Elmore County Living December 2017

December 2017

Elmore County Living

LAKE MARTIN MACHINE GUN

Historic Play at Mt. Vernon

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Legend of the Lane Cake

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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.

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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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& Healthy New Year!

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From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

The end of a year is a time to reflect on memories we’ve made, things we want to change or unsought opportunities ahead.

A bucket list is something a person creates for the unique or rare things they want to accomplish, experience, see or do within his or her lifetime – but it can also be a list of goals for the coming year. For example, my personal bucket list includes foreign places I want to visit and a number of adrenalineseeking activities I want to experience.

Never having thought to add this particular item to my bucket list, I got the rare opportunity to experience the power of shooting seven different machine guns – and let me tell you, that will get your adrenaline pumping (and almost knock you over, along with giving you sore muscles – but that could just be me). Being from the North and also not from a family of hunters, my exposure to weapons has been very limited; however, I spent the entirety of my day on a high.

Lake Martin Machine Gun recently opened in the Red Hill area and offers an once-in-a-lifetime experience (for most) to learn about, handle and operate a number of historical weapons in a safe, controlled environment with trained personnel. Read more about this newest adventure in the community on page 20. Or better yet, add it to your bucket list, get your adrenaline pumping and check it out for yourself.

If the community of Tallassee had its own bucket list, I think they’d be able to cross off an item. The Mt. Vernon Theatre will host its first production at its grand re-opening in January. The production, Dear Mama: Letters and Music from World War II, written by Adrian Lee Borden, captures a historic time in the town. The theater opened during the war years in 1935, so Dear Mama is fitting as an opening show. Read more about it and the historical society hosting it on page 14.

Opening a business is an excellent bucket list item and expanding that location could be even more meaningful. On page 8, read about Michelle Reeder, owner of The Barkery, who recently expanded her daycare, grooming, boarding and handmade organic dog treat sales to the Wetumpka area.

In this issue, Larry Johnson reflects on his childhood memories of the chinaberry tree; Jeff Langham looks ahead to movie releases in the coming year; and Jacob Saylor analyzes 2017’s best video game releases. MK Moore not only delves into a personal Christmas memory but also challenges us to keep tradition alive.

This holiday season, coming up on the new year, reflect on all the positive things that have happened; make a promise to learn from and change the things that weren’t; and create a bucket list of goals to accomplish. Find what gets your adrenaline pumping.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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 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 Larry Johnson Shannon McDuffie MK Moore

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 David McGirt, co-owner of Lake Martin Machine Gun fires an automatic Uzi to demonstrate one of the many available firearms at the new 50-yard outdoor range. Photo by Kenneth Boone

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28 Columns 26

Back in the Day

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Movie Man

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The Gamer

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Southern Delights

Memories of the Chinaberry Coming to Theaters in 2018 The Best of 2017

Features

In Every Issue 6

Extra! Extra!

14 Dear Mama

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Business Spotlight

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32

Out & About

40

Coming Up

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Where to Find Us

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Hope Was Born

Millbrook Christmas Cantata First Production at Mt. Vernon

A Burst of Adrenaline

Lake Martin Machine Gun Opens

Legend of the Lane Cake

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News Briefs

The Barkery

In Elmore County Fun for Everyone Distribution List

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Safety First Long-awaited state-of-the-art air packs were delivered to firefighters at the Eclectic Fire Department, making it the first update to their 25-yearold respiratory safety equipment.

Chief Josh Dorminey had petitioned the council for upgrades to his department's breathing equipment since June because its current air packs were manufactured in 1991, exceeding safety standards.

Peter Holden with Scott Safety showed the firefighters all of the new functions of their respiratory protection gear. The equipment is complex with many safety features not found in their previous air packs.

Cows, Chickens and Horses, Oh My! The fourth-grade classes of Holtville Elementary and Airport Intermediate schools spent a day learning about the world of agriculture and the careers it offers at the 2017 Elmore County Extensions Office Farm Day. Not only did students learn about the process of farm to table and raw goods to commodities, but also the natural resources and creatures in Elmore County.

Cows, chickens and other farm animals were there to show where beef, poultry and dairy products come from, but to the students they were pets to pet and hand feed.

“Farm Day is to teach them about agriculture – the importance of it; how it is important for our every day life.

It’s informative also about different career options and agriculture,” said Kristina Mitchell.

Tallassee Historic Landmark sold to local business owner for renovations to improve the community The Tallassee City Council approved the sale of the historic Seven Gables property on Gilmer Avenue for $217,000 to Noah Griggs Jr. Most people know Griggs as the owner and operator of the 1220 Café, but he and his family originate from Tallassee.

Griggs assured the council that the property would be restored to “what it once was.”

“This is not a real-estate investment; this is an investment in Tallassee. For us personally, it’s a chance to come home and make a difference in the community,” he said. “The reason I say this is an investment in Tallassee, by the time we get through making improvements, we will be looking at nearly $700,000 in investments to make this property what it used to be.”

American architect George Turner designed the historic home that now sits in the heart of Tallassee in 1939, and due to its uniqueness, the house became a landmark in the area.

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Extra!

Extra!

News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Rocks for Alec Alec Tyndall had just graduated from Tallassee High School and turned 18 years old when his life was tragically cut short due to an automobile accident.

His father, Randy Sewell, said Tyndall was full of life, and Sewell is now inspiring others to live their lives to the fullest.

Sewell began painting rocks with some of Tyndall's favorite characters or inspiring messages, along with the words, "Rocks for Alec." Before he knew it, Sewell said, thousands had joined in his efforts, and he started a Facebook page, which now has more than 1,200 members.

Rocks for Alec have been taken all over the world, and people post photos of their prized finds. Others have left rocks on Tyndall's headstone in Tallassee or various places around Elmore County.

A Faculty Flight for the Future of STEM The students of Wetumpka Elementary School watched and waved as their principal, assistant administrator and superintendent flew over the school to inaugurate a Civil Air Patrol partnership with the school.

Tracy Wright live-streamed the event from the air for WES first through fourth grade students to witness the flight.

The idea was to include as many technological and science-driven processes as possible to promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM ) at the school.

Furthering the school system’s and school’s STEM development is an initiative Wright has advocated for years through the new partnership.

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The Barkery A dog's dream home away from home Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Suellen Young

Sambo loves playing catch outside during his eight hours of exercise at doggie daycare

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Business Spotlight

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ichelle Reeder and Carla Kelley treat their dogs like family and ensure they spread that same love and attention to other people's pets.

Reeder, owner of The Barkery in Montgomery, recently acquired the facility that used to be Barks & Rec, a satellite office for Prattville veterinarian Dr. Amy Myers. The Barkery offers doggie daycare, boarding, full-service grooming and the sale of handmade dog treats.

