Elmore County Living magazine August 2019

Elmore County Living

ECLECTIC'S GRAMMY NOMINATED BAND DIRECTOR

Majestic Mustang greets visitors to Stanhope Elmore Ingram State College trains inmates for careers

August 2019

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From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

The beginning of a new school year always presents a wide-open world of possibilities: new friends, fun extracurricular activities and fresh opportunities to gain life-long knowledge.

Personally, while I was in school I tried my hand at a little bit of everything. Athletics were not my forte, no matter how many I took a stab at.

Being tall in middle school should have set me up well for certain sports, but I can assure you that was not the case. I played the violin, I joined choir, and I even dabbled in some super embarrassing variety show acts.

Really, nothing stuck for me until high school. My favorite English teacher encouraged me to join his journalism class and gave me the confidence to be successful. Needless to say, this certainly affected the course of my future. You never know where your path may lead.

Elmore County High School band director Anthony Vittore never imagined where his journey could take him. Vittore is a passionate educator who said he is honored to be a part of students’ lives and amazed by their talent and hard work. They clearly feel the same and showed their appreciation by nominating him for a Music Educator Grammy. Vittore was named among 189 quarter-finalists. Read more about the process on page 14 and help root on Vittore to the semi-finalist round!

We also should celebrate the long-anticipated arrival of Stanhope Elmore High School’s new bronze Mustang statue, which now stands sentinel over the recently completed atrium. Check out the upgrades on page 24 and give these students a huge pat on the back for spending a year of school dealing with construction, changing classes outside, despite inclement weather and simply being put out. The wait was well worth it, as the pride of Stanhope Elmore greets visitors to a safer, welcoming facility.

While we’re at it, it’s vital to note that inmates of all ages are also taking steps to better their lives once outside prison walls. Ingram State Technical College offers a pathway to change their futures. Its programs prepare prisoners for careers after release. On page, 18 ISTC President Annette Funderburk explains the dedication these students possess and the benefits of maintaining this state program.

For other students looking to advance through education, the opportunities are continually expanding. Central Alabama Community College opened its Pratt’s Mill Center location last year. While the programs offered are currently limited, class times are scheduled all day for added convenience. Turn to page 13 for more information about this location and how you can get signed up.

Whatever you decide to pursue this in the year ahead, just remember that these opportunities are not infinite. Looking back on the days when who you were sitting with at lunch or how you were going to pass the geometry test, life seemed a little simpler then – yet certainly not trivial.

Embrace that simplicity and don’t miss out on making memories. You never know where they will take you.

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 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 Marty Edge Kathy Monroe Suellen Young Lonna Upton Lizi Arbogast

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

Amy Passaretti, Editor

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

CONTENTS ON THE COVER Elmore County High School band director Anthony Vittore was nominated by some of his students for the 2020 Music Educator Grammy. Vittore has been band director at ECHS for 17 years. Photo by Kenneth Boone

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In Every Issue 6

EXTRA! EXTRA!

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MOVIE MAN

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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BACK IN THE DAY

OUT & ABOUT

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COMMUNITY CARE

34 40 45

News Briefs

Delectable Wetumpka

In Elmore County

COMING UP

Fun for Everyone

WHERE TO FIND US Distribution List

Features

Columns

30 32 46

Fall into Upcoming Flicks

Legendary Hank Williams

Thyroid Disease Common

THE GAMER

Spider-Man Soars in Digital World

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NEW CACC LOCATION

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VITTORE NOMINATED

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METALWORK ARTIST

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INGRAM STATE COLLEGE

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MAJESTIC MUSTANG

DOLLARS & SENSE

Investing is Like a Marriage

Pratt’s Mill Opens in Underserved Area

ECHS Band Director a Grammy Quarter-finalist

Bellew Explores Innate Creativity

Inmates Offered Fresh Start

Stanhope Elmore Installs Statue

SOUTHERN DELIGHTS Toasty Tomatoes

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EXTRA! EXTRA! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Eclectic roadwork ahead

Main Street alleyway project receives grant Wetumpka's downtown alleyway will be renovated as an entertainment space

Main Street Wetumpka was granted one of 159 nationwide awards for the AARP Community Challenge Grant Program out of 1,700 applications. This $9,500 grant will aid the nonprofit organization in completing its $75,000 Alleyway Cultivation Project on the Tulotoma Snail Trail. Additions will include entertainment space, benches, lighting, stonework and movable furniture. Main Street Wetumpka was one of three selected applicants from Alabama to receive grant money for quick action projects.

Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport said repair work is coming for some of the town’s roadways, and East Collins Avenue and roads that connect to county and state roads need the most attention.

“We just ordered a bunch of signs because East Collins Street is one of the traffic areas for your larger trucks going north for Alabama Highway 63,” Davenport said. “We have been talking with Elmore County Commissioners and trying to figure out what we’re going to do with it.”

Davenport said East Collins Street should be widened or have a turn lane, so travelers could bypass downtown.

All of the roads will be funded by Rebuild Alabama, and the town is partnering with Elmore County on the projects.

“Our projections are that Rebuild Alabama would generate somewhere around $25,000 extra a year, and we currently generate somewhere in the $20,000 to $25,000 range so my projected budget would be somewhere in the $50,000 to $60,000 range in the next three to five years,” Davenport said.

Roads in Eclectic will be repaired with funds from Rebuild Alabama

Broadband expanding throughout county Gov. Ivey announces the expansion of broadband

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A newly formed company began earlier this month in Wetumpka to build a high-speed internet system it hopes will benefit rural customers in Elmore and Coosa counties beginning in January.

Gov. Kay Ivey joined elected officials and administrators of Central Access, a subsidiary of the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, in Prattville to announce the start of the $20 million project.

“High-speed broadband is a necessity,” Ivey said. “There are

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840,000 Alabamians without access to high-speed internet. Central Access will make a huge dent in that. It’s going to benefit education, the economy, business and healthcare. There are many reasons to celebrate today. It’s a momentous occasion. Alabama’s best days are ahead of us.”

Ivey helped get an infrastructure bill passed by the legislature allowing utility companies to use existing rights of way to install fiber optic cables, making it easier and less expensive to expand.

Submissions now accepted for art walk

Eclectic's Mitford A. Fontaine won second place in last year's photography category

Lake Martin Living magazine has hosted its annual art and photography contest for three decades, and this year the event is growing to incorporate more businesses, more art and more all-day fun.

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., will host the inaugural juried Lake Martin Living Art Walk in downtown Alexander City on Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presenting sponsor, Main Street Alexander City, will award $1,000 in prizes at the awards reception, located at Lake Martin Area United Way, at the close of the art walk.

This one-day event will feature submitted artwork on display on Main Street and at downtown restaurants.

Ballot boxes for People’s Choice votes will be located inside select merchant locations. For a donationto a nonprofit

beneficiary, visitors at the art walk could vote for their favorite pieces.

First, second and third place awards will be presented in both the art and photography categories. First place in each category will win $200; second place winners will receive $150; third place winners will receive $100; and the People’s Choice award for $100 also will be presented.

Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to submit artwork to the TPI office, 548 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City.

Entry fees are $15 per entry, with a maximum of five entries per person. The artist’s name and contact information must be clearly marked on the back of the piece, and each submission must be ready to hang or must be submitted with an easel for display. For questions, email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Tallassee BOE approves plans for new school The Tallassee Board of Education voted unanimously to approve plans for a new, secure but smaller high school at its July 16 meeting.

According to the design team, the current THS main campus building is 44,000 square feet, and the new building would be 37,800 square feet, but there will be more classrooms, more office space and more seats in the auditorium.

The classrooms would be bigger, and the guidance department and science labs would be re-located.

The auditorium proposed would seat 636, and the band room would seat 125 students.

Walter McKee of McKee and Associates said students would be without a main campus building for one school year, and main construction would begin between the end of one school year and the fall of that following year.

Greater campus security also would be provided in the new building with access to the campus

Plans for a new high school were unveiled at last month's meeting

interior limited with the use of a gate system during school hours.

McKee said the plans are still in the concept phase, and changes could arise as progress continues.

But if all goes as planned, the main

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building would be constructed between the end of one school year and the fall of the next year.

A new parking lot is currently under construction.

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Business Spotlight

Delectable Wetumpka

Story by Lonna Upton Photos by Kenneth Boone 8

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Woodcraft Cafe When woodcrafter Josh Henderson and culinary school graduate Don Johnson met on a mission trip in Guatemala, they had no idea that their work might extend to a project at home. Henderson had considered renovating an abandoned 1980s gas station in the Wallsboro community in Wetumpka for his wood crafting business, and Johnson had always wanted to open a restaurant. Working together for months, their goals became reality in April this year when they opened Woodcraft Cafe.

