the best environmental choice,” he said. “While they’re growing, real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases and emit fresh oxygen. “They stabilize the soil, protect water supplies and support complex ecosystems. And, of course, farm-grown trees can be recycled.” Four to five years of growth are re-
34
Frank Wadsworth, above, has been cultivating some of the area’s most beautiful Christmas trees since taking over the farm from his father-in-law more than 40 years ago.
quired before trees reach an optimum size to be sold, so tree farming isn’t an operation for anyone looking for quick results. Wadsworth got into the business through his father-in-law, Ollie Estes. “He was in the timber business himself and I worked for him,” said Wadsworth. “One day he brought home 2,000 Virginia Pine seedlings and said you just plant them and they become Christmas trees.” Wadsworth explained that it was a time when many people jumped on the bandwagon of raising Christmas trees. “The mid-70s was when the Christmas tree boom hit Alabama and everybody got into the tree business,” said Wadsworth. As things turned out, he found out that growing Christmas trees involved much more than planting them. “After about three years or so, it
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
“After being in operation this long, people who came here as children now bring their own children.” • Frank Wadsworth
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
35
36
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Groups of students from across the River Region descend on Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm each holiday season to pick out the perfect tree for their classroom and watch as it’s cut, wrapped and loaded to take back to the school for them to decorate. Owner Frank Wadsworth’s first customers this season were representatives of Gov. Robert Bentley, who set them on a mission to find the perfect trees for the Capitol Rotunda and Governor’s Mansion in Montgomery. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
was all grown up around them and they didn’t look very good,” he said. “About that time I hear Auburn was having a seminar on growing Christmas trees. “I went over there and found out that I pretty much wasn’t doing anything right, but I learned about pruning, weeding and everything else I should be doing.” Wadsworth said he returned home, borrowed a bush hog and got to work. “I probably should have cut them all down and started over, but I worked to salvage them.” A couple of years later the tree farm was officially open for business. “That first year, I sold maybe 50
trees, and that was mostly to friends and through word-of-mouth.” Now, in addition to family excursions to choose a tree, school classes come to the farm on field trips as well. “The children all seems to have a good time,” Wadsworth said. “They run around and decide on a tree and just have fun.” Each year, about 2,000 new trees are planted at the Wadsworth farm. Across North America, an estimated 45 million new trees are planted each year. The tree farm is located at 3071 Dexter Road. For information or directions, visit www.wadsworthchristmastrees.com or call 334-567-6308 or 334-399-1547.
A Sweet Tradition Stubbs keeps syrup-making legacy alive
38
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
At the Stubbs family spread near Titus, hundreds gather each year for a tasty breakfast and the chance to see sugar cane processed into delicious syrup. PHOTOS BY DAVID GOODWIN
T
he sweet smells of another era permeated the air near Titus last month. There was still the ubiquitous sight of a teen posting pictures from an iPhone, or someone using a camera phone to get a shot of sweet syrup in the making. But for the most part, the Saturday before Thanksgiving at the Stubbs’ place is straight out of the early 20th century. For more than 40 years, Jimmy Stubbs, who’ll soon retire after a long career as Elmore County’s probate judge, has been inviting a few hundred of his closest friends to join him for food, fellowship, and the careful preparation of homemade cane syrup. “We started in 1969 and people have been coming ever since,” Stubbs said. “It’s kind of a
tradition and people look forward to it.” Judge Stubbs said he rendered around 145 gallons of syrup over the two-day process this year, “a good crop” that friends and family poured into scores of little quart and pint-sized bottles. “We need a cash register,” said granddaughter Amanda Collier as she juggled register books and a cash bag on the tailgate of an old Chevy pickup. “No, we can’t get modern around here,” replied Susie Pullen. “We need to get running water before we get a cash register.” Stubbs and his family put the whole process on display each year. A combination of employees and grandsons feed a trailer full of raw sugar cane into a
39
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012 press, which “grinds” out the juices. “It’s really squeezing, but we’ve always called it grinding the cane,” Stubbs said. It was only 10 years ago that Stubbs upgraded his equipment, switching from a mule-driven press to an only
Outgoing Probate Judge Jimmy Stubbs looks on as his granddaughter sells another quart of the cane syrup he’s grown and made for more than 40 years.
slightly newer diesel engine. “He wouldn’t let you upgrade most of it,” Collier said. In an old shed with a stone chimney down the hill, the sap boils down to render thick, sweet syrup perfect for pancakes or waffles.
