Elmore County Living September 2018

Elmore

September 2018

County Living

FOR THE LOVE OF ART

Pro Football Dreams n Murals Showcase History

Your Business Should Be

HERE!

Advertising GROWS Business So, Advertise with the BEST ECL is the River Region’s preium coffee table magazine with more in-depth features and more faces from around the area.

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Elmore County Living

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

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Art & Photography Contest 2018 Event Description Art and photography entries will be exhibited at Gallery 128 in downtown Alexander City through the month of October with an opening celebration/reception the evening of Oct. 1. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be available; People’s Choice votes will be cast and counted; ribbons and prizes will be awarded; and door prizes will be given away. Tickets to the event will be $10 each.

Sponsors

- Main Street Alexander City - Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin - Art Walk 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Children’s Harbor

- Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., The Alexander City Outlook and The Wetumpka Herald - Gallery 128/ Emporium Wine - Hobby Lobby

Judges - Barbara Davis (Art) - Kenneth Boone (Photography) Entry Details - Entries must reflect the local area or its lifestyles.

- $10 entry fee per submission – each entry includes one ticket to reception and one vote for People’s Choice award.

- Limit three entries per person.

- Entry deadline Sept. 21. Bring artwork to TPI by 5 p.m.

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

- Submissions must be ready to hang.

- Pick up submissions after Oct. 26 at Emporium Wine/Gallery 128.

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

- Winners will be recognized in The Alexander City Outlook and The Wetumpka Herald Contest Prizes

1st Place: $200 (Art); $100 (Photography) 2nd Place: $150 (Art); $75 (Photography) 3rd Place: $100 (Art); $50 (Photography) People’s Choice winner will receive art supplies gift certificate.

Now accepting submissions through September 21, 2018.

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin

Gallery 128

Emporium Wine

TPI

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

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From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

When I first heard that a professional Canadian football player resided in Wetumpka during his offseason, I just knew I had to find out why. It’s no surprise though, that the small town feel, welcoming residents and active downtown of the area appeal to this family man of three.

Bear Woods, linebacker for the Toronto Argonauts, played football at Troy University where he met his wife Jennifer, who was a cheerleader and is originally from Tallassee.

Though they both had a short stint with the Atlanta Falcons, after Woods signed with the CFL, the couple decided to reside close to family.

Not being particularly knowledgeable about sports, I also learned the exciting differences between NFL and CFL. Read about the sport and Woods’ story on page 14.

Aside from international athletic exposure, Elmore County is a draw in the art world. Marcia Weber, one of the top art dealers of self-taught artists in the country, recently settled her gallery in downtown Wetumkpa.

When Betsy Iler first returned from her interview with Weber, she raved about the fascinating story and cultural ties that Weber possesses. From being a personal friend to legendary artist Mose T to assisting lesser-known names in realizing their artistic talent, Weber has impacted the folk art world tremendously.

Read just a fraction of her tale on page 22, and catch a glimpse of some of the pieces she deals.

From Eclectic’s deeply rooted history in its cotton production, evident through permanent murals in town and celebrated through its annual Cotton Festival, to Millbrook’s growing list of events to increase traffic to the city, Elmore County continues to gain exposure.

Mover & Shaker Jerry Cunningham is the newest executive director for the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce and has made it his personal mission to shed light on the town he holds dear to his heart. Cunningham hopes to promote Tallassee in a way that highlights the people and businesses that make up its core. Read about his personal admiration for Tallassee on page 12.

As Elmore County continues to expand its reach, I for one am excited to see what’s in store for the future.

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 Consultant Marilyn Hawkins

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

Marketing Consultant Kat Raiford

kat.raiford@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Kenneth Boone Jeff Langham Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor MK Moore

Larry Johnson Amalia Kortright Barry Chrietzberg Linda Lewis Marla Ruskin

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

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

Amy Passaretti, Editor

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER Marcia Weber opened her folk art gallery in downtown Wetumpka.

Weber features mainly selftaught artists and has made personal relationships with many of them.

Photo by Barry Chrietzberg

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Columns

Features 8

Murals Honor Eclectic

20

Back in the Day

11

Cotton Celebration

28

Movie Man

14

Bear Woods Lives Large

30

The Gamer

18

New Exhibit at The Kelly

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Southern Delights

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Folk Tales

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Play the Pines

History Told Through Art Annual Festival Returns

CFL Player Resides in Wetumpka Art Featured from Southeast

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Robinson Springs Village Unfamiliar Titles from A-Z Nintendo Switch Competes The Cake Theory

Gallery Features Self-Taught Artists

In Every Issue 6

Extra! Extra!

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Mover & Shaker

32

Out & About

40

Coming Up

44

Where to Find Us

News Briefs

Tallassee's Jerry Cunningham In Elmore County Fun for Everyone Distribution List

MACC Hosts Four-Man Scramble

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Bicentennial Projects Chosen Gov. Kay Ivey recently selected Elmore County High School and Wetumpka Middle School as Bicentennial Schools for their community service projects.

ECHS will be writing a children’s book that recounts the history of Eclectic, which will be a collaborative effort with Eclectic Elementary School.

The finished book will be distributed to all fourth graders.

WMS will be working to organize a Taste of Wetumpka event and put together a cookbook from traditional family recipes.

These two schools were chosen along with 200 others throughout the state and will each receive $2,000 grants to fund their projects.

The schools were recognized in Montgomery by Gov. Ivey on Aug. 3.

DoeNation duo expands its reach Bret Williams and Steven Caudle of DoeNation Outdoors LLC., combine their passion of hunting with their calling to serve.

As exclusive bow hunters, the pair only hunts doe for population control. The two then give the harvested venison to deer processors where it is processed and donated to local food pantries. They also accept donations from others through their select processors at no charge to the hunter. A+ Deer Processing in Wetumpka and The Skinning Shak in Tallassee process venison donated to DoeNation for free.

Last season, Williams and Caudle fed families in Wetumpka, Millbrook, Eclectic, Tallassee and other surrounding communities. This year, they are expanding their reach even farther to Lee County.

Putts Fore Paws The inaugural Putts Fore Paws golf tournament at Emerald Mountain Golf Club in support of the Elmore County Humane Society was a success with 15 foursomes participating.

Money was raised to help the efforts at the shelter and support Elmore County pets in need.

Alabama News Network helped organize the event, and five sponsors supported the cause, along with hole sponsors for added prizes throughout the day.

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Extra!

Extra!

News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Wins for Wetumpka

Joe and Torrie Champion with Dennis Fain

Main Street Wetumpka was the recipient of two major awards at the fifth annual Awards of Excellence on Main Street Alabama Day during Main Street’s aLABoratory.

The organization was recognized for its Excellence in Fundraising for its Wine Pull fundraiser and Excellence in Placemaking for its Tulotoma Snail Trail cultivating place project. Volunteer Joe Champion was the recipient of the Main Street Wetumpka Community Award.

Thundercats roar to the top at nationals After 16 hours, five games and one rain delay, the River Region Thundercats came home with a national championship trophy.

The United States Specialty Sports Association held its annual national tournament for fast-pitch softball last month in Gulf Shores. The Thundercats, who were represented by players from Elmore County, Wetumpka and Tallassee, competed in the 16-and-under tournament.

The team of 10 players represented five different high schools.

Sinclair Cole is from Tallassee while Sierra Black goes to Wetumpka.

C.J. Thornton, Madison Britt, Maci Curlee, Ebone Pierson, Madelyn Becker and Alyssa Beam attend Elmore County. Hanna Parker is at Brewbaker Magnet School and Kailey Voland attends Prattville.

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This mural on the side of Eclectic Warehouse was painted during the town's centennial celebration

Murals honor Eclectic history Story & Photos by Amy Passaretti

T

he town of Eclectic was formed in 1907, and its annual Cotton Festival celebrates the area’s history and development.

Two murals were painted on buildings downtown in 2007 to celebrate the centennial celebration of the town’s establishment. Each year at the Cotton Festival, these symbolize life in the 1900s and the driving economic force of the cotton industry.

Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport, his daughter Stephenie, his wife Debbie and Marie Powell, an art teacher at Elmore County High School, had their hands in the murals' creation.

“Thomas Corum, who was mayor two terms ago, wanted me to be more active in the community and asked me to head up the mural project in 2006,” said Gary Davenport.

Since Stephenie was an art student at ECHS, she recruited the help of Powell, along with some other

Woman from the 1900s

Man from the 1900s

Horse-and-buggy was a main form of transportation A vintage car and group of friends attending a softball game

The train represents the movement of cotton students. After brainstorming ideas, they asked the permission of local business owners to paint on the buildings and began working in early summer of 2007.

“The first month was all prepping of the walls. We had to seal holes, concrete, caulk; and then, use about 10-15 gallons of exterior Kilz as a base,” said Davenport.

The first mural is located on the side of the Eclectic Warehouse and focuses on historical symbols of the area, including a cotton ball, a picture of people from the 1900s, cotton fields and a train.

“Someone came up with the idea of the train shed that used to cross Highway 63 and return back to Tallassee. It’s an important part of the history because it’s how the cotton was moved,” Davenport added.

The second mural faces state Route 63 on the side of Original Grace Boutique. Davenport said this one is a bit classier and includes a horse-and-buggy, an old car and people from the 1900s attending a softball

game.

“We used an overhead projector to reflect the image on the wall so we could trace the images. We would come out at night to work on it,” said Davenport. “As we got started, we found out different times of the day that worked better based on the sun’s location.”

After the color palette was chosen, ECHS students helped fill in the appropriate paint on the traced images.

“In total we had about eight or nine people of all ages contribute to the project,” said Davenport.

Both murals took about four and a half months to complete in all, and they were recognized at that year’s Cotton Festival.

“We’ve had to touch up the murals twice so far because the old bricks tend to deteriorate, and the paint fades with the sun,” said Davenport. “We hope to someday put up about three or four more that are historic in nature.”

The festival brings thousands to Eclectic

Cotton Celebration

T

Story by Amy Passaretti

he historic cotton town of Eclectic reaches extended capacity of about 4,000 visitors when its Cotton Festival celebration rolls around.

This year’s 26th annual festival will be held Oct. 13 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Eclectic with some fan-favorite activities and the return of some past events.

Mayor Gary Davenport said this celebration would be more family-focused with a big emphasis on the free kids’ zone and a DJ playing music throughout the day.

The kids’ zone has expanded to include pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, inflatables and more fun and games for children of all ages to enjoy.

The String Alongs, a ukulele group from the public library, will perform, along with a demonstration of cloggers. There will be a storyteller on site telling stories around the cotton era.

Kicking off the day at 7 a.m., the Cotton Run 5k is being brought back to the agenda. There will be a 1-mile fun run after, and both will take place through downtown.

Young ladies will vie for the coveted tiaras at Alabama’s Cotton Queen pageant, which will take place on the main stage in front of Town Hall. The crowns of Alabama Cotton Queens will be awarded to girls up to 19 years old, with one winner per age group. There is a small fee to enter, which covers the cost of trophies and other pageant awards.

In addition to the many vendors that will line Main Street and First Avenue featuring a variety of goods and food, there will be a variety of contests. Along with the yearly car show that displays restored, antique or newer

vehicles, there will be vintage tractors exhibited as well, along with antique military vehicles.

This year’s dog show will have a small entrance fee of $3, and the funds will go to the Humane Society of Elmore County. Awards will go to Best Rescue, Best Dressed, Best Smile, Voter’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice and Best-in-Show.

The annual art and photography contest has a fee associated as well, and the theme is representative of the 200th anniversary of the State of Alabama. This subject could be in the form of people, places or events. There are two contests open to artists of all ages. The first is open to any medium, and entries will be judged on creativity, composition, use of pattern, texture, value, color and overall theme.

The second is a photo contest, which is open to any subject, including people, animals and landscapes or floral.

The artwork and photographs will be on display Oct. 13 at the Cotton Festival.

A Sweet Treats baking contest will return after a threeyear hiatus. The contest is open to three categories: cookies, bars and brownies; cakes; and other. Recipes must be original creations of each contestant.

Last year’s inaugural chicken races were so popular that they will once again compete to be the fastest fowl.

Fire safety week will run in conjunction with Cotton Festival this year, so the fire department will be on site with safety tips and applications for smoke alarms.

Don’t miss out on the whirlwind of entertainment that passes through the town each year to kick off the fall season. Visit Town Hall at 145 Main St. for registration forms for each contest. Call 334-541-3581 for more information.

Mover & Shaker

J

Tallassee's Chamber Director Jerry Cunningham Story by Amy Passaretti & Photo by Carmen Rodgers

erry Cunningham may be new to his position as Tallassee Chamber of Commerce executive director, but he is very familiar with the town he is working toward cultivating. Its evident through his juggling act of community participation that Cunningham believes in the success of Tallassee.

Cunningham moved to Tallassee 40 years ago from Buffalo, New York, and loves the smalltown lifestyle. He said the heart of the community lies in its business owners; and therefore, supporting their growth is a job that comes to him naturally.

“It took about a year at first to get acclimated from a bit of culture shock when I moved here, but I have built a life here now and can’t imagine living anywhere else,” said Cunningham.

He officially took the job as executive director at the beginning of 2018 with a main focus on highlighting all the businesses in town.

Cunningham said after working at the mill for three years when he was younger, it gave him a deep appreciation for the workforce.

“People really seem to care about what it is they’re doing because they see the value in their jobs and the success it can bring to the town,” he added. “That’s exactly what I see in small businesses here as well. They have to work, or they don’t thrive.”

Cunningham is no stranger to work, as he balances this job, coaching high school golf; organizing the fine arts program at the high school; directing the chancel choir at First Methodist Church; announcing the high school football games; and heading up the McCraney

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Cottle Arts Council with his wife, Donna. When his son was younger, he also coached youth league baseball.

“Always be valuable wherever you go. I know I see the value of this town, and I never got up dreading going to any job I’ve had here,” said Cunningham.

His personal philosophy is to always go the extra mile at work and exceed expectations beyond what is asked.

All of his grown children have the same admiration for their hometown that they too, moved back home to Jerry Cunningham Tallassee after college or a temporary move away.

Cunningham said the town is a great place to rear a family. Donna was born and raised in Tallassee and is now a teacher in the elementary school, along with their daughter.

The new executive director said he is still trying to figure out his professional philosophy in this role by determining what matters the most to town residents.

Cunningham holds the relationships built among people in Tallassee dear to his heart and his values.

“I enjoy watching people grow up and being involved in so many things. The small business owners want to be a part of the community.

They live here and want to see it succeed, which makes them a huge asset,” he added.

One of the ways he’s championing for the local businesspeople is by spotlighting the more established businesses weekly in The Tallassee Tribune. On the radio, Cunningham is trying to shed light on newly established businesses. After this year, he will reverse the exposure.

“I am still working to learn the job ... but without the business owners, Tallassee would not be what it is today,” said Cunningham.

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Wetumpka

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

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Bear's Big Dreams Canadian Football League linebacker resides in Wetumpka during off-season

D

Story by Amy Passaretti & Photos Courtesy of CFL

uring last year’s Canadian Football League Grey Cup, Bear Woods assisted the Toronto Argonauts with an impressive win.

The linebacker had signed with the underdog team in June 2017 and has been playing professional football for nine years.

In the off months, Woods is a family man who enjoys the simple life of Wetumpka, Alabama,

where he has settled with his wife and three children, ages 5, 3 and newborn.

“I love the state of Alabama and Elmore County. My family is very into the downtown area – anything going on at Gold Star Park or within walking distance, especially,” said Woods, who is originally from a small, country town in Florida.

After graduating from Troy University where he met his wife, Jennifer, who was a cheerleader at the time, Woods was drafted to the Atlanta Bear, Bo Winston, Winsley, Jennifer and newborn Windham

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Woods joined the Toronto Argonauts in June 2017

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The linebacker helped lead his CFL team to a Grey Cup victory last season

Falcons. Jennifer, a Tallassee native, followed suit and cheered alongside him for his two-year stint.

When Woods received a call from the CFL after he was released from the Falcons, he had hoped Jennifer would join him there as well, but with children in the picture, they decided to retain their home base in Wetumpka.

“The CFL is the next best thing to the NFL. I knew some people that had played there, and I was familiar with it but was unsure of all the rules. After seven years though, I’m a little biased,” said Woods.

The CFL is played similarly to the NFL, except the field is bigger and play varies slightly. There are 12 players on the field for every play, which includes an extra receiver and extra defensive back. Another big difference is that there are only three downs in a play instead of four, and receivers can get a head start before the ball is snapped.

“There are some other rules and caveats that make it unique, but it is by far the most entertaining football out there,” Woods added. “There are faster-skilled players, smaller guys are eligible to play, and it’s just a quickerpaced game. You can’t turn the channel on a CFL game.”

With a 20-second play clock and a three-minute warning, a game can take a drastic turn at any moment, explained Woods. There are 18 regular season games, up to three play-off games and two pre-season games that run from June to November.

“From when I left Troy in 2009, so many more people

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keep up with the CFL now than what they did years ago,” said Woods.

Every CFL game could be watched on ESPN2 weekly with DirecTV, Dish or Comcast; or online at ESPN3.

After a few injuries, including a broken hand and hyper-extended hip, along with back surgery recovery, Woods’ missteps along the way have only made his accomplishments that much sweeter. When the Argonauts played in the Grey Cup, Woods didn’t realize its significance until afterward.

“At the moment, it was just another football game for me because I was the older veteran in the locker room.

Looking back at it, it was such an epic experience,” Woods said. “We were the worst team in the league to win the Grey Cup.” When the Argonauts entered the field that day, the snow was so intense that the players could barely see 15 feet in front of them and couldn’t see the stands at all, he said.

“I felt like a little kid out there getting to play in that environment,” Woods added.

While Woods’ family typically joins him from June to November in Canada, with his oldest daughter starting kindergarten this year, they had to remain in Wetumpka.

“We stay very active down in Wetumpka. The offseason has been tremendous for my family and me and has given us a quality of life like no other. I get to spend

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seven months of the year with my kids, which is incredible,” the father of three added.

Woods said they chose Wetumpka for its proximity to his wife’s family, along with the easy access to Montgomery.

Aside from quality time with family and friends, Woods stays in shape during the off-season and enjoys hunting and fishing. He also plays some guitar and is very involved in the First Baptist Church of Tallassee, teaching Sunday school and volunteering where needed.

“We all love the game of football, but football loves nobody. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. You learn to appreciate every chance you get to play in a game,” said Woods. “It’s just a kid’s game getting to tackle grown men for a living.”

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The exhibit will feature artwork from Southeast art organizations' members

Southeast Showcase New exhibit at The Kelly features local art Story and Photos by Linda Lewis

A

rt is essential to life.

Whether it’s a painting, sculpture, dance, song or soliloquy, art allows those who appreciate it to process life on a different level. Its importance brings meaning to life and connects people.

Come share the joy of art at The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery during the Showcase Central Alabama Exhibition. This display opened Sept. 10 at the gallery, which is located in downtown Wetumpka inside City Hall.

Alabama art guilds, groups and councils all contributed to this beautiful showcase of art, which will be on display until Jan. 3, 2019. This latest exhibition features artists from Central Alabama, and the genres range from oils, abstracts, realism, metal sculptures and photography just to name a few.

There are 117 pieces in the collection, coming from 41 artists, and all are available for purchase.

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“This is a really unique exhibit because this is the first time any art organization in Alabama has had an exhibit from art guilds around the state,” said Carol Hickman, president of The Kelly Board of Directors.

Nine art organizations participated in juried art events to have their best works included in the show. Participating groups include Auburn Open Studio; Society of Arts and Crafts from Montgomery; Montgomery Art Guild; Central Alabama Art Guild from Shelby County and Vestavia; Elmore County Art Guild from Wetumpka; Artist Association of Central Alabama from Alexander City; Big Fish Studio from Wetumpka; Pratautauga Art Guild from Prattville; and Art Quest Studio from Wetumpka.

The artists’ reception for this collection will be held Sept. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the awards’ ceremony taking place at 6 p.m. Hosted by The Kelly, the reception is a great opportunity for networking, and food and beverages will be avail-

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able. Most importantly, guests could get to know the artists in attendance and discuss the details of their works.

Hickman added that nfor an extra special touch to a gift, include a photo with the artist along with a purchased piece. She said now is a great time to start thinking about Christmas as well, and art is a wonderful, lasting, memorable gift for any member of the family.

For the holidays, The Kelly will host an Artists’ Market on Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be open to the public and include artwork for purchase from local talent.

To find out more information about events at The Kelly, check out the Facebook page or visit theKelly. org. The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery is located upstairs at 408 S. Main Street and open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Playing House

by Nada Boner

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Robinson Springs Village

Robinson Springs United Methodist Church

The focal point of town in the 1800s

Larry Johnson

BACK IN THE DAY Larry Johnson now lives in

Robinson Springs, just a few miles south of where he grew up

Elmore, Alabama. in

I have at times wondered what enticed noble and prominent families to select Robinson Springs as their homesteads during the great migration after the Alabama territory was opened in 1817.

Robinson Springs acquired its name from an artesian spring that exists on the land acquired by the Tod Robinson family, one of the first pioneers to the area. Often referred to as the Robinson Springs Village by many locals, it was originally located in Autauga County but became part of Elmore County when it was established in 1866.

What constitutes the village is difficult to identify because it has never had definite boundaries.

Currently located within the city limits of Millbrook, Robinson Springs was perhaps best described by Archibald Harris, a descendant of early pioneer Archibald McKeithen of Thornfield Plantation (1818) as “more a state of mind than a definite place, since it included a radius, dominated for years by the Church, of over 5 miles.”

This nucleus of Church, Academy, Masonic Lodge and a few residents became an extremely well known and attractive focal point in the middle years of the 19th century.

One could easily be impressed with the nobility and actions of the families who chose to settle in very close proximity to Robinson Springs. The first governor of the Autauga territory – and of Alabama after it became a state – William Wyatt Bibb, resided within 2 miles of Robinson Springs at present day Coosada and is buried there in the family cemetery.

His brother Peyton Dandridge Bibb, a Methodist minister, riverboat entrepreneur and planter, was the founding pastor of the historical Robinson Springs United Methodist Church located in the heart of Robinson Springs. Gen. John Archer Elmore, for whom Elmore County is named, chose a location on Mortar Creek just a few miles from Robinson Springs. Gen. Elmore served during the American Revolution and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. He later served in the South Carolina legislature and also represented Autauga County in the Alabama legislature before his death in 1834.

Just down the road from Gen. Elmore lived his son-in-law, the Hon. Benjamin Fitzpatrick – governor of Alabama, United States senator and nominee for vice president of the United States on the democratic ticket with Stephen A. Douglas in 1860.

Col. Albert J. Pickett resided for a time at Robinson Springs when writing the first history of Alabama; and there, he married Sarah Smith Harris. Sidney Lanier, the famous poet and author, at one time resided at Robinson Springs across the street from Col. Pickett. The Hon. Bolling Hall – former legislator and U.S. congressman from Georgia – made his home within the focal point of Robinson Springs at a place called Edgewood before it became Millbrook.

As the pioneer families settled into the frontier, their numbers increased. Intermarriage was inevitable – not as much up or down but more laterally within social classes. Benjamin Fitzpat-

rick married John Archer Elmore’s daughter. There were others, such as the Goodwyn family, which chose property in Robinson Springs. That area is presently taken up primarily by state Route 14, which runs through the northern portion of Millbrook and is the primary business district of the city.

Albert Gallatin Goodwyn, a physician from Mount Meigs near Montgomery, married Harriet Bibb, daughter of Peyton Bibb, and they made their home at Robinson Springs. Their union produced a connection to the 10th President of the United States, John Tyler, when their son Albert Taylor Goodwyn married Priscilla Cooper Tyler. Priscilla’s father, Robert Tyler, the son of the president, resided in Montgomery during the war where he served as a confederate treasury official and editor of The Montgomery Advertiser.

