Elmore County Living April 2018 by Tallapoosa Publishers

Elmore

April 2018

County Living

John B. Scott Trail Opens Wetumpka Rodeo

Millbrook's Marla Ruskin

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From the Editor's Desk

STAFF

With summer right around the corner, flowers are blossoming, plants are blooming and the weather is warming, which drives us to spend more time outdoors. As colors brighten, I am reminded to admire all the beauty that surrounds us. The old proverb says, ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ meaning aesthetics are subjective to each individual. It may surprise you where you personally find beauty and where beauty may find you. In this issue, we focus on this idea in many forms: nature, artwork, entertainment. Elmore County is full of scenic attractions, and CRATA recently added to this growing list by opening the John B. Scott Trail in Eclectic. Filled with local flora, fauna and wildlife, the beauty of nature can be found along these hiking paths. Turn to page 14 for photos of this new picturesque addition to the county. Nature is of the utmost importance to this month’s mover and shaker Marla Ruskin, communications specialist for Alabama Wildlife Foundation in Millbrook. It is her job to convey the benefit of environmental stewardship and love of the land to youth and adults with her Alabama Wildlife publication. Read page 12 to experience Ruskin’s passion for sharing the beauty she finds in her job everyday. Shannon Mann finds beauty in the form of salvaged, old materials that he reclaims and repurposes as works of art. This Tallassee craftsman sells one-of-a-kind pieces at Salvage Craft in the Red Hill community. Read more about how he perceives the world, which inspires his work on page 8. The idea of beauty can also be found in enthusiasm for entertainment. Colt Christie, a 12-year-old junior rodeo rider from Wetumpka, finds joy competing as a rodeo cowboy. He will join more than 200 that will participate in the thrilling inaugural Wetumpka Chapter FFA Alumni Championship Rodeo. More information about the event can be found on page 18. Beauty of life can be seen every day. Turn to our Out and About section on page 34 to witness the beauty of Lake Jordan during the Big Bass Fishing Tournament, children’s smiling faces hunting for Easter eggs and audience members enjoying the Mt. Vernon Idol competition. Spring is here, and summer is gearing up. Next month’s Elmore County Living calendar issue will feature tons of opportunities for experiencing the beauty of nature, community, art and entertainment. Don’t forget to email us at editor@lakemartinmagazine.com to include your upcoming events.

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 David Kendrick

david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing Consultant Marilyn Hawkins

marilyn.hawkins@thewetumpkaherald.com

Marketing Consultant Kat Raiford

kat.raiford@alexcityoutlook.com

Creative Services Audra Spears

audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

Kenneth Boone Jeff Langham Carmen Rodgers Jacob Saylor David Granger

Sharon Fox MK Moore Kathy Monroe Mike Goodall

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

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

Amy Passaretti, Editor

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER Native azaleas can be found along the newly opened 4.7-mile John B. Scott Trail in Eclectic, located just south of Martin Dam at Yates Lake Wildlife Management Area. Photo by Kenneth Boone

14 30

8 Columns

Features 27

Community Care

John B. Scott Trail

Movie Man

Rough Ridin'

The Gamer

Lake Jordan Drawdown

Back in the Day

Southern Delights

Mover & Shaker

AWFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marla Ruskin CRATA opens new hiking area Wetumpka FFA Alumni Rodeo Water Levels to Drop in September

Outsmart Allergies

Spring into the Theaters Assassin's Creed: Origins A Life Well Lived Family Favorites

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In Every Issue 6

Extra! Extra!

Business Spotlight

Out & About

Coming Up

Where to Find Us

News Briefs

Salvage Craft

In Elmore County Fun for Everyone Distribution List

Extra! Extra! News from Elmore County and surrounding areas

Eclectic's Spirit of Community Sophomore Alison Boardwine may be known in Eclectic for training dogs with Service Dogs Alabama, but her recognition has now become national. Boardwine received The Prudential Spirit of Community Award, which is given to high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service. Working with her mother,

Stacy, for the last few years, she helps socialize and prepare dogs for future SDA clients that serve veterans with port-traumatic stress disorder or children and adults with diabetes and those suffering from seizures. Boardwine is certified to train dogs to become service pets by bringing them to school to train in public situations.

Talented Voices of Tallassee Nine students from the Tallassee High School choral program were selected for the Alabama All-State Choir, held at Samford University. Jean Leah Atkins, a senior at THS, was named the Outstanding Choral Student for the Alabama Vocal Association District VI, which covers the eastern and southern portions of Alabama. The female students who were chosen for the SSA Choir were: Jean Leah Atkins, Miriam

Bird, Velen Espinoza, Jemila Spencer, Madelaine Worley, and Harlie Yankey. The male students selected for the TTBB Choir were: John Burgess, Samuel Gantt and Hadden Langley. Tallassee's choir consists of around 220 voices, with a school population of fewer than 500 students. The choral program is under the direction of Amanda Anderson and Michael Bird.

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Go Fish

More than 130 anglers had to decide which catch to weigh each hour during Millbrook's 5th Annual Big Fish Bass Tournament. The overall big fish of the day was 4.75 pound and was caught by Caleb Lott during the first hour. Weigh-in was held at Bonner's Landing on Lake Jordan.

Government Proclamation Gov. Kay Ivey designated April as the Month of the Military Child to emphasize the important role children play in the Armed Forces Community. The Alabama National Guard Child and Youth Services recognize this month in honor of these children and their commitment, contributions and sacrifices. Tallassee 11th-grader Kayla Jolly (second from right) joined others in both the ALNG Child and Youth Services, along with the Alabama National Guard Youth Council, at the State Capitol in Montgomery to attend a proclamation ceremony.

Donations benefit dogs and cats in River Region

Last month, Bluewater Broadcasting from Montgomery sponsored the Paw it Forward promotion to benefit all three River Region Humane Shelters. They collected more than 3,000 pounds of pet food, bedding and other necessary supplies. The Bluewater Broadcasting crew delivered the goodies to the Montgomery Humane Society, where everything was split three ways to help all shelters in the area continue to care for needy pets.

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Business Spotlight

The shovel head bass is Shannon Mann's signature piece

Salvage Craft Tallassee craftsman reclaims vintage materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces Story & Photos by Amy Passaretti

hannon Mann never considered himself an artist, until he recognized the beauty of his ability to transform old, seemingly useless materials into one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture, lighting and décor that he sells at Salvage Craft in the Red Hill community outside of Tallassee. The store, run by Mann and his wife Lindsay, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, but Mann’s passion and skills date back to his early childhood. “As a kid I always had a great imagination, which was both good and bad. I was guilty of disassembling stuff around the house. I have a creative knack for figuring out how things work,” said Mann, who went to school for welding and fabrication.

