Elmore County Living Magazine February 2020 by Tallapoosa Publishers

Elmore County Living

The Wedding Edition

February 2020

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

Love is an unusual thing. While that may seem like an odd sentiment, love truly does present itself in so many different forms. There is long distance love; love at first sight; brand new love; love as aged as a good wine; and love between friends and family. In Elmore County Living’s Wedding Edition, we explore all types of love, and we enjoy sharing those stories with our readers. Who doesn’t love a good happy ending? While Garrett Falk and Hannah Castillow haven’t had their dream ceremony yet, they are well on their way to a future together. The couple met more than four years ago and were serious from go. They inevitably put the marriage question on hold in fear of pressure, so Falk found it the perfect time to plan a proposal. Castillow was completely taken by surprise. Turn to page 18 for this engaged sweet couple’s love story and just how Falk, son of Rita Falk who owns Tangarray Event Venue, pulled off his master plan. Another scenic venue in Eclectic, Hitching Post Farms, hosted Sally and Ben Meidema’s wedding after a long stint of long distance; working toward their doctorate degrees; moving across the country and planning a wedding that reflected both Southern ties and California culture. The two met at an airport on the way to a work conference and continued to keep in touch, dating just a few months later. Read more about the pair and their ceremony on page 24. In the opposite fashion, Kaylee Spivey and Trey Gothard share a whirlwind romance with a short engagement. Turn to page 14 for photos of their lovely wedding at Alabama Wildlife Federation – the same place Trey proposed. Also in Millbrook, a new wedding venue became available earlier last year. Thornfield Plantation offers full package weddings; numerous locations for ceremonies; a house for the bride and her crew to stay and get ready in; an open-air barn and more. After years of Judd Hamner's persistence, he and his bride Valerie tied the knot as one of the first couples to marry in this newly renovated location. Read more on page 28. While not yet complete, Tallassee Guest House is under renovations by native Corrie Sid to become an event venue. Check out the rendering on page 22 and read more about her extensive plans for the future of the building and the amenities for the town. On page 46, Adrian Borden tells her personal engagement story, along with the pains of wedding planning; however, these crazy situations often make for great fodder for a screenplay, she adds. Whatever kind of love you have, embrace it and create your own happy ending.

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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@alexcityoutlook.com ANDY CARR andy.carr@thewetumpkaherald.com TIPPY HUNTER tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com JULIE HARBIN julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com RACHEL MCCOLLOUGH rachel.mccollough@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services

AUDRA SPEARS audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Digital Services

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

Contributors

Kenneth Boone Carmen Rodgers Adrian Borden Sharon Fox Cliff Williams Gabrielle Jansen Mallory Kelley Daniel Dye

Lonna Upton Steenhaus Sierra Benton Anna Weber Morgan Peek Betsy Lee Photography Penni Lauren Photography

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

Amy Passaretti, Editor

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

CONTENTS ON THE COVER Valerie Brownell and Judd Hamner were one of the first couples to get married at renovated Thornfield Plantation in Millbrook. The couple lives in Gordo, outside of Tuscaloosa. Photo by Morgan Peek

40 In Every Issue 6

EXTRA! EXTRA!

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

News Briefs

Sew Unique

OUT & ABOUT In Elmore County

Features

Columns 10

GARDEN TALK

BACK IN THE DAY

ARTSY FARTSY

Weed Control Essential for Lawn Care

WHIRLWIND ROMANCE

SHE SAID, 'YES!'

TALLASSEE GUEST HOUSE

Fierce Sufragette Soldier

Should I Invite a Clown?

Gothard and Spivey Marry at AWF

Clever Proposal at Family Home

A Vision Coming to Life

COMING UP

LONG DISTANCE LOVE

WHERE TO FIND US

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF

MOVER & SHAKER

Fun for Everyone

Distribution List

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Hitched at Eclectic Farm

Hamners Tie the Knot at New Venue

Lisa Miller to pilot Main Street

EXTRA! EXTRA! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Praise service honors progress since tornado devastation Members of the community gathered to look back at the day the tornado tore through Wetumpka and to look to the future during a praise service held Jan. 19 at First Baptist Church of Wetumpka. The service included a video that detailed the damage caused by the tornado and the efforts by the community to put the city together again. Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis recalled the day of the tornado during his address to the audience. “I thought, ‘What do you do?,’ said Willis. “I’d never been part of anything like this. I think God puts you where you’re supposed to be and expects you to bloom.”

Wind Creek's Simmons awarded for exceptional work with Main Street Wetumpka Main Street Wetumpka awarded Wind Creek Wetumpka Property Manager Kay Simmons with the 2019 Main Street Alabama Community Award. Each designated community nominates a volunteer individual or organization that goes above and beyond to move the Main Street missions forward. “Kay and Wind Creek’s support and encouragement have been paramount to our success. She was deserving, to say the very least,” said Main Street Wetumpka executive director Jenny Stubbs.

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Troy graduate joins the team at AWF Millbrook native Tanner Hicks joins the team at Alabama Wildlife Federation last month as the community relations/development assistant. Hicks is a graduate of Troy University, former Trojans pitcher and most recently was employed in alumni affairs and development for Troy. His responsibilities will focus on strategic assistance to AWF’s Wild Game Cook-off series; relationship building with corporate entities; supporting conservation education partnerships; and fundraising assistance to the executive and development director.

SOAR class promotes gun safety for youth Tallassee’s SOAR, Inc., held its first group outing of 2020 last month when it launched its gun safety program. The course aims to teach young people and parents how to appropriately handle a firearm. Chris Cantrell from the Reeltown community hosted the event. The organization is planning to hold another gun safety class in late February or early March. These classes aim to teach youth who are 7 to 13 years old the fundamentals of gun safety, but SOAR founder Andrus Love said anyone is welcome to attend.

Eclectic Middle School welcomes new principal Elmore County Schools’ Superintendent Richard Dennis introduced Mark McGhee as the new principal of Eclectic Middle School at the Elmore County Board of Education meeting last month. “I’ve lived in Eclectic all my life,” he said. “I graduated from high school there in 2004. When I got out of college I worked at Elmore County High School for a few years. I’ve most recently worked at Holtville High School as assistant principal.” McGhee said he’s had a desire to lead a school for some time and the location of EMS is ideal. “I’m probably partial, but there is no place quite like Eclectic,” he said. “We are certainly going to focus on student achievement and student growth. It’s a good thing to go and to become part of a team where there are no huge issues.” McGhee has a total of 12 years of experience in education with 10 of those at Elmore County Schools.