“We really worked to breathe life back into this old building – part of the roof had collapsed in the back – but we are happy with how it turned out.

The community remembers this location as a convenience store, and they have been very supportive,” Henderson said.

The building may resemble an old gas station on the outside, but on the inside the men completely transformed the space into a cafeteria-style restaurant with modern décor. The black ceiling and walls are accented with tin and reclaimed wood, while white lights crisscross the ceiling.

Barn doors separate the entrance to Henderson’s workshop, and beautiful wooden countertops, along with a hostess/cashier station add warmth to the space. Henderson crafted all of the

Woodcraft Cafe features daily meat-and-three specials

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Woodworker Josh Henderson and culinary graduate Don Johnson teamed up to explore their dreams

woodwork, from walls to countertops to the laser-engraved signage.

Johnson’s son, Dillon, is also a culinary school grad and plays a major role in the kitchen. The father-son team’s menu features a daily breakfast complete with eggs and omelets to order and what Henderson claims are the best biscuits anywhere. Grits and hash browns, bacon, ham and sausage are all staples on the menu. Breakfast can be grabbed quickly to

go for those who want fast food but don’t want the fast food taste, Henderson said.

Lunches feature daily meat-and-three specials – fried chicken, pot roast, hamburger steak, green beans, macaroni and cheese, cabbage and greens and similar home-cooked items. Daily hot-off-the-grill sandwiches include brisket burgers, fried and grilled chicken sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks.

“Don is amazing in the kitchen and loves to cook. Everything coming out of here is going to be great,” Henderson said.

Henderson hopes to have his own wood-crafted items for sale in the café soon, but for now he accepts custom orders.

The website for the cafe showcases many of Henderson’s creations, including custom signs, promotional items – such as pens, key chains and hats – cutting boards and laser engravings.

Woodcraft Cafe is located at 10806 U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka. They are open from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The cafe will cater events both on- and off-premises with offerings ranging from finger foods to gourmet fare, and the entire restaurant could be rented for events in the evenings. For more information, examples of Henderson’s work or daily menu specials, visit Wood Craft Cafe’s Facebook or its website at thewoodcraftcafe.com.

Georges' River Market & Butchery Farm-to-table products take on a fresh perspective at recently opened Georges’ River Market and Butchery in Wetumpka. The USDA-certified meat processing facility, with a mini farmers market selection of goods and produce held its grand opening last month with fanfare and an already established customer base.

Wetumpka residents who frequent the George Family Farm in Eclectic recognize the family name and the quality of products that are now available at 201 Spring St. in Wetumpka, behind Coaches Corner on the Coosa River.

The beef, pork and lamb available for purchase are raised locally on the family farm and butchered fresh on site. The chicken is outsourced, but the beef is grass-fed and grain finished, and all of the meats are free of GMOs, hormones and antibiotics, said Brooklyn George.

Chris and Carissa George moved to Elmore County in 2006 after Chris became weary of hauling livestock from snow-covered Wakarusa, Indiana – where George Family Farm was established – to south Alabama. Several years later, Chris’ parents moved to Alabama as well. Offering locally raised meat from the farm and Grandma Carol’s

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Dillon and Brooklyn George run the butchery

baked goods, jellies and jams, the Georges began selling their items at large farmers markets in the area.

With a successful operation in tow, the next adventure for the transplants was to bring the quality goods from their Customers farm into town. The Georges’ can order son Dillon, along with his wife, custom cuts Brooklyn, came on board to operof meat ate Georges’ River Market and Butchery.

“Dillon served in the Marine Corps in California, but he knew he wanted to get back home to work on the farm. I am from Wetumpka, and I knew there wouldn’t be a better place to start a business,” said George.

The glass butcher case displays a selection of meats and demonstrates the family’s expertise and desire to offer high-quality cuts. From burgers and ground beef to sirloin, rib eyes and filets, the Georges will customize cuts of beef, along with lamb and chicken. They also have a wide selection of fresh sausages – hot and mild, pepper jack, Italian link and smoked Andouille, to name a few.

The sampling of cuts on display is not extensive to the Georges’ talents. If customers do not see what they’re looking for, simply asking the knowledgeable staff likely will

lead to a positive result. Many options are still stored in the back or could be custom cut per order.

Vegetables will be seasonal, of course, so the current summer months offer watermelon, peaches, tomatoes, okra, corn and peas, plus more. The market also carries a number of seasonings and sauces to enhance meals, which also make great gift items.

“We are proud to sell only Alabama-made products – granola and grade-A cream top yogurt from Pecan Point Farm in Hurtsboro; Jim Berdeaux’s Vintage Sauces made in Wetumpka; Wright BBQ Company seasonings and rubs from Clanton; and Hardin’s Seasoning out of Montgomery. We sell pecans from The Alabama Pecan Company and cookies baked by Mama’s Secrets Cookies in Auburn. And, we have Bertolone’s ready-to-cook casseroles from Clanton,” said George. “Not to mention my grandma, Sandra Hill, makes homemade four-layer cakes, which are a hit."

The Georges announced their plans to move into the renovated building in October and opened to customers in March. Now, they are full-steam ahead, bringing fresh meat and produce, and a few tasty treats, to customers in Wetumpka who are looking for hometown service right on the Coosa.

Grass-fed beef, pork and lamb for sale are raised locally on the family farm

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Vicky Bonner comes in early every day to bake the homemade treats

Frankie's Deli/Stewart's Coffeehouse Business is booming at Frankie’s Sweet Shoppe and Stewart’s Coffeehouse, a restaurant and store combining tempting meals, aromatic coffees and delectable sweets in Wetumpka.

Located at 617 S. Main Street, Frankie’s Sweet Shoppe originally belonged to Frankie Clark. When Clark decided to sell her business, Keith and Paula Holley, who also own the shopping center, decided to buy it and add the coffeehouse and deli foods.

When business began to grow rapidly last year, Holley removed a wall to add more seating in the adjoining space and hired a new manager, Stacy Mustin.

“He brought me in for new Deli sandwiches ideas and are available all day organization, and I fell in love with the place. I just have a real passion for being part of this business. It’s great to see a small town place with a lot of class,” Mustin said.

Frankie’s Sweet Shoppe continues Clark’s tradition of delicious petit fours, cupcakes and cakes, homemade pimento cheese and casseroles to grab-and-go. Vicky Bonner comes in early every day to bake in the kitchen before the space is needed to begin breakfast service.

The deli bar stays open during all business hours, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on

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Saturdays. If customers want a pimento cheese sandwich for breakfast, they could have it. They could also choose any combination of eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, bagels, toast and croissants.

“We have regular customers who are here several mornings a week for a sausage croissant or a garlic cheese biscuit.

We know their orders before they order most of the time, but sometimes they shake it up and surprise us,” Mustin said.

The coffee is exclusively OHenry’s Coffee from Birmingham. The coffeehouse serves regular brewed coffee as well as frappés, iced coffee, espresso and macchiato, along with the option of added delectable flavors, such as salted caramel.

“Southern Pecan is our most popular coffee flavor. We also have three that are named for our area – Coosa River Blend, Crater Dark and Slapout Decaf. We sell cups of coffee and bags of coffee – whole bean or ground,” Mustin said.

The lunch and dinner menus include salads and sandwiches made to order. Reuben sandwiches, wraps, chicken salads and the famous pimento cheese top the charts.

“We have great quality in a great quantity – it’s just really great food, and customers always leave with more to take home. I think we are the new best eat-in and to-go place in Wetumpka. And we cater here or off site,” Mustin said.

Frankie’s Sweet Shoppe and Stewart’s Coffeehouse serve up yummy treats and lots of fun.

“It is a great place to work. We have succeeded in making it a happy place. I think people always feel good when they come in,” Mustin said.

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Teachers work closely with students in smaller classes

Melody Steele (right) helps students enroll at Pratt's Mill

CACC opens Pratt's Mill location in an underserved area

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Story by Amy Passaretti & Photos Courtesy of Brett Pritchard

esidents of Elmore County now have a close-to-home alternative for earning degrees and certifications at Prattville’s Central Alabama Community College location, which opened in summer 2018.

Located in Pratt’s Mill Center, across from Long Lewis Ford, the instructional site moved from hosting programs at Stanhope Elmore High School, where it originally started in 2015.

“We were recruited by Elmore and Autauga counties to emphasize training for the workforce and fill a need for employers. This is an underserved area,” said Brandy Mitchell, English instructor overseeing the Prattville location.

Partnering with Elmore County Technical Center, the option for dual enrollment also is available for students, and Mitchell said that population has really grown over the years.