Using a variety of materials from reclaimed wood, metalwork and vintage items found in old houses, Mann cleans, processes and assembles various components to create unique artwork that can’t be found anywhere else. Mann said the spark for this entrepreneurship really stemmed from two things. His previous job as a maintenance manager required an hour-long commute and being on call 24/7, which caused a lot of stress among his family as a result. The desire to change this routine while getting finances in order became his motivation. During a church reading with fellow deacons, the question arose, ‘What would be that thing you have done in your past that you enjoyed the entire way through?’ “This really got me thinking because I’ve always known creating things was my passion. I realized when I take something people can’t see having any value and

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making that something that now not only has value, but beauty – all the hard work really pays off. I knew I wanted to do more with that,” said Mann, who is the sole creator of all pieces in the store. Both Mann and Lindsay were born and raised in Tallassee. The Salvage Craft building has been in Lindsay’s family for years and was built by her great-uncle more than a century ago. Her father built an addition to the original house, and her parents ran a restaurant out of it for several years. Lindsay’s aunt today offers catering out of half of the storefront. It’s appropriate homage to the current theme of the store that the building is made from reclaimed lumber out of a 100-year-old home, and one wall is made of wood harvested from the Tallassee Mill. While Mann works with a variety of materials, his favorite is reclaimed wood from broken-down houses and barns because of its quality and strength. “I really appreciate the high quality wood that comes from these old homes. A lot of it is from the pre1950s and made out of heart pine, which is desirable because the wood is grown slowly, and the grain is dense, making it solid and durable,” said Mann, who single-handedly tears down the materials, harvests them and cleans and processes them. Eventually he would like to grow the business to include a team that would help with these tasks and create jobs; however, slow and manageable business growth is the Manns’ preferable method starting out. The peak time for sales at Salvage Craft is during

Memorial Day and Labor Day, yet Mann’s home shop, where he spends most of his time, is not climate controlled, making the summer months laborious for work. “My favorite thing to do is wake up, go out to the shop, look through my materials and just put something together. I build what I like, and part of the gift is the ability to see something in my head before it’s built,” Mann explained. As a true craftsman, Mann prefers to build strictly from inspiration, yet does offer custom projects. While he may replicate a past idea or comparable piece of art, no two products will ever be the same. “Even if something looks similar, they all have unique nuances to them. It’s intentional for me to use different placements, bends, colors, etc., when creating a custom piece even if based on a past design,” Mann said. Using embellishments, complementing materials of wood and metal and retaining the original character of the rustic pieces, Mann said he would not sell something if he were not satisfied with its outcome. He also fabricates sturdy, durable items that Shannon, Lindsay will last. and Mason Mann Lindsay said he is in front of their sign a true perfectionist on Red Hill Road and always puts forth his best work. “I want it to be right. If someone buys something I have made with my own hands, I want it to meet my standards,” said Mann. The Manns have truly enjoyed conversing with customers at the store and at craft shows, and the relationships they’ve built have been meaningful and helped to grow Salvage Craft’s business.

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The Salvage Craft storefront opened in Red Hill this time last year

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The humbling aspect of this line of work is attaching a price tag to a skill set. When Mann first began creating pieces for friends and family, the idea to sell his works came to fruition. He said even though the materials are found, the time and effort that goes into the resulting creations is tremendous. Since rustic, vintage materials are trendy now, this salvage-work-turned-art is a hit, said Mann. “I think this style represents simpler times. Communication used to be eye to eye, and integrity and morals were better back then, in my opinion. People are drawn to this work because it was a time when people seemed to care about people more, and I think we all wish we still had a piece of that sometimes,” said Mann. The shop sells architectural salvage materials as well, including doors, windows and mantles, along with offering deliveries and installations for a varied fee. The most widely sold items currently are Mann’s illuminated art structures, which could feature anything from ladders, a minnow bucket, a pie plate, an old car coil and endless possibilities turned beautiful. “We always joke that he literally can find a use for anything besides wet cardboard,” said Lindsay. Salvage Craft, located at 4068 Red Hill Rd., is open Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the Salvage Craft Facebook page and website for more information.

Unique embellishments combining metal and wood are Mann's specialty

Mann's works are crafted from a variety of salvaged vintage materials

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Mover & Shaker

Marla Ruskin (second from left) learned to hunt and fish from her father as a child

Marla Ruskin

Story by Amy Passaretti & Photos Courtesy of Marla Ruskin

arla Ruskin was brought up to love the land. Growing up, she earned from her father, a landowner and forester, an appreciation for the outdoors and wildlife. Combining this gratitude for natural resources with her creative mind and marketing training renders Ruskin’s job at the Alabama Wildlife Federation a perfect fit. “Me and my dad would fish and hunt and spend a great deal of time outdoors. It was special times and times that I didn’t even know I was learning the importance of our natural resources. Now that I am at the AWF, I can truly appreciate those moments even more than I ever did,” said Ruskin, communications specialist at AWF and managing editor of the Alabama Wildlife quarterly magazine. Having worked at AWF for the last six years, the inspiration Ruskin draws from the 350 acres of land surrounding her at work is evident in the way she portrays AWF’s mission to others. She is motivated by her surroundings to relay this message in a visually appealing way that encourages youth and adults alike to recognize the value of nature. “It’s truly a hidden treasure. We have wonderful programs and great hands-on learning experiences. I want to

inspire others to come out here and experience what I’ve had the opportunity to experience at our facility,” said Ruskin. “The sights, sounds and smells are what make my job so much fun.” From forests, fields and streams to wetlands and ponds, the Lanark property offers 5 miles of trails and boardwalks to observe the natural surroundings. The mission of AWF impacts residents throughout Alabama and teaches conservation education, the state’s hunting and angling heritage and resource stewardship. Her efforts are channeled through these three different areas, said Ruskin, and it is her job to market them across a variety of medium. “My goal is to have an impact on young people and adults by the things I put in the magazine, highlight on our website, market in an advertisement or share throughout our social media channels. I want to influence people to become good stewards and take the opportunity to enjoy nature,” Ruskin said. Initiatives such as summer camps, homeschool programs and field days involve the youth and embrace outdoor activities. The fishing pond open to all ages is enjoyed thoroughly with various tournaments and lessons, which Ruskin said is satisfying. Conservation education and resource initiatives, includ-

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ing the Native Warm Season Grass Ruskin's creative Project, Longleaf Pine Ecosystem inspiration comes Restoration Project and many from nature more, promote the sense of stewardship that Ruskin shares with the public on a daily basis. These initiatives are important to her because if not taken care of, they would not be available for the kids of future generations. “I love the fact that my job involves sharing God’s creation with those around me. Although I am not in the outdoors everyday, I have the pleasure of sharing our outdoors with others,” she added. As a hunter and angler herself, Ruskin also celebrates the local heritage of these sports through programs such as the AWF Wild Game Cook-offs, Alabama Quail Trail and the Youth Fishing Rodeo. Ruskin shares these with the public on a daily basis in an effort to ensure respect for these resources. “It’s more than just a job for me; it’s a way of life. The mere fact that I start with good content and photos for the magazine, and turn it into something you can hold in your hands, jam-packed with quality and substance, is so satisfying,” said Ruskin. “The fact that people are inspired and informed about what

I put before them, is a feeling of accomplishment.” Quick to point out that not all content is her personal brainchild, Ruskin said she relies heavily on a knowledgeable team of naturalists, biologists and educators to provide the most relevant and accurate information to her readers. “It’s up to me to make this information pretty and engaging. I hope through my design and marketing that I have brought knowledge to thousands across the state,” she added. “Every day is different. I make sure I’m taking care of communicating everything we have going on out here. Schedules change all the time, but I just go with the flow.” Alabama Nature Center is a hands-on outdoor education facility and a joint project of AWF and benefactors Isabel and Wiley Hill. This area also includes the NaturePlex, a 23,000 square foot Welcome and Education Center. With a 120-seat theater equipped with upto-date technology, a hands-on discovery hall and nature-based displays, Ruskin said, this is a great platform to display her love for all things outdoors.