“We’ve only been opened a little over a year in Montgomery, and I definitely wasn’t ready to expand, but this is my hometown, and I know a lot of people. The facility was already built and in place, so it seemed like an easy choice,” said Reeder.

The Barkery shop originated with the idea to create local, grain-free organic treats for dogs, since Reeder and her daughter Emily both have dogs with allergies. After removing gluten from her pet’s diet to reduce scratching and shedding, Reeder discovered the benefit of feeding dogs healthier food.

“The number one allergen for dogs is wheat. We began looking into ingredients and now take just as much care making these treats as creating human food. There are ingredient benefits that cross species, and each one we use has a purpose, so it’s both holistic and tasty,” explained Reeder.

After testing (and yes, eating – because the treats are edible to humans) 45 recipes in six weeks, with a trial-and-error sysSmall dogs, such as tem of various specialty flours, Houston, love feeling Reeder and her daughter began as big as the tall selling treats to order. Eventually, dogs on the 'King of they sold on consignment at For the Mountain' Healthy Pets in Montgomery until realizing they had enough business to support their own storefront.

“It is so hard to find organic treats for dogs, so we knew there was a market here. We never will be, and aren’t trying to be, sold in Wal-Mart. We produce treats that are small-batch and handmade with quality ingredients. Any time you need shelf life, you’ve added something to sustain that, which we avoid,” Reeder said.

The average shelf life of her treats is about two to three weeks, and they cost about $2 per ounce. The mother-daughter

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Owner Michelle Reeder recently opened the Wetumpka location

Carla Kelley, the in-house professional groomer, ensures her patients have a good experience

team expanded its line to include icing made out of tapioca flour that both looks nice and tastes yummy for dogs, without the added sugar. Now they offer birthday cakes to order, bite-sized pup cakes and various seasonal or themedecorated cookie treats.

Although all the cooking is done in the industrial kitchen at the Montgomery location, Reeder keeps plenty of options for sale in stock at the new spot.

With a marketing background, Reeder promoted her initial concept quickly with a name, logo and website before even getting started. Reeder also understood a storefront would likely not be supported solely on baking, which inspired the other aspects of the business.

The most popular amenity is daycare, which allows pets to receive attention and exercise all day while their owners are working. Reeder cares for about eight to 10 dogs a day, and many have become regulars. Owners can purchase daily, weekly or monthly passes.

“I have always been an avid dog lover and always had dogs growing up. Dogs are like people’s kids. Since we feel that way as well, it is easy for us to convey that to pets’ owners. We treat them like our own,” said Reeder, who is also a certified dog obedience trainer.

For daycare, dogs get dropped off around 7 a.m. and get nearly eight hours of exercise outside, with an hour in between for snack time and a nap. The yard is full of toys, such as balls and tug-of-war, and obstacles to play on, including

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tires, a slide and small pools in the hotter months. The small dogs really love the ‘King of the Mountain’ stand and spend a lot of time there to feel larger than reality.

If it’s a rainy day, the animals get less outdoor time but the chance to run around inside; however, Reeder takes pride in the facility’s cleanliness, which doesn’t appear or smell like pets are even on site.

“It’s a really good outlet for them, especially dogs with a lot of energy. It’s hard sometimes to give them enough attention after working all day. This way when the parent gets home, both of them can be ready for couch time. We have been told dogs sleep really well after being here,” said Reeder.

All dogs are temperament tested before joining a group of regular daycare dogs, including boarders who get to play outside as well. Typically, all the animals interact well together – big or small – but some don’t want as much social interaction, said Reeder.

“The boarders have to fit in before we throw them out there with a group who plays together regularly. We are sensitive to their body language and reactions and know what to look for, until we get to know the new one better,” she explained.

Reeder and her manager, Carla Kelley, who is also the professional in-house groomer, make it a point to personally get to know each dog that comes through the door. The pair also spends time playing outside with them and ensures

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each one receives special attention.

As a true family affair, Reeder’s kids and husband also Boarders have no time limit, and owners have the option play roles in the business' success. Emily, who has been with of choosing between large kennels and suites with little beds the business since its conception, attends Auburn Univerand a TV. With a capacity of 20, the noise and chaos level sity Montgomery but also helps with both the store and the remains low, which allows pets to become better adjusted to baking whenever possible. Reeder's son, David, is a homebeing away from home. schooled 12-year-old who loves “The boarding here is pheplaying with the dogs and handnomenal. We are staffed seven ing out treats at events. Dan, days a week. Even though there Reeder’s husband, is the handy is no daycare on the weekends, one and jack-of-all-trades, and he the pups still get the opportunity assists where needed. to play outside and receive attenEven with expanding to a tion,” said Reeder. second location, it’s important to Reeder and Kelley try to send Reeder that the business remains updates and photos to owners of small, which keeps her integrally boarders for reassurance, along involved. with posting about things hap“The more you grow, the more pening at daycare on Facebook. you lose that personal touch. To Knowing a dog’s idiosyncrasies me the best compliment is when really makes a parent happy and we check out dogs, owners alcomfortable, said Reeder. ways ask, ‘How did my dog do?’

Kelley, who has been groomand we can honestly tell them ing since 2004, pampers all of her because we really know. We’ve spa visitors with facials, masbeen with them all day. I feel like sages and deep conditioning. their second mom,” said Reeder.

With various spa packages Since Reeder ended up in Kelley spends time with available, owners can choose the Wetumpka originally as a result the daycare dogs, such services they require, but all dogs of her father’s military career, she as Olive and gives each get the same treatment of a good offers a military discount at both special attention experience, explained Kelley. locations.

“I’ve learned the ins and outs For a list of pricing, groomof grooming animals. I always ing services available or treat talk to the dogs and make it personal. I go slow and give ingredients, visit the website thebarkery.dog. Located at them time to warm up to the idea and to me. I never want 42 Tucker Drive, Wetumpka, The Barkery is open Monday to put them in a bad experience, and the owners can tell that through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be reached at 334the dogs leave here happy,” said Kelley.

312-0219.

Reeder and her daughter Emily sell handmade, organic dog treats

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Hope Was Born

Members of Millbrook First Presbyterian Church perform an annual Christmas Cantata

Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Shannon McDuffie

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hristmas is a time for celebrating, and the Millbrook Presbyterian Church chose to celebrate the story of Jesus’ birth through a theme of hope.

The annual Christmas cantata for Millbrook Presbyterian falls on the second Sunday of Advent, and this year’s performance was a compilation of nine songs published by Brentwood Music in 1988 titled Hope Was Born.

“This cantata focuses on Christ being our hope and that He was born. We’re celebrating that hope that we have,” said Don Horne, church choir director.

