Elmore County Living magazine July 2019

July 2019

Elmore County Living

SHOOT FOR SUMMER FUN Millbrook's center promotes economic growth A Practically Imperfect View of Life

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6364 Holtville Road (Hwy 111 Across from Chevron) 303-0535 Wetumpka, AL

Call Marilyn Hawkins 334-202-5108 or Shannon Filyaw 334-415-0781

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From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

There are still a few weeks left of summer, which means there’s plenty of time for the kids to enjoy weekday fun. In this issue, we'll help you make these days memorable.

On page 24, we uncover three Wetumpka locations that offer unique amenities for summertime birthday parties and days of family bonding. Skate Zone 2000 may have been around for nearly two decades, but this recreational facility recently re-opened after renovations following a building fire. As a result, the rink, paint, flooring, skates and more are all new – plus laser tag adds to the selection of activities. JoJo’s Mini Golf and Frozen Yogurt boasts a handmade 18-hole putt-putt course, along with a daily rotating selection of gelato, yogurt and a plethora of yummy toppings.

For children a little older, Paintball on 111 is the perfect backdrop for a strategic game of competitive shooting. With low-impact paintballs, the injury risk is minimal, and three course options provide added opportunities.

While paintball wasn’t on the course list for the Outdoor Women Unlimited Southern Classic last month, firearm safety, along with seven other educational offerings, made the cut. As a full day of professional instruction from courses such as archery, canoeing and fishing to soapmaking and container gardening, nearly 30 women had a skill-filled day adventuring in the outdoors. Turn to page 12 for Caleb Turrentine’s breakdown of the event and the mission behind the group. This annual outdoor classic has been around for years and offers women the opportunity to build self-esteem and learn new skills in a professional, safe environment.

Speaking of women testing out new skills, three Elmore County best friends decided to publicly share their hilarious tales of dating, traveling, cooking and other daily happenings in the life of 30-somethings. Practically Imperfect is a comedic podcast that can be found on iTunes, Spotify and Stitcher. On page 8, find out how you can call in and be a part of the fun. They're always looking for input!

And Tallassee Mayor Johnny Hammock credits his wife, Kimberly, for aiding in his success. Turn to page 16 to read about this mover and shaker who has managed to garner more than $4 million in grants for the community since taking office. With these funds and the help of other cuty leaders, he and designed strategic steps to improve the infrastructure, business recruitment and overall quality of life in Tallassee.

There’s still time to enjoy all summer has to offer, so turn to page 40 to check out Elmore County Living’s Coming Up! Calendar of events and make the most of these last days of summer.

Chairman

KENNETH BOONE kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

President & Publisher

STEVE BAKER steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com

Managing Editor

BETSY ILER betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com

Editor

AMY PASSARETTI amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Distribution Manager

ERIN BURTON erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultants

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

Creative Services

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

Digital Services

KAT RAIFORD kat.raiford@alexcityoutlook.com ELLE FULLER elle.fuller@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Kenneth Boone Jeff Langham Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor MK Moore Sharon Fox Jimmy Wigfield Ann Harper

Cliff Williams Tony Edwards Kathleen Calhoun Brian Tannehill Caleb Turrentine Barry Chrietzberg Suellen Young

To subscribe to Elmore County Living, $25 a year for 12 issues, please call Erin Burton at 256-234-4281

Amy Passaretti, Editor

All content, including all stories and photos, are copyright of

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

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER Amanda Salter recently opened Paintball on 111 in Wetumpka with her husband. With three courses and 12 acres, there is plenty of room for summertime fun.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

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24 46

20 In Every Issue 6

EXTRA! EXTRA!

35

OUT & ABOUT

41

COMING UP

45

WHERE TO FIND US

News Briefs

In Elmore County

Fun for Everyone

Distribution List

Features

Columns 19

BACK IN THE DAY

28

MOVIE MAN

30

THE GAMER

32

DOLLARS & SENSE

33

COMMUNITY CARE

46

SOUTHERN DELIGHTS

Free-thinking Woman

Summer Streaming Guide

Takeaways from 2019 E3

What age for Social Security?

Breastfeeding 101

8

PRACTICALLY IMPERFECT Friends Share Tales on Podcast

12

AIM HIGH

16

MOVER & SHAKER

20

MEDC BUILDING OPENS

24

SHOOT FOR SUMMER FUN

Women Learn Outdoor Skills

Tallassee Mayor John Hammock

Millbrook Focuses on Progress

Paintball and Putt Putt

A Frozen Peachy Treat

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EXTRA! EXTRA! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Celebrate Patriotism The Mt. Vernon Theatre was filled with patriotism last month for the annual Patriotic Celebration.

During the celebration, veterans from all ranks and services were honored. The Howlin’ Mad Smith Detachment 592, Marine Corps League, were on hand to reenact the Iwo Jima battle flag raising, an iconic moment captured in history.

Marine Corps League re-enacted Iwo Jima

Miscalculation led to second salutatorian

Owen Tilley will be recognized as co-salutatorian

Wetumpka recently recognized a second salutatorian after miscalculating a weighted Advanced Placement class after the school’s graduation ceremony.

Class of 2019 graduate Owen Tilley, 18, graduated with a 4.329 grade point average, the same as co-salutatorian Gabe Hankins. At the time of graduation, the mistake was not noticed and Tilley was not recognized.

Tilley will receive a plaque for being co-salutatorian and will be recognized in the school’s yearbook. He plans to attend Auburn University in the fall to major in engineering. While it may be harder to achieve, Tilley said, he may set a goal of being at the top of his class at Auburn.

White revered as 2020 Distinguished Young Woman Blakley White, a senior at Holtville, won the interview, fitness and self-expression awards at the 2020 Elmore County Distinguished Young Woman ceremony, and while clutching all those certificates, still appeared delightfully shocked when her name was called as the county winner.

White said both her sister and mother were contestants and that this had been a dream of hers to achieve.

At Holtville, White is also a member of the Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta and the Spanish club, is a Bulldog ambassador and plays varsity soccer. She attends New Home Baptist Church and is the daughter of Robbie and Wendy White. White plans to

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attend Troy University and major in elementary education. She won $2,350 in scholarship money – $1,600 for being selected as Elmore County’s DYW, plus $250 each for the interview, fitness and self-expression categories.

The criteria are the same at the local, state and national DYW competitions. The interview and scholastics count for 25 percent apiece, talent 20 percent, and fitness and self-expression 15 percent each.

The Distinguished Young Women program, formerly America’s Junior Miss, was founded in 1958 and has its headquarters in Mobile. More than 700,000 women nationwide have participated.

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Blakley White also was named Miss Coosa last year

TPI sweeps APA Awards across the board Tallapoosa Publishers Inc., earned a total of 69 awards in the Alabama Press Association’s 2019 Media Awards, including General Excellence, at the APA Summer Convention last month in Orange Beach.

FYI: A Newcomer’s Guide to Elmore County won Best Niche Publication for its division, and Elmore County Living won third place for Best Photo Essay with a tour of the John B. Scott Trail.

The Wetumpka Herald earned three

editorial awards and 11 advertising awards, including second place in Advertising Sweepstakes.

The Tallassee Tribune earned one editorial award and two advertising awards, including third place in Advertising Sweepstakes.

The Outlook earned 30 awards in the editorial portion of the contest in Division B, which includes daily newspapers with a circulation of 21,999 and below.

“I’m very proud of our team at Tal-

lapoosa Publishers for what they have achieved,” TPI chairman Kenneth Boone said. “However, the ultimate beneficiaries of this award-winning work are our readers and our advertisers. Hometown newspapers are the best source of factual, meaningful, relevant stories about any community.”

In the magazine division, Lake magazine carried home the third place award for Magazine of the Year, a competition that included all magazines in all divisions across the state.

Ducklings rescued from park drain

Three ducklings were reunited with their mother

A Friday morning began as routinely as ever in the City of Wetumpka Administration Building. In the public works department, that meant taking complaints.

Suddenly, Lynn Weldon looked at her phone and noticed not so much a complaint as a concern – someone made a Facebook post about three ducklings falling into a storm drain at Gold Star Park, and the mother’s feathers were ruffled.

Families at the park started calling in to report about the ducks, and Chappell Brown headed out to make the rescue. He got all three ducklings out of the drain and back to the momma.

Brown said the public works department put chicken wire around the grate to keep ducklings from falling in again.