Ruskin works on layout for Alabama Widlife magazine

Youth events are vital to the mission of AWF

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John B. Scott Trail

New hiking attraction in the Yates Lake area offers scenic views Story by Betsy Iler Photos by Kenneth Boone 14

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fter more than two years of planning, plotting and physical labor, board members of the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association last month officially opened a new 4.7mile trail at Yates Lake near Eclectic. The trail opening ceremony honored Montgomery attorney and dedicated conservation advocate, John B. Scott. Scott has long been a supporter of conservation and the CRATA trail system. He was instrumental in the founding and mission of Forever Wild, which purchased the property and collaborated with CRATA and Alabama Power in the trail project. Just south of Martin Dam, the newest addition to the CRATA trail series features spectacular views of the Tallapoosa River from Kudzu Bluff. Hikers along the trail also will see Yellowstone Creek and a tulip poplar tree that is 16 feet in circumference, a focal point of the trail. Overall a moderate trek, the trail does include two difficult sections, said CRATA trailblazer Jimmy K. Lanier. “It’s a good climb up to Saddle Rock Mountain and another steep climb later on the trail. Instead of taking that Saddle Rock Mountain climb, people could turn at the intersection with the Lowline Railroad that takes them back to the parking lot. The Lowline trail is clearly marked. They don’t have to climb Saddle Rock

Mountain, but it is rewarding,” Lanier said. Along with the Cherokee Bluffs Dam Railroad Trail, the new John B. Scott Forever Wild Trail traverses part of a 6,000-acre area that includes the Yates Lake Wildlife Management Area. Some 30 volunteers spent more than a year blazing the trail by cutting out brush and building steps, signage and other features to assist hikers. Visitors to the trail will find rock formations, seasonal wildflowers, creeks and wildlife viewing along the path. Hikers may park in the lot off Gold Mine Road. There are four benches in place now on the trail, and Lanier said two more would be added soon. In addition to hiking, the new trail offers a climbing venue on the cliffs that overlook the river along the first portion of the trail. Climbers could access the climbing routes a short distance from the parking lot. The climbers’ logo is posted approximately 800 feet along the trail and is located next to wooden steps on the right. Follow them to the cliff line. Climbers are asked to double back to the steps on the trail when leaving. All visitors are asked to sign the register at the kiosk, and climbers are asked to write a large ‘C’ next to their names. The register helps CRATA to verify the number of people who use the trails. For more information about the CRATA trails and climbing opportunities at the Yates Lake WMA, visit www.crata.org.

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Previous Page: New signage directs hikers to trail features and connections; Facing Page: (clockwise from top left) Moss blankets sections of the forest floor; fern glens unroll their feathery fronds; a hiker pauses to admire the picturesque trail along a meandering creek; native azaleas are now in bloom along the path; This Page: (clockwise from top left) Seasonal wildflowers, including violets, can be seen along the trail; creeks carry runoff through the wildlife management area to the river; the climbing area is identified with signage and wooden steps; balanced rocks left by a hiker add a sense of peace along the route.

Rough Ridin'

W 18

Wetumpka FFA Alumni Chapter to host Championship Rodeo Story by Amy Passaretti & Photo by Mike Goodall etumpka will come alive with the hoots and hollers of audience members cheering. Brave cowboys will compete to earn the highest score while lasting eight seconds on a bucking bronco. This event, along with seven

others, will be featured at the Wetumpka FFA Alumni Championship Rodeo May 4-5 at the Wetumpka Sports Complex. The Wetumpka Future Farmers of America Alumni Chapter is organizing the first International Professional Rodeo Association-sanctioned event in Wetumpka since the 1970s. All proceeds will support the Wetumpka chap-

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ter of the FFA to help fund necessary supplies and programs not financially supported by the state. The FFA is a trade program that teaches students everything for success in managing a farm, operating a tractor and other business skills required for this field as a career choice. “We really want people to come out and support this event because we’re raising money for a great cause and bringing awareness to the FFA program that has seen a decline over the years,” said Sid McKissick, event organizer and professional bull rider/rodeo clown. With the hopes of registering nearly 200 participants in the rodeo, McKissick said the twoday event will feature different cowboys each night, but scoring will be based on the overall weekend. The rodeo will contain eight events, including bare-back riding, saddle-bronco riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and cowgirls’ barrel racing and breakaway roping, along with a specialty junior riding Colt Christie participates event. in junior rodeo riding events “The junior bare-back event will be an additional entertainment source for the rodeo. Cowboys have to be 18 years old to professionally compete in a IPRAsanctioned rodeo, so this is just for fun and another way to increase possible attendance,” said McKissick, who will be the rodeo clown for the weekend event. Colt Christie, a 12-year-old Wetumpka native and competitive junior rodeo cowboy, will be supplying the

mini bucks for this part of the competition with his family, which owns the Boys from the South Mini Buckers rodeo company. “I always wanted to be a cowboy, and I’ve just always liked the sport. I’ve been around it all my life. My dad rode bulls, my PaPa did bare-back, and my mom ran barrels and showed horses,” said Christie, who began his career practicing on sheep when he was 2 years old. Since Christie has the opportunity to practice technique at home with his father and also on bucking dummies, he’s traveled across the country to compete and has placed in many events. He participates in a rodeo nearly every weekend. “Sometimes I get scared about what may happen out there, but my daddy always tells me not to be afraid, and it gets me pumped up. I use the fear as motivation,” said Christie. The arena and the remaining stock for the Wetumpka rodeo will be provided by Oubre Rodeo Company, a stock contractor based out of LaGrange, Georgia. Oubre will set up the arena on a field at the sports complex and bring an average of 20 bucking horses, 30 bulls and 50 calves for competitors. Each participant performs with a different stock to keep the field fair and competitive, explained McKissick. “Each night before a rodeo, stock are assigned numbers and thrown into a hat to be randomly selected and paired with a participant for the following-day event,” he said. For those participating in barrel racing or roping, they may provide their own animal. Bleachers seating about 960 will be borrowed from a company out of Tennessee, and the City of Wetumpka will provide some additional seating. Spectators are encouraged to also bring their own lawn chairs. A $10 entry fee will be collected at the gate for anyone over the age of 12, and a portion of the gate receipts will be added to the purse. An additional $500 per event will be included and split amongst the top five winners (depending on the number who sign up). Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. each night, and the performances will begin at 8 p.m. The Elmore County Cattlemen’s Association will be selling food on site, with all profits going back to the FFA. Other vendors will be set up around the arena selling souvenirs, T-shirts and other rodeo trinkets. There also will be a mechanical bull available to ride and a petting zoo open for children to enjoy. McKissick and the FFA alumni hope to make this rodeo an annual event and include all towns within Elmore County in the future. “My motto is always, ‘First thing you’ve got to do, is want to do it,’” McKissick said.