“We’re also working with Marbury High School and Autauga County Technical Center, so students can take postsecondary classes while still in high school,” she added.

Currently, the CACC facility houses four class-

rooms, featuring smart boards and computer labs.

In the spring semester, there were about 65 students enrolled in classes, which are offered from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Class sizes average about 15 students.

“Right now, students can graduate with an associate in science degree, along with some applied science courses. We hope to offer industrial electronic and nursing programs soon,” said Mitchell.

The Prattville location has options to grow laterally as student population increases, so the idea of a stand-alone campus is in the distant future.

The Pratt’s Mill Center of CACC is beginning its second year and also offers noncredit courses, such as the certified medical assistant, in addition to the credit courses.

Melody Steele, enrollment specialist, is on site to assist with registration, enrollment, application, and the bookstore and FAFSA form are located online.

The community college is open to transients, transfers, nontraditional students and everyone looking to further their education.

For more information, contact Steele at 334-3809600 or email her at msteele@cacc.edu.

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Vittore directs students during luau-themed day at summer band camp

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Eclectic's Vittore nominated for Grammy ECHS band director named a quarter-finalist for Music Educator Award Story by Amy Passaretti & Photo by Kenneth Boone

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hile Elmore County High School Band Director Anthony Vittore always felt that music could change lives, he never knew the true extent of that sentiment until last month. Vittore was nominated as a quarter-finalist for the 2020 Music Educator Award by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum.

“I still don’t feel like it’s real. It’s an absolute dream come true,” said Vittore, who is going into his 18th year teaching at ECHS. He landed this gig as his first job after graduating from Troy University, and he now directs about 130 kids in the band each year.

“I am so humbled by all of this. I’d rather be behind the camera than in front of it, so this is strange for me,” said Vittore.

Hailey Everett, an upcoming senior and this year’s band president, was the one to send in the nomination. He said all of his students have been incredibly supportive.

“Hailey is just over the moon about it,” said Vittore. “I am here for the students.

I want the students to be in the spotlight.

These kids work their butts off every day, and it’s so amazing what they did. I’m honored to be in their lives and see them grow.”

Vittore has been nominated four other times but never made it past the judging

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phase. More than 3,300 teacher nominations were submitted, and 189 were chosen from the group based on supplemental information and essay questions.

Originally from Panama City, Florida, Vittore said he’s honored to be able to represent Eclectic and Elmore County in such a positive way.

“This is such a great place to live and be a part of. I’m so glad I’m here. This is a great community, great surrounding area and the people are amazing,” he added.

Two other teachers in Alabama were nominated including Vittore’s band director from Troy University, Robert W. Smith, and a middle school teacher from Tuscaloosa.

In September, 15 semi-finalists will be announced; and then, the field will be narrowed down to 10 finalists. All semifinalists will receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants. The seventh annual Music Educator winner will be flown to Los Angeles to attend the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards and a range of Grammy week events. The nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and all 10 finalists’ respective schools will receive matching grants.

“If I make the next cut, that’s like a dream come true,” said Vittore. “As an educator, the last thing you think about is accolades for doing something you should be doing anyway. Everything else is topping on the cake.”

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Libby (left) helped bring artistic vision back to Ray Bellew's life when they married

Metalwork artist brings visions to life Tallassee's Bellew explores his innate creativity Story & Photos by Amy Passaretti

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early 15 years ago, while working on an assembly line at a manufacturing company, Ray Bellew envisioned the metal pieces set before him had transformed into a Jesus on the cross. He had been looking for a sign to find his true life’s calling and went home and welded one that looked just like his vision.

“I knew right then that this is the gift God gave me,” said Bellew, who is a welder by trade.

After struggling with a learning disability throughout his life, Bellew said he doubted he would ever find his purpose.

He started slowly working on diverse metalwork projects with whatever scrap metal he could get his hands

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on, but Bellew really kept his talent a secret. Not knowing where this path would lead him, Bellew said he was creating art for himself not for others.

Eventually, people discovered his talent, and he started stationing certain pieces by the side of the road. Interested onlookers stopped to admire the designs. One of his first projects was an alligator that a Texas resident bought, strapped to the roof of his car and drove back home. The piece measured longer than the length of the vehicle.

People became fascinated with the process by which he transformed scrap metal into something beautiful and unique, Bellew said. His artwork ranges from abstract to realistic-looking faces and small, intricate pieces of art to a 5-foot tall guitar.

“It would just blow people’s minds what I could do.

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I started making pieces by request for people; and then, started selling it,” he said.

While his visions waned over the years, after he married his wife, Libby, in June 2018, his artistic spirit returned.

Libby helps with scheduling shows and supports Bellew on his journey to showcase his artwork to the world.

“He has been working strong ever since,” said Libby.

“Sac’s Gallery wanted to showcase some of his work; and then, we heard about Red Hill Gallery in Tallassee.”

The couple stopped by one of Red Hill’s monthly art receptions to scope out the operation and ended up showing local artist Don Sawyer a piece Bellew just happened to have in his truck.

“He was so impressed that he told me to go home and get some more. So there we were, in the middle of someone else’s reception, unloading my artwork into the gallery,” said Bellew. “And we decided to become a member of its art guild.”

The Tulotoma Art Trail was Bellew’s first event that re-launched his career full speed ahead. He won second place for that juried art show in Wetumpka, third place at a member show at Sac’s Gallery and won Best in Show a few months later at TallasseeNOW Riverfest’s art competition.

Libby researches art shows across the Southeast to expand Bellew’s audience, network with other artists and meet more gallery owners.

When he was accepted into the 27th Emerald Coast National Juried Art Expedition, in Niceville, Florida, his work was deemed among the best and is in an exhibit this month.

“We’re just about to figure this thing out. Something big

is coming,” Libby said.

A week after that connection was made, Bellew had an interview with Marcia Weber, owner of Marcia Weber Art Objects in Wetumpka. Weber features self-taught artists and sells art across the country. After Bellew was accepted into part of this unique gallery, he felt he was one step closer to his plan.

“I feel God has placed Marcia in my life. She is a wonderful mentor,” said Bellew.

Since not as many people work with metal, said Bellew, it’s a more unique art medium with less competition; however, the finished products can be extremely heavy, making some transportation difficult.

All the scrap used in Bellew’s creations is re-purposed, and he uses additional materials, such as wood, chains, screws, etc., to accessorize. With a trailer set up in his backyard in Tallassee equipped with necessary tools, Bellew can work from home, and often works odd hours when inspiration strikes.

“Sometimes, something just pops into my mind, and I get so excited, I just have to go work on it. A lot of time, once I start, I just keep working until I’m done,” he said. “I challenge myself too. If I see something that looks neat, I wonder if I can build it; then, I have to go try.”

Bellew’s skills have improved significantly since his first few pieces of art sold so many years ago, Bellew said, but even when he started out, he felt the skill came intuitively.

“It just came natural to me, like I had been doing this my whole life. Even my first pieces were good,” said Bellew. “God doesn’t give you anything and not let you grow with it. I know I have to get this art out into the world.”

Even Bellew's smaller works of art showcase his attention to detail

This life-size angel is one of Bellew's first pieces

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Students in the welding program have built equipment for use in the classroom and the community

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Fresh Start for Inmates ISTC teaches career-training Office information systems is one of the courses taught in a traditional classroom setting

Students learn teamwork while they repair and rebuild engines and transmissions in the livework program

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Story by Lonna Upton Photos by Kenneth Boone

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lmore County is at the helm of education for inmates in Alabama prisons with Ingram State Technical College at the forefront. The college is responsible for providing career and technical training to citizens who have paid their debt to society and are preparing to re-enter the workforce as contributing members of their communities. In fact, this year alone, more than 100 graduates have been placed in jobs after release from prisons where Ingram State offers educational services.

“We are honored and proud to have Ingram State Technical College in Elmore County. A national leader in correctional education, they provide opportunities for incarcerated adults and help facilitate the inmates’ successful return to society,” said Cary Cox, Elmore County Economic Development Authority director.

ISTC, a part of the Alabama Community College System, was established in 1965 to offer education exclusively to incarcerated students. The college serves six locations in Alabama, three of which are in Elmore County: ISTC Main Campus in Deatsville, Draper

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Instructional Service Center in Elmore (an all-male facility) and Tutwiler Instructional Service Center in Wetumpka (for women inmates).

Annette Funderburk, in her second year as president of ISTC, has a passion for education and specifically those students who are behind bars.

“These men at Draper are students, not inmates, when they are in classes. Providing them an education helps Alabama and gives the students an opportunity to change their lives. Plus, we know that these students are untapped resources for employment needs in our county and the state,” Funderburk said.

