Elmore County Living March 2019

Elmore

March 2019

County Living

Double C Farms Hot Rod Therapy for Heroes n Mover & Shaker Cary Cox

APRIL 27 WE’VE HELPED OVER 95,000 GET SCREENED ONE STEP AT A TIME. REGISTER NOW AND HELP US KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING! The Walk of Life creates awareness for breast cancer, celebrates survivors, and raises money for those who cannot afford mammograms and breast cancer screenings. Bring the family April 27 and run, walk, donate or volunteer with us at 8:30am in Downtown Montgomery!

5K RUN/WALK & KIDS ZONE & PARTY Register at JOYTOLIFE.ORG

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GIVE HERE. JOY TO LIFE PROVIDES LIFESAVING MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST SCREENINGS IN EVERY COUNT Y IN OUR STATE. 2 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

The rain showers fall and sold signs go up! Happy first day of spring!

Belyn Richardson

ReMax Cornerstone Realty 334-328-0249 getmobile.remax.com/belynrichardson

belyn.r@gmail.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

Oh, you know us.

We’re the

H OSPITALITY B ANK .

MILLBROOK

WETUMPKA

334.285.7100

334.514.7373

3111 Alabama Highway 14

Equal Housing Lender

10 Cambridge Drive

R I V E R B A N K A N DT R U S T. CO M

Member FDIC

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From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

When looking over the stories we had slated for this issue of Elmore County Living, one theme seemed to stand out: acts of kindness and community service, along with family ties.

A perfect example of this intention is couple, Rob and Stephanie Dinsmore, who are new to Tallassee. After watching an episode of Returning the Favor with Mike Rowe, about Operation Combat Bikesaver, a nonprofit in Indiana, they knew this mission to help veterans combat depression by offering them a safe workspace was one that they wanted to take on.

Recently retired from the Air Force after 30 years, Rob wanted to offer the built-in family experience the military provides. The couple will open a local affiliation of Combat Bikesaver in Tallassee where veterans re-build motorcycles with the option of eventually earning one for free. On page 24, read about how the camaraderie and education of new skills is achieving goals to increase quality of lives for veterans.

A local Wetumpka teen, Owen Tilley, also found a way to honor veterans, specifically those who fought in World War I. On page 14, read about Tilley’s Eagle Scout project, where he researched the lives of Elmore County soldiers who died in the war. Tilley drove the construction of a monument in their honor.

Similar to these acts of paying it forward, Wetumpka hairdresser Joanna Oates found a way to give back to a community that provided so much for her husband, who grew up there. After opening Haircuts by JoJo, a male-focused salon, she re-located to partner with B&B’s Health Boutique.

When women – most of whom are cancer patients – come to B&B to be fitted for wigs, Oates provides complimentary cuts to suit the clients’ preferences. Turn to page 8 to read about the services Oates provides, which also includes encouragement for these women.

Whether it’s a one-time service or continual project, giving back makes an impact, large or small. More than 120 dedicated volunteers turned out earlier this month to help clean roadsides in Elmore County. Enthusiastic groups of all ages tackled the growing issue of litter by removing nearly 350 bags of trash. Check out the photos of these champions for the community on page 11.

Double C Farms may be running a for-profit venture of individual retail cuts of Angus beef, but the Brysons have filled a much-needed void.

Craig Bryson and his father opened the farm years ago, and it remains in the hands of Bryson, his wife and other members. Turn to page 18 to read more about the quality products they offer.

For Elmore County to continue to thrive and offer services and amenities to residents, it must have continued economic success. Recently hired Economic Development Authority Director Cary Cox has a vested interest as a native and hopes to direct planned, productive growth for the area.

Read about this month’s mover and shaker on page 16.

I challenge you to find a way to lend a hand this month. There is always someone or something out there that could use a little help.

Be kind and pay it forward.

Amy Passaretti, Editor

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Chairman

KENNETH BOONE 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

ERIN BURTON erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultants

MARILYN HAWKINS marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com SHANNON FILYAW shannon.filyaw@tallasseetribune.com BIZZY BAKER bizzy.baker@alexcityoutlook.com TIPPY HUNTER tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com KATIE WESSON katie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com JULIE HARBIN julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com JOLIE WATERS jolie.waters@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services

AUDRA SPEARS audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com SHELLEY MCNEAL shelley.mcneal@alexcityoutlook.com DARLENE JOHNSON darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com

Digital Services

KAT RAIFORD kat.raiford@tallasseetribune.com

Contributors

Kenneth Boone Jeff Langham Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor MK Moore Sharon Fox

Donald Campbell Tony Edwards Barry Chrietzberg Shannon McDuffie Jon Eric Binkerd Amalia Kortight

To subscribe to Elmore County Living, $25 a year for 12 issues, please call Erin Burton at 256-234-4281 All content, including all stories and photos, are copyright of

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 999 300 Green Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-7811

CONTENTS

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ON THE COVER Leah, Craig, Kylie and Coleman Bryson live on a working farm in Titus.

Double C Farms in Wetumpka is where they raise Angusbred cattle and sell retail individual cuts of meat. Photo courtesy of Craig Bryson

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22 Columns

In Every Issue 6

EXTRA! EXTRA!

8 36 41 44

Features

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MOVIE MAN

In the Wild, Wild West ...

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ROADSIDE PRIDE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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COMMUNITY CARE

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A CENTURY LATER

OUT & ABOUT

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BACK IN THE DAY

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MOVER & SHAKER

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DOUBLE C FARMS

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HOT ROD THERAPY

News Briefs

Haircuts by JoJo

In Elmore County

COMING UP

Fun for Everyone

WHERE TO FIND US Distribution List

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Save Your Own Life

Swapped for a Mustang

THE GAMER

Online Replaces Old Formula

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DOLLARS & SENSE

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SOUTHERN DELIGHTS

Volunteers Tackle Local Litter Eagle Scout Honors WWI Soldiers ECEDA Director Cary Cox Retail Cuts of Angus Beef Operation Combat Bikesaver

Sandwich Generation Grows

British Bakes Take the Cake ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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EXTRA! EXTRA! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

AWF President Ed Leigh McMillian (center)

Artificial Reef named for AWF Millbrook’s Alabama Wildlife Federation was selected, along with seven other organizations, to have one of eight new artificial reef zones named in its honor at Gulf State Park.

AWF was noted for its constant advocacy of outdoor programs in Alabama, along with being instrumental in the development of the Alabama Artificial Reef Development Plan. Nearly $35 million in funding for inshore and offshore artificial reef zones was secured with the help of the AWF.

Tallassee Police receive funds from Ivey Gov. Kay Ivey awarded nearly $2,000 to the Tallassee Police Department to upgrade equipment. One of the main uses of the funds will go toward severe weather clothing for officers, including high-visibility rain wear.

“Police are important first responders during times of severe weather,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to help the Tallassee Police Department purchase basic but essential items to protect officers and increase their visibility to the public during severe weather.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department. ADECA awards numerous grants in varying amounts to law enforcement agencies across Alabama to purchase equipment that those local agencies deem essential to their needs.

TPD purchased essential protection items with state funds

Fishing Big for Elmore County Josh Pollard of Eclectic and Dallas Weldon of Tallassee caught a 17.63-pound five-fish bag last month at Wind Creek State Park to win the Alabama Bass Trail South Division tournament; however, the day didn’t start out promising.

Instead of being skunked, Pollard and Weldon changed things up a little and picked a couple areas that had been good in the past, where they fished a jig in shallow brush piles.

The pair of Elmore County anglers took home the $10,000 first prize along with other sponsor prizes for the win. Pollard and Weldon also landed the biggest fish of the tournament at 5.49 pounds netting them another $500.

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Josh Pollard of Eclectic and Dallas Weldon of Tallassee

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Wind Creek hotel ranked in top 15 The Wind Creek Casino Hotel was ranked the ninthbest in the state by a recent U.S. News & World Report examination of luxury hotels nationwide.

“When it comes to entertainment, dining and guest service, Wind Creek Hospitality takes pride in offering guests an escape from the ordinary,” Wind Creek Hospitality Public Relations Director Magi Williams said in an email. “We strive to meet and exceed the highest standards in the industry; that’s why we are honored to have Wind Creek Atmore and Wind Creek Wetumpka included in U.S. News and World Report’s list of the Top 15 Best Hotels in Alabama. This recognition affirms that our properties are following through on their promises to create winning moments for guests around the state and across the world.”

