Elmore County Living magazine December 2019

Elmore

December 2019

County Living

Cain's Chapel Celebrates 200 Years

We’re delivering our best wishes to the wonderful friends and customers who have made our year so very merry.

We’re delighted to be spending the holiday season in our new office location with good friends and neighbors like all of you. Thank you for making us feel so at home here. We couldn’t ask for a better gift than your loyal support, and we thank you for your patronage.

Here’s hoping your Christmas season is blessed and filled with friendship, love, laughter and many happy surprises!

127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 • 334-567-7811 2

thewetumpkaherald.com | tallasseetribune.com | lakemagazine.life/elmorecountyliving ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

Christmas is always my favorite time of the year. I never remember just how joyful it makes me until I’ve got my decorations set up, Christmas tree lit and holiday music playing.

This time of year just seems to spark some form of magic. People appear to be kinder and more selfless, and a positive energy encompasses the community.

While I still picture a perfect Christmas morning in colder climes with snow and being snuggled up from the freezing temperatures, I’m getting accustomed to occasional 70-degree weather in December. After all, it’s really about being with my family for the holidays. That cheers me up the most – no matter what the weather may be.

Earlier this month, I joined some folks on Lake Jordan who also embrace the true spirit of the holidays and spread that joy to others.

Photographer Barry Chrietzberg and I were chauffeured around the lake

by Lake Jordan HOBO representatives Jane and Richard Hataway, as we followed Santa, Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, the Grinch and other Christmas characters from home docks to public boat ramps. Children beamed with joy as Santa approached their locations, and Mrs. Claus tossed them goodie bags of candy. On page 10, you will find a full collage of this festive fun, organized by the Lake Jordan HOBOs. I am not alone with my semi-obsession with Christmas, as Artsy Fartsy columnist Adrian Borden truly believes she is one of Santa’s elves.

Read about her fascination with all holiday attire and sharing the elf magic on page 46.

As the year wraps up, we’ve taken note of a series of significant milestones commemorated in Elmore County this year. In Wetumpka, Jasmine Hill Garden and Outdoor Museum celebrated turning 90 years old. Gabrielle Jansen recaps the history of the garden that originated at the private home of Ben and Mary Fitzpatrick on page 14.

Over in Deatsville, Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church is honoring its 200-year birthday with monthly events throughout 2020. Cain’s marks one of the oldest continuous congregations in the River Region, starting in a log cabin. Turn to page 24 for a full account of the church’s history in Sharon Fox’s Back in the Day column.

This month also marks a significant piece of history for the State of Alabama as it celebrates its bicentennial founding date, Dec. 14. To honor this momentous occasion, the Talisi Historical Preservation Society hosted a program to sell caplets that were then buried in a time capsule to be opened in 100 years. I had the honor of attending the ceremony earlier this month and urge you to check out the full story on page 32.

As the holiday season winds up, turn to page 34 to see the smiling faces captured at these merry events in the Out & About section.

But Christmas is not over yet. So, embrace your inner elf and spread some holiday cheer in the last few weeks of 2019.

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

ERIN BURTON erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultants

MARILYN HAWKINS marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com TIPPY HUNTER tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com KATIE WESSON katie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com JULIE HARBIN julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com BRANDY SIMS brandy.sims@alexcityoutlook.com ANDY CARR andy.carr@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services

AUDRA SPEARS audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Digital Services

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

Contributors

Kenneth Boone Carmen Rodgers Adrian Borden Sharon Fox Cliff Williams Gabrielle Jansen Lauren Gray Photography

Marty Edge Mallory Kelley Caleb Turrentine Lonna Upton Phyllis Kennedy Barry Chrietzberg Daniel Dye

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

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

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Amy Passaretti, Editor

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER This stained glass window is one of many in Cain’s Chapel UMC and depicts Mary and Joseph's journey by donkey. Cain's will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2020.

Photo by Audra Spears

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In Every Issue EXTRA! EXTRA!

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BACK IN THE DAY

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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DOLLARS & SENSE

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OUT & ABOUT

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GARDEN TALK

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COMING UP

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ARTSY FARTSY

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Lake Martin Chiropractic

In Elmore County

Fun for Everyone

Features

Columns

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News Briefs

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Cain's History Spans 200 Years

Holiday Reflections

Extend Poinsettias’ Beauty

An Affinity for Elf Culture

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SANTA & FRIENDS

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JASMINE HILL TURNS 90

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MADE FROM SCRAP

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A LASTING LEGACY

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A CEREMONIOUS BURIAL

WHERE TO FIND US Distribution List

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Holiday Cheer on Lake Jordan

Greek-inspired Garden Blossoms

Big Fish Hubcap Statue Finds Home in Wetumpka

Art Scholarship Memorializes Sylvia McConnell

Time Capsule Project Honors State Bicentennial

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EXTRA! EXTRA! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Taste of Tallassee The return of A Taste of Tallassee at the National Guard Armory on Nov. 7 was met with great success, and tickets sold out days before the event. More than 20 vendors participated with samplings of their food.

Breaking ground at Grandview Grandview YMCA held its groundbreaking last month for a significant expansion. Grandview will build a new wellness space double its current size; create a new childcare center; add family changing areas; and convert the current wellness space into a brand new exercise facility. The project has been in the works for

more than a decade, and Grandview employees, along with Director Bill Meyers are excited to share this added amenity with the community it serves. The additional facilities will allow youth and adults programs to run simultaneously, while they currently overlap.

Eagle Scout project benefits AWF Life Scout member Samuel LeMaster recently completed his Eagle Project for the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook after 106 hours. LeMaster replaced 30 cane poles for elementary school students to use during Lanark Field Days. In addition, he built new fishing pole racks and monofilament fishing line recycling containers for the Upper Pond and Bullfrog Pond.

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Fabulous Find Wetumpka residents Joe and Torie Champion, along with sons Jonathan and J. Jr., donated a Paul Maxwell original on extended loan to The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. The piece is a combination of abstract and sculptural ‘pochoir,’ which is a thickly layered dimensional stencil casting. Maxwell patented the technique of stencil casting and dubbed it Maxwell pochoir.

Joe Champion found the piece in a thrift store, did some research and, after realizing its true value, honorably went back to the shop and offered a higher price.

“It was a no-brainer to lend the piece. I’m an advocate for the arts, and I’m a Kelly supporter,” said Champion.

