Elmore County Living January 2018

January 2018

County Living

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ECL is the River Region’s preium coffee table magazine with more in-depth features and more faces from around the area.

Do you want to market your business?

We offer the most competitive rates, along with our award-winning design team, who is committed to producing effective advertising that works for you.

Elmore County Living

To advertise contact our marketing consultants Marilyn Hawkins 334-202-5108 or Kat Raiford 334-444-8981 2

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From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

Personally, I am not one for New Year’s resolutions. When I was younger, I used to get all pumped to start anew and immediately began brainstorming after Thanksgiving all the things I would change about my lifestyle when that clock struck midnight Dec. 31.

Without fail, by the time Jan. 15 or so rolled out (and that’s being quite liberal), my dream to start a novel or take up that kickboxing class all came to a halt as quickly as they had entered my mind. My enthusiasm had waned.

Now I try to make small changes throughout the year. I don’t need a specific date on the calendar to inspire me to take hold of my life, but the timing certainly helps.

There are a lot of small, easy-to-manage tasks to tackle throughout the new year if you’re looking to make a change.

If your goal is to expand your reach in the community, you won’t want to miss Millbook’s Mardi Gras Parade and Festival Feb 3. This group of energetic folks has enthusiasm that seems to never wane about their favorite time of year: Mardi Gras. The Millbrook Krewe of Revelers organizes the annual event to provide fun family entertainment. On page 25, you can see the enthusiasm shine in the details of the day.

You may need some inspiration to confront those resolutions. Read Jeff Langham’s column on page 30 for a list of motivational movies about starting over that will give you confidence to pursue your path.

Kathy Monroe reminds us on page 34 to watch the easy-to-gain winter weight based on colder weather, earlier sunset times and family gatherings. Scale Back Alabama encourages Alabamians to get healthy and begins this month.

Giving back to your community is a fulfilling way to spend any extra time you may have and nonprofits are always looking for helping hands.

Read page 20 to learn about the different organizations that support the needy and ways you can aid their efforts.

Maybe you’ve just made a resolution to try new things. If so, you should definitely check out Eclectic’s latest hangout spot. Cornerstone coffee company opened a few months ago with its industrial, chic décor and wide variety of coffee options. The atmosphere welcomes you to spend time alone in a cozy corner or gather for conversation with friends. Check out page 8 for more details.

The Elmore County Art Guild Winter Show is open to artists of all skill levels. Make this the year you share your passion for art and transform a hobby into a bigger goal. Read about it and how to enter on page 14.

Whatever you choose to do in the year 2018, I hope you pursue it with full enthusiasm and never lose the energy to achieve your goals. Please be sure to share with me some of the fascinating things you choose to experience this year.

I know I won’t want to miss them.

kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

President & Publisher Steve Baker

steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com

Managing Editor Betsy Iler

betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com

Editor

Amy Passaretti

amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Distribution Manager David Kendrick

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultant Marilyn Hawkins

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

Marketing Consultant Kat Raiford

kat.raiford@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Jeff Langham Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor Corey Arwood David Granger

Suellen Young Sharon Kilpatrick Shannon McDuffie MK Moore Barry Chrietzberg

To subscribe to Elmore County Living, $25 a year for 12 issues, please call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 For Advertising Inquiries 334-567-7811 For Editorial Inquiries 256-234-4281 All content, including all stories and photos, are copyright of

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 99 300 Green Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-7811

Amy Passaretti, Editor

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Chairman

Kenneth Boone

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CONTENTS

Before the Wind

by Wayne Atchison

ON THE COVER Millbrook Mardi Gras queen and king, Kim Bell and Chris Paul, are part of the Millbrook Krewe of Revelers, which organizes the annual Mardi Gras celebration. Photo by Barry Chrietzberg

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12 Columns

In Every Issue 6

Extra! Extra!

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Back in the Day

8

Business Spotlight

30

Movie Man

35

Out & About

32

The Gamer

40

Coming Up

34

Community Care

44

Where to Find Us

46

Southern Delights

News Briefs

cornerstone coffee company In Elmore County Fun for Everyone Distribution List

Jack Swilling's Tale

Plots to Help Start Over Games Coming in 2018 Scale Back for Health

Features 12

Plan a Dream Wedding

14

Art Exposure

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Calling all Volunteers

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Revel in the Good Times

Second Annual Bridal Extravaganza ECAG's 34th Winter Art Show Giving Back in Elmore County Millbrook Mardi Gras Festival

Plasticware Etiquette

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New Class for Competition Tallassee school systems were recently reclassified by the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

Beginning this year, Tallassee Tigers will compete in Class 5A. Football will now join Region 2 with Beauregard, Carroll, Henderson, Greenville Rehobeth and Valley.

Baseball, softball and boys and girls baketball will be competing in Area 4, along with Tallassee soccer.

Giant Greenery

Wetumpka native John Griffith, 81, cultivates unsually large plant life in his quarter-of-an-acre yard. Weighing in at 22 pounds, Griffith estimates his collard greens should make nearly 22 bags.

He prides his accomplishment on a tried and true method of special soil imported from Georgia and Triple-13

fertilizer. He also grows others things alongside the plant, which helps with its intense growth. Griffith has planted purple and white turnip bulbs, along with mustard greens.

Griffith has lived in Wetumpka for 40 years, and people constantly stop to gawk at his garden.

Millbrook Theater opens 2018 season with well-known comedy The Millbrook Depot Players will kick off the 2018 season with the production of Sister Act: The Musical. Directed by Angie Mitchell, this comedy features disco diva Deloris Van Cartier in protective custody after witnessing a murder. The only problem is she's placed in a convent disguised as a nun and finds herself trying to balance the rigid lifestyle and the uptight Mother Superior.

The show opens Feb. 22 and runs through March 4, with tickets available online at millbrooktheater.com. Early bird tickets are available for $10 until Jan. 22.

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Extra!

Extra!

News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Eclectic Students Make Christmas Shelter Donation Eclectic Elementary School second grade students sponsored individual dogs and cats at the Elmore County Humane Shelter as part of a Christmas party celebration.

The kids drew cards to determine which animal they would shop for during the project. They brought all the

goodies to school, unwrapped them and piled them up in the classroom. The students also made cards for the animals at the shelter. Classes participating in the item donations were taught by Donna Nelson, Rita Wright, Mitzi Hall and Amanda Preskitt. Patty Gantt’s class contributed cash donations.

Striving for Excellence

With the appointment of a new principal, Tallassee's Southside Middle School was named a 2017-18 National School of Distinction by National Beta.

This award is an honor for Beta Chapters striving for academic excellence, exemplary character, demonstrated leadership and service to others.

The award is designed to recognize those schools that show an increase in members for the current school year.

The school received a banner to proudly display as a symbol of its accomplishment, and its students will be publicized at the 2018 National Beta Convention this June in Savannah, Georgia.

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National Beta is the largest, nonprofit educational youth organization in America since 1934. Students grades in 4-12 are recognized for outstanding achievement, character and social responsibility, service involvement with school and community and leadership skills.

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Business Spotlight

Café Connections Eclectic coffee shop focuses on fun and family Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Shannon McDuffie 8

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amily, faith, fellowship and fun are the foundations of Eclectic’s newest hang- out spot on the corner of Main Street and state Route 63.

Gina Sanders opened her new business, cornerstone coffee company (with lowercase 'c's) Oct. 4 with the intention of creating connections in the community, and she credits its attainment to her strong religious beliefs. Her word that embodies the business is joy – Jesus, Others and You – and this is also the name of the espresso machine used to make the shop’s signature drinks.

“There are so many times I prayed for God to send me something, and it worked out. God gives you more than you ask for,” said Sanders.

From the robin’s-egg-blue wood exterior to the live edge dining tables inside, everything seemed to fall into place,

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The building was renovated by owners Gina and Guy Sanders to create the industrial, chic design Sanders said. The exterior wood was salvaged from an old house, and Sanders used the wood from a fallen tree in her yard to build the tables and add accents to other areas in the shop.

The building took a year and a half to renovate, which Sanders and her husband Guy did all on their own. They covered the ceiling with tin, a jackhammer was taken to the original plaster walls and exposed the underneath brick in certain places, and the bathroom floors were covered in pennies to create the industrial, chic style that welcomes guests to the relaxing oasis.

“My husband really did everything; I was just the helper.

He’s just really gifted in that kind of thing,” said Sanders.

The business is a true family affair with her niece Grace Meadows as one of the baristas, along with family friend, Jamie Sharpe, and her sister Misty Meadows is the main cook.

