April 19, 2018 Dadeville Record

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VOL. 121, NO. 16

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018

Family files $5 million lawsuit

Judge rules to abolish constables

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Tallapoosa County will no longer have constables starting in 2020 following a ruling in court Friday.

Judge Tom Young was tasked with deciding if a section added to a local bill by State Senator Tom Whatley to allow Tallapoosa County voters to decide whether or not they wanted to abolish the office of constable in Tallapoosa County was added properly.

Young ruled the provision added by the legislature was substantially different than See CONSTABLES • Page A3

Pulliams alleging late father’s home commitment handled improperly, rights violated

By MITCH SNEED Editor

A local man and his siblings are suing the Alabama Department of Human Resources, one of its employees, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department and a medical center for $5 million, alleging that their late father’s rights were violated when he was committed to a home four years ago.

Gregory A. Pulliam, Melvin D. Ross, Sandra Taylor, James Pulliam and Larry Pulliam filed a complaint in March on behalf of the estate of the late Larry A. Pulliam, alleging that Pulliam was not properly evaluated Pulliam before being committed and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department allowed an off-duty deputy to transport the man to a home without proper paperwork.

The complaint also alleges that Coosa Valley Medical Center did not make sure that proper paperwork existed to have Larry A. Pulliam committed was provided when they admitted him.

See LAWSUIT • Page A3

‘See the able, not the label’

Tourism officials give lesson in attracting visitors to lake area

Dadeville High School holds annual Autism Awareness pep rally

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Tallapoosa County is home to one of the largest and most pristine lakes in America, a network of hiking trails, rivers for canoeing and kayaking, incredible sports complexes and several sites with significant historic importance.

Despite that long list of attributes, there is no organization dedicated to promoting tourism in the area. At least not yet.

John Wild, Robyn See TOURISM • Page A5

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

T

he students and faculty of Dadeville High School gathered in the high school auditorium last Thursday afternoon for the school’s fourth annual Autism Awareness pep rally, held in conjunction with the Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy organization. “This just keeps growing and getting better every year,� Maria Gutierrez with Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy said.

See AUTISM • Page A8

Donald Campbell / The Record

Top, the Dadeville High School cheerleaders hold up puzzle pieces that form the shape of a heart spelling out “Autism� at last Thursday’s pep rally. Above, Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy board member Sandie Duck and her son Joshua present a special recognition plaque and certificate to the special needs staff at Dadeville High School.

Keebler Park holds successful first Spring Festival event festival included a scavenger hunt, table decorating contest and butterfly decorating contest. When visitors were A crowd of more than 100 people ready, there were plenty of hot dogs joined in the festivities at Keebler available through the grilling skills of Park Saturday, taking part in the firstDadeville Fire Chief Anthony Wilkerson. ever Spring Festival at the park. The “We had around 50 people who brainchild of local resident Dianna Porter, completed the scavenger hunt. Some of the celebration had a little something for them were families working together for the whole family to enjoy. it,� Porter said. “There were at least 40 “We had at least 100 hot dog lunches entries in the butterfly decorating contest, sold, so I would say that we had around with submissions from children ages 4 to 125 people there,� Porter said. “I’m very 17.� pleased with the turnout.�

Porter added that the woman who Kicking off the day with a 5K run donated the wooden butterfly piece through the neighborhood near the to decorate the park will be picking a park before finishing with one lap See KEEBLER • Page A5 around the park’s track, the rest of the

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Donald Campbell / The Record

Dadeville Fire Chief Anthony Wilkerson cooks up some hot dogs at Saturday’s Spring Festival in Keebler Park where more than 100 people attended and joined in the festivities.

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Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Dadeville Record

Police Reports Dadeville Police Department April 16

• A report was filed for theft of property second that occurred on Aster Street.

• A report was filed for assault third that occurred on Royston Street.

April 15

• A two motor vehicle collision occurred on South Tallassee Street at West South Street resulting in minor property damage and no injuries.

• A report was filed for theft by deception third and fraudulent use of a debit or credit card that occurred on Highway 280.

orderly conduct that occurred on Royston Street.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department April 16

• Jeffery Griffin of Ninth Avenue in Alexander City was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation and possession or receiving a controlled substance.

April 15

• A resident of Campbell Road in Dadeville filed a report in reference to an unwanted person.

• A resident on Walls Road in Goodwater filed a report in reference to harassment.

April 14

April 14

• Blake Langley of Tallassee was arrested on a grand jury indictment of distribution of a controlled substance and was transported to the county jail.

April 12

• Eric Roberts of Pineview Road in Tallassee was arrested on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance and transported to the county jail.

• An Auburn woman, age 26, was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of a concealed weapon without a permit on Highway 280.

• A Dadeville man, age 21, was arrested for possession of marijuana second and possession of drug paraphernalia on Old Susanna Road.

• A report was filed for domestic violence third that occurred on McKelvey Street.

• A Dadeville man, age 43, was arrested for public intoxication on McKelvey Street.

• A report was filed for harassment that occurred on Highway 280.

• A Dadeville man, age 24, was arrested on a warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia.

• A Lanett man, age 42, was arrested for driving under the influence on Highway 280.

April 11

• A report was filed for dis-

April 13

April 12

• Timothy Coleman of Point Windy Drive in Jacksons Gap was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear child support.

• Jeffery Williams of Bufford Road in Auburn was arrested on an outstanding warrant for grand jury indictment theft of property first.

• Amy Clampitt of Bradley Road in Jacksons Gap was arrested on a grand jury indictment manslaughter.

• A resident of Alabama Highway 120 filed a report for theft of property.

April 11

• Anthony Ledbetter of Hickstore Road in Tallassee was arrested on outstanding warrant for a grand jury indictment of reckless endangerment.

• A resident of East Cass Street in Dadeville filed a report for theft.

April 10

• A resident of Centerpoint Road in Dadeville filed a report for identity theft.

• A resident of Pine Ridge Street in Dadeville filed a report for theft.

Alexander City Police Department April 16

• Marcus Marquis Russell, 32, of Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear.

• Adriana Georgeta Fasui, 37, of Winter Haven, Florida was arrested for loitering.

• Ismael Roman Torres, 20, of Decatur was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

• Possession of a controlled substance was reported on Holman Street.

• Hindering prosecution was reported in Alexander City.

• Theft was reported on Highway 63 North.

• Loitering was reported in Alexander City.

• Burglary and theft was reported in Alexander City.

• Theft was reported in Alexander City.

• Theft was reported in Alexander City.

April 15

• Christopher Charles Harvey, 35, of Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear.

• Jeremy Clayton Maske,

36, of Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear.

• Soloman Jamall Barnett, 31, of Salem was arrested for theft.

• Courtney Labrent Taylor, 29, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence.

• A dog bite was reported in Alexander City.

• Domestic violence was reported on Boyd Street.

April 14

• Harassment was reported on Red Barn Road.

• Criminal trespass and harassment was reported on Red Barn Road.

• Domestic violence was reported I Street.

• Domestic violence was reported on Thomas Street.

• Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card was reported on Midway Circle.

• Domestic violence was reported in Alexander City.

• Theft was reported in Alexander City.

• Harassment was reported in Alexander City.

• Domestic violence was reported in Alexander City.

April 13

• Jason Marx Elliot, 38, of Alexander City was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

• Brandon Trey Mann, 24, of Alexander City was arrested for harassing communications.

• John Ed Cox, 69, of Alexander City was arrested for disorderly conduct.

• Johneil Lako Cox, 35, of Alexander City was arrested for making a terrorist threat, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental operations and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol was reported in Alexander City.

• Domestic violence was reported on Robinhood Drive.

• Domestic violence was reported in Alexander City.

• Unlawful breaking and entering and theft was reported in Alexander City.

• Theft was reported in

Alexander City.

• Terrorist threat was reported in Alexander City.

• Theft was reported on Laurel Street.

• Theft was reported on 15th Street West.

April 12

• Kevin Adam Ray, 33, of Wetumpka was arrested for failure to appear and possession of a forged instrument.

• Timothy Lashun Whetstone, 34, of Goodwater was arrested for theft.

• Arthena Lakeitha Thomas, 25, of Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear.

• Jessie Walter Pearson, 65, of Alexander City was arrested for two counts of failure to appear.

• Possession of marijuana was reported on 10th Avenue.

• Theft was reported in Alexander City.

• A dog bite was reported on Kowaliga Marina Road.

• Theft was reported on Highway 280.

• Theft was reported on Highway 280.

• Theft was reported on Highway 280.

• Theft was reported on Highway 280.

• Menacing was reported on Hillabee Street.

• Theft was reported on Elkahatchee Road.

April 11

• Johnny Darryl Guy, 55, of Alexander City was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Zackery Cade Sargent, 18, of Tallassee was arrested for four counts of failure to appear.

• Marcus Avenger Kelly, 32, of Alexander City was arrested for three counts of failure appear.

• Cedrick Demetrious Payne, 40, of Alexander City was arrested for harassment.

• Harassment was reported on Quiet Lane.

• Dogs running at large was reported on Turner Road.

• Fraudulent use of a credit

or debit card was reported on Highway 280.

• Theft was reported on State Street.

• A dog bite was reported on 13th Avenue.

• A dog bite was reported on Martin Luther King Boulevard.

• Domestic violence was reported on East Pine Street.

April 10

• Melzeena Jardez Shundrana Echols, 19, of Alexander City was arrested for fraudulent use of a credit or debit card and theft.

• Jynekia Keasia-Miyell Black, 18, of Kellyton was arrested for theft.

• Tyus Malik Ford, 18, of Alexander City was arrested for theft and tampering with physical evidence.

• Demetrious Tavon Harvey, 18, of Alexander City was arrested for theft.

• Lorenzo Calvin Crawford, 44, of Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear.

• Jimmy Wayne Berry, 56, of Alexander City was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

• Shirmiah Tiara Poole, 19, of Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear.

• Terrance Audrae Golden, 32, of Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear.

• Edward Junior Alvies, 46, of Dadeville was arrested on three counts of failure to appear.

• Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card was reported on Highway 280.

• Theft and tampering with physical evidence was reported on Highway 280.

• Harassing communications was reported on 1st Place.

• Failure to pay for gas was reported on Highway 280.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol was reported on Highway 22 East.

• Cruelty to dog or cat and illegal chaining or tethering was reported on 9th Avenue.

• Theft of services was reported on Mason Street.

Boys and Girls Club offering summer program STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

While perhaps being best known as an after-school program for children and teenagers, a place where students can go and take part in a wide variety of activities, the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area is once again gearing up for its annual summer program series.

As a way to fight off boredom and inspire participants to achieve greatness, the Boys and Girls Club will be holding “Rock the Community,” beginning on June 4 and

wrapping up on July 28. It is open to any child in the area, but space is limited.

During the program, participants will be able to have breakfast and lunch and enjoy a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts sessions, going bowling and to the movies, attending Vacation Bible School, engaging in reading programs and many more events. In addition to this, there will also be a special program for teenagers, where attendees will be able to learn more about health and life skills, character, leadership, education and career development, among other topics.

The goal of the “Rock the Community” program is to give local children an exciting and fun-filled summer, while also helping them develop some of the skills necessary to succeed in their future lives. During the program, participants will be surrounded by a host of caring individuals,

including current and retired teachers from area schools, college interns and staff members from the Boys and Girls Club.

“Our program is the only after-school program in town that implements the mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens,” Executive Director Melissa Reynolds said. “We fulfill our mission by providing a safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, lifeenhancing programs and character development experiences.”

For more information about the summer program offered by the Boys and Girls Club, or to register, contact the administration office at 256-234-4757. Registration can also be completed at the Sportplex Gym or at the Goodwater Unit.

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This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900. Spay/neuter assistance is available from RESCUE K9-1-1, Wayside Animal Hospital 256-329-9900 or Lake Martin Humane Society 256-234-5533.

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Thursday, April 19, 2018

Page A3

The Dadeville Record

Two arrested after search finds meth, pot and cash

By MITCH SNEED Editor

A search warrant executed Monday at a Jacksons Gap residence led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of meth, marijuana, a handgun and cash.

Monday April 16 the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, Jacksons Royer Gap Police Department and Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at a residence off Main Street in Jacksons Gap. Investigators had conducted controlled buys from the residence, which was suspected of distributing methamphetamine. The search yield approximately 61 grams of meth, 59 grams of marijuana, a 9mm pistol and Hubbard $4,966 in cash. Both of the suspects

were arrested and transported to the Tallapoosa County jail without incident, according to Task Force Sgt. Fred White.

Alysha Royer, 28, of Jacksons Gap, was arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of marijuana 1st degree, certain persons forbidden to possess and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jonathan Hubbard, 28, of Alexander City, was arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of marijuana 1st degree, certain persons forbidden to possess and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The investigation of the illegal trafficking, distribution and possession of narcotics is ongoing in Tallapoosa County.

Submitted / The Record

Two were arrested Monday after officials executed a search warrant at a Jacksons Gap residence and seized 61 grams of meth, 59 grams of marijuana, a 9mm pistol and $4,966 in cash.

Constables

continued from page A1

what the Tallapoosa County Commission asked for and advertised. “Section #2 of that legislation was unconstitutionally passed and is therefore stricken,â€? Young said in his order. “The severability clause allows the remaining portion of the act to remain‌â€?

The commission voted in January 2017 to ask the legislature to enact a bill to abolish the county’s 16 constable positions.

The commissioners voted 4-0-1, with Commissioner John McKelvey abstaining, to approve asking the legislature for the bill.

Part of the requirements for a local bill was for it to be advertised. What was advertised only called for the abolishment of the constable position without a vote of the people.

When the bill was approved by the legislature it included an amendment from Whatley for the issue to go to a vote of the people. The bill also had a severability clause to allow unconstitutional parts of the bill be removed and allow the rest to stand on its own.

It was that amendment that lead the commission to get Tallapoosa County Attorney Thomas Radney to file suit in May against Whatley, Attorney General Steven Marshall and James Burkhalter.

Radney and Jennifer McCord Barbee, who represented the constables, stated their positions in front of Young Wednesday.

Radney argued the constables should be abolished while Barbee argued it should be up to the people.

Radney’s argument was that the second section of the bill was unconstitutional since it was not advertised before the legislature passed it and that Young could strike it. “Section 1 is to abolish the position,�

Radney said. “Section 2 is to vote on it and Section 3 is the severability clause.�

Young also ruled Friday “It is not the desire or province of the Court to take the right to vote on an issue away from the citizens; however, the Court is strictly bound by the evidence presented and the law that relates to the evidence. In this matter, the Plaintiff presented undisputed

evidence and legal authority that was not challenged by the Defendant.�

Barbee argued Wednesday it should be voted on by the people. “Why are we going to let just the commission decide?� Barbee asked. “We think the people should decide.�

Radney said the people have decided. “The people elected the commissioners,�

Radney said. “They are voting for the people.�

Though not material to the ruling Young agreed with Radney’s argument. “Although it is not a factor in the Court’s decision in this matter, it should be noted that the County Commission of Tallapoosa County voted to request that the legislature take the necessary steps to abolish the office of Constable in Tallapoosa County,� Young said in his order. “Therefore, through the principle of representative government, the citizens did vote on the issue.�

A total of 43 other Alabama counties have already moved to abolish the constable positions.

File / The Record

James Burkhalter is the head of the Tallapoosa County Constable Association. Tallapoosa County will no longer have constables starting in 2020 following a ruling in court Friday.

Lawsuit Language in the suit claim Pulliam’s Fifth and 14th Amendment Rights were violated. Pulliam was “deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law,� and he was denied “due process,� according to the complaint. “My clients maintain that their father was committed without proper evaluation, without proper procedures being followed, transported illegally without authorization and kept against his will in facilities over a period of time that eventually led to an early death,�

Birmingham attorney Ted Pearson said. “Despite extensive research and requests by both the family members and myself to DHR and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s office, we can find, nor have been provided, no evidence that even after this time that the required paper work ever existed.�

The suit alleges Alabama Code 22-5291(a) and 22-52-7(b) were violated. Those laws state: “If a community mental health officer determines from the conditions, symptoms, and behavior that the person appears to be mentally ill

continued from page A1

and poses an immediate danger to self or others, a law enforcement officer shall take the person into custody and, together with the community mental health officer, deliver the person directly to the designated mental health

facility.� The complaint alleges those conditions were not met in Pulliam’s case.

All of the defendants in the case have filed motions for dismissal in the case, saying plaintiffs’ claims are barred by the statute

Social Secu ity

of limitations, the claims are barred by sovereign immunity, are in violation of legal procedures and the issues do not survive or may not have been filed properly.

The events outlined in the suit began in

August of 2013 and Larry Pulliam passed away in 2015. Alabama Assistant Attorney General Kimberly J. Dobbs who represents DHR and its employee in the case state in the motion to dismiss that any claims must be

filed within two years.

According to court records, a hearing is set for May 14 to consider the motion to dismiss. The judge is currently listed as Tom Young. Attorneys cited pending legal action and did not comment.

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EDITORIAL BOARD

Steve Baker — Publisher Mitch Sneed — Editor

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page A4

Opinion Record The

OurView

Gov. Ivey should debate the issues

O

n June 5 voters will go to the polls to pick nominees for both parties in the race to choose the next governor of Alabama.

Already there have been debates among the Republican candidates, where hopefuls are trying to show that they are aware of the issues and have plans that will help Alabama move forward. But there has been a big name missing from those forums. Gov. Kay Ivey has sent word that she is too busy to talk issues with the others who are nipping at her heels. She missed the first debate to throw out the first pitch for the Birmingham Barons home opener, and has already sent word through her campaign spokesperson that she won’t be at the next one either.

Her opponents are taking the opportunity to rip her for being seemingly unwilling to be put on the spot and answer questions under fire.

“Kay Ivey has never been elected governor. I think she owes it to the people to answer their questions and make herself available, even if it means working extra hours in a day,” said candidate Scott Dawson.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle also had something to say about Ivey being a no show at the debates.

“I’ve extended an invitation to her to join us in sharing our vision with the people of the state of Alabama.

I’ve always believed people make time for things that are important to them,” Battle said. “The people of Alabama are important to me, and sharing my plan for this state with them is important to me.”

Missing debates is a familiar approach among front runners. They have nothing to gain and everything to lose with a misstep in a very public event like a debate. Plus, they understand that they will be the punching bag for the rest of the field.

Campaign finance reports show Ivey has raised nearly $3.2 million, while Battle has raised $1.8 million, Hightower $860,847 and Dawson $731,782.

Ivey probably thinks she can cruise to victory and maybe she will.

In politics, money often talks the loudest and controlled sound bites and commercials don’t leave a chance for public mistakes and gaffes that are common in a debate setting.

But the people deserve to know more about the woman who has never been elected governor. They would find out volumes about the way she performed in the pressure of a debate.

We hope she changes her mind and gives the people what they deserve.

Trial and error in the war against ants

H

aving Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is a curse and a blessing. On one hand, it can make it hard to concentrate and stay locked in on a task at hand. But there are times when ADHD allows your mind to wander and you come up with some great ideas for columns like this one.

I got word from Extension Agent Shane Harris that they are planning a “Managing Fire Ants Workshop” in Alexander City on Friday, April 27th.

The event will be held on the campus of Central Alabama Community College in the multimedia room located in the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center. Extension agents and specialists will be on hand to talk and show you how to control fire ants as well as update you on the latest pesticide products and control techniques. The event only costs $5 and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and include some product application demonstrations. To attend, you can mail in the registration form from the website www. aces.edu/Tallapoosa or contact the Tallapoosa County Extension Office at 256-8251050 to register.

So, while I was putting that brief together, the ADHD kicked in and my mind drifted to all the ways that me and my dad have waged war against ants in the past. I learned from the master that if you hear of something that may work, try it. You just never know.

Check these out: • Mint leaves. We heard one time that mint leaves worked to keep ants away. So, we went to the nursery and bought a bunch of mint plants and planted them strategically all over the yard. The idea is that ants object to the mint’s scent.

MITCH SNEED Editor That didn’t work. The only thing that we could tell is that when an ant bit you, they had really fresh breath.

• Cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is an irritant to ants, making them stay away. Dad bought several jars of the powder at a discount grocery supply house and went to sprinkling it all over the perimeter of the house. The ants we had must have been from south of the border, they seemed to love it. Plus, our family dog Tramp thought it was for him. He licked a bunch of it up and sneezed and coughed for days. When he pottied, he even did a version of the Mexican Hat Dance.

• Cornmeal and instant grits.

This idea was championed by my friend, the late, great Lewis Grizzard. Both cornmeal and instant grits expand in water.

He claimed that if you cover ant hills with either substance the ants will get to water and explode, just like little ant fireworks. They take the grains home, eat them and then presumably drink some water.

We watched real close and the stuff disappeared, but we were never fortunate enough to get to see any ants blow up.

But as bad as instant grits are compared to the real thing, I bet they could kill something.

• Dish liquid and water mix.

Dad heard that if he used about two tablespoons’ worth diluted dish detergent in a pint of water that it would work. He put the solution into a spray bottle and squirted it around windows, doors and cracks,

and let it sit. This apparently destroys the scent trail that alerts more ants to come on down. It works well. Plus, you didn’t feel so bad about eating one that crawled into your cereal because they were at least clean.

• Cross-hill contamination. I heard that you can stir up two separate hills with a stick and then take a shovel of dirt from one and throw it on the other and vice versa it will cause a war and kill the hill. Don’t know what happened below the surface, but I did find ants left that hill eventually, but they just moved to another spot and started over.

• Vodka and sand. At the University of Georgia, my entomology professor Dr. A.B. Weathersby taught us in a class that was also known as “Bugs for Jocks” so that we could make an easy “A” to help the GPA, to try this. He said that if you take sand and sprinkle it all over the hill then spray it with a 3-to-1 ratio of vodka to water would be the end of fire ants.

Why would that work? He said that the ants would get drunk and start throwing rocks at each other until all were dead.

• Firepower. If all else failed, my Dad would resort to firepower. If you take whatever gas is left in the can after filling the mower and pour it on a hill and then light it, the ants will die. If you survive, after trying this you will see that it works. You may not have grass, a yard, a house or eyebrows, but the ants are gone.

Now that I recall the success rate of all our ant killing attempts, give Shane a call. I believe you would be better served.

Mitch Sneed is the editor of The Record.