Two mainstays of The Kelly set to retire Phyllis Kennedy

Phyllis Kennedy was asked to join The Kelly’s board for being an idea person. She is on the committee searching for a new home for the gallery and was the first leader of the exhibition committee. Kennedy was in charge of The Kelly receptions from 2012 to 2017, and she cooked; coordinated menus and volunteers; worked publicity; booked live music; arranged flowers; and decorated and designed to sync with exhibits’ themes. Her life resume is extensive and filled with volunteer work, charity, organizing events, handling business affairs of clients under guardianship of the court and even working as the “right hand” to U.S. congressmen. Kennedy will be retiring at the end of the year.

Since joining The Kelly in 2014, Cookie Knott has proven instrumental in the organization’s success. She helped grow membership and conceived the idea for The Kelly’s signature Tuesdays with Kelly, along with scheduling speakers and volunteers for all 58 events.

She has chaired the education committee, arranged workshops for teachers and served as a liaison between educators and The Kelly. The Montgomery Council on the Aging celebrated Knott’s contributions with its Seniors of Achievement 2019 Award at a ceremony in Montgomery last month. She also is retiring from the The Kelly at the end of this year.

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Cookie Knott

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Business Spotlight

Lake Martin Chiropractic prioritizes overall wellness care Dr. Ryan Peaden relieves patients' aches and pains with chiropractic care

Story by Lonna Upton Photos by Lauren Gray Photography

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n October 2017, Dr. Ryan Peaden opened Lake Martin Chiropractic Health Center in Eclectic, just south of the Kowaliga Bridge, a location close to where he calls home.

Peaden graduated Tallassee High School; then, attended Auburn University Montgomery for his undergraduate degree. When he and his wife moved to Port Orange, Florida, for his four years of study at Palmer College of Chiropractic, they always knew they would come back this way.

“What a blessing it was to come back to this area and start Peaden my own practice. My father is opened a family practice doctor, and I his always thought I would follow practice his footsteps. When I graduin 2017 ated from AUM, I was ready to attend medical school, but chiropractic health care became my focus. I really wanted to be part of wellness care and not just treat symptoms,” Peaden said.

The Elmore County location is situated to easily receive patients from Tallassee, Wetumpka and Eclectic, as well as Tallapoosa County. Peaden said they have patients from Auburn and Montgomery, as well.

Patients of all ages see Peaden for aches and pains ranging from severe migraines to low back pain and even plantar fasciitis. He stresses that chiropractic medicine is especially important for care and educates on how to prevent those aches and pains to maintain his patients’ health.

An initial consultation with Peaden includes an exam and a discussion of the patient’s health concerns, including prior injuries and medications. If X-rays are needed, they can be taken on site. Peaden’s office staff works with patients and their individual insurance plans to develop a unique treatment strategy that is appropriate for each.

“We want to locate the real problem; address the problem; and teach patients things they can do at home to prevent the problem from reoccurring. All joints can be treated, but my goal is to go further than just treating the symptoms in the neuro-muscular-skel-

etal system. Much of my job is educating patients on how to handle care at home; how to prevent re-injury; and how to stay healthy. Generally, a return to my office once or twice per month for maintenance care is what I recommend,” he said.

Peaden played football and baseball at Tallassee High School; and then, he played baseball at Faulkner University on a baseball scholarship before attending AUM. He received chiropractic help on the sidelines for injuries and as prevention of injuries, but he said, that was not the main reason for his choice to become a chiropractor.

“I did not realize the importance of a chiropractor for athletes back then. Now, I am happy to volunteer on the sidelines with the Elmore County High School football team. I really want to make a difference in the lives of athletes.

Many of their injuries can be treated with chiropractic care, which can also prevent many injuries,” he said.

Peaden said it is never too late to address health and begin to make healthy lifestyle decisions.

“My number one suggestion would be to keep moving. Exercise, or actually just moving throughout the day rather than sitting down, is so important.

Many of the nutrients needed for our joints and discs come from movement, and movement keeps those areas healthy,” Peaden said.

His second suggestion is preventative care. With a visit to a chiropractor, any aches and pains could be addressed, and a plan to take care of those problems could begin with guidance and be maintanence at home.

“Our bodies are not made to be fixed one time and then nothing ever happen again. We need preventative care and maintenance to stay healthy,” he said.

Peaden, his wife, Kimmie, and their two daughters live in Eclectic, and they are thrilled to be back near their home turf. Lake Martin Chiropractic Health Center is located at 8341 Kowaliga Rd in Eclectic. For more information, visit lakemartinchiro.com.

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Santa & Friends spr on Lake

The tour around the lake ended at Bonner's Point boat ramp where characters were greeted by a crowd

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anta, Mrs. Claus and a whole host of their festive friends spread holiday cheer on Lake Jordan earlier this month when they visited public boat ramps and private docks. Children’s faces lit up with excitement and joy as the magic of Santa filled their spirits.

The Lake Jordan HOBOs organized the inaugural event last year after the much-anticipated wakeboarding Santa was canceled at Christmas on the Coosa due to low water levels. HOBO President Jeff Royal’s son, Tyler Royal, plays that role, so they decided to refocus their efforts to the lake, as they

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already had plenty of costumes.

“We just kind of threw it together in two weeks.

We used to have a big Christmas parade on Lake Jordan, so we thought this event might be successful.

We all dressed up as characters and paraded around the lake visiting piers and handing out candy,” said Jeff Royal.

This year, the number of participants in character seemed to double as three boats traveled to designated locations. Families sent requests on Facebook for the boats to stop at their piers and were anxiously waiting outside when they all arrived. Jill Murchison, who also played Mrs. Claus, coordinated the trail.

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ead holiday cheer Jordan Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Barry Chrietzberg

“We stuck to a few general points this year, as opposed to last year we just tried to hit too many locations,” said Vanessa Royal, Jeff’s wife.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were in one boat; Buddy the Elf, the Grinch, Olaf from Frozen, Cindy Lou Who and others were on a second boat; and new this year, the Griswold family joined the festivities.

“Kids were outside holding signs, ‘Santa stop here,’” said Royal. “It was a great thing to see.”

Royal, who also dressed up as Buddy the Elf, played his role mischievously and magnificently, yelling, “Santa! I know him! He’s here!,” along with other memorable lines from the movie Elf upon approaching each new destination.

Starting at Lake Jordan State Boat Ramp, the procession of boats made eight stops, along with encountering some unexpected visitors along the way, and ended at Bonner’s Point with a large crowd showing their support.

The holiday crowd was even trailed by a marine police escort with Officer Corey Robinett at the helm.

Despite a few setbacks of mechanical boat issues, the event was a success, and Royal said they hope to continue the tradition each year.

Lake Jordan is the southernmost reservoir in the chain of lakes along the Coosa River and covers approximately 6,800 acres with a shoreline of 118 miles.