One of Funderburk’s accomplishments to date has been increasing the number of industry partners that employ ISTC graduates. In 2018, that number increased by 30 percent. She also works with industry to expand new career-training programs.

“We are excited about what’s ahead for Ingram.

In fact, we would like to be the educational choice for all the correctional institutions in Alabama,” Funderburk said.

ISTC offers career technical certificate and licensure programs, GED preparation and testing, job skills training, academic tutoring and job placement assistance.

Ingram State offers core classes – such as English, math and basic computer skills – as well as technical programs of study for which students earn certifications or licensures upon completion of the curriculums. The curriculum at ISTC is the same used at other community colleges in the Alabama Community College system.

For the 2018-19 school year, across all campuses, 1,006 students enrolled in fall-term classes; 1,036 students in spring semester; and 878 were students in the summer semester.

Classes begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 1:50 p.m. Men and women go through checkpoints from the facilities where they are housed onto the connected ISTC facilities. Some inmates are bussed from one facility to another to provide educational opportunities that might not exist where they are housed.

Officer Frederick McReynolds, a retired veteran of the military and the Alabama Department of Corrections, works part time at Draper.

“The guys that have hope for the future, the ones that want it, they are in line every morning. When it’s time to go back to the barracks, or it’s a day off, they say they wish they were at school,” McReynolds said.

Most of the instructors in these programs moved into their positions at ISTC after years in their respective industries.

Ingram State employs 130 people in various jobs across Cosmetology students all facilities. hone their skills Cox said he believes the by providing haircuts prison system, and the role for others on campus of ISTC working with that system, is a major economic driver in Elmore County.

“According to the Alabama Industrial Development Training, prisons in Elmore County and affiliated jobs provide $178 million in earnings to the workforce in our area,” said Cox. Chairman of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors Art Faulkner said he appreciates the difficult jobs done by the men and women of the Alabama Department of Corrections.

“A robust workforce is in place in the prisons located in Elmore County. They have a huge impact on the economy in our county and the region,” Faulkner said.

In 1841, the state of Alabama constructed its first prison in Elmore County – Wetumpka State Penitentiary.

And, for the last 178 years, the fabric of Elmore County has been interwoven with Alabama corrections, according to Bart Mercer, Elmore County District 4 Commissioner.

Elmore County helps to provide employees for the corrections department and the college, with the county eventually reaping the benefits of rehabilitated inmates that are trained and ready for employment.

“Spending $1 per student for correctional education saves $4 to $5 in the future incarceration costs, due to decreased recidivism,” said Cox. Billy Wesson, welding instructor at Draper for eight years, said his students will thrive in the workforce because of the programs at ISTC.

The Draper campus is one of three instructional service centers in Elmore County “I am very passionate about what I do here. I am Dad to projects often go on a waitlist and require that the group some of these guys – an uncle, a brother. I have rules and requesting the work must purchase materials. standards but sometimes, I have a guy tell me I am the only Along with the career and technical programs, Ingram person who has ever told him he could do anything right.

State offers GED preparation for students who did not finish I’m not special though. All the teachers here make this prohigh school. They also provide accommodations for special gram successful,” Wesson said. education students, incarcerated as juveniles in the adult As a diesel mechanics instructor with more than 40 years facility, to continue high school. in the industry, Randy Hull said he receives calls daily from “We have our own dual-enrollment. Some of our students businesses to see if he has students that are ready to work. are finishing high school classes part of the day and enrolled “They just don’t have enough applicants for jobs, and they in their technical classes in the other part,” Funderburk said. know our program is good. Some of these men have never Inmates must meet specific criteria for enrollment into the held a screwdriver but really programs, based on their want to learn. After they convictions and end of senfinish the program, I can put tence or parole release dates.

Programs of study at ISTC include: these guys up against any Funding for Ingram Automotive Body Repair | Automotive Mechanics mechanic on the street. They State is provided through Barbering | Cabinet Making | Carpentry have learned to work with yearly allocations from the Cosmetology | Diesel Mechanics | Electrical Technology each other, and they have Alabama Legislature. The HVAC | Industrial Systems Technology | Logistics learned on the job with real college also relies on federal Masonry | Office Information Systems | Plumbing repairs and real teamwork and state grants to achieve Upholstery | Commercial Food Service | Welding to solve a problem. It’s a big its goals. The Ingram State world out there, and this is a Technical College Foundagreat opportunity for these tion was established in men,” Hull said.

2014 to help provide additional opportunities for students.

Students in the auto mechanics program rebuild or repair Qualified graduates can receive tools and equipment needed engines and transmissions for cars and trucks while the auto to start a job, as well as funds to offset the cost of job-related body repair students bring the vehicles’ exteriors back to certifications or licensures. ISTC credits foundation leaders, life. Both of these classes are part of the live-work program, donors and volunteers for helping students to transition which allows government employees and nonprofit organifrom prison back into their communities, said Funderburk. zations to have projects completed by ISTC students. Those

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FALL INTO UPCOMING FLICKS Fall kicks off with a new movie season, and there are plenty of options to be enjoyed. Why not settle down in the local movie theater for one of the many film treats coming in the months ahead?

SEPTEMBER

Jeff Langham

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

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IT: Chapter Two is the sequel to the 2017 film It, based on the 1986 novel by Stephen King.

Set in 2016, 27 years after the events depicted in the first film, the film features Bill Skarsgård as the terrifying Pennywise the Clown, along with James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain and Bill Hader.

The Goldfinch is an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning 2013 novel of the same name by Donna Tartt. It stars Ansel Elgort as a young man whose troubled childhood leads him to the world of art forgery. The film also stars the alwaysfascinating Nicole Kidman.

Ad Astra stars Brad Pitt as an astronaut who goes into space in search of his long-lost father, whose experiment threatens the solar system. The cast also includes Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler and Donald Sutherland.

Downton Abbey is a continuation of the television series, created by Julian Fellowes, that ran from 2010 to 2015. The beloved cast of the series, including the remarkable Maggie Smith, returns for this eagerly awaited feature film.

Rambo: Last Blood serves as a sequel to Rambo (2008), is the fifth installment in the Rambo franchise (that began back in 1982) and stars Sylvester Stallone in the title role.

Judy focuses on the life of American singer and actress Judy Garland in 1969, as she arrives in London for a run of sell-out concerts. Renée Zellweger stars as Garland.

OCTOBER

Joker stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, a failed stand-up comedian who is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City and, of course, becomes a fearsome nemesis to the city’s chief crime fighter – Batman.

Gemini Man – Directed by Oscar winner Ang Lee, the film stars Will Smith as an aging hitman who is targeted by a younger clone of himself.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil – From Walt Disney Pictures, this is a sequel to the 2014 film Maleficent, with Angelina Jolie returning to portray the title role.

The Addams Family – Based on the campy 1960s television series, this 3D computer-animated treat stars the voices of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron and Allison Janney.

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NOVEMBER

Terminator: Dark Fate is the sixth installment in the Terminator franchise and the first since Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) to have franchise creator James Cameron involved and is considered a direct sequel to the first two films. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton and Edward Furlong return in their roles of the T-800 Terminator, Sarah Connor and John Connor, respectively.

Midway – Directed by Roland Emmerich, Midway features an all-star cast and follows the story of U.S. Navy sailors and aviators who persevered through the Battle of Midway in World War II. Doctor Sleep stars Ewan McGregor and is based on the chilling 2013 novel of the same name by Stephen King, which is a sequel to King’s 1977 novel The Shining. Prepare to be terrified!

Charlie’s Angels – This third installment in the Charlie’s Angels film series, based on the 1970s television series, is directed by Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect) and stars Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska.

Who knew we needed another Charlie’s Angels installment?

Yawn …

Ford v Ferrari stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale and focuses on the mission of building the Ford GT40, a new racing car with the potential to finally defeat the Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans race in France.

Frozen 2 is the sequel to the blockbuster 2013 film Frozen.

The film features the returning voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad. Set three years after the original film, this chapter features Elsa together with her sister Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven embarking on a new journey beyond their homeland of Arendelle to discover the origin of Elsa’s magic powers to save their kingdom.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood – Directed by Marielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?), the film stars Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys and Chris Cooper. Rhys plays a cynical journalist assigned to profile beloved television icon Fred Rogers (played

by Hanks).

Knives Out – Described as a modern take on the whodunit murder mystery and written and directed by Rian Johnson (The Last Jedi), the film stars Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Plummer.

DECEMBER

Jumanji: The Next Level is a sequel to the megahit 2017 film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and the fourth installment of the Jumanji franchise. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black as they reprise their roles from the previous film, alongside newcomers Awkwafina, Danny Glover and Danny DeVito.

