Lake Wedowee Magazine by Emily Wilkins

Luxury:

Rustic

Sue Stewart gives a tour of her impeccably decorated lake home

Also:

Making Waves The 2nd Annual Lake Wedowee Ski Meet

Return to Rock Mills

The Rock Mills pottery comes back to its birthplace Holiday 08

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At Last...

Groundbreaking begins on Lake Wedoweeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first golf course

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Volume I, Issue 3

contents

24 features 10 Making Waves Lake Wedowee residents gathered on the banks of the lake to behold a spectacle of aquatic and aerial feats known as the 2nd Annual Lake Wedowee Ski Meet.

14 At last...

Groudbreaking begins on Lake Wedoweeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first golf course, part of the Chimney Cove development.

24 Clay County: The Land and Its People

Although the great majority of Lake Wedowee lies in Randolph County, a sliver of it lies in the County of Clay to the west. Don East make an attempt at describing this eclectic county.

Lake Wedowee Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ 3

42 features cont... 26 Reservoir Renewal

207 volunteers gathered 5.77 tons of trash out of the lake during the annual lake cleanup, part of Alabama Power’s Renew Our Rivers event.

32 Return to Rock Mills

Made from the red clay of Rock Mills, local pottery returns to its birthplace during a September show.

42 Rustic Luxury

Sue Stewart offers a tour of her magnificent lake home.

52 Holiday How-To

On the cover: Old-fashioned rocking chairs in festive colors provide a welcoming touch to Sue Stewart’s front porch. The house is featured on page 42. Photo by Emily Wilkins.

Step by step instructions on making a fresh evergreen garland and classic gingerbread cookies.

in every issue 6 Editor’s letter 8 Contributors 58 Calendar

68 Lake map

69 Index of Advertisers

4 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

Lake life meets wildlife.

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welcome to the

Lake

... and to the holiday issue of Lake Wedowee Magazine. Again, we present a collection of the people, places and events that make the Lake Wedowee area so special to current and future residents. In the midst of a nationwide economic downturn, optimism in the future of Lake Wedowee has remained undimmed. Evidence lies in the recent groundbreaking for Randolph County’s first public golf course, which is being built along the shore of the lake, and the planned construction of luxury condos at the site. Investment in the development of lake property by Chimney Cove has never let up. You can read about the new golf course in this issue. One of our goals for Lake Wedowee Magazine is to present some local history in each issue. That goal is reached twice in this one. Clay County native Don East writes about his home county to the west of Lake Wedowee-how it was formed and what makes it and its people unique. We also recall the history of pottery-making in eastern Randolph County in a story about a recent pottery show at the old rock store in Rock Mills, held in conjunction with Wedhadkee Trade Days. Other events featured here are the second annual Lake Wedowee Ski Meet, which attracted competitors from a wide area, and the annual Lake Wedowee Clean-up, a week that draws volunteers from throughout the area for a project that is part of Alabama Power Company’s Renew our Rivers program. To help capture the holiday spirit, our story about this issue’s featured home on the lake, the Stewart house, is illustrated with photographs of the spacious home decorated for Christmas. Other holiday features give “how to” instructions for making fresh evergreen garland and classic gingerbread men. If you have suggestions for future stories about Lake Wedowee people, places and events, let us hear from you. We always welcome suggestions. Happy Holidays!

Editor and Publisher John W. Stevenson john@therandolphleader.com Design Emily Wilkins emily@therandolphleader.com Advertising Peggy Seabolt peggy@therandolphleader.com Ricky Sledge ricky@therandolphleader.com Stories and Photographs Don East Abra Mapp Vanessa Sorrell Burnside Penny L. Pool Matt Shelley John W. Stevenson Emily Wilkins Circulation/Customer Service Danielle Tooker

published by

Randolph Publishers, Inc.

John Stevenson Publisher Lake Wedowee Magazine will be published three times in 2008 - March, July and November - and will become a quarterly publication in 2009, with publication dates in March, June, September and December. The cover and contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher. Lake Wedowee Magazine P.O. Box 1267 Roanoke, AL 36274 (334) 863-2819 • fax (334) 863-4006

6 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

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about

our contributors

8 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

Don C. East is a Clay County native and a retired naval flight officer. He is the owner and operator of The Creeks Tree Farms in Clay and Randolph counties. He resides on Lake Wedowee and is a frequent contributor to newspapers and magazines. His latest work, “The Creek Indian Hillabee Villages and Personal Reflections of Clay County, Alabama,” is expected in book stores soon.

Abra Mapp, a native of Wadley, received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Photography and Graphic Design in 2005 from LaGrange College. Shortly after her completion at LaGrange, she began working at Northstar Integrated Advertising in Opelika, AL as a graphic artist. With few chances to use her talent for photography on the job, you may find her just about anywhere capturing the world around her through the lens of a camera.

Vanessa Sorrell Burnside is news editor of The Randolph Leader. She has a bachelor’s degree in radio/television/film and a master’s degrees in communication from Auburn University and has been with The Leader since 1993. She is a native of Lanett and now lives in Wedowee.

Matt Shelley is sports editor of The Randolph Leader. A native of Headland, Ala., he is a journalism graduate of Auburn University and has been with The Leader since 2006.

Penny Pool is a reporter and feature writer for The Randolph Leader. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been with The Leader since 2005, having previously worked for The Montgomery Advertiser, Selma Times Journal, Opelika-Auburn News and Valley Times-News. She is a Roanoke native.

Emily Wilkins is a graphic designer and photographer for the Randolph Leader. She obtained her B.F.A. in graphic design from the University of Alabama and has been with the Leader since 2007. She is a native of Wadley.

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42 competitors participated in this year’s ski meet, which raised $3,800 for the Randolph County Animal Shelter.

10 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

Droves of Lake Wedowee residents gathered on the banks of the lake behind Piney Woods Restaurant in August to behold a spectacle of aquatic and aerial feats known as the 2nd Annual Lake Wedowee Ski Meet. The meet, which was organized by Patt High and her merry band of ski and wakeboarding enthusiasts known as the Lake Wedowee Air Junkees, was put on to raise money for the Randolph County Animal Shelter. The ski meet raised approximately $3,800 for the animal shelter and went off as big as the wakekiters themselves. “It was a lot of fun and obviously a huge success,” High said.

The event showcased an array of watersports including slalom skiing, wakeboard tricks and wakekiting. Local aquatic athletes such as Shane White, Gavin Baker, Jake Baker and Brandon Leck were on hand to display their skills in the various watersports. Along with the local water athletes were professionals Kedzie Gunderson from Oregon and Raleigh Murch from Tennessee. Competitors ranging from the beginner level to the semi-professional level competed in the meet, giving spectators plenty of thrills. “The point was for everyone to come out and show us what they got and have fun,” High said.

Top: Mark Bass attempts an elaborate wakeboard trick right before wiping out. The wipeout earned him the Best Crash of the Day Award. Bottom left: Shane White catches some air. Bottom right: Patt High demonstrates her skills at wakekiting.

Lake Wedowee Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ 11

Top: David Smith cuts an impressive wave of spray during his ski run. Bottom left: Bob May made an appearance with his seaplane, to the delight of the crowd. Bottom right: Locals Shane White and Joedy Rochester take a break to discuss the competition.

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Local & state officials from Wedowee joined Chimney Cove in the golf course ground breaking. From left to right: Mable Smith, Josh Burns, Senator Gerald Dial, Brenda Boone, Jim Barton Gen.Mgr, Andy Johnson, Developer, Mayor Tim Coe, Rep Larry Raughton, Dorothy Tidwell, and Bob Stone, Developer.

At last...

by Matt Shelley photos by Matt Shelley and courtesy of Chimney Cove

Groudbreaking begins on Lake Wedowee’s first golf course, part of the Chimney Cove development.

14 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

Last spring, developers at Chimney Cove announced plans to build a 9-hole public golf course surrounded by scenic lots overlooking Lake Wedowee. The golf course at Chimney Cove will be Randolph County’s first public course and will take advantage of the natural beauty of the Lake Wedowee area to provide the community with a unique golfing experience. Ward W. Northrup, the architect for the course, said the natural surroundings and layout of the course will be what makes this course special. Not only that, but the playability of 9 holes will be something even casual golfers can enjoy. Northup said the trend over the last few years in golf courses has leaned toward more challenging and expensive. That will not be the case with the Chimney Cove course.

“It’s a place where father and son and the whole family can play,” Northrup said. “It has to be playable for the clientele. We’ve driven ourselves right out of the business with more expensive green fees and tougher courses at a lot of places. But with this, it’s going to be fun, and we’ve lost sight of that in this industry. You don’t want to play golf to get beat up on.” Andy Johnson, one of the main developers with StoneCo, which holds a 50-percent stake in Chimney Cove and the new golf course, said that playability for the common golfer was exactly what the developers had in mind when planning the course. “We want everybody to come out and enjoy this course,” Johnson said. “We’ve got a lot of weekend visitors, but we want to make it a course where locals can come enjoy it.” Taking advantage of the natural vistas

provided by the Chimney Cove property overlooking Lake Wedowee was another goal for Johnson and the developers. It was the combination of that accessibility and need to maintain a natural feel on the course that led them to choose Northrup for the design. The developers spoke to numerous sources about choosing a designer, including the developers at Carrollton’s Oak Mountain course, and decided on Northup based on those recommendations. “One guy was very adamant about how good Ward was at capturing that kind of landscape,” Johnson said. “He just really fit in with the concepts we had.” Northrup said many things go into consideration when planning a golf course, and Chimney Cove’s property provided its own unique challenges in planning. “The property is very severe,” Northrup said. “You can’t put lots just anywhere and you can’t just put a course anywhere. This was a unique situation and a unique chance.” Playing the nine holes twice, the course is a par-70, regulation course with nice, wide corridors according to Northrup. It is also not tremendously bunkered, which is good news for those who have trouble with sand traps. “The first thing you want to keep in mind is you don’t want any blind spots,” Northrup said. “You want to see the hole from the tee. Your other concern is you don’t want a lot of tight slopes.” Other major points of consideration when designing this course are the grasses used on the tees, fairways and greens as

well as irrigation for the course. Northrup said keeping the course in sync with the natural surroundings will not only make it unique, but it will cut down on maintenance and costs. Northrup decided on Tifeagle Bermuda grass for the greens as opposed to the popular bent grass that many new courses opt for. Bermuda grass, in general, works better with the climate of the area and is easier to maintain as opposed to bent grass, which can’t withstand hot, dry summers. The good thing about the Tifeagle Bermuda grass is that it plays and putts closer to bent grass than any Bermuda grass Northrup has ever used. The fairway and tees will use a hybrid Bermuda grass that’s been used successfully in golf courses in the area for years.

The style of the clubhouse, pictured top right, will harmonize with the style of the homes in the subdivision. A course layout, bottom right, shows the different named sections of lots that are available for purchase on the course.