Sharpe’s wife Alexandria also helps in the kitchen making desserts and the signature chicken salad. Sanders' daughters

The chalkboard coffee puns are one indication of the fun work environment Isabella and Angel also helped with the inspiration for the eclectic craft coffee shop.

“With my two daughters and my niece, we would all go to coffee shops all the time. We love them, and there’s nowhere to just be in Eclectic. I think coffee connects people in a way like nothing else,” Sanders said.

Sanders honors the memory of her late parents strongly throughout the décor and vibe of the shop, as well. A photo of Gene and Pat Taylor sitting on a red velvet couch hangs on the wall.

“We opened the coffee shop on my mother’s birthday in her memory and served her favorite soup: Nana’s soup,” said Sanders, who quit her job of 35 years to pursue this dream.

The same red velvet couch now occupies space in the expansive gathering area. Furniture from their home fills the nooks and crannies of the coffee shop that allow people to cozy up in a corner alone or gather with friends for lively

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conversation.

Cozy beanbags and reclaimed furniture provide plenty of seating options in addition to the metal chairs tucked into the handmade tables. From the marble top tables and Victorian-styled armchairs to the mixed media Lucite, metal and wood combination, the result is a relaxing, yet upscale vibe.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I first walked in, but it reminds me of something you would see straight out of Nashville,” said Sharpe.

Cozy corners occupy the The highlarge coffee shop creating light of the places to gather with friends communal or read a book space is the coffee, and Sanders carries everything from traditional drinks – such as cappuccinos, lattes and Americanos – to the uniquely named popular recipes, including the Sorority Girl and the Frat Boy. Also, the unusual Dr. America is a big hit, which contains a double shot of espresso and Dr. Pepper.

“We are all about coffee methods and doing specialty drinks. We try to run specials and other things to create community and to create fun,” said Sanders, who has been known to name drinks after frequent guests or create friendly competition to inspire her employees to break the mold.

Cornerstone coffee carries two local coffee roasters: Prevail and Revival, which come straight from the farm, and are ground to brew and used within two weeks to maintain peak freshness. Cold brew is also offered, along with the rare nitro brew that is only served at a handful of places in Alabama. Nitro brew is essentially cold brew extracted over 24 hours and infused with nitrogen in a keg, which then comes out on a tap, explained Sanders.

Sharpe is proclaimed as the coffee whisperer by Sanders, as he knows what a person will order before they even walk through the door. His forte is remembering people’s names and drinks to create relationships with the clientele.

“People like to feel special and be a part of something,” Sanders added.

As an Eclectic native, Sharpe noticed a huge increase in out-of-towners stopping by the shop, and exposure of its mission is spreading.

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Sharpe and Grace are self-taught baristas but have been practicing espresso pours and perfecting their latte art, which is all about the correct steam of the milk, to add a personal element to their coffee skills.

“They’re both just learning; neither one had been a barista before. But they’ve picked it up like they were meant to do it,” said Sanders.

Cornerstone coffee draws a crowd as eclectic as its décor, from the older men sitting at the “Table of Knowledge” at 5:30 a.m. every day to the younger crowd coming in to hang out after school. Small groups often come in for weekly meetings or social gatherings.

Sanders hosts "Jesus and Java" night on Wednesdays. where Kids come in after church for a safe environment to gather and play music, watch movies or have a game night. She hopes to initiate music events beginning this year, as well.

“We just want to try to give people a place to be,” added Sanders.

Although a small part of the establishment, food is offered at cornerstone coffee that complements the beverages. Breakfast items consist of pastries, biscuits, grits or brunch items, such as quiche and French toast casserole. The lunch menu alternates with the favorite chicken salad served Friday and Saturday and other easy-to-make soups, salads and paninis during the week.

Sanders credits the success and the motivation for her establishment to people: customers, employees, friends and family.

“We all work so well together. All of them are blessings to me,” said Sanders.

Cornerstone coffee company is open Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the shop staying open until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, and Saturday hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at 12 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, there is no contact number on purpose: It would disturb the peaceful atmosphere, said Sanders. Visit cornerstone coffee company’s Facebook or Instagram page for updates, daily menus or more information.

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Barista Jamie Sharpe is known as the coffee whisperer and helps maintain customer relationships

'Joy' embodies the meaning of the business

Steaming the milk just right creates latte art

by Sharpe and Grace Meadows

Owner and Eclectic native Gina Sanders quit her job of 35 years to pursue her dream of opening a coffee shop to connect people

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O LaToya King, owner of King Bridal and Formal Boutique

Vendors will bring elements of dĂŠcor for brides to peruse

An engaged couple could find wedding ideas and book services at the Bridal Extravaganza

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Plan a Dream Wedding

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Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Betsy Iler & Courtesy of LaToya King

ne lucky bride-to-be will have her dream wedding, valued at $50,000, handed to her on a silver platter at the Second Annual Bridal Extravaganza Jan. 21 at the Wetumpka Civic Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Dream Wedding Giveaway was started in 2015 when LaToya King, owner of King Bridal and Formal Boutique, opened her shop in Phenix City, Alabama.

Businesses in the area will contribute products and services for a chosen bride based on a submitted video of why she and her groom deserve to win.

“We’re doing this a little differently this year. The winner will be selected by a committee beforehand, and the couple will be announced at the Bridal Extravaganza,” said King.

The ultimate wedding package will include the Red Barn at Tangarray venue; tuxedos from Touch of Class for six guys in the wedding party; an outfit From Tapp 18 for the rehearsal dinner; bridal robes from B&B Boutique; wedding day videography from Playlist Productions; bouquets and floral arrangements by Designs

by Annette; photography from Amir Leone of Columbus, Georgia, and more. King’s boutique will supply the bridal gown, up to six bridesmaids dresses, a flower girl dress, the mother-of-the-bride dress and the mother-ofthe-groom dress.

King Bridal and Formal Boutique will host this magical afternoon with the City of Wetumpka, for the opportunity to present more than 50 premier wedding vendors to engaged couples. Merchants

from all over the Southeast will participate to provide brides with options for photography, venues, florists, gowns, decorations, jewelry and more for upcoming wedding ideas.

In addition to the giveaway, 20 lucky brides were selected to attend a private reception at Wind Creek Wetumpka after the Bridal Extravaganza. One of those lucky brides will win the penthouse for her wedding reception.

“We want to provide services for the bride and groom and bring more people to this area, so we can show them all we have to offer,” said King, who relocated her shop to Wetumpka last year when her husband Scott took a job at Robert E. Lee in Montgomery.

Models will walk the runaway in designer dresses and private fashion lines for a 2:30 p.m. fashion show. Live entertainment is available throughout the afternoon by Shelia Jackson and Friends, who performs at Troy University annually, along with the day’s guest emcee, Tonya Terry.

“They were both clients of mine in Phenix City, and we worked well together throughout the year. I asked them to help out, and they said they would,” said King.

At the inaugural extravaganza, King said more than 100 people were in attendance, and she expects that number to double this year as exposure to her boutique and the Wetumpka area continues to magnify.

King Bridal and Formal Boutique offers wedding services in the form of bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses and men’s tuxedo formalwear in designer and private line selections.

Having spent 25 years in the wedding industry, King started out working at a local comapny in Columbus, Georgia, when she was 16 years old. She worked for 17 years at Men’s Warehouse before deciding to pursue her own path.

“I just stepped out on faith and wanted to do something on my own – something that can carry out a legacy for my children,” said King. “So far, it’s been great, and business is really starting to pick up the more I get my name out there.

Events like this really help with exposure.”

Entrance to the Bridal Extravaganza is $5 per person, and proceeds benefit the Wetumpka Youth Program. Food and beverages will be available, along with additional giveaways.

For more information, contact King at 334-580-9770 or email her at kingsformalboutique@gmail.com.

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Art Exposure ECAG's 34th Annual Winter Art Show open to artists of all skill levels

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Story by Amy Passaretti Photos Courtesy of Elmore County Art Guild

oming into its 34th year, the Elmore County Art Guild will host its annual Winter Art Show next month at a downtown gallery in Wetumpka to showcase emerging or professional artists of any skill level.

“We want to be inclusive, and we don’t want to scare off beginners from entering. The mission of the organization is to promote art of all forms,” said Doris Bell, president of the ECAG. The exhibit will be on display from Feb. 1 through Feb. 28 at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery, located on the second floor of the city administration building, 408 S. Main St., Wetumpka.

Last year, the show received 110 entries, said Shirley Esco, chairman of the winter show and vice president of ECAG, and she hopes a similar number will be submitted this year.