“But if it happens again we’ll do it again. That’s what we do, I guess,” he said with a laugh.

The man who made the original post brought his son back, so he could see the ducklings being rescued, and the post reached 9,300 people by mid-afternoon that day, Weldon said.

Rowe honors Tallassee veterans on Facebook series Mike Rowe of the nationally syndicated television show Dirty Jobs made a surprise visit to the Tallassee area for his new Facebook project called Returning the Favor. The show is scheduled to air Aug. 26.

Following his trip to Tallassee, Rowe wrote the following on his Facebook page about Dr. Greg Dubay, who has lived in Tallassee for 40 years and joined Operation Combat Bikesaver in March.

“Doc is one of several combat vets utilizing Operation Combat Bikesaver, which just opened in Tallassee, Alabama. More on that later, specifically, at the end of this season.”

Doc gave Rowe the flag he wore on his uniform with insignias to represent his service. “‘Because I’m grateful to you,’ he said. ‘I appreciate your commitment to excellence, honesty and integrity,’” said Rowe.

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Mike Rowe (left) with Doc's flag

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Practically Imperfect

Elmore County friends share hilarious tales on monthly podcast Story by Amy Passaretti & Photos by Suellen Young

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ife can be tough sometimes, but finding the humor in the often ridiculous, unexpected turn of events is what the Elmore County podcast, Practically Imperfect, is all about.

Three female best friends in their 30s decided to create a platform to narrate their personal experiences with a monthly podcast about everyday topics. Leanna Wallace, Adrian Bor-

den and Rachel Layton live in Millbrook and have been recording Practically Imperfect since January of this year.

“It’s a way to offer people a look into the real life of a woman in her 30s. We’re just trying to get through the day,” said Wallace, who works as a sleep technician during the day.

She recently started listening to podcasts and recognized there were very few female comedic series.

“Some people have suggested that the three of

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Leanna Wallce, Adrian Borden and Rachel Layton record a humorous podcast from their homes

The podcast gives the busy friends a good excuse to hang out

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us together are really funny and that we should start our own show,” said Wallace. “It’s really a lot of fun with different topics. We talk about things that we can laugh about now that maybe weren’t funny when they happened.”

That’s where the name was derived from, as well.

“We called it Practically Imperfect because so many of these things only seem to happen to us. Those moments when you pause and think, ‘Did that really just happen?’” Wallace said.

The original idea centered on comical incidences that occur in the world of dating apps. They decided to broaden the field and have also covered topics such as horrible travel stories, cooking fails, awkward moments on the job and being the youngest sibling.

Material is geared toward both men and women in the 20- to 40-year-old range, and Wallace said that also seems to be who is currently listening.

“We want it to be fun for men and women of all ages, of course,” she said. “We’ve gotten a good bit of interest lately.”

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Starting with a mere 40 listeners for the opening show, Practically Imperfect has increased its followers. Listeners have almost doubled each month, said Wallace. While they cannot see from where people are listening, they do have access to the number of listeners.

“I’d say right now we are fairly local,” she said.

Practically Imperfect is open to receiving outside story submissions, which they often share on their episodes and will maintain anonymity if its requested.

“We try to pick the best ones and feature them on the show. Some people have some really good stories to tell,” said Wallace.

The portability and ease of a podcast has made the venture more approachable, she added. Plus, it gives the girls an excuse to hang out amid busy schedules of work, hobbies and personal lives. They try to record something every two to three weeks.

“We take turn going to each other’s houses. All we have to do it bring a laptop, microphones and a recording mixer. We could do it anywhere,” said Wallace.

Borden keeps busy with community theater and performing with her band Bama Skiffle. Layton owns a clothing boutique, Vintage Love, which she runs out

of her airstream-type vehicle, Talula, so she is always on the go.

Each episode begins with the girls’ originally written opening song and closes with the three women singing the cover of a well-known song that ties to the theme of the episode.

“We’re all very musically inclined, and we sing – a lot. Adrian plays her ukulele and other instruments, and my mom obsessively harmonizes on every song, so I got used to doing that,” said Wallace. “Some people have said this is their favorite part of the podcast that they look forward to.”

They also occasionally do live recordings for episodes to give an introduction to what they’ll be discussing.

Episodes from Practically Imperfect can be heard on iTunes, Spotify and Stitcher; subscriptions are not required to search episodes and listen.

“People can subscribe though. It boosts our pride when they do!” said Wallace. “They can also leave reviews, but please keep it sweet.”

To submit a story or learn more about the hosts, email practicallyimperfectpodcast@gmail.com.

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One class taught gun safety without live ammo

Aim High Outdoor Women Unlimited encourages exploration of new adventures Story by Caleb Turrentine Photos by Suellen Young

W

omen from the Southeast converged on Wetumpka last month to experience the outdoors and epitomize Outdoor Women Unlimited’s mantra, “Accept No Limits” on a fierce level.

The 14th Annual OWU Southern Classic spotlighted eight different courses, providing hands-on training and professional education in an outdoor classroom for nearly 30 members.

“Outdoor Women Unlimited was created in 2005 by my mother, Rebecca Wood, and I with encouragement and inspiration from two other ladies,” said Whitney Hurt Barlow, who also organized the event along with Wood. “The purpose of it is to educate women in all different facets of outdoor

events and activities. Our goal is to support a member who is a novice and take her to where she can do these activities on her own.”

The all-day event at Bennett’s Archery ran the gamut of classes to appeal to a wide demographic of women. In small groups, members started at staggered stations early in the morning and rotated through each hour-long course.

Barlow said The Classic is used as an introductory outdoors program for women who want to test out new adventures or strengthen favorite pastimes in a non-judgmental environment. This is just one of many events OWU hosts throughout the year, in addition to shotgun clinics, fishing tournaments, kayaking events, hunts and more.

“All of our instructors are at the master level,” Barlow said. “They are certified to be able to in-

struct the classes, so the women are learning from the best on our team.”

Some of the classes provide an educational experience without having to stay active in the heat. Building knowledge in natural resources and conservation is an equally important element to the OWU mission.

Michael Bloxom and Bill Freeman, both with Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, provided detailed archery instruction and introduced members to tools of the sport. Kevin Guy, bass tournament angler, taught a class about appropriate equipment, skills, casting, knot tying, bait use and even tricks for successful fishing. Each student practiced her learned skills out on the water, where canoeing and kayaking also was being held.

“Mike Mays is a certified instructor who taught the canoe and kayak class.

This has always been a favorite among members. With heat a factor, this was a cool class, and Mike spiced up the opportunity with buoys to help with paddle turns and add a little challenge,” said Wood.

Total Hunt was taught by experienced Container gardening was hunters Johnnie an added station and Wood and Bill a big hit of the day Wilson, and its purpose was to prepare women for heading into the woods with the proper attire, tools and communication skills, along with what to pack and what to expect during each gaming season.

National Rifle Assoication certified instructor Chip McEwen led a class on gun safety, which concentrated on awareness through interactive slideshow presentations and short demonstrations. While the OWU does provide courses in the fall for learning how to shoot, this course was geared toward educating the women on the guns prior to handling them with live ammo.

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Additional courses included compass orienteering, which is valuable to anyone camping or hiking, and woodcarving, where ladies were taught to carve their own heirloom staffs.

Wood said one of the favorite stations, container gardening, was a new addition this year. Women were provided soil, plants and container boxes made from pallet wood.

“All of the ladies were excited about the class mainly because they were able to take home something they created. Our class is an extension of what OWU was designed for, to not only give participants an opportunity to work with friends but also extend that beyond the classic sense,” said Clay Mims, agriculture science education teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor.

The OWU mission is to provide women and families with education and opportunities in the outdoors through teaching life skills, sharing knowledge of natural resources, building self-esteem, strengthening individual character and promoting self-reliance, said Wood.

“I think a lot of our women have learned a lot over the years,” Hurt said.

“If nothing else, they have found people with something in common, so they have created bonds and friendships, which is a huge part of this organization.”

One of these exemplary women who fell in love with the outdoors through OWU is Pat Johnson. She has been a member since 2009 and attended her first Southern Classic in 2013.

Since then, she has participated in national shooting competitions, including one featured on the televi-

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Members cooled off during the canoeing and kayaking segment of the day

sion show Ammo and Attitude. Despite her success on a larger scale, Johnson said, she loves returning to OWU events because they are rooted in friendship and established her love for the sport.