“You need a really hot fire,” he said. “It takes an hour to get hot enough to start syruping.” The fire is wood fed, with Stubbs and his friends and neighbors splitting wood by hand and tossing log after log into the blazing inferno beneath. In a long stainless steel tray, boiling water separates off the impurities, which float to the top. A primary job in syrup making is to stand over the vats and skim off the im-
purities by hand, dumping them in a barrel to feed to the hogs. “It’s like purifying gold,” said Tom Caffee, who’s been making syrup for some 40 years, and has helped Stubbs for half that time. Stubbs said it’s a continuous process, with the juice coming in on one side of the 10foot vat, and thick, sweet syrup coming out the other side. The Rev. Gerald Wood said
40 he’s brought in the sugar cane with Stubbs since they were both young boys. With the skimmer in his hand, he said they’d known each other since they were classmates at the old Sewell Memorial School in Titus. “It works through the compartments and cooks down until it thickens and gels.” Wood, pastor at Faith Baptist in Wetumpka, said. Stubbs has been been involved in the process for most of his life, but he began making the syrup himself after his father died. “He died in June of 1968 and he’d already planted that year’s cane,” Stubbs said. “That fall I took it to someone in Weoka to make the syrup. The next year, I thought if I’m going to carry on the tradition, I’ll start making it myself.” For the past 43 years, that’s exactly what he’s done. The
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Jimmy Stubbs skims off the impurities from the rendering vat where sugar cane juice is turned into syrup. Even the “skim” can be used, either to feed to hogs, which love it, or to keep in barrels to ferment into beer. Stubbs said it’s been a while since he made any beer, but he knows people who still do.
day starts off with a breakfast of pancakes, sausage and biscuit perfect for sopping up mason jars full of syrup.
The annual event’s so popular, it’s hard to find a place to dig in if you don’t get there early. Former gubernatorial
candidate Ron Sparks was a regular attendee, but had another engagement this year. Since she bought a place on
42
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Stubbs’ friend Tom Caffee watches syrup pour out at the end of the process. He compared to process to “purifying gold,” with the impurities boiled out leaving only the sweet, thick syrup.
Lake Jordan, Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey rarely misses the event, Stubbs said. Addie, Stubbs’s wife, said their syrup cooking and breakfast is almost like a huge family reunion, except most of the guests are related by residence, not blood. Beneath a sweatshirt, she wore a “Jimmy Stubbs for Probate Judge” Tshirt that dated back to one of his first runs for the office. “We keep it about as informal as it
gets,” Addie said in the farmers’ federation article. “We just eat off the back of pickups, trailers, and even string out some 2x8 planks on barrels or anything high enough to support them for people to eat on.” The whole Stubbs spread is a stroll through American history. Old rusting tillers and mule-driven cultivators rest next to a grainery. A shed hosts a working diesel corn grinder. “Addie doesn’t like corn meal from the
store,” Jimmy said. “This is fresh, and it’s good, that’s just something else that’s hard to find these days.” Friends and family add to the blast from the past, with his brother Tom Stubbs taking children on rides in his horse drawn carriage, and a variety of antique automobiles parked for exhibit. This year’s sugar cane crop made around 145 gallons of syrup over two days. Stubbs also made syrup for small farmers from Autauga and Lowndes counties. It’s a labor-intensive process, he said, and there’s not really any money in it. “Most of my hobbies are working hobbies,” Stubbs said. “There’s no money to it.” It’s so labor-intensive, getting good help devours any possible profits, he said. The little jugs he sells his syrup weighs on the balance sheet as well, he said. “Raising sugar cane and making syrup was just a part of farm life when I was growing up on the farm,” Stubbs told the Alabama Farmers’ Federation in 2007. “We raised a lot of the things we ate back then, including cane for syrup making.” Stubbs wondered Saturday if anyone would carry on the age-old practice after men like him pass on. “Young children know nothing about farm life,” Stubbs said, noting that’s one of the reason his early winter invitations encourage folks to bring the children and grandkids. “They think food comes from the grocery store, and don’t know anyone who raises it themselves.” Growing up, Judge Stubbs said, “we didn’t buy a lot at the grocery store,” since his parents raised their own beef and hogs, grew and canned their own vegetables, collected eggs from the hens and milk from the cows. It saved them a lot on trash pickup too, Stubbs said. “We didn’t have trash because there weren’t any wrappers, and if there were any scraps, the hogs got it,” he said. “There wasn’t any waste around the farm.” The annual syrup-making day happens each November on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Stubbs’ farm is on U.S. Highway 231, just south of Titus Road.