The rankings for 2019 were recently released based on an analysis of expert and user opinions. Each hotel's place in the rankings takes into account the aggregate opinion of published travel experts and the overall customer satisfaction expressed in online guest reviews provided under license by TripAdvisor. The highestranking hotels are typically those that both experts and users recognize for their exceptional quality.

Murder on the Menu Authors Linda Sands, Emily Carpenter, Carrie Smith, Hank Early and Christopher Swann

The Friends of the Wetumpka Library hosted the annual Murder on the Menu fundraiser featuring mystery authors from across the country.

The event raised about $1,400 for the library, not including the percentage of book sales the library will receive.

The approximately 50 participants were provided lunch, which included the opportunity for personal conversations with the authors. Following, the 16 authors took part in a series of four panel discussions, giving guests insight into their methods of writing and other relevant information about their experiences.

Wind Creek Casino Hotel Wetumpka

Tallassee's First Culinary Competition Tallassee High School students Kendra Barris, Tara Daye, Tywonna Taylor and Armani Wilkerson each earned an $8,000 scholarship after placing third in the Jr. Chef Competition last month at Carver High School in Montgomery. It was the THS students’ first competition, and they competed against students from seven Alabama high schools.

The four students whipped up chicken Parmesan using limited ingredients that could be purchased by the child nutrition program. The culinary competition ignited student creativity and also added new flavors to school menus across the state to increase healthier products.

Kendra Barris, Tara Daye, Tywonna Taylor, and Armani Wilkerson

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Haircuts

by JoJo

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Story & Photos by Amy Passaretti

Joanna Oates provides complimentary cuts for wigs purchased at B&B

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Haircuts by JoJo's new location is on Main Street and behind B&B Boutique

hen Joanna Oates moved to Wetumpka, she was on a mission to find a way to give back to the community that provided so much for her husband, Mike, during his childhood.

After opening Haircuts by JoJo in November 2017, Oates recognized an additional calling and recently partnered with Natacha Graham, owner of B&B’s Health Boutique.

She re-located to the backside of Graham’s store and provides complimentary wig cutting services to women who come to B&B to be fitted for wigs.

Oates provides an intimate and encouraging atmosphere for women.

“Most of these women are cancer patients, and I can provide a more private setting for them to have their heads shaved and try on wigs,” said Oates.

With the purchase of a wig at B&B, Oates will cut the hair to a customer’s preference, free of charge. Often, insurance does not cover the purchase of wigs, and Graham's nonprofit foundation will donate them to those in need.

“Most want it to look as close to their natural hair as possible, so they can feel as normal as possible,” said Oates.

The high-quality synthetic wigs come in a variety of colors, lengths and styles, so there are options for everyone. Clients can try on as many as they wish to find the ones they feel are suitable. Oates then will cut the wigs while it’s on their heads, to ensure it fits their faces.

If she is available, Oates tries to join the consultation process for the wig fittings as well. She plans to average about two to four wig cuts per month, according to Graham’s predictions.

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“It takes about an hour to cut a wig. It’s very coarse and requires a lot of shaping, thinning and different techniques, more unusual than most natural hair types,” she added.

After cutting hair for 15 years, Oates said, one of the aspects of the job she enjoys the most is interacting with her clients. Finding common ground as she focuses on one client at a time, Oates finds conversational topics that make people happy.

She applies the same method to the women getting their wigs cut, which could also serve as a distraction from why they may be there.

“It comes fairly naturally to me, making conversation, since I’ve been in this profession for so long. It comes with the job, and I also enjoy interacting with people. I want my clients to feel that they have my full attention the whole time,” said Oates.

The business side of Haircuts by JoJo focuses solely on haircuts and began as an all-male salon. Although she’s capable of a broad spectrum of professional hair techniques, Oates prefers to focus on the one thing she is really good at, she said.

“I saw the profit you could turn with males, who typically don’t take as long to cut. I wanted to cater to that crowd, but a classier version because men deserve class, too,” she added.

Haircuts by JoJo offers the Wetumpka special for $25, which includes a man’s haircut, massaging shampoo, hot towel and a neck and shoulder massage.

After working for others in the field for so long, Oates knew exactly what she did and did not want when in opening her own business.

“It kind of fell into my lap. I’d been working so hard for other salons, and finally Mike said, ‘Well, why don’t you open your own?’” she added.

The Mom-and-Pop atmosphere is an important element to the Pennsylvania native, making it more than just a job to her, she said.

“I am doing what I love, and it’s a way to give back to the community,” said Oates. “Mike grew up in Wetumpka and his mom was a single mom. The community really helped out his family. I love the community aspect of this town. This is home.”

Oates originally opened in November 2017, and despite renovating the new location and moving, she kept the business open all but a few days.

Now located at 102 Court St. at the stoplight by the bridge, Oates said, exposure for her business is probably even higher now based on the location.

“When people are sitting at that red light by the bridge, they see my large sign outside. I have been told by people that they wrote down my number as they were driving by,” she added.

Mike helps out a lot behind the scenes, she said, with

Business Spotlight

Oates focuses on one customer at a time for a more intimate experience The salon is an exclusive carrier in Alabama for Head Kandy products

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marketing, sweeping, answering phones, budgeting, finances and more.

He also has been incredibly involved with the renovations of each building.

“I am so grateful for a supportive husband,” Oates said.

She and Mike met in North Carolina and visited his family in Wetumpka on occasion. They decided they would retire here and made the move four years ago.

Having attempted to branch out on her own once before, Oates said, the timing was not right.

“I never really felt like it was the right time. Now is the time,” she said. “There are great things coming to Wetumpka.”

Haircuts by JoJo is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The appointment-only salon is located in downtown Wetumpka at 102 Court St. For updates, information or appointments visit the Facebook page or call 334-478-7599.

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Oates has been cutting hair for more than15 years

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More than 350 bags of trash were collected

Roadside Pride Dedicated volunteers tackle litter issue along high-traffic roads Story by Amy Passaretti Photos Courtesy of Jodie McGirt and John Thompson

D

espite the potential of rain on the horizon, more than 120 devoted volunteers turned out on March 2 for a productive day of community roadside cleanup along areas that are mostly in Elmore County.

The day turned out to be perfect: cloudy but temperate weather. Four main groups divided to conquer different high-traffic areas and accumulated more than 350 bags of trash.

“I was surprised at the number of people that turned out, of all ages and all groups; it was kind of amazing,” said Jodie McGirt, one of the team leaders.

“Everyone figured out how they could help with their own abilities, which was great. We had kids up to folks with disabilities, all offering to lend a hand.”

The dedicated bunch cleaned an estimated 35 miles of highway. Areas covered included the Trillium neighborhood; Prospect Road and Prospect Cutoff; state Routes 229 and 50 from state Route 63 to Martin Dam; and many other side roads leading to Lake Martin.

Sue Ann McMahan and Dick Cobern also guided groups along the areas that required attention, and the Lake Martin Auburn Club tackled state Route 63 from Kowaliga Bridge to Willow Point.

“We were much more organized this year. Sue Ann and Dick even had maps to assign sections and track

progress,” added McGirt, who helped out for the second year in a row.

Both Kowaliga Volunteer Fire Departments No. 1 and No. 2 were treated to breakfast and also were included as cleanup zone starting points.

Volunteers included 21 members of Lake Martin Auburn Club, 13 Trillium residents, volunteer fire fighters, Lake Martin Resource Association board members, Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association board members and many residents from the Red Hill community.

“We need to keep our roadsides free of trash to keep our lakes, streams and rivers clean,” said McGirt.

A roll-off dumpster, placed at Dirt Road Gourmet courtesy of Kenny Richardson with Astrada Construction, was completely filled. Lake Martin Dock Company brought trailers over to assist with collecting trash.

Participants met at Dirt Road Gourmet in Eclectic and were treated to a complimentary breakfast by owners Jackie and Reuben Thronton. After the event, the groups returned to Dirt Road Gourmet for fellowship and a hot dog lunch.

“It was great to see the enthusiasm people had and the pride in our community,” said McGirt.

She added that everybody can help combat this growing litter issue by securing household trash in properly tied garbage bags before placing it in trash cans.