“It’s because of the people and the camaraderie here that I return,” Johnson said. “The girl who is with me today, this is all new to her, so it’s nice to see her get enthused about it. And it’s always good to go back to the basics every now and then.”

Johnson, who lives on Lake Martin, experienced a nostalgic moment at this year’s Classic, and she said it’s one she will never forget. First introduced to fishing by her late husband, she said she was reminded that her husband was right there alongside her.

Johnson and her friend strolled down to the water early in the day to take the fishing course. After reeling in a couple of smaller fish, Johnson fought diligently for her final catch of the day, a 5-pound bass.

“My honey was looking down saying, ‘She did it,’” Johnson said, beaming with pride.

While Johnson’s husband may no longer be with her, her fellow comrades at OWU experienced this success with her and cried tears of joy for her accomplishment.

“I am reminded each year of OWU’s purpose. The positive impact it plays in the lives of our members and families supports the mission and vision,” said Wood.

Outdoor Women Unlimited is a 501(c)3 organization established by women and their passion for outdoor adventure and eagerness to learn with a respect for nature.

For information on OWU and its programs or how to become a member, visit outdoorwomenunlimited.com.

Founder Rebecca Wood tries her hand at woodcarving an heirloom staff

Mother-daughter team, Sonia and Sarah Chestnut,test out fishing

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"I really found my calling here. It’s my passion..."

- Johnny Hammock, Tallassee Mayor

Mayor Johnny Hammock took office in 2016

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Mover & Shaker Tallassee Mayor Johnny Hammock dedicated to growing the community Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Kenneth Boone

T

allassee Mayor Johnny Hammock prides himself on his work ethic and strong belief in the community in which he was raised.

Hammock said he has a long-term proactive plan for the city, and he'll put that plan in motion with some $4 million in grants the city has been awarded since he took office in November 2016..

“I really found my calling here. It’s my passion, and I am excited for everything we’ve got going on,” said Hammock, who credits his wife Kimberly as his biggest fan.

“This administration is very transparent. I want the citizens to know what’s going on and what we need to do,” said Hammock.

The U.S. Department of Commerce in May awarded Tallassee a $2.4 million Economic Development Administration grant to make critical infrastructure upgrades, including repairs on the wastewater treatment plant that is out of compliance.

When he took office, the city was fined $50,000 for failing sewer lagoon tests and was told it must be up to code by 2021 – at a cost of $4.8 million.

This grant will pay 50 percent of those repair costs, allowing for an already approved loan to be paid off more quickly and re-allocating leftover funds to other necessary projects.

“The mayor’s role is really half mayor and half superintendent of utilities,” said Hammock. “We’ve already spent money to gather data and moved to the planning stages to find the worst areas that need to be repaired first.”

Greg Clark, executive director with Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, led the charge with Hammock for writing of this national grant, and other officials reinforced their support for Tallassee to push along the process. Sens. Roby and Shelby wrote letters of support, along with officials at GKN, the largest employer of Elmore County. Their backing, along with other local industries, honed in on the job retention aspect, which is a key element in receiving this specific grant.

Repairs of the wastewater treatment facility will save more money in the long run as well; with the prevention of groundwater leaking into sewer lines and decreasing the necessity of added chemicals.

“I’m working on a 10-year infrastructure plan that is forward thinking. I want to be proactive. Things like this will affect the community long after I’m done here,” said Hammock. “That’s the real reward.”

Along with the repairs, Tallassee has to replace 30 miles of cast iron gas lines from the 1940s and is working on re-doing its utilities and providing a facelift to downtown with a comprehensive streetscape project.

Hammock said he and city officials are working toward educating themselves through workshops and seminars and by launching an economic development committee.

“We want to recruit the right kind of businesses to Tallassee,” said Hammock, who just graduated with an economic development certificate from Auburn University.

Hammock tries to be transparent with community members on what needs to be done

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After two years and three phases of the program, Tallassee recently earned the designation with The Alabama Communities of Excellence. To be an ACE community, smaller municipalities such as Tallassee must complete a comprehensive three-phase approach to economic and community development by focusing on a town’s distinctive assets and resources. Chosen participants must indicate a level of local commitment and the community’s capacity to support the ACE program.

Through each of the three phases, ACE partners worked with Tallassee to achieve its goals. The phases included assessment of community assets and weaknesses; establishing a leadership development program; preparing a strategic plan and partnering with a local nonprofit to raise funds for necessary city projects; and addressing issues of business development, education, infrastructure, heath and human services, retiree attraction, tourism, economic development and quality of life.

“This designation is huge for businesses and how they view our community,” said Hammock.

Upon review, Hammock said Tallassee’s strengths include its close proximity to the interstate, allowing for convenience for local industry and also its natural resources.

The fact that Tallassee is located in two counties, though, can make decision-making and enforcement more difficult.

The city also has recently partnered with Troy University

to provide city employees with a 10 percent scholarship on tuition for all programs, both online and in classrooms on campus. The university will waive their application fees.

“This will allow us to pursue degrees that could lead to advancement by supporting continued professional development and education,” said Hammock. “We’re developing the highly skilled workforce we need.”

While he said nothing could have prepared him for that first year in office, Hammock said he felt he was in the right place at the right time to do the job.

“Tallassee is off the beaten path from a lot of our Elmore County communities, but we really have a lot of things happening here.”

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Free-thinking Elva apathetic to fervent suitors

M Sharon fox

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

artha Elva Ellis was born in Elmore County on March 24, 1910.

If she was born in a hospital it was probably Tallassee, but chances are she was born at the home of her grandparents in Friendship. She was the only child of George Linton and Vada Ozellar (Kelly) Ellis. At the time of her birth, George Ellis was farming with his brothers William and Robert a farm that extended into the current Good Hope area.

Martha must have been a lovely young lady.

She had her fair share of beaus by the time she reached 18, if the letters she saved from all those years ago are anything to go by. They also give us insight into the type of woman she was.

Known to everyone as Elva, she was apparently a plain-speaking woman with a mind of her own.

She had two serious suitors in 1929, each enthusiastic in his pursuit of her. The letters begin in late 1929, and right from the beginning, the reader can see Elva isn’t interested in either man. The reasons she shares as to why she hasn’t written; why she has taken so long to write back; or even why her letters are so short are weak at best. One reason being she, “needed a new tip for her fountain pen.” The man she gave that excuse to, Chick W., answered her letter with an offer to buy her a new tip or if she’d send the pen to him, he’d have it fixed.

A second man, Homer W., was given the excuse that she had been enjoying games with her family the Sunday before and had hurt a finger, which caused her pain to write for very long. Of course, Homer had no way to “fix” that particular problem other than to wish her a speedy recovery.

The two men seemed to be complete opposites in personality. Chick wasn’t as straightforward as Homer, and in nearly every letter he questioned her feelings before revealing his and asked, “Do you have any feelings at all for me?”

He never, in any of the saved letters, openly declared his love. It was early March 1930 when Elva finally told Chick he wasn’t trustworthy and that he didn’t keep his promises to come visit her. There was only one more letter after that in which Chick shared that he wasn’t an

Martha Elva Ellis

angel, and if she felt she couldn’t trust him that it was over.

Homer, on the other hand, declared his love for Elva in every single letter he wrote; however, Elva wasn’t having it. It was around the beginning of April 1930 when Elva informed young Homer that there could never be anything between them due to the possibility of his “returning to the drink.” Homer, in his seemingly last letter to Elva, stated that he hadn’t touched a drop of any alcohol – not even home brew – in nearly two years, but if she didn’t feel she could trust him, then it was probably best that they remain nothing more than friends.

Sometime after that, Elva met George C. Lambrecht. The exact date of their marriage is unknown, but it would have been prior to 1933, as on Dec. 6 of that year Elva gave birth to a stillborn child. Seventeen years later their daughter Elgie Ann died on Oct. 23, 1950, before the age of 10, leaving the couple with only their son Frank.

Elva died in a house fire in Tallassee on Nov. 21, 1980, nine years after the death of her husband. The family is buried in Oak Valley Station Cemetery in Good Hope near Friendship.

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Millbrook opens center fo New MEDC building focuses resources on progress, innovation and opportunity Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Barry Chrietzberg

Millbrook's old city hall received a facelift before converting to MEDC

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r economic development

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hen Millbrook’s City Hall moved to a new location last year, the City’s Economic Development Department and Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce saw an opportunity to work together.