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
43
44
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Friday night highlights Only the Edgewood Wildcats won a title, but gridiron action was hot across the county
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
45
46
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Holiday eats Breads HOMEMADE BREAD
All purpose flour 1 pkg. active dry yeast 1 Tbsp. sugar Water 1 Tbsp. salt Sift a rather large bowl almost full of flour. Make a hole in the middle. Have ready 1 pkg. active dry yeast and 1 Tbsp. sugar dissolved in 1/2 pint lukewarm water in a glass or pint jar. Stir well and let stand until it begins to rise to the top of the jar. Pour into hole in flour. Add salt, then add a quart of lukewarm water a little at a time, stirring in until dough is stiff enough to handle with hands. Put on floured board and work until dough doesn’t stick to hands. Put in a greased bowl and let rise until light and bubbly. Put dough back on board and work down, then place back into bowl and let rise until double its size. Make into buns and loaves. Let rise again until double in size. Bake in 350º oven until brown. Makes three small loaves and one pan of buns. SAUSAGE, EGG & CHEESE MUFFINS 1 lb. Jimmy Dean sausage 6 eggs, beaten 1 pt. half and half 1 c. Bisquick 8 oz. shredded sharp or extra sharp cheese 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper
Cook and drain sausage. Mix all other ingredients except cheese. Spray two 12-count muffin pans with Pam. Sprinkle sausage evenly over bottoms of muffin cups. Pour egg mixture in each cup as evenly as possible - about 3/4 full. Sprinkle shredded cheese over each. Bake in 350º preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until done.
Desserts
APPLESAUCE CAKE Cake 2 c. sifted flour (plain) 2 c. sugar 3 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. nutmeg 1 c. cooking oil 4 beaten eggs
2 1/2 cups of applesauce Pinch of salt Mix sugar and oil. Add eggs, then add flour, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Beat together well. Add applesauce and beat until it is well mixed with other ingredients. Pour into three greased and floured 8inch round cake pans. Bake at 350º for 30-35 minutes. Icing 1 stick margarine 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese 1 bx. confectioner’s sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. chopped pecans Soften margarine and cream cheese at room temperature, then cream together well. Add confectioner’s sugar and continue beating until creamy. Add vanilla and pecans and mix thoroughly.
47
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
and other treats BANANA PUDDING
PEANUT BUTTER BALL
1 c. sugar 3 heaping Tbsp. flour 2 c. milk (1 lg. can evaporated milk, plus enough regular milk to equal 2 cups) 3 eggs (separated) 1 Tbsp. vanilla 1 Tbsp. margarine Pinch of salt Sliced bananas Vanilla wafers Mix together sugar and flour. Separate egg yolks from whites; reserve whites for meringue. With a fork, beat egg yolks with milk, then combine with dry ingredients, margarine and salt in top of double boiler. Cook until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Line a baking dish with vanilla wafers, then add a layer of sliced bananas, then a layer of pudding mix. Continue layering, ending with a top layer of pudding. Beat egg whites with 4 Tbsp. sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla until stiff. Spread meringue on top of pudding. Brown in a 350Âş oven until light brown. Note: For coconut pudding, substitute shredded coconut for banana slices. CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT BARK 2-2/3 c. bittersweet chocolate bar, chopped
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temperature 1 c. powdered sugar 3/4 c. creamy peanut butter (not all-natural) 3 Tbsp. packed brown sugar 3/4 c. milk chocolate chips 3/4 c. peanut butter chips Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels and/or apple slices for dipping
into coarse pieces 3-5 drops peppermint oil 2 c. white chocolate bar, chopped into coarse pieces 1/4 c. peppermint crunch or finely chopped hard peppermint candies
Allow the candy to cool until hardened, then break or cut it into chunks. Store airtight at room temperature for up to a week; freeze for longer storage. Yield: about 2 dozen pieces.
