Tallassee quarterly spring issue

Tallassee , alabama Southgate to Lake Martin The Tallassee Quarterly Vol. 2. Issue 1

“The Treasure on the Tallapoosa”

sPRING eDITIoN 2015

Welcome to Tallassee, Alabama

We are a small but growing town in south central Alabama.

We are strategically located 10 minutes from I-85, 20 minutes to Auburn and the State Capitol in Montgomery. Tallassee is the industrial core of Elmore county. Our Public City School System continually out ranks all neighboring systems.

Our natural resources are bountiful with the Tallapoosa river running through the heart of Tallassee. Lake Martin is in our back yard. Hunting, fishing, and all types of outdoor activities are easily available.

Come visit!

We think you will want to stay a while.

7 th Annual Tallassee NOW! June 5th & 6th

Published by Alabama Gazette Publishing, LLC 12 East Jefferson Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334-356-6700 ~~~~ www.alabamagazette.com

“Tallassee NOW” Thurlow Dam Tour

Tallassee Chamber of Commerce

Community Hospital “Community People ...

Quality Healthcare”

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COME VISIT TALLASSEE!

Enjoy a Great Small Town with a Big Vision!

1000 Friendship Road Tallassee, Al 36078

301 Wright street Tuskegee, Al 36083

(334)283-8032

(334)725-1261

Tallassee City Council

Physical Therapy ~ Athletic Training EMG/NCV Studies ~ Work Hardening Functional Capacity Exams Impairment Ratings Orthotics ~ Aquatic Therapy Dry Needling ~ Kinesio Taping ~ Accepting Most Insurances ~ ~ Call for your assesment ~ Member FDIC

trustmark.com

~ Water aerobic classes offered ~

“Where convenience and old-fashioned service meet!”

4366 Notasulga Rd. Tallassee, AL 36078 Pharmacy 334-252-1688 Fax 334-252-1690

etpharmacy@gmail.com www.etprx.com

staying healthy grows a city and a community. Tallassee offers specialized medical care that all Tallassee area residents can appreciate and in which they can place confidence. spring Quarter

Seated (L to R): Bill Godwin, Mayor Bobby Payne, City Clerk Barbara Garnett, Mayor Pro-Temp Charles Blalock Standing (L to R): Darrell Wilson, Heather Johnson, Terrell Brown, David Stough, Robert Rygiel

Tallassee is growing... come grow with us!!

Tallassee Riverwalk NOW OPEN!

Tallassee’s plan to develop a 4/10th of a mile extension of the Riverwalk incumpassing a nature trail is now a reality.

In addition to the trail construction, a grant helped provide striping on Eubanks and Knox Street for pedestrians and bicycles. The walking trail provides safe walking opportunities for the residents and guests of Tallassee from the River through the woods to the adjoining neighborhood. From the neighborhood one can walk to the downtown area and to the high school stadium for a little exercise on the track!

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Seated left to right;

Suzanne McElroy, Executive Assistant; Richard Dorley, Chairman; Ann Christian, Secretary; Standing left to right; Ronald Cullars; Steve Beasley, Treasurer; Darryl Pendergrass; Timm Timmerman; Don Heacock,Vice Chairman

1 Twin Creek Drive, Tallassee, alabama, 36078 (334) 283-3113

THe segResT law FiRm

Welcome Janice Dillard, Manger Tallassee Quarterly Lifelong resident of Tallassee, Tallassee High School Graduate, Married 46 years to Tommy Dillard.

Two children, Trent (Tammy) Dillard of Dothan and Jennifer (Bill) Tyler of Fairhope, and four grandchildren, Tanner, Taylor, Tera Beth and Trevor Dillard.

• Theater Board • Former Kawanis • Relay for Life Board for 20 years • Elam Baptist Church member • Community Development & Retired after 20 years from Alabama Committee Power in the Tallassee office. She • American Red Cross, local loves people and her home town. chapter

The Historic Ray Carr House Home of the officers in charge of the Tallassee Armory and General Birkett Fry. Segrest Law Firm is proud to support the many activities in Tallassee. Make sure you visit us for Member FDIC TALLASSEE NOW on June 5th & 6th,trustmark.com 2015!

Look forward to seeing you there!

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**OFFiCe RelOCaTiON**

Tallassee Chamber of Commerce

17 sistrunk street Tallassee, al 36078

334-283-5151

!"#$#%"&"'''$!"#$"$()*)+ %#&&#!!'' ,-.$/012$3#$4$5,,67$89,:;<=6$$ .8.>$!1?@"&$AB"$4$5,,67$89,:9,;9( $ ( ( )'"*+,-#(( ,=,;$C'3'$(DE$8,.$4$5,,67$<;>:<;-.$$ ./-'(01#2 88<$)@@0$F02"$4$5,,67$,9>:.;<<

G"?"H%I2"$J02K12L$5,,67$89,:6<-DDD'H&1@"MIN#%O02K'PI@ MEMBER FDIC

unique rivers and watersheds,” said matt bowden, vice president of environmental affairs at alabama Power. “as we begin the 16th year of this grassroots effort, we hope to engage the next generation in stewardship of our lakes and rivers.”

more than 72,000 volunteers have collected nearly 14 million pounds of trash and debris since the program’s inception in 2000.

