Elmore County Living October 2017

Elmore County Living

Honoring Kelly Fitzpatrick Movie Turkeys Tallassee's Rodney O'Neal

DoeNation Outdoors October 2017 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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ECL is the River Region’s preium coffee table magazine with more in-depth features and more faces from around the area.

Do you want to market your business?

We offer the most competitive rates, along with our award-winning design team, who is committed to producing effective advertising that works for you.

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

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From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

This statement has often been attributed to Confucius, but we’ve all heard it told a million different ways.

Basically do something you enjoy doing and find what inspires and motivates you toward greatness. In this issue, we discover that driving force coming from many sources and taking many different shapes.

For some, it comes in the nature of giving back to the community. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Brett Williams and Steven Caudle who crafted their hobby and recreation into philanthropy. This Eclectic-native duo has been friends for years and molded their love of hunting into a charity that helps feed the hungry. DoeNation Outdoors is a television show that showcases the pair’s hunts, which get donated 100 percent to food pantries. The infectious nature of the joy and caring emitting from these two is enough to inspire anyone. You won’t want to miss their story on page 14.

Speaking of infectious personalities – spending a mere 10 minutes with Rodney O’Neal, Tallassee middle-school teacher and owner of Prime Time Athletics, is enough to motivate anyone. The gracious character of this 25-year old is a breathe of fresh air for our youth.

O’Neal not only moved back home to Reeltown to be a relatable authority figure, but with two seemingly full-time jobs, along with other responsibilities, he always manages to keep a smile on his face. To read more about what inspires O’Neal and his approach on educating children in life and school, check out the story on page 20.

The mother-daughter team of Pam Martin and Katie Russell is the iconic example of enjoying work. The two are co-owners of Market Shoppes in Wetumpka and find interacting with their customers, along with their nearly 35 vendors selling handmade items in the store, too fun to be considered a job. Read their story and all the unique things they have to offer on page 8.

One of my favorite things about being a journalist is the chance to meet new people like these, doing great things and seeing the passion behind their distinctive inspiration.

I also am lucky to have a fun job that doesn’t usually feel like work.

I love what I do and hope that shows in our magazine’s pages.

So, this month I challenge you to think – what inspires you? Send your ideas to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

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 David Kendrick

david.kendrick@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

Jeff Langham Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor Corey Arwood David Granger

Suellen Young Nancy Rader Cody Odom Ruby Skipper David Ranier

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

Amy Passaretti, Editor

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Chairman

Kenneth Boone

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

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER Brett Williams and Steven Caudle film their bow hunts for the TV show DoeNation Outdoors and donate 100 percent of their deer meat to local charities.

Photo by Suellen Young

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30 Columns

Features

In Every Issue

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Community Care

14

DoeNation Outdoors

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Extra! Extra!

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Movie Man

20

Rodney O'Neal

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Business Spotlight

30

The Gamer

24

A Life Remembered

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Remember the Obvious

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Chocolate Insanity

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It's Flu Season

Movie Turkeys Telltale Treasures

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Hunters Feed the Hungry Mover & Shaker

Special Veterans Day Tribute Hunting Season Safety

Old Fashioned Layer Cake

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News Briefs

Market Shoppes

Out & About

In Elmore County

Coming Up

Fun for Everyone

Where to Find Us Distribution List

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Softball Clinic teaches skill and confidence Krystle Lawson-Wilson from Elite Pitching Academy in Wetumpka, helped coach a clinic with an elite group of former collegiate softball players from the company A Packaged Deal.

The one-day event was held in Birmingham and was open to girls aged 8-18. Lessons from the experienced instructors included batting, catching, pitching, fielding and strength conditioning.

A Packaged Deal, comprised of Amanda Scarborough, Jen Schroeder, Katie Schroeder and Morgan Stuart, is a touring softball clinic company that shares their knowledge with young softball players on not only athletic skills, but also attitude and hard work.

Wilson, former pitcher for Southern Union State Community College and softball record-breaking graduate from Holtville

Revitalization Begins in Wetumpka Main Street Wetumpka recently revealed completion of its first stop along phase one of the downtown renovation project, Tulotoma Snail Trail.

Located in front of the Elmore County Museum, the newly cultivated stop highlights a 300-pound wood carved statue of the Tulotoma Snail, created by Corey Worden of Beneath the Bark.

The area also has been revitalized with renovations to the building, sidewalk and outdoor area to create a more beautiful, inviting atmosphere. This concept is the backbone of Main Street Wetumpka's plan to drive foot traffic downtown.

StarE at the Sun in Shades Principals at the Wetumpka Elementary School got in on the fun on Solar Eclipse Day Aug. 21. The school celebrated with many fun activities in the classrooms, including viewing the live feed from NASA.

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Local Artist receives international recognition Libby Christensen's photograph was chosen as a finalist in an international competition with more than 10,000 images submitted. Cityscape will be published in the Photographer's Forum, Best of Photography 2017 by Serbin Communications, Inc. Cityscape, one of a triptych, captures glimpses of Center City, Las Vegas, that Christensen photographed from her car while enjoying the reflections and geometric patterns on the building. The photograph was displayed in Montgomery Museum of Art this summer.

Christensen, a resident of Wetumpka, has won more than 100 top awards in regional contests, and more than a dozen pieces of her artwork have been selected in international contests for publication. Her work is always on display in the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce, the ECAG Art

Extra!

Extra!

News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Amazing Agriculture Day provides hands-on learning Auburn University held its annual Ag Discovery Adventure Day, aimed at school-aged children who may not otherwise be exposed to hands-on agriculture, at the E.V. Smith Research Center in Tallassee.

Hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Auburn University’s College of Agriculture, more than 3,000 adults and children came out to take part in the entertaining and enlightening hands-on activities and presentations that showcase agricultural technology and illustrate the key role agriculture plays in our lives.

Children and adults alike were schooled on aquaculture, aquaphonics, animal agriculture, horticulture, agronomy, precision agriculture, forestry and water conservation.

Attendees learned about livestock, some of which were on hand; made their own apple cider; played in the pollinator

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Market Shoppes Mother-daughter duo sells local merchandise Story & Photos by Amy Passaretti

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here’s a new destination in downtown Wetumpka where customers can find anything from clothing and accessories to indoor and outdoor décor and other novelty gift items, all supplied by local vendors.

Market Shoppes, owned by the mother-daughter team of Pam Martin and Katie Russell, opened in Wetumpka July 1 after moving from a Montgomery location, which was opened for about two years, but purchased by Martin and Russell in May 2016.

“My family has always owned businesses in the past, mostly service-oriented, but I had always wanted to have a retail-type store, so when this came along it was the perfect opportunity,” said Russell.

Currently, there are nearly 40 different vendors featured in the shop, but locals have garnered so much interest that another 30 are on a waitlist to get in once there’s an opening. All the items sold are either new or repurposed, and vendors must be approved before renting a space.

“We have a certain quality standard we’d like to maintain, but once they’re in, they’re in until they choose to leave,” said Martin.

The amount of space given to each vendor depends on the product and the kind of display the vendor is looking for. Vendor space may range from just a table top to store

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size. Merchants pay monthly rent for their areas and are responsible for creating their own displays. Martin and Russell maintain the spaces on a daily basis to ensure orderliness and cleanliness and also rearrange when necessary, so displays are presentable.

Vendors are able to set their own pricing, but Market Shoppes provides the specific barcoded tags; so all items are billed to the correct company, even if shoppers move items from their original vendor spaces. Barcodes also guarantee consistency throughout the store and account for the proper commission to be received.