Friends meet to keep quilting alive Jacqueline Lacey and her group of friends have been quilting together since 1997. It is a passion they all found long before they formed Thread My Needle. They started out meeting at Lacey’s home. Since 1998, they've been working out of the Elmore County Black History Museum. They meet every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to quilt and fellowship. They’ve taught elementary students to quilt squares and hope interest in this dying art will grow among younger generations.

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Business Spotlight

Alterations deliver the final touches at Sew Unique Story & Photos by Betsy Iler

hen the perfect wedding dress doesn’t look as fabulous on the bride as it did on the page of a bridal magazine, a few simple and affordable alterations could make a big difference. In most cases, it’s just a matter of a tuck here and there; an adjustment in the sleeve; and altering a hem, said Sonya Powell, the formalwear expert at Wetumpka’s Sew Unique. “Most people buy a gown that is mass produced – even designer gowns are mass produced. My job is to make sure it looks as good on the bride as it did on the model,” Powell said. Making that happen might take more than one fitting over as much as a month, but the cost is reasonable – usually less than $100 – for what is likely to be the most expensive dress a woman ever wears. It’s important, Powell said, to bring all of the bridal attire to every fitting: dress; undergarments, including slip or petticoat; shoes; and jewelry. Any adjustments to one part of the gown may affect the way the dress drapes across a different part of the body, she explained. “Taking up the sides, for example, will affect everything else, so we don’t do the hem until we know what is happening with the sides,” she said. “You have to have an innate understanding of geometry for this job.” A necklace that sits perfectly around the neckline of a gown at the first fitting might be too long after the shoulders have been adjusted. Though a dress might be designed to show off the embroidered edge of the slip beneath it, there’s no point in pinning the hem if the bride doesn’t bring the slip to the fitting. “Just bring everything,” Powell said. Choose an alterations expert that has a good reputation over a long history, as that means she has gained knowledge and

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hem, a photo could make the difference between a experience with dress styles, fabrics and body types hem that waves gently across the toes and a dress but also could be creative about problem solving. with a high hem in front that drops 12 inches in the Though self-taught, Powell has sewn all her life. back. She began sewing under her grandmother’s tutelage An alterations seamstress also might be able to when she was 4 years old. She went to work at Sew custom make a bride’s gown from photos, but again Unique after her children were born. “The occupation chose me,” she said. “I love doing pictures are key. Bring several examples and take the advice of the seamstress this.” when she suggests fabThough 50 percent rics and features, such as of what she does in ruching or other couture the shop is formal or embellishments. As an bridal, she also creates experienced profestheatrical costumes, sional, she has a good baby clothes and winworking knowledge dow treatments. She of how the fabrics will makes doll and Teddy drape; whether particubear clothes from lar decorative elements bridal gowns and alters will slim or add weight men’s suits and band or make the bride look and cheer uniforms. At taller or shorter. home, she quilts, so she Also, consider the is familiar with a wide time of year when variety of sewing styles planning alterations of and skills. wedding attire – whethPowell said when er the bride’s gown, she is faced with bridesmaids’ dresses, something she’s never mother-of-the-bride/ done before, she often groom or suits for the pulls out a scrap piece groomsmen. If the wedof fabric and experiding is planned in the ments with different middle of prom season, techniques to achieve the seamstress might the look she wants on a need to schedule fittings finished project. In fact, Sonya Powell is familiar with a across more than just these kinds of special variety of sewing techniques one month. Mid-to-late treatments are among fall is the most popular her favorite projects. wedding season in the South. Powell said she makes “I love the challenge. I love it when something alterations for as many as 30 November weddings makes me stop and think about how to achieve the result I want. I can be creative about the process,” she every year, so she appreciates it when a bride brings in a dress early in the season. said. The cost for alterations depends on the work that Alterations are especially helpful when a bride needs to be done, the materials needed to do it and chooses to wear her mother’s gown. In addition to the time it takes to complete the work. Handwork, adjusting the fit, the design often needs to be upsuch as when adjusting rows of buttons or sewing dated. Powell said this process is easier if the bride beads on a bodice insert, may require more time than brings photos of features she likes on other dresses. machine sewing would. “We don’t always use the same words when we Sew Unique is owned by Faye Parker and has opdescribe something, so pictures make it easier to erated in the shopping center at 7326 U.S. Highway make sure we are talking about the same thing,” 231 for 25 years. For more information about bridal Powell said. alterations, call 334-567-4992. For example, if a bride mentions an undulating

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LAWN CARE Weed control essential to maintain turfgrass 10

any homeowners have given up on the battle to treat their lawns themselves, and many are still waging personal wars by wondering, ‘What am I doing wrong?’ Well to get ahead of the game, using a preventative pre-emergent herbicide in February is the way to go. This article provides several tips for using pre- and post-emergent products, along with fertilizers, to help achieve beautiful outcomes. The most popular products out there that appear to have it all are weed-and-seed versions – the one-stop shop for lawn needs. I am often asked if using these products is the correct way to treat the lawn. In central Alabama, there is not a large window of time when this product would be beneficial. But it could be used in May or early June when an extra application of fertilizer would not hurt. The application of the pre-emergent chemical in the product will help prevent weed seeds from germinating through the summer and into the fall. The best and most effective control of weeds in the lawn may take a little more effort than the weed-andfeed products and could save money and time in the

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long run by applying them separately. Pre-emergent weed killers should be selected based on the type of lawn grass homeowners have. These weed-control products are preventative, so they should be applied before the weeds are visible in the lawn, as they prevent the seeds of the weeds from germinating. These could be applied any time of year, except during green-up periods or to newly seeded or sprigged lawns. February is a great month, as we will soon have spring-like temperatures and spring weeds will start to germinate. Do not re-seed a lawn for four to six months after a pre-emergent chemical is applied, and remember to always read and follow all label instructions when applying any chemicals. Don’t forget, a post-emergent herbicide is only going to kill a weed that has already begun to grow in the lawn. Next, determine if grasses or broad-

leaf weeds are the issue – or both? Grasses have parallel venation, and the broadleaf weeds have net venation; that is an easy way to understand the difference. Fertilizers are generally applied twice throughout the year, first in early spring during green-up; and then, again in mid-summer. Fertilizer type and amounts should be based on soil test results, not guesswork, and any time is a good time to have a soil test. Soil tests will help determine the correct type of fertilizer and amounts needed for specific lawns. Also, if lime is needed to raise soil pH, it can be added at any time of year. A soil test will help with more accurate fertilizer application; provide grass with the exact nutrients it needs; and save money down the road. For information on proper care of turfgrass, visit aces.edu and search for the type of grass you have.