View our online edition: www.alexcityoutlook.com

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The Dadeville Record is published every Thursday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Subscription rates are $25 per year in Tallapoosa County.

Second-class postage paid at Dadeville, AL 36853; USPS-1411660 ISSN: 0739-9677. The address is 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. The telephone number is (256) 234-4281. The fax number is (256) 234-6550.

Postmaster, please send address changes to P.O. Box 999; Alexander City, AL 35011.

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

Thursday, April 19, 2018

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Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about city matters, contact your council representative.

To contact the city hall, please call 256-825-9242.

Betty Adams represents District 1. Her phone number is 256-8256211. Her address is 268 Adams Street, Dadeville.

THE RECORD Kenneth Boone Owner Steve Baker Publisher Mitch Sneed Editor Tippy Hunter Advertising Director David Kendrick Circulation Manager Angela Mullins Accounting

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

Betty Adams

Getting a real-world wake-up call

I

didn’t have an article in last week’s paper. I hated that. I love sharing my adventures.

I really enjoy sharing my misadventures. Those are the best.

I was in an accident. A nice lady, and I mean that sincerely, ran a traffic light trying to get to the hospital. By God’s good Grace, I saw her coming and slammed on my brakes and steered to the right. A split second earlier, I would’ve been hit broadside. Instead, I ran into the side of her SUV, which totaled mine. It could’ve been ugly, real ugly, but I walked away in one piece, albeit a bit rattled and sore.

Thank God the Lucy and the girls weren’t with me.

I go through the intersection in which the accident happened multiple times each day. I’ve always been a defensive driver, but perhaps I’ve gotten complacent. I need to keep my head on a swivel while driving. Maybe I needed this as a wake-up call.

The EMT sat me down on the back of the ambulance, but I was OK. I was just stuttering a little bit more than normal.

I let everyone know that up front. I didn’t want them to think I was about to have a stroke or anything. I was fine. There were no visions of Alexander Shunnarah dancing in my head.

JODY FULLER Columnist Although Lucy said she was coming to get me, I didn’t want to get her and the baby out of the house. I knew I’d figure something out. I always do. In this case, however, I didn’t have to. A friend of mine just happened to be behind me in his tow truck and drove me and the SUV home so I could get all my stuff out.

He’s a good dude.

Lucy insisted I go to the ER, but I’m hard headed and declined. I was fine. I still had that adrenaline rush going strong. A couple of hours later, I started to feel it in my neck, back, and shoulder. I already have problems with all three dating back to my first tour in Iraq, so it was nothing new. It was just a little more intense than usual. It might take a few days for it to get back to my normal level of pain.

Since, I wouldn’t go, she put together some doTerra essential oils and made a rub for my aches and pains and WOW, I felt so much better.

It eased the pain without the smell of some of that storebought stuff.

Thursday morning, I went to see my chiropractor, too, and he popped my back into place. He could tell I’d been in an accident, because my back was jarred in all kinds of funky ways. I immediately felt better.

After that, I went to perform at an awesome luncheon honoring the auxiliary at East Alabama Medical Center. I was hurting a bit, but Jesus took the mic and it went very well. Jesus tells jokes. Who knew?

Later that day, less than 24 hours after the accident, Lucy, Abigail and I went for a stroll on a red dirt road up near the homeplace in Tallapoosa County. I could have been laid up in a hospital or worse, but there I was enjoying the simple and most important things in life.

Perhaps I was becoming complacent, and maybe I needed that wake-up call. We all probably need one from time to time. I don’t know.

I just know that I’m feeling great with a new lease on life.

I’m blessed to be here.

Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq.

He is also a lifetime stutterer.

He can be reached at jody@ jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www. jodyfuller.com

Brownie Caldwell represents District 2. Her phone number is 256-825-4749.

Her address is 480 East LaFayette St., Dadeville.

Brownie Caldwell

Teneeshia GoodmanJohnson represents District 3. Her phone number is 256-825-9749.

Her address is 1191 Fulton Teneeshia Street, Dadeville. GoodmanRoy Mathis represents District 4.

His phone number is 256-825-4369.

His address is 181 Cedar Hill Drive, Dadeville.

Johnson

Roy Mathis

H.A ‘Dick’ Harrelson represents District 5. His phone number is 256-307-3880.

His address is 333 West Columbus Street., Dadeville.

H.A. ‘Dick’ Harrelson

Wayne Smith is mayor of Dadeville. His phone number is 256-8256820. His address is 156 Oliver Grove, Dadeville.

Wayne Smith

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Page A5

The Dadeville Record

Keebler

continued from page A1

winner from the entries some time this week, with the winning design being used to paint the butterfly, bringing more color to the park. With a number of area organizations, including local churches, the Disabled American Veterans and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Girls Ranch submitting entries for the table decorating contest, visitors to the park were able to vote for their favorite tables, and door prizes available for the winning decorations. “First place went to the Disabled American Veterans, second place was the Girls Ranch, and Calvary Baptist Church was third place,� Porter said.

During the event, Porter said people were coming up to her and talking about how nice of an event the Spring Festival was. Some mentioned they didn’t even know the park was there, while others who hadn’t visited in several years were pleased with all the work that had been done to help beautify the park. Many of them said they would be back to keep enjoying the park. “It was a lot of fun to see all these families here,� Porter said. “There was a lot of excitement in the air Saturday.�

Porter said she is already beginning to plan for next year’s festival, keeping many of the same events, while hopefully gaining more support from local businesses. “I would like to hopefully have more businesses helping out with having things like face painting, games for the children and other activities that the business would be willing to sponsor,� she said.

Porter also wanted to thank those who contributed to make Saturday’s festival a success, including Renfroe’s Market, Pearson’s Place, Lakay’s Unique Designs, StillWaters Golf, Home Plate CafÊ, Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy, Home Depot, Russell Do it Center, The Blue Hydrangea, Sam’s CafÊ, Wellness Center, Dadeville Public Library, the Tallapoosa County Extension Office, Archer Port-a-Potty, the City of Dadeville, Edward Bell Career Tech Center, Dadeville Parks and Rec Department, Dadeville Police and Fire departments, the Beta and Key clubs at Dadeville High School, the DHS Ag classes, Tallapoosa Master Gardeners and the Dadeville Chamber of Commerce.

Donald Campbell / The Record

Top left, the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans was present during Saturday’s Spring Festival with a table decorated with the flags of all five branches of service and information about what the DAV can offer those who served. Top right, a partly-painted wooden butterfly, donated to the park, was on display during the Spring Festival. In order to help finish decorating the piece, children at the festival were given the chance to color a butterfly and submit their work for the chance to be chosen as the winning design, which will then be painted on to the butterfly. Above, members from Calvary Baptist Church make sure their spring-themed table is ready for the decorating contest, while one provides entertainment, playing religious music on a banjo.

Tourism Bridges, Brooke Harris and Cat Bobo of the Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau were featured guests at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon entitled “Talking Tourism.�

The group gave the 49 area leaders and business folks gathered at Central Alabama Community College Tuesday for an overview of how they are structured, how they operate and how they go about telling the story of their area and attracting conventions, conferences, events and visitors to their area. “You have to find ways to tell the story of your community to a wide range of people in all parts of the country,� Wild said. “Communication is the key. Telling that story about all you have to offer is so important, and we use every means possible to do that.�

Wild said that having Auburn University in their area is a big plus, but they reach far past football Saturdays at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Course Grand National in their area. They listed things like mountain biking, wine tours, triathlons, academic conferences, Christmas home tours and robotics competitions as big draws.

Bridges talked about the diverse ways they market their area by using print media, web resources, social media, newsletters, trade associations, radio and magazines. “It’s using a blend,�

Bridges said. “You have to be able to reach out to the target audience and use whatever means that will get you in front of them. I think that’s why it’s important to have a group dedicated to the tourism effort. It can’t be a sideline, it has to be a concentrated effort.�

The Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau is funded by lodging taxes and

continued from page A1

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ed Collari said that idea would be possible here as well. “When you look at other lodging tax rates around the state and even in nearby communities, Alexander City’s rate of 9 percent is below average,� Collari said.

Currently, Alexander City’s lodging tax rate is 9 percent, with 4 percent going to the state and 5 percent going into the city’s general fund. The average lodging tax in Alabama is 12 percent with comparable communities like Sylacauga checking in at 15 percent, with 9 percent going to the city. Wetumpka’s rate is 16 percent with 12 percent dedicated to the city.

Auburn and Opelika both have 13 percent lodging tax rates. “Who in here has stayed at a local hotel recently?�

Collari asked. “See, not many hands. The idea is

Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau Director John Wild speaks with area leaders about the role of a tourism bureau and what it can do for a community.

Mitch Sneed / The Record

to take the money that is paid by others and put it to good use to bring even more dollars into our community.�

In March, the Tallapoosa County Commissioners started the process of establishing a county tourism authority.

Commissioners voted to ask the local legislative delegation to sponsor a local bill allowing the creation of the authority.

The idea was the brainchild of Commissioner Steve Robinson who said that having one body working together may help

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concentrate efforts to draw more visitors to the county.

Robinson was one of the sponsors of Tuesday’s forum.

Collari said he sees the effort by the county and what was talked about Tuesday as a cooperative effort. “I think today’s program showed the benefits of having a combined effort,�

Collari said. “We have some incredible resources here, but we have to start telling that story to a wider range of people if we hope to attract them here. That’s what this is all about.�

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Page A6

Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Dadeville Record

All About Fruit Fruit Word Search

Fruit is a healthy type of food that many people enjoy. Fruits come from plants and are usually part of the plant’s reproductive system. The seeds of plants are housed in an ovary, or fruit, which is generally surrounded by a sweet pulp. This sweet, pulpy mass is what we eat. Apples, oranges, and watermelon are very common fruits with good examples of seeds. Many fruits, OLNH JUDSHV ZKLFK DUH JURZQ VSHFL¿FDOO\ IRU KXPDQ FRQVXPSWLRQ FDQ EH FXOtivated without the seeds to make them easier to eat because most people do not wish to consume the seed. Fruits are an essential part of nutrition for HYHU\RQH DQG FRPH LQ PDQ\ GLႇHUHQW YDULHWLHV DQG GLႇHUHQW IUXLWV DUH SURGXFHG GXULQJ GLႇHUHQW VHDVRQV RI WKH \HDU 6RPH FRPPRQ VXPPHU IUXLWV DUH strawberries, watermelon, peaches, nectarines, and blueberries. Common in the cooler months are apples, pears, tangerines, and oranges. Because many of the fruits we get from the grocery store come from other Countries, you can ¿QG DOPRVW DQ\ NLQG RI IUXLW \RX OLNH \HDU URXQG 6RPH IUXLWV DUH H[RWLF DQG YHU\ GLႇHUHQW IURP WKH RQHV WKDW \RX PD\ EH XVHG WR RQ D GDLO\ EDVLV KHUH LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 7KH VWDU IUXLW RU FDUDPEROD ORRNV OLNH D VWDU ZKHQ LW LV FXW The durian is known for its distinctive and unpleasant smell. Despite this fact, LW LV TXLWH D SRSXODU RႇHULQJ LQ LWV QDWLYH ODQG

Fruit Crossword Use the pictures to complete.

Apples, Bannana, Blackberries, Blueberries, Canteloupe, Grapefruit, Grapes, Honeydew, Kiwi, Lemon, Mango, Nectarines, Oranges, Peach, Pears, Pineapple, Plums, Raspberry, Strawberries, Watermelon

Connect The Dots

Connect the dots WR ÂżQG WKH fruit. Then color the picture.

Fruit Parfait Fruit parfait is a healthy and fun snack that is easy to make. Take your favorite fruits and layer them with yogurt, granola, cereal, or other healthy ingredients to make it a customized snack! Use a clear container to see your creation!

Crossword Ans: Across-1)Apple 2)Lemon 5) Orange 9)Apricot 10)Kiwi 11)Pomegranate 12)Coconut Down- 1)Avocado 3)Grapes 4) Persimmon 6)Papaya 7)Pineapple 8)Lychee

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Thursday, April 19, 2018

Page A7

The Dadeville Record

In Community, We Share Dadeville Area Devotional Page

RHODES/KEY CONSTRUCTION RESTORATIONS • ADDITIONS KITCHENS • BATHS • REMODELING

Rhodes Brothers Construction Genrearcatl or John Rhodes (256) 675-0217 TEMPLE MEDICAL CLINIC, P.C. t Con johnrhodes@charter.net YOUR FAMILY CARE CENTER Key Construction CustBoumilder Chris Key ( 256) 749-0179 Medicine, Office Surgery, Pediatric and Industrial Home 859 Airport Drive • Alexander City, AL chriskeybuilding@yahoo.com

BANKING ON VALUES

256-329-7400 www.fbcdadeville.com DR. BEN HAYES Pastor

WEDNESDAY SERVICES • Bible Study and Prayer JAMES MYNARD Meeting – 6 PM Minister of Music & Education • Mission Activities – 6 PM CURT MIZE Associate Pastor/Discipleship • Adult Choir Practice – 7 PM

SUNDAY SERVICES • Sunday School – 9 AM • Worship – 10 AM • Small Group – 4-6 PM • Adult Bible Study – 5:30 PM

Taking a tour of God’s house

W

through the door. If you never walk e all have hobbies through the door, we will never and things we ADAM SPATES 200 Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL learn the teaching of Jesus and we enjoy.

As we grow Interim Minister of Children 256.825.6232 will never be in fellowship with one older, some of the things that Get all the facts before you buy, AL License #HI-1006 another. Looking around, we notice were once important to us with a certified home inspector. musical instruments including a are no longer important. We Schedule an piano and an organ. Psalm 149:1 collect anything from coins appointment today! to stamps, and junk and more reads, “Praise the Lord! Sing a new song to the Lord. Sing His praise in junk. One thing I have never KENNETH BLAIR, Certified Home Inspector JACKIE meeting of His people.” Music outgrown over my three 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 202 • Alexander City, AL WILBOURN the helps us praise God. 256-794-5551 www.lakemartininspections.com decades plus are wheels.

Faith columnist My fondest recollection of The altar is where sacrifices wheels was when I was about took place in the Old Testament. four or five years old and I had a kiddie Today, people come to the altar to kneel, 21130 Hwy. 431 | Wedowee, AL car that “Sweetie Boy” and I pedaled pray and often to offer the sacrifice of self as an acknowledgement of our love for New & Used Boats • Yamaha Waverunners Yamaha around. Dolls were not my favorite toys the blessings that God bestows on each Golf Carts • Full-Service Marina & Service Center but Sweetie Boy was different, I loved Sweetie Boy and I think he loved me. of us constantly. The pulpit is where the • Wet Slips & Dry Storage My first impressive two-wheeler was pastor preaches the sermon and it serves 256.357.2045 800.780.2045 a 10-speed bike at Christmas. From pedal as a reminder for us to come to church cars to bikes, to driving lawnmowers, to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. to motor scooters and finally to cars, I What about the pews? This is where the have always been obsessed with wheels. congregation sits and listens to the word My husband is a car enthusiast and we of God being taught and lifts their hands have taken tours of automotive plants in praise! including the Kia plant in LaGrange and You have had a brief tour of my the Corvette plant in Bowling Green. church, and like the Psalmist, we’re glad The tours are so informative because we when we come to God’s house. We hope learned a lot of things we did not know you will be there too.

6993 Hwy. 49 South about the assembly of an automobile.

Dadeville, AL Jackie Wilbourn is a chaplain with the Psalm 122:1 reads, “I was glad when they Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team, a said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the 256.307.1440 Lord.’” Let’s go on a tour of our church. member of Bethel Baptist Church and a regular faith columnist for The Record.

First, we must enter into the sanctuary

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8:00 - 4:00 Monday - Friday James P. Temple, M.D.

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SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

256-825-9559 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

FAITH TEMPLE

Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:30 AM AM Sunday Morning Service . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 AM AM Wednesday Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:00 PM PM Rev. Dick Stark, Pastor Mr. J.D. Stark, Youth Pastor 256.234.6421 • www.faithtemple.us 425 Franklin Street, Alexander City, AL

Season

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A.M.E. Saint James A.M.E. Goodwater, 256-839-1007

Pleasant Home Baptist Clay County

Mountain Springs Baptist Off Hwy. 22, Daviston

Pleasant Grove Church of Christ 1819 Bay Pine Rd, Jackson’s Gap

St. John A.M.E. Off Hwy. 280 on Hwy. 9 Socopatoy, (256) 215-3532

Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist 835 Valley Rd., Camp Hill 334-257-4442

Mt. Carmel Baptist 3610 Dudleyville Rd., Dadeville

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Cedar Street Church of God 703 E. Boulevard, Alex City

Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Alexander City, 256-234-6972

Mt. Zion Baptist Hwy. 63 South, Alex City 256-234-7748

Southview Church of Christ 2325 Dadeville Rd., Alex City 256-329-0212

Rocky Mt. Baptist New Site community

New Beginnings Baptist 1076 Coley Creek Rd.

Seleeta Baptist Booker St., Alex City 256-329-2685

New Concord Baptist Off hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-5390

Shady Grove Baptist Jackson’s Gap Community

New Elkahatchee Baptist Elkahatchee Rd., Alex City 256-329-9942

Faith Assembly of God 590 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Dadeville 256-825-7741 River of Life Worship Center 407 Hillabee St., Alex City, 256-329-9593 INDEPENDENT BAPTIST Liberty Baptist 1365 Hillabee St., Alex City 256-329-8830 New Life Baptist County Road 14, Alex City, 256-329-2635 Victory Baptist 280 By-Pass, Alex City West End Baptist Off 280 West, 256-234-2130 BAPTIST – MISSIONARY Bethlehem Baptist New Site

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BAPTIST – SOUTHERN Bay Pine Baptist 1480 Bay Pine Rd. Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4433 Bethany Baptist Church Bethany Road

New Hope Baptist Lake Martin, off Hwy. 63 256-329-2510

Dadeville Church of God 425 Horseshoe Bend Rd. (Hwy. 49 N.) Dadeville 256-825-8820

New Life Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-6190 / 256-329-2635

Marshall Street Church of God 428 Marshall Street, Alex City 256-234-3180

New Pine Grove Baptist Off Hwy. 22, Perryville

New Faith Tabernacle A.C.O.P. Church of God “J” Street

New Providence Baptist Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City New Rocky Mount Baptist 670 Peckerwood Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-794-3846

New Harvest Ministries Church of God Hwy 280 & Coosa 28 256-329-2331

Goodwater U.M. Main St., Goodwater, 256-839-6661 Haven United Methodist 354 Christian St., Alex City 256-329-8394 Hillabee Campground UMC 120 CC Road, Alex City Sunday School 10am Sunday Service 11am Kellyton U.M., Kellyton, 256-329-1681

New Site U.M. New Site, 256-234-7834 Pearson Chapel U.M. Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City

Sardis United Medthodist Church 10367 Hwy 50 Dadeville, AL

Calvary Baptist 819 Main St., Dadeville, 256-825-5989

Old Union Baptist 1106 Davis Circle Jackson’s Gap 256-596-1873

Washington Street A.C.O.P. Church of God Washington Street

Sunnylevel United Methodist 3202 Hwy. 63N, Alex City 256-234-6877

Flint Hill Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville

Calvary Heights Baptist Elkahatchee, Rd., Alex City 256-234-7224

Orr Street Baptist 1000 “O” Street (Hwy. 63N) Alex City, 256-234-3171

Trinity United Methodist 280 By-pass, Alex City, 256-234-2455

Friendship Baptist Our Town Community, 256-329-5243

Camp Hill Baptist Downtown Camp Hill, 256-896-2811

Perryville Baptist Perryville, 256-234-3588

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY Church of God of Prophecy 303 Poplar Rd., Alex City, 256-234-6941

Hollins Springs Baptist Hwy. 280, Goodwater

Comer Memorial 941 E. Church St., Alex City 256-234-2236

Early Rose Baptist 201 E Street, Alexander City

Jackson’s Gap Baptist Church 21 East Church St. 256-825-6814 Liberty Church 1034 Liberty Church Rd. Willow Point Alex City Macedonia Baptist Macedonia Circle, Goodwater 256-839-5793 Marietta Baptist Goodwater Miracle Missionary Baptist 1687 “I” Street 256-215-9788, 256-215-9787 Mt. Calvary Baptist 329 King St., Alex City, 256-234-5631 Mt. Olive Baptist Hwy. 280 & Jct. 49, Goodwater Mt. Sinai Baptist Fish Pond Rd., Coosa County 256-329-2337 Mt. Zion Baptist Hwy. 22, New Site Mt. Zion East StillWaters Dr., 256-825-4991 Mt. Zion West Our Town Community, 256-234-7748

Beulah Baptist Smith Mt. Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-825-9882

Daviston Baptist Daviston, 395-4327 Eagle Creek Baptist Hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-6048 Fellowship Baptist Buttston Community Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church on Claybrook Drive, Alex City 256-839-5339 First Baptist Court Square, Alex City 256-234-6351 First Baptist Tallassee St., Dadeville, 256-825-6232

Pine Grove Baptist Camp Hill Ray Baptist Rockford Hwy., Alex City, 256-234-7609 River Road Baptist 148 Dean Rd., Alex City, 256-234-6971 Rocky Creek Baptist Samford Rd., Cowpens Community Rocky Mount Baptist Hwy. 22 E., Alex City, 256-329-2327 Rock Springs Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-839-6263

Kellyton Baptist Kellyton, 256-329-1512 Kendrick Baptist Church Nixburg

New Bethel Baptist Rock St., Dadeville, 256-825-7726

Lake Martin Baptist Hwy 34, Dadeville 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist 8352 Hwy. 50W, Dadeville Lebanon Baptist Mt. Carmel Rd., Dadeville, 256-234-7541

HOLINESS Alex City Emmanuel Holiness Hillabee St., Alex City

FULL GOSPEL Dadeville Foursquare Gospel Church Old 280 By-pass

Sunny Level Baptist Church Sunny Acres Subdivision Sewell Street

Jackson’s Gap Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4951

EPISCOPAL Saint James Episcopal Church 121 South Central Ave., Alex City 256-234-4752

Sandy Creek Baptist Alex City

Hackneyville Baptist Hwy. 63 N., Hackneyville

Horseshoe Bend Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Dadeville Church of the Nazarene Corner Hwy. 280 and 49, 256-825-8191

House of Restoration Holiness 519 Slaughter Ave., Camp Hill, 256-749-2373, 256-896-2904

Sixth Street Baptist Sixth St., Alex City, 256-234-2408

Hillabee Baptist Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6798

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1515 Worthy Road, Alex City (Corner of Worthy Place and Dadeville Road)

Russell Farm Baptist Hwy. 63 beyond Our Town

Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 256-825-2555

New Elam Baptist Hwy. 9, Burtonville, 256-234-2037

Pine Grove Baptist Eagle Creek Rd., Dadeville

New Salem Road New Site Rd., New Site, 256-234-2932

Town Creek Baptist Camp Ground Rd., Alex City Wayside Baptist 21 Wayside Circle, Alex City 256-234-5564 Zion Hill Baptist Hwy. 79, near Horseshoe Bend CATHOLIC St. John the Apostle 454 N. Central Ave., Alex City 256-234-3631 CHURCH OF CHRIST Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa St., Alex City 256-234-6494 Dadeville Church of Christ East LaFayette St., Dadeville Meadows St. Church of Christ 306 Meadows St., Alex City

Fellowship Revival Center Mission 316 6th Ave., Alex City 256-329-1510 weekends Kellyton Revival Center Co. Road 87 South Kellyton Liberty Life Christian Center 321 “S” Street, Alex City Passion Church 3340 Hwy. 63 N., Alex City 256-409-9590 The Family Worship Center 365 Scott Road, Alex City METHODIST – UNITED Alexander City Methodist 11th Ave. N., Alex City 256-329-1284 Bradford Methodist Hwy. 9, Goodwater Comer Memorial U.M. 427 East Church St., 256-329-3467 Duncan Memorial U.M. 3997 Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6708

Union United Methodist 4428 Hwy. 50, Dadeville 256-825-2241 METHODIST – INDEPENDENT Daviston Independent Methodist Daviston, 395-4207 PENTECOSTAL Pentecostals of Dadeville 115 West Columbus Street Dadeville, 256-596-3411 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian 371 Jefferson St., Alex City 256-329-0524 First Presbyterian Okefuske, Dadeville, 256-825-4081 Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Robinson Rd., Alex City UNITED PENTECOSTAL Alex City Apostolic 3708 Robinson Rd., Alexander City, 256-329-1573 INDEPENDENT Faith Temple Franklin Street, Alex City, 256-234-6421 Family Worship Center 1676 Sewell Street 256-839-6895 First Congregational Christian 11th Ave. South, Alex City GAP Fellowship Ministries P.O. Box 1571, Alex City Jehovah-Jireh Ministries 252 Tallapoosa St., Alex City 256-215-4211 Leap of Faith Outreach Ministry 886 Terrance Drive, 256-234-7119

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Page A8

Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Dadeville Record

Autism

continued from page A1

“Holding this event, it really shows the awareness of our school community,” Dadeville High School Principal Chris Hand added. “This event keeps getting better and better each year.”