Albert Taylor and Priscilla Goodwyn made their home on the Goodwyn family property at Robinson Springs.

Col. Goodwyn served as a representative in the Alabama legislature and in the U.S. Senate. Their son, Tyler Goodwyn, for whom the famous Tyler Goodwyn Bridge is named, also served in the Alabama legislature and served as the circuit clerk for Elmore County. The Tyler

Goodwyn Bridge over the Alabama River was the primary connection that provided access into the Capitol City of Montgomery from west Elmore County.

Priscilla Goodwyn was civic-minded and very much involved in the activities of the fledging communities of Robinson Springs, Coosada and Millbrook – once referred to as the tri-communities because they were so closely linked by proximity and family. The Priscilla Goodwyn Civic Club was established in her honor and gave the women of the area voices in community development long before Millbrook was incorporated as a city in 1976.

So, why did these wonderful and honorable people choose Robinson Springs? I have decided that they just thought it was a nice place to live.

It is a nice place to live, albeit a little more crowded than back in the day. I am proud and happy to be a citizen of Robinson Springs in the City of Millbrook on land that was once owned by the Rev. Peyton Dandridge Bibb. I stand in awe of these brave and prominent founding citizens of Elmore County, Alabama and the United States.

The Wetumpka Depot Players Tickets 334-868-1440 or Wetumpkadepot.com

300 S. Main St. in Historic Downtown Wetumpka

Marcia Weber recently opened her gallery in downtown Wetumpka

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Folk Tales Wetumpka gallery features self-taught artists Story by Betsy Iler Photos by Betsy Iler and Courtesy of Marcia Weber

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arcia Weber moved her collection of self-taught artists’ works to Wetumpka last month, and with it, she brought her passion for Alabama’s outsider artists, as well as a wealth of knowledge about a genre that has only recently joined the mainstream art market.

“Alabama is now known for the cream of the crop of self-taught painters,” Weber explained from the office corner she carved out of the salon-style gallery next door to the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce. “Self-taught means throwing out all the rules.

These are artists who have no academic art education.

They never learned the fine art rules. Their works are a juxtaposition of color, styles and subject matter – so much fun!”

Her gallery carries works by Bill Traylor, a pioneer of the self-taught art movement; Mose Tolliver, whose name needs no introduction in the world of art; B.F. Perkins; Hope Atkinson; Thornton Dial; Jimmy Lee Sudduth; Ruth Robinson and Woodie Long, just to name a few. These artists – outsiders who, until recently, were shunned by the fine art world – are now exhibited with honor at the Smithsonian Institute and in prestigious galleries in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, on the West Coast and around the world.

And Weber, an ambassador for the artists, is excited to bring their works – and their collectors – to downtown Wetumpka.

“I have a feeling about Wetumpka. I love this town,” she said. “It reminds me of a small SoHo. Other art entities have a presence here – Dixie Art Colony, The Kelly. There’s a synergy pulling in collectors.”

Collectors are Weber’s clients. They don’t buy art as a decoration to fill space on an empty wall; rather, they invest in pieces that speak to them, that both feed and satisfy a passion. It’s Weber’s job to match that passion with the pure, untrained and, often, innocent expression of self-taught artists who paint from the heart.

Though Weber came to her calling quite by accident – she was pursuing a graduate education in fine arts at the time – her passion has lead her to shepherd many of the genre’s leading artists, including Mose T and Sudduth (now deceased).

She met Mose T through a temporary position with the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art. Weber graduated Birmingham-Southern College with a degree in studio painting, taught art in public school, married and had embarked on a four-month EuroRail tour of Europe before her husband took a groundbreaking software-writing job in Montgomery.

“I was planning to get my Master of Fine Arts degree, to study at Auburn University under Hugh Williams and teach painting in a college. I was not planning to stay long at the Montgomery Museum job. I just wanted to earn enough money to buy a car, so I could commute to Auburn for classes,” she explained.

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Peacock Bird

by Brenda Davis

Cherokee Love Birds

by B F Perkins

As it turned out, Mose Tolliver lived only two blocks from the museum then, and the curators were all up in pieces about his art but couldn’t understand a word he said.

“They were from the Upper East, and they didn’t understand his dialect. They needed an interpreter. I was from the South, so they asked me to go with them to Mose’s house to collect some biographical information,” Weber explained.

Weber confessed that she didn’t appreciate Mose’s work at the time.

“I was looking at it through my fine-art glasses, and I was clueless,” she said. “But he was just the sweetest guy.”

In 1982, the prestigious Corcoran Gallery in Washington D.C. mounted an exhibition and published a catalog and included in it some of Mose T’s work. With no other means of contacting the artist, interested art collectors sent inquiries for Mose to the museum, and it became Weber’s ministry to carry a bucket of mail to the artist’s house. As Mose T did not read or write,

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she often read the mail to him and penned his responses.

“It became an every day visit. At the end of the workday, I would avoid rush hour traffic and go to Mose’s house and help him sell his art. Eventually, I took him to the bank and drove him around on his errands,” she said.

And through these visits, she came to value the works of the self-taught artist, though she still dreamed of going back to grad school and teaching painting.

“I really had a passion for living artists, so I applied and got a grant for a living artists’ gallery. It included startup expenses but not a salary or venue. I put out the word and ended up directing this nonprofit gallery on a help-youalong basis: The first year, the landlord didn’t charge utilities and rent; then, just rent the next year and so on,” she said.

When she had two children and still kept the gallery as a volunteer job for five years, she recognized that grad school was a distant dream.

She then took a position to start and direct a

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Dauphin Island Pier

by Ruth Robinson

Coke Bottle

by Howard Finster

gallery in Montgomery with a national focus.

But on the side, she continued to collect personally and aid the uneducated artists, and she earned a reputation as a trustworthy, reliable source of assistance.

“It’s part art dealer, part social work.

These artists didn’t have any concept of what their work was worth. They would take an I.O.U. for a valuable piece of art and not even know that the piece of paper didn’t have a name or an address or price anywhere on it, and they had just been robbed,” she said.

“One day, I got a call from someone who wanted me to help a friend whose husband had recently died. She needed to dispose of some of his things,” Weber said.

That day, Weber found a bag containing 10 original Traylor works painted on gutter cardboard and fashioned with string for hanging, she knew the pieces were exceptional and important because of her work at the museum. Otherwise, the pieces may have

been thrown away.

“My friend explained that in 1939, her husband had been a member of the New South group. Her husband had worked at a soda fountain downtown and used to sneak food out the back to this homeless man. It was Bill Traylor,” Weber said.

Traylor (1854-1949) was born into slavery in Alabama and spent most of his life as a sharecropper. In his early 80s, he moved to Montgomery and began to paint while living on the street. He was promoted by the New South School and Gallery, a short-lived but influential movement that encouraged artists of all backgrounds and economic classes.

Several years later, the gallery Weber directed published an ad for the works in a folk art magazine, and she received a call from Judy Saslow, a renowned collector in Chicago who had a particular interest in Bill Traylor.

“She bought six of the 10 works the next day,” Weber said. “This provided some

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needed money to the widow.”

Weber eventually formed a friendship with Saslow, who appreciated her knowledge and research on the outsider artists. And while Weber continued her gallery work with a national dealer, Saslow mentored her and encouraged Weber to open her own art business promoting the Alabama artists she loved. Within a month, Weber had opened Marcia Weber Objects, Inc., in Montgomery.

That was 27 years ago. Through the years, the gallery has presented 19 New York shows and many others in Atlanta and Chicago.

Her circle of artists grew whenever she traveled. She found papier-maché artist Hope Atkinson in a barn on the Wisconsin shore of Lake Superior. Her interest has taken her to the West Coast and the Upper East, but her true love is the work of Alabama artists – work that tells the story of their lives, culture, poverty, perseverance and the beauty they behold in it.

