Elmore County Living January 2020 by Tallapoosa Publishers

Elmore County Living

Wetumpka Depot stages futures Former Tallassee man wins Emmy January 2020

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From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

As we step into the New Year, I look forward to the challenges and accomplishments ahead. Most importantly, I am eager to see what new, exciting, impressive things our communities in Elmore County are doing. This issue is a great way to showcase those talents as we kick off the year recognizing some local stars. Let’s start with video producer and Tallassee native Myron Williams. An avid lover of sports, Williams is living his dream job in Miami, Florida, working for WPLG-TV in Miami and covering the local professional athletics programs. He recently won a Suncoast Regional Emmy for his production of a one-time special sports video on NBA star Dwayne Wade, who retired in 2019. Williams dedicated his award to Tallassee and sent it to be on display at his parents’ house, so the entire community can share in his success. Read his story on page 10. While there may not be an Emmy in her future, Amber Voss is a dedicated, enthusiastic young woman who is destined to forge a successful path. Voss is one of the only locals who has graduated from both the Youth Leadership Elmore County and Leadership Elmore County programs. Turn to page 8 to read about her experience and her personal thoughts as to the important skills these classes provide in the personal and business worlds. Forging successful paths starts early for Elmore County residents, including those in the community theater world. On page 32, Erin Chesnutt explores the options for area kids that became involved with The Wetumpka Depot Theater early in life and continue to study the arts in college and the professional world. Jared and Shellee Smith bring a different skillset to Elmore County but are accomplishing impressive feats nonetheless. Jared Smith has worked in construction since he was 14 years old and recently hand built a rustic raised cabin overlooking the Coosa River. Shellee’s interior design background added the final touches to make the cabin a welcoming space. On page 18, take a peek inside the serene, unplugged getaway location. While not a local, John Hughes is still impacting Elmore County’s continual expansion of recreation, as well as that of other areas of the state. Hughes brainstormed the Coast 2 Crest Trail connecting the Florida hiking system to Alabama, through Eclectic and onto Flagg Mountain, Weogufka. While still in the development phase, the C2C Trail ultimately will connect the entire East Coast with hiking trails. Turn to page 24 to read more about Hughes’ plans. Adrian Borden dives into underappreciated, behind-the-scenes roles in theater on page 46, giving costume designers, hair and makeup crew an outstanding ovation. They make productions come to life.

Amy Passaretti, Editor

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Chairman

KENNETH BOONE kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

President & Publisher

STEVE BAKER steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com

Managing Editor

BETSY ILER betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com

Editor

AMY PASSARETTI amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com

Distribution Manager

ERIN BURTON erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultants

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

Creative Services

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Digital Services

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

Contributors

Kenneth Boone Carmen Rodgers Adrian Borden Sharon Fox Cliff Williams Gabrielle Jansen Santana Wood

Daniel Dye Marilyn Hawkins Tony Edwards Mallory Kelley John Hughes Donna Grier

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER Youth Actor's Academy at Wetumpka Depot Community Theater has achieved national acclaim and helps young people develop confidence and public speaking skills. Photo by Donna Grier

6 In Every Issue 6

EXTRA! EXTRA!

BACK IN THE DAY

OUT & ABOUT

DOLLARS & SENSE

COMING UP

News Briefs

In Elmore County

Fun for Everyone

WHERE TO FIND US Distribution List

Features

Columns Paint Keeps the Haints Away

AMBER VOSS

Twice the Leadership

TALLASSEE SCORES AN EMMY

GARDEN TALK

STAGING FUTURES

ARTSY FARTSY

A SERENE GETAWAY

COAST 2 CREST

MURDER ON THE MENU

Life Insurance a Priority for Young Families

Paperwhites Cheer Up a Room

Does This Make Me Look French?

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Myron Williams' Video for the Win

YAA creates opportunities for kids

Rustic Cabin Overlooks the Coosa

New Trail Connects the Country

Mystery Authors Gather for Lunch

EXTRA! EXTRA!

Spreading Culture and Kindess

News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Pride of Tallassee honors Alabama’s Bicentennial The State of Alabama celebrated its 200th birthday Dec. 14 in downtown Montgomery, and The Pride of Tallassee marching band represented Tallassee High School and the congressional district in Alabama’s Bicentennial Parade. The band played the state song for Gov. Kay Ivey in front of the Capitol. More than 70 entries from around the state showcased Alabama’s communities at the event.

Sixteen students in second-grader Uriel Diego's Wetumpka Elementary School class received handmade ponchos, or sarapes, similar to the one Diego wears to school as part of his Spanish heritage. Robertson gave Uriel’s mom, Olga, and sister, Chantel, the yarn for the project and estimated that it took approximately 220 yards to make each poncho.

City of Tallassee now owns Eastside Mill property

“It now gives the city ownership of that property, that I think we all will agree is a mess,” City Attorney John Smith said. “But the city would be positioned to apply for grants and take steps to clean up that property ... and put into a better appearing position.”

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MillbrookOpoly highlights community hot spots The game of Monopoly takes on a local flair with the release of MillbrookOpoly, the brainchild of Late Sky Productions out of Cincinnati. The game hit the shelves of the Millbrook Walmart a few months ago, and all local affiliations, including the City of Millbrook itself, were shocked at its release. The press release that came with the game said the company has no affiliation with Hasbro and does not use any if its protected trademarks. “We research several cities and communities around Alabama to make a very localized game about a specific area,” said Bill Schulte, one of the owners of the company. “We always make sure that the locals love their town before we take on a project.” Landmarks include the Natureplex, Millbrook Theatre, The Pines Golf Course, Deaux Boys, The Front Porch Grill and many more. The tokens are shaped as a boot, heart,

pretzel, a toothy smile and a bulldog. The company said more Alabama cities are on the drawing board.

Girls join Boy Scouts Ava Bankester and Lydia Bird became the first female Scouts in the history of Tallassee to cross over from Webelos to Boy Scouts Troop 59. The girls will be a part of Troop 59-G, and the boys will be renamed Troop 59-B. Through participation in all-girl troops, young women who join Scouts BSA will learn from the same program, earn the same merit badges and achieve the same advancements that boys have earned for nearly 109 years in the Boy Scout program.

Costumed pups pose for the camera A Wiggle and a Wag, a dog groomer and daycare facility in Wetumpka, hosted its second annual ugly Christmas sweater party last month. “The dogs love any kind of party,” said owner Brandi Jarrett who has been grooming animals for 27 years. Jarrett asked her clients to dress their dogs in ugly sweaters, and she

took photos of each dog, posted those to her business’ Facebook page and asked the page’s followers to cast their votes. Ace the dog received the most votes. Jarrett said the business hosts celebrations throughout the year. She said most days her staff cares for 10 to 15 dogs, but special events draw larger canine crowds.