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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.

Elizabeth Lyle Saxon Fierce Suffragette Soldier

E Sharon fox

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

She and her husband were reunited in 1864 and lizabeth Lyle Saxon was born on a cold moved together to New Orleans, where their last night in early December 1832 in Tennestwo children were born. Elizabeth began travelsee. Her mother, Clarissa (Crutchfield) ing between New Orleans and Memphis, speakLyle died when Elizabeth was only 2 years old. Elizabeth’s father was Andrew Lyle, architect and ing at conventions, conferences and to women everywhere about voting rights. builder of at least one church in Elmore County. She had made a name for herself by 1878 and Andrew encouraged his young daughter to be that same year was elected president of the Laindependent and to love reading and the outdies Physiological Association, giving her more doors. He also taught her to hate oppression. access to not only the public Elizabeth was a published but also politicians. One year writer by the time she was 12, Elizabeth Lyle Saxon later, Elizabeth helped suffragwriting under the pen name of ettes in New Orleans promote a Annott Lyle. She was marpetition for the right for women ried by the time she was 16 to vote. to a South Carolinian named She spoke at the Louisiana Lydell Saxon. The two lived Constitutional Convention and in Wetumpka during the cold gave a speech so moving it was winters in the 1850s and by the published in the 1879 New Ortime Elizabeth was 23 she was leans Times. Elizabeth traveled the mother of two children. with Susan B. Anthony across Elizabeth described herself New England, quickly earnas, ‘Southern in every vein and ing a national reputation as a fiber of being,’ but when the powerful speaker. American Civil War began, She served both as state she and her husband made president of the Tennessee it known they were strong Unionists. Lydell was quickly becoming unpopu- Equal Suffrage Association and vice president of the National American Woman Suffrage Aslar due to his well-known stance on the war, so sociation. She spoke to more than 5,000 women he left his young family behind and moved to New York. Elizabeth stayed and became a South- about social purity at the International Council of Women in Washington, D.C. ern Mother helping suffering soldiers whenever In March 1885, Elizabeth returned to her she was needed. She was later accused of being a beloved Wetumpka to speak to the women of Confederate spy but was never charged. Alabama. She spoke with state politicians during The Confederates were losing significantly by her stay and lectured on temperance and the 1863, and Elizabeth decided to take her young advancement and progress of her gender in 34 family to New York to join her husband. She first states and several territories. The press loved traveled to Memphis to find her father, whom her, and women everywhere read her books and she hadn’t been able to contact since before the articles, becoming enlightened by her eloquent war began. She discovered he was being held lectures. in Irving Block Prison in Memphis after having Lydell died in 1901 and Elizabeth in 1915. Five been accused of being a Confederate spy … and years after her death, American women were he was dying. Elizabeth arranged for his release given the right to vote. She is often cited as “inand remained in Memphis to take care of him strumental to the social changes leading up to the until his death. His last words to her were to ask for a promise to never cease working for unfortu- amendment’s passing…” She is listed as one of the most important suffragist leaders of her day. nate women, so long as her life should last. Elizabeth took her father’s words to heart.

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he whirlwind romance of Kaylee Spivey from Tallassee and Trey Gothard from Millbrook began in August of 2018. In December of the same year, Gothard proposed, rather dramatically, surrounded by Christmas lights at Lanark, home of the Alabama Wildlife Federation. “I had no idea it was coming. We had been planning a party for Trey’s graduation from Troy University for months. After the dinner with both families and our friends, Trey’s father suggested we go to the Lanark offices for dessert. Trey told me I needed to come out to the trail to see the lights at the gazebo, which were beautiful. We talked about what we meant to each other, we prayed together; and then, he flipped a switch, and the lights spelled out Marry Me. Everyone was there, and it was so special,” Spivey said. The couple changed their wedding date several times, but they knew they wanted it in the spring and on a weekend when Gothard’s best friend Alex Dettmar could come home from his Air Force training. They finally landed on April 20, 2019, just five months away from the proposal. Gothard’s father, Tim, is the executive director of the Alabama Wildlife FederaTrey Gothard tion, and Gothard’s mother, April, sugand Kaylee gested that one of the many scenic locaSpivey married tions at Lanark might prove to be perfect. at Alabama “April showed me all the different Wildlife options, but when I saw the pavilion that Federation opens to the back, I fell in love with it. I knew that’s where I wanted to be marspecific dress first, Spivey found the perfect gown ried. Alex’s mom, Leah Berkstresser, is a wedding at David’s Bridals. Delicate lace covered the sleeveplanner, and the three of us stayed up late many less, high-neck bodice and gown while tiny buttons nights planning. They all had a big part in helping,” adorned the sheer back. Bridesmaids wore dusty Spivey said. blue dresses of their own choosing. Dana’s Floral Thanks to her sister, who suggested she try on a Designs in Prattville arranged the flowers – lots

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Whirlwind Romance Story by Lonna Upton Photos by Betsy Lee Photography

of baby’s breath and light pink and white roses in the bride’s bouquet. Baby’s Breath, Spivey’s favorite, also made up the bridesmaids’ bouquets and groomsmen’s boutonnieres. “The most special part of our ceremony was the arch and cross. I had seen one on Pinterest, so Trey’s

dad decided to build it for us. I love that we got married in front of something his dad built; that is so special,” Spivey said. About 150 wedding guests sat in white chairs outside the pavilion for the ceremony; and then, everyone moved underneath for the reception. The bride’s

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preferred bloom appeared often amongst the decorations, including the tables and mantle. Among the decorative ferns, tables and chairs were set up with table decorations of dusty blue runners, lanterns and Baby’s Breath. A fire burned in the fireplace with the mantel adorned in greenery, pictures of the couple and of course, additional Baby’s Breath. “Our DJ Steve Haynes played the music for the ceremony and the reception – all the songs that meant so much to us. I walked in to I Choose You by Sara Bareilles. The memory of the long walk to that song and seeing Trey at the end of the aisle is the memory I love the most. And, our first dance was to My Side of the Fence by Dan and Shay, a song Trey has sung to me since we met,” Spivey said. Gothard and his mother danced to A Mother Like Mine by The Band Perry, and he also danced with his sister to Whenever You Remember by Carrie Underwood. Spivey’s stepfather walked her down the aisle, and as a special honor she chose to dance with her mother to Mama’s Song by

