March 2020
Elmore County Living
Eclectic Restaurant
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From the Editor's Desk
STAFF
It’s no secret I am a fan of fine cuisine. As I’ve mentioned in the past, I received a culinary degree after I graduated with a journalism degree, and food is my second love. I was re-inspired by culinary tales told by Deangelo and Davetta Zeigler of WOW Catering in Eclectic. The devoted couple has a long lineage of culinary passion and skill in their families, and they love sharing that with the Elmore County community. Deangelo received a culinary degree from Trenholm State and proceeded to work in highly acclaimed restaurants in Montgomery and Auburn. He finally decided to venture out on his own through catering and was encouraged to open his own place. I had the pleasure of trying some of his delectable cuisine, and WOW is right! Turn to page 8 for some mouth-watering photos of some of the Zeiglers’ favorite dishes. If you really want to step out of your culinary comfort zone, I suggest heading to the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Wild Game Cook-off in Millbrook on April 23. This annual event showcases backyard chefs and their innovative takes on fowl, fish and game dishes. The overall winner of this cook-off heads to the finals to compete with 13 others for a chance to earn the state champ title. For more details, read page 20. For those interested in the other side of food production – where it comes from – we’ve provided some tips on raising backyard chickens. I attended a program held by the Elmore County Extension Office, presented by Extension Specialist Ken Macklin, a professor of poultry science at Auburn University, on how to choose the breed you want; what to do to keep them healthy; and the basics of housing, hatching and lighting. Whether you want to raise chickens for meat, eggs or simply as pets, we have a how-to guide to get you started on page 26. We all enjoy different hobbies, and the students at Tallassee High School have taken a strong interest in jazz music. The jazz program has blossomed, and the school partnered with Troy University 10 years ago to provide a place for kids around the state to show off their talents. Tallassee Jazz Fest showcases middle school, high school, college and professional jazz bands from around Alabama. Don’t miss this night of jazzy tunes on April 3. Turn to page 30 for details. Last but not least, the county is steadfast in spreading its promotional campaign about the 2020 census. The Elmore County Counts Committee was awarded a grant with promotional materials and tablets to raise awareness about the importance of the census, along with supplying a simple and easy way to fill out the form. On page 22, read about the programs federally funded by the census count and how an accurate number is vital to sustaining this community. Elmore County never ceases to amaze me with its budding talent, inspired community members and fun opportunities to enjoy. Check out the calendar on page 40 to join in on the festivities.
Amy Passaretti, Editor
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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
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@tallasseetribune.com TIPPY HUNTER tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com RACHEL MCCOLLOUGH rachel.mccollough@alexcityoutlook.com JULIE HARBIN julie.harbin@alexcityoutlook.com LIZ HOLLAND liz.holland@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
Tony Edwards Mallory Kelley Suellen Young Daniel Dye Marla Ruskin Gerri Miller
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
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 99 127 Company St., Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-7811
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CONTENTS ON THE COVER This Angus burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, wild sauce and white American cheese on a brioche bun is the creation of Deangelo Zeigler at WOW Catering in Eclectic. Photo by Kenneth Boone
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22 In Every Issue 6
EXTRA! EXTRA!
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BACK IN THE DAY
8
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
18
34
OUT & ABOUT
32
40
COMING UP
45
News Briefs
WOW Catering
In Elmore County
Fun for Everyone
Features
Columns
46
12
WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING?
GARDEN TALK
20
COOKS GONE WILD
DOLLARS & SENSE
22
ELMORE COUNTY COUNTS
24
HEAVY RAIN AT THURLOW
26
BACKYARD BIRDS
30
TALLASSEE JAZZ FEST
Tale of Thomas Patterson
Perfect Pruning
Military Families Often Need Extra Protection
ARTSY FARTSY
Two Worlds Together
WHERE TO FIND US Distribution List
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
Technique to Treat Inflammation AWF to Host Wild Game Cook-off
Residents Urged to Fill Out Census
New Spillway Gates Put to the Test
How to Raise Chickens at Home
Musicians Showcase Talent and Pride
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EXTRA! EXTRA! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas Anti-Litter Critters advocate for change The Elmore County Commission last month introduced a new awareness campaign to curb litter with signs of wildlife the county is calling its Anti-Litter Critters. “There are many different litter critters on display,” said Commission Chairman Troy Stubbs. “We are looking forward to placing these throughout the county. These are Elmore County’s latest voices to help keep our natural resources rich and our county beautiful. They are here to remind our citizens to dispose of trash and litter and to advocate to participate in cleaning up areas of our county and to eliminate illegal dumping.” The signs should start appearing throughout the county in the next few weeks.
Elmore County first Charters of Freedom location The Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution and Bill of Rights are coming to Elmore County, thanks to the efforts of Boy Scout Rhett Pinkston and the Elmore County Commission working with Foundation Forward, Inc. Known as the Charters of Freedom, the replicas of the documents that founded America will be permanently installed on the grounds of the Elmore County Courthouse, hopefully by this summer, in time for its dedication in the fall. “We are honored for Elmore County to be the first location in the state of Alabama for the Charters of Freedom setting,” Commission Chairman Troy Stubbs said. “These timeless documents will be on display at the courthouse grounds for our community to enjoy. We are thrilled to see this great project move forward in 2020.” Every setting will contain a time capsule to be opened on the 300th anniversary of Constitution Day, Sept. 17, 2087.
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ECHS Alumni set to give two scholarships to seniors The Elmore County High School Alumni Committee held its 2020 ECHS Alumni Ball last month at The Eclectic Warehouse. The organization is set to give two $1,000 scholarships from the proceeds raised from the dance to one male and one female ECHS graduating senior. The deadline for submitting scholarship applications is March 31. For more information about the ball, the scholarship fund or for a scholarship application, visit echsalumniball.com.
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
Rollin' in good times While the day of a Mardi Gras parade is filled with fun and celebration, the planning that goes behind constructing and decorating a Mardi Gras parade float takes time, effort and materials. In the case of the Millbrook Revelers, it is an all-hands-ondeck affair to ensure the krewe’s floats, four in all for 2020, are worthy of rolling down the streets of Millbrook. Members of the Millbrook Revelers meet the Thursday night before the annual parade to decorate the floats, three of which are constructed out of old cotton trailers. Millbrook Revelers publicity chair Becky Adams said many of the floats’ decorations are handmade from wood that is cut into shapes, such as masks and fleur-de-lis, painted, and affixed to the floats. The krewe added a fourth float – its first double-decker that holds 75 people – to its lineup for 2020.
Party Gras It was one big party as parade-goers lined the streets for the Order of Cimarron’s annual Mardi Gras parade in downtown Wetumpka last month. Float riders tossed beads, candy, Moon Pies, stuffed animals and other goodies to the crowds.
