May 2016 Elmore County Living

Elmore May 2016

County Living

GATOR GOLF ... AND MORE Eclectic's biggest cheerleader Aubrey Hornsby SUMMER MOVIES, SUMMER SAFETY & SWEET TEA

2016 SUMMER CALENDAR ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

A boat streams by as fireworks explode over Lake Martin's Kowaliga basin during the annual July 4th Blast

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LAKE MARTIN MINI MALL We Sell The Big Green Egg! Gift With BGE Purchase!

Free Set-u p & Deliver y On BGE

Together with Lake Martin Dock Company, Bõte Paddleboards are now available!

Demos, lessons and rentals available with Sharon Johnston.

Ask us for details.

5% Sales Tax

We Believe in Quality Products Mon. - Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 9-4 • Sun. 1-5 7995 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 • 334.857.3900 www.LakeMartinMiniMall.com 2

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Community Hospital 805 Friendship Road Tallassee, AL 36078 (334) 283-6541 www.chal.org

Community Skilled Care and Rehab Community Hospital of Tallassee is now offering a transitional level of care to those patients who need rehabilitative and restorative services on a shortterm basis. Our program is designed to assist patients when acute care hospitalization is not required, but the patient needs further care to reach a level of strength and wellness in order to safely return to their home or residential facility.

We have partnered with Crain Rehab to offer the finest in inpatient rehabilitative care.

Who Requires Rehabilitative Care?

Why Choose Community Skilled Care and Rehab?

Patient examples include: • Generalized weakness • Rehabilitation following surgery • Recovery following an accident • Rehabilitation after a stroke or heart attack • IV medication therapy • Rehabilitation following an acute care inpatient hospital stay

Our caring and competent team provides personalized treatment, tailored to each patient’s needs.

• Nursing care provided by experienced RNs and LPNs • 24-hour physician in-house • Low patient to nurse ratio • Physical, occupational and speech therapy • Respiratory therapy • Dietary and nutritional services • Social services • Coordinated & planned activities program • Team approach to discharge planning Community Skilled Care and Rehab

For more information please call: (334) 283-3857 E-mail: swingbed@chal.org Visit our website at www.chal.org ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

A division of

Community Hospital 3

From the Managing Editor's Desk

I learned as a child not to ever tell my mother I was bored on a summer afternoon.

If I did, she had a list of chores as along as her arm to help me alleviate the lethargy and fill my day – a fate worse than death for a kid in the summer.

To prevent such an awful end to summer’s bliss, this month’s issue of Elmore County Living magazine includes our annual summer calendar through Labor Day, an extensive list of festivals, concerts, art shows and camps for kids and kids-at-heart; from paddleboard races to sailing lessons, cooking lessons, theatrical productions and farmers markets. This summer features baseball camps, art exhibits and fireworks, as well as gardening workshops, fishing, pancake breakfasts and whitewater competitions.

Turn to page 16 to review this summer’s offerings, and mark your calendar now for the events you won’t want to miss.

Boredom is hardly a concern for me with a full time job, three kids in college and a wedding to plan this summer, so I’m glad for the summer sunshine that lasts a few hours longer than my workday. Whenever possible, I fill those extra hours with time on the golf course.

I took up golf about a year and a half ago, after decades of denying any interest whatsoever in the game. I took a few lessons to expand my exercise routine, spend more time with my husband and add another dimension to my business life. Now, I can’t get enough time on the greens.

One of the things I love about workdays in Elmore County is that I usually can end the afternoon at a golf course. If I don’t have enough time to fit in nine holes, I like to put in some time on the driving range or the practice green. It’s a great way to shed the day’s stress before going home, and it improves playing skills for my regular Sunday afternoon round.

Elmore County boasts four great golf courses, all open to public play, and each offers a different spin on the game for players of every skill level. This month, Elmore County Living visited those courses to tour their signature holes and bring you a play preview for each course.

Starting on page 28, you’ll find some tips and strategies for your rounds at Emerald Mountain Golf Club, The Pines in Millbrook, Quail Walk and Capitol Hill.

So get out there and have a great summer in Elmore County – just, please, don’t feed the alligator on Emerald Mountain’s No. 12 hole.

Chairman

Kenneth Boone

kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

President & Publisher Steve Baker

steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com

Managing Editor Betsy Iler

betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com

Assistant Magazine Editor Mia Osborn

mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com

Distribution Manager David Kendrick

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultant Jayne Carr

jayne.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com

Marketing Consultant Molly Brethauer

molly.brethauer@thewetumpkaherald.com

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Suellen Young Jeff Langham Mary K. Moore Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor Corey Arwood Cory Diaz Liz Ely Amanda Hannon Bill Goss 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

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

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STAFF

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Growing to Better Serve You NEW LOCATION! Established in 1991, OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery is proud to announce we’re expanding into YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. Located just outside of Elmore Community Hospital, on MONDAY, JUNE 13 OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery will begin treating patients in WETUMPKA, ALABAMA. Make Your Appointment today!

Paula Sullivan, D.O.

Joseph Desautels, M.D.

Gynecology • Obstetrics • Bioidentical Hormone Pellet Therapy

515 Hos pital Drive, Suite A , We tu m p k a , A L 3 6 0 9 2 • 3 3 4 -2 7 9 -9 3 3 3 W W W . O B G Y N M O N T G O M E RY. C O M

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER Summer in Elmore County means fireworks at Lake Martin Amphitheater, new movies, golf, camps for the kids and a host of fun activities.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

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54 Columns

10 Features

In Every Issue

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Back in the Day

16

Summer Calendar

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Extra! Extra!

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Movie Man

28

Gator Golf

10

Business Spotlight

The Gamer

30

Capitol Game

46

Community Care

33

Playing the Pines

52

Southern Delights

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42 44 54

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Bill Goss

Summer Movie Preview Warcraft the Movie Guide to Summer Safety Sweet Tea

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Fun Activities Through Labor Day Emerald Mountain Water Hazard Three Courses to Try Your Skills Hills and Valleys

Quail Walk

Enjoy the Scenery

Mover & Shaker Aubrey Hornsby

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News Briefs

George Farms & Market

Out & About

In Elmore County

Where to Find Us Distribution List

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County Government Day draws High School Seniors

Coding curriculum comes to Elmore County Tracy Wright, a math curriculum specialist, has led the effort to get Elmore County Schools signed on with CODE.org, so at graduation from high school, students in AP courses will have created an app and know at least one of several coding languages.

Wright said there are only 16 states in the country in the program now, and just 10 percent of the nation’s high schools are using this strategy.

The computer science approach will largely be taught in conjunction with the current math curriculum; however, its scope spans essentially across all subject areas.

“This does impact coding and mathematics, but it impacts so many other areas, such as literacy,” said Jill Corbin with Elmore County Schools.

The county school system’s fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade math teachers are expected to receive training in the program this month.

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Reeltown's 20 Year Reunion Celebrates Past and Present

People came from miles around April 16 as Reeltown High School graduates gathered in the original auditorium, which is now part of the Reeltown Elementary School, to honor past students, faculty and staff at the 2016 Reeltown 20-Year Reunion.

The 2016 Reunion began with a meet and greet at 10 a.m. and the halls of RHS were quickly filled with happy voices renewing friendships of years past.

Extra!

Extra!

News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

3 Tons collected at Lake Jordan Nearly 3 tons of trash were removed from Lake Jordan by more than 300 volunteers in the April 23 Renew Our Rivers annual cleanup, said Barbara Dryer with the Lake Jordan Home Owners and Boat Owners

Association. “The more volunteers you have, the more trash you’ll get,” Dryer said.

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High school seniors from Elmore County schools convened in Wetumpka at the County Commission building to learn about the various facets of county government, its services and the departments that provide them on County Government Day. Roughly 300 students started the day’s four-hour introduction into county governance by gathering for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new courthouse annex, and then packing into the courtroom for a rare morning commission meeting.

From the law enforcement role of the sheriff’s department, the roadway maintenance of the highway department and the emergency preparedness efforts of the EMA, the students went from one exhibit to another to see examples of each body’s work.

They broke into three groups, according to schools, and took tours of the courthouse where they could register to vote.

Spring Carnival Returns to Tallassee

Students get hands wet at Tallapoosa Water Festival Approximately 250 schoolchildren from Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown schools gathered at Wind Creek State Park April 27 to learn all about water.

The kids visited six stations, learning hands-on at each about different aspects of water and how important it is to their everyday lives.

At the fisheries station, the children were exposed to several species of fish, including carp, largemouth bass, spotted suckers and others. They learned the things that fish need to live and were even able to handle them.

At the “Edible Acquifer” station, students pulled refreshments through a straw from plastic cups to illustrate how groundwater is pulled from aquifers. Other stations taught the attendees safe canoeing practices and water conservation.

“Any time students are outside learning with hands-on activities it sets them up to understand things more clearly and put what they learn in place in their everyday lives,” said Sabrina Wood of Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership, which coordinated the festival.

Tallassee Firefighters, along with J and J’s Magic Midway, brought the 1980s tradition of the Tallassee Carnival back to town. The carnival was in town from April 20-23.

The carnival is also a fundraiser for the Tallassee Fire Department.

“The carnival owner came to us looking for a charity to support, if he was able to come to town,” said Travis Jones, fire chief of the Tallassee Fire Department. “We said yes, we would love to, so we are the chosen charity that he supports when he comes to town.”

This is the third annual J and J Magic Midway carnival. The proceeds from the past two carnivals helped purchase needed gear for the fire department.

Civil Rights Monument at Wetumpka Elementary

A historic marker was unveiled April 23 at Wetumpka Elementary School to mark its role as a segregated school from 1963 to 1970, when it was known as W.B. Doby High School, for its principal Welton Blanton Doby.

Some 200 people gathered at the school’s activity center for a ceremony before the unveiling. A committee of past students and graduates of W.B. Doby came from across the country to what the leader of the effort, Winfred Wise, called “a family reunion, a class reunion and a historical event, all wrapped up in one.”

Wise said they had been working on the event ever since January, and some of W.B. Doby’s past students came from Massachusetts, California and Ohio to attend.

“Professor Doby was a big figure as far as education for blacks in Elmore County back during segregation years, and they named this school for him,” said Wise. “He was our principal at Elmore County Training School, and this is a great honor for him to have this designation there.”

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Business Spotlight

George raises all of the meats sold at the store, including the lamb

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George Farms & Market Eclectic grower sells cheese, produce and meats directly to consumers

Story by Liz Ely Photos by Kenneth Boone ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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J

ust south of Eclectic on Georgia Road, a new family-run business that sprouted last year has become an increasingly popular destination for those who want locally farmed meat and produce for the dinner table.

Chris George treats customers to fresh produce, pastries and meat at the farm store he opened last spring. George, who understands the benefits of healthy eating, realized upon moving to the area in 2005 that there was an absence of farmers selling directly to consumers.