Gently melt the dark chocolate, heating it on very low heat or over hot water until it barely melts. Stir in the peppermint oil, then spread it into an 8"x12" oval on parchment paper or foil. Allow the chocolate to set, but not harden completely. Melt the white chocolate the same way, and mix it with about half the peppermint crunch. Spread the white chocolate over the dark chocolate. Sprinkle the rest of the peppermint crunch on top, pressing it in gently.
DIVINITY 2-1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. white Karo syrup 1/2 c. water 2 eggs whites 1 Tsp. vanilla Chopped nuts, if desired Cook over low heat until mixture will form a ball in cold water. Beat egg whites until stiff. Blend egg whites, vanilla and nuts into cooked mixture. Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until blended. Spoon onto a large piece of plastic wrap; bring up all four corners and twist tightly forming into a ball shape. Freeze for 1 hour 30 minutes or until firm enough to keep its shape. Place peanut butter chips and chocolate chips in flat dish. Remove plastic wrap from ball and roll ball into morsels to completely cover, pressing morsels into the ball if necessary. Place ball on serving dish; cover and freeze for 2 hours or until almost firm. (Can be made ahead. If frozen overnight, thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.) Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels and/or apple slices for dipping or spreading.
48
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012 PEANUT BUTTER PIE
1/2 c. peanut butter (creamy or crunchy) 3 or 4 oz. cream cheese 1 c. confectioner’s sugar 8 or 12 oz. Cool Whip Graham cracker pie shell Cream peanut butter and cream cheese. Add powdered sugar and mix. Stir in whipped cream, saving enough for top of pie. Place peanut butter mixture in pie shell, then spread remaining whipped cream on top. Keep refrigerated.
Pour into three greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350º for 25-30 minutes. Icing 1 stick margarine 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese 1 bx. confectioner’s sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. chopped pecans Soften margarine and cream cheese at room temperature, then cream together well. Add confectioner’s sugar and continue beating until creamy. Add vanilla and pecans and mix thoroughly.
Entrees CAJUN CHICKEN CASSEROLE 4 boneless chicken breasts 1 c. chopped onions 1 can mild Rotel tomatoes 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can nacho cheese soup Tortilla chips RED VELVET CAKE Cake 2-1/2 c. sifted flour (plain) 1-1/2 c. sugar 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. cocoa 1 c. buttermilk 1-1/2 c. cooking oil 1 tsp. vinegar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 eggs 1 btl. (1 oz.) red food coloring Sift flour, sugar, soda, salt and cocoa together. Add buttermilk, oil, vinegar, vanilla extract, eggs and food coloring in order and mix thoroughly after each is added.
Mix all ingredients together well. Chicken can be put in food processor to shred.
Boil chicken, shred when cooked. Saute onions, then combine with tomatoes, cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup. In casserole dish, layer: crumbled chips, chicken, soup mix, cheese soup then repeat. Cover and bake at 350º for 30 minutes. CHICKEN SALAD 1 lg. can chicken, drained and shredded 1 boiled egg, chopped fine 1 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish 2 Tbsp. dill pickle relish 1/8 tsp. dry mustard 1/4-1/8 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. celery seeds 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
POTATO SOUP 5 lbs. potatoes, diced 1 onion, chopped 1 can cream of mushroom soup 2 cans cream of potato soup 2 cans cream of celery soup 3/4 stick margarine 4 cans milk Boil potatoes and onions in stockpot until done. Drain water and return to pot. Add other ingredients, salt and pepper to taste and stir until smooth. Simmer over medium low heat for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Snacks BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP 2 12.5 oz. cans chunk chicken in water, drained 2 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened 1 c. ranch dressing 1/2 c. Moore’s wing sauce 1-1/2 c. shredded cheese Heat chicken and hot sauce over medium heat, crumbling chicken as much as possible while stirring. When mixture is heated through, add cream cheese and ranch dressing. Continue cooking, stirring until well blended and warm. Add 3/4 cup of shredded cheese and mix in well. Transfer mixture to either a slow cooker or a baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese. If placed in slow cooker, cover and cook on low until bubbly. If placed in baking dish, bake at 325º until bubbly (510 minutes). Serve with Fritos, tortilla chips or crackers.
