A’S ALABAMress FREE P
azette
Publications of The Alabama Gazette Publishing LLC, 12 E. Jefferson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 The Alabama Gazette ~ Wetumpka Gazette ~ Tallassee Quarterly
Complimentary Copy
Vol 1, Issue 5, - February, 2017
109 Company Street, Suite 210, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092
Hundreds gathered to Celebrate Life and support the Elmore County Pregnancy Center, Thursday evening February 16th at the Wetumpka Civic Center.
See Story and pictures on pages 8&9
Wetumpka Crater Lecture and Tours Set for March 2nd, 3rd and 4th
We have all heard that “Stars Fell on Alabama.” In fact, one very large meteor made quite a hit, 85 million years ago, near the end of the “Age of Dinosaurs”. The greatest natural disaster in Alabama history happened near the city of Wetumpka. First discovered in 1969, an astrobleme, meaning “star wound” was confirmed and registered in 1998 by Dr. David King Jr., Professor of Geology, Auburn University, as the Wetumpka Impact Crater. Because the location was covered by a shallow sea at the time of impact, scientists have declared it to be one of the “best preserved marine impact craters in the world.” Each year the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission and the City of Wetumpka sponsor several Crater events, a Thursday evening public lecture by Dr. David King Jr., Friday school tours and Saturday public tours of the Crater. Dr. King will conduct the free public lecture on the updated science of the Crater on Thursday, March 2nd at 7:00pm at the Wetumpka Administration Building, next to the Wetumpka Civic Center, Main Street. This is an excellent opportunity to hear how scientists have proven the size and scope of the impact and get an update on Dr King’s most recent research related to the crater. The Friday, March 3rd tours will be open to a GAZETTE PUBLISHING 12 East Jefferson St. Montgomery, AL 36104 Return Service Requested
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limited number of school students on a first reserved basis. Teachers can call Marilee Tankersley, (334)567-4637 for reservations and additional information. On Saturday, March 4th, the Crater Tours will be a little over one hour and a half each, starting at 9:00 am, with van transportation provided. The tour is divided into two parts, first, a video and orientation, followed by the van tour. Total cost of both parts of the tour is $20 for adults, $10 for children up to 12, accompanied by an adult. (Not recommended for very small children.) You can attend only the orientation and the charge is $5, with children up to age 12, admitted free. Lectures begin at 9:00 am, 10:15 am, 11:30 am & 1 pm. The van tours will load immediately following the orientation. Van tour space is limited and must be reserved by February 22nd. Participants need to meet at the Wetumpka Administration Building, 15 minutes prior to their tour time. There is some walking on the tours. Wear walking shoes. Reservations are only confirmed by payment of the fee. For additional information and to make reservations, contact Valencia at 567- 5147 or e-mail: vsmith@cityofwetumpka.com The Alabama
Gazette
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Home office
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owner/Publisher samuel adams
The Gazette, (now The Alabama Gazette) was created in year 2000 for the people of Central Alabama with the intent of being a thought-provoking, non-partisan publication reaching over 20,000 readers monthly. Written comments, stories, advertisements, social and church events, as well as classifieds are always welcome. The publisher is not responsible for error in text reprinted from other sources. Furthermore, this publication does not establish due diligence on authors or advertisers and cannot guarantee that their offerings or writings are correct or suitable. We assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. We reserve the right to print, edit or condense any and all contents submitted. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising and submissions at its own discretion. All articles, ads and photographs may be subject to copyright.
The Wetumpka Gazette The Wetumpka gazette 109 Company street, suite 220 Wetumpka, aL 36092
THE WETUMPKa gaZETTE, Volume One, Edition 5, February 2017, 12 pages, 2 sections ©2017 is published monthly (to become a weekly newspaper) and is dedicated to the City of Wetumpka and its citizens. This fifth issue is complimentary. The Wetumpka Gazette is published by The Alabama Gazette Publishing LLC, 12 E. Jefferson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
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Wetumpka Gazette
February, 2017
Welcome to Wetumpka A City of Natural Beauty
From the Desk of Mayor Jerry Willis
Wetumpka City Council
(left to right) greg Jones, Councilman district 5 - 334.567.4861; rebecca Thornton, Councilwoman district 3 - 334.399.3034; Kevin robbins, Councilman district 1 - 334.462.9696; Mayor Jerry Willis, Mayor of Wetumpka - 334.567.1314; steve gantt, Councilman district 4 334.467.0385; Percy gill, Councilman district 2 - 334.549.3120.
The City of Wetumpka and Wetumpka Pride invite you to join us a we plant a tree in honor of Mrs. Peggy Blackburn Dr. Julius Ethelbert Dunn, Jr., “Dr. Beau” John Raymond Moore & Mr. W. Jack “Coach” Ray
Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 1:00 p.m. • Fain Center • 120 Cotton street • Wetumpka aL Following the tree planting, free tree seedlings will be distributed. For more information, contact 334-567-5147 WaCC CHaMBEr Board MEETing daTEs *3/16/17 noon Bd Mtg @ Chamber 4/27/17 noon Bd Mtg @ Chamber
5/23/16 11:30 spring Luncheon @ Civic Center 5/25/17 noon Bd Mtg @ Chamber offices
6/22/17 noon Bd Mtg @ Chamber offices
7/27/17 noon Bd Mtg @ Chamber offices
8/10/17 11:30 summer Luncheon @ Civic Center Gerry Purcell Executive Director
Don’t Forget Our...