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Residents will have the opportunity for construction and repairs on docks and seawalls when the water drops in September

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Lake Jordan drawdown set for fall

Story by Betsy Iler Photo by Amy Passaretti

t’s not too early to start the permitting process for dock and seawall work on Lake Jordan, as Alabama Power Company has announced dates for the first drawdown since 2013. According to a statement released by Alabama Power last month, Lake Jordan’s pool level will drop up to 4 feet between Sept. 18 and Oct. 4 to allow residents and contractors better access for construction projects, including repairs to existing structures, as well as construction of permitted seawalls and piers. The water elevation is expected to drop from 252 feet to 248 or 249 feet from Sept. 18 to Sept. 20, and the lake will begin to refill on Oct. 2. By Oct. 4, the level should have returned to the normal elevation. Alabama Power Shoreline Management recommends anyone planning to construct or repair docks or seawalls apply for a shoreline permit as soon as possible. “Applying early would allow the permittee time to reach out to several building contractors for pricing,” said Alabama Power spokesperson Jacki-Lyn Lowry. “Many permits are approved in two weeks or less, but some areas of the Lower Coosa are considered environmentally sensitive and require additional review time” A permit is good for one year from the date it is signed. To begin the permitting process, visit the Shoreline Management page at www.alabamapower.com. Drawings, plans and evidence of compliance or waiver from deeded covenants should be submitted with the permit application. Getting started early could make the difference between moving a project forward or having it stall out waiting for the proper paperwork to be completed. During the two-week drawdown period, residents and contractors are urged to check the drawdown schedule at apcshorelines.com prior to beginning work to make sure the schedule hasn’t been altered due to weather conditions. Information also will be available by calling the reservoir information system at 1-800-525-3711.

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65 Ledges Trail

Damon Story - 205.789.9526 $619,000

559 North Ridge

Becky Haynie - 334.312.0928 $925,000 24

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Dadeville

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Willow Point

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9 Ridge Crest

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Ashley Chancellor - 334.202.9017 $1,599,000

Damon Story - 205.789.9526 $724,500

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200 Laurel Ridge

55 Hickory Ridge

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Becky Haynie - 334.312.0928 $1,199,000

Becky Haynie - 334.312.0928 $1,295,000

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102 Misty Ridge

29 Eagle Ridge

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India Davis - 256.749.7592 $1,549,000

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160 Ridge Crest

103 Stone Ridge

179 Ridge Crest

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Becky Haynie - 334.312.0928 $1,650,000 ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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Outsmart Allergies Allergies come in many forms and present so many symptoms, which may lead to misery. Those sneezing, itchy-eyed, runny-nosed, congested episodes are triggered seasonally for some allergy sufferers and year round for others. Allergy sufferers may believe that living in a bubble is their only hope for relief; however, there are steps to take to outsmart allergies. For instance, keeping the windows closed at home and in vehicles can avoid letting in the pollen. Air conditioners should re-circulate in homes and vehicles to avoid drawing in pollen-rich air. It's not a good idea for allergy sufferers to line dry clothing outside, as they may become covered in outside allergens. Limiting time outside when the pollen count is extremely high is beneficial. Plan days and activities according to the pollen forecast. For example, stay indoors on dry, windy days and go outside after a good rain has cleared away the pollen. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t over-exert outside when allergies act up. People tend to breathe harder and suck in more air when physically active. The more air inhaled, the more airborne allergens get in. Consider working out or exercising indoors and steering clear of major roads and highways when walking or running. Chemical irritants from exhaust can worsen allergy symptoms. When outdoors, wearing sunglasses could help shield eyes from possible allergies. If a person loves gardening and working in the yard, but has killer allergies, she could take a nondrowsy antihistamine 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Wear a pollen mask whenever digging in the dirt, raking leaves or mowing the lawn. After being outside, thoroughly wash face and hands and change clothes. An allergy sufferer should bathe and shampoo her hair before going to bed each night in order to remove pollen from skin and hair and keep it off the bedding. What about non-seasonal allergies?

First of all, choose pets wisely. It is a good idea for a person to have allergy testing done before choosing a pet. Keep pets off upholstered furniture and beds. Consider using washable area rugs instead of carpets. Vacuum and mop floors often and ask a non-allergic family member or friend to brush pets regularly. This advice holds true for dust mites as well. Some other pointers to ward off allergies include: laundering rugs, blankets, bed linens and comforters in water as hot as allowed on the item instructions; dusting often with a damp cloth; and using a zippered, allergy-proof cover for pillows and mattresses. Over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines and decongestants can significantly reduce symptoms, but if allergies are still causing grief, it may be time to see a doctor for an upgrade to a prescription medication. It is important to see a doctor for help in pinpointing the appropriate medications for allergy relief. Allergy testing and allergy shots offer muchneeded relief for many allergy sufferers. Injections of very small, safe amounts of the chemicals a person is allergic to will help his immune system become resistant to the allergens. Allergy injections are very effective in reducing sensitivity to allergens instead of only treating symptoms. Play it safe with bee stings, as they can produce reactions ranging from mild to severe. Most reactions are mild, and the swelling and pain will go away in a little while. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is potentially life threatening and requires immediate treatment. If a person has been prescribed an emergency epinephrine injector, she should carry it with her at all times and use it as the doctor has directed. We hope these tips will help ease the comfort of allergy sufferers. For more ideas on keeping allergies in line, talk to a healthcare provider.

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Kathy Monroe

COMMUNITY CARE Kathy Monroe is the assistant to the adminstrator

CFO Community Hospital. and the at

New titles SPRINGING into theaters Before we jump into spring at the movies, let’s do a quick recap of the first quarter of 2018, during the winter months at the multiplex. As usual, there were critically heralded films like Molly’s Game that ultimately did not make much of an impact with audiences. Moviegoers endured the final installment in the wretched Fifty Shades trilogy. Overhyped films like A Wrinkle in Time, The 15:17 to Paris and Red Sparrow promised to be blockbusters, but sadly fell far short of that promise. On a positive note, Black Panther shattered expectations and box office records from its first day in movie theaters. It is currently rivaling the ticket receipts of cinematic behemoths like Titanic and Avatar. And now, even though it is springtime at the movies, summer is quickly approaching and moviegoers need to spring into action and catch these April and May releases:

April 20 Rampage – Get ready for this mind-blowing science-fiction thriller that is loosely based on the video game series of the same name. The film’s formula is simple: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars as a primatologist plus an albino gorilla named George plus an army of monsters equals potential box office gold. The film also stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan (AMC’s The Walking Dead). Duck Duck Goose – This computer-animated treat features the voices of comedians Jim Gaffigan, Zendaya (fresh off her winning performance in The Greatest Showman) and television legend Carl Reiner. The film is about the misadventures of a gander who befriends two lost ducklings and their ensuing journey together.

April 27 I Feel Pretty – Comedian Amy Schumer portrays Renee Barrett, an awkward and insecure young woman who wakes up from a fall believing she is the most beautiful and

capable woman in the world. What follows is a hilarious and inspiring tribute to female empowerment that audiences are going to love.