THS choirs rock the stage Tallassee High School show choirs performed last month at the Southern Show Choir Competition at Opelika High School. The Divas, Gold Edition and New Image all took the stage to sing, dance and show off their talent among nearly 30 other choirs. Gold Edition won second place in the men’s division, and The Divas and New Image took 5th and 6th place, respectively, in the women’s division.
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
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Business Spotlight
Clockwise from top left: Pasta Jambalaya; Cajun-ranch wings; praline bread pudding with bourbon praline sauce; cheesecake-stuffed deep-fried strawberries; bruschetta; and fried-green tomatoes are just a sampling of the Zeiglers' vast culinary creations
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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
Eclectic restaurant WOWs customers Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Kenneth Boone
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
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W
OW Catering in Eclectic is a true family affair with a long lineage of culinary talent and the name inspired by owners Deangelo and Davetta Zeigler’s 12-year-old daughter, Anaiyah. “We were at home one day trying to come up with a name for the business, and our little girl said, ‘Why don’t you call it Wow? That’s what everyone says when they taste your food!’” said Davetta. “So it stuck. She loves that she was a part of the process.” WOW Catering opened its brick-andmortar location in January but has been cooking for a variety of events around the area for more than two years. Located on Main Street in downtown Eclectic, WOW Catering offers Southern contemporarystyle cuisine that is a reflection of Deangelo and Davetta Zeigler the Zeiglers and share a passion for food their family’s history and passion for food. Zeigler received a culinary degree from Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery but has been exposed to cooking his entire life. “My grandmother would cook breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day,” he said. “When I was young, I started helping her out. She was actually the first one to teach my how to grill.” Davetta also was exposed to cooking and catering from her grandmother, who worked until the day she died at 96 years old. “She did it all,” said Zeigler. “And she taught us both a lot about the business and cooking. Sometimes what I thought I knew, she would tell me how to do it the right way.” Zeigler worked at various fine-dining restaurants in
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Montgomery and Auburn before realizing it was time to venture out on his own. He began catering for events at Tangarray Event Venue and formed a relationship with owner Rita Falk. “It was Miss Rita who really pushed me to open a location,” he said. “She asked if I would ever consider opening my own business. She got me in touch with the owner of this building; and that was that.” The corner building at 35 Kowaliga Rd. has been used for various restaurants in the past, so the Zeiglers didn’t have to do much renovating – just some painting and adding the proper kitchen equipment. The Zeiglers have hit the ground running, and the community has fully embraced their presence. “The community has shown great support,” said Davetta. “They have really accepted us with open arms. We feel like we’ve lived here forever.” The couple moved to the Redland area and couldn’t be happier with their new location. The restaurant is open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for lunch and dinner. “We have some regulars already that come in every single day,” said Zeigler. “And Friday nights, we have a line out the door and a pretty long wait time.” As a result, he recommends making reservations, which can be done on the Facebook page, WOW Catering LLC., or by calling 334-639-0010. Their full seating capacity is 49. While there is a set main menu – including wings, burgers, steak, pasta – Zeigler also whips up lunch and dinner specials throughout the week. Those that secure the most accolades from clients get added to that main menu. “My food is a twist of Southern, but I really can do a
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
Deep-fried Moon Pies were a huge hit for Mardi Gras
little bit of everything,” he said. The weekends are reserved for catering events, and almost every one is already booked through the end of the year. While down time is difficult to come by in this business, the Zeiglers embrace their Sundays with their children, Anaiyah and Deangelo Jr., who is 8 years old. “That’s our family time,” said Davetta. “We let the kids play waiter. It’s an experience for the whole family.” The children love being around the restaurant atmosphere and can’t wait to be old enough to help out. The kids also eat well and say their favorite food is steak and Caesar salad. “The kids absolutely love to cook. And they won’t eat fast food. They both say they want to be a chef just like Daddy when they grow up,” said Zeigler. “As long as they’re happy, we’re happy.” Deangelo and Davetta have been together for 12
years and married for nine. The dynamic pair has a seamless working relationship and really enjoys their new path. “I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else,” said Davetta, who was previously a bakery manager at Walmart for more than a decade. “It’s not often you find someone who shares the same passions about food,” said Zeigler. While they’re still getting their feet wet with a new restaurant, the Zeiglers’ dream of opening a food truck some day and a second location in the River Region. “We have a lot of customers that travel over here to eat. I’d like to open a closer location for them,” said Zeigler. “It’s true though, people will travel for good food.” For more information about the restaurant or catering options, visit the Wow Catering LLC Facebook page.
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
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What is Dry Needling? Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Kenneth Boone
D
ry needling is a relatively new technique utilized by physical therapists to help combat inflammation and pain, and it is now available in Elmore County. Brent Vinson, facility director and physical therapist at Phoenix Rehab in Wetumpka, has practiced dry needling for about a year and a half, which he incorporates as a complement to patients’ routine treatment plans. “It’s not necessarily a new service in the physical therapy world, but it’s becoming more prevalent,” said Vinson. “The needles you use are monofilament needles similar to acupuncture needles. The difference is acupuncture is based off Chinese medicine, and dry needling is rooted in neuroscience.” The purpose of dry needling is to target specific trigger points to treat inflammation and pain through the insertion of a very small needle directly into an isolated affected muscle or nerve. In the areas where a patient has pain, he or she will often find inflammation, edema, muscle guarding, increased electrical activity, decreased blood flow and adhesions to soft tissue. “Anatomically, we know what’s below the skin, and we’re needling into the skin to create a reaction in the body. Blood flow increases in the targeted area, bringing white blood cells and
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proteins to promote the healing process,” said Vinson. As a result, the muscle should relax and pain should decrease. This, in turn, creates a local, segmental and systemic affect on the body. It impacts the nervous system and musculoskeletal system, he explained. “It creates a full-body effect. People with chronic pain are often tense and their nervous systems are over-stimulated. If you decrease that stimulus, it will affect hormones, brain and sleep,” he said. “I’ve had patients tell me they got the best sleep they’ve had in years after dry needling.” Currently, dry needling also is being used as an alternative to opioid use in pain management. “If you can decrease pain, there is less need for medication and treatments, which in turn, is better for our bodies and allows them to function better. It could improve a patient’s quality of life,” said Vinson. Dry needling is a fairly new treatment technique, which some insurance companies don’t cover for patients. As a result, it could be provided as a cash-based service or included as part of treatment plans for existing patients. “It’s not that it’s controversial, but some insurance companies just haven’t caught up,” said Vinson. Alabama is one of the rare states that still
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
Brent Vinson applies the dry needling technique to a client using monofilament needles
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
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Needles target specific affected muscles or nerves to treat inflammation and pain
requires a referral to treat physical therapy patients, and Vinson said he performs a full evaluation on everyone who is sent his way. Very rarely is dry needling a one-time treatment, and the frequency and duration is patient specific. “We dose needling based on the individual and the need of the patient,” said Vinson. “It’s all about the technique. You can leave the needle in the tissue from a few seconds to a few minutes, but I like to insert the needle and pull out. This way I can palpate the tissue for a response without a needle in the way. Also, different needle lengths are used depending on the area of the body and tissue being targeted. For example, shorter needles are used in the neck area and up, while longer needles may be used in the thigh area, as the muscles or nerves are likely deeper. “If the tissue and nerve is deep, you can also needle repeatedly when the needle is in there to really stimulate the tissue,” Vinson said. “Or you may want to needle the nerve’s origin, which could be a completely different location in the body.” Dry needling is a two-step process with the immediate relaxation of muscles and tightness,
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followed by an immune system response that triggers blood flow to the area to heal damaged tissue. This technique could treat traditional physical therapy symptoms, such as headache symptoms, joint pain, concussions, plantar fasciitis, sports recovery and more. After treatment, it’s recommended that patients continue moving, stretching and drinking plenty of water. Dry needling should not be painful but could create a similar feeling of delayed onset soreness after a workout. It’s a way to educate patients on why they’re hurting and to help them gain control of their symptoms, Vinson said. “If you can improve pain and overall mobility, you create a good cycle for your body,” he added. Vinson was trained over a three-day intensive course to become certified in the technique of dry needling after he researched its benefits for about two years to ensure it would be beneficial to patients. “I wanted to make sure this wasn’t just a fad,” he said. “But it’s really changed the way I look at patient injury and patient care.” For more information about dry needling, contact Vinson at 334-478-3543.