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Amber Voss Twice the Leadership

Story & Photo by Amy Passaretti

mber Voss has always been a self-proclaimed overachiever and her innate enthusiasm and determination have aided her in the role as the most recent graduate of both the youth and adult Leadership Elmore County programs. The countywide-established class promotes the development of strong community leaders. “I learned skills in the youth program that were useful during college and now in the workforce. I didn’t even realize everything I had been taught in the program until I reviewed my project journal and recognized those skills in myself,” said Voss, who currently serves on the LEC board of directors. As a junior at Edgewood Academy, Voss’ guidance counselor selected her to participate in the youth LEC. She graduated from that program in 2010 with a new way to assess problems and approach the community. “The tools the youth program provided me with were communication skills; listening skills; how to control stress; and project management skills, including the ability to come up with an idea, plan it and implement it,” said Voss. Each individual – with the option to work in pairs – had to complete a community service project, and Voss decided to collect donations for the Hope Lodge in Birmingham. The home-away-fromhome facility provides a safe, comfortable place for cancer patients and their families to stay when they’re receiving treatments.

“Even though it’s in Birmingham, it still serves residents in Elmore County that take advantage of the Hope Lodge,” said Voss. The project required participants to choose a mentor, and Voss asked Angie Carter, who served on the Relay for Life Wetumpka committee, to be hers, since Voss was working with the nonprofit at the time. After graduating from Troy University, Voss moved back to her hometown Wetumpka and took a job with the American Cancer Society as its Relay for Life community manager. Living and working in Elmore County, Voss wanted to participate in the adult version of LEC, since her experience in the youth program had been so positive and informative. “I ran into Katrina Mitchell with the Extension office while working for the YMCA of Greater Montgomery, and we talked about it. Katrina followed up with me and asked if I could fit the adult class into my work schedule,” said Voss. “The youth program focuses on a leadership curriculum and community service, while the adult program focuses more on touring the county and networking.” Leadership Elmore County’s adult program is a nine-session course with a focus on positive leadership. Each session covered a chapter of the curriculum, which Voss said she still refers back to, and field trips were held on various topics, including Military Day, Health and Human Services Day, Education Day, State Government Day, County Govern-

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ment Day and three city-specific days. “We visited the legislature on State Government Day, and I have always been interested in politics, so that was my favorite trip,” said Voss. The program kicks off with an overnight retreat to focus on team-building exercises and introduce the classmates to one another. “I didn’t know anyone in the class, and I Voss doubled up on local was one of the youngleadership training est in the group, but it really broadened my network,” she said. Her class started out with 14 people and 11 ended up graduating in May 2019. “It was neat that we were a diverse group and everyone had different backgrounds. I received insight into other people’s careers and what they do,” said Voss. The class brainstormed a community service project and decided to support the Elmore County Food Pantry through a Boston butt fundraiser. They raised $4,040 for the nonprofit organization. “Since I was always taking notes and was very attentive, I was assigned to be the class secretary,” said Voss. “I was in charge of project reports that the LEC coordinator then sent to the board of directors.” The biggest eye-opener for Voss was learning things she never knew about Elmore County, including the issues that face the community. “Even though I grew up here, there were plenty of things I didn’t know. This class teaches you how to be a part of the solution, and I learned something new each session,” she said. The adult class focused more on class member interaction and relationship building to broaden

individual networks. Now on the board of directors, Voss assists with re-branding Leadership Elmore County to serve more people. “We’re trying to address what’s next for Leadership Elmore County,” she said. “It will be a similar format, but we want to move toward a leadership series with relevant topics for today’s leaders and allow community members the option to attend the whole series or just specific sessions.” Regardless of career and background, LEC is a good refresher on leadership applicable to the community as a whole, she said. “It addresses skills that benefit you personally and professionally. It shows how to be an active member of the community and teaches you how to get involved,” said Voss. “You really don’t know everything about this county that you may think. If you’re considering it, I would say definitely sign up.” The program was founded in 2000, and the first class of 20 students graduated in 2001. Tallassee, Millbrook and Wetumpka chambers of commerce, along with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, collaborated to design the program that assists in strengthening and developing strong and productive community leaders. At present, the program is made up of 232 graduates from 17 classes, plus members of the original steering committee. For more information about LEC, visit leadershipelmorecounty.org.

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Tallassee native scores an Emmy Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Jeremiah Stewart and Courtesy of Myron Williams & National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Suncoast Chapter The WPLG-TV team includes Bill Damas, David Lang, Myron Williams, Will Manso and Clay Ferraro

allassee native Myron Williams made a slam-dunk in his producing career when he was awarded an Emmy on Dec. 14 at the 43rd Annual Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards for his documentary Dwayne Wade: Bigger than Basketball. “This was unbelievable to have won. I am very thankful,” said Williams. “We felt confident about the project when we submitted it, but we were shocked. I was mostly excited for my friends, family and dedicated it to my hometown of Tallassee.”

Williams, who graduated from Tallassee High School in 2001, and his team at WPLG-TV in Miami, Florida, documented NBA basketball star Dwayne Wade’s journey through his career and as a stalwart person in his community. When Wade retired last year, the station was tasked with producing a one-time 30-minute special project, which originally aired May 24, 2019. “We worked directly with Dwayne who is such a good person and is so genuine. He was always accessible,” said Williams. The production team also interviewed Wade’s

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Williams dedicated his award to his hometown of Tallassee

Williams shows off the Emmy to his parents

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Williams kisses his Emmy

wife, actress Gabrielle Union; his son, who is one of the top 20 high school basketball players in the country; and his mother, who is a pastor in Chicago. Their video was submitted among 12 others to the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Suncoast Chapter. Two videos were nominated in the one-time sports special category. Williams’ portion of the project took more than six months of scouring through old television archives to find Dwayne Wade-related footage. “I think one of the reasons we won was the observers knew we couldn’t use any Miami Heat basketball footage because we didn’t have the rights,” said Williams. As a result, he had to forge a different path. Williams was able to pull from the television station’s archives following 17 years of Wade’s career and community involvement, starting from the night he was drafted to the Miami Heat.

“We pulled everything Dwayne Wade that was not on a basketball court; that’s how we put it together,” said Williams. Other notable events in Wade’s career that Williams captured on camera include his annual autism walk; Wade’s charitable fashion show; and visiting his mother’s church in Chicago. “We also found where Dwayne’s jersey was No. 5 before he was No. 3,” said Williams. “Those are the kinds of things you can find when looking at projects at this level. This is what I love about them.” The Miami Heat No. 3 jersey will be retired in Wade’s honor in a ceremony in Miami on Feb. 22. Williams made his break into the communications field close to home in Montgomery before being hired in Houston, Texas, where he worked with the Houston Rockets and the PGA. His career then took him to Miami where he has been since 2015. “I absolutely love my job. The fact that I get cre-

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The award-winning project celebrated the career of NBA retired pro Dwayne Wade

dentials to go to sporting events and travel and get paid for it – it’s a dream come true,” said Williams. Winning an Emmy has given Williams the confidence to pursue future projects on an even larger scope. “I can’t wait to work on the next project and just go out and do it again,” he said. “This is a huge career achievement, and I’m hoping to make it to the national level, in the biggest market possible and be successful; so to pick up an award like this along the way is unreal.” Williams’ parents, Isaac and Willie Mae Williams, still live in Tallassee, and Williams said they are truly his biggest fans and the rocks on which he leans. “I was so happy that they could be there with me when I won. It means a lot to me,” he said. The Emmy will be shared with the community and housed at Williams’ parents’ house in Tallassee to commemorate Williams’ roots.