Avengers: Infinity War – This is the follow up to 2012’s Marvel’s The Avengers and 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. It features an all-star Marvel heroes cast list, including Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk), Chris Evans (Captain America), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Tom Holland (Spider Man) and Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther). To make things even more exciting, this time the Avengers join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Traffik – A couple (Paula Patton and Omar Epps), enjoys a romantic weekend in the mountains at a remote estate, and encounter peril when a violent biker gang shows up aiming to bring torment and despair to these young lovers. Hold onto your seats for this action-packed thriller.

May 4 Overboard – A reimagining of the delightful 1987 Goldie Hawn-Kurt Russell romp of the same name, this go around stars Anna Faris (TV’s Mom) and Eugenio Derbez (How to be a Latin Lover). This time the main roles are reversed from the original. Reportedly, Derbez will portray a wealthy man who falls off his yacht (like Hawn in the original) and is found by Faris’ character, a single mother who convinces him that he is her husband.

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Tully – Director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody, who gave us the acclaimed film Juno a few years back, have joined forces again for this thought-provoking comedy. The film stars Oscar winner Charlize Theron and follows the friendship of a mother of three and her babysitter. If the movie is half as intriguing as its trailer, this could be a real winner.

May 11 Life of the Party – The comic possibilities are endless as Melissa McCarthy portrays a dedicated housewife who is suddenly dumped by her husband and ends up returning to college. She lands in the same class and same school as her daughter. McCarthy’s husband Ben Falcone directs and shares screenplay credit with his wife. Breaking In – Gabrielle Union seems to be trying to corner the market on the Halle Berry ferocious-mom-rescuing-her-kids genre, which Berry most recently displayed in the film Kidnap. Not to be confused with Kidnap, which involves a mom with a bad case of road rage trying to rescue her children, Breaking In features Union as an enraged mother trying to rescue her kids who are being held hostage in a house with fortified security measures. Good grief!

May 18 Deadpool 2 – The eagerly awaited sequel to 2016’s cheeky hit Deadpool, this film features Ryan Reynolds returning in the title role alongside co-stars Josh Brolin and Morena Baccarin. Anticipation for this second installment is so strong that Deadpool 3 is already in development.

Show Dogs – Consider this a family alternative to the violent and raunchy Deadpool series that is premiering on the same day at the local multiplex. The plot involves a human detective (Will Arnett) and his canine partner (Ludacris) going undercover to solve a mystery at the world’s most exclusive dog show. Book Club – Four of my favorite actresses – Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen – team up on screen as four lifelong friends. They find their lives are turned upside down in their genteel book club after Vivian (Jane Fonda) encourages them to read the naughty potboiler 50 Shades of Grey. Romance and hilarity ensues.

May 25

Jeff Langham

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

Governmental Affairs and a lifelong lover of film.

Solo: A Star Wars Story – A young Han Solo, played by Alden Ehrenreich (Hail, Caesar!), highlights this installment set prior to the events

of the original 1977 film. Chewbacca co-stars as Han’s trusty sidekick, and Oscar winner Ron Howard directs this much-anticipated follow-up in the Star Wars universe to 2016’s Rogue One. This summer’s movie slate is going to be jammed packed with big ticket releases, so get moving to the local multiplex before spring slips away. Moviegoers unite and get caught up now, so your schedule will have room for the blockbusters of summer.

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Developer Ubisoft hits a homerun with new installment of well known franchise

Jacob Saylor

THE GAMER Video games journalist

Jacob Saylor has covered the massive

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. Follow Jacob on Twitter @skulldrey.

Assassin’s Creed: Origins is the franchise entry for which we’ve been waiting years. I know I’m late to the party with this particular write-up, but developer and publisher Ubisoft has been doing a stellar job of keeping the game fresh with new content, and given its track record, I think the studio deserves a shout-out. Ubisoft has a history of hurried development processes, and in some ways, it gets a pass. It’s one of the video game industry titans – and for good reason. The stable of titles it has helped produce, develop and publish is second to absolutely no one. Some of these include: Far Cry, Watch Dogs, The Crew and every Tom Clancy game ever. So, when I say that its development process is quick, that’s not to say it doesn’t have the resources or skills to produce exceptional content – it just means that sometimes the mantra of “quantity over quality” takes hold. But Ubisoft has made it a mission to try and course-correct this design philosophy over the past few years. If we were to look at the Assassin’s Creed franchise as a closed system, you’d see there was a new game in the franchise once a year for about five years; sometimes, there were even two or three. While the games were still fun, they didn’t have much nuance. The objectives could be summed up as, “Go here, collect this, accept your reward.”

This was palatable for the first few Assassin’s Creed games because they were gorgeous spelunks into the ever-interesting cave of human history. Players traveled through the Italian Renaissance, the Third Crusade and the American Revolution. For many, it’s these gallivants through time that keep interest in the series strong. But these historic settings alone weren’t enough to keep the series fresh. This was proven when Assassin’s Creed III came out, featuring the American Revolution, but was met with disappointing reviews. The series hit another high note shortly after with 2013’s Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag but fell hard over its next few entries. In essence, the series was without a real blockbuster until 2017, when it developed Assassin’s Creed: Origins. This latest entry in the series tells the story of Bayek, a Medjay, and explains how the Creed – for which the series is named – was formed. It takes place in Ancient Egypt, just before the country became a province of the Roman Empire. The plot explores about six years of history, from 49 B.C.E to 43 B.C.E. While Origins features this same great look into history as other games in the franchise, there is so much more attention to detail in this title. The world is immense, taking almost 100 hours or more to explore fully. The story is

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equal parts heartbreaking and awe-inspiring. And if the graphics geek in you is looking for something special, the visuals are breathtaking. I never knew how beautiful sand could be until I was running through a desert during a sandstorm after fighting two armed guards. Oh, and did I mention Bayek was hallucinating from baking in the sun? That’s just testament to some of the crazy situations you can find yourself in during your time with Origins. Each year, there’s one game with which I generally spend most of my time. I don’t know why it works out that way – it just does. And while Origins came out in 2017, I didn’t get to it until early 2018. It’s only April, but I feel there are very few titles that even stand a remote chance of dethroning Origins as my most-played game for the year – that’s saying something, considering we’ve got such a stellar line-up of games coming down the pike: God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Kingdom Hearts III among the list. This latest piece of gaming gold from Ubisoft did something I didn’t think was really possible for a modern Assassin’s Creed game: it’s gotten me excited to see what’s next for the franchise. There are a lot of untold stories between Origins and now, more than 2000 years worth. While many of these have been the tangential subjects of offshoot entries into the Assassin’s Creed pantheon of games, I believe gamers would love more fleshed-out experiences similar to Origins. And because of the title’s monumental success, I don’t think gamers need to be worried about the franchise disappearing anytime soon … where there is money, publishers will follow. The Origins game is a shining example of what a big studio can do when the team puts its heads and resources together. When such a large studio leads the charge in terms of innovation, then you know the industry is moving in the right direction. These strides are impressive, but video games still have a long way to go; last month, we talked about how first-person shooters need a revamp. Before that, we discussed how online games are struggling to find originality. Through this column’s existence we’ve poked and prodded at different problems facing video games, and I like to think that we’ve been able to preempt the zeitgeist more often than not. But one thing is certain: Video games are undoubtedly better than before, and they aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. Here’s to hoping Assassin’s Creed: Origins is the first in a long line of new-and-improved titles from Ubisoft.