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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
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The Tale of Thomas Patterson T Sharon fox
BACK IN THE DAY Sharon Fox is the curator at the Elmore County Museum in Wetumpka.
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he Pattersons of Elmore County were community members that had an impact on the area but may not be household names. Thomas Eldred Patterson was born Sept. 22, 1895, to William Berry and Clara Belle (McWhorter) Patterson. His grandfather, Thomas B. Patterson, was the tax assessor for Elmore County, and Thomas E. Patterson grew up working on his fathers’ farm until he found a job at Tallassee Mills. He brought home $5 a week working in the payroll offices, and part of his job included taking the payroll across the river once a week by rowboat. He moved into a boarding house in East Tallassee and even after paying rent, was said to still have plenty of money left to lead an exciting nightlife. When Patterson was around 19 or 20 years old, the family hosted its annual weekend family reunion on the big homestead. Family members came from all over the area, and there was plenty of food and fun to be had. When it came time for everyone to go to bed, the women piled into one room and the men into another. It was during one of those nights that young Patterson woke to a strange noise coming from the side of the house where the women were sleeping. He went to investigate without bothering to wake the others for help.
Upon opening the door where the ladies were sleeping, he discovered a strange man walking around inside. The man, realizing he’d been caught, raced to escape through the bedroom window. Patterson drew his gun and shot the intruder before he was able to escape, killing him. A trial was held, and Patterson was found not guilty. It was well known that Patterson had something of a temper and carried a gun around wherever he went. It is a family legend that the sheriff asked Patterson to leave his gun at the sheriffs’ office any time he came to town and pick it up on the way out. According to the story, Patterson agreed and continued to do this all his life. Patterson died in September 1972 and is buried in the Carrville Cemetery in Tallassee. Patterson’s grandfather was a Confederate soldier in the War Between the States, joining first the 61st infantry at Tuskegee in April 1862. He fought valiantly for his beliefs until May 1863 when he was honorably discharged due to an illness that left him temporarily paralyzed. He spent a few months recovering at home and once again returned to the War, joining the 63rd infantry in August 1863. A year later, Thomas was badly wounded in a battle at Winchester, Virginia. He was taken prisoner at that time and was held until after the war had ended; however, it is docu-
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
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mented that he was killed in the battle. While in prison, Thomas had to have part of his left leg removed from just below the knee due to wounds he received when he was taken prisoner. He was slowly recovering from that and other injuries when he was released from prison in October 1865. Unable to make his own way home due to his health, Thomas’ wife, Martha, hitched up their wagon and headed to Winchester to bring her husband home. Three years later, on Jan. 22, 1868, Thomas received a free artificial limb from the State of Alabama. He later became the tax assessor for the state, a position that took him away from home often. Thomas’ granddaughter, Ora Wilkerson, became his assistant as a young lady of high intelligence, and would meet at the courthouse in Thomas’ absence to explain the assessments when needed. Thomas died July 31, 1916, and is buried in the Tuskegee City Cemetery.
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mallory kelley
GARDEN TALK
Perfect Pruning
Mallory Kelley is a Regional Extension Agent for Alabama Extension and covers central Alabama for home grounds, gardens and pests.
Azaleas are an example of an early spring bloom and should be pruned right after they flower Photo by Audra Spears
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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
I
t’s been too wet to even think about doing yard work, so if your wondering, ‘Is it too late to do some pruning?,’ I hope this information will serve as a guide. Whether or not you should prune now depends on the plant. Be careful; not all plants should be pruned at the same time of the year. Pruning at an incorrect time will remove buds that are already in place for flowers. Ornamental shrubs and trees, which bloom in late winter and early spring, should not be pruned until after the springblooming cycle is complete. These plants bloom on “old wood” or growth that occurred in the summer and fall of last year, so pruning them now will remove all of the buds and result in no flowers. Examples of plants that would be considered early spring blooms include forsythia, camellia, spirea, viburnum and azaleas. These should be pruned right after they flower and definitely before June, as they will begin to set new buds for next year’s flowers moving into late summer months. If the shrub or tree flowers in summer or fall, this means it blooms on “new wood” or the growth that occurred throughout the spring months. These plants should be pruned once they go dormant in the winter and before they leaf out the following spring. Fertilizing in the spring months will encourage that new growth, which will create blooms in the late summer and fall. Examples of these are crapemyrtle trees, gardenia, lilac chaste tree, butterfly bush and clematis. The best guideline for pruning is to follow the May rule. If a plant blooms before May 1, prune
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
it as soon as its flowers are spent. Early spring flowers before May 1 are produced on last year’s old wood growth, and pruning in winter would remove the current bloom buds. If a plant blooms after May 1, prune it when the plant is dormant, in the late fall or winter. Summer flowers produced after May 1 are on new wood growth. Pruning stimulates new growth and creates greater flower production for the following year. Hydrangeas can be tricky as there are so many different types available now, but the spring and early summer bloomers should be pruned immediately after flowering. The limelight varieties, for example, do not start blooming until around July 1, so those should be allowed to go dormant. Enjoy those dried blooms throughout the fall and early winter; and then, prune before spring growth begins. During the late fall and winter months is the time to prune to the ground and discard all of the dry, spent plant material of ornamental grasses, annuals and perennials. As for bulbs, after spring bulbs stop blooming, remove the spent flowers, but leave the foliage until it begins to turn brown and die down. The bulbs need this foliage for growth and as the food the bulbs store up for its beautiful blooms the next spring. For more information on techniques to help make correct pruning cuts and to train plants into a certain shape or size, visit aces.edu/blog/topics/care-maintenance-landscaping/pruningornamental-plants/.