The day began with a special cheer from the Dadeville High School cheerleading squad, followed by a special presentation from the cheerleaders. Through this presentation, the cheerleaders talked about being inclusive to others, understanding the differences between someone on the autism spectrum and someone not on the spectrum, providing support and patience and mentioning it is OK to ask questions to learn and gain a better understanding of others who may be autistic.

A handful of students came forward with posters made for the pep rally poster contest, with such statements as “Embrace differences,” “It’s OK to be different” and “See the able, not the label.” The student body applauded and cheered their favorite designs to vote for the winning poster. Going with the poster contest, it was announced that the winner of the door decoration contest was Brad Bearden’s classroom.

“You all are making it really difficult to choose a winning door decoration,” Sandie Duck with LCARA said.

After the special needs teachers were recognized, history and government teacher Wes Talton along with a number of students were asked to come forward and take part in demonstrations to show what it can be like to be on the autism spectrum. Talton had to walk a straight line while looking through a pair of binoculars as one of the students shined a flashlight at his face. Another student had to try and answer second-grade level math problems

while another student waved a container of dryer sheets under his nose. Lastly, a third student had to put together a small model wearing oven mitts. All the while, the rest of the student body was making loud noises to simulate some of the things that can be distracting to an autistic person and make it harder to accomplish such tasks.

“It was really hard to do this,” Talton said after the demonstration. “It was really disorienting.”

After the pep rally was over, Duck and Gutierrez took the time to explain more about what LCARA offers those families who may have children on the autism spectrum.

“We support families with monthly educational programs. We have a Camp Autism Respite Event weekend at Children’s Harbor, and we offer Teenagers in Transition, a social program,” Duck said.

“Every year, we have a summer splash day, and we hold the A-Day 5-K fundraiser, which helps support our programs.”

Since the Alabama State Legislature passed a bill increasing the insurance coverage for children with autism, Duck and Gutierrez said this was a step in the right direction, but there is still much more to be done.

“When the bus stops, what do we do next?” Gutierrez said.

Both Duck and Gutierrez said it was great to see the support from the school for the pep rally at Dadeville, as it was all about bringing greater awareness to the condition, and with greater awareness, a greater understanding.

“We are so happy with this support, and it all comes from the top,” Gutierrez said.

“If we can accept and include more people, we can create a better world.”

Donald Campbell / The Record

Top, a number of Dadeville High School students made autism awareness posters for last Thursday’s pep rally and took part in a contest where the student body voted for the best design. Above, Dadeville High School history and government teacher Wes Talton, along with several DHS students, take part in demonstrations to show what it can be like for someone with autism to do things like walk in a straight line and complete schoolwork.

“I think it’s a phenomenal event,” Hand added. “This shows that our students really care about those around them.

“This is something we will continue to have, and is something we can continue to build upon.”

County extension Lake Martin Home Improvement Directory office holding fire ant workshop

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In order to help residents throughout the county create an effective plan in controlling the local fire ant population, the Tallapoosa County Extension Office will be holding a workshop, Managing Fire Ants, on Friday, April 27.

“It’s been about 10 years since we last hosted a fire ant workshop like this, and we felt it was time to have another one,” County Extension Coordinator Shane Harris said. “There are a lot of new products and methods out there since we last had one of these.”

During the four-hour long seminar, attendees will be able to learn more about the biology of fire ants, recommended pesticides and various techniques that will better control these invasive pests. There will also be a time during the workshop where some of the products available on the market will be demonstrated, giving those in attendance a better understanding of how to use what is available to them.

“There are a lot of products out there and a lot of false information,” Harris said. “This is all about giving people the information they need to manage fire ants and get all the facts.”

The workshop is open to anyone wanting to learn more about ways to control fire ants, from homeowners who want to get rid of mounds in their yard, to city maintenance crews dealing with ants setting up in city parks and athletic fields, to farmers battling an invasion of fire ants in their pastures and crop fields. For participants who have pesticide licenses, Harris said this workshop would count for 10 recertification points in the categories of D&R, OTPS/OTPC and HPC/HPB. “Now is a great time to start putting together a plan to control fire ants,” Harris said. “It’s impossible to get rid of fire ants, they’re here to stay, but we can find good ways to manage and control them.”

The Managing Fire Ants Workshop will begin at 8:30 a.m. on April 27 in the multimedia room of the Betty Carol Graham Center on the Central Alabama Community College Campus, and will run until 12:30 p.m. Registration for the event is $5 and is open until Wednesday, April 25. Lunch will not be provided. To register for the workshop, forms can be found on the Tallapoosa County Extension Office website, offices. aces.edu/tallapoosa/, or at the extension office in the courthouse in Dadeville. For more information, contact the extension office at 256-825-1050.

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Sports

LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Page B1 www.alexcityoutlook.com

Record The

Thursday, April 19, 2018

2018 All-Area Girls Basketball Team TPI Player of the Year

Caldwell has found her calling on the court new,” Caldwell said. “I stuck with it because it was more competitive, and I like to win.”

Caldwell served as the Wildcats’ top forward, averaging a doubledouble this season and leading the team in both points and rebounds.

“She was our workhorse,” Benjamin Russell coach Latreisha Moon said. “There were games that she couldn’t come out of the game, she’d only get a breather for a 30-second or a one-minute timeout.

She was our leading scorer and our See PLAYER • Page B3

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

As a youngster, Jaaliyah Caldwell was a cheerleader, but in fifth grade, she decided to try something totally different. She took up playing basketball.

Fast-forward to her junior year in high school, and Benjamin Russell should be thankful for Caldwell’s change. She has clearly found her calling on the basketball court, and she is the TPI Player of the Year.

“I just wanted to try something

TPI Coach of the Year

McKinney gives Cougars the road map to success

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

One of the most important things about a coach is knowing the strengths and weaknesses of her team. She must be able to pinpoint where her team needs to improve and where it excels the most.

But another extremely important part of being a successful coach is knowing her opponent. Central Coosa’s Syreeta McKinney always knew what the opposing team’s biggest weaknesses were and how to exploit them, and she always knew

her opponent’s best strength and how to try to take it down. Because of her pure strategizing skills and how far they got the Cougars, McKinney is the TPI Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.

“What we have to key in on is what can we do to stop their strongest player,” McKinney said. “If we can basically hold or stop their strongest player on the team, then we’re able to put a dent in what they’re trying to do. If you focus on the main piece of the other team’s whole entire dynamic and you focus on that and See COACH • Page B3

FIRST TEAM GUARD: Eunique McKinney, Central Coosa “Explosive” was the best way to describe McKinney’s sophomore season. “She is an all-around player,” Cougars coach Syreeta McKinney said. “With two more years, what I’m expecting from Eunique is none other than top notch. She is a Division I player, and I predicted that when I first laid my eyes on her. She’s also big in her academics, and once you are doing well in the classroom, everything else will fall into place.” McKinney averaged 15.3 points per game, and she also led the team defensively with 98 steals. She had 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game as well.

GUARD/FORWARD: Quanesha Presley, Dadeville

Thomas

POINT GUARD: Aaliyah Thomas, Benjamin Russell As a junior, Thomas stepped into the role of point guard this season and absolutely dominated the position. “I think she grew tremendously from last year,” Benjamin Russell coach Latreisha Moon said. “I knew she could play, but last year she was so playful. She was mature enough to understand that she had to run the point guard position, and I really feel that she learned how to see the floor a lot.” Thomas led the team in both steals and assists, and she was typically set to guard the opposing team’s best player. She also had several double-digit scoring performances, especially later in the year.

Whetstone

McKinney

Presley

On an extremely young team, Presley was the obvious leader on the court for the Tigers. She averaged a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds per game, and she was also a defensive threat with five steals per game. “With her being a studentathlete and being able to play with a variety of different players with all the different types of attitudes, she had a very mature way about her and some natural talent,” Dadeville coach Pam Holloway said. “She understood the game, and she tried to help her teammates by showing them and taking a lot of responsibility.” Presley is signed to play volleyball at Southern Union.

GUARD: Ryesha Whetstone, Central Coosa

GUARD: Ashlynn Thomas, Reeltown

During her senior campaign, Whetstone was an offensive juggernaut for the Cougars. She averaged a team-leading 20.1 points per game and also managed to average 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists. “One thing about Ryesha is she’s a self-born leader, on and off the court,” Central Coosa coach Syreeta McKinney said. “Her work ethic goes beyond the court, and her insight and her love for the game is none other. This year, Ryesha stepped up to the plate as my captain, and she was a leader to the girls on the team and she carried herself in a way that as a coach, I can be proud of.”

“The biggest thing about Ashlynn is she loves to practice,” Rebel coach Will Solomon said. “She understood that practice made her better so she was somewhat of a gym rat. She took what ability she had and she really made herself better.” Thomas, a senior, led the Rebels with 8.3 points per game and also contributed two rebounds and two steals per game. “She did an outstanding job shooting the basketball, but her experience on the court having played so many years is really what turned her into somewhat of a team leader,” Solomon said.

HONORABLE MENTION

Thomas

Benjamin Russell: Shay Johnson (sr., G), Brooklyn Edwards (so., F); Dadeville: Ranika Cox (sr., F), Nhylee Banks (8th, G), Janiya Wyckoff (8th, G); Horseshoe Bend: Ivy Vickers (sr., F), Nadia Freeman (so., F); Reeltown: Marsheka Shaw (sr., F), Taniya Haynes (so., PG), Mikiya Jones (jr., G)

Page B2

Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Dadeville Record

Instant replay approved for use in high school football

The Dadeville defense swarms Reeltown running back Cameron Faison during a late fourth quarter drive last season. The use of instant replay in high school football was officially approved Friday.

File / The Record

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Q

CHANGING THE GAME

uestions seemed to be the biggest thing on area football coaches’ minds Friday after the announcement from the AHSAA that instant replay would now be allowed in high school games across the state.

“Well, I think it has its benefits, of course,” Reeltown coach Matt Johnson said. “When you’re a smaller school like we are here at Reeltown and the teams we play and how we’re set up, anytime there’s a major change like that you wonder how it’s going to work. So there are mixed emotions.”

The biggest question for area coaches, of course, was cost.

Dadeville coach Richard White estimated it would be between $3,000 to $5,000 to implement the software. According to the ASHAA press release, the association will partner with DVSport, Inc., which has provided Instant Replay Solutions in the NCAA since 2005. White’s estimate was just that, though — an educated guess.

That’s also based on the cameras Dadeville already uses. The Tigers currently use a pressbox camera and an end zone camera, but for smaller schools like Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown, only a pressbox camera is utilized. And in the case of Central Coosa, which already struggles for funds, some See REPLAY • Page B3

LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Dadeville comes up short in season finale

Celebrating a year in Tallapoosa County

J

ust over a year ago, I made the 14-hour trek from Pennsylvania to Alexander City. I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I was leaving a paper and community I had come to know and love over the course of five years.

I had never lived in the South and wasn’t sure how they’d react to this Northerner talking about hockey and not loving sweet tea.

But over the last 365 days, my fears and anxiety about living in Tallapoosa County have vanished.

It was a seamless transition with the folks at Tallapoosa Publishers taking me under their wings immediately.

Covering my first game — Benjamin Russell’s baseball season finale against Dadeville, a game I was at again Monday — was just like being back home.

In the last year, I’ve gotten to cover some incredible stories. From the inspirational stories of Gracie Deason and Bradley Moncrief to immediately being thrown into the fire of Horseshoe Bend’s run to the softball state playoffs, it’s been a memorable first year.

I also had the pleasure of watching Benjamin Russell’s football team exceed expectations and getting to know coach Danny Horn before his departure. I got to watch Dadeville’s girls basketball team come from a lackluster season to hit its peak at the right time and advance to the subregional playoffs. I’ve done stories on Benjamin Russell’s Bradley Stewart and Horseshoe Bend’s Cheyanna Howard, who were happy to be senior leaders on teams full of youngsters, and started the Triple Threat series featuring kids who excel at multiple sports, something I’ve always been an advocate of.

Perhaps most importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to develop relationships with the student-athletes, coaches and administrators in our area, helped along by our jokes on Twitter and Scott Hardy and I’s show Inside the Lines, which has gotten nothing but great feedback. I’ve worked with some great people with fantastic ideas here at TPI. But I’ve never been more inspired by the folks in Tallapoosa County See ARBOGAST • Page B4

hits for the Wildcats and scored a pair of runs; he also turned a double play that was the final nail in Growing pains have Dadeville’s coffin in the been the name of the bottom of the seventh game for Benjamin inning.

Russell’s baseball team “He is a blood and this year. With such guts player,” Brooks a young squad, the said. “He’s a guy that is Wildcats knew they scrappy, I can put him were in for a long ride.

Although they didn’t live anywhere on the field.

He’s been our leadoff guy up to expectations as much as they had hoped, for two years now, and they did go out on a high I’ll be honest — when note, defeating Dadeville, I filled out the lineup 9-0, in their season finale today, it was a sad day because I’m going to on Monday afternoon. miss him. Hopefully “We knew going into our other players have this year that we were watched how he’s played going to be extremely and learned a little bit young and extremely from him.” inexperienced,” BRHS Despite Stewart’s coach Richy Brooks said. personal success in the “We never wanted to season finale victory, all make an excuse, and we hoped to hide it maybe a he had on his mind was little bit better than what the Wildcats’ future.

“It was a good way to we did. But I’m looking go out and just getting forward to seeing what them prepared for next this team does in the season,” Stewart said. future and seeing how “I know Coach already much they learned from talked to them and said this year.” the 2019 season starts Benjamin Russell tomorrow. Going in sent off its lone senior, Bradley Stewart, in style. with momentum into the Stewart knocked three See BASEBALL • Page B4

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Lizi Arbogast / The Record

Dadeville’s Ab Abernathy takes off to first base after connecting with a pitch against Benjamin Russell on Monday.

Tigers can’t keep up with Holtville ace Dismukes and work on our hitting because our offense was not too good tonight. It was very cold. It’s almost While the temperature May. [Weather like tonight] and the intermittent cold should not happen.” breeze may have kept Dismukes fanned 16 in the fans covered in extra the win and, after giving up layers and the teams a run in the second, faced huddled around heaters the minimum in the third, in the dugouts, Holtville fourth and fifth innings generated enough fire at the plate to pick up the 5-2 before giving up a walk in area victory over Dadeville the sixth then a small rally in the seventh. on Monday night.

“I got too comfortable The Bulldogs’ win sets up Thursday’s game against out there and they started to rival Tallassee as a defacto get to me,” Dismukes said.

In the seventh, down area championship, with the winner more than likely 5-1, Dadeville’s Pearl Huff looped a Dismukes offering poised to host the area into the gap between tournament. shortstop and leftfield, “That’s our goal every snapping the Holtville year, to host area and go hurlers string of straight to regionals,” Holtville’s outs. Huff scored on a Kaylyn Dismukes said. “I File / The Record think we should really step Brittany Claybrook single.

But Dadeville’s late rally Dadeville’s Tiffany Rice, left, makes a throw from the outfield as secup our game in practice over the next two days See SOFTBALL • Page B4 ond baseman Jailee Kirkland waits for the catch earlier this season.

By GRIFFIN PRITCHARD For The Record

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Page B3

The Dadeville Record

Reeltown clinches area titles Rebels dominate Horseshoe Bend to stay perfect in area

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Is there an opposite of Murphy’s Law? If so, Reeltown’s softball team was the epitome of it on Thursday night. The Rebels played a nearlyflawless game against Horseshoe Bend, taking down their rivals 17-0 and solidifying the right to host the Class 2A Area 8 tournament.

Reeltown racked up 18 hits, broke open the game with a eight-run seventh inning, got a beautiful performance from ace Ayriana Stoneback and had just error defensively — the miscue was a catcher’s interference call early in the game.

It’s hard to decide who played better: Reeltown’s offense, which was firing on all cylinders, or Stoneback, who racked up a staggering 14 strikeouts, had a hand in three other outs and allowed only three hits and one walk.

“I was using all my pitches, really,” Stoneback said. “But it’s easy to be confident up there when I have a good offense and defense behind me. I just throw and let them work.”

Stoneback was backed up by her offense early and often, as Reeltown (19-8-1) scored at least two runs in the first, third, fourth and fifth innings. The Rebels were within spitting distance of a five-inning mercyrule victory, as they had the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth inning ahead 9-0. But Horseshoe Bend pitcher Danielle Mitchell induced a groundout and a popout

to end the threat.

No matter for the Rebels, though, as they went to work in the top of the seventh, putting the game out of reach by hitting lights out.

Stoneback drew a walk to lead off and was followed by back-to-back singles from Ashlynn Thomas and Morgan McGuire. Kyndel Lee grounded into an unsuccessful fielder’s choice, during which courtesy runner Peyton Ledbetter slid into home under the tag.

Kayli Hornsby and Katlyn Jaye kept things going with back-to-back RBI singles, and Kelsey Jaye also grounded into a fielder’s choice, and this time it was Lee who reached home successfully. With one out, Marlee Knox did most of the damage with a bases-clearing single to center field, and Reeltown added one more run on an error before the inning’s end.

“I think they were just pitching strikes, and we were all just sitting back and picking out our pitching,” Kelsey Jaye said. “We were hitting the ones that we like.”

Hornsby led the way with four hits and three RBIs, while McGuire and Kelsey Jaye each had three hits, and Katlyn Jaye and Knox contributed two each.

Every Rebel who batted had at least one single.

Horseshoe Bend’s best chance came in the sixth inning when Sydnie Catrett and Mitchell led off with back-to-back singles, but Reeltown erased the threat with a double play.

Lizi Arbogast / The Record

Reeltown’s Hayden Solomon, left, slides back into first base beating the throw to Horseshoe Bend’s Cade Worthy on Friday.

Woods’ walk-off gives Reeltown area crown away at to tie it up in the fifth.

But Horseshoe Bend once again made Reeltown fight by scoring Talk about a pressure situation. two runs in the top of the seventh inning.

With the bases loaded and two Then things fell apart for the outs and tied 6-6 in the bottom Generals. of the seventh inning, Ardarious After getting two outs in the Woods stepped up to bat. He worked Horseshoe Bend’s pitcher bottom of the seventh, Horseshoe Bend’s pitching started to into a full count, and everyone struggled. Reeltown drew three at Reeltown’s baseball field took straight walks, then a hit batter a collective breath. But Woods cut the Generals’ lead to just one. remained calm. He got a pitched Landon Hunt hit an incredibly served on a silver platter and hard ball that actually bounced off drilled it straight up the middle, beating out the throw to first base the field umpire, scoring the tying run, then Woods played hero. and driving in Hayden Solomon.

“I felt good right there,” Jones “My mentality was basically said. “I told them we need to just that I needed to stay smooth be a little more selective in the and do my job,” Woods said. “It last inning and not go up there felt really good.”

Not only did the walk-off single chasing. They did a good job give the Rebels a 7-6 victory over taking pitches, working the count their rivals, it also solidified their and doing what they had to do to get on. We were in a real good fourth straight Class 2A Area 8 spot in the lineup and we worked title and the right to host a firstit around until we got (Woods) up round playoff series. there, and with his speed, anything “I told him the pressure was you hit on the infield, he was on them,” Reeltown coach Mike Jones said. “We were already into probably going to beat it.”

Horseshoe Bend looked like another inning, so the pressure it came ready to play when the wasn’t on him. The pressure was game began. With one out, Cade on the pitcher with the bases Worthy batted into an error, and loaded to throw strikes, and he after the second out, Lee Norrell just needed to relax and do what joined Worthy on the bases with he does. It worked out for us.”