Horne said he intentionally chose a selection of songs that hadn’t been sung or heard in a while. Going through old files, Horne said this cantata was a suitable choice since he did not have to purchase something, and it was an opportunity to bring something meaningful back to life.

“Most of the songs are originals, but there was a carol medley toward the end, with familiar Christmas carols in it,” Horne added.

A choir of approximately 19 adults and one high-school student performed, with only the instrumental accompaniment of a piano. Aside from the regular Sunday choir, a few members of the congregation joined the performance for this special evening service.

In conjunction with the music, narration told the Christmas story – mostly from scripture – through the idea that at this time of the year, hope was born, said Horne.

The cantata was open to the community at 5:30 p.m. on the evening of Dec. 10 and approximately 100 people were in attendance, which Horne said was the average.

The songs performed included: Hope was Born; Unto Us!; Silent Night; The Hope of Love; Love’s Name is Jesus; Great, Great Joy!; Everlasting Mercy and Never-Ending Grace; Celebration of Hope (carol medley); and Hope was Born (reprise).

“This cantata conveys the sense of comfort and peace that comes with the assurance of God’s great love for us and to express our joy for His marvelous gift Jesus Christ – our hope forever,” Horne said.

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Choir Director Don Horne

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Dear Mama: Letters and Music from World War II First production set for the grand opening of Tallassee's Mt. Vernon Theatre

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Story by Betsy Iler Photos by Suellen Young

he Talisi Historical Preservation tions,” Kervin said.

Society Jan. 19 will stage the inauguThe society’s third theatrical production, Dear Mama ral performance at the reopening of was the perfect choice for the reopening of the Tallassee the Mt. Vernon Theatre with a cast of landmark, she explained.

47 in a script based on local recollec“The Mt. Vernon Theatre was built in 1935 – right at tions and true stories of World War the war years. Everyone in Tallassee was affected, so we II. Directed by Jeanna Kervin and thought it was a fitting time frame for the theater,” she written by Adrian Lee Borden, Dear said.

Mama: Letters and Music from World War II will feature Borden also wrote the script for one of the previous local actors in a series of 41 historically accurate chronoTHPS productions, From the Heart Pocket: Letters and logical vignettes.

Music from the “There will be Civil War. Her letters between research for the lovers, sons and Dear Mama script mothers, daughincluded an ters and daddies, extensive inde…” Kervin expendent study plained. “We will of local WWII have a letter from history, in which a soldier who she reviewed never returns; documentaries, and one from a studied the P.O.W. describing music of the his prison experiera, read private ence. And we letter collections have a vignette and conducted with a Tuskegee local interviews. airman.”

“We had a Borden’s script great turnout for (From left) Adrian Lee Borden, Jeanna Kervin, Ann Christian includes excerpts auditions, and and Liz Britt are among the Ladies of Tuckabatchee from speeches we are doing our

by President rehearsals now,” Franklin Delano Kervin said.

Roosevelt and Five-Star Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The costumes have been handmade by Ann Christian, “She even wrote in the different dialects and affectaone of the society’s Ladies of Tuckabatchee.

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Ann Christian pins up the hem of Anna Coker's military uniform costume

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Borden (right) teaches (from left) Trace Bush, Coker and John Burgess to jitterbug

“Everybody in the community comes together to help with these productions,” Christian said. “People let us use helmets, jackets and boots that belonged to loved ones in the war, and local stores have donated shoes, ties and accessories.”

The cast will include an eight-piece band that will play 21 pieces of music from the 30s and 40s; among the songs will be Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy; I’ll Be Seeing You; White Cliffs of Dover; and Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree.

Adrian also wrote in the role of WWII CBS radio news broadcaster Edward R. Murrow.

“He fills in the historical content between vignettes and keeps the audience grounded chronologically,” Borden explained.

Borden earned a bachelor’s degree in musical theater at Niagara University and spent eight years with a theater company in Los Angeles before returning home to Alabama in 2013. She now lives and works in Cloverdale but is very involved with the Ladies of Tuckabatchee.

“I have tried to be very meticulous in the references to Tallassee in the script. It is very much a play about the local situation during the war,” she said. “I’ve tried to make everything as historically accurate as we can get it.”

The production is in rehearsal at the former Mill Superintendent's House, now the home base of the THPS and Friends of Tuckabatchee, which was established in 2010.

“Our mission is to preserve and teach local history through the arts, primarily theater,” Kervin explained.

Previous productions have been staged out of doors and at an 1845 log cabin. The historical theater company also was invited to perform its first play, Tecumseh, at the 200th commemoration of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park in 2014. They also were invited to take the play to the Muscogee Creek reservation in Oklahoma.

The Mill Superintendent’s House was built in the early 1900s, and over the years, porches were incorporated into the indoor spaces and whole rooms were added to the floor plan. The historical home now rambles from one restored room to another with each room paying tribute to the local history and the citizens or organizations that were responsible for the renovation.

“The historical society saved the building from being torn down, and each room has a benefactor,” Kervin said.

Until the early 1990s, the home was occupied by mill superintendents and their families, and many of the fixtures – including the kitchen cabinets and the elaborate stairwell – are original to the structure. Some

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The Festival of Trees included a USPS entry decorated with postage stamps

Kervin reviews the script with Bush

The Mill Superintendent's House was slated for demolition before the Talisi Historical Preservation Society saved it

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of the heart pine floors are original, along with transoms, fireplaces and tile work. Many of the curtains were made from mill cloth, and some of the old radiators were retained to preserve their place in the history of the home.

Even the coffered ceilings and the beveled glass at the front entry are original.

The furnishings at the home were donated and reflect the Victorian era during which the house was built. The dining room furniture is more than 200 years old, and bedroom suites include ornately carved and inlaid fourposter beds and vanities.

In addition to holding the Dear Mama rehearsals in the home, the Talisi Historical Preservation Society recently held an inaugural Festival of Trees at the house. Various businesses and organizations decorated Christmas trees in the rooms of the house, and the public was allowed to tour the exhibits. “It was very successful, and we are planning to do the Festival of Trees again next year,� Christian said.

Dear Mama will be performed at 7 p.m. Jan. 19 and 20 and a matinee performance will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 21.

All shows will be at the Mt. Vernon Theatre, 313 Barnett Blvd., Tallassee. For more information about the theater, contact Jan Autery at 334-283-2564; for information about the Talisi Historical Preservation Society, contact Ann Christian at 334-991-4034.