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Cooks Gone Wild C Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Marla Ruskin & Amy Passaretti
ome experience some exotic dishes as backyard chefs show off their culinary skills at Lanark. Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Tri-County Wild Game Cook-off will be held on April 23 at its headquarters, 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. AWF will host this wildly popular competition where teams from around the Southeast fry, bake and grill up their best cuisine in any of three categories: fowl, fish and game. Entry for cook teams is free, but they must pre-register online at alabamawildife.org to participate. There will be a first-, second- and third-place winner in each category, along with an overall team winner and best presentation award. Judges are anonymous volunteers from throughout the county who sample the various dishes and score the fare based on a number of factors. The overall winner of the evening will be invited to the state finals held at Lanark in Millbrook on Aug. 8, 2020, to compete for the title of AWF Wild Game Cook-off State Champion. Last year’s state champs were from Morgan County and won with their wild boar duo, mushroom risotto and Jack Daniels honey glaze with micro-greens. At least two best overall winning cook teams from the TriCounty Cook-off have taken home the title of state champions in the past. There are 13 other AWF cook-off competitions around the state throughout the year, and each overall winner competes in the state finals. But don’t fret; the public is welcome to come out and sample the food, too. Tickets are $50 for two guests to enter, which includes unlimited samplings and access to the festivities. The ticket price also includes one AWF membership and a subscription to Alabama Wildlife Magazine. Cook teams and children ages 15 and under will be admitted for free. There also will be a silent auction that includes plenty of outdoor and hunting related items, trips and artwork from Alabama artists. AWF has hosted this engaging community event for nearly 25 years. Attendance usually nears 2,000, and around 40 cook teams typically sign up to compete. This event is a way to support AWF’s mission, and it does so by exposing the public to local Alabama wildlife and the natural resources the state has to offer. Visit alabamawildlife.org to register a team, buy tickets or locate another cook-off.
Wind Creek Casino pit-roasted an entire pig in the 2018 competition
Guests enjoy samples of all the entries
Teams often complement their food with equally wild drinks
Aesthetics play a role in judging dishes
Blossman Glass shows off its 2019 best overall winner awards
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
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Promotional campaign encourages residents to fill out census Story by Amy Passaretti Photo Courtesy of Heather Moe
W
hen the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs released a grant opportunity to promote the 2020 census, Elmore County jumped on the chance to motivate and educate its residents on the purpose and importance of an accurate count. “The Elmore County Commission is committed to following the lead of Gov. Kay Ivey in our efforts to emphasize the importance of the 2020 census,” said Elmore County Commission Chair Troy Stubbs. “It’s our goal to make sure ‘Elmore County Counts’ and ensure we receive equitable representation in government and our fair share of state and federal funding.” The pending decennial census has been a topic of discussion for quite some time, and the Elmore County Complete Count Committee was formed to spearhead the promotional push. “This is an extra sensitive census for the state because if we do not receive an accurate count, Alabama could lose a seat in Congress, along with funding for the services citizens need,” said Heather Moe, public information officer/special projects with Elmore County Commission.
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The Complete Count Committee partnered with Autauga County officials to apply for the available grant. With it, the counties each received marketing and promotional materials saying, ‘Elmore County Counts!’ and ‘Autauga County Counts!,’ respectively, to spread the word. The grant also allowed Elmore County to purchase 20 iPads with service on them for the entirety of the grant cycle, January though June. This will allow volunteers with the committee to have online access on site at certain events to motivate people to complete the census. “The county is really pushing for as many people as possible to fill out their censuses online,” said Moe. “It’s more automated and sends the information directly to the U.S. Census Bureau.” Residents who do not have access to the internet can call the U.S. Census Bureau and complete the census over the phone or the questionnaire will be mailed to anyone who has not responded; however, Elmore County officials plan to supply every opportunity possible to make online opportunities available. “People can come by the county courthouse, and we will have iPads available; local libraries will be open for internet use; we plan to have booths set up at events in March
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
Local officials attend Gov. Kay Ivey's (center) Census Kick Off Meeting in April 2019
and April. We’re just trying to be an open door for people to easily access the census,” said Moe. “All different communities have stepped up to participate.” The census didn’t officially go live until March 12 when the U.S. Census Bureau mailed out its letters. This serves as a reminder for residents to fill out the census and also provides a code that will auto fill a lot of the information. “It’s just 10 questions and should take about six minutes to complete,” said Moe. Every one person not counted, costs the State of Alabama approximately $1,500. While some may feel federally funded programs don’t impact them, some of the distribution amount – such as money toward infrastructure – affects everyone. The main push among city and county officials is education and informing people what exactly the census does and how it can affect their communities. “The biggest reason we’ve heard from people who don’t want to fill out the census is trust issues,” said Moe. “They don’t want the government to know anything about them, but the U.S. Census Bureau will not ask for private or sensitive information. All information collected is completely confidential.” The Complete Count Committee plans
to educate students and young children, as well, with a mock census in the classroom. Kids will go online and complete a short survey, and one child from each school will win a census-themed prize. They also will be given a handout to bring home as an added reminder for their parents. According to census.alabama.gov, the U.S. Constitution requires the decennial count, which in turn impacts all communities. Funding based on population supports local programs for schools, healthcare, community assistance, infrastructure and other needs; and also determines the number of representatives each state will have in Congress. In 2010, Alabama had only a 72 percent response rate for the census. Improvement in a community’s census data could mean additional retail and restaurant growth; company relocation or expansion; increased job opportunities; and assurance that the state receives its fair share of funding. “We invite all residents of Elmore County to first complete the census yourself; and then, encourage others to do the same,” said Stubbs. For more information on the 2020 census, visit census.alabama.gov. To volunteer at a census-driven event, contact Heather Moe at hmechd@elmoreco.org.