8/24/17 noon Bd Mtg @ Chamber offices
9/12/17 noon Business Expo @ Civic Center 9/21/17 noon Bd Mtg @ Chamber offices
10/25 -10/28/17 Haunted History Tours @ Chamber 10/26/17 noon Bd Mtg @ Chamber offices
11/14/17 11:30 Fall Quarterly Luncheon @ Civic Center *11/16/17 noon Bd Mtg @ Chamber offices
12/8/17 6 pm Chamber Holiday open House/
nativity/ Luminaria/ downtown Business open House *12/14/17 noon Bd Mtg @ Chamber offices
*Board Meetings fall on the 4th Thursday of each month, but in months of holidays or conflicts with special events, board meetings will be moved to the 3rd Thursday of the month.
February, 2017
Wetumpka Gazette
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Commission agenda Encompasses Full slate of County Business
THE COUNTY LINE News from The Elmore County Commission
Chairman Troy stubbs district 3
Kenny Holt district 1
Mack daugherty district 2
Elmore County Commission Work session 5:00pm Monday, February 13, 2017
agEnda Call to order Chairman stubbs regular Business: • Review the Minutes of the January 23, 2017 Commission Meeting/corrections • Review the Memorandum of Warrants for the period of January 19, 2017 through February 8, 2017 old Business: • Consider Horseshoe Bend Regional Library Board Appointment; due 2/13/17 • Consider Elmore Water Board Appointment; due 2/23/17 Candidates: Ronald L. Harris, Jr.
new Business: • Manning Pierce – Discussion concerning street lighting, traffic lights, widening, and ditches on Hwy 14, Oaktree Rd, George Rd and James Rd • Tom Lamberth and Steve Forehand - Lake Martin Resource Association requesting $10,000 for an Economic Impact Study of Lake Martin • Probate Judge Enslen – Resolution to support the proposed amendment to the Constitution of Alabama 1901 relating to the Elmore County Office of Probate Judge • Consider reappointment of Gwendolyn Long to the ECEDA Board to fulfil the remainder of her term set to expire January 2018 • Consider appointing Commission Chairman Troy Stubbs to the vacant Elmore County position on the Mid-South RC&D Council • Consider discontinuing the County’s current contract with Capell and Howard to provide legal counsel, effective 2/13/17 • Consider the hiring of a new Elmore County Attorney • Consider resolution to continue participation in the ACCA Liability Fund for an additional 3 year period • Consider agreement with ALDOT to microsurface Dexter and Pierce Chapel Roads • Consider agreement with ALDOT to replace 2 bridges on Ingram Rd over Middle Creek and Middle Creek Spur • Consider resolution to authorize chairman to
Bart Mercer district 4
Earl reeves district 5
execute updated MPO agreement • Consider ratifying the appointments to the Emergency Medical Service Board by the Town of Elmore, Jamie Snider and the Town of Deatsville, Sandy Bradshaw • Declare miscellaneous furniture and small office equipment (see attached list) surplus and authorize the same to be sold through Gov Deals • Declare vehicles (see attached list) surplus and authorize the same to be sold through JM Wood Auction
The Commission recognizes the importance of being proactive in communicating with the residents of Elmore County regarding the role and activities of county government. The County Line and the Elmore County website are two resources the Commission utilizes to keep citizens informed and up-to-date. The county website can be viewed at www.elmoreco.org and features an A-Z directory of services for citizens to easily determine which department to contact for assistance. The website also includes all county departments and links to other agencies as well. The website offers information on current events, environmental services, job openings, pistol permits, property taxes, road management and closures, sex offender information, subdivisions regulations, tag renewals, etc. County Commission Meeting recordings can be viewed on the website the day after a Commission Meeting takes place. The procedures to address the Commission, the meeting schedule, Work Session Agendas and Meeting Minutes are also available for review. The County Commission page lists the County Commissioners including contact information, district maps, and major subdivisions. The policies to address the Commission and to request Public Records are also listed on the Commission’s page. Citizens are encouraged to visit the County’s webpage to find out what’s going on in Elmore County Government. We also welcome you to contact the county government offices by calling (334) 567-1156 or coming by from 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
Consent docket: • Approve Travel Memo • Approve Declaration of Emergency Illness request for Lee Colley, Highway Superintendent, effective 1/10/17 • Approve Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) request for Alma Walker Sims, Probate Tag Clerk, effective 12/28/16 through 2/1/17 • Approve 40 hours sick leave donation from David Henderson to Lee Colley • Approve 40 hours sick leave donation from Jerry Mann to Lee Colley • Approve 20 hours sick leave donation from Chris Welch to Lee Colley • Approve 40 hours sick leave donation from Kevin Boone to Lee Colley • Approve 20 hours sick leave donation from Barbara Self to Cole Cousins • Approve 40 hours sick leave donation from Neil Cyriac to Kimberly Erb • Approve 20 hours sick leave donation from Grace McDuffie to Kimberly Erb
Personnel notifications: • Notification of resignation of Kimberly Trost, Program Coordinator, effective 4/14/17 • Notification of resignation of Recie Puckett, Dispatcher Supervisor, effective 2/9/17 • Notification of hire of Demetrius Hooks, Parttime Corrections Officer to Full-time, effective 1/24/17 (replace Karen Myrick) • Notification of hire of Crissie Garica, Dispatcher, effective 2/22/17 (replace R. Puckett Dispatch position)