Bedrooms are furnished with period pieces

The living room is named for Larry Dean Price who was passionate about saving the historic building

631 Coosa River Pkwy, Wetumpka AL, 36092

As two of the Andrews Sisters, Coker and Borden practice their lines

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The 50-yard outdoor range was designed to prevent occupational hazards due to the size and power of guns available to shoot

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A Burst of Adrenaline Local range puts machine guns in your hands

Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Kenneth Boone

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he newest attraction to storm the community comes in the form of adrenaline, innovation and a rare opportunity to stare down the barrel of an automatic machine gun and feel the power of a forward stream of bullets as it pushes a shooter backward.

Lake Martin Machine Gun provides the Lake Martin area with a controlled outdoor shooting range to experience the thrill of firing historic and unique firearms.

“The mission here of this range is to provide a safe environment, while having a great experience.

People have to use our guns and our ammo.

We’re not selling anything retailwise, so the purpose is not to compete with gun shops or local ranges,” said David McGirt, co-owner of LMMG. The business venture conceptualized as a conversation several years back between McGirt and his business partner and long-time friend Tim Williams. With McGirt’s military background and training in machine gun use, and Williams’ knowledge of the potential these weapons have as monetary investments, the conversation became a reality. Nearly a year ago, the pair received its required ATF Federal Firearms License and began formulating a concrete plan.

“The average machine gun can easily equal the price

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of a new car, from a basic model to the top luxury brand that the average person can’t afford. From the low end of the mid-teens to the high end of nearly $200,000, automatic weapons are highly regulated, and therefore, hold up their value,” said McGirt.

With 15 weapons available in total, there are three brackets of fully automatic guns for people to use: submachine guns, such as a Glock 18, IMI Uzi and H&K MP5; machine guns, such as a Colt M4 and an AK-47; and belt-feds, such as the M249, M60 an M2HB. For those unfamiliar with the David McGirt fires nomenclature, an H&K MP5K an automatic firearm provides continual shooting when pressing the trigger, as opposed to a semi-automatic, which releases only one bullet at a time.

A trained instructor provides 100 percent support for the firearm user and stands with each shooter to assist with the weapons, many of which can be heavy, to ensure user safety for everyone in attendance.

“It becomes much more interactive. People are not only allowed to shoot the guns provided at the range, but there is someone trained and knowledgeable taking care of you every step of the way,” Williams added.

Adventure-seekers can book an hour time slot online at lakemartinmachinegun.com and choose the packages they wish to purchase. The base package offered is $200 and provides the choice of four sub-machine guns and

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four machine guns with a full magazine for each.

An individual can purchase additional ammunition, extra weapon usage or the choice of shooting any beltfed – such as the heavy-duty, 100-pound, .50-caliber Browning M2HB – at an a la carte pricing.

“The process to book is very simple, and four people can easily complete a round during an hour time slot, so we encourage people to come with friends or bring a group,” said McGirt.

Another contemporary idea is to use the experience as a corporate outing or a team-building activity among co-workers, as many people in the Southeast are sportsmen anyway, said Williams. As the workplace has morphed and modernized, this activity is one that can be inclusive to all experience levels of males and females, along with various age groups, said McGirt.

The range was built on 90 acres of land in the Red Hill area, which is centrally located to its many surrounding communities. A lot of excavating and reshaping the natural bowl created the earthen berm that is about 30 feet high and packed solid to capture the bullet fragments. There is a layer of straw mats over the dirt to prevent erosion, and the range will be excavated every two years to recycle the lead, along with collecting all the brass casings to be reprocessed.

“It’s actually a pretty green business if you think about it. Also, we chose this area due to its geography,

which was just enhanced by the machinery creating the range. Where we stand is about 5 feet below the initial ground surface,” said McGirt.

Most of the weapons are equipped with suppressors to aid in the sound levels of the gunshots, said McGirt.

An outdoor range was designed due to the size and power of many of the guns, as opposed to an indoor range that could create occupational health issues for the staff.

“An outside environment is important to what we’re doing. The only other places you will see this kind of thing is out West and places like Vegas, but they’re indoors. We will have bleachers set up so people can come out with a group and take pictures, capture videos or enjoy the experience with others,” said Williams.

When arriving to the 50-yard range, an employee with LMMG will provide eye and ear protection, a safety briefing about the set-up, use of the firearms and explanation of rules, along with a history of each of the guns, such as the iconic Thompson M1, aka Tommy Gun, designed in 1919 and used in the 1920s.

“The historical interest is mostly going to be with the older generations who have used these weapons or want to take their children/grandchildren to see what dad, mom, grandpa or grandma got to shoot back in the day,” McGirt said.

Aside from the natural high and bragging rights of Tim Williams, with an iconic Thompson M1, while his business partner David McGirt holds an M60, the primary heavy machine gun used in Vietnam

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Amy Passaretti experiences the power of an Uzi for the first time

The belt-fed Browning is an a la carte add-on to available shooting packages

There are 15 different machine guns available to shoot, from three different brackets: semi-automatic, automatic and belt-fed

Ammunition used in the weapons ranges from 9 mm to .50-caliber

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the opportunity, McGirt's and Williams' primary intent is to educate the community on automatic weapon history and knowledge of which even the most avid gun lover may be unaware or uninformed.

“In the real world, these weapons are mostly used as suppressive fire because it’s really difficult to aim when unloading that many bullets at once. In military, you’re basically just trying to keep the enemy’s head down, unlike movies where no bullet can miss,” said McGirt. “We’re looking for this to be educational, as well. It’s interesting to hear people’s perspective and reactions after leaving here versus what they initially thought about things previously.”

The owners and employees of LMMG intend to provide a safe environment, regardless of the shooter's past

exposure to firearms, to learn about the history and usage of firearms.

“Like anything in the world, people have seen these things on TV and just want the chance to try it. It’s a bucket list-type thing,” McGirt added.

The range is open Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Appointments may be requested outside of those hours. To fire a weapon, a person must be at least 18 years old, but McGirt and Williams are working on conditions that may allow someone younger to participate, if accompanied by appropriate adult supervision.

Lake Martin Machine Gun is located at 2520 Red Hill Rd., Eclectic. For more information, call 888-660-6463, visit the website lakemartinmachinegun.com or check out the Facebook page Lake Martin Machine Gun. The primary intent of the range is to provide a safe environment and educate the community

Williams demonstrates the proper operation of a Browning M2HB

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Where have all the chinaberry trees gone?

Childhood memories revolve around this seasonal bloom

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

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Back in the 1940s and 50s, nearly every home in west Elmore County, where I grew up at Elmore Station, had at least one chinaberry tree, and perhaps more, in its backyard and depending on owner preference, maybe even in the front.

The chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach) was introduced to the southern United States in the 1930s as an ornamental specimen and became the darling of landscapers. The tree is native to Pakistan, India, Southeast Asia and Australia.

The reason they were so popular is because they grew quickly and provided excellent shade.