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New Thurlow gates put to the test Story by Carmen Rodgers & Photo by Audra Spears
Locals used to promote Thurlow Dam as the Niagara of the South
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W
ater levels at Thurlow Reservoir are back to normal after an abundance of rainfall inundated the watershed over the last month. The three newly installed Obermeyer gates allowed the recent rainwater to freely flow over Thurlow Dam. The dam spillway gates were replaced over the summer, and construction wrapped up in Oct. 2019. According to Alabama Power officials, the new Obermeyer gates are constructed of steel, and the system is more efficient than the old 36-gate flashboard structure. The Obermeyer gates use adjustable, inflatable bladders to control the gates and more accurately manage water resources. The original spillway gates were installed in the ’20s. Alabama Power worked with the Alabama Histori-
cal Commission and the University of Alabama to research Thurlow Dam when designing the new gates. The latest design features only four spans that operate independently across the top of the dam and resemble the historical look of the original dam. Thurlow Reservoir water levels are currently at 288 feet with the dam generating an outflow of 11,672 cubic feet per second. The dam was built on the site of an early 19th-century textile mill that was used during the Civil War as a uniform and ammunition plant. Named in honor of Oscar G. Thurlow, a chief engineer, vice president and director of Alabama Power Company, Thurlow Dam has been in service since 1930. Decades ago, locals promoted Thurlow Dam as the “Niagara of the South” for the way the Tallapoosa River spills over the dam when all the gates are open.
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Backyard Birds Growing trend in Elmore County to raise chickens at home Story by Amy Passaretti Photos by Suellen Young
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This Crevecoeur chicken lives at the Elmore County Extension Office
lmore County is abundant with rural areas and farms, and there is a growing trend of raising backyard chickens for both fun and consumption. Last month at the Elmore County Extension Office, Extension Specialist Ken Macklin, a professor of poultry science at Auburn University, went through some basics of managing a flock either for fresh eggs or for meat – sometimes even just as pets. “The breed of chicken depends on why you are raising chickens to begin with,” said Macklin. While he mentioned commercial egg layers, commercial meat chickens and birds for show, the majority of local chicken farmers would not be focused on those specific breeds. “I would highly recommend dual-purpose breeds, which produce brown eggs and grow a bit slower,” said Macklin. “These birds are easy to manage and are disease-resistant.” These breeds would include Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rocks, New Hampshire and others. “They are the best all around and would be best for those who consider their chickens as ‘pets,’” he added. Another group to consider are backyard egg layers,
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which would include Leghorns, Ancona, Auracanas, Golden Comets, Red Sex Linked and Andalusian – to name a few. They tend to be smaller in size but are good to prolific egg layers. “These are not good meat birds, but you will get about 200 eggs per year out of them,” explained Macklin. “These eggs could range in color from brown, blue, green, pink, white.” Backyard meat birds include Cornish, Jersey Giants, Cochins, Brahma and more. These are much larger birds where the females grow to up to 7 pounds and males could weigh up to 10 pounds. It typically takes about five to six months to grow to that size. “They are considered so-so egg layers, and they are not as tolerant to environmental stress,” said Macklin. After choosing the desired breed, there is the option to acquire eggs and hatch the birds or buy chicks. Chicks could be bought from feed stores, the internet, catalogs, newspapers, poultry shows, etc., but sellers should be reputable National Poultry Improvement Planparticipating suppliers. “Hatching can be really fun, especially with kids,” said Macklin. When hatching eggs, there are several incubation techniques: capacity, forced air and automatic turners, but
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
Chicken feathers are made of a fibrous protein called keratin
Be sure to designate an area for chickens to lay eggs
The Buff Laced Polish and White Crested Black Polish breeds are known for their remarkable crests of feathers
prospective poultry enthusiasts don’t have to spend a lot of money. A fairly inexpensive incubator can be bought for around $50. “Chickens typically hatch on average in 21 days,” said Macklin. “Temperatures must be maintained at 100 degrees, and eggs should be turned three times a day or they won’t develop properly.” Once hatched, chicks need to be exposed to a brooder, which supplies heat. This could come from a variety of sources, including electric hovers, gas hovers, batterytype and infrared lamps. The newborns should immediately be started on feed and clean water. “You may want to consider putting them in a shed or somewhere relatively safe from predators, as well,” said Macklin. Easy-to-make brooding spots include in a shed, garage or unused room in the house, but most people would probably use their desks. The main component that is needed is access to electricity, unless a batterypowered brooder is available. As the backyard chickens grow, farmers will need to consider the type of housing they wish to provide. Again, there are many products out there that could be bought for a range of prices, but also, there are many DIY options to consider. Housing could be a fixed location; something portable via trailer; a fenced pasture; or an integrated system, such as a barn or shed. “Housing controls the chickens’ movements, which adds to ease of care and restricts their range,” said Macklin. “It also provides protection from weather and predators.” Within the housing, Macklin suggests adding some dividers – such as hay bales – to provide hiding spots, as chickens tend to abide by a pecking order. “If the weaker ones are getting picked on, they could hide,” he said. “Once they are out of sight of a chicken, they easily forget, and are out of mind.” The amount of floor spacing required depends on the type of bird, number of birds and type of housing. Egg-layers need about 7.5 square feet per bird for an indoor run, and meat chickens need about 10 square feet per bird. For an outdoor run, chickens need a smaller indoor space: 3 square feet per egg-layer and 4 square feet for chickens being raised for meat. “Nests should be confined, and I suggest one nest per four hens at about 1-foot by 1-foot,” said Macklin. “Use pine, straw and hay, and be sure to avoid dark, covered areas in the coop where you don’t want them to lay eggs. They may think that’s their spot, so you have to dictate a nest.” Roosts at varying heights also should be installed, and there should be ample room for food and water. It’s
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The Whiting True Blue breed lays blue eggs
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important to consider the proximity of electricity and water to the housing as well, said Macklin. Water needs to be changed daily to maintain healthy animals. Feed should be available to the flock at all times, as chickens know not to overeat as they graze throughout the day. Depending on the number of birds, multiple feeders may be required. Store-bought feed is recommended for balanced diets. “Keep the food clean and dry, or it will get moldy quickly. Don’t buy too much at a time, or nutrients could break down; and store it in a temperature-regulated area,” said Macklin. “Once a month, completely clean out the feeders to avoid mold.” As treats or for training, nutrition can be supplemented with vegetables – such as lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, etc. – as well as scratch grains or whole corn. Grit should be made available to all chickens to help them with grinding up food. Chickens don’t have teeth, so they need the grit to help break down larger food. Once chickens start laying eggs, oyster shell should be made available to strengthen the shells of their eggs. Chickens are photo-stimulatory animals, which means the amount of light tells the bird when to lay or not lay eggs. As a rule of thumb, 16 hours of light per day is the best to keep chickens continuing to lay eggs. “Use 40 watts of light for every 100 square feet,” said Macklin. “And based on the time of year, simply supplement lighting for whatever part of the 16 hours they don’t have it.”