• Notification of hire of Brian Schmidt, Part-time Project Inspector, effective 3/6/17 (vacant position) • Notification of Mitch Savage from Assistant Superintendent to Shop Manager, effective 2/6/17 (replace Jesse “McKinley” Price) reports to the Commission: • County Administrator’s Report – Grace McDuffie, County Administrator • Highway Department Report – Richie Beyer, County Engineer • Emergency Management Agency Report – Eric Jones, Director reports from the Commission
important Calendar dates
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Elmore County Commission Day at the Legislature
Thursday, February 23, 2017 Commission Work Session at 5pm with Business Meeting immediately following
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.elmoreso.com
sheriff Bill Franklin
Elmore County Sheriff's Office 8955 U.S. Highway 231 Wetumpka, Alabama 36092
Wetumpka Police department
Wetumpka Fire department
Fire Chief greg Willis
411 south Main street Wetumpka aL 36092 (334) 567-1333
334-567-5441
dial 911 for EMErgEnCiEs onLy non-EMErgEnCiEs: (334) 567-5441 secret Witness: (334) 567-5227
208 Marshall street Wetumpka, aL 334-567-5321
Chief Danny Billingsley
Chief deputy r. H. Lowery
assistant Fire Chief Tim Elliott 411 south Main street Wetumpka aL 36092 (334) 567-1333
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February, 2017
Wetumpka Gazette
Mardi Gras Trivia
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday."
ordEr oF CiMarron roLLs on FEB. 25
The Order of Cimarron rolls on Feb. 25 at 1:00 in Wetumpka’s annual Mardi Gras parade. This is the fifth year for the Order to make its appearance, rain or shine. This parade remains a family friendly event and will follow the same route as the one last year. It begins at First Baptist Church, goes over the bridge then right on Main Street, finishing at the Civic Center. Police Chief Billingsley will lead the procession followed by Grand Marshall District Attorney Randall Houston and approximately 20 groups including: Wetumpka High School Band, Holtville Cheerleaders, The Predators, Judge Bill Lewis, Wind Creek Casino, The City of Wetumpka, vintage cars and many revelers on horseback, just to name a few. According to Grif Pritchard, who is also this year’s King of the Order of Cimarron, “Gold Star Park will be filled with 54 vendors. There will be multiple Lulu & Rose vendors, sports memorabilia and everything in between, along with LIFE South who be set up for a blood drive behind The Depot in the gravel area. Following the blood drive, the Blood Mobile will join the parade. We hope our Wetumpka neighbors will donate generously. They could have chosen to set up at Walmart for the weekend but chose to set up for the drive at the Park instead.” This year’s Queen is Jessica Shaw who will be riding with King Grif Pritchard in a bright yellow Mustang convertible provided by Collier Ford. But don’t be surprised to see them strolling through the vendor area around 10:00. Look for two crazy parasols. Great photo opportunity for the kids with the King and Queen!
Authentic Mardi Gras Celebration Recipes
Mardi Gras Slaw - So Pretty!
INGREDIENTS
3 c. mini sweet pepper rings 2-3 celery ribs 1 medium onion 6-7 rainbow radishes
1/2 - 2 cups sweet bottled dressing of your choice salt & Pepper to taste
METHOD
Wash and remove seeds and white membranes. Thinly slice all veggies and toss in bowl. Add dressing to generously cover. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate 6-8 hours. Toss from time to time. Can remain on countertop for hours since it contains no mayo. Good year round.
Easy Shr imp & Crabmeat Creole
INGREDIENTS 1 pound cooked shrimp, chopped 2 tbsps. butter Buttered and toasted bread crumbs 1 pound crabmeat, chopped
Mix together 1 can condensed mushroom soup 2 tsp. catsup 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp. salt Pour over all
METHOD Layer in glass baking dish the first 4 ingredients then pour the mixed ingredients over layers. Top with more bread crumbs and bake in oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Serves 10 Lori Seale, Mobile, Alabama
Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday which begins the Lenten season. Lent starts 46 days before Easter. Since fasting is a big part of Lent, it was tradition in France to over-indulge on the Tuesday before they were to begin their fast leading to Easter Sunday. Therefore, Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, became the day they all revelled, "Laissez le bon temps rouler!" or, "Let the good times roll!" Mobile, Alabama was populated in the early 1700s by a large contingent of French settlers who brought this tradition along with them, which is why Mardi Gras started in this country here in Alabama in 1703, NOT in New Orleans! The colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold which represent justice, faith and power believed to be the qualities required of a king or queen. Since the beginning, the upper echelon of society have chosen the king, queen and their court according to family lineage and the family's continued participation in the mystic society to which they belong. A complete costume for a Mardi Gras queen can cost up to $100,000. It includes a ball gown, a long train trimmed in fur and encrusted in hand sewn jewels, a crown, scepter, and even bejeweled shoes. The king has a costume almost as ornate as his queen. The Mobile Carnival Museum houses these costumes spanning over the last 50 years. King cakes are available right here in Wetumpka! They are really called something fancy, like "brioche" but we just look for the purple, green and gold cakes with a little baby perched inside the package. The custom is to place the baby in one piece of the cake and give it to an adult who will become the king or queen of the party if they receive that particular piece of cake. Be sure to keep an eye on that piece of cake! Don't let your king or queen choke on it! Others say that whomever gets the piece with the baby has to buy the next cake. Your party, your choice. "Raising Cain" came from Mobile's Mardi Gras! After the Civil War was over and "them mean ole Yankees" still