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Santa and Mrs. Claus stop to greet a passing boat

Jeff Royal dresses as Buddy the Elf and plays up the comedic role Costumed participants throw goody bags to children

A sign urging Santa to stop hangs at Jeff and Kay Martin's house

The Wetumpka crew who dresses up as the Griswolds join the fun this year

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Kids anxiously await Santa's arrival

Jill and Randy Murchison play Mrs. Claus and Santa and make their family home the first stop

Marine Police Officer Corey Robinett escorts the boats around the lake One family sets up a full bar on their dock to enjoy the show

Children were eager to see Santa and all his friends

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Jasmine Hill Turns 90 Greek-inspired home garden blossoms into memorable attraction

Story by Gabrielle Jansen Photos by Amy Passaretti & Courtesy of Barbara Reed

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hat started as the private home and sprawling dream garden for Ben and Mary Fitzpatrick has morphed into a picturesque, serene public space over 90 years in the making.

The Fitzpatricks constructed the 22acre Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum in 1929 and started incorporating Greek style when Ben Fitzpatrick became interested in Greek architecture during college. The couple then visited the country in the 1930s and embraced its culture within their home and garden décor, according to Jim Inscoe, Jasmine Hill Foundation board president.

“They happened to be in Olympia, Greece, when the German archeologists had just discovered Olympia and were digging the ruins. The workers were uncovering the Temple of Hera, which was the first temple outside the entrance to the stadium and where the Olympic flame was started,” Inscoe said.

The Fitzpatricks visited Greece 21 times to grow inspiration for the garden, he added.

During the Great Depression, the Fitzpatricks had help from visiting family members and the local Civilian Conservation Corps to build their garden area. The pair collected iron railings from New Orleans to place in the garden, and family members painted them.

“They helped people during the Depression and neighbors who couldn’t afford to keep their properties

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by offering them jobs and tasks,” said Inscoe. “I am not sure how much the Fitzpatricks spent on the gardens.”

During this construction process is when the government began flying reconnaissance flights to search for subversive activity in the U.S. They happened to fly over the Fitzpatricks’ garden and called the FBI. “The government said, ‘There’s a strange installation going in northwest of Montgomery,’” Inscoe said.

“They sent the FBI down to investigate and found out what it was.”

The family opened the grounds to the public in the

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The Fitzpatricks visited Greece more than 20 times for inspiration 1940s. During World War II, the Fitzpatricks let the Montgomery Greek community use the gardens for fundraisers. This group raised money, which was sent back home to the Greek war relief effort.

Inscoe and his wife, Elmore, created the nonprofit Jasmine Hill Foundation in 1971 to maintain the museum after purchasing it from the Fitzpatricks, and the Inscoes have supported its efforts since.

During the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial celebration, the Smithsonian Institution toured Greek folk dancers around the country. They stopped at Jasmine Hill,

and more than 2,000 people attended that event. The Smithsonian also presented a grant to Jasmine Hill for the creation of its amphitheater.

After the success of that year’s events, Jasmine Hill board members launched more activities, including showing movies and bringing in performances.

“You had blankets and picnics and lots of fun,” consultant Betsy Hosp said. “There are so many people involved in the entertainment, and it had so many memories for people.”

The gardens, now often referred to as “Alabama’s

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A mixture of flowers are planted so something blooms during every season

Little Corner of Greece,” expanded in the 1990s with new statuary, and the Olympian Centre was built. The 1996 Olympic flame even traveled from the Greek Temple of Hera to Jasmine Hill Gardens’ replica statue before it headed to Atlanta, Georgia, for the Summer Olympics.

The gardens’ flowers are a mixture of rotating flora, so something blooms during every season.

It takes a fulltime staff, along with volunteers, to keep the land in tip-top shape.

Inscoe said the foundation works to maintain the gardens the way the Fitzpatricks would have originally wanted it.

“We try to continue what the Fitzpatricks had in place,” Inscoe said. “For them, it was their home.

It was never planned as a public garden but sort of developed that way.”

Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum celebrated its 90th birthday in October with a Gardening Gathering Benefit to unveil its new vision.

Participants enjoyed music, food, activities and, of course, the beautiful scenery.

Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum is located at 3001 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka. Visit jasminehill.org for additional information.

Jim and Elmore Inscoe maintain Jasmine Hill with a nonprofit foundation they started in the '70s

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Thank You to our advertisers

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

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

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To advertise please contact: Marilyn Hawkins | 334-202-5108 n Andy Carr | 334-657-8641 or stop by our office located at 127 Company Street, Wetumpka AL 36092 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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Made from Scrap Catfish statue constructed from hubcaps journeys from Colorado artist to Wetumpka 18

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Brett Jakel delivered his work of art to downtown Wetumpka earlier this year

Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Barry Chrietzberg & Courtesy of Brett Jakel

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H Jakel's workspace can be found in a small corner of his home garage

Jakel has collected nearly 50,000 salvaged hubcaps he has organized into piles

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ubcaps that Colorado artist Brett Jakel collected for nearly 20 years were transformed into an artistic catfish that made a long journey to find a new home in Wetumpka. The artist hopes his own future plans follow suit, as he instantly felt a calling to the charming Elmore County town.

Shellie Whitfield, Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce executive director, was a friend and art mentor to Jakel when she lived in Colorado. She caught wind of a fish statue he had been working on and asked if Jakel would be interested in finishing the piece for the City of Wetumpka.

“I actually had built it as an idea just because I’m an avid fisherman. When Shellie reached out with the idea of it being a catfish piece in Wetumpka, I finished it up and improved it with more detail,” said Jakel.

Jakel had casually worked on the piece as a hobby over the last two years but was motivated to finish it up within five days after Whitfield’s call.

The catfish measures 7 feet long and weighs about 70 pounds. Jakel and his parents made the trek to Wetumpka in their pickup truck with the sculpture.

“Jakel creates his one-of-a-kind artwork for collectors all over the world. I have been his friend and avid supporter for years. When I saw the Big Fish I knew it had to come to Wetumpka – either to my house, studio or our downtown,” said Whitfield.

Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis also fell in love with the piece when he saw a picture of it and agreed Wetumpka needed to be its home base, she said.

The catfish piece is made up of plastic and hubcaps that Jakel has found along the interstate over the years. About 78 American hubcaps were used to complete the Wetumpka structure. As a result, Collier Ford sponsored the purchase of the piece, as all the hubcaps were Ford brand.

“The general way I do it is I just cut pieces that I see, that may already look like part of a fish, for example, and cut that out of the hubcap,” he said.

“Everything is held together with screws and bolts.”