As with any animal, chickens are exposed to certain diseases, which can be prevented with vaccinations; proper diet; minimizing visitors to the flock; keeping feed away from other animals; and pest control. “Diet is the most common problem we see among people who bring in sick chickens,” said Macklin. “People try to create their own food mix, and the chickens are not getting a balanced diet.” Disease also could result from stress, exposure to toxins or infectious organisms, which can range from bacterial, viral or parasitic. The most common diseases are cholera and infectious corya, as well as, fowl pox, Marek’s and coccidiosis. The latter three could be prevented with vaccines, but they are expensive and typically must be bought in bulk. “There are not many vets around here who treat chickens, but you can buy the vaccines online,” said Macklin. “But once you open it, you have to use it.” When purchasing new birds, be sure to quarantine them from the rest of the flock for at least three weeks to ensure they’re not sick. If they are, they could infect the whole bunch. “Ideally, you would keep all the flocks separate by age and species,” said Macklin. Monitoring chickens is the best way to know if they get sick. Keep an eye on activities, appearance, color, consumption, droppings, production, sounds and weight. “You know your birds better than anyone else,” said Macklin. “They will let you know when they’re not feeling well.” The Auburn University Poultry Science faculty will consult on disease and nutritional diagnosis by phone at 334-8444133. For a full diagnosis, chickens could be tested at a state diagnosis lab. “Poultry medicine is different than taking your dog or cat to the vet,” said Macklin. “They are treating the whole flock.” For information about raising chickens, email Ken Macklin at macklks@auburn.edu or Housing type is an important visit aces.edu/blog/tag/ consideration when choosing poultry. to raise chickens
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Tallassee Jazz Fest Musicians around the state showcase talent and pride Story by Amy Passaretti Photos Courtesy of Michael Bird
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en years ago, Tallassee High School music teachers, in partnership with Troy University, set out to pay tribute to the school’s budding jazz program and ended up filling a void that quickly became apparent throughout Alabama. This year marks Tallassee Jazz Fest’s 10th anniversary, where 10 bands will take the stage on April 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the THS Auditorium. Tallassee Jazz Fest was born in 2011 with the intention of appreciating the hard working students who have a love for music. “The original idea was to do a collaborative concert with Troy University Jazz Ensemble, which was led by Ray Smith at the time,” said THS music teacher Michael Bird. “Bands from all around the state started hearing about the show and asking if they could come play.”
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Jazz bands take the THS Auditorium stage to entertain audiences
Dora High School near Jasper in north Alabama was one of the first to sign up, followed by Saraland High School near Mobile. Eventually, Bird, along with middle school band director and current Jazz Festival coordinator Melanie Skeen and THS band director Robby Glasscock, began receiving calls from every corner of the state. “It just grew and grew until the next year when we had to have two days to accommodate all the bands,” said Bird. Come to find out, April is considered Jazz Education Month, and all these jazz bands were looking for a place to play and honor the genre. “We were filling a need we didn’t even realize existed,” said Bird, who directed and coordinated the event for its first eight years. Over the last decade, THS has hosted a plethora of shows chockfull of musical talent and themed events. One year, University of Alabama and Auburn University bands performed in an Iron Bowl of Jazz. Professional bands such
as the Auburn Knights and the Montgomery Recreators have taken the THS Auditorium stage, as well. “Middle and high schools from all over the state have come to our little town to make music and entertain audiences,” said Bird. The Jazz Fest is just that – a festival of music – no trophies are given and no judging is done for competition. “The best part is it has all been done for the love of music and to give these kids a place to play where they will be appreciated,” said Bird. While admission is free, the THS music program asks guests to leave a tip in the donation bucket on the stage or support the music program by purchasing concessions during the show. This year’s lineup includes: 313th Army Jazz Band, directed by Billy Green; Wetumpka High School, directed by Jason Warnix; Carroll High School in Ozark, directed by Nick McDonald; BB Comer High School in Sylacauga,
Michael Bird organized Jazz Fest for the first eight years
directed by Dan Seaborn; Prattville High School, directed by Michael Skeen; Trinity Presbyterian High School, directed by Hannah Rose Duraski; Tallassee High School, directed by Robby Glasscock; Southside Middle School, directed by Melanie Skeen; Huntingdon College, directed by Dr. Rusty Logan; and Auburn University, directed by Dr. Mike Pendowski. For information, contact Michael Bird at michael.bird@tcschools.com or 334-283-3689.
Military families often need extra financial protection
A Tony Edwards
DOLLARS & SENSE Tony Edwards is principal with WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC, and can be reached at 334-279-1987.
s a member of the military, you’ve dedicated your career to protecting and serving others. You’ve also accepted the risks that often accompany your trade. But have you thought about what would happen to your loved ones if something tragic – whether it was in the line of duty or not – suddenly took you away? How long could your family make ends meet without your income to support them?
While you may have helmets and armor to protect you, life insurance may be the only financial safeguard your family has in case you pass away. That’s because life insurance pays a death benefit that your loved ones can use to fund your children’s education; retire a mortgage; or to help meet day-to-day expenses. What’s more, permanent life insurance policies offer living benefits – such as cash value accumulation – that you can use to pay for unexpected repairs or medical expenses. (The cash value in a permanent life insurance policy is accessed through policy loans, which accrue interest and decrease the death benefit and cash value.)
There’s also a good chance that your coverage will expire if you leave the service or are no longer on active duty. To find out if your loved ones are adequately protected, ask yourself some basic questions: How much is your monthly household income? What are your total monthly expenses? How much do you have in available savings? Do you foresee any significant financial obligations in the future: college, wedding, car purchase? How much life insurance do you currently have? If you find that your current level of coverage won’t meet all of your family’s needs, now may be the best time to do something about it. Since life insurance premiums are based partially on age, you will generally pay less for coverage when you act sooner. Of course, there are lots of policies to choose from, so you may want to work with a life insurance professional to make sure you get the right coverage for the right price. That way, you can help make sure that your family’s future is as securely protected as our nation’s.
Even if you have life insurance through the military, it may not be enough to meet your family’s current and future needs.
WealthMark Financial Solutions, LLC, is not owned or operated by New York Life or its affiliates. Neither New York Life nor its agents provide tax, legal or accounting advice.
You know how important protection can be.
Do you have enough coverage, and is it the right kind?