“Each year we have several purchase awards where we invite businesses or individuals in Elmore County to pick out one of the pieces to buy for $300, which helps us with sponsorship,” Esco added.

This will be the second year that a Presidential Award is offered to an aspiring artist, who has never

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won anything in past ECAG shows. Bell said the president of ECAG gets to personally hand pick a winner, a job that will be passed down to whomever fills the role each year.

“We want to encourage the artists to continue what they’re doing and give them the confidence to keep working. I will explain what the focus of this award is about to all future presidents. We want to ensure we know something about the artist before we choose them and give this honor to the appropriate person,” Bell said.

Aside from this honorable mention, the juried art show will be broken into four categories: 2D not under glass; 2D under glass; sculpture, 3D and fiber art; and photography and printmaking. Awards will be given to the first, second and third place winners of each category, along with numerCrater Walk by Genie Kline ous other honorable mentions.

“We originally started off with a simple first, second and third place award for all entries, but we soon decided to better break that down into categories. We have settled on that structure ever since,” said Bell.

Donna Pickens, president of the Montgomery Art Guild, will be the juror for this year’s show, and the judging will be anonymous to guarantee winners are

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Mountain Tranquility

by Amy Brown

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Preferred Community

by Jennifer Levins

Chihuahua

by Billy Frashee

Raining Cats and Dogwood

by Libby Christensen

Creek at Cheaha

by Judy Lea Graves

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chosen impartially.

Esco explained that the purpose of the show is two-fold.

“This is partially a membership drive for the art guild, since you have to be a member or become a member and pay $35 to enter.

It’s also about sharing art with the community,” said Esco.

Each person is allowed to submit up to four pieces, plus one extra for member volunteers at $10 per entry. All artwork must be original, not copied and must not have been shown in a previous ECAG juried show.

Artwork must be dropped off Jan. 25 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and picked up March 1 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

In previous years, the ECAG Annual Winter Show was held throughout the various banks in Wetumpka, and Bell said they are considering going back to that set-up moving forward.

“It’s more in touch with the community.

You get a whole different crop of people seeing the art, who are coming through to use the banks instead of having to go out of their way to visit the gallery. It’s a far better thing for what we’re trying to do in terms of artists’ exposure,” explained Bell.

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The Elmore County Art Guild was originally formed in 1985 and was the first organization to really bring art to the Wetumpka community.

Bell also is one of the founding members of the art guild, which began in Wetumpka Mayor Jo Glynn’s living room years ago.

At the time, there was not much fopcus on the arts in the area, aside from method painting, said Bell who has taught art for more than 40 years and used to own Jasmine Hill Art Gallery.

Presently, the ECAG has about 60 members from the tri-county area, most of whom are artists or are involved in the art field.

Members can be from anywhere in the country, as long as they are 18 years or older.

Esco said people could also make donations, which helps promote the art and contributes to the financial needs of shows and receptions held throughout the year. ECAG has been a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization since 2010, and donations are tax deductible.

The guild has rotating exhibits and pieces for sale at all times at the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wetumpka Depot Players and the Wetumpka Public Library.

“This year the members did a show at Tallassee NOW!, which got more people interested in supporting the arts and putting their work out there to be proud,” said Esco.

For more information about the Elmore County Art Guild or for a full list of rules and specifications for entries in the art show, visit elmorecountyartguild.com or e-mail elmorecountyartguild@gmail.com.

Give Your Heart a Fresh Start The new year is here, so why not make a resolution that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind? We all know that healthy hearts live longer, more active lives.

That starts with a comprehensive cardiac checkup.

February is American Heart Month, serving as an annual reminder of the fight against cardiovascular disease. Kevin Sublett, MD, and his staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are proud supporters of this fight. We are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can live a healthier life all year long.

Our clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from UAB Medicine, offering: • The full spectrum of cardiovascular care • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology • The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories • Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders • Convenient location within Russell Medical Call us today to schedule an appointment!

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-2644 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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The Tragic Tale of a Wetumpka Wayfarer Jack Swilling's legacy during his short time in Alabama

Sharon kilpatrick

BACK IN THE DAY sharon kilpatrick is the curator at the elmore county museum located in wetumpka.

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John W. ‘Jack’ Swilling isn’t actually Swilling’s descendants said he left Alafrom Alabama – in fact, he was born in bama in 1857 after he killed a man. Mary South Carolina in 1830 – but he is recogJane and Elizabeth stayed behind. No nized as one of the men who founded the records were found that proved this family city of Phoerumor true; nix, Arizona. however, acSwilling was cording to his a man who obituary, he loved to travel, later became and in 1850, well known he stopped for killing for a while in more than a Wetumpka, dozen men – Alabama. even scalping While living at least one of here he met his victims. and married He wrote 16-year-old to Mary Jane Mary Jane a few times Elizabeth Gray after he left in 1852. They and told her settled in he understood Wetumpka, how badly and two years he’d treated later, Mary her, but he Jane gave birth was still planto their daughning to come ter Elizabeth. home as soon Jack Swilling's letters (right) to his It wasn’t long as he had wife Mary Jane Elizabeth Gray, who after that, acsome money he left in Wetumpka, are on display cording to his to bring with at the Elmore County Museum biography, that him. The Swilling was few existing shot, beaten and left for dead. There is no letters, copies of which are located at the record of what exactly happened; howElmore County Museum, seemed to hint ever, the incident caused him chronic pain, more toward Jack being abusive than a which caused an addiction to pain medica- killer. tion and alcohol.

He stopped briefly in several states dur-

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ing his travels after he left Alabama, including Texas and New Mexico, until finally he stopped in California and worked in the gold mines. While there, he told his friends that he’d married a woman from Missouri and they had a daughter, so he headed West after they died. There is no record of this being true.

This story became part of his biography though, while Mary Jane and Elizabeth were never mentioned. They were only discovered years after Swilling’s death when Mary Jane’s family found his letters.

Swilling eventually moved to Arizona and married Trinidad Escalante in 1863. Swilling was 34, and Trinidad was just 17 years old. The couple went on to have seven children together.

Mary Jane and Elizabeth moved in with Mary Jane’s mother after Swilling left. Mary Jane was considered a ‘Green Widow,’ a term used for women whose husbands' left for what they thought was something better.

Mary Jane married Joe Skinner in 1873, a prison guard at the Alabama State Penitentiary. Skinner later became a U. S. Marshall, and he had several children from a previous marriage, including one son named Edward. Elizabeth fell in love with her stepbrother Edward, and they were married in 1876.

Meanwhile, Swilling was still addicted to pain medication and alcohol, but now he had money – lots of it. He owned a mining company, built the first modern irrigation system, established a mill and managed a gambling house in what would later become Phoenix, Arizona. He was well respected, and his friends included military officers, politicians and wealthy men.

A 1985 newspaper article documenting Swilling’s life stated he and two of his friends decided to go hunting one weekend, spent several days in the wilderness and came home with nothing to show for it. During that weekend, a stagecoach was robbed a few miles down the road. When

Swilling returned from his hunting trip, he and his friends headed straight for the saloon. While there, Swilling overheard the description of the three robbers and laughed as he told his two friends, “Well boys, they could be describing us!”

Swilling and his two friends weren’t laughing when the sheriff put them in jail as suspects in the robbery. They were later found guilty and sent to Yuma prison. Swilling died in prison in 1878, and the two men were released a few years later after the three men who had actually robbed the stagecoach were arrested.

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a very

Happy New Year!

Wetumpka

Flea Market & Antiques OVER 100 BOOTHS

Everything from odds & ends to fine antiques

334-567-2666 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC

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Calling All Volunteers Story by Amy Passaretti & Betsy Iler

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he fresh start of the new year presents an opportunity for us make changes.

Throughout Elmore County there are hundreds of organizations assisting those in need, and most of these agencies rely heavily on volunteers to operate on a daily basis.

There are nonprofits subsidizing the needs of children, increasing quality of Children that stay at life for animals, ensuring families don’t the Adullam House are treated as go hungry, enriching lives while supportfamily ing the arts, generating opportunities to embrace the beauty of nature, creating health awareness to help prolong the quality of people’s lives and much more. tions are grateful for the support so they can continue to This year, perhaps your resolution is to give back operate and aid their causes. to the community that strives to give so much to its Communities that actively give back create a stronger residents. Whatever your passion may be, there is an quality of life for their residents in strength, character agency that can use help. Most nonprofits need voland purpose. unteers for any number of positions, so embrace your Here is just a small sampling of organizations consispersonal skills and talents to assist someone in need. tently seeking volunteers for you to consider.