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Please support our advertisers Affordable Hearing 16 Alabama State Employees Credit Union 7 All Air 13 Ben Atkinson Motors 2 Bennett's Archery 13 Camo Country 29 Christmas on the Coosa Inside Front Cover City of Tallassee 31 Collier Ford 16 Community Hospital Inside Back Cover Community Otaryngology 39 Cousins Insurance 16 Diversified Alarm 57 Ellison Funeral Home 40 Elmore Community Hospital 35 Elmore County Economic Development Authority 63 First Baptist Church of Wetumpka Back Cover First Community Bank 20 Gassett Funeral Home 6 Gene Jones Insurance 51 GKN 13 Golden Frog Gifts 21 Hankins Insurance 13, 39 Jackson Thornton 61 Jim Bailey, Alfa Realty 26 Judge Glenn Goggans 43 K Rowe's 1 Kami Scarborough, New Stone Realty 35 Karen's Mane Tamers 51 Keyesta Sherman, State Farm Insurance 43 Lake Martin Hospice 26 Lake Pharmacy 21 Larry Ray, Cotton States Insurance 31 Louie's Chicken 17 Mellanie Bailey, Alfa Realty 26 Pershing Chiropractic 31 Primesouth Bank 1 Prissy Hen 35 PT Solutions 29 Quality Home Healthcare 7 Russell Lands 10 Russell Medical Center 25 Sievers & Co. P.C. 24 Singleton's Alignment 7 Stone & Britt 41 Superior Gas 43 Tallassee Chamber of Commerce 17 Unplugged 31 Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm 26 Wee Ones Daycare 17 Wetumpka Depot Players 29 Wetumpka Health & Rehab 43 Zap Pest Control 56
49
50
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Out and About ... Elmore County Night of Bands
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Wetumpka honors its veterans
51
52
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Wetumpka Pink Walk
Titus Bluegrass Festival Earl Reeves’ retirement
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Eclectic Cotton Festival
53
54
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Wetumpka Halloween Candy Walk
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Wetumpka homecoming parade
55
56
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
County EMA Preparedness Fair
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Eclectic observes Veterans Day
57
58
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Wetumpka High School Veterans Day observance
O
Wetumpka Depot Players’ ‘Seeing Stars in Dixie’
59
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Mark Your Calendar
Wetumpka Tree Lighting, Nativity Program and Lights in Motion When: Nov. 30, 5 p.m. Where: Gold Star Park, riverwalk and downtown Details: Photos with Santa for children, refreshments, some musical entertainment and Christmas on the Coosa shirt sales start at 5 p.m. Children’s choir performances, introduction of pageant winners, announcement of parade marshal, tree lighting and special illuminations begin at 6 p.m. Nativity play will start at approximately 6:45 p.m. and repeat at 10-15 minute intervals while spectators remain. No admission charge. Tallassee Holiday Market When: Nov. 30, 12 to 6:30 p.m.; and Dec. 1, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Veterans Park, Tallassee Details: For info, contact 334991-1001 or tallasseemarket @gmail.com.
The Christmas Faire When: Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 2, 12 to 4 p.m.; Dec. 6-8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 9, 12 to 4 p.m. Where: Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka Details: Handmade items by local crafters, including traditional and art quilts, painted glassware, jewelry, birdhouses, knitted hats, pins and gloves, cards, dolls, scrapbooks, wreaths, paintings, pottery, children's toys, carvings, Christmas ornaments and more. Occasional drop-ins by crafters and guitar/ukelele instructor. Tallassee Tree Lighting When: Nov. 30, 5:30 p.m. Where: Veterans Park, Tallassee Details: The tree lighting will include special Christmas music and the Holiday Market will be open.
Christmas Bazaar When: Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Hosted by First Baptist Church, Wetumpka. Admission $5. Tallassee Christmas Parade When: Dec. 1, 10 a.m. Where: Downtown Tallassee Details: Christmas activities of all kinds, open houses, churches tour, parade, Santa. For info, call 334-283-5151. Millbrook Christmas Parade and Arts and Crafts When: Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; parade 2 p.m. Where: Arts and crafts and concessions at Village Green Park. Parade on Main Street. Details: Free. For info, call 334322-9871 or visit www.cityofmillbrook.org.