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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
Next Move: Find the Best Insurance
Locally Owned & Operated since 1998 liveoakagency.com
334.285.2881
4791 Main Street Millbrook, AL 36054
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OUT & ABOUT
Critter Crawl and Yeti Dash
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Feb. 22, 2020 Alabama Wildlife Federation 1. Phillip and Peter Carter and Elizabeth and Joanna Santana 2. Rafe and David Henderson 3. Luke Culpepper 4. Jaelynn and Arden Smith 5. Carllene Johns and Dominique Swinson 6. Carol Turner and Heather Buesinger
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7. Cadie, Jennifer and Cooper Wadsworth
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OUT & ABOUT
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Millbrook Revelers
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Mardi Gras Celebration Feb. 15, 2020 Millbrook 1. Willy Jones 2. Frank Clem 3. Asher and Annie Criswell 4. Nellda Clark and Glenda Yarbrough
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5. Carol Quates 6. Rasika and Silvano Wuesehner 7. Marissa Stephens, Jerica Ward and Kelbi Johnson
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OUT & ABOUT
Order of Cimarrรณn
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Mardi Gras Festival Feb. 22, 2020 Downtown Wetumpka 1. Ethel Lobedell and Felicia McSherdon 2. Taunya and Elizabeth Ballenger 3. Waylon Turner and Melody and Talon Moncrief
2 4. Izzy Spradley and Teresa North 5. Kay Beth and Holly Ogden
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OUT & ABOUT
Jasmine Hill Naturally Art Festival March 6, 2020 Jasmine Hill Gardens, Wetumpka 1
1. Amanda, Steven, Callie and Brock Cook 2. Shirley Esco and Mark Harris
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3. DJ Ali 4. Matthew, William, Mae and Kim Meadows 5. Betsy Hosp and Elmore DeMott
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OUT & ABOUT
Tallassee Softball Opening Ceremony
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March 7, 2020 TYBL Softball Field, Tallassee
1. Christian Beadles, Amanda Golden, Johnathan Butler, Sunnye Colley, Natalie and Nathan Butler and Saylor McDonald 2. Damian Carr, Tammy Merrett and Terrel Brown 3. Cornelius Bickley 4. James and Katie Ownes 5. Daniel and Charles Carwile
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6. Tenesha Mott and Nazaria Edwards
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7. Ben Carwile 8. Kari Stephens and Nicole Park 9. Blenda Clower and Georgia Grace Kirley
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OUT & ABOUT
Arbor Day
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Feb. 29, 2020 Downtown Tallassee 1. David Dale and Kevin Singleton
2. Johnny and Kimberly Hammock
3. Tripp, Ella Clair and Tal Lynn
4. Jerry Cunningham and James Lyons
5. Kim Harris
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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 19 Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce Spring Luncheon
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce will host its spring luncheon themed: Our Future’s So Bright, We’ve Got to Wear Shades.The luau-themed lunch with motivational speaker Melissa Warnke will be held at the Wetumpka Civic Center at 12 p.m. Cost is $20, and members can RSVP at wetumpkachamber.org.
March 19 LEC Session
Leadership Elmore County will host a session at 8 a.m. by Tasha Scott on Personality Styles: Discover Your Strengths at the Millbrook Legacy Center, 1889 Deatsville Hwy. The cost is $25 for those not enrolled in the LEC 2020 series. To register, visit bit.ly/39Xdoxl. For information, call 334-425-9599.
March 20 Classic Country Music featuring Bobby Luster
The Red Hill Historical Preservation Association will host Muscle Shoals recording artist Bobby Luster from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Old Red Hill School on state Route 229. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
March 21 Cooking with Cheri
Elmore County 4-H will host a cooking class on lasagna and breadsticks from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Extension office, 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka. The class is $10 per person, and seating is limited. Call 334-567-6301 to register or for more information.
March 27 Basics of Irrigation for Fruits, Vegetables and Lawns
The Elmore County Extension Office will host a free program on the basics of irrigation from
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Extension Auditorium, 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka. To register, call 334-567-6301.
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 Mark Harris at m.harris@dixieartcolony.org.
March 28 Easter Eggstravaganza
Alabama Wildlife Federation will host its annual Easter celebration at the Alabama Nature Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be different age group egg hunts; Easter games; egg races; and photos with the Easter bunny. For information, visit alabamawildlife.org.
March 28 Roaring 5K Run
The Tallassee Lions Club will host its Roaring 5K Run at the Tallassee parking lot, 10 South Ann Ave. Registration is $5 per participant and begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 5K run/walk at 8 a.m.
April 2 Alleyway Ribbon Cutting and Reception
Main Street Wetumpka will supply food and festivities at 113 Company St. from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the completion of its largest cultivating place project.
April 3 10th Annual Tallassee Jazz Fest
Tallassee High School will host jazz bands from around the state to perform from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the THS Auditorium. This night of music is free to the public. Concessions will be available for sale and donations are greatly appreciated. Contact Michael Bird at michael.bird@tcschools.com or 334-283-3689 for information or turn to page 22 to read more.
April 4 3rd Annual ECHS Band Mattress Fundraiser
April 11 11th Annual Preparedness Fair
The Elmore County High School band will host its annual mattress sale fundraiser with brand names including Simmons Beautyrest and Therapedic for up to 50 percent off below retail. This sale is for one day only starting at 10 a.m. at the ECHS, and profits go directly to support the high school band.
April 4 Southern Antique Iron Association Tractor Show and Pull
The annual tractor pull and show will be held at the Wetumpka Sports Collectors show off antique tractors Complex, and at the annual tractor pull gates open at 8 a.m. Activities will begin around 9 a.m., and the antique tractor pull will start at 11 a.m. In between tractor pull categories, kids will participate in pedal tractor races. There will be nearly 40 antique tractors on display; food available; and vendors selling goods. The Alabama Chapter of the International Harvester Collectors will host its first yearly meeting at the show. For more information, call Wiley Johnson at 334-430-4407.
April 5 Road to Redemption
New Home Baptist Church will once again host Road to Redemption from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the corner of Sewell and Spigener roads in Titus. This free family event will take travelers on a mini tour featuring re-enactments of the final days of Jesus’ life on Earth through His resurrection. Attendees will join others and form small groups to be led through six destinations by a tour guide. Groups will take off every 20 minutes, with the last group at 4 p.m. To request a time in advance, email name, preferred time and number in your party to newhometitus@yahoo.com or call 334-567-0923. Onsite registration will be available at the event.
April 9 The Kelly Film Fans: Thomas Hart Benton by Ken Burns
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, Thomas Hart Benton, a Ken Burns film that traces the turbulent career of Thomas Hart Benton.
Elmore County EMA will host its annual preparedness fair at Lowe’s in Wetumpka, 4501 U.S. Highway 231, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free outreach event is intended to prepare community members in case of emergencies. For more information, call Elmore County EMA at 334-567-6451.
April 11 Stamp and Coin Show
The Montgomery Area Stamp Club will host its semi-annual stamp and coin show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Doster Community Center, 424 S. Northington St. in Prattville. Admission is free, and there will be dealers from several states looking to buy, sell and appraise stamps and coins.
April 11 Big Fish Bass Tournament
The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual bass tournament on Lake Jordan at 6 a.m. with hourly weigh-ins at Bonner’s Landing boat ramp, with the final being at 2 p.m. There will be first-, second- and thirdplace awards given to anglers for each hourly weigh-in, along with an overall biggest fish winner. For more information, visit millbrookareachamber.com.
April 11 Backyard Bass Casting
Alabama Wildlife Federation will host a program at 10 a.m. about the basics of casting, including how to use a spin casting rod and reel and working on casting technique. This is recommended for ages 5 and up. Admission is $5. For information, visit alabamawildlife.org.