No matter the time you have to give, most organiza-

COUNTY-WIDE ORGINAZATIONS Hands on River Region hosts a database of agencies and volunteer opportunities throughout the multi-county River Region and can assist with partnering community members with an organization in need. This clearing house also maintains the 211 help hot line to coordinate collecting and supplying needed resources.

“There are more nonprofits in Elmore County than people think. Many of these agencies just lack the capacity to get the word out,” said Jo Ann Johnson, executive director for Hands on River Region.

The organization maintains a database of hundreds of nonprofits and currently has about 3,000 registered volunteers seeking ways to give back to their community, said Johnson.

“I believe Elmore County agencies seeking volunteers

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could benefit tremendously from being a partner with us. We are working diligently to offer our services in the nonprofit community and would very much welcome any opportunities to do so,” added Johnson.

To list a nonprofit agency or register as a volunteer looking to give back, visit the website handsonriverregion.org.

Contact Johnson at jjohnson@handsonriverregion. org.

River Region United Way recently completed a countywide needs assessment to address problem areas and prioritize resources to certain nonprofits in need of immediate assistance.

“What sets River Region United Way apart is that we

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assess needs, acquire the resources needed, and in turn, we impact the lives of more than 135,000 people in a five-county area,” said Mendie Nord, River Region United Way’s vice president of branding and communications.

United Way relies heavily on volunteers to operate as a completely community volunteer-based model. Nord said it is always looking for people to serve on the board of directors and allocations committee, which make decisions about what programs are funded each year.

“There’s no way we could do it without our volunteers.

They visit agencies and determine how to allocate funds that have been raised. Those are hard decisions for the volunteers to make because all of our organizations are deserving,” Nord said.

Volunteers are needed within all the agencies United Way supports, and each person has a special skill to give within any number of fields, including administrative, hospitality, entertainment, education, healthcare, or acting as an advocate.

Contact River Region United Way at 334-264-7318.

and trailers and stocks the shelves, coolers and produce bins; checking out clients by weighing and recording food; a food bagger; or construction projects.

For more information, contact Richard Deem at elmorecountyfoodpantry@gmail.com.

Director Rea Cord cares for animals that come through the Humane Society

WETUMPKA The Elmore County Food Pantry was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2008 and is dedicated to fighting hunger throughout the county.

Since 2010, the food pantry has distributed roughly 1.3 million pounds of food and assists more than 500 families per month. The vast majority of the organization’s operating revenue comes from donations by individuals, local businesses, schools, churches and civic organizations.

There are many ways to volunteer at the Elmore County Food Pantry, including counseling; administrative work; a spotter, who helps clients select their food; a stocker, who helps unload the trucks

Elmore County Food Pantr y is always seeking volunteers

The Humane Society of Elmore County has served the community for more than 20 years by providing quality life for animals, preventing cruelty, stopping overpopulation and promoting public health and safety.

The open admission shelter takes in nearly 5,000 domestic animals annually, with about 250-300 in its care at a time.

Donations, its own fundraising efforts, grants, adoption fees and contracts with the city support operational expenses for the shelter. The Tails End Thrift Store also helps support the needed funds of the nonprofit to continue caring for animals.

The Humane Society accepts financial donations, pet food and other supplies. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful to assist with various events, work at the thrift store, assist with photographing pets, visit nursing homes with pets, bathe and play with the animals and help with administrative work.

For information, contact volunteer coordinator Charline Pope at 334-202-1381.

Children of incarcerated parents are taken in as family at the Adullam House, which was founded by Pete and Angie Spackman. The Adullam House provides a safe, loving environment in which children grow up, with each facility on the 24-acre property able to accommodate 24 children.

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The children become a part of the Spackmans’ lives, and their educational needs are met through the Adullam House Christian Academy located on site.

Financial donations are accepted, as well as items needed to provide for the children. The Adullam House operates with the help of volunteers who care for and support the children, work to maintain or build the facility and assist with the on-site thrift store, which provides tax-free quality goods at a bargain price for the community.

For volunteer opportunities, contact Hannah Powell at hannah@adullamhouse.org.

ECLECTIC

CRATA volunteers help maintain the trails

The tiny population of Eclectic is most well known for its Eclectic Christmas performed annually. An independent unit formed called Eclectic Ministry to carry on the tradition of telling the true story of Christmas and ensure it's told through all denominations of Christianity.

The 501(c)(3) was founded in 2013 and built entirely of volunteers who create the productions, events and works within the community. Nearly 175 volunteers are needed per night, for a total of eight shows. Aside from acting, helping hands are needed in administration functions, on-site labor building the set and costumes, prayer teams and more.

To volunteer with an Eclectic Christmas, contact Jonalan Wright at jonalan.wright1@gmail.com Seated on state Route 63, Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and proceeds help fund activities at Children’s Harbor campuses on Lake Martin and at Birmingham's Children's Hospital.

Gently used items, such as clothing, household items and other valuables, are accepted during store hours.

Volunteers are needed to help within the store as well.

Contact Thrift Store Manager Kathy Symonds at 334857-2008 if interested.

Some volunteer opportunities at the Children’s Harbor Lake Martin campus include photography, arts and crafts, boating, lifeguarding, hospitality, entertainment and administrative activities at the campus, the Thrift Store or any number of Children’s Harbor’s year-round events.

The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association was formed as a 501(c)(3) in 2004 and is dedicated to providing the public with scenic outdoor footpath-only

trails that skirt the shoreline of Lake Martin for 6 miles.

The routes are filled with flora and fauna, along with deer, turkey, birds and other wildlife. Currently, CRATA is building trails on property at Yates Lake, below Martin Dam. The John B. Scott Trail off Gold Mine Road is expected to open this spring. To volunteer with CRATA, email crata.org@gmail.com

TALLASSEE Working directly with patients, caregivers and staff, hospice volunteers are an important part of the Community Hospice Care program, said Director Kim Vest.

Volunteer activities with patients include helping them write cards and letters, reading to them, socializing and providing general companionship. In addition, volunteers offer respite to caregivers by sitting with patients while caregivers run errands. And in the office, volunteers help with mailings, filing, send cards to patients, making deliveries and helping with special projects.

“Volunteers do not give any medical care,” Vest said.

“They do have to be 16 years of age or older and physically able to travel to the home and provide their own transportation.”

Community Hospice Care asks volunteers to commit to at least four hours of work each month, she added.

“They can do that all at once or one hour a week or whatever works for their schedule, but we ask for that because we don’t want people to go through the training and then never volunteer.”

Volunteers are trained in groups or one-on-one after

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passing medical screening and background checks. Following the training, each volunteer takes a short, open-book test, and prior to placement, each volunteer is introduced to the patients and families to whom they would be assigned.

They also document their hours and activities.

Community Hospice Care is located at 805 Friendship Rd., Tallassee. For information, call Amy Jeeter at 334-2836541.

Volunteers at the Acts: Association of Christians of Tallassee accept donations of food and clothing and sort and shelf those items. They also take applications for aid and help clients load up with supplies. In addition, church youth groups often volunteer to help clean the building and box up supplies for distribution, said Acts Director Barry Adair.

Supplies are distributed to clients in the Tallassee zip code.

“We’re a small organization. We just don’t have the resources to service a larger population well,” Adair explained.

“Most of our clients are disabled or senior citizens. Some are folks who have lost their jobs or are single-parent households that need some extra help,” he said. “And most of our volunteers are retired people who just want to do something good for their community. You feel good when you do something good for your community.”

Acts volunteers usually work one day a week – Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.

Youth groups work on an occasional basis.

For information, call Adair at 334-2836750.

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce, located at 217 Sistruck St., needs volunteers in the office and during events, said Chamber President Laurie Rygiel.

“Our biggest need for volunteers comes with the bike ride in the fall. We really need them then because the route goes through four different counties,” Rygiel explained. “Our volunteers help with cooking and handing out food, setting up and working rest stops and at the sign-up and registration tables.”

In April, the chamber hosts a golf tournament, and volunteers are needed to help the event run smoothly.

The chamber also recruits ambassadors from the local high school. Ambassadors

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represent the chamber at events and work in the office to assemble promotion packages and prepare for events. To apply for an ambassadorship, rising seniors should contact the guidance counselor to complete an application and write an essay.

“Volunteering is a very good way to meet new people and support the community. Just call the chamber office and sign up,” Rygiel said.

If interested in volunteering with the chamber, contact Chamber Director Jerry Cunningham at 334-283-5151.