The chinaberry tree has a dense-spreading habitat, attaining heights of 30 to 50 feet. When mature, a chinaberry tree resembles a large umbrella.

Back in the day, substantially more time was spent outside performing chores or enter-

taining family and friends, especially during summer months. The shade of a chinaberry tree made for a comfortable spot to perform routine tasks like shelling peas, knitting, whittling, gossiping or discussing politics and also a wonderful place for children to play games.

The ambiance of the spot was enhanced if one was lucky enough to have an electric oscillating fan or at least a cardboard hand fan advertising a local funeral home, with a picture of Jesus on one knee praying.

The advent of television and air conditioning changed that, and the tree’s popularity declined.

Although not seen in many yards today, chinaberry trees may be found along fence rows separating agricultural fields, as if planted there by some bird stopping for a short rest before continuing on its journey to the next field.

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We had two chinaberry trees in our backyard when I was a young boy. Some of my best memories occurred under those trees. My granddaddy, who lived with us, could carve a perfect quarter moon slice of watermelon that had been iced down on a hot July afternoon in a No. 2 galvanized wash tub, as well as any big city chef, or so we thought.

His skill was equally displayed in late autumn when he carved perfect sugarcane plugs to be chewed by the neighborhood kids, until all of the sweet juice was extracted. Marbles, hopscotch and other games filled long summer afternoons under the tree’s marvelous shade.

In early spring, after the leaves have appeared on a chinaberry tree, it produces a pale purple tube-like bloom with a heavenly fragrant scent much like Southern magnolia blooms. As boys, we could hardly wait for what came next.

The bloom produced a fruit that was about the size of a small marble and almost as hard. The fruits were popular for painting and stringing as beads, but we used them for ammunition in our slingshots. Our homemade weapon was made from the fork of a hickory tree limb, strips of rubber from a discarded tire innertube and the leather of an old shoe tongue. There was always competition to make the slingshot that could shoot the farthest.

We were told that we could shoot at tin cans and other objects but never at another person or an animal because our parents said, “You can put an eye out with that.”

We did as instructed, most of the time, but accidents happened, and if someone was struck by a wild shot, the resulting whelp didn't go away for several days; same as the strict lecture that came with it.

In late summer or early fall, the fruit of our chinaberry trees matured and fermented. Large birds, such as bluejays and mockingbirds, devoured the fruit and became intoxicated, displaying strange behavior and weird flight patterns. Some even fluttered to the ground to recuperate.

We boys were amused and entertained by the bird’s antics and sometimes tried to catch them, but they always fluttered away; although – at times, into the side of a nearby barn. It’s amazing how similar birds and humans are.

I have a plaque that reads, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose … memories, all that we love deeply, becomes a part of us.”

Those two chinaberry trees in our backyard at Elmore Station provided some great and wonderful memories for me and my buddies back in the 1950s, as they have become a part of me. I hope their popularity comes back someday.

I hope everyone has great memories from 2017 and creates new, wonderful ones in 2018.

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

Wetumpka

Flea Market & Antiques Thanks for attending our Holiday Open House Grand Giveaway!

It was a tremendous success!

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

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Coming to a Theater Near You...

in 2018 As the New Year is almost upon us, why not plan your upcoming trips to the local multiplex? Here are a few options to plan a night at the movies throughout 2018:

January Molly’s Game – Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men) in his directorial debut, this true story features Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) as Molly Bloom, the operator of an underground poker empire.

The Post – This sure-fire box office and award winner is directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg and stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. The film focuses on the explosive true events surrounding the publication of the Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam War.

February

The War with Grandpa – The title says it all. A grandfather (Robert DeNiro) falls victim to his scheming prankster grandson (Oakes Fegley) in this comedy drama.

March

A Wrinkle in Time – Celebrated director Ava DuVernay (Selma) brings Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved 1962 novel to the screen with a powerhouse cast, including Oprah

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Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling in this Walt Disney Pictures production.

Ready Player One – Another potential blockbuster from director Steven Spielberg, this dazzler is centered in the world of video gaming and is based on the popular 2011 bestseller. Two Spielberg movies released within a three-month period = cause for celebration.

Tomb Raider – Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl) assumes the role of Lara Croft (originated by Angelina Jolie) in this reboot of the Tomb Raider series.

April

Chappaquiddick – Jason Clarke (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) and Kate Mara (House of Cards) star in this revisit to the 1969 scandal involving Sen. Ted Kennedy when he drove his car into the water and his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, was killed.

The New Mutants – The 11th installment in the X-Men film series, this film centers on a group of young mutants, who find themselves in a battle for survival, as they are held in a secret facility.

May

Where’d You Go, Bernadette – Richard Linklater (Boyhood) directs Cate Blanchett, Billy Crudup and Kristen

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Wiig in this adaptation of Maria Semple’s bestseller.

Solo: A Star Wars Story – A young Han Solo, played by Alden Enrenreich (Hail, Caesar!), highlights this installment set prior to the events of the original 1977 film. Chewbacca costars as Han’s trusty sidekick, and Oscar-winner Ron Howard directs this much-anticipated follow-up in the Star Wars universe to 2016’s Rogue One.

June

Deadpool 2 – Ryan Reynolds returns in the title role in the follow-up to the blockbuster debut of this popular Marvel character.

Ocean’s Eight – This sequel and female spinoff of the Ocean’s Trilogy features a superstar cast of Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna and Mindy Kaling. Matt Damon and Carl Reiner pop in to join the fun.

Incredibles 2 – This long-awaited sequel to the 2004 film The Incredibles has reassembled with original writer/director Brad Bird and vocal talents Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Vowell and Samuel L. Jackson, all in their original roles.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom – The sequel to the 2015’s Jurassic World and the fifth installment in the Jurassic Park film series, not only features Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and B. D. Wong reprising their Jurassic World roles, but Jeff Goldblum will reprise his role as Dr. Ian Malcolm from the original film and its 1997 sequel.

July

Ant-Man and the Wasp – Paul Rudd stars in this sequel to 2015’s Ant-Man, and he is joined

by Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer in his new adventures.

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! – Here comes the sequel to 2008’s Mamma Mia! with its original cast intact, including Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth. The film will be released to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the original’s release as another celebration of the power of the music by the popular Swedish group ABBA. Mission: Impossible 6 – Buckle your seat belts for the high-octane sixth installment in the Mission: Impossible film series with returning stars Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Michelle Monaghan and

Alec Baldwin. Superman Henry Cavill joins the mayhem in this newest outing.

August

Crazy Rich Asians – This eagerly anticipated film is based on Kevin Kwan’s bestselling novel of the same name. The plot centers on a trip to Singapore for a destination wedding that turns into a wild and unforgettable experience.