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Charles Lynn Welden

A Life Well Lived Sharon fox

BACK IN THE DAY sharon fox is the curator at the elmore county museum located in wetumpka.

I’ve tried several times to write about the life This would normally be a sad chapter in such of a young man who, after reading about him, a happy, vibrant life, but that wasn’t the case for became an inspiration to me. I found that everyWelden. His cheerfulness never wavered as he thing I wrote came out either overly dramatic or consulted with doctors from Alabama all the way a bit boring. I’m hopup the East Coast in his ing maybe this time my quest to walk again. Laugh a Little Bit words can bring him to Once it became apHere’s a motto, just your fit – life. parent that there was Laugh a little bit. Charles Lynn Welden, nothing to be done to When you think you’re trouble hit, known to everyone as help him, he refused to Laugh a little bit. Lynn, was born in Bibb give up his plans; he Look misfortune in the face, County on Nov. 11, simply changed them. In Brave the beldam’s rude grimace; 1909. His father, Charles the years that followed, Ten to one ’twill yield its place, Raines Welden, was Welden started a weekly If you have the wit and grit elected Elmore County column in The Wetumpka Just to laugh a little bit. Superintendent of EducaHerald titled, Oh, By tion when Lynn Welden The Way. He became a Keep your face with sunshine lit, was young. It was a reporter for the Herald Laugh a little bit. position that brought the at the same time, and All the shadows off will flit, family to Wetumpka and he went on to become If you have the grit and wit in doing so, gave this a feature writer for the Just to laugh a little bit. community an excellent Birmingham Age and The example of optimism and Montgomery Journal. Cherish this as sacred writ – perseverance through Welden also sold Laugh a little bit. Welden’s demeanor. insurance and taught the Keep it with you, sample it, A memorial article I Young Men’s Sunday Laugh a little bit. read suggested he passed school class at the local Little ills will sure betide you, his days “always scatterMethodist church. With Fortune may not sit beside you, ing sunshine and glada love for music, Welden Men may mock and fame deride you, ness long through the had even started to learn But you’ll mind them not a whit pathways of life.” how to play the violin If you laugh a little bit. The young boy was just before his death. smart, funny and perWhat an inspiration. By Edmund Vance Cook about Lynn Welden petually happy. Welden His life was drastically went to school in Wechanged at 18 years old tumpka, graduated with but instead of letting it honors in 1925 at just 17 years old and taught at defeat him, he just changed his focus and moved one of the county schools while he waited to start on. Friends of Welden admired him more due college in the fall of 1926. to his unparalleled positivity even in the face of That summer, Welden and his buddies headed hardship. I’ve read several articles about Welden for some fun and decided to cool off in the Coosa after his death, and without exception, they all River. Sometime during that day, Welden dove seem to discuss how loved he was and how he into the river at a shallow point and hit his head would truly be missed. on a sand bar. His spine was fractured, and he He passed away May 3, 1931, at only 23 years spent weeks in critical condition, after which he old. returned home paralyzed. I wish I’d known him.

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OUT & ABOUT

I NEED COFFEE!

April 11, 2018 cornerstone coffee company, Eclectic 1. Jessie and Paul Sides 2. Joe Teague and Tom Sides 3. David and Kristal Ingram 4. Turner and Ann Porter 5. Bill and Paula Godwin 6. Hope and Mitchell Stroud

7. Grace Meadows

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OUT & ABOUT

Big Fish Bass Tournament March 31, 2018 Bonner's Landing, Lake Jordan

1. Matt and Mark Wallace 2. Joey Byrd, Buddy Coleman and Kevin Kelley 3. Tim Gothard and Al Kelley 4. Elisa Jones 5. Eric and Daniel Summers

6. JJ Pitts and Randy Reaves 7. Adam Davis 8. Tracey Quates, Leonard Wheland II, Steve Morgan, Sharon, Don and Amber Johnson 9. Wanda and Ricky Brantley 10. Steven Helms and JT Conway

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Shrek Viewing/St Patrick's Day March 16, 2018 Mt. Vernon Theatre, Tallassee 4 1. James Bush

2. Gracie and Jason Glenn

3. Katelyn Raiford and Bella Kate Ward

4. Grace Burton

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OUT & ABOUT

Mt. Vernon Idol March 30, 2018 Mt. Vernon Theatre, Tallassee

1. Brooke Rigsby and Melissa Hill 2. Bill and Paula Godwin 3. Donna Cochran and Kaileigh Denning 4. Cruise Johnson, Emma Flethcher, Myra Johnson and Bowan Brumbeloe 5. Nevaeh, Brannya and Tiffany Floyd

6. Lily Fulghum, Taylor Heller and Emily Railey 7. Emily Segrest, Rebekah Taylor and Jackson Hornsby 8. Beckah and Mark Brumbeloe 9. Morgan and Mary Kelley

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OUT & ABOUT

Tallassee Easter Egg Hunt

March 31, 2018 Tallassee City Hall 1. Suzy, Jacob, Rebecca and Rachel Williams 2. Sally, Scarlett and Isabella Gomez

3. Matthew Taylor and Riley Pitchford

4. Kenneth and Rayne Whitehead 5. Samantha Stough and Hollis Hathcock 6. Easter Bunny and Tyler Maynard 7. Bethany Cole and Kennedy Bickley 8. Danny and Georgia Hathcock

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OUT & ABOUT

2 6

Wetumpka Easter Egg Hunt March 31, 2018 5

Gold Star Park 7

1. Crystal, Billy and Dixie Faulk 2. Kristen, Ashlyn and Judson Moran 3. Melanie and Sue Rye 4. Melissa and Cayson Royals 5. Sheena and Ella Sheil and Mimi Arnold 6. Katie and Caroline Cole 7. Thatcher, Anthony, Annabelle and Brooke Hall

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OUT & ABOUT

High School Students

April 11, 2018 Elmore County High School 1. Cade Jernigan and Hannah Hughes

2. Aaron Mays and Jaedon Brown

3. Caleb Cope, Michael Evans and Taylor Henderson

4. Zachary Jones, Emily Avant and Courtney Oliver

5. Gracie Clements, Ella Carpenter, Ella Watts, Alexis

Esco and Alexis Brown

6. Katie Pack, Claudia Tomberlin and Hayden Hughes

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Coming Up CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 19 River Region Women in Business

April 21 Tulotoma Art Trail

Meet, greet and network with River Region Women in Business from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the conference room at the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce. Please RSVP to 334-651-8289 or email sheainal@gmail.com.

Presented by Main Street Wetumpka, The Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery and the City of Wetumpka, this inaugural juried art trail event will take you from art exhibits to museum tours, with Earth day activities and children’s acitivities along the route. This free event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in historic downtown Wetumpka and will be held in conjunction with the Wetumpka Alabama 200 celebration.