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Business Spotlight

Unique décor adds to the eclectic mix of items sold The small commission paid to Market Shoppes covers a vendor’s retail supplies, credit card processing fees and Facebook advertising; the owner of the product retains everything else on what is sold.

“We don’t allow vendors to compete with one another.

We help them protect their individual lines. Some things may be similar, but a lot are hand-crafted, so there’s a guarantee it will be different,” said Martin.

For example, they have one seller who creates baby onesies, but that is all she sells; so Market Shoppes would not have another vendor solely carrying that item. Many

people create jewelry though, and the difference is it’s very likely to be set apart on its own due to the wide variety of options.

Since there are so many merchants, not a lot of merchandise stays stagnant for very long, according to Russell. At least one person is bringing in something new daily, and most vendors come in at least once a week to rotate items out and keep displays fresh.

“We’ve had the chance to become fairly close to our vendors and get to know them, and it’s nice having those friendships. They want to help you when you want to

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Martin and Russell maintain the tidiness of each vendor space

Some sellers need a small space, such as this display of handmade soap Most merchants sell handmade or refurbished items

Nearly 40 different vendors sell a variety of merchandise throughout the store

Each vendor creates his or her own innovative display

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Game day gear is well represented

help them,” said Russell. “It’s easy to sell someone’s product when you like the person.”

This social interaction with both vendors and customers help make the job not feel like work at all.

“It’s so stress-free. Other services people have to spend their money on, but here they want to spend their money on themselves, so it’s fun to see customers get excited about what’s in stock,” said Russell.

Most products within Market Shoppes are geared toward women, with a small focus on some items for men; however, the store does appeal to all ages from babies all the way through middle-aged and all styles, from modest to progressive. The majority of retailers are local from Elmore or Autauga counties, with the current farthest being from Troy.

Aside from the vast array of goods offered, which sets apart Market Shoppes from other retail stores, their customer service also makes a difference, said Martin. The two of them, along with their employees, make it a point to greet each customer, get his or her name and remember it for next time. Market Shoppes also offers a customer rewards program, which incentivizes return patrons.

“Our main goal is to make Market Shoppes a destination, so people won’t say, ‘I’m going shopping;’ they’ll say, ‘I’m going to the Market Shoppes,’” said Martin.

The store hosts a number of events throughout the year to draw in more people and expand its customer base.

The most favored, so far, is Ladies Night, when the store stays open late and Martin and Russell serve wine, cheese and hors d’oeuvres; the vendors have great sales; and it creates a social atmosphere for gathering with friends after work.

Market Shoppes also hosts Wacky Wednesdays, when

vendors may hold outrageously good sales on the first Wednesday of each month, and other seasonal events are planned throughout the year. For the first time, Market Shoppes will host a Men’s Night Out around the holidays, so men could shop for their wives or girlfriends based on wish lists the women have created, all while sipping some craft beer.

“We’re working with the City of Wetumpka, downtown Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce and other businesses, and we’re hoping to come up with other events to draw more traffic downtown because Pam Martin and more traffic is good Katie Russell for all businesses in the area,” said Martin.

Most of these events and sales are promoted through Facebook, and their following has skyrocketed to nearly 15,000 followers, said Russell, who is a strong advocate of social media. Between daily posts, live feeds and promoting everything online, the reach has expanded greater than expected.

This helps draw more people to the store, especially if not local. Wetumpka natives Russell and Martin said the foot traffic here is better than expected in comparison with Montgomery, and as Wetumpka’s population continues to grow, fewer people want to drive away to shop.

“Wetumpka is becoming a preferred suburb of Montgomery, and the population growth has kind of driven the need for more business. More locals want to stay here, and the city has really stepped up. With Main Street’s efforts, I’m sure there’s going to be a huge improvement, which will be cyclical,” said Martin.

Market Shoppes is located at 211 Hill St., Wetumpka, and open six days a week, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A full list of vendors are available at www.marketshoppes.com.

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Brett Williams and Steven Caudle created DoeNation Outdoors about four years ago

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DoeNation Outdoors Eclectic natives share their love of hunting to help feed the hungry Story by Amy Passaretti & Photos by Suellen Young

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The duo films their bow hunts and donates 100 percent of their deer meat

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love of hunting combined with selfless acts of kindness creates DoeNation Outdoors, a two-man team that promotes bow hunting as a hobby coupled with the ministry of feeding the hungry.

Eclectic natives Brett Williams and Steven Caudle never imagined that a hunting trip four years ago would lead to the creation of their own television show and a company that donates 100 percent of its hunted deer meat to local food pantries.

“We are very spirit led. And for us this is because we enjoy hunting and enjoy being able to give back to others and support the community,” said Williams.

Last year, the duo donated nearly 500 pounds of frozen, ground deer meat to the Elmore County Food Pantry, which feeds around 550 families a month. They hope to double that number this season.

DoeNation also will be partnering with Carrville Baptist Church, which opens its doors to those in need on the third Saturday of each month.

A+ Processing out of Wetumpka agreed to process all of their deer meat for free last year.

The average deer costs nearly $65 to process, so the in-kind contribution was a huge step of success. All meat processed out of Wetumpka is donated directly to the Elmore County Food Pantry.

“The processing was going to be a big concern. We both work full-time and both support families, so we weren’t sure how we would afford it. Sponsors have agreed to process the meat at no charge because they believe in what we’re doing, which is awesome for us,” said Williams.

While expanding their services, Skinning Shack out of Tallassee also has agreed to process all deer for free starting this season, and the venison will be donated directly to

Carrville Baptist Church in Tallapoosa County.

“Now, we’re reaching farther, and that’s the goal. We want to grow the ministry side of it. It’s not necessarily to highlight us hunting and the recreation of it, which is fun, but we feel good about what we’re doing to help others,” said Williams.

The pair has been bow hunting since their teens and anticipates the beginning of the season every year. In Alabama, archery season runs from Oct. 14 to Feb. 10, while rifle season begins a month later; however, Williams and Caudle often travel out of state to areas with earlier start dates.

The formation of DoeNation Outdoors all began on a hunting trip to Hurricane Creek Lodge in When hunting, Williams northern Alabama a and Caudle use tree stands few years back when and their own invention a videographer filmed "simple hang" the two hunting and sent them home with a thumb drive for their personal nostalgia. The idea quickly emerged for the pair to start filming one another on their hunts in the hopes to become field staff members for other syndicated shows that would run their footage.

The two-man team kicked off with littleto-no video experience and filming with a $250 camera from Wal-mart.

Caudle said the two struggled a lot to learn the first year and even going into the second year. They spent time watching similar shows for ideas, while ensuring their show stayed unique.

A local co-worker from Neptune Technology Group offered his private land to Caudle and Williams for hunts and to assist with the emerging doe population. This is where the name, DoeNation, initially came from – because it was only does they would kill.

A group out of Michigan, also DoeNation, spotted their YouTube videos and reached out asking them to join their cause of donating deer meat to food pantries since they

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Steven Caudle

Brett Williams

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bore the same name. After realizing the Michigan group did not have rights on the company name, Williams and Caudle decided to forge their own path, while retaining the concept of donating.

“We never initially intended to donate meat, but when this idea circled back around, it turned out the name, DoeNation, was the greatest play on words ever,” said Caudle.

This is the first season of the show, which airs on Selma’s WBIH Christian station Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and features 13 total episodes that will play on a loop through July 2018. The main platform for the show is promoting their hunts to raise awareness of the impact donating extra deer meat can have on the community.

Currently, the show reaches 245,000 homes in central and south Alabama, and Williams and Caudle produce the entire 28-minute, 30-second segment on their own, supplying their own commercials that endorse their sponsors, with the help of their current full-time editor Bryden Legg from Playlist Productions in Millbrook.