occupied Mobile, the City Clerk, Joseph Cain, decided not to let them keep the City from celebrating Mardi Gras anymore. So, he "borrowed" a coal wagon and some farm implements and swept through downtown with a few buddies who made some noise to raise the mood of his Alabama neighbors. Now, every Sunday before Fat Tuesday the Merry Widows of Joe Cain gather and weep at his grave then lead a jazz procession (New Orleans style) through the streets as they celebrate "raising Cain" again, if only in his spirit of revelry. if you should go to the Mobile Mardi gras: *Get your car off the downtown streets before 5:00 p.m. Dozens of tow trucks line up to rush in and tow your car to a lot and it will cost over $100 to get it back...the next day. *There are almost three weeks of parades ending on Feb. 28. Between five and seven parades roll per day on Saturdays and Sundays. There are 30 mystic societies who host these celebrations. *Each member who rides a float has to buy their own "throws" which cost at least $500, minimum. Always yell "Thank you" when you catch beads and they will try to throw you more beads! There are six parade routes. Make sure you know which one the parade will roll on. (Parades "roll", they don't "start"). *Take plastic bags to put your catches in. Yell "beads" really loud! *Don't try to pick up stuff that falls to the ground. People will step on your hands for a 5 cent string of beads. A wet Moon Pie is nothing to get hurt over. *Don't jump the barricades. The ticket for breaking this little law is $298. *Don't throw anything at all back at the floats. You will to to jail. *Don't think you can show any body part you can't normally show in decent society. You will go to jail.
INGREDIENTS
Seafood Gumbo
1/4 lb. butter 2 lbs. fresh raw shrimp 2 qts. water salt and pepper to taste 2 lbs. fresh okra
METHOD
5 fresh tomatoes 1 pint raw oysters 1 lb. fresh crabmeat 4 Tbsp. flour 2 lbs. fresh fish (optional)
Melt butter and add flour. Make a smooth paste (roux) and stir constantly over fire until a rich brown, being careful not to burn. Add water, tomatoes and okra (chopped). Cook slowly for one hour. Add crabmeat, oysters, shrimp (peeled and deveined) and fish (minus bones and skin). Cook 15 minutes; add seasonings. Best of all seasonings is Old Bay, or Zatarain’s Crab Boil. Soup should be thick. Add steamed rice to each serving. Serves 8. Bill Harrison, Fowl River, Alabama
Crawfish Et ouffee
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter 1 (10 oz. rotel tomatoes & green chiles, pureed with liquid 1 1/2 cup onion, chopped fine 1 cup water 1 clove minced garlic or 1/4 tsp. garlic powder METHOD
2 tsp. salt 2 tbsp. flour 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 heaping tbsps. undiluted cream of celery soup 1 lb. crawfish, peeled
Melt butter in 3 qt. dish. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic. Saute on high 6 minutes or until tender. Add flour and celery soup, stir in pureed Rotel, water, salt and pepper. Microwave on high 6 minutes. Add crawfish; cover. Microwave on high 4 minutes. Serve over steaming hot rice. 4 servings. Pam Peters, Daphne, Alabama
WETUMPKa sEnior CEnTEr
February, 2017
Wetumpka Gazette
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120 Cotton street, Wetumpka, aL 36092 • 334-567-1335
RELAX!
aCross 1. Sometimes greener on the other side 6. Moray ____
9. United ____ Emirates 13. Piled up a debt 14. Cross country foot gear 15. Tequila source
JUST FOR FUN!
16. UV light absorber 17. Fala to F. D. Roosevelt 18. Andrea Bocelli, e.g. 19. He also went by name Jack 21. One of 4 to die of natural causes while in office 23. Hostile 24. Sub station? 25. Opposite of hence 28. With minimal sound distortion 30. President submits one to Congress 35. River obstruction, pl. 37. Cyrano’s distinctive feature 39. Covered with fungus 40. Wet nurse 41. Better then good 43. Christmas Day in France 44. Short skirts 46. Small European freshwater fish 47. Hefty volume 48. Whine 50. Jerk in Yiddish 52. Ides mo. 53. “For Pete’s ____!” 55. Hawaiian dish 57. First Baby Boomer to become President 61. Andrew or Lyndon 65. Don McLean: “Drove my chevy to the ____” 66. Spermatozoa counterpart 68. Cuckoo 69. Nautical cease
70. Collagen target 71. Mulled wine 72. Refuses to 73. *____ Harvey Oswald, JFK assassin 74. Without deductions
doWn 1. Get the meaning of something 2. Level to the ground 3. At another time, to Romeo or Juliet 4. Saddam Hussein’s Islam 5. Delivered at inauguration 6. Sports award 7. Augment 8. Like a ballerina 9. Wine quality 10. Hindu princess 11. Shakespeare’s hometown river 12. Mountain in Germany 15. Nero’s court 20. Faulkner’s “As I Lay ____” 22. Priest’s robe 24. Polio, e.g. 25. Presidential father or son 26. Gavroche, e.g. 27. Muscat resident 29. He pardoned Nixon 31. Negative contraction 32. Low light 33. a.k.a. dropsy 34. ”Tippecanoe and ____ Too” 36. Convict’s weapon
38. Per person 42. Pace of music 45. Six lines in a sonnet 49. ____-tzu 51. “____ and aahing” 54. Grassy ____ of JFK assassination 56. Like most intimate circle of friends 57. Raven’s foot 58. Left to a Russian 59. Director Reitman 60. It empties when kids move out 61. Humorous anecdote 62. Kind of palm 63. Cross to bear 64. Nessie’s Loch 67. Contend
THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY www.elmorehumane.org
WE arE oPEn For adoPTions Mon-THU 10-4, Fri 10-5 and saT 9-3
Pet of the Week – PeeWee
PeeWee is a very sweet, ten-year old male Jack Russell Terrier who can sit, stand, and smile for a treat. Isn't he adorable?! He is good with other dogs, likes to chase cats and needs to be in an adult only home (no children please). He is housetrained and crate-trained. He likes to be outside as well but can be a bit of a digger at the fence so need to be careful about that. Let's find him a great forever home. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under one-year-old; cats over one-year-old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377.