Since Jakel was 11 years old, he’s been scouring roadsides for unusable, broken hubcaps, amongst other possible treasures. He now has a garage filled with nearly 50,000 hubcaps, shelved in an organized fashion. A very small corner of his garage is

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carved out for building art and storing his tools.

“It started when I was little, I was always fascinated with shiny wheels. I started volunteering to clean up trash and found a few hubcaps, so I started a collection. It just became my thing,” said Jakel.

“I couldn’t bring myself to throw away a perfectly The finished artwork good hubcap, even if it was measures 7 feet long broken.” and weighs about His mind began rac70 pounds ing with inspiration, and eventually, Jakel decided to craft something out his metal collection.

“I had all these ideas in my head. I put one together, and it just fueled more ideas,” he said.

The Colorado native has big plans to follow in Whitfield’s footsteps and make the trip South again – maybe for good.

“That was my second visit to Wetumpka, and that trip kind of sealed the deal. That’s where I want to live someday. I just fell in love with it. First of all, in comparison to where I live, people are about 180-degree-different in terms of kindness, friendliness and genuineness,” he said. “The couple days I was there felt more like home than it has here for a long time.”

The specially crafted catfish statue will be unveiled later this month.

“It is a wonderfully funky sculpture created by a wonderful artist. I would love to see more artwork like this in our area,” said Whitfield.

For more information about Jakel and his artwork, check out his Facebook page Hubcap Creations by Brett Jakel.

Jakel cuts hubcaps to fit the vision for his creations

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Lasting Legacy Scholarship named in memory of Wetumpka native Sylvia McConnell

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Story by Phyllis Kennedy Photos Courtesy of Gayla McConnell

ylvia McConnell grew up just a few blocks from local legendary artist Kelly Fitzpatrick. She often stopped by as he was painting on his porch. This became her earliest memory, and one that ignited her personal passion for the arts.

The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery created a scholarship in her honor when she passed away earlier this year. One eligible Elmore County Sylvia McConnell (center) student will receive at a Future Business Leaders the Sylvia McConof America banquet nell Scholarship for Art each year, so the long-time educator and art lover’s legacy will live on.

McConnell was a walking encyclopedia of all things Elmore County.

She knew how everybody was kin, who lived in which house and where all the bones were buried. Always described as the perfect Southern lady, McConnell was a teacher in the Elmore County School System for 37 years and was a role model for students and young teachers alike.

She was a charter board member of The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery since 2011 and served as its secretary for six years. McConnell and her husband of 59 years, Chick McConnell, were always on hand at The Kelly exhibit receptions; Tuesdays with Kelly lunch

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meetings, along with other events; and they always provided financial support as exhibition sponsors.

McConnell started collecting art in the 1960s and put together an impressive collection that includes pieces

by Phillip Andrews, Austin Martin, Jean Lake and many pieces from her friend and fellow teacher, Bobby Carr. The collectors’ exhibition hosted by The Kelly in 2018 featured a large number of paintings from her collection.

For 69 years, McConnell was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wetumpka. There, she was a devoted member of the Gleaners Sunday School Class and served as church clerk.

McConnell and Chick were board members and volunteers with the Wetumpka Depot Players. She served for a number of years on the board of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce; was an active volunteer with Christmas on the Coosa and the Elmore County Junior Miss/ Distinguished Young Woman program; and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Wetumpka Fine Arts Club – just to name a few of her involvements with the community.

Although McConnell was born in Hanceville, Alabama, she called Elmore County home just as quickly

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as she could – somewhere around 1 year old. She lived Since her death, McConnell’s family members have in Wetumpka for the rest of her life, except for two heard people say hundreds of times, “She made such a occasions when her father, an agriculture teacher, did difference in my life.” consulting work for the U.S. Department of AgriculShe was a teacher who connected personally with ture. They first lived in Delano, California, for some her students and genuinely cared about them. Everytime and later in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Both parents body seemed to have earned a special place in her were Elmore County natives with deep roots in Titus heart. Each one seemed to have a special spot in her and Buyck. Both also were career educators, so it is no memory. McConnell would point at someone and say, surprise that both McCo“See that woman? She’s nnell and her only sibling, one of the smartest (or Carolyn Williams, became funniest or kindest or McConnell taught in the Elmore County school teachers. neatest) people I ever system for more than three decades McConnell’s father lattaught.” er served in the Alabama McConnell’s real House of Representatives. essence was not her proThe Ernest S. Collier fessional life, though.

Bridge over Sofkahatchee She was a loyal and Creek on U.S. Highway stalwart friend, incred231, the Swayback slough, ibly generous and kind. was named for McConShe had a wonderful nell’s father. sense of humor and Chick said he remempossessed a calming bers meeting McConnell presence, which made when he was a soda jerk her very valuable on the at Mason’s Drug Store in many boards on which downtown Wetumpka, she served. McConnell and she had just returned could truly pour oil on from Honduras. They troubled waters, and dated for six years before she lived her faith every they were married in day.

1960.

Her husband and McConnell graduated family were the center Wetumpka High School; of her life. In addition and then, Auburn Unito Chick and her sister, versity where she became she had one son, Clay a die-hard Auburn fan.

McConnell, and his She was buried wearing wife, Gayla. She was so her Auburn Golden Eagle proud of her grandchilpin (symbolizing a 50-year graduate), which she wore dren, Britton McConnell Matthews and her husband proudly anytime she could. After Auburn, McConnell Will, and Collier McConnell and his wife, Kayla. She earned a master’s degree at Troy University; then, a adored her great grandchildren, Cade Matthews and second master’s degree at Auburn University MontCaroline Turner. gomery and eventually earned her six-year education McConnell will always be remembered, but a scholspecialist degree from Auburn. arship in her name, awarded each year to a graduate Right out of college, McConnell worked as an acof an Elmore County school (public or private) will be countant but after a few years decided that teaching continued assurance that her name and legacy will live was in her blood. She taught first at Wallsboro Elon. Investing in the future of young people is one of the ementary; and then, moved to Wetumpka High School best investments. where she taught government and economics. Later, To make tax-deductible donations, checks can be she taught business education in the Elmore County made to KFMG, designated for scholarship, and mailed Technical Center, and it was there that she made her to P.O. Box 641, Wetumpka, AL 36092. For scholarship deepest mark. application inquiries, email thekelly36092@gmail.com.