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Staging Futures Story by Erin Chessnutt Photos by Donna Grier & Courtesy of Wetumpka Depot Community Theater

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ig dreams can begin anywhere, even inside an abandoned grocery store. Just ask Lizzy Woodall, Reese Lynch and Patty Holley, all current students of the performing arts whose roots run deep in The Wetumpka Depot Theater. They enthusiastically share their passion for the arts that began right here in Elmore County. The Wetumpka Depot is celebrating 40 years and performed its original productions with only adult cast members. The originators of the theater wanted to pass along their love of the arts to the youth of the community. The Youth Actor’s Academy was created to provide a place to teach children about the arts and to supplement the programs that were already taught in the schools. The youth programs beStudents perform came popular and have a Dr. Suess classic continued to expand, according to The Wetumpka Depot’s Executive Artistic Director Kristy Meanor. “We have summer camps, afterschool programs for ages 8 and up, and we have added a special needs group called The Penguin Project,” she said. “It’s exciting to watch some of our students go on to pursue degrees in the arts. We get to watch these kids grow up in our theater.” A recurring sentiment that reigns supreme when listening to students gush about The Wetumpka Depot is family. Everyone considers the members of the theater group to be one big family, but for Lynch, this holds an additional special meaning.

His mother, Kim Mason, is an active member of The Depot community, and Lynch remembers attending rehearsals and watching his mother perform when he was a small child. He was inspired by his mother’s talent and wanted to see if he could be part of a show. Lynch tried out for a part in the children’s play when he was about 8 years old. “I just loved the rush I got from being on stage,” said Lynch. Last summer, Lynch won the Audience Favorite Actor Award at AACTFest, a national competition for community theater groups held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The director of the award-winning production was none other than Lynch’s mother. The performance of the two-act play The Diviners worked its way up to the national competition by first winning at the state and regional levels. Lynch is currently in his freshman year at the University of Alabama, and he’s majoring in musical theater. He is already rehearsing for a role in his first college production, The Pirates of Penzance. “I am grateful for the opportunity to share the beauty of theater with my mother and my Depot family. It has prepared me for success at college and whatever the future holds,” said Lynch. Another Depot-lover, Woodall said she remembers moving to Wetumpka around the age of 9 or 10 and finding her place in town through community theater. “I was the new kid and looking for a way to make friends,” said Woodall. “Someone suggested that I give the theater camp a try. I not only made a lot of great friends, I found my passion for theater.” Woodall is currently a sophomore at Arcadia University outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is majoring in theater arts. Her experience at The Wetumpka Depot gave her the confidence to

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move to a city with larger audiences and a more and it’s an incredible experience. This theater is rerobust theater community, she said. ally a cornerstone of Elmore County,” said Holley. Her love for her hometown roots inspired her The theater had humble beginnings, but this year to spend last summer interning for The Depot. makes four decades of community performances. The theater continued to “There was a small group help Woodall experience all that wanted to start a comfacets of theater production, munity theater, and they and she gained additional asked if they could use the experience as a production old train depot,” Meanor assistant for the summer explained. “It was not the performance of Master Harbest space for theater proold … and the Boys by Athol ductions – cold in the winter Fugard. and hot in the summer – but Auburn University graduthe group loved performing, ate Patty Holley earned her and people showed up and degree in music education seemed to enjoy the shows,” and vocal performance after she said. catching the “stage bug” – as After performing at the she calls it – performing at train station for 10 years, the The Depot. group had to look for a new “I auditioned at The Dehome, but they were deterLynch received pot my junior year of high mined to keep the theater national school,” said Holley. “It was going. They moved into acclamation the first time I experienced any space available around for his role a full collaborative productown to continue the perforin The Diviners tion, and it was amazing.” mances. Finally, they realHolley was awarded the ized the perfect home for Grace Bishop Memorial Students develop the theater had been right in Scholarship from the theater confidence and public the neighborhood all along – to help with her educaspeaking skills the abandoned grocery store tion expenses at Auburn. through theater that they had all shopped in Woodall received the same years before. scholarship before attending “We knew right away Arcadia. Grace Bishop was that the space had a lot of the original founder of The potential for a theater,” said Wetumpka Depot, and the Meanor. scholarship is given to an Once the building waspElmore County student that urchased, the group conplans to major in the arts. verted the old grocery store Preference is given to stuinto its permanent location. dents who have participated A stage was constructed, in the local programs. theater lights beamed from Holley is currently workthe rafters, and seating for ing on her master’s degree 160 patrons awaited guests. in vocal performance at the The Depot Players were now University of Houston in ready to entertain residents Texas. She explained that of Elmore County for years performing at The Wetumpto come. ka Depot provides aspiring artists with a solid To learn more about the youth programs or foundation to pursue a career in the arts. upcoming performances at The Wetumpka Depot, “Kristy Meanor does this so well; people from all visit wetumpkadepot.com or call 334-868-1440. walks of life come together to make beautiful art,

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'Hain't' that porch ceiling blue?

I Sharon fox

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

f you are familiar with Southern neighborhoods, you have probably noticed one out of every four houses has a porch with a blue ceiling. The blue paint is not just any shade of blue – it is haint blue. The tradition or superstition of haint blue on the ceilings of porches, around windows and on doors began in the country of Angola, by the Gullah or Geechee people. Their descendants kept the tradition alive when they came to the United States, and as a result, it became a Southern tradition. According to Blue porch ceilings are the Gullah belief, Southern tradition haints – or haunts – with spooky origins are spirits trapped between the world of the living and the world of the dead. L. C. Douglass’ description of these spirits is perfect: “These are not your quiet, floaty, sorrowful ghosts; they are the kind you don’t want to mess with, and the kind you certainly don’t want invading your humble abode looking for revenge.” Why blue paint? These particular vengeful spirits cannot cross water. Why not? It may be a made-up way to comfort people with a means to keep spirits out of their homes, or there might actually be an original reason for it. No one I have talked with knows or remembers. It turns out that blue paint also repels both insects and birds. There are different thoughts on the reasons. The first being insects and birds are not very smart. That isn’t exactly how it is explained, but the theory is, they are fooled into thinking the blue porch ceiling is actually the sky, which makes it a less-than-preferable place to build a nest. To avoid birds nesting or bees building hives on a porch, try painting the ceiling blue (It might just work).