Currently, there are two empty offices available for possible startups or businesses looking for office space.

“If someone needs some help, we have our resources here to work with them to develop a business idea,”

said Ann Harper, economic development director. “It’s a good place to come conduct professional work and learn about the community.”

The 40-year-old building located at 3390 Main St., received a complete facelift over six months and was converted into the professional, inviting space known as Millbrook Economic Development Center, or MEDC for short.

“Many cities have their economic development under the chamber, but here it’s a city department.

We have a great working relationship though and have joined forces to make the community better,” said Ann Harper, economic development director.

Aside from new flooring, carpet, paint and furniture, the City of Millbrook received a grant from Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Energy Division to retrofit the lighting in the building for efficiency. The City provided matching funds to the $9,750 grant, and all lighting was replaced with LED fixtures that time out with inactivity and automatically switch on when someone enters a room.

“This is a pilot building for the city for energy efficiency,” said Harper.

“Not to mention it’s much more aesthetically pleasing.”

The facility was originally a bank before it was the town's city hall and now the MEDC, so the section with the drive-through window was converted into a conference room. A faux wall covers the old window, which ultimately will have a flat screen mounted to it.

The conference room seats about 16 people, and tables can be rearranged per groups’ needs. Millbrook chamber members have the added perk to use the room for free for business meetings;

Elmore County Art Guild has a few exhibits on the walls of the facility

The conference room is available for use by chamber members

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Chamber Director Elisa Jones collaborates with Economic Director Ann Harper with the help of volunteer Jan Brown

it just has to be reserved.

“The conference room adds value to our chamber members and encourages them to be active,” said Elisa Jones, Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce executive director.

The room already has been utilized by many groups, and during the academic year, an electrician class is held three nights a week.

“It’s the city’s contribution to workforce development by allowing them to use this space for free,” Harper said.

Longtime Millbrook Chamber of Commerce volunteer Jan Brown greets visitors to the building from the welcome desk.

“We’ve had a lot of newcomers to the community come by looking for information, which is exactly what we want,” said Harper.

The two organizations have the added benefit of sharing resources and helping each other out, especially if one of them is gone from the building.

Sgt. Tyler Eads, a recruiter with the Alabama Army National Guard, also rents an office in the new facility where he interviews applicants for enlistment in the Guard. Eads is happy to talk to anyone interested in joining the military, and he can be reached at 334-2681029.

Elmore County Art Guild exhibits artwork in the building as well, creating an additional draw to bring people through the doors.

“I love this location. It lends itself to be highly visible; it’s on a prominent corner, close to downtown and it looks great,” said Harper.

A common work area soon will have a printer and copier for everyone in the building to use, and there also is a full kitchen.

“We see opportunities here with this space that we just didn’t have before,” said Harper.

For more information, call MEDC at 334-285-0330.

Millbrook Economic Development Center opened in February

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SHOOT FOR SUMMER FUN Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Kenneth Boone

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ew adventures await in Elmore County, as two focused-on-fun businesses have opened in Wetumpka, and there's still time to experience them before kids head back to school next month.

The summer heat can put a damper on daytime activities, but Paintball on 111 and JoJo’s Mini Golf are open early morning and late afternoon. Skate Zone 2000, recently renovated, re-opened and provides an air-conditioned alternative to summertime fun.

PAINTBALL ON 111 Amanda Salter and her husband, Zack, saw a perfect opportunity to bring something different to the community.

Located on 12 acres of land, Paintball on 111 has three different hand-built courses: a speed course, target range and woods course.

The main speed course features old trucks, bunkers and other objects to hide behind and is about the size of a football field.

“We started thinking about doing a paintball business in January and opened four months later. There’s not a whole lot of entertainment options in the area or a place to host birthday parties, so we felt like it was needed,” said Salter.

Right now, a party of 10 can play for two hours at $200, which includes the paintball gun rental, safety gear, 200 paintballs per

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Holtville football players get competitive on the paintball field

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player and unlimited CO2. The paintballs are low-impact, which softens the blow, said Salter. Each additional player is $20, and groups under 10 people play for $25 per person with the same inclusions. Ideally, the course is suited for up to 25 people.

Paintball on 111 is open by appointment only but also hosts ladies nights, Friday Night Lights and other openplay opportunities.

“We are very flexible with our schedule. We’re pushing earlier in the day or later in the evening right now because of the summer heat,” said Salter.

The couple plans to expand in the coming weeks to include inflatables and Nerf guns, which would cater to a younger crowd.

For more information, visit the Paintball on 111 Facebook page or call Salter at 334-430-0027.

JOJO’S MINI GOLF AND FROZEN YOGURT About a year ago, Jonathan O’Dell and his family decided to convert their equipment rental business into a mini golf course. O’Dell felt there was limited options

for entertainment in the area and had the perfect land to create an easy-to-play course based around the property’s landscape.

“After we sold off the tool rental equipment, I just began laying out the course and building the pads. I mainly did it all by eye,” said O’Dell.

While the course is not necessarily easy, he said, there are three or four holes where someone could get a hole-inone, even if not skilled.

“The best score I’ve seen so far is a 47, but that’s an anomaly. Most get a 70 or 80 their first time playing it and then score in the 50s and 60s,” said O’Dell.

About four to six players is the recommended number for playing in a group, he added, and JoJo’s accommodates birthday parties. Frozen yogurt and gelato rounds out the amenities indoors.

There are six yogurt flavors that change daily, and there is always a non-dairy, non-sugar option. The gelato offerings are made locally and also change on a regular basis.

More than 40 toppings are available to amp up the treats, and the menu includes corn dogs, sliders and drinks.

JoJo's 18-hole minigolf course was hand built

“I’m hoping to build a deck this fall, so when the weather cools down, people can enjoy their ice cream outside too,” said O’Dell.

The indoor area is representative of a view looking outside form an old house, said O’Dell, with board and baton siding and tin on the ceilings.

With only three months to renovate, JoJo’s opened last August, and O’Dell said, he plans to add some more amenities over time.

Golf is $8 per adult, $5 for ages 12 and under, and children ages 3 and under are admitted for free. The yogurt and toppings are $.50 per ounce and gelato is $4 per serving without toppings and $5 with them.

For more information, visit the JoJo’s Mini Golf and Frozen Yogurt Facebook page or call 334-514-8951.

SKATEZONE 2000 While Skatezone 2000 has been opened for nearly 20 years, it’s grand re-opening saw crowds upward of 400.

From October 2018 to April 2019, the skating rink was closed due to required renovations after a fire. The rink,

roof, skates, flooring and paint job are new due to the damage from smoke, said owner Charles Cole.

“The community has been great and people really support us. They welcomed us back with open arms,” he said.

The business concept originally came from Cole’s late wife, Sherry, who grew up skating. After they closed their store in Titus, some friends convinced the couple to open a skating rink.

“We wanted to do something fun for the kids who didn’t have a lot of options around,” said Cole.

Aside from the main attraction, Skate Zone also features laser tag and hosts many birthday parties. It’s open year-round, Fridays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and for the summer months only, it is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re also open to private groups by appointment,” said Cole.

For more information, visit the Skate Zone Wetumpka Facebook page or call 334-567-4434.

Skate Zone's rink is brand new after renovations following a building fire

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SUMMER W

ith movie streaming services more prevalent than ever and with summer temperatures continuing to soar, you may want to enjoy films in the climate-controlled comfort of your own home. Let’s focus on three popular services – Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu – for some films to hone in on when scanning through the oft times overwhelming numbers of selections these services offer. Here are a few gems from the past and present that will hit these streaming services this month.

STREAMING Nix the endless scrolling and try one of these popular titles

Jeff Langham

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

Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns (2018) – This critically acclaimed box office blockbuster, a sequel to the classic 1964 film, charmed audiences last Christmas with its enchanting music and stellar cast, including Emily Blunt, LinManuel Miranda, Dick Van Dyke, Angela Lansbury, Colin Firth and Meryl Streep.

It made many top-10-films-of-2018 lists and received numerous Academy Award nominations.

Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) – This early film for director Martin Scorsese has been heralded as a frontrunner of the single-woman-changingher-life film genre. The dynamic Ellen Burstyn won an Oscar for the title role as a widowed single mother starting from scratch in Arizona.