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Astrada Construction provided a complimentary dumpster Everyone met in Eclectic to sign up for an assignment

Enthusiastic community members turned out to help

Laura Worthy, Randy Cook, Jennifer Cook, Jodie McGirt and Gina Eagerton

Sue McMahan led one of the three groups

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Jackie Thornton, co-owner of Dirt Road Gourmet, provided breakfast and lunch

Lake Martin Dock Company loaned trailers to help haul trash back to the dumpster

All ages came out to lend a hand where they could

Bags, pickers and vests were supplied for everyone Russell Gentry and Jodie McGirt work together to pull a tire out of the ground

Multiple tires were found in the woods along the roads

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Owen Tilley dedicated a WWI monument on Nov. 11, 2018

A Century Later Local scout honors fallen WWI soldiers

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Story by Betsy Iler Photos by Amalia Kortright & Courtesy of Owen Tilley he future of leadership in Elmore County likely will include Wetumpka’s Owen Tilley, who at 17 years old spearheaded last fall’s project to dedicate a World War I monument at the Elmore County courthouse. Tilley, a passionate history

buff for as long as he can remember, proposed the monument as his Boy Scout Troop 13 Eagle project and saw it dedicated on Nov. 11, 2018, the 100th anniversary of the end of the conflict that claimed the lives of 43 Elmore County soldiers.

“I’ve always had a natural affinity for history. I’m fas-

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The memorial honors 43 Elmore County soliders

cinated by world events,” Tilley explained. “I was thinking about a monument for my project, and when my dad told me about it being the 100th anniversary, and I saw that there really wasn’t any public information about how many local people were lost and who they were, I wanted to get them the recognition they deserve.”

The Scout said his father, who works with military archives, guided him to the sources he needed for the monument’s content. Once he knew how many names it would hold, Tilley was able to sketch out a design, which he took to Farmer Memorial Company in Wetumpka.

“Mrs. Farmer took my drawings and measurements and gave me a rendering of the final project that you see in front of the courthouse now,” he said.

Tilley raised $1,700 for the project by organizing a Scouting community yard sale and through Scouting merchandise sales and requests for private donations.

But he learned more than how to raise money through this project.

“I learned that it takes a lot of meetings to get anything put up at the courthouse. I learned a lot about local government that I didn’t know until I was exposed to it through this project,” he said. “I learned a lot about the men who died. I didn’t know who they were at first, but for most of the names, we were able to find out how they died and when and where. Just hearing their stories and their sacrifice, it was amazing. I have a newfound respect for what they did.”

Tilley said he might use what he learned through this project and his passion for history as he makes plans for a future career.

“The process of putting this project together taught me how to be a leader. It was a big responsibility, putting together a project of this size. The experience and knowledge I gained from it will be a big benefit,” said Tilley.

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Mover & Shaker

Cox is an Elmore County native and an advocate of local tourism

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Cary Cox Economic director projects positive planned growth

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Story by Amy Passaretti Photo by Barry Chrietzberg

lmore County is on the edge of a huge growth spurt, according to the new Elmore County Economic Development Authority Director Cary Cox. His experience, background and admiration for the county with which he grew up should aid him to pilot that growth in a constructive direction.

“The way I see it, we need to do positive things to help economic development in Elmore County,” said Cox, who was previously employed as the director of workforce development with the City of Auburn Economic Development Department for 14 years.

He also worked for 16 years with Alabama Industrial Development Training. With more than 30 total years of experience in this field, Cox said, he has the resources and relationships to help lead the county toward expansion.

“We need planned growth, not just building for the sake of it,” said Cox. “We’ve done studies to see what’s lacking in the area to determine the proper needs for each location.”

Cox officially began his role Dec. 3, 2018, and said a priority for his office is tourism. Elmore County has Cary some major benefits to use to good advantage, he said. With three local rivers, outdoor tourism should be simple to promote.

“The river runs 24/7, free of charge. It’s a shoe-in for bringing in tourism,” said Cox. By tying in hospitality, Cox said, he hopes to provide reasons for visitors to stay here and spend money.

There was not much to do here when he was younger, he said, and everything had to be done out of the county. Now there are local conveniences, retail stores

and services for county residents to use.

“We want to continue to bring in amenities for people, create good paying jobs and increase the quality of life for citizens,” he added.

While other areas of development may focus on population, he said, the ECEDA plans to analyze traffic counts of different locations to make more informed decisions.

Elmore County has already landed some major accomplishments in tourism and business, which has leveraged it in a positive position, said Cox. Some standout features include Wind Creek Casino, Alabama Wildlife Federation, houses on Lake Jordan and Lake Martin and the opportunity to go shopping here that wasn’t available in the past.

“This job takes hard work and common sense. We need to weigh options of logic, while also protecting our citizens,” said Cox. Acting as the bonding agent that embraces various parties in the area, Cox said, his position is very relationship-focused. Connecting landowners, government officials and developers, the job is to help guide these organizations to collaborativeCox ly work together toward economic growth that’s suitable for the community as a whole.

Cox is also an advocate of property owners’ rights, he said, so he understands his job is to provide guidance based on research and joint decisions, but ultimately landowners have the final say.

“I am from Elmore County, lived here my whole life, and I want to make a positive impact on tourism, commercial, retail and industrial businesses,” said Cox.

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Double C F Local family offers individual cuts of USDA-inspected Angus beef Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Amy Passaretti & Courtesy of Craig Bryson

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arms

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Double C Farms is a self-supportive farm where the Brysons make their own hay and maintain their herds' health

n the early ’90s, Craig Bryson and his father, Dr. Charles Bryson, owners of Double C Farms, expanded their cattle business to focus on the Angus breed.

Bryson grew up on a farm in Wetumpka, and his grandfather was in the business as well. It was a natural fit for him to carry on the job. His father is a veterinarian, and they started out with just a few stock cows. Now they run predominately registered Angus cattle.

Last summer, Bryson and his wife, Leah, realized the growing trend of friends wanting individual cuts of their Angus meat. They decided to offer this option up to the public and now sell USDAinspected pure Angus beef.

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Angus cattle are born, raised and fed on the farm

“We breed and raise the registered Angus cattle on the farm and have a USDA-inspected butcher in Headland where we ship the live cows to be processed and packaged,” said Bryson.

The butcher shrink wraps, labels and weighs the meat cuts using Double C Farms’ logo.

The couple keeps two USDA-inspected steers in stock at Double C Farms with the demand steadily growing.

The processing fee is then built into the pricing of the meat cuts. To remain fresh, the meat needs to be moved in a timely manner, Bryson said.

“We tend to focus more on ground beef, steaks, some roast and some hamburger patties,” he said. “It seems to be what sells and what people like the most.”

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Ground beef sells for $5.50 per pound, if buying more than 10 pounds or $6.50 per pound otherwise.

Four 1/4-pound burgers are $8.50 per pack, as they are already pre-pattied. For a full price list, visit the website at DoubleCFarms.com.

Individual cuts of meat could be ordered at any time with free local delivery available.

A customer also could buy a whole, half or quarter cow; and then, call the butcher to explain the specific cuts they would prefer. Customers pay separately for the processing; however, Bryson will pick it up from the butcher and deliver to the customer. Customers also are welcome to pick up from the processor themselves.

“We typically get 60 percent return on carcass

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PLAY

weight and about 50 to 60 percent of that is what’s edible,” explained Bryson.

Currently, he has nearly 150 Angus cattle, and the farm markets about 30-40 registered Angus bulls for breeding annually and about 20 registered Angus steers for the custom Angus beef market. About 35-40 heifers remain on the farm for replacement females.

“Everything is born, raised and fed here,” Bryson added. “All steers used for the custom Angus beef market are under 18 months of age. The steers receive their calf-hood vaccinations at weaning, and all butchered steers are steroid, hormone and antibiotic free.

The cattle are fed grass and a grain-based diet, which is an all-natural feed containing no steroids or hormones. The grain helps the cattle gain about 3 to 4 pounds per day, which creates the necessary marbling in the final product.

Bryson maintains the grass on the farm and clips it about every 45 days to keep it fresh for the cows. They free graze with about an acre available per cow.

“We have a pretty self-supportive farm. We make all our own hay, maintain our herds’ health and manage record-keeping,” said Bryson.

Calves are typically born between September and November and are butchered at about 15-18 months old to produce the best quality product, he added.

Bryson, along with Leah and their two children, Kylie and Coleman, live in Titus, where they rent other working farms, adding to the acreage available for business and production.

The farm is located at 860 Blake Rd. in Wetumpka. For more information, visit DoubleCFarms.com or call the Brysons at 334-850-4781.

THE

PINES!

Meat is processed, packaged and labeled at a USDA-inspected butcher

The Pines Golf Course 307 Deatsville Highway, Millbrook 334-285-7529 THE CITY OF

ALABAMA COMFORT • CONVENIENCE • COMMUNITY

w w w. c i t yo f m i l l b r o o k . o r g ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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Saddle up for cinematic adventure on the American Frontier

Jeff Langham

MOVIE MAN Dr. Jeff Langham is State Assistant Superintendent for External and Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

As winter slips away and spring quickly approaches, let’s pay tribute to the great outdoors and wide open spaces featured in the panoramas of great Westerns. In this month’s movie roundup, I salute a list of my favorite Westerns – some classics and some little-known gems. Here they are, in no particular order:

True Grit (2010) hit the multiplexes as a second adaptation of Charles Portis’ 1968 novel. This version was written, produced and edited by the Coen brothers. Jeff Bridges stars as Rooster Cogburn, and a winning supporting cast includes Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) – The ultimate spaghetti Western is directed by Sergio Leone and stars Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach as the title characters. Film music maestro Ennio Morricone composed the film’s iconic score. This enduring blockbuster serves as the third and final installment in the Dollars Trilogy, following A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More. Admittedly, this series helped to propel Clint Eastwood to superstardom. More than 50 years after its release, it is revered as one of the greatest and most influential Westerns of the silver screen.

Unforgiven (1992) – Clint Eastwood produced and directed this multiple-Oscar winner, a powerful revisionist Western that tells the story of William Munny (Eastwood), an aging outlaw and killer who takes on one more job years after he had reverted to a life of farming. Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris round out the impressive cast.

Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) – Yet another classic from director Sergio Leone, here is an epic one that features stunning cinematography and an all-star cast, including Henry Fonda (as the villain), Charles Bronson, Jason Robards and Claudia Cardinale.

True Grit (1969) – This movie showcases John Wayne’s Oscar-winning role as U. S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn. The cast also features Glen Campbell (who sings the Oscar-nominated title song), Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper and Kim Darby. Thanks to its enduring legacy, more than 40 years later …

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The Wild Bunch (1969) – This film is an ultraviolent epic Western that made quite an impact when first released. Directed by Sam Peckinpah and starring William Holden, Robert Ryan and Ernest Borgnine, it has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 Best American Films.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) – Extremely likable outlaws Paul Newman and Robert Redford headline this blockbuster penned by Oscar-winner William Goldman. Katharine Ross adds romantic spice to this ultimately tragic story that is buoyed along the way by an infectious Burt Bacharach score and the classic tune Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head.

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Dances with Wolves (1990) – Kevin Costner’s career blasted into the stratosphere when he directed, produced and starred in this epic Western, which swept the awards circuit, dazzled critics and achieved blockbuster status.

Little Big Man (1970) – Another revisionist Western, Little Big Man served as an anti-establishment film of the period, indirectly protesting the Vietnam War, which was at its height during the time of the film’s release. The film is reminiscent of 1994’s Forrest Gump in that it showcases pivotal events in American history throughout the progression of the life of the title character. The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Faye Dunaway.

The Cowboys (1972) – Rousing adventure ensues about a crusty cowhand (John Wayne) who, in desperation, enlists a motley crew of teenage boys to help with his cattle drive.

Screen veterans Roscoe Lee Browne, Slim Pickens, Colleen Dewhurst and Bruce Dern round out the cast, and the film is propelled with a dynamic score by the legendary John Williams.

Wild Rovers (1971) – A box office disappointment upon its release, Wild Rovers, directed by Blake Edwards and starring William Holden and Ryan O’Neal, has garnered a cult following and is frequently showcased on Turner Classic Movies. Beautifully shot and bolstered through a classic soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith, this tale of cowboys turned bank robbers will captivate and haunt the audience long after the final credits roll.

Lonely Are the Brave (1962) – This contemporary Western stars Kirk Douglas, Gena Rowlands and Walter Matthau, along with another early score by composer Jerry Goldsmith.

Kirk Douglas cites this as his favorite film, and that is some impressive praise from the man who starred in Spartacus.

Ulzana’s Raid (1972) – Directed by Robert Aldrich (The Dirty Dozen) and starring Burt Lancaster, the film won critical praise as one of the best Westerns of the 1970s.

Though set in 1880s Arizona, the film is seen as allegorical to the United States’ participation in the Vietnam War. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) – Here is an American Western anthology film written, directed and produced by the Coen brothers. It stars Tim Blake Nelson, Liam Neeson and James Franco and features six vignettes that take place on the American frontier.

After a limited theatrical run beginning in November, it is currently playing on Netflix. It has been named by the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures as one of its top 10 best films of 2018. The film earned three nominations at this year’s Academy Awards.

To fully appreciate the impact of all of these films, it is important to note that over the past several years Unforgiven, The Wild Bunch, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Dances with Wolves, Little Big Man and Once Upon a Time in the West have all been selected for preservation in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. All of these films are deemed as being culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.

Alas, there are so many extraordinary cinematic Westerns that my humble list barely scratches the surface. Who can ever forget the film contributions of James Stewart (Destry Rides Again) and director John Ford (The Searchers)? Honorable mentions must go to some other of my favorite Westerns, which include Two Mules for Sister Sara, The Outlaw Josey Wales and High Plains Drifter.

Ride ’em cowboy to your nearest streaming service or video dispensary to round up some of these classic Westerns. Until next month …

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Mike Hornsby owns a motorcycle shop in Tallassee and helps out at Combat Bikesaver

Hot Rod Therapy for Heroes Operation Combat Bikesaver offers veterans a safe outlet in a creative workshop

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Story by Amy Passaretti & Photos by Shannon McDuffie fter watching more than a dozen times an episode of Returning the Favor, a Facebook television series by Mike Rowe, that spotlights Operation Combat Bikesaver in Indiana, Rob Dinsmore decided to expand this hot rod therapy

workshop for veterans to Alabama.

Dinsmore retired in December from 30 years with the Air Force and has been trying to find purpose and motivation again. “I showed my wife, Stephanie, the episode and asked if she’d be on board with this project,” said Dinsmore.

Robert Scroggins, an American hero

“I was completely amazed. Why would I not support it?” Stephanie asked.

Operation Combat Bikesaver is a safe space for veterans and active duty military to bond with other veterans while building motorcycles. Each could eventually earn a bike with an additional $2,000 for parts and services.

With certified mechanics and welders on site to provide guidance, candidates could find this as a distraction from potentially negative thoughts and as a positive activity on which to focus.

“In the civilian world, we have no idea the camaraderie they have in the military,” said Stephanie. “And they lose that when they separate or retire from the military.

We’re trying to give them a place to go to reinvent that atmosphere, find a family and inspire purpose to pursue.”

To kick-start funds for the operation and introduce its mission to the public, the Dinsmores will host a Dice Run March 23, open to both motorcycles and cars.

Since moving to Alabama for family, the couple has purchased land in Tallassee with a workshop on site to begin growing the grassroots nonprofit operation. The program provides an environment for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression or similar maladies in an effort to lower suicide rates among combat military.

As a lifelong mechanic and motorcycle rider, Dinsmore said this aligned well with his skills, hobbies and passion.

Plus, Alabama has one of the highest veteran suicide rates in the U.S., so a need was evident, he said.

To apply for workshop status, there is a vetting process. Dinsmore must ensure a candidate has either been honorably discharged from the military or is still active duty; then, the candidate has a personal interview with Dinsmore.

“I want to explain to each interested applicant what to expect from the program and what not to expect,” he added. “It’s not about getting a free motorcycle. It’s about the journey and the challenge of fixing up the bike and getting it to run. The time spent and the work put in here are what are valuable.”

Jason Zaideman founded Operation Combat Bikesaver in Crown Point, Indiana, in October 2015 after living with the ramifications of his father’s PTSD as a Vietnam veteran. Having also served some years in the U.S. Army, Zaideman named the operation after the military program, Combat Lifesaver, which is a boosted first aid plan for soldiers to help save others when the medic is unavailable.

The concept of saving lives creates parallel meaning.

“We are rebuilding both the bike and the veteran,” said Dinsmore, who also serves as president of Tallassee’s Operation Combat Bikesaver.

The Elmore County location is the first expansion of the program, and Dinsmore had to be vetted by Zaideman to ensure Combat Bikesaver would be in appropriate hands. In August 2018, Dinsmore visited Indiana to meet the crew, participate in a shop day and explain who he was and his interest in the program.

“This is Jason’s baby, so he wants to make sure it’s in good hands. He wants to see it go everywhere but in the right way,” said Dinsmore.

After registering as a 501(c)(3) under the national name and filing paperwork as an Alabama fundraiser and tax-exempt program, Operation Combat Bikesaver will officially open its doors for its first shop day on March 24.

Every Sunday, the workspace will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the veteran participants – referred to as gearheads – along with volunteer workers in the program may come and go as they please. The shop will be for veterans only, so it will remain a safe – and alcoholfree – space.

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“They can share with one another experiences they can’t share with others, or even not share but know other people understand how they feel,” said Stephanie.

Replicating the Indiana facility, there also will be a retail section on site and a meeting room. There will be T-shirts, hats and other swag for sale, and this shop will likely include a glass window for customers to view the gearheads at work.

“In Indiana, every Sunday there is someone that shows up to see what’s going on, whether it’s to donate something, to check out the operation, bring food, etc.,” said Dinsmore. “It becomes a destination, which is what we hope to accomplish.”

All positions at the workshop will be volunteers, which do not have to have any military affiliation, and Dinsmore hopes the public helps out by donating lunches and supporting the cause. The public also can donate motorcycles – preferably older ones that need work – or individual parts.

Currently, the space has all the basic tools to get started, which are Dinsmore’s personal belongings. The big-ticket item missing is a motorcycle lift, and additional safety equipment – such as goggles, gloves and helmets – is required.

“It’s nothing fancy, but the tools will work. Eventually, we’ll start a wish list and prioritize our needs,” said Dinsmore. “We also need that initial $2,000 for the first build.”

Hornsby explains how to clean a carburetor

Mark Self, Rob Dinsmore, James Gillespie and Mike Hornsby make up the founding members

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Dinsmore organized workshop tools in an easy- to-find manner

Stephanie and Rob Dinsmore started Combat Bikesaver in Tallassee One motorcycle has already been donated to the cause and will be fixed up as the shop bike for advertising purposes and to determine the first build candidate. The shop has room to work on one motorcycle at a time, as they start off slowly, with possible room for two at once.

Dinsmore, along with about five other founding members, will serve in board positions and determine when it’s someone’s turn to earn a bike based on participation, assistance with others, special needs and other circumstances.

“There’s no scientific reason for who gets a bike, but you have to help others build their bikes first,” said Dinsmore.

There will be no limit to the number of gearheads accepted, and Dinsmore said he expects to start off with about 10 to 15 within the first six months, and eventually grow that number.

Having visited the shop in Indiana one other time with Stephanie, Dinsmore also returned in mid-March with his fellow staff, so everyone had first-hand experiences of what to expect.

Future goals for Operation Combat Bikesaver include becoming a fulltime business, where veterans could come out 24/7 to work in the shop, as needed.

“I want the gearheads to be able to come out anytime

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Honda Tech on the Lake!

We’re Your Premier Honda Dealer!

Dinsmore operates a metal lathe in the workshop they need therapy as an escape to a safe place,” said Dinsmore. “But for now, we’re starting with one day a week.”

He hopes to offer assistance with veteran benefits and job placement down the road, as well.

The first fundraising event to kick-start the operation will be a Dice Run on March 23, open to both motorcycles and cars. Starting at Chappy’s Deli in Prattville, with registration at 9 a.m., participants will have a list of stops to visit. They will roll five dice at each stop. The Tallassee shop will be a destination, and the event will end at the Thirsty Turtle in Millbrook.

Awards will be given for the highest and lowest cumulative numbers, and an entry ticket includes a barbecue plate, live music, a car show and a silent auction. Those not wanting to participate in the run can still support the cause through the purchase of a ticket and join the afterparty, or donate at combatbikesaver.org/donate.

For details on the event, visit the Operation Combat Bikesaver Facebook page.

“Right now, it’s about getting the word out. We want people to come out and experience what we have going on,” Dinsmore said.

More information can be found on the Facebook page, combatbikesaver.org or by calling the Tallassee shop at 334-541-2101.

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Save your own life Colon cancer screenings could detect issues early “You just saved your own life,” is my favorite thing to tell my patients after removing suspicious polyps. The best, most effective way to beat colon cancer is to catch it before it begins.

In 2019 alone, it is projected that more than 50,000 Americans will lose their lives to colon cancer. Most of us have personally been affected by the devastation colon cancer brings – mothers, fathers, friends, neighbors.

Is there anything we can do to decrease lives lost to colon cancer? YES! And it starts with you.

Am I at risk?

There are several factors that may lead to colon cancer. Some of the causes have been identified as: age; alcohol consumption; diet; history (personal and family) of polyps and/or other cancers; irritable bowel syndrome; being overweight; physical activity; racial background; smoking; and Type 2 diabetes – just to name a few (which means almost everyone has some risk of colon cancer).

The standard age for a screening colonoscopy in the past has been 50; however, The American Cancer Society recently changed that recommendation to 45 years old.

As technologies increase and awareness becomes more widespread, testing for colon cancer is becoming more advanced. There are DNA tests that can be performed, stool-study tests and, of course, the absolute golden standard: colonoscopies.

Stool-based tests have proven to be 96 percent accurate in detecting colon cancer; however, they do not detect precancerous polyps. A colonoscopy allows me to screen for polyps/cancer

and remove precancerous/cancerous polyps right when they are first detected. This means I can often eliminate the polyp and the cancer risk during the colonoscopy. The sooner colon cancer is detected, the more we can do to greatly increase survival rate.

One in three Americans are neglecting to have their screening colonoscopies.

If you are the one, what’s stopping you?

Having a colonoscopy may seem to be an embarrassing undertaking (trust me, I’m never thrilled to look at the southbound end of a northbound person), but it is worth it.

I’m often asked, ‘Will I be asleep?’ The answer is yes.

‘Will I use the restroom a lot?’ Also, yes.

‘How long does the colonoscopy take?’ Generally between 30 minutes to an hour.

‘I don’t have any symptoms or problems, do I still need to have a colonoscopy?’ The answer is still yes.

‘Will I have the opportunity to pass gas without repercussions?’ Again … yes.

I often ask my patients if they get the oil changed in their cars. They typically reply, ‘yes.’

I remind them that our bodies are machines, too, and will potentially break down without proper maintenance.

Don’t delay in making a potentially life-saving appointment today. To learn more about a screening colonoscopy, call a primary care doctor. Take responsibility for yourself and your healthcare.

Save your own life!

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Dr. Jon Eric Binkerd

COMMUNITY CARE Dr. Jon Eric Binkerd, M.D., is a board-certified general surgeon with Ivy Creek.

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Swapped for a Mustang Victor Talking Machine at museum triggers fond memories for a local man

Sharon fox

BACK IN THE DAY Sharon Fox is the curator at the Elmore County Museum in Wetumpka.

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Several weeks ago, a couple of visitors – obviously grandfather and grandson – came into the Elmore County Museum.

The boy was probably around 10 years old, and as I watched them move around the room looking at artifacts, I listened as the grandfather explained to the young boy what some things were and how they were used. There were quite a few artifacts that the grandfather remembered from his own childhood.

The young boy listened with interest, but I was pretty sure it was out of respect for his grandfather and not really because he was actually interested. The two spent probably an hour or so walking around and discussing things until they saw the Talking Machine.

The Victor Talking Machine is on display in the musical instrument section and dates back to between 1909 and 1912. While it needs just a little care, it’s in great condition. There is a stack of old Victor Talking Machine record albums sitting inside the cabinet beneath the turntable, just waiting to be played. It’s a favorite among museum visitors.

The grandfather’s eyes lit up the moment he saw it, starting an earnest search of dents and chips over the entire machine. He finished his inspection and opened the cabinet doors, searching through the records stored there. I watched, as he seemed to have found the one he was looking for, and with a happy grin, he carefully returned all but this record to the cabinet. He stood smiling down at that one record for a few seconds or more while his grandson inspected the Talking Machine. The grandfather began to tell the young man a story.

Sometime back in the early 1990s he had an old Victor Talking Machine and several records to go with it. He had that player

for many years, happily singing along to his favorite Gene Autry album until, as all young men do, he fell in love with a car. It was an old green Mustang, and he just had to have it. He tried to figure out a way he could buy it, but it just wasn’t working out for him. Then the unimaginable happened. The owner of the Mustang fell in love with the Victor Talking Machine and agreed to swap the car for the turntable, records included.

The Victor Talking Machine exhibited in the museum looked to be the very same machine the grandfather swapped all those years ago for that car. The moment he found the old Gene Autry record, he was convinced it was one and the same.

The grandfather and the boy talked about it for a few minutes; and then, moved on to the old yearbooks set out for visitors to look through. The yearbooks are another popular exhibit in the museum. I’m sure the pictures bring back pleasant memories for the older

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generations and elicit laughter from the younger ones.

Of course, the grandfather found his picture in the 1964 Wetumpka High School yearbook and pointed the page out to his grandson. I knew the moment the boy found it. He froze for a moment, his head snapping around toward his grandfather with a look of shock on his face.

“That’s you?” the young man asked in a loud, amazed voice.

His grandfather laughed and nodded, sending his grandson on a hunt through other yearbooks in hopes of finding another picture of his grandfather when he was a young man. The chuckles from the grandfather and giggles from the boy told me more were found.

Visitors always enjoy looking through these yearbooks. If you have a yearbook from any school and any year in Elmore County and would like to it donate it as part of the Yearbook Project at the Elmore County Museum, call 334567-5097 or email elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.

Are you wondering if the Talking Machine belonged to the grandfather? Stop by the Elmore County Museum for the answer!

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 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL

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Online offers twist t Games geared toward streaming could lose context

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.

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When you think about the best video games ever made, a series of moments from your favorite titles probably come to mind.

Maybe it’s the first time you saved Princess Peach from Bowser in Super Mario Bros.

Maybe it was the time you took down Baldur in God of War. Or maybe it was a sordid lie at the end of the Last of Us. These experiences hold context mostly for the players who have taken in the rest of that game’s story. Context forms a typhoon of emotions and meaning, and if you haven’t been paying attention, that importance is diminished in a big way.

In an age of Fortnite, Apex Legends and Destiny, we need to consider just why video games are moving away from the well-crafted stories that are so often award-winning.

It’s probably best we start with what is likely the worst offender: online streaming.

Streaming video games (so other gamers could watch and enjoy) has become a popular pastime for just about anyone with access to the internet. And with a little skill and personality, a player’s chance of success is tenfold.

This ease-of-access has paved the way for a new twist on games developments. Rather than trying to allocate resources to telling a great story, developers are now trying to leverage online environments more than ever before. In essence, an ideal world exists wherein each and every person who streams developers’ games on sites such as Twitch receives near-endless free marketing.

The problem with this new mode of thinking is that it creates somewhat homogenous experiences. The last three games to really take over on Twitch have all fit into a genre that has come to be known as the battle royale format.

In this game mode, a large group of players is dropped into one area where they

fight until only one person remains. It’s actually pretty addicting, and since players could generally get through a single game pretty quickly, it’s easy to play for hours at a time. In fact, even the most recent entry into the Call of Duty franchise, Blackout, follows this formula. When a behemoth like that toes the line, we should recognize that it’s a phenomenon.

The other side of this coin is that the demographics for gaming are perhaps younger than ever before. Parents and children are more internet-savvy. This means that kids are probably asking for more screen time, and as a consequence, those parents are more likely to give their kids a bit more rein on the web. There’s not really anything wrong with all that, but it does make us think, “How appreciative are the younger among us of stories with a bit more nuance?”

It’s impossible to gauge that in any way that is totally and completely conclusive. But what we do know is that Fortnite, in particular, has been one of the most popular titles among younger gamers in some time. And when the data for new release Apex Legends becomes a bit clearer, I’d venture to guess it’d be very similar. If we look at the experiences these two games offer, they’re a bit plain. Again, their goals are to simply be the last person standing at the end of each game.

Past all of the gripes toward gameplay in these new-generation titles, there’s a real clamor for cash among publishers. Even if a developer has the best intentions, it’s entirely possible their wishes are overshadowed by the will of stockholders and the like. If we’re to continue using Fortnite as an example, it’s a title that’s chock-full of what are called micro-transactions. These are basically small, bite-sized transactions that give players a leg up in the games. This could be in the form of actual advantages over other

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o old formulas players or simply vanity items to make characters look unique. Fornite falls into the latter, taking potshots at players’ wallets over their accounts’ lifespans.

And look, there’s nothing inherently bad about micro-transactions. They’re a part of the video game zeitgeist at this point. But when there is a host of other single-player games that offer much richer, deeper storylines, the endless treadmill of these online-only titles seems like a considerable negative.

The average story-driven game will generally cost a player about $60 for the price of entry; games with micro-transactions are well documented as costing much more in the long-term.

Parents take note.

Since the internet’s inception, online gaming has byand-large always been more popular than single-player experiences. The dominance of these multiplayer experiences has brought interconnectivity to even some of the remote parts of the globe.

We’re social creatures, and it makes sense that these games are so exceptionally hot right now. But let’s not forget where we came from – an obstacle-ridden path with a clear end goal in which players could entangle themselves for a few hours of escapism. These adventures have gotten really, really good in the past decade, and there’s a large sect of people – young and old – who are ignoring them completely.

Online gaming’s shiny, new and exciting. But giving these old formulas a chance just might surprise you.

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The sandwich generation is growing and so are its responsibilities

Tony Edwards

DOLLARS & SENSE Tony Edwards is principal with WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC, and can be reached at 334-279-1987.

Across the U.S., millions of middle-aged adults struggle with the dual responsibilities of financially supporting children and caring for aging parents. In fact, a 2013 Pew Research report found that 33 percent of baby boomers and 42 percent of Generation Xers are now members of what is commonly being called “the sandwich generation” (cnbc.com/2014/06/14/ kids-parents-sandwich-generationsavers-pressed-for-time; CNBC June 14, 2014).

The meteoric rise of the sandwich generation is a byproduct of two powerful trends: women giving birth later in life and the increasing longevity of the U.S. population.

When combined with a growing number of young adults living with their parents, it’s easy to see why so many middle-aged Americans are concerned about the future.

If you are one of them, here are a few steps you can take to protect your loved ones and prepare for the financial responsibilities ahead.

Have a plan for eldercare.

Talk to your parents about the kind of care they’d prefer and discuss it with your siblings. See which, if any, family members have the capacity to help provide care and which home would be the most accessible. In case external help is needed, research local resources to see what is available – and at what cost. Most importantly, consult an attorney and make sure you have all the legal documents needed to make

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sudden medical and financial decisions if the need arises.

Evaluate your resources.

Before determining a course of action, make sure you know what resources are available. Can your parents pay for care on their own?

Do they have long-term care insurance? Do they own any whole life insurance policies with living benefits that they may be able to use to pay for care? (Loans against your policies accrue interest at the current rate and decrease the cash value and death benefit by the amount of the outstanding loan and interest.) Can other family members contribute financially? Is public assistance a viable option?

Protect your children’s lifestyle and future.

While caring for a parent is a huge responsibility, it’s important to make sure your children’s needs are also met. If you haven’t done so already, set up a college fund and make funding it a priority.

Also, consider purchasing a term life insurance policy that can help to protect your children’s future in case anything tragic happens to you.

Caring for children and aging relatives at the same time is never easy, but with the right planning and resources, it is possible to do both. With so many people joining the ranks of the sandwich generation, now’s the time to start planning for the future.

Tallassee Health and

We’ll help show you the way to financial security. No map necessary.

Rehabilitation, LLC

There are times in some of our lives when we have to make a transition.

A very good place to do that is Tallassee Health and Rehabilitation, LLC. There is a well trained staff who are also kind and helpful. It doesn’t take long to feel like it’s a family. -Mary Bellury, a Resident

Tony Edwards*, CLU®, ChFC® Principal tony@wealthmarkfinancial.com

Contact us to make a plan that lets you focus on being good at life.

WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC** 6756 Taylor Circle Montgomery, AL 36117 334-279-1987 wealthmarkfinancial.com

“Our Family Caring for Yours” “For long-term care or short-term rehab, Tallassee Health and Rehabilitation, LLC is a 5-star facility dedicated to providing the best care right here at home.”

CALL SUNNY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS TODAY!