The second reasoning, and perhaps a better one, is based on milk paint. Milk paint wa a mixture of many things, including lye. Lye is known as an insect repellent and homeowners would, without realizing it, safeguard their homes against all kinds of insects and birds. The old milk paint would normally fade quickly, making it necessary to repaint every year or so, refreshing the lye repellent and keeping their homes accidentally pest free. Another thought on blue porch ceilings is due to the way it makes the porch feel. Porcha es are where Southern families sit and visit with one another, with neighbors and in general, relax. My favorite part of the day is sitting out on my back porch (yes, it has a blue ceiling) and reading while my dog lies in the sun. Can I claim it’s because of the blue paint? Maybe. Blue is a calming color, and according to color psychology, it symbolizes expansiveness, imagination, freedom and wide open space. An old African tradition or superstition arose from a slightly scary need to be comforted by believing in an age-old form of protection from vengeful spirits. I have to wonder if that old tradition could be the “grandparent” of the happy Southern tradition of sitting out on cool porches with blue ceilings representing calmness. There is no actual standard shade of blue given in the old tradition; however, you can purchase a beautiful shade of haint blue in paint stores today. Does it keep the haints away? You’ll have to find out for yourself. Photo by Lake Lou via flickr.com/photos/lakelou/5866414725

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A Serene Getaway Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Kenneth Boone & Courtesy of Shellee Smith

The Smiths' rental cabin was built with scrapped and salvaged materials

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Newlyweds Jared and Shellee Smith are likened to HGTV’s convivial, gifted Chip and Joanna Gaines with their popular show Fixer Upper, which recounts the processes of turning potentially dilapidated houses – fraught with potential – into charming, livable homes. While the Gaines usually work with mostly alreadystanding structures, the Smiths recently built pretty much from scratch a quintessential remote cabin along the Coosa River in Wetumpka that is now available for rent year-round as a quaint, quiet getaway. “It started out as a barn structure, and I turned it into a cabin on stilts. It took about four years to slowly build as I had time in between jobs,” said Jared Smith. The finished 800-squarefoot structure was constructed entirely from scrap materials and leftover bits and pieces from Smith’s full-time construction business. Shellee added the decorative touches to the space that sits down a 3-mile dirt road off state Route 14. Smith owns JSC Docks, which provides highquality marine construction around Lake Martin and beyond. His talents far exceed his work with marine construction, as he The family Christmas card built his mother and late stepfather’s rustic Frenchcountry style house a few years back. While his mother no longer lives there, the unique-styled home garnered him plenty of professional attention. He’s worked in construction since he was 14 when he apprenticed at a sawmill and built complete homes made from the sawmill wood. “I would say his favorite thing is being free to design something custom,” said Shellee. And that’s exactly what he did when he began the Dirt Road River Cabin more than four years ago. It started as a hobby side project and a way to incorporate all the unique finds he’s stashed over the years. “The spiral staircase going up to the cabin I just found at a salvage yard, and I’ve had for years. There is a steel post used below the house that was once a Texaco Oil company sign,” said Smith. “I used what I had and repurposed a lot of stuff.” The structure started out as an exposed barn built of

scrap material, but Smith decided to give it some height and salvaged tin for siding. At the top of the staircase is a front porch with a wood-burning fireplace and an outdoor cooking area with a propane grill and griddle. There is no indoor oven or stove, but there is a mini fridge, microwave and toaster oven, along with coffee, spices, paper products and utensils. The interior walls are cabin-grade pine, and barn beams are exposed on the ceiling. The tin roof creates rainy day ambiance. “A lot of the interior is old primitive furniture and pieces I fixed up to keep a cabin feel,” said Smith. “Shellee really helped tie it all together.” With a background in interior design, Shellee added the flair and style to make the cabin inviting. “Jared and I make a great pair. I’ll have a new idea, and he makes it happen. We’re a good team,” she said. Shellee decorated with thrift store and flea market finds that fit the rustic interior, along with some vintage family artifacts. Smith built Shellee’s inspiration for galvanized pipe, wooden exposed shelves in the kitchen, which display the antique metal camping dishes. A vintage sink sits in a kitchen counter that was patched together from pieces of furniture and topped with a slab of granite left over from another job. “I really like the cabin feel and kind of combined some old mixed with new,” said Shellee. The open-concept living and dining room and kitchen features two indoor fireplaces – one wood burning and one electric – for heat. The dining table, a large square, seats eight. In total, the cabin can sleep up to eight people with two full-sized futons, a master bedroom with a queen and a last-minute addition loft that fits a full-sized mattress. The bathroom, with a working toilet, sink and shower, along with the master bedroom are accessed through sliding barn doors. “The loft area is perfect for our teenaged daughter. We have five kids, ages 10 to 19, and we all can be accommo-

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The tin roof is almost musical when rain falls

The cabin sits on stilts beside the river The loft includes a full-sized bed

The cabin sleeps eight

Smith found the spiral stairs in a salvage yard

The cabin reflects a simple, fun, laid back lifestyle

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The fire pit is a great place to spend a fall evening dated when we stay here,” “The first time Jared took A stove on the porch said Shellee. me out here, it was so neat. creates a cozy atmosphere The loft is a perfect He played some owl noises example of Shellee’s vision over the speaker, and next brought to life by Smith’s thing I knew about five owls skills, and he used salvaged came out on the tree branchscrap lumber that was lying es,” said Shellee. under the house. It’s also a great loca“My father would always tion for duck hunting, buy old homes in historic said Smith. The cabin is areas, so I learned to apprepet-friendly, but the Smiths ciate that and what renovaadvise guests to take care, as tions can do for a house,” coyotes roam the area. said Shellee. The river can be accessed from public boat ramps – There also is room for additional space off the back the closest being Gold Star Park – and there is a location part of the house, as the roof extends quite a bit off the to tie up to a dock on the cabin’s shoreline. The water current structure. levels do rise and fall, but the river should be deep The cabin sits on about 1 acre of isolated land directly enough for just about any type of boat. It just can’t be along the Coosa River; yet, it’s only 10 minutes from launched from the cabin area itself. shopping and dining. While there is electricity, there is Up to the left of the river is Fort Toulouse and across no Wi-Fi or cable. from it is Parker Island – a 1,700-acre island and hunting “You are truly unplugged when you come out here. lodge. It’s a great getaway,” said Shellee. The Dirt Road River Cabin is available for rent year There is a TV with a DVD player; some board games; round, with a minimum of a one-night stay with disand some outdoors games to keep guests entertained. counted rates for longer stays. The cabin can be rented There also is an outdoor hammock and portable Bluethrough Airbnb, Vrbo and HomeAway. For more infortooth speakers for inside and outside the cabin. mation, visit The Dirt Rd River Cabin Facebook page. Wildlife can easily be spotted when relaxing on the front porch, including turkey, deer and owls.

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We’ll help show you the way to financial security. No map necessary.