Lake Wedowee Magazine • 15

Northrup said another important aspect of planning for this course was keeping it environmentally friendly. “If anything is sensitive today, you’ve got to take care of the environment,” Northrup said. “A lot of the play areas are going to be irrigated, but we want some of the areas to be natural. We also routed the course so we’re generally playing downhill instead of uphill. It conserves water and fertilizer.” Northrup said different sites create different courses, and he and the developers tried to create a course that would fit Chimney Cove perfectly. “It took a tremendous amount of thought and planning to get it done,” Northrup said. “I think Chimney Cove is going to be a leader in the industry around here because of that natural roughage.” Northrup is in the process of doing the construction drawings at the moment, and the tentative opening for the golf course is set for late spring of 2010. Johnson said they’ve already started clearing land and surveying and should start grading within the next three months.

“I’m more proud of the fact that it’s going to be more natural than most in the area,” Northrup said. “It’s going to be a gem in the rough, so to speak.”

The view from the course will include spectacular views of the lake and woods.

16 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

Northrup said the reason for the length of time it will take to have the course operational is because it is crucial for the grass to be planted at the right time. “You don’t start courses at the wrong time of year,” Northrup said. “You want to make sure you plant in the spring and you don’t want to leave the ground open before you plant.” Northrup said he is excited about the potential the golf course at Chimney Cove holds for the Lake Wedowee community. Taking advantage of the natural area and landscapes at Chimney Cove may have provided a challenge in designing, but it will be worth the effort to see the finished product. “I’m more proud of the fact that it’s going to be more natural than most in the area,” Northrup said. “It’s going to be a gem in the rough, so to speak.”

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A look around Lake Wedowee will give a glimpse of what a clean lake should look like. But a look at the character of the people who help keep the lake clean gives a glimpse of a community that truly cares about its beloved waterway.

Every year the Lake Wedowee community comes together to participate in the annual lake cleanup event. The cleanup started approximately 18 years ago with event organizer Bob May and a group of his friends and neighbors. Since then, the cleanup has evolved into a massive volunteer effort as part of Alabama Power’s “Renew Our Rivers” program. May, who has organized the cleanup efforts since its inception, recalled the first time he ever saw a need for the lake to be spruced up. “I have a place on the lake,” May said. “And in the springtime that year, there was garbage all over the place. Me and my neighbor would go out on the canoe and fill it up with cans and bottles.” It was unbearable to see the scenic lake littered with

That same volunteer effort of 20 dedicated lake lovers has grown steadily over the years. This year, the Lake Wedowee cleanup boasted 207 volunteers over a four-day span. The grassroots growth of the cleanup reflected not only the growing population of Wedowee but the growing concern about the lake’s beauty. In 2000, Alabama Power began its “Renew Our Rivers” program, which started after Alabama Power Plant Gadsden employees began recognizing the need for a cleanup effort due to the growing amount of debris on the Coosa River. Renew Our Rivers grew steadily as well, to include cleanup efforts on the Chattahoochee, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Mobile and Black Warrior Rivers. In the eight-year span of its existence, over 8.6 million pounds of garbage have been exorcised from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and

all manner of debris. “I just got tired of the bottles and cans floating down the lake and I said, ‘man, we’ve got to do something about this,’” May said. In the early years of the lake cleanup, May said only a handful of people would show up to help out. Somehow though, the lake seemed to be improving little by little. The efforts of May and that handful of volunteers was making a difference, and the citizens of Wedowee began to take notice. Sheila Smith, the event’s co-organizer, got involved with the cleanup efforts about 14 years ago, when it was still in its fledgling state. “I remember the first one I was involved with had probably 20 people show up,” Smith said.

northwest Florida waterways, according to Alabama Power’s website. It is also estimated that more than 10,000 volunteers have assisted in the region-wide cleanup efforts. Last year alone, approximately 5,500 volunteers helped to clear the way for cleaner, more scenic lakes and rivers. In 2007, volunteers in the Lake Wedowee cleanup cleared 5.91 tons of trash from the lake with the help of 151 volunteers. This year, the number of volunteers grew to 207 and the amount of trash decreased to 5.77 tons. Not to mention the amount of trash recovered in 2006 was double what it was this year. That means lasting progress is being made.

Lake Wedowee Magazine • 19

“We’re finding less and less. It’s made a big difference on the lake. We’re proud of the fact that we’ve had all this help to get this done.”

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20 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

“We’re covering more area and picking up less trash,” Smith said. “That’s a good thing.” May said that progress is a good reflection of the type of community the Lake Wedowee area offers. “We’re finding less and less,” May said. “It’s made a big difference on the lake. We’re proud of the fact that we’ve had all this help to get this done.” The Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association has been crucial in making the efforts a continually growing success. “The Lake Wedowee Property Owners Association has a lot of manpower and they provide a lot financing for gas for the boats and other provisions,” May said. LWPOA also took the initiative to help find new volunteers every year by announcing the cleanups in its newsletter.

Terry Cordell, a member of LWPOA, said that’s how he learned about the lake cleanups. “I live here and figured you’ve got to do something to keep it clean,” Cordell said. “We all want to keep it clean for us to enjoy.” In addition to the LWPOA, local realt estate companies have pitched in to provide meals, Small Town Bank donated refreshments this year and the county commission helped by hauling the trash from the drop-off dock to the landfill. Alabama Power donated the use of its barge. Lake Wedowee Marine donated the use of two pontoon boats to aid in the cleanup, and countless other volunteers provided their vessels to purge the lake of the unwanted garbage. It’s taken a lot of manpower and resources. But

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May said it all pays off when the lake is this clean. “There’s just so many people that help out and make it possible,” May said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun to see it get done.” Laura Campbell, one of the 207 volunteers on the project, said it is a rewarding feeling to see a trash-free lake every day. “It’s just a good opportunity to be able to do something for the lake,” Campbell said. “It makes a difference when you look at that pile of trash when you’re done.” May and Smith both agreed the volunteers bring out the best Lake Wedowee has to offer. Whether they learned by newsletters or word of mouth, the droves of citizens that come to help the cause have increased greatly over the years. “Most of the time people that come for the first time one year will bring someone along the next year,” Smith said. But it’s that characteristic more than anything that makes Lake Wedowee beautiful. People give their time and resources to help make the lake a more enjoyable place for everyone who visits. One of the other posi-

tive things to come of the lake cleanups, according to nearly everyone involved, is the opportunity to meet community-minded people and make friends. “Meeting new people is more than half the fun right there,” Cordell said. May echoed Cordell’s sentiments. “I’ve made a lot of friends over it,” May said. “You get to go out and enjoy the lake and help out the community at the same time. I’m really proud of Wedowee. Every year, it just seems to get better.”

22 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

“I’ve made a lot of friends over it. You get to go out and enjoy the lake and help out the community at the same time. I’m really proud of Wedowee. Every year, it just seems to get better.”

Left: Marlon Glover, Betty Glover, and Terry Cordell scan the shores of Lake Wedowee for refuse. Right: While this turtle might not have appreciated being inspected by Marlon Glover, he will no doubt appreciate his home being a lot cleaner.

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Clay County

the land and its people

by Don East photograhs by Emily Wilkins and courtesy of Don East and Johny Sentell

Although the great majority of Lake Wedowee lies in Randolph County, a sliver of it lies in the County of Clay to the west. Moreover, many of the nearby attractions for the residents of the lake lie in Clay County. Therefore, some information on Clay County is herein provided to our readers. Clay County is somewhat of an enigma to those who have attempted to capture its essence in the written word. The citizens seem to have a sense of belonging that transcends time. Now it is this Clay County-born author’s turn to make an attempt at describing this eclectic county.

A sense of isolation Clay County seems to have a “split personality” of sorts. The county is at once an island isolated by both nature and man, at the same time, encircled and influenced by an array of nearby modern cities. From its earliest days, Clay County has been isolated on the west by the rugged expanse of the Talladega Mountains, with their dense forests and paucity of natural gaps for passage. To the east, the county has been blocked by the deep defiles and swift currents of the Tallapoosa River. These two natural obstacles were in fact the reason for establishing Clay County in December of 1866. Before 1866, Randolph County’s western border and Talladega County’s eastern border met where the Clay County town of Lineville is located today. Until Clay County was established that year, the citizens of eastern Talladega County could not easily reach their county seat of Talladega because of the mountains, and the citizens of western Randolph County could not get to their county seat of Wedowee easily because of the Tallapoosa River. By establishing a new county out of portions of eastern Talladega County and western Randolph County, the immediate problem was solved, but it left the new Clay County somewhat isolated by these same two natural obstacles.

The Clay County Courthouse, built in 1906, sits in the square of downtown Ashland.

Lake Wedowee Magazine • 25

Even after white civilization belatedly came to the area following the expulsion of the Creeks in the 1830s, either through design, necessity or pure circumstance, major communications arteries have shunned the area. In Clay County today there are only two railroad lines with no passenger facilities, no interstate highways, no federal highways, no navigable waterways and only one small airport. These factors tend to keep Clay County off the beaten path. Clay County’s 66,800 remote acres within the Talladega National Forest further add to its sense of isolation. And finally, although the country is ringed by the cities of Atlanta (80 direct miles to the east), Birmingham (55 direct miles to the west), and Montgomery (65 direct miles to the south), all of these cities lie outside reasonable commuting distance. These natural and man-made barriers have somewhat isolated Clay County, allowing it to maintain a distinctly Appalachian society. Although it is located at the extreme southern end of the mountain chain, it is Alabama’s best and most intact example of the geographic features and culture known as “Appalachia.” Those practices, methods and ways of life found in the Foxfire series books very nicely describe this county of yesterday, with many signs of it still evident today. While this sense of isolation may seem to make Clay

26 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

County have one foot in the past, it definitely has its other foot in the modern high-tech South. It is not unusual to see a farmer using a mule-drawn plow or syrup mill in the county. At the same time his grandchildren are learning by “surfing the web” in one of the county’s public and private schools. Clay Countians can seek solace and refuge from many of the pressures and stresses of modern times here in our “fortress.” Alternatively, within a short drive, they can take advantage of the many amenities of the large modern cities. Even though the large cities ringing the county are outside normal daily commuting range, those urban dwellers have nevertheless discovered Clay County. The county’s scenic mountains and hill country is blessed with an abundance of forests, streams and wildlife. This natural beauty has drawn many outsiders. People from the Atlanta area and central Florida make up the majority of these immigrants. This influx has caused the rural property values in Clay County to escalate from the least expensive in the state of Alabama to the more expensive over the last 20 years. Some of these outsiders become part-time residents, while many become a full-time part of the communities. The tourism and retiree influx has added a new and important dimension to the county’s economy as well as impacting its culture.

Character traits of a Clay Countian Whatever their ethnic makeup, Clay Countians have some rather distinct character traits that tend to set them apart as a people. These traits have evolved through several generations. They have been molded by the county’s historical experience, and influenced by the nature of the rugged landscape itself. Like the Creeks before them, they are a society of “survivors.” By way of example, and for the sake of brevity, some of the more prevalent of these traits will be exemplified below as used in an appropriate local “saying.” A sense of endurance - “You can’t keep a (insert family name) down for long! A strong work ethic - “Hard work never hurt anyone.” Resourceful - “I guess I’ll just have to make do with what I’ve got.”