With that, he, alongside his stepmother Carol George, took a chance that seems to be paying off.

“When I got here, I realized there wasn’t anybody in the area raising animals for meat and doing it the way I’m doing it. When we started, we knew we didn’t want to do it commercially. We wanted to put more of an emphasis on quality versus quantity,” George said.

George’s customers venture all the way from North Alabama to purchase anything and everything he sells, from farmraised lamb, pigs and cows, to Livestock is hormone pies, cookies, breads, cupcakes, and antibiotic-free noodles and virtually every vegetable Southerners enjoy.

George Farms Market’s reputation has taken off.

Interacting with his customers has been an important part of what George does.

“Everything is born and raised here, and everything is hormone and antibiotic-free. I’ve been in agriculture all of my life, and it’s important to me, as well as rewarding. I love being able to see the fruits of my labor. Having people enjoy that is one of my biggest things. I’m a people person, and it’s rewarding when people come every week to tell me how great my products are,” George said.

“Our meats are a favorite, especially beef, pork and lamb, but it boils down to personal preference. One week, one thing will sell, and another week, something else will sell. Usually, watermelons and sweet corn are good movers for us, as are the peppers, tomatoes and the pastries.

Carol sells a lot of pies and cookies. too,” George said.

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George is a familiar face in the community, and he aims to please. He has learned what appeals to certain customers and families, and he makes sure to follow up with his regulars when a favorite of theirs is in stock.

“We like to give one-on-one service with each customer. We learn what they like and what they don’t, so when we have something in, we can call them and tell them.

Some people like their steaks a certain size, and we will accommodate them. We try to emphasize the customer service side of it. If people call during off-hours, we try to help them as well,” George said.

George, who also grinds and mixes all of the feeds used on the farm, is an obvious fan of farm-to-table eating, and the lack of education regarding healthy eating is something that doesn’t sit well with him.

“As parents, we’re failing our children.

They’re removed from agriculture, and that’s a serious matter. Somebody has to step up and produce this food, whether it be meat or produce, and it needs to be healthy and environmentallyfriendly,” George explained.

George and his family have received a warm welcome since beginning their business, and he said he likes to stay involved in community events, helping to start Farm City Day in Wetumpka.

“The community response has been great. We do a lot of things to get our name out there, and we donate to different organizations and fundraisers. I’m big into small town America. We’ve got to help small communities be successful, or they will turn into ghost towns,” George said.

George said it takes a team of family members to keep the store operational, and not having enough hours in the day can sometimes be a challenge.

“The time to do everything is difficult. We’re all family

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

The store is open Tuesday through Saturday here, and we don’t have outside labor. Whether it’s my dad and Carol running the store, me doing the farming, there isn’t a lot of time. We do up to eight farmers markets a week, and we deliver our products to several restaurants from New Orleans to Huntsville. A lot of people rely on us,” George said.

Despite the challenge, George said he manages to get it all done.

“We try to be very friendly to the public. For instance, anybody can schedule a farm tour. We have nothing to hide, and we want to provide education to the public. People have been very receptive that we’re here, and we want to try and educate them about how to produce their own food and so on,” George said.

For this hard-working man, the store and farm have become a passion, and life on the farm is where his heart is.

“I love the lifestyle, and I enjoy my job. There are long days and lots of hours, but I enjoy what I do,” George said.

The store’s current hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. As daylight hours grow longer, he said, he would change the store hours to 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. You can find the farm on Facebook or reach them at 334580-0117.

Sweet corn is a favorite of George's customers

Working dogs guard the sheep and goats

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Trusted. Rooted. Affordable.

Since 1969, one name has served our great community with the care and compassion it deserves — Jeffcoat. We celebrate the beauty of a life and make it our purpose to honor each one respectfully and affordably. Please take the time to compare our prices and services with those of other funeral homes... we know you will be pleasantly surprised.

Our family would like to thank you for placing your trust in us for nearly 50 years.

255 Friendship Road • Tallassee • (334) 283-6801 • jeffcoatfuneralhome.com • Since 1969 14

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

THE LAKE IS THE PART OF US THAT

IS ALWAYS YOUNG.

Wild and full of wonder, it’s the place where we are still awed by sunrises and sunsets.

That’s the power of the lake.

P R E S E N T I N G T H E N E W ELMORE EST CO LLECTION OF LAKE HOMESITES COUNTY LIVING RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM | 256.215.7011 | LAKE MARTI N, ALABAMA

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Fireworks color the night sky during the Fourth of July Blast at The AMP

Summer Calendar May 12-28 I Hate Hamlet

May 19 Wild Game Culinary Class

A young, successful TV actor relocates to New York City to play the coveted role of Hamlet, which he really hates, in this Wetumpka Depot Players production. Don’t miss this fast-paced, unapologetically silly duel over women, art and real estate. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday performance on May 22 begins at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and online.

Visit www.wetumpkadepot.com for information or call the Depot at 334-868-1440.

Join Johnson Crew cook team chef Don Johnson in preparing a couple of delicious wild game dishes and take home recipes to try yourself. Class begins at 6 p.m. at the AWF Natureplex in Millbrook. Class is appropriate for ages 15 and up. Admission fee $10. To register, call Tyler Harris at 1-800-822-9453.

May 19 Business After Hours

This year’s silent auction and drawdown event starts at 6 p.m. at The Ridge Clubhouse and will benefit the club’s 501(c)3 youth program, which teaches kids the life-long skill of sailing. Only 400 tickets will be sold at $50 per person, which covers admission, heavy hors d’oeuvres and one entry in the drawdown. Cash bar for beer, wine and soft

Wind Creek Wetumpka will host a Sunset Reception Business After Hours from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 1000 River Oaks Drive in Wetumpka. Meet, greet and network with other community business people in Wetumpka!

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May 20 Dixie Sailing Club 3rd Annual Drawdown

drinks. Drawdown winners do not have to be present to win; holders of last five tickets to be drawn may agree to split the winnings. See complete rules at DixieSailingClub. com. To donate door prizes or silent auction items, contact Merry Hardy at 256-794-8075 or Jim Simons at 334-546-0224 in the Lake Martin Area. Elmore County and Montgomery residents contact Beth Biggs at 334-220-8650.

May 20 Friday On the Green

This week features Britt and Kurt from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Russell Crossroads Town Green. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

May 21 Paddle for a Purpose

The annual Paddle for a Purpose paddleboard race launches from Children’s Harbor at 9 a.m. with 1-mile, 3-mile and 6-mile race options to raise money for the camp that serves terminally ill children and their families. Entry fee for the 1-mile race is $35; entry for the 3-mile and 6-mile races is $45. Call Sharon Johnston at 334-799-0529 for details.

May 26 How to Make Your Backyard a Birding Paradise

Doyle Keasal, conservation education specialist at AWF NaturePlex, will teach you how to make your backyard a paradise for the numerous bird species that call Alabama home. Learn what species of plants birds like; where to place feeders and houses and more. Project is suitable for ages 5 and up. Bring your own dinner. No reservations required. Admission $5 charged. Event begins at 6 pm. in the Community Room.

May 27-29 Art on the Lake

This annual art show on the grounds at Children’s Harbor is the official start of summer on Lake Martin and benefits the camp for terminally ill children and their families.

Artists across the Southeast showcase their fine crafts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. For booth information or to volunteer, contact Vicki Tuggle at 334-857-2021.

May 27-29 RXR Fest

Enjoy music on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads Memorial Day weekend with special festivities at SpringHouse on May 29. Bring chairs and coolers, family and friends this weekend celebration of another summer on

Lake Martin. The music, lawn games, food and fun are free and start on Friday afternoon. Sweet Tea will start the music at 6:30 p.m. Friday, followed by Union Road at 8:15 p.m.

Saturday will feature The Bank Walkers at 6:30 p.m. and Atlas Road Crew at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are available at SpringHouse for the Sunday night festivities with music from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. with Jonathan Bloom. For details, call Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019.

May 28 Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

The Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking pancakes for all to enjoy at the Artist’s Cabin at Russell Crossroads from 8 a.m until 10 a.m. on holiday weekend Saturdays. Come by and feed the family and help out the garden club.

May 30 Memorial Day Service

Eclectic the Beautiful will sponsor a service to honor veterans at Eclectic Veterans Park, 1/2 mile north of downtown on Highway 63 North from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

May 31 Millbrook Farmer’s Market Opens

Pick up fresh produce right from the growers from 8 a.m. until noon every Tuesday all summer long at the Village Green in Millbrook. Some growers arrive early.

May 31 4-H Kayaking Class

Just in time for the Coosa River Whitewater Festival, kids will learn the basic introductory skills needed to take a full trip down the Coosa River. Cost is $20. For information, call 334-567-6301.

June 3 4-H Woodworking Day Camp

Kids aged 9 and up will learn basic carpentry skills, tools, project design and shop safety while they make a project to take home. The $10 fee covers supplies and a snack; participants should bring a lunch, beverages and a snack.

Class runs from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office, 340 Queen Anne Rd., Wetumpka. Preregistration is required. For information and registration, call 334-567-6301.

June 3 Tallassee Relay for Life

J.E. “Hot” O'Brien Stadium at 500 Barnett Blvd. will be

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the site of Tallasseeʼs Relay for Life event from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., featuring luminaries, balloons and laps by survivors and caregivers, as well as music and fundraising activities to support victims of cancer. For information, contact Amber Voss at amber.voss@cancer.org.

June 3-5 Coosa River Whitewater Festival

Bands, races, celebration on the Coosa River as paddlers turn, twist and flip for high scores in the competition at Moccasin Gap. The $30 camping fee admits registrants to all events. This yearʼs “Coosastock” theme will raise funds to benefit Corn Creek Park. Call 334-202-3050 for details.

June 4 Introduction to Sailing

Dixie Sailing Club will host a short course on sailing basics from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be served. Participants can skipper a small sailboat and sail on larger boats with club members. Private tours will be given in and around the club’s new property at New Hope. Pre-registration is requested but not required. To register, contact Keith Bennett at 334-324-9383 or email cat221@msn.com.

June 4 Wildlife Habitat Tour

Join Lake Martin QDMA and Tallapoosa County Trea-

sure Forest Association for a Wildlife Habitat Tour, including timber management and wildflowers. Tour will start at 8:30 a.m. from Jerry and Genelle Brown's Farm at 1030 Saxon Rd. Goodwater. Whiskers Catfish will provide lunch afterwards. This event is free, but everyone is asked to sign up by calling the Tallapoosa County Extension Office at 256825-1050 or Jerry Brown at 256-839-5154.