Tony Edwards*, CLU®, ChFC® Principal tony@wealthmarkfinancial.com

Clay Edwards*, LUTCF® Associate clay@wealthmarkfinancial.com

Contact us to make a plan that lets you focus on being good at life. WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC** 6756 Taylor Circle Montgomery, AL 36117 334-279-1987 wealthmarkfinancial.com

*Tony Edwards and Clay Edwards, Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency and wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance and an agent licensed to sell insurance through New York Life Insurance Company and may be licensed to sell insurance through various other independent unaffiliated companies. **WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. SMRU1710429 (Exp.07/30/2020) ©2018 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010

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The route through Eclectic ultimately links the Appalachian Trail to Florida

assing right through Elmore County's Eclectic, a 276-mile trail has been mapped out on a route from the Florida National Scenic Trail to Geneva, Alabama. The project will bridge the last remaining gap in a continuous East Coast Trail System. Using GAIA GPS, the trail will utilize wilderness paths, highways with hiking and biking shoulders, as well as dirt roads. “A lot of words have been thrown out there – ergonomic, organic – but I wanted the trail to develop itself,” said John Hughes, founder of the trail and Geneva city councilmember. “It’s going to be flexible over the years and find its best path.” The trail will follow South Ann Street – east of Castleberry Park – into Eclectic, where it will intersect with Main Street and turn into North Ann Street. Hughes, also vice president of public relations of the Alabama Hiking Trail Association, brainstormed the Coast 2 Crest Trail system to begin at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, and end at the Crest of Flagg Mountain in Weogufka, Alabama, with the Weogufka State Forest, watchtower and cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. “It started when I was elected to city council in Geneva, some 16 years ago. I wanted to find a way for Geneva to capitalize on the boom just 70 miles away at the coast. As I’ve traveled back and forth over the years, I started seeing Florida trail signs crossing the roads I traveled. I thought it would be nice to develop a connector trail from the Florida Trail, at Seven Runs, up to the Robert Fowler Memorial Park in Geneva,” said Hughes. “I started mapping it out and thought, why not make a trail that goes through Geneva and offers hikers a route to connect the East Coast?” The route would ultimately link up with the Appalachian Trail, creating a trail

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Coast 2 Crest New hiking trail will complete East Coast route

Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by John Hughes

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system that spans the entire East Coast. It is currently in the development phase, and Hughes is in the process of engaging public and private landowners; blazing the route and placing signage; and recruiting likeminded individuals to contribute to the project. “If I could get people out there and walking this trail and talking about this trail, eventually our government agencies would step up and join us to contribute to its funding and maintenance,” said Hughes. Previous to this design, hikers from the Florida Trail would hit a trail called Red Ground Trail north to the Alabama line. At this point hikers would take an Alabama road walk path that was a more dangerous route along major highways. “This gives them a safer option and the opportunity to avoid going through a military base, which can be complicated and require special permits,” said Hughes. The trail isn’t completely a wilderness trail, and Hughes refers to sections of it as an urban trail – as it goes straight through Troy University, for example. Florida has already emphasized small towns along their trail systems that have transformed into active, vibrant communities developed from trail traffic. “It’s an incredible boom that it’s caused in certain towns, especially those with a trailhead. It’s really popular right now to do a thru-hike and hike long distance trails from start to finish,” said Hughes. There is an additional economic promotion within that aspect, he added. As Dollar Generals are hikers’ Mecca, Hughes said he hopes to route the trail near those stores, in the advantage that those areas also could benefit from additional businesses beneficial to hiking traffic, such as outdoor gear and apparel. While personally familiar with back roads from Geneva to Troy, Hughes primarily routed the remaining trail using the tools and resources supplied by GAIA.

“I knew what I had in mind and that I wanted it to come close to some lakes and avoid Montgomery,” he said. Hughes has walked the trail from Pier Park to just south of Troy and hopes to have walked it all by 2021. About 90 percent of the route still has to be blazed and marked out, and he is in the process of getting medallions labeled C2C that he will place along roadsides, with governmental permission. “There is a lot of areas and countryside that people don’t know how desolate and how pretty they are,” said Hughes. He has collaborated with the Alabama Hiking Trail Association to assist with building and maintenance of the Alabama portion of the trail. The Florida Part of the trail trail system already has will wind through a pretty good structure Elmore County in place. Areas from Pier Park up through Ebro to Geneva have really pushed recreation and trails and many are already-existing routes, he said. Some points of interest that will standout in Alabama include local parks and recreation facilities, rivers, creeks, lakes and more. In Florida, the trail will run through Pine Log State Forest; Florida National Scenic Trail; historic Cerrogordo and others. The next step is to raise money and form an official Coast 2 Crest organization, said Hughes, and develop a Facebook page and website. “Then I want to get maps for the trail; design and sell T-shirts; look into grants and funding; and get signage up,” he said. He’s connected with some interested parties through the AHTA where people are familiar with certain areas of the route. “We’re going to come together and get a plan of action to roll this thing out,” said Hughes. For additional information about C2C or to be a trailblazer in its conception, contact Hughes at dukdukduece@yahoo.com or 334-723-6370.

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Beautiful sunsets will be visible on the trail

Local flora and fauna will be an attraction on the trail

The route will feature towering trees

Water scenes also will be included along the path

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Getting priorities right for young families Tony Edwards

DOLLARS & SENSE Tony Edwards is principal with WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC, and can be reached at 334-279-1987.

5. You can always upgrade at a later date. hen it comes to money matters, Don’t let the fear of making the wrong decision young parents who are just starting out have a lot to juggle: deter you from purchasing a policy now. The They may be paying off student policy you purchase today isn’t necessarily to be set in stone. As your family’s needs change, debt and saving for their first homes, all while you have the option of considering other poliraising kids. But it’s also a time when young families may cies. We know it’s not easy for young families be the most financially vulnerable should the to make their life insurance needs a priority, unexpected strike. To ensure that they have given all their competing financial obligations; financial protection when they need it most, purchasing a life insurance policy should be top however, permanent life insurance is a vehicle for protection that is not only affordable but can priority. also help families accumulate cash value. It can Here are five reasons why young families ultimately propel them toward reaching both need life insurance: their immediate and far-reaching goals. 1. You just never know. While it’s not the most pleasant thing to ponder, an emergency WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC, is not situation could quickly put a family’s finances owned or operated by New York Life or its affiliates. under water. In fact, only 40 percent of Americans have enough savings to cover an unexpect- Neither New York Life nor its agents provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. ed $1,000 expense. And when you’re starting out, not having protection in case something Some information for this article was found in happens to a family’s breadwinner is even Annie Nova's report, A $1,000 Emergency Would scarier. Push Many Americans into Debt, CNBC, Jan. 23, 2. The earlier you opt in, the more afford2019. able it is. Because age is one of the factors that affects the cost of premiums, the younger you are when you purchase a policy, the less you’ll be paying each year. 3. It may not be as expensive as you think. If you’re on a budget and are convinced you can’t afford life insurance, consider term life insurance. It guarantees protection for a set amount of time, provided premiums are paid when due. Since it’s not designed to last a lifetime, the annual premiums are considerably lower when you are younger. 4. It lets you concentrate on other goals. Once you have the peace of mind Young and financial protection that life insurfamilies ance grants you, you may feel secure could enough to fund long-term goals, like benefit buying a home, saving for a nest egg or from life going back to school. insurance

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Elmore County Living

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Neither did the thousands of potential customers who read our magazine monthly. To advertise please contact:

Marilyn Hawkins | 334-202-5108 or Andy Carr | 334-220-5399 or stop by our office located at 127 Company Street, Wetumpka AL 36092 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Paperwhites Easy-to-grow blooms cheer up any space