Rough log cabins Clay County is not from the publicized ante-bellum South of William Faulkner or Margaret Mitchell. The traditional ante-bellum mansions, with large land and slave holdings, were found in most any direction from Clay County, but they were never a part of the landscape here. Clay County’s mountain land was unsuited for the economic production of cotton, and the land was held by the Creeks until the mid-1830s. Therefore, this county was settled primarily by the less economically fortunate latecomers to Alabama. These frontiersmen owned very few slaves, lived in rough log cabins and had relatively small land holdings. When the log cabins finally gave way to homes built of sawn lumber, they remained small, simple and rough, such as the old Lamberth house and barn lying along the Chapman Road in southern Clay County. Thus the economic golden era of the ante-bellum South largely bypassed Clay County. Although there were brief flashes of prosperity from mining and timber operations, it did not produce a broad-based economy. Clay County was primarily a land of “one-horse” farms during those better times that existed in other parts of the state. Nevertheless, most of our Clay County ancestors were staunch supporters of the Confederate states rights cause when the American Civil War came. The county had a predomi

A sense of community - “We know we can always count on our neighbors if we need anything.” Calvinistic resignation - “I guess God meant for it to be this way.” Optimistic - “When you stir up good and bad in a pot, the good always rises to the top.” A strong religious faith - “We have more churches in Clay County than we have people.” An awareness of ancestry - “My grandpappy once told me that our ancestors .... Tenaciousness - “I’ll get this done if it kills me!” Stubborn - “By comparison, he makes a mule seem obliging.” Patriotic - “We had more Clay Countians involved in the Persian Gulf War per populace than any county in America.” Generosity - “We always raise enough in our garden for us, the deer and our neighbors.” Grit - “I will not let this get the best of me!” Hospitable - “Y’all come back to see us real soon.” A love of the land - “My great grandfather and my grandfather lived on this land and hell will freeze over before I let it go.”

Left: The building that housed Farmer’s State Bank, which crashed during the Great Depression, became the current Ashland Theatre on the square in downtown Ashland. Below: Lineville’s downtown is still a thriving center of commerce, with new enterprises filling the old buildings.

nance of Scotch, Irish and Scotch-Irish ancestry, the perpetual champions of individual and states rights. This caused Clay County to send more men to the war per populace than many of those slave-holding plantation areas nearby. Even a cursory look at the tombstones in the county’s cemeteries dramatically attests to this fact.

Economic transitions While the culture of Clay County has remained relatively intact over time, its landscape has undergone major change as its economic base went through transitions. When the American frontiersmen began to arrive here in the mid-1830s, they found a heavily forested region. These forests were crisscrossed by mountains, streams and narrow Indian trade trails. By the start of the Civil War, a large portion of the dense forest had given way to the axe and the plow as subsistence farming had replaced the hunting/trading economy the early settlers had learned from their Creek Indian predecessors. With the harsh administration of the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, many local farmers perceived that they had only two choices. They could either transition to what would become an ill-fated corn and cotton cash crop system or migrate elsewhere in search of more productive land. Minerals and timber had brief, but intermittent prosperous runs for the Clay County economy from the 1830s until the end of World War I. Gold was discovered in Clay and other east central Alabama counties in 1830. That boom lasted only until most of the miners abandoned their claims and headed to California in 1849.

28 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

Then, the logging industry, led by the Kaul Limber Company in Hollins, brought in more jobs and income until the prime long-leaf pine trees were largely exhausted by the early 1900s. The Kaul Company then moved to the Tuscaloosa area to set up shop. Then, other minerals such as graphite, pyrite, etc. pumped a spurt of cash into the county’s economy until the end of World War I. These short periods brought temporary prosperity to the county, but it soon returned to the subsistence and emerging cash crop farming to eek out the normal lower standard of living for most of the county’s population. However, as a partial stopgap during the period starting with the steam engines in the late 1900s, several Clay County men took advantage of the lumber needs and began operating small “peckerwood sawmills.” The author’s grandfather, John Aubrey Cleveland, was one of these. He, along with other Clay County men, moved their small portable mills from tract to tract to cut the remaining larger timber. These operations provided an income for many Clay Countians until the scraps of larger timber were exhausted in the late 1950s. Nevertheless, settlers continued to arrive, and by the 1920s, Clay County’s population had reached an apex of over 22,000. It also reached an all-time high of 3,500 in the number of farms. By now, almost all the forestland had given way to cultivation. With the ultimate depletion of the topsoil and

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Clay’s notable

people Robert D. Carmichael

Hugo L. Black

Joe F. Edwards, Jr.

Bob Riley

The often explosive history, rough landscape and hardscrabble economic existence of Clay County natives has produced a breed of citizens with a great deal of individualism, grit and determination. Coming from mostly humble backgrounds, many Clay County natives have gone on to make their mark far beyond the county’s borders. Some examples of these individuals are: Hugo Black, member of the Supreme Court of the United States; LaFayette Hoyt DeFrese, private counselor to England’s Queen Victoria; Bob Riley, current governor of the state of Alabama; Oliver Cromwell Carmichael, president of Alabama College at Montevallo, president of the University of Alabama, and chancellor of Vanderbilt University; Robert Daniel Carmichael, dean of graduate school of the University of Illinois; Patrick Henry Carmichael, dean of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Va.; the husband and wife doctor team of Wayne and Sarah Finley, who did important medical work in genetics research; and at least 45 additional medical doctors. In addition, there have been sports and military figures from Clay County such as NASA astronaut Joe Edwards, Jr.; Howard Ballard and Johnathan Carter, who played professional football; Alabama’s first Olympic Games gold medal winner Edward Yancey Argo; Jack Treadwell, a Congressional Medal of Honor winner; four Army National Guard generals; more military personnel per populace than any county in America and probably more 2A and 3A high school football state championships than any county in Alabama. All these individuals proudly proclaim Clay County as their native soil.

photos from Wikimedia Commons, www.wikipedia. org. Photo of Bob Riley from the Office of the Governor, governor.alabama.gov

30 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

the onset of the Great American Depression, the cotton and corn fields began to go fallow. Most of the farmers either went to the towns and cities in search of jobs, or again migrated in search of better land. The forests, especially pine, recovered rapidly. This was primarily through natural regeneration, the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the beginnings of commercial reforestation operations by large paper pulp companies. The forests soon began to reclaim the abandoned farmland. The local farmers also contributed to the return of the forest in the county. The advent of government and state cost share assistance programs made it possible for low-income farmers to become involved in the reforestation effort. With this profitable reforestation movement, the price of Clay County forestland began a dramatic rise in the early 1970s. These timberland prices have since risen from the cheapest forestland in the state to some of the most expensive. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, these elevated land prices motivated the numerous industrial forest landowners such as Union Pacific, Inland Rome, Kimberly Clark and others to divest themselves of thousands of acres. This land was quickly gobbled up by private individuals, LLCs (Limited Liability Corporations) and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts). Presently, over 95 percent of the county’s extensive forestland is owned by private non-industrial owners. After one hundred years of struggle, when row crop farming bottomed out in the 1950s, Clay County farmers finally found a form of agriculture suited to these rocky hills---cattle, chickens and pine trees. By the 1980s, Clay County was a matrix of dense forests with interspersed pastureland, and dotted with the long houses of the chicken industry. Supplementing the timber and agricultural economy of Clay County today is a new trend of

small and medium industry. The family-owned and corporate satellite businesses employ a sizeable portion of the county’s available labor forces. Another positive economic factor for the county was completion of Lake R.L. Harris (aka Lake Wedowee) in 1984. Although only a very small sliver of this hydroelectric impoundment is in Clay County, it has nevertheless brought significant economic benefit in the form of housing construction and service jobs. This latest economic trend has brought with it a new phenomenon that could have an impact upon our demographics of this millennium, and ultimately the culture of the county. When these industries expanded and increased in numbers by the early 1990s, they found the size of the local labor pool to be insufficient. Like many areas, notably in the southwest, west coast, and Florida, Clay County began to receive an influx of Hispanics to fill the labor void. Today, these Hispanic workers continue to arrive from Mexico, Cuba, and Central and South America.

And finally... Over the years, very little about Clay County or its citizens has found its way into print. The most notable exceptions up to this point in time have been Garrett Mitchell’s Horse and Buggy Days on Hatchet Creek, Eddie Roselle’s Recollections - My Folks and Fields, Pamela Grundy’s You Always Think of Home - A Portrait of Clay County, Alabama, the Clay County Heritage Book Committee’s County Family Histories and Selected Historical Topics, and more recently, the Clay County Historical Society/Clay County Arts League’s A History of Clay County. Reflections found in these books will help define the county as a place and as a people. Perhaps these writings will also ignite an even greater effort to detail our rich history, so that future generations of Clay County citizens will not forget who they are and will continue to take pride in their strong historic and cultural heritage.

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Lake Wedowee Magazine • 21

to rock mills by Vanessa Sorrell Burnside

photography by Abra Mapp

The pottery was created from the earth of the Rock Mills area, and on a sunny Saturday in September it returned to its birthplace as Wehadkee Trade Days hosted a show of historic Rock Mills pottery.

32 â&#x20AC;˘ Lake Wedowee Magazine

In recent years, Rock Mills pottery shows have been held at the Randolph County Heritage Festival in Roanoke and at The Hub Restaurant in Wedowee. Following the publication of the book Alabama Folk Pottery in 2006, many pieces from Rock Mills were included in a show that toured art galleries across the state. The book was written by Joey Brackner, director of the Alabama Center for Traditional Culture, a division of the State Council on the Arts in Montgomery. A chapter in the book is devoted to the pottery of Rock Mills, Bacon Level and northern Chambers County. Wehadkee Trade Days are the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month at the former Wehadkee Mill, which is itself central to the history of Rock Mills, having operated on Wehadkee Creek since before 1860 until its closure in 2004. It provided employment for thousands in the community over the years. The pottery show was held at the old rock store, across the creek from the mill, another landmark of the community on the creek. According to organizer Gary Price of Cragford, 15 major collectors of Rock Mills pottery brought pieces to the show for visitors to see. The crocks, churns, face jugs and other contain

Lake Wedowee Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ 33

The “snake jug” below, made by Jessse Weathers, was one of the most intricately decorated pieces in the show.

ers may be seen as self-expressive, beautiful or simply useful to our ancestors. It was the first time that an unusual snake jug by Jesse Weathers was publicly displayed. The Rock Millians welcomed the many guests to the show, serving them a friendly bowl of Brunswick stew and soda crackers with hoop cheese as they browsed about looking at the pottery and vintage photos of Rock Mills in days gone by. Some pottery was displayed outside along the banks of the creek, while other pieces were attractively displayed in the old store along with an interesting collection of antique bottles. Late in the afternoon, an auction was held that included pottery pieces. While many pieces are still affordable, the price of some unique pieces has vaulted. For example, a figural piece by John Lehman, who worked in both Rock Mills and Bacon Level, sold on ebay several years ago for more than $90,000, said Price. A tall political jar with a wavy banner and “Hurrah for Jackson” on one side and “Hurrah for Jefferson” on the other side, with little figures molded on underneath, sold for more than $50,000. But visitors didn’t have to have a pricey collection to bring their family pieces. Experts were on hand to help them learn more about their pottery, the possible makers and its worth.