“Starting a gallery really was an answer to the problem of not enough room at our house to store what I had collected,” Weber said.

When she moved the gallery to downtown Wetumpka last month, Weber downsized, bringing only 1,200 works that cover the walls and are stacked across the floor. Each piece tells a story, relates a point of view and recalls memories from a disappearing culture.

“We really need a museum in Alabama devoted to this important art that leaves our state constantly,” she added.

Marcia Weber Art Objects is located at 118 E. Bridge St., Wetumpka, and is open by appointment. For information, call 334-262-5349 or visit marciaweberartobjects.com.

Mose T and Weber in 1995

Weber and Jimmie Lee Sudduth

Weber with Woodie Long in 2009

Hope Atkinson, 1991

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Toyful Story of Chaos in our Times

by Hope Atkinson Fishing

by Mose T

Woman in the Workforce

by Thornton Dial

Painted box from Purvis Young's Red Alley era

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Unfamiliar Titles from A-Z

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’s time for yet another list of recommendations for movies that you’ve probably never seen or movies that you may have seen and are worthy of a revisit. My disclaimer is that not every movie on this list may have artistic merit, but I can almost guarantee that some, if not all, of these movies may easily become personal favorites. In alphabetical order, here are a few suggestions for surfing, streaming or purchasing movie treats.

About Time (2013) – A young man gifted with time travel tries to change his past to impact his future. Written and directed by Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral), this delightful romance stars Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy.

Black Sunday (1977) – One of director John Frankenheimer’s (The Manchurian Candidate) best thrillers features a race against time to thwart a terrorist attack (utilizing the Goodyear Blimp as a weapon of mass destruction) at the Super Bowl. This is an edge-of-the-seat nail-biter.

Cross Creek (1983) – Directed by Martin Ritt (Norma Rae), this is a lovely, lyrical film starring Mary Steenburgen as The Yearling author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and is based on the author’s 1942 memoir, Cross Creek.

Dreamer (2005) – This beautifully rendered film stars Kurt Russell, Kris Kristofferson, Elisabeth Shue and Dakota Fanning. A crippled

horse; a spirited girl; a family seeking redemption – all these elements blend together into a story that, while predictable, will nonetheless both excite and bring about tears by the final credits.

Edge of Tomorrow (2014) – Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star in this mesmerizing story centered around a futuristic battle with space aliens.

Fearless (1993) – Celebrated director Peter Weir (Witness, Dead Poets Society), and stars Jeff Bridges and Isabella Rossellini, create an unforgettable film experience here. Bridges is an airline crash survivor dealing with the devastating aftermath of this event and subsequently provides one of the best performances of his career.

Guarding Tess (1994) – Shirley MacLaine plays a fictional former First Lady and Nicolas Cage serves as one of the hapless Secret Service agents assigned to protect her. Their mutual journey from resentment to respect provides a highly entertaining film experience.

Henry Poole is Here (2008) – This challenging and unusual film focuses on a dying man whose religious neighbor insists the water stain on the side wall of his house is an image of Jesus Christ. This is a humorous and thought-provoking examination of faith that is not to be missed.

In Country (1989) – Legendary director Norman Jewison is at the helm of the emotionally powerful drama of the shattering aftermath of

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the Vietnam War on one blue collar family. Bruce Willis gives one of his best performances in this unforgettable film.

Jeremy (1973) – Teen stars from yesteryear, Robby Benson and Glynnis O’Connor, play two high school students, who share a brief and bittersweet romance.

Kotch (1971) – Curmudgeon Walter Matthau rejuvenates his life when he strikes up a friendship with a pregnant teenaged girl.

The Last Emperor (1987) – Winner of nine Academy Awards – including Best Picture and Best Director (Bernardo Bertolucci) – this is a fascinating biopic about the life of Puyi, the last Emperor of China.

Men Don’t Leave (1990) – Jessica Lange has never been better in the role of a housewife who, after the death of her husband, moves with her two sons to Baltimore, Maryland. Humor and heartbreak ensue.

Nothing in Common (1986) – Directed by Garry Marshall, this dramedy stars Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason (in his last film role) as son and father who have become estranged from each other and their journey to rebuild their relationship.

Only When I Laugh (1981) – Marsha Mason scored an Oscar nomination for this story of an alcoholic Broadway actress fighting to stay sober while navigating the problems of her teenaged daughter (Kristy McNichol).

Legendary playwright Neil Simon wrote the screenplay.

Pete n Tillie (1972) – Acclaimed director Martin Ritt helmed this comedy-drama starring Walter Matthau and Carol Burnett in the title roles.

The Quiller Memorandum (1966) – This film is a crackling spy thriller featuring George Segal and Max von Sydow.

Resurrection (1980) – The story of a woman who survives the car accident that kills her husband, and then discovers that she has the power to heal other people.

This gripping and thought-provoking film stars Ellen Burstyn in a riveting Oscar-nominated performance.

Seconds (1966) – This science-fiction thriller, directed

by John Frankenheimer, features Rock Hudson in a role that is a startling departure from his lighthearted antics in Doris Day movies.

Testament (1983) – Heartbreaking, yet ultimately life affirming, this film tells the story of daily living in the aftermath of a nuclear war. Jane Alexander delivers an extraordinary Oscar-nominated performance.

Up the Sandbox (1972) – Barbra Streisand celebrates feminism in this story of a harried housewife with an active fantasy life.

The Vanishing (1988) – A couple stop at a roadside market. The girlfriend vanishes. Years later, her grieving boyfriend encounters a man who may hold the key to her disappearance. What happens next will haunt long after the final frames of this film.

Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (1993) – Hollywood veterans Richard Harris, Robert Duvall, Shirley MacLaine and Piper Laurie in this poignant portrait of the challenges of growing old gracefully.

Xanadu (1980) – A corny, but captivating, musical that blends genres and star power with Olivia Newton-John and screen legend Gene Kelly.

Yanks (1979) – This is a lush period drama set during World War II in Northern England, directed by John Schlesinger (Midnight Cowboy) and starring Richard Gere, Vanessa Redgrave and William Devane.

Zorro, the Gay Blade (1981) – George Hamilton shines in this hilarious swashbuckler spoof in which he plays the dual role of Don Diego de la Vega (Zorro) and his gay twin brother Bunny Wigglesworth.

So go forth! Surf the television channels, stream the flicks or walk the home video aisles to track down these movie treats.

Until next month …

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Nintendo Switch joins the competition Great games give other consoles a run for their money

Jacob Saylor

THE GAMER Video games journalist

Jacob Saylor has covered the massive

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles.

Follow Jacob on Twitter @skulldrey.

Nintendo has been working hard to play catch-up this console generation with its Switch console, facing down contenders in the form of Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One. It’s chipped out its own share of the market, and there’s no secret as to how this foothold was achieved: it’s the great games!

That’s why we’re looking at 10 video games that have made the Switch a success in today’s highly competitive gaming space.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Treasure Tracker had a pretty swell release back on the Wii U in 2014. Gamers and critics alike praised the game for its charm and unique puzzles, but it never really struck the mainstream in a way befitting of Nintendo’s zeitgeist. Fast-forward to 2018, and it’s got one of the most well done remodels of almost any game ever made. Toad, being the sidekick to Princess Peach and Mario, doesn’t get enough time in the limelight. I’m glad Nintendo has been making moves to change that, even if it’s just in the form of a touch-up title like Treasure Tracker.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Is it any surprise Zelda made it onto our list?

It’s one of the most critically acclaimed franchises of all time, and its universal acceptance is proof that it’s here to stay. Link, the series’ main character, is beloved by the gaming public. And in Breath of the Wild, Nintendo did an amazing job of cementing the character’s legacy. It’s also the first Zelda game that lets players explore a living, breathing open world – that’s reason enough to give the series a second look. This is

especially true if a player hasn’t given Zelda a shot for the past few years.

Super Mario Odyssey If there’s any character more immediately recognizable than Link from Zelda, it’s definitely Mario. The plumber hasn’t aged a day, and apparently, neither has the franchise he’s been heading up since its conception. Like Breath of the Wild, Odyssey is the first time Mario has been allowed the opportunity to explore a vibrant, fun, open world. And with this new feature comes a host of new gameplay options. While we don’t have enough room here to cover them all, Odyssey is definitely a can’t-miss title for players with a Switch.

Octopath Traveler Octopath Traveler is one of the more unique games on this list when we’re talking about the fun and fantastical nature of the Switch’s usual offerings. It’s a fantasy role-playing game that allows players to follow the story of any of the title’s eight characters. From here, the player will explore the sprawling game world, encounter the other seven characters and experience the game’s story. Here’s the catch – each character has a different backstory, and it’ll affect how the game is played. This makes Octopath one of the most replay-able games on our list.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Yet another prince of the Nintendo canon, Donkey Kong made his appearance on the Switch in 2018; however, his 2018 debut came in a remastered package from 2014. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was a hit for the

Wii back in 2014, but it found a new home on the Switch this year – and it’s been a huge home run for Nintendo.

While I don’t often like to put remasters on our lists, this one stands tall for its character and expert development.

And since we don’t often get to hang out with our favorite gorilla, it’s nice to see him back in action.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe All right, all right – I know. Mario Kart 8 originally came out in 2014 for the Wii. I’m once again breaking my semi-concrete rule of not including updated or remastered games on these lists. Hear me out, though. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the epitome of what Nintendo stands for: awesome animation, fun times and super competitive gaming.

For those players who played the original Mario Kart growing up, this one is simply a new twist on the old gambit.

Nintendo’s team has obviously done so much good work in getting this one out the door. Check it out.

Splatoon 2 Splatoon 2 is a microcosm of everything that Nintendo does well. There’s tons of fun for kids, lots of strategical gameplay for adults and enough in between that everyone can get along. Players team up to try and best one another in a game of territorial dominance that’s fought for using … paint. Whoever can cover the arena with the most comes out the victor. Given this game’s approach to warfare, parents don’t need to worry about their kids being exposed to real violence or many of the other unfortunate pitfalls of online gaming.

West of Loathing

Kirby: Star Allies Kirby was once a household name, and while his popularity has fallen off a bit, he’s nonetheless one of Nintendo’s powerhouse contenders. Star Allies came out in 2018 to mixed reviews, but the gaming public has shaken critics’ opinions to the tune of nearly two million copies sold – most games never get close to this number. While I do agree that the game can feel a bit too easy at times, there’s a feeling of lightheartedness that persists throughout the game, which is purely and wholly something players could only get with Nintendo. I can’t explain it: I suggest players try it .

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Nintendo has found much success with its litany of open-world titles as of late, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is what seems to have kicked off that craze. Stunning graphics, stellar gameplay and a great story – Xenoblade has it all.

Nintendo’s strategies are usually very narrow and predictable – that’s not to say they don’t work – but Xenoblade was a risk for the Switch audience, and it paid off in a big way.

The role-playing game struck a chord with gamers and gave Nintendo a new front from which to attack consumers’ wallets.

So, there you have it! Let’s hope Nintendo keeps it up and that the competition between our favorite game publishers keeps unique titles at the forefront of the games industry.

West of Loathing can be found on PC as well as Nintendo’s Switch, but it’s included here because it adds some much-needed variety to the mix. Loathing takes the lore, drawings and general feel of an old internet role-playing game called Kingdom of Loathing and provides an updated 2017 version; however, it uses some different storytelling techniques than its predecessor.

Rather than the medieval-modern mix of the 2003 title, it instead takes on the setting of a spaghetti western.

Players control stick figures and do battle with one another – and there’s plenty of raunchy humor to go around.

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OUT & ABOUT

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Wetumpka Chamber Business Appreciation Reception Aug. 21, 2018 Wind Creek Casino Penthouse 1. Mark and Ian Brown 2. Mickey and Shannon Elliott 3. Greg Wallace, Megan Brown and Jeff Royal

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4. Adam and Kelsey Waites 5. Belyn Richardson and Wesley Woods 6. Emily Gothard, Jill Glynn and Leslie Ledbetter 7. Julianne and Gerry Purcell 8. Kerry Rees and Natacha Graham 9. Amy Passaretti, Carter Singleton, Steve and Kim Baker and Marilyn Hawkins

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OUT & ABOUT

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AWF Youth Catfish Tournament

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Sept. 1, 2018 Alabama Nature Center, Millbrook 1. Stewart Griswold 2. Graham Kemp 3. Kris Cole 4. Matt Vines and Christopher Obenhaus

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5. Bryson Rhodes 6. George Reese

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Sept. 1, 2018 Downtown Wetumpka 1. Jason Morgan and George Ganjei

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2. Dixie Faulk and Coraline Lowery

3. Earl Grams, Larry Snyder, Lloyd Stockton, Mike Talbert,

Tommie Majure and Walter Davis

4. Belle Hall and Christian and Brandon Askew

5. Sharon Brooks and Jack Davis

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Wetumpka Archery Range Grand Opening

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Sept. 5, 2018 Wetumpka Sports Complex 1. Chester Suttle and Marisa Futral 2. Ethan Hughes, Dalton Maddox and Brenda Henson 3. Billy Pope and Amy Silvano 4. Lewis E. Washington Sr. and Elaine Pace

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5. Mabrey Calloway, Laurie Weldon, Michael Bloxon and Landon Bertarelli 6. Chuck Sykes, Tim Wood and Chris Blankenship 7. Tex Grier 8. Jerry Willis

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Back-to-School Kickoff Aug. 4, 2018 Tallassee City Hall 1.Sandra Fuentes and Jerry and Penny Coleman 2. Kyra Rich, Layla Jones and Danica Bishop 3. Sandy Mason, Hailey and Jason Cowart and Makenzie Baker

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4. Mike Allard, Steven Turner and Blake Schwab 5. Bruce and Beau Milner 6. C.J Clayton, Scarlett Gomez, Shellie Reardon and Crystal Gomez 7. Traci Faulk and Annabelle Davis 8. Jessica, Captain and Web Buce 9. Terrell Brown, Edward Bermark, Jamie Buchannan, Keith Tuck, Alfred Rivers and Damian Carr

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THS vs. Handley Football Game Aug. 31, 2018 Tallassee High School

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1. Debra Perdue, Kaden Gowan, Hunter and Teague Miller and Jeff Perdue 2. Jimmy Woodall, Brooke Barron and Angela and Joe Gantt 3. Jim and Shelia Scarborough 4. Kerry, Michelle and Micah Cole

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5. Beth Haynes and Katie Schmitt 6. Alex Coker and Amy Laurel Price 7. Heather and Kendal Price and Lily Noble 8. Gracie and Matt Coker 9. Scott Ledbetter and Chris Price

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2nd Annual Wetumpka Drawdown Sept. 11, 2018 Wind Creek Casino, Entertainment Center 1. Keith and Sabrina Russell

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2. Dottie Redden, Donna Grier and Meagan Bond 3. Millie Ballard and Kim Hellums 4. Stephanie and Larry Weatherly 5. Steve Taunton and Clay McConnell 6. Bob and Carla Hatwig, Diane Helms and Ed Dykes 7. Jamie Brown, Sonia and Bret Devine

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Play the Pines Millbrook Chamber of Commerce hosts four-man scramble

The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce will host an inaugural four-man scramble golf tournament at Pines Golf Course Sept. 27. “This is a great networking opportunity for all participants to get to socialize and meet some new people,� said Kevin Kelley, event chair.

The field is limited to 25 teams, and the fee is $400 per four-man team. This includes green and cart fees, along with lunch provided by Front Porch Grill.

Many prizes and opportunities are available throughout the day, including a $15,000 hole-in-one challenge, prizes for par 3 holes and cash winnings for longest drive, straightest drive and closest to the pin.

Golfers should arrive by 9 a.m. for registration, and the shotgun start will begin at 9:30 a.m. with lunch to follow. All players will receive a goodie bag with swag and apparel, such as koozies, shirts, hats, golf balls, cups, etc.

Pines Golf Course, operated by the City of Millbrook, is located at 307 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook. The 18-hole course features 6,318 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72.