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Cain's Chap 200 years

Sharon fox

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

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pel cherishes of history

A new stained glass window has been installed in the worship center

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he oldest known continuous congregation in a type of salesman, and the Cains opened their home to the River Region is Cain’s Chapel in Holtthe family for their stay. The little girl died during the night ville. The first church was a log church built from what is believed to be what we now call Sudden Infant

by Elisha Milton Cain almost as soon as he Death Syndrome. No one knows her name or the year of moved his family from South Carolina to the her death, but until the 1950s a small brick house provided territory that would later become the State of shelter for her grave and kept it safe from wild animals. All Alabama. The chapel was used for Cain, his family and the landmarks leading to the child’s grave have since disapmen and women who worked for him. peared.

The log church was built on Cain property in Pine Flat As 2020 marks Cain’s Chapel’s Bicentennial celebration, a where a few of the old logs still reside; however, the Presby- small room within the church has been designated to serve terian Church of Pine Flat now occupies that territory. Suras a museum and historical exhibit. At just about 12 feet by prisingly, Cain and his family are not buried in the cemetery 20 feet, the space is filled quite beautifully with the history at the current Cain’s Chapel, but all are buried in Mt. Zion of Elisha Milton Cain, his family and the church he estabCemetery, the first cemetery for the log church location. lished so long ago. The moment I stepped into that small A larger church was room, I could see the pasbuilt in 1820 on the propsion felt by this congregaThe window will be dedicated erty that the church calls tion to share its church’s early next year to honor the home today. The decision history. church's founders was made to build a newer A white cross hangs church in a different locaon the wall in the corner tion where it would be of the room – a cross that closer to a large creek and once hung in the old chamore accessible to water. pel before renovation. It The first known grave in was donated by the family the new church cemetery of Ben Myrick, a young was that of an infant girl man who left to fight in who was traveling through World War II and never the area with her family. returned home. A stainedHer father was a drummer, glass window portraying A small room in the church has been designated as the bicentennial museum and is filled wth historic artifacts

The white cross is a replica of one dedicated to the memory of Ben Myrick

Cain's Chapel Bicentennial Calendar 2020 Jan. 12, 2020: (1820-1840) Celebrating Heritage Dedication of the new stained-glass window in the worship center and the Alabama Historical Commission’s historical marker Feb. 14, 2020: (1841-1860) Celebrating Love Old-fashioned wedding in the chapel, followed by a dinner-and-dancing reception in the family life center March 29, 2020: (1861-1880) Celebrating Revival Late afternoon picnic and brush arbor service at Confederate Memorial Park with games, music and mystery guest speaker April 12, 2020: (1881-1900) Celebrating Salvation Easter Sunday – Old-fashioned Easter parade May 3, 2020: (1901-1920) Celebrating Dedication A potluck luncheon and program will follow the morning worship, featuring historian Annie Crenshaw. Bring your favorite recipes and dishes and wear your favorite apron. Recipes will be added to the exciting Raisin’ Cain II cookbooks.

the same white cross also was donated in his memory and still hangs in the old chapel. A new stained-glass window has been installed in the Worship Center.

Members of the Cain’s Chapel congregation have worked tirelessly to plan a yearlong celebration for this milestone.

There will be re-enactors in costumes representing different periods of history. The dedication of the new stained-glass window, along with a historical marker for Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church and Cemetery, will be the first of 12 monthly historical programs.

Programs include an old-fashioned wedding to be held Feb. 14 with a reception afterward. On March 29, there will be an old-fashioned picnic at Confederate Memorial Park, including a mystery guest speaker, games and gospel music.

Local historian Annie Crenshaw will speak on May 3, and attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite family recipes to be included in cookbooks to further commemorate the bicentennial.

Two presentations I personally plan to attend are on June 13, where Dr. Susan Dubose will speak on famous Alabama women from the past 200 years, as well as the Cemetery Walking Tour on Oct. 25. The Bicentennial Homecoming Celebration will be held on Nov. 8, 2020, and will feature Bishop David W. Graves as the guest speaker.

The book Passing It On by Marie “Bitsy” Nelson is being updated and should be available to the public sometime in the spring. Keep an eye out for it – it’s filled with so much history of Elisha Cain, his family and his church, that you’ll want to add it to your personal library. I know I will.

June 10, 2020: (1921-1940) Celebrating Guidance Presentation by Mark Harris, founder and director of the Dixie Art Colony Foundation, on the history of DAC and its impact on Elmore County and the Holtville area June 13, 2020: (1921-1940) Celebrating Guidance It’s a Girl Thing: Dr. Susan Dubose will present a program on famous Alabama women from the past 200 years.

July 1, 2020: (1941-1960) Celebrate Freedom Patriotic concert and ice cream supper Aug. 16, 2020: (1961-1980) Celebrating Community Sunday evening showing of the movie, The Story of Holtville, followed by discussions with cast members Aug. 30, 2020: (1961-1980) Celebrating Community Sunday evening old-fashioned singing, including Sacred Harp singers from Montgomery, local quartets, CCUMC choir and congregational singing Sept. 16, 2020: (1981-2000) Celebrating Tradition Dinner and special guest presentation by Sean Dietrich, writer, humorist and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South Oct. 25, 2020: (2001-2020) Celebrating Family Late afternoon cemetery walking tour, Voices from the Past, with refreshments to follow Nov. 8, 2002: Celebrating 200 Years Bicentennial homecoming celebration, featuring Bishop David W. Graves as guest speaker

Holiday Reflections

T Marty edge

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

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he end of the year is fast approaching, and that means the holiday season is upon us. It is a festive and exciting time of year. It’s a time for Christmas parties, spending time with family and friends, gift exchanges and decorations. It’s also a time for reflection.

Many people use the holidays to evaluate where they are in their lives. They think about where they are personally, professionally and even spiritually. Many also think about where they are financially.

Some people make the decision to retire; others realize they need to save more if they want to be able to retire.

Some people realize they better start planning for retirement or they will never get the opportunity. Most New Year’s resolutions are broken within a few weeks, but retirement planning should not be one of them.

Some of my clients over the years have made the decisions to retire during the holiday season.

It is more common than one might think. The process that goes into planning to retire is quite detailed. An individual needs to do an assessment of his or her overall financial situation and answer a few questions: How much money have you saved? Do you have enough saved to last you the rest of your life? How much money will you need to have the lifestyle you want? What expenses will you incur during your retirement years? How much will health insurance cost? Are you taking any major debts into retirement with you?

Once you get answers to these questions, you can determine if it is the right time to retire. Just because you want to retire, does not mean it’s the right time.

Some of my clients spend the holidays reviewing where they are on their retirement goals and

realize they are not doing enough. How do you measure that progress? Start by determining what expenses you will incur during retirement years. Second, calculate how much income your retirement assets will produce monthly or yearly.

That is the best place to start. Being aware of how inflation will affect your available income is another factor to consider.