Jug town history Brackner said that as soon as the Indians left the area, families from Georgia and South Carolina migrated to Alabama and began making pottery. Prothro’s or McPherson’s Mill was estab-

34 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

lished when James Prothro and John McPherson came to the area on August 13, 1842. It later became known as Rock Mills. The name “Rock Mills” first appeared on maps in 1856 under the name of Prothro’s Mill and with a population of about 500. It quickly became probably the busiest “jug town.” In the 1880s, there were about 200 potters in Alabama, and in the mid-1800s, there were about 30 pottery-making families in the Rock Mills area alone. Some of the names are still common in the area today: McPherson, Henry, Pounds, Pittman, Boggs, Ussery, Faulkner, Burden, Duncan, Taylor, Rushton and Foster. Some potters were distinguished citizens of the Rock Mills community. E.S. McPherson, for example, was a Civil War veteran who came from South Carolina. He was a Baptist preacher and postmaster of Rock Mills. (He and his partner, J.T. Henry, signed their pottery.) Bacon Level potter Calvin J. Ussery was elected to the state legislature. Lehman came to Alabama from Germany in the 1850s. In the 1880s, he was robbed and killed on a train on a trip to Stockton, Ga., another town known for its pottery. The Pittmans’ operation had six employees. It was bought out by the Pounds in the 19-teens. After gaining their freedom, black men in the pottery-producing areas were hired to work. One of these was Edward Rushton, who was employed by Pittman Brothers in Rock Mills in 1900. Pottery pieces were utilized for everything to do with food storage and preparation, as chamber pots and as containers for other items. Locally made pieces are thick compared to

Each family of potters had its own distinguishing mark. The “IXL” mark on the piece to the left meant that its maker of this piece excelled at turning pots or was the best attributed to Randolph County - Gary Price collection.

Lake Wedowee Magazine • 35

Ybor Café (prounced E-bore) is Roanoke’s newest eatery, serving up authentic Cuban, Spanish and Italian cuisine. Founded by Katie Peterson, the restaurant opened in March 2008 to much enthusiasm from the public. When the Floridian founder moved to Alabama from Tampa, she found that she missed the Cuban and Spanish food. So the selfproclaimed rookie with no restaurant experience set out to remedy that situation—and Ybor Café was born. Why the unusual name? Ybor City is a historic part of Tampa, home to La Segunda Central Bakery, where the restaurant’s fresh Cuban bread orig inates. When it comes

to Ybor’s menu, authenticity is the most important element. The Italian branch of the menu comes from Peterson’s family tree. The menu items served at Ybor are literally family recipes, passed down from Peterson’s g randmother, who came to America from Arpino, Italy. Peterson herself makes the marinara and alfredo sauces, ricotta cheese and meatballs, all from scratch. Since most customers have never tasted foods of this type before, Peterson sometimes offers samples to the undecided individual. “Hands down, they love it,” she says. “But it’s not barbecue.”

Here are a few selections from our menu. In addition to menu items, we also offer daily specials.

Lasagna

We serve a larger than average portion. Homemade using our own marinara sauce and homemade ricotta! Family recipe from Arpino, Italy

Cuban Pork

Original Cuban recipe using special marinade we get from Miami, Florida. Comes with yellow or white rice and black beans.

Pasta with Marinara or Meat Sauce

Made in our kitchen daily from a family recipe Add our homemade meatballs for a hearty meal.

Original Cuban Sandwich

Our Cuban is made with Cuban bread layered with ham, Genoa salami and our Cuban pork. We put Swiss cheese and pickles, then “press” the sandwich. We can also add our special sauce if you wish.

Gourmet Pizzas

Homemade pizza created in our kitchen. We offer a variety and will make to order. Fridays and Saturdays only.

Steaks

Select from ribeye or filet that is cooked to your oder, served with mushrooms, vegetable, baked potato and an anti-pasti salad.

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Hours Lunch: Tuesday–Friday 11 am–2 pm Dinner: Thursday–Saturday 4 pm–8:30 pm

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some because of the type of clay found at Rock Mills. According to Brackner, a style of churn made in Randolph County with two handles on the same side for a strap became widely known as an “Alabama churn.”

At the potter’s workshop According to a 1980s Randolph Leader interview with the late Ben McDonald, a Rock Mills historian who owned a plant nursery across the road, the pre-Civil War building that housed Pounds Pottery was of hand-fired bricks molded from clay found nearby. Pieces of broken pottery littered the ground around the building. The craftsmen signed some, and some were stamped with the number of gallons the vessel would hold. Out back was a pit where the wood-fired kiln or “groundhog kiln” baked the pottery until it was ready to be used. McDonald explained how mules turned the clay while water was added to the mix in the “mud mill” until the correct texture developed. Then the clay was put on the wheel and shaped into a vessel and fired in the kiln. It took about three days for the kiln to cool off. The potters would then take their wares by wagon to the nearest railroad, which was first Columbus, then West Point, Ga. McDonald told an interviewer that his family continued their trade until the late 1940s.

Pottery was distinctive

Some of the collectors who exhibited at the show, pictured clockwise from top left: Gary Price, Bill Garland, Wyner Phillips of the Randolph County Historical Society, Lois Bennett and Danny Maltbie of Sand Mountain Pottery.

38 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

Although appreciated in artistic circles today, these craftsmen, though skilled at their trade, probably did not think of themselves as creating art. By looking on the un-glazed bottoms of the pottery, one can see the color of the Rock Mills clay, which is red or dark red. According to Brackner, all Deep South potters used an ash glaze or Southern glaze. The only other place ash glaze is used is the Far East. The glaze’s high alkaline content colors the pottery dark olive green. Brackner explained that the Boggs and Pittman families of Rock Mills used salt glaze, which was

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Lee Mapp of Wadley demonstrated wheel-throwing techniques at the show. Lee is a descendant of three generations of Mapp potters. Emory Taylor Mapp, his great great grandfather, was believed to have started the Mapp pottery. His son, Noah Mapp, and Noah’s son after him, Emory Austin Mapp, carried on the tradition.

introduced to the South from Europe after 1890. A potter would fire up the kiln and toss in some salt. The salt vaporized and coated the pottery, resulting in an off-white, slightly mottled, smooth texture. Because salt was expensive in the South, ash remained prevalent. The Ussery family at Bacon Level and Pounds Pottery continued to use ash glaze even after the introduction of salt glaze. The Boggs family moved their operation to Prattville. Other families moved to Sterett in Shelby County, Sand Mountain, Centreville, Mobile Bay and other places. In the 20the century, the mass production of glass and metal containers, which made the clay pottery look plain in comparison, signified the end of the heyday for the pottery industry in Alabama. Price said it is hoped the event will be held annually in September. (Sources: Made in Alabama: A State Legacy, chapter by Joey Brackner titled, “Made of Alabama: Alabama Folk Pottery and Its Creators,” 1995; “Pottery puts Rock Mills on the map,” by Michele Readal, The Anniston Star, May 15, 1988; “The craft of the potters ... new appreciation for an old trade,” by Adam Nossiter, The Anniston Star, May 19, 1984; “Alabama Folkways: Folk potters once numerous, Rock Mills important center,” by Henry Willett, The Roanoke Leader, July 11, 1979; “Pounds Pottery: History in Randolph County Clay,” by Phil Davis, The Randolph Leader, date unknown; “Pounds collectors no crackpots,” by Virginia Smith, Columbus LedgerEnquirer, date unknown.)

40 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

Holiday Section

2008

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of year... Rustic Lusury: a tour of the Stewartsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; magnificent lake home

How to make a fresh evergreen garland

How to make classic gingerbread cookies

42 â&#x20AC;˘ Lake Wedowee Magazine

rustic Stone, wood, glass and beautiful views of Lake Wedowee make the Stewart house a spectacular home. But family is at its heart. Al and Sue Stewart planned their lake home around visits from children, grandchildren and friends. The result is a great home with enviable space for entertaining and sleep-overs. From the front the house looks like a log cabin, but as the door opens light-filled vistas fill the eyes with gracious luxury. The northern yellow pine logs are just an introduction to the wonderful wood found throughout this 5,500 square-foot home. “I love the log cabin look. With this house you can be very traditional and have a rustic home,” Sue said. She enjoyed personally decorating the home and said she did not have to buy anything to furnish it except for area rugs to pull groupings together. “I just get what I like,” she said. She obviously likes red, sprinkled as accents or as bold displays throughout the home. Red “pops,” she said. She enjoys decorating for the holidays, and her son, Doug, enjoys helping her, she said. He works with his father, as does his sister, Amy Anthony, at the family business, The Stewart Group LLC. This real estate enterprise is in McDonough, Ga. The Stewarts’ other daughter, Emily, works as a mortgage loan officer in Griffin, Ga. This has been an eventful year for the family, with Emily marrying Dr. Bill Van Laar in January. On September 19 Emily and Bill’s daughter, Allie, was born. Amy’s daughter is Caitlin, while Doug has Amanda and Ty. A comfortable downstairs room featuring photos of family members matted with red or burgundy backdrops has several beds, a couch and futon--room for all the children or a visiting family. “It is the joy of it. They absolutely love coming,” Sue said of her family.

by Penny L. Pool photographs by Emily Wilkins

“This is everybody’s dream to have this much room. My husband’s sister and her family visit a lot... When the Fourth of July comes around we have everybody--we could use more room,” Sue said, despite the room in the expansive multi-level home. Featured on last December’s Lake Wedowee Christmas tour of homes as a fundraiser for Wedowee Middle School, Sue graciously greeted visitors, obviously enjoying sharing her home with them. Her double yellow-headed Amazon parrot, Baby, which she has had for 13 years, seems to enjoy the bustle of visitors from his vantage point in the foyer, watching closely and occasionally commenting or mimicking others’ comments. Sue said when she is in the adjoining kitchen he