For registration information or to be a sponsor for the event, contact the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce at 334-285-0085.

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 19 Lunch and Learn: Easel Painting with Barbara Binford Davis

The program will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will include a slideshow about Davis’ work and a painting demonstration. Davis will also talk about her transition from a parttime artist to a busy full-time artist. This will be a joint program between the Dixie Art Colony and the Elmore County Art Guild. Reservations are required.

Sept. 20 - Oct. 6 Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean

The Wetumpka Depot Players will present this play written by Ed Graczyk and directed by Tom Salter. The show is about a group of ladies who have returned to the local dime store to gather for the 20th reunion of The Disciples of Jimmy Dean. The play takes place in ‘75 but has flashback scenes of the ‘50s. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information about show times or tickets, visit Wetumpkadepot.com.

Sept. 27 MACC Golf Tournament

The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce will host a four-man scramble at Pines Golf Course. Registration is at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start following at 9:30 a.m.

Lunch will be offered after the round, and cash prizes will be given for the longest drive, straightest drive and closest to the pin. The team fee is $400 and includes green fees, golf carts and lunch. For more information, to sign up or to be a sponsor, call 334-285-0085 or visit millbrookareachamber.com.

forming at this year’s concert will be Cottonmouth Creek, Over the Mountain and Crains Nest. The Titus Community Center is located 10 miles north of Wetumpka on Hwy. 231; then, north on county Route 29. Admission to the festival is $10 for adults, and children under age 12 are admitted for free. Bring lawn chairs and friends to enjoy a good time on the shady grove in Titus. For more information, visit tituscommunitycenter.org.

Sept. 29 16th Annual Cruisin’ fer Critters

The Predators Riding Club Montgomery hosts this annual motorcycle ride in support of the Elmore County Humane Society. Meet at Déja Vu at 121 N. Burbank Dr. in Montgomery.

This three- to six-hour course is open to beginners or experts and includes biking, trail running and river paddling, with special tests and obstacles along the way. The format is a two-person team or open to individuals. The trail incorporates Alabama’s river system and finishes in downtown Wetumpka. There is a pre-party Oct. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Coosa River Adventures. To register or for more information, visit coosariverchallenge.com.

Sept. 29 18th Annual Titus Bluegrass Festival

It’s time again for a bootstomping good time at the annual bluegrass festival held at the Titus Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Barbecue will be available and booths will be filled with crafts, cookbooks and peanuts. Per-

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Oct. 6 Coosa River Challenge

Titus Bluegrass Festival features live music, food and fun for the whole family

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Oct. 6 Dam Century Bike Ride

Whether you choose to go 28.15, 67.29 or 101.25 miles, you will enjoy scenic views of Tallassee and four of Alabama’s counties: Elmore, Macon, Montgomery and Tallapoosa. There will be sag trucks, rest stops and on-site mechanics along the way. After the ride, enjoy free food, music and fun to celebrate the trek. Register online at tallasseechamber.com.

For information, call 334-283-5151.

October 7 DAC Historical Reenactment

Join the Dixie Art Colony Foundation at 2 p.m., along with

local artists Shirley Esco, Barbara Binford Davis and Carol Barksdale at Nobles Ferry on Lake Jordan for a very unique painting experience. During the 1930s and 1940s, artists that attended the DAC were asked to paint a square panel on the tin ceiling of the colony studio. Many of the whimsical compositions have been preserved. At this event, artists will be supplied square Masonite 20-inch by 20-inch panels to paint whimsical compositions similar to those of the original colonists.

The new panels will be displayed in the new studio at Nobles Ferry. Limited reservations will be accepted.

Oct. 9 LCR Game Night

Hosted by the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce, players are invited to Bon Appetite Catering at 5090 Main St. in Millbrook for games of LCR. Wear your favorite team shirt and enjoy complimentary food and tea. Tickets are $25 per person, and the event is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Must be 21 years and older to enter and event is BYOB.

Oct. 14 Alabama Scoundrels

The Elmore County Museum will host Alabama author Wil Elrick and co-author Kelly Kazek at 2:30 p.m. to discuss their book, Alabama Scoundrels. The scoundrels include “Bloody” Bob Simms; anarchist Albert Parsons; the mysterious hobo bandit Railroad Bill; and the nefarious outlaw sheriff Steve Renfroe. Admission is free, light refreshments will be available. Copies of the book will be for sale after the presentation. For more information, call 334-567-5097 or email elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.

with the longest drive and closest to the pin winners. Registration begins at $150, which includes lunch, driving range balls and two drink tickets. For information, contact Barry McCain at 334-332-3745 or Kathy Monroe at 334-283-3757.

November 14 Walk Where they Walked: at the Meaherg/Fitzpatrick Farm

Join the Dixie Art Colony for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and plein air painting at the historic Mehearg/Fitzpatrick Farm located 460 Mehearg Rd., Wetumpka. The farm was once owned by Gov. Benjamin Fitzpatrick and later artist Kelly Fitzpatrick.

This site is known to have been one of Kelly’s frequent painting spots. Reservations required.

Season-Long Events Tallassee Civitan Club

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

Countywide Cleanup Day

The Elmore County Commission sponsors free cleanup days for residents on the second Saturday of odd numbered months. Drop off household and yard trash free of charge at the following locations: old highway department in Kent; old highway department shop in Holtville; Crenshaw Park; Sweeten School; Emerald Mountain Equestrian Center; county jail; Shaylee Place at Hwy. 231 and Titus Road; Old Central Transfer Station; Anne Building in Elmore; and CEW&SA parking lot at Redland Road facility.

Electronics Recycling

On the first Saturday of each month, electronic items for recycling are accepted at the Wetumpka Recycling Center on East Charles Avenue. There is a $10 fee to recycle tube televisions; other electronics incur no charge. Come from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other accepted electronics include computers, monitors, cell phones, chargers, modems, remotes, printers, batteries and more.

Oct. 16 Tallassee Community Hospital’s Annual Golf Tournament

Held at the Auburn University Club, the tournament will raise funds that directly benefit Tallassee Community Hospital through the purchase of new equipment and to continue renovation projects. Registration is at 9 a.m., lunch is served at 11 a.m., and teams will tee off at 11:45 a.m. There will be cash prizes for first, second and third places along

Blue Grass Jam, Sit and Scrap and Sit and Sew

All three activities are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 am. to noon at the Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka. All acoustic instruments and skill levels are welcome at the Bluegrass Jam. Scrappers and paper crafters are encouraged to attend Sit and Scrap. All sewers and knitters are welcome at Sit and Sew. For details, call 334-578-9485 or visit www.arrac.org.

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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Stories and Rhymes

Wetumpka City Pops is open to any instrument player

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

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

Busy Bee Quilters

The quilters meet the second Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Santuck Community Center, 7300 Central Plank Rd. For information, call Sheila Puckett at 334-399-3249.

Wetumpka City Pops

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

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

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

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

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

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ALL THAT SPACE, LLC

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Unit sizes: 10x10 $60 monthly 10x20 $75 monthly 14x35 $135 monthly Annual discounts!

(334) 398-0734 Mr. Wallace | (334) 213-1193 Ms Smith weslene1@yahoo.com

56 Cotton Road (Hwy 63 and Cotton Road) (Next to Cotton’s BBQ) Eclectic, AL

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

C O M E COME

Protect your world

Kids’ Kingdom

Auto • Home • Life • Retirement

Call me today to discuss your options.

Some people think Allstate only protects your car. Truth is, Allstate can also protect your home or apartment, your boat, motorcycle - even your retirement and your life. And the more of your world you put in Good Hands®, the more you can save.

P L AY PLAY

Mark Shaw 334-567-2246

Alabama Nature Center

4029 Hwy. 231 Wetumpka

Insurance subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co., Allstate Insurance Co. Life insurance offered through Allstate Life Ins. Co. & Allstate Assurance Co. Northbrook, IL; and American Heritage Life Insurance Co., Jacksonville, FL. Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727. © 2010 Allstate Insurance Co.