June 6-9 14th Annual Elmore County Baseball Camp

Sign the kids up for baseball camp at the Edgewood Academy Sports Complex this summer with former New York Mets pitcher and Edgewood Academy Head Coach Bobby Carr and Assistant Coach Scott Tubbs. Camp for 5-year-olds through 13-year-olds is $100 for the week and includes lunch, camp T-shirt and a team photo for each player. The curriculum will cover hitting, pitching, fielding, base running, sliding and all phases of the game from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Contact Coach Bobby Carr at 334-657-1038 or 334-567-5102 ext. 205 or email him at bobbyc1234@hotmail. com to register.

June 6-10 Wetumpka Depot Players Drama Camp

Kids from second to eighth grades can sign up for a weeklong theatrical program at Wetumpka Depot Theater.

Catch and Release Alabama Wildlife Federation will host movies, fishing and animal encounters from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. June 18. Get outdoors and fish for catfish and bream in one of the Alabama Nature Center’s bountiful ponds. From bass to catfish, the ponds are stocked and ready for line. A limited number of fishing poles will be available for $2 a day, and limited amount of bait is available for a small fee.

All visitors must check in at the Pavilion Outpost on the grounds before hiking trails or participating in weekend activities. Call 1-800-9453 for information.

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Certified teachers and theatre artists. Class size is limited to 30. Camp times are June 6-9 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and June 10 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Registration fee is $150 and includes T-shirt. Students will produce a new children’s musical, We Are Monsters. For information, contact kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com.

June 8 4-H vs. Wild Day Camp

Get kids away from electronics and reconnecting with the outdoors this summer at Ft. Toulouse. Activities include a photo scavenger hunt, geocaching, learning survival skills and more. No cost for this event. Kids aged 9 and up eligible. Bring lunch, two snacks and beverage. To register or for more information, call the Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

June 10-11 26th Annual Jazz Fest

The best music festival of the summer kicks off on Friday night at Strand Park in Alexander City with three great bands, and the concert series moves to the Lake Martin Amphitheater on Saturday with three more bands. This annual concert series is free and tons of fun. Mark your calendars now and look for details coming soon.

June 10-11 Tallassee Now Festival

Come out for the arts and crafts, the car show, three music stages, a 5K run, children’s activities, tours of the historic Confederate Armory, art gallery – and the barbecue – at the Tallassee High School Stadium, Bell Park and downtown Tallassee. Barbecue is $7 a plate. Fun Run starts at 7:30 p.m. Register to run for $20 before May 21; after May 21, entry goes up to $25. Register online. Cook-off will feature cash prizes. For information and entry forms, vist www.tallasseechamber.com or call 334-283-5151.

June 11 JAKES Youth Event

The Elmore County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host its annual Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportmanship (JAKES) event at 8 a.m. at Ft. Toulouse. Free for youth through age 17. A variety of activities will be offered. For information, email calhoungene@att.net.

June 11 National Marina Day

Each of the four Russell Marine locations will celebrate with a cookout and discounts on gear and accessories.

Summer Plays Elmore County is home to two vibrant community theatre programs that will be very busy this summer season.

The Wetumpka Depot Players will premier I Hate Hamlet on May 12. This rollicking comedy-drama follows an actor who discovers his new apartment is haunted by the ghost of actor John Barrymore, who wants him to play Hamlet in an upcoming production.

Performances will be 7:30 p.m. on May 12-14, 19-21 and 26-28. A matinee performance will be held May 22 at 2 p.m.

The Wetumpka Depot’s second summer production will be Calendar Girls.

When two women of a certain age resolve to raise money for their local hospital, they find a fast way to get the funds: Posing for a pinup calendar with their friends.

Made famous by the 2003 movie, this touching story is sure to bring both laughter and tears. Performances will be held July 14-30.

The Wetumpka Depot will host its annual youth summer camp from June 6-10. Children entering second through eighth grades in the fall of 2016 are welcome to enroll and learn about the art of theatre.

Cost is $150 for the week. Seats are limited. For more information, email kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com.

The Millbrook Community Players this summer will perform Anne of Green Gables. Based on the books by L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables tells the story of siblings Matthew and Marilla, who send away for an orphan boy to work on their farm. Instead, they are sent Anne by mistake, a child whose imagination and kindness light up the lives of everyone around her.

Show dates are July 21-23 and 28-30 at 7:30 p.m. and July 24 and 31 at 2 p.m.

The Millbrook Community Players also will host an acting camp from June 6-10. Cost is $75 for the week, and there are a limited number of spots available. Call 334-782-7317 for more information.

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June 11 Miss Lake Martin Pageant

The 2016 Miss Lake Martin will be crowned at the Dadeville High School Auditorium. There will be 10 contestants accepted in each of nine age groups from infant to age 21.

Register by May 15 at misslakemartinpageant@gmail.com.

June 14 CAMGA lunch and Learn

This month’s Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association program will focus on organic community gardening from noon to 1 p.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office, 340 Queen Anne Rd., Wetumpka. Bring a sack lunch; tea and water are provided. For information, call 334-567- 6301.

June 16 Waterbath Canning

This food preservation class at 10 a.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office will cover food safety and canning techniques and tips. No cost for this program, but pre-registration is required. Call 334-567-6301 for information and registration.

June 17 Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Richard & Rusty from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

June 18 Go Fishing Catch & Release

Alabama Wildlife Federation will host movies, fishing and animal encounters from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Get outdoors and fish for catfish and bream in one of the Alabama Nature Center’s bountiful ponds. Limited number of fishing poles will be available for $2 a day, and limited amount of bait is available for a small fee. Call 1-800-9453 for information.

June 23 Soap Making Workshop

Learn to make your own soap from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through this Elmore County Extension Office program to be held at 340 Queen Anne Rd., Wetumpka. Call 334-567-6301 for details and registration.

June 23 4-H Beekeeping Camp

Kids aged 9 to 14 can learn about hive management and the biology and chemistry – even the art – of beekeeping in this class that will be held at Wetumpka Elementary School.

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Registration fee is $30. Camp starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. each day. For details, call 334-799-2254 or email allyson.andrews@icloud.com.

June 24 Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Sid Phelps from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

June 25 Cleanup Day in Millbrook

Bring your household discards from spring cleaning to the 3800 block of Grandview Road from 7 a.m. until noon.

The City of Millbrook Street and Maintenance Department will provide a crew to dispose of the trash at no charge. No hazardous materials (paint, oil, etc.) will be accepted. For information, call 334-285-3653.

June 27-30 Elmore County Mid-Summer Basketball Camp

Boys and girls ages 5 to 13 can sign up for basketball camp this year from 8:30 a.m. until noon at the Edgewood Academy Gymnasium. Camp will cover the fundamentals of basketball and will feature motivational speeches. Fee of $100 includes T-shirt, certificate of participation and snack.

Discount for multiple children in one family. Coach is Chris George. For registration information, call 251-605-6256.

June 29 4-H Cooking Camp

This two-day camp is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to cook and prepare easy and fun snacks, desserts and meals. The class covers kitchen safety and proper use of various kitchen tools and appliances. Cost is $10. For information, call 334-567-6301.

June 30 Nature Trivia

Come out and team up with guests for an exciting night of nature trivia at the NaturePlex in Lanark. Guests will compete for prizes while learning all about the natural world. Bring your own dinner; all ages welcome. Admission is $5.

July 1-31 Eighth Day Escape

Visit Wind Creek State Park and take part in the Eighth Day Escape photo contest. Visit www.alapark.com/explorer for complete rules and entry forms.

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KFMG honors local artist Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery (KFMG) this summer celebrates the life and art of Wetumpka’s own Priscilla Crommelin with an exhibit of her renowned portraits and still life paintings and her vibrant landscapes and florals.

Crommelin (1919-2010), whose works have been exhibited in collections around the world, had deep roots in the River Region. She studied at the Art Students’ League in New York and was elected a member of L’Academie Cultural de France. She was one of very few Americans to have had works selected by the Salon d’Automne at the Grand Palais in Paris and was a juried exhibitor at the ArtExpo 89 of New York.

The KFMG exhibit will include 69 works of art by Crommelin, including 22 that have never before been shown. The exhibit opens May 19 on the second floor of

July 1 Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Rexton Lee from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

July 2 Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

The Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking pancakes for all to enjoy at the Artist's Cabin at Russell Crossroads from 8 a.m until 10 a.m. on holiday

the City of Wetumpka Administration Building, 408 S. Main St., and will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. until Sept. 21.

The public is invited to a reception in Crommelin’s honor from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 28 at the gallery.

Crommelin’s paintings – typically light, colorful and loose – have been compared to the works of French painter Paul Cezanne (1860-1906), and she said once that she was most at home with impressionism.

“It’s warm, joyful style allows me to best express my true feelings about my subject,” Crommelin explained.

Priscilla Crommelin: Her Life and Work is sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Spencer Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Fain and Mr. and Mrs. Donald McConnell and is made available through the generosity of the Crommelin family and Brian Mann.

weekend Saturdays. Come by and feed the family and help out the garden club.

July 2-3 Arti Gras

Russell Crossroads once again will host this juried art show on the Town Green. Browse the tents and find that perfect piece for your lake home. There will be handmade pottery, photography, furniture, watercolors, oil paintings, reclaimed wood decor, jewelry, soaps, jams, jellies and more from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For information, call 256-212-1416.

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31st Annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival

Coosa Outdoor Center will host the 31st Annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival June 3-5 in Wetumpka.

The three-day paddling event has attracted more than 200 campers at previous festivals, including professional and amateur paddlers who vie for titles in seven categories on the river’s Class III Moccasin Gap rapids, which is expected to run at 8,500 cubic feet per second during the festival.

The $30 registration fee offers spectators and competitors alike admission to all festival weekend events, including camping fees, shuttles to the dam, an event T-shirt, musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, morning coffee and the awards ceremony, as well as entry into the contests on the river.

Cash prizes will be awarded in junior, women’s and men’s freestyle categories, as well as the King of the Wave competition, kayak jousting, the sit-on-top race and the Classic Ender. Paddlers who complete the most turns, twists, flips and tricks within the allotted time earn higher scores.

The festival will be held at Coosa Outdoor Center, where shaded, open camping will be available for registered festival guests. The grounds include two bath-

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room/shower units for campers, and portable bathroom units also will be available.

Musical entertainment will be provided Friday night

by The Signals, an Arizona-based rock band, and Saturday’s show, following the awards ceremony, will feature Montgomery’s Charlie C. and the Cuzamatics.

The theme for this year’s event is “Coosastock,” said organizer Lonnie Carden.

Registered festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the concerts. Coolers and alcoholic beverages are allowed.

“This year’s whitewater festival will be a benefit for the restoration of Corn Creek Park,” Carden said.

For information, call Carden at 334-202-3050.

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July 4 Wetumpka Independence Day Celebration

The Fourth of July festivities in Wetumpka will include a performance by the band Wishbone and a celebrity cookoff to benefit the Hemophilia Bleeding Disorders of Alabama, as well as the traditional fireworks display. The celebration starts at 5 p.m. at Gold Star Park.