Paperwhites grow in shallow pots or bowls with no soil required

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or a breath of spring in the depths of winter, it’s hard to beat a pot of flowering Paperwhite Narcissus. Paperwhites are easy to grow, so forcing them to flower is a good project, even for the newest gardener; plus, they make a beautiful decoration for the home or could be presented as a gift. Purchase the bulbs any time after Oct. 1 from a reputable nursery or garden center. With paperwhites, it is a good idea not to set them out all at once. Space out the time between when you set them out to every 10 days; and then, your blooms will not come all at once. You will have blooms from December through spring. Once you do set out the paperwhite bulbs, you should begin to see flowers within four to six weeks. Although the term “forcing” is used when speaking of paperwhites, in this area of the Southeast it might be better expressed as “fooling.” What you really do is fool the bulb into thinking winter is over, and it is time to bloom. Paperwhites are the easiest indoor bulbs to force or fool, and they are usually available at local nurseries and home improvement centers or through catalogs. Paperwhites are best grown in a shallow pot or bowl with no drainage holes in the bottom and best of all, no soil is required, only water. Start by finding a container and filling the bottom with gravel, small stones or even fun things like colored beads or marbles (there are tons of creative options); then, place as many paperwhite bulbs as will fit on top of the gravel, with the pointed side up. Place the bulbs down in the gravel or marbles for support and to hold the bulbs in place, but do not bury the bulbs. At least half of the bulb should remain exposed. Add water up to the base of the bulbs and maintain it at this level, making sure that the bulbs do not stay in the water once it begins to send out roots. If the bulbs are in the water, they will rot. Place the container in a cool, dark place for two weeks before placing it in a warm, sunny location. Add water as evaporation and root uptake depletes the supply. Avoid disturbing the bulbs after planting, as the roots are fragile. There may be a slight difference in flower timing, depending on the temperatures.

Higher temperatures encourage weak growth and poor flowering. Bulbs immediately placed at a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees will bloom in about six weeks. For later blooms, you can delay setting them out or the pot can be maintained at 50 degrees; and then, moved to the higher temperature later. For late spring blooms, the bulbs can be stored dry at 50 degrees. When potted, these will usually bloom in three to four weeks. The cooler the room, the longer it will take the bulbs to flower and the longer they will remain in bloom. Paperwhite narcissus are tender bulbs that will not overwinter outdoors easily, and they may be forced only once. After the foliage begins to turn yellow, discard the bulbs and the potting medium (gravel or marbles may be washed and stored and used again next year). Wash containers immediately and thoroughly to remove salts and lime deposits; and hopefully by then, warmer temperatures and outdoor spring flowers will have arrived.

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mallory kelley

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

Marbles or decorative beads can be used to support bulbs

Writers and readers share a murderous afternoon in Wetumpka

cat detective named Trouble lives with his human, Tammy Lynn, in the quaint town of Wetumpka, Alabama. This is the narrative behind mystery author Carolyn Haines’ Familiar Legacy series based around a real Wetumpka resident. She’s also just one of the plethora of authors who has attended the annual Murder on the Menu event in Wetumpka and later incorporated nods to the city in their storylines. Lynn is the originator and organizer of Murder on the Menu, an annual fundraiser for the Wetumpka Public Library. This will be the 16th year for the event, which will feature about 15 authors on Feb. 23 at the Wetumpka Civic Center at 12:30 p.m. “I used to own a little bookstore in Wetumpka called the Book Basket, and during that time I would go to a lot of conferences and trade shows. One event I attended was a moveable feast of authors – kind of like speed dating – and you had the opportunity to meet all of them,” said Lynn. She wanted to incorporate something similar in Wetumpka and was advised to piggyback off another event for the greatest potential success. “I started connecting with Susan Hayes, director of

the Wetumpka Library, to see about partnering with the Friends of the Wetumpka Library group. The result was our first Moveable Feast of Authors in 2005. Two years later, we began partnering with Birmingham and its Murder in the Magic City event,” she said. The result is a package deal where authors from around the country are invited to two events in two cities over one weekend. “It’s morphed some, been fine tuned and tweaked over the years, but we’ve nailed the format down to a combination of authors visiting tables during lunch and panel discussions. This way you get a good dose of authors on the stage, which is a little less hectic for them, with a little one-on-one interaction in between,” said Lynn. Each year, Lynn works with Margaret Fenton, who runs Murder in the Magic City, to invite some 20 up-andcoming mystery authors they think would draw a crowd. “Each year we have two more recognizable names as guests of honor, and everyone else benefits from those,” said Lynn. This year’s guests of honor will include New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson ( Never Have I Ever) and Thomas Mullen (Darktown series).

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Murder on the Menu Mystery authors gather for lunch with readers

Story by Amy Passaretti Photo Courtesy of Wetumpka Public Library “Joshilyn is one of my favorite authors. This year is the release of her first suspense novel,” Lynn said. Many of the names that come through Murder on the Menu end up as bestsellers, and Lynn said she loves to say she knew them back when. Past authors who have attended include Julia SpencerJoshilyn Jackson Fleming, Craig Johnson, C.J. Box, Gregg Hurwitz, Erica Spindler and J.T. Ellison – just to name a few. Wetumpka also has become either the spotlight of stories or been alluded to in many novels once authors are introduced to the captivating town. “Authors also will do silent auctions for people to bid on being a character in their next books,” said Thomas Mullen Lynn. “They generously donate that, and the proceeds goes back to the Friends of the Wetumpka Library.” Murder on the Menu has escalated into a much-antici-

pated event with up to 100 guests in attendance. Authors arrive in Birmingham Friday night for a reception; then attend the Murder in the Magic City one-day conference. Sunday morning they drive down to Wetumpka, where they are welcomed by Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis. Registration for Murder on the Menu is $40, which includes a catered lunch, and authors will sit at tables amongst the guests for lunch. Guests can register at the Wetumpka Library or visit wetumpkalibrary.com to download a registration form. They could also pay via PayPal. Books will be available for sale during the event, and authors will be happy to sign them, she added. In addition, authors in attendance at the 16th Annual Murder on the Menu will include Jenna Bennett, Flo Fitzpatrick, Liz Lazarus, Lissa Marie Redmond, Philip Shirley, Carl Vonderau, Peggy Ehrhart, Roger Johns, Sharon Marchisello, Nancy Sartor, T.K. Thorne, Joan Kennedy, Kelly Adamson and Iris Cachon. “I would like to thank Friends of the Wetumpka Library officers Frank Holland, Donna Stokes, Judy McCune, Linda Prevost and Tammy Lynn, as well as the library staff, City of Wetumpka and all the supporters who buy tickets and make this event a success each year,” said Hayes.