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One place to help with all your insurance needs.

Apothecary Pharmacy

The

W I T H US U S WITH Grandview Family YMCA

Services:

• Medication Reviews • Diabetes Products and Services • Auto-refill Available Upon Request • Online Prescription Refills • Text when prescriptions are ready • Drive-Thru • Flu Shots • Immunizations • Medicare Part D

Products & Specialties Broad availability of brand and generic prescription medications

The Pines Golf Club Welcome to Millbrook, where the 307 Deatsville Highway, Millbrook refreshing outdoors awaits!

334-285-7529

Private-label, over-the-counter medications Pharmacist counseling • Gifts & Novelties • Greeting Cards

www.apothecaryinc.com 1405 Gilmer Avenue | Tallassee, AL

334.283.3120

w w w. c i t y o f m i l l b r o o k . o r g

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

43

Business & Service Directory

Acapulco Mexican Grill MONDAY

Night Kids Eat FREE! TUESDAY

$2 Beer after 4pm

O’Neal Electric Michael O’Neal

256-510-2146 Electrical • Controls DataCom • Security Serving Central Alabama for over a decade!

THURSDAY

Karaoke Night 6-10 $1.99 Margarita ALL DAY 2867 Gilmer Avenue Tallassee (334) 283-2725

Best Margaritas in town!

MADE FRESH DAILY!

Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

Bezlo's Bar & Grill Cornerstone Cafe Red Hill Gallery Eclectic Town Hall Eclectic Library Johnson Furniture 1st Community Bank Eclectic Do-It Center Trustmark Bank

Lake Martin

Russell Lands Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Children's Harbor Cotton’s BBQ

Millbrook

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

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Liveoak Agency

Mitchell Veterinarian Hospital

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

Aldridge Borden Company Bennett’s Archery 1st Community Bank Russell Do It Center Bumper’s Karen’s Mane Tamers River Ridge Steakhouse Emerald Mountain Store Redland Market Seivers Accounting Wetumpka Depot Players A Touch of Class Angel Locksmith Verizon Wireless Unplugged Must Stop Café Alfa Realty Wetumpka Century 21 Brandt Wright Realty Wells Fargo BB&T Jackson Thornton Lee’s Auto Repair McQuick Printing Company Hankins Insurance Hog Rock BBQ

Slapout

Tallassee

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

Wetumpka

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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

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

Our Advertisers • To Join, Call 334-567-7811 Acapulco Mexican Grill..............................................................................4 4 Allstate, Mark Shaw...................................................................................1 7 All That Space...........................................................................................4 2 City of Millbrook........................................................................................4 3 Community Hospital...................................................................................4 2 District Nineteen........................................................................................4 7 First United Methodist Church of Wetumpka.................................................21 Gene Jones Insurance.................................................................................4 2 Jackson Thornton.......................................................................................1 3 Karen's Mane Tamers.................................................................................4 4 Kowaliga Whole Health.............................................................................4 4 Liveoak Agency.........................................................................................1 3 Mark's Service Center......................................................................................4 7 O'Neal Electric...............................................................................................4 4 River Region Dermatology................................................................................4 4 Singleton's Alignment.......................................................................................4 4 Tallassee Health & Rehabilitation, LLC...........................................................4 5 The Apothecary Pharmacy..........................................................................4 3 UAB Medicine Heart & Vascular Clinic..........................................................17 Wetumpka Depot Players............................................................................21 Wetumpka Flea Market...............................................................................1 3 Wind Creek Casino...................................................................................4 8

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

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

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

Marilyn Hawkins 334-202-5108 | marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com Kat Raiford 334-444-8981 | kat.raiford@tallasseetribune.com

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

CALL SUNNY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS TODAY!

334-283-3975

2639 Gilmer Avenue • Tallassee, AL 36078 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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The Cake Theory 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.

46

We all know food is essential to sustaining life, but I also think it sustains us in other ways.

Food is known to evoke memories, and just the thought of certain dishes could flood us with emotion. For me that memory is Great Aunt Mary Katherine’s Oatmeal Cookies, which I associate with warm fuzzy Christmases. For some, certain foods could remind us of harsher times like living on ramen noodles to get us through college.

Food speaks to all of us. It is such a universal language that I decided to use it to communicate something at work. Well, also because I’m a Southern storyteller. Why explain something in plain terms when you can make a meal of it?

My cake theory goes like this: My boss at the day job kept asking me to do things for which I had no particular skill. Now that doesn’t mean I had no skill, but these are things that usually involved the website or things I was not as familiar with. Or, they involved design, which I’m terrible at. I can use a thousand words and describe exactly what something should look like and why it should look like that, but when it comes to actually putting a line or a color on something, I struggle.

So my amateur attempts at design or the web programming language known as HTML turned out pretty pathetic. The boss was frustrated. I was frustrated. And worse, the project fell further and further behind until one day I put down my foot with the cake theory.

Boss man, I have spent a lifetime learning how to bake – teaching myself how to bake. Baking is different from cooking. If you are stirring up a batch of something such as soup, it can be tasted and altered for flavor – a little pinch of this; a dash of that – until it is yummy and suits your liking. The same does not apply with baking.

Baking requires precision, measuring and exactness to do it well. Even if you follow directions to the letter, your cake will not always turn out. At this moment, I have the equipment, the ingredients and the knowledge to walk into my kitchen and bake a cake. In just an hour, I can whip up a gorgeous cake.

Since I’ve studied the science of baking, I know that one has to have all the ingredients at room temperature. I know the trick of flouring dried fruits to keep them from sinking to the bottom of baked goods. I have an oven temperature gauge because I know that shortbread will spread if the oven is too hot. I know this stuff because I have practiced, failed, practiced more, talked with expert bakers and watched every episode of Great British Baking Show.

Now, if I sent you, Boss man, into your kitchen and asked you to bake a cake, what would happen? Do you even have cake tins, or would you have to spend part of your hour buying them?

Do you know what size they are? Do you know what size you need? Do you know the creaming method and the exact color and consistency of properly creamed butter and sugar? Even with a boxed cake mix, I doubt you could make a decent cake.

So the point of this story is everyone has skills, but no one has all the skills. If you are not a baker, why muddle through a sad old cake, when you can get an expert to make you a fabulous cake?

And make you a fabulous cake in half the time.

Boss man said, “Go get a web developer.”

Food analogy for the win!

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

We BuY & seLL!

Jewelry

Coins

GOLD • SILVER • PLATINUM ANTIQUE & MODERN DESIGNER INDIVIDUAL PIECES & WHOLE COLLECTIONS

GOLD • SILVER • PLATINUM

DIMES, QUARTER, HALVES (1964 & EARLIER)

GOLD & SILVER BULLION

WE PAY MORE for old gold as well as finished, re-sellable pieces.

We also buy coins, sterling silver, flatware and hollowware.

Antiques. VintAge. RetRo. Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm Saturday 9 am - 4 pm

District NiNeteeN

19 Sistrunk Street, Tallassee, AL 36078 334-517-5307 | www.districtnineteen.com

Community Hospital Tallassee

CARING FOR YOU

805 Friendship Road, Tallassee • 334-283-6541 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

47

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEETING

W

hen you decide to hold a meeting off-site, you want more than just a meeting. You want your team to have fun. You want their full attention. You want to wow them. You want to bring them to Wind Creek Montgomery!

RAMBLIN’ HALL

5,800 sq. ft. holds up to: • 150 Classroom Style • 400 Theater Style • 250 Banquet Style • 300 Reception Style

Sure, we offer all of the amenities you would expect, but we offer much more. We offer an experience, complete with amazing accommodations, delicious dining options, entertainment, team building activities, and great gaming excitement!

CROSSROADS

So call us at (334) 567-1283 or send an email to sales@windcreekmontgomery.com, and get the most out of your next meeting!

• 40 Banquet Style

900 sq. ft. holds up to: • 30 Classroom Style • 40 Theater Style • 40 Reception Style

1801 Eddie L. Tullis Rd., Montgomery, AL | WindCreekMontgomery.com | ©2018 Wind Creek Hospitality