September

Robin Hood – Is it already time for another dose of Robin Hood? Director Ridley Scott’s 2010 version with Russell Crowe effectively covered this territory, but alas this new version features Taron Egerton and Jamie Foxx.

Fighting with My Family – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson produces and appears in this film about the professional wrestling Bevis family coping with its daughter Saraya (also known as Paige) and her adventures in the WWE.

October

The Girl in the Spider’s Web – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Lisbeth Salander (actress Claire Foy) returns and finds herself caught in a web of cybercrime adventures in this adaptation of the bestselling novel.

Jeff Langham

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

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

November

Mary, Queen of Scots – This remake of the 1971 film centers on Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I, Queen of England. It features a screenplay by Beau Willimon (House of Cards) and stars Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – This computer animated version of Dr. Seuss’s 1957 classic features Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch.

December

Aquaman – Jason Momoa appears as the title character in his third outing following 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and 2017’s Justice League.

Mary Poppins Returns – Directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago), this sequel to 1964’s Mary Poppins represents one of the longest gaps to a follow-up in film history. The film stars Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Meryl Streep.

There you have it. It’s time to head to your local multiplex for one of these upcoming cinematic treats.

Until next month...

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The Best of 2017 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.

Each December, the games industry takes time to honor the best titles released over the past 365 days – we’re going to do the same. Let’s take a look at some of the more impressive adventures offered by developers during 2017.

10. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy Uncharted: The Lost Legacy was a smaller sampling of a larger universe. The previous franchise entry – Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End – wrapped up the story of the Indiana Jones-esque character Nathan Drake. The Lost Legacy puts players into the shoes of Drake’s allies, and tells their backstories in a more fleshed-out manner than was seen in the main franchise. While the title wasn’t as successful as other members of the series, it received stellar reviews and brought publisher Sony a nice chunk of change.

While this will likely be the last Uncharted game for some time, it will go down as a worthy successor to the throne.

9. Assassin’s Creed: Origins Assassin’s Creed is a franchise that could now be called an industry veteran. And for that reason, the formula has grown a bit stale in recent years; but that’s where Assassin’s Creed: Origins comes in. The game had a two-year development cycle, while most games in the franchise only get one. This new policy from developer and publisher Ubisoft allowed more effort and resources to be poured into Origins’ production, and the evidence is clear. The title is ripe with stellar gameplay mechanics, beautiful landscapes and a better-than-usual storyline for players to follow.

8. Injustice 2 There aren’t enough fighting games on the circuit today, and that’s a shame. But with comic book movies igniting interest in superheroes and villains again, it’s only natural that video games would follow suit. Injustice 2 was the most popular fighting game of 2017, giving players the opportunity to control characters like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, and test their mettle in one-on-one matches. Injustice 2 still sees a ton of online play, but many players choose the great story mode to play through, if multiplayer isn’t their thing or they’re just looking to spend some more time with their favorite characters.

7. Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus Wolfenstein 2 asks the question, “What would happen if the Nazis won?” Players take on the role of a resistance fighter in the United States, as members of the Ku Klux Klan walk freely on the streets as privileged members of society. If familiar with The Man in the High Castle, it’s a lot like that – but interactive. While this can certainly be a bit disconcerting, the game does a good job with it and creates an immersive world for players to explore.

6. Nioh Nioh was one of the sleeper hits of 2017. It takes gamers back to 1600s-era Japan, when samurai reigned supreme and war was the natural state.

Nioh is filled to the brim with spectacular attention to detail and a brazen focus on always-interesting Japanese folklore. But players don’t have to be in love with Japanese culture to love Nioh. It’s stunning visually and is easily one of the most challenging games of 2017. If a player is looking to up his or her game and establish some serious gamer cred, all he or she has to do is take Nioh down.

5. Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds established what could almost be called an entirely new genre of arena-style gaming. A total of 100 players are dropped into an area and forced to fight to the death using firearms, melee weapons and explosives – the last person standing wins. It has spawned a number of copycat games, each with its own twist on the Battle Royale format. While Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds might have fallen in popularity recently, there’s no debating it’s the first of its kind – more than impressive enough to find itself on our list.

4. Prey Prey is tied with number one as my favorite game of 2017 – but objectively, it’s got some faults, so it shouldn’t be moved any higher.

Stepping into the science fiction and suspensefueled world of Prey will blow a player’s mind at least twice in the first hour and continue doing so at regular intervals throughout the game’s story. Without giving away the plot, players should know this: Nothing is what it seems. It’s this mystery, combined with stellar

gameplay and world building, that makes Prey such a great time. Do yourself a favor and give this title some love.

3. Super Mario Odyssey Super Mario Odyssey came out in late 2017 to nearly perfect reviews. It’s one of the only open-world Mario games, meaning players can explore almost anything they see in-game. Nintendo has tried many different strategies with the Mario franchise in recent years, but Odyssey is a return to form. Its developers claimed they wanted to appeal to the core group of fans that have been loyal to the plumber since his creation – and it’s paid off in some big ways. There’s no doubt Mario is stronger than ever, and with this success, we’ll certainly see more of him in the years to come.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Like Super Mario Odyssey, Breath of the Wild is a Nintendo-made open-world title based on one of the oldest franchises in video games. This latest entry into the Zelda series produced perfect review scores from almost every outlet with a voice and established Nintendo’s latest console – the Switch – as a real contender against Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One. It’s not often that retailers have trouble keeping games stocked, but Breath of the Wild was one exception. The game is a truly masterful stroke in Nintendo’s impressive games library and will go down as one of the company’s best.

1. Horizon: Zero Dawn While it was a light year for PlayStation 4 exclusive titles, Horizon: Zero Dawn more than made up for quantity with immense quality.

Developed by Guerrilla Games, Zero Dawn features one of the most enveloping plots in video games to date, as well as graphics unmatched in console gaming thus far. Gamers fell in love with Aloy, the game’s main character, and followed her throughout an amazing journey that was fraught with equal parts joy and peril. There was no title I spent more time with in 2017 than Zero Dawn, and for a game with absolutely no multiplayer options, that’s saying quite a lot. I turned over every rock and explored every cave in Zero Dawn before finishing the game’s main storyline and don’t regret a minute of the experience. I cannot recommend a game more highly than this. Go play it.

Healthy Hearts Have Happier Holidays A healthy heart means more holiday memories. More moments with family and grandkids. More hugs.

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.