“We film each other, and we’re still learning camera angles, but Bryden puts it all in Final Cut while the three of us sit there for hours working on the edits until we get it where we want it,” said Caudle.

Although Williams and Caudle are the main stars, two other men from Tallassee, Pat Love and Jake Crain, are often part of the hunts. Love and Crain had previous experience with filming their own hunts, which was a huge advantage to DoeNation.

“They are a very good complement to our team, and we are lucky to have them,” said Williams.

Other segments even feature the men’s wives or children and their experiences hunting or other hunters interested in their cause.

As their audience grew and impact extended, sponsors began reaching out to DoeNation with patronage to their cause. Now that the show has gained more backing, the pair will upgrade camera equipment, which would improve the quality.

Hunters not even within range of DoeNation’s television show have shown massive support, along with the tremendous outpouring of local Elmore County businesses. Full Draw Archery from Huntsville initially met with Williams and Caudle about their patented invention, “Simple Hang,” which loops around a limb or stand, as opposed to similar gear that screws into a tree, allowing a backpack or weapon to be safely hung in a tree; however, as the pair explained what it is they do, the owner instantly wanted to financially support their television show, as well.

“It’s crazy how it worked out. He didn’t ask about price or anything, and they’re two and a half hours out of viewing range. People seem to be put in our path. We kind of step back and let the Lord lead,” Williams said.

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The pair, along with the help of others, promotes their ministry on the Selma-based TV show, DoeNation Outdoors

The two consider themselves very spiritual with a strong emphasis on the importance of faith, so the last segment of each DoeNation Outdoors episode features a local pastor tying everything from the show back into their relationship with Christ, said Williams.

Caudle and Williams visit other local churches and organizations asking others to participate in the donation side. It’s only deer meat that will be accepted at food pantries (as opposed to the large hog population), but anyone who brings a kill to A+ Processing or Skinning Shack under the DoeNation name for the food pantries, will be given free processing.

In future seasons, Williams and Caudle hope to travel more to expand the reach of their show, but they know time away from home is always tough, said Caudle.

“We have a tremendous support staff at home. Our families are encouraging – they back us, and they believe in us. Taking four days off for a hunt though, is a big deal,” said Williams.

Both men are fathers, as well, and try to involve their children whenever possible. Although not all of them are at the age to fire a weapon, they want to expose them to the outdoors and the joy of hunting to continue the tradition.

“There has been a steady decline in hunting throughout the states, and our children are a precious resource. Kids

The name DoeNation was unintentional at first and became the perfect play on words have gotten so involved in gaming and technology, they don’t get outside like they used to. It’s important to pass it down and keep it going,” said Williams.

For anyone outside the viewership range, all episodes of DoeNation Outdoors can be viewed on YouTube. Williams said be sure to watch through the end, as the outtakes provide an inside perspective of the men’s true personalities and are worth the wait.

To learn more about DoeNation, visit doenation.tv or the Facebook page DoeNation Outdoors.

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Mover & Shaker

Rodney O'Neal Story by Amy Passaretti & Photos by Suellen Young

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(PTA), a tumbling studio, to provide an opportunity for local children to be competitive with tumbling and cheering, since there was a void in the area for pursuing this path.

“I don’t ever leave work feeling drained because I get the chance to do what I love at school and leave there and go to PrimeTime Athletics and do what I love. A day in my life is just, like, a lovely day. Not many people can say that,” said O’Neal.

Born and raised in Reeltown, it was important for O’Neal to come home for work after receiving his elementary education degree from Troy University, where he also cheered for three years.

His passion for learning began in second grade when O’Neal was first a peer tutor. Also coming from a family of educators, he was raised strongly believing in the education system and knowing how much teachers sacrifice. After beginning the path as a pre-med student and meeting an elderly man who couldn’t read, O’Neal quickly learned that he could impact more lives with the ability to share his knowledge and educate others.

“Education is where it all begins and where it all ends. I realized if I really want to save lives – it starts in the classroom,” said O’Neal. “Working with kids is a real bonus.”

Even though O’Neal worked with a rapidly growing tumbling studio

Rodney O'Neal opened PrimeTime Athletics to give local children the opportunity to pursue cheerleading and tumbling, which was otherwise unavailable

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he youth in Elmore County are lucky to have an educator, mentor, cheer instructor and support system in Rodney O’Neal, who has not only one, but two dream jobs at the age of 25.

As a seventh-grade enrichment teacher at Southside Middle School in Tallassee for the last two years, O’Neal strives to be a compassionate educator that encourages students not only in school but also in life.

Simultaneously, in April 2016, O’Neal opened PrimeTime Athletics

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and all-star cheer squad in Dothan and was offered a great job to stay, he knew home is where he needed to be.

One year working in Tuskegee also helped shaped his appreciation for educating children who appreciate the smallest things.

“I needed to take the education I had received and come back home to be a relatable authority figure. Even to those students not in my classroom, I want them to know they can contact me for anything, so I can be there to listen and give advice. I know the parents, the town and the area, so I know exactly what they’re going through.

It made it more personal and beneficial for me to make this choice,” said O’Neal.

O’Neal has been tumbling since he was 6 years old and always wanted to cheer, but Reeltown never offered the opportunity for cheerleading at a competitive level.

“If you want to be a cheerleader, there’s really no path for it here. Since I had a lot of experience with tumbling and cheering at the collegiate level, I felt PrimeTime Athletics would be a great business venture. We have a lot of dance studios in this area, but there’s not a gym like PTA within 50 miles of here,” O’Neal said.

His studio offers four levels of classes – beginner, intermediate, accelerated and advanced – for ages 4-18, or at the college level with proof of a college physical. O’Neal said he tries to keep class sizes around eight to 10 students for more personalized attention, but the advanced classes can be a bit larger because these students don’t need the same detailed direction.

“I know every kid who walks through that door by name, and I know what everyone is working on.

You’re not going to come to a class here and not see me or talk to me because I know that’s who you’re coming to work with,” O’Neal said.

Students are placed in classes based on their skill and level, regardless of age, to ensure no student is held back or pushed too hard. To advance to the

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PTA's cheer squad will begin competing next year

O'Neal ensures each student receives personal attention

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next level, every three months PTA holds a “card week,” which evaluates the necessary skills to master at that level before progressing.

The gym consists of a tumble track, which is essentially an elongated trampoline, for beginners, and a six-piece spring floor, but O’Neal said his training goal is for all students to feel confident tumbling on any surface – from asphalt to parking lots to nursing home floors.

“They understand after they’ve practiced so hard just how much I believe in them to actually do the skills on any surface,” said O’Neal. “The extra bounce on the spring floor they train on just translates into confidence.”

Children enrolled at PTA are from towns across Elmore County, so his cheer squad often gets asked to perform at events, including fall festivals, Christmas parades, nursing home visits, fashion shows, vacation Bible schools and others. O’Neal said since people consider his elite group a community squad, people don’t feel like they are taking sides.

The need to create a specific cheer squad came not only from being asked to do so many events, but also O’Neal’s desire to create the competitive team that was never available when he was growing up.

His squad, which currently consists of 16 children ages 8-13, will be an official level-3, all-star team next year and contend throughout the Southeast, before moving to nationwide competitions. The team was chosen for skill, dedication and talent, with a strong emphasis on the difference.

“Skill is the thing you can

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already do. Talent is what you’re capable of. I took some with great talent, some with great skill and a good mix of both to unify the team,” said O’Neal.

It’s not just his talent that makes O'Neal a great leader in the community. His attitude toward teaching and ensuring children are supported is evident in both of his roles.

