3 minute read
AROUND THE AREA
CACC sends two teams to nationals
Central Alabama Community College sent two teams to national championship games this year. The Lady’s tennis team took the conference championship at the last match in Mobile, and the men’s golf team took their championship in Guntersville.
The lady’s tennis team beat Wallace Hanceville for the first time this season to take the conference trophy.
“We were second to Wallace Hanceville,” coach and CACC athletic director Kathleen Thompson said. “They beat us both times during the season. The first time was 7-2 and the second time was 5-4.”
“We knew we were getting close and had a shot at beating them,” Thompson said. “We have been playing well lately. Our intensity was there, everybody has been working hard.”
It came down to No. 2 doubles and it was the only match still going on. It came down to freshman Lily Truchet of Oklahoma and Blakely Valdez of Birmingham remaining on the court. Truchet and Valdez’s teammates were there and so were the men’s and women’s teams of Wallace Hanceville.
Thompson said for 10 minutes or so all eyes gazed at the No. 2 doubles match. In golf, CACC was led by sophomore Tanner Guthrie who earned medalist honors with a 10-underpar 62 in the final round of the 54-hole tournament in Guntersville. Hayden Carner finished fourth. Carner and Guthrie also led the way for CACC at the district tournament in Cullman where CACC qualified for the national championships in Texas. “This year’s golf team has won tournaments every way you can — by coming from behind and also being front runners,” CACC coach Dave Jennings said. “They have an attitude that is rarely found on teams, they wholeheartedly Doubles Take It CACC's Lady's Tennis Team returned to nationals competition this month. believe in each other and they feel that they should win every tournament they compete in. Each one of them have worked extremely hard and have maintained focus throughout the year.” Both Thompson and Jennings were selected as conference coach of the year in their respective sports. ~ Cliff Williams
Handmade
The new retail store in Dadeville specializes in the works of local artisans.
Dadeville city and community members officially welcomed Cottage Creations, a new artisan retail store, to the city with a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month.
During the ceremony, members of the Dadeville Chamber of Commerce used the occasion to celebrate the new business located along West Cusseta Street.
Store owners Jay and Tena Hawkins said their new business showcases local artisans’ works, including coffees, chocolates, jewelry, organic soaps and handmade home decor.
The store’s owners are among Tallapoosa County’s newest residents, but Tena Hawkins’ history in Alabama dates back much farther. As a child, Hawkins moved around frequently due to her father’s position as a pastor.
She lived twice in Alabama while growing up before moving to Dayton, Ohio, permanently for several decades, but last year, she began missing her Southern roots and relocated to StillWaters.
While in Dayton, Hawkins worked as a repurposer and began searching for a similar business after moving to Tallapoosa County.
“The seed had already been planted, but I didn’t ever think it would come to fruition. So when we moved here, I was actually looking for a job,” she said. “When I came to get my hair cut, I saw a lease sign in the yard and poked my head up against the window and looked through and the dream kinda sparked.” Now, with the ribbon cut and her business officially open, Hawkins added that dream is nearly realized.
“That this could be a possibility, opening a store, and supporting other artisans here. I think we are just paying it forward and bringing a bit of Dayton to Dadeville,” she said.
Molly Parker, the chamber’s executive assistant, said that the chamber is excited for the Hawkins to join the community and described their store as a good addition to Dadeville’s downtown shopping district.
~ William Marlow