Cats is based on the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, is directed by Tom Hooper in his second musical film following 2012’s Les Misérables, and the legendary Steven Spielberg is the executive producer.

The dazzling cast includes funny man James Corden, Judi Dench, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift and Rebel Wilson.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is produced, co-written and directed by the consistently impressive J. J. Abrams. It is the third installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, following The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017) and is the final episode of the nine-part Skywalker saga.

Super Intelligence – Following last year’s Life of the Party, get ready as the hilarious Melissa McCarthy re-teams with her director husband Ben Falcone in this attack on your funny bone.

Little Women – Written and directed by critical darling Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird), this is the eighth feature film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1868 novel. The stellar cast includes Meryl Streep, Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh and Laura Dern.

Yes, the fall movie season has arrived! It’s time to swing by your local multiplex and fall into the thrilling escapism of these cinematic treats.

Until next month …

A bronze mustang was installed in the new atrium to greet visitors

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10-foot tall bronze Mustang welcomes visitors, students and teachers at the entrance of Stanhope Elmore High School as a representative of school spirit. The statue recently was installed on a concrete stand resembling marble after the completion of renovations that included a glassed-in corridor.

This atrium acts as a safety guard, a binding agent for all buildings and a gathering spot for students.

After about 10 months of construction by Central General Contracting, the Millbrook high school this spring completed the first of its renovations, which will increase its quality and aesthetics. “I am really excited to see some activity in there. I want to make that area come alive,�

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Majestic Mustang greets visitors to Stanhope Elmore Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Suellen Young & Amy Passaretti

said Principal Ewell Fuller. “Architect GMC did a great job with this project.”

Not only will it be used as a gathering and transition area for students, Fuller said, but also he hopes local businesses and organizations will use the space as well.

“We’re really trying to bridge that gap between the school and the community,” he added.

The next step is to add vending machines, charging stations, televisions and other amenities to mimic a college student center, said Fuller.

Elmore County City Schools Superintendent Richard Dennis said the renovations and creation of the atrium were three-fold. First, it has aesthetically improved the overall look of the school, he said.

“When you walk into the atrium, it really speaks for itself as far as the appearance. Everything we have heard. feedback wise. has been positive,” said Dennis.

For safety and convenience, the atrium ties five build-

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ings together for adding accessibility while securing the perimeter.

During the construction last school year, students transitioned between classes outside – despite inclement weather conditions. The atrium now will allow for interior passage.

“I have to say that the students and faculty were fabulous about the disruption. I did not get one complaint, even with braving the elements,” said Fuller.

Fencing off open-access points to the buildings created a more secure barrier. The atrium will act as the one and only checkpoint for visitors.

Lastly, said Dennis, the result of re-doing the building actually opened up needed classroom space.

The turnout at the atrium’s ribbon cutting in March included all former living Stanhope Elmore principals. A final inspection was passed at 1 p.m. that same day.

While the Mustang was not installed at that time, it came a few months later, shipped from California. Doors had to be removed to bring it through the building, and engineering had to be perfected to anchor it, due to its weight.

“Only a few companies create things like this, so our options were limited to about two or three bids. The Central Office played a huge role in making that selection and getting the ball rolling,” said Fuller.

The Mustang is not solid bronze, though it has that appearance. It stands sentinel under a skylight and is decorated with stage lighting to create a focal point.

“When you pull up to the front of the school – just, BAM! There it is. It’s beautiful, and its really one of a kind,” said Fuller.

The lighting on the Mustang also changes colors, which could represent certain months or events – such as pink lighting for breast cancer awareness in October.

“I think this is a feature on campus that students will gravitate to as it represents Stanhope Elmore,” said Dennis. “When graduates look back at photos 10 years from now, they will be looking at photos of their friends in front of that statue.”

The original Mustang that stood atop the roof of the school was removed during renovations but will remain a vital part of campus. A former Stanhope graduate who now owns a fiberglass shop will clean it up, polish it and fix some blemishes it acquired over the years from weather damage. It will sit in the courtyard that has yet to be built, under surveillance cameras and an active alarm system.

“There is just too much history with it to not display it,” said Fuller.

The hope is to have two courtyards on either side of the new atrium – one for ninth and 10th graders and the other for 11th and 12th graders.

The second phase, proposed by Dennis to the school board, would be to re-design the remaining facility that is not attached, which includes the cafeteria, gym and band area.

“The recommendation is to create a new cafeteria, with a stage at one end and convert that into a band room and place for the arts. That would really add more classroom space for the future and re-purpose that facility, which is somewhat old at this point – about 30 years old,” said Dennis.

While there is still some work to be done, the overall consensus emits a feeling of excitement and positivity for the future of Stanhope Elmore High School.

“This project really surpassed my expectations. They did an incredible job. It looks better in reality than I envisioned,” said Dennis.

All living former Stanhope Elmore principals were present at the atrium ribbon cutting

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Legendary Hank Williams partied hard in Elmore County

I Sharon fox

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

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t was in September 1952, just three months before his death, that Hank Williams came to stay in Elmore County. Williams was drinking hard, and it was beginning to show. His mother, worried about both his physical and mental health, made arrangements through a local radio station manager for Williams to stay at a lake house in Kowaliga (a Creek Indian town located on the banks of the Kowaliga Creek until 1836). She hoped the peace and rest would help him get back on his feet.

Williams agreed to the mini vacation but made sure the liquor cabinet was stocked before moving in. He apparently stayed in the cabin writing songs, methodically tearing them up and tossing them to the floor for the cabin owner to clean up each day.

One afternoon, Williams supposedly saw a group of teens on a sailboat and asked if he could join them. They agreed and after a little rowdy – and perhaps drunken – fun the boat turned over with everyone in it. A group of men in a car witnessed the rollover, and as Williams and his teenaged buddies crawled from the water, one of the men asked Williams why he was wearing a belt with a “Hank Williams” insignia on it. Williams answered, “That’s my name.”

The entire group was invited up to the house, and as you can imagine, they became more drunk and disorderly. A call from the local police to the radio station manager informed him that Williams and his friends were disturbing the peace at a local motel. This finally stopped the party. The manager had Williams moved to a room in the motel to sleep it off, returning him to the lake house the next day.

Williams continued to try to write until he ran out of liquor. The station manager drove Wil-

liams around in his blue Cadillac trying to find someone from whom to buy alcohol. While in the Cadillac, Williams stated that he had the words to the song Kaw-liga but just couldn’t get the music right, feeling frustrated about it. During that drive, the Cadillac allegedly hit a severe bump in the road, causing Williams to hit his head. Once Williams righted himself he began “pounding out the rhythm” and shouting, “I’ve got it!”

The song tells the sad tale of the love a fictional Indian chief named Kowaliga had for an Indian girl. It wasn’t until after Williams’ death that a car dealer in Sylacauga placed a wooden Indian at Kowaliga. The first Kowaliga statue was used as a symbol of Pontiac’s products. It was never meant to be anything but a nod to both Williams and the song he’d written while staying at the cabin.

The wooden Indian has been replaced several times since 1953, each time after vandalism destroyed the previous statue. The new statue, chainsaw carved by Cory Worden of Titus, is located inside Kowaliga Restaurant on Lake Martin.

Our family has a favorite story about Kowaliga. My sister delivered newspapers for years in the 1990s, and my mother went along to help keep her company. One morning, Mom saw the sign for Kowaliga, she frowned and said, “Where on Earth is Kow-ah-lee-ga.” When my sister stopped laughing, Mom learned the proper pronunciation, shaking her head as she wondered how you get Kalisha out of Kowaliga.

The name of the area has gone through a few spellings, depending on the period of research.

It was Kowlija in the 1800s; became Kawliga or Kawlija in the early 1900s and finally permanently adopted the modern day spelling of Kowaliga.

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Thyroid disease a common ailment among women

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he thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that lies below the Adam’s apple, along the front of the windpipe. Even though it is only about 2 inches long, the thyroid produces hormones that affect almost every process in the body. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, and the hormones produced by the thyroid regulate the body’s metabolic rate, heart and digestive functions, as well as mood and bone maintenance – to name only a few. As a matter of fact, essentially everything, from the growth of the hair and nails to proper brain function, relies on thyroid hormones.

It is easy to see how a healthy thyroid greatly benefits overall health and wellness; however, thyroid disease is one of the most common ailments found in Americans.

Women are more likely than men to have thyroid disease. According to the American Thyroid Association, one in eight women will develop thyroid problems during her lifetime.

Most thyroid diseases are life-long conditions that can be managed with medical attention. Common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.

Hypothyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is an excessive production of thyroid hormones. A simple blood test can determine hormone levels.

Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. A doctor may discover a goiter by feeling the neck and having the patient swallow. Thyroid nodules are

lumps within the thyroid. They can be caused by benign cysts, benign tumors or less commonly, by cancer of the thyroid. A doctor may be able to feel thyroid nodules during a routine examination.

Thyroid cancer occurs more frequently in women than men. Many thyroid cancers are detected after patients ask their doctors about lumps or nodules they have noticed.

Others are found during routine checkups.

Early detection is extremely important, as most thyroid cancers are successfully treated and cured when detected early.

Unfortunately, many people suffer from undiagnosed thyroid disease because they do not recognize the signs and symptoms of a thyroid disorder. Symptoms that may indicate a thyroid ailment include enlarged thyroid gland; nodules or cysts; fatigue; depression; poor concentration; hair loss; unexplained weight gain or loss; feeling too cold or too hot; nervousness; anxiety; fast heart rate; changes in bowel habits; fluid retention; increased sweating and other symptoms. The symptoms are wide-ranging and may be indicative of other health problems. This helps to explain why thyroid disease is sometimes not diagnosed.

Thyroid issues are not always obvious and many symptoms are nonspecific. Make an appointment with a healthcare provider right away if you experience unusual symptoms that may indicate a thyroid disorder.

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Kathy Monroe

COMMUNITY CARE Kathy Monroe works with Community Hospital Tallassee.

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Spider-Man soars through the digital world

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uperheroes are all over the media these days.

There are television shows, movies, board games and of course, video games.

It goes without saying that their pervasiveness has taken the world Jacob Saylor by surprise, given that they used to be an entertainment niche mostly THE GAMER enjoyed by nerds and geeks like me.

But up until the release of Spider-Man for the PlayStation 4 last year, video Video games games based on other media hadn’t journalist enjoyed a particularly good reputaJacob Saylor tion. Sure, there was the occasional has covered mediocre game, often sparking the the massive ever-bittersweet cries of “what could Electronic have been” from reviewers. But for Entertainment the most part, gamers don’t expect Expo (E3) in much from adaptation; however, Los Angeles. that’s all changing.

Follow Jacob on Spider-Man is at the forefront of Twitter this new shift in game development @skulldrey. philosophy.

First, Insomniac Games’ SpiderMan offered gamers a truly special web-slinging experience. While there have been copious Spider-Man games throughout the years, I think it’s fair to say that none of them really nailed traversal. While this might seem like such a small thing to remark on, understand that it’s an open-world game. This means that players can explore almost all of New York City, right down to every nook and cranny. While it’s a fictional version, all of the street names are there, as are some of the most iconic buildings. Gamers can climb to the top of the Empire State Building, jump off and swing through the streets as

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the masked vigilante. Nailing this aspect of the game is of vital importance, as it sets a strong foundation for players to stand on as they learn the ropes and progress through the story.

Speaking of story, I’d also make the case that this Spider-Man reboot offers gamers what might be the most accurate pageto-screen adaptation of a Marvel comic book series, whose rights are owned

by Disney, we’ve ever seen. While Insomniac obviously decided to do away with some of the expository storytelling, the developer deftly weaves in some of Spider-Man’s first foes as players romp through the plot. Gamers will tango with names like Vulture, Rhino, Electro, Shocker, Kingpin and more. And the creative liberties Insomniac opted to take all feel well suited to the modern age. It’s given them enough room to tell its own story moving forward, while simultaneously respecting the classics from which these characters came.

There’s also the question of graphics, which comprises another area where the new Spider-Man game excels. It’s probably the best-looking Spider-Man title to ever grace video games, and exploring New York City in highdefinition resolution feels impeccable. Watching the sun peek over a skyscraper just before Spider-Man reaches the apex of one of his swings is something that players have got to see to believe, and controlling the Marvel character throughout the moment makes it that much more enticing. The stellar imagery makes combat and gameplay feel super streamlined, and while some of the missions in the game can feel like busywork, it hurts a little less

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

when everything is gorgeous.

While graphics don’t necessarily make a great game, they certainly don’t damage it.

In truth, Spider-Man is probably the best superherobased video game to ever hit store shelves, and the sales numbers agree. Spider-Man made more money in its first three days on the market than 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming movie – the first made $198 million while the latter raked in $118 million. A month and a half later, the SpiderMan video game had sold more than 9 million copies worldwide.

What does all this mean for the future of video games and superheroes? It would seem to me that their futures are now intertwined.

At E3 earlier this year, we got to see what famed Japanese developer Square Enix has been working on. Believe it or not, it’s actually working on a video game called The Avengers. Of course, a person must live under a rock to not have at least heard of this superhero group in the past few years. It is synonymous with pop culture, and the overlords at Disney wouldn’t have it any other way. Just like Iron Man’s arrival on the silver screen scene back in 2008,

this game, if done right, could spark a whole new wave of superhero hysteria – it’ll just be in another medium.

With this saturation, I’ve got to wonder what sort of diminishing returns the niche will see as we break into a new decade. Is the age of superheroes here to stay or are they over the hill? Right now, the sales figures indicate it’s full-steam ahead, but nothing’s guaranteed when working in the fast-paced entertainment world.

I often find myself asking whether or not we need superheroes in another format? In fact, they’re so popular they act something like an infection. I love these caped (and non-caped) crusaders – don’t get me wrong. But how many times are gamers going to revisit the late minds of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby? When does genuine inspiration turn into commodification?

Disney won’t let go of its stranglehold on the market anytime soon, but so long as the quality’s there, maybe that’s not such a bad thing. So far, I’ve been nothing but pleased with modernized superheroes. Sony did a great job in translating the character to video.

Approach investing commitments like a good marriage

M Marty edge

DOLLARS & SENSE Marty Edge is a financial advisor with First Financial Services, an affiliate of First Community Bank of Central Alabama.

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y wife, Tracy, and I, recently celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary. I am blessed to have her as my partner. She is a great person and a wonderful spouse. I can truly say she is my best friend. As I look back on our years of marriage, I think about how much we have accomplished during that time. We have experienced many good times but also some bad times. As a whole, it has been a successful marriage. As a financial advisor, I often use this example to explain the long-term value of investing.

As I mentioned, we have only been married for 12 years. While my wife and I think that is a significant amount of time, I have many clients who have been married for substantially longer.

As we discuss their investments, the analogy of marriage is often used in the context of achieving long-term results. Just as with the cycle of the markets, marriages can experience challenges and obstacles along the way.

Even the best marriages have periods of difficulty. Long-term investing can have similar circumstances. A quality investment has the potential for outstanding future results but could also experience periods of disappointing loss.

Market corrections, recessions or other factors could cause periods of negative returns.

Similar to investing, marriage is a wonderful and worthwhile endeavor. Finding someone

to share the journey of life with is one of the greatest human experiences. Tracy is my closest confidant and most trusted ally. As the years have gone by, our bond has grown closer and stronger.

Investing should offer similar experiences.

The more time in quality investments, the better the potential performance should be.

One of the joys of my job is working with couples that have long and happy marriages. I have had many clients who have been married for 30, 40, 50 and even 60-plus years. These couples are a true inspiration for my wife and myself.

Similarly, for someone that has been a financial advisor for more than 14 years, I have had the opportunity to show my clients the results of taking a long-term approach when investing.

Most of the last 10 years have seen very positive results. Like a marriage, there have been rough patches, but overall long-term investing has been successful.

I am thankful to have someone with whom to experience this journey. I hope we get to enjoy many more years together and that our relationship continues to prosper as time goes by.

For investors, history tells us that their experiences can be the same. As with successful marriages, I believe the best investment results can be achieved when you are committed to a long-term approach.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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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.

Alabama Power | 48 City of Millbrook | 3 Frankie's Deli | 27 Gene Jones Insurance | 2 Jackson Thornton | 27 Karen's Mane Tamers | 45 Kowaliga Whole Health | 45 Liveoak Agency | 27 Market Shoppes | 42 Mark's Service Center | 3

Montgomery Regional Airport | 2 Rekindle the Past, LLC | 44 River Region Dermatology | 44 Singleton's Alignment | 45 Tallassee Health & Rehabilitation, LLC | 44 UAB | 43 Wealth Mark | 3 Wetumpka Depot Players | 2 Wetumpka Flea Market | 44

Elmore County Living

Don't see your ad in this issue of Elmore County Living?