All day, Reeltown had to battle another Rebel error. Grant Taylor back. The Generals took a 4-0 lead then kept things going with a tworun double, and after yet another after the first inning, which the Reeltown error, Nalijah Heard put Rebels slowly but surely chipped

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

two more runs on the board with a double of his own.

But that was all she wrote for Horseshoe Bend until the final frame.

“We didn’t have a quality at-bat after the first inning until probably right there in the seventh,” Generals coach Jason Johnson said. “We didn’t adjust at all to the strike zone and we didn’t adjust at all to (Logan Hunt’s) curveball.

I guess we just kinda thought we were going to coast right through it after that first inning, I don’t know. It’s very disappointing.”

In the meantime, Reeltown had a couple of two-out rallies to cut into the deficit. The first came in the second inning when Nelson Whaley drove in Andy Mann with a double, and the second came on a Landon Hunt two-run homer in the third.

“We just try to battle with two outs,” Hunt said. “That’s what we always we do. We try to fight until the last out. I knew with two strikes, I had to use my two-strike approaches that our coaches teach us and try to cut it in half. It just went out of the park.”

Reeltown tied it up on an RBI single from Hayden Solomon in the fifth. Horseshoe Bend took back the lead with RBI singles from Norrell and Taylor, but it wasn’t enough in the end.

With the victory, Reeltown will host the loser of G.W. Long.

Replay

continued from page B2

File / The Record

Reeltown’s Trey O’Neal attempts to break a tackle last year.

Coach break it down, I feel like that’s what was successful for us.”

McKinney also praised the work of her assistant coach Brett Thomas, who worked tirelessly with both her and Coosa boys coach Jeremy Freeman.

“My assistant coach is special,” McKinney said. “We have the same work ethic. We’re up all night, watching film, watching video. He makes sure he brings all the stats together. We have a like-mind, and I could not do it without him. The support was beyond.”

Another thing McKinney did well was acknowledge her own players’ weaknesses and figure out who could complement them well.

“I tried to utilize my players’ strengths,” she said. “We all fall short, but if one person had an imperfection, someone else would perfect that. I paired players together purposefully in practice so if one person was weak in an area, they’d be with someone who was stronger in that same area.”

games of the Cougars weren’t even filmed last season.

“In theory, it’s great because it helps us make sure that all the calls are right that can be questioned and keeping officials accountable,” Coosa coach Shane Rary said. “But the quality of that and the equity in that, if you’re dealing with a school like us, for four of our games, we didn’t even have a camera. For 5A through 7A schools, I think it’ll be great, but I don’t even know how much it’ll come into play for smaller schools.”

Another big question was regardless of the cost, will it be worth it?

“Is it going to be cost effective?”

White said. “You can go as far as sideline camera angles, end zone camera angles and even pylon cameras, but those have to be instanced and those things cost money.

Also, what’s the upkeep? Those are the kind of questions I would like to

continued from page B1

Although this year’s group of Cougars weren’t predicted to go as far, McKinney actually managed to guide them a step further as they made it to the Class 3A Elite Eight before being eliminated. A lot of that was due to hard work and scheduling.

The Cougars regularly competed against Class 5A and 6A teams despite their lower classification, and they could also be found in the gym practicing on Saturdays and sometimes even Sundays just to get a little extra work in.

“Any coach is going to be disappointed (with a loss), but I made it a step further than I made it the year before,” McKinney said.

“I didn’t even think I had enough to get it done, but we did. We didn’t go all the way; I didn’t get the golden ticket, but the girls represented our community well. I’m very proud of my girls, I’m proud of the effort and we showed hard work pays off no matter what.”

ask because you have to look at it from a budget standpoint. Is it going to be cost effective to get maybe one or two calls overturned?”

The other big theme was the sheer quality of cameras schools are currently using. According to White, DVSports’ software can plug into the equipment some schools are using, but a pressbox camera may not do a questionable play justice in terms of hoping to overturn it.

“The quality will always come into play,” Rary said. “Because, for instance, when we switch film with coaches, sometimes you’re struggling to even figure out what yard line the ball is on, much less (overturn) a call.”

Johnson said, “The other concern is with smaller schools, we’re fortunate that we have a great film guy. Coach (Jonathan) Gardner films our games, but a lot of people have a student doing the game. A lot of times we can’t even make out numbers, much

less the officials looking at an instant replay. I think the motive behind it is good; there’s just a lot of interesting questions that have to be answered as the process goes along.”

According to Johnson, there will be some schools that will utilize the software during spring games as well as some pilot schools who will implement instant replay during the 2018 season. As of now, the program seems to be optional and may continue that way.

And although there are a lot of questions, it does seem the idea of bringing instant replay to Alabama high school football is a good one.

“At the end of the day, you want all the calls to be correct,” Horseshoe Bend coach Josh Averett said.

“You don’t want to lose a game off something they missed or thought they saw, so anything you can do to help get the calls right, I think everyone is going to be in favor of.”

Player leading rebounder, and she never had any attitude about what we were asking her to do.”

With so much pressure on her shoulders, Caldwell dealt with it really well, as she understood early that she’d need to be the go-to girl.

“We lost a player with an injury that we really needed (JaTori Leonard),” Caldwell said. “So I knew without her, I would have to work real hard down low.”

Moon said, “Even during our summer practices, we told her everything would run through her, so we prepared her during the summer. We let her know that she was going to

continued from page B1

have to work this year, and I think she is going to keep working hard. Ever since the season ended, she only took about two weeks off, but now she stays after school every day and is always trying to get better.”

Caldwell said she tries to get at least 200 shots up per day and is working on her jumping so she get off the ground a little higher and grab even more rebounds during her senior campaign.

Despite being the go-to girl, Caldwell did have the help of fellow forward Brooklyn Edwards.

“We worked together good,” Caldwell said. “A lot of times, when one was off, the other would

be on, so we really had each other’s backs.”

Although Edwards also returns for next year’s season, it’ll once again be on Caldwell to do the bulk of the work. And although that target on her back got bigger and bigger this season with her continued success, Caldwell knows how to deal with the constant pressure.

“I just tried not to think about it too much,” she said. “I just went out there and played the game I love to play. I also changed my attitude a lot this year. I tried not to get so mad at myself every time I messed up, and instead just played for my teammates and not playing for myself.”

Page B4

Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Dadeville Record

Generals’ offense takes down Tigers

Baseball

continued from page B2

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Jason Johnson has been the head coach of Horseshoe Bend’s baseball team for a decade, and in all that time, the Generals have never been able to take down county rival Dadeville on the diamond.

But all that changed Thursday afternoon, as the Generals came alive.

They were gearing up for a big Class 2A Area 8 game against Reeltown, and a 10-6 victory over the Tigers was just what the doctor ordered.

“This should give us a lot of momentum,” Johnson said. “We’re 3-0 this week and we just beat Dadeville for the first time since I’ve been here. It should give us a little momentum for (today) with Reeltown, but also you shouldn’t have to get up too much when it’s against your rivals and in a game like that.”

Although both Reeltown and Horseshoe Bend have both solidified their spots in the postseason, today’s game will determine seeding.

Reeltown hosts starting at 3:30 p.m., and if Horseshoe Bend wins, it’ll force a Game 2 to decide who’s No. 1 and who’s No. 2. If the Rebels win, they’ll take the top spot.

But Thursday night, the Generals had everything to celebrate, as they racked up the hits in order to defeat Dadeville. After the Tigers came out with a pair of runs in the top of the first inning, Horseshoe Bend immediately responded with three runs of its own. Jace Rodriguez, Grant Taylor and Luke Yarbrough all had RBIs in the frame.

Tacking on two more runs in the third and the fourth innings was more than enough insurance for the Generals, but they solidified their victory with a three-run

Lizi Arbogast / The Record

Dadeville’s Seth Broome takes off for second base against Horseshoe Bend on Thursday.

sixth inning. Chandler Lewis led off with a single followed by a Cade Worthy RBI double. Rodriguez kept his hot streak going with an RBI double of his, and Norrell followed him with a runscoring single.

“I’ve been in a hole for about four games now, and I just came up knowing we had the game at Reeltown (today),” said Rodriguez, who finished with two hits and a team-leading three RBIs. “I knew we had to get big, and I was just trying to be a senior and be a leader.”

Dadeville certainly had its chance to get back in the game. It scored three runs — one on a wild pitch and two on a clutch double by Sam Stephenson — to pull within 7-5 of the Generals.

But it was really the sixth inning when the Tigers let an opportunity slip away.

With no outs, Dadeville

got the bases loaded on consecutive singles from Ab Abernathy, Cameron Hall and Coopers Childers. Childers’ single could’ve easily scored a run or two if not for a big stop at third base by Lee Norrell.

Despite the diamond being full, Horseshoe Bend managed to get out of the jam by catching a run attempting to take home on a wild pitch, a well-played groundout from Rodriguez on the mound to first base and a strikeout.

“Lee made a real big play we didn’t get an out on, but he knocked the ball down and kept a run or two from scoring, which would up being huge,” Johnson said.

“We got out of it with nobody scoring. Jace had a ball hit back to him and he looked back well. We just kind of gutted it out right there, and that’s what you practice for.”

Dadeville was officially

Arbogast

eliminated from the playoffs as area competitor Tallassee took down Elmore County to solidify its spot in the postseason, but Tiger coach Kyle Caldwell said he didn’t think that was a factor.

“I don’t even think they knew that Tallassee won, so there’s no excuses,” Caldwell said. “I think we were deflated when we got off the bus, really. I didn’t think my guys showed up to play at all, even though we had a two-run first inning.

We only had one hit (in the inning), so all credit to them.

They beat us. They played their tails off. They pitched, they hit, they played defense, they didn’t make any errors and they just beat us.”

Also notching two hits for Horseshoe Bend were Worthy, Norrell, Taylor and Yarbrough. Taylor and Yarbrough each had a pair of RBIs.

continued from page B2

than when I went to the Jordan-Bryant Scholarship banquet on Monday night. The county, which has four schools, was represented by three of the finest student-athletes around — Benjamin Russell’s Benjamin Hendrix, Reeltown’s Cody Argo and Horseshoe Bend’s Cade Worthy. Regardless of what happened on Monday, the fact these three boys all got to the state finalist level of the Bryant-Jordan award was pretty incredible.

But as each state winner in each category and classification was announced, I tensed up just a little. I wanted those boys to be honored, and all three did this county proud, winning their respective state scholarship.

But it didn’t stop there.

As the University of Alabama’s

“A” Club scholarship was awarded and the speaker began to talk of a boy who was diagnosed with cancer then talked of the day he was officially in remission, I looked over at Bill Hendrix, tears in his eyes. Benjamin had now the scholarship that meant so much to him.

But it still didn’t stop there.

An overall winner was selected from each of the academic and achievement state winners, and when the attention was turned to the video board for the achievement winner and a photo of Reeltown High School came onto the screen, huge grins surrounded me.

Argo was the best in the state.

I tweeted that night about being a proud momma. Each time those three boys’ names were called, I wanted to

shout, “That’s my baby!” The best part about covering high school sports is student-athletes and the relationships you gain with them. There’s something pure about high school sports; it means so much. I get a chance to cover those kids’ best moments, their worst moments and everything in between.

Although it’s important in journalism to remain impartial, I’ve always been known in my previous jobs for silently cheering and wanting the best for my student-athletes. In only a year, I’ve become Tallapoosa County’s biggest fan, and I’m looking forward to many more proud momma moments in the seasons to come.

Lizi Arbogast is the sports editor of The Record.

Lizi Arbogast / The Record

Dadeville senior Justin Meadows delivers a pitch against BRHS during the season finale Monday.

offseason for them, I bet it feels good. I’m proud of them and ready to see what they can do. The only way to go from here is up.”

One thing Benjamin Russell has struggled with all season is putting together a complete game, and finally, the Wildcats did just that on Monday night. They racked up 13 hits and had only one error, and Huel Lumpkin and John Hayden Johnson combined for a four-hit shutout.

“They hit it pretty good, and they threw some guys that had pretty good movement on their ball and they kept us off balance pretty well,” Dadeville coach Kyle Caldwell said.

“You just gotta tip your hat to them. It was our Senior Night, so I played all my guys with (people) in different positions here and there, but they did really well.”

After leading 4-0 through three innings, Benjamin Russell broke the game open with five runs in the top of the fourth. Brooks Vardaman, Ty Brown and Stewart led off with consecutive singles to load the bases, and Wilson Hays was hit by a pitch to score the first run of the frame. Brock Elliott reached on a fielder’s choice that forced out Brown, but Brett Pitts added to the score with an RBI groundout to plate Stewart. Cade Brooks and Joe Young then sliced back-to-back run-scoring doubles before the inning’s end.

Slade McCullers had two double for the Tigers, and Jeff Rice and Cameron Hall were the only other players for Dadeville to earn hits.

Like Benjamin Russell, the Tigers also missed out on a playoff spot, finishing the season with a 13-15 record. But Dadeville was up against the likes of area foes Holtville and Tallassee, both of which have been in the top 10 in the state at different points this season.

Caldwell hopes Dadeville’s move back down to Class 3A will help its chances in the future.

“Us changing areas will actually be more realistic to the size of school that we are,” Caldwell said. “I hate it for this senior class that they don’t get the opportunity to play in an area that matches our school size, but it is what it is. I think our future is really really bright.

Even though this senior class didn’t make the playoffs, I think they kinda set in stone some good things for those younger guys to follow.”

Alabama receives $25 million for sportsmen, conservation Softball STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the receipt of $25,511,600 to support critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects. The announcement is part of $1.1 billion in annual national funding going to state wildlife agencies from revenues generated by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts.

Alabama apportionments include $6,151,179 in Sport Fish Restoration funds and $19,360,421 in Wildlife Restoration funds. The funds, which are distributed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are derived from excise taxes paid by the hunting, shooting, boating and angling industries on firearms, bows, ammunition, fishing tackle, some boat engines and small engine fuel.

“The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs are the most successful conservation programs in the United States,” Governor Kay Ivey said.

“Alabama continues to benefit greatly from our

annual apportionment of these funds, and our conservation department is a wise steward of these funds.”

According to Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship, the money received from the federal government is a match to the state’s hunting and fishing license revenues.

“There is a formula used, but basically, the more licenses we sell, the more wildlife and sportfish funding we receive,” Blankenship said. “It’s very important that hunters and anglers purchase a license every year because our department doesn’t receive money from the state’s General Fund. Our work on behalf of the hunters and fishermen is solely funded by license dollars and federal matching funds.”

Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Director Chuck Sykes said hunters and fishermen can be proud of the fact that their purchases help put active management on the ground in Alabama.

“Managing public hunting land and building and maintaining boat ramps and shooting ranges are all projects funded by the allocations we receive from

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” Sykes said.

Sykes added that people who don’t hunt or fish also benefit from this funding.

“Every citizen in the state receives benefits from the conservation efforts of hunters and fishermen,” he said. “The habitat that we create and manage for deer, turkey and other game species also benefits the species that non-hunters enjoy like bald eagles and bluebirds.”

Alabama’s coastline profits from this funding as well.

“These funds help build and maintain public boat access points, provide education to the public about the marine resources in and near Alabama and fund valuable research projects that otherwise may not be possible,” Alabama Marine Resources Director Scott Bannon said. “The return Alabama receives on the investment of these funds is priceless.”

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said, “Alabama sportsmen and women are some of our best conservationists and they contribute billions of dollars toward wildlife conservation and sportsmen access every year through

the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts. For nearly 80 years, states have been able to fund important conservation initiatives thanks to the more than $20 billion that has generated nationwide.

“Every time a firearm, fishing pole, hook, bullet, motor boat or boat fuel is sold, part of that cost goes to fund conservation.

The best way to increase funding for conservation and sportsmen access is to increase the number of hunters and anglers in our woods and waters. The American conservation model has been replicated all over the world because it works.”

For more information about the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program visit http://wsfrprograms. fws.gov.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

To learn more about ADCNR, visit www. outdooralabama.com.

continued from page B2

was a summation of the offense for both teams, it came in waves.

“I felt like we coasted; just no energy, no excitement to be here,” Bulldogs coach Daryl Otwell. “My message to the girls was that you can get beat on any day. We showed up Saturday and beat a very good Bibb County team 12-0 and then showed up today and… nothing. The pitching was great. Defensively, we were good. But the bats just weren’t there.

There was no adjustment. I felt like we gave at-bats away. We had bases loaded and didn’t get a hit. Had multiple runners on second and third and couldn’t get a hit. I’m preaching to them that, down the road, there are games when [the other team] may get the big hits and we need to be able to respond in that situation.”

Holtville scored two to start Monday’s game.

Katie Henley doubled then scored on a Dismukes single. Dismukes was thrown out going to third on a fielder’s choice. Cyndi Thornton drew a walk then scored on a Brooke Cooper single.

Dadeville answered in the second with Huff smashing a leadoff home run to cut the margin to 2-1.

But the game continued to go back and forth from there, as Holtville added a run in the home half of the second. Alexus Hindman singled and then took advantage of a sacrifice and a pair of passed balls to score.

The Bulldogs left the bases loaded in the third, but added two more runs to the tally in the fourth.

Henley singled and later scored on a wild pitch. Jordan Cousins singled, moved around the bases on a passed ball and a wild pitch and then scored on a Bella Farmer sacrifice throw to first.

Overall Holtville rattled off nine hits in the win but left 10 Bulldogs stranded on base.

Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Dadeville Record

Page B5

Page B6

The Dadeville Record

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Page B7

The Dadeville Record

County schools WGI Winds group wraps up successful first season idea of what to do next year.”

As with a number of other extracurricular activities, the key to the county schools’ WGI Winds program is funding. With Band members from each of the three the cost of uniforms, the performing tarp, high schools in the Tallapoosa County and travel to the various competitions, the system had the opportunity to take part in amount of money needed can grow quickly. the Winter Guard International (WGI) Winds In order to help with this, Strickland said he indoor marching band series. Twenty-seven welcomes donations from anyone interested students from Reeltown, Dadeville and File / The Record in helping fund the WGI Winds band.

Horseshoe Bend participated in the season, “If anyone wants to make donations, they which included two competitions in Georgia Twenty-seven band students from Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown rehearse in the can send them to Reeltown High School, and a concert series at each of the county old Councill Middle School gymnasium earlier this year. These students were the first group 4090 Alabama Highway 120, Notasulga, schools, a season Tallapoosa County WGI of band students from the county system to participate in the Winter Guard International (WGI) AL 36866,” he said. “Just make sure the Winds Director Tyler Strickland felt was Winds indoor marching band competition series. envelope is marked ‘To the attention of very successful.

Tyler Strickland, WGI Winds,’ and make all “Overall, this was a great experience,” two competitive events this year, they did of how the WGI Winds competition season Strickland, who is also the band director at exceedingly well at both of the competitions works, the hope is to not only grow the number checks out to Reeltown High School.”

Overall, Strickland said he feels there is Reeltown High School, said. “A lot of the in Georgia, placing first in one competition of participants but also take part in more band members have told me they’re already and third in the other. competitions and events next year and beyond. a great sense of optimism and pride among the band members after a great first season excited for next year. The band directors at “Being able to place was a very positive “My plan is to grow the number of Horseshoe Bend and Dadeville have told me thing. It was a big deal,” Strickland said. “It competitions we are involved in,” Strickland and the opportunity for a more active indoor marching band season next year. they’ve had students who have expressed an gave them the feeling that they knew what said. “I’d like for us to do some shows “This is a great educational experience interest in taking part next year. they were doing.” earlier in the year and also take part in the and another way to keep them involved “The kids were really open to doing this.

Now that Strickland and the band students circuit championships. musically,” he said. “We’re really looking They really bought into this and enjoyed it.” participating in the Tallapoosa County WGI “This year was a learning experience for forward to next year.”

Even though the group only took part in Winds group have a better understanding us, but seeing everything, this gives a better

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

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CommunityCalendar Today is

April 19, 2018 Today’s Events

SENIORS ALIVE: Guy Anderson will be at Lake Pointe Baptist Church on Highway 50 in Dadeville Thursday, April 19 to share a mixture of comedy and a serious message for senior adults.

Churches are asked to sign up to bring crock pots of soup or desserts by Monday, April 9 by calling 256-825-4441. This

Friday, April 20

GOSPEL SINGING: Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell St. in Alexander City will be hosting a gospel singing with New Ground Friday, April 20 at 6 p.m.

Tony Harris is pastor.

Everyone is welcome.

For information, call 256794-2969.

Saturday, April 21

FAMILY FESTIVAL: The Coosa County Family

Festival, Keeping Coosa Connected will be April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Coosa Central High School.

Over 40 agencies will be taking part with lots of free activities for children. Vendor registration forms are available by emailing martyrittmann@gmail.com or by contacting the Lake Martin United Way office at uw211@ unitedwaylakemartin.org or calling 256-329-3600.

FAITH BRUNCH: Tallapoosa’s Caring REFUGE

presentation is a ministry and fellowship opportunity of the Tallapoosa Baptist Association.

SENIORX: Deborah Jones, SenioRX coordinator will be at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to help seniors determine if they are eligible for assistance with diabetic supplies, liquid supplements and medications.

For more information contact Deborah Jones at 1-800-3611636 or 256-761-3575.

COMMUNITY MEETING: PATH Lake Martin will hold its Community Planning Meeting on Thursday, April 19, at noon, (Reaching Everyday Fighters Utilizing God’s Embrace) is hosting “FAITH bigger fear” Tablescapes Brunch at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center at 10 a.m.

Speakers will be Tillie Parks and Jennifer Martin. Tickets are $25. Contract Glenda Briley at 256-566-9685 to host or decorate a table.

KLASSIC KRUISERS: The 17th Annual Klassic Cruisers Car Show is Saturday, April 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. across from the New Site City Hall.

Registration is $20 and a vendor fee is $20. There will be a cash money tree, 50/50 pot and door prizes along with a swap meet and food vendors. A DJ will be playing ‘50s music.

Proceeds benefit the community including the New Site Fire Department, the New Site Ambulance and the Daviston Fire Department.

There will be a pancake breakfast at 6 a.m. at City Hall.

For more information contact Roy Colley at 256-2346928 or 256-307-4855.

TRADE DAY: There will be a community trade day event Saturday, April 21 with a pancake breakfast, car show, flea market and a variety of vendors. The public is invited to come for this day of fun at New Site Town Hall.

TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on April 21 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available.