Christmas Market When: Dec. 1, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Children's Harbor Lodge Details: A fundraiser for Children’s Harbor. Unique Christmas gifts from more than 30 vendors. Concession and bake sale For info, call 334-857-2133. 17th Annual Holiday Open House When: Dec. 1, 1 to 4 p.m. Where: Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Details: The day’s activities will include musical performances, horse-drawn carriage rides through the park, art-making activities, homemade cookies, photos with Santa and viewing of the museum’s exhibitions and holiday tree. There is no charge, but guests are encouraged to bring in canned goods for a donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. For info, call 334-2404333 or visit www.mmfa.org.
60
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
Empire Brass Presents “The Sound of Christmas” When: Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Where: Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts Details: The Empire Brass enjoys an international reputation as one of North America’s finest brass quintets. Starring Elisabeth von Trapp. Single tickets from $25-$50. To purchase, contact the theatre office at 334-2419567. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. Relay for Life Scavenger Hunt When: Dec. 1-Jan. 9 Details: $5 to register to play and receive a participation id card. Games start Dec. 1. To receive points, visit participating businesses. take a photo in front of the business and post on the Relay for Life Wetumpka, AL Facebook page or spend money in the shop. The person with the most points Jan. 9 wins half of the registration money. Gift certificates and assorted prizes will be given out during the game. Updates will be made on the Facebook page. Sponsorship opportunities are available to local businesses. For info, call 334-8501955. Children’s Christmas Holiday Art Exhibit When: Dec. 1 and 8, 2 to 4 p.m.; Dec. 5 and 7, 6 to 8 p.m. Where: Pratt Park large pavilion Details: A child’s presentation of Story Book Village – the life that Jesus Christ lived on earth. It will be an exhibit of paintings by local artists presented on large easels as the pages of an open storybook. Admission is free. Auditions for “Cookin’ with Gus” When: Dec. 2, 2 to 4 p.m.; Dec. 3, 6 to 8 p.m. Where: Prattville's Way Off Broadway Theater Details: Rehearsals will begin in January, with production dates from Feb. 21 to March 10. There are two male roles and two female roles. An Eclectic Christmas When: Dec 5-9, 6 p.m. until Where: 1733 Claude Rd., Eclectic Details: A walk-through Christmas drama. Reservations suggested. The 6 and 8 p.m. time slots on each production night are handicap accessible. Admission is free, but donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses. For info, call 334-578-3301 or visit www.fbceclectic.org.
Members of First Baptist Church of Eclectic and the wider community will produce “An Eclectic Christmas” Dec. 5-9. The event is a walk-through re-creation of Biblical Bethlehem, and draws thousands to a farm on Alabama Highway 63. PHOTO BY DAVID GOODWIN Wetumpka Library Holiday Open House and Make and Take Crafts When: Dec. 6, 4 to 6 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Public Library Details: Open house and refreshments, plus free crafts for children. Cloverdale Playhouse: “Season's Greetings” When: Dec. 6-8 and 13-15, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 9 and 16, 2 p.m. Where: Cloverdale Playhouse Details: A hilarious Christmas farce. A typical family gathering around the table, the TV and, occasionally, under the Christmas tree has Neville and Belinda wondering if order can be
restored by Boxing Day. An unexpected guest and a disastrous puppet show supply abundant laughs and ruffle a feather or two. Not recommended for young audiences. For tickets ($18), call 334-262-1530. Christmas Singing, Tree Lighting, Parade When: Dec. 7 Where: Downtown Slapout Details: Singing (local church choirs) from 6 to 9 p.m. Parade starts at 7 p.m., followed by the tree lighting (with Santa and Mrs. Claus). For info, contact the Holtville Slapout Fire & Rescue at hsfrauxiliary@gmail.com.