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

To advertise please contact:

Marilyn Hawkins | 334-202-5108 or stop by our office located at 300 Green St., Wetumpka AL 36092 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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OUT & ABOUT

Back-to-School Kickoff

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Aug. 2, 2019 Tallassee City Hall 1. Samantha Griffin and Shellie Reardon 2. Josh Cullars

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3. Grayson Kilgore 4. Shelby Baker 5. Tatianna Gray, Diana McDade and Deanna Harris 6. Justin and Megan Gray and Autumn and AbbiGayle Barker 7. Josh Highland

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OUT & ABOUT

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Youth Football Camp July 27, 2019 ECHS, Eclectic 1. Joni Barron, Hannah Chambers, Nicole Chambers and Dwight Barron 2. Harvey Holt and Lajerrell Hill 3. Tracy Grier, Braxton Childers, Jeffrey Simpson and Ben Thrower

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4. Samie Payne, Joann Mann, CJ Hilyer and William Mann 5. Shakira Brooks, William Brooks, Mya Calhoun, Bridgette Hill, Teresia Hicks and Aliyah Harden 6. Tonya, Karalynn and Tavares Pierson

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OUT & ABOUT

George's River Market Ribbon Cutting

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July 19, 2019 Downtown Wetumpka 1. Kay Wolff and Scott Grier 2. Danyalle Friday and Shellie Whitfield 3. Jerry Willis 4. Lynn Weldon 5. Chris, Carissa, Brooklyn and Dillon George

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Tunes on the Green

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July 11, 2019 Village Green Park, Millbrook 1. P.K. Johnson, Michael Gay, Stuart Peters and Al Kelley 2. Ted Bojarski and Mary, Dan, Deana and Drew Westbrook

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3. Kevin and Patricia Fondren 4. Linda and Hubert Chance 5. Gayle and Keith Page 6. Cindy Thompson, Joseph Haddox and Lee Martin

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OUT & ABOUT

34th Annual Southeastern Woodcarving Expo

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July 19-21, 2019 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Richard Patterson and Berry Vestal 2. Bill Pettus, David Coleman and James Pichon 3. Peggy Farmer and Martha Lewis 4. Lead Goddard and Dave Crum 5. Julie Gonzales and Jason Adams

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

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Elmore County Living Meet & Greet Aug. 1, 2019 Millbrook Economic Development Center 1. Brittani Ellison and Emily Hutcheson 2. Janet Krantz and Carol Bowman 3. Marilyn Hawkins, DJ Taylor and Elisa Jones 4. Stacy LeMaster, Penny Hamilton, Kennedy Grier and Missy Edwards

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5. Cary Cox, Gene Jones and Al Kelley 6. Scott Lee and William Ritchy

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug. 20 Tuesdays with Kelly

to make a reservation, call DAC at 334-513-1086 or email info@DixieArtColony.org.

The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery hosts monthly free events on the third Thursday of each month at noon at Trinity Episcopal Church at 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 more information, contact Cookie Knott at 334-531-6930.

Aug. 22 DAC Lunch and Learn: Alabama’s New Art Deal Projects

Dixie Art Colony will host this program as part of its two-year series about Alabama’s New Art Deal Projects.

The series features Dixie Art colonists that participated in The Great Depression-era federal art programs. This program will feature DAC instructor Anne Wilson Goldthwaite and her Tuskegee, Alabama, post office mural titled The Road to Tuskegee. The presentation will also include information about Goldthwaite's fascinating life and career, details about her Atmore post office mural titled The Letter Box and rare photographs of Goldthwaite from DAC scrapbooks. The presentation will be held at Tallassee’s Café 1220 at 11:30 a.m. After lunch, those interested will travel to the Tuskegee Post Office, 401 North Elm St. Reservations are required. For more information or

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 fourperson team. The fee includes 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. 23 Second Annual Clay 4 Kids

The Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center will host its second annual clay shoot at Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club at 8 a.m. Funds raised will support the Butterfly Bridge mission of helping children. Admission for a four-person team will be $400, which includes lunch, T-shirts and door prizes. An individual shooter may sign up for $100. Shotgun shells will be available for purchase at $27 for 100. Sponsorships also are available.

For information, contact Elmore County Butterfly Bridge at 334-478-4094 or email bellison@butterflybridgecac.org.

Corey Smith will headline this year's Labor Day concert

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Aug. 24 Canoeing and Kayaking

Alabama Wildlife Federation will host a program to teach the basics of canoeing and kayaking at 10 a.m. Life jackets and paddles will be provided. 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 a.m., with the final weigh in at 11:45 a.m. Register 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. For more information, contact Matt Vines at mvines@alabamawildlife.org.

Sept. 1 Labor Day Concert at The AMP

Gates open at 5 p.m., and the music starts at 6 p.m. for the annual Russell Lands Labor Day concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheater. This year’s concert will feature Corey Smith, The Bank Walkers and Willy and the G Strings. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and kids.

This is a family-friendly celebration at the lake. Tickets are $20 and are available at The Company Store at Russell Crossroads, Nails and Russell Lands corporate office or online at theamponlakemartin.com.

Sept. 9 21st Annual Taste of Eclectic

An evening of samples from local restaurants and food vendors will be held at the Eclectic Warehouse from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. A limited number of tickets are available at $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 12. Children 3 years old and under are admitted for free. For information or to purchase tickets, call Carmen at 334-201-0092 or Dean at 334-541-4516.

Sept. 10 Wetumpka Chamber Uptown Drawdown

The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce will host its annual drawdown and silent auction event from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Tickets will be sold for $100, which includes admission and two dinners, plus entry into the drawdown. Dinner-only tickets will be available for $25. For information, call the chamber at 334-567-4811.

Sept. 12-15 and Sept. 19-22 Cheaper by the Dozen

Adapted by Christopher Sergel and based on the book

by Frank B. Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, this play

involves a uniquely large family, a father who is a pioneer of professional efficiency and the oldest child wanting nothing to do with his shenanigans. What the children don’t know is that Dad has a heart condition he’s keeping secret, which is why he’s implementing these household chores. The performances will be held at Millbrook Theatre, 5720 Main St., and will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12-14 and Sept. 19-21. It will be held at 2 p.m. on Sept. 15 and 22. Tickets are $12 in advance; $14 at the door; and $8 for children 12 years old and younger. For more information, visit millbrooktheater.com.

Sept. 15 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.

Sept. 17 Tuesdays with Kelly

The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery hosts monthly free events on the third Thursday of each month at noon at Trinity Episcopal Church at 5375 U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka. Bring a brown bag lunch. This month’s program will feature Frances Osborn Robb, a historian of photography and Alabama Humanities Foundation speaker. For more information, contact Cookie Knott at 334-531-6930.

Sept. 19-Oct. 5 Becky’s New Car

The Wetumpka Depot will host this comedic play written by Steven Dietz and directed by Tom Salter. Tickets and information are available at WetumpkaDepot.com or by calling 334-868-1440.

Sept. 22 14th Annual Bark in the Park

The Humane Society of Elmore County hosts this annual event at Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Plenty of activities will be available for both humans and dogs with the Blessing of the Animals, a pet parade, microchip clinic, Pet Picasso Paw Painting, vendors, food and more. Vendor spots are available for $35 and vendors must bring their own tables, chairs, etc. For an application, contact the shelter at hselco@bellsouth.net or 334-567-3377.

Sept. 26 MACC Four-person Golf Scramble

Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual golf tournament at The Pines Golf Club. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., with a shotgun start to follow. There will be lunch catered by the Front Porch Grill after the event, along with prizes. Register a team of four for $400, which includes golf fees, cart and lunch. Businesses may sponsor a hospitality hole for $200 and set up a promotional tent. Additional sponorships are available. For information or to register as a

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Sept. 28 Titus Bluegrass Festival

team or sponsor, call the Millbrook Chamber at 334-285-0085 or visit millbrookareachamber.com.

Sept. 28 Go Fish at AWF

The pond at the Alabama Nature Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for catfish fishing for catch and release only. Bring the family to come enjoy the outdoors. An animal encounter will happen at 1 p.m. General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. For more information, visit alabamawildlife.org.

The 19th Annual Titus Bluegrass Festival will begin at 10 a.m. at the Titus Community Center and run until about 4 p.m. Barbecue will be on site for purchase, along with crafts, cookbooks and peanuts. This year’s lineup will include Shannon Slaughter and Country Clare; Stanley and Company; and Allen Tolbert and Friends. Admission is $10 per adult, and children ages 12 and under will be admitted for free. Bring lawn chairs and friends to enjoy this concert at the relaxing, shady grove located 10 miles north of Wetumpka.

For information, visit TitusCommunityCenter.org.

Sept. 28 17th Annual Cruisin’ fer Critters

Season-Long Events Country Music Jam

Every Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Red Hill Community Center hosts an open-stage country music jam.