There are several ways to gauge where you sit on your financial path. Retirement calculators are a great place to start. They can provide guidance.

Finally, there are those who realize they need to get started toward retirement. Life is not a dress rehearsal. We do not get to start over if we fail the first time.

There are legitimate reasons many people may find it difficult to start planning for retirement; however, the longer someone waits, the more difficult it will be to reach the desired goals.

Retirement planning should be like running a marathon. Ideally, you should be able to pace yourself and build retirement assets over many years. The longer a person waits, the fewer years there are to accomplish goals; and then, larger amounts of money will have to be added to avoid major market downturns. This plan can be very dangerous. At that stage, you couldn’t afford for anything to go wrong.

There is an old saying, “The best time to invest was yesterday. The second best time is today.”

As the holidays are upon us, it’s a wonderful time to be with family and celebrate the season. It should also be a time to reflect on where you are on life’s journey. Finding answers to these questions can allow you to have more confidence and peace about your financial future.

Marty Edge offers securities through LPL Financial (member FINRA/SIPC) and insurance products through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates.

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Extend poinsettias' beauty with a few simple tips Photo by Shane Harris

mallory kelley

GARDEN TALK Mallory Kelley is a Regional Extension Agent for Alabama Extension and covers central Alabama for home grounds, gardens and pests.

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T

he very popular Christmas plants, poinsettias, are actually native to Mexico and can be seen growing along the roadsides in their native habitat, reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet tall. Keeping one alive and healthy in a pot for one to two months in the state of Alabama can often be a challenge.

The poinsettia made its way to the United States through the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Joel Poinsett.

He took cuttings from the plant on one of his visits and sent them back to South Carolina where the climate was just warm enough to allow the plants to survive.

Poinsettias in Mexico bloom in late fall through early winter, but in order for them to bloom during our holiday season north of the border, special care must be taken.

The part of the plant often referred to as the blooms or flowers of the poinsettia are actually colored bracts, which are leaves that form at the base of the flowers. The flowers are the yellow structures, called cyathia, which the red bracts surround.

Even though the holiday season is when the poinsettias are in bloom, the cooler temperatures in the United States often make it difficult to keep the plants alive and healthy.

Here are some tips for keeping your poinsettia bright and beautiful through the holiday season.

Place the plants in very bright but indirect light. Southern windows with full sun exposure are not a good choice because of window drafts and temperature fluctuations.

Try to keep plants far away from outdoor entrances as the sudden drafts of cool air are not good for the plants and will dry them out quickly.

Keep the soil evenly moist but not too wet. Too much moisture will kill a plant as quickly as not enough moisture. Do not allow the plants to dry out completely. This will cause the bracts’ color to fade and leaves to begin to drop, and it will be very difficult to re-wet the soil in the pots.

When watering, if the water immediately rushes through the plant and out the bottom, then the plant was too dry. Also, never allow water to stand in the tray as this will drown the roots and kill the plant. Continue to empty the tray and slowly add more water until the plant is evenly moist and no water is collecting in the tray.

Keeping the indoor temperature between 70 to 75 degrees during the day and 55 to 65 degrees at night is best.

Poinsettias can remain looking great throughout the holidays. Although it can be frustrating, understanding what they like will allow them to last longer.

Place poinsettias in bright but indirect light for best results

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A Ceremonious Burial Tallassee time capsule project honors Alabama's Bicentennial Story & Photos by Amy Passaretti

Members of Boy Scout Troop 59 lower the time capsule into the ground

R Bob Taunton with THPS welcomes the crowd to the ceremony

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esidents of Tallassee this month acted on the unique opportunity to leave lasting legacies in a time capsule buried on the grounds of City Hall to honor Alabama’s Bicentennial.

Hosted by the Talisi Historical Preservation Society, a total of 45 caplets were filled with old watches, photographs, electronics, letters to the future and more. Boy Scout Troop 59 ceremoniously lowered the waterproof stainless steel box into the ground earlier this month.

“Each participant was given a letter to store that will be passed down

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to future generations, so on Dec. 14, 2119, family members can claim their capsules from their ancestors,” said Bob Taunton, with the Talisi Historical Preservation Society.

Every caplet is engraved with the individual or organization that sponsored it to be sure it remains identifiable in 100 years.

The preservation society brainstormed the idea earlier this year, knowing they wanted to celebrate Alabama’s 200-year birthday in a bold way.

The projected goal was to fill a time capsule with 200 caplets, but they downsized to one suited for 100 based on community response.

The THS band opens the ceremony performing the national anthem

The Tallassee City Council awarded the THPS $3,000 as seed money to launch the initiative.

“It’s great to take an interest in history. We need to look at history to learn about cultures of the past and their mistakes. It’s important to remember where we came from and where we are going,” said Tallassee Mayor Johnny Hammock.

Troy Wallace, city employee, came out the day before the ceremony to dig the capsule cavity, which is located in front of Memorial Park.

“We have the best city government you can imagine. Troy didn’t just dig the hole, but he squared it up, covered it up and set aside the dirt and covered that up, too,” said Taunton.

As the Tallassee High School band rattled off a drum roll, the time capsule was lowered into the ground in a military-styled ritual by the Boy Scouts. Attendees then had the opportunity to each shovel a scoop

of dirt over the box as a symbolic gesture.

The Tallassee High School band performed the National Anthem before Taunton and Hammock provided their remarks. The Tallassee High School chorus honored the State of Alabama with its performance of the Alabama State song.

“To the State of Alabama – Happy Birthday; we salute you,” said Taunton.

The area will eventually be designated with a granite marker indicating the time capsule’s location, crediting the historical society and providing instructions on when it should be opened. The THPS will install the sign early next year.

The THPS’s mission is to preserve history, and the organization supports the Talisi Falls Museum, which is open to the public. It also maintains the Superintendent’s House behind City Hall, which is available for special events.