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OUT & ABOUT

Christmas on the Coosa

Dec. 14, 2019 Gold Star Park, Wetumpka 1. Allison Carteret and Nicole Lowery 2. Stephanie Peppers, Hayden Brasher, Cyndi Peppers and Willow Brasher 3. Dallas, Kathy, Elton and Shyanne Ragsdale 4. Kimberly and Necole Kolendar and Heidi Sauble 5. Scott and Lea Boyd

2 3

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OUT & ABOUT

Christmas Parade and Vendor Festival Dec. 14, 2019 Town of Eclectic 1. Boston Moseley and Temperance Owenby

2. Jami Davis, Bill Hesseltine and Michelle Griffis 3. Pat Wilson and Missy Yell 4. Jason and Stephanie Stepney 5. Bobbie Miller and Mary Lawrence

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OUT & ABOUT

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 14, 2019 Front Porch Grill, Millbrook 1. Mrs. Claus, Grinch and Marty Bean

2. Kayden Clark, Alizabeth White, Santa and Amber White 3. Santa Claus 4. Cindy Lou Who and Jaxson Poore 5. Avery, Amanda, Paisley and Jacob Vanhouten 6. Stryker Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bannon 7. Cindy Lou Who, Mason Jackson, Myah Watson, Kaitlyn Jackson, Grinch and Sage Watson

3 7

6 36

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OUT & ABOUT

Tallassee Chamber

Luncheon Dec. 5, 2019 Community Hospital, Tallassee 1. Cheryl Henderson 2. Kimberly Hammock 3. Dustin Funderburk

4. Wendy Clayton 5. Jennifer Crain 6. Jerry Cunningham and Anna Rogers

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OUT & ABOUT

New Year's Eve

Dec. 31, 2019 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Natalie and Dana Paterra and Leo Stacks 2. Kacee and Layla Rose 3. Beth and Pat Whatley 4. Nellie Snowden and Layla Karadema

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OUT & ABOUT

Santa Paws Dec. 14, 2019 Urban Tails, Tallassee 1. Samantha, Jojo and Shyla Baker with Dartania 2. William Steele and Ralphie 3. Tamara, Morgan, and Aiden Randall with Pojo 4. Shelly Jordan with Lenny 5. Jeff, Jenny and Rachel Collins with Dexter and

Dixie 6. Brooke and Jarrod Turnage with Trigger and Finn 7. Dana Walters and Bentley and Laura Leigh Peters 8. Joseph Moore Jr. and Sr. with Maggie and Molly Jo

5 4 6

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Jan. 18 Fighting Alzheimer’s Chili Cook off

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

Jan. 27 Taste of Elmore County

The Elmore County Food Pantry will host its annual Taste of Elmore County to raise money for its nonprofit operations. Sample dishes from area restaurants and enjoy live entertainment. The event will be held at the Wetumpka Civic Center at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Feb. 8 2020 City of Prattville Mardi Gras Celebration

begin at 10 a.m., and the 1-mile parade route will kick off at noon. This is a family friendly and alcohol-free event. For more information, visit millbrookrevelers.org.

Feb. 22 AWF Critter Crawl

The Alabama Nature Center will host the Critter Crawl 5K and Yeti Dash to benefit ANC education programs. The 5K Critter Crawl is a trail run that takes runners through a portion of ANC’s 5-mile trail system. The Yeti Dash is a 1-mile trail run, and nature/critter themed costumes are mandatory for all participants. Advanced tickets are $25 for the 5K and $20 for the Yeti Dash. Prices go up $5 on the day of the event. Shirts are guaranteed for participants that register before Jan. 31, 2020. Registration will begina t 7:30 a.m.; the 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m.; and the Yeti dash will begin at 9:45 a.m., followed by a trophy ceremony. Sign up at runsignup.com or contact Matt Vines at mvines@alabamawildlife.org for more information.

The City of Prattville will host its annual Mardi Gras celebration at 11 a.m. with food, art and commercial vendors, along with children’s activities. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. and will roll out from the Autauga County Courthouse with floats, bands, dancers and beads. Contact the special events office at 334-595-0850 or visit prattvilleal.gov/specialevents for vendor or parade applications.

Feb. 15 Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Celebration

The Millbrook Revelers will host the annual Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, which has become a much-anticipated event statewode. With more than 60 vendors on site, there will be something for all ages and traditional themed food items, including alligator on a stick, red beans and rice, smoked turkey legs, gumbo and more. Children’s activities will be offerred at Village Green Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Mardi Gras Umbrella Stroll will

Forest insects and animals, Army men, superheroes and Yetis take part in the Critter Crawl

Feb. 22 Order of Cimarron Mardi Gras Festival

Order of Cimarron will host its eighth annual Mardi Gras celebration with children’s activities and more than 40 vendors, including 20 food vendors, at Gold Star

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Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The parade will assemble at the First Baptist Church, 205 W. Bridge St., at 1 p.m. and end at the Wind Creek Casino employee parking lot. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit wetumpkamardigras.com.

Feb. 23 Murder on the Menu

The Wetumpka Public Library will host its 16th annual fundraiser that has developed into a highly anticipated event featuring top-notch mystery authors from around the country. Books will be available for purchase, and authors will be happy to autograph. The event will be held at the Wetumpka Civic Center from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $40, which includes a catered lunch and the opportunity to interact with the authors. For more information, turn to page 32 or visit wetumpkalibrary.com.

Feb. 28 Roaring ’20s Ball: ECHS Reunion

The Elmore County High School Alumni Association will host a Roarin’ ’20s-themed ball at The Eclectic Warehouse, 45 Main St., at 6:30 p.m. It will be a night of dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the ECHS scholarship fund. Tickets are $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased at echsalumniball.com.

Feb. 29 Who is Jill Scott? 20th Anniversary Tour

Wind Creek Wetumpka, 100 River Oaks Dr., will host Philadelphia musician Jill Scott at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com for $45 to $85.

Season-Long Events Country Music Jam

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

information, email Paula Castleberry at mcasby53@windstream.net.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Naturalist Hikes

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

Alabama Wildlife Federation Creature Feature

Every Thursday at 3:30 p.m, come learn about Alabama’s woods, water and wildlife. Get up close and personal with some of the creatures you may find in your own backyard and even some you may have never heard of. General admission applies and is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per family. AWF is located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Visit alabamawildlife.org to check holiday closings.

Alabama Nature Center Movie Showings

The Alabama Nature Center, located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook, shows an educational, entertaining film at the top of every hour, starting at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Tallassee Civitan Club

The Civitans meet at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Seton Hall at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. This volunteer organization serves individual and community needs by funding and hosting special events for people with developmental disabilities. A social time at 5:30 p.m. precedes meetings.

Countywide Cleanup Day

The Elmore County Commission sponsors free cleanup days for residents on the second Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the dumpster is full. Elmore County residents are invited to bring household and yard trash to the five consistent locations. Drop off items to CEWSA Redland Facility; Elmore County Judicial Complex; Emerald Mountain Equestrian Center; Holtville High School and Kent-Old Highway Department. A sixth locations rotates each month between the Town of Elmore Annex Building and the Town of Coosada Post Office. For more information, call the Elmore

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County Highway Department at 334-567-1162 or Advanced Disposal at 334-252-0458.