Carrie Underwood. Chef Don Johnson, co-owner of Woodcraft Café in Wetumpka, with the help of his son Dillon, catered the meal. Both are friends with Gothard, and they made certain the food was perfect for the outdoor setting – fried chicken, a potato bar and green beans. The librarian from Stanhope Elmore High School designed the wedding cakes. “The food was so great, and the cakes were amazing made by Miranda Morrison. We had a buttercream wedding cake, but the groom’s cake was an Oreo cake. We wish so much that we had been able to have more than one piece,” Spivey said. The bride and groom both encountered wardrobe problems but were able to find the humor in the situations. “Not long before the wedding, I got a little food and some orange juice, which I ended up knocking over onto my dress from top to bottom. My bridesmaids helped me in the bathroom and with soap and water, scrubbing until you couldn’t even tell it had happened. Then Trey ripped his tuxedo pants at the reception. Both were so funny though,” Spivey said. A couple of glitches perhaps, but the couple said they could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the joining together of their lives.

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Clockwise from far left: The bride's bouquet was an arrangement of light pink and white roses; Groomsmen donned Baby's Breath boutonnieres; Miranda Morris from Stanhope Elmore High School made the Oreo groom's cake (left) and the buttercream wedding cake; Gothard's father hand built the wooden cross used in the ceremony; Gothard and Spivey also got engaged at AWF; Dusty blue bridesmaids dresses complemented the dĂŠcor; The flower girls tossed white and pink rose petals.

She said,

'Yes!'

Family home creates perfect atmosphere for clever proposal Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Sierra Benton & Anna Webber

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Garrett Falk proposed to Hannah Castillow at Tangarray in Eclectic

arrett Falk had his heart set on proposing to Hannah Castillow just three months after they started dating. Four inseparable years later, he finally got his wish on Sept. 7, 2019. He got down on one knee at Tangarray in Eclectic and took his brideto-be completely by surprise. “He did so good; it was absolutely perfect,” said Castillow. “Garrett said he probably tossed and turned for weeks stressing about the proposal, and I had no idea. He played it off so well.” Falk set his plan in motion months in advance and concocted a fake surprise birthday party for a friend at Lake Martin, so Castillow would be dressed to go somewhere nice and completely thrown off. “We had this imaginary birthday party on our calendar since about June. Everyone played into it,” said Falk. He bluffed that the birthday present had accidentally been sent to his mother’s house, which is now Tangarray event venue, so they had to go by there first to pick it up. “When I got out of the car, and we were walking through the grass, he was squeezing my hand so tight. That’s when I had a feeling I knew what was going on,” said Castillow. “I felt all the emotions. He got down on one knee; he was nervous. I was

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The beautiful location is a place the couple will return to time and again

A big backyard celebration takes place after the surprise

shaking and crying, yet so excited and so happy – it was all a little surreal.” While Falk had a whole speech planned, it all went out the window when he opened his mouth. “He said he completely forgot what he was going to say, but I didn’t want him to feel bogged down by the words. It was a sentimental moment – a grand gesture. Just the fact that we made it here, that was a big moment for us,” said Castillow. “The anticipation of it all; choosing each other and taking the next step in life, it’s a proud moment for both of us.” The couple met at Troy University through a mutual friend more than four years ago, and their relationship escalated quickly. They both knew early on that they were in it for the long run. “We were serious quickly, and we had talked about marriage for a while. We were feeling the pressure from everyone asking when we were getting married, and we didn’t want that to ruin it for us or feel pressured, so we kind of tabled the discussion, knowing it would happen when it happens,” said Castillow. Originally, Falk planned to propose over Labor Day, but not everyone from their families could be present – and that was important to both of them. Plus, he knew Castillow might consider that, so her guard might be down for the following off-weekend. Adding to the surprise element, Falk had his family and her family (all the way from Mobile) and friends watching the proposal from a distance, through the windows inside the house. “Family is huge to both of us, and I knew we wanted everyone there. We made it a big backyard party,” said Falk. Without her knowledge, Falk had asked Castillow’s parents’ permission to marry their daughter at a baseball game they all attended in Atlanta earlier in 2019 – another element that threw Castillow for a loop. “I knew he’d have to go to Mobile to ask my parents. I didn’t know how he’d get away with that and me not know, but he snuck that right by me for sure,” said Castillow. “The first thing I asked after I said yes was, ‘Did you ask my dad?’” Falk knew the ring design his fiancée wanted for more than three years and spent three months

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Family and friends were invited to watch the scene unfold from the house

before the big day shopping around for the perfect choice. Growing up, Falk worked at marinas on Lake Martin, and Castillow spent time on the lake with family friends each summer. They reminisce now that they likely crossed paths back in the day but never knew it. “It wasn’t the right time for us to meet, but Lake Martin still holds a special spot for both of us,” said Castillow. “We’ve made a lot of memories there.” As a result, Falk originally planned to propose somewhere at Lake Martin, but no one spot held the significance that Tangarray did. “Not only is it where I grew up, but it’s just a beautiful location with white columns, big oak trees, rolling hills – it’s a one of a kind place,” said Falk. While Falk’s mother, Rita Falk, converted Tangarray into a wedding venue more than five years ago, it’s still considered Falk’s childhood home. “Now, every time we go visit my mom, we drive right past the place where I proposed. Hopefully one day we can bring our kids there and show them where dad got down on one knee,” he said. The couple set their wedding date for Oct. 17, 2020, at a repurposed church building in downtown Mobile. It will be a traditional Southern wedding in a chapel setting, said the future bride.

“It’s easier for me to do the wedding in Mobile because most of my family is there. Plus, we really want Garrett’s mom and family to be a part of the wedding. If we had it at Tangarray, Miss Rita would just be working the whole time. It’s a phenomenal venue, but it’s still also Garrett’s home,” she said. The couple lives in Troy, a perfect midway point between Eclectic, where Falk grew up, and Castillow’s hometown of Mobile. They recently bought a house, and Castillow started a job with the city as an executive assistant for the utilities department. Falk launched his own business a few years ago, Brand New Promo, so he has flexibility with his work location. They both still visit Elmore County often. “We’ve made a little community here at Troy outside of our hometowns and have grown up with all these people. It’s a perfect opportunity for us,” said Castillow. With a new job, new house and wedding to plan, the couple is excited to continue their journey together. “We’ve been looking forward to this point in our relationship. All the ups and downs just kind of flew out the window. We’re excited to be taking this on,” Castillow said.