Guests shovel scoops of dirt into the burial location

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OUT & ABOUT

A Dickens Christmas

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Dec. 6-7, 2019 Downtown Wetumpka 1. Candace Jones and Robin Snyder 2. Dillon and Brooklyn George 3. Andy and Heather Giovanelli 4. Cole Orozco and Greg Willis 5. Sandy Rosemond 6. Kelly, Brooke and Madie Kate Findley 7. Al Bowler

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OUT & ABOUT

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Millbrook Christmas Parade & Festival Dec. 7, 2019 Village Green Park 1. Jessie and Naomi Johnston 2. James and Tammy Hadley, Lily Moses and Lindsey Shows 3. Bella Rhodes and Joy and Noah Jones 4. Mackenzie, Mia, Brandi and Ryan Schwarzman

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5. James, Rosie and Jimmy Verhoff 6. Adalyn, James, Jessica and Brian Cadotte 7. Sarah Stephens, Earle Monroe, Andrew Markley and Lynn Townley

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OUT & ABOUT

Taste of Tallassee

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Nov. 7, 2019 Tallassee National Guard Armory 1. David Butler 2. Kennedy, Jeremy and Konner Taunton 3. Kira Lever and Jordan Cunningham 4. Milly, Jennifer, Macy and Ruby Crain 5. Susan and Ivan Huff 6. Tammy Knapp 7. Jeannie Curtis and Chris McConnell

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8. Debra, Samantha, Logan and Scott Thompkins 9. Don, Becky, Joe and Tina Scarborough

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OUT & ABOUT

St. Andrew's Day Scottish Dinner

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Nov. 21, 2019 Millbrook Civic Center 1. Al and Brenda Kelley 2. Carol, Brannon and Thomas Bowman 3. Hannah Davis 4. Theresa and Jimmy Harris

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5. Renee Minor, Jane and Jason Owens, Josh and Miranda Waldroff, Stephen Bicknell, Mary Green and David Minor 6. Bill and Brittany Myers, Karissa and James Richardson and Crystal and Patrick Moody

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OUT & ABOUT

Annual Tallassee Christmas Parade

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Dec. 7, 2019 Downtown Tallassee 1. Lee and Jackson Gantt 2. Griffin and Casie Pritchard 3. Shannon Rangel and Kyler Parker 4. Timothy and Caroline Babb and Helen Lucas 5. Fred Randal Huey

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6. Kim Hammock and Tonya Graham 7. Natalie Davis

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OUT & ABOUT

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Huddle House Grand Opening Dec. 11, 2019 Wetumpka 1. Jessica Hill, Jamie Graig and Journey Benford 2. Jillian Marvin, Kali Hollis, Alisa Moseley and Jaelyn Smiley 3. Shaina Sprayberry

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4. Robert and Tang Miller 5. June Talley

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Now-Dec. 19 Christmas at Lanark Field Days

Each day from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Santa will be at the Alabama Nature Center for a fun-filled day of outdoor Christmas activities, including sleigh rides, campfire storytime, festive crafts, nature activities and photos with Santa. Only groups are permitted throughout the week, but individuals can join the festivities on Dec. 20.

Dec. 21 Cookies & Milk with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Blue Ribbon Dairy Farm, 5290 Chana Creek Rd. in Tallassee, will host a day of cookies and Blue Ribbon Dairy milk while visiting with Santa from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Dec. 19 2nd Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Pawty

A Wiggle & A Wag Grooming spa, 42 Tucker Dr. in Wetumpka, will host its annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Pawty for pets from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. There will be treats, fun and prizes for the top three sweaters.

Dec. 20 Ugly Sweater Party at Coosa Cleaver

The Coosa Cleaver in downtown Wetumpka will host an ugly sweater Christmas party at 6 p.m. Prizes and seasonal drink specials will be available.

Dec. 21 Artist Market in Prattville

The Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery will host a holiday artists market featuring original works by member artists, including holiday and gift items. The event is sponsored by the Prattauga Art Guild and will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 21 Vida Christmas Parade

The Vida Community Center in Prattville will host its annual parade at 2 p.m. There is no entrance fee to be in the parade, but donations are accepted. A reception will be held for parade participants following the parade.

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Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration in Wetumpka

The City of Wetumpka will host its 28th Annual NYE celebration, starting at 9 p.m. with a ceremony honoring soldiers who were prisoners of war or missing in action at the Old Elmore County Courthouse. Live music will begin at the Wetumpka Civic Center at 9 p.m. with the Good Time Band and Tonya Moore with Wetumpka Line Dance.

Bring coolers, chairs, heaters out to enjoy the meteorite drop and fireworks at 11:59 p.m. behind the civic center.

Entertainment will continue until 1 a.m. For more information, contact the City of Wetumpka at 334-567-5147.

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Jan. 13-18 Missoula Children’s Theatre

The McCraney-Cottle Arts Council will host auditions for children on Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Tallassee High School Auditorium. Children from all area schools are invited.

Jan. 18 Fighting Alzheimer’s Chili Cook-off

The Thirsty Turtle in Millbrook will host a chili cook off at 4 p.m. Portions of all shot specials will go to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, along with other monies raised throughout the night. There will be raffles, music, auctions and games.

Season-Long Events Country Music Jam

Every Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Red Hill Community Center hosts an open-stage country music jam. All players, singers and listeners are welcome. Coffee and snacks are provided at this family-friendly event. No admission is charged, but donations are welcome. The community center is located at the Old Red Hill School on state Route 229 south of Kowaliga. For more information, email Paula Castleberry at mcasby53@windstream.net.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes

Paul Catholic Church. This volunteer organization serves individual and community needs by funding and hosting special events for people with developmental disabilities.

A social time at 5:30 p.m. precedes meetings.

Countywide Cleanup Day

The Elmore County Commission sponsors free cleanup days for residents on the second Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the dumpster is full.

Elmore County residents are invited to bring household and yard trash to the five consistent locations. A sixth locations rotates each month between the Town of Elmore Annex Building and Town of Coosada Post Office. Drop off items to CEWSA Redland Facility; Elmore County Judicial Complex; Emerald Mountain Equestrian Center; Holtville High School and Kent-Old Highway Department. For more information, call the Elmore County Highway Department at 334-567-1162 or Advanced Disposal at 334-252-0458.

Bluegrass Jam and Sit N Sew

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

Every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or ID plants and animals; splash through the creek; or catch insects in the meadow. General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

​Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature

Every Thursday at 3:30 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. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

Tallassee Civitan Club

The Civitans meet at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Seton Hall at St. Vincent De

Quilting Classes

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

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Stories and Rhymes

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

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

to the public. Drinks are provided. For information, call 334-567-6301 or visit aces.edu/Elmore. A garden help line also is available for questions at 334-300-5512.

Busy Bee Quilters

The quilters meet the second Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Santuck Community Center, 7300 Central Plank Rd. For information, call Vickie Ham 256-423-5966.

Cruise-In Car Show

Ukulele Classes

Pull in to the Tallassee Shopping Center on state Route 229 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the third Saturday of each month for a look at the spectacular wheels.

Ukulele Jam

Wetumpka City Pops Community Band rehearses on Thursdays at the Elmore County High School band room.

Jazz band practices at 6 p.m., and concert band practices at 7 p.m. For more information, contact director Anthony Vittore at 334-318-3869.