The Dam Century Bike Ride is Talla ssee Chamber's largest event of the yea r

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MILLBROOK

hours taking care of the gardens, and we have all kinds of special programs that volunteers could help us with.”

AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd., Millbrook and can be reached at 800-822-9452.

To explore the volunteer opportunities with AWF/ ANC, visit www.alabamawildlife.org.

Community theaters are always looking for volunteers, and it takes as many people backstage to put on a show as it does actors in front of the audience. In addition to the showtime volunteer opportunities – directing, acting, selling concessions or tickets, ushering or working on the backstage crew, there’s work to be done between shows on costumes and set construction.

Millbrook Community Players has a five-show season planned for 2018, and each production will provide opportunities for volunteers to lend their expertise, develop new skills, meet new people and have loads of fun.

To learn more about volunteering with Millbrook Community Players, visit the website at www.millbrooktheater.com. Click on ‘Volunteers’ under the ‘More’ tab and fill out the form. To volunteer on stage, click on the ‘Auditions’ tab.

Caring for the animals is one of many voluteer tasks needed at the Alabama Nature Center

Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Alabama Nature Center have plenty of volunteer opportunities for everyone who loves wildlife, gardening or kids. From joining the new animal care team to working with homeschoolers, taking part in spring break camp and maintaining the trails, the volunteer work is vital and rewarding, said Marla Ruskin, communications specialist.

“We’re not just about the 350 acres, the 2,300-square-foot nature facility or the ponds and creeks. We’re about using the acreage and the facilities as educational opportunities, getting kids in them to learn to appreciate what God has given us,” Ruskin said.

“We maintain 60-plus educational animals, and they all need to be cared for. It’s a big help to our staff to have trained volunteers who can help with that or volunteers who could teach kids to fish. What a great gift to give a child!

“The Master Gardeners log more than 1,300

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Though best known through the generations for their summer holiday barbecue sales, the Millbrook Men’s Club has been a major driver in the community for more than 75 years. It was the men’s club that raised funds for the city’s first fire truck before Millbrook was even incorporated and set the stage for a model volunteer fire department and paramedic organization. The men’s club started the town’s library program, established its first garbage collection system, brought bus service to town and made improvements to the city’s parks.

To keep the good works going, said longtime member Jon Foshee, the organization needs young men in the community to step up and volunteer.

For information about Millbrook Men’s Club, visit the Facebook page or email millbrookmensclub@gmail. com.

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Millbrook Men's Club

Revel in the Good Times Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Barry Chrietzberg & Courtesy of Kim Bell

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he largest Mardi Gras celebration north of Mobile takes place in Elmore County’s Millbrook and has been designated as a must-attend event in Alabama by Southern Living Magazine.

Millbrook’s 13th Annual Mardi Gras Parade and Festival will take place Feb. 3, 10 days before Ash Wednesday as usual, and is organized by the Krewe of Millbrook Revelers, which was founded in 2004 with a mere 10 members.

Now the Krewe has more than 125 members, and the town welcomes close to 14,000 people for this festivity.

“The main reason behind starting the Revelers group was to get people involved in the community and to have some fun,” said Kim Bell, Millbrook Revelers’ publicity chair and this year’s Mardi Gras queen.

Chris Paul is this year’s designated Mardi Gras king. These winners are elected annually by the Revelers' board members and are individuals who are in good standing and play active roles in

Wayne Allen, past Revelers president, and his wife Susan don Mardi Gras attire during the annual celebration

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Wayne and Susan Allen, along with 2017's Queen Kim Bell and King Chris Paul, are members of the Millbrook Krewe of Revelers

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organizing the festivities.

“Not to mention we get bragging rights until next year,” added Bell.

The king and queen lead the Umbrella Stroll through the Park at 10:15 a.m. as another festive way to bring the community together. The stroll was added to the day’s events a few years ago and features the king and queen parading around the park in Mardi Gras themed-garb and umbrellas. The couple approaches each of the vendors and passes out beads.

Winners of the kids’ coloring contest escort the king and queen on the walk, as well and helps advertise in the days leading up to the event.

“We added this coloring contest last year as a way to get kids involved. Winners of each category also receive prizes,” Bell said.

The first parade was held on an overcast, rainy day in 2006, and in spite of the weather, hosted 30 floats, said Bell. Today, the parade features nearly 70, with three floats designated to the Krewe.

One of the Krewe’s floats carries the year’s king and queen, who lead the parade from the Millbrook Baseball complex at noon sharp to the festival’s location at Millbrook Village Green Park. The other two floats carry the remainder of the Krewe. Float riders wave to the audience and throw beads, candy and toys, in true Mardi Gras fashion.

“We love seeing the community come together with big smiles on their faces that are greeted with beads and other

items we throw to the crowds,” said Bell.

The parade’s theme is Laissez Les Bons Temp Rouler (Let the Good Times Roll) and judging begins at 11 a.m. for all parade units that are in place on time. Bell said entries are free and riders are encouraged to toss Mardi Gras-themed items. The parade route is more than a mile long.

This family-friendly event features nearly 70 vendors from across the Southeast with a variety of arts and crafts, handmade items, live entertainment and New Orleans-inspired food options – such as alligator on a stick, smoked turkey legs, red beans and rice, gumbo and more.

There are fun rides and games available for children, including pony rides, a zip line, bouncy houses, carnival games and more.

“This event brings a lot of attention to our city, and it brings families together for a day of fun,” said Bell.

Annual Revelers' dues pay for the formal ball the night of the festival, and the money raised from sponsors pays for advertising, float decorations and maintenance.

Held at Millbrook Civic Center, the ball is only open to members of the Revelers and invited guest additional fees.

The new king and queen for the year will be announced during the evening’s festivities, which also include live music and catered food.

For vendor or parade entry applications, visit millbrookrevelers.org.

More than 14,000 people watch the nearly 70 floats parade down the 1-mile route

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Parade participants throw beads to the large audience lining the streets

Festival attendees participate in the Mardi Gras-styled Umbrella Stroll through the park

Winners of the coloring contest escort the king and queen at the Umbrella Stroll

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New Beginnings Movie plots that encourage a fresh start The start of a new year is a time for new beginnings, and hopefully you are still maintaining some of those resolutions that you made. This is a time to move forward or a time to start over completely. Why not try a little cinematic encouragement with this list of movies about people picking themselves up and making the most of a new beginning?

The Quiet Man (1952) Sean Thornton (John Wayne) returns to his native Ireland to regain his family farm and falls in love with a local girl (the incandescent Maureen O’Hara). This is an enduring and beloved classic.

Billy Liar (1963) Billy Fisher (Tom Courtenay) retreats to his fantasy world (where he is heroic and bold) to get away from his stifling job and family life and to escape the boredom of his humdrum existence.

The luminous Julie Christie co-stars in this comedy set in England.

My Fair Lady (1964) Set in Edwardian London, My Fair Lady tells the story of Covent Garden flower girl and street urchin Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn), who is transformed into a proper lady by pompous professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison). Winner of the 1964 Oscar for best picture, director George Cukor’s musical screen adaptation of Lerner and Lowe’s Broadway hit is a classic makeover tale.

Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) This early film for director Martin Scorsese has been heralded as a front-runner of the ‘single-woman-changing-her-life’ film genre.

The Passenger (1975) Filmed decades before the term 'identity theft' became commonplace, this Jack Nicholson thriller presents the ultimate concept for making a fresh start: slip into somebody else’s life and leave your own identity behind.

Starting Over (1979) Burt Reynolds shines in this poignant and extremely funny tale of a middle-aged man who is ditched by his ambitious singer wife

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(Candice Bergen). Reynolds finds himself starting over with an insecure elementary school teacher played by Jill Clayburgh.

Writer James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment) provides a pitch-perfect screenplay and both Bergen and Clayburgh received Oscar nominations for their work in this delightful film.

Shirley Valentine (1989) Actress Pauline Collins acquired an Oscar nomination for bringing her acclaimed stage role to this witty film about a downtrodden housewife who escapes to Greece and finds new beginnings in life and love.

What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993) Angela Bassett gives an incendiary performance as singer Tina Turner as she overcomes her abusive marriage to Ike Turner and begins her career as a legendary performer.

Groundhog Day (1993) Comic legend Bill Murray portrays acidtongued weatherman Phil Connors who, in an inexplicable twist of fate, is forced to relive the same day endlessly. Hilarity ensues, but by the end of this comic tour de force, a kinder, gentler Connors emerges. Who doesn’t love this comic masterpiece from late director Harold Ramis?

Jerry Maguire (1996) Tom Cruise is masterful in the title role as a charismatic, yet soulless sports talent agent forced into a new beginning when he is fired from his job. Alas, Maguire finds redemption and romance in this crowdpleasing comedy drama.

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) Unlikely spinster Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) decides to take charge of her life, swapping careers and renewing her commitment to love and romance.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) Based on the memoir by Frances Mayes, Diane Lane stars as Mayes, a recently divorced writer who purchases a Tuscan villa while vacationing in Italy. Love, wisdom and an entire life transformation soon follow.

Eat Pray Love (2010) Lovely Julia Roberts portrays Elizabeth Gilbert, a young woman seeking new meaning in life following her divorce.

How to Train Your Dragon 1 & 2 (2010, 2014) Based on the beloved children’s series by Cressida Cowell, this animated treat centers on Hiccup the Viking, a misfit who has his entire life changed forever in the best possible ways due to a chance encounter with a lovable dragon.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) Headlined by a stellar cast, this enchanting film centers around a group of British retirees who make their way to India and to the picturesque hotel as described by the movie’s title. Life-changing events ensue.

Les Miserables (2012) Based on Victor Hugo’s classic tale set during the French Revolution, Les Miserables follows the adventures of former convict Jean Valjean in his search for redemption.

Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway headline this Oscar-winning version of the long-running Broadway musical triumph.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Pat Solano (Bradley Cooper) returns home after months of treatment for bipolar disorder and finds himself rebuilding his relationship with his parents and navigating a budding romance with a young widower Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence).

Jeff Langham

MOVIE MAN Dr. Jeff Langham is State Assistant Superintendent for External and

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

Are you on the cusp of a new beginning in these early weeks of 2018?

Perhaps one of these films will relate to your own personal journey. While movies can be highly entertaining, they can also challenge us and provoke our thinking in meaningful ways. Why not try some cinematic encouragement as you continue to launch into the new year?

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New Games Coming in 2018 The new year is here, and it’s time to look forward. Last year’s gaming developments were many and varied, but today’s list will cover some of the hottest up-and-coming titles that will hit store shelves before 2018’s end.

Detroit: Become Human (PlayStation 4) Become Human is a game the industry has been awaiting for some time. It was announced almost two years ago and very little has been made public about the game. What we do know is that it’s set in a dystopian future where lifelike robots walk the street alongside flesh-andblood humans. The game will ask players to make tough choices that influence the overarching plot – a feature that has started to pick up traction in recent years. David Cage (Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls) is directing the game’s development, and there are high hopes that Become Human will match his past excellence.

Death Stranding (PlayStation 4) Death Stranding is likely the strangest game on which I’ve ever laid my eyes.

I won’t even begin to describe what it’s about, because even after numerous trailers, I don’t think anyone has a clue.

The legendary Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear Solid, Zone of the Enders) is producing the game that features talents including Mads Mikkelsen (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) and Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead). If these names don’t get you at least a little excited for Death Stranding, then I bow down to you – you are way more chill than I. Far Cry 5 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC) Far Cry is one of the better-known franchises in today’s gaming world. As its name implies, the series usually takes players far from civilization and plunks them into strange, disconnected and tribal societies. Things are never as they

seem – in-game events fly off the handle frequently. This iteration will drop players into the fictional town of Hope County, Montana, where a doomsday preacher has taken over and turned his followers into a militaristic cult. It’s up to the player to intervene, and if this entry is anything like the others, it won’t be peacefully.

Ghost of Tsushima (PlayStation 4) In fairness, developer Sucker Punch hasn’t explicitly said this game is coming out in 2018. But this feudal Japan-inspired samurai slasher appears to be moving through development quickly, and there’s a massive amount of hype building behind it. It’s been far too long since we had a game pull on the strings of classic Japanese history, and this revenge-driven story is hitting all the right notes with its beautiful environments and stellar development pedigree. We can only hope that we’ll get our hands on Ghost of Tsushima before year’s end.

Sea of Thieves (Xbox One, PC) While all games on this list will have gone through a grueling development process by their respective launch dates, Sea of Thieves’ goal is Herculean. It’s developed by Rare (Banjo-Kazooie, GoldenEye 007), and will feature a massive, pirate-inspired open world for players to explore. As its name implies, much of this world will offer gamers seafaring adventure; however, the cherry on top is that the game is multiplayer. While you’re sailing across the open waters, you may encounter other players. What happens then is up to you – or them.

Spider-Man (PlayStation 4) While there are many licensed video game franchises that stink of mediocrity, Spider-Man has dodged much of the flak.

The upcoming Spider-Man is being de-

veloped by one of Sony’s top studios, Insomniac Games (Ratchet and Clank, Spyro the Dragon), and looks to bring new life to the superhero niche in video games. The game appears to take a more cinematic approach to gameplay and storytelling – a welcome change from past Spider-Man games. And further, players get to explore an open-world version of New York City – who wouldn’t want to swing his or her way through a virtual concrete jungle?

God of War (PlayStation 4) Continuing the trend of upcoming PlayStation 4 titles – 2017 was a light year for Sony’s console – God of War slides into fourth place. The title is a reboot of an older, beloved franchise, which featured protagonist and god-slayer Kratos.

He’s grizzled now, and rather than kill hydras and take down cocky Greek gods, he’s got a more important task as he's gotten older: caring for his son. While it appears players will follow Kratos once again in this adventure, it will no doubt be a coming-of-age story that passes the franchise reins to his child.

Kingdom Hearts 3 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One) Players have been waiting more than a decade for a new entry into the Kingdom Hearts franchise. The series is one of the more magical, kid-friendly adventures, but also it appeals to adults. It’s a slick combination of Square Enix’s anime-inspired art direction and Disney’s opulent stable of characters like Goofy, Donald and Mickey. Given that it’s been so long since the series saw a release on home consoles, you’d be right to worry about how it will turn out. But if past Kingdom Hearts games are any indication, the third iteration will be a real contender in 2018.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One) Crafted by the illustrious Rockstar Games (Grand Theft Auto, Bully), Red Dead Redemp-

tion is one of the most popular franchises in video games to date. While there’s only one game currently published in the series, there aren’t any other Western-inspired titles that hold a candle to Red Dead. The first title featured a story that most would consider near perfect, and Red Dead 2 is looking to up the ante. It’s been almost eight years since we got to jump into this world, and fans across the video games industry are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to return.

It’s about time: The Western genre has fallen by the wayside in both video games and movies.

The Last of Us Part II (PlayStation 4) After giving such massive praise to Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption 2, you’re probably wondering what our first choice could possibly be. It comes in the form of The Last of Us Part II, developed by Sony’s Naughty Dog, one of gaming’s premiere game development studios. It’s the sequel to 2014’s The Last of Us, a game that claimed universal recognition as Game of the Year, piggybacking off the success of then-popular zombie-themed media.

But what made The Last of Us special wasn’t the zombies or the attached violence; it was the relationship between protagonists Joel and Ellie. Players followed these two through ghastly perils and affable highs. I rarely recommend prospective gamers go back in time to play older games – there’s just so much great, new material – but it’s absolutely worth digging up an old copy of this series’ first entry to prepare for the second.

Jacob Saylor

THE GAMER Video games journalist

Jacob Saylor has covered the massive

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles.

Follow Jacob on Twitter @skulldrey.

Scale Back for Health Stay active and aware to ward off winter weight gain

Kathy Monroe

COMMUNITY CARE Kathy Monroe is the assistant to the adminstrator

CFO Community Hospital. and the at

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Does the number on the scale start to creep up during the winter months?

If so, this is not unusual. Many people see the scale move in an undesirable direction during the winter. According to research reported by Johns Hopkins University, people tend to gain 5 to 7 pounds on average during this season.

Most people’s behavior in colder months may set them up for this weight gain. First, there are the holidays. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, families tend to gather and have meals – big, hearty holiday meals with all the trimmings and lots of yummy desserts.

Research shows that some people will gain 1 or 2 pounds between late November and early January.

Also, many individuals turn to food for comfort during this colder, darker time of the year. Some people experience seasonal depression, and food tends to provide relief – or so we think. Winter is suitable for hot cocoa, a good snack and snuggling underneath a blanket while watching TV. That coping mechanism is a recipe for those 1 or 2 pounds gained during the holidays to turn into 5, 6, even 7 pounds or more, gained before spring arrives.

A real problem arises when this pattern of weight gain during the holiday season and winter months recurs year after year and the weight is not lost when longer days and warmer weather roll around.

People must look for ways to curb eating hab-

its during these months to accommodate for the typical slower pace. Be diligent about controlling portion sizes, make healthy food selections and don’t fall into the habit of over-doing the snacks.

Typically people are less active during the cold winter months, as well. For many, it is already dark when they leave work to go home, which leaves no time during the week for outside activities. When it is cold outside, people are less likely to go for a walk; they search for a parking place closer to the store; and they tend to spend their weekends indoors.

Plus, when stuck inside, a person is closer to the kitchen and the snacks. Boredom can make her grab a bag of chips.

Make an effort to find ways to increase physical activity level.

Bundle up and take the dog for a walk or go for a bike ride. Another option is to join a gym during the winter months.

Community Hospital in Tallassee will once again be a weigh-in/weigh-out site for Scale Back Alabama, a free statewide weight-loss program designed to encourage Alabamians to get healthy and lose those extra pounds. Since the first competition in 2007, Alabamians have lost more than 1 million pounds.

Weigh-In Week for Scale Back Alabama is Jan. 22-28, and April 2-8 is Weigh-Out Week. Visit the website scalebackalabama.com or call us at 334-283-6541 for more information.

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Nativity and Open House

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December 15, 2017 Downtown Wetumpka 1. Robert Culver, Scott Burbank, Ricky Horton and Tim Young 2. Eric and Heide Norrell 3. Elaine Pace and Lewis Washington Sr. 4. Tyler ,TJ, Avery and Ashley Stahl 5. David and Donna Gilland and Kim East 6. Scott Grier, Katelyn Blankenship and Jessi Ceja 7. Hillary, Gray, Slay and Sarabeth Stevens

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The Kelly Christmas Party December 7, 2017 Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery 1. Marlene Goodman and June and Jerry Carpenter 2. Sunny Donaldson and Charlotte Whetstone 3. Warren Jones and Phyllis Kennedy 4. Sandra Gray and Mike and Shirley Holmes 5.Mike and Barbara Bennett 6. Jeff Royal and Vanessa Lynch

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7. Carla Luck and Carol Hickman 8. Regina Edwards, Danny and Pat Dankins and Bettie Welden 9. Bobby Murchison, Ron Donaldson and Bill Lambert 10. Margaret Grace and Sylvia Murchison 11. Carolyn Osborne and Crawford Kennedy 12. Adelia Turner, Mabrey Whetstone and Kathy Atchison 13. Wayne Turner, Wayne Atchison and Logan Gray 14. John and Carol Bush, Kathy Willis and Jim Richardson

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Dear Mama Play Rehearsal

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January 7, 2018 Superintendents House, Tallassee 1. Don Ingram

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Wetumpka Christmas Tree Lighting

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December 5, 2017 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Jesselin and Laura Unger 2. Oma and Jimmy Mercer 3. Miley Goggins 4. Tiffany Robinson and Lynn Weldon 5. Chloe and Chasen Graham 6. JoAnn Wells, Kristen Czerpak, Carrie and Kevin Nedervelt, Anthony Vittore, Caleb Graham, Kyle Nedervelt and Wesley Jimmerson

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7. Pearline and Rachael Graham

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Jan. 19-21 Dear Mama: Letters and Music from World War II

Feb. 1-17 Greater Tuna

To celebrate the grand opening of the renovated Mt. Vernon Theatre, the theater organization has partnered with the Talisi Historical Preservation Society’s Friends of Tuckabatchee to present this original production, which was written by Adrian Lee Borden and is based on true events. For tickets and information, call 334-991-2079 or visit www. mtvernontheatre.net.

January 21, 2018 2nd Annual Bridal Extravaganza The City of Wetumpka and King Bridal Formal Boutique will host its second Bridal Extravaganza at the Wetumpka Civic Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a fashion show at 2:30 p.m. Admission is $5, and proceeds benefit the Wetumpka Youth Program. There will be plenty of premier wedding vendors throughout Alabama and Georgia. Tonya Terry will be the guest emcee, and there will be live entertainment provided by Shelia Jackson and Friends. Food and beverages will be available, along with giveaways. For the opportunity to win the Ultimate Wedding Package valued up to $50,000, visit the Bridal Extravaganza of Wetumpka Facebook page. For more information, contact LaToya King at 334-580-9770 or email her at kingsformalboutique@ gmail.com.

Feb. 1-28 Elmore County Art Guild 34th Annual Show This much-anticipated event offers artists an opportunity to display and sell their works in an adjudicated show with awards in several categories. Last year’s show included 110 pieces. For information, contact Shirley Esco at 334-399-5115 or read the article on page 18.

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The Wetumpka Depot Players kick off its 2018 season with this politically incorrect 1981 comedy about the third smallest town in Texas where “the Lions Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.” The husband-wife team of David and Brooke Brown takes on the roles of 20 characters and 40 costume changes directed by Kristy Meanor. Tickets are $12/$15 and can be purhcased online at wetumpkadepot.com or by calling 334-868-1440.

The theater is located at 300 S. Main St., Wetumpka.

Feb. 3 9th Annual Millbrook Mardi Gras Run The Grandview YMCA trails have been improved for this series featuring an 8K, 5K, 1-mile and phantom options. Proceeds will benefit the Millbrook First United Methodist Church youth mission. There will be food, music, awards and fun, including inflatables for the kids.

For details and registration, visit www.active.com or www.millbrookmardigrasrun.org.

Feb. 3 Millbrook Mardi Gras Parade and Festival Hosted by the Millbrook Krewe of Revelers, this annual celebration will start at 9 a.m. at the Village Green, with the parade kicking off at noon led by the king and queen. More than 70 vendors from across the Southeast will be present, along with kids' activities, such as pony rides, zip lines and games. For more information, read the article on page 25.

Feb. 4 Murder on the Menu Hosted by the Friends of the Wetumpka Library, meet more than 18 mystery authors, including J.T. Ellison,

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Richard Helms and Carolyn Haines from noon to 4 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. For a complete list of authors, visit wetumpkalibrary.com. Price is $40 per person, which includes a catered lunch.

Feb. 4 ECAG Reception & Awards Ceremony Awards will be presented for the Elmore County Art Guild Annual Show at 2 p.m. at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. For information, contact Show Chair Shirley Esco at 334-399-5115.

Feb. 11 Old Federal Road in Alabama Hosted by the Elmore County Museum, located at 112 S. Main St., come hear Raven Christopher from the Alabama Department of Archives & History share the history of Alabama’s Old Federal Road. Originally used at a postal route to keep communications open between Native American tribes and the U.S. Government, the Old Federal Road became more important than anyone could have anticipated. This free presentation will begin at 2:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be served.

Feb. 10 Wetumpka Mardi Gras Festival The Order of Cimarron presents this sixth annual event at Gold Star Park in downtown Wetumpka. Food vendors and booths open at 9 a.m. with the parade kicking off around 1 p.m. For more information, visit the Order of Cimarron Facebook Page.

Feb. 10 Critter Crawl The Alabama Nature Center hosts this annual trail run through Lanark’s 5-mile system. New this year is the 1-mile Yeti Dash, and participants must be in costume to be eligible for a Yeti Dash medal. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 1-mile run starting at 9:45 a.m. T-shirts available for those that register before Jan. 31. Sign up on active.com today. For information, call 334-285-4550.

Feb. 16 Boots and Bowties This night of dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction will be held at the Ag Heritage Park, 620 S. Donague Dr. in Auburn. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person, and proceeds benefit the Little Hapie Tree Pre-school in Auburn and the Residential School in Tallassee. For information, contact Stephanie Weldon at 334-415-9372 or sweldon@learning-tree.org.

Feb. 17 Getting Down with the Dawgs Drawdown Hosted by the Elmore County Humane Shelter, this eighth annual drawdown event will be held at the Entertainment Center at Wind Creek Wetumpka, 100 River Oaks Dr. Tickets on sale at the shelter for $100 with a 1-in-312 chance to win $10,000 (you do not have to be present to win). Tickets also include a buffet dinner, a chance for door prizes, a cash bar and more.

Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner begins at 6 p.m., and the drawdown starts at 7 p.m. For information, contact the shelter at 334-567-3377 or hselco@bellsouth.net.

Feb. 24 9th Annual Russell Forest Run

Runners have the option of either a 5K or 10K scenic trail run for February's annual Russell Forest Run

Hosted by Russell Lands On Lake Martin and the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation, the Russell Forest Run is a 10K scenic trail run over rolling hills on sand, clay and gravel roads. The 10K race starts at Russell Crossroads at 7:45 a.m., with a 5K race beginning at 7:55 a.m. All runners will receive a high performance running shirt. Registration is $40 for either race, and proceeds help provide educational tools for students in the Alexander City school system. For information and to register, visit russellforestrun.com or call 256-397-1019.