The Iron Lady (2011) features the iconic Meryl Streep in her Oscar-winning portrayal of Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom. While the film was met with

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mixed reviews, Streep’s performance was widely acclaimed and considered to be one of the greatest of her career.

Arctic (2018) – Strongly reminiscent of man against nature dramas Cast Away and All is Lost, this wrenching survival film stars Mads Mikkelsen as a man stranded somewhere in the Arctic Circle waiting for rescue. Arctic is one of those movies to watch if you think you are having a really bad day. Mikkelsen’s perilous adventures in this film will make even your worst day pale in comparison.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – More than 50 years after its release, this classic chiller, written and directed by Roman Polanski and starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes and Oscar winner Ruth Gordon, is still as terrifying and disturbing as ever.

12 Monkeys (1995) – Directed by Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam, 12 Monkeys might best be described as “a mind-bending, time traveling doozy of a science fiction film.” It stars Bruce Willis,

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Madeleine Stowe and Brad Pitt. Pitt’s performance, one of the best of his career, earned him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor.

streaming services also feature loads of original series (e. g. Netflix’s Stranger Things and Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). So many offerings, so little time. Until next month …

ATTENTION MOVIE PRODUCERS: MAKE FURIOUS HOURS YOUR NEXT PROJECT!

Big Fish (2003) – Filmed right here in Elmore County by acclaimed director Tim Burton, this captivating fantasy stars Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney and Jessica Lange. If you love this movie (or even if you don’t), check out Big Fish: The Musical this month, a joint production of the Wetumpka Depot Players and Wetumpka High School. Additionally, Friends of the Wetumpka Library are bringing Big Fish author Daniel Wallace to town for a one night only presentation on the closing night of the local performance.

Apollo 11 (2019) – Critical praise has been lavished on this documentary, which consists solely of archival footage and focuses on the 1969 Apollo 11 mission – the first spaceflight to land humans on the moon.

Minority Report (2002) – One of Steven Spielberg’s best, this futuristic crime thriller, set in the year 2054, boasts a stellar cast including Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton and Max von Sydow.

It is important to note that many of the technology designs in the film have proven to be prophetic (e.g. swiping screens) and have become commonplace today.

Mission: Impossible III (2006) – To the delight of fans everywhere, director J. J. Abrams single handedly reinvigorated the Mission: Impossible franchise after the unsatisfying Mission: Impossible 2. This slam-bang actioner stars Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt tracking down maniacal arms dealer Owen Davian (the late Philip Seymour Hoffman).

So, beat the summer heat and stream away with these cinematic treats. As you know, these three

I would like to propose that someone make Casey Cep’s electrifying Furious Hours his next project. Set right here in Tallapoosa and Elmore Counties, I have been stopping people on the street to insist that they drop everything and read this fascinating book.

Readers get three books in one.

In Part One, Furious Hours tells the true story of Alabama serial killer Rev. Willie Maxwell. In the 1970s he was accused of murdering five family members to collect the life insurance money.

In Part Two, Furious Hours focuses on Harper Lee’s interest in this true crime story. As a result, readers are treated to all the backstory of Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird as well as Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. For any movie producers out there, this is a reminder that Hollywood has already had success with Harper Lee and Truman Capote as feature film topics. Remember Capote (2005) with Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s mesmerizing Oscar winning portrayal of the author and Infamous (2006) featuring superstar Sandra Bullock as Harper Lee? Part Three deals with Harper Lee’s residency in Alexander City as she obsessively worked on making the Reverend’s story into her follow up to the iconic To Kill a Mockingbird. You will have to read the book to see why this did not come to pass.

You’ll get no spoilers from me.

So, Hollywood producers, there’s my pitch.

Come on, Tinsel Town! Casey Cep’s Furious Hours is ideal for a feature film or a multi-episode streaming series through Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hulu. I can’t wait to see which showbiz outlet takes me up on this challenge.

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Takeaways from E3

L 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.

ast month, we talked about what to expect from Electronic Entertainment Expo 2019, the year’s biggest conference in video games. This month, we’re going to reflect a little bit on what happened and discuss the industrywide implications that’ll surely arise as we move forward into 2020 and beyond.

Sony was indeed a no-show Sony made it clear they weren’t going to be at E3 this year, and although some of us were expecting something from the gaming giant, it ended up sticking to its guns.

There’s no word yet as to what we might be able to expect from Sony in the coming months, but with so many excited to hear from them, we expect news will come sooner rather than later.

Keanu Reeves and Cyberpunk 2077 stole the show Keanu Reeves is perhaps the biggest name to ever attach himself to a video game. He’s set to star in Cyberpunk 2077, developer CD Projekt RED’s latest title. During a sequence on the E3 show stage, Reeves gave a presentation that included an exchange with one partic-

E3 attendees pose at one of the many expo booths

ularly excited fan left the crowd – and the internet – in stitches. This combination created what was likely the most talked-about part of the weeklong extravaganza.

George R.R. Martin dips his toe into the world of video games If you’re wondering why George R.R. Martin hasn’t finished his iconic A Song of Ice and Fire book series, we might have the answer. In a trailer reveal, we learned that he’s signed on to be a writer for developer FromSoftware’s latest game. Considering FromSoftware is known for its dark, medieval fantasy settings, we’ve got no doubt this is a partnership that will result in something super special.

Is Electronic Arts finally listening?

Developer-publisher Electronic Arts is one of the industry’s titans, and as such, it commands a ton of resources. More often than not, it’s strived to be most profitable, but its efforts have been in vain. Sales for its last few big releases haven’t hit the mark, but Electronic Arts showed off a new Star Wars game that has some real promise. It’s called Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and gamers should expect it on store shelves on Nov. 15.

Final Fantasy’s best is coming By many accounts, one of gaming’s most renowned titles comes in the form of Final Fantasy VII, which originally debuted in 1997. When it was announced a couple years back that it would be returning in the form of a built-from-the-groundup remake, it turned the industry’s veritable head. We finally got a release date for this one, which you’ll be able to get your hands on as soon as March 3, 2020, rolls around.

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Journalists and attendees get the opportunity to demo games before they hit the shelves

The next Xbox has a tentative release date Economically speaking, the biggest piece of news to come out of E3 this year was the revelation that we’ll be seeing the next Xbox during 2020’s holiday season. This means that there’s now a fire underneath both Sony and Nintendo to wrap up their dealings in this console cycle, so they can start looking to the future. A new generation of hardware means a lot of excitement for us but a heaping pile of stress for the bigwigs at these companies.

Game developers interview with Gamestop employees in front of live audiences

The Avengers heads to consoles At this juncture, we’re all pretty familiar with Marvel and its famous Avengers. It’s one of the most immediately recognizable brands across the media landscape right now, so it’s only natural that mega-talented developer Square Enix has opted to try its hand at crafting a game based on the iconic team. Of course, video game adaptations have a pretty horrible track record, but we’re keeping hope alive for this one.

Death Stranding is becoming a reality For years now, legendary developer Hideo Kojima has been working on a title called Death Stranding. At E3 2019, we finally got a glimpse of some actual gameplay, and it’s looking absolutely delicious – even if we still have no idea what it’s about. With a star-studded cast of actors and actresses – such as Norman Reedus, Lindsay Wagner, Guillermo del Toro and Mads Mikkelsen – this is one we’re watching closely.

Nintendo showed out Unsurprisingly, Nintendo came to E3 2019 looking for a fight. We got details on a host of time-honored franchises from the Japanese giant, including the likes of: Banjo-Kazooie, Luigi’s Mansion, Animal Crossing and Pokémon. But leading the vanguard was its biggest announcement: We’re getting a sequel to 2017’s critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

While Nintendo has once again fallen back on its most popular characters, it’s hard to complain about what we’re getting.

Closing thoughts This year’s E3 Expo left a lot to be desired but paved the way for future installments in a way that I don’t think we’ve experienced in a long time. While it’s unfortunate we don’t get to see what Sony is cooking, Nintendo, Microsoft and the many developers who attended have certainly given us reason to be excited for 2020 and beyond. The future’s bright for video games, and if you’re looking to jump in, there’s never been a better opportunity.

At what age should you take Social Security?

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Tony Edwards

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

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hen it comes to Social Security payouts, the when can be as important as the how much.

Americans in retirement, or nearing it, have multiple options in considering when to start collecting Social Security benefits. The attractiveness of each option depends on a myriad of factors, including income need, health and career/retirement status.