Sunday, April 22

CHURCH SINGING: Emmaus Road will be at County Line Baptist Church in the Dudleyville community Sunday, April 22 at 6 p.m. A love offering will be taken and a time of fellowship will follow.

For more information call Bro. Mike Beck at 334-354-3908.

Churches and non-profits can submit items to the calendar at editor@thedadevillerecord. com and calendar@alexcityoutlook.com.

at the Lake Martin Innovation Center.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Democratic Party is hosting a meeting Thursday, April 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Bud Porch Center in Alexander City. 3rd Congressional District candidate Mallory Hagan is the speaker.

For more information contact Carol Gowan at 256-794-7432.

Today’s Birthdays

Marie Harrelson, David Patterson Jr., Keasha Goodman, Rachel Marie Livingston and Wessie Robinson are celebrating their birthdays today.

HOMECOMING: Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell St. is hosting a homecoming Sunday, April 22 at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served after the morning service. Tony Harris is pastor.

Everyone is welcome.

For information, call 256794-2969.

PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating the 5th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. and Sister Melvin C. Kelley Jr. Sunday, April 22 at 2 p.m.

The guest minister is Rev. Terry L. Magby of New Mount Sellers Missionary Baptist Church in Lafayette.

CONCERT: Jacquie Cruz and Gary Klarenbeek will be at Red Ridge United Methodist Church Sunday, April 22 at 3 p.m. Cruz is a soprano and her performance will feature pieces from her album “Hopeful” as well as a few new works

by Heather Sorenson Klarenbeek is Cruz’s father

and is a tenor and pianist.

They have performed in churches all over.

No tickets are required and love offering will be received. For more information call 256-825-9820.

CHURCH SINGING: Samaritan Trio will be the guest singers for Homecoming at Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church, Alabama Highway 148, Clay County, Sunday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Please bring potluck covered dishes. Lunch is noon to 1 p.m.

Monday, April 23

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: The Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, April 23 at 10 a.m. in the Board Room of the Betty Carol Graham Technology center on the Alexander City campus of Central Alabama Community College.

City of

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Page B8

Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Dadeville Record

New Site Town Council approves ordinance amendment, water guidelines

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Restaurants in New Site could be one step closer to being able to serve alcohol on their premises following an ordinance repeal and amending approved during Monday night’s meeting of the New Site Town Council.

Following a second reading of Ordinance No. 2018-112, which repealed three sections of a 1992 ordinance regarding the process for applying and obtaining a liquor license within town, as well as amending a section of a 1991 ordinance specifying the amount of a licensing fee, a motion was made by Councilman Mickey Carter, seconded by Councilwoman Bree Walton, and unanimously approved by the council to pass this new ordinance.

“Once this takes effect, the process will go as follows,” Mayor Phil Blasingame said. “The restaurant owner will apply for a license through the state ABC board, who will forward a copy of the application to us. The council will vote to either approve or deny the license, and we will inform the ABC board of our decision. If we approve it and the ABC board approves it as

well, the applicant will receive a state license, and will then have to bring it to Town Hall in order to purchase a Town Business License, which will cost $300 annually.”

Recently, town resident David Moore Sr. approached the council about wanting to install a water line onto some property Moore was looking to purchase and develop. The town water department has been working to prepare a series of guidelines, which were presented to the council Monday night.

The council approved these guidelines, which focused on making sure that private parties engaging in such work met the same criteria contractors hired by the town had to meet when installing water lines. After these guidelines were approved, the council then approved a motion to allow Moore to do said work under these guidelines.

The council went into executive session for nearly half an hour during the meeting to discuss pending litigation on a financial matter. After returning from the session, the council voted to approve allowing the mayor to enter into a promissory note with a local taxpayer over back sales taxes owed to the town. Under this note, the taxpayer will make monthly payments in order to

pay back the sales taxes owed.

The New Site Town Council also handled the following matters: • Minutes from the April 2 meeting were approved.

• Blasingame said he had a meeting with the CEO of Russell Medical Center last week. He said that a major hurdle in the process of bringing a clinic to New Site was now cleared, and that the town could see such a facility come to town in the future.

• The council decided the town would not participate in the July 20-22 back to school sales tax holiday.

• Blasingame reported he had signed a letter to get the traffic study requested last year to see about eliminating the stretch of Highway 22 where the speed limit drops to 35 mph, making it 45 mph the entire way restarted.

• New Site Senior Activities Director Jan Kennedy said the center’s monthly luncheon was coming up Wednesday, with a representative from Chapman Healthcare and local political candidates coming to speak.

She also said the overnight trip to see the Ark Encounter in Kentucky and the May Day celebration trip were both essentially full. Blasingame added he, Kennedy and Betty Carol Graham had

recently met with a representative from the East Alabama Planning Commission to discuss the options the town and senior center might have regarding grants in the near future.

• Police Officer Justin Farr said things with the police department were going well. He added that he was going to Tuscaloosa this week in order to pick up two golf carts for police department use, obtained through a local government surplus program.

• The caution light on Highway 22 near the Generals Café has partially burned out, but it was reported that the issue had been reported to state officials.

• Carter reported a refrigerator at the town ballfields had gone out, and that a replacement was being looked for. He also suggested the facility may need a new storage building in the near future, to which Blasingame believed the town might want to go with a more permanent fixture. Lastly, Carter said there were issues with the PA system not being able to be heard on all four fields.

The next meeting of the New Site Town Council will be held Monday, May 7 beginning at 5 p.m. in the meeting room of New Site Town Hall.

Madix Inc. in Goodwater awarded for outstanding safety

Daviston Museum full of history for locals to enjoy

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Situated on Highway 22 just past the Daviston Post Office, the Daviston Historical Museum welcomes local residents to come in and take a look, seeing some of the town’s history up close and personal.

“We opened up last November 11,” Elaine Dunn with the museum said. “Since then, we’ve had between 200 and 300 visitors come through the museum.”

Located in what was once a Pan-Am/Amoco service station, the Daviston Historical Museum contains artifacts dating back more than a century, telling the story of the town and how it was once a fairly bustling city before becoming what it is today. There is a multitude of old photographs, a milking stool from one of the town’s old dairies, hand sewn quilts and even old farm equipment out front.

“We divided the museum into a living room, a kitchen and a bedroom section, and a special section to remember town residents that served in the military,” Dunn said. “People have been wonderful to share their pictures with us. History is very important to us. Each section has items that people donated to us, and also some items that are on loan to us.”

Dunn said she was most proud of the military section, honoring the town’s service members with photographs dating back to World War I and letters that go back to the Civil War. Along with all of the items found in the home, and special sections on service members and families who have lived in Daviston for generations, there is also a section remembering the former Daviston School, where local children were educated for just over a century.

The museum has a collection of yearbooks dating between 1938 and 1988, when the school closed and merged with New Site School, old letterman’s jackets, cheerleading uniforms and newspaper clippings of sporting events and other goings

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

on at the school.

“The school was a big part of the community here,” Dunn said. “It made a great deal of difference when Daviston lost the school.”

Since the building had fallen into disrepair after the service station closed, the Dunns spent a great deal of time cleaning away the plant growth that surrounded the building and making it capable of hosting the museum, but they also left some of the charm coming from being located in a former service station intact.

“Right here, this was the oil pit,” Ray Dunn said as he pointed to a rectangular spot where the floor had been filled in and was a different color. “They kept batteries stored here, and you can see where some of the acid ate through the concrete.”

The Dunns said that those who have visited the museum have enjoyed taking a look around, remembering the past and seeing what all the museum has to offer.

“There are books full of information here,” Dunn said.

“When I’m over here, waiting on people to arrive, I’ll just sit down and start reading some of

Donald Campbell / The Record

With contributions from the community, Daviston residents Ray and Elaine Dunn have worked to make the Daviston Museum a place where local residents can come and get excited while learning about area history.

these books.”

“A lot of our older guests like to come in and read,” Elaine Dunn added.

There is no cost to tour the museum, and while the museum currently has no set regular hours, it is not hard to schedule a visit.

“Anyone interested in taking a look, just call us and we’ll be happy to open up for them,” Dunn said. “This is just a service

we are happy to offer.

“We’re very proud of what we have. We want to preserve what we can, so everyone can come and take a look and be proud of their history. We’re trying to make Daviston beautiful again.

We want people to remember the good times here in Daviston.”

In order to schedule a visit to the Daviston Historical Museum, the Dunns can be reached at 256-395-4207.

Madix Inc. in Goodwater was awarded on April 12 for its outstanding 2017 worker safety record by the Alabama Department of Labor and Manufacture Alabama, the state’s manufacturing trade association.

The awards were presented at Manufacture Alabama’s Safety/ Human Resources/ Health Conference, which is an annual event providing instructions and demonstrations to manufacturers on how to improve safety programs.

“No element of the manufacturing process is more important than worker safety, and this Manufacture Alabama safety conference and awards program is in line with our association’s commitment to helping our member companies achieve competitive excellence in all areas,” Manufacture Alabama’s president George Clark said.

“We’re proud of the outstanding record of Alabama’s manufacturing community in providing employees with a safe and healthy working environment,” Clark said, “and we congratulate Globe Motors on its safety achievements, along with the many others with superb safety records who participate in our safety awards program.”

Madix Inc. in Goodwater was awarded first place in the plant group 337/Division 3 (furniture & related product manufacturing with 251 to 500 employees).

A total of 57 plants participated in Manufacture Alabama’s Safety Achievement Awards program. Manufacture Alabama’s achievement awards were presented to 28 of those that operated the most hours with the fewest accidents in 2017.

Alexander City Kiwanis Club Fair returning next week

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

The annual Alexander City Kiwanis Club Fair will return next week.

“We are happy to bring back good family entertainment,” Kiwanian Cam Caldwell said. “It will be Tuesday, April 24 through Saturday, April 28.”

Caldwell said that this year’s fair would be like those held in previous years, with plenty of food vendors, chance games, and rides for all ages. And there is a bargain to be had by going on a weeknight.

“There are coupons for the unlimited ride bands,” Caldwell said. “There are coupons all over town for $5 off for weekday purchases.”

Like the other fundraisers the Kiwanis Club holds throughout the year, including the pancake breakfast and the skeet shoot, the fair helps raise money for other organizations that support children

the Kiwanis gives to.

“Every penny raised from the fair goes directly back to Alexander City. The money goes to things like the Alex City Education Foundation, the Lake Martin Area Boys and Girls Club, the Sheriff’s Girls Ranch, the Red Cross and Sav-A-Life,” Caldwell said. “We sponsor Reading is Fundamental by purchasing books three times a year for local pre-Ks.” The fair is good for everyone, he explained. The Kiwanis gets a certain percentage of the gate receipts to help fund their charitable giving, while it gives the public something to do, a chance to get out and have fun.

Running from Tuesday through Saturday at the main parking lot at the Sportplex, the fair will be open from 5 p.m. until close Tuesday through Friday and 1 p.m. until close on Saturday.

“I want to encourage everyone to come out to the fair,” Caldwell said.

File / The Record

The Alexander City Kiwanis Club Fair will be held next week Tuesday through Saturday at the main parking lot at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex in Alexander City from 5 p.m. until close Tuesday through Friday and 1 p.m. until close on Saturday.

Lake Martin Living People, events and culture in the Lake Region

Kiwifruit Farmers What's up in Waverly?

April 2018

www.lakemartinmagazine.com Lake Martin Living 1

2 Lake Martin Living

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

T

his month, we’ve turned the tables – or rather, the pages – on one of the oldest and most reliable instructions for writers: We’ve abandoned the rule, ‘Write about what you know.’ But please, give us a chance to defend our actions. By the time you’ve finished reading this issue of Lake Martin Living magazine, we might all know a lot of things about which we previously knew next to nothing.

Who knew, for instance, that for nearly 30 years, a group of men in Alexander City have been meeting once a week to sort tons of discarded paper for recycling? When Donna Green suggested we give muchdeserved accolades to this crew, my response to writer Lonna Upton was, “I had no idea that was going on,” and she hadn’t known about these guys either. So turn to page 28 to learn who they are and what they do to beautify Alexander City.

Who knew that Waverly – that inconspicuous hamlet north of U.S. Highway 280 just beyond the farthest reaches of Tallapoosa County – had so much cool stuff going on? A new restaurant with a vintage Southern vibe and a deliciously fresh menu; an old new look at Standard Deluxe, Waverly’s hot entertainment venue; and an unconventional mayor who told us more is on the way? Check out the changes starting on page 10.

And – here’s the kicker that got me – who knew that it takes four years to grow a kiwifruit?! And who knew that Central Alabama just happens to have the perfect agricultural environment for growing lots of these odd-looking but sweet and delicious egg-shaped fruits? It’s true. Amy Passaretti saw the farm near Reeltown with her own eyes.

She even took pictures. See for yourself on page 38.

I didn’t know how to train a blackberry bush to grow on a fence line (see Sidney Hancock’s article on page 24); nor did I ever imagine bringing a jousting court to the area like the one Luke Robinson discovered at a shopping mall in Atlanta (check out his column on page 62); and I sure didn’t know how much fun the annual Lake Martin Area United Way Quail Fry was going to be – I’d never been to it before this year, but just look at all those smiling faces in our Oh Snaps! pages, starting on page 46.

See? We didn’t know all of these things before we wrote the articles in this magazine edition, and after you read this issue of Lake Martin Living, you probably will know a lot more, too!

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Sidney Hancock Cliff Williams Mitch Sneed Donald Campbell Susan Foy Jim Littman Lonna Upton Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Katie Wesson Scott Hardy Rebecca Carlisle Erin Burton Kelly Cleveland Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

Lake Martin Living is published monthly

by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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Lake Martin Living 5

10

The newly opened Waverly Local offers speciality cocktails, wine and craft beer.

Photo by Amy Passaretti

FEATURES WHAT'S UP IN WAVERLY? 10. Simple Southern cuisine at Waverly Local 14. Standard Deluxe expands with new pavilion 16. It's Time to Boogie!

17. Melzer talks smalltown charm in Waverly 20. CLEAN COMMUNITY STARTS HERE New community action launches campaign to stop litter before it starts

28. UNSUNG HEROES Volunteers log more than 21,600 hours to beautify Alexander City

34. MAINSTREET FLAG PROJECT Downtown merchants' organization to honor veterans with patriotic display

38. LOCAL FARM EXPERIMENTS WITH KIWIFRUIT Crop that takes four years to produce could have impact on area's economic future

IN EVERY ISSUE 9. AROUND THE AREA 22. FROM THE TEE 24. GARDEN TALK 43. MEDICAL NEWS 44. MONEY MATTERS 46. OH SNAP! 52. LAKE REGION EVENTS 6 Lake Martin Living

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Auburn horticulture graduate Clint Wall, along with his wife Jenny and former classmates, works a kiwifruit farm near Reeltown. The endeavor could be highly profitable as an international export once the vines, which take four years to mature, begin to provide an annual harvest.

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8 Lake Martin Living

AROUND THE AREA

Mill 280 opens at old Russell Retail For decades, the Russell Retail Store anchored the corner of Highway 280 and Elkahatchee Road. When the store closed last year, the building's new owner, Russell Medical, determined to pay homage to its history by renaming the building “The Mill Two Eighty.”

“The history of this building goes back generations,” Russell Medical CEO Jim Peace said. “That is why we chose the name, to honor the memory of those from the community.”

The building has been repurposed and renovated for use as an event center, and Russell Medical Foundation Director Tammy Jackson said the bookings are coming quickly after last month’s unveiling of the facility.

“It’s amazing what you can do with a little lipstick on a pig,” Peace told the crowd gathered at the open house. “We put some paint on the walls, ceiling tiles and carpet. It is amazing.”

Mill by Another Name Jackson will handle rentals of Alexander City's old the facility, and the fees will benefit Russell Retail Center the Russell Medical Foundation. reopened last month For information, contact Jackson at as The Mill Two Eighty, tjackson@russellmedcenter.com or an event center call 256-215-7459. operated by Russell ~ Cliff Williams Medical Foundation.

Auburn honors Alexander City native Alexander City native Joe Forehand earlier this month was inducted into the Auburn University Entrepreneur Hall of Fame at an awards gala hosted by the Harbert College of Business.

Forehand helped to transform a global management consulting and professional services firm, first as CEO and later as chairman.

Accenture became a juggernaut with Forehand, a 1971 Auburn University engineering graduate, who guided the firm through a period of significant change and growth as CEO from 1999 to 2004 and as chairman from 2001 to 2006.

The firm launched an extensive global rebranding campaign after splitting from Arthur Andersen and negotiating an arbitration process.

Forehand also led Accenture in its IPO, which raised nearly $1.7 billion on the first day.

During Forehand’s tenure as CEO, Accenture’s revenue grew by 98.5

percent, from $9.6 billion to $13.7 billion, and its global workforce swelled from 66,000 employees

to more than 103,000. Even more astounding, perhaps, was the fact that Accenture’s total return to shareholders was 74 percent during a time when the S&P 100 Index decreased 14 percent.

Those achievements helped make Forehand an easy selection for induction at the April 5 event held at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

The Hall of Fame gala honored university alumni who have built companies from the ground up or helped them achieve unprecedented growth and success.

“Auburn University has a proud history of producing business leaders and entrepreneurs who drive inspiration, innovation and transformation,” said Harbert College Interim Dean and Regions Bank Professor Joe Hanna. ~ Staff Report

Joe Forehand

Lake Martin Living 9

WHAT'S UP IN WAVERLY?

Simple Southern Cuisine Waverly Local opens its doors in charming 100-year-old local landmark STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI

C

apturing the essence of simple Southern fare in mid-century ambiance, the new Waverly Local is a restaurant with character and historic charm.

“We wanted to keep the atmosphere simple but play up the old feeling of the building. Everything from the décor to the seating and light fixtures is similar to a period-focused 1940s vibe,” said owner Andy Anderson.

The traditional theme carries into the cuisine as well, which includes Southern classics with fresh, locally sourced items. The Local’s single-page menu is small but features approachable dishes.

The 100-year old building is well lived-in and has been home to a number of businesses through the years, including one of the first Ford dealerships in Alabama, a one-chair barbershop and previous restaurants. Anderson is thrilled to see the landmark space in use again.

“Waverly is always more fun when there’s a restaurant in the area,” he said.

The partnership of Anderson and Chef Christian Watson surfaced when Watson returned to Alabama after working in Charleston. The two are lifelong friends, and the timing seemed suitable to embark on a new journey together to bring in more local business.

“We are excited to bring more people to town and give Waverly more attention. The town has been so supportive of this build, and they look forward to seeing some fresh faces,” said Anderson, a Waverly resident of nearly 15 years.

The yearlong process culminated with an opening in January and was described as a group effort. Mayor Taylor Melzer aided in its construction, and Alexander City native John Howell, owner of Madwind Craftsman, fabricated the metalwork on the bar and a few of the dining tables. A number of other Waverly residents had input as well.

Aside from some obvious renovations, the building maintains its vintage appeal with original flooring and brick, along with the use of repurposed items. Some of these include a wall of wide wooden boards, which were milled from a pine tree that fell in Anderson’s yard, and the herringbone pattern on the front of the bar.

After months of recipe testing, Watson and Anderson came up with what they thought could be a few clear homeruns for 10 Lake Martin Living

their menu without necessarily reinventing the wheel.

“The idea is to make the best version of whatever we put on there. We want to let the food stand on its own and be identifiable. We take pride in not serving commodity,” said Watson, a graduate of Johnson and Wales University.

In purchasing proteins from zero-waste farms, such as Niman Ranch and White Oaks Pasture; using only wild Gulf American seafood; obtaining chicken from Joyce Farms; and procuring organic local produce whenever possible, Watson said he would only serve something he would feed his own family.

“Everything is intentional, and we work hard to do that across the board. A lot of passion and love has gone into this,” Community Collaboration

Right: Owner Andy Anderson and Chef Christian Watson are lifelong friends and business partners; Below: John Howell of Madwind Craftsman fabricated the metalwork for the bar's counter.

Lake Martin Living 11

said Watson.

The menu will change throughout the year to feature seasonal dishes and fresh ingredients.

A full bar features specialty cocktails and a growing wine and craft beer list, with the hopes of attracting a vast demographic. The restaurant seats about 75, including the bar area. Soon, Anderson plans to open the large garage doors on the side of the building for an al-fresco feel that will offer additional seating on the patio.

Anderson hopes this simple and classic vibe on food and décor, along with reasonable pricing, will appeal to the masses.

Conveniently located between Auburn and Alexander City, Waverly Local has customers making the trip to check out this new destination. Online reviews at the Waverly Local Facebook page give the restaurant a 12 Lake Martin Living

thumbs up.

“I love Waverly. It’s a small town with a lot of personality, and we just hope people will come from far and wide to check us out,” said Anderson.

Located at 1465 Patrick St. in Waverly, the Waverly Local is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. until about 10 p.m. Reservations can be made on OpenTable and parties larger than six should call ahead. Wednesday nights feature local musicians, and Anderson said weekend brunch hours will start in the next month.

For more information about Waverly Local, visit its Facebook page or call 334539-6077.

Rustic Charm

Top: The ambiance of the Local is a mid-century design to complement the building; Left: The restaurant opened its doors in January.

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Lake Martin Living 13

WHAT'S UP IN WAVERLY?

Standard Deluxe expands its offerings with new pavilion

A

STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI

three-year project at Standard Deluxe, known best for its Old 280 Boogie, is close to completion and creates more options for events, entertainment and food in Waverly.

The FEED SHAK is a new covered pavilion/outdoor kitchen that was constructed and expanded to connect directly to the original Standard Deluxe house and T-shirt shop. To promote this addition, owner Scott Peek initiated Saturday Market on the first Saturday of each month.

Similar to a farmers market, there will be food available from various chefs and caterers, along with local vendors, who will offer products ranging from handcrafted items, produce and vegetables to worm castings. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and the market will remain open until about 3 or 4 p.m.

“We will market different vendors, and the T-shirt shop will be open. It’s a way for people to know we’re here, and we feature a variety of things,” said Peek.

The next two Saturday Markets will be held May 5 and June 2.

The FEED SHAK outdoor kitchen, formerly a fishing cabin at Ponder Point in Blue Creek, was rebuilt on site to replicate the original 14-foot by 20-foot room at the lake. The log rafters, wooden ceiling joists and trusses were reconstructed in the same configuration. A brick fireplace was added and local stone was placed over some exterior and kitchen areas for aesthetics.