He said he believes in positive reinforcement and encouragement and also in being open, honest and fair to not leave room for doubt or concern.

“You get so much out of a kid when you positively reinforce them. For example, instead of saying, ‘you missed 18 on a test,’ you high five them and say, ‘man you got two right!’ And the next week get excited that maybe they got eight correct. Show kids where they can make progress, and they’ll be more likely to try hard for you and appreciate what you’re doing,” said O’Neal.

At PTA, O’Neal hosts a Christmas event that is truly indicative of his selfless nature. Twelve less fortunate children are nominated from the school system to attend a Christmas party, complete with free gymnastic lessons, a personal cheer from the cheer squad and dinner. The students also tell the Christmas story, and O’Neal invites motivational speakers to share their success stories relatable to the children’s backgrounds for encouragement.

On top of two seemingly full-time jobs, O’Neal also teaches at a dance studio in Eclectic, judges beauty pageants on occasion and oversees all the cheerleaders in the East Alabama Youth Football

League program. He ensures they are grasping the concept of cheerleading and provides insider tips and tricks to give them confidence to continue that path.

Although it seems O’Neal has already made immense progress and impact on the youth in the community, he still has plans to expand his gym, a little at a time, with a future goal of a full-functioning YMCA with activities for the entire community. He said it would give him peace knowing there was a place for kids and adults alike to find an outlet. Also, he hopes to eventually become a college-level professor and will receive his master’s degree next December.

“My biggest goal is not to necessarily find myself but to always be continuing to get better. I don’t feel like I’m anywhere near my peak yet; I don’t see a stop sign in sight. Seeing the impact I’m having on kids and being this age with the respect I get from them in the hallway, I know God has given me so many talents and wants me to use them in the most positive way possible,” said O’Neal.

Having a supportive family and community has been a huge asset for O’Neal. He said he owes much of his success and character to his family, who has believed in everything he’s done along the way and helped him work toward his goals.

The adults in the community, whether they have children at Southside or in O’Neal’s tumble classes, have motivated him to keep searching for solutions to help youth in the area.

“Just knowing I have the support of my community is what drives me more than anything else. Having adults understand what you’re trying to do without tearing you down and taking from it, makes a world of difference,” O’Neal said. “It’s going to take more than me to make a profound difference on the youth.”

Healthy Hearts Make More Memories More moments mean more memories.

More time with grandkids and family.

More days on the lake. More sunsets.

Kevin Sublett, MD, and the staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can keep on making memories.

The clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from UAB Medicine, offering: • The full spectrum of cardiovascular care • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology • The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories • Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders • Convenient location within Russell Medical Center Call us today to schedule an appointment!

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-2644 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL

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A Life Remembered John Kelly Fitzpatrick honored during annual Veterans Day Tribute

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Story by Betsy Iler Photos Courtesy of Dixie Art Colony

s the community gathers Nov. 11 for Elmore County’s 9th Annual Tribute to Veterans, the service career of one of the area’s most revered artists will be the subject of an exhibit in this year’s Gallery of Honor. The tribute to John Kelly Fitzpatrick (1888-1953) will include a watercolor painted during his World War I military career. Fitzpatrick enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1918 and took part in three major offensive battles, one of which changed the tide of the war.

His battlefield experiences – including severe shrapnel wounds to his face, neck and chest – prompted Fitzpatrick to focus on his art after the war.

Kelly Fitzpatrick grew up on Autauga Street in Wetumpka and by the age of 4 showed artistic talent. As a young adult, he studied briefly at the Art Institute of Chicago, and some years after the war, he studied at the Académie Julian in Paris. The son of Jane Lovelady Kelly and Dr. Phillips Fitzpatrick, the artist was the grandson of Benjamin Fitzpatrick, who served as governor of the State of Alabama from 1841 to 1845.

Fitzpatrick, who served with the 4th Infantry Division, 8th Infantry Brigade, Company C, 12th Machine Gun Battalion, took part in the Second Battle of the Marne in the summer of 1918. Most of his unit was killed when they came upon a German machine gun nest, and Fitzpatrick was wounded. Some 30,000 men were killed in the battle, which was the last of the German offensives in the war.

He took part in the St. Mihiel battle in September of the same year, the first major independent American offensive of World War I and the Battle of the Argonne Forest, which involved 1.2 million American soldiers and was one of a

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series of Allied attacks that led to the armistice of Nov. 11, 1918.

He was awarded the Presidential Wound Certificate (the modern day equivalent of the Purple Heart).

After the war, Fitzpatrick returned to Elmore County to become one of Beloved founders of the Wetumpka Dixie Art Colony, artist John Kelly the Alabama Art Fitzpatrick served League and the in the U.S. Army Montgomery during WWI Museum of Fine Art. During the Great Depression, he took part in the New Deal Art Project, an arm of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s economic recovery program.

While working on a series of murals for the Bank of Tallassee, Fitzpatrick suffered a massive heart attack and died on April 18, 1953. Arthur Stewart, a renowned artist with whom Fitzpatrick had painted in the DAC, completed the work in Fitzpatrick’s stead.

The Veterans Day exhibit, which will be on display in the parish hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. Highway 231, Wetumpka, will include five storyboards about Fitz-

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Kelly apparently painted this watercolor during his service time in France in 1918

patrick’s life and military service and an original watercolor that the artist apparently painted during his war time in France.

Additional storyboards in the exhibit will provide a brief history of the founding of Veterans Day and the writing and popularity of Irving Berlin’s God Bless America.

The Gallery of Honor will open at 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, and a concert, featuring the Madrigal Voices of Montgomery, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Trinity Episcopal Church sanctuary with a reception following. The public is invited to attend.

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It's that time of the year With flu season in full swing, consider the options for prevention

Nancy Rader

COMMUNITY CARE nancy rader is office

manager at ivy creek

healthcare's urgent care

of tallassee.

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Should I get a flu shot? This seems to be a common question this time of the year. Normal flu season starts around mid-October and runs through March. This year, flu season has started early and is predicted to be a bad season.

The Southern Hemisphere, especially Australia, was hit hard over the past few months with a flu strain that’s notorious for causing severe illness, especially in seniors. In the U.S., small clusters of the flu are already popping up.

According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance map, flu activity in Pennsylvania and New Jersey is considered low or sporadic. The closest state reporting local activity, the next level up, is Connecticut; only Maine and Arizona have reported higher, regional outbreaks.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen, but there’s a chance we could have a season similar to Australia,” CDC Influenza Chief Dr. Daniel Jernigan told The Associated Press.

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.

Less often, a person also could get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching his or her own mouth, eyes or nose. The flu virus spreads easily on commonly touched public areas, including hand rails, elevator buttons or shopping carts and can stay active on a surface for up to two hours.

Dr. Uttam Podder at Ivy Creek Urgent Care of Tallassee said Tallassee Urgent Care had four cases of flu from June to September, which is very unusual. Dr. Podder encourages everyone, especially seniors and small children, to get a flu shot each year.

As people get older, their immune systems typically get weaker, regardless of current health. With a body’s defense system on the de-

cline, the risk for catching the flu and developing flu-related complications increases. Around 60 percent of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people ages 65 and older. Seniors are affected more severely than the general population, so there is a stronger-dosed vaccine made specifically for those over the age of 65.

So, should you take a flu shot this year?

Consider the following: Can I get the flu from taking the flu vaccine?

The flu shot takes up to two weeks to produce immunity from the influenza strains in the vaccine. You could already have the flu or could catch it before that two-week period ends. The shot lasts about six months, so you also could catch the flu after the immunity wears off.