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Tallassee Guest House A vision coming to life Story by Carmen Rodgers & Rendering by Steenhaus

orrie Sid has a bold vision for the historic Guest House in Tallassee, and she’s making extensive progress toward the reality. The Tallassee native purchased the property about a year ago and has begun complete renovations. Her future plans include incorporating an upscale restaurant and an inclusive site appropriate for all events from small meetings up to 300-plus weddings. By the end of 2019, all 10 of the property’s bathrooms, along with the kitchen, were demolished, and the downstairs ceilings were torn out. “This was a critical step toward understanding exactly what we are working with,” said Sid. “Old homes and buildings can give you major surprises. I know, I’ve gutted and rebuilt two historic properties – a 1908 California Bungalow and an 1888 Victorian. Understanding what is behind the walls really helps in planning for what you can and can’t do from a design perspective.” Fortunately, like many old buildings in Tallassee, the structure has good bones. “Turns out, The Guest House was built very well,” Sid said. “There are large steel beams running in between the upstairs and downstairs, and the stone walls look like

they were built yesterday.” Outside, crews have been busy transitioning the property’s landscape and plotting the land’s topography. “We needed to really see the land to understand what we have to work with outside,” Sid said. “We were looking for areas for parking and naturally pretty areas that can be cultivated into gardens and groves.” While working on the landscape at The Guest House, Sid and her crew stumbled upon a few pleasant surprises, which will help bring the grand concept to life. “We are happy to report that there are about four natural springs producing multiple creeks in the woods; an awesome sun-filled hill that was hiding under decades of kudzu; and some flat areas that would be ideal for parking,” Sid said. She said while the planning has been long, it has been worth the wait because The Guest House could be an exceptional asset to Tallassee. “The building will contain about seven separate spaces that can be rented out for events,” she said. “We will be able to accommodate a meeting for 10 people or a wedding for close to 300 guests. There will be four public restrooms, two upstairs and two downstairs. And we will have a private restroom for our employees.”

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Sid's vision for The Guest House includes seven separate event spaces and eight guest rooms

The venue will offer eight guest rooms with upscale modern amenities, each with its own private bathroom. “One of our rooms will be ADA compliant with parking very close to the room. The versatility of The Guest House continues to excite me and our team,” she said. As a large venue suited for many guests, an important spaces Sid is designing is the laundry room. “I know that most people don’t think much of the layout of a laundry room, but running a property like the one we are planning requires a very industrial and well planned out laundry room,” she said. Sid is planning to build a commercial kitchen, which she plans to use to support a restaurant and catering. The plan is to create a casually, sophisticated dining experience for dinner Thursdays through Saturdays, with a brunch and lunch menu on Sundays. There also will be two bar areas, one upstairs and another downstairs. Sid has been working with Chef Eric Rivera of the Vintage Year, a restaurant in Montgomery, from the beginning of this project. He teamed up with Sid’s design team, SteenHaus, to conceive the kitchen and bars. She is hoping Rivera and Vintage Hospitality Group will include The Guest House as a fourth restaurant in their portfolio.

“The Guest House would be considered a destination restaurant, which is the latest trend in fine dining,” Sid said. “Chef Rivera just won his first James Beard Award for the blended burger at Vintage Year, and I am excited for the potential of partnering with him. I think having a Vintage Hospitality Group restaurant and Chef Rivera at the helm of the kitchen of The Guest House would be an amazing win for this project and for Tallassee.” According to Sid, this could all come to fruition in a little over two short years. “If all goes to plan – and that is a big if – we will open the doors winter 2021,” she said. The Guest House will have three outdoor spaces: a large open-air deck off the main dining room; a screenedin porch off the lower meeting spaces; and a patio on the front of the building, Sid added. While The Guest House’s design team has been key to the renovation process, Sid said many others also have put a lot of hard work into the process. Tyler Jones of 1504 Co. and Syndey Newsom of Sydney Newsom Creative, both out of Birmingham, are helping to create the cultural direction for The Guest House. “Tyler visited Tallassee last summer, toured our sites and interviewed many residents to truly understand the past, present and future of our town. He has been able to help me use the best of Tallassee to create the tone and tell the story of The Guest House and its hometown,” she said. “Sydney constantly sends our team property comparisons from across the U.S. and the world. We have all been able to formulate a shared vision of exactly what The Guest House will look like and how it will function.” And the plan is to mix that functionality with personal touches. “We have determined that every room will be distinct and room names will have meaning,” Sid said. “Every detail is being touched with purpose and crafted with deep thought about the history of Tallassee, Alabama. Our desire is for everyone who enters The Guest House to feel special. This is the most exciting part of the process for me, and I can’t wait for folks to have the awestruck feeling when they walk in for the first time.”

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Long distance love weds at Hitching Post Farms Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Penni Lauren Photography

rom living more than 300 miles apart for the majority of their relationship to now working in South Carolina in offices sideby-side, Sally and Ben Miedema tackled some obstacles to wind up in a dreamcome-true and celebrate a Southern-Californian wedding in March 2019. Sally, originally from Wetumpka, and Ben, who grew up in California, checked out many venues in Elmore County but ultimately settled on The Hitching Post Farms in Eclectic for its indoor and outdoor venue options. “We debated if we wanted an indoor or outdoor wedding, since Alabama’s weather is pretty unpredictable, but we liked the set-up options both ways at Hitching Post,” said Sally. Also, the venue handled most of the organization and offered many options in its wedding package, from added decorations to full set up. Sally said her favorite part was that their entire families were together for the first time, including Ben’s family from California and his sister from overseas, as well as a lot of friends and family from South Carolina. “My family is mostly from Alabama, but it was really nice to have everybody together in one place,” said Sally. They celebrated with about 160 in attendance. As a family-oriented couple, Sally and Ben chose to have honorary bridesmaids and groomsmen who walked down the aisle but sat in the audience. Ben’s children, Scarlett and Lucas, were the only two standing at the front with the bride and groom. “We wanted to make it about our family. We let them each pick out a unity sand color to incorporate,”

said Sally. Scarlett, 6 at the time, even wore a dress that Sally had worn in a wedding when she was that age. The dress was handmade by Sally’s aunt. The pastor from the bride’s hometown church, who Ben had gotten to know well over the years, officiated. “He was always so special to me, and he and Ben formed a relationship, so it was the one person we could kind of both agree on,” she said. While Elmore County is home for Sally, Ben struggled with some Southern wedding traditions. “We didn’t have a groom’s cake because Ben had no idea what that was,” said Sally. Ben stuck to his guns on attire, as well, and wore a gray suit, while his six groomsmen wore gray pants

