Elmore County Living April 2016

Elmore April 2016

County Living

Tallassee duplex gets vintage renovation Moving to Elmore County Series WWII veteran tells his story

HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL EDITION

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Blooms in 2015 Tallassee Garden Club President Betty Carwile’s front yard.

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Community Hospital 805 Friendship Road Tallassee, AL 36078 (334) 283-6541 www.chal.org

Community Skilled Care and Rehab Community Hospital of Tallassee is now offering a transitional level of care to those patients who need rehabilitative and restorative services on a shortterm basis. Our program is designed to assist patients when acute care hospitalization is not required, but the patient needs further care to reach a level of strength and wellness in order to safely return to their home or residential facility.

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For more information please call: (334) 283-3857 E-mail: swingbed@chal.org Visit our website at www.chal.org ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

A division of

Community Hospital 3

From the Managing Editor's Desk

After President’s Day, I started looking for a green tint on the mountainsides as I drove through Elmore County. It was too early for leaves and buds then, I know, but as the sap rose, the greening twigs turned gray hills the slightest shade of new life. The returning energy in the landscape fed my own, and by the time the azaleas bloomed at the end of March, I was so full of optimism that I didn't even mind taking antihistamines to block the effects of the pollen storm that accompanied the flowers.

Covering stories for Elmore County Living magazine is always fun, but blue skies and pink blossoms definitely kick it up a notch with the changing season. Spring is in fine form in this month’s issue, our annual Home and Garden edition. We had the best time covering stories to share with you in celebration of springtime in Elmore County.

As Tallassee native Jennifer Griffitts told us, the town watched the renovations at her Gilmer Parkway home from across the street, but they just saw the transformation of the front porch and yard. Until now, only a select few have seen the interior of the home – a former duplex that predates the town’s water records. This month, Jennifer opened her doors to Elmore County Living magazine, and we are excited to share with you the fabulous work she’s done inside. Turn to page 30 and let her authentic vintage style inspire your home makeover.

We left Jennifer’s house and drove around the corner to last May’s Yard of the Month at Bill and Betty Carwile’s Lake Tallassee home.

“We chose this lot when we built here because the dogwoods and native azaleas were the most beautiful,” Betty Carwile said.

So we caught those particular blooms in their prime earlier this month, and it was spectacular. Color exploded throughout their 2-acre property with promises of more as spring progresses. Spend some time in their garden on pages 18 through 22.

We included the spring theme in this month’s Business Spotlight story on page 10, too. The fresh, bright décor and delicious aroma at River Perk in downtown Wetumpka are just the pop you’ll need to start those spring project days with a smile on your face.

And be sure to check out the smiling faces we found all over the county this month when we were Out & About for the photos on page 43.

Before I leave you to browse this month’s issue, let me remind you to send your summer calendar information to editor@lakemartinmagazine. com. Next month’s issue of Elmore County Living magazine will include the list of activities and events from Memorial Day through Labor Day in Elmore County, and we want to be sure to include your fund raisers and festivals all summer long. We’ll need them before May 1, so send them right now while you’re thinking about it. And if there are special stories you’d like for us to tell in these pages, send those ideas, too.

And thanks for whiling away a bit of spring with us at Elmore County Living!

President & Publisher Kenneth Boone

kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

Managing Editor Betsy Iler

betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com

Assistant Magazine Editor Mia Osborn

mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com

Distribution Manager David Kendrick

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultant Jayne Carr

jayne.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com

Marketing Consultant Molly Brethauer

molly.brethauer@thewetumpkaherald.com

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Suellen Young Jeff Langham Mary K. Moore Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor Kathy Monroe Cory Diaz Joe Allen Turner Carmen Rodgers Mitch Emmons

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

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

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor

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STAFF

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Trusted. Rooted. Affordable.

Since 1969, one name has served our great community with the care and compassion it deserves — Jeffcoat. We celebrate the beauty of a life and make it our purpose to honor each one respectfully and affordably. Please take the time to compare our prices and services with those of other funeral homes... we know you will be pleasantly surprised.

Our family would like to thank you for placing your trust in us for nearly 50 years.

255 Friendship Road • Tallassee • (334) 283-6801 • jeffcoatfuneralhome.com • Since 1969 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER Bill and Betty Carwile's lakeside garden welcomes spring with bright blossoms like these verbena outside their front door.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

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18 Columns

10 Features

In Every Issue

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Back in the Day

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World Tour

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Extra! Extra!

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Movie Man

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Early Blooms

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Business Spotlight

The Gamer

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Moving to Elmore County

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Community Care

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It's ‘Wild’ Time

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Southern Delights

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Dam Century Ride

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40 42 54

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Joe Allen Turner

Home Sweet Movie Set NX Release

Transitional Care Open Mock Apple Pie

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WWII Veteran's Story Bill and Betty Carwile's Garden Third and final article in series Annual AWF Game Cookoff 100-Mile Event Planned

Trash to Treasure

Vintage Sanctuary Conversion

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News Briefs River Perk

Out & About

In Elmore County

Coming Up

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Where to Find Us Distribution List

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Southside Middle Band takes home top rating Southside Middle School's 8th grade band earned a Superior (I) rating for their performance of Newcastle March, Astro Overture and The Curse of Tutankhamun at the annual Music Performance Assessment held last month in Montgomery.

Judges rated the participating bands on tone quality, pitch, balance and blend, musical effect and stage decorum. Superior ratings are rare for younger bands.

Smith’s Ears movie gets local play The regional premiere of a movie that was written, directed and produced by a local pastor and filmed in Wetumpka played last month at the old Carmike and Wynn Song 10 Theatre in Montgomery.

When I Hold My Ears, by the Rev. Arthur Smith of St. James Family Worship Church in Wetumpka, stars former NFL Baltimore Ravens player Steve Baggs Jr. and is based on Smith's semi-autobiographical story about domestic violence.

Smith said the film carries a message of hope and lets victims know help is available.

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Wagon train in Tallassee The Broken L Wagon Train last month traveled through Tallassee on its way from Rock Mills, Alabama, to Montgomery. The train stopped at Tallassee to camp and let their horses rest for the night as they made their annual weeklong expedition to escort the rodeo.

Local schools field powerlifting champs

Three competitors from two local schools captured individual state crowns at the Alabama High School State Powerlifting Championships at ECHS last month.

The ECHS boys won their seventh straight, and the girls claimed their sixth straight

Class 4A state title, and the girls finished in the top three out of 12 schools overall in classes 1A-7A. Senior Markel Leonard and freshman Grant Hall headlined the meet for the Panthers, earning individual championships at 220-pound and 98-pound, respectively. For Holtville, 340-pound sophomore B.J. Burke posted the best overall lift total at 1,105 pounds, including the highest squat at 550 pounds en route to taking the top prize in his division.

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Elmore Dollar General to open soon

The mayor of Elmore and members of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority, along with district commission representative, Joe Faulk, celebrated the result of what was said to be a five-year effort to get a retail store in the town of Elmore.

The construction on the Dollar General is nearly complete and Leisa Finley, ECEDA executive director, said it was a matter of weeks before the store opened.

The store is located along what will be new limits of U.S. Highway 14 once the proposed widening project is complete.

Bart Mercer, ECEDA chairman, said he was excited about the improvements and growth he felt Elmore was positioned to see in the future.

Mayor Margaret White said the new store would save time for Elmore residents who would otherwise shop outside of town.

Governor tours Tutweiler Women's Prison Gov. Robert Bentley toured Wetumpka’s Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women on Thursday in an effort to create support for his Alabama Prison Transformation Initiative.

Bentley joined Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Commissioner Jeff Dunn, Tutwiler Warden Bobby Barrett, Tutwiler Director of Women’s Services Wendy Williams and other dignitaries on a tour of the women’s prison’s receiving area, A and K dorms, mental health lab and faith-based dorm.

Tutwiler receives all female inmates into the state prison system.

Tallassee Council chooses site for swimming pool The Tallassee City Council earlier this month finally approved a location for the proposed new swimming pool.

All seven members of the council were present for the vote to locate the pool behind the girls’ softball complex in East Tallassee. The city owns 18 acres behind the softball complex.

“There’s room for more things to be built back there in the future,” said Councilman Rob Rygiel.

It was a five to two decision to pass the proposal. Most members made it clear that their intentions were geared toward the children of the inner city and this location would benefit those children better than any previously proposed. In order to pursue grant funding the city must have a chosen location.

Extra!

Extra!

News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Tallassee plants Good Roots

Tallassee is planting trees and launching beautification projects as part of this year’s round of Good Roots grants from the Alabama Power Foundation.