The exterior stonework design was hand crafted by Ben

14 Lake Martin Living

Newman, a well known local Waverly craftsman, and his team. The raised seams on the stone were made to match the cemetery across the street.

“There has been at least two dozen people who have had their hands in making this happen,” Peek said.

Inside, the culinary prep area contains a wood-fired grill and an ambiguous charcoal pit that could be manipulated for smoking, grilling or other cooking techniques as needed by the chefs.

The counters were poured from concrete, and handmade wooden tables were added. The connecting breezeway is open but partially fenced in. One side of the addition boasts the War Eagle Supper Club orange, blue and white fence from the landmark building in Auburn. Outdoor seating includes repurposed tables from a demolished Checkers in Auburn.

A large healthy tree that was on the property was left in the middle of the breezeway, with the flooring and roof built around the trunk, which adds a unique touch to the space. Gutters were installed to catch rain runoff into a French drain system.

The new food pavilion will be a great complement to the venue’s rental space, which is available for weddings, cookouts and live music shows at Standard Deluxe throughout the year. This includes this month’s Old 280 Boogie, with half a dozen bands and the Heart of Waverly BBQ, featuring five bands, on July 28.

For more information, visit standarddeluxe.com or call 334-826-6423.

Growth and Progress at Standard Deluxe

Previous page: The new FEED SHAK was built from an old fishing cabin from Ponder Point in Blue Creek; Clockwise from top left: Local artist Ben Newman crafted the exterior stonework; Owner Scott Peek is a Waverly native; The connecting breezeway pavilion will feature local vendors the first Saturday of each month; The outdoor kitchen has a wood-fired oven and open BBQ pit.

Lake Martin Living 15

Time to Boogie!

STORY AMY PASSARETTI

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he 18th Annual Old 280 Boogie will once again swell the small town of Waverly on the grounds of Standard Deluxe with its Southern spring ambiance. This multi-cultural music and arts festival will welcome visitors at 11 a.m. and feature a great lineup of bands, including Shinyribs, Rev. Sekou, Revel in Dimes,

Chris Stalcup and The Grange, The Pine Hill Haints and Marshall Ruffin.

The music starts around noon and tickets are $30 at the gate or online.

Pre-purchased tickets will be available at the will-call station the day of the show and are nonrefundable. Kids under the age of 14 are admitted for free.

A variety of vendors will offer cuisine, artwork and more on site.

The Standard Deluxe T-shirt shop also will be open.

Bring a chair, blanket, cooler and friends to enjoy this muchanticipated event. The grassy yard fills up quickly, so arrive and settle in early. The show goes on rain or shine.

WHAT'S UP IN WAVERLY? 16 Lake Martin Living

WHAT'S UP IN WAVERLY?

Melzer talks smalltown charm in Waverly STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI

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construction. A local he seemingly convenience store inconsequential also is on Melzer’s town of wish list.

Waverly, with a “I want Waverly total population to grow in the right of about 165 and way. Growth is not about 2.5 habitable always good, and it’s square miles, brands not always inevitable, itself with growth, but the idea is to ambiance and control the growth self-reliance while the way you want and maintaining its not get gobbled up innate charm. in the process,” said While the small Melzer. quiet town touches Waverly’s three counties, its population may financial support be small, but its comes mainly from personality is large local business. and varied. The With the recent diverse residents addition of a oneare what make the cent increase in sales town so inviting and tax, the growth of unique, said Melzer; Standard Deluxe and although, the setback the opening of the is the vast disparity new Waverly Local in incomes. This restaurant, Mayor ultimately makes it Taylor Melzer is difficult to apply for enthusiastic about certain grants and what the changes funding. could mean for the “We have some town.

Mayor Taylor Melzer larger incomes “I think it’s pretty that tilt the scale exciting for me. and skew the parameters. I am having to figure Every little thing that is happening in Waverly is out how to be more creative to help the town noticeable. You can do something small and have a big impact,” said Melzer, who was elected mayor financially and be more aggressive in pursuing options,” said Melzer. in 2016.

The first step of doing this is completing a A few beneficial changes could be coming local census to get an accurate idea of the town’s to Waverly shortly, explained Melzer, but he demographics. hopes to tackle priority items first. The town is While he did not grow up in Waverly, in the final stages of redesigning its zoning and ordinances and will be fixing local roads this year. Melzer has spent his whole life going there and appreciates the character of the town and its Melzer said he’s pushing for improved internet people. His plan is to capture that charm and help in town to help promote business growth. The Waverly find its footing, while remaining a small latest Waverly Way subdivision will be the town. first to have high-speed fiber internet as new Lake Martin Living 17

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Lake Martin Living 19

Clean Community Starts Here

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recently organized group of community leaders this month will launch a campaign to beautify Alexander City, protect recreational watersheds and eliminate incidental litter before it starts.

Clean Community Partnership will raise awareness of Alexander City’s innate potential as a great place to live, work and play through cleanup events, incentives and tips promoting mindful stewardship of the land.

“The importance of this initiative succeeding cannot be overstated. We owe it to ourselves to tackle the issue head-on by taking a leading role in active cleanups, advocating for city and county support and showing younger generations how to be good stewards of the environment,” said Jacob Meacham, vice president of business development for Alexander City CHamber of Commerce.

The purpose of the CCP is to be a partnership in the cleanup effort. The CCP team is comprised of civic leaders with complementary skills that envelope an extensive scope of

20 Lake Martin Living

influence.

“Each member involved in the formation of this partnership is not only a leader, but personally passionate about the issue and effort to maintain the beauty of the area,” said John Thompson, a founding member of CCP and Lake Martin Resource Association president.

Chamber of Commerce President Ed Collari said that a huge component of economic development is beautification, and having a clean community from an appearance standpoint helps attract new residents and businesses.

“A lot of folks coming to this area are here for the recreation and outdoor attractions. It’s important to keep that presentable to people,” said Collari.

To narrow the broad scope of the plan, CCP will begin by tackling the police jurisdiction of Alexander City and then will move outward when a blueprint is in place. In coordination with Alabama Department of Transportation, Advanced Disposal, city workers and law enforcement, CCP will encourage residents

STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

to implement solutions to major causes of roadside trash, as the first step to stop littler, and will follow up with education and enforcement that could help with prevention.

The CCP’s mission is to encourage the community to take responsibility, to ensure accountability in neighborhoods and prevent the unnecessary spread of trash.

“There is currently nothing in place that combats roadside litter, except continually picking it up. We want to actually slow the flow of litter, so it’s more controllable. If we identify these areas of sources, we can attempt to apply some sort of effort,” said Thompson.

The effort to stop litter before it starts will focus on education of youth, household members, contractors, construction workers and officials. And the lessons are as simple as reminding residents to tie trash bags closed tightly and not overfill household garbage cans to reduce occurrences of weather or animals spreading trash on the ground; or reminding drivers that trash in an open truck bed could easily fly out during travel

and to keep it in the cab until a proper receptacle is found, which would prevent it from an unsightly and unhealthy future as litter.

Involving youth is vital for the future, Thompson said, as it encourages behavior and habits early. By involving students in cleanups, contests and videos engaging their participation, children learn the negative impacts of littering, as well as the positive aspects of being good stewards of the land.

“Education is key. We need to involve the school systems and develop teaching techniques. Parents gain a sense of pride when seeing their children promoting a good cause,” said Thompson.

MainStreet Executive Director Bre Smith, along with the MainStreet board, is adamant that first impressions of the entrances and exits to downtown make a huge difference in repeat visitors and people supporting local businesses.

“It’s a matter of conditioning the mind, and if we can help impact that, it will positively influence everything around us. It creates a ripple effect. If we keep the community clean, we keep our roads clean, we keep our lake clean – that comes back to benefit us in so many ways,” said Smith.

She and Sabrina Wood, director of Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership, recently installed markers on storm drains to remind people that whatever is dumped on the roads ultimately flows unfiltered into the watershed and disrupts wildlife.

Wood said her personal desire to combat litter began from childhood. She used to play in a local creek and avoided certain areas due to the plethora of trash. After her cousin sliced his foot open on unseen garbage, Wood avoided the area until adulthood.

“This example is exactly what the CCP is about. We want to prevent the area from becoming one of those that gets so trashed people avoid it. We want there to be continuous use and not have to depend on one particular group of people to step up and clean up,” explained Wood.

To better promote the culture of a clean community, citizens have to make a conscious choice to not litter, said Steve Robinson, Tallapoosa County Commissioner.

“We all want a better community, and every citizen is a part of that. Our community’s environment is a reflection of its citizens.

All improvements tie back to responsibility and respect. There is strength in numbers; however, numbers are a compilation of individuals making a decision to do the right thing and encourage others to do the same,” said Robinson.

Maintenance is an important aspect of this multiphase plan, and on the third Saturday of each month, CCP will host a monthly cleanup that will specifically target areas that are in the most need. A routine schedule could help create steady habits.

It will take more than organization from one group though, explained Thompson.

“We need a team effort to resolve the issue at hand. We want to see more folks step up in neighborhood cleanups because they know where their problem areas are. We need leaders to organize and promote this effort,” he said.

While there are many possible causes and solutions to the issue of litter around Alexander City roadways, the main focus of the CCP is public awareness, which is the first step toward resolution.

Join CCP volunteers and the City of Alexander City on April 21 for a city-wide cleanup day at 8:30 a.m. Participants should meet in front of City Hall to receive supplies and assignments, and anyone returning with at least one full bag of trash will receive a voucher for a free hot dog.

Lake Martin Living 21

Prep like a good cook Stretch, swing and putt a few to wake up muscles before you play

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your golf ball up and down from just off the green. assure you, I am not known for being a chef, great Of course, there’s the warm-up of the full swing. You cook or even a good cook; however, with the help of may have slept in an awkward position causing you a bit a well written recipe and all of the right ingredients, of difficulty in making your normal swing early in the I can pull off a pretty fair meal. I can read and follow day. That might cause you to hit a fade shot rather than instructions. I like a recipe that notes at what heat level the oven should be set and how much cook time and prep your normal draw. If that’s the case, play that fade until your body and swing get into their time it needs. There’s always prep normal motion. time spent in cooking. In relation Keep in mind, this prep time is to playing good golf, there should not practice time. You are simply always be prep time in this sport, too, warming up your engine, and your if you hope to play well. mind is part of your engine. Don’t In college golf tournaments, we spend time hitting a basket of 5-irons always play our golfers in order: The or your driver.

No. 5 player tees off first; then, No. Begin your warm up with a few 4, No. 3, No. 2. And finally, the No. smooth swings with a sand wedge.

1 player is the last to tee off. When The sand wedge is the heaviest club leaving for the golf course from our in your bag. Julius Boros, who was a hotel, I try to plan these trips so that tremendous PGA Tour player years my No. 5 man has a minimum of one ago, would say, “In the first 20 golf hour to prepare for play. swings I make in the morning, I don’t This one hour before tee time is care if I slice it, hook it, top it, shank prep time. In this hour before teeing it or whiff it, I just don’t want to hit a off, the objective is to loosen up and small child. I am just trying to warm become aware of the conditions on up my golf muscles.” the course. For example, in the early After your muscles are warmed morning there could be dew on up, warm up with your other clubs in the ground that might slow the ball the following order: short irons, mid down a bit on the greens and reduce irons, long irons, fairway wood then, the amount of break in the putt. A finally, a few drives. player’s eyes need to wake up, as well On the PGA Tour, the showcase as the rest of him. golfers have access to the Tour Van To help your eyes adjust to the where there is a workout facility course conditions, use an alignment available. Most of the Tour players aid of some sort on a 5-foot putt to stop in at the Tour Van for a warmup be certain that you are seeing the session before they head to the correct line. You’ll only need to hit practice tees in the morning. Their 20-30 putts to get things right, but Getting into the Swing of Things objective before golf swing warmup is this little aid may make the difference CACC's Sam Goldasich warms up his to get their bodies and blood moving. of winning or not. swing before a recent tournament.

Oddly enough, a number of years In addition, there could have been ago on a Saturday in the summer, I a shower overnight that caused the had a late tee time in a small tournament, but earlier in sand in the bunker to be a bit firmer than it was in the the morning while drinking my coffee, I realized that the practice round the day before, so a few bunker shots grass in my lawn was in bigtime need of being cut. I broke before the round are a good idea. There could have been down and mowed my lawn. I had this thought – boy, I’m a lot of wind overnight, or the grounds crew may have going to be worn out by No. 6 today; however, I actually rolled the greens and caused them to firm up slightly – a played very well that day. Since that time, if I am going to few chips shots, monitoring the bounce of the ball on play an important round of golf, I do a short workout or the green, could help you on the first few holes in getting

22 Lake Martin Living

From the Tee

something physical before heading to the course.

If your golf club has a workout facility, make that your first stop for a 20-minute session on the stationary bike, use light weights and loosen up your arms and shoulders but don’t overdo it. I’ll bet that you play as well, if not better, then you normally do.

Then, 30 minutes or so after playing, ponder your round. Think of the good shots you hit, think of the poor shots you hit. While all of it is fresh on your mind, then hit Dave Jennings the practice area.

Why wait 30 minutes? Initially after your round, you most likely are going to recollect that missed 8-foot putt on the final hole for birdie and only consider that you’re a lousy putter, when in actuality, you putted fairly well for the day – it’s that last bit of pain that might weigh on you initially. Let your emotions settle down and give your mind a rest before reflecting on your round of golf. When you can review your round of golf objectively, spend a little time in the practice areas.

After every round of golf, I evaluate my players’ tournament scores. I look at how they played the par 3s, the par 4s and the par 5s in relation to par. In reviewing

the par 3s, I evaluate their iron play. In the par 4s, I can usually see how good or poor their tee shots were; in the par 5s, I can assess their golf management.

I also evaluate how they played the first six holes, the middle six holes and the final six holes. The first six holes are about preparation and nerves. The second six holes are about staying focused, and the final six holes concern closing the round and guts. I will discuss these topics with my players if I realize a pattern.

In checking your prep time, I suggest that over the next five or six rounds of golf, you keep your scorecards. See how you played in the first six holes to see how well you began your rounds. You may find a common denominator in a problem with your game that could easily be fixed in prep time. You may need to hit a few more chips or pitches before you start your round of golf. After you realize a pattern, talk with your teaching professional about these newly found issues.

Poor scoring doesn’t always relate to your golf swing.

It could possibly be that you just haven’t woken up those particular muscles or nerves yet. Get to the course a little earlier and prepare yourself. Keep tabs on your game and reflect honestly on your rounds of golf. You have invested quite a bit of time, money and effort into your golf game, so when it’s time to play – give yourself a chance.

See you on the tee! ~ Dave Jennings is men’s golf coach at Central Alabama Community College.

Lake Martin Living 23

24 Lake Martin Living

Bount iful B

Blackberries

Lake Martin Living 25

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Garden Talk

most gardeners would rather start out with stroll through the woods, purple disease-free plant stock from a nursery. stained hands, and – more Local nurseries carry varieties recommended often than not – a few thorn for the growing area. Having a selection is scratches; these are all elements of the always best when it comes to blackberries.

Southern childhood tradition of foraging For example, native blackberries often for blackberries. Another would be their feature extremely thorny canes, but thornless transformation into delicious jellies and options also are available. Nursery selections scrumptious can’t-resist baked goods, like also produce berries that are much larger. cobblers, turnovers and pies.

Thorny cultivated varieties are often Blackberries were adopted as Alabama’s grown by commercial berry farms due to State fruit in 2004, but these fruits made their the higher production yields than thornless place in history long before that. varieties. Alternatively, the home gardener The Greeks, Romans and even Civil harvesting fewer berries typically is a War soldiers taught us the many benefits welcome trade-off for scratches and thorns. of blackberries in the diet. Back then, they When transplanting disease-free plants were used to treat various illnesses, such as from a nursery, it is important to rid the area dysentery and gout. These super-fruits are Sidney Hancock around them of wild blackberries, as wild high in antioxidants, fiber, manganese and blackberries spread viruses and diseases to vitamins C and K. Blackberries are the most cultivated blackberry varieties. nutritious of all the berries. From promoting Anthracnose is a common one to watch out for. An healthy brains to increasing collagen formation, these indication of this problem is light gray cracked lesions tiny-yet-mighty fruits are a must for health-conscious on infected canes. It spreads through overwintered gardeners. spores on the ground, especially if plant clippings are Blackberries are a great choice for edible landscapes left on the ground. To reduce spreading infection, use a around the home. These hardy plants prefer full sun and sanitizer solution on pruners when moving from plant to a sandy loam or clay loam soil with a pH of 6-6.5. While plant. Equally important: many fruits have high Clean the planted area of chill-hour requirements, clippings. these small fruits only Rather than having a need about 200 chill hours, mess of brambles, training periods of time in winter the blackberry canes along when temperatures rest an existing fence-line or between 35 and 55 degrees constructing a trellis wire Fahrenheit. According to creates a clean and simple the Alabama Cooperative look. Trellises allow for Extension System, the an easy harvest and better most efficient temperature airflow between the canes. at which a plant receives Place each plant no fewer chilling is 45 degrees. than 4 feet apart to allow Blackberries are selfsufficient space in-between fertile, which means them. they do not require two Select two of the largest different varieties, multiple primocanes to tie to the plants or insect pollinators, structure and wait to prune though pollinators do help the rest away until after the to boost fruit set and size. selected canes are secured.

Each blackberry plant Let me say it again for the includes canes, a crown impatient gardeners in the and a root system. Because back: Wait until you’ve tied the crown and root system your first choices securely in of the plant come back place before pruning your year after year, these berries are listed as perennials. The Sweet, Delicious Treat A pail of summer possible replacements away! biennial parts of the plant consist of canes that grow blackberries can be turned Pruning fiascos are up from the crown. These canes only live for two years. into a variety of yummy bound to happen, but save The first-year canes are called primocanes and grow desserts and treats. them for canes that will not vegetatively, meaning the plant grows in size or a branch be relied upon to produce grows in length. These first-year plants do not produce yummy snacks. After the primocanes are secure, cut fruit. Those same canes are referred to as floricanes the unnecessary canes down as close to the ground as during the plant’s second year. Floricanes produce possible. Leaving a stump will cause rot that could travel flowers and bear fruit.

It is possible to prune and cultivate native blackberries down to the crown of the plant.

At the farm, we use a training system called TPUPS to suit if they are already on the property; however, 26 Lake Martin Living

trained the previous year and select two new primocanes (Trellised Production Using Primocane Suppression) on a two-wire trellis. It’s a mouthful, but this system is easily to replace them for next year. The process starts all over!

Check out the video on the Lake Martin Living adaptable to any horizontal structure for blackberries.

Facebook page for a demonstration of the TPUPS One horizontal wire is set 5 feet off the ground and the process. other 3 feet. One of the selected primocanes is allowed Enjoying the fruits of labor will never be as satisfying to grow up to the 5-foot wire but also is secured to the as when growing blackberries. The harvest period 3-foot wire for support along the way. occurs over a short five or six weeks, beginning at the Once the cane tied to the 5-foot wire grows to about end of May and slowing in early July. Fully ripe berries 6 inches above Higher Yield and No Thorny Scratches have deep, dull black exteriors, rather than bright shiny the wire, prune The Trellised Production Using it so that the Primocane Suppression system can skins. The ripe, dull black berries will release from the top of the can be applied to wires, fences or other plant with only a slight tug; however, if they offer any sits about 1-1/2 horizontal structures. resistance, leave them on the plant for another day.

You could even inches above the check those wire. You'll want berries again in For video content visit to wait until the lakemartinmagazine.com the evening, as can is about the they ripen very size of a pencil in quickly. But don’t diameter. let the birds get The second to them first. cane is secured What if there to the lower is a berry with a 3-foot wire. The white drupelet? two side-byThese white side primocanes Prune growth above 1.5 inches spots are due should be tied on 5-foot wire to an abrupt 6 inches apart increase in from each other temperature along the length and a drop in of wire to allow humidity. The for sufficient white drupelet is airflow. solely cosmetic Throughout and will not the training affect the taste process, prune or quality of the away any foliage Trim growth below 3-foot wire fruit. (from both With the canes) that grows hot summer lower than 6 temperatures inches below the in full swing at 3-foot wire. This Space canes 6 inches apart harvest time, be is primarily to sure to get the prevent disease berries into the from rain-splash, refrigerator as as well as to push soon as possible. growth in the Keep them in the laterals rather fridge until you than produce are ready to use more leaves. (eat!) or freeze Pruning them the blackberries, flush against the so they stay as fresh as possible. Once picked, these cane will ensure the removal of leaf buds as well. berries will not continue to ripen. You can save any tart Topping or pruning the canes will send a signal to the plant to push its energy into breaking buds near the cuts. berries in the freezer. Those are especially good in a Those will become horizontal lateral branches that could delicious baked cobbler.

Happy gardening! be trained along the wire or fence line.

Select one on the left and the right that create a ~ Sidney Hancock is the farm manager at New Water 45-degree angle below the wire. That angle is best to Farms in Dadeville. reduce breakage once the branch becomes heavy with fruit. The laterals will continue to grow until the plant goes dormant for the winter. The next year, when the harvest period is ending, cut out the floricanes that were Lake Martin Living 27

Unsung Heroes Volunteers log more than 21,600 hours to beautify Alexander City STORY BY LONNA UPTON PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI

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ast year, a group of gentlemen volunteers sorted, boxed and shipped away 348,280 pounds of paper and 1,185 pounds of aluminum cans. In fact, since its charter in 1978, the paper and cans collected at the Alexander City Recycling Center have been handled only by volunteers, and although the location of the center has moved five times, the zeal from volunteers to help keep Alexander City beautiful has not waned.

Per its charter, the ACRC was created to work in conjunction with the Alexander City Beautification Council and was organized to promote recycling, provide access for recycling and return profits made from the sale of waste materials to support community charities. The ACRC works under the umbrella of Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, and its members believe the center serves as a model of Alexander City’s great community spirit.

Clarence Abernathy, a World War II veteran and the proud elder of the gentlemen volunteers, began his recycling service in January 1988, just a few months before he retired from sales at Russell Brands.

“I had several friends volunteering, and when I realized

28 Lake Martin Living

what they were doing for the community, I wanted to be a part,” Abernathy said.