All players, singers and listeners are welcome. Coffee and snacks are provided at this family-friendly event. No admission is charged, but donations are welcome. The community center is located at the Old Red Hill School on state Route 229 south of Kowaliga. For more information, email Paula Castleberry at mcasby53@windstream.net.

Last year's Cruisin' Fer Critters raised more than $8,000 The Predators Riding Club of Montgomery will host its annual motorcycle ride ending at Deja Vu, 121 N. Burbank Dr. in Montgomery. You don’t have to have a motorcycle to participate in the event. Registration will begin at 11 a.m.

Each hand will be $15, which includes an event patch, goodie bag, food and door prize ticket. There will be bike games, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, thrift table and a day of fun. A $5 minimum is required to participate if you don't want to play a hand. Sponsorships are available. For information, call Jack Moseley at 334-657-3026, Keith Warren at 334-398-1317 or Sherri Clower-Kirkley at 334-207-3773.

Women’s & Children’s Boutiques Gift Shops  Art Home Decor & Furnishings Mention that you saw this ad & receive 10% OFF any regular price purchase from Haddie James (vendor #206) 211 HILL STREET WETUMPKA, AL

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes Every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or ID plants and animals; splash through the creek; or catch insects in the meadow.

General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org for information.

Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn Bring a sack lunch to the Elmore County Extension Office in Wetumpka, 340 Queen Ann Rd., from noon to 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month for a gardening presentation hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. The event is free and open to the public. Drinks are provided. For more information, call 334-567-6301 or visit aces.edu/Elmore.

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. Listen to great music, play some cornhole, decorate the sidewalks with chalk and take turns with the hula hoops.

334-478-7056

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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

Aug. 18: Charles Gattis Aug. 25: Brian Erickson Sept. 1: Mickey Morgan Sept. 8: Mark Jackson

Eclectic Trade Days The second Saturday of each month, the City of Eclectic hosts trade days with local vendors from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 145 Main St., next to Town Hall.

A booth is $10 to set up on Trade Days.

For more information, contact Carmen Winslett at 334-201-0092.

Trivia Night at Coosa Cleaver Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., Trivia Factory brings live hosted trivia to Coosa Cleaver’s upstairs 1909 bar. This weekly event is free to play, and gift cards are awarded for top teams each night. Coosa Cleaver is located at 106 Company St. in Wetumpka. For information, visit CoosaCleaver.com.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state Route 63, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you’ll find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital.

Call 334-857-2008 for information.

Roman Catholic Services 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.

To have an event featured in Elmore County Living's 'Coming Up!' pages, email detailed information with date and time to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com by the first of the month.

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R

Flea Market & Antiques BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE STARTING AT $118/MONTH FOR 6’X10’

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

C

Wetumpka

indle the Past, LL K e with Jimmy & Judy

Primitive & Antique Furniture, Tools & Collectibles.

We have everything to design your ‘Man Cave’

Antique Fishing Tackle Collectible Signs Lamps | Tools 334-478-3716

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

Tallassee Health and Rehabilitation, LLC

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

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

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

CALL SUNNY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS TODAY!

334-283-3975

2639 Gilmer Avenue • Tallassee, AL 36078 44

Don’t Forget, We’re On Mobile Too! You can find all the most recent breaking news stories from Elmore County and the River Region right in your back pocket!

Visit us at www.thewetumpkaherald.com

THE WETUMPKA HERALD 334-567-7811 | 300 Green Street, Wetumpka, AL

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Business & Service Directory COSMETOLOGIST WANTED

Karen’s

Mane Tamers Family Hair Care

8711 U.s. Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL

334-514-1958

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

Jan Brown, Amy Passaretti and Elisa Jones

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

DID YOU KNOW? You can find

Elmore County Living at

MILLBROOK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER Stop by and grab one today!

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Toasty tomatoes amp up a traditional Southern snack I

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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don’t want to cause a riot or an uprising, versions and add a kick of my own. I was grillbut I really hate tomato sandwiches. I ing steaks, so throwing on a couple of skewers know they are beloved in the South, but of gorgeous tomatoes was an easy thing. I put why? You take a beautiful homegrown the barest char on them and softened them up or farmer-grown tomato, slice it and then just a tad to release the juices but didn’t grill wedge it into gummy white bread and slather to the point of bursting. That came later. I took on a bucket of mayonnaise. Can you even taste some good Italian bread, cut thick slices and the tomato? Seems to me that the taste of the slathered them in olive oil. Those were tossed tomato just gets lost in all that, well, whiteness. on the grill to toast up. Once the bread was Y’all know I hate mayo. And maybe that is grilled, I rubbed it with a cut clove of garlic just a huge part of my loathing for tomato sandto give a hint of flavor. wiches, but it is also the bread. That white The next part was the most fun. I piled bread disintegrates once tomato juice soaks up the tomatoes on the garlicky bread and in, leaving mayo dripping from my fingers. I smashed them in. It was a most satisfying pop know this to be true because most people eat as each little sphere burst to release a flood the sandwich over the sink! (You know you do, of tomato-y goodness with just a hint of grill too.) But there is something to be said about smoke. Added a sprinkle of salt and a grind of the mix of tomato and bread. The Italians pepper and done. Although the sturdy, toasted have Panzanella: chunks of bread tossed with bread didn’t fall apart, I did eat one right off chunks of tomato, onion and good olive oil. the grill, leaned over the grass. I even had toThe Spanish have mato juice running pan con tomato: down my arm. a piece of toasted The next day, I bread and scrub on did a cheater vera half a tomato until sion. I warmed up a the juice has soaked few leftover grilled into the bread. In tomatoes, popped a fact, this is a favorite slice of bread in the breakfast dish there. toaster and made So I picked up myself a Spanish a basket of cherrybreakfast. The folsized tomatoes at a lowing day, I threw local marker. I say some of those Grilled tomatoes and crusty bread “sized” because this tomatoes in a pan make MK's version of tomato sandwich basket of tomatoes with some olive oil was a mix of all sorts and a clove of garlic of colors and shapes. There were green ovals; until they were just ready to burst and smashed round with a hint of black near the stem; yelthat onto a piece of toasted bread. low, orange and every shade of red. I ate a few So there you have it. A tomato sandwich I raw, but then wondered how to fix them so that love. And I love it so much I’ve eaten one every the extraordinary flavors and colors would not day. No mayo. No white bread. But I have be lost. And thus, tomato toast was born. leaned over the sink to eat one.

I decided to marry the Spanish and Italian

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Event Description Lake Martin Living magazine will host a juried art walk from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 5 in the arts and entertainment district of Alexander City, with an awards reception at 5 p.m. at Lake Martin Area United Way with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Event will include periodic outdoor music.

Art will be on display on Main Street. Other exhibit locations will include Ocie & Belle’s, Lake Martin Pizza Co., Emporium Wine, Fermenter’s Market on the Green and Coffee Corner.

Attendees can place a People’s Choice Award vote inside the following retail stores for a small donation to the ACT II building fund: Cloud Nine, Makers Market, Half Moon Market & Interiors/ Carlisle’s, Downtown Girl, Merle Norman and Froshin’s Clothier.

Entry Details ➡ ➡ ➡ ➡ ➡ ➡ ➡

Now Accepting Submissions through september 20!

➡

➡

Entries must reflect local area or its lifestyle. $15 per entry fee submission.

Limit five entries per person.

Entry deadline is Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. Artwork must delivered to the TPI office, 548 Cherokee Road.

Each entry must be clearly labeled on the back with artist’s name and contact information.

Submission must be ready to hang or provide an easel.

Pick up submissions between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. from United Way or pick up at TPI, between Oct. 7 and Oct. 18.

Each submitting artist will be featured inside the October issue of Lake Martin Living magazine, and one of the first place award pieces will be featured on the cover.

Winners will be recognized in The Alexander City Outlook and The Wetumpka Herald as well.

Sponsors

contest prizes 1ST PLACE: $200 for art & $200 for photography 2

ND

PLACE: $150 for art & $150 for photography

Emporium Wine

3RD PLACE: $100 for art & $100 for photography People’s Choice winner will receive $100

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It’s easy to love the rain when you’re prepared for the storm.

In Alabama, we love the rain. It gives us beautiful forests, a thriving agriculture and even helps power our hydro plants. But a thunderstorm is a different story, especially if the power goes out. Good thing Alabama Power is engineering and incorporating the latest technology to prevent outages and restore power faster than ever. As soon as it’s safe, our whole team works around the clock to get your lights back on. And we keep you informed about our progress.

If you’ve got an outage, we’ve got you covered.

Report online at AlabamaPower.com/reliable.

Or call our 24/7 outage support line at 1-800-888-APCO (2726).

© 2019 Alabama Power Company