“When we applied for the grant, we wanted to continue beautifications efforts along the entry to our city from Interstate 85. We have seen improvements in the past with the lighting on Highway 229 and areas around our industrial parks,“ said Mayor Bobby Payne.

Before the Bleachers Workers from Correct Cut Construction last month cleaned up the site where the visitors bleachers stood at Burt-Haynie Field. Once serving as the home stands at Elmore County High School football games, the set of bleachers was speculated to have been built in the 1930s. The demolition of the stands serve as the second step in the process of the football field receiving a new set of visitors bleachers, a plan the Elmore County Public School Board of Education approved on Oct. 20, 2015.

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Oates swears by River Perk's vintage milkshake mixer

River Perk

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Story by Mia Osborn Photos by Suellen Young

here may be a chain café on every corner in the big cities and a coffee pot in every gas station, but in downtown Wetumpka, coffee is personal – so personal, said Johnny Oates, co-owner of Company Street’s River Perk, that you can get a coffee named after you.

“We do all the fancy coffees. Anything you can buy at Starbucks you can buy here, except I think we’re better,” Oates said. “We really needed a coffee shop. There wasn’t one around at the time; you had to go to Prattville or Montgomery.”

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Then along came Savannah Dart, a native Alabamian who lived and worked as a barista in Washington state for several years. Dart and Oates became business partners, putting their heads and skills together to open River Perk in Wetumpka’s old bank building last summer.

The shop offers sandwiches, hot dogs and pastries, malts, milk shakes, teas and, of course, a dizzying array of coffees. The River Perk menu includes all the standard coffee drinks, such as lattes, mochas, cappuccinos and frappes (River Perk calls them frappys).

But Oates and Dart encourage visitors to venture off the menu and get creative with

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Business Spotlight

Dart and Oates relax on the coffee shop sidewalk

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Collections of Southern-themed T-shirts and old records decorate the walls their orders.

“We’re not corporate,” Oates explained. “If you want a special drink, we’ll make it for you.

Then if we like it, we’ll name it after you and put it on the board.”

Custom drinks that have proven popular include The Katie – a salted caramel truffle coffee – and The Donna, which is a mixture of dark chocolate and amaretto. Dart likes to take her time helping guests narrow down the menu, and she takes pride in matching the right coffee to the right customer.

In the meantime, Oates dreams up original milkshakes. The pie- and cheesecake-inspired shakes he invented have turned out to be big crowd pleasers.

“We had someone drive all the way down here from Birmingham for the sweet potato pie shake,” Oates said. “We put a whole piece of pie in each one.”

Part of the reason for the quality of River Perk’s shakes may be the equipment on which they are made. The mint-green milkshake mixer is an original 1950s model, restored and going strong. The vintage equipment, along with the 45-rpm records displayed on the wall of the dining area and the golden oldies music playing through the sound system, hearken back to the time of soda fountains. And that’s just the way Oates likes it.

“It’s kind of a throwback,” he said. “When

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you come in here, we want you to feel at home.”

The pair went vintage on the décor as well; Dart painted the walls of River Perk’s two dining rooms in sunny yellow and blue faux boards. And she manages the ever-growing chalkboard menu that dominates the wall behind the drink counter.

Oates said the coffee shop’s vintage feel has attracted visitors of all ages.

“We get a lot of grandparents bringing in their grandkids, so they can see what it was like back in the day,” he explained.

Once guests are finished with their coffee and sandwiches, they can while away the time browsing River Perk’s collection of gifts. There’s something for everyone in the gift shop, from fountain pens to figurines made of red Elmore County clay from the Alabama Clay Company to wedding dresses for dogs. The shop’s stock is a mix of commissioned works by local artists, along with a few antique pieces Dart picks up at estate sales. In addition, the shop offers a wide range of T-shirts touting Southern sayings, and in the old bank’s vault, Oates’ keeps a collection of piggy banks.

River Perk also offers catering for any occasion. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 334-4784970.

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Red Hill's 97-year-old WWII veteran Arvel Griffith displays some mementos from his service in the South-East Asian theater

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World Tour Red Hill veteran recalls trip around the globe during service to his country Story & Photos by Mitch Emmons

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rvel Griffith said he remembers the kindness best. The kindness contrasted sharply with the war, the jungle, the deprivations, hardships of disease and monsoons and the terror and fear that washed over him as the Japanese army advanced on American troops during the World War II Burma Campaign.

A native of Elmore County’s Red Hill community, the 97-year-old Griffith was a young man when he was drafted in 1942, the year in which the Japanese army invaded Burma (now Myanmar) in the SouthEast Asian theatre and drove out the

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occupying British forces. The Alabama man headed west for an undisclosed first assignment; he circumnavigated the globe before seeing home again four years later.

Griffith’s first stop on the way to his war duty was California.

“I had never been to California,” he said. “When I got to see Hollywood, that was something else.”

Griffith said he stayed in Los Angeles for nearly a week before receiving information about where his company was bound.

“We had no idea where we were going,” he said.

“When we finally got orders to board ship, we still did not know where we were headed.”

After a few days, some rough waters and a bout with seasickness, his ship docked in Australia on Christmas Day. “We thought this might be our duty station,” Griffith said, “and that would have been just fine.”

Griffith recalled how the Australian people enthusiastically greeted the arriving American soldiers.

“People even took us into their homes and fed us good meals,” he said. “They took us in like members of the family and treated us grandly for the few days that we were there. But then, we got orders to board ship again, and our next stop was Bombay, India.

“We went from there by ferry across the Ganges River,” he said. “It was not until then that we knew where we were going to be.”

His wartime service, Griffith said, was spent at a former British military base where he converted the British electronics to U.S. equipment.

“They had everything wired for 220 volts,” Griffith explained. “American Army equipment ran on 110 volt systems, so we spent the war re-wiring everything.

“It was really a hard life for the people there,” he said.

There was very little in the way of modern conveniences, Griffith said. Moreover, the area had suffered extensive damage from the fighting that,

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by the time U.S. troops arrived, had become commonplace.

The Burma Campaign of World War II was the only land operation in the Pacific Theatre that continued from the start of hostilities until the Japanese surrender. Allied forces reoccupied Burma and held it from late 1944 to mid-1945 when participating American forces began to receive orders home.

“That was a great day,” Griffith said.

His voyage back to the United States took him west from India, through Alexandria, Egypt, where he remained for several days before shipping out once again and finally porting in New York Harbor.

“New York was the first time that I had been able to get cornbread to eat since first leaving home,” he said with a chuckle.

But embarkation on U.S. soil was not an altogether pleasant experience for the returning soldiers.

“The public transportation system there was on strike,” he said. “It was days before we finally were able to get on a train bound for Alabama and home.”

It was only because the soldiers banded together and watched out for each other that they were able to negotiate the strike and head south, Griffith said.

Ultimately, he made it to Prattville, where family members met him and took him back to his beloved home in Red Hill.

Griffith was discharged in 1946 and re-entered civilian life, where he served as an electrical engineer at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery.

Griffith and his wife, Myrtice, raised two sons, Wayne and Rodney, as well as a daughter, Judy.

He lost Myrtice to cancer in 1978 after 38 years of marriage. His son, Wayne, lives in Greenville, South Carolina; Rodney still lives in the Red Hill area; and daughter Judy is in Montgomery.

Griffith remembers the exotic places he visited en route to his wartime station of operation, the kindness of strangers and the life-long friendships he forged while serving his country, and these are the memories about which he speaks most fondly.

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Fern

Back Yard Garden

Cherry

Azalea

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Wisteria

Variegated Wandering Jew LIVING ELMORE COUNTY

Early Blooms Story by Betsy Iler Photos by Kenneth Boone

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zaleas and dogwoods growing wild on a lakeside bank won Betty and Bill Carwile’s hearts 23 years ago, and since then, the couple has multiplied the beauty and sentiment of their 2-acre garden near Tallassee’s scenic River Walk.

“We were actually looking at the lot across the lake, and we saw all the azaleas and dogwoods blooming on this property.” said Betty. “I told Bill, ‘that’s the one I want.’”

Clay County native Bill Carwile and his wife, Betty, who grew up in Maryland, moved to Montgomery years ago when Bill took a civil engineering job there.

“Then we moved to Prattville; then Wetumpka; and then Tallassee,” said Bill, who has retired twice and hopes to make retirement stick this time.

Ivy, Loropetalum and Variegated Wandering Jew To make the most of his leisurely days, Bill plays golf and goes fishing, and he loves to work he planted them hurriedly along the bank. in the garden that Betty and he have cultivated over the “I just stuck them in the ground and walked away, years with cuttings and plants from friends and relaand most of them did great,” he said. tives. Those features include daylilies and daffodils that Beginning with the colorful dogwoods and azaleas they dug up at Bill’s parents’ home and transplanted that bloom in early spring, the Carwiles’ garden bursts along a path through open woods that leads to their into color that lasts into early fall with knockout roses, gazebo and boathouse on the lake. verbena and dwarf loropetalum, hostas, iris, petunias, The senior Carwiles also supplied the Tallassee couple wisteria and several varieties of wandering Jew, along with hydrangeas, from which Bill carefully snipped cutwith Tiger Lily cannas, butterfly bushes, bridal wreath, tings, treating them with rooting compound and fussing clematis, English dogwood and airy green ferns. to protect them and encourage growth. But when he ran When Bill retired for the second time three years ago, short of time with an inventory of cuttings on his hands, he put up an 8-foot by 12-foot greenhouse where he can

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Betty and Bill Carwile

root cuttings, start seeds and winter-over plants, like the large pots of hydrangeas that Betty arranges around the yard.

“If you put the pink and purple hydrangeas in the ground, they will lose their color and turn blue, so I keep some of them in pots to preserve the color,” Betty explained.

The Carwiles left much of their large lot natural, especially along the 480-foot lake frontage and outer edges. In the wooded areas close to the lawn, Bill regularly clears the underbrush and plants new items that he’s found or been given.

“Every year, we add more and root from new,” he said.

Those new plantings dot the borders of their lawn with color all year, accented with bird feeders and houses and the occasional piece of yard art.

Betty said she didn’t do much with her yard until she retired 12 years ago and a friend invited her to a Tallassee Garden Club meeting. With time to be involved, she enjoyed the meetings and projects and last year held the office of club president. Their delightful garden won the Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce Yard of the Month Award last May, and the Carwiles look forward to another season of playing in the dirt at their beautiful Lake Tallassee retreat.

Loropetalum

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Loropetalum

Geranium and Ferns

Native Azalea

Dogwood

Coleus

Hostas Purple Witch Hazel

Tiger Lily Canna

Purple Coleus ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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Changing face of Elmore County Tracking growth, money and education

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Story by Betsy Iler

allapoosa Publishers, Inc., commissioned an 25 years, and U.S. Census figures today show a substantial online survey through Pulse Research, Inc., return on that investment. The county has experienced an an independent polling company based in 8 percent increase in the percentage of the population with Washington state. The survey was held from bachelors’ or graduate degrees, and income levels have Nov. 23, 2015, to Jan. 12, 2016. Participants increased by 10 percent after adjustment for inflation. could access the survey 24 hours a day But respondents to a recent Pulse Research, Inc., survey through social media sites – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – as said that while they spend most of their daily-convenience well as Tallapoosa Publishers shopping dollars at home, websites, including Elmore the money they spend on Where Elmore County Readers Find Sales County Living magazine. Each big-ticket items does not Newspaper or Website respondent who completed the support local education and survey and entered his or her local jobs.

Internet Search email address was entered to win In 1990, only 12.8 percent Local Radio one of two $500 prepaid Visa gift of Elmore County’s popuDirect Mail cards. lation held bachelors’ or Control methods were used graduate degrees. By 2014, Ad Inserts to limit respondents to completthat figure had jumped to Local Shopping Flyer ing the survey only one time.

21 percent. The increase Social Media Controls also were implemented of 64 percent follows the to allow only Elmore County pattern of the area’s popuLocal TV residents over the age of 18 to lation growth during the complete the survey interview. same time period. In 1990, The compiled survey results, the population in Elmore along with U.S. Census records, County was 49,210, and the are the sources for this article, the third and final in a series that El- census bureau estimated the number at 80,000 residents in more County Living magazine has published in recent issues about 2014, an increase of 62.5 percent. population changes and lifestyle trends in the county since 1990.

U.S. Census records placed the median income level in Elmore County in 1993 at $29,825, the equivalent of $48,862 in 2014’s economy. According to estimated census figures, Education was the number one reason for a population the median income level in Elmore County in 2014 was surge of some 40 percent in Elmore County over the last

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said they search social media to find retail sales. Some 40 $54,159, an increase that offers the average family 10.8 perpercent said they would like to see more ads about what is cent more buying power. available locally.

According to the Pulse Research survey, respondents The Wetumpka Herald is the most read newspaper in the would rather purchase groceries, clothing and auto repair county, as 46.4 percent of respondents said they had read services at home, and more than 75 percent prefer dining locally, but it’s the big-ticket items that drain the local econ- the publication in the most recent week; the closest competitor was The Montgomery omy, said Pulse Research Advertiser’s, which was read analyst Andrew Dove.

Where Elmore County Readers Find News by 42 percent of respon“People are going outside dents. of Elmore County to buy The Wetumpka Herald One quarter of the counappliances, electronics, furty’s population is employed niture, vehicles and boats,” The Tallassee Tribune in healthcare fields – the Dove said. highest single job category That means local jobs and – with 5,308 healthcare jobs sales tax revenues suffer The Eclectic Obersver reported in 2015. In 1990, adsubstantial losses because ministrative and clerical jobs these items frequently are held the highest percentage. not purchased in Elmore Montgomery Advertiser Age distribution has County. fluctuated very little over The survey results indithe last 25 years. Percentages cated that Elmore County remained steady in most age residents find it easier to categories, though the catshop at local grocery and What Elmore County Shoppers Want egories from 20 to 24 years hardware stores, with 97.3 of age ticked up in Elmore percent of participants County, as did the categories indicating they purchase Better Selection from 45 to 75, with slight groceries locally. More than losses in the youngest age 70 percent said the majority More Local Sale Ads categories. of their regular household Race distribution also has shopping is done in Elmore remained relatively constant, County. In fact, 61 percent Better Pricing with the white population at of the respondents said that 75 percent today compared drive time is an important Better Customer Service to nearly 77 percent 25 years factor in their shopping deciago; African-American sions, and 72 percent cited population has stayed at 20 location as important. percent in the last 25 years But when survey responwhile there have been very dents shop for large purslight gains in the Asian population levels in the county. chases, including jewelry, washers and dryers, televisions, In 1990, 69.7 percent of Elmore County’s population progaming systems, automobiles, sporting goods and even fessed Christianity, according to the Association of Religion home repairs, they look outside of Elmore County. Their motivation for doing so appears to be selection and pricing, Data Archives, but by 2010, more than 50 percent of the county’s population reported no religious affiliation, with as more than 80 percent of respondents said they would only 45 percent of the population reporting affiliation with spend more of their shopping dollars in Elmore County Christian denominations. if stores offered better selection. More than 70 percent of As the number of people living in Elmore County has those surveyed said that selection is a key factor when they increased over the last 25 years, some aspects of their shop in Montgomery County. And 40 percent said they lifestyles – such as education levels, income and religion – purchase items outside of the county for more attractive have changed substantially, as well. Other things haven’t pricing.

Overwhelmingly, respondents said they consult the local changed. People still buy their groceries down the street and look to their local newspapers as a primary source for newspaper for shopping information – 61.6 percent – and local information and eat primarily in local restaurants.

42.9 percent said they find information in ad inserts, while And residents will still shop outside of Elmore County for less than 40 percent said they find shopping informabig-ticket items when selection is limited in the county. tion through television programming, and 51.8 percent

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It’s ‘Wild’ Time Alabama Wildlife Federation to host annual game cook-off at Millbrook headquarters Bacon-wrapped stuffed alligator won Best Presentation in a previous contest

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Story by Mia Osborn

ust off those grill aprons and shine your spatula: the Tri-County Chapter of the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) will host its annual Wild Game CookOff at the Natureplex in Millbrook at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 28.

The event will feature music, a silent auction and samples of original wild game recipes that last year included wild “wabbit” with biscuits and gravy, Creole crappie and squirrel kabobs.

“We hold these cook-offs for several reasons,” said CookOff Coordinator Tommy Tidwell. “We want to introduce people to wild game and let them know that wild game is good table fare that responsible hunters use. We also want to show that the harvesting of wild game is an ethical, necessary part of the conservation process.”

AWF defines wild game as any fish, fowl or game animal that can be found in the wild in North America. The Wild Game Cook-Off celebrates the people who harvest wild game for food, as well as the game itself. Teams are asked to

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use wild game harvested by a team member or local hunter, though the judges recognize that this is not always possible.

“We realize there are gray areas. For example, most people don’t have access to a shrimping boat to catch their own shrimp, even though shrimp are considered wild game,” said Tidwell.

Titles will be awarded for first, second and third place entries in each of three categories: fish, fowl and game. Teams may submit entries in all three categories, but each team can only win one first place prize.

The dish that rates highest across all categories will be awarded the title of Best Overall and will advance to the state championship, which will be held at AWF headquarters Aug. 6. A Best Presentation award also will be given to the team with the best station decorations.

Wild Game Cook-Off dishes may be prepared at the Natureplex the day of the event, or they may be premade and warmed up on site. Teams are responsible for bringing their own grills, warmers and other cooking equipment and must present a dish to the judges, as well as provide at least

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50 bite-sized samples of the same dish for public tasting. The judges will rate entries for taste and originality.

Tidwell said the Wild Game Cook-Off always needs donations of time, money and prizes for the silent auction, but that what they need most are new teams with new and exciting recipes.

“We’re always lookVenison meatloaf ing for cook teams. They gets gourmet treatment are the life blood of these events,” he said. “We are especially looking for young folks to get involved.”

Cook teams should include one to four people and may represent a local business or restaurant or may stand alone.

On registration, all team members will receive complimentary one-year AWF memberships. Registration is free, but teams are encouraged to sell at least five tickets to the event.

“All proceeds go back the AWF general fund and conser-

vation efforts in three core areas: land stewardship, conservation education and hunting and angling heritage,” Tidwell explained.

Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at the Natureplex on the day of the event or in advance on the AWF website or at the Millbrook or Prattville area chambers of commerce, Sportsman’s Headquarters or the AWF headquarters. Each ticket admits up to two people and includes a subscription to Alabama Wildlife magazine and a one-year AWF membership for one of the two guests sharing the ticket.

Cook team members and children under 15 years old are admitted free.

For registration, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/wildgame-cook-off/. To volunteer or for more information, call AWF at 1-800-822-9453.

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Dam Century Ride Tallassee announces 100-mile event Story by Betsy Iler

T

allassee will launch the Dam Century Ride this fall, an inaugural 100-mile bicycling event that could draw riders from across the country – and eventually from around the world, said Greater Tallassee Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Michone Roy. The route will carry riders through four counties – Elmore, Tallapoosa, Montgomery and Macon – to view the scenic back roads and beauty of the American South, Roy said.

“We want to make this a big event, something that we can develop into an event worthy of the Backroads listing,” Roy explained.

Backroads organizes adventure sport trips to destinations in more than 10 countries, including 17 U.S. states. Presently, there is not a Backroads destination in Alabama.

Roy said the date for the inaugural ride has been set for Oct. 15, and the ride committee is looking for rest stop sponsors.

Two bicycle shops already have signed on

as chasers – vans that follow the riders to provide repairs or emergency services along the route.

“At the end of the event, the riders will vote on the best rest stop, and the business or church or neighborhood that sponsored that stop will win a prize, so there’s an element of competition in what they can do with the rest stops,” she said.

The event would include a kids’ ride through Tallassee the morning before the big event. Additional activities could be planned to create a festive atmosphere for the ride, she said.

For information about the ride or sponsoring a rest stop, contact Roy at 334-2835151.

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Patrons at a fast-food restaurant across the street watched the porch renovation; here's a glimpse inside the home

From Trash to Tallassee native creates vintage-styled sanctuary in footprint of tired duplex Story by Betsy Iler Photos by Kenneth Boone

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Treasure ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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The porch is Griffitts' favorite home haunt

J

ennifer Griffitts found the 3,800-square foot duplex on Gilmer Parkway in Tallassee five years ago. It was in terrible condition – the roof leaked into numerous rooms; floors were out of level by 6 inches in some places; foundations were failing; and termites thrived under the carpets. Outside, overgrown trees and shrubbery hid the house from view, and the yard rolled unevenly between flower beds that had long been neglected.

But she saw beyond the home’s condition and knew what it could become, so Griffitts bought the house in October 2011.

“I used to come here and just sit and think about what I could do with it,” Griffitts said. “I measured each room, and I would go home and make floor plans.”

She presented the plans to her family – a son, husband and step-daughter. They discussed each and chose a plan.

Then, the work began.

“I knew it would be a complete gut,” she said.

The demolition included taking down the wall that sepa-

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rated the structure’s two three-bedroom apartments and removing the drywall throughout the house.

“I had been up to the attic, so I knew there was some rock in places, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I would find behind the walls,” she said.

The original house apparently had seen several additions, and each offered its own collection of surprises.

At the core, Griffitts discovered a stone fireplace behind the wall in what had A bright been a duplex dining room. She removed window the drywall – and the heart pine planks view on she had not expected to find behind it the porch – to expose pockets of mortar that filled uneven spaces between the heart pine wall and the irregular rock front of a chimney estimated at 120 years old. In some places, the mortar was as much as 5 inches thick.

“The woman I bought the house from did not know it was there,” Griffitts said.

“I put a plastic tent around the fireplace, and every day for about two months, I came over here with a drill tool and chipped away at it until I had cleaned off the stones.”

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Clockwise from right: Griffitts found this bridgecrossing ticket in a wall of the home; A pair of salvaged shed doors and vintage birdhouses decorate the master; The master bedroom features a fireplace that Griffitts rescued from between the walls; Griffitts made her own makeup vanity in the corner of the master bath; She loves to decorate with antiques and ’picked ’ items; An old cupboard door replaces the top of a 1920s beverage cart that serves as an end table on Griffitts ’ porch

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The original structure predates the city’s water records, so Griffitts doesn’t know the exact age of the home.

She turned one of the former dining rooms into a master suite and converted an old bathroom into her walk-in closet.

The room’s former closet became her shoe closet, and what once had been an adjacent bedroom is now her master bath.

Wherever she could, Griffitts retained the historical elements of the house – like the fireplace – and where that wasn’t possible, she added vintage charm with do-it-yourself skills she’s developed since childhood.

“I have always loved making things look old and building things,” Griffitts explained. “When I was kid, I would help my dad with projects, and I learned a lot from him.

I would ask him to show me how to do things because I knew he did it right.”

Griffitts owns a house cleaning business, and many of the homes in which she works are new construction. Cleaning up behind the tradesmen, she observed their work and sometimes asked how they had accomplished a project.

“I would just come home and do what I saw them do,” she said.

Griffitts loves the found items she picks up at antique stores, thrift stores, roadsides and salvage outlets, and she turns them into showcase pieces in her home – like the double set of shed doors that are the backdrop for the shelving on her bedroom wall. The green paint curls and peels away from the weathered wood, and she kept the attached tarnished hinges for authentication.

In the master bath, she paneled the tub base with whitewashed bead board and decorated with a primitive milk stool she’d discovered in the home’s attic. On the opposite wall, she built the vanity shelving where she puts on her makeup and does her hair.

In the second duplex dining room, Griffitts filled an unneeded doorway with a built-in display for some of the blue and white china she collects.

Stairs in the dining room lead to the living room and hide the HVAC and water heater that were installed under the dining room floor.

“There was nowhere else to put them,” she said. “I drilled little holes in the rise of the stairs for the vents, but I wanted them to look like holes made by carpenter bees.”

The living room also had been two rooms separated by a wall in the building’s duplex days, and each room had enjoyed a fireplace on the shared wall. Griffitts took out the double fireplaces, and her contractor built one large fireplace that fills the wall space of the original two. The new hearth includes a custom 7-foot mantel.

The best views of the beautiful park across the street, she said, are from a reading room next to the living room. Previous owners had enclosed the front porch of the left duplex unit, so Griffitts created a cozy place where she can relax with a book or a magazine and watch the seasons change outside the window that replaced an exterior door.

The left side of the duplex was reconfigured into the children’s bedrooms and all except her son’s room now

Griffitts opened a wall between the two duplex living rooms to create a large room with a cozy feel

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A wall between the stovetop and refrigerator once divided the kitchen

function as guestrooms and are furnished with pieces she’s ‘picked’ or refinished through the years. The rooms are decorated in vintage rustic chic with a touch of Old Victorian.

“I love old stuff,” she said. “I love it so much, I try to make new stuff look old. I will pass something on the side of the road that someone has thrown out and have to force myself not to go back for it.

“I wake up at night thinking about how to make stuff. I cannot shut it off.”

Griffitts’ passion translates into upscale, upcycled finishes that lean toward Victorian. She even carried that vintage charm into her craft room by adding an old screen door to the wall above her work bench.

The craft space, a laundry room and a full bath behind the kitchen fill the remainder of the right-side duplex, and on the opposite side of the house, Griffitts added a sitting area and another guestroom.

Between them, she upgraded the galley kitchen with granite counters and heart pine plank floors made from some of the home’s interior walls. She upgraded to white Shaker-style cabinets with black appliances and added a backsplash made with scrap lengths of 4-inch lumber, painting the wood black and topping with a coat of polyurethane before she wound twine between the joints of the wood.

Outside, she uprooted the trees and shrubbery that had

blocked the home from view and added a 64-foot porch across the front of the house.

“The whole town sat at McDonald’s on the other side of the park and watched the renovation,” Griffitts laughed.

She removed all of the pine and cedar saplings, kept the yard’s 10 dogwoods, cut back the shrubs and hauled away the dirt that harbored a multitude of weeds.

“I took it back to the sand,” she said.

After grating the yard, she put in a circular walk, sod, a host of knockout roses and a few low maintenance shrubs that blend her front yard with the plantings at Bell Park.

And her favorite place to be is on the porch that overlooks it all.

At one end of the long porch, red cushions on metal patio furniture creates a cozy setting for quiet conversation with friends, and along the front, four wooden rocking chairs look out on the fountain, benches and flowerbeds at the park across the street.

As the porch turns to wrap around the corner of the house, Griffitts designed a space with all the comforts of the interior. A table and chairs, sectional sofa, coffee table and an end table she upcycled from a 1920s beverage cart using an old cupboard door for the tabletop.

“Everything in this house was a challenge,” Griffitts said.

“But I love it.”

The 64-foot porch features an assortment of seating areas

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Booth brought ‘Salvation’ to Wetumpka Joe Allen Turner

BACK IN THE DAY

Joe Allen turner was born in wetumpka in

1931 and has

been interested in the city's

history since he was a child.

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General Evangeline Cory Booth, born in 1865, the seventh child of William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, once visited Wetumpka.

Miss Booth was known the world over as the “White Angel” and began as a child to preach in the slums of London. Her father, General William Booth, founded the Salvation Army in 1865. She retired from her command in 1939.

Miss Booth was born and educated in London and followed other illustrious members of her family into the work of the Salvation Army. For five years, she had charge of the work of the Army affairs in London; then, for nine years was Army Commissioner in Canada, and from 1904 to 1934 was in command of the work in the United States.

Just before World War I, she came to Wetumpka to speak to the prisoners in the old penitentiary or “The Walls” as it was commonly called. At that time, both men and women inmates were housed in the same facility.

Representatives from the Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian churches here were invited to hear this illustrious speaker. They arrived wearing their Sunday best and were given the honor seats in front of the inmates.

All were at attention as Miss Booth mounted

the improvised platform in her unique Salvation Army uniform and bonnet. As she looked over her anxious audience, she startled the church leaders by very gently asking them to take the back seats because, as she said, “I came to preach to the prisoners.”

Her wish was granted, and the local people who were not dressed in the prison garments very quietly retired to the rear of the open air theater where the service was being held under the towering trees with the birds as a choir.

In her prayer, Miss Booth thanked God for the beautiful out-of-doors, the trees and the birds. At this time, a chorus of singing birds trilled their benediction to her prayer.

During World War I, Miss Booth directed the vast activities of the Salvation Army on the various war fronts and received the Distinguished Service Medal.

She became supreme commander in 1934 and in 1939 relinquished the command to George L. Carpenter.

Her brother, the second son of General William Booth, is known especially as the founder of the Volunteers of America. He died in 1940, and Miss Booth became head of the Volunteers.

General Evangeline Cory Booth died July 18, 1949. Her funeral services brought together people from all walks of life, the rich whom she respected and the poor who were made richer through the spiritual uplift it was her privilege to give during her long and useful career.

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Comprehensive Cardiac Care Close to Home

Kevin Sublett, MD, and the Cardiology of Central Alabama clinic are now part of UAB Medicine, bringing the latest in cardiac treatments and technology to Alexander City and surrounding communities.

Together we have formed the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama, providing the world-class care you have come to know from UAB close to home. We are conveniently located in the Russell Medical Center.

Dr. Sublett and his staff are committed to helping patients enjoy full and active lifestyles, offering: • • • •

Full spectrum of cardiovascular care Care by physician, board certified in interventional cardiology Latest in 4-D and 2-D ultrasound and nuclear medicine imaging Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders

Call us today to schedule an appointment!

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

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Heart & Vascular Clinic ad COLOR 4.8x9.75-LakeMagazine.indd 1

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10/12/15 11:36 AM

Meryl Streep's living room from the set of the 2009 romantic comedy It's Complicated

Diane Keaton's famous white kitchen from the 2003 comedy Something's Gotta Give

Home Sweet Movie Set With this month’s issue in a home and garden vibe, I would like to pay tribute to home improvement in the movies.

Have you ever had that home improvement project that went disastrously awry? Hollywood has three notable examples of these projects: In Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948), advertising executive Cary Grant, his supportive wife Myrna Loy, and his anxious lawyer/business manager Melvyn Doulas are delightful in this classic comedy. Eager to escape their cramped New York apartment, Grant and his family believe they have found the bargain of the century in their purchase of “The Old Hackett Place” in the heart of picturesque Connecticut. In reality, they are faced with breathing new life into a dilapidated, 200-year-old farmhouse. Everything that can go wrong, does go wrong in this hilarious box-office hit that has delighted audiences for decades. This enduring film even has a place on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years …

100 Laughs list as one of the greatest comedy films of all time.

With director Richard Benjamin at the helm, producer Steven Spielberg remade Mr. Blandings in 1986 as The Money Pit. Tom Hanks and Shelley Long starred as a couple whose attempt to renovate a potential dream house quickly turns into a nightmare. The clueless couple purchase a suburban New York home for next-to-nothing and deceive themselves into thinking that the renovation of this home will be the perfect do-it-yourself project. Hanks and Long face a battle made in comedy heaven as they confront the hopeless pros-

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pects of improving the disintegrating structure. Their hopes of a haven quickly become bogged down in the mire of a “money pit.”

The least successful of the bunch is a third attempt at a remake, entitled Are We Done Yet? (2007). Rapper and actor Ice Cube takes on the Cary Grant role in this misbegotten film about newlyweds seeking a better life for their kids in the suburbs. Unfortunately, their plans go wrong in the hands of a bizarre contractor (John C. McGinley).

Are We Done Yet? served as a sequel to another 2005 comedy, Are We There Yet?, and garnered savage reviews. In fact, the film was nominated for one of filmdom’s most dubious honors – The Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel. The Golden Raspberry Awards salute the worst that Hollywood has to offer.

For a more positive take on home décor and home improvement, one filmmaker stands above the rest in making movies that are not only box-office gold but also a decorator’s delight.

That filmmaker is Nancy Meyers. It has been said that many decorators have at least one client who wants a room straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie. Her films are responsible for introducing audiences to what many have called “drool-worthy homes.”

Meyers’ name (along with her that of former husband and business partner, Charles Shyer) has been attached to many Hollywood hits over the last 30 years, including Private Benjamin (1980), Irreconcilable Differences (1984) and Baby

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The 2006 romantic comedy The Holiday featured a quaint and adorable English cottage for Kate Winslet

The Holiday also featured an over-the-top Hollywood adobe for Cameron Diaz

Boom (1987), along with Father of the Bride (1991) and its 1995 sequel.

After her divorce from Shyer, Meyers struck out on her own and made her directorial debut with The Parent Trap (1998) in the days before its star Lindsay Lohan became fodder for the National Enquirer. Another smash – 2000’s What Women Want with Mel Gibson – soon followed.

Regardless of her directorial successes, many of Meyers’ fans have stated that she could add interior design to her resume, as viewing her sets can be like flipping through the pages of Architectural Digest.

Three of Meyers’ most memorable luxurious residences are featured in three of her most notable films – Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday and It’s Complicated.

A winner with critics and at the box office, Something’s Gotta Give is a 2003 romantic comedy written, produced and directed by Meyers.

Screen icons Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton are two successful professionals who are also complete opposites; yet they find love in their golden years.

Beyond the incomparable actors and clever plot, many filmgoers have delighted in Diane Keaton’s lustrous, bountiful white kitchen, which received the distinction of being called “the mostcopied kitchen of all time.” The exterior of the home, a beach house in the Hamptons, also has been obsessively discussed through the years.

The Holiday, another Meyers favorite, is a 2006 “rom com” with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet starring as two women from California and

England, respectively, who temporarily exchange homes to escape heartbreak during the holiday season. Jude Law and Jack Black co-star as their charming suitors.

Audiences loved Cameron Diaz’s sleek Hollywood home equipped with a pool, gym and the ultimate big screen TV, among countless other amenities. This dazzling abode is in stark contrast to Kate Winslet’s cozy and adorable English cottage. Both of these homes won the adoration of audiences everywhere.

Last but not least, screen queen Meryl Streep hopped aboard the Meyers “Blockbuster Express” in 2009’s It’s Complicated. As a successful bakery owner, Streep finds herself vying for the affections of her ex-husband, played by Alec Baldwin, and a shy architect, portrayed by Steve Martin. The hilarious complications are all staged primarily in the magnificent backdrop of Santa Barbara, California, and Streep’s sunny Spanishstyle house.

For all of these films, Meyers readily credits the help she received from production designer Jon Hutman and Los Angeles interior designer James Radin. Nevertheless, ample credit goes to Meyers herself, a screen magician who creates blockbuster films and highly desirable onscreen houses.

(P.S. Don’t miss Meyers’ latest hit – The Intern – with Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro).

So take a break from spring cleaning or that honey-do list and curl up with these classic and contemporary comedies that truly celebrate the humor, heartbreak and headaches of “home sweet home.”

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Jeff Langham

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

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

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5 Reasons Nintendo’s NX Console will release this year

Jacob Saylor

THE GAMER Video games journalist

Jacob Saylor

has covered the massive

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles.

Follow Jacob on Twitter @skulldrey.

Nintendo has made it clear that they want to release the first new console in any given generation. The Japanese giant’s Wii U console was released long before Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One; the same can be said for the generation before.

Nintendo has done everything in its power to avoid competing directly with Sony and Microsoft. The latter two companies have been established as having more of a “hardcore” appeal, while Nintendo strives to offer a more family-friendly experience.

This tactic worked well back in 2006 when the company first released its Wii console ahead of competitors.

If you look at the current state of affairs, Nintendo has struggled to find footing, with Wii U falling squarely on its face in multiple arenas. There’s an argument to be made that suggests Nintendo is more involved in the handheld market than they are consoles.

Regardless, it would appear Nintendo wants to utilize the same tactic one more time with the “Nintendo NX” – NX is the working name for what is believed to be Nintendo’s upcoming and unannounced console. We believe the company will release this system by year’s end.

LinkedIn profile reveals NX development team

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Software engineer Steven Chith posted information on LinkedIn–the popular social networking site for business–indicating he was working at Nintendo as an associate software engineer contractor. The profile read: “I’m currently working on Nintendo’s next console, code named ‘NX.’ It’s so secretive that sometimes even I don’t know what I’m working on. Suffice to say, I’m primarily doing embedded system development.”

Considering the profile also says that the department he’s been working with has existed since February 2015, my bet is that the NX

has come a long way. The text has since been removed from Chith’s page, but this is only testament to how close we likely are to a big NX announcement.

Nintendo’s president speaks out

Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima made a statement to the Wall Street Journal during a financial results presentation earlier this year. When asked about the NX console, Tatsumi replied that Nintendo would have an update “not too late in the course of this year.”

Hopefully, this means sooner rather than later. The smart bet is that we’ll have more information and a launch date for the NX at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The expo will take place from June 14June 16, featuring massive announcements from the industry’s biggest and brightest companies.

Rumored launch titles for the NX discussed

Serkan Toto, CEO of a Tokyo-based games industry consultancy, revealed through Twitter an announcement regarding the NX: “Bandai Namco is currently developing several NX titles. Smash Bros. is planned to be a launch title. I am not sure about the date – yet.”

The CEO has been right many times before concerning big industry announcements, and considering the discussion revolves around illustrious publisher Bandai Namco, there’s little doubt in my mind that he’d be wrong in this instance. Plus, Smash Bros. is one of Nintendo’s biggest game franchises; it wouldn’t be at all surprising if the company decided to jump into the NX with such a big name. Toto claims that his source is exceedingly trustworthy, but he cannot reveal any more information regarding the person(s) who actually gave him this information.

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Development kits are already shipped

If you didn’t know, video game developers get the goods before you and I. When a new console is coming out, developers get a ’beta’ version of the system early so they can have titles ready for a day-one launch.

The Wall Street Journal reports that development kits for Nintendo’s NX have already been shipped out and that multiple developers have already begun work on different video games in anticipation of the console’s release. Knowing that games are being developed means that we’ll likely see the NX soon because there’s only so much work that can be allocated to any given title before funds and manpower run dry. Many industry analysts suspect that the NX will receive a formal announcement at E3 2016, hitting store shelves in the following holiday season.

System specifications are decided on

Survey website GFK accidentally included information regarding the NX’s system specifications in one of their questionnaires. In this particular survey, it was revealed that the NX will feature 4K video streaming and 900p resolution qualities. The information also made clear that Nintendo is aiming to keep games running at around 60 frames per second, which is the sweet spot when it comes to in-game visuals.

Some of the wordage on this survey also implies that gamers will be introduced to a brand new Nintendo handheld along with the NX’s reveal. Given that a new version of the 3DS hasn’t been introduced since 2012, our guess is that Nintendo plans to bring yet another handheld gaming device to the market. This line of attack would serve Nintendo well, as on-the-go gaming has proved to be massively profitable for the company.

Nintendo has a very real opportunity to repeat their 2006 success. The biggest question lies in whether or not the publisher has a finger on the right vein.

The Wii U was a learning experience for Nintendo.

With such a wealth of resources, intellectual properties and lore to expand, there’s no doubt in my mind that Nintendo is capable of producing excellence.

One path that the company may take is to forge onward, trudging deeper into the realm of handheld gaming. Apart from the threat of smartphones, Nintendo holds a veritable monopoly on this market.

While we wait to see if hearsay and speculation turn into truth at this year’s E3, you can rest assured knowing that Nintendo and its timeless characters are here to stay.

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New Inpatient Transitional Care Program Now Open Kathy Monroe

COMMUNITY CARE Kathy Monroe is the Assistant to the

Administrator and the CFO at Community Hospital.

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to their specific needs and receives the therapy The newest addition to Community Hospital they require from trained professionals – includin Tallassee is now up and running. ing physicians, nurses, social services, dietary Community Skilled Care and Rehab is a and nutritional services, as well as physical, octransitional care program designed to function cupational, speech and respiratory therapists. A as a bridge between the hospital and a patient’s coordinated and planned home or residential activities program along facility. The terms “swing with a team approach to bed” and “rehabilitative discharge planning is also care” are used to describe offered. the treatment program.

We offer low patient-toCommunity Skilled Care nurse ratios. Nursing care and Rehab is designed to is provided by experiassist patients when acute enced RNs and LPNs. A care hospitalization is no physician is in-house 24 longer required, but the hours a day, seven days patient needs additional per week. Patient progtime to focus on regaining ress is evaluated on an strength and indepenongoing basis, with family dence with daily activities. conferences as needed to Community Skilled prepare for the patient’s Care and Rehab has partreturn to everyday life. nered with Crain Rehab of Our goal is to help each Tallassee to offer shortpatient improve his or term rehabilitation to asher level of functioning sist patients following an and become as indepenillness or accident, stroke, dent as possible prior to heart attack, surgery, or discharge. an acute care inpatient “The new swing bed hospital stay, as well as Top: Melissa Dean, Beth Nelson and Jessica program is one of only a providing IV medication Dingler work the 'swing' bed unit; Below: few in this region,” said therapy.

Justin Crain, Tom Crain and Sterling Turner of Swing Bed Coordinator The term “swing bed” Crain Rehab provide physical therapy. and RN Beth Nelson. is used to define a level “The addition of this proof care for patients who gram will allow patients to receive the rehabilitaare hospitalized and are medically ready for tive care they need close to home and their family discharge, but need a little extra care to get back and friends. Current patients, as well as patients to their pre-hospital level of functioning. The from other hospitals, are eligible for the skilled patient’s level of care will “swing” from acute care status to skilled care status. The patient’s bed care and rehab program offered at Community Hospital.” does not change; the level of care changes.

We are excited about the benefits this new Community Skilled Care and Rehab at Comservice will provide to the residents of our area. munity Hospital is a practical alternative to a Please contact us; we will be happy to answer prolonged acute hospitalization or a short-term any questions you may have. Call 334-283-3857 or nursing/rehabilitation facility placement. Each patient has an individualized plan of care tailored email swingbed@chal.org.

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OUT & ABOUT

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Music and Words Wetumpka Depot Theatre April 3, 2016 1. Cookie Knot and Joe Coggins 2. Carolyn Osborn 3. Kathleen and Kathy Holt

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4. Peter Muzyka 5. Wayne Turner and Barbra Montoya 6. Larry and Peggy Teel 7. Debbie Mitchell 8. Chet Mathews 9. Phyllis Kennedy

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OUT & ABOUT

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School House Rock, Wetumpka Depot Players March 8, 2016

1. Molly Allan, Hayden Wood and Debra Nortont 2. Cooper Sanders, Will Emfinger, Addyson Smith and Lamar Anderson 3.Anna Vanerman, Donnie Morales, Alexx Parrott, Dani Price and Michael Teasley 4. Lizzy Woodall, Jason Morgan, Amber Rigby, Sarah Grace Chandler and Matthew Mitchell 5. Jaelyn Murrell, Alasia Reeves, Kelliya Taunton, Avrie Peek and Micayla Townsend 6. Cooper Sanders, Will Emfinger, Addyson Smith and Lamar Anderson 7. Claire Forrester and Micki Head 8. Kamiya Meadows Desmond Thrasher, Glen Mayton, Annabelle Mayton and Jacob Roland

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Millbrook Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon, The Catfish House March 17, 2016 1. Rachel Joiner, Bill Myers and Clay McConnell 2. Justin Jones, Maria Tillery, Tracey McPherson and Stephanie Gallenstein 3. Andre Harrison, Michael Lange, Tonya Alford, Calvin Cherry and Tammy Harper 4. Bart Leswick, Hal Hodges and Rusty Smith 5. Steve Frazier and Michael Gay

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Tuesdays with Kelly, Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery 4

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March 15, 2016 1. Charlotte Whetstone and Phyllis Kennedy 2. Betty Weldon 3. Belyn Richardson and Barbara Bennett 4. Sylvia McConnell and Becki Cumbie 5. Anida and Ken Barber 6. Julie Creel and Cookie Knott

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Singer/Songwriter Event,

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The Warehouse, Eclectic March 4, 2016 1. Nick and Michael Maddaloni 2. Sara Squires 3. Scott Brooks

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4. Kathe Hargett, Brandy Tebbetts and Ashly Moore 5. Ryan Mask and Jonathan Lawhorn 6. La’Patrick Brown and Jamie Landreau 7. Jamie Rodgers and Jess Meuse 8. Jake Brown and Grace Burrow

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Frios Popsicles Downtown Wetumpka March 29, 2016

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1. Britney, Lizzie, Lily, Layton, Lawson and Faye Marie Lewis 2. Emily Manning, Linda Milan 3. Sharon Brooks, Troy Stubbs, Tammy

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Spivey 4. Audra and Sam Silas and Randy

Wetumpka Arbor Day Celebration, Gold Star Park

and Kim Davis 5. Carson Calloway, Amber Pippin

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and Kaylie Burdett

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2. Dale Sanford Gantt 3. Bob and Jordan Fogal 4. Pat Jones 5. Teresa Robbins 6. Peggy Sanford

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OUT & ABOUT

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Tallassee Dixie Baseball Opening

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Ceremonies, Tallassee April 2, 2016 1. Connie McInnish and Ronald Griffith 2. Hubert and Jordan Boatwright 3. Jamey Dobbins, Kayla Metz and April Dobbins 4. Brock Nolin

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5. Dave, Dana, Chandler and Caden Metz 6. Chris and Jennifer Whittington 7. Terrell Brown and Ken Baker 8. Amber Taunton, Kennedy Taunton and Margaret Ann Burnham 9. Tiffani Colvin and Susan Davidson 10. Eddie and Stephanie Hathcock

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Tallassee Egg Hunt, Tallassee Chamber of Commerce April 3, 2016 1. Tina and Lane Harris 2. Roman Gill 3. Katelyn Raiford 4. Molly Presley 5. Bailey Newman 6. Dustin Newman 7. Margret Lumpkin 8. Steven and Robbie Watkins

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

cling car tires, oil, electronics and more. Team up with friends, family, neighbors or coworkers and Team Up to Clean Up Tallassee! Call 334-283-5151 for information.

April 16 4th Annual Craterfest

Sponsored by Wind Creek Wetumpka Hotel & Casino, the City of Wetumpka and the Wetumpka Crater Commission, this year’s event will include music, arts and crafts, concessions, a kidzone, crater tours, artwork and lectures from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Gold Star Park in downtown Wetumpka.

April 21-23, 28-30 and May 1 Dixie Swim Club

April 16 River Region Duck Dash

The Wetumpka Rotary Club will launch the duck dash this year in conjunction with Craterfest. Adopt a duck online at www.duckrace.com to benefit local non-profits.

A minimum contribution of $5 is requested for each adopted duck. Each duck randomly will be assigned an identification number matched to the name of an adopter.

The 5,000 ducks will be launched from the Bibb Graves Bridge at 3 p.m., and the first three ducks over the finish line will win some great prizes.

April 16-17 French & Indian War Encampment

The Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson State Historic Site will present a program recreating the various Native American and European powers involved in the French and Indian War. The French & Indian War encampment focuses attention on daily life at a French frontier fort and Creek village in the year 1756. Soldiers will engage in mock battles, and souvenirs replicating items of the time period will be available from merchants on site. Living history demonstrations of military, Indian and civilian life will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, visit www. fttoulousejackson.org/events/.

April 18-23 Team Up to Clean Up

Register your team with the Greater Tallassee Chamber of Commerce to get T-shirts for the annual Earth Day cleanup effort. Collection areas will be set up for recy-

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Millbrook Theatre will stage the hilarious Dixie Swim Club by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten.

Five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relations. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. Tickets are $12 in advance at www.millbrooktheater.com, or $14 at the door. Sunday shows start at 2 p.m. All other shows at 7:30 p.m. at Millbrook Theatre, 5720 Main St., Millbrook.

April 22-24 Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show

The Ridge Marina will host the Southeast’s largest inland/ in-water boat show on beautiful Lake Martin. With more than 100 boats on display, you can take a demo ride in the new 2016 models from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Live music, fun, demos and prizes. For information, visit www.RussellMarine.net, find Russell Marine on Facebook and Instagram or call 256-794-1397.

April 23 Renew Our Rivers

Join the cleanup effort at Lake Jordan on the Coosa River. For supply pickup information and area assignments, contact Barbara Dreyer at 334-567-7551.

April 23 Wetumpka Earth Day

The City of Wetumpka will celebrate Earth Day at the Recycle Center at 205 E. Charles Ave. from 8 a.m. to

ELMORE COUNTY COUNTY LIVING LIVING ELMORE

11 a.m. with a plant swap, recycling opportunities and free giveaways, including compost. The elementary and middle school recycling projects will be judged, and the winners will receive cash prizes.

April 27 Bunco

The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor an evening of Bunco fun from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bon Appetit, 5090 Main St., Millbrook. Dinner will be served, and there will be prizes for the winners. Registration fee is $25 per person. Register at www.millbrookareachamber.com.

April 28 AWF Wild Game Cook-off

This year, the popular AWF event will move to the Alabama Wildlife Federation headquarters in Millbrook.

Entry is free, but cook teams must pre-register at www. alabamawildlife.org. Prizes will be awarded for first through third place in each division, as well as Best Overall and Best Presentation. The winner will advance to state finals held in early August. Tickets at this event are $50 per person/couple, and proceeds benefit AWF programs and projects. Tickets include AWF membership, subscription to Alabama Wildlife magazine and all the wild game you can eat. Purchase tickets on the AWF website or call 800-822-WILD.

residents and Elmore County settlers, builders and most noted citizens, including John Kelly Fitzpatrick, Sen. William Thomas, Sgt. Geroge F. Sedberry and many others. Tickets are $5 and are available now at the Elmore County Museum, Wetumpka Public Library and historical society members. Call 334-567-5097 for information or email elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.

May 7 Derby Day at The Stables

Ladies, bring out your hats, and guys, dig out your seersucker for Derby Day at The Stables.

Cheer on your favorite horses during this “Run For The Roses” fundraiser for Children’s Harbor and enjoy some great music and refreshments. For details, visit www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com/events, look for Russell Lands on Facebook or call 256-397-1019.

April 29 High Noon on Cancer

Millbrook’s annual Relay for Life celebration will start at 6 p.m. at Village Green Park with an opening ceremony, lip sync battle, luminaria, activities for survivors and cregivers and more. For team and volunteer information, contact Amber Voss at 334-612-8174 or amber.voss@cancer.org, or visit www.relayforlife.org/millbrookal.

April 30 Racing for a Cure

Wetumpka’s Relay for Life event will take off at 10 a.m. at the Wetumpka Middle School track with entertainment for all ages, luminaria ceremony, activities for survivors and caregivers and more. For team and volunteer information, contact Amber Voss at 334-612-8174 or amber.voss@cancer.org, or visit www.relayforlife.org/ wetumpkaal.

April 30 Walking Cemetery Tour

The Elmore County Historical Society will host the annual tour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., noting Wetumpka

May 12-28 I Hate Hamlet

A young, successful TV actor who really hates Hamlet relocates to New York City to play the coveted role in this Wetumpka Depot Players production. Show dates will be Oct 21-29 with some evening performances and school matinees. Visit www.wetumpkadepot.com for information or call the Depot at 334-868-1440.