“We have eight volunteers available right now, from ages in their 60s to 90s, and we really enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship while we work every Thursday,” said Bill Stewart, a member of ACRC since 2002.

Stewart said the work is dirty and difficult. The gentlemen are on their feet from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., sorting recyclables that have been dropped off; filling shipment boxes with paper; and using a forklift to stack the boxes, which weigh approximately 800 pounds each.

The center is open on Thursdays, but paper can be put in the drop box that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“It would be great if people could sort their things at home, white from colored paper, separate newspaper and magazines, and if they did not bring any glass,” Stewart said. “We have found everything in our drop box except money. Well, maybe a few pennies.”

Unfortunately, citizens who think they are helping sometimes drop off anything they want to get rid of, and since the center only handles paper and aluminum cans, volunteers

often have to throw away items that are left at the doors during non-business hours.

“We have even had empty propane tanks left and a lot of empty liquor bottles. They all had to go into the dumpster,” Stewart said.

Joe Croley, current president of the beautification council, has found his work at the center to be rewarding since 2012.

“When I found out what this service was able to give back to organizations in Alex City, I was excited to help,” Croley said.

Stewart said, “One year, we gave away $13,000. It was really fun to give out the checks to Camp ASSCA, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army and other groups.”

The Recycling Center volunteers enjoy working with other civic-

Thursday Comrades at ACRC

(From left) Aaron Shaddix, Joe Croley, Bill Stewart, Bill Boos, Clarence Abernathy, Mike Hamonds, Hayden Harrell and Mike McNeill meet every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to sort newspapers, magazines and household paper at the Alexander City Recycling Center on Sugar Creek Road.

minded organizations. People who bring items to recycle on Thursdays weigh what they bring and record the number of pounds they drop off. The men annually accommodate a Campfire Girls contest in which recyclables are weighed at the center and recorded to

determine which girl has collected the most.

Mike McNeill joined the group in 2012, and Mike Hammonds, certified forklift driver, joined in 2015.

McNeill, Hammonds and Stewart empty the drop box three times during the week, so it is not overflowing on Thursdays.

Aaron Shaddix, affectionately referred to as chief cook and bottle washer, prepares the coffee every Thursday morning for his friends.

“These men really enjoy each other’s company. I joined in 2003. I know how much paper we have kept out of the landfill, and that is good,” Shaddix said.

Additional help comes from Bill Boos and his friend, Lake Martin Living 29

Hayden Harrell, a 19-year-old who has found a great deal of satisfaction doing hard work alongside the men, as well as keeping them entertained with his “Roll Tide” chants among a group of mainly Auburn fans.

Stewart said they have had groups and individuals offer to help at the center, and while adult volunteers are welcome any time, the small staff is not equipped to do their work while simultaneously coordinating youth volunteers. They always accept help from youth volunteers who are accompanied by an adult.

Donna Green, a lifelong Alexander City resident, recycles paper at the center weekly, and she believes this group of men, as well as the dozens who have volunteered over the ACRC’s 40 years, are unsung heroes.

“These men deserve so much credit for volunteering their time. They are a great group, and I thank them,” she said.

The Recycling Center, located next to the airport on Sugar Creek Road, has a drop box that Sorting, Filling, Stacking is accessible 24/7 for Right: Mike McNeill sorts a paper and aluminum. bag of paper, topping off an 800-pound box of paper Residents who would that will be recycled; Below: like assistance should Mike Hammonds, who has bring their recyclables volunteered at the recycling to the center on center since 2015 organizes Thursdays between 8 boxes on pallets for pick up. a.m. and 2 p.m.

30 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 31

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Becky Haynie - 334.312.0928 $1,650,000

India Davis - 256.749.7592 $1,100,000 Lake Martin Living 33

34 Lake Martin Living

MainStreet announces downtown flag project STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI

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he prideful red, white and blue symbol of the U.S. will soon line the streets of downtown Alexander City with MainStreet Alexander City’s Old Glory initiative. In honor of the nation, its veterans and its active military, 25 American flags will fly high on selected light poles downtown during patriotic holidays.

MainStreet Executive Director Bre Smith has a personal passion for veterans’ affairs, and since her arrival in Alexander City more than a year ago, she has dreamed of adding just such a patriotic display to the downtown area.

“She recognized that we were missing something here in our downtown honoring our nation, and we decided we needed to do something,” said Larkin Radney, MainStreet president.

The board unanimously approved the project, which Radney said is not a fundraiser or moneymaking opportunity for the nonprofit organization but is simply an opportunity for the community to support the men and women who have served the nation.

Currently, Alexander City decorates the median of U.S. Highway 280 during certain holidays.

“I can’t remember the last time that flags were flown here in downtown,” said Radney, a lifelong resident of Alexander City.

While they will not hang on every post, the symbolic Stars and Stripes will be spread along Bibb, Alabama, Main, Broad, Tallapoosa and Calhoun streets.

Standard-sized 3-foot by 5-foot American flags, which are American-made, can be purchased for $110 by any business or community member in honor of a loved one.

The price includes a customized bracket, created locally by Brown Fabrication, that fits the fluting on downtown light posts.

“People wanted to purchase flags in honor of someone. Some people have already come together as a group to honor multiple people with one flag, and others are veterans, wives of veterans, Army nurses and all walks of life,” said Smith.

MainStreet hopes to customize a plaque that could be placed near the roundabout indicating to whom the American flags are dedicated.

The prescribed requirements for display will be observed so that all flags are properly hung in terms of height, lighting and installation. The City will assist MainStreet in mounting the flags with the proper equipment.

Smith said she plans to raise the flags for the first time during the week of Armed Forces Day, which falls on May 19 this year, and bring them down three weeks later after Memorial Day. While they will be taken down between holidays to preserve quality, the American flags will be re-mounted during four additional national patriotic holidays, including Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veteran’s Day. At least 13 American flags have already been purchased, and Smith said the number will be limited to 25 for now; however, if more people want to purchase flags, donations will be applied toward replacing tattered and worn versions.

“Any additional contributions will go into a special Old Glory account to be strictly used for the replacement of flags. We will accept ongoing donations that will be set aside for this purpose,” said Smith.

To purchase an American flag or make a donation to the fund, contact Bre Smith at 256-329-9227 or email her at bresmithdowntownac@gmail.com.

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Local farm experiments with kiwifruit Crop could impact area's economic future STORY BY AMY PASSARETTI PHOTOS BY AMY PASSARETTI & COURTESY OF CLINT WALL

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ne of the world’s most profitable commodities is grown on 418 acres of rolling land just a little more than 30 miles outside of Alexander City. Southeast Kiwi Farm Cooperative is the only orchard in the U.S. growing golden kiwifruit, and the opportunities this crop could create for agricultural growth and economics are tremendous.

The golden kiwi has smoother skin, golden flesh and higher sugar content than the green variety. Central Alabama is suitable for cultivating golden kiwi due to reliable water sources; sandy soils; fairly elevated land and rolling topography; and relatively frost-free winters.

Clint Wall, an Auburn University horticulture graduate with a master’s degree specializing in kiwifruit, opened the farming operation in 2014 after spending nine years managing kiwi farms throughout New Zealand.

“I have been very fortunate in my career opportunities. I became manager of an orchard out there in about nine months, and I have never looked back. I was approached about the project here in Alabama that I had been working on behind the scenes when the opportunity arose to move back,” said Wall.

With the help of his wife, Jenny, and AU alumni Eric Houser and Jon Malone, Wall’s core management team is experiencing the first year of potential product for experimentation. Jenny, Houser and Malone all have horticulture degrees as well, and Malone specialized in kiwifruit.

“We are just coming out of dormancy at this time of the year, so flower buds are beginning to open, and we will use bees to pollinate, along with hand labor to set the fruit,” said Wall, who has been working with kiwifruit since 2002.

Dr. Billy Dozier, a retired AU horticulture professor, has studied kiwifruit production since the 1980s. Wall worked under Dozier while at AU, and Dozier and his team developed the AU Golden Sunshine and the AU Gulf Coast species, both of which Wall is now growing on the farm near Reeltown.

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“My favorite is the Gulf Coast variety because it’s easier to grow, creates more volume, is more floral and is easier to cropload. The Sunshine flowers are more sporadic but still create a great fruit,” said Wall.

About 180 acres of the property, owned by Sun Pacific, were attributed to the kiwi orchards. The growing process spans four years, originating with planting and culminating in the first crop.

Currently, Wall has planted a group of vines each year, which allows for a continuous cycle of annual harvesting.

“Some have just gone into the ground, and some will crop this year. Most of my labor is new to kiwi farming, so this opportunity year of about 20 acres of fruit will make for great training and show them agricultural events they have not seen before,” explained Wall.

The nearly 40 hired staff members are responsible for a number of tasks on the orchard based on the priority of the kiwifruits’ stages.

“Everything we do is done by hand, so it takes a lot of labor and man hours. The only machines used are for mowing and spraying. For everything else, I want hands on the plants,” said Wall.

The first year after planting, the kiwifruits develop root systems and spread. In the second year, they are grafted together with a special cut in the rootstock and the correct male or female scion is placed on each plant.

“In an agronomic sense, we are cloning the plants to produce the same product. These grafts eventually fuse together Four-Year Process Previous Page: The kiwifruit in unison,” said Wall. orchard is set on 418 acres of One crew of workers is land near Reeltown; Below: specifically assigned to the Golden kiwifruit have smooth graft train and ensures the skin, golden flesh and higher initial stalk is detained, as it sugar content than the grows about 1 foot a week. green variety

Those stalks are then trained to grow into two leaders, which make the permanent arms of the vine for maturation.

The third year, a tented string system is installed to control the vines’ growth, and the climbers have to be monitored to follow the assigned route. The strings are then released horizontally and clipped to a set of wires to create 16-foot canes.

“By the end of the third year, the orchard ends up with these vegetative teepees,” Wall said.

While in the final year, plants are thinned to reduce the flower number and prevent undersized produce. They are also pollinated by hand and by bees.

“Bees are an important part of this operation. We need about five hives per acre for pollination, requiring about 1,000 total. We also use pollen dusters, from pollen collected the previous year that has been milled and stored, to hand spray the orchard,” said Wall.

The first planting is in its end stage now and is beginning to blossom and mature into fruit to be harvested. Last year, minimal plants managed to crop, but by 2019, Wall said nearly 108 acres should be producing fruit. In 2022, the whole property will be on a crop cycle for the first time.

The varying species of kiwifruits are harvested at alternating intervals, extending the total harvest window and generating extra storage life.

Houser, who Wall met in college, designed and built the complex irrigation system for the orchard. With a small reservoir and larger lake available on site, about 8,000 gallons of filtered water per minute are pumped over 105 acres.

“The larger of the two lakes is practically limitless. If we get a couple inches of rain, the water comes up about a foot,” said Wall.

The ultimate goal is to export the commodity overseas to high-demand markets, such as Japan, that consume a large amount of this fruit. The U.S. also cultivates in the off-season of the Southern Hemisphere, which adds another six months to the international market.

Other countries are facing a bacterial infection known as pseudomonas syringae pv actinidae, which harms the kiwifruit. The U.S. has not been exposed, making it a prime area for market expansion.

“We hope to maintain about 700 fruits per vine, which is sustainable and would earn $2.50 per pound, which is higher than average produce,” said Wall.

Future goals include building a pack house for storage and shipment, but this year’s product will be packed, stored and prepared for shipping off site. Most of the preliminary production will be tested in California for shelf life, storage, shipment and consumer feedback.

“It’s a work in progress, but there are a lot of exciting opportunities to try new things and expand the orchard’s potential. Kiwifruit is one of the most profitable commodities because it’s a high producer and creates a lot of tonnage per acre. This was a good opportunity to have shared partnership of the operation and see where it leads,” said Wall.

Only Golden Kiwi Orchard in the Country

Top: Kiwi plants begin to blossom in early spring; Middle: Clint Wall checks grafted rootstock to ensure they've properly fused together; Below: An intricate pump system irrigates the land with water found on site.

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Chicken Soup writer Jody Fuller to entertain at survivors' banquet

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Medical News

Please call 256-329-7322 for more heart health stations ussell Medical while catching a glimpse information.

Foundation All cancer survivors are invited of this impressive proudly to gather for a special evening of renovated facility. announces the opening laughter and fun as we celebrate Cardiologists Dr. of our new event life on Tuesday, May 1, at The Ross Davis, Dr. Joseph center, The Mill Two Mill Two Eighty. UAB Medicine Deering, Dr. Brian Eighty, conveniently – Russell Medical Cancer Center Foley and Dr. Kevin located at the corner cordially invites cancer survivors Sublett have teamed up of U.S. Highway 280 in our community, plus one guest, with Russell Medical’s and Elkahatchee Road to enjoy this special evening of cardiology services in Alexander City. The dinner and entertainment on us. and Tallapoosa County Mill Two Eighty was Complimentary hors d’oevres, Commissioner Steve the former home of the photos and music will begin at 5:30 Robinson to bring this Russell Retail store for p.m., followed by a seated dinner at interactive educational decades and has been Susan Foy 6 p.m. experience to town. completely renovated to Jody Fuller, the self-proclaimed Then, lace up those provide 12,000 square “stuttering comic,” will entertain sneakers and let your feet of open space for the audience with his quick wit heart race Saturday, April 28, for special events, receptions, class and stories of the inaugural 5K reunions and conventions. perseverance. on the Runway The name of the facility pays Jody is a comic, homage to the history of Alexander at 8 a.m. This speaker, writer fast and flat City and Russell Mills, a corporate and soldier race course will giant and primary employer in our who has served start and finish area for eight decades. Foundation three tours of Executive Director Tammy Jackson at The Mill duty in Iraq.

Two Eighty handles rentals for the building, His syndicated and include the and may be contacted by phone, column can airport taxiway 256-329-7459 or by email at be read in 10 and runway. tjackson@russellmedcenter.com. newspapers, A postDon’t miss a beat this month. and he’s also race party Join Russell Medical’s cardiology been published and awards services for two fun events to raise six times in ceremony awareness of America’s number the popular will follow one killer: heart disease. The Chicken Soup in the event Mega Heart, a gigantic inflatable for the Soul center. Visit interactive heart exhibit will be on book series. runsignup. site at The Mill Two Eighty, Friday, For com for online April 27. Tours are open to the reservations, registration. public from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and please contact Performance will include a heart health expo in Jessica Sanford tees will the event center.

Jody Fuller at 256-329-7145 be given to Visitors will be invited to walk or jsanford@ all 5K-race through the inside of the human russellmedcenter.com by Tuesday, participants. Walkers also are heart, learn about cardiovascular April 24. invited to take part. A free 1-mile functions and observe examples fun walk will begin at 8:15 a.m., of various types of heart disease, ~ Susan Foy is marketing director and walkers will meander along such as atherosclerosis. Meander at Russell Medical. through the event center to various the hospital campus roadways.

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Why, when and how to refinance

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efinancing a mortgage means that you apply for and obtain a new mortgage loan to replace the old home loan. A recent mortgage statement is helpful to verify your present interest rate, principal balance and remaining loan term. There are several reasons to refinance a mortgage.

are current, but who cannot refinance due to reduced home values after the U.S. housing collapse in 2008.

HARP-eligible loans are owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae and must have originated on or before May 31, 2009.

Loan-to-value ratios must be greater than 80 percent.

Refinance to 15-Year Fixed Rate and Term Refinancing Many mortgage companies and financial advisors talk about the benefits of a 15-year fixed rate mortgage. Since Rate and term refinancing pays off one loan with 15-year rates are lower than 30-year rates, the shorter term the proceeds of a new loan, using the same property as means that less overall interest will be paid, collateral. This type of loan allows you to take MONEY and the mortgage will be paid off more quickly. advantage of a lower interest rate to reduce the example, a $100,000 loan for 30 years at 4.5 monthly mortgage payment, or to shorten the MATTERS For percent has a monthly payment of $506.69 (15 term of the original loan. The closing costs years at 3.75 percent is $727.22). The 15-year incurred from the refinance transaction should payment is only 44 percent higher than the 30be recouped in no more than 48 months. For year payment, not twice as much, but 30-year example, if the monthly payment is reduced by mortgage interest is more than 2-1/2 times the $100 and closing costs total $3000, the closing 15-year mortgage interest. costs are recouped in 30 months.

Cash-out Refinance Streamlines When you get a cash-out refinance, Streamline refinance programs may be you borrow more money than the present available for borrowers with FHA, VA and mortgage balance, and you receive the USDA mortgages. Credit documentation and difference in cash. There are responsible ways the underwriting process may be limited. The Jim Littman to use a cash-out refinance. For example, you VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance can use the money to pay off high-interest debt, Loan) does not require an appraisal. Borrowers use it for home improvements or to lower total monthly may not receive cash from the refinance and must receive a payments. You must have sufficient equity in your home to tangible benefit from the transaction. be eligible for cash-out refinancing.

Tangible Benefit Refinance to Remove Mortgage Insurance Borrowers must receive a tangible benefit from refinancing an existing mortgage. This may be a lower Mortgage loans with less than 20 percent equity interest rate, lower monthly payment, consolidation generally include a monthly premium for mortgage of debt into a lower total monthly payment, removing insurance. This monthly cost could be removed when the mortgage insurance or converting an adjustable-rate loan outstanding loan balance is less than 80 percent of the to a fixed-rate loan. Cash-out funds may pay for medical home’s appraised value; however, if you have a mortgage expenses, education expenses and home improvements, to loan recently insured by FHA, you may not be able to name a few. cancel the mortgage insurance premiums – even when Refinances are expected to be about 30 percent of all your loan-to-value ratio falls below 80 percent. The way to mortgages in 2018. The decision to refinance should be an get rid of FHA mortgage insurance is to refinance (or to informed one, based on its purpose and benefit. sell the house).

Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) HARP is a government program, established in March 2009, to help homeowners refinance their mortgages. This program benefits homeowners whose mortgage payments

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Jim Littmann is a mortgage loan originator with MortgagePro in Alexander City. Call 256-392-5414 to contact him.

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Lake Martin Living 45

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Lake Martin Ultra Run Pre-Race Dinner March 16, 2018 Harbor Lodge at Children's Harbor 1. Eric and Gavin Bednorz 2. Greg Reeves, Adela Negron-Florez and Aida Florez-Ortega 3. Nicole and Kevin Rej 4. Kristin Willocks and Rick Wilson 5. Debra and Charles McKenzie 6. Ann Thomas and Mike Stalvey 7. Kim Rayfield and Simone Valentin Austin

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Sav-A-Life Fundraising Banquet March 6, 2018 FIrst Baptist Church, Alexander City 1. Shay Dean and Lee Hamilton

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April 1, 2018 SpringHouse Restaurant 1. Brooks, Graham and Charlotte Jackson 2. Wells Woodwing, Beth Welden and Elizabeth Welden Wooding 3. Caroline Dunn 4. Davis and Ellis Marquez 5. Harris and Jenny Mizzell 6. Parker Griffin 7. Aaron, Kristen and Emmie James Scroggins 8. Mason Wall 9. Noa Hall and Debbie Whitley

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Grease April 6, 2018 Dadeville High School

1. Samantha Robinson, Raylan Claybrook and Allie Kittrell 2. Dr. John Burns

3. Renee Sample, Sarah Starzer and Amanda Gilliland 4. Caden and Darlene Cook

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5. Shelby Saxon, Ansley Carpenter, Jelene Duck, Ali and Angie Richardson, Wendy Hodge, Karen Stroup, Julie Bice and Kim and Blair Morse 6. Sherry and Doug Keys 7. Trace Johnson, Justin Breedlove, Matt Ernst, Ryan and Ashley Gresko, Deryck Hodge, Curt Mize and Delilah Mynard Lake Martin Living 49

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April 7, 2018 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 1. John Forrester and Ellen Martin 2. Ralph and Allyn Frohsin and Sandra and Joe McInnes 3. Merritt and Sharon Fuller 4. Fred and Barbara Muenzmay

5. Fred George 6. Hugh and Sarah Neighbors 7. Fred Dobbs and Tom Lamberth

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FABULOUS FINDS NEW PRICE

NEW PRICE

PENDING

Willow Glynn, Riverside Cottage $1,174,000 Willow Glynn, The Abby $1,199,000 Move-in-ready RLH Construction & Just completed by RLH Construction. The Abby is a designed by Mitch Ginn, this design offers 4 bedrooms, 4.5 3,219 sq. ft. plan designed by Chuck Frusterio. Owner’s baths, 2 living areas and vaulted ceilings in the kitchen and suite and guest suites on main level with spacious livingowner’s suite. Enjoy the spectacular water views from both dining-kitchen and large covered porch. Lake level offers of the spacious covered porches. two bedrooms, two bathrooms, generous lake-prep room, Russell Lands On Lake Martin family room, wet bar, second laundry, and spacious 256.215.7011 covered patio for outdoor entertaining. www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com Russell Lands On Lake Martin 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

South Ridge Harbor, Diamond View $1,750,000 The Diamond View is a stunning plan designed by Larry Furlong built by Classic Homes. This 3,668 sq. ft. has it all.

Owner and guest suites are on main level with kitchen and dining overlooking the spacious living room & wrap-around porch. Lake level offers second living room, wet bar, two guest suites, lake-prep room, and additional storage.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin 256.215.7011 www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com

1797 Andrews Mill Road, Tallassee - $2,400,000 Awesome!! As you meander down this driveway...you know it's special. An architectural masterpiece designed by Bobby McAlpine.

17 ft windows boasting one of the most incredible mile long views Lake Martin has to offer. You hear that words can't describe, or pictures can't do it justice....well it's true. You will need to make an appointment to see the design, the quality and the sheer beauty this home and its magnificent surrounding property offers.

Lake Martin Realty Call India Davis 256.749.7592 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

99 Bay Point, Jackson’s Gap - $1,275,000 Amazing lake home in Baywood, on a point lot with special features. With +/- 5000 sq. ft., this lake home will create those special memories on the lake with family and friends. This beautiful home offers 4 BR with large bonus room that can be 5th and 6th BR, 2 full kitchens and 2 great rooms. Custom cabinets, hardwood floors, 2 car garage, and fabulous floor plan. Deep water, incredible sunsets, and dock. +/- 300 feet of waterfront.