334-283-3975

*Tony Edwards and Clay Edwards, Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency and wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance and an agent licensed to sell insurance through New York Life Insurance Company and may be licensed to sell insurance through various other independent unaffiliated companies. **WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. SMRU1710429 (Exp.07/30/2020) ©2018 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010

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2639 Gilmer Avenue • Tallassee, AL 36078

Insure. Invest. Retire.

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indle the Past, LL K e with Jimmy & Judy

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Primitive & Antique Furniture, Tools & Collectibles.

Unique Bridal Gifts!

334-478-3716

Thursday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm | Sunday 1 - 5 6364 Holtville Road (Hwy 111 Across from Chevron) 303-0535 Wetumpka, AL

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OUT & ABOUT

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Dixie Art Colony Open House Feb. 21, 2019 Downtown Wetumpka 1. Shirley Esco, Jo Gibbons, Beverly Barrett, Beverly Morris and Joan Richburg

2. Gerry and Julianne Purcell

3. Karla Quinn and Ebba Dunn

4. Kim McRae and Sally LeBron Holland

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OUT & ABOUT

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Tallassee Arbor Day Feb. 23, 2019 Downtown Tallassee 1. Dustin Funderburk, Jerry Cunningham and Joyce Vella

2. Mary Kate Lackey

3. Rob and Laurie Rygiel

4. D’Angelia Holmes

5. Richard Jones

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6. Bentley and Laura Leigh Peters

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OUT & ABOUT

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Wetumpka Chapter of the National

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Turkey Federation Banquet Feb. 21, 2019 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Robin Levins and Darbi Labencki

2. Don and Irean Bennett

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3. Elaine and Jon Toxey and Robby Jenkins

4. Theresa and Earl Henderson and Allyson Venable

5. Dana Perry, Grover Vann, Harold Levins, Ray

Beasley and Steve Albritton

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OUT & ABOUT

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Wetumpka Mardi Gras Parade March 2, 2019 Downtown Wetumpka 1. Sawyer Sommerville with TPI mascot Snowflake 2. Jessica Meuse, Snowflake and Rea Cord 3. Blakely White and Kamdyn Grace Varner 4. Jeff and Vanessa Royal 5. Cheryll Moore Fochtmann and Snowflake 6. Sean Blackburn, Snowflake and Marilyn

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Hawkins

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OUT & ABOUT

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Boots and Bowties March 1, 2019 Auburn AG Heritage Park 1. Whitney Watson and Erin Wofford

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2. Alan and Gayle Taunton 3. Dallas Weldon and Abe Rigsby 4. Marc and Phyllis Williams 5. Joe and Tina Scarborough 6. Brooke Rigsby, Beth Timmerman, Heather Price, Stephanie Weldon and Jennifer Crain

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March 18-22 Spring Break Camp at AWF

The Alabama Wildlife Federation will host a five-day outdoor camp with plenty of activities at the NaturePlex, including fishing, canoeing, birding, using game cameras to track wildlife and more. The cost is $125 for the week and is open to children ages 6 to 12. For more information, visit alabamawildlife.org.

March 23 DAC New Deal Art Projects series

The Dixie Art Colony will host its second program in a two-year series about Alabama’s New Deal Art Projects at 2 p.m. at the Wetumpka High School Library, located at 1251 Coosa River Pkwy. This program will focus on four large oil paintings that depict important scenes from Alabama’s past.

Reservations are required, and space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 334-513-1086 or email info@DixieArtColony.org.

March 23 Tallassee Combat Bikesaver Bike Run

Operation Combat Bikesaver will host the Alabama Chapter Kick-Starter to raise startup funds for the Tallassee chapter of the nonprofit organization. This event will include a Dice Run open to cars and motorcycles.

Meet at Chappy’s Deli in Prattville and end at the Thirsty Turtle in Millbrook for barbecue, live music and a raffle.

During the event, the plans for the Alabama shop’s new home will be revealed to experience Sunday Shop Days.

Donations and registration will be at the door. For more information, visit combatbikesavers.org.

March 25-29 Spring Break Camp at AWF

The Alabama Wildlife Federation will host a five-day outdoor camp with plenty of activities at the NaturePlex, including fishing, canoeing, birding, using game cameras to track wildlife and more. The cost is $125 for the week and is open to children ages 6 to 12. For more Dixie Art Colony will host information, visit alabama program about Alabama's awildlife.org.

New Deal Art Projects

March 30 Red Hill Benefit Spaghetti Dinner

March 23 Dynamic Widows and Widowers Outing

Join other local widows and widowers for a lunch and shopping date at East Chase Mall. For those interested, meet at Good Hope Church in Eclectic at 9:30 a.m. For more information about this event or the Dynamic Widows and Widowers group, designed to meet new people and encourage social outings, contact Maggie DiGiovanni at 334-6390156 or email her at mysticmaggie836@gmail.com.

The Red Hill Community Club will host an evening of music and food for $10 per person. Food will be served between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Cecil Malone’s Montgomery Junction, will play from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dinner will be spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, bread, dessert and a drink. Take-out orders are available. The Old Red Hill School is located on state Route 229 in Red Hill. For information, call Ray Hall at 334-541-2474.

March 30 ANC Easter Eggstravaganza

Alabama Wildlife Federation will host its annual Easter celebration with events scheduled from 10 a.m.

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to 2 p.m. Activities include three different age group egg hunts, egg Olympic games, pictures with the Easter bunny and more. Hotdogs will be for sale from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the pavilion outpost. General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. For more information, visit alabamawildlife.org.

April 6 Family Fun Day

Hosted by the Elmore County Family Resource Center, Child Abuse Prevention Month will kick off with a Family Fun Day at Gold Star Park in Wetumpka from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to bring resources and families together in one place. Admission is free, and there will be family resources available, free food, entertainment and games and prizes for children. For more information, contact Elmore County Family Resource Center at 334-235-6091 or visit elmorecountyfrc.org.

April 13 Second Annual Coosapalooza Brewfest

Presented by Main Street Wetumpka and the City of Wetumpka, Coosapalooza will feature nearly 40 craft breweries and live music. Tickets are available for $25 in advance; $35 at the gate; $55 for membership combo tickets; or $100 for the VIP experience. Entry will be at the Coosa River Crafthouse at 108 S. Main Street. Beer tastings available 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; live music will play from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and the VIP experience will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at bigtickets.com. For more information, visit mainstreetwetumpka.org.

port its work around town. The event takes place in the parking lot beside Eclectic Town Hall. For information or to sign up, contact Carmen Winslett at 334-201-0092.

April 14 Road to Resurrection

Titus New Home Baptist Church will host a journey through Jerusalem during the Easter season from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This family event will take travelers on a minitour that will feature re-enactments of the final days of Jesus' life through His resurrection with six destinations.

Groups will begin the tour every 20 minutes starting at 3 p.m., with the last group at 4 p.m. To request a tour time in advance, email newhometitus@yahoo.com. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour time. For additional information, call the church at 334-567-0923.

April 18 Tallassee Chamber Golf Tournament

The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce will host a golf tournament at Wynlakes Country Club. Registration is at 11 a.m., and tee time is 12:30 p.m. There will be prizes for the first, second and third place teams, along with door prizes, closest to the pin and longest drive. Lunch and snacks will be provided. To sign up, call 334-283-5151 or email chamber@tallasseechamber.com.

April 20 Millbrook’s Big Fish Bass Tournament

Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Big Fish Bass Tournament on Lake Jordan from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Opportunities available for hourly weighins, and the top three big fish per hour will win $300, $200 and $100, respectively. The overall big fish of the day wins $1,000. The biggest fish for an angler under 16 years old wins $300. The weigh-in will take place at Bonner’s Landing off Bonner Point Road in Wetumpka.

Registration is $60 per angler. To sign up or for more information, visit millbrookareachamber.com.

April 23 Art Under the Stars

The second annual Coosapalooza Brewfest will feature craft beer

Wetumpka Elementary School will host its annual art show with the theme Wetumpka Strong, Alabama Proud. Student artwork will be on display throughout the school. From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., WES will celebrate Alabama’s bicentennial year by highlighting local and state artists. For more information, contact Ethel Price at ethel.price@elmoreco.com.