July 4 Russell Marine Fourth of July Boat Parade

Decorate your boat and join the patriotic crowd at Kowaliga Marina as boats of all sizes, shapes and decorations parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor, circling past the lighthouse and making the return trip. Spectators line the shoreline along the route to applaud their favorite boats and contestants. Registered boats will vie for top honors for Largest Flag, Tallest Flag, Most Patriotic and Most Creative. Call 334-857-2111 to register or for information.

July 4 Fourth of July Blast

Find a spot on the grassy hillside at Lake Martin Amphitheater for the 16th Annual Fourth of July Blast, as Russell Lands hosts the Southeast’s largest fireworks show over Lake Martin. Gates open at 5 p.m. The Bank Walkers and Sweet Tea will entertain, and the fireworks start at 9 p.m.

Call 256-397-1019 for information.

July 8 Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Joe Bagley from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

July 11-13 Elmore County Football Camp

is a prerequisite for the July 26 kayaking class that will take a full trip down the Coosa River. For registration information, call 334-567-6301.

July 12 CAMGA Lunch and Learn

Gardening can be painful! Find out how to deal with the aches, pains and cuts and scratches or worse and learn what should be in your gardening first aid kit at this free Central Alabama Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn program at 340 Queen Anne Rd., Wetumpka. Bring a lunch; water and tea will be provided. For details, call 334-567-6301.

July 14-30 Calendar Girls

The women of Calendar Girls will bare it all, with the help of a few strategically placed buns! Wetumpka Depot Players will stage this Tim Firth production that was inspired by a group of Yorkshire, England, women who produced a calendar to raise money for leukemia research. This is a play about friendship, determination and hope. Grab the girlfriends and don’t miss this production. Visit www.wetumpkadepot.com for details and tickets or call 334-868-1440.

July 14 4-H Gardening Day

Kids aged 9 and up will build raised garden beds and learn about landscaping, garden maintenance and pruning and will make planter boxes to take home at this workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office, 340 Queen Anne Rd., Wetumpka. Cost is $10. For information, call 334-567-6301.

July 14 Pressure Canning

Pre-registration is required for this free food preservation program at the Elmore County Extension Office, 340 Queen Anne Rd., Wetumpka. for information and registration, call 334-567-6301.

Edgewood Academy Head Coach Bobby Carr will hold a football camp for kids ages 5 to 14 years old from 8 a.m. until noon. Camp cost is $75 and includes snacks, T-shirt and instruction with former NFL payers, collegiate players and state and national championship players. For information or to register, contact Coach Bobby Carr at 334-567-1038 or 334567-5102 ext. 205 or email him at Bobbyc1234@hotmailcom.

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Cowboy Bill from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

July 12 4-H Kayaking Camp

July 16 Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run

This is a beginner kayaking class for kids aged 9 and up.

Participants will learn the basic skills of kayaking and be introduced to the River Kids Kayaking program. This class

July 15 Friday On The Green

The 13th annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run will begin at The Ridge Marina and end at Kowaliga Restaurant to raise funds for local charities. Participants

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will travel from The Ridge Marina to River North, Harbor Point, Real Island and Kowaliga Marina to collect the best hand. Prizes will be awarded at the after party at Kowaliga Restaurant. For information, call 256-212-1416.

July 16 River and Blues

From 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Riverwalk in Wetumpka will host the annual River and Blues Festival, including two music stages, free children’s activities and a juried art show.

This year’s headliner on the main stage will be Rockin Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters. For information, call 334567-5147.

July 21-23 and 28-31 Anne of Green Gables

Millbrook Theatre will stage the refreshing contemporary telling of the classic story by L.M. Montgomery that has charmed audiences the world over for years. A young orphaned girl by mistake is sent to a family who asked for a boy to help them work the farm. The play follows Anne through her rebellious years, her transformation into a young woman and her romantic pairing with Gilbert. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Call 334-782-7317 for tickets and information.

July 21 Lip Balm and Candle Making Workshop

Get started on your Christmas gift list by making lip balms and candles this summer at the Elmore County Extension Office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-registration is required. A reasonable fee will be charged. Call 334-5676301 for information and registration.

July 22 Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature Jonathan Bloom from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

July 23 Archery

Learn the basics of archery history, shooting and safety during this program from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the AWF NaturePlex. For information, call 1-800-822-9453.

July 26 4-H Kayaking

In this class, kids will take a full trip down the Coosa River. Participants must have attended the kayaking class

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on May 31 or on July 12. Cost is $20. For information, call 334-567-6301.

July 29 4-H Cooking Camp

This two-day cooking camp is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to cook and prepare easy and fun snacks, desserts and meals. They will learn basic kitchen safety as well as proper use of various kitchen tools and appliances.

Cost is $10 per day. For registration information, call 334567-6301.

Aug. 5 Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature The Bank Walkers from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

Aug. 6 Russell Marine’s Riverfront WakeBattle

The best wakeboard and wakesurf riders in the Southeast will battle it out for $7,000 in prizes at the Riverfront in Montgomery. For information, visit www.RussellMarine.net or call 256-794-1397.

Aug. 6 14th Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo

Admission for this event is free to kids aged 15 years and younger; however, participants are asked to pre-register, as space is limited. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Each young angler will receive a T-shirt and will be eligible for door prizes. Snacks and drinks available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear and bait; however, a limited number of loaner rods and reels and some bait will be available. Program starts at 7 a.m. and concludes at 11 a.m. For information, call 1-800-822-9453.

Aug. 9 CAMGA Lunch and Learn

Sharon Reeves of hennypennypottery.com will present a program on pretty plant pottery at this month’s Master Gardeners program from noon to 1 p.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office, 340 Queen Anne Rd., Wetumpka.

Bring a sack lunch; water and tea will provided at this free program. Call 334-567-6301 for information.

Aug. 12 Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature shadowood from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

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Tallassee NOW! The annual celebration of all things Tallassee is scheduled for June 10 and 11 with the traditional barbecue and bulk meat sales, antique car show, art displays, entertainment, a 5K run and more! There are some changes of events, times and locations this year, so keep the following schedule handy to make sure you don't miss a minute of the fun.

Friday, June 10 9 a.m.

Cook-off Check-in at Bell Park 1 p.m.‒3 p.m.

Quilt Show at Tallassee City Hall 6:30 p.m.

Registration for 5K Run - Ann Avenue Greenspace Downtown 7:30 p.m.

5K Run - Ann Avenue Greenspace Downtown 4 p.m.‒7 p.m.

Karaoke Contest at Bell Park 7 p.m.‒11 p.m.

Music at Bell Park 6 p.m.‒8 p.m.

Bulk Meat Sales pick up at the Stadium

Saturday, June 11 7 a.m.‒11 a.m.

Farmer's Market at the Theater 8 a.m.‒3 p.m.

Shuttle Service provided 8 a.m.‒1 p.m.

Tailgate Bulk Meat Sale at the Stadium 9 a.m.‒1 p.m.

Authors' Book Signing at the Trophy Room 9 a.m.‒noon Tours of Lake Thurlow Power Plant 9 a.m.‒2 p.m.

Quilt Exhibition at Tallassee City Hall 10 a.m.‒2:30 p.m. Entertainment at the Stadium 10 a.m.‒1 p.m.

Barbecue Plate Sales at the Stadium 10 a.m.‒2 p.m.

Antique Car Show at the Stadium 10 a.m.‒2 p.m.

Antique Guitars Show at the Stadium 10 a.m.‒1 p.m.

Confederate Armory Tours 10 a.m.‒2 p.m.

Welcome Center at the Stadium 10 a.m.‒2 p.m.

Tallassee Falls Museum 10 a.m.‒2 p.m.

Dovard Taunton Art Display and Wine Tasting

at the Trophy Room 10 a.m.‒2 p.m.

Mt. Vernon Theatre Tours 10 a.m.‒2 p.m.

Kelly Fitzpatrick, Iain Stewart, Arthur Steward

Art Display at Trustmark Lobby and Annex 11:30 a.m.

Cook-Off Juding/Presentation at Bell Park 1 p.m.‒2 p.m.

Cook-Off People's Choice Voting at Bell Park 2 p.m.

Cook-Off Awards Presentation at Bell Park

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Aug. 19 Friday On The Green

out more at www.alabamawildlife.org/expedition-lanarksummer-day-camp/.

Sept. 1 American Eagle Speaker and Movie

Pick up fresh produce from 8 a.m. until noon at the Village Green in Millbrook every Tuesday all summer long, starting May 31. Early birds will find some growers who arrive before 8 a.m. Support your local growers and enjoy the market.

Join the fun at the Russell Crossroads Town Green from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

Join Nongame Wildlife Biologist with the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Carrie Threadgill to discuss the success of the Bald Eagle Recovery Program in Alabama. Admission is $5. Meet at the AWF NaturePlex in Millbrook. For information, call 1-800-822-9453.

Sept. 2 Friday On The Green

This Friday’s free concert on the Russell Crossroads Town Green will feature The Bank Walkers from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

Sept. 3 Community Garden Club Pancake Breakfast

The Community Garden Club members will be up early cooking pancakes for all to enjoy at the Artist’s Cabin at Russell Crossroads from 8 a.m until 10 a.m. on holiday weekend Saturdays. Come by and feed the family and help out the garden club.

Sept. 4 Labor Day Weekend Concert at The AMP

The summer concert series at The AMP comes to a dramatic close as concert goers of all ages gather for the final event of the year. The AMP has hosted quality entertainers like Blue’s Traveler, Sister Hazel, Trotline, Shooter Jennings, Corey Smith and others for the unofficial end to the summer. This year will be no exception. Keep an eye on The AMP on Lake Martin on Facebook, www.theamponlakemartin.com or call 256-397-1019 for details to come on this year’s concert event.

Season-Long Events

Millbrook Farmers’ Market

Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn

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. Event is free and open to the public. Drinks provided. For information, call 334-567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.

Busy Bee Quilters

The quilters meet the second Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the City of Wetumpka Administrative Building. For information, call 334-451-2493.

Cruise-In Car Show

Pull into the Super Foods parking lot on Gilmer Avenue from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the third Saturday of each month for a look at the spectacular wheels.

Wetumpka City Pops

Wetumpka City Pops Community Band rehearses on Thursdays from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Wetumpka City Administration bulding. Any woodwind, brass and percussion players are encouraged to participate.

Yoga on the Green

Meet at Russell Crossroads at 7 a.m. Saturday mornings Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 1 to start the day with yoga. With The Stables as a backdrop, the Town Green is the perfect place to discover your inner being. Great for beginners and the experienced. Just bring mat and water bottle.

Wine Tastings

Catherine's Market hosts wine tastings on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Taste a variety of samples for $5, then apply that $5 to the purchase of your favorite.