April 19 Millbrook Game Night Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce will host a game night from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bon Appetit Catering, located at 5090 Main St. in Millbrook. Tickets are $25 per person, which includes food and tea. Players must be 21 years old and over and may bring their own beverages. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit millbrookareachamber.com.

April 19-May 5 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest This performance by the Wetumpka Depot Players will be directed by Cory Lawson. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. April 19-21, April 26-28 and May 3-5. There will be a one-time matinee performance April 29 at 2 p.m. For ticket information, please visit WetumpkaDepot.com.

April 20 Drive4URCommunity.com All you need is a valid driver’s license to test drive a Ford vehicle behind the Wetumpka City Administration Building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ford will donate $20 to the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce for every test drive taken. Monies will benefit Phase 2 of the Impact Wetumpka strategic capital campaign to acquire, connect, renovate and repurpose a historic block of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

April 21 Renew our Rivers: Lake Jordan Contact Brenda Basnight at 334-478-3388 for information about this annual effort to keep Lake Jordan clean.

April 21-22 French and Indian War Encampment Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park will host this event focusing on the daily life at a French frontier fort and Creek village in the year 1756. Soldiers engage in mock battles; merchants sell replication merchandise; and living history demonstrations provide a first-hand experience of military, Indian and cilivian life. Entry fee for adults is $4 and for children is $2. Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park is located at 2521 W. Fort Toulouse Rd. in Wetumpka.

April 26 AWF Tri-County Wild Game Cookoff The Alabama Federation of Wildlife will host its tricounty wild game cookoff at the AWF Headquarters, 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook. Cook teams are needed to compete and are divided into three divisions: fish, fowl and game. Awards will be given to the first, second and third place winners in each division, the best presentation and the best overall winner. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are available for $50, which covers two adults, complimentary food and a one-year AWF membership. Tickets available at the door or at Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce, Powersports of Montgomery, Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce or the AWF Headquarters. There will be a silent auction and live music at the event. For more information, visit alabamawildlife.org.

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April 27 Art Reception at Red Hill Gallery Meet Montgomery native and artist Ruthie Fox Carlson and Atlanta-based jewlery designer Susan Saul from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Red Hill Gallery, 3284 Red Hill Rd., Tallassee. Saul also will be at the gallery April 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call Loren Martorana at 334-918-0043 or visit the Red Hill Gallery Facebook page.

April 27-29 Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show Head to The Ridge Marina to check out the 2018 boat models and new gear in the pro shop. Demo a stand-up paddleboard and be eligible to win some prizes. There will be more than 50 boats in the water available to demo and another 50 on display.

May 4-5 Wetumpka FFA Championship Rodeo The Wetumpka FFA Alumni Chapter will partner with Oubre Rodeo Company and the International Professional Rodeo Association to host the Championship Rodeo at the Wetumpka Sports Complex with eight different events. All proceeds will support the Wetumpka FFA Chapter and the Wetumpka High School agricultural program. For information, contact William Pierce at 334313-2931 or email him at williamholtpierce@gmail.com.

focus on attracting tourism while promoting awareness of the community by focusing on local businesses and downtown merchants. The family-friendly day will combine live music, a free childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area, artwork, concessions, arts and crafts, antique car show, train rides and more. For information, visit wetumpkachamber.com.

May 5 Wetumpka City Cemetary Tour The Elmore County Historical Society and Museum will host cemetary tours at 5 p.m. to learn about past members of the community. Tickets are $5 and are sold at the Elmore County Museum and the Wetumpka Public Library. For information, contact Sharon Fox at elmorecountymuseum@gmail.com.

May 5 Derby Day Break out the big hats and seersucker for Derby Day at The Stables at Russell Crossroads. This annual event is a fundraiser for Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harbor on Lake Martin. Join the fun in cheering on your favorite horses, along with enjoying some great food and live music. For more information, visit RusslllandsOnLakeMartin.com or call 256-397-1019.

May 7 Volunteer Symposium

The Lanark NaturePlex, located at 3050 Lanark Rd. in Millbrook will host a volunteer symposium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The event is sponsored by The Autagua/Prattville Medical Reserve Corps. To register your organization, contact Gary Barron, MRC coordinator at 334-361-3758 or email him at gary.barron@prattvilleal.gov.

May 5 Wetumpka Community Expo The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce will host its inaugural Community Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout downtown Wetumpka. This free event will

May 11 Friday on the Green Kick-off Jonathan Bloom will kick off this free summer concert series on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Bring the family, pets, coolers, chairs and blankets and come listen to live music from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Robert Gunn at 256-397-1019.

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May 15 Pottery Class at Red Hill Gallery This six-week pottery course is taught by professional potter Dee Budlong and is held twice a week for three weeks. For more information on times and pricing, call Red Hill Gallery at 334-918-0043.

May 16 DAC Lunch and Learn: All about Arthur Stewart This Dixie Art Colony program will include a slideshow about Arthur Stewart and his connection to the DAC and some of the other participating artists. The slideshow will include vintage photographs from the Dixie Art Colony and numerous examples of his work as well as biographical information. Reservations are required.

Electronics Recycling On the first Saturday of each month, electronic items for recycling are accepted at the Wetumpka Recycling Center on East Charles Avenue. There is a $10 fee to recycle tube televisions; other electronics incur no charge. Come from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other accepted electronics include computers, monitors, cell phones, chargers, modems, remotes, printers, batteries and more.

Wetumpka City Pops Wetumpka City Pops Community Band rehearses on Thursdays from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Wetumpka City Administration building. Any woodwind, brass and percussion players are encouraged to participate.

Stories and Rhymes

May 25-27 RXR Fest The Town Green at Russell Crossroads comes alive with some great music Memorial Day weekend. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening, head to the Town Green, for live music and local and regional artists. RXR Fest will announce its lineup coming soon.

May 26-27 Art on the Lake More than 60 artists and vendors from across the Southeast will set up at Children’s Harbor to offer a variety of handmade goods. This family-friendly, pet-friendly event will include a Kids' Zone, music, cocktail bar and more. The event will run Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, call 334-857-2133.

May 26 Hot Rods in the Park The fifth annual car show will be held at the Village Green in Millbrook from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 150 cars from the Southeast will be on display. There will be kids' activities, free food and T-shirt giveaways. The entry fee is a donation of a canned good for the Millbrook Welcome Center food drive.

Season-Long Events

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

Third Thursdays All downtown Wetumpka businesses will stay open until 8 p.m. every third Thursday. Come shop and dine to support local businesses.

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. The Kelly is located at 408 S. Main St., Wetumpka. For information or a list of upcoming programs, visit thekelly.org.

Moonshine & Design Every third Thursday of the month, Red Hill Gallery hosts this event from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Participants take home a painting completed with teacher instruction and enjoy moonshine and other beverages. The price is $35 per person, and an RSVP is recommended by calling the gallery at 334-918-0043. To have your upcoming event featured in the Elmore County Living ‘Coming Up!’ pages, email information to editor@ lakemartinmagazine.com by the first of the month.

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Tallassee Health and Rehabilitation, LLC

There are times in some of our lives when we have to make a transition. A very good place to do that is Tallassee Health and Rehabilitation, LLC. There is a well trained staff who are also kind and helpful. It doesn’t take long to feel like it’s a family. -Mary Bellury, a Resident

“Our Family Caring for Yours” “For long-term care or short-term rehab, Tallassee Health and Rehabilitation, LLC is a 5-star facility dedicated to providing the best care right here at home.” CALL SUNNY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS TODAY!