The shot kicks your immune system up a notch, so for many people, the increased immune response will produce mild upperrespiratory symptoms and an achy feeling; however, it is not the flu and will disappear in a few days.

If I get the flu, how long will I be contagious?

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weak immune systems, might be able to infect others for even longer.

With this time frame in mind, someone infected would need to stay home for a week to 10 days, which means time lost in school or work.

The pros outweigh the cons when considering taking the flu shot. There are many providers that offer the shot, making it is very convenient to get one. Tallassee Urgent Care has flu shots for ages 4-64 and the stronger dose for people 65 and older. Most insurance companies will pay 100 percent of the cost.

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The Original Casa Napoli is back opened for business at their original location.

We have a full bar and will have monthly wine tastings, Check our Facebook for dates and times.

Offering Lunch specials Tues-Fri 11-2, Early Bird Dinners Tues-Sat 4-5:30pm, Regular dining Tues-Thurs 4-9, Fri/Sat 4-10. Closed Mon/Sun

We are taking reservations for your private holiday parties!

334-478-3256

2215 Highway 231, Wetumpka

Wetumpka

Flea Market & Antiques Thanks for all the “Grand Giveaway” turnout! It was so much fun!

OVER 100 BOOTHS! EVERYTHING FROM ODDS & ENDS TO FINE ANTIQUES

334-567-2666 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 Wetumpka, AL

Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC

Brandino Brass Co. offers an uncompromising selection of decorative hardware for doors and cabinets, kitchen and bath accessories, lighting, fire balls, mailboxes, gate hardware and much more.

2824 CENTRAL AVENUE SUITE 100 | HOMEWOOD, AL 35209 205.978.8900 | WWW.BRANDINOBRASS.COM

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MOVIE TURKEYS In the world of film, a “turkey,” by definition, is a movie that is extremely or completely unsuccessful. In just a few weeks, many families declare turkey season as the arrival of the Thanksgiving holidays. For hunters in Alabama, turkey season is guided by specific dates and regulations; however, turkey season in the world of movies knows no boundaries.

The unsuspecting moviegoer does not have to stealthily hunt for a turkey. The turkey of a movie can pop up even when the viewer has the best of intentions and is thinking he or she is about to enjoy a cinematic treat, only to discover that they have been treated to a real stinker of a flick.

Thus far in 2017, moviegoers have been subjected to an extremely high number of movie turkeys. Pundits continue to weigh in about the number of box office bombs that have descended upon movie houses in the last few months, especially in light of the low box office numbers this summer.

Pouring over the list of box office turkeys, I am especially struck by the number of films that seemed promising prior

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to their release but fell flat and were not gobbled up by audiences.

The list is staggering, but here are a few of the box office turkeys of 2017 that have crashed and burned in theaters: Ghost in the Shell – Fans initially rushed to theaters but quickly discover this to be ‘mangled manga.’

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword – Heroic Charlie Hunnam proved ‘Ho Hum’ in this box office fizzle.

Monster Trucks – Who ever thought this was a good idea in the first place?

Life – D.O.A., even with an impressive cast of Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds.

The House – Will Ferrell and Amy Poeler lost their bets on this gambling farce.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul – Clever series that has worn out its welcome.

CHIPS – This Dax Shepherd misfire cashed in its ‘chips’

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in its opening weekend at the box-office.

Mother! – Even charming Jennifer Lawrence can’t save this weirdo movie that scored an “F” grade with moviegoers.

Unforgettable – Quickly forgotten. A fatal attraction movie that proved ‘fatal’ for filmgoers.

A Cure for Wellness – Wellness? Audiences quickly became ‘sick’ of this movie.

Tulip Fever – Even Dame Judi Dench discovered that audiences didn’t give a ‘dame’ about this movie with its impressive international cast.

The Promise – A broken one for people discovering this movie did not deliver the grandeur it advertised.

The Mummy – Poor Tom couldn’t ‘cruise’ to box office success with this monster dud.

Baywatch – The Rock and Zac Efron could not rescue this unwatchable movie version of an unwatchable TV show.

Keep in mind there is always hope in the movie industry, as these turkeys still have a chance to be redeemed through foreign box office receipts or the home video market.

Now, lest you think that movie turkeys are a new concept, let us never forget some all-time champions in the world of movie turkeys. How many of these disasters have you gobbled up?

The Horror of Party Beach (1964) – Simply awful. A true horror of a horror film, featuring a monster clothed from the bargain costume rack at Party City.

At Long Last Love (1975) – A tone-deaf movie musical, featuring the limited singing talents of Cybil Shepherd and the non-existent singing talents of Burt Reynolds.

Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) – Great director (John Boorman) + Great actor (Richard Burton) + Box Office Blockbuster (the original Exorcist) = Criminally bad sequel to one of the most popular horror films of all time.

The Swarm/Beyond the Poseidon Adventure/ When Time Ran Out (1978-1980) – After backto-back disaster film blockbusters, The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno, director/ producer Irwin Allen had three strikes in a row with these laughable flops that brought shame to the careers of Sally Field, Michael Caine, Paul Newman and many others.

Heaven’s Gate (1980) – The costly film that derailed the career of director Michael Cimino

is no longer considered a disaster, thanks to reediting, and has won new-found respect among moviegoers.

Mommie Dearest (1981) – Many think this Joan Crawford horror show is a stumble from which superstar Faye Dunaway never recovered.

The movie did give us an all-time great movie quote, “No wire hangers ever!”

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) – How the mighty have fallen. From the majestic original Superman: The Movie to this pathetic fourth installment directed by Superman himself, Christopher Reeve … a major disappointment.

Valley of the Dolls (1967) – Based on Jacqueline Susann’s huge best-seller and a runaway hit at the box office, this tawdry showbiz tale has to be seen to be believed.

From Justin to Kelly (2003) – Proof positive that American Idol worship can be disastrous.

This notorious stinker, featuring the adorable Kelly Clarkson (still popular to this day) and the likable Justin Guarini (banished to making ends meet playing a Prince wannabe in Dr. Pepper commercials) is widely considered one of the worst movies of all time.

The Last Airbender (2010) – Heartbreaking to think that M. Night Shyamalan, the same man who gave us the brilliant The Sixth Sense, delivered this turkey to us as well.

Jack & Jill (2011) – Two words – Adam Sandler. Be afraid. Be very afraid … and avoid at all costs.

The Twilight Series (2008-2012) – Don’t care that these movies made a fortune. Still turkeys.

Just sayin’.

Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997) – A textbook lesson in how a movie sequel can destroy all goodwill created by the original. Shame on you, Sandra Bullock.

Ishtar (1987) – Bad but not as terrible as you may have heard. Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman generate a few laughs in the midst of this misfire.

Grease 2 (1982) – Better title = ‘Grease Phew’

Jeff Langham

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

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

So, there you have it – from both the past and present – some movie turkeys to avoid or gobble up at your own risk. Better yet, play it safe: Enjoy the delicious turkey adorning your holiday table.

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Telltale Treasures Revel in these story-driven games by a development leader

Telltale Games is the industry’s leading game development studio when it comes to narrative or story-driven titles.

Its long library of games extends back to 2004 and includes some of the biggest franchises ever made: Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park and The Walking Dead are all members of this exclusive club.

In nearly all of Telltale’s games, players are asked to make pivotal decisions that sway the rest of the story, change important events and impact the eventual outcome. This makes Telltale’s productions feel weighty, and it’s why gamers keep coming back whenever the studio publishes another title.

Today, we’ll take a look at the 10 best games to ever come out of this beloved and unique California-based studio: 10. Jurassic Park: The Game (2011) While it’s no secret that Jurassic Park: The Game is low on the totem pole when it comes to Telltale’s ever-improving catalogue of games, it was a pivotal moment for the studio.