44 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

often talks to her. Near Baby is a breakfront cabinet displaying the Old Country Roses by Royal Albert China of England that she uses on Thanksgiving and Christmas and which she displayed for the tour. It brightens the foyer, continuing the theme in a china cabinet in the adjoining dining room and in settings on the formally decorated dinner table. It complements the tablecloth, napkins, flower arrangements and other items in various shades of red. “What was so neat about that open house was I met so many neat people,” Sue said. She did all the decorating herself--a task she loves. Candles made the day more festive, and welcoming fires burned in the massive double-stacked stone fireplace, one side of the beautifully decorated dining room. The other side of the three-story high living room features a cathedral ceiling with 14 massive windows. It is the perfect setting for a 12-foot Christmas tree resting on the Australian cypress floors. Among the tree decorations are instruments and other music-related ornaments. Beside it is the baby grand piano that Sue loves to play. She has played since she was in the third grade. Her son plays, as well as her granddaughter Caitlin and her daughter Amy. She taught Caitlin for a year before she decided her granddaughter was far too talented for her expertise and should have a professional teacher. The custom-made red cedar mantles complement the rough stone of the fireplaces. The house features rafted ceilings throughout. It is built of yellow pine but a variety of wood is used throughout the house, such as a mahogany bar and custom made mahogany cabinetry in the game room. A pool table is in this space. The hot tub was moved from this area to the

flagstone patio outside, under the deck. The Stewart family celebrated Thanksgiving in the house in 2006. The day after Thanksgiving Sue fell and broke her leg. They were putting up a wreath and she stepped off the rock work area in front of the fireplace, requiring a trip to the “little hospital,” she said. At that time the Stewarts were still traveling back and forth to McDonough, and their business there, but her injury actually turned out to be a good thing. She had to stay at one place or the other and settled on Stewart House. She’s been there ever since. She had to sit down on stairs and slide from one step to another to travel throughout the house, she said, displaying a sense of humor about her predicament. During this period they celebrated Christmas there. Everybody pitched in and they had a party. “It is made for a party; absolutely it’s perfect,” she said. “I didn’t buy anything for this house. I enjoyed fitting furniture into areas,” she said. Pointing to the lovely living room table, she said it came from a Bir-

“This is everybody’s dream, to have this much room.” mingham business and the rest of the grouping came from McDonough. With a smile she admits “there’s no TV in here for a reason.” “Lucky, lucky--I’ve said that many times,” Sue said of their home. The Stewarts love lake living with nothing but beautiful woods and wildlife. Stewart House is hidden deep in the woods on 2.1 acres in a restricted subdivision. On the main channel of the Big Tallapoosa River portion of the lake, it has approximately 272 feet of year-around water frontage. “We sit on the front porch as much as on the back porch because we can see the wildlife,” she said of wild turkeys, deer that come up and feed, and the

Sue’s set of Old Country Roses by Royal Albert China of England brightens her dining room table on holidays.

fox, Wiley, who comes up at night to eat. They had a raccoon that would come up and eat the bird food. Her husband loves to feed the birds but not the two woodpeckers, which are working on the house. The hummingbirds have been amazing this year, with as many as 12 at a time hovering around the feeder, she said. The Stewarts bought the house as a shell. It had been custom built in 2004 by Stanley Pullen. The floors were done and they finished it with the help of Rocky Hunter. The house is about four years old, and they have had it about three of those years. “We’ve got everything we need. I don’t understand people who say they can’t get their children to visit. Sometimes we wish that was the case,” she said, laughing. One of the guest bedrooms looks down on the living room with a clear view of the lake through the banks of windows. She enjoys her state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances. Sometimes she turns on the music and starts cooking as early as 4 a.m. She has a warmer where she keeps meals for her husband if his return home is slowed by work or traffic. It is

designed to keep food warm without drying it out. She loves to cook and enjoys the restaurant-type stove and double ovens, she said, as well as her restaurant size refrigerator. She demonstrates all the opening and folding up areas of cabinets that use every bit of space. Some spaces that fold and unfold like accordions have specific uses. Among her favorite things are the built-in bread box and built-in cutlery drawer. The Verda jewel granite tops came from Italy. This view from the kitchen where she often serves meals on the bar is her favorite view, she said. It is where the sun sets, and there are times in the summer where it looks like a string off diamonds on the water when viewed through the double doors, she said. The Stewarts, whose anniversary is Nov. 24, 1961, sometimes like to end the day by going down to the dock and relaxing as they watch the sunset, she said. The rising sun motif is highlighted in the living room, as well as throughout the house and the outside bannisters. The living room has arch sunburst windows on top of each side of the prow design. Another of the stacked stone fireplaces provides a cozy spot on the flagstone patio outside the ground level double doors overlooking the lake, as well as in the basement den. A special water collection system makes the adjoining space much more usable, preventing drips on the tables and seating. The family room is the site of many card games. It adjoins the game room with the pool table and bar. Upstairs numerous french doors open onto a wraparound deck connecting from the three-to-four car garage, across the full front of the house and all the way to the master suite.

Lake Wedowee Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ 47

The sprawling home has three bedrooms, plus a loft over loft, 3.5 baths, a large kitchen, dining and a living room designed for a trophy room, a master suite with steam and whirlpool bath, laundry and half bath. And that is just the first level. The second level has a loft bedroom in an open arrangement looking down on the living room and out on the lake, a bath with whirlpool, and loft over bath with a ladder. The basement rooms also include a den, office/ bedroom, media/activity or family room, a game room, bath and changing room, and mechanical room. Two insulated and floored expansion wings, providing storage, stand ready for the possible addition of two more upstairs bedrooms. The master suite is as large as some small homes and is geared toward total comfort. One of the many highlights, greatly discussed and admired by guests during the home tour, is the 12 x 13 feet walk-in closet. “Al and I don’t need this whole house so we get what we need and are cozy in here,” she said. Her husband is trying to cut back on work but it is difficult, she said. They often spend their time in the bedroom with its soothing neutral colors and a comfortable sitting area in front of the massive bed where they can read or watch television. The tapestry above

Outdoor living areas at the Stewarts’ are just as comfortable and inviting as the ones indoors.

The downstairs living area features its own Christmas tree, decorated in shades of copper and bronze, and comfortable furniture for enjoying a cozy fire.

the leather and wood headboard came from England, and the tapestry bedspread was made in Belgium. The adjoining bathroom is worthy of a Caesar. Rustic walls contrast with gold fixtures, beautiful ceramic tile work on floors and walls. Custom cut granite from Africa highlights the bathroom. They found it at Custom Marble & Granite in Wedowee, she said. Custom pine cabinetry complements the granite countertops, but the highlight is the Kohler Environmental Center shower system that can also be a whirlpool, a bath and a steam room. A bay window accents the area. A screened porch overlooking the lake was added through the bedroom double doors. The porch has sofas, chairs, tables and a great view. It is a wonderful place to catch a nap, Sue said. Touches throughout, such as hand-broken tile that was placed in mosaic patterns on one of the bathroom ceramic floors, also make the house unique. The house features Monarch and Pella windows and doors. It has three heat pumps--two five-ton units and one four-ton unit. The 8 x 12 vault, with 12-inch solid concrete walls with a fire door made by Browning, is an excellent safe area in a tornado, she said. But Sue looks for blue skies. This time of year she enjoys a fire on the flagstone fireplace and drapes something warm around her and enjoys the lake. This house was built for yearround living to enjoy inside or out.

50 â&#x20AC;˘ Lake Wedowee Magazine

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how-to Easy Holiday

Make a fresh evergreen garland demonstrated by Susan Wilkins photos by Emily Wilkins

Evergreen garland looks festive, smells wonderful, is environmentally friendly and easy to make out of materials found in the great outdoors.

1 52 â&#x20AC;˘ Lake Wedowee Magazine

1. Collect your materials. Some examples of ever-

greens that lend themselves well to garland-making are pine, cedar, monkey puzzle, magnolia, holly, pinecones and wild rosehips. Use your imagination! You will also need floral wire, wire cutters, pliers, heavy-duty scissors or clippers, gloves, and medium-weight rope in the length you desire for your garland.

2. The garland is constructed out of small bundles

of evergreen that are then attached to your rope base. Begin each bunch with larger, fuller pieces on bottom, such as pine and cedar. We started our bundles with pieces approximately 9-10 inches long, as pictured.

3. Strip the needles off of the cut end of the stem.

4. Build up your bundle, trimming each piece to size as you add it.

5. Fan pieces into full shape. 6. Add smaller, more detailed pieces to the top of

your bundle, such as holly and magnolia. Remember to strip the stems as you add each piece.

6 5 Lake Wedowee Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ 53

7. Wrap a piece of wire around the stripped ends of the stems and tighten with pliers.

8. Attach the bundle to the rope with the ends of the wire, keeping the back of the bundle against the rope. Tighten with pliers.

9. Repeat this process as many times as needed to cover your length of rope. Make sure to keep the spacing between bundles consistent to completely cover the rope. If the garland is going to hang horizontally, the bundles may require a second piece of wire, fastened away from the stem, to keep them in place on the rope.

9 54 â&#x20AC;˘ Lake Wedowee Magazine

You may customize your garland by adding pinecones, ribbon, magnolia seed cones, sweet gum balls, or anything else you like!

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how to

Make classic gingerbread men The holidays are all about enjoying good times with friends and family and enjoying the good food that typically comes with those times. Among the more popular and traditional choices is Gingerbread Men. Those hosting a party this season can use the following recipe for “Gingerbread Men” courtesy of Sara Perry’s Holiday Baking (Chronicle Books).

56 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

Gingerbread Men Makes About 2 Dozen 51/2-inch Cookies 21/4 1/4 1/2 2 1 1/2 1/4 1/2 1/4 1 1/2

may your holidays be

me rry & b rig ht.

cups all-purpose flour teaspoon baking soda teaspoon salt teaspoons ground ginger teaspoon ground cinnamon teaspoon ground cloves teaspoon ground nutmeg cup vegetable shortening cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar egg cup light or dark molasses

1. Into a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, then lightly whisk and set aside. 2. In a stand mixer set on medium speed, beat the shortening until creamy, about 30 seconds. On medium speed, beat in the brown sugar until light and lump free. Beat in the egg until well blended, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Beat in the molasses until blended. Turn off the mixer, add half the flour mixture, and beat on low speed until blended. Add the remaining flour and beat until blended.

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3. Using lightly floured hands, gather the sticky dough into a ball. Divide the ball in half and flatten each portion into a 6- to 8-inch disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours or until firm. 4. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly and set aside. 5. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and, if needed, soften slightly for easier handling. Roll it out 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured board, between 2 sheets of parchment paper or heavy-duty plastic wrap, or on a pastry cloth with a cloth-covered rolling pin. 6. Lightly dip a 51/2-inch gingerbread man cookie cutter into flour, then firmly press it straight down into the dough. Repeat, cutting the cookies close together to avoid rerolling. Using a spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to the baking sheet. If a cookie is to be used as an ornament, press a hole through the top with a drinking straw or a large skewer. 7. Bake until the cookies are lightly browned, 9 to 11 minutes. Let the cookies firm and cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack to cool completely. If desired, decorate the cookies with icing and decorative candles. SR07A019