Expedition Lanark Summer Day Camps

Expedition Lanark is a full day summer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource stewardship, develop leadership skills and build character. Camps are scheduled for one week between June 6 and Aug. 5, and prices range from $100 to $200. Find

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Friday on the Green

Join the fun at the Russell Crossroads Town Green from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Friday nights through Sept. 23 (except June 10 and July 29). Bring coolers, blankets, chairs, kids and pets for live music, lawn games and time with family and friends.

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Gator Golf Emerald Mountain Golf Club’s signature hole lends new meaning to ‘water hazard’ Story by Cory Diaz Illustration by Jerry King Photos by Kenneth Boone

A 6-foot gator catches some sun in the pond below the 12th hole at Emerald Mountain

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W

hen you approach the tee shot on Emerald Mountain Golf Club’s No. 12 hole, be prepared for Mother Nature to throw at you just about everything she has to offer: 10-foot alligators, a straight must-shot to avoid hazards, and

again, 10-foot alligators.

The Ward Northrup course weaves through deep ravines, rolling hills and the untouched wetlands where the alligators like to watch golfers seize up on the 12th tee. Cozied in along the Tallapoosa River, the signature hole at this championship play is a 418-yard par 4 from the back tee, and it defines the unique identity of the rest of the course.

“You’re going to hit it straight, or you’re going to lose some golf balls,” Emerald Mountain’s General Manager Erich Flynn said.

“It’s intimidating because you could go out to the driving range and hit 100 straight balls. Then you’re going to go to 12; hit your first one and flare it right because everybody does; then, you’re going to overcorrect and hook it left. That’s just the way it is.

“Then you’ll see the gator down there by the green – everything else will be fine. Then go to No. 13, a par 5 that you might could birdie, and you’re off to 14.

“A big 10-foot gator is out there now on No. 12, a momma and babies. Takes a couple minutes longer because everybody wants a picture, everybody wants to say they saw it.

That’s unique.”

Marilyn Hawkins, who plays the course at least once a week, said she’s had plenty of run-ins with the course reptiles and has seen as many as four alligators at one time.

“I love them,” Hawkins said. “My husband and I look for them. They are fascinating creatures. I try to hit it straight down the middle every time and not worry about it. That’s just part of nature, and if you hit it near the water, just keep your head on a swivel.

“The gators don’t take anything away. They add to the beauty of golf. We don’t challenge them. We also don’t feed them. They can have the right of way.”

That’s the epitome of Emerald Mountain Golf Club, a full 18-hole, traditional-styled course laid out in the center of the Emerald Mountain neighborhood and at home in the bountiful wildlife that lives in the flat marshes and rolling hills.

“There have been four or five owners before we got it. The thing I can vouch for, I’ve lived up here for 20 years now,” Flynn said. “I played the course day one in 2001. Played it with my son, then eventually, the grandkids. It’s such a good course. People come in, and whether they’ve played it or not, I can look them in the eye and say this is one great track.

We hope when people leave here they have good things to say.”

Presently, the club’s back nine are the only holes available for play, as the crew has been working for the past three years to repair the front side, which was severely damaged by a flood seven years ago.

The owners have compensated players with a great discount. Golfers can play the back nine twice – 18 holes with a cart – for $20, plus tax.

The original 18 holes played at 7,023 yards, 72 par, and the facility offers a driving range and practice putting green, as well as a pro shop. Located on site, Top of the Hill Grill serves burgers, hot dogs, seafood platters and a variety of beverages. The restaurant also features a meat-and-three menu on Sundays.

“Whether you’re a youngster coming out just starting, a woman golfer, played all your life, enjoy playing the longest tees or a senior, the availability is there for everybody. Consistent staff, good people, very helpful,” Flynn said. “We got the driving range, which is doing very well, and the putting green.

“It’s a fun course to play, but it’s a tough course. People will go out, come in and say they had a great time. It has a lot to do with us, but also the dollars and cents. When it’s $20 versus $40 or more, it feels better.

“I feel like we make people feel like they’re at home, at their own course whether they’re from here in town or not.”

Emerald Mountain Golf Club is located at 245 Mountain View Drive in Wetumpka. Call 334-514-8082 for tee times.

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Capitol Game

Club offers three challenging courses for public play Story & Photos by Cory Diaz

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The Senator

R

obert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill not only separates itself from other clubs around Elmore County, but since it first opened in 1999, the facility also arguably has risen above most other golf courses across Alabama and the country.

Located on more than 600 acres in Prattville, just inside Elmore County’s western line, RTJ-Capitol Hill boasts 54 holes of championship golf. It is the only location on the renowned statewide RTJ Golf Trail founded by David Bronner and includes a world class 360-degree practice area.

“In my opinion, it’s one of the unique golf complexes in the country,” Capitol Hill Director of Golf Mike Beverly said. “First of all, our practice facility is one of the best in the country, probably one of two in the Southeast that’s 360-degree large facility. Two putting greens, a bunker, chipping areas – so it’s a world class practice facility.”

Of the 26 sites on the RTJ Trail,

The Judge

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Capitol Hill is the only club that offers three championship courses, Beverly said.

“There are several 54-hole sites, but the others have short courses. That’s definitely our selling point on why we are the busiest. People can come here for multiple days, stay and play three championship courses and not have to change hotel rooms,” he explained.

RTJ-Capitol Hill, which is only closed on Christmas Day, offers two membership plans and honors the RTJ Trail Card.

The Red plan covers all greens fees, but the individual pays for cart rental at $20 for 18 holes. This plan runs $1,500 annually.

The Platinum plan costs $1,800 per year and covers greens fees but not cart rental, but this plan includes unlimited range balls, a locker and the USGA handicap fee, as well as discounts on food and beverages for the member and guests.

The Robert Trent Jones Trail also offers a Trail Card that state residents can purchase for $40. The card features

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The Legislator

deeply discounted rates on rounds of golf at each site across Alabama, including Capitol Hill where 18 holes of play with a cart runs $96.

The Capitol Hill club offers a full golf shop in the clubhouse, two meeting rooms, a food/bar operation and a teaching academy featuring two fulltime instructors, including PGA Director of Instruction Robbie Blackwell.

The club includes more than 1,500 acres of golf on three Bermuda grass courses – the Judge, the Legislator and the Senator.

The Judge, which opened in 2000, was the most recent of the three courses to open. This course was named one of the 10 public courses in America worthy of hosting the U.S. Open by Golf Magazine and is the host course for the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic.

According to Beverly, each course presents its own distinctions and challenges for players from five sets of tees, another selling point for the facility.

“They are all great golf courses. The other thing I think is unique about our facility compared to others with multiple holes around the country is the golf courses are distinctly different types of layouts,” Beverly said.

“You’ve got a Links-style golf course in the Senator. You have a more

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traditional, parkland-style on the Legislator. The back nine is really cool; you get some elevation change and bring a little bit of the Judge in, three or four holes around the swamp; then, you finish up next to the Senator. The Judge is just the Judge: Water on 14 of the 18 holes, beautiful views.

“It’s neat to not have holes that look the same because the topography is so different from the top of the property to the bottom. People love coming here because the courses are so different. Even though you’re at the same place, it doesn’t feel the same.”

Intimidation surfaces immediately on the Judge with the opening tee shot on No. 1. This par 4 at 415 yards from the black tee overlooks the Alabama River and the fairway from 180 feet up.

“The elevation is intimidating,” Beverly said. “I tell people to play to the 150-yard post. It’s a risk/reward deal, and being the first swing of the day, hit it 150 to the middle of the green and get out of there as fast as you can. The further you hit it, you’re bringing in hazard to both sides.”

On the Senator, Beverly labeled No. 17 a “love/hate” hole. The 559-yard, long par 5 separates itself from the rest of the Links course with a double water hazard.

“You’ve got water off the tee,

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you’re landing across the ravine, and everything kind of narrows up. If you want to go for it in two, the green’s elevated, and you’ve got the second hazard.”

Hole 15 provides the only other elevated tee box outside of the Judge’s opener, but the 407-yard par 4 troughs in the fairway before cresting back up at a severely sloped green that gets golfers talking.

“There’s a front, middle and back with the slopes, and it’s very distinctive. The back pin location is very tough to get to,” Beverly said. “I have guys coming in complaining about how much they hate it.”

Above all, Capitol Hill provides players with memorable challenges that keep them coming back, Beverly said.

“That’s kind of what Dr. Bronner, when he built the Trail, wanted – to make them tough. People remember the tough holes and talk about them because if you birdie it …”

That’s something to talk about.

The RTJ Trail Card can be purchased online at rtjgolf.mybigcommerce.com/trailcard/. Book a tee time online at capitolhill.play18.com/ teetimes/searchmatrix or call 334-2851114.

Playing in the Pines

T

Story & Photo by Betsy Iler

he Pines of Millbrook could just as easily be called The Hills, as steep climbs and quick descents characterize the 18-hole, par 72 municipal golf course on Deatsville Highway. The course plays 6,318 yards from the blue tees – 4,883 yards for ladies and seniors – and is open at 7 a.m. seven days a week. Call ahead for tee times, as the course sponsors play activities throughout the week and schedules regular tournaments. The course also is home to the Stanhope Elmore High School golf team.

An advantage to the hills, The Pines is an all-weather course, said general manager Harold Hogan.

“Within two or three hours after a rain, our course has drained,” Hogan said.

The course features three water holes and grass bunkers.

Fairways are tree lined with little to no rough between the short grass and the woods, and most every tee box hits uphill or down.

“It’s challenging play,” Hogan said, “and it will make a better golfer of you.”

The challenge begins at the first hole. At 385 yards, the downhill par 4 doglegs left behind a bank of trees. A long hitter can count on the grass bunker on the corner to save him from the woods, or he might hope to loft the ball over the trees and into the clear close to the Bermuda green.

Players will finish the first nine with equal challenge,

as the par 5 at the turn tees off at the top of a terrace overlooking a deep valley and then slides left at the top of the next hill. This is a water hole, and although the green looks deceptively lower and back to front, it’s actually higher than the lie for the second shot.

No. 11 is the signature hole, said Hogan. The fairway drops straight down at the tee and offers no reprieve for hooks and slices. The green rolls back to front and left to right into a collection of saplings and a bumpy bunker. Players who overshoot the green will be lucky to leave the ball just short of the woods.

Fees at The Pines are reasonable for the challenge; $22 will play 18 weekend holes, with $16 for weekday play.

Nine holes are $15 on the weekend and $10 during the week with cart fees at $15 per person for 18 and $8 for nine.

Individual play membership paid in advance is $600 per year, and advance family membership is $800. Corresponding monthly payment memberships are $65 and $85, respectively. Seniors can play for $500 annually with advance payment or $55 per month, and junior memberships are $350. Weekday only junior memberships also are available.

Services include on-premise beer and liquor sales with ice and cart coolers furnished. Packaged snacks are sold in the clubhouse; there is no food service and no equipment sales.