The game’s creation proved that the studio could handle

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massive brands and intellectual properties, such as the tyrannosaurus-sized Jurassic Park. While gamers were left wanting more when it came to characters, story and pretty much everything in between, they were better off in the long run, as Telltale’s recent creations are a massive improvement.

9. Tales of Monkey Island (2009) I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never played Tales of Monkey Island, but it’s evident why this particular game was so important to Telltale’s history – it was a commercial success.

This title built interest from industry bigwigs and provided Telltale the opportunity to get its hands on franchises like Jurassic Park, while, at the same time, giving new life to the Monkey Island franchise, which hadn’t seen the light of day since 2000. Although Monkey Island failed to maintain its former glory, Telltale managed to achieve more and more since this 2009 release.

8. The Walking Dead: A New Frontier (2016) The Walking Dead: A New Frontier is one of the weaker Tell-

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tale-produced Walking Dead games. It’s the third season in a four-part series that should wrap up in 2018. The first two seasons in this mostly excellent series achieved widespread acclaim for the complex characters, choices and narratives; however, A New Frontier failed to deliver this same level of quality characteristics. It could be argued that gamers are simply suffering from an overexposure to the Walking Dead video games, as this marks Telltale’s fourth series adaptation.

7. Back to the Future: The Game (2010) Up until this point, most of the games we’ve talked about have had some big issues, but here is where the excellence begins and why Telltale is such a big name in the gaming industry. Back to the Future remains one of Telltale’s most successful games to date, both with reviewers and in terms of units sold. The title was praised for its relentless attention to detail, and while some scorned its failure to offer gamers a real challenge, the majority waved off these concerns in light of its stellar storytelling mechanics.

6. The Walking Dead Season 2 (2013) The Walking Dead Season 2 is the follow-up to the fanfavorite first season of this mega-popular Telltale series. It has essentially been praised for all the same reasons as its predecessor: amazing atmosphere, engaging characters and a truly unique approach to video game storytelling. Players continue the story of Clementine, the series’ protagonist, in a sometimes morally ambiguous story where zombies are rarely the most sinister enemy encountered. The only reason it falls a bit lower on our list? It suffers from a bad case of sequel-itis – there’s no area of the game that matches the pedigree of the first.

5. Batman: The Telltale Series (2016) Batman: The Telltale Series fills an interesting role on this list. It was struck hard by critics for a less-than-impressive plot and a number of technical glitches but still found its way into gamers’ hearts. It’s one of the most popular games on this list, and in a time where we listen so often to critics and naysayers, it’s heartwarming to see the gaming public take up arms and support something they love. In truth, much of the criticism directed at this title isn’t fair. There’s a lot of good to be had here, even if the experience doesn’t stack up against some of Telltale’s most elite productions.

4. Minecraft: Story Mode (2015) Unfortunately, the nature of Telltale’s games ends up being quite somber. Difficult choices aren’t usually facilitated by humor and lightheartedness – that’s where Minecraft: Story Mode comes in. Telltale takes a game that is loved by all and known for its childlike sense of wanderlust and transforms it into an emotional, fun and entirely immersive journey. Story Mode remains one of the more polarizing games

on Telltale’s list because of its stark contrast to the rest of the studio’s library, but hey – give this game a chance.

3. The Wolf Among Us (2013) The Wolf Among Us – without a doubt – is the most unique game on this list.

And its eccentricity makes the title so darned tantalizing. The colors, the mood, the mystery – The Wolf Among Us has it all. The only reason this game doesn’t jump straight to first place is it takes a dive during its later acts, losing some of the quality and flair that invited players in. But becoming acquainted with this world and its characters is an experience that shouldn’t be missed by any other gamer worth salt.

2. The Walking Dead Season 1 (2012) Seen by many as Telltale’s biggest achievement, The Walking Dead Season 1 is by-and-large the pinnacle in video game storytelling. There are the usual complaints that come attached to Telltale’s games: shoddy animations and bad code, but in comparison to one of the best video game adaptations of all-time, minor complaints only last so long. Season 1 set a bar so high that the studio has been trying to recreate that success in more recent Walking Dead titles with waning success.

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.

1. Game of Thrones (2014) I absolutely know I’m going to get flak for putting Game of Thrones at the top of this list, but hear me out. The choices in this game are relative to things close to the human soul: honor, love, life, death and loyalty. While The Walking Dead asks players to make decisions based purely from a perspective of survival, Game of Thrones asks us to stand up for ourselves and give those around us a life worth living through the in-game choices we make.

Sometimes, doing the right thing is the wrong course of action, and that’s truly terrifying. There’s no game here that matches Game of Thrones in strategy or gamesmanship, and while these might not be important to some, they are to me.

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OUT & ABOUT

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Wetumpka Pep Rally

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August 25, 2017 Wetumpka High School 1. Juliana Thames and Shannon McKee

2. Nathan Burdette and Katie Hart

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3. Lily Gray and Savannah Shoemaker

4. Starr Smith and Alexis Austin

5. Markie Hicks and Becca Sagers

6. Lindsay Lott and Evie Donoghia

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Dam Century Ride

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September 23, 2017 Tallassee 1. Jason Mann

2. Kat Raiford and Caroline Herring

3. Laurie and Rob Rygiel

8 4. Teresa Bird and Holly Wilson

5. Theron Shipman, Morgan Steele and Laura Fields

6. Brian Greene

7. Alan Taunton, Jan Dzuirlik and Susie and Noah Griggs

8. Pete Tyree, Arthur Owens and Leroy Barrows

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Eclectic's Youth Football Game

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September 23, 2017 Elmore County High School 1. Clay and Noah Davidson 2. Jim Boyd 3. Stephanie and Jullianna Hill

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4. Rodney and Bree Kendrick and Felicia and Trevor Brown 5. Meera Patel, Cindy Davidson and Carol Patel 6. Ray Smith 7. Kaela and Cheyenne Armstrong 8. Jake Youland and Chad Jones

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Wetumpka High School Homecoming September 21, 2017 Wetumpka Elementary School 1. Ebone Lykes 2. Ruby Alexander and Leeann Collier 3. Cheryl and Mackenzie Davis and Consira Fitzpatrick 4. Anzley, Katelyn and Cody Dennis 5. Clarissa Traylor and Shamonya Lykes 6. Stacey Lykes and Leeundreah Brown 7. Jennifer Hart and Shellie Whitfield

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OUT & ABOUT

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Millbrook's 40th Birthday Bash

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September 29, 2017 Alabama Wildlife Federation 1. Bob and June Hendrick

2. Leslie Gunn and Brantley and Jeremy Collier

4 3. Jesse Mitchell and Deborah Coker

4. Dean and Bob Shaw

5. Carla Dawson and Martha Martin

6. Scott Davis and Kevin Fisk

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Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce Drawdown & Silent Auction October 3, 2017 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Gayla Mcconnell and Tara Chambliss 2. Jim and Gloria Berdeaux 3. Jeff and Kay Martin 4. John and Carol Bush 5. Guadalupe and Martha Flores 6. Marcia and Bob Franklin 7. Carol and Jimmy Collier

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Main Street Wetumpka Annual Meeting

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September 14, 2017 Downtown Wetumpka 1. Natacha Graham 2. Pete Powers 3. Troy Stubbs

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4. Jenny Stubbs 5. Johnny Oates 6. Dennis Fain 7. Lynn Weldon 8. Craig Sheldon

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Stanhope Elmore Homecoming Game October 6, 2017 Stanhope Elmore High School 1. Mayora Berry 2. Mitchell McCord 3. Lauren Mosely, Sydney Wilson and Shikia Smith

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4. Bentleigh Stephens, Katie Temple, Madesyn Sanders and Michaela Tillery 5. Emily Seago, Pyper Sloan and Meagan Thompson 6. Avery Johnson, Laina Sansom and Gracie Beyer 7. Elijah Corin, Nate Warlick and Atharv Argade

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Oct. 18 Paint-out Event: DAC Sunday Painters

Join the Dixie Art Colony (DAC) Foundation and local artists Shirley Esco and Barbara Binford Davis at Nobles Ferry on Lake Jordan for a plein-air painting session.