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Lake Wedowee Magazine • 57

calendar

of events & activities compiled by Vanessa Sorrell Burnside

Local Events East Alabama Arts Society Christmas Gala Monday, Dec. 1 Alfa Building, Wedowee Due to seating constraints, a limited number of tickets will be sold. 256-357-2361. Southern Union Christmas Show Dec. 2-5 The Southern Union Sound and Dancers come together for the annual Christmas Show at 7 p.m. For ticket information, call 256-395-2211. www. suscc.edu. Admission charged. Christmas Tour of Homes Dec. 6 Roanoke The Christmas tour will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance/$18 on tour day. For information, call Roanoke Schools Association at 334-863-2926 or 863-6570. Wedowee Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 6 Downtown Wedowee The Wedowee Christmas Parade will take place through downtown, beginning and ending at Wedowee Village shopping center. 5 p.m. 256-357-2122. Dance Center Christmas Show Friday-Saturday, Dec. 12-13 Southern Union State Community College, Wadley The Dance Center on Main (Wedowee) will have its Christmas show in the Renaissance Theater. 256-357-2778. $5. Roanoke Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 13 Downtown Roanoke The annual Roanoke Christmas parade 58 â&#x20AC;˘ Lake Wedowee Magazine

will take place on Main Street beginning at 11 a.m. 334-863-4129. Woodland Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 13 Downtown Woodland The annual Woodland Christmas parade will take place beginning at Woodland High School and looping through downtown. Other activities include live entertainment, food and visits with Santa. Civic clubs and other groups are invited to decorate a tree and participate in a silent auction. For more information, call Rita Whitaker at 256-449-2656. Wedowee Garden Club Christmas Lighting Contest Monday, Dec. 15 Wedowee Garden Club has judges from out of town who come to judge Christmas lighting displays in Wedowee in several categories. 256-357-2361. Miss Southern Union Pageant Thursday, Jan. 29 Southern Union State Community College, Wadley. The annual Miss Southern Union Pageant takes place in Brazeal Auditorium. Past winner Jamie Langley went on to become Miss Alabama. For ticket information, call 256-395-2211. www. suscc.edu. Admission charged. Over-the-Hill Revue IV Feb. 13, 7:00 pm First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, Wedowee. East Alabama Arts Society presents its Over-the-Hill Revue talent show. A sellout event is expected. 256-356-2361. Knight-Enloe Winter Festival Friday, Feb. 13 Knight-Enloe Elementary School

The Winter Festival will include food, games, fun and prizes. 5:30 p.m. $1 admission for ages 5 and up. 334-863-2237. Southern Union Spring Play Southern Union State Community College, Wadley. Feb. 25-March 1 Title of play to be announced later. Times are 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. For ticket information, call 256-395-2211. www.suscc.edu. Admission charged. Southern Union Dance Concert Southern Union State Community College, Wadley. March 10-13 The Dance Department of Southern Union presents its annual spring show at 7 p.m. For ticket information, call 256-395-2211. www.suscc.edu. Admission charged.

Area events Thanksgiving Sound, Light, Water Show DeSoto Caverns Park, Childersburg Saturday, Nov. 1 - Saturday, Nov. 22 Special Thanksgiving Sound, Light & Water Show is presented on every caverns tour in the gigantic Cathedral Room. Tours every hour on the half hour from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 256-378-7252. http://www.DeSotoCavernsPark.com. Admission charged. Fantasy in Lights Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. Nov. 14-Dec. 30 Holiday magic shines at Fantasy In Lights, now in its 17th year! Since 1992, this outdoor light and sound show has glittered with holiday magic for millions

of people. Families from across the Southeast have added Fantasy In Lights to their list of memorable holiday traditions. This year, experience the 17th annual Fantasy In Lights with its 8 million lights creating more than a dozen beautiful scenes, and you’ll see why this is the brightest holiday light show in the South! 6-8 p.m. ET. For reservations, 1-800-CALLAWAY. Adults $17.12, children 6-12 $8.56. Annual Candlelight Tour Festival in Warm Springs Village Friday, Nov 21 - Saturday, Nov 22 Historic Warm Springs Village, Warm Springs, Ga. Discover the magic of Christmas in Warm Springs as the village is transformed into a glowing wonderland of lights. Shop by candlelight and hear the carolers and musicians entertain you as a horse and carriage takes you on scenic tours around our beautiful city. Enjoy the hospitality of the many restaurants and warm greetings from the many merchants as you stroll the picturesque stores to find that unique gift for a special someone. Shops open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. (Regular hours of 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. ET observed Sunday through Thursday). Free admission. 800-337-1927. www.warmspringsga.ws Tartuffe (The Imposter) Thursday, Nov. 20 - Sunday, Nov. 23 Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville JSU drama presents Moliere’s comedy, Tartuffe. This is a relevant play for today as we examine the evil which can be committed in the guise of religious fervor and the dangers that imperial those who believe only what they choose to believe. Best enjoyed by young people 12 and up with some exposure to Moliere’s language. 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. 256-782-5648. http://www.jsu.edu/depart/drama. Admission charged. A Warm Springs Thanksgiving Saturday, Nov. 22 Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site, Warm Springs, Ga. Descendants of band members who played for President Roosevelt will continue the Thanksgiving and family tradition of folk music on the lawn of the Little White House. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET. 706-655-5870. http://www.youngamericamusic.com. $4-$7. “We Gather Together” Sunday, Nov. 23 First Presbyterian Church, LaGrange, Ga. Thanksgiving and praise concert featuring the combined choirs of the LaGrange Civic Chorale and Bel Canto LaGrange. 5 p.m. ET. 706-882-2734. civicchorale@bellsouth.net.

Festival of Trees Thursday, Nov. 27 Historic Haralson County Courthouse, Buchanan, Ga. The historic courtroom will be bursting with beautiful and imagination-filled Christmas trees decorated by groups and organizations from the community. Special activities on Sat., Dec. 1, include bake sale, children’s choir, Santa and awards ceremony. 770-646-3369. www.hchistory.com. Free admission. Christmas in Possum Snout Thursday, Nov. 27 Tallapoosa, Ga. Christmas open house in downtown Tallapoosa. Thanksgiving Day local business owners open up their storefronts to the public for refreshments and shopping. Carriage rides, refreshments and caroling begin at 2 p.m. 770-574-2482. www.visitharalson.org. Free admission. Cheaha Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet Nov. 27 Cheaha Mountain Restaurant, Cheaha State Park Cheaha Mountain Restaurant will host its annual Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet from 11:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. $13.95 per person on a first-come first-serve basis. Tax and tip not included. 256-488-5115. www.alapark.com. LaGrange-Troup County Annual Christmas Parade Thursday, Nov. 27 The LaGrange annual Christmas parade will stir the Christmas spirit in your heart and warm your soul. The Women’s Division asks that you come join us on the square in beautiful historic downtown LaGrange for an old-fashioned Christmas parade. The evening will include more than 100 floats, Christmas carolers, local school marching bands, performances by dance teams, clowns, appearances by Miss Troup County & Miss Hydrangea. To conclude the parade, the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus on the fire truck will awe children young and old. 9 -10 p.m. ET. 706-884-8671. www.lagrangechamber.com. Free admission. Tree-Lighting Ceremony Friday, Nov. 28 Downtown Alexander City An event by MainStreet Alexander City to kick off the holiday season. Local children help decorate the official city Christmas tree at the fountain on Broad Street. 256-329-9227. http://www.mainstreetac.org

Annual Hometown Christmas Parade Monday, Dec. 1 Downtown Alexander City One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horse-riding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. 6 p.m. 256-234-3461. www.alexandercity.org. Free admission. Holiday Sound, Light, and Water Show Sunday, Nov. 23 - Thursday, Jan. 1 DeSoto Caverns Park, Childersburg Celebrate the holidays in a beautiful and unique way. Show takes place in the spectacular main room of the caverns, which is higher than a 12-story building and larger than a football field. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 256-378-7252. http://www.DeSotoCaverns. com. Admission charged. Christmas Wreath Workshop Saturday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Dec. 6 Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange, Ga. Staff members will help you create a fresh wreath with a variety of greenery, berries and bow. Bring clippers if you have them. All other materials provided. $35 per person. 10 a.m. ET. 706-882-3242. www.hillsanddalesestate.org. Homes for the Holidays Tuesday, Dec. 2 Area homes, Anniston Tour area homes decorated for the holidays during this annual Museum League fundraiser. The self-driving tour allows participants to visit and enjoy at their own pace. Call June Sariano for more information or to purchase tour tickets, 256-237-6766. Group ticket orders welcomed. It’s a grand opportunity to spend the afternoon or evening with friends and family. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 256-237-6766. http://www.annistonmuseum.org. Admission charged. Sons of Lafayette Concert Thursday, Dec. 4 First Presbyterian Church, LaGrange, Ga. Christmas concert. 7:30 p.m. ET. 706-884-1185. www.sonsoflafayette.org. Follow The Shepherd Walk Thursday, Dec. 4 Explorations In Antiquity Center, LaGrange, Ga. Let the Explorations In Antiquity Center take you on a walk that you will never forget. The walk takes place in a truly unique museum of daily life in biblical times. Experience exactly what it would have been like for you to follow the shepherd in ancient history. This special event happens only once a year. Call ahead to make dinner reservations to partake in a 1st Century banquet featuring 15 food items. 6-9 p.m. ET. 706-885-0363. www.bibicalresources.net. Lake Wedowee Magazine • 59

CAST presents Sanders’ Family Christmas Thursday, Dec. 4 - Sunday, Dec. 21 McClellan Theatre, Anniston In December, CAST welcomes back the musical Sanders family in Sanders’ Family Christmas, the sequel to the popular Smoke on the Mountain. Presented Thursday through Sundays, Dec. 4 - 21, Sanders’ Family Christmas is presented as an extra in the CAST season and is not included in the season ticket price. However, tickets for Sanders Family Christmas can be purchased at a discount when purchasing a season ticket. 8 p.m., Thursdays - Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. (256) 820-2278. http:// www.castalabama.com. Admission charged.

Friday evening of the month, all year long. Select downtown merchants stay open till 8 p.m. for visitors to enjoy featured events, music and shopping specials. 256-329-9227. http://www.mainstreetac.org. Free admission.

Downtown Christmas Lighting Friday, Dec. 5 Downtown Bremen, Ga. Come and welcome Santa Claus to Downtown Bremen. Enjoy the lighting of the town, children’s activities, cookies and hot chocolate, and pictures with Santa! 6-8 p.m. 770-537-2331. www.downtownbremen.com. Free admission.

Christmas Cookie Walk for Habitat Saturday, Dec. 6 1st Baptist Church Activities Bldg, Gay St., Auburn 13th annual fund-raiser for local Habitat for Humanity projects sponsored by the WeHelp Coalition of churches. Pick your own from a smorgasbord of thousands upon thousands of homemade, hand-decorated holiday cookies. This community event begins the season of generosity and giving for Auburn, Opelika and Lee County. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 334-821-7248 Free admission.

Christmas Heritage Tour Friday, Dec. 5 Valley The Valley Historical Commission will sponsor the second annual Christmas Heritage Tour. Join the VHC for a bus tour of our historical Christmas displays and learn the history of these unique decorations. You may even meet one or two of the people who helped make Valley a magical place during the holidays. Displays of interest are the Kiwanis Club life-size Nativity, West Point Pepperell Madonna & Child light display, City of Valley Christmas Merry-Go-Round, Iron Bridge, Fairfax Depot, and Shawmut Mill Village Lights. Time to be announced. For more information contact Valley City Hall at 334-756-5220. http://cityofvalley. com. Free admission. City of Valley Christmas Walk on the Trails Friday, Dec. 5 Rails to Trails, Valley Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, sweets and Cokes served by church groups, businesses, schools and others as you walk through the luminaries that line the entire trail walk. Mrs. Claus & elves will be at the Fairfax Depot reading Christmas stories to the children. 6-9 p.m. ET. 334-756-5290. http:// www.cityofvalley.com. Free admission. First Fridays! Friday, Dec. 5 Historic Downtown Alexander City Shop, dine and discover downtown Alexander City during extended hours each first 60 • Lake Wedowee Magazine

The Nutcracker Friday, Dec. 5 - Sunday, Dec. 7 Troup High School Performing Arts Center, LaGrange, Ga. The Lafayette Ballet Company will present the traditional Christmas ballet, “The Nutcracker.” 7 p.m. ET Friday and Saturday. 2 p.m. Sunday. 706-882-9909. www.lspaarts. com. Admission charged.