Make no mistake; there’s an abundant amount of cash on the table with Social Security. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration Fact Sheet, approximately 62 million Americans took $955 billion in Social Security benefits in 2017.

But not all Americans will take Social Security at the same age and for good reasons.

Here are three common scenarios for when Americans start withdrawing money.

Scenario 1 (age 62): Starting Social Security payouts at 62 years old makes sense for someone who is no longer working and has limited retirement resources.

That person, like many Americans, may not have a traditional pension, and his or her 401(k) may not be sufficient to provide for retirement needs. Consequently, for Americans who have few options for gaining paid employment, starting Social Security at age 62 is often necessary to make ends meet.

Scenario 2 (full retirement age): There is a strong financial argument for waiting until full retirement age (currently age 66) to take Social Security benefits. Full retirement age rises gradually for those born

from 1955 to 1959, and it is age 67 for those born in 1960 or later. If you were eligible to receive $750 a month at age 62 (the year recipients are initially eligible to collect Social Security) but wait until your full retirement age of age 66, you would receive $1,000 a month. Under the same scenario, someone who begins collecting at age 62 would receive $3,000 less each year than the person who waits until age 66. But the person who began collecting early would have received $36,000 in benefits by the time he or she reached full retirement age.

Scenario 3 (age 70): Delaying Social Security until age 70 makes sense for individuals who plan to keep working until then or have resources they can utilize in their early retirement years. Recipients should know that for each year they delay retirement (up until age 70), their Social Security payments would increase.

The benefit grows over the years before Americans start collecting Social Security, and if they wait, they get a small additional bonus, since a portion of the larger Social Security payment is not taxed when people start receiving the benefit. Additionally, for married couples, the larger benefit could serve as an inflation-adjusted income stream for the rest of their lives.

Make sure to consult with a financial professional before making a final decision.

Each financial situation is unique, and a trained money management professional can help individuals determine the best time to begin taking Social Security payments.

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Breastfeeding 101

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any parents come into my office with the desire to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding isn’t always an easy journey, and often, new moms are unprepared for the discomfort that they are faced with in the first few weeks; are unsure of how to know if they are producing enough for their babies; and have many other concerns and questions.

There are many benefits to breastfeeding, including protection against numerous diseases, infections and childhood obesity. Getting a good start from day one is important. I recommend that mothers interested in breastfeeding speaking to a lactation consultant at the hospital after giving birth. This is a wonderful resource to help get you started in positioning, appropriate latching, how to handle sore nipples and so much more. Once discharged from the hospital, it is important to follow-up with a pediatrician, who can also offer assistance with breastfeeding, within two to three days.

The number one question people have is: How do I know my baby is getting enough?

The answer is simple. You can monitor the number of wet diapers your baby is having. Once your milk has come in, your infant should have six or more wet diapers per day.

It is important to know that until your milk comes in, your infant may have fewer than six wet diapers, which is OK for the first few days.

This typically leads to the next question: How often should they be eating? There is no exact answer for this as each breastfed baby eats differently. Some infants cluster feed, which is when they nurse several times in an hour over several hours, while some infants eat on a schedule. It is important to know that, initially, breastfed infants should eat a minimum of every four hours during the first few weeks of life. More frequently is even better.

Breastfed babies are more likely to have a condition called jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and this is related to the time delay of when a mother’s milk comes in. It is a common occurrence and can be quickly overcome with frequent feedings (every two to three hours).

Jaundice is another reason that it is important to see a pediatrician two to three days after delivery.

Many new parents also ask about building up a supply; if they should pump; and when their infant will sleep through the night. These are all very important questions. Supply is based on demand – meaning that the more you breastfeed or pump, the more milk your body will know to make.

It is important to understand a mother should maintain a healthy diet with lots of water and continue to take prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding. Water consumption is very important in keeping up supply, and I recommend keeping that nice hospital cup you are given and try to drink one of those per feeding.

Now let’s talk about pumping for a minute.

First, did you know that most insurances cover electric breast pumps? Talk to your OB-GYN about getting a prescription. Second, if you choose to pump, it is important to know all the ins and outs about how the pump works. There are several on the market, and I recommend reading the user’s manual prior to starting.

Many moms want to know when to start building a supply for when they return to work. I typically recommend pumping once milk comes in for approximately 10 to 15 minutes after the infant nurses. It is not necessary to do this after every feed. Your body typically makes more milk first thing in the morning, so after morning feeds may be best.

Finally: When will my infant sleep through the night? This is a very common question asked by all parents; however, there is no exact answer. It is not uncommon for breastfed babies to wake to feed during the night longer than formula-fed babies. Breastmilk is easily digested and used by the body a little faster than formula, so nighttime feeds may hang around a little longer than infants who are formula fed.

So hang in there and cherish the time you have with your little one.

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Kathleen Calhoun

COMMUNITY CARE Kathleen Calhoun, RN, MSN, CRNPPC, is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Wetumpka Pediatrics.

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Thank You to our advertisers

Elmore County Living would like to thank the local businesses and individuals who help make it possible to bring you this magazine each month.

Every advertiser is important, and we appreciate each one of you.

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Neither did the thousands of potential customers who read our magazine monthly.

To advertise please contact:

Marilyn Hawkins | 334-202-5108 • Shannon Filyaw | 334-415-0781 or stop by our office located at 300 Green St., Wetumpka AL 36092 34

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OUT & ABOUT

43rd Annual Russell Marine Boat Parade

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July 4, 2019 Kowaliga Marina

1. Laura Martin, Alex Sweredowski, Tommy Branham, Mark Cuthbert, Cody Griffin and Tim Pike 2. Tony East, Kenneth Tapley, Chuck Fuller, James E. Bailey, Tommy Martin, Charles Martin and David Sanford 3. Howard, Tami, Chandler and Frannie Brazil, Stephanie and Will Easterling, Jim, Christie and Margaret Gowan, Millie Houston, Rusty, Bonnie and Vonzel Nail and Janet and Maggie Skinner 4. Barry, Leigh, Lainey and Marshall Twigg, Jennifer, Hayes and Luke Farrell, Cameron, Harrison and Pearson Steineker, Clay Steineker and Jim Farrell 5. Kyle Ashby, Luke Fletcher, Logan Willis, Adam House, Albert Tarcia, Will Bernard, Paul Goldhagen, Bri Bracken, Riley West, Alexis Goldhagen and Ethan McDaniel 6. Ryan, Sherry, Kaitlyn, Cody, Emily, Brandy and Sophie Peterson

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OUT & ABOUT

City of Wetumpka Fireworks

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July 3, 2019 Gold Star Park 1. Stephen Barret, Harrison Glackmeyer and Emily Barrett 2. Jackie Nix

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3. Patrick Glackmeyer 4. Trey Bailey and Emma Ellison 5. Brad, Landon, Payton and Crystal Lowe 6. Trey Richard and Pashen Cartwright

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OUT & ABOUT

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Millbrook Farmers Market July 9, 2019 Village Green Park 1. Chuck Burns and Gene Price 2. Brannon Bowman

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3. Lana and Esperanza Curl 4. Nellie Ballentine and Henry Tucker 5. Tate, Travis and Trev Tyus 6. Jewel McCoy, Peggy Burns and LaVera Long

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OUT & ABOUT

Wetumpka Rotary Club

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July 9, 2019 Wind Creek Casino 1. Vanessa Royal, Carol Hickman and Belyn Richardson

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2. Brian Blanks, Jackson Hagan and Joel Hunt 3. Judge John Thornton and Rea Cord 4. Steve Sievers and Justin Edwards 5. Ricky Roberts, Angie Livingston, Lisa Knight 6. Finley Patton, Matt Rogers and Mike Dozier

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OUT & ABOUT

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Summer Reading Program July 10, 2019 Tallassee Community Library 1. Tyler Acreman 2. Abby Mann 3. Evander Guest and Rachel and Kenon Billingsley

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4. Kaley Pugh 5. Carolina, Gary and Carleigh Norrell 6. Gary, McKenzie and Madison Little

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OUT & ABOUT

Louie's Snow Cones

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June 8, 2019 Tallassee 1. Jerry Cunningham 2. Joni and Ellie Smart 3. Sparrow Sgarlata 4. Dade McDonald, Ryan Davis and Daniel Lamberth

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5. Bridget, Wayne and Aubrey Jane Myers 6. Kay’lee Piner 7. Tristan Sgarlata and Melinda Emfinger

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 17 4-H Cooking 102

The Elmore County Extension Office will host a cooking class for ages 9-18 that will feature dishes from around the world. The class will be $10 and will be held at the office, 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register, call the office at 334-567-6301.