61
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012 Millbrook Community Players: “Twas the Night Before Christmas” When: Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. Where: Millbrook Theatre Details: Tickets $8 in advance, $10 at the door. For info, call 334-782-7317 or email info@millbrooktheatre.com. Eclectic Christmas Celebration When: Dec. 7, 4 p.m. Where: Main Street, Eclectic Details: A town hall open house begins at 4 p.m., and festivities at the Eclectic Warehouse begin at 5 p.m. Parade starts at 6 p.m., with tree lighting immediately after. The town of Eclectic presents “Characters of Christmas,” a celebration of the holidays featuring Rudolph, Frosty, Disney characters and religious themes depicting the Christmas story. On Dec. 8, a Christmas festival will be in the warehouse from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with arts and crafts and other gifts. For info, call 334-5783301. Christmas on the Coosa When: Dec. 8, all day Where: Downtown Wetumpka Details: Activities for the entire family. Children’s Character Breakfast, 7:45 to 9:30 a.m.; 12Ks of Christmas run; arts and crafts; concession vendors; car show; quilt display; art show; entertainment; puppet show; street pa-
rade, 2 p.m.; Wetumpka POPS concert, 4 p.m.; Santa ski-in and boat parade, 5 p.m.; fireworks finale. Free. For info, call 334-5671384, email wetumpkaevents@bellsouth.net, visit www.cityofwetumpka.com or find Wetumpka Christmas on the Coosa on Facebook. WHS Madrigal Dinner Theatre When: Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Musical and dramatic entertainment in the spirit of merry old England with a traditional English feast of salad, main course and dessert. Presented by Wetumpka High Performing Arts. Tickets are $15 each and must be purchaed by Dec. 7. No tickets will be sold at the door. For tickets, contact Chandy Archer at chandybarcher@yahoo.com or 334391-4787. For info, contact Jon O’Rourke at jonathon.orourke@ elmore.k12.al.us or 334567-5158. ECHS Band Christmas Concert When: Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Where: Elmore County High School Wetumpka Depot Players: “A Very Second Samuel Christmas” When: Dec. 13-15, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Depot Theatre Details: Join B Flat and the other colorful residents of Second Samuel as they prepare for
Luminaria will light the streets of downtown Wetumpka starting Dec. 14. PHOTO BY PEGGY BLACKBURN
62
Elmore County Living • Winter 2012
the town’s annual Christmas pageant. Tickets $22. For info or tickets, call 334-868-1440, email kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com or visit wetumpkadepot.com.
Details: Children ages 5-14 welcome. Activities will include fishing, archery, riflery, canoes, broom hockey, field games, pedal boats, putt putt, campfire with s’mores, holiday crafts, Christmas goodies, Christmas tree trimming, a party and more. Cost $125 per child for YMCA members and $135 per child for nonmembers. Fee includes Tshirt and two visits to camp store. Deadline to register is Dec. 19. For info, call 334-5384658, email campchandler@ymcamontgomery.org or visit www.camp chandler.org.
Wetumpka Luminaria Night When: Dec. 14, 5 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Details: Businesses and residents are encouraged to purchase luminaries to light the streets. Luminaries are $10 for a box of 10. For info, call 334-567-1384, email wetumpkaevents@bellsouth.net, visit www.cityofwetumpka.com or find Wetumpka Christmas on the Coosa on Facebook.
Wetumpka New Year’s Eve Celebration When: Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m. Where: Grounds of Old Elmore County Courthouse, downtown Details: POW/MIA recognition at 9:30 p.m.; music by Ray Goss and Friends starting at 10 p.m.; asteroid drop and New York City countdown at 11 p.m. then more music; fireworks at midnight. No admission charge. Chairs, blankets, tents, tables and decorations welcome.
Downtown Wetumpka Christmas Open House When: Dec. 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Details: The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses will host open house. Everyone is invited to attend. The chamber will offer refreshments and seasonal keyboard music. Businesses are planning other activities. Christmas on the Coosa Ball When: Dec. 15, 7 to 11 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: Dance to the music of 2nd Coming. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, set ups and ice provided. Bring other desired beverages. Semi-formal. Tickets $25 per person or $175 for a table of eight. For info, call 334-5671384, emailwetumpkaevents@ bellsouth.net, visit www.cityofwetumpka.com or find Wetumpka Christmas on the Coosa on Facebook. Holiday Fest When: Dec. 15, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Downtown Eclectic and The Warehouse Details: A market and trade day with arts, crafts and entertainment in time for holiday shopping. For info, call 334-578-3301. Christmas at the Alabama Nature Center When: Dec. 15, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Alabama Nature Center, Millbrook Details: Visit with Santa, make a
The city of Wetumpka will ring in the New Year starting at 9:30 Dec. 31 with fireworks, the annual Asteroid Drop, music and a recognition of POWs and MIAs. PHOTO BY PEGGY BLACKBURN Christmas craft and enjoy a snack around a roaring fire. Regular ANC admission charged. For info, call 334-285-4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org. Alabama Nature Center General Public Weekend When: Dec. 15, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 16, 1 to 5 p.m. Where: Alabama Nature Center, Millbrook Details: Enjoy five miles of scenic ANC trails while learning about the natural history of central Alabama. Admission charged. For info, call 334-2854550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org.
WPD Children’s Christmas Party When: Dec. 16, 3 to 5 p.m. Where: Wetumpka Civic Center Details: The annual party is sponsored by the Wetumpka Police Department for children up to 12 years old. Each youngster will receive a gift. Refreshments served. The party is hosted with community support. Donations of money and gifts can be made at police headquarters. Checks can be mailed to the department at P.O. Box 190, Wetumpka 36092. Christmas Camp When: Dec. 21, 4 p.m. to Dec. 23, 5 p.m. Where: YMCA Camp Chandler
New Year's Bash When: Dec. 31, 3 p.m. to Jan. 1, 11 a.m. Where: YMCA Camp Chandler Details: Children ages 5-14 welcome. Activities will include fishing, archery, riflery, broom hockey, field games, pedal boats, canoes, putt putt and more. Campers will bring in the new year with a party, fireworks and a ball drop. Cost $55 per child for YMCA members and $60 per child for nonmembers. Fee includes T-shirt and visit to camp store. Deadline to register is Dec. 29. For info, call 334-5384658, email campchandler@ymcamontgomery.org or visit www.camp chandler.org. Millbrook Mardi Gras Festival and Parade When: Feb. 2, 12 p.m. Where: Village Green Park and Main Street, Millbrook Details: Hosted by the Millbrook Revelers. The festival features Cajun food and traditional fare from four states, as well as a parade more than a mile long.
63
Elmore County Living โ ข Winter 2012 Enjoy live entertainment, children's activities and catching beads along the parade route. Wetumpka Mardi Gras Parade When: Feb. 9, 1 p.m. Where: Downtown Wetumpka Details: Hosted by the Order of Cimarrรณn. Vendor booths open before and during the parade. Crater Days When: Feb 21 and 23 Details: A public lecture will be held Feb. 21 and tours will be held Feb. 23. The greatest natural disaster to ever hit Alabama was caused when a large meteor hit near the area where the City of Wetumpka is now located. First discovered in the mid 1970s, a five-mile wide crater was confirmed in 1998 by Dr. David King Jr., Professor of Geology, Auburn University. Each year the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission and City of Wetumpka sponsors Crater Days. For info and specific hours, call 334567-5147. 4th Annual Getting Down with the Dawgs Drawdown When: Feb. 23, doors open 5
The Order of Cimarrรณn will host its inaugural Mardi Gras parade through the streets of Wetumpka. PHOTO BY PEGGY BLACKBURN
p.m., dinner 6 p.m., drawdown 7 p.m. Where: Bonnie Crest Country Club, Montgomery Details: A $100 ticket purchase offers a 1-in-300 chance to win $10,000. In addition, every 25th ticket drawn will win other
prizes. Each ticket holder and their guest will also get a buffet dinner and beverages. Tickets are on sale at the shelter. For info, call Charline Pope at 334-2021381, call the shelter at 334-5673377 or email hselco@bellsouth.net.
Compiled by Peggy Blackburn To submit a calendar item (March through May 2013) for the Spring 2013 edition of Elmore County Living, email information to news@thewetumpkaherald.com no later than May 1. The edition will be published in late May.
A LAST LOOK ...
Autumn leaves and afternoon sun light the memorial to those who have served the United States in the War on Terror since Sept. 11, 2001, which stands in front of the Elmore County Courthouse in Wetumpka. PHOTO BY DAVID GOODWIN