334-283-3975

2639 Gilmer Avenue • Tallassee, AL 36078

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Business & Service Directory

Acapulco Mexican Grill 2867 Gilmer Ave, Tallassee • (334) 283-2725

MONDAY NIGHT KIDS EAT FREE TUESDAY $2 BEER AFTER 4PM THURSDAY KARAOKE NIGHT 6-10 $1.99 MARGARITA ALL DAY

Best Margaritas in town!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

SUN-WED 11AM-9PM/ THURS-SAT 11AM-10PM **MADE FRESH DAILY**

Pick up Elmore County Living at these locations: Eclectic

Bezlo's Bar & Grill Cornerstone Cafe Red Hill Gallery Eclectic Town Hall Eclectic Library Johnson Furniture 1st Community Bank Eclectic Do-It Center Trustmark Bank

Lake Martin

Russell Lands Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Children's Harbor Cotton’s BBQ

Millbrook

Verizon Wireless First Community Bank Lucretia Cauthen Realty Bliss Salon

Millbrook Chamber of Commerce Realty Central Stone & Britt Law Gene Jones Insurance Liveoak Agency

Slapout

Lake Pharmacy The Golden Frog 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 Tallassee Automotive Tallassee Rehab 1st Community Bank PrimeSouth Bank Tallassee Chamber of Commerce

Wetumpka

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ELMORE COUNTY LIVING

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Our Advertisers â&#x20AC;˘ To Join, Call 334-567-7811 Acapulco Mexican Grill..............................................................................4 4 Alabama Power...........................................................................................2 Allstate, Mark Shaw...................................................................................2 1 City of Millbrook........................................................................................2 0 Community Hospital...................................................................................4 5 District Nineteen........................................................................................2 6 Jackson Thornton.......................................................................................4 3 J&M Tank Lines..........................................................................................2 0 John Thornton............................................................................................2 1 Karen's Mane Tamers.................................................................................4 4 Kowaliga Whole Health.............................................................................4 4 Lake Martin Realty................................................................................ 24-25 Lake Martin Zip Line.....................................................................................3 Liveoak Agency.........................................................................................2 6 Mark's Service Center......................................................................................4 3 Photography by Lyn.........................................................................................2 6 River Region Dermatology................................................................................4 4 Russell Marine.................................................................................................4 7 Singleton's Alignment.......................................................................................4 4 Tallassee Health & Rehabilitation, LLC...........................................................4 3 Tallassee Rehab.........................................................................................2 1 The Apothecary Pharmacy..........................................................................2 1 Wetumpka Flea Market...............................................................................2 6 Wind Creek Casino...................................................................................4 8

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Family Favorites Turn to church-lady cookbooks for summer recipes

MK Moore

SOUTHERN DELIGHTS Mary Katherine Moore is an Alabama State Fair pepper jelly champion, has butchered a wild hog in her kitchen and grows heirloom tomatoes in her backyard.

It is Easter season, which means time for family reunions again. This is the time when folks reach for their family-favorite recipes. You know the ones I’m talking about: Sweetheart’s mom’s potato salad, my grandmother’s cheese grits or Sister’s ham. These are the dishes we want to see on our tables. It would be a travesty if they did not make an appearance. These are the dishes that people ask about before jostling for a position at the front of the buffet line. And if you don’t bring your special dish, you might even get a little side eye of disappointment. My dish is grits and greens. Apparently, I must now always bring this dish – if the number of people who have requested it is any indication of its popularity. And this doesn’t stop at family reunions. It is my go-to potluck dish and is a star of the table every time. What is not to love about this, other than the calorie count from loads of butter, cream and bacon? But I have a little secret about this one. The recipe is not mine. It comes from the Shall We Gather: Recipes and Remembrances of a River Town, published by The Church Ladies of Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka. I received the book as a gift when I first moved to Wetumpka. The giver pointed out Hissy Fit Grits ‘n’ Greens Casserole as the best recipe in the book – and it really is. Now, I have lots of fancy cookbooks with gorgeous photography filled with all sorts of complicated recipes featuring unusual ingredients. But when I’m looking for a recipe, my first stop is usually one of my beloved church-lady cookbooks. They are not fancy. They do not have photos. Most are bound with those plastic spirals that will drive you nuts if they ever

become unhinged. But the contents are priceless. The recipes are usually basic, but every now and again you might find something a little more elaborate. I mean, dear church lady, did you really make Grapefruit Aspic Salad with Creamy Cucumber Dressing or Court-bouillon of Red Fish? For the most part, these are tried-and-true family recipes like Grandmother Douglas’ Corn Soufflé; or finally, a certain church lady is giving up the secret recipe for her prized Delmonico Cake; or another is sharing her potluck favorite of Quadrettini Casserole. Of course, there are also recipes that make you wonder who eats this stuff. Tuna Loaf? White Stuff, Green Stuff Salad – a delicious concoction of cauliflower and broccoli with mayonnaise? Sauerkraut Salad? Um, no thank you. I guess the recipes reflect tastes of the times, and with some of my church-lady cookbooks 50 years old, you expect a few Jell-O mold salads, lobster thermidors and ham loafs in the mix. And lest you think church-lady cookbooks are strictly a Southern thing, think again. One of my prized possessions is the 1976 edition of Grecian Epicurean published by the Ladies Philoptochos Society, Produs Chapter of the Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church in Poughkeepsie, New York. My favorite recipe is Pastitsio, macaroni meat pie, which is New York for hamburger casserole. It is my favorite because someone wrote a bunch of notes in purple ink on the page. It is a younger handwriting than the Palmer method notes on the page with Soupa Faki (lentil soup). The two different sets of notes make me think some nice Greek lady had this book and passed it to a daughter or even a granddaughter, who called to get additional information before attempting the recipe. So, before you head to the internet for some fancy dish, I urge you to look for your own church-lady cookbooks. I bet mothers and grandmothers have some. Here is my pro tip: The quickest way to find the best recipes is to look for the pages with the most stains!

JOIN US FOR LUNCH

THE BEST MEAT & THREE IN TOWN! B.B. King's new lunch menu is a hit, no matter what you choose. So come on out to Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery for the best lunch in town. It's worth the trip!

Lunch Special Monday - Friday • 11am - 3pm

MEAT AND THREE VEGGIES

$10.99 plus tax & gratuity Served with Southern Cornbread and Iced Tea

MEATS (Choose 1) Golden Fried Catfish Filet • Country Fried Steak with Gravy • Fried Pork Chop Slow Cooked Pot Roast • Char-grilled Chicken Breast Tommy P’s Homemade Meatloaf with Brown or Tomato Gravy

HOUSE-MADE SIDES (Choose 3 or 1 with Side Salad) Black Eyed Peas • Baby Limas • Green Beans • Corn • Collard Greens • Baked Beans Fried Okra • Rice Pilaf • Garlic Mashed Potatoes • Potato Salad ADD a Side Salad for $2.99

Banana Pudding $2