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Sally and Ben had honorary bridesmaids and groomsmen who sat in the audience after walking down the aisle

and the same ties as he and Lucas. The eight bridesmaids all wore more casual navy dresses and sat in a reserved row behind the family. They had a simple wedding cake and a rustic reception, catered by White Wings BBQ. The décor included a lot of flowers, mason jars and candles with additions of navy, sage green, blush and gray filling the room. Sally and Ben originally met at an airport on their way to the same work conference and a few months later officially started dating long distance. At this time, Ben had taken the job Sally wanted in Auburn – as she jokes – and she had moved for a career in South Carolina. “We were both getting our doctorates at the same time, which I don’t recommend to anyone, but that

was such a big part of our relationship. It’s stressful for anybody going through it, but doing it together can make it both better and worse at the same time,” said Sally. During their years of dating, the two tried to visit one another at least once a month and twice if it was possible. “It was kind of good in that Auburn and South Carolina actually do a lot of joint projects, so I went to Auburn a lot of time for work. Also, if I wanted to go see him, my bosses were pretty flexible with me, as long as I was getting my work done,” said Sally. The biggest adjustment actually came when Ben, and his two children from a previous marriage moved to South Carolina in August 2018 before the March

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2019 wedding. “All the sudden it wasn’t long distance anymore, and it took some getting used to. But I’ve been here five years and really like it here, which is why him and the kids moved this way,” said Sally. Sally and Ben Taunton both work at the University of South Carolina, as a post-doctoral fellow and a clinic assistant professor, respectively. They plan to continue calling South Carolina home despite their Elmore County and West Coast roots.

The Hitching Post provided the perfect outdoor and indoor choices

The bride and groom now both work at the same university White Wings BBQ catered the rustic reception

Lucas and Scarlett, Be's children from a previous marriage, were the only two standing with the bride and groom during the ceremony

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Sally and Ben's relationship was mostly long distance until recently

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Persistence pays off Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Morgan Peek

Valerie and Judd Hamner's wedding was one of the first at Thornfield Plantation

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Bridesmaids' forest green dresses popped against the neutral décor

Valerie's dad actually did most of the wedding planning

alerie and Judd Hamner’s love story presents the iconic theme of jumping in and taking a bold chance. The couple married at Thornfield Plantation on Oct. 26, 2019, after a short engagement but a very long pursuit. During college, Valerie Brownell worked at a hunting store in Tuscaloosa – the same town where Hamner, a Pickens County native, lived at the time. Clearly smitten with Brownell, Hamner reached out to her on social media asking to take her on a date. After moving three times and three years of turning him down, she finally gave him a chance – and the rest is history. “He was very persistent and consistent. I moved to Montgomery; then Atlanta, and he dated a few people here and there. Every time he wasn’t dating someone he asked me out,” said Brownell. In May 2018, she took a new job at Hunt Refining Company and returned to Tuscaloosa, and Hamner congratulated her on the new position. Shocked that

he knew she had been hired, Brownell reached out to a friend’s husband who also worked there. “She said, ‘Oh, he works there, too!’” said Brownell. After about a month on the job, Brownell finally agreed to play golf with Hamner – a game about which they both are passionate. “I really did have a good time. I finally thought, ‘I don’t know why I’m holding back, I might as well give him a shot,’” said Brownell. A year later, Hamner proposed, and the search began for the perfect wedding venue. Originally from Prattville, Brownell really liked White City Weddings and found out the company had opened its new location, Thornfield Plantation in Millbrook, where Joel McCord is the general manager. “My dad actually did the party planning and talked to Joel, who was the manager at White City Weddings at that time. He said a new venue was coming open. We went to go look at it and just fell in love. It was kind of a Godsend thing; it all fell into

place,” said Brownell. The elegant but laidback style was indicative of the couple’s personalities, she said, with notable flair favoring both the bride and groom. The wedding was held in the renovated barn and retained an outdoors feel. “I think I was only the second bride to get married at the venue, but it’s perfect. The girls can stay there on site the night before and be ready to get up and have their hair and makeup done. It’s very convenient,” said Brownell. “Plus, if something went wrong, I didn’t know about it. Joel handled it all, and I think it went perfectly.” Her eight bridesmaids donned forest green dresses, and the eight groomsmen wore navy suits. The rest of the décor remained fairly neutral with shades of white, cream, tan and gold. “Even the flowers were mostly whites and greens, so the pop of color really came out in the dresses,” said Brownell. Her ball gown wedding dress featured a deep V-neck in the front and an extended train. The back was adorned with lace and buttons all the way down, and the best part, she said, was that it had pockets. The menu for the nearly 120 guests highlighted a good Southern meal – fried and grilled chicken, a mashed potato bar, mac and cheese and green beans. “That’s exactly what we wanted,” said Brownell. The groom’s cake was a decadent two-tier caramel cake, and the wedding cake was a threetier Neapolitan-layered dessert with touches of greenery and flowers to match the décor. Above all, though, Brownell cherishes Hamner’s expression when he saw his beautiful bride for the first look. “It was my favorite memory. Seeing his face again when I walked down the aisle – both moments were very touching,” said Brownell. The couple now lives in a Gordo, a small town outside of Tuscaloosa, with a baby on the way due at the end of the month. “We’re kind of in the middle of nowhere, but I love it. It has more of a country feel, with no one around,” said Brownell.

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Clockwise from top left previous page: The bride's wedding dress was adorned with lace and buttons all the way down the back; The barn at Thornfield Plantation was the perfect elegant, laidback style; Monogrammed cookies complemented the wedding cakes; Brownell said her favorite memory was the way her groom looked at her; Hamner was persistent in getting to know Brownell years before they dated.

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Mover & Shaker

Miller addresses the attendees of the 2019 Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence Dinner

Lisa Miller to pilot Main Street Alabama's board Story by Amy Passaretti

isa Miller is no stranger to public service and investing time and enthusiasm into the betterment of communities in which she serves. Starting this month, Prattville resident and Hackneyville native Miller will serve a two-year term as Main Street Alabama’s chairman of the board. Main Street Alabama is a nonprofit organization focused on community revitalization and bringing jobs, dollars and people back to historic Alabama communities through a four-point approach. Miller has been involved with Main Street for five years through her employer Alabama Municipal

Electric Authority. “At AMEA, we place a great value on community and economic development and partner with our member communities to help improve the quality of life in their communities,” said Miller. AMEA is the wholesale power provider for 11 cities in Alabama, four of which are Designated Main Street communities and six are Network communities. “Main Street network communities are exploring the possibility of applying as Designated programs and developing plans to determine if the resources are available to move forward,” said Miller.