E-mail: hselco@bellsouth.net • PHonE: (334) 567-3377 For more information visit our website: www.elmorehumane.org The Humane society of Elmore County • 255 Central Plank road (Hwy 9) Wetumpka, alabama 36092
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Wetumpka Gazette
February, 2017
The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery, located on the second floor of the Wetumpka City Hall administrative building is comprised of eight gallery rooms. Lectures and receptions are conducted in the Riverview Gallery, which accomodates 299 persons. The Wetumpka Civic Center is available for larger audiences. “In 2017, The Kelly will showcase artists in our exhibits, the monthly ‘lunch and learn’ programs, docent tours and special events. Provided the gallery can receive a grant from ASCA, they can broaden our outreach to more artists, students and adults throughout the state and the southeast. For example, one exhibit will celebrate the art faculty, alumni and students of Troy University. Another will bring pastel artists from all over Alabama to Wetumpka. Our fall show, ‘Originally from Alabama’ will offer a nationwide open call for new work featuring Alabama today and Alabama’s history, events, people and places. The gallery is very excited about the upcoming year and the future of the KFMG. The response from the community has been very positive,” said Kathy Willis, President of The Kelly.
2017 alabama Pastel society national Exhibition “star dust” a.P.s. knows “youʼve got That Magic dust”
The Alabama Pastel Society is honored to announce a new venue for our Prestigious National Exhibition: The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial gallery 408 s. Main st. Wetumpka, alabama (334) 391-5090 Web | thekelly.org Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thekelly55/
“The Wetumpka Impact Crater: Art and Science” This ongoing art and educational program features prominent paleo-artists and Alabama artists illustrating what Wetumpka would have looked like 85 million years ago when a devasting meteor strike changed our topography and destoyed life at that time. Tours will be conducted throughout the year, in conjunction with rotating exhibits and an online Learning Lab available on The Kelly’s website, www.thekelly.org. Crater art & science school Tours Friday, March 3rd Public Tours: saturday, March 4th annual Lecture - dr. King: March 2017
Pastel Workshop with Cameron Hampton April 24 & 27, 2017 Cameron Hampton, Psa, iaPs, sPs, aPs-ME
Cameron is a Masters Circle Member of the International Association of Pastel Societies, earning her Gold Medal in the Spring of 2007. She is also a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, the Southeastern Pastel Society and the Alabama Pastel Society. She is a painter, photographer, sculptor, animator and illustrator. Hampton attended both Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York and The Atlanta College of Art (now The Savannah College of Art and Design) in Atlanta, Georgia. Also, she has studied independently in Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands, Slovakia, and Hungary where she lived. She currently teaches at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation in Watkinsvile, Georgia. Hampton has works in corporate and private collections throughout the world. Her work is represented by Carré dʼartistes in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Visit Downtown Wetumpka
February, 2017
Wetumpka Gazette
173 Hill street • Wetumpka, aL 36092 • (334) 478-5100
By Kelly Kazek, al.com Wetumpka's quaint, retro feel has also made it the perfect backdrop for three movies: Tim Burton's "Big Fish," released in 2003 and based on a book by Birmingham native Daniel Wallace; 2002's "The Rosa Parks Story," and 1995's "The Grass Harp," based on the book by Truman Capote and starring Walter Matthau and Sissy Spacek. In 2016, Wetumpka was named a Main Street Alabama city and plans are underway to revitalize the downtown, making it more viable for new business and more accessible to visitors. The plan includes new streetscapes and green spaces, a project that will get underway late this summer, as well as preservation and renovation of historic building facades, directional signs, and markers at tourist attractions and more. Mary M. Helmer, president of the Main Street Alabama program statewide, said Wetumpka's location is an asset. "There's huge potential there, when you look at the tourism opportunities and its natural layout between the
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Support YOUR Local Retailers and Businesses... They give back to our community! Locally owned businesses are the backbone of America.