Renew Our Rivers began with one alabama Power employee who had a vision to improve the health and beauty of the Coosa River near Plant gadsden where he worked. Thousands of volunteers now participate in more than 30 cleanups each year, leaving a lasting impression on the state’s watersheds.

“For more than a decade, Renew Our Rivers has been committed to bringing together community volunteers and corporate partners to clean up alabama’s

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During the 15th year of Renew Our Rivers, volunteers removed more than 380,000 pounds of trash across the state. last year also marked the first year of the alabama Power Foundation’s “students to stewards” grant program.

The program awarded more than $40,000 in conservation education grants to 25 schools and nonprofit organizations. Recipients will use the money for projects ranging from creating outdoor classrooms, to field studies, to conservation-related classroom materials. alabama Power’s stewardship team provides advice and supplies to cleanup organizers and volunteers across the state. Yates and Thurlow cleanup is april 18th. Volunteers should contact the local coordinator, Joel Johnston at (334) 283-1054.

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Education seRViNg OuR CHilDReN aND OuR COmmuNiTY We would like to welcome you to the Tallassee City School System website. As you explore the many areas of our website, it will become obvious as to why our city school system is among the best in our region. We are proud to partner with and represent the Tallassee community, and we embrace the responsibility to better our community through education.

Kenneth Varner superintendent Tallassee City schools

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great time to be a Tallassee Tiger!

These are exciting times of change for the Tallassee City School System because of the many new initiatives that are being implemented. We are proud to be launching a one-to-one initiative at Tallassee High School that will provide every student with an i-Pad for learning.

We understand that all of our children are special and equally deserving of the best education we can provide them with, and that we are blessed to have a career working with students. We believe that there is no environment more important, nor funds more worthy of good stewardship, than those dedicated to the education of our children. We are appreciative of the overwhelming support we receive from parents, businesses and community members.

Explore our website to discover the many exciting learning activities that constitute the Tallassee City School experience. Please come visit us in person.

www.tcschools.com Tallassee City schools is located on the Tallapoosa River in elmore and Tallapoosa Counties.

The Central office is located at: 308 King street, Tallassee, Al 36078 334.283.6864 334.283.4338 Fax ~~~~~~~~~ Tallassee City schools winner of the 2014 Board Award of excellence.

The members of the Tallassee City board of education are (l to R): Chris Price, Sandra Patterson, Rex Ledbetter, Vice President Ruthanne McCaig, Danny Ingram, Board President Dr. Steve Burak, and Damain Carr.

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1900+ students strong.

Wrestling state Champions. spring Quarter

Education

matt Coker High school Principal ll BA T F so

Tallassee High school soCCeR

BA

A seB

ll

2015 Seniors March 26th - Senior College Day Seniors visit Central Alabama Community College April 16th - Elmore County Government Day May 19th - Senior Award Night May 22nd - Graduation

Tallassee Choral The Tallassee High school Choral Department... ...recently hosted the Capital City Classic Show Choir Competition at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center on January 30-31, 2015. The competition featured over 30 high school and middle school show choirs from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The two day event saw an attendance of over 3000 parents and students. This marked the seventh year of the event. The Tallassee High School Music Department boasts over 250 students in the program with three show choirs, the Divas, New Image, and Gold Edition(one of the few men's show choirs in the nation).

The Tallassee High School Divas competed in the Diamond Show Choir Classic in Albertville, Alabama on Saturday, February 7 where they garnered a third place in the Women's Division.

The division was won by Clover Hill, Virginia with Homewood as the runner-up.

The Divas placed over perennial frontrunners, Enterprise, Alabama and Tifton, Georgia.

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Education

southside middle school

bruce Dean southside middle school Principal

Diversity William Cowper once wrote, “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor.” Quintessentially the diversity of a place is what makes it interesting. The United States is called “The Great Melting Pot” due to our diverse citizenry.