The course is at 307 Deatsville Highway in Millbrook.

Call 334-285-7529 for tee times.

The No. 11 green at the Pines is a tough play with trees on three sides

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Quail Walk keeps play interesting for all skill levels

Quail Walk Story & Photos by Betsy Iler

I

n contrast to The Pines in Millbrook, the course at Wetumpka’s Quail Walk Country Club is open and fairly flat.

“It’s an easy course for the average golfer,” said John Michael Williams, who has played there almost weekly for the last three years.

“There’s enough challenge to keep it interesting, but it’s not a frustrating course to play.”

The 18-hole golf course measures 6,534 yards from the blue tees; 5,251 from the red.

Morse Sanders developed the first nine holes at Quail Walk in 1974, and in 1989-91, Sammy Dean and Jimmy Dean added the second nine.

In addition to golf, the club offers the amenities of a swimming pool (no lifeguards), tennis courts, a bar and banquet facilities. The restaurant is not open on a regular basis but is available for special occasions or events.

Quail Walk’s golf facilities include a driving range and a pro shop that is open from 8 a.m. until dusk. Golfers can purchase packaged snacks in the pro shop.

The course is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until dusk – 7 a.m. during summer months.

Members are entitled to use of the amenities, but the golf course is open to the public. Green fees and cart rental is $30 for nine or 18 holes Monday through Friday, whether players walk or ride. Twilight golf rates during the week are $25 for play and cart after 3 p.m. and $20 after 5 p.m.

The weekend and holiday rate is $38.

Members pay a cart fee of $17 for 18 holes or $12 for nine

34

holes and enjoy unlimited golf.

Single memberships at Quail Walk are $75 per month or $100 per family after a $200 initiation fee.

The Quail Walk course is home to teams from Edgewood Academy and Holtville and Wetumpka high schools. The course also books several tournaments throughout the season, and veterans play for free on Veterans’ Day. Most of the greens on the course are Tifton Dwarf Bermuda.

Property Manager Dave Phillips said No. 18 is the signature hole at Quail Walk. At 465 yards, it is the longest par 4 in the park. The fairway is narrower than most other holes on the course, and the water feature at halfway stretches from the No. 17 fairway, across No. 18 to No. 10 on the other side.

But Williams said he finds No. 12 the greater challenge for its narrow fairway, or the par 3 No. 3 hole, which is practically all water from the tee box to the green.

“If you’re going to play Quail Walk, enjoy the scenery,” said Phillips.

And his advice is spot on. An attractive course with abundant wildlife and picturesque landscapes, Quail Walk runs alongside the Coosa River. Great blue heron, great heron, fox squirrels, deer, turkey and a wide variety of birds frequent the course, which features blooming shrubs, water plants and the occasional arrangement of rocks.

Quail Walk is located at 2110 Holtville Road in Wetumpka. Call the clubhouse at 334-567-5014 for tee times.

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Movers & Shakers

Aubrey Hornsby Story by Carmen Rodgers Photo by Suellen Young

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

I

f Eclectic had an unofficial mayor, it would be Aubrey Hornsby – visionary, entrepreneur, nature enthusiast, lover of history and town cheerleader.

Hornsby was born at Duke Hospital while his father was studying to be doctor at Duke University. After graduating from Duke, the elder Hornsby moved his family to Pensacola, Florida, where his son spent much of his childhood. During summer months, the young Hornsby’s parents sent him to spend time with his grandparents who lived in Eclectic.

“Those were my best memories, going to the lake to swim. I used to fish in the brushes of the sloughs where there weren’t any houses. Now, there are houses all the way down the slough,” said Hornsby, who now is 64 years old and makes the Elmore County town his home.

When he was 14 years old, Hornsby’s parents decided he needed a more challenging school. They moved the young man to Bell Buckle, Tennessee, to attend Webb High School.

“They said it was the toughest school they knew of, and apparently, I needed to be in a tough school,” Hornsby said.

The Webb High School was geared to “replenish the South with gentlemen after the Civil War,” which sums up nicely the man who renovated his great-grandfather’s cotton warehouse into an eclectic venue for community socials and weddings.

After graduating Webb High School, Hornsby went on to graduate Vanderbilt University with a degree in marketing.

He stayed for several years in Nashville, where he managed the Exit/In Music Forum, an event venue offering quality entertainment. With a seating capacity of only 200, the small venue has hosted the likes of Steve Martin, Hank Williams Jr., The Police, Waylon Jennings and many more.

“Watching the transformation of country music,” Hornsby said, “it was exhilarating to participate in that pivotal moment in Nashville’s history.”

This same revolution is what Hornsby hopes to see take place in Eclectic.

“Something big is about to happen here,” he said.

Eight years ago, Hornsby worked with a team of 18 architecture students from Auburn University to complete a 20-year strategic plan for the small town. The team interviewed residents of Eclectic to gain a perspective of what they wanted for the town.

“They spoke to almost 400 people, which is almost half of the town,” Hornsby explained.

The study revealed that residents did not want Eclectic to become a big town. While progress was called for, most of the people who lived there were apprehensive about

quick growth.

“We want growth, but we want it the right way, if we grow,” Hornsby explained. “There is something special about this place. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something special here.”

The analysis also showed that Eclectic is a familybased evangelical town, and residents wanted any future entertainment to follow that same system of belief. So the Auburn University team of students created a vision that included entertainment venues, parks and gathering places.

And while Hornsby opened The Warehouse to contribute to that plan, he believes it will take a long time to bring the vision to fruition. It must be a collective effort, he said.

“My contribution is to let The Warehouse become a community center just for that,” said the businessman who works every day to better the town of Eclectic. “I work with the idea of the cross at the center of town. We have this crossroads out here, and even in the Auburn plan, somehow, they saw that crossroads as a Celtic cross.

I pay attention to that and try to invite people who will honor that.”

Hornsby said he deeply cares for the town’s children and for the future created for them. As such, The Warehouse often hosts events specifically for the community, including a recent Auburn/Alabama dance for the children of the town.

This planning for the future, he said, seems to be inherited.

“My great-great-granddad built The Warehouse for my great granddad,” Hornsby said.

After the building sat empty for several years, Hornsby breathed new life into it when he opened it as a wedding venue.

Today, The Warehouse serves as a multifaceted outlet for Eclectic and surrounding communities. Many of the local churches use the facility for community gatherings to bring the Eclectic spirit into the heart of the town.

And its reputation as the ideal wedding venue has grown so quickly many of the brides who book there have come from more than 100 miles away to capture the natural hometown atmosphere of the establishment.

Hornsby also is a nature enthusiast who often travels the local hiking paths created by Eclectic’s own Jimmy Lanier, founder of the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association.

This love for nature has moved Hornsby to also begin development of an outdoor venue with creeks and bridges, ponds and lilies and trees and hills to create a natural outdoor space for additional gatherings.

For Hornsby, it’s all about the town of the Eclectic, its charm and simplicity, its quality of life, its past and its future.

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Local Travels of Renowned Conservationist Bill Goss

BACK IN THE DAY Tallassee's

bill goss has been writing historical accounts for area magazines since

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2003.

America’s first nativesouth of the present town born naturalist, artist and and was built at the mouth author, William Bartram of Euphaubee Creek where (1739-1823) visited the it enters the Tallapoosa. In A Tallassee area twice. His History of Tallassee for Tallasjourney through the southseeans (1949), author Virgineastern United States, ia Noble Golden described during the Revolutionary Bartram’s perception of the War era, to observe, study, town. collect and record the flora “It is described as a and fauna of the Southeast large town almost entirely included detailed descripenclosed by a high picket tions of his visits to the wall and surrounded by lands of the Muscogulges well-cultivated fields. The or Creek Indians. He made age of Talisi is uncertain. It many drawings and certainly existed in took notes on the some form in the late The rhododendrons, plots Native American 17th century since the of wild strawberries, flame Indians. site is marked on a azaleas, Solomon's seal, sweet Between 1773 and map in the British Arshrub, mountain laurel, ginseng, chives dated 1715.”

1777, the Quaker botanist Bartram’s fourOn July 16, 1775, Fraser magnolia ... year journey took Bartram left Tallassee create a seemingly infinite him from the foothills and traveled to Kologreen tapestry of the Appalachian mi (also Coolome, Mountains to Florida Kolome or Kulumil), that surrounds the trail. and the Mississippi Montgomery, Mobile, River. He traveled Pensacola, the Missis~ William Bartram and lived among sippi River and Baton southeastern native Rouge. peoples of North and He returned to South Carolina, GeorMobile and departed gia, East and West Florida, Alabama, Missis- it on Nov. 27, 1775. About Dec. 4, 1775, he sippi, Louisiana and Tennessee. arrived at Fort Toulouse on the Tallapoosa On July 13, 1775, Bartram passed through River. From there, he visited Alabama Town, Tuskegee, Alabama, and crossed Uphapee Muklasa, Tuckabatchee, Kolomi and Atasi Creek (also Eufaubee and Euphaubee) to (also Attassee or Ottassee).

Talasi (also Talisi or Tallassee), located on Bartram remained in these Upper Creek the east bank of the Tallapoosa River, and to towns until he departed on Jan. 2, 1776. It Tuckabatchee (also Tukabatche or Tukabahwas probably during this visit that Bartram chi), located on the west bank. painted the Upper Creek town of TuckaTalisi was one of the larger villages of batchee, once the largest of the Upper Creek the Creek Nation. It existed about 3 miles settlements.

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GRAB THE POPCORN

BIG SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW Remember the old song, Summertime Blues? Well, moviegoers are in no danger of that affliction this year, given all the summer movies slated for release. As we begin the summer movie season – that period between May and August when Hollywood rolls out its biggest and best crowd-pleasers – get ready for the films you can enjoy in your local multiplex in the weeks ahead. Here is the lineup, by release date: May 20: The Nice Guys – Set in 1970s Los Angeles, this action-packed buddy comedy is directed by Shane Black (Lethal Weapon) and stars Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling and Kim Basinger. If this movie is half as much fun as its trailer, it will be a sure crowd pleaser.

The Angry Birds Movie – An animated treat based on the video game series by the same name featuring the vocal talents of Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Maya Rudolph, Bill Hader and Peter Dinklage.

May 27: X-Men: Apocalypse – Fans are rejoicing over the

40

fact that director Bryan Singer will be returning to the franchise. The impressive cast in this movie includes fan-favorite Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) as the shape-shifting Mystique, and Oscar Issac, fresh from the new Star Wars movie, as the villainous Apocalypse.

Alice Through the Looking Glass – Hold on to your top hats!

This is the eagerly-awaited sequel to 2010’s Alice in Wonderland with the visionary Tim Burton once again in the director’s chair. The film stars Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

June 3: Me Before You – Based on Jojo Moyes’ wildly popular bestseller, the story centers around a girl who forms an unlikely bond with a man who is recently paralyzed. I loved the book and can’t wait for this movie!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows – Need I say more?