river and the crater," she said. "But its best feature is its people. Everyone is so friendly." Jenny Stubbs, the director of Main Street efforts in Wetumpka, recently opened a downtown business with her husband, a Frios Gourmet Pops shop, because she believes the area has a great future ahead. Click here for Wetumpka's Main Street page, which includes designs and plans. "I'm confident we're the only downtown in Alabama with a crater on one side and a beautiful, winding river on the other," Stubbs said. "Now that we're a designated Main Street community, we have the tools to help us capitalize on the unique physical and historical make up of our downtown." Stubbs said the proximity to the river will offer opportunities for leisure and recreation. "As a downtown, Wetumpka is beginning to understand its identity, which includes a compilation of its past, present and future," she said. "And with our popular hiking,
running and mountain biking trails, bird-watching trails, along with our scenic river for kayaking, we're beginning to see an outdoor enthusiast demographic grow, both residents and visitors, and I know this will become a beneficial part of our downtown identity, in respect to how things are transformed and laid out downtown, as well as the businesses that thrive here." Wetumpka is also the site of a rare astrobleme, or "starwound," a 5-mile-wide crater caused by a falling meteor millions of years ago. The crater is located off U.S. Highway 231. Recently, studies using deep-earth core drilling revealed its age to be between 80 and 83 million years. The Wetumpka Crater is one of the few above-ground impact sites in the U.S. and one of only about six in the world, according to the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce. According to the study, the meteor was travelling between 10 and 20 miles per second and would have produced winds in excess of 500 miles per hour.
scent Wizards
Johnny oates 109 Company street, suite 110 Wetumpka, alabama 36092
334-478-4970
riverperkcoffee@gmail.com
NOW OPEN
Expanded Gift Shop Area Ready For You To Shop!
• awards • Engraving • Eagles/Clocks • accessories • Jewelry •alabama/auburn Licensed gear • alabama Clay • new Line of Children’s Clothes • specialty T-shirts
A New Look For The DELI!
Espresso / old Fashioned Malts / Milkshakes / Coffee / and More
108 Company street Wetumpka, aL 36092 334-233-1554 Tim Hinkle - owner
Lotions, soaps, Candles and gifts
Scentwizards.com
Wizards of Massage swedish, deep Tissue and sport Massage
Mike dodd, LMT 334-422-9967
Teresa Hurley, LMT 334-452-3377
108 Company street Wetumpka, aL 36092 www.wizardsofmassage.com
I M M AC EA N A C UC LLE AN
Call: 334-233-1554
Professional Cleaning Service Residential or Business
Whole Life - Cancer - accident - Critical illness Mortgage Protection Children’s Education & More
agency director: gary dobbs Cell: 334-546-2040
Email: dobbs@elmore.rr.com
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Wetumpka Gazette
It is always personal stories that grip us and invite us into the lives of others. As the Elmore County Pregnancy Center gathered for its Abundant Life Celebration on Thursday, February 16, it was those stories that stirred peoples hearts to continue to get behind this amazing resource right here in Wetumpka. Participants rotated amongst tables as staff, volunteers, and board members gave personal accounts of how this ministry is leading women and men in our community to experience the abundant life that Jesus offers.
One poignant story from a former young mother who was a client of the Center told how she met Jesus through her experience. She related how she and her fiancee had come for help when they found out they were to become parents. They were overwhelmed with their circumstance and not even sure if they wanted to marry. “At that time, we weren’t even getting along. We couldn’t even see ourselves married to each other. We kept coming back to the Center and the staff kept praying over us.” Through prayer they found they were loved by God Himself through Jesus and came to understand that they would indeed follow God’s plan for marriage.
February, 2017
Center helped them to apply for food stamps, Medicaid, and helped them with clothing and equipment for their baby. “Of course, she said, after we married, my husband got a good job and we were able to come off of the social programs available to us. I even get to stay home with my little girl! Having help from the Center was exactly what we needed to get started on the right foot. And, our baby girl is perfectly healthy. I was given great prenatal care here. Our baby has never been to the doctor for illness and I don’t believe that is a coincidence.”
Center Director Emily Thames says, “We want to go beyond helping expecting parents make a choice for life. We want to love them and offer them the full life that Jesus offers. It The center offers is an abundant life.” expecting parents the Earn-While-You-Learn program, which focuses on skills new parents need to raise their child in healthy ways. Participants accumulate mommy (or daddy!) dollars which they then can spend in the centers parent resources center with baby clothes and other essential items. Recently the center partnered with Life on Wheels to offer ultrasounds to women every Thursday from 9 am-12 noon. The celebration event was an The young lady went on to describe how the effort to fund a significant portion of the
Wes Gunn is Pastor at Redland Hills Church (redlandhills.org) and President of the Board of the Elmore County Pregnancy Center.
center’s budget by raising $25,000. Perhaps the stories of our clients experiencing abundant life struck a chord in hearts. We exceeded our goal thanks to the generosity of the community, churches, and local businesses. You can find out more information about the center at hopewetumpka.org.
A group of teens from Wetumpka High School volunteered to serve food at the event. Great group of teens! THANKS!