July 19-21 34th Annual Southeastern Woodcarving School and Exposition

The Central Alabama Woodcarving Association will host this woodcarving school and exposition sponsored by the City of Wetumpka at the Wetumpka Civic Center.

There will be woodcarvings on display and carvers at work for the public to observe and learn about different aspects of the craft. There will be 12 to 15 different classes available on subjects ranging from caricatures to relief scenes, realistic faces and more. Admission is free, but pre-registration and payment are required to participate in classes. For more information or to sign up, visit centralwoodcarving.com.

July 21 4-H Bug Club

Elmore County Extension Office will host bug club meetings at 3 p.m. at 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka to learn more about species of bugs and spiders. To RSVP or register, call the office at 334-567-6301.

July 21 4-H Livestock Club

Youth will meet at 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka at 2 p.m. to learn about livestock. You do not have to own livestock to participate. For information or to register, call the Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

July 23 4-H Cookie Decorating

The Elmore County Extension Office will host a cookie decorating class for 4-H students, ages 9-18. Kids will learn how to bake shortbread cookies and decorate with royal icing. Class will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at

the extension office, 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka.

The class is $10 and registration is required by calling 334-567-6301.

July 23-28 Big Fish

The Wetumpka Depot will host this musical in collaboration with The Wetumpka High School Theatre Guild at the Wetumpka High School campus. Tickets and information available at WetumpkaDepot.com or calling 334-868-1440.

July 25 4-H Cupcake Decorating Class

The Elmore County Extension Office will host a cupcake decorating class and teach the use of different icing tips from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The office is located at 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka. The class is $10 and registration is required by calling 334-567-6301.

July 25 Tunes on the Green

The City of Millbrook will host free family-friendly live music at the Village Green from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Coolers are allowed but please no glass or alcoholic beverages. There will be food vendors on site. For more information, contact the Millbrook Parks and Recreation Department at 334-290-2047.

July 27 An Evening with Daniel Wallace

The Wetumpka Library and The Wetumpka Depot will host a special event at The Wetumpka Depot Theatre, 300 S. Main St., featuring the author of Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions on the closing night of the production Big Fish, The Musical. At 4 p.m., Daniel Wallace will discuss the writing of his book, along with the memories of filming in Wetumpka. Afterward, there will be a social time with heavy hor d’oeuvres and a book signing. TIckets will be $45 each and include the talk with Wallace, food and one ticket to the musical that evening. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at the Wetumpka Public Library located at 212 S. Main St.

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July 27 Bees are Buzzing

Aug. 10 Mt. Vernon Gospel Homecoming

Alabama Nature Center will host a program all about the world of bees and beekeeping at 10 a.m. Guests will learn about pollination, beekeeping and equipment used for beekeeping. They also will be able to taste some local honey, and jars will be on sale in the gift shop. General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. For information, visit alabamawildlife.org.

The McCraney-Cottle Arts Council and Mt. Vernon Theatre will present an evening of traditional Southern gospel music with various quartets, soloists and a gospel choir in the homecoming format. The event will be held at the Mt. Vernon Theatre, 313 Barnett Blvd. in Tallassee at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information, contact Jerry Cunningham at 334-312-2679.

Aug. 1-10 Master Harold and the Boys

Aug. 16 Master Gardener Intern Training Deadline

The Wetumpka Depot will host this play by Athol Fugard and directed by Tony Davison. Tickets and information are available at WetumpkaDepot.com or by calling 334-868-1440.

Aug. 3 Still Creek Trek

Alabama Wildlife Federation will host a trek through Still Creek and exploration of things found there. Be prepared to get wet! Bring a change of clothes, and shoes and sandals are required – no flip-flops. General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. For information, visit alabamawildlife.org.

Aug. 3-4 Mark Twain and Mr. Clemens

Kurt H. Sutton will perform the roles of Mark Twain and Mr. Clemens at the Millbrook Theater, 5720 Main St. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3 and at 2 p.m.

Aug. 4. Tickets are $20 for the front row and $15 for general admission. For tickets and more information, visit millbrooktheater.com.

Aug. 10 AWF 16th Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo

Alabama Wildlife Federation will host its annual youth fishing rodeo to provide kids a chance to experience the outdoors and learn about fishing. The event will run from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and is open to anyone under the age of 15. Admission is free, but 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 will also be available. In addition, each participant may take home five catfish but may catch and release all they would like. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment and bait, though a limited number of loaner rods and reels and some bait will be available on site. For volunteer information, contact Matt Vines at mvines@alabamawildlife.org.

Sign up by today to participate in the 11-week Master Gardener training course, which will be held at the Elmore County Extension Office, 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka. The course fee is $150, and classes run every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 5 through Nov. 14.

Light lunch will be provided. For more information, visit camga.net or call Robin Snyder at 334-549-3921.

Aug. 20 Tuesdays with Kelly

The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery will host its monthly free event at noon at Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka. Bring a brown bag lunch. This month’s program will feature Angie Dodson, the director of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

For information, contact Cookie Knott at 334-531-6930.

Aug. 22 Second Annual Putts Fore Paws

The Humane Society of Elmore County will host its second annual golf tournament at Emerald Mountain Golf Club in Wetumpka from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is a scramble format with a tentative entry fee of $300 per four-person team. The fee will include green fees, golf carts, food, door prizes and more. Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Sponsors (team, hole or general) are needed. For more information, call 334-270-2834.

Aug. 24 Canoeing and Kayaking

Alabama Wildlife Federation will host a program and teach the basics of canoeing and kayaking at 10 a.m. Life jackets and paddles will be provided, as well as canoe and kayaks. General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a maximum of $20 per family. For more information, visit alabamawildlife.org.

Aug. 31 Big Cat Youth Fishing Tournament

Alabama Wildlife Federation will host its second annual Big Cat Youth Fishing Tournament. The tournament kicks off at 7 a.m., and anglers have the opportunity to weigh in their biggest catches every hour, starting at 8

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a.m., with the final weigh at 11:45 a.m. Registration will be online. Anglers must be between the ages of 6 and 15, and all participants must attend the mandatory meeting Friday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. Registration is $30 per angler, and the tournament is limited to 60 participants. Visit alabamawildlife.org for information or to sign up. Contact Matt Vines at mvines@alabamawildlife.org for more information.

Season-Long Events Bluegrass Jam and Sit N Sew The Alabama River Region Arts Center hosts a bluegrass jam open to all players of acoustical instruments and singers. Sit N Sew encourages all quilters, knitters and crocheters to bring projects to work on. Join the fun every first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for both events. For more information, visit arrac.org or call ARRAC at 334-578-9485.

Quilting Classes The Alabama River Region Arts Center hosts quilting classes on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Check the River Region Quilters Facebook page for information or call ARRAC at 334-578-9485.

Stories and Rhymes The Eclectic Public Library hosts a variety of activities, including stories, rhymes, dress-up, dance and music at 2 p.m. every Tuesday and 10:30 a.m. every Saturday.

These programs are free and enrich a child’s lifelong love of reading. Guests are welcome to visit the library’s gift shop and bookstore during hours of operation from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Dixie Art Colony Foundation Exhibit Regular gallery hours are held from 10 a.m. until noon on Mondays and Wednesdays at 219 Hill St., Wetumpka.

Appointments and small group tours are available upon request. Special tours include a 16-minute video, Dixie Art Colony: A Look at Its Lasting Legacy. Exhibits rotate every four months, and a selection of periodicals and books from the DAC Foundation Resource Library also are on display. For information, call Mark Harris at 334-328-0730 or email him at M.Harris@DixieArtColony.org.

Southern Cultural Center This community center located in Wetumpka is available for family activities and faith-based programs. Local musicians take the stage the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no admission, but donations are accepted. The center also is available for community events and is located at 12814 U.S. Highway 231. For information about the Southern Cultural Center and its offerings, visit its Facebook page or contact Mike Whorton at 334-315-9207.