Our 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 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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Charis Crafters Holiday Market

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November 9, 2017 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Robin Motes and Del Mock

2. Abbey Roberts

3. Anna Hagel

4. Charlotte Peters and Ruthie Spencer

5. Hudson and Tina Sanford

6. Katrina and Zoe Wellborn

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City of Wetumpka Pep Rally November 9, 2017 Downtown Wetumpka 1. Alex Wallace, Noah Mitchell, Joy and McKenna Price, Jena and Emily Munroe 2. Carly Andrews and Nick Frith 3. Torrie Price, Raegan Pickens and Abby Thornton 4. Zoey Hutto, Shay Hollingsworth and Zoe Brown 5. Bryttney Smith, Hannah Everage, Laurie Jones and Liz McTier 6. Hailee Brown, Katie Rook and Laurajohn Emerson 7. Kavosiey Smoke

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Harper Lee Speak for Herself November 21, 2017 Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery 1. Lauri Biegur and Susan Hayes 2. Ethel Boykie and Carol Hickman

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3. Kim Gordon and Scout Spranza 4. Myrna Hays and Linda Alexander Provost 5. Nancy Gager and Barbara Baker 6. Marlene Goodman and Jody Barr 7. Karen Bohman, Cookie Knott and Nancy Anderson

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Wetumpka Business Expo November 28, 2017 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Hadley and Judy McDonald and Amber and Bella Richardson 2. Natacha and Tyra Graham 3. Ginger Hahn and Laura Gibson

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4. Latoya King 5. Stephanie Cobb 6. Shelby Nobles and Bobbie-Ann Thames 7. Cindy Clark and Chase Linto 8. Rick Vest and Annette Funderbunk 9. Pam and Curt Williamson 10. Monica Segret and Debbie Graydon

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Veterans Day Tribute November 11, 2017 Trinity Episcopal Church, Wetumpka

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1. Earl and Julia Reeves 2. Louise Lambert and Gloria Johnston 3. Joe and JP Baughman

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4. Becky Garrard and Sandy Hallmark 5. Mike and Barbara Davis

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6. Beverly Roberts and Carol Wright 7. Linda Summey and Peggy McKinney 8. Bill and Charlotte Lackey 9. Betty McCall, Ebba Dunn and Shirley Devenny 10. Jake and Coleman Davis 11. Rhonda Baughman

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Tallassee Tree Lighting December 1, 2017 Veterans Park, Tallassee 1. Jan Davidson and Julie Brasher

2. Jahazel Hooks and Marilyn Sayers

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4. Luis Fields, Taylor Boatwright, Jacob Lawrence, Morgan Steele, Theron Shipman and Anna Baker

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Tallassee Christmas Parade December 2, 2017 Central and Barnett Blvd., Tallassee 1. Terry, Ellen and Jedd Martin and Katie Marsh 2. Jeremiah Zellers 3. Ravin Wilkerson, Bailey Phillips and Haylie Wilkerson

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4. Rebecca and John Thorton

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5. Ryan, Addy Greyce and Sadie Fayth Peaden, Jennifer Shows, Kimberly Peaden, Trent Lott and Kristin Andrade 6. Alexis Jones, Tatum Ingram, Nicole Patterson, Ezi Stevenson, Makinna Lightsey, Addie Davis, Laci Hammonds, Abby Bridgeman, Autumn Varden and Natalie Ellis

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Christmas on the Coosa December 9, 2017 Gold Star Park, Wetumpka

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1. Jake and Jordan Navarrete, Courtney Houlton and Justin Moore 2. Josey Smart, Misty Powell and Jessy Smart

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4. Jackson, Greg, Mary and Matthew Pate 5. Pascale Dabit 6. Dre Nessfith and Jessica Tallent 7. Brenda and Don Creason 8. Kayleigh Crum 9. Kelsey McCain, Jake Smith, Lindsey and Eric Neal

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Now-Jan. 18 Originally from Alabama Exhibit

Jan. 18 Amphibian Search Night

On display at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery located at 408 S. Main St. in Wetumpka is a juried art show for high school and professional artists. This historic exhibit features new works that highlight all aspects of life in Alabama from 1817 to 2017. There are 109 entries displaying the artists' interpretations of the theme.

Join the Alabama Wildlife Federation for a nighttime expedition to find native amphibians, such as salamanders and chorus frogs, which are only active for a short time during winter months. Participants should bring flashlights and can bring waterproof shoes if preferred, but waders are provided. For additional questions, contact Tyler Harris. Events begin at 6 p.m. Come at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy a BYODinner and stroll through the Discovery Hall. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook.

Dec. 23 Ornament Making at AWF From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Alabama Wildlife Federation is hosting a workshop to create a unique, nature-based Christmas ornament. A special movie will be played and at 1 p.m. there will be an animal encounter and feeding time at Discovery Hall. The Upper Pond is open for catch and release fishing 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jan. 13 YP Polar Plunge The Lake Martin Young Professionals will host its third annual Polar Plunge at Kowaliga Restaurant to support the Lake Martin Resource Association. Presented by USAmeriBank, the doors open at 10 a.m., and the fun continues until 4 p.m. Entry fee is $20 ($10 for LMYP members), which includes tickets to Kowaliga’s special food stations, live music and plenty of space for kids to play outside. Both of Kowaliga’s indoor cash bars will be open, and the plunge into Lake Martin happens at noon.

This year’s event will include a $100 “Dash for the Cash” event swimming out to a buoy and back. Prizes also awarded for best Polar Plunge costume.

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Jan. 19-21 Dear Mama: Letters and Music from World War II To celebrate the grand opening of the renovated Mt. Vernon Theatre, the theater organization has partnered with the Talisi Historical Preservation Society’s Friends of Tuckabatchee Scott and to present this original production, Latoya King which was written by Adrian Lee at the Bridal Borden and is based on true events.

Extravaganza For tickets and information, call 334-991-2079 or visit www.mtvernontheatre.net.

January 21, 2018 2nd Annual Bridal Extravaganza The City of Wetumpka and King Bridal Formal Boutique will host its second Bridal Extravaganza at the Wetumpka Civic Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a fashion show at 2:30 p.m. Admission is $5, and proceeds benefit the Wetumpka Youth Program. Plenty of premier wedding vendors throughout Alabama and Georgia will be present. Tonya Terry is the guest emcee, and live entertainment is provided by Shelia Jackson and Friends. Food and

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beverages will be available, along with giveaways. For the opportunity to win the Ultimate Wedding Package valued up to $50,000, visit the Bridal Extravaganza of Wetumpka Facebook page. For information, contact LaToya King at 334-580-9770 or at kingsformalboutique@gmail.com.

Feb. 3 9th Annual Millbrook Mardi Gras Run The Grandview YMCA trails have been improved for this series featuring an 8K, 5K, 1-mile run and phantom options. Proceeds benefit the Millbrook First United Methodist Church youth mission. There will be food, music, awards and fun, including inflatables for the kids. For details and registration, visit www.active.com or www. millbrookmardigrasrun.org.

enue. This volunteer organization funds and hosts special events for people with developmental disabilities. A social time at 5:30 p.m. precedes meetings.