Lake Martin Realty Call Randall Rogers 334.707.5804 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

105 Cherokee Cove, Tallassee - $429,000 Conveniently located on the South end of Lake Martin, this 3 BR 2 BA home offers great lake views and wonderful outdoor spaces. Enjoy grilling out with friends on the large sun deck or dining and playing games inside the screened area. Private boat launch is a huge bonus! The circle drive provides plenty of guest parking for all of your friends and family. This is a must see! Call and make your appointment today.

Lake Martin Realty Call Haley McKelvey 256.749.8353 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

680 Silver Hill Road, Dadeville - $959,000 This beautiful 3 level house comes with a spectacular view. It is on a almost flat lot with an imposing view of Lake Martin. Features an open floor plan, large kitchen, master on main and 3 additional BRs upstairs with one more on the bottom level that could be used as a den, game room or office.

Sunroom off of the main living area offers a 180 degree view of the lake.

Covered boat dock has 2 boat lifts plus a PWC port and a floating dock.

Landscaping surrounds the home with an irrigation system to support.

Lake Martin Realty Call John “Frog” McInnish 334.415.2149 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

135 Cheyenne Lane, Dadeville - $339,000 This beautifully appointed property is waiting for you! Wow, 3 BR, 3 full BA and a bonus room offered fully furnished. You will enjoy huge views of Lake Martin from your lakeside screened porch or the lower level terrace. This house has tons of storage, a bonus room, hardwood floors, high ceilings and so much more. The property also has a dedicated boat slip. The low HOA fees maintain the grounds, so no yard work! This is a package deal at a great value, make your appointment today. Vacation rentals are allowed.

Lake Martin Realty Call Michelle Brooks 256.749.1031 www.LakeMartinRealty.com

54 Arrowhead Way, Dadeville - $650,000 580 Trillium Drive, Eclectic - $1,650,000 264 Magnolia Crest, Dadeville - $997,000 450 Long Branch Drive, Dadeville - $780,000 This spacious two-story home features 3 BR and 3.5 BA. Master, cathedral Newly remodeled 8 BR, 6 full BA home feat. 5,000+ sq. ft. of open floor plan The largest home available in Stillwaters! Incredible view in a deep water This 4 BR, 3 BA cottage-style home in The Harbor is a showceilings, oak flooring throughout main level. Kitchen is a cook's dream with living space, granite and quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and stainless cove and tucked in a cul-de-sac near marina. Large master on main floor stopper offering open living spaces, expansive lakeside porch, lots of cabinets and granite counter tops. Also an oversized office/bunk or appliances. 3 additional half BA, garage with water storage, boat ramp, private with cathedral ceilings and private screen porch is adjacent to office or long-range cove views, good water depth, gentle slope and family room. Full length lakeside screened porch. Lower level has a large tennis court on a FLAT 2.04 acre lot w/ sandy beach and landscaping! Home possible 5th BR. Master has large walk in shower and jetted tub. Split plan short distance from home to water, a blend of rustic tiles, workshop and plenty of storage. Boat storage, Seawall, boathouse with lift. has 2 master suites, each with separate living, kitchen, dining and laundry. Did additional BR on main. Cathedral ceilings and rock fireplace in great room. woods, lighting, stone and trim. The interior decorating is Very well insulated and Geo Thermal heating and cooling system. Also comes I mention the HUGE PORCHES? Centrally located near Kowaliga, Russell Walk through pantry. Kitchen has island and double oven. Screen porch off available for purchase. This is a wonderful lake home package with generator. In a cove for swimming, paddle boarding and canoeing.

Crossroads, and Amphitheater. Can purchase furnished for $1,730,000. of dining area. 2 more BR and living area on the lake level. in a small, planned community with protective covenants.

Lake Martin Realty Lake Martin Realty Lake Martin Realty Lake Martin Realty Call Rhonda Jaye 256.749.8681 Call Ashley Chancellor 334.202.9017 Call Jeff Cochran 256.786.0099 Call Mimi Rush 334.399.7874 www.LakeMartinRealty.com www.LakeMartinRealty.com www.LakeMartinRealty.com www.LakeMartinRealty.com

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Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

ACT II presents Murderously Funny Mysteries in Dadeville

Alexander City Theatre II will present two one-act murder mystery comedies by Michael Druce at the Dadeville High School Auditorium April 27 through 29.

And Then There Was One – a Spoof, will be directed by Alexander City's Patti Smith and Susan McCrispin. The production features local actors as guests at a mansion on an isolated island. Their host is nowhere to be found, but after he announces an ominous warning, the guests begin to die one by one. It's a race against time to discover the murderer before everyone dies.

Following an intermission, Sky Walker and Mac Tyson direct Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine, in which the guest of honor at a gala

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banquet falls face first into her plate of spaghetti – dead!

The remaining dinner guests are quick to point out who the murderer might be, but it seems everyone at the banquet has a motive.

The Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m. The Sunday production begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 and are available at www. brownpapertickets.com and at the door. The auditorium will open 30 minutes prior to curtain time.

ACT II is an allvolunteer community theatre organization based at 216 Tallapoosa St., Alexander City.

Visit the Alexander City Theatre II Facebook page or email actheatreii@gmail.com for information.

April 17-18

Painting the Landscape in Oils

Artist Perry Austin will lead this two-day workshop with students at all levels to create landscapes in oils.

For information and reservations, visit www.tallapoosaworkshops.com.

April 21

Clean Community Partnership

The City of Alexander City is partnering with Clean Community Partnership to organize a cleanup event within Alexander City limits.

Volunteers should meet at City Hall at 8:30 a.m. to receive supplies and assignments. Return with a bag of roadside trash to earn a free hot dog.

For additional information, contact Steve Morgan at 256-329-8426 or Capt.

James Orr at 256-329-6772.

April 21

Old 280 Boogie

The 18th annual all-day music and arts festival at Standard Deluxe in Waverly will feature multiple artists, vendors and arts and crafts. This year’s line up includes performances

by Shinyribs, Rev. Sekou, Revel in Dimes, Chris Stalcup and The Grange, The Pine Hill Haints and Marshall Ruffin. Tickets are on sale for $30, either online at standarddeluxe.com or availabe to purchase at the gate. Kids ages 14 years old and younger get in for free. Bring chairs or blankets and small coolers, but no pets or glass bottles are permitted. Doors open at 11 a.m.

April 21-22

Catalina 22 Region 3 Championship Regatta

The Dixie Sailing Club will host this sailing regatta open to C22s in the Southeast Region 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

April 21

Fatherguard: The Family’s Protector

This one-day personal protection training camp at the United Martial Arts Academy, 155 Alabama St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will teach men active protection principles, techniques and countermeasures for protecting self and others. Registration required. Call 256-329-9199 for details.

April 23-25

Watercolor in One Stroke

Francesco Fontana will return to Tallapoosa School of Art to teach this three-day workshop that will address design and preparation, as well as economy and strategy of brushwork.

This class for intermediate and above level painters is limited to 10 students.

For information and reservations, visit www.tallapoosaworkshops.com.

May 1-4

Plein Air in Pastels and Oils

Greg Barnes will welcome students from beginner to intermediate levels with daily demonstrations and instruction from supplies to subjects, process and final touches.

For information and reservations, visit www.tallapoosaworkshops.com.

May 5

Facebook Social Mixer

Come and meet your Facebook friends from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Strand Park in Alexander City. The Facebook Social Mixer is for everyone and admission is free. You can enjoy a hot dog meal at your own expense from Ernie's Hot Dogs or dine at JR's or The Coffee Corner next to the park.

We will have great music from the 50s through the 90s by DJ Jay Andrews.

Bring your lawn chairs and if you wish a small table to sit your lunch and other items. There is no program and no agenda. No business or any special interest group is connected to this event. It is just an chance to meet and socialize with other Facebook members.

May 5

Hatchet Creek Lily Paddle

Put in at Double Bridges on Hatchet Creek, Coosa County Road 29 in Coosa County (GPS: 32.8613792 -86.3387123) at 10 a.m. and paddle upstream to see the Cahaba lilies in bloom. Then float back down the creek when ready to leave. Bring your own kayak, personal flotation, paddle, snacks, beverages and gear.

May 5

Derby Day at The Stables

Break out the big hats and seersucker for Derby Day at The Stables at Russell Crossroads. This annual event is a fundraiser for Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. Join the fun

in cheering on your favorite horses and enjoy some great food and live music. For more information, visit RusslllandsOnLakeMartin.com or call 256-397-1019.

May 8-10

Ronald Bayens Portraits in Oil

This three-day workshop with artist Ronald Bayens will focus on the details of eyes, hair and bling. Bayens will teach techniques during morning sessions, and students will practice during afternoon paint-alongs. For information and reservations, visit www.tallapoosaworkshops.com.

May 11

Friday on the Green

Jonathan Bloom will kick off this free summer concert series at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Bring the family, pets, coolers, chairs and blankets and come listen to live music from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019.

May 12

Junque Jubilee

Beginning at 8 a.m. MainStreet Alexander City will host this upscale yard sale with anything from antiques, furniture, vintage items, arts and crafts to old cars and iron works.

Registration for sellers will end April 30, and information can be picked up at 21 Main St., Alexander City. Call Bre Smith at 256-329-9227 for information.

May 12

Stars From Heaven

The guys from Columbus State University will bring their giant telescopes to Heaven Hill for a night of star gazing. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dinner will be served during the sunset, there will be a brief presentation; and then, participants will spend time studying astronomy first-hand. A very limited number of reservations are available. Call Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019 to reserve a place at the table.

May 19-20

Lee County Garden Tour

The Lee County Master Gardeners will offer tours of 10 gardens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Advance tickets are $30 each; groups of 10 or Lake Martin Living 53

more can purchase tickets in advance at $28 each. Tickets are $36 on tour days.

Ticket prices include boxed lunch from Chicken Salad Chick. The gardens are varied, and this year’s selection includes an orchid greenhouse, a delightful shade garden and a historic home. For information, visit www.leemg.org.

May 18

Camp Smile-a-Mile Ride of Love

Join in cheering on the bike riders during their last leg of the trip, which started in Tuscaloosa and ends at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin.

This event raises money and awareness for the camps held for children with terminal illnesses and their families.

May 19-20

Hatchet Creek Festival

Sign up early for this year’s twoday float trip down the beautiful Hatchet Creek in Coosa County because the event is limited to the first 100 registrants. The $40 entry fee includes shuttle service for camping gear and vehicle drivers, snacks, Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast, entertainment, private pond fishing, overnight camping with portable potties and hand-washing stations and an event T-shirt. Sponsored in part by Alabama Scenic River Trail, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative and Off the Beaten Path Alabama, in cooperation with landowners, this annual rite of spring fills up quickly.

For information, call 256-377-4713 or find details at www.aces.edu/coosa.

May 25-27 RXR Fest

The Town Green at Russell Crossroads comes alive with some great music Memorial Day weekend. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening, enjoy live music. For this year’s lineup, visit www.russellcrossroads.com/events.

May 26-27

Art on the Lake

More than 60 artists and vendors from all over the Southeast will set up on the grounds of Children’s Harbor to offer a variety of handmade goods.

This family-friendly, pet-friendly event also will include a Kids’ Zone, music, cocktail bar and more. Saturday the event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Call 334-857-2133 for information.

54 Lake Martin Living

May 30

Slalom Clinic with Nate Smith

Register early for this clinic to pick up tips and learn new techniques at this clinic with number one ranked slalom pro Nate Smith at Kowaliga Marine.

For more information email Scott Goslin at sgoslin@russelllands.com.

Season-Long Events Millerville Trade Day

Bibb Graves School on Highway 9 hosts this trade day on the third Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Find books, toys, models, coins, lamps, original artwork, jewelry, clothing, antiques, glassware, quilts, home décor and more. Refreshments available.

Library Storytime in Dadeville

Storytime for children ages 5 and younger is held at the Dadeville Public Library every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Ladies’ Book Club

Ladies 18 years of age and older are invited to participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. Meet in the conference room at 4 p.m. Call the library at 256-234-4644 for each month’s book title.

Electronics Recycling

The City of Alexander City Public Works Department hosts an electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.

Items accepted include computers, computer mouse, keyboards, modems or routers, CD and DVD players, power supplies, PC mix systems, home or cell phones, printers or copiers, mainframe servers, audio/video adapters, laptop chargers, cable boxes, nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries and flat screen monitors and televisions. CRT monitors and televisions are no longer accepted. For more information, call the Alexander City Public Works Department at 256-409-2020.

Charity Bingo

Play charity bingo at Jake’s Restaurant at 16 Broad St., Alexander City at 6 p.m. every Thursday night.

Cards are $1 and proceeds benefit local charities.

Coffee & Connections

Every third Tuesday of the month, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking event at 8 a.m. open to any chamber member.

Participants should meet at the TPI bullpen at the Lake Martin Innovation Center for coffee, a light breakfast and a chance to network with community members.

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 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.

Memory Makers Quilt Guild

Meet the second and fourth Mondays at the Senior Center on the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex campus.

Participants come and go between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a business meeting at 5 p.m., followed by showand-tell. Bring sewing projects, machines and questions.

Real Island Supper

The Real Island community hosts a covered dish supper every third Friday of the month at the Real Island Volunteer Fire Department and Community Room, 1495 Real Island Rd., Equality. Everyone is welcome.

Admission is $3 per adult; bring a covered dish to share. Some nights are themed, so call ahead to find out if costumes or certain types of food are in order. For more information, contact Dianne Perrett at 256-329-8724.

Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month except January and February. The Santuck Flea Market is located at 7300 Central Plank Rd., Highway 9 in Wetumpka.

To list your upcoming event in Lake Martin Living magzine, send details to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

Lake Martin Living 55

9

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

63

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

9

Power lines

21

280

20

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

16

22

Flint Hill Church

25

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

14

Rockford

3

49

128

22

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

32

11

9

Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church 33 Friendship Church New Hope Church

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

23 57

24

6

7 19 8

Equality

55

4 Camp Kiwanis

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

28 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

10 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

11 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

ga

2

Stillwaters

22 5

Union Landing

Ba

26 27

Walnut Hill

y

24 31

80

Pleasant Ridge Church

34

63

Kowaliga Boat Landing

9

18

9

Smith Landing Willow Point

Seman

Dadevill

280

Liberty Church

20

231

Horseshoe National P

Jaybird Landing

30

Union

90

50

Central

Red Hill

17

63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

34

49

Eclectic

12

Santuck

Kent Reeltown

231

14

ELMORE COUNTY

14

120

13

29 14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

56 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACON COUNTY

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111

255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300

450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

22

te

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500

250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741

2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026 5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

seshoe Bend tional Park

6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550

486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

Restaurants 7 SpringHouse 256-215-7080

12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

CHAMBERS COUNTY

deville

18

CON NTY

9 Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583

191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853 10 Oskar's Cafe 6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

50

Camp Hill

8 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070

17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035

295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 12 Bezlo's Bar and Grill 334-639-0003

65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024 13 Acapulco Mexican Grill 334-283-2725

2867 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078

280

Waverly 50

15

Loachapoka

21 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583

1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010 22 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133

6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853 23 Centry 21 Lake Area Realty 256-825-4800 440 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853 24 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 25 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298 2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Hotels & Lodges 26 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440

6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853 27 Creekside Event Center 256-307-1441

7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Churches 28 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820

8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853 29 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618

2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078 30 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293

8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders Business & Shopping 14 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481

5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010

31 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443

180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

15 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036

230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850

32 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400

6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

16 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567

1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

LEE COUNTY

20 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com

410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation & Entertainment

17 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132

1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

33 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

18 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256

350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853

34 A Little Bit of Texas 334-300-2405

38 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

19 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333

288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

14

Notasulga 85 81

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 57

(334) 745-7966

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Lighting the Way for the Lake & River Region for more than 125 Years

To subscribe call Linda Ewing 256-234-4281 P.O. Box 999, 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010

Lake Martin Living 59

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF LAKE MARTIN LIVING! Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy.

ALEXANDER CITY

Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Longleaf Antiques Mark King Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

CHELSEA

The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center

60 Lake Martin Living

Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

ECLECTIC

Bezlo's Cafe Bless Your Heart Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Original Grace Peoples Bank

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly on 21

TALLASSEE

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 for a subscription.

AD INDEX A1 Four Seasons................................................................................ 5 9

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 5 9

A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 7

Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 5 9

Advanced Heating & Air.................................................................... 5 9

Lake Martin Community Hospital....................................................... 3 9

Alabama Power................................................................................. 1 2

Lake Martin Dock........................................................................ 23, 59

Beyond Home Care.............................................................................. 5

Lake Martin Realty........................................................................ 32-33

Bezlo's Cafe....................................................................................... 4 2

Mark King's Furniture ....................................................................... 3 1

Bob Alexander Landscaping ................................................................ 8

Millstone Nursery................................................................................ 7

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 7

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery..................................................... 5

C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 4 2

Prime Management........................................................................... 5 9

Cahaba Glass..................................................................................... 4 5

Poor House Boat Outlet..................................................................... 4 2

DAVCO Development........................................................................ 5 9

Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 5

Designs by Trish................................................................................... 7

River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 5 9

District Nineteen................................................................................ 1 8

Russell Lands on Lake Martin............................................................. 6 3

George Hardy, D.M.D........................................................................ 4 2

Russell Marine................................................................................... 5 5

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 5 9

Russell Medical.......................................................................36-37, 64

Heritage South Credit Union.............................................................. 1 9

Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5

Hinson Galleries................................................................................. 4 5

Southern Sash................................................................................... 5 8

Horne Window Tinting...................................................................... 4 2

Southern Star Pet Grooming & Boarding........................................... 4 5

J&M Tank Lines........................................................................................... 8

Sparkle Window Cleaning................................................................... 8

Jackson Thornton............................................................................. 6 1

Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 1 9

Lake Martin Properties...................................................................... 1 8

Wind Creek Casino.............................................................................. 3

Liveoak Agency, Inc.......................................................................... 5 8

Wind Creek Zip Line............................................................................ 2

Kathy McKinley, Draperies................................................................ 1 8

Lake Martin Living 61

MEDIEVAL MADNESS

'Joust' thinking of things to do

O

the two combatants made a pass, one of them ended ur little corner of heaven is packed with fun up hitting the sand back first. The other jouster then things to do, but maybe it would be fun to dismounted, and hand-to-hand fighting began. They import some cool activities from other areas. It can’t be just sunbathing, swimming and cruising, can it? used time-appropriate weapons, too. When I was a 12-year-old, I once tried to smuggle an authentic mace Yeah, it probably could be, but maybe we need to into the country from jolly ole England. I know a real think outside the box for some fresh ideas on occasion. mace when I see one. And, yeah, those dudes actually Here’s one to consider: used those.

My kids, wife and I were all in Atlanta a while It was truly awesome when, after our section’s back. We did all of the typical Atlanta things: hit the Yellow Knight won his battle, he gave his royal flag to aquarium; went to Lego Land; paid too much for my daughter to announce that she was the queen of the parking at the hotel; all that normal, tourist-y stuff you kingdom (and by kingdom, I mean rows HHneed to do when entertaining your children.

PP, seats 1-36).

But we did something else, too. Something There was one drawback to being thrust I didn’t even know existed in Georgia: We into a medieval fantasyland, I guess; went to a medieval jousting tournament. We apparently, forks had not yet been invented in did this at the appropriately named Medieval medieval times; therefore, all of us had to eat Times Dinner and Tournament, just outside with our hands. The half chicken, the potato of Atlanta in Lawrenceville. wedge, the dessert – everything.

Oddly enough, the place was in a mall.

Now, my kids really dug that. I think my A real life, Galleria-like mall. That part youngest son would have risked getting The shocked me. At first, it felt wrong. Like an Plague if he could just eat like that all of the insomniac trying to sell a mattress. There is time. That boy ripped through his chicken something about exchanging shorts at the like it had his car keys in it. Personally, Banana Republic before heading to a jousting though, I prefer the security and familiarity tournament that seemed inauthentic at best of the knife and fork. and downright weird at worst.

Anyhoo, as opposed to most massBut a funny thing happened once I gave produced dinners everywhere, this meal was our tickets to the friendly wench at the front Luke Robinson not bad at all. Everything they served was gate. (Yes, you get to call them that; in fact, actually edible. That’s a big deal when you it is encouraged; however, it should be noted are catering to around 1,000 lords and ladies. that the lovely women taking tickets at our local movie Overall, it was an awesome experience. Much better theater do not enjoy being called wenches at all! Just an than Cats (YouTube the old SNL skit, people).

FYI.) This place was really cool.

I get that the thought of heading to suburbia to The enormity of the interior would have been hard to fathom from the parking lot. It was like walking into that check out a jousting tourney in a shopping complex is a little cheesy. Usually, if you want to see a battle in a special train station in the Harry Potter series. Or, more mall, you can go to the shopping center parking lot on fittingly, like the inside of the Keebler elves’ tree (how Black Friday. My clan was a pair of jean shorts away do they have room for all of those ovens? That’s all I’m from being completely diced, smothered and covered in asking). a gravy of backwoods goodness; I understand that.

After a quick tour of the medieval torture chamber But look at this another way if you are having an (Note: that was not a great idea for the kids), we were issue with the idea of phony, Southern-fried British shown to our table. Everyone was seated pretty quickly accents fighting each other in chainmail: My kids were in the arena, which was divided into six vibrantly entertained to no end for two and a half hours, and they colored sections. Each section’s color corresponded to ate all of their dinner. That’s a win in my book. a knight. Each section rooted for that corresponding Could a joust-n-dinner themed establishment work knight in the tournament. here? Maybe. You bring the horses; I will bring the After some preliminary mediocre acting from the mace. Hopefully, someone will show up with food. “king” and “princess,” the knights arrived, and the jousting began. And I do mean actual jousting. These ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also guys must have hated recess in elementary school ‘cause writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook. they did not play! The fighting seemed very, very real.

At least it looked pretty dang real to us, as every time

The Last Word

62 Lake Martin Living

The best memories are made at

The Ridge.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin is a breathtaking lake community with 25,000 acres of forest set among Lake Martin’s 40,000 plus acres of pristine water and nearly 900 miles of shoreline. The largest premier neighborhood at Russell Lands On Lake Martin is The Ridge—where ownership comes with an array of extras – The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex, miles of hiking and walking trails as well as nature and waterfront parks, and a state-of-the-art Ridge Marina -- all designed to connect you with family, friends, nature, and always, the lake.

RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM

HOMES & HOMESITES AVAILABLE

256.215.7011

LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA Lake Martin Living 63