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June 10: Now You See Me 2 – A sequel to the 2013 film Now You See Me, it reunites many of the original cast members, including Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman, and adds two exciting new faces to the cast – Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe and Lizzy Caplan (The Interview).

June 17: Finding Dory – This sequel to the 2003 Disney smash hit Finding Nemo centers on the comically amnesiac character Dory, voiced by daytime talk show queen Ellen Degeneres in one of her most beloved roles.

Central Intelligence – Get ready for this actionpacked buddy comedy full of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage with the hilariously dynamic duo of Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart.

June 24: Independence Day: Resurgence – More alien Armageddon featuring many popular faces, including Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch and Vivica A. Fox, from the 1996 original blockbuster, as well as newcomers like screen heartthrob Liam Hemsworth.

Free State of Jones – Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey headlines this Civil War drama that may have plenty of awards-season potential.

July 1: The BFG – Based on the novel by celebrated author Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed and produced by the iconic Steven Spielberg and written for the screen by Melissa Mathison (E.T.), this fantasy adventure is a can’t-miss proposition!

Tarzan – Here is yet another Tarzan for a new generation brought to you by Harry Potter director David Yates with Alexander Skarsgård as Tarzan and Samuel L. Jackson, Djimon Hounsou and Christoph Waltz rounding out the cast.

July 8: The Secret Life of Pets – The title says it all in this animated treat featuring the voices of Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart.

July 15: Ghostbusters – This re-imagining features an all-female crew – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Cecily Strong, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon, with cameos from original cast members Bill Murray, Sigourney Weaver, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts. A surefire blockbuster!

July 22: Ice Age: Collision Course – This is num-

ber four in the series, but it seems that Scrat and his friends are in no danger of experiencing a “cool reception” from audiences.

Star Trek Beyond – This space adventure has been successfully reinvented so many times that it is easy to lose count. Chris Pine returns as Captain Kirk, and Zachary Quinto will be reprising his role as Mr. Spock.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie – Based on the BBC television show that ran from 1992 to 1995, this film features the comically glamorous duo of PR guru Edina (Jennifer Saunders) and magazine editor Patsy (Joanna Lumley) and their riotous misadventures.

July 29: Jason Bourne – Matt Damon returns in the highly anticipated fifth film in the Bourne film series and the sequel to the 2012 film The Bourne Legacy. Though Damon has not played Bourne since 2007, early buzz on the film is that he quickly makes up for lost time!

Jeff Langham

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

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

Aug. 5: Suicide Squad – Just when you think you have had enough of superhero movies, this film comes along. Based on a DC Comics antihero team of the same name. Will Smith, Jared Leto and Viola Davis are just a few of the big stars associated with this action-packed thrill ride of a movie.

Aug. 12: Pete’s Dragon – I loved the 1977 Disney original. This time around, movie icon Robert Redford and Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World) will join the cast.

I hope this new version includes the sappy song Candle on the Water from the original.

It’s corny, I know, but I’m a sucker for that song!

Aug. 31: The Infiltrator – Based on the true life exploits of federal customs agent Robert Mazur, and starring Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston in the title role, this film promises action and excitement galore.

With approximately 100 movies to be released during the summer months, these are but a few of the films that are headed your way. Keep in mind that release dates are subject to change.

There is no danger of catching the summertime blues in 2016, as the multiplexes will have something for everyone in the hazy, lazy, crazy days ahead!

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Bringing "World of Warcraft" to the silver screen 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.

42

As a long-time fan of everything produced by Blizzard Entertainment, my response to the first Warcraft movie trailer was far from hopeful.

The trailer looked generic, as if a minimal amount of effort had been put into its creation. I wasn’t able to get a firm handle on the different characters, and whether that’s from my own lack of knowledge or something else entirely is irrelevant to the over arching conversation.

As a fan, my hopes and dreams for the long-awaited Warcraft movie were shattered. As a movie that will be attempting to cater to all audiences and not just players of the massively popular World of Warcraft games, I thought that this trailer didn’t do nearly enough to pull in viewers. Many fans echo these statements in one form or another.

But it all changed when I went to see Batman v Superman, where the same trailer played again – this time in 3D. Normally, I argue against overzealous advertisement and the use of 3D. I think many movies don’t benefit from the addition, and it’s more of a gimmick than anything else. In the case of Warcraft, my predeterminations about 3D were swiftly thrown to the side.

Seeing this trailer through the imagery provided by 3D technology revealed that we simply haven’t been paying close enough attention; fur-

thermore, Blizzard hasn’t been doing a good enough job of telling us that this is a movie made for 3D viewing. There were a couple of scenes that stood out particularly well in this format, the likes of which boosted my excitement for the Warcraft movie.

I started to look at Warcraft more closely.

Blizzard Entertainment has been trying to publish this movie since 2006. They’ve run drafts of multiple scripts, worked with various production companies and courted many different actors/actresses in an attempt to establish a film worthy of Warcraft. Given that the franchise is arguably the biggest in video game history, Blizzard Entertainment gets cut a little slack in terms of development time.

To me, this shows that Blizzard won’t allow their most prized possession to be pilfered and prostituted by the highest bidder. If the green light was given, you can rest assured the creative minds at Blizzard found the Warcraft movie’s development to be at least satisfactory. This process was likely as stringent as Marvel’s, a company that has produced nothing but gold for the past few years.

This brings us to the directorial choice for the movie: Duncan Jones. This son of David Bowie is still relatively unknown, although – for better or worse – this will be his moment at center stage.

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Two of his more prominent works came in the form of 2009’s Moon and 2011’s Source Code. Both of these movies received mostly positive reviews from fans and critics alike.

While this certainly isn’t much to go on, Jones seems to really enjoy the lore he’s working with and has made clear that he understands what’s at stake. While the director’s history is one of the few weak spots in Warcraft’s veritable armor – I think it will be less of an issue as preliminary reviews are published.

Additionally, the media company working on Warcraft is the famed Legendary Pictures. This group has continually attached themselves to particularly well-reviewed films such as: Inception, The Dark Knight and Pacific Rim. The Legendary body of work spans well past these three titles, but you’d be hard-pressed to find more compelling examples of quality production.

The only foreseeable wrench that might be thrown into the Warcraft movie machine is that Legendary Pictures was recently purchased by Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group. This buyout was finalized in January of 2016, long after filming and post-production for Warcraft were completed, so it’s likely the purchase will have little-to-no effect on the movie’s quality. This is, interestingly enough, likely one of the last Legendary Pictures productions as an independent company.

There’s always a fair amount of controversy about the casting of any movie or television show. Warcraft does not escape this discussion.

While there are far too many names attached to this project to discuss one-by-one, I will talk about the star: Travis Fimmel. He is indeed one of the few actors that you’d be able to pick out of the cast list, as his work on the History Channel’s Vikings series won him great name recognition.

Fans and critics have commended Fimmel for his work on Vikings. If his ability to lead a cast of actors is at all in question, this TV show does a good job of assuaging any negative thoughts. Fimmel is now an established actor who seems to be at the start of a blossoming career. The fact that he has stayed with the project is a vote of confidence. If Fimmel thought this would be bad for his future, odds are he would have put the brakes on it a long time ago.

As fans, we have exceedingly high hopes for Warcraft.

We should hold Blizzard Entertainment and Legendary Pictures to high standards, given the place this franchise has in our hearts and minds. As critics, we tend to look for the worst in anything. Until we’ve seen Warcraft, which releases on June 10, 2016, we should not make judgments.

This is especially true when you consider all we’ve had to witness so far are trailers and hearsay.

Opinions are very fickle: My own changed after seeing what the Warcraft movie looked like through 3D glasses. If you take a few minutes to look at what Warcraft really is – the actors, companies, studios and directors – it’s hard to see how this movie could fail.

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Guide to Summer Stay safe during the season’s hiking, whitewater and sunbathing activities

Amanda Hannon

COMMUNITY CARE

Amanda Hannon is marketing director

at ivy healthcare and is

working to-

ward her business degree at

Faulkner

university

Elmore County is a great place to get out and play. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Range and along the banks of the Coosa River, this is a perfect place for the outdoors enthusiast; there is an abundance of walking trails and recreational biking trails.

The Swayback Bridge Trail draws mountain bikers and runners from around the country because of its tight technical sections and steep climbs. The Wetumpka Riverwalk is a great place to stroll along the banks of the scenic Coosa River and enjoy the natural resources.

The Coosa River begins in Rome, Georgia, and combines with the Tallapoosa River below Wetumpka to form the Alabama River. With such great access to so many bodies of water, Elmore County is a perfect summer fun place to play.

But it’s important to remember that any time folks are enjoying the great outdoors, there is always the possibility of illness or injury. It is important for outdoor enthusiasts to know that if they encounter a medical emergency in the Wetumpka area, the Elmore Community Hospital (ECH) Emergency Room is open 24/7 for treatment and care.

The emergency room is equipped with a physician at all times and can provide care for medical needs. If someone is seriously injured and needs critical care, the ECH emergency room staff can help to stabilize that person before he or she is transported to another facility,

if needed.

Many accidents and injuries are possible during the summer; anything from a fisherman hooking himself instead of the fish to snake bite.

According to ECH Director of Nursing Melissa Falkner, snakebites are a potential summertime problem in this area.

“If you are bitten by a snake, do not use a tourniquet,” Falkner cautioned. “Do not ice.

Do not cut. Remove rings and other constrictive items. Immobilize the extremity, and keep calm. More importantly, get to the ER immediately.”

Elmore Community Hospital can assess the snakebite wound and determine the treatment necessary, Falkner said. The ECH ER staff does encourage snakebite victims to bring the snake, if possible; if that is not possible, the staff can still provide treatment for the wound.

With the abundance of rivers and lakes in the Wetumpka area, kayaking and canoeing have become very popular, and these sports are great ways to spend summer afternoons.

The Coosa River has rushing class II and class III rapids that appeal to paddlers from near and far. Lake Jordan is one of the state’s premier bass-fishing lakes, and it is part of the Alabama Bass Trail.

But many times when folks are enjoying the lakes and rivers, they tend to stay out in the sun too long and become dehydrated.

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid poisonous snakes like this copperhead

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River Region Family Medicine CRNP Andrew Atkins advised that it is very important to keep the body hydrated in the summer heat.

“Drink one pint of water, or 500 milliliters, for every hour outdoors to stay hydrated,” Atkins said. “If you are outside for several hours, consider replacing Use SPF 50 lotion and your electrolytes stay hydrated on hot with a sports drink summer days as well.”

Atkins advised using a sun protection lotion that is rated at SPF 50, wearing a hat and avoiding alcohol or caffeine. He also said it is very important to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated on hot summer days.