May 20 Dixie Sailing Club 3rd Annual Drawdown

This year’s silent auction and drawdown event starts at 6 p.m. at The Ridge Clubhouse and will benefit DSC's 501(c)3 youth program. Only 400 tickets will be sold at $50 per person. Cash bar for beer, wine and soft drinks.

Drawdown winners do not have to be present to win; holders of last five tickets to be drawn may agree to split the winnings. See complete rules at DixieSailingClub. com. To donate door prizes or silent auction items, contact Merry Hardy at 256-794-8075 or Jim Simons at 334546-0224 in Lake Martin Area. Elmore County and Montgomery residents contact Beth Biggs at 334-220-8650.

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Business & Service Directory CRUISING FER CRITTERS MAY 7 T H Starts 11am at the Thirsty Turtle, Millbrook Ends at Deja Vu, Montgomery $15 a hand/ $5 cover (w/o a hand) Food, Door Prizes, Live Rock & Roll, Thrift table & auction items, Bike Car Wash

The Humane Society Of Elmore County

255 Central Plank Road • Wetumpka, AL 334-567-3377 hselco@bellsouth.net

Serving all your favorite Seafood...

Come taste our Snow Crab!

THURS - SAT 5 - 9pm 334.567.3156 Richard Thorton, Owner 8185 Central Plank, Santuck, AL

“HWY. 9 SINCE ‘89”

Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

Eclectic Town Hall Moose's Eclectic Library Johnson’s Furniture Tropical Tan Zone First Community Bank

Lake Martin

Russell Lands Russell Marine Nail’s Cotton’s BBQ

Millbrook

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

Montgomery

Publix – Atlanta Highway

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Wetumpka

Publix – Zelda Rd Publix - Vaughn Rd Publix - Taylor Rd

Prattville

Publix – Cobbs Ford Road

Slapout

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

Tallassee

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

Bennett’s Archery First Community Bank Russell Do It Center Bumper’s Karen’s Mane Tamers River Ridge Steakhouse Emerald Mountain Store Redland Market Seivers Accounting Wetumpka Depot Players A Touch of Class Angel Locksmith Verizon Wireless Unplugged Must Stop Café Alfa Realty Wetumpka Century 21 Brandt Wright Realty Wachovia Bank BB&T Jackson Thornton Lee’s Auto Repair Southeastern Business Printers Hankins Insurance Hog Rock BBQ Wetumpka YMCA

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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

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

Our Advertisers • To Join, Call 334-567-7811 Alabama Power........................................................................................................................1 3 Collier Ford...................................................................................................................................7 Community Hospital................................................................................................................3 Edgewood Academy................................................................................................................7 Holley's Home Furnishings..................................................................................................5 5 Jackson Thornton......................................................................................................................5 Jeffcoat Funeral Home.............................................................................................................5 Jenilyn's Creations, Inc...........................................................................................................1 7 Karen's Mane Tamers.............................................................................................................5 2 Kowaliga Whole Health.........................................................................................................5 2 Lake Martin Hospice........................................................................................................................ 1 7 Lake Martin Mini Mall.........................................................................................................................2 Lake Martin Realty......................................................................................................................28-29 Mark's Service Center...................................................................................................................... 1 7 Russell Lands on Lake Martin...................................................................................................... 5 5 Tallassee Health & Rehab, LLC...............................................................................................7 The Coffee Corner.....................................................................................................................7 The Humane Society of Elmore County..........................................................................5 2 Truman's Seafood....................................................................................................................5 2 UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic.................................................................................................3 7 Wetumpka Depot Players.....................................................................................................2 5 Wetumpka Health & Rehabilitation LLC..........................................................................1 7

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

To advertise please contact Jayne Carr or Molly Brethauer At 334-567-7811 or stop by our office located at 300 Green Street, Wetumpka AL 36092

Need your business to

STAND OUT from the crowd?

Call us, we can help!

334.567.7811 • • • • •

Wetumpka Herald Eclectic Observer Tallassee Tribune Alexander City Outlook Dadeville Record

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Mock Apple Pie it to make use of their cracker April Fools! As a theater product and printing it on person, I’m no stranger to fake the back of the cracker box in food. I’ve seen luscious cakes, 1934. But MAP can be made biscuits, even a whole turkey with just about any cracker. dinner made from plaster, paThe real story of MAP per and plastic. If you didn’t began with the Civil War. Left know it was fake, you would M.K. Moore with dwindling food supplies dive right in with a fork. I’ve SOUTHERN and a serious lack of apples, seen people walk by food DELIGHTS clever home cooks scraped props and stop to touch them, just to make sure that tripleMary Kather- up the last of the flour, water, sugar and any spices they layer coconut cake wasn’t real. ine Moore is had under lock and key to But faux food doesn’t stop an Alabama fashion a pie. When you don’t and start at the theater. There State Fair have anything else, a MAP is are plenty of edible kitchen pepper jelly magic tricks that cooks have champion, has a delicious treat. It was also delicious made from hardemployed to fool us into butchered a tack crackers carried west by thinking one thing but tasting wild hog in settlers. It was scrumptious another. Take “dirt,” for exam- her kitchen during the Depression and ple. Crumble up some chocoand grows patriotic during World War II. late cookies, and you have a heirloom toChemistry, I think, is the very convincing hill of cookie matoes in her trick to how MAP works. crumbs reminiscent of the best backyard.

Maybe this was one of the potting soil on the market. Or first molecular gastronomic meringue mushrooms. They recipes ever. But maybe it look so real that a mushroom is alchemy. Or wishful thinking. The hater will pass on by. Even when they filling of the MAP is basically some sort know it is just sugar and eggs, their of cracker, from Ritz to plain flour-andminds say, “Mushrooms, bleh!” water hardtack. The broken crackers are So, whenever I see “mock” in an old cookbook, I know there is some culinary put in a piecrust and covered in a boiled trickery happening. My favorite is Mock mixture of sweetener (sugar, honey or molasses), water, an acid (lemon juice or Apple Pie. Mock Apple Pie (MAP) is a real April vinegar) and cream of tartar.

Here comes the mind-trick part. It Fools trick. Because, really? You are is the spices that really make us think going to make me believe that a cracker it is apple pie. The smell of cinnamon can taste like an apple? As if! and/or nutmeg waft through the house Like most “mock” recipes, MAP while the pie bakes, triggering the brain came about from necessity. Don’t have to think “apple pie.” When sliced, the apples? Use crackers! But how did that layers of crackers, which have turned happen? How did someone ever figure into translucent slices, are surrounded that out? by thick apple pie syrup tucked in a pie I know that many of you are thinkcrust. Smells like apple pie. Looks like ing about that Ritz Cracker recipe apple pie. But does it taste like apple and believe that the Nabisco people pie? I’m not telling! Make one yourself. invented the MAP, but not so. Nabisco simply marketed the recipe by tweaking And let us know how it turned out.

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MK’s Mock Apple Pie

Preheat oven to 400 degrees 1 package crust. Here is how to deal with crust: You want to keep it cold, but you have to warm up enough to unroll and get in the pan.

Take out one roll of crust and let it stand on counter for 15 minutes. Fit the crust in the bottom of pie pan. Put in the icebox to chill.

35 crackers – Ritz, saltines or plain crackers. Break into chunks, but don't smash into crumbs. You want nice large apple-y pieces. Dump in the pie crust. Put in the icebox to chill.

In a saucepan add: 1 cup white sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1 ¾ cups water 2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar – Don’t leave this out. It is the chemistry magic ingredient. Look for it in the spice or baking aisle.

Bring to a boil, stirring every now and again. While sugar water is coming to boil take the second roll of crust out of the fridge. Reduce sugar water to about 1 ½ cups of liquid and take off heat. This will take about 5 minutes.

Add to sugar water: 2 tablespoons of lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg Pour over the crackers you have broken and put in the pie bottom.

Sprinkle on ½ teaspoon more cinnamon Dot with 3 tablespoons of butter cut into small pieces.

Adjust crust number two over the pie and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top, or use a fancy pie vent. Put on a foil lined baking pan.

Bake for 35 minutes until golden brown. If the pie starts getting a little too brown, cover the edges with foil.

You can also wash the top of the pie before you bake with an egg mixed with a little water. This will make it shiny.

Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes so the juices can thicken and be absorbed by the “apples.”

THE LAKE IS THE PART OF US THAT

IS ALWAYS YOUNG.

Wild and full of wonder, it’s the place where we are still awed by sunrises and sunsets.

That’s the power of the lake.

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