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Countywide Cleanup Day

Season-Long Events Country Music Jam Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Red Hill Community Center (the Old Red Hill School on state Route 229) hosts an open-stage country music jam. All players, singers and listeners are welcome. Coffee and snacks are provided at this family-friendly event. There is no admission, but donations are welcome. For information, email Paula Castleberry at mcasby53@windstream.net.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature Every Monday and Wednesday, from 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m., come learn about Alabama’s woods, water and wildlife. Get up close and personal with some of the creatures you may find in your own backyard and even some you may have never heard of. General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

Electronics Recycling

The Elmore County Commission sponsors free cleanup days for residents on the second Saturday of odd numbered months. Drop off household and yard trash free of charge at the following locations: old highway department in Kent; old highway department shop in Holtville; Crenshaw Park; Sweeten School; Emerald Mountain Equestrian Center; county jail; Shaylee Place at Hwy. 231 and Tutus Road; Old Central Transfer Station; Anne Building in Elmore; CEW&SA parking lot at Redland Road facility. There is no longer a drop-off at the intersection of Redland, Firetower and Dozier roads.

Tallassee Civitan Club The Civitans meet at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Budde Building on Gilmer Avenue. This volunteer organization serves individual and community needs by funding and hosting special events for people with developmental disabilities. A social time at 5:30 p.m. precedes meetings.

Bluegrass Jam, Sit and Scrap and Sit and Sew

On the first Saturday of each month, electronic items for recycling are accepted at the Wetumpka Recycling Center on East Charles Avenue. There is a $10 fee to recycle tube televisions; other electronics incur no charge. Come from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other accepted electronics include computers, monitors, cell phones, chargers, modems, remotes, printers, batteries and more.

All three activities are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 am. to noon at the Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka. All acoustic instruments and skill levels are welcome at the bluegrass jam.

Scrappers and paper crafters are encouraged to attend Sit and Scrap. All sewers and knitters are welcome at Sit and Sew. For details, visit arrac.org or call 334-578-9485.

Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Bring a sack lunch to the Elmore County Extension Office in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month for a gardening presentation hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. The event is free and open to the public. Drinks are provided. Visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/ or call 334-567-6301 for more information.

Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children's Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

River Region Women in Business This women’s networking group supports, encourages and helps other women succeed in business.

Topics and speakers vary on tips or advice for professional and personal growth. The group meets the third Thursday of each month at the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce, 116 E. Bridge St., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. No cost to attend the first meeting. Contact Shea Irvine at 334-651-8289 or sheainal@gmail.com for more information.

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Business & Service Directory

Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

Bezlo's Cafe Bless Your Heart Eclectic Town Hall Eclectic Library Johnson’s Furniture Original Grace First Community Bank

Lake Martin

Russell Lands Russell Marine Nail’s Cotton’s BBQ

Millbrook

Verizon Wireless First Community Bank Lucretia Cauthen Realty Bliss Salon Millbrook Chamber of Commerce Realty Central Stone & Britt Law

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Gene Jones Insurance Liveoak Agency

Slapout

Lake Pharmacy The Golden Frog The Boy’s Store First Community Bank

Tallassee

Kent Eagle Y Petro Parker Tire RoadRunner Herron Hill Pharmacy Friendship Grocery The Apothecary Community Hospital Tallassee Health & Rehab 5 Points Store Tallassee Automotive

Wetumpka

Aldridge Borden Company Bennett’s Archery

First Community Bank Russell Do It Center Bumper’s Karen’s Mane Tamers River Ridge Steakhouse Emerald Mountain Store Redland Market Seivers Accounting Wetumpka Depot Players A Touch of Class Angel Locksmith Verizon Wireless Unplugged Must Stop Café Alfa Realty Wetumpka Century 21 Brandt Wright Realty Wells Fargo BB&T Jackson Thornton Lee’s Auto Repair McQuick Printing Company Hankins Insurance Hog Rock BBQ Wetumpka YMCA Adams Drugs Bell Chiropractic

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Wetumpka Urgent Care USAmeriBank A Beautiful Creation Austin’s Flowers Camo Country Alabama State Employees Credit Union Smokin S BBQ Elmore Community Hospital Wetumpka Preschool Wetumpka City Library Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce City of Wetumpka Administration Bldg.

Coosa River Adventures Stoddard’s Bait Shop Collier Ford The Prissy Hen Wee Ones Daycare Wetumpka Health & Rehab Canal Grocery Kim’s Corner Wetumpka Flea Market River Perk

Our Advertisers • To Join, Call 334-567-7811 City of Millbrook............................................................................. 4 7 Community Hospital.......................................................................... 3 Haircuts by Jo Jo............................................................................. 4 4 Jackson Thornton............................................................................ 4 5 J&M Tank Lines................................................................................. 3 Karen's Mane Tamers...................................................................... 4 4 Kowaliga Whole Health.................................................................. 4 4 Liveoak Agency.............................................................................. 4 3 Mark's Service Center...........................................................................4 3 Photography by Lyn..............................................................................4 7 River Region Dermatology.....................................................................4 4 Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC.......................................................... 4 7 The Learning Tree............................................................................ 4 3 UAB Heart & Vascular..................................................................... 1 7 Wetumpka Flea Market.................................................................... 1 9 Wind Creek Casino........................................................................ 4 8

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Don't see your ad in this issue of Elmore County Living? Neither did the thousands of potential customers who read our magazine monthly.

To advertise please contact - Marilyn Hawkins 334-202-5108 - Kat Raiford 334-444-8981 or stop by our office located at 300 Green Street, Wetumpka AL 36092

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Proper Plasticware Etiquette MK Moore

SOUTHERN DELIGHTS Mary Katherine Moore is an Alabama State Fair pepper jelly champion, has butchered a wild hog in her kitchen and grows heirloom tomatoes in her backyard.

Hi. I’m Mary Katherine, and I’m a plastic storage container addict.

I’m a sucker for new systems that snap together. I get a gleam in my eye when I see new shapes and sizes appear on the grocery store shelves. Bento boxes? Yes, please. Lucite? Of course! Spaghetti canister? Oh, yeah!

I avidly watch infomercials that guarantee I will never have to search for a lid ever again. I own specialty items like, a devilled egg carrier and a cupcake carrier.

But it never fails that when I save that last bit of macaroni and cheese, I can’t find the lid to the tiniest cup. And what’s worse is that after the holidays, when all the containers are empty of the last dab of cranberry sauce or the last Christmas cookies, there is just no room for all that storage in the cupboard designated for storage containers.

It is a well-known fact here in the South that if you go to Mama’s house, open the icebox and see a butter tub, that tub may contain butter or it may contain leftover collard greens (or if you are lucky, chicken and dumplings).

Butter tubs and whipped topping tubs are the stalwarts of the plastic storage containers and one of the earliest recycling efforts. Don’t throw away a good tub like that. Use it over and over until it is re-homed by giving it away full of something yummy to someone else.

My collection contains some of these hand-me-downs.

They are quite useful for sharing some homemade soup without giving away the good plasticware.

This brings me to container etiquette. My opinion on the

subject is: If someone gives you yummy stuff in a fancy container, wash it and give it back.

What do I mean by fancy? That would be pretty much anything other than a butter tub.

Heavy Rubbermaid? Give it back. Real Tupperware? For sure, give it back. You might be able to slide on some of the low-end GladWare, but do you want to risk losing future treats because you didn’t return a container? I think not.

No matter how fancy the plastic brand or how much the infomercial will claim that its locking system will keep you organized, they are all lies. Sooner or later you are going to end up with a bunch of containers and a bunch of lids; and none of them are going to match.

I don’t know how this happens. I think it is the same space-time continuum that surrounds the dryer and eats my socks. I start out with lovely matching sets of plasticware, and over the course of a holiday, the plasticware cupboard goes crazy.

All of a sudden, I have a zillion containers stacked up in crazy nesting piles with oodles of lids stuffed into a long rectangular plastic container (who knows where the lid to that one is?). The cupboard door won’t quite close because there is probably a stray lid keeping the whole wobbly pile from sliding all the way in.

One day, all of a sudden, the whole pile avalanches onto Sweetheart’s head. I guess I’d better start this year’s cleaning projects by sorting out the lidded from the lidless. But I sure do hate to throw out a perfectly good butter tub.

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