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

Hosted at the Alabama River Region Arts Center on the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The session is free and open to the public. For more information, contact ARRAC at 334-578-9485.

Wetumpka City Pops

Dixie Art Colony Foundation Exhibit

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

Appointments and small group tours are available upon request. Special tours include a 16-minute video, Dixie Art Colony: A Look at Its Lasting Legacy. Exhibits rotate every four months, and a selection of periodicals and books from the DAC Foundation Resource Library also are on display.

For information, contact Mark Harris at 334-328-0730 or email him at M.Harris@DixieArtColony.org.

Tuesdays with Kelly

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on state Route 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 Fellowship Hall at the Presbyterian Church, 100 West Bridge St. 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

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On the third Tuesday of each month, The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery hosts free events with various speakers, topics and demonstrations. This is a brown bag lunch event beginning at noon. Until further notice, Tuesdays with Kelly will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 5375 U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka.

For more information or a list of upcoming programs, visit thekelly.org.

Eclectic Trade Days

The second Saturday of each month, the City of Eclectic hosts trade days with local vendors from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 145 Main St., next to Town Hall. A booth is $10 to set up. For more information, contact Carmen Winslett at 334-201-0092.

Southern Cultural Center

This community center located in Wetumpka is available for family activities and faith-based programs. Local

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

Red Hill Community Club Meetings

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

AWF Early Explorers Program

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

ECAG Lunch Programs

On the second Wednesday of each month, the Elmore County Art Guild will host lunch programs at various locations. Members gather at 11 a.m. for lunch, and the business meeting will begin at noon, followed by a brief enrichment program. Programs will range from demonstrations, hands-on workshops by local artists, guided tours of area art museums, plein-air sessions and more.

The public is welcome to attend. For information, visit elmorecountyartguild.com or call Doris Bell at 334-567-7910.

Preschool Storytime

The Wetumpka Public Library hosts preschool storytime every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m. with stories and crafts. The library is located at 212 S. Main St. and can be reached at 334-567-1308.

Elmore County 4-H Poultry Club

Elmore County 4-H Archery Club

This Elmore County Extension Office club meets every other Monday at the Archery Park at Coosa River Parkway in Wetumpka. For more information or to register, call the Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

Galloping Gang 4-H Club

Every third Thursday of the month, this horse club meets at Iron Horse Ranch (unless otherwise specified) at 6:30 p.m. Youth do not have to own a horse to participate. For more information or to register, call the Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

Trivia Night at Coosa Cleaver

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

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

On the second Thursday of each month, 4-H members should meet at 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka at 6 p.m. to learn about raising backyard poultry. For more information or to register, call the Elmore County Extension Office at 334-567-6301.

Barrel Burners 4-H Shotgun Club

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

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

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Business & Service Directory COSMETOLOGIST WANTED

Karen’s

Mane Tamers Family Hair Care

8711 U.s. Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL

334-514-1958

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

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

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

Coosa River Adventures Stoddard’s Bait Shop Collier Ford Adams Drugs Wee Ones Daycare Wetumpka Health & Rehab Canal Grocery Kim’s Corner River Perk Hampton Inn Valley National Bank Jerry's Barber Casino Hotel

Casino Convenience Store ARC Rrealty

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Wells Fargo Bank Aldridge Borden Co. Toulouse Marathon

Manuel Ramirez and Francisco Baltazar

DID YOU KNOW? You can find

Elmore County Living at

COZUMEL IN ECLECTIC Stop by and grab one today!

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An Affinity for Elf Culture C Adrian borden

ARTSY FARTSY Adrian Borden works at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery and is immersed in the arts throughout the River Region.

hristmas is by far my favorite time of year. By the first day of December, my clan of loved ones knows that I will begin my perpetual Santa hat-wearing tradition. I have a whole collection, in fact – standard fare Santa hat; standard with a bell tied on the pom-pom (you’ll want to know when I’m coming, of course); Santa’s face with little mittens to cover my ears; a Minnie Mouse hat with sequins stiff enough to stand on its own, with the pom-pom towering 2 feet above my head and so on.

In public, children often ask if I work for Santa; and the answer is, ‘Of course, I do! I’m an elf, obvi.’

There are just no guarantees that I won’t embarrass you this time of year. No one is safe.

Even now, as I type this on an airplane to New York City, I’m wearing one of my standard hats.

But trust me, my friend; I have been protecting you for almost a month at this point. Since midNovember, at the latest, I have been listening to Christmas music only in the privacy of my office or car, in sheer childlike anticipation of what is to come this season.

You see, I believe something shifts in people’s hearts during the holidays. It starts just before Thanksgiving. People are warmer and more affectionate; they share more videos online of cute cats, heroic measures and good news. People are quicker to hug, forgive, smile – and tend to be slower to judge, become angry or fuss at one another.

I wish we could Adrian Borden be this way sports one of her the whole year many holidaythrough, but I’ll themed costumes

take three months of it, if that’s all I can get.

That’s right. My Adrian Christmas doesn’t expire until well into January. Don’t ask me when; don’t tell me it’s bad luck; and do not shame me for loving and wanting to celebrate Christmas.

I work for Santa, and you don’t want him to know you’re acting like a cotton-headed ninnymuggins.

Christmas movies present my favorite kind of stories – those about perpetual hope (Kate McCallister, the Home Alone series); a change of the darkest of hearts for the better (Scrooge, A Christmas Carol); a community rising up in song to overcome a stolen Christmas (The Whos of Whoville, How the Grinch Stole Christmas); silly children with grand ideas for Santa (Ralphie, A Christmas Story); loving family, warts and all (Eddie and Clark Griswold, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation); seeing the potential in people who look and smell differently from you (The Herdmans, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever); and a child choosing the most modest of gifts from Santa Claus himself (Christopher, Polar Express).

I’ve seen those movies time and time again, so I was looking for something really fun to do out in public with the other elves of Elmore County this Christmas season. It turns out there was a lot of fun stuff planned. I attended one of the walking tours held during the first week of December representing An Eclectic Christmas. The wonderful, living Nativity scene is free of charge each year and not to be missed.

The annual McCraney-Cottle Arts Council hosted its Sounds of the Season concert at Mt. Vernon Theatre, with a buffet dinner at Rustic Mill Restaurant beforehand.

Wetumpka pulled out all the stops for a Downtown Dickens Christmas this year. Folks were transported back in time to scenes from A Christmas Carol with Dickensian carolers, Father Christmas photo-ops and downtown decorations with snow in the alley and more. As a former professional Christmas caroler in L.A., you know I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to join in.

Whatever you did and still have time to do this holiday season, may it be merry and bright!

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