When one thinks of small town Tallassee, cultural diversity may not be what jumps to mind; however, our small town has many groups that work, live, play, and worship together to make what we call “the Treasure on the Tallapoosa.” Tallassee City Schools is a representation of our community as a whole. We have many students, and a few teachers, that are first generation Americans. Our school system celebrates other cultures. An example can be seen in a class project done by the 7th graders at Southside Middle School. Students select a country to do a research project about. The students present the research project to the class via PowerPoint and poster. The culmination of the project is called World Day. On this day, students dress in the native garb of the country they are detailing and also prepare a dish from their respective country. During the day’s festivities, students sample cuisine from various countries. It is imperative that we teach our students such socially important topics as tolerance and cultural sensitivity. One of the building blocks of American culture is tolerance of others’ differences. We only need to look in the newspaper to examples of countries that persecute due to differences.

brock Nolin, Ph. D. southside middle school assistant Principal 334-283-2151

Like many of you I live in a world of limited resources. I have to create budgets to guide me as I spend my money. I have to plan activities so I do not over extend myself physically. But one of the most limited resources that I have is my time. It always seem like I have so many things to do and not enough time to do them all. Sometimes it is often difficult to prioritize how I choose to spend my time. As a parent we must be careful we don’t shortchange our children with our time.

Most children don’t care how rich or poor they are. They would rather have the love and attention of their parents, as these are things that money can’t buy. And a child who has a loving parent that spends time with them is wealthy no matter what their financial situation may be.

I encourage parents to turn off their cell phone and have your child do the same. Sit down and talk to your child without interruption.

Find out who their friends are and who their favorite teacher is. Find out what their interest are and create or join them in a hobby. Remember the most important thing we can spend with our children is our time.

Pictured here are students during World Day at Southside Middle School.

BRUCE DEAN

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Education what’s Happening at Tallassee elementary school

Tallassee elementary school

It’s a great day to be a part of Tallassee Elementary School. The first semester is behind us and we have much to look forward to as we finish this year strong.

The month of February brings with it two great service opportunities – Jump Rope for Heart and Pennies for Patients. Jump Rope for Heart raises much needed Jose Reyes, Jr. funds for the american Heart association and Tallassee elementary school Pennies for Patients helps the leukemia society. Both are great opportunities to teach students about service Principal to others. February also is a great time at TES as we look forward to celebrating our annual Multicultural Program. What a great time to celebrate our similarities and differences. student health is a top priority at Tes and as a result we will hold dental screenings during the month.

Our Pre-K classes will also take a visit to the Davis Theater in montgomery during February.

Spring will be in full bloom in March and we will begin the month by celebrating Dr. Seuss Week. The week will be filled with fun activities to include dressing up during our Twin Day, Crazy sock Day, and Pajama Day. All of our efforts during this week will focus on childhood reading and our love for the endeavor. March is also our month for muffins for mom and we look forward to having our moms come and spend some time with their child during the morning of the 10th and 11th. Our TAG program students will finish off the month with a trip to Desoto Caverns.

Spring Break transitions us from the month of March into April and students in grades 3 and 4 will be making final preparations for the aCT asPiRe on the 14th-16th. Second graders will enjoy a day at the ballpark as they attend a minor league baseball game with the montgomery biscuits on the 21st while our 1st graders will be visiting Camp Chandler in the Capitol City on the 10th.

The final week of April will find TES conducting Kindergarten screenings for the 2015-16 school year at local daycares throughout the Tallassee area.

The month of May opens with Farm Day at TES on the 1st as the Tallassee High School Vocational Department hosts this annual event. The first full week of May is Teacher Appreciation Week with special recognition activities planned throughout for our faculty and staff. Our 4th graders will travel to Lanark in Millbrook, the home of the Alabama Wildlife Federation and Alabama Nature Center. The Yarborough Reptile Show will be at TES on the 8th and Kindergarten graduation will be held the 11th – 14th. TES will close the month with our 1st - 4th grade Awards Days the 15th - 20th.

Opportunities abound at TES and, as we see the light at the end of the tunnel for the current year, we look forward to what will be for the upcoming 2015-16 school year.

It’s a great day to be a part of the TES team.

We would be honored to have you come be a part of us. GO TIGERS!!!!

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educational experiences At Tallassee Elementary, we offer a variety of opportunities for our parents to participate in their child’s academic endeavors. Throughout the school year, parents and students are treated to a showcase that is held by each grade level.

Within each showcase, parents are able to gain insight on what is transpiring within their child’s classroom. Each grade level’s showcase offers something new for parents to experience.

With the guidance of our physical education shanikka beacher department, students have performed a rendiassistant Principle tion to the movie Grease for 50’s night and a routine to a medley of Elvis Presley’s classic hits. In addition to student performances, parents are able to partake in academic center rotations that introduce them to concepts the students are currently learning. Also, parents are provided the opportunity to participate in instructional games with their child. At the end of the night, parents have a greater appreciation for their child’s educational process.

students received 44 iPads for classroom use in February.

Funds for the purchase of the new technology came from our Fall Fundraiser.

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Don’t you love it when someone makes life easy?

Tallassee Community library.