Christmas in a Mill Town Saturday, Dec. 6 Historic Langdale Theatre, Valley The Valley Historical Commission and the Greater Valley Arts Council sponsor “Christmas in a Mill Town.” This original community performance play will tell the story of Christmas through the eyes of the men and women who worked in our local textiles mills and their children who grew up in the mill villages. Contact Valley City Hall at 334-756-5220 for time and ticket information. http://cityofvalley.com. Free admission. Pearl Harbor Remembered Saturday, Dec. 6 Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site, Warm Springs, Ga. We will not forget those who served our country during World War II. You are invited to spend time with survivors of Pearl Harbor and hear their extraordinary stories. Kelly’s Zeroes, a WWII living history organization, will exhibit equipment used by our soldiers in WWII. 12 - 3 p.m. ET. 706-655-5870. $4-$7. Empire Brass with CSU Vocalists: “Legacy Live” Saturday, Dec. 6 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus, Ga. The Empire Brass Quintet, internationally recognized as North America’s finest brass

quintet, performs works from the brass repertoire and some holiday favorites with Schwob School of Music vocalists. 2 p.m. 706-649-7225. http://music.colstate.edu. $20 admission. Breakfast with Santa Dec. 6 Cheaha Mountain Restaurant, Cheaha State Park Cheaha Restaurant will host its annual “Breakfast with Santa” from 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Each child donating $1 that morning to the local animal shelter will receive a free coupon for one child’s breakfast. 256-488-5115. www.alapark.com. Nativity Festival Dec. 7-Dec. 14 LaGrange, Ga. Downtown LaGrange churches will display Nativity scenes and other religious art from around the world in their sanctuaries. The public is invited to attend the free exhibits. All of the nativities and artwork are on loan to churches for this special event. Churches include: Advent Lutheran, Church of Christ, First United Methodist, St. Mark’s Episcopal and St. Peter’s Catholic. Saturdays and Sundays noon to 8 p.m. ET. Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. 706-883-3955. The Nutcracker Sunday, Dec. 7 Anniston Performing Arts Center, Anniston One of six companies in the world licensed to perform George Balanchine’s holiday masterpiece, the Alabama Ballet returns to Anniston to perform its 27th annual holiday offering of The Nutcracker. The opulent sets and dazzling costumes create a vision that will enchant children and adults alike! 2 p.m. For tickets please call: (256) 832-4554. Ticket prices: $30, $20 and $12. West Georgia Hospice Tour of Homes Sunday, Dec. 7 LaGrange, Ga. Tour starts at Hills and Dales Visitors Center and will feature five beautiful homes and a chapel in LaGrange. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Hospice LaGrange. There will be a boutique at the Hills and Dales Visitors Center. 2 to 6 p.m. ET. 706-845-3905. woodj@wghs.org. Festival of Lessons and Carols Sunday, Dec. 7 Callaway Auditorium, LaGrange College, LaGrange, Ga. The LaGrange College Singers, directed by Debbie Ogle, are featured in this annual worship service. 7:30 p.m. ET. 706-880-8351. asellman@lagrange.edu.

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Victorian Front Porch Tour Tuesday, Dec. 9 - Saturday, Dec. 13 Opelika See the historic Victorian homes of Opelika transformed into an Ole World Christmas wonderland. Over 60 turnof-the-century homes are adorned with life-size Santas, angels, toys, teddy bears, carousel horses and other figures. Featured in Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens, Opelika artist Jan Jones spent years creating the impressive displays by loving hand. A self-directed driving or walking tour, the event includes live entertainment, carolers, costumed homeowners and other festivities. 334-887-8747. Free admission. Second Saturday Space Safari: Star of Bethlehem Saturday, Dec. 13 JSU Planetarium (3rd floor Martin Hall), Jacksonville Travel through space and explore planet Earth during these exciting programs for families and children. 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. 256-782-5697. http://fieldschool.jsu.edu. To learn about the JSU planetarium, visit our website: http://epic.jsu.edu/stars/planetarium.html. Admission charged. 62

Christmas on the Home Front Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pickettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill Battlefield Historic Site, Dallas, Ga. Gather the family and join us at our 1850s log cabin. Learn the ways pioneers settled this region and the lifelong struggles and hardships they had to endure. See open-hearth cooking, farming practices and clothing styles. 770-443-7850. http://pickettsmillpark.org. Admission $1.75 - $3. Tallapoosa Festival of Lights Monday, Dec. 15 thru Thursday, Jan. 1 Tallapoosa, Ga. Ride through the Helton Howland Memorial Park and enjoy the Christmas lights at Helton Howland Park in Tallapoosa. Of course, you will want to bring the kids and the camera along. 770-574-2482. www.tallapoosaga.gov. Free admission. Lighted Christmas Parade Friday, Dec. 19 Tallapoosa, Ga. Usher in the Christmas season with the annual lighted Christmas parade. Be sure to get the kids here for a visit by Santa held the second Tuesday in December. The parade event will be located in down-

town Tallapoosa at 7 p.m. 770-574-2482 Event Link: www.visitharalson.org. Free admission. Bell Tower Bash Wednesday, Dec. 31 Downtown Buchanan New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve celebration on the town square in Buchanan. Live music and fireworks. 770-646-8978. www.visitharalson.org. Free admission. Cheaha New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Buffet Jan. 1 Cheaha Mountain Restaurant, Cheaha State Park Join Cheaha Mountain Restaurant for a traditional New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day buffet, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Peas and greens are waiting! 256-488-5115. www.alapark.com. Second Saturday Space Safaris: Larry Cat in Space Saturday, Jan. 10 Jacksonville State University Planetarium, Jacksonville Travel through space and explore planet Earth during these exciting programs for families and children led by Dr. Laura Weinkauf on an incredible dome 3D screen. Larry Cat in Space is a about a curious cartoon cat who stows away

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on a rocket for an exciting journey to the moon. Larry Cat’s adventures are purrrfect for kids ages 10 and under. 1:30-2:30 p.m. 256-782-5861. http://www.epic.jsu. Admission charged. School of Needle Arts Sunday, Jan. 11-Wednesday, Jan. 21 Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. This unique program is nationally recognized as one of the premier needlepoint schools in the nation, with more than 300 needlework enthusiasts attending the two sessions. The 10-day event consists not only of classes taught by the highest qualified instructors, but also an incredible boutique, offering needlework supplies and an outstanding bookstore, featuring the latest in needlework books, as well as out-of-print copies. 1-800-7-NEEDLE for pricing and other information. Southern Gardening Symposium, 23rd Annual Friday, Jan. 16-Sunday, Jan. 18 Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. The Southern Gardening Symposium has a long-standing tradition of bringing professional speakers on topics geared toward gardening in the South. In addition to the lectures, the program offers a complete onestop gardening marketplace and exciting

optional workshops. 1-800-225-5292, Ext. 5153 for registration and more information. The Platters Saturday, Jan. 17 Pell City Center, Pell City For one show only, The Platters, will perform all of their top 20 hits including “Only You,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “Ebb Tide” and “You’re Making a Mistake.” 7 p.m. 205-338-1794. http://www.pellcitycenter.com. Admission charged. Houseplant Heaven Saturday, Jan. 24 Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange, Ga. Joanna Lee, Hills and Dales Estate greenhouse manager, will speak on how to successfully grow houseplants. Sick plants or plants needing repotting are welcome. Participants will receive a complimentary houseplant. 10 a.m. ET. 706-882-3242. www.hillsanddalesestate.org. $25 per person. Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra Saturday, Jan. 24 Anniston Performing Arts Center, Anniston Founded in the mid-19th century, The Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra represented a pillar of Irish classical music life at a time when Dublin, after London, was considered the most vibrant and distinctive city in the

British Isles. After a turbulent history reflective of the unrest in Ireland over the next 150 years, the orchestra was reconstituted in 1997 under the direction of Irish music director Derek Gleeson. In addition to presenting standard classical music repertoire, the orchestra also has premiered works of contemporary composers and has recorded pieces for records and motion pictures. 8 p.m. Ticket price $45. Living History Days at Horseshoe Bend Saturday, Jan. 24 - Saturday, Aug. 22 Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Dadeville Park’s 50th Anniversary On the 4th Saturday of each month, join the Horseshoe Bend Volunteer Militia led by Captain Ove Jensen as they conduct their training drills using muskets and rifles from the early 19th century. Drills are conducted three times between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 256-234-7111. http://www.nps.gov/ hobe. Free admission. Callaway Gardens Marathon Sunday, Jan. 25 Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. The Callaway Gardens Fitness Series kicks of 2009 with a marathon/half-marathon. A 5K run will be offered Jan. 24 for those novices who aren’t quite ready for the marathon

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or half-marathon. Race routes include scenic roadways inside Callaway’s 13,000 acres, making this an enjoyable experience for participants and spectators alike. 770-565-5208. CAST Theatre Presents “Leading Ladies” Thursday, Jan. 29 - Sunday, Feb. 15 McClellan Theatre, Anniston CAST pays tribute to the comedies of William Shakespeare and Billy Wilder with its first production of 2009, Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies.” Like the heroines made popular by Jack Lemon and Tony Curtis in Wilder’s “Some Like it Hot,” the ladies of this comedy’s title are actually two gentleman trying to pull the wool - or in this case a con - over everyone else’s eyes. Of course the mixup results in much hilarity for everyone involved! “Leading Ladies” runs 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. 256-820-2278. http://www. castalabama.com. Admission charged.

Art Works Reception Fridays, Feb. 6, May 1, Aug. 7, Nov 6 921 Noble St., Anniston Downtown District Quarterly showing and reception by members of Art Works fine arts gallery. Paintings, turned wooden bowls, pens,

and decorative pieces, fiber art, gourds, photography, jewelry and pottery. 5-8 p.m. 256-237-1259. http://www.artworks-anniston.com. Free admission. Love Your Heart Run & Crank Your Heart Ride Saturday, Feb. 7 Auburn Love Your Heart Run participants may choose to run or walk either a 1-mile or 10K (6.4 mile) course. The Crank Your Heart Ride will consist of a 3-, 10- or 22-mile bike ride. All routes begin and end at Chewacla State Park. Individuals wishing to participant should check www.loveyourheartrun.com or www. crankyourheartride.com in November 2008 for additional information. For more information about the Run or Ride, please visit the website mentioned or contact Alison Hall at 501-2940. Fee for participants only. BassMasters Weekend Series Saturday, Feb. 7 Wind Creek State Park, Alexander City BassMasters Weekend Series Fishing Tournament. Be at the park at dawn to witness the launch and stay for the weighin. 256-329-0845.