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Currently, AMEA pays the annual fees for those six network communities to retain the resources needed through Main Street to make that proper decision. Miller will preside over the Main Street Alabama board of directors, where she also served in the past as secretary, as well as vice chairman. “The downtowns of our member cities are the hearts of their cities,” she said. “Our interest in Main Street is that it’s a program that breathes new life into our downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. Our state also recognizes the importance of our downtowns in preserving history and celebrating diversity.” Miller also has served as a member of Prattville’s Industrial Development Board since 1997 and is a past chairman of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce board. Within the chamber, Miller served as both vice chairman and chairman of the economic development committee. Her extensive philanthropic involvement includes River Region United Way board member, chairman of the Prattville Baptist Hospital Advisory Board and active involvement with the boards of both Leadership Autauga and Leadership Elmore counties. “We work closely with member cities to help

them remain sustainable; create jobs; and work with industrial prospects and commercial development,” said Miller. “We want to help Alabamians look at their downtowns not simply as places for memories but also as places for bold economic opportunity.” Main Street communities are rediscovering that the uniqueness of historic downtowns offers a new Lisa Miller frontier for innovation, is the new creativity, collaboration and chairman economic prosperity, she of the added. Main AMEA provides noStreet interest loans to its memboard bers through its Capital Fund Program, with grants available to assist special economic development projects. AMEA is owned by the members it serves and continues to research initiatives to constantly improve services, according to its website. Miller is the manager of communications and marketing for AMEA, and her company is the sponsor each year for the Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence. Awards are given in recognition of individuals, businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to their local Main Street programs. To learn more about Main Street Alabama, visit mainstreetalabama.org.

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OUT & ABOUT

Tallassee Chamber

of Commerce Banquet Feb. 6, 2020 National Armory 1. Logan Steers 2. Kami and joe Scarborough 3. Bill and Sandra Patterson

4. Debra Hughey and Fred Randal 5. Ronald Brantley 6. Bill and Paula Godwin 7. Willie Moseley

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OUT & ABOUT

MLK Jr. March

Jan. 20, 2020 Tallassee 1. Shawna and Alford River 2. Jahazel Hooks and Regina Capps 3. Kathy Pascal 4. Larry Taylor 5. D'Angela Holmes and Jamaya Skipper 6. Bessie and Melvin Morris 7. Elizabeth Harber and Suzannah Solomon

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OUT & ABOUT

Taste of Elmore County

Jan. 27, 2020 Wetumpka Civic Center 1. Helen McLemore, Brayleigh Kendall and Elizabeth Herley 2. Ron and Karen Beshears

3. Richard and Brenna Rogers 4. Ron Lacour, Den Irwin and Jeff Andrews 5. Joseph and Jonathan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dell 6. Ryan and Danyalle Friday and Brooke Sumner

5 6

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OUT & ABOUT

Tallassee Rotary Club

Jan. 31, 2020 Cozumel Restaurant 1. Dustin Funderburk, Marc Williams and Alan Taunton 2. Christopher Thompson and Lindan Oliver 3. Anslee Osborn and Sally Shipman

4. Natellie Davis and Bruin Hathcock 5. AJ Miller and Sinclair Cole 6. Tammy Knapp, Tina Harris and Jerry Cunningham

3 4

6 5

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OUT & ABOUT

Extension Office Open House Jan. 9, 2020 Wetumpka 1. Katrina Mitchell and Janice Hall 2. Helen Jones and Cynthia White 3.Chad Packer and Marilyn Knapp 4. Tiffany Taylor

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Feb. 20 The Kelly Film Fans: Lust for Life

The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery will host a movie field trip to the Capri Theatre in Montgomery at 7:30 p.m. to view the film, Lust for Life, a biography of Vincent van Gogh played by Kirk Douglas. If you wish to caravan, call Cookie at 334-531-6930 and meet at the Wetumpka Civic Center parking lot. Admission is $7 for Kelly members and $8 for nonmembers.

Feb. 20-23 and Feb. 27-March 1 Always a Bridesmaid The Millbrook Community Players will perform the Jones Hope Wooten comedy, Always a Bridesmaid at the Millbrook Theater, 5720 Main St., at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20-22 and Feb. 27-29 and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 23 and March 1. Early bird tickets are $10 at millbrooktheater.com and $14 at the door.

Feb. 22 AWF’s Critter Crawl

The Alabama Nature Center will host the Critter Crawl 5K and Yeti Dash to benefit the 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 costumes are mandatory for anyone who wishes to participate. Advanced tickets are $25 for the 5K and $20 for the Yeti Dash. Prices go up $5 on the day of the event. Registration will begin at 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 for information at mvines@alabamawildlife.org.

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, 20 of them being food offerings, at Gold Star 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. Authors scheduled to appear this year include Joshilyn Jackson, Thomas Mullen, Roger Johns and more. For more details, visit wetumpkalibrary.com.

Feb. 23 36th Annual ECAG Awards Reception

The Elmore County Art Guild will host its annual awards reception at First Community Bank of Central Alabama, 3300 state Route 14 in Millbrook, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Artwork will be on display from Feb. 21 to Feb. 28. Visit elmorecountyartguild.com for more information.

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 online 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 on ticketmaster.com for $45 to $85.

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March 5 The Kelly Film Fans: Packed in a Trunk The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery will host a movie field trip to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts at 5:30 p.m. to view the film, Packed in a Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson, the story of Edith Wilkinson and the journey of her great-niece to uncover the mystery of her life. If you wish to caravan, call Cookie at 334-531-6930 and meet at the Wetumpka Civic Center parking lot. Admission is free.

March 7 Boater Safety Course

ALEA Marine Patrol Division will offer a boater’s safety course at YMCA Camp Chandler at 9 a.m. Upon completion of the one-and-a-half to two-hour class and passing a written exam, attendees will receive certificates to take to the driver’s license office and get boating endorsements added to their licenses. Classes will be taught by Lake Jordan’s officer Corey Robinett.

March 8 The Kelly Film Fans: Exhibition on Screen Lucian Frued: Self Portrait 2020 The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery will host a movie field trip to the Capri Theatre in Montgomery at 3 p.m. to view the film, Exhibition on Screen: Lucian Freud: Self Portrait 2020, a look into Lucian Freud’s self portraits over the course of 64 years. If you wish to caravan, call Cookie at 334-531-6930 and meet at the Wetumpka Civic Center parking lot. Admission is $7 for Kelly members and $8 for nonmembers.