1411 Gilmer Ave. u Deposit cash or checks 24/7 u Most ATM deposits made by 9 pm are credited that same day u No deposit slips or envelopes needed u On-screen image confirmation for total confidence

www.facebook.com/tallasseecitylibrary Mon. & Fri. - 9am-5pm Tues, Wed, Thurs.- 9am-6pm Sat. - 9am-1pm • Sunday - Closed

4TH ANNuAl HeART WAlK

304 Barnett Blvd.

Tallassee, Al 36078

(334) 283-7000 Member FDIC

99 Freeman Avenue. - (334) 283-2732 tallasseecitylib@hmail.com

trustmark.com

February 21 beginning at the Welcome Center, A portion of proceeds go toward improvements to the Cardio room at the Recreation Center and the American Heart Association. If you miss registration, you may register the day of walk beginning at 7:30 am.

Tallassee Seniors... senior services Available through the Tallassee senior Center and the Tallassee senior services Department 334-283-2766 445 Main Street • P.O. Box 780604 • Tallassee, AL Mission Statement: It is the goal of the Senior Services Department to provide services so that older persons can live lives of dignity and independence through information on community services, cost effective preservation practices and activities that will improve health and the quality of life. To provide innovative, affordable options of care and support that will provide an City of Tallassee website array of choices about how and where to live.

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Come join us! Good food, good company, and good competition!

4 th A N N u A l

COOK-OFFHall.

ity On the Green at C

7TH Annual Tallassee NOW June 5th &6th June 5th, 2015

The Tallassee Community Development Corporation proudly sponsors this event for the benefit of the citizens

June 6th, 2015

$$CASH$$ $ $$PRIZES$

Sign Up NOW! 5TH ANNuAl CooK-oFF!

TEAM NAME:

EMAIL:

CHIEF COOK:

ADDRESS:

Tasters Choice Sample r $10 0 0

we enclose an entry fee of $100.00 or $25.00 per category, and agree to furnish the entry meat at our own expense. we agree that the host of the cook-off, The Tallassee Community Development Corporation its officers, and any agent representing the host, shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or injury to the person or property of any of the contestants, or their family members or guests. i have read and this team agrees to abide by the rules and regulations covering this cook-off and all team members informed of the official rules.

For information contact: rrgiel@neptunetg.com or dale.segrest@segrestlaw.com 334-252-0036 CHieF COOK: DaTe: mail completed forms and entry fee to: TALLASSEE NOW BBQ Cook-Off c/o Dale Segrest P. O. Box 780791 Tallassee, AL 36078 Or Deliver in person to Dale Segrest, Rob Rygiel, or the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce.

Make Checks Payable to the Tallassee Community Development Corporation.

PHONE #:

JOIN THE FUN! SET UP ANY TIME AFTER 9:00 AM ON FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH! SITES ARE ASSIGNED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS! 1.

3.

2.

4.

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JUNE 5th & 6th, 2015 Live ent m n i a t r Ente

Bar-B-Q Sale

7:00 am - 6:00 pm DoWNToWN TAllAssee 5K Run

A Day of Fun for the Entire Family!

Car Show

Photos by Leigh Ann Butler

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Miss a Single Event!

V is it t h e Trophy R oo

how Quilt S

m

Antique Guitar Display

e l t t o C y e McCran ts Council Ar

Tours

Dovard Taunton Art Show

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Museum, Downtown Shops and Thurlow Dam

Far mers Market Photos by Leigh Ann Butler

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The Arts, Entertainment and History...

"The Year of the Theater" Help re s tore this be au t if ul his tor ical performing arts the at re .

You can be come a part of this re s torat ion by se nding donaTIons to: Tallassee Mount Vernon The at re Inc. p. o. Box 781202, Tallassee, al 36078 334-283-2564 all donat ions are ta x de duct ible!

Camp 1921 Tallassee Armory Guards State Camp of the Year for 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2012 and 2013

Hosting Statewide Convention June 5th and 6th 2015 in Tallassee Sponsors of The Battles for the Armory An Annual Celebration of Southern Heritage

bringing the arts to Tallassee for more than 50 years ~ 1963-2014 become a Patron! For information call mcCraney-Cottle arts Council at (334) 201-4892 P. O. box 780551, Tallassee, al 36078 The McCraney-Cottle Arts Council is a 501c(3) organization.

Contributions are tax deductible.

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www.tallasseearmoryguards.org

Tallassee Armory The Tallassee Armory was the only Confederate armory not destroyed by Federal forces. Colonel Gorgas (CSA Flag) ordnance chief, had the carbine shop moved into Tallassee Manufacturing Company mill in spring 1864 as war threatened Richmond, Virginia armory. War ended before the plant reached its goal of 6,000 carbines per year.

In 1864 Rousseau's raid bypassed it. 1865: forces under General Wilson (USA Flag) misled by faulty map, marched 10 miles east; threat of Forrest (CSA Flag) barred their return.