Current Board of directors for the Elmore County Pregnancy Center
Wes gunn, President, Pastor, redland Hills Church Trip Healey, Pastor, The Bridge Church Wanda McCullers, Treasurer nichole Bean Mary Claire Haenlein april Brown
Elmore County Pregnancy Center ~ a trusted and safe place to turn to for help ~ ~ FREE pregnancy test ~ 104 Company St., Wetumpka, AL 36092 334- 567-1955 www.hopewetumpka.org
a community that cares about mothers, children and families. Prayer Request: We have a few moms who are getting close to delivery time. Will you all please pray for healthy deliveries and quick bonding? And will you pray for the moms who have come to us once or twice, then stopped? We think about these moms and families so much and want His healing love to guard their hearts. Please rally with us in these prayers. #ecpcLovesFamilies
February, 2017
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Wetumpka Gazette
Executive Director Emily Thames and April Brown, Board Member. Emily and April co-chaired the planning committee for the event.
ck nson of santu astor Br Joh P to e u q la s. p a t over the year n, presenting nerous suppor ent, Wes gun d ge si r re ei P th r rd fo oa B em h to thank th Baptist Churc
erously rs who gen e. o d n e v d o all the fo everyon Thanks to d specialty foods for e prepar
Frankie’s was one of the amazing food vendors for the event. Thanks to Keith Holley and his staff.
ired ere insp w ts n a ticip The par e individual table th y f the b tatives o r. n e s e r p e r cy Cente Pregnan of food was ty . The varie d enjoyed by all n a s deliciou
if you would like to support The Pregnancy Center with a one time gift or a monthly pledge, please visit hopewetumpka.org/donate. donations can be made via PayPal or you may set-up automatic monthly payments. you may also fill out the form below and mail your contributions to: name ____________________________________________________________ address __________________________________________________________
Mail to: Elmore County Pregnancy Center 104 Company St., Wetumpka, AL 36092
City _______________________________________st.________Zip_________ Email: ______________________________________________
Phone: office____________________Cell_______________
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February, 2017
Wetumpka Gazette
et us help you with any and all of your breast cancer merchandise. We are able to assist with insurance eligibility and filing for all supplies as well. Come see us today and let us help you!
100 Court Street • Wetumpka, AL 36092
(334) 478-5090
The Value of a Woman…Be very careful if you make a woman cry because God counts her tears.
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, and home and family. More than two dozen classic hits—including “i Walk The Line,” “a Boy named sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and the title tune— performed by a multi-talented cast, paint a musical portrait of The Man in Black that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a uniquely american legend!
still showing February 23, 24, 25 at 7:30pm
Box office - 334.868.1440
25 years of serving you! 212 s. Main st. • Wetumpka, al 36092 • (334) 567-1308 Hours: Mon-Fri - 8am to 6pm. • saturdays - 9am to 5pm. Closed sundays
915 US Highway 231 N. Wetumpka, Alabama 334-567-5956 Friends of the Wetumpka Library presents debra goldstein, author of
“i should Have Played Poker” saturday March 11th 9:30 a.m. at the Wetumpka Library
Debra Goldstein says, "I have a special regard for the Wetumpka Library after having been part of Murder on the Menu in the past and having stolen your town of Wetumpka as the basis for the one I used in my 2016 book, “I Should Have Played Poker.” Debra will also make a special Sisters-in-Crime “We Love Libraries” presentation to the Wetumpka Public Library. Don’t miss this fun, free event!
Call us for YOUR special parties!
Superb Service - Friendly Atmosphere! “We always to strive to give you the best Mexican food anywhere! Come visit us and bring your friends and family!
aPPETiZErs - sidE ordErs - ExTras CoMBinaTions - CHiCKEn - saLads BEVEragEs
Hours: Mon. - Thurs 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Fri. _ Sat. 11:00 am - 10:30 pm Sunday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Also visit us at our other locations! We have been serving great food to the Tri-County area for over 25 years. years
San Marcos 61 N. Burbank Montgomery, Al 36117 334-279-6680
San Marcos 3599 Highway 14 Millbrook, Al 36058 334-285-7022
February, 2017
Wetumpka Gazette
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How To Make The Tax Code Work For you
Know the Terms… But Seek A Professional’s Advice
By April 15, 2016, more than 125 million taxpayers dutifully filed their federal income tax returns.1 And all of them made decisions about deductions and credits -- whether they knew it or not. When you take the time to learn more about how the tax code works, you may be able to put it to work for you. A good place to start is with two important tax concepts: credits and deductions. As tax credits are usually subtracted dollar for dollar from the actual tax liability, they potentially have greater leverage in reducing your tax burden than deductions. Tax credits typically have phaseout limits, so consider consulting a legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Here are a few tax credits that you may be eligible for: The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for families with dependent children under age 17. The maximum credit is $1,000 per qualifying child.3 The American Opportunity Credit provides a tax credit of up to $2,500 per eligible student for tuition costs for four years of post-high-school education.4 Those who have to pay someone to care for a child (under 13) or other dependent may be able to claim a tax credit for those qualifying expenses. The Child and Dependent Care Credit provides up to $3,000 for one qualifying individual, or up to $6,000 for two or more qualifying individuals.5 Deductions The mortgage interest deduction is not the biggest deduction in terms of its cost to federal cof-
area Club Meetings
• The Wetumpka City Council meets at 6:00 PM for a work session, meeting immediately following the work session on the first and third Monday of each month at City Hall, 212 S. Main Street. • The Elmore County Commission meets at 5 PM for a work session, meeting immediately following the work session, on the second Tuesday and fourth Monday of each month at the Elmore County Courthouse in downtown Wetumpka.