March 13 A Night of ’60s Music

The McCraney-Cottle Arts Council will present a program at 7 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Theatre, 313 Barnett Blvd. in Tallassee featuring popular tunes from the 1960s. Tickets will be $15.

March 28 DAC: Walk Where They Walked

The Dixie Art Colony will host an art exhibition and storyboards about the connection between Jasmine Hill Gardens and the DAC. The event will be held at Jasmine Hill, 3001 Jasmine Hill Rd. in Wetumpka, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for adults is $10. For more information, email m.harris@dixieartcolony.org.

Season-Long Events 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. A sixth location rotates each month between the Town of Elmore Annex Building and Town of Coosada Post Office. Drop off items to CEWSA Redland Facility; Elmore County Judicial Complex; Emerald Mountain Equestrian Center; Holtville High School and Kent-Old Highway Department. For more information, call the Elmore County Highway Department at 334-567-1162 or Advanced Disposal at 334-252-0458.

Bluegrass Jam and Sit N Sew

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

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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 the ARRAC at 334-578-9485.

Stories and Rhymes

The Eclectic Public Library hosts 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 Saturday.

Ukulele Classes

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

Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month at 7300 Central Plank Rd. in Wetumpka.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

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

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

Busy Bee Quilters

The quilters meet the second Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 2 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.

Dixie Art Colony Foundation Exhibit

Regular gallery hours are held from 10 a.m. until noon on Mondays and Wednesdays at 219 Hill St., Wetumpka. Appointments and small group tours are available upon request. Special tours include a 16-minute video, Dixie Art Colony: A Look at Its Lasting Legacy. Exhibits rotate every four months, and a selection of periodicals and books from the DAC Foundation Resource Library also are on display. For information, contact Mark Harris at 334-328-0730 or email him at m.harris@dixieartcolony.org.

Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn

Bring a sack lunch to the Fellowship Hall at the Presbyterian Church, 100 W. 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

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 and held at the Wetumpka Civic Center, 410 S. Main St. For more information or a list of upcoming programs, visit thekelly.org.

Tallassee Lions Club

The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant, across from the football stadium in Tallassee, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The public is welcome to join for an hour of humor, information, civic pride and patriotism. Call Ron McDaniel at ronmcd416@gmail.com for information. To have an upcoming event featured in Elmore County Living’s ‘Coming Up!’ pages, email date, time and information to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com.

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Karen’s

Mane Tamers Family Hair Care

8711 U.s. Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL

334-514-1958

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

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

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

Casino Convenience Store ARC Rrealty

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Wells Fargo Bank Aldridge Borden Co. Toulouse Marathon

Tallassee Mayor Johnny Hammock

DID YOU KNOW? You can find

Elmore County Living at

TALLASSEE CITY HALL Stop by and grab one today!

Should I invite a clown? A Adrian borden

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

bout three months ago, a strange and wonderful thing happened. My boyfriend of about a year and a half knocked my socks off when he got down on one knee and proposed. It was a beautiful experience, and I saw this man – who I don’t think of as a big planner – hold his own with details. Russell is in a fantastic band called Electric Blue Yonder (they call the genre “space folk”). He plays the upright bass in the band, and he was slappin’ that thing when I saw him in Cloverdale Park one day. In fact, on that day, my heart made a silent wish that he would be mine, even though I didn’t even know him then. At the time, he lived in Spanish Fort, and I was freshly out of a two-year on-and-off roller coaster with an old boyfriend. Within a year, that handsome bass player moved to town, where I promptly bugged him until he asked me out. Years later, he spent months planning our engagement. His band went on tour in New York City last year, where he made a customized vinyl recording of his pre-proposal speech. On the evening of the proposal, we were actually celebrating his birthday. You can imagine my confusion when people turned cameras on me, and Russell squared off with me to start his schpeal. I pride myself on being observant and intuitive, but I had no idea that this was coming. I am truly grateful that Russell planned such a lovely engagement and at a time where our friends could be there, inconspicuously. The moment you get engaged, the world won’t let you get a word in edgewise without asking, “When’s the wedding? Have you set a date yet? You have so much to do!” And truly, you do have a lot to do, but it’s always nice to just sit back and enjoy being engaged for five or six minutes before thinking about registries, locations, budgets, dresses, tuxes, colors, bridesmaids, groomsmen,

cakes, expos, bands, guest lists, honeymoon. Oh, yes, and there’s that other person: the one you’re marrying. You have to try to have adult conversation that isn’t solely about nuptials. Russell and I have been engaged for about 10 weeks, and so far, all we’ve chosen is a date. Nothing seems to bring out the beasts more than the planning of a wedding. I suppose that’s why folks write so many stage productions about weddings. I was in a production by Francisco Castro called This is My F-ing Wedding. No joke. That was the title. I played an emotional bride who has to deal with a shocking amount of weirdness: the groom, not the bride, wants a traditional wedding – she wishes to elope; the priest isn’t really a priest, but a nutcase; the bride’s mother has to take away her son’s bag of Doritos since it has a firearm down in it. In the end, a clown comes to the rescue of the bride. It’s nothing short of chaotic, but somehow, it worked onstage, and audiences were thrilled. The Wetumpka Depot knows a good farce when they see one, too. Kristy Meanor, Tom Salter and Mary Katherine Moore concocted the delicious script for Wedding From Hell, which they staged in 2009. Unfortunately, I did not get to see the hilarity myself, but the show included a gaggle of bridesmaids, all named Brittney; a Bible-thumping preacher named Wanker; frustrated beauty queens; clogging (I love clogging!); a father-of-the-bride with a shotgun; his social climbing ex-wife; and other assorted colorful characters. So what can we learn here? I don’t want drama or guns at my wedding, but clogging might be kind of fun and cool and different. Or maybe I’ll just go with what my instincts tell me: Keep it simple; get that handsome bass player and get married. It doesn’t have to be much crazier than that to be a dream come true for me. And maybe I’ll invite a clown, just to see what happens …

ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

Elmore County Living Magazine February 2020

Articles inside

ARTSY FARTSY

COMING UP

MOVER & SHAKER

WHERE TO FIND US

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF

Columns

14

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

TALLASSEE GUEST HOUSE

BACK IN THE DAY

SHE SAID, 'YES

EXTRA! EXTRA

LONG DISTANCE LOVE