French Film Festival: “The City of Lost Children” Thursday, Feb. 12 LaGrange College, LaGrange, Ga. Dickson Assembly Room in the Mabry Gibson Student Center. 6:30 p.m. ET. 706-880-8266. mraphoon@lagrange.edu. Sweetheart Weekend at Cheaha Feb. 13-14 Cheaha Mountain Restaurant, Cheaha State Park During Sweetheart Weekend (Friday and Saturday), all hotel room guests will receive a bottle of sparkling cider. On Saturday, Cheaha Restaurant will be hosting its annual Special Sweetheart Buffet from 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Each overnight hotel guest will receive a free bottle of sparkling cider. Our restaurant deck is famous as the place to pop the question and have your ceremony. Just tell your server you want to take your toast to the deck then ask her to be your bride. Make it a night to remember. 256-488-5115. www. alapark.com. Second Saturday Space Safari: Love Stories In the Stars Saturday, Feb. 14 Jacksonville State University Planetarium, Jacksonville Travel through space and explore planet

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Earth during these exciting programs for families and children led by Dr. Laura Weinkauf. Many different people have gazed at the sky and been inspired to tell stories. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’ll look at love stories from many cultures. 1:30-2:30 p.m. 256-782-5047. http://epic.jsu.edu. Free admission. Wine Lovers - Wine and Chocolate Saturday, Feb. 14 Morgan Creek Vineyards, Harpersville A special Valentine treat for those who love chocolate and wine. 10 a .m.-6 p.m. 205-672-2053. http://www.morgancreekwinery.com. Free admission. Empire Brass Tuesday, Feb. 17 Callaway Auditorium, LaGrange College, LaGrange, Ga. As the first brass ensemble to win the prestigious Naumberg Chamber Music Award, The Empire Brass enjoys an international reputation as North America’s finest brass quintet. The five musicians - all of whom have held leading positions with major American orchestras - perform more than 100 concerts a year in cities from New York to Chicago, Zurich to Tokyo. The group’s best-selling recordings, on the Telarc label, have introduced an even larger audience to the excitement of brass music that ranges

from Back to Handel to jazz and Broadway. 7 p.m. ET. 706-880-8351. http://www. lagrange.edu/callawayconcertseries. “Sweeney Todd” Thursday, Feb. 19 - Sunday, March 1 Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville JSU Drama and Music departments present the musical “Sweeney Todd.” Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler, based on the version of “Sweeney Todd” by Christopher Bond. This is a sophisticated, macabre, intense drama, which is filled with hysterically funny moments of dark humor, as well as frightening surprises. For Families: Best enjoyed by young people 12 and up because of text of the play. 7 p.m. evenings and 2 p.m. on Sunday. 256-782-5648. http://www.jsu.edu/depart/ drama. Admission charged. Black Heritage Festival, 29th Annual Anniston Museum of Natural History, Anniston Saturday, Feb. 21 Anniston Museum presents the 29th Annual Black Heritage Festival, one of this area’s longest running and most respected Black History Month festivals. Hear powerful, evocative and inspirational orations delivered by area students. Shop for African American arts and crafts and listen to great vocal and musical performances. This remarkable event

is free to the public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 256-237-6766 for details. Three On A String Saturday, Feb. 21 Pell City Center, Pell City For one night only, Three on a String, will entertain you with their well-timed, musically interesting and funny presentation with their mix of bluegrass, country, old favorites and comedy. 7 p.m. 205-338-1794. http:// www.pellcitycenter.com. Admission charged. Painting: Inside the Outside Tuesday, Feb. 24 Lamar Dodd Art Center, LaGrange College, LaGrange, Ga. Artist and professor Scott Bellville will talk about his strange and compelling brand of realism, including his work on display at the Lamar Dodd Art Center. 11:15 a.m. ET. 706-880-8211. dbriggs@lagrange.edu Russian National Ballet Theatre - “Don Quixote” Saturday, Feb. 28 Anniston Performing Arts Center, Anniston Founded in 1989 by legendary Bolshoi Ballet principal dancer Sergei Radchenko, the Russian National Ballet Theatre has completed two tours of Europe and the United Kingdom and has performed with great success in

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Turkey, Greece, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong. The exciting independent company includes leading dancers from across the Russias, along with stars of the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets. Come tilt some windmills with the storied Man of la Mancha as the ballet presents the ever-popular Don Quixote. 8 p.m. Ticket price $45. Children’s Harbor 3rd Annual Charity Rodeo Sunday, March 1 - Tuesday, March 31 Charles E. Bailey Sr. Sportsplex, Alexander City Come be part of the most fun you’ll have this spring. Watch children chase the pigs; watch adults vie for “the buckle.” Over 4,000 in attendance in previous years. At the sportsplex riding stables. For exact date, please contact Children’s Harbor at 334-857-2133. Admission charged.

Japanese Tea Ceremony Tuesday, March 3 LaGrange College, LaGrange, Ga. Tomoko Aoyagi will demonstrate the art, ritual and honor of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. The tea ceremony (Sado) is a ritual way of preparing and drinking green tea. In the Bailey Room of Smith Hall. 11:15 a.m. ET. 706-880-8206. vevans@lagrange.edu.

2009 District VI Masters Games of Alabama Friday, March 6 Valley Community Center, Valley 2009 District Masters Games of Alabama For men and women ages 55 & over who reside in Chambers, Talladega, Clay, Coosa, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties. Sporting events: basketball free throw, billiards, bowling, horseshoes, softball throw, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, golf, card games, rook, dominoes and checkers. Fee for participants is $15. Winners advance to State Games to be held in Florence first week in October. Dates: March 6, April 3 and May 1. 334-756-5282. http://cityofvalley. com. Azalea Storytelling Festival Friday, March 6-Sunday, March 8 Callaway Auditorium, LaGrange College, LaGrange, Ga. This year’s storytellers are: Donald Davis, Kathryn Tucker Windham, Donna Washington and Sid Lieberman. Time varies each day. 706-880-8204. cmayfield@lagrange.edu JAKES Saturday, March 7 Shepherd Branch Shooting Range, Tal-

ladega National Forest, Talladega An event designed to encourage children and families to spend time together turkey hunting. First Saturday of opening weekend of youth turkey hunt: 9 a.m. to noon. 256-362-2909. http://www. southernregion.fs.fed.us/alabama. Free admission. Open House at Morgan Creek Winery Saturday, March 14 Harpersville Sample cheese and wine tastings. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 205-672-2053. http://www.morgancreekwinery.com. Free admission. An Opera Chorus Saturday, March 14 Callaway Hall, LaGrange College, LaGrange, Ga. Great operatic choruses sung by the LaGrange Civic Chorale. 7:30 p.m. ET. 706-882-2734. civicchorale@bellsouth. net. Fishers of Men Tournament Saturday, March 21 Wind Creek State Park, Alexander City Come for the launch at dawn and stay for the weigh-in. Fee only to enter state park. 256-329-0845.

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Callaway Gardens Plant Fair & Sale Thursday, March 26-Sunday, March 29 Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. The Annual Plant Fair and Sale offers exceptional shopping under one roof. Approximately 20 vendors from the area and surrounding states bring a wide variety of plants and unique garden items. At the Robin Lake Beach Dome. Thurs. 3-7 p.m. ET, Fri.Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Callaway Gardening School Friday, March 27 Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. This spectacular event is an excellent way to jumpstart your gardening endeavors for spring. Join Callaway for a fantastic gardening happening with two amazing gardeners Walter Reaves and Page Dickey. Reaves hosts a four-hour weekly gardening show on NewsTalk 750 WSB-AM. Dickey is author of numerous books, inclucindg Gardens in the Spirit, Breaking Ground, Inside Out: Relating Garden to House, Duck Hill Journal, Dogs in the Gardens and Cats in the Gardens. On Robin Lake Beach. 9 a.m. ET. $60 (three sessions and lunch or $20 for single session). 706-663-5153. education@callawaygardens. com.

Woodland Calhoun County Century Challenge Bike Ride Saturday, March 28 Woodland Park Softball Complex, Anniston Annual bike ride offering 25-, 50- and 100-mile options. Set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the ride offers a pleasurable trip through scenic and rural sections of northeast Alabama. 256-236-8221. Admission charged. 195th Anniversary of Battle of Horseshoe Bend Saturday, March 28 - Sunday, March 29 Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Dadeville Park’s 50th Anniversary Attend this festival of culture and history on the grounds of Alabama’s first national park. All activities are free. Creek hunting camps, military camps, demonstrations of dance, cannon fire and more. Living history demonstrators available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special presentations every hour on the hour. Bookstore, orientation film, exhibits, restrooms, picnic area. Concession stand available for light lunch. Explore park via Tour Road and by foot on 2.8-mile nature trail. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 256/234-7111. http://www.nps.gov/ hobe. Free admission.

The White House Garden Saturday, March 28 - Sunday, May 24 Anniston Museum of Natural History, Anniston If the White House is the “People’s House,” then its gardens are truly America’s gardens. This spectacular 18-acre ensemble of formal gardens, secluded natural retreats and expansive parkland has been shaped by America’s presidents and first ladies, some of the nation’s best-known landscape designers and architects, and generations of dedicated gardeners and horticulturists. Organized by the White House Historical Association and Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibits, this exhibition traces the history of the gardens and grounds of America’s most famous home from the 1790s to the present. The exhibit relies on reproduction photographs, drawings, maps and correspondence to convey the historical significance of the gardens of the White House. Garden-related topics include: presidents, first ladies and presidential children; staff gardeners; the planting of the gardens; the Rose Garden, East Garden (the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden) and the Children’s Garden. Sure to be an educational and aesthetic treat for all. Included in museum admission. Regular museum hours. 256-237-6766. http:// www.annistonmuseum.org.

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Lake Wedowee Magazine • 69

Industrial Pallet Supply, Inc.

Silla America, Inc.

Buddy and Diane Harpole started Industrial Pallet Supply Inc. in 1977 in LaGrange with $400. They were the only employees. They now have three facilities and are in the process of moving all operations to their Roanoke facility. They opened their business at 235 Millwork Industrial Boulevard in Roanoke about a year ago and are happy with the “exceptional” workers they found here and the welcome from the community, he said. Their goal is to double growth each year and most years they meet it or come close, he said. They have 12 employees right now and hope to have 15-to-18 by the end of the year, he said.

Silla America held an opening ceremony for the new business in Randolph County on Wednesday, October 22, 2008. The steel pallets Silla America will manufacture will be used for shipments of Kia Motors and parts which are manufactured at Hyundai in Hope Hull. They will make two products at the Randolph County location: auto pallets, which are operated by a robot, and a manual rack. They sell these racks to Kia, Kia suppliers and others. The company has been making auto pallets for Kia since 2004. Silla America was founded in 1987 and has several locations, one in South Korea, one in China, one in Brantley, Ala. The Randolph County plant will be the fourth location. Its headquarters is in Young Chun, South Korea.

Randolph County Industrial Development Council Roanoke • 334.863.7243 “Pursue and Retain Industry”

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