Bluegrass Jam and Sit N Sew

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

Quilting Classes

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

Stories and Rhymes

The Eclectic Public Library hosts a variety of activities, including stories, rhymes, dress-up, dance and music at 2 p.m. every Tuesday and 10:30 a.m. every Saturday. These programs are free and enrich a child’s lifelong love of reading. Guests are welcome to visit the library’s gift shop and bookstore during hours of operation from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn

Bring a sack lunch to the Fellowship Hall at the Presbyterian Church, 100 West Bridge St. in Wetumpka, from noon to 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month for a gardening presentation hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. The event is free and open to the public. Drinks are provided. For information, call 334-567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/Elmore. A garden help line also is available for questions at 334-300-5512.

Busy Bee Quilters

The quilters meet the second Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Santuck Community Center, 7300 Central Plank Rd., to enjoy a day of quilting. For information, call Vickie Ham at 256-423-5966 or visit The Busy Bee Quilters Facebook page.

Cruise-In Car Show

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

Wetumpka City Pops

Wetumpka City Pops Community Band rehearses on Thursdays at the Elmore County High School band room. Jazz band practices at 6 p.m., and concert band practices at 7 p.m. For more information, contact director Anthony Vittore at 334-318-3869.

Ukulele Classes

Wetumpka City Pops rehearses on Thursday evenings

The Eclectic Public Library hosts beginner ukulele classes every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Please bring your own instrument. For more information, contact 334-6394727.

Ukulele Jam

Hosted at the Alabama River Region Arts Center on the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This ukulele jam session is free and open to the public. Contact ARRAC at 334-578-9485.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on state Route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds help to fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Dixie Art Colony Foundation Exhibit

Regular gallery hours are held from 10 a.m. until noon on Mondays and Wednesdays at 219 Hill St., Wetumpka. Appointments and small group tours are available upon request. Special tours include a 16-minute video, Dixie Art Colony: A Look at Its Lasting Legacy. Exhibits rotate every four months, and a selection of periodicals and books from the DAC Foundation Resource Library also are on

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

Tuesdays with Kelly

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

Eclectic Trade Days

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

Southern Cultural Center

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

Red Hill Community Club Meetings

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

and crafts. The library is located at 212 S. Main St. and can be reached at 334-567-1308.

Trivia Night at Coosa Cleaver

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

Barrel Burners 4-H Shotgun Club

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

Elmore County 4-H Archery Club

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

Millbrook Civitan Club

The Millbrook Civitan Club meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month in the private room at Habaneros Mexican Restaurant on state Route 14 in Millbrook. Meetings are informative and educational with a variety of speakers at each meeting. Visitors are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Brenda Kelley at bkelley@elmore.rr.com. To include your upcoming event in Elmore County Living’s ‘Coming Up!’ pages, email information to editor@ lakemartinmagazine.com by the first of the month.

ECAG Lunch Programs

On the second Wednesday of each month, the Elmore County Art Guild will host lunch programs at various locations. Members gather at 11 a.m. for lunch, and the business meeting will begin at noon, followed by a brief enrichment program. Programs will range from demonstrations, hands-on workshops by local artists, guided tours of area art museums, plein-air sessions and more. The public is welcome to attend. For more information, call Doris Bell at 334-567-7910 or visit elmorecountyartguild.com.

Preschool Storytime

The Wetumpka Public Library hosts preschool storytime every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m. with stories

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Wetumpka

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Business & Service Directory COSMETOLOGIST WANTED

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8711 U.s. Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL

334-514-1958

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

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

A Touch of Class Angel Locksmith Verizon Wireless Must Stop Café BB&T Jackson Thornton Lee’s Auto Repair McQuick Printing Hog Rock BBQ Wetumpka YMCA Bell Chiropractic Wetumpka Urgent Care A Beautiful Creation Austin’s Flowers Camo Country ASE Credit Union Smokin S BBQ Elmore Community Hospital Wetumpka Preschool Wetumpka City Library Wetumpka Chamber City of Wetumpka Administration Bldg. Coosa River Adventures Stoddard’s Bait Shop Collier Ford Adams Drugs Wee Ones Daycare Wetumpka Health & Rehab Canal Grocery Kim’s Corner River Perk Hampton Inn Valley National Bank Jerry's Barber Casino Hotel

Casino Convenience Store ARC Rrealty

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Wells Fargo Bank Aldridge Borden Co. Toulouse Marathon

Andy Carr and Marilyn Hawkins

DID YOU KNOW? You can find

Elmore County Living at

THE WETUMPKA HERALD 127 Company St.

Stop by and grab one today! 45

Does this make me look French?

Costumers visually connect audiences with the characters on stage

Adrian borden

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

hen you go to the movies or attend a play, there is one element that is often underappreciated, although slaved over tremendously: the costumes. I can say confidently that over the years I have come to deeply appreciate the costume warriors in theater. A skilled wardrobe person is meticulous in his or her ability to know what looks good for a particular performer or era, and generally speaking, he or she will even consider an actor’s comfort. When I had the great fortune to portray the French maid, Thérèse, in Geoffrey Sherman’s adaption of Sherlock Holmes at Alabama Shakespeare Festival a few years back, I got to see a truly superb wardrobe department function as a machine of only the highest caliber. I came in for my first fitting having no idea what to expect and came away knowing that the costume would fit me like a glove. I even got to peek at the renderings the costume designer had created for my look. We plunged into rehearsals for the production, and I began to morph into – not a caricature of a French maid – but a real, curious, troubled, coifed Thérèse. A few months later, I was trying on my costume with new underthings, heeled authentic Victorian boots, authentic petticoat, pleated maid dress and lacy ornate apron. Added to the mix was my gorgeous wig and headpiece, and my character became a living, breathing being. Even now, I look at pictures of me as Thérèse, and I don’t quite see myself at all. I’m transformed because of the hard work and visions of the costumers, and the hair and makeup team. Things are no different in community and school theaters. When you see a production of any kind, chances are there were some devoted volunteers who worked hard to create specific looks. Many of my dear friends slave over thrift store bargains and sew until their fingers bleed,

all for the sake of community theater costuming. The Tallassee High School students' fall show, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which I directed, included gorgeous costumes that were, I’m proud to say, true to the era. The unsung heroes of that production were the “Costume Stars,” as we called them. I recruited three of the actors’ moms to help put costumes on some 50 kids in the show. We were able to borrow many of the 1950s and 1960s dresses from an amazing boutique. Almost all of the other costumes came from a magical place called The Wetumpka Depot storage facility. If you think you know what a messy closet looks like, think again. The Depot storage is a warehouse of wall-to-wall props, clothing, accessories, furniture, etc. In a facility like that, there are a million little gold mines waiting to be matched with the right actors, so they can become realistic versions of their characters. Take away Charlie Chaplin’s hat and cane, and what have you got? The Wetumpka Depot is looking for some volunteers to help Marie Kondo the place into the Best Storage Facility Ever. If interested, go to the Wetumpka Depot Volunteers Facebook page; join and post, saying, “I want to help KonMari the storage facility.” I’ll even come organize with you, so the costume designers can keep doing their best work. In the mean time, I’ll get to transforming myself into someone who cleans my own home, the Marie Kondo way. Happy New Year, everyone!

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