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

Wetumpka City Pops Wetumpka City Pops Community Band rehearses on Thursdays from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Wetumpka City Administration building. Any Friends of the Wetumpka woodwind, brass and perLibrary host Murder on the cussion players are encourMenu aged to participate.

Stories and Rhymes

Feb. 4 Murder on the Menu Hosted by the Friends of the Wetumpka Library, meet more than 18 mystery authors, including J.T. Ellison, Richard Helms and Carolyn Haines from noon to 4 p.m. at the Wetumpka Civic Center. For a complete list of authors, visit wetumpkalibrary.com. Price is $40 per person, which includes a catered lunch.

Season-Long Events 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 heard of. General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. To check holiday closings, visit alabamawildlife.org.

Tallassee Civitan Club The Civitans meet at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Budde Building on Gilmer Av-

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 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

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

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

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. Call Sheila Puckett at 334-399-3249.

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Country Music Jam Every Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Red Hill Community Center hosts an open stage country music jam. All players, singers and listeners are welcome. Coffee and snacks are provided at this family-friendly event.

No admission is charged, but donations are welcome.

The community center is 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 Naturalist Hikes Every Tuesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. until noon, hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or ID plants and animals, splash through the creek, or catch insects in the meadow. General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. To check holiday closings, visit alabamawildlife.org.

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 Tutus Road; Old Central Transfer Station; Anne Building in Elmore; and CEW&SA parking lot at Redland Road facility. There is no longer a drop-off at the intersection of Redland, Firetower and Dozier roads.

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.

Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn Bring a sack lunch to the Elmore County Extension Office in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month for a gardening presentation hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association.

The event is free and open to the public. Drinks are provided. Visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/ or call 334-567-6301 for more information.

Lunch and Learn features different gardening presentations

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

Blue Grass Jam, Sit and Scrap and Sit and Sew All three activities are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. 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.

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The Walls Exhibit 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 has prison records, which people can 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 are replicated for the display.

For information, contact Sharon Kilpatrick at elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.

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

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

The Wetumpka Depot Players are Looking Ahead to Their 39th Season!

- COMING IN 2018 Greater Tuna One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Hands on a Hardbody Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean

Join us in 2018 for Plays, Musicals, and Educational Opportunities!

WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS 300 S. Main Street in Historic Downtown Wetumpka

Tickets available online for all shows www.wetumpkadepot.com • 334-868-1440

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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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 Brandino Brass............................................................................... 2 7 City of Millbrook............................................................................. 4 5 Community Hospital.......................................................................... 3 Haircuts by Jo Jo............................................................................. 4 4 Jackson Thornton.............................................................................. 3 Karen's Mane Tamers...................................................................... 4 4 King Bridal and Formal Boutique....................................................... 4 3 Kowaliga Whole Health.................................................................. 4 4 Mark's Service Center...........................................................................4 3 Mt. Vernon Theatre, Tallassee.................................................................4 6 Photography by Lyn..............................................................................1 9 River Region Dermatology.....................................................................4 4 Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC.......................................................... 4 3 UAB Heart & Vascular..................................................................... 3 1 Wetumpka Depot Players................................................................. 4 3 Wetumpka Flea Market.................................................................... 2 7 Wind Creek Casino........................................................................ 4 8

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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Alabama Christmas Traditions

Legend of the Lane Cake 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.

My first Christmas in Alabama, we walked into Sweetheart’s Grandmama’s kitchen full of heady holiday smells and found her soaking raisins in bourbon.

Now, I didn’t know Grandmama very well, but I knew enough to know this was questionable behavior. Grandmama wasn’t a drinker – the good Southern Methodist that she was. So, I was surprised to find any spirits in her house at all.

When I asked what the raisins were for, she announced tartly, like I was somehow lacking an essential piece of common knowledge or a few brain cells, ‘They are for a Lane cake.’

Since I didn’t want to appear stupid, I just acknowledged this and moved to watch the construction of the cake. On the outside I was smiling and nodding. On the inside, I was a mass of confusion.

Lane cake? Full of raisins and nuts – both things that Sweetheart loathes – in baked goods? Bourbon?

Just what the heck was going on here?

Turns out, Lane cake is an Alabama Christmas tradition and not a cake made specifically for Sweetheart who shares the name. It also happens to be the state cake. Just like Conecuh Ridge Bourbon, born from Clyde Mays the bootlegger, is the state beverage, Lane cake is the official cake of the state of Alabama.

I feel somehow there is a connection here, but more on that later.

In 1898, Mrs. Emma Rylander Lane of Clayton, Alabama, included a recipe for prize cake in her self-published cookbook, A Few Good Things to Eat. This is where the confusion over who owns the cake, Alabama or Georgia, comes from.

The ‘prize’ in the prize cake refers to a blue ribbon won at a county fair in Columbus, Georgia. But make no

mistake – this cake is all Yellowhammer. And to prove it, Harper Lee immortalized the Lane cake in To Kill a Mockingbird, when she wrote; ‘Miss Maudie Atkinson baked a Lane cake so loaded with shinny it made me tight.’

Shinny; as in moonshine; as in Clyde Mays.

Now here is where I may get into a little conspiracy theory. Can it be a coincidence that the state beverage is bourbon, former bootleg bourbon at that, and the state cake is a cake laced with shinny? Does it make you wonder how many bottles of Clyde May’s moonshine were sold to husbands to take home to wives to make the Lane cakes?

After quizzing some older relatives at Thanksgiving, I found out that Grandmama’s mother-in-law often made the Lane cake with homemade blackberry wine. That makes sense.

They had berries. They made wine.

No need for a side trip to Clyde, although Mrs. Lane’s recipe calls for one wine glass of good whiskey or brandy; and Clyde’s was the best, by all accounts.

It is kind of sad that many young people have never tasted Lane cake, much less made one. So I encourage you to keep an Alabama tradition alive and make one this Christmas. If your granny doesn’t have a family recipe, there are plenty on the internet.

The original cake only included raisins soaked in spirits in the custard filling. Since then, enterprising bakers have expanded this to include nuts and coconut, but I draw the line at adding crushed pineapple or maraschino cherries.

After filling the layers – four of them, please – the outside should be swathed in what Mrs. Lane describes as boiled frosting, better known as seven-minute frosting. But I would save the fancy Conecuh bourbon for sipping and use a less expensive brand for the cake.

And maybe give the kids cookies instead of Lane cake. Merry Christmas!

DISCOVER THE CELEBRATED FLAVORS OF ITTA BENA.

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Present this coupon to your server for a:

FREE APPETIZER with an entrée purchase.

Limit one per person per table. Offer expires 1/31/18. May not be used in conjunction with any other offers.

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