Wetumpka Cruizin Car Show On the first Saturday of each month from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Wetumpka Cruizers will host a car show in downtown Wetumpka. All classic cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome For more information, visit the Wetumpka Cruizers Facebook page or call 334-294-8797.

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

AWF Early Explorers Program

Ukulele Classes The Eclectic Public Library hosts beginner ukulele classes every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Please bring your own instrument. For more information, contact 334-639-4727.

Ukulele Jam The Alabama River Region Arts Center hosts a ukulele jam on the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The class is free and open to the public. For more information, contact ARRAC at 334-578-9485.

Santuck Flea Market The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month at 7300 Central Plank Rd., state Route 9 in Wetumpka.

The last Thursday of each month, kids are welcome at the Alabama Nature Center from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for story time, an animal encounter and light outdoor exploration. The cost is $5 per child, and adults are free. Space is limited, so please call ahead. Visit alabamawildlife.org for more information.

Millbrook Farmers Market The City of Millbrook hosts its 10th annual Farmers Market at the Village Green, at the corner of Main Street and Grandview Road, every Tuesday until Aug. 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, contact Chuck Burns at 334-285-3558 or 334-301-2650.

Elmore County 4-H Poultry Club On the second Thursday of each month, 4-H members should meet at 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka at 6 p.m.

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to learn about raising backyard poultry. For more information or to register, call the Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

Barrel Burners 4-H Shotgun Club Youth should meet at 2 p.m. every Sunday at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sporting Club to focus on mastering clay, skeet and trap shooting. For information or to register, call the Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

in Wetumpka (starting May 13 and rotating from there).

For more information or to register, call the Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

Galloping Gang 4-H Club Every third Thursday of the month, this horse club meets at Iron Horse Ranch (unless otherwise specified) at 6:30 p.m.

Youth do not have to own a horse to participate. For more information or to register, call the Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

Elmore County 4-H Archery Club This Elmore County Extension Office club meets every other Monday at the Archery Park at Coosa River Parkway

Wetumpka

Yoga on the Green Perfect for beginners or seasoned practitioners, this free yoga session starts at 7 a.m. on The Town Green at Russell Crossroads every Saturday throughout the summer. Just bring a mat and water.

Roman Catholic Services at the lake

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St Vincent’s Roman Catholic Church in Tallassee will hold a vigil mass at 6 p.m. at Church in the Pines every Saturday through Aug. 31. Confession will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Church in the Pines Sunday services will begin at 9 a.m. with rotating guest speakers.

July 21: Hamp Green July 28: Andy Wolfe Aug. 4: Chuck Hasty Aug. 11 Jeremiah Castille

Friday on the Green Wind down your busy week on The Town Green at Russell Crossroads every Friday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets, coolers and friends. Play some cornhole, decorate the sidewalks with chalk and take turns with the hula hoops.

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

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic Cornerstone Cafe Red Hill Gallery Eclectic Town Hall Eclectic Library Johnson Furniture 1st Community Bank Eclectic Do-It Center Trustmark Bank Cozumel Bush's Lake Martin Russell Lands Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Children's Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Oskar's Cafe Russell do-It Center Millbrook Verizon Wireless First Community Bank Lucretia Cauthen Realty Millbrook Chamber Realty Central Stone & Britt Law Gene Jones Insurance Liveoak Agency YMCA Prattville Millbrook City Hall Holley Furniture Slapout Lake Pharmacy The Boy’s Store First Community Bank

Tallassee Kent Eagle Y Petro RoadRunner Convenience Store Herren Hill Pharmacy The Apothecary Community Hospital Tallassee Health & Rehabilitation 5 Points Store 1st Community Bank PrimeSouth Bank Tallassee Chamber Tallassee Community Library Wal-Mart Ivy Creek Parker Tire Tallassee Eagle State Farm Friendship Grocery Hilltop Grocery Ben Atkinson Motors T-Fit District 19 True Value Wetumpka Aldridge Borden Company Bennett’s Archery 1st Community Bank Bumper’s Karen’s Mane Tamers Emerald Mountain Store Redland Market Seivers Accounting Wetumpka Depot Players A Touch of Class Angel Locksmith Verizon Wireless

Must Stop Café BB&T Jackson Thornton Lee’s Auto Repair McQuick Printing Hog Rock BBQ Wetumpka YMCA Bell Chiropractic Wetumpka Urgent Care A Beautiful Creation Austin’s Flowers Camo Country ASE Credit Union Smokin S BBQ Elmore Community Hospital Wetumpka Preschool Wetumpka City Library Wetumpka Chamber City of Wetumpka Administration Bldg.

Coosa River Adventures Stoddard’s Bait Shop Collier Ford Adams Drugs Wee Ones Daycare Wetumpka Health & Rehab Canal Grocery Kim’s Corner River Perk Hampton Inn Valley National Bank Jerry's Barber Casino Hotel Casino Convenience Store ARC Rrealty Wells Fargo Bank Aldridge Borden Co. Toulouse Marathon

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Amy Passaretti with Red Hill Gallery pottery artist David Miller

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Beat the heat with a yummy frozen treat

W

MK Moore

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

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ell, it is July in Alabama. And frozen. I sure didn’t want my nice peaches to you know what that means. die a flavorless, rock hard frozen existence, so I It’s hot; we get to celebrate the started looking around for other ways to freeze Fourth of July; and every bit yummy peachiness. And the answer is sorbet. of fruit is getting ripe at the same time. Now, I Now there are all sorts of government rules love to make jelly, but sometimes it is, well, just about what commercial ice cream purveyors can too darn hot. But geez, that basket of peaches call their concoctions. Officially, sorbet is frozen isn’t getting any younger, so what to do? Make sweetened water with fruit puree. That didn’t something cold and sound good, so I got frozen that will keep for to thinking: What if I Peach creambay: a while. added some cream?

Ice cream! We all Would I get a more veln Mix 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of love it. I can remember vety texture than a fruit sugar. Heat in a small saucepan until dismy mother’s manual and water Popsicle? solved. Cool. Make extra. It will keep in ice cream churn and the Why yes! the fridge for a week just waiting for you vital job my sister and I tinkered with the to come home with some blueberries.

I played in the making proportions and came n Get 2 cups of pureed fruit. To do this, I of the ice cream. Mom’s up with a peachypeeled about six fist-sized peaches and cut churn wasn’t some oldtasting frozen dessert out a few brown spots. I did the peeling timey wooden bucket. that is halfway between and cutting right over the food processor Ours was a space a sorbet and an ice bowl, so I wouldn’t lose a bit of that tasty age, bright teal, sleek cream. #sorbcream? juice. Whizz until smooth. Chill. molded fiberglass con#icesorb? #creambay? I I had some extra peaches; so I processed traption that was totally don’t know what to call them all and now have pre-measured puhip in a Brady Bunch it, except fabulous! ree just waiting to make another batch of sort of way. But I think The big star in this creambay. Yeah, I’m going with that name. it had a design flaw. dessert is the peach. n Mix the fruit puree and sugar water To keep the dasher in The peach is such a together. Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream. place down in the canstand-out that I can’t Pop it in your churn and let it go until it is ister, a small child, one wait to try other fruits, frozen. with a narrow backside like the zillion figs that as not to interfere with are ripening on my tree the crank action, had as you read this. You to perch on the top. That’s where my sister and I can also do this with any fruits stashed in your came in. We were the ice cream sitter sisters. freezer, such as those strawberries from April – So back to that basket of peaches. I know all or watermelon. You could even, in a pinch, use a y’all have had homemade peach ice cream. Hard frozen fruit from the store, but why you would chunks of frozen peaches added to vanilla mix. want to do this when Alabama is bursting at the Or you have had peach ice cream from a store, seams with fresh fruit is beyond me. which is full of peach flavorings. It is really hard This recipe makes 4 cups and fits into my to get watery fruits like peaches to give up flavor electric freezer. My backside is too big these days once it is mixed in the fat of the ice cream and to sit on the manual churn.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humor, BIG FISH is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre – for an experience that’s richer, funnier and bigger than life itself.

Port Elizabeth, South Africa – 1950. Seventeen-year-old Harold does his homework while two black men, who have long worked as servants for his family, clean the floors. As the day unfolds, the three reminisce fondly about times spent together, but when news comes that Harold’s alcoholic father is returning home, affections turn to anger, intimacies sour, and the personal becomes political. The play is an enduring, modern classic that continues to speak to inequality and injustice.

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