April 13 Eclectic Community Yard Sale

The town of Eclectic will host a community yard sale in conjunction with Trade Days. Vendor spots are 10 feet by 12 feet and are available for $10 each. The proceeds from these fees go to Eclectic the Beautiful to help sup-

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April 25-26 Plein Air Workshop

Held at Gold Star Park, this workshop hosted by Main Street Wetumpka and The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery will be taught by Sylacauga’s famous plein air painter

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

and teacher, Perry Austin, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, in association with the Tulotoma Art Trail. If interested in participating, email thekelly36092@gmail.com.

April 25-28; May 2-5 Independence Day at Happy Meadows

This hilarious play will be performed by the Millbrook Community Players at the Millbrook Theatre, 5720 Main St. Four elderly ladies plot their break out from the nursing home they live in. They’re tired of the rules, regulations and mean owner. Tickets are $12 in advance; $14 at the door; and $8 for children 12 years old and younger. For information, visit millbrooktheater.com.

April 25-May 11 Bright Star: The New Musical

The Wetumpka Depot will host Bright Star: The New Musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 25-27, May 2-4 and May 9-11 and May 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets and information are available online at WetumpkaDepot.com or by calling 334-868-1440. The Wetumpka Depot is located at 300 S. Main St.

April 25 AWF Tri-County Wild Game Cook-off

Alabama Wildlife Federation will host its annual Tri-County Wildgame Cook-off at its headquarters, 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. The event will start at 6 p.m. for the public, and admission is $50 for two adults. Tickets include free tastings, live music and a silent auction. They are available at the gate, online or at Millbrook Chamber of Commerce, Prattville Chamber of Commerce or Powersports of Montgomery.

For information or to sign up, visit alabamawildlife.org.

Season-Long Events

Red Hill Community Club Meetings

Every second Monday of the month, join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m.

Stories and Rhymes

The Eclectic Public Library hosts a variety of activities, including stories, rhymes, dress-up, dance and music at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays. These programs are free and enrich a child’s lifelong love of reading. Guests are welcome to visit the gift shop and bookstore during hours of operation from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Southern Cultural Center

This community center located in Wetumpka is available for family activities and faith-based programs. Local musicians take the stage the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no admission, but donations are accepted. The center also is available for community events and is located at 12814 U.S. Highway 231.

For information about the Southern Cultural Center and its offerings, visit its Facebook page or contact Mike Whorton at 334-315-9207.

Wetumpka Cruisin Car Show

Teams compete for the best wild game dish at the AWF Cook-off

Alabama Nature Center Movie Showings

The Alabama Nature Center, located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook, shows an educational, entertaining film at the top of every hour, starting at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Tuesdays with Kelly

will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 5375 U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka. For a list of upcoming programs, visit thekelly.org.

On the third Tuesday of each month, The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery hosts free events with various speakers, topics and demonstrations. This is a brown bag lunch event beginning at noon. Until further notice, Tuesdays with Kelly

On the first Saturday of each month from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Wetumpka Cruizers will host a car show in downtown Wetumpka. All classic cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome For more information, visit the Wetumpka Cruizers Facebook page or call 334-294-8797.

AWF Survival Skills

This program each Thursday at the Alabama Nature Center teaches attendees basic survival skills, such as fire and shed building, along with putting these skills to the test. The ANC is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. For more information, visit alabamawildlife.org.

To have your upcoming event featured in Elmore County Living’s ‘Coming Up!’ pages, email information, date and time to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com by the first of the month.

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Kent Eagle Y Petro RoadRunner Convenience Store Herren Hill Pharmacy The Apothecary Community Hospital Tallassee Health & Rehabilitation 5 Points Store Tallassee Automotive Tallassee Rehab 1st Community Bank PrimeSouth Bank Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Tallassee Community Library Wal-Mart District Nineteen St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church Three Lakes Dental Ivy Creek Game Day Clips

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Hog Rock BBQ Wetumpka YMCA Adams Drugs Bell Chiropractic 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.

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Our Advertisers • To Join, Call 334-567-7811 Allstate, Mark Shaw...................................................................................3 0 City of Millbrook........................................................................................21 Gene Jones Insurance...................................................................................3 Jackson Thornton.......................................................................................2 7 Jim Debardelaben, Attorney at Law...............................................................3 Karen's Mane Tamers.................................................................................4 4 Kowaliga Whole Health.............................................................................4 4 Mark's Service Center......................................................................................35 Montgomery Regional Airport..........................................................................47 Poor House Boat Outlet..................................................................................28 Rekindle the Past, LLC......................................................................................47 ReMax/Beyln Richardson...............................................................................3 River Bank and Trust.....................................................................................3 River Region Dermatology................................................................................4 4 Singleton's Alignment.......................................................................................4 4 Tallassee Health & Rehabilitation, LLC...........................................................4 7 UAB Heart and Vascular.............................................................................19 Walk of Life for Breast Cancer.......................................................................2 Wealth Mark.............................................................................................3 5 Wetumpka Depot Players...........................................................................43 Wetumpka Flea Market...............................................................................3 0

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To advertise please contact: - Marilyn Hawkins 334-202-5108 - Shannon Filyaw 334-415-0781 - Bizzy Baker 334-235-3570 or stop by our office located at 300 Green Street, Wetumpka AL 36092

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British bakes take the cake 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.

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It’s March, which means time for official spring, severe weather awareness month.

And my birthday!

I’m obsessed with The Great British Baking Show, as it is known in America. In the United Kingdom, this charming reality baking show is The Great British Bake Off or GBBO, as fans and hash-taggers call it. Some kerfuffle with Pillsbury prompted the name change for U.S. audiences.

Whatever you want to call it, it is adorably delicious television. Every week, the bakers focus on one area of baking. Now, I could go on and on about the big white baking tent or the adorable shots of sheep in an English meadow that are interspersed, but I’m going to focus on cake. Because it is my birthday month, I’m taking each week of the month and baking myself a cake. British cake. Bakers, it’s cake week all month.

Here in the U.S., we tend to make celebration cakes. You know, Christmas, family reunions, Sunday dinners and of course, birthdays. American baking shows focus on lots of icing and elaborate decorations. While I have no beef whatsoever with buttercream (don’t get me started on the travesty that is “naked” cake), in British baking, it’s all about the actual cake. The “sponge.”

So, what have I learned from Mary Berry and the crew on GBBO? No amount of fancy frosting could cover up a “stodgy” cake – one that is dense and heavy. Over-bake the cake and the crumb turns tough. Under-bake it, and the cake could turn out “claggy.” Vocabulary is part of the fun of watching this foreign show. You have to do a bit of translation, even though they are speaking English. Claggy means gluey, by the way.

In the U.K., residents seem to bake cakes all the time, from scratch. Why? Well, for teatime, of course. To keep cake on hand for tea every day, baking a simple cake makes sense. Another reason is the simplicity of ingredients. Do you have eggs, flour, milk and butter? You can have cake!

Another reason? Time. U.K. cakes are super easy to make, with many recipes using the all-inone method. You put all the ingredients in a bowl, mix it up and bake it. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. Turning out a perfect sponge with perfect crumb is tricky.

In Britain, there is an organization called the

Women’s Institute. One of the things it's known for is cake contests in which women hotly compete to make the best cake. I can see the British equivalents of Aunt Bea and Clara talking trash about whose cake is feather light, and how they’re going to find out the winner’s baking secrets.

So on to the cakes. The three I’m going to describe are basically the same cake – a yellow cake.

They are traditional cakes that everyone’s mum, granny or great-granny has made for centuries.

First up is lemon drizzle. After the basic cake is baked, it is smothered in a lemon juice and sugar syrup that forms a crispy top and a moist interior. It is, as Mary Berry would say, “scrummy.”

Translation: scrumptious. Lemon drizzle can also be made as a “tray bake,” which means you bake it in a pan like a brownie and cut it into bars. This was the first British cake I baked. It turned out pretty good and even passed muster with actual British people who were visiting Montgomery.

Next is Victoria sponge. This cake was Queen Victoria’s favorite. Take the basic cake, split it into two layers and fill with strawberry jam and whipped cream.

The third is Madeira cake, which is kind of like pound cake. I thought it would contain Madeira, but as it turns out, no. It is made to eat with Madeira, which is a kind of sherry. I guess sometimes you need more than tea on a cold afternoon.

Notice that none of them are frosted. They are simple but not plain and certainly not easy to get right. I made four of the lemon drizzle sponges before I perfected my crumb.

I thought it was great. So did my British friends. But they may have just been being polite.

British people do that.

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