• Impact Crater Commission meets at 6 PM on the First Tuesday of each month at the Jeanette Barrett Room.
• The Redland Community Association meets at 9 AM on the second Saturday of each month except December at Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church. For more information call Sue McGinty at 514-9287 or Margaret Anne Kelley at 567-9367.
• West Wetumpka Neighborhood Association meets at 7 PM on the second Tuesday of each month at the Jeanette Barrett Room, For info, call 567-5082.
• Gamblers Anonymous meet every Saturday at 7 PM in Trinity Episcopal Church, across from Winn Dixie in Wetumpka. For more information, cal 541-5420.
• Woodmen of the World Lodge 25 meet the third
fers. At $77 billion in 2016 it stands behind the exclusion for work-based health insurance, the reduced tax rate on capital gains and dividends, and deductions for retirement plan contributions and earnings. Deductions are subtracted from your income before your taxes are calculated, and thus may reduce the amount of money on which you are taxed and, by extension, your eventual tax liability. Like tax credits, deductions typically have phase-out limits, so consider consulting a legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Here are a few examples of deductions. Under certain limitations, contributions made to qualifying charitable organizations are deductible. In addition to cash contributions, you potentially can deduct the fair market value of any property you donate. And you may be able to write off out-of-pocket costs incurred while doing work for a charity.6 If certain qualifications are met, you may be able to deduct the mortgage interest you pay on a loan secured for your primary residence. This deduction can include interest on a mortgage, a second mortgage, a home equity line of credit, or a home equity loan.7 Amounts set aside for retirement through a qualified retirement plan, such as an Individual Retirement Account, may be deducted. The contribution limit is $5,500 for 2017 (unchanged from 2016), and if you are age 50 or older, the limit is $6,500.8 Thursday of each month at 1 PM at the Woodman Lodge 2349 WL Dickinson Dr. (Wetumpka Lodge) Montgomery. For more information call 270-9550.
• American Legion Wetumpka Post # 7 meets the third Monday of each month, 7 pm. For more information call Commander Roger Rowe at 334-514-4376 or commander@allegionpost7.org.
• Busy Bee Quilters meets second Friday, 9:30 am, City of Wetumpka Administrative building. For more info call 334-451-2493.
• Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association meets third Tuesday of each month, 10 am. usually at the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service facility.
• Crenshaw Community Park Civitan Club meets first and third Saturday of each month, 3 pm, Crenshaw Community Park. • Cub Scout Pack 50 meets first - fourth Tuesdays of each month, 7 pm - 8 pm, First Baptist Church. For info call 334-221-4597 or 334-612-9820. • Elmore County Art Guild meets on the second Monday of each month except June, July and August, 11:00 AM at the Wetumpka Chamber office, 110 East Bridge Street, Wetumpka.
• Elmore County Historical Society meets on the second Sunday except June, July and August, 2:30 PM at the Elmore County Museum.
• Exchange Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, 6 PM. • Korean War Veterans Charter 263 meets every third Saturday from 10 to 11 AM, at the VFW in Wetumpka.
You may be able to deduct the amount of your medical and dental expenses that exceeds 10% of your adjusted gross income.(Exception: If either you or your spouse will be age 65 or older as of December 31, 2013, the 10% of-AGI threshold will not take effect until 2017. Until that year, a 7.5 percent-of-AGI threshold applies to you.) 9 Understanding credits and deductions is a critical building block to making the tax code work for you. But remember, the information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice. And it may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Article provided by Jackson Thornton, • Kiwanis Club of Wetumpka meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 8:00 AM.
• National Active/Retired Federal Employees Association Chapter 1985, meets the third Friday of each month at the Front Porch Grill in Millbrook On Hwy 9, (Behind Rite Aid) at 8:30 AM for Breakfast/Coffee. For Info call (334) 799-2261 Tom Karrh, President.
• Retired Senior Volunteer Program meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 2 PM at First United Methodist Church of Wetumpka.
• Rolling Across Alabama meets on the second Saturday of each month, 2-4 PM at Legacy Park in Millbrook. This is a non-profit organization promoting the independence of the physically challenged. For info, call 285-8955.
• VFW Ladies Auxiliary meets the second Tuesday of each month, 6 PM, at the VFW Post.
• VFW Post 4572 meets the second Tuesday of each month, 7 PM at the VFW Post. • Wetumpka Band Boosters meet the second Tuesday of each month, 7 PM at the WHS Band Room.
• Wetumpka Quarterback Club meets the second Monday of each month, 6:30 PM.
• Wetumpka Lions Club meets each Monday, at 12 noon at Shoney's.
• Wetumpka Rotary Club meets each Tuesday at 12 noon at Wind Creek Buffet.
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Wetumpka Gazette
If you have a business...don’t miss advertising in the next issue! Wetumpka gazette 109 Company street Wetumpka, aL 36092 wetumpkagazette@gmail.com
Published by: alabama gazette Publishing 12 E. Jefferson street Montgomery, aL 36104 alabamagazette@gmail.com
Call Nancy Smith 334-207-2864
for all your Elmore County advertising needs. Home Office: 334-356-6700
We are the “People’s Paper”. Please feel free to send us social, military, educational, religious, and fraternal information. We are here to help grow Wetumpka!
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