Wetumpka has a 6-mile stretch of whitewater rapids, hiking and mountain-biking trails, parks and clean clear lakes; it is a haven for outdoor recreation lovers; however, the summers here get quite hot, and it is very easy to over exert in the summer heat.

Heat stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. According to River Region Family Medicine’s Dr. Bruce Kent, symptoms of overheating include feeling faint, excessive sweating, cramps and spasms in the extremities and nausea.

If an individual stops sweating, that is a danger sign, an indication that the body is getting ready to shut down, and medical attention is needed immediately.

“You should get to a cool spot, drink lots of water and get medical attention,” Kent said. “If your body is shutting down, you have approximately 30 minutes or less to

get treated.”

Dr. Kent said that heat stroke is a serious medical emergency, and it is important to be mindful of the warning signs.

Wetumpka is a great place for enjoying the great outdoors, but keep safety in mind. Always drink lots of water for hydration; avoid alcohol or caffeine; wear a hat and light colored clothing; use SPF 50; take breaks and stay cool; and avoid over exposure to the sun.

In case of severe sunburn – to the point of blistering or vomiting – a visit to the ER may be necessary, according to Falkner.

Get out and enjoy your summer and know that if a medical emergency arises, the Elmore Community Hospital Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The hospital is located at 500 Hospital Drive in Wetumpka. River Region Family Medicine is open Monday through Friday, and new patients are accepted. River Region Family Medicine is located at 41 Cambridge Court in Wetumpka; both facilities are part of Ivy Creek Healthcare.

The Ivy Creek Healthcare staff wishes you a safe and happy summer, and enjoy the great outdoors in Wetumpka.

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OUT & ABOUT

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CAMGA Plant Sale

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Wetumpka May 7, 2016 1. Frances Wilson 2. Darren Bergquist 3. Sherri Schafer 4. Carol Ralton and Emma Hamby 5. Rachel and Brenda Henson and Katrina

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Mitchell 6. Jo Weitman, Becky and Bob Brown, Bill Quailes and Judy May 7. Julia and Clara Scott 8. Lee Borden, Rhona Watson and John Butler 9. Lydia Hamby

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OUT & ABOUT

Tallassee Spring Carnival

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Gilmer Avenue April 23, 2016 1. Brad, Nikki and Harper Jones 2. Jeremiah Zellers 3. Brendan Emfinger and Colin Griggs 4. Scott and Kasi Justice 5. Aubrey Myers 6. Kimberly, Katie and Eddie Travis

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OUT & ABOUT

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Craterfest

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Gold Star Park, Wetumpka May 4, 2016 1. Deanna Stowers, Jordan Turner and Germany McKethern 2. Amy, Riley Kate, Lauren Cory Puckett 3. Robert and Alexandra Hooks

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4. Jack Taylor 5. Hudson, Tina and Wynn Sanford 6. Marcus and Camron Brown 7. Stephanie Villier and Jeremiah and Ellen Logan 8. Jason Mattox and Sue, Hannah, Greta and John Beumer

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OUT & ABOUT

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Roaring 5K Run Downtown Tallassee April 8, 2016 1. Rebecca Johnston, Tammy Knapp, Kim Clayton and Melissa Tucker 2. Emma Whitaker, Elvis Tolbert and Judy Newby 3. Mason Stewart and Whit Creswell 4. Annabelle and Katie Lee 5. Tim and Jan Bianchi 6. Marilyn and Alana Collins

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OUT & ABOUT

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Hospice Charity Night 1220 CafĂŠ, Tallassee April 21, 2016 1. Lee and Norma Billings 2. Kim Vest

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3. Wendi Bearden 4. Cheyenne Clark 5. Mary Shepard 6. Susan Lambdin, Eyan Evans, Kelly Mann, Laura Leigh Peters 7. George and Patsy McCain

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Art Exhibit Wetumpka Elementary May 5, 2016

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1. Lauren Hill, Jared and Lacey Murray 2. Kevin, Michael, Ashley, Cammy and Christina Fulmer

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3. Shannon and Grace Atkins 4. Wesley, Rachel, Hayden and Hayley

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Padgett 5. Abby Poeppelmeier and Jaidyn Moore 6. Ronan, Joseph, Micayla, Keylan, Aiden and Kyra Townsend 7. Kamryn Waugh, Sarah and Teresa Pressley and Cason Lukens

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OUT & ABOUT

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Bunco Tournament Millbrook April 27, 2016 1. Becky Secrest, Amanda Daws and Violet Jones 2. Jean McGriff and Emelia Bilas 3. Mandi Forner, Billie Wyn 4. Penny Nichols, Norma Cassidy and Darlene Dickey

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5. Celie Allen, Edie Levins, Halie Thomas and Judi Chumley 6. Amanda Bruner, Kandra Henley and Angie Livingston 7. Madison Trantham 8. Avery Morrow, Dawn Wygal and Amanda Josey 9. Louie Fryer, Pat Jeffries and Brenda Fryer

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Business & Service Directory

Serving all your favorite Seafood...

Come taste our Snow Crab!

THURS - SAT 5 - 9pm 334.567.3156 Richard Thorton, Owner 8185 Central Plank, Santuck, AL

“HWY. 9 SINCE ‘89”

Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

Eclectic Town Hall Moose's Eclectic Library Johnson’s Furniture Tropical Tan Zone 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 Gene Jones Insurance

Montgomery

Publix – Atlanta Highway

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Wetumpka

Publix – Zelda Rd Publix - Vaughn Rd Publix - Taylor Rd

Prattville

Publix – Cobbs Ford Road

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 Ben Atkinson Motors

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 Wachovia Bank BB&T Jackson Thornton Lee’s Auto Repair Southeastern Business Printers Hankins Insurance Hog Rock BBQ Wetumpka YMCA

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Adams Drugs Bell Chiropractic Wetumpka Urgent Care Aliant Bank 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

Our Advertisers • To Join, Call 334-567-7811 ASECU............................................................................................ 7 Collier Ford.................................................................................... 2 7 Community Hospital.......................................................................... 3 Edgewood Academy....................................................................... 1 4 Holley's Home Furnishings............................................................... 3 9 Jackson Thornton............................................................................ 2 7 Jeffcoat Funeral Home..................................................................... 1 4 Jenilyn's Creations, Inc...................................................................... 7 Karen's Mane Tamers...................................................................... 5 2 Kowaliga Whole Health.................................................................. 5 2 Lake Martin Mini Mall.............................................................................2 Mark's Service Center.............................................................................7 OB-GYN Associates of Montgomery........................................................5 Russell Lands on Lake Martin........................................................... 15, 55 Standard Glass Co Inc..................................................................... 5 3 Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC.......................................................... 2 7 The Coffee Corner........................................................................... 1 4 The Humane Society of Elmore County............................................... 5 2 Truman's Seafood........................................................................... 5 2 Wetumpka Depot Players................................................................... 5 Wetumpka Health & Rehabilitation LLC................................................ 7 Wind Creek Casino........................................................................ 5 6

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 Jayne Carr or Molly Brethauer At 334-567-7811 or stop by our office located at 300 Green Street, Wetumpka AL 36092 Serving Central Alabama with custom glasswork since 1927.

• Custom Bath Enclosures • Mirrors • Plexiglass and Lexan • Clear and Obscure Glass • Complete Residential Glass Service

W Also Replace We Unsight ly Insulated Glass U 651 South Decatur Street Montgomery, AL 36104

334-262-3556 standardglass@earthlink.net ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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Take Me to the Tea Bar Add zing to a Southern classic with flavored syrups

M.K. 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 to-

matoes in her backyard.

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It is hard to beat that good old Southern things about the South, than with pitchers of tea? standby: Sweet Tea. Even the name is special. Not I made a tea bar. just tea, or iced tea, but “sweet tea.”

I brewed loads of fresh tea with no sugar (don’t In the South, we all know what it is, but ask for worry, the “sweet” part comes in a minute). I a sweet tea in New York City, and you will get a chilled that tea to an Arctic temperature and puzzled look before your waiter brings a cup, a served it with loads and loads of ice. pot of hot water, tea bag, glass of ice and packets Now the bar part: So that guests could customof sugar. ize their own teas, I Some more enlightmade several syrups ened eating establishand elixirs; then, they ments now carry iced could fix up their tea Simple Syrup tea, but not sweet tea. just like they wanted.

Mix 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in And iced tea can only First, the basics: a boiler. Bring just to boil and simmer be had in “season,” Sugar syrup. Have you 5 minutes. Cool. For sugar substitute, which in NYC is from ever tried to mix sugar use 1 cup of a brand that measures Memorial Day to Labor in your tea after it is just like sugar.

I used Splenda.

Do not Day. cold? Not happening. heat.

Here is the thing But once you dissolve though, sweet tea sugar in water, you can Flavored syrups is ah-mazing when pour it in the iciest tea Prepare three days in advance to let fresh-brewed, properly and sweeten to taste. flavors develop. Store in refrigerator. sweetened and chilled, But why stop at These can be mixed in mason jars the way Grand Mama just sweetening? How and strained before putting in the used to make. about adding some serving bottles.

But these days, flavor? Lemon! Mint!

Lemon: To 1 cup sugar syrup add more often than Peach! Blackberry! juice of two lemons and lemon peel. not, the drink table Each one of these – and Mint: To 1 cup sugar syrup add a at family events I’m sure you can think handful of washed mint, stems and all. is populated with of more – mixes well Fruit: Mash 1 cup of fruit and add to gallon jugs of storewith sugar syrup for syrup. bought tea in every a yummy addition to possible flavor and tea. And for those who sweetness combiare avoiding sugar, the nation. I am unhappy with this arrangement. sugar syrup and flavored syrups work well with Please can we bring back fresh tea? I will sugar substitutes. even do my part and tell you how to set it up To serve guests at the wedding rehearsal, each so everyone gets just the tea they want. syrup was decanted into its own bottle, labelled Last summer, I helped a friend put togeth- with a tag and plunged into an ice bucket, so it er a wedding rehearsal dinner. Remember was as cold as the tea. Now, there was some good last summer? It was hot. Hot. Hot. Hot. My food at this party, but I think the tea bar received friend wanted to serve classic Southern food, the most compliments. as many of the guests came from out of town The best of these was from an older Southor out of the country. ern gentleman who told me that we have been What better way to quench thirst on a drinking sweet tea wrong all these years. He was hot day, as well as highlight one of the best definitely switching to the syrup method.

Tea Bar Syrups

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At Wind Creek Montgomery, we do it all. From the rehearsal dinner at Itta Bena, to the big event in our spacious Ramblin’ Hall ballroom, to lodging for your wedding party, all you have to worry about is saying “I do.”

Call (866) WIND-360 to book your event.

1801 Eddie L. Tullis Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117 WindCreekMontgomery.com | Sales@WindCreekMontgomery.com © 2016 Wind Creek Hospitality.

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