April 15 4th Annual Charity Sporting Clay Shoot
The MAX4Kids Foundation will host its annual clay shoot at Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and shoot time will start at 9 a.m. Guns, shells, safety glasses and ear plugs will be available for rent or purchase on site. A four-person team costs $400 to register, and an individual pays $100. Sponsorships are available for purchase. All registration information must be submitted by April 8. For more information, contact Jamie Brown at 334-215-4642 or email her at JBrown@mymax.com.
April 17 Getting Down with the Dogs Drawdown
The Humane Society of Elmore County will host its annual drawdown event at Wind Creek Entertainment Center in Wetumpka for a 1 in 312 chance to win $10,000. Tickets are $100 each and the doors open at 6 p.m. There will be a buffet
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dinner for two included in the purchase of a ticket. Every 25th ticket pulled will have the opportunity to win a consolation gift. Tickets are on sale at the Humane Shelter, 255 Central Plank Rd. in Wetumpka. Call 334-567-3377 or email hselco@bellsouth.net for more information.
April 18 Renew our Rivers
Elmore County residents are encouraged to meet at Bonner’s Boat Ramp on Lake Jordan to pick up supplies and help clean up the lake’s shoreline. For more information, contact Brenda Basnight at 334-478-3388.
Elmore County 4-H will host a cooking class on pasta at the Extension office, 340 Queen Ann Rd. in Wetumpka, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The class is $10 per person, and seating is limited. Call 334-567-6301 to register or for information.
April 18 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 a certificate to take to the driver’s license office to get a boating endorsement added to their licenses. Classes will be taught by Lake Jordan’s officer Corey Robinett.
The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery, in conjunction with Main Street Wetumpka, will host the third annual Tulotoma Art Festival as a fundraiser for The Kelly’s programs, exhibits and art promotion. This community art celebration will be held throughout downtown Wetumpka from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artists turn scrap metal into art at the steampunk competition
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Metal sculpture artists will spend the day creating new public art, which will culminate in a free riverfront reception and auction from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. benefiting Main Street Wetumpka and The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. Spectators are welcome to watch artists starting at 7 a.m. If anyone has scrap metal to donate, please email info@mainstreetwetumpka.org.
Season-Long Events Country Music Jam
April 18 Cooking with Cheri
April 18 Tulotoma Art Festival
April 18 Merchants Alley Steampunk Art Awards and Auction
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. 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.
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 aces.edu/Elmore.
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, call Mark Harris at 334-328-0730 or email him at M.Harris@DixieArtColony.org.
ELMORE COUNTY LIVING
Tuesdays with Kelly
On the third Tuesday of each month, The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery hosts free events with 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 a list of upcoming programs, visit thekelly.org.
Millbrook Civitan Club
The Millbrook Civitan Club meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Habaneros Mexican Restaurant on state Route 14 in Millbrook. Meetings are informative and educational with a variety of speakers. Visitors are welcome to attend. For information, contact Brenda Kelley at bkelley@elmore.rr.com.
Santuck Flea Market
The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month at 7300 Central Plank Rd., state Route 9 in Wetumpka.
Tallassee Lions Club
The Tallassee Lions Club meets every Tuesday at Cozumel Restaurant 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. For more information. email Ron McDaniel at ronmcd416@gmail.com.
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Two worlds together are better than one
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.
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bout two weeks ago I had the esteemed pleasure of seeing Big River at The Wetumpka Depot. I found myself cackling one minute and fighting back tears the next. Getting to watch some of my actor friends portray the outlandish characters also was highly entertaining. The story of Big River, based on the book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, was written in 1884. And yet, even with its age and language style, which now sounds formal and chock-full of racially charged references, it is a touching tale about dissolving the racial divide. Let’s face it; back then, the racial divide was as deep and as wide as the Grand Canyon. In Big River, Huck Finn runs off with Jim, the slave belonging to Widow Watson, who had adopted Huck as her own. Huck’s own drunk and good-fer-nuthin’ father had tried to kill him – and escape was the only way. Jim heard Widow Watson was going to sell him down the river to New Orleans. He wanted nothing more in the world than to see his wife and children, also enslaved, and he was willing to escape to freedom and buy his family members. As Huck and Jim are floatin’ on down the river together, Huck starts to see Jim as a human being. Soon they forge a friendship that is tested by a pretty girl named Mary Jane. Huck politely turns down her offer to stay in the town where she lives and be her friend. He knows that Jim needs his help to get to his family. In the end, word comes to Jim and Huck that Widow Watson had not only died but also had freed Jim in her will. Now, here is where I cried. I asked my best friend Leanna Wallace how she felt about being in this show (she played an amusing array of characters). “Every night audience members would come up to the cast and say that it was a magical show. The main part was really about a bond between two people
who, in society’s eyes, were never meant to bond together. They were never meant to be anything special to each other, but they ended up being the most special parts of one another’s lives,” she said. She sang a little bit of the song Worlds Apart for me. She has a lovely singing voice. I see the same skies through my window that you see through yours, but we’re worlds apart. The subtext, she said, is, “I’m seeing the same things that you are through different eyes. Yes, we are different people, but how amazing if we could bring these two worlds together because two worlds together are better than one. Everyone can relate to that.” I know that things have changed a whole heck of a lot since then, but society still has a lot of difficult conversations to have together. The popularity of the movie Just Mercy and the footprint that the Equal Justice Initiative has created locally, with its Lynching Memorial and Legacy Museum, are encouraging. I’m having the time of my life getting to portray Mrs. Barbara Henry in the show RUBY at Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Ruby Bridges was the first African-American child to de-segregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Nov. 14, 1960. The U.S. Marshals protecting her knew the dangers of letting Ruby, who was only 6 years old, play with the other children straight away. So as a result, Ruby spent almost the entire school year in the classroom with her teacher, who was a kind, careful advocate for Ruby’s fun and safety. What’s even better about this show is that the majority of the cast is Montgomery Public School students. It’s no mistake that ASF has done other shows with similar messages recently: Four Little Girls; Nina Simone: Four Women; and Pipeline. The climate is perfect to accept our gnarly past, grasp hands and move forward together. I’m so glad that art and the worldly appreciation for it creates a safe space for shows that have difficult themes, which then lead to difficult conversations, leading to peace and justice.
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A P R I L 18 WE’VE HELPED OVER 95,000 GET SCREENED ONE STEP AT A TIME. REGISTER NOW AND HELP US KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING! The Walk of Life creates awareness for breast cancer, celebrates survivors, and raises money for those who cannot afford mammograms and breast cancer screenings. Bring the family April 18 and run, walk, donate or volunteer with us at 8:30am in Downtown Montgomery!
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