This program and instruction is designed to be a casual get-together for non-professional artists; however, artists of all levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. For those interested, supplies can be furnished for a small fee.

“Sunday Painter" was a term used in the 1930s and 40s to refer to artists that painted simply for pleasure or the sheer enjoyment of the experience. For information, visit the DAC Foundation website dixieartcolony.org.

Oct. 19 River Region Women in Business Meeting

7:30 p.m., this group promotes networking and empowerment among women in business with various speakers and presentations. For information or to RSVP, contact Shea Irvine at 334-651-8289 or sheainal@gmail.com.

Oct. 21 Angel Fest

St. Michael and All Angels Church at 5941 Main St., Millbrook, will host its annual Angel Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a bake sale, the famous silent auction, concessions, children’s carnival and a Boston butt sale. Festivities include family fun and entertainment with gospel music. Free admission. Proceeds benefit the church’s outreach programs. For information, call the church office at 334-285-3905.

Held at the Wetumpka Chamber office from 6 p.m. to

Game On!

Join the fun of playing Left Center Right at Bon Appetit Catering from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 when the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) hosts a Halloween-themed game night for adults. Costumes are optional, but there will be a prize for the best one. Tickets are $25 each and include food and drinks.

The game is easy to learn and lots of fun, said MACC Executive Director Elisa Jones.

LCR is a dice game for three or more play-

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ers, published in 1992 by George & Company LLC. It is a game entirely of chance, and players make no decisions of any kind. Upon a roll of the dice, a player passes chips to the player on the left or right or into the pot in the center of the table.

The last player with chips wins.

Bon Appetit is located at 5090 Main St. in Millbrook. Call 334-285-0085 for more information about LCR or event details.

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Oct. 27 The Harmonettes

Equality Performing Arts Center will host a performance by the Harmonettes, featuring Peggy Shores, Gayle Sellers and Kelley Whisnand. They will perform love songs, show tunes and movie themes. Following, Shores will play tunes that include everything from Bach to bluegrass.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the There are show starts at 7 p.m. EPAC is lonumerous cated on Hwy. 9, Equality. events for kids this Oct. 26 Halloween Upbeats season Don’t miss the big band sound of Upbeats at 7 p.m. at the Millbrook Community Players Theater. The 16-member band plays the music that spans the 20th century. Tickets are $8. Visit millbrooktheater.com for details.

annual Boo Fest celebration for kids held from 10 a.m. to noon at Village Green Park. Businesses can take part for $25, and tables will be provided for kid-friendly activities and treats. Friendly costumes are encouraged. Call Stephanie Church at 334-290-2047 to join the effort to give back to the community.

Oct. 28 Fall Family Festival

The kids and grandkids will have a great time at this annual festival at Russell Crossroads. Dress the kids in their favorite costumes or let them come as they are for a scavenger hunt, face painting, pumpkin decorating, wagon rides, archery and more. See a real grist mill and blacksmith in action. Enter the pie and canning contests. At the end of the day, victorious canners and bakers will walk away with smiles and huge prize ribbons for their efforts.

For information, call 256-397-1019 or visit the website www.Calendar/ RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com.

Oct. 25-28 Wetumpka’s 2nd Annual Haunted History Tours

Experience the rich history of Wetumpka’s downtown and listen to hair-raising personal experiences of paranormal occurrences in the buildings when you take a haunted history tour. And if you are especially daring, sign up to participate in a paranormal investigation in one of the most haunted buildings in town. Early registration is $15 for the standard tour; $45 for the extended tour with investigation opportunities. Registration is now open at www. wetumpkachamber.com.

Oct. 28 4th Annual Wyld in the Woods Trail Run

The challenging 5K course for this run includes uneven terrain through rocks, roots and sand, as the route crosses beautiful fields and forests and meanders along the banks of Grandview YMCA’s lakes. Dress up to enter the Best Costume Contest. Free childcare is provided for runners.

Proceeds benefit Grandview YMCA's support campaign.

Pick up race bags between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Grandview campus. Early registration online includes discounted entry fees. Visit www.active.com for information and registration.

Oct. 28 Boo Fest

Oct. 28 Lake Martin Area Art Festival

Art Fest will be held in downtown Eclectic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with music, food, art and more. Artists can register with the town by calling 334-541-4429 to reserve a spot for the day and pay around $20 for a day-use event license.

Oct. 30 Wetumpka Candy Walk

Hosted by the City of Wetumpka, this event will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. behind the City Administration Building for children ages toddler to fourth grade.

The city is currently taking table reservations. Contact Valencia Smith at 334-567-5147 for information.

Nov. 4 Cow Patty Trot

This 5K and 1-mile fun run benefit Holtville High School’s DECA student organization, as well as the school’s cross-country team. Register online at active.com or on race day at 7 a.m. at the school in Deatsville.

Nov. 9-11 Home for the Holidays 2017 Craft Show

It’s not too late to sign up for the City of Millbrook’s

More than 30 local crafters and vendors from other areas will be present at the Wetumpka Civic Center hosted

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by Charis Crafters. Tickets are $5, and all proceeds from ticket sales and cookbook sales benefit local charities.

Event will be held Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For tickets or more information, call Del Mock at 334-201-1817.

Nov. 13 Alabama Civil War Newspapers

A program held at 2:30 p.m. at the Elmore County Museum in Wetumpka, presented by Meredith McDonough with the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

There were newspapers written specifically about the Civil War – Ms. McDonough will share where to find them and what information can be found within.

Season-Long Events 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 charge, but donations are welcome. The center is located at the Old Red Hill School on Alabama Hwy. 229 south of Kowaliga. Email Paula Castleberry at mcasby53@windstream.net for information.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature

Every Monday and Wednesday, from 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m., come learn about Alabama’s woods, water and wildlife. Get up close and personal with some of the creatures you may find in your own backyard, and even some you may have never even heard of. General admission is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family.

AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

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.

From September to December, the Elmore County Museum will host an exhibit about the first state penitentiary, which was located in Wetumpka off Hwy. 231 across from the Russell Do-it Center (a supporting wall and an original silo still stand from the building). The exhibit will have prison records, which people will be able to manually search through; prison artifacts; two books compiled from newspaper articles regarding the Walls and its criminals from 1842 to the early 1900s; and a few unusual items found in the newspaper articles that will be replicated for the display. For information, contact Sharon Kilpatrick at elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.

Haunted Wetumpka Investigations

In-depth paranormal investigations will take place in the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce building from 7 p.m. to midnight on the third Saturday of the month. Cost is $50 per person, and reservations are required. For information, call 334-567-4811 or email jyoung@wetumpkachamber.org.

Dixie Art Colony Foundation Exhibit

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's Place in Titus; Old Central Transfer Station; Anne Building in Elmore; CEW&SA parking lot at Redland Road.

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

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Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

The Walls Exhibit

Country Music Jam

Electronics Recycling

recycle tube televisions; other electronics incur no charge.

Come from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other accepted electronics include computers, monitors, cell phones, chargers, modems, remotes, printers, batteries and more.