Alabama Historical Association 1965

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Tallassee Falls museum, 201 barnett blvd., - Tallassee, al 36078

Tallassee History Abounds...

Tallassee Historical Society Museum Open Hours: Thurs., Fri., Sat. - 10 am-2 pm Sunday - 1-3 pm

Tallassee mills

william (bill) goss Curator

The Tallassee black indians - 1930â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

black Heritage of Tallassee

Robert Russa moton High school Football - 1962

approximately 8000 years ago, when people came into the Tallapoosa River valley, they had no written language, hence there are no libraries where one night go and read their story. After years of reading many books and listening to historical lectures, I will give you a brief description of the early native Americans who lived in the region. I am by no means an expert, nor are most people who know unwritten history from 8000 years ago. The majority of the knowledge comes from archeological studies, stories handed down by the people of long ago and writings from the past three hundred years. it is widely believed that the first native Americans came from Mongolia through Alaska, down our western coast and migrated into Central and South America, and later throughout North America. IT is known that early Vikings visited some tribes and lived among them for long periods.

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Confederate Heritage Recent studies now indicate that other Europeans came to North America several thousand years ago and possibly had an influence on the eastern native Americans. We have no definite proof. The Eastern people were taller and more olive-skinned than those of the West. This could have come from ancestry, environment or both.

The early people of this area probably migrated here in small a family groups. They were hunter-gatherers. They simply followed food sources, which were fairly abundant at that time.

The rivers and creeks were filled with fish and mussels. Small game was abundant and deer plentiful. They developed hunting methods and later spears which were used to kill animals.

Different arrow points dug from settlements show progress over the years as the people became more proficient hunters. Hunger is one of the parents of invention. The food sources were more abundant

Pioneer life along creeks and rivers, hence most settlements followed the waterways. most settlements were largely family members I am sure that other people who might aid the family in survival were invited to join. Some of the early "tribes" were the Alabamas, Uchees, Puccunnas, Abekas, Natchez, Ispoocoges, Hitchitees, and a few other smaller groups. There was only a river falls where Tallassee now stands.

These people were largely nomads, so none lived for very long in any one locations. They were the first people in the upper Tallapoosa River basin. they managed to survive for several thousand years, so the were intelligent and innovative. As I said we know very little about them. Later arrivals such as the Muskogee traded with the whites and written history was begun. Their story will be told later.

Charles Pollard

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Quality Living in Tallassee 1 Riverknole 3 Bedrooms, 2 baths, deck overlooking Lake Tallassee.

100 ft. on Lake Tallassee 1 Riverknolle - front view

1 Riverknolle - back view

1 Riverknolle - river view

Retirees subdivision on beautiful tree covered lots - minutes from lake martin.

bill Patterson

334-799-7723

Developer - 41 Years experience Tallassee family heritage since 1843!

405 Herd street Central air/heat, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. $65,000

409 Central boulevard 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, central air/heat. $68,000

Raising strong families is the future of Tallassee.

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403 Herd street central air/heat, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. $68,000

a tucked away retreat to the beautiful lakes and rivers of Tallassee.

Custom built Retirement Cottages.

Call for tours and details 334-799-7723.

Tallassee has many woodlands, farms, river and access to beautiful Lake Martin that make for a great Quality of Living!

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Tallassee and surrounding area Churches east Tallassee baptist Church 314 Central Boulevard

A CommuNITy oF FAITH baPTisT CHuRCHes bethlehem east 7561 Upper River Road Calvary baptist Church 293 N Wesson Street word of life 501 Sims Avenue Carrville baptist Church 2436 Notasulga Road

elam baptist Church 4686 Notasulga Road First baptist Church 1279 Friendship Rd Flatrock missionary baptist Church 1024 Flat Rock Road Friendship 4345 Friendship Road liberty baptist Church 574 Liberty Road mount Zion baptist Church 64 Log Circle Providence Primitive baptist Church 4850 Chana Creek Road Refuge baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road River Road 239 Lower Tuskegee Road Riverside Heights Hispanic mission 495 Little Road Rock springs 375 Rigsby Road Rock springs baptist Church 2810 Rock Springs Drive

wind Rain & Fire ministries international 1201 Gilmer Avenue

Tallassee First 1279 Friendship Road Talleweka baptist Church 1419 Gilmer Avenue westside baptist Church 1825 Gilmer Avenue CaTHOliC CHuRCHes st Vincent De Paul Parish 620 Gilmer Avenue CHRisTiaN-OTHeR CHuRCHes apostolic Church Of Jesus Christ 1072 Muskogee Trail east Tallassee Church Of Christ 501 Central Boulevard light Of Jesus Outreach ministries 140 Gin Street macedonia Christian Church 2685 Macedonia Road mount Olive Congregational Christian Church Naccc 492 Kent Road Oak Heights Church Of Christ 74 Manning Circle Tallassee Church Of Christ 209 Gilmer Avenue

ePisCOPal CHuRCHes episcopal Church Of The epiphany 2602 Gilmer Avenue meTHODisT CHuRCHes east Tallassee united methodist Church 101 Central Boulevard First united methodist Church 1 Jordan Avenue New Zion 3523 Ashurst Bar Road st. Paul Tallassee 101 Herren Hill Road wall street 71 Zion Street iNDePeNDeNT CHuRCHes abundant life Church 2634 Lower Tuskegee Road saint mark all Nations Pentecostal Foundation Church 30 Stewart Street Tallassee Church Of god 134 Adams Street Tallassee Holiness Church 194 Honeysuckle Lane

Food for Thought... THe seCReT OF OVeRCOmiNg biTTeRNess I like pecans. Pecan pie, pecan pralines, butter pecan ice cream- these Southern treats are all enhanced by the rich buttery flavor of pecans.

They're good for you, too. Pecans are excellent sources of manganese, protein, and unsaturated fats. No wonder I feel so good when I'm enjoying one of those sweet treats made with pecans!

If you've eaten many pecans, you've probably had the experience of having one or more bites of your sweet delicacy ruined by bitterness, when a fragment of the pecan's husk finds its way into your mouth. It's an unpleasant experience that leaves you wondering how such a small morsel of bitterness clinging to a pecan can spoil a whole mouthful of goodness.

Emotional bitterness in your heart and life can have the same ruinous effect, and to the same disproportionate degree. An insult remembered or an injustice unavenged can disturb your peace and sour your otherwise sweet spirit.

Jesus, our wonderful Savior and perfect pattern for living, showed us how to keep bitterness out of our hearts. Peter was writing about this when he said, "For to this (gracious

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endurance of unjust suffering) you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21). Have you been wronged and treated unfairly by a cruel enemy or abusive authority figure? Peter's point is not that you haven't been mistreated, but that you haven't suffered greater and more undeserved mistreatment than Jesus endured. The most honorable person who ever lived suffered the most dishonorable treatment. He had a right to be angry and bitter. Yet he did not retaliate or take vengeance into his own hands. "He committed no sin neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly"(1 Peter 2:22-23).

How did he do it? He kept on entrusting himself to God. He did not need to seek his own revenge, because he trusted God to be a just judge who would take care of the injustice. Jesus showed us how to obey this challenging command: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but

leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written "Vengeance is min, I will repay, says the Lord" (Romans 12:19). This freed him from the bitterness, and allowed him to pray for the forgiveness of his murderers, even as he dies for their sins and by their cruel hands.

Peter said, "That's the example you should follow to keep bitterness out of your life and heart." You've been wronged? No doubt you have, but not more than Jesus. You don't see how you can let it go? That's what an example is for-to show you how to do it.

God's grace will make something wonderful out of your life. Don't ruin it by clinging to bitterness. Trust God's grace to keep you from seeking your own revenge. Entrust yourself to him. Leave the vengeance to him. Follow Jesus' steps.

(Michael B. McElroy is the preaching minister for East Tallassee Church of Christ, in Tallassee, Alabama. He is the author of The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, available from Amazon.com)

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5th annual Tallassee JazzFest monday april 6, 2015 Tallassee High school auditorium begin - 4:00 pm and continue until 9:00pm or 10:00pm

Pictured at last year’s jazz festival: Michael Bird (Southside Middle School), Chris Kozak (University of Alabama), Mike Pendowski (Auburn University), Mike Hammonds (Tallassee High School) The JazzFest is set up to celebrate jazz music in our schools, as april has been designated “Jazz education month” in the united states. admission is a donation to our music department.

Participating bands are not charged to play.

Past Tallassee JazzFest performers include Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Troy University, Huntingdon College, and the University of Montevallo. High schools from around the state have included B.B. Comer High School, Central High School, Saraland High School, Dora High School, Auburn Jr. High School, Elmore County High School, and Minor High School.

Jazz music is perhaps America’s single greatest musical contribution to the world. This year, we are honored to have the following groups confirmed to perform on our stage …

Central High School (Phenix City) Alabama Christian Academy (Montgomery) B.B. Comer High School (Sylacauga) Alabama State University (Montgomery) The Montgomery Recreators (Montgomery) Elmore County High School (Eclectic) River City Band (Tallassee) Southside Middle School (Tallassee) Tallassee High School (Tallassee) The Don Bryant Scholarship will be given at the concert, which is a scholarship to attend the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Camp in Louisville, Kentucky. The scholarship is presented in honor of longtime Tallassee music booster president, Don bryant.

The Director of Bands for Tallassee City Schools is Robby glasscock.

The jazz bands are led by mike Hammonds. Assistant directors include michael bird and brooke barron.

Michael Bird Band Director & Webmaster | Tallassee City Schools T: 334.283.2151 | F: 334.283.3577 | michael.bird@tcschools.com www.tcschools.com/sms | www.wacqradio.com

Toll Free: 800-255-5650 Hwy. 14 1618 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee, Al 36078 18 Tallassee Quarterly

spring Quarter

Tallassee Relay Turns 20 American Cancer society’s Relay For Life of Tallasse e Friday, may 29, 2015 Je Hot o’Brien stadium 3:00 Pm - 11:00 Pm opening Ceremonies 6:00Pm survivor lap at 6:30 luminaire Ceremony at 9:00 Pm

Kick Off 5:30 pm - Thursday February 26th Cozumel mexican Restaurant we invite people out to get more information on getting involved. if you want to join our fight for the cure against cancer, then you are welcome to join us. Food provided.

Relay for life is sponsored by the american Cancer society and is a time to honor and remember those touched by cancer. it is a time to come together and support the local effort at fundraising. if you would like more information on Tallassee’s Relay for life contact: Amanda Dame, Community Manager, Relay For Life Mid-South Division | American Cancer Society, Inc. 3054 McGehee Rd | Montgomery, AL 36111 Phone: 334.612.8174 | Fax: 334.612.8181 cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345

Join Tallassee scouts Meetings: Monday ~ 7 PM Tallassee First United Methodist Church For more information: www.BeAscout.org spring Quarter

Pack 338 Boys age 7-10 or grades 1-5

Troop 59 Boys age 11-17

DIsCoVeR THe sCouTING eXPeRIeNCe

DIsCoVeR THe sCouTING eXPeRIeNCe

• Family Camping

• swimming

• Hiking

• Cinematography

• Pinewood Derby®

• outdoor Games

• Technology

• Rappelling

• outings and Field Trips

• Woodcrafts

• Archery

• mountain Biking

• sports

• Climbing

• Robotics

• First Aid

• Community service

• swimming

• environmental science

• Hiking

e-mail: Cubmasterpack338@gmail.com

e-mail: Trp59sm@gmail.com

Tallassee Quarterly 19

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE A TALLASSEE TIGER!

450 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 334-283-4726

Rick golden, executive Director email:rickgolden@elmore.rr.com Tammy merrett, Programs Coordinator www.tallasseerecreation.com

Investing in Tallassee’s Future - One Child At A Time Tallassee Mat Cats

20 Tallassee Quarterly

Giving every child a chance to succeed

spring Quarter

Tallassee Recreational Center

Tallassee Recreational multiplex

T-ball - Registration for boys and girls ages 4-6 will be held at the Recreation Department beginning March 2 - March 13, Monday - Thursday, 8 AM - 7 PM and Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM. Girls must be 4 by January 1 and boys must be 4 by May 1. Cost is $45 and tentative start date is April 11. eXeRCise Classes - 9 AM Tuesday - Thursday, low impact.

Other Exercise Mon., Tues., & Thurs. - 5 PM. OPeN DailY - Cardio room - treadmill, elliptical, Circuit training, weight room, COmmuNiTY aNNOuNCemeNTs Funtastic Fort reservations for the pavillion or gazebo are made by calling the Recreation Dept. office at 283-4726.

The fee for the pavillion is $40.00 for a 2 hour period and for the gazebo is $15.00 for a 2 hour period, fees must be paid prior to the reservation date.

GET IN THE GAME WITH A HAIRCUT FROM GAMEDAY!

mcKee and associates

Grand g Openin th 6 March M 10:00 A

Debbie stonaker Owner / Operator

angela Hill - Manager

334-991-4708 1224 gilmer avenue

located between 1220 Cafe and Hardee’s

HouRs: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9-7 Wednesday 12 - 8 Member FDIC sunday & monday - CloseD spring Quarter

WAlK-INs WelCome trustmark.com

The Tallassee Recreational Department has a plan to upgrade its facilties and lay the ground work for new growth for the City of Tallassee on Highway 229, the corridor to interstate 85.

The site is 34 acres and conducive for recreational use. The entry and exit lanes, directly acrosss from GKN Aerospace, are easily accessible.

The location would be ideal for increasing recreation membership with its visibility and sate-of-the-art facility convenient to the Tallassee industrial workforce, comprising approximately 2,000 employees.

With the new site, the recreation department would have the majority of its facilities in one location. The opportunity for Tallassee to host more tournaments increases.

The proposed complex would include a new recreation center with senior center, modern weight equipment, meeting/activity room, indoor walking track, locker rooms, 4-lane pool, outdoor 8-lane competition pool and splash pad.

The property will include a soccer field/outdoor track facility for multi-use, 4 tennis courts, 4 youth baseball fields and 4 youth softball fields.

The grounds will have an outdoor lake with green space and potentially a part to celebrate Tallassee’s rich Creek Indian heritage.

The Tallassee Parks and Recreation’s mission - “To be a community centered organization that provides recreational activities for all the citizens of Tallassee in a safe, clean and fun environment.”

Tallassee Quarterly 21

Tallassee Music Boosters Presents

18th Fabulous Follies Annual

Tallassee High School Auditorium

Friday & Saturday February 27th & 28th 7pm

$5.00 n o i s s i m d A nder FREE) (6 and u Pat Merrett has probably been responsible for helping raise more money, directly or indirectly, for the Tallassee Schools music programs, than anyone else. Considering that her youngest child graduated from high school--and band--more than twenty years ago, that’s quite an achievement. She was key to the Pat merrett Music Boosters’ being able to get in on fund raising by working Auburn University concession stands, by running several years of Holiday Open-House Tours, and by conducting its annual fruit sales.

One of her longest, and most successful, fundraising (and fun-raising) efforts has been the Fabulous Follies, which will mark its 18th annual performance this February 27-28. She had been producing and directing Follies (lip-synch, choreography, and production numbers) as fund-raisers for the Stillwaters Volunteer Fire and Rescue for several years, when she approached the Music Boosters and volunteered to do the same for the bands and choirs in the Tallassee City Schools.

Practically single-handedly, she produced, directed, choreographed, helped finance, built

22 Tallassee Quarterly

scenery , gathered props, enlisted participants, wrote scripts, rehearsed…anything and everything it took to get others to see her vision for what the program could be and ought to be…especially during those first few years. And it has paid off, in terms of now being both (1) a staple of entertainment that the community looks forward to each year, as well as (2) a successful source of revenue for the music programs.

Somehow, as several regular performers have been heard to say, “you just can’t say ‘no’ to Ms. Merrett.” How can you refuse someone who puts so much of herself into the project, starting to work as she does on next year’s show as soon as the current one is over? She has been able to “convince” teachers, preachers, mayors, school board and city council members, principals, superintendents, family members of band and choir students, and a whole host of “plain-ol’ townsfolks” to perform on stage in public, in ways they would not have dreamed of before---and probably had nightmares about afterwards.

Her performers have ranged from pre-school to 80-plus; one prominent family had three generations on stage for a couple of years---all in support of the music programs---and all because Pat arranged for it to happen. The acts may be Ray Stevens or Carol Burnett or Abbott-and-Costello

skits, music and dance from movies or Broadway or Bollywood, long-ago or current pop tunes, kiddo numbers from the Wiggles, C&W to rap to Soul Man to Gangnam Style, ballet and synchronized swimming and belly dancing with well-known local gentlemen “appropriately” dressed for the part and doing their best to find their best foot to put forward.

No matter what she cooks up each year, it’s always great, affordable, family-friendly fun. And over the years, it has brought in an estimated 30something thousand dollars to benefit the students in the high school and middle school bands and choirs!

Pat’s Follies are something the public looks forward to each year, and the productions have grown in numbers of performers, sponsors, and audience. Her husband Stan has become a master at building workable props and scenery, and she has been able to enlist help with music production, but it’s still Pat’s baby after all these years.

And the music programs and the community are lovin’ it. Don’t miss the latest hilarious version— 7PM, Friday and Saturday, February 27 and 28, in the THS auditorium. Tickets will be $5 at the door.

Thank you, Pat!!

spring Quarter

ual 7TH Ann W NO e e s s a l l a T al & v i t s e F Q BB -Off k o o C l a u 5th Ann th 6 & h t 5 June

Tallassee Community Deve lopment “Tailgating Eve nts” total sales $150,000 in 20 14 in support of Com munity Projects !

Upcoming 2015 Tailgate Partners Events

BBQ Plates ~~ $800 Tasters Choice Sampler ~~ $1000 Whole Boston Butt ~~ $3500 Ribs ~~ $2500 Brisket ~~ $6000 Camp Stew ~~ $1200 (quart) spring Quarter

• February 21st - Prom Committee • March 7th - Wall Street Community Improvement Assoc.

• April 11th - McCraney-Cottle Arts Council • May 9th - VFW • June 6th - CDC - Tallassee NOW! • July 4th - Tallassee Girls Softball • August 1st - Tuesday Night Card Players • August 15th - Talisi Historical Preservation Society & Sons of Confederate Veterans • September 5th - Reeltown Fire Department • September 19th - Tallassee Fire Department • October 3rd - His Eyes Ministry • October 15th - The Learning Tree • November 14th - Tallassee Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts • November 28th - Tallassee Athletic Club Tallassee Quarterly 23

G le n d a o et wo u ld li k o u me e t y ! y p e rs o n a ll

2014 POiNT OF ligHT awaRD ReCiPieNT! Call Now for FRee HeaRiNg TesT

334-239-0671 Offices in Opelika, montgomery, selma and Clanton 24 Tallassee Quarterly

spring Quarter