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

Appointments and small group tours are available upon request. Special tours include a 16-minute video, Dixie Art Colony: A Look at Its Lasting Legacy. Exhibits rotate every four months. A selection of periodicals and books from the DAC Foundation Resource Library also are on display. For information, contact Mark Harris at 334-3280730 or M.Harris@DixieArtColony.org.

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

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Remember the Obvious Simple rules to keep in mind as hunting season begins Story by & Photos Courtesy of David Ranier When hunters take to the woods this month for the start of archery deer season in Alabama, Hunter Education Coordinator Marisa Futral hopes that those using tree stands will remember to wear and use a vital piece of equipment: the full-body harness.

“It sounds obvious, but wearing your harness and not attaching it to the tree will not save you if you fall,” said Futral. “Most falls occur while ascending and descending, or stepping into and out of the tree stand, so it is extremely important to be attached to the tree at all times.”

Futral said every hunter should attach a full-body harness to the tree at the moment of leaving the ground, and it should stay attached until the hunter is safely back on the ground.

“Many hunters are diligent about wearing a harness,” she said, “but they don’t attach it to the tree until they have already climbed up and are seated. You are more likely to fall when you are moving, so attaching the harness before you start climbing is vital.”

Once at the desired height, hunters should keep a short tether between them and the tree with no slack when sitting. The tether should be fastened to the tree at eye level or above. This will allow an easier recovery if a fall happens. Never allow the tether strap to get under the chin or around the neck.

Hunting bows should be pulled up and lowered with a strong cord or rope. When hunting with a gun, it should be unloaded prior to pulling it up or lowering it.

Hunting is one of the safest outdoor recreational activities. According to American Sports Data and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, hunting ranks lower than basketball, football, tennis, cheerleading, bicycling, golf and even When using a tree stand bowling in the total number like this climber, always of injuries per 100 particihave your body harness pants. connected to the tree Each hunting season though, Futral receives reports of hunting accidents that could have been avoided. Last hunting season in Alabama, 11 nonfatal and two fatal incidents were reported relating to tree stands, while seven incidents were attributed to firearms (one fatal and six non-fatal). In all of the tree stand-related incidents, the hunters were not wearing safety harnesses.

Futral stressed that a hunter should carefully inspect the tree stand and harness before each use.

“Never use a damaged or expired harness, and make sure it can support your body weight,” she said.

“And, most importantly, keep it attached to the tree at all times.”

For more information about how to properly use a full-body harness and other hunting safety tips, visit www.outdooralabama.com/tree-stand-safety.

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Business & Service Directory

Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

Bezlo's Cafe Bless Your Heart Eclectic Town Hall Eclectic Library Johnson’s Furniture Original Grace First Community Bank

Lake Martin

Russell Lands Russell Marine Nail’s Cotton’s BBQ

Millbrook

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

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Slapout

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

Tallassee

Kent Eagle Y Petro Parker Tire RoadRunner Herron Hill Pharmacy Friendship Grocery The Apothecary Community Hospital Tallassee Health & Rehab 5 Points Store Tallassee Automotive

Wetumpka

Aldridge Borden Company Bennett’s Archery First Community Bank Russell Do It Center Bumper’s

Karen’s Mane Tamers River Ridge Steakhouse Emerald Mountain Store Redland Market Seivers Accounting Wetumpka Depot Players A Touch of Class Angel Locksmith Verizon Wireless Unplugged Must Stop Café Alfa Realty Wetumpka Century 21 Brandt Wright Realty Wells Fargo BB&T Jackson Thornton Lee’s Auto Repair McQuick Printing Company Hankins Insurance Hog Rock BBQ Wetumpka YMCA Adams Drugs Bell Chiropractic Wetumpka Urgent Care USAmeriBank A Beautiful Creation

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Austin’s Flowers Camo Country Alabama State Employees Credit Union Smokin S BBQ Elmore Community Hospital Wetumpka Preschool Wetumpka City Library Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce City of Wetumpka Administration Bldg.

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

Our Advertisers • To Join, Call 334-567-7811 Advanced Heating & Air........................................................................................................1 2 Alabama Vein Center..............................................................................................................4 7 Brandino Brass..........................................................................................................................2 7 Casa Napoli................................................................................................................................2 7 City of Millbrook......................................................................................................................1 2 Community Hospital................................................................................................................3 Jackson Thornton....................................................................................................................4 5 Karen's Mane Tamers.............................................................................................................4 4 Kowaliga Whole Health.........................................................................................................4 4 Mark's Service Center...................................................................................................................... 2 7 River Region Dermatology........................................................................................................... 4 4 Russell Lands....................................................................................................................................... 4 8 Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC.............................................................................................1 2 Wetumpka Flea Market.........................................................................................................2 7 Wind Creek Casino..................................................................................................................1 3

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 - Kat Raiford 334-444-8981 or stop by our office located at 300 Green Street, Wetumpka AL 36092

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Chocolate Insanity Old Fashioned Layer Cake Recipe Courtesy of Cody Odom, Cake-aholics I love chocolate. I mean, who doesn’t; but I was born into family where many of us have a sweet tooth. I think it must be in our blood – chocolate coursing through our veins.

OK, I am exaggerating, but we do love our sweets. My grandmother has the right idea – it’s pretty much what she eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner. My other grandmother had no choice but to master her very own chocolate cake, while feeding four children who could not get enough of her baked goods.

While fortunate enough to have been passed along many For the cake: 2 sticks room temperature, unsalted, butter 1/3 cup vegetable shortening 2-1/2 cups sugar 5 eggs 2 cups whole milk 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract 5 cups cake flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1-1/2 tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt Icing: 1 stick room temperature butter, cut into pieces 1 15-ounce can evaporated milk 1/2 cup whole milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon salt 5 cups sugar 1/3 cup cocoa powder Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.

In a mixing bowl, cream together 2 sticks of softened butter, shortening and 2-1/2 cups of sugar. Place all the dry ingredients (cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in a large bowl and whisk together. Mix the sugar and butter mixture until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at

of those recipes, I figured a true professional could give us the inside scoop of her best chocolate dish. And what is more classic than a good ole chocolate layer cake?

Cody Odom, owner of Cake-aholics bakery in Millbrook, provided us her version of a delicious 12-layer cake with warm icing. This recipe, too, was passed down to her about 15 years ago from her stepmother and is considered a specialty cake at her shop. While the original recipe calls for 16 layers, Odom has cut the number down to 12 for time ... and sanity purposes. a time, mixing between each egg. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl.

Alternating between the flour mixture and the milk, begin by adding 2 cups of the flour mixture to the butter and egg and mix until just combined. Add 1/4 of the milk and mix well. Continue alternating between flour and milk until all ingredients are incorporated. Add vanilla.

Using four 9-inch cake pans, grease each pan well. Place 3/4 to 1 cup of batter in each pan and spread it lightly to the edges of the pan. Bake 6 to 8 minutes. Turn each layer out onto parchment paper and allow to cool. Repeat the baking process for all four pans, a total of 3 times, until you have baked 12 layers.

Start the icing on the stovetop. In a large stockpot, combine all the icing ingredients, except vanilla. Turn on medium heat and whisk ingredients until well incorporated.

Add a candy thermometer and cook icing for approximately 10 minutes or until the thermometer reaches 230 degrees or softball stage. Remove from heat and add vanilla. At this point, the icing is ready.

Keep the icing warm!

Adding one ladle at a time, cover each cake layer. Allow icing to drip down the sides of the cake. Add the next layer of cake and icing. Repeat until all cake layers are used.

Once the final layer is on top, use an icing spatula to spread the icing around the bottom and up the sides of the cake until all the cake layers are completely covered.

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING